A/N: Hmm…I'd say this is some few days after Orihime is in Hueco Mundo, while Ichigo and the others just split up.
~*~
Orihime flinched as Szayel touched her neck, examining the scratches.
"How did you say she did this again Cuarta-kun?" The pink-haired scientist asked, running his finger along one of the red lines.
"She was using her nails on her neck, and I suspect she kept a knife from one of her meals and used it on her wrists."
Szayel then looked at her wrists, where there were several deep cuts on the underside all the way up to her elbow. He thought for a moment, then went to one of the cabinets and took out a container of quick-healing ointment and some nail clippers.
"You say she refuses to heal herself?" He began applying the ointment to her neck and wrists.
"Correct."
"And she refuses to explain why she did it?" Then he trimmed her nails to the finger.
"Correct."
"Take her to Aizen-sama; he'll be able to convince her to explain. The injuries won't be seen from now on, but they will be in the process of healing for the rest of the day."
Ulquiorra nodded and commanded Orihime to follow him. They walked silently to the throne room. Suddenly, Ulquiorra grabbed her by the elbow and sonido-ed there instead. He let go of her as he dropped immediately to a kneeling bow, while Orihime fell to the floor in surprise.
"Forgive my intrusion Aizen-sama." Ulquiorra stated, and stood.
Aizen smirked, "What brings you and Orihime here this fine morning?"
"I discovered her injuring herself. Apparently, she's been doing it for some time though she refuses to explain why. I have already taken her to Szayel and she's been treated."
"I see." Aizen stated and walked down to them. He extended his hand to Orihime, who took is cautiously. He helped her to her feet, then pulled her to him with one arm around her waist and let go of her hand to cup her face. She didn't dare speak or move.
"Where did she injure herself?"
"Her neck and wrists."
Without warning, he pressed his mouth to Orihime's neck. He kissed it repeatedly, finding the scratches.
"Yes, they are quite deep." He stated, pulling back to look at her again.
"Tell me, why did you do this to yourself?"
She said nothing.
"Tell me Orihime." He ordered, slowly closing the distance between their faces.
Just when their noses touched, she spoke. "I…"
"Yes?" He stopped.
"I did it…because I was foolish to believe…that my friends could rescue me."
Aizen's smirk widened, and he kissed her forehead. "Good. You understand your place then. Ulquiorra, take her back to her room and watch her for the remaining of the day." He released her very slowly.
"Yes sir. Come woman." He stated, bowed, and then turned on his heel to leave while the "princess" followed. They walked in silence once more, until Ulquiorra noticed tears falling down her face. He said nothing until they were inside her room.
"What's wrong now?" He asked, standing behind her at the window.
"He…he almost took…my first kiss." She whispered, still crying.
"What is this 'first kiss'?" He inquired, confused.
She burst out laughing. "You don't know what a first kiss is?" She asked, turning around to face him.
"No. And why is it so amusing?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just because you don't know what it is!" She calmed down her laughter to quiet giggles.
"Then explain it to me, it seems I require this information about humans."
"It's when…two people's mouths touch together, but—" She was cut off when he demonstrated this. It only lasted a second, but once he pulled away she was blushing.
"Was that correct?" The clueless green-eyed man asked.
"Um…yes, it was. But you didn't let me finish!" She said, touching her mouth.
"I apologize, continue."
"I was going to say that it meant…when two people have an attraction to one another..." She smiled, thinking of her beloved Kurosaki-kun.
"What sort of attraction?"
"A romantic one, like love."
"I see. Is there such a thing as a second kiss?"
Startled by his question, she blushed even more. "Um…yes. Why?"
Not answering with words, be simply kissed her again, stepping closer to her. This time, he kissed her longer and let his instinct tell him what to do. Orihime let him, even though she didn't really have a choice. If it was any other arrancar, she would have pushed them away. But she trusted Ulquiorra.
Meanwhile, Aizen and Gin stopped conversing.
"Did you feel Ulquiorra's reiatsu flare up just now?" Aizen asked.
"Sure did. Want me to check it out?" Gin's grin widened.
"Please do." Aizen was curious as to what was going on between his "princess" and most trusted espada.
Gin walked quickly to Orihime's room and cracked the door open only a centimeter. He opened one eye and peered in, to see something he did not expect. He expected something like violence, but instead got intimate lip-locking. He closed the door silently and went back to the throne room, where his curious lord was waiting.
"Well?" Aizen asked when Gin entered.
"Let's just say they were doin' something ya wouldn' expect."
"Try me."
"They were kissin'. Quite passionately, it seemed."
"Oh? That was quite unexpected. Well, it seems they've finally warmed up to each other, just like I planned." Aizen's smirk turned malicious. "This should get interesting, don't you agree?"
"Sure will." Said the grinning silver fox.
A/N: Well? What do you think? I already have the second chapter processing in my mind, so be looking for it later today or tomorrow.
