"Oh, Stark."
The man stopped, turning on his heel as he turned to regard Orihime.
She'd been wondering the corridors, waiting for Ulquiorra to return, when she noticed Stark walking by, which was a miracle in itself. But what had caught her eye was the object in his hand- a book. One she had not read.
"It's good to see you again. How's your leg?"
He stuck said appendage out for her to see. "Fine."
"That's good! I've never used my powers on anything like acid, so I just wanted to make sure…" She stood on her tip-toes, trying to get a peek at what the title of the book was. The cover was red and white, she noticed. "So, um, yes! I'm happy you're okay!"
Catching her stare, he looked down at the book. "I got it from the world of the living." He explained without prompting. "It looked interesting."
"Oh, so that's what's been distracting you the last couple of meetings. Have you finished it yet?"
"Several times."
"What book is it?"
"It's called Anthem. It's by a western writer, just translated. Ayn Rand."
She smiled. "What a funny name."
"Hm."
"Is it any good?"
"… Yes. Aizen-sama won't be happy if he finds it."
"Oh, well then I won't mention I saw it!"
He stared at her for a second. Then, suddenly, he pushed the book into her hands.
She started, staring down at the novel for a moment before looking back up to yell at Stark as he walked away. "W-wait! I thought you were reading this!"
"I am." He replied over his shoulder. "So don't take too long."
She stayed up reading the book all that night, waiting for Ulquiorra. When he walked in with breakfast the next day she'd finished it.
"What do you have, Orihime?" He asked quietly.
She held up the book. "Would you take this to Stark? It's his."
"Certainly." He took the book and turned to leave.
"Ulquiorra."
He paused.
"Don't let Aizen-sama see. He won't be pleased."
For a moment he stared at her. Then, subtly, he nodded.