Hey guys, I'm back with a new chapter. And I also failed the exam I had this week ;-; But oh well... life sucks xD

Anyway, I'm glad to see more and more people are taking a liking to this story, so I'll keep my rantings short. Enjoy! :D

P.S. Every Bleach character belongs to Kubo-san. :)

4. Are we friends...?

"Don't bring that bitch into this!" Nnoitra growled. "It makes me sick to even hear her name."

"Hm?" Ulquiorra muttered before even giving it a second thought.

Feeling? What was she saying? Ulquiorra contemplated that as she smiled at him. It was good to see her smile... it relieved him. If he hadn't known any better, he would have said it made his pain slightly more bearable. Stark gave Nnoitra half of a smile, as he remained on the ready.

"You were different, before you met her. She hurt you, didn't she? Is that why you hate all women, Nnoitra? Well, I'll tell you... it's a lousy reason. Remember all the women you've hurt and raped, up until now? Do you feel guilty? You should."

Shaking her head lightly Shizuka merely reached to the base of Ulquiorra's eye, trailing her finger gently down along one of the teal stripes adorning his cheeks. They looked so much like tears...

"You must've cried a lot..." she said somewhat thoughtfully, following her finger with her gaze.

"SHUT IT!"

With that growl Nnoitra finally lost his temper and lunged at Stark. Yes, he knew he wasn't going to win the fight but it was better to die than listen to any more of that crap. Before he could reach the First Espada, however, he was forced down against the sand by the heaviness of a particular reiatsu, Aizen soon showing up as he calmly strolled over toward them, his expression settled in its usual calm features. He had been careful to contain the release of his pressure to that certain location, however, to avoid killing Shizuka. Stark had taken a stance, but felt a particular reiatsu beat down on him, bending his knees. Turning his head, he eyed the Shinigami.

"Aizen-sama..."

Ulquiorra remained still as he felt her touching his face.

"I cannot remember..."

He did remember, however, writhing in the dark for the first few centuries of his life. But that was the average beginning for any Hollow. Blinking she suddenly seemed to realize what she was doing, thus she withdrew her hand and lowered her gaze while her cheeks turned a soft shade of red.

"S-sorry..."

Stopping a few feet away from the two, Aizen finally smiled.

"That will do, Stark. I would hate to lose any of my Espada at this point in my plan. Nnoitra, please take some time to calm down and return to your domain. I have great need of each of my top ten warriors."

Despite its soft shade, Aizen's voice did betray the fact that he would severely punish any insubordination at that point, even his gaze having gained a somewhat ominous gleam even though his expression – to those who did not know him – would have seemed like kindness itself.

"Yes, Aizen-sama."

Stark gave only cooperation, of course. Unlike Grimmjow, he was loyal to Aizen, simply for the fact that he had needed friends. Then, the man had turned around and given Mizuki to him... with that in mind, the static sound of a Sonido reached their ears, and he was gone. Ulquiorra observed Shizuka's face, seeing her blush.

"It is no problem."

He saw no intrusion, when it came to simply touching him. Was that wrong? With a growl Nnoitra moved to his feet when Aizen withdrew his reiatsu, before resealing his Zanpakutō and vanishing toward his domain.

For a moment Shizuka stared at him... but she reminded herself – again – that he was a Hollow, not a human, therefore he remembered nothing of feelings even if he'd had them whilst alive. Lowering her gaze again she nodded... it was a terrible thing to know he'd suffered so much for so many centuries when he wasn't even guilty of anything.

Ulquiorra then went quiet, in thought. He wondered if he should regret having the girl around. It seemed that she was indeed reminding him of emotions. He'd grown to care for Shizuka... that was dangerous. However, he would not be apt to admit to any sentiments.

"Wow, the awkwardness in this room is so thick I could cut it with a knife."

Shizuka startled at Mizuki's voice, the girl now chuckling as she watched them from the doorway, her arms crossed. Rubbing the side of her neck, Shizuka lowered her gaze again, whilst Mizuki turned serious, looking to Ulquiorra.

"Is she okay? Did he do anything to her?"

She'd already assumed Ulquiorra had retrieved the girl in time, otherwise Shizuka would have been dead by now.

"He tore off her shirt, but did not get the chance to do more... I got her back and retreated here with her for a strategic advantage."

He'd sensed Stark's actions, however, which left him only to defend Shizuka, since protecting her was his job, rather than running off and leaving her be while he fought one enemy, just to leave her vulnerable to another.

"Guess she could use some of Szayel's clothes now." Mizuki chuckled. "And I could use a talk with you. Come on, let's go for a walk."

With that she moved outside to wait for him, while Shizuka smiled.

"You should go talk to her... I'll just rest for a while."

Keeping her arms crossed over her chest out of habit she then moved to her feet and onto his bed. Yes, maybe a good sleep would make her feel better. Ulquiorra turned his head from side to side in refusal.

"Impossible. I cannot leave Shizuka alone."

Yet, a voice was heard from outside, Stark poking his visage into the doorway.

"No worries about that, eh? I'll..."

He then blinked, quickly slapping his palms over his eyes to avoid seeing anymore of Shizuka.

"Eh... sorry. I didn't know. But yeah... I'll watch over Shizuka."

Smiling Mizuki leaned up to kiss her man's cheek before motioning Ulquiorra to follow her. Shizuka, having already blushed deeply at the fact that yet another of the Espada had seen her nude, sighed with a resigned expression and slipped into Ulquiorra's bed, pulling the silky black covers over her before laying down to rest.

Once Ulquiorra had departed with Mizuki, Stark lowered his hand to see that Shizuka was lying down and covered. Stepping inside and closing the door, his footsteps were briefly heard, the Primera Espada standing with his back turned to her.

Ulquiorra's wordlessness continued on his walk with Stark's Fracción and lover, his hands buried now in his pockets.

"So how are you and Shizuka getting along?" Mizuki asked, now walking at a leisurely pace, her arms still crossed.

She had to admit she was curious, which was why she'd gotten Stark to let her talk to Ulquiorra, even though her lover wasn't so convinced it would do any good.

"She has let go of her obstinacy and is no longer an obstacle in my work."

He was evidently pleased, as he didn't frown about it. Yes, she was making it many times easier for him to protect her, which she should have done in the beginning. Yet, he would hide the fact that Shizuka had actually caused... something. Perhaps it was friendship, since he didn't believe in love. Chuckling Mizuki shook her head.

"That's not what I meant... she got you to hug her. That's a pretty big achievement considering how you are. Are you starting to... feel... something for her?"

Her voice did now imply something, as she looked to him at the corner of her eye. His eyes narrowed, that green gaze turning to make eye contact.

"...No. It was Aizen-sama's order that I befriend her."

The man had given him no clear reason, but Ulquiorra didn't require one. Then again, it made sense to be on good terms with someone whom you were being told to protect. So then why had he hesitated when he'd answered Mizuki's question?

"Are you sure? I suggest you take some time to think about that. She certainly has some feelings for you."

Her voice had softened somewhat, as well as her expression. Yes, she'd spent quite some hours talking to Shizuka and the only conclusion she'd reached was that the girl was starting to like Ulquiorra more and more as time passed.

"She might find her courage sometime soon and tell you about those feelings."

"I see."

He found himself fearing that day... if he did gain feelings for her that would compromise his ability to serve Aizen. Then, what if he failed, and Aizen took her from him as punishment? Though serene, Aizen was far from merciful when he felt a need to take action. What if he killed her? And... and why was he worrying about those things? Hollows weren't supposed to think along those lines. His thoughtful expression, as well as her female intuition led Mizuki to believe she'd touched a soft spot with those words. Smiling softly she set a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sure you're scared... Stark was terrified when he started having feelings again, since he'd completely forgotten what they were like. He was afraid he'd mess up some of his missions because feelings clouded his judgment, and that Aizen would take revenge on him for that by taking me away from him. And he did mess up a couple of times, but he somehow managed to pull through at the last moment and Aizen didn't say a thing about that. You'll be alright..."

"I see..."

It was all he said, doing his best to add a certain dismissive edge to his voice. How could Mizuki see through him so easily? It was as if she could see into his mind... chuckling she rolled her eyes.

"Quit playing the tough guy, Ulquiorra."

Releasing his shoulder she then turned to leave toward Stark's tower.

"Don't resist your feelings if they do show up... doing that would prove fatal for your sanity. Just let them flow as they wish, don't fight them. If you need to talk to me, I'll be around... and send Stark home when you get back to your tower please."

Waving to him she then vanished in a Sonido leaving behind only a momentary buzzing sound. Ulquiorra watched her and the direction in which she had vanished for but seconds, before his own Sonido led him back to his tower. Opening the door, he entered to see Stark turned to face him, with Shizuka at rest on the bed behind him.

"Eh, I suppose I'll be off since you're back. Hope Mizuki didn't bother you too much with that talk... she insisted until I gave in and let her have her way."

Stark now rubbed the back of his head with a somewhat resigned sigh. He now understood why men normally feared women... females did hold a certain power over their decisions and they certainly knew how to sway men, which made them even more dangerous than males. With that said he headed for the door, stopping right before he went outside.

"Aizen... stopped me before I could kill Nnoitra. I'd be on my guard if I were you. He'll not only fully focus on taking Shizu, he'll also want revenge on you for that shot. And he's insane enough to take out his revenge on her, regardless if it affects you emotionally or not."

"Aizen-sama wouldn't stop me from killing him when it conflicts with his orders, or his goals..."

Would he? He'd separated him from Shizuka before, knowing the dangers... the man would have had to have been aware. Aizen Sousuke was definitely not stupid. That meant that he was willingly putting the girl in danger... Ulquiorra wondered: was he being tested? His loyalty? His beliefs? Was that some sort of experiment?

His mind raced with all the possibilities. It did hurt him that Aizen would involve Shizuka in testing him, but why? His chest ached so much, now. That feeling, however... it had nothing to do with Aizen. It was all about her, and it certainly didn't seem to be friendly.

"...Stark."

Turning to his fellow Espada, Stark arched a brow.

"Hm? What's wrong?"

The man's tone didn't quite sound so well; it was too... emotional. Briefly eyeing the sleeping girl, he internally heaved a sigh, now awaiting an answer with his hands lazily resting in his pockets.

"Is friendship supposed to cause pain?"

His own question even confused him. It sounded so... unintelligent, and yet simultaneously valid to him, as he watched over the slumbering human woman. Tilting his head somewhat, Stark finally heaved an audible sigh.

"...No... at least that's what Mizuki always told me."

Had Nnoitra's act triggered something in Ulquiorra? Or had those feelings developed on their own? Was Shizuka really that much of an influence on his fellow Espada? While silently pondering that, Stark kept his gaze on Ulquiorra's back. Deciding it was best to just leave him alone to settle his thoughts, the First Espada reached out to briefly grasp the man's shoulder, with reassuring intent, before leaving the tower and closing the door behind him.

Ulquiorra slipped away into a shadow against the wall, sliding down to a seated position. He would just watch over her. Though he couldn't release it there, his hand moved to rest upon the hilt of his Zanpakutō, Murciélago, letting his ability to sense reiatsu take over above all others.

For the following hours Shizuka was sound asleep, only stirring from time to time, her mind apparently having fallen prey to dreams. Finally her dreams morphed into a nightmare, fueled by her encounter with Nnoitra. For some time she stirred until she suddenly sat up, her arm stretched forward as though she was trying to grasp at thin air.

"Ulquiorra!"

Only when the faint echo returned to her did she realize she'd shouted out his name. Her gaze grew hazy when tears spilled down her cheeks and she lowered her trembling hand to grasp the sheets, having not yet noticed that the young Espada was there with her.

Ulquiorra picked up the distress within her reiatsu, rising from his place at last. Then, his shoes echoed slightly throughout the tower during his approach, the Cuatra Espada ultimately seating himself beside Shizuka and wrapping both arms around her, upon seeing the tears sliding down her skin. He didn't say a thing, but rubbed her back with his thin hands, with intent to comfort.

Startled by his touch Shizuka stared up into his eyes for a brief moment, before she all but threw herself into his arms, clinging tightly to his shirt. Was she going to have nightmares every time she slept now? If so, she would have preferred that Nnoitra had killed her, rather than see that grin of his even in her sleep. But it was gone for now... and Ulquiorra was there with her. She'd even forgotten that she was half naked still, in favor of simply allowing that soothing aura he was giving off to relax her body and mind.

"I will protect you... you need not fear anyone but Aizen-sama."

He could, he knew, defeat any of the other Espada... fighting Aizen, however, would be hopeless. Wait... was he actually considering fighting Aizen for her? It was a thought that he immediately buried, as it was paramount to everything he had stood for, for much of his life.

Blinking against the soft fabric that covered his chest, Shizuka looked up at him once more. Was that... emotion... in his voice? No, it couldn't be, he was a Hollow. He retained no memory of his feelings. And still... she was so close to him... so close that she could have...

'I want to kiss you...' she mused.

Yet that thought died a swift death when Nnoitra's grin flashed in her mind again, making her lower her gaze to rest her forehead against his chest, closing her eyes. Ulquiorra only watched her face, until she leaned to him.

"...After you have calmed down, I am going to wrap you in this sheet and take you to Szayel for fitting, for clothes."

His milky white hand was still stroking her naked back, though he wasn't even thinking of her body at that point. A brief nod was Shizuka's only answer to his words. Did she have to move? His body felt warm, despite him being dead, and she felt too good just sitting like that. If she didn't know better, she would have said he was actually being affectionate toward her. But that was not the case, she reminded herself.

Ulquiorra, by then, was just gathering the sheet, which he moved around Shizuka, covering her frame. Then cradling her, he rose to his feet and placed her down. Without a word, the Espada moved on ahead, to the door. It was ironic that his fellow Espada seemed to be his greatest obstacle in his mission. One would think that even Nnoitra knew better than to offend Aizen... Grimmjow certainly did.

Slightly reluctant in letting go of him, the girl silently moved to follow. After all she wasn't injured to not be able to walk on her own. By the time she'd reached the door she'd concluded that she just felt too good in his arms. And she had to wonder... were they at least friends?

Wow things are really starting to move, aren't they? O.O Who would've guessed Ulquiorra would remember what feelings are like, after all those centuries spent as a heartless being? So, look forward to the next chapter... I wonder what's gonna happen next. xD