Chapter Four: Opportunities

"I definitely noticed some positive changes in Ulquiorra Schiffer, Lieutenant Abarai," Captain Kuchiki began informing me the next afternoon; his words were those of praise, but his voice was just as chilly as ever.

No matter – I was still relieved to hear the good news and was mentally doing a victory dance already.

Earlier in the morning, Byakuya Kuchiki had given Ulquiorra his mandatory monthly evaluation; one of the many conditions he had to agree with for him to even be allowed in the Soul Society. Hence the importance of my working with him, he was to be progressively evaluated on things like competence, social skills, and role adjustment.

Obviously, the test was designed to make sure that Schiffer was actually happy being in the Soul Society and working with us and would not try to like kill us in our sleep or something.

Totally practical, really.

Unfortunately for me, the Captain had errands for me to run while Ulquiorra was taking his evaluation. I would have preferred to be there for him. In all honesty, despite the fact that I was not the one filling out some horrible test with scary Seireitei officials breathing down my neck; I was still sweating bullets the entire time about how Ulquiorra was doing. I had been dying to know how well, or not well, he was answering his questions and interacting with Captain Kuchiki. I swear, both men were probably cut from the same, icy cold and somewhat standoffish cloth…but that doesn't mean that they would get along right away.

So, hearing Kuchiki say those words; words that meant that Schiffer had done okay; words that meant that I hadn't completely screwed up and would not have to hand in my formal resignation right then and there…well, I could have died from the relief I felt at the moment. I still needed details, though. How did my baby do?

Kuchiki straightened out some papers on top of his desk, pulled one out in particular, eyed it for a bit, then looked up to my standing form.

"Take a look at this," Byakuya simply commanded, extending his hand with the sheet in it.

I took it obediently, already figuring it was the actual test that Ulquiorra had taken. Quickly, I scanned the entire document; just to get a feel for the layout and where his specific answers to the questions would be. There were 20 questions in total; varying from needing to rank things, providing short answers (opinion based), and making lists of things.

Nice handwriting.

Byakuya waited patiently for me to read the first question, which I did, before speaking.

The first question asked him to rank on a scale of 1 to 6 how much he respected his Captain and the Lieutenant of his squad.

Kuchiki got a 5.

I got a 6.

My mouth hit the floor and I instantly looked above the paper to Kuchiki. He had his elbows propped up on the desk with his fingers interlaced in front of his pointed chin…very regal, still chilly.

"Obviously, it seems that he has come to have a lot of respect for you, Renji," Byakuya noted coolly- using my first name on purpose, I think.

I had to gulp down my fear/happiness before I replied to the man; otherwise I'd say something like, 'Yep, a lot more than YOU!'-which would not be good.

Nervously, I chuckled as I said, "Yeah, well, I'm probably the first person who has actually tried to be his friend. All we've been doing is stuff that my friends and I usually do. I guess I'm just working my magic, huh?"

It was an epic failure on my part to get Byakuya to laugh. Can he laugh?

"Focus, idiot," I mentally scolded myself, "this is about Ulquiorra."

"I see," Byakuya said thoughtfully while dropping his hands in his lap and leaning back in his chair, "Read the next question."

Putting a stoppage to my nervous laughter, I put the piece of paper in front of my face again and let my eyes find the second question.

It read: Name three things you enjoy about the Soul Society.

Okay, I can buy that. It's probably pretty important to make sure that ex-enemies are happy with their new home and comrades- back to the murdering in the sleep point, again. I quickly scanned down for his answers, eager to see what he had written down.

His list consisted of four things, instead of three; a blatant disregard to the question's specifications. Odd; especially for him. I read his list:

White chocolate, raspberry cheesecake

Red Rose Tea

Long walks

Freedom

I felt my heart swell inside my chest at the first three answers until it exploded into a thousand, tingling pieces from the fourth one. I knew exactly what he meant, and a gripping feeling decided to settle in the pit of my stomach at the realization that I was probably the only other one in the world besides him who knew such things.

Also, he had actually put down things that he and I had done together! Too many things raced through my mind at this point, like how he did have a good time; I did end up doing some real good for him; I made him happy.

That was a very good feeling; knowing I made him happy. What typically happens to people when they are happy? They smile.

"I'd give anything right now to see Ulquiorra smile," I thought seriously, making that feeling in my stomach increase, "I bet he has a smile that could melt an iceberg."

Unable to wipe the goofy grin from my face, I lowered the paper down from my line of vision and handed is back to Captain Kuchiki, who just looked like he was itching to ask some questions of his own.

Perfect.

"Care to explain what he meant by all that?" Kuchiki jumped right to the heart of the matter. No beating around the bush with him; I should have known.

"Okay, better come clean, Renji," I thought to myself, as if I was convincing myself to accept death itself, "but maybe not all the details- only what he needs to know."

"Well, you see, he ate that kind of cheesecake and drank that tea…and I guess he…really liked them," I began; not going along with my own plan that I just set up for myself. "Afterwards, it actually was a rather long walk back to the Residential District and about his 'freedom' answer…uhh…"

I blanked, so I cleared my throat to buy time. It didn't help- I was still completely unsure as to how to explain this one.

Can I just tell him about Ulquiorra's heavy value on making his own choices; not just being a creation that gets manipulated, that he just happens to be the kindest, most gentle person I've ever met and that he means the world and everything in it to me? Of course not- not if I wanted to live, anyway.

I sighed. Kuchiki needed an answer; anything.

"Ulquiorra's really proud that he's here by his own choice, Captain" I replied gravely, softly.

"…an angel that just needs a little guidance," I finished to myself; liking the idea of Ulquiorra as my angel; something just so unbelievably pure; someone that I would be blessed to take of.

I watched, nearly flinching, as Captain Kuchiki silently moved closer to his desk and picked up his paintbrush. He was obviously taking in what I had said to him regarding Ulquiorra's very meaningful test answers.

Kuchiki took his time dipping the paintbrush in ink and carefully pulling back his large sleeve with his other hand to begin writing before answering.

"Keep up the good work, Abarai. You are dismissed."

"I will, Captain Kuchiki! Thank you!!" I borderline shouted at the calm, writing man at his desk; instantly regretting that I acted so zealous. I quickly bowed and left before I did anything else stupid.

The post-midday sun hit me square in the face with its beautiful but blinding rays when I stepped outside. This was the time of day when the sun was not way up high anymore, therefore meaning that it and its glorious shining, life-giving light were almost at eye level. I had to bring up a hand to shield the brilliant white from my eyes- the instant I did, I was able to see another source of white…a more beautiful white.

None other than Ulquiorra Schiffer, in all his stunning stoicism, was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. I smiled; charmed at the gesture, and began descending the steps; glancing back and forth between his eyes, which looked bigger and more 'puppy-like' from this angle, and the steps themselves.

As soon as I was about on the fifth step from the bottom; meaning I was sure I was not going to face-plant at this point, I switched my smile to a lop-sided grin and waved at him.

Taking me completely by surprise; since I had never seen him do this before; the pale ex-Arrancar angel that he is, actually waved back at me. Of course, he had to take his hand out of his pocket; the wave was quick, and was followed by the immediate shove of the hand back into his hakama pocket, but it was there.

"Hey Ulquiorra," I said merrily once I stood before him, especially giving thanks to my lucky stars that I really did not trip along the way since he waved at me.

"Hello…Renji," he replied shyly; uncertain of his choice to stick to my request of him calling me by my first name.

"Very good," I replied as a teacher would to her student who got a question right; the smile permanently plastered on my face, "so what were you doing out here all by yourself?"

Ulquiorra dropped my gaze only for the smallest second…maybe searching for another answer other than the truth when there is none.

"Waiting for you," he stated very matter-of-factly before quickly adding, "…which, by the way, you are late for our appointment."

Nevermind the second part; he waited for me!?

"You waited for me? Ulquiorra, I didn't know you cared so much," I teased- I was on a roll and I could not resist; this was too perfect, too sweet.

It was then that I noticed the tiniest tint of pink color Ulquiorra's rounded face; offsetting the natural white in the cutest of ways. Oh wow, he was so adorable when he blushed! I made a mental note to make him blush more often.

"I don't care; it's just our duty, Lieutenant Abarai," Ulquiorra retorted, purposefully referring back to me so formally. I hardly noticed, however. I was too busy observing the subtle coloring of the ex-Espada's cheeks.

"Aww! You're blushing!" I could not help but point out…literally pointing at his pink face.

Alright, maybe I was acting like a child (again) but again...it was too sweet an opportunity to pass up. Maybe he needed the torture, anyway.

At that he frowned a bit; pink still spreading across his cheeks.

"I am not," Schiffer lied, stubbornly looking the other way to hide the obvious, "What are we going to do today?"

I quirked up an eyebrow at his sudden, intentional change of the subject, still grinning like a maniac at the poor guy.

I cocked my head and casually shrugged my shoulders, being as theatrical as I pleased, and said, "Oh…I don't know. I thought we would just take a walk. I know how much you just love walks, Ulquiorra."

Pink turned into bright, bright red all of a sudden. I could be such an ass sometimes.

Feeling a bit bold, I offered an elbow for the blushing ex-Espada to take before we set out on our walk- my most charming smile in place to make him feel more comfortable taking it.

Ulquiorra was the epitome of nervousness as I observed him gulp, fidget just slightly, slowly raise his hand out of his pocket, then just hold there in the air; as if he was debating in his mind if he could still back out of the gesture now and not be rude.

As if I'd let that happen.

"Trust me," I coaxed gently, softening my gaze and nudging out my arm a bit more.

Ulquiorra was evidently calmed and reassured by my extra push, and despite speaking no more words at the moment, he looped his arm in mine; shoving the hand back in his pocket once our arms were linked.

I chuckled out loud at the move. It was the kind of move where there is only a flash or a hint of letting up and then the immediate resulting back to old ways. Oh well, it's just his usual stance with a modification; my arm, so I could cope.

"Let's go," I exclaimed, already loving having Ulquiorra's small, tantalizing body so close to mine, his arm entwined with my own.

He nodded curtly; eyes glancing over to look into mine before the pair of us began to walk off in no particular direction.

The sky was painted a brilliant orange, with yellow, pink and blue highlights that streaked here and there. And then there we were. Black and white figures amidst all that color above us. I'm sure any onlookers could fully appreciate the picture-esque sight of our plain shades contrasting heavily with the vast array of rainbow-dipped hues above us.

We walked leisurely, taking in the sights and sounds of the Soul Society, making occasional comments about things we saw, or just random thoughts. For instance, I told him about the first time I visited Bisutoro no Kongouseki, I ordered black coffee and about threw the horrid stuff up. He smirked at my embarrassing story, and even though it was just the faintest of twists that I had seen those pale lips perform- I still felt my heart melt at the warming sight.

I noticed he was talking a bit more than usual- a very good sign. People speak when they are comfortable; clam up when they are not. He must be getting more and more comfortable around me; another benchmark of progress to rub in Mr. Angry Hairclips' nose. Sweet.

Onward we continued our aimless journey; just enjoying each other company and conversation- the overhead colors darkening by each passing minute- not that we minded much- until a thought crossed me that I should probably talk to him about.

Before I could even bring myself to try, I knew I had to make sure that the setup was right; preferably us sitting down somewhere. We actually had gotten relatively close to the Residential Area; not on purpose really, but sometimes your feet just take you exactly where you need to be.

Another cute, 'courting'-type thought occurred to me; making me smile.

I jiggled my arm a little to get him to look at me, which he did. Once his eyes were locked onto my dark auburn ones, I smirked and motioned with a quick tilt of my head for us to go up on the roofs.

Knowingly, both he and I leapt on top of the closest roof, then another a little higher up, and finally stopped on one that was a little taller than the last; probably one of the housing complexes by the look of it.

What a view it was from way up there, the white and red of the majority of buildings in the Soul Society acting as the only constant while the indecisive sky kept changing; kept getting darker. Oranges were turning purple, green and blue into black…everything melting into night, even us.

I was fairly certain that if I reached up, my fingers would come back covered in paint.

Almost resentfully, I gently slipped my arm out from his; already missing the close proximity, and sank down to have a seat. Ulquiorra followed my example and sat down, crossed legged, next to me on the cool rooftop.

Swallowing down the dread of any kind of bitter backfire this topic might produce, I hesitantly said, "So Captain Kuchiki was really impressed with all of your improvements today."

Thankfully, Schiffer just nodded in response, his eyes still on the blackening image surrounding us.

I was so full of buried, reserved emotion for this man; it was killing me; driving me mad, almost making me angry. I know I needed him to break; it saddened me that it had to be done. So many different urges and desires just kept piling up within- the need to hug him, kiss his lips, just touch him, make love to him, tell him that I had fallen for him…tell him so clearly that I love him.

Suddenly, he spoke; tearing me from my thoughts.

"You know, it almost saddens me when the sky turns black here…and night takes over; ridding the above of its lustrous colors. There aren't skies like this in Hueco Mundo; just dull, unmoving black above the sand," he said, almost nostalgically but no less disheartened by such a remembrance.

My heart dropped.

All of my inner turmoil, my petty confusion just became so crystal clear in that half of a moment after Ulquiorra had finished speaking his solemn words to me; the timber of his voice still rippling through my mind in rolling waves.

As much as I needed him to break, he needed to hear what I had to say…what I had to confess.

"Why did you write 'freedom' on your evaluation, Ulquiorra?" I asked lowly, seriously; locking my eyes on his small, glowing face.

Feeling my searching gaze on him, coupled with being asked such an intimate question, Ulquiorra visibly stiffened, but turned his head to meet my gaze. His eyes looked hurt, if that was any more possible, and his brows were slightly knit together – like I had just betrayed him. I instantly felt a stab of guilt pierce through me, but there was no going back now.

"Please…" I said to him, just barely above a whisper, "I…need to know."

His jaw locked and he instead looked at the space in between us.

Still looking at him, I felt a drop of water hit my nose. He obviously felt something of a similar nature, because we both looked directly up into the grey-black sky, and saw more sprinkles of water drop down upon everything below.

Schiffer used the momentary distraction to quickly stand up, but I was too quick for him, and was already up and in his face the next instant.

Ulquiorra's nose was about in my chest and he had to crane his neck to look up into my eyes- me already staring softly down at him. As solid and collected as I was acting right now, each time he had matched my gaze with his own brilliant emerald one, a little breath had left me.

Before either one of could blink, the few droplets of waters coming down had turned into a full bout of pouring rain.

Long, silver lines of water strung straight down all around us like thick thread against a navy blue material; quickly soaking our clothes and hair, all the while the heavy tapping sound of it rang pleasantly and familiarly in our ears.

Trails of water were running down his face and neck; silver on white; and traced over the green lines already there. He was looking up at me, almost pleadingly, but that did not stop me from carefully lifting up my hands and firmly grasping his triceps to keep him in place.

I intently watched his partially opened lips carefully form the words as he finally spoke to answer my inquiry.

"I wrote 'freedom' as one of the things I enjoy about the Soul Society…because…" he trailed off, his nerves getting the better of him as he dropped his head to hide his eyes from me.

Patiently, despite the increasing cold and drenching downpour we were subject to, I freed my right hand from his left arm and gently lifted his chin back up with my thumb and index finger.

I could not take it anymore; every passing minute of not kissing this man was torture. Patience was never one of my stronger points, and it was at that moment when I had to tilt Ulquiorra's dripping face back up to meet my gaze again that I finally broke.

Keeping my hands on his face and arm; now completely soaked to the touch, I slowly leaned down- water falling off my nose and chin as I went- to finally capture his lips with my own.

I had slipped my eyes closed before feeling his feather soft lips touch mine, but I only felt shock zing through him for a moment before he closed his own eyes and gave into our kiss; pressing his against mine.

Feeling him relax against me, I slid my hand from his chin up to hold that side of his face in my palm; adoring his smooth, wet skin in my hand and the slight tickle of his hair around my fingertips.

My own hair, usual quite spiky from being in a high ponytail, hung limp and dripping from the hair tie and I could feel a few, sopping locks clinging to my cheeks and neck. I'm sure it looked like my face was covered in deep, bloody gashes from my crimson locks being plastered here and there to me. It did not matter, though- as the only thing I was concerned with at the moment was that I had Ulquiorra in my arms and his lips firmly set against mine.

Slowly, longingly, I pulled my lips away from his; letting both of us breathe, but still remaining a whisper away from him. Two pairs of hazy eyes opened to look at the other as I lovingly rubbed the pad of my thumb over his streaked cheekbone.

"Because why, Ulquiorra?" I breathed against his skin; absorbed in his half-lidded gaze and the pure texture of his skin beneath my thumb and silken hair tangled around my fingers.

His breath hitched in his throat from my tender touches; something he has probably never known in his life.

He would if I had anything to do with it, damnit. He deserved to be loved; a lot more than most I know.

"Because of the choices I am freely able to make for myself here. Such as…" Ulquiorra trailed off as a soft sigh passed his lips from another stroke of my fingers against his face, "…such as the choice I made…when I decided I like you."

I reacted without thinking and swiftly pulled him into another kiss. With more lingering passion this time, I met his lips and dropped my hands from their previous positions to wrap my arms around his tiny waist; effectively pressing the small, pale man even more into me.

As much as his words had given me an instant jolt of joy throughout the marrow of my bones, I could not speak a reply back to him; I was too in love with kissing and being kissed by this man.

My much larger body practically swallowed his smaller form, as I all but crushed him into my chest and slowly licked his bottom lip to make him open his mouth.

Once he did, when a silent gasp left him, I slipped my tongue inside his warm, wet cavern. The more I was allowed to touch Ulquiorra, the more I wanted him; so hungrily I stroked his tongue with my own, occasionally pulling it into my own mouth to lightly suck on it, drawing more soft purrs and gasps…all of which were bringing my blood to a hot boil.

I felt him gently put his delicate hands on my chest and squeeze at the front of my robes; curling the water-heavy fabric in his slender fingers, as he whimpered ever so softly from my ministrations.

God, I really could just eat him up right now, but no - this had to be perfect. He was too important for it to be anything less.

Inside I was raging with furious lust as his bittersweet kisses were actually doing more harm than good to me- my soul was just smoldering for Ulquiorra to be completely mine; for me to be able to do what I really wanted with him. God, he had just confessed that he liked me…however... I wanted to show him that I loved him, and I was quite certain that if I was not granted this chance, I'd go insane.

His lips, as sinfully sweet as they were…were making me insane.

"Come home with me," flowed from my lips suddenly; breaking our kiss. It was said husky and low; meant only for him to hear-not even the rain itself had that kind of permission.

Only the tiniest amount of time passed until my angel replied with one word- one, single word that would change my life forever.

"Okay," he whispered back to me, his warm, inviting breath ghosting over my lips while he kept his eyes closed; obviously melting in the rain just as much as I had been.