I want to express my sincerest thanks to everyone for taking the time review the last chapter. I really appreciate your ongoing support throughout this. As this has cone on, I've come to enjoy writing UlquiHime content more and more with each chapter.

In terms of pairing, they really become one of my all-time favorite couples from any series that I've followed. I was pretty happy with the response I got from the last chapter- it was nice to know that there are still people out their who enjoy reading my work. I can definitely relate to your desire for more content between the two of them, so please stick around.

I want to thank everyone's who's taken the time to read the story... And to also give special thanks to Ann the Fire, Moonlight's Shadow Warrior, amputated-heart, ClaudiusToussard, ulquihime7980, and VeelaSophia for their awesome reviews. Thanks so much you guys!


BLEACH
The Human Condition

Chapter 11:
"Savor the Moment"

Captain Retsu Unohana spotted a familiar figure nearby as she approached. She sped up slightly, instantly recognizing him as Toshiro Hitsugaya standing under a tree. The calm, dark-haired woman stopped before him and he looked up, regarding her for a moment.

It was the eternally serene female Shinigami who eventually broke the silence. "One of my subordinates informed me that there was something you wished to discuss with me..." The lady captain began calmly. "Now that I'm here... I would like to know what it is that you feel is so urgent." Unohana added in a measured tone.

Hitsugaya nodded. "Yes, you're right, Captain Unohana, you do deserve to know why I requested an audience with you..." The white-haired Squad Captain began. "I'll get right the point, it's about Ukitake-san... I know you've been visiting him on a fairly regular basis now for the last few weeks." He revealed, looking directly at her. "I've never believed in being coy, so I'll ask you outright..."

"What exactly is going on, and how do you and Captain Ukitake figure into it?" He asked the female captain bluntly. "If I'm in the wrong about this, then I'll apologize accordingly. Otherwise, if my suspicions are correct and there is some kind of cover-up taking place, then you're most likely a party to it..." Hitsugaya added in a serious tone. "The private affairs of my colleagues don't concern me, but the stability of the Gotei 13 is something that involves all of us."

The captain shook her head. "You really are far too serious sometimes, Toshiro-san..." Unohana began in a calm voice, as she smiled softly at him in her usual manner. "I can assure you that there is nothing sinister at work within the Court Guards, and certainly nothing that could ever endanger the stability of the Squads..." The brunet woman continued. "And while I certainly wouldn't call it a cover-up per-say, something is being kept from the general public."

The Tenth Division Squad Captain cocked his head slightly at the admission. Toshiro silently tucked his his hands into the pockets of his long white jacket and looked up at her. "And that would be...?"

Unohana took a small step towards him, her usual expression ebbing away and her eyes widening slightly. "Very well then, I'll tell you- it's about the Fourth Division Captain..." She began, he words undercut with a serious edge. "You see, Captain Ukitake... he's dieing."

...o.o.o...

Ulquiorra remained silent, as he walked alongside Orihime. So far, he hadn't drawn much attention beyond the occasional curious looks from the local humans. Though his auburn-haired companion had been quick to reassure him that the glances were due entirely to his exotic looks- as she'd put it.

Keeping good on his promise to stay at her side and protect her, Ulquiorra had accompanied Orihime to the nearby convenience store when the young woman mentioned needing to do something called a 'grocery run'. Now on their way back, the pale-skinned man was able to theorize that at least some of the looks cast their way were actually directed at the curvy redhead at his side... One need only look at her to see that such an obviously attractive and vibrant girl like her would easily draw the gaze of those around her, especially the men!

Once they had finished at the check-out counter, Ulquiorra moved in and scooped up the numerous plastic grocery bags. The sunset-haired woman had briefly protested over this, but he just shrugged off her concerns, stating that it was no trouble for him. After a moment, Orihime gave him a small smile and nodded- finally accepting the idea that someone was doing something to help her for purely chivilrous reasons. And so, with that, the two of them departed from the convenience store, the glass doors sliding shut behind them...

One thing that Ulquiorra had observed (that Orihime seemed to be oblivious too) was the look that the young woman at the counter had given her as she rang up the items. While there had been some degree of envy in her expression, it was far from what he would call spiteful. While it was only speculation on his part (and based on his rather limit experience in the matter), he got the feeling that it was them that the girl at the counter was envious of...

Ulquiorra had gleaned enough from his experiences and observations to know that it wasn't considered 'normal' for a girl her age to have a man living with her. By human standards, the situation would likely seem scandalous to most. He recalled when the two of them had gone out to leave the trash bags on the step for pick up: An older woman (from a few doors down from them) had spotted them and gave an unreadable look, before going back into her apartment.

And while she likely suspected that the two of them were sleeping with each other... He'd become familiar enough with how Orihime tended to look at things to know that she would never think to equate their living situation with something like that.

He knew she had feeling for him, and that she was attracted to him... That much was obvious, just as she was clearly aware how he felt for her, though he wasn't quite as sure if she realized the extent of his 'other' feelings for her. Ulquiorra shook his head, silently reprimanding himself and pointing out that that line of thought was an issue for another time...

Orihime blushed faintly as she walked alongside the Espada. Wordlessly, she slowly allowed herself to drift closer towards him. Ulquiorra glanced down when he felt the young woman rest her head against his shoulder. He watched her, not saying anything as she snaked an arm around his and nestled up close against him. The former Arrancar was tempted to remark on her actions, but held back when he heard her let out a small sigh as she held onto him.

Ulquiorra looked back up and nodded to himself as they walked. The sun was quickly setting behind them and he guessed that Orihime would would be eager to get started working on dinner soon...

...o.o.o...

Hitsugaya was caught off-guard by Unohana's revelation. "W-wait, what are you getting at..." He began, surprise evident in his voice. "Everyone knows about about the Captain's condition, it's common knowledge... I- I mean, he's been living with it for such a long time now..."

The brunet smiled and shook her head. "I can assure you that public perception and the truth are quite different matters." She replied calmly. "Though I feel that my previous statement may have been somewhat misleading..." Unohana offered him as she continued. "The Captain's condition has been gradually worsening in recent years, and the strain of the Winter War appears to have only further aggravated the effects of the illness."

"And you're telling me that no one was told of this?" The young captain asked her.

"Over the years, I have continued to develop specialized medicine- of increasing strengths- to limit and restrict the effects." Unohana calmly explained. "By doing this, Captain Ukitake has been mostly able to continue functioning in his day-to-day life, as well as being able to maintain public appearances for the benefit of those around him." The medical specialist informed him. "But now, his health has become more precarious, and it's becoming more difficult to hide his true state..."

The white-haired captain eye's widened. "But Captain Unohana... why hide it at all?" Hitsugaya asked her in amazement. "Why risk so much, even your own position, by taking part in this cover-up?" He asked with note of concern.

Unohana looked down at the short captain for a moment. "You are young, Toshiro, so you cannot yet appreciate the predicament that the Captain and his Lieutenants now find themselves in." The medical expert began in a serious voice. "Given time, you will know what it truly means to be a Captain- to have other look to you for strength and leadership in times of crisis."

"A true Captain doesn't lead with strength, but rather, with the faith of those serving under him." Unohana continued. "Captain Ukitake knows this... And so he pushes himself to remain strong before his officers, because he believes in them." The dark-haired captain explained. "Now, more than ever, he must not loose face with his men... And for that, I am willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that his dignity is maintained."

Hitsugaya shook his head, then crossed his arms and turned away from her. After a moment, he looked back to the tall, dark-haired woman. "I see now, thank you for telling me the truth..." He replied, his tone now laced with humility. "Like you, I also greatly respect Captain Ukitake, so I understand the situation somewhat better than you might think." He paused. "But you must realize that a time will come... when the truth can no longer be kept hidden."

Unohana nodded, her expression impassive. "Of course, and I realize that we will have to cross that bridge some day..." She replied calmly. "However, it is still my intention that the matter of Captain Ukitake's illness should remain private until such time."

The younger captain nodded in understand. "Yes, of course, I wont say anything." Hitsugaya began in a hushed tone. "And... I'm also sorry for having troubled you over this." He finished with a sigh.

The female Shinigami shook her head. "Please, think nothing of it... You didn't do anything wrong..." Unohana countered with a smile. "You were simply doing your duty and following your instincts, just as any good Squad Captain would."

...o.o.o...

Ulquiorra and Orihime returned to her apartment without incident. The orange-haired young woman had held onto him the whole time. He was well aware that she was a very open person when it came to her feelings, but it had still taken him back at first to have her being so openly affectionate with him. Yet, there was also a part of him that enjoyed this...

They set the groceries down in the kitchen and quickly set about putting them away in the various cupboards and cabinets, and in the refrigerator... As he started to leave the kitchen, Ulquiorra suddenly came to a halt when he felt her wrap her arms around him from behind and rest her head against the spot on his upper back between his shoulder blades. "Orihime, what are you..." He began, looking over his shoulder at her. "...Is something bothering you?"

She tightened her embrace around his form. "Don't worry, nothing's wrong..." The redhead replied without looking up. "It's just that... I'm just happy that you're here with me right now." Orihime explained softly. "After your fight with Kurosaki-kun on the dome, when you turned to ash right in front of me... For a moment, I felt as if I'd lost you forever."

He turned around to look at her as she continued. "In spite of the circumstances, I felt something between us..." Orihime explained to him. "I don't think you even realized it at the time, but you were changing- in small, subtle ways- but you were changing... And the idea that after everything that had happened, the idea dieing like that was more than I could take."

He slid his arms around her and looked into her eyes. "I, I'm sorry... I know that you don't really like it when I get so emotional around you... But when you died... I..."

Uquiorra silenced her by touching a slender finger to her lips. He pulled her supple form against him and held her in his arms. "It's alright, you have nothing to apologize for... Just as you've never had to explain yourself to me." His voice was low and calming. "Deep down, I think there was always a part that understood the intent of your words... Even if I didn't fully understand at first."

"Now that I'm here with you, near you... I finally know what it was that was always missing from my existence before you came along- warmth." Ulquiorra explained. "There was nothing but endless darkness in Hueco Mundo... Even inside Las Noches, under the glow of that fake sky, the darkness was still there- always in my thoughts." The Arrancar continued. "Then you came along, and everything changed after that..." He paused for a moment.

"Ulquiorra...?" The redhead murmured softly as she held onto him. He brushed a hand through Orihime's bright reddish-brown hair as he looked into her eyes.

He lowered his head and nuzzled her sunset hair, breathing in her sweet scent. "For me, in that world of endless darkness... You were like the sun." Ulquiorra explained. "You were so different from anything I'd ever seen- so alive..." He whispered to her. "You're the most alive person I've ever met." He finished, pulling back to smile at her.

"Hime-sama..." The pale swordsman murmured softly as he held her soft form in his arms, her warm body pressed perfectly against his own.

Orihime looked up suddenly, her face red from hearing the pet-name. Then, after a moment, the teen smiled softly up at him. "Such a cute nickname, I... I'm not sure if it really suits me. But I do like hearing you say it." She replied bashfully. "And you, w-what should I call you then?"

The former Espada looked at her for a moment. "You can call me... whatever you like." He replied with a smile, as he leaned in close to her, until their lips were only centimeters apart. Her soft pinks lips parted and his own pale lips quickly brushed against hers...

...o.o.o...

Ichigo crossed his arms and leaned against the exterior wall of his house, while the faint sound of the Kurosaki family antics could be heard. Toshiro Hitsugaya was standing nearby...

The white-haired captain tucked his hands into his pockets. "It'll soon be time to Nelliel-Tu back with us to Soul Society..." He began in a calm voice. "And as I'm sure you recall, it would be better for everyone involved if you went with us." He explained.

The orange-haired teen nodded in understanding. "Yes, I remember what you said... It's for the best, so I'll go along with the plan." The Substitute Soul Reaper replied with some effort. "But I want you keep something in mind, and feel free to tell the others that I said this..." He began, causing the captain to look to as he continued. "Nell is my friend, and I won't allow any harm come to her."

Hitsugaya nodded. "I'm glad you see it that way... I'm sure you're presence will help to reassure Nelliel that we don't mean her any harm." The young captain replied. "Also, I think it would be good idea for Inoue-san and Ulquiorra to come with us as well... I'm sure that the other captains are quite eager to see him for themselves as well."

"Yes, well, that should prove interesting..." Ichigo countered with a shrug. "Provided that Ulquiorra will agree to go with us." He added in a sarcastic tone.

Toshiro simply smiled in response to this. "Oh, he will..." He began. "Ulquiorra will cooperate because he knows that it's in his interests to keep on our good side so he can remain with Inoue." The youthful captain reasoned in a sly tone.

Ichigo shook his head, giving an audible sigh. "Great... Talk about hedging your bets." He began in a dry voice. "From the sound of things, the Shinigami sure like to cover all angles, don't they?" He asked, looking directly at the captain.

For his part, Hitsugaya only smiled and laughed at the remark...

...o.o.o...

Orihime moaned slightly into Uquiorra's mouth as the kiss started to become more heated, and he took this as a sign to continue. The Arrancar pulled her against him as he deepened their kiss, her breasts pressing against his chest. The auburn-haired girl's blush darkened when she suddenly felt his tongue suddenly brush against hers.

She fervently clung to him, digging her hands into the fabric of his shirt. After several moments, they finally broke off the kiss. Orihime looked up at him, her face now flushed a dark crimson color as her breathing came in short muted gasps. "I, I'm not usually so bold... It's just that recently I've found myself wanting to be closer to you." She explained bashfully.

Ulquiorra just smiled and nodded. "I understand those feelings, it's the same for me..." He replied, pulling her back against him, so that her head was now resting on his chest. "It's only when I'm with you, that I feel truly alive." He explained, his voice husky as he kept himself and the sunset-haired locked together in their embrace.

"I... I'm not sure what to say... but, thank you." Orihime replied softly, smiling and her eyes starting to water as she spoke. "...I've been through some pretty difficult times in my life, times when I felt like no one wanted me or I didn't belong anywhere..." She paused momentarily, as if unsure of her words.

She placed one of her hands over her heart. "Deep down, I've always felt out of place, but it's different when I'm with you..." She looked up into his deep green eyes. "When I'm with you, I don't feel like I'm an outsider anymore... I feel wanted and even desirable." She blushed as she said the last part.

Ulquiorra smiled to himself, spurred on by her declaration. "That's because you're beautiful, in every sense of the word." He replied as he continued to hold her against him. "In a short time, you've helped me to see that there are things in this life worth protecting... You're happiness, it means everything to me." His finished, his voice intense and passionate, as he leaned down to kiss her once more.

Orihime let out a muffled moan when she felt his tongue against her lips- once more seeking entrance. She tilted her head slightly to allow him better access as she began to impulsively run her own tongue against his to urge him on, quickly entangling them as they kissed... Ulquiorra growled slightly in response to the young woman's boldness. His eyes narrowing as he pulled her against him- her full breasts pressing against his lean muscular figure. The redhead arched her back as she leaned into him, pressing her supple body against him, desperate to be closer to him.

The raven-haired former Espada pushed her up against the wall. While still holding onto her, he pulled back enough to flash her a predatory smile, before he leaned in to start kissing her jaw. After a moment, he moved lower, making her gasp as she felt his lips on neck... right over her pulse. Orihime wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him in even closer.

This only served to spur him on further as he let his teeth brush against her supple flesh. A pleasured cry escaped the girls lips as he reached to take hold of her, his hands moving down to cup her round bottom, before lifting up off her feet. The auburn-haired girl wrapped her legs around his waist as his pale lips touched her collarbone.

Ulquiorra suddenly paused and looked up at her. Orihime's face was flushed a dark rosy color and her sunset hair was mussed slightly as she met his gaze. He looked into her silvery eyes for a moment and nodded to himself with a small smile. He noted the confused look on the young woman's face and placed a quick kiss on her lips.

"How about I help you get dinner ready?" He asked her. After a moment, Orihime managed to nod back at him. She leaned in to give him a quick kiss, before pulling back to smooth out her hair.

He then let her down and the two of them headed into the kitchen...

...o.o.o...

Orihime was busy chopping vegetables in the kitchen dinner when she sensed Ulquiorra's presence standing behind her. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at the sight of the tall dark-haired Espada looking at her. "I sensed you behind me." She remarked with a smile. "My spirit powers couldn't have returned already, and yet... I felt your presence."

He watched the young woman as she adjusted the stove top to keep the water from boiling over. Orihime then stepped back as he set down a plate with diced green onions on it, alongside the other ingredients on the counter top. Ulquiorra looked at her and gave her a sly little smile.

She chuckled slightly, then fidgeted nervously for a moment. "Ulquiorra, there's something that I want to ask you about..." She began, giving him a pointed expression. "Um, earlier this evening, when we were... kissing." Orihime blushed as she continued. "Why, why did you stop so suddenly... Was there something wrong?" She asked him.

He became quiet for a moment. "No, nothing was wrong... My feelings for you haven't changed, they're just as strong as they always were." Ulquiorra began, giving her a small smile. "But since I've been with you, I've realized that relationships can't be rushed- I don't want to force you into anything."

The orange-haired girl shook her head fervently. "But Ulquiorra, you weren't forcing anything on me." Orihime exclaimed abruptly, only blushing after she's spoken. "I- I wanted it to happen too... I- I enjoyed what happened between us."

Ulquiorra gave her a surprisingly warm smile and nodded. "I know, but in the time that I've been with you, I've come to appreciate the value to allowing things to develop naturally." He explained in his usual calm, deep tone. "We have all the time in the world to get to know each other, so there's no need to rush things between us." The former Espada Swordsman added. "To be certain, this is not a rejection of either you or your feelings..." Ulquiorra offered her reassuringly.

His tone and expression became more serious. "I am no longer the individual that I was when we first encountered each other..." Ulquiorra continued in a low tone. "At that time, my very existence was nothing more than the embodiment of emptiness. In a word, I was Nihilism- the rejection or propose, meaning, and value." He explained to Orihime intently. "Since then, I've evolved beyond that limited concept... And I know this because I'm finally able to believe in something now."

Orihime was quite at first, not sure how to respond to his openness. "And what is... what is that you believe in now, Ulquiorra?" She asked him softly.

Ulquiorra reached up to run a hand through his dark hair. "Well... I would think that the answer to that should be obvious." He began in a cryptic tone as he met her gaze. "But to answer your question... It's you." He added in a matter-of-fact tone. "The one thing that I'm certain of... is that I believe in you."

(- End of Chapter 11 -)


Wow... This was a long chapter! I really enjoy working on this story, so I hope that you guys enjoyed reading this as much as I did making it. If you guys could leave me some reviews to let me know what you thought about this chapter, the feedback would be very appreciated. Your input throughout this has been both a big help and a source of inspiration for me.

Also, it was pointed out to me that the official spelling of Grimmjaw's name had changed at some point since I started writing this story. And while I've tried to be as accurate as possible, there have been points where I changed a few things for 'artistic' reasons. I tweaked Nell's last name because I simply liked the sound of "Obberschank" (it sounded powerful, and Germanic!). But at any rate, while I'm still accustomed to using 'Grimmjaw' because it's the version that I'm most familiar (and comfortable) with, I also realize that I need to move with the times... So, I'll likely be switching to the new spelling.

-Bojack727

1st Edit: Sept 18, 2011
2nd Edit: Nov 19, 2011