AN: Gosh I have the rest of the story planned out chapter by chapter but actually writing them is proving to be very difficult! Please review! :)

Chapter 13

It was finally Monday, the day that Karakura teenagers in Ms. Ochi's class had been dreading. It was the day they were supposed to give their presentations, the ones that they had been working on- or at least were supposed to be working on- for the past week. What made these teens more nervous than usual was that their partners were people that they had never really talked to before and knew nothing about. For some, such as Rukia and Nelliel, this was easy and their personalities meshed perfectly together. For some others that were not as lucky, such as Ichigo and Nnoitra, this had been the worst time of their lives. And for others, such as Orihime and Ulquiorra, it had been a rocky week in which their feelings towards each other were bipolar.

As Orihime threw her school uniform on, she hurriedly brushed her teeth and grabbed her bag. Luckily, Ulquiorra insisted he would carry all of their supplies for the project to school so that she could walk to the high school with ease. Knowing that Tatsuki was waiting for her, the girl quickly grabbed a banana and slipped her shoes on, rushing out the door with a bright smile on her face.

Orihime and Ulquiorra hadn't seen each other since they made their relationship official. Seeing as how he didn't have a phone, there was no way to contact him, much to her disappointment. As the girl walked with Tatsuki, she listened to her story about the shenanigans that happened in karate club. It seemed like there was something new every day. Chomping on the banana with delight, Orihime was glad that she was able to spend the day with Tatsuki the day before, which healed their friendship. She then giggled, causing her to almost choke on her banana, as she recalled when she told Tatsuki that she was officially dating Ulquiorra, the grumpiest student of Karakura High School.

FLASHBACK

The two girls sat on Orihime's couch watching TV as they ate their special cartons of ice cream which they saved for special occasions. Tatsuki's was always mint chocolate-chip as Orihime's changed every time considering she could never commit to just one flavor. That day, she munched on sherbet ice cream, enjoying the rainbow colors. Once the two finished the cartons, Orihime finishing first after practically inhaling it and Tatsuki taking her time to savor the flavor, Tatsuki took their empty cartons and placed them on Orihime's nightstand. Sitting back on the bed beside her closest friend, she decided to finally ask what she's been dying to ask.

"So are you are Schiffer dating now or what?" the spunky teen asked, though she had a feeling she knew the answer to her question.

The orange haired girl's eyes widened as a blush erupted over her face. "H-How did you know!?"

"Because you are my best friend! I can read you like an open book! I just wanted to be one hundred percent sure before I assumed. So… how's kissing him?" she then asked with a visible smirk on her face, nudging the shy girl playfully on the arm.

Orihime squealed and covered her burning face with her hands. "I-It's very nice… and soft."

"That was your first kiss right?"

"Well… we've kissed many times now."

"But he was your first?" Tatsuki asked, receiving a nod in response. "Wow, Orihime! Good job! Though I never expected it to be with somebody like Schiffer. I wasn't expecting it to be with Ichigo either. I don't know I guess I just figured some new guy would come to school and sweep you off of your feet. Not a downer like Schiffer and not a dumbass like Ichigo."

"Ulquiorra isn't that much of a downer! OK he kind of is. But not always! Once you get to know him you'll see that he's just like us! Just more quiet. You know, he even tells jokes sometimes! It's rare but it happens!"

"What!? No way!"

"It's true! He's also very sarcastic, like you!"

The karate lover crossed her arms and grunted. "That guy is nothing like me."

"But he is! You'll see! When you guys become friends!"

"I don't see that happening anytime soon, Orihime. Anyways, how was meeting his parents? Are they strict and quiet like Schiffer?"

"Not at all! His stepmom Kyoko-san is kinda like me! She likes weird food and she's bubbly! I guess his dad is kinda like him but he's a different kind of quiet, you know what I mean?" Seeing as how Tatsuki shook her head no, Orihime decided to elaborate. "Well, Ulquiorra is quiet because he doesn't really like anyone. His dad Takeshi-san is quiet because he's an awkward guy! It's like he doesn't know what to say, so he doesn't say anything! But when he started talking he was really sweet and funny! I just hope I didn't offend him when we first met…"

"What do you mean?"

"Well… He kinda reminded me of someone and I couldn't help but take it out on him…"

"You gotta give me a little bit more detail, Orihime."

"He looks a lot like my dad…"

Tatsuki's dark eyes widened as she stared at her best friend. Knowing most of what happened between her and her parents, she figured what happened next wasn't too good. "What did you do?"

"I was just so scared. I couldn't help it! My body started shaking and I even backed away from him!"

Tatsuki placed a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. "You said everything was fine in the end right? I'm sure that he knew you weren't trying to offend him. It sounds to me like after that you guys all had a good time!"

Orihime smiled at her best friend and was glad that she had somebody to talk to about this. While many of her friends knew that her parents were abusive towards her and Sora, only Tatsuki knew the extent of the abuse. Feeling much better, the girl laid her head on her best friend's shoulder as the two started to watch their favorite movie: From Prada to Nada. Eventually, the two passed out peacefully.

END OF FLASHBACK

Once Mrs. Ochi entered the classroom, presentations immediately began, starting with Uryu and Halibel. Their presentation was lengthy as it covered the basics of what stem cell research was. They then explained that there is a huge debate about whether or not the practice should be allowed. Unsurprisingly, they agreed that it should be allowed, saying that sacrifice is necessary for evolution. They received both boos and cheers from the classmates, some were uncaring either way. Once they were finished, the two geniuses were surprised to receive a bonus question from Ms. Ochi.

"One question to finish your presentation, oh and all of you will be receiving a surprise question," she started, "what is your favorite thing about each other?"

Uryu glanced towards Ichigo while Halibel glanced at Nnoitra. Both replied at the same time saying, "They aren't stupid." The two then ignored the glares they got from Ichigo and Nnoitra and walked to their seat, ready to watch the next presentation.

A few partners went and it was finally Rukia and Nelliel's turn. Their project was about women inequality in the workplace. The two girls quickly received some boos from some of the misogynist boys, particularly Nnoitra, in their class and Nelliel had to hold Rukia back from tackling them. Thoroughly explaining the injustices that women have to deal with at work, the two ended it by holding a poster that read, "GIVE US EQUAL PAY OR ELSE WE'LL WRECK YOUR DAY!"

Ms. Ochi applauded energetically. "Great job, ladies! Now, for your guys' question: was working together difficult in any way?"

The two teenage girls looked at each other and smiled. "Nope!" they answered, taking their seats.

Next up in Orihime's group of friends was Sado and Szayel. The pink haired teen went on about how scientists should use prisoners of war to conduct dangerous experiments, disturbing most of the people in the room. Sado simply stood like a statue, not commenting once until the end when he announced he didn't agree with any of what his partner was saying, receiving an irritated glance from Szayel.

"Good job boys… or should I say Szayel… For your question: what is one thing you learned about each other?"

Szayel uninterestedly stated, "This boy has a weird, green stuffed animal in his room that resembles a person."

Sado quietly answered, "Szayel hates his brother." With that, the two went to their seats, ready for the next presentation.

Orihime fidgeted in her seat with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. The girl wanted nothing more than to get it over with as quick as possible. "I hope Ulquiorra and I are next," she thought, glancing behind her to look at her partner. Ulquiorra stared back at her, his eyes making it clear that he wanted nothing more than to leave. "I really hope we don't go last." Much to Orihime's disappointment, they weren't the next pair to go or even the one after that. Instead, next out of her friends was Ichigo and Nnoitra. "I hope Kurosaki-kun can maintain his temper."

Ichigo began the presentation stating that their project was about illegal immigrants coming to Japan and how they should be handled. First, he listed off statistics about how many travel to Japan, how many are able to stay and gain citizenship, and how the others are punished. The carrot-topped teen stated his belief that they should be more forgiving with the punishments and allow more foreign-born people into Japan.

"That's because you are too soft," Nnoitra bluntly stated. "They should just stay in their damn countries."

Ichigo scoffed at his lengthy partner. "But they are being killed there and are seeking refuge with us!"

"I don't care! That's not my problem! They're gonna start taking our damn jobs and shit-" Nnoitra exclaimed before being hit by a flying piece of chalk.

Ms. Ochi, the one that threw the chalk, interrupted and said, "Gilga-kun, please refrain from using such foul language in school. Also, please keep your racism and xenophobia in check. For your guys' question, tell me the best thing that happened between you two this week."

Nnoitra burst into laughter and answered, "I got to see this kid have his chair glued to his ass and watch him stick his hands into gum!"

Ichigo then shot back, "Yeah, and I got to beat this guy's ass along with Grimmjow's because of it!"

A few more presentations passed by quickly, the only ones left in Orihime's group of friends being her and Tatsuki. There weren't many students left that needed to present and the orange haired girl just knew she and Ulquiorra were going to present last. Thus, she just hoped for Tatsuki's presentation with Grimmjow would go smoothly!

Soon enough, it was their turn to present, thus Tatsuki began to explain in great detail the best ways to keep your body in shape and how to properly train your body. To Orihime's surprise, along with the rest of the class', Grimmjow was also getting into the presentation. It seemed both of the teens were into fitness and health. The blue-haired teen then planted his feet firmly into the floor and held his palms out in front of him, making sure to keep it slightly bent. Tatsuki then began to demonstrate proper punching techniques by slamming her fists into the Grimmjows palms. The boy didn't flinch and took every punch seemingly easily. Next was his turn. After Tatsuki bent her arms upwards to the side of her head, Grimmjow demonstrated how to properly kick somebody in the face, laughing maniacally as he kicked.

"…Interesting topic you guys," Ms. Ochi said, wondering if she should call the nurse or not. "Now, what is one thing you guys like about each other?"

Grimmjow patted Tatsuki's head and received a swift blow to the gut. "This girl's spunky! I like fierce girls!" Tatsuki's eyes widened hearing this and for once she actually blushed. Orihime saw this and knew they would definitely be having another ice cream night soon. "She's also getting me into the karate club!"

Tatsuki scoffed in an attempt to hide the blush that was still spreading across her face. "I guess this guy can be funny. Only sometimes though!"

As Orihime predicted, their presentation was saved for last, probably because Ms. Ochi wanted to start on a good note with Uryu and Halibel's presentation and end on a good note with theirs. Many other students in the class were ill prepared or not prepared at all. As the two walked towards the front, Orihime looked at Ulquiorra and could feel her tension disappearing. She only hoped she wouldn't mess up.

"Umm…" the girl started out. It was clear she was going to have to do most of the talking seeing as how Ulquiorra hated unnecessary talking. "Ulquiorra and I did our project on how the human body reacts to different feelings."

The gray-eyed girl thoroughly explained the chemicals that are released with each feeling while Ulquiorra pointed at it on the poster with one hand while the other was in his pocket. She then explained what the bodies do when one is sad and happy.

"When you are in love," Orihime started, looking towards Ulquiorra and smiling, "your body reacts in a ton of different ways! One of these ways is by gaining warmth throughout your body, which causes you to blush! Your heart beat also gets faster too! Oh, I forgot to explain how we fall in love! Scientists argue that it's because of all of these different hormones and chemicals going throughout our bodies, but I don't think that it's something simple like that! I think we fall in love simply because we have hearts. At first, Ulquiorra and I disagreed on this, but now I think that if I ask him his thoughts on this again, he would say that something as basic as science can't explain why we feel the way we do."

Ms. Ochi nodded and said, "Well, Schiffer-kun? What do you think now?"

Ulquiorra sighed and faced Orihime, satisfied that she still blushed whenever he looked at her. He took in all of her features, each and every single one of them being something he loved about her. Finally, he answered, "Orihime is right. I now realize that feelings are from the heart and cannot be explained using science and reasoning."

The teacher then clapped and said, "Alright, well that's it for project week! Most of you did well, so good job! Oh wait! I forgot to ask you guys your question! Alright… hmm… I'm running out of ideas on what to ask… Oh, I got one! Alright, for our guys' question: what is your relationship now?"

"R-Relationship?" Orihime asked, covering her pink cheeks with her hands. "W-Well… We uhh… Ulquiorra and I are kind of-"

"Orihime and I are in a serious relationship," Ulquiorra bluntly answered, ignoring all of the shocked gasps and laughs he heard throughout the class. Instead, his emerald eyes stayed locked on Orihime, amused at her reaction. The girl was blushing ferociously and was burying her head in her hands. She then lightly punched him in the arm for being so blunt about it.

Ms. Ochi stood stunned, seemingly unable to process what he had just said. "Oh wait, are you serious, Schiffer-kun? You and Inoue-san are…? I-I see! Though I expected you guys to just say you are friends… I guess this is good too… G-Good job!"

With their presentation being over, the two began their walks to their desks. Ulquiorra felt triumphant on the inside and was quite pleased with everybody's reactions. Most were simply shocked that Orihime would go out with someone like him while most of the boys were shooting daggers at him with their eyes.

Orihime's walk on the other hand wasn't as pleasant. Though she was glad that her relationship with Ulquiorra was official and everybody knew it, she just wished it wasn't in front of the class like that. "I'm definitely going to have to punish him later!" The girl could feel all eyes on her as she drooped into her chair, feeling like she was melting. She then buried her head into her arms on her desk until she felt something lightly hit her head. Looking up, the girl saw a small, crumbled up piece of paper on her desk. Glancing around the room, Orihime found Rukia looking at her and nodding, telling her to open it. Orihime did as she was silently told and opened it. It was a note that read, "We are all coming over later bring Schiffer. Cifer? However you spell it, whatever, just bring him!" There was also a poorly drawn bunny in the bottom right-hand corner, Rukia's trademark symbol.

"I'm never gonna hear the end of this one, am I?"

AN: Time to explain why each project was what it was! With Uryu and Halibel, I wanted to do something that involved sacrifices because that's Halibel's thing! With Rukia and Nel, I wanted women equality because that was something Nel had to deal with in HM in the anime. With Ichigo and Nnoitra, I thought of immigration because Ichigo had problems getting into SS at first because it wasn't allowed. With Tatsuki and Grimmjow, I wanted them to bond on something they both like, which I said was exercising. Lastly with Orihime and Ulquiorra, obviously it is because he didn't understand the heart. I wanted things from the actual story to play a part in their presentations! :)