I do not Bleach or any of its characters.

Beta: lilarin

I have decided to change the rating of this story to "M" just to be safe. I have always found the ratings on this site to be a slight bit confusing, so I felt it better to not risk crossing the line. It was never my intention to make sexual situations the main focus of this story, but it does play a role. What you will read here is about as lemony as it gets. So please let me know what you think.

Chapter Twenty-One

Orihime discovered that she was a restless sleeper, whereas Ulquiorra always seemed to stay in one place – well at least when he slept with her. She remembered the times when she had watched him sleep when she was still in her sprite form, and she found it rather amusing how he would toss and turn until he was wrapped securely within the cocoon of his sheets and blankets.

Yet this morning it was her body that held him securely in its grip. Her chest was pressed firmly against his side. Her left leg encircled his waist with her foot hooking his right tightly in place. Her left arm lay sprawled across his chest, her other hand was tangled in his hair. She could feel his steady, warm breath each time he exhaled brush gently through her hair; her head pressed in the space below his chin.

He was still asleep and she found herself unable to resist the lure of exploration, unencumbered by her usual timid fears. The fingers of her left hand began to trace a pattern on his side where they had lay still only moments before. His shirt was loose and she pushed it aside, her fingers now ghosting on his soft skin. Yet beneath she could feel the taunt muscles, and touching him in this way made her stomach tighten pleasantly as an unknown warmth began to build in her lower body.

Ulquiorra had explained that humans engaged in sexual intercourse not only for the purpose of creating a new life, but also because it brought them pleasure. Now that she had tasted him with their deepened kiss last night, she began to understand what he meant. Touching him felt good, and she didn't want to stop. In fact she desired more. And with him asleep, she had the perfect chance to do so without his knowledge. It was underhanded, she knew, but she couldn't help it. Besides it was only an innocent examination; a way for her to test her human body's reaction to him - nothing more.

So with that excuse firmly in place, and a smile on her lips, she continued to touch him. Yet the more she felt his heated flesh, the more she wanted to continue. She found the warmth in her lower body become increasingly uncomfortable, and without realizing it she began to move her hips in a sight rhythm against his side. Her breathing began to come harder, in soft pants and her hands grew even bolder.

Then she felt a shift in his body. Something twitched against her leg, and the jolt of electricity that went through her caused her to gasp. His arms that had lain loosely around her began to move, and his fingers dug into her now sensitive flesh.

He was awake!

Yet now that she had started this she couldn't stop, and it would seem that he had no intention of allowing her to even if she had wanted such a thing. His hands now held her firmly, even as he ran his long, slender digits up and down her arm. She wondered if he was feeling the same warmth in his body. Did it feel just as good for him to touch her as it had for her to touch him?

She was about to ask when he suddenly shifted and pushed her to her back. His body then covered hers and pressed her tightly against the mattress. He looked down at her and held her eyes, and she could tell even now he was warring with himself.

"Please Ulquiorra," she whispered and his eyes widened momentarily before he leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips.

This one was not as tender as the one the previous evening. It was more intense, hungry almost, and she wanted nothing more than to be consumed by him. He continued on and then breaking away began to trail kisses down her neck, stopping when he reached the sensitive juncture at her shoulder. His tongue once more darted out and he tasted her warm flesh.

His hands began to move up her body, pushing aside her shirt, his fingers dancing over her skin. And when he touched her chest she couldn't contain the sigh as she called out his name once more.

He pressed his body even closer to her own; his hips settling against her, and the warmth began to overwhelm her. She could feel the perspiration break out across her skin and she wanted to strip her clothes off, at least to provide some relief from the heat he was creating.

He rocked against her and she gasped again. This was definitely pleasurable, and even if they could not create a new soul together, she still desired to bond her body to his. Yet as he pushed her top further up and prepared to remove it, the phone in the hallway rang loudly.

He stilled and then cursed softly. Pulling back he stared into her eyes for a moment, and in them she saw regret creep in.

"Ulquiorra?" she said softly as she pressed her hand against his cheek.

He closed his eyes and then letting out another curse, rose from the bed and silently left her. She lay there panting, her body on fire. Yet she knew that as much as she wanted this closeness with him, he would continue to fight it. It was not because he didn't also desire such contact; instead he was just too noble to pursue it. Or maybe it was something else entirely.

He had said they should forget about the spring and enjoy their time together, yet she knew that deep down in his heart it scared him to open up completely to her because in the end she would leave. He was protecting himself, but she also believed that he was trying to protect her as well.

While this touched her heart, it also saddened her. She wanted every part of him that she could get. And then, when they had parted in the spring, she would at least have those memories to cherish for the rest of her life.

Ulquiorra trudged angrily to the phone. Damn the disruption, damn the fact that he could never leave a ringing phone alone, and damn the fact that if he hadn't been interrupted he would have taken Orihime without hesitation.

Waking up to her gentle touch had set off a fire in his gut and he reacted without his usual censure. She just felt so good, and he was tired of fighting his desire for her. Yet he knew now, as he put distance between them, that it was wrong to tie her to him in such a way. It would only taint her innocence and in the spring make it harder for her to go. And as much as he wished for her to stay, he could not bring himself to ask something so selfish of her. She was an immortal creature. To remain in his world, as a human, would only be a death sentence, and he was not about to lose someone else as he had lost his sister. Keeping her away was the only way to ensure she would never die, and that was more important than his basic needs and desires.

Reaching out he grabbed the phone and said coolly, "Ulquiorra Schiffer."

"Well it's about time," Grimmjow's voice boomed from the other end. "I figured it being 9:00 it was safe to call, but when you took so long to answer I began to wonder."

"I have other things to do than wait by the phone for you to call," his voice was short.

"True," his friend laughed, "After all Reiko's not around. You have all the freedom in the world to enjoy yourself…"

"Mind in the gutter as usual," he remarked.

"Really? I was just implying that you could take your time leisurely enjoying your morning coffee or maybe reading the Sunday paper…"

"Nice try."

"Well this is you we are talking about," Grimmjow teased. "Enjoying the pleasure of a sexy woman in the morning would be out of the question."

"Did you simply call to insult me, or is there a reason for this intrusion into my morning," he grew impatient.

"Actually Nelliel forgot a few things for this afternoon, so get out a paper and pencil and take this down," Grimmjow stated assuming Ulquiorra would bend to his wishes without question.

"Did you think to maybe text me the list instead," he pinched the bridge of his nose as his frustration mounted.

"Well I guess I could have done that," Grimmjow began, "But then it wouldn't be as fun aggravating you in person."

"You are a jackass," Ulquiorra replied.

This only caused Grimmjow to laugh harder.

"I wonder…maybe I did interrupt something…"

"Shut up and give me the list," he said as he took out the notebook he kept on the table by the phone.

When they had finished, he hung up and turned to head back to Orihime, but she surprised him by standing in the doorway to her room.

"Who was that?" she asked shyly.

"Grimmjow had a shopping list for me," he tried to keep the irritation at his friend's jeers from his voice.

"Oh," she looked down and began to fiddle with the string to her pajama pants. Looking back up she said, "I guess we should get washed up so we can go."

Yes, he thought, a shower would be good – a nice long, cold shower. Though Grimmjow's call had effectively calmed his body, his desire was still wreaking havoc in his mind. It was best to take care of it before he pursued her again.

"Actually," she interrupted his thoughts, "I was thinking that a warm soak in the tub would be nice. Maybe you'd like to join me."

Holy Crap!

His body responded immediately to the image and he shifted to hide his growing reaction.

"I think it would be best that I shower," he said as calmly as he could, "But you go ahead and use the tub. I'll wash up in the other bathroom, and then make us some breakfast."

She smiled and he noticed a faint blush dust her cheeks. Her suggestion must have been innocent. There was no way she was openly inviting him to take up where they left off. It had to be his dirty mind, and Grimmjow's lewd insinuations.

Orihime stood next to Nelliel at the center island in her friend's kitchen. The other woman was demonstrating how to use the hand cranked machine that would peel, core and slice the apples for the pies they would be making. She tried to pay attention, but her mind kept drifting back to Ulquiorra.

The drive over had been quiet. He seemed lost in his own thoughts and she didn't feel it would be right to interrupt. She knew he wasn't mad at her, but she still wondered what exactly he did feel. She knew he enjoyed her company, and he obviously enjoyed touching her, but he continued to fight it.

Frustrated she let out a sigh. Nelliel looked up from her task and asked, "Everything okay?"

She smiled, as her face heated up, and nodded.

"So," Nelliel grew quieter, almost conspiratorially. Reiko was with Ulquiorra and Grimmjow helping sort the lights and she believed that maybe that was intentional on Nelliel's part. Now she would find out. "Ulquiorra seemed to like the dress."

Once more she nodded.

"It was obvious he thought you looked sexy," the other woman peered closely.

Orihime blushed and Nelliel laughed heartily.

"Did he say anything?" she looked even harder at Orihime. "Or maybe express his appreciation in a more tangible way?"

Orihime shrieked and then replied in a rush, "He…well I…I mean we had a lovely night. And the concert was wonderful. And then after when we were walking he kissed me…and it was amazing. But then we bumped into this man with Gin…and Ulquiorra became upset…"

"Whoa wait," Nelliel stopped her. "The kiss I want to hear more about, but first tell me about this man. Why did Ulquiorra get upset?"

She looked down, unsure if she should tell Nelliel. Yet if the woman was Ulquiorra and Hisae's friend she deserved to know. Glancing back up she whispered, "Professor Aizen."

"Holy Shit!" Nelliel exclaimed as she dropped the apple that was in her hand. Bending down she picked it up and placed it on the counter. Looking at Orihime she said, "He's supposed to be in Europe."

"Not anymore," she replied and stepped closer as to keep her voice low. "He said he had an endowment and would be back indefinitely."

"Crap, crap, crap, crap," Nelliel repeated as she gripped the counter, her knuckles growing white.

"Ulquiorra was very displeased," she added not knowing what to say.

"Hell yeah," Nelliel cursed again, and Orihime knew she must be upset as well because normally she was more censored with her speech. "Did he tell you why?"

She nodded again.

"Damn it to hell. That fucking piece of shit. Why couldn't he stay gone?"

"I do not believe he desires to get involved with Reiko," Orihime tried to soften the blow.

"Of course not. That fucker knows that he would lose his position and damage his reputation if he admitted to sleeping with Hisae," Nelliel fumed.

"Why is that?" Orihime grew curious. She hadn't realized that sexual intercourse could be seen as wrong in certain situations.

"Because she was his student," Nelliel began. "She may have been a TA, but she was still a student, and the University would frown on such contact between teacher and student."

"Then why did he do it?" Orihime was confused. "Ulquiorra said that his reputation was more important to him than anything else."

Nelliel wiped her hands on a dish towel and turned to face Orihime completely. "Because he thought he could get away with it. The bastard manipulated Hisae, made her believe it was she pursuing him, acted like he was just a helpless victim to her charms, when all along he was trying to get in her pants."

"Oh my," Orihime whispered.

"But Hisae wasn't like that," Nelliel's voice cracked as her emotions got the best of her. "All our lives she was the level headed one. Even as we got older and guys were always pursuing her, she just brushed them aside. She knew they were full of shit. Boys in high school," Nelliel leaned in closer, "They only want one thing. Well College guys too, but they start to mellow somewhat. Anyways, Hisae could see past their praise. She knew she was attractive, but she never flaunted it, and she was far from conceited, merely practical, like Ulquiorra in that regard. And she knew not to believe their flattery as anything else but a means to an end."

She paused and took a breath.

"Then why did she fall for Professor Aizen?" Orihime asked.

"Hell if I know," she said with exasperation. "I mean he is a very attractive man, and lots of girls took his courses just so that they could sit and stare at him while he lectured. But Hisae wasn't like that. She always wanted more, and so he gave her that. He pursued her at an intellectual level. Flattered her, made her feel appreciated for more than her body."

"I see," Orihime returned Nelliel's stare.

"I can still remember when she confessed to me that she had fallen for him," Nelliel's voice grew bitter. "She was embarrassed, yet at the same time she was happier than I had ever seen her before. Still I tried to warn her off from getting involved with him. It was a doomed relationship, but you can't reason with a person in love, and he was the first and only man she ever did care for in that way." Nelliel looked down and Orihime noticed the tear that slipped down her cheek. Wiping it away she said hoarsely, "She loved him completely, and he accepted her, knowing how deeply she felt. He didn't care about the repercussions for her. He just knew that when it ended she would never tell a soul, because she wouldn't want to risk his reputation."

"But they had a child," Orihime whispered.

Nelliel looked up with a new determination on her face. "Hisae was so happy when she found out, scared but happy. And then she told Aizen," her face grew red with fury, "And that fucker told her to get an abortion."

"An abortion?" Orihime asked.

Nelliel's hand went to her own swollen stomach protectively. "An abortion is a medical procedure that terminates the pregnancy. Aizen wanted Hisae to get rid of the baby."

"But why?" Orihime was shocked that such a thing existed, "The ability to create life is an incredible gift. Why would he demand such a thing?"

"Because he's a selfish bastard," Nelliel spat. "A child would have been an inconvenience, and very hard to explain. Rather than do the honorable thing by Hisae, he abandoned her, and Reiko."

"She was better off without him," Orihime said honestly.

"You won't get any argument from me on that," Nelliel's voice lowered. "But Hisae was devastated. She believed he loved her, and she believed he would be glad eventually for Reiko." She bowed her head and continued to rub her stomach, "She never got over him, and I will never forgive him for doing that to her."

"I'm so sorry," Orihime reached out and touched Nelliel's shoulder.

Her friend looked up and replied, "He can't have Reiko, not that he would even try."

"No he can't," Orihime said with confidence. "And Ulquiorra knows that." She squeezed Nelliel's shoulder. "He just needed to remember that on his own."

Nelliel looked up and her eyes were wide and questioning. Orihime then proceeded to tell her exactly what happened the previous evening, and how Ulquiorra had calmed himself from the panic that was rising within him. When she was finished Nelliel stepped forward and hugged her.

"Thank you Orihime," she said with relief.

"What for?"

"For being there for him," Nelliel smiled as she released her. "I doubt he fought that attack on his own."

She blushed, "I just want him to be happy."

"Speaking of happy," Nelliel picked up the apple once more, "I want to hear more about that kiss."

They sat around the kitchen table drinking coffee and enjoying one of the fresh apple pies that Nelliel and Orihime had baked earlier in the day. The conversation had turned to Thanksgiving and Ulquiorra's parents' visit. He had tried to put it from his mind, but he supposed he couldn't avoid the topic any longer.

"So," Grimmjow asked as he lowered his coffee mug, "Any idea how you are going to explain Orihime to your parents?"

"What do you mean?" Orihime looked from Grimmjow to Nelliel and finally to him.

"Well it's not like he can just tell them that you're a sprite on loan until the spring," Grimmjow replied.

"Why not?" Reiko asked from beside Orihime.

"Because they will think your papa is crazy," Grimmjow smiled.

"But Dr. Ukitake didn't think Papa was crazy," Reiko stated.

"You discussed this with Dr. Ukitake?" Nelliel grew concerned.

"Well yes and no," Ulquiorra began. "He was more concerned with the living arrangements."

"Yes, well that will be a hard sell to dear old mom and dad," Grimmjow said as he cut another slice of pie.

"Couldn't he just say that Orihime is his girlfriend?" Reiko piped up.

Grimmjow choked on the pie he had just stuffed into his mouth. Nelliel pounded on his back, while Orihime turned bright red and began to wave her hands frantically.

"You can't say that," Orihime looked to Reiko.

"But you two act like boyfriend and girlfriend," his daughter stated.

"Really?" Nelliel rested her hands on Grimmjow's back and stared at Ulquiorra.

"Reiko, Orihime and I…," he said and then paused. What were they exactly? He looked to Orihime and she smiled back nervously. "It actually is a plausible explanation," he finished.

"She's living with you," Grimmjow blurted now that he had cleared his throat. "It's the only explanation that makes sense."

"True," Nelliel added.

"See papa," Reiko beamed. "Everyone agrees."

"Everyone except Orihime," he still held her gaze.

She smiled and replied timidly, "I don't mind."

He exhaled a breath he had not realized he had been holding in anticipation of her answer, and then reached for her hand. "Then I guess it's official."

"Now the fun really begins," Grimmjow grinned. "Your mother is gonna shit when she finds out that you're living together."

"Why is that Uncle Grimmjow?" Reiko asked.

Nelliel slapped her husband upside the head and then turned to her goddaughter. "Reiko how about you get that DVD we bought you last night and your uncle can put it on in the other room while the adults talk."

"But why will grandma be upset? Don't you think she'll like Orihime?" the girl sounded worried.

"Your Uncle has a big mouth," Ulquiorra said as he glared at Grimmjow, "And a rather foul one at that."

Grimmjow stood and looked at Reiko, "You know better than to imitate me, don't ya kid."

She giggled and then stood as well. "Aunt Nel should wash your mouth out with soap."

Nelliel laughed and said, "Not a bad idea. One potty mouth is enough, and when the baby comes you will need to learn to clean up your act."

"I still have time," Grimmjow grabbed the DVD, "The kid won't talk for almost a year anyways."

"Yes but I would like its first word not to be the f-bomb," Nelliel grew serious.

"Yeah, yeah I get it," he said as he left for the other room.

Once he and Reiko had left Ulquiorra asked Nelliel, "I take it the movie is appropriate."

"My Neighbor Totoro," she beamed.

"Anime," he said with slight disgust.

"Oh come on Miyazaki is a master," she pouted. "And as an artist you should be able to appreciate his work. Besides," she winked, "It's a part of your heritage. Reiko should learn about Japan however she can."

"Through anime," he was serious.

"The story may be fantasy, but the depiction of everyday life is accurate. So stop fussing." She then turned to Orihime, "Ulquiorra's mother is Japanese. His father met her while on a diplomatic assignment when he worked in the state department."

"Japanese," she asked.

"Japan is a country in the Pacific," Ulquiorra stated. "They have different customs, speak another language, and even believe in different mystical creatures."

"Different mythical creatures?" she asked.

"Like tennyo," he replied.

"Tennyo are fairies as well," she smiled, "And very beautiful creatures."

"Have you met any?" Nelliel leaned forward completely captivated.

"You won't find them around here," she said, "But I have heard stories from our queen."

"Oh please share some with us," Nelliel pleaded.

Orihime looked to him and he nodded, actually curious himself. She then told them stories of some of the creatures from her world. He remembered her fears of some of the more terrifying beings, but today she stuck to the more playful ones such as herself. After a while Grimmjow reappeared and sat down.

"I leave for five minutes and you guys are talking weird crap," he reached for his abandoned pie.

Orihime was just telling us about some fairy creatures," Nelliel replied. "Some of the ones from Totoro actually exist."

"Yeah like the cat bus," he grew sarcastic.

"No," Nelliel answered sternly, "But yokai exist. Don't they Orihime?"

She nodded and Grimmjow huffed, "You know Ulquiorra you should nip this anime shit in the bud now, or Reiko's gonna turn into one of those freaks, and before you know it you'll be dragged to conventions and forced to cosplay." He then sat back, "Oh wait you're into that freaky cartoon shit as well."

"The Dark Knight is not anime. There is a difference."

"Still a bunch of nerdy freaks dressing up outside of Halloween," he said.

"You've dressed up on occasion," Nelliel teased suggestively.

"Kinky games in the bedroom don't count…"

"Oh for the love of God," Ulquiorra grew exasperated.

"You started it."

"How did I start it?"

"By dating a sprite," Grimmjow shot back.

"You are an idiot," he said as he stood to clear the dishes.

"Well at least Orihime is cute," Grimmjow shot her a smile before focusing back on Ulquiorra. "Your father won't be such a hard sell. But your mother…"

"You don't think Ulquiorra's mother will like me?" Orihime sounded worried.

Nelliel reached over and grasped her hand. "Ulquiorra's mom is just protective of him…"

"Overprotective."

"Shut up Grimmjow," Nelliel turned and glared at her husband. Looking back to Orihime her voice grew gentle again, "She comes from a more traditional culture. American ways are still hard for her to accept."

"And you're living with her little boy," Grimmjow laughed.

"Is that bad?" she asked Nelliel. She then turned to Ulquiorra, "Will she be upset with you?"

"I am a grown man," he replied. "She will have to accept how I live my life."

"But I don't want to cause trouble."

"Crap, you're a woman, a normal woman by most appearances…"

"Grimmjow!" Nelliel chastised her husband.

"Just saying," he continued. "Ulquiorra's been celibate for years. She's gonna be relieved he's not dating a guy…"

"That's enough Jaegerjaquez!" Ulquiorra raised his voice. "Your humor is not appreciated. And if you pull this on Thanksgiving I will kick you out."

"I promise to behave," the other man laughed. "After all I wouldn't want to miss all the fun when your parents arrive."

Ulquiorra glared at him. Thanksgiving would be hard enough without all this drama. Now he dreaded the event even more. Explaining Orihime to his parents would be difficult, and even though he no longer lived by their rules, they still had a way of making him feel like a child.

Sighing he turned and headed for the sink. He would just keep busy until Wednesday when they arrived. Then he would deal with whatever life sent his way.

Author's Notes:

This chapter came to me Monday when I should have been doing a million other things! But I did want to get it out before I left the technological world behind for the weekend. Still hoping to get Thanksgiving written in time for the holiday.

So now you have a little more insight into Hisae's story. Women are always ready to spill it all when they get together to chat. And I couldn't resist the play on anime at the end. Somehow I could see Nel and Orihime being totally into it where as Grimmjow and Ulquiorra would not get it at all.

Thanks to all who reviewed. I appreciate your input and love to hear what you think about the story.