The same? Ulquiorra's mind having so lately declaimed all matter of guilt that he shouldn't feel toward the captive Shinigami found itself momentarily stunned by this new revelation. Of course he and Ichimaru weren't the same. How could his Lord place them alike?

"You are mistaken." The words vibrated in the air with a defiance, a refutation of any guilt on his part. To Ulquiorra's surprise however, Aizen took it all with slight smile and the shaking of a head. "Deceiving yourself when the truth is plain before your eyes. I must admit I am surprised with you, Ulquiorra. You above anyone else know the workings of the world. Have you not forced Kuchiki Rukia into sexual acts that can only be construed as rape?"

Under his command, whispered the part of him that wasn't wholly submissive. Yet his lips pressed tighter in a thin, charcoal line. "I have not."

Sadistic amusement glittered within the brown depths of his lord's eyes, "no, then. I suppose you haven't."

Some vague unease disturbed his calm perception. Ulquiorra could find no reason for it.

"Do you find your task pleasant to the extent of garnering pleasure from your-" Aizen proceeded delicately, "activities with Ms. Kuchiki?"

"I do not."

Silence reigned again.

This time a quiet sigh punctuated the air. "Do not lie to me, Ulquiorra. Do you lust for the feel of Kuchiki Rukia's flesh?"

Lust was a human thing, of craving for the satiation of physical desire. Hollows were beings without their hearts, scraped apart so that only the baser instincts of survival and hunger remained. He couldn't deny the sensations his body felt as being a manifestation of base desire. He wanted her. This much was true.

"Yes." The admittance was quiet. Ulquiorra wore the same expression of apathetic disinterest as he had previously regarded the world before Kuchiki Rukia's captivity. His perception indeed hadn't changed, rather...

His Lord smiled broadly. "Then, she will be yours..." the keen eyes watched him with growing amusement. "Only if her heart belongs to you."

(*~*)

The crack resounded throughout the room. Orihime's forehead had collided with the small table, orange hair became matted to her scalp. Loly stalked toward her, grinning maliciously. Is this my punishment? Blearily, Orihime's gray eyes fluttered open. The Arrancar stood over her, a ball of dark energy rolling between her hands.

Oh! Kuchiki-san! Would that our places have been exchanged from the beginning! She thought mournfully, the acrid taste of blood on her tongue.

"Say goodbye, bitch!" Loly cackled, releasing the Balas.

Rukia's face was the last thing Orihime saw in her mind.

(*~*)

The door opened. Rukia started from her reverie, her heart pounding in her eardrums. But it was only the Arrancar servants. Alike in their long-sleeved white dresses and somber faces. "Kuchiki Rukia," one intoned, hands clasped respectfully before her. "Do you require assistance walking?"

The nerve-! For a moment Rukia was irritated then realized they most likely hadn't been told. All the better. She would rather not be the object of their pity. Testing the shakiness of her limbs, Rukia climbed to her feet, wincing at the soreness in her backside. "I-I'm fine." She lied, standing as straight as she could. She was glad of the fact that Ulquiorra had dressed her somewhat; her hand crept up to keep the sides of the white robe closed.

Sensing as though they didn't believe her. Rukia repeated louder, "I'm fine." Her eyes narrowed on them, imperiously adding. "Are you taking me somewhere?"

The one that had spoken before, seemed to recollect something. "Yes, come with us. Lord Szayel-Aporro will be examining you."

(*~*)

"..come out, Gin." Aizen watched the screen showing various areas of the palace. "I know you heard everything."

The ever-grinning silver haired Shinigami released a silvery laugh. "Ah..sharp as ever, Aizen-sama. But whatever do you have in store for 'Kyorra-kun and Rukia-chan?" Like a curious child, the ex Taichou tilted his head to the side, hands clasped at the small of his back.

"Wouldn't you like to know, Gin." Aizen's face was bathed in the glow of the bluish glow of the monitor. "Yes, I would!" the other pouted at the deliberate tease. The Lord of Hueco Mundo simply smiled mysteriously, "I've many things in store for them which should prove to be quite amusing. I am most curious however, as to how soon little Rukia's weak heart will break. Once she learns of her most tragic loss..." Aizen glanced at the window depicting the Arrancar girls savage triumph. "I suppose she will have no one to turn to save for... Ulquiorra. Then when that happens...the real entertainment begins."

-To be continued-

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