"So nice of you to pay me a visit, Orihime-chan."
Aizen Sousuke's voice always reminded Orihime of venomous flower. It was smooth and luscious; even kind, almost. Even so, if you were pricked by one of its thorns, you'd have the strongest of poisons flowing through your bloodstream. The only escape of his venom would be death itself.
"It is all my pleasure, Aizen-sama," the fiery haired girl answered softly as she forced a small smile upon her face.
Orihime wished for nothing more than to be back in the sanctity of her prison cell; a thought she would have never imagined to cross her mind. But after all the events that had happened that day, who was to blame her? She just wanted to be alone to gather her thoughts. Nevertheless, when Aizen summoned her, she had no choice but to follow his orders. Denying him would be unsuccessful and if she did happen to succeed, death would be inevitable.
"I look forward to your visits, Orihime-chan. Did you know that?" the king of Espada called out quietly as he relaxed comfortably on his throne-like chair. As usual, he had his chin propped up in his hand as his eyes focused upon the girl. A devilishly handsome grin played upon his features as his eyes never left her form.
"How are you taking to Las Noches? Are my servants regarding you with kindness? Did you enjoy the feast I had them prepare for you?" So many questions flooded Aizen's mind. He knew for a fact the girl was miserable in every way possible. In spite of this, he was eager to hear her response.
"Las Noches is very beautiful," Orihime replied quietly as she looked up to him apprehensively. That part was true—Las Noches was indeed a lovely place. It was indeed lonely and dreary, yet, nonetheless beautiful. "The meal was the best feast I've ever had and I have been treated kindly. Thank you so much for your compassion, Aizen-sama." Please wait
Aizen nodded once before his eyes narrowed ever so lightly, "And what about Ulquiorra? Has he been treating you benevolently?" He wasted no time in cutting to the chase. He could see that his question had caught her completely off guard by the slight jerk of her head and the edgy look in her eyes.
Orihime couldn't help but glance over her shoulder, wondering if Ulquiorra was still standing there. Fortunately, the Espada was nowhere in sight. He often disappeared once he dropped Orihime off at Aizen's quarters, not wanting to be rude to his master and eavesdrop. Ulquiorra's personal meetings with the man usually took place after Orihime's, basically for him to give Aizen any information Orihime had strategically left out.
The girl turned back to face her master, a nervous smile playing upon her lips, "Ulquiorra-sama has been treating me nicely. He feeds me three times a day and even walks me to the showers."
"And?" the sovereign's voice rung out coldly in the air, obviously not amused by her answer. "What else, Orihime-chan?"
What else did he want her to say? Was he actually aware of their earlier incident? Maybe he had spies all over Las Noches to keep an eye on them?
Orihime was at a loss of words. She had to ponder for a moment before she realized that honesty would have been the best policy in this situation.
"He has protected me from the likes of Jiruga-san and Grimmjow-san. He has offered me his coat when I felt like I was suffering from hypothermia. He has even made sure that I encountered no harm from any other Arrancar while in the showers," Orihime responded in an undertone. Perhaps this would satisfy Aizen's curiosity.
"And?" Aizen asked once more as he stood up from his throne. He approached the girl with slow and graceful movements, his malicious smile dwindling away. "I believe there is something you're not telling me, my dearest princess."
Orihime shuddered lightly as the man hovered over her, only inches away from her body. Orihime was stunned, needless to say. What else did he want to know? "I…I'm not sure what you mean, Aizen-sama."
The king of Hueco Mundo gazed down at her skeptically as he quirked a brow elegantly, "You mean to tell me that you are unaware of the fact that the Espada and you are friends?"
Orihime stared up at him in confusion, her eyes widening slightly at his words, "My…friend?"
Aizen chuckled darkly before reaching up his hand and stroked long orange strands of her tenderly, "Who wouldn't want to be friends with someone as beautiful as you?"
Orihime knew better than to take his words to heart. She simply looked away from him, trying to avert his gaze. "Ulquiorra-sama is simply my caretaker—nothing more. I will obey his every order in order to please you, Aizen-sama."
"I see," Aizen said, a glimmer forming in his eye. So the girl was in denial. Perfect. Pieces of his plan were falling gently into place. If everything continued to work out as diligently as they were, his entire plan would be flawless. In the meantime, he would just have sit back and watch as everything played out.
"Orihime-chan, do something for me," Aizen commanded, his infamous smirk returning back to his features, "Be a friend to Ulquiorra. Would you do that for me? I fear that my loyal servant will end up turning on me since he is incapable of feeling any emotion. You see, he's such a strong Espada and it would be a horrible loss."
The redhead blinked up at the man before her, a look of incomprehension crossing over her features. "You want…me to become friends with Ulquiorra-sama?"
Aizen could see the hesitation in her eyes, his smirk widening. "You're just so likable, Orihime-chan. You really are the princess of Las Noches. Even Ulquiorra Schiffer will be affected by your warm and caring heart."
Orihime couldn't help but feel a blush creeping upon her cheeks. She looked down in slight shame in order to hide her flushing face. "I'm not that great, Aizen-sama…" she replied in a small, fragile voice.
"Oh, but you are," Aizen said in a seductive tone as he continued to stroke her hair gently. "You're a very important aspect to us. I know you won't let me down."
The human knew better than to trust this man. He was a sneaky liar and would say anything to trick people into doing his evil bidding. Even so, she wasn't about to go against his wishes and yet, she was curious as to why he wanted her out of all people to befriend the "stonewall" Ulquiorra. Surely he wasn't worried about Ulquiorra betraying him…It had to be something else.
"Hai, Aizen-sama. I will do my best and I will not let you down."
She then bowed politely to him, lowering her head lower than usual in attempts to convey even more respect.
"You are dismissed," he replied before turning away from her and heading back to his throne. Orihime straightened herself up before heading towards the door. Ulquiorra would be waiting right outside for her to return her back to her own corridors. He never asked how their meetings went and she prayed that this time would be no different.
"Oh, and Orihime-chan? One more thing," Aizen's voice called out once more, breaking the silence.
The girl turned to face him, wondering if he had yet another request for her.
"You smell delightful. Be careful—my men might just try to take you away from me right out from under my nose," the man said in his enticing voice. Orihime bowed once more in gratitude towards the compliment, hoping he would not detect the deep crimson color upon her cheeks. How could one man intimidate her so much?
The redhead then opened the door leading to the hallway before closing it gently behind her. Once the door was securely shut, she leaned her back against it and exhaled a huge sigh of relief. Finally, their dreaded meeting for the day was over. He wouldn't summon her into his quarters for another few days most likely unless one of the Espada was in need of her healing powers.
Orihime was practicing a few breathing exercises to calm her nerves when a cold voice disrupted her from her thoughts.
"Woman."
The human jumped about ten feet in the air when she noticed that Ulquiorra was standing only a few feet from her. How long had he been standing there?
"I take it your meeting went well," the pale one grunted out as he had his hands neatly secured in his pockets. "I will now escort you to your room and then it will be my turn to speak with him. Promptly after that, your meal will be served to you. I expect you to eat everything I give you. Understand?"
Orihime just simply stared at Ulquiorra, not paying attention to a single word that he spoke. Her mind was too distracted with the thought of Aizen's deep voice chiming through her ears.
"You smell delightful. Be careful—my men might just try to take you away from me right out from under my nose."
Was Aizen aware of the incident that had occurred previously between Ulquiorra and her? Surely not…Unless the walls had eyes. And if they did, it would not surprise her in the least. Even so, this was Ulquiorra he was referring to. The man had a heart of ice if he possessed one at all.
"Even Ulquiorra Schiffer will be affected by your warm and caring heart."
It wasn't true…It couldn't be true. There was no way Orihime Inoue could affect someone as frozen solid as Ulquiorra. Even so, she was unable to wash out the thoughts of their previous incident from her mind. He had touched her. He had smelt her.
It was such odd behavior for the Espada.
"Woman, are you in a daze again? Do not make me bash your head against the wall to awaken your mind," Ulquiorra threatened, tearing away Orihime from her thoughts once again.
"N-no need to do that Ulquiorra-sama! I heard everything you said!" Orihime piped up, her cheeks burning with a crimson blush.
She watched Ulquiorra turn his back towards her and he strode down the hallway. All of his movements were uptight. He always walked with his shoulders straight up and his hands in his pockets. If Aizen was the king of Las Noches, then Ulquiorra was certainly a member of the royal court. Perhaps even an evil prince…
And I'm a captive princess waiting for her knight in shining armor, Orihime thought to herself before tailing behind Ulquiorra at a safe distance.
Ulquiorra's meeting with Aizen was none too important in the least. It was the complete opposite of their other meetings.
Not once did Aizen mention the girl.
The only matter of discussion was the impending intruders arriving at Las Noches. Aizen wasn't worried in the least by their presence, however. There was no way they would make it out alive. He was absolutely certain.
"None of the Espada will even have to lift a finger. Perform your duties as usual with no regards to them what-so-ever," Aizen commanded.
With that said, the fourth Espada was dismissed to carry out his 'chores'.
It was indeed strange for his master to not mention Orihime's name. He always seemed so interested in the human's progress yet today his concentration lied elsewhere. Ulquiorra couldn't help but wonder if something strange happened during his prior meeting with the woman.
The dark haired young man continued to make his way down the hair when a bob of pink hair came into his view.
"Szayel Apporro Granz," Ulquiorra muttered to himself. How ironic—just the guy he needed to see.
A man in white clothing adjusted the glasses upon his nose as he approached the fair skinned Espada. His tight clothing covered his entire body from his neck down to his waist, the only loose clothing being his baggy, white hakama pants. The only skin exposed was his slender face as a teasing grin played on his facial features.
"Well if it isn't Numero Cuarto Espada," chimed out the chipper voice of the slender Espada. He craned his neck to flip his short pink hair out of his face as he gave a polite wave to the insipid male in front of him, "How ironic—just the guy I needed to see."
Ulquiorra simply gazed back with his usual empty expression, trying to hide his astonishment. Why did Numero Octava need to see him? Was the man capable of reading his thoughts?
"Aizen-sama said you were in need of some help. Some scientific and medical health," the lean man added, folding his arms neatly over his chest.
"Aizen-sama?" Ulquiorra questioned. How peculiar…He didn't recall telling the king of Las Noches about his reoccurring 'medical' problem. Even so, nothing got past Aizen Sousuke's eyes.
He would need to be weary of his every move from that point on. If news got out of his reactions towards the female, punishment would definitely ensure.
"Well, what's bothering you, my dearest brother?" Szayel asked as he pushed his thick glasses further upon his nose.
"This is hardly the place to discuss it. Let's find a place more secluded," the black haired male replied.
"Ah, perfect! Why don't we savvy on down to my laboratory? That way, if I need to perform an inspection of any sort, I will have the equipment to do so," Szayel replied cheerfully as he turned around to walk in the opposite direction. "Follow me, Schiffer-san."
With a quick nod, Ulquiorra followed after him.
Oh, how Szayel had wished for this day to come! All of the Espada had come to him asking for his help at one point or another. After all, he was Hueco Mundo's top genius and research extraordinaire! Even Grimmjow had swallowed his pride and sought out Szayel for assistance with his release form. Even Ichimaru Gin and Tousen Kaname asked for his systematic assistance since his time in Las Noches. He never thought he'd see the day when the impassive Ulquiorra Schiffer would come begging for his help.
Not that he had begged…
They continued to walk in silence for several long moments as they made their way down to the underground chambers of Las Noches. Ulquiorra had never ventured into Szayel's lab before so it was a very new experience for him. The basement was dark and dreary—no wonder the other Espada always seemed uptight and nervous when they had desired to seek out Szayel.
"Here we are! My majestic domain!" the pink haired male gleamed, thrusting up his arm in a dramatic motion. The door to the laboratory opened as they both walked in into the isolated room. Giant equipment and computer screens decorated the room, making it feel slightly cramped. Ulquiorra didn't even want to know what half the machines were used for. Glowing lights from the monitor screens provided the only light source in the room.
"Now, my brother, what can I assist you with that no other Arrancar can do?" Szayel asked, having a hard time trying to contain the bizarre excitement in his voice.
"Sensations," the fourth Espada calmly replied.
"Sensations?" the eight Espada repeated, giving the young man a perplexed expression.
"My body has been responding in odd and uncanny ways. My chest aches slightly yet there is no wound. My abdomen has been quenching in a manner it has never done before. Even my groin has been throbbing with the most absurd form of pain," Ulquiorra continued. Unlike Grimmjow, he had no problem in swallowing his pride.
Ulquiorra was certainly a stubborn one. However, he was the type to acknowledge when he had a problem and felt no remorse in asking others for help when needed.
If he wanted these mysterious situations to disperse, then he had no other choice but to be completely honest with the scientist before him.
Szayel stared back at Ulquiorra for a moment, a sparkle forming in his eyes as he tried his best to hold back a chuckle. "And what, Ulquiorra, triggers these awful sensations?" The man was no fool. He knew where this was going.
Ulquiorra pondered for a moment on whether or not he should bare the truth. What could it hurt? Aizen-sama had ordered Szayel to meet with him in order to fix these problems. The only way he could make the situation easier to cure would be honesty.
After a small pause, Ulquiorra grumbled, "That woman."
In seconds, Szayel Apporro Granz was in a fit of maniacal laughter. "That woman, eh?! That woman!" the slim man managed to choke out between cackles.
The green eyed Espada glared coldly at the laughing man as his hand rested gently on his sword. In no time at all, he was upon Szayel in a flash, the blade of his sword resting gently against the cloth of the man's turtle neck.
"I am allowing you to offer your knowledge of my anatomy to aid me in my time of need. However, I will not allow you to mock me in any way," Ulquiorra's cold voice murmured out, ceasing Szayel's laughter almost instantly.
"You really don't get it, do you Numero Cuarto?" the taller male asked quietly, trying to mask his taunting smirk.
"If I did then I would not be here right now," Ulquiorra replied. He then sheathed his sword and placed it gently by his side once more. His hands found their way to his pockets once more as his jade eyes never left the pink haired scientist.
"Ulquiorra Schiffer," Szayel replied with a straight face, "You are sexually attracted to Orihime Inoue."
Author's Note: Hey guyyyys ^_^ I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I love Szayel, don't you? XD As usual, read and review because it makes me uber happy and it's what keeps me continuing this fic ^.^ I appreciate all of your comments!! Also, don't forget to let me know if there are any mistakes in this fic. I'm the only one who proofreads it and I often miss things…Oh, and have a GREAT Valentine's Day everyone!!