AN:/ Hey guys. I know that it's been a long time since I've updated that authors note but today is your lucky day. I decided to update three unedited chapters. My beta is still working on the others and I couldn't let you guys wait anymore so please enjoy. This is my longest chapter yet lol.

Chapter 24: Meeting

Ever since the lunch with Aizen and the Espadas: Ulquiorra wasn't in a good melancholy mood. Aizen pulled him aside to tell him that he needed to come over the palace for a 'visit', but really it's a meeting; Mr. Thomas's little outburst was unwanted, disgusting behavior towards his women, Orihime wasn't being herself because as Ulquiorra knows that wasn't Orihime that he knows. Usually she's polite and nice, but the woman that was on the phone didn't sound like Onna.

'She must've finally gotten a backbone,' he thought. Ulquiorra really didn't know if he should feel proud or worried about Orihime getting a backbone. He still remembers her comment about how she didn't need him to protect her. He knows that she is a big girl, who still acts like child which gets annoying but an attractive quality but somewhere deep in his being felt like he was stabbed with a knife from those words.

"Maybe you should call her to see if she's okay," Mark said with worried.

"I agree. She might be feeling embarrassed or hurt by Mr. Thomas harsh words," Joe replied with reassurance.

"Call her," Eric nodded.

Ulquiorra wasn't so sure if it was the right moment to call her after that experience, but he knew she'll highly appreciate him calling so he sat down on a near bench and started call. She answered on the first ring.

"If your calling for me to apologize to that…that…that monkey idiot; here is the answer to that… no."

"I'm not calling you for that. I'm calling to see if you're okay, so you okay?"

"No, I'm tired from working at the hospital and shooting for modeling and the only thing that I didn't need was that disgusting so called man yelling or talking down to me as if I was his property. I don't appreciate it. I'm not anyone's property."

"Actually, you are Aizen-sama's property but I understand what you saying and I'll talk to him about it; just calm down," Ulquiorra said calmly reassured and mentally saying 'You're my property as well'.

"Don't remind me! How can you take that sicko?"

"One word… Nnoitra," Ulquiorra answered.

"…true. Sigh. I'm sorry for my rudeness Ulquiorra. I don't know if it's my period or from overworking myself."

"I'm considering both."

"Hahaha, who knew you were funny Ulquiorra," Orihime laughed. Ulquiorra relished in the fact that he made her laugh. "How's it going back at home?"

Ulquiorra mentally sighed knowing that she would ask that, "The usually. Nothing really changed here except I have to visit my 'family'. What about you?"

"Same over here, Janette and Murcielago are keeping me sane while you're away and the kids are very excited about the children ward so they could go back in there," Orihime replied.

"That's acceptable to hear. We won the Paper Construction yesterday so we have the rest of the remaining days off."

"That's great."

"Yeah, we wanted to finish so we can have more to sleep in," Ulquiorra continued.

"Good reason to get some days off. I do have a one question for you?"

"What would that be?"

"Why didn't you call me?"

"About me becoming ill or just in general?" Ulquiorra asked hoping she would say 'in general'.

"You become ill?"

"I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to disrupt you at work or make you concern over me like a child. I'm not a child Onna but a man. I can take care of myself when I don't have you around but when you are around me then I will let my guard down so you can take care of me; if you wish for me to do so," Ulquiorra answered honestly.

"I understand what you're trying say. Stay healthy, stay safe and follow Eric's instructions that I send him, drink plenty of fluids, and be careful."

"I will. Stay safe and don't overwork yourself."

"Okay, I will. I have to go. I'll call you when I can."

"Bye."

"Alright goodbye," Ulquiorra said before hanging up. He put his phone back in his jacket. He got up from the bench and looked around to see his team playing on their phones. Ulquiorra closed his eyes and started to walk in the direction of the hotel to get some more sleep before he meets his master later on. He heard rushed steps trying to catch up with his stride so they won't get lost. This reminded Ulquiorra when Orihime had to jog to catch up to him back in Hueco Mundo. He slowed down a bit so they could slow down.

"Man Ulquiorra, you sure can walk fast," Joe panted.

"Is she alright?" Eric asked knowing that Ulquiorra would comment on Joe's walking that can be taken the wrong way if not being translated.

"Yes, but very tired. She didn't like being treated like some property to someone she doesn't know," Ulquiorra explained.

"Hmm. No one does, but at least she stood up for herself against him. He crossed the line by saying those things and explaining about his ailments over lunch and in front of your family," Eric agreed.

They didn't talk during the whole walk back to the hotel. Ulquiorra couldn't wait to go in his hotel room to get some sleep. He wasn't used to be this tired before. Maybe; when he was human, but as an Arrancar, never since he could remember. The men arrived back to the hotel but the next thing they knew was that their boss was coming towards them with anger in his steps.

"Ulquiorra, you need to deal with that wife of yours'," Mr. Thomas yelled. Ulquiorra didn't like the way Mr. Thomas statement and he wanted to put him in his place like he would do it in Hueco Mundo, but he held his tongue.

"She's very disrespectful and needs to know whose boss in this marriage and tell her to go back to school or better yet stick to modeling. I think that is the only thing she's good at since she can show off her body," Mr. Thomas continued.

"Let's get on thing straight. I don't have to train, deal or show her whose boss. She was only protecting herself from your remarks on her character and what do you mean this marriage like she's your wife?" Ulquiorra said while walking towards Mr. Thomas. When he was right in front of him Ulquiorra lastly said with seeping anger and released some spiritual pressure in his words. "Also my wife knows who she is and how to do her job professionally. I know her personality better then you. She doesn't need to just do modeling; she can handle anything that is thrown at her. Orihime doesn't need a guy like you telling her how to live her life or how to do her jobs. You need to know your place and stay in line. I don't appreciate how you talked to her like she's yours. That is a false hope that you have made in your own mind. She belongs to me and only to me. Watch yourself Mr. Thomas, you sir are on thin ice with me, so please get out of my way. I need to get some rest before I go see my family who you just embarrassed yourself to."

Eric has never seen Ulquiorra that angry before. He felt the tension between the two men disappeared and he could breathe again. He understood that Mr. Thomas deserved that talking to, but leaving him in the middle of the lobby looking like he saw a ghost threatening to kill him if he makes a wrong a move was kind of harsh.

"Note to self; never get Ulquiorra angry," Eric mumbled under his breathe. He trailed after Ulquiorra to see how he's doing after that discussion of death.

"Ulquiorra, are you okay?" Eric asked. Ulquiorra didn't say anything, but he kept walking towards their room. Eric sensed that Ulquiorra didn't want to talk so let it be. Arriving at their room, Ulquiorra swiped the card, opened the door and began taking his shoes off before climbing in the bed. Eric closed the door behind him and went into the bathroom.

~.~.~.~

Orihime, Murcielago and Janette was out for lunch at Sugar Cane Raw Bar and Grill discussing about the remaining materials that the construction worker they hired to build the special rooms for their husbands; told them to get.

"Mr. Barchu told me that we need a keypad to do that 'Jetson's' trick," Janette said.

"Did you go to the places he recommended for us to check out?" Orihime asked while glancing over the menu.

"I called them about it but they would say that it wasn't possible for them to do it with the minimum time limit," Janette replied. The ladies sighed all the hope out of their minds. Murcielago stared at them with confusion.

"May I take your orders?" asked the waiter.

"Yes, I would like your Chirashi Bowl with a Peach Passion Ice Tea and your Steak frites with a Sprite," Orihime ordered.

"I would also like your Chiriashi Bowl with a Zonin Prosecco Cocktail but can we also have your farm fresh green salad?" Janette asked.

"Yes you can. I'll be right back with your orders," the waiter said.

"How are we going to get this keypad?"

"We'll just keep making calls and see if we come with some luck."

Murcielago gazed around the restaurant that they're eating at. He was making sure that none of men leered at his master's women or his partner's. With a thorough search he confirmed that this place held a mature atmosphere and waited for his food to come with no worries.

"How was your half of the day?" Orihime asked Janette.

"It's just like any other day. People want me to buy them art, but then change their minds when I bring it to their homes. Sometimes I wish I listened to my husband about quitting so I don't have to deal with these selfish and disrespectful people who don't appreciate art."

"So, it's that bad huh?" Orihime asked.

"Yes, it's that bad girl. I have this customer named Kaira Thommis. She is the definition of 'the stupid blonde.' She can't decide on what looks good on her walls then on herself. "

"I feel sorry for the husband," Orihime giggled.

"I am sorry that man. He's paying a fortune to please this women and she sends it right back if it's not to her standards," Janette said. "I bought this amazing painting by Michelangelo the Doni Tondo. The painting was beautiful and it fits her home décor. Her husband loves it but she doesn't. She threw a fit over how 'you didn't listen to me,' 'you're stupid,' 'I told you it has to fit my home or me,' and 'you only did this so you can get to my husband'," Janette mimicked making Orihime and Murcielago laugh.

"Enough talking about little old grumpy me, let's talk about you. How about you Mrs. Celebrity Doctor? Is everything okay on your side?" Janette asked.

"No. Modeling is getting more demanding than ever and the hospital is getting so hectic all I want to do is go home and plop on my bed and sleep like there is no tomorrow. I have to leave for Milan, Italy in two days for a fashion show, some person keeps coming into my room late at night while I'm sleeping, I'm afraid of the dark now because of it, I'm tired, I'm PMSing, Murcielago is sleeping with me because I'm scared of sleeping by myself, I got into an argument with Mr. Thomas over my husband's phone and I got pissed off at my husband for not telling me he got sick," Orihime said in one breathe. The waiter came back with their meals and drinks and left.

"Wait, you had an argument with Mr. Thomas?" Janette asked. Orihime told Janette everything that went on with her conversation with Mr. Thomas and then the conversation with Ulquiorra. By the look Janette was giving she already knew the Janette wasn't happy.

"Leave Mr. Thomas to Ulquiorra but I do agree with you. He shouldn't have said those comments to you. Mr. Thomas is a pig and gross. I think his wife needs to divorce him for just being disgusting," Janette replied. Orihime nodded. The ladies went on safer side of a conversation while Murcielago was eating his steak frites and thinking about the predicament the women are in with keypads. Then he had a great idea. He went into Orihime's purse, grabbed her phone and sent a text message to Szayel about if he could make the keypads. Murcielago put the phone back into Orihime's purse and went back to eating his food.

"That was delicious. We should come here more often," Janette said.

"I agree. I'll call you later," Orihime replied.

"Okay, see ya."

"Bye. Come on Mur Mur, let's get out of here."

~.~.~.~

It was going on 8 at night in Kakaura Town when Ulquiorra woke up. He rubbed the sleepiness out of his eyes. He let out a yawn and glanced over to bed next to his. Eric was sound asleep and Ulquiorra was quite relieved about it.

'Now, I can leave without any questions or distractions,' Ulquiorra thought. He got out of bed and started getting ready to leave for Hueco Mundo. Making sure that he had everything, Ulquiorra left the hotel room quietly. He left the hotel and walked towards the familiar path to Orihime's apartment complex. Of course, Ulquiorra knew that he was being followed by Orihime's nakama, but that didn't faze him at all. He knew that he could take them if provoked.

"That half-shinigami needs to practice on lowering his pressure before going on a stakeout," Ulquiorra whispered in the air. Ulquiorra and 'company' were almost to the apartment when Ulquiorra decided to soniedo into an alley. They followed but were surprised to see their prey not there.

"Damn, he tricked us. Where is that bastard?" Ichigo asked. Ishida ran to entry way and saw Ulquiorra already going inside Orihime's apartment.

"He's inside Inoue-san apartment," Ishida yelled.

"What! How did he..."

"Forget about that right now Ichigo. We need to get him before he opens a garganta," Rukia proclaimed. It was already too late. Ulquiorra was gone before she even finished.

"I can't feel his spiritual pressure anymore," Ishida said.

"Thanks a lot Rukia," Ichigo blamed.

~.~.~.~.~

"Hime what are you making tonight?" Murcielago asked. Orihime took Murcielago to Aldi after work for some shopping. Their fridge is almost empty and Orihime knew that she or Murcielago doesn't eat a lot of food so it only leaves that mystery person that keeps coming into the house late at night.

"I was thinking about making Nasu Dengaku (Miso Glazed Eggplant), soup curry, Unagi Kamameshi and for dessert Annin Dofu (Almond Curd)," Orihime said.

"That sounds yummy. Can I pick the drinks?" Murcielago asked while his stomach is growling.

"Sure, you can sweetie," Orihime giggled. Murcielago was giddy and he wanted to get out of the shopping cart seat so he could help. He did get a reaction from Orihime because she was laughing at him. A little small blush showed on Murcielago's face.

"It's not funny," Murcielago pouted. "I just wanted to help."

"I'm sorry Mur, but we're already in the beverage aisle."

"Oh. Well I didn't know," Murcielago said crossing his arms. Orihime laughed and helped him get out of cart so he could pick out the drinks. Orihime watched him with curiosity in her eyes to see which one he would pick for them to try.

"I want to try this one," Murcielago said while pointing to Ramune Soda.

"Which flavor?"

"I want to try Kimichi."

"Okay, grab three of those and we can go over to the cash register to pay since we have everything," Orihime answered. Murcielago gave Orihime the sodas and she put them in the cart and placed Murcielago in the seat before heading towards the register. They paid for the groceries and left for home.

"Can I help you make dinner Mommy?" Murcielago asked while carrying the last bit of groceries inside the house. Orihime grabbed the bag from him and started putting the ingredients on the counter thinking if she should let Ulquiorra's sword to help her cook dinner.

"You can help me cut the eggplant in half for me," Orihime accepted. Murcielago jumped in glee. He grabbed a chair, pushed it into the kitchen and climbed on it. Orihime giggled at him.

"Okay my little protégé, let's wash our hands and start cooking," Orihime announced. With hands washed, they both started cutting and mixing dry and liquids together. Murcielago was having fun cooking and getting to know Orihime.

'Master never tells me anything about Hime-chan but I'm glad she's around,' Murcielago thought. The doorbell ranged.

"Mur, can you go see who that is while I take the rice out of the cooker," Orihime said.

"Sure," Murcielago replied. He jumped off the chair and went to the front door. He saw the mailman carrying a box. "Is this the Schiffer Residence?"

"Yes, it is. How can I help you?" Murcielago said.

"I have a package here for Orihime Schiffer. Please sign here."

"Thank you for the delivery sir," Murcielago said giving the mailman back the clipboard.

"You're welcome and have a nice day." Murcielago closed the door and carried the box to the kitchen so Orihime could open it.

"Hime, you have a package."

"Who's it from?" Orihime asked. "It's from Szayel," Murcielago said.

"From Szayel? Why did he send me anything?" Orihime asked.

"Let's open it and see what it is."

Orihime grabbed her keys and used it to cut the tape. She moved all the packaging safe materials and found two hand pads that she and Janette needed for their project.

"How did he know?" Orihime asked out loud.

"I sent him a message on your phone about them and I didn't know he would send them that quick thought," Murcielago confessed shyly. He waited for a talking to but instead he got a hug from an overexcited Orihime.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you sweetie," Orihime squealed with joy. "Oh, I need to call Janette and tell her that we don't have to search all over town for them." Orihime ran over to her phone in the living room and was about to call Janette when her phone started ringing. It was Ulquiorra.

"Ulquiorra," Orihime whispered. She stood there staring at her phone which was still ringing. Murcielago came in the room wondering why Orihime wasn't answering the phone. He climbed on the couch and glanced at the phone screen to see his master's name flashing.

"Orihime, are you going to answer it?" Murcielago asked.

"What, oh, yes. Sorry, about that."

She pressed the green call button. "Hello Ulquiorra."

~.~.~.~.~

Walking in the darkness of the garganta with the only light in there was Ulquiorra's Reishi pathway. Peace. That was all he had and he started to relish in it, but it wasn't the same peacefulness that he was used to anymore. With the kidnapping of Orihime Inoue, now Orihime Schiffer, he never had quiet but there was peace. Even back in Miami, Florida she gave the same peace and quietness that he would want to be spoiled with. Slowly taking off his gigai, Ulquiorra wondered how Orihime is faring now since the talk they had earlier. To him she sounded okay but she wasn't okay at the same time.

She was hiding something he could feel it. Being with her for some period of time helped Ulquiorra tell when she's hiding any kind of information from him. He could remember two months (Living World time) before they had gotten this mission that she was attack by Nnoitra, Grimmjow, Loly and Menoly because she told them about what he said to her about having visitors. When he got there she was bloody, bruised and half-broken. Ulquiorra asked what had happened to her and the only thing she could say was "I went berserk." He failed her that day.

"Welcome home, my son," Aizen's voice echoed. Ulquiorra saw the light from the meeting room and saw his master gazing at him with a smile that couldn't compare to Onna's smile.

"I'm so glad that you decided to join us," Aizen said.

"It was no inconvenience Aizen-sama. I did however had to trick Onna's 'friends' before coming here," Ulquiorra stated.

"Really? It seems like they haven't given up on her just yet. Well, let's get off that subject and go on another. Overthrowing the Soul Society is still on the agenda and the hogyoku is still coming along nicely. It's almost to the highest peak so we will have the full power in a few weeks…"

Ulquiorra droned out his master's voice to think about what Orihime was hiding from him back in Florida. Ulquiorra now dislikes the cell phones. He enjoyed it better when he saw Orihime's face to see if she's hiding something than trying to decipher from talking to her over the phone. He could Wonderweiss drawl over his words, Grimmjow sighing once in a while and Yammi trying to place a tea cup down with grace but is having trouble doing so. Ulquiorra mentally sighed and closed his eyes before seeing something even more ridiculous.

"...now there has been something on my mind for a bit and that is your boss Ulquiorra," Aizen announced. Ulquiorra opened his eyes and turned them over to his master showing him that he has his full attention.

"Mr. Thomas is a bit outspoken."

"Too outspoken if you ask me," Harribel butt in. "The way he spoke to Orihime was disgraceful. I hope you put him in his place Ulquiorra."

"Yeah, who does that jerk think he is talking to Onna that way. We can't talk to her that way without a beating by big words from Emospada over here," Nnoitra replied.

"Then he start talking about his body problems over lunch with her like it's normal," Grimmjow put in,

"I mean how any of you guys can deal with that guy." Ulquiorra pointed at Nnoitra.

"Hey, I resent that accusation Ulquiorra," Nnoitra yelled.

"Actually, Ulquiorra is right. His boss is just like you in terms of disgusting pervertedness but you don't tell anyone about you're 'problems'," Harribel agreed.

"Did you call Princess?" Starrk yawned.

"Yeah, did you? If I was in Orihime's place I'll be embarrassed and angry from being yelled at by that garbage."

"Yes, I called her after we left the restaurant. She was upset about the whole thing but it might have bothered her a lot more than she lets on," Ulquiorra answered.

"If what you're saying is true than call her again just in case. You know her better than we do," Harribel advised. "Women do keep things deep inside themselves just to keep the others from knowing the truth of what's really going on. If you feel that she is keeping some information from you than confront her about it to give her that you care and want to know the matter. In the eyes of the law here and the World of the Living; you are the husband and she is your wife. When something is wrong the man is supposed to protect his mate."

Everyone was silent. They knew Harribel is the Protector for the females but hearing her giving out advice. Ulquiorra thought over what Harribel just said and he knew she was right. Orihime is an expert of hiding information about her. Heck no one really knows her childhood before Tatsuki Arisawa and Ichigo Kurosaki.

"Call her," Harribel ordered. Ulquiorra didn't want to disobey Harribel she is a rank higher and she knows how to pimp slap that will make be out for days. He grabbed his phone out of his gigai pants and started calling Orihime.

"Hello Ulquiorra," Orihime greeted after a couple of rings. Aizen gave Szayel a nod and Szayel pressed a button under the table that brought down a screen and a wire that connected to Ulquiorra's bracelet (the same bracelet he gave Orihime when they met the second time). Ulquiorra saw an image of Orihime walking towards the kitchen with phone still intact. He looked over at Szayel to with a glare.

"I thought you wanted to see how she's doing while talking to her," Szayel mouthed. "Also we wanted to see her." You could barely tell if Ulquiorra rolled his eyes but mentally he did.

"Ulquiorra, are you still there?" Orihime asked worriedly.

"Yes, I'm still here. Harribel wanted to make sure that you were okay," Ulquiorra replied.

"Oh, is she there?"

"Yes, I'm back in Hueco Mundo." Ulquiorra attentively watched Orihime multitasking in the kitchen: stirring miso, checking the eggplant in the oven, cutting up the grilled eel, scooping the rest of the rice out of the rice cooker, putting some cooked veggies inside a blender to become more mushie. Ulquiorra was getting hungry. It's been some horrible food days and right now he wanted go back home and eat Orihime's cooking.

"I'm going to put you on speaker so everyone can have a chance to talk to you," Ulquiorra said after swallowing. He pressed the speaker button on his phone and the first thing that came out of his mouth was "What are you making?"

"I'm making Nasu Dengaku, soup curry, Unagi Kamameshi and for dessert Annin Dofu. I just had a taste of home. Have you been taking care of yourself after we talked?"

"Yes, I have been taking care of myself."

"Orihime, this is Harribel speaking. I'm going to ask because this bastard is taking too long for my liking," Harribel interrupted.

"Oh okay, sure. What's on your mind?"

"How are you since our last conversation at lunch? Mr. Thomas was quite rude to you." Ulquiorra saw Orihime stop in mid-opening the refrigerator thinking about what to say.

"...okay but still disgusted," Orihime replied honestly. "I was being honest with him about me not knowing anything about his problems and that I'm starting to be a well-rounded doctor but I'm not his property."

"I did have a talk to him when I got back to the hotel. He won't make another comment like that again if he doesn't want to be in a early grave," Ulquiorra said.

"Thank you for that Ulquiorra. I do feel better besides the stress from work and all. Oh, I'm going to Milan, Italy in two days and I was wondering do you want me to get you anything from there? Orihime asked with a tint of a blush showing on her cheeks. Ulquiorra wondered why she was getting a bit red but he felt something drop to the pit of his stomach.

'She's leaving again,' he thought. He still didn't like her leaving even if he did accept her line of work. He decided to call her manger later about giving him updates and sending pictures of her modelling.

"Whatever you think I would like," Ulquiorra replied.

"Okay, will do. Szayel before I forget, thank you for the package you sent me today. It's just what I needed."

"What did he send to you Onna?" Ulquiorra asked with a visible raised eyebrow.

"Umm, he sent me chocolate. Yeah that's right chocolate. He sent me some chocolate from home so I won't be homesick," Orihime lied. Ulquiorra saw right through that.

"I have to let you go before the food burns up. I'll talk to you again when I arrive in Italy," Orihime said.

"Alright, I'll keep you in touch with the competition and one more thing," Ulquiorra add.

"What's that?"

"When I come back, can I have some real food. The food in the hotel doesn't go well with me," Ulquiorra replied.

"Sure, do you want a feast of a banquet?" Orihime giggled.

"Both." "Will do. Eric can come over as well if he wants real Japanese cuisine," Orihime laughed.

"Is that all you can think about is food?" Harribel frustratedly asked.

"At the very moment for some proper food, yes. If you had her cooking then you'll be thinking about food," Ulquiorra blatantly answered. Harribel rolled her eyes but watching Orihime cooking was making her hungry.

"Orihime, I'm going to open a garganta and i want you to fix me a plate of that food."

"Sure."

"You might have to make a lot of plates Onna," Ulquiorra stated. He didn't want to share her cooking with his comrades but he didn't have a choice at the moment. Harribel opened a garganta and Orihime passed through plates after plate of food for everyone to enjoy. She even made an extra plate for Eric just in case if he wanted some.

"How's the food?" Orihime asked.

"Delicious," Harribel praised. Everyone in the room agreed. Ulquiorra was slowly savouring the food. He didn't know how long it has been since he last had her food but he knows for sure that he would be dreaming about her food until he returns.

"That's good to know. Can I have cat?"

"No, we don't need a cat," Ulquiorra replied.

"I really don't see why not," Orihime stated.

AN:/ Please review :)