This one is my longest chapter to date! And it's Ulquiorra POV! Things are about to heat up! I will be traveling This week so my updates for he next few chapters will take longer then usual. I have 9 finished but I want to make sure it is at it's best. But guys…the love and drama is coming!

Thanks again everyone! xoxox

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Chapter 8

X

5 years ago….

He wasn't sure exactly when it had started. At first, he would pass her by in the hallway or he would by chance see her when she was going home. He found his eyes always searching for her in a crowded area. He wanted to know her. Something about her called to him. He didn't even know her name.

Luck was on his side one day as he was checking the test scores for the mid terms. He was first in his year again. People congratulated him. He didn't hear them though, because he saw her a few feet away checking her scores in the middle school section. She had a large smile on her face. A good score perhaps? His eyes followed as she skipped away noticeably humming to herself. Two of the middle school students glanced back at her as she was leaving.

"How can someone as scatterbrained as her be in the top 5?"

"Who? Inoue? Yea I don't get it either. She seems like a ditz. I never see her with anybody so maybe all she does is study…but hey…she has great tits though. Haha"

"haha number 1 in breast size…haha"

Vulgar trash. Ulquiorra stopped listening to them. He didn't know why but it irritated him. He had gained some new information. Her last name was Inoue. He waited till no one was around to check the middle school test bulletin. He wanted to know her name and class year. He had no idea why he needed this info on her; it just made sense to him. Inoue wasn't that uncommon of a last name so he had hoped there wouldn't be another. He started with year one. No Inoue, She wasn't a first year. However, year 2 and 3 both had an Inoue in the top 5. Haru Inoue and Orihime Inoue. Which was it? Haru was a unisex name, so he couldn't be sure. Dead end.

The next few months he found out a few more things. Her face was extremely expressive. He had seen her a few times at lunch eating and he couldn't help but stare. Every bite brought upon a new emotion; happiness, excitement, regret (finishing food too fast), anger (Ulquiorra decided that it was because she forgot to pack something). Watching her fascinated him. Maybe he was so captivated because he did not show his emotions so freely and wondered how she could. He had also found out she loved animals. She would often try to fed birds or squirrels that made their way onto school campus. She stared at them lovingly as she watched them eat. She always seemed sad when they went away.

It was a while later when he found out her name. It was by utter chance. He was on cleaning duty for his class and was in charge of taking out the trash. As he walked closer to the dumpster, he noticed a certain red head carrying a trash bin. Fate was on his side. He wasn't able to see much of her lately with all the tests he had been taking. Her hair glistened in the sun. How can someone talking out the trash look so…. beautiful? She was helping another girl with a bag when he heard it. The sound of it stopped him in his tracks. The brown haired girl next to her spoke.

"Thanks Orihime,"

Orihime…. Her name was Orihime. Middle school Year 2 Orihime Inoue. Ulquiorra's chest became tight. He raised his hand and grabbed over his heart. Such unfamiliar feelings came rushing into him. He never fully understood why he had always looked for her or why she attracted him so. This was his first time with this feeling. He liked Orihime Inoue.

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4 years go…

It was the start of his last year in high school. His summer was uneventful, mostly visiting colleges and taking summer courses. He had kept busy, but no matter what he did he still often thought of her. He wanted to see her again. He got his wish faster then he though when she appeared from outside the school gate. It had only been a few months since he had seen her last, but Ulquiorra was convinced she had gotten more attractive. Her figure was filling out more and her hair was now a little past her shoulders. She glowed. Ulquiorra wasn't the only one to notice her. It seemed like all the men in the courtyard turned and looked. This made him frown. He didn't like the idea of others staring at her. Although Ulquiorra wasn't one to talk, basically all he did was stare.

X

It was now fall and Ulquiorra continued his secret crush. He was a little ashamed of himself. He felt like a stalker. It wasn't like he would actively go out of his way to find her. But he felt strange having such feelings without ever talking to her. He wanted to, but the could never work up the courage to do so. Even if he did, what valid reason would he have to start up a conversation with her? "Hello I've been watching you for a year, I swear I am not a creep.." ridiculous.

Lately Ulquiorra had been taking refuge under a willow tree behind the school. Life had gotten busy recently and he wanted alone time away from his friends. No one ever came to the back of the school. It was a perfect get away. He sat against the tree so that if you came from the school you wouldn't see him. He closed his eyes and listen to the leaves sway softly in the wind.

"OH MY! You are here again! Lucky me, YAY!"

Ulquiorra's eyes flew open. He knew that voice. It was Orihime. Who was she talking to? It was then when he heard a soft meow. A cat? The tree was so wide he couldn't see around it. All he could hear was her voice.

"I was hoping I would see you again. Here I brought you lunch! If you want I can bring you one everyday! How does that sound? I think we should give you a name umm? Well you are a boy….let' see…you have green eyes…Midori? No no no… you have a heart space patch so…Kokoro? Nooooo that's not it. AHHHH I have it! Kohaku! It is perfect. Your fur is amber colored plus I can call you KoKo! Ahhhhh I am good at this. Do you like Kohaku?"

Ulquiorra was having a battle with himself. Should he stay put until she leaves? Should he try leaving and risk getting caught, embarrassing her? As much he was enjoying listening to her, he really looked like a stalker now (even if it was accidental) She talked to the cat nonstop while she ate her lunch. Even though he didn't want to admit it, he was relishing getting to know the way her mind worked.

"Brother has to stay in bed more often now. Last week he was in the hospital for a few days. He is really sad. I am worried…. he doesn't eat too much anymore. I think to cheer him up I will get some melon bread! Melon sweets make him happy…and that makes me happy. Good idea right KoKo?"

Her brother was sick? It sounded serious. Ulquiorra had no idea. She always seemed so cheerful even though she was constantly alone. He now felt guilty to be listening in on such a topic without her knowledge. He needed to go. Before he could move the bell signally lunchtime was over rang.

"I will see you again cutie! I will bring a big lunch tomorrow!"

Ulquiorra heard her run off. He waiting a bit before he was going to move. There was a lot to take in. He covered his face with his hand and groaned. What am I doing? He felt a pressure on his thigh. When he looked down there was a small kitten looking at him. Ulquiorra, even though a little emotionally vacant, loved cats. He figured this must have been Kohaku; it truly was a fitting name. The kitten purred under his touch. He was in cat LALA land and almost forgot to go back to class.

Over the next two days Ulquiorra visited the cat during breaks and before school. He let Orihime be during lunch. As much as he wanted to know more about her, it shouldn't be by snooping. He was getting very attached to the cat. He had never met one so friendly and loving before. In a way, Kohaku also reminded him of Orihime. The next day Ulquiorra came to school early. There was an animal control van parked outside the gate. He panicked. He didn't want them to take Kohaku away. He ran to the back of the school and found the kitten straightaway. Thank god they haven't found him yet. He needed to think quickly about what to do with that cat before more students came. Then he remembered an old supply closet that was never used and not near any of the classrooms. It wasn't ideal but he had no better options. He picked up the kitten and hid him in his blazer. Ulquiorra got fortunate that he saw no one while he was on his way to the supply closet. He quickly opened the door and went inside. It was cleared out besides a few empty boxes. This would have to do. He put the cat down, who started to sniff around curiously. Ulquiorra went in his backpack and got out his lunch. He figured a well-feed kitten would sleep and not make any noise. As he was leaving, he saw that Kohaku was nibbling at some chicken. I hope this works.

Throughout the day, Ulquiorra checked in on him. He was sleeping most of the time. His plan had worked. When the day was over he waited for students to clear out before he would take him out. Ulquiorra decided he would take the cat home with him. Kohaku gave him comfort. He couldn't have the cat be on the streets or in some shelter. That would make him…and her upset. He put the cat under his blazer again and got all the way down to his shoe cubby without Kohaku making a sound. As he was changing his shoes, he let out one soft meow. Ulquiorra didn't think anyone was around so he gave the animal a little 'shhh'. Moments later he felt someone behind him. Please don't be a teacher…. He turned fearing for the worst. It was Orihime. She was looking at him in both confusion and desperation. There was no doubt she had been looking for the cat. This was his chance. This was it. This is how he can start a link between them. They cant start out talking about the cat…get to talking…be friends….see were that goes…This is your one chance to make a connection don't mess it up. You have secretly liked this girl for about a year…do something about that! Kohaku popped his head up and meowed again. He watched her face light up. It was also in that moment Ulquiorra became a weakling. He could have said anything, ANYTHING, but all he did was raise his finger and said 'shhh'. Ulquiorra cursed himself for messing with such a great opportunity.

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Ulquiorra looked at the computer screen mortified at what he had just done. He ordered 3 bags of a special type of gourmet melon candy. He really had lost his mind. Since he couldn't talk to her, he wanted to show her some…support? He remembered what she had said about melon sweets. In his mind he thought it could bring both Orihime and her brother a little happiness.

When the bags arrived Ulquiorra had casually observed the location of her shoe cubby. He planned on giving her two. One for her and the other for her brother. He had thought about writing a note but gave up on that idea. The first time he put the candies in the cubby his heart was pounding so loud he was sure someone would be able to hear it. After pushing aside his thoughts of how pitiable he was, He concluded she would appreciate the jester. He didn't wait around to see her reaction-that WOULD be stalkerish. He picked random days to give her the candies. He had no idea what she thought of it but he believed it was welcomed.

Orihime started dating Ichigo Kurosaki about a month after he started giving her the candies. Ulquiorra didn't care for the guy. Not because he was dating her, he had no right to be upset over that, but because he didn't trust him and his friends. To him, they seemed the type of people that would turn on you for such a small matter. All fake and selfish. However Orihime did seem to be a little more full of life now that she actually had people by her side.

After 6 months of being a crazy guy who puts candies in girls lockers (they were big bags of candy), Ulquiorra stopped. He thought that she must be more then sick of them by now and it was so disgraceful on his part. Graduation was not too far away and he figured it was time to end everything. He didn't want to have feelings like this anymore. What good were they? He avoided places he knew she went. He stopped his eyes from trying to find her. It was much better this method. Ulquiorra had chosen a college that was hours away. His presence no longer had meaning in Karakura Town. He was never going to see her again.

The day of graduation was the last time he saw her. Ulquiorra let his eyes find her one last time. Orihime was with her friends standing by the schools entrance. She looked angelic. His heart hurt. It was really the last time he would see that smile or hear her laugh. It was the last time he would admire her big gray eyes and flowing red hair. He was instantly hit was regret. Regret he couldn't do anything for her. Regret he never worked up any courage to say anything. He had tried hard to forget any feelings he had. Why did this hurt so much? He felt like he was loosing something. He began to walk to the entrance. His eyes were glued to her. She was congratulating seniors on their graduation as they passed by. As he got closer, their eyes met. She smiled radiantly and a look of recognition came over her face. His heart had stopped.

"Congratulations!"

"Thank you,"

Time had paused for Ulquiorra. He responded quicker then he thought he would. She opened her mouth again, much to Ulquiorra's astonishment.

"umm…I.."

"Orihime come on! we are leaving!"

She turned her head to face her boyfriend. He was standing with the rest of his friends. They didn't bother congratulating anyone. Only her.

"Just s sec…"

Before she could turn back to face Ulquiorra, he had quickly left. He was out of sight. Ulquiorra had run around the corner of the campus gate. He put his back to the wall. His breath was heavy. He desperately rubbed at his chest, trying to release the pain. Every emotion flooded into his mind. Nothing was helping. The pain was too much. A single tear rolled down his cheek. That was the last time he was ever going to see the women he loved.

"Goodbye…"

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Saturday the 27th…After painting: present day

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Ulquiorra had ran up two flights of stairs and was now standing in front of his apartment door. He remained unmoving as he held his key at the entrance of the lock. He had leaned forward and rested his head on the door. He then gave a few hard thuds with his head over and over again. After one last head bang, he went inside to an alerted Kohaku. Walking in, he had regained his composure. He picked up the feline to give him some comfort. Ulquiorra sank into his couch.

"Your owner is pathetic…"

Meow

"You don't need to agree with me…"

meow meow

"Seriously you are no help.."

You were so close and yet you ran away….again

In reality he had though he would never see her again. Karakura town and the city of Los Noches were hours apart from each other. When he had learned that a new student was coming named Orihime Inoue, he convinced himself it was some other person with a matching name. Yet there she was. Sitting in the back of his classroom. It had taken everything in his power to act normally. He remembered how he had clutched the podium to help him maintain composure.

Her beautiful red hair that was once shoulder length was now down past her mid back. Her face, which was always attractive, had matured perfecting her already flawless features. Even in her younger days, Orihime's body was always more…advanced then most girls. It wasn't until today that Ulquiorra became fully aware of how much more her body had developed. Orihime's outfit for painting showed off her every curve. The fabric of her shirt looked like it was being stretched by her voluminous chest. When she had opened the door he had his heart stop and his lower parts tighten. It had taken all of his willpower and moral strength to not kiss her when she had fallen. Being so close to her, he could feel the softness of her body and the sweet aroma from her hair. His breathing and heart had accelerated and he hoped she wouldn't notice.

These past few weeks had really done a number on him. He had spent his college years forgetting her. He had done an okay job at it to. He came out of his shell, gained some confidence, and even had a girlfriend or two. He really did try to forget, but sometimes his thoughts would go back to her. Despite his boost of confidence, he still felt like a bumbling idiot around her. He had no clue how to act. It was either too playful, too stern…too shy, she must have had whiplash with all his different moods. Also, Ulquiorra knew she must have been confused. No normal person acts this way. He was also her student teacher. Not once had he thought of her as some student. She doesn't know this so naturally she might have questions. Ulquiorra himself was perplexed.

It isn't exactly normal to write secret notes to students…. Or to go over to their homes to paint…..or almost kiss them…..seriously, Ulquiorra….

Ulquiorra got off the couch and went into the kitchen. He put out a little dish of food for Haku and poured himself a big glass of wine. He had a lot to think about and a lot of feelings to sort out. One thing was clear. He needed to talk to her. Maybe even confess. The universe was giving him a sign having brought her back into his life. He wasn't going to run away anymore. He can't keep doing that to himself. He still loved her. Maybe he never stopped. There was no use trying to fight and hide it any longer.

Ulquiorra had loved Orihime for 5 years and was finally going to do something about it.