Apologizes for my long break. I hope you enjoy this final chapter! With this Melon Candy has ended. Thank you to everyone who followed and commented. I enjoyed writing this and I hope you like it! J

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Chapter 15

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"Hello again brother…. I graduated high school can you believe it? I can hardly imagine it myself. We always talked about this day. Remember? You promised we were going to go to that restaurant we always passed by on our walks. The one right by the park with all the pretty twinkly lights. Every time I saw it I wanted to go and you always said 'next time'. You know… I don't even know the name of it. Or what type of restaurant it is. Haha isn't that odd…. a place I always wanted to go and no clue about it… But then after eating you were going to take me to Momo's! Our favorite sweet shop! We would have stuffed our tummies with all the melon sweets we could get our hands on. Haha. I wonder if they still have your favorite ice cream there…. It would have been a perfect day.

It feels so strange…. I see your face everyday at home in a picture. Helps me feel like you are around but… I feel so guilty that I haven't been… here. Forgive me. I haven't had the strength till now. It is just so hard Sora. For a while nothing was right. Our home felt abnormal and my personal life was in shambles. I could barely breath... everyday was dark and miserable. I was a coward and I left… I left you behind here. All I did was think about myself.

It has been one-year ….one year since you left me. I still can't understand why you were taken from me. I don't think I ever will. Day by day I struggled. You were the best brother a girl could ever want. sniff … oh god here I go…. Tears in my eyes haha. I don't want to show this to you. I just miss you so much. But you know….I am okay right now. I really am getting there.

I got into the university I always wanted to go to. Your sister will finally be a pastry chef! It was always my dream. I think I wanted to become one because you loved sweets so much. Maybe one day I will create the worlds best melon dessert! Call it Sora's speciality!

Brother…. I wish you were here right now. So many changes are happening and I just wanted you to be apart of it. I wanted you to meet the amazing people that are in my life right now.…and I have someone I love. Who has helped me back to my former self. And gave me the courage to come here today.

I love you Sora. I am finally going to go live the life you wanted for me. I promise I will not wait a whole year to come back. Until next time…."

Orihime stood up in front of her brother's grave wiping the tears away from her eyes. The incense was burning low. She thought back at the year she had.

That night where she confronted Ichigo almost seemed like a dream. It hardly seemed real. Months had passed and Orihime never felt so free. Ichigo had kept his word and never contacted her again. Although soon after that weekend she started getting text messages from all of her old friends apologizing. Orihime didn't particularly care for there surface level apologies, but it did mean they were told about what happened. Orihime suspected it was Ichigo or Renji. She never wanted to talk to him again but she did wish him happiness. This to her seemed like he was trying to be a better person and it warmed her heart. The chapter in her life of pain and anguish was now over. She had her friends and she had her love.

The rest of high school went so fast that before she knew it, she had graduated. She was excited for what the future held. She had gotten into Los Noches University. Nel did as well. Ulquiorra finished his student teaching and just had a few extra courses to get through before his graduation.

Ulquiorra stood back as Orihime said her last goodbyes at the grave. She was very thankful for him coming with her back to their hometown so she could do this. Taking one last look at Sora's name inscribed in stone she turned and joined Ulquiorra at his side.

"Thank you for waiting. It was long overdue…"

"How do you feel?"

"Actually…" Orihime reached down and grabbed Ulquiorra's hand and gave it a squeeze. "I feel great."

Ulquiorra game Orihime a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Would you mind if I….."

He motioned towards her brother's grave. Orihime gave a smile and a slight nod. He walked over and pulled something out of his pocket. He placed it next to the incense. It looked like he was saying something but she couldn't make it out. As he walked back Orihime glimpsed at what Ulquiorra put on the stone. As she saw it, Orihime's heart felt like it was going to burst. She couldn't help but let a few tears run down her face. When he reached her, she wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him into a strong embrace.

"Thank you…" She whispered.

"You never need to thank me for that…. come on. We have a twinkly light restaurant to get to and a lot of dessert to eat….. Sorry I over heard"

"I love you…. you know that?"

"And I you."

Orihime reached up and kissed him softly on the lip. They held hands and started to walk back to the car.

"What did you say at my brothers grave? It looked like you said something…"

"It's a secret." Ulquiorra said with a smile.

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6 years later…..

"Come back here you silly billy! Aunie is going to eat you up! Roaaaarrr!"

"NO! MONSTA!" the small child ran away giggling. Her green hair was blowing wildly in the wind. Her favorite game currently was having her aunt chase her around.

Orihime pursued the 4-year-old girl all over the yard. Chika was exactly like both her parents. Bubbly and feisty. They played for another 5 minutes before the little girl got tired. Orihime brought the girl inside.

"Had enough Chika? No more monster auntie?"

"Nappy time daddy!"

"okkayyy little kiddo lets put you to sleep.."

Grimmjow came and picked up his daughter. The little girl started to fall asleep in her father's arms. Orihime smiled as she went to sit at the table. Nel was there trying out one of Orihime's new desserts.

"Orihime… This is not just the baby inside me talking…but I will need 20 more of these! SOOO good!"

"So.. It's a hit?"

"More then a hit! I have no idea what you put in the frosting, but I am living for it. Have I told you I am happy you choose me to be your tester in all thing sweet and delicious?!"

Orihime smiled at her friend. It was almost a weekly ritual going over to Nel and Grim's house after she created a new flavor or dessert. She watched her friend happily eat her rose cupcake. Nel was pregnant again with baby number two. As childish as Nel could be, she was a great mother. Orihime loved playing with Chika, too. Nel and Grimmjow had gotten married 5 years ago and soon after started their family. Grimmjow ran a microbrew pub with a few friends from college. Orihime was never a beer drinker but actually enjoyed the stuff they made. Nel designed the logos and created the merchandise for the pub. It was perfect for both of them.

It had been 6 years since high school ended. Orihime excelled in her studies and landed her dream job at a bakery called Halcyon. She was in charge of new flavors and creations. Her top seller was a melon crème éclair. It was called Sora's specialty. She loved every minute of what she did.

"Where is Ulquiorra today?"

"Reports…the man is a glutton for punishment. I swear! He gives his students so much work! I mean we dealt with it when he was just a student teacher…imagine him as the main teacher!"

"Oh dear Orihime…his poor students…"

"They do love him though… you have to admit he does teach well…"

"No Hime… They love him because at the end of the month you make him give all his students your homemade cookies…"

"Haha maybe!"

Grimmjow came back into the kitchen. He had finally finished reading Chika her naptime story. He grabbed a cupcake and stuffed it into his mouth. He gave a big thumps up to Orihime. Guess I have two fans in the house.

"Well I had better get going…. I am sure Ulquiorra hasn't eaten all day."

"Hey Hime you tell that emo boyfriend you have to get back to me about his plans for the 25th. We are doing a special tasting at the pub."

"Got it. Bye guys. Give my love to Chika!"

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Orihime turned the keys to the front door. As she walked in she noticed that everything was covered in tarps and tape.

Well that it not how I left it…

"Ulquiorra?"

"Welcome home" Ulquiorra appeared from the hallway off the living room.

"What's this? Redecorating are we?"

"Yep. New house. New paint. White walls are boring remember?"

Orihime laughed. They had just moved into a new place together and hadn't gotten around to paining the walls. They had picked out the colors but had no time to paint. They had moved to a different area in Los Noches. Ulquiorra was currently working at the high school at the next town over. Their location was perfect. Close to both of their works and not far from Grim and Nel.

"Don't you have papers to grade? You have time for this?"

"Ha…There were never any reports. Made that up to surprise you."

"You are smooth sir….Where is Koko? The paint may bother him…"

"Sleeping in the guest bedroom. Shall we start?"

Ulquiorra handed Orihime a brush. She grinned as she dipped it into the mint paint. It reminded her of both of her old apartments. Ulquiorra gave her a smile and she started painting the wall.

"Well isn't this familiar…painting a wall together." Ulquiorra said playfully.

"Would you call it our first unofficial date? Our almost kiss per say. But I recall our battle was left unfinished."

"Unfinished? Do you remember your clothes? Covered completely in paint… when I had only a few marks."

Orihime laughed at the memory. She remembered how nervous she was around him then and how they had playfully attempted to get each other with paint. It was the start of their love. Their feelings were unknown to both of them at the time. It was a memory they cherished and talked about often. Orihime looked at Ulquiorra from the corner of her eyes. He seemed focused. It was a perfected time to strike. She leapt forward trying to get his face with her paintbrush.

"Predictable."

Ulquiorra dodged out of the way sending Orihime to the ground. She got up determined to get him. He had a smile on his face as he prepared for her other attack. He motioned for her to come at him again. Dashing, she got a little part of his chin.

"Is that the best you can do?"

"Oh I will get you….just you wait"

"Unlikely"

They dodged and tried to get each other for the next few minutes. Orihime extended her arm hopping to swipe his side. Instead he grabbed her arm, spinning her over. He had pinned her to the ground. Ulquiorra was now on top of her.

"Well..Well…looks like I won again."

Orihime started to laugh as she grabbed his head and crashed their lips together. They deepened the kiss forgetting about their painting or battle. The tarp made crinkling noises as they moved around. His lips left hers as they made their way down her neck. Orihime let out a soft moan under his touch. His hands massaged her back and slowly went under her shirt. His touch always set her on fire. Their lips met again as they kissed with more urgency.

"Ulquiorra.."

Without a word, he picked her up and headed to the bedroom. Even after 6 years their sex life was as great as ever. Everything about him was perfect. Her head was spinning. Before they reached the bedroom Ulquiorra spoke.

"Close your eyes"

Smirking Orihime did what she was told. He flopped her on the bed. The room smelled of paint and something sweet. She was waiting patiently for Ulquiorra's orders. She kept her eyes shut. Finally his smooth silky voice broke the silence.

"Sit up"

Orihime did as she was told. She was almost shaking in anticipation.

"Open your eyes"

Orihime opened her eyes. They widened as she took in the room. Ulquiorra had painted their bedroom. However, there were candles and rose petals scattering throughout as well. It looked so beautiful and romantic. Orihime hardly had any words.

"What's with the candles…roses…new paint?!"

"It isn't finished yet. There is just one more thing I would like your opinion on. Here stand up."

Ulquiorra reached out his hand for Orihime to hold. She was still at a loss for words.

"What is it?" She managed to breath out.

"The spot behind you…what do you think? Turn around."

Orihime gently turned her body. Once fully turned she looked up and gasped. The wall behind the bed wasn't painted like the other. Instead it had something written in the same blue paint.

Will you marry me?

Hardly believing her eyes Orihime whipped around to face Ulquiorra. He was on one knee holding a black box.

"I have spent most of life loving you. I never intend on stopping. You are the most amazing women I ever met and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to hold you, kiss you, support you, and win paint battle with you everyday of my life. But not as my girlfriend. Orihime Inoue will you do me this upmost honor in becoming my wife?"

"Oh my god.."

Orihime began to cry. Her heart was bursting. Ulquiorra opened the box and inside was an emerald stone and silver band. Orihime gasped at its beauty. It was the same color of his eyes. Orihime held out her hand shaking slightly. Ulquiorra gingerly slid the ring onto her finger. He bent down and kissed her hand as he held it. Orihime's tears continued to stream down her face. Emerald met grey.

"So? Will you take me as your husband?"

"Yes….Yes.." Orihime let out a loud cry before they kissed. They held each other tightly. It was a dream come true. She didn't know it was possible to love someone this much.

"I can't believe this….I love you so much! How long have you been planning this? Oh my god…I love you…" Orihime said between kisses.

"6 years ago"

"What?"

"6 years ago is when I knew I was going to marry you."

"I can't believe this. Oh my I am engaged!"

"officially off the market"

"I love you….Ulquiorra."

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6 years ago

Ulquiorra walked over to the grave. He wanted to pay his respects to Orihime's brother. He reached into his pocket and pulled a small object and placed it next to the incense.

"I… I…want to pay my respects to the brother of the women I want to spend the rest of my life with. I promise to make her feel more loved then anyone. Please be at peace knowing she is everything you wanted her to be and even stronger so. You would be so proud. I am the lucky one she has let into her life. Thank you for being such a great brother and I hope you enjoy my offering"

Ulquiorra left the grave and returned to Orihime. Ulquiorra left behind two things at Sora's grave. A promise to marry and make Orihime happy and a piece of candy.

Melon candy.

- THE END-