A/N: Hello again lovely readers, so I was told in a review they did not understand the role of Ichigo and Rukia, I will be honest in saying their role has been unclear but all will become clear hopefully in the next few chapters. The flashback was to learn a little but about Orihime's life. As well as introduce Ichigo and Rukia because they will become an important part like I've said. Remember feel free to PM me at any time asking any questions. Also I've worked out a way that will hopefully make jumps better as I was told I needed to improve on that too.

In Las Noches

Orihime was pacing back and forth, bored. After Grimmjow had left her a little over an hour ago she had decided clearly that Ulquiorra was just misunderstood. For now she was trying to find something to do. Humming a tune she looked out the sole window that occupied her room. Outside she could see a crescent moon however, this moon was different, eerier than the one she was used to seeing in the sky. It gave her shivers as she looked at it. Turning away she went back to pacing and humming a tune letting her mind wander over all the possibilities of what was to come in the future. Sighing into the room she lay on the bed and closed her eyes.

Karakura Town:

Ichigo followed Rukia down an all too familiar path. As they rounded another corner he saw the sweet shop that the former soul reaper Urahara Kisuke lived in. It had been years since Ichigo had visited but it was clear that nothing had changed. Walking forward Ichigo felt a strange sense of Déjà vu as he approached the building. Before he had moved away with Rukia he had often came to Kisuke for help with a case involving demons.

"My, this is a surprise," Kisuke says as he leans on the doorframe of the shop. "What brings you two back to my humble abode."

"We need your help," Ichigo says bluntly.

"Well a hello would have been nice but if you insist. I suggest you come in to talk about this matter," They follow Kisuke into the back room where tea is poured for them and they gather around a table. Definitely like old times, Ichigo thought with a small ping of sadness for the life he had walked away from. Yet here he was ready to go back to the world he had turned his back on. Orihime needed him though. He would not let her down.

Orihime. He had known her since she was little, living with her brother in the same apartment she is in today. She looks more mature these days but still has the same childish innocence in her eyes. It wasn't until after he had moved away he discovered she had loved him, but by then it was too late. He loved Rukia and besides she was more of his little sister anyways. Still her rejection at not wanting to stay and catch up properly, at distancing herself from them both had stung. Even thinking about it, Ichigo felt the sting.

After taking a sip of coffee and an awkward silence enveloped the trio.

"So," Kisuke began as he observed the couple before him. To say he was surprised was an understatement. The last time he had seen Ichigo he had turned his back on the life of being a soul reaper. Of protecting Karakura from the demonic forces that attacked and now here he was, once again asking for help. A bad feeling had crept up on Kisuke as he looked at the two trying to decipher why they want his help. "What can I help you two with?"

"We think Orihime has been kidnapped by a demon," Rukia states and explains what has happened and what they saw.

"Hmm," Kisuke said and neither Ichigo nor Rukia failed to see the look that had appeared in his eyes. The look was filled with regret, pain, sadness and what looked to be guilt. "I'm afraid I cannot help you or to be blunt and truthful I will not help you. My suggestion is you continue with your lives. You've been away for a while, Orihime has gotten on with her life. Whatever is happening here she is already aware and conscious of making her own choices."

"Yes but," Ichigo starts to say.

"She is not a child anymore Ichigo, she is a grown woman. I think it's time you remembered that alongside it was you who turned your back on Karakura. The soul reapers in charge of this area will no doubt look into the case but I will be of no assistance."

Ichigo glared at the man who maintained his posture and his gaze. Finally Ichigo got up and stormed out, to then be followed by an equally annoyed Rukia. She has been quiet throughout the encounter, trying to figure out what was wrong with Kisuke. There had definitely been something wrong.

"If he won't help us then I'm sure the soul society will," Ichigo mutters and Rukia nods her head in agreement.

Kisuke watched the two walk away from his shop and sighs. Closing the door he walks to clean up.

"Someone looks troubled," teased an all too familiar voice. Smirking softly he walked past Yoruichi and put the cups into the sink before turning to face her. She smiled playfully at him and although her presence usually cheered up his demeanour he knew that today his mind would be troubled and elsewhere.

"It would appear that Ulquiorra has taken Orihime," Kisuke says and she loses the smile.

"Do the soul society know?" She asks her voice full of fear and concern for the red headed girl.

"Not yet, but Ichigo and Rukia no doubt will raise this topic up with them." He replies grimacing at the memories that began to flood his mind. "I refused to help them, I thought I was doing the right thing but the more I reflect on that the more I feel as if I am doing the wrong thing all over again. I cannot see a repeat in events happen again. This time there will be no doing over, no repeats. This time it is infinite."

"Kisuke," she says getting his attention. "We will make sure that history does not repeat itself. I'll alert Soi-fon of the movement against Ulquiorra and ensure that she help to post pone the soul society for as long as possible. I too will help in that task. You my genius friend will need to think of a real plan in the meantime."

Looking into her eyes he nodded. He trusted her with every fibre in his very being. She was his fiancé and his best friend. They had seen it all together and she would not sit back and watch as the very thing that tore at his soul and the guilt that ate at his subconscious become worse and increase by history repeating itself. The fates had been all too often meddled in and she would ensure that this time there would be no interruptions. She kisses him softly before disappearing leaving Kisuke alone with his thoughts.

Back in Las Noches

Ulquiorra was preparing himself for dinner. Night was approaching and his true form was revealed. Yet just because he resembled a large animal did not mean he would not act humane. Finding a tux that had been altered so many years ago for him to wear when in his release form he began to put it on. The day had dragged, having so much work to do when his mind was solely focused on Orihime had been difficult to say the least. She was his sole purpose, the reason behind everything. If he messed up this was it. The end. As he reviewed over his words from earlier he felt slightly guilty. His words had been harsh and demanding, yet they had to be said. He was only partially telling the truth with those words. She would be his wife and would bear his children, but they were only part of the reason she was here.

A presence alerted him he was not alone and turning his head he saw the purple haired soul reaper. He growled baring his teeth to her, his eyes glowing their bright green.

"Relax," she said "I'm not here to harm you nor am I to harm Orihime." Her words sent a panic through him as he thought of her, all alone in her room. Vulnerable. "She's safe, still in her room, but the soul society will be on their way soon. I and my associates will be delaying them for as long as we can."

He relaxed his position as he watched the woman. Her eyes told him she was being honest and her words were the truth. Closing his eyes he nodded, remembering the help they had attempted so long ago. They had failed…but she was trying to help him ensure that nothing would happen this time to make them admit they had failed.

"I trust you have a plan?" he asks her opening his eyes.

"Kisuke is working on one as we speak. Until then you need to gain her trust. Ensure she feels comfortable around you. All we can hope is that this time were successful." He nods growling in frustration. If he wasn't careful he could lose her.

Orihime was awoken by Grimmjow late into the evening. She frowned thinking of how she must have dozed off some time in the afternoon. She had only lay down for something to do.

"I've been told you've been invited for an evening meal with Ulquiorra," Grimmjow says. She nods yawning. "How are you feeling princess?" She nods her okay as she gets up and looks for something to change into that didn't smell sweaty from sleep. Pulling out a simple white dress she went and changed in her bathroom. The dress was strapless and went to her ankles. The simplicity and softness made her smile. It really was beautiful. Walking back into the bedroom she goes and brushes her hair putting it into a ponytail before going over to Grimmjow.

He smiles and gave her a gentle hug before leading her through the never ending corridors.

"Grimmjow," she asks as she looks at his demonic form. "What animal do you represent?"

"A panther," he replies looking back "I'm a wild cat at heart and therefore my release form or a demonic form as some call it represents a panther."

"Oh," she says before chuckling to herself. Grimmjow raises an eyebrow at her and she shakes her head. "I was just thinking about high school musical and the wild cats in that."

"A musical about cats in high school," he smirked "I'll have to check that out," Orihime laughs out loud and has to stop to try and regain her composure. Grimmjow looks confused and when she finally manages to compose herself she shrugs it off deciding it would be funnier to see him find out the film was not actually about cats. They finally reached a door in which Grimmjow knocked upon and a voice from inside called 'enter.' Walking in Orihime gasped.

The room was covered in small candles illuminating the room. A small table occupied the space on the balcony overlooking the vast wasteland. Flower petals covered the table and a single candle sat in the middle. She smiled at the beauty of the room. Upon the ceiling was a projection of tiny stars, glowing in colours of purple, deep blues and hot pinks. Her eyes glowed and shone with the wonder she was seeing before her. A hand wrapped around her waist and spun her around before taking her hand and gently guiding her into a waltz, still giving her time to pull back.

Orihime simply smiled at Ulquiorra as music began to play softly in the background.

"This is amazing," she said to him smiling a smile that reached her eyes and above.

"I'm glad you think so," he replied "I do try my best. Miss Inoue I believe I may have upset you earlier with my words. I may have been too harsh, however I stand by my promise. I am not a human. I'm a demon, I can be over protective, bossy and very possessive. I am very attracted to you and the idea that another may claim you for themselves…well that will not be allowed to happen. I want you for myself Miss Inoue…and I will wait however long it may take you to accept that fact and accept me."

"At least you're honest," she says "I decided in my room to try and make an effort to at least get to know you…but I expect you to make the same effort back." He nods understanding. He owed her that much too.

"Very well Miss Inoue," he says "from now on we will have meals together, and during certain times in the day we will meet and get to know each other. I will ensure that I make every effort to be civil towards you. For now, let us eat." She smiles softly as he leads her to the small table, where the food awaits.

The meal was simple and went well, during which she discovered that Ulquiorra loved the colour green, there was no specific shade of green but he enjoyed the colour. She also discovered he liked bats and that was why his demonic form resembled one. Every tiny little fact or detail he would give her about his life she would herself fascinated. Then it had been his turn to ask her the questions. She had answered truthfully and his eyes had shown a hidden spark, some motion that there was life in what she had presumed had been an emotionless and heartless demon.

Before leaving to her room he took her for one more dance, inhaling her scent, memorising it and letting his walls down. Then he escorted her back to her room, kissing her cheek as he left. Smiling inwardly he made his way back to his room. Lying on his bed he looked at the ceiling.

"Soon," he whispered. Soon she would be his, and everything would be as it should be. Back to normal. Closing his eyes he drifted into the deepest sleep he has had in years.

A/N: So here we are, finally. I feel like this chapter was a bit tougher and I had to keep going back. I've had some issues arise in my life that has caused me to become behind in coursework so I might not be updating for a while. I will try though x

~TheBat J