AN: Not much to say this time. Sorry for the delay in updating, I'm currently on vacation so don't expect another update until the 12th or so when I get home.

Enjoy!

The next morning Ulquiorra walked into the woman's cell to find her leaning against the arm of the couch, dressed, her hands laying over her abdomen. She hadn't noticed his presence as her back was towards him, so he walked closer to her. He quickly noticed her eyes were focused on her abdomen, where her womb was located.

"Onna."

She flinched in surprise, looking up at him. She sent a small smile his way, catching him off guard. He had never seen her smile in greeting.

"Ulquiorra-sama..."

"The sama part is unnecessary onna."

"I know. It fits you though."

"Perhaps when it passes through the lips of the lower Espada and Arrancar, but not you."

"What do you mean?"

Instead of answering he looked through her window at the moon. Orihime didn't press, instead focusing yet again on her abdomen. Was there a baby this time? Would...would Ulquiorra even care about the child, or would he just ignore it since the task only required he create a child with her? Worry filled her heart, but then she remembered his words from the previous night. Did he mean this as well? She turned her head up to face him, expecting to see him still gazing at the moon, but instead his emerald eyes were focused where her hands were. His eyes...they seemed softer in expression. Was he merely curious on whether or not they had completed their task, or was there something else to it? Suddenly his gaze turned to her face, and she half heartedly smiled at him. His eyes maintained that soft appearance before they went back to normal after a few brief seconds.

"How are you feeling?"

"Oh! I'm ok. Wha-what about you?"

"...fine." He kept his gaze on her, studying her face. She seemed tense, as though something stressful was on her mind. "What is bothering you?"

Knowing it'd be pointless to deny that something was worrying her, she sighed, pressing her fingertips more firmly against her stomach.

"Um... About the baby we're trying to have... What's gonna happen when we succeed?... Are you going to forget about it entirely?... Like...not even acknowledge its your child..." She looked up at him, his face revealing his disapproval. Maybe he was going to ignore the baby after all...

"Only trash abandons their offspring, onna." A huge wave of relief flooded over her, bringing stinging tears to her eyes. He wouldn't abandon the child after all...

He had been surprised by her question, and repulsed by the mere notion that he could live on without playing some part in the child's life. His annoyance hadn't been directed at her, but at the thought of what could possibly lead her to that question. Was it common for human males to desert his partner and children? What lowly trash.

Unfortunately, she seemed to think his aggravation was directed at her, as tears formed in those chocolate eyes. He softened his expression, moving to sit beside her on the couch. He gently laid a hand on her cheek, feeling the need to correct his mistake. "Do not be sad onna. I am not upset with you. You need not worry." His words appeared to calm her, if her small smile and nod were any indication. A few strands of hair fell across her face, and he lightly brushed them away, tucking them behind her ear. A silent moment passed between them before Ulquiorra stood again, staring down at her. He then made his way to the door, stopping to gaze at her before leaving.

Orihime's head was reeling. Was he really the same cold, distant man that had tried to kill her two guards before telling her to come with him? He was being so gentle and caring, or at least, for him it was gentle and caring. She was so relieved to find he wasn't going to abandon the child they were trying to create. Maybe...maybe this mission wouldn't be so bad after all.

Ulquiorra walked down the halls, pondering why the woman was so worried he wouldn't be around his child. Their child. Had she been abandoned by her father?

His thoughts were interrupted when a certain snake-like voice was heard behind him.

"How are things going with Pet-sama?"

Ulquiorra turned to the tall man behind him, his smirk ever present.

"I fail to understand your concern in matters unrelated to you."

"Don't be so touchy! I just want to know if she has been knocked up yet."

"The task is none of your business. I do not even understand how you know of it."

"Stop dodging the question, for crying out loud! You got assigned to knocking the bitch up, sweet deal!"

"Address the woman by another vulgar term and you will live to regret it. Now I suggest you return to your own living chambers." With that he continued walking to his own room, leaving Nnoitra scowling in the hallway before doing as told.

The day progressed as usual, the daily routine unchanging. As Orihime laid across the couch to sleep pulling the blanket over her, she heard her door open. She looked up to see Ulquiorra approaching her. He didn't say anything, he simply sat beside her, adjusting the blanket slightly so it wasn't bunched up around her neck from where she had gripped it. His emotionless mask was unchanged, but his eyes were more distant than usual, yet soft. He delicately ran a finger through her hair, watching as it smoothed over his index finger until it fell back onto her shoulder. He didnt speak, but she could tell there was something he wanted to say. Perhaps he couldn't find the words for once?

This woman...she was so pure and innocent, but she was forced to endure such...mature and animalistic acts with a being of death such as himself. They had already mated twice, and would likely have to yet again. He felt a strange feeling of protectiveness over this human, longing to shield her from the darkness of his world and the evil intentions of his comrades. He had overheard Nnoitra and Grimmjow after the latest meeting, the former telling the feline Espada about the task he and the woman were assigned. Crude remarks were made, and he immediately changed his route to the girl's room instead of his own. She was blissfully unaware of what was said about the upper half of her torso and their desire to fornicate with her. He looked from her hair to her eyes, locking her in his gaze. He leaned closer to her, speaking lowly.

"Would you allow me to stay the night with you, Inoue Orihime?" He wasn't going to chance either of those two pieces of trash coming in and harming this woman. She would be defenseless and he might not make it in time to stop an attack of any sort. If they violated her he could stop them before they were able to come even close to their disgusting finish, but she'd still be harmed in one way or another. She appeared shocked at his request, but then nodded once, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. He leaned in to place a kiss on her forehead, his silent promise to protect her, even if she didnt know of the danger herself.

He was acting so...different. He seemed troubled about something, and his request to stay with her only seemed to prove it. Was something said to him? Whatever it was, she wasn't going to deny him permission to sleep with her. After he pulled away from kissing her forehead, she sat up slightly, only to get a curious look from her captor.

"You can sleep on the couch, I'll sleep on the floor."

"Onna -"

"I don't mind, really." He placed a hand against her chest, gently nudging her to lay back down. Did she seriously believe he would let her sleep on the hard floor?

"Onna what makes you think I will allow you to sleep on the floor?"

"I just want you to be comfortable..."

"Is it impossible for us to be able to lay together on the couch? If so I will sleep in the chair." There would be no negotiation. Either they both slept on the couch, or he would take the chair while she stayed where she was. She knew that.

"Oh... Ok... Um... Sure, you can sleep next to me, if that's what you want..."

"Would I make you uncomfortable?"

"What? No no! I'm fine!" Not feeling the need to respond, he shifted his body so he could lay on his side next to her, on the edge of the seats. He'd rather she slept on the inside so she wouldn't fall off and hurt herself. He supported himself on his elbow, studying her face for any disapproval or discomfort. She was noticeably flustered, closing her eyes with a small smile curving her mouth. She moved her arm before starting to move the blanket over him, much to his surprise.

"I do not require a blanket onna."

"But you'll get cold." The blanket was now over him, and he couldn't find it in him to remove it. If she started showing signs of a chill he'd move his half over her, not listening to any protests she may give. She looked into his eyes for awhile with curiosity apparent in her expression. "Are you going to lay down?" Instead of responding he simply looked up in the direction of his helmet, implying to her his horn would cause problems. "Oh..."

"I will face the other direction if you are sure about sharing a rest place."

"I'm sure. And why don't we switch places?"

"That puts you at risk of falling off, onna."

"Oh..." Noticing the sadness in her expression as she looked down, his eyes widened. She seemed to wish for them to face each other while resting. He sighed, pulling himself into a sitting position.

"Very well, if that is what you wish." She looked up at him with apparent joy and excitement. She certainly was strange. "But I will be holding onto you to ensure you don't fall off."

"That's fine!" And actually romantic, she thought. She sat up as well, switching places with Ulquiorra and turning to face him. As soon as they had both settled, she felt his arms wrap around her torso, pulling her closer to him. She closed her eyes, relaxing into his arms.

Ulquiorra held her close to him, not risking her falling off the couch...and he strangely liked being close to her. They'd been closer than this, but never outside of sexual purposes. He noticed that she fell asleep within a few minutes, and stroked her hair lightly. She was so calm while sleeping. He had never seen her like this. He simply held her, breathing in her scent as his fingers brushed through her auburn strands. He wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he felt a familiar riatsu outside the door. The door opened, and Ulquiorra made no effort to move, mentally kicking himself for forgetting to lock the door. How unlike him.

"Your presence is unwanted, Nnoitra."

"Hogging the Pet all for yourself? And here I thought you detested anything sexual or emotional. Yet here you are, holding your bitch like a-"

"Did I or did I not warn you not to degrade this woman? And keep your voice down. It is unbearably annoying and you may wake her." He still hadn't lifted his gaze from the sleeping girl's face, nor had he removed his hand from her locks. Nnoitra had no response, but didnt leave either. "Shall I inform Aizen-sama about your plans to rape this woman? To interfere with the task he presented us with? Go back to your own chambers. You are not touching this girl."

He heard Nnoitra scoff before leaving the room, slamming the door shut. Ulquiorra closed his eyes against the sound, hoping it didnt wake the woman in his arms. Unfortunately she started to stur, murmuring incoherently. He gazed down at her face as she slowly opened her eyes for a brief second, shifting her body as she awoke.

"Wha...what was that..."

"It was nothing, onna. Go back to sleep."

"But I...I heard a...aloudbang..." The last three words ran together as she fought to stay awake.

"The door slammed. You have nothing to worry over." To help comfort her, he pressed his lips to her forehead. She let out a humming noise, pressing closer to him. It was perplexing. A few days ago, she wouldn't have dared done this out of fear for her own life. Now she did it without hesitation. He slid his hand up her back in hopes it'd comfort her enough she could sleep. She did ease, but her waking up wasn't halted in any way.

"Ulquiorra... Why'd the door slam..."

He could've ignored her question, but it wouldn't have felt right.

"We had an unexpected visitor. No harm will come your way, onna."

"But...why would harm come my way anyway... What happened?" Now she was fully awake, and there was no way he'd get her back to sleep. He sighed, pulling her closer in a protective manner and to lean closer to her ear.

"Nnoitra was hoping you were alone so he could violate your body. You have no reason to fret, I will deal with him next time I see him."

She seemed to tense up, clinging to his coat in fear.

"He...he wanted to..." He couldn't respond to her, it'd only make her fear strengthen its grip on her. "But..."

"Quiet. I'm here. No one will lay a finger on you."

A few moments of silence passed between them as she clung to him for dear life. If Ulquiorra hadn't stayed with her... She would've been raped...

"Ulquiorra...did you know...he was going to try to..."

"I had my suspicions. As they have been confirmed I will stay with you each night. No one will dare touch you in my presence."

"Th-thanks..." He was being protective of her. That explained his actions earlier. She pulled away from him, looking up into his eyes. Before she could stop herself, she leaned in to kiss him.

Her lips pressed to his unexpectedly. Normally he would've pushed her off, but he had no desire to. Instead he closed his eyes, pressing a hand to the back of her head. This woman was becoming rather important to him, and he was becoming less caring of who knew it. No one would touch his woman.

The kiss didnt break after a few seconds, it lingered on. Ulquiorra shifted his body so he could hover over her, making it easier to kiss her. He pulled her bottom lip into his mouth, sucking on it gently. He relished in the sweet sound she made in response. As hesitant as he was to do so, he allowed himself to actually enjoy this moment. This wasn't just about comforting her; it was about expressing to her how she made him feel. He didnt understand what he felt himself, but kissing her like this felt right to him. Releasing her lip he pressed his mouth to hers again, running his tongue along the crevice between her lips. She tensed up, letting out a small gasp causing his tongue to slip inside her mouth. They both tensed for a moment, unsure of what to do, before he pressed his tongue further into her mouth, feeling hers slide along his intruding one. Feeling a particularly strong wave of protectiveness and possessiveness, he pressed his body down against hers. No one was going to touch this woman, no one. He felt her arms wrap around his neck, holding him closer. Withdrawing his tongue, he pulled away for a brief moment so they could breathe before he reclaimed her lips, pressing his lips to hers so hard her breathing was becoming strenuous. He was beginning to worry about hurting her, but her little moans against his mouth proved otherwise. He could feel her heart thudding in her chest as he moved his mouth down her jaw to her ear, kissing the whole way. From there he kissed down her neck to where the front of her collar was. He pulled the zipper down to below her collar bone to expose more of her silky skin to his mouth. He didnt know what was spurring him on, making it impossible to stop, but he didnt care. Unless the woman asked him to stop, he was going to let out everything he had been feeling because of her. His hands moved to her waist, clutching at the fabric of her uniform as he felt her rock her hips forward to press against his, causing a tight feeling in his groin. he instinctively pressed back, heat radiating off her center and causing his anatomy to harden slowly. They had tried last night, engaging in intercourse was unnecessary. And yet...he couldn't resist the temptation to grind his hips against hers. He finished pulling the zipper down as far as it'd go, causing the cape portion of her clothes to fall open. he hungrily kissed down to the crevice between her breasts as he pulled the cape and sleeves down her arms. She moved her arms up to assist him, and he threw the worthless piece of fabric to the side. He continued grinding against her; the sensations overwhelming as he tried to grasp onto his sanity. He realized he was giving into his base desires much too easily, and felt ashamed. He slowed his hips, pulling his mouth away from her silk skin as he tried to regain his composure.

"Ulqui...orra?..." She was breathless, and judging by the heat pressed against his organ, more than willing.

"My apologies...Orihime... I lost my self control..."

"Don't...don't be silly... Don't apologise... You don't have to stop..."

"I do not wish to harm or scare you onna..."

She wasn't sure how to respond, nor did she have time to. He pulled farther away from her, still hovering over her but no longer flush against her. His eyes were closed as he tried to calm his breathing, but he had lifted himself enough she could do one more thing to convince him not to stop.

His eyes flew open as he felt a warm wetness around his Hollow hole, causing him to instinctively buck his hips back against her core, tensing up at the sensations. The girl had somehow undone the zipper on his coat without his noticing enough to press her tongue against the edge of his hole. His hand fisted into the fabric of the couch beneath them, his teeth clenching as he fought not to lose himself again. All his strength abandoned him shortly afterwards though, due to the woman's soft voice and touch.

"Don't stop Ulquiorra...please..." Her hand found its way between them, pressing against his hard flesh through his hakama. He could no longer resist, pressing his body against hers more forcefully than before. Just for tonight, he'd let her have him without his focus being on their mission. Just for tonight, he'd let go of his better judgement. Just for tonight, he'd enjoy himself while trying to pleasure her. He kissed down her neck, feeling her finish pulling his zipper down so his coat hung from him loosely. He slid his hands down to her hips, finding the waist of her pants and pushing the meddling fabric down her legs. Moving his lips back to hers, he kissed her hard as he felt her small hands grab for the slash around his waist and remove it, causing his hakama to loosen considerably. She pushed it down to his knees, and now that his throbbing member was free, it was hard for him not to move the crotch of her underwear to the side and give himself to her while they were still partially clothed. But he was a patient man, pulling her undergarments down her legs before throwing them onto her cape and pants. He then removed the top of her outfit from her torso, kicking his hakama off onto the floor. Unable to wait any longer, he pressed his hips to hers, angling his twitching member to enter her. Lavishing her neck with kisses yet again, he slowly pressed forward, feeling her arch her back in response, her large breasts pressing even more firmly to his chest. He sucked on her skin, overwhelmed now that he let himself truly enjoy their connection. He withdrew himself from her before pressing into her again, still gentle and slow but with more enthusiasm than before. He pulled away from her neck just enough to observe the dark spot forming on her neck before kissing his way back to her mouth. Her hands found their way into his hair and onto his back, one clutching his hair while the other fisted in his coat. He kissed her forcefully, still moving within her at a slow but meaningful pace. She was so tight..hot...wet... How he was able to overlook it during their previous encounters was beyond him, but it didnt matter now. He had the woman underneath him, moaning quietly in pleasure as he withdrew and reentered. He could feel a need to move faster within her walls but he wasn't going to give in so easily. He knew if he did, he wouldn't be able to stop. That was a risk he wasn't ready to take, for the woman's sake as well as his. Slipping his tongue into her mouth, he ran his hands down her sides, stopping at her hips. He held her tightly, keeping her from moving as he delved deep into her. With his pace he could feel her wrapped around every inch of him, and the velvet feeling was astonishing.

Orihime could feel every last bit of him inside her, stretching her walls but in a pleasurable way. His movements were slow but deep and with minimal force, just enough to get that extra "oomph". The feeling of his hot breath tickling her skin as he succumbed himself to their moment was extremely erotic, only adding to the pleasure their connection created. She could tell he was holding back, having learned how to read his body language, and wanted him to let go. She pulled away from him, her eyes peering into those dark emerald ones above her, shadowed with desire. She moved the hand in his hair to his cheek, stroking his skin softly. "Please... Don't hold back... More..." She was having a hard time voicing her desires, but the message got through nonetheless. His eyes shut tightly as he pressed his lips to hers, his movements becoming faster with more force. He wasn't going all out, but he was giving her more, which was all she could ask.

Her request had made his self control diminish into dangerous zones. He couldn't deny her what she wanted, and willingly sped up, adding force to each thrust. He wouldn't give in completely, lest he break her, but he'd give her this much. He lost the feeling of being completely encased in her depths, moving too quickly for him to be able to fully feel her, but he gained faster, harder, more effective friction on exchange. A lower being might find himself drooling from the pleasure, but not him. Despite the pleasant aroma of their actions, the feeling of her warmth wrapped around him, the breathy moans escaping her throat, he wouldn't even let out a sound. He knew vocalization was unnecessary for her to know he was experiencing pleasure, his inability to stop himself and his willingness to move faster being suffice evidence, not to mention his attacking of her mouth and neck. Her moans escalated in volume, her breathing harsher until finally, he felt her walls constrict around him, throbbing as she met her climax. The effects on his organ were astounding, nearly tipping him over the edge. However this time he wasn't going to let go so soon. Once her walls had clenched him, he tensed himself, keeping himself deep inside her, his forehead pressed to her shoulder as he braced himself against the sensations. He was going to let her enjoy her climax alone, and he wasn't ready for this moment to be over. The throbbing around him was agonizingly pleasurable, and he knew if he looked at her face while she was in this state, he'd lose himself. Instead he rubbed her thighs gently, wanting her to enjoy her high as much as possible. When she finally came down from her peak and her walls loosened around him, he pressed his lips to her neck gingerly, planting light kisses from her ear to the hollow in her throat. He felt her lightly grip his hair, trying to control her panting. "You...you didn't finish...?" He brought his mouth to hers, kissing her gently.

"I did not want it to be over so soon, onna. And you deserve your own moment." He slowly slid out of her to the tip before gently sliding back into her. The moan he got in response told him she was still sensitive from her orgasm, so he continued his slow, gentle pace. He wanted her to enjoy this as much as she could, and know that while others may have ill intentions towards her body, he wasn't going to abuse her or force her into anything she didnt want. He dragged his mouth along the side of her neck, feeling heat build in his abdomen along with that familiar need for release. He pulled her impossibly closer to him with one hand against her lower back, the other gripping one of the pillows behind her firmly, his back slightly curving upwards as he pulled her up with him, burying himself deep inside her without breaking his silence as he tipped over the edge, his organ pulsing as his seed was released into the woman and his vision went black.

She felt the familiar rush of heat as he filled her with his fluid, his member throbbing within her. The gushes didnt relent for several seconds, feeling thicker than his previous releases but his orgasm didnt last as long. Once it was over he collapsed on top of her still holding her close, his breathing just barely off, but off regardless.

Once he completely recovered from that blinding release, he reluctantly freed her from his hold, pulling his arm out from under her back and releasing his grip on the pillow. He slid out of her, placing a gentle kiss on her lips before reaching for their clothes and pulling his hakama back over his hips, securing the black sash. He knew she was too tired to dress herself, so he pulled her undergarments over her feet and slid them back up to her hips. She sat up then once she had regained some of her breath and pulled her clothes back over her body, exhaustion slowing her movements. As she did so, he settled back into his section of the couch, pulling her close in a protective manner once she laid down. If that fool Nnoitra tried to come in again he'd be met with a cero.

He kept his coat unzipped, intrigued when she began tracing the "4" on his chest with her finger.

"Did this hurt when they put this on you?"

"I do not remember."

Silence fell between them as she pressed closer to him and he watched her curiously. A week ago he would've pushed her away for even daring to touch him. Now she was perfectly comfortable cuddling up to him and he didnt have the strength to stop her. He ran a hand along her back, noticing how calm it made her.

"Rest onna."

She nodded silently, already well on her way there. Within a few minutes she was asleep, and he was left holding her sleeping form yet again. Just an hour ago he had been here just to protect her. Since then... He and the woman had mated for the third time, and he had let go of his inhibitions. He felt a twinge of regret for doing so, afraid in the morning she'd remember and be scared to be around him, no longer affected by the heat of the moment. Of course, whether or not she liked him would've never mattered a few days ago. Now he couldn't bear the thought of her backing away from him in fear. Time would tell. In case she was afraid of him when she awoke, he wouldn't let this last opportunity to hold her close pass. He pulled her closer to him, rubbing her back as she slept. He pressed his lips to the top of her head lightly, vowing that even if she wanted nothing to do with him, he'd protect her. He closed his eyes, succumbing to his sleepiness caused by this woman.