AN:Long chapter ahead! Wanted to get another up before I lost Internet. Excuse any grammar issues, I may not have caught all of the autocorrect goofs (I write on my iPod). I also apologize for having to chop this chapter in half. For some reason FF refused to post it as one so I had no choice

Enjoy, regardless!

"Mommy!"

"Where are you?!"

"Help me mommy! Help!"

"I'm coming!" Orihime ran up to the boulder blocking the entrance to the cave the voice was coming from. She rushed to the side of it, pushing with all of her might and slowly getting the giant rock to tip over enough so she could squeeze through the crack. She crawled through the crack before sprinting down the cave, the little girl's terrified screams unstopping. She finally spotted the girl being held high in the air by some mysterious dark figure. The little girl's brown eyes were shimmering with tears, her black hair matted and wild. Orihime charged at the man, only being pushed back when she drew near. Persisting, she tackled him again, shouting for him to let the girl go. The man caught her with his free hand, a tight grip around her neck preventing any sound from escaping.

"You always were foolish, Inoue. This child has no reason to be alive, and nothing you say or do is going to change that."

Mustering every ounce of strength she possessed, she shoved the man, the child dropping to the ground as he stumbled into a ray of sunshine. Angry brown eyes glared up at Orihime, causing her eyes to widen.

"Kuro...saki..."

"Onna. Onna! Wake up, orihime!"

Jolting awake, Orihime opened her eyes to see Ulquiorra's emerald gaze.

"I...I'm sorry... I just had a bad dream..." She pressed herself close to him, just wanting to be held.

"So I assumed." He wrapped his arms around her. Knowing she clung to him for comfort brought him a sort of satisfaction he couldn't quite describe. He held her close to him, stroking her hair, knowing it would help her calm down. "It was only a dream, onna. It wasn't real." He didnt know what she was screaming about, and he figured it would be better not to ask and let her move on. She nodded against him, moving away after a couple seconds.

"You're right... It was just a silly dream... Unlike last night..right?" She wanted a confirmation, and he wasn't going to lie to her even if he suspected she'd distance herself again.

"That is correct. I apologize onna, I allowed myself to lose a vast majority of my self control. It will not happen again."

Her face looked saddened then, confirming his suspicions she would regret it. She nodded, looking away, and Ulquiorra could only watch in silence. Should he leave? Should he hold her near to him? He'd never cared what others felt or thought, he was completely inexperienced with handling these situations.

So he regretted last night... Regretted letting himself enjoy it and he would only perform according to the mission if she wasn't pregnant... That step she thought they had taken was reverted, instead going two steps back. "But... I thought that...ok..." She was on the verge of tears and couldn't bring herself to look him in the eyes.

He was confused. What was she trying to say? "What did you think, onna?" She hesitantly looked up at him then, liquid lining her lower eyelid.

"I...I thought...you had enjoyed it...I thought we were making progress..." So she wasn't sad out of regret. She thought they made progress. Progress towards what? Had he been wrong about her recoiling from him?

"Clarify for me. What is it that is bothering you?"

"I...thought maybe...you liked it...liked me...b-but if you don't want to be near me anymore..." She trailed off. This was the first time she felt she actually meant something to someone, and she was being rejected.

So that was it. She thought he was regretting it and would push HER away. What foolishness. He tugged her closer, placing a light kiss on her forehead to ease her.

"Did I ever mention a desire to evade you, onna?"

"N-no..."

"Do not assume such things. I would not have allowed myself to drop my control so easily if there was a possibility of regret. Are you regretful of last night's activities?" Her face looked shocked as she stuttered trying to come up with a response.

"O-of course not! Why...why would you think that? I... I actually... I enjoyed it... It was nice to see you relaxed... And that you enjoyed yourself..." She was worrying herself with whether or not he found pleasure during their copulation? Ridiculous.

"Do not worry yourself with my satisfaction. Were you pleased or should I adjust something?" He had two motives for asking. One, it would allow any future attempts to go smoother, and two, he felt the need to please her even if Aizen-sama did not state it as required. Pregnancy and childbirth would be far from pleasurable from what he understood, so she may as well enjoy what she could.

"I... I liked it... A lot..." Her cheeks were a dark crimson, portraying the embarrassment she felt at answering his question.

"Then enjoy any future occurrences without worrying about my own enjoyment. I will make adjustments if I feel it necessary."

She nodded, and silence filled the room once again. He looked down at her, placing a hand under her chin to tilt her head up.

"If any of the other Espada enter your room while I am not present, call for me as loud as you can. I will come put them in their place."

"Understood..." She knew what he said had to do with last night, and fear made its way into her heart. Along with it, she felt a kind of comfort and relief. Ulquiorra was prepared to fight other Espada to protect her.

"I will take my leave now to retrieve your meal. Rest while you await my return." She nodded, and he pressed his lips to her forehead before sitting up, moving over her to leave. He zipped up his coat and left the room, making sure to lock the door. He would have to ask Szayel about a device to react to unwanted spiritual signatures so any intruders would be halted.

Alone in her room, Orihime was left recalling the previous night's events. She blushed as the recollections swarmed her brain. The heated kisses, his mouth moving along her skin, the quicker and harder thrusting within her, their powerful climaxes... How she hoped she wasn't pregnant. She wanted another go if he was going to perform like THAT again. Maybe he'd even let go to a greater extent, and maybe, just maybe, she could squeeze a moan out of him. She smiled, relaxing into the pillows beneath her head, falling into a deep sleep as devious plans filled her brain.

The next two days proceeded as usual, only with added visits and overnight stays from Ulquiorra. Usually he just stood in the room with her, answering her whenever she said something. He was still her emotionless statue of a guard, but he had softened around her. His affectionate gazes and softer tone spoke louder than anything he could say to her. During this particular visit he had joined her on the couch, and they had somehow wound up with him over her, sucking on the hollow of her throat. They were both fully clothed, and Orihime was gripping his coat tightly as his tongue slid over her skin. Her breathing was mostly breathy sighs and gasps, minimal air making it into her lungs. She moved her lower body, rubbing her inner thigh against his hip in an attempt to coax him closer to her. He didnt disappoint. He pressed his hips against hers, not moving his mouth from her neck. She felt something hard and heated pressed against her core through their clothing, and she knew precisely what that "something" was. She wondered if they would have another round tonight, and judging by the massive bulge pressed against her, surely something would happen. She hadn't even expected it. He dropped in for a usual visit after her meal, sitting beside her on the couch as she asked if anything new happened in Hueco Mundo. His answer had been no, his gaze turning soft as his fingers found her chin to tilt her head. He then explained that while nothing new was happening in the desolate world they inhabited, the same couldn't be said for him. Before she could ask what he meant, he had pulled her against him pressing his mouth to hers heatedly. She had fallen back into the pillows, facing the door, and eventually they wound up in their current situation.

His tongue moved down over her collar bone as his hands unzipped the hidden zipper on her back. He pulled the garment away, kissing and sucking down her chest. He could tell by her reactions she found pleasure in this, and moved a hand to her large breast, kneading it under his palm to test her. When she seemed to react positively, he moved his mouth to her left breast, licking along the mass of flesh as his hand worked the other. He felt her hips buck against him, causing amazing friction on his hardened member. He moved his free hand to her hip, pressing her down into the cushions so he could keep himself at least partially in check. He had no intention of breeding her tonight, only pleasuring her. Tomorrow he would be bringing her another pregnancy test, and if this test came up positive, he might not be allowed to touch her. He wanted to take this last opportunity to bring her some enjoyment before she dealt with the task of childbearing...and he just wanted to please her for the sake of pleasing her. He'd already admitted she held a significant importance to him, now was his chance to prove his devotion. He licked down her stomach to the band of her pants, kissing along it as he pulled the garment and the clothing beneath down her legs. He felt her tense up once it was free, and looked up at her with his tongue still pressed to her skin. She was blushing, obviously shy and embarrassed. Of what, he didnt know, and he was going to prove to her she had no reason to be shy in his presence.

Her captor's tongue and touch was making her go wild, her region flaring hot. When he had rid her of her remaining clothes, she was embarrassed by what he was obviously planning to do. She was also nervous... What if she didnt smell or taste good to him? What if he was secretly disgusted but wanted to loosen her up? His sensual gaze as he peered up to her only made her heart pound harder in her chest, the dark desire lining his eyes making her own arousal sharpen. It was with that look he rid her of her worries, assuring her he wouldn't be doing this if he didnt want to. He kissed his way down to just above her slit, lavishing the area with soft kisses before he made any move to lower his mouth slightly to drown her womanhood in attention.

Her sweet scent filled his nose, luring him to turn his attention to her dripping opening, as well as intensifying the flame in his groin. But he knew its be easier on her if he warmed her up and got her used to his mouth being between her legs. Showering her skin with gentle kisses, he waited until he heard the first of her breathy moans escape her lips before gradually moved down, first licking over that swollen bump he learned pleased her a great amount. Her harsh shudder was his indicator she was pleased by the feeling, and ran his tongue over it again slowly. Another winded moan broke out of her throat, spurring him on. He licked down her slit, enjoying the sweet taste of her fluids against his tongue. Her scent was strong and sweet, and combined with her flavor caused intense fire in his lower anatomy. He could only hope after this was over the fire would calm rather quickly. He simply ran his tongue up and down her wet outer lips a few times, only then locking her nub between his lips, licking the bundle of nerves without mercy. Her gasps, moans, and groans were all he needed to get the motivation to keep going, her hands entwined in his hair an added bonus. Moving away from her bud he pressed his tongue harder against her slit, causing it to slip through her outer folds. He gently pulled them apart with his thumbs, licking down the entire length of her slick womanhood before running his tongue around her entrance a few times, hinting at her what he was planning to do. Without further warning, he inserted his tongue into her core, enjoying the slick feeling around his muscle.

She gasped loudly when his tongue entered her, the thick muscle feeling entirely different from his organ. She could feel it curving and twisting inside of her, the sensations driving her absolutely mad with pleasure. She could sense that he was unsure what to do with each movement, but he was clearly a natural. Even as he tried to figure out what he could do, he caused her unbelievable pleasure. She could feel tension already forming in her abdomen, hating that he could bring her closer so quickly. She didnt want to finish so soon, and when his tongue brushed against that one spot inside her, she knew she had to stop him or she'd come undone too quickly.

Concentrating on pleasuring the woman in front of him, he moved his tongue side to side, basking in the noises she made as he did so. When her hand tightened in his hair, he knew he had pressed against a sensitive spot within her. Before he could do it again, she had sat up, quietly whispering for him to stop. He must've pained her, the complete opposite of what he thought. He felt ashamed for failing in his self-given task, pulling away from her heat and looking up at her face.

"My apologies. I did not intend to bring you pain." She shook her head, panting hard, face bright red.

"You...you didn't hurt me... I didnt want to finish..." This woman never ceased to confuse him. He thought the ultimate goal of intimate situations was to reach a climax, yet she was trying to avoid it.

"Why do you desire to stop before your orgasm, onna?"

His eyes were lined with genuine confusion, and she understood why. She lightly ran her fingers through his raven hair, breathing hard but more steadily.

"I don't want to be over yet... And I want to please you... In return... If I finish I'll be too tired..."

She wished to please him? Nonsense. There was no need for her to do anything for him, and he didnt expect her to.

"There is no reason for you to do so."

"It's only fair..." Already her hands were reaching for his black sash, and he quickly stopped them before they could touch the fabric.

"Onna." Warning was evident in his tone, causing her to flinch. "I do not require any attention. I merely wish to please you."

"But..." Before she could say anymore Ulquiorra pressed his mouth to her center again, keeping her hands pinned to the cushions. He licked up her womanhood slowly, pulling away when he reached the top.

"I am not negotiating with you onna." He plunged his tongue back into her depths, relief fluttering through him when she moaned and leaned back, obviously dropping the conversation. Not letting go of her hands he moved his tongue in and out of her, hoping to find that spot in her walls she enjoyed. Suddenly she let out a cry, arching her back and pressing against him. Found it. He continued pressing against that spot with each thrust of his tongue, thoroughly enjoying the sounds coming out of her mouth. He let go of her hands, one immediately moving to grip his hair. He looked up at her face, moving to suck on her knot of nerves at the top of her slit. The sight caused the fire in his groin the rage on, her head tilted back, her teeth clenched and her eyes squeezed shut, her cheeks a bright red. He moved his hand to insert two fingers into her opening as he licked her swollen bud, thrusting his appendages in and out of her. Suddenly her walls clenched around his fingers, her moans elevating into a scream as her entire body shook with her orgasm. Once her body visibly relaxed, he removed his fingers, kissing up to her navel softly, easing her as she came back into reality. The hand in his hair combed through the locks gently, her eyes slowly opening to look at him. They were still glazed over but she seemed to be able to form basic coherent thoughts.

"That...was amazing...Ulquiorra-kun..." It was the first time she had used the affectionate human term for him, and if it had been uttered by anyone else he would've grabbed their throats roughly and reminded them to know their place. But when it came to her... The term was pleasing and made him feel a strange desire to hold her in his arms and keep her hidden away from everyone else. He wouldn't act on his desire however.

He leaned back from her and wiped the back of his sleeve over his mouth, cleaning his face of her juices. Once he was clean he kissed her cheek, assisting her in pulling her clothes on again. The tightness in his lower abdomen didnt cease, but he was able to overlook it seeing how tired the woman was from her orgasm. Once her clothes were back on her and her breathing was steadier, he stood, bending down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead as she gave into her sleepiness.

"Rest well, onna." She hummed in response, signifying she was nearly asleep. The Espada simply watched over her, listening to her slow even breaths. The fire in his groin had died down after a few minutes, and he sat beside the couch on the floor, studying her sleeping face. She was so tranquil, peaceful. He'd never grow tired of seeing her in her relaxed state. He set his chin on the cushion, feeling sleep come to him after a few seconds. Pleasuring this woman orally had been nearly as strenuous as attempting to impregnate her. He fell into a deep sleep within minutes.

The next morning he awoke before her, confused on his whereabouts for a few moments. Once he remembered the reason behind his sitting on the floor, a very small heat built in his stomach but quickly dissipated. He stood up, walking out of the room to retrieve her breakfast and a second pregnancy test.

As he lead his subordinate down the halls, the test hidden away in his pocket, he felt a familiar riatsu. Quickening his pace, he turned down the hall leading to the girl's room, spotting Nnoitra scowling at the door, unable to break through the spiritual barrier Ulquiorra had set up around it.

"This was a dick move, Ulquiorra!"

"Perhaps you have forgotten my previous warning. You are not touching the woman located in that cell. She should be out of your thoughts entirely."

"That is the same thing is throwing a piece of meat into a hungry lion's den and expecting him not to lunge at it! There hasn't been any new females here in ages! Why won't you-"

"Enough Nnoitra. The woman is off limits to you, as well as the others. Aizen-sama will be informed of your intentions at the meeting tonight. Now step aside so I may bring the woman her meal."

"Come on, what could it hurt if I have one go at her? You've surely gotten plenty, with your assignment and all."

"I said enough. My assignment should bear no importance to you, and you should keep the woman out of your disgusting imagination. I do not know how you know of our task when it was to be kept private as long as possible, but it does not matter. Aizen-sama will deal with your insolence how he sees suitable. Stand aside, I will not ask again."

"I know because you fucking told me! I was teasing you that one time, asking if you had accidentally knocked your whore up, only to find you were actually given an assignment to! Surely if you know what you're doing at all she has already been impregnated, so let me have-"

Ulquiorra, no longer putting up with Nnoitra and his degrading of the woman, lifted his hand, pointing a finger at the Espada before him. He immediately charged and fired a cero, blasting a hole into the hall of the woman's room. Nnoitra was effectively knocked back against the inner wall, and Orihime was awoken from her sleep. Noticing Nnoitra turn his crazed look to the woman, Ulquiorra sonido'd to the woman's side, picking her up from the couch and using sonido to move down the hall to his room, ensuring the door was locked. Orihime stared at him, terror evident in her eyes.

"Ulqui...orra...what just...what...just...happened?..."

"That idiot Nnoitra tried to make another move to get to you. I will be informing Aizen-sama at tonight's meeting." He gently set the woman onto her feet, not pushing her hands away when they fisted in his coat. The blanket that'd still been over her when he lifted her from the couch pooled at her feet as she pressed herself against him, obviously still in shock from what she had witnessed. He tilted her chin up to look at him, leaning down so his face was close to hers. "Do not fret. I will not allow him to come anywhere near you." He pulled away, taking the box out of his pocket. "Here. Take this test while I go retrieve a fresh meal. You can use my bathroom located near the bed. Be sure you lock the door, in case Nnoitra is able to make it through the main door. Chances are slim, but extra precautions could make a difference." She nodded, taking the pregnancy test from him. He left the room, and Orihime turned and walked through the short hallway that opened into his room. Expecting it to be as dull as her own room or as white as the other rooms, she was blown away. His walls were a deep red, a dark mahogany trim lining where the walls and roof met. A few small red mahogany tables were pressed to the walls, a lamp on one of them. On another sat a dark oak box with a red tint. It looked like a miniature treasure chest in shape, gold latches keeping the lid attached to the body. After taking in the smaller details she turned her attention to the thing in the room drawing the most attention. He had a twin sized bed placed perfectly in the middle of a wall, a white silk curtain hanging from the canopy brace. The curtain opened on the side nearest the door, the ends of the cloth tied with green cords to the posts holding the canopy up, revealing the bed inside. The comforter was emerald green with a gold trim, and she knew it was silk from where she stood by the way it reflected the dim light in the room. Everything about his room seemed royal and sophisticated, which suited the inhabiter perfectly. From the crystal chandelier hanging near the bed to the black and green tile beneath her feet, Orihime was astounded by the cozy yet high-end feel of the room. Slowly making her way around the bed, she spotted the wooden door that was hidden by the bed when she first entered the room. She gently turned the knob and walked in, not at all surprised that his bathroom was just as elegant as his room, but amazed regardless. The walls were a deeper red, the tiled floor black. His counter was made from a fine black wood with a beautiful black quartz countertop. The sink appeared to be made of quartz, and the faucet was a fine platinum. The knobs were crystal-like, and the oval mirror above the sink was spotless. Not a scratch or streak anywhere on its reflective surface. There was no border around the mirror, the edges simply sloping down. The towel hanging from the golden hanger on the wall was a contrasting white, a black "4" identical to Ulquiorra's rank tattoo embroidered on the edge. Looking away from the counter she noticed his walk-in shower, the door made of glass but designed in a way anyone inside would be blurred. Beside the shower was a golden towel rod, supporting another larger white towel with the "4" embroidery. Deciding not to spend too much time admiring the beauty of Ulquiorra's living space, she opened the box and slid the pregnancy test into her hand, throwing the empty container in the trash can beside the counter. It was identical to the last one she had taken.

After she took the test she grabbed a long strand of toilet paper and set the test on it to prevent soiling his counter top. Washing her hands, she ignored the beeping as the test finished processing. She didnt want to know if she was pregnant, only because if she was...Ulquiorra might not be around as much. Sighing, she dried hands before shutting her eyes, barely opening one to look at the screen.

RESULTS : NEGATIVE

Relief swept through her and she placed her elbows on the counter, pressing her face into her hands. Her fingers combed through her hair as she welcomed the waves of relief. She knew it was her duty to get pregnant, but she wasn't ready for her bond with Ulquiorra to break so soon. Nearly crying out of joy, she wrapped the test in the toilet paper, throwing it away. She washed her hands again, making sure not to drip on his counter as she dried them, adjusting the towel after using it. Exiting the bathroom, she noticed he still wasn't back. She ran her fingers over the smooth top of one of the tables sitting near his bed, amazed at the complete lack of even a speck of dust. As her fingers slid off the edge, she heard the door open, and immediately backed into the bathroom, silently closing and locking the door. Leaning her ear to the wood, she listened for any threatening sounds. Instead all she heard was light footsteps walking along the tiled floor. A light clatter of dishes could be heard as well, as though a table were being set. Then she heard nearing footsteps, and immediately backed away from the door quietly. A light rapping could be heard on the door, followed by a welcome voice.

"It's me, onna. Are you alright?" She exhaled in sweet relief, opening the door.

"Yeah, I'm fine!" She smiled up at him, noticing his eyes go soft. He never smiled, but his eyes conveyed what his mouth didnt.

"I have set up your meal in that room." He gestured to a small room separated from the rest of his bedroom by a half wall. "I understand you are not comfortable eating in my presence so I will be waiting outside the door to ensure Nnoitra does not make another attempt." He grabbed her hand then, bringing it up to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on the backs of her fingers. "Inform me of the results of the test when I return." She could only nod, her face heated to an impossible degree. He walked out of the room then, leaving her alone once again. She slowly walked to the table and sat down, poking at her food rather than eating it. Memories of Nnoitra being cero'd into her room fresh in her mind, her appetite was nonexistent. But then she remembered what happened the night before, how Ulquiorra had used his mouth in such an intimate way. She never would've thought he'd willingly put his lips there of all places, and not only that, he didnt want her to return the favour. The memories caused blood to rush to her face as well as her lower regions, making the room seem 10 degrees hotter instantly. She drank some of the water she had been given, the drink cooling her heat and igniting a fierce hunger. Despite being ravenous from their previous encounter and having not eaten in several hours, she ate slowly and shyly, careful not to make a sound despite being the only one in the room. Once she finished, she piled the dishes on the table, a habit she picked up so it'd be easier to clean. She simply sat in the chair for a few minutes, gazing over the half wall into the bedroom. He had such a pretty room, the colors blending well instead of contrasting as they usually would. She heard the door close, and peeked her head around the corner in time to see Ulquiorra walk in, his hands in his pockets. She stood and walked out of the small room into the bigger space, folding her arms across herself.

"It appears Nnoitra has given up, for the time being. You should be safe in here." He walked up to her, raising his hand to run it through her hair. He tilted her head towards his, capturing her in his gaze. "You can stay in this room as long as you need." He pressed his lips to hers softly, his hands finding their way to her back. He gently broke the kiss, keeping his eyes locked with hers. "Now inform me of the results."

"They were negative..." His eyes sparked with something akin to a flame.

"We will have to try again."

"Yeah... Are you mad?..." He pulled her closer to him, pressing his lips to her neck.

"No. We shall make our fourth attempt tonight after the Espada meeting, my onna." Orihime blushed. It was the first time Ulquiorra addressed her as HIS.

He kissed her neck gently before pulling away, studying her flushed face. This girl was so innocent, the smallest things causing her to blush. She didnt belong in Hueco Mundo, a desolate land with no life, full of killers and trash who'd only abuse her body. He wasn't sure why she meant so much to him, but he was prepared to do whatever was necessary to protect this human woman from their attacks.

Remembering his assignment to patrol the borders of Las Noches, he grudgingly stepped back away from the teenage girl that fascinated him.

"I have orders to check for intruders. I will return within a few hours, when it is time for your next meal. You are to stay in this room. Do not go near the door. Nnoitra will not be able to enter this room, but should he find a way in," he walked to one of the nearby tables, opening the drawer in its side and taking out a small metallic item. He grabbed Orihime's hand, slipping a simple silver ring onto her finger. "This ring will keep your spiritual pressure compressed, making you practically invisible. You are to hide in the secret compartment behind this wall." He pressed a button on the wall that she hasn't noticed before, an opening in the wall slowly forming. "I had this built when I was given this room. It has served no use to me as of yet, but it'll suffice for you to retreat into should you feel endangered. There is a switch on the inside as well to close and open the door."

"Ok...thanks..." She was clutching his coat, leading him to assume she was either afraid to be alone or didnt want him to leave. Perhaps both. He knew he should be annoyed with her, but he wasn't. Instead he turned to her, running his fingers through her hair.

"You will be fine, onna. I will return soon." When she didnt give a vocal answer and only nodded in response, he tilted her head up and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. The effect was immediate, her body relaxing considerably, her hands clutching the sleeves of his coat. When he pulled away from her, keeping his face near hers, she looked into his eyes, still troubled but more reassured.

"Just be careful..." He gently pulled away from her.

"You have no reason to worry." She nodded and he grudgingly began moving towards the door, knowing it'd be easier to leave now. "I'll be back soon. If you feel tired, you are welcome to use the bed." He walked out before she could respond, ensuring the door was locked before heading out.

Inside the room Orihime sat down on the chair she had previously been sitting on, gazing down at the ring on her finger. She knew it was for no other purpose than hiding her riatsu, but the notion he had placed a ring on her finger set flutters through her heart. Deciding not to linger on it any longer, she crossed her arms on the table, laying her head over them. She looked around the room, still in disbelief something so rich in colour could exist in Hueco Mundo. Were all of the Espada's rooms like this? Was it something unique to Ulquiorra's room, like the hidden room? How long would she have to stay in his room? Without noticing she had closed her eyes, falling into a light sleep.

When Ulquiorra returned four and a half hours later, he hasn't expected to find her asleep with her head on the table. He walked up to her, gently rubbing her back to rouse her from her sleep. She woke with a start, obviously not in as deep a sleep as usual.

"Relax, onna. It's me." She eased upon seeing him, leaning back in the chair with her eyes closed.

"Hey... How'd it go?"

"There were no signs of intruders, but I will be doing another patrol after your meal. Didnt I tell you that you may use the bed if you felt tired?"

"Yeah...sorry. I fell asleep without realizing it. I just put my head down and the next thing I knew you were here." Having never been one to talk and knowing a reply wasn't required, he simply stared at her for a few minutes before turning to walk out again.

"I'll be back shortly with your meal."

"Ok."

The rest of the day was rather dull. He brought her her second meal, left to go patrolling, brought her her final meal, and then left to go to the meeting. Being left to her own devices in Ulquiorra's room, she shyly started looking around. Most of the tables had drawers, and next to his bed was a small end table that doubled as a shelf, a few blankets folded neatly on the shelves. On top of that table was a beautiful crystal lamp. She ran her fingers over the beaded cord, lightly holding the crystal at the end of it. It was hard to believe such beautiful things were in Las Noches, much less in Ulquiorra's possession. Was he aware of the value of his items, or did he just use whatever he found? Either way, the elegance was astonishing.

Turning her attention to the last table in the room, her fingers roamed over the little chest, tracing the designs in the golden embellishments on the corners. She noticed there was a key hole in the lid, small and hardly noticeable. Next to the chest was a plush bat, measuring about a foot tall, an odd thing for such a cold, emotionless Arrancar to possess. She lightly stroked the bat, noticing the fur like fabric used was extremely soft to the touch. She noticed the little black critter had green lines under its eyes, resembling the owners'. On its chest was an embroidered green "4", again strongly resembling the owner's tattoo.

"You seem fascinated with that toy." Her captor's voice startled her as she was unaware of his presence. She turned around suddenly, nearly knocking over the stuffed animal.

"Ah! How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to observe you admiring the details on such a small thing."

"I...I'm sorry.. It's just cute...and...and it looks like you..."

"That was the intention of the embroidery, onna. It was custom made to bear some resemblance to me." He paused for a brief moment. "Do you like it?" She seemed shocked at his question but nodded regardless.

"It's adorable!" He walked closer to her picking up the plush in one hand.

"Are you aware of who made it?"

"Oh uh...no..."

"Would you be surprised if I was the one who had sewn it?"

"You-you made it?!"

"Yes." He held it out for her to hold, and she shyly took it from his hands.

"Our child will need some form of entertainment, so I made the stitching strong enough to withstand a toddler's play. I have begun constructing another to go along with it." With that he opened the drawer, revealing an embroidery hoop with orange fabric wound in it, two brown eyes embroidered onto the fabric. Next to the hoop sat another piece of fabric, with a hibiscus symbol embroidered on it identical to her Shun Shun Rikka. She was absolutely floored by what was presented to her, and the fact Ulquiorra was going through so much trouble to make something for the child they still have yet to have. She felt tears welling up in her eyes, and before she could express her feelings she felt one hand wrap around her back and pull her closer, another wiping away the tear that had fallen. "Is it unsatisfactory for you?" She shook her head, opening her mouth to explain she wasn't crying out of sadness. "What is causing your distress? If you do not approve of -"

"Ulquiorra, that's not it. They're so...perfect. Im so touched..."

"Touched?"

"Happy. I'm happy Ulquiorra...!" She smiled broadly at him, the tears spilling for her eyes.

"You look the exact opposite of happy Orihime."

"You...you Baka! These are tears of joy!" With that she kissed him roughly, surprising him. After he recovered from the shock he leaned into the kiss, taking the stuffed toy out of her hand and placing it back on the table. He expected her to break the kiss after a couple seconds but she never did, instead moving her arms around his neck bringing him closer.

She wasn't sure what had gotten into her, but she felt a heat pooling in her gut with the only way to cool it to be nearer to him. Seeing this unknown side of her green eyed captor had ignited her flame, making her desire closeness. So when she felt his hands press to her back and draw her closer against his body, the flame grew and she greedily pressed herself flush against him as she gently nipped his bottom lip. Their kiss became more heated as they both remembered what they needed to do tonight, Ulquiorra gently guiding the woman back onto his bed. She fell back against the pillows against the headboard, their kiss breaking as she fought for breath. As he allowed her time to settle into a comfortable position, he pulled the green and gold cords from the posts, the canopy curtain closing entirely around them blocking out the rest of the room, encasing them in a white box. Laying back over her, he pressed his lips to her neck as he undid the zipper on the front of her outfit, removing the topmost portion from her body as soon as it loosened. Her hands found their way to the zipper on his coat as he felt for the zipper on her back, undoing it until it too was discarded. Settling between her thighs he leaned back, removing his loosely hanging coat and undoing the sash around his waist, leaving his hakama on his hips as he leaned over her again, his hands trailing down her soft skin...