AN: So sorry for the delay! I've been super busy lately and forgot I haven't updated in a long time. The next chapter may be delayed as well. I might completely rewrite it since it's the last chapter of the ones I wrote back on 2014, and I'm not 100% satisfied with it.
Again, some grammatical errors may be in here. Please excuse them as I write and upload on my iPod.
Orihime awoke the next morning to find herself doing what she never would've thought possible just two weeks ago- she was cuddled against Ulquiorra with him holding her close. She could tell he was awake by his breathing and the way his hand trailed down her back slowly. She shifted so she could gaze up at his face, his eyes opening as she moved.
"Good morning, Ulquiorra-kun."
"Good morning, onna. How are you feeling?"
Truth be told now that she was slowly coming out of that groggy state and the fog in her brain was clearing, she could feel a faint throb of pain between her legs. She also felt a very faint ache where his teeth had marked her neck.
"I'm a little sore, but I'm wonderful! Thanks to you! How are you feeling?" He didnt respond for a few seconds, which didnt bother her in the slightest. It was his personality to leave some questions unanswered.
"I am satisfied. Satisfied you are feeling well and have no regrets regarding last night, and satisfied with our actions." She let out a soft giggling sound.
"I'm happy you liked it Ulquiorra..." Suddenly her eyes widened, and within a second she was pushing away from him and sitting upright, holding the blanket over her chest.
"Wh-where are my clothes?" She was frantically searching for them, causing him to sigh as he placed a hand on her arm to calm her.
"They are on the table. I will get them for you." He sat up and pulled the curtain apart so he could exit, leaving her in the white tent. She lightly ran her fingers over her neck, flinching at the small pain. She could only imagine how marked up she looked. Ulquiorra shortly returned, handing her her clothing before backing out again, letting her dress in privacy. As she was pulling the cape back over her shoulders she heard him speak.
"Would you care to join me for breakfast, onna?"
He had never even hinted that he ate! Much less that she could eat with him. She was too shocked by his question to respond for a few seconds.
"If you are uncomfortable I can bring you your meal."
"No no! I'm fine... Was just shocking to be asked that! Do you eat alone?" She closed the last zipper and climbed out of the bed, thankful the collar of her uniform covered the marks her hair couldnt. He reached for the green cords to pull back the curtain. "Here, I'll help." She grabbed one of the cords from him and tied one side to the post as he did the other.
"No. The Espada all dine in the designated room. Under normal circumstances all ten seats are filled, but lately most are out on assignments. I imagine today will be no different."
"Oh...wait, ten seats? What about Aizen-sama?"
"He, Gin, and Tousen eat alone."
"Ah...then let's go! I'm starved, especially after last night." A soft giggle followed her words, and he knew what she was referring to.
"I assumed so. I myself need to replenish my energy." He spotted the discarded chunk of wood on the floor, gently nudging the woman to the side before firing a small cero at it, just powerful enough to obliterate the unsightly proof of their private affairs. "I will have a lesser Arrancar replace the headboard." He wrapped an arm around the girl's waist, gently guiding her out of his room into the hall. They maneuvered down several corridors until they came upon the large silver doors that opened into the dining hall. As expected, the table was empty, only one Espada present. Szayel. Having no overwhelming quarrels with the 8th, Ulquiorra guided Orihime past the table into the kitchen. She gasped quietly, obviously stunned by the sight even though it was completely ordinary. This girl certainly was stranger than he had thought.
"I had no idea you guys had this kind of food here for you to eat!"
"How did you suspect we could supply you with food, onna?" He grabbed a plate and placed his usual items on it. A couple strips of bacon that weren't burnt to a crisp and one scoop of scrambled eggs. "We Arrancar, mostly the Espada, have adapted to eating more..conservative foods instead of going out and feeding on fellow Hollows." He grabbed one of the small glasses and filled it with water, waiting for the woman to get what she wanted.
She was amazed. They had large tubs of just about every breakfast food she could think of sitting along the counter. She spotted bacon, pancakes, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, sunny-side-up eggs, tortillas, sausage... She didnt know what she would be allowed to get, and sent Ulquiorra a questioning glance.
"You may have whatever you want, onna."
Not asking if he was sure out of fear he'd change his mind, she shyly grabbed a white plate off the pile at the end of the counter, using the scoops and clasps placed in each tub to put one slice of bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, and a pancake on her plate, deciding not to try to concoct her own creations out of worry she'd be questioned. She grabbed the nearby bottle, one with no label but undeniably syrup, and poured a small amount of the sweet brown liquid over her pancake. She grabbed a fork as well as a glass, using the containers to pour orange juice in it, and followed Ulquiorra back out to the table. They sat on the side opposing the pink haired Espada, sitting a seat down from right across from him. The man looked sleepy, lethargically lifting a piece of sausage to his mouth. He looked up as Ulquiorra sat down, nodding in acknowledgement before turning his gaze to her, curiosity filling his eyes. She felt the need to say something.
"H-hello."
"Hello. You are Inoue Orihime, I presume?"
"Yes, and you are?"
"Granz Szayelaporro. It is a pleasure to meet you, miss Inoue."
"Oh, you too!" She felt Ulquiorra move his hand over hers, holding it tightly.
"Szayel, you will leave her out of your 'studies'."
"My my, Ulquiorra. You seem a bit possessive of her. But you don't need to worry, I had no interest in doing anything of the sort."
"Um...sir...are you ok? Forgive me for asking but you seem tired." The man simply smiled at her.
"Yes, I'm fine. Aizen-sama has been keeping me busy coming up with new weapons and surveillance devices lately. I haven't gotten much sleep."
"Aw you should rest! Surely Aizen-sama understands you need sleep!"
"Don't worry, I get sufficient rest when I can. If you two will excuse me, I have to get back to work." He stood and left the hall, leaving his dishes for the servant Arrancars to clean up. Orihime turned her attention to her food, eagerly impaling the pancake with her fork.
"He seemed nice!"
"Sometimes outward appearances are misleading."
"Why, is he mean?"
"Not as cruel as some of the others, but he is certainly not 'nice', especially when it comes to humans."
"Oh..." she turned her attention back to her food, eating in silence. Ulquiorra finished before her, simply watching her out of the corner of his eye as she ate. She ate at a moderate pace, but seemed shy. For what reason he had no idea, he could only assume his presence was causing her to act this way, despite their activities during the previous night. Once she had finished he noticed she neatly piled her dishes, as though it'd be easier for the servants to clean. She was...endearing. Her mannerisms were bizarre but he found them pleasant and in human terms, cute. He gently laid a hand against her back, drawing her attention to him. Taking advantage of them being alone in the room he tilted her chin with his free hand, leaning forward to place a light kiss on her lips. He pulled back within a second, gently pulling on her arm as he stood. "We will return to our room."
Our room. He didnt address it as his room, he had included her. The realization made her blush, slowly standing and eventually letting a small smile curl her lips upward. "Ok."
They silently walked back to the room, Orihime walking to the bed and laying over the comforter. "Come lay with me, unless you need to go somewhere."
"I am without assignment for today onna." He settled himself beside her, simply studying her. Why it was so important that he lay with her didnt make sense to him, but he couldn't deny her. He reached a hand to lightly stroke her hair, his finger twirling in the strands. "You have no regrets regarding our actions last night." He was saying it more to himself, reassuring himself she wasn't hurt and wasn't afraid of him. He was a powerful creature, and yet he didnt want her of all living beings to fear him. She was too dear to him.
"Nope!...do you?" There was a sadness in her voice, as if she actually feared he regretted it.
"I only regret having given you a small wound. Aside from that fact I feel no remorse."
"Oh! Good. And don't worry so much, you didnt hurt me..." She pressed against him. "Ulquiorra-kun..."
She was relieved the only thing that troubled him about their vigorous acts was the tiny, unnoticeable cut he had accidentally caused. It didnt even hurt her.
Her small frame pressed to him brought him a satisfaction he hadn't expected, his arm wrapping around her to keep her close. He could only wonder how long they had before she conceived and they were possibly separated. There was no arguing with Aizen-sama, but he was going to try to negotiate a deal so the woman could stay with him. If not for their sake, for their child's. He was the father, and despite everything he couldn't stand the thought of being kept away from the woman and their offspring. As though reading his mind, Orihime pressed further against him.
"Ulquiorra...I don't know if I'm ready to have a baby. I'm still young... And..."
"And?"
"I don't want it to be taken from me..." She was troubled over Aizen-sama removing the child from her care. It was clear she wanted some part in the child's life, something he could relate to.
"If memory serves correctly our offspring is to remain with you for a fair portion of time. Do not worry yourself over it."
"Ok...and what about you? Are you...are you just going to forget about all of this or..."
"Explain yourself."
"After I get pregnant...will we still be like this or are you...are you just going to move on and forget about me?"
"Onna I believe I told you not to worry." He held her closer, shocked she would even ponder such a thing. "I intend to stay with you during and after your pregnancy. Nothing will change." He tilted her head up to face him. "You've become very important to me." He kissed her forehead, hoping his words and actions will soothe her. They succeeded. Her body eased, and her arms found their way around his torso.
"You're important to me too, Ulqui-kun..." The two laid together for a few hours, simply making small talk about various things until it was time for her second meal. When Ulquiorra returned, the woman was fast asleep, curled up into herself on the bed. He set her food on the table and grabbed the white blanket he had since picked up off the floor and placed on a table and laid it over the girl. She shouldn't be asleep for long, but he still wanted to ensure she didnt catch cold, especially in Hueco Mundo where diseases she was unaccustomed to were ever present. He pulled a small key out of the drawer of the nearby table and opened the chest, pulling his threaded needle and spool of thread out. He sat on the bed, working on the small bird plush that was made to resemble her as she slept. He wondered if she was aware he was the one who had made her uniform, but judging by her reaction to finding out he made the small stuffed animal he could only assume no.
When she woke up, she could sense he was close to her. Opening her eyes, she found him sitting with his back to her, looking down and...doing something. Judging by the movement of his arm it seemed provocative. She blushed madly. Was he really touching himself while she slept?! She sat up and reached out to touch him, ready to confront him. Before she could reach him, he turned to look at her. He seemed perfectly calm, as if he wasn't doing something perverted.
"You're awake, onna."
"Y-yeah..." Noticing her furious flush and stuttering, his expression shifted ever so slightly.
"What is bothering you?" He turned towards her, not looking as he placed something on the table..looking at it, she became aware it was sewing supplies and the fabric from yesterday. He had been sewing! Not anything bad, sewing! Her blush intensified as she realized how wrong she'd been and only proved herself to be a pervert by thinking he was actually... She pressed her face into the pillows, not wanting to have to look at him out of embarrassment. "Orihime, answer me. What's wrong?"
"N-nothing..."
"Then why do you seem flustered, hiding yourself?"
"I-it's nothing Ulquiorra...just embarrassed..."
"Embarrassed? I don't recall giving you a reason to feel embarrassed."
"Ulquiorra...please..." Not wanting to stress her even more, he relented, gently rubbing her back to try to calm her. She eased, and eventually turned to face him. "Sorry..."
"You have no reason to apologize. I am sorry for pressuring you."
"No it's ok..." She sat up and leaned against him. "I just...thought something bad... I'm fine now." His arms wrapped around her, and she was grateful for the embrace.
After a few moments she got up and ate, and the rest of the day was filled with minor conversations. Ulquiorra continued sewing as Orihime watched while holding the bat, their conversations not ceasing. She did a vast majority of the talking, telling him about her friends and her life before Hueco Mundo. She avoided the subject of her upbringing, wary of how he'd react. When she ran out of topics, she leaned against Ulquiorra, wrapping her arms around his. "So what about you Ulquiorra? Do you have any friends?"
"You are my only companion onna."
"Aw..." She felt sorry for him, and yet...flattered he saw her as someone he could trust. Of course she hoped she was more to him than a friend, but being called Ulquiorra's only friend was quite an honor.
Companion didnt fully envelop how he felt for her, but it was enough to answer her question. It was true, she was the only one he ever felt any attachment to. He would fight for her should she be endangered, he would care for her should she fall ill. she was very important to him, words not fully expressing his loyalty and...care. He felt her head lean against his shoulder, shifting and moving till she was comfortable. A light yawn came out of her, drowsiness starting to grip her consciousness. He set the now nearly complete bird on the table, wrapping his other arm, the one she was leaning against, around her middle. He shifted them so they were fully on the bed, reaching over to close the drape. The plush bat was still in her arms as they laid down, but he couldn't bring himself to make any move to remove it from her grasp. Instead he found it a pleasing sight, her clinging to something he made to resembled him. He held her close, well aware it aided her in falling sleep.
He was so comfortable... So warm. She pressed close to him, shyly starting to entwine a leg with his. He seemed confused at first but gradually aided her by shifting his legs. For some reason she just wanted to be close to him, seeking the comfort it brought. He complied, holding her pressed to him with both arms as she drifted to sleep.
He simply held her, watching her sleeping face. He'd never get used to this. He never cared for any other being, let alone a human. Yet here he was, keeping this woman close to him even though he had no orders to do so. He had developed a weakness, a "soft spot" as some called it, for her. He should put an end to this, end this ridiculous attachment to a human. He was growing weak, no longer able to push the girl away. Instead, he found himself trying to get closer to her, get to know her better. He had been listening earlier when she talked about her life, but she mostly talked about her friends. He felt as though he hardly learned anything new about this girl in his arms.
Feeling the tug of sleep he decided not to dwell on the trivial matter, leaning his head against hers and falling into a deep sleep.
The next day was reminiscent of a recent day, Ulquiorra sent out to patrol all day while Orihime was left to her own devices. She had woken up to find him gone, a note beside her on the bed explaining where he was and that he trusted she knew how to protect herself should the need arise. When he returned to bring her lunch (as her breakfast had been waiting for her when she awoke) she asked him permission to bathe, having not taken a shower in a couple days since she moved into his room, which he granted.
Lathering shampoo in her hair, Orihime contemplated what exactly was happening between her and Ulquiorra. They had been given orders to create a child, nothing more nothing less. And yet somehow they had grown quite fond of each other. She also wondered...what will her friends think if she sees them again? She can't just tell them she had a baby with an Espada, they'd see her as even more of a traitor! Not to mention judge her for willingly having unprotected sex with a Hollow, especially one who was supposed to fight against them. She sighed, not lingering on those haunting thoughts, switching gears as she squirted some body soap into her hand and rubbed her body down. What would the child look like? Would it be a boy or girl? She liked to imagine a little boy who was a carbon copy of his father. Inky hair, deep green eyes. And since she and Ulquiorra would be responsible for the child's care for a few years, she would teach him how to draw. Maybe Ulquiorra would even award him with some praise!
Turning the water off and wrapping a towel around herself, Orihime stepped out of the shower. She dried herself off, wrapping the used towel around her hair after she was dressed. She stepped back into the bedroom, making her way to the bed to lay down. She was bored and tired, having no one to talk to with Ulquiorra gone. She settled under the blankets, fully appreciating the soft plushness of the bed beneath her and the pillows under her head, the towel slightly unraveling as she got comfortable. She curled her body slightly, letting sleep come to her. Maybe...when she woke up...Ulquiorra would be back...
Knock knock
Orihime was startled from her near sleep, a knocking on the outer door echoing through the room. As she got up to quietly sneak away into the hidden room, thinking it was Nnoitra or someone else who posed a threat, the visitor knocked again, a little less patiently. It was followed by a familiar voice she couldn't place...
"Miss Inoue, please open the door! I'm sure Ulquiorra informed you I'd be stopping by today." Picking up the note, Orihime skimmed over it once again, finding a few sentences she had somehow forgotten reading.
"Szayelaporro the Octava Espada will be visiting you sometime during my absence. He is the only other Espada who was informed by Aizen-sama about our task so do not feel alarmed. He will be checking to see if you are fertile and your body is in proper condition to carry a child." Orihime was relieved to see this visit wasn't unexpected to Ulquiorra and that she shouldn't be in danger. She walked over to the door, opening it and revealing the tall pink-haired man. He simply gave her a one sided smile, almost giving the appearance of a smirk.
"Thank you. May I come in? I feel these affairs would be better dealt with in privacy."
"Oh! Of course! Silly me.." She stepped aside and allowed him to walk in. Once he walked past her and she had shut the door, she remembered the towel in her hair and embarrassedly took it out, smoothing her damp hair as much as possible.
"Tell me, Orihime, when was the last time you and Ulquiorra engaged in intercourse?" His voice was calm, not nearly as steady and calm as Ulquiorra's, but calm and relaxed as though he hadn't just asked a personal question. She felt the blood rush to her cheeks, her blush burning her face.
"A...a couple nights ago..."
"I see. It appears not enough time has passed for me to give you a pregnancy test. Regardless," he pulled a small box out of his pocket, opening it to reveal small sticks resembling q-tips but without the cotton tips. He took two out, holding them out to her. A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I need cell samples of your reproductive system. If you would be so kind as to swab your birth canal it'd be very helpful." A blush reddened her cheeks, her face becoming so hot she felt like she was melting.
"B-birth canal?"
"Your vaginal walls, Orihime." Her blush deepened, her trembling hand reaching to take the swabs from him. "And you have no reason to worry. As a scientist I ensure everything is sanitary. But if you have doubts I wouldn't be offended if you washed them off first, so long as you're sure to actually swab-" the door opened unexpectedly, a very welcome figure stepping in.
"Octava, what is it you are handing Orihime?"
"I'm only giving her swabs so I can collect cell samples of her reproductive system. You should know that Aizen-sama entrusted me with doing what's necessary to check her fertility."
"Is there no other means to do so?" Szayel looked shocked for a few seconds before smirking and turning his attention away from the higher ranking Espada to the girl.
"There are, but I doubt you would like your mate to undress and present her lady parts to me."
Ulquiorra noticeably tensed, much to the eighth's amusement.
"Very well. Orihime," he turned his green gaze to the woman, his eyes softening. "Are you comfortable executing what is being asked of you?"
"W-well if I don't have a choice then..." Orihime looked down in embarrassment walking off down the small entranceway and turning into the room towards the bathroom. Szayel turned to his superior, a smirk adorning his face.
"She's quite cute. In more ways than one."
"Do not get any ideas."
"Hey, I have no interest in her, but I do have to say you're a lucky dog. Tell me, how is she in bed?"
"That information is irrelevant."
"Oh come on, it's a fair question. Is she as good as she seems? Curiosity's sake."
Ulquiorra grimaced. "How vulgar." He turned away, hoping the lower Espada would drop the conversation.
"Come now, I don't have any interest in her romantically. I was simply curious given she's a human."
Ulquiorra didnt respond, he was growing tired of the conversation.
Inside the bathroom, Orihime carefully washed the swabs. Not so much to ensure they were clean as much as to give her time to get up the strength to collect the samples. Once they were thoroughly cleaned, Orihime sat on the toilet, shyly reaching between her legs and inserting the first stick. It felt odd, but she rubbed it against her wall anyway. The sooner this was over with the better!
Ulquiorra was staring down Szayel when she returned. The pink haired Espada smiled at her as he took the swabs from her. His smile turned into a smirk and with a quick glance at Ulquiorra, he brought one stick up to his mouth and inserted it, causing Orihime's jaw to drop and her eyes to widen. Ulquiorra's eyes widened as well.
"Octava-" Szayel removed the object from his mouth, looking at Orihime.
"My apologies for the crude act, it was necessary and I was afraid if I informed either of you I would've been forced to leave. Good news though, you are fertile."
Ulquiorra's jaw clenched as he stared a hole into Szayel's head. Orihime spoke.
"You could tell that by..."
"Yes! That is why I required two samples. If you will excuse me, I will take the remaining one to my lab to test it to make sure you are capable of carrying a child to term. Oh, and by the way..." He turned to the annoyed Arrancar. "If she isn't pregnant I suggest trying again soon. She should be ovulating within a few days if not already." He left the room, Ulquiorra staring him down until the door closed. He turned to Orihime.
"Szayelaporro didnt bring you harm, did he?"
"No! Not at all, why?"
"I am merely making sure."
"Ok...hey, I thought you went on patrol?"
"I was, but Aizen-sama had Grimmjow take over as punishment for disobeying an order. In effect I am now free from assignments for the remainder of today."
"Ah ok!" Ulquiorra didnt respond, instead studying her face. The veins in her eyes were visible, the skin beneath saggy.
"You appear tired, Orihime. Are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine! I was almost asleep when he got here."
"Perhaps you should rest."
"I'm fine! Just give me a few minutes to finish waking u-AH!" Before she could finish her sentence Ulquiorra had sonido'd beside her and picked her up, carrying her towards the bed where he laid her down under the blanket.
"Rest onna." It was an order, but she could hear the softness in his tone. He was just ensuring she was well, and she couldn't deny she was tired.
"Will you lay with me?"
"If that is what you wish." He settled in beside her, closing the drape behind him. She pressed herself against him, enjoying the warmth and comfort being pressed to him caused. She yawned quietly, feeling Ulquiorra pull the comforter over them. It was only a few seconds before she completely drifted into sleep.
Ulquiorra was once again left holding the sleeping woman close, her slow breaths being the only noise in the room. His fingers twirled in her hair before pressing to her back, slowly rubbing up and down. He closed his eyes, letting himself relax as there was nothing to gain from doing otherwise.
He was awoken a while later by a light tapping on the door. He got up slowly, careful not to wake the woman, and went to open it to the impatient visitor. Szayel.
"What is it Octava?"
"I finished analyzing the samples collected from Orihime. I thought you might like to know she is capable of carrying a child to full term, but as with most first time human mothers there are risks. Nothing too major, I will prepare myself should anything come up."
"That is good news. I appreciate your help."
He never expressed gratitude to anyone, the well-aware lower Espada taken aback. It was only right he received thanks for his hard work. If something happened to the woman he would be the only one who knew what to do, and he was doing this of his own free will. Aizen had only given him an assignment to make sure she was fertile, nothing more.
"Oh! It is my pleasure Ulquiorra. I wish you two the best." This was a side to Szayel he'd never seen. He was genuine in his best wishes, care evident in his eyes. He could only wonder why he was so concerned. The pink-haired Espada shook his head slightly, his soft expression shifting to one akin to his regular. "I was wondering Ulquiorra, would you allow me to design an outfit for the child?"
Now Ulquiorra was taken aback.
"You wish to design clothing for the baby?"
"Yes! Please, it would bring me great pleasure. You and Orihime are very close, and quite honestly you are the closest I have to a friend. It would be am honor if you would allow it."
Not wanting to completely trust the lower Espada, Ulquiorra didnt respond straight away. If he simply wanted to design the clothes with no catches, he supposed he could allow him to do so.
"Very well. You may design one outfit and I will sew it together according to your design."
"Of course. Please do inform me when one of the tests comes up positive." He turned to leave.
"We shall see." Before the eighth could turn and respond, Ulquiorra shut the door, returning to the woman on his bed. It would be another few hours before it was time for her meal, so he decided to fill the time finishing the stuffed toy. He grabbed the little bird and the small package of polyester fiberfill and began to pull the fibers into small bunches, pressing them firmly into the plush. It took quite some time, but soon the bird had taken form, stuffed firmly. He put the package away, grabbing his sewing needle and closing the hole. As he finished, he felt a hand on his arm. Orihime had awoken. He turned to look at her, her eyes bloodshot and saggy, but with a faint glint.
"Morning Ulqui-kun..."
"Onna."
"So did you finish?" She moved to wrap her arms around his middle, her head against his shoulder. Surprisingly, he didnt push her off.
"Yes." He put his needle down, handing her the small toy. Amazement quickly lit up her features, her bubbly personality showing.
"Ulquiorra this is amazing!"
"It is to your liking?"
"Yes, I love it!"
"I am pleased you are satisfied." He pressed a hand to her cheek, turning her head to look towards him. Before she knew what was happening his lips pressed to hers softly, a gentle caress. He pulled away after a few seconds. "I will go retrieve your meal." Before she could respond he was up and walking towards the door.
By the time he returned, this time with two plates on the cart instead of one, she had made a small tent on the floor using a few pillows and the white blanket. Such childlike endeavors would normally frustrate him, but only his curious nature came out. "Onna what is it you are doing?" He saw her head emerge from the small opening as he walked to the table, setting the two domed plates down.
"I built a tent!"
"That is obvious. Why did you build the makeshift shelter?"
"It's fun! You should come in!"
"I do not see the point in doing so."
"Oh...are you...mad at me?" There was a fretful sadness in her voice, as if she was scared he'd hurt her.
"No. I simply feel no need to do so."
"Ok... I'll clean it up for you." With that she emerged and before he could utter a word to let her know he wasn't bothered she had knocked the thing down and was putting the pillows back on the bed as they originally were. No longer focusing on the subject out of fear her mood would turn sour he turned to the plates, pulling the domes off.
"I brought my meal as well so we may eat together, unless you would prefer to eat alone."
"Oh no! No no! I don't mind eating with you! In fact I like the idea!" She smiled at him and walked over to the table, sitting in front of her plate.
"Very well." He stated, sitting across from her.
The two ate in silence, neither of them having anything to discuss. Afterwards, Ulquiorra watched with curiosity as the woman piled her dishes. She let out a small yawn as she did so, clearly tired. It made sense, given the late hour. He stood, holding his hand out to her.
"Come. We can lay down to rest for the night."
"Ok." She couldn't deny she was tired, nor that she was eager to lay beside her once cold caretaker. She placed her hand in his, allowing him to pull her up and towards him, wrapping his arm around her waist. The two walked to his bed, laying down under the blankets.
As Ulquiorra predicted, the woman fell asleep within seconds of laying down. He couldn't blame her. Humans thrived on entertainment, something rare in Hueco Mundo. She had nothing to keep her energy up and discourage sleep. He held her tight, allowing himself to fall into sleep with her.
The next day Ulquiorra was once again left without duties. He stayed with Orihime most of the deal, listening as she babbled about different things, though she doubted he was paying much attention. After her 3rd meal, she noticed... He was staring at her with a different look in his eyes, one he never possessed before... Finally he spoke.
"I shall retrieve a pregnancy test. I will return shortly." And with that, he left.
His view on this assignment was becoming more and more developed. Until today he hadnt given it much thought, other than the basic points. They were required to have a child, and he would of course stay with his new family. Somehow it dawned on him today, as he listened to her stories. She would be carrying a living child inside of her, her body would be distorted as the baby grew, she would give birth. She would be a mother, the mother to his child. He would be a father, the kid's "daddy." He and the woman would forever be connected. Along these realizations came images. Images of the woman laying across the bed with a swollen stomach, the woman holding their baby for the first time, the woman having fallen asleep in a chair holding their offspring...
He reached the closet near Szayelaporro's room, entering the passcode and retrieving one of the tests that lay ready to be used. Placing it in his pocket and securing the door, he began walking back to the room he now shared with the human girl.
She was sitting on the bed when he got back, fidgeting pointlessly with her outfit. She was bored, there wasn't much to do. He handed her the test, and she retreated to the bathroom to take it.
As he waited for her to return, he pondered which result he would prefer. He was enjoying this time alone with the woman, the two of them. And pregnancy would cause many changes in her personality. But if she was pregnant, they had succeeded for Aizen. And...they'd have a family. As much as he detested humans and their silly concepts, he...cared for Orihime and wanted to be involved in these things only with her.
She returned a short while later, walking over to him. "Negative again.."
"I see..." He had an extra few days with her it seemed, if no more. "We shall..." He tilted her chin up to look at him, leaning close. "Try again." He kissed her softly, wrapping his free arm around her waist to pull her nearer. "Do you wish to wait or shall we try now?" Her arms snaked around his neck and held him near to her.
"Now."