AN: Last time I'll say it just in case. I write on my iPod so please forgive grammar/spelling mistakes. Autocorrect hates me so I might have missed something when beta reading.

Had to cut this chapter in two since mobile FF wouldn't let me upload it all in one.

Enjoy!

Orihime squirmed a little, her legs bending a small degree as she slowly woke up. Ulquiorra watched her with mild curiosity. She was so fragile, and yet so comfortable in this place of death and violence. So calm, relaxed. He sighed and pressed his lips to her forehead. Her response came in the form of a content hum, her arms finding their way around his middle as she exhaled with a small smile tugging the corners of her mouth.

"Morning... Ulqui-kun..."

Ulquiorra didn't respond, instead choosing to watch her as she pressed closer to him. He moved a hand to rake his fingers through her silky auburn hair. How he would miss this... He knew it made him weak and vulnerable, being so inappropriately bonded to a human... Yet he couldn't find it in him to care. Even if this all came to an end, and she no longer wanted to be around him... He'd protect her. This small woman in his arms was the only one to never fear him. He had hurt her. Had threatened her friends. And yet, she found the strength to grow close to him. To build a fortress of trust and understanding. To forgive his transgressions and place complete faith in him, although he hadn't done much to deserve that honor.

She was so peaceful, resting there, her hair fallen over her face... His chest ached at the knowledge he'd have to wake her up. He wished he could freeze time, could spend an eternity there with her with no worries. She was his sun in this dark world.

The Espada closed his eyes, curling around her and kissing the very top of her head. He relished in her sweet scent before it would be taken away. He hated this. He detested that he'd have to let go of the only thing that held any meaning to him. Aizen-sama was not to be argued with. But for the first time, Ulquiorra felt the need to resist. To defy orders. To do what he desired instead of what he was commanded. However, that was entirely out of the question. Both he and Orihime would suffer for that. Even if it made his entire existence ache for a reason he couldn't place, he had to do what it took for her life to be preserved.

Grudgingly, he placed a hand on her side and shook her gently. "Orihime. Wake up."

Again she stirred, her eyelids opening to reveal glassy chocolate eyes. The girl smiled warmly, leaning to press her nose under his chin.

"I'm up... I'm up..." She slowly raised her head planting a tender, lingering kiss on his lips. Inwardly he sighed. She was getting so comfortable with him, and just before- "So... What's the plan today? Do you have patrol or anything?"

"No. I have been assigned to," he kissed her nose with little pressure, drawing it out as long as possible without garnering concern, "spending the next 24 hours accompanying you." The effect was instantaneous. She noticeably perked. Her eyes sparkled, wide and beautiful. A huge smile adorned her face. A soft blush darkened her cheeks.

"Really?!" Excitement accented her voice. She was very obviously happy. Ulquiorra felt a warm, melting sensation deep in his chest near his Hollow hole, but he found it to be a pleasant feeling that relaxed him.

"Yes."

"Awww! That's so nice of Aizen-sama! A whole day of you to myself..." Orihime screamed inside. If Aizen ordered a day of nothing but Ulquiorra being with her... There'd be no interruptions! Maybe she could get him to become a smidge more openly affectionate... At the very least, she could spend time bonding with him. "What are we gonna do first?"

She felt him nuzzle into her hair. He was silent for a few moments, simply twirling a finger in her long locks. Something about the way he was acting screamed something was bothering him. Her stomach felt heavy yet hollow, a feeling of anxiety and concern tightening her chest. She could sense that something was troubling him greatly. On the outside, he appeared as distant as always. But to her, who had had more than enough time to develop a connection and understanding of his actions, it was clear something was very wrong.

"Ulquiorra...kun...?" The Arrancar immediately stiffened a bit. As expected he had been deep in thought, and she felt bad for alarming him.

"My apologies, Onna. First we'll retrieve your breakfast. Afterwards, there is a place here in Las Noches I'd like to show you."

Her eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? What kind of place?"

"You shall see. I believe it will be to your liking." Ulquiorra slowly sat up, Orihime following suit.

"I'm sure it'll be amazing!"

The Espada only gave a grunt in response. He stood up and held a hand out, his intent clear. Orihime took the offered hand and allowed him to help pull her up into a standing position. Immediately she stumbled a little, wincing as a shot of pain shot up her body from her crotch. The Fourth's sure hands took less than a second to find their way to her hip and under her arm, effectively steadying her.

"Sorry, I guess I'm still a little sore haha!" She giggled softly, smiling wide at him. The ache was mostly a nuisance. She didn't mind it much, and she had absolutely no regrets about their intimacy. It hurt at the very end, but the pleasure otherwise was amazing and being so close to her once stone cold captor held a thrill of its own. Perhaps they could do it again- just... Leave the last part out.

"My apologies, Orihime." He took her hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing the backs of her fingers with a feather-like touch. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She would never get used to his affectionate side...

Ulquiorra was quiet the whole walk to the dining hall. It wasn't his usual silence she had come to love... Orihime's chest felt as though it was being pulled down with the weight of five hundred bricks. Something was very wrong...

Upon entering the room, only the Espada she recognized as Szayelaporro was present once again. He bore a solemn mask himself as he twirled his fork against his plate. His eyes were downcast and distant, and that same aura of unease hit Orihime. What was going on?...

"Orihime?" Ulquiorra's voice pulled her back to reality. Clearly she had slowed while absorbed in her thoughts. She quickened her pace to stand at his side again as they walked into the kitchen.

"Sorry- I got distracted..."

"Hn."

Please Ulquiorra...

They got their plates- Orihime getting an extra pancake and couple slices of bacon due to how hungry she was from the night before- and sat down. This time Ulquiorra didn't sit at an angle from Szayelaporro. He sat directly across from him.

No words were spoken, but a glance between green and gold eyes was exchanged. A knowing glance... An...apologetic glance. Ulquiorra's mouth wasn't set with such rigidity as it usually did. His entire face seemed to lack sternness. And Szayel... From what she knew of him he was always confident or smirking... Yet he lacked even a hint of a smile. His eyes were sad...

Orihime felt like crying. Something had happened... Something Ulquiorra was hiding from her. She turned her attention away from the two Arrancar to her food, picking at it uninterestedly. She had been ravenous, but now she found her appetite to have been shot. Still, it would be rude to take food and not eat it. She sighed, stabbing her pancake with her fork and joining her tablemates in eating a heavy-atmosphere riddled silent breakfast.

Szayelaporro left not long after the couple had sat down, claiming to have to organize his projects. Ulquiorra had nodded and that was it. After the two ate, the Espada opened a Garganta with a flick of his wrist, holding his hand out to Orihime.

"This will take us to the location, onna."

Orihime simply stared at his hand for a few seconds before looking away sadly. If Ulquiorra couldn't tell her what was going on... Then she didn't want to do anything with him.

"Orihime?"

"...what's going on, Ulqui?...you and Szayel both seem to know something... It seems really bad... Why won't you tell me?"

Her partner was silent for a few seconds before exhaling heavily.

"Onna... I will inform you tomorrow morning. For today, do not worry yourself with it. You will know when the time is right. Today, I wish for you to enjoy the activities I have planned. I have no desire for today to be ruined with what you will inevitably find out very soon."

So it wasn't that he didn't want to tell her... It was that he didn't want to ruin their day. At least that was how Orihime was going to think of it... She smiled softly after thinking over his words.

"Well... As long as you tell me tomorrow." She took his hand finally and stepped into the Garganta with him. As they moved through the dark space, Orihime found herself blinded as Ulquiorra covered her eyes with one hand.

"Keep them closed. I will tell you when you may look."

Orihime couldn't keep from smiling at his almost childish behavior.

"Hai." She felt Ulquiorra grab her hand, and she could sense him step forward to stand directly in front of her. He gently tugged her arm and she took the hint to step forward. She had been expecting to step onto more tile or stone, but the floor felt soft under her feet, giving way under her weight. She was aware of a light breeze against her skin, blowing her hair just a little. It was nice and cool, and it reminded her of when she and Sora would play outside in the summer. It was calming and nostalgic... Ulquiorra's hands slipped away.

"You may open your eyes now." Doing as told, Orihime opened her eyes and was blown away by what she found. A gasp escaped her, her hand moving up in front of her mouth.

Ulquiorra had brought her to a beautiful landscape... Soft rolling hills covered in silken grass and small flowers blowing in a soft breeze, in the distance she could see a small pond. To the right after that stood a group of trees. It was as though they had teleported into a fairytale. A tear found its way into her eyes as she looked at the beauty in front of her. The colors popped. Bright blues and greens, some pinks and yellows here and there in the flowers.

"Is it not pleasing?" Ulquiorra's sudden voice made her flinch and she turned to him.

"N-no! I-i just... It's so beautiful..." She looked back out at the view. "Where..."

"We are in a getaway, as you humans may call it. We Espada are allowed to come here, but only on an odd occasion. Usually, it is a reward for performing a mission exceptionally well, however it has been used as a punishment when one has acted out of line and has to be isolated. I myself have never been here other than when Aizen-sama first had this built." He paused for a few seconds, watching as she took a couple steps to - what he could only assume - get a better view. "I felt it would be appropriate to bring you here with my one permitted visit."

"Wah-" the girl spun around, her orange hair whipping around over her shoulder. "You can only come here once?"

"We must earn the privilege by performing exceptionally well. Aizen-sama doesn't allow privileges to be stacked, so even if I was to perform well with each mission, I'm only permitted the one until I use it. Then I would have to earn another. I have never felt the desire to come here before, so it has never presented itself as an issue."

"Oh..." She turned her chocolate gaze back out at the view. The Espada walked up beside her and took her hand in his.

"Shall we enjoy it together?" Brown eyes gazed up at his, his woman smiling that small, kind smile that made his chest both heavy and light at the same time. How strange.

"Yes."

The two walked hand-in-hand toward the lake, the woman stopping every once in awhile and crouching to admire a flower she found especially pleasing to the eye. Ulquiorra knew they were all fake. An advanced material that made them lifelike to the touch, allowed them to be manipulated by external factors such as wind in a realistic manner. Anyone else he would've told to stop being so ridiculous as to find joy in and admire something so small and meaningless. He would've easily told them the object of their praise was a manufactured item and replaceable. But not Orihime. He didn't have the strength within to crush her joy. Quite the opposite... He would go to great lengths to bring a smile to her face. It was a small, petty notion. Willing to go through trouble and hassle just to see someone's mouth curve upwards in an absurd sentiment. Yet... He cared for her. More than himself.

When they finally made it to the pond, Ulquiorra watched as his mate sat on her heels and leaned over the water.

"Oh my gosh! It's so clear! And I can see myself like a mirror!"

Orihime found herself completely taken aback by the astounding water. It was crystal clear, the surface completely flat and undisturbed by even a single ripple. The "sunlight" reflected and shimmered. It was a beautiful, unbelievable sight. It was...perfection.

"Yes."

In the reflection, the young girl could see Ulquiorra treading towards the bundle of trees nearby. "I'll be over here. If you wish to enjoy the water you may. You are free to do as you please here."

Orihime smiled. It was so nice to be out of that stuffy tower. Even if this was a false atmosphere, the air felt fresh. The sweet smell of flowers and the clean scent of water wafted into her nose from all around. She missed seeing grass, living things. She was still in shock such a beautiful peaceful place existed in this world... But she enjoyed it.

"Umm... Does that mean I can... Well nevermind, it's silly heh."

Ulquiorra stopped in his tracks.

"If you were asking if you may swim, the answer is yes." He turned to look at her, his eyes falling half closed. "I know you concern yourself with ruining the sight but it will return to its calm state within seconds. The water is clean and unpolluted, so there is no reason to fret."

"H-hai... Thank you." She smiled warmly at him. It had been so long since she had been able to swim... Even bathing wasn't something she could do as often as she liked. She stood and began undressing. She removed the pants of her outfit, her top, and her cape, leaving only her underwear. Making sure to neatly fold her clothing and lay them nearby, she stepped into the cool water. It was a pleasant temperature.. Not too cold, not warm. Instantly the muscles in her body relaxed and she found herself easing into the water quite comfortably. She stopped when the water reached just above her breasts. Her hair floated along the surface all around her.

Ulquiorra lowered himself onto the ground, leaning back against a tree as he watched the woman from a distance. She seemed to take much enjoyment from the simple pond, slowly wading around side to side. Occasionally she would dip down underneath and reappear a small distance away. Each time her hair would be smoothed back, leading him to believe that was the intent. She was so tranquil and serene in the water, almost as though she was one in the same with it. He had half expected her to thrash around and act rather childish, but instead she was merely enjoying it and calmly moving about. Figuring she would be entertained for a fair portion of time, he leaned his head back against the false wood behind him, closing his eyes. He was rather exhausted. He had stayed up a great deal of the time she was asleep, unable to stop thinking of what was to come of them. The ache in his chest intensified the longer he dwelled on it. He inwardly sighed, only physically exhaling heavily through his nose as he relaxed, allowing himself to slip into blissful unconsciousness.

Orihime climbed out of the water after a long period of time when her muscles started aching and her fingers pruned, squeezing and wringing liquid from her hair. The lake was very refreshing. It was nice and cool; wading through it had been very beneficial for both her mind and body. She turned her attention to the Espada sitting in the shade, noting how he seemed to be sleeping. She giggled picking up her clothes and walking towards him. She would've dressed but she didn't want them to get wet, and she was sure Ulquiorra wouldn't mind given everything they've been through, and it wasn't like he had never seen her body before.

The Arrancar was confused when he was woken up by the feeling of wet skin pressing against him. Looking down he watched as Orihime sat beside him and leaned into his side, wrapping an arm around his front and resting her head on his chest. That strange sensation around his Hollow hole returned, as well as that weighing ominous premonition. Focusing on the former, he wrapped an arm around her to pull her close - only then noticing her lack of clothing aside her damp bra and panties.

"You didn't dress?"

"Oh uh-" Orihime was noticeably flustered, her face becoming warm against him and her entire body shaking. "I didn't think you would mind." Ulquiorra placed a gentle kiss on her head to calm her.

"I don't. I was simply making an observation."

"Ah- well I'm glad..." There was a couple beats of silence before a very short giggle escaped her throat as she pressed her face further into him. "I hope this never ends... I guess it's kinda...silly... I just... Never want to lose you, Ulquiorra-kun..."

The sensation in his chest twisted tightly, the Espada feeling as though he was choking. He had to tell her... But not now. Instead, he held her closer, whispering words he meant but knew could never be.

"The same goes for you, onna." She smiled against him, moving to sit in his lap to lean against him more. Her hands fisted in his shirt as she snuggled into him taking in his clean, assuring scent. Even if her friends came to save her... She didn't know if she would want to leave without him. She wanted to live with this man forever... He was the only one to ever make her feel important and didn't treat her as though she was a weak child incapable of defending herself. She.. Loved him with every fiber of her being. He was so smart, and collected. He didn't show it much but she could sense how much he cared for her. Oh yes, she definitely loved him... More than she ever had Kurosaki-kun, who she now realized was merely a crush, an infatuation.

The woman was so naive. Ulquiorra doubted she was aware of the...unfortunate position she placed him in. Her wet clothing was molded to her form, and with the way she was sitting in his lap, he could feel everything through the fabric of his hakama. He was thankful for his high level of self control. Had it been lower, he would've surely pinned her down on the grass. But of course, he would never do such a thing now. She was still sore from last night's activities, and he didn't want to waste what time they had left together engaging in animalistic behavior. He would show her by other means just how highly he regarded her.

He was about to suggest they find more stimulating things to do rather than laying there, but knowing her well enough to understand her breathing patterns, he deduced she had fallen asleep. That was fast. The Fourth sighed but rubbed her back gently. Very well. They could spare some time to rest together. Afterall, they were still together... And she must've been quite comfortable to drift into a comatose state so swiftly whilst on him. He leaned his head back against the tree and closed his eyes, succumbing himself to sleep for a second time.

He was the first to wake nearly two hours later. Perhaps "wake" is an inappropriate term, for he had been awake the whole time, only keeping himself balanced between sleep and awareness enough to rest his mind and body while also being alert of his surroundings. At this point in time he was certain it was time for her second meal. He didn't require replenishment of energy as often as she did, able to function off one meal for several days if he had to. As it stood, the knowledge of what Aizen had told him killed the remainder of his appetite. He needed to quit his ludicrous dwelling on the matter. He had gotten along just fine without this woman... Yet... Why was it the idea of having to live without her - or at the very least, without being close to her was more cruel than death? He would prefer being gutted at the hands of Grimmjow or Nnoitra far more than what he was being forced to do. Indeed, Aizen-sama knew how to hurt his subordinates and had a sadistic sense of humor. Had he the strength, he would've rejected the order and shown Aizen just how much he detested the assignment... But that put Orihime at risk which was even more intolerable.

The girl in question shifted, humming pleasantly. Pushing his thoughts aside, Ulquiorra pulled her closer to him, kissing her temple with sweet tenderness.

"Mmm...Ulquiiii..."

"Wake up, Orihime."

"Mm... But you're so comfy..." She pressed her face into the side of his neck, sighing delicately. "Can't we stay here?"

"For awhile longer. However you will need another meal soon, and there are more things to do."

Orihime nodded against him. She wasn't sure why, but she was so tired... As though her energy was constantly being sapped. There was also an intense, almost obsessive, underlying desire to be as close to Ulquiorra as possible. She had never felt so tender and warmhearted in her life. She wanted to always be in his arms and never have to leave. What she would give to never have to face the world again. If she could have one wish, it would be to never have to leave Ulquiorra's side, and to have her friends accept him and their relationship.

Unfortunately she knew that wasn't an option. The Espada shifted after a few minutes, moving a hand to her shoulder to signal it was time to get up. She groaned wantonly but stood and backed off him, reaching her hand out to help him. Immediately, she knew it was silly. He could get up on his own-

He took her hand, more to humor her than anything as he could've easily raised himself off the ground without aid, and stood. She flashed her teeth in a broad smile before reaching to put her clothes back on. He spoke while he watched her.

"If there is more you desire to do here before we leave, I suggest you do so now. We will not be able to return here once we leave."

The redhead nodded, grabbing his arm and pulling him forward. "Come on! Let's go for a little wal-"

Ulquiorra's lightning-quick reflexes allowed him to catch her as she started to crumble, her knees giving out and her eyes rolling back.

"Onna? Are you alright?" His own voice sounded strange in his ears, embarrassingly shaky and weak, but he couldn't care right now.

"S-sorry Ulquiorra... I just got really dizzy all of a sudden..."

The Arrancar pulled her into his chest and slipped one arm under hers, the other swiftly snaking under her knees as he picked her up.

"We will return to the room." Without thinking he sonido'd to their room, carrying her to the bed and laying her down. Instantly that nausea hit him and his vision became unfocused. Afterall the "vacation" room was designed to negatively affect and disorient anyone that entered or exited by any other means than a properly opened Garganta, but he wasn't going to allow his own temporary discomfort to become a setback for her care.

"I-I'm sorry Ulqui-kun... I feel like your one chance went to was-"

"Don't be silly, onna. Your health and wellbeing is much more imperative." He climbed into bed beside her, pulling her against him and pressing a hand to her forehead. "Your temperature is above average, but only marginally. What symptoms are you experiencing?"

"Just dizziness... And fatigue..."

"Fatigue?" That would explain why she fell asleep so quickly and didn't want to wake up.

"Today I've been really sleepy..." Even as she spoke she burrowed into his chest, her words blurring together as drowsiness took over her again. "I'm... So... Tired...Ulquiorra-kun..."

"Silence." He kissed her head. "Rest." He felt her nod against him, her body going limp after a few seconds as she evidently drifted off again. Perhaps he woke her too early. That would hardly explain why she was dizzy but it seemed logical regarding her fatigue... Was it possible she picked up an illness in Hueco Mundo? He knew there were diseases she would not have the antibodies to fight, but most of those had much more severe symptoms such as blood being coughed up or draining through the nasal cavity.

For now, it would be best for him to let the small girl rest. He couldn't rule out the possibility she was simply tired and her swim had exacerbated it. Perhaps he should speak to Szayelaporro about it. He would be the one to know best about humans and their illnesses.

Grudgingly, he disentangled himself from her arms and stood. Immediately her small hands roamed over the sheets searching for him in her sleep, and the sight made him feel as though he had been punched in the stomach... By Yammy. Sighing, he climbed back into the bed. He would ask Szayelaporro later.