AN: Notes at the bottom.

Edit: Fixed a couple minor autocorrect issues I noticed.

"So where we going today?" Orihime was just as cheerful as always, a spring in her step as she walked beside Ulquiorra down the long halls of the tower. She had reached for his hand when they left the dining hall, but he had pretended not to see and stuck his hands in his pockets. It was a relief when she seemed unbothered and shrugged, just walking beside him and keeping up with his pace. Had he allowed her to hold his hand, he would've never been able to let go. He wouldn't have been able to take her to Aizen. He knew he had to do something. He couldn't just lead her there and have her find out then. It would make it harder on her and he couldn't bear seeing the pain on her face and not having a chance to comfort her.

He sighed and came to a stop. She failed to notice for a couple more steps before she stopped and turned to look at him. "Ulquiorra?"

"I need to speak with you, onna."

"Sure! What about?" She stepped over to him and looked at him with those gentle brown eyes he became so fascinated in. They were bright with joy... He closed his own so he didn't have to watch the light behind them fade away and her eyes to become fogged over with despair.

"We are going to see Aizen-sama. When we leave.. You will have no memory of what has occurred after the first day you were here."

She was silent for a few seconds, though it felt like an eternity. He opened his eyes but looked away from her. He couldn't stand to know what expression she held.

"Wh...what? What do you mean?"

Her heart felt as though it had stopped. She would have no memories left?... She... Would she forget everything that happened between her and Ulquiorra? Judging by how he refused to meet her gaze, and how his jaw was set with a different kind of rigidity than normal... That was exactly what he had meant. "Why..." Stinging tears welled in her eyes and she looked down at the floor. Why was Aizen wiping her memory... Why was he punishing them...

"Your friends have made it further than we suspected them able. We had believed they had retreated, but they are now drawing near. Aizen-sama believes it would be better for you to forget for the time being." He turned his gaze to her, his stomach instantly sinking low and his chest feeling as though a sword had stabbed through it. Tears had started to run down her face, Orihime's eyes wide and unfocused as she looked down at the floor. "Your memories will not be erased, but they will be locked away and suppressed until your friends have been stopped." Seeing as this brought her little comfort if any, he stepped closer. "Orihime." He spoke gently, not wanting to hurt her any more than he already had. "It will be alright. Even if you cannot remember, I will. I will hold up and honor all promises to protect you." Reluctantly, he moved his arms around her small frame, pulling her into him. He immediately regretted having touched her as he would have a great deal of difficulty letting go. However trying to comfort her was much more important.

Orihime couldn't think. Her mind felt numb and as though it had shut down. She would really not remember anything?... How could she forget such wonderful memories? The day he had brought her her uniform seemed so long ago... Yet after she left it would likely feel like it had just happened yesterday.

And on top of all of that, it was because of her friends... It reminded her she wasn't in some alternate universe where they no longer existed. She would have to choose one side or another if they managed to break through the Espada. How could she choose? She loved her friends but... She loved Ulquiorra as well, and Szayelaporro seemed to be a potential friend. Maybe even Harribel. Afterall, she had checked on her a couple times when she had first been brought here. She seemed sweet and somewhat motherly.

But right now none of that mattered.

She pressed her face into Ulquiorra's chest, clinging to him tightly. She would never let go! Everything could be sorted out some other way! She could find a way for the Espada and Shinigami to get along and set aside their differences... The fourth was so dear to her... She felt complete with him. He was her other half, as cliche and cheesy as that sounded even in her mind. He brought out her strength and made her think things through more clearly and make better decisions, and she seemed to pull out his emotions even a little. And honestly, she liked that he was so... Calm and collected. It was refreshing not having someone act on emotions so much.

"You are wearing the necklace, correct?" Ulquiorra's deep voice cut through her thoughts and turmoil. She pulled away and nodded once, tugging her collar down enough to show him with one hand, the other still pressed to his side. "Good. Do not remove it. Remember, it can protect you from certain events I am powerless to." She nodded again, tears welling anew in her fretful eyes.

"I...will always wear it, Ulquiorra. Wh-what exactly does it..."

Rather than provide an answer, the Arrancar pressed his lips to her forehead, a hand combing through her hair. Her soft auburn locks slid over his fingers, and he found it exceptionally difficult to distance himself from her, but he forced himself after a couple seconds. "You shall see when the scenario demands it. Trust my words." It wasn't so much an order as it was a plea. If she didn't believe him... It would make seeing her and taking care of her that much harder.

"I do... You've never lied to me, and you're very intelligent and aware of things..."

She looked up at him shyly while wrapping her arms around his neck. Before he could open his mouth to speak her lips pressed tenderly to his for all of two seconds.

"Please don't forget..." She couldn't handle the thought of him forgetting her and what they've been through and going after some other girl. Even if she forgot, even if she never got her memories back, they could start over... Couldn't they?... She wanted to be his only. She knew she was being too possessive, but as far as she was concerned they were matched for life. They had engaged in life-making acts that, while unfruitful, connected them. She felt as though they had become one soul. They were able to detect each other's changes in mood. They could read each other. Being comfortable with being herself around him came naturally.

"How could I possibly forget, onna?"

It was true. He would never forget. He had been around for many years, well over 100 though he found himself unable to recall just how many at the moment, yet never was there a female who was able to catch his eye. He lacked interest. She had come along and changed everything. If this longing to be at her side was love, so be it. If this refusal to die so he could protect her meant he found his meaning or will to live, that was how it would be. He had thought serving Aizen-sama provided him with that fulfillment, but he had been wrong. There would be no other that could take her place. If she was to be taken from him... He would find a way to join her wherever she is. He'd search the Human World. He'd demand that Kurosaki to inform him of her location. If she was... Gone, he would take his own life. Without her, he would be even emptier than before.

They walked in silence to Aizen's throne room, Orihime leaning against Ulquiorra and simply staring at the floor as he led her there. She had run out of tears, which was likely a good thing if she was going in front of Aizen-sama. She could only hope Ulqui was right... That it was only temporary.

Once inside, the air seemed to still and increase in pressure. She could hardly breathe. Whether that was from her nerves, being around Aizen, or both, didn't matter.

"My dear Inoue-san, you look as though you're not feeling too well. Don't look so sad. It would bring all of us here down with you if our princess doesn't smile."

His words were fake. Ulquiorra knew this, and Orihime was much too smart to fall for it. But she was also much too kind to be rude. A smile forced itself on her face, but the Espada couldn't look. He knew what her genuine smiles looked like, and this was the most false smile he had ever seen adorn her appealing face. He felt as though he had swallowed a rock.

Aizen took her hand and he had to look away as he led her to Szayelaporro standing to the side of the room. He toned out what was being said but focused on the syringe in the Octava's hand. He had been shown the blue chemical inside when he went to ask about her illness. Aizen had forced him to focus all his time on finishing the development for "emergency" use on Orihime. It would erase her memories from after a certain time period... In this case, shortly after he had informed her of her friends entering Hueco Mundo so long ago. The day before they received their mission to procreate. Szayelaporro was usually enthused about trying out his devices, but it didn't take a detective to know the look he bore now was of regret and sadness.

Ulquiorra noticed Orihime's sorrowful eyes fall upon him and returned her gaze. The eye-contact shared unspoken words both of them understood.

"I'm sorry." "I wish it wasn't like this." "I don't want this."

"I love you."

Brown eyes glassed over and rolled back, her body limpening after the injection was applied in her arm. Szayelaporro caught her, throwing the syringe on the floor and causing it to shatter. Ulquiorra noticed the far away, angry, and watery golden eyes. Even though he wasn't directly influenced... He didn't want this either.

Ulquiorra walked over to take the unconscious girl from Szayelaporro, almost ignoring what Aizen said to him and only picking up the basics "take care of" "like before" "don't mention." The Espada exchanged a glance, leaving the throne room together- Szayelaporro making a point to step on the shattered glass of the syringe. Ulquiorra carried the girl close to his chest, trying his best to ignore the tightening in his chest. This was no longer his onna... At least not until this battle was over.

"I'm sorry about all of this, Ulquiorra. I know this girl meant a lot to you." Szayel's voice was uncharacteristically gentle as they walked towards Orihime's old room that had since been repaired after the incident with Nnoitra.

"It is not your fault, Octava. It is not your responsibility to apologize."

"Even so. All of us Espada were aware of how deep your...care rooted. I shouldn't say, but many of us were jealous. You had a solid companion. Your bond couldn't be denied. And in the case of Harribel and myself... We were looking forward to having a little one running around."

Ulquiorra sent him a questioning glance. The first part would make sense, but the latter?

"You and Tres desire a child?" The pink haired scientist nearly fell over.

"Oh no, no! At least... Not together." Ulquiorra was quick to notice the last two words.

"'Not together?' But you do desire a child?"

"Well... Harribel is quite fond of children and has a strong maternal instinct. In fact, I wouldn't doubt she felt a yearning to treat Orihime as her daughter and get to know her better. As far as I go... I have always...been curious."

"Why not create your own in your lab?"

"Ha, believe me. I have tried. Many times. It's not possible, Ulquiorra. My fracciones are failed experiments. I tried to revert them back to young Hollows - my curiosity first coming to be after the incident with Neliel. But... No doubt you're aware of their... Shortcomings."

"Hai."

"It was when I realized they were failures I turned them into medicine and altered them to be what they are now."

"Why not try to find a female Hollow and create a biological child?" Ulquiorra knew it was incredibly difficult for Hollows to have a child, but he knew Szayel would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

"Because... I cannot. It is physically impossible for me."

"Oh?"

"My Hollow hole isn't exactly in a convenient location. It prevents me from being able to participate in coitus."

It then dawned on Ulquiorra that he had never seen the Octava's Hollow hole, and it made too much sense as to why that was now.

"I see."

"So that's why I was more than happy to help with your assignment."

"Your aide has been appreciated, Octava. I would be obliged if you would be so kind as to continue once Orihime's memories return."

"Oh- is Aizen going to have you keep up the efforts?"

"I assume."

The lower Espada seemed to straighten just a bit at the news.

"Then it would be an honor! Just inform me when you need me. And while on the subject... The pendant protected her from the effects of the injection. The injection was potent enough to clear them for six months, but the emerald embedded in her necklace has the ability to cut that wait period down to a month at best. It was made from an opposing reishi component."

Ulquiorra had known it would block the effects in some way, but Szayelaporro had been rushed in his previous explanation because Aizen had him under such a tight schedule.

"That is good news."

They finally made it to the room. Ulquiorra gently laid Orihime down on the couch, his breathing strained when she curled into a tight ball from being cold. He had been ordered to remove all objects from the forgotten time period from her room, which in turn meant... He couldn't leave her a blanket. He leaned down to kiss her forehead but stopped himself. It would be wrong to do more than simply ghost his lips over her skin, which he did. "Sleep well... Orihime Inoue."

He turned to leave the room, not daring to look back as the door closed. He had to reinstate his strength and emotional guard. He turned to his fellow Espada as soon as the door closed with a click.

"Thank you for your assistance. You have done the onna and me a great service, and I will not forget my debt to you."

Golden eyes widened as an unexpected sheepish grin pulled the corner of the scientist's mouth.

"Oh- it's really no big deal. It has been fun to research and plan. It is an honor to be a part of this."

Ulquiorra simply nodded, allowing himself to drop his usual sternness by just a few levels. He owed Octava. He had assisted in testing her fertility, he had informed him of signs to watch out for, he had helped him create the pendant that had protected her from the full effect of the injection and would protect her if she was ever put in danger long enough for him to come find her... Indeed, he was indebted to his colleague.

Orihime groaned as she woke up, turning her head to press her face into the cushion on the couch. This couch they furnished her with was a little stiff compared to her bed back home, and her room was so cold. She bargained with herself, eventually giving up and pulling herself into a sitting position, stretching her arms over her head. Her caretaker would likely be here soon. She had no idea what time it was, and she honestly couldn't even remember laying down on the couch. She must've though... A knock on her door drew her from her thoughts.

"Hai?..."

"It's me." The door opened and her captor - Ulquiorra - stepped inside. "I have brought your meal."

"Oh! Arigatou!" He simply stared at her as another Arrancar came in and set up her dishes. It was unsettling. His green eyes were impenetrable. She couldn't read them. They just bore into her... But instead of feeling afraid... She felt sorry for him. He must've had a rough past. No one had such a high wall and such distant, pained eyes otherwise. She looked away, sitting at the table and shyly eating. She hated eating in front of others, she always had. But she was in no position to say otherwise... He was a powerful Hollow she didn't want to risk annoying. Curiously, he walked over to the couch and sat, simply leaning back and closing his eyes. Maybe he was tired...

He had died and gone to Hell. That was the only answer. Retaining all of his memories and having to take care of her when she didn't was torture. She was so shy in front of him. She looked hesitant to say anything. And he knew without a doubt she was only eating to avoid upsetting him... As though he could ever hurt her.

He longed to run his fingers through her long, orange hair. Longed to kiss those full lips. Longed to have her pressed against him... He wanted to hear her speak nonstop about her life. He wanted her to treat him with the same fondness she had the last few weeks. Was this loneliness?

He hadn't felt so empty since his time as a Vasto Lorde, roaming the deserts alone. There was nothing aside the few black figures around so contrasting to his stark white. No sights, sounds, tastes, feelings, smells... He had settled in that thorn cluster as white as him. It had felt just as void and meaningless as him and brought him some relief from his neverending contempt for his meaningless existence.

Suddenly he detected movement near him and opened his eyes.

"Wah! You scared me!" Orihime had been reaching out to touch him it would seem. "I was going to wake you, but it looks like you were already awake! You surprised me! But... It was a relief to know Ulquiorra-kun could sleep!" She spoke as she walked over to the cart still in the room with her dishes. His chest twisted tight and felt as though bricks were weighing it down... If he was going to be forced to play this role, he couldn't have her calling him by her affectionate name for him. It would break him down slowly but without fail.

"...it's Ulquiorra." He could sense her eyes upon him, and looked the other way, leaning away from the back of the couch and resting an elbow on his knee. "Do not refer to me as though I am human. When you call me, call me Ulquiorra. You may call me only that." He didn't have to look at her to know her expression had shifted into one of disappointment... But he couldn't let himself care. For the time being, he couldn't allow himself to feel attached to this human girl. Having nothing was his only means of being "happy" now, if happiness even existed for him in a world without her. There was nothing else in Hueco Mundo that held any meaning to him. He was now more Hollow than ever...

Eventually he stood and left the room. His subordinate had already removed the cart and dishes so once the door closed, Orihime was left all alone...

She sighed, bored and not knowing what to do. She moved a hand to slide over her neck as she rolled her head to pop it. She felt something under her collar as she did so. Slipping her hand under the fabric, her fingers met hard smooth metal. She looked down was she unzipped her cape's neck, instantly met with a beautiful necklace unlike any she had ever seen. Funny, why didn't she remember putting it on? Surely she wouldn't forget that, it was so gorgeous... But she guessed anything was possible. She must've been rather clumsy doing so, given the sore spots along her skin...

It wasn't for many hours after that that something "interesting" happened... She could sense her friends drawing closer, and before she could really let the happiness set in... She felt Sado-kun's riatsu drop almost to nonexistence... Tears built in her eyes- Sado was dead... And it was all her fault... Her own foolishness caused the death of one of her dearest friends... He was such a sweet guy, he didn't deserve- no wait... He wasn't dead. It was faint but his riatsu was still strong enough to tell her he had a little fight left in him! Come on, Sado-kun... You can do it...

She gazed up at the moon. Please let all of her friends be ok... She didn't want any of them to be hurt... They could win...

"I'm coming in." A voice distracted her, and she turned to face the Espada as he walked in. How dare he... It was one of them that had hurt Sado. He had some nerve. "You've sensed it, haven't you? That fool Nnoitra got impatient. He was ordered to wait in his palace."

"Sado-kun...isn't dead." Ulquiorra turned away, the defiance and hate in her eyes too unsettling. "He's not." He shifted his gaze to her but only for a second before turning to his subordinate in the hall.

"Enter." He waited as the Arrancar set up her plates, bowing as he left. "It's food. Eat."

"I don't want it." He expected this... She cared too much for her friends to be willing to comply at the moment. Regardless, her body needed the nutrients.

"It's your responsibility to maintain your health until Aizen-sama calls for you. Eat." She avoided his gaze and refused to obey. Normally he'd just let her eat when she was ready, but given everything, he couldn't be so sure she would. "Would you rather I shove the food down your throat, or strap you down and feed you intravenously?" It was an empty threat, he could never harm her. But he needed to make her realize eating was not a negotiable topic.

"Sado-kun isn't dead."

"That's enough. It doesn't matter. What do you want me to say? 'Don't worry? I'm sure he's still alive?' Nonsense. I'm not here to comfort you, physically or emotionally." Although he wished he could. Seeing her troubled was extremely unnerving and bothered him greatly. If he wasn't just a piece in Aizen's game, he would say something to calm her. She still refused to look at him, and he softened his expression. He hated this... "I don't understand. What difference does it make whether he's alive or dead?" That got her attention, as he knew it would. Fretful eyes met his, wide and alert. "One way or another, all your friends will die soon. One of them just happened to die sooner than the others. You must've known this was coming." She turned away, anguish clouding her eyes.

"Stop it."

"If you didn't, you're a fool." She turned to him once again, pain evident in her eyes... He couldn't bear it. "And your friends are foolhardy clowns. Can't you see that?" His words felt like poison on his tongue. He had orders to intimidate her and give her no room for negotiation. Aizen was sadistic to a fault... If not for Orihime's need of protection, he'd refuse to comply with this order. Instead, he filtered all of his annoyance and rage at the order through his words. "If I were you, I'd be angry that they would rush into Hueco Mundo without fully knowing their limits like lambs to the slaughter."

A strangled cry came from her, and the next thing he knew, a stinging slap had made impact on his left cheek. Of course, it was a very faint sting... No doubt her hand was hurting and possibly broken from making the mistake of hitting his hierro with such force. Most of his pain came from within, though he still couldn't fully wrap his head around it. She used to only lay gentle hands on him, and those same hands now struck him with as much force as they could muster. His hollow hole felt as though it was expanding and enveloping his whole torso, though he knew that was false. He shifted his gaze to meet her eyes, his stomach dropping at the heavily crestfallen and angry expression on her face, tears welling in her eyes. Inwardly he sighed, lowering his eyelids just slightly as he turned on his heel to walk out, unable to take anymore of this turmoil without cracking. "I'll be back in an hour. If you haven't eaten by then, I will tie you down and force-feed you. Remember that." The door closed behind him, but he simply stood in front of it. His legs felt like concrete. He wanted nothing more than to run back in there and pull her into an embrace and tell her he would figure this out. He didn't care for her friends, but he did care about how she felt, and couldn't stand seeing her unhappy...

His stomach churned at the sounds that followed within seconds. Choked cries made their way to his ear, and all he could do was stand at the door and listen, every part of him screaming to comfort her but knowing even if he did... He couldn't help her. He was a stranger to her...

An: I wanted to post this one and the next chapter at the same time since they're another singular chapter cut in half, but I didn't want to keep everyone waiting while I finished the rest, and honestly, with Bleach ending, I needed to do something for those of us who ship UlquiHime. At the time of posting it's only speculation but my heart felt like it shattered when I read the spoilers for 686. I have followed IchiRuki and UlquiHime for years now... It feels like a badly rushed ending. So I will be writing more fanfics to come up with a better universe for my fellow shippers. Afterall, my mindset is- what difference does it make what's canon? Why is the author's end decision more valid than the fans'? They're fictional characters, and honestly, the end is just one possible path. Everyone else's is just as valid, just not printed.

I hope that makes sense.

Anyway, enjoy! I'll try to get the next up ASAP.