AN: I am so sorry for the delay! After Bleach ended I was so upset about the "official" pairings (I'm in denial especially since I heard a rumor it was Kubo's way of preventing the publisher from overexploiting him and cutting their sales) I didn't want to look at my manga, watch the anime, or have anything to do with it until I got over it. I still haven't watched any episodes since, but I'm at least back on track with UlquiHime and IchiRuki love enough to write again and only focus on panels of them. JaM will not be abandoned, but updates may come slower for a little while. I believe there are 2 or 3 chapters left to be written before its over (I'm planning and outlining the sequel as we speak) so with luck I'll have those out before 2016 is over.

Enjoy! I hope it makes up for my negligence.

(I haven't read over this chapter yet since I'm tired at the time of finishing and posting, so excuse autocorrect changes until I can go back and fix any I catch)

Ulquiorra could hardly stand it. Being forced to pretend none of what had occurred between him and the woman had happened. It was cruel. He would've preferred to have his head cut off by Grimmjow or Nnoitra. Instead he had to endure his personal hell.

He had to take his frustration out. There was no good in carrying such a heavy burden, and he was scared if it went unaddressed for too long, he might lash out at Orihime. Then she really wouldn't want to be near him.

Thankfully a prime target made itself known near him.

"It's been awhile. Shinigami."

The pathetic substitute soul reaper turned to face him, shock accenting his features. "You're... Ulquiorra!"

"You remember my name, yet I don't remember introducing myself to you. At any rate..." He stopped at the base of the stairs, studying his unworthy opponent. This was the man Orihime trusted to come rescue her when he had first brought her here? He was still hardly worth killing. But it proved a wonderful opportunity. He could relieve his annoyance and anger on top of wiping out whatever competition he might have posed for Orihime's affection. "Kuchiki Rukia is dead."

The Shinigami must've harbored feelings of his own for the Kuchiki girl, judging from his horrified expression.

"Wh-what?!"

"More accurately, she and Novena killed each other. Her face was cut, a trident thrust through her body."

"That's a lie. Her spiritual pressure only dropped just now. You didn't fight her, so how would you-"

"Ninshiki Doki. One of Novena's abilities and responsibilities. He can instantly relay information about his enemies to all of his comrades."

Kurosaki turned and started walking away. Was to be expected. He'd have done the same had someone informed him of Orihime's death. He would've ignored whoever told him and went to find her to try to help her. Still, he wanted a fight.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to save Rukia."

"Shouldn't you kill me first?"

"I have no reason to fight you."

"What?"

"You may be the enemy, but you haven't hurt any of my friends yet."

"I see." He paused for a moment before turning to the teenager. This was playing out perfectly for him. Just one little nudge. "Would that still be true if I told you I was the one to bring Inoue Orihime to Hueco Mundo?"

That seemed to do it. The worthless soul reaper charged him, anger flaring in his eyes. "I knew Inoue didn't come here of her own free will!"

How truly pathetic. He doubted Orihime despite being 'friends', and he couldn't even call her by name. Was this truly how humans treated their companions?

A fight ensued. Ulquiorra was dumbstruck by how impossibly easy Kurosaki was to take down. It was surprising he couldn't stop his Getsuga even with both hands, but if that was the extent of his power it was truly by sheer luck this child made it into Hueco Mundo. He had no chance to begin with. Ulquiorra struck him down with a hand through his chest. The weakest point on all creatures, the most vital of organs. The life shining in the teenager's eyes slowly dimmed, the light fading away and providing a strange sense of satisfaction for Ulquiorra. He would play this off as fulfilling his duty of protecting Aizen and this dead, wretched world, but he knew that was no more true than claiming Grimmjow's hair was a natural color. No. He hated competition for Orihime's attention. And he hated even more not being able to be around her without being overwhelmed with nervous vibes, her anxiety and fear palpable, her breathing shallow and her eyes avert. The atmosphere was suffocatingly tense... So much different from the warm welcome air he had been used to in her presence.

Orihime was a smart, aware girl. No doubt she had noticed her 'savior''s death. Despite knowing she was afraid of him, despite his awareness that she wouldn't accept his support, Ulquiorra immediately set out for her room after a quick change of clothes. Even if all he could do was stand in her room as she looked away from him, he wanted to be there, to help her if he can, and also to monitor that she didn't do something to harm herself. Nearing her chamber, however, he was welcomed with two pitifully weak spiritual signatures. His footsteps echoed through the long corridor, and as he turned the last corner, he saw the damaged wall and the door off its hinges. Two meek Arrancar watched him fearfully as he approached, the horror and apprehension visible in their wide eyes that stared unknowing what to expect. But that wasn't what he focused on. Where was Orihime? And why was the door in such horrendous condition. That damn Nnoitra.

Entering the room, Ulquiorra turned dispassionately to the two females gawking at him. "I don't understand. What is this?" No response from either girl. He turned his piercing gaze towards the blonde, the very same Arrancar who had retrieved him the day he was informed by Aizen of this ludicrous punishment on his mental stability. Menoly? Didn't matter. Exerting his dominating spiritual pressure upon them, he asked more sternly as he peered around the demolished room. "Who did this?" Nnoitra better be prepared for his execution-

The seeming leader of the two answered. "G...Grimmjow." Ulquiorra's eyes widened marginally. The Quinto Espada would be spared...for now. But the Sexta? That cat would need to pay for whatever he has done to Orihime, and by the looks of just her quarters, it was worthy of death.

"I see." Without another word he turned on his heel and exited the room, seeking out the lower Espada's riatsu and following it.

Drawing nearer, the Fourth quickly noticed the growing spiritual pressure of none other than the opponent he just defeated. Unfortunately Orihime's presence was felt as well, so there was only one logical explanation. That dumb feline brought his onna to heal Kurosaki. Once within range, a sonido brought Ulquiorra behind Grimmjow, a soft woosh signaling his arrival as he peered at the Sixth with his most venomous glare. As he suspected, the girl he cared for was treating that Shinigami's wounds, turning to him with shock and perhaps trepidation flicking in her wide brown eyes. He hated that was now the normal for her gazes.

"Ulquiorra." The stronger Arrancar turned to his inferior.

"What are you doing, Grimmjow?" He stepped further into the room, knowing fully well what the sixth was up to but wanting him to say it. No response came. "Well? I asked you a question. Why are you trying to heal someone I defeated?" Still only insufferable silence followed. "Nothing to say for yourself then?" He turned back to Orihime, softening his stare ever so slightly in an attempt he knew would be futile to calm her. She only glanced away, her body shaking as her eyes glistening with coming tears. Was she really so frightened of him?... If it wasn't for the stupid panther he would offer some form of console that he was not angry with her. Instead he had to deal with this idiotic revival of his enemy. "Well it doesn't matter. Aizen-sama put the girl in my care. Give her to me."

"No."

"What?" He should've expected as much.

"What's wrong?" The blue haired Hollow smirked, that pitiful arrogance accenting every one of his features. "You're awfully talkative today, Ulquiorra!" Realization hit him hard. He had been so focused on Orihime he hadn't even noticed he had spoken more than was customary for him. Usually he hardly muttered a word to the other Espada, but when it came to Orihime, it would seem he found his voice.

His temporary mulling delayed his reaction time. Ordinarily he could've catapulted the lower Espada with a simple kick before he even made a single move towards him, but now he found himself hardly able to stop a blow in time. Grimmjow misinterpreted if his smirk conveyed anything. "I know you're afraid to fight me Ulquiorra. You're afraid we'll kill each other!" The sixth's obscene screaming distracted him for the barest of moments, just long enough for him to charge and prepare to fire a cero. Thankfully his quick reflections allowed the Fourth to deflect it. "Ha! You deflected it! But I knew one strike wouldn't be enough!" Damn. Why couldn't he keep up as well as he usually could? Normally the stupid feline would be sent back to his own chamber with his metaphorical tail between his legs, yet now Ulquiorra could hardly stay focused. Then it hit him. Orihime... She truly was devastating to his fighting capacity. She was a distraction. He needed to end this now. She could be hurt in the crossfire.

Sonido'ing above Grimmjow, Ulquiorra prepared a cero only to find it countered by the cat's palm. With no time to react, the fired cero exploded outwards instead of forward, breaking apart the entire building and resulting in a cloud of dust. Sensing his inferior's riatsu nearby, Ulquiorra stayed alert and studied all around him, looking for the trash Espada-

Said lowlife gripped his shirt suddenly from behind, and before he could react, Grimmjow inserted his Caja de Negacion into the hole in his chest, trapping him in another dimension as all he could do was mutter an antagonized "Damn."

Orihime watched in pure distress as the two fought. There was something about her caretaker that had caused seeing him hurt and quarrel with someone to make her heart ache. It didn't help he seemed to cast glances her way, lacking the coldness and barrier his eyes always contained whilst talking to someone else. He seemed concerned for her, maybe hurting and longing to say something. But it could've been her imagination... Afterall, she didn't know him or understand him very well. They hardly interacted other than him bringing her meals.

Before she could sink further into thought, the blue haired Arrancar stepped towards her and explained what happened before grabbing her throat. She just wanted to go home... She prayed Kurosaki-kun and the others could all make it out alive and take her back.

Dammit. How could he have been so careless? This shouldn't even be possible. He shouldn't be trapped in this dimension. He should've sent Sexta scurrying back to his chambers narrowly hanging onto life. And now who knows what was happening with Orihime? Without him there to protect her, she could be seriously injured. And he could only blame his inattention.

Or could he? Orihime shouldn't have been in that situation. Surely she could've held him off long enough for him to arrive. Had she willingly gone with him? Was the sixth somehow just as important as he was to her? Why was he even thinking about this? What was this agonizing feeling in his chest? It was similar to rage but didn't feel the same. Was this jealousy? Whatever it was he could feel it weakening his resolve and willpower. How could he have let a human affect him like this? He was a far more powerful deadly being that could destroy her within seconds. She had better know her place. If she didn't remember him, there was no good in pretending otherwise. She was no longer his equal.

When he finally broke free of the dimension and received orders to stay in Las Noches and watch over it, he found himself very close to the woman who was weakening him. He turned to her, walking towards her as he battled inwardly. Logic told him to end his attachment and realize what she was- a lowly human with absolutely no real significance about her. And yet, as he got closer and saw her unusually serene face... A lightness in his chest cavity told him that wasn't true and she was very important to him, that there were many layers to her that made her appealing. The tension of the internal war annoyed him.

Ulquiorra tried to understand the calm of her expressions when she was so undoubtedly useless to Aizen. She had to know the others would eventually come and kill her. All the other Arrancars wanted was power. They would make quick work of her. Yet she held such high faith in her friends she failed to see the true danger... Her optimism was astounding.

Her stubborn "friend" who refused to die showed up not long after he tried to get answers from the onna. And of course he dared to tell Ulquiorra to leave her side. He might not understand why he feels what he does, but he did care about Orihime and only a fool would think he would ever lay a finger on her out of spite or hate. That assumption alone provoked the Fourth enough to draw his sword. He knew he was being rash and hasty, but he's had enough of this Shinigami and the constant strain of these feelings inside of him. To make matters worse, further company showed. The Quincy, Yammy, and that salacious duo. The last threatened Orihime, ripping her clothes and menacing to gouge an eye out of its socket. This of course alerted Ulquiorra to keep an eye on them, but they wouldn't dare harm her in his presence. Not if they valued their lives. On top of this fact, the Espada knew quite well how capable Orihime was of taking care of herself. She was strong even if she and her 'friends' couldn't see it. She even defied him, something he would've punished mercilessly had it been anyone else. Regardless of this, if she seemed to be in any real danger, Ulquiorra would drop this petty fight with the Shinigami and come to her aid.

It didn't come to that.

Growing fed up with the battle, Ulquiorra took the fight above the canopy where he could release his sword and annihilate the orange haired male. It was almost too easy.

He didn't see Orihime again until she and the Quincy appeared below the tower he stood and held Kurosaki in the air. She naturally was distraught, the heavily desperate cry rattling him within. He hated hearing her voice so shrill in fear and upset. And worse yet, he was the cause. He tried to comfort her indirectly, tried to get her to cease wasting effort on such trash... But that damn Quincy had to intervene, allowing his onna to slip around him and run to the weak Shinigami.

Things were all a blur after that. Before he knew it, that stubborn idiot was back on his feet...but in a Hollow-fied state. And the next thing he knew he was merely a partial corpse, half his body blown away with a cero. He had been distracted again. He had subconsciously weakened his attacks due to Orihime's close proximity. He had allowed himself to meet his fate... He cast one final look at Orihime as the demon above him held a knife to his throat. He was supposed to protect her. He was supposed to keep her safe from all dangers. He promised... The fear in her eyes gripped his chest, her imploring pleas for the Shinigami to stop striking him. The desperation, the terror, the anguish... He couldn't bear it!

Taking advantage of Kurosaki's own distraction, Ulquiorra sonido'd behind him and mustered all of his strength into a final Lanza del Relampago, slicing his horn and releasing the immense riatsu stored inside the mask that would then crumble to pieces. The teen fell forward, Orihime dropping to her knees beside him and crying out. It was a punch in the gut. But he shouldn't have expected anything else. His woman didn't remember their shared moments. She was afraid of him. So of course she wouldn't realize what he did for her - no. He was sure she did, but she was too frightened to come to him. Instead she simply clung onto the bond she held with her friends... He turned away, unable to bear the tears streaming down her face. He was too weak to comfort her. His body was too far gone. He could only hope that the Quincy would keep an eye on her and make sure she didn't follow the same path as him. She needed to live a long time, live out her entire life. He was thankful he had just enough strength to stop his adversary. Orihime could've been gravely injured by that monster.

Unfortunately that fucking bastard refused to die yet again. Somehow he had his own regeneration abilities... It was absurd. It shouldn't have been possible.

But it didn't matter. It was over for Ulquiorra anyway. What happened after this point was irrelevant... So long as Orihime wasn't hurt.

He turned his gaze to the redhead as he slowly turned into ash. Regret wracked through him. He wanted to spend more time getting to know her, wanted to understand her and her antics. She was the only one he ever took a genuine interest in. The only one he cared about. He reached out for her, yearning to be able to caress her cheek and feel her soft skin one last time. Her eyes sparkled with affection, sadness...for him. Even though she didn't remember anything. Or did she? Was it possible?... "Are you afraid... Onna?"

"No...no, I'm not afraid." Water trailed from her chocolate orbs, tainting her creamy flesh. He softened his gaze. She wasn't afraid, even now... Even after seeing him fight her friend, after seeing him kill the Shinigami, injure the Quincy... And without her memories. Relief flooded through him. He never wanted her to fear him. He could never have hurt her. And knowing that in his final moments she cared for him and wasn't afraid, he could die happy.

He hadn't expected her to reach back for him, but she did... Regrettably just before she could touch him, his arm started fading, denying him the sensation of her soft fingers lacing with his. Yet just the gesture alone made his chest warm, the hole seeming to fill instantly. He couldn't tear his gaze away from her beauty, all the memories they shared flitting through his brain. What was this...feathery light feeling? Was this truly how it felt to love?... To have a heart?

Yes. In his final moments, Ulquiorra Cifer, the fourth Espada in Aizen's army, admitted to himself, the invisible object she had placed in his hand was her heart.

AN: *hides under rock* Don't kill me, it was necessary for the story! And I am trying to write in such a way these events can be imagined as a subplot of Bleach as though they were happening at the side. Although from here on out, things will deviate quiiiiite a bit! You'll see next time!

Also I'm sorry if the end seems rushed. It was intentional as I'm sure it all becomes a blur to Ulquiorra.

If it wasn't clear, in this story the reason Menoly didn't hurt Orihime much when she and Loly were in her room as well as the reason she didn't want to "tear Orihime apart" during Ulquiorra and Ichigo's fight was that she felt sorry for Orihime since she had an idea why Aizen sent her to retrieve Ulquiorra.