Time stopped for her when the question was asked. Of course, she knew she was strong, but she didn't think she deserved a promotion of any sort. If anyone deserved anything, it was Ulquiorra. He was the one who was helping her and staying by her side.

They were dismissed to their rooms and she went along with Ulquiorra to his chamber. They were silent for the whole walk, which was normal for Ulquiorra, but for Orihime-not so much. He realized what must be going through her mind and so he made her sit down on his couch when they got to his room. He put a hand on her shoulder, something that had made him uncomfortable. He wasn't one for contact with others, but for her, it seemed okay.

"Ul...quiorra?" Orihime said, looking away from him. "It's not that I don't want the promotion. It's not that I don't want more power or authority, it's that I don't deserve it. I've only been an espada for less than 10 hours, and already I'm being promoted. You've been here for so long..."

"This is not about me or you, Orihime, is it?" He lifted her head, making her look him in the eyes. "This is about who you used to be. Who you wish you were again."

"That's not true! I'm stronger! More agile! I'm not a bother anymore..." Her mind trailed off and for some reason she thought to Tatsuki. She had always been there for her so why would she leave her? No. Her choice was already made. She couldn't go back again.

"Orihime..." He wished he could make her see what she gave up, but more, he wished he could know why he wished for that. He never wished happiness for anyone. "Gah!" He stood up, showing his emotions for once. "Why do I feel this way, Orihime? Why is it that all I want for you is happiness? I've never felt this way before..."

"Ulquiorra?" Orihime said, her cheeks blushing a little. "Ulquiorra, I think I know why..." She stood up and stood face-to-face with him. "It's love."

"Love? Don't be ridiculous, Orihime. I am created to serve Aizen-sama. Not love."

"You weren't created to be a puppet," she said sternly. "You can serve him and still have feelings for others."

"You-" she cut him off with a passionate kiss, making him forget what he was saying and making him turn red. He put his arms around her and held her tight until he cut it off. "Orihime..." he said. "What...why..." he stammered.

"I will take the promotion," she said, "on one condition." She touched her finger to his nose. "That you help me along the way."

"But of course. As you wish, Hime." He released her. "Shall we tell Aizen-sama, then?" He backed up and turned around to walk out of the room when she grabbed his hand from behind, keeping him there. When he turned around, she looked at him pleadingly.

"Tomorrow, Ulquiorra. This is the only time I'll have left as the third espada. I want to spend it here, just for a while longer. Okay?"

"As you wish, Hime." He sat down on the couch, the only furniture in the room. Orihime jumped up and sat in the window, something she never could have done before. She smiled out the window.

"I've done it..." she thought to herself. "I've finally learned to show my emotions." She smiled to herself. "Love," she said out loud. "Love..."

"Yes, Hime?" Ulquiorra said, not knowing what she was trying to say.

"I've finally found real love." She jumped down to him and kissed him on the cheek.

"Love," he echoed. "It sounds...nice?" He said, unsure.

"It is nice. Very nice." She sat down beside him and laid her head on his shoulder.

"Definitely," she thought, "It's definitely nice. I'll show you, Ulquiorra. You'll never be alone again."