Ramblings of Nothings: Okay, another week without a new chapter. I'm getting more anxious. I wanna see my Orihime-chan again. If only Ulquiorra would come back too…Oh, sensei, please bring Ulquiorra back! But enough of that for now. Here's the second installment of a Picture of Words. This time the story is inspired by a fanart by NightlyFirefly, a very talented artist with a passion for UlquiHime. I write this story based on how I see the picture. I hope I captured them well.

A Picture of Words
By: JcZala

Art Inspiration by: NightlyFirefly
Bleach Pairing: Ulquiorra Cifer & Orihime Inoue
Number 2 on the List: Wear It

"How long are you going to make me wait, woman?" questioned the pale-skinned man, who was seated in the living room, waiting for the woman to come out of the bathroom. She was in the middle of 'dressing-up for their date' and she specifically told him that girls need ample time to prepare because they need to look good for the guy. He understood little about the concept of dating between a man and a woman, especially how women view it, though they've been out on a few. He cared less about how she'll appear to him, since she had always been so beautiful in his eyes.

"Just give me five more minutes!" came her voice from behind the bathroom door.

Ulquiorra Cifer just let out a silent sigh, shifting in his seat, as he leaned his cheek on a closed hand. "Must we really go through with this?" he said, monotonous as usual. "We spend every minute with each other every day. What makes this one special?"

"Because it's our anniversary!" she shouted back.

And Ulquiorra sighed once again. Anniversaries were supposed to be a very special day for couples, especially married ones, and the woman had planned everything for this day, much to his chagrin. He stood up and walked to the full-length mirror. Seeing the reflection on the mirror, he had to admit that the clothes she picked out for him were quite comfortable. He wore a white shirt with the word 'PRIDE' printed in classic gothic font, dark jeans and a black belt with silver adornments, a pair of black shoes, and a silver chain necklace with a razor sharp tooth pendant.

"I'm done!" she exclaimed cheerfully as she stepped out of the bathroom.

Upon laying his eyes on her, Ulquiorra found himself loss for words. How should he describe her? It was as if she popped out of a fashion magazine. Her outfit highlighted her beautiful figure perfectly. The light-pink blouse had a deep V-neckline which exposed a good amount of cleavage that was very tempting to his eyes. On top of the blouse was a dark violet open jacket with 3/4 sleeves and pink underside. She also wore a red belt around her waist and black frilly mini-skirt that that showed off those long, slender, creamy legs, and a trendy necklace with three gold pendants. Orihime Inoue was the type who can make almost every girl around her turn green in envy without even trying. Her hair was in a fine shade of orange, so long and silky to touch, gently cascading to the middle of her back, and her flower-shaped hairpins were always a nice touch.

Orihime was smiling so brightly as she twirled around to show off her outfit. "So, how do I look?"

He felt a sudden heat burning inside his chest. He swore that he caught a glimpse of her black panties. "That outfit unexpectedly suits you," he said, maintaining a composed tone.

She pouted like a child. "You said that about my Arrancar uniform before," she said, placing both hands on her waist.

"Then what do you want me to say—that it doesn't suit you?"

She sighed. "That's not what I meant…"

"Let's not waste any more time here."

Immediately she drove a palm to the tip of his nose. "Wait just a sec! You're not ready yet!" She smiled smugly before she pranced to the dresser. "Let's see here…" She rummaged through the dresser for a few seconds and pulled out a lacy-like, plaid-patterned coat and a white jacket. "Here we go!" She turned to Ulquiorra and shoved the clothes to his chest.

He raised a brow. "And what is this?"

"It's the rest of your outfit, silly," she replied with a giggle. "Wear it!"

He took the clothes from her hands, put them on, and faced the mirror once more. Once again he had to admit that her taste in fashion was satisfactory. When he turned back to her, he noticed how she gazed at him from head to toe. "If you're done ogling, I'd like us to get this date over with," he told her, and she gulped and blushed in return. "What are you fidgeting so much for?"

Scratching the back of her head, she let out a nervous chuckle. "I didn't think…Well, I sort of did…" The tint of blush on her face turned darker as she fiddled with her fingers.

"Woman, you are not making any sense as usual," he said.

Clasping her hands together against her chest, she shut her eyes tight and said, "You look so handsome, Ulquiorra!" Then she instantly clamped her mouth, obviously feeling embarrassed and half-anticipating his brutally blunt reply.

"Does it bother you, perhaps?" He threw a mocking smile in her direction, and her breath got caught in her throat. In truth, he was rather pleased about the compliment and was even more satisfied in seeing such endearing expressions from her. "If I can cause such reactions from you then I wouldn't mind dressing up every day."

"T-The clothes don't make the man," she said, slightly stuttering. The blush on her face was still apparent. "You look good in anything…" She was too adorable to bear.

"I see…" He took her hand in his, squeezing it gently, and he looked up at him. "The compliment I gave a while ago…" His face turned serious and cold. "It was merely an insult."

A frown greased her lips. "Umm…Is that so?" She looked a bit hurt. "Then I should—"

"You deserved better," he continued, brushing his cool fingertips against the smoothness of her cheeks. "You look very beautiful, Orihime."

Orihime's face turned as red as a bright Christmas bulb, and he couldn't help but smile. "T-Thank you…"

He inclined his head slowly until his lips brushed against the corners of cheeks and down to her neck. "No matter how much time passes, you still fascinate me, woman," he whispered, his breath was warm and sensual on her neck.

"Ulquiorra…" she whispered her name.

"Orihime…" His fingers gently traced her luscious lips.

She held his face between her hands and smiled so tenderly. "I love you so much, Ulquiorra."

Snaking his arms around her petite waist, he pulled her closer against his body. "I feel the same way about you," he answered, smiling that rare smile once again. Then he leaned down to press his lips against hers.

This was their first year anniversary together. He first thought of the occasion as something mundane, but it seemed like he was going to enjoy the day with her. Of course, even though he had expressed his distaste at first, he still did get her a nice present, which was a lacy silk nightgown that he bought with his own money that earned from his part-time job. What compelled him to buy such a thing was beyond his usual comprehension, but he somehow wanted his woman to wear it.

And if she ever declines, he has his ways of definite persuasion…

Later that night…

"Wear it," Ulquiorra told her, his tone of authority crystal clear, and Orihime swallowed hard. "Understand, woman, this is not a request."

The narrowed green gaze sent shivers up and down her spine. In her hands was the nightgown he gave her for their anniversary. Well, she was simply thrilled that the design was cute, however, she had one big problem with it. The gown wasn't going to cover much of her skin. "D-Do I have to wear this now?"

"Shall I strip you naked and force it on you?" he said, and she vigorously shook her head. "Don't test my patience, woman. You made me wear the outfit you chose for me."

"All right, I'll wear it!" she exclaimed as she ran to the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

She had showered before she put on the nightgown. Her hair had been loose, and under the light of the room, her features glowed perfectly, making her look as innocent as an angel yet surprisingly seductive at the same time. "It's too short," she wailed, flushing red in embarrassment.

"You've never looked better," he said, approaching her, reaching out to touch her. He caressed her red cheek with one hand, then running it down her neck to her bare shoulder. She trembled under his touch. And as he leaned down, he whispered into her ear, "But I'm sure you'll look better without it."

She stiffened. "Ul-Ulquiorra!"

He kissed her forehead, then her lips, and then pulled her against him, wrapping his arms tightly around her. He felt her relaxed in his arms, and she gazed at him with those soft silver eyes.

"Ulquiorra…" she whispered.

He held her face firmly, kissing her mouth a little too hard, but she didn't seem to mind at all. Soon enough, all of their clothes were thrown on the floor as they drifted to the night in bliss.

The End

JC: Sorry, I had to end it there. I didn't want to include any lemon stuff for this. XD Maybe I'll try to take on another Bleach couple for my next one-shot. I have my favorites and there are loads of nice arts about them. I just need the right amount of inspiration. LOl… Please don't forget to review. No flaming.