I was reminded of 'Lacrimosa' to match the founding scene. Her russet hair neatly entwined while fallen curls graced her back. A fitted white ball gown swayed against the chiming piano and roaring symphony in a priding motion as her eyes loosely focused past her partner. In a twist she was held by a new suitor, her lips remaining firmly sealed as her dancing continued. In every direction partners whirled, clapped, and gleamed in exuberance. Her figure dominating the others, calling out to me.

I had been very familiar with the chorus of the dance as it was one of my favorites, noting she was transcending in comparison. The tune elevated as everyone's pace quickened and the direction changed. It was all a matter of timing.

Everyone swirled, and soon the man before me became lost inside flickering shades of faces as I fell into position. Her hands barely held my own as she hadn't bothered to look up so I took the time to take in her appearance. The mask delicately placed on the brim of her nose did a bad job of covering her soar eyes.

I soon realized that she had been avoiding mans gazes purposely as a means to protect her state; she had been crying.

"Orihime?"

In her startle she maze her eyes to meet mine, "Mr Kurosaki?"

The movement in our dancing had faded slowly so I picked up our pace and her hands tightened.

"I wanted to show you that I keep my promises," I spoke to convey the truth.

Her lips complied a small smile as she whispered, "I'm glad you came."

I returned a smile before pulling away for the next duration. Just then her next suitor fell to accompany her as a placed myself in the arms of a woman that proudly held a happy grin behind her mask. We quickly spun for our moment till I swapped for another girl that hid behind feathers. Our elbows tapped as I clasped her hand and we spun with the dance at an easy pace. Even though I followed the dance, my eyes remained hooked on the angel in white till the dance came to it's close.

At that time most couples started to pull apart for the next song was about to play. It hadn't been hard to find her since my eyes had never left. After she curtsied to the man accompanying her I gave my hand to her own, smiling as she accepted. Returning to lure her towards the dance floor with no words she followed. The new songs similarities with Beethoven's, 'Historia de Amor' where quite astonishing, though it remained simply only the piano with a lagging tune.

"So where is your fiancè?" I inquired after I stature my hands to her waste and appropriate hand. Her mask was facing me, though her eyes were on the crowd, "Isn't this an engagement party?"

She said nothing only to carefully collapse on my shoulder, swaying in my arms. In the silence I gave her all the time she needed to respond. Having her with me this way I felt no need to rush. In time it seemed her emotions had calmed and she lifted head, keeping her grey eyes away shyly, "He said he would come later on. I never figured it would be this late with all the guests arriving, but I'm sure he will."

"I see," Her head perched on my shoulder once again. I said nothing, letting her sleepily wait out her grief as we danced.

Her state forced me to feel unmoved by her fiancè's actions, regaining my thoughts about what was needed to be said, "I wish to talk with you in private."

After pulling apart she gave me a look of understanding.

"Is this room empty?"

Before my eyes could adjust to the dark she flicked on a lamp that countered a large sofa. High shelves covered each wall as a large open window downcast the moon.

"Is something the matter," She seemed concerned, "Why do we need to talk in private?"

I turned back to the opened door and quickly shut it before facing her. Rubbing my sore temples I pieced together all the thoughts that had been wandering through my mind within the passed few nights and attempted to display them, "I want to be honest with you," Once she nodded I continued, "I just want you to know that I'm not on goods terms with this house," Her brows rose to give me a curious look, "I issued a few undercover officers for tonight, accompanied by Renji."

"Wait so you aren't allow-," Before she finished I explained.

"We," I corrected as a means to refer to Renji and I, "Cannot be caught or it might ruin our chances of catching Tsukushima," After hearing his name she displayed a look of guilt. She knew this was going to be risky, "Why did you come here knowing he was invited?"

Orihime faced me again with her expression seemingly nervous and she shrugged, "This is, after all, my engagement party."

Making sure not to use her fiancè's name, I judged him on a quick impulse, "Well then your suitor should be here to make sure you're okay."

Slightly put off as I was expecting her voice turned cold, "Is that all you wanted to tell me, Mr. Kurosaki?"

"No," I walked to her, hoping she could forgive my discrimination, "I want to know if your happy."

Her eyes fixated on me, "Pardon?"

To make my point clearer I moved closer and rearranged my question, "You signed the papers. I want to know if this is what you truly want or if it's what you're being told to do?"

"I," Her hands scrambled in their hold while being put on the spot, "No, I don't want this." Her answer greatly surprised me. I couldn't conjure any way to respond. There held a slow silence before she spoke again, "But I want to thank you, for everything."

Hooked on her meager smile I had to ask, "For what?"

"You're the first person to stop and ask me that," Even though she was serious, she acted as if she was going to laugh. I could tell she was nervous since her words left her mouth labored and disordered. "It's just as well, that you found me with no benefit for yourself and keep the promises you make. I'm not sure what to say that can express how much I appreciate what you've done, except for saying, Thank you."

"I only wanted to know how you felt."

She shifted closer, cautiously resting a hand to my chest as I gazed at her astonished. She moved bravely yet I understood that she was still shy. To break her fear I slid my hand down her back and proceeded to hold her chin before she tilted slightly, her lips meeting mine.

I held her gently, securing her neck to move the kiss further and she willingly complied. Her shoulders relaxed and her breathing thickened. It was hard to pull from her, but I knew I had to stop. Wading in the distressing truth, I knew this would only make matters worse.

Biting her lip, she questioned, "Do you know how I feel?"

Eyes of grey flickered amidst my figure in the dark. I retracted my hands only to grip the back of his neck. "I-," I found it impossible to explain.

"What is it?"

"I am only confused, Orihime," I sighed, watching her as she pulled away, "Are you really okay with this?"

Her expression was passionate, "I am."

"I'll give you time," I mumbled, as my mind had already been made up, "Just know that what ever you choose, I'll be waiting," After retrieving my mask from the door handle and spoke calmly, "Please be careful tonight."

When he passed through the door my lungs collapsed to take in one giant breath. I attempted to calm my fluttering heart beat before I picked up my fallen mask on the floor. With my back resting against the wood of the closed door, I stared across the empty moonlit library. In slight frustration I questioned what my exact reason was for tearing up so easily was.

The sound of someone approaching echoed throughout the hall behind me and I prepared myself, door swinging open fast enough to startle me.

"Oh my," The woman I recognized from days before stood before me with a look of alarm. Hair green wavy hair falling to frame her face, "Princess, I am so sorry! You gave me quite a shock."

Unwillingly I puffed out a reply, "G-Good evening."

"I just saw Prince Kurosaki leaving and I thought-," She paused with her hand still tightly enclosed on the handle, her eyes widening, "He-"

My face almost turned crimson beneath her stare, giving in to the fact I had been caught, "Nel, is it? Can, I ask you something?" Her gaze turned slightly concerned, and after examining the hallway she closed the door behind us.

"Of course," She tossed her lengthy green bundled hair over her shoulder and made her way to a nearby reading sofa, "Come sit down."

She oddly enough graced me with a pleasant smile as I seated myself next to her. It took me a moment to order my thoughts but since I hardly knew her, I felt rushed to begin, "I don't know what to do. I'm a mess," She gave me a questionable look, possibly to the fact I kept using her first name. She turned from me and repeatedly rubbed her thighs as if trying to warm herself, "My family, they just-"

Suddenly her palm lifted to cut in, "Please, if I may," She seemed frightened about intruding, "What about you?"

"Me?"

Her olive eyes turned welcoming, "Princess, I completely understand what you're feeling," Roughly gripping my hands she pleaded, "Please take my advice. If you don't do what you want now you'll end up regretting it."

"I-," Her brow rose higher to question if I got the point, "Thank you, Nel."

"It's my pleasure, Princess," She gave me a sweet smile, "I was only startled because I was expecting something much worse."

She made me feel so much better that I couldn't help but smile, softly giggling as I asked, "What exactly were you expecting?

"I-I'm not sure if you're aware," She bit her lips before continuing, "I'm not aware of what time the Prince was getting back, and I figured that they both may have been in another dispute."

I puzzled, "A dispute?"

"It was very obvious to me that Prince Ulquiorra didn't get along with Prince Kurosaki after their fight," She continued amused by my look, "I do believe he came looking for you that one day."

"Mr. Kurosaki came here looking for me? Here?"

"It was a few days ago," Her hand patted mine and she smiled, "No worries fretting about it now."

People gawked out towards the brim of the road, meddling towards an unsightly event. I tried my best to politely swim through the crowd when I finally reached Renji. His mask dangled by his collar bone to reveal his displeased glare. By the looks of it he wasn't too impressed by how many people got a good view of what went on.

I called to him before I reached his side, "What the hell happened, Renji?"

"You just missed it," He gave me an odd glare.

"Missed what?"

A peculiar deep voice shot from behind me, "Tsukushima has been arrested," I twisted sharply slightly lost before realizing the white man was so hard to spot because of his height difference.

"W-Who are you?" I glanced back at Renji, finally remembering he had mentioned this guy before, "Oh, wait. You're Toshiro right?"

He crossed his arms when darkly ordering up at me, "That's Mr. Hitsuguya to you."

"Mr. Hitsuguya's with the police department remember," Renji scoffed before giving me an update, "Everything went well but I'm afraid questioning will have to wait for tomorrow."

"What? He's gone," I screamed, "No way, I want to talk with this guy!"

"No," Renji faced me fully, "You can talk to him tomorrow when I go down there in the morning. For right now, you can help clear these people out of here."

Without wasting a breath on a goodbye Mr. Hitsuguya walked off to his car, groaning, "I'll be seeing this all over the media."

Focusing on the clearing crowd I realized my efforts would be wasted. It was already midnight and guests were partial to getting home after seeing such an event.

"Where the hell were you anyway?" Renji cocked a brow towards me after tearing me from my thoughts, "I mean most people saw what went on."

"Shit. Well-I-" I cussed over the fact that I had earlier promised to help out, "Forget it. Let's get out of here."

He chuckled, not noticing the newly parked car a few feet away, "Idiot. Just do us all a favor and ask her on a date for crying out loud."

Glancing down at my palm, I gave in and reapplied the black mask I had been avoiding, "I can't. It's not that simple."

The pail host of the party had finally arrived.

The door creaked open as my fiancè's figure slipped in, his green eyes assessing us both, "Are you lady's alright?"

I turned to Nel who seemed like she was desperately trying to absorb his question, so I spoke for her, "We're fine. Why do you ask?"

"I was informed that they made an arrest out front just now," He affirmed, "I'm glad you're both in here. I didn't know where to find you."

Nel and I corresponded almost completely synchronized, "Was anyone hurt?"

"Nobody was hurt," Ulquiorra reassured me as he stepped towards the sofa, "Can I please speak with the princess alone, Nel?"

"Yes of course," Before she rose from the cushion, she lightly whispered, "Good luck."

Ulquiorra minded her as she passed him and nodded. Slipping carefully through the door in her exit, she left us both to pause in silence. When the door was shut, Ulquiorra faced me presenting a perplexed look. His fingers thoughtfully graced his lips before requiring, "Are you aware of what's going on?"

"Yes, and it's okay," I felt slightly off put with my convincing.

"No, it's not," His eyes caught mine, refined and caring, "You're in danger judging by everything that's going on. I don't feel it's even safe for you to visit," I inhaled deeply, relinquishing my guilt. Granting the serious tone inside his voice he was permitting me to leave, "I was even away on our engagement party," Before I knew it he was settled next to me, "I am so sorry."

"Ulquiorra. I want to be honest," I pleaded, grabbing his full attention, "I am afraid to go through with this marriage."

His eyes roamed the floor, brows pulling together before turning resolved, "I do understand," He gathered his hands in his lap and bent forward. It was awhile before I noticed he had been looking in my direction, his eyes shining sincerely as he admitted, "It makes sense. Honestly, I would prefer you not to be a part of this mess any longer."

My heavy heart lifted after hearing his words, "Thank you for your kindness, Ulquiorra."

In sync we stood to face each other, his hands pulling me to my feet. Green eyes carefully ran over my features one last time before he gingerly kissed my forehead, "I'll get a car ready for you."

That night during a long bath I attacked my skin as if it would rid me of all my worries. It was helpless to believe that it would cleanse my guilt, my selfishness and sadness. I couldn't understand myself fully, as if I could bluntly swear that every emotion continued to pass through me in random spurts.

My wedding was now officially called off and the man I had real feelings for was too far away for comfort. I also had not exactly provided an explanation for my family and was certain, I would never find one. I felt so much at once that it was greatly confusing my thought.

I scrambled out of bed while fighting against the sheets to begin dressing for a long day ahead of me. Waking early before Tatsuki's assistance was required, not seeing the sense in waiting. There were no festivities I needed to concern myself with today and I was free to wear what ever suitable daylight clothes I wanted. Striping myself free from my nightwear and casting it to the floor, I rubbed the freshly bathed skin on my shoulders. Pacing to my wardrobe excited for a day without dancing, I watched my old French boxed clock toll. Tatsuki would arrive in no more then ten minutes, and I would tell her all about the events of last night. I usually dressed when waking up early enough, or on a day like today when I'm in a great mood.

Scraping through the outfits I decided to go for something colour applied. In the end I chose a dark red slimmed suited dress, hurriedly stripping myself of my undergarments to replace them with new pink and beige pieces. After quickly sliding on my leggings, I pulled up the underpart of my skirt before Tatsuki knocked on my door. She blinked at me when seeing I prepared myself before her arrival, already wrapped in a blouse and skirt.

"What's with you, Orihime?" Tatsuki remarked with her hands at her hips.

"I don't know where to start," I beamed, "I'm just really happy."

She etched towards my covering shirt and brought it to me. Stuck in routine, I quickly rose my arms to pull it on, "Well, why don't you start with the most important." Tatsuki suggested, adjusting tightening fabric.

"I really like him Tatsuki. So please don't get mad." I begged.

"What? Who," She eyed me once the top button was finalized, "Prince Ulquiorra?"

"No." I couldn't contain my smile as Tatsuki gave me her about-to-explode look, "Mr. Kurosaki."

Her hands gripped my shoulders, "Are you crazy? You like that guy? You're engaged!"

I tilted my head in an attempt to apologize, holding her hands, "I'm really sorry, Tatsuki. I never told you last night cause I didn't want to start anything before bed, but," I gave her another small smile to persuade her, "The wedding's off."

"What? Ah," She screamed again, trying to breath, "What on earth happened, Orihime?"

I forcefully pressed my forehead to hers and pleaded with a sincere voice, "Please Tatsuki. Don't be mad?"

Softly she pulled from me, glancing once or twice in my direction before sighing, "Ugh, alright." Her hands dropped after rubbing her head, "I'm glad you're happy, Orihime. I'm sorry. It's completely up to you," I happily held her in a hug, almost jumping, "Can I ask what happened?"

She shook her head trying to empty her mind, grabbing the matching coat to my outfit.

"We kissed."

Her mouth popped open before teasing me as she began clipping my coat closed, "So you two are getting serious?"

I tried my best to hide my blushing but I could never fool Tatsuki, "Well, hopefully I'll find out today."

"It's nice to see you again, Miss Inoue," Tessai gave me a huge smile, his cheek's raising his glasses, "Here, let me take your coat."

"Thank you, Tessai," He hooked my jacket but let me keep my purse. Stepping out from the entry, my feet hit carpet and I chuckled, "You should at least consider calling me Orihime, Tessai. You know I would love you to."

"I'll think about it, Princess." He joked, and when he met my side we walked, me following his steps, "They're in the study."

Passing all the harmlessly beautiful paintings and closing in walls, I took in the scent of the house. All of it caused my body to brew nervously with the fact that he had been staying here for the past month. He stayed here, his room was here, he ate here and now he was only a few rooms away. I quickly glanced at Tessai who never guessed I was nervous and lead me right to the door, "Renji Sir, Miss Inoue's here."

From around the rim of the door, I watched Mr. Kurosaki look up to Tessai. His hand fell from his mouth before he rose while Renji instantly pounced from his chair to greet me, "Morning Orihime."

"Good morning." I falsely praised. I could feel my chest tear a part just upon seeing him in the corner. There would be no chance that I could manage speaking with Mr. Kurosaki directly as the time approached.

"Morning," Mr. Kurosaki added in.

I could feel it; the sickness of his eye's on me. To refrain from being impolite I faced his daunting presence. Of course, this moment would be of ease to anyone else viewing but I just couldn't handle the smugness of his eyes, or how he casually collected his hands in his pockets. I replied scarcely with my purse clutched in hand, "G-Good morning." To make matter's worse, Renji was there to witness my embarrassment and it was obvious he could sense it.

"Well, I will just-" Renji was almost completely out the door, and in my panic to turn I walked right into, someone? Trembling at the sight of the tan elevated man before me, I stepped back not realizing there had been someone else here. "Oh, Orihime, this is Chad Yasutora! He helped with your rescue. In fact, we couldn't have done it without him!"

The man simply bowed, "Good morning."

"Oh, Good morning," I waved nervously, "I owe you for everything, really, Mr. Yasutora. Please call me Orihime." The man stood surprised and oddly enough peered at Mr. Kurosaki, "I hope that you'll come visit me at some point," I added with a smile, noticing that Renji then called Mr. Kurosaki to the hall with him.

"Yes, thank you. That sounds great," Mr. Yasutora laughed halfheartedly, "But I was just on my way back home, so I hope you can forgive my leave."

"Oh, of course. I'm sure I will see you around." I forgave, and he firmly placed his hat on his head, tipping it to me before turning.

"I agree that it's not a good idea," Renji whispered as I entered the walkway. He acknowledged Mr. Yasutora slightly by waving before Tessai returned Chad's jacket; seeing as how his long leg's already worked him to the door.

"What's not a good idea?" I questioned and they both turned to me. Judging by the worry shining from them both, I was hardly invited to be included in the conversation.

Renji stepped towards me before stating, "I'm sorry you came all this way Orihime but we have some things we should take care of," It hit me pretty hard but he persisted, keeping a charming smile, "If you like, you can use the library. I still have all the books you used to read."

Knowing I had no way to refuse I simply nodded and kept a small voice, "Alright Renji."

"Thank you," Renji grinned as they both turned to walk off, "If you need anything, ask Tessai!"

Slightly outlandish by his departure, I curiously backed into the old room I once played in as a child. The shelving and the scent of the books all reminded me of my brother Sora. When we were small, Renji's father invited us over constantly since had been so close.

Walking near the work desk, I found all my old favourites stacked atop the wall shelf. They were all layered in dust but that didn't stop me from pulling out a few to remissness their covers. The title, Jarle's Case, brought something to my attention: The guys arrested Tsukushima last night and they left saying they need to 'take care' of something. I was dumbfounded by my discovery and slightly upset. The man could have been the one to kill my brother but they weren't permitting me to go. Like a bolt of lighting, my eye's flickered to a object of cold steal. It had been left aimlessly in the open, holding me back.

While leaving Renji's manor I quickly whipped my head towards the sound of my name, "Princess Inoue?"

"Oh, ," I asked slightly staggered, "How come you're all the way out here?"

"I just wanted to visit the guys for a bit but I guess they've already gone," She blushed slightly, "How come you're here all alone?"

"I was just- visiting myself," I stuttered quite uncertain, "I was hoping Renji could cheer me up."

She completely ogled me as she gasped, "So, it's true that your engagement's off?"

"Things travel fast," My voice faded as I gripped my bag tightly, "It's was just very forced, you know?"

She pulled back slightly displeased, viewing the distant clouds, "I guess I understand what you mean?"

"You do?"

"I'm in an arranged marriage myself," She heavily sighed, eventually looking up to me, "But I guess, it's okay? He's a childhood friend."

"Really? I had no idea." My jaw dropped, "Who is it?"

"Oh," She uttered, "It's Ichigo."

"I told you I was only doing as I was told," Tsukushima's smug smile was enough to make me feel sick. He shifted seeming almost complacent inside a jail cell, and it was where he belonged.

Renji fiercely gripped the bars in front of him as he hollered, "Who told you to kill Sora?"

"I never killed Sora, that was all Aizen's doing." "Ginjo killed Aizen."

"Jesus Christ," Renji mustered, "Who the fuck do you think you're kidding? Aizen ain't dead!"

"What?" I pulled Renji's shoulder so he'd answer and Tsukushima's eyes widened, "I thought he was murdered!"

"There's was no body found to suit his story." Renji gestured to the sad-sack of a man in the cell, "He probably ran since you've poorly pulled this off!"

"Your saying he's still alive?" I questioned.

"Yes." Toshiro responded while calmly seated behind us both, "Urahara's men were told to check the room Aizen's body should had been located. They were supposed to claim the body, when all his belonging were found missing instead."

Renji forced a slightly dark laugh, "I guess he saw past your little trick."

I tried to understand everything brought to my attention and came with one suggestion, "We have to stop, Ginjo!"

Tsukushima laughed, "You're too late, I'm sure that like Aizen then, he's on his way. The media wasn't exactly silent about my arrest."

"Damn it! Renji, we need to get over there!" I turned to Toshiro instantly stood and watched Tsukushima continue you to laugh.

"I'll alert the guys to surround the place," Toshiro asserted, "You two get going!"

I instantly recognized the men from the party the night before even though they hadn't been invited. I was honestly quite shocked that Mr. Kurosaki could brave coming back but there he was, along with that red haired cop from the arrest. The two of them were both so assertive yet I had to hesitate because it meant trouble for me. If I let them pass, I might be fired from my position.

"So can we come in?" The red haired man pushed again, "It's very serious."

I peered down the hall to spot no one around. With that luck, their entry could possibly be private. "Yeah, come on in."

"Which way is his room?"

"Here," I gestured them to follow, "It's upstairs." As we made our way to the door I pretended to walk off, still needing to feed my curiosity. When both men entered Ginjo's office, there was only slight conversation so I back behind the mere corner. Everything happened fast and loud. The door to the office flew open as Ginjo nearly bolted in to me directly. In reflex, I extended my legs to make him tumble onwards to the floor.

Time froze when the harsh click of a gun loading echoed inside the halls. My eye's widened at the auburn haired beauty who was usually so full of joy now engulfed with intent. "Princess?"