As Orihime and Uryu traversed the windswept desert of Hueco Mundo, fine grains of sand danced between them.
The battle against Ichigo and the fourth Espada had reached its conclusion. It was a small victory in the larger war against Aizen, but at least now the Espada perched comfortably on Orihime's shoulders, showing no signs of allegiance to the ex-shinigami.
Orihime swept her hair to one side, preventing it from engulfing Ulquiorra but to his dismay as this now denied him the soft caress of her hair that he yearned for.
Owing to the condition of her uniform, courtesy of Loly and Menoly's less-than-gracious treatment, Orihime could keenly feel the texture of Ulquiorra's fur and talons against her body. He perched entirely on her shoulder, his legs cascading over her clavicle, and his minuscule feet gently brushing against her chest with each step she took.
To make matters worse, Ulquiorra's wings would sporadically twitch against her ear, and his tail would flail carelessly behind her back.
Suppressing her laughter, Orihime bit her tongue. The tickling sensation was nearly unbearable.
As beads of sweat formed on Orihime's face and her eyes welled up, she proceeded cautiously, aware that any misstep could lead to another embarrassing incident.
She desperately covered her mouth, attempting to stifle her heavy breathing and suppressed snickering whenever the wind gusts picked up. The resulting flutters of Ulquiorra's wings against her neck and ears only intensified her struggle to contain her amusement.
The duo continued their trek in near silence, with Orihime failing to conceal her heavy breathing. Uryu, the Quincy, observed them closely, his mind racing to find realistic solutions. He knew Orihime was naive, but this situation seemed beyond comprehension.
There was no way Soul Society would approve of such a bizarre arrangement. He couldn't fathom why this was happening. How did it make any sense for an arrancar to shrink?
It didn't.
What perplexed him even more was how seemingly comfortable both Orihime and the hollow were with this peculiar situation. What did Orihime expect to gain from all of this? Did she truly believe she could keep him as a pet and care for him in her own home?
The notion was absurd. Utterly absurd.
Uryu sighed inwardly, shaking his head in disbelief. He was certain Ichigo would have strong objections to this situation, and unfortunately, he had to agree with him.
Despite his own feelings for Orihime, it was no secret that she was deeply in love with Ichigo. If he were to tell her to get rid of Ulquiorra, she would unquestionably comply.
As much as Uryu resented Ichigo for various reasons, including his obliviousness to Orihime's affection, he realized that Ichigo might be the voice of reason in this instance, capable of swaying her poor judgment.
Uryu wasn't the only one lost in contemplation.
Even in his current pitiful state, Ulquiorra was not oblivious to the reality of their situation.
The bat-like hollow was determined to make Orihime his own, but he knew the odds were stacked against him. Even if he refrained from initiating conflict with Soul Society, his actions held little significance now that he lacked the ability to fight. If he still possessed any strength, it would have been instrumental in aiding the defeat of Aizen's forces. However, it was a futile endeavor.
Ulquiorra meticulously calculated his next moves, determined to ensure that the shinigami wouldn't perceive him as a threat only for the sole purpose of not getting in the way of his intentions with Orihime.
Fortunately, he observed that the woman was not utterly repulsed by his presence, despite having every reason to be.
Ulquiorra cursed himself inwardly. Never before had he experienced regret in his existence. Every action he took was driven by specific motives and purposes with absolute reason...that is until he encountered her.
In retrospect, his frustration with her and his attempt to shape her in his image seemed futile. His obsession had been cloaked by the belief that it was all for the sake of Aizen. If Ulquiorra hadn't been so stubborn, he realized that the optimal course of action would have been to claim her for himself immediately after leaving the Caja Negacion. With ample time for introspection, his thoughts had been consumed by the girl at the time.
Ulquiorra entertained the notion of escaping and claiming Orihime for himself, contemplating a complete shift in allegiance to avoid drawing the attention of the shinigami regarding their relationship.
As time passed, Ulquiorra grew oblivious to the origins of his desires, attributing it to her influence. Though the idea of betraying Aizen for her crossed his mind, he couldn't bring himself to accept that he had developed an attachment to her. Thus, as intriguing as it sounded and as it would have streamlined his plans, it was an impossible scenario.
Ulquiorra's stubbornness persisted until the bitter end. It took his own demise to finally see what had been right in front of him, something he had willfully convinced himself of being blind to.
From his vantage point on Orihime's shoulders, Ulquiorra's gaze traveled upward to her face, capturing a glimpse of her rosy cheeks and delicate pink lips. Though she made efforts to stifle her laughter, a gentle smile, compressed lips, and a hint of blush adorned her expression.
Ulquiorra found himself fixated on the curve of her lips, captivated by the subtle moistness that she absentmindedly licked. The warmth and humidity left behind by her mouth seemed to intensify the heat that stirred within his own being.
He couldn't help but ponder whether these physical reactions and desires had always been present, lurking beneath the surface, or if they had only truly surfaced when undeniable evidence crashed into him, forcing him to acknowledge the depth of his feelings for her.
As the girl and Quincy drew closer to the former battlefield where Byakuya, Kenpachi, and Yammy had clashed, signs of the recent intense struggle were evident. The formidable Zero Espada had been vanquished, and the two captains were in the process of recuperating from their arduous encounter. Captain Kurotsuchi had also joined their company, having just concluded his own battle against the eighth Espada.
Upon catching sight of Orihime approaching, Kenpachi wasted no time in issuing a command for her to heal him, to which she promptly acquiesced without hesitation.
Observing her eagerness to comply with someone else's orders while consciously defying his own directives left Ulquiorra perturbed. Witnessing this contradiction in action only served to deepen his annoyance.
Kenpachi paid no heed to the arrancar perched on Orihime's shoulders, but Byakuya's sharp eyes caught sight of him instantly.
With widened eyes, Byakuya tracked the girl's movements as she hurried towards Kenpachi, who sat atop a cluster of boulders. Orihime dropped to her knees before him, invoking her shun shun rikka.
Byakuya gazed at the girl and the tiny arrancar in astonishment. It took a significant occurrence to elicit such a reaction from the captain, and this was undoubtedly one of those exceptional cases.
Despite Uryu's deep-seated animosity towards the shinigami, when Byakuya turned to him seeking an explanaiton, he couldn't help but just shrug incredulously.
Furrowing his brow, Byakuya was not at all surprised by Kenpachi's obliviousness to the remarkable sight before them.
On the contrary, Kurotsuchi reveled in the spectacle. He positioned himself at a distance that afforded him a comprehensive view of Orihime invoking her god-like powers, with the little espada comfortably settled on her.
An insatiable longing swelled within the captain, fueling his haunting smile that was all too familiar.
As they stepped onto the battleground, Uryu was acutely aware of Mayuri Kurotsuchi's presence. He could discern the glimmer of seductive interest in the captain's eyes as they landed upon Orihime.
Reacting swiftly, Uryu rushed to Orihime's side, positioning himself protectively in front of her, shielding her from Mayuri's view. He locked eyes with the captain, silently daring him to make any move towards her.
The sudden appearance of Uryu by her side startled Orihime, prompting her to look up and question him. But as her gaze followed his line of sight, she caught view of what Uryu was shielding her from.
Ulquiorra sensed a shiver coursing through Orihime's body, and he too turned his gaze towards the source of the humans' attention. Clinging to a few strands of her hair for balance, he leaned back slightly behind her head, peering to catch a glimpse of the scheming captain in the distance.
"Mayuri Kurotsuchi," Orihime answered preemptively, sparing Ulquiorra the need to inquire.
Ulquiorra was already familiar with the name, yet he found himself puzzled by the defensive stance the humans assumed in the presence of a Soul Society member, let alone a captain.
"Why does his presence unsettle you and the Quincy?" Ulquiorra asked, his voice just audible enough for Orihime to hear.
The soft whispers near her ear caused Orihime to twitch and let out a slight giggle at the tingling sensation.
"It's as if you're facing a member of Aizen's army," Ulquiorra remarked when no immediate response came.
As his words escaped his lips, fleeting images of Orihime and Uryu staring up at him on the dome, horror etched across their faces as he was about to kill Ichigo, left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Unable to turn to face Ulquiorra directly, Orihime leaned her head towards him and whispered, "He's a terrible man... He became obsessed with my powers and tried to take me to his lab, but thankfully Uryu protected me... He also killed his own grandfather..."
A wave of disgust and guilt surged through Ulquiorra's entire being, an entirely new sensation that left him feeling unfamiliar and uneasy.
Mayuri's failed attempt to capture Orihime was overshadowed by Ulquiorra's own success in kidnapping her. The initial motive behind it was her intriguing power, which had led her into such a perilous situation. Her friends had valiantly tried to protect her, and yet Ulquiorra had taken the life of one of them, not once but twice...
...did that not make him a villain as well? Undoubtedly, it did. Shouldn't Orihime still regard him with fear and disgust, much like she did towards that captain?
Ulquiorra couldn't comprehend why she wasn't afraid of him.
Mayuri descended slowly toward the humans, his gaze fixated on the diminutive arrancar. "Well, well..." he began, lifting a finger to point at Ulquiorra. "What do we have here?"
A surge of fear coursed through Orihime as she realized that the captain's interest was no longer solely focused on her, but also on Ulquiorra. Reacting swiftly, she grabbed Ulquiorra with both hands and pressed him protectively against her chest. The rapid motion left Ulquiorra feeling disoriented.
Observing the girl's defensive actions only heightened Mayuri's fascination. With a single shunpo step, he materialized before the humans in an instant. Before Uryu could react, the captain forcefully pushed him aside and crouched on his knees in front of Orihime.
Caught off guard by the sudden confrontation, Orihime let out a yelp and found herself sandwiched between the legs of Zaraki, whom she had just finished healing.
The arrancar and scientist were now face to face, their gazes locked. Ulquiorra narrowed his eyes at the shinigami, despite his own hypocrisy. Meanwhile, the captain's smile widened as he inched closer to the duo, causing Orihime to shrink further in fear, seeking refuge between Zaraki's legs.
"Let me have a look at what you've got there," Kurotsuchi beckoned to the girl, curling his index finger with calculated intent. He approached so closely that Orihime could feel a stray droplet of his saliva land on her cheek, sending a wave of disgust through her.
By the time Orihime's head was fully pressed against Kenpachi's crotch, he grew irritated. The girl had served her purpose, and she had no reason to be in such close proximity to him. With a gruff motion, he stood up abruptly and walked away.
Caught off guard by the sudden movement, Orihime let out a yelp of surprise and tumbled backward onto the sand, narrowly avoiding the boulder on which Zaraki had been sitting. The impact caused her to lose her grip on Ulquiorra.
Seizing the opportunity, Kurotsuchi swiftly snatched the arrancar in mid-air and held him close to his face. Taking a few paces as he contemplated the possibilities, the captain remarked, "Well, well, well, I've never encountered an arrancar in this form before, both in release and size. Truly fascinating."
Helpless on the ground, Orihime watched in despair as Mayuri walked away with Ulquiorra in his grasp.
Uryu swiftly arrived at Orihime's side, extending his hand to help her up. She grabbed it frantically and scrambled to her feet, determined to chase after the scientist.
"Give him back!" she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation.
However, before Orihime could reach Kurotsuchi and unleash her powers, his palm forcefully pressed against her face, abruptly halting her in her tracks. His hand was so large that it covered her eyes, mouth, and nose, leaving her breathless. With Ulquiorra held captive in one hand and Orihime's face in the other, Mayuri callously tossed her aside, showing no concern.
"Sorry, girlie, you may be interesting, but I can't afford to miss this spectacle," he remarked indifferently.
Examining the small arrancar in his hand from various angles, Mayuri twisted and turned Ulquiorra to get a better look. The captain couldn't comprehend how this particular Espada, whose reiatsu had seemingly vanished entirely, now stood before him at a mere six inches in height and with barely any remaining reiatsu at all.
After Orihime regained her balance and prevented herself from falling back into the sand, she locked eyes with Ulquiorra. Even with his usual vacant expression, Orihime could sense a hint of concern in his gaze.
It was understandable; Ulquiorra was completely powerless in this situation, stranded in enemy territory. Who else but Orihime could offer him protection?
Mayuri Kurotsuchi waved his hand, holding Ulquiorra aloft, while he rambled on about his theories on this unusual phenomenon. Orihime watched with growing anxiety as the scientist carelessly shook and handled Ulquiorra.
Everything around Ulquiorra blurred into a chaotic mess, the hues of Hueco Mundo merging into a monotonous grayscale. Amidst the whirlwind, the only consistent element was the vivid orange of Orihime's hair.
Finally, as Kurotsuchi momentarily paused his movements, Ulquiorra had a chance to focus his eyes on Orihime once again. She appeared visibly distressed.
Once she realized that Ulquiorra could now properly see her, Orihime gestured with her hands, as if signaling for him to jump into her arms.
Despite his dire situation, Ulquiorra couldn't help but inwardly scoff at her suggestion. How could she expect him to do anything while being tightly held in the captain's grip?
Amidst Kurotsuchi's continued ramblings about endless possibilities, one phrase cut through the noise and pierced Ulquiorra's ears: "-and we'll run tests, I want to see you inside and out."
Ulquiorra's gaze darted between Orihime and the captain, a silent plea in his eyes.
Orihime gestured with her arms once more, and Ulquiorra understood her message. He refused to let this shinigami interfere with his plans involving the woman.
The little bat inhaled deeply, attempting to shrink his form further within Kurotsuchi's contrasting white and black hands. Taking advantage of the newfound space, he freed his scrawny arms. Unrestrained, he clamped his teeth down on the captain's hand with an unprecedented ferocity.
Kurotsuchi let out a cry of pain and instinctively released the tiny assailant. As Ulquiorra's heels propelled off the captain's palm, he extended both his arms and launched himself towards Orihime.
Orihime's eyes widened in relief as she leaped forward, extending her arms to catch Ulquiorra and cradling him protectively against her chest.
Kurotsuchi, having shaken off the pain in his hand, turned his gaze towards the determined human. Furrowing his brow, he took a step closer and threatened, "Now, you better give that back, girl, or I'll—"
Before he could finish his threat, Uryu once again positioned himself between them, his arrow aimed directly at the captain a few feet away. The Quincy narrowed his eyes and asserted, "I expect nothing less from a shinigami than to focus on trivial matters while Aizen is still wreaking havoc."
Having witnessed enough of the altercation, Byakuya intervened.
"The Quincy is correct," he spoke sternly, flash-stepping between the confrontational parties. He faced Kurotsuchi with his back shielding the humans.
Byakuya turned his head slightly to the left, directing his gaze towards the human girl as she delicately held the arrancar in her palms. The small creature struggled to find its footing. Sensing Byakuya's stare, Orihime's eyes met the captain's.
"Orihime, could you also heal our injuries? Once that is done, we will make arrangements to return both of you humans safely home," Byakuya proposed carefully, deliberately omitting any mention of the little arrancar in her possession.
Uryu took note of Byakuya's choice of words, realizing that the captain was intentionally excluding any direct acknowledgment of the miniature arrancar.
Kurotsuchi huffed dismissively and grumbled to himself, clearly irritated by the perceived superiority of the Soul Society nobles.
With the scientist retreating, Orihime nodded hesitantly and gently placed Ulquiorra back on her shoulder. Uryu relaxed his guard and took a step back, allowing her to approach Byakuya.
Summoning her powers once more, Orihime turned to face her friend and whispered, "Thank you, Uryu..."
The unexpected gratitude caught Uryu off guard, and he blinked in surprise. "Oh... it's no problem, Orihime. I would never let that creep get near you."
A soft smile formed on Orihime's face. "Not just for that... thank you for everything."
A faint blush spread across Uryu's cheeks, catching Ulquiorra's keen eye as he observed the interaction. Uryu quickly averted his gaze and waved his hand dismissively, adjusting his glasses to partially conceal his face from the girl. "Don't worry about it! We can't rely solely on someone like Ichigo, can we?"
Orihime chuckled softly, her attention shifting back to the 6th captain as she finished tending to his injuries.
"Okay, Byakuya, all done!" she exclaimed cheerfully, lifting one hand to her forehead in a playful salute.
He nodded in appreciation, briefly locking his gaze with the arrancar before turning away.
Now that that was done, a mischievous grin spread across Orihime's face. She reached up and began gently petting the little creature still perched on her shoulders, her fingers caressing his form.
Uryu's attention snapped back to Orihime, and he swiftly grabbed her wrist, his tone stern. "Let's not go through that again," he warned.
Orihime pouted, disappointed that her fun was cut short.
As Orihime withdrew her hand, Ulquiorra felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. The traumatic experiences of being violently shaken by the scientist, tossed around, stepped on, dying, being revived, engaging in battle with Ichigo, and having his spiritual energy completely drained began to take its toll.
Keeping a reasonable distance to maintain privacy, Uryu and Orihime followed Byakuya and Kenpachi. Uryu couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and voiced the question that had been weighing on his mind.
"Orihime," he began, his voice filled with genuine concern, "What exactly do you intend to do with him?"
Despite his dazed and weak form, Ulquiorra narrowed his eyes at the raven-haired man's question. But he had to admit, he was also curious on what her response would be. Past this point, the little arrancar had no idea what was actually in store for him.
"Well, let's see-" Orihime pressed a finger into her cheek and looked up at the sky as she considered the options. Against Uryu's suspicions, she had actually been thinking about it this whole time too.
"Maybe we can leave him with Urahara?" She suggested.
Ulquiorra frowned.
Before Uryu could respond, the arrancar cut in, "Can I have a say in the matter?"
Immediately, Uryu spat, "No!"
Orihime giggled at the exchange between the two,
"Well, what would you want Ulquiorra?" She asked genuinely.
Uryu sighed, annoyed. He crossed his arms and took a step slightly ahead of the girl and looked back at her. "Orihime, I already told him no."
She pouted once again and skipped slightly ahead to take the lead, turning back to look at Uryu. "But I'm curious! Can you imagine how he feels?"
Uryu couldn't help but roll his eyes. Once again, she was defending her captor.
He quickened his pace, catching up to her, and pleaded with her once more. "Orihime, I'll be honest with you—I couldn't care less about how he feels."
Orihime continued to walk briskly ahead of him, her slightly aggressive stomps revealing her frustration.
Uryu let out another sigh and raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
A few moments of silence passed between them, until Orihime whispered, "You didn't answer my question..." Her words were just loud enough for Ulquiorra to hear.
Ulquiorra's attention was fully captured by the soft sound of Orihime's voice, pulling him out of his dazed state.
"What question?" he asked, his confusion evident.
Orihime raised an eyebrow, wondering if Ulquiorra had been paying attention at all.
"What would you want..." She paused, struggling to find the right words for the latter part of her question, but she couldn't piece it together successfully.
"You," Ulquiorra replied directly, causing Orihime's eyes to widen in surprise. "M-me?" she stammered, flustered. "W-w-what do you mean, me?"
Ulquiorra couldn't believe he had let that slip out. This woman was truly having an unexpected effect on him.
"Do you mean you want to stay with me?" she inquired, seeking clarification.
Ulquiorra contemplated the question for a moment. "Yes," he affirmed.
"Oh..." A rush of pink flushed Orihime's cheeks. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her former captor wanted to stay... with her?
"Would you be against this?" Ulquiorra pressed, his mind now consumed by the idea.
Orihime took a steady breath and held it momentarily. She could feel Ulquiorra's gaze fixed upon her, even in his small form.
"I mean... I think it could work... maybe?" she stammered. "I'm not sure... but Ulquiorra..." Her gaze shifted to the lower left, meeting his vibrant green eyes.
Despite still being in his released form, he looked just as he did when he reached out to her. The thick black marks had reverted to small green slits that trailed down his pale skin, and his obscured eyes had transformed back into the captivating shade of green that always drew her in.
"...why would you want to stay with me, of all people?" Orihime asked, feeling the lingering tension between them, even in this tiny state. She sat on the edge of her seat, eagerly awaiting his response.
Ulquiorra registered Orihime's question, but he couldn't muster the strength to provide an answer. His weariness was intensifying, and his eyelids grew heavy, causing his vision to blur.
The little arrancar's head leaned against the side of Orihime's neck as he fought to regain his composure.
"Oh... Ulquiorra?" Orihime's voice reached his ears, but it was the last thing he heard before he sensed himself descending once again.
From that point onward, everything became fragmented. Bits of information trickled in, but one sensation stood out amidst the haze—the overwhelming warmth that enfolded him.
This new warmth surrounding Ulquiorra felt distinct, no longer engulfing him but exerting pressure from above.
Struggling to open his eyes, Ulquiorra found his vision clouded and sullied, prompting him to blink repeatedly. His throat was parched, and his body felt immobilized. Just as he parted his lips to draw a breath, a gentle breeze blew, causing strands of his black hair to fall across his face.
Startled, Ulquiorra's eyes snapped wide open, ridding himself of any lingering traces of sleep. Above him, a white ceiling and a ceiling fan came into view. Distant bird chirping and the rhythmic whirring of the fan provided ambient noise. He lay upon a soft surface, and a weight rested upon his chest and legs. Raising his head slightly, he attempted to inspect his torso, only to be met by enormous fingertips spanning his abdomen. Upon closer examination, he observed the intricate details of delicate fingers, which trembled faintly against him.
Ulquiorra's gaze caught a vibrant cascade of orange in his periphery, drawing his attention. Curiosity and anticipation welled up within him as he slowly turned his head to the left. With bated breath, he took in the sight before him—the dark strands of his hair fell away, revealing Orihime's peaceful sleeping face just a foot away.
Ulquiorra couldn't help but question if he was trapped within a dream, a common occurrence. Memories of previous dreams involving the woman had plagued his mind during their time in Las Noches, but this particular moment felt exceptionally real.
Finally exhaling the breath he had unknowingly held, the events leading up to this point flooded back into his consciousness. This couldn't be a mere dream, and he certainly wasn't the same average-height Ulquiorra he once was—though he had always been below average in height. He was now cursed, and she was the cause of it.
The woman lay soundly asleep, her delicate lips parted in a sweet and innocent slumber. Her vibrant auburn locks cascaded over her sleeping form, a few strands dancing gently in the air as she exhaled. In this moment, she appeared undisturbed, as if the series of mental trauma and manipulation that began when he confronted her in the dangai had never occurred.
It was an expression he had never witnessed before. Ulquiorra's gaze hardened as he fixated on the sight before him, and the familiar warmth in his core intensified. The sensation of her skin pressing against him sent a wave of goosebumps coursing through his body, while her gentle breath against his being evoked a mix of thoughts within him.
As Ulquiorra closed his eyes, he indulged in the fantasy that this sensation was entire body lying atop him. The tainted images that had intruded his thoughts resurfaced, stirring his imagination of what it would be like to hold her close, with her ample bosom pressed against his slender, flat chest.
These thoughts of her seemed to intensify, overwhelming Ulquiorra more than he was comfortable with. They had always lingered in the back of his mind, fleeting images he pushed aside. But now, they invaded relentlessly whenever she touched him or cast a certain glance his way.
This was unacceptable.
Ulquiorra needed to steady his breathing, though he lacked a physical heart, it would have undoubtedly been pounding in his chest if he had one.
His wings throbbed with a dull ache, a painful reminder of having slept in his segunda etapa. Ulquiorra had never been accustomed to resting in this form, and now he found himself unable to revert back to his former state. While the soreness in his wings persisted, he noticed that the bruises that had marred his body earlier were now absent.
A stiffness in his neck caught his attention, prompting him to carefully turn his head from side to side in an attempt to alleviate it. His fur-covered talons gently pressed against the back of his neck, eliciting a heavy sigh from him.
In battle, Ulquiorra had experienced pain, but his regenerative abilities always swiftly mended any wounds. The lingering physical discomfort that plagued ordinary humans in their daily lives was a foreign concept to the former Cuatro Espada. This persistent ache that afflicted his body was a novel sensation for him.
Once he had regained his composure, Ulquiorra's gaze shifted down the woman's body.
Orihime laid on her stomach, using one arm as a makeshift pillow, while the other rested in front of her face where she had previously held Ulquiorra. Her attire consisted of a loose white tank top that did little to conceal her ample cleavage, which remained prominently visible even under the compression. Complementing her outfit, she wore small pink shorts that showcased her flawless legs. One of which was bent and lifted toward her stomach, occupying a significant portion of the bed.
A blanket was conspicuously absent.
Orihime began to stir in her sleep.
As she arched her rear into the air, her body released a deep stretch accompanied by a small squeal. Tension escaped from her muscles, flowing along her outstretched arms and fingertips.
Witnessing this alluring sight and hearing her soft noise caused Ulquiorra to clench his jaw and harden his gaze. The intrusive thoughts returned, flooding his mind like poison.
He anticipated her awakening, but instead, the woman's body relaxed after the stretch, sinking comfortably back onto the bed. She followed it with a deep yawn and a barely audible moan.
Suddenly, Orihime shifted on the bed, transitioning to lying on her back with her arms still outstretched. The abrupt movement caused the mattress to shake, and Ulquiorra almost lost his balance. Her chest had a slight bounce before settling back into place.
Her nearly transparent tank top left little to the imagination.
The dryness in the back of Ulquiorra's throat seemed to intensify. A thought, or rather a desire, surged within him.
Without hesitation, Ulquiorra approached the woman, his gaze fixed and unwavering as he closed the distance between them. Now face to face with the side of her breast, he stared intensely at it, observing how it rose and fell with each breath she took.
Ulquiorra was unsure if she was still fast asleep and he was certain she would not be okay with what he was about to do if she wasn't. He reached up one of his talons and grabbed hold of her mouldable flesh. Once he had a firm grip he reached out the other and held on too.
He took a moment to let the sensation of her breasts within his hands linger before he hauled himself up and climbed directly onto the mound.
Ulquiorra was now on all fours on top of her, the weight of his knees and the palms of his hands sunk into her breast. Orihime made a little noise in her sleep, he watched her face intensely as she did, hoping she would not wake.
He was overwhelmed by a sudden, undeniable desire to touch her breasts, to feel their softness in his pale hands. He knew it was impossible in the current situation, but that didn't diminish the intensity of his longing.
As he remained positioned directly on her bosom, with his face inches away from the center, an impulsive thought once again invaded his mind. The image of burying his face between her breasts, holding them possessively, wreaked havoc on his thoughts.
He blinked repeatedly in an attempt to dispel the intrusive thoughts, shaking his head lightly. These desires were spiraling out of control, and he couldn't ignore his physical attraction to her. It irritated him, as nothing had ever stirred such reactions within him before. How could it be a human woman who evoked this desire?
The acknowledgment of a connection between them seemed to intensify this longing. However, there was a significant difference this time. Previously, his desires were one-sided. He didn't require her reciprocation or lust. Ulquiorra was indifferent to whether she wanted to touch or desire him atl all. His visions revolved around him indulging in his desires, kissing her because he craved it, exerting control over her solely for his own satisfaction. Those were the tainted thoughts that had initially plagued his mind.
However, this time was entirely different. He wasn't merely imagining it; he felt a desperate yearning for her to reciprocate his desires. He longed for her touch, craving her desire to touch him in return. The vivid vision of himself nestled between her breasts, his hands grasping them firmly, was accompanied by the imagined melody of her pleasure. He could almost hear the sweet sounds she would make as he gently squeezed and molded her soft flesh with his slender fingers, urging and demanding for more. The thought of her pulling him closer, her body responding to the light circles of his thumbs over her now erect nipples, added fuel to the fire of his desires.
With that intoxicating image consuming his senses, Ulquiorra's eyes now rested in a half-lidded state, a dark, glossy look reflecting his heightened desires as he gazed up at Orihime's peaceful face.
Finally surrendering his tense muscles, Ulquiorra fully embraced the softness of her chest, allowing his petite body to sink deeper into her embrace, assuming a fetal position.
Though he was no longer fatigued, he surrendered to the warmth and tenderness she offered, allowing himself to be enveloped by her presence. The thoughts and pressures of what needed to be done to turn these visions into reality were momentarily cast aside. Instead, he willingly surrendered to these consuming visions, no longer pushing them away as he had done before.
As Orihime slowly awakened, she felt a weight against her and lazily opened her eyes. The sun's rays seeped through the window, illuminating her modest bedroom. It took her a moment to realize she was no longer confined in Las Noches under Ulquiorra's watchful eye.
But then she remembered... Ulquiorra.
Her eyes widened in realization, and in that instant, they landed on the little black figure resting squarely on her right breast.
With a slight lift of her upper body, propped on her elbows, Orihime's movement stirred Ulquiorra from his dazed state. His head snapped towards her, and his arm defensively pressed against her soft skin as he raised his chest.
Their eyes met. Orihime's widened in surprise at the sight of the miniature bat on her chest, while Ulquiorra's eyes widened in the realization that he had been caught.
They remained locked in this motionless state for what felt like an eternity, at least ten seconds. Orihime was the first to break the gaze, finally blinking.
Suddenly, Ulquiorra found himself gasping for breath. A crushing weight pressed him so deeply into her bosom that he nearly lost consciousness.
The arms of the woman that had lunged for him now squeezed and hugged him closely to her chest.
"Oh my gosh! You're so adorable!" Her toes curled on the bed as she sat up, holding the little Ulquiorra possessively in her arms.
A sheepish grin spread across her face, but it quickly faded when she realized he was unresponsive. She loosened her grip slightly, causing the tiny bat to slip from her chest and land on her upper leg.
As soon as Ulquiorra regained his breath, he struggled to lift himself onto his forearms, his breathing labored.
"Don't—"
Cough.
"Do that—"
Cough.
"again, woman!"
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