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Chapter Text

"Ulquiorra-san!"

No reaction. He continued staring out the window, where sunlight streamed through a brilliant blue sky, the kind of perfect day that should have beckoned young lovers outdoors.

"Ulquiorra-kun!" Orihime tried, knowing he hated being addressed so informally.

Still nothing. He sat motionless on her worn sofa, head tilted and resting against his palm in a pose of complete boredom.

This behavior troubled Orihime more than she could express. The curiosity that had once sparked his interest in humanity, the very thing that had taught him about the heart, had vanished entirely. Even though he now possessed a beating heart of his own and a perfect human body, he did nothing with either gift.

Orihime pressed her lips together in frustration. Ulquiorra's body had indeed been perfect when she'd restored him from ash, a flawless replica of his Arrancar form. But like everything else about him, that body had become a shadow of what it once was.

After a long moment, Ulquiorra stirred. He lifted his head slowly and fixed her with his emerald gaze. "How many times must I tell you? Just call me Ulquiorra." He sighed before adding, "Woman."

She'd never imagined his voice could become more monotone, but the past weeks had proven her wrong.

Her patience wearing thin, Orihime puffed out her cheeks and gestured toward the window. "What if you got dressed and we go to the park?"

He stared at her blankly. "If you want me to," he finally answered.

Orihime shook her head helplessly. She loved him, truly, deeply, but this situation was becoming unbearable. He showed no interest in anything anymore.

For Orihime, this had become an overwhelming burden. The Ulquiorra she'd fallen in love with was gone. In desperation, she'd even tried healing him in his sleep, but to no avail. Whatever was wrong with him lay beyond her power to fix, though her heart whispered that somehow, it was all her fault.

Today she'd reached her limit. Without another word, Orihime grabbed her jacket and left him sitting there. They needed help, and she knew exactly where to find it.

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

The sun was setting when Orihime finally looked up from her hands, still sitting among Yoruichi, Tessai, and Kisuke Urahara in the shop's meeting room. Once she'd begun speaking, laying her heart bare on the table, the words wouldn't stop flowing. Hours had passed as she talked about Ulquiorra and their problems.

"I don't know what to do anymore," she said, her voice breaking. "I'm trying so hard, but he's so passive. Nothing brings him joy. I'm not even sure I did the right thing by bringing him back."

She took a shuddering breath, wiping her eyes as tears threatened to fall.

Tessai offered her a handkerchief, which she gratefully accepted. After drying her tears, she leaned forward and whispered, "Lately, he's even lost interest in... in me. When we go to bed, Ulquiorra just turns his back..." Her face burned crimson as she hid behind the handkerchief.

Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, exchanging a meaningful look with Urahara.

Kisuke met her gaze and thoughtfully tapped his fan against his chin. "Now, now, Orihime-chan, I wouldn't assume he's lost interest in you. But am I correct that his powers still haven't returned?"

Orihime bit her lip anxiously and nodded.

In that final moment in Hueco Mundo, when Ulquiorra had reached out to her, she'd been sure he wanted to live, not just survive, but live that life with her. That conviction, combined with her own unshakeable feelings, had driven her to reverse his death as soon as she'd recovered.

But the restored Ulquiorra was no longer an Espada. He was completely human, without a trace of spiritual power. He'd tried to hide how much this bothered him, but Orihime had noticed nonetheless. The worst part was that they'd never talked about it.

Orihime felt responsible for his human form, and that guilt silenced her. Instead of addressing the problem, she did everything possible to make his new life comfortable, which wasn't much, given her limited resources. It was exhausting when he barely responded to her efforts.

"Do you think his powers will ever return?" she asked, tears flowing freely now. "Or are they gone forever? Not that I'd mind, I love him regardless, but I know he's not happy, and it's all my fault!"

Urahara set aside his fan and took her hand gently. "Orihime-chan, I don't believe this is your fault. In fact, after some thought, I believe Ulquiorra himself chose his new form. Your love restored his heart and gave him the chance to return as a human."

He smiled encouragingly. "Ulquiorra simply hasn't realized this yet. He's been a Hollow and a warrior for so long that he can't understand that life—especially human life—holds other possibilities. We need to open his eyes to that."

"But how?" Orihime's frustration boiled over. "I've tried everything! I cook his favorite meals, buy him books, try to get him outside, encourage him to find hobbies—nothing works. He's so lethargic it's driving me crazy, and it's not doing him any good either!"

Urahara leaned back, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "My dear Orihime-chan, with all due respect to your intentions, but in your desire to heal him, you're using, shall we say, the wrong medicine."

Orihime's mouth fell open, hurt flickering across her features. But as she considered his words, she realized he was right. If love wasn't the answer, then what was?

Everyone leaned forward expectantly, waiting for the former head of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute to continue.

Kisuke cleared his throat dramatically and raised his fan high. "What Ulquiorra needs is a challenge, someone who will push him, give him a reason to fight for your love!"

They all bent closer, waiting for him to reveal his chosen candidate.

Kisuke lowered his arm with a flourish motion. "Unfortunately, Kurosaki-san isn't in the right frame of mind to be a worthy opponent at the moment. But, he paused, lowering his fan, I have a backup plan, of course. It will take a few days to arrange. I'll call you when everything's ready, Orihime-chan."

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

A few days later, Ulquiorra stood in the bathroom, slipping into comfortable white hakama. His hair was still damp from the shower, and afternoon light filtered through the small window. Orihime would be home soon, and he tried to be dressed before her return, though lately, he barely managed even that simple task.

This world felt endlessly boring. Waiting for her had become tiresome.

Sleep helped time pass, and Ulquiorra had discovered that among the few things he actually enjoyed about this human body,  the space between sleep and full consciousness ranked highest. That, and to his own surprise, food.

As he tied his hakama, his gaze fell to his stomach and the slight swell visible there. He frowned, straightened his posture, and when that didn't help, tightened his abdominal muscles until his belly flattened to its former state.

He exhaled slowly and sighed. Orihime never tired of hinting that everybody needed exercise to maintain their strength and shape, but he ignored her suggestions. Though the changes annoyed him, he saw no reason to start training. Orihime could protect herself perfectly well. He had nothing to fight for anymore, and this human body was pathetic. The fact that Orihime accepted him this way changed nothing. Without his powers, he was nothing.

At first, he'd believed he could feel his abilities deep within. Still, that sensation had faded like everything else from his past life. In its place came emotions he struggled to process. He pushed them aside when possible, but with nothing to occupy his time, it was difficult.

As an Espada, his existence had served a purpose. Now his only function was keeping Orihime company.

The weight of these thoughts pressed down on him. He should have stayed in bed longer, he reflected, just as the sound of the front door interrupted his brooding. Orihime was home.

Buttoning his white haori, Ulquiorra checked his reflection in the full-length mirror. Orihime had once remarked that he wore these clothes because they resembled his old uniform. He'd claimed it was merely for comfort, but he'd never defended himself because, in his heart, he knew she was right.

Outside, he could hear Orihime talking cheerfully to herself. Ulquiorra adjusted his jacket until it hung loosely around his midsection.

Suddenly, something in her voice caught his attention, and he listened more carefully. She was talking to someone, and the tone she used —sensual, coaxing —put an unpleasant pressure on his chest. In a rush of concern, Ulquiorra left the bathroom.

In the center of the living room, Orihime stood with her back to him, holding something he couldn't see. Her voice was warm and affectionate as she said, "You're so adorable. I'm sure we'll get along wonderfully."

Her words made his heart sink to his stomach, even as he cursed the hold she had over him.

"Woman," he called out, his voice sharper than intended.

Orihime spun around, her face lighting up with a beautiful smile. "Ulquiorra, look! Isn't he the cutest thing ever?"

He tilted his head, studying what she held. It was white and large enough to cover her chest, with a long, fluffy tail that curved around her waist.

"What is this?" He narrowed his eyes.

The creature shifted and turned its head, revealing brilliant azure eyes that stared directly at him. Those eyes didn't just look, they glared with unmistakable mockery at the man who had once been the Fourth Espada. From nowhere, Ulquiorra felt the urge to grab the creature and tear it from Orihime's embrace. Instead, he crossed his arms defensively.

"Just a poor stray cat who needs a home," Orihime explained, moving closer. "Urahara-san found him and asked for my help." She stepped near enough that the cat's white fur brushed against his hand. "Ulquiorra," she purred, "can we keep him?"

He said nothing and took a step back.

The cat continued its unwavering stare.

"Urahara-san can't keep him at the shop, but he says the cat is well-behaved and easy to care for," Orihime continued, looking at him pleadingly.

It was only a cat, a mere animal. Something so insignificant could never pose a threat. Yet those azure eyes held a challenge that stirred something within Ulquiorra. This nearly familiar feeling made his pulse quicken.

Orihime's lips formed a slight pout.

"If you insist," Ulquiorra answered flatly.

Orihime's expression transformed into a radiant smile. She placed the cat on the sofa, spun around, and embraced him tightly. "Thank you!" she beamed.

From the corner of his eye, Ulquiorra watched the white cat settle down and scratch at the large collar around its neck. When their gazes met, he could have sworn the animal was grinning.

Orihime pulled back and took his hand. "Come on, Urahara-san asked me to pick up some toys, food, and other supplies Grimm will need." She tugged him toward the door.

Ulquiorra remained motionless, stopping her progress. "Grimm? Like Grimmjow?" The question came out louder than he'd intended.

"Yes! Urahara-san insists that he resembles your old comrade, with azure eyes and white fur. I think the name suits him perfectly."

What kind of joke was this? Displeasure darkened Ulquiorra's features, but he said nothing. Silently, he followed Orihime, clenching his hands and hiding them deep in his hakama pockets.

Chapter Text

When they returned from Urahara's shop, Ulquiorra was loaded with supplies he had no idea a simple animal such as a cat would need. Orihime was happy, but he was so tired from carrying all the heavy bags and boxes that he simply dropped them as soon as they were inside the apartment.

The noise caused the peacefully sleeping cat to wake, and Grimm jumped up on the spot.

"You scared him!" Orihime began, taking in a breath as she prepared to scold Ulquiorra. But the white cat jumped from the sofa and strolled over, purring loudly and rubbing its head against her leg, effectively catching her attention. Orihime beamed with glee and bent down to pet the cat. Instead of harsh words for Ulquiorra, she said sweetly to the animal, "Hello, little Grimm. Did Ulquiorra scare you? But there's no need to be scared. I'll make sure he treats you nicely."

"Woman, stop this. This is a stupid cat. A simple animal that understands nothing," Ulquiorra stated angrily.

Orihime continued petting the cat. Grimm made little jumps while rubbing his head against her legs and purred even louder. She picked him up and pressed him against her chest. "Don't listen to Ulquiorra. He's just grumpy because he had to carry all the goodies for you."

Grimm stopped purring for a moment, as if it had indeed understood, and gazed at Orihime's smiling face. She returned the gaze lovingly, but blushed when the cat suddenly started pushing the paws of its forelegs not too gently against her ample chest.

"This cat is becoming a nuisance, just like Grimmjow had been," Ulquiorra muttered to himself, observing the woman as she shifted the cat in her arms until the thing had to lay its paws on one of her shoulders.

Grimm gazed directly in Ulquiorra's direction, and when their eyes met, the former fourth Espada could swear that the cat grinned at him once again.

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

On the next day, Ulquiorra slept in, but not as long as usual. As soon as he woke up, the cat was on his mind. After some time in which he tried to ignore his thoughts about the cat's obnoxious behavior the day before, and how kindly the woman had responded to the cat regardless of how it acted, he snorted and got up.

When he entered the living room and was on his way to the bathroom, Ulquiorra's gaze fell on Grimm. He stopped and, narrowing his eyes, stared at the animal peacefully lying curled up on the sofa.

However, not just anywhere on the sofa, but on the very spot Ulquiorra preferred to sit. For some reason, this felt like an insult, but he pushed this stupid feeling aside and briskly continued toward the bathroom.

The shower was unable to remove either the tension or his strange thoughts that the cat was trying to claim the woman as its own. Although Ulquiorra didn't have extensive knowledge about cat behavior specifically, his former nature as a Hollow included enough feral instincts to recognize that the cat's rubbing against the woman's legs served no other purpose but to mark her with his scent. This was an alarming thought, which caused Ulquiorra's blood to boil.

The woman was his, and he would kill anybody who tried to lay a hand on her.

With a snort, Ulquiorra turned the water off. Still damp, he quickly slipped into the white hakama, but then paused for a minute, thinking. Very quietly, he opened the bathroom door and walked over to the sofa, making absolutely no noise.

Once there, he reached over the backrest in an attempt to grab the cat by the neck and remove it from its place. Yet before Ulquiorra's finger even touched the white fur, Grimm turned around and scratched him with a fast and precise strike.

Ulquiorra hissed, pulled his hand back, and stared at the cat in disbelief. Grimm sat up and gazed back, whiskers twitching.

"You piece of trash," Ulquiorra said and began to lick the blood from his hand. What an annoying creature. He wouldn't let the cat get away with this. As the once fourth strongest warrior among an outstanding army, he would teach this simple-minded being to know its place.

When Orihime returned one hour later, Grimm still occupied the same spot on the sofa, yawning and leisurely scratching his collar. At the same time, Ulquiorra tried to figure out how to explain six more scratches.

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

Another day later, Ulquiorra woke up much earlier, skipped the shower, dressed, and left the apartment. His inability to unseat the cat the previous day had unsettled him. Somehow, he needed to get this human body to function better, with or without the help of his powers. Yet this was not something he wished to discuss with Orihime. He walked through the streets with a clear target in mind.

When Ulquiorra arrived at his destination, he took in a deep breath. Never before had he requested help, but if he was unable to hold his ground against a simple cat, then it was time to leave his pride behind.

He entered, and inside, was directly greeted by the shop owner.

"Welcome, and what an unexpected surprise. What brings you to my humble establishment, Ulquiorra-san? Want to get some sweets for your beloved Orihime-chan?"

The Shinigami grinned at him, or at least that was what Ulquiorra believed upon hearing the man's annoying voice. Most of the man's face was either shaded by his hat or hidden behind a fan. The former Hollow ignored the Shinigami's behavior. "No. This human body is not working properly, and I need your expertise in this matter."

Seeing the shopkeeper lower his fan and cock his head questioningly, Ulquiorra cleared his throat and added, "The woman created this body, and it would hurt her feelings if I told her about her failure."

"I see," Urahara replied, stepping closer. "Let me take a look."

Unconsciously, Ulquiorra pulled his shoulders back and straightened his whole human body. At the same time, the Shinigami eyed him from head to toe. Urahara closed his fan and, before Ulquiorra could even think about reacting, placed some quick strikes all over his body. The last one he received on his stomach. The hit was hard enough that he gave up his stance, and as a result, his belly popped out visibly.

"I see the problem. Please follow me, Ulquiorra-san. My two skillful helpers, Jinta and Ururu, are already downstairs. There we have a cozy exercise place, and they will help you in fixing and improving what is insufficient."

Ulquiorra nodded and followed.

A few hours later, the former fourth Espada slowly climbed the ladder back upward, deadly exhausted. His once white clothes were dirty and drenched in sweat, but his heart and spirit felt astonishingly light.

Back in the shop, Urahara handed him a towel and a set of fresh clothes. "The bathroom is over there, and on your way home, there is a favor I would request in return."

Once again, Ulquiorra nodded. In the past, he had been Aizen-sama's errand boy, as the shopkeeper himself had presented him to the Shinigami delegation that had investigated his sudden appearance in the human world. With this, Urahara had effectively downplayed the role he had taken in the Winter War. It had not mattered to Ulquiorra at the time. Aizen was gone, and his new life was more confusing than he liked to admit.

Once he had freshened up, Ulquiorra took the bag the shopkeeper gave to him along with some instructions.

With a contented smile, Kisuke watched Ulquiorra leave. "Don't come too late tomorrow," he called after the limping man.

On his way home, Ulquiorra stopped at a house and wordlessly handed the bag, along with a note, to the man who had answered his knock.

"Wait a moment," the man said and vanished with the bag. On his return, he gave Ulquiorra some money. "You can keep the rest."

The next day, after the training, Urahara returned some of the money to him along with another bag. "That is your share for the delivery, Ulquiorra-san," the shopkeeper smiled with mischief. "Today, you would need to take another detour, if you don't mind."

"I don't mind," Ulquiorra replied, tucking the coins into the pocket of his hakama.

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

Some weeks passed in which Ulquiorra spent his time, as Orihime was not at home, either at the Shinigami's underground training facility or making deliveries for him.

On the weekends and in the evenings, Ulquiorra and Grimm, the cat, had begun a secret battle over the spot on the sofa and Orihime's attention. Lately, Ulquiorra received fewer scratches, and more than once, he managed to grab the white cat by the collar and remove it from the sofa before Orihime noticed.

Grimm was sneaky and ruthless in its actions toward the former Espada, and the animals' mocking stares and sounds more than once made Ulquiorra consider if Grimm really was a normal cat. Those azure eyes and the cat's entire behavior were far too familiar, causing a shiver to run down his spine. However, this was nonsense. By choice, Grimmjow would never let the Shinigami turn him into such a pitiful being, and not even Urahara would be able to force the impulsive and violent Sixth Espada.

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

One day, Urahara asked Ulquiorra to come on the weekend as well because the Shinigami wanted to take his training to a new level. Hesitantly, Ulquiorra agreed. The weekends were devoted to Orihime and keeping the cat away from her. And unsure if the woman would approve of his fight training, he hadn't told her about it.

This Saturday, Yoruichi turned out to be Ulquiorra's instructor. She challenged him to single combat with long sticks. Ulquiorra realized that this was a step toward fighting with a sword; however, the limitations of his human body still made it impossible for him to fight in the way he would have done in his spirit form.

Some things he had been able to adapt to, but others he still lacked. Even bound to the same restrictions, Yoruichi was more agile and much faster than Ulquiorra, who tried to hold his ground.

Kisuke watched the fight with interest. Today, he wanted to see if his suspicion was correct. Although Ulquiorra was now human, his reiatsu was extremely powerful and essentially still of a Hollow nature. Which was no surprise, because his reiryoku level was as strong as it had been when he was an Espada.

Much more surprising was the fact that Ulquiorra wasn't at all aware of his abilities. Kisuke sighed and took another sip from his tea. If Ulquiorra couldn't find a way to reconnect to his power this weekend, Kisuke doubted it ever would happen. Then his plan would ultimately fail.

Suddenly his phone rang. When Kisuke answered, Orihime's concerned voice greeted him.

"How is Ulquiorra doing?"

"Fine, fine. How is Grimm?" he asked.

"Unruly and giving me a hard time. Before, I feared leaving him alone with Ulquiorra, but now I'm not sure what's worse. Being alone with Grimm or having them fighting behind my back."

Kisuke laughed. "Hold on a little longer, Orihime-chan. I hope to be able to send Ulquiorra home soon... Ouch, what a hit!"

Somehow, Ulquiorra had caught Orihime's name and, distracted for a single moment, was knocked off his feet by a direct hit against his naked chest.

"Damn, Ulquiorra! Where is your attention? Until you are prepared to give me your all, I will not continue fighting you," Yoruichi yelled as she threw her stick to the ground and walked away.

Head bent down, Ulquiorra stood up and dusted the sand from his hakama before he approached Urahara.

The shopkeeper offered a cup of tea to the exhausted man.

Taking the cup, Ulquiorra sat down and silently cleared it in a few small sips. Then he leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees.

After some time, he began, "What I am trying here is pointless."

"If you feel that way, Ulquiorra-san, we can stop at any time. It will not take much to preserve what you have achieved so far," Urahara gazed over the other man's now well-toned body. "But that is not what is bothering you," he added and waited.

A long moment passed in which Ulquiorra visibly searched for words. When he finally found his voice, it was just above a whisper. "Though I look human, I never will fit into this world, into her world. And I am afraid of losing her. A stupid cat is more capable of showing her devotion than I am."

Kisuke smiled and squeezed the other man's shoulder affectionately. "You are fitting more into this world than you believe. Your doubts are no different from any other man in love, but remember that you know how to fight much better than most of them."

Ulquiorra lifted his head, and when their eyes met, Kisuke tapped against the other man's chest, right at the heart. "You just need to find your resolve again. Go home and talk with Orihime-chan."

Chapter Text

This was much easier said than done, and Ulquiorra wandered the streets thinking that he would never find the right words. He sat down and watched the humans around him. How should he tell Orihime what he desired, and what she meant to him?

Frustrated, Ulquiorra sat back and stuffed his hands in his pant pockets, clenching them into fists. In one, the coins he had received for the deliveries were cutting into his palm. He pulled his hand out and stared at them. He looked around before he stood and counted the coins.

Though he knew about the concept of money, he had never given it closer thought.

Ulquiorra began to walk along the shops, examining the price tags for clothes, food, and other items he used on a daily basis. Soon, he noticed that they all had a price. As an Espada, his view of the human world had concentrated on beings and their power. Everything else was unimportant. Trash, like the humans themselves.

Orihime had never said a word, and he had taken all the things she had provided him with without asking. His face flushed when he walked into a grocery store and found out that even the toilet paper had a price tag.

Suddenly, he realized how much of a burden he must have been for Orihime. This thought left him without breath and weighed heavily on his shoulders. Ulquiorra braced himself against the nearest shelf.

"Sir, are you okay? Do you need help?"

He looked up. A store clerk, a young girl, stood next to him, a worried expression on her face.

He wanted to deny it, but his throat was still too tight.

"Please come and sit down and let me bring you some water." She guided him to a chair and vanished, announcing she would return in a minute.

While she was away, Ulquiorra sorted out his thoughts.

When the clerk returned and offered him a glass, he asked hoarsely, "How much do I owe you?"

"Nothing, the water is free. You are not from around here?" The girl smiled shyly.

Ulquiorra took the water and shook his head. "I am not." Then he remembered the lecture Orihime had given him one day about politeness, which he had ignored so far.

"Thank you," Ulquiorra said in his usual deep voice. With astonishment, he noticed the girl blushing at these simple words, and a plan took root in his mind. "And I need some more information. Maybe you can help me out?"

The blush on the girl's cheeks grew darker, but she nodded eagerly.

"At first, I need a present for..." he searched for the right word. For him, Orihime had always been the woman. The one and only he ever would address in such a way because there was no other woman for him. Orihime understood that, at least he hoped, but for everybody else, he knew it sounded like an insult.

"A present for my beloved woman," he concluded, and showed the coins to the girl.

The blush on her face was quickly replaced by disappointment. Still, soon she became attentive to the story he presented to her, and she showed him the few things he could afford.

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

It was already dark when Ulquiorra opened the apartment's door.

In the end, after he had recovered from the first shock and analyzed all the information he had gathered, he knew what to do.

Before Ulquiorra could close the door, Orihime rushed to his side and embraced him fiercely. "Where have you been? I called Urahara-san, and he told me you left hours ago," she sobbed. "I was so worried!"

Ulquiorra returned Orihime's embrace with all his heart. After she calmed down, he moved away, hiding something behind his back.

She gazed at him with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety.

"I apologize, Orihime," Ulquiorra said and offered a tiny bunch of blue flowers to her. Even if he knew she wouldn't understand that he not only apologized for being late, but more for the ignorance that had ruled the life she had given him, he hoped she understood the meaning of the flowers.

Orihime sucked in a breath and with shaking hands carefully took the bunch of fragile forget-me-nots. "Wasurenagusas... Ulquiorra... how did you know?" she stuttered, only to burst out in tears in the next second.

Confused, Ulquiorra opened his mouth, but before he could ask what he had done wrong, Orihime threw herself into his arms again, placing kisses all over his face. At the same time, she breathed, "I love... I love you, too."

Both were oblivious that Grimm, the cat, had sat down next to them, observing their actions out of astonishingly attentive eyes. The cat lifted a paw and stretched out its sharp claws. In a powerful movement, he hit Ulquiorra across the shin when the former Espada kissed Orihime passionately.

Ulquiorra hissed in pain, but then he moved faster than ever before and caught Grimm by the large collar he wore since Orihime had brought him from Urahara. The cat snorted, spread his legs, and pushed hard in all directions, only to meet air. Ulquiorra's grip was firm, and he held the cat out of reach. With vast strides, he walked toward the bathroom, threw Grimm into the room, and closed the door.

Meanwhile, Orihime had put the flowers in a vase. She knelt down before Ulquiorra, who took a seat on the sofa and looked at the deep scratches Grimm had given him.

"Grimm must have gotten jealous. Stupid little guy. Let me heal you real quick," Orihime said and summoned her fairies.

Ulquiorra doubted that Orihime was right, but rather that Grimm had taken advantage of his distraction. It was about time to teach the creature a final lesson. However, this had to wait. Right now, he had something else to do.

As soon as the golden light around his leg dissolved, Ulquiorra pulled Orihime close and, kissing her passionately, stood up, taking her with him bridal style. Not until he laid her on the futon in their bedroom did he break their kiss. Taking off his haori, he watched with growing longing how her breath hitched as soon as she caught sight of his naked and well-toned chest. When he slowly moved down, her breathing grew shallow even before he began to kiss her neck just below her earlobe. While doing so, he recollected all the things he remembered Orihime liked.

Tonight, Ulquiorra spent a long time showing his woman what she meant to him by using his human heart and body.

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

Breathing heavily, Yoruichi lifted a hand, signaling Ulquiorra to stop.

He lowered the wooden stick. While he waited, he searched for Orihime's gaze.

Yesterday, when she had exhaustedly but happily snuggled in his arms, he finally had told her about his training and that he would like to take Urahara's offer to work for him. Ulquiorra also had said to her that making deliveries was only a minor part of what Urahara wanted him to do. But for the other, central part, he needed to cross a particular line. To his relief, Orihime approved of his intentions and wanted to come and watch his progress.

So far, Ulquiorra felt very content, even if he could see Orihime's anxiety. She was afraid he would get hurt. When their eyes met, hers grew wide, and her gaze moved to a point behind him, but he had already noticed.

He swirled around and, without giving it a second thought, lifted his hand because the stick would be no match for the strike he wanted to block.

Orihime jumped to her feet, shouting in panic while she reached for her hairpins. It was too late to create a barrier and shield Ulquiorra from Benihime's sharp blade. To block one of Urahara's furious strikes was impossible. Even Ichigo had never tried something so foolish, and Ulquiorra, without his powers, would lose his hand in the best case. Fighting back the tears, Orihime prepared to summon her fairies and heal him as fast as possible.

Time stopped in the moment when Urahara's Zanpakutō touched Ulquiorra's hand. For a few more seconds, both stood frozen in place, until a wide grin spread over Urahara's face and Orihime realized that time hadn't stopped. Ulquiorra really had blocked the strike with his bare hand.

The human Espada suddenly realized what had just happened.

"That's my boy," Urahara cheered and clapped Ulquiorra on the back.

"How is this possible?" Orihime took Ulquiorra's hand, which was completely unharmed.

"It was in him all the time, and now that he made the first step, the rest will be easy. Show her, Ulquiorra-san," Kisuke explained and grinned at the human Hollow.

Ulquiorra lifted his hand once again. In his palm, a green spark appeared. Soon, it grew into a tiny, green, pulsating ball, which became larger with each pulse.

"A cero," Orihime breathed out in awe.

"Not quite, but close. I already have an idea what it is," Kisuke said, giving Ulquiorra a wink to fire the thing in his hand.

The explosion that shook the underground facility was intense, knocking all of them off their feet.

"But we need to work on that... hehe," Kisuke remarked when he was back up and dusted himself off.

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

A few days later, Ulquiorra returned home before Orihime and found Grimm occupying his spot on the sofa. The cat gazed at him in its usual mocking manner. Taking his hands out of his pant pockets, Ulquiorra approached Grimm. "It is time that we solve this issue once and for all," he stated, and began to create a small green ball in his hand.

The cat stood, his tail twitching tensely from left to right. With a loud hiss, Grimm jumped from the sofa directly toward Ulquiorra. Caught by surprise, Ulquiorra lost his balance and fell backward when the cat crashed against his chest with incredible strength. Though he crashed hard on the floor, Ulquiorra was able to grab Grimm, who had landed on top of him.

However, with a fierce growl, Grimm managed to escape and sprinted away, jumping on the table and pushing the glass with the forget-me-nots down. Ulquiorra hurried up, opening his fist and dropping a handful of white fur. He walked to the door and opened it. "I will not share the woman with anybody, not even with a cat. If you do not get out on your own, I will force you," Ulquiorra said, his voice deadly calm.

Grimm sat on the far end of the room, the cat's azure eyes dark. With passion, the animal spread its claws, digging them deeply into the wooden floor. When the cat raised its bottom high in the air, making itself ready to attack the former fourth Espada, the animal's mouth revealed a broad, ecstatic grin. The azure of its eyes seemed to have spread forth and colored the fur below them.

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

Tired after a long day of school in the morning and hard work in the bakery in the afternoon, Orihime dragged her feet up the stairs to her apartment. At the top, she stopped and looked around. In the trees at the edges of the parkway, birds chirped, welcoming the quiet night. Everything was so wonderfully calm and peaceful that a relaxed smile returned to Orihime's exhausted face. She arranged her hair while her gaze wandered toward her cozy apartment. She wanted nothing more than to slump down on her old sofa between Ulquiorra and Grimm. Watch a silly movie and cuddle a little with both of them.

This image turned to dust when her gaze fell on the door, which should have been closed but instead stood wide open.

Fighting an uneasy feeling, Orihime rushed forward, but before she reached the door, a sound like walking on popcorn stopped her. With a furiously beating heart, she looked down. The floor was covered with pieces of glass. She turned her head and grew pale. There was a hole in the wall, and half of the window was also missing. The last few steps, Orihime sprinted and burst with Ulquiorra's name on her lips into the living room. She stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes wide with horror, and instead of calling Ulquiorra's name worriedly, a loud and angry "No!" came out of her mouth.

Her cozy apartment was a mess, literally. The sofa lay tumbled over, just like the table, and had a huge hole as well. The shelf with all her expensive cooking books had been shredded into pieces. Orihime narrowed her eyes. In the middle of this mess sat Ulquiorra on the floor, his clothes torn and bleeding from multiple scratches.

Grimm, the cat, was also lying on the floor a few paces away, patches of fur missing and burned in some places. Both delinquents were still out of breath and unable to face Orihime.

Shaking her head, she walked toward Grimm and picked the cat up before she addressed Ulquiorra. "We will talk later. First, I need to return Grimm to Urahara-san."

☆ ✦ ☆ ✦ ☆

"I am very sorry, Orihime-chan. The plan worked almost perfectly, but I should have taken into consideration the cat's unruly nature," Urahara said with sorrow. "I will send Tessai to repair the window and bring some furniture. That is the least I can do." He smiled genuinely, took Orihime's arm, and guided her to the front door. "Go home and look after your dear Ulquiorra-san. Oh, and tell him I need to see him early tomorrow."

Before Orihime left, she looked over to the cat sitting on the shop's counter. "Goodbye, and thanks for your help."

The cat huffed, turned around, and gave Orihime its back.

After Kisuke had closed the door, he walked back to the counter. The cat had moved once again. Its azure eyes were dark, and it glared demandingly at the Shinigami.

Kisuke sighed and removed the collar. "Here we go," he said and stepped back.

Eagerly, the cat arched its back and stretched its legs. Suddenly, the animal started to glow, reiatsu appearing and swirling around the body until it vanished completely into blue particles. The cloud blew up, but instead of exploding, it imploded in a burst of light, revealing the form of the Sixth Espada in nearly all his usual glory.

Cursing, Grimmjow jumped from the counter and stomped to a mirror. There, he gazed at what was left of his azure hair. "Damn, to hell with you, Shinigami. You said Ulquiorra had lost his powers!" he growled angrily. Then Grimmjow turned around and grabbed Urahara by the collar. "Now, fulfill your part of the deal. Restore my powers to their full strength." In his free hand, the Sixth Espada charged a cero.

Urahara laughed, unimpressed and undaunted. "Your reiatsu already is recharged, Grimmjow-san. The special cat gigai I created for you has already done that. Look at this beautiful cero you are threatening me with."

Grimmjow released Urahara and admired the glowing ball of power. Laughing ecstatically, he let it disappear, and with a sharp gesture, opened a Garganta. "Next time you come to Hueco Mundo, the first and last thing you will see will be my blade," Grimmjow shouted before he vanished into the dark.

"It will be my pleasure, Grimmjow-san," Kisuke cheered and waved him goodbye.

THE END

Link to the Fanart that sparke the idea: https://www.deviantart.com/sycamoreleaf/art/Bleach-Can-we-keep-him-110258008

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