AN: Enjoy.

Title: Symptoms of a downfall

Pairing: StarkxRukia

"And you're telling me this, because...?" The speaker was a neatly if not nicely dressed young man decked out in black slacks and a white shirt with the sleeves cuffed up exposing slender porcelain forearms. Yes, Ulquiorra Schiffer was of the too-feminine seeming variety and one of the few in Stark's acquaintance who could reasonably be trusted with the secret that was weighing heavily on his mind.

"Because. You're the only one I know who wouldn't think I was dirty old pervert," he smiled to soften the compliment. Ulquiorra sipped his drink and absently cast a longing eye to the pen and pad never far away from his reach. "I do think you have a dirty mind," Ulquiorra said shortly, setting aside his frosty glass. Stark bit back a fast denial, rolling his eyes askance, "I only wanted to know your thoughts on the matter. Not judgment."

Green eyes narrowed slightly, "okay then. If I were you, I would investigate these feelings. Is it lust or could it just be a misinterpretation of your own insecurities manifesting themselves in peculiar desires? Or maybe..."

"Maybe what?" Stark had cringed slightly at the word lust.

There was an undeniable ghost of a smirk curving Ulquiorra's mouth, "you're just kinky. At any rate I will be able to fully assess the situation in person-to-person contact. May I meet her?"

~*~

Ulquiorra had come from a good background. He had attended law school for a while where he and Stark had been roommates at least until the prodigal son decided to pursue a career in writing horror novels to which parental disapproval had him dismissed forever from his family's sight. It still did show however, that good-breeding once learned was never forgotten.

He held the door open for Rukia when Stark himself had already gone in.

A surprised thank you followed, one that even Stark who had poked his head out of the Kitchen area, heard and felt a twinge of something. Ulquiorra nodded slightly, ignoring the girl's raised brows and somewhat appreciative looks.

It was then that Stark considered the fact that maybe his friend was just a little too pretty. "Ulquiorra, could you come here a moment?" he kept his tone light and the writer stood up, excusing himself oh-so politely from Rukia's presence. She seemed even more taken aback at his manners than before.

"I haven't had my full assessment yet," Ulquiorra disclaimed, his back to the open doorway.

"I know."

"Then?"

"Could you not turn the charm on?!" he blurted out, before realizing how it would sound in light of their recent discourse.

"Jealous?" a raven brow was quirked over an emerald eye, a knowing look gleaming within. "N-no," feeling like a fool, he stuttered, turning slightly crimson. A low chuckle escaped, "don't worry. I assure you, you have good taste, Ms. Kuchiki is very attractive."

"Thanks a lot," Stark grumbled, feeling his face heat up even more.

"Though she isn't very well-endowed."

"I know."

"You know? Pervert." Another smirk graced Ulquiorra's lips, "and don't try to deny it."

"I'm not! Wait...what am I saying?" he clapped his hand over his face.

"That you're a perverted old man who's half in lust with his niece."

"Don't say that!"

"Don't say what?! And am I forgotten in here or what?!" Rukia yelled irately from the other room. He started then chuckled, running a hand through his wavy chestnut hair. "Did I forget to mention she has a temper?" he questioned.

"I can tell," Ulquiorra said blithely.

Stark sighed, "this is going to be a long night..."

~To be continued~

AN: it's short but yeah Ulqui's a charmer when he wants to be. Look for the next chapter coming soon to a computer near you!

Thanks for reading.

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