The Night After...Concuclusion pt. 2 of 2

"Well, my dear, have you made your choice? My time is rather valuable, you see, as I have other matters to attend to…," Aizen thought bitterly as he began to contemplate the tedious chore of cleansing the palace of its' remaining occupants…

Orihime could feel the sweat bead up on her brow and her breath quicken despite her efforts to remain in control of herself. She felt more helpless now than she'd ever felt before. (Think, think, think….no, can't, no way out….no right answer, no right decision... ) …Aizen delightedly watched her squirm under his intense gaze…the way a child might watch an ant under a magnifying glass, as the suns rays scorched it into dust…

"No…I can't, please don't do this."

"Really, that's all you could come up with? I must say, I'm disappointed …especially considering the magnitude of the blow you've dealt me. …I have to admit, it was very quick thinking on your part. ...But I would imagine you spent months contemplating it, along with other various ways you could've destroyed the hogyoku. ...And yet, now, you can't even make a simple decision like this? Ironic, isn't it, and I'd find it most amusing if I wasn't as pressed for time as I am. …Time's up, my Dear, I really must insist you make your choice now."

"No, wait-"

"-If you're are unable to choose, then the decision itself is forfeit…and I'll simply kill them both.," Aizen stated with a serene smile as he glanced from Ulquiorra to her rounded frame where her innocent unborn child lay in wait…

"NO!-"

As Orihime watched the cero closest to her body brighten slightly, she found herself unable to control her emotions or her body. She knew the end was near, she could taste the sour tang of acidity and bile rising at the back of her throat.

And then she felt the stirrings of the baby and its' hunger begin to overwhelm her. She saw the pale golden translucence of the inverted shield form before her. She could feel it's influence on her body and the magnetic pull directed at Aizen. It was far more powerful than she'd thought possible, the strongest she'd ever felt before…perhaps the child, instinctively, knew this would be its' last meal.

Her body shook from the added strain and Orihime knew she would soon lose consciousness as she had so many times before. She knew that, and yet, she found herself welcoming the numbness that would soon follow…better to black out than be forced to watch the impending massacre before her…

…Only, it never happened, as she felt a sudden compulsion to add her remaining energy and strength to the inverted shield which had overtaken her. …Besides, if this was to be her and her baby's final moment together, she resolved to help it in any way she was able to. Orihime had finally claimed her role as "Mother" as she reinforced the golden shield. …The golden hue became more opaque, the more reitsu she added to it.

Aizen's attention's were currently directed at Ulquiorra. The master manipulator vowed to first break Orihime's sanity by forcing her to watch the demise of her lover…and then wait a few minutes before incapacitating her body with the smaller cero, which would not only kill her baby, but would riddle her body with indescribable pain. Aizen reasoned that this method would, ultimately, provide the most amount of satisfaction for him…but then, a golden shield appeared in front of him and stole his focus.

Aizen couldn't extinguish the ceros fast enough as the shield began to suck away his life force. Surely, a Lord with unparalleled abilities such as his, could fend off such a feeble attack like this? It was barely discernable as a defense, say nothing of it being utilized as a weapon of sorts, ...it was laughable.

Aizen smirked slightly as he began to withdraw his katana in attempt to slice through the glowing shield…but his strength had already deserted him. He gasped in shock as he found himself unable to lift his sword. …For some inexplicable reason, the weight of the blade seemed considerable to him. He blinked with surprise…

"What is this?"

Suddenly, he felt himself losing his focus and hold over Ulquiorra's form. He watched as Ulquiorra slowly began to reposition his fingers…then his arm. …The black winged creature that was captive, only moments before, was now ravenous with rage and advancing toward Aizen at great speed.

Aizen sensed fear for the first time as his personal store of reitsu continued decreasing at a rapid pace. He no longer possessed the hogyoku or the capacity to draw from it. He inwardly cursed himself for having relied so heavily upon its' powers. …He currently only had the remaining spiritual energy left to flash-step away from Ulquiorra's assault.

Within a fraction of a second, he was just out of range of both the shield's draining effects and the coming attack…but the damage to Aizen was already done. He was all but defenseless as he watched Ulquiorra's talons reach for him while using sonido to give chase…...the beast was drawing closer to him, claws outstretched with a bloodthirsty glint in its' eyes. Still, he was Lord Aizen…and he was nothing if not cunning.

"Do you no longer hold any regard for me, your former Lord and master? I will never be bested by any of my Espada. Fighting me is pointless.," Aizen said casually with a slight smirk…(though, in truth, the effort of holding Ulquiorra off was almost beyond him.)

"The great Lord Aizen, stalling? Do you think I'm a fool?" Ulquiorra said casually, while he examined his claws with quiet malice.

"Actually, I find that you are truly something unique, Ulquiorra. I underestimated you once, and for that I ask your forgiveness. You should rejoin me. We once had a shared vision, you and I…and ruling and protecting a kingdom is no small feat and you've little time. You and yours will be continually hunted by Soul Society and others like them. …Even you must admit that most of the hollows left here are weak and of little use to anyone.," Aizen said compellingly.

"It's interesting, isn't it? …That my hollow DNA and abilities when combined with a mere mortal's should have such a cataclysmic effect on you?"

"And whatever do you mean by that, Ulquiorra?." Aizen said in a wary tone.

"You're drained and you're weak. I can barely even detect your spiritual pressure…you're finished."

"I don't think I'll be destroyed by someone who once knelt at my feet.," Aizen said tauntingly, buying time to gather strength...he had already regained strength enough to use his sword and was just about to call upon it when…

…Both, Aizen and Ulquiorra, had failed to notice Captain Hitsugaya wearily regain his consciousness. He had made the most of his respite as well, mustering just enough strength to call upon "Hyourinmaru," his Zanpakuto, one last time.

Within a moment of having invoked him, the Hyourinmaru's frozen dragon attack had engulfed the unsuspecting Aizen, encasing him within a massive solid block of ice…and then the Captain collapsed and lay still on the ground once more as his blood pocked the ground from his effort. Toshiro tilted his head to look beyond the ice only to see the figure within blink its' eyes ever so slightly…as if mocking him.

"Damn you, Aizen!," the Captain whispered through gritted teeth.

"…Rest, Soul Reaper, this will soon be over. He has much to answer for."

Ulquiorra approached the block of ice with malice. The figure within watched wide-eyed and helpless, unable to avoid his long-awaited fate. The grand-ray cero which formed from the outstretched claws of the Hollow Sovereign was as precise as it was deadly. It shook the palace, the ground, and even the very air surrounding them. It poured out of Ulquiorra and left him depleted and on his knees. It left nothing of the colossal ice block behind, save a handful of slush and a strand of curly brown hair…

~Three hours later ~

"I see you're fashionably late, as always, Rangiku!," Hitsugaya said to his very sweaty Lieutenant strolling in, exhausted, from the white sand dunes beyond the palace.

"Yes. I'm sorry Captain...things got complicated.," she said while avoiding eye contact.

At first, Hitsugaya noticed her hair pulled back with the black ribbon. And then he observed her behavior. He knew that she was emotional, he noticed the changes in her immediately. She seemed distant and distracted, her eyes were red and swollen.

He wasn't surprised. He'd always been acutely aware of her history with the traitor, Gin. The young captain had often heard her speak of him with regret and a heavy heart. She had kept those feelings tucked away from almost everyone…until now. Rangiku was a strong woman, but today she wore her vulnerability out in the open for all to see. …And she was eyeing Orihime with an unusually determined look in here eyes…

"Are you alright? Perhaps you should consider going back to Soul Society and letting me finish things here. …I won't ask you what happened out there while you were gone. But, you're obviously not well and since your presence is no longer required here-"

"-Captain, there is something here I have to do. …Just give me a few minutes to do what I need to and I'll leave, no questions asked, promise.," she said doggedly as the look she gave Orihime intensified.

"Whatever, just do what you feel you need to.," he said as he walked away from her to finish up the report of his findings, which he knew would be subject to intense scrutiny, by First Captain Yamamoto.

Rangiku took a deep breath and walked purposefully toward Orihime. The pregnant girl was still next to the boulders in the rubble where Ran had left her… Orihime seemed lost in thought as she carefully knelt down on the ground and ran her hands through the pebbles.

"I doubt you'll find what you're looking for down there."

"Rangiku!," the ginger haired girl cried as she stood up awkwardly, "I'm so glad you're safe. I didn't know what to think when you didn't come back…"

"Tell me, Orihime, are you happy here? And before you answer me, I want you to think about that question carefully. You've been through a great ordeal within the past year and I need to know that this is what you really want."

"…I'm not really sure what you mean...," Orihime said while looking down at the ground.

"Look, the whole run back here all I could think about was you. I used to be just like you…and I couldn't face myself in the mirror if you repeated the same mistakes I've made. And, believe me, if I could go back in time and give myself the same advice I'm about to give you, I would do it in a heartbeat. …Just don't pin your hopes and dreams on the wrong person, Orihime. You only live once and if this isn't the life you wanted, you don't have to pretend for their sakes that it is…," Rangiku said as she eyed the Hollow army that had resumed the reconstruction of Las Noches.

"You think I don't belong here? Why are you saying this to me?," Orihime said with sadness and confusion.

"You once confessed to me that you had feelings for someone else. You were hurting and deep down, I think you might still be. I just can't leave you here knowing that there's a chance you're not happy. I owed it to you, and myself, to inform you that you do have other options…and that this is only one of them. My God, Orihime, Don't waste your youth and dreams on someone that can't bring you happiness.," she said as her voice caught in her throat, "…I-I thought I could do this without getting emotional."

"Thank you for caring enough about me to tell me this," Orihime said as she reached out for Rangiku and hugged her gently, "…But, I am happy here, and I want to stay."

"…He really means that much to you, Orihime?," Rangiku said wistfully.

"He means everything…"

~ Approximately One Day later within the Seireitei~

"So, it seems we will be granting a full pardon to the Hollows, once allied, with the traitor Sosuke Aizen? …The whole idea is preposterous!," said First Captain Yamamoto with outrage.

"Well, you can either rescind the Ordinance or we can openly go to war with the Vizards-" said Captain Ukitake.

"-And the remaining Espada, (rumor has it they're up to eight now!)-" said Captain Kyoraku.

"-And the Substitute Soul Reaper of Kara Kura Town along with the other three-quarters of the Soul Society who openly support him!," Captain Hitsugaya finished vehemently.

"…As I said, it's preposterous! …But it seems I have little choice. Fine, consider the damn thing rescinded!," the First Captain said begrudgingly.

"Let's not forget the other reason we called this meeting here today. There is the small matter of reinstating Central 46 and, once more, allowing major decisions to become subject to debate and democratic vote. Incidentally, I currently have Lieutenant Matsumoto accepting applications for candidacy as we speak. It seems every squad has several applicants already jockeying for key positions-," Captain Hitsugaya stated.

"Tell me about it Captain, there seems to be no shortage of them… You should give me some help to move those stacks of papers that are piling up!," Rangiku said as she peered in through the window of the room housing the "once-secluded" meeting.

"Do you mind, Rangiku, this was supposed to be private!"

"Well, I'm sorry, but it's such a beautiful day and all this intrigue…I just couldn't resist! And after a few sips of sake, well, it just sounded like such a great idea. I brought some for everybody!"

"Rangiku!"

"Well, to be honest, Sake sounds like an incredibly good idea right about now…," said the, somewhat mollified, First Captain of the 13 Court Guard Squad.

~ Several weeks later…Las Noches, Hueco Mundo ~

"Sovereign, I think it's time!" said the overly excited Third Espada as her enormous chest bounced up and down.

Ulquiorra quickly stepped down from the white stone throne and by-passed his assembly of Espada and forest Adhuchas. He distinctly heard one of them mumble as he briskly passed by them.

"Betcha' my third tentacle it's just another false alarm!"

He used his master-technique of sonido to whisk himself away to the make-shift hospital rooms set up in the outer east wing of the white palace. On a large cushioned metallic table lay the struggling ginger-haired queen. She was grimacing as she bit her bottom lip, bracing herself for another wave of labor pain. And then the contraction hit her…hard.

"Eeeeeeeeaaaaahh!," Orihime screamed.

Ulquiorra went to her side and pried loose a balled up fist from one of the pillows surrounding her. He placed her rigid hand into his own, while attempting to radiate a sense of reassurance to her. After the pain subsided, her hand went limp in his and her breathing became shallow and strenuous.

"I am here, just squeeze my hand when it hurts. Try and remember back to when we practiced this.," Ulquiorra said firmly, yet gently to his young paramour.

"(deep breath) Okay…yes, I can do this!," she said determinedly…until another spasm of agony came upon her, "NO, wait, I'm not ready! NOOOOOEEEEAAAAAAH!"

"Is THAT normal? Can't we give her something for the pain?," Neliel said with apprehension.

"It was determined by the Shinigami Doctor who examined her that medicating her would have an adverse effect on the baby.," Ulquiorra said succinctly, "And, therefore, we both decided against it."

"Well," Nelliel said with desperation, "in light of the severe amount of pain on her frail human body perhaps we should reconsider-,"

"-No! Please, I can do this, just stay with me…," Orihime said weakly to Ulquiorra.

"You needn't worry, I am here with you...always.," he said with resolve as she smiled, briefly, during the few moments of respite that she had…

~ 2 hours later ~

A very distinct high-pitched baby cry could be heard throughout Las Noches Palace. All Hollows within the palace exchanged a hopeful smile as they anxiously awaited the news of how the mortal mother fared…

"She lives! She lives! …Oh, and it's a boy!," an attending servant cried out as all the Hollows within heaved a collective sigh of relief and resumed their duties with renewed vigor.

Meanwhile, Ulquiorra watched his lovely queen snuggle their new little bundle of joy. Her body was rife with exhaustion, yet she refused sleep in lieu of spending precious moments with their newborn baby boy.

"So, what shall we call you?," she asked the sleeping baby with the wisps of silky brown ringlets, sparsely adorning his tiny head.

"How about 'Toraan?' It has a certain spiritual meaning…and our relationship has been nothing, if not prophetic…," The venerate Ruler of Hollows said with reflection.

"Hmm…'Toraan.' What do you think, little one?," Orihime asked the sleeping bundle. And for some, inexplicable reason, the child chose that moment to kick its' feet in cute little jerky motions. Orihime laughed as she snuggled closer to the infant. Ulquiorra leaned over and brushed the back of his pale hand against the warm wrinkled pink skin of the baby's face.

"Well, I guess that settles it. 'Toraan', it is!," Orihime said as she made cooing noises at the tiny bundle, "I've been holding him all this time…here.," she said as she carefully placed the swathe of powder blue blankets into Ulquiorra's outstretched arms.

And within moments, Orihime had fallen fast asleep with a soft look of contentment on her face. Ulquiorra looked away from her beautiful, yet so fragile, mortal body to the soft cherubic face of the slumbering infant. The Sovereign of Hollows stared in awe and reverence at his newborn son…

"How is it that one, such as I, became so …providential?"

And in the cover of darkness, with everyone else preoccupied or sleeping, a lone tear managed to escape and trail down a stoic white cheek…

~ two weeks later ~

After greeting and celebrating the arrival of the newly born, Prince Toraan, Ichigo and Rukia began the long trek through a Garganta and then home…hand in hand.

"Did you sense the power of that little tike? That kid is going to be seriously packing when he comes of age. I'm thinking more and more that this treaty was a really good idea…" Ichigo said mid-yawn.

"Tell me about it. Still, something that adorable should not have that much power. …I can't believe how much has changed in the span of a few years. Who knew a human and a hollow could produce such a little miracle? You know, I have to admit, ...after spending some time with Toraan, it kind of makes me wish I had one..," Rukia said longingly.

"You're not serious? I mean, come on, they made you the God-Mother! (Who knew they'd pick a pip-squeak like you!) …Hmm, 'God-mother,' …doesn't that make you like a 'fairy' or something?," Ichigo laughed as he tugged on a strand of Rukia's hair.

"Stop that, you brat! And, just what're you trying to say anyway?," Rukia said while punching Ichigo's arm, "That I'm short like a fairy or that you just don't see me as 'Mother' material? *humph*…I'd like to think I did okay with Renji!"

"Renji? Trust me, that guy doesn't have maternal thoughts when it comes to you…"

"What is THAT supposed to mean?"

"Let's just say I am acutely aware of my competition."

"Trust me, Ichigo, when I tell you that you have no competition…," Rukia said as she leaned into him, planting a rather sensual (yet chaste) kiss on his soft lips.

"That reminds me, I've been meaning to mention…you're not much of a girlfriend-"

"-WHAT?"

"Sorry, that came out a little uh, wrong. I just mean… Well, how would you feel if we made this relationship thing a little more official?"

"Official how?"

"Well, my Dad isn't home this weekend and my sisters are probably fast asleep by now…I mean, um…" he finished lamely.

"Ah, I think I see what you mean now.," she said as a sly smirk began to form.

"Well, I mean, only if you think we're ready to take that step.," Ichigo said as he quickly back-pedaled.

"Listen Ichigo, I've been ready for that step for quite some time. But I never wanted to push you into anything you're not ready for either…"

"Good. Great. So then, now that that's settled….so uh-," he finished awkwardly.

"Um, just give me time to take a quick shower and I'll be in your room in about 20 minutes, ok?"

"And all this time I thought women took forever in the shower!"

"…You have oh-so-much to learn about how to talk to girls.," Rukia mumbled under her breath as she rolled her eyes and walked towards her room to grab her bathrobe and "Chappy" rabbit theme slippers.

~ 15 minutes later in Ichigo's Room ~

"WHAT THE-? Damn it! NO!," Ichigo yelled as he picked up his Substitute Soul Reaper Badge and shook it vigorously as it emitted its' typical "hollow alert" warning signal. At that very moment a yellow stuffed animal lion wearing a dress kicked the door in…

(The sudden noise startles Ichigo, as the badge fumbles from his hands carelessly, falling to the floor and cracking its' outer shell in the process.)

"-Hey, Stupid, I'm sick of wearing this! Your little sister has some serious gender confusion issues! She keeps dressing me up in this fruity Scarlet O'Hara Get-up every damn night! …And I really HATE this color! What is it anyway? URINAL CAKE blue?," the rickety yellow stuffed animal shouted to Ichigo, from eleven inches off of the floor.

"Hey Ichigo! Did you hear what I said? Are you even listening to me! …OK FINE! WHATEVER!" he yelled with disgust as he tossed the dress into a random corner and then proceeded to spit on it.

"It's broken? N-NO! What the hell?," Ichigo lamented before noticing the digruntled toy, "…Oh, for the love of...just grow up Kon, I have bigger problems than you right now! And I don't have time for this! Just get over here! ...Promise me you'll tell Rukia I'll be five minutes late, ten TOPS! WHY DOES THIS CRAP ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME? WHY TONIGHT?," Ichigo said as he shoved his hand down Kon's throat, extracting the lime colored pill.

Ichigo immediately swallowed the pill. Within moments, Kon's mod-soul was now in possession of Ichigo's body while Ichigo's spiritual Soul Reaper form exited quickly out the window, sword in hand with a determined (if annoyed) expression on his face.

As Kon stared out the window, the lights in the room went out. Before Kon could form a response, the room began to illuminate with candlelight. Kon turned around slowly to see a beautiful brunette in a skimpy black bustier, matching thong, and thigh high lace stockings, approach him. She brought two dripping red candles into the room and placed them carefully onto the desk. Kon's eyes bulged as he watched her intently all the while.

"So, don't just stand there staring at me…tell me what you think of my new look?," Rukia said seductively as she placed her hands on his heaving chest.

Kon realized that he was screwed no matter what. The moment Rukia discovered whose spirit currently resided within Ichigo's body, he'd never hear the end of it…not to mention that she'd most likely kick the ever-loving stuffing out of him just for good measure. Ugh! What to do? …But. Yes, there was certainly a Butt…Hers! And DAMN, if she didn't rock that get-up she was wearing. When would he ever get another opportunity like this? Hmm, what to do?

…All this contemplation had earned him a look of impatience from Rukia…oops, time was flying by and Ichigo would be showing up in 5 minutes! Shit! Kon knew he'd better get moving if he was going to live out THIS forbidden fantasy!

Rukia was beginning to think maybe she'd played this all wrong. Maybe Ichigo was repulsed by seeing her in cheap lingerie and mood lighting. What the hell? She thought all guys liked this stuff…and then she felt his warm lips on hers. And the kiss he gave her was anything but chaste! His tongue slid into her mouth and his hands were intensely massaging her back, and then hurriedly moved on to her ass. Ichigo was squeezing and pinching every inch of her round bottom until she became a little sore from the sudden onslaught of his attention and fixation with it. And just as she was about to say something, he quickly moved on to her bustier…his fingers desperately fumbling with the clasps trying to get her out of it.

"Wow, aren't you in a hurry.," Rukia said teasing. (In truth, she was just so relieved that he was actually responding to her, she failed to notice the obvious personality change.)

Within moments, Rukia was out of her bustier and topless as Ichigo's mouth continued to mash into hers as his hands ran over her breasts in much the same manner as he had done with her ass. She couldn't help but try and keep up, but she felt rushed and they had all night…didn't they? Just as doubt began to cross her mind-

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?"

Rukia immediately broke the desperate embrace and looked toward the window where she saw a VERY PISSED Ichigo in his Shinigami form as his sword fell to the floor with a loud metallic CLANG! ...Rukia quickly looked from him back to …KON! Rukia then hurriedly placed her hands over herself as best she could and gave Kon the coldest look known to man…

"…um, ..surprise?" Kon said awkwardly to both of them as he ran out of the room, grasping the stuffed lion.

Ichigo, the REAL Ichigo, quickly caught up to Kon and threw him into the bathroom as he accompanied him, closing the door behind them.

"You bastard, what the hell were you thinking!," he whispered angrily to Kon as he re-entered his body and placed his hand over his mouth to catch the lime green pill.

"After this, I should just flush you!," Ichigo said as he dangled the mod-soul over the toilet bowl. The little green pill began to tremble in fear…Ichigo scowled at it and then, begrudgingly, threw it back into the mouth of the tattered yellow stuffed animal.

"…I'M SO SORRY ICHIGO! I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF WHEN SHE CAME INTO THE ROOM DRESSED LIKE THAT! PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T FLUSH ME OR KILL ME! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLE-"

"SHHH! Shut up, Kon, my sisters are sleeping!"

"Oh, right! Sorry, sorry, I forgot, PLEASE DON'T KILL ME, ICHIGO, I HONESTLY FORGOT!," he cried with despair.

"I SAID 'SHHH!'"

"Oh yeah, right…heh, heh…forgot again.," the threadbare stuffed lion muttered, nervously shifting his weight from one plushy foot to the other.

"Listen, I won't say I'm not mad…but it was partly my fault for putting you in that situation. She's beautiful and you're, well…you. Just don't ever, EVER do that to her again, we clear?"

"Crystal clear…I'm just going to go now and crawl in bed with your sister, k? …WAIT! That SOOO didn't come out the way I meant it to!"

"SHH! Whatever, just go!"

"Ok, I'm gone-"

"Wait, one last thing…you can go back and put that dress on that Yuzu worked so hard making for you. You DO want to make this up to me, right?," Ichigo said with a half-smirk.

"*sigh* …Fine!," he said as he walked back into Ichigo's room dejectedly, eyes glued to the linoleum, and grabbed the spit-stained dress up off the floor, before trudging back out into the hallway...And once Kon was out of earshot…he mumbled to himself,

"It was sooooooo worth it! Ohh Rukiaaah...," he said as he marched back into Yuzu's room with a mile-wide grin as he happily put on the damp frilly blue dress.

Ichigo walked back into his room moments later to find Rukia…asleep under the covers? NOOOOO!

"Hey there!," Rukia said while seductively pulling back the comforter, revealing a blue satin bra and panty set.

"Weren't you wearing something…black before?," he said with surprise.

"Well yes, but every girl has at least one back-up outfit for this sort of thing."

"Yeah, I can still see the tags. ...So how many back-ups did you have?"

"Including this one? …About six.," Rukia said while removing the red "1/2 -off" clearance sticker as her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment.

"Really…been planning this for awhile now, haven't you?," Ichigo said as he put an arm around her back, and she nestled into it.

Rukia stared up at him and pressed her lips into his…and then broke away long enough to add,

"…Don't worry, I'll never confuse you with Kon again."

Ichigo smiled before moving his hand down a bit to feel her satin bra. She did not protest, in fact, she leaned further into him until he could see the shadow of the dark circles of her areola and nipples beneath.

Ichigo cupped her breasts in my hands, and lifted them. They were so soft and firm, and felt so much better than he'd ever imagined…and he'd imagined quite a bit in the past. …Ichigo was fully hard now, and his erection was straining for release beneath his flannel boxers. He got nervous. He wasn't sure how much of this he could withstand before he…uh…*gulp.*

At this point, Rukia let her bra fall to the floor. Her breasts were now out in front of him, and he couldn't help but stare at them. He had seen women's breasts before in the Vizard's (Lisa's) magazines, but not this way. Rukia's were beautiful! They were round and globular, and each one ended with a dainty nipple at its tip.

Ichigo, instinctively, took one of her nipples into his mouth. As he began sucking gently, Rukia began to moan softly. She then turned slightly to sit on his lap. Her bottom came down softly, but she got a sort of surprised look on her face as his, rather large, erection brushed up against her. Despite the candlelight, Ichigo saw her blush, and he knew at that point, she couldn't have been that experienced either.

Ichigo knew that things were getting too heated, he was going to have an embarrassment on his hands, quite literally, if he didn't hurry. His hands began trembling slightly as he reached down and took hold of the narrow elastic band at her waist that held up her panties. Her skin felt so soft when he touched it that he wanted to spend some time just doing that…but the shadow of the dark patch under Rukia's satin panties was beckoning him to continue sliding them down gently.

And then before his eyes, was her exposed naked body! He had also seen this too in the magazines, but never like this. There was no comparison as the real thing was unimaginably more breathtaking! He stared at her for several moments, until Rukia finally put her hand on his shoulder to steady herself while she finished stepping out of her panties. Ichigo, closing his mouth, quickly fumbled with his boxers until they were both completely nude.

Rukia began to lay down on her back with her legs spread just a little bit. Ichigo couldn't help but let out a little gasp, as he just stared at her lying there. He blushed when he realized that he was actually drooling…What the hell? This entire scene had played out oh-so-much-differently in his fantasies. Trying to ignore his blushing embarrassment, he swallowed hard and then quickly laid down next to her, hoping she didn't notice…

"It's ok to be nervous, Ichigo, I am too...a little.," she said trying to reassure him.

"S'ok, I'm good to go…,"he said, though it seemed a little forced.

He, instinctively, put his arms on either side of her. He pressed his lips against Rukia's, and they kissed again. This time, however, the kiss was just a little different than earlier. Rukia parted her lips, and pressed her tongue forward. It pressed against his teeth, so he opened his mouth, and her tongue touched his. It felt very good! Thier tongues began to roll around each other's mouths, and then he pressed his forward to taste the sweetness inside of Rukia's mouth.

Ichigo moved his hand onto the soft flesh of her thighs, and they parted further. He ran his right hand gently along her skin until he felt hair against his fingers. He nervously pressed further, and found that under the hair was a warm, moist slit that felt very good when he put his fingers inside of it, and apparently made Rukia feel good too if the gentle sigh that he heard when he touched her was any indication.

Rukia then reached up to pull him closer, and took hold of his length to position it at her entrance. Ichigo was grateful for her assistance as he'd lost the ability to think that far ahead. He felt her hands grasp his shoulders as she pushed him closer still. Ichigo gasped as he felt his erection slide into her easily. She was thoroughly lubricated from all the sexual tension that they had been building…he was completely encased within her warmth, the sensations were so overwhelming...

Ichigo was trying to savor the pleasure of it all…up to this point he had been a virgin. He was still a little unsure what to attempt next. Although he knew that he was supposed to be moving himself in and out of her…he was hesitant, he'd never done this before and he could already feel the pressure within himself building up far too quickly. But after seeing her now-anxious expression, he decided that he'd better try it anyway, …and somehow the motion came very naturally to him. Just instinct, he guessed.

He buried himself deeply into her. It felt so good for him there! He began to plunge in and out of her. He felt like he was encased in wet velvet, and he couldn't get enough of that feeling. Without realizing it, his thrusts were getting stronger. He thought of backing off a bit so as not to hurt her, but just then Rukia urged, "Oh, it feels so good! Harder!"

Ichigo increased the tempo and the power of his thrusts as he towered above her. Rukia lifted her legs high, and curled them around him the same way her arms were wrapped around his neck. He slid one arm under her, and embraced her too. Their lips met again, and this time it was Ichigo who pressed the first tongue forward into her mouth.

Then Ichigo felt like he couldn't hold out any longer. In truth, he was amazed he'd lasted this long! …Sweat was starting to bead up on his skin, and his erection was beginning to throb inside of her. At that point he felt a strong tingling all over his body. He broke the kiss, and let out a strong guttural sound as he felt himself spasm deep inside of her. He was coming! His head was throbbing as he drove himself fully into Rukia, and felt a sweet release as he continued to hold her. Rukia was moaning over and over again until Ichigo (having rapidly depleted his reserves of spiritual energy in record time) collapsed inelegantly, on top of her.

"Get Ummphm me!," he heard her mumble beneath him.

"OH God, Sorry, sorry! Are you okay?," he said as he jumped off of her.

"I'll survive, idiot. *sigh* …Just climb back in here, will you? …You're letting out all the heat.."

…And so they laid there together, Ichigo holding Rukia in his arms for a little while…until she asked,

"So, you seem happy. Do you feel better now that you're not a virgin anymore?"

"Yeah, but that's not why. …I'm just so amazed that I actually got to be with you. If I was going to be with anyone, well, I wanted you. …It's always been you...," he answered with a long sigh.

…And so Rukia snuggled against Ichigo until sleep overtook them both…

~ Las Noches, Hueco Mundo ~

Orihime entered a very elaborate room within the palace. She looked around the large room, taking in the cathedral ceiling, the golden Romanesque statues, and the lush beige carpeting tying it altogether…. Somehow, the room's over-the-top opulence seemed somewhat garish given the state of the rest of the palace. Orihime knew immediately that her expression had given too much away when the figure in the center of the room responded,

"I suspected it was a little too much…," Ulquiorra said with a slight grimace on his face.

"…No, no, it's beautiful. It's just well…just not what I'm used to. Ex-prisoner, remember?" she said pointing to herself while smiling awkwardly, becoming slightly self-conscious.

Ulquiorra strode up to her, hands in his hakama, his expression businesslike and unreadable.

"Do you know why I requested your presence here?," he said eyeing her sharply.

"Um, …no.," she said, forcibly gulping down a breath.

It was at this point that Ulquiorra stood directly in front of her. And just as she was about to take an involuntary step away from him, he clasped her hand, pulling her forward…and dropped down onto one knee.

"You are strong and proud. You are loyal and possess a unique beauty inward and out. You are something I have never witnessed and you fascinate me beyond reason. From now until the end…But you already know this, of course. …Orihime Inoue, it is with the greatest respect, that I ask you to become my 'Intended.'"

Orihime was speechless…it was perfect, almost. Suddenly Rangiku's words came flooding into her mind…(Don't waste your youth and dreams on someone that can't bring you happiness…)

"…I want to, but..."

Ulquiorra stared at her intently as she started breathing heavily and inelegantly blurted out,

"-You said everything but…'love.'" she finished softly as she stared down at the extravagant carpeting. She awaited his explanation…his rejection. Was she merely a tool? Was this only a marriage of convenience? …Who better to be queen than a healer of Hollows who already carried your child and heir?

Ulquiorra digested her answer, or lack there of, for a few moments before he could form an appropriate response.

"That word is inadequate to describe how I feel about you. That is the reason I chose to omit it from my proposal. 'Love' is nothing more than a cliché. People on your world toss it about carelessly…and my feelings for you run so much deeper than that."

"…Oh, then in that case…my answer is 'YES!'" she said breathlessly.

He then pulled an opaque silvery ring from his pocket. It had a small unique opalescent sphere transfixed within it's center. It was brilliant and as he slipped it onto her finger, an unusual aura flowed through her.

"What was that just now, that strange feeling?," she asked him wide-eyed.

"That, which you felt just now, is one of the reasons I am unique to my kind. It is a secret that, one day, I wish to share with others who are worthy of it. This element is something very rare and precious. It will allow me to be in tuned with you and know when you are in danger. …You see, Orihime, that is what used to be in here.," he said pointing to the hole within his chest, "It is a piece of my heart."

"…I don't know what to say. I'm so touched, so honored. …And I don't have anything to give you.," she said regrettably.

"That's not exactly true, now, is it? You have already given me more than I could've ever hoped for.," he said as he placed one hand gently against her abdomen and pressed his lips firmly against hers. ...And after the kiss, she looked up at him while brushing away teardrops from her eyes…and stared in disbelief...

"No way! Are you actually smiling?" she gasped, just before he kissed her once more…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The End ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*My special thanks to: "nightofcydonia", "Kira1592", and "GoldDragon08" for inspiring me, providing much needed input, and helping me sort through some ideas...*

READ MY NEXT BLEACH FAN-FIC: A DARK WEB: What happens when Ichigo's Inner Hollow decides to intervene during a VERY inappropriate time? What happens when a dark proposition is made to Rukia?

Author's Comments:

"It Was You" by 12 Stones, this was the Song which inspired this chapter.

17 pages of typing and then retyping, not to mention a spasm of carpal tunnel, and voila! (Doing my best "Vanna White" new car pose!)

Thankyou for reading and posting comments and reviews, they are appreciated and adored! If you enjoy it PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF BLEACH tell me...(I was going for that "Flavor of

Love" rejected contestant desperation...how'd I do? Should I thank the Academy? LOL!)

(Ok, now imagine MASS AMOUNTS of confetti right here- x )

I hope you enjoyed the ride!,

-Nic :-)

p.s. errors in grammar and spelling should be fixed within the next few days...thankyou for your patience.