DISCLAIMER - see chapter one

People, people, stop relying on Orihime's powers to fix every little problem. In the series Ukitake's illness hasn't been cured to my knowledge, and Orihime's powers weren't used at the end of season one when Rukia remained in Seireitei to replenish her spirit energy. I am working on the assumption that Orihime's powers are still limited and that she only has the capacity to heal physical injuries. (The story would be rather dull if Orihime was the answer to all problems)

On the topic of relationship development - patience!

Enjoy this chapter and keep the reviewsd rolling ;-)

"We get to stay here for a week? Truly?" Himeyuri asked in amazement as she looked around the quaint little room, the loud sound of the market on the street blaring through the closed window. The room had wooden floors, in fact everything was wood, and there was only a small table with two thin cushions, a cabinet and an old double futon.

"A whole week. Seven days and six nights." Ulorran confirmed as he pressed up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his lips trailing kissed up her neck before he rested his head atop hers and joined her as she looked down into the crowded streets below. She had been amazed when Yama came to collect her and take her to her father's, and further surprised as Ulorran swept her off her feet and flew to a small patch of forest in the Rukongai. On the edge of a small town called Mizuna he had tossed her a small bag and told her to change. Within the small sack was a plain cream kimono, something that a fairly well off peasant might wear. Her finery was securely tucked into the sack, which Ulorran had hidden in the small cabinet.

"How did you manage this?" The redhead demanded as she turned to the winged man, who gave her a simple smile as he drew her away from the window. She had never seen such crowded streets, even the market in Seireitei hadn't been so busy, and the clothes some of the people wore were in a terrible state. She could hardly believe her father allowed such poverty to continue.

"With a little help from Syaoran. Your father believes you are at home, and Shihoin-sama believes you are with your father, and since the pair rarely communicate, and the Autumn festival is coming up, it seemed the perfect time for us to get away. When Shihoin asks Syaoran how you are faring, he will say you are well, but busy with preparations for the festival, and when your father asks he will say the same. Yama and your brother are also doing their best to make sure Shihoin-sama and your father don't meet directly anywhere in their schedules." Ulorran explained, Himeyuri smiling brightly as she wrapped her arms around her lover.

"It's brilliant!" She praised, Ulorran trying not to look smug as he nodded his agreement.

"Your brother thought so too." He replied, thinking back to when Syaoran had revealed that he knew about Ulorran's indiscretion. Ulorran had been apprehensive at first, but Syaoran had always been a romantic, and couldn't deny his sister the little happiness she had found in her strictly regulated existence. Since marriage Shihoin had kept her close; it was a miracle that she had been able to sneak out with Ulorran at all, and if Shihoin had demanded Himeyuri submit to him and take to his bed it would have been impossible. Their sexual relationship was the only thing that Shihoin hadn't forced.

"So what now?" Himeyuri asked, feeling quite at home in their small room together. Due to her sheltered life, none of the Rukongai people had ever seen her up close, the only time they would have seen her at all was on her wedding day, and then at a great distance. She enjoyed the anonymity that came with the Rukongai, the fact that she could be herself, and more importantly she could walk openly with Ulorran.

"Well, there was one thing I wanted, but it may be too much." Ulorran began, Himeyuri's grey eyes bidding him to continue. "You have not yet consummated your marriage with Shihoin-sama, correct?" He asked, already knowing the answer.

"No, thank Kami-sama, he has never shown the inclination." Himeyuri replied gratefully; having her husband force himself on her was her worst fear, but she supposed Shihoin thought they would have plenty of time for intimacy and children later on in life, once they had grown to love each other. He had tried his best to gain her affections, but failed at each attempt.

"Then your marriage is void…I once said I would not ruin you by taking you as mine, but I went back on that…It seems only right that I correct a little of the damage by taking you as my bride so that we are not truly living in sin, and it may save you if our actions ever come to light." Ulorran said, knowing that his proposal hadn't been as romantic as Himeyuri would have liked, but it was at least practical. Above all else he was concerned for Himeyuri's welfare if their affair came to light. If they were legally married then it would prove that, though Ulorran was in the wrong, Himeyuri was still pure. It would be easy to argue that Shihoin had been negligent in his duties as a husband and she had sought out an alternative through loneliness. Shihoin would be shamed as a man, and though Himeyuri would be judged for her actions, she would legally be within her rights.

"So this week is to be our wedding and our honeymoon?" She added teasingly as she leaned against him, seeing his relieved smile at her positive answer, though he had never truly doubted that she would say yes.

"It is, but I must find a trusted priest. There is one man I know; a good man, and thankfully beneath your father's radar. To make the marriage legal we must marry in our own names, only my most trusted confidants can be party to this information." Ulorran replied as he pulled away, intending to seek out his old friend. Himeyuri nodded her agreement as she watched him hurry to the door, giving an assuring smile over his shoulder as he looked back at her, still finding it hard to believe how lucky he had been to find someone he could love as much as he did Himeyuri, and that he could feel her love in return.

"Hurry back." She prompted, unsure what to do as her lover disappeared and closed the door. She couldn't simply go wandering alone through the Rukongai, it wasn't safe and she didn't know her way around, but she could sit and watch the people. Outside, she saw Ulorran enter the street, a group of people pausing to exchange greetings as if they knew him well before they went their separate ways.

"Ah, I was hoping you two would drop by." Urahara said with a smile as Ulquiorra and Orihime entered the shop, slipping out of their shoes before joining Ururu at the table, where she was reading a book. Laying a hand on her head, Ulquiorra sat beside her and looked over her shoulder, finding the book thrust into his hands as he gave the small girl a curious look,

"You were?" Ulquiorra asked as he looked up at the blonde shopkeeper, who was wearing western clothes for a change, a dark purple shirt and black trousers with no hat, something Ulquiorra couldn't get used to. The older man was barely recognisable when he was cleaned up.

"Yes, I know this is your home, but I was wondering if you could move in with Orihime for a while? I have a friend visiting, and he can't get about as well as he used to, so I was hoping to use your room." Urahara said questioningly, seeing the delighted smile that lit Orihime's face. It seems one of them is keen…Ulquiorra looked a little puzzled, his green eyes shifting to Orihime, her answer clear by the smile on her face, though Ururu seemed a little less delighted.

"Very well, if you wish it. When would you like me to leave?" Ulquiorra asked, seeing Ururu's eyes drop slightly at his decision, though he had no doubt that Orihime would allow the small girl to visit. The shopkeeper looked at the clock sheepishly, Ulquiorra almost sighing at the older man's disorganised mind, "Very well, allow me to call in some assistance." The Arrancar replied as he got to his feet and pulled out his mobile phone, the book still in his hand as he headed into the shop.

"Tsukasa." The voice on the other end of the phone announced,

"It is Ulquiorra, are you and Miaka free? I required your services in moving a few items." He said, Tsukasa readily agreeing since it was his day off and all he really had to do was dance practice with Miaka. Moving back into the living room Ulquiorra remembered the book he was carrying and handed it back to the small girl with a warm smile, "It seems I am a little busy…Perhaps you would interrupt your reading to help?" He suggested, the small girl hurrying upstairs ahead of him.

Looking around the small room that had become his home in the past year Ulquiorra felt a small tug of remorse, though he didn't doubt that he would return here one day, and he hadn't been barred from visiting the shop. Feeling an arm loop through his assuringly he looked down to find Orihime at his side, her grey eyes looking around the room fondly; a few of her belongings were scattered across the floor.

"Shall we start with your things or mine?" She asked as she stepped further into the room, where Ururu had started moving the books into small piles so that they would be easier to pile into bags or boxes, whatever Urahara came up with. Getting to his knees beside the futon Ulquiorra began tugging the outer blankets off; Urahara would want to clean them for his guest,

"We are going to the same place; they can be packed together." He compromised, seeing Orihime give him a shy smile as she moved to fold the scattered clothes into a clean and dirty pile so that she could wash them when they reached her apartment, or put them into the right drawers.

"I'll have to put sheets on Sora's old bed for you." She said as she continued her work, Ulquiorra reflecting that he hadn't seen the redhead this pleased for quite some time. He nodded simply as he gathered the last of the sheets and tossed them onto the landing, Ururu hurriedly gathering them and rushing downstairs.

"Perhaps we should keep Sora's room free for guests." The Arrancar suggested, Orihime's cheeks flushing slightly as she eyed the ebony haired boy, though his suggestion wasn't as scandalous as it seemed; they had been sleeping in the same futon for quite some time now.

"That would make sense…Ururu will probably spend a lot of time there." Orihime agreed, her words relieving Ulquiorra, though he had guessed that Orihime's empathy would pick up on Ururu's apprehension. It didn't take long to sort his belongings, and by the time Miaka and Tsukasa arrived they were just beginning to fill old boxes from the shop, which Urahara had found for them. The older man was strangely absent during the packing, though Ulquiorra knew he was in the shop. Perhaps this parting is more difficult for him than I first assumed…

"Urahara." Ulquiorra called as he reached the bottom of the stairs, finding the older man at the table with five bottles of sake and a pile of cups, though he hadn't touched a drop. He seemed quite melancholic as he looked up at the Arrancar, who crossed to the table and sat before the blonde man.

"You've changed so much since you first arrived." Urahara stated with a hint of pride, though Ulquiorra was unsure his change warranted pride. He had simply adapted to his environment. "I've enjoyed watching your growth." The older man added as he looked Ulquiorra up and down. He was still a little pale from his experience with Menoly, but physically he seemed to be recovering nicely.

"I have a lot to be grateful to you for…You have cared for me well." Ulquiorra said gratefully, sensing that something was ending, perhaps this is what many Humans feel when they are leaving their home for the first time.

"Make sure you visit…Ururu will miss you." Urahara excused, though his blue eyes told Ulquiorra that it wasn't just Ururu. He had no doubt that Yoruichi would also miss him; he would certainly miss the bustling life of the shop.

"You better come back." Jinta's voice half threatened from the doorway of the kitchen, both men looking surprised as they saw him leaning in the doorway with his back to them, his arms folded across his chest almost sulkily. Ulquiorra smiled slightly; he had never thought Jinta was particularly fond of him.

"I shall." Ulquiorra replied simply, the redhead nodding before stepping further into the kitchen out of sight. "Will your friend be staying long?" Ulquiorra asked as he returned is gaze to Urahara, who smiled sheepishly as he leaned back against the wall.

"I am unsure, but it's past time for you to stand on your own to feet, is it not?" The shopkeeper added, Ulquiorra nodding his agreement. Some time ago he had mentioned the possibility of moving into Orihime's apartment. Ulquiorra hadn't been keen, whether out of concern or trust, but now it seemed the older man had warmed to the idea.

"It is." Ulquiorra replied, hearing footsteps on the stairs before Miaka appeared with a teasing grin,

"Trying to get out of work are you? This is your stuff you know!" She teased, Ulquiorra smiling apologetically as he got to his feet, nodding to the older man as he returned to work, though most of his belongings had been packed. He was surprised it fitted into so few boxes, though it has only been a year.

"We're ready to go; I wasn't sure how much stuff you had so I only borrowed a car, but this should all fit." Tsukasa added as he began to heft a heavy box, which had a large layer of books on the bottom. Ulquiorra swiftly stepped in to support one end of the box, while Miaka and Orihime gathered a few of the smaller bags with Orihime's clothes bundled inside her rucksacks; she had been in the shop far less time that Ulquiorra.

"Trust you to take the light stuff!" Tsukasa teased as he bumped his hip into Miaka on the way by, the chestnut haired girl poking her tongue out at the taller boy as she regained her balance. Once the lighter bags were on the backseat, Ulquiorra and Tsukasa manoeuvred the first box into the space beside them. "I think two more boxes will fit in the boot; I'll drive Orihime to the apartment and come back." Tsukasa decided as he looked into the empty boot of his work mate's car.

"You will be unable to manage the boxes without my assistance." Ulquiorra argued, Orihime timidly stepping forward as she dug the keys out of her purse,

"I can help with the boxes." She replied, though Ulquiorra was wary of her hurting herself. Seeing her determined expression he nodded reluctantly, any boxes they cannot manage may be left outside until I arrive. He compromised inwardly as he headed back upstairs, where he and Tsukasa made two more trips, carrying two of the four remaining boxes down to the car.

"Do not take anything you cannot manage." Ulquiorra insisted as Orihime slipped into the passenger side of the car, pulling her long purple skirt away from the door as she pulled it shut, rolling down the window as Tsukasa carefully closed the boot.

"I'm sure we'll be fine." She insisted brightly, Ulquiorra nodding as he watched Tsukasa climb into the car and start the engine. He watched the small grey car head down the street and out of sight before looking at the lithe dancer beside him,

"Shall we surprise them and bring the last two boxes down?" She suggested as she tugged off her denim jacket to reveal a tight black tank top, the work making her hot despite the cool weather, though it was slowly getting warmer as the first hints of spring arrived.

"If you believe you can manage." Ulquiorra replied, quietly concerned about her small frame; she was smaller than Orihime. Scoffing at his suggestion she playfully flexed her non-existent muscles, holding her arm up for Ulquiorra's inspection. Giving her a patient smile he reached out and touched her arm, surprised by the firmness he felt in the small limb. "You may manage a pillowcase." He teased, feeling her swat him lightly on the arm.

"I'll show you! I can carry a whole box by myself!" She argued as they headed back up the stairs, where they both hefted one of the boxes, though Miaka did try to take the weight herself for a few second just to see if she could. She could, but it was easier to carry with two, and Ulquiorra didn't want her to strain herself, especially with the spring competitions coming up.

"I can't believe you're leaving!" Yoruichi exclaimed as she pulled him into a tight embrace, Miaka watching in amusement as Ulquiorra pried himself loose from the somewhat drunk woman, holding her back patiently as she tried to latch onto him again. Soi Fon, who had accompanied her idol, was waiting inside the shop, while Ururu and Urahara had joined Miaka and Ulquiorra outside to wait for Tsukasa to return.

"I will only be down the road." Ulquiorra excused, though he was also fond of Yoruichi and could understand her sadness at this parting, small as it was. The purple haired woman nodded her reluctant agreement, though she insisted on hanging around his shoulders until Tsukasa returned, having left Orihime to begin sorting through the boxes. Once he returned it didn't take long to bundle the last two boxes into the boot, Miaka sliding in the back as Tsukasa took the driver seat, both waiting patiently as Ulquiorra said his final farewells.

"Come and visit!" The purple haired woman ordered, Ulquiorra nodding his assurance as he embraced the older woman, who left a small kiss on his cheek. Urahara grasped his hand, though they had already exchanged their words. No more were needed. Ururu looked up at him sadly, smiling a little as he hefted her into his arms so that their faces were level,

"There is a spare room in Orihime's apartment, visit as often as you please." Ulquiorra stated, the small girl smiling brightly as she hugged her brother figure, feeling Urahara's hand rest on her head assuringly as Ulquiorra put her down and headed towards the car. Looking back at the shop he gave a wave and smile as he climbed into the car and Tsukasa pulled out of the yard.

"You okay?" Miaka asked as she looked at Ulquiorra, easy since she was sitting behind Tsukasa, who had his eyes fixed to the road ahead. Ulquiorra nodded simply; it had been a sad parting, but he was only moving down the street. He would undoubtedly be in the shop on a regular basis.

"It is a small change in the grand scheme of things." He added, watching the now familiar streets flow by as Tsukasa turned into Orihime's street, gliding along to her apartment, where the redhead was waiting at the bottom of the steps. As Ulquiorra climbed out she hurried over with an easy smile, the keys to the door in her hand as Tsukasa moved to the boot,

"I started on my bags, but I wasn't sure where you wanted your things." She excused, a simple way of saying that she wanted them to unpack together. Taking the boxes up was a simple task, and Orihime swiftly set about making some tea for their guests. Miaka waited idly at the table while Tsukasa and Ulquiorra put the boxes in Orihime's room. When they were done, Ulquiorra hurried into the kitchen, where he stealthily wrapped his arms around Orihime's waist, his green eyes looking into the peaceful street as he trailed kisses up her neck.

"We should sort out the apartment." Ulquiorra stated as they headed into the living area and sat on the floor at the small round table, the green cushions soft beneath them as they settled down with their tea. Tsukasa and Miaka nodded their agreement as they watched the couple,

"He's right you know; you need to put your stamp on it; it just looks like a standard apartment at the moment." The chestnut haired girl agreed, which Orihime couldn't argue with; the builders had done a good job, but it just wasn't her, and now that Ulquiorra was there it should have a hint of his presence as well.

"We could have some bookshelves across that wall." The ebony haired boy suggested, which Orihime could envisage; Ulquiorra loved reading and had accumulated a lot of books. Looking at the walls, Orihime tried to decide on a colour for the living room, though she had to admit the walls were nice cream, and they matched the fluffy white carpet.

"What about the bedroom? Do you have a double bed?" Miaka asked, Orihime blushing slightly; she hadn't thought of that. So far she and Ulquiorra had been comfortable cuddled up in his futon, but sometimes one of them would roll out onto the floor in the night; that would end badly in Orihime's higher single bed.

"Put it on the list." The redhead replied, and they did write a list. Tsukasa had some experience in woodwork, so he was going to sand and re-varnish the worn round table they were sitting at, and help with shelves in the bedrooms and living room, and constructing the bookcases. They would also get a double wardrobe for Orihime's bedroom, which was the larger of the two rooms. They had yet to decide on wallpaper and paint colours. We have a busy few days ahead…