Littlebird021: Dedicated to all my wonderful readers, Thank you for your patience, stay safe from this Convid19 pandemic. Enjoy this chapter.

~Limerence~

When I was the tender age of four, I constantly remembered the warm, protective arms of Sora, and just how much I huddled there, a faint memory of my mother who I have long forgotten what she looked like, and my father sloshed and forever screaming, their memory associated by the blaring sounds of shattered glass and a broken family. I recall being cold and my skin always hurt and purpled, the rancid smell of spoiled trash and pasty floors from spilled beer cans that littered the floors. My mother's hands, feminine and soft, perfumed and ready for wrath. My father's skewering anger as it landed on Sora's face before it turned violent, and the tugging of my arm that followed. How the endless tremors of fear rattled me into confusion because I didn't know if they were coming from me or Sora, and so my memories spiraled and glitched becoming nothing more but flawed memories that I couldn't count on.

One snowy night Sora barged into the door frazzled, wide-eyed, and disturbed. His face bruised and disfigured as he searched feverishly into the complete darkness of our shared room, his alarming behavior inducing a wail out of me as I became frightened, usually, Sora was gentle and patient but tonight he was cursing as he became increasingly anxious, his limbs convulsing as he tried to force my jacket and shoes on, moving wildly and opening drawers, snatching whatever he could find and stuffing them in a plastic bag before taking my hand and shoving me out of the room. Immediately this caught our mother's attention.

"What do you think you are doing?' she taunted, prowling forward, hauntingly slow.

"I'm leaving," Sora uttered, his words tremoring like his quivering lips, and firmly secured his hand around mine.

"You're not taking my child!" she snarled, hurling herself towards him, I began to scream on the top of my lungs as she pounced, the beefy sound of my father's footsteps shook the earth as he raced forward, his face contorting into blinding rage, unhinged for blood. My tears dripped out of my fearful eyes into splinters of triggered mania watching as their aggressive attacks against Sora turned violent, Sora grunted as the ear-splitting sound of shattered glass raptured against his head blood splattering everywhere, and I snapped Running towards my father and pummeling against his back, Crazed he fiercely pushed me away sending me flying against the opposite wall and I hit the floor with a numbing crack, colors swarmed into my eyesight almost instantaneously.

"You're going to kill her!" I heard Sora shout somewhere from my muffled mind. He broke free from their clutches and ran where I landed, his disfigured face crumbled with worry and grief, his fingers hovered over me unsure of what to do, I blinked as his blood dribbled onto my face.

"I'm so sorry Orihime." He whispered tenderly. My father shouted in protest but Sora dodged him and quickly picked me up, fleeting away from our shared nightmare, forever.

Time flew, and although Sora was young he managed, Juggling between work, school and me and not once did he ever complain even when things got hard we were happy because we had everything, each other. On occasions when I wouldn't stop crying, Sora would fuss over me worriedly, hoping to make me happy, one night he told me the story of how my name came to be, our mother had named me after the legendary princess Orihime.

A seamstress in which we celebrated once a year on the seventh day of the lunar month. The princess wove beautiful clothing for her heavenly father by the heavenly river. Orihime worked so hard to make her father happy that the Princess had become quite lonely for love and her father couldn't stand seeing her dismayed so he presented her to a handsome cow herder named Hikoboshi. Upon meeting they both fell completely in love with each other and as their love and devotion grew they began to disregard their responsibilities, Orihime no longer wove beautiful clothing for her father and Hikoboshi let his cows wander into heaven aimlessly and this angered the heavenly king very much forbidding them from ever seeing each other again. Devastated Orihime pleaded and begged her father to reconsider his decision. Until one day he finally relented and allowed them to see each other but only once a year. Hopeful Orihime went to meet Hikoboshi for the first time but found it to be impossible as she couldn't cross over to see her love, inconsolably heartbroken a flock of magpies built a bridge so that they could meet, and the two lovers could reunite on that day as long as it did not rain

I had found this wonderful story so touching that when we celebrated the star festival every year with Yakitori and fireworks, I'd write my wish on a tanzaku, and Sora would tie it on bamboo trees for me, I'd beam in excitement at the decor and countless streamers overlooking thousands of colorful paper wishes hung all around us. As time passed and I matured I fell in love with an orange-haired boy and My wishes transitioned, yearning for love as strong as Orihime and Hikoboshi hoping that the gods would grant my wish.

It must have gone unheard because that was not the case and like the crashing sounds of glass from my fractured memory I was thrown back into this disorienting reality. The Lights flashed and a Melody began to play, the guest stood, facing us waiting expectantly for me to begin pacing my way towards the altar to seal my wretched fate forever. Sora stood a little higher and prompted me forward, leading the way and I was glad because at this very moment I was nothing more than a sinking ship now wasting away under the relentless waves of the ocean. Still, I held myself higher and walked as gracefully as I could, the scent of flowers wafted into my direction and my eyes voluntarily wondered, and gasped in awe at the wedding venue, there in the ceilings hung fragrant, white flower garlands everywhere and I had the strongest urge to reach out and touch their softness, but as we drifted closer my legs began to feel like jelly and my wedding dress was far too tight and the guest too demanding, these rash emotions of desperation began to surface, and I recoiled, I wanted to cling to my home to anything and anyone familiar other than my beloved brother who was by now too far gone for me to latch onto.

Seeking for any form of attachment I reached the altar and stumbled, my eyes landing on those familiar lonely waves of emerald that drifted close enough for me to nestle into and he Outstretched his hand. I found myself afraid and vulnerable against this strange man and my skin flushed at my clumsiness with the horrifying realization that he was the only thing holding me down to earth, now that everything and everyone I loved had no choice but left me.

Sora let go and I hesitantly curled my fingers onto Ulquiorra's, his sharp features softened significantly and my heart sped while my cheeks flushed by his intensity, taking the final step onto the altar like I would have expected to happen someday very distant from today.

(Third point of view)

Waiting Unnaturally still, Ulquiorra watched as the stubborn woman paced her way down the aisle, remaining resistant to the very end, her arm looped around her beloved brother as Ulquiorra waited for her to be handed to him. He found her pleasing to watch as she struggled to keep her delicate sentiments reserved, her defiant tenacity crumbling away with every step as she drifted closer. The world was captivated by his ethereal bride and withering away by her radiance while all she could think about was her resolve. Bemused that this child didn't realize her power!

( Ulquiorra's conversation with Urahara earlier)

"From all the heartless creatures in the world, I would have never guessed you who I'd receive a wedding invitation from, imagine my surprise! And here Yoruichi thought it was an obituary to your funeral." Urahara croaked sarcastically.

"Who let you in?" Ulquiorra drawled.

"I'm sorry Ulquiorra I tried to St-

"It's fine." He responded waving Menoly away.

"Your bride has also left her suite," she informed, dismissing herself.

" Bride, eh I take it that you found your heart?' Urahara went on, swirling his fan playfully in the air.

Ulquiorra, unfazed, silently worked in front of the mirror, buttoning up his vest.

"Have you looked into what I've asked you for? He asked, ignoring the eccentric man, the wedding would begin shortly.

Urahara sighed heavily, "Yoruichi and I have yet to find a trace of Aizen, and for that reason alone you should be cautious." He warned.

Ulquiorra regarded his words thoughtfully and took a seat once he accomplished getting ready.

"Something else I wanted to mention. Nel informed me that your bride…has a rare gift, a power that can't be overlooked." Urahara disclosed, carefully.

Ulquiorra turned sharply and narrowed his eyes, " That woman will not be touched." He emphasized darkly.

Urahara peered from under his hat, surprised at the reaction, " That didn't stop you."

(End of flashback)

Ulquiorra clenched his fist, he had every right over her and while she was with him she would remain untouched. Orihime stumbled and her eyes fell into his, her unblemished skin flushed as her pupils erupted into a vast set of bronze, he glanced down at her quivering lips and she saw this, an anxious look crossed her smooth features. Ulquiorra took this opportunity to appreciate her intriguing appearance, he could almost reach out to grab her but instead he extended his hand out, she seemed to relax and curled her fingers onto his, taking the last step onto the altar. The guest settled down and the wedding began, her fingers trembled as the priest began to unite them as husband and wife.

Orihime glanced towards the buzzing crowd and flashing cameras but all she could feel was the ringing of her ears and flinched away taking a step back, Ulquiorra who had been watching her reaction reached out and oppressively tugged her back to her position without anyone noticing and constrained her fingers tightly sending her a warning look, alarmed Orihime stiffened and gulped away the petrified ripples forming in the pit of her stomach and quickly nodded at the Priest to begin. Seeing this Ulquiorra softened his fingers under her delicate one and instantly regretted it as he found himself Mourning after the feel of her strong pulse throbbing away under her fingertips, greedily he latched back down onto them and Orihime gasped at the unexpected force causing a low growl to emit from the back of his throat. Possessiveness overtook him as he relished in her pulse now pelting through his very being and he suddenly felt hungry, His hollow whimpered in pleasure as Orihime eyes fell onto his and Ulquiorra felt his inner hollow analyzing the gentle aura of her very existence that kept him intoxicated and aching to be gorged and brimmed into wholeness. Orihime inhaled as his eyes suddenly morphed into slits and Ulquiorra felt his hollow reel back in gratification as she had finally met the very nature of his hollow's presence within him and this pleased his hollow very much. On cue, the priest had stopped to finalize their union and he knew neither he nor Orihime had been listening.

"I Ulquiorra Cifer, take you, Orihime Inoue, as my lawful wife to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part," he finished.

Orihime trembled as it was her time to speak and tightly closed her eyes, " I Orihime Inoue, take you Ulquiorra Cifer, as my lawful husband to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until… death do us part." She croaked out.

"I do," affirmed Ulquiorra without hesitating, Orihime glanced at him pleading silently one last time before she continued, and when he didn't make any indication of sparing her she regretfully lamented, " I do."

Her heart squeezed rancorously as the priest moved swiftly to present the rings that laid nestle on a golden platter, Ulquiorra observing the way Orihime turned away from the rings in aversion trying to hide her distaste from the attentive guest who were completely engrossed, except for the occasional muffled whispers. Ignoring her petulance, he reached for her ring before slipped it onto her finger, enjoying the softness of her skin. This caught Orihime's attention, almost hissing at its presence as if it burned into her skin like venom, only serving as a reminder that he was branding her like property and bit the inside of her cheek in anger. The priest motioned the platter towards her to retrieve Ulquiorra's ring and she hesitated, imagining herself pulling the wretched ring off and throwing it across the venue, but she knew it to be inevitable and retrieved the ring banefully before slipping it onto his finger. Compelling herself to end the carefully contrived wedding once and for all, crushing the little hope she had into oblivion, the sooner she accepted it, the sooner she could adapt to her new life.

Ulquiorra narrowed his eyes, she was finally his and in every way legal. Guests stood on their feet applauding at their union, this, however, went unheard as Orihime had long drowned them out, eating her way into defeat, the wild flickerings of the cameras veering into distortion as she sunk into numbness, the ringing in her ears returned and intensified, she heard the priest say something else but she couldn't quite make it out.

Abruptly Ulquiorra lifted her chin and her eyes widened, a rush of helplessness filled her fibers, sending wild tremors rippling along her nerves, he was going to kiss her!

Orihime's leaned away, her heart pounding thickly against her chest, and he leaned close enough that her warm breath fanned over his face lightly, her mind jumbled into a million racing thoughts knotting as they came, Ulquiorra glanced at her quivering lips, appreciating her meticulous creation, soft and full of life and it left him craving after her essence, the slits of his eyes magnified into an impossible volume and plunged his tongue into her inexperienced one, molding and savoring the enticing taste of her purity. Orihime froze in shock, unsure of what to do, his tongue exploited ravenously, performing wild things to her senses and she was suddenly afraid of the unknown emotions swirling within her, not daring herself to let go, she tried to pull away but Ulquiorra only pressed her closer, a husky groan escaped his lips intensifying into a spiral of urgency. Despite herself, she blossomed against him, keenly aware that she was slowly responding in her exquisite way. How frustrated Ulquiorra found himself! Yearning for this human girl's supple tongue to move over his gingerly, her innocence could be found in the cautious way she tenderly responded, her naivety was going to turn him mad and insatiable. Orihime in a trance of Ulquiorra's passion felt her emotions fizzle into sensations she never knew herself capable of, melting right into his abyss, stimulated by his urgency and her belly fluttered in desire as his hand found her waist and pressed her closer.

Whatever level of fire they fed, the guest cheered luridly, interrupting their heated encounter and begrudgingly Ulquiorra parted from her, almost livid at their presence but when he glanced at Orihime he was rather pleased by her alluring appearance, flushed and breathless and not yet ready to stop. Orihime flushed ferociously and then halted, horrified by her behavior, she wanted to escape, to run and hide and make sense of her bearings, but Ulquiorra only pulled her close, almost as if sensing her distress and together they faced the rowdy crowd who clapped animatedly at the newlyweds.

(Orihime p.o.v)

"Quit fidgeting." Hissed Cirucci, pointing out my skittish behavior, Ulquiorra had taken the rest of the evening introducing me to many of his acquaintances, although I had no interest or intentions of meeting any of them, many had left behind an awful impression. I now faced the woman I had met earlier now with curiosity but she simply pushed a glass of wine at me to join her and swiftly she drank hers before nudging me to do the same. I looked at her dumbstruck before sipping mine, I clenched my eyes at the bitter taste of the wine.

.

Cirucci cackled and rolled her eyes at my reaction, "These things get quite boring after a while." she continued, " I'm under the impression that you're this goody-good and I thought, what the hell why not teach this young...human girl my ways of enjoying the evening with wine and booze." she finished grabbing another glass. The evening had gone quite slow and the reason I felt uncomfortable was by the masses of acquaintances that were quite eager to speak with Ulquiorra and myself, I was now the infamous wife of a wealthy man with foreign stock exchanges listed around the world that attracted international investors and such, yet still, to my horror, it was bad enough I came to realize that the human world depended on these unhuman beings to run the world and this only made me follow suit of this strange woman Cirucci who by the way did not look friendly in any way and swallowed down another glass of wine myself.

"Thanks for that." I admitted," This wedding hall is Beautiful I can't imagine how Nel did all this in a couple of days," I confessed looking at the wedding venue in wonder.

Cirucci scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous, Ulquiorra ordered her to start preparing for the wedding as soon as he found out about your rather...strange existence." she admitted leading me away to the bar, internally grateful because my feet were killing me. Still, the revelation of just finding out that Ulquiorra had planned this wedding the day he found out about me was unsettling and a little creepy.

" Are you sur-

"Look I don't know much about the details, you want another one?" she asked, indicating the open bar. I nodded, I knew that this woman wouldn't have any reason to lie to me. She had been strangely honest and the reason for her approaching me was still unknown but I welcomed her presence anyway.

" I have to say I was a bit surprised with that little display you and Ulquiorra played out on the altar, you could have fooled me into believing you were head over heels for him."

I blushed furiously and touched my lips remembering the feelings that became of my first kiss.

"What? Don't tell me that was your firs-

I glanced down suddenly ashamed as if I had been caught with my hand in the cookie jar, hoping she wouldn't finish her question, I didn't want her exploring further in my lack of experience with something as trivial as a kiss, but instead, she dropped the subject almost looking at me sympathetically before drinking the remainder of her wine.

"Ah Cirucci, there you are, I've been looking all over for you."

"Go away Starrk." Cirucci hissed.

" Why are you so angry at me?" He asked huskily, taking her glass away, Cirucci made a movement to stop him but he simply inspected her glass before noticing the traces of her lipstick and smirked, gazing into her eyes and placing his lips over them before drinking the bitter liquid down smoothly.

" You expect me to forgive you after trusting you with certain information and to be leaked under suspicious circumstances?" She sneered, rolling her eyes.

" Oh c'mon Cirucci, I don't know what you are talking about?" he added, feigning innocence and Cirucci narrowed her eyes.

" Oh please, like if anyone would care to know what you both do under the sheets." Grimmjow interrupted rather annoyedly.

"Shut up." Cirucci snarled, smacking him in the arm. I grinned at their interaction.

"How are you holding up?" Grimmjow taunted, a condescending look crossed his features, and I leaned away, Obviously, they knew I wasn't too fond of my position.

" I'm fine, as long as everyone is happy right?" I bit out sarcastically.

"Not everyone, wait till you meet loly." Grimmjow leered.

"Yeah, that chick is crazy." Starrk agreed, Cirucci nodded pursing her lips. Who the heck was loly?

"It shouldn't matter, it wasn't my idea," I argued.

" This is going to be fun." Grimmjow sneered, rubbing his hands together.

"What's going to be fun?" Suddenly Nel piped in, dragging Sora with her.

Seeing Sora's familiar face instantly brightened my mood and I beamed at him like a child, finding his hand and securing mine in his, Sora smiled back but it didn't reach his eyes and I knew he was trying to hide the guilt storming inside him. I faltered suddenly because I wanted to enjoy my very last moments with Sora before I was thrown into this strange and foreign new world, but time kept slipping away by the hour and I couldn't slow it down or much less stop it. My heart constricted, I was looking at our very last moment together, certain Ulquiorra would never allow me to ever see him again, resentment hit me like a ton of bricks, Ulquiorra was stripping me of everything I ever loved. Noting the wild mood swings I choose booze this time around and closed my eyes preparing myself for the unfamiliar sting of alcohol as it traveled down my throat, I knew I wasn't old enough to drink alcohol but I don't think anyone would mind, I was no longer in the human world and drowning my misery away with alcohol seemed more than fitting.

In the corner of my eye, I noticed Sora making a move to stop me but I whirled around determined to forget about my emotions for once since this whole mess happened and I flinched when I was stopped by Ulquiorra's patronizing stare, if I didn't know any better I could have sworn I was getting better at reading his impassive facade because I instantly knew he didn't approve of me drinking and I glowered at him.

"Well if it Isn't Ulquiorra's beautiful wife." praised an unusual man, blocking my view from Ulquiorra and I forced a smile.

"Pleasure to meet you." I mumbled half-heartedly, I was much too tired to entertain more of Ulquiorra's "guests".

"The pleasure is all mine, my name is Urahara, Kisuke."

"Nice to meet you Urahara," I tensed hoping he'd leave me alone.

"I've been eager to find out who this otherworldly creature was, that melted Ulquiorra's frozen heart." he croaked, winking at me, was he insane?

I grinned at him nervously, "Frozen heart?"

"Inside joke, Ulquiorra isn't an affectionate character, I'm asking how is it that a young beautiful girl as yourself managed to melt that ice?" He questioned peering through his old hat, probing into my privacy and I gritted my teeth. What I really wanted to tell him was to mind his own business but I had promised to behave accordingly.

" I didn't," I admitted, finding my nails far more interesting than this uncomfortable conversation with this oddly familiar man.

"Of course you do.' he persisted.

"I don't know ok, I didn't exactly have a choice in the matter, I was forced into this position," I grumbled not caring whether my honesty would harbor some kind of consequences, but to my surprise, he only sighed.

"Ulquiorra isn't as bad as you think."

Not as bad as I think? Maybe he was insane, what did he know about my situation? I had been forced away from my brother into a coerced marriage and he wanted me to just accept it?

"Right." I bit out, knowing fully well that he had no clue of anything in my current and forever situation.

"He wasn't always this way if you know what I mean."

"What do you mean?" I asked now irritated, quite frankly I had no intention of continuing this conversation with this unusual man and I especially didn't need anyone trying to change my opinion of a monster who was everything and.

" Well, Ulquiorra isn't an Arrancar, did you know that?'

I knew that. "No," I lied.

"Ulquiorra used to be a shinigami in the soul society under my squad. Twelve." He declared, I listened carefully trying to hide my surprise, I wasn't completely oblivious to Shinigamis or Arrancars and such, I had seen Ichigo in his shinigami form plenty of times fighting hollows and when he wasn't careful I'd overhear his conversations with Uryu, Chad and Rukia about such things.

"Ulquiorra used to be a shinigami?" I questioned, skeptically.

"Yes."

I scrunch my face in confusion.

"So what happened?" I questioned, suddenly interested in what this eccentric man knew.

" He was turned into a vizard."

"How?"

"You know what a Vizard is?" he asked, acknowledging my slip.

" I do," I confessed, hoping he wouldn't ask, I wouldn't allow him or anyone to know about Ichigo. Urahara swirled his fan and glanced at me as if debating whether to continue or not.

"H-how did he turn into a vizard?" I hesitated, the curiosity burned within, I wanted to know more.

"That's easy, like that friend of yours did." Urahara hinted, narrowing his eyes but It didn't seem to be in ill intention if anything it seemed to be because I was choosing to keep information hidden from him. If I couldn't be honest with him, how could I expect the same?

"Well I have to go now, I have a grouchy cat expecting me back."

Cat? " W-wait will we meet again?" I asked despite myself, The blond man grinned.

"Oh yes, we will."

I stared after him as he strolled into the crowd, before seeking out the source of my sudden interest, aware of his melancholic gaze, It was clear Ulquiorra had a backstory and I was determined to find out more about him.

Sometime during the wedding, I found myself sucked into the petty rattlings of the snooty women lounging around me as they spitefully cackled at the slanderous and pointless gossip of the younger ladies in the wedding who strolled about with their much older and wealthy lovers. Still, I couldn't help but cringe as the young girls stopped and congratulated me on my grandiose marriage I had dreaded for days, and like I swore I conducted myself accordingly by smiling and depicting a happy woman who just got happily married to the most relevant and wealthiest man, Ulquiorra.

My chest constricted as he silently regarded the socializing men who discussed their businesses and growing companies and while their murmurs intermingled in the air I noted just how Isolated and forlorn he was that anyone else could easily mistake him as being sullen and reserved, this tugged at my heart and suddenly I found myself wondering just why he was so lonely.

Pensively I stroked the exquisite ring that would now be forever a part of me observing with great detail the traditional style ring embellished with shimmering diamonds now glimmering in all it's pristine on my finger, this not going unnoticed by one of the pompous women sitting across the table from me.

"Well dear, I'm sure you must be very excited about your honeymoon, where will you both be going?" The women asked unpleasantly, I glanced up from the ring startled by the catty blonde women seated across from me and I realized I had roused the attention of all these hellish women waiting for me to react and like I'm sure they were quite used too, I forced a smile, "Yes I'm thrilled." I lied.

"And where are you going?" asked another.

"I'm just as eager to find out... it's a surprise." I grinned nervously hoping they wouldn't see through my bluff, I caught Ulquiorra's attention, his eyes landing onto my lips and very slowly his sharp eyes locked into mine and my breath caught in my throat.

"That is lovely." Sneered a sultry brunette to my right and I realized the reason for their unwanted attention was because I was now the wife of an important man and being on my good side could open an abundance of doors and opportunities and I felt uneasy.

"Right...um if you'll excuse me, I have to use the ladies' room." I cut short before the rest of the probing women bombard me with more of their pesky questions. Ulquiorra encircled his fingers around my wrist and gently squeezed to somehow comfort me and I meekly smiled before he was divulged back into the conversation. Relieved I prowled away tugging at my dress daintily to flee the hall from their constant scrutiny but not before being stopped multiple times by the overly touchy guest that praised me with compliments and congratulated me over and over again until it began to make me physically sick.

Once I managed to escape, I hurled the door shut and sealed myself inside, letting out a heavy breath as I leaned onto the wall for support. My nervousness was threatening to overthrow me at any given moment and I closed my eyes to focus on my breathing until all I could think about was the hot blood pounding in my ears. I Acknowledged that this whole event had quite overwhelmed me, the wedding preparations that had been planned before my actual arrival, the ravenous guest, the empty and insincere vowels of love and Ulquiorra's odd behavior of tenderness, Could it have all been an act on his part? Of course! What did I possibly expect, Ulquiorra seemed unable to love and I too unwilling, exhaling I reached for the faucet lodging my clammy fingers into the revitalizing feel of the cool water against my skin and rubbed at the wedding ring that felt far too unfamiliar and entirely presuming, proclaiming his ownership over me and suddenly the bathroom was much too small. When previously asked about the honeymoon I had been left alarmed because I was sure he wouldn't force me to be affectionate, yet Ulquiorra's gaze had left me shaken, I have never been intimate with a man before, yet the question remained, would he? Shuddering, I chased the disturbing thoughts away.

Without warning someone knocked on the door, interrupting my train of thoughts, "Just a minute." I called out, turning off the faucet and dabbing my clammy forehead, aiming to compose myself enough to stroll back out there and give the world the show they wanted but the knocking persisted.

"Just a Minute." I reaffirmed becoming increasingly agitated with their impatience, before I whirled around and glanced at the door baffled at their insistence, exasperated I rushed over and burst the door open ready to face the imprudent person but I was faced with an empty hall, unsettled I hesitantly stepped out and cautiously rounded the corner and suddenly I was entrapped by a pair of strong arms and a hand clasped firmly over my mouth before I could let out a scream.

"Shh, Orihime, it's me don't scream."

My eyes widened when I instantly recognized his voice and I stopped struggling before he let go.

"Ichigo what are you doing here!" I hissed, turning to look at him, and I instantly regretted doing so because once I saw his Heroic smile that I simply adored, I found myself gripped with a heart-wrenching fear, if someone found out about Ichigo they would kill him, and with that notion alone my world suddenly seemed dimmer.

"I've come to take you home, but we must hurry." Ichigo declared like it was the most obvious answer in the world and tugged at my arm, pulling me in the opposite direction. How could Ichigo have known about any of this?

"I can't!" I cried out, quickly glancing around us to make sure no one had spotted us and pulled my arm away, "It's far too late…" I confessed glancing at him, "...I'm Married," I croaked out holding my hand up to show him the ring of matrimony I now had with another man and hot tears began to spill over my cheeks.

Ichigo's face dropped and with it, my heart, feeling completely shattered and ashamed of everything that had transpired.

"Why couldn't you make it here before I accepted my fate." I bit out, my face contorted as he eyed the ring. I could no longer run away with the love of my life because at that moment I uttered those two words at the altar I had sealed my fate. I shook as I tried to suppress the anguish that swelled and tumbled over my cheeks trickling down onto my wedding dress and he lifted my chin, his brows furrowed in concern before gently wiped them away.

"Just come with me, it's going to be alright, I can protect you." He reassured gently. I winced and hastily backed away from his caress because I believed him, I was afraid to revive the hope I had worked so hard to kill and because what I wanted more than anything, was to go back home and forget this nightmare that fate forced upon me.

I shook my head ferociously.

"Trust me." He added watching as I fought a battle within myself, his hazel eyes filling me up with courage and suddenly my feet tingle to run as fast as possible into the night, I was faced with two choices and my heart had decided long after my mind had aligned with it, and I soared above the sky as the adrenaline began to dance into my veins. I glanced at him completely out of my mind and I nodded.

"Alright, b-but let me change out of this dress, I'll be quick." I sniffled.

"Be careful, make sure you are not seen." He warned seriously, before letting go of my chin. I beamed as the recklessness shot through my body, the butterflies erupting into millions of tiny ripples in my belly as I let my fingers slip from his and scurried off in the opposite direction in search of the freedom I was unwilling to let go of this time.

Orihime panted as she rushed towards the bridal suite, now and then slowing down when she heard guest nearby, millions of thoughts attacked her mind at once but she bared only one thing in mind, she was fleeing, although Ichigo didn't know she loved him, she was given another opportunity by the universe to be with the love of her life, her friends, her brother.

Nearing the suite she heard someone rushing down the hall and her heart dropped to her stomach, certain they would discover her intentions, they would ask her questions, like why she seemed to be in such a rush or why she had been crying. Their footsteps neered and Orihime held her breath, abruptly turning on her heels to make it seem like she had just come out of the bridal suite.

"Orihime there you are! Where have you been?

"Shhh!" She hissed, pulling Sora close, " Ichigo has come for me, we need to leave now!" Orihime whispered, grabbing Sora's hand.

"Alright, you go ahead I-

"What? No, you're crazy they will kill you." She sputtered.

Sora paled at the thought and wiped his face with his handkerchief nervously, "Let me finish." he insisted, "Go and hurry, I'll stall for a bit so they won't suspect a thing and then when no one is noticing I'll catch up."

Orihime shook her head, there was no way she would leave him behind. Sora patted her head and smiled.

"I'll be fine, don't you want to go home?" Sora asked.

Orihime eyes widened, of course, she wanted to go home!

"Then go, and hurry," he whispered.

Orihime hugged him tightly, " Thank you." she returned, before reluctantly letting go and dashing towards the suite.

Unbeknownst to them that someone had already been listening and very intently.

Ulquiorra prowled towards the bridal suite in hot pursuit of his wife, Aareniero had just informed him that he overheard Orihime attempting to escape with another man and Ulquiorra's rage only thickened when he thunderously barged into the door catching her by surprise as she rummaged through the room in a haste. She no longer wore her wedding gown and would have long been gone if they hadn't reported it to him, Orihime paled at his arrival and backed away terrorized and his ire grew sinister.

"Where do you think you're going?" Ulquiorra demanded, viciously slamming the door shut, Orihime flinched at his animosity, and visibly tensed as she clutched her robe tightly around her frame.

"N-nowhere I only came to change." She lied, skittishly pacing away as he loomed closer, recognizing that in some form he felt colder than usual if anything he seemed excessively empty and volatile.

"Don't lie to me woman, where were you going in such haste?" He advanced, shoving a table out of his way sending a vase shattering clamorously onto the ground and dispersing into a million pieces.

"I don't know what you are talking about." Orihime insisted, petrified by his bleak hostility.

"Don't lie! He hissed, "you were attempting to escape again! He snarled, yanking her elbow and gripping her cheeks forcibly, baring his teeth as he became repulsed. Orihime cried out startled by his out lash and grunted, shoving him away.

"Yes! Yes! I admit it! I am trying to run away, away from this wretched place and especially far away from you!" She screeched, staggering unsteadily, crimson with fury as hot tears welled.

"With who?' Ulquiorra growled now livid, his veins protruding from his pale skin as he clenched his jaw.

"With the love of my life!" She screamed tugging the veil from out of her hair and throwing it haphazardly to the ground, heaving for air from her outbursts.

"You're foolish and a hypocrite pretending to be so innocent," he spouted, wrenching her forward, browsing her up and down abhorrently before shoving her away, Orihime tumbled onto a loveseat and glared up at him resentfully.

" And you are a monster, forcing me to marry you and taking everything I love away from me!" she hissed inching forward fearlessly, "Tonight I will leave with Ichigo no matter what it takes! She Shrilled.

Provoked Ulquiorra's eyes narrowed and fiercely struck her on the cheek, propelling her to the ground, the force causing her head to collide against the wall and a loud whimper escaped her lips.

Ulquiorra towered over her small crumbled body, his fingers twitching. Gingerly Orihime cupped her burning cheek and slowly glanced at Ulquiorra in shock, her long orange locks now disheveled from the blow.

"You promised you would never hurt me," Orihime whispered, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Don't remind me of al the stupid things I've promised you." He snapped turning away, he couldn't stand to see the sight of her defenseless body crumbled on the floor.

"Just let me go, and I promise I will pay you back every cent we owe you." Orihime pleaded. Ulquiorra whirled around and advanced.

"Don't come near me!" Orihime cried out, crawling away from him.

" And why not?" he growled, lifting her from the ground and gripping her face tightly, "You have my last name and therefore you belong to me now." Ulquiorra sneered into her ear before tugging the robe and attacking her warm skin.

Orihime beat against his chest and wailed as he pressed her flush against his chest and grazed his teeth against the tender flesh of her neck before ripping her robe into shreds, to his surprise she wore her bridal lingerie underneath and his hunger intensified, kissing his way down to her collarbone, he could hear Orihime's erratic heartbeat against her flesh as she fought against him, his hands roamed freely her scent made his head heady and his anger only egged him on further, Ulquiorra growled against her skin now frustrated, he wanted to take her right there and then, But he halted, glancing over he was greeted with her disheveled appearance from her tousled hair that fell over her tearful eyes to her swollen cheek and sheer terror and he snarled immediately pushing her away.

"You better get dressed, we are leaving!" he ordered hoarsely, running a hand through his hair as he tried to regain his control and reached for the door without sparing her another look. As soon as the door closed Ulquiorra felt the guilt filter through his being. There Nel stood fuming and glaring right at him, she had heard him hurt Orihime.

"Get her ready!" Ulquiorra hissed storming away.

"Grimmjow! Bring me Sora and find that Human imbecile she was planning to escape with. Intact." He emphasized darkly his teeth bared at the mention of this faceless human boy.

Orihime screamed in sheer terror as she watched Ulquiorra pulverize Sora against the wall, the sound of Ulquiorra's fist making contact on his face was frightening, to say the least, and would surely make it into her nightmares. Blood spattered onto the walls from his previous wounds and mouth before he grunted and fell into a heap of bloody limbs on the floor. A sob escaped from Orihime's chest as she fought against her captor watching as Ulquiorra continued his animalistic attacks. Reminding her of that snowy night with their parents.

"Stop!" she screamed, in the top of her lungs as Ulquiorra lodged another fist onto his bloody face and Sora's body went limp.

"Sora!" she cried out, Ulquiorra turned his bleak stare at Orihime and ran a hand through his messy hair before strolling towards her and gripping her chin tightly.

"This is what happens when you go against me," he growled, Orihime recoiled from his touch and gritted her teeth, letting her hatred now surface.

"I hate you!" She yelled out fighting more urgently. Ulquiorra turned away and grabbed a fistful of Sora's hair, Sora grunted in pain, reawakened from his passed out state.

"Should I kill you?" Ulquiorra voiced suddenly, and Orihime's eyes widened.

"No!" she shouted, tears welling her eyesight.

Sora Only stared in his disoriented state, too weak to speak. Orihime knew that this was all her fault and remorse filled her being.

"I'm sorry!" she cried out, "I'm sorry, please stop hurting him, you're going to kill him! I promise I will do everything you ask of me." she sobbed.

Ulquiorra glared and was in front of her instantly before she could blink and crouched down to her eye level, "I've heard that before, and you also promised to love and to hold me as your husband!" He growled, turning to fling a piece of wood at Sora angrily.

Orihime flinched at his viciousness and her limbs shook, Ulquiorra tugged Orihime from Aaroniero's tight hold and clenched her small wrist, she winced as he dragged her towards her brother, and she fought against him, trying to shove him away.

"Woman, don't test my patience more than you already have, or I'll break your wrist," he promised, gripping her wrist tighter, Orihime grunted, she was sure he'd leave a bruise but so was her cheek, she had never seen Ulquiorra this angry and she finally understood why. Ulquiorra forced her onto her knees "Say goodbye to your brother." he hissed, grabbing Sora's shirt and pulling him closer. Orihime sobbed at the sight of her brother, both his eyes now bruised and twice their size, one had closed completely. Blood spewed from his mouth and nose he looked unrecognizable, Orihime cupped his cheek gingerly, a sad gaze crossed her features as she had finally withered away.

"Say goodbye because this will be the last time you ever see him," Ulquiorra demanded, shaking her forcibly. Orihime knew exactly what he was referring too, he was going to kill Sora, and her mind reacted, in a rebellious millisecond Orihime shifted her weight, activating her power against Ulquiorra, "Santen Kesshun!"

Ulquiorra's eyes widened, suddenly livid at her actions, she stared back defiantly and narrowed her eyes, there was no way she was going to let him claim Sora's life, Ulquiorra growled.

"Ulquiorra the boy has been found, he isn't just any ordinary human, he is fighting against Grimmjow!"

Orihime's heart dropped, this caught Ulquiorra's attention, mortified by the revelation that Ichigo had been found if he hadn't stayed and waited for her.

"Wait!" she cried out, but it fell on deaf ears as Ulquiorra immediately turned away and Orihime screamed, lunging herself at Ulquiorra and hugged him from behind.

"Please, please don't do this, let him go, I swear on my life I will never try to escape again." she pleaded softly. Ulquiorra remained still for a moment before shaking her off and he faced her, Orihime gasped to meet his back rimmed eyes, "Too late."

"No!" Orihime yelled, reaching for his arm but he was all already gone. Orihime's eyes darted as she thought of something she could do and ran towards the door only to be grabbed by Aaroniero. "Para Donde vas mi amor?" he teased sarcastically.

"Let her go!" Nel ordered out somewhere from Orihime's hectic mind and she darted as fast as she could into the field without another thought, the smell of the damp earth heavy in the air as she sprinted, her heart pounding against her chest and pushed vigorously to save Ichigo life that she had put at risk. Without looking she tripped over a hole on the ground and fell onto the grass.

"Orihime!'

Shocked, she recognized Ichigo's voice and whirled around to see him but before she could yell back, Ulquiorra was instantly behind him, a deathly glare plastered on his sharp features.

"It's over."

And then she saw blood.