A/N: Finally found some inspiration to start on this sequel. If you haven't read the first story, 'Lamenting Enchantment' you should definitely do that prior to reading this next installment as, despite being able to stand on its own, it's altogether necessary in order to get the full intended experience. It might take me considerably longer to update and therefore finish this fic in comparison to the first one as I have taken on a Naruto work that will have my primary focus. However, I do intend to finish this one…eventually ;) Other than that, please enjoy this story and be sure to send lots of feedback! I've missed all of my wonderful followers!

Chapter I

Surreal Pleasantry

"Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you."

-Langston Hughes

...

****(4 months later…summer, Karakura Town)****

No harsh sound was heard within the room, only the occasional turning of a page, tapping of a pencil, or the soft and familiar scratching of led on a piece of notebook paper. The clock ticked steadily toward the hour, indicating that there was still 45 minutes until the conclusion of the test.

A soft sigh escaped the individual near the front of the classroom, her brows furrowing slightly as she reached a particularly challenging question. 'I know this one,' she closed her eyes and perused her memory, all the studying from the night before a cluttered collage of information within her mind. She narrowed the possibilities, opened her eyes and stared absently down at the paper before she smiled slightly and recorded the appropriate answer.

'Only ten more of these,' her gaze lifted momentarily to the clock before it refocused on her task. She loved history, but the exams required a great deal of dedication, especially for the summer session as it held the attendees to a much higher standard. Having all already graduated, most of her friends had called out her sanity when they heard of her desire to partake of the course. Her relatives, also, who were paying for it, expressed their concerns as to what she planned to do with her future and if she was having second thoughts about their plan to enroll her in a university dedicated to the study of veterinary education. Which was true, as she had never actually wanted to pursue that career in the first place, but she still somehow found herself hesitant to declare that position to them.

When it came down to it, in regards to the summer history class, there was only one person who had fully supported and had seen the sense in her choice.

The mere thought of that person brought another smile to her face and she absently flipped her scarlet hair behind her shoulder as she attempted to focus her concentration on the test rather than on the individual who was attempting to distract her thoughts. She wondered then if he would be waiting for her outside as he had done on most of her class days, or if she would find him at Urahara's instead.

She stared up at the wall for several moments before blinking and shaking her head, determinedly slamming the led of her pencil down on her paper and then frowning slightly when she saw the dark indention it had made. 'Oh,' she internally pouted before deciding against dwelling on that any longer and instead reading over the remaining exam questions.

When the professor finally called out that they only had five minutes to complete their tests, the girl hastily scribbled down the final answer and promptly stood to hand over the sheet. However, as soon as she had done so, she remembered that the teacher had said that they would only need to flip their papers over and that he would come to collect them at the end of the session.

The crimson staining her face challenged the vibrancy of her hair as she received a quick glance from him and promptly slumped into her chair, the heat almost suffocating as she dutifully turned the page over and kept her eyes locked on her own hands, which she wrung nervously.

Why did she always seem to find herself in these sorts of situations? What made it worse was the fact that she could distinctly hear a few soft chuckles from around her and the sound only further intensified the overwhelming shade of her cheeks. She could not wait to get out of the room and just escape somewhere.

...

The summer air was somewhat pleasant, though he admittedly preferred the cooler weather. It was more familiar and…comfortable. The spring had afforded a few such days and he had thoroughly enjoyed them. However, with the onset of the current season, such a pleasantry was not to be found. It rarely even rained, which would at least alleviate the effects of the sweltering sun.

However, the current day was not so terrible in comparison, as there was a cool breeze sweeping in from the direction of the coast, therefore somewhat masking the heat. His purposeful steps carried him smoothly down the paved walkway, eyes focused straight ahead and hands held in his pockets, as was signature for him.

By his calculation, he would arrive at precisely the time that woman would be walking past the threshold of the campus' gate. He smiled slightly as he thought of it, but otherwise withheld any further display as to the sudden turn of his contemplations. It had been a rather big adjustment to the lifestyle in which the humans around him lived, but he was entirely willing to work towards a more comfortable existence with them. Or, more particularly, with her.

He had been considerably content during the past few months and had now adopted a daily routine of sorts. At first, when the woman had suggested that he stay at Urahara's shop, the request had seemed strange to him. Why not stay at her place? However, after she explained to him, in a rather flustered manner, that it was just not appropriate conduct for the world they were in and that her relatives, should they ever find out that he was staying with her, would undoubtedly turn her loose in the street and cut her off monetarily, therefore rendering her poor and homeless. He had somewhat understood the reasoning and accepted without any further protest or questioning.

She had been adverse, for some inexplicable reason, to inform him of the only way in which that situation could be suitable and he was still curious as to the answer of that inquiry. The flustering, in avoidance of discussing that topic, only became more prominent and her face had turned the same, customary crimson color she so often displayed in amusing moments of distress.

His silent musings were abruptly broken when someone suddenly jumped down off the wall and landed beside him. Pausing, he looked to the individual who was now standing and raised a brow when said person cast him a wide grin and wave of his hand.

"Shinigami," he nodded by way of greeting before continuing at his leisurely pace.

The orange-haired teen fell into step beside him, "Espada."

There was only a small interlude of silence before the taller boy broke it, "so, what's on the agenda today?"

The former Espada shrugged, "going to meet 'Hime at the gate. So far," he glanced over at the flamboyant individual. "That is all I have planned."

"Hmm," the boy frowned as he held his hands behind his head and looked up at the sky pensively. "Maybe we should go and get some ice cream. That sounds good."

Though he was partial towards immediately refusing the suggestion, the Espada figured with a soft sigh that Orihime would undoubtedly enjoy the excursion.

"That would be acceptable," he reluctantly nodded in response.

The Shinigami received the answer with another wide grin and an enthusiastic 'thumbs up' of approval. They then continued the trek in relative peace, though the more outgoing of the two would occasionally remark on various and often random sights along the way.

The Espada tuned him out for the most part, though found himself smirking every now and then to appease the boy beside him. It was a strange thing to consider, that nearly two years ago they had both faced off with their own deaths, an occurrence they had each willfully inflicted over the other.

However, as time had progressed and they had grown more accustomed to one another's company, a sort of camaraderie had formed that bordered on actual…friendship. This development had most significantly transitioned during the entire Fullbringer situation, in which the Espada, along with Ishida, had sided with the Shinigami until the very end. Despite no longer possessing any Hollow abilities, his centuries of experience in swordsmanship had afforded him continued expertise in that area, therefore providing him with a means to both defend himself and those around him.

That had admittedly been his primary concern about the entire thing. He was also relieved to discover that he could still see the Shinigami, Hollow and anything else that occasionally graced the human world with their ethereal presence. It was also convenient and reassuring that the powers the Shinigami had lost during his face-off with Aizen had been returned in full.

"Heading to the school?"

Both looked up to see Uryuu Ishida casually leaning against a tree, one hand adjusting his glasses and the other held around the strap of his messenger bag.

The orange-haired teen nodded, "sure are. Want to come along and have some ice cream with us afterwards?"

"Ice cream, eh?" The Quincy answered as he appeared to consider before nodding. "I suppose that would be sufficiently satisfactory for such a temperate day."

The Espada could not help but regard the boy with amusement as he considered the way he always seemed to word even the simplest of things. The trio then continued up the incline and covered the few remaining yards until the sight of Karakura Town High came into view.

And as the shortest of the three men looked to the gate, he noted in slight discontent that Orihime was already waiting, though he also reasoned that she could not have been standing there any longer than a couple of minutes. A small smile formed as he saw that she was absently humming and looking up at the overhang of trees.

"Yo, Inoue!"

The girl's head instantly turned and a large grin crossed her face as she returned the orange-haired teen's wave with equivalent enthusiasm.

"Kurosaki-kun!"

She pushed herself away from the gate and approached the group, her foot nearly catching on a break in the pavement. However, she managed to avoid falling over and instead stopped before them with one hand brought to her head, a flustered laugh accompanying the gesture.

"Inoue-san," the tall boy greeted her with a nod.

Her laughter stopped and she blinked before nodding with another smile, "Ishida-kun."

Orihime's gaze then shifted to the man towards her right, his eyes already observing her in their usual, piercing way. She flushed slightly, before suddenly rushing forward and embracing him tightly, an even wider grin in place.

"I missed you, Ulquiorra-kun!"

The Espada sighed and closed his eyes as he returned the hug, though his smile remained. "You too, 'Hime."

When she stepped away, he tilted his head slightly as he brushed a stray piece of windblown hair away from her face. "How was your test?"

She brought a hand to her chin thoughtfully, "there were a few questions that I struggled with a little bit but," she looked to him as her hand lowered. "I figured them out and so I'm positive that I scored 100%."

"Great!" Ichigo exclaimed, "And now we're goin' to go celebrate with some ice cream."

"Really?!" she glanced back at the boy with an absolutely elated expression before she returned her attention to Ulquiorra. "Are you coming too?"

"Of course," he nodded as he turned and grasped her hand before walking at a leisurely pace down the incline, the Shinigami and Quincy following.

"Yay!" she stated, wrapping an arm around the Espada's and leaning into him. "You guys are the best."

"Is that so?" Ishida questioned, adjusting his glasses once more.

"Mhm," the girl nodded. "You always know just what to do to make the day absolutely perfect."

"Well," Ichigo added as he grinned, "I suppose that's true."

A soft laugh escaped Orihime then before she looked to her silent companion, who was merely staring straight ahead. When he did not know how to respond to certain statements, he would often merely relent to wordless observation until the conclusion of the conversation.

However, the girl was having none of that today. She smirked gently before leaning closer, "Ulquiorra-kun…do you agree?"

He glanced to her, and she could see that he knew full well what her inquiry meant. His ever-perceiving mind was able to accurately decipher, as always, almost every tone and gesture she displayed. It was unnerving at times but also considerably convenient when she could not find the right words or even discern her own thoughts.

"Yes," he appeased her with a slight uplifting of his lips.

It seemed he was not in the mood to be argumentative, an activity he so often found enjoyment in.

"I hope no Hollow show up," Ichigo remarked. "I don't really feel like fightin' them off today."

Ishida smirked and brought a hand to his glasses, "What difference does it make? I'll destroy them all before you can even transition into your Shinigami state."

The orange-haired teen glared and then pounded a fist, "never mind. I want 'em to show up now so that I can prove you wrong." He looked to the sky, "Come on out you, bastards!"

The two continued in their banter and Inoue chuckled before looking to Ulquiorra, who again glanced over to acknowledge her attention. "What have you done today?" she asked.

"I woke up, had some breakfast, helped out around the shop, and then left to meet you at the school."

"Same as every day then," she replied with a smile.

He nodded.

"Hm," she brought a hand to her chin, "I wonder what flavor of ice cream I'll have."

Ulquiorra shrugged, "what's your favorite? Strawberry, right?"

"Mhm," she nodded. "With red bean paste. Though they don't usually have that in the shop. I like all the flavors though and so it's really hard to decide."

"Perhaps you should just wait until we get there," he suggested.

"I suppose you're right," she relented.

They all stopped at a crosswalk and waited for the indicator across the street to signal for them to proceed. After having done so, they ventured to the other side and progressed through the remaining expanse of the neighborhood district and into the shopping center.

"Ooh!" Inoue paused outside of a closing store and peered into the glass to admire a particularly appealing outfit. She tilted her head to one side, "I wish I had the money to afford this sort of stuff."

With a sigh, she reclaimed Ulquiorra's hand, whom had stopped to wait for her while the duo ahead continued. They passed another store and the Espada glanced over and observed the display curiously. It was a long, white gown with intricately designed fabric. His glance drifted to the sign above the door 'Bridal Boutique' and simultaneously wondered what that meant. There were still so many things about the human world that he did not understand.

"What sort of place is that?" He asked Inoue.

The girl looked over before immediately reverting her gaze as a small blush found its way to her cheeks. "Uhm," she brought a hand to her head and laughed awkwardly. "That's just a really fancy clothing store for very special occasions."

Ulquiorra found it curious that another mere clothing store would inspire such a flustered look upon the woman's façade. However, he allowed the matter to rest and averted his attention to the street ahead.

As they rounded the corner, the Espada noted the Shinigami and Quincy waiting for them outside of the ice cream parlor. When they reached them, the two turned and they all stepped into the brightly colored interior.

"Welcome!" A cheerful blonde greeted them before she clasped her hands together. "Your heart's desire can be found right here!"

Inoue smiled at the girl before eagerly approaching, her eyes already perusing the options. She felt as if her mouth were about to drool over how delicious everything looked. Ulquiorra simply stood patiently behind her, his hand returning to his pocket.

"I will have the green tea flavor," Ishida stated in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

"M'kay," the girl replied, lifting her fingers in the symbol for victory and offering him a wink before looking to the Shinigami.

Ichigo tilted his head and scanned the colors, his mouth forming a pensive line before he returned his attention to the waiting attendant. "I guess I'll just have the caramel."

"Hehe! Yay!" She replied, "That's a favorite of mine. However," she lifted an instructive finger. "Strawberry is still the best."

Ichigo shrugged before looking to Ishida and reengaging him in a conversation.

The blonde then rested her elbows on the counter above Inoue and tilted her head, "you decide on one?"

"Hm," Orihime replied as she straightened but did not avert her gaze. "I just love them all."

"Mm, me too!"

"Do you get to eat them a lot?"

"Yep! Every day," she nodded.

"Oooh," Orihime moaned slightly, finally looking to the girl. "I wish I worked here. This seems like a fun job."

"Where do you work?"

"Nowhere yet," she replied. "I'm going to go to college."

"College?" The blonde giggled. "My boyfriend's in college." Actually she shook her head before continuing dreamily, "he's my fiancé now. We just got engaged."

"That's so exciting!" Inoue exclaimed before the two began to pour into discussing the change in topic.

Ulquiorra listened absently, though again found he did not understand what exactly they were speaking of. The girl had referred to him as 'boyfriend' before amending it into something else. People had been referring to him as Orihime's boyfriend but not as fiancé. What did that mean?

There came a loud sigh as someone appeared from the back room, his shoulders slumped and his eyes appearing as if they had not experienced rest in some time. His dark hair also, was entirely unkempt and styled in a half-hazard manner. He approached the blonde and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I suggest you not forego your work to chat with these people. We've got a line forming."

She pouted, "You don't have to be so mean to me." However, she turned and looked to the Espada as the man beside her began to prepare the requests of the other two.

"I guess you can order why she decides."

"I'm not ordering anything," he replied evenly.

"No?" She frowned slightly. "Why not? It's the best!"

He shook his head, "sweets don't suit my inclinations."

The girl then giggled and brought both hands to her lips, "you sound so much like my fiancé! That's exactly what he'd say." She cast a glance then to the boy beside her, who was dipping a finger into one of the buckets to sample the treat, apparently disregarding sanitary procedures. "Unlike his best friend," she continued, "who eats nothing but."

The boy's eyes widened and he looked over with a finger in his mouth. "What?" he mumbled.

"Nothing," she waved him off before waving a finger back and forth with a wink. "But what have I told you about tasting the customer's ice cream? We can't do that here."

Ishida, having heard this, immediately looked to them after observing his treat in complete disgust. "Have you contaminated the food here? If so, then I am afraid I cannot eat this."

"Who cares?" Ichigo replied, shoving a spoonful of the frozen dessert into his mouth.

"Kurosaki!" The Quincy hollered. "Have you any idea how unhygienic that is?"

"No! No!" The blonde replied, waving her hands back and forth. "He doesn't do that all the time. And he hates the green tea flavor. Only the chocolate or vanilla!"

"I don't know if I can trust you," Ishida turned slightly as he adjusted his glasses.

The argument continued and the people standing in line also began to grow impatient with the situation. Inoue looked to them, "Uhm…" her soft voice however, failed to be heard by anyone surrounding. "I've…decided."

Ulquiorra could not readily foresee a suitable way to solve the dilemma, though he actively attempted to formulate a plan. He supposed they could always just leave and go to another café. However, it looked as if Inoue would be severely disappointed as well as the blonde behind the counter. Though, he could admittedly care less in concern for the latter.

His eyes widened when the dark-haired boy suddenly hopped onto the counter in a crouch and closed in on Ishida's face, eyes pointed and unwavering. The Quincy took a step back, a look of discomfort in place before the boy dipped his finger into the green dessert.

"It's…not so bad." He replied pensively, finger in mouth as Ishida looked to him with a startled expression.

However, the Quincy recovered quickly and promptly shoved his bowl of ice-cream into the hand of the boy. "Your conduct, sir, is severely lacking in decorum. I think I will report this place to the local health inspector."

"No," The blonde's eyebrows creased angrily then as she jumped and stood on the counter beside her crouching coworker. Her hand formed into a fist as she aimed it towards Ishida. "I won't allow that!"

They engaged in a heated argument while Ichigo simply stood by eating the rest of his treat and Inoue continuously tried to implore them. Ulquiorra stepped over to the woman and calmly placed a hand on her shoulder. The gesture served to appease and settle her and she joined him in simply observing the scene before them.

The bickering continued for several moments, while everyone else in the shop either turned to witness what was happening or left the establishment altogether. The door bell rang once more and the Espada turned to see a young man approach the pair ahead, eyes as calculating as his own.

The blonde immediately halted her shouting and looked to the newcomer, a look of absolute delight overtaking her features. A blush formed and she jumped off the counter towards him, arms outstretched. He caught her easily before setting her on her feet and tilting his head towards the pair who were still engaged in a staring battle of sorts.

"What's going on here?"

She turned and pointed towards Ishida, "he is threatening to call the health department."

The young man's russet eyes scanned the occupants of the room once before they settled on the pair she was indicating. He released the girl and calmly circled behind the counter. Ulquiorra was not quite certain he worked in the establishment as he looked as if he had just come from the university but the resolute expression on his face was enough to eradicate any criticism he might have formed.

He placed a hand on the shoulder of the crouching boy and the latter immediately redirected his stare to the newcomer. A slight smirk could be seen from both, before the boy hopped off the counter and resumed his slumped posture. They exchanged whispered words so low that the Espada could not hear them before the young man looked to Ishida.

"I apologize for my friend's conduct. Social expectation is not his specialty. Now, if I may, we would be willing to offer your group a free round of desserts today to make up for it. We will get some fresh ice cream from the freezer and you can be assured of its sanitation." He proceeded to place his gloves on before motioning for the Quincy to follow. "You can come with me to the back, if you like."

Ishida appeared to consider before nodding and following, his demeanor a bit more collected than before. The blonde returned to her previous position at the register before looking to Orihime, her pleasant disposition returning. "Did you pick one?"

"Mhm," Inoue nodded. "Strawberry, please."

"Yay!" she giggled. "That's my favorite."

"Mine too," Orihime grinned excitedly.

The blonde clapped her hands together before proceeding to scoop the pink-colored dessert. "And don't worry. He didn't eat out of this one."

"That's alright," Inoue waved the matter aside before taking the bowl from the girl. She dug her spoon into the ice cream before taking a rather large bite. She swallowed and looked extremely content before her eyebrows creased and she brought a hand to her head. "Tch…my head hurts now."

Ulquiorra sighed, "You always eat too fast, 'Hime. What have I told you about that?"

"I know," her eyes lowered.

He smiled slightly. "Just try to remember next time."

"Mhm," she nodded before taking a significantly smaller bite of her treat.

Ishida and the older boy returned then, the former wearing an expression of satisfaction as he carried another bowl of the green tea dessert and the latter looking to the next waiting customer with a polite smile as he expedited the services and offered a discount to those who had been made to wait.

Ulquiorra observed that his conduct was conveyed in practiced professionalism but that he had a potent and underlying judgmental nature, as if he was somehow dissatisfied with a great many things. However, as he averted his gaze, he resolved to let the matter rest. It did not make a difference, for he highly doubted they would be returning to the establishment any time soon.

Orihime grinned as the blonde informed her of how she used to be a model and that she had done photo shoots for many magazines while she was still in high school. However, that life, she had decided, was not what she wanted anymore and so she had moved from Tokyo to Karakura town in the hopes of escaping all the publicity.

Inoue sighed. She had always wanted to do something as exciting as modeling and the very thought of a dull career in the veterinary field was enough to make her stomach turn. However, she could completely understand that it could be a very overwhelming occupation and her empathy towards the girl was increasing by the minute.

"So," the girl tilted her head before casting a glance to Ulquiorra and lowering her voice. "Are you two…together?"

"Mhm," Orihime nodded. "He's my…boyfriend."

"Aww," she grinned before squealing. "You look so happy!"

Inoue blushed, "…yes." She then looked to the brunette who was still conversing with the line of customers. "Is he your fiancé?"

"Sure is. And," she clasped her hands together. "He's the best!"

"How long have you two been together?"

"Hmm," she began to count on her hand. "Since high school. So…six years."

"Wow," Inoue's eyes grew wider.

As they continued their conversation, Ulquiorra overheard the slumping boy strike a conversation with Ichigo, who had just finished his dessert. It seemed only arbitrary nonsense, with the occasional professional remark.

"I think," the dark-haired boy shoved a piece of candy into his mouth before holding a finger to his lips. "That you have fluctuating moods."

"Fl-" Ichigo reddened slightly. "You don't even know me!"

A nonchalant shrug was all the former offered.

The orange haired teen grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, one hand formed into a fist. However, the strange individual continued to simply stare up at him evenly before slightly smirking and raising one finger. "Point proven."

"You wouldn't be so smug if you knew who I really was," the Shinigami threatened.

"Oh?" the boy challenged, tilting his head curiously. "And what would that be?"

Ulquiorra saw something then in his cerulean gaze. It conveyed a keen intellect and sharpness of mind and it was obvious he was attempting to underhandedly obtain information from Ichigo. The Espada sighed before approaching the pair and placing a hand on his comrade's shoulder.

"You need to calm yourself."

Ichigo closed his eyes and huffed beneath his breath before looking to the boy and releasing him abruptly. He looked to Ulquiorra then and, believing he could no longer be heard, responded in as quiet a voice he could manage. "He wouldn't be talkin' to me that way if he knew all the things I've been through as a Shinigami. Hell, I even saved this town two years ago and probably his life."

"That is irrelevant," the Espada responded coolly. "You need to take care not to assert your power over others like tha-" he glanced to the dark-haired employee then and saw the sudden widening of the latter's gaze.

The boy took several steps back before crashing into the chair behind him and falling onto the floor, which inspired both his coworker and his college friend to glance down at him.

"Sh-Shingami…" he pointed a shaking hand at the orange-haired teen. "He said he's a…but they aren't real….they don't exist."

The brunette, who had just finished aiding the final customer, looked from his friend to the boy he was indicating and a curious recognition settled upon his façade. Ulquiorra determined then that it would probably be best to distance themselves from the shop and resolve never to return. He did not know what to make of the many different looks he was receiving. Sending a swift glance to the blonde, he also saw that she was neither surprised nor even perturbed by what her fellow associate was muttering. A distant smile was the only indication that she had heard him at all.

"Kurosaki," he whispered then. "We are leaving."

The Espada returned to Inoue's side and grasped her hand before motioning that Ishida should follow. Nodding, the Quincy did as was instructed. He made sure Ichigo had received the message before leaving the shop behind the couple in front of him. Bells jingled as they stepped onto the pavement and they all turned in unison towards the residential district.

"That was…so strange," Ichigo stated only, his brows furrowed.

"Mhm," Inoue nodded. "The atmosphere was suddenly so tense. It gave me chills." She looked down at her arms then to see that her skin was still somewhat raised.

"You should have been more careful with your choice of wording," Ishida admonished the Shinigami. "What have I told you about paying attention to your surroundings?"

The teen turned to retort the chastisement before Ulquiorra interjected. "Regardless," he began. "It happened and there is nothing to be done about it now. Heed your wording in the future as the Quincy says and we can all agree in consensus not to return to that place."

Orihime lowered her eyes, somewhat disappointed to hear that conclusion. She had really liked that girl as she seemed like a fun and interesting person. They had even exchanged phone numbers. Glancing to the digits written on her left hand, she bit her lip before making sure to hide it from Ulquiorra. He could be paranoid if he wanted but that didn't mean she had to, right?

They continued their walk and Ishida waved as he reached his street. Several moments later, Ulquiorra accompanied Orihime to the front door of her apartment, releasing her hand as she placed her key in the lock.

"I will come by later this evening, I told Urahara that I would help him unload his new shipment."

"Mhm," she nodded before smiling shyly and reaching up to place a kiss on his lips. "See you soon. I'm going to make something really delicious for dinner."

He merely returned the nod but withheld a comment on the matter of her cooking. It would not make a difference and the last time he had said something she was nearly in tears. He did not think such a thing could induce someone into such a state. However, he had learned his lesson and therefore resolved not to make the same mistake twice.

She walked inside and he turned and descended the stairs, joining Ichigo as he announced that he would be helping Urahara out as well. There was a lengthy silence before the Shinigami began in a considerably rare, solemn voice.

"Did you see the way they were looking at us?"

The Espada nodded, "I did."

"It bothers me," he shook his head. "None of their reactions were normal. They all seemed as if they…knew. Well, except that one guy, but he was scared out of his mind. That ain't right either."

"I have a suspicion."

"Really?"

Another nod. "I think that they are part of that underground group that was formed following Aizen's attack on Karakura Town. It stands to reason that the Shinigami were not able to induce everyone into slumber. Therefore, there were witnesses and those witnesses are actively seeking answers. If one knows where to look, the truth about those other realms can be discovered."

"You think that they've figured it out?"

"Perhaps not the one, but his friend…definitely. They are both extremely intelligent."

"And the girl?"

The Espada shrugged, "most likely goes along with whatever those two say. She knows too though, I'm sure of it."

"Well," Ichigo sighed and placed his hands behind his neck as he looked to the sky. "Best to keep away from them, eh?"

"If we can at all manage," Ulquiorra nodded.

They progressed in silence and the afternoon passed at an easy pace as they spent the remaining hours helping out around the store. It was simple work, but nonetheless provided them with a suitable occupation.

The Espada had not initially understood the concept of currency but, as it was explained to him, he came to recognize the absolute need for it. He was given a small percentage of Urahara's sales for his accomplishment of various tasks and the man had insisted that he save for a home of his own someday.

As the sun was setting and the day neared its inevitable end, Ulquiorra walked down the solitary street with hands in his pockets and eyes fixed on the horizon. Though he rarely ever recollected over his days as Hollow or on the realm he had been born into, the sight of dusk always somehow made those dormant thoughts more potent.

It seemed like such a distant concept, almost as if it were naught but a dream. Surreal, that was the correct term. Time was an interesting factor and one that was constant and unchanging despite irreversibly altering everything else. He had not known of its power before dwelling within the human world. Nights were no longer eternal and the hours were no longer indistinguishable from one another. His life had meaning; purpose.

Every time a hollow would arrive and Ichigo would eradicate their existence, the Espada could not help but acknowledge that he might have met the same fate if circumstances had been different. Somehow, with some stroke of luck or fortune, he had been chosen to surpass the others and regain a state of consciousness. He had been spared an insignificant life.

Now, as he lingered within an existence that was neither hollow nor human, he felt as if he had claimed an unprecedented nature. Also, he was pleasantly astonished to find that he was completely content with his current state. He had never felt so liberated.

Then, as he smiled, he thought of Orihime and reasoned that content was not a strong enough word to describe his disposition.

...

The scarlet-haired girl opened her textbook and briefly scanned the next chapter's content material. She grinned, 'Oh, the medieval era. My favorite!'

Her eyes hastily swept along the wording and she sighed in satisfaction before jumping slightly when she heard a knock on the door. However, that knock was followed by two more and she quickly relaxed and stood to answer it. She always knew it was him. He always delivered the same number of knocks.

"Good evening, Ulquiorra-kun!"

"Same to you, 'Hime."