Chapter IV

Vividly Signified

"And your fragrance shall be my breath."

- Khalil Gibran

…

Urahara had claimed a more serious façade as he took a seat at the table beside the cat who began rubbing against his leg. He absently stroked the sleek black of Yoruichi's fur before leaning forward. "The hollow are actin' strange. I first noticed when one attacked the other night." His eyes shifted to Ulquiorra a moment as the Espada simultaneously recalled the event he was referring to.

"What'd you mean?" Ichigo asked, eyes intent and expression growing determined. Whatever the danger was, he was prepared to fight against it.

'Ever at the ready,' Ulquiorra mused at the Shinigami's expense.

"That hollow…" Urahara replied in a low tone. "Was runnin' from something."

"Running?" Ulquiorra voiced aloud.

"Mhm," the man nodded, as his pitch returned to normal. "It's behavior was off. It was tryin' to escape. It wasn't going after anyone, only appeared frightened. Now," he lifted his eyes to the ceiling and a finger to his chin. "I only wonder what could be goin' on in 'ole Hueco Mundo to have spooked it like that."

"You don't know?"

"No," he responded with another sly smile. "But I'll be lookin' into it."

"This," Ishida stated then as he adjusted his glasses. "Is a little disturbing."

"Very disturbing," Urahara corrected as he leaned forward.

Rukia cleared her throat then and all occupants in the room looked to her as she displayed a drawing that depicted several large circles in the sky and a few designs near the bottom that resembled buildings.

"What's that supposed to be?" Ichigo asked with a frown.

Before the small girl could respond with any form of anger, Ulquiorra calmly interjected. "Simply explain why you're here."

"Right," Rukia stated as she then pointed to the shapes in the sky, "we have been keeping very busy lately trying to round up the hollow that have emerged in the last month. The sheer number of them has radically increased."

"Ooh!" Urahara exclaimed with a nod. "So, it isn't just here. It seems many of them are tryin' to flee. We may have our hands full for awhile."

Ichigo sighed and was silent a moment before lifting his gaze, determination continuing to build. "We need to find out what's going on as soon as possible." He raised a fist, "we need to go to Hueco Mundo!"

"Not so hasty," Urahara quickly added. "We need some idea of what we're up against first."

"To hell with that!" The Shinigami's voice rose. "We can't waste time!"

"Calm yourself, Kurosaki," Ulquiorra looked to him with a detached expression. "There's no need to act foolishly. Urahara's right. There's no present danger and so it would be wise to first determine some sort of plan."

"Yes," Ishida responded. "I agree."

"So do I," Rukia nodded.

Ichigo glared and then pounded his fist on the table, though resigned himself to silence. There was no denying the sense in what the Espada had said.

"Good," Urahara replied, expression seemingly unconcerned. "We're all in agreement then. I'll let you know of any findings I come cross." He again looked to Ulquiorra, "I trust you'll update our dear, little 'Hime-chan 'bout all this?"

The Espada nodded, "of course." He willed his thoughts from returning to their previous musings and instead considered the matter at hand. Something was happening in Hueco Mundo and he reasoned that it was highly probable they would all be returning to the place in the near future. It was going to be rather…strange.

Furthermore, he found he did not possess even the slightest idea as to the nature behind the revealed events. It was frustrating, to say the least. What could be frightening the inhabitants to such an extent? What had become of the place after Aizen's defeat?

Ishida announced that he would be leaving and, upon saying so, he promptly stood and bid them each a good night. Following his departure, Rukia informed Ichigo that she needed to return to Soul Society and he begrudgingly offered her a wave before watching as she jumped and disappeared into the darkness.

Ulquiorra stiffened slightly as Yoruichi sauntered over and brushed against his arm. He cast her a slight glare before standing and placing both hands into his pockets as he joined Ichigo on the front porch. The Shinigami seemed troubled and he reasoned that he was still brooding over the fact that they would have to wait to resolve the situation. Patience did not come easily to him.

"It never ends, huh?"

Ulquiorra glanced over as Ichigo continued to absently stare into the vacant space of Rukia's departure. He sighed then before joining him in his impartial scrutiny. "No, it doesn't."

A small smirk crossed the teen's face, "Kinda seems like forever ago when we were all in Hueco Mundo. All I had to worry 'bout was fightin' you."

The Espada withheld a condescending scoff, "that's all you had to worry about?"

"Yeah, that's right, softie."

"Don't patronize me, Shinigami."

Ichigo shrugged before holding both hands behind his head as his troubles seemed to instantaneously vanish. Ulquiorra considered how fortunate it was for the boy that his emotions entered then dissipated so swiftly.

"It's all thanks to Inoue, eh?"

After a pause, the Espada slowly nodded. If not for her, he would not have survived the winter war. Everything he currently was could all be indebted to the nearly unbelievable fact that she had permitted his life to hold a position of meaning within hers. By some strange turn of fate, he had enticed her interest and she had invited him to become a part of her existence.

Ichigo descended the steps then with a soft sigh before looking back to the shorter man with a half-wave, "later, Espada."

Ulquiorra watched as the orange-haired teen turned and ventured across the yard before deciding to remain outside a little longer. Slowly easing himself into a sitting position, he lowered his eyes to his hands.

He considered that he perhaps should've asked the Shinigami's advice over the matter that had occurred with Inoue earlier. However, he found himself strangely averse to doing so. Something about it made disclosing the event a little…uncomfortable. He wondered how the woman was faring as a result and determined that he would go to see her first thing in the morning to both satisfy that inquiry and to disclose Urahara's words.

…

Inoue stretched her arms over her head as she woke, her mind beginning to return into the fold of clarity. She yawned and felt her eyes water in response before slowly sitting up and smiling down at the bear beside her.

Remembering that it was going to be a fun day, her smile widened before she glanced to the clock and saw that the mall would not open for a couple more hours. It left her plenty of time to shower, prepare breakfast and take her time figuring out what to wear. As soon as the thought occurred to her though, she decided that today would be a perfect opportunity to wear her favorite skirt.

Feeling a fresh wave of excitement, the girl threw off her blanket before standing and looking to the mirror as she tried to smooth her hair. Halting then, she laughed softly at herself before discontinuing the task and venturing to the bathroom. She would be taking a shower anyway and so there wasn't a point in trying to tame it.

Allowing the water to reach a suitable temperature, Inoue softly hummed to herself before carelessly tossing her pajamas on the ground and then sighing as the warmth touched her skin. Showers were always troublesome and time consuming, but they did feel nice.

Thinking of the day ahead, she wondered what she should tell Ulquiorra when he arrived. It needed to be something believable. Lifting a hand to her chin, she tilted her head. 'I should stay as close to the truth as possible or he might figure it out. Hm…Oh! I'll tell him I'm going to the mall with Tatsuki-chan. He never offers to come shopping with me and he doesn't have her number to confirm where I am. That should work.'

A satisfied smile crossed her face before she reached for her shampoo and ran the smooth liquid through her hair. The scent of cashmere and spice entered her nose and soothed her mind. It was a scent Ulquiorra had openly admired as well.

Thoughts from the previous night attempted to break through and instigate a level of shyness, but Inoue avoided the recollection altogether. There was no use in pondering it. She wasn't going to let it happen again. 'I don't want it to be awkward for me and Ulquiorra-kun or anything. It's best to try and focus on other things.'

Concluding her shower, Inoue ran a comb through her hair before smoothing a layer of lotion across her arms and legs. Another pleasant fragrance claimed her senses and she breathed out in contentment before deciding against dressing for her outing just yet.

Changing into a pair of shorts and a one of her favorite t-shirts, which depicted an array of fancy and extremely appetizing sweets, Inoue emerged from her room and placed a kettle of water onto the stove. She observed her available tea selections and decided on a subtle, floral blend.

Complete silence filled the room before it was disrupted by the sound of the whistle on the kettle. However, she jumped and her heart raced in a sudden panic as three knocks simultaneously sounded on her door.

Eyes wide, the girl observed the time before her brows furrowed as she considered how uncharacteristically early Ulquiorra's arrival was. 'I wonder what he wants.' She briefly questioned if he might've figured out what she was up to, but then hastily consoled herself with the assurance that such a thing was impossible. There wasn't any way for him to have figured it out.

Composing herself as best she could, Inoue forced a small smile on her face before slowly opening the door and prompting forth all of her available cheerfulness. "Good morning, Ulquiorra-kun!"

The Espada offered the girl a nod in response to her greeting and the corner of his mouth slightly lifted in a compulsory smile. He then began to try and determine how she was faring as a result of the ordeal from the previous evening. She did seem a little disconcerted and her cheerfulness was a tad forced. He concluded that she was most likely trying to avoid it.

'I suppose it's just as well.'

Inoue stepped aside and Ulquiorra calmly entered before taking note of her physical appearance. She continued to look up at him through a set of slightly concerned eyes. The preoccupation of her mind was obvious. He then observed her sodden strands of hair and was instantly reminded of his return to the human world. It had been the first time he'd seen her in over a year.

Standing in the rain, disbelief mingled with recognition, appearance every bit as compelling as when he'd first seen her. It was an exquisite memory.

Her nervousness increased in response to his continued scrutiny and she tried her best to dispel the feeling by way of reaching up and placing a soft kiss on his lips.

Ulquiorra was briefly startled by her sudden show of contact before he settled and returned her gesture. Upon inhaling though, her stimulating scent infiltrated his senses and he felt a deep, stirring response. His hand instinctively inched forward before he halted its advance and held it firmly within his pocket, denying himself the urge to reach out and feel her.

Inoue pulled back with a grin before moving to the kitchen and pouring the hot water into her mug. "Would you like some tea?"

Her fragrance lingered and the Espada remained silent as he regained control before shifting his gaze to her and nodding. "Yes."

After a moment of hesitation, he strode towards her but maintained a slight distance. 'This is beginning to really frustrate me.'

Inoue prepared a second mug of tea and stepped forward to hand it to him. "It's chai, your favorite."

Holding his breath so as not to invite another wave of the woman's aroma, Ulquiorra nodded and accepted the tea before lifting the mixture to his mouth and instead inhaling the safe scent of the brew. He needed to figure out why his senses were responding the way they were to her. Something needed to be done about the matter.

She took a seat on the stool by the counter and sipped from her own drink in a seemingly contented manner. Ulquiorra couldn't help but continue to find her behavior a little odd. Was it only at the prompting of what had occurred last night? Was something else going on with her? He supposed he might as well ask.

"Are you alright, woman?"

Looking over at him and fighting to maintain her composure within the scrutiny that had always served to disarm her, Inoue nodded. "Mhm. I'm fine." She lifted a hand to her head, "I'm just…hm…tired!"

Absently, Orihime wondered why he was standing so rigidly. He hadn't moved from his spot in the archway and his hand had considerably tightened around the handle of his mug. She noticed his behavior after she'd kissed him too but had decided not to comment on it.

Was he okay? Recalling the previous evening, she wondered if it was continuing to bother him. Should she try and discuss it with him? However, at the very thought, a blush nearly took her cheeks. 'No, I can't do that. It'd be way too uncomfortable.'

Ulquiorra sighed beneath his breath as she continued to avoid the topic before discarding any further inclination to pry over the matter. He decided to simply move onto the next area of discussion. "I have some news to share with you."

"Hm?" She looked up to him attentively. "What is it?"

He proceeded to inform her of everything Urahara and Rukia had said and she merely listened in complete silence. The girl began to feel a familiar desperation as well a prominent feeling of pity. 'Those poor hollow…their home is being invaded.'

Eyes focusing on Ulquiorra, she couldn't help but feel some sort of connection to the place, as if it were her own territory being threatened. Despite everything, Hueco Mundo was a world that had come to mean a lot to her. From its breathtaking, white sands, the fourth Espada had been delivered into her life and she couldn't help but feel grateful to the desolate land for that.

Everything about it so vividly signified the things she loved about Ulquiorra. 'And I'll protect it, no matter what.'

"He said he'll continue researching the issue," the Espada concluded, "though the Shinigami was considerably adverse to place a delay on resolving it."

Inoue blinked upon realizing that he had finished speaking before slowly nodding. "Yes, uhm, he can be very impatient. It's probably best not to act too quickly though."

"Precisely," he replied with a nod before taking another sip of tea, mind momentarily occupied with continued contemplations of the situation at hand.

The girl's eyes lingered upon his distracted face as her mind continued in its consideration of him. Returning to Hueco Mundo with him…would be very sentimental. Her attention inadvertently drifted down to his slightly exposed chest, where she could see the corner of the tattooed four that had remained with him, even after his transformation.

She found herself somewhat grateful that it hadn't disappeared. It reminded her of what they had experienced together. It was a connection to their shared past. The hole designating him as a hollow was gone, as well as the mask, but he was still the same Ulquiorra. 'That'll never change.'

A distant smile crossed her face as she fell further within her reverie before beginning to feel a new sensation. Her scrutiny was suddenly invigorated as she took note of the smoothness his pale skin possessed. For some reason, she felt an urge to reach out and feel that smoothness beneath her own hand. 'Would it be strange to him? If I suddenly did that?'

The compulsion to do so was growing stronger. It was like the irresistible call of her favorite dessert, though it was somehow more tempting. She felt her legs brace for the impending approach that would lead her to oblige the craving.

"Inoue?"

Her heart jumped as his voice reached her and her widened eyes lifted and returned to his, a small blush crossing her face as she struggled to compose herself. "Uhm, yes?"

Ulquiorra tilted his head and analyzed her reaction. "Are you sure you're alright? You didn't seem to hear what I said." She appeared suddenly flustered and he wondered what she had been thinking of. Her focus had seemed distracted.

"Hm?" She replied, brows furrowing. "You said something?"

"I did," he nodded.

"What was it?"

"I merely asked what your plans are for the day."

"Oh."

This is it,' she thought then as the discomfort instantly faded along with her recent thoughts of him. 'I can do this!' Subtly inhaling, she fought to keep her gaze locked within his. "Tatsuki-chan invited me to go shopping with her today. I'm planning to leave in an hour or two."

Ulquiorra's eyes narrowed as he detected something almost intangible flit across her face. Her manner still appeared forced. However, she had been acting rather strangely all morning and he recalled his earlier resolve to let the matter rest. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. I'll probably come by again this evening then."

"Okay," she smiled, ignoring the guilt caused by her blatant lie. However, she continued to tell herself that he was just being overprotective. Everything would be fine. She could meet with her new friend if she wanted to.

The Espada finished his tea before setting the mug in the sink. He heard Inoue rise from her seat and braced himself for the inevitable parting kiss. Turning, he tried not to focus on the fragrance that had returned to entice his senses. She offered a smile and he returned it before bending his head and very gently placing his lips against hers.

He pulled away and Inoue's gaze again fell to his chest, the smoothness all the more alluring up close. However, her shyness superseded the inclination to reach out to him and she merely relented to offer another smile.

She followed him to the door and placed her hand firmly on the handle, a little disappointed with herself for not feeling brave enough to satisfy one of the strongest urges she had ever felt. "See you later, Ulquiorra-kun. Have a good day."

"You too," he replied before stepping away and allowing her to close the door. The fresh air greeted him and he reveled within the escape from the woman's overwhelming magnetism. It seemed the ordeal was growing more severe. What could he do about it, exactly?

Descending the steps, he slowed his pace and decided to simply enjoy the excursion of a walk across town. He needed to clear his head and sort a few things out.

…

Inoue breathed out in relief once she had returned to her room and opened her closet. It seemed Ulquiorra didn't suspect anything. Reaching for her skirt, she smiled at the cute pattern before selecting the pink blouse she always opted to pair it with.

After changing, she sent a text to Maya and only had to wait a few moments before the response came. She would be ready to meet with her in an hour. Inoue decided to have some breakfast before venturing out, as the food in the mall was overly expensive. She didn't want her relatives getting angry with her over that too.

In no time at all, she had boarded the bus and found herself standing within the center of the shopping district. Furrowing her brows, she cast her gaze about her surroundings before spotting the blonde standing to the side of the entrance. Inoue smiled and cast her wave.

"There you are," Maya stated with slight smirk and a hand on her hip. A finely arched brow rose as she observed Inoue's attire. "Shopping was a good suggestion."

Orihime, unaware as to the direction of the girl's scrutiny, nodded. "Mhm. I've been wanting to do this for awhile."

Turning, the girl led the way through the automatic doors before scanning the available stores. "Any idea where you wanna go first?"

"Hm," she replied, tilting her head in thought. However, she couldn't decide and shrugged. "You pick."

"Alright then," Maya replied in a strangely mischievous way. "I have something in mind."

"Alright," Inoue grinned before following the blonde through the crowd. They ventured past several appealing outlets and she furrowed her brows as she wondered what sort of place Maya had decided on. If the model's outfit was any indication, with the corset and darker shades of color, she wasn't entirely sure she'd find anything she actually liked.

A feeling of dread settled over Inoue as Maya stopped outside a rather frightening looking store. It seemed her suspicions had been correct after all.

"Here we are," the blonde stated before grasping both of Orihime's hands and dragging her into the dim enclosure.

"Uhm, I don't really th-"

"None of that," Maya waved a finger in front of her face. "Don't rule it out just yet."

"It's not really my style."

The blonde again scrutinized Inoue's attire. It was horrendous! "Well, your boyfriend might like it. Mine always likes the clothes I wear."

The girl instantly blushed, "I don't know about that." Even if it were true, she didn't think she could ever bring herself to dress that way in front of Ulquiorra.

"At least try something on," Maya urged the girl before grasping her hand and pulling her to where a large selection of dresses hung. "What's his favorite color?"

"Uhm, green," she replied, though the discomfort was surmounting. She should've listened to her Espada. Meeting with Maya had been a bad idea.

'I don't like this at all!'

"Perfect!" The girl exclaimed in delight as she reached up and grabbed an emerald, corset-style dress. "What'd you think?"

Inoue observed the piece with an expression of horror. Could she even fit into it? "I-I don't know," she stammered. "It's pretty, but I-"

"Great!" Maya replied before handing her the dress and guiding her towards the back of the store, where the lighting was impossibly darker. "Let's see it how it looks on you."

"No, I can't try this on," Inoue stated. "Don't make me do this."

The model sighed. "No one else is even watching. You'll probably like it anyway."

The girl blushed furiously and looked to the dress again. She supposed Maya was right. She didn't have to show it to anyone else. Still, the situation was very awkward. "I don't want to."

"You're not even the least bit curious?"

"…no."

"Aha! There's hesitation there," Maya grinned. "Don't be shy. I just wanna see how it looks." She pouted, "Please?"

After deliberating another moment, Inoue slowly nodded before turning and securing the fitting room door as Maya exclaimed in delight. Why was she getting so excited about it?

Reluctantly changing out of her favorite outfit, the girl pulled on the dress and struggled with the zipper and hooks on the front before feeling it constrict around her waist. She squeezed her eyes closed and hesitated before opening them and again blushing as she observed her reflection.

Her waist and hips were highly accentuated and her chest had become severely more prominent. The length barely reached mid-thigh. It was the most embarrassing thing she had ever worn! How could she even walk out and show it to Maya?

Lifting a hand to the fabric, she felt the sleek satin and observed the black lace that ran around the hem and along the sides. It was pretty, that was undeniable, and she couldn't help but envision the shade of Ulquiorra's eyes. The three bows that rested on the very front and sides of the dress were rather adorable also. It certainly made her feel…pretty. 'But I could never wear something like this.'

She lowered her gaze from the mirror and inhaled deeply before slowly turning and lifting her hand to the door. She supposed she had better get the embarrassment over with. Opening it slightly, she peered out shyly before furrowing her brows as she saw that Maya was no longer standing there. Where had she gone?! 'I didn't take too long, did I?'

Biting her lip, she slowly stepped out from the security of the fitting room and looked around the store. It was too dark though and she couldn't even see the clerk at the front. A bit anxious, Inoue timidly called for the girl before deciding that she had better change and more actively search for her. Maybe something had happened!

'My phone's still in my purse, maybe she tried calling.'

However, as soon as she had turned, a strong hand covered her mouth and her instantaneous scream was stifled. She only had a brief moment to ponder what was happening and to panic at the realization that her flower pins were still on her blouse before her consciousness faded and her vision went black.

…

'That's a little strange,' Ulquiorra considered after he had received neither an answer at Inoue's door or from her cell phone. 'Something isn't right.'

She hadn't been scheduled to work or attend school today and, if she had managed to overlook a prior obligation, she most certainly would've informed him. He felt a small semblance of anxiety and he tried his best to determine a possible explanation.

She had said she would be visiting the mall with Tatsuki. He needed to try and get into contact with the latter. Reaching Ichigo's residence, he lifted a hand and knocked thrice before it was opened by the boy himself.

"What's up, Espada?"

"I need you to call Arisawa-san."

Ichigo's brows furrowed. "Did somethin' happen?"

"I'm not sure. Inoue might be missing. She said she was with her though."

The Shinigami's entire disposition shifted in response to Ulquiorra's answer and he solemnly nodded before allowing the shorter man entrance and dialing Tatsuki's number. When she answered, he asked if she knew where Inoue was but her response caused his eyes to widen. He hung up a moment later after assuring her that nothing was wrong.

"What'd she say?"

Ichigo looked to the Espada gravely, "that she hasn't seen her all day. They never made any plans."

Ulquiorra's anxiety intensified and he clenched a fist tightly. Why had Inoue lied about her whereabouts? What was going on? He couldn't help but marvel at the irony of the situation. 'Is this how the Shinigami and the others felt when I abducted her before?' In this case, however, he didn't even know what had become of her.

"Uhm, are you two asking about Hime-chan?"

Both the Espada and Shinigami looked to Yuzu as she peered around the corner with widened eyes.

"Yeah, you know where she is?" Ichigo asked.

"Well," the girl replied. "I saw her at the mall earlier today with that model I like. The one that's on the cover of the Lolita Fashion edition."

The teen's russet eyes widened at that and he turned to Ulquiorra, "she's the one from the ice cream parlor."

And all at once, the Espada knew exactly what had happened. It also explained Inoue's behavior from earlier. An array of emotions entered his disposition then, all of which he recognized. Anger, worry and dread claimed the forefront as he looked to Ichigo, "let's go."

The Shinigami nodded and followed him outside before again lifting his phone to inform Ishida of the situation.

Ulquiorra frowned and wondered what the group had to gain from taking Inoue. Were they after information? He did not have even the slightest idea. However, they were foolish indeed for acting out against him and the others. His thoughts turned to the girl then and a portion of his anger was directed towards her. She had lied to him and disregarded his warning. Why would she do that? However, despite that, his anxiety for her safety overcame his frustration.

'That damn woman.'

A/N: Please leave a review! I always really appreciate it :P And for anyone curious to know what that green dress actually looks like, you can find the URL in the last section on my Author Page. Just scroll to the bottom of my profile.