Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ulquiorra awoke to an unknown white ceiling. Odd. He was certainly in the world of the living. The sunlight streaming in through the window attested to that. But how did he get here? The last thing he remembered was sleeping beside his tree.

A low noise to Ulquiorra’s left startled him from his thoughts. Instinctively, he discharged a bala toward it. He turned to watch it hit a mess of orange hair and dissipate completely.

“Ichigo Kurosaki?” he asked. The orange mass made another sharp sound; a snore, Ulquiorra realized. He frowned as the memories of their reunion returned to him. Ichigo had promised to take him to see Urahara. He kept his word, seeing as Ulquiorra had been healed fully.

That didn’t explain why Ichigo was fast asleep in the same room as him, like Ulquiorra posed no threat whatsoever.

“You would dare mock me?” Ulquiorrae muttered, as he recounted the shameful reason he’d ended up here. No wonder Ichigo wasn’t intimidated.

In a foolish moment rivaling even Ichigo’s stupidity, he’d challenged the other in his weakened state. But now the pain was gone, and a large part of his spiritual pressure had been restored. This could only have been accomplished by Orihime Inoue, he reasoned. How unusual that she would be willing to help him.

He sat up in the bed and looked down at the brightly colored fabrics he was dressed in. The garments fit loosely, so they probably belonged to Ichigo. They were far softer than his espada robes, which were folded at the foot of the bed. To his relief, Murcielago was laying in its sheath beside them. Why Urahara didn’t confiscate it was beyond his understanding.

When he turned back to the sleeping soul reaper, he noticed their hands twisted together at the edge of the bed. He tried to shake his hand free but that only made Ichigo’s grip tighter. Ulquiorra sighed in exasperation and turned to look at his other hand.

“I am not so weak that my bala should be ineffective against him, especially in his human form,” Ulquiorra mused aloud before aiming another blast from his free hand. He discharged it and watched a flash of blue cover Ichigo’s skin at the moment of impact.

“That is new,” he said, amused by the unusual development. It was unlike anything he’d seen from hollows or soul reapers.

“Knock it off, Kon,” Ichigo grumbled in his sleep.

“Kon? What…” he began to ask, only to be interrupted when a plush lion jumped on the desk.

“That wasn’t me you jerk! It’s your new best friend over here! He wakes up and starts shooting energy blasts but you’re still taking a nap!”

“Shut up Kon,” Ichigo growled.

“No! How about you wake up and be useful!” it yelled as it kicked Ichigo in the head. Ichigo released Ulquiorra’s hand and swatted the lion out of his face. It landed on the bed directly in front of the arrancar.

Ulquiorra picked ‘Kon’ up and looked at it curiously. “You are the mod soul that inhabits his body.”

“Now look at what you’ve done, Ichigo!” Kon screamed as it tried to wiggle free from Ulquiorra’s grasp. “He’s gonna eat me!”

“You may have more spirit energy than before, but you’re still likely to taste bad,” Ulquiorra scoffed.

“Hey! Just what the hell is that supposed to mean! I’m no chump, ya know! I’m so strong that I probably taste amazing!” Kon exclaimed.

“Are you really advocating for me to eat your soul?”

“Ahhh wake up Ichigo, now he’s gonna eat me for real!” Kon shouted, losing its bravado.

Kon’s pleas were interrupted when the door swung open to the room.

“Hey! Quit being so loud in here, Kon! The entire block can hear you!” A dark haired teen shouted as she carried a tray of food into the room. One of Ichigo’s younger sisters perhaps? No, she was too old for that. The teen stopped in her tracks when she noticed Ulquiorra.

“Oww! Why’d you stop in the doorway, Karin?” Another female voice asked from behind her.

“Oh sorry Yuzu,” she replied, moving into the room. ‘Yuzu’ walked in and set a plate of food on the desk beside Ichigo, and turned to face the bed. When their eyes met, her face lit up in an impossibly bright smile. What was she smiling about? Did this girl have any idea who she was smiling at?

“Good morning! We’re Ichigo’s sisters! I’m Yuzu and that’s Karin,” she said, gesturing toward the other girl.

“Yo,” Karin said with a wave. Unlike her sister, Karin was watching him carefully. At least this one had some sense of reason.

Ulquiorra turned back to Yuzu, who was smiling expectantly at him. He nodded and introduced himself.

“I am Ulquiorra Cifer.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Ulquiorra! We’re so glad you’re finally awake!” Yuzu said cheerfully. “I’m going to grab more food, I’ll be back in a minute! Karin, please wake Ichigo up for breakfast!”

“Fine” Karin mumbled as her sister left the room. She sighed and walked over to the desk, never quite taking her eyes off Ulquiorra. “Hey wake up Ichigo,” she said, shaking his shoulder roughly. 

Ichigo groaned, but gave no other sign of being awake. Karin shook him more violently until he finally swatted her away.

“Okay, okay I get it,” he mumbled into the desk.

Ichigo sat up slowly and rolled his neck, before turning toward the bed. His tired expression morphed into surprise the moment he realized Ulquiorra was awake. Good. Someone was finally taking him seriously. Before Ulquiorra could comment though, Ichigo’s expression melted into relief. What could he possibly have to be relieved about? Ulquiorra had only been awake for five minutes, but he already found himself in a puzzling situation.

“Oh hey, you’re awake,” Ichigo greeted, grinning sleepily at him. Puzzling indeed.

Chapter Text

“You sure about this Ulquiorra?" Ichigo asked. "You know you don’t have to do everything the man asks, right?”

“It’s fine. He’ll pay me for my time, and it gives me something to do. I thought you wanted me to try finding a purpose here.”

“I do, but this is Kisuke we’re talking about. He can be pushy at best, and gleefully sadistic at worst.”

Ulquiorra rolled his eyes at Ichigo. His concern was, of course unnecessary. Still, he understood why Ichigo was so wary of the crafty shopkeeper.

“Hey look! It’s that Ichigo punk.”

Ulquiorra looked up to see a trio of men pointing at Ichigo. It was hard to pinpoint their age due to the garishly colored sweat pants and tank tops they wore. Ichigo ignored them and kept walking.

“Who’s that albino with him?” another asked.

Ah. It had been some time since Ulquiorra had been called that, but he was used to it all the same. His pale skin always stood out among hollows, even when he was fully masked. As an arrancar, his jet black hair and green eyes made his paper-white skin even more obvious. The unfortunate few in Las Noches who dared to call him such were dealt with quickly. But this situation was different: Ichigo would not be pleased if he decided to kill the humans. Better to act like Ichigo and ignore them.

He turned back to Ichigo, only to see that he had disappeared. He heard the crunch of Ichigo’s foot connecting with someone’s face. Ulquiorra looked up to find Ichigo across the street, punching the two who remained standing. To his surprise, Ichigo dragged all three across the street by their shirt collars, and threw them at Ulquiorra’s feet.

“Apologize,” Ichigo said sternly.

“Huh?” One asked. Ichigo kicked him in the back.

“You heard me, apologize. I’m not letting you leave until you do.” Ichigo explained, in an unusually calm tone. He sounded calm, but his eyes were murderous. One look up at him and the trio admitted defeat.

“We…we’re sorry! I shouldn’t have called you that. Please forgive us!”

“Good. Now get the hell out of here,” Ichigo said, stepping back so they could run away.

Once they were gone, Ichigo shook out his hand and resumed his walk to toward the supermarket. Ulquiorra spared one more glance at the blood on the pavement, and then followed behind him.

What on earth was that all about? Ichigo couldn’t have possibly known he was insecure about his skin color. Right?

“So what kind of research does Kisuke have you doin’ anyway?” Ichigo asked, picking up with their conversation as if the confrontation never happened.

“Are we not going to talk about…”

“What’s to say? They were being jerks so I punched ‘em. That’s all there is to it,” Ichigo explained matter-of-factly.

“Are you going to punch everyone who insults me?” Ulquiorra questioned.

“I just might,” Ichigo teased, smirking as he reached back for Ulquiorra’s hand.

Ulquiorra sighed as Ichigo twined their fingers together. It was pointless to question him further when he got like this.

“He and Tessai are going to teach me kido. They believe I could use barriers and incantations similar to Hachigen.”

“Really? Sweet!”

Chapter Text

“Let me up,” Ulquiorra demanded.

The battery on his tablet was low, and he’d left the charger in the kitchen. Ichigo was laying in his lap while playing his game, preventing Ulquiorra from moving. When Ichigo didn’t answer, he shoved him aside and stood. Ichigo didn’t say anything, or even bother to look away from the television, but Ulquiorra could see that he was upset. His entire demeanor changed as he repositioned on the couch. Was he that disappointed to lose the physical contact?

“Don’t sulk,” Ulquiorra scolded, “I’ll be right back.”

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Ichigo’s forehead before turning toward the kitchen. Ichigo’s eyes followed him all the way there. Ulquiorra didn’t have to turn to know Ichigo was blushing furiously; as affectionate as he was, he became incredibly flustered when Ulquiorra returned that affection.

“Oh crap,” Ichigo muttered when he remembered the video game before him.

Ulquiorra rolled his eyes as he plugged his tablet into the charger. Ichigo, as always, was a mess of contradictions. He was so excited to play his new game that he hadn’t spared much thought for anything else. But the moment Ulquiorra walked away, he forgot about the game. It seemed that even when otherwise occupied, Ichigo still demanded his attention.

He returned to the room to find Ichigo sprawled out in his spot, extending his limbs to take up the entire couch. How characteristically melodramatic of him. Were all humans this needy?

“Sorry I took your spot,” Ichigo said, playing his game with a satisfied smirk.

“You don’t look sorry,” Ulquiorra observed. Ichigo obviously did this on purpose, another silly ploy to get his attention. Did he realize such antics were unnecessary?

“Come sit with me,” Ichigo said, taking a hand off his controller to pat the small section of couch he left open.

Ulquiorra sighed as he walked to the couch. It was easier to indulge him than to argue, not that there was anything to argue about in the first place. Ichigo paused his game and pulled Ulquiorra down to the couch with him. After a bit of adjusting, he settled in Ichigo’s lap, with his head resting against his chest. Ichigo left a quick kiss on the top of his mask before restarting the video game.

Ulquiorra didn’t understand Ichigo’s obsession with his mask remnant. He was always touching it, tracing the jagged edges with his fingertips and kissing the crown. Knowing Ichigo, he probably had some sickeningly sentimental interest in it. Really, it was Ulquiorra’s fault for allowing such meaningless frivolities in the first place. He just couldn’t bring himself to deny Ichigo’s affectionate gestures.

He sighed and relaxed further into Ichigo’s embrace. Centuries could be spent questioning the meaning of this simple gesture. Those were thoughts for later. For now, he closed his eyes and listened to the sound of Ichigo’s heart beating.

Such a fickle thing, this heart. Even if the organ in his chest wasn’t the source of human feeling, there was still something equally entrancing about the sound of it. The rest of the world began to fade away as Ichigo’s steady heartbeat lulled him into a daze. Ulquiorra was powerless to resist the sound.

When was the last time he felt so at ease? 

As his eyes closed, Ulquiorra felt himself sink into that all-encompassing void which robbed him of his senses. For the second time in his life, Ulquiorra was enveloped by the nothingness he sought. It was so easy to follow the sound of that heartbeat into a peaceful, silent void.

Silent?

Wait. The heartbeat. That wasn’t supposed to fade. Where did it go? Why was it missing now?

Ulquiorra clawed at the nothingness around him, reaching in vain for the sound of that heart.

No. Why was he worried?

This was complete nothingness, the only place happiness could be found. So why was he searching the nothing so desparately for that something?

“Breathe Ulquiorra,” Ichigo’s voice cut through the stillness. What was Ichigo doing here?

Ulquiorra opened his eyes to find himself not in the desert, but on a couch. That’s right, they were laying together in the family room. He was entranced by Ichigo’s heartbeat, but now…

Now he was gasping for breath, shaking in Ichigo’s arms.

“It’s alright,” Ichigo murmured, stroking Ulquiorra’s back in an attempt to soothe him. “You’re safe here, I’ve got you.”

As Ulquiorra’s senses returned, he realized that Ichigo was wrapped around him like a blanket. Their legs were tangled together, and one hand was slowly tracing the length of his spine. Ulquiorra was gripping Ichigo’s other wrist, squeezing hard enough that protective veins of his blut vene had formed around it. He withdrew his hand immediately, horrified that he had lost control of it. 

If Ichigo was bothered by the pain Ulquiorra undoubtedly caused, he didn’t show it. After shaking out his wrist, he rested his hand on top of his mask. Ulquiorra felt the warmth of it in his bones, anchoring him to a reality he struggled to accept.

They sat in silence as Ulquiorra slowly returned to himself. He expected Ichigo to ask about what happened, but the question never came. Instead he traced patterns into Ulquiorra’s back, keeping him close. It wasn’t until Ulquiorra stopped shaking that Ichigo returned to his game like nothing happened. Well, not exactly nothing. He was still wrapped around Ulquiorra, offering comfort without prying into the details.

Ulquiorra wanted to ask him why. Wanted to question the meaning of the comforting gestures, and point out the futility of caring for an empty creature like him. That line of questioning was pointless when Ichigo gave him the same answers every time. As he laid his head against Ichigo’s chest once again, such questions became less important. Empty or not, he liked the sound of Ichigo’s heartbeat.

In a world devoid of meaning, Ulquiorra had found something to keep for himself.

Chapter Text

“No…come back…no!” Ichigo shouted, searching desperately in the darkness. He couldn’t feel anything but his heart pounding in his chest, couldn’t hear anything over the sound of it. 

“Breathe, Ichigo,” Ulquiorra said from somewhere above him.

Ichigo gasped at the sound of that voice, and strained his neck toward it. He sat up a bit to find himself in Ulquiorra’s arms. They were in their bed, back in the real Karakura like nothing had happened. Ulquiorra was staring back at him, concern evident in the furrow of his brow. Ichigo reached for Ulquiorra’s face to make sure he was really there.

“I can see you,” Ichigo said, unbelieving.

“Of course you can, I’m right here.”

“But I couldn’t,” Ichigo’s voice cracked as the panic came rushing back. “I couldn’t find you. Couldn’t find anyone. Looked everywhere, but, I couldn’t see you…I couldn’t…”

“It was only a dream, Ichigo. I’m right here,” Ulquiorra said softly.

“I know, but I…nevermind,” Ichigo decided as he choked back his tears.

He knew Ulquiorra didn’t want to see him like this. Hell, he didn’t want to be like this. Better to go back to sleep and pretend it never happened. When he tried to roll over, Ulquiorra’s grip tightened instantly.

“Stop that,” Ulquiorra scolded. Ichigo flinched at his sharp tone. “I’m not going anywhere,” he continued, voice softening a bit. “You’re safe here, so don’t hide from me."

Those reassuring words eroded what little self-control Ichigo had left. He fell into Ulquiorra’s chest and sobbed. Ulquiorra traced circles into his back and scalp as Ichigo shook like a leaf caught in a storm of emotions.

Just a dream. It was only a dream, but the images kept replaying behind his eyelids. Everything felt so real. 

Ichigo didn’t know how long they sat, but he cried until there were no tears left. When was the last time he cried so hard? His body ached and his nose was running, but he felt better. Nightmares like these had become less frequent, but they still rattled him. The only thing worse than the dreams was the panic attack that followed when he woke. But this time he didn't wake up alone. Didn't have to bury his face in a pillow to keep himself from waking his sisters. Someone was here to hold him and reassure him. Not just someone but Ulquiorra, a being so removed from emotion that even laughter was a foreign concept. But here he was holding Ichigo like it was natural for him to do so.

“I’m sorry,” Ichigo said, breaking the silence that had fallen over them.

“What for?” Ulquiorra asked.

“For getting so worked up over a dream. I’m sorry you had to see me like that.”

“Stop that,” Ulquiorra scolded again.

“Huh?”

To Ichigo’s surprise, Ulquiorra grabbed his face, forcing him to make eye contact.

“This is not weakness, so stop acting like it is. To feel this way is human, especially after everything you’ve been through. I’m long past faulting you for that.”

Ichigo was speechless. As the words sank in, Ulquiorra reached up to wipe the tears from beneath Ichigo’s eyes, muttering "so emotional," beneath his breath. Ichigo knew his face was a mess, probably all red and puffy and snotty. So why was Ulquiorra looking at him so fondly?

Ichigo yawned and settled himself against Ulquiorra shoulder. To his surprise, Ulquiorra refrained from his token protests.

They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, listening to the crickets outside. Finally, Ichigo heard something other than the sound of his racing heart. Suddenly, he felt compelled to speak. Maybe it was because of the silence, or the fact that Ulquiorra was the first person to hold him like this since he was a child...

“I was back in that fake Karakura Town,” he started, “watching helplessly while Aizen slaughtered everyone. And then he grabbed you and I… I couldn’t take it. Before I knew it I was using the Final Getsuga and then I was powerless again. And then I couldn’t find you anywhere, couldn’t see you because I was powerless…”

Ichigo felt the panic welling up in his chest, keeping him from forming words.

“You have to breathe, Ichigo,” Ulquiorra reminded him, placing a hand on his chest. “You’re still human, after all,” he murmured as he pet Ichigo’s hair.

Ichigo focused on that sensation, matching his breathing to the slow movements of Ulquiorra’s hand. As his breaths slowed, Ichigo felt exhaustion set in. Just as his eyes began to droop, Ulquiorra spoke.

"Why are you so afraid of yourself? That must be the soul reapers’ fault. They convinced you to fear and suppress your power instead of embracing it. Collaring you until they needed that power, and then throwing you away the moment it was gone. And they had the audacity to restore that power just to use you again. Are you sure I can’t kill them?”

“What? Of course not,” Ichigo grumbled sleepily.

Threats of murder aside, it was nice to know that Ulquiorra was angry on his behalf. He’d expected him to be aloof and detached when he showed the slightest bit of weakness. Instead, he was understanding and kind. Maybe he was more familiar with these types of emotions given everything with Aizen and the other espada and…

“Fine then,” Ulquiorra relented as he pulled the cover back over them. “But I’m not as forgiving as you.”

Between the warm blanket and Ulquiorra’s hand in his hair, sleep overtook Ichigo quickly. He smiled when Ulquiorra’s arms tightened around him, drifting into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Text

Ulquiorra watched Ichigo drift to sleep until his breaths evened out.

It was only a nightmare that made Ichigo scream, waking him instantly. He thought they were under attack, at first. Finding no assailant, he feared Ichigo had somehow injured himself in his sleep. Perhaps those options were preferable to reality.

When Ichigo thrashed beside him, Ulquiorra understood the situation for what it was. Nightmares. It was only logical that someone who had seen war at such a young age would have them. He’d decided it was best to let the dream run its course, but then Ichigo cried out his name.

Ulquiorra scooped the redhead into his arms before thinking twice about it.

Ichigo awoke soon after, shaking like a leaf as he reoriented to reality. His breathing was shallow, his heartbeat erratic and expression wild, but that wasn’t what most concerned Ulquiorra. His eyes were wide and empty with a despair that Ulquiorra knew too well. Ichigo scanned the room desperately until Ulquiorra spoke. 

He expected to see some form of relief from Ichigo, but was met with confusion and panic. And then he was apologizing and explaining with a faraway look in his eyes. It wasn't until Ulquiorra forced him to remember his humanity that a flicker of his usual lover returned.

Lover?

Oh. Ichigo called him that often. The phrase had undoubtedly rubbed off on Ulquiorra, much like his other quirks. As he turned the word over in his head, Ulquiorra couldn’t find any reason to reject his usage of it. Before Ichigo turned his world upside down, Ulquiorra wouldn’t have considered him self capable of such a sentiment. Now though, he was unable to describe it as anything else.

He looked down at Ichigo as the morning sun illuminated his hair, warming Ulquiorra’s hand resting in it. Or perhaps that was Ichigo’s infectious warmth that he felt, spreading from his hand to his chest and then to the rest of him. Could this warmth be the love that Ichigo always professed for him?

“Mornin’ sunshine. What are you thinking so hard about?" Ichigo asked, sitting up and stretching. He hadn't slept for long, and grey lines were already forming beneath his eyes.

“You look exhausted," Ulquiorra answered. "Go back to sleep.”

“It’s nothing a little coffee can’t fix,” Ichigo insisted as he stood from the bed. He was clearly reluctant to sleep. That made sense, given the dreams that awaited him.

“As you wish. But that doesn’t give you a pass to fall asleep on me this afternoon.”

“What? No fair, it’s Saturday!" Ichigo whined. "Saturdays are for naps! It’s, like, the law.”

“I’m aware of no such law.”

“Besides,” Ichigo continued, ignoring him completely, “You’re so snuggly that it’s impossible not to fall asleep in your arms."

Once again Ichigo had stated an impossibility like it was fact. How could he, born from despair and trained only to kill, be snuggly? He was not meant for the affection that Ichigo gave him. Still, there was some truth to his statement; he was always relaxed in Ulquiorra’s arms, often dozing off. And then there was last night. In the midst of a nightmare he’d sought comfort from Ulquiorra. Clung to him like nothing else mattered and then had the audacity to apologize for doing so.

“Whatever,” he answered as he stood to follow Ichigo out of the room.

Ichigo stopped in the doorway and turned back to face him. Before Ulquiorra could ask why, Ichigo leaned in and kissed the top of his mask.

“Good morning, sunshine,” he murmured into Ulquiorra’s hair.

“You said that already.”

“I know. But I felt like saying it again,” Ichigo said as he moved to press their foreheads together, watching Ulquiorra with an impossibly fond expression.

Ulquiorra rolled his eyes and leaned in for a proper kiss.

“Good morning, Ichigo.”

Chapter Text

“About time you showed up Ichigo! I don’t like to be kept waiting.”

Ichigo froze as he stepped into the candy shop. Grimmjow was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He looked bored out of his mind.

“Grimmjow? What are you doing here?” Ichigo asked, like he didn’t already know. Nel had probably dragged him along, promising him the chance to spar with Ichigo.

“Who the hell cares?” Grimmjow asked as he stepped away from the wall. “I’m here. Lets fight.”

“Sorry, but I’ll have to take a rain check. Got exams coming up, and I’d prefer to be in one piece when I take them.”

“Oh? All that schoolwork is making you soft?” Grimmjow teased.

“You think so?” Ichigo drawled, trying his best not to get dragged into another fight. Last time they did this he was bruised and aching for a week.

“If I didn’t know better I’d say you were scared,” Grimmjow taunted, grinning when Ichigo stiffened. 

“You know what, I think my afternoon just freed up,” Ichigo said angrily.

“Yeah?”

Yeah. Let’s take this downstairs, I’ll kick your ass.” Ichigo said, walking toward the ladder. He cursed Grimmjow for knowing exactly how to rile him up.

“Will ya now?” Grimmjow asked as he followed.

“Yeah. I’ll make it quick so that I can get back to my studying.” He taunted, turning back to see Grimmjow’s face light up in anger at the taste of his own medicine.

“You little,” Grimmjow started, grabbing Ichigo by the collar.

“Downstairs,” Ichigo reminded. He didn’t want to get to piss Mr. Tessai off by destroying the shop.

Grimmjow rolled his eyes and released Ichigo’s collar.

“Sure, lead the…” Grimmjow trailed off.

His face broke into a wide grin as he turned toward the door. Before Ichigo could ask what he was grinning about, he disappeared.

Ichigo heard the air fizzle with a sonido and then Grimmjow was pinned to the wall by none other than Ulquiorra. Grimmjow, the madman, laughed maniacally as Ulquiorra squeezed his throat.

“Well now. I see you’re alive after all, Ulquiorra,” he taunted.

Although his expression was impassive, Ulquiorra’s anger was palpable. 

“What’s the matter” Grimmjow continued. “You looking to settle our fight? I’ll gladly pick up where we left off…”

Grimmjow, who seemed more deranged than Ichigo realized, was clearly pleased by this entire situation. Ichigo had worried what exactly would happen when the two inevitably met again. He figured there would be some confontation, but not quite like this.

Before Ichigo could decide what to do, a blur of green tackled Ulquiorra.

“Ulquiorra, you’re alive!” Nel shouted as she hugged him tightly. “I’m so happy!”

Lady Nelliel…” Ulquiorra gasped as he tried to loosen her grip.

Ichigo stifled a laugh at the ridiculous scene before him. He knew firsthand how deadly Nel’s hugs were.

“Tch. Give him a break Nel,” Grimmjow scoffed. “You’re gonna smother him before I get to fight him.”

“Can I ask you something?” Ichigo asked as he placed a plate in the dishwasher.

Nel and Grimmjow had long since returned to Hueco Mundo, but Ulquiorra was still uneasy. He’d gone about the evening like nothing was wrong, but Ichigo knew him better than that.

Ulquiorra studied him for a moment before handing over another plate. “Yes.”

“Do you have some kind of grudge against Grimmjow?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“Then what was all of that today? It seemed kinda out of character for you. Are you…are you jealous?”

“Ridiculous,” Ulquiorra answered dismissively.

“Is it though? You were so tense around both of them. You were glaring daggers anytime he so much as looked at me. And don’t think I didn’t notice the way you tensed up when Nel got all clingy.”

“I…hmm. Perhaps you are right.” Ulquiorra murmured. Ichigo was surpised to hear him admit it. He never conceded anything so easily.

“I’m not mad about it or anything. I just…” Ichigo trailed off, trying to figure out where he was going with this. To be honest, he was glad Ulquiorra cared enough to get jealous in the first place. But that wouldn’t be helpful to say. He didn’t want Ulquiorra to feel jealous or threatened in any way.

“What I’m trying to say is that you don’t need to be jealous. I don’t want to worry about losing me to someone else. Just because I argue with Grimmjow, doesn’t mean I’ll love you any less. And I do love you. You know that, right?”

“Of course I know that, idiot.” Ulquiorra rolled his eyes. “You tell me all the time.”

Ichigo smiled at the show of exasperation. At least his message was getting across. 

“And I’ll keep telling you until it sinks in,” he said, pulling Ulquiorra in for a quick kiss. “And after that too. What do I have to do to convince you? Tattoo it on my forehead?”

When Ulquiorra tilted his head in consideration, Ichigo paled. He wasn’t serious right? It was meant as a joke. But then Ulquiorra looked at him again with his ‘serious’ expression and…

“Tattoos would be nice. But I was thinking more along the lines of rings.”

Rings. Rings. Did he mean…

"Ulquiorra..."

Did Ulquiorra just propose to him?

“Ulquiorra…” Ichigo started again, grabbing his hands and lacing their fingers together. Ulquiorra frowned down at them, picking up on Ichigo’s concern.

“You do realize the significance of rings, right?” Ichigo asked carefully.

“Yes, of course I do,” Ulquiorra answered sharply, annoyed by Ichigo’s question. “Why else would I make such a suggestion?”

Ichigo couldn’t believe his ears. This was a proposal, a very Ulquiorra proposal. He wanted to…with rings…and…

“What is it? Do you dislike the idea?” Ulquiorra asked, voice softening a bit.

“Are you sure? This is a lot just because Grimmjow made you feel jealous.”

Ulquiorra scoffed at him. “Don’t give that imbecile such credit. I was considering it long before he showed up.”

Oh. That was a lot for Ichigo to process. He could count on one hand the amount of times Ulquiorra had admitted to loving him, but now he was suggesting rings like it was obvious. Then again, that was kind of how they did things, wasn’t it?

You haven’t answered my question,” Ulquiorra pointed out. He traced the frown lines on Ichigo’s face.

“Ulquiorra I love the idea,” Ichigo answered. “We need to talk about some things first, but my answer is yes,” he said with a smile. Ichigo could feel his lips curling into a wide, dopey grin but he didn't care. Honestly, he was still trying to wrap his head around Ulquiorra's sudden proposal.

 “Yes? Yes to what?” Ulquiorra asked as his face scrunched up in confusion.

“Yes to rings, yes to you," Ichigo explained.

“Idiot,” Ulquiorra muttered, unable to hide the smile on his face.

Chapter Text

Don’t forget, we won’t be home tonight! Good luck with dinner :)

Ichigo stared at the message from Yuzu, slowly processing the words. Was today already Friday? He was so busy with his final semester of school and working for Kisuke that the days all blurred together. Someting else was distracting him tonight, though.

In a spectacular feat of idiocy, Ichigo managed to spoil his evening off by picking a fight with Ulquiorra. Technically Ulquiorra started it, but that wasn’t the point. The point was that Ichigo got angry and yelled and then stormed away. What was he thinking, freaking out like that? He’d spent the better part of an hour trying to melt into the couch. He was ashamed at his behavior, but the thought of begging for forgiveness still bristled at his pride.

But it was dinner time on a Friday night and if Ichigo just got over himself they could at least enjoy a few hours together tonight.

He sighed as he stood from the couch. If the walk to the stairs felt long, the stairs themselves were endless. What was he going to say? Sure they often bickered about small things, but they’d never blown up at each other like this. As he reached their room, words escaped him.

He pushed the door open to find Ulquiorra standing in the middle of the room, staring up at the moon. Ichigo was taken aback by the ethereal scene. Ulquiorra was beautiful, pale skin glowing in the moonlight. That wouldn't make the next part any easier, though. Ichigo swallowed the lump in his throat and spoke.

“So the girls are gone tonight. I was thinking we could order takeout,” Ichigo started with a neutral topic.

Ulquiorra didn’t answer him, or otherwise acknowledge his presence. That was odd. He figured Ulquiorra would have something to say. Maybe pick up their argument from before, or list all the reason why Ichigo was an idiot. Come to think of it, Ulquiorra was standing in the same spot he was in before Ichigo stormed out of the room. Judding by Ulquiorra’s rigid posture, he probably didn’t move at all. 

“You know, we should talk first,” he decided as he walked into the room. Ulquiorra flinched when Ichigo reached for his hand. That was worrisome. He had never flinched away before.

Ichigo sat down on their bed and tugged gently at Ulquiorra’s hand. Thankfully Ulquiorra got the message and sat beside him. Ichigo took his other hand and tried to decide how to start. Honestly, he’d expected Ulquiorra to take the lead here.

“About earlier…I don’t know exactly what I want to say, but please listen okay?”

Ulquiorra was still staring at the moon, but he nodded his head. That was an acknowledgement, at least. Ichigo took a deep breath and started with an apology.

“I’m sorry that I yelled. I was just caught off guard by your suggestion, and I felt attacked. Now that I’ve had some time to think, it makes sense. I’ve got a lot more on my plate this semester so maybe I should cut back on work at Kisuke’s. I know that’s why you suggested it.

“But at the time, I felt like you were saying that I’m not capable of providing for us.  I know you didn’t mean it that way, but that’s all I heard. And that’s a pretty sore topic for me. I feel the pressure of being the protector and provider for the family, that extends to you. Still, I shouldn’t have yelled or stormed out on you, and for that I’m sorry.”

Ichigo sighed in relief. Admitting those things aloud was hard, even if Ulquiorra already knew all of it. Still, he felt better having said them. Now it was up to Ulquiorra to keep things going. He stared down at their hands, waiting to hear a response.

“You still wish to care for me?” Ulquiorra asked quietly.

His tone was unsteady, like he doubted the answer. Ichigo felt like he was missing something important. Ulquiorra didn't ask the obvious, let alone doubt it.

"I know you’re capable of taking care of yourself, but I still want to help. Sometimes I forget that you might feel the same way about me. The implication that I couldn’t at least help take care of you really hurt my pride.

“That’s not what I…”

“I know that’s not what you meant," Ichigo interrupted. "But I wanted you to know that I can take care of you. And I will.”

“I thought perhaps you no longer wanted me,” Ulquiorra admitted.

Oh. Oh no. So he thought…

“Of course I do, Ulquiorra,” Ichigo reassured as he pulled him close.

For all his brooding, the possibility of splitting up never once crossed Ichigo’s mind. Of course Ulquiorra had considered it. Most of his life was spent in service to a madman who only valued results. Those who were no longer useful were tossed aside. And Ichigo, in his anger, had forgotten all about that. He yelled about how he didn’t need Ulquiorra’s concern without realizing how he would interpret those words.

“Of course I still want you. I love you, Ulquiorra. I’m just a loud, angry idiot about it.”

“That is a relief,” Ulquiorra whispered, resting his head against Ichigo’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” Ichigo whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of Ulquiorra’s mask. It was frightening to think that one angry outburst affected his steely lover so deeply. When Ulquiorra finally relaxed in his arms, Ichigo pulled him closer still. He may as well have said he didn’t need Ulquiorra. That Ulquiorra was no longer of use to him. It’s what he seemed to hear anyway. Ichigo realized that both of them had grossly misinterpreted the argument tonight. No wonder Ulquiorra fought him so hard about it.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated, kissing his forehead this time. Ulquiorra’s emotions were always more complex that what he showed, even to Ichigo.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured into Ulquiorra’s hair. “It’ll take more than an argument to get rid of me. I’ll want you as long as I breathe, and probably even after that. I love you, Ulquiorra.”

For the first time since their argument, Ulquiorra looked at him. His eyes were tired, but they still held a softness he reserved for Ichigo. After his screw up tonight, Ichigo didn’t deserve that softness.

“So emotional,” Ulquiorra chastised, reaching to wipe a tear from Ichigo’s face. When did he start crying?

“I…I’m sorry,” Ichigo repeated, unable to come up with anything else.

“Yes, I know,” Ulquiorra answered as he stroked Ichigo’s cheek. “So am I.”

“I love you.” 

“I know that too. I love you as well.”

Chapter Text

Ichigo rolled his shoulders as he stepped out of the car. It was nice of his boss to drive him home from the train station, but he was hoping to flash step home. He had neither the time nor reason to take on his soul reaper form this weekend. A week-long work conference of small talk and baked goods left him yearning to feel the wind in his hair.

He smiled as his boss pulled out of the driveway, waving when he turned down the street. Now that the conference was over Ichigo had other matters to attend to. Namely Ulquiorra, whose spiritual pressure seethed with barely contained irritation. He must be exhausted if that much emotion was seeping through. Or maybe Ichigo had gotten better at reading it. He hoped for the latter as he stifled a yawn of his own and picked up his suitcase. Thankfully he had the day off tomorrow. He’d put it to good use by showering Ulquiorra with attention. After all, he had a whole week to make up for.

When he stepped into the house, he heard the TV from the family room. Weird. He kciked off his shoes and dropped his bag at the floor before rounding the corner. Ulquiorra was sitting on the couch with Karin and Yuzu both sleeping against him. Even Kon sleeping under Yuzu’s arm. He looked mildly annoyed with the entire predicament. Ichigo couldn’t help but laugh as he walked toward the couch.

“Sailor Moon, huh?” he asked, biting back a laugh at Ulquiorra’s harsh glare.

“They wanted to be awake when you returned,” he replied irritably. That sentiment was rather hypocritical given that he was doing the same. Still, Ichigo was glad that he waited up. A week apart made him realize just how accustomed he’d become to Ulquiorra’s presence.

“Hmmm,” Ichigo answered as he leaned in to kiss the top of Ulquiorra’s mask. “I thought Karin was hanging out with Toshiro,” he said, moving to kiss him on the lips before he could reply.

“He cancelled. She was rather upset, so Yuzu allowed her to choose the television program,” Ulquiorra answered, barely able to finish his sentence before Ichigo kissed him again.

“Sounds like I’ll have to kick his ass,” Ichigo murmured against his lips.

“If Yuzu doesn’t get to him first.”

“Really? Guess I’ll let her handle it then,” Ichigo decide as he withdrew. He chuckled and ruffled Yuzu’s hair. “Let’s get them to bed,” he said as he scooped Yuzu into his arms.

When Ulquiorra stood with Karin, Ichigo noticed she was wearing one of Ulquiorra’s shirts. He smiled to himself as they walked to the stairs. What exactly did that mean? Not only did Karin go to Ulquiorra for comfort, but he didn’t turn her away. Knowing Karin, she probably snatched the shirt from the laundry instead of asking. Still, Ulquiorra allowed her to wear it and spent the evening snuggling on the couch with her. With both of them.

“What?” Ulquiorra asked. He’d caught Ichigo staring, of course.

“Nothin’,” he answered, unable to hide the dopey grin. Ulquiorra chose not to comment. Probably for the best, since Ichigo was liable to say something stupid and sappy.

“I’m surprised they wanted to stay up so late,” Ichigo said instead as they climbed the stairs. “Don’t they have morning classes tomorrow?”

“I tried to persuade them to go to bed, but they insisted. Your father was no help.”

“I’m sure he wasn’t. At least he went to bed,” Ichigo muttered. It was far too late for his dad’s antics. A sharp snore startled him. It didn’t sound like either of his sisters. Maybe it was a fluke? But it continued when they reached the top of the stairs.

“Who’s snoring?” he finally asked when they reached the girls’ bedroom.

“Kon. Though I don’t understand how,” Ulquiorra answered from in front of him.

“Oh,” he said, looking down at the mod soul that Yuzu was clutching tightly. How indeed?

Ichigo laid Yuzu in her bed and pulled the cover over her. When he tried to extract the snoring plushie, Yuzu mumbled and rolled over. Sighing, he gave up on Kon and turned to leave the room. He caught Ulquiorra brushing the bangs out of Karin’s face before pulling the blanket over her. Ichigo smiled again as he walked out of the room. He couldn’t help smiling so much when he saw how well Ulquiorra and his sisters got along. It was good to be home.

When Ulquiorra closed the door behind them, Ichigo grinned mischievously and swept him off his feet.

“What are you,” Ulquiorra began to ask, cut off by a kiss. To Ichigo’s delight, Ulquiorra’s hands found their way into his hair. It took every bit of Ichigo’s composure not to hold him against the wall and kiss him senseless. 

“I missed you, that’s all,” Ichigo explained when they broke the kiss. He pushed the door to their room open with his foot, eager to reach the bed. He smiled when he noticed the vase of sunflowers sitting on the night stand.

Ulquoirra hummed in agreement and draped his arms around Ichigo’s neck.

“How was your trip?” he asked as Ichigo laid him on the bed.

“I’ll tell you about it tomorrow,” Ichigo answered as he settled on top of him, leaning in for another kiss.

They’d only been apart for three days, but the separation made Ichigo feel like a horny teenager again. As his kisses strayed from Ulquiorra’s mouth down his jawline and toward his collarbone, Ichigo recognized the shirt that Ulquiorra wore.

“This is my shirt,” he murmured. “You’re wearing my shirt,” he repeated, looking up at Ulquiorra’s face. There was a faint blush on his cheeks, though Ichigo didn’t know if it was from the kisses or from being caught wearing his clothing.

“Yes,” Ulquirora confirmed. His voice was airy and distant. Ichigo knew that meant he was enjoying the attention too much to formulate a snappy response.

“I suppose,” he continued, “that I missed you as well.”

“My professor said it was the best electrolysis presentation she’d ever seen!” Yuzu babbled happily as Ichigo set out the food. He’d prepared a late after-class lunch for the girls since he was off work today. It wasn’t anything fancy, but Yuzu was overjoyed.

“Really? That’s awesome Yuzu,” Ichigo answered as he returned to the kitchen. There he found Ulquiorra, freshly showered, grabbing a pitcher of water from the fridge. Ichigo stepped up behind him and kissed his mask, smirking at the gasp he elicited when he placed his hand on Ulquiorra’s hip.

“Good morning sunshine,” Ichigo whispered into his hair. It was still damp from his shower and smelled like mint. He missed little moments like this while he was away.

“It’s well into the afternoon, idiot.”

“Really? It’s not like you to sleep so late,” Ichigo teased. He knew exactly why they were slow to rise this morning. Even had the marks beneath his shirt to prove it.

“That is your fault,” Ulquiorra hissed.

“Suit yourself,” Ichigo said with a shrug as he stepped away. He grabbed a bowl of fruit from the refrigerator and returned to the table.

Lunch was an easy affair. The twins talked about their classes today and caught Ichigo up on a week of Karakura gossip. Ulquiorra was silent for the most part, occasionally adding to a story when Yuzu prompted him. Ichigo told them about his trip and passed souvenirs to each of them. Even his dad’s welcome home kick wasn’t enough to spoil his day. Ichigo countered him easily and dropped a souvenir bag on his head before joining Ulquiorra on the couch. 

Unsurprisingly, Ulquiorra was examining the book Ichigo bought at the conference for him. He was staring at the thing like it had offended him. That face was reserved for ‘irrational actions driven by emotions’ and most of the time Ichigo was the one in question. Thinking back, Ulquiorra had a similar reaction the very first book that Ichigo bought him. They’d come so far together since then.

“Why do you insist on such gifts?” Ulquiorra asked, interrupting his thoughts.

“You always ask me that,” Ichigo said. “I’m always gonna give you the same answer.”

“True, but this is different. This is not a holiday that dictates gift giving.”

“Okay, fair point,” he conceded. “It’s a way to let you know that I was thinking about you while I was gone.”

“That is why you sent the flowers?” Ulquiorra asked.

“Yeah.”

“And the reason for this book?”

“Yes. It’s that simple.”

“Human gifting customs are anything but simple,” Ulquiorra replied with a sour expression.

“Why do you always give me such a hard time about this?” Ichigo asked. He didn’t mind, really. Especially since Ulquiorra always read the books he bought him and usually wanted to discuss them afterward. That was half the reason Ichigo bought him books in the first place. The other half was, of course, cute the way he put up such a fuss over the gift just to enjoy it later. Like he was doing right now.

“Why do you continue buying me gifts if I do?” Ulquiorra wondered.

“Because I want to remind you that I care.” 

“I know that you care. I much prefer your company to these trinkets,” Ulquiorra said with a tone of finality. He put the book down on the couch beside him to emphasize that point. “If you wish to remind me then perhaps you should try a more…direct approach,” he continued as he slid into Ichigo’s lap.

Ichigo laughed and looped an arm around him.

“Oh? That’s what this whole argument is about? If you wanted my attention all you had to do was ask.”

Chapter Text

“How nice of you to get here so quickly, Mr. Kurosaki,” Kisuke greeted.

“Where is he?” Ichigo demanded as he stepped into the shop. Before Kisuke answered, he heard an ominous rumble from below. 

“Down in the training grounds, but…”

Ichigo didn’t wait to hear the rest, pushing through to get to the ladder. Kisuke’s cryptic text message was enough to make him worry, and the disturbed edge to Ulquiorra’s spiritual pressure wasn’t helping. He’d get the details after checking on Ulquiorra, preferably from Ulquiorra himself.

“Wait,” Kisuke said sternly as he reappeared in front of him.

“Let me go damnit!”

“He’s not himself Ichigo. You can’t just rush down there.”

“Why the hell not? What’s wrong with him?”

“We were corralling a special hollow into the shop to try and get some test samples from it before killing it. We got it downstairs and took the samples, but when Mr. Cifer struck its mask, he was exposed to the toxin.”

“Toxin? What toxin? Is he…” Ichigo asked angrily. He started to push past Kisuke again, but the shopkeeper wouldn’t let him pass.

“Calm down Ichigo. He’s not injured. This hollow had venomous pincers that caused souls to revert to a toddler-like state for awhile. Probably made them taste better. Apparently it’s saliva contained the same toxin, and it spat on Mr Cifer when he got close. I had assumed the effect would end once the hollow disappeared but…” as Kisuke trailed off, an explosion from below rocked the shop. What the hell was going on down there?

“So…so he’s still a toddler?” Ichigo asked, running a hand through his hair. The thought of a Nel-sized Ulquiorra made his brain hurt.

“Not just any toddler,” Kisuke corrected, “a very confused, very powerful toddler. When I approached him, he tried to cero my head off.”

“Shit. He’s the one making the racket downstairs?”

“Yes. Tessai has been trying to trap him with a kido barrier, but the little guy’s holed up in one of the hollow rocks. He keeps attacking every time he hears a sound. Tessai’s been on the defensive for the past hour. We’re hoping you might be able to get through to him. Maybe calm him down perhaps?” Kisuke asked, hiding behind his fan once more.

“Right. I was gonna do that anyway. Now let me go already,” Ichigo grumbled, growing more concerned by the minute. 

Kisuke nodded and stepped aside. Ichigo took a deep breath, and jumped down to the training ground. He nodded at Tessai as he lifted Zangetsu’s longsword to deflect the black cero advancing toward him.

“That’s much weaker than it should be,” Ichigo noted as he sheathed Zangetsu. Hopefully leaving them sheathed would make him seem less intimidating. Still, he wasn't so foolish as to walk into this situation unarmed. Ulquiorra had never needed his full strength to kick Ichigo's ass.

He caught the next blast in his hand as he walked toward the source. He watched closely for the third blast, and discovered a small trench leading to the rock.

“There’s the entrance. Or maybe those are from the ceros. Either way I should be able to squeeze in,” he muttered to himself. To his surprise, the ceros had stopped. He discovered the reason when a pale green javelin whizzed past his ear.

“Here goes nothin’,” Ichigo sighed as he dropped to the ground.

Unsurprisingly, he felt the tell-tale crackling in the air of a cero being charged. He wouldn’t be able dodge this one as he wormed his way through the opening. That weak cero would still hurt from point blank range, even if his blut vene negated the damage. When he heard the cero discharge, he closed his eyes.

“Crap that stings,” Ichigo muttered as he opened his eyes to survey the damage. Fortunately the blue lines of his blut protected him from any actual damage. He grimaced and slipped into the artifical cave. It was too low for him to sit up properly, much less stand. Instead, he stared across the cave at the tiny arrancar.

Ulquiorra was cloaked in a faint green glow from the miniature Lanza de Luna in his hand. He was in his released state, and looked himself aside from his diminished size. But he was definitely not himself. Something was wrong, aside from his spiritual pressure. His entire demeanor was wrong. Ulquiorra's crafted composure had been replaced by the fear characteristic of a cornered animal. That alone was unnerving. Even in the face of death Ulquiorra had remained composed.

“Found you,” Ichigo said quietly, trying for a neutral tone. “How are you still in your released form? That must be exhausting.”

The miniature Ulquiorra didn’t react at all. He just stared at Ichigo with wide eyes. Well, might as well try something else then. Ichigo leaned toward him, only to be hit with a bala. Damn, he was still quick. He was shocked when Ulquiorra hissed at him, flapping his little wings in an attempt to be intimidating. It was cute and Ichigo couldn’t help but chuckle.

He exhaled sharply when he was hit with another cero.

“Would you please stop doing that?” he groaned as he leaned against the cave wall. He had to slouch in order to fit, but hopefully that made him less intimidating. Ulquiorra eyed him warily and charged another cero with his fingertip.

“C'mon, don't you recognize me?" Ichigo asked. Despite the ridiculous situation Kisuke had gotten them into, it stung to think that Ulquiorra had forgotten him. He tried to push those feelings down and focus on the situation at hand.

"I’m not going to hurt you,” Ichigo said slowly, lifting his hands into the air to prove his point. The movement startled Ulquiorra, who discharged the cero. Ichigo crushed it in his palm this time, tired of taking the hits. Ulquiorra used the distraction to sonido to Ichigo’s other side and stab him with the lance. Then he fired a barage of close-range bala before Ichigo could react. The attack seemed to wear him out, though, and he leaned into the lance as his breathing got heavier.

Ichigo grabbed the lance where it was wedged into his chest and snapped it. Ulquiorra flinched when it broke, and fell backwards. Ichigo winced when he hit the floor. That hadn’t been his intention.

“Are you okay?” he asked, reaching out with an upturned palm.

Ulquiorra stumbled back and flapped his wings angrily. Ichigo didn’t flinch away from his glare, even when he bared his teeth and hissed. Instead, he lowered his hand to the ground. Ulquiorra tilted his head curiously as he studied the hand. Finally, a familiar expression. He approached slowly, eyes flickering from the hand back up to Ichigo. He reached for the ring finger, examining Ichigo's tattoo. Did he recognize it?

To Ichigo’s surprise, Ulquiorra lifted his own left hand and examined the matching tattoo there. Ah, that was a good sign. Then Ulquiorra placed his hand over Ichigo’s, taking care to match their tattoos together. Ichigo willed himself to keep still as he did. Startling him now risked running the little progress they'd made.

When Ulquiorra finally looked up from their hands, Ichigo saw tears falling from those big green eyes. He heard the sound of a sonido and then Ulquiorra was on top of him, burying his face in Ichigo’s chest. He clutched the fabric so tight, Ichigo feared he’d tear it. Rather than dwell on that, Ichigo wrapped his arms around the shaking child.

Ulquiorra had told him a little about his masked days. He was always alone with only his sense of sight. When Aizen removed his mask, he spent years adjusting to new sensations of touch, sound, taste, and smell. Even now he was sensitive to loud noises and sharp tastes. Ichigo realized he must be overstimulated now as well. Everything was too loud and too bright without his usual sense of reason to balance all that sensory input. When he felt tears soaking through his robe, he bent to kiss the top of Ulquiorra’s mask.

“Shhh it's alright, love, Ichigo whispered. "You’re safe Ulquiorra. I’m right here.”

Chapter Text

Ulquiorra knew it would be one of those days when the rain began to fall. True to form, Ichigo walked through the door with a blank expression, kissed him on the forehead, and walked up to their room.

It was no secret that Ichigo disliked the rain. He usually plastered on a fake smile and trudged through the day, but it was obvious how out of sorts the rain made him. When it came to downpours like today, Ichigo didn’t bother pretending to be happy. Usually he laid on the bed and stared out the window with the blankest expression Ulquiorra had ever seen on his face.

Ulquiorra didn’t understand the association between the rain and Ichigo’s mood. For some reason, he could tell this was one thing Ichigo didn’t want to talk about. So Ulquiorra didn’t ask. Instead he sat on the bed beside Ichigo and read, sometimes stroking his back or hair. Ichigo could be moody and distant all he wanted, but Ulquiorra had no intention of leaving him alone with those feelings.

He sighed as he grabbed a book and walked up the stairs. It was time to take care of his emotional human. When he stepped into their bedroom, he realized immediately that something was different tonight.

For starters, Ichigo stood at the window rather than laying on the bed. He didn’t move when Ulquiorra opened the door, likely expecting him. to be here. He placed the book on the nightstand and walked over to join him. When Ulquiorra reached the window, Ichigo wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close. He rested his head on Ulquiorra’s shoulder but didn’t say a word. Whatever could this mean? This had never happened before.

“I’ve never actually told you why I hate the rain, have I?” Ichigo asked aloud.

Ulquiorra was surprised to hear his voice. This never happened either. “No,” he answered.

“It was raining like this the day my mom died. Rain didn’t really have anything to do with her death, but it still reminds me of that day. It always makes me feel powerless. Over the years it’s come to remind me of a lot more than just that day. About how I couldn’t save someone, or how I gotten myself all screwed up again. Hell, even in my inner world rain symbolizes my feelings of despair and powerlessness.”

Finally Ulquiorra understood. As utterly irrational as the association it was, it made sense to Ulquiorra. Finally he had names for the feelings he couldn’t see behind Ichigo’s empty eyes on previous rainy nights. Despair and powerlessness were not unlike the emptiness that once defined Ulquiorra’s existence. Ichigo had always insisted they were more similar than Ulquiorra allowed himself to believe. He had no idea this was what he'd meant.

“All this probably doesn’t make sense coming from me, huh? I mean in reality I’ve got a mountain of spirit energy and a family and…”

“Stop that. Of course what you’re saying makes sense. No matter how much power and stability you achieve, you still feel useless. Feeling like nothing you do is meaningful? I understand that better than most of the things you say. I believe at one point I tried to beat those concepts into you. Of course I understand them.”

“You do?” Ichigo asked. Ulquiorra heard a hint of hope at the end of the question. He felt compelled to kindle that hope.

“I was born in a pit, surrounded by specters bent on devouring me. Instead, I devoured them. When I finally climbed out of that pit, I had only my sense of sight. I couldn’t hear or taste or even feel hunger. What was the point of climbing out when I could not experience the world around me? All my power was meaningless without that. I may not have the rain to remind me of that despair, but I have not forgotten it.”

Ichigo hummed thoughtfully beside him as the rain grew louder. Ulquiorra watched it intently for the first time. Something that held such meaning for Ichigo was worth his attention. Ichigo lifted his head to kiss the top of Ulquiorra’s mask before speaking.

“You’re too good to me Ulquiorra. How did I ever get so lucky?”

Impossible. How did he manage to deduce such a contradictory statement from what he’d said? No matter. Ulquiorra had long since given up questioning the impossible things Ichigo said, choosing instead to file them away in his heart.

“Luck has nothing to do with it,” he answered. “As I recall, you’re the one who insisted on dragging me here to restore me.”

“Only because you sought me out in the first place,” Ichigo answered.

Annoyingly, he was right. He knew he was right, based on that smug tone of his.

“Sounds like were both to blame for this,” Ichigo mused aloud. “That’s good. I never liked leaving things up to luck anyway,” he said with a smile. An actual, genuine smile. Ulquiorra had never seen him smile like that when it rained. He didn’t resist the temptation to trace the upward curve of Ichigo’s lips.

An unusal day indeed.