Author's Note: This takes place shortly after Orihime was taken to Hueco Mundo.

For those unfamiliar with Japanese honorifics (if you watch only the dub), I offer a very brief explanation of those that I use:

"-sama" means "Lord" or "Master" (so "Aizen-sama" means "Lord Aizen").

"-san" means Mr, Mrs, or Miss, as the case may be (so "Inoue-san" means "Miss Inoue"), or it may be used to show general respect (so "Ulquiorra-san" is more formal than simply "Ulquiorra").

"-kun" and "-chan" (male & female respectively) refer to a friend or a dear one (so "Kurosaki-kun" would be like "friend Kurosaki" and "Tatsuki-chan" would be "my dear Tatsuki" or something similar).

Please note that this is NOT meant to be a lesson in Japanese, and I know that there are far more meanings and connotations in the original language; I'm giving only a brief explanation of them as they appear in this story.

Three other Japanese things that I intend to keep are the "-taichou" suffix, which means "Captain" (so "Gin-taichou" means "Captain Gin"), the Japanese word "Onna" (for "Woman") for when Ulquiorra speaks to Orihime, and the placement of the surname (that is, I'll write "Inoue Orihime" for Orihime's full name; in Japanese, they would put the "family name" first and the "first name" last). These three items I'll use infrequently, if ever. They don't appear in the first chapter, but they may appear later.

Please enjoy!

Chapter 1: Feelings

"I'm coming in."

Orihime barely glanced back. She knew that it was time to eat, and that that was the only reason that he was coming. The loneliness; the emptiness here; it all threatened to consume her. She was surrounded by Hollows now, but somehow the hollowness that emanated from her warden seemed more profound than that of any of the others. Why couldn't he be more . . . more . . . human?

As expected, Ulquiorra entered the room followed by a Fraccion with a meal cart. The latter set the tray, cup, and utensils on her little table and left. Ulquiorra turned his deep green eyes – the only part of him that seemed to have any life – to look at her.

"Eat," he said simply.

Without a word, Orihime moved to the little table, her own brown eyes clouded and downcast. She lifted the spoon, not wanting to eat. She wanted to be alone. But she didn't want to be alone. Tears began to form in her eyes as she realized that she desperately, desperately wanted to be with . . . another person. As she scooped a bit of rice (or whatever this was that looked and tasted like rice) onto her spoon, she paused.

Looking up again, Orihime took a breath and extended the spoon toward the Hollow standing there. Ulquiorra looked back at her with no change of expression. For a moment, they stood thus in silence.

"This food is for your nourishment," said Ulquiorra at last. "Eat."

Orihime licked her lips. "You first," she said, trying to keep her voice calm. "Just one bite."

The other still did not move. "I do not understand," he responded. "If you are concerned that it is poisoned, then you are a fool. I have told you that Aizen-Sama wishes you alive. There is nothing wrong with the food."

"It's . . . it's not that," began Orihime. She lowered her eyes.

"Then eat," ordered Ulquiorra.

Orihime lowered the spoon and her own gaze as well.

"Do you detest the food so strongly that you would lessen your portion in any way that you can?"

"No." Orihime shook her head. "I just . . . I'm so lonely."

"What has food to do with loneliness?"

Orihime wondered whether she should even try to explain her feelings. She strongly doubted that this cold being could begin to understand. Still, she wanted to talk to someone. Why shouldn't she at least try?

"My friends and I used to eat lunch together every day," she murmured, trying to hold back her tears at the memory. "I guess I thought that if you ate with me, even just one bite, I wouldn't feel as alone."

"If you wish companionship, Aizen-Sama will send Loly and Menoly to be with you."

"No," Orihime shook her head. "They don't like me. And they're not human anyway."

"Nor am I."

Orihime said nothing. What was there to say? He was right; he wasn't human. No one in this place was human. Aizen, Gin, and Tosen were Shinigami, so they were a bit closer than were the Hollows, but they still weren't human. Orihime was alone. All alone.

"Why do you seek the companionship of humans?" asked Ulquiorra, seeing that she didn't speak. "You are one of us now, just as Aizen-Sama and his compatriots. They may be Shinigami, but they and we are now comrades-in-arms. You belong with us also. If you wish companionship, then ask to see Loly and Menoly. Or, if you prefer, I will request that Gin or Tosen visit you."

"I just want to be with someone like me!" exclaimed Orihime, frustrated at not being understood. "If you were living with the Shinigami, even if it was by your own choice, wouldn't you want to see another Hollow?"

"No," replied Ulquiorra calmly. "I have no need of companionship of any kind, therefore I do not understand your desire. Your emotions are foreign to me."

Orihime nodded sadly. "I know," she murmured. "I wish . . . ." Her voice trailed off into a whisper. "I wish I had someone who could understand."

Again, they stood in silence. Orihime's eyes remained on the floor as she struggled with her emotions. After a short time, Ulquiorra took three calm, measured steps forward, until he was standing just in front of her little table. Without a word, he extended his left hand and took her right hand – still holding the spoonful of rice. Using only the tips of his pure white fingers, he lifted her hand.

Orihime's eyes widened in shock as he raised her hand toward his mouth. His touch was gentle – not what she would have imagined – but his skin was as cold as a stone statue. It was less like being touched by a hand and more like being touched by a ghost.

Ulquiorra didn't look at her. He merely lifted her hand, lent slightly forward, and closed his black lips over the bowl of the spoon. Orihime felt a cold shiver pass through her. Without even chewing, he swallowed the bite and lowered her hand again. He then lifted his expressionless eyes to meet hers.

"Do I seem more human to you now?" he asked tonelessly.

Orihime swallowed. He had replaced his hand in his pocket, but she could still feel his cold touch. She bit her lip.

"No," she breathed at last. "No, you don't."

"Then there is no reason for me or for anyone else to share your food. Eat." With that, he turned and walked out of the room.

Orihime felt tears forming in her eyes again. Why was he so cold? Even his touch was cold. She rubbed her hand where his had touched hers. It had felt so cold. As she remembered it, she felt again the touch of his fingers, the touch of flesh. He wasn't a stone, though he might be as cold as one. There was a little softness there. His touch had, at least, been gentle. That wasn't something she would have expected. As her mind wandered over it, she began to wonder why he had humored her request, seeing that he believed it to be foolish. Did he suppose that perhaps it wasn't foolish? Was he willing to test it, as she had asked? Or was he simply trying to show her that she was being foolish; that he would never seem to be "human"?

Orihime took a breath to steady herself and turned to her meal. She knew that she had to eat it, even if she didn't want it. As she again lifted the spoon, however, she paused. Looking at it, she saw again clearly as his own lips had closed softly over it. The thought of now pressing it to her lips likewise was too much. She blushed and dropped the spoon unintentionally as another shudder passed through her. Biting her lip, she picked up the fork instead.

Ulquiorra entered the great throne room and bowed. "You sent for me, Aizen-Sama."

"Ulquiorra," smiled Aizen, gazing down from his high throne with a pleased expression. "I wanted to ask about our little prize. How is she?"

"She maintains her health," replied Ulquiorra. "I see to that. She swears fealty to you likewise, Aizen-Sama. I am content with her condition."

"Is she happy?"

The question was simple enough, but it gave Ulquiorra pause. Happiness was not a concept which he fully understood himself, though he had a general idea of its nature. To be able definitively to identify it was beyond his capability. However, when he thought of the woman's face from a short time ago: tears in her eyes and a catch in her voice, he felt comfortable answering as he did.

"No," he said simply.

Aizen nodded. "That is something that I would like to change. It is enough that she serves us, but I would like her to want to be here, not merely because she has no choice, but because it is her heartfelt desire to stay. This is the true reason that I sent for you." He lent forward a little. "Ulquiorra," he said firmly, "I want you to be kind to her."

Ulquiorra returned the gaze calmly. Though his face registered no change of expression, his thoughts began to work. Kind? What did that even mean?

"I don't understand," he responded aloud.

"Humans require more than food, drink, and sleep," continued Aizen. "These are enough to sustain the body, but without joy, the soul within will waste away. I want her to have a 'friend' among the Espada; one to whom she will become emotionally attached, shall we say, in a psychological way. You already see her often; you provide for her needs. If you are kind in your actions to her, if you indicate that you care, then I believe she will come to see you as her friend."

Again, Ulquiorra stood silently, saying nothing. Aizen continued to smile down at him.

"That is my instruction, Ulquiorra," said Aizen. "Be kind to her; show that you care for her emotional wellbeing. Try to make her happy."

At last, Ulquiorra spoke.

"I cannot, Aizen-Sama."

Aizen blinked in surprise, and both Gin and Tosen, standing to either side of the throne, looked down at the Cuatro Espada in shock.

"Ulquiorra," said Aizen in a low voice, no longer smiling. "Are you refusing an order? I cannot believe it."

"I do not refuse, Aizen-Sama," continued Ulquiorra, unperturbed by the reactions of the Shinigami before him. "I state a fact: I cannot do as you instruct. I do not understand the human concept of kindness and caring. I cannot emulate that of which I know nothing. If you wish a 'friend' for this woman, then she should be assigned to one of the other Espada: one capable of the emotions you wish displayed. I cannot fulfill your instruction."

At that, Aizen smiled again. "You underestimate yourself, Ulquiorra."

Ulquiorra did not respond.

"It is true that there are other Espada more capable in this sense than you," admitted Aizen, "but they each have their drawbacks also. With each of them, it would be insincere. This woman is perceptive, and insincere affection, if detected, would do more harm than no affection at all. This is precisely why I wish you to do it. You see, just as you cannot comprehend human kindness, so too humans cannot comprehend the concept of nothingness. In everything and in every place, there is considered to be something: air, light, space. The human mind cannot conceive of there being absolutely nothing, that is, perfect emptiness." Aizen smiled knowingly. "No human would be able to comprehend you, Ulquiorra."

Ulquiorra did not know whether this was meant as a compliment or not, but it made no difference to him. He merely stood and waited for Aizen to reach his point.

"Inoue-San's mind will try to fill your actions and words with meaning. She is, herself, abundantly kind and caring by nature. If you give even a hint of being similar, she will fill the gaps – the emptiness – with all that is needed in her own mind. She will believe you to be genuine, because you are not insincere. You do not display one thing and yet feel another; you display nothing, and you feel nothing. Because you are sincere, because you are consistent, she will not doubt you when you show kindness to her. You, Ulquiorra, are the one Espada most able to fulfill this request."

Aizen ceased and waited. For a long moment, the two remained, staring silently at each other. Ulquiorra's thoughts moved rapidly through his head as he tried to determine an answer. Aizen-Sama wished him to perform a task which he was incapable of performing. Yet, in Aizen-Sama's mind, it was clear that he was decided: Ulquiorra could do this. Indeed, he said that only Ulquiorra could do this. But Ulquiorra could not reach the same conclusion. Rather, he knew full well that he could not do this. To attempt a task which could not be successfully completed made no sense. No matter how Ulquiorra looked at it, he simply could not do as Aizen asked. It was not within his capabilities. Just as he could not turn himself into a human on command, so he could not simply create human emotions within himself.

"Forgive me, Aizen-Sama," he said at last. "I cannot. I have insufficient knowledge of the concepts of which you speak; I have no experience in them. This task is impossible for me to accomplish. I cannot do it."

"If Aizen-Sama says that you will," growled Tosen, "then your only answer should be, 'Yes, Aizen-Sama.' Anything else is treason."

Aizen lifted a hand to stop Tosen. Turning back to Ulquiorra, he spoke again.

"Perhaps I was unclear," he said calmly. "I do not order you to obtain her friendship. I do not instruct you to convince her of your own emotions. I merely want you . . . to try." He motioned to the Shinigami at his sides. "Gin and Tosen will both advise you on ways that you can do this. I believe that you can accomplish this. I believe that you will succeed. But even if you fail, know this: I will not judge you on your success, only on your attempt. Try to be kind to her."

Ulquiorra strode back toward the woman's room, numerous thoughts swirling through his brain. Clearly this was another of Aizen-Sama's games, but now Ulquiorra could not help but wonder whether he himself was the object under scrutiny. On the surface, it would appear that he was gauging the woman's thought processes and attempting to manipulate her psychology, but then why would he use Ulquiorra himself? After all, surely any of the other Espada would be better equipped. No, that wasn't true. Noitra couldn't feign human kindness either, Ulquiorra reasoned. He doubted that Grimmjow would be able to do so, and Barragan would likely refuse, whether he was capable or no. Yammy might, but he was too stupid not to make a mistake. Aaroniero would be perfect for the job. Zommari likewise could surely do it with ease. Why would Aizen-Sama not assign one of them to do it? Ulquiorra could still be responsible for guarding her without having to engage her emotions. It made no sense. If indeed Aizen-Sama was merely toying with Ulquiorra himself, then the situation was mildly unpleasant at best and quite irritating at worst.

Regardless, Ulquiorra saw that he had no choice in the matter. He had to "try." Aizen-Sama would surely view it as treason if he did not do so. Armed with the dubious advice and confusing (and often contradictory) "tips" from both Gin and Tosen, Ulquiorra again entered the woman's room, first giving his customary notification.

The meal tray was satisfactorily empty, and the woman herself was lying on the couch. Ulquiorra at first supposed that she was asleep, but a second glance showed that this was not so. Her eyes were almost closed but not quite. She lay still, not looking up as he entered, staring silently at the far wall. Ulquiorra motioned the Fraccion with him to clear away the meal tray, then motioned the other to leave.

Ulquiorra stood for a moment, looking at her. For her part, the woman didn't move.

"Listen to her when she speaks," Tosen had advised. "Women like a man who will be quiet and just listen. They like to talk. They want you to pay attention, but you don't have to say anything. Just sit and listen, unless she asks you a question."

That would be simple enough, if she chose to speak, but the woman did not often speak to him. Also, if listening was all that was required, then Ulquiorra had already been "kind" to her many times. Somehow he doubted Tosen's advice on this score.

"A gentle touch says a lot," Gin had said with an almost smirk. "If ya take her hand in yers or give her a light hug when she's lookin' sad, she'll see a lot in that."

Ulquiorra couldn't help but feel that any physical advance on his part would be viewed as a threat on hers. After all, he was an Espada. If he were to attempt to encase her in his arms, he was sure that she would scream, at the least.

"Flowers too," Gin had added. "Girls just love 'em. Maybe Szayel can make somethin' like that."

Yes, maybe he could, but Ulquiorra was no more hopeful of that than he was of any of this.

Deciding, at last, to try the effect of one bit of advice, Ulquiorra stepped forward to the couch. He sat down at her head and carefully laid a hand on her shoulder, not saying a word. As he expected, a slight shiver passed through her at the touch, and she turned her head to look up at him in surprise and a little fear. Not knowing what else to do, Ulquiorra remained as he was. Perhaps she would at least speak and he could then listen.

The woman didn't speak. She simply looked at him for a moment, then lowered her eyes again, tears forming in them as her lip began to quiver. She laid her head down as a tear threaded its way down her cheek. Ulquiorra sighed silently and closed his own eyes in defeat, deciding that he should just leave. After all, he had known that this was hopeless.

Just before he drew his hand away, however, he felt something that startled him. The woman, still gazing vaguely at the far wall, still apparently fighting back tears, had lifted her own hand and placed it over his.

Ulquiorra now didn't know what to do. Did she want his hand to remain where it was? If not, she could have brushed it away. If so, then why was she crying? She had not been crying when he had entered, but he watched now as a second tear slid down her face. It made no sense. Clearly his proximity had triggered this reaction, but if his mere presence was causing her pain, then why would she press her hand against his?

As he sat and wondered, the woman actually enclosed his hand in her own until she was gripping it tightly. The tears began to flow openly, and her body shook with her sobs. Nevertheless, the harder she cried, the more tightly she gripped his hand. Ulquiorra was confused. This eventuality had not been suggested in any of the advice from the Shinigami. He did not know how to interpret this. What was he to do?

"You don't have to say anything. Just sit and listen." This was the only piece of advice that seemed even to remotely approach the situation. But surely it wasn't intended for "listening" to her cry. Even so, having no better option, Ulquiorra sat silently, not moving, as the woman clutched his hand and cried.