This just kind of hit me so I wrote it.

i.
There was a deep security in his hand around hers.

A strength, a willingness to safeguard.

While his eyes were cold and his skin was hard as steel, his hands were around hers in a manner that was loose yet firm. Even though he forced her into the darkness, there was some reassurance in the fact he kept her locked away from the others. Even in the dark, he separated her from the evils in his hellish world.

He let go and the feeling dissolved but she did not feel frightened. She had sensed his willingness to protect her. This was no longer just a duty.

But…

He was her enemy.

She was his victim.

ii.
Her hand hit steel-like skin and it gave way, turning from the blow.

Fire and tears burned in her eyes, blurring her vision.

But she still caught his expression—expression!—before the mask returned. He felt betrayed.

He felt betrayed.

It was laughable.

But she didn't laugh. She cried.

She cried after he left and after the door closed and she prayed and prayed and begged the heavens to let her friend live. She begged for a God to exist and for him to keep her friends safe.

She cried for the enemy that cared for her.

She cried for caring back.

iii.
He reached for her.

And she realized what he was offering. What his outstretched hand truly meant and she couldn't move to reach it, to grasp it once more and feel his protection.

She moved too late.

All that remained of him, the dust of his soul, scattered and she reached again, suddenly desperate for his hold and the security it had brought.

It wasn't long before she had to turn and heal Ishida.

Chad was safe. Rukia was safe. Ichigo was safe. Ishida was safe. Tatusuki was safe. Chizuru, Michiru, Renji, Mahana, Ryo, Matsumoto—So far, all the people she cared about were safe.

But…

He wasn't.

Orihime would never forget what it felt like to hold Ulquiorra's hand.

Even though she never would again.

Yup. I'm done now. Maybe. Rather short, wasn't it? I might make a companion one-shot.

And no, Orihime doesn't truly realize what he offered there. Specially since he thinks his heart is in his hand. -wink-