Well here it is, the final chapter of Music to my Heart! And what a journey it has been! I'm so sorry it's taken so long, but it's been worth it in my opinion, because the past three years, when I started back in Year 10 in highschool, and now I'm in first year Uni, have taught me so much and I think I've grown a lot as writer and as a person. I certainly know I've improved a lot, and that's thanks to you guys for reading, faving, following and reviewing this story.

I honestly cannot thank you all enough for supporting me. Through all the bad and good that's happened in the past few years, this story, and most importantly, all of you have been my sanctuary and have encouraged and supported me so much, my self-confidence as a writer and as a person has dramatically increased, and now I'm studying writing at Uni. So thank you!

A huge thank you to everyone who has reviewed: Smylealong, Rin Sessys Girl, RAHbooks, Couriosity, Ulquihime7980, Nypsy, Crono, Blue87, Relya Schiffer, Lilarin, Kanakokiriha, BlackButterfly9, EnternalFireWithin007, ART9807, Aralorn, Paeonin, Vampiress, saya101, ART9807, Layalatania, Kiwi4life, Shibagal, topamgagktheretopangagk, Kornluv44, Kayley Ramsey, RenjiRulez5986, Dullahan21, AkuRokuTurkTrainee, Chaos-son, Frawg360, xxxPureRosexxx, Aryaputra, Moonlightrurouni, Saiyuri Haruno, TheCatWithTheHat, Lovely Rain Dancer, Scarlet, Eleronn, Sea Cune, IceFire Dragon Alchemist73, Lalaloser96, Mana, Ink and Death, MustBeFate, Grimm-Inuoka004, Sayurin, Carol of the Bella, Nami-j, ZiggyMonzta, Blue87, KirihaTheChibi, LuluMonk, Death-Angel-of-Anime, topamgagktheretopangagk, I'llBiteYouToDeath, Kayley Ramsey, HappyVirus-Chan, Sin Shu, Modesta4sure, Krinohanabira, SinShu, Happy-Virus Chan, topamgagktheretopangagk, Meiannae, Lady Miel Cacao, im ur misconception, Sara1234, Danial Javaid, Black Butler Fan (Guest), bleachdalilah, Avid Vampire Hunter, Hard Coaster, AnimeRideorDieFreak, Daydreaming on a Rock, Talonny, Snatchemall, Simone13, kwest7262, 200, Captain Turtle (Guest), tokikokurosaki (Guest), and all the Anons!

Wow that's a lot of people, I feel so blessed to have gotten a comment from all of you, it's just astounding, and I hope I will see you all in my future stories.

To my wonderful beta, Smylealong, who I met through this very story, thank you for putting up with my rants, writer's blocks, and crappy writing, you have helped me so much and I am so lucky to have made such an incredible friend.

This chapter has a very special place in my heart, as the concert is one of the first scenes I came up with, and I always think of it at Christmas time, so I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.

Songs used in this chapter (you may want to listen while your reading, it creates the vibe of the chapter): Do You Hear What I Hearby Aled Jones, Silent Night choral version, O Holy Night by Lea Michele, Jingle Bell Rock by Hot Chelle Rae, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen from Glee, All I Want For Christmas Is You from Love Actually, Vespara by Aled Jones (the song the seniors sing), and The Millennium Prayer by Cliff Richard.

In the final section, the piece I listened to was Continued Story, the OST from the final scene in the anime Code Geass, I thoroughly recommend you listen to it while reading that part, it's double the feels.

Thank you all again, and for the last time, enjoy this chapter!

Ulquiorra had never considered himself to be a person that was prone to worrying or nerves. Even when facing Aizen, he had still managed to keep a level head and calm composure. But now, as he was standing in the wings of the large concert stage in Karakura Park on Christmas Eve, he was starting to feel that going up against Aizen again might be preferable.

The backstage was a mess of people, floating glitter, harried teachers and staff, instruments and props. Just behind the curtains a group of giggling children dressed as elves waited. Onstage, Uryu was performing a stunning version of Do You Hear What I Hear, his smooth voice ringing out over the hushed park that was filled with almost the entire town sitting on picnic rugs and waving candles and glow-sticks in rhythm. Behind him stood the senior and junior school choir, dressed in wine red robes, singing along in a glorious harmony. At any other time, Ulquiorra felt he would have appreciated the song a lot more, but right now he could barely hear it as he tapped his finger against his arm impatiently.

Orihime came up to him and put her hand on his, calming the erratic movement and leaning against him. He relaxed slightly, but still could not stop the buzzing nerves.

Uryu finished the song with a resounding note that rang over the park before the audience erupted into cheers. He bowed and walked off, shaking his head at Ichigo who was releasing an ear-splitting whistle through his fingers. He made his way into the wings, smiling at a group of awe-struck elves, and nodded at Orihime who ran over and hugged him.

"You were wonderful!" she gushed.

He pushed up his glasses, "Thank you. Save your voice for your own performances though."

She laughed, "Alright, alright. I'll see you in a few minutes." Uryu smiled and walked backstage, side-stepping the mass of elves who were hurrying onstage to sing an off-pitch but still angelic rendition of Silent Night. It would probably have sounded better if one elf wasn't so completely tone-deaf that it made Ulquiorra's head hurt.

Orihime walked back to Ulquiorra and took his hand again, "Calm down, you'll be fine."

"I know that," he grumbled half-heartedly. She raised her eyebrow at him and he sighed, "This is the first time I've played in front of anyone but you. No one even knew I played piano before this…"

She put her finger to his lips, "Hush, I know. Don't worry, I'm right there beside you. If you have a problem, just look at me," he nodded slowly and she kissed him gently. "Besides, I think if anyone should be worried, it's me. I'm on next after all."

He smirked, "Please, you're excited, I know you are."

She grinned, "Well I can't deny that."

The elves finally finished their fifth repeated verse of Silent Night and walked off, eyes glowing as the audience clapped, half enthusiastic about the adorable elves, half overjoyed because they were finished.

Orihime took a deep breath and smiled at Ulquiorra who nodded at her. She felt herself relax as the green eyes stared at her seriously. Ulquiorra watched her walk out, her long silver dress glittering in the blaring lights and making her shine brighter than the moon above. Rukia followed her on, wearing a sparkling knee-length dress of deep lilac silk, and sat at the piano.

Orihime opened her voice to sing O Holy Night as Rukia began to play. Ulquiorra closed his eyes and relaxed against the wall as her voice rose above the park, as clear and beautiful as a bell. She was truly an angel; not just when singing but when talking, even existing. She was his angel. His saviour. The one that had made his life worth living when he no longer valued it.

It felt as if time was suspended when she sang, and when she finished there was silence as everyone breathed in deeply, remembering that they were still there and not in another world of stars and angels. The audience clapped as Orihime and Rukia walked off, holding each other's hands and smiling. As soon as they were backstage, Ulquiorra walked up to Orihime and hugged her tightly.

"You were beautiful," he murmured into her ear and he felt her lips curve in a smile against his cheek.

"I'm going to go and sit with Ichigo and the others while you guys perform," said Rukia to them, "I want to watch it properly, so I'll see you later for the final performance."

"Sure, I hope you enjoy it!" enthused Orihime.

Rukia grinned and walked off, "I know I will. Good luck you two."

Ulquiorra's face drained of what little colour it had, all his nerves crashing back over him like a tidal wave. Shinji Hirako gave Orihime a thumbs up as he strapped his saxophone over his shoulder and went out onto the stage with Kensei Mugarama, Mashiro Kuna and Lisa Yadomaru from the other class. They strummed up a loud, jazz version of Jingle Bell Rock complete with drums, electric guitar and a pair of cymbals that Mashiro bashed together happily.

Orihime began to hum their song softly, leaning against him so that he could feel her voice reverberating against his chest, soothing his erratic heart.

The song finished far too quickly for his liking and a group of girls from the recently graduated seniors walked onto the stage to sing an acapella version of God Rest Ye Gentleman.

"They're very good," Orihime murmured to him. He hummed in agreement and held her closer, closing his eyes so that he could see the piano keys in his mind's eye.

The song went even faster than the other one and suddenly Mr Kyoraku was there, giving a cheery thumbs up and shoving them onto the stage.

Orihime walked on to the middle of the stage next to the grand piano and looked at him expectantly. Ulquiorra followed on and was assaulted by bright lights that shone in his eyes. He could vaguely see the audience that spanned the entire park, marked by flickering candles and glow-sticks that resembled brightly wrapped candies. Out there he knew was Loly and Cirucci with the Mallia family; Grimmjow, Nnoitra, Szayel and the rest of his classmates, as well as Mr Urahara and Miss Yoruichi, all watching him expectantly and waiting to see what he could do.

He stumbled across the stage and finally sat at the piano, his shaking hands hovering over the keys. Orihime eyed him worriedly. Normally he felt a sense of calm whenever he sat at the piano, but for the first time, he felt an abundance of nerves rolling inside of him, causing his head to spin and making him nauseous.

He heard a buzzing in the background as he realised that he had been sitting at the piano, still as a statue, for far too long. Orihime walked up to him and placed her hand over his.

"Are you alright?" she whispered, keeping her microphone down so that it would not pick up her voice.

"I-I can't do this," he replied shakily, his voice devoid of emotion.

Orihime sighed and placed both hands over his, pressing down reassuringly. "Do you remember what I said that first time you asked me what a heart was?" she went on without waiting for him to reply. "I said that it was everywhere, in the love you have for your friends and family, in the love they return to you, and especially in the piano when you play it. I told you that there is someone who will give you their heart and that we will continue looking until we find that person. Ulquiorra, I found you because of your love for music, for the piano, and I have given my heart to you completely."

He nodded slowly, closing his eyes and letting her voice wash over him soothingly, "You said that like the Sun and the Moon we will continue to rotate until the stars collide and we find someone who will give you their heart."

"That's right," she smiled gently at him.

He opened his eyes and stared at her starry grey ones, "You are my Sun, and I have finally found you after going through the same circle of life for so many years."

"Exactly," Orihime replied, squeezing his hand. "And now, we are going to share our heart with our friends, family and the rest of the town." She released him and walked back to her place in front of the piano. "Keep your eyes on me," she said softly.

And he did. He never once looked away from her, instead he raised his fingers and let them touch the ivory keys, filling the hushed park with sweet and eternal music. He drank in her face as she opened her mouth to sing, mingling her voice with his piano, combining so seamlessly together, neither could tell which was which.

He admired the way her cheeks flushed pink with happiness at being able to share the piece they had written together with those they cared about most. And he found that his own chest was swelling with joy at being able to finally reveal his true self; his love for music and for her. Only music could express their happiness and the way their hearts had found each other, seemingly in such a short amount of time and in such strange circumstances.

Their music swelled in perfect harmony, clinging together in such singularity it was a true wonder to behold. It became louder and richer, and suddenly stopped, before finishing on a single note of pure beauty and clarity that it resounded over the park and hung in the air before climbing to the sky and mingling with the stars.

Ulquiorra took his hands off the piano and finally released his eyes from Orihime, turning to look at the audience. It was so silent it seemed as if the stars themselves were shivering in the moment, as if everyone in the world had taken a deep breath and refused to let it go.

Suddenly a slow clap was heard from somewhere in the audience. Ulquiorra stood slowly and scanned the multitude of faces. He could just see from the light of a candle near the front, the face of his mother, glowing with joy, clapping as she stood above everyone to look at her son. Next to her, Loly stood and began to clap also, followed by Menoly and her parents., Grimmjow, Nnoitra and Ichigo joined in, then Rukia, Szayel, Nel, Tatsuki, Chizuru, Keigo, Chad, Mizuiro. Rangiku, Uryu and Gin from the wings beside the stage. Mr Kuchiki and Hisana. Nanao, Shuuhei, Izuru, Shinji. Mr Urahara and Miss Yoruichi, both wearing Cheshire cat grins. The choir from behind them. Mr Kyoraku who had started crying from backstage. And suddenly the entire park rang with cheers and clapping.

Ulquiorra stood next to Orihime, taking her hand in his and smirking at the tears that were falling down her face. They raised their hands together and bowed, the clapping increased to such a volume that the stage itself was shaking violently. He gave a hint of a smile to Orihime and her own grin became so wide he was surprised it didn't cause her face to break.

She waved at the audience and dragged him off the stage, jumping onto him and hugging him so tightly around his neck he was in serious danger of suffocating. He held her up and spun her around before releasing her and being assaulted by another set of arms that belonged to Rangiku who hugged him tightly around the waist. She laughed at his put-out expression and moved onto Orihime, the two girls jumping up and down and squealing loudly.

"You were incredible!" she practically screamed at Orihime who laughed and continued to squeal.

Gin put his own arm around Ulquiorra's shoulders, "Well I have'ta admit, I'm impressed. I didn't know ya could actually feel, Ulqui," he said, grinning widely.

"I'm flattered," Ulquiorra deadpanned.

Rangiku laughed breathlessly and pulled away from Orihime, "Anyway, I'll talk to you guys in a few minutes, I'm on now."

She smoothed her sequin-covered red dress and marched onto the stage, waving at the still-cheering audience, "Alright everyone, since you're all up I want you to stay there and jump along with me! Grab your favourite person and start singing as loud as you can!" she pointed to the band behind her, "Hit it!" The drums and guitars started playing and Rangiku danced, singing loudly. "I don't want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need!"

Ulquiorra sighed as the familiar song rang through the backstage. Mr Kyoraku came up behind them.

"Well done you two, absolutely stellar performance, you got full marks!" he exclaimed.

"You marked us already?" Uqluiorra asked incredulously.

"But of course!" the older man laughed, waving his hand and walking off.

"Very nicely done," added Uryu, nodding at them.

"Everyone backstage, I want you all dancing too!" called Rangiku, grinning over at them before continuing the song. Orihime laughed and grabbed Ulquiorra's hand, dancing a kind of jig that had him smiling despite himself.

"We never did get that dance at the party," she said, winking at him.

"I just want you here tonight, holding onto me so tight!" Rangiku sang, her rich voice carrying backstage. Orihime wrapped her arms around Ulquiorra's neck swaying along and leaning up to kiss him gently, smiling as he responded firmly. "I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know! Baby all I want for Christmas is you," the final note rang out, being cut off suddenly as Gin ran onto the stage and kissed her. Rangiku slapped him half-heartedly, blushing as her parents in the front row had stopped mid-dance to stare at them, their mouths wide open with shock. She grabbed his hand and pulled him off the stage, waving at the cheering and whistling audience (courtesy of Grimmjow and Nnoitra). Ulquiorra shook his head at the two of them as Rangiku hurried up to Orihime, pulling her away from Ulquiorra.

"Come on, we've gotta get ready for the final performance!" she laughed, dragging Orihime to the corner practice, pulling Uryu along with her.

About half an hour later, Uryu walked onto the stage, flanked by Shinji, Orihime, Rukia and Rangiku for the final student performance. He held his microphone to his mouth and let his mellow voice ring out, singing an enchanting song with Orihime singing high backing notes and accompanied by the choir and orchestra. At the chorus, the other three joined in, the five senior voices mingling together to create a beautiful melody that resounded poignantly throughout the park. It was a song of peace and exultant praise that marked the true meaning of Christmas Eve and the end of the few months that had defined Ulquiorra and Orihime's lives. The final note rang like a bell, a combination of Uryu's smooth tenor, Shinji's bass, Rangiku and Rukia's harmony, and Orihime's piercing soprano, before fading into the night.

Uryu raised his microphone again, "Thank you everyone for sharing this special night with us. All the students have worked very hard to perform for you and we hope you enjoyed it immensely. This is the final performance, The Millennium Prayer which is sung every year by our very own, Mr Jushiro Ukitake, and all the students who performed, so everyone please stand and wave your lights as hard as you can. Until next year, have a very Merry Christmas."

Gin grabbed Ulquiorra's arm and pulled him onstage with the rest of the performers as the orchestra began to play, while Mr Ukitake walked onto centre stage and began to sing in his deep, rich voice.

"You didn't perform," grumbled Ulquiorra half-heartedly as he was dragged over to his classmates on stage.

"Details," smirked Gin, before pushing him towards Orihime and grabbing Rangiku by the waist, spinning her around.

"You were wonderful," said Ulquiorra.

She grinned up at him but didn't reply as she raised her microphone to sing her part in the song, Rangiku, Rukia, Uryu and Shinji joining in.

Suddenly Nnoitra, Nel, Grimmjow, Ichigo, Tatsuki and Renji had run onto the stage, ignoring shouts from the teacher backstage. Grimmjow grabbed Ulquiorra by the head and pulled him in what he supposed was meant to be an affectionate gesture.

"Dude you were incredible! I didn't know you could play like that!" he cried loudly above the music.

"Yeah what he said!" added Nnoitra.

Tatsuki hugged Orihime roughly, laughing at her friend's expression as she tried to keep her place in the song.

"You were all amazing!" added Ichigo, ruffling Rukia's hair, dodging as she tried to slap him.

"I'm trying to sing!" she yelled at him, putting the microphone down so it wouldn't carry.

"Well since you've stopped…" he gave her a wicked grin as he wrapped his arms around her, lifted her up and kissed her firmly on the lips.

The boys laughed loudly as Rukia went limp with shock before putting her own hands around his neck and kissing him back. Orihime and Rangiku grinned at each other, unable to keep down their own laughter.

Someone pounced on Ulquiorra and he jumped, surprised to see Loly hugging him tightly, followed by a teary Cirucci. The teacher on duty just sighed and slumped into a nearby wall.

"YOU WERE AMAZING!" cried Loly.

Cirucci wiped her eyes and nodded, "Ulquiorra you are so talented, I can't believe I never knew! It was just wonderful!" They both hugged Orihime who laughed.

Trumpets chorused triumphantly with the song, giving the singers a break to hug their friends. Ulquiorra kept his arm firmly around Orihime's waist, eyeing Nnoitra and Nel who had decided to imitate Rukia and Ichigo, who had yet to pull away and were blissfully unaware of Byakuya's icy gaze.

Rangiku, Orihime and Rukia pulled away and raised their microphones, joining the choir, Uryu and Shinji in completing the song.

Ulquiorra sighed, feeling completely content as he stood with his classmates and family who were waving their glow-sticks and singing along. Music truly did bring people together. He would never have been even half as happy as he was at that moment if it hadn't been for the power of music and most importantly, the power and heart of the girl singing next to him.

He smiled slightly as he joined in with the song. Music truly was the heart of love, and he knew it would continue to make him happy for the rest of his life.

Well Sora, things have changed a lot since those few months ago. Orihime smiled affectionately at the picture of her brother on the windowsill as she pulled open the curtains, revealing an azure blue sky and leafy green trees. Everything has become so much better. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail on her head and wrapped a hair elastic around it. I am so happy now, and I know that you are happy wherever you are.

"Orihime, dear, it's time to go!"

"Coming, Cirucci!" called Orihime, kissing the portrait before grabbing her bag and leaving her room, hurrying down the stairs of the small townhouse.

"Aren't you going to eat breakfast?" Cirucci reproved as she packed her briefcase when Orihime entered the sun-filled kitchen.

"Just grab your toast and let's go," sighed Ulquiorra from where he was leaning against the counter next to the microwave, placing a piece of toast in his mouth. Orihime laughed, grabbing bread from the toaster.

Loly stood from her place at the dining table and swung her bag over her shoulder, "I'll be back late, Mum, we're going to play basketball after school. Lilynette seems to think she can win against me and Tesla; she's so deluded," she pushed her chin-length hair behind her ear, laughing affectionately.

Cirucci nodded as she picked up her car keys, "I'll be back at seven so make sure you're home in time for dinner."

Loly rolled her eyes and kissed her on the cheek before opening the front door and hurrying out.

"Is it alright if the others come over for dinner tonight?" asked Ulquiorra, tapping Orihime's leg impatiently with his school shoe.

"Yes, but keep them in check," Cirucci conceded.

"I'll make sure Nnoitra doesn't break that vase again this time," he added.

Orihime laughed, "Don't worry, I'm sure Nel and Rukia will have something to say about it. Assuming Gin doesn't try to help out of course. Then Rangiku will be involved and the house might end up a war zone."

Ulquiorra groaned, "I swear if Ichigo and Grimmjow try playing football in here again…"

Orihime spread jam over her toast, laughing at the memory of their energetic friends antics.

"Hurry up!" ordered Ulquiorra, grumpily.

Orihime giggled and shoved her toast in her mouth, before grabbing his hand and pulling him out the door. "Bye, Cirucci."

"See you later mother, have a good day at work," Ulquiorra called, picking up his bag and raising his hand at Cirucci who was pulling her dark hair into a bun.

Orihime and Ulquiorra walked out of the house, waving at Menoly, Lilynette and Momo who were talking animatedly with Loly and walking the long way to school.

Orihime linked her hand with his, smiling up at the clear blue sky above them.

Thank you Sora, I know somehow you were behind everything that happened, and that it would never have been possible without you.

A warm breeze brushed over them, pulling at Orihime's hair and skirt. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of the air, tinted with scents of flowers and freshly mown grass. The sun warmed her skin and caused her orange hair to glow brightly.

She let go of Ulquiorra's hand, running along the path with her arms spread out like a bird in flight before turning back to smile at him.

"Come on Ulquiorra, we don't want to be late!"

The End.

Well that's it everyone! I worked really really hard on this chapter because I wanted to make it as perfect as I could, and I really hope you liked it and you are happy with the ending.

Thank you all again, and please leave a review, it's your last chance to do so and it would mean so much to me after all the late nights and dedication I have put into this story, even while having other commitments.

Until my next story,

*hugs* -Cerice