Wow, thanks for writing up the 2nd part. UlquiHime is always my number one ship, and I am quite happy that Kubo gave it a nice, beautiful, and not to mention, romantic resolution.

I think Ulquiorra was interested in Orihime because she had something he lacked, emotions and a heart. There's so many things to analyze about this ship. I think he even wanted her to feel despair. You forgot to show that one panel when she was running to Ichigo, and Ulquiorra stopped her, telling her that it was useless to save him.