"Under normal conditions, everybody is more or less good." In an alternate version of their fight, Uryu has been captured by the Octava and subsequently used as his personal lab rat. While Szayel starts following less scientific motives, Uryu can't help but wonder if his life in the lab is better than it was back home.

Uryu Ishida, Szayel Aporro Granz, Ulquiorra Schiffer. These college kids will face problems that aren't so relatable such as an abusive father, a one-sided love obsession, and an inability to express oneself. They will have to face their own problems and make their lives what they want them to be. Even if that 'want' is simply to pass midterms. ...And get a date. GrimmUlqui RenIshi

Of course there were rules, everything had rules, it's just that Ishida's rules were a little... harsh: no kissing, no conversation, no touching, no lingering, and no initiating. There was one last rule, the one he'd kill me if broken, none could be told about our relationship. Set after the Fullbringer arc, Ichigo must fight both Uryu and himself to get a proper relationship.