Faded Memories

Missing

By,

Gamersweetheart

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, that goes to Tite Kubo. I also do not own the cover art.

AN: This is my first story that will have drama and possibly angst. I labeled this story as angst and rated it M. There will be no other warnings from here on out. Let me know what you think! I'm awfully nervous about this story but it's time to get out of my comfort zone. Here goes nothing!

Monday

"Inoue, Orihime?"

…

"No Inoue-chan today? Hmmm... Kojima, Mizuiro?"

"Present"

"Kurosaki, Ichigo?"

"Yeah."

The teacher sent Ichigo a disapproving glance before continuing with roll call. Once she finished, class started as it did everyday with one person missing. Inoue Orihime. This was unusual considering she was normally early for school, ready to socialize with her friends and enjoy her school day. In fact, the only time she missed class was due to soul society, or more specifically, their enemies getting in the way or she was sick. When sick, the young woman always called the school and Tatsuki so no one would worry over her. One of the girl's biggest fear was being a burden to others. So she did everything in her power to keep that from happening.

Ichigo, Chad, Uryu, and Chizuru all turned towards Tatsuki to see if she heard from their friend. Pulling out her phone, the dark-haired teen sent a quick text, asking if Orihime was okay or if she accidentally overslept. After about 20mins with no response, Tatsuki made eye contact with them one by one to shake her head no. They went back to their lessons intending to talk at lunch.

This was the first red flag for the group of friends.

Everyone, including the staff, knew how much education meant to Orihime. She had no idea if she'd be able to attend university or not so Orihime was determined to get as much out of the free education system as humanly possible. She did everything in her power to make her brother proud. She wouldn't let his sacrifice be wasted on her not giving the education offered to her all she could.

A few long hours later the lunch bell finally rang, the student body jumped at the sound and made their way outside to enjoy the sunny day while the five worried friends stayed behind to talk. Ichigo was getting antsy when a few of their classmates weren't leaving quick enough for his liking and his reiatsu showed it. Thankfully that little push was all the girls needed to rush out of the classroom and close the door behind them.

"Finally! So, what did Inoue say?" He stood by the door, arms crossed, ready to hear why their friend would worry them all.

'If she says anything about those little blue men, I'm going to be pissed.' Ichigo thought while knowing he could never truly be angry at her.

"She never responded to my text. I sent her three... Is something going on? Can you... you know, feel her?" Tatsuki was a bit worried that no one knew what was going on with Orihime. The only time she went missing like this was when Soul Society had something to do with it. Tatsuki alwaysended up being the last to know.

Uryu closed his eyes, he'd been tracking her the whole class but wanted to make sure she was in the same place before he spoke up. Immediately after giving away her location the rash orange haired man would jump out of this body and take off without coming up with a plan.

"She's currently at home but her spiritual pressure is off... I'm not sure what to think about it."

"Well let's go see what the hell she's doing." Ichigo hollered as he quickly hit his badge to his chest, letting his body slide down the wall to the floor. While the substitute soul reaper ran from roof to roof towards their friend's apartment.

"What are we waiting for?! My Hime needs me!" Chizuru was about to follow her rival for Orihime's love when surprisingly, Chad of all people stopped her.

"He'll get to her and be back soon." The tall man grabbed his lunch and sat down to eat while the others slowly joined him. Ichigo may be hard headed but he'd never do anything to hurt the gentlewoman; plus, they all knew he was the one-person Orihime would want to see over anyone if she was sick.

"Fine." The perverted teen sighed, pulling out her lunch she waited for her Hime to come back with the brut.

Rushing over to her place, it didn't take the impatient man long to reach his goal. He ran up the steps and knocked on her door. He was a little worried she wasn't already at the door since she was excellent at reading reiatsu. When she didn't answer, he banged on the door and yelled her name. Ichigo was planning to go through her bedroom window when the front door cracked open. All Ichigo could see was part of her face, but that was enough. She looked really upset. Her normally beautiful porcelain skin looked pasty, her stormy eyes that were always full of life were dull and red. The poor boy didn't even get a chance to speak before she ended any conversation they could have had.

"Kurosaki-kun? I'm sorry but I'm not feeling well. Could I call when I'm better?"

'What the hell?' Ichigo was stunned. He wasn't sure how sick she truly was but it must be pretty bad if she was basically telling him to leave. Orihime didn't even ask why he came by!

Ignoring the second red flag of the day, Ichigo dumbly nodded and watched as she quietly shut the front door and heard the lock click into place. He slowly turned and made his way back to school to tell the others what happened. The trip back seemed to go a lot faster than his trip to her apartment, that could be due to his thoughts though. The whole way back to school he went over all the things wrong with the interaction they just had.

She didn't greet him with a warm smile and hello.

She didn't invite him in or ask why he was there.

She actually told him to leave, it may have been phrased as a question but there was no way around the fact, she wanted him gone.

He didn't even see all of her but she did look and act unusual.

Her eyes... Ichigo loved looking into her large, grey eyes. They always made him feel special with the warmth she'd offer him, so loved.

It wasn't until that moment he realized how much he counted on that look. She looked at him today like he was anyone off the street! Ichigo wouldn't realize why it hurt him so much at the moment but currently, he had other things to worry about.

For example, getting back to his body before lunch was over.

The irritated man barely made it back before the warning bell rang. He quickly shoved as much food as he could in his mouth before he cleaned off his desk and got ready for the lesson. The group of friends watched him, waiting for any sign that she was sick or overslept. When it became clear they wouldn't get any, Tatsuki finally called him out.

"Well? Is she okay?"

"She said she's sick. She'll call when she's feeling better." The others took his response with a nod and focused on the next lesson, Ichigo couldn't shake the bad feeling he had in his gut. Something wasn't right but he had no proof on the subject. He wouldn't worry anyone until he knew more, Ichigo just hoped she'd call soon and this whole thing would be over.

Tuesday

"Inoue Orihime?"

…

"Has anyone heard from Inoue-chan?"

"Yeah, she's sick. I saw her yesterday." Ichigo vaguely answered. Their teacher gave him a nod before going back to roll call to start the day. Normally he wouldn't be one to talk but everyone loved her, she'd be so ashamed if anyone worried over her. Plus, it was his job to protect her, even when it meant covering for her so she could rest and not worry about others.

When the lunch bell rang, their teacher stopped Ichigo from leaving. "Kurosaki-kun? Could you please wait here?"

With a groan, he stopped packing up his stuff. Ichigo was fairly certain he didn't do anything to cause the teacher to talk to him.

Uryu gave him a smirk as he walked past Ichigo, said orange haired man planned to get him back later for that. 'Damn Quincy. Probably set me up.'

Once everyone was out, their teacher spoke again. "When you saw Inoue-chan, did she look okay? It's very odd she didn't inform us that she was ill."

"Yeah, I mean she didn't look great but said she'd call me when she was feelin' better."

"Okay, enjoy the rest of your lunch, Kurosaki-kun. I'm glad she's found someone to care for her."

"Uh what? Wait no!"

The teacher left him while she giggled at his reaction.

Ichigo packed up his bag and headed towards the roof to eat with his friends all the while trying to get his blushing to go down. He couldn't help but wonder why the teacher would ask and why was she now laughing at him!

Something's not right. We should check on Queeny again.

'Ugh. Go away. She said she'd call, I'm not going to show up like a creeper every day.'

He agreed with his hollow but he agreed. Something just didn't feel right but he'd give her today if no one heard from her tomorrow he'd go over there again and demand to come in.

Yeah... Not creepy at all, King.

Wednesday

Three days. It had been three whole days with no word. Hell, the teacher skipped her name on roll call! Now Ichigo was getting irritated, how hard was it to send a quick text saying "Hey, still sick so don't worry." He knew he was being stubborn but being angry was easier than being scared.

Third red flag for Ichigo was the fact this was the longest Orihime and Tatsuki had gone without talking, ever.

Ichigo and Orihime shared a bond with how much they trusted and cared for the strong dark-haired woman. When people say she's strong it's not just physical. She was mentally strong as well, it took a lot to worry about her but she was stressed. Ichigo got a call from Tatsuki this morning stating she'd sent over 20 text messages and called a dozen times with no luck. Everyone could still feel her spiritual pressure at her house so they knew it wasn't anything otherworldly. Ichigo even demanded the soul reaper in town send someone to talk to him this morning. He was still waiting but figured if they could confirm nothing was going on then that would be one less thing to worry about.

Ichigo and Tatsuki weren't the only ones concerned. Uryu and Chad both stopped by their missing friend's apartment but neither told anyone yet, they all agreed to wait so she could reach out to them. The two males were only staying calm because her spiritual pressure told them she was alive in her apartment. She must just be really sick for her to stop answering everyone.

Lunch on the roof consisted of the usual gang, plus two new additions. Both were uneasy and demanded to have an open conversation about what they all knew in regards to Orihime. It was truly amazing how much one person brought everyone together.

"So, the last time I spoke to Orihime was Sunday, before she went to work. We had a sleepover Saturday night and she was fine. I haven't felt ill at all. I really doubt she could be sick enough to not communicate with any of us! She's not even texting! We've never gone this long without talking. If she truly was that bad then she needs to be in a hospital, not sitting at home alone!"

"I must agree with Arisawa-san." Uryu pushed his glasses back up. "I visited Inoue-san this morning but she didn't answer the door. I did, however, hear movement inside."

"I went by last night, but no luck," Chad added on.

I told you! Something's going on. I can feel it, if you don't care then I'll handle it myself. Ichigo's hollow wasn't as naive about their feelings for the young woman as his king was.

"My Hime would never worry us like this! We need to break the door down and save her!"

"Shut up, Chizuru. We're all worried and for the last time, she isn't yours." Tatsuki snapped. "I'm going over after school today and using my emergency key. This is getting ridiculous."

"That's a good idea. Tatsuki can let us all know what's going on tonight. When I saw her Monday, she looked off and rushed me away but I didn't see anything out of the norm." Ichigo really hoped this would all be over with. Not only did he miss her but his stomach had been in knots since Monday. He stopped by her place at night well a few times each night, and during the early morning hoping she'd come to the door or walk past a window but she never did. Not once.

Said substitute soul reaper stayed on auto piolet the rest of the day. He kept checking his phone, expecting a text from Tatsuki explaining the "little blue men" took her phone but it never came. Around eight o'clock at night, Ichigo was getting his shoes on to find Tatsuki, who wasn't answering her phone either when I knock sounded at the front door.

Ichigo opened the door to see his oldest friend standing there, trying not to cry. 'What the hell happened?'

"Tatsuki?"

"Where's your dad?" She demanded with a little waver in her voice.

"In his clinic, come on."

The two walked silently to his father. The walk through the living room, to the kitchen, and past the hallway towards the clinic in a walk that felt like the walk of doom. Why wouldn't she feel comfortable talking to him? Did something happen with Inoue? Did either of them get hurt? Why wasn't she talking?! The exasperated teen was thrilled to see his father. Now he'd get some answers.

"Tatsuki-chan! What's wrong? Did Ichigo do something stupid?"

"Oi! Shut up!"

"No, it's important. Isshin-san, do you have any connections with the police?" Her voice was dead serious, killing any fight the father, son pair might have had instantly.

"I have a few friends, why?"

"I went to see Orihime and my key worked but there's a new chain lock on the door. I called for her thinking she'd come to answer since it's been three whole days of no communication, outside of Ichigo seeing her Monday during lunch, but she never came to the door! An older man did! You don't think he found her, do you?" The young woman was on the verge of tears. Her arms wrapped around her midsection to stop her from falling apart as she spoke.

"Now, now, I doubt he'd even be looking for after all this time. It doesn't make any sense. He could have been her uncle. What did he say?" Isshin was very careful not to let his concerns show.

"He smiled at me and said Orihime was under the weather and he took her phone so she'd rest. He said she'd call me as soon as she was feeling better."

"So, he was friendly?" The older man reiterated.

Tatsuki nodded.

"Then I bet it was her uncle. I'll call one of my friends in the morning and see what he thinks but I don't want any of you going over there again. We don't want to upset the man or stress Inoue-chan out. You know how she can be. Before you argue, I'll have Ichigo fill you in on what he says and what the plan is. Don't worry, I care for young Orihime-chan as well. She's the only hope I have to get this punk out of my house! Won't they have adorable babies?"

"What the fuck! Can't you just be normal for one moment?!" The blushing teen responded, effectively ending the tension in the room.

"What? She's the only female I know that you still call by her last name. Why is that hmmm? (He wiggled his eyebrows) Why do you blush when I talk about he-"

Isshin was cut off by a roundhouse kick to the face.

"Kamis, you're so annoying! Come on, I'll walk you out and deal with him later."

'Annoying ass man. Does he even think before he talks?! As if Inoue and I would ever live together... Or make babies'

His hollow chuckled darkly then sent a wave of images on how they'd make said, babies. Needless to say, Ichigo took a cold shower that night.

Thursday

School went by the same as the previous day. The only difference was the group of friends met on the roof so Ichigo could fill them in before school started. Shinji was the one who came to talk about Inoue. The blond made a huge deal over "his true love" being sick and offered to keep her warm at night. This, of course, leads to them fighting.

Once both males were sweaty and sore, Shinji confirmed there was nothing going on at soul society but if they heard anything, he'd let the younger man know. He also asked to be updated on what was going on with their favorite healer. Many members of soul society were worried.

The next update Ichigo had for everyone was from his dad. Isshin followed through with his plan and contacted his friend. The officer said there wasn't any reason to file a missing person report nor do a well check on the girl but he'd look in on her Friday after his shift to ease his friend's mind. That made all the teens feel better.

Ichigo was stuck at work forever, he didn't get home till midnight. Why he chose to work with such an annoying man was beyond him. Well, until he needed to leave his body at a moment's notice, then he remembered why he was stuck at this annoying job.

'Damn hollows.'

Watch it.

The good part about working so late was his dad wouldn't be over the top and attack him as soon as he walked in. Unlocking the door, Ichigo kicked off his shoes and threw his jacket on the coat rack before dragging his feet towards the kitchen to see what Yuzu left for him to eat. He was starving!

"There you are, my son!" Isshin came down the stairs when he heard his son walk in, enjoying any chance to bug the boy.

His only response was a grunt from the tired teen. He watched his son heat up his dinner before sitting down at the table, Isshin wanted to fill Ichigo in on the plan for tomorrow but gave him time to eat and destress first. Once Ichigo was finished with his meal, Isshin started to explain the plan.

"Tomorrow, Ryo said he'd go to Inoue-chan's apartment and see if she opens the door. If not, he'd say he needs to see her for himself due to safety concerns. Did you want to be there when he does?"

"Yeah, what time?"

"After 6 but my guess would be around 7. Gives him time to clock out and pick us up. Remember, you need to be calm. No being rash and yelling at people."

Ichigo was about to respond some smart-ass comment to his father when the two generations of Kurosaki's eyes met in horror. Orihime's spiritual pressure raised before dropping to the point they could barely feel her.

Ichigo ran to his room, swallowing Kon and rushing back down to his dad. Isshin told his soul candy to bring his body and medical bag to Orihime's place in the car. Isshin and Ichigo rushed across rooftops, making it to her front door within a few minutes.

Isshin knocked on the door but there was no response.

Both went through her living room window to find the place dark. Whatever was going on gave both Kurosaki's a horrible feeling.

"Inoue?!" Ichigo called out, his voice wavered a bit but the small whine they heard was all they needed to rush towards her bedroom.

Ichigo flipped the light switch to see a sight he'd never forget.