I have always wanted to do a Tatsuki-centric story. Her character fascinates me greatly, so to me it's a wonder what her thoughts might be on the two closest people in her life are.
Hinted IchiHime mind you, so this story is pretty AU. Enjoy!
Long before she realized it, Tatsuki Arisawa was being pushed away.
Not exactly away-away (this is something she reminds herself because they aren't always around to do so for her), but more like being placed several steps behind, watching her two best friends side-by-side in front of her.
Once upon a time, she stood next to Ichigo exactly the same place where Orihime stands now. Of course, they had some elbow room whereas he and Orihime barely have breathing space nowadays. There was always something that created that small space between Tatsuki and Ichigo – a barrier of some sort that prevented them from being just a little bit closer.
If Tatsuki had to choose an excuse as to why that barrier was existent, it was either: (a) the childish superiority complex she had over Ichigo because she always had the lucky knock-out punch during their dojo days; or (b) the atmosphere of utmost melancholy that radiated from Ichigo since the day dear Masaki Kurosaki died.
What Tatsuki doesn't know, is that the barrier actually made her and Ichigo a lot closer together (Ichigo doesn't know this either).
Once upon a time, she stood next to Orihime exactly the same place where Ichigo stands now. But no matter if it were either she or Ichigo, there were others that would kill to be in their spot (namely guys and that wench Chizuru).
Orihime was her sister, and sometimes her child. She took baby-steps with her as so not to hurt herself because she has gone through so much pain in the past already and she is still so young. Tatsuki had subconsciously assumed the role of older sibling to Orihime since her older brother was gone.
But Orihime wasn't a baby anymore. She takes steps as big as Tatsuki – she takes them with Ichigo, who will eventually take leaps while holding Orihime's hand.
Maybe Tatsuki was never meant to stay standing next to either of them forever.
For as long as she has been living her life, she has watched them grow. She has seen them through the worst of the worst; better than best – and her personal favorite – picking themselves back up to stand (it's her favorite because she can't help but feel warm because her job of walking their steps with them has finally paid off).
Tatsuki loves Ichigo for being the most kind blessing to Orihime that no one else can be. And she loves Orihime for becoming the strength for Ichigo that keeps him reminded that he is capable of the impossible.
What Tatsuki doesn't know is that even though Ichigo and Orihime are each others' now, she is – and will always be – theirs.
So maybe Tatsuki stands several steps behind them now. But those several steps are merely a few feet long, so she is really not far away after all.
Besides, no matter how far the two of them will be from her, she will always be right behind them in the same path.
She will protect them with whatever she has, in any way she can, for as long as time will let her.
Tatsuki Arisawa is a pusher; therefore there is no way in heaven or hell that she can be pushed.