Apparently I have been writing too much fluff or listening to a lovelorn song too many times in a row but this angst piece popped in my head thanks to Ellie Goulding's "Hanging On". Really, I should just say she is my muse and be done with it. Anyway, this is a way roundabout IchiHime ship that starts out with mucho misunderstanding and lots of drama. Also chapters will most likely be shorter than I normally write. So, if that's not your thing, do not proceed with reading. If it is, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach in anyway but am inspired by the work created by Tite Kubo
Chapter 1 – Hanging On
It was graduation night and the party at Keigo's was in full swing. He'd invited the entire senior class and almost all of them had shown up. The music was pumping, the drinks were flowing and everyone was excited to start the next phase of their journey in life.
Orihime was nervous because tonight was the night she was going to finally tell Ichigo how she felt. She figured now was the perfect time before they left to their respective schools. Tatsuki was having a hard time understanding her logic.
"Orihime," the petite karate fighter said with eyes closed and fingers rubbing her forehead in perplexed frustration, "explain to me again how telling Ichigo you love him when you're both getting ready to go to different colleges is a good idea?"
Orihime put her hand to her chin and looked up at the ceiling as she formulated her explanation, "Well, Tatsuki, this way I can finally get it off my chest and if he doesn't return my feelings we won't be around each other for it to be awkward."
"Ok, I concede that point, but Orihime," Tatsuki replied, "what if he does return your feelings? What then? Have a long distance relationship from the get go?"
Orihime stared at her in silence for so long Tatsuki was afraid she'd possibly had an aneurysm until the truth hit her square in her face and she said quietly, "You really, truly believe he won't return them don't you? That is not even a blip on your radar of possibilities?"
Now Orihime's eyes shot down to the floor and she clasped her hands behind her back. She still had no reply but Tatsuki had grown accustom to reading her friend's non-verbals over the years.
Tatsuki stepped forward and placed her hand on the red-head's arm making her look at her, "Orihime, you have to know Ichigo cares about you at least a little. He probably just hasn't gotten around to realize it's love because he's either been too busy, to slow or too stupid to notice it."
The healer shook her head violently, "No, he's none of those things Tatuski. He's strong and brave and handsome and caring and kind and," but Tatsuki cut her off, "Ok, OK, I get it, he's the most freaking wonderful thing on earth since sliced bread but you are wonderful too! And if he doesn't see all the reasons he should love you then he's an idiot!"
They stood silent for a few moments more before Tatsuki broke it again, "Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, if you're so sure he doesn't return your affections why not just move on from him and start fresh without the awkwardness?"
One look in her friend's eyes told her why: hope. Orihime couldn't let go of the hope that she was wrong and until she knew otherwise she'd continue hanging onto the little bit of hope forever until her knuckles were white. Tatsuki squeezed her shoulder in a signal of understanding before saying, "Well, then I wish you good luck. I'm taking off, let me know later how it goes." Then she walked out the door to leave her friend to face her fears.