A/N: Before anything else, I'd just like to say that I have nothing against Orihime. As a matte of fact, I think she's a great character; I just found her she-loves-him-but-he's-completely-clueless relationship with Ichigo a good subject for a fic. So, just keep in mind that this fic is in no way IchiHime-bashing, 'kay? ( Although, I'm personally more IchiRuki. ) By the way, this is told from Ori's POV.
Giver
I wanted to be with him. I wanted to, more than anything. But...I don't think that's even possible. He never saw me as anything but a friend. And as much as I wanted him to want me, I know it'll never happen, because...well, because it just wasn't meant to be, I guess.
People always told me that I was too nice for my own good. I never really believed them, or maybe I did...but I had to help other people out, too. I didn't want to be selfish. I needed to help. I needed to give. Maybe...I was giving up too much.
Sometimes, I just wish that I could be less myself, and more...more. Just more.
I used to be afraid of him, you know. He used to be so scary. His eyes looked mad and sad at the same time. Was it even possible for anybody's eyes to be that complicated? When I first saw him, I thought he was making a fashion statement by...um, dying his hair...orange. Then, Tatsuki told me that it wasn't dyed. I felt bad for even thinking that he'd do that...
He always kept to himself, and I couldn't help but wonder why. Now that I know...hmm, well, I wish I didn't know. When Sora died, I cried and cried. Crying seemed to be the only thing that I could do. I wondered if he cried...when his mother was...taken.
When Rukia was taken away, I told myself that I had to be there for her. I was there for her. But I was there for him, too. He seemed to care about her a lot, even if they fight most of the time. She had to be saved. He came to her rescue, and put his life on the line for her. I'm curious to know...would he risk his life for me? He probably would. It was in his nature to care. But if I somebody asked him what his relation to me was, that there had to be something, because he was risking his neck for me, what would he say?
I was a friend. Why does it hurt whenever I remind myself that that's all I am to him? It hurts so much...maybe this hurts enough to kill me. Although...even if I died, and was reborn again, and again, a thousand...no, a million times, I'm sure I'll still love him, even if he's already gone. Even if I have to sit by his grave every single day. Even if he loves someone else.
All I want, is for him to be happy. Even if he can't be happy with me. Seeing him smile would be more than enough.
I would give everything up for his happiness. I guess... what people kept saying about giving too much until nothing was left for you, was true. I've figured that much out by now. Love was like death and taxes. It was inevitable. It was painful. And it causes you to lose everything you have...but, I don't think I'm obligated to care anymore. I give, and the world takes. Sometimes...the world takes too much, and, kinda like my love for him...what's taken, isn't given back.