A/N: Hey guys, so I was reading this story all over again and I didn't really like it that much. So I changed the story a bit, chopped off the first three chapters from the beginning and changed the last few chapters. I would suggest reading it over so you can understand what is different and what's not, but of course I can't force you!

But for those who just started reading this fanfiction today…ah forget what I just said and continue reading hehe and enjoy =)

I do not own Bleach.

Chapter One: Prolonging Happy Endings

A week before Graduation

...

Tatsuki received a letter from her best friend, Orihime. Weird as it was getting a letter from her friend that she saw many times a week, the black haired girl opened the letter already having a bad feeling about this.


Saturday June 18, 2011

Hey

I wanted to tell you some great news, I couldn't wait for Monday and I secretly wanted to surprise you. If I told you in person, I would've given it all away by my face.

Remember how I told you I wanted to be a nurse? Guess what, I had a whole change in career. I'll give you 7 guesses.

If you guessed a cook, the soup is cold!

If you guessed an astronaut, your brain is definitely out of this world

If you guessed a teacher, you need to stay in school a little more

If you guessed a singer, your definitely are giving up on guessing

If you guessed a dojo owning woman, you are getting confused here

If you guessed a doctor, your close to the cure

If you guessed a surgeon, you're a genius

You're probably laughing hysterically now, how can miss klutz be a surgeon-you're thinking just like me.

You know how I when I was first working at the bakery for some months ago, and how I told you there was that scary rainy day when it was only me at the bakery. I didn't know the storm was supposed to be that bad, I should've guessed though by all those tree branches falling everywhere. Then there was that little girl that entered in the store carrying her older brother who was in a car accident along with this box, I felt so bad for her, she looked so terrified and scared. Her brother had all these cuts and scrapes.

I tried my best to calm her down, but then I realized what had scared her most he had a glass piece right where his heart is. It was pretty gross, just sticking out like that. She started screaming then saying he'll die-she probably noticed that I was a worker, and not a doctor or anything. Yet she came up to me, with the box.

It so happens that her brother is a surgeon, go figure huh? So he had a medical supply box in the car in case of emergencies, who knew he would be the one needing it.

This whole situation made me remember Sora and his car accident. You wouldn't believe how much pain I felt; it felt so weird knowing you can save one's life. Well, I didn't really save Toji Fuji's life, that's his name by the way (it was on the box). It was more like while I was cleaning his wounds (I was too scared to do anything about that glass piece) his sister, Sae, was trying to wake him up with a glass of water in hand. Her efforts worked, and Toji really took the situation well, he managed to calm both his sister and me and guided me as to what to do. Yes, I had to take out the glass shard, he was in too pain to trust his hands to take it out and stitch him self up. Luckily I did everything he told me to do without any problems; also much of the nervousness went away when his sister fainted from all the events.

Do you know how embarrassing it was Tatsuki, I know it was a life or death moment there, but you know doing all this required, and well you know, removing his clothes off. Don't worry though, it was only his top and stuff, I guess he noticed my massive blushes and said he would do the rest. So he did that while I went into the back off the bakery getting food and more water for him, and his sister when she woke up. He's so cool though, he can stitch up his own face! I mean like he was definitely a cool guy, he even had a 6 pack. Who knew surgeons worked out! He helped me clean up the mess and we talked a little and I found out he is a plastic surgeon and how he got into the whole mess.

Well a few days ago, I met him again at the bakery and his wife, Momo Fuji; yup I know he's taken too bad right? It probably seems like I liked him with my rambles of his 6 pack and stuff-but I really thought he was perfect for you! Anyways, Momo is the head of this really cool medical school. She's so nice Tatsuki, even though I didn't really save her husband's life per se, she decided to give me a full admission into the college! Toji said that I really was good and had the potential of being a surgeon; I think he was using some flattery though. I think normally I would've said no, but I felt like I had an opportunity to do something and not be weak.

I want to be able to save one's life and not be the one who needs the saving.

So that is why I'm being not just a surgeon, but specialize in cardio, you know the heart and stuff? Ne, Tatsuki the heart is pretty cool huh? It's only the size of a fist but does so much. I want to be like a heart, not the mushy mushy emotional love kind of heart-those don't exist, not here anyway. But the heart that is strong and holds importance to people.

My classes will start in the spring semester of next year to save up some money while working at the bakery. It's a six year course but since I'm starting late-it's technically seven for me. Why I'm telling you the years? It's because the college is not in this town, no where near it really. So seven years we won't see each other, sure I guess we could meet in the summer or something but...I can't. All of you, I mean our friends; will be here where you guys belong. I feel like a burden that needs to be taken care of. I know you don't see me like that, which is why you should stay. When I'm done at college, I promise I will come back. I want to see you proud because you are my family. I want you to be happy so when I come back to your dojo, you can see me and my accomplishments. But just seeing you or this town, I know will stop me from achieving that with all the emotions and feelings I had here. Please don't tell anyone about this Tatsuki, when the time comes next year, I will do it myself.

That is why, Tatsuki, I am writing this letter, because if you see me, you will see the tears on my face. You will see the weak burdensome Orihime; I don't want you to have another memory with that girl. When I come back, I want you to see Dr. Orihime Inoue cardiovascular surgeon that is strong and not a burden.

Sincerely,

Inoue Orihime


Idiot,

Tatsuki sighed and said to herself, she wasted 2 cents on a stamp to tell me she's sad and that it's too late to fix it.

That weekend must've been on of the saddest days she had in a really long time. She spent the weekend looking at scrapbooks with pictures of her and her beloved best friend. The long awaited graduation date was now dreaded, a reminder that she won't see Orihime until seven years of college past and she graduated. I should be happy for her. It's the least I could do for her. And that idiot Ichigo-can't do anything right. He can't tell when there's a beautiful girl in love with him


The Next Week after Graduation

It had been raining again that day. It was like even the skies were sad their sunshine would be leaving next year.

"WOO HOO! We are seniors that have completed High School! Now we are old enough to talk to all the other Senoritas in the world." Keigo exclaimed

"Tch that was definitely the lamest joke you have ever said. You would think you would get better at jokes and not worse over time Keigo." Ichigo said

"Humph-did I hear something Ishida? Or was that just the wind? I know it mustn't be Ichigo because we agreed no negative statements today!"

"Whatever, so what do you guys wanna do now?"

"I say we all go to the bakery where Inoue works to celebrate! After all they do have the bestest cakes and desserts!"

"That is true." Sado added

"That does sound like a good idea actually." Ishida agreed

The rest also agreed, even though Inoue made some strange food, the place she worked at had the best food. Plus, Inoue was off today so she wouldn't have to work.

"It's so cool that we all just so happened to get accepted into colleges here now we can see each other all the time! And with Orihime working here, we gaining the freshman 15 will be way easy because seeing Inoue is much of a reason to come here"

"Okay, now you just sound like an advertiser Keigo." Tatsuki said

"But it's true; our goddess is one of a kind and ours only! We'll never let her leave us!" Keigo exclaimed

Orihime couldn't help but feel a little guilty; keeping her future plans a secret. Tatsuki noticed and took her to the bathroom, "You guys order the food and drinks, we're gonna wash our hands, we'll be right back." she told them.

"If you want, we can leave through the windows and catch a movie or something instead?" the black haired girl suggested while walking toward the restroom

"Nah, its okay Tatsuki I just feel a little weird. Wait-stop." the healer said coming to an abrupt stop

"What the-? What's wrong Orihime?"

"Come Tatsuki" the healer exclaimed," He's here, I want you to meet him."

"Who?"

"Really, Tatsuki? Think."

"Uhhh..."

"Toji and Momo! Duh! Toji is the guy with the black hair and Momo in the orange"

"That's them?"

"Yup, don't they look cute together?" Inoue squealed pointing to the couple

"But, who's that guy they're talking to?"

"Where? Let's move forward and get a closer look!"

"Orihime, I don't think that's a good idea." Tatsuki said recognizing the figure, but it was too late, Inoue had already moved toward them catching Momo's attention.

"Orihime, there you are! I thought you were sick or something, but I guessed you just took a day off from work." Momo said smiling

"Yo,' said Toji giving Orihime a smile too

"See, Toji," Momo said, "Girls with orange hair is way cuter than guys with that hair color." pointing to Inoue

"Oh," said Momo "I almost forgot, Orihime, this is Ichigo Kurosaki the boy your way cuter than, Ichigo this is Inoue Orihime. Ichigo is my cousin he lives here in this town."

Orihime already sticking out a hand to greet the boy just realized who the person was, "Kurosaki-kun?"

Sae rushed over to the group with a cupcake in hand. "See, this is Pretty-san I was telling you about that saved oni-chan's life!"

Toji noticing the weird stare Ichigo and Inoue were giving said, "What? You guys know each other?"

"Uh, yea" Ichigo said, "Same class, wait you were the one that helped Toji?" a bit surprised it was Inoue that did all the stitches.

"No, duh." Sae said, "See, isn't she pretty, you should marry her or kiss her to repay her." A blush quickly appeared on the two orange haired teens.

"Yeah uh Orihime I'll let you guys catch up, talk to you later." Tatsuki said flashing a smile

"But," Inoue started to say but stopped when Ichigo motioned for her to sit down with them.

"So tell me the story Inoue, I've heard Sae say it many times, but I want you to tell me what happened."

Orihime had told them the story, hoping that she would be able to excuse herself from Ichigo and his relatives when she finished. But of course, a little girl decided to mess with the two teenagers' life; making-no-forcing Momo and Toji to go to the plushy store that had all toys on sale when Orihime was halfway through her story. Orihime then had to continue the story with just her and Ichigo, that was just hard enough for the healer; but of course Ichigo had to continue the conversation even more.

"It must've been a bit scary, a random person coming in the here like that."

"Yeah, it was, but you would've done the same too right Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime didn't know where she was planning to go with this conversation, but she wanted for once to have a longer conversation contrary to when she wanted to leave just a while ago.

Ichigo seemed to be a little confused too, but nevertheless answered. "I guess but it wouldn't it be strange to help someone random in desperate need."

"Why did you?" Orihime asked, Maybe I shouldn't have said that she thought, but continued "Why did you save me? Why did you feel that you had to go to Hueco Mundo and be the one to save me?"

Ichigo was taken back a little, of course he would save her, there's no doubt about it. Didn't she know that?

"What do you mean, Inoue, you're my friend. I had too-it would be wrong if I didn't, I'm not that kind of person to let you, or anyone else for that matter, to suffer like that."

You think that is suffering, Ichigo. If only you knew how I felt right now, Orihime thought.

"So you still went after me even though they said I was a traitor? You went against Soul Society to get me; you didn't think you were overacting or that you should've been a little more resistant to do that?"

Ichigo's heart panged a bit, recalling those bitter memories. But why was she asking these questions? Why now, of all times? Well, he wouldn't want to think back to these memories at all; but feeling obliged to answer the healer's question he said, "What's with these questions Inoue? Is there something bugging you? I swear if those guys messed with you..." Ichigo closed his eyes, thinking what Grimmjow and Ulquiorra or those two arrancar girls might've done to her. Even if they did, what can he do about it, go back to Hueco Mundo or whatever and have revenge? Or maybe he should say another pathetic promise saying he'll protect her.

Tch, maybe he should pinky promise her.

"You didn't answer me, Kurosaki-kun. Did you regret coming after me?" Inoue knew that what she was asking was something beyond there relationship with each other. They wouldn't just talk about these events like, it's not like the whole Aizen issue was about her. She was merely just a bait to lure the people she cared about so they can be tricked, tormented, and hurt to get a selfish goal of power. Ichigo was the one who suffered the most; she couldn't make him think about these events just to provide information to her curious mind. It doesn't matter though, by this time next year, I won't be here. Not for seven long years. I just want to ask what I never did before, to remember that he doesn't belong with me."

"Look, Inoue, I never had or will regret it, rescuing you." It bugged Ichigo that she had been saying 'coming after me' and 'getting me' and not "saving" or "rescuing". It made it seem he'd came to Hueco Mundo to just retrieve her like a paycheck. She meant more than that; she was one of his best friends. He decided to turn the tables on her with these questions while raising an eyebrow, "Were you afraid? We're you scared?"

"No," Orihime said slowly, "I thought I was doing the right thing, I didn't care if people saw me as a traitor, as long as you," she blinked slowly, "you all, were safe." Orihime replied back hesitantly. She bit her lip, maybe she could ask that other question her brain deemed off limits...

Ichigo groaned inwardly, he didn't mean if she was scared leaving, it was good she wasn't but, "No, I mean, we're you scared for us?" he wanted to say 'him' for some reason. He wasn't sure if he wanted to know because he wanted to see if she didn't believe he can save her or if she held those emotions toward him. Not that it really mattered if she was scared for him or not, it was just that he didn't think anybody would feel that way about him; being scared of his own life. But if there was anyone that would, it would've been the kind-hearted Inoue; asking would be just a question of how she views him, well everyone else too, but still a question of how she thought of her friends.

"No." she said remembering how she slapped the green eyed arrancar when discouraging the abilities of him.

"So you weren't scared being alone in Hueco Mundo?"

"No" she repeated thinking of the huge plain white room she had spent nights in...And being told he came for her.

"You weren't scared of the possibility of never coming back here and seeing your friends?"

"No" replying automatically, reminiscing the hours before leaving...And being able to say bye to him, ready to face whatever after that.

"You weren't scared of your own safety?"

"No" knowing how many times Loly and Melony did harsh things to her...and how many times she saw him face cruel things.

"You weren't scared having to do what they said"

"No" her mouth was on auto-pilot now thinking back of being told to do nothing...then having to restore his life so he can fight again.

"You weren't scared of Aizen might have won?"

"No." she said as if it was a mantra remembering how she was told Aizen was going to the real world...then hearing he was going too.

"You were scared of me though,"

"No" she said firmly, seeing the fight battles with his sword but getting beat up, fighting with my hollow mask, looking like Sora as a hollow, and...And seeing him turn into a monster like creature. Violent, yet still protective over her.

Exchanging those seven questions for the same one word answer, Ichigo couldn't help but ask, "Why?"

And she said with a semi happy smile, which was as much as she could muster, "Why not?" almost gleaming with just the thought of all the reasons why.

"Eh, Kurosaki-kun don't you think we should be heading back toward Tatsuki-Chan and the others?" the orange hair girl said, ruining the moment.

The denser than lead boy, then followed the beautiful young girl's lead to their friends.

If only the boy noticed the fake smile she had, or if the girl had saw the boy's eyes longing for a proper conversation-about happy things, not questions of pain and guilt; maybe, just maybe something more could've happened

Or maybe they just weren't meant for each other.

Pluh-leeze, as if that was true! They would eventually be together... right?


The Next Year

"What do you mean your leaving?" is what all her friends, including Tatsuki with her fake surprised expression, said when they heard their favorite orange haired beauty will be leaving them.

"Why? Do you feel neglected and not loved enough, Orihime? If that is the case, I would be more than happy to shower you with love and happiness!" exclaimed Keigo with tears streaming down his face, creeping out the customers in the bakery Inoue worked at.

"Ano~that's not the problem," Inoue lied, all she wanted was to leave her unrequited love situation, was that all too bad? She couldn't take it much longer, "It's just that I got this amazing opportunity, and it would be silly if I don't take it."

"When are you leaving, Orihime? Don't tell me its soon." questioned Tatsuki, she already knew the answer, but both her and Inoue decided to pretend that Orihime had never told anyone; Inoue didn't want it to seem like she favored Tatsuki and everyone else was unimportant. Also, Orihime figured all her friends would bombard her friend asking why she didn't stop her from this decision.

Inoue let everyone know that she would be leaving in two days, Thursday, to prepare all the necessary arrangements for college and her new apartment. Everyone was of course upset; after all they had just ordered food that Orihime paid for saying that she had to say something important. It was just Tatsuki, Sado, Ishida, Keigo, Ichigo and Inoue in that circular table eating their donuts and pastries. They were just as upset, realizing they'd all be in school when Inoue was to leave. Her friends all asked their share of questions, one after another, making Inoue feel even worse. She made sure, however, to lie and say she was going to an out of town college undecided of her major taking business courses for a short time.

"Oh, look at the time! Its 3' o clock, sorry guys but I kinda have to go now." The young auburn hair beauty exclaimed.

"You want me to walk home with you?" Tatsuki pleaded "I really won't mind."

"Nah-it's okay. Bye guys!" Orihime said leaving with a huge smile.

She left the bakery, her pace slow, calm, and peaceful. Tears threatened to pour out as the innocent healer replayed the day's events-with every lie she had told her friends.

"That wasn't necessary you know." a manly voice grunted

"Tell me about it." Orihime eyelashes fluttered open, she didn't even know she had closed her eyes while walking, seeing her beloved Kurosaki-kun next to her. She whispered his name in surprise, "What are you doing here, shouldn't you be with the others?"

"Yeah, but Tatsuki said to walk home with you, something about you being lonely and sad."

"Eh! She said that? Its really unnecessary for you to walk me home, Kurosaki-kun, I don't want to bother you. Trust me; I will be fine, girl scouts honor!"

Ichigo grunted, "No, Inoue, I am walking you home, anyways I think we should talk."

Before the healer could enter in another protest, the orange haired boy had already taken huge strides to her house.

Orihime rushed a bit to match Ichigo's pace. She felt her heart racing thinking as to what he wanted to talk about.

Isn't "We should talk" something people say before announcing they want to break up? Huh, I'm pretty sure Ichigo and I aren't boyfriend and girlfriend! Hmm, maybe he wants to say that he is a secret undercover agent. Or maybe he's mad at me; did he notice that I was lying all this time?

"How are you?" Damn, Ichigo thought, he closed his eyes, what am I supposed to say? Hey, Inoue, I meant to ask that earlier, like a lot of months prior, so I'm just gonna say it now, cause you know, you're leaving and all. This is so weird, what am I supposed to do, she's leaving in two days and all I'm doing is asking her if she's alright!

"Ah, Kurosaki kun!" Before Ichigo could even open his eyes, Orihime had pulled him by the elbow closer to her. Once he was away from the two kids, who were about to bump into him because they were racing down the sidewalk, she quickly released his arm.

"Ah, thanks Inoue." He said, uncomfortable that her warm touch was gone. Ichigo cleared his throat, and made a second attempt, "So, how are you?"

Orihime looked at him confused, "Um, fine, and you?" Why is he asking me that? Ha, and I thought I was awkward!

Ichigo clicked his tongue, "That's good…um I'm fine too." He paused, "Wait, no not good!" He looked at the healer's confused faced, "I mean it's good that your fine, but that's not what I meant. I meant, damn it." Damn it Ichigo, you're making this harder than it needs to be! What's wrong with you? You're talking like a lunatic, relax! Make some attempt to communicate straight!

Ah, I see what Ichigo is trying to say, Orihime said inwardly, he's wondering why I'm leaving town for college. Eh, that's no good! Play it cool, Orihime, you got this!

"Kurosaki-kun, do you think I'm going to college somewhere else just to leave Karakura or something?"

"Exactly!" he exclaimed, happy that she was in tune as to what he wanted to say. "So, are you?" Ichigo continued seriously.

"Kurosaki-kun, I know that you worry about me as a friend, but really don't worry about it. I don't want to burden you any more than I have already."

"So there is something to worry about? And you are not a burden, Inoue."

Orihime bit her lip, although she lied to her friends including him at the bakery, she found it difficult to tell him a lie directly. Luckily for her they had reached her apartment already.

"Ano~Kurosaki-kun, we've already reached my apartment and its getting late, you probably have other things to do. We can talk later, okay?"

What was she implying? That she didn't mean anything to him? "No," he said gruffly, "There is no later, you and I know that. Inoue, you're leaving in two days! I'm only free today because it's my last day of vacation, the rest of the week I go back to school."

Orihime was glad that her college started the spring semester later than the others. This was perfect, being able to leave from Karakura without worrying that she might change her mind seeing Ichigo that day. But then she heard what Ichigo said next.

"That's why we're going to talk at your place." Ichigo didn't care if he was being impolite, already walking into the apartment building. He intended for answers, and planned on not putting it off again.

"Huh?" was all she could reply. She followed him inside. "But don't you have to go back home? I don't want to worry your family."

"No. I'll just call my dad once we reach your room. Your room number is 202 right?"

"Uh, yep. 202." Orihime was amazed. How did he remember that? He barely ever came to my apartment!"

The two orange heads walked up the stairs to Orihime's room. Once they got in Ichigo called his Dad as planned, and told him that he was going to be with Orihime for a while. Isshin was delighted said it was most definitely okay for him to stay at the beautiful girl's apartment.

By the time he was done on the phone, Orihime had left some tea to boil on the stove. She was sitting at her dinning table and Ichigo was standing against the wall right in front of her. Although, Orihime herself didn't want to talk to the young boy, she felt bad that he had to stand; after all she only put one chair at her dinning table, since it only her living at the apartment.

"You know, if it's okay with you, you can wait in the living room and I'll just come over when the tea's ready." She didn't even bother adding in his name because each time she said 'Kurosaki-kun' he would scowl and look upset not to mention she felt obliged to ask permission to do anything that required movement.

"No, you wait there on the couch, and I'll bring the tea itself when it's ready." Ichigo firmly replied.

"Oh, okay, then." And she hurried off to the living room.

Bringing in the two cups of tea, Ichigo placed them on the table and sat on the far end of the couch. Turning his face toward her and taking a silent breath he said:

"I know you lied."

Inoue heart froze, and she blinked three, four times before she recovered. She didn't reply but instead listened to him.

"You said that you were going to an 'out of town college undecided of your major taking business courses for a short time'. But according to Tatsuki, you will be a cardiovascular surgeon. And I'm pretty sure that won't be a "short time". Now obviously something must have happened for you to lie to your friends. Is there anything you would like to say?" His eyes were hard and cold and he again looked emotionless. They were staring at her, piercing through her.

"I'm leaving Karakura, to leave you, Kurosaki-kun." Orihime wasn't mad that Tatsuki told Ichigo that she lied, maybe it was okay. Inoue wasn't sure if it was a good idea to leave Karakura, and to tell Ichigo it was because of him, but her mind was set. She would leave him in two days, for seven long years-or possibly forever.

Ichigo froze, was she serious? He couldn't believe what she said. Orihime Inoue, will leave because of him! If the situation was different, he would've laughed at that. But no, the girl seemed like she meant it. What the heck is she trying to say? Pondering of what he could've done to make her do this, Inoue sat up from her place.

"I think the tea is cold now, let me make some more. You want me to make dinner or just order take out?" She asked as if she hadn't said anything to him just a while ago.

She flashed him that cold fake small smile, it irked him as he now realized that this was 'the smile' that Tatsuki told him that Inoue replaced her happy bright beautiful smiles. He grabbed her wrists with a death grip. "You're not going anywhere." His voice was dark and menacing. Never would he think he would talk this way to Inoue. Boy, wasn't today filled with surprises?

Orihime was slightly taken back at Ichigo's demeanor. So far it had been bouncing from confused to tough. She looked at him in the eyes, if he had his powers back, she would've thought she would see yellow irises instead of the brown ones. But no, they were brown alright, and they didn't look happy.

Ichigo clenched his hands into fists and groaned. Why is this so hard? Can't she tell me what I did to make her want to leave? Then I can fix it and everything will be okay, she will stay here, where she belongs.

He felt his anger rising, he didn't like this, why, why did it had to be because of him? He grabbed her wrists tighter.

"Please, Inoue, just tell me what I did wrong!" he shouted loosing his temper but lost its steam toward the end. It cracked a little, held too much emotion and sounded desperate. There was a tense pause; she was in front of him brows furrowed and lips tight. She looked annoyed and bothered. He felt his heart pounding, he never really liked suspense, his breathing was faster and his chest was heaving; he felt like he raced a marathon. So many emotions were rushing over him: guilt, worry, self-anger and most of all, he was scared. Was she really going to leave, sure it was for college, but would she visit? Call him, email him, something? Would she come back, maybe to see Tatsuki, but would he ever see her face again? Or would see forget about him, as if he was only 'some kid in her class once upon a time'?

"You didn't do anything wrong. It's just that…"she stopped midway

"What?" he pleaded

"I love you. No, I, I loved you."

Orihime freed herself from Ichigo's rough calloused hands. She had to confess now; she vaguely remembered a quote that was now ringing in her head. That you rather regret doing something, than nothing at all, and wonder the outcome forever. Because at one point, it was all you wanted. Running a hand down her almost waist length hair, she took a small breath, she could do this.

She was kinda happy Ichigo hadn't said anything yet, but a tad bit sad that what she said didn't cause a reaction from him. Inoue looked in the boy's chocolate brown eyes, seeing nothing but shock, and said her story.

"I've loved you for so long Kurosaki-kun. You were everything to me, a friend, a protector and so much more. I always worried about you, that you will get hurt and I won't be there to heal you. I hate how I always burden you by having you save me and protect me all the time. Yet, at the same time I feel so happy seeing you when I need help. Maybe I'm being too selfish wanting you to be more than a friend, but I wanted to at least say this before I have to leave. I realize that you and I will never be together, you deserve someone better. A girl who could fight for herself, brave and strong." She felt her eyes sting yet there were no tears, "Someone that Kurosaki-kun will love back."

Inoue wished that she could cry now, that way seeing Ichigo still not giving any sort of response would be all a blur. But no, all she felt was the pain in her heart and how empty she now felt. It was like she was dumped with ice cold water, Ichigo really didn't like her back, she guessed.

Wanting to be alone she said, "Can you please leave Kurosaki-kun."

"But," he said uncertainly, wondering what he should do at this moment.

"Please," she begged

Not knowing what else to do, he left, closing the door...and letting Inoue engulf her sorrows.

A/N: Yea, so there are a couple of major changes-like Orihime confessing. I didn't really like how I ended it, but what do you think? Was it okay-ish? Lemme know if you see any grammar or spelling mistakes, I checked it over and over so hopefully there isn't any!