Thoughts

As Ichigo and Ulquiorra went barreling towards the skies of Hueco Mundo, there was a large crashing noise. Uryu looked up to see that the impact had left a gaping hole in the sky.

"So, it was a fake all along," he mused to himself. He wondered what the scene through the hole looked like. How much damage was Ichigo dealing, and how much was Ulquiorra dealing to him? With Ulquiorra's strength, it was hard not to imagine Ichigo being beaten, but Uryu had faith that Ichigo would come out strong; he always did.

Something shifted next to him, and Uryu turned to see Orihime, looking up at the sky, as he was moments earlier. Her lips were parted, and there was fear in her eyes. No doubt Ichigo was in her mind; she was worried about him, and what may happen.

Uryu couldn't tear his eyes away from the girl as her auburn hair blew in the wind. Ichigo was on her mind, and it would be awful to be jealous, even a little bit. Uryu, however, found that he was indeed slightly jealous. He understood that Ichigo was the one fighting, but Uryu also understood that Ichigo was not the only one who was risking their lives for Orihime. He wanted—needed—her to see him, understand that he was there for her, and that he was utterly overjoyed to see her alive.

"Inoue-San." The words left his lips before he had a chance to stop his petty jealousy from taking over.

He was afraid that his words fell on deaf ears, that her concern over Ichigo made her ignorant to the world around her. That was until she slowly turned her head.

She didn't look at him as she probably looked at Ichigo when she saw him. There was no love in her eyes, but there wasn't nothing there either. He could see that she was worried, but he could also see that she was happy to see him alive.

Uryu didn't know what he could tell her. All he knew how to do at this point was stare at her, and marvel in the fact that she was standing before him. For what seemed like a lifetime, he had been fighting through Hueco Mundo, eagerly waiting the moment when their paths would cross.

I'm glad she's okay… he thought. It was an understatement, he knew, to say he was glad, when, in fact, he was ecstatic. Though he had never faced Aizen, he knew what the former captain could do. He knew just how strong his army was, Espada or not. In moments of weakness, he wondered if she would be dead before he could see her.

No, he went on. I shouldn't say that just yet. Not until all of this is finished. And yet, he couldn't help himself.

"Don't worry," he finally spoke; he was surprised his voice was calm. "Kurosaki will win."

And then he saw it. She nodded and smiled the smile that kept him going, fighting. His words gave her comfort, and that was all he could give her right now.

Don't make a liar out of me, Kurosaki. You have to win this. Inoue is waiting for you, hoping you'll win. Don't die! If you do, I'll never forgive you.

It was just like in the Soul Society, when Ichigo was fighting Byakuya. And both times, Uryu meant it. If Ichigo caused Orihime any more pain, there was no way he could forgive and forget.

Orihime's attention went back to the hole in the sky, and her smile was once again replaced with parted lips filled with worry. She looked pensive, and when she turned to Uryu again, she spoke. "Ishida-Kun, can you use your powers to take us up there?"

Uryu knew she would ask that. She couldn't stay down here, not while Ichigo was fighting with all his might. He didn't want to do it; it was too dangerous, and he couldn't risk losing her. But, how could he ever refuse her?

"Please…"

Uryu said nothing, and only nodded his consent. Moments later, they were flying up towards the hole, towards the sounds of battle that were making Orihime shake next to him as she held onto his arm.

We'll beat this, Inoue. I promise.