I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. I've been busy with homework and projects that I just didn't have the time. *Sigh* College can be stressful sometimes. I tried loading the story this past weekend but I had computer problems. Sometimes I HATE technology! lol

I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

I don't own Bleach or this song, "Love You to Death" by Kamelot. (Thanks again for the suggestion JammersFlood. ^_^)

Chapter 4 Love & Death

A week has passed since the Winter War ended. Ichigo, Sado, Uryu, and Orihime went back to school as if nothing happened. But there was something off about Orihime that even her friends noticed. She wasn't her happy, clumsy self. They all could feel her reiatsu weakening.

At school, Ichigo was worry about her. She didn't start rambling about aliens with him or anyone else, she bought normal lunches to school, and she fell asleep so many times in their classes that he lost count. There were bags under her eyes as if she hasn't slept in days.

One day Ichigo pulled her aside near the gate after school. He needed to know what was wrong. He cared too much for her to just ignore it.

"Orihime. What's been going on with you for the pass couple of days. And don't you dared tell me you're alright. Tatsuki, Ishida, Sado and I have noticed that you haven't been yourself." Ichigo had a crossed expression between a scowl and concern sat upon his face.

"What should I do? I can't possibly tell him or any of the others the truth." She was flustered by the fact that he was even worried by about her. Also, she still couldn't register in her mind that he was calling her first name.

When they met she was fifteen

Like a black rose blooming wild

And she already knew

She was gonna die

"Haha, Kurosaki-kun, you shouldn't worry about me. I'm perfectly fine." She scratched her hand behind her head and tried to put a on a smile.

"Didn't I tell you not to say your fine!" Ichigo snapped making her flinch. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Look, let me at least walk you home. Maybe you should stay home tomorrow. "

Just as he said that, her body crashed to the floor. "Is the process already starting? I don't want to say goodbye, Ichigo.

"Orihime. ORIHIME!" His eyes widen as if they were going to pop out his head. He saw his beloved Orhime on the ground.

"What happened to her reiatsu? I can't sense it! What should I do? Should I take her to the hospital? My dad's clinic? No, Urahara would be better."Without thinking, he picked her up in his arms carrying her to Urahara's shop.

"What's tomorrow without you?

Is this our last goodbye..."

Days turned to weeks. Weeks turned to months. Summer passed. Autumn soon came around. No one knew what was causing her to become so weak. Every now and then Sado and Uryu came to visit, but mostly Ichigo and Tatsuki checked on her everyday. Urahara tried everything he could to find a treatment, but he decided to call in Unohana-taichou to see if she could heal her and restore her reiatsu in some way. That didn't work at all. No one really knew how to help this innocent, sweet girl.

She got weaker every day

As the autumn leaves flew by

Until one day she told him

"This is when I die"

One day Ichigo came to visit Orihime alone.

"Kurosaki-kun, I need tell you something." Her voice was weak and soft, but he could still hear her.

"When I was in Hueco Mundo, Aizen absorbed most of my reiatsu and my power to reject to use on the Hogyoku. He said this would probably affect my health, and that I would… I would…" She couldn't bring herself to say it.

"You would what Orihime?" Ichigo asked, but he was afraid to hear the rest of the sentence. He was sitting next to her leaning over her because he wanted to know.

"He said I would die." The last word that came from Orihime's mouth echoed through out the room. It was so quiet a single pin could be heard if dropped.

"What was summer like for you?"

She asked him with a smile

"What's tomorrow without you?"

He silently replied

"What? Why didn't you say anything?" yelled Ichigo. You know you can tell me anything. After all we've been through!" His hands balled into fists and his whole body began to shake. He needed to calm himself down, but he couldn't possibly do it. Not after what she's told him.

"Orihime, what are you talking? What do you mean your gonna die?" Ichigo lowered his head so his bangs covered her eyes to keep Orihime from seeing the tears spill over.

[She said]

"I will always be with you

I'm the anchor of your sorrow

There's no end to what I'll do

Cause I love you

I love you to death"

"I didn't want to worry you. No matter what I'll always be here in your heart. I'll always be with you, Kurosaki-kun."

But the sorrow went too deep

The mountain fell too steep

And the wounds would never heal

Cause the pain of the loss

Was more than he could feel

Rage filled up within him. "No, don't say that. You'll always be here with me because we're going to find a way to help you. Urahara is doing everything he can to find a cure for you." Slowly, her hand reached up to touch his face.

[He said]

"I will always be with you

By the anchor of my sorrow

All I know or ever knew

Is I love you

I love you to death"

"It's okay, Kurosaki-kun. You'll find someone better than me. I just know it." Orihime looked at him as tears filled her eyes.

"No! I won't let you die! Not like this. Damnit! I just feel so helpless. I – I love you to much to lose you."

"What's tomorrow without you?

Is this our last goodbye?"

"I don't think I have the strength to last much longer." Her eyes grew heavy.

"I can't keep my eyes open. My body seems like it's shutting down. Am I really going to die leaving behind my friends and the one I love?"

"No, Orihime. Don't leave me. Please. I- I don't know what I would do without you. Each day won't be the same without you!" Tears spilled from his eyes.

"Goodbye, Ichigo. I love you. I'll always be with you."

"I will always be with you

I'm the anchor of your sorrow

There's no end to what I'll do

Cause I love you..."

Her eyes drifted closed and her hand fell limp in his hand. "Orihime." He called her name, but she didn't respond. His eyes widen with tears streaming down his face.

" ORiHIME! NO!" He didn't know what else to do, but scream her name. From that point on, Ichigo never found another love because his heart will always belong to Orihime.

I know it was sad, but I wanted to try a different ending instead of a happy one like I've done in the previously chapters. Please review and give songs you would like as a story.

Have a nice day! :D