Title: Left Behind

Warnings: A tad spoiler-ish...

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach and/or its characters.

Ichigo wasn't sure what he could do for Inoue... except let her cry into his chest. He couldn't see her face nor into the eyes that once sparkled like stars. He was sure those same eyes became dulled as the sparkles leaked out along with her tears. His lips kissed her forehead in a soothing way, but she did not feel it. He held her tighter, his long, strong arms trying to take on some of her pain as they encircled her small form.

He couldn't stand seeing her like this.

Hell, under most circumstances, he couldn't imagine Inoue acting like this at all. But this... this was a special situation… and yet he still could not except this, even as he held her wrecked self against him.

He would have never thought that this would happen to Tatsuki. She was a strong girl so how did she end up dying so young. And left behind her best friend without so much as a goodbye or sorry.

Ichigo knew he couldn't blame Tatsuki for this. It was all Aizen's fault.

Tatsuki had died a hero, protecting Keigo, Mizura, and his sisters with her limited spiritual power when Karakura Town was brought back from the Soul Society. She stood no chance against the Arrancar, but she still faced them and bought enough time for backup to arrive.

"Tatsuki-chan!" Inoue yelled as she ran to her falling friend, her hairpins already flying towards the girl.

But Tatsuki was already gone before she hit the ground, a small, satisfied smile on her face.

Instead of being dragged away from Tatsuki's body, Inoue willingly joined the battle. She was being strong and was not going to let Tatsuki's sacrifice be in vain.

And now they were attending her funeral. He could feel a heavy weight in his chest as he processed that the girl that kick his butt many times in karate was no longer among the living. He and Tatsuki were close friends, but no where as close as her and Inoue. The weight became heavier as another wave of sobs came over the small frame of the girl in his arms.

But whether he could except Tatsuki's death or not, he would continue to hold Inoue until her tears stopped and then some. This time, he had to be strong for the both of them. Inoue had been strong long enough.

:( I killed off poor Tatsuki-chan... Well another one down. Man, I'm in a down mood now.

-minimerc