Prompt: Love at First Sight

Title: Wherever You Go, I Will Always Follow

Bleach (c) Tite Kubo

Story (c) Yours Truly

The sound of beeping equipment. That distinct smell. Those uncharacteristic, white walls. Those small things that made up a hospital filled Ichigo's senses. But he didn't care about any of that. The only thing he cared about was the little old lady in the bed beside him.

Her hands were cold, as Ichigo held them in his own.

Her caramel orange hair had lost its luster, and was now a wispy grey.

Her body was now so frail, that Ichigo was cautious wherever he touched her.

But, she was still just as radiant as the first day he met her.

How long had they been together? 65 years? Ichigo honestly couldn't remember because every day he saw his beloved wife it was liking meeting her again for the first time.

Ichigo knew from the moment he saw her that she was the one for him.

He didn't think that he, a seventeen year old boy, would fall in love at first sight, but he did and he fell hard.

She was so beautiful, and bright, and kind, and smart, and loving. She was absolutely perfect.

And every day he fell in love for the first time all over again.

Her hand squeezed his, bringing him back to reality.

"Ichigo. . ."

"Hmm? What is it?

"Thank you."

He furrowed his brow, "Huh? For what?"

She smiled, "For loving me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being my rock and my protector, thank you for making every day the best day of my life."

He kissed her forehead, "No, thank you, Orihime. If hadn't have met you, I wouldn't even know what love is. I love you. I will always love you. And I will always follow you wherever you go."

Her eyes closed peacefully and Ichigo felt her hand go limp. She was gone.

That night, Ichigo felt lonely for the first time. His heart ached when he realized he wouldn't wake up to the love of his life the next morning.

As he closed his eyes he whispered, "I promise, there will never be anyone in this life I love more than you."

Ichigo squinted at the bright light as he awoke the next morning. He was at home, right?

"Ichigo."

He turned, and there was Orihime, looking exactly the same she did when he first met her and he knew that he wasn't at home. And he felt the joy of falling in love all over again.

"You came quickly," she smiled.

He smiled in return, "I told you: Wherever you go, I will always follow."

Author's Note:

Hello everyone, it's been a while!

I have good news! I'll be doing a lot of drabbles for this pairing within the coming week because over at tumblr we are having IchiHime Month and the first week is fanfiction week so I thought I'd participate :)

Anyways, this story is of course, AU, and it is inspired by those stories I hear elderly couples passing away within days of each other.

Reviews are appreciated :)

Take care and God bless,

Rose