Thanks 'Saga' for letting me know of the chapter mix up~and it's just a collection of drabbles or one-shots not a multi-chapter story =)
March 18~Hey guys this is not a new chapter-I did something really weird and had to re-upload this chapter again hehe-sorry!
A/N: Hey! So, I haven't sleep for three days because I've been working hardcore! I even have this weird bruise looking thing at the knuckle of both of my pinkies from writing and typing so much. Okay, that doesn't sound too bad-but trust me it is...anyways, since I already have the darkest eye bangs ever I thought that it wouldn't be too bad to let my brain switch into imagination land and write a chapter before I finally get to sleep. So if it sucks more than usual, pardon as my brain and the rest of my body hate me for being so cruel to them and is on a strike as we speak. Did that make sense? It was supposed too, ah whatever, pretend I didn't say a thing. But this chapter is pretty lengthy too, but please bear with it! Things don't turn out the way you think it would, if it sucks, sorry because after learning about so much illness and sickness this week I couldn't help but create this. Ah I'm probably confusing you a bit, pretend I didn't say anything again.
I do not own Bleach.
It was Orihime's twentieth birthday. Today was September third and the sun was shining in the park and the birds were chirping gloriously. However, she was not all too happy as she deserved to be. You see, her boyfriend of three years broke up with the healer merely a week ago. Isn't that cruel, to have your long time partner end your relationship right when your birthday is coming up? It's like breaking up on Christmas or worse, Valentine's day. But that is not why Orihime was gloomy. Yes it was because of the break up, not it's not the timing that made her upset but the reason.
Her boyfriend, Ishiru, called it quits because he realized that the one who he truly loved was not her, but rather a crush he had in high school.
Ishiru and Inoue, their names fit so perfectly together, like red bean paste and chocolate. Everyone could see why they were a couple, they were so in love with each other. They never fought, unless it was about what to order for dinner, but instead showed so much affection to the other. There was never a day since they first met that they didn't have some form of communication with the other. The two were unbreakable; they would hold hands whenever they walked, planned out dates at least five times a month, spend each and every holiday and birthday together and so much more. And there was this look in both of their eyes whenever they looked at each other. The two sets of eyes would dilate and hold this warm, like a fire, would would even glow like one.
Little did Inoue know, that Ishiru was thinking of his crush all the while.
A girl that he never confessed his feelings for and who never showed any signs of affection back to him, it was her that he was thinking of three years. It burned her heart to know that was the case. Why couldn't he fall in love with her? She was the one who loved him and wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She was the one that was perfect with him, who cared and understood him.
What hurt the most was that it reminded her of Ichigo.
She went abroad for college, where she met Ishiru, to leave Ichigo.
She was so happy with her relationship with Ishiru, to finally find someone who loved you. Sure she had many admirers in Karakura and everywhere else she went, but to find a man that displayed true love to you was something she wanted. She was so in love with Ishiru that she was over her crush with Ichigo. She even introduced her boyfriend to her friends that first New Years that they were together. When she went back to Karakura, she only thought about her love, Ishiru, not her old crush Ichigo. She didn't even blush meeting Ichigo again or felt her heart race just by glancing at him. Orihime's heart belonged with Ishiru, that whole five lifetimes one love, screw that, Ichigo was now and only a friend.
Inoue would send postcards and letters to her friends in Karakura and would never fail to mention the amazing thing her and her boyfriend did that day and sometimes even attach a photo of them together. Everyone was happy for her, so it seemed, everyone got along with Ishiru easily, even Ichigo surprisingly did.
But now that was all over, Ishiru love for her was a lie. She could not comprehend why he wanted to break up with her. Did she not fill the empty space in his heart, like how he did for her? She loved Ichigo for so long, but it all stopped when she meet Ishiru.
Or was she the same? Maybe she is still in love with Ichigo and she is just late to recognize it like Ishiru.
She shook her head, no, no way was that possible. Her life for the past three years was revolved around Ishiru not Ichigo. Orihime sighed, she did not even tell Tatsuki about it. She was too ashamed and depressed to do so. She looked up into the sky, it was still morning, she told her friends that she would meet up for lunch. Inoue knew that she might as well tell Tatsuki now before she had to admit it in front of all her friends.
Inoue dialed Tatsuki's number on her cell phone, she might as well get over it now. While it was ringing she took a walk in the park's paved grounds.
Five minutes later, Tatsuki was shouting insults through the phone about the jerk face loser Ishiru. Once she retained her cool, she remembered that she shouldn't be ranting about Ishiru but instead comforting the poor girl.
"Sorry, about that Orihime. Hey stay where you are, I'll come over at the park and we'll chat together there. Kay, Orihime?"
"Sure, Tatsuki-chan! That would be -ah" Tatsuki heard the phone clank into the ground, she assumed that is was another one of Inoue's clumsy falls.
"I'm okay!" she shortly heard her friend say.
"Good, now just wait there until I come. And, Orihime, please, don't hurt yourself." Tatsuki jested.
Orihime and Tatsuki said their goodbyes and disconnected the call.
When Tatsuki found Orihime, she saw her crying on a bench. Poor Orihime, she really is heartbroken.
"Oi, Orihime!" Tatsuki looked at Inoue closer, she thought she was crying because she was sad, but it looked like it was in pain. Tatsuki thought her face was red because she was crying too much, but looking down, she realized that her whole body looked a bit red.
"What happened Orihime?" Tatsuki's eyes held concern, what was happening to Inoue?
"Tatsuki, I don't feel so well. Right when we ended our call I felt this stinging pain here." Orihime pointed to the backside of her arm where a rash resided. "I think I have a fever, but I'm not too sure because I have these chills as well." Inoue's eyes were closing slowly.
"Orihime!" Tatsuki shook the girl's shoulders.
Tatsuki was more than worried, lifting the healer up. Taking her cell phone out, she called for the abulance.
Orihime was in the emergency room and Tatsuki was in the waiting room. She started crying, what if something bad happens? This whole day was going wrong; it was Orihime's birthday for goodness sake. Not a time for her to be depressed over her ex boyfriend or even get sent to the emergency room. She called her friends, hearing the news they were all coming to the hospital, even Isshin said that he'll come too.
A hand rested on her shoulder. Looking up she saw Isshin with a very serious look. Tatsuki looked behind him; Ichigo, Sado and Ishida were there with the same serious look as well.
She choked out a sob asking the unasked question, "I don't know what happened. I came to the park where Orihime was and...And... Found...her...her...crying with her skin red and her right arm with a rash. And she told me she has a fever and chills! She was fine when I talked to her over the phone, I don't know what happened."
It was strange for her friends to she their friend crying like this, but it was more than understandable why. Isshin rubbed Tatsuki's back, while the rest took seats next to her.
They waited thirty minutes before two nurses came. One took Isshin to another room, as he took responsibility over Inoue considering she didn't really have any family than her friends. The second nurse took Tatsuki to a different room to ask more questions.
It was now just Ishida, Sado and Ichigo. Each held mixed emotions. Ishida, for one, had his eyes in a tight line as if figuring what happened to Inoue himself. Sado on the other hand, looked stiff. Normally he was the collected one and could show absolutely no emotion, but now he just had that aura of confusion, concern and lost all in one. Ichigo, well Ichigo was a mix of both, but looked angry as well. His scowl was dark and deep and had a menacing piercing stare. His long slender fingers tapped against the wooden chair and his right foot tapped along. He was impatient, he needed to see Inoue. Why did she have to leave for college to some other place? Were there no colleges in Karakura? How could he make sure that she was safe? Sure she kept in touch and visited, but she always brought Ichiru. He was happy that she found someone to love her; she deserved it to the least. But something felt so wrong, when she left. It was like a whole chunk of his life was ripped apart.
Ishiru was a nice guy; he treated Inoue right and cared for her. Ichigo could tell that they were in love; there was no way to deny it. Everything the two talked was about each other and they always stole glances at each other, and for no apparent reason they would smile and blush. How the heck did Ichigo know this? It was because every time they came to Karakura, he couldn't help but feel jealous. When Ishiru held Inoue's hand, Ichigo crumpled his hands into a first just to stop the urge to yank Ishiru's hand off Inoue. The couple even kissed each other in public. It was like they didn't care who saw them in their intimate moments. Couldn't they just get a room! No, you know what would have been better! If they weren't even together in the first place! Ichigo knew that he was being selfish for his immature thoughts. Couldn't he just accept that Inoue belongs with Ishiru?
Ichigo knew that he liked, no loved, Orihime. But it was too late, she already found another. Someone better than him, Ishiru was probably a hundred times smarter, loving, caring or whatever girls want from their boyfriends if Inoue chose him. Inoue is pure and innocent, whoever she chooses to be with her most likely deserved it.
Ichigo raked a hand through his messy orange hair. He didn't even plan to meet up with Inoue today because he knew Ishiru would come. He couldn't take it anymore, to always have to see Inoue with some other man. He wanted to tell Inoue to leave Ishiru, because he would be there for her. He may not be the ideal boyfriend or partner, but he longed for Inoue to be in love with him. He wanted to boast to Orihime that he was getting straight A's in college and that in a few more years he will be a doctor. He wanted to remind Orihime that if she was ever in any trouble that he would be the one to protect, save and comfort her. He wanted to tell her that he loved her! It maddens him so much that Orihime fell in love with a boy that known her for less than five years when he knew her longer and went through so much together. Sure most of the things that they went through weren't pleasant, but hey, they got through it.
Ichigo heard footsteps, it was Tatsuki and Isshin followed by closely. Isshin eye brows furrowed and Tatsuki eyes were red and looked pale.
Chad, Ishida and Ichigo all stood up from their seats.
"What did they say, Dad?" Ichigo said just above a whisper.
"She's gotten worse son. They aren't sure as to what she is going through; they still need to confirm their diagnosis."
"What the hell is taking them so long?" Ichigo yelled, "They are doctors aren't they?"
Ishida massaged his temples, "Kurosaki, don't let your frustrations go out in anger. Can't you act more mature?"
Ichigo bit his tongue, he knew now isn't the best time to argue.
Chadspoke up, "Did they say that we can see her yet?"
"Not until they confirm their diagnosis. All they told us so far is that her fever is still high; she's vomiting and has even more rashes. They are pretty sure, however that it has to do with the cut she got when she fell in the park."
The door opened and a doctor came out.
"Isshin Kurosaki?'
"Yes, Doctor?" the older man turned to face young doctor.
"May I talk to you in private?"
And with that the two went out into the hallway.
"Please, Doctor," Isshin pleaded, "tell me that you know what Inoue has."
"I'm sorry to inform you, but Orihime Inoue has septicemia."
"Her blood is intoxicated?"
"Yes, it has seems so. You see when Orihime received the laceration from her fall, the bacteria streptococci had gotten into her blood vessel as she did not properly clean the cut. Because this infection is within the walls of the blood vessels, it is rapidly progressing tissue infections, virulent systemic disease, and local infections that the defense mechanisms of the body are unable to contain. The microorganisms usually spread to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, and brain. We confirmed this as Inoue's blood tests for antibodies and white blood cells were very high and found the organism streptococci to be abundant."
"Will she be okay, Doctor?"
Isshin looked into the eyes of the doctor, afraid of the answer.
"We can not tell as of now, but we will do our best. We will be giving Inoue antibiotics and plasma with your consent."
Once Isshin gave his consent, the Doctor's pager beeped.
"I'm very so sorry, Isshin Kurosaki, but it's Inoue."
Isshin went back to the kids in the waiting room; everyone was gloomy but averted their eyes when he came.
"She has septicemia."
Ishida and Ichigo exchanged looks as both aspiring doctors knew what this disease was. Sado and Tatsuki however had no clue what it was.
"Explain please," Tatsuki said worriedly.
Ishida adjusted his glasses and looked towards the window. It was still sunny, it felt odd and out of place today.
He answered Tatsuki, "It means her blood is poisoned by strong bacteria that multiply and discharge more of its toxic products. Her body can't defend itself from this and it may spread to other organs and cause multiple organ failure of the lung, liver or brain."
"Will she die?" Tatsuki tried not to cry again.
Ishida didn't want to answer. He knew the statistics of this disorder. He wished he could lie, and say that it was impossible to die from this, but the truth is, that the chances were high.
Ichigo stood up, "Septicemia has a death percentage as high as 50% if it progresses." he then left the room without another word.
Ichigo still had not returned and the rest were still waiting in the waiting room. Isshin, Ishida and Sado all looked in the bathrooms, around town and even called his cell phone without any luck. This was not a time for them to separate, they needed to stick together. But they gave up; Ichigo would come back when he was ready. While Ichigo was absent either the Doctor or nurse kept the four informed.
For one, the Doctor pager went off because the disorder spread to Orihime's lungs.
An hour later, they said that it spread to her brain.
Ten minutes later, Orihime was in a coma.
She was in the ICU for a while now, and the four were no longer in the waiting room. They were watching Orihime in her room. She was given IVs, a ventilator anything to keep her living.
The four eventually had to leave as it was getting late and there was no sign of Orihime waking up.
residents of Karakura woke up to torrential rain the next day, September fourth. The rain was pelting down creating puddles everywhere. It was a work day and the streets crowed with people rushing to work. The sidewalks were crammed with the dozens of people with a mixture of colored umbrellas. People sighed as the rain seemed to fall even harder, pounding into the ground nonstop. The Kurosaki clinic was even busier than ever, which was hard enough considering a certain orange head still had not appeared last night. Tatsuki, Isshin, and the rest of Inoue's friends decided to meet up at the hospital in the evening when the rain hopefully died out. The innocent healer was still in a coma, with nurses and doctors monitoring her, waiting for her to wake up hoping that she wouldn't die.
Isshin had already contacted Urahara to see if she knew how to save the young girl's life. Urahara said he couldn't make any promises but would try his hardest to help Orihime live. That was what everyone had been hoping on, some remedy of some sort to heal the girl.
Isshin, taking care of yet another patient, dozed momentarily out the window. He wasn't that close with Orihime, but there was something about her that made her feel like family. It wasn't all to surprising considering the bond she had with his son, healing him time after time. He really owed her his life for saving his son's, but that wasn't the only reason he cared for the healer. He already saw an Inoue die before, Sora, and seeing the pain in her eyes he could already tell that the brother was her only family. Isshin knew how to lose someone close who meant the world to you to die. And to see her be overwhelmed by the death of her brother was too much to bear; it was like he saw himself in her vaguely. As a doctor, Isshin obviously saw people dying, but that day he had to tell the young auburn haired girl of the death of her brother, he felt like he was telling his daughters that their mother died all over again.
If Orihime died, he could only imagine what would happen to Ichigo. It was obvious he loved the healer, so if she died, his son would change once again. He already saw his son become different after Masaki passed away, if Inoue died then Ichigo…Isshin exhaled, he shouldn't be thinking like that.
The doctor took a slow breath in.
"Where are you Ichigo?"
The rain was cold, almost stinging as it hit him repeatedly again and again.
He didn't wear a jacket, or anything to protect him from the rain for that matter. He didn't care as he had other things in his mind.
Ichigo shuffled his feet two or three more steps. Stuffing two clenched fists into his jean pockets, his scowl deformed along with tightly knitted brows. He looked below him, where the name of his beloved mother was engraved into the stone of her grave.
The boy knelt down so the grave was within eye level and with almost tearful eyes he traced the name. He was nine years old when she passed away, he was older now, much older, but he still much of the moments they shared together. He learned to live without the presence of his loving mother, who meant everything and more in the world to him. She was the one who cooked hot soup whenever he was sick, who held his hand when he was scared, and who made him bursting with joy whenever she took him out to ice cream after getting beaten up by his peers in karate class. He could only imagine what memories they could' have shared if she were still alive. He changed after since that day she passed away, becoming stronger so he could protect like his mother did and make her proud.
He learned how to live without a lot of things now that he thought about it.
He learned to live without hearing "Good Morning, Kurosaki-kun!" every school day from a certain auburn haired girl.
He learned to live without the humorous yet strange rambles about crazy robots taking over the world dreams she had or the notorious little blue men.
He learned to live without the small ray of hope that made him that maybe he would get to walk her home.
He learned to live without her in his life. That she would never be his because her love belonged to another. Not that he deserved it anyway, but just the thought alone made him happy no matter how many times he told himself that it would never happen.
But one thing is for sure; never could he ever learn to live without her.
He promised to protect her, to keep her safe and now she has a life threatening illness! What could he do now? This was something he couldn't use Bankai on or scare off with a scowl.
He knew that he should visit Inoue. Ichigo knew he was being a coward to not look at Inoue when she might die. He was too scared, what if she died right then and there? What if she turns out to be okay, and leaves and goes back to Ichiru. Sure the latter of the two is a million times better than the former, but it was a slap to the face to know that no matter what, he would not see Inoue again.
He thought that he could live without Inoue in his life, but he now realized it's not possible. Inoue was his life.
Ichigo knew what he wanted to do now.
To see Inoue.
Ichigo walked up to the second floor where Inoue new room was. He felt his heart race, the receptionist said that Inoue didn't have any visitors today, just one, who Ichigo assumed was Tatsuki, so that meant that it would only be him and her alone. Maybe he should go, what would he say? Say sorry for not visiting earlier, but hope you feel better soon?
Ichigo groaned, he was thinking too much into this. He was about to open the closed door when he heard muffled sounds from inside. Feeling a bit like Yuzu and his dad, he inched his ear closer to the door.
He still couldn't hear much so he knocked on the door once and went inside.
A tall man turned around, "Oh hey, Ichigo." It was Ichiru. He wore jeans and a black polo and small eye bangs hung under his hazel eyes.
"Sorry, Ichiru, I didn't know you were here. I'll leave you and Inoue alone then." Ichigo felt his heart pang; of course Ichiru would visit Inoue. He is her boyfriend after all. "I'm so stupid!" Ichigo thought. He couldn't even bring himself to look at Inoue now. He didn't want to see that loving gaze that was reserved for when Ichiru was around. He needed to leave, now. Ichigo headed toward the door.
"No! Wait, Ichigo, stay." Ichiru called out. "I'm pretty sure Inoue wouldn't mind if you're here. Anyways, I should go if anything, I stayed here for a couple of hours now. I was hoping she would wake up."
Ichiru ran through his hands through the auburn hair. Ichigo wanted to swat the boy's hand away when he noticed something off.
"Inoue's in a coma!"
Ichiru looked at Ichigo as if he was crazy.
"For almost a day now, Ichigo. Didn't you visit her yesterday?" Ichiru said slowly as if it would make Ichigo understand better.
Ichigo adverted his eyes shamefully, "Well, yeah, but I left early because, I, uh had something to do."
"So the receptionist, nurse, your family or friends didn't tell you either…and you just noticed now…that Inoue was in a coma?" Ichiru laughed awkwardly, "You really didn't know?"
Ichigo shrugged his shoulders, he felt stupid now. Maybe he should've listen to the nurse that passed by saying something about Inoue or checked his cell phone at least once the past day.
"Eh, I didn't know either until last night. That's why I made sure I saw her today despite this horrid weather. Say, Ichigo, I know that we that aren't that close to each other, but I consider you as a friend. You' seem pretty smart; you think you can lend me some advice? Do you think it's wrong that I'm visiting Inoue?"
Ichiru was pretty open about things, a trait that seemed Inoue like, but what kind of question was that? Ichigo was dumbfounded; of course Inoue would want Ichiru to visit her!
"Of course, isn't it obvious? Inoue loves so much, Ichiru, why wouldn't she want to see her boyfriend?"
Ichiru looked at Ichigo yet again as if he was crazy. He almost felt his jaw drop, he didn't know about that either?
"You are really slow on news, aren't you, Ichigo. You see, me and Orihime," Ichiru wet his lips and rubbed his knuckles across them. He remembered Orihime telling him to call her by her first name after their first kiss, and to call her by her first name seemed inappropriate. "Inoue and I, we," Ichiru said in a half whisper, "I broke up with her a while ago."
Ichigo wasn't sure if he wanted to beat up this guy for letting Inoue go or dance around like an idiot because they broke up. Ichigo became curious, why would he break up from the sweetest girl in the world? It wasn't his business really, but if it concerned Inoue, then he wanted to know.
"Why did you two break up?" Ichigo meant to say it in his usual menacing tone but it was the opposite as he was wondering how much pain Inoue probably went through as it was clear to what great measure she loved the hazel eyed boy.
"I was in love with another girl," seeing the daggers Ichigo was stabbing him with, he amended his words, "Me and that girl, there was nothing between us. She was my high school crush, I loved her so much but I knew that we would never be together, it was impossible for her to fall in love with a guy like me when she deserved better, much better. That's why I made sure to go to a different college as her, to get her off of my mind. That's when I fell in love with Orihime, err Inoue, and I was overwhelmed when she wanted to be my girlfriend. It was amazing feeling someone you love romantically loves you back. I felt complete, but Inoue reminded me of my crush. It felt so wrong that every time she touched or kissed me, I imagined it was my crush not Inoue. That's why I broke up with her, so I could confess my love to my crush."
"Is that what you told her?" Ichigo questioned.
Ichiru's eyes furrowed, "Yeah that's what I told Inoue, she deserved the truth."
"That's not what I meant," Ichigo said with a scowl, "Is that what you told your crush?"
Ichiru took a deep breath in, "No, I didn't even confess to her, I needed a break from relationships. I felt like I was jumping into things too fast and I couldn't handle my feelings for both girls. I'm transferring this year to a different college, so I can sort my feelings out."
"Then why did you want to see Inoue?"
"I guess for cold turkey purposes. To see her one last time before I leave her. I'm kinda glad now that she didn't wake up yet, it would be bad for the both of us."
Ichiru walked up to Inoue's bed, as well as Ichigo, and the two stared at the pale girl. Ichiru placed his large hand on top of her smaller one and squeezed it. "I love Inoue, but not enough to stay with her."
Ichigo looked at the boy next to him; Ichiru wasn't such a bad guy, an idiot yes, but not bad.
"Thanks Ichigo." Ichiru said still holding the healer's hand.
"For what? I didn't even give you any advice."
"For making me realize that Inoue and I aren't supposed to be together." Ichiru removed his hand and started to walk out, "Do me a favor Ichigo, and make sure she chooses the right guy that loves her as much as she loves him." And with that, Ichiru left.
Ichigo was left with Orihime.
Orihime was in a deep slumber, deep in darkness.
She felt nothing, remembered nothing
And alone.
And then there was a buzz
It got louder and louder and then it stopped.
This time although she didn't feel anything, she didn't feel numb.
The buzzing came back, and then she heard more.
She heard muffles, and walked toward the faint sound.
Ichiru? She twitched with the unwelcomed feeling of pain.
Each and every syllable brought back fragments of memories.
Small and tiny bits of pieces bundled themselves together like iron fillings to a magnet.
Ichigo was watching Orihime with a solemn expression. The rain came harder, reminding him of the day his mother passed away. Maybe it was a sign that Orihime would die. Not much time had passed since Ichiru had left. He wondered what Ichiru was saying to Inoue when he walked in. He heard that talking to a coma patient is good, that it helps the brain rewire itself. Sure there's no real proof of that, but it couldn't hurt.
"So…Inoue." He started awkwardly, "How was college life? Ugh, What am I saying, this is the lamest conversation in history." Ichigo thought to himself, "What did I always want to say to Orihime that I never did?"
"Inoue, you know there are many things I wanted to tell you. Like to stay in Karakura because we needed you here, well I needed you here. That I miss seeing you, and every morning when I go to college I still secretly hope for a "Good Morning Kurosaki-kun" from you. I wanted to tell you to not call me by my last name and to call me Ichigo. I was jealous that you had chose Ichiru, it was selfish indeed because I should at least be happy that you were happy. You know, Inoue, you are always on my mind, like every time I get a bruise or scratch; I pretend you are there and that you would heal it even though I protest and say it's no big deal. I miss being around you, there's no one else like you, Inoue. But if there was only one thing I could tell you, it would be that I love you. I would repeat it over and over, saying the same thing again and again."
He ran his fingers through the girl's hair and placed his other hand on top of Inoue's, mimicking Ichiru's prior actions. Inoue looked pale and fragile, that she might break by the slightest increase speed of wind. Ichigo took his index and middle finger and found her heart beat on her wrist. It was faint but very comforting. He pressed slightly harder as if it would increase the relaxing feeling over him.
"Inoue-sama! Please wake up!"
The buzzing was back. Orihime was confused, it was still dark, she couldn't see anything.
"Stupid girl, it's not dark in here! Your eyes are closed, just open them and viola there is light!"
'Open my eyes?' the princess thought.
And without a doubt, there was the sun, shining its rays as if it was noon.
"Finally! Okay now that you opened your eyes heal your freaking body before we all die!"
'Die?' she thought
"Look what you did, you scared the poor girl"
"Well she scared me! I thought she would never wake up!"
"Listen, Inoue-sama, your very sick. You need to heal yourself immediately before it's too late."
Without saying a word she began to heal herself.
It was strange, she tried to heal herself before but nothing changed.
She remembered now, that she was sick, hopefully this time she would be able to heal herself.
"It should work, Inoue-sama, while you were...sleeping...we worked harder to become stronger on our own to save you."
Second by second she continued to heal herself,
And soon enough every inch of her body was healed.
Inoue's hand twitched, her face tightened as if she was pinched and then it softened, and an almost quiet gasp was heard.
Ichigo felt his heart race as he felt Inoue's heat beat become stronger. He waited and waited for her eyes to open, he wanted him to be the first person she woke up to. But who would she be thinking about. Inoue didn't seem like the person to forget the long relationship she had with Ichiru. His heart was now swollen in sorrow with that thought alone. He removed his hand from her wrist and walked backwards. Inoue will leave once again to go to college. She won't stay in Karakura, sure she was single but she doesn't transfer colleges like Ichiru. He meant absolutely nothing to her. Only a comrade, nothing more and nothing less. What was he doing here anyway? He should just find the nurse and tell them that Inoue is responsive now. Ichigo left Inoue's room, closing the door silently.
The beautiful princess woke up, engulfed by the warmth of the hospital. Her eyes saw the rest of her body on the hospital bed and noticed the machines around her.
That's when she noticed that she was alone in the room, everyone else must have been too busy to visit her, she guessed. Not that she really mind, she understood that everyone had their own lives and had things to do. But she thought that at least someone, one person, would be there when she woke up. Orihime knew she was hoping on Ichiru to visit her. She was so stupid, why would he even visit her? He's probably over her and has another girlfriend.
The clap of lighting was heard followed by the boom of thunder. She listened to the taps of rain on her window and the beep of the machine that monitored her heart beat. It made her feel lonelier.
What if she died? Right now, at this very moment and no one was there, she would die alone and by herself. No one would care; after all she was a burden. Sure, Tatsuki would care, but she must have been annoying to her friend to always rely on her. Orihime thought back to her high school years, the hollows, Hueco Mundo, Aizen. Why was she thinking of this? All her worries of being a burden had past away once she left for college. She knew that she couldn't bother her friends when she was in college. There would be no more "Make sure Inoue doesn't get hurt." or "Be mindful of your power, you might hurt Inoue."
Maybe that's why Ichiru broke up with her; maybe she was burdening him without even noticing it. After all, they did everything together; Ichiru must have pitied her and elongated their relationship for her sake. Ichiru is probably happy wherever he was now, with the girl of his dreams. He wouldn't care either if she died; she meant nothing to him now. All she was is a waste of space.
Orihime cried, she wished she was never with Ichiru in the first place. The years they spent together meant nothing, why did she believe that someone loved her? She didn't deserve love. Her parents didn't love her, she made her brother's life harder went they ran away from their parents, she endangered so many of her friends, she was such a burden! Orihime cried harder, ignoring the machine beeping faster now due to her heart rate; she had caused Ichigo so much pain too, heck he even died in Hueco Mundo.
"Kurosaki-kun." she wept.
Maybe she was like Ichiru after all, trying to forget her high school crush.
Why did she leave Karakura? She missed Ichigo. She always thought that her first kiss would be with him, not Ichiru. She never thought that she would really succeed in falling in love with another man. Orihime wondered if Kurosaki-kun missed her while she was gone, of course he didn't.
Orihime cried furiously now. She shut her eyes. She wished that she could reject her own existence. She meant nothing.
She heard the heart beat race with every beep of the machine, she wish she could make it stop.
Ichigo found the nurse easily and told her about Inoue. He was about to leave the hospital and call the rest when the nurse called him.
"Aren't you going to stay? She needs someone familiar she knows to be with her right now. Plus we have to check if she remembers anything or not."
Ichigo hadn't thought about that. What if Inoue didn't remember anything after she woke up?
Ichigo followed the nurse to Inoue's room. Even before they entered the room, they heard the cries of Inoue.
The nurse walked up to the patient, "Ms. Inoue" she said, "That's odd," she said to Ichigo this time, "She's having a nightmare."
"A nightmare?" Ichigo said dumbfounded.
"Well, we can't really wake her up since it's just a dream, nothing harmful. Her heart beat is increasing, but not too high. You think you can stay and watch her, just inform me when she wakes up. Only then can I check her vital signs and such." the young nurse looked at Ichigo with a smile. "Don't worry too much; I think your friend will be fine."
"Okay, I guess I'll call you later then." Ichigo said, itching his neck.
The nurse left and Ichigo took a seat next to Inoue.
"That's a long nightmare." Ichigo mused aloud. Orihime's crying had stopped but her face was still wet with her tears. Ichigo resisted the urge to dry those tears but didn't want to touch the healer's face.
The girl moaned as if she was in pain. Ichigo felt strange just watching the girl have a nightmare. He attempted to shake her shoulder gently but stopped when she spoke.
"Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime began to cry.
Ichigo didn't know what else to say but, "I'm here Inoue, wake up, I'm here." Ichigo felt his ears burn red, why was Inoue dreaming of him? It must have not been good if it's a nightmare, but still, him of all people she has a dream of!
He squeezed her arm, "Inoue, wake up, it's a nightmare."
"Kurosaki-kun," she repeated, "Don't die! Please Kurosaki-kun, don't die!"
Ichigo was confused; she was the one with the near death illness. Why would he die?
"I don't care whether you win or not," she choked out another sob, "You don't have to keep fighting, Kurosaki-kun!" more tears began to spill from her eyes, "Just please don't get hurt anymore. I couldn't bear it." more and more tears flooded her face.
Ichigo remembered now, that's what she told him when he was fighting Grimmjow. That was what she was dreaming about? No wonder she was having a nightmare, he remembered her being scared of his hollow mask a while before she had said that. She denied that she was scared of him later on, but he couldn't believe that. He hated the fact that she feared the power he had. Even if he could protect her with that power, it upset him that she was scared of him. He would rather have no power then.
"Inoue, please wake up." he whispered. He knew his attempts of waking her up wasn't going to work. So he waited and waited for Inoue to wake form from her nightmare.
Inoue was crying frantically in her nightmare.
Ichigo was dying because of her.
She watched as Grimmjow landing attacks one after another on Ichigo.
She wanted it all to stop.
And then, it happened.
He won.
"Kurosaki-kun, are you..." Inoue said to the man she loved for so long who had interrupted her and asked her the question she was about to ask.
"Are you okay," he smiled. Orihime was overjoyed, he was finally his normal self, "Inoue." he saying her name made her smile as well.
"Yes." she replied, she watched as Nel tramped and hugged Ichigo.
She loved the man in front of her. He was everything and more she could ever imagine in a man.
He was able to do things on his own, he was capable of fighting without any backup, and he was brave.
He was able to be content even during hard times; he knew that even without his mother he had to keep on moving forward, he was strong.
He could tackle almost anything, hollows, arrancar, anything, he can do the impossible no matter how hard it was, and he was persevering
He wasn't afraid to express his feelings or emotions on things he cared about, he was his own person, and he was a leader
He can be sweet and caring when he wanted to, he can switch the switch from being macho to a brother instantly, he was loving
He wasn't a complainer, he knew his responsibilities and did them well, he took more than rest and was okay with it, he was trustworthy
She loved Ichigo so much; everything about him was what made her love him.
Ichigo went back to Orihime.
"Kurosaki-kun." she loved his name, just saying it made her heart bursting with joy.
"Let's go," he said, "Everyone is waiting." and he held out his hand.
Orihime nodded her head and walked closer to him, letting her hand rest in his.
Ichigo was happy that Inoue had finally stopped crying. It was strange, however, she just stopped crying instantly and she smiled!
Ichigo placed his hand on top of her hand, "Come on, Inoue, I'm waiting for you."
Orihime's grey eyes fluttered open, scaring the orange head boy who promptly removed his hand.
"Kurosaki-kun?" she said in confusion. "Why are you here?" she blushed, what kind of question was that? It didn't matter why he was here, she need to tell him that she loved him! "Not that I didn't want you here Kurosaki-kun! I'm so happy that you are here! See Kurosaki-kun, I'm smiling" she pointed to her supernova smile to make it clear to him," Please stay, Kurosaki-kun, don't leave! I want you to stay!"
Ichigo chuckled, this girl made him feel so many emotions all in one day. "You haven't changed you know, Inoue." He needed to confess his love to Inoue. He didn't want to be like Ichiru and never tell the girl he loved of his feelings. This motivated the boy, "Inoue, I want you to stay in Karakura, we need you here. No, I need you here with me. I've missed you so much Inoue, I missed seeing you every day so much."
The healer was about to explode in the rush of feelings that she felt, did this mean that he loved her too?
She needed to tell him now that she loved him, she couldn't wait any longer.
He needed to tell her now that he loved him, he couldn't wait any longer.
Together, in unison, they confessed and said, "I love you."
Despite her being in a hospital and almost dying, she smiled, they both did. Ichigo took her hand and held it tight. He gave her a quick kiss, partially because he still had to call the nurse and partially because she was more experienced than him considering she had a boyfriend before.
"I should probably call the nurse and let the others know you're awake." He said pointing his thumb towards the door. He walked backwards and smiled at her, "I won't take too long, okay?"
"Wait," she said.
"What's wrong?" he said with concern pooling his eyes. He walked over to her as if to inspect her.
"Nothing," she said, pulling his arm so that she could kiss him one more time. She could feel him smile as she kissed him. When she was finally done she gave a quick peck on his cheek and squeezed his muscular arm. "Okay, now you may go." She smiled, squinting her eyes.
Much better at kissing than he was, Ichigo thought.
.
.
.
.
Complete