Orihime couldn’t believe it. She was home. Ichigo and Uryu had fallen asleep in her living room, so she decided to sneak out and take a walk. Walking down her street, she looked around at everything with a newfound fondness. Tears welled up in her eyes…she was happy to be home. Even if, even if she had failed.
Finally she made it to her destination. Tatsuki’s house. It was late…but she couldn’t wait. She had to see her friend. Making her way to the window, she knocked very lightly. Tatsuki’s sleepy eyes threw open the curtains, then her eye’s widened and she threw open the window.
“Orihime!! Oh my god!” She exclaimed.
Orihime smiled and waved nervously. “Uh, Hi there…Tatsuki.” She spoke, suddenly feeling bad for waking her.
Tatsuki’s eye’s welled up with tears, but she quickly cleared her throat and beckoned Orihime inside. “Where have you been?! Are you alright?! You’re not hur--” She questioned quietly, so as not to wake anyone.
“I’m fine, I’m fine Tatsuki.” She laughed lightly, waving her hands in front of her…then seeing Tatsuki’s concern…she began to tear up again. “I just…I missed you…so much…” She cried. Then unable to hold back any longer, she lunged into Tatsuki’s arms. “Oh Tatsuki! I’m so sorry!”
Tatsuki sat in shock for a moment, but wrapped her arms around Orihime, lightly brushing her hair. “Oh Orihime…you’re so silly sometimes.” She spoke, with a quiet laugh. “You don’t have to apologize to me…I’m just glad you’re alright…”
They spent the last quiet hours of the night talking. Orihime said nothing about where she’d been, or why she was back. She spent most of the time listening, and occasionally throwing in something funny…she knew Tatsuki was waiting for her to share as well, but she couldn’t. Every time she thought about it, that man’s grin returned to halt her. His eerie smile…promising death.
“Oh man, we have school in like…one hour.” Tatsuki suddenly said, looking at her alarm clock. “You going Hime?”
“Uh, I don’t think so. Maybe tomorrow.” Orihime said nervously, thinking that she needed to get home quickly. She’d been selfish. If Ichigo had woken up, he’d probably be really worried. “I’ll see you later Tatsuki…” She said, quickly climbing back out the window.
“Okay but…Orihime…” Tatsuki said, halting her. She had a serious, yet concerned look on her face.
“What is it?” Orihime said curiously.
“Just….be careful. Okay?”
Orihime smiled. “Don’t worry Tatsuki.” She took off running, a tear streaming down her cheek. She’d just lied. There was no way she could control anything, and if they came back for her…there would be no stopping them. “Just…don’t worry about me…” She muttered more to her self as she ran.
Once back at her apartment, she found herself fortunate. They were both in the same spots, sound asleep. She took a deep breath and tiptoed back towards her bed…but bumped a shelf, knocking over a frame. It fell to the ground and shattered.
Ichigo shot up like a bolt, Uryu already had his bow drawn.
“Inoue-san, what are you doing?” He asked as he returned his bow and pushed up his glasses.
“Who’s there?!” Ichigo shouted comically.
“Idiot. It’s Inoue.” Uryu answered, slightly annoyed.
Ichigo scowled, but looked at Orihime. “Where are you going…?”
“N-Nowhere!” She said, waving her hands once more. “I was just…getting something to eat! Yeah!” She lied, and ran into the kitchen. Taking a breath…she looked to the ground solemnly. “I’ve caused…so much pain…” Was all she said.
