a/n: Reviews would be welcome.

D: I do not own Bleach copyrights.

There seemed to be no distractions anymore. Not even the thrill of Karate could keep them out of her head. Tatsuki sighed from her spot on the steps, it wasn't like it was much of a thrill anyway. Ever since six months ago barely anything could hold her interest.

sixth months

Had it really been so long since they left? She felt her fists ball up at the thought. It had been during the last school year when she saw them last. More than half a year since when she screeched at Ichigo, more than half a year since she saw the spirit of Orihime. Ichigo and the others had all called in for their long absence, spouting lies about vacation and illness. But Orihime. . . Orihime had never called.

Tatsuki wiped away a few stray tears from her cheek, wiping her eyes on her uniform's sleeve. She remembered all to well why she had screamed like that at Ichigo. After seeing her, standing in the field as a ball passed through her, Tatsuki had been certain she was dead. She had run straight to Ichigo, hating the fact that he probably already knew. Hating that he would know about her best friend.

Back then she had been so terrified. She almost laughed when she thought of it now. Most people denied she even knew the meaning of the word, much less actually felt it for herself. But now . . . she didn't feel terrified now.

When Ichigo suddenly left something new had come to her mind. She isn't dead, she had thought, why else would he leave so suddenly, why else than to rescue her. A certain peace seemed to form in her when she thought these thoughts, a hope of some sort. It was comforting knowing Orihime would be protected, though she did not know what danger she was in.

A shrill beeping sound suddenly reached Tatsuki's sensitive ears, jolting her out of her thoughts. She grabbed the offending device almost violently, annoyed at the crude interruption.

"What!" She hissed into the tiny phone.

No shrill mother's voice, nor deep father's voice hissed back. Confused, Tatsuki frowned and looked at the phone, wondering if they (or she) had accidentally hung up. But instead of a "missed call" sign, other words floated across the screen. The phone clattered to the pavement as she stumbled to her feet, wide brown eyes scanning her watch.

"Oh crap!" She yelped, slinging her bag over her shoulder and taking off in one simultaneous movement.

"Oh crap, oh crap, OH CRAP!" she continued to yell as she took off down the street

Mere moments later a slender hand reached down and plucked the phone from the ground. Brown eyes followed her retreating figure as she faded out of sight.

"Whatever." He murmured, sliding the phone into his pocket.

Sorry for such a short chapter I promise I will write again as soon as I can.

If you have any questions, suggestions, like the story so far, or just want to talk please review.

I appreciate your help!