So, I am back! Seriously, I've been going through a LOT and I hope things will get better. But that may take awhile. The MAIN reason why I haven't been writing is because my dad had an accident at work which shocked his spinal cord. Then after that, I got grounded off the computer for a month. So that is why I haven't been able to post any stories/drabbles. But I am back with a new IchiHime story. It is a short one but it's multichaptered. I hope you enjoy this :)

"You sure you're going to be alright?"

The young healer nodded. "Un! I'll be just fine Tatsuki-chan! It's just the stomach flu! The doctor said I'd be sick for a couple days. I'll be back to school on Monday!"

Tatsuki was still unsure. Orihime had been gone all week from school. If she had the stomach flu, she would've been better by now. The only reason she was here was because she wasn't going to be able to take care of her this weekend. She had to go to her mom's friend's wedding and she couldn't back out of it. If she was able to, she already would have.

Not only was Orihime unable to take care of herself, but she also had her homework to finish. And because she never had the notes, Tatsuki had been going to her house every night to visit and study with her. She didn't feel right leaving her best friend behind when she was sick. But what choice did she have?

She sighed. As she walked to school, she thought about her options. Sure, she could tell her mom that she couldn't leave and had bigger priorities here. But she didn't want to disappoint her mom. She had been so excited to go to this wedding. Hell, she had been part of the wedding, helping with designs and the flower arrangements. She didn't want to make her mom unhappy by cancelling at the last minute.

She had thought about asking Uryu or Chad to take care of her. But both of them were super busy this weekend with volunteering and hunting down hollows. There was also much preparing to do for exams that were coming up in the next month. She didn't want to bother them so much with taking care of Orihime. They were also looking for jobs and training with each other to keep up with their skills.

And then there was Ichigo.

She had honestly thought about him. But there were two big reasons why she didn't. One, he had just got his powers back so he was super busy with hollows. The second reason. Rukia was back. She didn't know how he felt about her. One thing she did know was that Orihime didn't need her crush to pity her and help her because he felt bad.

Orihime needed her friend.

And as much as Tatsuki hated to admit it, Ichigo wasn't being a very nice friend to her. Ever since Rukia and the other shinigami came back, he's been ignoring her. Well, not so much ignoring her as not really paying attention. Every time she saw him, Rukia was beside him, talking about shinigami business.

Sighing, Tatsuki knew that as much as she hated to admit it, Ichigo was her friend. And he did care about Orihime. Even if he didn't show it often. When it really mattered, he showed that he truly cared about her. Which was why it was so easy to find him that morning before class started, talking with Rukia again.

"Ichigo."

He looked up at her and nodded. "Tatsuki."

Using her serious expression, Tatsuki spoke. "Look. It's about Orihime. And I know that there are much better people out there that I could've asked for this favour but you're the only one that I can actually depend on. That and everyone else is busy."

His expression turned serious. "Is she okay? Why hasn't she been at school?"

"She's been sick. Apparently, the doctor said that it's just the stomach flu. But if that was the case, she should've been back by now. She's been having high fevers and I've been taking care of her for the whole week. Unfortunately I can't take care of her this weekend. I have to attend a wedding that's in Tokyo and I can't miss it. I really need you to take care of her."

"He'll do it."

Both of them looked at Rukia. Her face was serious. What they didn't know was that Rukia had gone to visit Orihime during the night when she'd have nightmares. She had a feeling that they could be part of the reason as to why she's sick.

"What the hell Rukia? You can't just make decisions for me you midget!"

"I can take care of the hollow duties this weekend. Right now, Orihime needs you. Ichigo, she needs her friend."

He sighed as his hand ruffled through his hair. He knew that Rukia was right. Ever since he got his powers back, he hasn't seen much of the young healer. They didn't have many classes together so the only time he saw her was in the hallways or in homeroom. He wanted to catch up with her but he had been so busy with school and hollow slayings that he had just kind of forgotten to ask about her. He felt really guilty because he pretty much slipped back into his old routine.

Except she wasn't in it.

At all.

Which not only made him feel stupid, but it made him feel like a total jackass. He wanted her back in his life. And this is the opportunity to do it.

He looked at Tatsuki. "Okay. I'll do it. But what do I need to do?"

Tatsuki looked at him. "You just need to go to each of her classrooms and ask her teachers for any homework and notes. They're already well aware that she's been sick so I'm pretty sure each teacher will have something for her. She is the third smartest kid in the school and they wouldn't want to be responsible for her grades dropping."

He nodded.

"Oh. And one more thing."

He continued to look at her.

"Whatever you do, don't let her out of your sight. If she is damaged in any way, I'll kick your ass."

He gulped.

"She's your responsibility, Ichigo."

Her gaze was unwavering.

"Take VERY good care of her."

And then, the bell rang.

A/N: I don't know when I'll be able to update. But I'll try to make them not as long. I should be updating my other stories soon. Please bear with me :)

Thanks for reading and please leave a review!

~Tia-chan~