"You don't have to do this, Orihime." You assured her, waiting by her door while she put on her boots. "The walk to my home is pretty far." You didn't see the point in her going when it was late outside, the thought of her going back on her own worried you. You couldn't live with yourself if something bad happened to her.

"It's fine," She slid her arms through the sleeves of her coat and made sure to get her keys from the dish near the entrance. "Things have been getting out of hand lately and I want to protect you like you always do for me." You didn't know why she was being so persistent to look over you lately, but you did notice that she would come around drained. The air was chilling as you stepped outside into the snowy weather. Usually, the nights were still lively and people would be lined up to enjoy street food and go dancing with their friends, but this time it was different. The streets were deserted, movement only coming from a stray dog looking for food. You almost felt guilty for being relieved when you looked over at Orihime.

"What is it that you've been doing lately?" You thought a conversation would take away the fear that clouded the both of you. "You seem different, but I can't put my finger on how."

"I hope that's good." She laughed into her gloves. "I've been focusing on training to become stronger, so that I could be helpful." You figured it was Tatsuki who helped her, that would explain the bruises littered across her body.

"I appreciate the efforts, but you don't have to push yourself so hard, you know?" You took her hand into your own and she stared back a bit shocked. "I'll make sure to be more aware, so you..." A sharp, unbearable pain ran through your arm and up your stomach, causing you to freeze. Your remaining hand started to shake as you looked to the ground, tears blurring the sight of blood tainting the snow beneath you. Were the only questions clouding your head as you felt yourself slipping away in a sleep you weren't sure you'd wake from. Your knees crashed in the snow as Orihime let out an ear pitching shriek.