[ There's a sense of relief when Ichigo takes it well--she thought that he might, but a part of her is always a little worried that she won't say the right thing. Speaking from the heart, though, should always be the right thing, shouldn't it?

Still, she smiles. She's glad it helped. ]

Okay.

[ The shield dissipates, her fairies returning to their position on her hairpin in a flash of light. Orihime lowers her hands to her lap, keeping Ichigo's gaze. ]

I want you to know, Kurosaki-kun...that I am so thankful and so proud. I know it was hard, and I also know that you'll only go back even stronger. But...I am just really, really glad that you came to me and that you came back whole.