Congratulations, I Hate You

Ichigo-

I always hated it when people lie to me. Don't even try to fool yourself into thinking you're an exception.

Most people hate it when they're deceived. Frankly, I think that statement is true for everyone. But please hear me out. It the absolute worst feeling that you get when someone turns to you- while your whole world is crashing down- and tells you, "Everything's alright."

Okay, so that might be a little bit of an exaggeration. My whole world isn't crashing down. I'm just worried that part of it is about to.

Remember when we were nine? Your mom had just died, and you just disappeared. Then, after a while, we found you walking. You'd walk for hours up and down the river like you were looking for someone. No, it was more like you were waiting for someone.

Sorry to take you back to those days, but how would you have felt if I had said, "I don't believe you, I think you're lying," even though I knew the truth? Because that's the equivalent for me.

We've been drifting apart for a while now, and I'm not sure why. I've tried so hard to be there for you. I guess I didn't try hard enough. Now I'm losing Orihime, too. Why don't you two trust me?

And now you're just flat-out lying to me. I know that you know where Orihime is, and it hurts that you won't tell me. All I can think about is this. Why are you doing this? I just don't get it.

I know that you said it's 'none of my concern.' I hate you for that. You're acting all uppity, like I'm not good enough to tell. And what was that last part? 'Stay far away from me,' was it?

You have got to be kidding me.

I know you, Ichigo. I know how your right eye closes a little more than the left when you're sad, and how you fiddle with your hands when you're worried. At least, I used to know you.

Tell me, do I know you well enough to say this? Whatever's going on, you're trying to protect us from it. That's how you've always been. You've always tried to protect everyone, tried to save the world.

Let me tell you this, Mr. Protector. I don't need saving.

-Tatsuki

I close my eyes and fold the letter in half, thinking for a moment. I sound so weak. Shredding it expertly, I let the scraps of paper fall to the ground as I stand up.

There are some things you just have to do in person.