The International Summer Schools

Letter #4: Orihime

Ogata Seiya searched his brain for the best way to say "no" to his daughter.

"Could you explain to me again why you want a painting of Ogami Ichiro done?"

Orihime concentrated on sharpening the pencil with a small knife. "It isn't as if I like him, Papa. He is Japanese, after all. The painting is not for me -- it's for the rest of the Hanagumi. We, I mean, they miss him and it depresses me."

She handed the newly sharpened pencil to her father and started sharpening another.

Seiya observed his daughter. Save for the green eyes and her petite build, she was a reflection of him in every way -- down to the fact that she couldn't hide her feelings.

"I see." He reached out to tuck Orihime's hair behind her ear. "And how big is this portrait supposed to be?"

She tried to hide her excitement by sounding nonchalant. "Well, I haven't really thought about that. Why not make it life-size?"

"Very well." Seiya sighed in resignation.

"You'll do it? Really? Oh, Papa! You're the BEST!" Orihime leaped up and hugged her father.

"If you can stay, I'll get started on it and you can help."

Orihime smiled. "I shall do my best, Papa."

Being a realist painter, it was difficult for Ogata Seiya to produce a life-size portrait of an absent person. Luckily, he still had rough sketches of Ogami and Orihime when they posed for a portrait last Christmas.

Seiya was drawing the outline when he caught a glimpse of his daughter looking wistfully at the rough sketches of her and Ogami.

"Papa? I'm curious about something." Orihime twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. "How do you cope being away from Mama?"

Seiya smiled. "I miss your Mama a lot and I can't wait to see her again." He put down the pencil he was holding.

"I don't feel like we're far apart because I have her in here." Seiya pointed to his heart. "And I also have our daughter with me so that takes away some of the loneliness."

Orihime nodded and flashed an apologetic smile. "It was silly of me to ask you, Papa."

Ogata Seiya cleared his throat. "You know, Orihime. I was planning on writing a letter to your mother and then mailing it tomorrow. Maybe you can help me. I haven't spoken or written Italian in a long time." He cleared his throat again -- this time in nervousness. He wasn't sure how his daughter was going to react to what he was about to say. "In exchange, perhaps I can help you translate your letter to Ogami in Japanese."

He was rewarded with the most radiant smile. "Thank you, Papa."

* * *

Ciao, Chuui-san,

I am helping my papa with a very important art project. It is a difficult job, but we, Italians, are not afraid to work hard.

It is so peaceful here in the city and the rowhouses where my Papa lives is almost completely repaired. The money Papa made selling his last painting was used to make a lot of improvements in this area.

I will bring you with me to visit one of these days. In the meantime, while you are there in Paris, try to pick up some tips on how to eat pasta properly (and don't slurp your noodles in the restaurant).

With love,

Orihime

~ next -- Letter #5: Kohran

* * *

Author's Notes:

  1. Ogata Seiya is Orihime's father. (You get to meet him in the Sakura Taisen 2 game.)
  2. The portrait of Orihime and Ogami was made during Orihime's Christmas episode in the 2nd game.
  3. The rowhouses where Ogata Seiya lives was badly damaged in an episode in the 2nd OAV.
  4. In the Hana Goyomi Drama CD, Orihime takes Ogami out on a date in an Italian restaurant and tries to teach Ogami how to eat spaghetti properly.