Hey,
It's strange that despite the things we went through together we still call each other by our last names. You don't mind me calling you Orihime, do you? But tell me if it makes you uncomfortable. I don't want any awkwardness between us.
Although they will take more time to arrive, I prefer letters too. It's old-fashioned but it makes our conversation more "real". I don't know how else to explain it. Maybe it's got something to do with the fact that I can feel your reiatsu and I got to see your handwriting. They made our interaction more real.
Good to know your finals went ok. I had a couple of tests last week which fortunately I managed to pass. I can't afford to fail. You know how it is; some instructors keep their eyes on me and falsely accuse me of bad attitude because of my hair and short temper. If I keep my grades up, they'll leave me alone.
It's not weird or wrong not letting other people, even if it's your boyfriend, inside your apartment. It's your choice and if he got a problem with that, tell me. Or Tatsuki. There's nothing wrong with your food preference and hobbies. If he can't accept the things that make you what you are, he doesn't deserve you at all.
You're not boring; you and your classmates just have two different ideas of fun. I'm actually relieved to hear that you don't go out often.
I'm fine, thanks for asking. We have to finish one-hundred books this year. Last week I finished three books and wrote two essays, four pages, single space, font size 12. It was crazy. Almost didn't finish them but I got to send them five minutes before deadline.
One of my electives this year is English. It's difficult but it's one of the subjects I look forward to. I was thinking of taking extra English classes next year. It might come in handy in the future. Our exercises include translating English texts to Japanese and vice versa. Having watched a couple of Al Pacino movies in the past made the assignments a bit easier.
Like you, I hardly ever go out, except when Tatsuki and others 'forced' me to go with them wherever they felt like going. Me, Chad and Ishida hang out when we have free time. Tatsuki shows up when she's not busy teaching karate to middle school kids and knocking heads.
Chad and I are in the same university but Chad, having recently joined a band, has band practices sometimes so I'm by myself most of the time. Rukia and Renji visit at least once a month. All they do is annoy me and say what a boring nerd I am. Being old and dead, they would not understand that students are supposed to study and do homework.
By the way, I enclosed Rukia's letter. She was edgier than normal and made me promise not to read it or else she'll break my arm. Like I care what she writes. Her letter is probably full of horrible drawings.
As for dating, I might have. Or maybe not. Dunno.
Stay safe. Looking forward to talk to you soon
Ichigo
:
Dear Inoue,
This is embarrassing but– okay, I miss you. Karakura feels different and incomplete without you. There's no one pleasant to see after seeing Ichigo's annoying face.
Now that that embarrassing sentiment is out of the way, I want to know when you will visit us. Ichigo's been waiting for too long, you know.
I told Ichigo to send this over to you and NOT to read the contents or else I'll break his arm. You know very well that I am creative and I can come up with more than ten ways on how to hurt him. I don't want to provide him with ammunition to use against me.
The last several months had been awfully confusing. To be perfectly honest, this irritating confusion has been going on for years but only recently it had reached a point where it became unbearable. I suppose if I don't talk about this to someone I'm afraid I'll burst and do something unintelligent.
So I chose you. You're the only female friend I got. There's Arisawa but to be frank you're the only person I feel comfortable talking to about personal things. I know you will not judge and make fun of me.
Anyway, here goes.
Something happened – or is happening – between Renji and me.
No. I think something is happening to me whenever Renji is around. It's so bizarre and irritating. Bizarre because this is Renji we're talking about. Renji. RENJI. I don't know how repeating his name will help convey the complete absurdity of the situation – but this is Renji. My childhood best friend.
What makes this situation downright irritating is because I don't like this feeling. Not because it's bad – it's actually very pleasant – but this is Renji. RENJI.
I'm not supposed to feel this way.
I'm not supposed to find this feeling, forgive me for sounding like a silly teenager, magical.
Can you tell me what this is? And more importantly, tell me how to eliminate the pesky butterflies in my stomach whenever Renji's near. I'll make him pay for making me feel this way tomorrow afternoon by replacing all his black headbands with Chappy-printed ones.
This can't go on, Inoue. Around two days ago, I saw Renji and Hinamori-fukutaicho together. They were laughing, swapping stories about their academy days – the days we were supposed to spend together if he didn't hand me over so easily to Kuchiki clan. Perhaps it was something I ate or drank because suddenly all I wanted was to run away from the sight of them having a good time together. Later that day, Renji came to see me and that stupid feeling returned. I got mad and kicked his shin.
And no, I was NOT jealous. I don't get jealous.
Most importantly, I am NOT in love with him or something. Absolutely not. So stop smiling. I know you're smiling.
I really hope you come and visit Karakura soon. Send a reply as soon as you can and let me know if you're all right.
From, Rukia
:
I think she likes you, Abarai – Hisagi
WHO KICKS THE PERSON THEY LIKE?
STOP GETTING MY HOPES UP – RENJI
:
Dear Kuchiki-san,
I was so happy when I received your letter! The little blue bunnies at the bottom of the page are so cute. Where did you get this cute stationery? It even has matching stickers!
I miss you too Kuchiki-san! I hope everyone in Soul Society is all right. How was Ukitake-san? Please send my regards to everyone!
Thank you for your trust in me. It truly warms my heart to know that you feel comfortable with me and trusts me enough to tell me what is bothering you.
I'm afraid I have to disagree with you. Only those who are in love could describe their feelings as magical. It's normal to feel those small butterflies in your stomach when we are near the person we love. They're part of the magical experience! It's also normal to feel jealous. A little jealousy is healthy. But too much could be deadly. We sometimes cannot help what we feel.
Ooh, I'm so happy for you! Renji-kun is a fantastic person who cares deeply for you. He's so lucky because you're amazing, strong and beautiful. Oh Kuchiki-san, don't fight the wonderful feeling. Why don't you explore it more? See where it leads you?
Thank you again for your wonderful letter. I still don't know when I'll visit but I definitely will! Very, very soon! I miss Karakura so much, the trees, the park, the pastries and most of all the people I love.
Take care!
Love, Orihime
:
Dear Kurosaki-kun,
You will always be Kurosaki-kun to me. I don't know; it sounds very nice! Of course your first name sounds nice as well – one who protects – a very fitting name. It suits you perfectly, Kurosaki-kun. And of course, I don't mind you calling me Orihime! (^ ▽ ^)
I'm enclosing my letter to Kuchiki-san. Don't read it! (I know you won't; I'm just teasing you!) Yes, her letter had a lot of drawings. No, they're not horrible. She's very good with colors, Kurosaki-kun.
Oh! English! I'm sure you'll do great! It was kind of difficult at first but all you need is a lot of practice. I still struggle with it at times and worry about my pronunciation and vocabulary but my boyfriend thinks I'm getting better. He's been very helpful and patient. If you need help, you can ask me! If I don't know the answer, I can ask my boyfriend for explanation or ask him to email or instant message you the answers.
Once you become an expert, please come and visit me here! We'll eat lots of cakes and hotdogs and I'll bring you to this wonderful library I frequent. That's where I spend most of my time reading and writing letters. Then we'll go and see the museums and zoos and photograph the lions and bears! It will be wonderful, Kurosaki-kun!
Of course, nothing could be more wonderful than our home Karakura and to be with the people we love.
Mou Kurosaki-kun is being secretive about his love life. Not fair! Just kidding! But I really want to know; I need something to gossip about with Tatsuki-chan— just teasing! (* o *)
Okay, I need to go now. According to my boyfriend I'm not supposed to hoard postcards and write novels for letters during lunch. But I can't help myself! I have so many things to talk to you about but when I sit down to write them down I find it very difficult to express them. I can't find the exact words that match my feelings. I feel like words diminish them. I wish one day I will find the right words. Please always remember that I am thankful that you are my friend and that I will always be here for you.
Please say hi to Sado-kun and Ishida-kun for me! I miss them very much. I miss the four of us fighting hollows and doing cool poses when we're done! You three always have the coolest poses!
Okay, last one! Take care, Kurosaki-kun! I hope you're not overworking yourself (and very sorry for the smudge of ketchup at the bottom of the page!). Talk to you soon!
Lots of love, Orihime
:
FROM: Ichigo
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: Letter
Hey, got your letter delivered to Rukia. She said hi by the way.
Ok, need to go now. Don't wanna be late for tonight. Don't forget to lock your doors and windows.
FROM: Orihime
TO: Ichigo
SUBJECT: Date?
Oh you got a date? :D
FROM: Ichigo
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: RE: Date?
Maybe. Talk to you soon Orihime
FROM: Orihime
TO: Ichigo
SUBJECT: RE: Date?
Mou so mysterious!
If it's a date, have fun!
:
Ichigo: I'm going out tonight. You know, like a date
Sado: Does Inoue know?
Ichigo: Told her in an email
Sado: What did she say?
Sado: Ichigo?
Ichigo: Nothing important. Thanks Chad. Gotta go
Ichigo has logged out
:
Orihime: Hi Tatsuki-chan!
Tatsuki: Hey. How are you?
Orihime: I'm fine, thank you for asking. How about you?
Tatsuki: Battle ready.
Orihime: You're always battle ready, Tatsuki-chan!
Tatsuki: Well life's a battlefield. How are things?
Orihime: The usual! I was just talking to Kurosaki-kun a minute ago.
Tatsuki: Oh yeah? That's very interesting, Orihime.
Orihime: It is?
Tatsuki: Did he say anything interesting?
Orihime: No. He has to leave in a few minutes.
Tatsuki: I see. How's your boyfriend?
Orihime: He's going out on a date.
Tatsuki: What! That sleazy bastard—
Orihime: Oh! I meant Kurosaki-kun. He's going out on a date.
Tatsuki: We're still talking about him? Okay. Who's he going out with?
Orihime: I don't know. I didn't ask.
Tatsuki: That's good, right?
Tatsuki: Ichigo's meeting new people. Hell, it might help stop him from brooding too much about missed opportunities, it-might-have-been's and other depressing stuffs you see in movies. What do you think?
Orihime: I think it's great. I want him to be happy.
Tatsuki: You're such a good friend, Orihime
:
Sado: How's your date?
Ichigo: A complete waste of time. And I wasted money on eating expensive food when I can eat at Denny's
Sado: I think you're not trying hard enough
Ichigo: I know. Maybe I should take this dating shit seriously
Sado: I meant you're not trying hard to move on. You're still waiting.
Ichigo: I'm not waiting.
Sado: Why don't you tell her?
Uryuu: Tell who what?
Ichigo: WHAT THE HELL ISHIDA! What are you doing here?! Stop appearing out of nowhere!
Uryuu: I'm not talking to you, imbecile. Sado-kun, may you please enlighten me?
Ichigo: Don't tell him Chad!
Sado: I told Ichigo to tell Inoue what he feels
Ichigo: I hate you right now.
Sado: Sorry, Ichigo, he's your friend too
Ichigo: Don't remind me.
Uryuu: That's an impossible task, Sado-kun. He's an idiot.
Ichigo: Don't talk as if I'm not here, bastard!
Uryuu: Anyway, why don't you tell Inoue-san?
Ichigo: I don't know what you're talking about.
Sado: Ichigo—
Uryuu: Still in denial, I see.
Ichigo: Shut up. You make it sound like it's fucking easy. How do I tell her? In a letter, an email, an instant message or over the phone? Then what? And let's not fucking forget that she has a boyfriend. Things could get awkward between us and I could lose her. I'm her friend and that's enough for me. She's happy over there. She's happy without me. And that's fucking fine.
Uryuu: People say it's better to have something than nothing at all. But the truth is having something halfway is more painful than having nothing at all.
:
Orihime: Hi! ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ
Ichigo: Hey
Orihime: You're always online, Kurosaki-kun. Don't you have lectures today?
Ichigo: Only 2. My next class is in 2 hours.
Orihime: 2 lectures in a day?! You're so lucky to have so much free time!
Ichigo: Not really. They give us so much reading and essays to do that I don't really feel like I have free time.
Orihime: How was your date yesterday? ( ´ ▽ ` )
Ichigo: Fine.
Orihime: Oh.
Orihime: Is… there something wrong?
Ichigo: What? Nothing's wrong. Why did you ask?
Orihime: You sound, I mean you felt – Oh, never mind. Maybe you're tired. I think I should go and let you rest.
Ichigo: No, don't. I'm fine, really. Sorry I sound distant.
Orihime: Oh, no, no, you're not! I'm just worried. My intuition tells me you've been overworking again and is now very tired.
Ichigo: I've heard about your intuition and they say it's broken.
Orihime: I want to let you know my intuition is unusually sharp, Kurosaki-kun!
Ichigo: All right, as sharp as your little finger. Anyway, how are you? Aren't you supposed to be sleeping? What time is it?
Orihime: It's only 7 o'clock. Well, I now have a part time job. (^ ▽ ^) I'll be starting this weekend as an assistant in a bakery two blocks away from my apartment. I want to save up so that I can fly over and visit Karakura.
Ichigo: Won't it distract you from studying? Plus you tend to overwork yourself.
Orihime: Oh I'll be fine! I have strong immune system. So… um, how's your date?
Ichigo: You already asked that.
Orihime: Yup eh heh heh but you didn't give specific details. Any chance of lasting romance?
Ichigo: Zero
Orihime: Eh? Why?
Ichigo: I don't think she'd like to see me again.
Orihime: Ah? Why would not she like to see you again?
Ichigo: Scared her off with my face.
Orihime: Kurosaki-kun! There's nothing wrong with your face!
Ichigo: Thanks. It doesn't matter, though. I have more important things to do.
Orihime: Like shinigami duties?
Ichigo: That and passing my exams and finishing my papers on time. I'm on my seventy-seventh book. Any suggestion?
Orihime: Hmm what about Shiosai?
Ichigo: Mishima, huh? Interesting choice.
Orihime: It's a little short though! Only 180 pages. Is it all right?
Ichigo: It's—
Orihime: Oh! I'm sorry, I have to go!
Ichigo: Where are you heading? You said it's already 7
Orihime: Matt and I are going out for dinner. It's so rare he gets a free night. He's always very busy.
Ichigo: Ok
Orihime: Oh! He asked after you.
Ichigo: Really?
Orihime: Yes. He asked who I was talking to and said, "Again?" Ha ha I remember him telling me that even though he hasn't met you, he felt like he knows you from me talking so much about you and our friends
Orihime: Okay, I'm going now. Speak to you soon! (^ v ^)
Orihime has logged out
Ichigo: Damn. Ishida's right. I'm a fucking masochist.
Ichigo has logged out
:
-suddenly i stopped hibernating and my temp is normal again XD ok hi and hello and thanks very much for reading (and i thank ash, EastRaven -urs was v epic! 8D haha!, renee, oluhasuu, guest-tan, cookie, IO, chibi, moon lover, supreme, raining, mel, aia and you, you, you and you ahaha)