You have an instant message from: ICHIGO
Ichigo: Oi
Tatsuki: Osu
Ichigo: Got any idea how things are between Orihime and what's-his-face?
Tatsuki: Jeez Ichigo the guy has a name. You really are bad with names. Or you're just too busy hating on the guy to bother remembering his.
Ichigo: I don't hate him.
Tatsuki: Sure you don't.
Ichigo: Are you going to answer my question?
Tatsuki: I didn't know you're that interested in her love life.
Ichigo: Of course I'm interested!
Tatsuki: Why don't you ask her directly?
Ichigo: I don't want her to feel like I'm giving her the third degree.
Tatsuki: That's interesting.
Ichigo: I noticed every time I mentioned her boyfriend, she changed topics quickly. She used to tell me something whenever I asked her. Hell, she'd even tell me the type of cupcake she ate during one of their dates.
Tatsuki: If you really want to know, ask her, not me.
Ichigo: I did and she wouldn't tell me. I know you know something.
Tatsuki: Even if I knew something, I wouldn't tell you because it's not my business.
Ichigo: Damn it. Aren't you worried?
Tatsuki: You insult me, ME who you called Orihime's helicopter parent
Ichigo: I just want to make sure she's not being taken advantage of. You know how she is. She prioritizes other people's happiness before hers.
Tatsuki: That I know. You know, you two are so similar and at the same time very different. It's funny.
Ichigo: What the hell are you talking about? We're not the same.
Tatsuki: No, you two are alike more than you could ever imagine. Sometime ago I thought you'll end up together but then there are things in this world that are meant for each other but aren't meant to be together. Such is life.
:
FROM: Tatsuki
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: Are you okay
I'm certain your inbox is overflowing with emails and here's another one to add in the pile. I haven't heard from you for almost two weeks. Most eerie of all, you're not online. To me, that's code red. And code red makes me very, very, very, very edgy. I've tried calling your apartment but you weren't answering. So I called your next door neighbor and I was told that she hasn't seen you for the last three days. Are you all right? Call me when you're available.
I'm very worried.
:
FROM: Ichigo
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: (none)
Hey, did you receive my messages?
:
FROM: Ichigo
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: (none)
Are you having problems with your emails or internet connection? I've tried calling you too but you're not answering your phone.
:
You have an instant message from: TATSUKI
Tatsuki: Finally! What on earth happened to you?
Orihime: I'm very sorry for worrying you. I got a little sick. It was nothing serious, I promise! It was just a simple cold but mou it really knocked me out ha ha ha! After I got better, I got busy with school projects and work. I'm sorry I know it's no excuse. I should have responded to your messages right away.
Tatsuki: Don't apologize; I know how hectic things are for you over there. I got extremely worried that something had happened to you. Good to know you're feeling a lot better. I'll be able to sleep better now.
Orihime: Thank you Tatsuki-chan for caring so much! Worry no more for I'm fit as a fiddle!
Tatsuki: Ichigo had been asking me about you. He's really worried. You better send him an email or something before he gets crazy.
Tatsuki: Orihime?
Orihime: Oh sorry, of course
Tatsuki: Is something wrong?
Orihime: Huh? Nothing's wrong
Tatsuki: Are you sure?
Orihime: Yes, I'm sure
Tatsuki: Okay… I bet you're busy so I'll talk to you some other time?
Orihime: Definitely!
Tatsuki: Okay take care of yourself kiddo and please, please, next time, try to send me a message before disappearing for two full weeks okay? Bye, I'll speak to you soon
:
FROM: Tatsuki
TO: Ichigo
SUBJECT: Orihime
She's fine; got sick for a while hence her lack of responses. She's probably going to contact you tomorrow, I don't know, but she said she will.
:
FROM: Orihime
TO: Ichigo
SUBJECT: (none)
I'm sorry for being so distant for the last few weeks. I've gotten very busy with school and work, and a pesky little virus made me sick. All I did every time I got home was sleep and sneeze. I'm doing a lot better now so you shouldn't worry about me! Okay, I have to go; sorry for this quick email. I'm actually at class while writing this. Talk to you soon!
:
You have an instant message from: ORIHIME
Orihime: ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ
Orihime: Thank you for the pictures and postcards you sent to me! Spring in Karakura is so beautiful! I wish I was there! And your hair…?!
Ichigo: Uh sorry my hair's a mess. I keep forgetting to get a haircut.
Orihime: Oh! It's okay! It looks very good on you actually. You look really handsome.
Orihime: Kurosaki-kun? Helloooo
Orihime: Are you still there?
Orihime: Oh no, no, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to sound so forward—
Ichigo: It's ok
Ichigo: I was just uh thanks
Orihime: You're welcome!
Ichigo: What do you think? Should I keep it long?
Orihime: Hmm… I like it! I think you should but only if you like. Do you like it that way?
Ichigo: It's irritating sometimes when they fall over my eyes but I'm used to it.
Orihime: You can use a clip to keep your hair from your eyes
Ichigo: Uh clip? Like your hair clips?
Orihime: Un! They'll help keep your hair from your face especially when you study.
Ichigo: …all right. Thanks
Orihime: You're welcome! Are you busy?
Ichigo: No, I just finished working on my assignment about the poet Otomo no Sakanoue.
Orihime: What kind of poetry did she write?
Ichigo: How it crushes the heart, a love not known to the beloved.
Orihime: Eh?
Ichigo: That's one of her poems
Orihime: Oh. How heartbreakingly true.
Ichigo: What about you? How's work?
Orihime: I'm almost finished with my projects but I still have one more drawing to finish! Still lifes are my weakness so I'm having a bit of difficulty. Work has been fun! The bakery is doing so well. We have lots of customers every weekend. Most of them are very pretty ladies wearing fashionable clothes. They make our bakery look lively and more colorful.
Ichigo: Is everything all right between you and your boyfriend?
Orihime: Eh? He's fine, always fine! Very, very healthy!
Ichigo: Orihime I didn't ask—
Orihime: Oh enough about boring, silly me, Kurosaki-kun! How about you? You haven't introduced this mysterious special someone to our friends, have you?
Ichigo: She doesn't know.
Orihime: …oh. I'm sorry Kurosaki-kun, I shouldn't have asked.
Ichigo: It's ok. I don't mind.
Orihime: Have you tried telling her?
Ichigo: No. It's not easy to give someone a chance to break you.
Orihime: That I know.
Ichigo: What do you mean?
Orihime: Oh don't mind me! I'm just being silly! But…
Ichigo: What?
Orihime: I wonder what kind of words you would say to her to tell her what you feel.
Ichigo: Today, today, each day I have waited for you.
:
Ms Orihime Inoue,
Good day. This is to inform you that one of your paintings, "Portrait of a Young Man in Black", was chosen as one of the twenty pieces that will be featured for this year's exhibit on September 21st. Its astounding realism and the depth of emotion in your subject's eyes are truly fascinating.
Please meet Ms. Susan on Tuesday at three o'clock for more details. Congratulations!
:
CONGRATS ORIHIME
OUR ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE HAVE A FREE CUPCAKE TODAY!
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT WORK XX
wow hu knows it might get sold! i wish that guy on ur painting was real, he's
smokin' hot rawrr! congrats u deserve it ur the most talented in our year. wanna
celebrate? we could check out the new japanese resto my treat!
xoxo
p.s. sorry for my horrible handwriting, cant find a pen so i used charcoal, btw need to shop for new brushes wanna come? text me
FROM: Tatsuki
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: Congrats!
That's great news! My best friend the amazing artist… and no, don't say it's just a school event. It's still a huge achievement. I'm so proud of you.
Do send me a copy of this painting of yours, a photo will do. I just want to see how gorgeous it is.
:
FROM: Tatsuki
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: RE: Photo
1 ATTACHMENT – DOWNLOAD ATTACHMENT
Wow hime that's – okay I have no words. I need to see this painting face to face.
And Ichigo will DEFINITELY find your choice of subject INTERESTING. Very, very interesting.
:
Your transaction has been successful. Click the icon on the upper left corner to print this page.
:
You have an instant message from: ORIHIME
Orihime: Hi Kurosaki-kun, are you busy?
Ichigo: Hey. I just got home from visiting my sisters.
Orihime: Oh okay, I'm sorry, you must be very tired.
Ichigo: No, it's okay, I'm not.
Orihime: How are Yuzu-chan and Karin-chan?
Ichigo: They're fine, thanks for asking. Karin had complained that Yuzu spends hours deciding what clothes to wear. I thought she was exaggerating. But earlier this morning, Yuzu tried three dresses before deciding on one.
Orihime: Aww I think it's cute!
Ichigo: It drove Karin nuts though. I don't get why she had to dress up; she was just going to the store
Orihime: She's growing up, Kurosaki-kun. It's normal for young ladies to be self-conscious and to want to look great. What about Karin-chan?
Ichigo: She's more worried about her school's soccer team. They need to win 2 more games to qualify for the semi-finals.
Orihime: That's great! I'll be cheering for her then! She'll do great I'm sure!
Ichigo: She's always been good in sports so I'm not worried. What about you, when are you going to visit us?
Orihime: My flight is landing at 3PM, flight number HB141 on July 4
Ichigo: Today's July 2.
Orihime: Yes it is Kurosaki-kun.
Ichigo: What the
Orihime: Ah ha ha ha ha ha surprise! ヽ(゜∇゜)ノ
Ichigo: You sly little- I've been bugging you all week to visit and you always say you have other plans!
Orihime: I'm so good in making surprises, aren't I?
Ichigo: Yes you are
:
FROM: Tatsuki
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: FINALLY!
Just heard the news from Ichigo, is it true? I swear if it's just a joke, I'm going to throttle him and I'm sorry I know you love him and his face but I'm going to bash his face in. I'm so excited! Tell me the details now! What time are you going to arrive? Do you need me to get you? Where are you going to stay? For how long are you going to be here? Are you FINALLY going to confess?
Email me, call me, whatever just tell me it's true.
:
FROM: Orihime
TO: Tatsuki
SUBJECT: YES!
Yes it is true! It's not a joke. It is really, totally, absolutely true! So you don't have to hurt Kurosaki-kun! Yes I'll be sending you over the details in a sec.
Isn't it wonderful, Tatsuki-chan? You and I are going to be reunited!
:
Uryuu: Great timing.
Tatsuki: You don't say.
Sado: Hmm.
Tatsuki: Let's hope it won't rain.
:
FROM: Orihime
TO: Tatsuki
SUBJECT: Flight details
Hi Tatsuki-chan! My flight will land at 3PM, flight HB141. I'll be the lady carrying an orange backpack and a pink luggage, hyperventilating and very green in the face. You don't have to worry about my accommodations. I reserved a room at a small hotel in Marunouchi.
I can't wait to see you all! I'm so excited and nervous at the same time! Ahh my palms are so sweaty!
:
Tatsuki: Are you going to confess?
Orihime: Tatsuki-chan!
:
Uryuu: Are you going to confess?
Ichigo: What the hell are you talking about!?
:
Ichigo: We'll pick you up from the airport.
Orihime: Oh you don't have to! I'm sure I'll be all right.
Ichigo: Karakura had changed so much. You might get lost, or worst someone might take advantage of you.
Orihime: But I don't want to impose… You have more important things to do.
Ichigo: I insist, okay? This is important too.
Orihime: Okay. Thank you Kurosaki-kun ( ´ ◡ ` )
Ichigo: Don't mention it.
:
Tatsuki: What? Well are you?
Orihime: There's nothing to confess
Tatsuki: What, you're not in love with him anymore?!
:
Uryuu: You're nervous, aren't you?
Ichigo: Shut up.
Uryuu: You are.
Ichigo: Shut up!
Sado: Hmm.
Ichigo: Chad don't-
Sado: It's normal to be nervous, Ichigo.
Ichigo: I said-
Uryuu: Of course it is, Sado-kun. Who said that quote? Life's hard. It's even harder when you're stupid.
Ichigo: Stop talking as if I'm not here, jerk!
:
Orihime: It's time you go to bed, Tatsuki-chan while I go to my next class. See you soon!
Tatsuki: Hey wait! You didn't answer my question.
Orihime: Good night! I can't wait to see all of you! Sweet dreams, Tatsuki-chan!
Orihime has logged out
:
Ichigo has logged out
Sado: I think you're too hard on him.
Uryuu: Don't worry about it. He'll get over it.
Sado: I can't blame you. You're just very worried for him.
Uryuu: I'm not worried!
Sado: You're a good friend. Thank you.
Uryuu: Are- are you trying to make fun of me?! Did I offend you or do something you didn't like? If you want to say something please do in such a way that I will understand!
Sado: It's okay. I'm sure Ichigo appreciates your kindness.
Uryuu: Sado-kun, please stop making fun of me.
:
BON VOYAGE ORIHIME
HAVE A SAFE TRIP
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT WORK XX
:
ring
ring
"HI I'M SORRY EITHER I'M AWAY FOR AN ERRAND OR BUSY LOOKING FOR THE ELUSIVE BLUE SPACE WHALE! PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND I'LL GET BACK TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! THANK YOU AND HAVE A NICE DAY!"
"Hey, need a lift to the airport?"
"Call me if you need one."
click
:
ring
ring
"YOU'VE REACHED MY VOICEMAIL. LEAVE A MESSAGE. ORIHIME IF IT'S YOU, I'll CALL YOU ASAP."
"Hi, thanks for the offer but I'll be all right! See you when I get back!"
click
:
YOU HAVE ONE MESSAGE
We're here. Where are you?
From: Tatsuki
01:43:19 PM
YOU HAVE ONE MESSAGE
I had to wait for Chad. We'll be there in 15 mins
From: Ichigo
01:50:11 PM
:
FROM: Tatsuki
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: Where are you?
Orihime it's past 3. Where are you? Will you please tell me what's going on? We've asked the airport personnel here and he said flight HB141 has already landed but when I asked about you, he said your name is not on the list. We're very worried. Please let us know.
:
FROM: Orihime
TO: Tatsuki
SUBJECT: (none)
I'm sorry, Tatsuki-chan. I encountered a problem at the airport. They said my reservation didn't show up on their computer but the print out I have with me confirmed that I've reserved a ticket. Eventually things were sorted out but because of it, I missed my original flight and got transferred to another one. Instead of arriving at 3, I'll get there at 7PM. I'm very sorry.
:
FROM: Tatsuki
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: RE: (none)
It's okay, don't worry. You're safe and that's what matters. Okay, see you soon! I can't wait to see my best friend.
:
FROM: Sado
TO: Ichigo
SUBJECT: (none)
I thought Inoue's staying here for a week. What happened?
:
FROM: Uryuu
TO: Ichigo
SUBJECT: (none)
What did you do, Kurosaki?
:
FROM: Tatsuki
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: HUH
Hey that was fast! You said you're staying for a week. What happened? Did something come up at school? Call me as soon as you read this, please. I'm very worried.
:
FROM: Uryuu
TO: Orihime
SUBJECT: (none)
Inoue-san, did something happen? Please let us know.
:
FROM: Tatsuki
TO: Ichigo
SUBJECT: (none)
WHAT HAPPENED?
:
FROM: Orihime
TO: Tatsuki
SUBJECT: (none)
I'm very sorry, Tatsuki-chan. Please don't worry about me. I got home safely. I'm sorry this is short; I'm at class right now. I'll talk to you soon! Thank you for the wonderful vacation. Please tell everyone I'm very sorry for leaving the way I did. Talk to you soon! I miss all of you already. With love,
Orihime
:
Tatsuki: WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?
Tatsuki: I saw how happy she was during the Tanabata festival. She ate all the food she wanted, played games, bought many souvenirs, took lots of photographs. She was really, really happy. She and Ichigo were very happy. Everything was perfect. Even I thought how magical everything was. What on earth could have happened that drove Orihime to leave abruptly? They were so happy together that it's so painful to think that it was short-lived and that Orihime will leave him again in two days. But she left the next day, leaving only a rushed letter and bunch of photographs to remember her by. I'm so confused right now. Something happened and she's not telling me.
Tatsuki: Ishida? Sado?
Uryuu: Yes, Arisawa-san
Tatsuki: You know something, don't you?
Uryuu: Like you, I am baffled.
Tatsuki: I know you know something. Did something happen between Orihime AND Ichigo? I remember us giving them privacy during the fireworks. After that, we didn't see them anymore.
Sado: Hmm.
Tatsuki: Ishida, Sado, if you know something you better share it now.
Uryuu: It's complicated, Arisawa-san.
Tatsuki: What is wrong with you?! Of all the lame excuses in the world, you give me the "it's complicated" crap?! Out with it! Before I lost my poise and punch a hole through the screen.
:
Orihime,
You're probably angry with me but I don't regret kissing you. It was something I wanted and if given another chance, I'll do it again. What I'm sorry about is that you had to leave Karakura so soon. We could have talked about this.
Please don't distance yourself from me. Talk to me.
Ichigo
:
notes. OOPS I'M SORRY i was supposed to update last December but things happened (trans: trips and sickness and sickness and sickness) so this is late but happy holidays and happy 2013!
ok, the quote Ishida quoted was by John Wayne. And 'Today, today, each day I have waited for you' is from Blue submarine no.6 which was inspired by a poem from Man'yoshu.
AND OMG I'M HAVING SERIOUS HIME-WITHDRAWAL. KUBO PLS BRING HIME BACK ヽ(´へ`)ﾉ
thank you very much for reading, both old and new readers! Thanks for the reviews too /nudge nudge and i hope u enjoyed this installment!