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"There's… something I'd like to talk to you about, so next time, do you think you could make some time for me?"


Chapter 1: The Reach of Your Resolve

As Tatsuki is standing in the dojo she teaches at, tidying up a bit, she hears footsteps.

"Ah, come in."

"Hey, Tatsuki." Ichigo walks into the dojo. "Did you just finish teaching?"

"Yeap, 2 to 6 on weekdays, 12 to 4 on weekends," she says, while drinking water.

"Wow, this place sure didn't change one bit…"

"It really couldn't kill you to come visit after all these years," she replies.

"There isn't really any reason for me to be here," he says.

"So, what's up? Why'd you wanna see me all of a sudden?" asks Tatsuki, looking a bit occupied as she cleans up.

"Yeah, about that… Actually, Tatsuki, I'm planning to talk to Inoue about something."

"Oh, what about?"

There is a bit of silence as Tatsuki tidies up. Ichigo pictures Orihime at the Senkaimon, and her shocked expression.

"I'm planning to confess my feelings to her," says Ichigo.

Tatsuki pauses for a moment, looking at Ichigo.

"To Orihime?"

"Yeah. We're meeting on the weekend. That's when I decided to tell her."

She comes to his side, patting his back. "Wow, way to go, Ichigo! I'm really happy for you!"

"Really?"

"Yeah, definitely! In fact, I think you've got such impeccable timing–"

Tatsuki holds his head in a lock, shocking him.

"Whoa!"

"–I mean, right when your friend in Soul Society gets hitched, you suddenly figure it's about time that you make your move, huh?!" she asks, shocking a dumbfounded Ichigo.

Tatsuki spars with Ichigo a while as he blocks her moves.

"I heard from Orihime that you guys just came back from Rukia's wedding. Congrats to her!"

"Ah, yeah! But why are you so worked up, Tatsuki?"

"Why? Because! I can't believe you called to meet with me for that reason, Ichigo! You're seriously the worst!"

"What the hell? Why do you have such a problem with that? Besides, I've already made up my mind!"

"Of course I have a problem with it!" she says, shocking Ichigo.

By now, Tatsuki has stopped sparring with Ichigo.

"... Seriously, I pity Orihime."

"What? Honestly, what's so wrong about the idea of me and Inoue?"

"It's not that," says Tatsuki. "It's about your approach… I mean, how predictable and uninspiring can you be? I'll bet one of your friends from Soul Society got you to start thinking about making a move."

She's not wrong, he thinks, remembering Renji's conversation. Ichigo looks a bit determined.

"But if I'm serious about it, isn't that enough?"

"Absolutely not!" says Tatsuki, shocking Ichigo.

"Orihime… She's always thinking about others' happiness first, so much that it overwhelms her and often makes her cry."

Ichigo recalls Orihime crying at the wedding.

"She'll even excuse other people's behaviour to keep the peace. You know it, too, don't you? So just because she's a friend of yours, it doesn't mean you're an exception to that rule."

Ichigo is a bit alarmed, but he continues to listen.

"All I'm saying is… Have you really, truly prepared yourself? Have you set your heart on making sure your feelings are not only communicated, but that you can also properly reach her? If you're so committed to it, then fine, I believe in your sincerity and I'm not here to stop you. In fact, I hope it goes well for you." Tatsuki sighs. "But I, for one, won't believe that Orihime can be sincerely happy unless the person she's with has thought about these things carefully."

"... Thanks, Tatsuki. I was right to confide in you first."

"Huh? What, you suddenly think you've got the green light? Like I said, it's not like I've already accepted you, Ichigo," says Tatsuki.

"I know. I mean… thank you for reminding me of what I need to do," he says. "No matter how difficult it might be, I'll make sure that I reach her properly."

Tatsuki smiles a bit. "... Tch. Fine. You'd better do a damn good job of it, then."

"Yeah."