Okay, so are you purposefully referencing Roethke, or is that an accident? If it's an accident you should check out "I Knew a Woman". The circles made me think of it.

There really should be more angsty IshiHime like this, since the couple tends to get a bit too cloying and sweet otherwise. (At least to me.)

What I like most is that the source of the angst is absolutely believable. Ishida and Orihime are happy because they have each other, but due to the war they had to make sacrifices. There actions had negative consequences with which they have to live now, even though what they did was for the greater good. A bittersweet outcome like this seems more realistic to me then everyone being succesful and completely happy after everything is said and done.

Ishida having to abandon a lot his pride illustrated very well how dire their situation is. I really liked his conversation with his co-worker.

Orihime's appartment decoration was a very nice detail and sounded like something she would do.

All in all, Ishida and Orihime were very admirable in this fic, and their miserable situation made what little happiness they had shine all the more.

Only four reviews! This is beautiful in a heart-wrenching way. I love the way Ishida's mind works, how he sees Orihime it's almost like he's caressing her with his mind. I love how you expressed his love for her with out bothering with all of those useless "I love you"s that don't mean much at the end of the day.

It almost doesn't matter that their life isn't wrapped up in happily ever afters and that its hard and its rough and it is no where near being what they probably hoped it would be. They love each other and they're making the best of it, and I suppose that's what you were trying to put across. XD

Nice fic. You write so well. I suppose this future isn't as bleak as it originally struck me as. Good work!~

Oh wow. That was beautiful. A bit melancholic but nevertheless simply beautiful. I applaud you for a very well written fic both grammar and plot wise. I look forward to reading more of your fics. -

That was what I would call painfully beautiful.

Your use of imagery is just stunning; it hurts to read and even though there's the ephemerally hopeful wrap up at the end, the bittersweet tang of the situation remains behind.

that is an immensely deep fic

NICE!