It's a year later and I've moved away. I'm not sure If I've moved on. I still think of you sometimes, but I don't feel that pain I've come to associate you with. I don't feel my eyes burning with tears I swore never to shed over you. I don't blush when I think of you at night -not as much- and I don't turn the station when your favorite song comes on. I have new friends, a new life...

I wish you were in it.

But I'm glad you're not. I told you when I left that I was tired of being hurt, tired of being a decoration in the background. I was tired of your scowling face and praying for one of your rare golden smiles. Tired of waiting for your throaty laughter that I loved so much.

Now, now that it's just Me and not Us, I'm smiling. I'm the one who laughs and I don't -always- think of you because I'm busy thinking of other things. I'm busy going after my degree in literature and I'm busy enjoying my life in the big city. I'm busy Living.

I think of you late at night. Now and then. Sometimes I think of you during a romance or during a really good action movie.

I love someone new, someone brilliant and happy and focused on life rather than death. I love myself. Finally. So I thank you for that. I thank you making me stronger and more aware of the beauty around me; you always seemed t block it out with your flames. Bright orange and brilliant, they blocked out my own violet light. I hope you find someone. I hope you're happy.

I will always love you. But I'm no longer In Love with you.

Author's Note: There seems to be some confusion concerning the 'sex friend' reference. Tatsuki was NOT sleeping with Ichigo, she was sleeping with Bunshichi because neither could have their respective loves. And yes, I do mean Bunshichi from Tenjho Tenge.