Chapter 1

Sorry for the sudden visit. Is everything all right around here?

Yeah, things are pretty normal. Hollows show up every once in a while, but it looks like Uryu is dealing with them for now. How are things in the Soul Society?

The squads with new captains still seem pretty busy, but things are back to normal for the most part.

I see.

............

Achoo! It's gone cold, huh. Would you like some fresh tea?

Oh, yes, thank you. It's gotten pretty chilly here in the world of the living, too.

Yeah, and it's almost Christmas time. Oh, that reminds me!

Rukia, would you like to have a Christmas party with me?!

C-Christmas party?

Yeah! Everyone has been through so much, so it'd be nice to at least have a bit of fun and eat some delicious cake during Christmas!

You're right, Orihime. That does sound nice.

Yay!

But my place is pretty small, so we can't invite a lot of people. Maybe we can make it a girls-only party? I've always wanted to try that.

And I've also talked to Rangiku about having an all-girls Christmas party before!

A girls-only Christmas party, huh. It sounds fun to me!

Then let's get started!

All right, first I'll tell Lieutenant Matsumoto and anyone else who may be around about it.

Oh, there's someone in front of the teahouse.

Lieutenant Hinamori! Lieutenant Kira!

Hello, Rukia. And, um, it's Orihime, right?

Hello! I'm sorry to intrude, but I'm on my way to see Rangiku. Would you happen to know where she is?

Rangiku?

Yes. We're planning a girls-only Christmas party, see.

Oh, that's right! Would you also like to join us for the party, Lieutenant Hinamori?

A girls-only Christmas party?

Won't you join us for some gossip and yummy cake?

You should go.

Captain Hitsugaya!

Are you also on break, Shiro-- I mean, Toshiro?

No. I heard you were here, so I brought over some documents for Squad 5.

I'm sure Rangiku will say she's going to that girls' party or whatever anyway, right?

You don't exactly need to follow her example, but you should learn to give yourself a break now and then.

I won't be bothering you, will I?

No, not at all! The more girls we have at a girls-only party, the more fun it gets! Or so I've heard!

You should go! Just like Captain Hitsugaya said, it's important to look after yourself.

All right, then maybe I'll join in, just for a bit.

*Gasp* Yes, please do!