It was quite a surprise to see flowers on my doorstep for Valentine's Day. They are very beautiful, and I am determined to keep them alive for as long as possible. Although, isn't it a custom here for women to give things to the men on Valentine's Day...?

Either way, I am enjoying the way these fresh flowers look in my apartment.

( Private )

...

I am never attempting to make chocolate ever again. Ever.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Kuchiki Byakuya. I lent him a few of my books, and we ended up having dinner together. It was quite enjoyable, and it seems that we have very much in common. We are supposed to go for tea sometime soon, and Kuchiki-san would like it if I tracked down his sister and invited her, as well.

I also encountered a Hollow on one of my stops at the book store. It was my first time in combat in quite a long while, so it was a bit of a challenge to make sure I didn't wear myself out by using too much kido. I would have preferred an easier Hollow to test myself on, instead of a Menos, but... it was defeated in the end. Kurotsuchi Mayuri was also in the vicinity, and ended up helping take care of the Menos. Such a detestable man...

Work has been tedious, as usual. I have this coming Saturday off, and I will use it to the best of my abilities. I have an ever-growing stack of books that need my attention.

I have been invited to a Christmas party my superior at work is having. Apparently, there is a custom here to do something called a "white elephant gift exchange." I was told to go out and pick an amusing gift for it.

I wonder if they will have Christmas popcorn at the party...?

When I was out shopping for this gift exchange, I also picked out something for Kyouraku-san.

Sir, you may stop by any time and pick it up.

Things have been pretty calm lately.

I responded to the Hollow alert that they had posted recently, but by the time I got there the Hollow had already been taken care of.

I am rather enjoying my time here... the people I have met at my job have been very pleasant. They keep talking about some holiday called Christmas... it seems that it is customary to give people who are close to you a gift.

I hate to say this, but... Kyouraku-san, is there anything you would like for Christmas?

Things have been rather quiet around here as of late. That alone is enough to make me worry a little.

My job seems to suit me well; I've had no trouble getting comfortable with the duties and tasks that accompany it. The people I work with are very pleasant to be around.

However, I need to ask Kyouraku-san about an aspect of our real purpose for being here. Since he's my superior, he's supposed to be the one giving me orders. However... I wonder if I'm allowed to act on my own, if I encounter a situation? I need to track him down and ask him.

I'm surprised. I honestly didn't expect that it could be so easy getting used to life in the living world.

My job has actually been quite an enjoyment. It seems like I have a natural talent for remembering little details and helping to make things run smoothly.

I haven't seen anyone else from Soul Society, except for Kyouraku-san. I hope he's doing all right. He's probably off being lazy. Again.

I hope to use this journal a lot more, especially when I'm finally called out on a Hollow attack. It will be more exciting than the life I lead now, at least.

I have finally arrived in the living world. They're giving me a week to settle in and get used to being here. This is the first time I've visited the living world, so it's going to be quite a shock. Then I begin my job and my mission.

I suppose I should get in touch with Kyouraku-san and let him know I'm here. Why did it have to be him, of all people?