Disclaimer: Gintama belongs to Sorachi and we love him for that.


What Follows Consent

Chapter 2: Free Stuff Always Comes With a Catch


Gintoki was lazily sprawled on the sofa reading Jump. The house was unusually empty. Shinpachi had just stormed off after babbling about an Otsuu-chan Fanclub meeting and Kagura had disappeared from sight to go pester Otose downstairs. Such circumstances led to the heavy atmosphere that could be presently felt inside the Yorozuya's headquarters and almost visibly seen floating around Gintoki. His eyes had been staring at the same page for at least half an hour. He was obviously thinking, thinking pretty hard. It was a reflexive thing, he could not control it. Every time he tried to read whatever it was Luffy was shouting in the first balloon he lost his ability to see and trailed off to dream land. Not exactly dream land… he just couldn't help thinking about the latest developments in his life. Yes, developments… The sole fact he could call them that was already something worth meditating about, though it was infuriating. It was damn enraging because nothing made sense.

From a simple minded point of view, there was nothing wrong with the life Gintoki was leading. It could be summed up to "physical needs" and a "good time", two concepts he did not have any problems understanding. Yet, it was astonishing how he was not taking such a predicted approach. Needless to say, this was just another one of his problems. The change in himself he could not comprehend and was way too disgruntling to even begin to accept.

Gintoki flipped a page for the sake of motion.

"Tsk"

How troublesome it was, how hideous, that now he felt the need to find meaning everywhere, every single time he met him. It was awful. That first time in the barracks seemed almost like a dream now. Bad or good Gintoki couldn't quite tell, but he was certain it felt quite surreal. Then, that time in his room next door, it was equally unbelievable. Looking back, it almost seemed like they were lovers, chasing after each other foolishly and hiding away. That was fun. Comparing those events with the present proved to be rather cruel if Gintoki measured the two realities. Now they barely even talked. Hijikata was always busy, sneaking off as soon as he was done and leaving Gintoki alone in the hotel bed. There had to be a limit to how lame he could look, but Gintoki endured it. He got to the point where he didn't care anymore because he was plain addicted. There wasn't much he could do about it, and accounting for the personality of the other party… what the hell could Gintoki do? That stubborn stupid anti-social bastard was the worst. They were not the least bit compatible; they did not suit each other at all!

"Not a single tiny shitty little bit, damn it!"

Gintoki dropped the comic magazine to the floor. He crossed his arms behind his head and sighed. Hijikata... If he wasn't deeply involved in it, Gintoki would have probably died laughing at the story. However, there was nothing amusing anywhere. There was just a never ending stain of loneliness that just got bigger and bigger. It was ironic because the opposite effect should be happening. Ah! What is this now? Ribon? Margaret? Bessatsu Margaret? Give me a break! Pick up your balls!

"That fucking mayora…"

He never listened to anybody or said what was on his mind. It pissed the hell out of Gintoki! That's why the crappy relationship they had was more a clash of personalities than a slight alteration of the concept. A lot of things were not spoken and feelings didn't have place in conversations or gestures. It was a fight for dominance, a junction of needs that they looked for in each other because they could neither escape, nor fight it. Ridiculous. It was beyond stupid. Sure, they called each other by their first names sporadically, but that was just a minor detail, a way to ease the burden; something which helped forget the guilt. Whatever it was Gintoki had with Hijikata couldn't possibly be love. Truth be told, after everything he had been through, all the years he had lived, could he possibly be bestowed with such a thing now? Of course not! Besides, Hijikata most certainly shared the same views on the subject. Gintoki wasn't delusional. He had some sense of reality, loss, luck… he didn't share much of the latter though. Kagura, Shinpachi, Otose and everyone else, all those strange bonds were already too good to be true. So, this thing with Hijikata… how long would it last? Such was the general question tormenting the silver haired samurai lately.

There was a knock at the door.

"Hello? Gin-san?" Otae's voice rang throughout the house. Gintoki got up from his slouched position on the sofa and walked up to the front door.

"Shinpachi's not here" he told her directly. The young woman shot him an angry glare.

"Is that any way to speak to a lady? You should stop reading kids' comics and act like an adult for once" she chided. Gintoki picked his ear with his pinky and looked sideways.

"Stop nagging, what do you want?"

Otae hissed slightly.

"A savage gorilla stalker sneaked into the dojo and left these documents there" she spat furiously as if reliving the whole incident that very moment. Gintoki glanced at a small stack of papers in her hand and furred an eyebrow.

"So?"

"So? I'm giving you this job. Return them" she said nearly in disbelief and shoved the papers in Gintoki's arms. He looked at them complacently and then back at her with a quizzical expression.

"What?" she queried temperamentally.

"You're not paying me?"

"Paying you?!" Otae shrieked "I'm not paying a cent to a leech like you! How many times do you think I've fed you and Kagura-chan? Don't make me laugh! Go hand those back and don't dare complaining! Hmph!" she added before sliding the front door shut.

Who the hell did she feed? As if there was an actual human being capable of eating those rotten burnt eggs! Gintoki grimaced and scratched the back of his head lazily. He was so not up for this today. He wasn't up to do any kind of job for that matter, much less a trip to the Shinsengumi barracks. He could foretell the terror and discomposure waiting and squealing in joy.

"Yeah, the Shinsengu- N-n-noO!" Gintoki stuttered perplexed. His brain had finally caught up with reality.

"Shit! I can't do this!… I…" he started mumbling a lot of dumb useless crap. Rants were pouring out of his soul.

"Damn that stupid Shinpachi! Where is that glasses otaku when I need him? And Kagura?! Always out playing, damn glutton…! That's a nice life, oi! Gin-san wants freedom like that as well. How nice! How nice it must be! Being happy without a care in the world! Let's all gather around the kotatsu and watch Sazae-san first thing in the morning! Haha! Hahaha!"

"Oi, Gin-san, you're being creepy" Shinpachi, who had suddenly arrived, muttered uncomfortably. He was standing by the entrance with a dull expression.

"Shinpachi! Great timing! Go to the Gorilla Captain and give him these. Your sister stopped by and-"

"Sorry Gin-san. I just came to get my wallet" Shinpachi excused himself quickly, walking past Gintoki into the living room and then returning just as rapidly "I forgot it with all the hurry earlier" he explained "We are going downtown to Otsu-chan's fanclub concert and I need to buy the new merchandise. There's a new deluxe edition set of"

"Right, right, right, right… Whatever, go! Disappear from my sight then" Gintoki grunted frustrated and, as soon as Shinpachi left, began putting on his boots against his will.

"Shit… it's always like this, damn brats… "

The satellite of vexation was gravitating nonstop apparently.


"Ah! It's Danna!" Yamazaki's stupid, irritating face popped up as soon as Gintoki entered the doomsday vicinity "What are you doing here? The Commander is in his room. Want me to call him?"

"Yes. As quickly as possible" Gintoki replied dryly, making every effort not to look around the place. Yamazaki nodded with his head and strolled away to go fetch the gorilla stalker. Great. Now Gintoki had been left alone with his wandering desires. Shit. Hurry up! He could almost feel a pair of penetrating blue eyes piercing his body from all angles, scanning him from head to toe. Hopefully, it was merely his paranoia talking.

"Oi! Gintoki!" Kondo's loud cheering voice echoed from a distance "You came to visit! Need something?"

"Hmph! As if I ever needed something from this place…" Gintoki muttered to himself. He couldn't help his nerves "I came to bring you this" he said dangling the papers in front of Kondo's face "You should stop harassing people, you crazy pervert stalker"

Kondo laughed embarrassed shrugging the advice aside.

"Hahahaha! How lucky! I was just looking for those" he rambled while taking the documents. He hid them behind his back and then put a hand on Gintoki's shoulder. The latter looked at him nonchalantly.

"Come have a drink with me! As a token of my appreciation!" Kondo invited with a friendly pat. Gintoki brushed his hand away and stepped back.

"Sorry Gori, I have to-"

"I knew you would accept! Haha!" Kondo grinned happily. It was clear he wouldn't have a "no" for an answer. Gintoki sighed in defeat. Someone must have put a curse on him or bought a very effective voodoo doll.

"Oi Yamazaki, take these and leave them on my desk. Let Toshi rest after he comes back" Kondo said to the young officer.

Yamazaki bowed slightly and took off to an inner room of the barracks with the documents. It's dispensable to state Gintoki drank down Kondo's entire statement. Somehow it soothed him knowing the demon Vice-Captain wasn't around. It had been at least four days since they had last seen each other, and, accounting for the state of confusion Gintoki's mind was in lately, their next meeting could not turn out good. Not good at all. Fortunately, Kondo did all the talk during the hour and a half Gintoki spent with him. It felt nice being distracted from those disturbing thoughts.

"Well Gori, I really got to go now. Thanks for the drink" Gintoki said standing up. Kondo waved his hand and bade him goodbye with the promise of another meeting.

"Come back any time Yorozuya"

"Sure… sure…" Gintoki replied tiredly. He then left the comfy tatami room and stepped into the wooden corridor. He was dying to get out of there; the place where Hijikata lived, the room where he slept, the floor he stepped on every single day... these facts were clinging to Gintoki like an infectious disease.

"I'm sick" he muttered with a palm over his forehead. Gintoki bore the utter sight of hopelessness.

He wandered around until he found the exit. He walked past a few rooms and along some corridors, constantly praying he wouldn't end up some place where his memories could torment him. Each and every inch of the barracks stung him with regrets and such other feelings not comprehensible. It was a mixture of frustration and anxiety that didn't bring any forbearance. Gintoki felt control escape from his grasp like grains of sand. Consequently, the day was not over yet. An enormous group of officers was entering the complex when he got to the front door. It looked like they had come from a nasty battle. Some were hobbling and limping along, others were sweating and occasionally bleeding. It must have been a pretty bad raid. Gintoki stepped aside to allow them to pass through and tried to blend in with the wall. The last thing he wanted was to be a nuisance to all those cripples and end up locked in a cell. That's how things ran in the Shinsengumi.

"Bunch of creeps…"

As they began to disperse to the depths of the settlement, Gintoki proceeded to flee out of the hellish place. He tip toed to the entrance and was just about to step outside when a bloody hand came to rest upon the door frame inches away from his face. His organs stopped functioning momentarily while air seemed difficult to inhale.

"…"

Hijikata was covered in red. Red, red, red. Maroon blood was splattered all over his figure. His uniform and his scarf, everything was stained. He had overworked himself as usual. It wasn't something surprising. Nevertheless, seeing him like this hurt Gintoki in a strange nostalgic way. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time, probably since the war against the Amanto years ago. Fortunately, reality was pretty good at slapping him in the face and Gintoki was brought back to Earth immediately.

"Hijikata…"

Hijikata stumbled forward but did not lose his stance. His head was looking down and his body was apt to succumb to the strain, yet he did not waver. He did not notice Gintoki's presence either. Only after bumping into him did he finally gaze up.

"Uh…?"

By the time they locked stares Gintoki was all regret. Why hadn't he left sooner? Damn! Should he help the bastard or not? He looked pretty wounded… Gintoki raised a hand to grab Hijikata's arm but a snarl prevented him from further advance.

"Don't touch me!"

Gintoki stood petrified on his spot. He could not act reckless; he could not punch the fucking idiot for being hateful and selfish... Hijikata Toshiro could not be touched because Gintoki was afraid of breaking the fragile looking stupor.

"Not today…. I don't want to see you today" Hijikata muttered lowly. Gintoki stared at him confused and let the dark haired man go.

"What the hell…?"

Gintoki turned around to glance at Hijikata's back and frowned. What was wrong with him?

"Oooh… Danna? Hmmm, what do you call this? Bad timing?" Okita Sougo's voice carried its familiar amount of mischief.

"It's more like bad luck. Or rather, no luck at all" Gintoki mumbled annoyed. Okita chuckled and stopped by the Yorozuya's side.

"It's best if you go home today Danna. Hijikata-san wants to be alone"

Gintoki looked at the little runt with a twinge of hatred. It wasn't like he wanted to be there in the first place and he didn't like to be told what to do either, especially by such a sadistic kid!

"He does? Good for him. Who cares anyway? I was just leaving" Gintoki replied shortly. Okita surveyed him attentively.

"Something on my face Okita-kun?"

"No, I was just thinking… are you going to sneak in from the back?"

"Of course not!"

"Oh ok…"

Gintoki shrugged his shoulders and stepped outside. Damned brat… there had to be limit to foresight.

"Danna~~"

"What now?!"

"I'll give you this…" Okita rummaged through his pockets and took out a small piece of paper. He walked up to the silver haired samurai and handed him the item.

"What's this?" Gintoki asked flatly. He turned the paper in his hand and looked more closely. It was a picture, an old photograph to be precise. In it were two people, the first and most visible was a young woman with light brown hair. She was smiling peacefully to the camera while sitting on a wooden porch and the other was a man sitting right beside her. He had long black hair tied in a high ponytail. Gintoki raised the photo to his eye level. It couldn't be…

"Hijikata in a ponytail?!" Gintoki shouted in disbelief. He had to cover his mouth to prevent a loud hysterical laugh from issuing. Okita glared.

"Is that the only thing you see, Danna? You're really loyal to your feelings, who would have thought…" Okita trailed off half seriously, half-angry.

"What's that supposed to mean? Oi!"

"You don't suppose I carry that picture around because it has Hijikata with a ponytail, do you Danna?"

"N-no" Gintoki replied awkwardly. He glanced again towards the photo. The girl was kind of familiar. Where had he seen her before? Oh right… "Hey, isn't this… your sister?"

"Correct answer"

"Oh so that's why…"

"I'm glad you understand Danna. Now, I will give you the photo on one condition" Okita said with a mischievous look. Gintoki prevented a cough.

"Condition? Oi, oi Okita-kun, if this is another one of your quirks I'll gladly refuse it"

"Really? A rare-limited-edition-once-in-a-life-time picture of young Hijikata Toshiro with long hair?" Okita said him stoically yet innocently enough "You'll refuse it?"

"N-not… really… no" Gintoki had to turn sideways to spare himself the flush.

"Thought so"

"So what's the catch?"

"Danna has to stay away from Hijikata-san for a month"

"I what?!" Gintoki exclaimed perplexed. His ears had to be full of wax surely.

"What I just said. You can't do it?"

"S-sure! Why would that be a problem?! Who wants to see that stupid mayora asshole anyway? Not me!" Gintoki felt like a fool. His lies were always so amusing, so stupidly fake, he even wanted to laugh at them himself.

"Danna, I'm not joking here"

Okita's eyes were serious. They portrayed a kind of coldness you did not see often even considering his trademark evil behavior. This proposal was definitely not a joke. It had some meaning, a meaning that eluded Gintoki entirely. Had he missed something?

"Why a month? Why this stupid game Okita-kun?"

"You know what day is today?"

"Hm? Friday?"

"Wrong. Today marks a year of Nee-san's death"

There was silence. A few recollections flashed dauntingly through Gintoki's mind, refreshing his memory vividly. Okita Mitsuba's death had been quite a shock to her peers, especially to a certain dark haired man of Gintoki's secret fancy. It was valid logic to associate such an event to the most disturbing sight of Hijikata ever beheld by Gintoki. After all, not often could someone see the Demon Vice-Captain of the Shinsengumi cry. Many could not even imagine it.

"That's why you must stay away from Hijikata-san from now on"

"I still don't get your train of thought Okita-kun"

"You don't Danna? And here I am making your life so much easier…"

"I'm not following" Gintoki replied bluntly. His bomb of bubbling feelings was ticking hectic. The whole topic was stabbing him with rage. For the most varied reasons.

"You want to get rid of him don't you?" Okita said matter-of-factly "This is the perfect opportunity Danna. Hijikata-san is mourning Nee-san's death, even if he doesn't seem to, he is. So, while he's engrossed in such depression, it is the best time for you to step back Danna. Hijikata-san won't be a problem anymore and you get a commemorative memento. How's that for a gift?"

Gintoki was rooted to the spot. His body and mind were battling fiercely: one with the intent of slicing Okita Sougo right there and then and the other pleading with all might for him to say yes.

Gintoki put the picture inside his pocket and turned around.

"I'm keeping this" he replied emotionless and then walked away.

Okita smiled to his back.

"Goodbye Danna. Hope I'll see you again… in a month"


Gintoki rolled around in bed incessantly. He was beginning to lose count to the times he had turned left and right. He was sure that under his eyes had to be two black holes swirling into a void of despair. He was getting sick of looking at his own bedroom walls, for fuck's sake! Couldn't some unknown deity grant him a good night's sleep? Maybe he was back in episode 153 when Kagura contracted him her terrible insomnia, it sure looked like it! Being awake in the middle of the night was the absolute worst. In the dark and silent stillness of the house Gintoki was positive the ghosts of his worries would finally materialize themselves to murder him. The passing clouds in the sky gave life to unborn shadows in dark corners of his bedroom. Gintoki wasn't scared… he was fucking mortified! And the thoughts echoing inside his brain were driving him nuts. What the fuck was he doing there? Why wasn't he doing anything? If there were any doubts, any distressing worries, he could only ease them in one way, right? He was not letting Okita's stupid trick agonize him like that. Who did the little rat think he was? As if he had some kind of footing in Hijikata and Gintoki's "relationship"! Gintoki slipped out of the futon in protest and put on his winter coat. He left his room and headed for the entrance.

The small racket woke up Kagura who slowly stuck her head out of her closet.

"Gin-chan? Where are you going?"

"Gin-san can't sleep. He is going to take a walk. You go back to sleep. We have work tomorrow"

"Ok. Don't take long. Listen to mama. Goodnight"

"Goodnight"

Gintoki climbed down the stairs of the apartment and trotted along the street.

"Shit, it's cold"

He walked quickly through the narrow empty alleys and cursed internally. The moon was the sole thing illuminating most residential areas, bathing the Kabuki district with a silver light. It must have been two or three o'clock perhaps. Either way, the ridicule of the situation startled Gintoki a few times before he got to his destination. He could barely believe he was going forward with such a reckless idea, but he trusted his gut. It had worked up until now. Gintoki crawled under a bush and climbed a little fence. Those were the obstacles to his goal.

"Stupid dogs… can't help it when you have a gorilla for a leader uh?" Gintoki whispered amusingly to himself. He then crossed the peaceful garden to the lonely familiar porch.

"Here we go"

Gintoki did not waver. He did not flinch or even halted his movements. He was decided, he was going to do it even if it meant the terrible end of the universe. He was going to fucking sleep! His mind was going to get its deserved rest!

He entered Hijikata's room silently. The person in question was sleeping in his futon, covered with thick, fluffy sheets and blankets.

"Pretty comfortable aren't we? Look how the bastard sleeps so soundly. Tsk"

Gintoki approached closer to survey Hijikata's face. It was porcelain pale, with one or two bandages covering superficial wounds. Exactly what one would expect from a daredevil such as the Vice Commander.

"Idiot… there shouldn't exist people who enjoy fighting. It's damn useless, just like you…"

Gintoki paused and closed his eyes. He was thinking deeply about the best way to wake up the sleeping beauty when one of his hands unconsciously started caressing Hijikata's perfect straight hair. It was a habit he had picked up after their lechery when Hijikata lowered his guard and lacked the strength to stop him. A foul play for sure. Hence, it was no surprise when the Vice Captain's eyes began opening and bulged out in shock. Arising in impulse, his hand went immediately in search for his sword though, unfortunately for him, Gintoki grabbed the pointy object first and hid it behind his back.

"Are you going to threaten me at this hour of the night? You might wake up the entire troops Hijikata-kun" Gintoki told him suppressing a smile. Hijikata scowled.

"Leave, go away, now"

"Don't be rude asshole. I came here with a mission"

"Don't bullshit me at this hour. I have work tomorrow, get out"

"Everybody has work tomorrow don't worry"

"You're pissing me off. OUT"

"Don't yell too loud Hijikata-kun, remember what I said about waking up your minions?"

"What do you want?"

"I came to give this back to Okita-kun" Gintoki said stoically taking out a photo from inside his winter coat. He gave it to Hijikata and the latter gazed at the picture instantly. His look did not tell much.

"Sougo gave you this?"

"Yes. It was a free gift"

"Why are you giving it back?"

"You want me to have it?"

"No! I don't care"

"I know you don't, that's why I am giving it back. You know it was a free gift but it came with a price"

"What price? Is that another joke? I'm too tired to hear your crap"

"Okita-kun didn't tell you? Ooh, you're missing out all the fun…"

"Whatever!" Hijikata turned his back furiously and settled back into bed. Gintoki pouted at the stubborn behavior.

"Oi, don't ignore me. Oi, oi, oi, oi" Gintoki poked Hijikata's back with his index finger annoyingly.

"Stop that!" the dark haired man exclaimed in a controlled whisper.

"You have to listen, stupid Mayora"

"Shut up bast-"

"I can't stay a month without seeing Hijikata-kun, probably not even a week, so I'm giving this back" Gintoki cut in shortly and gestured for the picture now laying down on the futon. Hijikata glared at him for a while. The latter could tell he was processing what had just been said very carefully in his head. Thus, the blushing result was very dearly sighted.

"W-what are you talking about? You can do whatever you want with the freaking picture, perm bastard"

"I can? Can I jerk-off while holding this beautiful photo of Mistuba-san? Is that what you are saying?"

The comment earned Gintoki a punch in the face.

"Fucking asshole!"

"You're way too violent Hijikata-kun, I was joking"

"Get out. Leave this instant before I kill you"

"I'm not done yet"

"Uh?"

"I'm not done with my questions Hijikata-kun. You know, you may be able to sleep soundly at night, but I can't. Gin-san can't sleep a tiny bit and it's because of this fucking Shinsengumi asshole that is messing with his life" Gintoki told him bitterly. He had overlooked the punch because he acknowledged he had gone too far, but seeing himself being misunderstood riled him completely.

"What did you say?!"

"Shinsengumi asshole"

"You son of a-"

"Wait, wait, wait. Let me finish first Mayora-kun" Gintoki imposed his demanding tone once more.

"Wha-!"

"So, I can do whatever I want with this picture, right?"

"Who cares?! Just get done with it and leave" the reply was as desperate and wrathful as the intent of the question.

"So I can have it?"

"Sure, whatever!"

"Ok then. I'll be leaving as you wish"

"Uh?"

"That was all Hijikata-kun. Gin-san will not bother you anymore"

"G-good. Disinfest!"

"See you in a month, Vice Captain"

Gintoki stepped out of the room without looking back. He wanted to destroy something really badly just for the sake of venting out frustration, but his nonchalance shell was pretty hard and effective. Moreover, the fact such moment felt overwhelmingly like a déjà vu didn't help at all. Past regrets caught up pretty quickly with Gintoki. Thankfully he was given a second chance.

"Gintoki!" Hijikata stepped out into the porch. His hand was glued to the sliding door to help him retain balance. He was still shaken from the wounds of that evening's raid. His loose yukata allowed Gintoki to survey substantial proof, namely bandages covering his abdomen and lower torso.

"Wait…" Hijikata's voice was no longer aggressive "Don't… you… don't" he fumbled with words pathetically, twisting Gintoki's heartstrings unconsciously. He hated it.

"Don't go? Is that what you're trying to say?" Gintoki deadpanned. He was bursting with tingling hopes but he restrained himself.

"No, that's not…what I… no… I-"

"Shitty Mayora, I'm not going to spell everything for you every single time" Gintoki said angrily, though he was not standing anymore. His legs were walking back to the idiotic bastard leaning by the porch.

"Who's the shitty ma-"

Gintoki was already too close for Hijikata to end his phrase successfully.

"So? Is Gin-san going to enter uninvited again?"

Hijikata glared for a few seconds. His feisty personality couldn't resist flaring at Gintoki's mocking. He was not to be toyed with, the latter knew it. Nevertheless, yielding was a marvelous thing about Hijikata as well. It only took a while for one to learn it.

"Don't go, perm bastard" Hijikata said seriously, blushing out of every pore. Habits were hard to break. Gintoki merely grinned.

"Some little bird told me Hijikata-kun was crying alone in his room. Gin-san had to come anyway"

"W-what?"

"Hehe"

"Sougo that bastard!"

"Kya! Don't talk about other men in Gin-san's presence, I'll get jealous"

"Stop spouting garbage, I'm tired"

Gintoki reentered the Vice Captain's room and closed the door behind him soundlessly. He then followed the other man to the futon and sneaked inside. Hijikata lay down equally and allowed Gintoki to embrace him. Not without complaining of course.

"You're being gross"

"Shut up, stupid"


AN: I actually wrote more after these two last lines, but it just seemed too much after I re-read everything so I deleted it. This whole chapter turned out gigantic for some reason, I don't know what I had on my mind xD Writing Gin-san's perspective always turns into some endless ranting. I'm sorry if it is noticeable. Well, next is Hijikata. Be prepared! By the way, thanks so much for all the reviews. I'm exceedingly glad people are reading this sequel… I hope my inspiration for GinHiji never dies. That's the feeling I get from all the support. Thank you very much! R&R.