Chapter 7 - Longest chapter yet, and a build-up for the next one. As always, thanks for reading, and please review. I appreciate any feedback, criticism and any general comments.

Warning: Will contain at times; coarse language, sexual and possibly some drug references, implied violence and OOCness. Rated M for suggestive themes, especially later.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or its Characters.


~ SEVEN ~


'Breathe. Just breathe...He doesn't know who you are...'

Inhale.

Exhale.

That's it.

Good girl.

Rukia had to remind herself that Ashido didn't know who she is.

The ballroom was filled with men and women all dressed up to the nines. Every one of them a potential enemy. Everyone staring. It was stifling hot. The walls felt like they were crashing in. The music was too loud. Chatter. Laughter. Blaring sounds thundering in her ears. Room spinning-

"-Are you alright?"

Ashido looked at her slightly alarmed. He was holding out her chair, while she was just standing there.

"Um...yes." Ungracefully thumping down in the proffered seat.

'Come on, you can do this. You've been in tighter spots before...' She blinked rapidly. 'Remember your happy place, and always, Stay strong...' The embedded mantra repeated in her head. She didn't remember who said it to her.

"I'm glad you agreed to come." Ashido said. "Being the new guy can be rough."

"Try odd one out." Rukia muttered under her breath.

"That too."

A waitress came around, offering champagne. Rukia didn't drink, but at this very moment that was exactly what she needed. Liquid bravery with bubbles. Taking a glass she took a sip then another. There was a certain Agent she expected to see here but Rukia couldn't see him anywhere. Different occasion perhaps? No, it was too much of a coincidence. Byakuya had meant for her to accompany him instead of Ashido...and of course, she knew that they were acquainted.

'Why didn't he tell me?!' Then again, she hadn't said anything either. "Damn!"

"Pardon?" Ashido queried, conscious of her increasing discomfort.

"Nothing."

Shadows loomed over the table. A man and a woman had approached them, beaming.

"Kano."

Ashido rose. "Director. Senior Agent Shiba."

"Tsk none of that formal crap. We're not on duty." Director scolded. Noticing Rukia her green eyes sparkled. "And who is this?"

Rukia blushed at being singled out.

"This is Rukia, a friend. Rukia, Director- Kukaku and Agent- Kaien." Ashido made the introductions.

"Rukia, cute. Love your dress. Shoji?"

"Um..." Rukia didn't have a clue who the designer was and Kukaku's scrutiny was a bit overwhelming. Her eyes flicked to Kaien, and her mouth fell open. No doubt she looked stupid but dammit if he wasn't the spitting image of-

"Oh my god!"

Kaien looked at Rukia like she had just sprouted a second head. Looking on, Kukaku's boisterous laughter broke the ice, thumping her brother on the back. "He is cute, isn't he?"

"Ah, no... I mean...you remind me of someone..." Rukia mumbled weakly. She couldn't blush any harder.

"Well when you put it that way. Not so creepy." Kaien grinned. "Relax. Enjoy, and thank you for joining us."

"You. No funny business, you hear?" Kukaku glared at Ashido, then turned to Rukia, and said, "You tell me if he misbehaves, and I'll clock him." Holding up her prosthetic right arm. Rukia bit her lip and nodded. Yes, the other female really did intimidate her.

"Good! Bye now."

The duo went off to greet the other guests.

Ashido looked apologetic. "My superiors."

"They seem...nice." Rukia mustered a smile, reaching for her champagne glass. Now was a good time.


Cruising the Lexus LFA into his specially reserved space in the Hotel's underground carpark, Byakuya killed the engine. He hadn't been followed. The failed assassination attempt was not meant for him. The cartridge round from the shooting was wrapped up in his handkerchief. He'd run a diagnostic when he got the chance, but he doubted much would come of it. The bullet, at first glance, looked clean.

He held in his hand the Golem figurine that Yoshino had given him. Cleverly disguised, it was actually a data key. The evidence that the fugitive Doctor had managed to compile over ten years since she'd escaped from the Organization.

"It hurts, in here." Yoshino pointed to her head. "Every time. They want to take us out. We're a liability. Except you, because you're dead. Don't let them find out who you are. And Rukia too. Has she told you what They did to her?"

"Dr Soma, if They mean to kill you, why not Rukia?"

"They want to use her. They made a mistake. She really is the Best - And the Worst of us."

Yoshino would go into hiding again - He had found her, and been shot at. Her identity compromised. A safe-house wouldn't be safe enough, she told him. But she had promised that if she gained any new information then she would find a way to get it to him.

"It was you two that gave me the courage to fight back against the tyranny. Byakuya and his Angel. That day... I remember how you fought for each other. Ever since the recreation. Till you were torn apart. I'm glad one of you found me."

"Go. Now." Byakuya urged her.

They went their separate ways. Her desire for forgiveness was granted. A bullet was not planted in between those deep brown eyes.

Stashing the Golem figurine in his shirt pocket, Byakuya exited his car. They would have to get through him before they got their hands on the data key. Right now, he had a duty to fulfill. The Engagement dinner would've started an hour ago. An elevator ride up and he was almost there. A curt nod to the Security guards posted at the door and Byakuya entered the Ballroom suite. The hostess greeted him, passing his coat over to the check-in girl. Byakuya strode past her and made his way over to sit with the intended couple.

Kaien stood up as Byakuya approached. "You made it in one piece." He grinned.

"Don't sound so surprised."

"Your mystery woman wasn't easy to find. I had to pull a lot of strings to get you that info as fast as I could. Worthwhile trip?" Kaien couldn't deny his curiosity.

"It had better be."

"No talking shop! This is a damn party, so sit down! Drink!" Two seats down, Kukaku struck a match on her prosthetic arm to light her pipe. Byakuya and Kaien took their seats, knowing how nasty she could get when pissed off. It didn't take much to set her off.

Kaien leaned in to whisper. "I'd ask when you were planning on making an honest woman out of my sister, but then I already know the answer-"

"Indeed, I value my life far too much for that."

"Stop whispering like two little girls!" Kukaku raved again. "Where's your date Kuchiki? We didn't scare her off already, did we?"

Byakuya simply glared at her.

"Even your new partner came with a date, and he's been here less than a week."

"Thinking of giving up your womanizing ways?" Kaien joked.

"Who do you think you're talking to." Byakuya retorted, scanning the guests to see this mystery date. Ashido wasn't very forthcoming about his private life. A trait that Byakuya didn't mind in the slightest. Still, this he had to see.

Byakuya's sight settled on Ashido's table-

"Beautiful thing she is too..."

-And on the woman sitting in the chair opposite-

'Rukia.'

"Rukia, that's it."

He couldn't believe his eyes...

...

The glass of champagne had gone down well. Rukia's self-consciousness floated away. This was the reason why she didn't drink - Alcohol went straight to her head. Conversing and laughing, Rukia relaxed, meeting more of Ashido's co-workers with the courage of intoxication.

Then the feeling of being watched crawled over her. Casting quick glances around the room, she tried to shake off that icky feeling. Rukia had only begun to enjoy herself, and she didn't want that sensation sabotaged.

The echoing chink of silver on crystal sounded out. An announcement was about to be made. The crowd hushed, the ones standing made their way back to their seats. Kaien stood in the middle of the main table underneath a large white and gold embossed-script banner that read;

'Congratulations Kaien and Miyako.'

Rukia's eyes were drawn to Kaien and then to the man sitting beside him-

"Esteemed colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you all for coming..."

-His intense, heated gaze boring into her-

'Byakuya.'

"On behalf of-"

She'd stopped listening...

...

Her pulse quickened, heartbeat thudding loudly in her eardrums. The ever-consuming blush rose on her cheeks.

'Shit! He's here...He's really here.'

Staring.

Right at her.

His chin resting on two fingers. His expression unreadable. Eyes the color of stone. Looking at the empty chair next to Byakuya, guilt formed in the pit of her stomach. She was wearing the dress that he'd given her - More guilt ensued.

"Enjoy the Party!" Clapping and cheering burst out from the guests.

Rukia jolted at Ashido touching her hand. "You look like you've just seen a ghost." A small frown creased his forehead. "Are you sure you're alright?"

She glanced furtively back at Byakuya. Now she could read him - If looks could kill.

"I'm fine." She pulled her hand back, twisting her fingers on her lap. She didn't know why she was so shaken.

"Sorry. Boundaries." Ashido looked so contrite, it was endearing.

"No- Yes- It's okay."

They laughed.

Rukia's cellphone beeped. "Sorry." She mumbled, opening up the text message;

'You're intimate with Kano?'

Rukia scowled. 'Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me!' Looking across the room, Byakuya acted like nothing was going on.

'Just a friend.'

The dark look told her that he wasn't satisfied with her answer. Ashido kept talking, but it sounded like noise. Nodding and smiling politely, her vain attempt to block Byakuya out was interrupted with a second message;

'Don't flirt.'

'What's it to you?!' She texted back;

'Being polite isn't flirting.' Rukia switched Chappy to mute.

Seconds later, her hand vibrated. Another text;

'Would you know the difference? Nice dress.'

'Better than you since I have manners! Yes, it is a nice dress, thank you. Now stop bothering me!'

Byakuya texted again;

'I haven't even begun.'

Rukia bit down on her lip. This was too much. A nervous excitement coursed through her, making her feel annoyed and aroused at the same time. Feeling naughty, Rukia texted back before shutting her cellphone off completely;

'Is that a promise?'

There. She said it. 'Let's see how you like that.'

The 'I dare you' look she gave him was worth its weight in gold - The look of utter and complete surprise on his face when he read it - was priceless.

Their eyes met.

Rukia had never seen him look so sexy and dangerous. She had gotten a reaction out of the infamously stoic Agent Kuchiki. Her alcohol-fueled bravado was leaving her, and fast. Something told her she was going to regret her taunt.

Byakuya hid a smile. No woman had turned him down before. No woman had gotten a rise out of him before either.

Two things ran through his mind; Rukia was Ashido's date. When had they met? And why hadn't she told him? Secondly, and this he hadn't really expected, she looked dangerous and angelic in that dress. Her feisty spirit. That wanton comeback. It was a turn-on. He wasn't used to not getting his way. He didn't like games, but he knew how to play.

The unsent error told Byakuya that Rukia had turned her phone off. A delaying tactic of the inevitable.

Formalities aside, the band started playing and couples left their tables to dance. Ashido and Rukia stayed seated. The air between them had become uncertain. Rukia knew that that was her doing, and Byakuya's as well.

"Another drink?"

"Yes please." She'd only had one. One more wouldn't hurt.

Ashido signaled to a nearby waiter. As she reached out to take a glass of champagne, she looked over at Byakuya again to see a tan-skinned woman in a slinky purple halter gown now occupying the seat next to him, holding onto Byakuya's sleeve.

Rukia looked at their linked arms, then looked away again. Girlfriend? It made sense he would be with someone. Then why did he ask you? She felt stupid. And very suddenly, wanted to escape.

Unsettled, Rukia wasn't watching what she was doing and knocked over her glass. The waiter automatically reached out still holding his tray of drinks, having to do a juggling act to stop a champagne shower. Spillage averted, the waiter departed the near-disaster zone with a scowl.

From his table, Byakuya arched a reprimanding eyebrow at Rukia. His displeasure evident. Due to either her clumsiness or her choice in beverage, she wasn't sure. He whispered something in the woman's ear, then she grinned and walked off. The plunging neckline flaunted her ample breasts and two side-splits revealed a pair of sexy legs that went on for miles. Fishnet-strap boots twined up to her thighs. She was beauty and seduction personified.

Rukia had seen enough. Lost in her own headspace, she stopped paying attention until Ashido spoke up. The exchange hadn't escaped his notice.

"Agent Kuchiki has that effect on people." His demeanor remained calm, yet there was a hint of something else. "Are you acquainted?"

"Yes..." She didn't see any point in covering it up.

Ashido tilted his head. This was news to him. "I thought as much, judging by the way he hasn't stopped looking at you since his arrival."

'Damn him!'

Rukia said nothing, but to her annoyance, she felt an inward glow. And seeing Byakuya with that woman made her even more mad. The feeling of inadequacy became fury. 'Who does he think he is?!' To think she'd actually felt sorry for turning him down.

"Ashido, can you dance?"

"I can hold my own." He looked at her curiously.

"That'll do."

Downing her glass in one shot, Rukia dragged Ashido onto the dance floor as a song starting playing. Lady Luck smiled. This was a familiar tune and it was her kind of music. Rukia smiled, and began to dance...

Lights dimmed, Byakuya sat back and watched. He hadn't stopped watching Rukia, even while talking to Yoruichi. It was one of his many talents. Inwardly surprised that she had gotten over her initial embarrassment and had decided to dance. Also she'd knocked back her champagne like a two-bit alcoholic. He didn't like that.

This felt like a game - It was her move...

Ashido led Rukia onto the dance floor, hand-in-hand. Linked, they began to sway to the beat. Lights flickered and danced over them as they moved to the rhythm. The upbeat tempo flew through her. This was her element. She tasted freedom as their synchronized bodies moved. Wrapping her leg up, Ashido held fast and dipped her back, arching low in a semi-circle and diving back up. Layers of silk chiffon whirled as he spun her, round and round. Spinning and twirling.

The beat quickened, titillating her senses to overdrive. She moved faster. Stepping and grinding. Her heels clicked on the floor as she slid and slithered around with Ashido, arms waving, head tossing, body pumping to the primal beat of the base. Her hips gyrating in slow, rhythmic pulses. Exhilarated. She closed her eyes to lose herself in the thrall of the music-

Then, two words; "-Excuse us."

Aiming for a big finish, Rukia felt unbalanced as she was being dragged away. A look of total surprise on Ashido's face. The music cut off and the whole room became eerily quieter, amid stunned whispers.

"Wait just a minute, Kuchiki. Rukia is here with me," Ashido cut in.

The music started up again and the party resumed. There wouldn't be a show. Agents knew how to behave, and when they were bad, they were very good at it.

"Not anymore. You would do well to stay out of my way."

Without another word, Byakuya stalked out with a stunned and speechless Rukia in tow.

The Ballroom door shut, blocking her view of the dinner party. Out in the hallway the Security guards pretended not to notice. Snapping to, her mouth opened and closed like a vice. It took a moment for her brain to catch up.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" Rukia screamed.

"Quiet!"

He sounded angry. Very angry. Then Rukia felt a heightened sensation as her feet left the ground as he pulled her close and slung her rather ungracefully over his shoulder.

"OH MY GOD! PUT ME DOWN!"

"No."

Byakuya bypassed the elevator and went up flights of stairs.

"No? NO?! That's not what you're supposed to say-" She continued to struggle. It was saving grace that she didn't weigh much. "I can't believe you just did that! Bastard!"

"Curb your tongue, woman." He swatted her backside to make his point. She really did have a nice ass. "Now behave."

Entering the floor to the Penthouses, Byakuya used his one free hand to fish the keycard out of his pocket.

"Me? You just touched my butt." Rukia giggled. "I can see your butt- Ohh you must work out- Forget I said that-" Suppressed laughter came out in a weird snort-snigger.

"How much have you had to drink?!" His voice dropped low. This change to giggly was a far cry from her usual feisty - He wasn't sure which he preferred.

Unlocking the door, Byakuya pushed it open and walked in. To say the room was plush was like saying Heaven is pretty. The 160 square meter Diplomat suite had modern decor in green marble and granite. The city of Shinjuku and Yoyogi Park could be seen from its windows. The luxurious suite also boasted a grand piano and one King-sized bed. Byakuya dumped Rukia on it.

"Two."

Rukia bounced a few times, but didn't mind. She was sitting on clouds.

"Bottles?"

"Glasses." Came the goofy reply.

Byakuya, none too pleased, took off his jacket and placed it over a nearby chair. Rolling up his cufflinks, he then took off his tie. He didn't like ties. Rukia sat on the bed eyeing Byakuya like prey caught in the hunter's sight.

"Have you eaten?"

"Ah, not yet." Rukia replied. "I'm not hungry."

"Stay." He warned.

"Or what? You're going to beat me over the head with a club?!" Looking around at the suite, she went wide-eyed. "Since you've already dragged me back to a...cave."

His eyes narrowed in a disapproving stare. "You have a smart mouth for a thief."

"And for an Agent, you have very bad manners." She shot up, but Byakuya was quick. He knew better. Grabbing hold, he firmly sat her back down. Again, with the glare.

"Fine, I'm staying!" Rukia huffed, frowning at his departing back. "And you can stop giving me those death glares!"

Moments later he was back with a pitcher of water, a glass and two ibuprofen tablets. He filled the glass up with water, then set the pitcher down on the bedside table and held the glass and tablets out for her to take. Rukia looked him up and down, uncertain. It was a considerate gesture.

"Take this."

Rukia conceded, took the water and tablets and swallowed. Byakuya stood over her, waiting. Even he didn't know what had possessed him to act the way he did. The compulsion had overtaken him, and now here they were. When she was finished, he took the empty glass from her fingers, put it down next to the jug and sat down on the bed. Rukia closed her eyes and tried to mentally steel herself. His close proximity was disturbing - The fact that she liked it, even more so. Again, the urge to bolt threatened to erupt.

"You owe Ashido an apology by the way."

Byakuya gazed at her calmly. "I have nothing to apologize for. Did you not think to tell me you were associated with my partner?"

"Your-?" Rukia's face went pale. Oh god, it just got worse...

...

Back in the Ballroom, Ashido cornered Yoruichi the first chance he got. "Shihoin. Where is Rukia?"

Golden eyes gleamed, feigning innocence. She'd come by their table to collect Rukia's purse, left there from her impromptu departure.

"Who's that, your date?"

"Don't play coy with me, it doesn't suit you." The menacing hint hung in the air.

"Hmph." Yoruichi straightened up her shoulders, surprised at Ashido's uncharacteristic mood change. She'd seen it all before - Males and their testosterone levels - but this was unexpected. The stealthy Agent made to turn away, but Ashido grabbed her arm halting her in her tracks. "Agent Kano, if you don't want to lose that hand, I suggest you remove it immediately."

"I'm sorry, that was a little rude of me." He let go. "But you do know where she is."

"It's business, Kano. Let it go."

Yoruichi strode off, after having glimpsed a darker side to Agent Kano.

"Rukia is my business..."

...

"I still don't see what the problem is... We're just friends."

"An unnecessary risk." Byakuya spoke softly but firmly, loosely fingering strands of her hair. Trying to control the sudden urge to smell her hair and to taste her soft skin with his lips.

"Why? Because he's an Agent? -Which I didn't even know until tonight, but so are you." Rukia broke off, biting her lip again. "I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize your position."

Temporarily taken aback, Byakuya stilled, pulling away. Her disarming honesty put him off. Then a thought came to her-

"Why did you drag me out of the ballroom?"

"I've told you already. You really need to start paying better attention."

Feeling more lucid, Rukia lay back and hugged her knees to her chest, a smile playing on her lips. "...Protecting your interests?"

"Exactly."

"So, are you...interested...in me, Kuchiki?"

His expression hardened. The effect was instant. She shivered a little at the cold, and at the drastic change in mood. Rukia suddenly wished she could take back what she said - That look was painful.

"Sleep."

Just like that, Byakuya left the bedroom, shutting the door closed behind him. Rukia curled up and closed her eyes, baffled and hurt by his abrupt, stand-offish behavior.

Soon, sleep took it all away...


Byakuya felt frustrated. And it was all on him. Seeing Rukia and Ashido together drove him crazy. His next action proved it. The repercussions of his act were already beginning to surface. No, he couldn't do that to her. Rukia deserved better than that. Deciding against going back into the bedroom, Byakuya went to the living room. He had work to do...

There was a knock on the door. Byakuya slipped his firearm into the back of his belt buckle and got up to answer it. Checking the peephole, he saw that it was Yoruichi. Grinning mischievously, she flicked her long purple-colored ponytail and held up Rukia's purse.

"Hey, open up already, it's only me. You're safe."

"That's debatable." Byakuya smirked, opening the door.

Yoruichi chucked the purse at him and leaned up against the doorpost, folding her arms. Waiting expectantly.

"Did you mean to run off with your partner's date?" She winked, clearly enjoying the drama. It was all she could do to stop from bursting out laughing. "It's not like you to act so...spur-of-the-moment..."

"Good night." Byakuya shut the door in her face and put Rukia's purse down on the nearby entry table. He heard Yoruichi's full throttled laughter from the hallway. The stealth Agent was sure to come up with some way for her colleague to return the favor.

He then went to go check on Rukia. The fact that she was still there spoke volumes. Still, he felt lousy - Even more so when he saw her. She had rolled over onto her front in a subconscious effort to gain warmth, curled up in a tight ball.

Coverlets held up, Byakuya caught sight of the scar across her back, and froze. He'd seen many war-wounds in his time, but that one was extreme. What horrific incident had marked her in that way? Was it connected to the reason why she didn't remember him? And not recognizing the lab technician?

'What did They do to you?' The ultimate question, once again left unanswered.


Hours later, Rukia bolted upright. Her head spun and her throat was parched. Patches of memory surfaced in her mind. Startled, she checked herself all over.

Clothed - Check. Health - Surprisingly okay. Purse - Damn! Where was her purse? Her cellphone and keys were in there. Never mind, she'd sort it out and get her bike later.

Then it dawned on her - 'What time is it?'

Flinging the covers off, Rukia jumped out of bed, picking up her high-heeled shoes laid neatly by the bedroom door, and ran out quietly. She had to pass by the hall, the meeting room and closet on her left and the bathroom, dining and kitchen on her right to get to the suite entrance. Upper class Hotel living. Taking note of the time on the clock in the kitchen, her face fell.

'Shit! Not again.' Shuhei was going to be upset. Not good.

Rukia got to the door and saw into the lounge. There Byakuya was, asleep on the couch. His 5'11" frame was too tall for the otherwise plush beige cotton suede sofa, and he didn't even have a blanket or anything covering him. She couldn't leave him like that. Dropping her heels by the door, Rukia went back to get a blanket.

She gently placed it over Byakuya, stopping for a brief moment to stare at his sleeping figure. How vulnerable he looked, and he really was freaking gorgeous.

'Why do I feel like I've found the missing piece of me when I'm with you...?'

A part of her didn't want to go, but she didn't want to put Shuhei through any more angst or worry. Besides, Rukia was positive she would see Byakuya again soon - They still had a mystery to solve.

Quickly scribbling out a note, she put it on his laptop that was left open on the coffee table, so he would see it straight away and left the suite. Walking right past her purse which had fallen underneath the table.

The idle laptop sprang to life again, having gone into sleep mode when its owner did. On the screen was a document containing a partial list of Project Ground survivors currently active. Video recordings of some subject's case experiments and Doctor Soma's log files were also onscreen in separate windows.

...

The media player resumed playback;

A young woman with black hair and turquoise eyes stared directly into the camera. An intercom built into the small, dank room crackled and a voice scrambled by a decoder spoke;

"Subject Prototype 8 B. Identify yourself for the record."

"Codename: Vector. Class: First generation-"

The video feed cut out. Minutes later, it skips to the next subject, a young man with short black hair and dark grey eyes. Three scars ran down the right side of his face.

"Subject Prototype 9 B. Identify yourself for the record."

"Codename: Reaper. Class: Second generation. Specialty: Enhanced Speed and Stamina. Proficiency: Kusarigamajutsu."

"I understand your Recreation is complete."

"It is."

"Good. Stay where you are."

Reaper obeyed. "Yes."

An armed guard is seen ushering in the next subject. Another young woman with short black hair and large violet eyes. Her arctic glare settled on Reaper for a moment, then she turned to face the camera. The announcer spoke again;

"Subject Prototype 13 B. Identify yourself for the record."

"Codename: Hollow. Class: Second generation. Specialty: Super Speed, Enhanced Agility and Endurance. Proficiency: Hand-to-hand Combat, Knives and Firearms."

"As replacement for the deceased Subject Prototype 6 A, 9 B has been created to serve as your match. You are dismissed."

Reaper went to stand beside Hollow. He was simply relieved to be of some use. His original match had been deemed a failure and was destroyed, a fate he would've met too if he wasn't needed. This was the one and only Re-pairing They had allowed...

Reaper just stood placidly by.

"I owe you my life. That's all I have..."

Hollow stared dead-ahead, every bit the hostile, emotionless, killing-machine she was created to be.

"If Hell is Life. Word of warning; Don't ever touch me. You could never replace him..."


Author's Notes: Byakuya's conversation with Yoshino is in past tense, so it is highlighted in italics. Rukia's dress is inspired by a similar gown designed by Tadashi Shoji. Also I used the original characters Shinigami rankings for their Subject no.s. Sorry if the chapter is a bit disjointed. I wrote the first half, then got knocked out with the flu - which sadly, I still have. Thanks for understanding.

Extra Special Thanks to; LuciL06, Vicky73, aria, CielDoll, Guest, AkuRokuTurkTrainee, arlingtonsteward, ReckoningDay, seras3791, ANF-Byaruki, PAMILA DE CASTRO & The13thConspiracy for your reviews. I can't thank you all enough! :)

Please R&R. Any feedback, suggestions or criticism is welcome, especially on the finer details that I may have gotten wrong. Also thanks to the readers for the favorites/alert adds. Appreciated.