Sold
Chapter 08:
"Visitation Rights"
The wind whistled through the grass, making the blades of grass sing with a gentle hiss. Pretzeling my feet beneath me, I gazed down at the crystal in my hand. The moonlight danced off of the faceted silvery surface, casting brilliant sparkles onto the grass. It came from my body, I thought wrapping my hand around its surface. I know it had been several months since I'd been exposed to this life, but it still wasn't any easier to believe. I just could not come to terms with the fact that somewhere, in some other time, I had once existed.
And died.
Gazing down at the crystal I wondered to myself, If that beast would have killed me...would I have come back? So lost in its beauty I did not hear the approach of footsteps until they were upon me. I was not startled, these footsteps I was expecting. "What are you still doing out here?" A low voice intoned. I whipped around to face the voice, knowing full well before he spoke he was there watching me. The undeniable thick heat his body gave off, heralded his appearance long before he spoke.
"Hello Hiei, come sit," I said patting the ground next to me. The crisp night air, and brilliant sparkle of the stars were making me feel much more amicable than I had been previously. The man did not come to rest next to me, but he did come to stand in front of me. I curled my legs underneath my body, gazing up at the man. The lack of light cast dark shadows along his jawline, giving him a more animalistic edge. "To answer your question, I came out here to think. What are you doing out here?" I took his scoff to mean that he wouldn't be entertaining my questions tonight. I fingered the dewy grass with my left hand as I tried to work up the nerve to ask him the question that had been bothering me for nearly two days now.
"Do you have something to say, girl?" He barked, crossing his arms over his broad chest. I stared at him curiously thinking, Perceptive one, isn't he? Although not in his nature, Hiei waited patiently for me to respond.
"I was, wondering…" My voice trailed off as my nerve fizzled out. From somewhere deep within his throat an impatient clicking sounded. "Two days ago, when we were training...Something you saw, bothered you…" I licked my lips, meeting his gaze gingerly, I finished the question I had been burning to ask, "What was it?"
Cherry eyes flickered over my form. Their depths were innumerable and I could not ascertain all of the emotions held therein. "You're weak." His face was impassive and his tone lacked any trace of cruelty. His statement, was just as it seemed.
"Well, I'd like to think I'm not totally useless," I fingered the pendant around my neck. I mean 'hello!' I kind of am the savior of the worlds here, I thought as I studied the ground. Then again, I'm clueless as to how to do that, so maybe I am-
"Usefulness does not equate to strength," His tone was as flat as his affect. I licked my overly too dry lips as a flush of scarlet prickled my golden cheeks. There was no point in lying to Hiei, he could see through me (or rather, into me) in an instant.
"Well, then I suppose you're right." As much as that those words pained me to admit, the next ones the flew from my mouth were downright wounding: "I am weak."
A flash of something flickered across the his eyes-curiosity, intrigue maybe?-but it was gone in an instant. In its place, was a smirk of unknown origins. He bent down into a low squat so that we were eye to eye. His familiar scent began to fill my nose. It was a wonderful mixture of pine and char. I wondered quietly to myself how he could always smell as though he were on fire.
"The weak must depend upon the strong." Once again, it was not a question. Finding these statements, and the conclusions he was trying to make, uncomfortable I took to examining the dirt patterns on my sneakers. "You need someone to depend upon?" His question didn't seem to need an answer. I could feel my ears burn with embarrassment. No need to make me feel so worthless, I thought wryly. To my complete shock the man sat down beside me on the damp grass. He stared ahead impassively at the expanse of darkness, his face an unreadable mask.
We sat in a contemplative silence for many minutes before finally he spoke: "Me."
This garnered a confused response from me. "You what?" I could feel my mouth agape with shock, and my eyebrows furrowing as I tried to connect the dots between his loaded statements.
He drew nearer to where I was huddled on the ground. "You need someone to protect you." As he came closer I felt the oxygen around me become more and more thin. My breath caught in my throat, as he sat down next to me. I shivered, whether it be from the chilly air or his close proximity, I did not know. In an instant, I felt a dry heat snake its way around my shoulders. With an audible gasp my eyes flashed towards the peculiar fire apparition and his arm which was lazily slung around my shoulder.
"You're so warm," I could feel my face burning once more in agonizing heat as I explored his candy apple eyes. They were so beautiful, far more beautiful than any human eyes I had ever known. The bright red hue of his iris seemed to reflect in on itself and burst with fiery striations around the pupil. As breathtaking as his eyes were, and judging by how my every breath was catching in the back of my throat I use the term literally, they were not emasculating in any way. Kurama's eyes I had noticed, only lent to his overall feminine appearance, but not Hiei's. In a way, they only served to enhance the animalistic nature of the man.
His eyes narrowed, bringing me effectively out of my reverie. "What are you thinking?" Feeling a wave of humiliation crash through my body at having been discovered staring into the fire demon's eyes, I turned my head sharply away from the intensity of his gaze. A few seconds went past, before I felt a calloused hand grip my chin-and none too softly either! Turning my face to meet his gaze, he once again repeated his question, this time in a more hushed tone.
Open up to me, I heard his thoughts loud and strong in my head, followed by the dark swirl of his aura itching in my brain. Jerking away from his touch I severed the connection between us. The last thing I needed was for him to see how hard I had been ogling his eyes! I could feel my face flush once more. My blue eyes met the narrowed slits of his red ones. I licked my lips nervously once more before saying, "N-no, I'll tell you." I wracked my brain searching for an alternative that was less mortifying than what I had actually been thinking. From somewhere deep within Hiei's chest an impatient rumble emerged. I looked back at the demon again.
"I can tell when you're lying, woman," His tone took on a sudden harshness.
Well if that's the case, I thought gazing back at the man, here goes nothing. "I was just thinking how beautiful your eyes are." I felt his arm seize up around me. Feeling the tension in his body only made me more incredibly self conscious than I already was so I then proceeded to ramble. "But I mean, not like in a girly way or anything, you know? They're very uhm..." what was that word? Oh. "Masculine! You know they're just really, uhm, hot-no, firey-like your personality. Has anyone ever told you that before? That you're like fire?" I ducked my head down in misery as the waves of humiliation beat down upon me like a ship against a dock. When my admission was met with a wall of silence I cracked one eye open and peered at my companion. Lips were curled upwards and luminescent teeth were exposed in what could only be construed as a smile. It was terrifying. The fire demon tilted his head back and laughed deeply into the velvety darkness.
"I'm not like fire," He suddenly spat, "I am fire." The full weight of his gaze upon me. Although the darkness cloaked the color of his crimson iris, it did nothing to mask the intensity. His eyes gleamed brilliantly in the night like two hot pokers. When I failed to react to his declaration he withdrew his arm from my shoulders; a sour look crossing his features. "Are you frightened, princess?" he hissed through bared teeth. The fire danced off his fangs, making them glitter in the light.
After many moments of silence I was possessed with a sudden uncharacteristic braveness that allowed me to return his gaze. "No," I said simply, scooting closer to his shadowy figure. This did not seem to appease the fire demon. With a suddenness that escaped my visual capacity he grabbed me by my shoulders, drawing me nearer to him. I cried out as his nails bit into my exposed flesh. "Why?" He hissed out again. We were nearly nose to nose, my feet dangling inches from the ground.
"Hiei," I winced as his grip tightened, "you're hurting me!" I gasped once more as his nails bit down into my flesh like a viper. He relinquished his grip on my arms, tossing me sideways. Hiei was suddenly three arms lengths away from me, fists clenched tightly at his sides. "I'm so-sorry. I didn't mean to offend you," My eyes searched his, but he was not looking at me. "I'm not afraid of you Hiei. I've never been. Fire is not just capable of destruction." Those words seemed to capture his attention. Once again, the full brunt of his gaze was on my body. Picking myself up from the dirty ground I spoke, "Fire is also capable of comforting. When I'm with you...I'm…" I nervously searched his face with my eyes. "Comfortable." I finished lamely. The taunt muscles in his jaw seemed to relax as the weight of my words began to sink in.
"You find comfort in my flames, do you?" Even though he was not asking a question, I could feel my head nodding in the affirmative. I took two steps closer to him, and then two more, when he didn't retreat. I was an arms length away when I spoke next. Using a tone world's braver sounding than I actually felt, I said: "When I was in that...place I was cold all the time. All I knew was darkness...and pain, and bitter, bitter cold. I never thought, I would be warm again until…" My voice trailed off. I could feel my cheeks burning.
"Until?" He prodded. His eyes were half-lidded, and his arms were crossed over his chest casually.
I had to wait for the rapid hammering of my heart to settle down before I could meet his gaze once more. It wasn't enough for him to just hear the words, I wanted him to feel them as well. I wanted their authenticity to ring true. "Until I met you...well, and the others." After several minutes of an intense staring contest, Hiei broke our gaze, his hand reached out to clutch my wrist and with a flick he had pulled me behind him.
"It's getting late," he offered as he continued to drag me behind him. I didn't fight his grip. In fact, I delighted in the warmth that his fingers offered. It helped chase away the cold that was threatening to overtake me. He yanked me up to the porch, where thankfully, nobody was waiting to receive us. I cast one last glance behind me into the woods.
"What?" Hiei gruffed, following my gaze.
I shook my head, suddenly feeling shy around the man. "I just wasn't ready to come in yet."
"These woods are not so friendly after dark." He moved to the paper screened door, lingering momentarily to add, "Don't go anywhere alone." His words were not meant as insult, they were presented quietly and without any trace of mockery. I followed Hiei into the temple, suddenly feeling very tired. The walk to my room was a long one, but flopping into my bed was a sweet reward. It did not take me long to fall into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning Yukina woke me with a gentle shake. "Lady Hikari, please wake up. Genkai has much to discuss with us this morning." The ice apparition shook me lightly once again. Blearily I opened my eyes. The sun had not yet begun to rise, heralding the morning.
I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, bringing myself to a sitting position. "What time is it?" I hid a yawn beneath my hand. The Koorime did not answer me immediately, she was much too busy pulling clothes out of my bureau and throwing them onto my futon. "Come along, Lady Hikari!" The apparition said tossing an obi over my head, "You must dress quickly!" Her voice was edgy, lacking all of its usual gentleness. That woke me up.
Getting to my feet, I gathered the materials for a kimono and hesitantly began to shed my sleeping garments. The ice apparition was far too busy pulling pants, socks, and shirts out of my wardrobe to notice me changing. I cleared my throat lightly, when I finally had put on all of the layers correctly. "Yukina, could you please?" I motioned to the obi. The woman made her way to me, tucking her hair behind her ears. Her hands moved quickly and roughly over the sash, fastening the material. When she was finished, she all but forced me out the room with a hushed, "quick, downstairs!" Yukina snapped the shoji door shut after me, locking herself in my room. I looked back at the door, total confusion twisting my features. What was all that about? I thought sweeping my hair into a messy ponytail. I hadn't even had time to brush my teeth!
With a feeling of dread I made my way down the stairs. The steady creak-creak-creaking of my steps on the old wooden steps sounded much more like a funeral dirge with each passing second.
Gingerly, I opened the door to the kitchen, instantly five sets of eyes were upon me.
"Hikari," Genkai said over a mug of steaming tea. "Please, sit." She motioned to the empty seat next to Yusuke.
"What time is it?" I asked the psychic.
"It's four a.m." She replied taking another sip of her tea. The boys, I noticed, all seemed awake and tense. Even Yusuke, who was notoriously known for not being a morning person, was wide-eyed awake. His fists were clenched on the table top.
The old psychic took another sip of tea. "Well there's no use beating around the bush." Her chocolate eyes hardened as they rested on my face. "We're relocating until further notice."
"What? Why?" My voice came out sounding much more shrill and pleading than I had intended.
The woman didn't answer me, instead Kurama spoke. "Lady Hikari, the temple's location has been discovered. We are expecting visitors," His green eyes roamed over me. Ignoring his gaze I stared numbly into my lap. Is it because of, I thought swallowing the lump in my throat, me? It most assuredly was. Master Genkai had told me what a liability I was to keep around the temple. That was, after all why, I had begun my training with Hiei. Training that had obviously not been successful. It's all my fault. I cradled my head in my hands, clenching my teeth against the tears that were beginning to form.
Stop worrying, a gravelly voice whispered into my head, stupid. My head shot up to meet the fire apparition's gaze. His eyes, however; were closed, his arms crossed over his chest. I would have thought him to be asleep if he hadn't had his hands clenched tightly around his biceps, creating small indents from his fingers.
"We will be moving to a small cabin on the very edge of my property. Botan, Yukina, Kuwabara, and I will accompany you. We will be staying there until further notice." Genkai finished, taking out her pipe. She filled the pipe with tobacco and lit it with a box of matches she produced from inside her haori.
I placed a hand over my fast beating heart. "How long until we expect these, visitors?"
"Perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow. Spirit World hasn't been able to pinpoint an exact timeline, all we know is that they're coming," Kurama paused before adding, "And soon." My already fast beating heart, thudded loudly in my chest. I could feel the sweat puddle beneath my armpits and on top of my brow.
"Wh-where a-are," I groaned in frustration at my fleeting voice, "Ku-kurama, Hiei, and Yusuke going?"
A rough hand clapped me on the back, making me choke on my spittle, "Nowhere kid!" Yusuke's cheery voice boomed. "We're going to stay here and hold down the fort!"
"We will be along to check on you every few days or so, so long as it's safe." Said Kurama rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"So its settled then. Hikari," Genkai said blowing smoke in my direction as she addressed me, "Yukina is preparing a bag of your things as we speak. As soon as she's finished we move!" What? No breakfast? Apparently not.
The ice apparition appeared moments later, her mint colored hair fluffed up about her head in a disheveled halo. Clutched in her icy hands were two bags. "We're finished here Master Genkai." The apparition said leaning against the doorframe, trying to catch her breath.
"Alright then!" Yusuke said pumping a fist in the air. "Let's roll!"
And we did.
I rode piggyback on Kurama for much of the journey, while Kuwabara carried Yukina, and Yusuke carried Genkai. The trek to the cabin was long and arduous, even though I was being carried at superhuman speeds. The journey was only made worse by the steady downpour of rain that crashed all around us; soaking me to my core. When we reached the cabin, Kurama set me down gently on a large boulder near the porch. I closed my eyes trying to choke back the vomit that was threatening to spill.
"It's a little disorienting isn't it?" The redheaded man said tapping me lightly on the shoulder. I could only groan in response. He grabbed the duffle bag Yukina had prepared for me, off of my back and set it down next to me. "Will you be alright?" He asked gently. I groaned once more, before standing up shakily and grabbing my duffle. I was growing tired of the rain plinking upon my head.
Genkai was firing up the old woodstove in the corner of the room, while Yukina was hastily filling a pot at the sink. The cabin was very open in terms of space, but contained no rooms. A wood stove was in the left corner where four cushions were stationed (for seating I assume), and in the right corner was the kitchen area. In between the two was a small wooden table with four matching chairs. The rest of the space was empty.
"Where should I put your things?" Kurama asked addressing the elderly psychic. Master Genkai paused, leaning on a log for support she said, "I suppose in the loft upstairs. There are three futons up there. I'm sorry Kuwabara, but you will have to sleep on the floor."
The carrot topped man burst out in a large grin, "That's okay Genkai! I brought my sleeping bag, I'll be snug as a bug!" He clapped a hand behind his head, casting nervous glances to Yukina. "I'll sleep down here though, if that's alright. Wouldn't want to take away anyone's privacy." I tried to ignore the sheepish glance he turned my way.
"Yukina?" The Koorime looked my way, "Do you need any help with that?" I motioned to the pot she was still filling.
"Why yes Lady Hikari! Could you help me prepare some vegetables? I'm going to make us a stew!" I took the small knife the woman offered me and began peeling a potato. A nice stew did sound wonderful, especially with this weather. Sakura used to make the best stew, I felt my breath hitch in my throat at the thought of her name. Thinking about her in the past tense brought licks of fresh pain. Instead of thinking about them I focused intently on cutting the potato. I was not very good however, and soon Yukina banished me to the easier task of preparing rice.
"I'm sorry about," I paused, "well, that." I finished pointing to the mangled potato. It had chunks missing from the sides of it after I had tried (and failed) to peel it. What little remainder survived had been diced clumsily into mismatched pieces. The apparition chuckled, "Oh don't worry about it!" She said her hands making quick and sure chops into the carrots she had peeled. I watched her work in mild fascination. She's so fast, I caught myself thinking as she finished the last carrot. "Perhaps tomorrow I can show you some cooking techniques?" The offer caught me off guard. Even though I had spent the most time with Yukina out of anyone at the temple (accept perhaps Hiei-but hey he was my babysitter) we had never really hung out. She mostly just helped me acclimate to temple life.
"I would love that!" I exclaimed softly. Yukina beamed at me, before throwing slices of beef into the stew. "Master Genkai?" I called. Brown eyes flicked wordless in my direction. "I was just wondering...if I could still go on my runs?"
"No." Her answer held no room for argument, not that that stopped me from trying.
"But, please! It's just, I-" Suddenly I couldn't find the words I needed, "I have to! I'm tired of-"
"-You will stay in this cabin, and you will not put one toe out of that door if you value your life!" The psychic snapped. My mouth snapped shut with a loud clack, teeth clicking against teeth. I could feel my face scrunched up in a scowl.
"Aw come on Hikari," Kuwabara said poking his head out of the upstairs loft, "It won't be so bad, we'll probably only be here a few days!" I found no comfort in his words. But I was finally starting to get my rhythm back! The adult in me understood why this was necessary, but the five year old in me was who chose to respond. Stomping my foot in anger, I threw myself down on a cushion, facing a window, and away from everyone else.
Yes I was pouting.
No, I didn't feel bad about it.
From behind me a low chuckle resounded. I resisted the urge to look backwards. "Well, at least she's not short on passion." Oh right, I thought, Kurama's here still. I could feel my cheeks reddening in embarrassment at my outburst. Of course he had to be privy to that! The rain had not let up any. I watched it pelt the windows in steady waves as the others shuffled around me unpacking their things. I knew I should stop acting so childish, but I just couldn't help it. I didn't ask for this! I didn't want this! I didn't want any of this!
A smooth hand grasped my chin, gently tugging it up to meet two wide green eyes. "Try not to look so sad," His sweet breath fanned over my face with each word. "A scowl does not become you." My stomach flipped over at his words and I could feel my heart 'thump-thumping' at a significantly faster rate.
Growing up, I had never received much male attention. A combination of my single-track mindedness meant that many advances were overlooked or just plain ignored. I only had eyes for one thing back in the day; running. What boys weren't turned off by my lack of interest, were instantly turned away by Sakura's terrifyingly prominent presence. So it stood to reason that I had no idea how to respond to the red headed man's comments. "I, uhm-well that is-uhm," I stammered, as blood beat in my face. I'm sure I was purple now. The man chuckled, the sound resonating high in his chest, and spilling over his lips. I thanked the Gods above when he finally released his gentle hold on my chin and turned towards the door bidding us farewell. I couldn't help but notice his eyes linger on me for a second longer than necessary before he departed.
"Oooh, Lady Hikari," Kuwabara cooed, coming down the ladder of the loft, "Looks like somebody has a cruuush!" I tried my best to ignore the big man's taunts, but the flush in my cheeks was a telltale sign of my embarrassment.
"Kazuma!" The Koorime scolded (or tried to-I mean let's face it, she just wasn't capable) lightly. "You're embarrassing Hikari!" Kuwabara threw up his hands in a gesture of surrender, his eyebrows disappearing into his hairline.
"Alright dimwits," Genkai said throwing the last chunk of firewood into the stove. "I'm going to go seal the perimeter with wards. If you need something, get it yourself." With that being said the elderly woman disappeared out the front door, hands clasped tightly behind her back, a nonchalant expression on her face.
With an exaggerated sigh, I flopped over on my stomach and stared out dimly into the window. The rain continued to beat down upon the small cabin, and somewhere off in the distance I heard the low rumble of thunder approaching.
Seven days passed in much the same fashion. I resigned myself to mostly staring out the dusty window. I had finished the three novels I packed and since then I had nothing more to do, except when it came time to prepare the meals; then I helped (hindered) Yukina in the kitchen.
This was one of those specific times. "Oh Hikari!" The small woman exclaimed, "You're doing so well! Look at how you've improved!" She was of course gesturing to the small vegetable I was chopping. It still wasn't perfect, but I had at least managed to peel the potatoes and cut them into relatively consistent cubes. My skills paled in comparison to her's though. Yukina was presently gutting and filleting several salmon. I watched in gross fascination as she deboned them with a singular sweep and pull of the knife.
"Knock, knock," A silky voice called. Yukina and I turned to the door to face the visitor.
"Oh hey Kurama," Kuwabara called from the corner of the cabin. Much to my surprise the large man was hunched over a series of hefty textbooks. He was all but covered in the tomes, with only his flaming orange hair sticking out over the top.
"Kuwabara," The man regarded cooly. "Ladies." He said nodding in our direction.
Master Genkai blew out a large breath of purple aromatic smoke before speaking. "I'm assuming you've come with news?"
Kurama twiddled a piece of garnet hair in between his fingers, his expression growing suddenly serious. I didn't like the cold, hardened look the expression cast over his features. It made him look almost...Inhuman, I thought to myself.
Kurama dropped the piece of hair, "Yes, actually. It appears our visitors have been detained by the SDF, they didn't even make it past the barrier."
I couldn't help the wide grin that broke over my face. Does this mean? Kurama's eyes flickered over to my face, smirking slightly. "I guess that means we can return." I dropped the knife with a clatter, not even bothering to finish chopping my last vegetable. Quicker than a wink, I clammered up the stairs of the loft. Blindly, I tossed my possessions into my small bag. I didn't bother folding my clothes-there was no time!
Moments later I returned with my things in tow, breathing slightly heavier.
"Now if only she trained with the same enthusiasm" Genkai said through a purple haze. I ignored her insult, instead fixing my eyes on the man in front of me. Home? My expression seemed to read. Kurama openly laughed, before motioning to a forlorn looking ice apparition.
"Oh!" Now I felt supremely guilty. Yukina was just beginning to set out the plates, and I had wanted to rush off without enjoying her meal. "We can't leave without savoring some of Yukina's cooking!" I clasped my hands together loudly, hoping that my enthusiasm would overcome my social blunder. It seemed to work, or at least it served to make Yukina laugh. "Since someone is so anxious," Kurama laughed once more, seating himself at the table, "After lunch, I will take Hikari back to the temple while everyone finishes packing." I was suddenly overcome with the urge to throw my arms around the redheaded man.
Lunch passed by without consequence. Yukina had prepared a quick (yet delicious) stir fry and true to Kurama's word as soon as I took my last bite, we were off! Although his preferred method of travel disgusted to me to no end, I silently took it with grace.
Okay, that's a lie.
I screamed the whole trip back, catching great gulps of wind-and bugs-in my wide open trap. What can I say? I just don't have a "need for speed."
"Lady Hikari?" Kurama asked softly, shaking my shoulders. "Are you alright?" I stared at him hazily. Why does he have two heads? I thought quietly, watching his two heads swirl at the base of his neck.
"Lady! Snap out of it!" Kurama shook me slightly harder. I closed my eyes, trying to gather myself.
"Wuzzhappenin?" I asked shaking my head side to side. The fox demon retreated, chuckling slightly. Opening my eyes I was relieved to see that his two heads had fused into one and was no longer swirling. "Sorry, just a touch of vertigo!" I collected my bag and strode into the temple, the fox hot on my heels. I knew it was only a week, but it had felt so long. Wasting no time, I dashed to my room to change. A few minutes later I emerged in full running gear.
"Yes, a nice good run that's what I nee-" My rambling was interrupted when my head collided with a solid surface. "Ow!" I hissed, cradling my head. Gods, why is this always happening to me?!
"Fool! Will you at least try to not be so clumsy?" A voice hissed. I could feel my cheeks light up like fireworks. My heart thrummed painfully quick in my chest. Hiei, I thought regarding the man through wide eyes. Although I was happy to return to the temple, I had been enjoying my little vacation from the fire demon and the confusing maze of emotions his presence brought me. Making my way around the man, I stammered out an apology. A rough hand gripped my own, anchoring me in place. I turned over my shoulder, letting out a small gasp. He regarded me through a half mast gaze. After many moments of blankly staring at eachother I finally said, "Yes, Hiei?" He let out a derisive snort and released my hand, turning away from me. Okay, I thought placing my hand on my fast beating heart, that was just too weird.
Now I definitely needed that run.
A/N: Another five thousand word update!? Man, I am on fire! Haha kidding! I had this one saved on my computer as well! I just don't have the patience anymore! I want to get to the plot! Well I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! As always, thank you for your support! Super big thank you to Heve-Chan and KK1372 for taking the time to write out a review! It means a lot! Also a big thank you to my newest story followers Aiels, KK1372, and ShesAnAngelInDisguise!
You guys are fabulous!
