Brains and Brawn Chapter 16: Letters For You, a rurouni kenshin fanfic

Chapter 16 - Letter For You

By: Ochako107

Standard Disclaimer applies

Kenshin blinked a few times as he adjusted his eyes to the bright lights. He sat up and looked around at the room full of flowers and balloons reading 'get well!' He felt his head spinning but the uneasiness disappeared soon after awakening. He touched his head to find the elastic that usually held his long, fiery hair back was missing.

"Oro?"

"Ken-san!" Suddenly Megumi bounded in holding a giant plush teddy bear. She had on light blue jeans and a red tank top. "You're finally awake, we were all so worried."

"Megumi-dono? Where's Kaoru?"

Megumi rolled her eyes. "Figured you'd say something like that. Don't worry she's fine. She actually got up just yesterday. You two have been sleeping for a good four days now."

"Oro?"

Megumi pushed the giant teddy bear into Kenshin's lap smiling. She stroked his head and drew her fingers off from his cheek a deep sigh escaping her lips. "Oh, you are so cute sometimes. This is from Chief Hiko. I don't get it really though. He didn't give Kaoru a bear, all she got was a lump on the head. Well, I'm going to let you rest now. I'll go tell Kaoru you are okay since she's been just as worried, you know. Hum… I better check up on Sano as well, only Kami-sama knows what he's doing. Most likely playing with the bed controls." With that, Megumi hugged Kenshin softly and walked out of the room, letting Kenshin sit in peace… alone again.

He stroked the teddy bear Megumi gave him absentmindedly as he stared out the window. It was raining outside as the soft pitter patter knocking on the window pane and lighting engulfed the sky. "Kaoru…" So it wasn't a dream, she really was his sister. "Well, at least she is in good health." He turned his attention to the teddy bear and found it had a pocket with a piece of paper in it. "What's this, Mr. Bear? You have a note for me?" He chuckled as he made the bear nod his head.

Kenshin pulled the letter out of the bear's pocket and opened it. Of all things, he was not prepared for the contents of that letter. He might as well collapse back into his bed as he read the first line at least three times to make sure he wasn't really reading those words.

Dear Baka Deshi,

You baka, I can't let you out of my sight for one measly mission and you practically get yourselves blown up! How would that work if both my stupid pupils were dead? I sent Takani-san to give you this since I'm swamped with paper work. That and you weren't awake when I came by the hospital. I…hope you are feeling better.

Kenshin's face brightened up knowing his Shishou cared enough to hope for his health… hope for ANYTHING. Let alone the gruff man sent him a stuffed bear. He shrugged and returned to reading the note.

Anyway, that's not the only reason for sending you this ridiculous present. It isn't like you deserve it for almost killing…my little girl. I'm not one to beat around the bust so I'll come out and say it: Kenshin, Kaoru is my daughter. You know you were adopted; I haven't lied to you there. But, I was once married to a woman name Omasu. She and I were in love and met while she worked along side me in the field. She conceived our pride and joy, Kaoru, nine months later. I still remember her little sapphire gems looking up at me. Her tiny gurgle of a smile—

Look at me, blubbering like some old maid. Anyway, one day…on an operation it all changed. Omasu was undercover as a nurse for an executive of a company dealing with the black market but her cover was blown. She… she was raped and killed before I got to the bastard.

I do not want to go in full detail of what that did to me, but here is where you come in. I adopted you when you were seven, you know, and taught you my way of swordsman ship. You and I were never exactly the father son relationship, but I still made a man out of you didn't I?

Well…if only you'd cut your hair and loose the big purple eye thing…

But…Kaoru was a different story. She was my blood, only three at the time when her mother died. I couldn't bear the thought of harm coming to her and so I let her live with a relative of her mother's. There, she would always be safe, if anyone would want to get at me she would not fall victim. I will always be her father, but unfortunately a father that could not see her in the life her mother and I lived in. I don't think I have ever been afraid of anything. Who would have known a pint sized ball of energy would ever overcome such a feat? She was always a spirited girl; I got a fair share of complaints from my brother in law. I didn't teach her my way of swordsman ship though since I feared what her learning swords would do.

You on the other hand, when I adopted you I knew your spirit was ready for the extreme. Kaoru never knew I had adopted her 'brother', as you didn't know you had a 'sister'. I couldn't let you two meet, after so many years I'd grown accustom to this way of living: Raising two children in two different homes. Did you wonder where I went, baka deshi, on some holidays? Where I went when I had an urgent phone call? Well, I went to visit my Kaoru-chan.

Later, as she was a teenager, I found out she had been learning swordsman ship, but a different one that I was willing to accept: Kamiya Kashin Ryuu; the sword that protects. I found out on her thirteenth birthday when she surprised me by hitting me with her bokken. At first, I was furious with my brother in law for going behind my back and teaching her such things, but he argued that she'd watch him teach his class and she insisted she learn.

Besides, she was good at it.

So I let Kaoru-chan continue her training, and I'm glad, in a way I let her. Everything was going fine; she was seventeen, mastering the Kamiya Kashin Ryuu and you were working at the PCW earning your way of living. Not to mention you found those goons you call 'friends' to live with. Fortunately that got you out of my hair. Then, I got a phone call from Kaoru-chan.

She told me my brother in law had passed away in his sleep. Now she had no where to go until she was at age. I considered finding another relative to take care of her since I was always at work. Then again…I had missed company in the house since you left, baka deshi. Don't get all mushy on me, it isn't like I couldn't have survived without your idiot antics.

Kenshin smiled at that. He too missed Hiko's nighttime stories when he was a child. He always told him about some little girl who went on adventures… oh wait. So he was talking about Kaoru. Did he tell Kaoru about all his embarrassing times? He dismissed the thoughts from his mind as he returned his attention to the letter.

So I brought Kaoru home with me. She was actually good company when she wasn't screaming her head off about something or anywhere near the kitchen. One night she saw an old picture you drew… maybe you don't remember, it but it was you learning Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu and off to the side was me yelling at you. I should have burned that stupid image. Anyhow she asked where that came from.

I didn't know what to say at the time, I couldn't come out and say, 'Oh that's the adopted brother I never told you about'. That would be bad for the girl. I told her it was a boy who came around for sword lessons. Now it's not a total lie. A few more years passed, Baka deshi, and you were always out and about. Kaoru-chan was also getting older and wanted to start working. She found a place at PCW on her own, before she actually knew I was head chief there. I never told the girl where I worked.

When I found her reassume I faltered. I couldn't let Kaoru-chan be working like her mother I used to… but I couldn't let her go jobless either. She moved out the same age as you did with her friend, Takani. It so happened she was already working here as my researcher. So I got the idea, Kaoru could have a job, but not like what her mother and I used to have. She'd be safe inside the buildings. It sounded like a fine idea, and not to mention she took the job.

Yet, she nearly died when she found out I was her boss. She refused to take the job! But I bargained with her. I'd treat her like all my other employees and she'd get the same pay. No special treatment for Kaoru-chan. All except she'd be confined to a desk rather than gallivanting around town like you, Kenshin.

Kenshin flipped the page again fuming. "I do not gallivant! This one is saving lives! Shishou should give this one a BREAK!"

I can already see your expression, so stop groaning.

Kenshin instantly snapped his trap closed.

I know you too well, baka. Well, times passed again and everything seemed alright. Except the fact that both of you were working under me now. Good that neither of you ever crossed paths. Anyhow, I noticed changes in both of you. You were getting more and more anti social around others, since you were sent out to arrest your assignments or beat them up if they didn't come quietly. Kaoru was becoming restless just sitting in the research lab not putting her skills to test.

I didn't want her hurt… and I knew you needed to know more than just whom to take out, to preserve your sanity. I could see you slowly disappearing into nothing but a machine, Kenshin. Quite frankly it was depressing to see you always so dull. And Kaoru… I don't think I've ever seen such an aggressive young woman in my entire life. I know she got that from her mother. But what if something happened to Kaoru? Then I got that idea. You two could work together and I knew it would be okay. I had faith in you baka deshi, I knew you could protect her. And I knew Kaoru could help you out of the shadows. I threw in all those friends of yours since I knew they had similar feelings of the matter. You all hit it off effortlessly.

So you see, Kenshin, you two are technically not related. You were simply brought up by the same man who gave life to his daughter and adopted an idiot boy. (Not to mention I did a hell of a good job considering both of you are still alive. Maybe not sane but who's perfect besides me?) Shishio has dirt on us and twisting the facts did give you two a shock. Baka! You should be smarter than to let the mummy get the better of you! You put my daughter in danger…you should be thankful I wasn't the one trying to kill you because you know what? You'd be DEAD.

But… you did shed a new light on Kaoru. That night after the incident, we found you two holding each other's hand. I would have ripped you into shreds and left you in tatters, for even touching her, but her face was so content. More than I'd ever seen before. I couldn't help but think that maybe this was supposed to happen. Maybe my baka daughter was supposed to fall in love with my baka apprentice. That night, I left without a word. Perhaps it is time from me stop… stop referring to Kaoru as 'little'. It seems she has grown too fast for my taste. I am growing too old for this nonsense so let me cut to the chase.

For whatever reason, I am okay with you two finally meeting. And in no way are you two related by blood. Unfortunately, I believe she has fallen for you. You take care of my Kaoru-chan, baka deshi, or I will really tear you apart.

-Your Shishou

P.S. Next time you visit, bring sake. And tell my daughter I need to speak to her as soon as she gets out of the hospital.

Kenshin refolded the letter and his face was full of thought. "I'm sure Shishou found it easier to write me a letter than telling me face to face." He looked back down at the bear that was sitting limply in his lap. "I think Kaoru-dono will like this bear and letter also."

"What would I like, Kenshin?" Asked that familiar voice from the door. Kenshin's head snapped up to find the occupant of his thoughts standing in the doorway with a tray of cookies. Kaoru stepped into his room, closing the door behind her. "Megumi said you were awake and I had to come see you. Here, I brought these. Don't worry Megumi baked them, not me. I could not take the chance of making you even sicker you know."

"Kaoru-dono, I've never tasted your cooking, that I have not."

"You wouldn't like it." She brushed his bangs away, and then suddenly stopped as if she were touching fire. She turned away ashamed of her intimate action. "Um, how are you feeling?"

Kenshin sighed at the loss of contact, but understood why. "I'm much better, Kaoru-dono. How is everyone else healing?"

"Sano is complaining a lot to Megumi, but he's just saying that to get a 'boo boo kiss'. I just left them actually. He was pissing Megumi off so much she looked like she wanted to strangle his little throat. Though, he kept giving her these awfully obvious smirks…" She tapped her chin as she thought a moment. "Maybe it was best that I did leave because only Kami-sama know what the might be dong right now…"

"Was he was playing with the bed controls?"

She blinked. "How did you know?"

"Lucky guess," Kenshin grinned through his chuckle, "and Aoshi?"

"Aoshi is…well, his body is healing fine." Kaoru's eyes waved slightly to the ceiling for a moment as if hoping the ceiling would cave in and give her an easier way to break the news to Kenshin.

He watched her aura grow a bit dark as he placed the tray of cookies to the side. "Kaoru-dono, what's wrong with Aoshi?"

"Kenshin… Misao died." Kaoru shook her head and fell into Kenshin's lap hugging him around the waist, shaking with sobs. "I found out this morning, and I can't believe it. Not, Misao… she was too young."

"Oh, Misao-dono…" Kenshin held onto Kaoru's back caressing her spine as he thought of his friend's loss. "How is Aoshi taking it?"

"He doesn't say anything… he's been sitting in his room meditating all day. Sano's been trying to get him out, but no use."

"He will need some time. But how are you, Kaoru-dono?"

She looked up blurry eyed. "I don't know…You see, I saved Misao when she was… out one night. She's like a little sister to me; I couldn't believe she was gone when Megumi told me. I didn't even get to say good bye to her, Kenshin." She stopped sniffling, and sat up trying to smile. "But…what about you?"

"Kaoru-dono, Misao-dono was a strong spirit. She and Aoshi beat Soujiro together. She must have been happy to have such wonderful friends with her till her death. She is perhaps looking down on all of us right now." There was an awkward silence following Kenshin's sentence. After a moment he decided it was now or never to tell Kaoru the truth.

He cleared his throat. "Um…Kaoru?"

"Yes, Kenshin."

He held the letter between his fingers smiling gently. "We need to talk about this letter."

Kaoru was handed the folded letter, and Kenshin let her hold the bear Hiko had sent. "Kenshin?"

"Kaoru… I am not your brother. Hiko is your blood father where he is my adopted father. We never met because he feared for your life…" After Kenshin related most of the letter to Kaoru, and she read it herself, there was another awkward silence.

"So… we technically aren't related, Kenshin." She said rubbing the letter in her palms.

"No, Kaoru-dono, as Hiko stated he thinks it was meant for us to finally meet…" Kaoru fisted her palm.

"That man… how dare he claim that I've fallen in love with you when I never even said anything?!" She threw her hands up in the air blushing.

"Oro? So… you do not love this one as I thought…"

Kaoru froze in her movements and turned to Kenshin smiling. "That's not it, it's just I wanted to tell you, but that baka dad of mine has to mess up everything." She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Wow… it's been so long since I called him dad…" Kenshin blinked as Kaoru moved over just inches from his face. "I didn't know what I would have done, Kenshin. Falling in love with a person…only for some psycho to tell you, you are related. It was painful… for me at least."

"Ah… so it was for me too, Kaoru-dono. This one was confused. How could I fall in love with you, everything felt so right, when my mind was screaming no? But…" Kenshin carefully placed a hand on Kaoru's shoulder. "I cared very much, that I did. And I still do. This one has told you he would care no matter what and I do not break promises."

Kaoru and Kenshin were silent feeling the electricity span through their bodies. The feel of each other, alive and sitting here inches away. "Kenshin? Will you kiss me now? It's a little annoying." She heard him laugh quietly as he lightly pressed his lips gently onto hers, savoring the engaging savor. She wrapped her arms around him as he held her by the waist, smashing the teddy bear between them. As soon as it started, it ended as both of their faces flushed from their initial kiss.

Kenshin smiled as Kaoru giggled. "So was it awkward?"

"Nope!" Kaoru nuzzled Kenshin's nose with her nose. "Exactly how I dreamt it would be."

"Oro? So you have been thinking this over?" Kaoru felt more blood pool into her face.

"I… I… erm… what are you talking about?!"

Kenshin laughed and hugged Kaoru. "You know… I have not been this enlightened in some time."

She embraced her new love squeezing her eyes shut. "I just wish I could be happier if Misao was still with us."

Kenshin patted her head, hearing a short sigh. "Yes, Aoshi must be taking this harder than anyone of us. Considering they were not on good terms last time I remembered."

They looked up at the sound of a loud knock on the door. "Am I interrupting something, Baka deshis?" Hiko asked. He walked into the room with a small bundle of flowers in hand. "Um…Kaoru-chan, these are for you."

Kaoru blinked at him. "You haven't called me Kaoru-chan…"

"In years I know, do you want them or not?" Kaoru growled but got up to receive the flowers. "I…hope you like them." Kaoru smiled at Hiko.

"We aren't at work, so is it okay if I'm not your employee today and be your regular daughter?" Kaoru asked. Hiko glanced up to Kenshin and the redhead hurriedly turned to act very interested with the teddy bear he was holding. Then Hiko's face softened and Kaoru jumped into his arms squeezing tightly. How she missed the embrace of her father. The warm and reassuring arms of her guardian angel. The man was forever etched in her heart. Kaoru kissed him on the cheek and held his face in her hands.

"I thought you were too busy to come today."

"I can make time." Till this day, he was still putty in Kaou's arms. Hiko ruffled his little girl's hair and turned back to his pupil. "Kenshin, I'm going to speak with my daughter now, we will leave you be."

"Yes, Shishou." He relaxed slightly.

The older man grinned maliciously. "I don't think I've ever seen you so nervous. Not since that time you were starting to become a man and you came out of the bathroom. Your face was a red as your hair…"

"Okay, come on DAD, let's let Kenshin rest!" Kaoru hurriedly pushed Hiko out of the door, leaving Kenshin pouting and blushing like a tomato.

"Can't he come visit without insulting me? That man…" Kenshin growled.

Kaoru closed the door behind her and smiled up at Hiko. "So?"

"Well, baka," Hiko started, "you and Kenshin probably read over my letter. I hope you two have made a decision on the matter."

"Yeah, we don't care that you took care of both of us, because we know…this was all meant to happen. You are a great dad, and Kenshin would agree with me on that. He and I, we care for each other…" Kaoru stepped up to Hiko tilting her head to the side. "You understand, right dad? Sometimes… you can't just keep me confined to a desk. If you didn't let anything happen to me, nothing would happen to me." She looked down. "I may still be your daughter and I appreciate everything you've done but, I'm not a little girl anymore."

Hiko considered her for a moment before smirking. "You got that from your mother."

She growled. "You always say that. Why don't you take your fair share of my attributes sometime? Obviously you don't see enough of yourself in me."

"Of course, I am the only one of my kind."

Kaoru rolled her eyes. "Thank, Kami-sama. If there were two of you the WORLD would end."

"You got that from me."

Kaoru laughed out loud. Her outburst made Hiko smile warmly, a real surprise since the man was hardly the sentimental type.

"Good to see you happy again, but that's not the only reason I wanted to talk to you in private. Your friend, Makamachi?"

"M…Misao?" Kaoru choked. "What does she have to do with this? She's not related to us too is she?"

"No, be quiet and let me finish, baka." Kaoru put a hand to her mouth. "Here, Kaoru." Hiko pulled from under his cloak a CD. "She left this in the office; maybe that boy would like it." Kaoru took the CD into her hands and looked up at Hiko for more answers. "It's not my place to tell you all this."

"But…What about Aoshi?"

Hiko paused and looked into Kaoru's eyes. "Kaoru…your mom died in a mission, you already know from that letter. Don't let Shinomori go through what I went though. Let him know…she's okay. There is something out there still waiting for him even though Misao is…not with us. She's in a better place now like your mom." He turned to face his child and smirked. "Once I leave this building everything between us at work stays the same. Nothing but the best for Kaoru-chan."

"I got it, dad." There was a mutual bond between the two as Kaoru looked off the side smiling. She suddenly jumped on Hiko embracing him in a tight squeeze. He fell back a step not expecting such an intimate embrace from the young woman. It took him back to her younger age of two and three. How she would scramble onto his back pleading to be carried. How Omasu's face would glow with contentment at the display of their family. He looked down now, his daughter grown into a young lady; he was half expecting himself to loose composure. He, of course, would not have himself breaking down. He patted her back as Kaoru lifted herself close to his ear whispering those four words. The only four words to make a father cry.

"I love you, dad. I love you so much."

He stiffened and felt his chest constrict as if someone had suddenly stole his breath. Moisture began to sting his eyes as Kaoru squeezed tighter.

"You don't have to say anything 'cause I know you don't say that to people. I just wanted to say that…" Kaoru gently let go, her damp face shining with joy. "Because I don't tell you that enough these days and after that night at the mansion, it made me realize. Realize we aren't here forever and need to cherish everyone and everything while it lasts." She bit her lip and looked down. She could feel the heat rush to her face again at her actions. Yet, her father again surprised her.

Hiko took hold of Kaoru leaning his chin on top of her head. He softly, almost awkwardly murmured, "I love you too." She smiled as Hiko turned away, walking towards the elevators.

"I'll be expecting a full report tomorrow, Kamiya." Kaoru smiled and nodded. All business again.

"I didn't expect anything more or less, dad." She said before returning into Kenshin's room. From down the hallway Kaoru could hear Sanosuke and Megumi arguing about who knows what, but it was just as comforting.

Kenshin looked up when Kaoru entered the room wiping away tears. "Kaoru-dono? What's wrong, what did he do?"

She silently sat on his bed and smirked. "He told me he loves me."

Meanwhile, Hiko entered the elevator, hitting the button to the lobby as he watched Kaoru's figure disappear behind the white doors. It must have taken a lot of courage to tell him that. The metal door closed and the light rumbling notified his decent to the ground. He leaned up against the metal wall and smirked.

"She got that from me."

Author's Note:

Hello, back again! How was your Turkey Day? Okay okay, last chapter everyone seemed pissed about the whole Misao thing. Please don't reject me now—I promise something good happens for everything bad even though Misao is dead!!! Well, this chapter wasn't exactly eventful obviously; mostly everything is resolving and winding down. Next chapter is focusing more on Aoshi, Megumi and Sano. So, sorry if this was boring or overly dramatic. (Laughs) Can you even imagine Hiko saying I love you… to ANYONE?

Maybe his sake…

Replies!

Erica6060- Well, you can see Kenshin and Kaoru aren't really related. (Ha! Thank God) I couldn't ruin a perfectly good relation ship like that! Or could I? No way! Haha, anyway thanks for the review Erica!

Keruri1222- Hey Keruri-chan, what's up?! (Rhetorical haha) Anyway, thanks for reviewing! It's so nice of you. And um… cliff hangers are bound to never stop; this chapter didn't have one see? Aha! Yes, it is so sad that Misao-san died… poor Aoshi. Don't worry though; everyone has a happy ending even though it might not be what you'd expect. And no, Shishio isn't a vampire. He's just a freak who likes to chew on people before he dies. (Laughs) And yes, my grammaticism isn't the best and probably there's some in this chapter too. I tried my best, darlin' sorry if it bothered you!! I'll be checking your work soon when you send out the next chapter of JK, k? Thanks again.

The Queen Of All Ninjas- (Shrinks back) Sorry you are mad for killing her off. Ehehe, sorry, I know lots of people are surprised I killed Misao, she's one of my favorite hyper active girls! But don't worry, Aoshi will still have a happy ending, though it might surprise ya. Thank you for reviewing!

I hate you/I love you- I agree it was sad! It was… suppose to? Don't worry, it's not the end yet though which I hope makes everyone happy again. Thank you for reviewing!

????- Creative pin name, I like it! (Smiles) Ano, I'd love to tell you about Misao but all we know is she's dead. I don't wanna give it all away but hey, at least Aoshi-sama will have a happy ending… I think. I was trying to build around the mystery of her death so don't worry, it will come together later on. Thanks for the review, I appreciate it!

Cere- Eep! No, no I really hope this story doesn't suck! I worked too hard!!!! (freaking out) No, I'm kidding, you are entitled to your opinion anyway. Yeah, lots of people are surprised I killed Misao, but it's not the end yet. Aoshi will have a happy ending, and I can't tell you more than that cause I'd ruin it all! (Smile) Have faith, I like these characters too much to simply kill them off without at least some explanation. Thanks for the review!

Tintin-chan- Hello! Um, well no, Kaoru and Kenshin are not siblings (thank goodness!) The chapter should have cleared some of that stuff up. Thank you for the review and concern!

Kitsune-blue- Hello there kitsune-dono! Yeah, everyone is fine and dandy! Sorta… except Aoshi and… okay scratch all of that. Everyone is still upset over my killing of Misao. Be patient, there's something good out of all the bad, I promise! Thank you for the review!

DBZ Goddess- Oh no, Goddess-dono! (Starts freaking out) I didn't mean to make you cry about it! It was suppose to be sad, but I promise something good will come out of all of this! (Grabs tissues and a lollypop) Here, I hope this helps a little. (Smiles) And thank you, I'm glad someone thinks I made Megumi at least a little strong. It's odd how it makes you happy, but still makes you cry though. Tears of happiness, that's it! Still, thank you for reviewing nevertheless! You are still one of my favorite reviewers. Oh (pats on the back) And please don't cry too much… I didn't mean it, honestly! (Goes about freaking some more)

Kenshinlover2002- Who went to Shishio? Wow, you know no one has even asked me that except for you. Good observation, here's a lollypop! (Hands the treat over) Anyway, we won't know who it was until the later chapters, and is Misao dead? Right now, YES. And I'm glad you really liked this chapter! Thanks for reviewing!

Anonymus T- Thank you for the review! Yes, these chapters are mostly chit chat, but I have to get it through. You like an alternate couple? Hm… it sounds good, I'll go read an E/K story later today! Thanks!

White Ninja Spy- Maa maa, don't worry. Everyone is mad I killed her off, but don't worry. Everyone will be well in the end. Thanks for the review!

Results of your favorite couples:

K/K: 1
B/K: 1
E/K: 1
A/M: 2
S/M: 2

(Cough) That was… interesting. Thanks for telling me what your favorite couples are! Some people are just shy to tell I guess?

Next time on Brains and Brawn:

These days, Aoshi looked healthier and was swinging back into step slowly. "Hi, Kaoru, I'm doing fine." He got up. "I'll make something to eat."

Kaoru beamed. "Thanks that would be great…!"

"…Considering you can't cook."

"Hua?"

"I said I'd like to try a new recipe book." He disappeared into the kitchen with Kenshin trying to hold back his laughter. "Did you say good bye to them, Himura?"

Kenshin took a seat on the couch next to Kaoru. "Yes, they were excited to go."

Chapter 17: Almost Beyond Hope

See you all next chapter! Please R/R, it's really nice to see everyone's opinion!