Author's Note: Hey guys! Hope y'all are doing well! I know this update wasn't so soon but it was soon enough in my poor standards, haha. :') I was actually so busy with my final exams and I only finished end of July, so now I'm back home for the holidays (as a final year medical student, yay!) Truth be told, amidst all my uni chaos, I completely forgot about this fanfic so it was only after I received a review notification email few days ago that I remembered it. ;-; I know, I feel super guilty, but that was why I pushed myself to finish this chapter as fast as I can (I also had to socialize a lot, which was so tiring haha). Seeee, I don't joke when I say you guys are what keeps me going, because I always need a lot of pushing :') (thank you Guest lol!)

As always, I would also like to take a minute to thank all the reviewers and alerts. I honestly take all your reviews to heart so I was very glad to see you guys were liking the story and still following! I wasn't so satisfied with my writing the last chapter (even this one, it feels like I'm really going through a writer block) but I'm gonna still try and push myself not to let you guys down! :) Maybe it's because I considered these 2 chapters "boring" so I hope things will be improving! I know it might sometimes come off as "slow progress" but it's very important for me to try keeping them in character and character development takes some time!

Also (sorry for talking too much lol) but as some of you have noticed, I changed my username to Tenshiio, which is the username I now go with almost everywhere. I sometimes post updates of my writing on ig so y'all can also check that out and say Hi, I would be more than happy to get to know you. :')

Fiiinally, enjoy the chapter!

Far Beyond The Truth

Chapter 18

Slap

Deidara was not expecting the gesture Ino had just pulled and it was only when he was thrown back on the ground that he realized the kunoichi had actually slapped him away from her. He blinked as his cheek started to slightly burn, looking up at the girl with confusion written all over his face.

"How dare you think I would ever help someone like you?!" The Yamanaka spat, her fiery eyes locking those of the Akatsuki member. "Helping you was a mistake! I would rather die as a dignified shinobi over assisting one of you!"

Ino was panting, her outburst taking the last of her energy. What she had done had also taken her by surprise. How could she allow herself to save an Akatsuki, especially after what they had done to her sensei? She did not dwell on the matter too much as that was obviously an impulsive decision, however she swore to herself she would never help any of them again.

Deidara propped himself up on his elbows, the surprise immediately replaced by anger. How dare that useless girl hit him like that? It was very humiliating for the blond that he could not even think of anything to say for few moments. He was already being so generous to offer her a method of escape but if that was how she wanted to play!

"Fucking bitch..." He mumbled glaring at the girl, unsteadily standing up in his place. "You think you're so noble, un, preferring to die over treating me and shit—" He wrapped an arm around his stomach, pointing an accusative finger at the blonde kunoichi. "But guess what? No one will ever know about this heroic act of yours and if anything, they would be lucky if they found out anything about what has happened to you, un! To think I felt bad for you..." Deidara was being a sore loser, and even Ino could tell. He struggled with what else to add but he did not want to seem desperate (too late), so he just huffed and painfully stormed out of the cell stoically.

"Heh! I don't need your sympathy!" Had her hands not been chained together, Ino would have crossed her arms in protest. Deidara was fumbling with the cell keys by the time Ino replied. He looked up at the girl through the bars and frowned, opening the door slightly to face her.

"Oh yeah? We'll see about that when I'm the one laughing over your dead body, un!"

"Huh, I wonder what kind of jokes your corpse can tell. Good luck surviving those wounds, idiot!"

"Good luck ever making it out of this dungeon alive un, dumbass!" He shouted slamming the room door shut, the metallic sound reverberating throughout the entire dungeon. Deidara was halfway through locking the door when he remembered something and opened it again, stepping inside the room to kick the plate of food off the ground. The boy stuck his tongue out and pulled his lower eyelid down at the Yamanaka, proceeding to leave the cell yet again. After making sure it was locked and sealed, the terrorist limped his way out of the dungeon, leaving Ino alone with her thoughts.

What a fucking child.

Ino thought calming herself down.

It was the right thing to do...

The kunoichi pondered, her gaze fixated at the food spilled from its container. She would never betray her village even if it costed her her life, however starving to death in this small rotten cell was not a tempting offer either.

Will Shikamaru and Chouji make it in time? If...at all...?

The florist's face suddenly dropped, starting to panic. What if it took them too long to find her?

She gulped, trying to dismiss the thought. Resting was probably a better idea for now.

As soon as the gates closed, Deidara leaned back on the adjacent wall for the second time that day, sliding down to a sitting position. He held his fingers together in fists, his angered expression soon transformed to a worried one. What now? He really did not want to ask Tobi, or anyone if it mattered, for help at all. Maybe after a couple of days of starvation Ino would change her mind. But would he last that long? He sighed through his nose and carefully stood up, heading to their small infirmary. He could try convincing the girl before calling for Tobi to help.

The terrorist bomber finished wrapping his abdomen with new bandages, even though he knew they would barely help. He ate his food and finished his chores before standing in front of the dungeon gates, hesitant. On one hand, he really wanted to check on that kunoichi of Konoha and on another, he did not want to seem as desperate as he already was. Although the circumstances were unfavorable to him, he still could not help feeling impressed. The girl might have made a dumb decision, but at least she followed her principles. He always respected those standing by their principles.

I never thought she could pull such an expression, un. She looked kinda hot—

Following that thought his cheeks immediately heated up, so he shook his head vigorously dismissing it.

Focus Deidara. Just— go in and act busy. That's right, un. You're not there for her.

Making up his mind, Deidara opened the gates again, casually stepping inside the hallway that lead to the different prison cells on his left and right. He passed by the Yamanaka's room without turning to check. His eyes though...he tried to catch a look as hard as he can. If he pushed his eyes to the right any harder they would have moved inside their sockets.

Tsk...She's asleep, un.

He sulked, stopping at the end of the hallway. He took a deep breath and violently opened the drawers and cupboards, rummaging through the content as loud as he can.

It worked.

Deidara was able to pick up the sound of metal chains moving in one of those cells. He needn't to ask whose it was because no one besides Yamanaka was imprisoned in that place for the time being. Not that the girl needed to know that.

His grin widened when she finally called for him.

"Hey!"

Her voice echoed. Deidara slowly walked back to her cell so that he could have enough time to erase that smirk off his face. He could not describe how happy he was she changed her mind. He opened his mouth to speak as soon as he faced the blonde but she was much faster.

"Where can I use the bathroom?"

Deidara blinked, requiring some time to register what that girl had just said.

"Ha—?!"

Ino blinked as well. Did that maniac not use the bathroom at all?

"Bathroom. Toilet. Where people piss and take a shit. Where—"

The Akatsuki member waved with his hands shutting her up. He was so disappointed that it turned into irritation.

"You're not leaving the cell. I'm pretty sure there is a crack in the stone somewhere next to you on the ground, un. Use it wisely."

He did not even bother to wait for her answer. He turned around heading back to the dungeon gates, for staying there now was useless and if anything, it could be dangerous.

"You can't possibly be serious!" Ino shouted pulling on the chains. When the boy showed no signs of stopping, she continued. "Are you not gonna even tell me how we know each other?"

The moment the kunoichi spoke those words Deidara's footsteps, once echoing throughout the floor, took an immediate halt. A moment of complete silence took over the teens and if it was not for the chains holding the girl hostage, Deidara might have got lost in his own thoughts. He opened his mouth to speak then shook his head, letting out a sigh. He returned to her cell and looked down at her with solemn eyes, crossing his arms.

"Will you fix me up, un?"

Ino was startled, not expecting this kind of response. She avoided his eyes and shook her head in refusal.

"Like I said. I will never help a criminal. Nothing will change my mind."

Despite not expecting too much from the missing nin, Ino did not deny how disappointed she felt. She was still very curious how she shared such interactions with an S-rank criminal without recalling any of it, yet it was not enough in return of saving his life. She sighed in exasperation and sat with her knees bent to her chest. She was not sure for how long she could hold it in, but if Deidara was indeed going to lock her there with nothing to eat or drink, then she was not going to last more than four days anyway. Her countdown clock was already ticking.

"Very well then, un. It was nice knowing ya." Deidara's tone was unidentifiable. When he lifted his index and middle finger to his forehead in salute, she could see the fresh blood stains covering his palm.

Deidara was holding Ino on his back when he jumped on his flying clay bird, saluting the young medic with his index and middle finger next to his forehead.

After setting her down on the bird, there was not a single person on earth who had not heard the screams of that kunoichi of Konoha.

"AAHH I'M FALLING! I'M FALLING! DEI I'M FALLING!"

The poor girl was tightly holding onto the clay bird –and dear life— with both of her arms and legs as it flew thousands of feet high over the River country.

Deidara rolled his eyes.

"Don't call me Dei. And use your chakra to stand on the bird just like how I showed you, un! Just like how you use it on your hands to heal!" The blond Akatsuki sighed and rubbed his forehead.

Ino was desperately trying to steady herself, hoping to all the gods out there not to fall to her doom. Not after surviving all of this.

She gradually tried to sit up but the wind blowing through her hair and clothes were too much for her unstable self to handle, so she shook her head frustrated. "I-I can't—"

"Of course you can, un. Take my hand." Deidara offered, surprisingly serious. The Yamanaka looked up at the blond confidently standing on the bird and, with shaky hands, took hold of his, starting to stand up.

"Yeah, there you go, un. Focus your chakra on your feet."

The female blonde hesitantly nodded and closed her eyes, trying to do as instructed while holding onto the artist tightly. It worked –for a short period of time— and Ino let go of the boy, laughing excitedly.

"I did it I did it! I—w-woaaaaah—!" Her feet immediately broke loose and before she knew it, the florist was off the bird, making her way back to land not so gracefully.

"DEEEEEEII—" Ino screamed at the top of her lungs and closed her eyes shut with both hands, waiting for the collision. Deidara only laughed, diving with the bird downwards.

It took the Yamanaka few moments for her to realize that it was not the ground she had landed on and after opening her eyes and coming face to face with the smirking blond who was carrying her, she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, hiding her face in his chest.

Wh-what—?!

Ino snapped out of that scene, panting. She looked down at her trembling hands then up to see Deidara standing right outside the bars, his eyes widened in surprise. Ino tilted her head in confusion.

"Y-yes..?" She asked hesitantly, trying to regain her composure.

"You called for me—" The Akatsuki mumbled still in shock. "You called me Dei..." For a moment Deidara looked down, as if mourning. He did not give the Yamanaka a chance to speak and he instantly turned on his heel, walking away.

"Don't call me that, un."

Deidara slumped on his bed, his expression sorrowful. He had many reasons to feel disheartened, however Ino's last call could still not leave his ears. He had already made up his mind about leaving the girl in that dungeon to die. He knew it was for the ultimate best. It was hard to let go of all the fun times they shared together for she was indeed a nice company, but things were different now. Everything had already changed and he could do nothing about it. So it was better he cut that girl off his life completely. He would eventually move on.

In fact, he had already contacted Tobi to help him out. Waiting for the Yamanaka to change her mind had proven to be useless so he ought to make use of his time before he deteriorated any further. Naturally, things did not go as smoothly as anyone would expect from their partner. It was Tobi after all, and since Deidara had been showing off the moment Tobi was assigned to be his partner, he would wait for any chance to attack him back. The artist was aware. He also knew better than telling that kid that the Yamanaka was down in their dungeon. He did not want Tobi to meddle in anything that concerned him.

The blond also had to report back everything to his Leader, and how his "plan" to catch the Kyuubi had fallen apart. That Uchiha was probably going to find out about his failure somehow, and he did not need any more reasons to hate on him further. His ego had been struck too much for one day, nonetheless he swallowed it down as long as Tobi was fetching him a doctor as soon as possible.

Fortunately, it did not take the medic long for her to show up and treat the Akatsuki member. For fastest recovery, he was advised to stay in bed for at least two days. Deidara did not dare to cheat this time. He wanted to recover once and for all and get this over with. He worked on his clay meanwhile, although his mind kept drifting back to Ino. The more time that passed the more he felt bad about leaving her to die so slowly. He literally left her to be tortured with no food nor water. It would have been much better if he had killed her on the spot, not that he would have brought himself to do it.

As anyone would expect, Ino was lying down on the ground exhausted. She was starving and so thirsty. She was only able to tell that three days have passed because she could see the sky from that very small window on the wall. She wanted to preserve as much energy as she could, so she barely moved at all. That bastard had literally left her there to die alone. She was losing hope any of her teammates would arrive in time.

This is...agonizing...

The girl thought opening her eyes.

Maybe I should just...ask him to end my life himself...

The kunoichi would not deny she had reconsidered helping the blond in exchange of letting her go. Dehydration was affecting her too much and she was no longer able to lift her head without feeling faint. Her eyes landed on the chopsticks thrown on the ground and, with a trembling hand, she slowly reached for it.

Maybe I can...do that myself...

She encircled the wooden stick between her fingers, contemplating it with half-open eyes. All she wanted at that moment was to end her suffering. She would much rather end her own life instead of giving that man the credit for it.

I'm sorry...Asuma sensei...I was not able to keep...my promise to you...

Had she not been that dehydrated, tears would have escaped the poor girl's eyes. she lifted her hand that held the stick then swung it down, stabbing her chest.

"You know," Ino started, contemplating her flower arrangement. "..there is far more depth to Ikebana than simply placing flowers in a vase or container. It is Art, a respected discipline that merges nature and humanity in perfect harmony."

That was more than enough to catch that guy's attention and the girl knew it. What's another way of attracting an artist other than by Art itself?

"Art, eh? What do you know about Art, un? What's so special about collecting a bunch of flowers and sticking them together? It's pretty, but I wouldn't call it Art, un."

Truth be told, the way Deidara ridiculed and demeaned flower arrangement did not bother the kunoichi at all. In fact, she was waiting for that moment. The moment they get to have a real, useful discussion.

"Well, I don't know what hardships your Art has, but this art form places the focal point of the design on alternative plant parts, such as the leaves or stems, rather than the blooms; something that not many people can pull. As with many artistic styles, Ikebana also places emphasis on geometrical aesthetics, such as lines, shapes, patterns and curves. Although there are a specific set of rules that are followed when assembling an Ikebana style bouquet, the creator manages to convey their intentions through the arrangement's use of color, patterns, natural form, and more. And that, reflects one's own artistic views. This kind of design—" Noticing she was babbling too much, she coughed and shut her mouth for a bit, surprised to see Deidara actually considering what she had just said.

"You're not getting me. I acknowledge the effort and hard work put into it. And it's unquestionably pleasant. But it's not Artistic, un; it has nothing to do with the beauty of a single moment."

The kunoichi tilted her head to the side and sat on the edge of the bed, her look shooting the confusion that begged Deidara to elaborate on what he had just said. Good thing he was not slow. Or maybe he wanted her to ask about it herself so he gets the chance to talk about his Art. It did not matter anyway.

"How do you view Art, un? Is it fleeting or should it be everlasting?"

Ino paused considering his question for a moment.

"Hmm, if Art were permanent for everyone to see all the time, it would take its entire beauty and charm since it would no longer be regarded as special but on the contrary, it would become mundane. It depends how fleeting it should be. If it were too short-lived, none would have the time to appreciate its beauty. If it stayed for a little while, one can get the chance to stare, touch and smell the roses, to miss it when the spring is over, to look forward to it when the spring is almost back. It would be very sad for me if it were permanently gone in a flash, so I guess a better way to describe it would be temporary."

Ino went so deep in her thoughts that she did not notice she was looking down playing with her fingers. She looked up to see Deidara only to find him stunned. That bewildered face was not an everyday thing so she could not help but to giggle.

"That's not the reason I love Ikebana though. Well it is, but not the main one. Ikebana is kind of regarded as a type of meditation for me, as silence is generally mandatory throughout the process. During this time, the florist is to reflect upon his or her connection to and relationship with nature, gaining a respect and insight that is often overlooked or forgotten," She paused a bit as a hint of accusation, which Deidara did not even become aware of. The kunoichi continued. "..I love how it is a spiritual practice in which the artist connects with nature and the earth, as well as with themselves. And that's what Art is all about, mimesis, expression, communication of emotion… Fleeting or not, it does not matter. It's all about the process. Don't you love it when you're making your sculptures, the time during which you're molding the clay, carefully carving the details, etc etc..?"

Deidara was still silently listening. An automatic smile lifted his lips.

"Sō da na," He admitted, locking his fingers together then stretching his arms. "…but I still absolutely fancy the beauty of that single fleeting moment of explosion, un!" He exclaimed with a thumb up. The instantaneous change of his gentle features to those of wickedness and mischief were both expected and unexpected that Ino could not help but to laugh.

Was I really expecting him to change for a second? She thought, her laugh extending even more.

At her unpredictable outburst, the artist paused for a couple of seconds, before finally giving in laughing along with her.

It was the first time Ino had ever seen and heard that blond laugh so genuinely like that. And it was the last thing she heard before completely passing out.

When Ino regained consciousness, everything was still so blurry. She felt very heavy so it took her a couple of minutes to actually move her head and open her eyes.

I'm still alive...am I home?

Her mind was still hazy, so she could not register who the person lying next to her was. She blinked few times until the outline of his face that was few inches away set in, and upon realizing it the kunoichi let out a soft gasp, immediately crawling away from him.

"What are you—?!" Ino exclaimed before she fell off the bed and hit her head with a pole. She was still confused and disoriented when she looked up rubbing the back of her head.

An infusion bag...?

She wondered following the line to see it connected to her hand. With difficulty, she held onto the bed and lifted herself, cautiously observing the blond Akatsuki soundlessly sleeping.

What is he...? Is this a trap? Am I dreaming?

Ino did not have the luxury to think too much into it for the room immediately started to spin, and she took an unsteady step backwards trying to orientate.

I feel so nauseous...and weak...I'm about to—

Feeling her legs failing her, the girl closed her eyes as she fell forward, cursing under her breath.

"You shouldn't have got up so fast, un." Someone next to her spoke and Ino opened her eyes just enough to catch a look at the sleepy-looking missing nin. He caught her between his arms just in time but as the weight of that moment set in, he let her go straight away, diverting her fall to the bed.

"Unngh..." The florist grumbled, rubbing the ache crippling upon her forehead. "What happened? Why am I here...?" An additional moment of thought had driven her to open her eyes immediately, looking down. "I was meant to— I stabbed myself—" She uttered pulling her shirt down to check the site of the wound. At that Deidara rested his hands on his hips and let out a sarcastic laugh, leaning closer to take a better look at her chest.

"Really? Are you sure you did? Because all I see is a small scratch, un." He remarked without losing his smirk. When he came to check on the girl that day, he did see one of the chopsticks aimed at her heart. It appeared that the girl was indeed trying to end her life right before passing out, but she was so powerless that she barely even cut through the skin.

The Yamanaka was still bewildered about the entire thing, looking left and right in an attempt to familiarize herself with her surroundings. The only furniture present in the room were the bed that she was lying on, a nightstand, a dresser, and a closet. It was way too tidy and clean for a chaotic S-class criminal. On her left the bomber kept all his clay and art supplies, which approximately took half the size of the room.

Everything was still too overwhelming for her dehydrated self to follow.

"Why did you not leave me to die? Why did you save me?" She asked high-key suspicious. "That will not change my mind I will never assist you—"

"Tskk, I got it already! I don't need you anymore anyway, un!" Deidara retorted crossing his arms over his bare chest and leaning on the wall adjacent to her. "As you can see, I'm as good as new, un!" He said proudly, his smirk always there. Noting he had still not answered the obvious question, he quickly added: "And I wanted you to see that, obviously. You were the one saying I would never make it and yet here I am, un! Perfect health. See?" He straightened up abducting his arms on both sides. Ino arched a skeptical eyebrow, not convinced one bit.

"Okay and? What did you bring me here for then? Just let me go if I'm that useless to you."

The Akatsuki member sighed, faking a hurt face.

"Here I am, going through the trouble of saving your life and looking after you like a virgin daughter and that's what I get? Not even a 'thank you,' un?" He pouted, shaking his head. "I have better plans for you, un. I mean, you are still my bait for the Kyuubi." The boy shrugged sitting at the end of the bed. "I just figured that I don't have to keep you locked in that cell when we can both achieve an agreement, un."

The Yamanaka raised an eyebrow again at the stupidest thing she had ever heard in her entire life.

"Uhuh...I'm pretty sure you're not dumb enough to believe I wouldn't try to escape, yeah. Why would I willingly agree to stay with you?"

Deidara sighed and lay back on the bed, his arms crossed behind his head. "Because you're already covered with a gazillion explosive clay particles." He mentioned casually, turning his head to look at her. "One undesirable step and…Katsu—!" A small explosion erupted the moment Deidara held his fingers in a hand seal, right beside the female blonde. Said girl screamed and jumped in her place in surprise, causing the artist to laugh. "Get it? My chakra keeps them in check, so they also get activated if they can't sense my chakra anymore. I wouldn't try anything if I were you."

Deidara propped himself up, stretching his new body. He could not describe how happy he felt now that he could move properly. He sensed the angry, sinister aura emitting from the leaf ninja so he waved with his hand reassuringly.

"Look, I'm doing this for you, un. Do you wanna go back to that dungeon? I'm just making it easier for the both of us, un. I won't have to worry about you, and you won't have to piss in a crack. Doesn't that sound amazing?" The boy opened his closet and began looking around for a shirt. "I have no intentions of harming you as long as you don't try anything that can potentially jeopardize my negotiations with Konoha. As you are aware, I'm only interested in the Kyuubi. So I will let you go whenever your village and I reach an understanding, un." He finished putting on a black shirt. He turned around to see Ino glaring at him.

"I think I much prefer dying in that dungeon." The Yamanaka held her face with both hands in frustration. This was all too much for her to take in for one day, let alone an hour. Could she really trust what he was saying? Maybe he was just bluffing. Then again, he was way too confident for a mere bluff. That man was a psycho terrorist, and that dungeon was still easily accessible after all. Could it maybe have anything to do with their intertwined pasts that she cannot seem to recall? That shinobi had no problems blowing people up and if anything, he was even capable of taking down the Kazekage. He was no joke. Maybe she could also uncover her memories with him and why she could not even remember in the first place.

The girl closed her eyes and heaved a long sigh. She was still so weak so the priority for now fell on attaining full recovery. It was probably wiser for her to investigate the area and gather as much information as she could before attempting any sort of escape. If he had already arranged for negotiations, then the Hokage was already aware of what was going on and she would definitely do whatever it took to retrieve her. They could therefore benefit from the extra information that the Yamanaka could provide from the Akatsuki hideout itself. In fact, intelligence gathering as well as espionage had always been the Yamanaka clan's duty which they had undoubtedly excelled at.

"So lemme get this straight. All I have to do is...exist in this place?" She questioned, still somewhat confused about her exact role in this equation.

"Sure, un. I could use the company and the extra pair of hands." He grinned and winked at her, causing the girl to cringe and cross her arms.

"And that's until you and Hokage-sama reach an agreement?"

"That's right, un."

"Fine. Whatever. As long as I'm getting a toilet." The florist sighed rubbing her aching temples. Deidara only laughed pointing at a door close to the dresser.

"It's right there, un. That door leads to a bathroom. And if you leave through here—" He pointed at another door. "..there's a kitchen at the end of the hallway and you will find whatever you need, so make yourself at home, un. Do you want coffee?" He asked, walking to the dresser to untie his hair and fix his ponytail.

The kunoichi blinked and stared at his back, finding the entire situation way too awkward. He was being too comfortable about this despite it being so freaking bizarre. The Akatsuki was not even paying attention to her, focusing on his hair instead.

"I— I guess? Yeah, sure, why not." She shrugged, deciding to go with the flow. She was still fairly out of it so maybe some caffeine would get her back on track.

"Perfect, get me one too, skimmed milk, no sugar, un." He mumbled with the hair-tie in his mouth. Ino almost choked on her saliva, turning to glare at him so fast that she almost broke her neck.

"I'm not your maid! Also, I better have my own room! I don't wanna even ask why you were sleeping beside me earlier today, but I will not tolerate it." She huffed crossing her arms. Deidara was still not bothered, focusing on getting the right amount of hair in his high ponytail.

"No can do, un. You are not leaving my room. If sleeping next to me bothers you that much, there's a mattress that you can use in the closet. Knock yourself out, un." He grinned tying his hair. "I would've offered you the bed but like, we're way past the formalities now, un. We're homies."

Although it did not seem like it, Deidara was secretly very amused. He had no idea he had missed teasing the girl that much. He was also looking forward to discovering this new "identity" of hers so it all looked so exciting.

Meanwhile, the very little volume of blood circulating in that girl's body was boiling. She hated how, as the one holding her hostage, that bastard got to dictate how things should go and she could not do anything about it.

"Shut up. You'll live to regret ever showing me mercy." Ino swung her legs off the bed, not standing the sight of that Akatsuki.

"I guess it can't be helped then, un." The boy chuckled flicking his newly styled hair.

How long was it going to take before Ino found out no negotiations were actually taking place?

Hope you guys liked the chapter! I've been wanting to reach this stage since ever haha. :') and please don't forget to review! I always emphasize how motivational they are. :)

See you next time! Much love!