Accidents
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Bleach characters in this story. The idea for this story belongs to a good friend of mine, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Accidents happen for a reason…or else we'd call them 'On-Purposes'
Three Months Have Passed…
Ichigo pulled a newly restored violet car into the parking lot of Shihoin Accountings. Pushing open the door and sliding out, the orange haired man was just about to head in when someone called out to him.
"Hello again, Ichigo. Here to pick her up?" a woman with long dark hair in a ponytail said to him from the doorway.
"Do you even have to ask, Yoruichi?" the orange haired man replied, walking up to the steps. "Is she on her way out or does she need some—?"
"I can handle myself just fine, Idiot!"
Although he tried to fight it, a slight smirk overtook his face as a familiar figure appeared at the door. Rukia Kuchiki slowly walked out of the door Yoruichi held for her. Dressed in a simple business suit, her violet eyes half closed as she stepped into the sunlight. She glanced down the steps at Ichigo. He took a single step toward her and she huffed.
"Where the hell were you?" she pointed at him, "Because you were late, Yoruichi had to wait longer to close up for the weekend. You should really be more concerned with other people's troubles."
The slight smile slipped into a scowl as Ichigo replied, "Hey, it's not like I have control of the traffic. And for you information, I'm right on time."
"I told you we were closing early today," Rukia retorted with a sigh, "Honestly. I even sent you a text about it, to remind you. And yet, you're still an hour late."
Raising an eyebrow, Ichigo pulled out his phone and checked it. "I don't have a text from you. Did you remember to actually send it?"
His lips upturned into a mischievous smirk and she glared at him for it. Pulling out her Chappy cased phone, the raven haired woman looked over her message and frowned. She then hit a few keys and slid the device back in her pocket.
A moment later, Ichigo's phone buzzed and a short message appeared:
Shut up!
The orange haired man chuckled and put his phone away. Looking up he saw Rukia slowly beginning to descend the stairs. He tensed and had to stop himself from going to her. It wasn't long ago that she was on crutches and had to have assistance to get up or down to the door. But now, she was easily handling each step, albeit carefully. Still it unnerved him to not be there in case she slipped.
His fears were confirmed when she suddenly miss-stepped and her hands flew to the railing. Amber eyes widened and he rushed toward her. However, she held up her hand, stopping him in his tracks.
"Stay back, Ichigo!" she insisted, carefully finding her footing, "I don't need you babying me. I can walk on my own."
Ichigo clenched his fists and his jaw tightened. "At least let me—".
Rukia's violet eyes shot up and glared fiercely at him. "If I can't handle this myself, then what was the point of going through the rehab?!" she proclaimed and forced herself up, "Now stand there and watch!"
Ichigo tensed and wanted to protest, but as she stared at him with her shimmering violets, he knew there was nothing he could do to change her mind. Instead, he backed away and reluctantly waited at the bottom of the steps.
Standing completely upright, Rukia took several deep breaths before letting go of the railing. With bated breath, Ichigo remained rooted to the ground as he watch her slowly and eloquently descend the last few steps. As her feet came together at the bottom of the stairs, an overjoyed smile overtook her face.
"Told you I could handle it!" she chided as her smile expanded into a grin. "You really need to listen to you betters."
At that, Ichigo scoffed and marched up to her. "I don't see how walking down a few steps make you my better."
"I'm just better than you at everything. Try not to feel bad," she chided, beginning to move past him.
"Remind me who has been getting up before dawn every morning to make you breakfast and drive you to work for the last few months?"
"And remind me who it is that pays for services rendered during the time of my recovery?"
"…I still deserve a little more appreciation for my hard work," Ichigo insisted, stepping in front of her and opening the car door.
"Alright then," she slid carefully into the passenger seat and grabbed the door handle, "Thanks for getting the door. Now – Home. Jeeves."
Rukia slammed the door shut before Ichigo could retort, leaving her the victor of their little spat, evident by the grin she gave him from behind the glass. From across the way, the sound of laughter reached his ears and the orange haired man turned to see Yoruichi chuckling at them.
"Hard to believe the two of you are so close," the dark haired woman said as she turned the locks and armed the security system on the doors.
"And what the hell does that mean?" Ichigo grumbled as he moved around in front of the car.
"I remember that only three months ago, every time you dropped her off or picked her up, you barely said a word," Yoruichi walked down the steps and gave him a cat-like smirk, "Now, the two of you can't even get from the door to the car without at least two arguments. Ah, to be young again…"
Ichigo could feel the heat rising in his cheeks but he quickly scowled hard, turned and headed toward the car before replying, "Whatever…"
Yoruichi frowned at his attitude. "What's with the doom and gloom all of a sudden? You need to lighten up, kid. I mean, it's not like this is the last time you'll be here to pick her up."
As his hand grasped the handle of the driver's seat, Ichigo snuck a quick glance at the dark haired woman and sighed, "Yeah…it is."
Yoruichi's eyes widened but she didn't have time to reply be he pulled the door open and slipped into the car. She stood there and watched as the violet vehicle roared to life, backed up, and drove off into the distance. Shaking her head, the dark haired woman gave a deep sigh.
"Then why the hell didn't he bring her flowers or something?"
"What's wrong, Ichigo?" Rukia's stubborn voice said to him after he pulled the car out of the lot.
"What? Nothing. I'm fine," he defended, keeping his eyes focused on the road. However, out of the corner of his eye, he saw her glare and narrow her eyes at him.
"Don't treat me like a fool. I can tell when something's bothering you."
"And how do you figure that?" he retorted.
"We've spent enough time together over the last few months for me to know when something's up. Now, are you gonna come clean or do I have to start asking questions?"
Ichigo involuntarily cringed. "Please don't start that again."
"Then I suggest you start talking," she folded her arms and waited patiently. Sneaking a quick glance at her, Ichigo sighed deeply.
He had come to realize that Rukia had an incredibly keen intellect and her questions often prodded answers to problems that you didn't even know you had. Once, she asked Karin about why she was upset after soccer practice and it soon escalated into the raven haired woman giving the sports loving girl advice on how to attract a guy that Karin wasn't even aware she'd been crushing on.
Not to mention she used the same technique to get his father to tell her how slim her chances for a full recovery really were, which had been very slim at the time. Isshin had kept the fact that her legs were healing slowly from her for over a month before she practically interrogated him into revealing that the damage was more extensive then they had realized.
But, just like Rukia, she never gave in. She worked harder, pushed herself longer, and eventually cut the time she'd lost in half. Her indomitable determination had been inspiring and she managed to exceed Isshin's expectations in only a few months. Ichigo had never seen anything like it.
And now, just like before, she was glaring at him with that same determination. Those violet irises bore into him, even as he looked away to concentrate on driving, and he knew he had no choice but to answer.
"Ahh…You see, I had an interview today—".
"—And what happened?"
Ichigo flinched a bit, the questions had already begun. "…Let's just say it didn't quite go as expected."
"You insulted the interviewer again, didn't you?" Rukia said with a groan.
"How do you know that?!" the orange haired man replied, quickly glancing to her before staring back at the road.
"Because it's you," she swiftly replied before setting into her seat. "What is this? The six or seventh job interview you've failed this month?"
"Fifth, actually. And what's it matter to you?" he retorted, looking over his shoulder to check for traffic.
"Well, I could…Ichigo, turn your blinker on."
A bit startled, the orange haired man looked to her and saw that she was watching him carefully. She was trying to hide it, but she was breathing a lot quicker than before. Her hand was desperately clutching the stationary handle on the door, her fingernails leaving an imprint. And her violet eyes were focused on his hand on the wheel.
"Oh, right." Ichigo answered quietly, hoping she would calm down a bit.
"Thanks…" she whispered, loosening her grip and falling silent.
He quickly did as he was told, flicking the light on before moving into the other lane. When they were safely in the next lane and the light clicked off, he noticed Rukia visible relax. He cursed himself for not remembering her condition.
Even since the accident, she'd had a very hard time riding in a car. The tiniest bit of uncertainty made her nervous and apprehensive. The first time he drove her to work, it took nearly twenty minutes just to get her in the car. She had made excuse after excuse, forgetting her make-up, her briefcase, her phone, etc.
But after she ran out of objects to leave behind, she reluctantly entered, as she called it, 'The Death Trap'.
Over time, it gradually got better, but each time he forgot a signal or had to slam on the breaks, Rukia practically had a heart attack. He wondered how she was going to survive without having him to drive her around after she was discharged. Then again, her brother would probably provide a chauffeur.
Ichigo was just glad that Byakuya had elected to stay away from the clinic as often as possible, only checking in on his sister when time permitted, which was only about once a month. Last time he'd visited, the two of them nearly gotten into a fist fight, mainly because Byakuya had told Ichigo that he wasn't good enough to be his sister's aid.
Luckily, Rukia intervened and managed to keep the suited man off his back for a little while. And once Rukia was discharged, he'd never have to deal with that bastard again. But at the same time, he'd never be able to assist a certain raven haired woman again either.
That though made him scowl deeper as they continued to drive in silence.
"You know you can talk to me." Rukia's voice startled him, making him turn to her.
"What?"
"I know that something else is bothering you. And I'm here if you want to talk about it," she offered, "And if you really need a job. I can always—".
"For the last time, Rukia. I'm not letting you use your brother's connections to get me a job. I can take care of myself," he retorted, already tired of this argument.
Rukia huffed and replied, "Is that why you've been unemployed for the last few months? Because as far as I can tell, you need all the help you can get."
Running his hand through his hair, Ichigo sighed. "Look, if I can't get myself a job—".
"—Then there's no point in having it. I know, you've told me a dozen times," she interjected, "But you need to think of your future, Ichigo. I mean, after I get discharge tomorrow, you're officially out of a job. And you can't keep mooching off your father forever."
"Actually, I probably could, I just won't—"
A loud smack rang out as Rukia's hand came down on the dash in front of her, catching his attention. "That's not the point! You need to find something to do with yourself! A job or something. And if you can't get one by your own means, then perhaps you need a little—".
"I'm not taking a job from your brother, Rukia! So just drop it!"
"Don't be so stubborn!"
"You first!"
"I'm not stubborn! Just logical!"
"Is that why you swerved to miss a bunny?!"
A deafening silence fell over the two after he uttered those words. His amber eyes widened and he glanced over to see Rukia in a state of shock.
"What are you talking about, Ichigo? When did I swerve to miss a…bunny…?"
She slowly became quiet and she looked as if she was trying to remember something.
He cursed under his breath and wanted to hit himself. Three months and he had barely mentioned the accident to her at all. Sure, he wanted her to remember what had happened, to finally have it all out in the open. But he felt that telling her about the proposal would freak her out, even drive her away from him. And that was the last thing he wanted.
He wanted to make a good impression on her, show her that he was dependable and likeable. Prove that he was good enough for her. And maybe, she would feel the same. Despite all their fighting, he really did enjoy having her around. And, from what he could tell, she really enjoyed being around him as well. The last three months had been so fantastic, but now, this little slip up could cost him everything!
"It's…uh…was just something I thought up," he told her, hoping that she believed him. "Like the reason for your accident was that you swerved to miss one of those bunnies you're obsessed with. I probably made a joke like that once before, when you showed me your crappy drawings."
He gave a forced laugh, trying to diffuse the situation. However, Rukia looked up at him with a sad expression on her face and said, "It's not funny. And my drawings aren't crappy, Idiot."
And with that, she turned away and fell silent once again. Ichigo could tell she was mad. If she hadn't been, then they would be having an amusing argument right about now.
Now he felt even dumber than before. Worse than mentioning her lost memories was joking about the accident itself. Last time he brought it up, she didn't talk to him for three days. This was seriously not what he wanted to have happen on the night before she walked out of his life, possibly forever this time.
He wanted to apologize but he found himself pulling into the driveway of the clinic. The moment the car was parked and the engine was switched off, Rukia opened the door and cautiously stepped out. She didn't wait for him, entering the house before he even managed to unhinge his seat belt.
Lightly smacking his head against the steering wheel, he chanted, "Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid…"
The moment Ichigo opened the door, he was greeted by a boot to the face.
"Welcooome Hoooome, Ichigoooo!" his father shouted as the boy fell over backward onto the floor. "How was your day? Why isn't my lovely third daughter with you?"
Ichigo grumbled at hearing his father's nickname for Rukia, it reminded him of their fight. Kicking himself up, the orange haired man rushed his father with blinding speed and delivered a powerful haymaker to his chin. The middle-aged man toppled over and slammed into the wooden floor of the entryway. Isshin was just about to get in a sneak attack on his son's nether region when he noticed that said son was missing.
"Not today, old man…"
Tilting his head back, the middle-aged man saw his son already far ahead of him, about to enter the living room. A look of concern spread of Isshin's face. However, with a quick huff, he replaced it with a joyous smile and flipped up, rushing after his son.
"You're absolutely right, my boy!" Isshin shouted, draping his arm over his son's shoulder. "For tonight, we celebrate my lovely third daughter's discharge from our care!"
Only now did Ichigo's expression change, to one of surprise. "What? How come you didn't mention this to me?"
"Because you're my third daughter's aid! You can't be trusted with such valuable secrets! You'd give away the surprise!" Isshin joyous explained, pushing off his son.
"He does kinda have a point," a new voice chimed in.
"We wanted this day to be extra special for Rukia!" a second voice added.
The orange haired man looked over to see his two younger sisters, Yuzu and Karin, wearing some of their nicest clothes. It was then that he noticed that, under his father's lab coat, was a nice black suit with a red tie. Ichigo couldn't remember the last time his family dressed up for anyone. They didn't even dress this nice when they went out for his birthday!
Then again, he shouldn't be that surprised.
Everyone loved having Rukia as part of the family. The raven haired woman spent time cooking with Yuzu, watching sports or playing games with Karin, and when she wasn't working with Isshin on her rehabilitation, the two of them spent time chatting. Not to mention that Ichigo enjoyed spending time with her himself, even if it was technically his job.
"You need to go and get changed, Ichigo! We're taking Rukia out to dinner tonight and we all need to look nice," Yuzu informed him, her eyes beaming with excitement.
"Yeah, so hurry the hell up and get ready. I don't want to be stuck in these clothes any longer than I have too," Karin added, pulling at the collar of her dress shirt.
Ichigo finally managed a tiny smile. Rukia didn't know how much she was going to be missed.
Suddenly, two hands grabbed his shoulders from behind and ushered him toward the stairs. "Yes, my son! Hurry before Rukia finds out that—"
"Is something wrong?"
Everyone froze and turned to see Rukia entering the room from the hall.
She glanced over the Kurosaki family, noting their fancy appearance, and said, "Is someone important coming to dinner? Should I get changed too?
Silence invaded the space for a moment before Yuzu suddenly burst into tears, startling the raven haired woman.
"Oh, no! The surprise is ruined! Now Rukia will never come back to visit us! She'll forget we exist!" Yuzu wailed, furiously wiping her tear-stained eyes.
"There, there, dearest Yuzu! Daddy feels your pain! We'll find a way to get through this together!" Isshin consoled his daughter with a hug, tears spilling down his face as well.
Karin gave a deep sigh. "I can't believe I'm related to them."
As the father and daughter duo continued to sob endlessly, a look of pure guilt came over Rukia. "What…What did I do?" she asked Ichigo, who was currently face-palming.
"Trust me, you didn't do anything. They're just acting crazy again," he answered, not knowing how to resolve the situation. "They wanted to surprise you by taking you out to dinner, since it's your last night here."
He glanced over to Rukia and found that after hearing his explanation, she was taking this situation rather well. In only three months, she had grown rather accustomed to the Kurosaki Family and their insanity. Sure, she called the police a couple of times during the first few weeks, mainly the first time Isshin attacked his son and when Ichigo slammed his father into the wall the next day, but overall she was accustomed to the strange workings of these people.
In fact, she often cheered for Isshin when he attacked his son every morning, much to Ichigo's dismay.
Because of this fact, he wasn't surprised when Rukia walked up to the crying pair and said, "I actually am pretty surprised. I've never had anyone dress up for me before. Let alone want to surprise me. It was very thoughtful of you."
Isshin turned his attention to this third daughter and Yuzu finally lifted her head and whispered, "Really?"
Rukia gave her a warm smile and nodded, "Yes, it was very nice of you all. But—".
Yuzu and Isshin tensed while Ichigo and Karin shook their heads and sighed. Rukia suddenly seemed very nervous and she fiddled with her fingers a bit.
"I was…kinda hoping that we could eat in tonight?" she said carefully, watching for their reactions, which were delayed. "This is the last chance I'll get to have some of Yuzu's cooking. I was kind of looking forward to it…"
As she trailed off, two pairs of hands suddenly wrapped around her and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Oh course we can stay and have a final family meal! Anything for my beloved third daughter!" Isshin roared, his tears instantly gone. "You don't mind, do you my darling Yuzu?"
" Oh course not, Papa! I'll make Rukia the best meal she's ever had in her life!" the short girl shouted, holding fast to both of them.
In the midst of it all, Ichigo watched as Rukia's smile lit up and she began to laugh heartily as they promised to make her anything she wanted. All his previous worries seemed to melt away as he watched her follow his sister into the kitchen while Isshin began to set up their fanciest dinner ware.
"She sure is one of a kind, isn't she?" Karin interrupted her brother's thoughts, speaking as she stood next to him. "Never figured this would happen when the old man signed us up for this live-in patient thing."
"Yeah, it's been a long three months, hasn't it?" Ichigo replied, still feeling light as a feather.
Karin slowly turned and suddenly glared up at him, catching his attention. She stared at him for the longest time and for a while, he wasn't sure what she was after. And then, she sighed and narrowed her eyes at him.
"So then, why the hell haven't you asked her out yet?"
All the happy feelings drained out of him and his jaw dropped at his sister's forwardness. He opened his mouth to speak but it ended up closing again a moment later. After watching her brother's lovely fish imitation, Karin groaned and slowly began to walk toward the kitchen.
"If you don't even make a pass at her before the end of dinner, then I'm doing it for you, Ichigo."
And with that, she went to assist her sister with dinner, leaving a stunned and confused Ichigo alone in the living room.
The dinner table just became the most fearsome place in all of existence for Ichigo.
Deciding that she wanted to dress for the occasion, Rukia had departed for her room and came back in an eloquent red, strapless dress. Why she had brought such an expensive and beautiful garment with her while she stayed with them was completely lost on him right now. However, he couldn't deny how absolutely stunning she looked in it.
After learning of Rukia's decision to dress formally, Ichigo now felt compelled, by the stares of the rest of his family, to do the same. As such, when he returned to the living room, wearing an orange dress shirt and black pants. Unfortunately, he felt underdressed compared to the lovely violet-eyed woman.
Nevertheless, Ichigo sat himself down at his usual spot at the table, right next to Rukia, so that he could assist her if need be. In truth, it was more of a formality at this point. But after reaching for plates of food and helping clean up any messes she accidentally caused during her recover, it was second nature to take a seat beside her.
And for a time, everything seemed perfect.
Except that tonight, his sister Karin sat across from him and was eyeing him the entire time. Ichigo sent he a bit of a glare and she shrugged and backed off, at least for the moment. Yuzu promptly set the food out, a beef pot with dumpling and cucumbers on the side, which Rukia simply adored.
Isshin dinged a fancy glass and stood up over the table. "Family, we are here to celebrate my lovely third daughter's successful physical rehabilitation! Three cheers for Rukia!"
Rukia shied away a bit as everyone, including Ichigo, began to cheer for her but she seemed pretty happy anyway.
When they were finished, she smiled and said, "Thank you, everyone. It's been a long three months but—". She stood up from her seat and took a few steps, "—thanks to you all, I'm walking around and feeling great!"
Another cheer sounded and Rukia resumed her seat. Ichigo watched as she began to dish up her food, seeing how genuinely happy she was.
The way she smiled and happily ate and conversed during dinner, reminded Ichigo of far she had come.
It was a welcome change from when she arrived. Despite knowing that she was going to be living with these people, it had been really difficult for her at first. Being in a wheelchair for the first few weeks really bothered her, since everyone had to help her with getting in and out of the house or just in and out of bed.
Ichigo had taken the worst of it, giving her his cell number for her to call whenever she needed him. However, half the time she didn't both to use it and stubbornly tried to do everything herself, despite not being able to stand. It wasn't until Karin yelled at her for trying to reach a high cabinet that she finally bean to accept her situation.
Soon after, she began talking with the family, spending time with all of them. It was slow but now, after three long months, she finally began to understand what she meant to these people. Realizing that, before she even knew it, she had earned a place here. Rukia had once told Ichigo that she never really had a family, being adopted into her brother's family when she was young.
Although it was common for his family, just spending time eating and laughing with family was something she never expected to experience, least of all during rehab.
As Ichigo smiled at the thought, he noticed Karin glaring at him out the corner of his eye. She tilted her head toward Rukia, as if daring him to ask her out. However, he proceeded to ignore his sister and instead focused on simply eating and enjoying the company.
Karin narrowed her eyes before abruptly smirked devilishly. She looked over and saw that Rukia was currently engaging with Yuzu, meaning she'd need to bide her time.
"How was work today, Rukia?" Yuzu asked as she filled her own plate.
"Nothing special. Still trying to catch up with all the time I missed," the raven haired woman answered, popping a dumping into her mouth.
Isshin swallowed a mouthful and nodded, "Right, you had to miss over a month because of the intense rehabilitation. But you're still not caught up?"
"No, I wish I was but I'm still a ways off. Yoruichi has been really kind about all of it, giving me plenty of time to catch up."
"Sounds like it could take you a while," Karin interjected, "Are you sure you're ready to be driving yourself to and from work?"
"Karin!" her sister scolded, "That's rude! You shouldn't be so mean!"
"I'm not offended," Rukia spoke up, trying to diffuse the issue. "I'm actually a bit worried about that myself. I've spent a lot of time having Ichigo drive me around, it'll be weird to have to do it myself again."
Karin let a smirk overtake her and she said, "Well, you could always have my bro—ow!"
She suddenly grunted as she felt something hard smack her leg. Lifting her head, she found Ichigo scowling fiercely and glaring. He suddenly assumed an air of confusion and as he said, "Oh, sorry about that. Didn't realize that was you, Karin. Are you alright?"
The black haired girl gripped her chopstick tightly, thinking of using them as a projectile. However, she noticed that the entire family was staring at he, so instead she gave a nervous laugh and replied, "It takes more than that to keep me down."
She snuck a quick glare at Ichigo, her message abundantly clear. However, the orange haired man looked away and went back to his food, but not before saying, "We should all be more careful."
Karin was about to snap at him when Rukia suddenly asked, "So, Karin. How's things with that boy from soccer practice?"
All eyes suddenly focused on the black haired girl and she felt heat rise in her cheeks. "Things? Things are fine! What the hell would I want to think about Jinta for anyway?"
She furiously dug into her meal but heard Rukia reply, "Just give him some time. Not all people catch on to other's affections."
Ichigo chuckled silently, enjoying the tables turned on his meddling sister. Karin gripped her chopsticks so hard the wood nearly cracked. However, her eyes suddenly widened and her devilish smirk made a comeback.
"Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it," she began slowly, drawing a bit of attention from Ichigo. "So what about your love-life, Rukia? Anyone special you've set your eyes on? Maybe at work or something?"
Rukia's eyes bulged and she gasped, choking on her cucumber. She pounded her fist on her chest for a second and eventually, she was able to swallow and breathe again.
"W-What brought this on?" the startled Rukia questioned, taking deep breaths.
"Yeah, Karin! What brought this on?!" Ichigo immediately repeated, doing his best to hide his anger. He glared at her fiercely as he felt his heart beginning to race.
However, Karin nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders and continued fiddling with her food. "I just figured that since Rukia has so much experience with love, she might already have someone special in her life, that's all."
Ichigo didn't miss the smirk his sister was secretly giving him. However, before he could say how rude she was being, Yuzu practically shouted, "Is it true, Rukia?! Do you have a secret love you're hiding from us?!"
Amber eyes shot to his other sister, disbelief clouding his features. He glared at Karin but she only chuckled at him. At that moment, Ichigo could have sworn that his sister's had planned this. Panic began to spread through him, wondering what was going to happen next.
However, he looked to Rukia and saw that she was perfectly calm about the situation. That's when he remembered, he had been spending so much time with her lately, there was no way that Rukia could keep that kind of secret from him. He hadn't seen or heard of anyone she'd been dating or even talking too. Hell, everyone she worked with in the office was female!
There was no chance in hell that—
"Well, actually. I'm engaged."
As soon as those words escaped Rukia's lips, Ichigo's world came crashing down.
To Be Concluded…
Yes, I know I said three parts, but every so often I do cave to the pressure of my readers. But don't think I'm a pushover or anything! I just decided to extend it into one more chapter. This one lasted longer than I anticipated, plus I had new idea for the finale.
Also, yeah, I did a time skip. It was planned from the start actually. Going through all of the recovery would have been kinda boring, and worse yet, time consuming. I felt it would be a huge filler chapter so I decided to skip it. Sorry if it bothered anyone but I think it works better this way.
So, yeah, the next chapter will be the final one. I will have it in a few days. I've got a lot of work at my job coming up but I'll be sure to get the final chapter to you all as soon as I can.
Leave a review to tell me how crushed this ending has left you, or if you have advice or ideas in general. Thanks and keep on smiling my beautiful readers!