Rukia rapped lightly at the entrance to the Thirteenth Division Headquarters. The fair-haired captain was seated in the main area, enjoying his morning tea in solitude. He turned his head toward the noise. A smile spread across his face as he spotted the morning visitor.
"Rukia! Good morning! Would you like any tea?" He gestured toward the empty space across from him.
Rukia slowly settled onto the proffered cushion. "Um, er, tea would be nice, thank you," she practically stammered. She hadn't entirely confirmed, in her mind, what she would say to her captain. The words were jumbled in her head, clouding her thoughts. She knew what she wanted to say, but she was unsure of how she should say it. She sipped the hot liquid anxiously, burning her tongue. Her eyes watered from the pain.
"I've been expecting you," Jushiro murmured over his cup. He watched Rukia's eyes widen with surprise.
"You have?" she asked, astonished at his forward manner. It wasn't like Captain Ukitake to be so candid with her, even though they had grown close since he appointed her as Vice Captain of the Thirteenth Division.
"Yes. I assumed you would come looking for me," his eyes flickered across the badge on her arm. It was the first time she had actually worn the ornamental signifier of her ranking. "Eventually," he cryptically added.
Rukia did not entirely understand his explanation. "Excuse me?" Her face flushed. How could he know what I'm about to ask? she curiously considered.
"Let's just say that I understand your attachments in the human world. It's only natural that you would come to find me." His answer did not promote any understanding on Rukia's apart. She turned her head to the side, studying him through narrowed eyes.
"You are toying with me, Captain Ukitake?" she warily asked.
"Perhaps a tiny bit. You'll forgive my boldness in my intuition?" he raised an eyebrow. Rukia nodded, slightly. She was still unsure of the meaning behind his cryptic words.
"Maybe we should start over. To be fair." He cleared his throat. "So what brings you to see me so early in the morning, Kuchiki-san?" he asked lightly.
Her earlier resolve began to crumble. She could feel her hands begin to shake, evidence of her fleeting confidence. She softly set her cup on the hard surface of the porch, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
"Well…I wanted to see if…to request a mission," she asked slowly. "A very specific assignment," she clarified.
"Consider it done," he answered, waving for a new kettle of his favorite morning beverage. He could see her hands trembling with anxiety.
"What?" she asked weakly. "But you haven't heard my request!"
"Either way, you can consider it done," he spoke slowly, his eyes meeting hers. He had already drawn up the paperwork. In fact, he had expected her to come to him sooner—as he had the papers ready and waiting for quite some time. Since Ichigo's disturbance of his tea with Shunsui, at least.
Rukia opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it. She blushed furiously as she clenched and unclenched her fists. She wasn't sure of what to make of Ukitake's promise. He smiled as he watched her nervously respond to his words. He knew it was cruel to toy with her in such a manner, but what were captains for?
He chuckled. "I already signed the confirmatory papers regarding your request for long-term placement in Karakura. It's an area of high spiritual activity, and it's only natural that hollows will be drawn to it. It's important to have a strong Shinigami in charge of defending the perimeter of the town, is it not?" His smile grew wider as he anticipated Rukia's response.
She lowered her head, "I-I don't know what to say," she whispered.
Ukitake sighed. "Say you'll take the assignment! I don't want to have to toss such hard work in the trash. Writing that paperwork was such a task!" he mused as he blew the steam from his cup.
Rukia's soft violet eyes met his. He could see the sheer joy written in her expression. It was rare for her to display her feelings so candidly, and he relished the short time that he would see her like this. "Thank you," she said softly. "How did you know what I was going to ask?"
The light-haired captain shrugged, "Call it a hunch," he offered. "I figured, after Ichigo barged in here demanding to know where you were, that it was only a matter of time."
Rukia's face paled, "H-he did what?"
"Is that so unexpected of him?" Ukitake shrugged for a second time. "He was concerned about you, and rightfully so, from what he told me," he watched her carefully.
"I can't believe it!" she whispered to herself. She hadn't been aware that he had so adamantly stormed into Soul Society to look for her. She had never even thought to ask. She was ashamed at her reaction to his appearance at the Kuchiki Manor that day. She suddenly felt as if she were going to vomit.
The usually reserved captain studied Rukia. "Are you planning on permanency?" he asked directly. He didn't need to elaborate; Rukia understood his intent. Are you planning on giving up your Shinigami duties to become human? Are you going to stay there forever? With him?
Rukia sighed. "I've thought about it," the words just tumbled out of her mouth. She was not ashamed to admit her feelings to her superior. "But, I think that I should wait before making such a decision. Perhaps in time, however, I will choose to follow that path," she added. "I know of one Shinigami who had given up his powers to marry a human woman."
"Isshin." Ukitake speculated softly. "So, he's still around." he murmured, more to himself.
"You know him?" Rukia asked, intrigued by her captain's response.
Jushiro nodded. "He was a captain, at one point in time. He had much promise, but had fallen in love with a living soul—Ichigo's mother. I considered Kurosaki to be a good friend, which is partially why I helped Ichigo stop your execution, I suppose. Aside from the fact that you were my subordinate, of course. That and the fact that I did not believe in the justice system's final verdict," he rambled on.
"You knew Ichigo was Isshin's son all along?" she asked in bewilderment. "Why did no one speak about this at some point or another? I mean, Isshin was a Shinigami!" she argued.
"Because it is not considered acceptable to speak of those who left Seretei," he answered calmly. He could understand her frustration.
Rukia was leaning forward on her knees, waiting for a further explanation. Jushiro waved, "Another story for another time, I suppose." Rukia's face fell in disappointment. "Besides," the captain added, "you can always ask him. He was an officer of the Gotei Thirteen when you were initiated into my division. I'm surprised he didn't look familiar to you."
"Isshin was?" she blurted. "I-I guess I never paid much attention to those around me when I first joined as a Shinigami," she admitted. She thought back to her adoption into the Kuchiki household, and her subsequent placement into the Thirteenth Division. She hadn't been much of a social butterfly then—not that anything has changed. But, Rukia had really been disinterested in the people and events surrounding her as she adjusted to her shiny, new, noble name. She had been timid, at first. It was only when her vice captain, Shiba Kaien, had taken her under his wing, that she had blossomed into a highly skilled Shinigami.
Ukitake's voice interrupted her reminiscence. He sighed, throwing both hands in the air, "I don't think I'm meant to have a vice-captain."
Rukia looked at him apprehensively, waiting for an explanation. It came a few seconds later. "Everyone I choose to be my second-in-command leaves me. Kaien. Now you," he explained.
"I think you have two Third Seats that would love to have this position," she smiled. "And I'm pretty sure they won't leave you. Ever."
"Those two are something," he admitted, his voice low. They chuckled at the truth behind his statement. Neither was sure about who would win a fight between Kiyone and Sentaro--both vied for Jushiro's attention on a daily basis. Maybe an hourly basis was more acceptable of a temporal explanation. Rukia snorted at the thought.
"So, you really care about him?" her captain returned to the original topic-at-hand.
"I guess you could say that," Rukia answered, her face flushing. This was the first time she was admitting her feelings. To anyone.
"I don't blame you for your request, then," he nodded. "I think it's very…noble of you to take your time with this decision."
"I will," she affirmed.
"I see. I'm happy for you, Rukia," he leaned back on his pillow.
They sipped their tea in silence as Rukia began to feel giddy about her new assignment. That is, until Ukitake spoke. "Did you inform Byakuya of your decision?"
Rukia could feel her heart skip a beat. She hadn't considered his feelings on the issue. "No," she admitted, ashamed at her selfishness.
"Perhaps I wrote the paperwork a bit prematurely, then?"
Rukia rolled her eyes, wincing at the thought of her encounter with Byakuya. "I don't know how I'm even going to broach that subject with him."
"That is why I assigned you to a long-term assignment protecting Karakura town and its residents," Ukitake smiled. He could be quite the deviant when he wanted to be. "My lieutenant will be complying with my orders while trying to figure out what actions to take with her own life. Surely your brother cannot deny the legitimacy of that request?"
Rukia was taken aback by his sudden dubious nature. "Thank you, Captain Ukitake," she whispered as she glanced at her hands.
"I do have one more question, if you'll allow it, Rukia," he furrowed his brow, deciding how to approach this question. She nodded quietly. "Have you…talked to Ichigo about your decision?"
Rukia lowered her eyes. "No," she whispered. "I have not."
The sickly captain pressed the issue, "Then how do you know if this is what he wants?"
Rukia met his gaze. "What he wants," she echoed softly. What did he mean by that? Does Ichigo not love her anymore? "I don't understand," she shook her head, confused by his statement. Frantic thoughts resounded in her head.
"I mean," he explained, "how do you know that he doesn't want to become a Shinigami instead?"
Rukia raised her head, meeting his eyes once again. "Oh!" she said, widening her amethyst eyes in recognition. She hadn't thought about that. "I-I didn't think…," she trailed off. She had not considered the possibility that he would want to give up everything and move to Soul Society to be with her. He had a loving family and many close friends. She, on the other hand, had few close contacts. Rukia had thought it was only natural that she left Seretei to be with him. Not vice versa.
"He has so many people that he cares for," she spoke slowly. "I didn't think he would want to leave them," she explained. She lowered her eyes in shame.
"I'm not trying to talk you out of any possible scenario, Rukia. I'm just curious as to whether you had asked him about what his thoughts are. I think you are doing the right thing by taking your time making this magnitude of a decision. I support it," he patted her hand gently.
She raised her eyes, and he could see the tears glistening in them. "I'm so silly," she said, "But this has all happened so quickly. I didn't think about it. Maybe…"
"Kaien's wife was human," Jushiro interrupted. He knew that she was having doubts in her decision, and he was partly responsible for that.
"Miyako…was human?" Rukia sputtered. She hadn't known this!
The captain nodded, "She was. And Kaien had wanted to leave Soul Society to be with her. He was more impetuous than you are, I might add." He brought his cup to his lips.
"I-I had no idea," she whispered, her eyes wide with astonishment. She had looked up to Shiba Miyako. As the former Third Seat—as well as Kaien's wife—she was the epitome of beauty, class, and elegance. She was everything Rukia was not, yet all that Rukia wanted to become.
"It was the reason why the Shiba family's reputation became sour with the other noble families," he closed his eyes in memory. "It was unspeakable for an upper class member of society to marry into the lower class. So, you can imagine the uproar that was caused when he chose to marry a living soul! But, it was actually her decision to follow him here, even becoming a Shinigami in the process. She worked diligently to prove her worth to his family and the other nobles. She had successfully won the hearts of Kaien's siblings. But, their marriage had already marred the Shiba family name. It never recovered from that circumstance. Though, Kaien never once regretted his decision," he explained.
Rukia absorbed every word that Jushiro shared with her. She had never heard her captain speak so openly about Kaien. She had always admired both Kaien and Miyako, and this only supported that admiration. She could feel the tears prickling behind her eyes as she remembered the night she had ended Kaien's pain. A part of her died with him. A piece of her heart was buried with his body. She had loved the man that she knew would never return her feelings. Her crush was innocent, as she was entirely respectful to his marriage. She loved his wife too much to ever betray that boundary. Perhaps that love developed from her thankfulness for his tutelage and honesty. She realized that it was nothing compared to how she felt about Ichigo.
"I…he was an honorable man," she whispered, wiping a tear from her eye.
The fair-skinned captain could see Rukia's pain. That night will forever be a reminder of his failure as a captain, but it will forever remind Rukia of her success as a true friend. She had truly saved Kaien, though it was not in the manner she had intended. She had saved his honor; his dignity. Kaien would have had it no other way.
He rested a hand on her shoulder, "So now you know," he smiled warmly.
"I think I'll take your advice, Captain," Rukia replied after a few moments of thought. "I will talk to Ichigo about it…when the time's right."
"There's no rush, Rukia," he reminded her. "You'll be on a semi-permanent assignment, remember?" he grinned his reminder.
Rukia stood, clearing her head of all that Jushiro had shared with her. "Thank you," she replied earnestly. Her eyes shining with a happiness he had never quite seen in her before.
"You are very welcome, Rukia. Take your time with that decision. You have all the time in the world."
"I will do that, Captain Ukitake."
She slowly turned and walked down the stairs that led her to the headquarters. She felt as if she were floating on air as she trotted along the path. She passed Captain Kyoraku along the way, smiling to him in greeting.
"What's that all about?" Shunsui asked, jerking his thumb in Rukia's direction as he approached his close friend. Jushiro raised an eyebrow in question, so Shunsui explained, "Rukia-chan. She's smiling. I don't think I've seen it before."
"Oh, I just gave her a new assignment," the light-haired man explained as he poured his friend a cup of tea.
"That's all? It must be some assignment," he thoughtfully murmured into his cup. "So you caved have you?"
"I am merely helping her along. Don't be so facetious, Shunsui," he chastised the dark-haired captain. "Besides, it was inevitable, was it not?"
"Hmm," Kyoraku agreed wordlessly. "I suppose it was. So, is she going to give up her powers?"
"Not yet. At least, she's going to take a while to think about it. Talk to Kurosaki Ichigo and see what he wishes," Jushiro explained.
"That kid would be one hell of an addition to the Gotei. Especially with the new intel that Kurotsuchi has gathered," he responded, cryptically. "Not to mention that your Rukia has a formidable bankai. If she can learn to wield properly, that is."
Jushiro could only nod as they sat in silence. He pondered Rukia's fate. Regardless of her choice, he would support her.
His friend's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Oh, to be young and in love," Shunsui sighed.
The Thirteenth's captain suppressed a smile. "Come now, Shunsui. You've had many great loves in your lifetime. In fact, every woman in the Academy swooned over you," he teased. "Women have fought to be your vice-captain. Speaking of your harem, how's Nanao-san, by the way?"
"Just what are you trying to say about me, Jushiro?" he replied with mock offense. "Really!" he huffed in exasperation.
"Nothing," Captain Ukitake murmured. "Nothing at all."
Rukia was surprised to find Renji and Byakuya in discussion when she reached the Kuchiki Manor. She stood, staring at the two men as they whispered furiously. She was not sure what they were discussing, but from Renji's face, she could tell it was serious.
"Erm, am I interrupting, Byakuya-san?" she hesitated, lingering in the doorway. She was still uncomfortable calling him 'Byakuya' in front of others.
He looked up, as if noticing Rukia for the first time. "Rukia," he calmly replied. He shot a warning look at Renji. "You are not interrupting. Please come in," he waved his hand.
Rukia stepped into his office quarters, her hands clasped behind her back. "I, uh, I have to discuss something with you," she began. She could hear her voice wavering as she spoke.
Renji stepped away from the desk, nodding slightly at Rukia. "I'll wait outside, Captain Kuchiki." His voice sounded gruff with concern. He winked as he passed her, even daring to throw a thumbs up in her direction. She felt her face grow hot.
"Go ahead, Rukia," Byakuya spoke softly, as his eyes studied his sister's face.
"I have a new assignment, Brother," she started, unsure of how to finish.
"Yes?" he replied his eyes narrowed in curiosity.
"It's a long-term assignment from Captain Ukitake. To guard Karakura," she explained. Her voice suddenly failed her.
When Byakuya realized she was not sharing anything more, he spoke. "I am hoping this is not directly related to that dimwitted Kurosaki child, Rukia."
Rukia maintained her gaze; her resolution would not be wavered. "The city has been a source of high spiritual energy for some time," she cleared her throat before continuing. "With that said, it would only be natural to expect hollow activity to rise."
"Is that your only reason for accepting the mission?" he asked suspiciously. He was not supportive of her relationship with the Kurosaki boy, but he could not control her life. During Yoriuchi's visit, they had discussed his opinion of his sister's relationship with the child of a former Shinigami. He had ardently argued against the match, but the Shihoin heir had provided a plethora of reasons as to why it should be accepted. He knew that if Rukia was anything like her sister, there would be no talking her out of it. He could try, though.
Rukia continued to meet his gaze as she spoke. "It is not, Brother."
"Would an offer of a Captain-level position change your mind?" his tone was serious.
"Are you k-kidding?" she huffed. Was he—Byakuya Kuchiki—really offering her what she thought he was offering her?
He shook his head. "I am not. I have spoken to some of the other captains, as well as General Yamamoto, and they are willing to meet and discuss the promotion."
Rukia gaped at her adoptive sibling. Was he serious? Only months earlier, he had adamantly opposed a seated position for her. He had even been against her Vice-Captain promotion in the Thirteenth Division. It was only after many explosive tantrums, on Rukia's part, that he had given in.
"I-I do not want to become a captain," she confessed.
"It is a very becoming position for you, Rukia. Especially as a Kuchiki," he replied, his affect flat.
She studied his posture and mannerisms. He couldn't seriously want her to take such a position. Could he? "You…you are joking?"
"I do not joke about such matters, Rukia."
She tore her eyes away from his face, lowering her gaze to the floor. "I know you do not like Ichigo, but it's not just him. I have friends in Karakura who are very dear to me. His family is like my own. I care about them all. I have thought about this mission, and I have accepted it. I ask that you please support my decision."
He watched her closely, studying the way her fingers interlaced and unlocked as she spoke. He took a deep breath. "As you wish."
Rukia's head shot up as she looked at him in amazement. "What? That's it? No yelling?"
"Why would I yell? It won't change anything, will it?" he asked, his face showing his confusion. She shook her head. "Exactly," he replied.
"The captain position?" she softly asked.
"I was serious," he met her eyes.
"Oh." She blurted, feeling stupid. "Then why would you try to talk me out of the assignment?"
"It was at least worth a try," he shrugged. The corners of his mouth twitched upward.
Rukia looked at him through narrowed eyes. Over the past few weeks, she was seeing less and less of the cold Byakuya. It was if he was slowly thawing, allowing them to build a closer relationship--one more becoming of siblings.
"I may not agree with your decision, but I understand it," he offered.
"You do?"
He nodded. "I was once in a similar position. I could take a wife I loved and cherished, or I could undertake my duty as a Kuchiki. I chose love."
Rukia lowered her eyes, understanding his cryptic message. "Thank you," she murmured
"You are free to go. Remember to visit every once in a while," he replied seriously. "Don't do anything stupid. If I have to come save you, you will be very sorry. Do you understand?"
"Aye!" she squeaked, afraid of his sudden change in demeanor. He could still be frosty when he needed to.
He picked up his pen and began scribbling furiously on his paper. When he did not hear the doors slide shut, he looked up. He was surprised to find Rukia standing next to him, tears in her eyes. Before he could say anything, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He allowed the hug, even gently patting her back as she sobbed into his shoulder.
She pulled away, smiling through her tears. She knew it wouldn't be the last time she'd see her brother, but it felt like it. She didn't tell him of the possibility that she may stay in the human world forever. Nor did she share the possibility that Ichigo may accompany her back, someday, as her lover. No, she wouldn't discuss that until the time was right. Besides, his eyes told her that he suspected those silent scenarios.
He smiled as she watched her stride across the room, pulling the door shut behind her. Until next time, Rukia, he silently called out.
"So, did he take that well?" Renji grinned as Rukia walked toward him. He could see the tear stains on her cheeks.
"Actually, he did. I was surprised by how smoothly it went."
"I softened him up for you," the red-head raised his chin proudly.
"You did no such thing, you ass!" she smiled as she softly punched his arm.
"You're right, I didn't. I didn't want to face his wrath. You know, just in case," his eyes grew larger, in mock fear.
Rukia looked back toward the door, chewing her bottom lip. "I think he truly understands," she whispered.
"Understands what?" Renji replied, confused by her cryptic muttering.
"Nothing," she shook her head. "Let's go sit on the hillside, where we used to sit as children," she pointed in the familiar direction. "I have a lot to tell you."
"No kidding!" he whistled his amazement.
"Yup, all true. Told me himself," she replied, nodding her head. She stared out over the hills, watching the tiny world go through its daily routine while they told stories on the hillside. They had spent the last hour at the graves of their childhood friends. It had been years since the had done this, and Rukia was glad for the few precious hours.
"Thank you, Renji," she said, suddenly serious. She reached for his hand.
"For what?" he asked, confused by her abrupt change in tone.
"For being such a good friend. I don't know what I would do without you."
"I don't know what you would do without me, either!" he grinned at his own joke. He ducked as she swung her open palm at his head.
"Stupid!" she growled. The sat in silence for a few more minutes, staring out over the vast expanse of Soul Society.
"So, you're really leaving, huh?" he asked, looking down at where their fingers were intertwined.
"Yes," she spoke softly. "But I'll be back. I'm not leaving forever."
Renji nodded, though his heart did not feel that way. He knew the true reason why she was taking the mission: she wanted to become human for Ichigo. "You know, maybe he'll want to come here," he unlocked his hand from her grip, waving to the land ahead of them.
"Maybe," she agreed. "Captain Ukitake said the same thing. I think, in time, we'll figure it out," she added.
"I don't know how I feel about him becoming a permanent Shinigami." He tried to imagine what it would be like to have both Ichigo and Rukia with him. Rukia smiled. "I'll come visit, you know. Maybe even come and help!" he offered.
"You're a captain now, it won't be that easy," Rukia said sadly. "But I would like you to visit!" She could feel the tears in her eyes.
"Eh, I can do what I want. It's the beauty behind being a captain, Rukia!" His face became more serious as he continued, "You know, Byakuya was trying to get you promoted to a Captain seat."
"I know," she nodded. "He told me."
"You really changed him, that's for sure," he said thoughtfully. "He's almost…fun!" They both laughed at the thought of Byakuya being enjoyable company.
Rukia thought about the two men whispering over Byakuya's desk. "Renji..what were you two discussing today? Before I interrupted."
Renji was quiet for a few moments, debating on how much he should tell her. "There has been some odd activity lately. More and more Arrancar have appeared, a few brave ones stormed into Soul Society. Some think that, since we never really saw Aizen's body, that perhaps he's still alive, behind all of this." He saw Rukia nervously chewing her bottom lip. "But, that's all speculation at this point. We really have no evidence."
"But, didn't Inoue destroy the Hogyoku?"
"Yeah," Renji nodded, "But how do we know that Aizen didn't figure out how to create another one?"
Rukia thought back on her battle with the self-proclaimed Queen of Hueco Mundo. She shivered, "Maybe they are naturally evolving. Or they were in hiding when Aizen was in charge, and saw how far he got with that sort of power. Maybe they want to take over that mission," she offered.
Renji nodded calmly. "Maybe. That is a possible scenario. They are thinking of sending Ashido back to Heuco Mundo, for reconnaissance," his voice was low as he shared that information.
"What?" Rukia exploded. "After we rescued him?"
"Well, now they know about him, so they won't lose him again, Rukia," Renji replied calmly. "Besides, he's lived there for centuries. He's probably as old as Unohana. Or the General!"
Rukia nodded, "You are right. I forget that he's been there for so long. He must have a high spiritual energy." She smiled mischievously, "No one is as old as General Yamamoto!" They erupted into a contagious fit of laughter for the second time that evening.
"Well," Renji said, after he caught his breath, "I have a meeting with my division. I should get going."
Rukia followed suit. "Yeah, I have, er…stuff to do too!"
"Don't you mean, you have to try to make up with Ichigo?" he asked. He had thought she was going to do that when she left both him and Ashido at the gates to Soul Society. He was sorely disappointed to find out that she had only talked to his father.
"Bite me!" she growled, her face flushing. She did not want a reminder of that incident at the gate to the Kuchiki Manor.
"Eh, I'd rather not," he waved, turning his head in mock disgust. He received a kick to his shin. "Ow, what was that for?" he asked, his eyes watering from the pain.
Rukia pulled him into a hug before he could sputter the profanities that were on his tongue. He was taken aback by the hug, feeling the sadness in her embrace. He returned the gesture.
He pulled back, his hands on her shoulders. He could see the silent tears falling from her violet eyes. "Don't cry, Rukia. It's not like I won't see you again!"
"It's not that," she whispered. She had known that Renji harbored feelings for her. She had known for some time. It had hurt him to see her grow close to Ichigo, she knew. But, she could not deny her feelings for the orange-haired human, despite her desire to return Renji's feelings. He deserved someone who would love him, unconditionally. Someone who was not her. Renji immediately understood her sadness. He could read the silent messages in her eyes. He wordlessly accepted her apology.
He smiled, "Go."
She looked up at him, opening her mouth to say something. He merely shook his head, turning spinning her by her shoulders. "Go, Rukia! Ichigo's waiting for you!"
She hesitated. She tried to turn back to him, but she felt his foot connect with her backside, pushing her forward. "I said go, you idiot!" he roared.
This time she didn't hesitate, instead, disappearing in blur of black Shinigami uniform. She understood his sudden eagerness for her to leave. He didn't want her to see his tears as she left for what was possibly the last mission she would ever undertake.
He stood there for some time after she left. "I will miss you, Rukia," he whispered after she disappeared. "I will miss you, my best friend."
A/N: I don't usually do this, but I've been really slammed with ridiculous family emergencies/deaths. I've done a lot of traveling throughout the state this past week. Hence the reason for my late update. But, to make it up, I have a long chappie! :D
I thank everyone who reviewed. You made my crappy week much better!
The story is winding down (at least Part 1 is, I think I can come up with a Part 2, but that will be after much brainstorming for a feasible plot [I have an idea] and the two stories that are burnin' a hole in my head).
A/U: 11:44pm: fixed a minor error (thanks, Bglswrth454!)