Author's Note:
Orihime: OHMYGOODNESS.

Ichigo: Is Renodori actually updating? Is this a new theme for the set that hasn't been updated in... months!?

Rukia: Why, yes... Yes, it is! Is this for real?

Ishida: It's the apocalypse!

Orihime: Reno-chan also deeply apologizes for this horribly late theme, and the fact that she's been on a hiatus for forever. She's still on a semi-hiatus, though she'll try to update this one more often, since she has a good 74 themes to go! Keep on rooting for her!

Renji: Reno-baka would also like to thank everyone that has reviewed and has cheered her on. For all the old and new reviewers that pushed her to continue. It's because of all of you that she continues to write these things. (Even if the updates are a little... slow.)

Ichigo: And she'd also like to apologize to Chad, who didn't get to say anything 'cause... well, it's Chad.

Chad: ...

Theme #27
Reach

Rangiku had always viewed the stars as a beautiful, wondrous phenomenon. During her early days in Rukongai, when she traveled aimlessly, they would always be her one sign of hope. When there seemed to be nothing more, when all seemed worthless, she'd lie on her back and gaze up at the sky. She'd admire the sparkling diamonds against the black canvass, and she'd tell herself that if she worked at it, one day she'd be able to be like one of those stars. She'd pick herself up, and keep going.

Though she hadn't realized it until now, it had been years since she last took the time to look at the night sky. After she and Gin had moved into their shack, she really hadn't had much time; and yet, those has been the best years of her life. Now that he was gone... Well, all she had to accompany her was herself.

So one quiet night, after she had finished everything, she treaded out to the front lawn and lay herself down on the grass. She closed her eyes and steadied her breathing, all the while taking in everything around her. The grass that brushed up against the bare skin of her ankles, the slight breeze from the summer wind, the quiet whisper of the night.

Oceanic eyes fluttered open slowly, gratefully taking in every sparkle that expanded across the vast universe. All emotion was void from her face, and she simply gazed up at the stars, silently observing and analyzing them.

They seemed so... distant. It was a silly thought, she knew. Of course, they're distant, they're stars. But back in those days, back when she had little to live for, they seemed so close. With every passing day, they grew closer to her, and it felt as though if she just reached out, she could touch one of them. Now, they weren't even in her grasp.

One particular star suddenly caught her attention. Rather, a pair of stars. Her eyes shot up to the far north, where she found two sparkles whose shines were brighter than that of the others. They clearly stuck out, and everything about them distinguished them from the others. One star stood out in particular, while the other, only a bit smaller, sat right next to it. She watched that star enviously, wishing to be like it. To be like someone who could do something, who could make a difference. To be like someone who could be of use. To be someone that could actually help him, so that he wouldn't be walking alone.

She wanted to be by his side.

Absentmindedly, she raised a pale hand, reaching for the pair of stars above her. Her fingers stretched out as far as they could go, and their tips began to curve in, as though they were trying to wrap around the stars. Nothing. Not yet.

"I just have to keep on reaching... Just wait a little longer, Gin... I'll make it there."

Word Count: 499

This one's kinda the partner to Theme 17.

So. Just what have I been doing when I wasn't writing? Honestly enough, I really do have some excuses:
1) School is hell. Two math classes, two honors classes, art, about three clubs, student council. I don't have very much time for myself.

2) I actually have to work and pay attention in school. I know it sounds weird, but I've gotten through life procrastinating and not paying any attention in school. I've managed at least a 4.1 since last year without having to do anything. I barely managed a 4.1 this last quarter, and that was through working my ass off. Blaaagggh.

3) I've been busy with stuff for student council, community service, etc.

4) Dramarama. Bad dramarama. Stupid girls.

5) This past week and until this Sunday I've been teching for my school musical, FAME. Which is very exciting, but it takes out too many hours of the day. I get home at about 7:30, and by that time I'm hungry and exhausted, so I eat, sleep for a bit, then do homework. Not very nice on my body.

6) I've been working on some pieces that are on Freedom of Speech. -guilty-

So are my excuses. XD;