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As Color Fades Away
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Lance awoke with a start and a quiet gasp that permeated the otherwise near silent room.
He took in a ragged breath, relaxing slightly as Hunk's gentle snores sounded and he was firmly reminded that he was in the castle and he was safe. That still did not stop him from fetching his bayard from where he'd stored it underneath his pillow.
Willing his heart to stop racing, he lied back down, both relieved and upset that Hunk had not awoken. The remnants of the nightmare had vanished, but the lingering sense of fear and unease had not and he really wanted a hug and some reassurance.
But Hunk was exhausted. He'd nearly trundled to Lance's room following the end of the movie, skipped the bathroom, and fell asleep as soon as he'd pulled his mattress off the wall. Lance had felt a flash of guilt because he knew Hunk was only that tired because he'd been looking out and taking care of him for the past several days, but he also knew that Hunk wanted to and did not want Lance's apologies. He was glad though that Hunk had chosen to spend another night in his room. He wasn't sure if he was ready to be alone yet.
Shiro had come by shortly thereafter to collect Pidge's mattress, who had said she felt all right to sleep in her own room that night. She'd given Lance a tight good night hug that he'd returned. Shiro had given him a one-armed one around the mattress and bid him pleasant dreams.
Despite the fact he really did not want to, Lance had crept down the silent hall to the bathroom to brush his teeth where he'd found Keith washing his face with the sink on full blast.
He'd paused for a moment in the doorway, legs trembling, before he'd forced himself in and to the other sink. He'd taken a shower already. He could handle a little sink spray.
As soon as Keith had noticed him he turned the sink to a lower gush, but not all the way off and finished up. He hadn't said anything but had given Lance a pat on the shoulder before he also retired.
He managed teeth brushing much better than the morning and after a quick run to the toilet he even managed to wash his hands without succumbing to any flashback as the water ran over his hands. All in all, he was feeling pretty proud of himself by the time he crawled into bed and the fact it was over such little things no longer made him feel bad either.
Everyone had stressed time and patience to him and he knew they were right. Things had already gotten so much better but he knew they were far from over. The most glaring problem was still his right hand, which he'd tucked up under his shirt and was warming it on his stomach with the heat pad Pidge had left behind. He didn't need-need it but it comforted him and he knew Pidge had left it for that very reason.
But now the peacefulness was shattered as he lay trembling in his bed, trying to calm himself. He knew it had just been a dream, or a fragmented memory, he couldn't quite tell at this point as pieces of it slipped away, but that didn't make this new terror any less.
There was still so much to be afraid of after all.
Allura had reassured him in some way that they would be ready for a fight with Haggar for when she did come. And Lance knew she would. He shivered again, nearly feeling her hands card through his hair and squeezed his eyes shut.
She wasn't here. It was all in his head and he just needed to ignore it.
But he couldn't ignore the real threat of her arrival. He felt a little better prepared now with his bayard at hand but this was Haggar. She wasn't going to be scared off by a few shots.
She wasn't scared of anything.
He could see her now, stalking down the castle's halls and blasting everything out of the way with sheer power, making Pidge scream as an energy ball collided with her, seeing Keith collapse to the ground, sword skittering away and blood pouring from his mouth as his imagination filled in the gaps from the earlier discussion and embellishing them with the what ifs.
He could see Allura slumped inside Blue, Hunk and Yellow spiraling into space. Shiro being pinned down by Haggar, helpless to free himself from her grasp as she snapped a collar of familiar design around his neck and his screams lit up the hall.
He sat up with a jolt. That was it. He was not sleeping right now. Not with those images dancing around in his head.
He cuddled the slightly warm heat pack closer and debated his options. He wanted to talk to someone, anyone, for reassurance. Allura had told him to go to them.
But it was the middle of the night. Just after 0300 according to the clock on his dresser. He had no idea what was in store for them later that day and he was loathe to wake anyone up because of a nightmare. They needed their rest.
He glanced one more time at Hunk, slumbering away. Normally he'd just crawl right in next to him and soak in the comfort Hunk always projected, but he didn't want to just lie there and try to sleep. He was too anxious for that but he didn't want to wake anyone up either.
He worried his lip. What did he do?
Blue. Duh.
He'd gone to his Lion more times than he could count after a bad dream or just a long night. Her presence never failed to soothe him and Blue never pushed outside of making sure he was okay. She always let him gather himself if he did wish to talk, but otherwise she would wrap him up in her presence and make everything better for at least a little while.
Yes. He'd go see Blue.
Lance gathered one of his quilts about his shoulders and slipped near soundlessly from the bed, socked feet sliding on the metal floor. He stood for a moment, regaining his legs as they were still shaky, especially after sitting or lying down for so long.
Once he had his balance well established Lance moved as silently as a shadow to the door and it opened with a soft hiss. He glanced worriedly over his shoulder that it might have awoken Hunk, but another snore sounded and Lance smiled. Hunk generally did sleep like a rock.
He made his way down the hallway, bypassing Shiro and Hunk's empty room and turned in the direction of the front hall, where all of the Lions were still resting. He knew they had to return to their hangars at some point, but right now he appreciated the closer walk.
The castle was eerie in the late (early?) hour, and Lance hurried as quick as he could. He knew it was no longer haunted but the long halls and his near creeping about them reminded him too much of trying to navigate an exit out of the Galran ship. He cringed at the thought and picked up his pace.
Finally the doors of the front hall beckoned and he stole inside them with a heavier breath than the situation warranted, casting his eyes about the dim interior.
Cub? he heard Blue's inquiry and then the sound of metal shifting on metal. Cub all right?
"I'm okay," he said quietly, moving towards her large bulk. "Just… just a bad dream. Can I sit with you?"
He could feel her acceptance as well as her amusement that he even had to ask. She was lying down already, head between her paws, and Lance eyed the paw that he normally clambered atop of and rested in between the grooves. It was normally a simple matter but with his right hand he doubted he could pull himself up.
Here, Lion assist. He felt Blue's intentions before he felt her cold snout and she nudged his feet out from underneath him and lifted him onto her nose, depositing him with a gentleness that her huge figure belied.
A day earlier Blue would not have attempted such a thing, seeing the way her Paladin shook and trembled at any touch, even one as warm as Yellow's Paladin. But she sensed a brightness to him now and when she looked closer many of the dark spots that had marred his beautiful light had disappeared.
She purred at that as he settled himself into the groove, tucking a blanket about him, and she lowered her head back so she could easily see him. Her Paladin was feeling better. Much better. She nuzzled his quintessence with her own and was delighted when his wrapped itself back in the embrace.
And her Paladin laughed. It was music to Blue's ears and she purred all the louder. How had this all happened?
"I've got a lot to tell you, Blue," her Paladin murmured and she felt him rub a hand over her foot.
He shared his story in bits and pieces, made all the more vivid by the mind pictures he projected and the emotions that coursed down their link. Blue already knew her Paladin was the best – and no, she was not biased in the slightest – but to see how much he had overcome and grown to love himself in such a short time made her fit to burst with sheer pride and love for this cub she called her own.
She immediately tried to dampen the last thought, recalling all too clearly the fear that had welled up within her Paladin when she used such a term.
But her Paladin did not seem distressed. Thoughtful, really, and he pet her paw again as surely as his quintessence stroked her own.
"Blue?" he whispered. "You're my Lion, right?"
Always came her answer, thrumming with promise.
"Then that makes me your Paladin."
Yes she said with no less certainty but there was a sense of question as to where this was leading.
"Then… then you're mine," he murmured. "And I'm… I'm yours."
Blue's heart swelled as she realized what he meant.
My Paladin? she sent out quietly, bracing still for the backlash.
None came.
Only a quiet contentment and peace and Blue nearly cried with her own. My Paladin she repeated, stronger.
"My Lion," he breathed, a smile on his words. "Oh, Blue…"
My Paladin, my cub she nuzzled his essence again. She was not sure she had ever felt such joy as she had in this moment over her thousands and thousands of years. Her Paladin was healed. He was shining full of love and hope that he had found for himself. He had found the strength to overcome the darkness, just as she always knew he would.
But all was still not well. He had told her of the failed barrier idea to keep Haggar from accessing him. Ultimately, it had worked out in ways they never could have imagined for as terrified he had been of waking in his mindscape it had been what he needed to really move forward.
It still did not solve the problem of the Druid witch who still haunted her Paladin's thoughts; restrained and small in the grand expanse but still there. Blue hated that he still had this fear but she did not know how to soothe it away. It was a real threat.
She tried to stifle her feelings of despair so as not to alarm her Paladin, but he just patted her paw. "I know," he said quietly. "I'm scared too. I don't… I don't want the others to get hurt, Blue. I know they're all amazing fighters, but… it's her. And him. And they want to kill me."
Lion will not let them Blue snarled. Lion protect my Paladin.
Even as she said it though Blue felt despair. For unless her Paladin was safely inside her she could not do much. She could not rampage through the castle for blowing out a wall and opening the interior to the deep abyss of space would be as sure a death sentence as what the witch wanted.
She felt Black touch her mind, a concern in the inquiry as she had felt Blue's distress. Blue rapid-fire projected what her Paladin had shown her of the plan and how it had failed through no fault other than a lack of training and ability. Blue had felt her Paladin's confidence that the princess would indeed be able to do it given time… it was just time they did not have.
To Blue's surprised she felt Black roll her eyes and she growled at the perceived insult.
"Blue?" her Paladin asked gently. "What's wrong?"
Blue didn't have a chance to answer as Black fired back feelings and ideas that left Blue reeling. Was… was that possible? Black let out a deafening roar in answer that caused her Paladin to start in surprise and Black sent back a rather meek apology.
My Paladin Blue said, nearly tripping over her words. Black Lion has idea.
"An idea?" he asked hesitantly.
For barrier. Lions do it.
She felt his shock then mixed with hope. "You… you can do that?"
Black Lion says so. Black Lion connect with quintessence. Other Lions help make circle.
Black pressed on her mind then, reminding Blue of the potential risks. They had never attempted such a feat after all, and especially with a host in a weak body like the human's. But, Black had added hastily as she sensed Blue's ire at the word choice, Blue's Paladin was strong indeed and his quintessence beyond that.
Blue relayed these feelings to her Paladin and as she expected he nodded with a bravery she still found herself admiring anew each time.
"I trust you, Blue," he whispered. "Always."
And Lance did with every fiber of his being. Blue was everything to him. She was him, in a sense, as they shared the same blue quintessence.
"What do I do?" he asked, feeling her conversing with the other Lions but unable to follow their conversation. Around him though the other Lions were starting to awaken, yellow eyes piercing the dim room and metal joints creaking as they rose from their slumber.
Sit in center Blue instructed. Lion join shortly.
Lance carefully slid off the large paw, socked feet hitting the ground with a muffled thump. His heart was racing as he made his way to the somewhat center of the hall and sat down, pulling the quilt tight about his shoulders.
Could this actually work? He shivered at the thought. The Lions were all powerful. And the Black Lion did have a connection to the Astral Plane and thousands of years to have perfected traveling to and from.
If it did not work though… he could be sent back to his mindscape, possibly. Or, he could skip that step and just… die. It was a possibility; he had been drained last time according to Allura but this go-around would be the opposite and he could be overloaded instead.
Blue purred a reassurance down their link and he felt the fear wash away. Blue would never hurt him. None of the Lions would. This was his best chance. Their best chance.
The Lions were moving now, shifting to lie down in a circle about him heads facing inward and tails all sweeping to the right to lightly touch their neighbor. He tried to suppress the shiver as every yellow gaze was focused directly on him. It was more than a bit intimidating to have all of the Lions looking at him so.
Black had settled herself directly in front of him with Red and Green on her sides and Blue and Yellow out of sight behind him in the formation they made for Voltron. Lance pivoted so he could catch a glimpse of Blue and he felt her smile.
My Paladin ready?
"Sí," he managed, feeling his heart pick up tempo again. This was it. He vaguely wondered if he should have maybe told someone in case anything went wrong, but it was too late now.
Do not fear, my Paladin Blue murmured, wrapping him in her embrace. All will be well.
He nodded, not trusting himself to speak again.
Close eyes Blue instructed and Lance did so, acutely somehow more aware of the other presences now. Breathe. Listen. Feel quintessence.
Lance centered himself as they had learned to do for the mindmeld, concentrating on the feel of his chest rising up and down with each breath, the pulse in his neck and the warmth above his heart.
Around him he could sense a brightening glow, warm and steady. He could either take the leap and move into it or he could pull back. It was entirely up to him, but he knew there was only one real option.
And with one final exhale he let go.
xxx
Hunk awoke to his bladder crying at him and lamenting the number of hot chocolates he had downed and he sent a silent apology to it and a promise for relief.
More awake than he wanted to be, Hunk rolled over to get off the mattress, looking at the clock that rested on Lance's dresser. Fifteen minutes past 0300. Ugh. His eyes moved to Lance's bed, hoping to see his best friend sleeping easily.
But he wasn't sleeping easily because he wasn't there.
Hunk shot up, much more alert than he had been a second ago as his heart pounded in his chest. He scanned the room quickly, somehow expecting Lance to materialize. "Lance?" he whispered as though that could summon him.
No one responded.
Hunk pulled himself free of his blankets and stumbled over to the bed. Lance's bayard was resting on the mattress next to the heating pack and the blankets were pushed back as though in a hurry.
Lance hadn't been… kidnapped, had he? Hunk shook his head. No. Impossible. He was being ridiculous. Lance had probably just had to run to the bathroom.
The bathroom where there were plenty of triggers; the water, the mirror, the large, echoing space. Hunk was hurrying from the room before he even processed the thought. Lance could be stuck in the bathroom, held in check by a memory and needed someone to break him out of it. He'd come so far but in the quiet darkness of the castle anything could have happened. Hunk practically flew down the hall.
He almost ripped the bathroom door off its hinges in his haste, Lance's name already on his tongue.
Bu the bathroom was empty. The lights had kicked on as he entered but there was no sign of Lance here. Hunk quickly relieved himself before hurrying out towards Shiro's room. Maybe Lance had gone to their leader instead of waking Hunk? He knew that Lance knew he was tired and it would be just like Lance to not want to bother him even though Hunk would not have minded at all.
Shiro's door slid open and Hunk poked his head into the gloom, searching for any sign of a wayward sharpshooter.
"Hunk?" came Shiro's groggy voice, awoken by the stream of light from the hall. Hunk felt his stomach plummet. Lance had not come this way and now he'd woken Shiro up.
"Uh—"
"What is it?" Shiro asked, tone sharper as sleep left and he knew Hunk would not have awoken him for no reason.
"Lance is missing. I hoped he might have come here, but…"
"Check with Pidge," Shiro instructed, pulling himself out of bed and dressed far more casually than Hunk had ever seen him; a loose sleeveless shirt and plaid black and red pajama bottoms. He caught sight of a few scars wrapping about Shiro's collarbone and another on his flesh arm and hurriedly averted his gaze before he could be accused of starting. "I'll check with Keith. Meet in the hallway." Hunk nodded and hurried to do so while Shiro, after throwing on a hooded jacket and zipping it fully, made his way to Keith's, bare feet tingling on the cold floors.
Shiro dearly hoped Lance had not tried to visit Keith in the dead of night because he was now remembering that there was a very dangerous knife hidden under the pillow that Keith would likely not hesitate to draw. After they found Lance, he decided, he needed to talk to Keith about that. He'd put it on his mental checklist but it had fallen by the wayside amongst everything else happening.
Keith's room was dark and while he found no Lance he did spot the younger boy sleeping as he normally did; blanket squashed to him and face relaxed in sleep. Shiro knew how quickly that could change.
The Black Paladin debated leaving Keith to his slumber, but something pushed at him to wake him. He'd learned to listen to his instincts and so ever so carefully he slipped his hand under the pillow, feeling out the sharp edges of a sheath. He pulled it free a moment later and once it was in his hand did he go to rouse Keith.
It took only one gentle shake and his name whispered for Keith to spring awake, nearly smashing his head into Shiro's and his hand moving in a practiced arc under his pillow. Shiro hated the noise that was torn from Keith's throat as it came up empty.
"Hey, hey, it's just me," he soothed as still bleary eyes looked his way.
"Shiro?" Keith croaked. "What…?"
"Here," Shiro handed him back the knife and the tension drained immediately away, Keith holding it near possessively to his chest. "We need to talk about that," Shiro said and stiffness came back. "Not now though. Lance is missing."
"Missing?" Keith repeated, voice rising slightly in pitch but he still slid off his mattress with grace and grabbed his belt to secure the knife to, his bayard also still attached.
"He wasn't in his bed," Shiro clarified. "It could just be a stop to the kitchen, and I'm sorry to wake you, but in case it isn't…"
He didn't want to think anything bad had happened. No alarms had gone off and it was incredibly unlikely in the event of a kidnapping they'd have left Hunk sleeping soundly feet away. Still, it didn't hurt to be prepared in case something was amiss. And again, something was prickling at the back of his consciousness that something was happening and Keith needed to be there.
He and Keith encountered Shiro and a glasses-less Pidge in the hall but no Lance. "Kitchen?" Hunk asked, trying not to worry too much and Shiro nodded.
They hurried their way there, relieved smiles being exchanged as a light appeared on in the room. Hunk knew that overeating was still a cause for concern and he really didn't want Lance to be sick, but he would take that over the other heart-stopping option.
"Lance!" Hunk cried out as he raced towards the open fridge door. "La—" the name died on his throat as the door closed to reveal Coran clad in blue and green striped pajamas and robe with a spoon in his mouth.
"Did Lance come through here?" Shiro asked urgently.
Coran's expression went from sheepish to being caught in the fridge to more serious and he plucked the spoon from his mouth. "No, he did not Number One. Has something happened?"
"He wasn't in his bed," Hunk explained for the third time. "Or the bathroom or anyone else's room."
"Have you tried the lounge?" the Altean asked. "Why don't you check there and I will check with the princess?"
"Good idea," Shiro said. He and the rest of the Paladins hurried to the room. It was still strewn with blankets and empty mugs that everyone had been too tired to return to the kitchen following their movie, but no Lance.
They were en route back to the kitchen when Coran and Allura intercepted them, the princess hastily still tying a robe.
"There are no signs of entry anywhere aboard the ship," Coran said in greeting as he scrolled through his tablet. "All shields are functioning and no release from any of the hangars."
Hunk slapped a hand to his forehead. "The hangars. Of course. He went to see Blue."
The ripple of relief that swept through them was nearly palatable.
"Of course," Pidge echoed, shaking her head. "Wow." She elbowed Hunk. "Way to freak us all out."
"I'd rather you did," Shiro said, although he rubbed at his eyes tiredly. "Better to be safe than sorry."
"Let us go sneak a quick peek to make sure all is well and then back to bed with us," Coran said, already heading for the great hall.
"Man, I feel so embarrassed," Hunk lamented. "I'm so sorry for waking you all."
"Don't worry about it, big guy," Keith said abnormally gently. "As Shiro said; better safe than sorry."
As they approached the hall there was a soft blue light emitting from the open door and Shiro frowned, that weird feeling from earlier prickling again. "Coran, I don't recall a light fixture of that color in the hall."
"That is because there is not one," Coran said. Around him he heard the Paladins drawing their bayards but he held up a hand. "I do not sense anything hostile and the Lions surely would have surely caused some ruckus if that were the case.
"I recognize this," Allura gasped, eyes widening. "It…"
She darted forward the last few paces and the others rushed in her wake. They nearly plowed into the princess as she drew up short upon the scene laid out before her.
The blue glow was what she thought it was: Lance's quintessence. It was wrapped all about his form, visible despite the fact she had not transcended into the Plane and clearly visible to the others as well. But more than that it was the circle of Lions, all lying down and facing the sitting figure and their normally yellow eyes lit by the color each Lion was named for.
"Um, why is Lance glowing?" Hunk asked.
"It's quintessence," Allura breathed. "It is his quintessence. But how…?"
"The Black Lion connects with the Astral Plane, does she not?" Coran observed, stroking his moustache and looking in awe at the scene before them. "She has brought the Plane here, it appears."
"What are they doing?" Keith moved to step closer but Shiro put a hand on his shoulder, stilling him. Even from here he could feel the power permeating the air and he had a feeling they were not supposed to get caught up in it.
"Creating a barrier," Coran said, wonderment in his voice. "They are creating a barrier."
The advisor kept his distance but circled to the right to take in more of the scene, seeing now that the Black Lion's eyes glowed with a mixture of black and blue hues. Lance's remained closed, his face peaceful, and he did not seem aware of their presence.
It was what Allura had tried to do, but using the human Paladin's quintessences. This… This…
"This is unprecedented," Allura whispered, taking the words right out of his mouth. "This much power in a human? How?"
As she spoke Lance flinched as though in pain and Hunk tried to move forward but found his path blocked by Coran. A second later Lance's expression evened back out as a sunburst of yellow swirled about his form and sank into it.
"Can he handle that much?" Shiro asked, worried. He'd seen what Allura's smaller attempt had done to both her and Lance and he was still vastly overwhelmed by the sheer raw power he felt whenever Black connected with him. Lance had all of that and then four more Lions' worth pressing on him.
"The Lions would not have attempted if they not thought it possible," Coran said. "Although if this works as we think it will…" He and Allura had briefly discussed the idea of Lance being able to sense the quintesences of the others from the Paladin's bond. This would let him sense the Lion's and by extension the Paladins.
But a human's mind, a human's body, was not the strength of an Altean. There was no physical way for its form to accept that much quintessence and yet, Coran realized, somehow Lance was doing so. It scared him as much as it made him swell with pride because this? This power was what Haggar was after.
He prayed that the Lions' plan worked because otherwise their actions would make Lance an even bigger, more desirable target. And he would never let the boy suffer for such ever again.
"It will what?" Hunk prompted, trying not to sound too desperate. "It will what, Coran? Is Lance going to be okay?"
"He will be all right," Coran assured. "He will just…"
"He will be able to sense the quintessence," Allura filled in quietly. "Like myself. He will be able to connect to the Lions and may even be able to sense you through them because of that connection. It is something no being other than an Altean or Druid is capable of and will be on a scale far, far greater than even my own."
"Wow," Pidge managed.
"Wow," Keith echoed.
Lance winced again, a tiny, soft moan issuing between his lips, but this time a green tendril settled about him, twining amongst his blue before it faded into the glow and his expression relaxed once more.
"You should all return to bed," Allura said, turning to face the Paladins. "This may take some time yet. Myself and Coran will remain to keep an eye on things."
"There is no way I can sleep right now," Pidge declared. "Sorry, Allura, but I'm staying right here."
Allura let out a sigh but a smile softened it. "I do not know why I expected anything less. Shiro, will you assist me in gathering some blankets from the lounge? Hunk, if it is not too much trouble could you brew us some tea? We should make ourselves comfortable at the least."
Everyone completed their tasks over the next several minutes, Allura and Shiro hauling in a stash of blankets and some of the couch cushions – Allura carrying six as though they weighed nothing – and Hunk passed out cups of the strawberry tea from earlier.
They settled in, Pidge curling up against Hunk and using his lap as a pillow for despite her claims she was indeed tired. Allura slumped down on next to Coran, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder.
Shiro stretched out fully, propping his head up with a pillow and his prosthetic arm and Keith sat next to him, hunched over and gaze fixated forward.
Lance continued to remain unaware of them, eyes closed and body relaxed as the blue glow moved like ocean waves about him and flashes of other color shown every now and then.
They were witnessing something that Allura was positive the universe would never see again and she smiled for no other reason than the sheer pride that it was Lance the universe had chosen for this honor.
Feeling absolutely content as the Lions' quintessences continued to fill the room, Allura settled in to watch not just history in the making, but a new future for Lance.
The room continued to glow blue.
xxx
Author's Notes:
Anyone? Anyone see this coming? Hehe! I am so, so proud of this and for keeping it under wraps minus a few hints of quintessence and the Astral Plane and the mention again that Lance had mistaken his own quintessence for Blue. Allura might not have had the training necessary but the Lions certainly do. Whoot whoot! I do promise though, Lance is not some supreme being now and he's not going to wipe the floor with Haggar. No. Heck no. I *hate* stories/plots like that and you can be certain I will not be a part of that. No siree. This is what Allura wanted to do just… on a larger scale. Much larger. And look! Glowing Lance! Eeeee!
I have really missed seeing a lot of you guys and I'll be honest, it's more than a little disheartening. I put a lot of time and effort (and have been slowly killing myself on one shots which have also been seeing a steady decline and while that doesn't really pertain here just know that I'm running a little ragged) into this fic, as well as my others, and, to be blunt, if you can manage to read a few thousand words I'd really appreciate if you could leave a couple (ten, hundred, whatever you feel like writing) or so saying what you like about the chapter and show that you appreciate the effort I put into it. Thank you. This chapter especially was a pretty big deal (obviously ;p) and I'd really love to hear your reaction.
And to those of you who have been here week over week and especially those that do leave beautiful, sweet, (long, ilu) comments. Thank you. Thank you so, so much. I appreciate it more than you know.