Amity and the twins sat at the outdoor table of the Robin's Roast Café. She knew that Edric and Emira were more than likely here to check on her progress with her mission. She was sure that perhaps Captain Dairus hadn't relayed the information about Luz being an Arrancar, otherwise it wouldn't just be her brother and sister here, there would be more Soul Reapers. Plus, they would've sent her notice ahead of time if they were planning to launch an attack. He even approved of her research mission.

So, that can only mean that Ed and Em are here on their own whim, Amity thought.

Once they were seated, and ordered their drinks, Amity glanced at her brother and sister respectively, and readied herself.

"Okay, go on, ask me what you want to ask me," said Amity as she took a drink of her coffee.

"In that case, what's the deal with you and Luz?" Emira asked.

Amity nearly spat out her coffee but managed to choke it down.

"Yeah, that confirms it, there's something going on," Edric noticed.

"W-W-What?! There's nothing going on between me and Luz!" Amity stated.

"I never said that there was anything going on between you two, just what was your deal," Emira corrected.

"Ah…uh…I…well…"

"Hmm? What was that, Mittens?" Edric questioned.

"We can't here you," Emira added.

Amity couldn't believe she bungled that right out of the gate. Her siblings really knew how to trip her up. Well, there wasn't much she could do now. As embarrassing as it might be to admit, and despite what they may think about her once she tells them, so long as she didn't let slip that Luz was an Arrancar, then she could salvage this.

"Fine…I'll tell you…but…you may not like what I have to tell you," said Amity as she clutched her coffee cup.

Emira and Edric noticed the serious expression on their little sister's face, and how she was holding the coffee cup. They nodded towards her, silently telling Amity to go ahead and tell them.

"…Ed…Em…I…I recently discovered that I like girls. To use another term, I am a lesbian…I know it's not exactly ideal for me to be this way…but I'm still exploring this part of myself. If you feel ashamed of me, I can understand."

The twins looked at Amity with a confused expression.

"Amity, why would we be ashamed of you?" Edric asked dumbfounded.

"I just told you; I like girls. It's not exactly ideal, especially considering my duties to the family, I'll have to marry a nobleman and produce an heir," Amity explained.

Emira furrowed her brow and reached out with her hand to take ahold of Amity's left hand, making her little sister look directly at her.

"Amity, do we look upset?" Emira asked.

"Well, you do right now," said Amity.

"Yes, I am. But only because you'd think we would disown you or hate you," Emira clarified.

"But…I just…"

"Look, we can't speak for Mom, but we don't care, Amity. You're our little sister, and we're always going to look out for you," Edric stated.

Amity, strangely, felt a wave of relief when she heard her siblings tell her that. Without knowing it, hearing them accept this part of her lifted a weight off her shoulders that she didn't know she was carrying. It would be one thing for her parents to disown or even hate her, but she didn't know just how good it would feel to know that her own older brother and sister were on her side and so understanding.

"Plus, do you know how many heads we turn around the barracks, boys and girls alike?" Emira pointed out.

"Yes, I am very well aware of the number of Reapers you have in your fanbase. I've even been asked to act as a kind of liaison for those parties," Amity deadpanned.

"Well, you don't think we like knowing that we have guys and girls practically simping for us?" Edric asked. "And it's not like you're the only Soul Reaper who's like that in Soul Society."

"So…does that mean you two are like Luz then? You're bisexual?" Amity inquired, genuinely curious.

Edric and Emira glanced at each other. They never really thought about it before. But perhaps there was some validity to Amity's question.

"Probably, I'm not exactly repulsed by the idea of a girl asking me out," Emira confessed.

"And there are some guys at the barracks that I feel the same way towards," Edric thought aloud.

Amity was at a loss for words. She had no idea that her brother and sister were like that, now she didn't feel so alone in this.

"But enough about us, keep going. You still haven't told us about Luz," Emira pointed out.

"Oh yeah, almost forgot. So, what's going on between you two?" Edric asked.

Amity groaned, she was kind of hoping revealing her newfound sexuality would steer them away from the subject of Luz, but her siblings were just as sharp as always. But she supposed that's why they were in Squad Nine after all.

"Okay, fine…that girl, Luz, she's my…my friend. I mean, up until now, she's been annoying the ever-loving hell out of me! She's teased me, invaded my personal space, and a number of other things I can't list right now! But…despite all of that…she's the whole reason why I even uncovered this part of myself. And…well…she's…we're going out. That is…I-I've decided to be her girlfriend…"

Edric and Emira's jaws dropped. They never dreamed that their baby sister would actually find someone she liked, but what was more surprising to see was how Amity was smiling when she talked about Luz. They hadn't seen a genuine smile on their little sister's face for quite some time.

"Wow, Amity, I'm so happy for you!" Emira exclaimed.

Edric got up out of his seat and patted Amity on the back.

"Great job, Mittens. And nice catch, by the way, Luz is pretty cute," Edric praised.

Amity's brow flinched a little when she heard her big brother note Luz's attractiveness.

"Thank you."

However, as happy as the twins were that Amity did finally find someone to give her heart to, they also had a duty as not only Soul Reapers, but as her older siblings to tell her the truth about this kind of matter. And Amity could tell that there was a shift in her siblings as their expressions grew semi-serious.

"Now, Amity, we are happy about this, truly. Especially since this is, like, the second thing you've done to go against Mom," said Emira.

"Yeah, the first thing being when you dyed your hair that purple color. Woo, man, she was pissed for a while about that," Edric reminded.

Amity sighed. Living under their mother's thumb was stifling, and while she did dislike her mother, she wasn't about to disgrace the Blight family name. Which was why when she managed to get into Squad Eight, the first thing she did was change her hair color. For years her mother wanted to keep it dyed green, due to the fact that Amity's original hair color was brown, just like their father's. But Odalia did not like that, so as soon as she was able, she had Amity dye it green, so that all the Blight children were of a matching color. Not only did she do that as small act of defiance, but she also liked the color purple, it matched her Zanpakutō's Shikai color, and it was also her father's favorite color as well.

"But if she finds out you're dating a human, man, she's going to go off the walls," said Edric.

"That also brings us to another thing. Amity, you do know that this assignment is only for three months, right? How long have you two been together?" Emira asked.

Amity went silent for a moment. With the whirlwind of everything that was happening, she had forgotten about her time limit here in the World of the Living. She wouldn't be here for much longer, the initial assignment was just for three months, basically until the end of summer. If she asked for an extension it would reflect poorly on her performance, not only that, but it would also look suspicious that she would request one. Amity was well known for getting her assignments done effectively and efficiently. Even with the change from investigation to research, Captain Darius surely would expect the young Soul Reaper to complete her task in a timely manner.

"Amity? Hey, Amity," Edric called out.

"Huh, what?" Amity stammered.

"I asked you how long you two have been together," Emira repeated.

"Oh…not that long, about two days at most. We've been interacting since I first arrived here about a month and a half ago. But it's only been recently that we became girlfriends," Amity admitted.

"Hmm…" the twins hummed as they thought.

"Well, if you want, we can help you rewrite everyone's memories. With some memory wipe devices, we can get it done pretty quick," said Emira.

"Wait, what?! What are you talking about?" Amity questioned.

"Mittens, how do you think this is going to end? You'll eventually have to return to Soul Society. Luz won't be able to see you again, and you'll leave her broken hearted. Like she was just a fling for the summer and now you're done with her," Edric clarified.

"With that being the case, it's better if we rewrite everyone's memories right now while you haven't been together that long. If the circle of people who know is small, we can get it done in just a few minutes."

Amity understood what her siblings were saying, and they weren't wrong. In her mind, Amity knew that that was the best course of action. So far, only Willow, Augustus, Camila, King, and Eda knew about their relationship. Eda wouldn't need to have her memories erased, and neither would King so long as he kept his mouth shut. That left Willow, Augustus, and Camila. It wouldn't take them more than five minutes total to erase the memories of what occurred that led to her and Luz's relationship, and everything would go back to the way it was. But would memory erasure even work on Luz?

We've never used memory erasing devices on Hollows before. For that matter, I'm not sure it would work on Willow or Augustus because of their Fullbringer and Quincy powers. There's no telling if it would even work on Luz…but…do I want it to?

There was a tightness growing in Amity's heart, a brewing reluctance that was going against the logical thought process of her Soul Reaper training.

"What if…I didn't want to erase her memories?" Amity asked.

Emira and Edric's eyes widened just a little when they heard Amity say that.

"Amity, I mean, you're only setting yourself and Luz up for heartache later," said Edric.

"Ed's right. When it comes to love, that emotion is not always easy to erase from a person's mind. Let's just say, for the sake of argument, that you continued to go out with Luz all the way until you have to leave. That's still another month and a half of memories, a month and a half of growing feelings. Even if we erased her memories, Luz's heart would still feel a longing for someone, but she would never remember who it is she's longing for. It could affect her relationships in the future. Are you willing to take responsibility for possibly messing up her chances of finding happiness with someone else?" Emira asked.

If it was any other person, no, I wouldn't. I couldn't put anyone through that kind of torture. But Luz is different, she's an Arrancar with a human soul. This whole scenario Emira and Edric are talking about doesn't apply to her. But if I tell them the truth…they might…

Edric and Emira reached out with a single hand each and placed it on Amity's right and left hands respectively.

"We know this is a lot to think about, Amity. We're really happy that you did find someone, we mean it," said Emira.

"But it'll only end up hurting you and Luz in the end. You'll always be longing for her and have to just watch her from afar. While she'll keep longing for you, but won't remember your face or your name," Edric continued.

Amity sighed long and heavy, lowering her gaze for a moment before looking her brother and sister in the eyes.

"Ed, Em, I understand why you're telling me this. I get it. I know you don't want to see me hurt, and you don't want to see Luz get hurt either. But I need you two to trust me on this. I need you to believe that I know what I am doing. I may still be exploring this whole lesbian thing, and being a proper girlfriend to Luz, but just let me do this my way," said Amity.

Now it was Edric and Emira's turn to sigh. They really didn't want their little sister to have her heart broken later and have her be soured on the idea of ever finding someone.

"Amity…"

"We still think…"

Amity took her hands away from her siblings.

"I'm sorry, I'm not changing my mind on this." Amity stood up and gave Emira and Edric a serious look. "You both have told me in the past that I need to do what makes me happy. And right now, as strange as it still sounds to me, being in this relationship with Luz is making me feel happy. So, thank you for looking out for me. I truly appreciate it. But for now, please go back Soul Society. I still have a mission to complete, and I don't require your assistance."

Before either of the twins could reply, Amity walked away, leaving them at the table. The young Soul Reaper felt so many emotions right now, she wanted to yell at her brother and sister for suggesting leaving Luz. She wanted to yell at herself for putting her personal relationship over her duties as a Soul Reaper. She wanted to jump up and cheer for the fact that she stood up for something she wanted for a change. Too many emotions, and she didn't know which to feel first.

Just then, her phone buzzed. Amity took out her cellphone and saw that Luz had texted her. Without thinking, she looked at the text and chuckled a little.

{Luz: Hey, so…Mom asked me if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight. No, let me rephrase that, she wants you to come to dinner tonight. You don't have to; I can tell my mom that you're planning on having dinner with your "aunt" Marilyn.}

After that talk with Ed and Em, being around Camila and having her home cooking sounds good right now.

{Amity: No, that's fine. Tell Camila I'll be coming over with you after work.}

{Luz: After work? That quick?}

{Amity: Well, I thought I might help her if she needs it.}

{Luz: Oh, OK, well, guess we'll be heading to my house…together.}

{Amity: Alright, I'm on my way back to the shop. See you in a minute.}

Amity put her phone back in her pocket took a few steps, paused, and realized what she had just texted Luz.

"How did that come so naturally…?" Amity questioned. "Oh, wow…I'm really getting into this being a girlfriend thing…"


Later that night, Amity accompanied Luz back to her house. It was a little awkward, they didn't exactly use the bus or anything, they just used their speed to jump across the town. And since they were moving so fast, no one noticed them. Although when they got closer to Luz's neighborhood, they landed somewhere out of the way and walked the rest of the way to the Noceda house.

They remained silent the whole way there, and even as they walked. Both girls would awkwardly glance down at each other's hands from time to time, wondering if they should be holding hands, as it was a thing couples do. There were several false starts on both sides, with Luz's hand slowly drifting to Amity's left. But the moment Amity was about to turn her head in Luz's direction, the Latina would swiftly return that hand back to her side. In the same manner, Amity's left hand would slowly drift towards Luz's right hand, but when she noticed Luz about to turn her way, she quickly put that hand behind her back.

Eventually, they did make it to Luz's house. The Latina opened the door and announced, "¡Mamá, estamos en casa! (Mom, we're home!)"

"Ah bueno. ¿Puedes preguntarle a Amity si quiere ayudar en la cocina? (Ah, good. Can you ask if Amity she wants to help in the kitchen?)" Camila asked.

Luz chuckled as looked at Amity and said, "Guess you're psychic too. Mamá wanted to know if you want to help her in the kitchen."

"Heh. Of course, I do," said Amity as she headed towards the kitchen.

Luz followed Amity, and watched as her girlfriend nonchalantly stood next to her mother and began striking up a conversation with her while the two of them cooked tonight's meal. The Latina leaned against the archway as she watched Amity and her mother cook, it was a scene that made Luz's heart swell with joy. Amity had a happy smile on her face as she conversed with her mother, and helped with chopping vegetables, or working the oven. It was so natural that it was almost scary, like Amity was always meant to be a part of this family.

C'mon, Noceda, don't get ahead of yourself. Amity just likes being around Mamá. Can't blame Mom, she has that effect on my friends. Still…seeing Amity like this. I still can't believe we're together…She looks so…beautiful and elegant even just doing something mundanely domestic as this.

Luz hugged herself a little as her expression fell some.

Am I really the best person to be with her? I know what Willow said, but…c'mon. Look at her? She should really be with a girl from the same class. Not some Latina from the suburbs, even more so not with a Hollow.

Camila glanced over her shoulder and noticed Luz's change in mood, prompting her to call out, "Oye mija, ven y ayuda tú también. (Hey, mija, you come and help too.)"

"De acuerdo Mamá. (Okay, Mom.)"

With all three working together, dinner was completed a lot faster. Amity and Luz set the table, and helped Camila bring in the food and placed it on the table. Once everything was set, they all sat down, with Luz and Amity sitting next to each other.

"Looks like we made a lot," Amity noticed.

"Better get used to that, chica. When you date a girl from a Latino family, you better be ready to get stuffed full of food," said Luz.

"Oh, c'mon, I didn't make that much…did I?" Camila asked as she looked at the spread. "Well, at least we'll have leftovers."

"I'll be happy to take some home with me if that'll help," Amity offered.

"Gracias, Amity. Heh."

"Something funny?" Luz asked.

"Oh no, I just thought back to the first time you brought Amity here and tried to pass her off as your girlfriend. And now, weeks later, you two are actually going out, heh-heh," Camila chuckled.

Luz and Amity blushed when Camila reminded them. Although Luz was blushing harder due to how her mother saw right past her charade, and how her mother showed Amity the photo album of baby pictures.

"Well, at least we don't have to go through that photo album thing again," said Luz.

"Oh, we're definitely going through that again," Camila retorted.

"Mamá, seriously?!"

"Of course, it's my right as a parent to embarrass my daughter by showing her girlfriend cute baby pictures!"

Amity giggled as she added, "I don't exactly mind looking at them again. It'll be a different experience considering our new relationship."

"Amity! Y-You just want to see me squirm! Admit it!" Luz accused.

"Luz, I would never. I genuinely want to see how cute my girlfriend was as a baby," Amity retorted with a smug grin.

"I knew I liked her, Luz," said Camila.

Luz returned her gaze to her mother and argued, "You know, the only reason you're doing this is because Abuela probably did this to you when you brought Papá home! And now you're continuing this vicious cycle of abuse by doing it to your own daughter! But, Mom, you can be a trendsetter! Be the one who breaks the cycle! What do you say, Mom?!"

Camila crossed her arms as she closed her eyes and thought about what Luz said. The older Latina thought about it for at least one minute before rendering her decision.

"Nah, I'm still going to do it."

"UGH!" Luz hit her head against the table.

"You'll understand when you have kids, mija."

"Humph! I will do no such thing! I guess it's up to me to break the cycle!" Luz stated with determination.

Amity giggled at how much Luz was agonizing over how Camila was going to embarrass her with baby photos. Honestly, she didn't mind seeing them again. Considering that the first time she did, she was viewing them through the lens of someone who suspected Luz of being an evil monster and that Camila was held hostage by her. Just then, Luz's head perked up and her eyes shifted towards the front door.

*Knock, knock*

Camila turned her head in the direction of the front door, and a curious expression befell her.

"That's odd, I wasn't expecting company. Did you invite Gus or Willow?" Camila asked.

"No, we didn't. Amity, why don't you come with me to see who it is," Luz suggested.

Amity was certain that Luz must've sensed who it was, and if she was asking her to come along, then it was for a reason.

"Sure, we'll be right back, Camila," said Amity as she got up and walked with Luz to the front door. "Okay, what's going on?"

"You'll see, just prepare yourself."

With that cryptic line given, both girls arrived at the front door. Luz unlocked the door and opened it, and when she did, Amity's jaw dropped as her brow furrowed. Standing outside the front door was none other than Edric and Emira.

"Hi, Mitt–!"

Before the twins could finish their sentence, Amity used her Flash Step to move Luz aside and slam the door in her siblings' faces.

"Nope! Uh-uh! Not happening!" Amity exclaimed.

"Wow, did you just get a speed boost?" Luz inquired.

"Mittens, that was rude," said Edric.

"And after we came here to see you," said Emira.

Amity and Luz paused. The voices didn't sound like they were coming from outside the door, they sounded as if they were right behind them. The two teens quickly turned around, and just as they thought, Edric and Emira were in the hallway behind them, standing there and smiling right at them.

"…Right…forgot you two knew Flash Step too…" Amity groaned.

"¿Qué fue eso? (What was that?) Are you two alright? I heard the door slam," Camila called out as she rushed into the hall. When she did, Camila paused as she looked upon the new guests. "Oh, hello, who are you two?"

Amity was busy groaning, so Luz took up introductions.

"Mom, this is Edric and Emira Blight. They're Amity's big brother and sister. They came to town earlier today to check up on Amity," Luz explained.

"Oh, then, pleased to meet you two. My name is Camila Noceda, and your little sister has been wonderful to have around," said Camila.

Edric raised an eyebrow at his sister, and Edric did the same with her brother. The young man walked up to Camila and held out his hand towards her for a handshake. Camila reciprocated without question, but was a little surprised when, instead of shaking her hand, Edric leaned down a little, and brought Camila's hand towards his lips and kissed the top of her hand gently.

"Camila, that's a beautiful name, and thank you for having us," said Edric with a charming smile.

Luz's right eye twitched, and at the same time, Amity's left eye twitched.

Emira moved to Camila's right and gave her a little side hug as she too shot the older Latina a charming smile.

"Now I can see where Luz gets her good looks from, you two have some cute features, Mrs. Noceda," Emira commented.

Camila's cheeks tinted red a little as she chuckled.

"Dios mío, ¿no son ustedes dos suaves? (Oh my, aren't you two smooth.)"

"Amity, are your bro and sis hitting on my mom right now?" Luz asked.

"Depends, if I say 'yes', will you throw them out?" Amity inquired.

"I'm conflicted…if I let this happen…would that make me your sister-in-law, and would us dating be considered incest?"

Amity raised her left hand and smacked Luz upside the head.

"What brings you two here?" Camila asked.

"Oh, Mittens told us that she was having dinner with Luz. So, we kind of decided to crash the dinner date," Emira explained as she brought her hands into a prayer position. "Sorry for interrupting by the way."

"Oh, no need for sorry. We haven't even gotten to eat yet," Camila informed. "I know! Why don't you two stay and have dinner with us!"

"WHAT?!" Amity exclaimed.

"We wouldn't want to impose," said Edric.

"Nonsense, we made too much anyway. At least this way, it doesn't go to waste."

"If you insist, Mrs. Noceda," said Emira.

"Call me Camila, dear. You're Amity's familia after all."

Amity and Luz watched as Camila led the twins towards the kitchen, with both of them shooting grins at the two teens before disappearing around the corner.

"Amity…what just happened?"

"Ed and Em happened, and just know it's going to be a looooong night."


All five were eventually seated at the table, with the twins seated directly across from Luz and Amity, and Camila sitting at the head of the table. It started off normally enough, Edric and Emira exchanged pleasantries with Camila, while also complimenting her on how good the food tasted. Amity couldn't fault them for that, not to disrespect the chefs in their kitchen back home, but Camila's food had a different taste to it. The taste of a homemade meal by a loving mother's hands. About ten minutes passed as idle chit chat was made between the five of them, with Camila regaling them of the various animals that came to the clinic. Almost everything from snakes, birds, dogs, cats, hamsters, the list went on, along with the varying degrees of severity.

"Wow, your job sounds demanding," said Amity.

"It is, but very worth it. Especially when those poor bebés feel better and get to go home with their families."

"I've even helped out at the clinic here and there. I can stitch up almost any kind of wound on an animal, and quickly too," said Luz proudly. "I did learn from the best after all."

Camila chuckled, feeling a sense of pride from hearing her daughter say that.

"So, Mittens, you never did tell us. How did you and Luz end up together?" Emira asked.

And there it is, thought Amity.

"Why do you call Amity 'Mittens'?" Luz asked.

"Oh, it's because when she was little, her hands would get cold a lot. So, Dad got her some mittens, and from then on, she would wear them whenever her hands got cold. And it just became a family nickname that stuck," Edric explained.

"Aww, little Amity wearing cute mittens. Now that's something I'd like to see," Luz teased.

"You're just trying to get back at me because of what Camila said."

"All's fair in love and war, Princesa."

Amity crossed her arms and grumbled a little.

"So, again, how did you two become this?" Emira repeated.

"Oh…uh…" Luz rubbed the back of her head, feeling nervous again. The beginnings of their relationship were…hectic to say the least. And raunchy. How best to explain to your girlfriend's Soul Reaper siblings that this all started because your baby sister and I banged like a couple of horny, drunk teenagers?

Amity could see that Luz was having a hard time thinking of a way to delicately explain how their relationship started. So, she decided that it was best just to be honest. Anything less would just look suspicious.

"Maybe it's best not to talk about it right now," Camila suggested.

"No, it's okay. They deserve to know. Although, it might be a little upsetting for you, Camila," Amity warned. "It basically started when Luz got invited to this party by a girl named Zoe."

"Ugh," Ed and Em groaned.

"Met her," Ed mentioned.

"Hate her," Em added.

"Seconded," Luz agreed.

"Luz thought it would a good idea to help me get out of my shell and get to know some kids my age. And for the most part, I did have fun. It was fun, but then that Zoe girl showed up and I went with her." Amity sighed, recalling her lapse in judgement. "I partook of some of the alcoholic drinks when I was with them and ended up getting inebriated. My memories about that part are a little fuzzy, but Luz came in and got me out of there before anything could happen."

Mental note, pay this "Zoe" a visit, Edric and Emira thought at the same time.

"While still in that state, I begged Luz to 'keep the party going'. So, she brought me back here, we drank, we talked. One thing led to another and…ahem…we ended up in bed…together…"

Emira and Edric's jaws dropped as they stared at their little sister, and then at Luz. The Latina was sliding down in her seat, feeling both guilty and embarrassed.

"Wait, Amity, you mean you and Luz…?" Emira stammered.

"Yes, we spent the night together. It was because of that that I discovered I like girls. And Luz has been kind enough to not only be my first girlfriend, but also help guide me through this. And Camila has been a great help in supporting me in this as well," Amity mentioned.

Camila nodded towards Amity as she said, "I'm happy to, Amity."

"Wow…uh…Wow," Edric muttered.

"So, as you can see. While this relationship didn't start off in a conventional manner…" Amity glanced at Luz and smiled a little. "I'm happy to have started it nonetheless."

Luz smiled back, feeling the same way.

Camila looked at Edric and Emira, who still seemed stunned by the revelation that their little sister had had her first time not too long ago and was now in a relationship with her daughter.

"I know it's probably a bit overwhelming, and honestly, if I ever see this Zoe girl out in the open, I'm going to give her a piece of my mind. But other than that, Amity does seem happier since they started this. I know it hasn't been long, but I can see it in her eyes," Camila explained. "I know neither myself nor my daughter are at your level of wealth, but I believe Amity is entitled to her own happiness."

Edric and Emira glanced at each other again, and then looked at Camila with smiles on their faces.

"If we're being honest, we think so too," said Emira.

"Our mom is…strict…to put it mildly. She has certain expectations of us, and let's just say Em and I have drifted away from those expectations," Edric confessed.

"Which is probably why she's been focused on Amity. Like you said, we are from wealth, and of course, that means hobnobbing with other rich people. Making connections, going to fancy parties and dinners, and – pardon my language – basically whoring out your children to other families to try and gain favor or make deals."

Camila gulped.

"The world of the wealthy is scary," Camila commented.

"Seriously," Luz agreed.

"We were worried if Amity would ever really be happy, but it looks like she found someone who does make her happy. Even if it started from a drunken sleepover," Edric chuckled.

"So long as Amity's happy, that's really all we want for her." Emira turned her gaze onto her sister. "We mean that, Amity."

Amity smiled as some tears formed in her eyes. The young Soul Reaper wiped her eyes and said, "Thanks, you two."

"Okay, let's livin' things up. We got really emotional there," said Luz.

"True, so…" A mischievous grin appeared on Emira's face. "Who wants to hear the story of when Amity set fire to some expensive tapestries and drapes?"

"EM!"

"Or about the time when Mittens said, 'When I get older, I'm going to marry my big brother and sister'?"

"ED!"

"Hmm, tough choice, but let's start with the most embarrassing one," Luz encouraged.

"Noceda!" Amity exclaimed.

Camila just watched as the kids went and talked. She couldn't remember the last time dinner was this lively. Sometimes Willow and Gus would join them for dinner, and it felt nice. But something about this moment was different from those. It was as if more family had come to visit, strangely, it was almost as if Amity belonged here. Sitting at this table with her and Luz, and her siblings having fun teasing their little sister. Camila didn't know what kind of mother those three had, but she sounded terrible. It saddened her a little to think that this might be the first time these three siblings have had to speak openly and freely, without putting on airs and just letting themselves be who they are. She hoped that there would be more dinners like this in the future, hopefully.


The dinner was concluded with Luz getting embarrassed, times three, when Camila showed them her Luz's baby pictures. And this time it wasn't just Amity; it was all three Blight siblings looking at the pictures. At least in return, Edric and Emira shared more embarrassing stories about Amity, which evened out the embarrassment she was feeling. The hour had grown late, and the Blight siblings needed to leave. After bidding farewell to the Nocedas, all three started to walk down the street, remaining silent for a good three minutes.

"Okay, go on," Amity prompted.

"Go on what?" Edric asked.

"I'm not stupid, I know you two have something to say about what I told you back there. Now you know how intimate we've been. It was only once though."

"Amity, it's not like we're worried Luz is going to knock you up or anything. Kinda hard to do that without the necessary equipment," Emira pointed out. "I will say, I wish you had told us sooner how much she has helped you."

"I know, but now you understand. This isn't just some fling for me. I want to explore these feelings, and I want to figure myself out. And Luz is willing to help me do that. Her and Camila," said Amity. "I just need you two to trust me on this."

Edric and Emira shared a glance, a silent conversation was with just eye contact alone. After a few seconds, the twins seemed to come to an agreement and turned their gazes back on Amity.

"Okay, Amity, we'll trust you on this," said Emira.

"Thank you."

"Just so long as there aren't any more surprises," Edric added.

"Uh…well…"

"Amity," Edric and Emira questioned.

"Fine! There's a Quincy who lives here, and a human girl who…might be the reincarnation of my friend, Willow."

Edric and Emira's eyes widened when they heard that name. They remembered Willow, they remembered how much fun their little sister had with her first real friend. That is until their mother stepped in and forced Amity to break all ties with Willow, or else their mother would make Willow's life a lot harder. And given that her family was from the poorer district of the Seireitei, it wouldn't take much to do that with their family's wealth and resources.

"You said, 'might be', you don't know?" Emira asked.

"No, I mean, I severed all connections to Willow all those years ago. I don't know if she was reincarnated or if she just looks amazingly similar to her. But I've made my peace with her, even if she may not be her," said Amity.

"If you want, we could head back and do some digging to find out," Edric offered.

"Thanks, but no. I'd feel worse knowing that she was reincarnated not long after what I did. If I find out the truth, then it'll happen naturally."

"Okay," said Emira. "But still, what we said earlier still stands. You know you'll have to leave here soon. And if you're that determined to see this through, then it's going to hurt."

"The humans have a saying here, 'tis better to have known love, then to have never loved at all'. It might be painful, but I'd rather know this pain and know myself better. I don't just want to hide these feelings away and deny it for the next several centuries."

Edric and Emira smiled as they placed their hands on Amity's right and left shoulders respectively.

"You're a strong kid, Mittens," said Edric.

"And as a token of our respect, we're going to teach you all we know about how to woo the pants off Luz. Although, you already got her pants off once, so you're more than halfway there!" Emira exclaimed.

"Oh, hell no! I do not need any romantic advice from you two!" Amity protested.

"C'mon, Amity, let's face it. You're romance game is kinda…" Edric made a wavy motion with his hand. "F-tier if we're being honest."

"No! Thank you! But no!"

Edric and Emira chuckled as they continued to tease Amity about what they were going to teach her, and Amity grunted, groaned, and scoffed at their so-called "advice". However, as the three Blight siblings continued to talk, neither one noticed that someone, or rather, something was watching the Noceda house with glowing eyes and malicious intent.