You let out a sigh.

"I was thinking about doing this all formally," you say, "then I remembered that I know next to nothing about Japanese etiquette. So, rather than risk accidentally offending you by mocking customs that are a complete mystery to me, I'll just say this: Arisawa Tatsuki, I'm sorry. I poked my nose into your family's private affairs and got several complete strangers involved, I said some things that upset you, and I pushed you into a meeting that ended up with you passed out on the floor. It was not my intention to cause you any pain, and I can only hope that you'll forgive me for doing so."

Tatsuki stares at you for a long moment. You'd be tempted to suspect that she was getting ready to hit you, except that she looks too startled.

"You know," she says, wonderingly, "I think that's the first time in my life a boy has apologized to me for anything, without me having to hit him first or a parent being involved." She pauses. "It's weird."

"If it'll make you feel better, take a swing at Alex," Cordelia suggests. "He can take it."

You shoot a betrayed glance at your friend.

Tatsuki grins, and slugs you in the arm. "Huh," she muses. "That does make me feel better."

"Glad to be of service," you mutter, shifting your arm.

The following farewells are short and to the point. Ichigo shakes your hand, somewhat awkwardly, but with enthuasiasm. The Kurosaki twins still avoid talking to you, but they both say goodbye and wave to "the Butterfly Lady," who responds in kind. Masaki is nothing but warm smiles, and Isshin is still giving you guarded looks. The cat ignores you entirely. Then they're all gone.

"I believe I shall take my leave as well," Altria announces. "Unless there is anything else you wish to speak of, Alexander?"