So... let me start off by saying I know that I am a huge piece of shit for dropping off the face of the Earth and not posting new chapters. I sincerely apologize. I will have a longer author's note at the end of the chapter but I won't delay in letting you guys get to the story. Thank you for sticking with me and for reading/following/favoriting and reviewing. I hope I can earn your appreciation again.

Chapter 56

"Now, John, I will not repeat myself," Chakwas reminded him. She kept her eyes on her work with Garrus's face.

"Yes ma'am," John conceded and made his way to the closest bed. Before he could sit, she fussed at him again.

"Don't make me walk all over this room for you just because you had a bit of a temper tantrum. Here," she pointed to the bed next to Garrus.

John hesitated but knew he would not win against her. He looked at Garrus, who tried to look back at him but Chakwas turned the turian's head back and gave him a stern look. John glanced at his sister who had now turned to face him and was staring him down. He pressed his lips into a hard line, holding her stare. Tali stood uncomfortably to the side, unsure if she should say or do anything to try to make the situation better; knowing her personal track record, she opted to stay quiet.

Chakwas glanced between the pairs. "Shepard, Tali, would the two of you mind waiting outside?"

"Why?" they asked in unison.

"Because I am asking but I could always order you."

Jane nodded, giving Garrus's shoulder and neck a light scratch as a loving goodbye. Garrus hummed his farewell hesitantly. As Jane walked by John's bed she glared at him before lifting her chin in indignation. Tali tilted her head at John before whispering, "Please behave." He nodded but was having a hard time staying angry; the pain was starting to make itself known now that his adrenaline had abated.

"Now you stay put to let this settle. I'll let you know when you can leave," Chakwas informed Garrus. He nodded and settled back against the bed, kicking his feet up to appear relaxed. The room fell quiet again as Chakwas prepped to work on John. Setting her supplies on a tray, she inspected John's hand. "You hurt yourself pretty badly. Knuckles are broken, fingers fractured, it looks like the lacerations came pretty close to some nerves. You're lucky you didn't cause permanent damage." She saw John nod in understanding, "Have you learned your lesson now? Not to go after a turian's face with your bare hands?" John grumbled. As silence continued to hang between them she decided to prod a little more, "So, are you two going to talk or just stare into each other's eyes?" She looked between them and saw they were both looking away. "John, what do you want to say to Garrus?"

"Hey, why is it just me?" John protested.

"Because I know that he has tried talking to you before."

John waited until Chakwas gave him the shot to numb his hand. "I don't have anything to say to him," John complained.

"Sure you do," When he still didn't speak she rolled her eyes, "I guess I'll have to go get Ms. Chambers to deal with you two."

"No!" both John and Garrus shouted.

"That's what I thought. Now talk."

"Look," John glanced at Garrus and nodded, "I'll talk but I just want to speak to him. I promise not to assault him."

She stared at John and then back to Garrus who nodded, "You better not. I'll strap you to this bed if I must." Turning back to Garrus she said, "If he does start again, put him to the ground. We all know you can. Alright, John, hold still," Chakwas worked quickly and efficiently resetting his hand. She ran her omni-tool over his hand to check the condition, then returned to cleaning the wounds before applying the skin-growing salve. After wrapping his hand she stood looking between the two of them, "You both stay put. I don't want to hear any scuffles. John, you are going to be ship bound for the foreseeable future. No missions until I clear you and you need to rest your hand. I don't even want you typing with it. Play nice. EDI, make sure they do."

"Yes, Dr. Chakwas," the A.I. answered.

John waited until the door had closed before turning to look at Garrus. Several moments passed in silence. "Did you mean it? When you said you loved her, did you mean it?"

Garrus sat up and turned in the bed to swing his legs over the edge. "Yes. With every fiber of my being, yes."

"And turians do have the term love? You aren't just saying it because you have heard other humans talk about it?"

"Turians experience something much deeper than your form of love."

John waved at him to continue.

Garrus nodded, "Turians experience a permanent bond with our partner. We are inseparable when we mate one another."

John tried to keep a straight face but grimaced when Garrus said the word. "I thought turians tended to be… promiscuous…" there was a slight accusatory tone in his voice. "So how can a turian be promiscuous and also form a permanent bond? Unless it's more of a polygamy sort of thing."

"No, not like that. We are kind of like humans in our early years, some dating casually or more serious… but when we find someone that is the one. One that we can't picture ourselves living without, that is our mate. The term 'mate' is more like spouse than the act. There is a bonding ceremony for family much like a human wedding and another more private ceremony for the couple. After the private ceremony, once we are bonded… that is it."

"Then why don't I see more inter-species couples? Sounds like everyone would wish for that."

"Others would, yes. But turians know how fickle other species can be with their love life. Humans have divorces, asari often see other species as a fleeting love because of their lifespans. Most Turians don't take risks because there is security when bonding with another turian. We know what we are getting." He looked away for a moment, deciding how to describe his feelings, "I've told Jane that I love her but I don't think she knows how deeply I do. I fell in love with her before I even realized it. To me, I have bonded with her, even if it isn't officially. I haven't told her that part of turian relationships because I don't want to guilt her into being with me."

"Tali may have mentioned something like that…" John tightened his jaw. Garrus was making it much harder to hate him. "You know…" he took a deep breath, "I really want to stay mad at you and now when I try to hold on to that I feel like a prick."

Garrus chuckled, "While you are feeling that way, Jane and I were trying to tell you."

"Yeah, Tali said something about that too…" He let a long pause hang between them, "I'm sorry."

Garrus sat back, "We should have you medicated more often."

"Come on, man, I'm serious."

"I'm sorry too."

John picked at the fabric on his bed, "And… talking about things Tali mentioned… You know I wasn't angry you were with Jane because you are turian, right?"

He couldn't help but laugh, "I know. I wouldn't suspect that of you." Garrus picked at an invisible spot on himself, "How did you find out?"

"Kind of in two ways; one was Kaidan. He said he had seen you two at a café. The other was Jilani."

"Jilani? The reporter?"

"Yeah, I guess she is still holding a grudge against Jane. She must have followed and recorded you guys. then marketed it as an exposé ."

"Spirits… I wonder what my parents are going to say."

"There could still be some doubt that it is you. She never got a shot of your face."

"I don't know," he drifted off. "But I'm surprised she would take that risk. The Citadel has very strict privacy laws. Filming a specific individual without permission is a serious matter. Do you think Jane has seen it?" John only shrugged in response. "Sorry you had to find out that way. It wasn't right."

"And I'm not proud of how I reacted. You can punch me back if you want," John chuckled, "On second thought… maybe not."

"Don't worry, I won't try to cash in on that," Garrus shook his head, "I feel enough like a varren as it is."

John's voice dropped to a serious tone, "Look, I know that I don't have to say this but I'm going to anyway. Don't hurt her. Don't you dare hurt her. Not only will you be answering to me but you'll be answering to her as well."

"Trust me, I would never hurt her. And I would never want to invoke her wrath."

Jane tapped her fingers against her elbows, pacing outside the door. Chakwas had just exited making her worry about what might be happening inside. The doctor filled out the files while guarding the door.

"So…" Tali started which caused Jane to pause, "I'm happy for you. That you and Garrus are together. When did that happen?"

Jane suddenly felt ashamed of herself. Someone who had been one of her closest friends was right in front of her yet Shepard was too worried about her lover. "It has been a little while. About a month? I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

The quarian flicked her fingers dismissively, "Please, you don't need to apologize. I haven't been there for you."

"Can we please fix that?"

Tali smiled behind her mask, "Of course," she sighed in relief, "I would like that very much. So, when was it? Was it when you first met up again?"

"No," Jane almost chuckled, "it took a while for us to even get comfortable being around each other again."

"You two taking a while?" Tali giggled, "You don't say…"

"Yeah, yeah… I know," Jane blushed. "I wish it had happened earlier but somehow I feel like it was meant to happen when it did. Who knows what would be different if we hadn't waited."

"I'm really happy for you."

"Thank you," Jane hesitated before giving her friend a big hug. "So, what about you? Are you seeing anyone? How is life in the Flotilla?"

"I did once. But I couldn't stop thinking of John… I don't think it could have gone anywhere anyway," her voice drifted off, "I tried to keep tabs on John and then he had just disappeared. I feared the worst for him. I'm so glad he's okay but I just wish I could have him back. I made such a mistake before." She hung her head and glanced at the room across from the med bay. "Do you think I lost my chance?"

Jane followed her friend's gaze, "I know you're worried about what things could be but I'm pretty sure you don't have to worry about those two. He still cares about you." She didn't bother going back to her other question; they would have time to catch up.

"Keelah, I hope you're right, Shepard." Tali tapped her fingers. She took a deep breath before continuing, "So, I am liking some of the crew. Can we have a real girls' night sometime?"

Jane laughed, "Of course we can."

Chakwas looked up from her puzzle. While the girls were busy chatting, Karen silently stood and went back into the med bay. When the doors opened she was very pleased to hear laughing instead of arguing. They quieted slightly when she was back in the room. "Garrus you are clear to leave."

"But… so my face is good?"

"I think Shepard is more suited to answer that question but if you are asking my medical opinion, you are fine. You really only had some light scrapes and bruises. I was more concerned about John bleeding into your wound. Speaking of which, John you will need to take this medication because you did get some of Garrus's blood into your cuts. I don't think it is anything to worry about, your bleeding pushed most of his out but still, better safe than sorry." She typed on her omni-tool that Jane and Tali could come in. Just as she thought, they were in the med-bay within seconds. "Commander," she addressed Jane to let her know she was meaning this part of the conversation as business, "John is to be off of missions until I clear him."

"Understood."

Chakwas checked over John's hand one more time and gave him a few packets of pills, "take two every twelve hours for the next forty-eight. Now, all you kids go about your business and try not to hurt yourselves again. Shoo, shoo, I have plans."

"What kind of plans do you have?" John asked.

"That's none of your business, John. And don't act so surprised. I may be old but I'm not dead."

They all walked out of medbay and stood awkwardly near the table. John approached Jane and she readied herself for another argument but instead he threw his arms around her, holding his little sister in a tight hug.

"I'm sorry."

"Thank you, John, but you should probably be saying that to Garrus."

"Hey, I already have! Don't worry, we're cool now," he grinned, "But seriously, I'm sorry I haven't been around and for not talking and letting my emotions get the better of me. I only ask that you guys limit the PDA around me for a bit. It's going to take me a while to get used to this."

"Don't worry, we will," Jane smirked at Garrus whose mandibles fluttered in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, too."

"How about we all get dinner? It would be good to catch up off the ship," Tali piped up.

"I would love that," John grinned. "Know of any good places?"

"Actually..." Jane smiled, "there's a place Garrus and I have gone to a few times that we really like."

John dramatically tilted his head back and took a deep breath, "I knew you weren't going to make this easy on me."

"Uh, hey, not to be eavesdropping but you guys should probably stop by here before you go," Joker said over the intercom.

"Aww, is someone feeling left out?"

"No… well, maybe… but that's not why I'm being nosey. You should see what John has seen."

Tali and Jane looked at the guys who shared a look, "What is it?" Tali asked.

"Jilani?" Garrus queried.

"Jilani," John confirmed.

Jane marched towards the elevator, leading the way for the group. No words were spoken as they closed in on the cockpit. Joker had the video ready, though minimized because he was fairly confident seeing Jilani's face would only make Jane angrier. Once they had all piled in to the cockpit, Joker opened the vid and hit play.

They watched in silence as Jilani spewed her speculations. Joker took a moment to look at everyone to take in their expressions: John had the appearance of being both concerned and annoyed since he hadn't seen the beginning of the vid; Jane, he could tell was furious but underneath very concerned; he was never good at reading turians or quarians but he assumed Garrus's was a look of frustration and worry and Tali's appeared to be absolute shock. The vid ended and silence thickened the small space.

Garrus was stuck in his thoughts. How might this affect Jane long term? Could they have been more careful? Should they respond? And… Oh spirits… are my parents going to see this before I can tell them? He wasn't positive but he was fairly certain his mother would be indifferent to the fact that Jane was human. His father… he couldn't be sure. If anything he might be more upset that she is a Spectre than her being a human.

Tali fidgeted, suddenly doubting why she was still being included in the group. Maybe they needed some time to discuss what they should do amongst themselves without her around. But she couldn't leave, John was blocking the doorway.

Joker was about to break the silence but a ping from Shepard's omni-tool beat him to it and demanded everyone's attention. The group watched as Jane opened the message, everyone with their own expectations as to what it was about or who it was from; it could be a message from Jilani, from Hannah Shepard, a request for comment from other news organizations, an inquiry from the Council, or even a congratulatory message from Anderson. None of the guesses were correct. Jane read through the message before relaying the content.

"Jane?" John asked timidly.

"It's… it's from the Council and C-Sec."

"The fuck?" John whispered.

"Yeah. They are apologizing for Jilani's invasion of my privacy and letting me know that fines are already being filed against her. The story has been blocked and black-listed in the Citadel and never transmitted to news channels outside of the Citadel. They also requested," she glanced at Garrus, "that I pass on this information to the turian in the vid." Looking up at Garrus, she continued, "I guess they didn't want to assume it was you."

Garrus only nodded.

Joker spoke up, "Damn, I wonder what kind of fines she is going to get hit with."

"I can't imagine it would be cheap," John said.

Tali decided to speak up, "I'm more impressed they were able to halt the transmission that quickly. I didn't realize they took privacy that seriously."

Shepard nodded, "I guess we should be thankful for that." Her words seemed to be superficial, no relief came to her. Feeling a nudge from Garrus, she turned to fully address him. "It's not that I care what other people think about me being with a turian. I just worry how many people saw that and how it might hurt your reputation."

Garrus huffed out a breath and shrugged, "I don't have much of a reputation to worry about. I'm not a big name in the galaxy, unlike you. I'm worried how this might hurt you."

"Yes, yes, you're both super worried about the other," John rolled his eyes. "Can you please just tone down the lovey-dovey stuff in front of me for a bit? Please? What did we JUST talk about? This is going to take some getting used to."

"So… should we not go to dinner?" Tali asked timidly. "Do you guys need to lay low or something?"

Jane and Garrus shared a look. "I'm good if you are," Garrus said.

Shepard nodded, "If we hide it makes it look like we're scared. I'm not going to let someone else dictate my life."

Kelly closed the vid. She wasn't surprised at the information, but she could still be disappointed. It wasn't that she thought she had much of a chance but it had been fun to imagine. She knew she wouldn't be the only one disappointed either; maybe not as many for Garrus but definitely a lot for Shepard. Jane could have had a long line of suitors that existed on the ship, let alone her fans. Curious, she checked one of her social sites to see the fire storm that would surely start with this news. There was no telling how much of the galaxy had even seen the vid but possibly enough to steer the conversations.

As she thought, the chat room was already exploding. Those who had seen it were fighting with those who hadn't. Those who hadn't claiming most others were making it up. Some arguing that turian-human relationships couldn't work due to biology, others saying they knew inter-species couples who had managed it. She secretly loved the bickering. The psychology of it was fascinating.

John relaxed back in his chair, looking around the restaurant, nervous about those around them. Most seemed to ignore their presence, others feigned ignorance but he could see them stealing glances. He couldn't be sure which were looking because it was Jane or because they had seen Jilani's "report". He was brought out of his daze when their food arrived and he sat up slightly, trying to rejoin the conversation. Jane and Garrus were finishing up in the telling of one of their missions.

As Jane asked about more of Tali's work over the last few years, Tali tensed. She still felt awkward talking about her life alone, while Shepard was dead and she had left John in her wake. She started with the technical side of her work, barely getting some words out. Hiding her hands under the table so she could fidget quietly. She momentarily froze when she felt John's hand grab hers. Tali looked at him and saw him grin as he took a bite of his food. With a slight nod and light squeeze of his hand, she suddenly felt more confident to continue. She finished regaling her tale, all the while, holding John's hand.

A small pause fell between their group as they focused on their food a little more. Without thinking about it, Jane glanced at Garrus who read her expression perfectly and smirked, giving a quick nod. Tali had started sharing about life on the Flotilla when she noticed Jane spear some of Garrus's food with her fork. She stopped talking all together when Jane bit into it, chewed, and swallowed.

"Keelah, Shepard," she breathed, "What did you just do?!"

"What?" John almost choked on his own food, "What did I miss?"

Jane blushed and covered her face slightly, "I'm sorry, I barely thought about it."

Garrus chuckled, "It's kind of the norm for her now."

"What?!" John leaned forward a little looking around the table.

Tali answered his question, "Jane just ate dextro food."

John dropped his fork and stared at Jane.

"It's really okay," Jane said. "You know I've had dextro liquids for a while and I've been checked out by Chakwas and foods seem to be okay too." She could tell the other two were still not convinced. "I'm not saying it's as nourishing as levo foods but I can try some."

"But… how?" Tali had a hard time not yelling. "I have never heard of anyone being able to eat other food bases."

Jane nodded slightly, "No one has been brought back from the dead either." The table grew silent. Garrus grazed her arm with his knuckles in a comforting movement. "They put a lot of cybernetics in me. It took a lot to – bluntly put – rebuild me. I talked to Miranda and she said it could yield some unexpected changes." She thought back to the conversation they had at the gala and bit her lip as her stomach dropped. She had blocked out those details but the more she spoke about her changes the more she wondered if Miranda wasn't that far off.

"Wow..." Tali's voice drifted off. "I never thought that would be possible."

"So," John said, "how's turian cooking?"

Jane smiled at his effort to remain nonchalant about the new information. "From what I can tell, Garrus is a good cook. There hasn't been much that I don't like," she looked at his current plate of food. "Though this isn't high on my list," she smirked at her turian.

"More for me then," he laughed.

"Get used to it, Garrus," John laughed, "every human girlfriend I've ever had says they don't want to order anything then next thing you know they are eating half of my food. I don't know if turians are the same but now you'll get to experience the human way of things."

"I think I can get used to that," Garrus smirked, "So far she hasn't been so bad."

Tali tapped her fingers together, anxious to ask her next question. "So, I'm curious, and John, I'm sorry, but I really want to know… how did you two finally get together? Jane and I talked about it a little bit but she really kept a lot of details out."

"Oh come on..." John rolled his eyes and put more interest in his food.

"I don't care!" Tali teased, "You'll have to get over it eventually. It might as well start with them re-telling their story. Besides, I always like hearing about how couples get together," her voice faded slightly at her last sentence. "All of it."

John hadn't missed the small change in her voice and nodded silently.

Jane blushed as she shared a look with Garrus. They both laughed and looked away, suddenly finding the table fascinating.

Tali tapped a hand on the table, "Well? Come on, you guys are my best friends and we have risked our lives together."

Jane bit her lip, "It's just that… this is the first time actually telling anyone. Let alone telling the full story." She didn't try to look at Garrus or she may end up laughing.

John looked at them questioningly, "How is it the first time telling it? Joker knew and it seemed like half of the ship wasn't surprised when I went after you, Garrus."

"Joker sort of figured it out… the rest I am sure they guessed." Garrus stayed quiet but his subharmonics were trilling in amusement and embarrassment.

Tali practically hopped in her seat, "Oh good! So we're the first ones to truly hear it from the two of you!"

Jane could tell Garrus was laughing at their situation. She didn't even know where to begin. "There isn't a lot to say, it just sort of happened." She watched Tali cross her arms. "What? Where would you like me to start?"

"I think," Garrus leaned forward, "she means from the beginning. And John, I know you're not going to like hearing some of this but I've cared for Jane for a long time. But, from where you," he looked at Tali, "are probably asking." He looked at Jane, "She found me on Omega. I was pinned down by three gangs. She – and John – came in mowing down the recruits in front of them to get to me. I had been awake for days and I thought I had finally lost my sanity and my mind was playing tricks on me. I fired a concussive shot at her just to make sure she was real." He heard a few chuckles. "When she came up those stairs and into the room, I was terrified. I was so scared of what she would think of me and what I had become." He looked pointedly at Jane who was watching him intently.

Almost forgetting their company, Jane put her hand over his, giving his fingers a light squeeze, "I had the same thoughts about what you would see in me. I had only been awake for a few days by this point," she said looking at Tali.

"That is interesting timing," John remarked, suddenly realizing how the time lined up.

"Huh, I hadn't thought about that," Jane replied.

"Either way, I knew you were the same Shepard immediately. I wanted nothing more than to tell her everything I had been thinking for the last few years but figured if I did I would be admitting that I might not get out of there." He gave a turian half smile and focused more on Tali and John. "We didn't get along for a while. I was always on edge and kept getting under her skin," he chuckled. "I was very abrasive.; mostly on edge with what happened on Omega with my crew. One of my teammates gave up information because he thought it would have saved someone else. But instead we lost everyone." He paused to collect himself and felt Jane squeeze his hand in comfort. "When we had the mission to Horizon, Jane and I were barely holding our friendship together. Ironically, Kaidan brought us closer to each other."

"No wonder he was bitter," John piped up. At the inquisitive looks from Jane and Tali he explained, "I ran into him during the Gala. He was pretty pissed about the two of you. He might have even realized that he brought the two of you closer to each other."

"Shh!" Tali said to John.

Jane chuckled at Tali's reaction, "Maybe. He was very short with me on Horizon. Had some choice words that I didn't care for. After that…" her voice drifted off, trying to figure out how to explain her mental breakdown.

Garrus saved her, "If you don't mind me saying, Jane, his words really hurt her and she kind of hit a roadblock. I somehow managed to be helpful and we were right there at the cusp of a relationship but then I got a message about my old teammate that sold us out. Jane helped me with that problem and although I was very annoyed with her for letting him walk, it was the right thing to do."

"We were back to arguing for a bit though," Jane laughed.

"Yes, we were but then..." he could see Jane give him a quick look, wondering how he would phrase the next part of their story. "I finally let my feelings for her come out. And we realized it had been mutual for a long time."

Tali clasped her hands at her mouthpiece, absolutely ecstatic that her two friends had finally given themselves a chance.

Garrus continued, "We hadn't told anyone officially because we were trying to talk with John but he can be pretty obstinate."

John looked at his friends and sister, "Well, I'll give it to you that it is a touching story but you guys are going to have to figure out how to shorten it." He shrugged, "I mean, it works for us but that is because we are closer to you two."

Tali lightly slapped his arm, "Don't be rude! I loved it."

John smiled. As much as he still felt uncomfortable with their new relationship, he knew deep down that they were perfect for each other. In a way, he had almost wished he had thought of them as the perfect pair first.

"So, Tali," Jane said, "what were you up to the night of the gala?"

John started chuckling, "I know how she was the next day."

Tali groaned, "There was a lot of drinking."

As they walked back to the ship, John walked next to his sister with Tali and Garrus ahead of them. "You know I'm not upset that you two are together, right? It was just –"

"A lot to take in," Jane finished for him. "I know. I wish we had gotten a chance to speak before you found out the way you did."

"It's alright. I know you guys wanted to, I just thought it was about something else."

"What did you think it was?"

"I don't know," he scratched the back of his head, "either about what happened with," he nodded towards Tali in front of them, "Or about Miranda… or about how much I fucked up my life while you weren't around."

"You didn't fuck up, John."

"Yeah, I did. But I think it worked out the way it needed to for us to be here. We can talk about it more later. And I mean that for real this time."

"I'll hold you to that," Jane jabbed him in the arm.

"Yeah, yeah. Go hold your boyfriend's hand. I'm sure he's getting cold," John smirked. "Hey, Tali," he called out, prompting her to slow and he pushed Jane forward.

Jane smiled at her brother and went up to Garrus's side. She didn't need to follow through on John's suggestion since Garrus took her hand first. She wanted to know what John was talking to Tali about but opted to stay ahead and give them a minute - somewhat - alone.

Tali walked next to John, unsure why he had called her to him when he wasn't saying anything.

John looked up and saw the ship in sight. Gathering his courage, he said, "Do you have plans tomorrow?"

"Me? Um, no. I hadn't even considered making plans for our leave."

"Would you like to do something with me then?"

"Y-yes. What did you have in mind?"

John chuckled a little awkwardly, "I haven't gotten that far."

Tali laughed, "That's fine. We'll figure something out."

"Sounds great," John grinned, "Come on, let's catch up to them."

The pair caught up just as Jane and Garrus walked through the doors into the air-lock. The four of them waited for the interior door to open, chatting amongst themselves. When the door opened, they all looked forward and silence fell among them.

Jane met the visitor's eyes and neither spoke as time seemed to slow to a glacial pace around them. Shepard swallowed the lump in her throat. "Mom…"

Hannah stayed silent. Her arms were crossed, a pose that she wasn't fond of but it kept her from losing her cool. In the sternest voice she had ever used she said, "I need to speak with you. All of you."

I know any explanation won't make up for the HUGE delay (over a year) in my posting. I still plan on finishing the story whether or not anyone still reads it. I would hope I can still attract new readers and I hope my previous readers return and can forgive my absence. I'm not looking for any sympathy but this past year has been... trying, to say the least. I will do my best to have more regular updates (I can't promise weekly as much as I wish I could).

I did go back and reread the chapters to not only re-familiarize myself with the story but also to fall in love with the story again. And, in doing so, realized where I left all of you hanging! I am so sorry that I left that kind of a cliffhanger for such a long time. I had written the start of this chapter before everything happened with me so I hadn't realized where I left off. That was very rude of me. I pretty much haven't done any writing in the last year so please bear with me as it may take me a while to find my rhythm with this story again.

Once again, I am sorry for such a long wait and I hope to do better by all of you.

P.S. At the time that I'm posting this... Happy Halloween everyone!