Hullo!

This year hasn't been too kind for me in terms of writing… It's been only 3 chapters this year, hasn't it? (→o←)ゞ Hope the next one will fill me with more inspiration and less laziness, hahaha σ(^_^;)

In the meantime, I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has reviewed since the last chapter!

Midnight x Poker, onlyluna, loveyouso, AnimeFanx3, OnlyIntuition, bloodytears0331, Gaamatsu96, Kita of Nature, Verene, The spirit of the dragon Yuki, Medduch, greenisnotyourenemy2737, alero1990, laFia, Sepsis, YokaiMoon, Polaris-Sakura, SoraXNamine, chacra, Yuniee, rukiharem, sadbird, sunny-baby-angel, ReaperDuckling, RainingNothing, ceiyn, snickerslol04, ameliechan:D, SweetestChick, wickedsistah1024, liruA, hasegawa, RukiaYoukoMaSaHi, Kurosu, KiKwang, SweetCaroline, crawling lolita, Motif, Zadite, iNeko, Seek-Wolf, Crystaltearbubbles, Darkspider, Hanashi Tokoma, ASUKA, phobia97, Someone I love, SunRises, sheshaddict

Thank you, guys! I truly adore you! (*⌒∇⌒*) And I know I still haven't responded to many of your reviews… (x_x；) I assure you I will when I have some time on my hands.

As for this chapter… It might seem quite rushed for I really wanted to upload it on Christmas. Therefore there might be many mistakes, but I hope they aren't too drastic…

Anyway, do enjoy! (^人^)

朝霧 -Asagiri-

The Frozen Whisper

by Asagiri

Chapter 18

The Heart

The next morning came and Rukia was inwardly urging Ulquiorra to kindly move his ass and finally show up. With every minute, every ticking second she was getting more and more impatient. And slightly nervous.

She couldn't wait for him to take her to Inoue, but at the same time there was a small sensation of uneasiness in the pit of her stomach at the uncertainty of how everything would develop from now on. Would anything change? Would there be any change at all? She couldn't tell. Still, those and many other questions were gnawing at her mercilessly.

She tried to prepare herself mentally for the meeting, going through many possibilities that might happen during their reunion, but it didn't make her any less unsettled.

But how she wished to see her friend!

Unfortunately they weren't allowed to talk or even get close, but there was nothing she could do about it. Actually, she should be grateful that Ulquiorra was kind enough to let them meet. But would it be just a quick glance or hopefully a longer eye contact, if that allowed Rukia to confirm Inoue's wellbeing, she would be satisfied. It was all that mattered to her. If she was fine, then she too would be fine.

Moreover, maybe by seeing Inoue she would be able to learn why exactly she came back to Las Noches. After all, she had to have a purpose and Ichigo and others were involved as well. She was sure of it, otherwise they wouldn't let her go. And they wouldn't let her endanger herself if they didn't have any plan. That was what Rukia wanted to believe.

She was now pacing around her room, coming up with many theories, but trying to keep them as close to plausibility as her reasoning could get. Fortunately, she had healed her concussion and headache yesterday, or else she would have already fallen over from all the movement she was making.

There was one theory that filled her up with a dim flicker of hope – someone else besides her friends had to be involved.

After the rescue Inoue was supposed to be in Soul Society and there was no way Ulquiorra could reach her there. (Even if he'd made it to Soul Society, he wouldn't be able to leave it without a serious battle and as far as she could recall there were no signs he'd fought that day…) Therefore, Inoue had had to be in the Human World when the green-eyed Arrancar had come to take her back. And her friends wouldn't have been able to do it alone. Assistance would have been needed, perhaps someone's of a captain's influence… Byakuya-nii-sama? Captain Ukitake?

Well, those were only assumptions, maybe awfully wishful ones, however whether she was correct or not, she hoped she would be able to verify it by seeing her friend.

Where is he?, she impatiently mused looking at the clock. Without any consideration for her and her growing impatience and nervousness slowly joined by apprehension, it was cruelly showing 7:43. Rukia felt as if it was sneering at her. She glared at it, just in case.

Ulquiorra usually came around 8:30, nine o'clock at the latest. Still some time to go… Groaning exasperatedly she collapsed on her bed. The waiting was killing her.

※

At 8:46 (once 8:30 rolled, she was constantly watching the clock) she pricked her ears up when she heard a movement outside her room, soon followed by a knock on the door and a familiar deep voice announcing, "It's me."

Finally!, she happily exclaimed in her head and vigorously sat up to look at entering Ulquiorra. He must have noticed her expectant gaze, for his first words were, "Breakfast."

At first her left eye slightly twitched in irritation at his impassive tone of voice with a slight ring to it which she came to know by now as the one that called for submission. However knowing she wouldn't be able to defy him without getting on his wrong side, a position which she would rather avoid at the moment, Rukia sighed dejectedly, but compliantly went to get her meal. Sitting by her desk, she began to eat.

Like always, Ulquiorra sat in his seat with Murciélago leaning against the armchair. He usually didn't watch her while she ate, but today he allowed himself an exception. She didn't seem to notice, and if she noticed, she didn't seem to mind.

She ate rather hastily. Generally she didn't eat too eagerly. It was nothing unusual for her to pick at her food, as if she was eating not because she wanted or was hungry, but because it was necessary to keep her alive.

But he supposed this sudden change was because she wanted to see her friend as soon as possible.

However what really caught his attention the moment he entered her room were her eyes. They were curiously bright. There was a gleam in them he hadn't seen before. It was making them startlingly alive. Not that her eyes were normally dead, no, they were very expressive. But always there was a shadow that darkened them. He didn't doubt that it was there even now, but at the moment that gleam dominated.

Other than that it looked like any other morning they had spent together – pretty normal. Well, as normal as it could be between them considering who they were.

When she finished her breakfast Rukia risked a glance at him as if she was nervous that he might have changed his mind. He could see her eyes cloud with worry. To put her at ease he nodded his head and got up taking his sword. And to his content he saw that gleam back; even a soft smile appeared on her lips.

"Come," he told her and she followed him eagerly.

Inoue Orihime was in her room unable to not feel as if she was on pins and needles. Happiness and hope mixed with nervousness and anxiety were swirling inside of her since this very morning, when Ulquiorra had told her that she and Kuchiki-san would be allowed to meet today. Well, rather see each other, because one of the conditions of their reunion was that they wouldn't talk. Still, she was no one to complain.

Needless to say she'd been very surprised. Especially when the Espada hadn't been answering any of her questions about Kuchiki-san. Why all of a sudden they were allowed to meet was an unsolvable mystery to her. So instead of racking her brains to figure it out she settled for just being thrilled at their reunion.

She went to the bathroom for the third time to check if the Chappy the bunny hairpins were visible in her hair, but at the same time if they didn't stand out too much. She wondered if Kuchiki-san would notice them. From her experience with her she knew she had that peculiar ability to spot bunnies absolutely everywhere, so there was a high chance that she would. But would she make a connection, would she understand that there was a hope that they could get out of this castle?

Kuchiki-san was smart, she would understand it, Orihime was sure of it!

She earnestly hoped that her friend was fine. She was being taken care of by Ulquiorra and from what she could tell and what her intuition was telling her, he didn't seem like a bad man at all. Maybe he was cold and a little bit unkind but he didn't give off any evil vibes. So maybe he was treating her well. Orihime pried he did.

But what she'd found curious, he'd referred to Kuchiki-san by her given name.

"You and Rukia are allowed to meet today."

Not "You and the other woman" as she would have supposed. Maybe he'd said so, so there would be no confusion? Most probably. Not that it really mattered. All that mattered was that she and Kuchiki-san would see each other very soon.

Rukia followed Ulquiorra with steady steps, her face showing nothing but composure, however inside she was far from being calm. Her heart was beating fast in uncertainty at what might happen in a short moment; her mind was in chaos from all the questions, doubts and hopes.

Soon they halted in front of a door. She could sense Inoue's reiatsu behind them, gently pulsating. It had the same feeling as always – caring and kind. Feeling it, her concerns lulled for a moment and she couldn't stop herself from smiling. However they came back when Ulquiorra extended his hand to open the door but stopped halfway to look at her, his eyes asking her if she was ready.

Rukia suddenly realised it might be the only chance she and Inoue would get to see each other. Every worry she could possibly feel at such realisation swarmed her heart and overran her mind, making her nervous all the more. She needed few seconds to shake them off and somehow regain her equanimity. Swallowing hard, she eventually nodded her head, telling him she was ready.

Ulquiorra activated the door opening system. He even said something, maybe announcing their coming, but she only heard his voice, the words and their meaning were completely lost on her. When the door opened, she straight away searched with her eyes for Inoue. She immediately spotted her standing in the middle of the room with worried expression.

"I—" Rukia instinctively wanted to call Inoue's name and go to her, however an arm appeared right in front of her stopping her. She automatically grabbed it, but soon she came to her senses and remembered the promise she'd made to Ulquiorra. She wasn't allowed to come near nor speak to her friend. Without looking at him she nodded her head apologetically, letting him know she understood her situation. Nevertheless she didn't let go of his arm in order to keep herself in place; and he too didn't move away.

She then peered at Inoue, searching for something that would tell her how her friend was doing. She seemed to be in good shape, maybe distressed and sad, but physically she appeared to be well.

After spending enough time looking at each other, they both smiled. They were fine. And because they were fine, they would somehow manage.

Inoue moved her hand to brush some of her hair behind her ear and that was when Rukia noticed it. Apart from her treasured hairpins, that her deceased brother had given to her and that were the source of her power, she had one set more. That puzzled her. She squinted her eyes to take a better look at them and noticed her favourite character of all time – Chappy the bunny.

Her friend must have noticed where she was looking for she smiled brightly.

Did it mean what she thought it did? She had no idea what exactly was with the hairpins, but they seemed to be quite important. Because why would she be wearing another set when she already had her beloved flowers? Inoue must have come here with some purpose and those hairpins were part of it, there was no other explanation.

Seeing that kind smile and wet but nevertheless twinkling eyes of her friend, Rukia's eyes too watered slightly for she realised that undoubtedly her friend had come here for her. Whether they would be able to get away free, she didn't know, but she could see a hope. Beaming at Inoue, she told her that she somewhat understood the meaning of the hairpins, and at the same time she reassured her that she would think something up.

Ulquiorra with fascination observed Rukia's face and many emotions that surfaced unmasked by anything. At first he'd planned on observing Inoue Orihime as well, however once he peered at his woman, he couldn't tear his eyes away from her.

Besides, the close to nothing proximity between them was making it impossible for him not to look at her and only her. Her right arm was touching his chest and she was clutching his forearm, from time to time digging her fingernails in when a stronger emotion stirred in her.

First there was a frown of worry on her face when she was searching for something that would indicate Inoue Orihime's wellbeing. When she found she was fine, she smiled reassuring her friend she too was fine. Her eyes were slightly moist with tears, most probably because she felt sad that they met under such circumstances. But he could tell she wouldn't cry. She would stay strong. For her friend and for herself.

Then, she smiled the brightest smile he had ever seen on her face (or in his life for that matter). It was beautiful, captivating even. It completely caught him off guard. He felt a sudden tug towards her and it took all of his strong will not to do anything unsuited for the current situation.

Yet, she was oblivious of how much of an effect she had on him.

Soon Rukia nodded to Inoue for the last time and looked at him. Even though there still was a smile on her face, it was imbued with sadness.

"That's all," she said quietly and lowered her gaze at his arm which she was still gripping. That was when he noticed that his hand was gently holding her left forearm. Realising it might look odd, he reluctantly let go of her.

"Thank you," she whispered after a moment and without looking at him, she began walking back to her room.

Ulquiorra glanced at the Human girl standing in the middle of her room. Tears were streaming down her face, however he could hardly detect any sadness in them. She too was smiling softly. He didn't understand their behaviour at all, it was illogical to him. Deciding to muse on it later, he closed the door and followed Rukia, keeping a distance of few steps behind her.

Orihime wiped her tears and sat on her bed. Since she'd got to Las Noches, she was feeling rather down, but after seeing Kuchiki-san in good shape, she returned to her positive and cheerful self. How glad she was that Kuchiki-san was all right! And she not only had noticed the hairpins, but it also seemed that she understood their meaning. As one would expect, Kuchiki-san was smart. If only they managed to leave the castle, they would be safe in Urahara-san's shop!

And from what Orihime could tell, her friend was treated well. Luckily Ulquiorra indeed didn't seem like a villainous man. Actually, seeing the two, she'd got an impression that they were getting along pretty well despite being enemies.

Most of the time she'd been keeping eye contact with Kuchiki-san, however she'd noticed that Ulquiorra practically hadn't torn his gaze away from her friend. And he'd been awfully close to her, not to mention the way he'd been holding her!

Did it mean that…?

Orihime's cheeks slightly coloured.

No way! Had Ishida-kun just got a rival to the heart of Kuchiki-san? So romantic! There definitely would be a duel for the fair maiden's heart!

Or what if Kuchiki-san liked Ulquiorra back? She'd been looking at him rather kindly and hadn't seemed to mind the proximity. So, if they liked each other, but were enemies… It would be so romantic yet tragic! Like Romeo and Juliet!

Orihime was in such high spirits that she indulged herself a little bit more in some silly fantasies, but soon decided that her imagination was running too wildly. After all, there was no way the two would fall for each other, right?

Yeah, it was impossible.

Entering her room (leaving the door open for Ulquiorra), Rukia went to her bed and collapsed on it face first, closing her eyes to think everything over. However she quickly got distracted when the 4th Espada stood above her. She could feel his scrutinising gaze over herself, so she rolled on her back to look at him wondering whether there was something wrong.

His brows were slightly knitted together, his eyes firmly seeking her eyes. The intensity of his gaze was beginning to make her feel uneasy when he finally spoke, a hesitant note to his voice.

"I must admit I don't exactly understand what has just happened."

There must have been confusion on her face, for he elaborated, "Even thought you haven't exchanged any words verbally, it seemed as if you had a long conversation. Was it that Heart thing of yours?"

"I guess," she replied after a pause, wondering what he was getting at.

Ulquiorra nodded his head and asked another question, "What exactly is that Heart?"

Rukia was quite surprised at his query, never even imagining that he would show any interest in something that was but made-up, illogical and ridiculous pseudo-idea in his eyes. Yet, he'd asked and was now patiently waiting for her answer.

"Hmm… It's quite difficult to explain," she began slowly, sitting up. She wondered how to put into words something this ambiguous even to her. She did understand what the Heart was, she felt it, but would it be possible for Ulquiorra to at least grasp the concept? She didn't know, but she wanted to explain it to him the best she could.

"Well, Kaien-dono, my vice-captain and mentor, once explained it to me, however I'm not sure if I can rely it as well as him…" Her eyes became distant and a soft but sad smile adorned her features. The memories of the one of the most important figures in her life and at the same time the man she'd killed, flooded her mind. Shaking her head slightly to stop that flood, she got off her bed and stood in front of Ulquiorra.

"The Heart is this," she said and showed him her hand closed in a fist. He only stared at it not really knowing what to make out of it and then looked at her, doubt apparent in his green eyes.

Rukia smiled at his confused expression. "At first I didn't understand the meaning of this gesture, but with time I think I got it."

His expression didn't change, but he silently waited for her to continue.

"You see, the Heart is a bond where you give yourself, your heart, your thoughts to the other and receive the same."

She repeated the gesture, but this time she opened her hand as if she was offering something to him. He instinctively caught her hand in his own, examining it. However no matter how much he searched her cool in touch hand, he couldn't see anything.

Rukia with wide eyes watched her own small hand in Ulquiorra's much bigger ones. They were surprisingly warm and were gently tracing lines on her palm and the back of her hand. She was feeling butterflies in her stomach at his touch; her mind suddenly couldn't focus on anything but him.

After what seemed an eternity, yet could be just a split second, she nervously stammered, "I-It's just a… symbolic gesture."

Hearing her own voice, she mentally slapped herself. Could she have sounded any more nervous? Clearing her throat, she continued.

"The Hea—" The green-eyed Arrancar chose exactly this moment to let go of her hand, once again making her stumble over her words. For a moment she looked at her hand hanging in space, before she realised what she was doing and how foolish it must have looked and so she hastily took it away.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself (still, the rapid beating of her heart remained the same), she once again continued, "The Heart isn't just something between two people. Your Heart becomes a part of the other person and that person's Heart starts to exist in you. I'd say it's the strongest of bonds."

Ulquiorra listened to her at the same time observing her carefully. What he found curious was her reaction when he'd caught her hand. She was shocked, yes, but most definitely it wasn't anything unpleasant to her. Her cheeks still slightly tinged with pink were rather a convincing proof.

However, he didn't really understand the idea of the Heart – it was too abstract to him. But supposing it was like she was describing it, he didn't like it. Because the idea that in Rukia's Heart were actually parts of someone else's Heart was very disagreeable to him, to say the least. The same went with the idea that the fragments of her Heart were split between the ones she cared for, therefore making it impossible for him to have it all for himself.

Unless he…

"That's why you'd do anything to protect it," she added quietly, looking away from him.

If he didn't know better, he would think he was feeling signs of jealousy in himself.

After a moment of silence, he asked, "Is that why your friends went to Soul Society to rescue you? Is that why you came to Hueco Mundo to rescue Inoue Orihime?"

"Yes."

"You'd do anything to protect the one you have the Heart with… Even if it kills you?" Ulquiorra asked with a frown, finding it more than irrational.

"Yes," she whispered in reply, however there was determination in the tone of her voice.

"But that's just plain idiocy," he returned incredulously. "You'd just get yourself killed and the Heart would be no more. What's the point?"

Finally she raised her head to look him in the eyes and explained passionately, "Well, I might die trying to protect the Heart, but it's not like by dying I'd cease to exist. My Heart would stay with my friends. Kaien-dono's Heart is with me now! And even if I died, I wouldn't die alone. Hearts of my friends would be with me, so I wouldn't have any regrets!"

If not her words, then the passion and confidence in her beliefs shining in her eyes impressed him. And although he could see everything there, in those violet pools of hers, it wasn't anything material. He needed more tangible proof.

Therefore all he could say for now was, "I still can't say I get it."

To his surprise Rukia smiled at his response. "Maybe with time you'll understand it."

He himself doubted it, but for some reason didn't want to bluntly tell her his opinion on the matter. So he kept silent. Not only that – he actually nodded his head as if acknowledging the possibility. A quick why? crossed his mind, but without considering the answer, he asked more.

"Are there any conditions for the Heart to come into existence?"

"It's hard to say," she replied and paused to think it over. (The way she was biting her bottom lip in thought didn't come unnoticed by him.) "I mean, it's not something you have much power over. You meet someone, start caring about each other, trusting each other, then a connection between you is born… That's all, I guess. But how would that two become close enough to form such a strong bond is different in each case. But in a way it's a natural process, I think."

Ulquiorra nodded his head accepting her explanation as satisfactory. After a pondering moment he asked her another question. A question to which answer he was particularly interested in.

"Is there a Heart between us?"

Rukia's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? What? N-n-no! I—I mean, I…"

What was with such an awkwardly difficult question all of a sudden? However she didn't have to think too long to know that she felt there was a bond between him and her. But she couldn't voice it, could she? She stole a quick glance at him. But at the same time she didn't want to lie to him… Sighing deeply, she replied hesitantly, "I'm not quite sure… but… I'd like to think that there… is something."

He looked at her incredulously, his brows sceptically knitted together. "But we are enemies," he reminded her matter-of-factly.

"We are, aren't we?" she agreed quietly after a pause, but said nothing else. We are, and there's nothing we can do about it…

Once again this day she surprised him. Despite being well aware of the fact that the two of them were enemies, she'd just told him that there was a bond between them.

But how could she know there was something in the first place? Besides wasn't he a Hollow? They weren't called like this for no reason – he was empty. He didn't have a heart – a hole in his chest was an undeniable proof of that. Therefore her words made no sense. Such a ludicrous idea… How she had deluded herself into believing it was beyond him.

"But how could I have given you my heart, when I don't have one?"

Asking that question Ulquiorra wanted to sound ridiculingly, yet he had an impression that he sounded more… desperate. Desperate to hear her contradicting his words.

But why? Why all of a sudden he felt the need to hear it from her that he wasn't defective, that he didn't lack anything, that he wasn't a broken soul…

That he had something to give to her…

He looked at Rukia seeking his salvation, but she didn't answer. All she did was glance at him with sad expression, quickly averting her gaze to look at a random spot on the floor.

What did it mean? Did it mean that she didn't know the answer? Or maybe she did, but for some reason was reluctant to give it to him?

A bitter disappointment washed over him.

Without another word he left (missing misery in her eyes).

Dinner and supper went in silence, although from time to time Ulquiorra could feel her unsure glances in his direction. Few times he had an impression that she wanted to say something, however every time she was closing her mouth before she even fully opened it to voice her thoughts. And then sighing softly, she was looking away from him. She repeated such actions some more but a single word was yet to leave her lips.

However when he was about to leave her room, he was stopped by Rukia's quiet voice hesitantly calling his name.

"Ulquiorra…"

He didn't turn back to look at her, however he did stop in his tracks. Not very encouraging, even he must have admitted that, nevertheless she spoke up, this time with more confidence.

"I think you do have a heart. You're an Arrancar not a Hollow, after all. Although it might be either lost somewhere or fractured, but you do have one."

"Ridiculous," he responded automatically, but turned back to look at her curiously.

She only smiled. He briefly wondered whether it was at his response or maybe… just maybe because he gave her his attention. He wasn't sure. But seeing this, seeing her smile, he couldn't help but think that he indeed might have just gained something.

Ulquiorra was about to open the door and leave, when once again her gentle voice stopped him.

"Goodnight."

The sound of that single word was so fresh and new every time he heard it, yet at the same time it felt like she had been telling him this for thousands of evenings already. He would have never supposed that a mere word from her could affect him this much, nevertheless it did.

He turned slightly to look at her from the corner of his eye. She was standing next to her desk and that soft smile was still playing on her small lips. The moment his eyes landed on her lips, he once again felt he was drawn to her; he realised he wanted to kiss her. Simple as that. And there was nothing in his way to prevent him from doing that.

Rukia with surprise observed him as he let go of the door handle and quickly approached her standing right in front of her. Before she even got the time to notice that he was awfully close to her, she registered his warm hand cupping her cheek and raising her head a little. Then she felt his lips being firmly pressed to hers, kissing her.

Her eyes widened at the sudden contact, but initial shock didn't last long and she responded to the kiss. Shyly at first but soon she began kissing him back with more force. She put her hands on his chest clutching the fabric of his jacket bringing him even closer to her. It also helped her to steady herself for her legs were on the verge of giving out on her from all the emotions swirling inside her.

His hand on her cheek, his other hand on her back, his chest pressed against hers… Ulquiorra's embrace was making her feel weak.

Soon he broke the kiss, but still held her closely. Rukia could feel his warm breath wafting over her face, his chest rising against hers with every (slightly quickened) lungful of air he took.

She slowly opened her eyes to meet his. She tried searching them for something what he might be feeling at the moment or what had made him kiss her. She wasn't really sure what she saw there, his green eyes were guarded too well, but his gaze was rather warm and gentle.

"Goodnight," he whispered and made his way for the door.

Rukia like in a daze followed after him with her eyes and only the sound of the door closing made her snap out of it and return to reality. She made few wobbly steps and heavily sat on her bed. She once again looked at the door. Then she touched her lips. She was having a hard time comprehending what had just happened. However she was quite sure that just a moment ago Ulquiorra had kissed her.

And she liked it.

One word: FINALLY!

～OMAKE～

In the first version of this chapter this scene (another Ulquiorra's question) was included, however in my opinion it didn't quite fit in, so I decided to cut it out. Still, I pretty like it, so here you go. If you like it, you can think of it as a part of the main story; if not – just an omake.

"Is an act of kissing a part of the Heart?"

"What?" she asked, her eyes wide in surprise at his question. "No, of course not. I—" unconsciously her eyes were drawn to his lips and she couldn't help but suddenly be remained of that time when he had kissed her…

"Not necessarily!" she almost squeaked as she realised that she actually wouldn't find it unpleasant if he kissed her again... She felt a blush creeping upon her cheeks.

Ah! Bad thought, very bad thought!, she slapped herself mentally so she would stop thinking such shocking (outrageous even!) thoughts. Managing to shut off that dangerous train of thought, she continued.

"I mean, it's not like I kiss Ichigo or Renji. That would be weird," she chuckled awkwardly scratching the back of her head. Although she had to admit that with either of her friends there was a time when she wouldn't have minded that (actually her first kiss was stolen by Renji many decades ago). But both infatuations passed quite quickly and now she could think of them only as her best friends and companions.

Ulquiorra actually stared at her. Rukia, kiss and two brats in one sentence… The mere thought appalled him. So he banished it, only to realise that he himself wanted to kiss her. Finding it inappropriate at the moment he asked another question.

That's all for now!

All that's left for me is to wish you all

Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays)
and
a Happy New Year!
Lots of luck and happiness and I hope all your dreams will come true! （‐＾▽＾‐）

Take care and see you again!

朝霧 -Asagiri-