Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ For The Love of a Friend ❯ Distant Love ( Chapter 31 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Tite Kubo owns Bleach and the characters depicted therein. The characters in this story are not mine, mostly.
 
Distant Love
 
Blinking hard against the wind, Toshiro wondered why such a large crowd, many of them members of 10th and 11th Divisions, were waiting outside Zaraki's quarters. He had a reason to be there, he was here to collect his lieutenant, restored to him at last. They were in his way and he had to push past many people to get closer to the door.
 
“I can't wait to see Ran and see she's really okay. I know Captain Unohana reported that she'd recovered, but that's just words. If I can see for myself, then I'll be happy,” he heard one of his subordinates say to another.
 
Staring at the man who'd spoken he tried to comprehend what was being said. In the last few days he'd been disorientated and hadn't considered how the news of the abduction and brutal attack on their lieutenant might have affected people other than himself, Zaraki, Soi and Retsu. There had been the crowd outside 4th Division, but it hadn't struck him at the time that the group consisted of people who had more than a passing interest. That was because Matsumoto wasn't there to remind him.
 
“I know she's recovered,” he said brusquely to the man causing him to jump with surprise.
 
“Captain Hitsugaya, I didn't see you…. I mean I didn't notice…Um, should I shut up now, Sir?” The man seemed painfully aware that he'd made a mistake.
 
“That would be a good idea,” Toshiro said shortly. It irked him when people said they hadn't seen him, implying as it did that he was so short that he was hidden from view. His Division had been made aware of the respect they owed him and this man was obviously fearful of consequences.
 
Pushing past the shamed man and his friend, he found a space near Captain Unohana who was looking both tired and introspective. While he was wondering what was on her mind they exchanged greetings and he noticed her eyes were fixed on the door.
 
“We must leave soon. I wonder; do I dare knock?” the 4th Division Captain murmured, as if to herself.
 
An urge to grin briefly overcame Toshiro. It was unexpectedly reassuring to find another Captain sometimes wondered about the next action that should be taken. He'd been reminded enough times that his role was to always appear in control and in full command of the situation.
 
“I'll knock if you call out,” he offered.
 
A small smile greeted his offer. “If you promise to protect me from Captain Zaraki,” she said and the smile grew wider. “He will not be happy at having his honeymoon cut short a second time, even though it was his own idea.”
 
Toshiro nodded in agreement. That was very true. He rapped hard on the door while Captain Unohana called out, “It's time Captain. We have to leave now.”
 
They waited and nothing happened.
 
A few ribald comments began to be passed from one group to another as the waiting people speculated as to what was happening inside. Toshiro didn't bother with speculation after his previously disturbing visions. Instead he asked, “How long do you think they'll make us wait?”
 
Retsu, a small frown wrinkling her forehead, replied, “Not too long I hope. This could get quite embarrassing.”
 
Minutes passed and Toshiro glanced worriedly at the crowd which was getting larger. “Should we try to force the door?”
 
“I do not wish to attend to wounded Shinigami before I leave,” Retsu said sensibly. “Captain Zaraki would not appreciate that level of intrusion.”
 
More time passed slowly by and giving into his impulse he began knocking on the door without cease. Had too much sex made them deaf to everything else? As his knuckles slammed over and over into the wood he could feel the strength he was exerting increase. They had to respond; this had end sometime!
 
The door opened and there was Matsumoto, her eyes dreamy and sleepy, her hair disarranged, with a rather interesting robe mostly concealing her curves. Red marks covered her skin and her lips looks bruised. She was proof that the speculation had not been idle.
 
After fearing for her safety and then fervently wishing for her recovery she didn't notice him. Her eyes scanned the crowd in disbelief and finally settled on Retsu with relief.
 
“Did you sleep at all?” Captain Unohana asked.
 
Matsumoto didn't answer. Seconds after the door had opened, it shut again with Captain Unohana inside. Toshiro stood there, open-mouthed. What was going on? He'd noticed the flash of panic in his lieutenant's eyes and wondered what had caused it.
 
His ignorance didn't last for long. The door opened again and he was pulled inside by Captain Unohana. Matsumoto was the only other occupant of the room and the room seemed slightly larger without the looming presence of the Captain.
 
“Captain Hitsugaya, you will need to watch Lieutenant Matsumoto,” she began and he waited for the explanation. “She will occasionally suffer memory loss due to an untested treatment I used to keep her alive and it will be necessary to administer this.” She handed him a box. “There are instructions inside. You will need to check her each morning as it seems to occur after she has slept. When she loses her memory she returns to the time before the Ryoka came. That could prove dangerous. Ran, I really should be studying you and testing these side effects, but I promised I would join this mission and I cannot change my mind. When I return we will work on a cure. Please go to 4th Division every day for a check up; that way we can monitor your progress.”
 
“I know this is a stupid request, but please, try to watch over Zaraki while you're gone. I know it will be hard, but try to stop him from doing anything stupid,” Matsumoto asked Captain Unohana with a passion and urgency he'd rarely heard from her.
 
He had begun to understand what Captain Unohana had said and it seemed impossible to believe. “You forgot you're married? That might not be a bad thing.”
 
Heavy footsteps heralded the arrival of Zaraki who overheard his last statement. “It is. Take care of her, Captain, or I will cut you to pieces slowly when I return. You promised me that you would defend my wife and I'm holding you to that.” Zaraki was standing in the doorway dominating the room, his arms were crossed and his face implacable.
 
Incensed at the possible insult, Toshiro stood straight and scowled at Zaraki. “I agreed to protect my Lieutenant, not your wife. I will protect her as my friend and adjunct; her relationship with you is immaterial. Now we will escort you to the bridge. I think you should leave now before the others become impatient,”
 
“I better change,” Matsumoto said and hurried from the room.
 
During her absence further explanations were offered regarding the memory loss. Before Matsumoto returned, Zaraki said seriously, “Don't let her follow me, unless the situation gets out of hand. She'll be safer here, for the present.”
 
Toshiro thought about it. “You know she will try to follow you.”
 
“Of course she will. I suppose you'll have to let her, eventually. Make sure she doesn't go alone. I don't want her alone at any time.”
 
Thinking about it, Toshiro nodded. Nothing was certain and further attempts to abduct of hurt his friend could recur. “I'll be vigilant.”
 
“Yeah, you better be or I'll slice you into sushi when I return.” The mocking smile on Zaraki's face was more threatening than amused.
 
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth but he suppressed it. “I'd like to see you try.”
 
Before Zaraki could answer, Matsumoto had returned to the room and immediately gazed with determined longing at her husband.
 
As they left, Matsumoto clinging to her husband's hand, Toshiro observed them out of the corner of his eye. Why they didn't trip over he didn't know.
 
Under it all he wished that Soi would look at him, just once, with such yearning. He would probably ignore everything and everyone else if she did so and then he would find the courage to tell her how he felt. A vague sense of envy overcame him which he dismissed. Love wasn't meant for him.
 
He watched the impassioned embrace the pair exchanged until, embarrassed, he had to turn away from the carnal passion displayed. One Shinigami speculated about whether Zaraki would make it out of the Seireitei before screwing his wife again and Toshiro directed a very cold glance in the direction of the voice. Hearing his own thoughts voiced aloud did not please him.
 
“It's time to leave, Captain. There'll be plenty of time for that when you return,” the Captain-General spoke loudly which forced the pair to finally stop embracing.
 
With a concentrated glance, Zaraki stared at those nearest him. “I expect all of you to take care of my wife. Ikkaku, Yumichika, if anything happens to her, you know what will happen. Beloved, remember me and the rules I mentioned earlier.” He kissed Matsumoto once more and left.
 
As he expected, his lieutenant burst into tears as soon as the man was out of view. He moved closer, preparing to remind her of her duty.
 
“He'll be back, Ran. Stop crying. He told me he hates it when you cry,” Yumichika said trying to comfort the woman.
 
Remarkably, Matsumoto stopped crying, wiped her face, pushed her hair back over her shoulders and stood straight. A new look of determination was set on her features. Now was the time to gain her attention.
 
“Come, Lieutenant. The remedy for your sorrow is hard work. We have a lot to do and I can't allow you out of my sight.” Turning to the 11th Division 3rd and 5th seat he told them, “I'll return her to 11th Division later.”
 
Hoping she would follow him, he walked pushing through the crowd, anticipating the forthcoming discussion and hoping to resolve one of his outstanding problems. Wishing to get away from the crowd he walked with deliberation to one place he knew was far enough away, but close to 4th Division and then stopped abruptly. He had to talk to her now. For the past few days he'd been thinking this would help him and he wanted to start as soon as possible. But one thing was constantly in the back of his mind. He'd heard from two different and reliable sources that she had been raped by Aizen. If this was true, why hadn't she told him, her captain? Didn't she trust him? Had he failed her in some way?
 
His lieutenant stumbled and he wondered if he could catch her if she fell. In all probability she'd been daydreaming while they walked, but that didn't matter.
 
“Matsumoto, we are not going back to our Division immediately. We have to visit 4th Division to talk to Momo, but before we do, I want to ask your advice.”
 
A puzzled look crossed her face. “My Captain, of course I would be happy to advise you. You only need to ask and I will help.”
 
This time he let a small smile show. “Except with paperwork. I don't want to talk about this here. Let's have some tea,” he led the way to a small, quiet tea house he had visited a few times and chose a secluded table. “I don't need to ask you to keep this confidential, because I am sure you will, but I would ask you keep your voice down as I do not wish to be overheard, even if it appears there is no one within earshot. I would have asked you this before, but you were busy with Captain Zaraki and your honeymoon.”
 
A sad look passed over Matsumoto's face and her voice was low and slightly rough. “The honeymoon is over now my husband has left.”
 
He bit his lip, trying not to laugh at her slightly dramatic delivery. After a pause, while the tea was served with some sweet buns, he said, “I heard a rumour and you don't have to confirm it if you don't want to. I wanted to ask you this before, but you were too upset. Did Aizen rape you?”
 
After a brief coughing fit caused by her accidental inhalation of tea she replied, “Yes.” He noticed she could not meet his gaze and her shoulders slumped as she made the admission.
 
This was bad. His friend had suffered and she hadn't told him. A stab of pain made him aware that this lack of trust hurt him. He'd thought they were better friends than that. “You should have told me. I want to kill that bastard, but not as much as your husband does. If you had told me I could have done something.”
 
With tears in her eyes, Matsumoto replied with complete assurance, “You wouldn't have believed me.” She busied herself with the food and drink, continuing to avoid looking at his face.
 
Why did he feel guilty? He hadn't done anything… or maybe that was the problem. “I would. We've known each other long enough for me to know when you're lying. You didn't have to live through that hell by yourself,” he protested and touched her hand in an effort to get her to look at him.
 
“Please, let's not talk about this. It's in the past and I don't want to think about it anymore,” the tears were more noticeable now, but his lieutenant grabbed another bun and ate it with dedicated attention rubbing her eyes absentmindedly with her free hand.
 
This was a signal that the subject was closed for now. Once before she'd kept eating in order to avoid answering questions and it seemed that she was quite happy to do so again. Toshiro nodded understandingly. “If you want, we can talk about it later.”
 
To prevent her making herself sick he took a bun and took a bite, chewing automatically while he thought about broaching the next matter he wished to discuss. Coughing a little, he cleared his throat and spoke very quietly. “I have delayed this until you were available. I wish to inform Momo of her pregnancy and I want you there to provide any consolation she requires. I am unsure how she will take the news, and she has appeared rather confused when I've talked to her since she regained consciousness.”
 
A nod was followed by, “Don't you think we should wait until Captain Unohana returns? She would be able to give the best advice if Momo reacts badly and she has been treating Momo all this time.”
 
A further wait was unthinkable. The guilt alone would make his nights more difficult than they already were. “No, I don't want to postpone this any longer. Momo should know; it's only fair to her. How should I tell her?”
 
Matsumoto was silent, avoiding his gaze. Was there something she knew but hadn't told him? He almost asked but then she spoke and made an offer he hadn't expected. “Do you want me to tell her? I'll be as gentle as I can and as we are friends and she told me about the encounter with Aizen, it might be more reassuring.”
 
Just for a brief space he wanted to accept but it would mean that he had shirked his responsibility. “That would make my life easier, but I think I should tell her. Should I be blunt, or slowly introduce the information? I'm not sure.” Once again he faced the problem of anticipation. Would Momo be pleased or distressed by the news? Would it push her that little closer to the insanity that seemed to threaten?
 
“Don't be too blunt, work up to it slowly and try to make it so that the truth will become apparent gradually. We might need lots of tissues and a sedative for when she realises the truth.”
 
Nodding, Toshiro thought this was sound advice. It was a relief to have at least one person who would take the time to listen to his concerns. Now he would ask the question that had been burning at the back of his mind since he'd discovered Momo was pregnant. The same question he'd asked Soi with disastrous results. “Yes, I agree. Now please think about your answer to the next question carefully, as I value your advice. Do you think I should ask Momo to marry me?” He watched her face carefully, fearful of her agreement.
 
A thoughtful and closed look covered the woman's face. “Before I answer that question you must tell me: do you love her?”
 
He flushed slightly at my question and said, “She's my friend.” It sounded weak and it was no reason for marriage.
 
Typically Matsumoto made a joke of his serious question. “She's my friend too, but I'm not offering to marry her.”
 
Scrupulously he did not allow his mixture of anger and amusement show. The woman had cut to the heart of the matter, but he had to protest. “Of course you're not. You are married already to a man you tell me you love and you're female. Why would you offer to marry her?” What would Zaraki have said if he'd heard his wife's statement? Or maybe he was aware of her peculiar way of looking at things.
 
Matsumoto was silent for a few moments and then shook her head. “What I am trying to say is that you should not offer marriage out of friendship alone. If you love Momo as more than a friend, then make the offer, but I think it would be a bad idea. She loves Aizen, or she did last time I talked with her, before he tried to kill her. Maybe that has changed.”
 
It was Toshiro's turn to shake his head. If anything Momo was even more in love with Aizen and in denial of any criticism of the man. He wondered if she'd accuse Kira of causing the betrayal next, or a random astrological phenomenon. The man had tried to kill Matsumoto and she didn't think he was innocent. “No. She believes it was all a mistake. Her obsession has not decreased; in fact it seems to have become stronger. Nearly every statement she makes concerns Aizen. She did not seem worried about the attacks by the Arrancar in the human world and I have not mentioned your abduction by Ichimaru. I feared it would affect her badly.” There were many things he'd avoided speaking about for fear of upsetting his friend further. For the sake of her mental condition they had mainly spoken of their shared past. It was safe.
 
“You'll be offering to marry her, even though she's pregnant with Aizen's child and madly in love with the guy? Excuse me, Captain, but I think that's the most idiotic idea you've had for a long time. Even if she agreed, which she won't, neither of you would be happy. I don't know why, but I've felt that you've lost your romantic attachment to Momo and see her only as a friend. It's almost as if your interest has been drawn to someone else. If you want my advice: tell her about her pregnancy, offer her support and pacify her if you need to, but don't offer to marry her. It's a noble idea, but marriage without love on both sides is not a marriage. It's a convenient arrangement,” Matsumoto faltered and became quiet.
 
Each word she had spoken lifted his spirits slightly. At first he thought he was being noble in offering to marry Momo, but it would have been idiotic. Her devotion to Aizen would have eventually been difficult to overlook and knowing his friend the way he did, ultimately she would begin to compare him to Aizen. It would be impossible to live up to the standards she set and with each failure hatred would intrude more into their friendship. Love could not survive or grow in that environment and he wanted love. He wanted Soi.
Thinking that the question he'd been scared to ask rushed out. His lieutenant was in love with her husband, that much was clear, but how, when did she know?
 
“But how do you know it is love? When did you know that you loved Captain Zaraki? What do you love about your husband? It might just be good sex.” He'd had great sex with Soi and that could be distorting his judgement.
 
Matsumoto took a deep breath and let it out before she spoke. “It started as just good sex, really good sex and good sex is part of it, at least I think so. I would not have married Captain Zaraki if he was a bad lover, but I don't know why I love him; I just do and I won't question it. I know it is love because he makes my heart feel like…. It's no good. I can't explain it. I know I love him just like I know that we are friends and the sun will rise tomorrow. Don't ask me to quantify it.”
 
Her words both answered his question and confused him. If anyone had asked him why he loved Soi it wouldn't have been possible to put into words. The realisation both scared him and filled him with joy.
 
“Captain, do you feel like that about someone…”
 
It was too soon. He couldn't tell anyone what he was thinking. Obviously Zaraki had been too busy to mention their conversation and for that he was grateful. “I think we should go and tell Momo her news as soon as possible. Maybe we should ask Iemura or Hisagi to be nearby in case she needs a sedative,” he said distractedly then flushed.
 
“Hisagi? Why would Hisagi know anything about 4th Division? He has little to do with the workings of that division; he has his own to take care of. I think you mean Hanatoro, but I don't know why you would mix those two up. There names are not even similar and they look nothing alike. Maybe you've been working too hard while I've been absent, my Captain. I will try to help you catch up. I have nothing to distract me now, except my thoughts.”
 
She'd noticed the slip and now her curiosity was aroused. Why did he hold so many of the secrets? If anyone else wished to confide in him, he might ask them to take a number and wait. Too many secrets. Then he noticed that his lieutenant had a look of such longing on her face with a mixture of despair and lust that he knew immediately what she was thinking about, or rather who.
 
“I thought you said you had nothing to distract you, yet you already seem distracted, Matsumoto,” he teased.
 
“Sorry Captain. I know you're not happy about our marriage and you'd prefer it if I forgot him.”
 
That stupid comment he'd made. Now relieved of the thought of marrying Momo he recognised and pushed away the minor jealousy that had begun to grow. It was true he was accustomed to be the most important man in his lieutenant's life but he could not deny her the chance of love. Zaraki would kill him if he tried. “But you're wrong, Lieutenant. I am happy for you, both of you. I only said that to annoy Zaraki who was listening, because it's fun to watch his reactions. I know how difficult it was when you insisted you wanted to stay in Division 10 when your husband demanded you were moved. I doubted your affection for each other at first but now I can't. When you were abducted, Zaraki became totally obsessed with retrieving you and tried to leave when he woke, even though he was still drugged. He almost rampaged through the Seireitei, destroying buildings and trying to fight Captain Yamamoto. He recovered from the drugs quickly, but I think his fury may have helped him burn the drug out of his system. Captain Unohana had to do some quick work on Yachiru which helped calm him down a little. We knew he was going to rescue you no matter what or who stood in his way. The way he spoke about you moved me. I know he enjoys having sex with you, that's evident, even if he doesn't say anything about it, and Ikkaku has blabbed about what he overheard in Soul Society, but there's more there. I wondered what was happening when the Captain-General took Zaraki for a walk, showed him the way to get to the Arrancar stronghold and mentioned that your abduction should have no effect on the planned mission. He expressly forbade Zaraki from using the passageway until it was ready but your husband waited until the old man had gone and then got some people to stabilise the passageway, even though he had been told about the danger. Captain Unohana and Ikkaku and Yumichika offered to go with him. I stayed behind and tried to distract the old man from everything,” he stopped abruptly and looked down at his hands for a second and then asked again. “How do you know it is love?”
 
A thoughtful look came over her face and he could tell she was honestly trying to reply in the best way she could. “I can't answer that, I told you before. I can only tell you that a look can break your heart or make it thrill with excitement. A touch can make you weak. A kiss can possess you. I don't know, Captain. I've never felt like this before. What I may have felt for Gin is nothing compared to this.”
 
Those words were the final escape he hoped they would be. “Then I don't love Momo,” he said as lightly as he could, trying to dismiss the subject.
 
“What is it Captain? There's something bothering you. At first I thought it was Momo, but it's more than that.” The voice was calm, but firm.
 
She knew him too well to be put off but still he tried. “It's nothing. I said something stupid to someone and it became personal and it's nothing. Too late to change anything.”
 
Of course she didn't let it go. Her eyes became soft with compassion and she looked at him with the love he'd always known was there, but tried to ignore. “Tell me Captain. Let me help you. I'm not very good at explaining about love or good at relationships, well until now, but maybe you need to tell someone.
 
Quickly his mind raced through the events that had destroyed any chance he had with Soi. Accusations, suspicion, anger, hurtful words, there was nothing there that indicated he had any chance. Even her attempt at compassion had hurt because he wanted to make love to her, not simply fuck. but it hadn't been possible. All his flaws and faults had been exposed and drawn to her attention and after that he was certain she could only despise him completely. Sighing, he shook his head and closed his eyes, then leant his brow against his hand. “I can't talk about it with anyone. There's no point. It's over.”
 
Hearing the words spoken aloud nearly made him despair.
 
Speaking quickly and urgently Matsumoto didn't give him a chance to brood on the impossible situation. “Try talking to whoever it is. Apologise, give the person a chance to apologise, say you didn't mean what you said; tell the person you made a mistake. If it means that much, grovel. You can't let whatever it is tear you apart like this, Toshiro. If the person is reasonable, I'm sure he or she will listen.”
 
He almost laughed at her fervour but one word cut him more than any other. He'd tried to explain so many times but she wouldn't listen. She'd take her pleasure from his body and then ignore him. His anger was swiftly roused and he responded heatedly, “Reasonable! No fucking way is she reasonable,” Toshiro raised his voice and it echoed around the deserted tea room. “I can't bloody apologise, I'm a Captain and she said some unforgivable things. It's better that it's over, I can concentrate on my work,” he laughed unconvincingly. “Don't mention this to anyone. Let's go. We need to talk to Momo and you have to be checked.”
 
As they walked he noticed that Matsumoto was alternately deep in thought and observing him closely. The nearer they came to Momo the more agitated he became as he anticipated the problems that may result from this revelation. Would Momo insist on keeping the child? What sort of life would the child of a traitor have within the Seireitei? His stomach began to churn and he rubbed his hands over his hair, pushing it out of his eyes and, he was certain, making it spike in all the wrong places. He should offer to marry his friend to protect both her and her child. Only a fool would dare challenge him and if any did he would deal with them quickly. Torn between duty, fear and antipathy he slowed wanting to put off the announcement. In retrospect he should have permitted Captain Unohana to tell Momo as soon as she was certain of the diagnosis, but his friend had seemed too fragile and confused to accept the news.
 
The tension became too great and he released some of it in words. “I'm not looking forward to this. You're sure I shouldn't ask her to marry me?” He kept his voice low, not wishing to draw attention to his agitation.
 
“I'm positive,” were the welcome words from his friend. “You're not suited and it would be a mistake you would both regret.”
 
With his concerns he hadn't noticed how close they were to 4th Division. After a brief argument, he won and insisted Matsumoto submitted to the tests. Her expression was mulish until he pointed out that if she forgot things, she might believe she was still in love with Gin. The look of distaste that flickered over her face was followed by quick agreement. “I love Zaraki. I don't want to forget again,” she said before permitting Hanatoro to do the tests. A few times she crossed her eyes and feigned stupidity to amuse him, but Toshiro was too concerned about what would happen afterward to smile.
 
Before Hanatoro let them in to see Momo he listed some rules and finished with, “Captain Unohana was very thorough in her explanations to me. She even asked Assistant Captain Hisagi to wait until she had finished providing the details, even though he insisted he had an urgent matter he needed to discuss with her. It must have been very important because they were locked in her office for nearly an hour.”
 
Hearing that and realising why they had been locked in the office, Toshiro coughed and looked away. Once again unwanted images rushed through his mind as he tried to think of some innocuous comment. It didn't work so keeping his lips firmly together he walked with increasing trepidation to Momo's room.
 
There was no point in putting off the evil moment. Momo was conscious and appeared to be rational, as rational as she had been since the stabbing. His heart sank as she smiled as he entered the room.
 
“Ran, I haven't seen you for so long. No one would tell me what happened to you or why you didn't visit me. I wanted to talk to you.”
 
Once again he'd been ignored and by his friend. He tried to hide his irritation as his lieutenant replied, “I'm sorry, Momo. I've been on my honeymoon.”
 
Hell. Had Matsumoto said that? As he looked at her face he felt the problems with his stomach increase. Knowing his lieutenant as well as he did, it was obvious she was in one of her `truth' phases. He hated those and they had occurred too frequently. On this mode the woman would be brutally truthful, no matter what the situation. It often led to repercussions and he could hear the excitement in Momo's voice as she asked, excitedly, “Honeymoon? You got married? Who to? Tell me.”
 
“Captain Kenpachi Zaraki.” As she spoke his name, Matsumoto seemed to shine with love and happiness. It was sickening.
 
Momo looked at Toshiro and then shook her head in denial and turned her attention back to her friend. “That can't be right, Ran. Stop teasing me. No one would marry Captain Zaraki. He's not very …um, nice and besides you don't know him. Who did you really marry?”
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A.N.
 
Catching up with Different Circumstances, at last.
 
Soundtrack
`I'll be Waiting' Full Intention; Shena (for Matsumoto)
`Goodbye' Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
`Our Truth' Lacuna Coil
`Mad City Sunset (Type 1)' Tryforce from Heatguy-J Burn soundtrack.
 
Thanks to cancerchick16, ldymoon, Bastion for the reviews. Reviews make me think about updating.
 
Review. I like reviews.