Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Standing In The Shadows ❯ Chapter 13

Standing In The Shadows 13

 

Disclaimer: Once again as much as I may wish otherwise, I do not own any part of Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. They are owned by their respective authors. I only claim ownership of this twisted plot and the muses that created it.

 

Chapter Thirteen

 

“Emperor Konoe and his consort?” Kagome stilled as she searched her memory for information as to the name and the significance it held in the history she had learned. Her face was a mask of concentration then realization slowly began to dawn in her eyes along with an impending sense of dread. She stared at Kuronue for a moment, her blue eyes growing almost impossibly large then turned to look at Kurama as if measuring him by some unknown standard. Slowly her attention returned to Kuronue. “You're asking me about Emperor Konoe who ruled around 1155 aren't you? The cloistered Emperor was Toba right?” At the slow nod she received from Kuronue as an answer she almost exploded in disbelief as fear and worry rushed to the forefront of her mind. Her hands clenched into fists as her body began to glow a soft pink in response to her spiking emotions. “You're not telling me that she's back again. Are you??”

 

Everyone started to slowly back up a few steps as she visibly struggled to bring her emotions back under control. Yusuke and Kurama moved quickly to pull Botan back, inadvertently bring Souta with them. Neither was sure if Botan could be purified or not but it wasn't worth taking the chance to find out. Kuronue stood warily, he wasn't all that close to her but at the moment he didn't care to move any closer and tempt fate. It would seem that Hiei had his work cut out for him teaching the girl how to control her powers better. As her power spiked there was a hum of power as the energy web kicked in, the artifacts choosing to smooth over the power fluxation and bringing it once again into balance. Kurama groaned, he felt like he'd been hit with a broad blade sword. `We're going to have to teach her how to control her emotions, I don't want to feel like this every time she decides to get upset.'

 

“Just who is it that you're talking about Kagome? It's obvious you recognize the names and since Youko apparently isn't filling any of us in on his little secrets then I think it's important for you tell us what we need to know." Yusuke was frustrated but it obviously wouldn't do anyone any good to upset the miko standing in front of him again. That little demonstration of her power had told him just how dangerous and unpredictable she really was and he had no wish to lose any team members because her power somehow felt she was threatened. He could also feel Hiei's ki, which meant the man was approaching at a great speed and from the feel of it he wasn't happy at all. `Great, that's just what I need. Watch him try to drag her away from here.' He could see the girl was hesitant to answer and he tried once more, praying she would start talking before Hiei arrived. “Come on Kagome, the sooner we know, the sooner we can start planning.”

 

“The history is actually quite confusing, it's just as much the legends that I had to learn to be the shrines Miko as it is about the history I've learned in school.” Kagome looked around her for a seat out of the sun where they could all have a little privacy from any prying eyes to discuss what she knew. Spying a spot several yards further down the trail she led the small group over to a small grassy knoll, and then waited in silence until everyone had gathered around. “This isn't going to be pretty but you asked…”

 

“Just say whatever it is that you've got to say so we get her dealt with Kagome. We don't want to be dealing with her forever you know and batboy here isn't giving us much to go on. The sooner this over with and we can be done with it the better it will be for everyone involved.” Kuwabara was ready for this to be over and done with. Yukina wasn't there anymore and he hadn't been chosen by one of the artifacts so he was in a hurry to be able to get back to the festivities. “ Besides that, the sooner this is over the sooner I can get my sister away from that wanna be lover boy and we can all get on with our lives.”

 

Kurama looked at Kuwabara for a moment before turning his gaze onto his old partner. There could very easily be bloodshed soon if Kuwabara didn't quit antagonizing the demon. Kuronue didn't have the strong ties to the group that he did and the red head obviously didn't grasp the amount of knowledge and power that the bat demon held or just how much service he could be to them all. `It isn't going to take much more before he decides not to help at all.' A dark look and a raised eyebrow from Kuronue in silent question had him silently shaking his head; it was obviously his turn this time to shut the man up. “Kuwabara, if you don't let Kagome talk we'll never learn what she knows before Hiei arrives to drag her back to Genkai's temple. Something tells me that part of what she knows will even be news to Youko.”

 

A black shadow passed briefly overhead signaling Hiei's arrival and he was suddenly standing in the midst of the group next to Kagome. Crimson eyes swept over her looking for any sign of damage or injury, which would have caused the wild power surge. Finding nothing he turned to the group to stare for a moment in disgust. “It's too late, I'm already here! Tell me which one of you idiots it was that caused Kagome to feel threatened enough that her power would flare up like that. Can't any of you imbeciles let things go for even a few hours or do you all need a babysitter?” Quiet had descended over the group at the question. While Kuronue may have asked the original question Yusuke knew that he had furthered it along by pressing the girl to answer as had Kurama. None of them wanted Hiei's ire directed at them and to point out one would point out them all. Hiei's thinly held patience snapped. “Fine then. Since no one chooses to answer me, I'll just take Kagome with me back to Genkai's temple. I'm sure I can find an activity there that will tire her out and we can then get some sleep.”

 

There were a few slight giggles from the girls and a look of shock on Souta's face as the meaning of Hiei's words slowly sank in. Kagome's face blushed a bright shade of pink as she also realized exactly what it was that he meant by a tiring activity and she turned her face to stare at him in amazement and embarrassment that he could say such a thing in front of everyone. Kurama and Kuronue shared a look of amusement and knowing smirks, it was obvious to them that Hiei would have no compunctions about taking the girl any place or time if only she would allow it. Only Yusuke didn't find any humor in the situation. His lips pressed firmly into a thin line and his stance stiffened perceptibly. Hiei wasn't taking the threat anywhere near serious enough for his satisfaction or peace of mind. `Doesn't he realize how important this is?' He cleared his throat about to tell Hiei exactly what he thought of the suggestion that had been made but Kagome beat him to it.

 

“I've decided I'm really not comfortable telling you everything I know anymore until I've had a chance to go over the old scrolls and those are back at the house. I'd also like a chance to talk to my Grandfather, he loves to talk about the ancient legends and he'll probably cry with joy that I even want to hear his stories.” Kagome looked down at her hands for a few long moments trying to figure out the best way to get out of going back to the temple. “I've never done anything like that before, how do I tell him I'm a virgin?' Silently she waited for her face to return to a normal color even though she could feel everyone's eyes on her. At last she raised her head turning to look at each person in turn before her eyes finally settled on Hiei. “I'm really not ready to go anywhere and I don't want to miss out on what's left of the day. Besides I still have my duties as a shrine Miko. If they promise not to ask anything more about the legends can you accept that I want to continue the rest of the day out with everyone?” It was sidestepping his question about who it was that had upset her and she knew it but she hoped he would let it slide, she just didn't want to deal with it right now.

 

“We need to talk” Hiei took Kagome's arm and steered her away from the group where they could talk in private without the danger of being overheard. Finally he came to a stop and turned to her, his face showing a trace of impatience at having to explain what he obviously thought she should have known without him having to spell it out. “Questioning my decisions in public is not acceptable. I will not have others thinking badly of my perspective mate because of this behavior. I don't know if this was acceptable when you dealt with the hanyou but it is not acceptable with me. I expect I will not be forced to explain this to you again.” He paused for a moment thinking about anything else he wanted to say then noticed the dark look of anger building on the girls face. “However, I will compromise with you this time. You may stay as you wish but if this happens again you will come home with me until your duties as a Miko call you away. I trust this is acceptable.”

 

Kagome nodded, not trusting her voice to speak at the moment. His concession to her request had been just enough to stop her from blowing up in anger at the way he had spoken to her. `If that had been Inuyasha I would have either sat him to the nine hells or I would have been sorry tempted to pin him back onto Goshinboku. I know I'd heard about these demon customs in the past but I thought Sango had been kidding when she had said how strict they were. So I'm going to have to decide if it's something I can live with or if I want to give up on any chance of a relationship with Hiei.' Her eyes unfocused in concentration as a small tug on her soul answered the question for her as a foreign thought tendril wrapped around her mind soothing her anger and reassuring her that yes, the fire apparition was the one that she was meant to spend her life with. Kagome gave a start as she realized that Amaterasu was the one reassuring her then looked over again at Hiei. “That's fair, thank you.”

 

Together they walked back in silence to the waiting group. Silence fell over the group as they drew closer but not before Hiei managed to catch whispered comments from the girls wondering how long Kagome was going to put up with such an attitude from him. `How utterly female. If they think they're going to dictate the terms of my relationship they're going to learn how wrong they are.' His gaze fell to the men. The three demons were saying nothing, only watching them with understanding and some sympathy in their eyes. They understood why Hiei had done what he did, their instincts would have demanded no less of them but they also knew it was going to be a difficult change for Kagome to adjust to. Kuronue looked over at the girls' absentmindedly and sighed, hoping he wouldn't run into the same problems if he ever decided to take a mate, he wasn't sure it would be worth the aggravation.

 

“She can stay provided there is no more talk of this today. If there is, she has agreed to return with me. You are all warned.” Hiei stretched and looked around the area critically before turning once more to Kagome. “Rest assured I will be nearby. Yukina is safe enough at the temple and I tire of making unnecessary trips.” His eyes picked out an evergreen tree that would have adequate foliage to conceal him from prying eyes as well as some protection from the snow that was once again threatening to fall from the overcast sky. A slight wind rippled through his hair giving him an even wilder appearance as he turned his hardened gaze upon Yusuke. “I have not missed the importance of the questions Detective. But the answers can wait, I sense no immediate danger.” With those words he disappeared onto his chosen branch and settled down to sleep. `At least if I have to collect her I won't have as far to travel.'

 

There were no further questions concerning the past or about the legends but privately Keiko wondered just how long Kagome was going to put up with Hiei's attitude. `It isn't like they've known each other all their lives, I don't know why she's putting up with it now.' She shrugged her shoulders and impatiently pushed her hair back behind her ear as she walked making Yusuke look at her with a question in his eyes but she chose to ignore it, turning her head away from him as if she hadn't seen it. `He had his chance and he blew it. I'm tired of being the second fiddle in his life; we're finished. It's sad really; Hiei's acting just as overbearing as Yusuke always does if not worse. I have a feeling it won't be too long until they break up as well. But that's none of my business I guess.' Increasing the speed of her steps slightly she caught up to Shizuru and Kuronue; then fell in beside them. “So, are you guys going to be a couple now?”

 

“What on earth gave you an idea like that??” Shizuru was shocked by the question, it was one that she never would have expected and she wasn't quite sure how to respond to it. She stopped walking and turned to stare at the girl who seemed to have suddenly taken over Botan's annoying habit of trying to play matchmaker. “You know I've never even considered anyone since Sakyo, just what makes you think I'm looking now?” There was a gleam of speculation in the other girl's eyes that had her slightly wincing, wondering just what it was that Keiko was up to. She spared a look up at the demon that was her current escort only to find that he was wearing an equally stunned expression. “I assure you I had no part in her asking that question!”

 

`You need to hurry and get us up there where Kuronue and Shizuru are. Do you see the looks on their faces? Something is happening up there and I want to know what it is.' Youko had been quietly watching the group through Kurama's eyes ever since Kagome had gotten upset and Hiei had deemed it important enough to make an appearance. Tensions were still running high within the group even if no one was talking about the legends anymore and now Youko was both worried and curious what could have happened this time. He started pacing in the corner of Kurama's mind that held, his tail swishing furiously and his ears twitching that his human counterpart was moving so slowly. `Come on Kurama, move your feet! Get up there with them now, I want to know what the hell is going on!'

 

`Give me a chance Youko, I'm going.' He looked over at Botan and Souta who he had been walking with only to find that they were watching the scene unfolding as well. Botan had a strange secretive smile on her face that he had long ago learned to interpret as her matchmaking smile and inwardly he flinched in sympathy for his partner. `If they're thinking about trying to play matchmaker with him and Shizuru then they have my sympathy. Those girls can be positively ruthless once they've made up their minds about that particular topic.' Almost dreading to find out the answer he complied with Youko's request and excused himself from his current companions sides to move forward to his old partners side just in time to hear Shizuru's hasty exclamation. “Who asked what question?”

 

“It would seem that one of your friends has decided that it's time I chose a mate.” Kuronue had quickly recovered from his shock and was turning the girls question over in his mind. `The idea has it's possibilities in entertainment and strategic factors, I'm positive it would annoy her brother to no end having to see his sister with me every day. It could also possibly give me an unexpected ally should the Spirit Detective decide for some reason to do something stupid like not listen to something I have to say. Yes, the idea does definitely have some possibilities. The question becomes do I really want to do something like this? Not permanently, however the girl could definitely prove useful as the means to an end.' He looked at Kurama with an unreadable expression on his face as his wings waved slowly in thought. `All I have to do is keep them guessing so they don't realize that's what this is.' It was the yelling that came from both Kuwabara and Yusuke that he could do no such thing as dating Shizuru that made up his mind. Turning to the girl on his arm he gave her one of his most charming smiles. “I can't say I'm ready to take a mate because I most assuredly am not but I would like your permission to call on you and take you out to different places.” He smirked at the people who were now standing with their mouths gaping open at his audacity. `Take that!'

 

“You are not dating my sister!” Kuwabara finally found his voice and yelled at the demon, not caring that there were people within earshot who were beginning to stare at the group. “You're not good enough for her, don't even think that you are. She deserves better then the likes of you, she deserves someone that I approve of! And you're not it.” Tensely the man stalked up to the couple and grabbed his sisters' arm, fully intending to remove her from Kuronue's grasp, by force if necessary. “Come on Shizuru, we're going home and then I'm gonna come back here and beat his ass!”

 

“Let it go for now Kazuma.” Shizuru put her hand over her brothers and looked him in the eyes. “It isn't like he asked me to marry him, I'd already have knocked him senseless if he had.” She turned her head to look up at Kuronue with a warning look on her face. “But don't you do anything stupid either. I'm willing to be your friend and occasionally even go places with you but don't start thinking you own me.” Kuwabara opened his mouth to start yelling again but subsided at her rather pointed look and removed his hand from her arm. Now free she shoved her hands into her pockets and pulled them out a moment later with her cigarettes and lighter. “Now that that's settled for the moment, I think I could use one of these.” At the rather astonished looks she was still getting she turned to glare at everyone. “Was there something else?”

 

“No.” Kagome was just as surprised as everyone else but she started walking again and everyone started walking with her. Kuronue had reclaimed Shizuru's arm and she had let him without comment. Kazuma obviously wasn't pleased but he wasn't yelling anymore, contenting himself with staring at the demons back who was pointedly ignoring him. Keiko was now walking quietly beside Botan and Souta as Yusuke took up a position beside Kurama. For a time everyone walked in silence each lost in his or her own thoughts. Finally Kagome broke the silence. “New Years Eve is a time for letting go of all old feelings so everyone can start out fresh for the New Year. I can't say this is what I expected and I know a lot of you aren't necessarily happy but somehow it all feels right to me. Like it's supposed to be this way if you know what I mean.” Off in the distance, unnoticed by them all behind a shield of her own stood Tamamo-No-Mae.

 

`They think they can foil me and my plans by asking a human of all things for information?' Tamamo-No-Mae gave a short laugh that sounds suspiciously like a fox's bark as she ran her hands down the front of her Kimono, smoothing the folds down and enjoying the sensual feel of the smooth silk against her body. For a moment she closed her eyes and allowed her mind to wander back in time remembering the different periods of time she had spent in the Ningenkai throughout past lives and the mayhem she had been able to bring about. A smile graced her features as she relived the memories of the pain and torture her victims had endured then her eyes snapped back open `They were all so foolish to believe they could kill me. Emperors and priests alike have tried and failed. This should be fun, I'm going to give them something to think about for a little while.' She muttered a few words under her breath and then laughed again. `Won't that one be surprised when she goes to Himatsuri tomorrow. I hope she enjoys the personal show that will be waiting for her with her loved one as the star attraction.'

 

~*~*~*~

 

The rest of the afternoon and evening had gone well. No further mention had been made about the old legends and they had all enjoyed themselves at one of the traveling amusement carnivals, riding all the rides until they were breathless. The sky had cleared and now the moon was high, the stars were twinkling brightly overhead as Souta hugged the girl by his side and looked at his watch then at his sister. “We need to be getting Kagome. It's almost eleven o'clock at night now, we have just enough time to get home and get dressed in our shrine clothes before we ring the bells.” At her nod of agreement the entire group turned to make their way back to the remains of the shrine and Kagome's home. Hiei chose that moment to reappear and he had Yukina by his side, obviously his sleep from several hours earlier had been just enough that he had made the trip to back to Genkai's temple and retrieved his sister as he had promised he would.

 

“Welcome back.” Kagome smiled at the little Koorime as she fell in step beside Hiei. “I was hoping that you'd make it back in time to hear the bells.” The teal haired girl had been one of her first friends among the group, Kagome felt that she was closer to Yukina then any of the others because of the girls abilities as a healer and her gift of empathy. Her thoughts turned inward as they continued walking towards home and Kagome was once again thankful that the mind shield Amaterasu had originally put on all of them still seemed to be in place. `It wouldn't be good if she could hear all my thoughts now or Hiei earlier for that matter either. I wonder if she really approves of my new relationship with her brother. I wish there was a way I could know for sure. I'd really feel bad if all of a sudden she decided she didn't like me for it. I guess I'll have to sit down and talk to her later about it.' But this wasn't the time or place for such a conversation, the house and the ruined shrine were now in view. `I really don't want everyone around when I ask her anyway.' She gave a brief smile at everyone then turned to Souta. “We have to go, I'll meet you out by the bells once I'm dressed and ready. With those words she turned and made her way to the house, Souta following closely behind.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Although the battle earlier had left the shrine itself in ruins the structure from which the bells hung from still stood and the local people had still come to hear the bells ringing. Inuyasha emerged from the house, this time wearing a cap and his shoes accompanied by Kagome's mother and grandfather as they made their way to join the growing crowd. His scowl deepened at the sight of Keiko walking with the group. `She's the only one who's been nice so far other then Souta. I don't know what Kagome sees in these people. They wouldn't have won that fight without my help. Kagome needs to be more understanding too, it isn't like I asked to be dumped here after all.' Souta had given him a brief rundown of the earlier events when he hadn't been with the group, along with a warning that while Keiko was willing to be his friend that Yusuke most likely wasn't going to take the situation calmly and not to provoke a fight about it. His eyes widened slightly as he saw Keiko start to move in his direction only to have Yusuke grab her arm and pull her back. The man looked less then pleased about something and after he finished speaking Keiko didn't look any happier. His ears flicked under his cap but the group was too far away for him to hear what was being said. Then Keiko shook off the restraining hand and once again started to walk in his direction. `What does she think she's doing?'

 

At that moment Souta made his appearance out of the house dressed in his Yamabushi robes. As he walked through the darkness between the house and the shrine bell the crowds of local people who had gathered grew silent with anticipation. No one had been sure if this particular bell would be rung tonight but now the question was answered as first Souta and then Kagome walked into the light of the fires that were burning brightly from the bronze charcoal burners. A gentle glow reflected off of the ankle length white robes he had donned for the ceremony. Slightly behind him Kagome in her official role as the shrine miko wearing the red and white robes. Hiei's breath wasn't the only one who's breath caught slightly in his throat at the sight as Yusuke also suddenly realized the power that was hers to command. In short she looked every inch the powerful miko that she was. InuYasha noticed the looks and glared at the two men who were staring at her while Kuronue silently snickered to himself. `Fire apparition or Masuko? I wonder which one she will choose.'

 

The thoughts and glares were interrupted as the hands of the clock reached midnight. It was now time for Joya-no-kane, the ringing of the bell. Kagome gave Souta a slight nod of her head in approval and he released the wooden hammer that he had been holding, watching as it swung forward to strike the first gong of the huge bell. Loud cheers erupted from the crowd as the sound reverberated then Souta turned to the crowd. “Anyone who wishes to ring the bell, please make a line.” He looked at Kagome who gave him another smile of approval then moved over to help the young ladies that were first in line. “If I may help you… the hammer is rather heavy.”

 

The tolling of the bell went on for hours. Souta insisted that proper protocol be followed, not allowing the bell to be struck again until the peals from the last toll had faded away into nothingness. Kagome watched with pride and a little sadness in her heart, this would be her last year serving in this capacity as the shrines Miko. In another week she would turn twenty five years old, the age where she would be expected to choose another occupation besides serving the shrine unless Souta decided that he didn't want to run it. Looking at his face shining with excitement Kagome knew that wouldn't be the case. Already there was another young girl in training to become the shrines new miko and while she would still help with the day to day running of things Kagome somehow knew that big changes were coming. `But for now I'll just enjoy it while it lasts.' She could feel eyes staring at her and turned to see Hiei watching every move she made. A sudden feeling of shyness overcame her at the attention and she turned her head away as her face grew red. `Why is he looking at me like that?'

 

~*~*~*~

 

Kurama had been steadily working his way over until he was standing next to Yukina. His eyes traveled over the girl, drinking in her beauty like a man who was dying of thirst and his loins tightened with desire as Youko moved to slam a shield down on his thoughts once again. Her silk kimono was glimmering in the firelight and the warm glow reflected off of her face giving her an almost ethereal beauty that pulled at him like a moth to a flame. Briefly he toyed with the idea of kissing her when a snarl from Youko inside his mind abruptly stopped the action making him decide that simple conversation would be the better alternative. Quickly he looked around wanting to see if anyone had noticed his thoughts before his mind had been shielded. It was then that he noticed where Hiei's attention was focused and why he had most likely not noticed the slip. Emerald eyes grew wide as he also noticed Yusuke and then Kuronue's snickering. `I see why he finds it amusing but I dread the trouble that this could bring. But that's for another day, right now there's a young lady I want to talk to.' Lightly touching Yukina's shoulder he quickly gained her attention. “Are you enjoying the ceremony as much as I am?”

 

“I've never seen anything like it.” Yukina smiled up at the man standing beside her while her thoughts turned slightly inwards. She had noticed him making his way over and his company wasn't unwelcome. `Now if I could only make first Hiei and then Kuwabara understand. Hiei doesn't understand that I'm grown now and I'd really like someone to love just me. I also would like to figure out how to make Kazuma understand that I love him as a friend but when I have children someday I want them to have a demon as a father. But that really narrows down my choices unless I go into the Makai to find someone. I can just imagine my brother's reaction to that suggestion. Oh, why can't things ever be easy?` As he reached over and touched her face to brush a stray strand of hair back she brought her attention fully back upon him. “I think it's wonderful how everyone can be happy and start out the New Year fresh. It's nice not to have to worry about anything once a year.” At his nod of agreement she turned her attention back over to where Kagome was now helping Souta finish the ceremony. The last bell toll had sounded and the prayers had all been offered. People would soon be starting on their way home or to other parties to celebrate the holiday. She looked at them for a moment then up at Kurama, a slight hint of sadness in her eyes. “I suppose Hiei will be wanting to take me back to the temple soon.”

 

“Maybe he will be willing to let you stay for a little while. You didn't get to come with us to the carnivals today and I'd really like it everyone came over to my house tonight.” Shizuru and Kuronue had walked within earshot in time to hear the comment and the girl's sympathy was with the little Koorime. “It isn't like Kagome is going to available anytime soon, she has her duties to finish up at the temple. Not even Hiei's going to be able to pull her away from those.” The rest of the group slowly gathered around as she was talking and she gave them all a stern look. “But I don't want any fighting, if there is I'll personally beat your ass.” The comment earned her a few dark looks and muttered grumbles under peoples breath but no one openly disagreed with her. Hiei stared after Kagome for a moment until she disappeared from view then turned, taking Yukina with him as they started off towards Shizuru's house leaving everyone to follow in their wake.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Kagome sighed softly as she laid her robes aside and changed back into her comfortable clothes. Tomorrow there would be more parties to go to and the Himatsuri to attend as well but for the rest of the night she wanted nothing more then to relax and savor the memories that were still fresh in her mind of her last official ceremony as the shrines miko. She flopped down onto her bed and her eyes fell upon the rolled up scrolls that her grandfather had put in her room in response to her questions about ancient legends. `It won't hurt to look at just one of them.' One of the scrolls in particular drew her eye and she picked it up opening it slowly. Her eyes grew wide as what she read seemed to leap out at her and she dropped the scroll from her hands as she whispered to herself. “Please tell me it isn't so.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Authors Notes: Well, I've done my best with this particular ceremony. Let me tell you it hasn't been easy writing LOL. Himatsuri should be interesting to write as well. I try my best to do my research to get it right for you my dear readers. I'm getting quite an indoctrination into the Japanese culture * grin *

 

Anyway… As always thank you to Ryu for consenting to be my beta and helping me stay in character with everyone. This story wouldn't be half as good without you.

For my reviewers, I love you all. Please continue to leave reviews. They mean a lot to me.

Until the next time…. Happy New Year. * waves *