AN: 5/26/17 Um...hi. Yeah, I'm still alive, and I'm still writing. I've had a LOT happen in the recent year and a half that I haven't updated this story. Between losing a career job, getting crushed emotionally by someone I loved deeply with all my heart, and surviving a suicide attempt, I lost my will to write along the way. Then yesterday I pulled up my story and started reading it. Then I opened my documents and found two different versions of Chapter 5 tucked away in them, partially complete. It took the better part of a day but I settled on the second one and began writing. It was the first time I've been able to truly finish a chapter to anything I've been working on in the last year or more. I am so sorry this has taken me so long to get finished, but I want you all to know that I AM going to finish this story. No, this isn't the last chapter. I can't promise a swift update for Chapter 6, as I don't know what chaos my mind will fall into after this. But I feel inspired for the first time in forever and I want this to continue.

As always, Review replies are at the end of the chapter. Thank you so much for sticking with me as long as you all have. You're all such wonderful people, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

All in all, her breakfast 'surprise' had gone much better than she had anticipated. From the moment she'd entered the room, her sister couldn't seem to keep her eyes off the blonde...or her jaw off the floor. And if that wasn't telling enough, the perpetual flush that tinted the redhead's cheeks was as good a clue as any.

Anna wanted her. That one thought kept repeating over and over in the Queen's head, the events of that morning playing out in her mind from every possible angle. Everything seemed to be indicative of her sister's desire, from the slow, methodical way her eyes had traced their way up Elsa's body when she'd arrived for breakfast, to the flustered and breathless way she'd stumbled over her words.

She could still remember that heart-stopping moment when she was sure her sister was about to kiss her. But whatever it had been the redhead was going to do, instead she wound up wrapping Elsa in an awkward embrace. It had been a spur of the moment decision to pull the younger woman forward, but she hadn't expected it to work out so well. She could still feel her sister's soft breasts pressing against her own, her warm breath stuttering against Elsa's lips. And those teal eyes, peering straight into her soul in a single moment of heart-pounding vulnerability.

There was no mistaking their racing hearts thudding against one another, nor the deepening flush on Anna's cheeks as she scrambled to return to her own seat, their bodies brushing in the most deliciously sensual way. Elsa had felt emboldened by that point, so much so that she felt safe in flirting openly with the young redhead.

Anna, for her part, handled the teasing wink and comments well, falling back on her usual goofy manner that sent them both into fits of laughter. It felt so perfect, so right, exploring the potential for more than a sibling relationship with her little Princess, while still being sisterly. It was exhilarating and frightening at the same time, just how easy it seemed to be. Maybe, just maybe this would work out for them.

By the Gods, I hope so, she thought as they made their way out of the castle. She'd shifted her gown into a more modest form along the way, which only seemed to perturb the redhead following along beside her. But the Queen did have a certain image to uphold and strutting around the kingdom in her earlier creation was just not a possibility. Yet it gave her another tantalizing insight into the fact that her perfect, sweet little sister had enjoyed the view.

Only for you, my Princess, she thought with a smile, wishing she could muster the confidence to say it aloud. But not yet, it was too soon and she wanted to be completely certain that Anna would be accepting of such a relationship. It was with that ambiguity weighing on her thoughts that she decided to continue with her teasing and slow seduction. She was nothing if not patient, and more than willing to let Anna come to her own decision.

Besides, she thought, biting her lip to hide a mischievous smile, it's fun to watch her squirm.

Gerda met them at the main entrance to the castle with the promised picnic lunch. The look she sent the two young women was one of matronly pride and a certain knowing glint that had Elsa wondering if she was being too obvious. As much as she loved her sister, she didn't know just how accepting others would be of the two being in any kind of intimate relationship. She trusted Gerda, though, and was more than certain the woman would never judge them negatively for seeking comfort and love in each other after all their years of forced separation.

It wasn't long before they were entering the stables. The smell of the horses was pungent but not too overwhelming or offensive to the Queen's senses. This was, of course, Anna's natural environment, so at home with the creatures it almost seemed as though she could read their minds. The Princess had insisted on taking Elsa out for a ride the first few days after the Thaw, as a means to try and bridge the years they'd been kept apart. But what she hadn't admitted to the young redhead was that she already knew just how adept and at home her younger sister was with the large beasts.

For years, the only thing she'd had to occupy her mind was the glimpses she could catch of those whirling red braids speeding across the courtyards from her window. Eventually, she had found and exploited the many small hidden servant corridors that ran nearly the entirety of the castle. It was the only means she had to escape that dreaded room at night when everyone else was fast asleep, when she could sneak about and not have to worry about hurting anyone.

One of those passages lead to the castle stables where Arendelle's thoroughbred mares and stallions were kept. Elsa didn't actually have any interest in the horses themselves, but she had noticed her sister spending more and more time in the stables over the years and had wanted to see more of the girl than the glimpses she was allowed through her window.

She had wound up spending hours hiding out in the overhead loft of the main stables, just watching and listening to Anna as she cooed and fawned over the animals. As she'd gotten older, and her body had begun to develop, Elsa couldn't help but appreciate the strength her sister's hobby gave the girl...or the glimpses she caught of toned thighs and abs when the girl thought she was alone to change. Elsa hadn't known then just what that sight was doing to her, but looking back now she could easily recognize her burgeoning attraction to her sister.

It took a little longer than she thought it would to get their horses saddled up, but that was mainly due to the stable hands falling over themselves to supplicate their adoration to their Queen. Elsa was sure that had it just been Anna there that the group of men wouldn't have bothered with the formalities, so used to seeing the wily redhead around that her presence barely caused a ripple. Truthfully, Elsa kind of envied her sister for that accepted ambiguity. It got tiresome having to constantly placate her adoring people, but that was her place and she was grateful for their acceptance after all that had happened since her Coronation.

They were finally able to get their horses saddled and on their way, thanks to the head stable hand and grounds keeper. His presence seemed to expedite their preparations and soon enough they were on their way out the side gates of the castle, heading off towards the beaches. She let Anna lead the way, having the younger woman direct them towards her favorite spot near the water. Elsa herself didn't have much experience outside the castle aside from her childhood with Anna, so it seemed more prudent for the redhead to take the lead.

They rode for a while, Anna trotting along beside Elsa as they angled their way down towards the coastline. When they were far enough away from prying eyes, Elsa let her powers flow over her body, modifying her dress back to its previous provocative, revealing state. Her redheaded guide didn't immediately notice the change, too busy navigating the slope they were descending towards the beaches.

One after the other, they made their way down to the long plains of sand that spread out in either direction for what seemed miles. Somehow Anna had gotten them off the main path that headed up into the mountains and into a particularly secluded area that was split off from the rest of Arendelle's surrounding beaches by a thin inlet where a small river emptied into the ocean.

Smiling, Anna's gaze swept the area before she lowered herself to the waiting sand below. When she turned to Elsa, who was riding side-saddle, her face reddened and her lips parted in a silent 'o'. Elsa's dress was hiked up a bit due to her position on the horse, the deep slit of the skirt allowing for a less-than-proper amount of skin to show.

"Well," she said to Anna, holding out her hand towards the gawking redhead. "Are you going to help me down?"

Anna blinked several times, her eyes slowly-very slowly-trailing up to the blonde's smirking gaze. When Elsa raised an eyebrow and cleared her throat, the younger girl seemed to snap out of her daze, shaking her head briefly before lurching forward to assist the Queen.

Elsa had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the obviousness of her sister's attraction, enjoying her teasing games far more than she realized she would. Whether her sister had caught on to the Queen's intentions or not was still in question, but Elsa was sure that by the end of the day even her sometimes-dense little sister would realize the meaning behind their day's activities.

Turns out the distance from the horse to the ground was much farther than she expected as she took Anna's hand and attempted to lower herself down, with one leg still in the stirrup. So much farther that she felt herself lurch sideways as her dangling foot searched for solid ground.

With a very un-queenly yelp, she threw her hands out to try and break her fall, closing her arms against the impending impact. Only it never came, as her descent was suddenly arrested by soft, toned arms grasping her about her back and waist. She had somehow managed to turn so that her back was to the ground, her flailing arms landing across tense, warm shoulders.

Slowly, fearfully, she opened her eyes to find her sister looking down at her, those teal orbs staring at her with unabashed intensity. She felt her pulse leap and her world seemed to tilt as if she had fallen yet again. And that's when she realized, she was falling. She was falling, over and over again, falling in love with her most precious sister more and more with each passing moment.

"Glad I caught you," Anna whispered, her voice heavy with an unspoken emotion as Elsa lay across her arms, feeling suspended in time rather than by the redhead's embrace. It was a single, perfect moment of absolute contentedness between the two, hearts bare for the world to see.

But the moment was quickly broken by a restless noise from her horse. Anna blinked and quickly helped Elsa stand upright, clearing her throat uncomfortably as she took a step back. Elsa, for her part, was still feeling winded by the whole event, losing her seductress mien for the moment as her heart raced with the intensity of her own emotions.

Anna, though, was already ushering the horses off to a secluded tree at the edge of the beach. This left Elsa to follow behind, her mind a chaotic mess over the strength of that growing ache-not only in her loins but in her heart. She knew she loved her sister, desired her, but this...yearning...was altogether new.

No, not new, she corrected herself. It was everything she felt for her dear Anna all wrapped up into one intense and overwhelming assortment of emotions. It was years of repressed obsession and denial bubbling forth like some magnificent release. Like an eruption, it felt terrifying and exciting all at the same time.

"Um, Elsa?" Anna called from under the shade of the tree.

The blonde sent her sister a curious smile as she caught up to her. She had dismissed her ice heels so she could feel the soft sand beneath her feet, only just noticing the bemused look on the redhead's face as she glanced back at her. "Yes, my Princess?" she answered, and even to her own ears her voice sounded...peculiar, almost whimsical in its demure tone.

"Well..." her voice cut off as her gaze drifted over the path the Queen had just traveled. "You're, um, snowing?"

Confused, Elsa turned to look and sure enough there seemed to be a dusting of snow drifting down about her shoulders. Giggling at the sight, she spun in a circle with her arms outstretched, the light flurries never quite touching the ground as her heart swelled with love. The motion combined with the jubilant exhilaration she felt bubbling over from her heart sent her tumbling forward.

For the second time in as many minutes she wound up falling into her sister's arms, her joyous laughter chiming from her lips as she grinned cheekily at her little sister. "I love you," she said between giggles. She wasn't sure what was happening but she felt so light and giddy, as if the entire weight of her lifetime of seclusion and pain had melted away like the snow across the summer sand at her feet.

Anna chuckled, a confused smile on her face. "I love you too," she muttered, her hands grasping Elsa's elbows to steady her. "Are you okay?"

She nodded, hiding another giggle behind her fingers. "Yes, very much so." She stepped around the confused redhead and unhitched the picnic basket from her horse. "So tell me," she said as she began laying out a blanket across the shaded grass by the tree, "Why is this your favorite spot?" Elsa stood from where she was bending over the blanket, only then realizing the view she'd just given Anna. And if the crimson tint to the girl's cheeks and wide-eyed gaze was anything to go by, it was a pleasant sight.

The redhead cleared her throat, turning towards the nearby stream, gesturing widely across the area. "Well, for one its quiet. I mean, really quiet. Like, I don't know if anyone really knows about this place or what because I've never actually seen anyone out here." The adorable young woman bit her lip, probably realizing she was starting to ramble but knowing Anna the girl couldn't quite seem to help it. "But that's also why its my favorite place to swim."

Elsa had just finished laying out a few items from the basket, some sealed snacks from the kitchens and (she would have to thank Gerda later) an unopened bottle of wine. When Anna's words registered in the blonde's mind she couldn't help but look up at her sister with a seductive smirk as her thoughts pounced on the idea. "Oh, I haven't swam in years," she said as offhandedly as she could manage.

Anna slowly turned back to meet the blonde's searing gaze, swallowing noticeably. "Y-Yeah?"

Slowly, as her eyes locked with her sister's almost panicked gaze, Elsa nodded. She was already moving, her hips swinging in a rhythmic motion as she sauntered towards the water, grabbing Anna by her hand and dragging her quickly behind her.

"Um, Elsa, what are you doing?" the younger woman asked, her voice apprehensive as she stumbled along behind the blonde.

"We are going swimming," she replied, looking back to see her sister biting her lip anxiously. She pulled her to a stop just shy of the waterline, pulling in front of her. "Don't you want to swim with me?" she asked teasingly.

"No-I mean, yes, of course I do, its just..." her voice trailed off as she cast her eyes about, probably looking for an excuse of some sort. "We don't have anything to wear!" she announced a little too loud, sounding relieved at finally coming up with something.

Her smile turning devious, Elsa turned away from Anna and walked ankle deep into the water. She turned to look over her shoulder at her sister, winking. "Well lucky for me, I don't need to worry about that." With a wave of her hand, her gown shifted, the skirt retracting up to her waist as she raised her hands over her head. From there it solidified into a dark blue one-piece bathing suit, hugging her curves tightly as she waved her hands down her shapely form, molding the ice to form tightly around her bust to accentuate her breasts, then further down her hips as she allowed what was left of her skirt to just barely cover her hips and rear.

Satisfied at her latest creation, she turned on the spot, twirling so that the tiny skirt fluttered up revealingly. She ended the spin as she came to face Anna, taking in her sister's gawking gaze. Her sister looked like she was close to fainting on the spot, which only made Elsa hide a giggle behind her hand.

"Oh," Elsa said suddenly, raising a finger innocently to her lips. "But you really don't have anything to wear, do you?"

Anna sputtered before turning away, nodding in agreement. "Right, I...I don't have anything to swim in."

"Hmm," the Queen continued, her faux innocence melting away into a lip-biting smile. "I guess you could just swim in your undies."

If at all possible, Anna's face seemed to turn an even darker shade of red. The sounds that came out of the girl's mouth couldn't even be considered anything resembling actual words as she struggled to respond. "I...I am not going to swim in my underwear, thank you very much!" She tried to look affronted but it only served to make her strained embarrassment that much more obvious.

Elsa pouted, giving Anna the best puppy-dog face she could effect. "Pleeeease?"

The redhead gaped at the Queen, her eyebrows shooting up. "Oh, you are not trying that look on me," she said assuredly. "I invented that look, so don't think its gonna work on me!"

Elsa glowered at the unfazed young woman, putting her hands on her hips as she thought. Slowly her smile twisted into a wicked grin as she stretched her hands out towards the redhead, magic already flowing to and coalescing at its destination. "But Anna," she spoke sweetly, "Aren't you worried about getting that nice dress wet?"

The Princess turned, her eyes going wide in panic as she realized too late that her sister was up to something. "Don't you dare!" she said, backing away slowly. Only she didn't get far as she stumbled into a wall of ice, trapping her at the Queen's mercy.

Grinning now, Elsa lowered her hands back to her hips, standing as seductively as she could. "Are you absolutely sure you don't want to join me for a warm swim?"

Anna shook her head vehemently, looking back and forth for a way to escape. "I'm okay, I'll just sit up here and stare-watch, watch you swim, that's fine with me."

"Oh, dear," Elsa said offhandedly, glancing down at her nails. "That just won't do." Smiling, she looked up from under her bangs, pointing up. It was nearly comical, watching as realization dawned on the girl's face, watching as she slowly raised her eyes skyward.

Anna didn't even attempt to move as, with a flick of her wrist Elsa melted the massive ball of snow hovering over the girl. The ear-shattering scream that exploded from the redhead was drowned out as ice-cold water splashed down over the girl, drenching every part of her sweet little sister.

Elsa took one look at the Princess and burst out laughing, doubling over. She could liken the image to that of a dog who had just be dropped into a cold bath. A very angry, redheaded, fiery dog who just so happened to be glaring daggers at her, she realized as she recovered from her laughing fit.

Uh-oh, she thought as a very pissed Princess kicked off her shoes and began making her way purposefully towards her. "Um, I'm sorry?!" Elsa muttered apprehensively, raising her hands both as a means of placation and self-defense if it called for it. "I didn't mean it!" she squeaked as the younger woman grew determinedly closer.

It was only when Anna was a few feet away that she stopped moving and stared straight into Elsa's eyes. There was a glint of something there that the Queen had never seen before, a strength of will she hadn't seen since Anna had confronted her at her ice palace, insisting she be let in.

With a quick, sweeping motion, Anna's dress flew up over her head and off, leaving the young redhead standing there in nothing but a lacy green bra and matching silk panties. Now it was Elsa's turn to gape open-mouthed as she took in so much skin suddenly on display for her hungry gaze. Anna's hands had returned to her hips as she tapped her foot, waiting and undoubtedly watching Elsa's reaction.

She didn't even bother tempering her lustful gaze as she traced the lines of shapely hips and rounded breasts, and freckles! They were everywhere! It was only as dizziness threatened to overtake her that she realized she'd stopped breathing, taking a gasping lungful as she finally met her sister's smirking gaze.

"I thought we were going to swim," Anna said, voice dripping with righteous sarcasm.

Elsa shook herself, blinking several times as she realized she'd been had. It was both irritating and exciting just how quickly her sister could turn the tables on her. But she wasn't going to let the little twerp have the last laugh. This was her seduction, dammit, and she would not let the girl get away with trouncing her plans.

Smiling wickedly, she nodded as innocently as she gazed pointedly downward. "Oh, I think the warm water will do you some good, my Princess."

Anna glanced down, immediately yelping as she wrapped an arm around her breasts, covering those mouthwatering erect nipples. Grumbling, the irritable redhead stomped past Elsa and into the water. "Friggin' standing there looking like Freya herself!" the girl muttered not-quite under her breath.

Smiling at her small victory, Elsa turned and followed after the grouchy redhead, making their way mutually into the warm waters. They stopped just far enough out with their shoulders just barely covered by the gently rolling waves, facing each other.

Anna had lost her pout, a small smile replacing it. "This is nice," she said, her voice carrying quietly over the soft sound of the surf. "We haven't swam in ages."

Elsa smiled, nodding in reply. "I know, although if I recall our shared baths as children, you could technically count those watery adventures as swimming. Especially when you talked me into circling the tub together so we made our own little whirlpools."

Anna giggled, grinning at her sister. "Hey, that was as much your fault as it was mine for telling me about them." She reached her hand back, splashing water at the blonde without warning. The salty water covered the blonde's head, sending her sputtering backwards as she wiped at her face.

"Oh, you're going to pay for that," she said, a glaring smile on her face. She drew her arms back and to the side, spinning at she struck the water, sending a large wave of water careening over the smirking redhead's unprepared head.

Coughing as she got a good mouthful of water, Anna ducked her head under the water before rising back out of the water, shaking out her braids. "Oh its on, your Majesty. This is a revolt!" Jumping high out of the water, Anna let her body splash heavily into the water, sending an unexpected spray of water straight at the blonde.

Elsa threw her hands up just in time to prevent the water from catching her in the eyes. Sadly, that momentary distraction was all her sister needed as Elsa felt something solidly grasp at her ankles. With a jerk, the Queen's feet were pulled forcefully from beneath her, sending her sprawling beneath the water, barely gasping a lungful of air before she was submerged.

Anna released her feet immediately, both girls splashing around briefly beneath the water before breaking the surface. They were sputtering and coughing as soon as they were above the water, but soon devolved into fits of laughter as they glanced at each other.

Still smiling, Elsa dipped her head back under the water, tilting her head back as she broke the surface again, letting the water cascade down her back and pulling her hair with it. Shaking her head, she opened her eyes to see Anna staring unabashedly at her.

Tilting her head with a knowing smile on her face, she asked innocently, "What is it, Anna?"

Anna seemed to be in a daze as she slowly met Elsa's eyes. "You're beautiful," she replied breathlessly. Her eyes immediately widened at the unrestrained compliment, mouth snapping closed. "I-I mean, well its true, I just...um..." she seemed unable to formulate any complete thoughts at that point, so Elsa decided to take pity on the girl.

Giggling, she leaped forward and threw her arms around the girl's shoulders, pulling her close. "Thank you," she whispered into the girl's ear, letting her cool breath tease her skin. "But my beauty pales in comparison to you, fair sister."

Elsa could hear her sister swallow as the girl's hands gently came to rest on the Queen's hips, pulling away just enough to look into the Queen's eyes. "N-No way, you're like a freaking goddess. You're literally the embodiment of beauty! I looked in a dictionary once and you know what was there under 'beautiful'? A portrait of you!"

Elsa couldn't help but burst out laughing at the girl's antics, her heart still fluttering at Anna's words in spite of the awkwardly adorable delivery. "Thank you, again, for reminding me why I love you." She smiled at the flush her words produced, cupping the girl's cheek softly in her palm. "But do not let that detract from my words. You, my little love, are truly the most beautiful creature to ever walk the Nine Worlds. The Gods and Goddesses should be envious of just how gorgeous my baby sister is."

That flush seemed to deepen the more she spoke until Anna was shifting her eyes away, embarrassment evident on her face. "Geez, no pressure, right?"

Elsa laughed lightly at the mumbled response. "None at all, my Princess." She pulled away, taking Anna's hand in her own as she began swimming towards shore. "Come on, we have an entire picnic basket waiting for us, and I missed breakfast."

As they made their way out of the water, Anna went to her discarded dress, holding it up with a frown. Elsa giggled at the girl's plight, deciding to have mercy on her. "Here, let me." She twirled her fingers, gesturing towards the soaked dress. Her magic left her fingertips, swirling around the dress until every bit of material was frozen solid. Then, with a wave of her hand, the moisture began to break away, fluttering into the wind as flakes of ice before dissolving completely.

Anna stood transfixed on the whole process, shaking the dress out as the last few flakes disappeared into nothingness. "Huh, well aren't you handy," she teased. However, as she went to pull the dress over her head, the coldness of the dress caught on her skin, causing the girl to yelp and toss it away.

Elsa had devolved into a fit of giggles at this point. "Sorry, the coldness is not really something I can help, love." She leaned down and picked up the girl's dress, draping it over her arm gently. "Besides, I don't think it would do you much good wearing a dry dress with your underthings as soaked as they are."

Anna's arms were wrapped around herself as she shivered and grumbled under her breath. Still laughing, Elsa grabbed her by the arm and pulled her over to the blanket she had set out earlier. "Come on, I'm sure you will be dry enough by the time we need to return to the castle for you to wear the dress without worry."

Anna finally dropped her grumpy attitude in the face of food. Don't ever change, Elsa thought as she began unwrapping a few sandwiches Gerda had prepared for them. Smiling, she held one out to the girl and took a quick bit of her own, her appetite making itself known with a vengeance as she felt just how hungry she was. I guess I can't exactly subsist off of her presence alone, she thought wryly.

Meanwhile, Anna was digging into her own sandwich with gusto. It was a wonder the girl even tasted the thing as she ravaged the defenseless meal. Elsa simply stared, suppressing a giggle at her sister's complete lack of etiquette, while delicately biting into her own sandwich again. She was lost in the moment for several seconds, simply luxuriating in how simple and uncomplicated their interactions were.

It was effortless, how completely she loved her dear sister. Everything the girl did sent flutters through her heart, set her smile to shining even in the most weary of moments.

It was, Elsa decided, no wonder at all that she had fallen so completely for Anna. After all, there was no Elsa without Anna.

Review Replies:

CanITellUSmThin: Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy this chapter just as much :)

Elsa: Thanks. Work didn't turn out so well, as I have noted on my Facebook author page and at the beginning of this chapter. But life goes on, and another chap is here in your face.

IanBlackwing: Maaaaybe, maybe not ;)

Guest: Thanks, hope you enjoy this chapter too.

Ludlovescake: *blushes* I'm gonna channel Anna here and just say, "Geez, no pressure, right?" :3

Claire Cooper: As you got to see it before everyone else, my dear friend, I'm happy to have your continued support and friendship 3

Strab: Not sure what you're saying there, sorry.

Holland92: lol considering its been like a year and a half, I'm sure your poking stick has been thoroughly worn down into tinder.

malekoydaerb: Heheh, oooooh the possibilities are endless, though the conclusion is obvious for all who have read thus far ;)

sedryn: Thanks, I hope you enjoy the story so far. Sorry for that chapter warning, just felt it needed to be added, even though its implied consent based on the story itself.

xAnimejunkie23x: Oh yes, and teasing Elsa continues! Don't worry, the teasing shall come to a metaphorical head soon enough ;)

MakaS0ul: Ahhhh, I hope you passed your midterms! I offer my deepest condolences if not, for life can be a BITCH sometimes :/

Idunnowhattosay: Yep, and finally did again ;)

Rainezeik: Stay tuned, for night falls in the next chapter 3

pandacornforever: So sorry for taking so long! Please forgives meh!

Thoan900: Hope you enjoyed this chapter, then! And I promise, the next one will be out MUCH faster than this one.

Guest: Yes 3

NoblePlatypus: Firstly, epic name, props. And thanks, though I'm sure you might be a bit disappointed with how mild this chapter is in comparison. No worries, the next chapter heats it back up again ;)

thoan900: I'm soooo sorry, I'm back, I promise.

bigbuddy1986: Yes, and here it be! Next update should be MUCH sooner.

Again, so much thanks to all of you who have taken the time to read this fic. I have SEVERAL other partially written fics that I have been able to work on a little bit at a time over the last year and half, but none of them are anywhere near ready for publishing. But I feel myself falling back into things with the completion of this chapter, so look for updates in the near future! I will not fail you!