rate_review Reviews

Ugh! You're killing me! Though, I must say the fluff at the end helped me get a hold of my tears (for once). I'm not sure...that's so strange--my email address should still be working. I've been having problems with my computer though, so it's not too much of a surprise to me that I'm not receiving emails. Irritating hotmail.

I'm sorry for the late review! I really need to check for updates more often. As always, you’ve put out a great chapter, filled to the brim with emotion, and yet the character’s pain isn’t over bearing. You’re a genius, if I do say so myself. Lol.

I'm never sure whether it's okay to put spoilers in a review just in case someone reads the reviews before the story, but for this one, there are spoilers. Fair warning given.

Wow. This was an emotional chapter the whole way through, and it definitely drew me in with that emotional tug. You really conveyed the overwhelming feeling Ichigo must have. I know some parts were meant to "tug" more than others, but a few really just grabbed hold of me and yanked.

When Ichigo finds Byakuya sitting on the porch, slogging through his sorrow silent and alone, it was so real. I could see him (Byakuya) in my mind sitting there, tear trails and all. And yes, that's exactly what he would do: be the proud and unflappable noble who was above even this pain, while inside he crumbled. Again. Ichigo's comforting actions were so very perfect. Heck, _I_ wanted to comfort Byakuya! But just picturing them sitting like that, taking solace in their shared grief, was so sadly romantic. I loved it.

But of all the things in this chapter that were emotional moments, the one that really touched me the most was when Kaien offered up his stuffed rabbit, "given by a son who now had more important things to fear than the dark." That line was just so beautiful. It really illustrated how they have lost a part of their childhood that we all take for granted and that they can never have back, no matter how much they try to go back to "normal." It's sort of a coming of age that is way before its time.

Byakuya and Ichigo talking after the funeral was so sweet, and their sleeping arrangements made up for the overall sadness of the chapter. It's a tiny little light at the end of the tunnel, just waiting to be found. I really like how you're taking your time getting to the romance between Byakuya and Ichigo. Of course I am looking forward to them finally getting together, but the journey is as important as the destination in this case. I am certainly enjoying the journey so far!

*sniffles* Sad. So much sad. TT____TT Wonderful chapter, but sad. I know you warned us, but it still gets you in the gut. Especially the parts with the kids. Definately tugs at your heartstrings. If it didn't, then there is something seriously wrong with you.

But at least we know things are only looking up from here. It may take a while, but a happy ending is coming, and that's enough for me. =3 *thumbs-up, then hugs*

Tears. I cried. It's so hard.
I'm so glad for all the support the family has.
I can see how much Ichigo and Byakuya are going to need one another now.
I hate that the pain has to be felt, but I can understand it.

I can't wait for your next update. This is such a fantastic story.

I don't know where to start... That chapter was so sad but so perfect too. I was so close to tears the whole way through, especially when Kaien walked towards his dad trying to be so brave and I just thought, oh God how's he gonna tell them. When Ichigo was comforting Byakuya I was so happy that Bya-chan actually let his emotions out and let himself cry. I had to stop reading for a few minutes before I started the funeral just to compose myself. You truly are a master wordsmith and your stories are obviously written with real feeling and emotion and are not done just by the numbers like some. I loved how you managed a little bit of humour at the end between Urahara and Ichigo, it's nice to see Urahara a little happier too. Oh and I loved how Ken-chan and the 11th were acting as security for the funeral, that was a really nice touch and that Ichi had threated everyone with Shirosaki should they try to change his funeral plans. I imagine that in his hightened state of grief, him going Shiro would be a very dangerous idea, for other people.
It's going to be a little hard waiting for a whole month but this story is definately worth the wait. Have fun with the NaNo Writhing (?) sorry, I'm terrible at remembering things like that.
I don't think I can write much more without crying so I'll sign off now.

This has to be the saddest chapter of any story from you I've read. Even though I don't like Rukia that much, it still made me sad that she died. Also, I'm glad you were able to throw in a little Byakuya/Ichigo moment there. I hope things get better for everyone in later chapters..T_T

It seems I've been behind in reviewing. The last three chapters were amazing. You set up situations in vivid detail without dragging out the descriptions. And by the next chapter, the importance of the details before becomes apparent. For that reason I know this last chapter was not character dislike, but a pivotal part of your plot.

When I read the last chapter, I was immediately relived that Ichigo and Rukia were on good terms and that he had started to come to terms with their separation. I know that would not make it easier for him, but it would help reduce his regrets later. I also wonder if his children, being much more sensitive than he realizes, might already know something is amiss. I doubt they would know exactly what, but I imagine they would know something is terribly, terribly wrong.

Despite my absence from reviewing, I have been following this story and it just keeps getting better. You really get into the character's heads and tell us what is going on through their thoughts and feelings. Two things that really jumped out at me in the last chapter were Ichigo's feeling Rukia through their (albeit fading) bond - that was so tragically romantic! - and the comment to the effect of how Ichigo would have loved to have drawn his sword and charged in, but the decades had given him more sense. You have changed the characters in your story, but you've changed them in a realistic and believable way and made them grow, and I think that shows your skill as an author.

I am, of course, looking forward to more chapters.

Rukia!!!! Waaaaaah! Everyone is going to be just shattered! *starts crying*

I do believe you just killed me. Have I mentioned how much I despise crying? Really I do. Ironic that I should have been playing my Sarah Mclachlan around the time I noticed you'd updated. Idiotic me, decided to turn on Angel when I saw the tissue warning, thinking it'd help with the over all effect. Of course, I should have foreseen hearing an angelic voice singing: "You're in the arms of the angels - may you find some comfort here," sadly, making it worse. Much, much worse.

I leave for work in thirty minutes and I'll arrive with a bright red nose and puffy eyes. Besides the water works it was, as always, beautifully written. I adore the way you write and your plots, so please update again soon!

I sort of understand why you allowed her to die. It makes more sense with the children if Byakuya and Ichigo came together out of mutual loss than be the reason why their parents divorced. Kaien would never forgive Byakuya or Ichigo, plus this way Byakuya will have heirs...Rukia's children will now be his and Ichigo's children. I can't wait to see how everything turns out.