*sneaks in* Ehehehe, hey everyone...long time no see? *dodges bricks and pitchforks*

I know I haven't updated in forever, and I'm sorry. That silly thing known as real life does an awfully good job at getting in the way.

Though honestly, I'll admit that I've really fallen out of writing fanfiction. I still read fanfictions (a lot), but due to limited free time over the past year, writing just became less and less of a priority.

So why update now? Because even after aaaallllll this time with no updates, I still get at least 2-3 reviews weekly for my stories. Honestly, I haven't the slightly clue why, because after re-reading my old work, I found it to be horrible and atrocious. Why do you guys like it so much, I don't understanndddd D:

Hahaha, but seriously. Every few days (sometimes everyday) I'd get a new review in my inbox, as a little reminder that, for whatever reason, you all are still reading and reviewing, and begging for updates.

So here's what's going on- Good News: I've decided to pick up writing again. It will be slow and painful (for me), but I loved doing it, and I've got to get these stories that are rattling around in my head out somehow. Bad News: Some stories are going to be discontinued. Don't freak out, Ashes to Flames and Catalyst are safe. Actually those are probably the only two that will continue. I love the others dearly, but I've just literally either lost or run out of material to write about. I've got enough notes on Ashes to Flames and Catalyst to complete the stories, but the others was just me running with the idea.

Anyway, this is me saying 'yes, Ashes to Flames will continue'. I'm working on the next chapter now, even though it's going painfully slow. I haven't even thought about these characters in over a year (even though I'm still reading the manga), so getting my brain back into the world is taking some adjustment. Plus I'm trying really really really hard not to go back and re-write the whole story, just so I don't have to see my horrible mistakes anymore.

So as a reward for your patience, I give you a (boring) preview of the next chapter! Ta-da!

Chapter 9 preview

The pilot was rather startled when the Vongola Decimo himself declared that he would be joining this flight. When the pilot attempted to explain that he was under orders not to let Tsuna leave the country, a few choice words from Xanxus (and some well placed threats with use of gunfire), the pilot understandably changed his mind.

The flight attendant was a little too happy and overly helpful for such an ungodly hour, and even Tsuna was barely able to gather up enough energy to give a small smile in return. Xanxus just glared and she promptly retreated.

After stowing his luggage in a storage compartment, Tsuna flopped down into a reclining seat with a sigh. He immediately kicked off his shoes and pushes the back of the seat all the way down. One of the perks at being a (supposedly) bad-ass mafia boss was that he could skip all the pre-flight safety precautions and regulations. Having Xanxus there was also a plus, as he pretty much did whatever he wanted.

"How long is this flight again?" Tsuna asked aloud, as Xanxus stuffed his luggage next to Tsuna's.

"Twelve too-goddamm-long hours." Xanxus growled. He hadn't exactly though of that particular detail when he had originally planned this trip.

"Huh" Was all Tsuna replied, taking the hint that maybe talking wasn't such a good idea right now. He just shrugged and leaned back into the seat. He accepted the pillow and blanket from the flight attendant with a silent nod in thank you. He proceeded to make himself comfortable, and promptly fell asleep without another word.

Xanxus gravitated towards the back section, shoving the curtain closed as a cue to not be disturbed. He sat down in plush seat, stretched his legs out on two other seats, attempting to find a comfortable position for the twelve hour flight. He wasn't particularly a fan of traveling via aircraft, simply because there was little that could occupy his mind. At least driving had the adrenaline and feeling of movement. Air travel only left you with the option to sit and wait. He settled back into the rather comfortable seat, annoyed that he couldn't find an excuse to complain about it. Crossing him arms over his chest and leaning his head back, Xanxus closed his eyes. He wasn't napping, which was for sissies. Merely relaxing his mind and waited for the too-long flight to be over.

This scene wasn't originally in my notes, so I'm sort of making it up as I go. Originally they were just going to magically arrive in Japan, but after looking at how long a theoretical flight from somewhere in Italy to Japan would take, I figured something should happen. I'm currently open to suggestions for things that could occur in-flight, if you have something in mind. Or if you think I should just scrap the whole idea and skip right to Japan.

Finally, I just wanted to say that I'm really grateful for all your reviews (I read every-single-one) and I hope you'll all continue to stick with me. And feel free to throw something at me if I take too long (though not a the head, I need that to think).

This is Kou, rising from the dead and back in action! :D