A/N: I know I was gone for, like, six months. I am so, so sorry. If everybody gave up on me, I won't blame you. I just... I could not think of how to finish this. I couldn't get that last chapter out. That said, I don't really like this one. I'm entirely unsatisfied, and I may redo it someday.

If you're still with me, I will love you forever, and you get a lifetime supply of cookies. :)

So, here we go, the long-overdue last chapter.

The first sign of Nathaniel was a slight disturbance in the air near the far right bookcase. It began to take on a certain opacity, and after a few moments, a pale mist hovered about six feet above the floor. That mist started drawing in on itself, acquiring more substance every second. I watched with wide eyes as it slowly took the form of someone I had not seen for many dark months.

My heart hurt. He looked so... lost. What was it Bartimaeus had said?

"Unfocused. You don't pay attention very well."

I watched as Nathaniel looked around, and then turned toward me. He spoke, and I caught my breath.

"Kitty."

I stood, supporting myself with my arms. I didn't trust my shaking legs just yet. "Nathaniel." My voice quavered, and my eyes filled with tears.

The ghost's eyes widened. "You can hear me?"

I smiled weakly. "Bartimaeus is inside my head, I'm afraid."

"Hey!"

Nathaniel frowned. "Just like..."

"Yeah."

I raised my arms in his direction and took a step forward. I felt tears spill onto my cheeks. Nathaniel walked forward to meet me, and I felt his arms wrap around me, and I cried.

I don't know how long he held me like that, there in the library. I didn't care. All that mattered were his arms around me, and his shoulder beneath my head, and his voice murmuring my name.

After uncountable minutes, I lifted my head and looked up at Nathaniel. "I missed you." I whispered.

He closed his eyes, and I was surprised to see a tear make its way down his misty cheek. I hadn't known ghosts could cry.

He pulled away, placing his hands on my shoulders. "There's something I should have done, and never did."

And then his arms were around me again, one hand tangled in my hair, and his lips were on mine. His kiss was soft and cold, close as skin, and yet as far away as the stars. I could feel those stars in my veins, cold and bright and beautiful. In that moment, I was a being of pure light.

And then Nathaniel pulled away again. His eyes were full of silence, and he was growing transparent. I fought burning tears as he spoke to me for the last time. "I will wait for you."

I fell to my knees as he faded, and cried there alone in the darkness.