Cube_zombie, welcome. It's a shame that you're stuck in this situation.
Rather than relying on an internet forum for legal advice (worth what you pay for it...
), you might want to consult an actual NC lawyer about these issues, including the possibility of getting a CCW as a way around the problem; it would be a drag to be denied for that, as well, because of some legal/recordkeeping hoops you weren't quite patient enough to jump through.
Best of luck with this.