Cyborg 009 Fan Fiction ❯ Ante Mortem ❯ Chapter Six: Part Two ( Chapter 7 )

Ante-Mortem

By: Wildfire Sky

Even though you might not like it, I'm going to split the chapter up. Honestly, I wanted to in the beginning, but I wasn't completely sure. Call me a fence-sitter if you want, I really don't care. Again, I apologize for taking so long to complete these fics, but alas, one much do research when they have no experience in dating or romance. I fear I will die a virgin…

Anyways, this is the conclusion to the Roman date between Joe and Francoise. I'll bet you're wondering whether or not Francoise will stick with Joe?? But isn't it obvious, especially with the treatment…oh!! I better not give away to ending!! Too late, right? Muahahaha!!!

And one last thing: don't cheat and scroll down to the very bottom to see if she sticks with Joe or not. That's cheating and defeats the whole purpose of my spending time (not to mention brain cells) on writing the chapter!! So, just be patient, and read the fic as it was meant to be read!!

Ante-Mortem

Chapter Six-Part Two

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Night had long settled over the streets of Rome by the time Joe and Francoise walked up the steps from the subway station and into the middle of the city. Yet, even with the night sky looming overhead and the sun no longer out, the Romans walked up and down the streets gaily, some in costumes, some in formal wear, and some dressed as Joe and Francoise were. The two strolled down the narrow roads, Joe's arm wrapped protectively around his date's shoulders, hell bent on winning her over completely. Never again would Jet dampen the love between them. He'd kill him before that ever happened.

Francoise walked alongside the tall Japanese boy, her heart skipping with every footstep. Joe had kept her in the dark about where they were having dinner, but he promised that it would be worthwhile. Feeling Joe's strong arms around her sent shivers down her spine. She wanted to do something for him because he was doing so much for her.

Joe paused at a street crossing, looking around as if considering which direction to go. Francoise watched him curiously, his movements strong and graceful. He turned, their eyes connecting and he threw her a daredevil smile. Francoise returned the smile and leaned against his arm.

"Now will you tell me where we're going?" she whispered, looking up into his red eyes.

Joe winked, "No, not yet. It's a surprise, I already told you that. Speaking of which…" he pulled out a neatly folded cloth and stepped behind the French woman, placing it over her eyes.

"Joe!" she gasped in surprise, "Just what are you doing?"

Joe gently kissed the back of her neck. God, please let this work… "Just trust me ok? Hold my hand and stay calm…"

Francoise remained silent, curiosity taking over her nervousness. Obviously, this was one hell of a surprise. She slid her hand into that of Joe's and gave it a small squeeze. The Japanese boy grinned and squeezed back, starting to lead her down the sidewalk.

"Trust me, Francoise…I know where we're going."

"I trust you."

Joe walked down the sidewalk, gripping Francoise's hand in a near death grip. The feel of her palm against his own was sending shocks of happiness coursing through his body. When he was in the orphanage, he felt so unwanted…all of the other kids leaving to new homes, and he was left there with the Father. For the longest he didn't know why. Perhaps it was because he was half, or maybe he didn't look right or smell right. Even to this day, he couldn't figure it out, but…

Joe looked at Francoise, walking blindly beside him. Believe it or not, he was grateful he never left the church, or else he never would have met such a wonderful woman…a woman who cared for him as much as he cared for her. At least he hoped she did. The only thing in the way was 002.

Damn him, Joe thought bitterly. All he wanted was to feel wanted by someone more than a guardian. He wanted to be truly loved, settle down, and live a normal human life. Not that of a cyborg. But even now, he still had to fight off all attackers: Black Ghost, Jet, other men who had their sights set on this beautiful girl…he couldn't fight them all. Not at once. Someone would lose…and the odds were all against him. What could he do?

They were nearing the restaurant. He could see the buttery light filtering from the open door. A man standing outside, waving at passersby. A sudden panic gripped him and he froze, Francoise stumbling from the quick halt.

"Joe?" she said, worry tinting the edges of her voice, "Joe what's wrong?"

Joe began to sweat. I can't do this…there's no way I can pull it off. He looked down at Francoise, his heart clutched with shame. How could I tamper with her heart like this? She said it herself; this was just a casual tour…but was it really? All of those moments we spent together. The hugs and kisses…Even now she's holding my hand, but does she really love me?

Francoise pulled on his arm, "Why did we stop, Joe?"

He couldn't back off now. He was too close…

"Nothing's wrong, Francoise. We're almost there."

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"Good evening, sir and madam."

Joe nodded at Francoise and winked at the host, pulling out a folded paper from his pocket. The man took the note, glancing from it to the couple before breaking out in a wide smile.

"Ah, we've been expecting you. Follow me please."

Francoise pulled back slightly, tilting her head up towards Joe, "Wait, aren't you going to take this thing off?"

Joe smiled slightly, and snuggled against her, "Not yet…don't worry, nobody will notice."

Francoise was still a little hesitant, but obediently allowed Joe to lead her down between the isles. She could hear the smooth tunes of instruments playing, drowning out the rough clanks of the kitchen. Strangely though, she couldn't hear the sounds of other people, only the front door shutting close and the soft steps of her leader. Soon Joe came to a rest, and she heard a chair being pulled out, her body gently lowered on to the plush seat. Joe's hands gently ran down the sides of her face, slowly stroking her soft cheeks. The smell of food flared in her nostrils as the host set down a plate on the table. Joe remained crouched next to her, hands brushing through her golden hair.

"Francoise, I know you were excepting a beautiful Italian dinner but…"

The blindfold slipped from her face and she gasped in surprise. Before her, dressed up as nicely at it could get…

Was a full sized, steaming hot, gooey, cheese pizza.

And not just any pizza, but a pizza surrounded by flowers and brightly burning candles on the nicest table cloth she'd seen. She slowly turned to the kneeling boy beside her, face registering shock and disbelief.

It's all over…Joe moaned to himself, I screwed up big time…

"I'm so sorry, Francoise," Joe sputtered, head bowed, hands gripping her own, "I wish I could have brought you some place nicer, but I couldn't afford anything else. I was hoping that you could see past it and love it…love me for who I am."

Francoise was speechless. Joe was here before her, on his knees, groveling at her feet…almost begging to her.

"I just can't stand seeing you with 002…ever since I saw you kissing him, I was heartbroken…I didn't know what to do. I was angry, God forgive me, I almost hated you for it. But…every time I see you with him, a little piece of me dies and I yearn to feel you in my arms again. I…I know I'm not very romantic. I don't know how to be. But I'm trying Francoise, I really am and I…I want you back, Francoise."

Tears began to fall from Joe's eyes, his grip tightening, "Please…just tell me what I have to do to win your heart again. Even if it means I die, I don't care. I just want to know how to make you love me again…love me as much as I love you…"

Francoise could only sit there and stare at Joe, his head down, unable to make contact with her eyes. His tears were falling onto her hand as he pressed it to his face, silently crying on it. She looked around cautiously to see if anyone was watching, but to her surprise, the entire restaurant was empty except for them. He went through a lot for me…

She looked back down at the shaking boy. He seemed so much like a lost child instead of a fearless, full grown cyborg. The whole thing would have been funny if it wasn't so tragic. Slowly she cupped her free hand under his chin, tilting it up so she could stare into his red eyes. Joe returned the stare with such intensity, it almost scared her. She had better take control of this situation and fast.

Quickly, she jerked her hand away, turning her face away and crossing her arms.

"This seems very selfish to me, 009," she huffed angrily. Joe's head fell again shamefully and Francoise almost laughed at the crestfallen look on his face.

"Francoise I…"

"Don't you dare try to apologize to me!" she snapped, turned back to face him, "You get in a fight with Jet, nearly give me a heart attack in the docks, walk in on me in the dressing rooms, abandon me in the middle of Rome, drag me out into the middle of nowhere to some old theatre, blindfold me, and pull me into the restaurant for pizza of all things, and…"

She trailed off; amazed by the way Joe's whole demeanor seemed to shrink with every word. Hoping she'd finished, Joe looked up to apologize again…but found his words cut off by Francoise's lips. Passionately, she brought her hands up on either side of his face, drawing him in closer, eyes closed as the kiss deepened. Finally she pulled away from the shocked boy, smiling at him lovingly.

"…And you've completely stolen my heart…Joe Shimamura…"

Joe looked ready to faint, "What?"

Francoise laughed, "I don't know why you were so worried about Jet."

"But…but…" Joe stammered, "I thought you two were together…I thought you loved him…"

Francoise helped Joe to his feet, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her face against his warm chest. "Oh I love him," she whispered, "But not like I love you, Joe. I was lonely…and scared…"

Joe sighed with relief, "There's nothing to be scared about, Francoise…especially not from me. I love you too much to do anything to you."

Francoise nodded, "I know…I was more scared of Jet than anything else. What will he do when we get back?"

Joe pulled Francoise away slightly so he could stare into her sea-green eyes, "You let me deal with Jet. I'll make sure another mess like this never happens again."

Francoise smiled, "Alright."

Joe helped Francoise back into her seat and sat in his own directly across from her. A waiter scurried over, sending Joe a smooth wink as he poured them two glasses of wine.

"Compliments of the house," he said, hurrying off before Joe could protest.

Joe glanced over at Francoise before lifting his glass in a toast. The music grew louder as the couple ate the hot pizza, talking and laughing, ignorant to the envious looks of the restaurant staff, each wishing in their own heart for a love like that. The two sipped wine and feed the gooey cheese pizza into their mouths, never once taking their eyes off the other.

A musician walked over to the pair, holding up his lute. "A dance to finish off the night?"

Francoise beamed, "A dance would be wonderful! Right, Joe?"

Joe blushed fiercely, "I, uh, don't know how to dance…"

"What?" Francoise said, amazed, "Well, you're going to learn right now, Joe!"

Before Joe could say anything else, Francoise jumped from her seat, grabbing his hands and hauling him to his feet. They followed the musician to a small, cleared area were the band played. The leader nodded to his company and the group started up a slow waltz.

Nervously Joe walked out onto the floor with Francoise, the French woman staring up into his eyes.

"Francoise…I'm not too sure about this…"

Instead of responding, Francoise grabbed one of his hands, sliding it around her waist, while grabbing the other and holding it up. "See, Joe? This is all it is. Now, follow my lead and listen to my voice. Ready?"

"Not really…"

"Ok, now left foot-one, right foot-two, left foot-one, two, one, two…that's it Joe!"

Silently, Joe followed her lead until he began to feel more confident and comfortable. Soon, Francoise was silent too, mesmerized by the smooth motions of Joe's body and his strong arms hugging her close as they danced. She tilted her head onto his shoulder, feeling him place his own on top of hers. They gently swayed together, never realizing that the music had quieted and the lights had dimmed until they were dancing purely by candle light. Both had their eyes closed and in their minds, the music was playing an endless song. They danced for what seemed like hours to Joe, until he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder.

He looked down at the waiter next to him, "Sir, if you don't mind, we'd like to shut down."

Looking around, Joe noticed that the musicians were all gone, along with most of the staff, except for the waiter who stood with a broom in his hand. The place was dark, lit by two candles burning down to the end of their wicks. Francoise's head was still against his chest, eyes closed. She appeared to be sleeping. Gently he shook her, her eyes fluttering open.

"Joe?" she whispered, "What time is it?"

Joe glanced at his watch, "Almost midnight, koi. There's still one more thing I'd like to do before we head back to the Dolphin. Come on."

He held her hand, nodding to the waiter as he held open the door for them.

"Good luck sir. Please come again."

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Francoise stared out over the large city of Rome, a strong breeze ruffling her hair as she took in the bird's eye view of the Eternal City. Below were the native citizens, dancing about on the streets, sipping wine, clapping, and cheering, celebrating the summer festivities. She longed to go down and join them, but it would be too strange…feel too much like home.

Home.

Years before, Jean Paul had promised to take her to Rome. They were to celebrate Estate Romano together…but then Black Ghost found her and ruined her dreams. She never thought she would see Rome again, or France for that matter. Yet, here she was, sitting atop the great Coliseum, admiring the view. And all thanks to one man.

Joe sat next to her, not enjoying the view of Rome so much as he was enjoying Francoise. She was so quiet and unmoving ever since they had accelerated up here. He thought she would appreciate it, but not yet had she said 'thank you'. Maybe words weren't needed…

Made sense to him.

"Joe?"

The cyborg looked over, "Yes?"

"Why did you bring me up here?"

Joe stared at her. That wasn't expected! He scratched the back of his head nervously, searching for the right words, "Well, uh…well I thought you'd like it. I mean, it seemed like a good idea, but if you want to go down…"

"It's beautiful."

"Huh?" Joe blinked, "Really?"

Francoise gave him a small smile, "Yes." She looked back out over the city, sighing softly, "You know, my brother wanted to take me here. Take me to Rome some day. We were going to fly in our father's plane and spend a whole week here, maybe even to live here forever. But then…"

Joe nodded, "Black Ghost."

Tears began to slip down his partner's cheeks, "I miss him so much…and every night I go to sleep wondering if he ever looked for me…if he spent his entire life searching for his little sister…"

Joe leaned over and drew Francoise close, gently kissing the tears from her eyes, "I'm sure he did, koi. I would…"

"No you wouldn't," Francoise said, pushing Joe away and setting him with a small glare, "Don't you tell me such things, Joe Shimamura!"

"I would!" Joe said defensively. He took Francoise's hand, wrapping it in his own and lifting it to his lips, "What makes you think I wouldn't spend my life searching for the woman I loved? Francoise…I'd die for you…"

Francoise shivered as Joe's lips brushed over her hand, "You would die for me?"

"I break down the gates of Hell if I had to…nothing on this Earth will ever keep me away…"

"Are you sure about that, 009?"

Joe flinched as the voice cut through his head, "I am very sure..."

Francoise blinked, "Of what?"

"You're a fool, 009. One thing can keep you away…"

Joe shook his head, "No. Nothing can…"

"Joe, what are you talking about?"

"I can keep you away…very soon now, you shall see…"

Joe glared at the ground hatefully, "Give me everything you've got, Black Ghost…"

Francoise jerked her hand away fearfully and stood up, "Black Ghost?"

Joe jumped to his feet and reached out towards her, "Francoise…"

The woman took a step back, "Why were you talking about Black Ghost? Is he near by…I couldn't sense him."

"No, no," Joe said reassuringly, "I was…I was talking to myself. Black Ghost is nowhere near here…he can never get to us."

"Wrong again, cyborg…just you wait and see…"

Joe hissed in pain. He could feel the acid spreading…Black Ghost struggling to overtake his mind once again. He could feel his mind slipping away, darkness was taking over. No! He had to fight it…Black Ghost would not ruin this night…this moment with the woman he loved.

"Stop fighting me…you can't win."

I will this time!

Within his mind he could see Black Ghost pushing against his mental barrier, fighting to get in. But he fought back and pushed the evil man further and further away, shutting the door to his mind and locking it against the beast that lurked inside.

"Stop it boy! I already have half your mind…don't fight against the inevitable!!"

You can't beat me, Black Ghost…I will win…

The beast in his mind still lurked outside, still struggled to get in. Suddenly it seemed to vanish and Joe could feel himself taking over again.

"Fine boy. You win this time, but the next, you won't be so lucky! I swear to you, you shall regret this!"

The Japanese youth stumbled forward, clutching his head. The mental battle took more out of him that he could ever imagine. Black Ghost was strong and getting even stronger as time went by…soon, it would be too late. He shivered, goose bumps rolling down his arms and back. It was a horrible, frightening thought.

"Joe?"

He felt Francoise's arms around him, pulling him against her soft chest. Her lips pressed against his forehead. Fingers running through his hair soothingly as she whispered to him softly.

"Joe, don't let your nightmares destroy you…fight against it."

Tears began to slip down the boy's cheeks, staining the front of Francoise's blouse, "I don't know how."

Francoise helped Joe stand and smiled at him, taking his hands in her own, "Come with me, Joe. You've taken me to all these amazing places, but there's one you forgot…"

Joe cocked an eyebrow, but allowed Francoise to lead him down the crumbling steps of the ancient battle arena and back into the city square. Silently they walked, the woman staring ahead, eyes locked, taking every corner as if she'd lived in this city her entire life. Finally, she halted in front of a large palace and before them, carved into a colossal marble wall, was a grand fountain. Two monstrous horses exploded from the marble, rearing and bucking, dragging behind them a massive chariot in which rode the mighty Poseidon. Surrounding the seashell chariot were four large statues, each staring out towards the heavens. Water flowed from beneath the chariot, splashing down into the pool which the horses galloped through. It was completely silent, not a soul seemed to be out on the street, most partying down near the Coliseum.

Joe stared in awe at the fountain, "What is this? How did you…"

"My brother showed it to me on a map once," Francoise cut in, her head bowed, "I've always known how to get here…hoping that someday my brother and I would come together." She stared up at the magnificent carving, tears brimming her eyes. "It's called Trevi Fountain, carved back in 176 BC…Jean Paul told me all about it. He said that if you throw a coin into the pool, it guarantees a safe return to Rome. And here," she pointed to a large basin at the left of the pool, a stream of water gushing from its center, "This is called the 'Fountain of Lovers'…this is what I wanted to show you."

Joe walked over to where Francoise stood, staring up at the simple, rectangular basin, "Why do they call it that?"

"I'm not sure…" Francoise said with a blush.

"Can I make a wish?"

"I suppose so…"

Joe smirked and searched in his pocket for a coin, tossing it into the main pool, "That's for our return to Rome…"

Suddenly he snatched Francoise around her waist, pulling her in and crushing his lips against her own. Francoise struggled for a moment before giving into the sweetness of his mouth and the softness of his lips. Her eyes fluttered closed as she wrapped her arms around his neck, opening her mouth to allow his tongue access. Joe moaned against her mouth, pressing her closer to his body. He shivered with excitement, unable to control his hormones.

"Joe…"

He began to grind his hips against her own, sparks flying through his body.

"Joe!"

He moaned again, hands moving up towards the front of her blouse…

"Joe!!"

Her voice snapped through the dark cloud of his mind and he jumped back, realizing with horror what he was doing.

"I'm sorry, Francoise! I didn't mean to…"
Francoise smiled and pressed a finger to his lips, "It's alright…I just couldn't breath. Did you make a wish?"

Joe nodded, "I wished…that you would always love me…now and forever…"

The sky was suddenly illuminated with light and their attention was drawn up to the skies. Fireworks exploded overhead, showering the couple in their colorful beams. The two stood next to each other admiring the show as all of Rome was lit up in an explosive extravaganza, the monuments brightening as their decorative lights were switched on. The show lasted nearly an hour and ended in a bright finale, leaving both Joe and Francoise breathless with awe. Joe looked over at his love, flashing a smooth smile. Francoise smiled back, reaching out for his hand. Joe looked so much like Jet when he gave her that daredevil smile.

Francoise's smile wavered slightly, and her hand dropped. Suddenly her feelings for Jet were flooding back to her again. Even though he could have a rough style, the time she'd spent with him alone were enjoyable…and she could find him to be very caring and compassionate. Yet, Joe was just the opposite…he was normally caring and compassionate, but push him too far and he was like a time bomb, ready to explode at any moment, and often time, his explosions could be extremely violent. They were some different…but so alike…

"Francoise?"

The French girl looked into his dark red eyes. She could almost see the flames inside of them, burning through her. Quickly, she looked away, staring at the ground. Joe approached her, arms out to envelop her in another warm hug.

"Francoise…"

"Thank you, Joe...for everything…Are you ready to return to the Dolphin?"

The cyborg leader froze, confused to her sudden coldness. Was it something I said? He had to find out, but when he opened his mouth, it seemed to trigger something inside of him, and a sudden fury washed over his body. He felt his control slipping away again.

"What the hell is this?" he heard himself say bitterly, "You could at least give me some respect! Didn't I just declare my love for you? A response would be nice!"

Francoise stared at him, "What? Joe, I just want to go back to the Dolphin."

Joe's red eyes narrowed venomously, "Why? So you can go back to 002 and forget about everything that's happened?"

"No! Joe, it's just that…"

"If you don't love me, then why didn't you say so before I wasted all of my time and money? Jet could have done the same thing, and I could have saved my money for something else…something worth my time!"

Francoise's face twisted with fury, "What is your problem? Why are you so angry with me? What did I do?"

"Nothing!" Joe snapped, "That's the problem! I give you all of this and you turn away, demanding to go back to the Dolphin! Why is that, 003? So you can go and fuck 002?"

Joe caught her hand inches from his face. His eyes flashed with red hot rage, "Bitch, if you ever try to hit me again…"

Slap!

The Japanese boy's head snapped around from the impact of Francoise's hard palm. Her shoulders heaved with anger and tears, glaring at the stunned boy before her, his hand gingerly holding the side of his face.

Joe stared at her in shock, "What was that for?"

"You know damn well what for, 009!" Francoise hissed, "I can't believe you…how could you say something like that to me?"

Joe took a step towards her, "Francoise, please, what did I do to you?"

"I never want to hear my name on your lips again, 009! You just…you just stay away from me!! Don't ever come near me again!!"

Pain ripped through Joe's body at these words. Francoise dug through her purse and pulled out a small radio transmitter, holding it out in front of Joe's horrified face.

"Jet gave me this just in case something were to happen to me. Obviously he's a lot more considerate than you are! I'm calling him right now and he can take me back to the Dolphin." She turned sharply on her heel, tossing a glare over her shoulder before marching away and disappearing down the narrow streets.

Joe found himself alone and in tears, hatred streaming through his body. Black Ghost…how could you…

"Well she didn't take that too well now did she? Pity, I saw a bright and happy future for you two. Now it looks like the only man in her future is 002."

Why did you do this to us? I know she loves me!

"Not anymore you ignorant cyborg! Didn't you see her eyes? I do believe that was blind hatred in them…"

I won't let her go. Not this easily…

"Oh it won't be easy, cyborg…now that I'm stronger; I'm going to make your life a living nightmare. You thought your dreams were something, well, I'm just getting started! By the way, when you see 002, make sure you say hello from me!"

Joe collapsed to the ground, pounding the dirt with his hands, eyes flooded with tears. He was losing this war and badly…how could this have happened to him? One moment everything seemed fine, and the next…

With a harsh sigh, he picked himself up out of the dirt, glancing back at Trevi Fountain miserably. It didn't look like his wish was coming true. He shoved his hands in his pockets and began his walk home.

Alone.

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Tada!! WHOOPIE!!! YAHOO!! HURRAY!!! The Roman date is now over!! And it didn't turn out too good for Joe, now did it? And I wonder how Jet Link is going to deal with our schizo cyborg leader?

Also, if you haven't figured it out, the voice in italics with "quotation marks" is none other than Black Ghost, but I'm sure that you've figured that out because my readers can think!! I hope…

And yes, Trevi Fountain is a real fountain.

Now then, onto the review responses!!

Fantasygirl: Well, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long!! And a very happy spring break to you too!!

Starlight16:Actually I live in Texasso it's pretty much hot all the time…Jeeze, I was out looking at a Camrey today and I swear the car salesman was trying to bake me alive!! I was like: can we please get inside where the AC is??

GoldAngel2:I'm definitely going to have to see these movies of yours and see how they compare. I doubt my fic is anywhere close to as good as a movie, but hey; it's nice to wish, right? An episode?? Really?? Gee, that would be nice…BTW; I will be email authors in the near future about an offer I'm putting out so heads up!! GoldAnge2, I will email you earlier and put it by you first. So check your email!!

BabyGofWestlife:I wish I was there too!! Not just to follow them around, but to see Rome!! I will go there before I die…I swear it!! Thanks for the review!!

Holli:I was hoping to hear from you again!! I glad you like it so far! Hey, do you think I should include a lemon chapter in this?? I am seriously considering it!!

Wolfwood11:Whew!! I'm glad, cuz I was worried it might have been a bad place to stop! And don't apologize for 'rambling' as you say. I do not believe in such things and if I did I couldn't complain because I do it too!! See here? I'm rambling right now!! HAHAHAHA!!! Ugh…headache…

Jenny644443855: Haha!! I'm getting your name down!! And yes, I will continue…forever…bwahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!

RedLion2:Well, I am very happy that you though it was such a great chappie. Honesty, I thought it would be crap, but apparently not!! And we'll see how caring Jet can be…I am a 009/003 lover, however, I'm doing my best to satisfy both 003/002 lovers and 003/009 lovers…it won't be till closer to the end when Francoise finally make her choice! Ah, the pains of womanhood…besides that 'once a month' thing…argh!!

ANIMEGURL04:I'm updating as fast as I can!! Thanks for the review!!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed!! You're only making me better, as well as fic writing as a whole!!

LOOK OUT FOR MY NEXT CHAPTER!!