Hello, readers! I am tacking this note up here for a few reasons.

1. To let you know I am still alive! 8D

2. To apologize all of you readers, be you one who has been waiting for nearly a year for me to update this fic or whether you are a new reader eager for continuance.

3. In the event that any readers may not have glanced at my recently tweaked profile, so that I may explain to you what is going on with the story you are waiting for.

4. I, uh. ...Don't actually have a #4 but 4 is my favorite number so I wanted to put one. 8)

Well... here's the thing. You see, I was JUST about to update this story when a man came along and sat down beside me. I passed him a funny glance and he asked me what I was writing. "A story," I replied, and continued typing. The man nodded and watched me typing for some time before he suddenly began to shake his head.

"Your story is shit." He stated. My fingers paused over the keyboard, a slight glare settling upon my features. (Once a Mello, always a Mello...)

"I beg your pardon?" I asked with as much calm as I could muster.

"Shit." He repeated, and tapped my computer screen. "This right here. S. H. I. T."

I grinned, chuckling a little as I nodded and shrugged. "You're right." I agreed. "You are absolutely right. What the hell am I doing writing this shit?"

"Seriously!" He smiled, laughing with me as I closed my laptop. We stood from the bench we'd seated ourselves upon, still laughing a moment before taking a few breaths to calm ourselves.

"So you really think it's shit?" I asked once again. I had to know, of course, before doing what I was about to do.

"Yeah! Worst shit I've ever read in my life!"

Those were the last words out of his mouth before I swung my computer at his head.

And that's why I haven't been updating, because I broke my computer and lost everything!

...Actually, none of that is true in the least. I just, um. Wanted some sort of semi-epic excuse.

The truth is, I was wisked away by a magical being-

Ok, I'm sorry. lol Honestly, from the last time I updated my profile which was just short of a year ago, I began work. Since I have begun work, I have been moving up rather quickly with the company and as a result have been working a LOT. On top of which, my depression has kicked in quite badly... worst it's been in a long time, and it's been bringing me down for months. I've barely had any urges to write, though I haven't forgotten about any of the stories I have started here.

In case you were dreading a shut-down notice, you may take your deep sigh of relief now. I have every intention of continuing each story here that I have not finished, and perhaps even starting more. I have not forgotten about them, nor do I intend to abandon them. THERE SHALL BE UPDATES! DX -Shakes fist-

The Chocolate Kisses sequel, (Happy Last Year,) may still be a while before it can be updated. I have big plans for this story, and I have been doing research for it here and there. If I can't find the information I'm looking for soon, I'll have to alter my outline a little and continue on without it. It will still be fun.

Lunar Eclipse will likely be updated soon, and may not take me too long to finish.

If any of you are reading Straitjacket, my collaboration fic with my Matt (SirSmokesALot), we intend to update that soon as well.

Once again, my sincerest apologies for the aggravating wait I've been putting some of you through. As Ms. Lovett said, "All good things come to those who can... wait..."

I promise the wait will be well worth the while.

I will see you all soon.

-Mello-