Note: Sorry for the delay. I had a little bit of writer's block, some college work, exams, planning for future arcs and how the upcoming arc will work out with them, and some good video games to try out. XD

Note: After some war drama, it's about time I inserted some fluff and relationship drama to balance things out.

Please review!

Weeks passed and April came without much incident. Yuji, Shana and their friends soon entered their senior year of high school. By this time, Sereiden had been repaired, and the few Denizens and Flame Haze that remained in the city continued with the new ordinary life of coexistence they had found. But, even though they tried their hardest to forget, they always remembered the bloody battle that had taken some time before, and as they awoke each morning, they wondered if they would be attacked again on that day.

A few days into the new school year, Shana received a note in her shoe locker.

"Shana, please come up to the roof," it said. "I have something to tell you."

Instantly recognizing whose handwriting it was, Shana raced up the stairs to the roof as fast as her legs could carry her.

At the rooftop, as expected, she found Yuji Sakai, leaning back on a rail.

As the two slowly closed the gap between them, their hearts were beating like mad. And by the time Shana and Yuji were just a foot apart, the former's face was redder than a tomato.

"Shana," Yuji began. "I love you."

With just those three words, Shana felt hotter than Alastor's flames in embarrassment and happiness, and very nearly fainted. She could not reply though, as the confession rendered her totally speechless.

"I couldn't live without you," Yuji continued. Shana was still frozen.

Despite having worked hardest for the boy's love, she wasn't really expecting such a thing yet.

"Shana? Are you alright?" Yuji said, noticing steam coming from Shana's red head. He touched her as he spoke.

Shana suddenly yelped in surprise and yelled.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"

After yelling though, she looked at the surprised Mystes boy in the eyes. She brushed her hair as the wind blew it and smiled happily. Yuji's blush soon became evident, and he smiled back at her. For a while, they continued to stare at each other

From the doorway that led down the stairs, Hecate watched them.

"My two dearest friends, I hope you two will be always happy for the eternity we are blessed with," she said softly. "I'll always be watching you."

Chapter 14: Moving On

A couple of days earlier, Hecate and Yuji were on classroom duty. As they went about cleaning the room, the Mystes glanced out the window. Shana leaned by the front gate of the school, waiting for them.

Hecate noticed her too. "Don't you think it's about time you told her how you feel about her?" she said to Yuji in her usual monotone voice.

The Mystes blushed. "B-but," he tried to say, but nothing else could come out.

"What are you afraid of?" Hecate said. "You've already won back more than half of the council. You've become powerful enough to protect her from anyone. And we're both sure that she still loves you, just as much as you love her."

"Ah! But, uh, shouldn't I tell her after we've dealt with our major problems, like our enemies?" Yuji said.

"It's for that exact reason why you should do it as soon as possible," Hecate countered. "We can't take these peaceful days for granted. Who knows if we'll be attacked tomorrow? You can't wait for when the war is over or when you're both about to enter a life-threatening situation. The time we have now is something we should cherish."

She looked out the window again as Yuji pondered over her words. Outside, Shana took out a piece of melon bread and began to munch on it. Despite eating so much of them in one day, somehow she always retained her small figure.

"But it's not that easy," Yuji said.

"You're still afraid of the Specialist of Everything," Hecate noted.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Although you've set up a strong wall around your heart, especially around Shana, you are still most open to me."

"Well, you are a lot less violent and emotional than she is," Yuji said as he scratched his cheek with his finger.

"I can be if I wanted to."

"That's hard to believe when small birds land on you so easily."

"Anyway, I know you have your reasons, but don't you think it's about time you became in complete sync with Shana as well. For that, you'll have to open up to her completely, all the more if she's the one you love," Hecate said. "And as for the Specialist of Everything, you shouldn't be afraid of her. She wouldn't surrender Shana to you just yet, but what's to stop you from at least confessing your true feelings?"

"Alright, alright, you've convinced me," Yuji said. "You're right, I've put it off for far too long. I'll tell her."

"Good," Hecate said. "I'm glad for you two."

The two finished up and left the room. As they went out the door, Yuji spoke.

"By the way, where'd you pick up all that stuff?" he asked.

"TV dramas, and I also talked with Kazumi-chan about it," Hecate answered in a calm monotone. "She said she's happy for you two as well."

"That's good—wait, you what?"

SnSnSnSnSnS

Back in the present, Shana arrived home with Hecate. The sun had already set behind them. As she passed by them with a vacuum cleaner in hand, Wilhelmina saw the blissful smile on the Flame Haze's face.

"Indeed, you seem cheerful," she said.

"Oh, it's nothing really," Hecate said, trying to avoid any trouble for Yuji as much as possible.

Wilhelmina took another look at Shana. Evidently, she was happier than she usually was.

"It's that Mystes, isn't it?" the Specialist of Everything said. "Indeed, you are a bad liar Hecate. I have seen her make that face before."

She looked at Shana straight in the face. "Indeed, I once promised myself that I wouldn't treat you like a child anymore," she said. "But I want you to stay away from him."

"What?! You still hate him?" Shana said, taken aback. "He's already trying so hard to atone for what he's done. Can't you see that he's doing everything he can to get you to forgive him?"

In her heart, Wilhelmina could never forget Merihim. The man she had loved so much had finally returned, then vanished without a word when she needed him most. She never even had the chance to at least say goodbye, and she felt betrayed. The happiness she had felt before his departure had instantly been shattered and reduced to pain and repression. Since then, her dislike of Yuji had increased even more. Shana had already suffered enough when he became the Snake of the Festival, and she did not want her to feel even more pain, the same kind she had felt with Merihim.

"I have my reasons," Wilhelmina said coldly, then went back to doing housework.

"Why, Wilhelmina?" Shana muttered with a slightly bowed head.

"You're still going on your date this weekend, aren't you?" Hecate said.

Shana raised her head and turned to her with a grin. "Of course I am," she said.

SnSnSnSnS

That same evening, Keisaku and Eita hung out in the former's room. While Keisaku went through his stock of spell bookmarks while coming up with battle tactics, Eita lay on his bed reading one of his best friend's mangas, which had collected a layer of dust ever since its owner had begun training a year earlier.

"Hey, how are things with you and Ane-san?" Eita suddenly asked. Keisaku stopped what he was doing, but did not reply immediately.

"So-so," he said after a while, then continued with his work.

"Even I can tell how you both feel about each other," Eita said. "I must admit, I was really surprised when I found out. But it's just like I thought, you do have a taste for older women."

He flipped through a page of the book in his hand. A moment afterward, Keisaku shuffled his bookmarks.

"But ever since that battle over a month ago, you've suddenly become a little distant from her again," Eita said. "Now that some time's past, you might want to talk about it, right?"

Keisaku was silent for a while, then responded, "Hey, what would you do if someone Ogata really cared about in the past suddenly returned?"

"I wouldn't worry about it," Eita said. "If Matake had someone like that, it was in the past. Right now, she's my girlfriend and not his. Wait, how can something like that be possible with Ane-san?"

Keisaku was silent.

Eita continued. "All I could think of is that kid she mentioned a couple of years ago, Ya-something."

"Yuri," Keisaku said.

"Didn't he die?" said Eita.

"You're right, it's impossible," Keisaku said as he leaned back on a chair.

"But there's another reason you're like this, isn't there?"

"Since when are you so concerned about me?"

Eita put down the manga in his hand and faced Keisaku. "Since ever," he said. "I'm your best friend, aren't I?"

Keisaku sighed. "My father's also been bugging me," he said. "I mean, just a few days after he came out of that coma, he suddenly vanishes. What kind of father just leaves his kid on a whim?"

Silence followed again. A few moments later, it was broken by Eita once more.

"Hey, are you free this weekend?" he asked.

"Just training, like always," Keisaku said coolly.

"You can do that anytime. You're already the only human who can singlehandedly take on a Denizen anyway. For once, take a break and just have fun."

"You have anything in mind?"

"How about you and Ane-san go on a double date with me and Matake," Eita suggested. "Ane-san's been worried about you too you know. But you need something to bridge the gap between you before you can open up to each other again, right?"

Keisaku just glanced back at him thoughtfully.

SnSnSnSnSnS

When Saturday came, while Shana was getting ready for her date with Yuji, Wilhelmina visited the Engaged Link bakery. Pheles stood behind the counter while Johan was out.

"Oh, Wilhelmina, good afternoon," she greeted with a smile. "Will you be taking the usual package?"

Wilhelmina nodded. She took a paper bag filled with bread, most of them being Shana's favorite, melon bread.

"Indeed, I spoil her too much, even up to now," the Specialist of Everything said.

"You really love her like a daughter, don't you?" said a familiar female voice behind her.

"Hello Mrs. Sakai," Pheles said.

"Greetings Madam," Wilhelmina said as well.

"Hello to you too," Chigusa replied. "And please, don't call me something so formal. Chigusa is just fine."

"Chi-chan," Tiamat suddenly said, still in monotone.

"Tiamat's right, we really should be more comfortable with each other," Pheles said. "After all, we have been comrades for some time already."

Wilhelmina turned to Chigusa, who was picking bread with one hand and held her baby Yumiko in the other arm.

"What's the Myste—I mean, your son been up to lately?" she asked her suddenly.

Chigusa glanced back at her in slight surprise and smiled.

"I'm not really sure, but I could tell he was looking forward to today," she said. "As soon as he got dressed up, he flew right out of the house, literally speaking."

"It's a wonder no one's noticed any of us flying over the city," Pheles commented.

"Indeed, but why would he be so excited for today?" Wilhelmina said.

"If you'd ask me, I'd say my little Yu-chan has a date," Chigusa said.

Wilhelmina sighed. "I knew it," she said. "Of course, she wouldn't let me stop her from being with that Mystes."

"Still overprotective of her?" Pheles said.

"Very much," Tiamat said.

"I think you shouldn't restrict her from being with him," Chigusa said.

"Of course, his own mother would say that," Wilhelmina said.

"No, I agree with her," Pheles said. "That girl has really grown fast, even for a Flame Haze. And she's one of the few people involved in the war that has ever experienced and understood true love."

Wilhelmina sighed again. "As I thought, you don't understand how I feel about this," she said.

"Then tell us how you feel," Pheles said.

"Repression unhealthy," said Tiamat. "Outlet needed."

Even her own contractor was suggesting it. Wilhelmina felt she had no choice now but to open up. She began with her own past with Merihim.

SnSnSnSnS

Elsewhere, Kazumi was taking a stroll in the streets of Misaki City, without any real destination.

"Their date should be starting by now," she told herself. "The past me would have been bitter at the thought, but somehow, I don't feel anything. Perhaps I really have gotten over Yuji-kun. I hope my suggestions on where to take Shana-chan were good."

As she rounded a corner, by chance, she met with a familiar boy with glasses.

"Ike-kun?" she said. "Good afternoon."

"Ah, good afternoon," Ike replied. "Fancy meeting you here."

Kazumi suddenly felt a little nervous. "Y-yes, fancy that," she said.

"Are you going anywhere?" Ike asked her.

"Not really," Kazumi responded.

"Well, me either," said Ike. "Hey, since we've met up with nothing to do anyway, how about we do something together today?"

"Like a date?" Kazumi asked.

"I guess," Ike said. It was now his turn to feel a bit awkward. "If it's alright with you that is."

Kazumi smiled. "I'd be glad to accompany you," she said.

SnSnSnSnS

In a convenience store, Sydonay was having a hard time choosing from two boxes of cigarettes, each from a different brand.

"Oh what the heck, I'll just take them both," he said.

Suddenly, he sensed a couple of familiar presences nearby. He looked out the window to see Yuji and Shana pass by together.

"Now what could those two be up to?" he asked himself. The answer soon came to him. "That damned, two-timing Mystes."

He quickly got outside the convenience store and followed them from behind, putting on his old Ember Case ring to hide his presence.

Behind him, a voice called.

"Hey! You didn't pay for those cigarettes yet!"

SnSnSnS

As Shana walked side-by-side with her beloved Mystes, a big happy smile was on her face. This day was one of those extremely rare occasions that she did not wear Alastor's vessel.

"So Yuji, where are we going today?" she asked him.

They soon found themselves passing by the north gate of a certain train station

"Hey, this place, it seems familiar," Shana said.

"This is where you confessed to me," Yuji said, "the time I actually heard it right," he added with an embarrassed tone.

Shana recalled that event and blushed.

"To think it took us this long to admit our feelings," Yuji said.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"

SnSnSnS

"Of all places, why did you take us here?" Keisaku said to his best friend across the table inside Supersize Heaven.

Next to the sarcastic young man was Margery Daw, who felt a little awkward going on a date with a younger man so suddenly. Despite that she still managed to find a good dress to wear. She also had her beautiful blonde hair loose and straight, and wore no glasses on her face.

"We figured Ane-san would like the latest addition to the menu," answered Ogata, who sat next to Eita.

Margery raised an eyebrow and took a look at the list that lay on the table before her. A moment later, the waitress came to their table and asked for their order. The Chanter of Elegies was the first to speak.

"One supersized…!"

SnSnSnS

In a certain amusement park, Hecate sat on a bench eating some cotton candy with a smile on her face. Around her neck hung Alastor, whom Shana asked her to take care of while she was on her date with Yuji.

"The last time those two went on a real date last year, she made me carry you around as well," Hecate noted.

"They just want their privacy," Alastor said. "But they have nothing to worry about. Even if there was an emergency, Shana could call me back, even from a distance."

"Flame of Heaven, may I ask you something?" the Priestess said to the pendant.

"Sure," the vessel replied. "And, you can call me Alastor, since we're comrades."

"Alastor, do you think I can experience the same happiness Shana is feeling right now?" Hecate said. "I mean, do you think I will also have someone to call my own?"

"You've gotten over Yuji sooner than I expected," Alastor said.

"We're still good friends," Hecate said, "or more like, we have a brother-sister relationship now. But I still can't help but feel that I need one more thing to completely seal my void."

"Um, perhaps you should talk about it with the Madam," Alastor said.

"You mean Chigusa?" Hecate said. "Why do you call her that?"

"Because, although she doesn't follow the things involved with the Crimson Realm as easily as the others, she is very wise when it comes to all kinds of personal relationships," Alastor said. "It may seem like something insignificant, but if you think about it, it is actually something crucial, especially in an organization, where everyone has to be working together on good terms. In that area, she may be the greatest out of all of us."

Hecate took another bite of cotton candy before speaking.

"We all seem to have our talents, which we use to complete what another lacks," she noted.

"Quite true," Alastor agreed.

Some distance away, Hecate noticed a familiar pair come through the entrance of the amusement park. It was none other than Shana and Yuji.

"You knew they were going here, didn't you?" Alastor told Hecate.

"Yes," the Priestess replied. "It makes me happy seeing them happy as well."

"You really have changed from your old self," Alastor commented.

Hecate put her hand on her chest. "Even though she's gone, I guess Konoe Fumina will always be a part of who I really am," she said.

A familiar figure followed the couple.

"Sydonay?" Hecate said, somewhat confused.

"Hmm, I have a bad feeling about this," Alastor said.

SnSnSnS

"A supersized beer? Now I know this place is a danger to everyone's health," sad Keisaku as he watched Margery gulp down on a massive glass of beer.

"With this, it's official, my black hole of booze, Margery Daw!" Marcosias bellowed as Margery was half done with her drink.

A second later, a retaliatory punch hit the Grimoire hard on the covers.

"Shut up stupid Marcoooooooo..." Margery said with a drunken voice as she suddenly collapsed, wasted.

Ogata sweatdropped. "Perhaps this wasn't such a good idea after all," she said.

SnSnSnS

After going on a roller coaster three times in a row, Shana and Yuji sat down somewhere to eat. In both of their hands was a crepe. Hiding some distance away, Sydonay opened his hand and sent a cockroach in their direction.

The insect landed on Shana's crepe just before she bit into it. The girl tossed it away in surprise with a scream to match.

Sydonay grinned. "A few more of these mishaps, and this little date would be ruined," he said.

But something unexpected to him happened. Yuji offered to share his own crepe with Shana with a smile. The girl happily accepted it with a face as red as an apple and bit at the spot where his lips had touched last.

"What the?" Sydonay said, a little confused. Did his plan just backfire and actually make things all the more sweeter for them?

"What are you doing?"

Sydonay flinched as he heard a familiar, monotone female voice behind him.

SnSnSnS

In a café overlooking the river that parted the city of Misaki, Kazumi and Ike spent some time together. For a while, they had been talking about things like school, their friends and memories of when they were still freshmen and junior high school students.

Then they drifted to a certain topic.

"Hey Ike-kun, what are you planning to do in the future?" Kazumi asked.

"Well, naturally, my parents want me to succeed my father as the head of his company," Ike replied.

"That's what your parents want. But what about what you want?"

Ike took a moment to think, then simply replied. "To be honest, I'm not really sure," he said. "But the answer will come sooner or later. What about you?"

Kazumi smiled sincerely as she replied. "I'm going to continue doing everything I can to bring peace to this world, so that this city will always be protected," she answered.

Ike was a little confused. "You're still saying that even after Sakai rejected you?" he said.

"We're still friends, and it's not just for him, Shana-chan and Heca-chan," Kazumi replied. "There are many people in this city that I care about."

"But can you really do anything?" Ike asked, doubtful of her words. "After all, we're only humans with no special abilities whatsoever. What can either of us do?"

Kazumi continued to smile. "Don't underestimate yourself," she said. "Even Yuji-kun started out believing he was nothing but a mere Torch, but he still did his best, and look at him now. And let's not forget about Satou-kun. He trained hard night and day until he was able to fight on even footing against Denizens. And then there's Yuji-kun's father, who--."

"Okay, okay, I get it," Ike said, putting up his hands.

SnSnSnS

Yuji and Shana rode the Ferris wheel as they watched the sun set. They were sitting next to each other, embraced in each other's warmth. When they reached the peak of the wheel, they noticed two familiar presences some distance away, one of them immediately identified as Hecate. They had not really noticed them earlier, since they were so focused on each other.

"I wonder what Hecate's doing here," Shana said.

I bet she wanted to watch us and make sure nothing happens during our date, Yuji thought.

"You really think so?" Shana replied. "Well, I guess it's something a true friend of ours would do."

Yuji looked at her, a little surprised. Their connection was evidently very strong and open now.

Meanwhile, Hecate and Sydonay sat on a bench, with the latter puffing smoke from his mouth with a cigarette.

"I suggest you stop doing that," Alastor said. "Even though your health is unaffected, think of those who can catch your second hand smoke."

"I'll stop smoking when my rival stops drinking," Sydonay replied.

After a while, Hecate spoke up.

"What were you trying to do back there?" she said.

Sydonay tossed his cigarette into a trashcan next to him.

"There's no escaping this, is there?" he said to himself. "I was trying to ruin their date," he answered.

Hecate frowned. "Why?" she asked seriously, yet still in monotone.

"That is something I might have expected from the Specialist of Everything, but from you?" Alastor said. "What could possibly be your motive?"

Sydonay faced Hecate and smiled.

"I did it for you," he said.

Hecate was taken aback. "Me?" she said. "But why?"

"You love that Mystes, don't you?" Sydonay said. "I did it so you can be with him. Remember, there's nothing I want more than for you to be happy."

Hecate bowed her head as Alastor spoke. "You really care for her, don't you?" he said.

"But, do you really think I am incapable of finding happiness on my own?" said Hecate. "And even if I don't find someone, I'm still happy."

She raised her head. "I've already moved on," she said. "Just as much as you want me to be happy, I feel the same way for both of them."

"Well said," said Alastor.

Sydonay smiled. "You've grown up," he said. He got up and was about to leave when he turned back to her and said, "I'm sure you'll find someone for your own, like them. No doubt about it, you're very cute after all."

SnSnSnS

When Margery regained consciousness, she found herself lying on a couch. On a coffee table next her, a glass and pitcher of water had already been prepared.

"What happened?" Margery mumbled as she sat up.

Before Marcosias could answer her, Keisaku came up and smacked him with his fist.

"You overdid it again," he said to the Chanter of Elegies. "Geez, what am I going to do with you?"

Margery smiled. "It's no big deal," she said. "Besides, I know you're always there for me."

Keisaku turned away to hide a blush. "W-well, I couldn't just leave you alone, could I?" he said.

Margery chuckled as she approached the young man from behind and held him. Keisaku's already red face turned even redder, partly due to feeling a pair of something indescribably soft pressing against his back. He could also still smell a hint of alcohol in her breath.

"Hey Keisaku, why have you been so cold to me recently?" she suddenly asked in a half-drunk tone.

Keisaku went into deep thought, then spoke. "Margery, you know that I'm always here for you, right?"

"Uh-huh."

"Will you do the same for me?" Keisaku asked, remembering the times his father abandoned him, and fearing what would happen should the Yuri he had met truly have been the same one in Margery's story from long before.

Margery tightened her embrace. "Don't worry, I won't ever leave you," she whispered into his ear.

SnSnSnS

The sun was setting. At a crossroads, Ike and Kazumi parted.

"Goodnight, Ike-kun," Kazumi said before leaving. "See you on Monday."

"Yeah, see you," Ike replied. As Kazumi walked away, he waved at her in goodbye.

When Kazumi was out of sight, Ike withdrew his hand and bowed his head.

He recalled what Kazumi had told him earlier about his friends. "Sakai, Satou, and Sakai's father," he mused. "They all have one thing in common: they all have someone to protect."

He thought of Kazumi. "It's strange," he said to himself. "I want to protect her, yet…"

He also realized his own limitations. How was he, a mere human boy with absolutely zero experience in the dealings of the Crimson Realm, possibly do anything that could help end a war that lasted for millennia?

"I still can't imagine myself doing anything to help those guys protect this city, let alone bring peace to the world. Yoshida-san, you're strong, even stronger than me, for trying to do the impossible."

He put his hands in his pockets and headed home.

SnSnSnS

On her way home, Wilhelmina recalled the conversation she had with Chigusa and Pheles after telling her story to them.

"I think I can understand your pain," said Chigusa. "But if we cling onto these tragic memories, how are we going to trust anyone and make happy memories ever again?"

"And Yuji isn't Merihim. There's a difference between those two" Pheles said. "Although Merihim and Yuji both did something unforgivable, the latter is trying to do everything he can to make it up to the one he loves, as well as everyone else he hurt in one way or another. But how can he make it up to you if you don't give him the chance to?"

Chigusa placed her hand on Wilhelmina's and smiled. "We're all family now, so everything we've done to one another should be forgiven," she said. "I myself have forgiven you for trying to kill Yuji at least twice a couple of years back. Kantaro and Yu-chan himself have as well. Can't you do the same for him?"

"Time required for consideration," Tiamat said.

"I see," said Chigusa. "I know it can be hard to forgive him, but I hope you will come to it eventually. At least give him a chance, for my sake."

The sun was almost down when the Specialist of Everything reached the gate of the mansion. Even then, she continued to ponder her friends' words. By chance, Hecate had just arrived as well. She had gone home ahead of Shana, satisfied that she and Yuji's date went well.

They were similar, in both relationship experience and base personality, as well as speech tone—or lack of it.

The two greeted each other with the same monotone, "Good evening," before entering their home.

There was at least one difference between them, however: Hecate had found it relatively easier to move on while Wilhelmina still had trouble getting over the fact that Merihim would never love her as she wished.

But that could still change.

SnSnSnS

Before their date was over, Yuji had planned to pass by one last place. Shana was a little surprised when Yuji led her to a very familiar street with a store on either side.

"This is where we met, isn't it?" Shana said.

Yuji nodded. "If we had never met, who knows what could have happened, to either of us and everyone in this city," he said. "This is also the place where I realized that I needed you. If it weren't for you, the real me would have died and I'd forever be the Snake of the Festival."

Shana looked up at Yuji and met his eyes with hers. Indeed, they completed each other, considering all that they've been through.

"I love you Yuji," Shana said, embracing the Mystes suddenly.

"Isn't that sweet?"

"A confession?"

"Ah, young love."

Shana blushed hard once more, realizing that they were still in public, and that they had suddenly become the center of attention in the area.

"I love you too Shana," Yuji said as he was about to hold her more tightly.

Shana suddenly pushed herself away and yelled with a red face.

"Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!"

SnSnSnSnS

It was already night when Shana got home. At the door, she was met by the Specialist of Everything.

"Wilhelmina?" Shana said, curious as to why Wilhelmina had been waiting for her. Then she realized that she was probably going to get a scolding for going on a date with Yuji against her wishes.

"I'm sorry Wilhelmina, I--," Shana began, but Wilhelmina cut her short.

"Indeed, it is I who must apologize for what I said about the Mys—Yuji before. I understand that I might have been too hard on both of you," she said with a small, nervous smile. "If he really does love you and is willing to redeem himself, then perhaps, he might deserve another chance."

Shana suddenly hugged her. "Thank you Wilhelmina!" she said cheerfully.