Author's Note: Thank you guys SO much for sticking with my story, and a special thanks to all those who've waited so long for a new chapter and who've faved, watched, and commented. Also, many thanks to my fellow grammar freaks who've pointed out some incredibly annoying typos. I've gone back to a few chapters and revised a few minor things. Somehow, an entire section got cut out between Pt.s 9 and 10, and I just loved that part so much that I'm going to post it as " Pt. 9.5, " though technically it takes place at the same time as the last part in Pt.9... please take the time to read it. It explains SO many questions that've been asked.

Well, I have to give SOME kind of explanation on why I 've taken so long to update, and I'll try to keep it short: Academic Decathlon team went to State (I won a medal in Language and Literature), leaving me NO free time at ALL from January to mid-February. My teachers took the liberty of entering me in an animation competition, and I've been staying after school until around 11 lately to work on the darned project that's due April 3rd (... or ninth...). Family crap going on, and, won't lie, general laziness. I've been more into art than writing lately. But anyway, short chapter, but a good one, almost entirely dialogue, and I'm already almost through with Pt. 14.

Oh, another note, I really like to reply to my loyal commenters, so if at all possible, please leave some way to contact you if you aren't a registered member. Thanks so much- again! ~

And ANOTHER note: I didn't think I'd need disclaimers 'cause this is an exclusively fanfic site, but I don't own any of Butch Hartman's stuff.

EDIT:: My animation won first in state! Verynice! ;PP Wish I got some kind of prize, though. Last year I would've won a serious scholarship, but they changed the grading system and all I got this year was a lousy certificate sent in the mail... :/

Pt. 13 - A Warning

Amanda and Norm had settled down and each gotten into their own fluffy beds. All the lights were out and the curtains were drawn, blocking out all light.

"Norm...?" Amanda called out through the dark.

"Hmm?" he said sleepily.

"I... had a lot of fun today."

"Mmmmm."

A few minutes passed, then- "Norm?"

"Whaaaat...?" he groaned groggily.

"...thanks."

"For what?"

"For... y'know. Being my friend."

"Mmmph."

Another couple of minutes passed, and then-

"Hey, No-"

"What?" he interrupted.

"Why don't you like Ki'lua?"

"I don't."

"I know. Why don't-"

"I mean," he said, propping himself up on his elbows, "I don't not like him."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Good."

"Why is that good?"

"'Cause I like him."

"Haha, you don't say..."

There was a silence. Norm laid back down. Amanda rolled over.

Minutes passed-

"Hey, kid?"

"Mm...?"

"Just... be careful, okay? You just met him."

"Mm hm..."

He furrowed his brows, propping himself up again and looking in her direction through the pitch black. "Promise...?"

"..."

He found her face through the dark, moonlight from a crack in the curtain falling across her face. She was fast asleep.

He smiled, shaking his head and rubbing his brow, then laid back down and closed his eyes.