Uhm, hi guys! I'm truly sorry about how long it took me to get this out. It's just been one thing after another in my life lately. I consider the last few months a learning experience. Here is what I've learned through much pain and tedium punctuated by moments of panic and guilt:

a.) i'm a terrible, terrible liar

b.) ap chemistry is the most evil thing to have ever walked the earth

c.) one requires BOTH sleep AND time to write. I've had neither.

d.) a loss in the family is not conducive to writing, either.

I'm truly sorry about the wait guys. It'll (probably) never happen again. Please don't hate me. I don't even deserve your loyalty any more (but that doesn't mean I won't appreciate it if it does happen). I'll do better, honest!

Thanks guys! And read on!

Loulibelle 4/8/03

p.s. i'll reply to your reviews later! I wanna get this out now!

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Ami may not have noticed the blonde man leaving the office of her employer, but Rei had been unable to miss him. And in the space of .005 seconds—having taken in his appearance—disheveled and a poorly executed attempt at unconcerned sexy, and his lecherous gaze at herself and Ami--had discerned his character and the appropriate reaction. Very simply these were her thoughts:

sleazeball/womanizer/toocuteandknowsit= jerk.

Required response to jerks? = scowl.

And scowl she did, darkly.

Joseff wondered what he had done. After all, he didn't normally receive that look until after he had opened his mouth. And certainly never so fiercely. He should probably do something before he was reduced to ashes where he stood. He decided to speak (not the wisest idea for he was forever known for his innate ability to say the exact correct thing that would earn him a slug from every woman in earshot). He opened his mouth with the intention of saying perhaps a pleasant greeting to Ami, followed by a comment upon the fine weather and then a polite request to be introduced to her beautiful friend. What came out instead was something like this:

"Hiya Ames. I'm out of the office. Who's Hotlegs?"

Damn. That wasn't what he'd meant to say. Stupid mouth.

Ami, now aware of Joseff, and Zach, who had come to the door in time to hear his amigo's brilliant opener, winced simultaneously. Ami, because she knew both people well and had dreaded their paths ever crossing, knowing the results would be unrecognizable carnage. And Zach, because his friend was an idiot and he was embarrassed to be associated with him.

Rei let go of Ami slowly and gently, her gaze going from blistering to incinerating. Her voice, however, to everyone's surprise, was gentle. "Oh, hello." Stepping away from her friend and turning her so that they both faced the office door, she pointed to Joseff and inquired, "Ami, I don't believe I've been introduced to either your employer or his friend."

It was the quiet rage that you must fear.

"I'm sorry Rei-chan, forgive my rudeness. Gentleman, this is my very dear friend, Reina Markesteade. Reina, this is my boss, Zachary Anderson, and his...compatriot, Joseff Thompson." Ami gave a tight smile, then, knowing her part to be complete, retreated a couple steps to watch the fireworks.

Zach, looking at Rei's face and relating it to an expression he had seen on Mina's face the night before, prudently took a few steps back, as well, standing next to Ami. He figured she'd be a good shield if things went like he thought they would.

They did.

Rei gifted Joseff with a beautiful smile and extended her hand. "It's wonderful to meet you Joseff."

Warily, he took the proffered hand. "It is?" he squeaked. Then, deciding that that wasn't as manly as he would've hoped, repeated "I mean, it is?" in a deeper voice.

Her smile widened. "Oh, yes indeed." Her grip on his hand tightened painfully.

"Here it comes." Ami whispered to Zach, gifting him with a conspiratorial grin that made something inside him twist.

Joseff's eyes widened at the pain in his hand. "Oh, yes, meeting selfish, chauvinistic, egotistical prigs with bad hair and horrible taste in clothing and no ability to control themselves or their libido. At least, no grace to pretend that they can control themselves and their libido always makes my day. I'm glad you like my legs. Not only do they look nice, they're functional, too."

She demonstrated by kicking him in the balls. Hard. He dropped like a stone.

Ami's grin turned into a brilliant smile. Damn. He'd been asking for that all day. She loved her friend. Turning to the silent bystander beside her, "Told you." She whispered, still beaming.

'Pretty'. Zach thought, still gaping.

"Come on Ami." Rei sounded appropriately satisfied.

The two girls departed rapidly, skirts swishing and heads held high. Leaving a gaping Zach and a groaning Joseff rolling on the floor.

As the door closed behind them, Zach heard Jo whisper. "I think I'm in love. Owwwww...".

Zach could only nod in agreement.

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Mina leaned back in her chair in front of the cosmetics mirror and let the professionals work their magic. Having her make-up and hair done before a shoot was always so relaxing, and today she needed it more than usual. She let her eyes wander down to the giant rock of a diamond that was perched on her finger.

Married. Oh, God. Married to Zach. Unbelievable. Like a dream come true.

Except, someone else was already living that dream. Zach's wife. As happy as Mina herself was, the thought of that poor woman being abandoned by her husband to raise their child alone almost made her cry. Zach assured her that his wife wanted a divorce as much, if not more, than he did. But that didn't change anything. What if the woman really loved him and was just being strong so that Zach would be happy? What then?

That's why Mina had to meet her. Had to know for sure that what she and Zach were doing was really okay. She couldn't marry him with a clear conscience, otherwise.

She heaved a sigh.

"Make-up's all done Miss Mina."

"Thanks, Molly."

Mina got out of the chair and looked in the mirror again.

She was beautiful, why didn't she feel like it?

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Rei and Ami exited the office building, giggling like fools.

"Oh, God, " Rei wiped away a tear, "did you see the look on his face?"

"Priceless, "Ami managed to wheeze, "He so deserved it, too. I have seriously wanted to do that all day!"

"After that darling, I wouldn't worry about those two conspiring against you!"

"Tell me about it! He can't walk, let alone conspire! They're probably terrified of you by now!"

Rei's smile was vicious. "As it should be."

Her expression set Ami off into laughter again. "Rei, I'm so glad we're friends!"

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okay. That's all for now, peeps. More to come this week, definitely, because it's SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!! And I'm now reasonably sane again.

Thank you everyone, for your patience!!!!

I love you all!!!

Louli~