Disclaimer: Don't own them. Don't sue. We writers are just making justice to this fantastic anime by giving a tribute to it.

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Chapter five: A private conversation.

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003 opened her room and stepped in. She walked towards her bed and let herself fall on the mattress. She couldn't believe this situation! It was ridiculous!

=And you think I am enjoying it?=

"Uhm? Oh… sorry 009, It's just that I feel so… weird. What are we going to do now?"

=It is not like if we had a choice, we have to get to an agreement, we will try to cohabit the better we can until this gets solved.=

Yeah right, it is so easy for you to tell that, after all, it is not your body the one that has been invaded. 003 thought for herself and started pacing around the room.

= No, it is not easy for me, I don't enjoy not being able to do whatever I want, you know.=

"Ok ok, let's make our first deal, you won't look into my thoughts and I won't look into yours. How does it sound?"

=Ok.=

003 softened at last and felt guilty for reacting like that. She was usually much more comprehensive, but she was afraid that 009 could read into her most intimate thoughts. That would be not good. Not good at all. She decided to calm down.

"Well, you are right and… I am sorry for being like this, it's just that I'm tired and confused, but let's try and make this work, do you agree?"

= I agree, it will be not so bad after all 003, you'll see. Dr. Gilmore will find the solution=

"Yeah, well."

Unconsciously, she took off her scarf and started unbuttoning her uniform in front of her mirror, when an excited thought coming from 009's psyche crossed the recently accorded mental shields. She stopped her actions at once.

"Uhm, I think I'll better sleep dressed up tonight."

=But you are uncomfortable! it means that WE are uncomfortable!=

"Uhm... ok, but I will undress with my eyes closed."

=Sure, no problem.=

003 took off her clothes as she could and got her night clothes on, then headed to the bed and once more, let herself fall. She started to fall asleep, but...

=003, what does poisson mean?=

"It means fish, 009."

=What does nuage mean?=

"Cloud," she answered after a long yawn.

=And what does casquette mean?=

"...Cap..."

=What does--=

"Joe! Please, you will learn French another day, stop looking in my vocabulary, please, let's sleep now, we can talk all we want tomorrow."

= Sorry, I am not very tired, but I will keep it quiet, I promise.=

"Thanks."

=003?=

She moaned. "Uhm."

=Bonne nuit Francoise.=

She smiled at Joe speaking (thinking?) in French to her. Then realized that Joe had felt her smiling, and blushed, then blushed even more when she realized he was feeling her blush as well. 009 could not stop himself from laughing mentally. But he was sure his laugh stayed behind his mental barrier.

003 decided not to think anything else and just said: "Bonne nuit Joe." After a couple of minutes, (and even if 009 couldn't sleep if not in his own mattress) they were both asleep.

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Once again, 1000 thanks to GoldAngel2, You are an excellent beta reader and a fantastic writer as well. I appreciate your help with all my heart ;)

Next chapter will come with an interesting twist ;)

Please, R&R.