AN: Sorry about the wait. I've been having a rough semester. So…much….homework. lol, that's what I get for taking Biology, chemistry, and Earth science all in the same semester. (sigh) I finally found the time to type this up. lol, the only reason I found time is because there's a teacher strike going on right now. (in BC anyways. That's where I live) there's no school tomorrow…not good. We'll probably be out of school for about a week until they settle everything for the government and such.

Another typical Friday?

/ring/

"Okay class, have a nice weekend." The history teacher said with a genuine smile on his face. Students bustled about at their desks, packing up their things as the teacher wiped the whiteboard clean.

Hitomi mimicked the rest of her peers, sighing mentally. She, like everyone else, was glad that it was Friday. Yukari smiled shyly, books clutched to her chest, waiting for Hitomi to finish stuffing everything into her bag. "Hitomi, is it alright if I--"

"--Walk home with Amano? Yeah, it's fine." She flashed her friend an amused grin. Hitomi didn't know why she kept asking for her permission. All week, Yukari had walked home with Amano. Hitomi didn't mind in the least. It's not like she was left walking home by herself. Dilandau seemed to be making a point of spending as much time with her as he could. That included walking her home, despite the fact that it took him well off his route home.

"You sure?" Yukari asked, eyebrows crinkling together.

"I'm sure. I'll just walk home with Dilandau." Hitomi slung her knapsack lazily over one shoulder. In a bit of a rush, Hitomi headed out the door, almost leaving Yukari in the dust.

"Dilandau again, eh? He's taken a liking to you. I just knew it!" Yukari laughed as she followed Hitomi out. "You know, you should really tell him that you're single. I can't believe you told him that you were already seeing someone else." She let out a sigh, patting Hitomi's shoulder.

"I didn't tell him that, remember? He just assumed. Besides, we're better off as friends anyways." Yukari rolled her eyes at Hitomi's last comment.

"Right…you keep telling yourself that. You could always tell him that you dumped that fake boyfriend of yours. On second thought, maybe I should tell him that…" The red-head rubbed her chin in mischievous thought.

"Yukari…" Hitomi warned, narrowing her bright eyes.

"I was just kidding" Yukari huffed, sighing at her friend's serious look. "Anyways, I told Amano I'd meet him at the track, so I'll call you later."

"Okay, talk to ya later." Hitomi replied, smiling at the faint blush staining Yukari's cheeks.

"Yeah…" Yukari stopped in her tracks. Wiggling her eyebrows up and down, she smirked. "Look, it's Dilandau now." She whispered, nudging Hitomi forward. The honey-blonde squeaked in protest.

"Cut it out! I can see him!" Hitomi hissed as Yukari shamelessly waved to Dilandau.

"Hey Dilandau!" Her voice bellowed down the hall like a cascading wave. There was nothing more in the world Hitomi wanted than to find a rock to crawl and hide under. This was too embarrassing for her to handle.

Dilandau's ruby eyes lit up when he noticed Hitomi trying to cower behind her enthusiastic friend. A dashing grin swept his mouth into an upward curve as he made his way towards the two.

"Hey Yukari! Hey 'Tomi. You don't mind if I tag along, do you?" He sighed, pushing back his hair. "I can't seem to find Miguel, Shesta, or Viole anywhere. I saw Gatti but lately…he's just been plain annoying."

"I was just leaving." Yukari piped up. "I don't want to keep Amano waiting, now do I?" Winking at the pair, she headed for the track. "See you guys around."

"We all could have walked home together but…nooo." Hitomi muttered to herself, crossing her arms.

"Why do you look so angry, 'Tomi?" Dilandau asked with amusement.

"Oh, it's nothing…" Hitomi pouted at Yukari's retreating back.

Chortling, Dilandau tapped Hitomi's unsuspecting nose. "You are angry. It's written all over your face."

At that, Hitomi growled at him. "No, I'm not angry. Leave me alone, Dilly." She frowned at Dilandau's calm stare.

"I know what this is about. You're mad at your boyfriend about something. It probably has something to do with him ditching you at school…Now that I think about it, I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting him. Yeah, how come I never see him hanging out with you at lunch?" He honestly looked concerned. "Do you wanna talk about it?" He shrugged, not knowing what else to say.

Hitomi sighed, slapping her forehead in exasperation. Is this guy for real? Warily, she searched his eyes. Should I just come out with it? Biting her bottom lip, she looked down.

"'Tomi, if this guy is giving you a hard time…" He balled his hand into a fist forcefully, his red eyes flashing brightly with anger. "I can take care of him."

"No, that won't be necessary!" She said hurriedly with panicked eyes. Dilandau looked at her for an explanation. "Well…er…You see…err…" She feebly stuttered out, stalling in order to think of something to tell him.

"You can tell me 'Tomi. I am your friend, after all, aren't I?" He silently pleaded her further with a frown.

"Dilandau…I don't have a boyfriend." She blurted out, making his eyes bulge.

"You don't have a boyfriend?" He spoke slowly, as if he was unsure of what he was hearing.

"Anymore…"She whispered, mentally kicking herself for what she just blurted out.

"You don't have a boyfriend!" Dilandau exclaimed loudly. His eyes became abnormally glossy, complemented by a silly moon-struck smile that split his face in two. "This is great! I mean…I'm sorry you two broke up. Who was your boyfriend anyways?" Interest interrupted his grin momentarily.

"He doesn't matter anymore." Hitomi stuttered out. She didn't know how long she could keep up with this little charade of lies.

"That's cool." Dilandau gave her an apologetic half-smile. Rubbing the back of his head, he nodded his head in the direction of the school's entrance. "You wanna get out of here?"

"Sure." Hitomi sighed, rubbing her temples.

Dilandau opened the front doors open for Hitomi, his mood dramatically lightened. "So, who are you going to the party with?" He asked, trying not to look too hopeful.

"I don't know. Maybe I should just go alone." She sulked.

"That wouldn't be so bad. I'm going alone too." He smiled, casually slipping his hands into his pockets. "Looks like we have something in common."

Hitomi barked a laugh, rolling her eyes. "Kudos to you for noticing." She remarked sarcastically.

Dilandau laughed. "It's true! I'm single." He pointed to himself in emphasis. "And, you're single." He poked her, earning him a glare.

"So?"

"So! Is that all you have to say?" He tried not to feel discouraged. He thought that he had made it painfully obvious. Dilandau paused to clear his throat roughly. "Maybe we could go together?"

Hitomi lurched to a halt. "You mean, like a date?" She laughed nervously through the awkward silence that followed.

"Yeah, it'll be fun. Please, 'Tomi? Don't make me beg." He wiggled his bottom lip in mock sadness.

Hitomi gave him a shove to snap him out of it. "Fine, I'll go with you…" Her cheeks began to burn.

"This is awesome!" He pulled her into a hug. "Hey, what are you doing tonight?"

"I don't think I have any plans." She smiled shyly.

"Would you be up to going to the movies with me?"

"Okay…" She nodded, causing Dilandau's grin to deepen.

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"So, who were you talking to after class?" Gaddess smiled knowingly at Allen's far off daydreaming expression.

"Eries…" He breathed, almost walking into a telephone pole. Even if he had walked into it, it was very unlikely he'd even notice.

Van snorted. This is typical. Another girl so much as breaths a word to him and he goes all brain dead. I wonder how long this little crush will last for. Looking up at the hazy grey sky, he smiled lightly. At least he's not after Hitomi.

"Have you ever met a girl who was cute, smart, and funny all at once?" Allen asked, to no one in particular. His gaze fluttered to his walking companions. Dryden spared him a baffled look before resuming his reading, as Gaddess looked at him cautiously.

"Are you okay, Allen?" Gaddess asked.

"Me? I'm fine. Better than fine!" Allen sighed. "Van must be going through the same feeling I am. I'd know that look anywhere."

Van blinked. "What look?"

Allen smiled brightly. "Are you thinking about her, Van?"

"What!" Van cried in alarm.

Dryden pulled his nose out of his book. "Give it a rest, Allen. Don't mind him, Van. When he gets like this…just ignore him."

"Yeah, he's kinda freaking me out too." Gaddess laughed.

"Hey, who's Dilandau walking with?" Dryden pointed across the street. They all looked in that direction with sudden interest.

"Hitomi?…" Van said in disbelief.

"It does look like her." Gaddess noted.

"No, it is her." Van stated firmly as he gaped openly at the two chatting away. "Why the hell is he walking with her?" He growled.

Allen shrugged. "I always see them at lunch together. Hey, I thought you were dating her, Van." Their faces mirrored each other in puzzlement.

"I'm not dating her! She's just a friend. What makes you think I'm dating her!" He gulped.

"Really! I could of swore that time--" Allen's mouth hung open slightly in shock.

"Guess you were wrong about them, Allen." Dryden chuckled.

"Shut it, Dryden!" Allen snarled.

"Why am I friends with you again?" Dryden wondered out loud, shaking his head.

Van seemed detached from the group, his attention focused on Hitomi and the intruder. "Well, I'll see you guys later…" With that, he dashed off towards Hitomi and Dilandau, leaving everyone else astonished.

"Dilandau + Van, with Hitomi in the middle. This can not be good." Gaddess said with seriousness.

Dryden nodded solemnly. "Yeah…What is Van doing? Thinking? He's crazy!"

"Tell me about it…You should have seen the look on his face when he answered Hitomi's door…Defiantly crazy." Allen said, ignoring the questionable looks coming from Gaddess and Dryden.

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"Hitomi!" Van called out with urgency.

Dilandau and Hitomi both spun around at his voice. "Hey Van!" She smiled fondly at him, while Dilandau's eyes narrowed grimly. As he glared, Dilandau methodically began to crack his knuckles.

"So, this is your new friend Hitomi?" Van gestured to Dilandau, a frown forming across his features.

"Yeah. This is Dilandau. Dilandau, this is Van." She smiled at both of them, oblivious to the tension between them.

"We've met before 'Tomi. So, how do you know Mr. High and Mighty, here?" Sharply, Dilandau jerked his thumb rudely in Van's direction. Van stood his ground with gritted teeth.

Hitomi stepped between them and blinked. Mr. High and Mighty? "What?…" She paused, looking at Dilandau and Van simultaneously. "Van's a friend of mine, Dilandau. I didn't know if you knew that or not. I'd appreciate it if you'd treat him better." Hitomi looked up at Dilandau with hurt eyes.

"Sorry, 'Tomi. It's just that Fanel and I aren't exactly on friendly terms with each other." Came Dilandau's cut-dry response.

"Had to state the obvious…" Behind her, Hitomi heard Van growl.

"Not on friendly terms? What do you mean?" Her gaze shifted between them rapidly with uneasiness.

Hitomi's words fell on deaf ears. "Fanel, get lost! You better leave or suffer the consequence." Dilandau smirked as he raised his fist. Hitomi went bug-eyed, rendered speechless.

Van rumbled with laughter. "What? Are you going to beat me up or something? That's rich Dilandau…Really rich. Last time you and I got into a scrap, I vividly remember--" He stepped back into a fighting stance, as Dilandau took a sharp step towards him.

"Stop it! Just stop!" Bewildered, Hitomi rushed in, stopping Dilandau in his tracks. The two looked at her with grim expressions. "Dilandau…Maybe it's best you go home. Your house isn't even near here anyways.

"'Tomi, are you taking his side?" Dilandau said, infuriated. Hitomi pulled him to one side.

"Dilandau…" She hissed. "I haven't taken anyone's 'side'. Look, I'll talk to you later about this. After the movie or something." Her eyes narrowed.

"Fine." Dilandau crossed his arms. "I don't want to be seen with him anyways." He coldly remarked.

"Later Dilly!" Van smirked, waving in mock happiness.

"Rot in hell, Fanel!" Dilandau nonchalantly fingered Van before striding away.

Hitomi heaved a sigh, eyes lingering on Dilandau as he walked off. "How come you've never told me that Dilandau's your sworn enemy?" She asked a smug looking Van.

"You never asked."

"Well then, how come I've never heard about this fight you supposedly had with him?" She more demanded than asked, hands on hips.

"Come on, Hitomi. It was only one fight…If you'd even call one." The smile was wiped off his face when Hitomi shot him a dangerous look.

"What the hell is going on between you!" Her eyes blazed, searching his for an answer.

"Nothing I can't handle." He replied coolly. Hitomi grumbled inaudibly to herself. Van smiled, ignoring her anger for a few moments. "I find it surprising that Dilandau's the new 'friend', you were talking about." A chuckle escaped him.

"Actually…" Hitomi began, a blush across her cheeks replacing her former anger.

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Shuffling her feet tiredly, Hitomi swung the front door shut with a loud satisfying smack.

"Hitomi! Please don't slam the door like that!" Mrs Kanzaki protested from upstairs. Shedding her shoes, sweater, and knapsack, Hitomi forced herself to clamber up the stairs.

Upon entering the kitchen, Hitomi encountered an unusually happy Seth, contently drinking a pop at the table. "What are you so happy for?" Hitomi commented, opening the fridge, looking for a snack.

Seth beamed a pleasant smile her way. "Merle said that she has a surprise for me tomorrow. She must have bought a new game…Or she's going to buy one tomorrow." His one track mind was brimming with images of several new video games he'd been dying to get his little paws on.

"She does have a surprise. A very surprising surprise." Hitomi smirked to herself, grabbing a juice box.

"I can't wait!" Seth honestly stated.

"Neither can I."

"What?"

"You know, for her 'surprise'." Hitomi openly laughed at his puzzled face.

"Wait a second…" Seth fingered his chin. "Why would she tell you about the surprise?" Hitomi shrugged, playing dumb. Juice box in hand, she strolled into the living room.

Seth's mouth dropped when yet another thought came to him. "Hitomi, you're in on the whole surprise thing, aren't you?"

Hitomi giggled at the accusation in his voice. "Maybe…"

"You are in on it!" Seth shouted, high tailing it into the living room. "So, what's the surprise, Hitomi?"

"That's for me to know and you to find out." Hitomi grinned triumphantly, claiming the T.V remote in the process.

Seth could only whine and pout. "Please?" He pleaded with an eager smile.

"Sorry."

"But you're my favourite sister!"

"I'm your only sister, Seth. I win that title by default." Sighing, Hitomi turned the T.V on to shut him out.

"Oh yea… Forgot about that." Hitomi rolled her eyes at him.

"Seth…" She sighed again, annoyance apparent in her tone.

"What?"

"You know 'what'."

Seth shrugged innocently, a cheeky smirk glued to his face. "Whatever, Sis. I'm going downstairs." Letting out a small laugh, he trudged downstairs.

"Typical." Hitomi shook her head lightly, flicking mindlessly through the channels.

Although it seemed she was enthralled by the television, Hitomi's thoughts were far away from being focused on its buzzing screen. A date with Dilandau tonight…It was finally starting to sink in The upcoming date pleased her as much as it didn't. Van had made it painfully obvious that he hated Dilandau's guts. He had ranted on for minutes about how much of an ass he was, when she told him about their date together. It posed an awkward situation for Hitomi. Already, Dilandau had asked her if she took Van's side in that conflict after school.

Hitomi bit her bottom lip. She didn't want to take sides with anyone. Was that possible? She hadn't known Dilandau for very long, where as she'd known Van her entire life. It posed an awkward situation for her.

"Hitomi, Yukari's on the phone." Mrs Kanzaki walked leisurely into the living room with the phone in hand.

Hitomi blinked briefly, pulling her eyes off the bright television screen. "Oh? Thanks…" Mrs Kanzaki smiled down at her daughter as she took the phone. As quickly as she came, she left, leaving Hitomi to her phone conversation.

"Hey Yukari, isn't Amano over or something?" Hitomi asked as she stretched herself out along the couch.

"No." Yukari huffed in response. "He's going to Allen's house for dinner."

"Good old family gatherings." Hitomi smiled.

"So…" Hitomi could hear Yukari flop down onto her bed on the other side of the line. "How was the walk home with Dilandau?" The red-head teased.

"Van interrupted it. Did you know that those two hate each other?" Hitomi inquired.

"No, I didn't know. Why do they hate each other?" Yukari asked with anticipation.

"Van wouldn't say." Hitomi frowned.

"Is that so? Okay, what did you talk to Dilandau about today?" She smoothly changed the subject.

"Well…I did end up telling him I was single." Hitomi felt her face burn up. "He asked me out." She managed shyly.

"OH! Did he? Did you say yes!" Yukari's voice lit up with excitement.

"…Yeah."

Yukari squealed with delight. "I told you so!"

"I know, I know…" Hitomi half-sulked.

"Now you won't be going to Millerna's party by yourself! We can all go together! You, Dilandau, Amano, and I!"

"Okay!" Hitomi smiled. She couldn't help but be pulled into her friend's ecstatic enthusiasm.

"This is gonna be great!" Yukari exclaimed. The raindrops pattering against Hitomi's window couldn't dull her happiness.

"Yeah!…Hey, you're still coming to the mall with Merle and I tomorrow, right?"

"Of course! Wouldn't miss the chance to pick clothes out for Merle for the world."

"Good. Just checking." Hitomi paused to check the clock. "I better go. I'm going to the movies with Dilandau…He'll be here in a few hours to pick me up."

Yukari giggled. "Alright. Have fun!"

"Kay, talk to ya later."

"Bye, Hitomi."

"Bye." Hitomi shut the phone off with a click, placing it on her night stand. Running her hands through her short hair, Hitomi's chest heaved with a heavy sigh. "Better tell mom where I'm going." She muttered to herself.

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It was nearing half past six when Hitomi and the rest of her family sat down for dinner.

"What time will you be back at?"

"Is this Dilandau a decent guy?"

"When did you meet him?"

"How old is he? Is he in your grade?"

Her parents took turns drilling questions at her with efficiency. Seth observed quietly, munching numbly on his food.

"I-We should be back around 8:30. Dilandau--" She was cut off suddenly, and very abruptly. All the lights in the house went black, leaving them in a dark room. "--is a nice enough guy…" Hitomi blinked into the darkness.

Mr Kanzaki stood up from the table, and walked to the kitchen window. "Great. A power outage." Guess it was raining harder than everyone thought.

"I'll get the candles." Mrs Kanzaki announced cheerfully.

"This better not last long…" Seth mumbled, resting his chin on the table. A frown etching itself onto his face. With no power, he wouldn't be able to play his computer games.

"Yeah…" Hitomi breathed.

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The power just had to go out, didn't it? Hitomi stared in boredom across the candlelit room. Her eyes slowly crawled up the wall hesitantly, afraid that 7:30 had gone and past.

"I don't think you'll be going to the movies tonight." Mr Kanzaki said with an apologetic smile. "Maybe another night."

Hitomi nodded sadly. It was 7:45. No movie tonight.

"Don't look so glum, Hitomi." Her mother said. "How about we all go over to visit Varie and them until we get the power back?" She asked hopefully.

"Sure!" Seth said with interest. "Anything instead of just sitting around here."

"Sounds like a good idea." Mr Kanzaki agreed with his wife and son. Together, their heads swivelled towards Hitomi, awaiting her word of approval.

"…Okay. Sure." Hitomi laughed nervously. Their stares were a tad bit on the freaky side.

Mrs Kanzaki clapped her hands together happily "Great! Let's get--"

A deep knock came from the front door. Moments later, the door creaked open slowly and footsteps padded on the hard tile.

"Hey guys! We came to keep you company!" Merle's boisterous voice boomed as she thumped up the stairs. Following her came Mrs and Mr Fanel with Van lingering far behind. They were welcomed readily into the living room, chatter filling the once quiet house. As the their parents talked earnestly, Merle practically bounced up to Seth with a huge grin on her face.

"I brought my Game-boy with me. Do ya wanna take turns playing it with me?" She asked, knowing very well he couldn't say no.

"Do I ever!" Seth pumped his fist into the air.

Merle laughed. "Come on! Let's go play it till the power comes back on." Preoccupied with that, they both disappeared downstairs.

Hitomi remained silent, eyes darting to the clock every so often. Time seemed to be at a stand-still for her. Van sat quietly as well, half listening to whatever his parents were talking to the Kanzaki's about. Cautiously, he glanced over at Hitomi. His hatred for Dilandau had increased ten fold today, since learning that he'd asked her out and she'd actually agreed. In his books, Dilandau was worse than Allen. Much worse. Taking in a deep breath, he made his way to Hitomi, sitting on the chair on the other side of the room. Van didn't want things to become awkward between them.

"Hey." He said shyly.

"Hey." She smiled sadly back.

"Um…I'm guessing you couldn't go to the movies with Dilandau, huh?" Van drew his fingers through his thick hair.

"Yeah…Stupid weather causing a damn power outage." She muttered, looking up at him.

"Heh heh…Yeah, stupid weather." A slow smile spread over his face. Mentally he thanked the power for going out. "So, what does a guy have to do around here to get something to eat?" He asked hopefully.

Hitomi took his hint, boldly rolling her green eyes at him. "There's probably something in the kitchen I can make for you. There's not much I can make since the power's out but I'll see what we have." Sighing, she got up out of her chair and dragged Van by the arm towards the kitchen.

Mrs Fanel and Mrs Kanzaki shared a small smile as they walked past. Van's grin must have stretched from ear to ear.

Hitomi pulled the fridge door open, squinting at its contents through the dark. "Let me see…We have some fruit here you can have or I could make you a sandwich." She suggested.

"Hey, what's in here?" Van picked up a container, lifting its lid to sniff its contents.

"It looks like noodles to me." She shrugged. "I don't think you want to eat that. I don't have a microwave to heat it with."

Van pondered this for a moment, rubbing his chin. Hitomi ignored him, still rummaging through the fridge. When she turned around again, she found him with a fork in his hand, about to dig in.

"Gross Van! You're actually going to eat that!" Hitomi exclaimed, clearly shocked.

"Come on, Hitomi. It's not that bad!" Van defended himself, after taking a mouthful. "Although, it is missing something…" Smirking he pulled a bottle from the fridge, squeezing it over his snack.

"What do you think you're doing! You're putting ketchup on that! That's so nasty!" Hitomi sounded appalled.

"Cold Kraft Dinner and ketchup. Mmmm mmm good!" Van managed between mouthfuls.

"Sick! Sick! Sick! I can't believe you, Van!" Hitomi stared at him with wide eyes.

Van stopped eating for a moment to grin at her. "You want some? It's actually really good!"

In response, Hitomi grabbed the hand towel hanging from the fridge door and threw it at him. "You're such a freak! Eating nasty cold Kraft Dinner with ketchup…disgusting."

"Fine, more for me. You can't say that I didn't ask." Laughing at her grossed out expression, he continued to shovel Kraft Dinner into his mouth.

It's going to be a long night...Shaking her head lightly, Hitomi sat down at the kitchen table, praying that the power came back on soon.

AN: is it just me oris this chapter seemreally long?

Dunno when I'll have the next chappie up. Soon hopefully. Ya never know, maybe I'll get a good start on it Tuesday (that is, if the teacher's strike is still going)

DestinyForetold: Okay okay okay, I hear you loud and clear. I updated! lol, do I get the cookie now? Mmmm extra big cookie (drools). My Chemical Romance is awesome! (grins) my 2 fav songs are Helena and Cemetery Drive. Aww too bad u couldn't go to that concert. That has to suck. . Anyhoo hoped u liked this chapter.

animeLCgrl: Heh heh…I kinda knocked Allen outa the square thing I had going ;;…Dilandau's here to stay I guess…For now that is.

ann, white wolf 356, Kathya: Thank you so much for the reviews guys! They're much appreciated.

Sakura Minamino: Glad you found it funny:P thanks for the review.

FluffieGirlie: lmao, thankies for the review.

Inda: Yup, Van's falling. Slowly but surely. Thanks for your reviews and I hoped you liked this chapter.

majka: (grins) thanks for the review...and I hope to mess up their emotional life more. :P lol

Pure hope: Whaaaaa I haven't talked to you in so long:( Man, school keeps me busy. I barely have time for anything else. lol, how are things going with school and stuff? You haven't updated any of ur stories in awhile. I hope you do soon.

queenyasha: Thanks a bunch for ur encouragement! lmao LONG LIVE ESCA! Couldn't have said it better myself. :P

Angelofdarkness1566: THANK YOU! You read and review most of my other stories. I couldn't thank you enough. (hands you a cookie)

kmmgirly : lmao, thanks for the compliment. It reminds you of yourself and a guy you know? O.o, that's too funny. lol, hope you liked this chapter.

Happy turkey day! (i know, its not thanksgiving today..but it is tommorow) Leave me some comments and let me know what you thought! Laters :D