Me: Yayness, I'm back. Well at least for now. You're going to love this chapter.

Chiro: Why, does something exciting actually happen?

Me: You have no romance views do you?

Chiro: Uhhh...

Gibson: Hey Fire, what's this black box for? And what's with the fire emblem on top?

Me: Chiro asked me to get it for him. (Takes box and gives to Chiro.) Here you go, just what you ask for and it was really hard to get.

Chiro: Thanks.

Me: Anyway, let's get on with the story.

The Date

/Flashback/

A yellow monkey scanned the command room. Decorations were strung everywhere aiding in welcoming the New Year. There was only 10 minutes left and everyone was talking excitedly. Nova was watching the screen, which viewed the New Year's countdown ball. Suddenly she felt an arm snake around her waist. Turning, she came face-to-face with her lover.

"You excited?" he questioned. "A little. And reviewing everything that has happened over the year." Her hand reached up to grasp the necklace that hung from her neck. She felt his hand grip hers as he asked, "Surprised at how fast everything went? Or do you feel that we're rushing things?"

"No! No, that's not it. It's not that at all. It's just... with everything that's happened, I can't seem to find a New Year's resolution." She stated as she began to blush. Antauri chuckled, "That's all. It'll come to you in time."

Then Chiro spoke up. "Come on guys. We'd better hurry if we want to join the city in the ultimate countdown." They all pulled on their snowsuits, but there was a problem, Nova was missing her scarf. "Anyone seen my scarf?" "It's haning on the back of Antauri's chair." "Thanks Sprx." Everyone headed out the door and made it with five minutes to spare. They met Jinmay who had left the Robot early to help set up the decorations in the city.

The team was then greeted by people of the city. The citizens cheered as their heros flew doen the street. When they landed, little kids were all over the monkeys, especially 'pretty, strong, and nice' Nova. Some even asked her to show them some of her moves. Before she could answer, the timer anouncced three minutes to New Year. The mayor approached the Hyper Force as they got on the festival stage. "Hyper Force, we thnk you for everything you've done. You have saved Shuggazoom countless times. Now which one (or two) of you would like to activate Shuggazoom's New Year lights and the countdown sphere." No one really volunteered, that is until Chiro and Jinmay 'accidentally' pushed Antauri and Nova out there. "And this year's favorite couple has volunteered." Everyone cheered, shouted, and whistled.

The two blushed, but went forward anyway. Each picked up one side of the cord and readyed (Me: Did I spell that right? Oh well.) themselves, then plugged in the lights. Up and down the streets, lights flashed on , brightening up the city like a candle. Under the countdown ball, a clock came on with a timer under it. Only one minute remained. The whole city was so excited that everyone seemed to talk at once. Chiro nudged Antauri in the back and handed him something while Nova admired the lights. Using his tail, he hid the item behind his back.

Thirty seconds remained. Everyone prepared for the countdown. Twenty seconds. Nova was completely oblivious to what Antauri was planning. He placed a hand around her waist and pulled her close as the countdown started.

"10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Every couple, including Antauri/Nova and Chiro/Jinmay kissed to celebrate the New Year as confetti flew everywhere and party poppers exploded. As everyone's cheers began to subside, Antauri let go of Nova's waist and the two were bathed in a spotlight. Nova was very confused and it was clearly shown on her face. She turned to Antauri as he took her hands in his own.

"Nova, although we have not been on any official dates, I can assure you that I love you with all my heart and soul. Protecting the city has kept us physically apart, but it has not broken our uydying love for each other. For ever, I will love you and I hope you feel the same. I wish to be with you forever, if you will have me that long. So Nova, my love..." the black monkey got down on one knee as he pulled from behind his back a black box with a fire emblem on top. "...will you marry me?" The box was openned as it revealed a 24 karat gold diamond ring with black fire designs holding the diamond in place. Pulling out the ring, Antauri took Nova's left hand and slid the ring onto her ring finger. The golden monkey was speechless. Tears of joy formed and flowed as she replied, "Yes, of course I'll marry you. I wouldn't have it anyother way." She pulled him up and gave him a passionate kiss that took his breath away. All around them were cheers of happiness.

They released the kiss and pulled each other into a hug where Nova whispered, "but only after you take me on that date you promised me." They pulled apart as Antauri smiled, "Your wish is my command." People gathered around to congratulate them. It was around 3 o'clock when they got home, where Antauri convinced Nova (rather easily I might say) to sleep with him once again like on Christmas Eve.

/End Flashback/

Those events led up to what Nova was doing now . It was Valentine's Day and Antauri was finally taking Nova out on their day. The day started when Nova had went downstairs and was greeted by the others, who had silly grins plastered to their faces. Then they said have fun and before she knew it, she was blindfolded and swept off her feet by the one she loved. Then she felt the rush of going up one of the tubes and then being set down. "Stay here." Antauri whispered. She heard some movement, then was pulled into someone's lap. Her body tensed, but quickly relaxed when Antauri kissed her on the forehead. "Why are you so edgy all of a sudden, my love?" he questioned.

Nova smiled, "Well, it's not everyday you're blindfolded and carried someplace you have no idea about." She felt him pull her close as a sound reached her ears. They were taking off. "Antauri, where are we going?" "You'll see soon enough." he stated. She was confused, but decided to lay back and enjoy the ride. They flew for what seemed like hours to Nova, but in reality was only 5 hours. Nova felt a big lurch as they landed and Antauri gently picked her up. He walked outside and was greeted by a gently blowing breeze. (They're wearing their snow outfits, just so ya know.) Nova felt and heard snow crunch beneath her boot as Antauri put her down. Then he simply stated, "We're here." and removed the blindfold so Nova could take in the view.

Before her was a large, two story log cabin on top of a giant snow covered mountain. Close by was a frozen pond/ice rink. She was absolutely speechless (Me: She seems to do that alot doesn't she?) and it showed on her face. "You like it?" was the question asked to her and she could only nod. Antauri wrapped his arms around her waist to bring her out of her shock. "Good, because we get to spend the next two weeks out here. All alone." The way he spoke caused the female monkey to have shivers go down her spine and make her grow weak in the knees.

They went inside the cabin and were caught by another surprise. Inside were two snowboards. One was black with yellow fire trimmings and the other was yellow with black fire trimmings. With it came a note,

Antauri & Nova, we figured since you two were up there you might as well give snowboarding a try. Gibson and Otto made the boards whil Chiro and I choose the designs. Have fun, Sprx-77.

"That was awful nice of Sprx." Said Nova. "Looks like it's one of his rare good ideas." stated Antauri. Nova chuckled and the two proceeded with taking off their snowsuits. With that done the two cuddled together on a couch in front of the fireplace when Nova had finished starting a fire. It was late in the evening so they couldn't do anything til morning. Then a thought came to Nova's mind, "Hey Antauri, what was that notebook you were carrying around before Christmas?" Giving her a smile, he levitated the said item over to them. Taking hold of the sketchbook, Antauri openned it to reveal its interior. There were drawings of snowsuits with different designs. Some had pencil marks by them or on them.

"Who did these?" Nova questioned. "Jinmay drew the outfits and asked me to make any nessecary improvements to them." Antauri answered. "I blackmailed the others to help me when they came home late that night they went to the arcade."

"Antauri! You blackmailed!" That is so unlike you." She looked away and crossed her arms, 'trying' to be mad at him. The black monkey's arms wrapped around her waist once again, pulling her very, very close. "It was either they helped me or got two weeks of extra chores. They choose to help me." He began to nibble on her neck, then right behind her ear. The monkey in torment began to tremble and melt in her lover's arms. She felt so relaxed. Then something interrupted the moment...the beeping of someone's communicator.

Nova looked back at Antauri who blushed,"I was suppose to call the others when we got here." "Then talk to them and I'll be right back." said Nova, getting up and walking to the kitchen. As she walked out of the room, Antauri activated his communicator and was greeted by, "Antauri...Antauri...hello anyone there, answer me, will you?" "Calm down, Sprx, we arrived safely." "Oh, soory, it's just that you forgot to call us. So, did you two like our gifts?" Antauri smiled, "Yes we did and we appriciate it, Thank you." "You are very welcome. Have fun. See you in two weeks. Bye" "Good-bye, Sprx"

He hung up and his ears were met by a soothing voice, "Who was that?" The black monkey turned to lay eyes on his sexy female companion. "It was Sprx, wondering if we got here and saw our gifts." He noticed that Nova had two mugs of some hot substance. Walking over (in a sexy way to Antauri), she sat down and handed Antauri a mug of hot chocolate, who took it gratefully. Cuddling close, Antauri wrapped an arm around Nova, who cuddled closer and used her tail to turn on the radio on the table next to the couch. The couple dozed off to 'A Moment Like This' by Kelly Clarkson.

Me: Yay, I'm done with that one. I'll get the next one up ASAP. R&R Please and Thank you. Oh, and Happy Belated Valentine's everyone, hope yours was better than mine.