Disclaimer: August Rush belongs to Warner Brothers and its affiliates.

Suggested songs: "Notice," by Gomez, "We Walk" by The Ting Tings, and "Young Folks," by Peter Bjorn and John -- there are links for the songs on my profile so that you can listen and read along!

Louis and Lyla walked hand in hand, Louis swinging their arms a bit. Though it was mid-April, it was uncharacteristically chilly that day. Louis suggested grabbing a cup of hot chocolate, and Lyla jumped at the idea with enthusiasm.

"Do you suppose we could go to Serendipity?" She asked, looking hopeful. "I'm not sure where it is, but I've wanted to go ever since I was a kid… and Daddy told me that sweets would rot my teeth, but…" She looked frustrated for a moment, and turned her gaze away in anger at the memory of her father. She was firm believer in the phrase "better late than never," but eleven years late? Glad though she was to have August, she missed so many things in his life; his first laugh, first tooth, first word, first steps, first sentence… she didn't get to see him "turn into a real person," as Lizzie called the stage when they start remembering things and having real thought processes. She missed his first crush, the first time he touched an instrument… it was heartbreaking. And while she was glad to have him now (though she couldn't see him as much as she liked), the bitterness and anger towards her father had not faded in the months of discovering the shocking news. Lyla wasn't sure that she could ever forgive him for his life-changing lie, and she knew that Louis never would. In fact, she was sure that Louis would give up all common sense and let the angry Irishman within beat the hell out of her father. Her stomach clenched with guilt when she realized that she probably wouldn't raise a finger to stop him. What kind of daughter was she?

And yet… the same could be asked of him; what kind of father was he? Definitely not one that Lyla had ever really loved (as he had been distant and always kept her at arms length), and now he was one that she could never trust or respect.

Deep down, Lyla knew that he was only trying to protect her. Lyla also knew that she was the reason her mother stopped playing music, and her father was trying to help her with her gift.

…Especially since he couldn't continue playing the cello himself. After a horribly botched surgery to fix his advanced and very painful carpal tunnel syndrome, he officially had to put his bow down, something that Lyla knew had killed part of his soul. Her father, a world-class cellist, had been reduced to a has-been without anything to fall back on. After gaining a hefty settlement from the lawsuit against the hospital that had destroyed his left hand, Thomas Novacek focused all of his time on raising his daughter to be the greatest cellist the world would ever know. His obsession with her talent and training drove her mother to stop playing the violin, as she tried to free up more time to protect her daughter's childhood. But Thomas refused to relent in his harsh training. She grew to despise the sound of music, and eventually left them. Lyla, who was only 10 years old, fell into a deep depression. In Thomas' own warped logic, he placed the blame of his wife leaving on Lyla's shoulders.

Her father hadn't known that his plan with August would backfire; he had assumed that she'd get over it and return to music as a form of solace. He knew how connected she was with August, but Lyla was sure that he didn't understand the depth of her love for him. It was something that men, especially ones such as her cold and sometimes unfeeling father, couldn't understand very easily. He just thought that she was a silly 20 year-old girl, a sheltered child trying to play house. And though she was young and sheltered at the time, her baby boy was the only thing she really cared about. She connected her love for him with her love for music, spending her days with her cello resting at her protruding belly and playing her favorite pieces. Her love and passion for her child made her playing that much better, even with her stomach getting in the way. She would spend hours a day with headphones to her stomach, playing the calming works of Debussy, the dramatic and beautiful pieces of Rachmaninov, and the playful pieces of Mozart. She would play calming music all around the house because she'd read somewhere that it would help the baby go to sleep after he was born. She'd read her baby books, prepared for him in every way possible…

Lyla hadn't ever really dreamed of being a mother, as her father had informed her early on that she was to be a famous concert musician. It wasn't until after she lost August that she truly resented her father for everything he'd done – though music was her one true love, she had never experienced or tried anything else. Considered to be a prodigy, she entered into Juilliard fairly young and graduated before her 20th birthday. It was scary to be in a school with no one her age, and Lyla had always been a very shy person. It was hard to make friends (given the age difference and the arrogance of many of the students there), so she poured herself entirely into her music. That night with Louis had been… it had been like something out of a dream. It wasn't a normal thing, she knew that, but it was the most normal and at peace she had ever felt. She wasn't trying to impress anyone, her father wasn't berating her every mistake… she just got to be a normal girl.

"I'm just… me."

Meeting Louis had changed her life, and still would have even if she hadn't become pregnant. If they had simply talked the whole night, rather than letting their hormones take over, it still would have been life-altering. That night, she discovered that there was more to her and her future than just music (as wonderful as it was) – she discovered that she was beautiful, that she was desirable. She knew from his low, guttural moans, his sweet whispers of adoration in her ear, and his hardness pressing against her thigh through the thin cloth of her dress –

Lyla let out a deep breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She was sure that her face was bright red, and she felt embarrassed for remembering their night of passion. She tilted her head up slightly and looked at him through the curls of her hair. She realized that he was doing the same, his head tilted towards her slightly and his eyes focused on her. He took in her red face with a grin, which only made her blush deepen as she looked away. Yes, that night was something to be remembered.

It was a night of firsts for Lyla – her first night away from her father, her first concert out of Juilliard as a solo cellist, her first party (though she originally hadn't wanted to go), her first beer (though she'd only had half before she discarded it), and her first time. Though Louis had made that night something to remember, it had still hurt regardless. She hadn't known how much it would hurt, but the pain had faded with his gentle ministrations, his coaxing voice at her ear, and how he had waited for her to become more comfortable before moving. It really hadn't felt good for quite some time, but when she felt those tendrils of pleasure, she cautiously gave in and moved with him. And when he started using his fingers, Lyla thought she might die before she was overcome with her pleasure. When they finally were lying sated in each others arms, he gently helped her back into her dress and himself into his clothes, and they fell asleep together. She wasn't sure if it was a dream or not, but as she was slowly falling asleep, she could have sworn she had heard him whisper, "I love you…"

Leaving Louis behind that day had been wrong, and she knew it was. She could still hear him calling for her joyfully, jumping so that she'd see him. His enthusiasm and naivety made it hard to remember that he was a year older than her, especially since she was always so careful and shy. He was always moving, always smiling…

She wondered what kind of person her son was – shy like his parents? Maybe the cautious kind of shy, like Lyla, or the childlike shyness that seemed to embody Louis? Lyla was the kind of person to never really become comfortable in a room full of people she didn't know, never one to want the spotlight. Sometimes she wasn't all that comfortable with Lizzie, a friend she had known for the better part of two decades! Louis – at least, the Louis she had first met – seemed like the kind of person who was shy in a crowd, but vibrant one-on-one. His eyes were always so full of life… Lyla shuddered at the thought of how he had looked the last 12 years. If he had been half as miserable as she was, then those beautiful eyes…

Lyla shuddered at the image.

She could see him at work, all tight-lipped smiles to the general public and his face downcast and worn when alone. But those eyes… they would be lifeless, spiritless, and broken. Her anger for her father was renewed with that thought --

A notion struck Lyla then – she would only have 6 years with August. 6 precious years to capture moments and to spend time with him before he went off to enjoy life and… and these next 6 years were going to be his teen years, the insanely hard years where he wouldn't want anything to do with his parents! As a brand new mother, that thought hurt more than anything. In a few short years, her baby would want absolutely nothing to do with her. He'd be busy with girls and music, and his mother would just be someone he'd see at the dinner table. Louis, at least, could still throw a football or a baseball around with him. They could spend some bonding time together… but as the mother?

Lyla choked back her tears, willing them not to fall, but her attempts were futile. She hoped that Louis would not notice, but he seemed to notice everything about her at all times. He wiped the tear from her cheek and pulled her off of the sidewalk, standing in front of a shop window.

"What's wrong, love?" He asked, genuinely confused. "Hey now, don' cry." He wiped away another tear and pulled her into his arms. "Thinkin' about yer father, then?" Louis asked. She nodded in his arms, feeling herself breaking. "I'm guessin' this is about more than hot chocolate, hmm?" She let out a small laugh, and focused on trying to reign in her emotions.

"It's just…" She sniffled for a moment. "He took away 12 years of time with my son. I missed all of the years where he'll want to cuddle, where I'm his world. August is going to be a teenager soon… and he's not going to want anything to do with me. I have 6 years – just 6! – before he leaves forever, and I'll barely get to know him!" She scrubbed furiously at her face and cursed quietly under her breath. Louis kissed her forehead and tilted her face up. His eyes were filled with pain and understanding.

"I understand, Lyla. 6 years t'aint much, is it?" She shook her head. "It's only …" He seemed to be calculating something in his head. "It's about 2000 days… but we can make those 2000 days somethin' special, Lyla. And he's not like any other boy, you and I both know tha'. He's special, he's kind, and he loves us. He'll want to spend every wakin' moment with us – you'll be wantin' to get rid of him before long." She gave a false-laugh, not wanting to ruin his mood with her fears and unhappiness.

"You're right; I'm being a pessimist." She shook her head. "We'll worry about that time when it comes." Louis took her hand in his, suddenly looking thoughtful and nervous.

"And if it's somethin' you want, maybe someday we could make a few brothers an' sisters for August." Her face reddened at the thought, but she couldn't hold back her smile.

"Y-yes… someday, I think I would like that." She said quietly, looking down at her feet. He lifted her face up to his, and his tender smile eased the worry in her heart.

"If you want t' have more, just say the word." He brushed a curl away from her face and her heart seemed to stutter.

"Let's spend some time with August before we get to work on that." Lyla said slyly, laughing as his eyes widened. He winked at her, and she nudged him with her shoulder. Lyla's excitement and nervousness hit a new high – they were going to sleep together again, there was no doubt about it. They both wanted to have more kids; they both wanted a future. Joy bubbled within her, and she felt completely re-energized.

"Shall we go to Serendipity, then?" Louis asked, his eyes twinkling. She grinned.

"Really?" He nodded. "How far away are we?"

"It's a 15 minute walk from here – and we get to walk past Central Park." He flashed her a charming grin, and she felt herself edge closer to him., trying to somehow absorb his good mood. Her lips quirked upwards, at the thought of Central Park, the place that had brought her (she hesitantly thought this word) family together at last.

"Mm." She agreed, biting a lip. "I have a feeling that it will become my most favorite place in the whole world."

"It brought us together, it gave August back t' us. This is where our family began." Lyla nuzzled his arm, loving the way he said 'our family.' Louis grabbed her hand, pulling her towards Serendipity. "You'll love this place, Lyla. Best frozen hot chocolate I've ever had!" Lyla looked up at him quizzically.

"'Frozen hot chocolate'?" She asked, confused. He pulled her in towards him, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"You'll see, love. You'll see."

---

A couple of hours later, Louis and Lyla were standing in front of Louis' hotel. He had tried to convince her not to come with him, telling her that she could be spared the innuendo and embarrassing remarks, but she insisted on coming with him and having a united front.

"After all," she said, pursing her lips. "I should have a chance to properly thank him for the lovely wake-up call." Louis' eyebrows drew together in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Lyla tilted her head up at him, looking both irritated and amused.

"The alcohol shower and the Polaroid – you do remember, don't you?" Louis grimaced at the memory, recalling his fury.

"He's always been a right bastard." Lyla laughed and intertwined their fingers, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

"It'll be fine, Louis. I won't let what he says get to me." Louis shook his head ruefully, knowing full and well that he probably wouldn't leave without at least shoving Marshall once. Their father had died when Louis was 5, leaving him to be raised by his mother and eldest brother, Patrick. Patrick had left dreams of going to a university behind, opting instead to get a job with a steady income. Marshall, 3 years older than Louis, became a bully and a general nuisance, picking on Louis whenever he had the chance. Now that he was grown up, he knew that it was just Marshall's way of acting out his grief. But he and Marshall were both in their 30's – Marshall's cruel teasing and bullying should have ended a long time ago!

Louis knew that he wasn't exactly being fair to him, though; Marshall was a good big brother sometimes. The fact that he had convinced the other band mates to fly out to New York to play with Louis again was something that couldn't be taken lightly. Marshall was one to hold a grudge, and the fact that he didn't ask a lot of questions or pester him about leaving the band eleven years prior really meant a lot to Louis. But he knew that the second he brought Lyla in that door, Marshall wouldn't be able to stop himself from making a few choice, very rude comments. His methods for embarrassment were a bit underhanded, seemingly innocent in the eyes of everyone around him, but to the person he was harassing? It was a solid punch to the gut. Louis didn't want Lyla to know just how broken he had been after they had been separated. He knew that she understood how he was to an extent, but if Marshall told her about the countless wistful songs he'd written about her, how he ran out on the band screaming like a coward… if she knew just how empty he was without her, he didn't know if he could take it. Saying that you were miserable was one thing, but hearing someone else voice how utterly pathetic you are to the girl of your dreams…

He wasn't sure he would be able to bear any pity from her; his pride simply wouldn't allow it.

Louis took a deep breath and pulled Lyla into the hotel. It was a shabby place, but the locks on the doors were decent and Louis was friends with the manager, Roger. The rest of the band had felt safe leaving their things there, even though the instruments altogether were worth almost a month's stay.

"Lou, back so late?" Roger called out, coming from behind the front desk. "The other guys were all worried when you disappeared on them last night." Louis offered Roger a roguish grin and glanced helpfully down at his and Lyla's entwined hands. "Oh, you were uh, otherwise entertained?"

"Not quite wha' yer thinkin', Rog. This here's my girl, Lyla." Lyla blushed at being called "his girl," and Roger did a double take, his eyes widening.

"The Lyla?" He asked, sounding stunned. Lyla gave Louis a confused look, but he just smiled.

"The one and only; finally tracked her down."

"Am I right in assuming that there's a good story behind all of this?" Roger asked, shooting Lyla odd looks. She turned her head away shyly, curling herself into Louis' side. Louis nodded, still smiling.

"Unfortunately, it's a story to be told another time. I'm just here to pick up me bags and guitar. I have a family to get back to." Louis said proudly.

"A family? Jesus, you got kids?"

"Jus' the one, for now." Louis winked at Roger and steered Lyla away. They walked down a long, narrow hallway before reaching an elevator. As Louis pushed the button, Lyla leaned closer to him.

"What was all that about?" She whispered.

"I'm sorry, love. I'm afraid you're a bit famous with anyone who knows me."

"Famous? How?"

"Because you're the girl who stole me brother's heart away and never gave it back." A new voice came from behind them. Lyla jumped and turned around, and Louis grimaced.

"Was that really necessary, Marshall?" He asked, sounding irritated.

"Probably as necessary as yer decade of sulking was." Louis rolled his eyes as the elevator doors opened. The three of them stepped inside, and Marshall pressed the 2nd floor button. "What are you two doin' here? Getting a room?" Lyla blushed, stepped even closer to Louis who merely glared.

"Jus' picking up me t'ings."

"Don' know why I'm so surprised you're already leaving – tha' seems t' happen when she shows up. And she seems to show up whenever music seems to be the most important t'ing in yer life."

"Enough." Louis shook his head at Marshall. "That's enough."

The elevator dinged as they reached the 2nd floor, and they all stepped off together. Marshall followed closely behind like a cat stalking its prey, and Louis gripped Lyla's hand a little tighter. As they reached the hotel room, Marshall started up again.

"Tell me, what brings you two lovebirds together? As I remember it, she stepped into a limo and never saw you again." Louis pulled a key out of his pocket and opened the door, pushing into a cramped and incredibly messy hotel room. It smelled a little like Louis, but mostly it smelled like beer and sweaty clothes. Lyla stood awkwardly in the doorway while Louis began stuffing his clothes into his suitcase, not bothering to fold them. Marshall stood next to Lyla in the doorway, the look in his eye daring her to answer his question.

"Music," Lyla said quietly. "Music and... August."

"August isn't for another few months, Baby Bro – makin' plans already? You were always more of a fly by the seat of yer pants kind of guy, as I recall."

"'August' is our son," Louis said a little sharply. Marshall's eyes widened in shock.

"Son?" He repeated, sounding dazed. "You have a son?"

"Yes, I do." Louis said, a little impatiently. He made his way into the bathroom, gathering his toiletries and shoving them into a plastic bag.

"And you're absolutely sure that he's the father?" Marshall asked, staring at Lyla accusingly. Lyla flushed a deep, angry red.

"Excuse me?" She asked, her voice quiet but full of anger.

"I asked how you can be sure that that trusting idiot is the father." Marshall said calmly, an angry smirk making its way onto his face. He looked pissed off, but incredibly pleased with himself at the same time. It was a dangerous expression, one that Louis would have recognized and warned her of had he been in the room.

"I don't think I quite understand what you're insinuating." Lyla said, her eyes darkening.

"Oh, but I t'ink you do." Marshall said, licking his lips in anticipation. "You wait over a decade before turning up in my little brother's life to tell him that he's got a son? The way I see it, you ran out of money and went looking for the richest man you dropped your panties for so that you could trick him into giving you money for child support." Lyla glared at him, her hands clenched at her side.

"Excuse me?" She asked again.

"You heard what I said – no sense in repeating it." Her jaw clenched and her lips tightened, holding back a string of foul language.

"How dare you?" Lyla asked, her features changing to that of disgust. "How dare you judge me? You don't even know me. You have no idea what's going on – what I've been through!"

"Pregnancy, apparently." The smartass comment almost made Lyla stamp her foot on the ground in irritation. However, her furious expression only egged Marshall on. "Really though, how do you know that this August is me Baby Bro's son?" Rage coursed through her veins, and she couldn't help but yell.

"Because I've never slept with anyone else!"

The room was utterly silent. Marshall looked both flabbergasted and amused, still managing to look like he was mocking her. Louis had reentered the room on that comment and was staring at Lyla, who was always so calm and sweet, suddenly sporting a fiery temper to match his. Embarrassed though he was to admit it to himself, he found it to be quite the turn-on to see her so angry and full of passion. Lyla, however, was slowly becoming mortified – Louis' brother did not need that kind of information about her (lack of) sex life! Great, she thought, now he has more ammo he can use against you! She slowly moved away from the door to go sit on one of the two full-sized beds. The springy mattress squeaked as she sat down, and she buried her face in her hands as she did so.

"What the hell is your problem, man?" Louis asked Marshall, anger making its way onto his face. "Why are you harassing her?"

"Don't you think it's a wee bit strange that she waited eleven years to tell you about yer son?"

"No, I don't. And you had no right to say those t'ings t' her."

"I have every right, Baby Bro! I'm yer big brother – I have every right to make sure you're not getting scammed by some pretty gold-digger!"

The loud thwack that followed Marshall's harsh words startled Lyla, and she looked up as he hit the ground. Louis was standing over him, rubbing his fist tenderly, looking more annoyed than angry. Marshall started to laugh, and he held his hand up to Louis who promptly helped him up.

"At least you've still got a good punch in you, Lou. I was startin' to t'ink you'd gone completely soft."

"Well if I have, then even my soft-fist means trouble for yer ugly face." Marshall continued to laugh, and he flashed Lyla a grin at seeing her astonished expression.

"Welcome to the Connelly Clan, Baby Sister." Louis gave his brother a gentle shove before he walked over to Lyla, shaking out his right hand.

"I t'ink that's his way of saying he's sorry, love." Lyla raised her eyebrow at Marshall, looking thoroughly annoyed, before giving him a tired smile and shake of the head. Louis looked back at Marshall. "I'm pretty sure that's her way of saying that she'll forgive you – for now." Marshall winked at her before spitting out the blood in his mouth and wiping off his face. "Look Marshall, I'm not quittin' the band this time. I'm goin' to try to find work out here in New York – I don't know if you lads want t' follow me – I know you have lives in San Francisco. If nothing else, we can write music while we're apart, visit when we want to put somethin' together, and have shows in New York like we did last time."

"But what if someone wants to sign us, Lou? What then?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there, Marshall." Marshall hung his head for a second, seeming to contemplate something.

"Look, I'll talk to the guys, see what they t'ink. We could really make it this time, Lou. Just don't go AWOL on us again, alright?"

"I won't, Marshall. Just understand that my family comes first, yeah?" Marshall nodded, still looking a little bewildered by the whole situation.

"I still can't believe tha' you're someone's da'." Louis grinned sheepishly and sat down next to Lyla. She immediately grabbed for his right hand, checking it over for bruises and swelling. "You'll be a good father, Louis. If you're anything like Da' or Pat, he'll grow up happy." Louis and Lyla smiled softly, both thinking of August and his heartwarming grin.

"I sure hope so." Marshall suddenly looked mischievous.

"When do I get to meet him?" Louis looked up at him playfully.

"Never!" He yelled, and Lyla started laughing.

"But every kid should get a chance to meet their evil Uncle – how else will they learn how to play pranks and make their teachers blush?"

"I think August is a bit too shy for that." Lyla interjected, looking thoughtful.

"And honest." Louis added.

"So then he's a miniature Louis?" Lyla nodded when Louis laughed. "Lord have mercy on him when he meets his soul mate, then." Louis threw a pillow at him, which Marshall easily caught.

"Anyways Marshall, we've got to goin' – we both need t' find jobs and prepare for the custody hearing—"

"Custody hearing?" Marshall interrupted, looking confused.

"It's… kind of a long story." Lyla said quietly, looking down at her feet. Louis sighed.

"I'll try to make it short." Louis said, grabbing her hand. He looked up at Marshall. "Lyla's father thought that August would ruin her career. She got into an argument wit' him one night, stormed out of the restaurant they were eating at, and got hit by a car. They did an emergency C-section and saved the baby, but her father forged her signature on the adoption papers while she was sleeping. When she woke up, he lied and told her that August had died. He jus' told her about what he'd done two months ago." Marshall had the decency to look both sad and ashamed.

"Baby Sis, I'm really sorry about the t'ings I said before." He could barely even look Lyla in the eye. "I said some t'ings that were uncalled for – you've been through enough." Lyla looked up at him and gave him a tight-lipped smile.

"You didn't know; what were you supposed to think? You had every reason to feel that way about me. We probably should have explained before you made an ass out of yourself." She smiled then which got a bark of a laugh from both Louis and Marshall. Louis and Lyla stood up then and Louis grabbed his suitcase and guitar. "Do you want me to carry that?" She asked, pointing to his guitar. He shook his head, smiling.

"Don' worry about it, love. I've got it." She nudged his shoulder lightly, giving him a gentle smile. They walked over to the doorway, and Marshall gave Louis a one-armed hug.

"I'll call you tonight, alright Baby Bro?" Louis nodded. Marshall surprised Lyla by sweeping her into a hug and squeezing her tightly to him for a moment. "Take care of him," he whispered in her ear. "He seems tough, but he's easily broken. You'll never find a more loving man, though." As he pulled away, Lyla placed a kiss on his cheek. She nodded in response to his request, and he grinned at her. "When will I get to meet me nephew?" Marshall called to them as they walked down the hallway.

"Never!" Louis shouted back. Lyla started laughing again and she lightly shoved Louis.

"Soon, then?" Marshall teased.

"After the hearing!" Lyla yelled, and he grinned.

---

As Louis and Lyla stepped out onto the sidewalk, Louis nudged her and smirked.

"So much for not letting him get to you."

"Shut up!"

A/N: Sorry for the long break, everyone! For those of you have been checking up on my profile, you'll have noticed that I kept changing the release date of this chapter (SO SORRY!) because things got incredibly stressful at home. I lost my job, started having trouble with my classes, there was a huge family reunion (which always ends up alienating me from my family), and several of my friendships fell apart. Needless to say, I've been a bit busy. Not to mention that this creative writing class I'm taking is sucking me dry of all creativity. Damn. Anyways, I just wanted to let you all know what was going on -- I update my profile fairly regularly, so check it out for any new info (since chapters don't seem to come as often as you'd all like). Don't hesitate to PM me, either!

For those of you who love Lyla's father -- and there are those that do -- please remember that this chapter is from Lyla's perspective. It's kind of hard to be rational and kind in her situation, hmm? Things might cheer up, you never know...

I took some liberties with Lyla and Louis' respective ages. In the movie, they didn't look any older after the 11, almost 12 years had passed, and I thought that that was strange and kind of a huge oversight. They never mention their ages, but they certainly don't look that much older than 30 by the time they find August. Not only that, but I highly doubt that Lyla's father would have that much of a say in her life and be THAT big of a pain if she were in her mid-to-late 20's. I hope no one minds... it made sense to me!

Also, if you hadn't noticed, I have a playlist of songs for each chapter. I got a lot of requests (I don't know why), so now you all know what I'm listening to while I'm writing. Don't listen for the lyrics (I promise, they will have nothing at all to do with the plot of "Somehow Familiar"), but just have the music playing as background noise, as though you're watching a movie. I have links up in my profile for places where you can listen to the songs while you read along.

Don't forget that there is a poll going on regarding whether or not a lemon is going to be written for this story... Please don't forget to vote. I don't want to offend anyone with lemony-material (which would wind me up with both flames AND getting my story removed), so I need to get a certain number of votes before I can proceed. It won't be for a little while, but I'm working on it in advance (tee hee). PLEASE VOTE!

And everyone, please don't forget to review! I've had well over 1000 hits, but I only have 33 reviews. Not saying that I'm not happy with each and every review (I love you guys!), but it'd be nice to get some more feedback (both good and bad, if I need it).

I hope you enjoyed Chapter 5 -- it's quite a bit longer than my other chapters! Sorry about the lengthy A/N...

Thanks for all of your support -- I'll try to work faster this time!

-- Ammi