Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji!
But I DO own Juliet (Katheryn)!
Chapter 18!
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Thanks to AnimeFreak145, Maya, I'mNotYourAverageItalianChick, AnimeAvianAmericanShadeslayer, yukiiii-chan, BloodDDB, shika93, and XxLeopardPrintxX for reviewing!
AnimeFreak145: I'm so glad you liked it! :)
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yukiiii-chan: Thanks! :)
BloodDDB: I know, he is a little OOC in this fanfic. But, I had to change his mind for the story to be able to flow better (it also made it easier for me to write. :P ). Glad you like it!
shika93: Thanks for all of the reviews! :)
Oh, my gosh! This story has received 60 reviews, 4,174+ reviews, 38 followers, and 36 favoriters! Ahhhh! This must be celebrated! Just for that, this is gonna be an extra long chapter!
Let's get to it now. Sorry this A/N is taking so long.
Enjoy!
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I was in the kitchen, teaching Bardroy how to make one of my favorite sweets. "Now, I want you to chop up those pecans." I said, pushing a handful of them over towards him.
"Alright!" he said, and began cutting. I was teaching him how to make a delicious sweet. It was vanilla flavored, with lots of sugar and some pecans mixed in. It was actually a bit sticky, and best served with milk. The cook I used to have back at home taught me how to make it, since it was one of my favorites.
A little while later, we had the finished product. It was cut up into coin-sized pieces, and there was quite a quantity. We put five on the plate for Ciel, and we decided to share the rest between ourselves. Bardroy poured three glasses of milk, one for Ciel and two for us.
We were placing the plate and glass on the push cart just as Sebastian walked in. "Is the Master's snack ready yet?" he asked.
"Yes." I said. "Be sure to warn him that it can be sticky." I said as he walked out of the room.
"Alright. Thank you, Miss Katheryn and Bardroy." he said as he smiled and shut the door.
"Let's eat!" I said, picking up a piece between my pointer finger and thumb. It stuck to my fingers a bit. I took a bite, and sighed inwardly.
"This is delicious!" Bardroy said happily, popping the rest of his piece into his mouth. "Where did you learn to make this?"
"I don't remember, exactly." I said. I hadn't told any of the servants, save for Sebastian, about who I really was. To them, I was just a commoner. Just then, Mey-Rin popped her head into the door.
"Hello, Bardroy and Katheryn!" she said happily. "What is that you're eating?"
"Sweets." I said. "Want to try?"
"Sure!" she said, and picked up a piece from the plate on the counter, putting it in her mouth. "Mm!" she said. "Wonderful!"
"Have a little milk." I said, pouring her a glass.
"Thank you!" she said, gulping it down. "That was one of the best sweets I've ever tasted!"
"I'm so glad you like it!" I said happily, then poured another glass of milk and put it and a few pieces on another plate, then placing them on a tray.
"I'm going to bring some to Finny." I said, walking to the back door. "Save a few more for me!" I said as I walked out the door. I immediately found Finny among a patch of flowers, about to bend down and weed them.
"Hello, Finny!" I said cheerfully.
"Hello, Katheryn!" he replied. "What's that?" he asked, pointing to the tray in my hand.
"Bardroy and I made this. I thought you might like a little." I said. Finny reached over and picked up a piece, popping it into his mouth. He ate the others, then picked up the glass and drank all the milk.
"Thank you, that was so good!" he said as he set the glass back on the tray.
"I'm glad." I said, smiling and walking away. After eating a few more sweets and cleaning up, Sebastian came in the room.
"Miss Katheryn?" he asked.
"Yes?" I answered, looking up.
"The Master wishes to see you in his study." he said with a small smile. I returned the smile and said, "Of course." I heard Bardroy holding in laughter behind me, so I turned around and glared. He immediately put on a straight face and stared ahead.
'He needs to stop assuming things.' I thought as I walked up the stairs and to Ciel's study. Once I finally made it, I knocked on the door.
"Come in." I heard a voice say. I opened the door and shut it behind me.
"You wished to see me?" I asked, taking a few steps further into the room. Ciel looked up, and motioned for me to come closer. I stepped up to his desk, and he motioned for me to come even closer. I stepped around the desk, standing beside his chair.
"Yes?" I asked, bending down so I was face-to-face with him.
"Those sweets were delicious." he said softly, smiling. "Sebastian told me you made them."
"With Bardroy's help." I added, returning his smile. He chuckled, and stood, causing me to take a few steps back to give him room.
Catching me off guard, he wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed me. I melted into the kiss and wrapped my arms around his neck. He tasted like the sweets I made. After a few minutes, we heard the door opening faintly. I figured it was only Sebastian, and I honestly didn't care if he saw us like this.
"Ciel!" an unfamiliar voice said. We jumped apart, panting. I turned towards the sound of the voice, and two men were standing there. One smiling innocently, the other grinning mischievously. They looked like foreigners. One had plum-colored hair, the other with snow white hair.
"You sly fox!" the same voice said. It was the man with darker hair that had spoken. I felt my cheeks heat up, and I noticed Ciel was red too. Who were these people?
"P-Prince Soma!" Ciel said, looking very flustered. 'Prince?!' "And Agni! What the hell are you doing here? Haven't you ever heard of knocking?"
"We decided to come pay you a visit." he spoke again, walking over to us, the other man trailing behind him. "I had no idea we would find you kissing a pretty girl!" he teased, poking him in the shoulder.
"What's your name?" he asked, turning towards me with a smile. I pushed a smile and said, "Katheryn Brooks, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you." with a small curtsy.
"I am Prince Soma. It is good to meet you, too." he said. "This is my servant, Agni." he said, gesturing to the man behind him.
"Hello, Miss. It is wonderful to meet you." he said with a bow. I gave one more smile and asked, "How do you know Ciel?"
"It's a long story." Ciel said, sighing sadly. I arched an eyebrow, but asked nothing more of it.
"And, you said you were a prince?" I asked, turning to Prince Soma.
"Yes. I'm a Prince of Bengal. I'm the 26th child of the King of Bengal." he said, smiling and pointing to himself. '26? Wow, he has a lot of siblings. . .' "Why don't we get better acquainted?" he asked, linking arms with me. Before I could respond, he started walking towards the door, dragging me along with him, Agni following behind us.
"Prince Soma!" Ciel shouted. "You can't just drag her away!" Prince Soma looked over his shoulder at Ciel.
"Why, Ciel? Are you jealous?" he asked with a smirk. A faint blush painted Ciel's cheeks, and he stuttered, "N-No! Of course not!"
"Then, would you like to come with us? I was thinking a walk in the town would be nice." he said with an innocent smile.
"Since you offered, I will accompany you." Ciel said. I got the feeling he decided to come just because he was jealous of Prince Soma trying to drag me off and away from him. I held back a giggle at the thought.
"I'll go get my coat." I said, gently removing my arm from Prince Soma's. "It's rather cold out."
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A little while later, we were walking through the town. I was walking between Ciel and Prince Soma, and Sebastian and Agni were following behind their Masters. I had learned a lot about Prince Soma and Agni. They were quite an interesting pair.
I was able to hear a little girl and her father talking to each other behind us. It was so cute. Then, I heard the girl whimper. I stopped and turned around. I saw a man that looked to be in his twenties bent over, removing his hand from her backside. The girl's father had the girl pulled close, and had his fist pulled back, about to punch him. I acted faster.
I quickly snatched up Ciel's walking stick, and I hit the molester on the top of the head as hard as I could. He yelled in pain and clutched his head. He stood straight and glared down at me. He was at least a foot taller than me. That didn't stop me from chewing him out.
I stepped up to him, reached up, and slapped him with my gloved hand, leaving a red mark on his cheek. "Who do you think you are!" I shouted at him. "Touching little girls like that! You should be ashamed of yourself!" He furrowed his brows and yelled right back.
"Shut up, wench!" he yelled. He was about to slap me back, but I hit him with Ciel's walking stick. Repeatedly. "Ow! Ow!" the molester yelled, now on his knees and covering his head with his arms. 'This walking stick is a great weapon. What the hell is it made of?'
"Beat it, pervert!" I shouted at him. He scrambled to his feet and ran away, screaming, "Mommy!" I put the walking stick on the ground, and held the top of it, smirking in triumph. Then, I turned to the little girl, bending down to her height.
"Are you alright, sweetie?" I asked gently. She was clutching her father's pant leg. She nodded shyly, then wrapped her arms around my neck.
"Thank you, nice lady!" she said in a sweet and high-pitched voice.
"You don't have to thank me." I said as she pulled away. I kept a hand on her shoulder and gave a tender smile. "I'm only glad that he didn't get away with it." the girl giggled, and I giggled with her. Then, I stood straight and looked up at the girl's father.
"Thank you so much, miss." he said with a smile.
"You don't have to thank me!" I said, smiling and holding up my free hand.
"I have to thank you somehow." he said, then began reaching in his pockets. "Now, where's my wallet?" he mumbled.
"No, no." I said, smiling sweetly as he paused. "I don't need money. The only 'thank you' I need is the knowledge that your little girl is safe." I said, glancing down at her. She was beaming up at me. 'Such a room brightening-smile. . .'
"Is there anything I can do for you?" the man asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, there is one thing." I said, looking away with a sad expression.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Protect her smile." I said, looking back at him and smiling. "It would be horrible if something were to happen to it." 'I don't want her smile to fade away like mine did.' I thought, not voicing the thought.
"I will." the man said, also smiling. The little girl squealed with happiness. The man chuckled, and picked her up, placing her on his hip. "Thank you, once again." he said as he walked away, giving me one last smile. The girl looked over his shoulder, waving and smiling. I smiled and gave a small wave back.
"They remind me so much of how my father and I used to be." I said quietly, smiling sadly. I could feel tears reach my eyes. I forced them back. 'Before he was killed.' I blinked, and handed Ciel his walking stick back.
"Your walking stick, sir." I said with a smile. He chucked, and took it.
"That was quite impressive, Miss Katheryn." Agni said, still smiling.
"Yes. I have to admit, I'm a bit afraid of you now." Prince Soma said, laughing. I laughed with him. "What was that move called?" he asked as we started walking again.
"It's called," I said, coming up with a name on the spot. "'hitting a perverted man with a walking stick'." I said, smiling. Ciel laughed. It wasn't his usual chuckle, it was an actual laugh. 'I think this is the first time I've heard him actually laugh.' I thought as I looked at him.
"You simply must teach it to me sometime." Sebastian said jokingly, making us all laugh.
I felt Ciel gently elbow me in the side, and I looked at him out of the corner of my eye. He had his elbow bent and outstretched to me slightly. Ciel smiled softly when he noticed me looking at him, and I smiled back. I wrapped my arm around his as we continued to walk.
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It was now December 13th, the day before Ciel's birthday. I was pondering on what to get him. What could he possibly want? I soon found myself wandering around the garden, although Finny was nowhere in sight. I sat down on a stone bench and sighed.
"Whatever is the matter, my lady?" a deep voice asked. I gasped and spun around.
"Ciel?" I asked. He was standing right behind me. 'What the hell?' "How is your voice that low?" I asked, clearly shocked.
"I've been practicing." he said, his voice back to normal. He chuckled. "I'm sorry, did I scare you?"
"A little." I said, laughing lightly. I scooted over to make room on the bench for Ciel. He sat down beside me, then turned to me.
"What were you sighing about?" he asked.
"What do you want for your birthday?" I asked, catching Ciel off guard a bit.
"I don't want anything." he said, smiling softly. "I already have all I need." he said, looking directly at me. My heart fluttered, and I felt my cheeks heat up. He chuckled at my reaction. "You're so cute when you blush." he said, and reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I blushed harder.
"Stop it, Ciel!" I said, giggling. He laughed. "But really, want do you want for your birthday?" I asked, my face serious.
"I want to wake up to your smiling face." he said, smiling at me. I smiled back. 'I can make that happen.'
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The next morning, Sebastian woke me up early. I quickly got dressed, and walked with Sebastian to Ciel's room, where he was sleeping. I quietly opened the door, and stood by Ciel's bedside. He was still sleeping soundly. Sebastian went to open the curtains and light flooded into the room.
"Time to wake up, Ciel!" I said cheerfully, gently shaking his shoulder. He groaned and rubbed his eyes. When he opened them, he seemed shocked to see me.
"Happy birthday, Ciel!" I said with a smile as he sat up. I leaned forward and gently held the side of his head to my chest, hugging him.
"K-Katheryn!" Ciel stuttered. When I pulled away, I bent forward and smiled at him. His cheeks were a bit pink. "What are you doing here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You said that for your birthday, you wanted to wake up to my smiling face!" I said, giving a big smile and gently pinching his cheek. "I'm giving you your birthday present, silly!" Ciel smiled, and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close.
"Thank you." he said softly. I giggled and hugged him back.
"It's my pleasure."
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A little while later, we were greeted by a surprise guest. A young girl about our age with yellow hair and emerald green eyes came bursting through the door yelling in a high-pitched voice, "CIELLLLL!" she nearly tackled him to the floor, and she hugged him tightly. "Ciel! Oh, I'm so glad to see you! Happy birthday, my dear cousin!" she shouted, now spinning around, with Ciel yelling out of dizziness.
'It's just a guess, but I think she's his cousin.' I thought, watching the two of them from the sidelines with Sebastian. 'I wonder who she is, exactly?'
When she finally paused, she turned and saw me standing with Sebastian. "Who are you?" she asked, walking up to me with wide, curious eyes.
"I'm Katheryn Brooks, miss." I said politely with a smile and small curtsy.
"Oh! It's wonderful to meet you Katheryn!" she exclaimed. "I'm Elizabeth Midford; Ciel's cousin! But please, call me Lizzie!" she said happily. "And oh! Aren't you just adorable!" she said, looking me up and down. "Your eyes are simply stunning!" she said, leaning in as if to get a better look.
"Why, thank you, Lizzie!" I said, smiling at her despite the fact I was a bit creeped out by her enthusiasm.
She gasped. "You called me Lizzie!" 'You told me to. . .' "Oh, I can never get Ciel to call me that!" she said, now hugging me tightly. I froze for a moment, then hesitantly wrapped my arms around her. I giggled.
"So, what is your relationship with my cousin?" she asked, pulling away. I froze, and my eyes widened. I felt my cheeks turn a shade of pink.
"Huh?" I asked, not thinking of anything else to say.
"Are you just friends? Or, are you two something more?" she asked, smiling.
"I-I" I stuttered, like an idiot. In the background, I could see Ciel blushing.
"Tell me!" she said, bouncing on her heels in anticipation.
"Uhh. . ."
"Well, let me ask you this: have you two kissed?" Ceil's face was now tomato red, and I was sure mine was too. "Have you?" she asked, turning to Ciel. Ciel mumbled something under his breath. "What was that, Ciel?" she asked. He mumbled again. "Speak up, Ciel!" Lizzie said.
"Yes, dammit!" Ciel hollered, his face turning even redder. Lizzie gasped, then began to squeal.
"My goodness! I just knew it!" Lizzie squealed. "You two look sooooo cute together!" she exclaimed, grabbing my wrist and pulling me over towards Ciel. She placed me beside him and stood back, admiring us like we were a painting. Then, she squealed again.
"Could you two kiss for me to see?" she asked. Ciel was blushing a crimson red. I was sure I was too, since my cheeks stung like fire.
"Elizabeth-" Ciel started.
"Please, Ciel?" she pleaded. "It would be so adorable! Pleeeeaaaaase? For me?" she asked, a hopeful smile on her face. Ciel sighed slowly and looked away.
Then, he grabbed my arms and turned me so I was facing him. Before I realized what was going on, Ciel's lips pressed against mine. Lizzie was squealing loudly in the background. He pulled away, releasing me from his hold.
"Oh, my goodness! That was so adorable! Sebastian, did you see that?" Lizzie asked, turning to face him. He looked very amused.
"Yes, my lady. I saw." he said with a smile, looking down at her.
"Wasn't it totally cute!?"
"Yes, my lady. Very cute." he said, chuckling. I groaned and stared at the ground.
"I do hope you are happy now, Elizabeth." Ciel said, also staring at the ground.
"Oh, yes! Very happy!" she said. Then, out of nowhere, she grabbed my wrist. "Lets go get you dressed in something for Ciel's birthday party!" she said, dragging me away.
"Party?" Ciel shouted at her.
"Yes, Ciel!" she hollered back. "I'm going to throw you a party whether you like it or not!"
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We were now all gathered in the dining room, a cake sitting in front of Ciel. He looked a bit grumpy. Lizzie was wearing a light pink dress, and she had made me wear a blue dress. She said it was because it matched my eyes, and Ciel was wearing blue, too.
"Make a wish, Ciel!" Lizzie said, smiling happily. Ciel stared at the single candle on the cake for a moment, then leaned forward and blew it out with a single breath. We all clapped and smiled.
"Happy birthday, Ciel!" we all said. I bent forward and wrapped my arms around him, pressing my cheek to his soft one.
"Happy birthday." I said as I pulled away far enough to look at him. He smiled softly at me, and I placed a small kiss on his cheek. "So, how old are you now?" I asked as I pulled away. I asked, even though I already knew the answer.
"Fourteen." he said simply.
"You're older than me now!" I said, giggling. "You know," I said, bending down again. "I think you've gotten taller." I said, gently tugging on his cheek.
"Really?" he asked, staring up at me as I stood straight again. I giggled.
"You really want to be taller, don't you?" I asked, trying not to burst out in laughter. Ciel glared lightly at me.
"You know the answer to that." he said, and I laughed.
We all sat down and ate Ciel's birthday cake. Bardroy had done a rather good job without my help. It was delicious. After a little while, Lizzie finally left for home. Ciel and I said our good nights, and we left for bed. When I entered my room, I shut the door behind me and sighed happily. I really enjoyed being with Ciel.
After I got dressed for bed, I sat on the edge of the bed, thinking. My feelings for Ciel were growing stronger with every passing day. I felt that I was falling in love with him. As I sat, thinking things over, there was a soft knock on my door.
"Come in." I said. Sebastian entered, much to my surprise. He explained that Ciel was going to have a nightmare tonight, and asked me if I could console him. I agreed.
I followed behind him as he led the way to Ciel's room, my bare feet walking over the cold, hard floor. As I stared at his broad back, I thought 'It's sometimes hard to believe he's a demon.'
Once we arrived, Sebastian opened the door for me, and I stepped inside. Ciel was staring upwards, a sad look in his eyes. I went to his bedside and bent forward, gently stroking his soft, navy blue hair.
"Hello, Ciel." I said. Ciel smiled sadly and softly up at me. "I'm here. Don't worry." Ciel scooted over on the bed, and gently patted the empty space beside him, inviting me to sit beside him.
I slid under the covers beside him, and he pulled me close, hugging me tightly. I placed one of my hands on his chest, the other on his side. I gently stroked my fingertips over him, trying to calm his racing heart. I could feel it against my hand.
"It's alright, Ciel." I said soothingly. He was taking deep breaths, trying to calm himself. His hands were shaking. "I'm right here." I whispered. "I won't let anything happen to you."
After a few minutes, his heart rate slowed down to normal speed, and his hands were no longer shaking. I looked up to his eyes to find he was already looking at me. I smiled at him, and he returned a shakier version of it.
"Everything's going to be just fine." I said, reaching up a hand and stroking his soft, pale cheek with my fingertips. I leaned forward and placed a small yet tender kiss on his lips. When I pulled away, he seemed even calmer than before. I smiled at him, and he smiled back.
"Thank you." he said quietly.
"You don't have to thank me." I said, resting my head on his pillow.
"Could you please stay with me? At least until I fall asleep." he said.
"I'll stay with you forever." I said. I blushed as I realized what I just said. Ciel blushed too, but chuckled.
"I'm glad." he said, pulling me even closer. I rested my forehead against his chest and breathed in his scent, letting it fill my lungs. He smelled like tea. After a few more minutes, his breathing slowed to that of a sleeping person's. Not long after, I followed suit. We spent the entire night in each others arms.
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Sebastian's POV
As I was getting the young Master ready for bed, I wandered about in my thoughts. I had noticed my Master's soul beginning to change. Katheryn was picking up the pieces of his broken soul and putting him back together again. But, there was something there; a feeling I couldn't place. Something that had never been a feeling within the young Master. I couldn't figure out what is was, for I had never experienced it myself.
"Sebastian?" my Master asked quietly.
"Yes, my Lord?" I answered.
"Can. . . can I tell you something?" he asked.
"Of course, my Lord." I answered, buttoning up his night shirt.
"I think. . . I'm in love with Katheryn." he admitted slowly. My eyes widened momentarily. So that was the strange feeling within his soul. Love.
When I was just about to leave, he spoke up again. "Sebastian." he said quietly. I looked back at him. He was staring up at the ceiling.
"Yes, my Lord?" I asked, turning around fully to face him.
"I'm going to have a nightmare tonight." he said, voice still quiet. "I always do on this night." I smiled softly.
"I think I have the solution. I will be right back, my Lord." I said, walking out the door, carrying the candlestick with one hand. I soon came upon the familiar door, and I knocked.
"Come in." a voice from inside said. I slowly opened the door to see a young girl in a night dress sitting upon the edge of the bed. Katheryn. The girl my Master is falling in love with. I could sense the same feelings within her soul; she was falling for him, too.
"My Lord cannot sleep." I said. "As you already know, today was the day his parents died four years ago. That memory haunts his dreams every year on this night. Would it be possible for you to come and comfort him?" I asked.
She smiled sadly and softly. "Of course." I led the way, her following behind me in her bare feet. Once we arrived at the already open door, I slipped into the room, standing aside so Katheryn could pass. She went over to his bedside, and bent forward, gently stroking his hair.
"Hello, Ciel." she said quietly. He smiled softly up at her. "I'm here. Don't worry." she said. My master scooted over on the bed, and patted the space beside him. Katheryn crawled under the sheets, and he pulled her close, holding her body to his tightly. She continued to whisper soothing words to him, and he eventually calmed down.
Soon after, they both fell fast asleep, holding each other close. I couldn't help but smile at the sight. I quietly left the room and softly shut the door behind me. As I wandered he halls of he mansion, I explored my thoughts.
'Is something wrong with me?' I thought as I looked over the facts. I was bound to Ciel Phantomhive, a once broken and lost soul. Out of nowhere, Juliet Rubin appeared. She slowly began to heal and mend his broken heart. Why aren't I upset about this? I am a demon, after all.
Any other time, I would be furious that someone was taking my meal away from me. Not this time. I actually felt. . . glad. I was happy to see him finally find happiness. Usually I would want my meal to be as broken and lost as possible; the more lost, the better the taste. He's slowly losing that. Yet, I'm not the least bit angry. If anything, I'm angry with myself for not being angry.
I was beginning to care for Ciel Phantomhive. I was starting to care for him; not his soul. I had only heard about it before; and, at first, I thought it was the most ridiculous thing ever. But now, I'm having second thoughts. I used to only care about his soul, but now, I care for him. As unusual or ridiculous as it may be, it was true. Ciel Phantomhive may be arrogant and sometimes cruel, but I still cared about him. His soul was slowly being put back together, and I didn't mind in the least. I was happy for him.
I wanted to remain by his side, just like I had promised four years ago. And I would strive to stay by his side like I said I would. Not just to keep my promise, but because I wanted to. I do not lie.
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Ooooo, Sebby admitted he cares about Ciel! Yay! Also, Ciel and Katheryn are both falling in love with each other! So cute!
I really loved writing that last little fluff moment with Ciel and Katheryn. Did you like it? I hope so.
This was a realllllly long chapter, just like I promised! It took for frickin' ever to write! Haha. I really liked the chapter as a whole too, and I hope you did as well!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Remember to read, review, follow, and favorite!
Thanks for reading!
Byeeeeeeeeee! :)