Francy's p.o.v

I gave the journal one final look before Remi packs it and sent it out. We have made the journal in a paper version with all my diy decor and Remi's impeccable writing style, and then Remi spent the night scanning and taking pictures so we had an online version as well.

Looking at it now, before we sent it out, I could almost cry. The greenhouse fell through and we couldn't finish it the way we wanted to, but the journal itself was proof of how much effort was put into the house and how far we had come in only a month of work there. We had so many experiences and moments to remember that even if we didn't win, and I hoped we did, I'd still treasure every moment I spent doing this project and of course meeting the people there.

There was a part where Remi touched upon our first entry at the bakery. The smell, the excitement the stress from getting up that early to work. Then turning the next few pages I saw the entry with Sole at the beach. It was just the beginning of our friendship.

I flipped all the way through the end with the last pictures and the room which we called the painting room. Remi had explained with detail why we decided to keep it that way and how important it was for Sole, our friend to paint.

The last part was a long touching text Remi had come up with to summarize the overall experience. I wanted to cry when I read it.

(thank you to my lovely readers Annshikaa and Palak - they made this edits happen)

Remi grabbed it from my hands and closed it. "We looked at it enough. It's time for it to go." Remi wrapped it up, placed it in a box and then kissed it before heading for the door.

"I'm taking this to the post office. Wish me luck." She yelled.

"Good luck. "I yelled back. "And may we win."

Remi gave me a firm supporting nod and headed out. I sent out the online version to the magazine as they required both versions and then I ran to the kitchen to grab something sweet before my sugar dropped. This was so stressful. I wanted to win but I also couldn't picture winning so I wondered if that meant I wasn't going to win.

I mean I just don't feel like that notion is real. And if I'm lying to myself how the hell am I going to manifest it?

I took a deep breath to calm down and grabbed a snickers from the pantry. After one bite I had calmed down and was back to myself. I had done my best and Elric believed in me. I had to start believing in myself too. I was a winner.

I looked down at the chocolate. Guess the commercial had some truth to it. You're not you, when you're hungry.

FEW WEEKS LATER

It was the middle of august. Elric and I were out in town to celebrate the official investment agreement he and Ace signed with Black Whale company. The sun was hot and I was dying to find a shade, but also summer season lasted only so long so I always complained missing the sun. I might as well enjoy this desert heat.

"Should we go somewhere for lunch?" Elric asked, getting my attention with food.

"Mm. Yes. Someplace with really good food. I'm hungry."

He tugged my hand so I walk closer. "I'll give you two options. Italian or Thai food."

"Ooo." I was hesitant. I was hungry for both. "Thai food. I'm in a mood for experimenting."

"Done." He smiled.

"Elric..."

An unfamiliar male voice made me stop walking. Elric hadn't heard it, but I had to stop. Not many people called Elric by his first name.

I turned around and saw an older man, probably my dad's age, dressed in a grey Italian suit with nice shoes and a nice elegant looking woman by his side. She had her hair up in a sleek bun and she had fabulous shoes.

They were dressed up in classy elegant outfits and  looked so proper that I could hear vintage songs playing in the back of my head.

I tugged Elric and he turned around confused. Then he saw them.

"Mom..?" He first saw his mom and then noticed his dad. "dad.."

I panicked for a second. Oh my god. His parents were before me..

They glanced at Elric and then back at me.

Yeah, the handholding really gave it away. I tried to look as nice and proper as possible.

"Hello." I smiled.

"Hello." His mom was fast to reply. She smiled and looked at Elric waiting for an explanation.

He cleared his throat a bit uncomfortable that he got caught like this.

"This is my girlfriend Francy." He pointed at me with his free hand. "Francy, these are my parents."

His dad put out his hand for a handshake. I took it. He had a strong grip.

"Francine Walser." I smiled.

"Walser?" His dad held my hand for a second and then let go, a smile forming on his face. "Walser..."

His mom also shook my hand.

"Is his friend Ace Walser your brother?" His dad asked.

"Yes."

Did Ace know his parents? I don't think so. He would have bragged.

"And Alben and Trine your parents?" His mom asked equally entertained.

"Yeees." I answered confused.

I glanced at Elric, but he looked away really awkward.

"I see." His dad was staring at Elric. He was on the verge of laughing.

What did I miss? What happened?

Elric looked away. "It's not.. " He looked back at his dad. "It was a coincidence.."

His dad laughed.

"I didn't know who she was." Elric tried to explain to his dad who was laughing his ass off.

That was not the man I imagined that threw Elric out of the house. I have my eye on you mister.

"What a small world." His mom said taking my attention back. "We're acquainted with your parents."

"Oh, I see." I smiled. So they knew my parents and have heard of Ace and now they knew about me.

I suddenly got the urge to laugh to. This made things easier for our future wedding. Okay Francy, calm down. Let's not rush and over think this. It's just meeting the parents.

"How about dinner this weekend." She suddenly suggested.

"Oh..uhh" I stuttered. "Um.."

"We're inviting your family too. How does Saturday sound?"

"I think my parents are free that day," I answered in a hurry. They had worked the first shift all week.

"Perfect. Elric will do the arrangements." She glanced at him. "He'd be there to help as well. Right?"

I glanced at him.

"I'll be there." He confirmed to his mom.

"Perfect." She smiled. "It was nice meeting you. See you this weekend."

"That would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate." I said thinking about Elric's contract.

"Celebrate what?" His mom asked,

"I'll tell you that day." Elric rushed.

She was a bit hesitant, but she let it go. "Okay then. See you then." She tugged her husband to keep walking.

"Nice to meet you Walser." He told me and continued laughing on his way, despite Elric's mom reprimand.

Once they left I turned towards Elric.

"They know my parents and you didn't mention anything?" I asked.

"I was hoping to avoid this." Elric sighed.

"Oh." I raised my brow.

"Not like that." He waved his hand to stop me from jumping to conclusions.  "My dad and I still have a complicated relationship and I don't want to let him pry too much into my personal life. If I tell my mom she'd insist to meet you and get my dad involved. And they know about Ace because of the competition."

"Well I get that much." I nodded. "And the contract news? Aren't you going to tell them you're officially employed and on your way to be rich and successful?"

"Let's keep it between us just a bit more." He smiled touching the tip of my nose. "Once they find out, I'll have to camp at their place until they know everything and my dad double checks the validity of the company."

I waved my hand. "Got it. Say no more. Intrusive parents are something I understand. Let's go grab food then and celebrate your success just between us two."

"It's gonna be that way in the future anyways." He smirked and tugged me along.

Did he..did he just say what I think he said..I suddenly got sugar craving.

"You're bad for me." I put my hand on my chest to calm down. Food first Francy and then you can  have your man.

***

Francy's p.o.v

"Mom! Quickly! Which dress should I wear?" I rushed into the room carrying a blue dress in my left hand with a tailored waist and lace decor straps, a pink one that was tight to the body, had no sleeves but it was longer than the knees and a white one on me that was a like a sundress. Either could work for a dinner, but either could ruin the evening too.

"Mom!!! Tie or no tie?" Ace ran into the living room right after me.

Mom was fixing her sandal and looked up at us. "You are still not dressed?"

"This is an important meeting for me!" I said.

"Mee to!" Ace added.

"I'm his girlfriend." I muttered.

"I'm his business partner." He placed the tie he was holding on his neck.

Rehan walked in dressed in a loose red shirt with the chest showing, tons of bohemian jewelry, khaki loose pants and a stylish hat with a feather in it.

"Oh god." Mom closed her eyes. "Rehan. Go and change right now or I swear to god.."

"Blue, pink or white?" I whined.

"Tie or no tie?" Ace was hopping in place.

"What's wrong with how I look?" Rehan asked.

"You cannot go dressed like that for this occasion." Mom was shooing him away.

Kai walked in dressed in a smart casual outfit with grey pants and a white polo shirt.

"Take something from Kai's closet." Mom argued.

"Tie or no tie?" Ace begged.

"Pick a color mom.."

"Kids I'm trying to get ready here too!"

"Is it the hat? Is it too much" Rehan asked taking the hat off.

She gave up on strapping her sandal. "The hait and... " She got distracted by Kai who was snacking on something.

Rehan put his hat back on and headed towards the door.

"Kai.." Mom tried to get his attention. "When we get there, don't start eating there right away. Wait at least five minutes before they set the table."

"Then you should have let me eat at home." He sighed disappointed.

"You ate everything in the pantry." She argued.

"I'm still growing." Kai added.

"Moooom!" I was getting tired of waiting.

She sunk in the couch defeated.

"We have fifteen more minutes, why are you not dressed yet?"  Dad came down the stairs and then saw mom and the look on her face.

He glanced at Ace.

"No tie Ace. We don't want to seem like we're trying to hard to impress them." He tapped Ace's shoulder and Ace left happy with the answer he got.

"Kai.." Dad pulled out his wallet and took out some money. "I'll pay you this much for waiting ten minutes after they serve things to start eating and drinking."

"Done." Kai headed to the hall to put on shoes.

"Francy.." He sighed. "The blue."

"Are you sure?" I showed him the other dresses. "Isn't it too preppy?"

He glanced at mom and she just gave him the okay nod.

"Blue is perfect." He confirmed.

"Rehan.." He sized him up and then just waved his hand and gave up.

I ran to my room and turned around just for a second to see dad kneeling down to put on mom's sandal.

Ugh, goals.

After getting ready in the remaining ten minutes I had, we drove there and I had to keep reminding myself not to freak out.

Our parents meeting one another seems like we're making it really official for something. I giggled like a little kid in the back seat.

When we arrived, Dad was the first to ring the door bell. I was still stuck on looking at the house. It was bigger than ours and we did not have a small house. Just how rich were these people?

But then as the door opened, what surprised me more was to see Elric holding the door handle. The boy was wearing a black collar shirt and black pants in his usual style only a bit more stylish this time. Raybans were hanging right where the shirt was buttoned and there was a fancy watch on his wrist.

After sizing him up, his hair got my attention. He had a fresh cut, but like a really nice one that matched his usual style yet brought out his eyes.

I was so taken aback that everyone else walked inside except me.

"Changed your mind?" Elric smirked and leaned on the door.

"Aha.." I walked past him trying to shake off any admiration. There were more important things at stake here.

"You look stunning in this dress." He whispered in my ear and then proceeded down the hall of the house until we were in the lounge area.

Happy I did right by going with a blue dress, I walked behind him, looking around. It was a huge house with minimalist decor, very modern looking floors and widows. There were no carpets and no draping or curtains. The colors were down to a minimum and the furniture was all leather.

It was a bit cold, but I liked the cohesiveness of the room. It felt like a very business rich sort of way.

After being offered refreshments, we sat down on the dinner table and everyone was on their best behavior.

Having our parents know each other was really helpful as from the moment we walked in the conversation was about the charity they both did together and the people they knew.

The awkward moments were down to a minimum and we all had a great time with talk and have dinner. Both his parents were nice and gave  Ace and I lots of compliments. We were praised and talked about for most of the time. Then our parents continued sharing fond memories of meeting each other, so Elric and I got up from the table so he can show me his old room.

We got on the second floor, which I learned was way bigger than ours and his room was double the size. However it was left empty. The bed was made and there were few pictures of Elric as a young boy that I immediately took pictures of in my phone. There were few awards from his math competitions in middle school and some other stuff here and there, but mostly everything else was empty. It seems like after he had packed and moved out, this room was just there.

I circled the room out of curiosity.

"So what do you think about my parents?" Elric asked.

"They're great." I said mechanically.

He leaned on the door as I was browsing around casually.

"My mom?"

"She is really fashionable. I love her style." I answered without looking at him.

"Aha.." He added. "And my dad?"

"Great..He is really nice to me." I still avoided looking at him.

"Francy..?"

I glanced at him and smiled. "I like your parents. They're nice to me and really went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Even I tried my best to impress them."

"But?" Elric crossed his hands waiting for the rest of it.

I finally faced him. "They lost a lot of points with me from the start. What your dad did to you in he past is irredeemable. Sure, he is nice to me and can continue to be nice to me, but I'll never be able to forget that he had thrown you out at one point." I looked around the room in which he no longer lived in. "Maybe that wasn't his intention and he just wanted to show you control and discipline, but I can't understand wanting to rebuke your child to the point where they feel is necessary to run away from home. Kids who feel understood and loved don't want to run away from home. Being a parents is not easy I presume, but it does not give you the right to completely disregard the feelings and actions of another human being, even if it's a child you are raising."

Elric glanced at his shoes.

"I'm saying they might be great people but they'll always be the ones who wronged you."

I walked over and held his hands. "Don't feel apologetic for having told me all those things or feel the need to defend your parents. I will always be biased even if they save the world, cause you're more important to me than anyone. I have to put you first even if it sounds unfair towards them."

He looked at me and then his arms pulled me closer, his head resting on my shoulder. "I love you." He stroked my hair. "I will never let anything hurt you."

I smiled. He wanted to make sure I knew he'd watch out the same way for me.

He pulled away to face me, completely serious. "You're that precious to me."

I took a deep breath and hugged him again, letting go of that breath in complete relief. There was no other place safer and warmer than his embrace.

We went back downstairs and his mom came into the living room carrying two boxes of ice cream.

"Perfect timing. I was just about to serve ice cream." She flashed us the boxes. "Take your pick. I have forest fruit and salted caramel."

"Elric doesn't like caramel." I said.

Lucy doesn't eat caramel

No caramel for Elric

Lucy and Caramel, no way

Elric doesn't like caramel so forest fruit.

I was so fast to say it, I was confused when i heard a whole chorus of people saying it with me.

Ace had said it, Kai had added it naturally, Rehan was fast to jump the ship and even my parents had voiced their opinion that Elric does not EAT CARAMEL.

I covered my mouth to hide my laughter. Elric was plain confused.

He was so loved.

"Look at that. Everyone is so happy to protect you and your taste-buds." His mom laughed. "You're one lucky kid."

Elric put his arm around my neck and looked at me with a smile. "I know."

***

Francy's p.o.v

4th of September.

"Are you sure you want to rent an apartment?" I asked him for the hundredth time this morning.

"Yes." Elric asked running away in the kitchen to get coffee.

We were at this all morning, in his house.

"But the Devil's den." I whined and followed him in the kitchen. "This is place of such significance."

"I'm ready to let it go." He answered looking for the coffee mugs.

"The third cabinet." I pointed and leaned on the counter. "Why would you want an apartment when I just decorated this place few months ago?"

He opened the third cabinet getting two mugs out. "Wouldn't it better to get a new apartment to transform?"

I opened my mouth and paused. That was such an interesting notion. A very tempting idea.. He almost had me going.

"But Elric, what about your business? Why would you quit?"

He poured coffee in the mugs. "I can't do everything babe. Orientation week just ended and I have university classes starting next week. To remind you, I'm perfecting the game with the mass production team before we release it for sales. I'd have to monitor and make second editions of the game. I can't do beta testing anymore."

He handed me a mug. "It's time for a change."

I took the mug and sighed. "Even Ace wants to get his own place."

"I know. We talked about it. We decided since we're studying and working together we should have some time on our own and have separate living arrangements." He gently took a strand of my hair and placed it behind my ear. "But look at it on the bright side. We'll get some privacy finally."

I shyly smiled. Well that's true. There were benefits there.

"It will be closer to my university and at a lot better location that this." He took a sip of his coffee and licked his lip. "I'll need your help to find a nice place."

I smiled.

"You like that don't you?" He smirked. "Organizing everything. Helping me find a place, decorate it. You'll have lot more fun that me."

"I don't want to take your fun away from you. Maybe you'll have your own ideas." I placed my mug down.

He lifted the mug and passed it to me again. "I'm sure you'll find something to fit my style."

"I am a great listener." I brought the mug to my lips. "And I do have an eye for things you like."

He smiled.

Yeah I don't need more ego boosting, thanks.

"And..." He cleared his throat. "I'm thinking of getting a cat."

"Oh my god." I choked on the coffee and quickly placed it down. "Oh my god. Elric." I hit his chest in a rush and he stumbled back laughing.

"You should have opened with that." I said.

He was trying not to let it show how excited and happy he was.

"When did you get this idea? What kind of cat? A Norwegian? Is it a Norwegian? Or are you adopting a stray?" I was a bit over the top excited.

"I'm not sure yet. But you'll be there when I do come up with the idea." He said. "I think I can finally get one. I'm ready for the responsibility and I'm stable enough to take care of it. And now I have you, so I can always lean on your help for it."

I brought my hand up and saluted him. "Cat lover lieutenant at your service."

He laughed obviously embarrassed for me and brought my hand down.

"What should we have for lunch today?" He asked. "Wanna go out or order?"

"Oh no, no, no love." I waved my hand. "Dad is making his famous lasagna because Sole is visiting again, so it's a must to go and have that."

"And your here with me instead of Sole. I feel flattered." Elric teased.

I sighed. "She's here for Ace and they're constantly out and about. He is taking her sightseeing. I won't spend any time with her this time."

He wrapped his arms around me. "Want me to take you sightseeing too."

I laughed. "I live here."

He leaned over my ear talking in a low voice. "This is a big city. You haven't been everywhere. I know some fun places."

I couldn't suppress my smile. "Really?"

"Mmm." He sounded over my ear and placed a kiss on my neck.

"I look forward to it then."

He pulled away. "Tomorrow?"

"Surprise me." I smiled.

Elric nodded in agreement. "Deal. Now finish your coffee.." He grabbed his mug heading towards the stairs.." "I'll go change and we'll head to your place."

"Can I watch?" I teased.

"If you do, we won't get there on time. You choose." He answered and vanished upstairs.

I just sighed. "He knows I can't miss lasagna. So unfair."

***

After the amazing lunch, Ace and Sole went out to meet some of Ace's high school friends, but they promised to be back home in an hour.

Elric and I were chilling in the living room watching Tv while Kai and Remi offered to make pancakes for desert, but they were making noise in the kitchen like little kids laughing and whispering loudly. They were really distracting.

"Keep it down." I shushed them.

"Sorry." Remi answered, but kept laughing like Kai was giving the best comedic performance of his life.

"What is going on?" I glanced at the curious and entertained by how much Remi was laughing.

"Care to share?" Elric yelled getting their attention.

"It's just that..." Remi cackled, clapping her hands and came into the living room. Kai followed her laughing with tears in his eyes.

"We're..hahahah..this here..ahahhaha." She was holding her stomach and the more Kai and Remi looked at each other the more they laughed.

"Sorry." She tried to breathe and calm down. She brought her phone up. "There's um.."

Then her phone started ringing so she tried to get serious.

"Sorry. Wait a bit, I don't know this number." Remi calmed down and answered it. "Hello?"

"Aha that's me." She continued and then Remi's whole face changed. "Wait! WAIT! Let me put you on speaker."

Remi took the phone and turned on the speaker mode. We were all quiet.

"Go on." Remi said.

There was a female chuckle on the line. "I'll repeat what I said. I'm Jane Mistodonis calling from the official office of the magazine and I'm calling to congratulate you girls on your win. You are the first prize winners of the competition."

I don't know whose scream came out first but Remi and I started jumping up and down in place unsure what to do with our emotions.

We took a deep breath trying to calm down and hear the rest of it.

"It's not posted on the website yet. We will announce it later today, but we customary call the winners first." She explained.

Remi and I started playfully hitting each other out of pure happiness while trying no to scream again.

She continued. "We will be conducting an interview as we do every year. We will set a date when we can have our team visit you. You'll do a professional photo shoot, we'll ask you questions and you will get the chance to address our audience. There will be a lot of fun things for you girls."

"Thank you so much." I said, barely.

Was my heart here? Is it still in my chest? I was so happy i thought my whole stomach turned upside down.

"Thank youuu!" Remi replied too, with a high pitched voice then trying to calm down taking deep breaths.

We couldn't stop grinning at each other.

"Let me read you girls what the judges had to say for your project." She said and cleared her throat.  "Not only these girls did an incredible transformation job with the house they worked on, but they spent every moment of this project enjoying themselves and their summer. What made this an unanimous decision, on why they deserve to win, is because they depicted the true purpose of the magazine itself with their action. They experienced this project fully and used every opportunity to make it beautiful and artistic. And not only that, but they had met a girl who shared their passion for art and they had provided her with a place to be able to express herself and gave her support as a fellow artist which is what we as a platform are trying to do for everyone. It's their overall effort and spirit that earned them the prize. They are true artists that deserve this win and more."

I had tears welling up my eyes. I glanced at Remi, but she was already in full tears.

Elric walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I laughed in joy and turned around hugging him unable to hold it in anymore.

"Do you want to hear your prizes now?" She asked.

"Yes, they would love that." Kai answered for Remi who was sobbing tears of happiness in his arms.

Jane laughed obviously happy for us as well. "The first prize winners will get a lifetime free subscription to our magazine. That means you will also get your own account and blog page where you can communicate with fans which I'm sure there will be many, after we announce your win."

Elric and Kai clapped and whistled in our stead.

"Then.." She continued. "We're giving monetary prizes as well to each of you and hopefully they can go to further development of your artistic talents."

Oh my god. This just kept getting better and better.

Remi gave me a thumbs up.

"And final." She paused. "This was not originally in the prizes but after your project won, the judges decided to add it in the prizes. Your friend, the painter who you supported, we have decided to give her a monetary prize as well so she can buy a studio on her own and continue with her dreams."

"Aaa! thank you thank youu." I screamed grabbing the phone from Kai. "She'll be so happy. Thank youu."

"You're the best. I love your magazine." Remi grabbed my hand bringing the phone closer. "Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome girls." She chuckled. "It was well deserved. Now I'll leave you to celebrate and I will call tomorrow with more details."

"Have a great evening." Remi yelled.

"Or day what ever time it's there." I added laughing.

"Thank you." She laughed and I could hear her murmuring i love my job before hanging up.

I turned towards Elric hanging on his neck and kissing him with small pecks on his lips.

"Congratulations. I told you you can win didn't I?!" He tightened the grip around my waist. "You did not need the green house when you gave it your all to win. You have a winners mentality." He leaned over, my lips inches away from his. "I'm so proud of you."

I burst in laughter. "I won! I won! I won!"

The front door open and Ace and Sole walked in.

I pulled away from Elric and screamed again. "I wooooon!"

"WH-what?" Ace laughed amused by my reaction. "Did you win the competition or something?"

"YES!" We all answered unanimously.

"Oh my god." Ace ran over hugging me and Remi. "Congratulations to both of you."

"They won money." Kai bragged.

"The judges were very impressed." Elric added.

"And that's not even the best part?" I pulled away from the hug, smiling. I looked at Sole. "She's getting a studio of her own?"

"WHAAT?" Ace yelled and then covered his mouth turning towards Sole.

She was blankly staring at everyone.

Remi, Ace and I hugged her in a circle. Remi and I jumped out of excitement. "You're getting a studio."

She remained frozen. "But..but.."

"The judges wanted to support your art so they decided to treat you as part of the project and they are gifting you with money for a studio." Remi explained.

We let her got and she brought her hands up covering her mouth.  She looked at me. Then Remi.. and then Ace..

"Is this for real?" She asked him.

He grinned and pinched her cheek. "You're not dreaming."

"I'm getting a studio?" She asked us with a shaky voice.

"Yes!" Remi and I pulled away and we started doing a maracas dance and making noise.

"Now you can be a fancy artist with your own studio." Ace told her brushing her hair back. "We'll find you the biggest place in your town to make everyone jealous and your parents proud."

"Back in my town?" Sole gave him a scolding glance. "I'm planning on moving to a bigger city where art is appreciated. Somewhere that has lots of tall buildings and numerous art cafes. Like the one we just went to with your friends."

Remi and I stopped dancing and singing and listened in.

"You want to move to this city?" Ace asked with a smile. "My city?"

She nodded.

Without another word he just grabbed her face and kissed her until she stumbled back.

We all whistled and cheered.

Rehan walked downstairs, awaken from his afternoon after lunch nap.

I was ready to share the happy news when he started sniffing the air. "What's that smell?"

It was the moment I looked up and saw some smoke coming from the kitchen.

"The pancake!" Kai told Remi and ran towards the kitchen.

"They're insane." Ace yelled and ran after them. "If you burn the house down, mom will kill me first."

"Do you have a fire extinguisher?" Sole walked over and asked me.

"I don't think it's that alarming." I answered and she just took my answer and joined the rest in the kitchen who were trying to fix the burning pancake situation.

Suddenly Elric wrapped both his hands around my waist. "It's a never ending drama and chaos with you isn't it ?"

I placed my arms over his. "I'd like to think we're eccentric rather than dramatic."

The cats suddenly walked out from my room, awoken firm the noise and started meowing like crazy.

"The house is on fire!!" Rehan ran out of the kitchen screaming. Kai grabbed him by the collar dragging him back. "Shut up before the neighbors hear you."

"You were saying?" Elric added barely holding in his laugh.

I closed my eyes trying to remain composed. "At least we have style."

The cats kept meowing next to out legs.

Elric chuckled next to my ear and then kissed my cheek. "That you do, trouble. That you do."

I smirked feeling satisfied with yet another day of cats, a hot boyfriend and aesthetics that brought me a win.

THE END

I can't believe I made a part 2 and finished it. It's been such a journey. Thank you everyone who supported me along while I was posting. You really kept me going. I'm sending you all the love in the world. Thank you for loving the series and giving me the honor of being a writer than can make you laugh and better your mood. It's all I have ever dreamed of doing as a writer and you've given me that pleasure and more.

Now I'll pull a Marvel on you and add a bonus scene after the credits.

CUE

Bonus Scene:

Francy's p.o.v

I ran after the kitty, but it was too fast. It made its way to the kitchen like it knew where his owner was.

Elric was too immersed with peeling apples for me so we can fry them, that he didn't even notice I had to chase the cat all over the apartment.

As it saw him, the kitty took a swinging run and got his claws up on Elric's sweatpants then climbed over his back until it reached his neck.

Oh....with those prickly claws. That gotta hurt. But he took it like a man.

"Does it hurt? I asked.

"I'm used to it now." He answered.

He turned his head giving the kitty a kissy peck and then brought the apple up so it can smell it. "You don't like apples. No, you don't baby.." He smiled at the kitty and continued peeling.

I walked over trying to get the cat off Elric's shoulder and ended up making a hole in Elric's shirt.

"That's five for the kitty, zero for your shirts." I sighed.

"It's okay." He smiled.

"You're spoiling the kitty too much." I scolded him, pressing the cat to my face, squishing it with love. "You cannot be dragged around like this because of a cute face."

"Wouldn't be the first time." He glanced at me and smirked.

"Ha-ha." I pulled my tongue out and walked out with the kitchen with the kitty.

Not even five minutes later it was crying for Elric. I kept it entertained in all the possible ways I could.

Finally done, Elric came out of the kitchen with our deserts and placed them on the  table. He took the kitty and dropped down on the couch with his head in my lap. He positioned the cat on his chest and started petting it.

The cat purred in happiness and slowly drifted off to dream land.

I sighed and took out my phone from the pockets trying to take a good picture. After taking the perfect one, I edited it a bit so the kitty looked extra fluffy and cute and I leaned over Elric to show him.

That's when I noticed he was napping too. He had spent all week going to classes, working and taking care of the little baby. No wonder he was comatose even on days with me.

But he was so cute sleeping with the kitten like this. I poked his cheek, but he didn't even flinch.

I leaned back on the couch wondering if I should have at least turned on the TV.

Eh, Francy. Who's the one getting dragged along by a cute face now?

EDIT: There is a new bonus chapter now