Gato: Okay, this story will be as good as I can make it, as I am in the midst of my exams.

Irie: Then what are you doing on the computer at 1:00 am.

Gato: Procrastinating. Anyhow, I feel terrible about not having updated any of my stories in ages, so I decided to write this. It is a little Christmas (or whichever holiday you celebrate) present to you. I sincerely hope that you enjoy.

Irie: Owns nothing but the plot, as usual.

……………………………………………………

Taichi Kaimya strutted down the sidewalk; his gait acquired through observation and used by habit. His father, CEO of the largest company in Tokyo, always said that those who walk with confidence will never be questioned on their possession of said trait. Though only in his late teens, Tai strutted through Tokyo, a younger image of his father. Just as his father before him, Tai possessed more money than any other teenaged male. Girls fawned over him and underlings cowered with fear each time Tai raised his angry, brown eyes.

His schedule rarely varied. After a day of attending his illustrious, private high-school, Tai strutted to his father's office where he worked until most of the workers had left. He worked to perfect each task his father set for him. He worked to please his father. He worked to become a clone of Mr. Kamiya, CEO of Azertek. When Tai finally returned home, usually around ten o'clock, he worked steadily on his homework. He took only one break during which he ate a cold and stoic meal with his mother. He ignored her kind words and questions about his day. After he finished his supper, Tai merely returned to his chambers and continued his work. He hardly slept and never smiled. This, he assumed, was the life of a future CEO.

Mr. Kamiya normally allowed his son to work in his office the week before Christmas. This year however, in accordance with his wife's pleadings, Arthur gave his son a week of holiday.

"What do you mean I can't work next week?" Tai demanded of his father.

"Your mo…that is, I think it would be a good idea for you to spend this week at home, Taichi."

"And what am I supposed to do at home?" Tai asked in a clam, cool voice.

"Speak to your mother," Arthur suggested, "she says that she has not had a true conversation with you in months."

Taichi snorted, "And what are sentimental conversations good for? If anything, I'll use this week to get caught up on my work."

Arthur Kamiya turned away from his son. "Do as you wish, Taichi. At the very least, get some more sleep. You look exhausted all the time."

Taichi picked up his bag and left the room silently. Mr. Kamiya sighed and shook his head before settling back into his work.

Despite his father's strange behaviour, Tai managed to appear entirely composed. No one would guess that Taichi felt any form of emotion. He ignored the calls of his chauffer and began the short walk to his home. As he swaggered down a relatively empty side street, a girl his own age bumped against him. She muttered an apology and continued on her way. Instinctively, Tai put his hand to his wallet, only to find the spot vacant. He sneered and spun quickly. The girl heard and attempted to run, but Tai managed to grab her firmly by the wrist. He pulled her forward roughly. "You have something of mine, and I demand that you return it."

The red-headed teen responded with a volley of curses, but Tai could see the fear in her eyes. Finally, she met his gaze and spoke, "I have no idea what you are talking about, sir. I have nothing of yours."

"You lie." Tai remained calm and reached into the back pocket of the girl's jeans. He efficiently extracted his wallet, and released the girl. When he opened his wallet, however, he discovered his error. The two hundred dollars had disappeared from their leather container. He cursed violently and looked up, but the girl too had vanished. Quickly regaining his emotionless exterior, Tai removed a sleek cell phone from his blazer pocket.

"Hello, Police, please state the nature of your emergency."

Tai informed the officer of his predicament. He gave a detailed description of the girl; her red hair, her sunset eyes, medium build, about the age of seventeen. He even made a guess at her name. A cheap, imitation pendant hung around her neck with the name 'Sora' in the centre. He stated the exact location of the crime, and requested that the officer phone him when the girl was found. Tai wished to speak to this young woman.

The officer hesitated, "I'm not sure, sir. That is not standard procedure…"

"Perhaps you didn't hear my name properly," Tai hissed, "this is Taichi Kamiya, and I wish to speak to that girl once you have her in custody."

The officer hesitated for a second longer, "Yes sir. I will inform you once she has been apprehended."

"I await your call," Tai ended the conversation and continued his walk home. Dusk descended on the city and snowflakes floated gently from the sky to cover the Christmas decorations. Tai ignored the beauty that surrounded him and strutted home.

---

"Tai!" Sarah Kamiya called upon her son's arrival. "What on earth were you doing out so late? I was terribly worried."

"I'm a big boy, mother," Tai replied coldly. "I can take care of myself."

Mrs. Kamiya nodded, hurt by her son's words. "Yes, of course, dear. Come and join me for dinner, won't you? I know that Marianna has been slaving over the Osso Bucco for hours. I know it's your favourite dish, so…"

"What possessed you to have that woman prepare Osso Bucco, mother?" Tai snapped, "You act like you're celebrating something."

"I'm just happy to have my son home for a week. Is that a crime, Tai?"

Tai avoided an answer by stalking up the stairs to his chambers.

"What about dinner, Tai?"

"I'm not hungry," he replied shortly and entered his room.

Sarah continued to stand at the foot of the stairs, several tears sliding down her beautiful cheeks.

---

Tai shut his door and observed his bedroom. The walls remained a bland off-white color. An ebony desk stood against the far wall and matched his ebony bed, dresser, nightstand and book shelf. The covers on his bed mirrored the plain shade of his walls. No pictures adorned his walls; books regarding economics, politics and business lined his bookshelf. His mother wanted to add a splash of colour to the room by painting the walls or hanging several pictures. Tai merely glared in response to these suggestions.

Tai methodically removed his blazer and dress shoes. He placed both items in his closet and slightly loosened his tie. His computer hummed softly to remind Tai's of its presence, but the young entrepreneur was distracted by his cell phone. He waited for the officer to return his call. He had made the report nearly and hour and a half ago – surely they caught the little thief by now. Tai sighed and glanced once more around his bare room, but nothing held his attention. Finally, his phone rang.

"Taichi Kamiya."

"Hello Mr. Kamiya. This is Officer Regan. We have the girl in custody down at the station. I was informed that you wished to speak to her. Is that correct?"

"Yes," Tai replied, "that is correct. I will be there soon." Tai ended the conversation once more and turned to his closet. Quickly, he extracted a thick, Aramani jacket and a sturdy pair of boots. Careful to avoid the dining room area, Tai made his way to the garage and slid into his Porsche. The car responded eagerly to his commands as Tai made his way to the Police Station.

---

Upon arrival, Tai parked his car in a secluded area, locked the doors, and entered the station. Tinny Christmas music played from an old stereo. A small, decorated tree stood in the corner of the room and added colour to the plain room. Tai purposefully approached the desk.

"My name is Taichi Kamiya. I'm here to see Officer Regan. He is holding someone that I wish to speak with."

The young, blond officer started at his client's name, and Tai recognized his as the same man to whom he reported the crime. The blond quickly regained his composure and nodded at Taichi, "Yes, of course Mr. Kamiya. They are waiting for you down the hall, third door to the left."

Tai nodded in response and strutted down the hall, opening said door very quickly, a trait acquired by watching his father. The girl, Sora, sat behind a small wooden table, her hands crossed. Her vibrant eyes displayed her fear and worry. A tall, middle-aged man stood beside the girl and turned when Taichi entered.

"Mr. Kamiya," the officer began, "my name is Officer Regan. I assume this is the girl who stole your money?"

"Yes. Very well done, Officer."

Officer Regan laughed softly, "It really wasn't that hard, Mr. Kamiya. We went to the scene of the crime, and were able to find her after an hour of searching. She pretty much gave herself up."

Tai stared at the girl in surprise, but she refused to meet his eyes. He returned his gaze to the officer, "And what about my money? She stole two hundred dollars from my wallet."

The officer nodded slowly, "Well, she's been searched and questioned. The money isn't on her, and she says she doesn't have it. She won't say what she did with it."

"I see," Tai replied. "Perhaps I can persuade her to tell me what she has done with my money."

The girl snorted loudly. Both men turned their gaze to her; she met Tai's gaze, her eyes strong and clear. "You really think I'll tell you what I did with the money? If I didn't tell the officer, what makes you think I would tell you? You're the person I stole it from. Why are you even making such a big deal about this? It's not like two hundred dollars is a big deal for you to lose." She narrowed her eyes, "you know, I think I hurt your pride more than anything."

"I suggest you watch your manners," Tai snapped, upset by how close the girl had come to the truth. He surveyed Sora's clothing. Her jeans were very battered and torn along the bottom. Her shirt was worn and slightly too large for her frame. She was not well off, but, not so poor that she desperately needed the money. He mused about her reasons for stealing. She returned his inquisitive stare with a very cold one. This girl amazed Tai. Never before had he met someone who did not fear him.

"Do you wish to press charges, Mr. Kamiya?"

Tai paused in thought, "No," he began. The girl gaped. "I want to employ this girl as a servant in my household. She will work there until her debt is repaid."

"What?" she asked softly, "You're not going to press charges?"

"No. I think some honest, hard work will do you good and teach you the value of money." Tai spat.

The girl opened her mouth to reply, then seemed to decide against it. She compromised with herself by glaring coldly.

"You're sure this is what you want, Mr. Kamiya?" Officer Regan asked.

"Very sure. Can I take her now?"

"Yes, Mr. Kamiya."

"Very good. Come on," he called to the red-head.

"What?" she demanded again, "I can't just come and work in your house like this. I have to tell my family where I am and…"

"You will call them from the phone in my home. Let's go."

The girl reluctantly stood and followed Tai out of the room. "Merry Christmas, Officer Regan," she said softly.

"Merry Christmas, Sora. You take care now. I don't want to see you in here again anytime soon. Merry Christmas, Mr. Kamiya."

Taichi merely led his new employee out of the room.

---

Sora slumped in the passenger seat of the Porsche. She stared out the windows at the frosted Christmas decorations. Taichi provided nothing in the way of conversation, and she felt too confused to speak.

Why didn't he press charges? She demanded herself, what on earth is going on?

She saw her neighbourhood pass quickly by the window, but said nothing. Her thoughts drifted, unbidden, to her parents and her twin brothers. She prayed that they wouldn't worry too much. Her thoughts shifted to her use for the money. She would never have sunk to the level of a thief a week ago. It had been a terribly rash decision, and perhaps the wrong one. At the moment, though, she had seen no other possibility. If only…

Tai stopped the car in front of a large, white mansion. Sora impulsively asked, "This is where you live?"

"Yes. This is my house. And, it is your new work place." He parked the car in the garage.

"Listen, I can't thank you enough for not pressing charges, but I don't know how I can be helpful…"

"What domestic tasks can you accomplish?" Tai interrupted.

Sora considered, "I can arrange flowers. And I can cook and clean."

"That will be enough," Tai muttered and exited the car.

"When can I use the phone to call my parents, Taichi?"

Tai froze and turned his gaze back to Sora, "I am your employer, you silly girl. And, as such, you will refer to me as Mr. Kamiya. Is that clear?"

Sora smirked, "Perfectly clear, Mr. Kamiya."

Sora followed her new employer inside the house. Her eyes widened in wonder once she entered the hall. Rich, red carpeting covered the hallway and ample, marble staircase. Two large, decorated tress stood on either side of the oak doorway. Garlands ran along the banisters and a small nativity scene stood by the stairs. Beautiful Christmas carols echoed through the hallway. Sora hoped that Mr. Kamiya would not notice the shock painted onto her face. The Christmas music swelled as one of the doors opened and a pretty woman entered the hallway. She had long, wavy, light brown hair which cascaded past her shoulders. Wide, grey eyes showed understanding and compassion. She walked delicately, her slender figure clad in black pants and a festive red shirt.

"Tai! Where did you run off to now?" Her eyes drifted to Sora, and she smiled, "And who is this? A friend from school?"

"Hardly, mother," Tai replied. Sora gaped, shocked at his disrespect towards his mother. "This woman will be working in the house for a while. She knows how to cook and clean. I assume that you will know what to do with her, as I am going to bed."

Sora watched as Tai turned without another word and stalked up the staircase and disappeared. She frowned at his atrocious manners.

"And what is your name, Miss?" Mrs. Kamiya's voice startled Sora.

"Sora Takenouchi, ma'am," Sora curtsied as best she could. "Would it be possible for me to use a telephone? I need to inform my parents of my location."

Mrs. Kamiya regarded the red-head with confusion, but obliged and led Sora to a telephone. While Sora spoke to her mother and explained her predicament, Mrs. Kamiya conversed with Marianna, one of the many servants.

"To be honest, Marianna, I have no idea why Tai brought her with him. Could you show her what she will need to do and help her as much as possible? I will speak to my son about this as soon as possible."

"Yes, madam," Marianna curtsied, "she sounds like a kind girl."

"Yes," Mrs. Kamiya nodded, "yes she does."

Sora finished her story; silence greeted her from her mother's end of the telephone. Finally, her mother replied, "I don't approve of your actions, Sora, but I do understand them. I wish you had come to us before and told us that you…"

"I know, Mom. I should have, but I was so scared. I will be home on Christmas Eve, though. They can't keep me here on Christmas Eve. I love you." Sora hung up the phone and took a minute to regain her composure.

Mrs. Kamiya entered the room accompanied by a small, Hispanic woman. Her dark, rich curls tumbled to her waist. He large, brown eyes smiled along with her mouth. "Sora," Mrs. Kamiya began, "this is Marianna. She is in charge of the kitchen and she will be the one to show you around. Is that alright, my dear?"

Mrs. Kamiya's kindness brought tears to Sora's eyes. She managed to force them away and smile, "That is lovely, madam. Thank-you very much."

Mrs. Kamiya smiled, "Well, I suggest the two of you get some sleep. I will see you both in the morning. Good night, girls." She left the room silently.

Marianna grinned, "I'll show you where your room is."

---

Tai tossed about in his bed, his dreams the cause of his discomfort. While he slept, he saw the girl's sunset eyes watching him; judging him. He awoke in a cold sweat. He glanced towards the window, and for the first time in his life, felt guilt and sorrow.

………………………………………..

Gato: This wasn't originally going to have chapters, but then I changed my mind. There's still a bit I need to put in. It will only have one or two more chapters, though.

Irie: Are you ready for your exams?

Gato: Do pigs fly?

Irie: YEP!!

Gato: …then I guess I'm ready.

Irie: REVIEW!!

Gato: And Happy Holidays to all!!