Sole lowered her thick dark lashes as she stepped into the hot shower. Today she was taking on her first big job in Tokyo and she actually found herself nervous. Tilting her head back, she sighed as her muscles began relaxing. Her long vibrant red hair trailed down her back and over her shoulders as she slowly bowed her head. She had a job to do and that was that. There wasn't any point in stressing out over it. Besides, she didn't even know the band she was photographing. All she knew was that they had had to fire the last photographer for reasons she wasn't told.

(I can't believe I have butterflies in my stomach. Am I really that nervous about this job? Worse comes to worse I can always go to America again or even Europe.) Sole knew in her heart though why she was nervous. Because she had fallen in love with Japan and the people here. In fact she was already looking around for apartments and had a meeting with a landlord about one later on. So if she failed to impress this band with her pictures then it might be difficult to land another job here.

"Sole, welcome. Sorry I'm running a little late. I had a run in with an old friend." Mr. Sasaki walked into the room and Sole stood up from where she had been sitting. For a moment his eyes seemed to give her a look of surprise and his smile faltered. "Well," He smirked, regaining his composure. But for the eyes of an experienced photographer it was too late. It was obvious he hadn't expected her to have changed, yet he should have. She had been boyishly young when they had met and he had protected her from a few bullies. He had always protected her. It had been a shame when she had had to move away with her family. Still, she hadn't lost her manners with the development of her curves.

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Mr. Sasaki." Sole bowed respectfully before straightening up and flashing one of her dazzling smiles. "It's been too long."

"So it has. Look, I don't expect anything spectacular so just do your best with this band." He waved her off as he turned and walked out of the room.

(He got so cold all of a sudden…) Sole sighed as she gathered her equipment bags and headed out of the small room to the studio room Sasaki had given her permission to use. As she slowly began setting everything up she had to smile. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad after all…

"Alright guys let's get this over with." A masculine voice filled the room as men suddenly burst through the door. Sole froze from where she was bending over in her khaki shorts and black tank top. Her nerves seemed to crack as her eyes widened while she looked around from where she was bent over and her face went scarlet. Why, of all days, did she have to wear her short-shorts?! And why did they have to walk in as she was bending over?! (I should have done my laundry last night so I could've worn my jeans! How much did they see?!) Jerking to stand up straight she gave a nervous laugh. One of the men was staring at her and soon enough all of the men were staring at her. Clearing her throat, Sole bowed slightly with a straight face- though her nerves were still crackling. When she straightened her eyes met the man with dark brown hair that had been staring at her with a smirk before. "My name is Sole Yokomini, I am your new photographer." Sole smiled warmly as she tilted her head to the side and waved.

"Sakuya."

"Yuki."

"Hi I'm Atsuro!"

"I'm Towa."

"And I'm Santa."

Sole blinked as they introduced themselves and she tried to think of ways to remember their names. Nodding she gave them all her best smile. "Alright, then let's get to work." Sole winked as she walked over to her camera. "Now I don't know how you normally shoot, but I trust that this is going to be a new experience." She was nervous and it was showing.

(These guys are going to think I'm some inexperienced kid if I don't shape up!) Gritting her teeth, Sole grasped her camera and in a flash turned sharp on her heels. Before the group had a real chance to realize what she was doing she was snapping out requests. "Move to the left and turn to look at me over your shoulder Sakuya!" As soon as the flash would snap she was onto the next one. "Yuki, crouch down and look up towards me!" Just as she had hoped his hair draped over his cheek. The shot was perfect!

Her eyes seemed to light up with each shot. Sole moved quickly and with more grace then most thought she had. She had to, in order to get the perfect shot one had to be quick on their feet. "Towa turn to the right like you just got caught with your hand in the cookie jar." She snapped the shot and frowned. "Or how about I just walked in on you and your girlfriend in mid-thrust?" The look of surprise was perfect and Sole moved on. Her mouth took over her mind when she stepped into character and she didn't even stop to blush as she immediately spun on her heels for the other two.

"Atsuro, look at me like I just dumped you. No, don't smile!" Her eyebrow twitched as he completely missed the look she was aiming for. "Fine, look at me like the love of your life just slapped you and walked out the door." For a moment he didn't move but slowly his gaze shifted and Sole smirked while the flash went off. "Perfect!" She turned to get a shot of Santa. "You, Santa, look at me like you're about to rip my clothes off! Look at me like your hungry and I'm all you want for dinner!" She growled at the surprised expression on his face. "Come on! Look at me like you want me, desire me, like there's nothing else on your mind other then sliding deep inside of me!" After a slight hesitation the look in his eyes changed and Sole once more had the perfect shot.

After a couple hours of this, Sole sighed. "Alright, that should be it! I'll have my shots for you all to look through with Mr. Sasaki tomorrow. Go head home and get some rest, you were all great!" Sole waved to them as she turned to start gathering her equipment. (Oh no! The time! I'm gonna be late for that apartment showing!) Grabbing her bag she ran out the door at top speed. Just as she turned the corner she slammed into something hard and fell back on her ass. "Ouch!" She winced as she rubbed her head from where she had connected with something. As she slowly opened one eye her face went scarlet.

"Hey! Watch where you're-" The man's voice sounded familiar as Sole looked to her fallen items.

"Oh my! I'm so sorry! I'm running late and I wasn't paying attention!" She stumbled the words out as she quickly began grabbing for her bag and camera.

"Sole, right?" The man knelt down and Sole froze. As she looked up she immediately recognized the face. It was a member of Lucifer, Santa.

"Oh my goodness! I really am sorry!" Sole went to stand and was caught off guard as he offered her his hand.

"It's alright. I'm fine, really. Are you alright?" Santa smiled as he helped her to her feet and Sole nodded, face still crimson. "Good, I'm not exactly soft." He scratched the back of his head as he gave a short laugh and Sole shook her head. "Um, didn't you say you were running late?" He blinked as he realized what she had been in a hurry to say earlier about running behind.

"Ah! The apartment! I've got to go! It was nice seeing you again!" Sole waved as she darted out of sight, a small picture left behind by Santa's feet.

"Huh? What's this?" Santa turned the picture over. It was of a young red headed boy and girl with a woman standing with her arms around them. She had the same blood red hair as Sole and all three were smiling. (Better get this back to her.) Santa started to follow where the woman had run off to but she was long gone. "Hey, Mr. Sasaki, do you have Sole's address? I've got to return something."

Sole blew a tuft of her bangs out of her eyes as she carried her full laundry basket from the laundry mat. She had spent a lot longer looking over the apartment then she had thought she would. (God this is heavy! Why did I wait so long to do my laundry?!) She silently cursed herself as she got closer to the hotel she was staying in until tomorrow, when she planned on starting the move into her new place.

As she turned the corner she bumped into something hard and the heavy basket tumbled from her grip. "Oh no!" She yelped as she scrambled for the basket. Sole managed to save most of her clothes from the dirty road and growled as she started gathering the unfortunate pieces before she even tried to see what she had bumped into.

"You know, you sure are clumsy for a photographer. Don't you ever slow down enough to see where you're going?" A familiar voice caught her attention just as she reached out to grasp one of her thongs. "Nice color." He smiled to her as he picked them up for her.

"Give that back!" Sole growled as she jerked the thong from his grip and stuffed it down her shirt to hide it from sight. Her face was scarlet as she gathered the rest of her clothes and the basket and started for the hotel doors.

"Hmm, that's not a very professional attitude." Santa winked as he followed her inside.

"I'm not on the clock." Sole stuck her tongue out at him before she caught herself. "Sorry. Santa, was it? Interesting name." She made small chat as she headed for the elevator and he followed.

"It's just my nickname. Maybe if you're a good girl I'll give you my real name some day." He smirked as the elevator doors closed and Sole blinked at his bold words.

"Nice manners." Sole mumbled under her breath before she blew her bangs out of her face once again. When the doors slid open on her floor she thought he'd stay behind but much to her surprise he followed her. "Umm, well thanks for the company." Sole gave a sarcastic chuckle as she balanced the bucket on her hip and opened her door with her room key. "Now unless you've got something to talk to me about pertaining to work, you should be going." She turned to wave him goodbye and was shocked to realize he was already in her room.

"Nice view." He peeked out her window and Sole dropped the basket as she quickly closed the door and ran to close the curtains in front of him. "Whoa, why so jumpy?"

"Because if we're seen together like this I'll get fired. I'm not allowed to associate myself with my clients outside of work." Sole adjusted her tank top and walked over to kneel on the floor and once more gather her clothes. She jerked in surprise when he was suddenly bending over her back to whisper into her ear.

"So take my picture." His breath on her neck sent a shiver down her spine suddenly.

"Eep!" Sole yelped as she threw herself over the basket of clothes to attempt putting space between them.

"Actually I'm just here to return this. You dropped it." Santa held up her picture and Sole slowly got to her feet. All nervousness and attitude left her as she looked at the family staring back at her.

"My mother and my brother Joshua." She took the picture from him and slowly walked into her kitchen. Setting it down on the counter she hugged herself. "Thank you. Please make sure my door is shut on your way out." The words were almost a whisper as she walked off into her bedroom and closed the door. She was blank from all emotion as she headed into her bathroom and reached up to pull her long hair free from her ponytail. A shower would help wash away the stress of the day. A nice long hot shower.

Sole wrapped the towel around her chest as she shook the water from her hair. Looking around she realized she had left her clothes by the door and quietly headed to find something to wear. There was a soft 'clink' from the small kitchen and she froze. He had left, hadn't he?

"So what's with the picture? If it makes you sad why carry it around?" Santa walked into view with a small bottle from her mini bar and Sole freaked, clutching her towel as if her life depended on it staying around her form. His gaze slowly drifted down from her dripping long red hair, to the water droplets lingering on her shoulders, to the one trailing down her cleavage, before it finally caught sight of the towel. "Oh, I see. This isn't about the pic, is it?" He set the bottle down on a nearby side table and bent down to brush a strand of hair away from her face. "You know you don't have to tease me. I'll do you if you want me to."

"WHAT?!" Sole screeched as she jerked to her feet. "You're a total jerk! You think that I just throw myself onto random guys that I just met?!" She steamed as she clenched her fists to her sides to stop from hitting him. "Get out!"

"What the hell was I supposed to think? You're the one in the tow-"

"GET OUT!!" Sole pointed to the door furiously and finally Santa shrugged.

"Suit yourself." He headed for the door and opened it, but stopped there. "But if you ever want to, I'll be around."

"OUT!!"

Sole was still fuming about Santa showing up at the hotel and his barbaric statement as she sat at the long table in the room she had been directed to go to. She was early, a half hour to be exact, so she pulled a folder out of her bag and bit her lower lip before opening it. Immediately her gaze fell on the shots she had taken the day before. A smile quickly spread at just how pleased she was. Despite how nervous she had been the shots were perfect!

"Just get inside and sit down!" Sasaki snapped as the door opened and Lucifer walked in behind him. "You can worry about your free time today after we sort through the photos from yesterday." His eyebrow twitched with agitation as Sole moved to stand up to be respectful. He waved to her to take her seat and took the chair next to her before someone snatched her folder.

Sole wasn't surprised to see that Santa had snatched the folder and was already nosing through it while Towa and Atsuro glanced over his shoulder. "Hey!" Her nerves jumped as Atsuro exclaimed. "These are great! You're an awesome photographer!" He smiled to Sole while Towa nodded.

"Yeah. Not bad." Santa smirked and Sole glared. She held back the urge to leap over the table to strangle him as he passed the folder to Sakuya and Yuki.

It didn't take them long to agree with the shots Sole had picked out and in a flash the entire band was getting up and walking out with waves and nods. Blinking, Sole sighed as she looked at her now empty folder. "Congratulations, Sole. Lucifer and I will be expecting photos this good from now on, so don't slack. You have the title of Lucifer's exclusive photographer, but don't slip up. You're still replaceable." Sasaki stood up from the table and walked out of the room without another word.

(Why is he so cold towards me now? At first he seemed happy to see me.) Sole slowly stood up from the table with another sigh, holding her blank folder to her chest, as she began walking out. By the time she reached the street outside she had a look of determination on her face that was unmistakable. (I'll make him proud to have hired me. And I'll make him smile if it kills me!)

Sole began to unpack her things from the boxes in her new apartment later on in the week. It had taken about that long for most of her things to arrive; and now that they had she had to make time to get settled. The photo shoots with Lucifer were going a lot better then she had thought they would and she was amazed at how little time she actually had to do anything other then focus on them. Though she was happy to have the time now, her mind was still stuck on the night that Santa showed up at her apartment.

(What a creep, talking to me like that. Was he born without manners or just spoiled from stardom? Probably used to getting any woman he pleases. Well I'll show him. I'm not just some stupid fan. I'm a woman and I'm one Hell of a photographer!) She slammed the lid on a box shut with a smirk. (Oh! I almost forgot! I have to go over their shots.) Getting up from where she knelt she walked over to her desk and sat down. Silently she opened a yellow folder and began sorting through different pictures. (Wow, they all have such great chemistry! It's hard to pick just one shot for each of them. Hmm, let's see…) She shifted through a few shots of Sakuya before picking one with him looking down into the camera. Atsuro was caught bending over and looking to the side, the shot from the shoulder up, and Yuki was tilting his head back with his eyes almost closed. The shot she picked of Towa had him glancing at the camera through his long bangs and next was Santa.

(What kind of question is that to ask a lady anyway? Did he actually think I'd say yes?) She smirked at the thought of his reaction if she had. Probably would have been shocked. Unless he had honestly thought she had wanted him. Didn't he realize her career was everything? (He must have by now, we've been avoiding each other.) Sole sighed as she shifted through a few of his pictures. None seemed suitable and she frowned. She hadn't had to do a re-shoot of anyone in years. But with Santa she had been so focused on avoiding him that his shots turned out like crap. (Wonder if he's free for an hour or so? I need to turn these shots in tomorrow morning so it can't wait either way.) Clenching her jaw she picked up the phone and dialed Sasaki's number.

"I'm not sure if Santa's free at the moment. Give him a call and make sure you tell him I insist. If I wasn't stuck dealing with Sakuya and the lyrist I'd call him myself." Sole nodded as he gave her Santa's cell and she wrote it on a small notepad she always kept near her phones.

(Well, here goes nothing…) Why was she so nervous? It was just a photo shoot.

Sole jumped at the sound of her doorbell. "C-Come in." She brushed her bangs from her face as her cheeks tinged pink. She had never had a client come to her home for a private shooting before. To be quite honest she was more nervous now then she had been when she had met the band a week ago.

"So, couldn't get enough of me, huh?" Santa smirked as he walked in and closed the door behind him. "Just kidding. Look, I've got a lot to do tonight so we have to hurry this along, alright? I can't just come running at your beckon call because you can't get a shot right." He brushed past her and Sole's eyebrow twitched with her annoyance at him already. "Unless that was just an excuse to get me over here?" He turned to glance at her over his shoulder and Sole's heart was suddenly beating in her ears.

Thu Thump…Thu Thump…Thu Thump…

The look in his eyes caught her off guard as she turned and reached for her camera with shaking fingers. "N-No. I was looking at the proofs from the shots earlier and yours came out like crap. I've got to get them all turned in tomorrow morning so I don't have time for your cute little quirks. We've got business to attend to, so try to keep that mindset, alright?" She smiled as she turned and gave him a wink. "Shall we begin?"

"So you think I'm cute?" He seemed disappointed for a second but the look in his eyes was gone in a flash as he shot her a grin. "Alright then, let's get to work."

"Great job guys! See you on Thursday!" Sole waved to them as they headed out of the studio and she began gathering her things. Her mind was still stuck on when she had worked one on one with Santa a few nights before. Intense seemed bland to how the atmosphere had become when she had started snapping her camera. And when he had left he had leaned in to where she thought for sure he was going to kiss her. Instead he had picked a loose strand of hair off her shoulder and left without even saying goodbye. Not that it had mattered; after all, they were professionals.

"Hey Sole!" Aine's voice chimed in and Sole turned to face the girl with a smile, pushing Santa as far from her thoughts as she could. Aine was Lucifer's new lyrist and it hadn't taken Sole more then a second to see the chemistry between her and Sakuya. Which was actually helping her out with his shots. Sakuya seemed much happier with Aine around.

"Oh, hi Aine! Ready to grab a bite to eat?" It was their usual Tuesday routine and so far neither had missed a night since they had met.

"I can't." Aine pouted as Sole lost her smile.

"What? But we always grab a bite to eat on Tuesday to chat. I skipped lunch so I'd have more of an appetite tonight too." It was Sole's turn to pout as Aine sighed.

"Sakuya really wants me to go to his place for dinner tonight. He wants me to cook him something good." Aine frowned and Sole could tell she felt bad for ditching her.

"It's alright." Sole faked a smile as she tweaked Aine on the shoulder. "You owe me one whenever we can make it up, okay?" The joyful smile that graced Aine's features was unmistakable as the girl nodded and headed out the door to join Sakuya who was already waiting.

"Sorry Sole, Aine's mine tonight." Sakuya smiled and Sole shrugged.

"Meh, I'll survive. You two have fun. I have a ton of shots to go over anyway!" Sole waved them off as they left and when they were out of sight her smile faded. She always looked forward to Tuesdays because she always normally ate alone any other time during the week. Shoulders slouching she grabbed her purse and headed out the door. She'd come back to grab her gear later like usual.

(This bites.) Sole sighed as she forked her salad. She was sitting in a booth in the back by the window, like usual, and without Aine with her she couldn't fight off the feeling of loneliness. Leaning onto her hand she sighed again and looked out the window to the people passing by. (That's it. I'm going to the studio to gather my gear. Might as well bury myself in work again tonight.)

Just as she was about to get up a group of men walked by the window and she froze as she looked up and her eyes locked with a familiar face. Immediately she ducked in the booth and turned her back to the window. Had he seen her? (Please just let him keep walking! I can't deal with his snide comments tonight! He'd probably pick fun at my eating alone anyway.)

"I'll catch up with you guys later, alright?" A familiar voice caught her ears and Sole leaned over to see if it was really him. Sure enough Santa was walking towards her, leaving a group of people behind him. Quickly she pulled herself back into the booth as her face went scarlet. He HAD seen her and he had to have also seen that she was alone. So why was he bothering coming over to her? Going to pick on her for being alone? Going to rub it in that he was always partying with friends? That he always had someone to talk to when she had no one other then Aine?

(I can't deal with this. Not tonight!) Sole dashed out of the booth, leaving her money on the table, and going out the back door before anyone had a chance to say anything. It hadn't even crossed her mind to grab her coat.

(It's kinda chilly out tonight. Maybe I should have remembered my coat?) Sole sighed as her shoulders drooped and she continued walking down the side walk alone. She hated this feeling, this ultimate lonely feeling that she just couldn't shake. (Am I ever going to find someone?)

She rubbed her arms as she continued walking. (What was I thinking… Leaving the states to come to Japan… To start a new life alone. Maybe if I wasn't so damn focused on my career… Maybe I could have had a life? Like Aine and Sakuya are starting, even if they don't see it.) She closed her eyes as she started up the walkway to the building with her apartment in it.

"A little cold out to be walking around without a coat, don't you think?" Santa stood from where he had been leaning against the building and Sole stumbled in surprise. "Whoa, new legs?" He caught her in one fluid motion and Sole's cheeks flushed red at just how close he was.

Thu Thump…Thu Thump…Thu Thump…

(Get a hold of yourself! He's just here to bring you back your coat!) Sole stepped away from him, taking her coat from his hand gently as she started towards the front door. "Thank you for returning my coat Santa." (He must have a good sense of direction to find my apartment again. I've been here for a month and I still got lost on the way home tonight! If not for my camera I'd be useless.)

Her shoulders drooped even more as she turned to fake a smile to him over her shoulder. "You go have a good night with your friends, alright? I'll see you on Thursday." She turned to walk inside but froze when he suddenly put his arms around her.

"Why are you so sad, Sole?" His kind words caught her off guard and for a moment she couldn't move. What was he trying to pull now? "Your smile doesn't reach your eyes any more. Why?"

Sole felt the tears swell in her eyes and jerked out of his arms. "Who do you think you are?" She whispered as she shook with emotion. "What do you care? Why are you saying those words to me like you give a damn?!" Her hardened gaze snapped up, tears in the corners of her eyes. "You… you're so mean!" She stormed through the front door and into the elevator as her tears started to fall. As soon as the doors slid shut she dropped to her knees. (Who does he think he is holding me like that? Acting like he really cares! What an asshole!) She sniffled as the elevator slowly rose to her floor. When the doors opened again she was standing up and wiping her cheeks dry.

(He's got enough friends so why did he even bother to take time out of his night to bring me back my coat? Why say those things to me?) Sole walked to her door sniffling but froze when her gaze fell on a pair of shoes. Slowly she looked up from the shoes to the legs, waist, chest, shoulders, and finally the face of Santa. (He must have taken the stairs. That was quick. Did he run? He doesn't seem out of breath.) The look in his eyes stole her own breath as neither said a word for a moment. "Can I come in? It was cold out there waiting for you." His tone had shifted back to normal and jarred Sole from her thoughts. Was he mad at her for what she had said to him?

"Of course. It's the least I could do." Sole took her key from her purse and opened her door, walking in first and closing the door behind him. She turned the latch and walked over to set her coat and purse down. "I always lock the door, so please don't feel locked in. You can leave whenever you like." She brushed past him but had to stop when he grabbed her arm.

"Can I?" His voice came out rough as he suddenly pulled her against him, wrapping one arm around her while his free hand came up to cup her face. "Because I don't think I can." He whispered against her as he lowered his face to press into her neck.

Thu Thump… Thu Thump… Thu Thump…

"I know you've been avoiding me. I don't know why, but you have." His breath tickled her skin, giving her a shiver down her back. "I can't stop thinking about you Sole. About how alone you are up here. How alone your heart is. I can't stop thinking about that night I came here. I can't stop… no matter how hard I try."

Sole felt fresh tears spring to her eyes as she was stunned silent. Where was this coming from? Had he really been thinking about her for the past few days? Didn't he have other women to think about? "I'm not alone." Her tone was flat as she pulled herself away from him. The movement left her cold as she crossed her arms and walked over to her window. "I have my work, silly." She smiled to him over her shoulder, a forced smile that looked just as hollow as she felt.

"Really? Can your work make you blush like I do?" Santa was against her once more and Sole found it almost impossible to push him away this time.

"Santa please, we have to keep a professional level. I can't give up my career for one night in bed with you." Sole swallowed the lump in her throat as she headed for her small living room. She sat on the couch but didn't reach for the remote. Instead she just sat there hugging herself.

"Alright. Fine. I'll go." His voice was cold, like ice water down her spine, and Sole trembled. She heard him open the door and almost leapt over the back of her couch.

"Wait!" Sole was surprised at how desperate she sounded as she scrambled off the couch and made her way over to the door to grasp his hand. "We can't sleep together, but you don't have to go." She was surprised at the emotions she saw flickering through his gaze. He was relieved and yet… frightened? "Can… can you just hold me?" Her face went scarlet as she stepped back and turned away. (What the Hell did I just ask?! Where did that come from?!) "We can just talk. Maybe have a drink or something. Or we could just watch a movie."

Sole turned around and reached over to close the door. "We can do any of that, but please don't go. Don't… don't leave me alone tonight. I don't… I don't want to be alone tonight." Her gaze shimmered as she tried to fight the emotions welling up within her.

"Alright." Santa smiled as he rubbed her head and pulled her against him with an arm over her shoulder. "So what do you want to talk about?"

Sole smiled as she told him about her travels and her schooling. They both got into conversations of their first time out on their own and how they had been growing up. Eventually she got out some wine and poured two glasses to drink while they talked and laughed about their childhoods. She was in the middle of telling him about how she had landed the job as the photographer for a band she hadn't heard of when she suddenly became very tired and warm. Her words trailed off as she suddenly fell lightly against his chest, her cheeks a warm rosy color.

(This is so different from the Santa I see with the band. He's always so cocky and never seems to think about anything before he speaks. But tonight he seems so kind. His words seem so polite and touching. How… nice…)

Santa smirked as he carefully stood and easily lifted her into his arms. She cuddled against him, slinking her arms around his neck as she dozed lightly, while he headed for the one room he hadn't been allowed in the night they had done that private photo shoot. Didn't take a genius to learn that it had to be her bedroom.

When he opened the door he was surprised to see such a large bed. There were random frog figurines on her dresser and along shelves on her walls, which caused him to shake his head with a small grin. (Cute.) Was all he could think to describe the tidy room as he laid her beneath her yellow covers. Funny that they were yellow silk. Had she known yellow was his favorite color?

Santa dismissed the thought as he went to pull away from her. He was going to head for the couch for the remaining night hours, but found that her hold around his neck tightened when he attempted to pull away.

"Please… Santa…" Sole purred in her sleep as her lips pursed. She was pulling him to her and he found it impossible to resist as he lowered himself into bed beside her. "Don't… hurt… don't… leave…" She mumbled as she immediately pressed herself up against him snuggly and he slowly wrapped his arms around her.

"Shh, Sole." Santa whispered as he laid his face against her hair. The scent was driving him insane, not to mention her body pressed against his own, and he was finding it impossible to remain relaxed. (Not tonight. Not now. She trusts me.) He sighed as he closed his eyes, thinking about what she had mumbled to him. (Don't… hurt… don't… leave… Is she worried that I'm going to hurt her and leave her alone?) "Never. I promise." His whisper was the last sound other then their breathing that either heard for the rest of the night.