Bittersweet Life

Chapter 1

"Fay, please stop with that nonsense." Sawada Aya sighed as she threw her books on the table and plopped on the couch leaning her head against its back. Why is still ranting about that? She thought tiredly closing her eyes.

"Fine, but he was totally checking you out." Mishima Fay said walking towards the kitchen. "What do you want for dinner A-chan?" she shouted from the kitchen as to be heard while she was looking through some cupboards.

"Whatever you want, and he wasn't, he was trying to read the poster behind me." Aya grinned when she heard Fay's off-key version of Bon Jovi's 'Always'. Fay always had a soft spot for love songs. That's why she always bugs me to write love songs, she sighed.

Aya moved her head hearing all sorts of cluttering coming from the kitchen. "Fay, what are you doing?" she yelled.

Fay's head popped out of the kitchen door and looked at Aya. "I am cooking of course," she said grinning, "Oh! I will make pasta with salad." She piped up cheerfully and pulled her head back into the kitchen.

After Fay had put the water to boil she walked out of the kitchen and into the living room where Aya was resting. She sprawled herself on the couch next to Aya and placed her feet on Aya's lap. Aya tilted her head and looked at Fay.

Fay pointed at the bags that lay on the floor in front of the small table that Aya was resting her feet on. "We should probably move those before we fall over them or you put one of your big feet through something expensive," she giggled.

"Hey!" Aya hit Fay on the arm playfully. "My feet aren't that big! And there's nothing that costs more than 3000 yen in any of the bags," Aya pouted mockingly. Fay laughed throwing her head backwards.

"Well, even so, we have to put those things away. These are our food supplies for next week," Fay said pulling a bag of candies out of one of the bags and looked at it wryly, she threw it over to Aya. "I believe that's yours.

"Thanks. Fay, I am depressed." Aya sighed heavily looking at ceiling.

"You can't be depressed, A-chan. It's the holiday season, and Christmas is next week. Do you want me to get the Christmas CD out?" Fay got of the couch and went to the CD stand. She rummaged through their CD collection, pulled out a CD and walked back to the couch grinning cheerfully.

"Fay, I can't handle one more 'Last Christmas'. I want to throw something heavy at the radio whenever I hear that song," Aya muttered and hugged a Winnie the Pooh teddy bear tightly.

"Someone's got up on the wrong side of the bed today," Fay teased as she placed the CD into the CD player and the 'Little Drum Boy' filled the room

"I know. But for some unknown reason I feel depressed and I don't know why," she sighed tiredly, "Christmas is my favorite time of the year." She popped a candy in her mouth.

"Have you heard from your parents yet?" Fay asked rummaging through the bags of groceries to find something to munch on.

"Umm…Yeah my mom called me three days ago," Aya smiled briefly. She didn't want to ask Fay if her parents had called her because she knew they hadn't, but she had to ask or else Fay would feel vulnerable. Fay's parents are a delicate subject. "Your parents?"

Fay chuckled. "Are you kidding me? I haven't heard from my parents since they called to apologize for forgetting my birthday in March." So much for parents, huh? Fay thought sarcastically.

"But your birthday is in July," Aya muttered thoughtfully.

"Exactly!" Fay shook her head with a smile.

"So it really is just the two of us this year." Aya sighed and closed her eyes, leaning back into the couch. "Do you remember when we were nine, and my parents let you stay over that one Christmas Eve?" she looked at Fay with a warm smile.

"Yeah, I remember! We had our great plan to stay awake to see Santa?" Fay giggled, "We were fast asleep by ten thirty!" she lowered the volume of the music to be able to hear Aya better.

"Yeah…I remember you woke me up at dawn and we went downstairs to open our presents." Aya hugged the Pooh bear.

"Umm…." Fay nodded "And your parents caught us because you were yelling, jumping up and down when you found the piano they bought for you." Fay rolled her eyes and laughed at Aya's pouting face.

"Fay, it was a piano!" Aya exclaimed looking at her friend disbelievingly, she will never understand what that piano meant to me, she thought sadly.

Aya's dream, since she was a little girl, was to be able to sing one day. She loved music; she craved to write her own music. She was never very good at expressing her feelings to others although she was very carefree and outgoing. Music was her bridge to communicate her feelings to the rest of the world.

Fay's parents were wealthier than Aya's family, so they could afford to spoil their daughter in many ways. That Christmas they had bought her so many gifts that Fay gave half to Aya. Fay could never understand why Aya was so happy about the piano since she had everything she ever wanted.

"Fay," Aya said softly "It has been fifteen years since that time," she sighed, "A lot of things have changed."

"That's true sweetie, but we will always be together." Fay jumped in Aya's arms and hugged her tightly. "We are partners in crime, right?" she pulled back and smiled at her friend lovingly.

"Yup! Partners in crime," Aya giggled like a small child.

There was never a time in the lives of both girls, that they hadn't been best friends. From the moment they met in preschool, through the playful years in elementary and all the way to High school, they had been there for each other. Aya had kept Fay from growing too wild and Fay had kept Aya from growing too serious. A perfectly balanced friendship that had outlasted the tough, hard and innocent school days and eventually had led them to the apartment they both now lived in.

Fay got up from the couch slowly and walked to the kitchen to see if the water was boiling so she would cook the pasta for Aya. After throwing the pasta in the boiling water, she moved to the sink and washed the vegetables for her salad.

Aya walked in the kitchen and sat on a chair resting her head on one hand on the table. "Can I do something to help you?" she asked bored.

"Nope. Just keep me company," Fay grinned and started chopping the vegetables.

"Why are you making salad?"

"You will have the pasta and I will have the salad. Don't worry I know you don't like eating salads. I will not try to kill you," Fay giggled teasingly, looking at Aya frown. She let the knife down and moved to the pot were she was boiling the pasta. Aya had once told her that the best way to find out if pasta was cooked was to throw a piece against the wall. If it stuck, then it was done. Aya had regretted ever telling Fay, because it was the only test Fay ever used.

Fay positioned herself and threw a piece of spaghetti flying across the kitchen, followed by Aya's groan. She laughed happily at her friends antics and took the pot out of the stove.

"Do you want me to make some sauce or you will have ketchup?" Fay asked looking at Aya while she was preparing her salad.

"Just cheese," Aya replied.

Fay brought the food to the table once she had finished with her salad and she placed each plate in front of them.

"Did we decide on what we will have for Christmas?" Aya asked munching on her pasta.

Fay looked at her and laughed. "I think I will make risotto," she said and waited for Aya's reaction.

"Yuck." Aya stuck out her tongue.

Fay laughed again and lifted her hand to cover her mouth. "I am just joking," she said quickly after the glare Aya gave her. "So, have you heard from Arisa today?" Fay asked to change the subject and distract Aya from her murderous thoughts. That was close, she giggled.

"Nope. She said she would try and call towards the end of the week." Aya sighed and sipped from her glass. "I do hope they don't have more problems on their hands." Fay nodded.

Arisa had been their friend since middle school. They'd opened their arms to the pretty girl with the talent for drawing and Arisa had become the third link in their chain. She had fallen in love with teenage father Oshitari Yuushi, and after graduating high school, the two of them had packed up and left with Yuushi's daughter Kaede to escape Kaede's mom, Moriyama Shizuka. Shizuka had been drifting in and out of Yuushi's and Kaede's life, trying to prove to Yuushi that she was a trustworthy mom, but Yuushi had found her in too many compromising positions to trust her with Kaede ever again.

Aya and Fay only saw Arisa a handful of times every year, but they spoke at least once or twice a week over the phone, still as close as ever, despite the distance.

"Maybe she'll tell us she's coming home for Christmas," Fay said with a weak smile. She missed having Arisa around; she always made her mood sky-rocket when she was there.

"Yeah, maybe," Aya said trying to cheer up Fay that had lost her cheerfulness. She misses her the most, she thought sadly.

Aya got up from the table and walked to the sink. She placed her plates down and walked back to the table. She sat on her seat and finish of her drink. "Umm…Fay I will be singing at 'VOX' tomorrow. Are you going to come?" Aya asked batting her eyelashes.

"Of course, Sawada Aya. Where else would I be?" Fay teased faking to be hurt by her question. "Are you going straight from the office?" Fay laughed. She got up from the table and walked to the sink.

"Yeah, I won't finish until late tomorrow. My boss is very strict; he has to finish everything in order to live contently. Do you want me to meet you at the shop?" Aya asked and went to the sink to wash the dishes.

"Sure. I will ask Kumiko-san if she would lend us a couple of outfits for tomorrow, so you would make an impression on those music people." Fay yawned wiping her hands on a cloth.

"That's great. Kumiko-san is very nice," Aya grinned. "I will finish cleaning up the kitchen. You go to bed." She continued as she was still washing up. "Shooo."

"Thanks A-chan. Goodnight." Fay walked out of the bedroom and into her room. She plopped on her bed and let her thoughts trail away.

Their apartment wasn't very big but was not considered small either. Their kitchen was fairly big and had the same size as their living room. Their bedrooms on the other hand were very spacious and had a bathroom each. Since Junior High, Fay had suggested that they should move in together when they graduate from University and live together away from their parents. Fay never wanted anything from her parents because they simply didn't care about her. So they had opened an account and put most of their allowance in it.

After they graduated they had a good amount of money to find an apartment in another city away from their old life. They wanted to start fresh without worries about parents. Aya's parents where always their for her, they had helped both girls get their apartment and then left for Sapporo to live over there with Aya's older brother who was married and living there for 10 years. Both siblings had 8 years difference so when he moved to go to study in Sapporo Aya was already in Junior High. Fay's parents didn't care much about her moving to another city, all they did was give her a check and they left for Europe.

They had found jobs very easily. And they rented their apartment mostly on their old savings. Aya had found a job as an assistant editor at a sports magazine. And Fay had found a job at a boutique. Their wages kept them mostly afloat but some months they managed to spend a little more on themselves.

This Christmas they bought presents for each other and for Arisa, Yuushi and Kaede. They had found a corner to place them because they hadn't bought a Christmas tree yet, so in order to keep the presents presentable they had pilled them up in a corner in their living room. They weren't sure if they would be over for the Christmas holidays because they had to lay low in case Kaede's mom attempted to kidnap her again.

Looking at her watch, Fay smiled as she realized it was only eight thirty. As a teenager, she stayed out until the early hours of the morning, but as a working girl in the city, it was a different story. She relished the days she could get to bed as early as possible. Tiredness was an everyday fatigue in their lives, but they were coping as well as they could. They were working for their dreams, as well as living them, and they were doing it themselves, and together.

Fay had spent most of her nights at an evening school, studying to get her business management masters. Her biggest dream was to become a CEO to some high-pitched company. It wasn't something easy considering the competition she would have to face and fight, but she was working towards it. Working in a boutique made her happy, and her boss was like a big sister to her, always happy to lend her money or clothes. She always would joke that Fay and Aya were her favorite models, so she had to keep them in fashion. Although Fay never accepted the money, she happily let Kumiko-san lend her beautiful clothes. It was handy for the nights when Aya sang at 'VOX'. Aya used to sing for the two nights Fay had free, and Fay always sat in the audience, cheering her on.

It's about time I get ready for bed, she thought smiling happily. She got of her bed and changed into her pajamas; she brushed her teeth and washed her face; she then climbed into bed, closing her eyes. Life had been pretty good to her. It had brought her Aya.

"Sanada, just drop it?" Niou Masaharu said, placing a file on his desk.

"She was looking at you, Niou," Sanada Gennichirou said untying his tie.

"And since when do you actually talk about women?" he said jokingly, not even looking at Sanada as he was rummaging through the papers on his desk.

"I don't talk about women in general! That still doesn't change the fact that she was looking at you," Sanada replied, annoyed by Niou's observation.

Sanada sat at his chair looking at the pile of papers on his desk. Then he looked over at Niou Masaharu, his friend and co-worker. He actually wondered how on earth he even got stuck with him, let alone open a law-firm office together. However, it happened so quickly that he didn't have the time to think about it. Not that he was complaining; life with Niou was everything but boring. It was just that he was too perky as a person for Sanada to be friends with. And that was not all, they also lived together. They had rent a small apartment together so they could cut the expenses in half.

"She was not looking at me. She was looking at her friend that was standing two feet away from me," Niou said letting out a sigh. He had another divorce file in front of him and he was getting irritated with everyone who got married and divorced after a year or two.

"You know…." He said dryly. "I have had enough of all these divorce cases. Why do people get married in the first place? And why aren't you going through this divorce case?" he said, looking at Sanada.

Sanada got up from his desk and just took the file from Niou without saying anything. He sat at his desk and flipped the file open. "No wonder you want me to handle this case." He muttered under his breath, loud enough for Niou to hear though.

"Well, we do not share the same opinion over justice, so, this is a case you should work on." Niou grinned at his friend. Leaning backwards in his chair, Niou thought of the days he and Sanada where in High school. He only lived to tease Sanada, not that he ever stopped teasing him even now. He chuckled at the memory of their first day at the new apartment. Sanada had written a list of what he should NOT do, and he had hang it on the inside of Niou's bedroom door. Life was surely interesting living with Sanada Gennichirou. In his youthful days he used to be very serious and 'almost' speechless, but now after living together for five years he finally relaxed. Well, as possible as Sanada would ever be relaxed. Niou had suggested to Sanada after their graduation from High school that they should study Law and open a Law-firm, but Sanada just burst out laughing. Well, seeing Sanada laughing his heart out was priceless, there was only one in a million that could ever happen, but somehow they did get through the Law University and managed to build up a small Law-firm office.

"Niou, what are your plans for tonight?" Sanada asked, snapping Niou out of his reverie.

"Umm, I have nothing planned. Why you ask?" He looked over at Sanada smirking. "Any ideas? Do they include female company too?" He said with tease in his tone of voice.

Sanada coughed. "No Niou, I was merely thinking that you might want to join me at the meeting I will have with our client," he said dryly.

Standing from his chair with his usual smirk plastered on his face "Ummm…I think I will pass. That's why I handed you the file in the first place. Besides I have to meet Yagyuu for dinner. See you later." Before disappearing through the door he added "Oh! Sanada, tomorrow, do not make any plans, for we are going to 'VOX' to check out some upcoming singers!" he winked and closed the door behind him leaving Sanada with a mountain of paperwork.

Sanada sighed and thought that he would definitely survive the paperwork and the meeting with their client, but he wasn't very sure if he would survive another outing with Niou. Every time he would go out with Niou he would end up with all sorts of weird women. If he gets me another weirdo I will definitely strangle him; He got up from his desk packed some of the paperwork in his bag and left for the meeting he had with his client.

At the meeting

"Matsuda-san, of course we will fight for the custody of your children. I read your file and from what I can see is that our chances are high. I also know that the judge overlooking the case is a just man and does not tolerate abusive parents. We are very lucky to have him on our case." Sanada reasoned with the woman in front of him. She was in her 40s and her husband was an alcoholic and abused her and their two daughters. He was from a first class high society family and could buy off anyone he wanted. What has this world come to, he though irritated. He was never good at talking to people but because of his profession he had become more fluent. He liked to keep his thoughts for himself and express as little as possible, but that was a long time ago, he had changed. He had matured. He was 25 years old and had a good future ahead of him. He wondered what his life would have been like if he never followed Niou's idea as crazy as it sounded back then. He looked at the woman in front of him and felt sorry for her. Yes, he had a good life, even living and working with his perky old friend Niou Masaharu. At least he was lucky to have him by his side.

At another part of Tokyo

"So, I guess you left poor Sanada to do all the work, again?" Yagyuu said with a half smile.

"Umm…I guess so!" Niou answered smirking. "I am full. This is a very nice restaurant Hiroshi," he said looking around the luxurious room.

"Well, my uncle owns it and I come often here, the food is amazing," Yagyuu said with a small tone of pride in his voice. "Masaharu…" He looked at his former doubles partner "I am getting married and I would like you to be my best man," he finally said with a smile.

"Hiroshi. I am impressed. Of course I would be your best man. I could help your wife get through all those lonely nights when you are away at your golf tournaments…Ouch…" He felt a growing pain in his foot. Yagyuu had kicked him out of reflex when he heard Niou's teasing

"I was only kidding Hiroshi. Congratulations!" he added with a grin.

"Thank you Masaharu. Please don't tell Sanada yet, I will announce it at the dinner party I will have next week," Yagyuu said quietly. He looked at Niou and saw him grinning like a small kid. It was amazing that he could look so innocent, knowing that the wheels in Niou's head never seized to work, it was a scary feeling.

Later on….at the boy's apartment

"Sanada… I see you have been busy," Niou said dryly as he plopped himself on the beige couch that looked so out of place in their light mustard small living room.

"How was your lunch with Yagyuu?" Sanada said, not looking at Niou, but was busying himself with paperwork he brought with him from work. Leaving his pen and leaning backwards on his chair he looked at Niou's figure slouched on the couch. "You know, we should change the color of the walls. It's to depressing," he muttered. "I am tired," he whispered to no one in particular.

"Want to play a set?" Niou said looking to his side to meet Sanada's eyes that were fixed on him. Looking at Sanada he realized that his friend was very stressed. Sanada was a loner, and he would never express his feelings to anyone, he would live with all his problems, frustrations and emotions building up inside him, that's why he looked so….untouchable! Yes, that was the word that described Sanada as a person. He remembered that a couple of years ago Sanada was dating a woman that he fell in love with. They were still in University were they met, they had a great relationship but at the end she threw him out her life, just like that for no reason what so ever. That hurt Sanada very much, he never saw his friend so devastated before. Sanada had promised never to let another woman to get so close to his heart ever again, that's why Niou could never fix him up with any of the women he knew. Sanada did not want to evolve himself in a relationship, at least not so soon, that's why he had turned in to an addictive workaholic.

"Why not! The loser gets cleaning duties for the weekend," Sanada said as he got up from his chair and walked to his room to change into pants and a light sweater. They had chosen this small apartment refusing to get a bigger, only because there was a court right across the street opposite their apartment.

Walking towards the courts silently they warmed up lightly and started playing a set. Nothing had changed in their tennis skills; they were as sharp as ever. Neither Niou nor Sanada ever wanted to pursue a career in tennis, such as Yukimura and some other acquaintances had, they always wanted to do something to be able to help the people around them, in their community, society, town. Both in their own unique way.

"6 games to 5. Sanada it's your turn to serve," Niou yelled while taking deep breaths to ease his puffing. Sanada served an ace with his invisible swing. "This game wins the match," he said breathing hard after all the effort he had put in this game.

They continued to rally for another half hour until…."6 games all." Niou called out and they both went to the bench to rest.

"So, who won?" Sanada asked while he was drying himself up from the sweat.

"Don't know. I guess we both get to do the cleaning this weekend," Niou replied with a grin.

"Great!" said Sanada groaning "Lets go, we have an early morning tomorrow." Saying that, he took his things and walked out of the court, with one thought in his mind…a warm bath to clean up and let the water take his remaining stress down the drain.

"Goodnight Masaharu!" Sanada said while waving his hand at Niou and then entered his room.

"Goodnight Gennichirou!" Niou said while entering his own room…

Fay whirled in her bed. She had been awake for almost an hour, but decided to be lazy. She didn't need to be at work early today. It was Saturday and she had to work the afternoon shift and then go with Aya to 'VOX' where her friend would perform. Aya had started to sing at 'VOX' the last couple of months and she really enjoyed listening to her friend sing. She was not talented as Aya but she was devoted to her goals. That's why she took night classes for her major in Business Management. She sighed the minute she thought of the profession she wanted to follow, there was serious competition in that circle of jobs, but she would make it, she was not a quitter, she was strong enough to make it to the top.

With that thought in mind she got off of bed and went to have a shower to wake up.

"Good morning sleepy-head!" Aya said when she saw Fay's head peek out of the corner.

"Morning babe," Fay answered in her usual brisk tone "What you're doing?" she inquired sitting herself at the table knowing that Aya had just made breakfast. How could she not know, it smelled from miles away. Although Fay was never a breakfast person, she did enjoy the humble breakfast her friend made.

"Well, here you go. Scrambled eggs!" Aya gave Fay a plate. "It's better than nothing," she muttered seeing Fay's expression. She sat opposite Fay and munched on her breakfast. I wonder why she doesn't like breakfast;

"So, what time should I come by the store to pick you up? You are still coming, right?" Aya asked, looking at Fay eating.

"Of course I am coming, you know I would never miss your performances at 'VOX' right?" she answered cheerfully "I wonder what I should wear tonight? By the way you should wear something other than jeans and a tank-top," Fay said to Aya in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

"Umm, you know I was thinking the same thing. But you know me; at the end I will still wear my comfy jeans," Aya giggled.

Fay let out a sigh; her friend didn't have the best dressing sense in the world. She would cling on to those jeans as if she had no other clothes to wear.

"Whatever! I really can not deal with you when it comes to dressing up," Fay said picking the dishes up and started to wash them. "What time does the show start?"

"At 8 pm but I am at slot No.7, what time do you finish?" Aya walked to the door of her room and stopped "Is it ok if we change at the store?"

"Yeah, it will be ok. Besides I will ask Kumiko-san to lend us some clothes for tonight," Fay said, drying her hands with a cloth. "I will make sure u look good tonight. It's time to get you a boyfriend," she said with a wink at a bewildered Aya.

"I don't need you to find me a boyfriend. And surely I don't need to dress up to sing either," said Aya blushing furiously and feeling embarrassed.

"Whatever." That was all Fay said and entered her room leaving Aya still looking at her. They both had been hurt by boyfriends in the past, that's why they didn't like meeting allot of guys. Fay remembered the time when Aya was dumped by her boyfriend, well dumped isn't the best word but it was close. He wasn't a bad guy. But he had promised to love her forever and that only lasted seven months. 'Forever', she thought, it was only a word that people would use in a moment of joy or despair to hold on to something, but at the end it was just a word. Her experience with men wasn't fruitful either. Her last boyfriend of three years ago had been cheating on her for quite a while. Niwa Tetsuya. He was the most gorgeous creature she had ever seen, she had fallen in love with him instantly. They had met after a couple of weeks at a friend's dinner party and clicked right away. They were together for almost a year, when one day she walked in on him making love to his best friend. She couldn't believe the scene in front of her eyes, she run out of the building and went straight to Aya. She remembered she had cried for a long time and Aya would never leave her side, she had thanked her lucky Goddess for bringing Aya to her life.

"That was a long time ago," she said to herself and started cleaning her room.

After the end of that relationship she had gone totally wild for the next 12 months until Aya had argued with her and she finally made a promise to herself never to let a guy get so close to her. At that moment her phone rung and snapped her out of her reverie.

"Where the hell have you been?" she said picking up the phone, she had checked the caller ID and knew it was Arisa.

"Well, hello to you too girlfriend," Arisa said cheerfully, "You seem to be in a grumpy mood today. Its Saturday, how come you are in such a sunshine so early in the morning;" She said laughing.

"You got me in this lovely mood. Its one week before Christmas and you said you would call a week ago to let us know if you guys are coming." Fay complained sitting on the edge of her bed.

"I am sorry about that love, but we were busy with some stuff. We found a Law-firm that would look into Yuushi's case. And we will come back on Wednesday to meet with them and spend the Christmas holidays with you guys," Arisa said in one breath not losing her cheerful tone. "We will go to a hotel near to your apartment and we will spend as much time as possible together. I have missed you guys so much!"

"We have missed you too Piglet!" Fay giggled, she was happy to know that they wouldn't spend Christmas alone "Why don't you guys stay with us? I know our apartment is small but you could stay in my room and I could stay with Aya. I know she wouldn't mind as long as we had you guys here."

"Umm, I will talk to Yuushi about it and get back to you on that. How is Aya?" Arisa asked. She and Aya were most of the times on bad terms but they loved each other. They had to or else Fay would go ballistic on them. Arisa giggled to herself.

"She is great. Tonight she is singing at 'VOX'. Maybe you guys will see her perform when you come. She is really doing well," Fay said proudly.

"I am glad to hear that. I tried to call her before I call you but her phone was closed. Give her my love and best of luck for tonight. So…Fay, any new love interest?" Arisa asked briskly, she was in the mood for gossip and she knew that Fay wouldn't let her down. It was true that Fay hated to gossip but she would indulge Arisa because she was one of her two best friends.

"Umm, no. I haven't found anyone that would peak my interest. But I heard that Saeki got married a couple of weeks ago," she laughed at her friends squeal, "That's all I have heard on the gossip of Chiba! At the moment I am more preoccupied with finding a job at a company so I could get into the fight for the top," she laughed again at her friends groan, it was true that Arisa would never think of following a carrier like that, she wanted to be a freelancer and she had her art and Yuushi.

"Well, Yuushi has some good news for you but I will let him tell you himself when we see you next week. As for the love situation, you should look around, guys don't fall from the sky and into your arms you know!"

"I know Piglet!"

"Stop calling me that, we are not in High school anymore!" Arisa exclaimed annoyed, she never liked her nickname from their youthful days but had to go along with it. She couldn't stand Aya's mood swings.

"Oh, come on! You never did like that nickname did you?" Fay laughed and looked at the time on the clock hanging from the opposite wall. "Piglet, I have to go. Need to get ready for work. Give my love to Yuushi and lots of kisses to Kaede. You take care, ok?" Fay got up from the bed were she was sitting for the past 45 minutes talking to Arisa; she didn't want to be late for work.

"Ok! Have fun tonight! See you guys next week. Bye!" Arisa sighed and closed the phone. She would kill Aya if she heard that nickname one more time.

Somewhere in Tokyo, in another apartment

Sanada was knocking on Niou's door, but wouldn't get an answer.

"Masaharu, get up already!" he yelled again and left for the kitchen. Niou could be so difficult to wake up. He sighed, he was tired and in no mood to do anything at the moment, he made some tea and walked to the leaving room to sit on their weird colored couch. He flipped the TV on and run through the channels to find something interesting. He left it on a sports channel and leaned his back in to the couch. Although the color was weird and didn't match the room it was very comfortable. He tilted his head backwards and rested it on the back of the couch as to be able to look at the ceiling. These last few weeks it was all he could do to keep his thoughts focused. He was aware of how much he had changed in the past 5 years. He was so serious and strict, he wouldn't say much, he was always a loner and never would let his emotions or feelings get to him. He never liked to be or feel weak either. But that was another Sanada Gennichirou, someone that lived a different life than his. It was true what his family had told him; that people change. Now he couldn't recognize himself, he was different, he would talk more, let his emotions flow through him and was feeling the loneliness get to him. He didn't like that feeling, it made him weak. He sighed; he wondered when he started to change, so much that he didn't know himself anymore. It was after he had met her, the woman he had fallen in love with in his University years. She had been great and it was the first time he had felt complete, but one day, suddenly she just gave him the cold shoulder and run off to marry some big shot. That had hurt him, it was the first time he noticed how lonely he was all those years when he wouldn't let himself get carried away from all those girls at school. He groaned.

"Thinking about how wonderful life is?" Niou peeked from behind him smirking as usual.

"Niou, do not do that again. I might hit you next time. And I will feel good about it too!" Sanada said dryly to his friend that sat in a chair on his right drinking his coffee. Niou had picked up smoking in their senior year of High school, but since they started living together he had quit. He was forced to quit, it was on Sanada's NOT to do list.

"I couldn't help it. So…What were you thinking?" Niou said cheerfully as nothing had happened.

"Oh! Nothing. Just some stuff!"

"As much as you have changed, you still are a stone when it comes to proper communication!" Niou said dryly sipping his coffee.

Sanada didn't answer; he just looked at Niou from the corner of his eye.

"I hope you didn't forget that we are going out tonight, right?" Niou said as he started flipping the channels to find some anime to watch.

"I didn't forget. But I don't want you to bring any weird women to meet us." Sanada sat up and drunk his tea. It had gotten cold, but he didn't mind. He got up and head for the kitchen. Niou didn't follow him; he just sat there waiting for Sanada to come back.

"I will meet Yukimura for lunch. What are you going to do Masaharu?" Sanada asked as he made his way back to the leaving room.

"I think I will just do some work." He said indifferently.

"Work?" Sanada asked raising his eyebrow a bit surprised "You hardly work all other days, and you are going to work on a Saturday?"

"Yup. I got an excellent case I need to look at. Besides it's of an old acquaintance," Niou replied watching Naruto on the TV.

"Acquaintance?" Sanada repeated thoughtfully. He wondered who from his circle of friends might have a problem that they needed a lawyer's help. "Who?" was his simple question.

"Oshitari Yuushi!"

"Oshitari Yuushi?" he asked again thinking he heard wrong.

"Yes. Apparently he had an affair back in High school and ended up with a baby. His girlfriend at that time just left him with the baby and took off and now she is back claiming her daughter," Niou answered switching of the TV.

"But he could afford some high class lawyer, why did he come to us? And why did you accept?" Sanada asked dryly looking at the file that Niou gave him. Oshitart was a teenage father? He would have never thought it to be possible.

"Well, no one wants to take his case because the judge will probably give the girl back to its mother."

"That doesn't answer my question on why you took this case." Sanada eyed Niou carefully.

"You know me Gennichirou. I like getting back at the system. Besides he is in a circle of High Class society that could benefit us if we win this case," Niou said pleasantly.

"Did it ever cross your mind that we might not win the case? I wouldn't think it did!" Sanada said irritated.

"Oh, come on Sanada. We have nothing to lose but a lot to gain from this case. We need and will win this case," Niou said taking the file from Sanada to start working on the case.

Getting up from the couch Sanada headed for his room. "Ok, Masaharu! I will concede to this. Now I will go and get dressed to meet Yukimura." Standing at the door of his room; "What time should we go to 'VOX' tonight?"

"The show starts at 8 pm; it would be good to be there at around 9 pm. The good singers come out around that time," Niou said indifferently reading the case file. When Oshitari had called his office and asked if he would be able to help him, Niou didn't want to get involved with him. But after Oshitari explained his problem, he changed his mind. He thought that he should try and help him, not for the sake of him but for his little daughter. To Niou it always seemed that justice was not blind but was blinded by men because of their greedy intentions. So, he decided to follow a carrier in Law only to try and make some things right. He had changed. He had matured. Although he kept his usual perky and tricky character around people, he knew he had changed. He was more serious in his job, even when Sanada complained that he didn't work much. Sanada complaining, he thought still reading the file. It was true, Sanada had changed too, he could see it and he could feel it.

"Whatever," he muttered to himself snapping out of his thoughts and concentrating on the case in hand.

"I am going Masaharu. See you later," Sanada said leaving the apartment.

"Yeah! Say hi to buchou for me," Niou called out so that Sanada would hear him, he must have spaced out in his thoughts for a while.

Downtown Tokyo, at "Kenza" store

"Kumiko-san, thank you so much for these clothes; You are the greatest," Fay said cheerfully holding two pairs of hangers for each girl.

"You are more than welcome Fay. You don't need to give them back to me. Take them as gift from me," Kumiko said smiling full-heartedly to the young girl in front her. She loved the girls very much. She had lived her life mostly alone; she was not married and had no kids. But when Fay walked in to the store and asked for a job, no, the right word would be 'demanded' a job, she had fallen for the briskly girl and her quiet friend. Those two together made a perfect pair, two totally opposite people that fitted so well together. That's why she decided to be like an elder sister to both girls.

"You know, I doubt that Aya would wear that beautiful skirt. She is such a tomboy," Fay giggled fixing some clothes on a hanger.

"Well, that's why I gave you a jeans skirt. She might feel comfortable if its jeans. Besides, once she falls in love she will change into a woman." Kumiko reasoned playing with her pen while looking at a new employees CV.

"Umm, if I recall correctly, it was falling in love that turned her into a tomboy in the first place," Fay laughed. She walked to another counter to fix some tops and check if they needed some more of those items displayed.

"Really? Must have been heart-broken then," Kumiko replied looking at Fay carefully. "And you my dear, have you been heart-broken?" she asked softly.

Fay stopped what she was doing and thought for a moment before she answered "It was a long time ago. I have moved on." She turned and faced Kumiko with a bright smile "I am sure that my lady-luck will send someone nice and charming into my arms."

Kumiko had to smile to that declaration "I am happy to see that you are over that. That's why I chose that dress for you. I know how much you love to look nice on outings," Kumiko said returning to do her previous job.

At a restaurant in Kanagawa

"Well Sanada, how is life with Niou?" Yukimura smiled eyeing his friend carefully. "You look tired. Is he causing you trouble?" he said softly.

"No. Niou is just Niou. It's true though, I am tired," Sanada said solemnly, folding his hands in front of him.

"And the reason is?" Yukimura asked still looking at Sanada carefully.

Sanada sighed, he couldn't lie to Yukimura; Tthey were best friends since Junior High. "I am just emotionally stressed. That's all." He pushed his plate away and sipped his wine not looking at Yukimura.

"Gennichirou," Yukimura said softly, "You need to get out of that shell you have clamped yourself in and live life to the fullest. Forget your loneliness, and don't let Masaharu find women for you, the man has absolutely not taste in women." Yukimura sat back in his chair and rested his hands on his thighs never averting his eyes from Sanada.

"Seiichi, I have not clamped myself in any shell," Sanada said seriously.

Yukimura laughed "Is that all you heard from what I said Gennichirou?" he sipped his wine never breaking his eye contact. "Seriously, in some ways you are still the same," he said laughing.

"I don't see were the fun is Seiichi. You first insult me and then laugh at me," Sanada said annoyed at his friend's teasing. He knew Yukimura was only teasing him but, as Seiichi said, in some ways he was still the same.

Still laughing at his friend's antics, "Should I repeat what I said so that you would stop being such a grouch?"

"Seiichi!" Sanada narrowed his eyes at Yukimura.

"Do you know what you need Gennichirou? A woman!" Yukimura said cheerfully. Sanada just stopped functioning once his friend mentioned that.

"It's obvious that you are feeling lonely Gennichirou. You have a good job, a crazy roommate and a bright future. I know that and you know that. But we both also know that you are so emotionally stressed because you are letting that loneliness get to you. Do something about it. There is no way that you will find a woman by doing nothing. The Heavens won't open up and drop a woman in your arms Gennichirou. You have to fight for your happiness and get rid of that loneliness in your heart," Yukimura said smiling, but something in that smile made Sanada think twice about complaining to Yukimura again.

"I will consider your advice Seiichi," he responded slowly "I will be alright. It's the holiday season I guess. Christmas is only a week away."

"How will you spend your Christmas holiday Gennichirou?" Yukimura inquired softly.

"With my family!" was Sanada's answer.

At "Kenza" store

Fay was in front of the glass door of the store with her hands crossed looking not very happy!

"You are late," Fay said irritated.

"I am so sorry Fay. But I got held up at work. Please open. It's cold." Aya pouted. She didn't mean to be late but they decided to have a meeting as she was walking out of the building, so she had to turn back and attend the meeting.

"I will forgive you, only because you are singing tonight," Fay said and opened the door to let Aya in. "You could have called you know. I was worried. It's late and it's not safe to wond….." Fay stopped suddenly because Aya hugged her tightly.

"Thank you for worrying for me sweetie," Aya whispered softly to Fay's ears.

Fay hugged Aya back. "Of course Poo Bear, you are all I have," she whispered relieved that Aya was alright. "Now, let's get dressed," she smiled devilishly.

"Fay, the look on your face is scaring me," Aya said and followed Fay at the back of the store.

"You will wear this outfit," Fay said in her usual briskly way.

Aya stood shocked looking at the outfit. It wasn't extreme…It was…a jeans skirt! Aya never thought that she would be in a spot were she would not be able to escape. This was the devil's work she thought. "I hope you are not serious. Why would you get me a jeans skirt?" she inquired as normal as possible.

Fay grinned, "It wasn't me. Kumiko-san chose this outfit. So, you have to wear it. You wouldn't want to upset her right?" she gave the hanger to Aya. "Change!" she ordered.

Aya took the hanger and looked at the outfit, it was nice, it was a jeans skirt at knee-length with a purple/blue top. The top covered only one arm and was tight around Aya's body. She looked at herself when she finished dressing up and really loved the outfit. She was thankful that Kumiko had chose a jeans skirt for her. She turned around to look at Fay "Uwaahhh…You look gorgeous," Aya said happily.

"Thank you Poo, so do you," Fay answered smiling proudly. Fay always had a good sense in dressing, it came natural, she was a woman after all. A gorgeous woman to be accurate; A little vanity never killed anyone she thought and giggled. She looked at the mirror in the storage room and was pleased with herself. Kumiko had given her a dress just below the knees; it was tight at the bust line and around her waist but it would fall slightly frizzy on the bottom part. It was black with red splashes here and there and the top finished with one of the arms covered. Fay was always beautiful and had a great figure that most women would kill to have. But this dress made her look like a Goddess.

"Oh! My gosh Fay, the dress is wonderful and you look…I would say extravagant, but still the word is not enough to match your beauty," Aya said with eyes wide opened.

"Thank you babe. Now let's get going because you will miss your turn and I don't want to miss hearing you sing," Fay said as she wore her coat.

After locking the store and walking towards 'VOX' Fay looked at Aya and smirked "You know Poo, Kumiko, gave me another outfit so you could decide between the two. It was a jeans and tank-top," she giggled at the look Aya gave her.

"You are joking right?" Fay did not answer. "Honestly Fay, I have trouble liking you right now," Aya said pretending to be annoyed.

"Oh come on Aya, do not be like that. I am only looking out for you. Who knows, you might meet the man of dreams today," Fay replied dreamingly, hugging Aya's arm.

"At 'VOX'? Do you seriously think I will find the man of my dreams in a place like 'VOX'?" Aya asked sighing at her friends antics.

"Why not?" Fay argued. "I honestly have a good feeling about tonight.

"Whatever." Aya rolled her eyes and continued walking.

Back at the apartment

"Sanada, are you ready?" Niou called outside Sanada's room.

Sanada opened the door and glared at Niou, who smirked the moment he saw him, "Well don't you look dashing. Are you in the mood for some flirting?" Niou asked teasingly. He still enjoyed annoying Sanada to no end.

"Let's go." Sanada said dryly. He was in no mood to actually pay intention to his friend at the moment. He had made a decision. He would try and live his life to the fullest and give women the benefit of a doubt. There has to be someone only for me, and I will find that one person destined to be with me; he thought, before I lose my chance. Yukimura's speech, no lecture, had that effect on him.

"Oh! How sad. You are ignoring me Gennichirou. But I assume that whatever Yukimura told you, it had some effect on you," Niou said walking beside Sanada "But you will never find a woman with that frown on your face." Sanada looked at Niou through the corner of his eye but Niou ignored him.

"Let's just have fun," Sanada said softly.