DING DONG

"I'm coming. I'm coming." Yawned Aya walking to the door; I wonder who it is at this hour. She yawned; I wonder what time it is? She stopped and looked at the clock on the side-table in the doorway. She gasped when she saw that the time was already 11:30 am. She opened the door and froze yawning!

"Oh! Sorry." Sanada blushed as he saw Aya in her Pooh Bear pajamas at the door.

"Sanada-san!" she whispered shocked. "What are you doing here?"

"Merry Christmas." He looked straight at her face, a light hint of blush on his face. "We agreed to have brunch today before lunch."

"Oh! Merry Christmas and I'm sorry." She pushed her tongue out and scratched the back of her head smiling brightly, "Please come in." Damn it! I forgot that we were going to meet today?!

He walked in the apartment and they went to sit in the kitchen since the living room was occupied.

"Was someone sleeping in the living room?" Sanada asked as he looked at the sheets and pillow on the couch.

"Umm… No one important," Aya said indifferently, not paying attention to Sanada's question, "Coffee or Tea?"

"Tea, please." He sat at the kitchen table "Is he a relative?"

Aya stopped and looked at him smiling. "Fat chance. He is Fay's ex-boyfriend. We met him at the party we went to yesterday and he brought us home," she replied handing him his tea.

"Didn't you tell me that she was driving when we spoke last night?" He bowed his head lightly as a thank you for the tea.

"Well, she was in no state to drive and now that you mention it, I have to find a way to get her car back." She placed her finger on her lower lip. "Oh well! I will think about that later." She smiled sweetly at him, "Would you like some cake with your tea?"

"No, thank you. I am fine with just tea," he said softly.

"Would you mind if I go change?" She blushed. I'm such an idiot for forgetting my brunch date with him.

"No, I will be fine."

Aya left him and went to have a shower. She changed into her everyday clothes and walked out of her room. Before going to the kitchen she took a peek at the living room to make sure Niwa was still sleeping.

Oh! That's weird. He is probably in the kitchen, she thought absentmindedly. She strolled to the kitchen and saw that Sanada was all alone.

"Umm… Didn't Niwa come here?" she asked, looking around.

"Niwa?" He looked at her puzzled.

"Oh! That's odd…" she whispered. "I hope he… if he has… argh… I am going to kill him," she said and stomped off to Fay's room. "Come with me so I don't kill him!"

Sanada stood up without any questions and followed Aya.

They opened the door to Fay's room and froze.

Aya gasped at the scene. She covered her mouth to stop the squeal from leaving her mouth and she stood frozen shocked. She even felt Sanada stiffen next to her when he saw Fay on her bed soundly asleep with Niwa next to her.

Aya looked at Sanada and saw his eyes shocked. "Sanada…"

He shook his head. "I'm disappointed."

"I'm disappointed too, Sanada," she said softly.

"I didn't expect her to…"

'Not disappointed in Fay, Sanada!" Aya snapped, walking over to the dead two bodies. She held the side of the bed sheet that covered them and with one quick move, removed it off them. "I'm disappointed in YOU for thinking that Fay would sleep with this piece of crap," she said, making him realize that the two sleeping on the bed were fully dressed.

"I can hear, you know," Niwa muttered groggily.

Fay stirred and held onto her head. "My head hurts. Oh my head…"

Aya helped Fay up and glared at Niwa. 'You've over welcomed your stay, get out now," she said harshly, helping Fay sit up. Aya rubbed her back gently, noticing that Fay was in pain.

Niwa swore softly and did as he was told after washing up.

Aya helped Fay lay down on her bed and hugged her. "Get some rest, ok?" she said quietly. She walked out, after covering Fay and looked at Sanada. "Could you please watch over her? It's too late for us to go for brunch, I'm sorry. I have to finish some stuff now that I had planned for after our meeting."

"It's alright," he said, smiling at her. "At least I got to wish you a Merry Christmas,"

Aya blushed and hugged him lightly. "Since you're in a great mood, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Tell me."

"Can you watch over her while I get my things done? I hope I'm not imposing this on you, but I don't want to leave her alone," Aya said softly,

"I can only stay for an hour, Aya. I need to go to my parents for lunch after that."

"Umm… Can you take her with you?" she said. "She'll start feeling horrible if she wakes up and is left alone. Please just take her with you and then we'll pick her up. Haru has to see his sister, so he agreed to have a late lunch with Fay and me later."

"Oh… So they're finally going to see each other?" he asked, Masaharu's been ignoring her for sometime now…

"Yes?"

"I see. What about her family?" he asked.

"We are her family. The last time she saw her parents was in the stone age…" she muttered bitterly. "I don't want to leave her alone on this day because she gets hurt easily. Also, I am sure that this is the reason why she drank so much last night."

"I… I… Umm…" He looked at Fay's sleeping form. "I guess I could take her with me." He sighed. I have never taken a woman back home in my entire life… I'm sure this will shock the family… He sighed again because he knew he was in a dilemma.

"Thank you so much Sanada-san." Aya moved close and kissed him on the cheek. They both blushed. "Umm… I will call you later Sanada-san. Oh!" she ran out of the room and came running in again. "This is for you. Merry Christmas."

Sanada took the gift from Aya and just nodded "Merry Christmas to you too."

After what seemed like forever Aya smiled, "Well, I should be going then." Then turned and left. Why didn't he kiss me, she thought sadly, does he not like me? She left with that thought.


Sanada studied Fay as she slept. She was sleeping on her side peacefully with her hair framing her face. He looked at his watch and let out a sigh. He didn't want to disturb her sleep, but he knew he was running out of time. He moved out of the chair and stood up, stretching his arms. Gently placing his hand on her shoulder, he shook her. "Mishima-san?"

"Hmm…" she whispered, stirring.

He smiled at how comfortable she looked and shook her again. "Fay?" he called, using her first name.

She blinked and looked at him. Without thinking, she immediately sat up, but groaned, holding onto her head at the sudden rush of movement. "Oh…"

He held her hand, but to his surprise she slapped it away. "Don't touch me," she snapped angrily.

He blinked taken aback by her action.

Fay held onto her head, swearing softly and glared at him. "You thought I slept with him," she accused. "How could you think so low of me?!"

"I thought you were sleeping!" She heard me?!

"I was drunk! Not deaf!" she yelled, standing up, but she lost her balance and he held her.

"Easy."

Fay hit his shoulder. "How could you think so low of me?" she whispered, hitting him again. "How? How? How?" she repeated, tears in her eyes.

He held her tight and rubbed the back of her hair. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "I am sorry, I didn't… I wasn't thinking," he said, sitting on the chair and she fell onto his lap. "I wasn't thinking."

Fay moved closer and put her head on his chest. "I hate you for thinking that," she admitted. "What if Aya never pulled the covers, you would've thought…" she clutched the front of his shirt. "I'm not that easy."

He put both of his arms around her and nodded. "No, you're not."

Fay relaxed in his arms and allowed for the warm feeling to sweep through. She looked up at him and realized that his face was only inches away. So close, yet so far away, she thought, moving her thumb across his lips.

He actually leaned forward a bit and they almost kissed, but both of them instantaneously moved away.

Fay pouted and looked down, still in his arms. I could never do that to Aya, never. She didn't want to leave, but got off and hugged herself. "It's best that you leave," she said quietly. "I'm going to spend the day in bed."

"Won't you join me for a Christmas lunch?"

Fay looked at him suspiciously. "Excuse me?"

"I'm having lunch with my parents and Aya had to leave," he explained. "I'd like you to join me. It's not nice spending Christmas on your own."

Fay waved her hand with a shrug. "I'll live."

"I'm serious," he said, standing up. "I would hate to leave you here all by yourself."

"Yeah… Yeah…" she mumbled, looking away.


Downtown Tokyo

Aya was walking to the grocery store when her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"I told you to call and tell me want happened when you left," Arisa demanded from the other line of the phone.

Aya rolled her eyes. "Merry Christmas to you too sweetie," she simply said.

"Oh yeah! Merry Christmas!" squealed Arisa. "Now tell me the juicy news."

"Arisa, I am going to the grocery store, do you mind if we talk later?" Aya answered dryly as she entered the store.

"Umm... I guess. Please give my love to Fay."

"Yeah. Say hi to Yuushi and Kaede. Love ya." She sighed and closed her phone; she did her shopping all the while thinking that maybe Sanada was not interested in her.


In Sanada's car

They were driving mostly in silence; Fay had a habit of singing the songs she liked when they played on the radio. Sanada had a light smile on his face every time she sang to one of those childish tunes.

"You know I can see you smile." She looked at him cheerfully, feeling better already "I know I am off-key, but I do enjoy singing." She looked outside from her window "Where are we going exactly?"

He looked at her amused; there was no awkwardness between them the moment they got into the car. "First, I didn't complain about your singing. Second, we are going to Kanagawa. That's where I lived all my life."

"Umm... Kanagawa, huh? I've never been there before," Fay said thoughtfully.

"Did you always live in Tokyo?" He stopped at a red light, and changed the radio station while waiting.

"No... We grew up in Chiba. We went to Rokkaku Junior and High school there." She slapped his hand away from the radio. "That's my favorite radio station. Stop staring, green light. Go!" she said teasingly.

"Umm... you are a bossy woman."

"Oh! I didn't know that you could joke." She poked his arm. "I thought you were too serious."

"I am serious, but try living with Masaharu for 5 years. You are bound to get infected."

They drove the rest of the way while Fay teased him endlessly, until they reached their destination.

They arrived at Sanada's house after another hour.

"Is this your home?" Fay asked looking at a traditional house with a large garden and another traditional building on the left side of the main house. "It's huge!"

"Its ok, I guess. That building over there is our doujo." He pointed to the building on the left.

"Dojo? You learn martial arts? I thought you played tennis." she asked, looking around excited. She never saw a traditional house as beautiful as this before.

"I have been studying martial arts since I was four, but my passion is tennis," he said and motioned her towards the gates.

"So, who will be here?"

"My parents, grandfather and brother," he said and motioned for her to walk forward.

Fay glued her feet to the ground. "Are you sure I won't be intruding?" She blushed and smiled sheepishly.

Sanada took her hand in his and pulled her lightly to follow him. "Yeah. It's alright." He opened the door and led her inside. They took off their shoes and he took her coat and hung it. Fay wore the slippers that where offered to her and looked around stunned. It was a beautiful house, made all in wood.

"Oh! Genichirou you came," said a smiling lady, dressed in a beautiful pale green yukata. "Oh! And you have company too." She continued delighted. "Hello, nice to meet you. I am Genichirou's mother." She bowed politely.

"Oh! Nice to meet you too Sanada-san," Fay said sweetly, bowing back in respect.

"Oh! How sweet. She is cute Gen-chan," Sanada Akiko teased her younger son. "Why don't you take her upstairs so she could put on something more appropriate for dinner?" She bowed again. "Please excuse me."

"Your mom is so sweet. I like her." Fay piped up excited "What did she mean by 'something more appropriate'?" She looked at him puzzled.

Sanada scratched his chin. "I didn't think about that," he said thoughtfully. "We are a very traditional family; my Grandfather and father are very strict on some things. You need to wear a yukata for dinner." He looked at her with a straight face.

"A what? I have never worn a yukata in my life before. Well, maybe when I was seven for the Shichi-Go-San festival, but never again. I don't know how to wear one," she admitted, embarrassed.

"Wait here." He left her standing by the stairs.

After a few minutes, Sanada Akiko came and took Fay to her room to give her a yukata from her closet. The room was big enough and had two futon on one side of the room, some furniture here and there and a big wall-closet on the other side, which was opposite the window of the room.

Fay looked at the yukata offered to her and was stunned by its beauty. The yukata was light grey overall and was adorned with small sakura flowers of white and light pink color.

"This is so beautiful. I couldn't wear this," Fay said sheepishly. "I don't want to ruin it."

"It is a beautiful yukata, I agree. It will suite you perfectly," The older woman said smiling warmly. "Besides, you are the first girl Gen-chan has ever brought home." She chuckled lightly "It would be an honor for us if you wore that."

Fay blushed furiously "Tha… thank you for that Sanada-san, but… but I am not Sanada's… girlfriend." She looked away embarrassed.

"Oh! Is that so?" Sanada Akiko laughed. "My son wouldn't bring a girl, oh! Sorry… woman I mean if he wasn't serious about her."

"No… no… he is dating… my best friend," Fay said, waving her hands franticly in front of her. "We are just…friends!" She sighed. Why does the word "friends" echo as a hollow sound when I say it?

Sanada Akiko looked at her amused. "Let me help you put the yukata on," she said smiling sweetly. "I will get you some underwear."

Fay sighed again, she is so sweet I could love her as a real mother, she thought while her fingertips were brushing over the silk yukata, I guess Aya is very lucky.

A few minutes later, Fay was looking at herself on a full-body mirror. She couldn't believe that she looked so beautiful in the yukata; I wonder how I will look like in a kimono.

"You look beautiful my dear," The older woman said placing her hands on Fay's shoulder and looked at the image in the mirror with a warm smile. "I am so proud for my son's choice."

Fay's face turned into a thousand different shades of red and looked away from the mirror. She felt the older woman leave her and she looked back at her image on the mirror. She gasped when she saw Sanada's reflection behind hers as he looked at her intensely with a warm smile on his face. It was the same smile she saw on his mother a few minutes ago.

"You look beautiful," Sanada said softly, not taking his eyes away from Fay's reflection on the mirror.

Fay turned around and smiled sheepishly. "Thank you Sanada." She moved closer to him. "Your mother is very kind for letting me wear this beautiful yukata." She smiled embarrassed.

Sanada cupped her face with his hands and moved closer to her. He leaned slowly down and their eyes were locked into a trance. Fay slowly moved closer to him and touched his hands with hers. Their faces were very close and their bodies pressed lightly into each other with their lips only centimeters away.

"Genichi… Oh! I am sorry! See you down stairs." Laughed the man who walked in on them.

When they heard the voice of the young man they both jumped away from each other flushed and embarrassed.

"I am very sorry Sanada. I… We… Please, let's forget about this," Fay pleaded softly, turning her back at him and looking down on the floor. "Please, leave and forget what happened. Its not… right… Aya… she really likes you Sanada." Fay's voice faded into a whisper.

"I am sorry." Sanada was embarrassed. He had turned his back on Fay and was looking towards the stairs. "Nothing happened, Mishima-sama." He walked away with a deep frown on his face.

How could this happen, she thought frantically as she put her hand on her chest, trying to ease her raging heartbeat, I should not let myself get carried away like this. She scolded herself mentally.

You are a jerk, Sanada thought as he walked down the stairs frowning, you have Aya, stop making a fool of yourself, he sighed loudly.


Grocery store, downtown Tokyo

After purchasing everything she needed, Aya strolled back home quietly. Her phone rang again for the second time.

She sighed and answered without looking at the caller ID. "Arisa, I told you that I'll call you later," she complained.

"I can see you are in a bad mood. Merry Christmas Aya." Niou chuckled.

"Oh! Sorry Haru-san, but I am not in the best of moods. Are you still coming over?" Aya said as she entered the now deserted apartment.

"Yeah. I'll be there in an hour. My sister canceled on me, so, do you feel like keeping me company?"

""I'm not exactly thrilled for being a last minute call, but you're fun, so why not?" she said, placing the bags on the kitchen floor.

"You're an angel," he said softly followed by a light chuckle.

She looked at the fridge and saw a tag on their message board. 'I feel like crap and I hate you for making him take me out to lunch! I'm going to kill you when I return! I love you… and oh… Merry Christmas!' Aya laughed half-heartedly, and began to get ready for her lunch with Niou.


At the Sanada residence

"Umm… I am sorry, but I am looking for Sanada-san," Fay asked the man standing in front of her with his back facing her.

He turned around and looked at her. He whistled "Well, sweetheart, in this house you should be more specific of which Sanada you are looking for." He smiled mischievously. "Are you my little brother's girlfriend, Mishima-san," he said grinning at Fay's blushing face. "I am Yosuke, nice to meet you."

Fay was looking at the man in front of her bewildered, he looks exactly like Sanada, she thought staring at the handsome youth. "Nice to meet you too, I am Mishima Fay."

"Yeah. I know who you are," he said with one hand on his chin and the other supporting it over his chest. He looked at Fay from top to bottom "Hmm…"

Fay looked at him confused, is there something wrong with me; why is he looking at me like that; she panicked. She decided to voice her questions. "Is there something wrong with me?" she asked concerned.

"Hmm…" he grinned "Nope. It seems that my brother has very good taste." He put his arm around Fay's shoulder and looked at her amused. "Who would have guessed? Daaaaad!" Sanada Yosuke called and pulled Fay to walk with him.

Sanada heard his brother call his father in a manner that reminded him of a small child calling his father to show him what he discovered. I hope Fay is doing alright, he sighed trying to wear his own yukata, Oniisan can be a handful.

Oh my gosh! He is the opposite of Sanada! What do I do? Fay tried to reason with herself inwardly.

"Dad. This is Genichirou's girlfriend. Mishima-san. Mom probably told you already." He grinned mischievously. "Have a seat, Fay." He motioned her to sit "She is cute, isn't she?" he nudged at his father.

"Oh! You met Yousuke and my husband," Sanada Akiko said to Fay as she kneeled down beside her.

"Umm… Nice to meet you Sanada-sama." Fay bowed politely at Sanada's father.

He looked at her with a stern look on his face which was deprived of any emotions as he bowed to her respectfully.

Fay just looked at him alarmed, he doesn't like me! He doesn't! Wait, I know that look… wow, Sanada takes after his father for sure, she thought looking at Sanada Kenshin. What a nice family, Yousuke and his mom are the total opposites of Sanada and his father; she kept going with her train of thoughts until she felt a warm hand on hers and looked at the source of it.

"Would you like to help me in the kitchen dear?" the older woman said with the same warm smile on her face.

"Umm… Sure. I would love too Sanada-san," Fay said just as warmly.

"Aha… so that was the Sanada-san you were looking for," Sanada Yosuke said cheerfully and winked at Fay. Fay just looked at him flabbergasted and he just waved at her as if she was leaving. She stood up and felt her knees numb but didn't want to show that she was not used to the kneeling position. She walked slowly behind the older woman since she was not used to walk on traditional shoes either.

I feel like I am an out of place item in the house.

"My dear do not be frightened by Genichirou's dad, he is a very good man, just very strict that's all. Gen-chan is a lot like him. You-chan on the other hand is the exact opposite." She smiled and poured some tea for her and Fay. "I am very sorry that you have to wear a yukata. I believe that Gen-chan told you that we are a traditional family." She gave Fay a mug with steaming tea. "Fay, do you mind if I call you Fay?" she asked, looking at Fay.

"Please do." Fay smiled sweetly. She felt so relaxed being around the older woman that she didn't care about the honorifics or suffixes.

"Thank you my dear. I can see that you are not raised to wear yukatas and sit in the kneeling position." Fay blushed embarrassed. "It's alright my dear." The woman touched Fay's hand and gave it a light squeeze. "You seem to be a very polite and well educated lady, so it really doesn't matter if you are not raised in our ways. All I want from you is to promise me that you will always look after my baby boy."

Fay looked at the older woman startled "But… I am not… we are… he is just a friend."

Sanada Akiko laughed gently. "A woman's intuition is strong but a mother's is powerful and always right." She gave Fay a light peck on her cheek. "My son likes you Fay, and I like you."

Tears gathered in Fay's eyes from the loving words Sanada's mother spoke to her. Yes I could love her like a real mother; she thought and wiped her eyes.

"Thank you Sanada-san for making me feel like I am a part of your family." She wiped her eyes again and smiled. "I got the best Christmas present for this year. Thank you." Fay stood up and bowed respectfully to the other woman.

Sanada Akiko embraced Fay. "You can tell me all the problems you have weighing over your heart. As for my son and you, I see the most brilliant future together." She smiled warmly. "Will you help me set the table dear?"

Fay nodded smiling happily, she was feeling overwhelmed with joy, she felt lucky that she had met this family and Sanada, but could only hope for a miracle to happen so they could be together.


At the girl's apartment

"ARGH! He frustrates me!" Aya muttered, putting her glass down. She looked at Niou from the table and let out a sigh. "Am I unattractive?" she asked softly, looking at him more intensely.

Niou looked at her a bit surprised. "Unattractive? What brought this on?"

Aya pouted and sat up. "I don't know… I guess its frustration. I don't know where I stand with him," she admitted. "He hasn't kissed me or anything."

Niou frowned, rubbing his jaw. "Maybe he respects you too much."

"Oy!" she snapped, slapping his arm gently. "He respects Fay as well, but that didn't stop him."

"I wasn't aware of that little detail."

Aya looked down. "Fay would never hide something like that from me," she said quietly. "Plus, it didn't mean anything, but I think it was just unexpected so she had to let me know."

Niou didn't say anything. In fact, he was a bit speechless, no wonder they have awkward moments between them, he thought bitterly, no wonder she cut me off twice. "I'll talk to him."

"Oh, no..."

"I'll talk to him, Aya," he said, winking, maybe get him off Fay for a change.

Aya didn't say anything. 'Thank you, Haru."

Niou laughed. "This is my gift to you angel," he said, handing her a neatly wrapped package that he pulled out of his pocket.

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "PRESENT!" she squealed, holding it. She laughed and opened it. "I love it!" she said happily, taking out the bracelet he got her. It was a beautiful thin bracelet that was purely simple and silver.

He laughed again. "I got Fay the one in gold because I know she likes that color more, but I am not sure that she would take it under the circumstances we are in."

"I'm sure she will love it. I know that she will apologize to you. Fay isn't a person to be mad at someone for a long time. Umm, maybe except Niwa. Hehe…" she giggled.

He smirked, but turned serious. "Will she, Aya?"

Aya looked at him seriously and nodded. "Yes, because you bought this for her and did it yourself," she explained. "Fay has issues on this holidays, it's not the happiest for her at all."

He didn't say anything.

"It's because…"

"That's enough Aya," he said softly, interrupting her. "Let's talk about you and Sanada. I want Fay to be able to trust me; I will make her tell me why she's not happy during Christmas."

"Fay is a lucky woman then."

"And so are you, Aya," he said sincerely. "Sanada is one of the best men I know, he will take good care of you."

She blushed at that.


At the Sanada residence

"Itadakimasu." Everyone at the table said and started eating.

Fay was sitting next to Sanada Akiko and opposite Sanada. She wasn't on a kneeling position but was sitting sideways as best as she could. She was feeling a little intimidated by the presence of the Grandfather. She looked carefully towards the trio of Sanada's, Grandfather, Father and Son. They were eating quietly and had a very serious face on. She was amazed at how wonderful they looked and how intimidating too. Sanada Yosuke on the other hand was making small talk with his mother and they were both laughing.

"So, Fay. Do you like my moms food?" he laughed. "I dare you to say no."

"Fay?" Sanada asked before Fay could answer back at his brother. "When did you get on first name basis with her? You should have more respect towards a guest," He said strictly eyeing his brother. Why do I feel like I'm the older one sometimes? He thought wryly, annoyed by the way his older brother was acting.

Yosuke shrugged. "She doesn't mind, do you Fay?" He winked at her.

Fay was speechless, she felt so embarrassed. Both the Grandfather and Father had stopped eating and were looking at her. She looked away.

"Would you stop Yo-chan, embarrassing the poor girl." His mother reprimanded him softly. "Don't mind him my dear. Yosuke is just like a big baby. He is harmless," She whispered softly only for Fay's ears.

Fay looked at her smiling face and felt at ease. She smiled back and resumed eating quietly.

"So, Genichirou, this is a serious relationship I presume. It's the first time you have brought a woman to the house," The Grandfather said sternly looking at Sanada and then at Fay, who blushed.

Sanada choked on his food when his Grandfather spoke and looked at him shocked. "Mishima-san is just a good friend," He said looking at his Grandfather straight in the eyes.

"Huh? How come I walked in on you two kissing earlier?" Yosuke asked, scratching his head.

Both Sanada and Fay almost choked on their food. Fay looked up at Sanada with pleading eyes because she was embarrassed. He nodded and looked at his brother. "That was not what you saw."

"I know what I saw," Yosuke said stubbornly.

Sanada let out a sigh. "Don't start."

"Don't start what?"

"Look…"

"Enough." Said Sanada's father strictly "Yosuke, grow up. It's his right to kiss his girlfriend. Don't tease him." He looked at his eldest son with a very serious emotionless face.

"Sorry." He bowed.

Fay and Sanada both blushed at his father's words. They looked at each other and then looked away immediately. Sanada Akiko and Yousuke were both laughing softly at the two youngsters.

After dinner was done, Mother and Son went to clean the dishes while the serious trio walked to the sitting room to talk. Fay walked to the kitchen and stopped when she heard Sanada Akiko and Yousuke talking in a serious tone.

"Yo-chan, you shouldn't pick on your brother like that," The woman said seriously "Nor the girl. You shouldn't embarrass his girlfriend like that in front of your father and grandfather." She turned towards the sink. "The poor girl is all alone here. As much as I love his girlfriend, I don't understand why she is not spending the day with her family."

"She is not Gen-chan's girlfriend." Yousuke piped as he dried some glasses. "He isn't seeing anyone yet. There is a girl he likes and its Fay's best friend. Plus, she doesn't have a family, well that's what I know…"

Sanada Akiko stopped the washing and turned to look at her eldest son. "What are you talking about?" she inquired. "Did you look at them? They like each other."

"I can see that mom, but what Gen-chan told me is that he is physically attracted to Fay. He likes the other girl more." He sat at a chair. "Or at least he thinks he does. He is confused."

"Confused. Yes, he probably is. He obviously doesn't understand that he is in love with the poor girl." The older woman shook her head. "And the girl. She is so sweet. I'd love to have her as a daughter…" She turned around at the sound of broken glass.

Yosuke got up and left the kitchen. He walked in to the dinning room and found Fay on the floor trying to pick up some broken glasses. Sanada came running in the room too and walked to Fay.

"Be careful you might cut yourself," he said and helped her pick up the rest pieces.

"Ouch!" Fay let out a small cry and looked at her finger. There was blood running from a small cut.

Sanada saw Fay looking at her hand and took in his own. He looked around for something to wipe the blood with, but didn't find anything so he put her finger in his mouth to stop the bleeding. Fay was looking at him wide eyed as the tears were still staining her face. She wasn't crying about the cut, but was shocked with what the older woman had confessed to her son Yosuke. She felt such a surge of emotions thump her heart that she dropped the glasses she was holding while she burst in tears.

"Are you alright? Oh! You are crying?" he asked, startled noticing that Fay was crying.

Fay cried softly, rubbing her eyes as they stood up, pulling her hand from him. "Your mother… Your mother's so nice," she whispered. "I never knew a mother could be so nice," she admitted, looking down.

Sanada didn't know Fay's story, but he knew one thing and that something had to do with her mother always seeming to upset her. He was standing next to her in the dining room and placed his arm comfortingly around her. "Whenever you need to talk, I am here listening, ok?"

She nodded quietly, tears still falling down her cheeks as she hugged him tightly.

Neither noticed the couple that where looking at them by the kitchen entrance smiling softly at the young couple.


At the Atobe Mansion

"Sawada-san, you shouldn't have come all the way here," Atobe said, greeting her by the door, one hand in his pocket. "I could've sent it with one of my drivers."

Aya smiled and held Fay's keys up. "You didn't have her car key,"

He smiled. "That's true," he said, leaning by the door frame. "I could still have sent the driver to collect the keys, you know." He stood up straight and walked towards Aya.

Aya giggled and studied him. She was surprised that the great Atobe Keigo she has heard about was actually someone not that much older than her. "Umm…?" she said, thinking of something. "Atobe-sama, I hope this doesn't change your opinion about Fay," she asked suddenly out of the blue. The truth was that she had been worried about what he thought of Fay all night. She had hoped that she didn't jeopardize her position in the company by drinking like that. However, at the same time she knew that she didn't need to worry because Fay didn't make a fool of herself in anyway.

"I'm not that worried," he answered truthfully. "I know things happen and I imagine she's important to you guys because Yuushi called me this morning and told me the same thing."

Aya nodded. "I'm glad, and in case you're curious, she is fine." she said with a sincere smile.

His gaze softened and he smiled. "And you, Sawada-san? How have you been?"

'I am good," she said thoughtfully, her eyes glittering in the sun. "It's Christmas Day so I am happy."

"Oh yes," he agreed softly, looking up at the sky. "Do you have any plans today?" he asked out of curiosity.

Aya nodded excitedly. "Yes, I met with a friend for lunch and later tonight will see someone for dinner."

He looked at her with a deep thoughtful look. "Someone special is always nice," he murmured, rubbing his jaw.

Aya blushed and looked down at the way he had said that. "As much as that is true, he is someone special to me," she admitted. "But I'm not sure if I am yet." She coughed, looking up at him again. "And… umm, you?" she suddenly changed the subject not knowing why she had shared that information with him.

"It's just me today," he answered quietly, looking at her again. "Well… I'm sorry to have kept you, Sawada-san."

Aya hesitated, ignoring his apology. "Wait… you're spending Christmas alone?" she demanded, looking at him flabbergasted. "What is it with you people and spending Christmas alone?! You're as bad as Fay."

He looked taken aback by her shout, but composed himself. "Hmm… as bad as Fay?" he asked thoughtfully. He went quiet for a second and let out a sigh. "You need to ask yourself what we have in common then." He winked, hands in his pockets. "Anyway, it's nothing I'm not used to," he said. "Maybe one day you'll have dinner with me."

Aya frowned at the way he said that. She studied him and liked how handsome he looked, but decided not to do or say anything now. Finally, she decided that it was time to go. "Atobe-sama, I don't know the answer to that, but thank you."

Atobe nodded, eyeing her. A tomboy she was in her getup, but there was no denying the curves she possessed. He grinned and bowed lightly. "The pleasure was mine and my invitation still stands, so do consider it one time," he said, pulling out his business card from his pocket and handing it to her. With that said, he turned to leave as he saw Aya embarrassed as she walked to Fay's car.


At the Sanada residence

Fay was folding the yukata as best as she could, she couldn't remember how it was folded. She heard a knock the door of the room she was in and jumped.

"Yes? Please come in," she called softly and the door slid open.

"Hi." Yosuke walked in and sat on the floor next to the door. "I just want to say I am sorry for being a jerk today." He bowed. "I like teasing my stiff brother." Fay laughed at that.

"It's alright." She giggled. "You are a teaser, who would have guessed that there would be someone like you in this family."

He grinned widely at Fay's statement. "Well, I took it from my mother. She is a greater teaser than me. You should see her tease my dad." He laughed like a little child. "I am sorry if I embarrassed you, although neither my father nor grandfather would think badly of you."

She smiled. "Thanks for telling me that."

"They have faith in Gen-chan's choices, so they know you are a nice person." He continued in his cheerful tone looking at Fay amused as she tried to fold the yukata. "How did you two meet?"

Fay stopped what she was doing and sat back looking at him. "Well, we met at the 'VOX'. It's a bar in Tokyo. He was with a friend. Niou."

"Oh! The trickster?"

"Yeah. Anyway, he likes my friend Aya and I am currently dating Niou." a tinge of pink colored her cheeks.

"Oh! You are one confused woman." He laughed "I like Niou. But you are not for him." He continued smiling happily.

"Can I ask you one question?" Fay asked softly.

"Yeah." He nodded.

"How old are you? Sanada is 25."

"I am 29." He scratched the back of his head.

"Go figure." She rolled her eyes, and Yosuke laughed.

"I like you Mishima Fay," he said and sat up. "My brother likes you Fay, but he is a very stubborn and proud man. What he likes in Aya is her cuteness and spontaneous character. Plus, I hear she has an amazing voice, but he does not love her." He looked at her seriously. "Take some time to yourself and think about all the times you were alone with my brother, and you will see that what I am telling you is the truth." He opened the door and stepped out. "If you love your friend, try and pull him away from her, because he will only break her heart and he won't even know what he has done." Before closing the door he smiled and pointed to a paper on the floor near the door. "One last thing, I left you my phone number. Call me whenever you are in need of anything Fay-chan." He winked and closed the door behind him.

Fay was confused after everything that Yosuke told her. She couldn't help, but wonder why he opened up to her like that. She moved and picked up the paper. There was a number written on it. She put the paper in her pocket and slid open the door. She looked right and left and she noticed Sanada Akiko coming up the stairs. She blushed, but she had to do this.

"Umm… Sanada-san… could you please help me fold the yukata," she said, bowing. "I am hopeless." She apologized.

"You are not hopeless child." She laughed cheerfully. "Come, I will show you how to do it." They walked to the room to fold it. She showed Fay patiently how to do it until she was able to do it on her own. "You see. It was simple. When you fold them every day you get used to do it." She smiled warmly.

"Thank you for everything Sanada-san."

The elder woman looked at Fay and surprised herself by hugging her lightly. She wasn't woman to hug a stranger from day one, but she was getting good vibes from this woman and she sensed that Fay needed a hug. She held her and petted her hair tenderly like a mother would to her child.

Fay wiped her eyes and smiled at the woman. "I have to go now. I hope to see you again." She got up to leave.

"Fay dear, wait a minute," The woman said softly. Fay turned and looked at her puzzled. She saw her get a bag and placing the yukata and everything else in the bag and then being handed over to her. "This is yours now."

"No… no… that would be too much Sanada-san," pleaded Fay embarrassed.

"Well, I would like you to have it as a Christmas gift." Sanada Akiko smiled gently.

"But you gave me the best present I ever had in my life Sanada-san. A day with your family," Fay said emotions filling her heart and tears welling up her eyes once more.

The woman took Fay's hand and placed the bag in it. "You… my dear Fay, gave me a better gift. The gift a mother always dreams of. The dream of having a beautiful and loving daughter."

Fay was stunned and the tears rolled from her freely.

"Thank you… thank you so much." Fay whispered.

Sanada Akiko wiped Fay's tears with her hands. "Maybe one you will tell me about the pain you have in your heart dear." She smiled softly and Fay nodded smiling delightfully. "Now go before my son comes raging up to kill me for upsetting you." She grinned.

Fay looked at her bewildered. This woman had the same mischievous smile as her older son Yosuke.

"I am only teasing you dear. Yousuke probably told you so right?" she laughed.

Fay just nodded happily and left to go downstairs where Sanada was waiting for her.


On the road

Aya was thankful to leave. She didn't know what just happened between her and Atobe, but she knew that he had actually asked her out. Normally, she would've screamed I'm seeing someone else, but somehow those words never came out through her lips.

It also bothered her when he said that she needed to ask herself what he had in common with Fay. It bothered her a lot that she couldn't figure it out. She turned on the car followed by the heater.

What do Atobe Keigo and Mishima Fay have in common when it comes to Christmas? She thought annoyed. I know Fay hates Christmas with a passion, but that's because…

Oh!

Aya let out a sigh and felt sad. She knew the answer. It took her little time to realize it, but she got her answer. The answer was simple. They both hated Christmas because they were both lonely and without a family.


In Sanada's car

"Your mother."

Sanada looked at Fay as he drove and wondered what she meant.

"Your mother is very nice, Sanada," she said softly, looking down. She moved her hand smoothly over the yukata that his mother had insisted she take with her and smiled sadly. "She reminds me of everything my mother is not."

His gaze turned serious and he kept his eyes on the road. "I'm sorry to hear that, Fay," he said quietly. "However, I need you to know that you have done very well for yourself considering that you were not raised properly by your parents."

She nodded quietly, blinking her tears away. "I wish I could agree with you," she said sadly. "I am not an angel, Sanada," she admitted. "I've never gone crazy as drink like hell nor do drugs, but I've had my share of relationships and I'm not too proud of most of them."

"But you're not going crazy now, are you?"

"No," she said, shaking her head. "Why did you bring me here?"

"Aya asked me not to leave you alone."

"Why did you bring me to your home, Sanada? You've never taken anyone there before." Why did you make me feel so special today when I was actually imposing? Why was your family so nice to me? Why didn't you keep denying that we were in a relationship when we left? You sounded like you were okay with it…

He moved one of his hands and placed it gently on top of hers. "I am comfortable with you, Mishima Fay," he said sincerely. Too comfortable sometimes… I think I'm officially in trouble…


At the girl's apartment

"Welcome home you guys." Aya jumped in front of Fay and Sanada when she heard the door open and wanted to give them a small fright. She giggled. "Sorry, I just wanted to tease you both."

"That's Aya for you," Fay said to Sanada as she took his coat and hang it. "Please make yourself at home."

"Thanks you Mishima-san." He bowed politely.

"Fay," she said smiling. "Didn't we agree that you will call me Fay?" She walked to her room to place the yukata in her closet.

"So, how are you feeling?" Aya popped her head in Fay's room. "What's that?" she asked pointing at the paper bag with the yukata.

"It's a yukata. Sanada's mom gave it to me." She placed the yukata on a shelf in the closet. "They are very traditional. I had to wear it and then she gave it to me as a gift." Fay smiled.

"Oh!" Aya said meekly, I guess she had a good time, she looks better.

"Shall we?" Fay stood in front of Aya. "We have a guest." She left with Aya and they both walked to the living room. "Do you want something to drink Sanada?" she asked him, walking up to him.

"No thanks. I should be leaving soon." He looked at Fay and then at Aya, who sat next to him. "I need to go home and check on Niou." he smiled softly.

"Umm… I think he said he was going to Hiroshi's," Aya said thoughtfully. "Don't know who he is though." She winked at him playfully.

"Oh," Fay said, picking up a rather peculiar looking envelope from the stack of envelope on the table. It caught her attention because it was a beautiful dark red envelope and it also had her name on it.

She looked to her side and saw Aya and Sanada sitting on the couch talking quietly.

She was alone with the two of them and let out a sigh at being the third wheel. Why can't I have that? Why can't I be in that situation? Sanada! Aya! You're both being idiots! She contradicted herself. For god's sake, one of you needs to make a move. Looking at the envelope again, she picked up the letter opener and tore it open gently, not wanting to ruin the delicate velvet.

The first thing that she saw was a card – an expensive one. She opened it and frowned when she noticed a cheque in it. Not bothering to look at the amount, she read the content of the card.

We love you! Merry Christmas! Mom and Dad from Paris~

She hated this. She hated this feeling as she felt tears welling up in her eyes. She crumpled the card in her hand and looked at the cheque, it was for 1.5 million Yen and she cursed out loud, making Aya and Sanada look at her.

"Fay?" Aya asked.

I may accept cheques during the year for stupid things, but how dare you send me a cheque for Christmas! How dare you send me a cheque without giving me a proper Christmas call? Fay turned around, tearing the cheque and throwing it on the floor. Without saying anything, she walked straight out of the living room and went to the kitchen.

Aya's phone rung at that moment and she picked it up not looking at the caller ID "Hello?"

"Hey sweetie, Merry Christmas," said a woman's voice from the other side of the line.

"Mom? Hey, Merry Christmas. How are you? Dad? The kids?" she smiled excitedly "Yeah, Fay is here too." She got up and put her hand over the speaker. "Just a minute." She whispered and walked to the balcony. Aya stopped talking and watched quietly as the scene enfolded in front of her. She wasn't prying, but she felt like she needed to see this.

Sanada had his hands on Fay's shoulders with his head down, talking to her. "You said this is normal, why are you crying?"

"Because it hurts every time," she said softly, rubbing her eye with one hand. "It hurts so much…" she hugged herself. "Why does it hurt so much in order to ask to be loved?" she whispered, looking down.

"Come on," he said gently, moving her hair back. "There are a lot of people who love you."

Aya hang up from her mother and began dialing another number. She placed the phone to her ear. "Hey. Where are you?"

"At my friends, I told you that," Niou answered "Do you need something?"

"Haru… when are you going to make up with Fay again?" she asked softly.

'Aya, is that what you called me for?" he asked, a tone of irritancy in his voice.

Aya looked down and let out a sigh. "I love you and her very much. You two are being very stubborn and I think you can work it out. Haru… she's very upset and I know you're the only one who can make her feel better."

"How the hell…" he muttered. "We only went on one date, Aya and it was a disaster," he said quietly. "It's not going to work out, and… wait… you said upset… What upset her? Aren't you her friend? Why aren't you consoling her?"

"Sanada is! He has been consoling her for the last ten minutes because you're so stubborn and won't call her!" Aya snapped.

"We are not going through this again Aya. She has to apologize to me. She's great, but the chemistry's not there, so forget it. As for her and Sanada, they have the same brick attitude sometimes, so just leave them be."

"I know." Aya muttered softly "I know… it's just that… I want someone to be there for her," she said quietly.

"I don't know what to tell you, Aya. Let's discuss it tomorrow, please." Niou said quietly, I hate yelling at you babe, he thought, I am sorry.


After an hour, Fay was at her room while Aya spent some time with Sanada. She was discussing a lot of things with him and even mentioned a trip. "Fay's kind of depressed, Gen…" she admitted, "and I want to do something different for her."

"Why don't you girls go away for a weekend? It would do you both some good to get some fresh air at the mountains," he said.

Aya thought about it for a second. "Would you and Haru join us?"

Sanada coughed and looked away for a second. "Do you think it's wise to invite Masaharu when he and Fay haven't even talked after their first date?"

Aya looked at him excitedly and nodded. "I think they're perfect for each other. They just need to try!"

Sanada watched her wryly. Fay is more brokenhearted than you can imagine, do you really think that he is the one to fix it?

After discussing the details for their trip Sanada stood up and told Aya that he had to leave. She walked him to the door with a grin on her face.

Sanada on the other hand was thinking about the whole plan and sighed when he saw Aya's excited smile. "It's your call, Aya, but I don't think that…"

"So, we agree?" Aya asked sweetly, interrupting him while she placed her hands behind her back.

"Aya…" he began, but stopped when he saw her puppy eyes looking at him innocently. "Fine… fine…, but know this, Aya… He will kill you,"

"He wouldn't dare!" she said cheerfully, hugging him. "Not with you there." she kissed him on the cheek.