One Week Later

"Good morning," Fay said, walking out of her room at 7am as she spotted Yosuke and Aya in the kitchen. She was dressed in ankle pants with a tucked in work shirt and sandals, "isn't it too early for you to be causing problems, Yosuke?" Fay asked, sitting on the stool, and pouring herself a glass of orange juice.

Aya giggled, while he scowled.

"My kitchen lights are burnt, I can barely see what I'm cooking," he mumbled, obviously a grouch in the morning.

Fay didn't say anything as she sipped her orange juice. They conversed lightly a bit, and then she picked up her Chanel and walked out, bidding them a good day.

Yosuke sipped his coffee and looked at the door where Fay had walked out to, "she seems in a better mood," he remarked.

Aya nodded, "she is actually. She's totally switched off your brother, like he never existed."

He stretched his arms over his head, "well, you know… Good for them. I'm tired of the hook up. I have my own problems," he muttered, moving a hand through his hair wearily.

"Love spats?" Aya asked, sensing that he was serious.

Yosuke chuckled, "maybe… who knows," he said, "I think it's time we go public. I'm tired of not being able to talk about it openly."

"8 years with someone is a very long time, especially in hiding…" she said as a matter of fact. "So who will you tell first?"

"I'm not sure yet," he said honestly… "I have some thinking to do."

This is interesting…


Atobe Organization – Fay's Office

Fay was busy reading through a file, when she heard a knock on her door. She looked up, and was dead surprised when she saw Oshitari Yuushi walk in. "Arent' you on leave?" she asked, surprised that he was in the office while his wife had given birth a while back, "and you look like hell, by the way…"

He smiled wryly, "its audit week, plus… Kyoshiro can't stop crying…" he mumbled wearily, sitting on the chair across her desk.

Fay sat down across him, "I like the name," she said. "Isn't that what Aya suggested?" she asked, I do recall I suggested Masa… she thought to herself. Oh well… she turned to look at him, "so what do you need?"

"I need all the departments' policies to ensure that everything is being done properly, and that it's auditable."

Fay took some notes, while he was talking, until they were interrupted by none other than Atobe. "Hi," he said, walking in, then his eyes fell on Oshitari, "why are you in the office?"

"It's peaceful," he muttered wryly.

Fay smiled lightly as she checked her emails while they conversed.

"Fay?" Atobe said, "a moment…"

She looked at him surprised, and stood up, following him to her meeting room. Atobe closed the door, and looked at her. "I need your help," he admitted, rubbing a hand through his hair.

"Oh," she said, crossing her arms. "The great Atobe Keigo…"

"Seriously, stop…" he said gruffly, "I need you to be my date at a gala tomorrow evening. My mother will be there, and I know that she is trying to set me up with someone."

Fay poked him in the chest, "didn't you say that you will give one of them a chance!" she said, annoyed. "You will die an old maid if you keep doing this."

"Just this one time," he said, almost pleadingly. "I know this woman, and she's annoying!"

"Atobe, this is your mother! You think if she sees me, the whole snooty society will not know? My own mother is part of them, remember…?"

"I'm not telling them that you're my girlfriend, I'm just bringing a gorgeous date so no woman would dare and come close to me!" he snapped.

She put her hands on her hips, and pursed her lips, glaring at him. "Fine!"

"Good. I'll pick you up from your place tomorrow at 7."

Fay just walked out of the meeting room.


As a friend? He loves me as a friend? Aya thought sulking as she read the blueprint on her lap. I think I shouldn't have told him that I love him, but… damnit! Our date was going so well, so it was natural that I confess to him, right? It was the most natural thing to do…

She threw the blueprint back onto the table because she couldn't read it anymore. If confessing to the one you love is supposed to be beautiful, then why do I feel like shit?!

She slammed her head against the table, and closed her eyes. I'm such a mess… and I don't know who to talk to about this.

She stood up, and cleared the place a bit. Walking around the apartment, she felt a dark gloom hovering over it. Maybe it's better if I go out a bit, and clear my head… she thought going to her room to grab her jacket and knapsack that had her essential things in (phone, wallet, etc…)

I really feel down…

I don't know what to do…

And all I can think of is that I want to write a song about how I feel…


Lunch

"Finally!" Niou said, sitting down across Sanada at the restaurant. "It's been a long time, my friend. How are you?"

'I'm not too bad," he said, leaning against the chair.

Niou studied him, "Your mood seems to be off completely though," he remarked.

"Isn't that normal?" Sanada remarked dryly.

Niou chuckled, and looked at him. "At least work's been keeping us busy," and someone else for me it seems, his thoughts going back to Aya.

"Thank God for that," Sanada agreed, picking up his menu.

Niou studied Sanada and couldn't make out his emotions. He's still a poker face, but I can easily tell when something's on his mind…"Shall I assume you're not seeing anyone?" he asked.

Sanad looked surprised at the question, but shook his head, "Not that I know of," he answered, "and yourself?"

Niou's thoughts went back to Aya, "Not that I know of," he repeated.

They both ordered, and conversed lightly for a while until Niou finally asked Sanada the great question on everyone's mind. "Genichirou, why aren't you with Mishima Fay?"

Sanada placed his drink down, and looked at him firmly, "because it's not going to happen."

Niou raised an eyebrow, "I know you, Sanada. You would never sleep with someone who didn't mean anything to you."

"I'm not even going to ask how you know that," he said. "Please drop the subject. She is not on my list of things to talk about."

"Fair enough, but I have no grudge against you. She chose you first, so it's only fair" he said, then he looked serious "and its maybe time I tell you that I am having sort of feelings for a certain someone, but not sure yet how to approach it."

"Someone I know?"

"Someone you dated," he answered.

Sanada looked at him, immediately knowing the answer. Interesting turn of events, he thought… "So what happens now?"

Niou was quiet for a minute, and then slumped his head on the table, "I think I did something stupid and messed up big time!" he muttered… I'm feeling so guilty, but she completely took me by surprise. She looked so innocent confessing to me, and I… DAMNIT!

"Masaharu, what's going on? Did something happen?" Sanada asked, never seeing Niou like this.

Niou looked at him with a smile sad, "I hate to admit it, but I think I really did something stupid."

"You've said that twice, now you either care to explain? Or you want to beat yourself further down…"

Niou shook his head, "let me think it over first." Let me sort out and rationalize why I did that…

"Fair enough."


Next Day

"I'm thinking of a makeover," Fay told Aya. "Want to come with me?"

Aya looked at her from the sofa in their living room, "eh?"

Fay picked up the hand mirror and looked at herself, "let's go out, and get a makeover. Dye our hair, get our nails done, or hell, chop my hair off!" I want to look, and feel different. "So, what do you think?"

"I'm not sure," Aya said, with a frown. "I like my long hair."

Fay touched it, "true, its beautifully, but we can make it straight. It's too curly, and lets add some highlights."

"Hmm… what do you plan to do?" Aya asked, thinking of what Fay told her.

"I think I want to cut mine really short," she said, looking at her reflection. Her hair was long until below her breasts.

Aya grinned, "do you have the guts? You know a lot of people like you for your long hair."

Fay scowled, "then they're shallow," she said haughtily.

Aya thought about it, and then stood up. "Fine, let's go." I think doing this is the exact thing that I need to cheer me up, and get my mind of the disastrous and stupid thing I had done with Niou.

Fay looked surprised. "You're convinced? I thought you might need more convincing…"

"Let's go before I change my mind," Aya said, with a smile.


5 Hours Later

"Oh my…" Fay whispered, looking at Aya. "I love! The black highlights with your red hair look awesome! It defines your eyes more…" she squealed, "and your hair straightened is a blast! I envy who will take you to his bed."

Aya blushed. She looked at Fay, and admired her in return. "I can't believe you cut your hair!" she said, noticing that Fay's hair was now medium cut until her jaw in funky layers. "It suits you though; it shows your slender neckline."

Fay smiled. "Now, let's go shopping. I need a dress for tonight, and you need something sexy for whoever will take you out next week…"

Aya looked at Fay as they walked out of the salon where they had done their hair and nails, "tonight?"

Fay walked into boutique and started browsing through the dresses, "yes. I am accompanying his highness to a gala."

Aya frowned, "why would he ask you," she mumbled. "I really don't like how he monopolizes your time."

Fay smiled wryly, "he's trying to get out of an arranged marriage proposal," she said, "so he wants me to be his fake 'date' at this gala because his mother will be there."

Aya picked out a black dress from a rack and admired it, when she suddenly remembered something, "wait a minute, if he's mom will be there, then that means…"

"Yep. Her Royal Highness Mishima Atsuko will be there as well," Fay said with a sigh.

"Or better known as mother," Aya giggled, making Fay scowl.

"It's not funny," Fay muttered, pulling out something that caught her eyes. "Hmm…" she said, admiring the white dress. It was a one sided cut and it flowed until her ankles. "I like this…"

"It's nice," Aya said, nodding. "But seriously, are you okay with seeing your mother?"

"I refuse to let it bother me," Fay said, walking into the dressing room. If I'm lucky, she might be out of town…


6:30 PM

"Aya, why haven't you put all the stuff you bought away?!" Fay snapped, almost tripping over one of Aya's bag in the living room.

Yosuke looked up, "Aya's changing her clothes," he said, flipping a magazine, "and you look nice. The hairstyle suits you."

"Nice? I dress up for hours, and you say 'nice'." Fay sat down next to him.

Yosuke poked her forehead, "there's no way on earth I'm telling my brother's lover that she looks anything else, but nice!" sexy, and hot is the word… he grinned, eyeing her attire. The dress did nothing to hide her curves, and with her hairstyle she was actually cuter than before. She wore a matching earring and necklace with a simple bracelet, while a crystallized clutch was in her other hand. She's all in white…

Fay pushed his hand away, "anyway… I'm getting water. Want something from the fridge?"

He shook his head.

Aya walked out, "so are we going somewhere?" she asked Yosuke.

"Yep, we're meeting him at the club," he said, sipping his coffee casually.

Aya winked.

Fay came back, "who are you meeting?" she asked, sitting back next to him.

"Seii…" he said, and then stopped. "Yukimura Seiichi," he said.

"Oh, ok. I didn't know you knew him," Fay said, picking out something from her clutch. She was making sure that her makeup was properly done, and not smudged.

"I do know him. He's been good friends with Genichirou, and I think we've been friends now for 8 years," he said.

"Fair enough," she said, getting off the stool. Wait a minute… she thought when her mind went back to a conversation she had with him earlier… We have been dating for eight years now, she recalled him saying. Could it? Could they? He said it was complicated…

"Hey guys, I made some muffins, and…"

"Are you dating Yukimura Seiichi?" Fay asked Yosuke out of the blue. It actually makes sense now…

Yosuke looked at her seriously, "what makes…"

Fay pursed her lips, and looked at him softly…"Are you?"

After a long pause of silence… "Yes," he answered simply, while Aya watched quietly.

Fay watched him quietly, "well I guess that must have been hard for you, but why you have to hide it, I don't get."

"It's complicated," he said as a matter of fact.

"Nothing's complicated," she said, realizing that Atobe had texted her that he was waiting outside for her.

"When you stop saying that you and my brother's relationship is complicated, then I'll believe you," Yosuke said with a hint of a smile.

Fay glared at him, "anyway.. I'm off. Have fun both of you…" you both deserve each other.

"So how did telling her feel?" Aya asked Yosuke.

"Relieved," he said, standing up. "Let's go… my boy is waiting." He grinned.

Aya nodded and followed after taking her jacket.


"You know you owe me," Fay said, walking out of Atobe's car.

"For the millionth time, yes. I know…" he said, taking her hand in his as they walked towards the door. He eyed her appearance and grinned, there's no asking for less than her, admiring what she was wearing, "I like your hair,"

"Thank you."

"But I personally prefer a woman's long hair when I have her beneath me," he said with a grin.

Fay looked at him, "you know… Your jokes are getting very sexual these days," she said, eyeing him, "are you sexually frustrated?"

He covered her mouth, "don't say that out loud! Do you want someone to hear!?"

Fay smirked, while they walked in. the ballroom was exquisite, but it wasn't something she had not seen before. I promised myself to never mix with these types of people again, and I'm barging into one with my own free will, she thought sarcastically.

"Everyone's lookin…?" Atobe said, as he picked two glasses for them while he walked her to a group of people.

"Why is that Atobe Keigo?"

He grinned, "Naturally they want to know who the young beauty with me is," he said, moving a hand through his hair.

"I'm only 2 years younger than you," she said as a matter of fact.

He was going to retort, when… "Keigo! Sweetie! You came," said an elderly voice from behind them.

They both turned around to see a mature woman in an exquisite black dress walking towards them. The lady wore a huge diamond necklace and earrings to match what she was wearing. Her hair was poised, not a single strand out of place as she stood in front of them.

He does look exactly like her… Fay thought.

Atobe let go of Fay and walked to his mother, kissing her cheek lightly. "Mother, this is my date Mishima Fay," he said, pushing Fay towards her. "Fay, this is my mother, Atobe Kiyoko."

Fay extended her had to shake it, and Kiyoko took it. Fay couldn't help but notice that her hand was so cold. "You are Mishima Atsuko's daughter?"

"Yes,"

Kiyoko smiled, "Well, it's nice to see that Mishima-san actually did a good job with you," she said, then walked away with that.

Eh? Fay thought. She looked at Atobe and he shrugged. "Don't ask me, I have no idea what goes on in that woman's head."

Fay looked at him, and then decided she will not think of it anymore. "By the way, her name is Kiyoko?"

"Ironic, no? My mother, the manipulative and uncaring woman, is named after purity," he said, "so did that exhaust you yet?" he said, referring to them being there, "or want to try another person?"

I need fresh air, she thought, excusing herself to walk around, and find a balcony or garden to be alone and breathe a bit. She walked for a while, when she spotted a door that was open which led to a garden. She stepped out exhaled the fresh deeply, "How nice! Amazing weather!" she exclaimed.

"Fay-kun?"

Fay heard her name, turning around and almost fainted, "oh my!" she whispered, "Sanada-sama," she said, walking to the woman. "What… I mean, what you are doing here?!" she exclaimed, not believing at all that Sanada's mother would mix with THIS crowd.

Akiko smiled, "a little secret of mine that Genichirou refuses to believe, but my mother was actually an Atobe," she smiled, "she was Kiyoku-san's aunt."

Fay couldn't believe those words. She knew that Sanada's mother was a very mature and together woman, but to be a rich full blooded Atobe. "I'm indeed impressed," she admitted.

"Thank you; are you here alone, dear?"

"No, I came with a friend," she replied.

Akiko looked around, "You came with Atobe Keigo," she remarked, raising an eyebrow.

"An acquaintance," she said swiftly, or an ex lover, she thought guiltily. Fay conversed lightly with her, until she then excused herself. As she was leaving the garden to go inside, she bumped into none other than…


"Who would've thought," Aya said, looking at Yukimura who was sitting with her alone, while Yosuke went to get them some drinks. "Well, I think you're lucky. Yosuke's an amazing guy."

Yukimura didn't comment to that. "It just happened. So how are you? Seeing anyone?"

"Nope," Aya answered immediately. But… I wish I was seeing him… damnit! I'm acting like a schoolgirl. I never get this hung up over a guy! That's Fay's job?!

"So beneath that fake smile of yours, you want to tell me what's upset you? Even Yosuke knows that you're feeling down, or he would've never brought you along." Yukimura winked at her.

"Why wouldn't he bring me along?" she asked, looking at him.

Yukimura hugged himself, "because we would've been in a passionate embrace, and…"

"Oh MY gosh! Stop! Stop!" she exclaimed, covering her ears and trying not to imagine them.

Yukimura chuckled, "now, speak to me…"

Aya hesitated, and then shook her head… "I can't speak to you about it." You know him, and it will be awkward…

"Oh…"

Aya waved her hands in panic, "seriously it's alright. Let me sort out my own things, and then I can talk about it openly, and please drop it…"

He nodded.

Yosuke just came by with 3 glasses in his hands, "drink as you please?" he said, placing it on the table. "So what's happening?"

Aya smiled at him, "so now that Fay knows who is next on the list?"

"Fay knows!?" Yukimura exclaimed. "She knows!?"

Yosuke trying to smile, while Aya laughed, "don't worry, she's a good secret keeper," Aya said, "she won't tell anyone, and more understanding than I thought she was going to be…'

"Yeah well…" Yosuke muttered.

"So, when will you announce it? There are a lot of people in your lives, especially family…" Aya speculated.

"We'll worry about it when the time comes," Yukimura said, "right?"

Yosuke winked, "right."


The silence was unbearable. Akiko could tell that there was something unflattering when they both saw each other. Interesting to see my youngest looks happy and pained looking at the woman in front of him.

"Hello," Fay said, not looking at him.

"Hey," he muttered, eyeing her.

Akiko walked forward to say something because they were both frozen when a voice was heard…

"Well, if isn't my little darling,"

Fay felt the hair on her neck prickle. She closed her eyes, hoping that she dreamt of the voice, but no… There it was again. Damnit! Damnit! She swore, I'm going to kill Atobe for bringing me here. Sanada turned around and found a very attractive woman walking towards them in a tight red mini dress. She wore her hair long, and had only diamond earrings on.

'What on earth are you doing here?" the woman asked Fay.

Fay scowled, and looked at her. "Aren't you too old to be wearing that!" she said with hatred.

The woman smirked, "If you've still got it, then flaunt it," she said, placing her hands on her hips. She looked behind Fay, "Hello, Sanada-san," she said politely.

Sanada Akiko smiled politely, "Hello Mishima-san," she responded back. "Since you know Fay, I'd like to introduce you to my youngest son, Sanada Genichirou."

Sanada bowed lightly and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you."

All four stood like that until Akiko excused herself because someone called her. When she felt Atsuko smiled, and looked at Fay, "well, daughter of mine… Is this your boyfriend?" she asked. "He is rather handsome and easy on the eyes. Although I still always preferred poor Tetsu.."

"No," she answered sternly, not looking at her. Go away, you evil woman. Go away!

Sanada cleared his throat to say something, when another person joined them. "Fay? There you are. Where have you been?" Atobe said, and then stopped when he saw the crowd.

Atsuko grinned, "so you're seeing Atobe-san's son, not Sanada-san's, interesting… than I have taught you well…" she laughed.

"You haven't taught me anything, you… and no…" Fay began, but her face was too furious, ad her fists were tightened. She was going to walk away, but Sanada held her upper arm.

"Don't be a coward." He said for her ears only. "Tell her exactly what's on your mind," he said, pushing her towards her mother. He then looked at Atobe, and motioned for him to follow him back inside.


Atobe and Sanada stood inside alone, after leaving Fay. "You know…" Atobe said, grinning, "if things do work between you and Fay that crazy woman will be your mother in law…"

Sanada glared at him, "You really don't know when to shut up."

"Crazy or not, they have issues. Oh, and what the hell are you doing here?" Atobe asked, "Didn't think this is your type of place…"

Sanada raised an eyebrow, "must I remind you that we are related, and my mother gets invited to charity affairs. She is on the board of the charity affairs organization, which includes your mother as well."

"Are you her date?" Atobe asked.

My father refuses to come to such places, or mingle with these people… "Yes."

Atobe smirked, "at least your mother is decent enough to bring her son, and…" not like my mother who's probably with a boy younger than me. He finally sighed, and looked back at the ballroom, "I'm going to go and mingle. I'll ask you to drop Fay for the night… I think she'll need you more than me," he said, bidding him goodbye.


Niou walked into a bar, and sat on the stool to order a drink. He was just lazing around, and trying to find out what was going on in his mind. He was so absorbed, when he suddenly heard a loud laughter. He turned his head, and almost spurted his drink… shit! Why is Aya here?! And with Seiichi, and Yosuke…

He quickly turned back. What the hell?! I don't think I'm ready to face her after the stupid thing I did. Masaharu, you coward!

Niou almost banged his head at how stupid he had acted with her a few days ago. Why did my stupid mouth have to go and blurt such a thing! All I wanted to tell her was I love you too… He hated himself for going through that, or doing that.

Am I that screwed up that I couldn't say it?!

Niou glimpsed again to their side, and looked back again. I hope they don't spot me. I cannot face Aya with a crowd. It will be too awkward…


Atobe looked around the ballroom, and decided it was time to leave when he felt a hand on his arm.

"Where do you think you're going?" Kiyoko asked sweetly. "You've been avoiding me all day, come," she said, holding his wrist tightly and leading him to the other side of the ballroom.

"Mother, I told you that I refuse to have you set me up with any spoilt brats…" he said annoyed at being caught, and not escaping from her clutches. "Plus, I brought a date for me…" he tried, but she stopped him.

"If you think for a minute, I let you be involved with a Mishima than you're wrong, especially HER daughter," she said, 'now come here and let me introduce you properly!" she scolded dragging him.

What the hell? he thought as he found himself in front of a beautiful woman with dark brown hair, and green eyes. She wore green that matched her eyes properly, and she eyed him curiously.

"Keigo, this is Honda Hanako," his mother introduced.

"Look, mother I am not interested," he said rudely. "You cannot set me up with someone just because she looks pretty, and you don't know her personality! I'm tired of this…" he said, stepping back to walk away, while Kyoko looked shocked.

"You never asked how I felt!?" he heard someone snap at him.

Atobe stopped, and found Honda eyeing him dangerously. "You think I like being displayed like a horse so you can check me out!?" she snapped, "I am glad you're not interested, hell! I wasn't even!" she said, crossing her arms and challenging him.

He looked taken aback for a minute, but then glared back, "how dare you talk so rudely to me! You're the one who agreed to flaunt herself here! No one's chained you to be on display!" he snapped.

"I didn't know I was going to be introduced! This woman…" she said, pointing at his mother, "told me to wait here while she gets something for me!"

Atobe eyed his mother suspiciously. "You know mother, at least out of courtesy let the woman know!"

Kiyoku didn't even look one percent embarrassed. She shrugged, and walked off. "This isn't my problem anymore."

They both looked after her, and then turned to each other. "I am leaving!" Honda said furiously.

"Fine!"


Fay walked back inside, and didn't know what to feel. I've always wanted to tell her what I thought of her, but never knew that it would leave me feeling like crap afterwards. She had walked out leaving her mother stand shocked, but she didn't wait. Let her feel guilty!

She looked around for Atobe, but found Sanada waiting by the corridor. "Have you seen Atobe?" she asked.

"He left, and asked me to drop you," he answered.

Fay frowned, "are you okay with that? Didn't you come with your mother?" she asked.

Sanada straightened himself, "it's alright, she has a lift back home," he said, watching her. "So shall we? I know you want to leave…"

Fay nodded, and followed him. He took her through another route so she wouldn't see anyone, and they walked silently to his car. The whole time, Fay didn't say anything while he opened the door for her and she got into the passenger seat.

He went around, took off his suit jacket, and got into the driver's seat handing Fay his suit jacket, "Put it on, you're already cold," he said, buckling his seatbelt. He turned on the car, and reversed. "So where to?" he asked, driving onto the highway.

His question startled her. She moved her head to look at him and found him seriously concentrating on the road. She consciously realized that after such a long time, she was finally alone with him. Every time we're in the same room, someone's witnessing our disastrous time, but right now…

Before she could answer, he spoke again. "Are you in a rush to get home?"

She placed a finger on her lip, "No actually. No one will be home. Aya went out with Yosuke," she answered.

He smiled a bit, "good. I'll take you someplace nice," he said, "maybe it will lighten up your mood a bit."

"It's really alright," she said, "I'm a big girl, I can go home. It's too late to be out anyway," she said, noticing that it was already 11pm.

"It's fine. I want to," he said, glancing at her.

Fay felt her heartbeat accelerate a bit, and butterflies in her stomach… "If you want to," she finally replied. But why now? You were supposed to call me weeks ago and ask me out properly?!

Sanada cleared his throat, making her look at him. "I'm sorry I never called," he said, placing one hand behind his head and rubbing it. "I honestly don't know what was going on through my head…"

She was going to reply, but then realized that he had stopped the car. She looked around and noticed that it was in front of a hotel, which was famous for its high rooftop desert café. Oh just say it! "You know… This is what I hate about you."

He looked surprised.

"You always make me think about you, and then you disappear…. Again, you come back, make me fall for you harder, then you disappear… and it keeps going through the same cycle. That's why my mood is always on and off, because my mind and heart is all over the place."

Sanada was silent when he heard her confession.

She exhaled, "Now…" she said, then she straightened herself out, "Sanada Genichirou, if I walk out of this car with you, will it be a step forward for us or the end?"


"So what happened?" Yosuke finally asked Aya when Yukimura had gone to the bathroom. "You're trying to ignore it, but the more you do the more obvious it is that something's bothering you."

Aya looked at him, and sighed. "I don't know Yosuke. I think I did something stupid." She looked at him. I really wish I never opened my mouth and said that. Now I even ruined our friendship.

"Is something wrong with falling in love?" he asked with a wink. "It's obvious you're in love with someone.'

Aya's mouth opened in surprise.

"Did you confess? Did he turn you down?"

Aya sighed, "Oh just stop it," she mumbled.

"You shouldn't think too much about it,' he said. "You're honest with your feelings, and it always shows." He remarked, sipping his glass. 'Give it time, it'll come around."

Aya just pursed her lips. Óh, I don't think so.


Next Day

"You know…" Aya said, while Fay was munching on her cereal. "You took Yosuke's news rather well."

Fay sipped her water, and looked at her, "and why wouldn't I take it well? He's a good guy, and he's with someone he obviously loves."

"Well…" Aya began, "You don't like Saeki, so…"

"Please don't tell me you think I don't like Saeki because he's gay?!" Fay asked surprised, I don't like him for many other reasons… she thought remembering past stuff.

"Oh… I really thought you were anti-gay."

"You thought wrong," Fay mumbled, "I don't like Saeki because of him, not because of his love preferences."

Aya looked curious and walked over to her, "umm… why don't you like him then?" she asked.

Fay's face heated, "it's in the past…"

"Oh my god!" Aya exclaimed, "something happened?! What happened?"

Fay scowled and looked away, but Aya was persistent, "Okay! Okay! I'll tell you, but you will not speak of it again, understood?!"

Aya nodded eagerly.

"Years ago, before he came out," she muttered, "we were at a party and the next thing I knew we were making out furiously…"

"You what?!" Aya exclaimed.

"Let me finish," Fay snapped, not liking being interrupted. "Anyway, it was rather a fun time, and we were at it for a long time. He event went second base, but then… we were supposed to meet the next day, instead he bluntly called me to tell me that he was gay and just wanted to know how it felt like to kiss a girl…"

Aya gasped.

"and the rest is history…" she muttered, taking her bowl to the sink.

Before Aya could say anything, Fay looked at her. "Please lets not talk about it anymore…"

"Can I just say one thing?" Aya said, standing.

Fay sighed, standing by the sofa, and fixing the pillows, "fine…"

Aya smirked, "that's the second guy we know that turned gay after kissing you, aren't you worried about Sanada if he ever dates you?"

[SMACK]

Aya laughed uncontrollably after the pillow fell from her face and Fay walked to her room fuming.


2 weeks later

"What's up?" Saeki said on the phone to Aya.

"I'm good," she said, laughing. "I'm just doing things here and there, and I called for a favor."

"Tell me," Saeki said as he chopped onions. He was cooking some light soup for himself since he was home alone tonight.

"I need to crash at your place for a couple of days, and talk, you know…" she said.

"Is something the matter?" he asked, "did you have another fight?"

"No," she said, "something's on my mind, and I can only talk to you about it. Everyone else is part of the same group."

"Fair enough," he said, "but what excuse will you use?"

"Don't worry about it," she said. "and thanks…"

""You don't need to thank me, babe, I love you." He smiled, as he tossed the onion into the pot.

She laughed, "Since you're so sweet, I've decided not to tell Yuuta about your kiss with Fay," she said devilishly.

Saeki almost dropped his chopping board, "what the hell?! How did you know that?!" he demanded.

"Ta! Ta! We'll talk when I see you," she said with a giggle, hanging up the phone. Aya walked out of her room, and found Fay reading a magazine. "I'm going to see my babe in Chiba for a couple of days, want to come?"

"Argh," Fay said out loud.

Bingo! I knew she wouldn't come. "I'll only be gone for 3 days, so don't do anything stupid."

"Yes, mother," she muttered.

Aya walked back into her room to pack.

When Aya was gone, Fay pulled out her mobile, and quickly sent a text.


Sanada was just leaving the office when his mobile vibrated. He pulled it out, and saw that it was from Fay.

Gen, Aya is going out of town for a couple of days. Do you want to come over tomorrow night? I'll cook

He smiled at the message, and felt a sigh of relief. He's seeing a different side of her, which he was cherishing even more. He texted her back a 'yes', and went to his car.


Next Day

Sanada was in front of her apartment. He rang the bell, and to his surprise the door opened quickly and she pulled him in, shutting the door. What the…

Fay looked at him sheepishly, 'I forgot Yosuke lives next door. What would he think?!' she said out loud.

Sanada looked at her seriously, 'he's out of town, Fay. He took mother to Sapporo to visit her cousins."

"oh," she looked embarrassed.

Sanada smiled a bit, she actually looks cute, he thought watching her dressed in jeans, and an off-shoulder tee. "So what did you cook?"

"Is that for me?" Fay asked at the same time, pointing to the wrapped box in his hand.

Sanada nodded, "I felt like getting you something," he said, handing it to her.

She took it, and looked at it. Before she could open it, she crinkled her nose, "oh, my lasagna!" she said, rushing to the kitchen to check on it. "Make yourself comfortable." She shouted.

Sanada took off his jacket, placed it on the sofa and followed her to where he had dashed to. He found her frantically checking a few things. "Can I help?" he asked.

"No," she said, not looking at him as she bent down to check the oven. She opened it, and smiled, "everything's ready and looks yummy," she said, standing up. She walked to the fridge, pulled out a salad bowl, placed it on the dining table where she had set up a lavish decorated table, and then took oven mittens and pulled out lasagna. She placed that on the table, and then took 2 bowls and poured some soup, also placing it on the table. "We're all good to eat," she said, walking towards him. "Shall we?"

He nodded, but before she could sit down, he gently put his arm around her waist and kissed her forehead. "Thank you."

Fay felt her heart beat fast, and looked at him, "you haven't eaten yet," she said with a grin.

"I'm sure it's all delicious," he said as he sat down. They sat down, and conversed for a long time. Fay found the experience refreshing. Finally… no interference, no interruptions, and just Sanada… she thought watching him. They cleared up everything, and while she was washing up, he came in again. "Seriously, can I help?"

"No, why don't you go and pick a movi…" she started, but stopped when she felt his arms around her waist. He hugged her tightly, back to his front and held her while he put his chin on top of her head. "Is this okay?" he asked when he felt her pause.

Fay continued washing the dishes, trying to ignore her pounding heart. She was aware of him on another different level, and it scared her.

"Fay?" he said, after not hearing from her in a full five minutes.

"It's ok," she breathed. "It really is." She tried to quickly finish her plates and not think of him so close. His perfume, aura was overwhelming her and she knew she was going to lose it if she didn't move away from him fast. Finally, she finished the dishes and put them away, and he had still not moved. "Umm…" she began, wanting him to move.

"Look at me," he said quietly.

"Gen…" she said quietly turning around, but got really surprised when he captured her lips in a fierce kiss.

He slipped his tongue in Fay's mouth and explored her hot cavern thoroughly before he sucked on her tongue possessively.

Fay's body shivered at the aggressiveness of his kiss but enjoyed it fully. I… I don't think I've ever seen or felt this side of him. She placed her hand firmly on his chest and slightly pushed him back. "I need to breathe," she whispered, feeling overwhelmed by everything.

Sanada nodded, and walked to the table. "Oh," he said, picking up the gift he had bought, "You forgot to open it," he said, handing it to her.

"Oh, yes. Thanks," she murmured, taking it from his hand. She stood there carefully unwrapping it, to reveal a small red box. Not even thinking, she opened it and…

What the… Fay thought frozen on her spot. She glanced at Sanada, and then at the content of the box. It was a white diamond shaped Ascher cut ring. Its shape was elongated, elegant, and just breathtaking. The carat weighed 4 and was exquisite.

"Well…?" Sanada asked.

Well? What do you mean well? Fay looked at him sharply, "Are you?"

He smirked. "Am I what?"

Fay glared at him, and clutched the front of his shirt, "Are you?" she repeated.

He held the hand that clutched his shirt, "Am I what?" he repeated.

Fay pulled his face closer, "don't make me say it, Sanada Genichirou," she threatened lightly. "Now, do it right."

Sanada smiled slightly, "Mishima Fay, you told me we should either step forward or end it. My step forward is here. Will you marry me?"