Joe was already standing behind the bar counter wiping glasses for the day when Sora entered the saloon.

"Morning Sora." Joe smiled as she sat down in silence. It was a rare occasion that the bar was empty- she enjoyed the quiet before the long days of dealing with perverts and frustrated men began.

"Morning Joe." She sighed and slumped on the counter. Joe took this as her request for a morning drink. Pouring a small amount of liquid into a glass, he set it down in front of her. "Thanks, you knew exactly what I needed." She smiled as she straightened up and tipped the glass to her lips.

"You know Sora, this kind of lifestyle isn't forever. You can quit. There are other ways of making a living out here now." The blue haired man spoke in a supportive tone. "And it's not like you're alone anymore. You have Matt and me to help where ever we can."

"Joe..." Sora stoppedand looked up at the man skeptically for a moment. "How do you know if you're in love?"

"Love?" The man was taken back a bit. "So Matt finally broke you down with all his proposals?" He smirked giving her a light nudge.

"God no... It's just that, well I wanted to know..." Getting a little frustrated with the smile on Joe's face, she growled. "Just forget it! Never mind, I'm going in the back. Call me when you need me."

Joe watched the young woman as she exited the main saloon hall. She seemed a little strange this morning, he thought as he wondered what could have brought on such a question from Sora.

'Love?' He pondered. 'I do hope she does find someone someday... she deserves a good life. Don't lose hope Sora, I'll do everything I can to help you.'

-

Seeming to get out of her early morning funk, Sora was up front serving drinks and chatting with the saloon patrons when they began to arrive. The mornings were usually slow, only the night workers were out for a drink after another long night of mining, or what ever it was these men found employment.

However, things always picked up around noon and later. The small kitchen staff at the saloon was always bogged down with people wanting to get food, a drink and maybe if they were luck a little attention from one of the seven saloon girls that worked there. Nothing too demanding however, it was only the middle of the day, plus these crowds did not tip as well as they later shifts.

Sora continued to go from table to table setting large mugs of amber liquid before the 'gentlemen' with a smile. Of course, it was a false smile. Everyday, well nearly everyday, she would walk the rounds of the saloon catering to worthless lowlifes and perverts. She had to admit she hated this job, however there was nothing else in the town that paid as well and had benefits in the form of easily obtainable information on her quest.

However, it wasn't until recently she really despised her job and now... since he had arrived she had begun to hate herself. His smile and those eyes were just so pure and different. She couldn't understand it. She had seen similar emotions in other eyes, yet there was something extra in his...

'Taichi.' She sighed as she picked up a tray of beer and food and made her way to a table where a game of cards was in play. Setting the items in front of their owners, she could not help but cringe as a stray hand made its way to her rear. Containing her anger she made her way quickly back towards the bar.

"Hard day?" Joe asked with a sympathetic smile.

"How'd you guess?" She asked sarcastically. "I'm just feeling a bit burnt out lately...I'll get over it." She reassured her friend. 'I have to.' She added to herself as she took out a handkerchief from her small purse. Wiping the few beads of sweat off her forehead, she took one last calming breath and continued serving the drinks like usual.

Glancing towards the door as she heard the hinges creak, she noticed the man who had started the weird feelings only days before. What was it about him, she wondered. Maybe it was because he hadn't treated her like a saloon girl when they first met. Sure, he stared; however, that was normal reaction for most men.

She cursed her unique features; they made her one of the more 'desirable' girls at the place. Some of the other women who worked at the saloon were constantly busy 'servicing' customers, however that just was not something Sora wanted to do. On occasion, when it worked to her advantage she would do a little extra- especially with members of the gang showed up- many of them didn't seem to survive the nights... and then there was Matt.

When she had first arrived, Matt was the first person she bumped into, literally. He was walking down the street when she and her horse walked into town. Sora was so excited to finally arrive in the town where all her leads had led, and she did not even notice the blonde until they hit.

After he helped her back to her feet, he insisted on buying her dinner; ironically, the only restaurant open at that time in the morning was the very saloon she presently found herself serving drinks. That was the first time she met Joe as well. The three instantly became good friends. Joe offered her a job since she made it clear she would fund herself while she stayed in town.

She started as a simple waitress, similar to what she was doing now. However, she quickly learned of ways to make more than tips and minimum wage from the seasoned saloon girls. It was something that didn't appeal to her, however cash was in low supply when she decided to follow their directions.

When Matt heard of her plan from another loose saloon girl, he was against her going through with it. One thing led to another as the two verbally spared and ended up in one of the rooms upstairs. After that, Matt was one of her only regulars.

It was well known that Sora was highly selective. Moreover, the lucky few that did get a chance, none complained. Matt never did. She didn't even know why he insisted in paying anymore- there was just something that made her feel cheap by accepting his money. That's exactly why she never charged him anymore.

For some reason her thoughts traveled to the events of last night and this morning. Tai's touch had been heavenly. Although they didn't do anything but sleep, she had never felt that way before... waking up besides someone who hadn't just used her and her body. Taichi was... different.

Shaking those thoughts out of her head, Sora forced herself to return to the now- working at the saloon.

Greeting Taichi with a smile, the two met up again at the bar. Tai was talking with Joe when Sora returned to pick up the next round of drinks for the thirsty customers.

"Did you find you're way here alright?" She inquired as she loaded her tray with four beers.

"Yep, no sweat, oh I still have your keys."

"Could you hold on to them for a little bit? I can't sit and talk right now." She said but was cut off when several men let out a holler from a table. "Got to run, I'll talk to you later." A nod was all he could do before she was gone in a whirl of skirts.

Turing around so he could just watch her for a moment, Taichi let out a sigh as he watched the way the men were following her every move with hungry eyes and loose hands. His hands soon balled into fists, as he wanted to punch every one of the sleaze bags.

Out of nowhere, a calming hand placed itself over his tense fists. Tai looked up and saw a sad smile on the blue haired bar tenders face.

"Sora's a tough kid. She knows when they cross the line, and believe me she lets them know real quick." Joe tried to assure him. "She wanted to do this, I don't like her doing a job like this... but have you tried to stop her? She's got a mean punch and the most stubborn personality I've ever seen."

All Tai could do was calm down- Joe had a point. She was not helpless. Sora had survived so much; she could deal with a few perverts. It was just that it hurt to watch her subject herself to such a waste. Tai sighed and returned to his drink. After a few minutes of thinking, Tai decided he needed to get out of the noisy bar. Standing up abruptly, he did not realize the stranger standing behind him holding a full mug of beer. His movements caused the man to lose hold on his beer and it spilt all over him and the floor.

Tai didn't have time to react- after standing he found himself gripped by the collar of his shirt and feet dangling off the ground. The other man was angry- his eyes stated that clearly.

"You little punk!" The man spat at him. Tightening his hands on Tai's collar, he began to curse loudly. "I should kill you right here. You wasted my drink!"

"I'm sorry... I'll buy you another round." Tai managed to choke out from his position.

"It's the principle of the thing- first you're in my spot, all smug with your pretty face, and now you spill my beer. I should mess up your face for that... you'd be more considerate next time."

"Um... excuse me..." Joe tried to interfere from behind the safe confines of his bar, but was silenced by an angry look for the rather large man.

Tai closed his eyes and waited for the punch to come, however it never did. Instead, he found himself gently lowered to the ground and let go. Opening his eyes slowly, as if waiting for some kind of retribution, he noticed Sora had saved him.

"Oh be nice Jackson, he's new here." She spoke in a soft, breathy voice. Placing a hand seductively on the man's cheek, Sora was able to diffuse the conflict in no time. "Besides, I'm so much more fun to play with- no need in getting all bloody and worked up over a spilt beer." Batting her eyelashes sealed the deal as she entranced the man and those around her.

Turning slightly to make sure Tai hadn't been harmed, she looked over to Joe who set two glasses of beer on the bar. Giving him a small smile, she handed one glass to the now pacified man, and took the other herself.

"Shall we?" She asked moving her hand across his chest, swaying her hips a bit to draw the man away from the bar, and other possible fights.

Tai stood there still in shock. One moment he was going to be given the beating of his life, and now he was watching the other man sit down with Sora in his lap... a surge of anger and something else rose inside.

"Just leave her be, she saved your life there." Came the voice of Joe again. "That man's killed at least ten people in the last month with his bare hands... I wouldn't go picking fights now."

"But... Sora..."

-

Tai was forced to let the issue drop. Sora had spent an hour at the table with the man and a group of his friends. They played cards and drank, Tai couldn't help but smile as he saw her cleaning their wallets due to the fact she was the only one not intoxicated. Playing cards with drunks looked very profitable.

'She sure is something. Not at all shy about getting money out of them one way or the other...'

As the day progressed, Sora had found some time to sit at the bar and converse with both Tai and Joe. The three got along great, and they talked of normal things. It almost felt like the burden of revenge was taken off their backs for a time. Tai had not let himself relax this much and actually laugh wholeheartedly since the incident.

Sora seemed to feel similar. There was something endearing in Taichi, however, she could not place it exactly. She could see herself living a happy life with the man sitting to her side- and it scared her. She had lived a tainted life for so long- would he even care about a dirty saloon girl? Class-wise, she knew he was from a rich family. His mannerisms and just his politeness told her he was different. In addition, there she was at the very bottom of society- a comfort girl. Granted she did not work as much as the other ladies in the saloon, however she still was one- nothing could change that...

"Sora?" She was taken from her thoughts by his voice again... the beautiful voice of the stranger who had become something more to her.

"What?"

"I was wondering if you were feeling well? You were quiet all of a sudden."

"Oh, I'm fine. Really, I was just thinking about things." She replied placing a hand on his. She did not realize she had done this until Joe gave her a funny smile. Quickly taking her hand off Tai's she avoided eye contact with both men.

"I got more info on the big party tomorrow night." She said. "The bozo who was about to beat you up, well he's planning to join up with the group. It seems they've been loosing quite a few members lately." Sora added with a smile.

"Gee, I wonder why?" Joe chuckled. He had to get creative in the past month or two- all the deaths to cover up and make it look like bar fights were responsible. To this Sora gave an innocent smile.

"I was thinking we could get someone on the inside... it'd be easier now more than ever." She continued.

"You know Matt will do anything for you- and he's a pretty good shot."

"I was thinking about it. I'd rather go myself... but that's kind of impossible." She sighed.

"I'll go." Tai interrupted. "I was in law enforcement. We trained for these kind of operations, why send someone who isn't involved in this on the inside?"

"You want to do it?" Sora asked looking at the spikey haired man for the first time since the look from Joe over their little moment. "I guess you would be better suited for it than Matt."

"Did I hear my name being called?" A voice from behind them asked. "It's always an honor to be the topic of conversation, especially if I'm being talked about by a beauty such as yourself."

Sora turned and was greeted with a bouquet of roses from the blonde.

"For you my love." He smiled as she took the flowers. Sitting down in the stool on her free side, Matt ordered a round of drinks. "So what's on the topic of the day? My dashing good looks? How about you accepting this." He asked as he pulled a medium sized box from a bag near his feet.

Instantly a slight blush rose on her already painted face. She always felt weird when he showered her with gifts. Having no choice but to open the box placed in front of her, Sora undid the bow. Lifting the top of the box off, and pushing the paper away, she found an elegant Chinese dress inside.

"Oh my..." Was all she said as she lifted the silk material in her hands. "It's beautiful... Matt, I can't accept this... it's too much." She quickly turned to him.

"Nonsense. It is a gift. I demand you accept it, and maybe wear it tonight?" He smiled a cute grin at her. She liked that about Matt- she could not help but like his happy attitude and caring heart- not to mention the physical attractiveness. Sora was torn.

Looking on at the two who sat next to him, Tai continued to nurse his drink. Why did he feel so...jealous when Matt was around? After all, he had no 'claim' to Sora, and the way it sounded from both Sora and Joe, Matt did not either.

"Is it time already?" She asked looking at Matt's watch. "Wow, the day's pretty much gone."

"I did come a little early, but with such a goddess waiting, how could I say away?" Matt asked kissing her hand.

"Just give me a minute to change. I'll be back." She said standing up and taking the dress and flowers to the stairs. Disappearing behind a door, the two boys returned their attention to the bar.

"So, what were you all discussing before I arrived?" Matt asked. "I heard something about some kind of job. If Sora needs me, I'll do what ever it takes for her."

"That shouldn't be necessary. I already said I would go." Tai said in a tone that shocked even him. It sounded almost snappy, and proud to be the one chosen for the mission.

"Oh, well then good luck." Matt said catching on to what was more than likely happening. The man next to him was also smitten by the red head. 'Competition eh?' Matt thought to himself. He liked this new comer, they seemed to get along very well. However, when it came to the particular girl he had been pursuing for over a year- there was no room for friendship. 'Sorry friend, this is one battle I will not lose.'

There was silence between the two sitting in front of him. The blue haired man adjusted his eyeglasses and gave a little sigh. He knew exactly what was going on now. They were both attracted to Sora. In a way, he was glad that these two seemed to actually care about the person Sora was and not just her looks. Yet, things were going to get very complicated- very fast.

A/N:

I thought I had to throw in some Matt/Tai tensions... add to the story and perchance get avid Taiora fans out and convince them to review ;

Don't make me make this a Matt/Sora!

Just kidding- I wouldn't do that... or would I???

I could, it's just that I don't totally buy that couple. Sora and Tai just work better, I'm sure you all agree. If not, then why are you reading this fic in the first place?

Thanks for those of you who do take time and review- I like hearing comments.

And to prove I do listen, did you notice Sora feelings in this chapter?

It was brought to my attention that I had been neglecting to fully expose Sora's feelings for the chocolate eyed, spikey haired stranger we all love- I had hinted at problems before, hopefully it's a little clearer after this and the next chapter- but you'll just have to wait for that chapter...

Until then,

Ja Ne Mina