It was quiet and lonely in the small apartment room. Jill sighed and flopped back on her bed. She wasn't sure where Rachel had gone, but she wasn't there. Glaring at the ceiling she hoped Rachel hadn't gone out on another job without her. She knew that her friend only wanted what was best for her, but at the same time, it just didn't feel right.

Her mind started to drift to other thing and she rolled over onto her stomach, reaching under her pillow and pulling out Sai's hat. So many times she thought of returning it, or just throwing it away. If it were found, well, she knew something horrible would happen. However she just couldn't bring herself to let it go.

"I wonder if he still thinks about me?" Jill sighed and looked at the folded letter she had tucked inside the cap. "I hope he's just forgotten, it's better that way."

"You think it's that easy to forget you?"

Jill jumped at the sound of another voice in the room. She spun around quick and glared at the man standing there. "Don't you knock?"

Argo smiled and shook his head. "You let your guard down, besides, the door was unlocked. So, what have you got there?"

Jill glanced at the hat and shoved it back under her pillow. "Nothing! I don't have anything!"

"Oh yes, that was convincing. I'm sorry to interrupt your alone time, but you've been called to a meeting."

"Wong wants to talk now? Tell him I'm not home. I'm not in the mood."

Argo rolled his eyes. "Rachel is already there, now come on. You didn't think you'd get away saying something like that, did you?"

"I can find my way to the restaurant on my own. Why didn't they just call up here?" Jill sat back against the wall, arms crossed over her chest.

"We're not going to the restaurant. The meeting is being held somewhere else. The boss thinks that the police may be on to him using that place as a hideout."

"Well, where are we going then?"

Argo stood up and walked toward the door. "You'll just have to come with me to find out.. Come on, you don't want to be late."

Jill frowned and with a huff got up from her bed. "You know this is suspicious, right?"

"More or less, but yes. Teenagers seem to carry the world on their shoulders."

Jill jerked her head up at Argo in shock. Did she say that out loud? "Did I.."

Argo looked at her slightly. "I thought you were asking me that. Just thinking were you?" He smiled and looked forward again.

Jill sighed once more. 'Now I'm talking to myself. Great.'

She looked at Argo as she began to walk in silence. He was wearing a nice, almost business like suit. The hat he wore looked kind of funny though with it. She had seen other thugs were hats like his, but his hat was green, while his suit was black. She sighed. Argo was so different from the other thugs who worked for Wong. The only nice one. She wondered why he was working for him. Was he forced to like Rachel and her? Paying off a debt maybe? She raised a brow, as she wondered how she should could pry it from him.

Neither said anything for a good ten minutes, which was beginning to bother her.

"Ok, so where the hell are we going?" She finally snapped.

Argo looked at her. "You should curse like that. It's not lady like."

Jill's face only fell as it felt like a sweat bubble had formed on the back of her head. "I sure ain't no lady." She said in a stereotype hill billie like voice.

Argo raised a brow. "You be surprised who thinks other wise."

Jill became confused. Rachel and Argo talk outside the apartment? And since when did Rachel think she was such a lady?

She was about to open her mouth to ask when she noticed they were close to the park.

"Gee, I never noticed how dark it is in there at night."

Argo didn't say anything but then began to turn towards the entrance.

A pit feeling began to form in her stomach. "The meeting's in there?"

Argo stopped and looked at her. "You mean you're afraid of the dark?"

Jill scowled. "No I'm not you jerk!" She shouted slightly and then marched into the park ahead of Argo some. "Now where the hell is this damn meeting at?"

Argo smirked and walked past her. "In the center of the park. You should be patient, enjoy the walk."

Jill sighed and glanced around. The park was dimly lit by street lamps lining the walk way. "There isn't much to look at. Why would Wong have a meeting out here anyway?"

"Who would suspect a meeting in the park?"

"Good point." Jill continued to look around rather nervous about the situation. Something just didn't feel right. "Are you sure this is the place?"

"This path? No. I said the center of the park. We're not at the right place yet." Argo smirked at his comment and glanced over his shoulder at her.

"You know what I meant!"

"I know, but you set yourself up for that one. Come on, hurry up a bit. We're going to be late."

Jill sighed and walked a bit faster. At least the sooner they got there, the sooner it would be over with.

After a walking for at least another ten minutes or so, they reached the central area of the park. There seemed to be no one there, just a gazebo sitting in the very center of the clearing.

"There's no one here! You made me come all the way out here and for what! They've probably all left."

Argo just shook his head and pointed toward the gazebo. "In there, go on."

Jill looked at the structure, it was a bit creepy in the dark. She took a deep breath and walked over to it and then stepped inside. It was dark and she couldn't see anyone or hear anyone for that matter. Suddenly a lantern hanging from the center of the gazebo flickered on. Jill covered her eyes, after walking in the dark it was very bright.

"I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show up."

Jill spun around, hearing a voice behind her. She suspected it to be Wong or one of his thugs, however, who she saw caught her completely off guard.

"Sai!" She growled and turned around to yell at Argo, however the man seemed to have disappeared.

She was going to storm out of the gazebo without saying another word, but she felt a hand take hold of her's. She turned around and looked at Sai. He was just standing there, quiet and looking down at his feet.

"Let go! I'm leaving now! I can't believe you would do something like this. I told you we can't see each other anymore. What the hell is wrong with you? Huh? You could get yourself killed! I don't know how you got Argo to help you, but it was a stupid move!" She glared at him and pulled her hand away.

"I...I just... I wanted... I needed to see you again." Sai kept his eyes on the ground. He reached out and took her hand again. He hadn't expected her to be mad.

"No! You have to let it go! Go home Sai. I'm leaving." Just as before, Jill pulled her hand away from his grip. She didn't want to yell at him, but she just couldn't believe that he would pull a stunt like that. "Just go home now!"

Sai just stood there, listening to her yell. He looked up at her and gave her a shy, but kind smile. What was wrong with him? He didn't seem to get the point did he?

As much as it pained her, she was going to have to hurt him. "Listen, you jerk, how dare you pull a stunt like this. Go home NOW! I never want to see you..."

She never got to finish what she was saying, mostly from shock, but the young officer now kissing her in the gazebo played a large role as well. He had put his hands on her shoulders and quickly pulled her into him. She didn't even expect him to do it. Her body was stiff, every finger pointed straight as her arms hung like boards.

For a moment her eyes were wide as dinner plates but slowly she closed them and found herself kissing him back. After a moment, Sai pulled back and looked at her. A blush had formed on both of their cheeks. A soft smile came to his face, that is, until a hand smacked him.

"What the HELL do you think you're doing?" Jill asked in shocked.

Sai stood in a daze as a red hand mark had formed on his cheek. He gave a sheepish grin as he began to rub the sore spot.

"Answer me! Damn it!" She gave him a harsh glare, but it quickly softened. She noticed the look on his face had changed. The grin remained, but there was a rejected look in his eyes.

"Sai, I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit you. I just..." Guilt hung over her and she reached out and placed her hand over his. "I didn't scratch you did I?"

"No." He looked down slightly. "I'm okay. Don't apologize, you have the right to be mad at me."

His words only made her feel worse. She was quiet for a moment and then she pulled his hand away from his cheek. "Let me see. I just want to make sure."

"It's okay, really. You got me with your palm, the nails missed." Sai blushed slightly, realizing she had leaned in to look at his face. "What are you doing?"

"Well it's still pretty dark in here, even with that lantern, I just wanted to get a good look." She pulled back and looked into his eyes. "Sai, I'm so sorry."

He raised a brow and shook his head. "It's okay. I doesn't hurt. Really."

"Not about that. I'm sorry for... for what I've done to you." Jill hung her head and squeezed his hand. "I've messed up your life, and now you're putting yourself in danger because of me. I never wanted anything like that. You're so nice and, I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened. I'm sorry, it's all my fault."

"It's not you fault!" Sai snapped back at her, but bit his lip catching his outburst. "I mean, I didn't have to come out here, you didn't make me. I did it on my own."

He continued to ramble off reasons she shouldn't be sorry, but the words were lost to her. Jill stood there in shock, it had finally hit her. Her first kiss, and what had she done? Just blown it off and slapped the one behind it. She couldn't believe it, she had missed it completely.

"Jill? Jill? Are you listening to me?" Sai gave her a strange look. "What are you staring at?"

Shaking her head, Jill realized she had spaced out in thought. "Huh? Oh, nothing, I just was looking at the park."

Sai gave a bit of an irritated sigh . "You weren't listening to me, were you?"

"Sai," Jill took a step closer to the boy and smiled. "Can we try that again?"

Sai gave a sigh as he rolled his eyes slightly. "I said it's not your fault, and that you always seem to blame yourself when it..."

"Not that..." Jill's blush deepen on her face.

Sai gave her a confused look until he noticed the blush on her cheeks and began to blush himself. "Oh... you mean.."

She bit her lip. "I promise I won't slap this time."

They both gave a nervous laugh but let their hands hold each other. Sai looked down at Jill, noticing her avoiding his gaze. He smiled and let one of his hands touch her chin. Lifting it up some, she looked at him. She gasped a little at the sight she saw in his eyes.

'Could someone really look at me, like that?'

The look made her feel as if she was the only girl in the world and she found herself lost in his eyes. Feeling his hand move from her chin to her cheek, she let her own hand cup his.

Sai began to lean forward some but didn't get a chance to move any farther, for Jill flung her arms around his neck and planting her lips, hard, against his.

Sai almost fell back but he kept his ground and let his arms wrap around her waist. He wanted to laugh but her kiss was to distracting.

For the two star cross lovers, it was a magical moment. The warmth of each other over took them just as the silver moonlight surrounded them.

'I can feel his heart beat,' Jill thought as she tighten her embrace around his neck.

It would have been perfect, if the moment never had to end, but that wasn't the case. There was a soft cough from behind the two teens and Jill turned her head to see who was there.

"I'm sorry, but it's time to go." Argo gave them a soft smile. "Rachel is on her way back to the apartment."

Jill hung her head and looked back at Sai. "How do you know that?" She was hoping if she ignored the large man, he would just go away.

"Come on, you have to trust me on this one." He really didn't want to break in on the moment, but he had no choice.

Sai gave Jill a smile and reached up, pushing her glasses back up on her nose. "You almost lost those." He laughed lightly, saddened a bit that she had to go. "You should go. You don't want to get in trouble."

Sighing, she leaned in an gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "Be careful on your way home." She turned and started out of the gazebo, giving Argo a bit of a glare.
"Wait! Do I get to see you again? You're not going to disappear again are you?" Sai's voice had a hint of worry to it.

"Again?" Jill glanced back over her shoulder and she was quiet. "I...I want to... but..."

Argo smiled and nodded at Sai. "We may have to find different meeting places, just to be safe."

Smiling happily, Sai gave Jill a small wave and then turned running off and disappearing into the night. "I'll be waiting!"

Jill smiled and glanced up at Argo as they walked away from the gazebo. "You know, maybe you aren't such a big asshole after all."

"Remember what I said about cursing?"

"Okay, big jerk." She smirked and shook her head.

"That's not really what I was hoping for, but I'll consider that a thank you. Come on, let's get you back home before anyone knows you were gone." Argo looked down at the girl he towered over and shook his head. He could only hope that this wasn't the beginning of a potential mess.

Jill didn't even remember the walk back, all she could think of was Sai and it felt like she was walking on air. She barely remembered walking into the apartment door, then she giggled at her act and then unlocked it.

Argo shook his head. "Oh great... what have I done?"

"Good night, Argo." Jill sighed in a dream like state. She fell on her bed and gave a deep sigh just as Rachel walked in.

"You still up?"

"Uh huh..." Jill gave a goofy grin.

Rachel raised a brow. "You ok?"

"Oh yes. Thank you, I'm feeling very fine. Did you have a good time with, Wong?"

Rachel's mouth dropped. "What the hell do you do when I'm gone!"

---

Many nights later after the secret meeting, a masked figure was doing his own secret meeting, with a pair of diamond earrings. The Cat began to scale the side of the building, heading towards the roof, he had just finished stealing the earrings, but he wasn't very happy with his success. Behind the mask, George frowned.

It had almost been a month since he last saw Rachel and though he tried very hard to just avoid his feelings for the girl, he couldn't get her out of his mind, or his heart. 'Why do you beat yourself up about this? You know you can't let yourself be with anyone. Who you are, what you are would only get in the way.' George shook his head.

"I have to forget. But then, why can't I?"

Pulling himself up on the roof edge, he did a flip and landed on his feet. He looked around, getting his bearings on the area he was in.

'I'm not that far from the park.' George took notice of the odd longing filling him and quickly turned his back to it.

"You can't live in the past. She made it very clear she didn't want me."

'Oh but you know that's not true.' A voice in the back of his head told him. 'You know she wanted you just as much as you wanted her. You could see it in her eyes. Don't deny what you saw.'

George frowned at his thoughts. True as they may be, he could not let himself have her.

Suddenly a strange feeling entered his mind. He spun around looking across the skyline but there was nothing there. However he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. After a few moments he took off once again toward his home.

As he moved to another roof top, he swore there was motion behind him. He turned just in time to catch sight of a female figure disappearing over the side of the building.

'Heart? Could it be her? Is she following me?'

He glared in the direction the figure had gone and quickly followed after. He wanted answers and was determined to get them. Hurrying down a fire escape, George looked around the back street he was now standing on. He caught side of a shadow moving and took after it.

During the chase, George paid no attention to where was going or of his surroundings. It was for that reason that he was surprised to find himself at the docks when he finally lost sight of the girl.

"Where did she go?" He looked around and took a deep breath.

The air was stale and fog was setting in. It was a horrible place and even in day light it wasn't much better. The fog made it hard to see and mixed with the horrible lighting, George found himself wandering the pier looking for any sign of the girl he was after.

'This night isn't turning out as I planned,' he thought to himself still lost in the haze.

Out of the corner of his eye he spotted movement and without hesitating took off after the source. Even with his vision impaired by the fog he wasn't going to let her get away again.

'I'm going to find out what Wong is up to. I'll force it from her if I have to.'

As he chased the girl, the image of Heart on her knees from his punch bothered him. Something didn't seem right by the way she seemed hurt. Had he done more damage that he realized? Under the mask George bit his lip but jumped over the side of a warehouse as the shadow girl slide down a pole. The closer he got, the more he could see detail of the girl. Well by the shape of her body and her profile, she did seem to look like Heart. And the way she jumped from one fire escape ladder to the other showed it had to be Heart.

"Heart! Stop running from me!"

He shouted at the girl, but she only paused slightly then climbed the rest of the ladder up. He cursed under his breath and hurried towards the ladder to catch her.

'What is she up to? It's not like her to run from a fight. Unless she's stealing something.' The thought hit him. 'Did she steal something? Did she go back for the book? That couldn't be, he hid it in a place only he knew where it was at.'

"HEART!" He called to her again, but she was already on the run as she ran over the warehouse roof. George took off after her at a speed even he didn't know he could do. "Heart stop, NOW!" But she didn't, causing George to begin to lose his temper. 'I will find out what she is up to.'

She began to run towards a darker part of the docks.

As George tried to keep up with her, he noticed it was becoming a little to quiet. 'I don't like this at all.' He saw a figure moved from the corner of his eye. He turned but it was to dark to see clearly. "Damn it."

"Come out! I'm sick of playing this game!" George glanced around in the dark. As a thief, he was use to being in the dark and finding his way, however this darkness seemed to be too much for even him.

There was a flicker of light in the distance and he ran for it. Approaching the source he found a run down looking warehouse. It was in the dirtiest part of the docks and probably hadn't been used for sometime.

'What would she be doing in there?'

The light he had seen faded quickly and without giving in another thought, George hurried inside the building. It was just as a dark as it was outside. The air was heavy and dusty. Breathing it in, his stomach turned with a sick feeling.

"Heart! I know you're in here!"

There was no sound. George began to have second thoughts about the situation. Before he could act on them, he was grabbed from behind. He struggled with his attacker, but in the dark it was nearly impossible for him to attempt a break away.

The lights of the building suddenly turned on in a blinding flash. George blinked as his eyes tried to adjust to the brilliant glow. He had stopped fighting against the person holding him, dazed by the sudden event.

Out of the shadows a figure of a man accompanied by who must have been Heart, made their way into light.

"Good show, Cat. You've been causing me a bit of trouble lately." Wong stepped into the light was an evil smile on his face.

"Wong! What is the meaning of this?" George attempted to approach the man only to be held back.

In the dark he had been grabbed by two rather strong thugs. They kept a tight grip on the thief snickering evey time he tried to pull away from them.

"I should be asking you that. What is with all the robberies lately? You're making the work of my ladies very difficult."

George rose a unseen brow. "Your ladies?"

Wong laughed a little. "My two little doves, you know them Heart and Club? Such a good pair." "What's the matter Wong, have to send lackies to do your dirty work?" George looked at the woman next to Wong. As his eyes began to adjust to the light, the woman began to look more and more familiar. He scowled.

Wong laughed at The Cat's comment. "I never get my hands dirty, little kitty. Leaves to many finger prints, if you know what I mean."

"I think I do. Sending Heart to lure me here made it easy for you."

Wong laughed more. "Of course it did. And who would think you were such a sucker. You feel right into my trap so easily."

"You and Heart can go to hell, Wong!" George cursed at the mob boss.

"Heart? My, my, so quiet to judge, aren't you?" Wong only laughed, causing George great confusion, that is until his eyes, now back to normal, saw the girl next to Wong.

"What... you're not... Where is Heart?" George demanded.

Wong only laughed more. "Heart has to much... well... heart. Even if I forced her to help me, she find a way to get out of it. So instead of just fighting the lovely dear, I found someone else." Wong turned to the girl, who gave a wicked grin up at George.

"For someone who's quick on his feet, you're pretty slow in your head." The girl laughed. Her voice was like nails on a blackboard and caused a ungodly like cringe to run through George's body. She went on mocking him. "Heart, stop, ha ha, that was funny." She blew a bubble from the gum she was now chewing.

He had wondered how he could have been fooled by this woman. Though she was wearing the same outfit as Heart, she looked nothing like her. She had bright blond hair that was tied back some to give a short hair look. She was about the same height as Heart, but she was too thin. She had almost no shape to her at all. She began to study her nails as she laughed a bit more.

"Sir do you need me for anything else?" Wong didn't look at her but a cruel smile came to his face.

"No my dear, I think you've done enough for me tonight."

The girl smiled and looked back at George. "So what are ya gonna do with him?"

The way Wong's eye brow rose made George feel suddenly sick. Wong gave a snap of his fingers and a larger man began to walk towards George.

"Let's find out who our little kitty is, now shall we?"

At once George began to struggle with all his might. 'NO! Not like this! I can't let him be the one to take down The Cat. Not Wong! Not a horrible being like him!'

The man came closer and closer until his hands were on the base of George's neck. Finding where the flap of the opening of George's mask, he began to pull up.

"NO!" George shouted as he felt his chin being exposed.

Wong only laughed more, that is until a odd hiss sound filled the room.

"What the hell is that?" The girl said looking up. The lights had gone very bright and then suddenly POW, the bulbs in the warehouse exploded, sending glass and darkness everywhere.

"The lights! Someone find a light!" Wong shouted as he heard sounds of men struggling.

There was some fumbling around by various thugs until one of them managed to locate a flashlight and turn it on. By that time though, The Cat had managed to escape. Now, in place of the thief was one of Wong's lackies cursing at the other two for grabbing him.

"Damn it! Go! All of you go! We're not going to let him get away!" Wong growled and watched as his men ran off. "This isn't over, Cat."

The Cat hurried along the roof lines of the building on the dock heading back toward the main part of the city. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't being followed. He sighed briefly and shook his head at his stupidity.

"I almost got caught back there."

"You were lucky."

George whipped around and saw a figure standing not too far ahead of him.

"How about a thank you?"

George shot a glare at the shadowed figure. "Who are you?"

Stepping out into the light, Heart placed a hand on her hip. "You don't know? I thought you would have a good memory."

"Heart." George readied himself in case she attacked. "What do you want?"

"I was hoping you would thank me for the help back there."

George straightened up some. "Help? You didn't help me. The lights went out."

Heart shook her head. "I know. You're welcome."

George frowned. "What are you talking about? What are you doing for Wong now?"

"Ugh. You're a real jackass when you want to be. You know that right?" She took a step towards him but he raised his hands in fist.

He noticed Heart took a step back, slightly shocked by his actions. "What do you want, Heart?"

By her reaction she was hurt by his words and tone. "I want to help you."

A anger began to burn up in him. "Help me? HELP! ME! You work for Wong, the man who wants me DEAD! And you say you want to help me? Do you really think I'm that stupid." He could see a hurt in her face but it was quickly replaced by anger.

"Well, right now YES! You bastard! Do you NOT realize I just saved you back there?"

"So you knew what was going on tonight?"

She looked down and gave a nod.

Too over whelmed by anger he did the only thing he could think of, he let his rage come out in a loud bellow.

Heart stood watching him, giving a sigh as she folded her arms over her chest. "Yes I knew, but Wong didn't. If he did, you probably be unmasked and dead right now. I had to keep it secret, I was going to warn you, but by the time I had find you, you were already going into the building." She gave a sigh and took a step towards him.

George was breathing to heavy to react, he just watched her.

"I watched them grab you, so I had to think quick. I found the fuse box and I meant to switch it off, but... I over powered it somehow. But it still worked the same." She leaned forward, placing a hand on his arm.

George's mouth hung open, was she serious. His hands fisted up but he turn. "Go back to Wong, and leave me alone." He started to leave but a comment she said to him caused him to stop dead in his tracks. "What did you say?" He looked forward but then slowly turn to look at her. "What did you call me?" Heart gasped as she realized what she did. "I...I said... Don't go."

He took a step towards her, taking hold of her wrist. "No, what did you say after that?" He saw her lip quiver as she tried to pull away but he made her look at him. "You called me George. How do you know my name?"

Heart looked at him. "Oh George, I found out it was you."

He was in shock. Had he let his guard down THAT much?

"How did you..." Suddenly a thought came to him. "Do you know of Rachel?"

She smiled a little.

"Of course I do, you see George, Rachel is.."

He became angry again. "What did you do to Rachel? Where is she? Tell me now!"

"George, stop, you don't understand."

"I understand enough, you've done something to her. I swear if you..."

He didn't have time to stop her when she began to move towards him, nor could he stop her when she lift his mask up some. But what stopped him from talking wasn't her moving or lifting his mask, it was the kiss she was now giving him.

It was a tender kiss, a kiss so familiar and yet he just couldn't remember why. When she pulled away, he could only stare at her.

"I could never let anything happened to you, George."

His senses were coming back to him now. "Where's Rachel. Please, Heart, tell me."

She rolled her eyes. "My god. Don't you get it, George?"

What was there to get? George looked at the girl in front of him and watched as she began to remove the mask around her eyes.

"What are you..."

The girl before him shook her hair a little and then gave a shy smile. "Hi, George..."

"Rachel..."

---

Across town in a rather nice area of the city, a boy walked happily down the street. He thought about what had happened and smiled wider. Back when the idea of secret meetings came up, he wasn't sure if they would work. However now he was sure glad he took the risk.

Sai quietly walked up to his home and stood at the door for a moment. He had to be very sneaky to get inside his house. It was late and if his father knew he had been out, it would be trouble.

Reaching into his pant pocket he fumbled around for his key and pulled it out, trying not to jangle it too much. A quietly as he could, he went to unlock the door and then put his key back in his pocket. Sai turned the door knob and slipped into his house, closing the door almost silently behind him.

'So far, so good,' he thought as he tip toed toward the stairs.

He held his breath as he walked, he was in such a good mood he would hate for his father to catch him and have it be ruined.

The more he thought about it, it seemed he had been messing up a lot lately. He was constantly visiting his father's office at the station for various reasons. Mouthing off to higher ranking officers, sleeping at his desk, ignoring the ringing phone and many other things that he couldn't even remember. As much as he hated to disappoint his father, it just seemed to happen, only now, more than before.

He had almost made it to the foot of the stairs when he stopped and looked around. Sai had the uncomfortable feeling that something wasn't right. It was almost as if he was being watched, but as he quietly scanned the room he couldn't see anything.

'Dad wouldn't be up... not now.' He looked around again, frozen in his position at the bottom of the steps. 'It's just late. I'm hearing things.'

He continued to try and reassure himself that it was just shadows and tiredness playing with his mind. No matter what he told himself he just couldn't move. Once again he looked around the room, carefully watching for any sign of movement.

'This is crazy! I'm in my own house!'

He finally managed to put his foot on the bottom step and a loud creak echoed through the room. Once again he froze and held his breath. He had two choices, continued to slowly make his way upstairs or run hoping the less movement the less the stairs would squeak. His mind raced as he debated the two choices in his head, unsure of which course of action to take.

"Out late?"

Sai froze. Slowly and nervously he turned and glanced over his shoulder. He wasn't sure how he did it, but his father had managed to sneak up behind him.

Neither said anything for a moment and then Sai turned to face him. He gave a sheepish grin as his father only raised a brow.

Folding his arms over his chest, his father lend in towards him some. 'Well?"

Sai gave a nervous laugh, but replied. "Well, what?"

"What is going on Sai, for the past month you haven't been yourself. Staying out late, sleeping during the day, lacking on your job, mouthing off. What is going on here? Where do you go every night now?"

Sai looked down, not sure what to say. 'Well dad, I'm having secret dates with this girl who happens to be one of the girl thieves we've been looking for.' Sai made a face at this thought.

His father noticed. "Are you... doing drugs?"

Sai looked up at him in shock but began to laugh. "What? Do you think I'm THAT stupid?" He laughed on.

His father's frown caused it to die down quickly though.

Clearing his throat he spoke again. "No father. I'm not doing drugs. It's... well, I can't tell you." "You can't tell me? Your own father?"

A odd guilt over came Sai but he knew he had to keep Jill a secret. 'Why did this have to be so hard? If it was a normal relationship I could just introduce her to my dad, no worries.'

Not thinking when he said it, he spoke to his father, "Did mom and you have a hard time dating too dad?"

Lonbai's eyes widen a little as he looked at his son. "Your mother?" And suddenly, it all made sense now. He gave a quick smirk but then turned to his side slightly, resting his hand on his chin. "Yes, dating your mother was a hard thing to do. You're mother was a very rich and refine young lady. And she was always surrounded by men who wanted to date her."

Sai looked up at his father. They didn't talk much about his mother because he knew that his father loved her very much.

His father smiled some. "Everyone told me I didn't have a chance at all with her. She was to upper class and I was too lower. What she saw in me, I'll never know."

Sai smiled, hearing the tails his father began to tell him about his mother was enlightening.

"I couldn't stop thinking about her. Everyone noticed I was acting odd. Even your mother. It's hard to be in love and young."

Sai nodded and looked down. "Everyone's been telling me this lately."

"I take it, she must be something real special."

Sai looked up at his father as a soft smile came to his face. "Yeah. She is."

"So, what is she like then?" Sai's father smiled. "You can't just tell me she's special."

"She... uh..." Sai didn't know what to say. He couldn't just come out and tell the truth. On the other hand he didn't want to lie, so he decided to share details that weren't going to give away Jill's secret. "She's really uh... well stubborn and strong. I worry because she lives in kind of a bad part of town. She's such a nice person, she deserves better than that. You saw her that one time... in the rec. room. The brown haired girl that had brought in that lost wallet."

"Oh, so that's the girl. I was going to ask. She hasn't been around much." Looking down at his son he frowned slightly. "Why do you have to go out so late to see her?"

"I just can't tell you that. I'm sorry, but it's a secret." Sai forced a yawn hoping his father would drop the subject and he could go up to his room.

" Sai, if there is something going on that you need help with..."

"I don't need any help!" Sai bit his lip and looked down. 'Damn it! I have to change the subject. Come on think... come on.'

When he looked up again he saw his father's back heading up the stairs. He raised a brow but before he could say anything his father glanced over his shoulder down at him.

"It's late. You should get to bed. I would like to actually meet this girl sometime. We can talk about that some other time though. Good night."

Sai watched as his father vanished into the hallway at the top of the stairs and sighed. What was he going to do? There was no way he could ever tell who Jill really was, but he knew his father wouldn't just forget the subject either. After standing quietly at the foot of the stairs for a few minutes, he slowly made his way up to his room. His thoughts drifted back to Jill and once again a smile crossed his face. Somehow the thought of her always made him happy.

He laughed, "Her kisses are pretty nice too."