Fay got up in the morning and was feeling groggy, for she couldn't sleep at all last night. She had been turning and tossing the entire night, good thing Aya sleeps like a rock, she thought to herself.

She looked at the clock in Aya's room and saw that the time was only 7 am. She sighed and went to make coffee. In the kitchen, she sat on the table and sipped her coffee quietly as she watched a sappy TV series on the small television set that Aya had bought for the kitchen.

When she finished her coffee, she decided to go down to the entrance and remove the mistletoe above the door, so there would be no more temptations. Also, it wouldn't be a constant reminder of the kiss she shared with Sanada.

I have to stop thinking of that kiss. It wasn't even a proper kiss and it's doing this to me! Something is seriously wrong, she scolded herself mentally. She climbed up the ladder and untied the mistletoe from where it was hanging. Before she could climb down, someone spoke to her, startling her.

"You know, people either sleep at this time or go to work." Oshitari chuckled. "What are you doing up there hanging like a monkey?"

"Yuushi! Don't you have other things to do than scare people to death in the morning?" she complained angrily as she climbed down the ladder.

Oshitari looked at her amused and then saw the mistletoe in her hand. "Please tell me that you didn't take the mistletoe down?" he asked, eyeing her carefully.

"You…" She poked him, "were the one complaining yesterday." She glared at him.

"I was. That's true." He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, "But you shouldn't take it down today."

"And why is that?" She narrowed her eyes, expecting him to tease her.

"Because someone may be wishing to get kissed tonight," he said lightly.

"Well, I am sorry to who ever wishes to be kissed but they would have to find some other mistletoe to stand under and get their kiss," she said bitterly.

"Well, you should apologize to Aya then for wishing to get kissed tonight after her date," he said and left.

Fay just stood there as if she was struck by lightning. She didn't know that Aya had a date with Sanada. She remembered that Aya had to cancel on him the next day of their date because she got caught up at work. She forgot that she never went on an official date with him yet. A part of her wanted to just leave and wish that Sanada wouldn't kiss Aya, but the better part of her climbed up the ladder again and put the mistletoe back in its place on top of the entrance.

Her day passed fast enough and she was very sad that she had to stop working at Kumiko-san's store. However, she was more excited about her new job. Kumiko-san also was very thrilled that Fay got such an important job that she gave her 5 business suits for her work. Fay promised to visit as frequent as possible.

"Arisa, I am so sorry that we will leave you guys here alone," Fay said hastily, trying to tie her sandals.

"Oh! Don't worry. Now that Kaedes is not here we can have some quality time." Arisa giggled.

Fay looked at her shocked and shook away her thoughts on what Arisa and Oshitari would be doing on her bed.

"Oh! You look stunning Fay. As usual," Oshitari said as he walked into the living room, "Babe, I have made us a bubble bath." He leaned down to kiss Arisa and then he nibbled on her neck while she giggled helplessly.

Fay frowned a bit at the scene in front of her eyes. She had longed for a 'one and only' for a long time, but she really doubted that she could find that type of closeness in a man like Niou. Although, he seemed to confuse her to no end, the man was like a chameleon(1). She sighed and walked to Aya's room so she could the final touches to her makeup. She was wearing a full body dress of dark blue that was sleeveless. It was a long dress that ended at her ankles, not too formal but not too informal. Niou had text her and told her to dress well.

"Well, I am off," Fay said, putting on her coat. She gasped when she turned around and saw that Oshitari was on top of Arisa. They were both making out. "Hey! At least wait until I leave," she said half amused. They both looked up at her. "Anyway, I am leaving. He just called and told me that he is waiting for me down stairs. Have fun."

Downstairs

Niou was waiting for her at the entrance of the building with a huge smirk on his face. When Fay approached him, he stood straight because he was leaning against his car. Before she could greet him, he leaned forward and kissed her hard.

Fay pulled away shocked. "What do you think you are doing?" she demanded.

"I was kissing you." He pointed upwards. "You see. We are standing under mistletoe." He chuckled.

Fay muttered something under her breath and walked over to his car. He rushed up and opened the door for her. Fay looked puzzled at his action. Chameleon, she thought.

"So, where are we going?" she asked curiously, looking at him.

"We're going to a restaurant."

"Obviously," she muttered, "well, it must be somewhere fancy. You are wearing a suit."

"Hmm. Very observant of you." He chuckled "My best friend Hiroshi is getting engaged on Christmas Eve and he is having a small gathering."

"Oh," Fay said softly "Lucky. He probably has found his 'one and only'," she whispered, but it was loud enough for Niou to hear though.

"His 'one and only'?" He looked at Fay "Are you trying to tell me something?"

"No, it was just a stupid comment."

"Well, for your information, he was forced to marry this girl. She is a very nice person, but Hiroshi never had the choice of choosing his partner, and that is sad," he said seriously, eyes on the road ahead. "He was told that he had to get married to her at our senior year in High School. The only thing he asked for in return was to finish University and then play golf professionally." He sighed, "Well, after all these years he started loving her so he decided to marry her on his own free will."

Fay was silent. She couldn't comprehend how people could consent to an arranged marriage. Well, my parents would obviously do the same thing if I wasn't rebellious enough, she thought. "I am sorry to hear that he was forced into the marriage, but I am happy to hear that he finally fell in love with her," she said softly.

"I wouldn't say that he fell in love with her exactly." Niou smiled sadly. "Here we are."

They parked the car at the outside parking lot and walked to the restaurant silently. Suddenly he took her hand gently and tugged it under his elbow. Fay looked up at him and he smiled sweetly at her. Now that's something you don't see everyday, she thought smiling just as sweetly back at him.

They sat at the designate table that was reserved for them and waited to be served their appetizers and drinks. While waiting, Niou's phone rang.

He looked at the caller ID and answered the phone. "Hiroshi." He paused. "That's alright. I will enjoy the rest of the evening with my lady. Call me if you need anything." He closed his phone and sipped on his wine. "Hiroshi is not coming. His fiancée wasn't feeling well. So, I guess, it's just you and me."

"I hope she is alright," Fay said softly. Somehow she liked this Niou. He seemed tranquil and very mature. He reminded her of Sanada. No, not now, she scolded herself inwardly.

"Did you dress up so elegantly for our other date too?" He smirked as he eyed her carefully.

"Well, yes I did, but that was only because I thought you were taking me somewhere fancy." She sipped her juice.

"Umm… I feel jealous of Sanada." He narrowed his eyes, "I hope he didn't kiss you under the mistletoe. I don't think he would though, he is too much of a gentleman," he said nonchalantly.

Fay blushed and picked her glass and sipped her drink as to hide the blushing from Niou's piercing gaze. However, he caught it, but said nothing more on the subject.

The food was brought short after the embarrassing. They had been silent the whole time. Fay was not sure how to react as she looked around the restaurant. It was quite luxurious.

"Do you like the place?" Niou asked out of the blue to break the uncomfortable silence.

Fay nodded. "It's very beautiful. It must be really expensive though," she whispered, feeling a bit bad. Why did he bring me to an expensive restaurant?

"You shouldn't worry about that." He laughed. "A beautiful woman has to be taken care off."

Fay looked at him amazed. The first impression she got from him was the worst she could think of, but this man standing across her was different. Nevertheless, he still had a sly look in his eyes. Fay looked into his eyes and shivered from the intensity of their emotions. He's showing me emotions I never thought he would possess.

They ate mostly in silence. They did converse a bit, mostly about their likes and dislikes. Fay was stunned when she heard him rant about his likes, which made her vaguely think of Aya. It was as if she was on a date with her best friend. Apart from his wild attitude towards women, he was as chirpy and cheerful as Aya. How come those two aren't together; she thought dryly, they fit perfectly. "I must say that you and Aya have a lot in common," she said absentmindedly.

"Hmm. Most probably. We clicked immediately. She's like a little sister," Niou said thoughtfully, playing with the fork and knife.

"You know, the fork and knife is to help you eat, not play." She sighed.

"Want to dance?"

"Eh?" She looked at him surprised. "You want to dance?"

"Yeah." He got up from his seat. "My Lady will you honour me with a dance." He bowed and stretched his arm towards Fay.

"Su… sure, but you don't have to be so theatrical about it," she hissed.

He held her waist, hand and then started dancing. "I wouldn't say I was theatrical. I was as romantic as a gentleman should be." He continued. "You are as stiff as Sanada." He smirked. Fay immediately blushed and looked away. Bingo, he thought, I have to make her forget the date they had. I wonder what happened between them.

He looked at Fay and then leaned to kiss her cheek.

Fay jerked her head up at the touch. She looked up at him just as his lips found hers. They kissed while dancing on the dance floor. The lights had faded to create a very romantic atmosphere.

"You are great dancer," she remarked a little breathless.

"I thought you were going to say I was a good kisser." He chuckled.

Fay chuckled too, hiding her face on his chest, "Yeah, that too," she said sheepishly.

He looked at her. "You look beautiful when you blush," he whispered next to her ear. "You drive me crazy." He bit her earlobe.

Fay shivered as an electrifying rush ran through her body "No. Don't. There are people here," she muttered breathing heavily.

"Let's go then." He led her away from the dance floor and they left the restaurant.

"Niou, wait. Aren't you going to pay?" she asked him in a panic.

He smirked. "It's on Hiroshi." He pulled her closer to him. They stood by the car and he looked at her. "Do you want to go back to my apartment?"

"It depends on what you have planned," Fay said, raising an eyebrow.

"It depends if you're as wild as your reputation claims to be," he said with a smirk.

Fay glared at him, but grabbed his wrist. "Let's just go and see what happens," she muttered.

They got to the car and drove off. They drove for about half an hour until they stopped at the entrance of an apartment building. Fay looked at the apartment building. I guess we're both just the type not to waste any time, she thought. However, I got the impression that he is less wild than me.

They walked to the entrance and he opened the door for her. They entered the elevator and Niou stopped it midway to his apartment.

Fay looked at him when she sensed the elevator stop abruptly. "What happened?" she asked panicked. "I hate it when this happens! Niou, please…" she held his upper arm, shaking it. "I hate it when…"

He smirked, held her hands and pulled her into his arms. He looked at her and then kissed her. Fay didn't fight back, but let herself free. She needed it to keep her mind off the elevator because she normally panicked if it ever stopped midway. She lifted her hands to his hair and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss. He snaked his hands around her waist and they kissed hard and passionate. Their tongues were battling against each other in a duel that Niou won once again. His hands were touching her body and their little ministrations made Fay shiver in pleasure.

"Are you feeling better now?" he whispered as they parted a bit only to breathe a little and then kissed again with more passion. Niou pressed the button for the elevator to move upwards. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were going to get scared of this," he said, rubbing her lower lip gently.

Fay stepped into his arms, holding him tightly. "It's alright."

When they arrived at Niou's apartment, they entered, still holding each other. They walked to the couch and Niou pulled Fay to sit on his lap. They kissed again and he pushed her gently, making her lay down on the couch. He leaned above her and took off her shawl. He then worked his way to her neck, licking and biting.

Fay bit her lip not to squeal pleasantly from Niou's teasing kisses.

He loved every sound that came out of her kiss-bruised lips. His hands were at Fay's back and were pulling the zipper of her dress.

Fay opened her eyes when Niou bit her collarbone playfully and her gaze landed on a picture on the wall. It was a photo of Sanada and Niou with their diplomas in their hands.

What am I doing; she thought panicking, I can't be doing this, not from our first real date. She felt Niou's hand on her tummy and it was climbing upwards. She was melting by his touches, but her eyes fell on the photo again and she jerked herself away from Niou. She straightened her body and looked at him. "I am sorry. Its… it's too early." Yeah right, Fay… Like he's going to believe you. You've slept with many guys on your first date!

He sat up, looking at her. "It's alright," he said, moving a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry I rushed you." He gave back Fay her shawl. "Too early or late, you seemed to be enjoying yourself."

Fay actually blushed at the comment, but couldn't deny it. "Yeah… umm… well, I am sorry. It's our first official date." She sighed, looking at him.

He got up and turned his back to her. "I'm a bit surprised because you came in with me knowing where this would lead," he said, watching her. "Anyway, I'm patient enough," he muttered. But I do need a cold shower, he thought wryly, rubbing the back of his head. "I need you to excuse me because I need to cool off," he said, walking to his room.

Fay felt so embarrassed and vulnerable at that moment. It was the first time she had refused a guy. She was so confused at the moment. She couldn't recognize herself anymore. What is going on with me, she thought aggravated, I would never back out from a moment like this. Why? Why now?

She stayed like that for ten whole minutes until she covered her face with her hands. I am so confused; I don't recognize myself anymore. Who am I? She kept scolding herself mentally and did not realize that Niou had walked back in.

"Here," he said fresh out of the shower.

She jerked her head to look up at him. He was looking at her with an indifferent look that made her insides scream. She took the towel that he was holding in front of her face. She couldn't help think that he looked physically attractive with his hair wet like that. There was something utterly sexual about him as he stood like that in front of her.

"What for?" she whispered softly.

"This is for you to have a shower. Use the bathroom in Sanada's room. I left some clothes for you to wear." He turned and walked away.

Fay walked to the bathroom and took a shower. She let the water calm her nerves and wash away all her worries. She kept thinking of her odd behaviour. Why did I stop him? I really enjoyed everything he did; she thought in a calm manner. Those eyes, from the photo; she shivered at the remembrance of the photo where Sanada and Niou stood beside each other posing. Niou was cheerful and smiled brightly. Sanada too, was smiling lightly, but the stern in his gaze was ever present.

Oh my Gosh, I am so confused; she screamed inwardly. She closed the water, dried herself, covered her body with the towel and walked out to Sanada's room.

She looked around at the photos, for her curiosity was legendary anyway. She looked at a photo where Sanada was posing alongside another man. He is a very handsome man. I wonder who this man is.

"That's Yukimura. He was our tennis captain during school," Niou said coolly, leaning against the doorframe looking at Fay carefully.

Fay turned around and met his gaze. She felt naked at the intensity of his gaze. She immediately hugged herself. It's not helping that I'm only standing here in a towel.

"Che, I only wanted to ask if you cared for some coffee," he muttered dryly, sensing her withdrawal. "I told you I'm patient enough, Fay, so you don't need to be scared of me."

Fay stiffened at his harsh tone of voice. She knew he was trying to be easy around her, but she also knew that he was not pleased about what happened. She knew that she was fully to blame for what happened earlier. "Yes, please. I would like that." She smiled lightly.

Niou turned and left the room, closing the door behind him. She got dressed quickly in a pair of long trousers and a big blouse that would probably fit two more Fays in.

Walking out of Sanada's room, she walked to the living room where Niou was sitting on the left end of the couch, "Didn't you have something bigger for me to wear?" she said sarcastically as she sat on the other end of the couch.

Niou didn't look at her when he answered, "Those are Sanada's clothes, not mine."

"Oh!" Fay whispered, wide eyed surprised and looked at him, blushing furiously. "Why did you give me his clothes?"

Niou looked straight into her eyes calmly, but his gaze suddenly turned furious. "Why don't you look at a mirror and see," he muttered in an obvious way that he was aggravated.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded, her tone increasing.

"What do I mean?" he yelled. "You blush every time Sanada's name is mentioned. We were getting intimate and you just gave me the cold shoulder. What do you think I mean," he said angrily, looking at her through narrowed eyes.

Fay's face turned red in fury. She got up and pointed at him. "You said that it was alright and that you are patient! Do you think I am some kind of slut that would sleep with you on the first date?" she shrieked.

"Well, according to my sources that was never an issue, was it? Sleeping on your first date? You knew exactly why we came here. You didn't protest," he shouted back at her, "If you didn't want me to advance on you, you could have told me no when I kissed you in the elevator." He got up and glared at her, "Don't kiss me back and give me false hopes if you don't intend to go further with me."

Fay was fuming, she wanted to hit him so bad, "I was CONFUSED," she yelled and moved closer, glaring dangerously at him.

"Confused?" he started laughing. "Confused of what? My intentions?" he eyed her. "I was clear from the first time I met you that I wanted you. What were you confused about?" he asked. "Is this really about sleeping with me? Or is this about Sanada?" he demanded, looking at her.

Fay froze the moment she heard those words come out of his mouth. She looked at him wide eyed in surprise. So that's why he is mad, she thought. He is not mad about me refusing him, but mad about Sanada.

"I am right, aren't I?" he muttered disappointedly and turned to walk away, but Fay grasped him from the shirt and pulled him into a deep passionate kiss. He was surprised once again by her action and thought of pushing her away, but Fay pulled him closer.

They kissed, tongues fighting each other for domination. They fell back to the couch still kissing.

Fay pulled away a little to breathe some air and started licking and sucking on Niou's earlobe. After that, she began moving down to his neck.

Niou shivered at the sensation. His hands touched her shoulders and caressed them gently.

Fay gasped at his touch and slid her hands through his hair. She turned her head a bit to the side to give him access to her neck. He moved up again and kissed her lips. As they kissed again, he moved closer to her. Fay froze at how close he was and her previous thoughts came running back fast to haunt her. Quickly, she pulled away once again. "No…" she whimpered, hugging herself.

Niou stopped and looked at her, but she couldn't look at him. Her face was flushed and she was looking down at the carpeted floor as if there was something appealing to it.

"Seriously… Ah! Just forget it," he muttered and hit his fist on the couch next to Fay's shoulder in frustration. "I may be patient, but I am still a man."

"…"

He got no answer from her and got up. He walked to his room and met Sanada as he entered the apartment back from his date. He turned to Fay before Sanada could see her. "You know this is not about what just happened…" you know it's about a specific someone, he thought aggravated. Niou walked past Sanada, wanting to ignore him, but stopped. "Take her home." Was all he said and shut the door behind him.

Sanada looked at him confused. Take who home? he wondered. His thoughts stopped when he heard someone sobbing. He walked to the living room to the source of the sound and froze when he realized it was Fay. He walked to her and sat on the couch next to her. He touched her shoulder softly and she looked up at him.

Fay froze when she saw Sanada looking at her. She felt as if the blood had drained from her face and she started crying.

Sanada hesitated, but he decided to put his arms around her. There was something about this woman that made him feel overprotective of her. She was still a stranger to him, but he felt like giving her solace at the moment.

"Did he do something to you? Did he force you?" he asked firmly, but Fay shook her head. "What happened then? Why are you crying?" he sounded worried.

"I… I… it's my… fault… I… my… fault." She hiccupped, still sobbing.

"Should I take you home?"

"Yes… yes… please," she stuttered, trying to control her breathing.

"Alright. Go and wash your face and lets…" he stopped abruptly and looked at her attire. "Are you wearing my clothes?"

Fay pulled away and looked at the clothes she was wearing, blushing lightly "Umm… Niou…. Your…. he gave me your clothes," she said embarrassed and looked away.

"It's too big," he muttered.

Fay looked at him puzzled. She looked at the clothes she was wearing and began laughing out of nervousness.

He watched her as she laughed and a light smile touched his face. "Are you feeling better?"

Fay nodded and got up. She went to the bathroom and washed her face. She tried to fix her hair, or at least to make it look more presentable. She then walked out to Sanada's room where he was waiting for her, holding a bag.

"I should change," she whispered her voice hoarse from the sobbing.

"It's alright. I packed your things here." He showed her the bag. "Shall we?" He asked, motioning for the door.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"You are welcome. Come on."

The way to Fay's apartment was silent. She didn't want to spoil the peace she was feeling by trying to explain what happened. He won't ask anyway; she thought. She was looking outside the window at the lights of the city that passed through like bright lines. She thought of Niou and sighed. She had hurt his feelings with her actions. She had consented both times to the pleasures he was giving her, but both times she stopped him. She looked at Sanada out of the corner of her eye as he drove quietly, I wonder how his date with Aya went, she thought. Why am I feeling jealous when I should be sad after what I did to Niou?

They arrived at Fay's apartment and he walked her to the building entrance.

"Well. Thank you very much Sanada-san." She looked down, blushing. "I am sorry to have put you through all this trouble."

"It's alright. I hope everything will be ok," he said softly.

They looked at each other and then their gaze lifted to where the mistletoe they kissed under was hanged, but it wasn't there anymore.

They both glanced back at each other in silence and Fay could see longing and desire in Sanada's brown eyes. Sanada could see love and need in Fay's big black eyes. They both stepped back from each other instinctively. After a moment that seemed forever, Sanada bowed quietly and left. Fay remained looking at his retreating figure while tears ran down her cheeks again.