December 28th
"Where are we going?" Fay asked while she was driving.
There was no answer to her question and was extremely annoyed by the whole situation. I am driving to hell knows where and she is not talking to me. Fay glanced sideways to see what Aya was doing and found her friend singing the song that was playing on the radio totally ignoring her. Oh no, you are not playing dumb on me Aya, she thought as she turned off the radio.
"Hey…" Aya started to complain but was cut off by Fay.
"You have been ignoring me for the whole trip." She stopped the car on the side of the road. "Now, you better tell me where we are going or I am going to throw you out in the street and go back home," she said pointing her finger at Aya.
Aya backed away, as much as she could. "Umm… If I tell you it won't be a surprise anymore." She pleaded with puppy eyes.
Fay glared at her dangerously. "That will NOT work on me. Now, spill it or I will count to three." She crossed her hands and narrowed her eyes.
"Fine… fine…" Aya said moving her hands in front of her frantically to make Fay calm down. "I booked us 3 days at a hot spring resort," she sighed defeated. "It's near Kawaguchi-ko Lake on top of a mountain." She looked at Fay and grinned, "Satisfied?"
Fay rolled her eyes and started the car. What the hell got in to her all of a sudden, she thought as she drove through the highway towards Yokohama; though the idea of relaxing in an onsen… is quite tempting.
She kept driving while Aya was singing along with the songs on the radio. She looked at the big sign that wrote the city that was on there way. "Yokohama, huh?" she whispered. I wonder what he could be doing today. She thought wryly, I wonder if Yosuke was right.
(Fay's flashback)
Fay swore out loud as she ran out only in a towel to the phone. I'm going to kill who ever is calling and I'm going to murder Aya when she gets home because I have repeatedly asked for a phone extension in the bathroom… "Wait, damn it!" she yelled and then stopped when she realized that it was Aya's cell phone. And I'm going to kill Aya for forgetting her cell phone when I'm in the shower.
She frowned and picked it up. "Yes?"
"Aya… oh… its Fay, right?"
Fay felt warm, standing there listening to his strong voice. For a second, she forgot that she was only in a towel and frowned. "Sanada?"
"Yes, I'm sorry to have disturbed, but I was wondering if Aya was around."
Fay felt her heart… why do I keep forgetting that he is Aya's boyfriend, she thought sadly. "No, I'm sorry, but she went out to run an errand and forgot her phone." She sat down on the sofa. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"I was hoping if she could meet me," he admitted. "I don't have a car and I promised to see her tonight."
Ah yes… you tend to keep your promises, she thought sadly. "Where were you guys supposed to meet?"
"At your place to be honest, but I'm half an hour away in another district. I might be late."
"Oh…"
"Yes, so I wanted to let her know that I will reschedule and..."
"I will pick you up," she interrupted.
Sanada paused. "I will never allow you to…" he began after finding his voice.
"Sanada, Aya's been slaving herself in the kitchen for you, so she will kill you if you don't show up. Plus, this is Aya! Do you know how long it took me to teach her how to cook?"
Sanada went quiet again.
"I'll take your silence as a yes," she said with a chuckle. "Tell me where you are," she ordered, walking back to her room. I really feel like seeing you, so please don't cancel on Aya tonight…
"Are you okay?"
Fay looked at Aya taken aback. "I am fine. Why?" Did she understand I was thinking about Sanada?
"Umm… Nothing, I was just wondering if you were better after that raging moment of yours earlier," she answered and continued with her singing.
She is completely dense, Fay thought chuckling softly. I guess Yosuke was wrong.
(Fay's Flashback)
"I'm sorry, I'm late!" Fay exclaimed, panting in front of Sanada. "I…" She tried to stable her breathing and looked at him sheepishly. "I was doing my hair."
He watched her and felt tenderness towards her. She was dressed very casually, but still managed to look beautiful in only a pair of jeans, turtleneck and boots. Her hair was curled at its ends and she looked really innocent. "No… I'm sorry for asking you to help me with this."
"No! No! I love my baby! Of course, I'll help you find a gift for her," she said cheerfully. "We can go to Kumiko-san's shop and get it for her."
"Where is that?"
"It's at the far end of the street," Fay answered, looking around.
"Okay, wait here and I'll get my car!"
She shook her head and held his wrist. "Nope, we're taking the bus! Come on! The weather is beautiful and it's only two stops away!" she pulled him towards the bus stop.
Sanada bought tickets for the both of them and they got in. He noticed that it was crowded as Fay tried to walk through and he stayed close by her side. She stood quietly by the side, her back towards the window and tried avoiding many of the strange men that were rather close. I think this was a bad idea, she thought, noticing the many leers she was getting.
She hesitated and just tried to hug herself properly so no one would touch her. However, the next step came rather unexpected when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Stay close," he whispered, looking at her.
She nodded and stepped closer as he put an arm around her. Fay stood by his side, and tried not to think at all of how natural and comfortable the situation felt like. During the whole ride, her heart was beating fast; she just hoped that he couldn't feel it as her body would touch his during the bumps. She was thankful when they finally reached and she immediately stepped away from him, getting off the bus.
They didn't say anything as Fay led him to Kumiko's store. Fay walked in and the door rang the familiar sound it did when it had new customers.
Kumiko looked up and smiled. "Hi!"
Nah, it was just a coincidence. Both times he was looking for Aya. Yosuke is totally wrong, he doesn't like me, Fay kept thinking as she drove around the outskirts of the city. Aya showed her the rest of the way since she never had been around that area.
"I wonder how you came up with the idea of the onsen resort." Fay asked looking at both directions before driving forwards.
Aya grinned mischievously. "I needed a break and you do too." She looked at Fay and batted her eye lashes. "Park the car in that parking space." She pointed to her right.
At the parking lot, inside Sanada's car
"Genichirou, I am bored. Would you tell me what the hell we are doing here?" Niou asked in annoyance, but got no reply in return. What the hell he is thinking, he complained inwardly as he leaned backwards in his seat and crossed his hands behind his head.
"You know, I don't like you when you turn secretive on me," he sighed and turned his head to look at his friend. "Talk to me for Heaven's sake," he exclaimed exasperated.
Sanada looked at him taken aback. "I have nothing to say Masaharu," he answered quietly. You are late Aya, he thought sighing inwardly, but he moved forward a bit when he saw a car entering the parking lot.
"What is it?" Niou asked when Sanada opened the door and walked out of the car. "Genichirou?" he shouted but was ignored. I hate this. He decided to follow Sanada and got out of the car. "Damn its cold," he whispered and placed his hands in the pockets of his jacket.
He started walking behind Sanada but stopped midway when he saw Aya hoping in front of him. He looked at Sanada and saw Fay talking to him. "Wow… Easy sport," he said when Aya jumped to hug him.
"Haru, I am so happy to see you," she said cheerfully and pulled away. "Come with me." She took his hand in hers and pulled him to walk over where Sanada and Fay were standing, but she was pulled back by Niou.
"Wait a minute!" he said looking at Aya straight in the eyes. "You schemed all this, didn't you?" he asked as Aya broke the eye contact and looked away without saying a single word. "Sanada isn't capable of thinking something to that extent. That's something I would do." He smirked and cupped her chin and moved her head so she would look at him. "So, do you confess?"
Aya blushed and pulled her tongue out. "I confess," she said with a smile. "That's because you two are so damn stubborn!"
Niou let go of her and smiled. "You are evil. Lets go." He passed by her and walked to Sanada. "Genichirou, its cold what are we going to do now?" he asked without greeting or looking at Fay.
Sanada didn't answer him but spoke directly to Aya. "Are we going to take my car?"
"Yes, I think its better," she answered with a smile. "Fay lets go get our things." She pulled Fay along with her to the car to get there things.
This will a vacation from Hell, Fay thought sighing inwardly as she pulled her bag from the trunk of her car.
This definitely won't be fun, Niou thought rubbing his jaw looking at the girls and turned to go sit in the car.
Oh dear! Sanada sighed defeated.
"We're hiking!"
Fay felt the color drain from her face. She looked at Aya as if she had said something incredulously stupid. Fay looked at Sanada, who stood next to Aya and Niou, who she was so not ready to face yet. She knew she was set up by Aya, but she didn't know that this was going to be the consequences.
"Earth to Fay!" Aya said cheerfully, waving her hand in front of Fay's face. "Are you ready?"
Fay looked horrified. "Aya! Do I look like I'm dressed to HIKE?!" she demanded, referring to the skirt she was wearing. "You said that we were going to a hot spring resort."
"A ski resort which is up there." She pointed at the top of the mountain.
Fay frowned.
"Stop being a brat, and start walking," Niou muttered.
Fay looked at him sharply. Why is he here? What the hell is Aya trying to do? I haven't seen or spoken to Niou since our date!
"Haru!" Aya scolded. "Fay didn't know," she said. "That's why I got these."
Fay blinked.
Aya held a pair of trousers and a football shirt in front of Fay. That is so Aya's way to piss me off, she thought smiling sweetly at Aya.
Aya threw them at her and then took out a pair of sneakers. "Go and change behind that rock," she ordered.
"Wow! This is a beautiful place," Aya exclaimed happily, clutching Sanada arm.
"I am… exhausted!" Fay panted as she dropped to her hands and knees. She felt someone pass bye her, so she lifted her head and saw… "Niou," she whispered. She still hadn't apologized to him. She wanted to tell him how sorry she was for their disastrous date, but never got the chance to do it. I will do it; she thought and struggled to her feet.
Aya helped her carry her things, smiling sheepishly.
"Hehe… Sorry Fay, but that was the only way to come up here," she said, trudging cheerfully.
Fay rolled her eyes. "Next time, warn me, or else I will push you down the cliff." She grinned mischievously.
Aya gasped at the look Fay gave her.
They walked through the entrance and were greeted by warm heat coming from the fireplaces adorning the interior of the resort. The resort was build mostly of wood and stone. The entrance was spacious and was joined with a cafeteria on a five stair lower level. The sleeping rooms were on the back side through the entrance and were all either double or single traditional rooms. The onsen was on the left wing of the rooms and the ski slopes over the right side of the whole building.
They were given opposite rooms. Each room had two futons and a small low table with cushions around it. On one corner of the room was a television and next to it a wall closet. It had a heater, so the room was warm enough for people to stay in. Also, they were given yukatas and bathrobes.
"Umm… this room is great!" Aya piped leaving her things on the floor. She opened the closet and looked inside, then moved to the window and looked at the beautiful scenery. "There are yukatas in the closet, probably for the onsen."
"Yukata," Fay muttered slowly, remembering the beautiful yukata she got from Sanada's mother on Christmas day. "I think I will go for a hot chocolate at the cafeteria. Are you co…What are you doing?" Fay asked Aya, who had just changed into her Poo Bear pajama.
"I am tired, need to rest my body."
"You were jumping like a joyful bunny a few minutes ago," she exclaimed exasperated. "I am leaving. You drive me crazy." She walked out of the room and walked across to the boy's room. She knocked on the door and waited for someone to respond before she slid it open.
"Umm… Guys I am going for a hot chocolate. Do you want to join me?" she asked looking at Niou and Sanada.
Niou said nothing and started taking off his jacket and turtleneck.
"I am sorry Fay, but I am tired. I would like to rest a bit," Sanada said firmly.
Fay nodded and then looked at Niou.
He had his back at her. "I am going to the onsen," he said dryly. Fay said nothing to him but wished Sanada a good rest and left. So much for adventurers; they are tired already; and they call me untrained, she thought as she rolled her eyes. She walked quietly downstairs and frowned. I don't think Niou is in a forgiving mood… frankly, I don't think I want to apologize either.
"You're being rude."
"Shut up," Niou muttered, putting on his yukata, behind the special place to dress. "You don't know what happened."
"Then tell me what happened."
Niou shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I won't say anything. It's embarrassing for the both of us."
"Niou," Sanada said, crossing his arms. "I don't know what happened and it's none of my business, but it's clear that she's upset with you being here. Could you at least ease up around us all because if Fay's upset then it would ruin Aya's mood as well."
"That was forty two words in one sentence," Niou muttered. "Whenever you use more than five then I know you're serious," he said with a sigh.
"I'll go join her and leave you to think."
"Don't bother," Niou said, walking out of the room. "I'm still going to the onsen." He left without saying anything else. What the hell? I only went on one date with that woman! Why are they all acting like we're a divorced couple?!]
Fay walked into the cafeteria and looked around for an empty table. She found one next to the fireplace in the rear end of the room. She hurried to get a seat because she was afraid that someone else would sit there. It was ironic that someone read through her thoughts, another man sat at the same table just as she reached it.
"Umm…sorry but I saw this table first," she said politely.
"Oh?" the young man said raising his eyebrow. "In that case, I sat here first," he answered with a smirk.
Fay placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. "I am not in the mood to argue," she said annoyed.
"Look, I am not a man to disbelieve a beautiful woman, but since there is no other place available, I think we should share this table," the young man said smiling sweetly.
Fay narrowed her eyes looking at the man in front of her. Why does he look familiar to me? She thought, eyeing him dangerously. I am not buying his innocent act, but he's cute, so why not? She shrugged, sitting down. She picked up the menu and skimmed through it ignoring the other man.
"Thank you." Was all the man said sitting right across her, his smile never fading.
Fay lifted her head and looked at the man, she shuddered seeing his smile. I am some scary vibes from him.
They both ordered a cup of hot chocolate. Fay turned her gaze to look at the fire burning in the fireplace and the man was looking around at the different people in the spacious room.
Their orders came after a few minutes. The waiter placed each cup in front of them and left after bowing politely.
Fay sipped on her hot chocolate quietly, without looking at the man, but could feel his intense gaze on her skin. She shivered and looked at him annoyed. "Would you mind not staring at me," she said as softly as possible, trying not to show her irritation.
"Oh! I didn't realize I was staring," he said looking at her straight in the eyes. "Are you alone here?"
"I don't think its any of your business." She sipped her hot chocolate, not backing off from the staring contest. Why does he look familiar? I have seen this face before! I just know it.
"You are very interesting." He chuckled "So, are you alone here?" he asked again.
Fay narrowed her eyes at him. "No. I am here with friends." She looked away annoyed. "You said we were only going to share the table, you didn't say anything about talking."
"Oh! Where are they? I don't see them." He placed his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his hand, completely ignoring her last remark. "What's your name?"
"Are you hitting on me?" she asked, looking at him in surprised. "Just so you know, I am not interested in playboys like you." She crossed her arms and glared at him.
"Hehe… you sure are a very interesting woman." He chuckled. "I am Yukimura Seichi. Photographer." He winked.
Fay sighed. "I don't care Yukimura-san." She looked away. "Please don't share so much information. I already have someone special."
"So cold. It doesn't suite you," he said calmly as if her words never reached his ears. "Besides, I am a photographer for National Geographic. So you can relax." He laughed. "And for your information, if I wanted to seduce you, I would have already."
She looked at him raising her brow. "You are very confident," she said indifferently.
"Don't flatter yourself miss, you are not my type." He smiled sweetly looking at her intensely.
"Seiichi?"
Both Fay and Yukimura turned their heads to the voice they heard. Fay was shocked and Yukimura just grinned and stood up to hug his friend. "Genichirou. Now this is something I never expected." He laughed.
"Seiichi. What are you doing here?" Sanada asked his friend smiling warmly.
"Sanada. You know this man?" Fay asked shocked at the greeting exchange of the two men.
"Oh! Fay!" He looked at her surprised, noticing she was sitting at the same table with Yukimura.
"So, you have a name! And it's Fay." He laughed cheerfully "Nice to meet you Fay-sama." He bowed politely.
Fay was looking from Sanada to Yukimura and back to Sanada again. She was waiting for someone to tell her what was going on. Both men sat on the table and Sanada looked at Fay.
"This is Yukimura Seiichi; he was my captain in Junior and High School. He is also my best friend," he explained calmly.
"Oh… I remember you now! I saw you in a picture at Niou's place!" After Fay looked at him perplexed trying to absorb everything he told her. A while later, when she released what was going on she blushed and looked at Yukimura embarrassed.
"I… I am so sorry. I… I didn't know who you were." She bowed respectfully.
Yukimura laughed and waved his hand "Nah…it's alright. It was fun," he said with his usual sweet smile eyeing both Sanada and Fay carefully. "So, Fay-chan," he said playfully. "Is he your special someone?"
Fay looked at him as if she wanted to kill him and then turned to look at Sanada, who had a surprised look on his face. "Umm… no," she said, wanting to kill herself. "That… That was just a lie to get you off my back," she admitted with a nervous chuckle.
"Then answer me this, are you two here together alone?"
Fay blushed even more, but shook her head.
"Seiichi, you need to stop embarrassing Fay."
Yukimura laughed and looked at Fay who was glaring daggers at him.
Next Day
"I'm sorry, it seems this is not your type of outing," Aya told Fay.
Fay let out a sigh, looking at the slope underneath her. She frowned and was trying to decide whether to take the risk or not. "I'm sorry because I never told you I didn't ski before."
"Oh, come on!" She slapped her back. "With your rich parents?! I'm sure it was child's play for you."
Fay grimaced at the word 'parents'. "My mother was allergic to snow," she mumbled.
Aya hugged her arm. "Come on, girlfriend. It's easy; I know you're a great ice skater, so just go with the same flow."
Fay looked at her wryly. "I highly doubt that."
Aya kissed her cheek and moved away. "Watch me," she said, moving ahead and skiing down the slope.
Fay hesitated and noticed that they were all down waiting for her. She wasn't that confident because she had never done it. She moved a bit and went downhill. It was a small slope and she wasn't that ready. However, the minute she felt confident, she slipped. "Uh-oh…" she said, tripping and rolling hard onto the snow.
"Oh my gosh! Fay!" Aya exclaimed, running to her. "Are you alright?" she asked, rolling her onto her back.
Fay coughed, spitting snow out and looked at her wryly. "No," she said. "I have snow in my pants!"
Aya smiled and hugged her. "Let's go back up and try again."
"I'm sorry, but no." Fay shook her head, removing her skis. "Aya, I… I just don't want to do this. You hang out with Sanada and Niou. I just want to go back inside and drink something warm." Aya, why are you trying so hard to make my relationship with Niou work? We only went on one date. One date is normal and we didn't click… why are you insisting Aya?
"Stop being a coward and get your ass back up."
Fay and Aya both looked sharply at Niou who had said that. Fay simply ignored him, picking up her keys and went back up to the cabin. If he didn't want to be around her, then he should be quiet and leave her alone. 'I'll see you later, Aya." I don't have to put up with his crap! And I seriously don't have to be around him if he doesn't want to be around ME.
The minute Fay was gone; Aya pushed Niou hard onto the snow in front of Sanada. "What the hell?!" he shouted.
"You're being an intolerable ass! Could you stop picking on her?" Aya demanded, hands on her hips. "She already hates being here."
"I'm in the same predicament as hers," he muttered, standing up and shaking the snow off his hair. "Why are you insisting for us to try? We had one date, damnit! We didn't click! Get that through your head, Aya!"
"I want you to go up there and apologize to her," she said, completely ignoring his last statement.
"Over my dead body," he said, holding onto his skis. "I'm here to have fun, period." He walked back up to the slope, not saying another word.
"Sanada…' Aya looked at him for support.
He looked at Niou who was going up and then back at Aya. "Aya, let's enjoy our time. I wouldn't worry about them." The best way to handle Masaharu when he's pissed off is to leave him alone, he thought knowingly. Fay needs to calm down as well.
She let out a sigh and nodded.
"Idiot!" Fay muttered. "Idiot! Idiot!"
She was trying not to be very angry. She finally reached the resort again and caught a glimpse of him behind her; she decided to ignore him and walked to her room to change.
However, she did notice that he had ignored her as well and gone up to the top floor. Knowing him, he probably wants to be alone, she thought with a sigh.
She walked to her room, but then stopped, looking down. I am to blame for his mood, she thought, swallowing hard. Fay fought with her inner self and finally decided to follow him. She told herself that she would apologize to him. At least, she wanted to get that out of her conscious.
Why am I in this predicament? She thought, looking around. I thought I was going to get some free time alone… I… I don't know what to do with Niou. Lately, someone else has been occupying my mind. Someone that shouldn't even be in my mind in the first place…
Niou never went back down, but he decided to go to the top floor of the resort and enjoy the view with a cigarette. He didn't know why he kept picking on her, but every time he saw her, his blood boiled with want. He knew he was physically attracted to her, but he didn't want to go through that painful experience again. She is one confused woman and I don't need that on my mind right now…
"You're mad at me."
He looked at her, exhaling the smoke and nodded. "Yes," he confirmed, leaning on the balcony surface, looking at the snowy scenery below.
Fay walked up to him. "Will it help if I say I'm sorry?"
He let out a sigh and glanced at her. A few seconds later, he threw the cigarette away and turned around, his back leaning on the wooden banister. "I'm only here because Sanada insisted."
Fay frowned, hugging herself. "For what it's worth, I do want to try with you," she said honestly. "It… It was a mistake, Niou. My date with Sanada was awkward and… well… I think it was my fault when he kissed me under the mistletoe, but it meant nothing."
"Your face always says that it meant something."
Fay used all her inner struggle not to blush and she was glad that it worked. "Well I am telling you NOW that it meant nothing," she snapped angrily. She really wanted to try this. Even if she had a slight better feeling when she was with Sanada, she just couldn't do anything about it. Aya liked him and she continuously talked about him and Fay knew that she would never ever do that to anyone, let alone her one and only, Aya.
He didn't say anything.
Fay was disappointed at his silence. She withdrew quietly. "Anyway… I needed you to know that. Please… This is between us Niou. No one knows." She turned around to leave.
"Fay."
Fay stopped, turning back around to face him.
He wanted to say something, but then shook his head. "Goodnight." He said and turned his back at her.
Later
Fay struggled to get to here feet as she walked back outside again. She decided there was no use sulking in her room anymore, so she wanted to try the outdoor activities again. Damn it, Aya, she cursed inwardly, you and your ideas. She moved slowly and tried to keep her balance, but was not so successful. A hand circled around her waist and steadied her. She looked confused at the person and saw…
"Niou!" she said shocked. He hadn't spoken to her after she had apologized to him. "I'm surprised you're helping me up…" she said softly, not looking at him.
He looked at her seriously, his face emotionless. "For now, you look like you need my help," he said, taking off his ski pedals. He walked behind her and placed his hands on her waist. "Keep your knees slightly bent, that's to gain balance." He pushed her body forward a bit. "That's to gain more stability and speed. It's like skating, but instead of skates you have ski pedals." He walked away from her. "Do you think you can handle it?" He chuckled looking at her "You don't want to repeat this morning's fall, do you?"
Fay looked at him and placed her hands on her hips "Hey… You shouldn't make fun of me, ok?" she glared at him. "I am fine. Now go. Sanada and Aya are already down waiting for us." She positioned herself and hesitated because it seemed too high and she suddenly got a flashback of this morning's tumble. She bent down and took of the pedals. "On second though, I am too much of coward to ski again." She picked the pedals and looked at Niou who was laughing loud.
She walked and picked up the pedals. Niou had followed her and done the same thing. "So now what?" he asked.
"You could have gone down. Stop laughing," she murmured softly. She started to walk away, but stopped when she felt his arms around her waist. She stopped and he kissed her softly on the base of her neck. She felt warm inside from this small gesture. She turned and looked at him; he had a mischievous look on his face.
"I am wondering what's going on in that head of yours," she stated flatly "Is it even something I would like to know?" she asked not expecting him to answer. She knew that she had hurt his pride; therefore, she was not going to wait for an apology from him. She would just go with the flow and see the turn of events occur.
"I was just thinking about how to get down to our friends." He smirked. "I have a brilliant idea." He pulled Fay along with him.
He went ahead and rented a sled. Is he for real? Fay thought looking at him as he pulled the sled towards her. They reached the top of the slope as she hesitantly walked behind him. He positioned the sled and motioned for Fay to sit on it.
"Are you crazy? I am not sitting on that thing." She crossed her hands and looked away.
"If you don't sit on it then I will throw you down the slope." He chuckled and eyed Fay.
She turned to look at him wide eyed. Somehow she was under the impression that he would throw her down because she never knew when he was serious or joking… so she took her seat in the middle of the sled.
Niou sat right behind her and hugged her while he reached for the rope that controlled the sled on its way down.
"If I die, I will come back and haunt you," she said and trembled at the sight of the slope in front of her.
"Don't worry," he whispered "I am holding you. Think of it as a roller coaster thrill ride."
"That makes me feel allot better Niou," she retorted sarcastically.
He pushed the sled and they were off the slope. Fay was screaming all the way down and Niou was laughing. He held on her tightly and directed the sled to slightly turn to the right so they could reach the bottom where Aya and Sanada were waiting for them.
They reached the bottom safely. Fay was in shock. She had leaned into Niou's body for safety and was trembling. When they stopped, she jumped off the sled and closed herself into Aya's arms.
Aya was laughing; Sanada was trying to keep himself from laughing at the sight of Fay. Niou was still sitting on the sled laughing out loud like a kid.
"I will get you back at you for this Aya," Fay hissed.
"Why me?! He's the one that put you on it." Aya laughed. "There is a coffee house over there." Aya pointed to a small wooden café. "Why don't you go over there and sit. I want to go through some more slopes." She giggled. "Unless you want to follow in the sled."
Fay groaned inwardly at her friend, she can be so childish sometimes. Fay walked towards the café without saying anything. She was annoyed at them for laughing like that at her. She stopped in her tracks when she heard Aya talk to Sanada and Niou.
"Gen-chan, do you want to sit with Fay? You said you were tired." Aya asked Sanada with a smile on her face.
He looked at her; she is the most innocent person I have ever known. He nodded "Yes, I will join her. You be careful down those slopes," he said as he patted her head gently.
Fay and Sanada walked away together. Aya and Niou were looking at them from behind. "What do you think Haru?" Aya asked absentmindedly. "Will you stand a chance against me?" she chuckled and looked at him.
He looked at her smiling, I was under the impression that she noticed, he thought. "Of course I will win," he said and wore the boots and pedals Sanada left him. "Ok! Let's go sport." He skied towards a new slope.
"Hey. Wait up cheater!" Aya called out and followed him.
Both Fay and Sanada heard Aya's shout and looked back at the duo that were sliding towards the slope.
"They both forgot to grow up." Fay shook her head smiling "Aya can be such a baby sometimes." She turned to walk again.
"So can Masaharu." Sanada completed her trail of thoughts.
They both looked at each other and smiled. I wish it was just you and me Genichirou, Fay thought sadly, gosh, I am so confused. She sat at a table and told Sanada what to get her after he had asked her what she wanted. She looked at him walk away. Why am I so confused… here I am telling Niou that I want to try with him, but I am thinking of another man, she shook her thoughts away as she saw him approach her.
"Here you go Fay," he said gently, placing the glass of fresh orange juice in front of her.
"Thank you, Genichirou." She smiled at him. "Were you honestly tired?"
"Yes." He nodded. "I haven't skied in a long time. I used to come with Yosuke when I lived at home. With now I hardly have time to enjoy myself. I only play some tennis with Masaharu," he said, sipping from his steaming cup of dark coffee.
Fay chuckled. "This was the first time I heard you talk so much." She looked at him and laughed at his blushing face.
"Well, I feel more comfortable around you and Aya now," he said looking outside the window.
Fay followed his line of sight and looked at the beautiful scenery. It was a wonderful picture of colors. Although white was the main color on the background. The people that were running, playing and skiing, wearing all those different colored clothes made the scene look as a whirlpool of magic lights flashing every now and then. Finally, after taking everything in, she let out a sigh.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
Fay looked at him, the heat from his body emitting through his gaze. His simple question made her feel electrified, it was as if he knew she was sad even before it showed on her face. It made her feel special and loved. No one could produce these kinds of emotions out of her.
"I am fine… now." She smiled warmly and sipped on her juice. Maybe you and I are not meant to be, but I am happy that you exist in my life. At least that… is satisfying for now.
It was hours that Niou and Aya came back. They found Sanada and Fay by the tables still. "Aww… look at my baby," Aya said, watching Fay's head resting on her arms on the table. She was fast asleep. "What did you do to her, Gen?" she asked.
"Nothing," he said quietly, looking at Fay. The truth was he was scared of waking her up because she had looked so peaceful. He stood up and looked at Aya. "Let's head back up," Sanada told Aya. "Masaharu can bring Fay."
"Umm…" Aya hesitated, but Sanada had already lifted her skis and bag.
"Come on, Aya."
Aya nodded and walked after him. The two of them walked closely and Aya decided to hug his arm. "Alright?"
He looked down at her and nodded. "Whatever makes you comfortable."
She smiled and kissed his cheek impulsively. "Thank you for agreeing to this," she said softly. "I'm having a lot of fun."
'I am glad, Aya," he answered, as they continued walking.
Late at night
"Argh!"
Aya blinked her eyes sleepily and saw Fay hitting the pillow. "Can't sleep?" she asked, half awake and half asleep.
Fay held her head and shook it. "No, I can't sleep." She rubbed her eyes annoyed.
Aya sat up lazily, hugging her pillow and looked at Fay. "It's your fault for sleeping the evening away. Haru actually waited for you to wake up and then brought you back …" she yawned, rubbing her eyes. "Go take a bath at the springs, it should relax you," she said, plopping herself onto the futon. "I'm too tired to argue."
Fay frowned. A bath? At this hour? She thought, noticing that it was midnight. She contemplated going or not, but then stood up and decided to do so. She went to the dresser and decided to put on a swimming suit because she didn't want to risk being naked at this time of the night.
She took a towel, wrapped it around herself and went to the bath area. She admired the peace and serenity as she walked to the baths, but suddenly stopped when she reached the area. "Oh… I'm sorry."
Yukimura and Sanada looked up from the bath. "Mishima-sama," Yukimura said with a smile. "A midnight bath?"
Fay blushed a bit. "I'm sorry," she said with a bow. "I couldn't sleep and I didn't realize you were here, I will just go back." Isn't this the women's bath? I'm actually embarrassed.
"It's ok," Sanada interrupted. "We will leave."
"No, I have a better idea." Yukimura intervened. "Join us."
"Eh?" Fay exclaimed. She thought for a second and then blushed. Is he crazy? What if someone else walks in on us? Me? Alone? With them?
Yukimura tried to stand up, but Fay objected "No… wait…"
"We're in shorts, Mishima-san." He laughed, knowing why she was embarrassed.
"Oh… OH!" she exclaimed, blushing furiously.
Sanada stood up and took Fay's hand. "I'm sorry, we didn't mean to embarrass you," he said, helping her to walk down the steps of the bath.
Yukimura looked carefully at the scene in front of him and smiled. "Welcome to our sanctuary, Mishima-san." He teased.
Fay smiled and bowed her head lightly in acknowledgement. Then she looked at him. "I don't like you," she muttered. "You're always making fun of me." she told Yukimura.
"You're easy to make fun of," he remarked. "You get riled up easily."
"You're as bad as Niou then," she remarked, crossing her arms.
"Oh… Niou's here?" Yukimura asked surprised, looking around.
Fay looked at him. "I think he went to bed."
Yukimura studied her. "Are you here with Masaharu?"
Fay looked at him, trying to understand what he meant and then she realized what he was saying. "We're all here together, but if you're asking me where I stand with Niou, I'll admit and tell you that I don't know," she explained. "We only dated once and that's all the information you're going to get."
Yukimura chuckled and leaned closer to her making Fay actually back off, but he held her upper arm tightly and whispered something into her ears.
Fay pushed him away and looked at the floor. "Stop teasing me," she whispered embarrassed.
"Seiichi?!" Sanada said surprised.
Yukimura chuckled and leaned against the onsen's stairs. He closed his eyes, but still kept a smirk on his face.
"Are you feeling alright Fay?" Sanada asked, looking at her.
"Yeah. I'm just not in a sleeping mood." She giggled, deciding to ignore what Yukimura told her. "How come you two are awake at this time?"
"Oh! Just felt like relaxing when the hot spring is quiet without people," Yukimura answered, opening his eyes.
They stayed a good twenty minutes talking to each other about various things, laughing and teasing each other. Yukimura sensed that Sanada was very calm around Fay and was acting a lot different than he had known him all his life. This man before him was someone he always wanted Sanada to be. Smiling, laughing, and talking. A man that had emotions and wasn't afraid to show them. He looked at Fay and wondered if she had any idea on the impact and effect she had on Sanada. Interesting, she is the one for him and he is subconsciously responding; he thought looking at both of them intrigued, why is he not with her? I wonder!
"Well, I bid both of you goodnight," Yukimura said, heading for the edge of the stairs. He pulled himself out of the pool and wrapped his towel around him. "Genichirou, chances are not freely given to us. So do try and make the most of every chance you get," he said softly. "Oh, and Mishima, do kindly remember the question I asked you and I'll see you both tomorrow." He walked away.
"What was that all about?" Fay asked perplexed at Yukimura's words. She didn't want Sanada to ask what he meant when he referred to her, but decided to look at Sanada for his statement. She looked down for a second and remembered the words he had whispered in her ears…
But Niou is not your special someone, is he?
Sanada looked at the hallway where Yukimura had walked out, his words ringing in his ears, Genichirou; chances are not freely given to us. So do try and make the most of every chance you get, he contemplated on them for a second than felt a warm hand touch his shoulder shaking him lightly. Fay! He meant Fay, he thought alerted. He turned his attention to her; he was already in the pool more than he should be. He started feeling light-headed and shook his head to lift the burden away.
Fay put her hand on his upper arm and shook him. "Are you alright? You should get out! You know it's not good to stay in for a long time," she said worriedly. "Sanada!"
'I'm fine," he said, trying to move a bit, but felt unsteady so she immediately held his waist.
"I'm sorry," she said, moving away, but he put his arm around Fay's waist and pulled her close to him. He just wanted to make sure she didn't fall, but he knew it was the biggest mistake in his life for holding her like that. He felt her skin burn his, he looked into her eyes and saw longing, desire, maybe even love. He was confused. She had the ability to awaken all his senses in an agitated state of sensual tension. He leaned closer to Fay and his lips touched her cheek. Unconsciously, he trailed them to her lips slowly, sensually.
Fay trembled at his touch. She could feel his body heat running through her bare skin wherever there was contact with his skin. She blushed at the look he gave her. She then saw him lean down, therefore, she lifted her head and closed her eyes, and she felt his lips ghostly touching her cheek, than moving towards her lips. She moved her head a bit because she wanted to meet the lips that were approaching hers. She knew this was wrong, but just this one time… she wanted to feel alive like how she had when they were under the mistletoe.
Sanada placed his lips on hers and put his hand behind Fay's head to hold her in place as he deepened the kiss. He sucked on her lower lip gently and Fay moved closer into his arms.
Fay was so lost from the fumes, the heat, his heat, his kiss. She was kissing him with a passion she had thought she never possessed. She was struggling to keep her sanity. He was holding her so tight and she let her hands explore his beautiful, strong body. He detached his lips for a breath of air.
Fay moved her head away and breathed hungrily the air she needed. In a second, she was the one that moved closer again and she held his head tenderly. "Kiss me," she whispered against his lips as he proclaimed them and kissed her fervently.
After a few seconds, he began placing small kisses all through her neck. He was feeling afloat, he had lost himself in a whirlpool of emotions and feelings. They were his feelings, his emotions. The woman in his arms excited his senses in ways he never thought was possible. She was able to break through the iceberg and warm his heart. She was the only one that has seen him whole.
Suddenly, Fay felt a burden on her heart that she's never felt before. "Sanada!" Fay said softly, covering her face. "What the hell are we doing?" she demanded, trying to back away from him. It took all her will power to pull out of his embrace. She felt tears in her eyes as she felt a coldness engulf her. "I am sorry if I initiated it," she whispered.
Sanada frowned deeply when she said that. Why is she blaming herself? It's not her fault. He felt the iceberg hitting him harder than ever. He couldn't breathe from the tension
Fay's tears started running down her cheeks. "You are Aya's boyfriend, and I promised Niou I would try with him," she whispered softly through her tears. 'I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I'm sorry for having you do that. I know you're not the type and you would never, so I'm really sorry if I made you kiss me now, for you are a very loyal and humble person and I'm such a …"
"Be quiet," he interrupted as he felt a thump in his heart when Aya was mentioned. He was lost in his own world when he kissed Fay. In a world were only Fay and he existed; He hated to do this to either Aya or Niou. But he could no longer deny that he was falling for Fay and not for Aya. As much as he felt mesmerized by Aya when he first saw her, it was that fateful date with Fay that had made an impact. Life has a nice way of playing with peoples lives, he thought wryly. He moved closer to Fay and hugged her from behind.
"I finally understand my feelings Fay," he whispered to her ear. "Aya and I won't work out. I will give you the space you need to sort your feelings out." He kissed the top of her head and pulled away from her. He climbed out of the pool and covered himself with his towel.
"Fay," he said looking at her. "I don't think that Aya loves me either. It's more like an enthusiasm over someone and something new. I am not the right man for her," he said firmly and then walked away.
Fay stayed in the pool a bit longer. Her tears had stopped coming down. She contemplated on his words. Niou, I don't wont to break his hurt, she thought sadly, I promised I will try, but…but I am not sure how to keep that promise. She climbed out of the pool and dried herself up with her towel; she walked to the room she shared with Aya.
She looked at Aya's sleeping form; I don't think that Aya loves me either. It's more like an enthusiasm over someone and something new. I am not the right man for her, Sanada's words ringed in her head. She moved a lock away from Aya's face and kissed her forehead gently. She then lay on her futon and drifted to her own world, trying her best to forget the kiss she had shared earlier.