"Shut it up! Shut it up!" Aya groaned in her sleep as she hugged Fay's waist tightly.
Fay opened her eyes and groaned as well. After assessing what the infuriating sound was, she realized that it was her ring tone. Fay tried to move, but couldn't because Aya was holding on to her for dear life.
"Shut that noise," Aya whined.
"I will if you let go," Fay hissed. When did she get into my bed?!
Aya let go and Fay rolled to her side to pick up her cell phone. She rolled onto her back and placed it next to her ear as Aya hugged her snugly again. "Hello?"
"Where are you?"
Fay blinked when she heard that. She looked at her cell phone display and narrowed her eyes in annoyance. "What do you mean where am I? It's my day off today."
Atobe let out a huge sigh that could be heard over the phone and spoke. "I need you here."
You have got to be kidding me… Fay thought, waking up fully now. She was so stunned by his request that she didn't even answer him. If he repeats that… I'm going to kill him… I'm going to go to the office, just to kill him.
"Look, I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you, but I need you in the office because we have two board meetings."
Fay gritted her teeth. "You know why I took off today."
"Do you think I would be the type to call and beg?!" he snapped.
"You're not begging me! You're ordering me."
"First meeting is at 10 AM. You have plenty of time to get here. I expect to see you here," he said in an irritated tone and then hung up.
Fay gasped at the phone. Oh, he did not hang up on me… she held onto her temper and then swore out loud, "son of a bitch!"
"Let me sleep," Aya whined.
Fay looked at her clock and realized that it was 7. That bastard totally ruined my mood. It's not even a time to be at the office, but he still calls me. Fay knew that she had to go. She closed her eyes trying to sleep, but was too angry to do so. She unhooked Aya's arms from around her waist and stood up, going to the shower.
Aya woke up when she felt 'alone' on the bed. She looked around Fay's room and frowned. I doubt she started work; she's too lazy to do house chores. "Fay?" she called, moving to her side. She placed her feet on the floor and stretched her arms above her head.
"I'm here," she said, walking out of the bathroom dressed for work.
Aya's jaw dropped. "Please tell me you're not?! I'll kill you if you are."
Fay didn't say anything as she pulled her hair into a ponytail.
"I will kill you if you tell me that you're going to work," she threatened, glaring at her.
Fay sighed, "Then it's best that I don't say anything."
Aya gasped. "YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!"
Fay rolled her eyes and pulled out a notepad. "Stop being a drama queen," she said, writing on the paper. In a few minutes, she ripped the paper from the notepad and handed it to Aya, "just prepare whatever you can and I'll help with the rest. I just have to go to two meetings, kill Atobe and then come back," she said, picking up her purse as she wore her sandals.
Aya didn't get the chance to protest. She muttered things under her breath and looked at the list. "WHAT?!" she wants me to cook fifteen dishes! I'm going to kill her. "FAY!"
"Idiot," Fay muttered walking into Atobe's office. "Bastard!"
Atobe looked up from his file, "What?" Did she just swear at me, he thought. "Were you referring to me by any chance?'
"No!" she snapped, walking in further. "It's these two idiots!" she almost shouted, "These two ridiculous little idiots actually tried hitting on me in the elevator with their crude comments," she said shaking her head in disbelief. "How could they think that… ARGH" she bit out. I do not need this! I'm already angry for being here.
"Maybe you should try wearing a longer skirt, that is, if what you're wearing is a skirt," he said dryly, eyeing her attire that was a short mini skirt suit.
"Don't push my buttons, Atobe!" she said, sitting down in front of him fuming. "You knew I had plans! It is your best friend's engagement tonight."
"Woman, I do not mix business with friends, so drop it," he said firmly, looking at his computer screen.
Fay didn't look amused.
"Now, stand up and follow me. We have our first meeting in five minutes. Also, note that you've got tempting legs," he said, standing up, "Even the women in the office stare you up and down so kindly wear pants next time."
Fay followed him with smoke coming out of her ears; I'm going to kill him. I swear I am.
Aya was in the kitchen going through the list of food she had to prepare. She sighed and walked to the fridge. She opened it and took out the things she need. She went back to the counter and picked the list up. "How am I supposed to finish all these dishes alone," she pouted to no one present.
She started peeling the potatoes while she sang the lyrics of her new song but was cut off by the ringing of her phone. She looked where the sound of her phone was heard and walked towards the table where she had left it. She answered it without checking the caller ID. "Sawada," she said boringly.
"Aya, I can't talk much, so listen to me," Fay's voice was heard hurriedly.
"Heeeyy…"
"Don't start. Now, I won't be able to come early home so you will have to manage the cooking," she said quickly, "also, I asked Masaharu to go get the cake so it will be home before anyone comes. Now I have to go but text me if you need anything! I owe you," she said and hung up.
Aya pulled the phone away from her ear and starred at it trying to comprehend the situation. Once she absorbed everything that Fay told her she felt irritation build up inside her. She left her phone on the table and stomped towards the counter to continue peeling the potatoes mumbling all sorts of swearwords she could come up with.
Atobe Keigo was enraged. This was the second meeting he was in and again he noticed Fay on her cell phone, not paying attention to the members. The others didn't notice her lack of interest, but he did and she was starting to annoy him. He scooted his chair closer to her and snatched the cell phone from her hands under the table.
"Hey!"
Atobe looked taken aback at her sudden yell and all ten board members went quiet and looked at her.
Fay froze and then smiled… hesitating she looked at them. "I mean, hey… That's a good idea,"
Atobe rubbed his face wearily in disappointment, I'm going to kill her, I swear I am.
Aya had already been in the kitchen cooking for the last four hours. She leaned over the counter and with a pen she ticked the 9th dish out of the fifteen she was supposed to do. Leaving the pen over the paper she stretched her hands above her head. "I'm tired," she said with a sigh as she walked to the sink to wash some of the pots she used and was about to need for the next dish.
The doorbell rang and she hurried to answer it since she was also waiting for the decoration team to come since Fay had appointed her chief-in-charge. She shook her head helpless at that thought. She opened the door and froze staring at the person who was standing outside her apartment.
"Hello Aya,"
Aya blinked. "Yuu… YUUSHIIIII!" she yelled and covered her mouth in embarrassment. "What are you doing here at this hour? Shouldn't you be at work? Dinner is tonight not now," she said in a muffled voice as she still kept her mouth covered.
Oshitari looked at her puzzled over her weird reaction. "Well… Atobe gave me the day off for no reason so I thought I'd spend sometime with you since you are on holiday!" he said and took a step to enter the apartment.
"Stop!" Aya said and placed her hands on his shoulders. What to do? She thought as she tried to find a good excuse to send him away, what to do? "Umm… You cant come in… the house… is messy!" she said with a nervous smile.
"So? I have seen your home messy before. You are not the tidiest person in the world unlike Fay!" He chuckled at the look Aya gave him.
"Heeyy…" She crossed her arms glaring at him. "Wait here, I'll be back in two minutes," she said and closed the door. Now what? She thought as she ran to the kitchen and picked up her phone. She dialed a number and waited for the other person to answer. "Genichirou…" she said before he could even say anything.
"Aya?" he asked surprise obvious in his tone.
Aya sweat-dropped. "Gen-chan, I need a big favor," she said while she took a look at the food in the oven. "I need you to come over and cook for tonight. I have everything you will need. I finished nine out of the fifteen dishes that's on the list but something came up and I can't continue. Also the decoration Delivery will come anytime soon and someone has to be here." She finished in one breath.
"Aya, I'm at work. I can't just leave."
Aya was taking of the apron when Sanada spoke to her so she didn't hear his response. She picked the phone up again after a few seconds. "Oh, thank you darling. I will owe you. You know where we leave the spare key. I love you," she said in a hurry. "I wont be late. Just make sure to cook everything written on the list. Bye." She hung up as she opened the door of her home. "Okay. Lets go now," she said cheerfully grabbing Oshitari´s arm and pulled him away from her apartment.
(Sanada´s office)
Sanada looked at his phone and sighed. He scratched his head feeling a bit annoyed about the whole situation. He was thinking about his current predicament when Niou tapped his shoulder. "Masaharu?"
"You spaced out, and that is something that you don't do," Niou said plopping himself on the chair opposite Sanada. "So… what's up?" he asked playing with his tie.
Sanada leaned back in his chair and sighed. "Aya just called me and asked me if I could go cook for tonight's party," he tapped the pen he was holding on his desk. "She didn't actually give me a choice to say no."
Niou laughed. "I didn't know that your sweetheart was the bossy type," he teased. "As you can see today is rather quiet day so go over and do what ever it is she wants you to do." He got up from the chair he was sitting and walked towards his office. "I will be over early too so I'll see you there. Want me to bring you clothes?" he asked.
Sanada nodded. "There on my bed so just bring them with you." He wore his jacket and took his mobile phone. He walked out of the office and went to his car. I wonder what happened with the preparations, he thought as he started the car and left the building parking.
Fay opened the door to the apartment and walked in hurriedly. She heard cluttering in the kitchen and smiled thinking of Aya running wild in the kitchen trying to finish her chores. She went to her room and took of her shoes; she threw her bag and jacket on a chair and unbuttoned her shirt. I am so tired, she thought as she pulled her hair down. And that idiot lecturing me didn't help my mood at all…
She exited her room and walked to the kitchen; she was still wearing her shirt unbuttoned since she was going to have a shower after seeing what Aya had accomplished in the kitchen. I feel sorry for her, she thought as she opened the door and entered the kitchen.
"So… Has my baby managed to finis…" she froze on the spot when her eyes focused on the person that was behind the counter chopping vegetables. "Sanada?" she whispered softly still gazing at the man that was looking at her wide eyed.
Sanada looked away embarrassed. "Do you mind closing your shirt." He coughed.
What? She thought but realized that she was exposed. She lifted her hands quickly and covered her upper body embarrassed as a deep red color spread on her face. "I'm… I'm sorry," she said and left the kitchen running back to her room.
She slammed the door and sat on the edge of her bed breathing heavily. Damn it, she thought irate. Where the hell is Aya? She looked around for her bag. She found it and got up to fetch her phone from inside it. She dialed Aya´s number and waited for her to pick up.
"Sawada."
"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?" yelled Fay over the phone.
"Why are you yelling?" Aya asked her surprised.
Fay paced up and down in her room trying to calm herself down. "Why is Sanada in our home cooking when you should have been the one doing that?" she asked rubbing her temples.
She heard Aya excuse herself. "Yuushi came over," she said lowering her voice. "Your stupid boss gave him the day off so he came over to our house to spend sometime with me because I am on holiday."
Fay sighed helpless. "So… you brought Sanada over to cook in order for you to occupy Yuushi," she said as she sat on the bed, "and it never crossed your mind that you should at least inform me about this?"
"I'm sorry," Aya whined, "but it's not like I did it on purpose."
"Fine… fine… What time are you coming over, we need to finish the decoration," Fay said lying on the bed.
Aya didn't answer.
"Aya, I'm talking to you." She sighed closing her eyes.
"I can't come."
Fay's eyes opened jolting from the bed. "What do you mean you can't come?" she asked.
"It's your turn to do chores for the party," Aya mused.
"Get your ass at home NOW!" Fay yelled exasperated at her friend for ditching her like that.
"No."
Fay looked at the phone shocked. "FINE!" she hung up and stomped into the bathroom. She had a quick shower and then proceeded to the kitchen to help Sanada with the chores.
She entered the kitchen slowly and walked to the counter. "What can I do to help," she said feeling a little bit better after her dispute with Aya.
Sanada turned around and looked at her. "I'm almost done. So… you can sit and keep me company," he said softly.
Fay blushed remembering the previous moment when she walked in the kitchen half naked. "I'm sorry for before. I didn't know that Aya wasn't here." She smiled, "I will go do the decorations then."
"I left the boxes in the living room," he said as he washed the pots on the sink.
Fay looked at him and smiled before she walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. I never pictured him doing housework, she thought amused, or cook! She saw three boxes near the couch; she sat on the couch and pulled one of the boxes in front of her. She opened it and started pulling out the decorations from inside.
This is odd, she thought going through the contents of the box; she pulled out something that looked like a lash and frowned thinking that something was very wrong. There should be a list of what we ordered somewhere. She looked around for the paper that was left with the boxes; she found it on the small table next to the couch.
She picked the list of contents and read through it. "WHAT?" she yelled.
Sanada stormed in the living room after hearing Fay's yell. "Are you okay?" he said rushing over to her.
"I am going to kill her. I am going to… I swear… She's not going to live another night," she said irate.
"Fay," Sanada said and placed his hand on her shoulder pulling her out her murderous thoughts.
Fay looked up and saw Sanada looking at her with a concerned expression on his face. "I'm sorry," she sighed and showed him the list. "Aya ordered the wrong decorations for the party," she said disappointed.
Sanada took the list and read it carefully. "I see," he said trying hard not to laugh. "I don't think that it's Aya´s fault though."
"What do you mean?"
"I was the one who signed for the boxes." He chuckled. "The guy that came said he had done a mistake when he saw me. So he went down and brought three new boxes saying that those where the ones we ordered."
Fay held her head. "Dear me, what a mix up." She sat on the couch and picked up the phone. She called the Decorations Company and explained everything that happened; she couldn't believe the events that had occurred throughout the day. It was supposed to be easy, she thought tiredly.
"They will bring our things in half an hour, so let me help you in the kitchen," she said and stood up.
Sanada nodded and they both walked back to the kitchen. They busied them selves to finish every little thing on the food list until the decorations where delivered. While Fay was wiping the dishes Sanada was in charge of the salads.
"You know what the funny part is?" she asked as she placed the dishes on the table. "I opened the box and pulled out a lash." She started laughing. "I would love to see what the reaction would be if I decorated the room with a Bachelor theme and had strippers come over!"
Sanada laughed. "That would be quite a sight," he said regaining his posture.
"Yeah it would," Fay said, her eyes looking at the man her heart desired.
A couple of hours later
A knock was heard on the door Fay's room. "Genichirou, are you ready? The guests will start coming anytime soon." Aya shouted from outside the door to be heard.
The door opened and Sanada stood in front of Aya half dressed. "Why are you shouting?" he asked looking at her. "You can come in if you want." He turned around and walked towards Fay's bed; he picked his shirt up and wore it.
Aya blushed when he opened the door, as he was naked from the waist up. "I know, but this is not my room," she said and plopped herself on the bed. "Thank you for helping out today." A smile made its way on her lips. "You really saved me."
Sanada looked at her and leaned his body so that he could come to eye level with her. "You're welcome," he said and kissed her lips gently. He pulled away and walked to the bathroom to dry his hair and finish dressing up.
"I… I will go see if Fay needs anything," Aya said jumping off the bed and exited the room. The moment she did the doorbell rang and she averted her eyes at the door. I guess the first guests are here; she thought making her way to open the door.
Aya opened the door and welcomed the first guests that had arrived. "BANE…" she launched herself into the arms of Kurobane Harukaze. "It so nice to see you!" she squealed hugging her old friend tightly.
Fay and Aya stood at the hallway looking at the people in the living room. "I guess everyone is here," Aya said cheerfully. "Umm… I didn't talk to any of the people your invited just our guys."
Fay laughed. "Yeah… Well if its any consolation, neither did I!"
"So… we have a bunch of strangers in our house and we are happy about it," Aya giggled, "What time are Yuushi and Arisa coming?" she asked looking at the clock on the wall.
Fay shrugged. "I suppose they will be here soon… Oh! The door!" she said walked to open it.
"Will go mingle with the people… Our friends I mean." Aya pushed her tongue out and went to where the crowd was.
Fay opened the door and greeted the person who came. "Yosuke…" she said and hugged the man with a bright smile on her face. "I was starting you fear that you wouldn't show up," she laughed.
"Honestly, I wasn't going to come, but I was curious about my brother's girlfriend." He winked and laughed when Fay hit his shoulder playfully. "Where is she?"
"Seriously Yosuke, grow up." Fay walked away and he followed her. "Do you see the red-haired girl sitting close to your brother?" Yosuke nodded. "That's her."
"She is prettier than you Fay," he said looking at Aya and wince in pain when Fay kicked him. "Hey… seriously, she is prettier than you, but your girl, you're so sexy it makes up for what you lack in beauty!"
"I hate you!" Fay whispered annoyed crossing her hands.
"Are you sure the girls are at home Yuushi," Arisa asked as they both walked towards the girls apartment and saw that there were no lights on.
Oshitari scratched his head. "Of course. When I left Aya said to come over around nine." He looked at the door and hit the bell.
They waited for a few minutes until the door opened and Aya popped her head. "Hey guys," she said and opened the door to greet her friends. "Come on… We have been waiting for you…" she hugged Arisa.
Arisa and Oshitari looked at each other and entered the apartment. Why is it so dark? He thought making his way to dark living room.
"Wait!" Aya pulled them both from their jackets to stop them. "Lights please!" she shouted.
"SURPRISE!"
The lights opened and both Oshitari and Arisa where surrounded by twenty people who started congratulating them.
After a long while of thanking people and talking with old friends Oshitari made his way towards Fay and Aya who were in the kitchen filling glasses for their guests. "Who from the two of you will have the honor to die by my hands for organizing this?" he smirked.
Both girls looked at him grinning mischievously; Aya pointed at Fay and Fay pointed at Aya.
Oshitari sighed. "You two!" he hugged them both. "Thank you," he whispered content.
During the party
"Hey you two!"
Aya and Fay turned around to see Arisa grinning happily. "Hey…" both said in unison.
"Thank you guys for this," she said and hugged Fay first and then Aya. "I can't believe you organized all this."
"There where a few obstacles but we managed," Fay smiled at her friend.
"Yeah… Fay went to work although she took the day off and then Yuushi turned up!" Aya giggled. "I freaked out not knowing what to do and I had Genichirou come cook!"
Arisa laughed. "Seriously? Well no one is poisoned so everything is fine."
"No no no no no no no…" both Aya and Fay said in unison again. "Sanada is a great cook," Fay piped up with a bright smile while Aya nodded.
"I see… I should try something then." Arisa took an appetizer from one of the plates behind Fay.
"The biggest obstacle was the decorations," Fay said and took a sip from her drink. "They did a mistake and gave us bachelor decorations," she laughed, "imagine my surprise when I pulled out a lash!"
All three girls started laughing loud and some of the people that where close turned to look at them having a fit. "Did you keep the lash?" Arisa asked between laughs.
"No… Of course not… What was I going to do with it anyway?" Fay answered trying to catch her breath.
"You could have given it to me. I'd love to whip Yuushi´s little butt!" Arisa laughed.
"EEEEEEWWWWWWW…" both Aya and Fay grimaced upon hearing Arisa´s comment. "Hell no… I don't even want to think of Yuushi naked… Ewww… Go away," said Aya shooing Arisa away disgusted at the thought.
"Same here," Fay agreed with her friend. "Now I will have nightmares for the rest of my life!"
The party was in its heights and everyone was either talking or dancing except for Aya and Fay who were running around making sure that their guests had their glasses always filled.
"This is exhausting," Aya complained as she entered in the kitchen. She placed two glasses on the counter. "Fill them up with champagne please," she said and took off the heels she was wearing.
"Don't order me around," Fay muttered a bit annoyed. "What are you doing?" she asked looking at Aya.
"Always the brat that doesn't take orders."
Both Aya and Fay looked up at the voice. Aya smiled while Fay scowled, "Oy, you're in my home, my party so behave yourself." Fay glared at him.
Saeki grinned while Aya gave him a look telling him to behave as well. Saeki took the stool and sat on it as the girls' went on doing their things. It always surprised him how the two women in front of him were total opposites, yet remained as soul mates.
"What are you doing?" he heard Fay ask Aya.
"My feet are killing me. I don't know why I even listened to you and wore heels," she grumbled massaging her feet. "I can't stand wearing them." She straightened herself and walked to the sink to wash her hands. "From now on I will walk barefooted."
"It's dangerous Aya you might step on something, especially with the crowd outside." Saeki looked at her, "just get a pair of flats."
"I hate to agree with him, but he's right..." Fay rolled her eyes and filled the two glasses with champagne. "Go put on something more comfortable and then tell me who these glasses are for?" she asked nibbling on a biscuit.
"Some friends of Yuushi's, Shishido and Ootori… I think!" Aya answered, ignoring their comments and taking the two glasses. She walked barefoot not even bothering to be careful as she carried them out of the kitchen.
"Careless woman," Fay muttered.
Saeki nodded.
Fay poured some ice into a bowl and glanced at Saeki who was looking everywhere but at her, "so why are you hiding here?"
He shrugged, "It's getting too loud, and my head hurts."
Such a baby, she thought.
Aya walked through the crowd and found Oshitari surrounded by his friends. "Excuse me… here are your drinks." She handed the glasses to the owners with a cheerful smile.
"Sawada-san."
Aya turned around when she heard her name and came face to face with Atobe. "Atobe-san," she said still smiling.
Atobe smirked. "Dance with me," he ordered softly.
"What?" she asked taken aback not expecting the invitation.
Instead of repeating himself he took her hand and pulled her through the people that were dancing in the middle of the room. He pulled her close and placed one hand around her waist possessively and the other was holding her hand tightly to his chest.
"Umm… Atobe-san," Aya whispered close to his ear. "Why don't you dance with someone else? I have to look after the guests!"
Atobe chuckled and lowered his head a bit to reach Aya's ear. "It's only one dance Sawada-san," he whispered making her tremble at the feeling of his breath caressing her skin.
"Umm…"
"Yes?" he said, looking at her. He sensed her blush and wanted to chuckle at how embarrassed she looked.
"You're too close," she mumbled, trying to keep some distance between them.
Atobe chuckled and brought her even closer, he wanted to tell her not to worry when he felt someone stand next to them. He looked to his side and noticed Niou Masaharu. "Yes?'
Niou grinned, "Can I cut in and dance with my angel?"
"Not tonight," Atobe answered grimly.
Niou narrowed his eyes while Aya looked flustered; man this is too weird. I'm never between two men like this! Only Fay causes these drama scenes. "Uhh…"
"She already has a boyfriend, Atobe-sama," Niou said sarcastically, "I'm guessing you're a bit too close for comfort."
Atobe raised an eyebrow, "and who made you her boyfriend's lawyer?"
"Ok… ok… stop," Aya said, standing between them. "I'll take that dance with Haru, Atobe-san," she said sweetly, "he has a temper."
"Haru?" Atobe asked looking at Aya. "Whatever." He brushed a hand through his hair gracefully. "I will take another turn later," he said and left.
"Over my dead body!"
Aya laughed and walked closer into Niou´s embrace; "How come you're not dancing with your girlfriend?" she asked him as they danced.
"Well, I was going too but then I saw him advancing on you and I thought I'd play Zorro and rescue you!" he winked.
"Zorro?" Aya laughed, "How do you come up with these things."
Niou laughed too.
"Seriously, go to her. I think she will like to spend some time with you today," she said sweetly and shooed him away.
Okay… Now that Niou will occupy Fay, Aya thought looking around the crowd, lets find my lover and dance with him. Lover? Yeah right… She stood still for a moment; I thought he was wearing a gray suit, why is his suit brown?
Now I have to convince him to dance with me. Tough! She walked up to Sanada and hugged his arm. "Genichirou dance with me!" she said sweetly and pulled him to follow her.
Sanada didn't say anything he just followed her silently. oooh… I love this song… "Come on! Come on! This is my favorite song," she exclaimed, standing in front of him.
She hugged him tightly and placed her head on his chest. "It was easier than I thought," she smiled happily and nuzzled in his arms. It's so weird… even his scent is different…
"I am so happy that this party was such a success! Don't you thi…" she looked up, but froze. "Oh… Eep!" she exclaimed, backing off. "You're not my Gen-chan!" she accused when she saw a Sanada duplicate grinning like a fool.
Yosuke chuckled and could see that Aya was turning red. "You never asked," he said laughing.
"Who are you?" she asked looking away embarrassed.
"I'm Gebichirou's older brother Yosuke," he said with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you Aya!"
"Bro… brother?" he never told me of any brother; she looked at the man in front of her in disbelief. "He never told me he has a brother."
Yosuke sighed. "It's so like him to not say a thing about his family," he explained as they danced. "He is sitting over there if you want to dance with him." He made a gesture with his hand for Aya to see.
Aya looked towards where Yosuke showed and saw Sanada talking with Saeki and Kurobane. "Nah… its ok… I will dance with him later!" she shook her head; "now I want to get as much information I can from you!" she grinned mischievously.
"Stop it," Fay whispered against his lips.
Niou held her upper arms tightly and caressed the sensitive area under her ear with his lips.
"Masaharu…" she whined, moving her head to the side. "There are people here," she hissed, moving away from his clutched hands.
"Che…" he muttered, letting her arms go, but he kept his hand firmly on her waist while she stood in the kitchen, pouring the drinks. He watched her as she placed the wine glasses properly and admired how picky she was being.
"Don't 'che' me," she said, glancing at him. "I'm tired and there are still a few people here," she said with a sigh. I wish I never invited him; it's more tiring when he's around. "I even had to go to work and couldn't help Aya with preparations."
"That's been your problem lately, work! Every time I call you, its work! Work is important, but not important enough for you to allow it to butcher your social life. I don't' see you anymore." He looked at her. "Fay, this is supposed to be an important night for you, but you look too fatigued to enjoy it."
"I am having fun!"
He pulled her towards him, "but you look like you're going to collapse any minute."
"So what!" she demanded, pushing him away. "Stop lecturing me. I am not in the mood to hear it." She covered her ears, moving away from him.
"Your mood swings have also been intolerable," he remarked, crossing his arms. "If you had a bad day at work, don't take it out on me."
Fay looked at him sharply. "Excuse me? Are you saying that I complain a lot! I have bad days at work; Masaharu and I need someone I can talk to. I need someone I can complain to! You're my boyfriend, it comes with the package,' she said, placing her hands on her hips.
"If you're not happy with your job then just leave, damn it!"
Fay looked at him and frowned. "I love my job! This is my dream job, but you need to be patient with me," she said, looking at him. "I am trying so hard to make it."
"I don't like it! You're always distant, tired, and just plain boring because all you do is complain." He looked at her as he rubbed his jaw wryly, "and you spend more time with your own boss than me!"
"My boss?" Is he jealous? And Of course I'm boring! All we do is make out and just sleep with each other! We never talk or share secrets… Fay looked away. She was angry, but didn't want to shout, so she simply walked to the kitchen table and finished the last thing she was working on.
He didn't say anything either. He just walked out of the kitchen.
Fay let out a sigh and continued her chopping. She was annoyed now… every time I see him lately; I always manage to feel like crap afterwards. It's not helping that I am in love with his roommate either. Fay let out another sigh and placed her hands on the counter. I can't do this anymore.
Just as she thought of that, she felt his arms around her. "Mad?"
Fay moved away. "I can't do this anymore," she said, standing at the far edge of the kitchen. "I can't handle you anymore."
He looked at her and narrowed his eyes. "I'm the one who should be saying that! What the …" he muttered. "You're the one being intolerable!"
"How dare you say that to me?" she demanded. "All you and I do is sleep with each other. This is a relationship, not just comfort sex."
Niou walked towards her. "Do you think I'm playing here?" he asked, holding her upper arm. "I am serious about us."
"Well, you could've fooled me," she snapped pushing him away. "When did we ever not argue?" she asked angrily. "We always fight and I cannot take this anymore because when I come back home from work, I need peace and harmony. I don't want to face another battle." I need someone that can calm me down, Niou. I need someone whose existence calms me… I need… she covered her face and tried breathing. Why am I thinking of Sanada at such a time?
"It hurts me to see that look on your face," he said quietly then turned angry. "Whenever you have that look on your face, I can't help feel that you're comparing me to someone else."
Fay didn't say anything.
Niou let go off her and wanted to say something, but they were interrupted.
"Masaharu…" Sanada began, but stopped when he noticed the tension between them. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "You just took too long,' he said, walking out.
They both went quiet until he snapped. "Are you in love with someone else?"
Fay pushed him and took a few steps back. "No… No!" she said in denial. "I love no one, but… I know it's not you. You drive me crazy." She held onto her head. "I don't think I can handle our fights anymore," she said, tears in her eyes. "I wanted to make this work, but you're not helping."
"Don't blame me for this."
"I'm not," she said quietly. "It's my fault." It's my fault for loving someone else, she thought sadly.
Niou watched her quietly, but didn't say anything.
Fay looked at the floor, feeling sad. She let out a sigh and looked up at him again. "I'm sorry."
"Oh, stop it," he muttered, rubbing his face in frustration. "You want to break up, fine, let's do it. Frankly, I can't tolerate your moods anymore."
Fay looked at him in surprise, but she didn't say anything. "Well, I'm sorry if I suddenly have something good in my life and I want to build it up." She looked away, not being able to look at him anymore.
Niou pulled a cigarette and lit it. "That's your problem, Fay," he muttered, exhaling. "You're always selfish," he said, looking at her. "Good luck with your job… and your life."
Fay bit her lip in annoyance, but she didn't say anything. She learned that at times being quiet is the best medicine… and this is one of these moments.
He stayed like that smoking without making a sound.
Fay's eyes narrowed as she straightened herself. She walked up to him and held his upper arm. Leaning forward, she kissed his cheek gently. She was afraid that he would push her away, but he didn't. "I… I have a lot of respect for you. And I did love you in my own way I guess… I want you to be happy, Niou," she said softly, turning around. "I will not be able to make you happy."
He didn't say anything. He just straightened himself out and walked towards the kitchen entrance. "This is final, Mishima, be good," he said, walking out.
Aargh… I can't believe it's over just like that, Niou thought as he stood in front of the door that closed behind me. I feel like I'm suffocating… I have to leave. He looked around the room at the people that were still partying and frowned. I don't belong here…
He walked past by the crowd trying not to been noticed by Aya and Sanada. He took his jacket from Fay's room and left the apartment without letting anyone know.
Fay leaned by the counter and held her heart; my heart's beating so fast… I can't believe it's over just like that. I just want to go into my bedroom and forget everything – it's so loud and I feel suffocating.
'Fay?"
Fay's eyes widened and she straightened herself up. "Yosuke," she said, looking at him cheerfully. "What's up?"
"What's wrong?"
Fay looked at him with a smile, "I'm just tired, please help me pour…" but she stopped when she felt him hold her upper arm firmly.
"Don't… Don't lie to ME!"
Fay didn't say anything. She just moved around the kitchen and placed the glasses onto the tray. She pulled out a champagne bottle and poured the drink. "I said I was fine," she said finally.
Yosuke leaned close and placed a hand on the table. "Your boyfriend just walked out not looking the least bit happy and you've been in here far too long, did something happen?"
"You know," Fay looked up aggravated, "just maybe it's none of your business!"
Yosuke looked back at her as annoyed, "this is exactly what your problem is; you never open up when you're feeling the lowest in your life."
Fay looked at him wide eyed, "what?!"
"You seriously look like you went through shit right now and you're denying it. This is exactly why you're never happy or always upset; you don't let your feelings out. If you fought with your boyfriend, then you…'
"We broke up!" she snapped, interrupting him rudely. "Don't assume stupid things on your own when you have no freaking clue!"
Yosuke stopped and sighed, "I'm sorry."
"Not accepted! Why do you always assume the worst about me? I'm fine, see?! Tonight's my good friends' engagement and nothing is going to upset me, so please go back outside so I can calm down."
"Fay?"
"Just leave," she said, not looking at him.
Yosuke moved closer and took her arms…
"Hey!" Fay said in shock, but he didn't let her struggle, he put both arms around her and held her tightly.
"Breathe," he murmured in her ears. "Breathe in and out calmly; let all your frustrations out."
"Let go."
"Breathe, damn it!" he hissed.
Fay decided to listen for now and just placed her hands on his chest as he rubbed her back gently. She kept quiet as he held her because it felt comforting. She finally looked up at him and her heart ached, she unconsciously moved her hand to his jaw and frowned. It hurts me how much you look like him.
"I know it hurts," he said, holding her wrist tightly.
She looked down.
Yosuke didn't say anything.
Fay finally moved away, "I'll be fine; knew this would happen but wasn't expecting us to break up so soon. Call me a bitch, but I'm just indifferent. I don't feel anything."
"Denial."
"Just go and die," she muttered.
Later
Fay walked to the living room with a glass of champagne in her hand. "So here you are?"
Aya jumped at the sound of Fay's voice. "Hey partner… What's up?" she grinned.
Fay sighed rolling her eyes and sat next to Aya. "You left me in the kitchen to slave myself," she complained tiredly. "It's a good thing that the guests came to fill their glasses in the kitchen."
Aya hugged Fay's shoulders and smiled. She kissed her cheek lovingly and grinned. By now, most of the guests had left and only a few really close friends had stayed behind. "Look at them, they're so happy." She watched Oshitari and Arisa dance closely to slow music.
Fay nodded. "Yes," she agreed happily. Her eyes went to the few remaining guests. Atobe, Sanada and two of Arisa's close friends were there. I want that happiness… I'm actually jealous of my own best friend.
Aya pulled Fay by the hand and brought her to the dance floor. "Dance with me!" she exclaimed cheerfully, laughing out loud.
Fay laughed with her. "Are you drunk?"
Aya pushed her tongue out and grinned. "Nope, I could never pull a Fay." She remembered that one night that Fay got drunk at Atobe's mansion.
Fay glared at her.
Aya kept on dancing while Fay just watched. After a while, Oshitari pulled Aya for a dance and Arisa took a seat next to Fay.
Aya grinned and put her arms around Oshitari's neck. "I love you for making her so happy," she told him sincerely.
"I can't be happy?" he joked, holding her waist. "You look cheerful yourself. Is everything going well for you and Sanada?"
Aya nodded and then unconsciously blushed.
(Valentine flashback / Sanada and Aya)
"Stop…"
Sanada looked down in surprise. Stop? He thought, holding her wrists. Did she say stop? He looked down at Aya's face again and saw her looking at him with a blush spreading on her face. They were both half naked. Sanada was in his pants only and Aya wearing her underwear. "Did… Did I hurt you?"
Aya shook her head, feeling embarrassed. "No, I just…" I've wanted this for so long, but I'm very nervous. "I just can't go through with this tonight," she said, looking away. "I'm sorry."
Sanada cupped her face and smiled. "It's alright, Aya," he said softly, moving to his side as he hugged her. He held her in his arms and caressed her hair tenderly. "Let's just sleep."
Aya nodded, feeling relieved and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry,' she whispered again.
"Is something wrong?"
Aya shook her head and chuckled nervously. "No, no… It's all good." I can't believe that I remembered that night… "Yuushi, why don't you take Fay for a dance? I don't think she danced at all tonight."
Oshitari nodded. "Fine. I'll go kidnap her."
It was after about two more hours that the last person left the party and it's was finally over. The only ones left sitting at the living room were Oshitari, Arisa, Sanada, Atobe, Fay and Aya.
Aya was sitting in Sanada´s lap. "Did anyone see Haru?" she asked at the people present.
What? He left already? Like that? She looked around the living room to see if he was hiding in some corner. "He must have left early!" Fay said as she got up from the couch she was sitting in. "I will start cleaning up."
"I´ll help you!" Arisa said and got up to follow Fay into the kitchen.
"No!" Fay said immediately. "You guys leave, its your night," she said picking up some plates. "Besides Arisa didn't you want to whip… you know what I am talking about!" she teased.
"Fayyyy… eeewwwww…" Aya exclaimed and jumped of Sanada's lap.
Arisa laughed and pulled Oshitari to stand up. "Well, I don't think I could do that in my condition," she said with a bright smile.
"What condition?" both Aya and Fay asked surprising everyone left in the room.
"I'm pregnant!" Arisa mused happily.
Aya and Fay froze at the news. "Wha?" Fay gasped.
"Now you tell us?" Aya pouted. "We could have demanded gifts for the baby from the guests," she teased and hugged Arisa.
Fay rolled her eyes but hugged Arisa too and congratulated Oshitari.
After bidding goodbye to both their friends Aya returned to the living room and sat next to Sanada.
"Aya don't get to comfortable, get your ass in the kitchen and start washing the dishes," Fay ordered as she walked into the living room.
Aya groaned unhappy and got up. "You see how she treats me?" she pouted.
Sanada chuckled as he too got up from his chair. "I should be going. It's late."
"Fine, say nothing about the friend who is bossing your girl…" Aya stopped abruptly when she felt Sanada's lips against hers.
Sanada pulled and looked at his girlfriend who was staring at him surprised not expecting him to be so forward. "It's not like you to complain so much!" he chuckled. "I'll call you tomorrow."
Aya nodded and walked with him to the door.
I… I want to rip his head off, Fay thought looking at Sanada and Aya leave the room. I'm in my worst condition and he does that? She turned around and walked into the kitchen annoyed. I can't handle this situation anymore.
"Fay, I will bring the plates and glasses from the living room. Okay?" Aya said popping her head from the door.
"Uh huh…"
Aya looked at her friend tapping her fingers on the counter. "Are you okay?" she asked and entered in the kitchen.
"Sure… Just very tired," she answered mechanically. "Go bring the plates."
Aya nodded and left.
The cleaned took almost three hours and both girls were very tired. They both walked out of the kitchen and Fay made her way to her room.
"Fay…"
Fay stopped and turned slightly around. "What is it?" she sighed tiredly.
Aya looked at her friend annoyed. "I'm sorry to annoy your highness but we have a refugee!" she gestured with her hands to the couch.
Fay walked to the couch and looked down at the person who was occupying it. "Throw him out!" she said and left the room.
What is wrong with her? Aya screamed inwardly. She sighed and looked at Atobe Keigo who was lying sound asleep on the sofa. He had an arm on his eyes and his chest was rising up and down slowly as he breathed in and out.
She walked up to him and eyed him curiously. Hmm… This is so unlike him; would he just fall asleep like that?
She studied him more and admired many of his features, I must admit that he is handsome, she thought with a giggle. She went to the closet in her room and pulled out a blanket. She walked back to him and placed it gently on top of him.
She had leaned close to him wanting to cover him. Eh? Is he awake? She looked at him and blinked thinking her eyes were playing games at her.
Atobe looked at her hazed while he moved the hand that covered his eyes to cup Aya's cheek. He lifted his head and placed his lips softly over hers.
Aya gasped at the feel of his lips on hers and tried pull away but Atobe moved his hand around to the base of her neck and pulled her closer. He deepened the kiss moving his lips sensually over hers.
What to do? What to do? Aya thought in panic mode but didn't pull away from Atobe. He… is… a good kisser. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the kiss knowing that it would be over sooner or later.
A couple of minutes later Atobe pulled away breathing air hungrily but before he released Aya from his arms, he moved his head to the side and whispered "thank you." He let go and closed his eyes drifting off to sleep.
I believe today qualifies for a weird day, Aya thought standing up and walking to her room.