Bittersweet Life

Chapter 4

“?” called out from the living room.

“Yeah... yeah... I’m here…” yawned tiredly and walked over to the couch. She plopped herself on the couch and looked at , who was trying to clean the room. “What are you doing?” she asked curiously.

“Can’t you see? I am trying to clean up the place and make this room look more presentable.” looked at her with her hands on her hips. “Don’t tell me that you forgot what day it is today?” she asked exasperated.

yawned again and stretched her arms above her head. “I know what day it is, but are you sure you call that cleaning?” she muttered, “because it seems to me that you are just piling all the garbage into one corner!”

turned around and looked at the pile of magazines, books, clothes and other stuff which were all shoved in a corner. She sighed and sat on the floor opposite , who was laughing loudly at the moment.

“Funny… very funny.” pushed her tongue out in annoyance.

“Oh come on! ! Don't be like that,” said, between laughter, “it´s sweet that you are trying to clean up for Arisa and Yuushi, but let’s face it. We both suck when it comes to housework!” She rested her back on the couch and closed her eyes, still giggling.

“Yeah... Well, we have to learn how to it properly at some point!” retorted. She got up and walked to the kitchen. “Do you want some coffee?” she called out.

“Sounds great Pooh, thanks,” said, still resting on the couch with a serene look on her face.

“I thought we decided not to use those nicknames anymore.” popped her head out of the kitchen.

“Umm... Just an old habit I guess.”

“What time are they coming?” asked, walking back to the living room with two cups in her hands. “Here is your coffee,” she said, placing the steaming cup on the table near .

opened her eyes and pulled herself to sit up. She took the hot cup and sipped it, letting the warmth fill her body. It felt like the warmth she had felt when Sanada had kissed her on the day of their fateful date. She blushed furiously at the thought of Sanada's lips on hers.

looked at her and giggled. “Thinking of Haru-san?”

jerked her head up and looked at confused and embarrassed. “Haru-san?”

“Oh! Yeah... Sorry... I forgot to mention this before, but I call Niou, Haru-san. You know his name is Masaharu, right? So, Haru-san.” giggled.

just looked at bewildered. Was this the same she had been living with, she thought to herself, but said nothing.

“So, what time are they co...” began, but was interrupted by the doorbell. “Oh! Never mind, they are here.” She smiled as she got up and bounced to the door cheerfully.

Again said nothing. She just looked at her friend in amusement.

opened the door and threw herself in Arisa's arms, and then she hugged Kaede tightly. She walked in the apartment, kissing the little girl in her arms.

“Nice to meet you too,” mumbled a blue haired man carrying two suitcases.

“Need some help with that Yuushi?” asked, smiling sweetly at him.

“Nah... I am fine, but I could use a hug. I feel kind of left out.” Oshitari Yuushi grinned and hugged tightly. “We missed you. Sorry if we made you worry about us.” he said softly.

“I am just glad you are all good.” took one of the suitcases and entered the apartment.

Oshitari left the other suitcase and went out again only to return with a Santa Claus sack full of gifts. When he finally entered the apartment, bounced into his and hugged him tightly. “Yuushi, come and sit. Do you want some tea?”

He nodded to and she went to the kitchen to make tea.

“So, how are you guys? Is everything alright with the custody?” asked, looking from Oshitari to Arisa and back to Oshitari with great anticipation.

“I will go help with the tea.” Arisa kissed Oshitari on the cheek and got up to head for the kitchen. “Kaede, come here. Let's help .”

When they finally were left alone, looked at Oshitari puzzled. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing. There is something I need to tell you and you know how much Arisa likes to be discreet,” he said softly.

nodded. “Let me go and get your tea.” She walked to the kitchen. She returned a few seconds later with a cup of tea and a plate with a peace of chocolate cake. “ made this cake too.”

“Thanks.” He sipped from the tea, “I have found you a job at a friends company. It's a managing position for a Marketing Department within the Atobe Industry Corporation.” Oshitari looked at and waited for a question, a squeal, some sort of expression, but found none.

froze on the spot when she heard, or at least thought she heard Oshitari telling her about a job at the Atobe Industries Corp. She blinked confused and looked straight in Oshitari´s eyes.

“Did you hear me?” He smirked.

“The... The Atobe Corp.? Me? A job?” she asked in disbelief.

“Yes. Atobe is one of my best friends since my school days, and he told me that he was looking for a Manager in the Marketing Department.  I remembered that you had done your major in Marketing and now you are studying for your Masters. I asked him if he would meet with you for an interview,” he said finally and munched a bit of the chocolate cake. “Mmm... This is not bad. Did finally learn how to cook?”

“Yuu... YUUSHI! THANK YOU,” yelled excitedly and lounged into Oshitari’s arms for a tight hug. “You don't know how difficult it is to get such a job.”

“I know ,” was all he said and smiled full-heartedly, “but there is one slight problem,” he said, puling away from her arms.

“What problem?”

“The meeting is tomorrow at some fancy restaurant in Shibuya, at 2 pm. Before that I have to go to the lawyer’s office for my case.” He pushed his glasses up his nose.

“So?” looked at him.

“So, I need you to come with me to the lawyer's office first and then we will go to meet Atobe. You have to look presentable.” He smirked, “but I am sure I shouldn't worry about you when it comes to the looking good department.” He chuckled.

smiled cheerfully. She couldn't believe she was given the opportunity to hope about fulfilling her biggest dream. She never knew that Oshitari was acquainted to Atobe. She knew he attended Hyoutei High School, but never knew that he rolled through the high society circles. She was feeling very happy and excited, but she still had to get through the interview.

Later in the day, they all exchanged news on what’s been going on in the last few months they hadn't seen each other. Also, they placed more gifts under their Christmas tree. The girls had also bought gifts for Sanada and Niou, which they had placed under the tree. They were both hoping to spend their holidays with the boys, but they didn't want to neglect Arisa, Oshitari and Kaede.

As the night approached, all were too tired to do the cleaning, so they left everything in the sink for someone to wash in the morning. had given her room to Arisa and Oshitari, for she had a double bed. She knew that they would fit nicely with Kaede in the middle. slept in Aya´s room, on her semi-double bed.

"No snuggling, Pooh, alright?" said quietly, yawning. "I need to make sure I sleep and have energy for tomorrow."

ignored her and hugged her tightly. "Good night, Tigger."

let out a sigh.

-------------------

Next Day

got down quietly from Oshitari's car and joined him as they approached the tall building. She still wasn’t sure why he didn’t just tell her to meet him later by lunchtime. Somehow she had the distinct feeling that he wanted her by his side as he talked to the lawyers. The case had turned much serious and she knew that Arisa was not the type who would be able to handle the pressure.

"By the way…" he said as they both walked into the elevator, “you look very nice."

blushed. "I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing since I'm meeting my potential employer."

Oshitari chuckled, walking out of the elevator, followed by . They walked across the long hallway and turned left at the junction. Finally, after walking for a good five minutes, they reached their destined office. marveled at how rich and welcoming it looked. Walking in, they were greeted by a secretary and Oshitari informed her of his name and she asked him to wait.

sat down on the chair and softly patted her skirt. She had chosen to wear a knee-length skirt that was plain baby blue with a white sleeveless shirt underneath a velvety classic jacket. Accommodating her outfit were high heeled sandals.

", whatever happens, please don't be nervous during the interview."

looked up at him. "Are you sure you should be telling me this, Yuushi? You look more nervous now."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll be fine."

"But, Yuushi…"

"-sama?"

and Oshitari both looked up upon hearing her name. didn’t know whether to be shocked, surprised, or embarrassed. It was Sanada Genichirou in front of her. She was shocked because he was there. She was surprised because she wasn't expecting him to be THE lawyer. Finally, she was embarrassed because she hadn’t seen or spoken to him since the night he had kissed her.

Oshitari stood up. "Sanada, how have you been?"

Sanada shook Oshitari's hand and gave him a nod. In a second, he turned to . "-sama, how are you?" he asked, offering her his hand for a shake.

took it and felt dizzy just at the touch of his hand on hers. She had no idea that he was the one representing Oshitari. "Hello," she said, after finding her voice.

"Are you two acquainted with each other?" Oshitari asked, looking from Sanada to .

"They went on a date."

turned to the second voice that appeared and almost died of shock yet again. Not only was it Niou, but it was Niou in formal pants and a shirt with a tie loosely hanging around his neck.

Oshitari frowned, watching . "Are you dating my lawyer, ?"

turned to Oshitari and shook her head frantically. "N… N... NO!" she exclaimed, waving her hand. "I am not dating any of them! It was a misunderstanding and… I didn’t know they were YOUR lawyers."

Oshitari chuckled. "You're looking all flustered. Don't worry," he said, smiling at her. "I was only teasing and I've known these two since middle school so I'm not worried if you are dating any of them."

"Yuushi! I am not!"

Oshitari didn’t say anything, for Sanada had interrupted his teasing and asked them to follow them into the meeting room.

The whole session had not been very pleasant for . As the three of them discussed major issues in Oshitari's case, was quietly watching the duo with confused feelings. What is it about them? she thought, studying them. I have only recently met them and I'm getting such mixed feelings out of them… Why am I acting like a young girl?! She shook her head, trying to listen to what was going on. She was impressed at how serious and professional Niou seemed during the meeting.

Finally, after what felt like hours, it was over. They all stood up to leave and exchanged thank yous and goodbyes. However, as walked out of the door, she felt someone hold her wrist. "A moment please…"

She turned to find piercing eyes looking into hers. She hesitated, but nodded and told the rest to go ahead. Taking her hand back, she looked at Niou. "What is it?" she asked, trying to sound firm, but it was more of a quiver.

"First…" he said, moving his hand to her hair and with a quick tug, he removed her hairclip and allowed for her tied hair to go loose. "Never ever tie that beautiful hair of yours, it makes you look stiff."

glared at him and moved away. "I thought you wanted to tell me something!" she snapped, bending down to pick her hairclip, but he put his foot on it.

"No."

"NIOU!"

He ignored her shout and held her upper hand, making her stand straight. "Will you go out with me tomorrow?"

looked at him and frowned. "No, you had your chance, but somehow it got mixed up."

He scowled. "Its not my fault that it got messed up!"

"…"

Niou let out a sigh and moved her hair behind her ear. "Look! Don't act all defensive! You were ready to see me! You even dressed up and I want to see you…"

“That… that was then.” said, crossing her arms and turning her back on Niou. “I have to go now.”  She started walking, but he hugged her from behind.

“Your scent is driving me crazy,” he whispered in her ear. “I will pick you up tomorrow at 8 pm. Sharp,” he said, placing a kiss behind her ear. Then he just left her standing alone in the middle of the room.

tried to steady her breathing. She trembled a bit while walking to find Oshitari. That man drives me crazy. He fascinated her in ways that she never imagined. She kept walking and then came to a halt when she saw that Sanada was looking at her intensely. His eyes made her skin burn and she just wanted the world to disappear around them and fall into his arms. She looked at him and she remembered the kiss.

She blushed.

He looked away, looking uncomfortable.

“, lets go. We will be late,” Oshitari said firmly.

was startled out of her thoughts and she looked at Oshitari who was waiting for her at the entrance of the office. Behind him, she saw Niou looking at her as if he could see her most inner thoughts. She rushed over to Oshitari.

“It was nice seeing you again, Sanada-san.” said, not looking at him with a tinge of red over her cheeks.

“Our pleasure, -san,” He answered mechanically with no emotion in his voice.

looked taken aback at his coldness, but then she directed her eyes to Niou who did not look very pleased with what he was seeing.

“Goodbye, Niou-san,” she said sheepishly and left with Oshitari.

While in the car, was looking outside at the landscape running before her eyes due to the speed of the vehicle. Her mind was running too, for she was thinking of two men that had entered her life so suddenly and that were now crumbling the foundations of her whole being.

“Sanada or Niou?” asked Oshitari out of the blue.

, who wasn’t paying attention to Oshitari, but heard the question answered mechanically, as if in trance. “Sanada.”

“I see.” He chuckled. “You are in a mess my dear friend,” he said, looking at her.

was startled out of her reverie and looked at Oshitari puzzled. “What?”

He laughed and parked the car in an underground parking. He shifted on his seat facing . “I said you are in a mess!”

“What do you mean?”

He looked at his watch. “We have 15 minutes.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked again, annoyed.

“I am talking about you, Sanada and Niou," he said, looking at her. "Not to mention, !”

stiffened. “I don’t know what you mean, Yuushi.”

“Yes you do. Arisa told me all about your meetings and dates. Although I didn’t know who they were until today.” He looked at her seriously. “I asked you who you liked and you said Sanada. Now, from what Arisa described, is the one that Sanada should be dating.”

“Why are you telling me all this Yuushi?” asked exasperated and immensely annoyed. “I have an interview now and I should be calm.”

“You have the job,” he said with utmost calm.

“What?” she looked at him wide eyed. “What did you just say?”

“I said you have the job. Do you have a hearing problem?” He took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “You are just having lunch with him, nothing more. I assured him that you were the right person for the job.”

“You are the only person that I can hate and love at the same time.”

“, before we go. This will be our only time alone to discuss your situation.” He looked at her again. “Do not hurt your friend for the sake of a guy.” He opened his door and got out.

was shocked. She was speechless. Oshitari must have seen something in that awkward moment between her and Sanada. She panicked as she got out the car She almost tripped, but he held her from falling.

“Oy! ! Get a hold of yourself. I will not tell anything, but keep in mind what I said. Now…” He steadied her, “take a deep breath. You will need all the wits you possess to keep Atobe on a leash.” He chuckled and walked with her to the elevator that would take them to the rooftop garden restaurant.

They sat on the table reserved for them and awaited for Atobe to show up. They ordered a couple of drinks and were chatting about everything, but their previous conversation.

“Sorry, I am late.”

Oshitari got up from his chair and hugged his friend Atobe. “Nice to see you, Atobe.” He then looked at as she stood up and gave her hand to the Head of the Atobe Corporation.

“Nice to meet your acquaintance, Atobe-sama,” said sweetly but firmly.

“Charmed. The pleasure is all mine -sama,” he said, taking her hand and kissing it.

blushed at his simple manner, but also got the impression that the man in front of her was not to be taken lightly.

They sat at the table with Atobe sitting across . He was looking at her from top to bottom, which made jump out of her skin.

They ate as they made small talk. Atobe had asked questions regarding her post as to see how much knowledge had in the Marketing field. He was pleased to see that she had all the knowledge she needed to obtain the post he was offering. Now, the only thing left for him to test was her integrity.

Atobe looked at Oshitari out of the corner of his eye and the tensai nodded slightly as to not draw any attention.

“Would you please excuse me?” Oshitari said, getting up from his seat and left the table.

Atobe was looking intensely at . “You know, when Yuushi told me that he had a woman for the job, Ore-sama didn’t want to hire you, but he insisted. Ore-sama must say that Ore-sama is impressed by your looks. You are a stunning woman -sama,” he said slyly and sipped his wine.

“Ore-sama?” raised her perfectly shaped eyebrow. “Thanks for the compliment Atobe-sama, but I must inform you that I am not interested in anything past the job,” she responded dryly.

“Arn. That’s no way to talk to your boss,” he replied amused.

“That’s no way to look at your employee, let alone a woman,” she retorted.

“Well, Ore-sama can give you everything you want. If you know what I mean.” He smiled slyly.

“I’d rather quit than be your play-toy, Atobe-sama,” she responded coolly.

Atobe laughed loud and looked at her with a delightful gleam in his eyes. “I like you -sama and I like your spirit the most. I am sorry for acting like that with you, but I wanted to test you.” He smiled. “Please forgive my rudeness.”

was shocked. “Its… it’s alright, Atobe-sama.” She smiled awkwardly. She had trouble figuring out what had just happened. At that moment, Oshitari came back to the table and she looked at him questioningly.

Oshitari smirked. “Everything ok?” he asked Atobe.

“Yes, Yuushi. She is great. She will be a very good asset to the company,” he added. “Welcome to the company, -sama,” he said, looking at .

She nodded with a soft smile on her lips.

-------------------

"What just happened in there, Yuushi?" asked once lunch was over. She was sitting in his car, but they weren’t moving.

Oshitari turned and looked at her. "He is a man of money and name. He's careful about who he hires, that's why he decided to test you."

"You mean flirting! Not testing!" she snapped.

He chuckled. "Don't worry, . It's only in the past and you're an official employee now, so relax."

She went quiet.

"Maybe now would be a good time for you to tell me what's going on."

looked at him sadly and let out a sigh. She folded her hands on her knees and told him the whole story. She needed to get it off her chest and she knew he was dependable. If she asked him not to tell his fiancée then he wouldn’t.

"It was only a kiss under mistletoe, . You shouldn't read into it a lot," he said simply, after hearing her story.

"I wish I could take it that easily, Yuushi," she admitted. "It was awkward and I was stunned… but… Yuushi, it wasn’t only that. The whole night was different," she said with a sigh, leaning back on the chair. "I'm such a horrible friend."

He put his hand gently on her head and patted it lightly. "Look, you're seeing Niou tomorrow. Dress up, enjoy it and forget you ever went out with Sanada."

She nodded numbly, but then looked up at him. "How do you know I'm seeing him tomorrow?!" she demanded.

"I heard him!"

-------------------

“So how was the interview?” asked while she was helping her chop onion.

decided to cook dinner so they could enjoy eating with Arisa and Oshitari. They had gone over to Oshitari’s parents for the afternoon to see them and leave Kaede there so she could sleepover at her grandparent’s house.

“It was… interesting,” she answered absentmindedly as she walked to the sink and started washing some dishes.

”Oh! How so?”

“Umm… just was.”  She wiped her hands on a cloth and took the chopped onions from .

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Ay asked a bit concerned.

turned around and looked at her “Huh? Nothing.” She resumed to her cooking. “I was just thinking of something.”

“Oh! Ok. You will tell in time. I am going to set the table,” said briskly and started taking out the cutlery. “Let’s see. We need six forks and knives for the chicken, six spoons for the soup and six glasses for the wine. , should I take glasses for water too?” she asked, looking at her friend.

“Umm… yes!”

“Ok. Six glasses for water. Voila!” She beamed happily.

“Six?”

“Yes. We will be six people,” she answered, fixing the table properly.

“Why six? Kaede is not coming back with Yuushi and Arisa,” said as a matter-of-factly. That still makes us five with Kaede though.

“I know.” rolled her eyes. “I invited Sanada and Haru to join us.”

thought she was hit by a bus at the mention of Sanada and Niou. She dropped the plate she was holding. Luckily it was a plastic plate and did not brake at its impact with the floor. “What. Did. You. Just. Say?” she yelled “Why on Heavens Earth would you invite them without telling me?” she said angrily, hands on her hips.

, who had frozen by the sudden outburst of ’s fury just looked at her. After what seemed like a minute of uncomfortable silence, spoke very softly and explained to that Arisa had suggested it.

After an hour, Arisa and Oshitari finally returned home. They sat in the living room, chatting and discussing Oshitari’s case, until the doorbell rang. At the sound of the doorbell, froze.

Oshitari noticed her sudden displeasure. “I will open the door,” he said as he got up to open the door. "Hello again." He greeted their guests as they walked in.

Sanada walked in, holding a small bag and offered it to . "Thank you for inviting us," he said. "Please accept this as a homecoming gift."

blushed with a smile, accepting it.

walked out to greet them as well after Arisa had pushed her to do so. She bowed and smiled, and then excused herself to check on the food in the kitchen.

Once back in the kitchen, looked at the different pots on the stove. When told her they had guests, she had slaved over the kitchen and made sure there was enough food for them all. She hated how irresponsible her Pooh was sometime. I mean she invited guests and didn’t stop to think for a second that we need to make more food.

"Need help?"

turned to see walk into the kitchen. She shook her head and pulled the Lasagna out. "Don't worry, I'm fine," she said, putting it on the table. "I just never cooked so fast in my life."

"I'm sorry, Tigger," she said, apologizing. "I didn’t expect you to get mad."

let out a sigh, pulling out the salad bowl. "I'm not mad," she answered. "I just don’t know where I stand with Niou, so I was surprised to hear that he was coming over tonight when I have a date with him tomorrow."

"You seem very off these days… actually you seem off since you returned from your date with…"

"I got the job, ," interrupted.

blinked.

smiled and moved her head sideways. "I got the job as a Marketing Manager, ," she repeated, changing the subject. "I start working in a week."

hugged . “That’s great. Your dream has come true. I am so happy for you.”

“Thanks babe. Now let’s get thia party rolling.” She winked and started filling the dishes with food.

When everybody had been seated at the table, was the last to sit. She sat between Sanada and Oshitari and opposite Niou.

They are together, enjoying the food and chatting about various things. sensed a foot rubbing on her left leg. She looked at Niou and he smirked devilishly. She rolled her eyes and moved a little to her right. She came closer to Sanada, who was eating quietly. He looked at her and they both blushed. then looked at and smiled, but she noticed that was talking to Niou, who was looking at her from the corner of his eye.

Quickly, she moved to her side and stayed closer to Oshitari. He seemed to be the safest she could be next to at the moment.

"Delicious food, who cooked?" Niou asked.

"Our one and only, ," said proudly, smiling at him.

Niou chuckled. "Then I'm very lucky, don't you agree, Sanada?"

Sanada looked at him and then back at . "I would say so," he said quietly, sipping his wine.

blushed at all the praises she was getting and decided to change the subject. "How's work, gentlemen?" she asked, trying to lighten the mood.

looked up at the mention of 'work', "Oh, ! Do they know? Did you tell them?!"

Niou perked up and looked at . "Do tell, princess? Why is my little sister overexcited?"

rolled her eyes when she heard him call her “princess’. "I got a job."

Sanada turned to look at her. "Oh, congratulations."

"Sanada, Wait. We need to know whether it’s something we can congratulate her for or not," Niou said with a smirk on his face. "Well?"

raised an eyebrow and explained. By the time she was done, the look on both Niou and Sanada's faces were priceless. "You're kidding, right?" Niou muttered, smacking his forehead. "You're working for that ass."

"Ass?" asked, turning to Sanada and she noticed she was rather close, for her heart actually skipped a beat.

Sanada cleared his throat. "Long story, -san."

looked at them and then at Oshitari. He was smirking. “I never said he was a saint,” he said before could ask him anything.

“Who wants desert?” got up from the table and looked around. They all nodded and Arisa followed her to the kitchen.

“You never told me that both men where so handsome,” Arisa remarked as she gave some bowls to put ice cream in.

“Yeah. Sanada is so handsome and he is so serious. He hardly ever speaks,” said dreamily.

“Is he the one you like?” Arisa asked, placing the now full bowls of ice cream in a tray.

“umm… yes Arisa. Who else? Haru?” laughed, “We became very good friends.”

“Interesting.” Was all Arisa said and left with the tray in hand.

After eating their deserts they moved to the living room to chat a little bit more before the guys left.

“You know there is mistletoe hanging in the front door?” Oshitari said, looking at who blushed. “Every time we stand beneath waiting for you guys to open the door, Arisa wants a kiss.” He sighed. “Do you mind getting it down from there.”

“Ok,” said , feeling embarrassed.

“No! Someone put it there, so we will leave it there. So what if you kiss your girlfriend under the mistletoe Mr.” glared at him.

“Well, obviously who ever put it there wanted to be kissed.” Niou said nonchalantly, looking at and smiling devilishly. He was once again sitting opposite . I am missing something here, he thought looking between Sanada and .

got up from her chair. “Can I talk to you Niou-san?”

“Sure.” He got up and followed her to the small balcony that was connected to the kitchen.

When they stepped out closed the door behind them. “Why? Why are you making my life so difficult?” she asked exasperated, crossing her hands. “Why do you like making me feel uncomfortable?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” he answered “You wouldn’t have called me out here if I didn’t act like that.” He moved closer to her slowly, very slowly.

was looking at him seriously agitated. She knew that he was advancing and she decided to stay. She wanted to kiss him and forget about the kiss that she shared with Sanada. She wanted to forget the kiss that haunted her dreams.

Niou moved even closer and put his arms around ’s waist. Their faces only inches away.

acted on her own impulse and pulled him into a deep kiss. Niou was taken aback from the change of roles, but soon took the lead.

One of his hands reached to ’s neck and caressed the hair at the base of her head, trying to adjust her to a position where he could take over. His other hand was on her waist and had a tight hold on her.

pushed her body closer to Niou’s and dug her hands in his hair. She could taste the sweetness of the ice cream he had on his lips. She parted her lips and he flicked his tongue in her mouth. They started a battle between their tongues, where Niou was the final winner. drowned into the kiss, as Niou sucked on her bottom lip.

They pulled away to take some breaths and looked at each other in the eyes.

“You really took me by surprise,” he whispered and leaned to nibble on her neck, below her ear. “No wonder they call you Tigger.” He chuckled.

lifted her head and closed her eyes. She loved his sweet little kisses and caresses.

Suddenly the door opened and came out to throw something in the trash can.

“Oh! Oh! OH! I am so so so sorry. I didn’t know.” She went back in and slammed the door behind her.

Niou and laughed. They leaned in for another passionate kiss when the door flung open again.

“Masaharu, we need to…” Sanada stepped out and looked at Niou and kissing.

pulled away when she heard his voice and stiffened.

Niou sensed the tension in the air.

“Sorry to interrupt. We have to go. Court case tomorrow,” Sanada said mechanically, as stiff as a wall. Then he turned and left.

Niou grinned and looked over to who was blushing furiously in embarrassment.

“Well, I have to go. Boss’s orders,” he said briskly. He gave a light kiss and pulled her inside with him, where it was warm.

was speechless. She wanted the earth to open up and swallow her up. I shouldn’t feel this way, she screamed in her head, then why do I feel so guilty.

When the boys finally left, she asked if she could clean up because she wasn’t feeling well. She left alone and went to have a shower.

-------------------

After had left for a shower and finished cleaning. turned to Oshitari with a frown. "Yuushi, what did you think of them?" she asked curiously, wanting his approval.

He looked at her and smiled. "They're good guys, . You don’t need to worry about them."

"I'm glad," she said sincerely. "It would be such a shame if Sanada turned out to be not so gentle and sincere. I really like him."

Oshitari went quiet.

'Oh, Yuushi!" She flicked his forehead. "You went quiet!"

"Damnit! Don't do that," he swore, holding his forehead.

giggled and ran to her room.

Oshitari let out a sigh. "Oh, . You can be too… kind sometimes," he murmured, leaning back.

------------------

I am officially a bad person… thought miserable on 's bed. She was hugging a pillow tightly and trying not to cry in it. I don't know what felt worse… Sanada's stunned look or Niou's triumph smile.

She held herself so tightly that she pretended to be asleep when got into the bed. She didn’t want to talk about tonight. She was going to go out with Niou tomorrow and forget all her awkward moments that occurred with Sanada.

First thing tomorrow, I'm going to throw away that stupid mistletoe so I don’t get anymore reminders…

-------------------

A.C.

Edited by Anonymous