::Chapter 3::

TEXT: Ayuna's apartment

=The men glare at each other, Ayuna eats=

TEXT: Ayuna's apartment

=The men glare at each other, Ayuna eats=

=Ayuna sits drawing at a table=

Tayin: "So, what's this party deal?"

=She eyes Tayin=

Ayuna: "He invited, I said yes."

Tayin: "I don't like him."

Ayuna: "Oh, really? And I suppose that explains those looks you've been giving him?"

=He blushes=

Tayin: "He's not good enough for you."

Ayuna: "Someone I know here have a complex?"

=He hangs his head=

"Don't worry, dear. He wouldn't do me wrong. I know it. I've known him for almost six months now. He's a good man, Tayin."

=She stands and kisses him=

"And he is ever so cute!"

=Tayin sighs=

Tayin: "There is something that nags me about him, though..."



=Ayuna pokes her head around the bedroom door=

Ayuna: "Tell Sai to come on over, if he's ready that is. I'm almost done."

Tayin: "Sure."

=She opens the door and sees the men waiting=

=Sai is stunned=

Sai: //My heart beats ever more at your beauty...

//Soon... I'll not be able to quash it...

=He takes her hand=

//I want to sing of your beauty...

=He kisses her hand=

//I want to sing...

"Come, fairest one, the ball awaits!"

=She laughs=

=Sai helps her with her coat=

Tayin: "Ayuna..."

=She looks up to Tayin=

"Have fun."

=She smiles=

Ayuna: "Of course I will!"

=He stares pointedly at Sai, Sai gives a nod=

"Goodnight, Tayin!"

=Sai leads her out the door=

"Don't forget to eat, I don't want to return and see a puddle of Tayin staring at uncooked food when all he had to do was heat it up!"

=She waves as she leaves=

=Outside the door=

Sai: "You look beautiful tonight."

=His hand caresses her cheek=

=She blushes and smiles=

Ayuna: "Thank you."

=He places a hand on her lower back as he leads her to the elevator=



=They arrive=

=Sai introduces her to various guests=

=She is received wondrously=

=Walks her to a chaise=

Sai: "I have something I have to do. Wait right here and I'll return shortly."

=She is waiting quietly when a couple approaches=

Rashiel: "And you are? I've never seen you in our circles before."

Ayuna: "Oh, dear."

=Ayuna stands=

"My name is Ayuna Kimite. A friend of mine invited me to accompany him this evening."

Rashiel: "Really? Why aren't you the doll! That's wonderful. And who, may I ask, might he be?"

Ayuna: "Sai Vere."

=The woman is startled=

Rashiel: "Sai?"

=Ayuna looks at her questioningly at the familiarity=

=The woman waves a hand=

Rashiel: "Just an old acquaintance of mine. Really."

Ayuna: "Ah."

=She looks concerned a moment=

Rashiel: "Listen, I just want to... well..."

=She pauses=

"Sai has many secrets... dangerous ones. Just... please be careful..."

Ayuna: "I... ah... sure..."

=The woman nods=

Rashiel: "Well, we should be on our way. If you ever need me, look me up. My name is Rashiel Lrein."

=Ayuna merely nods=

=A little while later, Sai returns=

Sai: "Come, I want you to meet our host!"

Ayuna: "Mmm..."

=They arrive home= Sai pauses a moment before wishing her goodnight=

Sai: "You've been really quiet on the way home."

Ayuna: "Just a little tired."

=He smiles=

Sai: "Yes, it has been a long evening."

=He grasps her hand=

"Thank you, really. Thank you."

=Her heart beats=

Ayuna: //What could that woman have been talking about? Even now, I find myself even more attracted to him. My hand burns from where he holds it...

=He moves closer, possibly for a kiss=

=Ayuna's door opens, Tayin stands in the threshold wearing a towel=

Tayin: "Alright, either go next door or come in."

=The two cringe in embarrassment=

Ayuna: "I'd best go."

Sai: "Yes. Goodnight."

Ayuna: "Goodnight."

=She says softly and closes the door=



=Hand slaps a table=

Ayuna: "All right! Who the hell is Rashiel Lrein?!"

=Sai stands in anger=

Sai: "What?!"

Ayuna: "She said something to me that I just CAN'T believe is true!"

=Sai looks shocked=

=She faces him again, hands on table=

"So, you just HAVE to tell me! I know it's personal, but please!"

=She hangs her head=

"Please..."

=He covers one of her hands with his own=

Sai: "What did she say?"

Ayuna: "I've not been able to rest all night long... She told me you were dangerous... That you had dangerous secrets. She said without saying that if I remained your friend, I'd end up hurt..."

=Sai rams a fist into a wall=

"I can't believe her, Sai... Something strongly tells me she's wrong..."

=She walks to his side, notices tears=

Sai: "The bitch..."

=They sit on the sofa=

Sai: "She was once my fiancée. She was always dominating, demanding. I would do anything she asked me... because I loved her. I found her with another man one day. I would have forgiven her... but she wouldn't repent. If she'd cried and said she'd made a mistake... I would have forgiven her even knowing... But she demanded her lovers. I may have been a helpless fool, but I wasn't completely dimwitted. If I had married her, I would have done more than give her my name, my reputation, and my money. I would have sentenced myself to slavery and lost my self respect... and my soul in the process. For love.

=Ayuna lays her head on Sai's shoulder=

Ayuna: "I've never asked such a personal question before... and I never will again. Although, I do feel special because of your trust. Such a bitter woman... She won't even allow you to continue on with your own life..."

Sai: "Ayuna..."

=She sighs and gives him a hug=

Ayuna: "Well, I need to get to work. Naked rigatoni for dinner and at my place tonight!"

=She waves from the door. Sai smiles=

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Chapter 2 :: Chapter 4
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