Yuki's pov

It has been a few days since the homecoming dance and we were back in school. However, we were getting close to winter break which also meant Christmas is right around the corner. The last few weeks I had been thinking about what to get for everyone especially Kisshu. I know if I asked he would say I want you knowing him. I wanted to give him something though just wasn't sure what. I plan on using my next paycheck to go present shopping. Many stores would be filled with many ideas for gifts even if I had to make them myself. While in class I began writing a few ideas in my notebook that appeared in my head for a few of my friends. I already knew what Yui and Ichiru would get. Ace hasn't shown up to school since I found out his identity which was a good thing. However, I knew he would be plotting things against me, and could use any of the students to get to me. It was something that I haven't thought about in a long time, yet it was something I should have had in the back of my mind. I now realized how I didn't keep my guard up this whole time. I was mainly worried about if he would do anything to Yui or Ichiru. Knowing the aliens..they would do literally anything to weaken their enemy even if it meant playing dirty. I found myself staring at my notebook my pencil paused in the middle of writing a word. Shaking my head I looked up. The class was beginning to leave and I quickly looked at the clock. It was time for lunch now. Leaving the classroom I felt someone watching me from afar. Turning around there was only students not an alien, or an alien disguised as a student. I continued walking toward the cafeteria the feeling never shaking off. I put it in the back of my mind and got my lunch. I sat down with Asami and Miyu in our usual spot.

"Hey Yuki!" Miyu greeted.

"Hey you two." I greeted back sitting down.

I forgot to bring my own lunch from home so I ended up paying for a school lunch.

"Hey Yuki, have you seen Ace latley? He hasn't been in school the past couple weeks." Miyu asked then bit into her sandwich.

"Uh no I haven't." I lied.

"Maybe he's sick, or transferred, or dropped out." Asami listed off possibilities.

"I hope he's okay." Miyu said after swallowing her food.

"So..Yuki. We know he liked you at one point. How did he take the rejection?" Asami asked a twinkle of curiously in her eyes.

I felt the two closing in on me waiting for an answer. I couldn't obviously say the truth; that 'oh he was really an alien in disguise to take my crystal my father gave to me because him, and his race want to kill all of the humans and take over the planet. Yeah that definitely doesn't sound crazy.' I mentally rolled my eyes in my head. I quickly took a bite and swallowed.

"He was pretty upset. Saying how much he wanted to go out with me and start a close bond. I merely explained that I had more feelings toward Kisuke. That I saw him as a brother instead of a romantic partner." I explained.

"I can see him as the possessive type. I'm glad you didn't chose him." Asami commented.

I rose an eyebrow looking at her. I knew Kisshu was a bit possessive, however Asami hasn't noticed yet.

"He was still good looking. What I had envisioned was that Ace was in a biker gang. He just looked it. Here is how I saw a love story going in my version. You were this good girl and suddenly he stole your heart being the bad boy he is. He would always get into trouble, but that is what attracted you to him. Your brother absolutely hated him and wanted you to never have any contact with him. This would make a Romeo and Juliet story. Coming to your room at night throwing rocks at your window you two would have romantic moments as he climbed into your bedroom. After a while you couldn't care to be without him any longer. You drop out of school and run away with this bad boy on his motorcycle off into the sunset. That would have been quite the movie." Miyu described.

"I think you've been reading way to many teen love stories in those magazines." Asami commented.

"I can't help it! It's so romantic!" Miyu sniffled pretending to cry thinking about the scenes.

"Well..thanks for the story telling. However, that won't be coming true anytime soon." I said.

"Oh I know. I could see it as one of those Romeo and Juliet stories. I should be a writer!" Miyu exclaimed.

"Such a hopeless romantic you are." Asami said.

"I can't help it! Yuki's life is like a love story! Two guys in love with her. She chooses one over the other. Will the rejected bad boy strike back to reclaim his love? Prove that he is the one for her?Stay tune!" Miyu pretended to announce on a show.

"Could you not talk like that..my life is not a soap opera." I said.

She giggled and continued eating her lunch. I let out a long sigh, and continued eating my lunch as well.

"So..do you two have any plans for winter break?" Asami asked.

"Oh! My family is going to go skiing! You two should come!" Miyu exclaimed.

"I think I'll be working. I can always ask though." I mentioned.

"I can't sadly. My family and I will be going to visit some relatives across the globe. Oh the joys of traveling." Asami said the last part in sarcasm.

"Are you and Kisuke going to kiss under the mistletoe?!" Miyu squealed while asking.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a few students beginning to look our way.

"Don't be so loud! People are beginning to stare!" I scolded.

"But I want to know so baaaaddd!" She whined.

"I'm not sure what Kisuke will be doing. He may go to his family for the holiday it all depends." I told them.

"Has he mentioned anything about his family?" Asami asked.

"Not really. He is close to them and wishes he could see them often. I think he tries not to think about being away from them for so long." I lied.

"Well when you do move away for so long it can make you a little homesick." Asami said.

"I would hate too be away from my family for a school year! I would miss them to much!" Miyu said.

We ended the conversation with that and focused on finishing the rest of our food since lunch would be over before we knew it. Soon lunch was over and everyone went their separate ways.

~FF to a few days after school~

With the final bell ringing for the day all students were officially out for winter break. I headed toward the cafe ready to start working for the day. Upon arrival I was greeted by everyone. Walking inside I changed into my maid costume. Workng for hours I went to a table that a student from my class sat. His name was Hariko Akimoto. He was one of the top students in my class ranking in the top two of the whole class actually. Polite however he did have a tendency for deeming others who weren't as smart. I pondered as I looked at him.

'Why was he here? I couldn't imagine him liking sweet pastries, but people are full of surprises sometimes.'

"Welcome to Mew cafe sir. What can I get for you?" I greeted politely a smile across my face.

Hariko wasn't rude to me. I actually rarely spoke to him as he normally kept to himself after class. During class he answered and asked questions. I was about average in grades. I made sure to keep my grades up in the B range at the least. I wasn't sure how he would see me. He could easily see me as a dumber life form that was in his presence that didn't belong, or he could be polite. What caught me off guard was when he looked up from the menu he smiled at me.

"Hello yuki. I didn't realize you worked here." He greeted.

"I have been working here for about a couple months now." I added.

"Well the outfit suits you." He smiled.

"Thank you?" I asked tilting my head slightly.

"Oh I should have said why. I know it can be taken in different ways. I mean by it is you look cute in it. Cute girl and a cute outfit is a good combination don't you agree?" He asked.

"I guess so. I do rather like it." I replied.

"So what would you recommend? I haven't been here before."

"Well I am a fan of the white cake with a strawberry filling and buttercream frosting. Our cook makes wonderful pastries however that is my personal favorite."

"Well since you recommended it I will take that one. Also I will have some raspberry tea to drink."

"Excellent choices. I will get it to you shortly."

After writing his order down I took it to kei. Carrying on with the rest of my duties I did get Hariko his food and drink. He seemed very satisfied with his choices as he left me a tip on the table which was generous of him.

'I should thank him when I see him next.'

~After work~

I ended up leaving before the dinner rush since my shift was over with. After changing into my school uniform I left the cafe. Walking away from the cafe a feeling of being followed appeared again. Suddenly a hand touched my shoulder. I jumped backwards startled. Turning around it was Hariko.

"Sorry to startle you. I should have said something first. " He apologized.

I let out a deep breath putting a hand over my heart where I could hear it racing.

"I-its quite okay." I said.

"Do you mind if I walk you home?" He asked.

"Uh sure."

Hariko walked me to my house and before I could go up to the door he put his hand on my shoulder again.

"Uh Yuki..I had something I wanted to ask you." He said.

Turning my head toward him I could see he was looking away. A light red tint covered his cheeks.

"Well..I uh wanted to know if you would like to go ice skating sometime." He asked.

"Like..as friends?" I asked.

"No a date. To get to know one another better romantically."

"Oh..I am sorry Hariko, but I have to decline." I said.

"What?"

"You see..I am flattered, but I already have a boyfriend and our bond is very strong."

"O-oh..I didn't realize..but its not like you wouldn't have a boyfriend. You are kind, gifted in music, and the way you look into the distance is captivating, and you're also beautiful."

"I appreciate it, but I have to decline. You yourself are a very bright and nice guy. I just wasn't the one for you.

"No I understand. I waited to long to ask apparently Sorry about wasting your time. Goodbye."

Pulling his hand away from my shoulder he walked away without saying another word. I felt this sort of tension after I had rejected him. I shook my head though. Kisshu and I were very happy together and I wouldn't leave him for anyone. I went inside and got on with the rest of my day.

~Next Day~

Around breakfast I had gotten dressed and was ready to go do some shopping. Walking downstairs I grabbed my purse.

"Where are you going?" I was asked.

Looking back I saw Kisshu rubbing his eyes emerging from the extra bedroom downstairs. He had massive case of bedhead. Giggling at his appearance he asked again.

"You didn't answer me. Where are you going in such a hurry?"

"I am going to go some shopping for presents."

"Presents? By yourself? I am coming to." He declared.

"Uh..well"

"I am coming and nothing you say will change it."

I laughed quietly and nervously. I knew if I said I be fine on my own he would say something about me being vulnerable to the aliens. He also would say something about other men trying to hit on me. After a few minutes Kisshu had appeared all fixed up. Before we left he took a hold of my hand and we left.

"So why are you going to get presents?" He asked.

"For Christmas."

"Christmas?"

"Yeah its a time where families and friends get together and give gifts to one another."

"Oh..never heard of it."

"I could tell when you asked. So I gotta get gifts for everyone."

"Well where to first then?"

"Well the mall has a lot of stores that should be having deals. I think we should start there."

Heading there we looked in different stores for gifts for everyone that was on my list.

~Hariko's pov~

Sitting on bench I walked as Yuki walked into store to store with some guy.

'So thats the boyfriend..looks like a player. I can't believe she rejected me over him. Guess she isn't as great as I thought.'

"Hey."

I looked back and saw Ace. He was a student who had appeared suddenly and vanished just as he came.

"Uh hi..Ace was it?"

"Well I'm honored that you remembered me. I know you have other issues such as staying ahead of everyone in class, and studying. So what brings you here?"

Sitting by me I stood up.

"I was only passing through."

"I know its none of my business, but I noticed you following Yuki here. Do you want to ask her something? Or are you just stalking her?" I heard him snicker.

"I am not stalking her. Just trying to figure her out."

"Figure her out? Well she does have a nice figure indeed."

"That's not what I mean."

"Do tell."

"Let's just say she isn't into types like me."

"Oh I see..yeah she is quite the heart breaker."

"She hurt you too?"

"Oh yes. I cared for her and she didn't feel the same. I was her friend and everything. She chose some low life over me. However, you are much greater then I am, so much smarter. Who in the right mind would chose someone who is a complete dumbass over you?"

"That is true..I am much smarter then the boy shes with."

"You know all she needs is for her current boyfriend to be gotten rid of. Like an equation. Subtract the boyfriend from the equation and you get the girl."

"Well as any smart guy would know that I could get in trouble for harming someone."

"Oh I know a way~."

"You do?"

"Oh yes. Follow me."

~Yuki's pov~

Kisshu and I walked out of a store. I was carrying a few bags. I had found something for Miyu, Ichigo and Shirogane.

"So who is left?"

"A lot of people."

"Ugh this is going to take all day isn't it."

"That depends."

"See I don't get why you're with him. He is complaining."

Looking over I saw Hariko standing there.

"Hariko?"

"Who the hell is this?" Kisshu asked glaring.

"He's a classmate."

"You deserve someone better like me." Hariko said.

Something was off. His head was down and he looked pale.

"Who the hell do you think you are saying who she should be with." Kisshu snapped at him.

"I have a brain. I am far more intelligent then you are. I know how to treat a woman unlike you." Hariko insulted.

"I know how to treat her just fine!"

"Both of you calm down! Hariko is just hurting." I assured Kisshu.

"Yeah Kisshu~ He's only hurting~ She is a heart breaker after all~."

Ace was floating next to Hariko a smirk on his face.

"What did you do to Hariko!" I shouted.

"Oh nothing~ I merely told him that he deserved you more then Kisshu. Now Hariko let's subtract him from the equation and take what is yours."

Suddenly Hariko's body began to morph and he changed into a chimera. I looked around for his real body and saw a hand peeking out from behind a wall. It was white as a sheet from what I could see.

"How could you mess with his emotions like that?!" I shouted in anger.

"He was vulnerable and I took advantage of it. I will do whatever it takes to claim this planet for Deep Blue." Ace admitted.

"You bastard! Toying with someone's emotions and using them is down right dirty!"

"Thank you for the compliment snowflake~."

"Don't you dare call her that! That's the nickname I gave her!" Kisshu said in anger.

"Hariko I think it's time we got rid of him." Ace snickered.

The chimera attacked Kisshu before he had anytime to react. I dropped the bags and ran toward them, but Ace appeared and sent me flying with a swift kick to the stomach.

"Nu uh~ You won't be interfering~ Your fight is with me."

I got out my pendant and transformed.

"Kisshu will you be okay?!" I called out.

"Of course, I'm fueled with anger and I can't wait to kill Ace."

I summoned my scepter and faced Ace. Ace summoned his sword and we faced off. Our weapons clinging against one another as we swung against each others. It felt like he had gotten stronger since the last time we met. I jumped back and began doing my attack then vines shot out of the ground and wrapped up around me. I held tight onto my weapon, but a vine wrapped around my wrist so tight it forced me to drop it.

"Yuki!" I heard Kisshu call out.

I struggled and tried to get out, but of course nothing worked. Ace approached me and stroked my face. He placed his sword against my cheek and made a small cut. I could feel a small stream of blood go down my cheek. I felt him put his finger against my cheek and swipe some blood onto it. He licked it off his fingers and smirked. Glaring at him a low growl came from me.

"Stop touching her you bastard!" Kisshu shouted.

I turned my head to him and saw the chimera slam him into the ground.

"Kisshu!"

"Keep your mouth shut traitor. Now where is the crystal? If it's inside you I can either rip you open and take it, or I can just take you altogether. Which will it be?"

"Neither."

"Well I guess I make the choice then~"

"Actually we will!!"

Turning my head to the left I could see Ichigo and a few of the mews running over transformed and ready to go.

"Damn, why can't you stay out of it." Ace let out a fake yawn.

I glared back at him and struggled.

Pudding attacked Ace and lettuce attacked the vines using her attack. After a few tries they cut and I picked up my scepter. I ran over to Kisshu and froze the chimera in its place and then destroyed it. Running over to Kisshu he had some bruises and cuts.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. But wha- That bastard cut you! I will end him!"

Kisshu got up and I quickly grabbed his hand.

"You can't! You need some medical attention!"

"Yeah Kisshu chill out~. It was only a small cut. I just wanted to taste her blood~. It'll be spilled here soon."

Ace floated near us dodging Puddings attacks. I caught a glimpse of him licking his lips as he looked at me focusing on the cut on my cheek.

"You even touch her again and I will stab you in the head!" Kisshu threatened.

"I like to see you try." Ace mocked.

I held onto Kisshu's hand tighter.

"Next time you'll be sorry."

"Yes and when we do fight it'll be one on one."

Ace vanished after the rest of the mews came over to us ready to attack. Kisshu placed his other hand against the cheek that had a cut on it. Looking into his eyes he was filled with anger and shame. His eyes shifted away and narrowed.

"Dont worry. It's a mere cut besides it doesn't hurt."

"It's not that..it's him doing it to you. Knowing I couldn't do anything to stop him. He is mocking me and wants to use you to get to me. Pai would have done worse, so Ace is merely toying with me. They want to make me suffer because they believe I betrayed them and our race.."

I caressed his cheek and made him face me.

"Remember you did not betray them. You have found a solution that doesn't involve killing the human race. They are angry because you want to save the humans. They think you don't care about your race, but the humans. However that is wrong. You care about your species enough to side with us to end this unnecessary fighting. They are the one in the wrong now you."

A smile formed and his eyes softened. He closed them halfway his smile becoming bigger.

"Thank you..Yuki."