Authors Notes: Well after this there is only ONE more story to bring out. I'm so excited, but I just have to get around to doing it though.

Lets see, I wouldn't really call this a "love triangle" for the simple reason that Misao's fiancé seems to generally ignore her pleas to take more notice of her throughout the story and someone else decides to cut on in and make her feel important. Anywho I best place a warning here. BE PREPARED FOR OOC-NESS!

I have no doubt that there are mistakes and grammar problems in here, which I'll get back to one day and fix, but for now I hope everyone or at least someone enjoys.

Secrets in the Sun

# Tokyo International Airport #

"Wow, I've never been on a plane this big before."

"Misao-chan, when we get to the Airport in Hawaii please don't speak and just follow me alright?"

"Why can't I speak Soujiro?" Misao questioned and turned to a man with blue eyes and a serious face. He sat at the window seat, already buckled in as the business class passengers were asked to board the aircraft first.

"I'll be on the phone the entire limousine ride and as soon as we make it to Maui as well. I need complete silence from you or else you'll distract my concentration. I only brought you along to keep you out of trouble back in Tokyo. Furthermore I wanted you to leave that restaurant your grandfather runs. He shouldn't need you to work in his restaurant all the time as well."

"Mou, Soujiro I like working there. Its fun and I know so many people that frequently eat there as well. It's a family restaurant so everyone is treated like family."

"Work is for serious people Misao-chan and you are not one of them. Everything to you seems to be a big jo-"

"Excuse me Seta-san, I'll need for you to turn off that laptop and your cell phone so we can get ready for take off." Misao felt herself sigh in relief when the flight attendant assigned to business class came and interrupted Soujiro's speech.

They been together for about two years now and Soujiro had popped the question in the most unromantic kind of way, at home with her cooking for them, but because of the surprised proposal Misao burnt the food that evening, which turned into a slight argument afterwards. She accepted his marriage proposal, which the date of the wedding was in less then six months, but as Misao toyed with the chunky diamond ring on her finger she wondered many times as to whether she was doing the right thing.

Misao knew she loved Soujiro, but it was a matter of how much. He did take care of her, but why wouldn't he when he was rich and always wanted her to be at home and waiting for him. Not to mention he was loaded as well.

A few years ago he'd taken over his grandfathers multi-million dollar hotel chain known as 'SETA'. Misao had stumbled into their famous restaurant with another man for dinner and instantly the blue-eyed businessman that was conveniently having a meeting there took an interest in her. It wasn't long before he was wooing Misao with gifts and it wasn't long before they started dating.

However, Misao always felt like something was missing within her. Soujiro was a great man, but whenever she visited her grandfather he had always said she didn't look ready to settle down and begin a family so soon. He had always mentioned that the spark she always had in her eyes had died when she began to date Soujiro. It was a fact to Misao that her grandfather was extremely worried that she wasn't being herself.

"Mama, are we going to see daddy when we get off the plane?" Misao was knocked from her thoughts and toying with her engagement ring as she gazed at two young girls being strapped into the business class seats across the aisle from her. The looked like twins at first glance, but one seemed older then the other. They had brown hair and large chocolate brown eyes. Dressed in floral summer dresses and white sandals, they were incredibly adorable.

"Of course we are. Tochan hasn't seen the two of you for the entire year and he's taking time off work to play with you this entire trip." Misao listened to the happy squeals of the girls before their mother quietened them down and sat in the only vacant chair left in business class, which was behind her daughters.

"Misao-chan are you listening to me?" Misao snapped her head away from the excited girls and looked over at annoyed blue orbs.

"Its okay Soujiro, you have my solemn promise that I'll be out of your way all the time. You won't even know I'm there."

"Good…" Was Soujiro's instant reply. Misao picked up a magazine she'd bought in the airport and placed it up to her face as her pleasant smile for Soujiro dropped from her lips.

This happened all the time. Misao always went on these business trips with Soujiro but ended up spending the entire time in the hotel room. She was with him because he said he "liked her company" and that made Misao frown even more. He wasn't supposed to "like her company" he was supposed to "love her company" and would want to spend a small amount of time with her while on these trips, but never did. It was always the same words of 'don't get in the way' or 'just don't embarrass me I'm here on business and need to make a worthy impression'. It already appeared this trip would be no different. Soujiro was meeting some constructors and business planners in a large vacant area of land close to the resort they were staying at as he wished to expand the 'SETA' abroad and his first stop was of course Hawaii or more importantly the Island of Maui.

Flipping through the magazine Misao was already bored. The plane had already taken off, as it had been about twenty minutes now and Soujiro was on his laptop typing frantically away and looking over spreadsheets. Sighing lightly Misao looked at the projection screen and noticed some lame business show was being viewed and then gazed her ocean blue eyes to the two little girls flipping through story books their mother had packed for them.

Deciding Misao needed to change the quietness of those two girls, she left her seat to grab her bag from the overhead compartment. Soujiro, who wanted to know the ins and outs of her every thought however, instantly caught her wrist.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm getting my bag down and will lend my laptop to the two girls. They look extremely bored and I brought a couple movies that they can watch."

"Misao-chan I don't thi-"

"Your working really hard and I don't want to distract you so I'll see if it's alright with their mother to sit with them for a bit. I won't be far. I mean it's just across the aisle so you can see what's going on if you wish." It was like Misao had to reason with him for everything she wanted to do. It appeared Soujiro's trust in her to take care of herself for a single moment was extremely low. It was like she couldn't be trusted and Misao hated that very much.

"Just keep it low, I'm trying to concentrate." Came the annoyed reply as Soujiro let go of Misao's thin wrist. Faking a smile Misao brought down her bag to bring out the laptop and then threw her bag back up in the compartment.

"Is it alright if I show your girls a movie?" Misao spoke to the mother who stopped reading a book to look up at her.

"Would you like that girls?" The mother spoke and Misao observed two nods of the head as both girls shared a chair so Misao could sit in the other and set up the laptop.

"My name's Ayame and this is my sister Suzume." The eldest of the two girls voiced happily. She had two plaits in her hair while the rest hung down to her shoulders. Suzume on the other hand had two cute little pigtails with green ribbons in her hair matching the green and white summer dress she was wearing. Ayame on the other hand was wearing a pink dress with pink hair ties holding her plaits in place.

"Its nice to meet you both, I'm Misao."

"Misao-oneechan, what are we watching?"

"Well he's big and happens to be King of the Forest. Do you know what it is?"

"My Neighbour Totoro! We love Totoro!" The girls squealed happily before settling in the chair as Misao turned the laptop their way and began watching the movie with them. It was such a classic and loved by all. Instantly as Misao sat with the two ecstatic girls she felt better then having to be seated next to Soujiro. He was just way too serious these days. In the past he'd always smile for her with his blue eyes shining, but now as soon as he wanted to expand his multi-million dollar organisation it was like she didn't become important anymore. She still received his gifts of flowers, candies and numerous jewellery or spa days, but it wasn't enough. It would never be enough unless he was with her more often and Misao had hoped this trip would be different but by the sounds of it, she'd be once again left alone. Snapping away from her thoughts as their girls laughed happily Misao smiled at them both and settled in to watch the movie.

# Hours Pass By #

Arriving at Hawaii's International Airport, Misao hopped off the plane with Soujiro leading the way before she quickly waved goodbye and hugged Ayame and Suzume who had dubbed her older sister. Thanking their mother Misao quickly took off after Soujiro called out her name numerous times to catch up or he was leaving her behind.

Heading outside, the humidity hit Misao immediately and she took off the jacket she had been wearing with her black skirt and white blouse. She noticed Soujiro's name was held up by a limousine driver and took some bags while Soujiro carried another two and headed over to the limousine.

"We are already late so please take us to the domestic airport as we need to get on another plane immediately." Soujiro annoying spoke while getting into the car and laving his bags for the driver to place in the trunk of the car. Misao balled her fists as though wanting to smack Soujiro for being rude and instead smiled an 'I'm sorry about his attitude' smile at the driver before getting into the car as well. Turning to look at Soujiro as though wanting to start a conversation Misao shut her lips as he even had his cell phone to his ear. It was official now she was nothing but a shadow to him. This trip would be like all the others unless Misao did something about it.

# Kapalua Resort – Maui #

Just the sheer view from the plane was unbelievable, but as soon as Misao made it to land and had arrived at the resort the intense beauty of the place blew her away. Misao had found out, overhearing Soujiro talking on the phone that they'd be staying in their own private villa with an ocean view.

"Welcome to Kapalua Resort Mr Seta. I hope you enjoy your stay." The manager had specifically come down to greet Soujiro before allowing one of his employees to drive Misao and Soujiro to their ocean view villa.

It wasn't long before they reached the villa and Misao got out of the little golf buggy car and took in a deep breath. The smell o the ocean, the cool breeze and the hot beating sun was enough to make Misao relax even more.

"Misao-chan take the bags inside. I'll be heading back to the conference room and will be having a meeting. Stay out of trouble." Frowning Misao watched Soujiro leave, not even receiving a kiss or anything as e left. It was the same as usual, nice grey suit, black briefcase in hand and cell phone at his ear.

Taking the suitcases inside, Misao looked around before deciding to use the private bathroom to change into more appropriate clothing for being on a tropical resort. Dressing in a one-piece green and blue bathing suit, Misao then placed on a plain deep blue sarong and tied it around her narrow waist. She also placed on a white tank top over her bathers and searched her bags for her blue flip-flops. Grabbing a small satchel bag Misao placed the villa keys, her cell phone, sunscreen and reading glasses into it before locking the villa door.

There was no way in a place like this she'd just sit around doing nothing. Never having left Japan before Misao was definitely going on a mission to explore this place in its entirety.

Strolling casually about the place Misao finally made her way back to the main resort reception area and looked around as though lost. It wasn't long before the receptionist came over to where she was and told her about a welcoming dance being held by the pools just through some doors. Misao's English wasn't the greatest and so she did what came naturally and smiled, said thank you and followed the way the receptionist had pointed. It wasn't long before she stepped through the glass doors and out into the largest tropical scenery she'd ever seen. It was even better then pictures and photos she'd eyed on the Internet.

Her eyes took in the local residents doing a welcome dance and showering the tourists with flowers and Misao felt compelled to join. It appeared that the motto here was every customer would be treated like family and that made Misao smile. Already she felt her shoulders relax as she headed off to where she noticed a bar that had two levels. One for serving drinks for those swimming in the crystal clear pools (since there were three to choose from) and the upper level was for serving drinks for those that wished to just chit chat and stay dry and out of the sun.

For now Misao wanted to stay dry and headed for the upper bar level where she stopped in mid motion as she watched the bartender. From far away she could already tell he wasn't a local and in fact was perhaps Japanese. She was just standing in the hot sun gazing at his tall physique as he went about mixing drinks while putting on a small show as he threw the spirit bottles up in the air and over his head before catching them with his opposite hand. It was truly amazing to see such quick movements and the bartender received claps from men and whistles from women. Misao guessed that the whistles were for other reasons because as she got closer she only now realised that the man was only dressed in a pair of black leather trousers.

His skin was tanned with some puckered scars on his chest while the leather pants, which seemed odd to be wearing at a tropical resort suited him well. He also wore two black wristbands to use as sweat wipes and a black cord necklace with a fish skeleton hanging off of it. His hair was jet black with long bangs covering most of his icy green eyes from view. It wasn't long before the show was over and Misao had finally made it over to the shaded area and onto a barstool.

"What would you like?" Came the sexy baritone voice, which made a not so unpleasant shiver run down Misao's spine. Her eyes were completely fixated on him and he did nothing but silently blink back waiting for her to answer his question. However, Misao was stuck on what to order, as this complete stranger was even better up close. There was no way she would stay in the villa by herself now. If Soujiro was going to ignore her like he always did then she was determined to meet and greet as many people as she wanted and it would all start with this bartender right here.

This was going to be the best week and a half she would spend without Soujiro constantly by her side and wanting to know her every move. This business trip for Soujiro would give Misao the freedom she seemed to lack back in Tokyo and she'd use this to her advantage to keep away from Soujiro to try and find out just exactly what was missing in her life.

"Miss?" Came that low voice once more and Misao snapped her eyes back into focus before smiling happily at the bartender.

"I'll have a pineapple juice for now." Watching him nod his head the man went to the fridges and brought out freshly cut pineapple to place in a blender to make a fruity drink for Misao.

"Is this your first time on Maui?" Came the bartender's voice and Misao nodded her head, her voice catching in her throat when a cool breeze blew threw the poolside area and brought his musky scent mixed with some sweat towards her.

"Here, it's on the house. Welcome to Kapalua Resort."

"Oh I couldn't!" Misao tried objecting as she fumbled in her bag for some foreign currency as she changed the yen earlier in her travels, but froze in mid motion as a warm larger hand stopped her fidgeting ways.

"It's alright Miss, its customary for the poolside bars to shout the guests a complimentary drink."

"O-Okay…" Misao whispered back and watched intently as the half naked, half leather clad man pour her pineapple into a large glass before placing a strawberry along the side and giving her a purple umbrella.

"I hope you enjoy your stay." He remarked once more before heading off to serve other customers. Misao's ocean blue eyes however, did not leave his being. One thing drew her to him…and Misao was one determined young woman to find out just what that "thing" was.

Oh yes, this week and a half was going to be extremely entertaining,

# To Be Continued #