Chapter II
Akihiko puffed a cigarette as Misaki, who was now cleaned and had straightened her ruffled clothing, sat opposite of him in the living room. She glared razor sharp daggers at him but she kept her mouth shut, not wanting him to say anything embarrassing.
"I've been drawn to the idea of a common middle class family, you see." The man spoke with the cancer stick dangling in his mouth, "In order to recreate things normal kids do. I started to collect toys and it soon turned into an obsession. What you saw was a result of years of collecting said toys."
He pointed at a large teddy bear that sitting next to him, " This is Suzuki by the way."
That way of thinking is already abnormal ya'know, Misaki thought to herself, slouching.
Some sort of light lit up in her head and she grinned, swinging one leg over the other before jabbing a finger in the author's direction, "Oh I get it now, you're just a rich boy. I see how it is. A father who payed no attention to his family, a mother who was too absorbed in her own fantasies to care about you. Living with parents who had no real emotional attachments to you, and vice versa. Since no one noticed the neglect, you tried anything to get attention because you were so lonely. To top it all off, you now drive a red sports car and you have a pretty long haired dog named Alexander."
Misaki smirked and chuckled softly before leaning back with a smug expression. Akihiko just sat there and gave her a bored look.
He blinked- once, twice - before asking, "How did you know?"
"Seriously?!"
After her initial shock, Misaki spoke again with another smirk, " Oh, and I think I know why you did that... thing to me...Your mother brought a lover home or something when you were just a brat. They were doing the nasty and you ended up witnessing it full on." She pointed her finger up into the sky, "You ended up traumatized. Ergo, as a result you lost all interest in women, but then you had two tutors who were nice to you. One was a girl and the other a guy, they did naughty things to you and that was when you discovered you prefer both genders."
The author puffed his cigarette and looked at the teen with dot eyes, "If the media found out about that, there would be a frenzy."
"Really?! Again?!"
Akihiko inhaled the chemicals in the cancer stick, then let out that disgusting second-hand smoke, all the while glaring at Misaki.
Anyway, there is no way in hell I'll get along with her.
Anyway, there is no way in hell I'll get along with him.
And at the same time, they bowed their heads in defeat. Gray clouds of dread loomed around their heads.
But for Nii-chan's/Takahiro's sake, I'll have to endure it.
The man then smashed his cigarette in the panda ashtray and spoke to break the silence, " Alright, where do you want to go to college?"
Misaki blushed and looked at her trembling hands, "Mitsuhashi University..."
Akihiko smirked, "Hah, are you dreaming?"
This made the young girl furious and she jumped to her feet. Her dark chocolate hair bouncing in her hurry and her little imaginary feline ears pulled back. She yelled, "What the hell do you know you bastard?! It's not like you've seen the results!"
With a grunt the man smirked, "Actually I have." He lifted up a paper and waved it in her face. It was her mock test results! "I've already looked through your practice exam," He pointed at a plethora of red streaks across the paper, "From what I see, not only are you using the wrong formulas, you don't even know what they are asking you for."
His target deflated in embarrassment, "...Um..."
The man set down the paper and sighed, exasperated. "Young lady, I suggest lowering your standards and look for a smaller, lower rating college."
Misaki stomped her foot and clenched her fists, "I WILL ONLY GO TO MITSUHASHI UNIVERSITY!"
She then gripped her wrinkled skirt and spoke, her voice trembling "I have to go to Mitsuhashi, for Nii-chan. If I can't go there, I won't go anywhere."
Hearing the girl talk about her brother made AKihiko curious, "Why did you bring up Takahiro just now?"
The girl let go of her skirt and crossed her arms over her small breasts. She glanced at the window with a far away look in her eyes, "Well you should know about it if you're Nii-chan's friend. My parents... died in that accident ten years ago, and as a result my brother had to raise me. He gave up his dream just so I would still have him."
She remembered the whole thing clearly as if it were yesterday. At the funeral, she met relatives she had never seen before. They wanted to take her away but her brother stepped up, saying that the only person that would raise his little sister was himself and him alone.
"... At the time, Nii-chan was accepted to go to Mitsuhashi, but because of me, he went to work instead. So ever since then, I wanted to go to the same university. The very school he really wanted to go to..."
Akihiko watched as the girl finished her explanation. He could tell that Misaki was serious. She really wanted to go to the school Takahiro never had the chance to go to. He lit another cigarette. The girl sighed and back down on the pink sofa, a disappointed look in her eyes.
"I guess my motives are pretty childish now that I think about it."
She hung her head, failing to notice the author walking up to her with a smirk. Out of nowhere he tousled her hair.
"Eek!"
She looked up at the man with a glare but she stopped when she saw a smile on Akihiko's face.
"I understand. Alright then, I'll make sure you get in. With Usami-sensei at your side how can you not get in..." He then gave her a small pat on the head, " Alright?"
Misaki's emerald eyes sparkled with excitement and smiled, a happy blush on her cheeks, "O-okay!"
I don't know if I should trust a guy who did that to me, she thought to herself. She thought of something else, At least I'll be close to being accepted to Mitsuhashi.
A few days later...
She thrusted the papers at her tutor in excitement, "Hows that?!"
Akihiko read through the papers as he straightened his glasses and placed a hand on his hip, "A 'C' score. That's impressive."
Misaki, her hair pulled back with clips, sat at the desk that was used for her studying and smiled, "If I put this much effort into it then I know I will get in!"
"Don't get too excited kid," The man said bluntly.
Unbeknownst to him, Misaki grimaced. The only reason she was able to raise her scores was because that Usagi-san had a much tougher method then the ones at school.
Life is unfair...
Her little pity party was interrupted when she heard her sensei speak, "However, Takahiro must be very happy also. I want you to pass so I can see his smiling face."
Misaki tilted her head when she saw how much the silver haired man's demeanor changed when he mention her brother.
"You really like my brother, don't you?" She asked, bluntly speaking her thoughts.
Akihiko plopped himself on the couch with a lit cigarette that he had somehow managed to light, "Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"
The girl shrugged her shoulders, " I'm just asking, that's all."
A deep chuckle echoed throughout the small room, "Relax young lady, it's all one-sided. The stuff you read in the novel was all made up by me."
Hearing that, Misaki swung her legs to make the rolling chair turn to face him, "You do know Nii-chan has a girlfriend right?"
Akihiko nodded and hummed, "I know."
The girl wheeled herself closer.
"...But to be able to stay beside the person you love is a special privilege of a friend."
This time Misaki got up from her chair and walked to the man and sat beside him after moving the bear that next to him. She looked up at him, "But if you like him that much then shouldn't you tell him how you feel?"
Usagi-san chuckled and began to pet the girl's head, an action that Misaki has grown to like, "Eighteen years old and yet still so innocent. It's because I care for him so much, I don't want him to hate me."
The girl relaxed. She finally realized that Usagi-san would never do anything her brother didn't want. He really did love him, but her brother only thought of him as a friend.
"Doesn't it hurt though?"
That was all that was said before Misaki had to leave.
Some weeks later...
Misaki's petite body that was covered with a coat three times her size along with the sweater and jeans she wore. She shook in excitement as she read the final scores, "Yes! I've finally improved!"
With that, she bolted straight towards the apartment building her sensei lived in. She wanted to show him what she made, oh, she really wanted to show him. Maybe she'll be praised.
The adrenaline rush stopped cold when she realized what she had thought. She felt her heart beat hard at the thought of Usagi-san and leaned sideways against pole.
But shouldn't I tell Nii-san first, I mean he is my brother it's only natural. Right? What did I want to tell Usagi-can first?
"What are you doing?" a familiar deep voice asked.
Although it was familiar, it made the teen jump with a squeak. She turned her head and saw Usagi-san standing there wearing a longer overcoat, a yellow scarf wrapped around his neck.
Misaki calmed down and spoke and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, "Oh sensei, I was just about to head over to your place, but since you're already here I guess it was all for nothing. Hehehehe..."
Usagi-san looked at the girl suspiciously, "Mm-hm..." He held up a plastic bag, "Let's go, Takahiro's birthday is today."
That stopped Misaki in her movement and blushed, "Oh right..."
The author then eyed at the girl's tomboyish attire, "You're going to wear that?"
She looked down at her clothes, what was wrong with them? Misaki then remembered what she wanted to show the man who helped her with her studies.
"Um...," For some reason Misaki felt nervous, "Usagi-san, my grades came in today."
She gave him the paper and watched as he skimmed across it with narrowed violet eyes. And then patted the top of her head as he always did.
Usagi-san smiled, "Very good."
A blush made itself known on the girl's face.
Why is my heart pounding? She thought in anger at how her organ was getting a mind of it's own, He's only praising me because Nii-chan will be happy.
At Takahiro's apartment...
Takahiro walked in his apartment after a long day at work and he was greeted by poppers.
"Happy birthday Nii-chan!"
"Happy birthday Takahiro."
In the room were his two favorite people. His best friend and his little sister surprised him with a feast for his birthday.
"Wow, thanks guys!" he said happily. Then he noticed something different about Misaki.
"Misaki-chan, have you always had that outfit? And are you wearing makeup?"
A tick appeared on the girl's brow. She was wearing an emerald cashmere sweater with a black skirt and tights.
"Don't ask Nii-chan," She muttered, Note to self: Don't wear crappy clothing in front of Usagi-san.
Her attention was then turned towards the door. As she went to close it she heard Usagi-san give her brother a very expensive gift.
Gift givers aren't supposed to be that happy looking, She thought after she saw her sensei's smiling face, "Nii-chan you didn't lock the door...again."
She made it to the door and saw a young lady standing at the entrance.
"Uh... Nii-chan?" She called out.
She heard footsteps and her brother's strained voice behind her, "Sorry, sorry, I have something really important to tell you." Her brother answered, as he entered the hall way Usagi-san was already clinging on to him, "You too Usagi-san, now let go of me."
Takahiro managed to unclasp himself from his friend and walked up to the smiling woman, "This is Manami Kajiwara. We've decided to get married."
Both Misaki and Usagi-san froze in shock and almost immediately the girl looked at the man, waiting for a reaction.
She hesitated, "Uh.. Usagi-san-"
Instead of the reaction she expected, Usagi smiled, "Oh, so you've finally decided?"
The man began to give rough pats on Takahiro's back, "Quite a lovely lady too."
Misaki couldn't believe it. Usagi-san was okay with this?!
Oblivious to his sisters rage, Takahiro happily talked to his friend, "Thank you. I'm glad you approve, I actually wanted to introduce her to you first."
She snapped. Miskai punched the wall, startling everyone in the room.
"Misaki-chan?"
Not wanting to throw a tantrum, she spoke "We're out of champagne. I'll get more."
This took Takahiro by surprise so he placed a hand on her shoulder, "But they don't sell to minors."
She responded shrugging the hand off and grabbing Usagi-san, "I'll take Usagi-san with me then!"
She threw on her shoes and slammed the door of the apartment. She dragged the man as far away from there as possible. Once she stopped she turned away and let her tears fall.
"I'm-I'm sorry," She managed to say with a cracked voice.
The man was surprised but kept up his poker face. He asked, "What are you apologizing for?"
Hearing this, the girl finally broke,"Because of my stupid brother that's why! Usagi-san, you... you love my brother so much." She sobbed and wiped the black tears with her bare arms after she rolled up the sleeve of her new sweater, "You cared so much for him and... and... He was going to introduce her to you first! He's an idiot!"
She then turned to face the man, her makeup was ruined. The eyeliner was washed clean away along with the pale foundation, the tears were still running.
"This is the first time... I've ever wanted to hit him."
She broke down crying again. Usagi-san smirked.
"Look at you, your makeup is ruined and after I went through all the trouble to have the makeup woman make you pret-"
"I'm crying for you!"
The man's eye widened in surprise, she was crying for him?
Misaki, still crying, muttered, "Since you didn't show how you felt in front of Nii-chan, I'm doing it for you!"
She continued to cry until she felt the all too familiar hand on her head, "I see."
This made the girl look up only to have a pair of soft lips pressed against hers. It was Usagi-san. He pushed her gently against the lamp post and held her in place. Misaki's body trembled and she blushed, her hands were pressed against the larger man's chest. Usagi-san took this as an opportunity and dipped his tongue in her mouth, making Misaki squeak.
What?
The girl's face was now flushing different shades of red, her puffy emerald eyes wide.
The man smirked, "You've stopped."
He then rested his forehead on her shoulder, "I'm sorry, just for a little while..."
Misaki wrapped her arms around the man in understanding, "Usagi-san, it's okay to cry if you want too...''
Usagi-san chuckled, sending vibrations that Misaki felt since her body was pressed against his, "Silly girl, don't patronize your elders..."
The girl placed a hand in the man's hair and found it was surprisingly soft, holding him closer. She still felt a few stray tears trickle down her cheeks, but they had stopped their waterfall. It was more of a small stream now.
"You know," She heard him say in the crook of her neck, "I've never cried in front of anybody since the day I was born..."
Misaki looked up into the night sky and realized snow had begun to fall along with her tears.
"I prefer you seeing me like this..."
Misaki felt a warm dampness on her shoulders and this only made her hold the man tighter. As a result, Usagi wrapped his arms around the girl's waist and held her just as tight. He truly did not want to let go of her.
As the snow fell so did the tears of them both.
A few days later...
Misaki examined herself in front of the mirror and tousled her hair around, "Maybe I should grow my hair out before I think of styling it even further."
She grabbed a comb and pulled back her bangs before putting a black head band.
"Perfect!"
A hand appeared out of nowhere and ruffled her hair, messing up her hard work.
"What the hell was that for Usagi- san?!"
The man didn't flinch at the girl's outburst, "You're just a new recruit, don't try to be cute." He then put some thought in it, "But then again, you were wait-listed so I guess it's okay."
"SHUT UP I GOT IN AND THAT'S THAT!"
Misaki turned and left the bathroom and went to grab her jacket that was folded neatly on the couch. After the wedding, Takahiro was transferred to Osaka and Misaki ended up living with her tutor as a freeloader.
"Misaki, the buttons on your shirt are out of place," Usagi-san pointed out.
The girl blushed and turned to walk to her room to fix it but she found herself trapped as strong, lithe arms surrounded her.
"Honestly, do you need to taught how put on clothes too?" The man then undid the buttons, "Alright, take it off."
Misaki turned red with fury and slapped Usagi's head, "I can do it myself you pervert!"
The man smirked but held her close, making the poor girl struggle.
"If I don't hurry I'll be late for the entrance-"
She was interrupted by the author, "No problem. It's only a seven minute drive from here to Mitsuhashi."
He then pulled her back until they were both sitting on the couch, Misaki sitting in between the older man's legs.
"Hey wait a minute pal are you still asleep?!"
Usagi chuckled and began to 're-dress' the poor girl, he then placed a kiss on the defiant girls head, "To be able to make the Great Usami-sensei fall in love with you. I don't think you understand at all."
With all her strength Misaki struggled violently against the man, although it was obvious she wasn't going to win, "Well, I don't wanna understand!"
Nii-chan... you dumped me off in a dangerous place!
