Chapter 4: The gift
1. mikanlove I apologize for replying so late to your review, I did like it very much that you took out the time. Martha's just a caring mother like figure in Takumi's life who wants the best for her kid, so we can't really blame her here, and after how Misaki laughed in her face and behaved like a total h.o.e, I think Martha wouldn't really appreciate Misa any further; Oh and its not Takumi :D you'll see… Maybe its Misaki's father? I don't know xD Kidding, I do know. But I'm evil and I also want you to find out yourself…so yeah. And about Cedric, I believe that he is very loyal to Takumi but he would shut up only if it means that it will be for Takumi's good…And I'm honored to know that you like my stories, thank you. Much love!
2. Minniemiss123 Hi there, girl! I've seen that you always review on my chapters and they put a big grin on my face. I love you for that. I will update A promise of forever soon, promise. (:
3. Kimi Ayuzawa Hi there, Kimi! You're my favourite, I love all your reviews! They make me feel so accomplished sometimes…which is a huge thing for an Author. Trust me. I love you a lot. And thank you for believing in me, I'm glad you like my writing style, I hope you write a story someday too! And just like you, I've been reading Misaki x Takumi since middle school…now I'm in college…
4. Guest The trouble is finally going to be over, I think. Since we have max 2 chapters left for this fic.
5. Justabitofademon Hey ya! You ask for action, you'll get action (:
6. IlovetaeThanks for the review, I think Martha will trust Misaki once she finds out the real reason behind her behaviour.
7. Ishita.d I must say you're very perceptive XD You almost caught me, oh well (:
8. Knight LynxHey, thanks for telling me how it is spelled, I didn't know that Edinburgh was a city, I actually just made Edensburg up, so yeah, I'm that dumb :P
9. AroggantIgnorant045
But why? Disaster?
10. Zenyukifan7And I have the next chapter for you right here (:
11. KKCGg180I think we'll find out what Misa is upto in this chappie I just whipped!
12. Amber83Hey Amber, Long time no see indeed, I apologize for paying attention to this story after a freakin month, don't hate me. Oh and you should definitely participate, not winning doesn't count as losing, so I'll consider your review for the chapter as well!
13. Takumisa17Here's the next update straight from Maid latte's oven J
I decided that the winner of the last game was mikanlove!Congratulations (: The reason why I chose her was the thorough analysis of the chapter and the length of the review. So look out for a character named Mikan which you'll find somewhere in here. Oh and from one of your reviews, mikan, I know how much you like proposals in a fic so… ;D
Misaki walked on the streets of Edensburg gripping the slim straps of her silver sling bag, she kept running a hand through her fake—now platinum blond, hair. The thin strap of her peach dress accentuated her chest and she was not used to showing much cleavage, but maybe she would have to this time, under a thick layer of camouflage. She decided to give herself a quick look in the mirror before she put her plans into action. She headed to the public restrooms and pretended to be putting on her lipstick again, just like the other girls were. She looked at herself again, feeling more confident now, nobody was going to recognize her like this.
The welcome bells of previously named La vie en rose café rang through the morning air as Misaki strolled in casually. She looked around non-suspiciously, looking for a very familiar yet stranger's head of hair. She decided to go sit in the indoor gardens of the cafe. It was rather peculiar to have an open field café inside a regular café, and kind of magical too, if you asked her. He had indeed done a very good job with the redecoration, the indoor gardens were her favorite, they looked like an untouched piece of nature that was brought from some heavenly place and placed right in the middle of a beautifully themed café. Hell, this was better than any high profile restaurant to which she had visited in different countries during her trips as a lawyer.
It seemed just another regular morning in the town and Misaki was humming her way through her nervousness, she took a glance at the menu card and searched for something that she wanted to order.
"May I take your order for today, Miss?" The waiter came and Misaki recognized him as the same waiter from yesterday, the one and only employee of La vie en rose, she decided to fake British accent without any hints of Japanese accent. "I'd like to make a special request" she executed perfectly and nailed it, since she had been married in a British family, the man nodded in an understanding and was ready to write down the order.
"I'd like a special order of flavored vegetable rice wrapped in a nice—soft omelet, and some wine to go with it, chef's choice," which was basically moe-moe omurice and sake back at home; She kept the menu card away and completed the order with a smile.
"Right away, Miss. Enjoy the music" the waiter spoke and walked away, Misaki was left to her own devices with a soft country music playing in the background. The gardens were indeed beautiful with lots of beautiful vines of flowers and soft grass, the open sky was a sight to behold and soft breeze hummed.
"I will" she mumbled to herself, now all she had to do was look out for that man…
—x—
Earlier,
He placed the twenty four stems of beautiful long stemmed roses on the usual place with a smile and looked at the sky.
"You haven't been talking much to me," he ran a hand through his soft hair, the wind starting to blow, caressing his face, he smiled in return, "Until now, I suppose," he continued to speak, "Today our flower lady asked me why I always bought you white roses, I told her that white was always your color, wasn't it? You did look amazingly breathtaking in white, on your wedding day. I still remember when I saw you walk down the aisle. And like white, you could be colored in every color, and yet be unique in your own way. Anyway, I shouldn't be talking much, take care of yourself. I miss you every day, even though I come to see you every single day, life has been hard" he confessed, "Isn't it cruel? Having to sacrifice everything you hold dear? Not that I'm complaining you know, but sometimes I wish this life was over soon" he smiled, she would hate him for talking so negatively, "I can't wait to join you. I hope it happens soon, I've lived enough."
He stood up and walked away, yes, he'd lived enough.
The petals of one of the white roses detached itself from the bud and flew along the warm summer breeze.
—x—
Misaki smiled as soon her order arrived, it looked soft, puffy and smelled great. She was briefly reminded of Takumi's cooking, she couldn't just wait to taste it. The waiter smiled as he set the plate down and Misaki sighed in content looking at the plate of food, she was tempted to yell something along the lines of moe-moe! Much like her over-exuberant ex-manager, but decided against it, British ladies didn't squeal.
One spoonful later, Misaki was floating, the omurice had melted right in her mouth and she was more than positive now. No wonder Takumi was a good cook, and perfect in almost everything he put his mind to. Pfft, talk about genes!
"Aishiteru Mikan-Chan!" Misaki snapped her head as soon as she heard Japanese words being uttered by someone, she looked in front and found a couple, the boy was kneeling down on one knee with a ring in his hand, the girl was crying and clutching her palms in the center of her chest, the Asian couple were a sight to look at, cute if you asked Misaki.
"D—uh, I don't understand what you mean, Shinichi!" she squeaked as she bit back a happy sob. Misaki raised an eyebrow, maybe there was a language barrier, and she almost grinned, so the girl didn't understand Japanese.
"Etto…Mikan-Chan, watashi…" The boy tried once again, he was very determined, and continued his proposal in fluent Japanese, the girl merely sobbed, and her cries got louder—at last, she hid her face with her palms and began to cry. The people around them looked at each other's faces and Misaki stood up and walked towards him, maybe she could translate for them? But her footsteps halted as soon as she saw her 'target' move towards the couple. Seems like the owner was back.
Misaki gripped the hem of her dress, no shit, she couldn't blow this—she needed to stay calm.
"I can help you with this" he spoke to the girl, "What's his name?"
Mikan responded eagerly, "Thank you! It's Shinichi, he isn't very fluent in English since he just moved to England unlike me who has lived in England her whole life despite being a Japanese!" she explained helplessly, the man merely nodded and gave her a smile, which eased Mikan up, "I'll help"
"Oi, Shinichi" he addressed the middle aged boy kneeling in front of him, "Hai?" he replied timidly, his face was red and he had been blushing madly, Misaki walked closer as people gathered around.
"Mikan, now listen close" the owner said, as he listened to Shinichi carefully, Mikan nodded with a blush on her face, and he began translating.
"Ever since I have met you, you have changed me for the better.
I know I am not the best person for you in this world,
But I hope to be, so that we can grow together,
And face this world head on!
I love you, Mikan-Chan.
Will you marry me and make me the happiest man?"
His thick voice rang through the summer breeze and everyone was dead silent, listening to the proposal, Mikan ran towards Shinichi and gave him a bear hug, "Of course I'll marry you, Shinichi!" the crowds clapped for the newly engaged couple, "Everyone's meal is on us!" The couple yelled happily and everyone began to laugh, Misaki slipped in close and decided to congratulate the couple,
"Congratulations, Mikan-san, Shinichi-kun!" Misaki spoke softly and got a hug in return, soon everyone was back to their own tables and Misaki decided to do the same, she looked around for her 'target' and found nobody. She frowned, she would have to do something.
"Excuse me!" Misaki spoke cherrily as soon as she spotted the waiter carrying some deserts. The man walked towards her and nodded,
"Did you enjoy your meal, Miss?" The man inquired with a polite smile and Misa nodded,
"Yes indeed I did! Which is why you should fetch your chef and I must congratulate him myself!" She grinned victoriously, what better excuse?
She frowned when she saw the waiter go silent, "Well, the chef doesn't usually see people, Miss. My apologies, there's lunch rush and—"
"Don't worry! I'll wait! As long as you want me to" she interjected, "I need to plan a birthday party, so I have to discuss it with him too" she spoke, hoping that it would be enough to coax him, the waiter smiled, and she grinned.
"Of course, feel free to enjoy and explore while I fetch him for you then" he spoke and left,
"I sure will," Misaki grinned.
—x—
Takumi ran a hand through his hair as he debated whether he should pursue Misaki or just stay here and sulk. It was normal for her to get angry but he couldn't help but feel this was something else, he didn't know how to act, what could he do? This was definitely a first in their relationship.
"Takumi, are you listening to me?" Martha's voice cut through his foggy mind and he looked in her direction, "Yes of course, I am."
"I wanted to talk about something" he sensed hesitation in her voice,
"You know you can say anything to me," he reminded her with a gentle smile, he placed the newspapers on the table and took off his spectacles,
"Is something the matter?"
"Well, I don't know if I should say this, it's about Misaki" Martha spoke in a small voice, how was she going to voice out her concerns, she didn't quite know. Takumi tensed at the mention of her name, "Martha…she's a bit different"
"I can see" she said, yes she was different. Not different good, but different bad. Bad for him.
"But you must know that she has the best interests at heart with every decision she makes," he smiled as he scooted over so she could sit as well,
"You're changed, Takumi" Martha told him, Takumi chuckled, maybe Martha was experiencing some kind of complex regarding him now being a married man. He'd read it in a book once, that families often got insecure after their kid got married, about how the woman in his life would change him drastically and he wouldn't love his family anymore.
"I'm still the same, Martha" he told her as he put an arm around her, Martha felt so small today, it seemed like yesterday when she had Takumi in her lap, oh how was she going to persuade him?
"Takumi, kid…" she trailed off, "Are you sure about Misaki?"
"I am positive, mother" he told her and that caused Martha to become teary eyed, she engulfed him in a hug, as motherly tenderness overcame her.
She would tell him tomorrow.
—x—
Glancing down at her wrist watch, Misaki came to know that it was quarter to 4pm now, she didn't know when time flew. The waiter walked towards her and she hoped that the man was now ready to see her, she didn't know how she was going to persuade him, her plan went as far as this, but now, she was just going to trust on her instincts. But there was no way on Earth or on any other planet that she was going to walk away empty handed.
"He will see you know" he told her and Misaki nodded, there weren't many people in the café and Misaki straightened up her posture as she waited for him.
He arrived moments later, his spiky hair were set free and his strides were confident, he carried the world in his palm and everyone around him felt it. Misaki's throat went dry as she thought about the resemblance, this was definitely insane.
"Hello, I was informed that you wanted to see me, I'm sorry for making you wait, I'm the owner of this little café, I trust you enjoyed your time?" He asked her as he extended a hand, and Misaki's words were stuck in her mouth, she cleared her throat afterwards and began,
"Yes, It's a pleasure to meet you" she spoke in plain English, and shook his hands, the man merely smirked and that caused Misaki's heart to come up in her throat.
"I must say you have very beautiful and distinguished hair, Miss…?" he smiled in her direction, and she knew that wasn't a simple smile. That was a-'I'm this close to uncovering your game' smile. Misaki maintained her composure and gave him a tight lipped smile, "Thank you, I like to dye them into different shades" she told him, of course, he wouldn't believe her if she said that was her real hair color, he clearly wasn't stupid.
"So, how can I help you?" he asked, cutting right to the chase, this was someone who was a force to be reckoned with, Misaki knew she couldn't play without being chased. "I wanted to congratulate you! I must say you're a very good cook" she praised him, and held her wine glass up, "cheers to that"
"Thank you, I'm honored" he spoke with a smile, "Is that all?"
"No!" she spoke, a bit too fast, she laughed it off, "I mean, I do have something to discuss" she said with a smile.
"That's great," he continued as he sat challengingly, an elbow on the armrest of his chair and palm under his chin, the resemblance was killing her and she felt like smacking his head.
"Yeah, I was wondering if—"she trailed off but he interjected,
"Maybe we can continue this discussion after you take the wig off," he smirked, and Misaki was flabbergasted, "Excuse me?!" "Because your natural hair color is much more beautiful, Misaki. I can see that you went to great lengths to cover your identity, but it was a failed attempt." He crossed his arms and sat back.
Misaki sighed, she should have known that there's no use playing cat and mouse here, she took off the wig and ran a hand through her short raven tresses, "Now let's get talking,"
"If the Walker family sent you, I should warn you—don't get much involved with them, they'll make you and your husband's life miserable." He informed her, and Misaki looked at him incredulously. She sighed as she took off the contacts, her eyes were now pure amber "I'm not their pet, father-in-law." There, she said it. It was the other man's turn to be wide eyed now,
But he was faster than her, a master of facades if you may say, "You're sadly mistaken, Misaki. Your father-in-law is Edward. I was merely a butler in the Raven Castle." He told her with a smile on his face, but Misaki wouldn't hear the end of it.
"You don't have to act in front of me," she smiled, "I know everything, father-in-law."
Yuu didn't say anything,
"I also know that you were present at my wedding,"
No response,
"I also know that you were Patricia-san's true love."
He was tight lipped, looking away,
"I also know that you're Takumi's real father,"
He stilled, widened eyes stared back in her direction and Misaki smiled bitterly,
"And you don't have to pretend that you don't have any linkage to us, there is nobody that would stop you, things have changed, father" she emphasized on the word 'father', he stood up from his seat and looked away,
"You're delusional and mistaken, I must leave." He told her but she was a fighter,
"No! I am not leaving empty handed, and are you kidding me?!" she raised her voice, unintentionally, Yuu looked back at her and raised an eyebrow. Their short exchange had gone from English to straight Japanese, and no one seemed to notice.
"You should look at your son" she spoke, softer this time, "He's an exact copy of you! Except for the emerald eyes that he got from his mother, hell, he's got the same cooking skills as you!" she spoke with a tight throat, glad that the café was empty.
"He is not my son." He declared, "Takumi Walker is a royal by birth and I am not linked to him in any way whatsoever," he spoke again, driving her insane and over the edge, as a result, Misaki slammed her fist into the wooden table, "You damned idiotic alien!" she yelled, and regretted it.
This, caused Yuu to be downright amazed, that Takumi…he really chose a gem, didn't he? He couldn't help but smirk, "A what?" he was clearly astonished and amused, was Patricia watching this from above? After all, he had incorporated an open garden in the café just so that his Patricia wouldn't have any problems looking at him from the sky.
Misaki stuttered, "Ignore that, I apologize" she bowed, "But, you cannot deny this! He looks like you, he has your smile, your features and traits! He is your son! Stop lying to the world for the sake of an old duke! When are you going to man up and accept that Takumi is your own flesh and blood?!" she glared at the man,
"Are you going to deny the one last thing you have which Patricia-san left for you? Are you going to deny your child of the love that he deserved from the both of you!?" Misaki spoke in a small voice, now that clearly caught his attention.
"I can see why Takumi chose you" he spoke, amused, as he sat down and Misaki couldn't help but blush, "Now are you going to listen to me, Alien the senior?!"
"Alien the what?" this cracked Yuu up more than it should have, "Bwahahaha!" he laughed freely, after a long time, and Misaki's heart melted at the sound of that laughter. He continued laughing for at least a minute, much to Misaki's embarrassment, she remembered the day Takumi had laughed on her face once in Maid latte when they had broken the manager's glass window thinking that there was an intruder, Misaki couldn't help but grin.
"Why are you here, Misaki?" Yuu asked her after a good laugh, his face portrayed a sad smile which was heart wrenching to her, "I'm here for Takumi's birthday gift," she informed him, and Yuu was puzzled for a moment,
"How can I help you with that? What is his gift?"
"You" she smiled.
—x—
Misaki walked inside the mansion with a very tired, happy and content expression on her face, she saw Martha looking at her with a stoic face, Misaki flashed her a sweet smile as soon as she walked upstairs towards her bedroom.
She had discarded the wig and the unnecessary drama, but she still wore the peach dress to which she had clearly taken a liking to, she was so happy today, on cloud nine for sure! But that couldn't be helped, she had a large packet in her hands, something she'd purchased for Takumi to wear tomorrow. She was positive that tomorrow was going to be a rollercoaster ride for him. She smiled to herself, eagerly waiting for tomorrow to come.
Not knowing whether she should knock or go inside straight, Misaki waited in front of the bedroom door, not knowing what to do, she took a deep breath, she would have to face Takumi sooner or later anyway, so she decided to walk in.
As expected, Takumi was sitting on the bed, with his back against the wall, he was reading a book. Misaki looked away, she had missed him terribly. She pretended to ignore him, thinking that his eyes were solely on her.
She walked towards the closet and took off her pumps, to place them in the closet. Misaki stepped inside the closet and looked at herself in the large mirror, so he hadn't even bothered to ask where she had been. She frowned, he was very mad at her, she knew. But she had to do that, she couldn't tell Takumi and ruin the surprise, she couldn't tell Martha because she would have persuaded Misaki to give up.
Misaki risked a peek at Takumi's direction, he was busy reading his look; unaffected. Misaki took off the strap of her dress dejectedly, why was he ignoring her? She looked at his reflection in the mirror in front of her and found his eyes right on her, the hair on her body stood up but she didn't break eye contact with him, she stood there—looking at him looking at her. She maintained her gaze and began to take off the other strap from the shoulders. Her hands reached to unzip the chain that was placed on the center of her spine, but his fingers reached her back faster than her own did. She looked at the mirror as Takumi unzipped the dress and dragged the zipper down, his eyes were on her back and Misaki's heart hammered in her chest as his fingers brushed against her skin as he helped her out of the dress.
But as soon as the dress came undone, he moved away, leaving Misaki alone with her loudly beating heart, she saw his retreating back and bit her lip as a tear escaped her eyes, he didn't even give her a single look.
"Don't fucking bite that lip" he told her, his back was still towards her and she didn't know how he knew that she was biting her lip, he sounded hurt, angry, lonely, dangerous, lethal.
Misaki held the dress in its place in the state of being unfastened using her arms, "Don't tell me what to do if you can't look at me while saying it" she retorted, he turned around, a bit too fast, and she found herself being slammed right into the mirror behind her, he held her arms above her head and glared at her, not caring if her dress was almost falling down,
"I said," he repeated, and this time she got to witness the anger in his eyes, "Don't bite that lip, Misaki." He spoke, his throat was hoarse; he had been sulking. She was truly afraid of him right now, a sob escaped her as her heart twisted painfully "Why do you care? When you don't even look at me once!" she looked at him angrily, her eyes were red and tired and tears threatened to fall down, her dress was down, at her waist and she was left with only a black bra on top, but she didn't care.
"I'm looking at you right now" he deadpanned, he looked at her challengingly, "Isn't this what you wanted though? I was here all day when you were out alone, having fun, looking like that with that dress on" he eyed the dress, "Do you know how insane that drove me?"
"I don't know what you're talking about" she looked away and mumbled.
"That, milady, is the whole fucking point" he spat, Misaki's throat tightened, this was the angriest she'd seen Takumi.
"I did what you wanted, and I still can't get to fucking put a smile on your face" he said, Misaki interjected,
"I didn't want you to just disregard me completely! How can you be so cold towards me?!"
"Cold towards you?" he laughed, "I've been cold towards you? Me?" he looks at her with a chuckle, "I've been cold towards you?!" he pointed a finger towards himself, "Can't you see how insane it drove me?! I thought we were supposed to spend quality time together, and here you don't even spare me a second glance after coming home late from god knows where,"
"I didn't?! You were the one who was busy reading a fucking book making me feel unwanted. I felt like disappearing the moment I stepped inside! Yes, that's how I feel right now Takumi, unwanted! hated!" and a sob escaped her. Takumi's eyes widened and he let her arms free, Misaki covered her face as she sobbed painfully, her cries only twisted Takumi's guts, his whole being ached with each sobs that escaped her. "Should I leave?" she asked him as she fell to the floor helplessly, her eyes were red and the beautiful peach dress dropped down on the floor with her, Takumi looked at his hands with widened eyes as he looked at Misaki broken down.
She wiped her face with the back of her palm clumsily as hiccups escaped her mouth, "Tell me, if it will make you happy I'll do it right now!" Takumi looked at her with widened eyes, and he sat down next to her, he pulled the dress up from her waist and put on the strap of the dress on her shoulders, "I didn't mean to go that far, I'm sorry" he told her as he gave her a handkerchief from his pockets. "How far did you want to go then?" she asked him, looking straight at him in the eye, tears continued to fall and Takumi was at a loss of words now,
"I didn't mean for any of this to happen, I was just worried sick, imaging different scenarios in my head—each worse than the last one" he confessed as he zipped her dress up apologetically, Misaki cried again, for reasons unfathomable, "Why do you do this to yourself?" she asked him as she held him by the shoulders and made him fall down on the carpets, since she was sitting on top of him, her tears dropped on his cheeks, "Why do you torture yourself that way, tell me, Takumi! I am fine, I can take care of myself and for god's sake I don't want you to finish yourself off by just worrying about me!" she explained the best way she could,
But then, Takumi surprised her as always by placing a palm over her cheek, "How can I not worry? When you're the only thing I have? Name one thing I have apart from yourself, Misaki. My past, present and future, all are you, how can I not worry?" he asked her softly, and Misaki wiped her tears with the back of her palm, her heart broke at the thought of a lonesome Takumi. She vowed to never make him feel lonely,
Overwhelmed with all the love and affection and her own stupidity, she kissed him as an apology.
"You alien!" she blushed. Takumi laughed as he pulled her closer, "We're definitely a weird couple, Misa" he told her and Misaki laughed in between tears, "Its not my fault that you're so over dramatic! I was only gone for a day!" she punched his arm and made a fake hurt face, "Ouch" he smirked,
"That is definitely the angriest I've seen you though" she confessed with a blush, "It's scary,"
Takumi's grin widened from ear to ear, "Did I scare you, Misa Chan?"
"Shut it, you threw me at a mirror for fuck's sake! Anyone would be scare in front of such a dangerous person!" she turned away, "But you always liked dangerous, didn't you?" he murmured as his finger slid over the zip and unfastened her dress, "I don't!" she protested, Takumi chuckled as he got her rid of the clothing, "You don't, in fact, you love it. You thrive on danger, Misa."
"I don't!"
"I'll prove it to you right now."
—x—
Why do I thrive on Takumi's dangerous side so much? I started this so happy and ended up making it dark in the end, oh well! Blame my mood, guys! So, most of the mystery and the thick fog has cleared up now, I hope no confusions remains. Write to me!
