Chapter Seven: Stake Your Claim

I twitched and fidgeted constantly in my outfit, trying to adjust it so I was more covered. All my efforts were futile since as soon as one spot was hidden from very, another patch of skin was revealed elsewhere.

With a sigh, I let the escort lead me towards the door, opening it for me. I smiled at him in thanks before stepping inside. Classical music met my ears, echoing off the marbled pillars lining the corridor. My heels clicked loudly in the empty space as I neared the ballroom.

The double doors were open to reveal a room full of fancy people in equally fancy clothing carrying on fancy conversations. So not my style.

Glancing around through the faces and uncertainly walking through the crowd, my eye met metallic green ones. As we gazed at each other they widened, "Mizuki..."

(Kotaru POV)

I was talking to another heir when I saw her. My beloved.

The outfit I had bought for her looked more gorgeous than it had on the models who I bought it off of. It was a little lacy black dress that cut across the collarbone, leaving it to have only one left sleeve while the other was bare.

Mizuki's body was the perfect in it. Her stomach was as flat as the wall which helped exaggerate the outward curve of her hips and bust. The smallness of her waist was also exaggerated in the black fabric as it clung to her form, not a single wrinkle appearing. The toned muscles of her legs stood out more with the Mary Jane black wedges she wore.

Her hair was wrapped into a elegant bun at the back of her head, bangs swept to the side instead of falling across her forehead. Whoever did her makeup put on just the right amount of eyeliner and eyeshadow to make the pink orbs pop and stand out brightly. I licked my lips at the bright pink lipstick she wore. I noticed those pink lips stretch into an uncertain smile, blush rising.

Forgetting the conversation, I instantly began to move towards her, "Mizuki...you look...exquisite."

She flushed again and fidgeted, averting her eyes. I basked in the length of her full, dark lashes as they nearly touched the apples of her cheeks. After a moment she looked back up at me, "Well this is quite the party hmm? I haven't been to one of these since you were still in junior high."

I chuckled and gently grabbed her hand, bringing it to my lips to kiss every fingertip, "But. This wait. Was definitely. Worth it. Love."

I gave her a dashing grin to which she blushed again. It made me swell with pride on the inside everytime her cheeks glowed with that adorable warmth at my actions. That I could make her flush so easily should surely be a world wide accomplishment. While I had her distracted with kissing her hand, I snaked my other around her waist, "Let's dance. You do remember right?"

Mizuki looked up at me, blush still disappearing, only to smile brightly, "Yes. I do."

That cheeky smile made my heart flutter before pounding harder within my ribcage. Instead of blushing like she does, I smirked and interlaced our fingers. We began to step and twirl and dip around the ballroom floor, other couples stepping out the way.

My eye took in her lithe form as I dipped her once more, moving my lips to plant a hard kiss at the base of her neck. A gasp escaped her and she jerked in my arms. Instead of letting my beloved fall, I wrapped my arms around her tightly, bringing the shorter girl to stand flush against my chest. Pants escaped her parted lips, eyes wide with fright.

I ran my index finger down her cheek, gazing down at her face lovingly. Another blush spread and I smirked, whispering to her in a voice that would surely turn her to putty in my well moisturized hands, "You look like a perfect little doll. I should put you on the highest pedestal and behind glass doors so everyone can bask in your beauty and not touch you."

Without any response from her, I lightly tilted her chin up and leaned in, capturing her lips firmly. A small squeak escaped her mouth which I soon began to dominate. I swallowed down any other noise she made, pulling her closer to me. When I had my fill, I slowly pulled away, aiming a sexy smirk her way.

Mizuki's cheeks were bright red and her lips were still parted, staring at me wide eyed. Using the pad of my thumb, I swiped away the smudge of her lipstick and a spot of saliva. A hearty laugh caught our attention and we turned to the side.

I grinned kindly, "Father! Mother! Look, Mizuki-hime has arrived."

My mother chuckled behind her hand, "Yes we know. We would've greeted her but you two were dancing then kissed so lovingly. I do want grandchildren just not right here please."

My father laughed deeply, "Oh Kotaru-kun and Mizuki-chan have been in love ever since their diaper days nearly. Let them be. Though I do want grandchildren from you two only after high school at least."

I nodded, "It would be my honor to have Mizuki-him chose to have my children. The journey to parenthood would be an exciting one yes?"

My gaze returned to the young woman in my arms, seeing her look down bashfully and fidget nervously. The three of us laughed at her reaction. Once my parents left I led her to the banquet table, seating her next to me. After a few minutes, it seemed everyone had gathered to their own seats.

My father stood proud at the head of the table, myself sitting a near the middle with Mizuki at my immediate left.

(Mizuki's POV)

I was quietly sipping my wine as Mr. Ishikawa spoke loudly.

"We call upon the presence of such wonderful company to attend the ceremony of young love. Ladies and gentleman tonight the bond between my rightful heir to the company, Kotaru, will be taking the hand of Mizuki Hirabayashi in holy matramony! Let us celebrate to the engaged young ones!"

Despite the warm applause and smiling, I felt my blood run cold. The wine I had been sipping clogged my throat and I heaved hard, forcing it back up and into a napkin. Kotaru's warm hand patted my back but I yanked away, whipping around to stare at him with wide, upset eyes.

He had forced me into an arranged marriage for heaven's sake! I was so confused, a bit elated, sad, disgusted, scared and anxious. Those feeling only intensified as I numbly felt him raise my hand and slip a ring onto my finger. He then leaned over and planted a kiss on my already parted lips.

Cameras flashed continuously, forcing me to close my eyes for a moment. At that same moment, Kotaru began to plant feather light kisses all along my face and neck. And by the sixth one, I merely relaxed into them. All these years I had been fighting off my feelings but I actually had loved him back.

Yet...Yukio...I had a crush on him.

What will happen to Yukio and me if he finds out I'm engaged to Kotaru-kun? I didn't have much time to ponder on that as I was whisked away to the dance floor and spent the night living in the moment.

It was hours later, nearly midnight when I found myself lying in cool, crisp, silky sheets. It was too late to go back to the dorms and I was way too tired. Since Kotaru-kun and his parents didn't mind, I slept in his room for the night. The bed was huge so I assumed I could sleep in one half while he took the other.

After changing into a nightgown he prepared for me and removing the makeup, I had laid down, relaxing my muscles. Right as sleep began to consume me, strong arms wrapped around my torso, pulling me against a firm chest. Lips pressed into the nape of my neck, warm breath sending a shiver down my spine, "Good night Mizuki-hime."

I hummed sleepily, "Good night...Kotaru-kun."

...

The next morning I awoke to the sun shining down on my face.

I sat up, rubbing at my eyes and stretching my stiff muscles. A chuckle met my ears and I looked over to see Kotaru leaning in the doorway, watching me wake up. He seemed to already be dressed and fresh from the shower. I blushed and looked away, realizing I was beginning to stare.

His soft footsteps came over to the bed side where he kneeled down over me, still smirking, and pressed a long kiss to my lips. When he pulled away, he pecked my nose, "Good morning love. Breakfast is ready and we have a uniform here for you."

I gave a small smile, "Good morning Kotaru-kun and thanks."

He pulled away to sit at the end of the bed, his long, reddish brown hair pooling around his hips. Without thinking I reached out and ran my fingers through it, relishing in the cool, silky strands. His laughter surprised me, "It's been a while since you played in my hair. Do you mind braiding it?"

For some reason a fluttery feeling shot through me at the simple task of doing hair. Sitting up on my knees, I gathered all of his hair to the base of his neck and started weaving it together into his usual braid. The edge of it fell against the small of his back. Now finished, I slid off the bed, heading for where I remembered the bathroom to be.

After I had gotten ready, with them providing everything I needed, we were all downstairs having a light breakfast. Kotaru sat by side, holding my hand while his parents sat on the other end, holding hands as well. Mr. Ishikawa smiled at me, "It's nice to finally call you our daughter officially. I'm so happy he found you, Mizuki."

I ducked my head, "Thank you for you compliments but I'm not really all that truly. I don't even come from a wealthy family."

Mrs. Ishikawa scoffed, "Oh please sweetheart. You're a rare gem. With your beauty and smarts, there's no way you could've been found in this wealthy stuff. I'm glad you're not or else you'd be using us."

Kotaru lightly cleared his throat, "Mother isn't that good with words. I hope you'd remembered. She just means she likes you the way you are and it doesn't bother them."

I slowly nodded and kept eating, falling into a comfortable silence. When we all finished eating, they sent us off to school. For some reason, Kotaru never let go of my hand for one minute, dragging me around as if I were part of him. As we stepped foot inside of the school building I had finally remembered, "Kotaru-kun I don't have my bag or homework! I have to go back to my dorm room to get it!"

(Narrator POV)

He gave her a dazzling smile, hearing as some nearby girls sighed dreamily, "I got you covered. Your roommate Kaori offered to bring it. Look there she is now."

The strawberry blonde was skipping towards them, her short pigtails swishing around her smiling face. When she came to their side she gave a sly grin, "We knew you weren't coming back last night Mizuki-senpai. Gihihi what'd you guys do after the date? Huuuhh?"

Mizuki blushed and looked away, "That's personal Koari-san. Thank you for bringing my bag. I appreciate it."

The brown eyed girl gave a wave and bright smile after handing over the bag, "See you later!"

The two watched as she skipped out of sight, blending in with the crowd. Kotaru tugged her along by the hand, ignoring all the stares and whispers around them.

"Isn't that Vice President, second year Ishikawa Kotaru? Is he actually holding hands with the first year president Hirabayashi Mizuki?" "She's so plain!" "He's such a handsome boy. Why'd he hold her hand?" "Oh my God is she wearing a ring?!" "Noooo! They can't be dating!" "Ishikawa-kun is mines!" "Haven't they been friends since primary school?" "She's so lucky! I bet he feels sorry for her."

Mizuki was staring down at her feet, eyes stinging with heat behind the lenses. Luckily nobody could see or they'd make fun of that too. Kotaru gave her hand a tight squeeze, "Let me take you to class, Mizu-hime."

She gulped down the tears and forced a smile, pleading her voice would be even, "Okay Kotaru-kun."

He gave her a heart melting smile, ignoring the fangirls, and opened the school door for her. The walk down the halls was a comfortable one. Except for all the glares aimed her way and mutters of revenge. There were even the occasion threats coming from some guys who dared to crush on Mizuki.

Finally at her homeroom door, the green eyed boy leaned down to peck the crown of her head, "I'll see you at lunch, Mizu-hime. I love you."

She averted her eyes, giving a curt nod, "Love you too."

His hand softly caressed her cheek before he turned away to head for his own class. Heaving a deep sigh, the pink eyed girl went and sunk into her seat. As soon as she had relaxed a paper ball hit her head. There were a few snickers but she opened the paper nonetheless. In chicken scratch she made out: Senpai you're dead meat.

'Well...This is about to be one crazy week.'

...

She was hiding in a tree, listening to the footsteps of a giant group of girls run past. When the coast was clear, the girl slid from the branch, jogging back to her dorm. At the door another girl was waiting, hurriedly waving her inside, "C'mon! Hurry up and shower while the coast is clear!"

The black haired girl dashed inside to the shower room, "Thanks Riley! I knew I could count on you!"

After a quick five minute shower instead of the usual 25, Mizuki was quickly pulling on her clothes. With the skirt halfway up her thighs, a voice called out to her.

"Mizuki-senpai?"

She whirled around to meet the uncertain face of Paku, sighing in relief. The brunette looked confused, "Why are you showering in secret? Is there someone harassing you?"

Her senpai bit her lip, pulling up the skirt and lacing up her tennis shoes. It was embarrassing to tell your kohai that you were being harassed by other girls in their age group. Instead, she shook her head then fixed her glasses, "It's alright. Just...don't tell anyone you've seen me."

Without waiting for a response, she ran from the shower room to her own dorm room. There she grabbed her exorcist coat and started for the front doors. But in the middle of the hall, she came across someone else. It was a girl with wavy blonde hair and sharp black eyes, "ITS MIZUKI! HEY SHE'S OVER HERE!"

Instantly a myriad of footsteps were heard, all heading in their direction. Mizuki cursed under her breath and turned around, running full speed. Just as she made it to the other staircase, a group of girls cut her off. Coming to a stop, Hirabayashi looked around, then grabbed the rail and flung herself over it, running up the staircase. One of the girls grabbed her leg but she kicked it off. Scrambling for purchase and adrenaline pumping through her veins, the teenage girl ran as fast as her legs could carry her.

There were shouts echoing behind her and she didn't dare stop to see the distance. Cutting around another corner she could see an open window and a section of rooms that nobody had lived in. Just as her hand reached for a knob, something struck the wood of the door. Yelping in surprise, her eyes focused on the sharp dart that had impaled itself in the wood.

"Were not letting you get away! We wanna know if what we saw is true! HIRABAYASHI MIZUKI THERE'S NOWHERE TO RUN!"

Said girl frantically looked around, praying to find an escape route. It was literally a dead end hallway on the fifth floor. And the other girls were blocking the only sensible way out. Mizuki had heard what they had planned on doing to her and she was not going to stay to let it happen.

So taking a deep breath, her pink eyes focused on the open window ahead of her. With a few powerful strides, her feet landed on the sill before pushing off, propelling her body outwards into the open space. There were loud shouts all around, some angry and others scared for her life. Mizuki had squeezed her eyes shut at the sudden sunlight, feeling the hard wind rip at her hair and clothes.

From below, a masculine voice rang out louder than the rest.

"MIZUKI-SENPAI!"

At the last second her eyes shot open wide, somehow snapping down to meet wide teal ones behind rectangle frames.

'Yukio-kun?'

The wind stopped as her body collided hard with something on the ground, the air and her consciousness being knocked clean out of her.

...5 minutes earlier...

"And that wraps up my lesson for today. Hope you guys do the homework I assigned. Have a good day everyone."

Yukio packed up his folders and tucked them under his arm, leaving the classroom and the Cram School altogether. It was a cloudless day, the bright blue sky shining beautifully.

As the teen smiled softly at the sky, his ears couldn't help but pick up shouting in the distance. Curious to see what the ruckus was about, he made his way in the direction of the girl's dorms. It was a bit odd to see so many females around the building instead of inside it.

Just as he was about to turn away, something black and white sprang from a window on the fifth floor. 'Is that trash? Why don't they use a trash can? No wait...it's-' "MIZUKI-SENPAI!"

Her eyes snapped open and met his seconds before her body collided with one of the many metal trash cans lining the school grounds. Together, they tumbled and skid along the cobblestone, finally stopped two meters away.

Throwing down the folder, the exorcist hurriedly ran over to the girl, staring at the large gash on her stomach and her head oozing crimson. Other girls swarmed around him, some shrieking at the sight while some fainted immediately.

Yukio couldn't really care at the moment. Scooping up the limp body he rushed to the nearest infirmary he knew of which happened to be back at the cram school.

(A/N): Don't really know what to say. I mean I hope people like it - kinda doesn't seem like it but maybe because there's not a lot of people in the AnE fandom. Meh whatevs. Here's the seventh real chapter. Thanks for reading.

~SecretBlackMagic~ has signed out