Chapter 10

Empty

Hello! My exam is next week, doesn't that just sound lovely.

Yet I still decided to update since I didn't want to disappoint you guys.

I'm grateful to you all for being so patient with me. Which is why after my final exam ends in the first week of December, I'll be updating at a constant pattern every week.

Thank you for the support you guys have shown me.

As of now this story is half-completed. Ten more chapters left until the finale.

Honestly, me dear readers you all are the reason why I'm still here. Otherwise I'd have long gone. I know the chapters are short, but I promise, when my exams are over they'll get longer. Which is why I might not update this story as much throughout the month of December. My other two stories however will continue to update. So bear with me.

For now enjoy~

Love.

What a strange feeling.

What are feelings?

Why do we get so caught up with them?

In the end, aren't they all just...vexing?

Takumi ran a hand through his hair for the nth time that morning, as he watched her from the window of his office. He had admitted he had fallen in love, and now there was no way of him getting back up. His mind told him to undo this disaster, but his heart was a different story. Takumi was never one to listen to his heart, but for once he was glad that he was abiding by its rules.

It was because he was listening to his heart, he felt so alive.

It was because he was listening to his heart, that he felt so happy.

It was because he was listening to his heart, he felt the desire to live.

And it was because he was listening to his heart, he decided to confront her about his feelings.

He whirled around, facing away from his window and towards the door. His hands shook as he dared twist the doorknob, and met the atmosphere of the castle, which coincidentally grew livelier ever since Misaki confronted that servant who was nearly killed by Akira.

Speaking of the devil…As Takumi finally saw Misaki outside the garden, his smile vanished when Akira came in front of him. He frowned as he glanced at Misaki hoping she wouldn't notice. Thankfully she was busy playing with Light, but then again he wished she would see them. His heart raced at the reminder of how flustered she looked, when she saw him with Akira. It almost made him believe that he would actually have a chance with her.

Takumi felt a tug on his shirt. He swallowed a groan as he looked at Kaon. "What is it princess?" He asked her with a polite smile.

Akira beamed as she wrapped her arms around his own. "I was just waiting for you Takumi. Why don't we take a stroll around the garden?" Akira suggested as she glanced over at Misaki.

Takumi immediately knew what she was up to and brushed her arm away. "My sincerest apology," Takumi bowed his head. "But I have other matters to attend to." He looked towards Misaki and this time Akira was the one to receive the message. Takumi pain no mind to her as she glared at him. All he cared for was the beautiful princess ahead, whose laughter brought light into his dark heart.

Akira stomped her foot as she grabbed Takumi's face to look at him. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" She screeched. She pointed at Misaki who is snow looking at them. "Sure she's powerful," Akira continued. "But so am I. Even so compared to me, she's not the least bit pretty nor desiring. If you were to strip down both of us, I guarantee you every man would come to me and not her. So why is it that you choose her over me. What does she have that I don't?"

This whole time Takumi had been watching Misaki watch them. Finally their eyes met, but she quickly looked away as color rose to her cheeks. "That," he said to himself, loud enough for Miskai to hear.

Akira looked at him confused before she let go of his face. "That?" She repeated. "What's 'that'?"

Takumi finally met Akira's gaze. "No matter how much you try to make me fall for you with your charms princess," Takumi explained as he smiled at Misaki, whose eyes softened by every second. "You will never succeed because you simply do not have the kind heart that Princess Misaki has. You are not the least bit gentle nor generous. You force others to meet your demands. You may be of high ranked, but even so that's all the more reason to stay away from you." He gave her a cold glare now. "You want me to for my wealth and status. Not to be arrogant, but my looks are what you desire. If I were a simple man you wouldn't dare to look my way. You would never love me for me. But I suppose Princess Misaki is an exception for high status women, who look at people for what's inside, rather than the outside." Takumi finally stopped. His eyes were locked with the amber ones and he would give anything to stare at them for the rest of his life.

Akira grunted. She clenched her fists tight as she stomped her foot again. "I'm kind," she argued. "Everyone loves me."

Takumi gave her a look so cold, he swore he saw her ghost fly out from her body. "Oh?" He took a step closer to her. "Is that why you threatened to kill that servant the other day?" Akira froze as she gulped. She tried to speak but Takumi stopped her with a hand. "While you walked away from that bleeding man, do you know what princess Misaki did?" Out of the corner of his eyes Takumi saw Misaki's eyes widen as she clamped a hand over her mouth in shock. "She tried to help me. She should have been upset at him for giving out sensible information about him, but instead she chose to be kind. Something you would never be capable of." With that Akira began to cry as she ran away from him pushing past maids and servants.

Takumi finally sighed as he walked towards where his love was. Who immediately got up with Licht in her hands. She turned away from him and was about to leave had he not grabbed her wrist. Misaki narrowed her eyes at him in response. "Come now," Takumi chided. "Is that really how you treat me, after I go on complimenting you?"

Misaki rolled her eyes. "Had you not made her cry, I might have changed my view on you."

Takumi arched his eyebrow. "And what might your views on me be?" He was amused by the way she spoke. It made him more attracted to her.

"Cold hearted bastard," was her response. Takumi was taken aback, and his expression must've been priceless because she found herself laughing. Takumi loved the sound of her laugh, but even so why should she get to have fun with him. He could very well do the same, and this day was perfect.

"Yes, but I suppose even bastards should be able to celebrate their birthdays," he suppresses a smile as she stopped laughing and stood flabbergasted. "Such a pity that people choose to make fun of me on this special day. I might not be legitimate, but I'm human too." Takumi shrugged. "And here I thought you were kind. I suppose you're really no better than Akira." With that he turned around and pretended to be hurt, knowing she would give in eventually.

Takumi's heart skipped a beat at last, as he felt her touch him for the first time. She tugged on his arm so he would look at her. When he did, he held back every urge to kiss her right there and then. "I'm sorry," she said bowing her head. "I did not mean to be so rude to you. And my comment wasn't linked to your background in anyway. It was just a common expression."

"For me it is not an expression," he teased her while pouting. But thankfully she didn't pick up the teasing. "It really hurts me to hear such cold things. In fact it's offensive to lots of people."

"I truly am sorry," Misaki said with a frown. Takumi hearing the tone of her voice turned around with a smile. She eyed him especially as she stepped back two steps. "What?"

"I don't believe you," he said as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. She crashed against his chest as she looked up at him. "But if you're really sorry, you won't mind accompanying me around town." She looked shocked. She tried to push him off, but instead he just pulled her closer and inched closer to her face. "Or could it be that I had been wrong about you?" With that she pushed him off at such great speed he had to catch himself from falling.

"As if," Misaki crossed her arms as she look at him challenging. "I will accompany you, so as long as you promise not to do anything perverted to me."

Takumi held up his hands in defense. "I promise," he gave her a cunning yet gentle smile. He swore he almost saw her smile back at him, before she rolled her eyes and stomped away from him.

"Let's go," she ordered him before she headed towards the gates. The chains around her wrists clinked as she walked. Takumi immediately pulled her.

"I know you're eager," she was about to protest but Takumi pressed a finger to her lips. "But there's one last thing I need to do," he whispered as the distance between them grew smaller.

She backed away and closed her eyes tightly, as if he would jump her. But her shoulders relaxed when the weight from her neck, and wrists were lifted. She opened her eyes and gasp. The chains were unlocked by him. Takumi smiled as he held up the keys.

"W-wh-why? A-are y-you s-s-se-rious?" She stuttered. Takumi smiled as he brushed a strand of her behind her ears.

"I have faith you won't run away until you figure out why we plan to attack your uncle?" He said casually. Her expression dropped a little.

"Oh," was all she said dejectedly. It was as if she had expected a different answer. She began to walk again when he pulled her back. She raised an eyebrow. "What now?" She asked.

Takumi snapped his fingers and two maids appeared. Sakura and Shizuko. They grabbed Misaki's arms and she looked at him questionably.

"Better get dressed for the equation," he smirked as he eyed her outfit. Personally he loved how much of her skin was exposed, but he felt possessive when the thought of other men gazing at her the way he did hit him. He gestured for them to proceed.

Minutes later…

Takumi looked at his wristwatch anxiously as he stood next to the carriage by the gates. But when he looked up his heart stopped. Stunning...no beautiful...no gorgeous...he just couldn't find the right word. Misaki Reina Ayuzawa was like her own piece of work. Much more beautiful than her own pieces.

The sleeveless midnight blue dress revealed her beautiful curves. It had a sweetheart neckline that revealed her collarbone, however a piece of the cloth was draped around her neck. It went a bit below her knees and ended right where the laces of her shoe ended. Yes she was indeed a goddess.

He smiled as he extended out his hand to her. She looked dhesi tenet and blood crept up to her cheeks. Takumi chuckled to himself. "I won't bite," he said. Her hands shook as she slipped it into his. He helped her up the carriage and sat down opposite from her. She looked amazed at the sight outside the window, but what amazed him more was how beautiful she looked.

He smiled as he looked forwards to what was going to be his best birthday so far.

Later…

Takumi extended out his hand to Misaki, while she stepped out from the carriage.

He had the town square reserved for them today. The shops were all open, but he had all other civilians cleared out. Today it was just her and him. Misaki must've sensed something was going on before she started to look around. She glared at him suspiciously. "What are you up to?"

Takumi chuckled before he interlaced their fingers as if it was natural. She flushed as he lead her deeper into town. He brought her into a small jewelry shop.

"Why are we here?" she asked as she touched a dangly necklace. "Don't tell me you like women's jewelry," she eyed him.

Takumi smirked as he spun a finger around. "See something you like?"

"Why?" She inquired confused. Again Takumi was surprised at how oblivious she could be. So he decided to tease her.

"Just looking for something that would satisfy princess Akira," he remarked. He immediately laughed when she saw her dejected face.

"What's so funny?" She asked but then looked away. "Never mind. I don't care." She crossed her arms and walked away from him. "If you wanted to buy a present for her than I don't see the point of bringing me along."

Takumi chuckled as he held her wrist and pushed her towards a collection of jewelry. The shopkeeper stood at a corner frightened by their conversation.

"Technically," he said. "There was a need to bring you along. I don't know much about jewelry. Since you're a woman, I thought you'd know better than me."

Misaki sighed. "I really don't know much about fashion."

Takumi smirked at her answer. He didn't expect anything different from her. He walked over to a corner of the store and picked up the most expensive collection. He set it on the table and showed them to her. Misaki gasped as she looked up the prices. "Three hundred rupees for this ring," she asked picking up a small silver ring with a small stone on it. "That's ridiculous." Takumi chuckled at her reaction. He was doing that a lot today.

Takumi picked up a random necklace. "Which necklace do you like the best?" He asked her. She looked up at him hesitantly before picking up an expensive gold necklace. "You're so easy to read Misaki," he told himself. She obviously thought this necklace was going to be for Akira, so she picked one that Akira would like. "Which one do you dislike the most?" He asked. She looked at him puzzled. "Which one looks unpleasant for Akira but satisfying for anyone else?" He translated.

Misaki thought for a moment before her hands aired over the collection. It stopped on top of a silver necklace with a heart shaped pendant. "This one," she said.

Takumi knew what necklace to get her now. "Now pick a ring," he ordered.

Misaki looked at him dejectedly again. "Are you going to propose to Akira?" She asked.

"What would you like to know?" He teased. Misaki humphed and picked a heavy gold ring, with a huge diamond on it. "Now pick one that you don't like."

Misaki sighed. "I don't see the point of this." She started to think again. She roamed her hands above a bunch of rings before she finally picked one out. It was a simple silver ring. "Pick another one," he said taking away the ring from her. She picked another silver ring with a small diamond on it. "One last one" Takumi said as he beamed at her. Misaki groaned but chose the last ring that brought Joy to Takumi. It was a simple silver ring, with small emerald stones all around it. Takumi smiled at the ring. It was almost as if she had been thinking of him when she picked it. He separated the ones that Misaki picked, and the ones that she picked for Akira. "Why don't you go wait outside? I'll join you when I'm done paying."

Misaki arched an eyebrow. "You trust me that much?" She asked. Takumi nodded.

"Not like you can go anywhere," He pointed outside. It was then that she noticed the guards stationed around the townsquare. Misaki glared at him before leaving. Takumi immediately pushed Akira's jewelry away after Misaki left and handed the ones that she "dislike" to the shopkeeper. "How much are these?" He asked.

The shopkeeper did some calculations before passing the young prince a sheet. "About 200 rubies, 300 amethysts, and 600 emeralds your highness," the shopkeeper said with a smile. He was an old man and was rather short. Takumi had to bend down to listen to him. The man handed Takumi the jewelry case. "She must be very special to you young Master," the man mused. Takumi could only smile in return.

Takumi left the shop with a smile, but entered the streets with a frown. Misaki...was nowhere to be found. He immediately panicked and ran around to look for her. He approached the guards but they all seemed at a daze. They replied that she hadn't left the area but she was still around there. But Takumi knew better than that. She could fly, so what if she had flown away. He ran a hand through his hair as he sat down near the fountain. No. He had to trust her. Isn't that how love comes to be. Through trust and caring. He had to believe in her. His love was true so she would come back. That's what happened in books right? So why...couldn't he find her?

It was then that Takumi heard laughter It was just like Misaki's but where was she. He followed the sound and was met with a beautiful sight. There she stood surrounded by children. She was spinning her hands around and it made a light sphere that exploded and shined on the children's faces. They giggled and Miskai did too. A little girl tugged on Misaki's arm and Misaki bent down. The girl kissed her cheek. Misaki smiled and before he knew it Takumi was smiling too. It was then that he felt a sudden faint in his head. His mind went a bit blurry and he started to see visions and they were strange.

Blood...no white dress...lily's...a girl with blond hair, and a boy with raven hair...Takumi gasped. Could that have been his visions of Misaki and him? But was this due to fate, or was it just Takumi's mind playing tricks on him? Takumi shook his head. They say it's not a good thing to get your hopes up.

Misaki's eyes met Takumi's eyes and she immediately got up. She was about to speak but Takumi interrupted her by gathering her in his arms. She must've been surprised because she immediately froze. His grip on her got tighter because he was joyous to see that she wasn't pushing him back. Instead she placed her hands on his chest, and buried her face there. Almost as if she wanted to be there.

"Misaki. Misaki. Misaki," Takumi kept on chanting. "I thought you left me." He stroked her hair as she couldn't help but kiss her forehead.

"I'm not leaving," she whispered. Takumi smiled. "I still have a mission here," Takumi frowned hearing that. What was he hoping for? To hear that she was going to stay with him forever. Of course not. She had more important people in her life than him. But for now he wanted to believe that she was his alone.

He pulled back and held Misaki's free hand as she used the other one to wave good-bye to the children. "Do you like children?" Takumi asked her. She was surprised by his question but regardless nodded. "Would you like to have any?" He asked with a teasing smile.

"With who exactly?" She scoffed.

"Hmm," Takumi tapped his chin as if he was thinking. "How about me?" The mused. Misaki blushed profusely as she let go of his hand.

"You pervert," she screeched. But before she could run away Taumi grabbed her by the waist and swept her off her feet. She gasped while he pulled her closer.

"Let's go have dinner," he told her. Misaki looked up at the sky. She must not have realized that it was already evening and the sun was beginning to set. She had to be enjoying herself for that matter than right? Takumi walked towards the forest that he had first brought her too. Misaki gasped again.

There was table in the middle, with candles surrounding it. There were rose petals on a river shaped into a heart. Takumi set Misaki down in front of a chair. He pulled the chair out, and pushed it in once she was seated. He sat down opposite to her but noticed her uncomfortableness he decided to sit down next to her instead. Hopefully not looking at him straight would ease her a bit. He served food onto the table while she stared at him. "Like what you see?" He asked.

She blushed and looked away towards the river. Her gaze softened a bit at the sight of the heart.

There wasn't much conversation between them, so Takumi decided to break the silence between them by taking out the jewelry case.

Takumi looked at it under the table while Misaki's attention was somewhere else. He took out the necklace she had chosen, and held it in front of her face. Shock was written all over her face as she looked at him with an awestruck expression. "For you," Takumi said smiling. He leaned closer and locked it around her neck. When he pulled back her face was the reddest he had seen. He pecked her on the forehead but she didn't protest the slightest.

"Ne," she said finally. "Aren't I suppose to get you something?" She asked. Takumi was really amused now.

"You would get me something even though we're enemies?" He asked her.

Misaki sighed. "It's the least I could do, since you unshackle the chains from me," she rubbed her wrists slightly. "They really hurt."

Takumi frowned upon hearing that. "You should've told me that love."

Misaki frowned at him. "Why should I? You wouldn't have cared."

Takumi placed his jaw on his hand as he leaned against the table. "How harsh? Is that how you treat the birthday boy? You didn't even wish me yet." Takumi pouted.

Misaki looked down at her lap. "H-h-happy b-b-birthday-day," she said.

Takumi rolled his eyes. "Can't you do something more meaningful than that?" He asked.

Misaki thought for a moment. "Like what?" She inquired.

Takumi leaned in closer to her. "How about a kiss?" He asked. With that he kissed her cheek just the slightest. He was going to kiss her on the lips, but seeing how she was biting her lips, he knew he'd lose control. "This would do for now," he said patting her on the head, his own cheeks turning red. But just then he felt a tug on his wrist. He turned around and sat back down. "Misaki?" He tried to look at her face but when was close enough she looked up at him, and pulled him towards her by the collar. The next thing he knew was that their lips had collided.

She brushed her lips against his softly for a brief second before pulling away. But Takumi had other plans. He pulled her towards him so hard that she ended up straddling his lap. She gasped and Takumi took the opportunity to collide their mouths together. His tongue immediately slipped in. He kissed her forcefully and passionately. But he was thrilled to realize that she was kissing him back. Her tongue shyly met his, as he continued to explore the caverns of her mouth. She cupped his cheek before digging her fingers into his blond locks. She was kissing him back with the same fervor and passion and it made his heart flutter. When she gripped his shirt tightly Takumi pulled back to let her breathe. But he didn't stop however. Instead he placed open mouth kisses starting from her jaw, to her neck, to her collarbone, then to her neck. He sucked the soft area of her neck. Her moan brought an adrenaline rush to him and he couldn't help but bite the are. When she pulled his hair because of the pain he immediately looked back up at her. His eyes half-lidded just like hers. He was hungry. But not for food rather for her. His hands roamed all over her and rested on the zip of her dress. He pulled it down just the slightest and touched the skin underneath. She gasped as he slipped a hand inside the hem of her dress and trailed up to her mid thigh. He brought their mouths together again, until something broke them apart. The sprinklers in the forest turned on and covered them both with water. But instead of being annoyed the two laughed. He is happy to see her laughing with him. He kissed her forehead as she got up and set he down. She walked backwards as he showered her face with kisses, while her hands held his face and hair.

Once they were away from the sprinklers they broke apart, still laughing though.

This time Misaki interlaced their fingers and Takumi could just slide down a rainbow. He brought her closer to him. It was at that moment that she started to blush again and distant herself from him.

"What's wrong?" He asked her worriedly as she slipped away from him.

"What do you mean?" She asked coldly. "You wanted a kiss and that's why I gave you."

Takumi pulled her closer and looked at her sincerely. "What if I wanted more than that?" He asked.

"W-what do you mean?" She asked.

Takumi leaned in closer. "I want you," he whispered. He kissed her jaw just the slightest. "Your soul," he kissed her neck. "You're mine," he kissed her collarbone bending lower. "Your body," he murmured the last one against her skin. Misaki jerked away from him and slapped him.

"How dare you say such things to me?" She screeched as Takumi remained frozen. "I would never give myself over to someone who doesn't love me the slightest, or is incapable of doing so." Takumi was shocked at this.

"You don't think I can love you?" He asked. She must've sensed the sadness in his voice because she chose to ignore him from that point. She quietly made her way into the carriage and Takumi had no choice but to follow her in.

The ride back was silent. Takumi eventually got sick of just staring at her fidgeting and decided to break the silence. "Has it ever occurred to you that I can learn to love you no matter how much we hated each other at first?" When she didn't respond, Takumi chose to remain silent and stared out the window opposite to hers.

Without a word she brushed her dress just the slightest and stepped out of the carriage. Takumi was going to follow her but his grandfather had to get in the way of it all. Butlers and maids all came rushing in at their arrival and dropped to their knees. "Happy birthday Prince Takumi," they all chorused. Akira appeared from behind them and glared at Misaki before smiling sweetly at Takumi. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek. Misaki looked away from them, as the King approached her.

"Misaki," the old geezer mused. "I'm glad to see you're back," he mused. Misaki bowed her head . It was than that the king noticed the change in her appearance. Takumi;s grandfather looked at him. "You unlocked her?" He asked amused.

Takumi shrugged. "I gave her a day of freedom," he explained. Misaki flinched at that and Takumi could've sworn her expression saddened.

The king cleared his throat before clapping his hand. The doors behind him suddenly started to open. This startled both Misaki and Takumi. There was someone standing between the doors. A fairly tall man with brown hair and eyes. He had a slight scar on his cheek. Misaki gasped as she clamped a hand over her mouth. "What's going on dear?" Akira asked as she tugged on his arm. He paid no mind to her. His eyes were always for Misaki, who seemed afraid at the moment. Did she know that man?

The man's eyes twinkled at the sight of Misaki. His eyes widened just the slightest at the sight of her before he started to walk towards her. "I never thought I'd see you again," he spoke as he got closer to her. "At last I've found you," he whispered as he brushed his hand against her cheek. Takumi wanted to slice him down that very moment. But he wanted to kill him when he brought her into his arms. "I missed you my love." Takumi was beyond dumbfounded. And what hurt him was how Misaki didn't push him off of her. Instead she stood there with her eyes closed. Asif she was taking in his warmth.

"I missed you too Hinata," she whispered. Jealousy coursed through Takumi, when he heard her whisper his name with such affection. Who was this guy anyway?

Hinata pulled back and cupped Misaki's face in his hands. "Of course you did," he said arrogantly as she glanced at Takumi. He brought her close to him and his eyes were locked with Takumi's from that moment. "After all...I'm your fiance."

Dun. Dun. Dun. Bet you guys didn't see that coming.

Haha! I think this was fairly long for the most part.

Hope you guys had fun reading as much as I had fun writing.

Review. Fave. Follow.