Disclaimer: All recognizable character from Maid-sama! Rightfully belong to Fujiwara Hiro
A/N:
Chapter 11: New Divide
-;-
"Mom, what's up with my birthday?"
From washing the dishes-it's a Saturday and Mom chose to stay home with us instead of wandering around town and get in trouble-she looked up at me with an skeptical look on her face. Her forehead was creasing, showing her fine lines, before she blurted out an uncertain answer. "It's the day that you were born, honey."
I knew better than expect a good answer from Mom since, based from experience, Mom isn't that creative in terms of being productive. And as much as I wanted, I prefer her doing things she's accustomed to doing instead of doing things that wouldn't gain her any merits and would only caused her trouble. Once, I told Mom that she's very much prone to accidents or being taken advantage of but she would merely dismiss that rude comment and continue on with what she was doing. I excused myself and went out of the house, planning to inhale some fresh air since the aura of the house seemed like it was suffocating me a bit and was utterly thankful that she didn't inquire much about where I'm going to head out.
I looked around the living room, wandering where Suzuna might've run off to and opened the door to our living room only to jumped back in shock when I was suddenly face to face with Igarashi Tora who was currently wearing an annoyed expression. Secretly, I looked past his shoulder-expecting to see a certain someone I've been dying to see ever since the beginning of weekend-only to get the disappointment of my life to see him not there.
I turned back to Igarashi-kun. "Er...hi. What brings you here to my place?" Now why am I stuttering in front of my house, dammit?! Cut that out, Ayuzawa Misaki. "Can I do something for you?"
"You won't be doing me any favor. Come with me."
I shriek when he suddenly-and violently-grabbed me by the arm and dragged me off the house as if the sight of me entirely displeases him. And I was beginning to panic now since he's being utterly mean and I don't like the way he's treating me. I still haven't forgiven him for the earlier damage done.
"Let me go!" I yelled against his ear only to regret it since, when he had indeed allowed me off, he practically shove my face again the ground and that definitely hurt. Alarmed, I jumped back up on my feet even if I was slightly dizzy over what he cruelly did. That isn't the right way to treat a woman, isn't it? I shot him a dark look. "Why did you pushed me?!"
"You asked me to let you go." He answered dangerously.
I fought the urge to scoff at him or I might end up facing trouble. I stole another glance at our open front door and mentally calculated my chances of outrunning him-although I know I sucked on running since I've got two left feet. I pushed the negative thought off my head before it could entirely incapacitate me. I turned back to him again. "You need not to push me." I hissed. "What in the freakin' world is your problem?" I tried to sound brave even if what my body wanted to do is to cower in my fear.
No! I am certainly not afraid of Igarashi Tora. If he tries hurting me, he'd obviously wind up in jail.
my thoughts brought me back to Mom. Why hasn't she came out of the house yet Hadnt she heard all of my wailings when I was practically chewing Igarashi's ears off with all of my loud screams? I wondered if she needed to run to hospital now to have her ears checked. removing sarcasm off my system since it was doing great to distract me which I totally don't need as of the moment, I shake my head-trying to clear my brains.
"I am so tired of this, Ayuzawa Misaki, you hear that?" He says again before taking another step towards me. he grinned when I backed off but decided to keep his distance, anyway. Maybe he already knew that he was beginning to scare me.
"If you're so tired of your life, then get out of here and wind up straight to hell." I yelled again and takes another step back when he inches closer. The dock is so nearby now and I don't have any plans to get myself wet since it's the beginning of damned winter. I turned back to Igarashi again.
He inched closer at me. "You're coming with me."
"Stay back." I threatened angrily. "I really swear if you make any wrong moves, I'm gonna blow a fucking fuse."
But he didn't even seem the least bit threatened over my words. "I didn't know you have such a foul mouth." He laughs again and makes unhesitant steps forward me, really determined now to take me where he plans to take me. I screamed and swiftly made a run towards home where I feel safest only to gasp when he appeared right before my eyes and blocked my only means of escape. my eyes rounded at that because, seriously, how did he do that? That kind of speed definitely questions human logic!
"H-How did you-let me go!"
But he didn't heed now to my words as he, without expression, shoved me towards his chest and before I could even realized what's happening, I was already falling in water-in cold mid-August water. I struggled to break free because, obviously, he was going to drown me and I don't have any plans to die yet-or follow after my deceased Dad for that matter. I tried punching him on the face or kick his balls out of his system but the pressure underwater was refraining me from doing anything really violent.
My thoughts, although I considered the timing really not that right as of the moment, flew back to Usui and his unusual confession to me. My heart warmed and my determination to live burned me to an even hotter degree.
but before I could do something as much as ripped his hair out, something glowed from underwater and I was instantly frozen on spot. I've stopped panicking either and only then did I realized that I wasn't really drowning. In fact, as ridiculous as it were, I could breathe. All the panic was completely unnecessary. My eyes refocused on the light underneath the ocean bed and I've felt like I've been compelled to watch something that everyone has been trying to make me watch from the last few weeks-or was it months?-of my stay here.
I was watching a scene now in a train station and I instantly recognized myself on the making. Usui was one character I recognized, too. But before I could entirely make out anything out of that scene, I felt someone tugging hard on my arm and violently pushing Igarashi off me. And the instant I was brought back to reality, water came rushing towards me as if it was the first moment I crashed against it. Now I could feel my lungs constricting and my vision was becoming blurred with all the water around and now, I really needed air to breathe.
As soon as I was on the surface, I sucked in deep breathes and glanced up at my perpetual savior. Usui"s tall stature came quickly into my view. He glared at Igarashi-damn hard.
"You. Fucked up. Retard."He snarled through gritted teeth although his grip is still hard on me. "Didn't I told you to stay away from her?"
"Ï can't stay away from her because we're all going to lose it!" Igarashi shot back before making another deadly move towards me. I coughed when Usui shove me behind him and drew out a menacing hissed off his throat.
"One wrong move and I swear..."
"Dont fight." I managed to choke out as I tried to stand although my knees were too weak with all the time I spent underwater. Usui assisted me up, drawing me closer to his hard body and I cant help but shiver. He was too close. I shake my head again. This isn't the right time to ogle on him, Misaki! You nearly got drowned, no thanks to his friend; I scolded myself before trying to pry Usui's arm off me.
His stare was disbelieving. "Stay close." He snarled at me. "My side is where you are safest."
I couldn't help but warm up. And before I could even realized what hit me, he already got me up his arm and walking towards my house with huge strides.
"Stop squirming!" Usui hissed at me as i tried to wriggle off his grip. He glared at me but I simply return it with a few glares of my own. A smirk came dangling on his kissable lips. "You look really cute when you give that kind of glare."
I did the one thing I never wanted to do: I blushed.
His laughter came rumbling off his throat.
And I couldn't help but be mesmerized again. He's just so ... he's just something else-something more. I can't believe this mysterious guy is keeping me off the edge of my sanity. He makes me want to want more. He makes me desire perennially. He just keeps me insane. And I can't believe I'm falling in his intriguing tactic.
That is such a sick plan of his.
His emerald eyes came crashing on mine next. "Like what you're seeing?"
I looked away. "You are such a big headed bastard."
"Men usually do that." When I gave him a confused look, he shrugged in casualty. His comment made me want to puke next. "—use their heads, I mean."
"Y-You perv—" I had no intention to complete my next sentence anymore and instead, I head butted him. Even if that action actually hurts, I put on my best façade and glared at him as he nearly tumble back on the ground. He was able to recover though before throwing me a menacing glare. "Don't try that trick on me again, Ayuzawa."
"Bite me." I snarled back.
His smirk turned to be playful. "You wouldn't really want me to do that. I might end up doing something else completely—and you'll have no choice but to participate because I won't let you off easily."
"You pervert."
"We've already had that established."
"Just put me down, Usui. If Mom sees you here, she's gonna have a heart attack." I went on to spitting out the truth. "She dislikes you—very much."
Usui shrugged. "That no longer surprises me."
I choke out on my own tongue. "Excuse me?"
He grinned playfully again. "You are excused."
When I decided to head butt him again, he firmly held me on my waist and squeezed it hard. I used my free arm and tried swinging my fist against his face but he just caught it with his hand and locked it firmly against my waist.
Usui sighed. "I never like our quarrels, so please? Even if your Mom hates me, I want to properly deliver you to the safety confines of your house," his voice was louder the next minute. "—to refrain some rabid dog from attacking you again."
I could clearly see Igarashi flinch.
"Don't be so hard on him." I was able to say even if his cousin's actions had shaken me down to hell. "He must have a good reason for doing that. People wont normally do that if they weren't offended."
"I specifically told him to never touch a specific person I deeply cared about." He smirked when I went all rigid against his arms and, with such gradualness; he planted me back on the ground and coerced me to face him. His thumb lingered against the side of my mouth. "I care about you more than you know, Ayuzawa."
"Why?"
My breathing hitched when he started to lean forward and I couldn't help but instinctively close my eyes as I felt his breath fan my face. His lips brushed softly against my cheek and I sighed in relief.
Usui Takumi is really something. He was putting a thick division amidst my personal reality to his. He was making me all confused and warm and jittery inside. My nerves reacted positively to him as his actions stimulated the wild thoughts inside my messy brain, and when his lips finally brushed mine, I fought the urge of crying my eyes out. He just had a great effect on me and I feel like anytime soon, I'm going to explode because I wanted him to do more.
I wanted more of him and I couldn't seem to suppressed these feelings because doing so would make me insane—and I don't need another reason to be sent to a mental institution. And besides, it felt like suppressing my emotions for him is something already out of my control.
I opened my mouth when he coaxed it open to delve his tongue in, and I ended up shivering. My thoughts were all scattered around every corner of our property and I swear I heard him chuckle against my lips because I let out a soft moan.
He pulled away—more like pushed me away gently since I was near to strangling him and I didn't even know I've already thrown my arms around him—before he laughed. "You never really failed to amused me, Ayuzawa."
Fuck! Did he just smiled that sexy smile of his?!
Once again, he brushed his lips softly on my cheek and with his thumb, he caressed the side of my mouth—a playful but affectionate grin was stuck on his lips I find very irresistible.
"But please, don't do that anymore. Do not awaken the monster in me." His arms encircled around me next and before I could even realized what hit me, Usui Takumi vanished against my frozen body.
My head spin around in search of him I nearly got a whiplash. What the hell is all that about?! Igarashi is nowhere to be seen too, and I couldn't help but run around the lawn, searching for any of their shadows. But there werent any. they just disappeared on me like that ... without any traces.
I touched my lips where the ghost of his kiss had lingered; an evidence of his recent presence right in front of me. And when I furtively looked down, I noticed that my shirt and jeans were dry.
As if nothing happened.
As if that moment didnt happen at all.
-;-
My thoughts automatically flew towards Usui Takumi.
He was such a mystery to me—he was too mysterious for his own good and it's definitely irritating me. I've never meet someone as mysterious as that—someone who appears out of nowhere right when I needed him, someone who appears on the most suspicious of places and someone who previously claimed he disliked me and started kissing me before saying he wanted to be with me as long as my birthday passes.
Definitely weird, Usui Takumi.
Gathering my thoughts, I jumped off the bed and walked right straight on the open floor to ceiling window. He just… disappeared—it was so weird. How could normal people do that? And why did he looked so exhausted? It's like he's been suffering from an unknown—and very exhausting—disease and his being mysterious absolutely distracts me.
What in the world is Usui Takumi hiding?
I stared out onto the lake—remembering the previous incident which had nearly killed me. No thanks to Igarashi. But what's even weirder is the fact that on the first second that we were plunged into the water, I wasn't drowning—nor do I even had this strong urge to breathe. And those images I've seen—they were familiar. It was as if I've experienced that before.
As if I've been there before.
But I was too determined. And thus, without much ado, I jumped off the windows and landed rather gracefully on the ground—wherever I got that audacious ability to jump from high places since I was usually afraid of heights, I had no idea. But it didn't matter now. I made very slow but certain and unfaltering steps towards the lake and onto the dock and stood on the edge. It was on the freezing point, but I was all warm and jittery and nervous inside my thin PJ's.
This is it.
Taking in deep breathes, I allowed myself to fall on the lake water, remembering all feelings I've had as Igarashi dragged me down what I presumed as visions from a dimension I didn't know actually existed.
.
.
.
There isn't any need for me to breathe—that is what I've realized.
I swam deeper—confused that I wasn't seeing the riverbed and frantically searched around since I looked like I was trapped in an unknown space dimension. I could feel the water but the urge to breathe is gone. This is how it felt when Igarashi dragged me in here awhile ago.
Again, I looked around and saw nothing but plain darkness only to be startled upon seeing a sharp flash of golden brown—nearly blond—on a dark corner of what I presumed as the faux riverbed. I couldn't walk so I settled on swimming towards the color that had me automatically gravitate towards it.
I found Usui Takumi instead. It didn't surprise me anymore because I've always been gravitating towards him like magnet. It wasn't intentional—it's as if the universe had planned this kind of setting; me inching forward him as if it's providential. It was kind of weird, and I've never understand this strong magnetic pull I've been feeling whenever I'm around him.
In fact, it has made me feel unsettled.
But I know it was all because I love him—I'm attracted to him. And I never wanted him to stare towards another woman aside of me—and for some reasons I can't quite point out, I know he would never do it. Who cares if he's mysterious, acts like a stalker and is quite scaring the hell out of me? So long as he'd belong to me, I could handle all of that.
As soon as I got near him, I got his arm and pulled him towards me—and then, I began to feel the compressed and very pressuring invasion of water inside my lungs. I held my breath, determined to save Usui as I swam up above the surface—my earlier mission long forgotten at the sight of Takumi trapped underneath the waterbed.
.
.
.
There isn't any need for me to breathe—that is what I've realized.
I swam deeper—confused that I wasn't seeing the riverbed and frantically searched around since I looked like I was trapped in an unknown space dimension. I could feel the water but the urge to breathe is gone. This is how it felt when Igarashi dragged me in here awhile ago.
Again, I looked around and saw nothing but plain darkness only to be startled upon seeing a sharp flash of golden brown—nearly blond—on a dark corner of what I presumed as the faux riverbed. I couldn't walk so I settled on swimming towards the color that had me automatically gravitate towards it.
I found Usui Takumi instead. It didn't surprise me anymore because I've always been gravitating towards him like magnet. It wasn't intentional—it's as if the universe had planned this kind of setting; me inching forward him as if it's providential. It was kind of weird, and I've never understand this strong magnetic pull I've been feeling whenever I'm around him.
In fact, it has made me feel unsettled.
But I know it was all because I love him—I'm attracted to him. And I never wanted him to stare towards another woman aside of me—and for some reasons I can't quite point out, I know he would never do it. Who cares if he's mysterious, acts like a stalker and is quite scaring the hell out of me? So long as he'd belong to me, I could handle all of that.
As soon as I got near him, I got his arm and pulled him towards me—and then, I began to feel the compressed and very pressuring invasion of water inside my lungs. I held my breath, determined to save Usui as I swam up above the surface—my earlier mission long forgotten at the sight of Takumi trapped underneath the waterbed.
.
.
.
It startled me when he suddenly snapped his eyes open and pulled me towards his chest as if he was trying to protect me. He looked around beforehand, and started to swim up the surface—mimicking what I was supposedly to do. It was cold, which odd as it were, I hadn't felt when I first dive carelessly. There was only silence, and the muted sound of water splashing against us. It was weird how deep I've dived in and literally, it surprised me.
I instantly gasped for air as soon as we resurfaced. Takumi dragged me with him towards the wooden dock and forced me up I almost winced by his touch.
"You weren't supposed to do that." He snarled at me as soon as I was safe on the surface. He was drenched from head down to his toes and I was slightly alarmed since he was shivering from continually staying on the nearly frozen water.
I ignored the harshness of his voice and tried to pull him up too. "Come up here. It's really freezing—"
"You weren't supposed to do that." He repeated, completely interrupting what I was supposed to say. "You don't know the toll, Misaki. It could get very dangerous for both of us, dammit—and everybody else involved!"
"This better be discussed inside, Usui." I tried to stay calm as I said that. Because as of the moment, his safety is what vitally matters to me. "You're drenched from head to toe. Get something dry on first—"
"You don't understand." He interrupts me again. "You weren't supposed to involve yourself in this. Hadn't I told you already? After the designed day, everything will return to normal. You need not to interfere—"
"If you don't want me to interfere, then just explain everything, dammit!" I jumped back to the water too—not caring if I'm damn dead shivering—and punched his chest hard. He was so annoying! He goes showing me weird things and then he doesn't want me to interfere? Who the fuck would want something like that?
"I don't get you at all, Usui Takumi. First, you go dumping me and then you'll confused me by saying you love me and then that freakin' matter about my birthday? Don't you think it's just so weird—because you know what? I think it is weird and I'm not staying quiet over that because it simply involves me!"
He was glaring at me and even if it nearly melted my bones, it didn't bother me nor intimidated me at all because deep down in my gut, I just know he wouldn't hurt me—as if he doesn't have the guts to do so.
"What?" I snapped at him again. "Just spit it out already! Just so you know, I would no longer stay just because you're trying your hand at intimidating me."
"I wasn't intimidating you. I'm trying to protect you."
"From who?"
"From me."
I froze at that since, he wasn't making any sense and well, he's beginning to confuse me—again. He wanted to protect me from him. "Why?" He looked away, shamefaced, and all the more that it annoyed me. I took further steps towards him and grasped both of his well-muscled arms. "Stop looking away. Stop giving me riddles for an answer. Stop all these plans of you trying to confuse me. Just give me an answer already!"
"I cant."
Arg! Dammit! "Why?" I tried to sound calm. Again. He is seriously aggravating me. "You could confused and vexed me yet you cant give me an answer as to why you're doing all these—"
"Go back home." He cut off again. "Don't speak with me anymore."
I watched him as he jumped up to the dock and began to walk away. I noticed he was still wearing our school uniform. I got up too and tried to follow him but since I've stayed on the water for a longer period of time, my knees buckled and I fell down the cold asphalt.
"Don't go!" I screamed, trying to get him back. But he had ignored me and it was so humiliating…and then, something deep inside my brain began to stir something off my memory. I froze again and it felt as if my memory is beginning to get played before me.
But before I could even make out the images, I felt someone yanked me by the shoulder and pulled me against something hard yet warm.
I looked up in time to see Takumi trapping me inside his steel embrace.
"Don't. Not yet. Please, do not try to remember." When I tried to respond, he covered my mouth with his huge palm and began to shake his head. "Not yet. Just trust me, please. Just please do not interfere. I'm only doing this for your sake. Stay quiet for now."
"But—"
"I'll explain everything once the time is finally right." His fingers travelled down to my jaw and he tilted it up, directing it towards him. "Please, Misaki. Do not be stubborn."
Of course, I wanted to do nothing but to fight him. But somehow, I couldn't do it. It just pains me whenever I get to see that disappointed look inside his eyes—and God knows I never wanted something like that. What I wanted is to make him happy.
He smiled at me when silenced finally reigned; confirming his victory over our fight. I stiffened even more when he started leaning forward and before I could even realized what he was planning to do, his lips was already grazing mine with the most provocative kiss I've ever tasted my entire lifetime. I couldn't help but obliged, of course. My dream has always been to be with this enigmatic man who seemed to want to do nothing with me.
It was the most magical kiss ever, and somehow, it got me dumbstruck. Damn, I'm kissing this guy again. Every woman is out to get this person and, God; I can't believe I'm really kissing him. His fingers caressed my face and if it was even possible, I could get instantly dry here since his hand was scorching hot. It burned my skin, and stimulated every tense nerves of my body conscious of his presence.
As soon as the kiss is done, the magic is over. He smiled at me again, while I stared at him al flushed and embarrassed. He pecks me on the lips again and suddenly carried me up his muscled arms I have to try my best to stop my stupid squealing.
I can't believe this person has too much power over me.
Takumi smiled his annoying smile again that makes my inside go all warm and fuzzy. "Come on, it's freezing. Let's get you inside."
.
If there is one adjective to describe Usui Takumi, I'd definitely say he's not normal—not in terms of psychological health, of course. He's just so, I don't know, enigmatic? He's so out of the ordinary sometimes it just freaks me out that one day, he'd just disappear like bubbles does when they're in the ocean.
I wanted him to stay. To me, he looked like a person, whom, when failed to accomplish what he was supposed to do, he'd just ran off and disappear. I wouldn't want that, of course. It would pain me. It's as if, I could no longer exist peacefully without his presence.
The wind brushed hard against the glass windows of my bedroom. It was nighttime again and again, I'm thinking about Usui Takumi who doesn't want to get out of my system anymore. It's like, about 98% of my life is too focused and badly distracted about Usui Takumi's presence.
And what's worst is, I haven't seen him all day. It was frustrating! It was frustrating how my life could just be all about him with just a blink of an eye. Back then, I was so certain I used to not care at all. But now, he made me care. He made me sensitive over the feelings of other people.
He made me an affectionate human.
And it was brutally annoying since he looked like he doesn't give a damn about me. I even doubt that I crossed his mind when all the waking hours of my life, he's inside my head.
Damn, I would even dream about him.
It was pathetic, I know. I just love him too much. I would even say obsessed since it was the truth. I was obsessed of Usui Takumi. His existence is something I could never eliminate from my system. Love is a bad emotion. It releases the worst side of you.
I exhaled in defeat before laying properly flat on my back when I heard something brushed against my window. Instantly, I sat up only to end up shaken when I saw that it was opened. Jumping off the bed, I rushed towards it and shut it back close again since it was freezing. The glass panels cold end up broken due to the harsh wind.
As I spun around, it startle me to see Usui Takumi—the very guy invading my thought—seated at the foot of my bed while gazing at me. I jumped out of shock and ended up hitting my head against the wall.
He chuckled over my little stunt. "Whoa, relax. You looked like you've seen a ghost."
"What the fuck are you doing here?!" I screamed disbelievingly at him only to completely regret it when I heard Mom call out to me from the corridor. Fuck, I completely forgot that she was here!
"Misaki?" my door swung open without any warning of her approaching my room and instantaneously, the lights got switched on. Mom, wearing her usual night dress which bothered me, stood blocking my entrance. She was scowling at me. "What in the world are you being noisy for? It's already evening and your sister is already asleep."
I was horrified even more. Where in the world did Usui went? I was so certain he was just seated here awhile ago! Is my brain playing tricks on me?
Mom cleared her throat to get my flying attention. "Misaki, when someone is speaking with you, it is common courtesy that you answer back."
Ack! "S-Sorry, Mom. I thought I saw a rat."
"Whatever. Just go to sleep already and be quiet. One more noise and you'll be sleeping on the living room."
"Hai. Gomen." Finally, she shut the door closed, leaving me all alone inside my bedroom. I was about to dashed back to the closed windows when I felt someone's arms snaked around my waist and huge palm covering my mouth to keep me from screaming.
Usui's dark chuckle became visible in my ears. "That was such a bad mood, Misa-chan." I squirmed off his grip, and he willingly let me off; he was still wearing that evil grin. "Scared?"
"How did you get in here?" I hissed at him. I rushed to the door first to locked it and faces him again. "And why are you here? Inside my bedroom? Are you really planning to get me in trouble? You know that my mother didn't like you!"
"Well, yeah. I'm pretty much aware of that." When I glowered at him, he grinned even more. "I thought you'd be happy to see me."
Okay, that was totally embarrassing. Since when would I not be happy to see him? Hearing his name already makes me jumpy and flustered, what more of seeing the actual him?
Is this guy really that insensitive of my feelings?
He smiled at again. "Aren't you going to say anything or you want me out by the count of three?"
Neither. I don't really want to say anything as of the moment and I don't want to ruin the peaceful silence by saying some trash my mouth is so accustomed to blurting out.
"I don't really want you out." I muttered while looking away.
He grinned and what shocked me more is when he suddenly opened his arms wide and smiled mockingly at me. "Come here."
Crap, crap, crap! Is he really planning to hug me?
I tensed, yet, I decided to obey his orders and hesitantly step forward him and into his arms. He was already snickering as he closed me in his embrace and made me sit on his lap before rocking me, as if he was lulling me to sleep.
"You're really soft under my touch." He says which made me flush even more. "Didn't I disturb you? Were you already planning to sleep? Actually, I was supposed to come here and watch you sleep, you know. I thought it would be fun."
I glared at him under my lashes. "Make fun of me again and I'll throw you out."
He tilted his head slightly. "Would you really?"
No. I don't think I can do something as stupid as that when I was already given this chance to be with him—inside my room. I force a giggle back into the confines of my throat. "Just don't make fun of me. You're annoying."
Takumi smiled. "So, does that mean you want me to stay?"
Crap, how am I supposed to answer something as straightforward as that? This bastard could really be so insensitive at times! I've decided to play dumb. "You mean you'd sleep here."
His answer is, once again, too straightforward. "Yes—but only if you want me to."
Of course I want you to stay here, you insensitive jerk! Seriously, what kind of an ass are you? "Then you can stay…I guess." What am I being embarrassed for? It isn't like we'd do something horrifying. And besides, this person doesn't look like the type to take advantage on situations like this. He looked respectful towards women.
He grinned even more, and it was so embarrassing on my part. "So, you want me to sleep here?"
God, is this bastard really planning to humiliate me? Does he really want me to voice out whatever it is he wanted me to voice out? He's goddamn annoying!
I gave up. "Yes. I want to you to sleep here. So, please, stay for the night." Happy? Darn you.
He chuckled again and kisses the top of my head. "Then, let's go to bed."
Damn, why does it have to sound so provocative and seductive and flirtatious whenever it comes out of that smart mouth of his? Can't he see that it has such a negative effect on me?
Is he doing this on purpose?
He removed his shoes first—rude—before grabbing me by the arm again and trapping me inside his embrace as we lay on the soft cushion of my bed. He was silent at first and since it was a bit awkward, I decided to stay silent too and just pressed my ear against his chest, just right above his heart to hear it's loud beating.
I felt his lips against the top of my head again. "Why are you silent? I miss the usual noisiness."
"Usual noisiness mode is currently switched off." I mumbled as sarcastically as I could. "Just so you know, I'm still annoyed over the fact that you wont tell me anything."
"Some patience, please."
"I'm actually already on the verge of exploding."
He grinned. "Yes. So Misaki-like. That's how I know you're you."
"You sound as if you've known me for quite a long period of time now."
"What if I do?"
I gazed up at him; challenging him. "So? What if you do, indeed? Should I get to know how and when?"
He laughed over what I said and tucks my head underneath his chin. "Not now, you know that already. Don't be stubborn and please don't rush things. We have all the time in the world."
"You're not an immortal, aren't you?" over what I said, he burst into heavy laughter again. I frowned at him. "It's not funny. It's because you weren't saying anything that it leads me to concluding things on my own!"
"But seriously, an immortal?" he chuckled mockingly at me. "You should really stop reading sci-fi or fantasy novels. Your brain is beginning to become overly creative."
"Very funny, Usui Takumi."
"Yes. Very funny, indeed." His fingers started to trace the outline of my spine and for a moment, it had me distracted. If he was planning to seduce me, I'd say it was working. "Hm, you could say that I don't age but I don't really consider that as being an immortal. Only the outward appearance looked young but after probably a few years, I'd die too."
I looked up at him, too startled to even say anything productive. "Excuse me?"
He laughed. "If I say I was only kidding, would you try to forget that I actually said that?"
"No." I answered firmly.
He tucked my head again under his chin so he wouldn't have to meet my obviously interested eyes. "I know you'd say that, but no, I'm not an immortal—at least that was what I was told. There is no such thing as living for all eternity. People like me—or if my kind is even categorized as human—isn't really what you'd call an immortal. We only have the element of longevity within our core. That element extremely slows down the aging process."
I was close to choking on my own bile. Because, seriously, what he's saying is making me stupefied.
He sighed. "You should really sleep now."
I shake my head. "No, I want to hear more. You already started to spill a few things out, why not just continue doing so?"
Takumi ad stared at me in amusement but refuses to give in. "Do you have something to do tomorrow?"
I frowned at him. "None. Why?"
"Do you want to go out with me? You know, like spending the whole day with me."
Oh, my God. Like a date? "It depends on where you plan to take me—and what topics we are to discussed."
He grinned at that. "I'm sure you'd get some of the answers to your questions."
"Some?"
"Yes. My choice whether to answer them or not."
"I don't think you're being fair about this."
"Is that a no, then?"
"What—no! Of course, I want to go out with you!" it was too late to take back what I've said anymore. Usui Takumi just loves to provoke me. I exhaled sharply. "Fine. I'll go out with you as long as you'd give me some answers."
He grinned that mocking grin again I absolutely cant hate before hugging me tightly, my ear against his furiously beating heart. "Good girl. Now, you should really get some rest now. I don't want you snoring before me while we're talking."
"I don't snore—"
"Ssh!" he was chuckling as he covered my mouth with his huge palm again, while the other one was completely wrapped around my waist, not letting me move away from him for even an inch. "Tone down your voice or your Mom we'll rushed back here again and kicked you off to the living room. I really don't want to sleep on the couch."
I scowled at him. "It's your fault for always making me so angry."
"Fine. I'm sorry." He kissed my forehead again. "Will you forgive me?"
Duh. As if I could really hate you. "Yes, I guess so."
"Thank you." He began to lull me back to sleep again while humming a tune I am not quite familiar with. I squirmed closer to him instinctively, wanting more of his warmth since it makes me feel like nothing else could harm me—not even myself. He sighed, and I felt him pull me to him closer too, as if our constant nearness is not enough. "Sleep." He ordered.
"I'm trying." I can't really sleep here when he was this close.
"Try harder, or I'll leave."
Automatically, my arms clasped itself around his neck. "No, don't leave. I'll sleep, that's a promise."
He snickered much to my chagrin and kisses the top of my head again. "Good night, Misaki."
"Yeah. Good night." And oddly enough, I started to feel drowsy. I squirmed closer, familiarizing myself with the scent that was coming off his chest. It was a wonderful scent, near to being minty—Takumi's scent. His warmth enveloped me and since I was already on my tranquil state, I began to feel heavy stupor weighing my consciousness down.
He started humming again, another kiss on my head was the last thing I felt.
.
Yey, I've been resurrected!
Sorry for suddenly withdrawing from FFN, readers. I've been too engrossed on other stuff that I couldn't find the time to update my stories. But don't worry, I'll update again as soon as I can since I already have my MAC with me. J
Thanks for your perennial support and reviews on my stories—especially on Bias and Heiress. I'd continue writing. I'd finished them. It's a promise that I'll never break.
Love you, people.
PP
