XXx Aya xXX

I almost didn't want to open my eyes when my alarm went off.

Despite the excitement I felt bubbling up in me, I was scared that if I opened my eyes I'd find out that everything that happened last night was just some amazing dream. And I'd be right back to square one.

But I was pleasantly surprised to wake up neatly tucked in bed, when the last thing I remembered was falling asleep on the couch next to Honey six movies into our movie marathon.

He had gotten back an hour after lunch, and told me we could do anything I wanted for the rest of the day in order to make up for him being late. I had laughed, saying he couldn't possibly be late when we never set a time for him to be back.

But he insisted, and we spent the rest of the day curled up on a loveseat in my room watching movie after movie. I never left his arms, just like he promised, and I couldn't be happier.

Bliss. That's what I felt.

A certain mind numbing peace that I never had with anyone before. And I loved every minute of it. I could still feel his arm slung loosely around my waist and my head on his shoulder. My hand lightly clasped in his own, and our laughter mixing sweetly.

After lying there of a while with a stupid smile on my face, I finally took a deep breath and kicked the covers off me. Plush carpet hugs my feet as I shuffle over to the bathroom, running a worried hand through my bangs. I wince as the carpet ends abruptly and the cold tile bites into my skin.

It does the job of waking me up, and I take my phone off the charger and place it in a on the counter where it will be safe from the steam of the shower. Giving my reflection a quick once over in the mirror, I pull my hair from its limp ponytail and retie it into a bun before picking up my toothbrush.

There's just something that feels different today, I muse as I lean over on the counter and stare down my reflection, scrubbing my teeth lazily.

Like after today, I'm really not a kid anymore.

I ponder on it more as I step into the shower, letting my thoughts become crystal clear as the hot water cascades down around me.

In the past, I've never cared much about what people did or said to me. I'd always been ready with a quick response. But now that I look back on my actions, I feel I was every bit as childish as the person who picked on me.

I was never one to be mature. But now, I feel as if I'm done running and dwelling in the past.

Now have something I love, and want to protect with everything I have. I have someone I can see myself being happy with for the rest of my life. I laugh quietly as I comb the conditioner from my hair.

If someone would have told me I was going to be feeling like this back in the beginning of the year, I would have laughed humorlessly and told them to quit screwing with me. Huh...I guess I've really have grown up a little haven't I? And I still have a lot more to do.

I wring my hair out and comb it slowly, remembering those days when I's just roll out of bed and go to school looking like a flashback to the 90s grunge era in America.

It's a little scary. I feel like I don't know myself anymore.

I bite down on my lower lip while I pull on a pair of faded blue jean shorts and a plain light grey tee shirt. I lace up my burgundy velvet boots and tie my gray sweater around my waist. It's no use worrying about this right now. I don't want my last day as a kid to be spoiled by all this self-questioning.

I have to be doing something right, otherwise how could someone like Honey care for me?

I quickly run over to my bathroom and give myself some simple makeup. Finishing with a cherry tinted lip balm. I try smile slightly at myself in the mirror before my eyes catch sight of something not usually on my counter.

A small black box sits on the countertop next to my jewelry box. Curiously I pick up the box and untie the pink ribbon. Inside I find a pair of diamond earrings shaped like bunnies. A smile breaks out across my face as I see a small card taped to the inside of the lid.

Happy Birthday Aya-chan!

Quickly I switch out my first pair of earrings and grab my little wristlet wallet. I pause to slip my phone in my wristlet and fix my hair into a ponytail. Taking a deep breath I stride up to the door and reach for the door knob.

But before my fingers so much as graze the surface, there's a knock on the door.

A real smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I push the door open. Honey's presence seems to wash away all my previous thoughts, leaving me to bask in a warm, cheery light.

"Ready?" he asks, holding his hand out to me.

I take it without a second thought, lacing our fingers together.

"Do you mind if we make a slight detour?" I ask as we walk down the hall. "My parents still need to pay for yesterday."

"This won't get you grounded will it?" he asks as we stop at the top of the staircase. "Because now that I can actually take you on dates, I'm not willing to let anything jeopardize that."

"It won't get me in trouble," I assure him. "All I'm going to do is say goodbye to Papa."

He sighs and fixes me with a defeated look.

"We're not even married yet and I already can't say no to you," he mutters.

I smile and give him a quick peck at the corner of his lips before putting his arm around my waist and dragging him down the stairs. Papa is lounging in one of the overly plush chairs in the sitting room, a battered old book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.

"See you later Papa!" I yell as we pass by. "Don't wait up for us on dinner!"

Papa's head snaps up at 'us,' and his eyes zero in on Honey's arm around me. The color drains from his face.

"W-wait! Where are you going!?" he stammers as we keep moving towards the front door.

"We're going on a date," I snark as I throw open the door. "What does it look like? Anyways we'll be back whenever."

"W-wait! Ma petite fleur!" he yells after us as he jumps to his feet. "GAHH!"

I look over my shoulder while closing the door just long enough to see coffee sloshed over the lip of the cup and burned his hand. Giggling, I shut the door and grab Honey's hand before bolting for the gate.

"Ok I'm good."

XXxXX Honey

The day is just passing by us in a blur. But it's more amazing than I could have dreamed. I've been wanting this for so long, and now I'm here with her.

"Come on!" she says excitedly, eagerly dragging me through the World Bazaar and towards Cinderella's castle. "I want to ride Dumbo!"

I laugh at her eagerness and allow her to lead me to wherever she wants. Within a few minutes we're strapped into our own Dumbo with Aya humming "When I See an Elephant Fly" under her breath.

I wrap my arms around her waist, pressing her back to my chest. She leans back into the embrace as the ride starts, and wastes no time driving our Dumbo as high as the ride allows. She laughs freely as she dips the ride back down and then back up again.

A few hours later we stop for a pineapple soft serve as we wait outside the Tiki Room.

And while watching her laugh as she sees all the birds in the show have Stitch ears, I think she seems to shine brighter than ever today.

We talk about anything and everything, but mostly how this park compares to the Disneyland in Paris, and if the Phantom Manor there is really the scariest version of the Haunted Mansion. I guess that's a yes, considering her expression after stepping out of it. But her expression brightens again quickly as she goes rushing over to another attraction.

We steer clear of It's a Small World at her request, and head straight to the more fast paced rides. She tugs me along, but I really don't mind. She's holding my hand and that's the only thing that registers in my mind.

Her face lights up as we laugh, spinning around in the flashing lights of Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. So much has happened in the past few hours, it's amazing either of us can smile so easy.

As we exit the ride she latches onto my arm before dragging me off in the direction of Space Mountain. I almost laugh aloud at the sight. We seem to have switched personalities for the day.

She clasps my hand again as we exit the ride a while later, her hair sticking up at odd angles. Her eyes light up as she points excitedly to the Buzz Lightyear attraction across from us.

As we make our way towards it, I watch all the families maneuver their way through the crowd. I can only imagine what it would be like coming back here in a few years when we have our own.

And that thought has me holding her hand a little tighter than before.

XXx Aya xXX

"Wow," I sigh as we step up to the balcony. "This is where we're going to watch the fireworks?"

"Yeah," Honey says excitedly as he leads me forward. "It took some negotiation, but we have it for ourselves for tonight's show."

I smile as he throws open the glass doors to one of the spires in Cinderella's castle. There's a magnificent view of the park, and inky sky bathes the park in beautiful colors.

"This definitely is the best seat in the house," I muse.

I look down and catch sight of the bright lights of the parade floats for the Dreamlights show. I pull out my phone to take a picture of the view, so engrossed by the beauty of it all. I tuck my phone back into my wristlet and lean over to rest my arms on the railing. Honey comes to rest beside me, the early night breeze ruffling our hair lightly.

"There."

As soon as the words leave his lips there's an explosion of light on our left.

I stare in awe at the bright blaze of colors. Usually fireworks irritate me, you know with the whole sound not being as fast as light thing. But I'm pleasantly surprised it's not even annoying me at all this time.

"So, Aya-chan?"

I tear my gaze away from the sky quickly. Honey is fiddling nervously with his hands, his voice wavering slightly.

"Yes?" I ask, pulling my jacket tighter around my body.

"Well, there's kind of a reason I brought us up here, so well, I have something to ask you."

"Alright," I say, trying to act as calm as my voice sounds.

I face him fully, confusion plain on my face. But the confusion and calm all but shatters as I watch him pull a small square box out if his pocket. He looks up at me, seeming to get over his nerves and taking my hand in his.

"Well, I know our parents arranged our marriage, but I wanted to do this the way I had planned to if we were any other couple."

I glance between him and the small box, both dreading him opening it and at the same time wanting to know what will soon be adorning my ring finger.

"So Aya, will you marry me?"

My breath catches as he flicks open the case to reveal a large multifaceted diamond, glowing in the light from the fireworks. It's shaped like a bunny and fit inside a delicate gold frame.

"Oh..." I trail off, feeling my words stick in my throat.

And before I can even try again, a soft melody rises in the air around us, and any attempt to answer dies on my lips. I can't believe all of this is actually happening. Oh god, just don't let me start crying.

"Yes," I finally manage to choke out. "Without a doubt a million times yes!"

He smiles warmly at me as he raises my hand to his and clumsily slips the ring onto my finger. I stare at it in wonder, as if I'm suddenly expecting it to disappear. I never thought I'd live to see the day someone would be crazy enough to propose to me, but here we are.

"There, now it's official," Honey says as I look up at him.

I fling myself into his arms. He laughs as he strokes my hair and kisses the crown of my head. A smile spreads across his face as I loop my arms around his neck and pull him down towards me.

"It's beautiful," I whisper. "Thanks."

"I had it made to match the necklace you got in Karuizawa," he says softly. "That way you can wear it in school and it looks just like any other jewelry set."

"Smart," I say with a smirk. "It'll be our secret."

"Our secret," he repeats, hooking our pinky fingers together.

"And now we wait," I tease as I stare into his warm mahogany eyes. "Spring's a long ways off isn't it?"

He nods, a flicker of sadness passing over his face before he begins pouting.

"So does this mean I have to wait until then to start calling you Aya-koi?" he asks.

I feel my face flush a million shades of red and I duck my head down quickly. He laughs and brushes my bangs out of my eyes.

"N-No," I whisper while trying not to make eye contact as I make my somewhat embarrassing request. "B-but, only if I can call you Honey."

"Alright," he laughs. "I've been willing to let you do that since day one, but it's a deal."

The heat in my face intensifies as he suddenly kisses me. But I can't help but smile into it. This time there's no need to rush and no one to walk in on us. It's soft, sweet, and pure. Like taking a breath of fresh air after being locked in a room filled with heavy fumes.

When it's finally over my head is spinning, but I've never felt better. I just lean into him, letting him stroke my hair as the last of the fireworks explode behind us.

"I love you," I whisper against his shoulder.

I smile as his arms tighten around me. Just enough to be protective and a little bit possessive without crushing me.

"I'll never get tired of hearing that," he says as he lifts my chin so I meet his gaze.

"Good," I retaliate.

He kisses me again, but pulls away quickly.

"Come on," he says as he looks back at the glass doors. "We actually do have to go to school tomorrow."

XXx Honey xXX

"OK, OK, you can put me down now!"

Reluctantly I sink down to my knees and allow Aya to climb back down on the floor in front of her room. She's clutching her sides and still laughing.

"Oh god!" she gasps. "Did you see Chika's face?"

I burst out laughing with her. I'm guessing by the look on his face no one's told Chika about our engagement yet. So that earned the sight of me piggybacking Aya through the halls a spot on the list of the weirdest things he's ever seen.

He actually blinked rapidly several times before comically shoving his glasses up to his forehead to rub his eyes. But we didn't stop long enough for him to actually ask questions.

And our parents just waved us on down the hall with smiles on their faces. Even Aya's father seemed to be sitting better with the sight of us together like this. Though I can see that after Aya's stunt this morning I'm going to need to keep my hands all but glued my sides.

Aya slumps against her door, her laughter dying down softly. I reach out and push the bangs out of her eyes, not really wanting to leave her just yet and trying to find something to say.

She closes her eyes and leans into my touch, humming softly in content at the feeling of my fingers on her hair. I don't want to stop touching her, because I know tomorrow I'm going to have to go hours without so much as a brush of hands.

"How is this going to work?" I ask her.

Her eyelids lift lazily as she looks up at me. Confusion clouds her eyes for a minute before she understands. She lets out a long sigh before biting her lower lip.

"Oh...," she trails off somewhat sadly. "I guess…we just keep the PDA down. Act like we usually do. No touching or nicknames…Damn this is going to suck…"

I nod, already feeling the sadness crushing down on me heavily.

"But I want them to know you're mine," I mumble, taking her hand and squeezing it tightly. "I don't want to pretend you're just another girl."

"It'll be ok," she coos as her fingers delicately brush the side of my face. "What's eight hours a day compared to the rest of our lives?"

"I guess you're right," I sigh.

"Of course I am," she says with a soft giggle. "I'll see you in the morning ok?"

She tilts her head up and gives me a quick peck on the corner of my lips. But before she can pull away I loop my hands around her waist and catch her lips quickly.

She melts into my body and digs her fingers into the fabric of my jacket. Her lips are as warm and soft as the last time, and the kiss just as sweet. But I can't deny that the thrill of possibly being caught, this one has an edge of dark excitement to it. We're out in the open, not behind a locked door or at the top of a castle spire.

I release her slowly and reluctantly. Her eyes are heavy lidded but bright and her cheeks are flushed a pretty pink. All in all it's a good look for her.

"Ok," I finally respond. "Good night."

She nods and my arms slip from her waist as she opens her door. She gives me one last look and a slight smile before she closes the door behind her.

I stand there silent for a minute, still looking at her closed door. I can help but think about how in only a few months there will be no more her room and my room. Just one…

"Not getting any bold ideas are you?"

I jump as I see Oka-san step out a door down from Aya's room. She's changed from the dark navy dress she was wearing earlier into a green silk dressing gown, her usually pinned and perfect honey blond hair lying in a carefree tumble down her back.

"H-huh?" I stammer stupidly.

"That was some kiss," she says with a smile and a wink. "I didn't know my baby boy had it in him."

She laughs as I feel my face explode into various shades of red. I'm only relieved that Aya's already inside and not suffering this torment as well.

"You two were already in love weren't you?" she asks, her face relaxing into a soft smile. "You just needed a little push."

"I've wanted this for a long time," I confess. "Thank you for choosing her."

"Well then, I hope you two are very happy together," she says with a warm smile before she turns to make her way back to her suite.

"Thank you," I reply as she glides down the halls.

"And by the way, we're working on the plans for your new master suite."

XXxAuthor's NotesxXX

so yeah! wow chapter 20!

lotsa love, Krystal