A big shout out to gdlilgothgrl79 for helping me edit this! I love you! :DD
Now, after this chapter everything goes crazy XD I'm warning you now. And sorry for not updating as much, i have finals coming up and it's eating all of my time. But it's almost over and i'll be on this 24/7! XD I intend to finish this story! And i know lots of people has been asking for Shinobu so...YAY! HERE HE IS! xD (I love him too XD)
Thank you guys for all the review! They get me motivated into writing more for you guys. And omg! 370 FOLLOWERS!? Yay! HI EVERYONE! :D I'm glad you guys are enjoying! :DDD
Much love to everyone! Enjoy!
Miyagi groans in exhaustion as he makes his way to the front entrance of the Castle. Years of travel was finally taking its toll on his body. He could feel the tension in his shoulders, the heavy ache in his feet, and the wariness in his mind at the thought of another long journey. Life has become complicated as soon as this idiotic curse started. He believed himself a laid-back type of person. He didn't like getting involved in other people's problems and didn't put up much in a fight with irrational people. He liked to do things his own way, liked to be alone with his studies, and books.
However, since the curse started, Miyagi had little time for himself. When he heard about the real conditions of the curse, he hauled ass, and got to work. No one but himself knew the actual details and he did his best not to alarm anyone. So far, things were going along just fine.
Except...
Usami and Ritsu?
They're a lost cause.
Even now, seeing Usami worry about Ritsu was aggravating. Seeing Ritsu ignorant about Takano was distressing. Usami was supposed to worry about Misaki. Ritsu should be over Saga by now. Both were supposed to be in love already! Instead, his majesty was still clinging to Takahiro and the prince was still crying over Saga.
Agh! Those idiots! Miyagi thought irritably. He could try to speed up the process but that kid, Shinobu, kept harassing him. He had no way of getting close to Usami before Shinobu popped out of nowhere and tried to tie him up. So the question remains; how to get rid of him?
Miyagi lifts a hand to massage his temples. No plan was forthcoming and thinking of that brat brought shivers of fear down his spine. He needed to know what was going on with Usami and Ritsu. He needed to know if his original plan was still in effect or if he had to change them.
Maybe…he could contact the kid's guardian...
Miyagi slowly grins. That's it! He'll go visit Dr. Nowaki later and inquire information on the brat! And once Shinobu was out of his hair he could get Usami and Ritsu to fall in love!
Miyagi pauses in his train of thought as he ponders on the specifics of the curse. The curse was designed to break by falling in love and Miyagi had no intensions whatsoever to fall in love with anyone. He was content with his books and didn't need anyone to mess with his lifestyle. What man would give up his comfort? Instead, he hoped that by accepting his instincts, by accepting the mask, it would help render the curse useless on him.
And over time...it did.
Of course, by figuring out this information, Miyagi was compelled to tell the others, thinking that, finally, this curse would lose its power on them.
But the others didn't share his enthusiasm. They thought him mad. They believed that by accepting the mask, they were allowing the curse to sink its claws deeper into their souls.
Miyagi scoffs. A bunch of idiots they were.
Miyagi shakes the thoughts away as he nears the entrance. He was tasked to send a few copies of Usami's manuscripts over to Marukawa. He also needed to head over to Dr. Nowaki for information on Shinobu and figure out where Takahiro disappeared off to so he could start on his own investigation.
The fact of the matter is; Takahiro must not enter this castle until Usami realizes his feelings for Misaki. It was so close, he could feel it. Six months has changed Usami for the better. He was no longer cold to anyone. He interacts, he smiles, and he even joins them for dinner from time to time. How could Miyagi not hope when the solution was right next to Usami!?
Miyagi inwardly sighs; it looks like he was going to be out all day-
"Miyagi."
Miyagi halts by the foot of the door and turns to his right to see Usami and Ritsu waiting for him. Curious, he walks over to greet them. "Usami. Ritsu." He nods to both men. "Came to see me out?"
Usami smirks. "Actually, we've come to an agreement."
Miyagi frowns in puzzlement. "Agreement?" What kind of agreement was he talking about? Was this about Marukawa? Glancing at Ritsu, Miyagi couldn't stop the twinge of hope blossom in his chest. Was he talking about letting Ritsu go to Takano!? It was almost too good to be true!
Usami nods. "As of today, you will no longer travel on your own."
Miyagi's frown deepens. What did he mean by that? Once again his gaze went to Ritsu. Ah, did he mean for Ritsu to come along with him so he could drop him off at Marukawa?
Despite this reasoning, Miyagi's gaze was locked on Usami's smug lips. This didn't feel right. "What do you mean?" He asks slowly.
Usami's eyes goes beyond him, prompting Miyagi to look back himself and wonder what had grabbed his attention.
A second later, Miyagi regrets his decision.
Miyagi stares in growing horror as he stands mere feet in front of Shinobu. "Wha-What is the meaning of this!?" Miyagi takes a step back, waiting for Shinobu's maniacal laughter, and metal chains. He truly believed that Shinobu was going to attack him, that he raised both hands to cover his face, and waited for the inevitable.
Yet Shinobu did nothing. He merely stood there looking bored.
"Miyagi…what are you doing?" Usami's laughter prompted Miyagi to lower his arms and feel slightly embarrassed over his actions.
However, when Shinobu walks past him without so much as a word or care, Miyagi sputters in disbelief. What the hell was this kid's problem!? First he stalks him and now he's acting like he doesn't exist!?
Miyagi's attention shifted to Usami when he notices the smirk on his face. "What?"
Usami gestures to Shinobu. "This is your babysitter."
Miyagi's mouth hung open in disbelief, "Babysitter!?" He yells in outrage. "What the hell do I need a babysitter for!?"
Usami raises a brow. "Given the fact that you've been coming home late, the manuscripts hours past its due date, and your hardly home, makes me think you need someone to keep you on check and remind you who's in charge."
He was damn sure his jaw dropped all the way to the floor! Usami was not suggesting what he thought he was suggesting!
"Shinobu will be your baby-sitter." Usami finishes with a sadistic grin.
Miyagi somehow finds his composure despite the conflicted emotions running rampaged through his heart. He straightens his back, raises his chin, and stares directly in Usami's demonic eyes and says, "No."
Usami shrugs. "This isn't your decision to make. I'm the Lard of this keep and whatever I say, goes."
Miyagi instantly deflated, "You've got to be kidding me. There is no way I'm going with that-"
"Too bad." Shinobu jumps in, his chin jutting out in defiance. "I'm traveling with you whether you like it or not."
Miyagi runs a hand down his mask and wonders if he bolts out of the castle now…would he make it out to the carriage before anyone can stop him?
The feeling of soft fingers trying to intertwine with his own had Miyagi jolting away from Shinobu in surprise. Shinobu gives him a small frown but doesn't comment on his action.
Was...was Shinobu trying to hold his hand?
"Miyagi. This is not up for discussion. There has been plenty of times when you have been absent for important meetings or when something needs to be delivered. It's obvious you've been taking your time with god knows what."
Miyagi tries to interrupt but Usami shushes him up with a raise of his hand.
"It is decided. Shinobu will travel with you and makes sure you're home early."
"Why him!?"
Usami smirks, "This is for last week."
Miyagi gawks. Oh, he knew exactly what Usami was talking about. Miyagi inwardly groans. This was the last time he helped Ritsu in anything!
"Now leave. I expect you two back before dinner."
Miyagi lifts a brow, "Dinner? Don't we usually dine alone?"
"I have news for everyone. So you better be there."
Miyagi rolls his eyes, "You have got to be kidding me!"
Shinobu rudely nudges him to the door, "Hurry up old man or we'll be home late."
Miyagi throws one more pleading look to Usami, who only smirks in response, before inwardly groaning, and plots for revenge.
Miyagi was on high alert as they entered the carriage and sat down. He was waiting for Shinobu to make the first move, to show his true intentions away from prying eyes.
But was surprised when all Shinobu did was look out the window in boredom.
Miyagi eyed Shinobu suspiciously. What was he up to? Was he trying to lower his guard by acting nonchalant? Maybe he was plotting to lock him up in one of his cabins in town. Or maybe-
"Stop staring at me. It's creepy old man."
Miyagi flinches, "Ha!?" Miyagi points to him comically, "You're the one who's creepy!"
Shinobu raises a brow. "You act like a ten year old."
Miyagi visibly deflates. "No I don't! You are!"
Shinobu stares at him as if he just proven his point.
Miyagi feels a headache coming on.
Damn it! He was going to kill Usami for this!
-Usami
Usami tries not to laugh as he watches Miyagi shift away from Shinobu in fear. It was entertaining to see Miyagi's composure shaken up like this. Actually, it was about damn time! Miyagi was too full of himself, uncaring of the consequences, and his ego needed a huge readjustment. Shinobu was the perfect person to keep him in line.
Usami laughs at the thought, catching Ritsu's attention, and confusion. Usami waves it away before Ritsu could question his odd behavior and focuses on Miyagi. They sure made an odd couple.
Shinobu enters the carriage first while Miyagi waits a few seconds, obviously wondering if he can make an escape, before breathing a sigh of defeat, and then reluctantly enters the carriage.
He didn't understand what Shinobu saw in Miyagi. It was obvious the boy had an infatuated with him by the way he tried to hold Miyagi's hand earlier. But why him? Shinobu-from what he knew of the boy-was fun, carefree, righteous, caring, and brave. He berated those who deserve it, protects Misaki from anyone who dares harm him, and never backed out of a fight.
How odd for these two opposites to come together.
Hmmm...this would make a great BL novel...
Usami shrugs and turns away from the entrance door with Ritsu in tow.
"That was...interesting." Ritsu murmurs.
Usami chuckles quietly, "Miyagi had it coming."
"What'd he do this time?"
Recalling what Miyagi suggested about Ritsu and Takano, Usami scowls, "He was being annoying."
Ritsu chuckles. "Of course."
They make their way to the library in comfortable silence. The Main Hall was empty due to the preparations in the Red Hall. The annual celebration to Marukawa was tomorrow and everything should've been done by now. Usami figured there were last minute details to the decorations.
Usami sighs and couldn't help but wonder how it was going. Were there any faults? Was the food ready? Was the Garden fixed? Was Hiroki even doing his job!? He was usually the one in charge of the preparations but he didn't want to abandon Ritsu...
They reached the library's double doors and Usami was about to enter when Ritsu held him back with an arm on his shoulder. "You know, Usagi-san, you don't have to accompany me everywhere I go. I know you're busy with the party"
Usami waves it away. "It's nothing, Ritsu. Everything is being taken care of by Hiroki."
Ritsu raises a brow. "You actually left someone else in charge? You?"
Usami grunts, "I know. Miracles do happen."
Ritsu laughs. "Still. You're always the one doing everything." Ritsu hesitates, "Are you sure it's not because I left the castle?"
Usami shakes his head, "No, Ritsu. I just want to accompany my friend. What's wrong with that?"
Ritsu frowns, "Usagi-san, You don't have to worry about me. I...I'm actually alright." Ritsu smiles a little, "I can't explain it but...I just...feel better."
Usami's expression relaxes, "I'm happy to hear that, Ritsu. But honestly, I just want to be by your side...is that so bad?" Usami inwardly laughs as he watches the streaks on Ritsu's mask glow with his embarrassment. It was even more amusing when he could see past the mask and see Ritsu's face turn scarlet.
Ah, if only everyone else could see Ritsu's cute flush.
Ritsu scowls. "I'm serious Usagi-san. Besides, what if Hiroki-san makes a mistake?"
Usami rakes a hand through his hair in frustration. "Thanks for reminding me."
Ritsu urges him on, "Go, I'll be fine."
Usami was hesitant. "I trust Hiroki. There's no need for worrying."
Ritsu chuckles. "I can hear your uncertainty, Usagi-san." Ritsu nudges him away. "Go. I'll meet you later for dinner, aright? I'm just going to read."
Usami nods slowly, still unsure. "...Fine. I'll see you later."
Ritsu grins. "Finally!"
Usami ruffles his hair playfully, a small grin played at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get into trouble."
Ritsu pouts, "Yeah, yeah."
Usami laughs. "You'll be the death of me, I swear." Usami quickly heads off to the Red Hall, half afraid of the disasters Hiroki invoked. Usami groans at the thought; it was going to be a long day, indeed.
-Misaki
Surely it's around here somewhere...
Misaki rummages through the top cabinets for any sign of a tea kettle. It seemed that everything in the kitchen was missing. The plates, the silverware, the cups, and pans were all gone. He could only hope that the tea kettle was left behind…
Misaki knew that everything in the kitchen was being used for the celebration. But did they really need the kettle? Sure, he'd never been to a party before but even he knew that they only served wine...
...Or was it tea?
Misaki sighs tiredly. He wonders where the celebration was taking place. Was there another kitchen in the castle he didn't know about? He knew for a fact there wasn't another one in the Main Hall. So where was it? And where was everyone? The Main Hall looked like a ghost town.
Misaki abandons the top cabinets in search for the lower ones. Please let it be here...
Ijuuin-sensei excused himself earlier to go to the library, claiming he forgot a book, and that it wouldn't take him long to retrieve it. It was a bit of a relief to be alone for the moment. The air was thick with tension since the drawing room and he had no idea how to put the mood back to the way things were. He felt like there was a line both of them had crossed a long time ago; a line that they had ignored until now...
"Misaki?"
Misaki jumps in fright at the unexpected voice. He spins around and finds Chiaki standing by the table. For some reason Chiaki was wearing a dark blue suit without the tie. His mask looked waxed; it sheened in the light, bringing out the red and orange in his fox mask, giving him an elegant look. Surprised, Misaki gives him a big smile, "Chiaki!"
Chiaki grins excitingly. "It's been too long, Misaki! What are you doing?"
Misaki shrugs, "Making tea."
Chiaki gawks, as if what he spoke was utter nonsense, efficiently confusing Misaki. "Tea? Who cares about tea! Have you seen the decorations we put up?"
Misaki shakes his head. "No, I haven't. I don't plan on going to the celebration."
Chiaki's eyes widen, "Ha? Why not!?"
Misaki's thoughts drift off to Usagi-san and Ritsu. Seeing them together for a night that is meant for lovers-at least that's how he pictures these kinds of parties to be-shreds his heart to ribbons. Misaki looks away from Chiaki and says, "I don't want to go."
Chiaki huffs. "Maybe you'll change your mind when you actually see it."
Misaki shakes his head, "No, I-"
Chiaki marches over to Misaki and pulls him up. "Come on, let's go." Not giving Misaki time to answer, or protest, Chiaki pulls his hand, and stalks out of the kitchen.
"Chiaki! Wait!"
Chiaki shakes his head. "You need to see the Ball room, Misaki!"
Misaki pauses in his struggles, instantly intrigued by this bit of information. "Ball room?"
Chiaki's grin turns devious, "You haven't seen it, have you?"
Misaki shakes his head slowly; his curiosity was getting the better of him. "But...I have to wait for Ijuuin-sensei…." Damn it, even his protest sounded weak!
Chiaki waves it away, "It won't take long. Promise!"
Misaki was still hesitant. "But-"
"Misaki, it won't take long. Just go in, see the Ball Room, get out, and you're done!"
Well...since he put it like that…
Misaki runs faster, his excitement becoming too great, and startling Chiaki when he flew past him.
Chiaki gawks, "Hey, wait up!"
Misaki instantly stops, "Hey, where's the ball room? I don't remember seeing it in the Main Hall." Thanks to Usagi-san, who didn't give exact details to the pool, he knew every room in the Main Hall.
Chiaki laughs, "That's because it's not in the Main Hall."
"Then where is it?"
"The Red Hall!"
Misaki froze. "Where Usagi-san resides?"
Chiaki nods. He fails to notice how pale Misaki became. "Yeap! All the important stuff happens there."
"What do you mean by important stuff?" Misaki was reluctant to go now. Going to the Red Hall meant he might accidentally run into Usagi-san. And he wasn't ready to talk to him yet. Not until he finds resolution to his own dilemma.
Chiaki grabs his hand again and hurries to their destination. "It's where we work. Where we conduct business, have meetings, etc."
"Ah. I see." Misaki tries to remove his hand from Chiaki's but his grip was too tight and for some reason Chiaki didn't seem to notice his struggles or if he did he didn't mention it. Once they entered the Red Hall Misaki didn't bother looking around. He wanted to avoid Usagi-san at all costs. Even the chance of eye-contact.
Chiaki shakes him from his thoughts with, "So Misaki, what have you been doing for the past week?"
Misaki smiles at him, grateful for the distraction. He replayed his week to Chiaki. Telling him about his studies and spending time with Ijuuin-sensei. He tensed up when they passed the stairs leading to Usagi-san's room but didn't stop in his tale to Chiaki. When he finished, he and Chiaki found themselves in front of a massive velvet double doors.
Misaki couldn't contain his excitement. He heard of Balls from his brother and in stories but never been to one. Already, his mind was imagining hundreds of possibilities of what this Ball Room could look like and in each one he would imagine the people in dresses and fancy suits dancing on the dance floor.
Chiaki lets go of his hand to grip the door handles in front of them and opens the doors.
Misaki's breath hitched. It was magnificent.
The Ball Room was like a stadium in length, it was decorated in red and white silk, tables and chairs were placed on either sides of the room, and it was obvious that the dancing was taking place in the middle. Three large elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling and dozens upon dozens of candles were placed randomly around the room. Misaki's favorite was at the other end of the Ball Room, were a long stairway was leading to a Garden. From his point of view he could see hints of red roses.
"Wow." Misaki breathes.
Chiaki nods, "Just wait for tonight! There's this thing where they light up the candles at midnight and the whole Ball Room lights up in Gold."
"Gold?" He didn't see any gold anywhere.
Chiaki grins, "I'm not giving anything away. You have to be here to see it." Chiaki leans in close to whisper, "But they say when the Ball Room lights up with Gold a person would be able to find their one true love."
Misaki frowns. "How?"
Chiaki smirks. "Didn't I tell you already? I'm not giving anything away."
Misaki pouts. That tricky fox!
"And wait to you get a taste of the food! Usami-san has others go out and get exotic foods from other countries."
Misaki blinks in surprise. "Really?"
Chiaki nods, "It's a once in a life time, Misaki. You have to be here!" He claps his hands together and begs, "Please!"
Misaki sighs. He was guilt-tripping him, he knew it. "I'll…try."
Chiaki jumps up with joy. "Alright! It'll be fun, Misaki! You'll have-"
"Misaki…?"
Misaki froze.
He could feel his heart stop, his skin heat up, and his breath become shallow. The one person he didn't want to see...was right behind him.
Misaki inwardly curses his luck. He should have waited for Ijuuin-sensei.
