Omg, this took forever! Sorry for the late update (Very late) My life is getting busier and busier. But i will finish all my stories. (I just wish i had more time like i used to) I hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas and a happy New year! Another thanks to my lovely Gdlilgothgrl for helping me with his chapter!

Hope you guys enjoy. (This is so long!) Much love!


Misaki shivers as he feels the heat radiating off Usagi-san on his back. He could hear every breath leave his lips, could almost feel Usagi-san's cold hand ruffling his locks, and Misaki couldn't help but shift uncomfortably from the sensations Usagi-san alone seems to bring. His body was a wreck of sensations. Goosebumps appeared on his skin, adrenaline coursing through his blood, and his breathing grew shallow from nervousness. He didn't know how to control these emotions. It was frightening.

Misaki swallows hard. Thoughts wouldn't form. He couldn't think past the image of Usagi-san standing right behind him. What was he to do? What was he to say? Should he act like nothing happened or should he confront Usagi-san about Ritsu?

Misaki inwardly shakes his head at the idea. Was he crazy? Was he out of his mind!? It wasn't his business! He didn't have the right to ask about their private life. Usagi-san has no obligation towards him and he knew Usagi-san shared no love for him. He should just pretend like nothing has changed.

"Usami-san." Chiaki bows formally. "I thought you would be with Ritsu."

Misaki's chest tightens. So, he was with Ritsu…

Usagi-san waves it away. "He's fine. I just wanted to see how everything was going."

Chiaki shrugs, "So far, everything is going according as planned. But if you want to discuss the finer details Kamijou-san should be in the upper floor."

Usagi-san nods. "Thank you." He turns to Misaki, who's tense back was still to him. Misaki jerks when he hears Usagi-san say, "Misaki?"

Not given a much of a choice, Misaki spins around to face Usagi-san, and couldn't help but blush at the sight. There was nothing different about him; he wore his usual white collar shirt and purple tie, his Demon mask was the same, and yet somehow Usagi-san looked more handsome today than any other day. Misaki could feel his face heat up dangerously at the thought. "U-Usagi-san! Good e-evening."

Usagi-san gives him a smile that had his heart beating out of his chest and his mouth going dry. He looks away quickly and tries to hide the blush staining his cheeks. Usagi-san chuckles at his reaction before turning his attention back to Chiaki. "Hatori's looking for you."

Chiaki pales. "Oh, crap, I forgot! Thank you for reminding me, Usami-san!" With that, Chiaki runs off, leaving Misaki alone with Usagi-san.

Misaki pales. Wait what!? Why was this always happening to him!? "A-ah, I have to go too, Usagi-san. I just came here to see the Ballroom." He laughs nervously and rubs the back of his head.

He could tell Usagi-san was contemplating on his next move by the way he raises a hand to stroke his chin. Misaki inches away from him, hoping to get away before-

Usagi-san pouts.

Misaki pales. Oh, he knew Usagi-san too well to know that he was going to say-

"Have you seen the Garden, yet?"

Misaki inwardly curses. He should have left when he had the chance! "Um, no, I just got here."

Usagi-san grins, "You have to see it before you go. It's the best part of the Ballroom."

The eagerness in which Usagi-san says it had Misaki stuttering. "O-oh? How so?" Misaki curses his curiosity. Damn it. Don't ask. Just leave!

"Come. I'll show you." Usagi-san reaches out to grab his hand but Misaki quickly pulls away.

"Some other time, Usagi-san. I'm really busy right now." The words left him in a rush and it had him worrying if Usagi-san can hear the panic in them.

Usagi-san raises a brow at his abrupt refusal but doesn't comment on it. "It won't take long, Misaki." Usagi-san grabs his hand before Misaki could pull away again, leads him down the stairs, and across the Ballroom. "You'll be in and out in no time."

Misaki bites his lip as he contemplates this. He knew he should try to get away from Usagi-san and get back to Ijuuin-sensei but he couldn't help but relish in the feeling of Usagi-san's cold hand entwine with his. He missed being in Usagi-san's presence, missed being able to talk to him, and spending time in their secret room.

It wouldn't hurt to enjoy whatever time he had with Usagi-san...

It'll only be a second...

As soon as Misaki and Usagi-san climbed the other side of the Ballroom, Misaki forgot about his discomfort, and gasped in amazement at the scene before him.

Much different from the Main Garden; this one had a long pond in the center with giant lily pads floating in crystalline water. Around the pond were hundreds upon hundreds of red roses blooming under the morning sun and he could see beautiful lanterns hung up in different parts of tree branches.

Misaki's jaw drops in amazement. Were those Lily pads really that huge or was his eyes deceiving him? They were bigger than him! "This is unbelievable!" Misaki gasps. He crouches down at the edge of the pond to view the water closer and was pleasantly surprised to see Koi fish swimming under the lily pads.

Usagi-san grins. "You should see it at night."

Misaki couldn't help but join in the mirth and grins up at him. "Oh?"

Usagi-san stands next to him and nods, "They light the lanterns near ten and all the color is magnified. Firefly's come out and it looks like the stars dropped from the sky to dance along the water." Usagi-san smiles softly, "it's the most beautiful sight you will ever see."

Misaki's eyes shine with excitement. "Whoa! I would love to see that!"

"You can." Usagi-san reaches down to ruffle his hair fondly, "Just come to the garden before midnight and you'll see the wonders this Garden has to offer." At this, Misaki hesitates. Wasn't he just scowling at himself that he needed to get out of here? He couldn't attend the Ball! Not with Usagi-san there. Usagi-san notices his inner conflict and frowns. "You do plan on going…right?"

Misaki shrugs. "I don't know…I haven't decided yet."

Usagi-san goes silent at this. He shoves his hands into his pockets and looks beyond the pond in thought. After a while, the silence was making Misaki more anxious than it usually did and he was tempted to break it. However, he knew Usagi-san wouldn't appreciate the disturbance so he had no choice but to wait.

"...Well, if you want…you can accompany me to the Ball. I could use the company."

Misaki's breath hitches in excitement. Usagi-san...wanted to take him to the Ball? He was about to shout his agreement when jealously reared its ugly head and his thoughts took a turn for the worse. Why does Usagi-san want to take him to the ball? He has Ritsu, doesn't he? Misaki clenches his teeth as despair clouds his thoughts. The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them, "but what about Ritsu?"

Usagi-san blinks in surprise. "He doesn't usually come to these kinds of events."

So if he attended, you would take him instead of me? Misaki flinches at his own thoughts. Why was he torturing himself like this? Why couldn't his heart get it already? Usagi-san didn't love him. And he didn't want to be in love with Usagi-san.

Especially since he was pining for his brother.

"Misaki?"

Misaki jerks his head up when he hears the confusion and concern in Usagi-san's tone. Oh no, he thought in panic, did i give away too much? "Oh, um, I'm not sure, Usagi-san. I have a lot of things to do."

Usagi-san shifts ever so slightly in his direction, indicating that he was interested in what he had to say. To Misaki, it felt like Usagi-san was teasing him. "Oh? What things?"

Reminded of his lack of development in his studies, Misaki pouts, "My studies for one."

Usagi-san blinks at this. "I thought you stopped."

Misaki frowns. "Why would you think so?"

"You've stopped coming to our room."

Misaki inwardly beams at this. Our room? "Oh, sorry." He scratches the back of his head nervously, "Um, I got busy…"

Usagi-san raises a brow, "Avoiding me?"

Misaki blushes, "h-huh!?"

"You've been avoiding me, Misaki." Usagi-san crosses his arms and frowns playfully.

"No, I haven't!" Misaki refuses to look him in the eye.

"You're too easy to read." Usagi-san ducks his head down so that their eyes were leveled and their foreheads touching. Misaki to flinches lightly at this. "Why are you avoiding me? Did I do something wrong?"

Misaki takes a step back and quickly shakes his head. "I'm not avoiding you. I was busy, Usagi-san."

"Like?"

Misaki falters, "Um…with studying!" Usagi-san's lips quirk in amusement but otherwise stays silent and waits for more. Misaki scowls. "I've been reading, going over your notes and spending time with Ijuuin-sensei-"

Usagi-san stiffens. "Wait. You've been with Ijuuin?"

Misaki snaps his mouth shut. Of all the things...Why did he bring up Ijuuin-sensei!? Damn it. "Y-yes. H-he's been helping me."

Usagi-san was eerily quiet after this.

Misaki shifts nervously. I should have left when I had the chance... There wasn't much he could do now. He felt obligated to wait until Usagi-san spoke his mind. If he left things as they were Misaki was afraid this would mess up their fragile friendship. He'd learned from his past mistakes and he wasn't going to repeat them.

"You're going." Usagi-san finally decides with a determined nod.

Misaki stares at him blankly, having no idea what he was talking about. He was so lost in his own thoughts that Usagi-san's words threw Misaki for a loop. "Ha!?"

Usagi-san grabs his arm and pulls him along. "You're joining me to the Ball tomorrow."

"Ha!? Wait! You can't just-"

"I need to prepare a suit for you." Usagi-san murmurs under his breath. They leave the Rose Garden and return inside the Ballroom.

"-Wait!"

Usagi-san sighs. He stops in the middle of the room and wraps his arm around Misaki's waist. Misaki frowns in puzzlement until Usagi-san entwines their hands together and lifts it up to the air, almost as if they were preparing to dance. Misaki jerks in embarrassment as he realized Usagi-san was trying to see if he knew the steps. Usagi-san groans tiredly, "I need to show you how to dance, don't I?."

Misaki blushes and jerks away from him. "B-baka! It's not...it's not like..."

"Hmm?" Usagi-san lets go of his waist but doesn't let go of his hand. "What's wrong?"

"I-I don't want to go."

Usagi-san smirks. "You don't mean that."

Misaki blinks in confusion. "Huh? Of course I do!" Now he was pissing him off! Who was Usagi-san to know his own mind!?

"I don't believe you."

Misaki gawks. What the hell!? He was about to rebut him when he saw a strange flicker of emotion in Usagi-san's eyes. It could have been tenderness or light teasing but Misaki was still a child at heart so he didn't know exactly what it was. This had him pausing and thinking; what was Usagi-san thinking? Why was he acting so... different towards him? "Why…do you want me to go with you?"

Usagi-san smirks. "Why else? I want to enjoy your company. It's been a while since I last seen you."

Misaki bites the inside of his cheek and couldn't help but mutter, "You have Ritsu…I know I'll just be interrupting you two."

Usagi-san frowns. "Ha? Interrupting? What does that mean?"

Misaki blushes, "Nothing! I just thought…you guys needed some time alone…"

Usagi-san chuckles; not fully understanding the true meaning behind Misaki's words. "Not really. Actually, I might have needed your help with him."

Misaki looked hesitant. "Help?"

Usagi-san nods. "I've been half afraid that he was going to leave the castle again. That or get lost."

"Get lost?" Misaki gasps, "why would he do that?"

"Did you forget, Misaki? Ritsu is still heartbroken over his past love. He can't get over him." Usagi-san lets out a sad sigh and proceeds to walk to the stairway with Misaki in tow. "I suspect he never will."

"...Does this bother you?" He asks softly. Misaki hated himself the moment he spoke the words. He didn't want to know the depth of Usagi-san's love for Ritsu, but at the same time he wanted to help him in anyway possible. It was another thing he didn't understand about himself and yet it was something he was quickly learning, even if that didn't make sense.

Love has no pride or reason.

"Of course it does." Usagi-san scowls. "I don't want Ritsu to be burdened by this anymore." Together, they climb the stairs and heads out of the Ballroom. Without letting go of his hand, Usagi-san leads Misaki to the direction of his room. "Ah, but to be honest, I really don't understand what Ritsu is going through since I never been in love before."

Misaki sputters. "You haven't?" But what about Ritsu?

Usagi-san shakes his head. "No. I thought I did with Takahiro but…"

Misaki felt his heart stop at the words. "But…?" He couldn't help but utter the word in a hopeful tone. Does he not love Onii-Chan anymore? What changed his mind? How did this happen?

Usagi-san looks back at him, his dark gaze rapt on his face, and his lips curled into a beautiful smile. Misaki's breath hitched but he never looked away. "…I'm not so sure anymore."

Heart in his throat, Misaki squeaks out, "W-what do you mean by that?"

Usagi-san grins. "It's a secret."

"Ha!? Why can't I know!?"

Usagi-san laughs. "How about this. If you accompany me to the Ball I'll tell you."

Misaki pouts, "you don't play fair."

Usagi-san shakes his head. "No, I don't. So just give in to me, Misaki."

Misaki blows out a breath. His calm exterior conflicted with the chaotic emotions inside his heart. He wanted to know who captured Usagi-san's heart. He needed to know what that would do with the curse. Did Usagi-san mean he didn't love Onii-Chan anymore and that was it? Or did he fall in love with someone else? He had to confirm it for himself. "Fine."

Usagi-san ruffles his hair playfully. "Great! Now let's get you ready!" Usagi-san hurries in his strides, efficiently dragging a poor Misaki in his wake.

"Ha!? No wait! baka-Usagi! Stop!"

I really should have left when I had the chance...

-Miyagi

Miyagi left Marukawa defeated.

Pushing back plans to visit Nowaki was dissatisfying on many levels. He was used to having his way, used to doing what he wanted when he was out of the castle, so Usami appointing a 'babysitter' annoyed the crap out him. He could no longer do anything without Usami knowing all of his activities through Shinobu and Miyagi couldn't alert him to anything he was doing. Knowing Usami, he would try to put a stop to it, reasoning that there was no hope in continuing this nonsense, and Miyagi didn't need interference of any kind.

Miyagi climbs in the waiting carriage outside of Marukawa and sits across Shinobu. Shinobu glances up as Miyagi takes a seat and studies him silently. Already irritated from today's events, Miyagi's ire grew when Shinobu's gaze did not leave him. "What?" Miyagi snaps.

Calmly, with no hint of emotion, Shinobu replies, "Where were you planning on going after this?"

Miyagi raises a brow, pretending he didn't understand what Shinobu meant, "Home. Where else."

Shinobu rolls his eyes, "I'm not dense, Miyagi." Miyagi blinks in surprise. He doesn't remember a time where Shinobu has called him by his given name and if he did then it was easily forgotten by the annoying nickname of 'Old man'. "I know you were going somewhere else after this."

Miyagi laughs it off. "What do you mean?"

Shinobu raises a brow, "You're not good at lying. Well, not to me anyway."

Miyagi feels a vein popping on his forehead. This little brat... "So full of yourself."

Shinobu shrugs. "I'm used to people lying. Grew up with it." Any hint of sympathy was lost when Shinobu continues, "So stop lying, Old man, and tell me; where were you going after Marukawa."

"That's none of your business."

Shinobu raises a brow. "Is that so?"

Miyagi nods in triumph.

Shinobu smirks, "You do know I can't leave your side at all, right?"

Miyagi flatters, "W-what do you mean?"

"Didn't Usami tell you?"

Miyagi scowls, "You were right there. You know what he told me."

"Ah, that's right. He forgot a lot of things."

Miyagi gritted his teeth. "What is it?"

The sudden motion of the carriage startled Miyagi. He was pitched forward and almost falling face first onto Shinobu's lap. Instead, he managed to catch himself and had both hands on either side of Shinobu's legs, his face mere inches to Shinobu's...

Shinobu's eyes widen.

Miyagi pales. "Ah, haha, sorry about that-"

Shinobu leans up to kiss his cheek.

The unexpected action had Miyagi drawing back in a rush. "What the hell did you do that for!?"

Shinobu shrugs, though there was a small blush on his cheeks as he looked out the window. "Just felt like it."

Miyagi raises his hand to rest it on his cheek, a blush of his own heating his face dangerously. What was-

"Oh, and I'm to stay at your side for the reminder of my stay. So that means until Takahiro picks Misaki up."

And the mood was killed.

A look of horror crossed Miyagi's face, "No…"

Shinobu nods. "Yes."

"Like hell that'll happen!"

Shinobu shrugs. "Talk to Usami."

Miyagi grounds his teeth together. Usami wouldn't do this to him…right? What had he done to merit such anger? Was suggesting Ritsu to Takano really that bad? Or…was this for the years' worth of defiance?

Miyagi groans. That's it! Revenge it is!

-Misaki

The soft glowing light emitting from below the horizon alerted Misaki of twilight. He quickly makes his way back to the kitchen; his only thoughts were drifting between panic and regret. He was painfully aware that he left Ijuuin-sensei all alone without any notice of his whereabouts or given any thought about him until Usagi-san mentioned the time. He left Usagi-san's room in a hurry, ignoring how sticky his hair felt from the gel, how his clothing were all wrinkled from taking them off in a haste to try out different suits, and ignored the way his stomach growled from not eating all day.

His only concern was Ijuuin-sensei.

Misaki sprints into the kitchen and flinches when he spots Ijuuin-sensei sitting at the table, sipping tea. He must have found the tea kettle, Misaki thought weakly. The kitchen lights were off and the only source of light was a single candle sitting on the table in front of Ijuuin-sensei. Misaki couldn't help but wince again as the feeling of guilt intensifies.

Ijuuin-sensei finally takes notice of Misaki standing awkwardly by the door and turns to him. He leans back in his seat and cocks his head in thought. He didn't display any emotion, his eyes were unreadable, and his lips were set in a firm line. Misaki wanted to cover and hide from those eyes. He felt like a jerk for leaving Ijuuin-sensei like this.

"…You're late."

"A-ah, I'm so sorry! I-i was caught up." Misaki berated himself on how weak he sounded, but watching Ijuuin-sensei stare at him calmly, when he had every right to yell at him, had Misaki weak in the knees.

Ijuuin-sensei merely nods, his expression still calm, and composed as he says, "it's late. We should call it a day." Ijuuin-sensei stands up and blows out the candle, encasing the room in darkness.

Misaki balls his hands into fists; the guilt was eating him alive. He wanted to say something, to apologize, and beg for forgiveness, but all he could do was stand there looking like an idiot. His mind was blanked with fear over the idea of losing Ijuuin-sensei's friendship.

I hurt Ijuuin-sensei... That was the last thing he'd ever wanted to do to him.

Ijuuin-sensei sighs and walks right past him. "…I'll see you tomorrow, Misaki."

Panicked, Misaki yells out, "Ah! Ijuuin-sensei, wait!" Ijuuin-sensei stops but doesn't turn around to face him. This causes Misaki's heart to clench painfully. He didn't want to leave things as they were but he didn't know what to say or how to make things better. So he just did what he did best: blurt out things from his heart. "W-would…would you like to join me at the Ball tomorrow!?"

Ijuuin-sensei turns to face him, "Ball?"

Misaki nods quickly, "Ah, I-I mean the celebration t-tomorrow."

Ijuuin-sensei raises a brow. "You're going after all? What changed your mind?"

"Oh, um," He couldn't say that Usagi-san was the one who changed his mind, not when things were already so heated between them. "Chiaki and the others pressured me."

A slow smile appeared on Ijuuin-sensei's lips, his eyes soften as he responds with, "I would be honored to go with you, Misaki." Ijuuin-sensei steps in front of him, ducks his head down and kisses his forehead.

Misaki froze.

"Good night." Ijuuin-sensei says softly. He gives Misaki one more tender smile before walking away in the direction of his bedroom..

Misaki was left speechless.

The line was definitely crossed, he thought numbly. He had to confront Ijuuin-sensei about it. But what should he say? He didn't want to hurt him, yet he didn't want to lead him on either. How should he tell him that he didn't think about him that way? That the love he had for Ijuuin-sensei was different than…

...Than Usagi-san?

Misaki flinches violently. It was definitely different. Ijuuin-sensei didn't make his heart race, doesn't make his body tremble with a touch alone, he isn't the one who invades his thoughts day in and day out, and he doesn't piss the hell out of him...

Ijuuin-sensei was just a great friend and his favorite Mangaka author. There was nothing more than that..

...Right?

Agh! Damn it! Why was he even bothering with all of this!? He'd never asked to be in these kind of situations! He'd never wanted to be in love-!

Misaki scowls. He wasn't in love with Usagi-san for gods sake!

...even if he did make his heart go 'doki doki'...but that doesn't matter, damn it!

Annoyed that Usagi-san was once again invading his thoughts, Misaki angrily spins around in the direction of his room-

And froze.

Standing not five feet in front of him was Usagi-san.

He must have followed me. Misaki thought with growing horror. I did leave in such a hurry...and he did call out for me...

Usagi-san didn't say a word. Misaki could tell that he was already on the razor's edge by the fact that his eyes were no longer violet but scarlet red. It reminded him of the first time he met Usagi-san, his figure was foreboding, his mask frightening, and his aura felt dangerous.

Misaki gasps. Was Usagi-san there the whole time!? Did he see and hear everything he and Ijuuin-sensei were discussing!?

Misaki pales. He asked Ijuuin-sensei to the Ball...Usagi-san already asked him...

Misaki's gaze unwillingly lowers to Usagi-san's arm and was surprised to see him carrying the small bear with the missing eye. He hasn't seen that bear in months. Why did Usagi-san have it on him now?

Usagi-san merely nods his head, bringing Misaki's attention back to him. "I just wanted to say good night, Misaki."

Misaki quickly opens his mouth to explain why he asked Ijuuin-sensei to the Ball, to explain that he felt pressured, and he didn't mean to hurt him this way.

But no words came out.

And because he couldn't say anything; his heart exploded with fear, worse than anything he'd ever felt before.

Usagi-san walks away.

Misaki was left broken.


MWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Cliffhangers are the best XD (Don't kill me XD) lol