Here's more: I hope you like it!

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Part 1: Around the World

Chapter 2: Open Your Heart and Mind

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Tsukushi's eyes fluttered open. Her first sight was the sun shining on the ocean. She thought it was so beautiful. It's been so long since she had last seen it. Tsukushi sat up and everything that happened yesterday flashed in her mind, from the point where she read the letter and jumped on the boat to the romantic dinner with Doumyoji and the talks they had. What now? Tsukushi thought. She looked around the room and was amazed yet again. The room was so huge, it reminded her of Doumyoji's room. She was sleeping on a queen's sized bed with four pillows on it. Why anyone would put more than two was beyond her. The sheets were all in flower designs, clearly made for a female to sleep in. She gaped when she realized the sheets and covers were all in silk. But then again she shouldn't have been surprised, after all, nothing better than the best for the upper class members of society.

She realized she only had the clothes she wore yesterday, which was her uniform. She saw there was a closet across the bedroom, but she shook her head realizing there wouldn't be any clothes in there anyways. Then a sight of white caught her eye. She saw there was a letter between the doors. She took it out and saw it was from Shigure.

Dear Tsukushi,

Inside are clothes for you. They're all new. I know you wouldn't have had time to go shopping so here are a few outfits. Buy more when you have time. (Don't be afraid to use Tsukasa's money!) Have fun!

Wishing you the best of luck, Shigure

Tsukushi was touched that Shigure thought of everything. She opened the closet and marveled at how huge it was! It was a walk in closet that was as big as her old living room. She winced, only a few outfits?? Tsukushi saw a lot more than few she saw at least 50. Her definition of a few would be 5, okay maybe 10 max. She shouldn't have been surprised, rich people think extremely different from her. The clothes were all in groups according to the event, ranging from sporty to casual to evening gowns. Tsukushi looked at the casual section but there was too much to choose from. She spent a long time trying to pick out an outfit. They were all so pretty she couldn't choose. She soon gave up. She closed her eyes, and used her hands to flip through the clothes. She counted up to ten and took out the outfit she had her hand was on. It was a light blue dress with sakura flower decorations. It was knee length, which she was thankful for, but when she saw it was a spaghetti strap and she groaned. She didn't want to reveal too much. Doumyoji didn't try anything on her yesterday but who knows what he might be thinking today. She looked through the clothes again found a light sweater. Tsukushi thought, "I finally found an outfit." She never spent so long looking for clothes. She opened the door.

"Makino-sam-"

Tsukushi screamed. She turned around, and was ready to defend herself. She noticed it was one of Doumyoji's bodyguards. She exhaled a sigh of relief. She berated herself for being so nervous when there was nothing to be nervous about. Tsukushi looked at the man before her, she could tell he was trying to hold in his laughter. Tsukushi was mad and demanded, "What is it?"

The bodyguard coughed, "Doumyoji-sama said to tell you he'll be in the diner waiting for you. I will escort you there."

Tsukushi didn't say anything and followed the guy. These bodyguards gave her the creeps. They always wear black suits and sunglasses. They reached the diner in minutes. She saw Tsukasa sitting in the corner, staring out the window into the ocean. Tsukushi thought this was a rare sight. She had never seen Doumyoji pondering. Her heart started beating faster. She realized Doumyoji was changing before her eyes. Someone had mentioned to her that if she stayed with Doumyoji she'd be spending the rest of her life babysitting him, but she didn't think so, not anymore. Looking at him now he doesn't seem like the spoiled childish boy she first met. She realized she was falling deeper and deeper in love.

Doumyoji suddenly turned and saw Tsukushi. He blushed; she looked so pretty in that blue dress.

"Sit down."

Tsukushi flushed. She was embarrassed to be caught staring. She thought, "What's wrong with her? This is Doumyoji for heaven's sake." Still shaken, she sat down. As soon as she did, food was brought to the table. She was grateful for the distraction. She looked at the food being placed and said, "I've never seen most of these dishes." They were very colorful and fluffy.

"Of course you haven't," Tsukasa said in his 'I'm superior than you' tone.

It made Tsukushi so mad you could see a vein on her forehead. Tsukushi replied, "Gaki (brat)". She took back what she said about him before; he'll always remain a spoiled child. Inside Tsukushi wouldn't admit it to herself but she wouldn't have him any other way.

Tsukushi didn't realize but the tension she felt when she first came into the diner disappeared. After they ate breakfast they went out to the top deck. Tsukushi felt the wind blowing in her face and said, "Feels so good!"

Tsukasa took the time to look at her. He marveled at the fact that she was there, with him. She's so beautiful, he thought. Tsukushi had walked to the rails, and placed both hands on it. Tsukasa hugged her from behind. Tsukushi froze; the sudden embrace shocked her. But a few seconds later she relaxed and leaned into him.

Tsukasa felt the change and smiled. She was finally accepting him, accepting their relationship. He remembered yesterday when she jumped on the boat. He remembers feeling surprised and tremendously happy when she said she loves him. But for some reason it didn't make him as happy as he was right now. He knew that Tsukushi had a hard time relying on others. He's always been afraid that she'd never accept him. That day when she called it quits and left him in the mansion he felt desolated. He understood her motives but it hurt so much. Now that he had her in his arms he wanted a promise of forever but he understood that it was too soon.

Tsukasa smiled, and looked down at the girl in his arms. He never thought he'd fall in love. He never thought he would ever need a person this much. It was a scary. He had always been confident in whatever he did; now he didn't know what to do. In front of Makino he pretended to be confident; however, he was always shaking internally. Ever since he was a child he's always had what he wanted, until he met her. He couldn't buy her like other girls. He smiled and reflected back to when she said she was a "No-brand woman." She was so different. She didn't throw herself at him like other girls and she was the only one that ever stood up to him. Even his friends in F4 didn't dare oppose him when he was in his moods. Her strong sense of right and wrong appealed to him, but there was something else about her that pulled him to her like bees to honey. Maybe it was her stubbornness and the fire in her. Even though she was poor she never backed down from the rich. She would never admit defeat without a fight. Nobody would dare call her a coward. If it were any other rich girl, they'd be crying over the littlest things. None of them could go through what Tsukushi went through and come out sane and stronger than ever. Tsukushi gave him a sense of purpose, a reason for living he never had before. He wanted to protect her so that she'd never have to go through those times again.

Tsukushi didn't realize how relaxing it felt to lean on someone else for a change. It felt like all her worries were light years away. She was afraid she might get to use to this and become dependent on him. But, she thought, once in a while is okay. His body exuded strength and warmth. She wanted to stay like this forever.

"Makino?"

"Hmmm?"

"Is there anything you want to do? I can grant you anything you desire." If it was a year ago, she would've been appalled that one person can have so much power, nowadays accepted his words. She knew that even if he weren't rich he would've moved heaven and earth to give her all she desired. Tsukushi thought about what she wanted and couldn't come up with anything. Her family had always been poor, so she had given up, at an early age, all her dreams. She thought back to when she was in elementary and all that she wanted to do. She wanted to play sports, to paint, to travel, to play instruments, to do everything and anything she read about when she was a kid. She wanted the world but when grew up she was thrown into reality. She didn't have the talent or the money to pursue any of her dreams. But now everything's changing again. Doumyoji lifted the curtain blocking her view allowing her to see the stars once again.

"Makino?" Doumyoji's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Ummm, let's play sports."

"Sports?" Tsukasa laughed. That was the last thing he expected her to say. Any other girl would've wanted jewelry, clothes, or other materials; however, Tsukushi is unique she asked for something so simple, something that didn't require wealth or power to attain.

Tsukushi yelled at him. She thought he was making fun of her. "What's wrong with sports?!?!"

Tsukasa shook his head, "Nothing." And then he chuckled again. Tsukushi got mad and raised a hand to hit him, but Tsukasa grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. He whispered, "Don't ever change." He relinquished his hold and said, "Let's go change. You can't play in a dress."

Tsukushi, still stunned by the momentary alteration, followed blindly. She thought she would never understand what he's thinking. Then Tsukushi smiled.

She went into her room and back into her closet. This time she didn't bother looking at the outfits. She went to the sporty section and took out the one closest to her. She looked at it for a few seconds. There was a light purple t-shirt with matching shorts. On top of that there was a light jacket, which was white with purple flower designs. Tsukushi sighed at seeing the flower designs. She wondered if all the clothes were flowery. She changed and went out the door. She saw Doumyoji waiting outside for her. He had changed into a white t-shirt and gray shorts. They walked down to the courts. Tsukushi stayed a step behind him. She smiled, even in normal clothes he looks like a rich guy. There was a certain air around him that set him different from everyone else. Tsukushi knew he would always stand out in a crowd.

Tsukushi didn't know how to play so Tsukasa had to teach her. He spent half an hour teaching her the basic form, and insulting her while he was at it. Although Tsukushi got so angry she didn't give up. If anything it made her even more determined to get better and beat the crap out of him. They played for a while. At first Tsukushi was very awkward. Tsukasa kept calling her an idiot because she couldn't get a shot past him. This enraged Tsukushi so much that she didn't even feel tired, even though they've played for 2 hours. When she finally got a ball past him, she fell to the floor. All of the sudden she felt so tired.

Tsukasa ran across to her side of the court. He saw that she wasn't hurt but she was breathing rapidly. He smirked, "Tired so soon weakling?"

Tsukushi's eyes flared. Trust Doumyoji to make fun of her at a time like this. She was going to retort when he picked her up.

"Wh-What are you doing? Put me down!" Tsukasa didn't say anything. He continued walking back to her room. "I can walk! I'm not tired." But truthfully she was. Her legs were aching and her arm was stiff.

"Aww, look at that couple. So romantic, how come you don't do that to me anymore," said a woman who was with her husband. Everyone was watching them, not simply because it was a romantic scene but because they all knew who Doumyoji Tsukasa was. The heir to Doumyoji Enterprises, he was a force not to be reckoned with. The onlookers were mostly surprised at the girl who was in his arms. They didn't know who she was. She jumped on the boat and ever since she has been seen only with Doumyoji.

Tsukushi felt people staring at her and she turned bright red. She wanted to jump out of Doumyoji's hold but she couldn't. He was holding her too tight. So she did the only thing she could do. She buried herself in Doumyoji's arms. She soon forgot the people around her. She couldn't think. Doumyoji's scent was too intoxicating. It was a pleasant mix of sweat and his expensive cologne. The tension in her body left her and she was exhausted.

Tsukasa felt it when Tsukushi stopped struggling, but he didn't release his hold on her. It felt good to have her in his arms. He was oblivious to the bystanders. He's grown up under the spotlight so he was used to the stares.

Tsukasa reached Tsukushi's room and opened it using his master key (AN: o.O) that Tsukushi didn't know he had. (But if she used her common sense she would realize he has one, after all, the whole deck was reserved only for them.) Tsukushi had fallen asleep in Tsukasa's arms. He laid her on the bed and went to draw her bath. (AN: He's turning into a husband!! Hehe) He came back to her a few minutes later and gently tapped her. "Wake up Tsukushi."

Tsukushi opened her eyes. "Huh? Is it time to go to school already?"

Tsukasa's eye twitched, school?? "No, but you should take a bath before we go to dinner."

"Ehhh?" Tsukushi opened her eyes wider and saw that it was Doumyoji talking to her. She remembered she was still on the boat.

Tsukasa didn't wait for her to register her surroundings. He just repeated, "Take a bath, you won't be as sore tomorrow. Be ready in an hour." Then he left.

Tsukushi stared at the door and blinked. Doumyoji is really different than when he was at school. She inched her way toward the bathroom. She saw that the bath was already drawn and wondered if it was Doumyoji that did it for her. She took off her clothes and stepped in. She groaned. The warmth from the water was seeping into her aching muscles. It felt so good. She took the time to think about Doumyoji. He treated her like no other person ever did. He forced her past her limit but he was also there for her at the end to take care of her. Hanawaza Rui would never have forced her. He would've remained passive. Looking back, she laughed at herself. She realized what she felt for Rui was puppy love but for Doumyoji it was something more, something stronger. She knew she wouldn't have the normal high school romance she wished for. Nothing involving Doumyoji would ever be normal, but maybe this time she could have something resembling it.

She got out of the bath after half an hour when she saw that she was starting to turn into a prune. She dried herself and wore the white bathrobe hanging on the door. She went to her closet to get something to wear when something caught her eye on her bed. She went to her bed and saw a simple navy blue dress with sequins. Doumyoji must have left it there for her to wear. Her first reaction was defiance, "How dare him pick out what clothes she should wear!" She turned to go to her closet, but she paused when she remembered how he took care of her. She decided to indulge him, just this once.

She changed into the dress and went to look at herself in the mirror. The dress looked beautiful, but she realized her face looked a bit plain. She looked down on her dresser. She sat down, rummaged through the drawers and a found makeup kit, jewelry, and accessories. She didn't know how to put on makeup, so she simply chose a lipstick that matched her. She looked at the earrings. They were all so pretty that she didn't know which ones to wear. She decided to go for sapphires because they matched her dress. She looked at the clock, 7: 45. Perfect, she thought, I'm five minutes early. She stood up and realized she didn't pick out shoes yet. Tsukushi groaned, this is why I don't wear fancy clothes. Everything has to match, even shoes. She went into her closet, and as she expected there were more than 'a few' pairs. She narrowed down her choices by looking only at low heels. She knew she couldn't walk in high ones; she'd make a fool out of herself by falling down the stairs. She decided to wear black sandals. They were simple yet elegant. She looked at the time again, 8:00. Perfect!

She went out the door and saw Doumyoji already outside, waiting for her. Her breath was knocked out when she saw him in a tuxedo. It's not like she's never seen him in one, he wore one on his birthday party, but for some reason he looked so much more handsome today.

While Tsukushi was staring at Tsukasa, he was staring at her. "Wow!" was his only thought. When he picked out the dress for her he didn't know she would look so good in it. She didn't wear any makeup except lipstick but for some reason Tsukasa found it even more attractive. He knew she was a natural type of girl.

They both realized they were staring at each other too long. They turned away, and turned red.

Tsukasa cleared his throat. "Shall we go?" and he offered his arm.

Tsukushi suddenly felt shy. "Okay," she replied and hesitantly put her hand in the crook of his arm. They walked in silence. Both were occupied in their own thoughts. Tsukushi moved to turn right, to where the diner was, but Tsukasa moved to turn left. They bumped each other. Tsukushi looked up at him, "Where are you going?"

"We're eating somewhere else tonight." Tsukushi didn't say anything and accepted Tsukasa's lead. They reached their destination. Tsukushi only saw red double doors. She didn't know what was behind them but she suddenly felt nervous. The men at the each side of the door opened it. The light from the room momentarily blinded Tsukushi. They walked into the room and Tsukushi saw a huge chandelier. Belatedly, Tsukushi realized they were in a ballroom. She was amazed there was a huge ballroom in the boat. It was magnificent. All the women wore gowns and the men wore tuxedos in a level below them. Tsukasa and Tsukushi slowly walked down the stairs.

Tsukushi's knees felt weak. Tsukasa put his hand over Tsukushi's hand that was on his arm. He squeezed. "I'm sorry. I know you don't like these parties, but I couldn't back out of this one. It was supposed to be the wedding reception." In their minds flashed all the times they went to parties, especially his birthday party where she met his mother. What a disaster that was. "But after this one, we don't have to go to another one in five months."

"Iie, I understand you have to make a showing. It was supposed to be your marriage. You have to give an explanation." Tsukushi straightened her shoulders and prepared herself for the worst night ever. Tsukasa felt proud of her. She was always ready to face challenges head on.

They walked down the stairs and into the crowd. Tsukasa being the host had to mingle, albeit he wanted to be elsewhere. Tsukasa introduced her as his girlfriend, with no objection from Tsukushi. After a while of mingling Tsukushi excused herself and went for a drink. Tsukasa had to stay and talk some more.

Tsukushi exhaled a sigh of relief. All they were talking about was business, which surprised her because Doumyoji knew so much. She always thought he was just a dumb heir. "So far so good," she thought. But she spoke too soon. There were three other women at the food area.

"So how did you do it?" asked one woman, named Misai Tomoshi.

"Yeah, we ALL want to know how you snagged the richest man in Japan," another, Iyo Sakuya, remarked.

"What trick did you use? Share so that we could learn from you," the last woman, Shizu Kiyono said.

Tsukushi inwardly groaned. She knew something like this was going to happen. She just ignored them. She knew nothing good would come out of talking to them. Their false faces couldn't trick Tsukushi; they were pretending to be her friends. She had enough of that in Eitoku.

But the three girls wouldn't let up. They kept pestering her. Tsukushi started getting mad; her vein was showing on her forehead. Annoying bitches she thought. Tsukasa was walking towards her when he heard their comments. He was about to say something to them when he stopped. He saw Makino getting mad and smiled. He knew she could take care of herself. He smirked; he'll let Makino deal with them.

Tsukushi couldn't take it anymore. "I didn't do anything."

"Come on, you don't have to lie. We're all female trying to get by in this world," said Masai.

Tsukushi rolled her eyes. She sincerely doubt these girls were trying to 'get by.' They're all spoiled princesses. She walked away but Masai grabbed her arm. "Let go," Tsukushi said in a cold tone.

"There's no need to keep to yourself. We can become best friends. We'll show you around the best places in society."

"You people can't seem to understand subtlety so let me say it bluntly, leave me alone bitches." Tsukushi usually wouldn't have been so rude even if others were, but these rich girls annoyed her like nothing else. They pretended to be your friends but at the first chance they'll backstab you. She didn't need these types of people as her friends. Tsukushi shook her arm away from the hold of the other woman.

"You're going to regret this," Masai shouted as Tsukushi walked away.

I already regret meeting you people, Tsukushi thought. She saw Tsukasa standing in front of her. She blushed, "You saw all that?" Tsukasa nodded.

"Gomen,"

"Why are you apologizing?"

"They were probably heiresses and now they'll tell their fathers bad things about you and your company even though they're most likely all lies."

Tsukasa laughed, "I've never had to worry about what anyone thinks about me and my life. If their fathers were so easily influenced then I don't want to do business with them." Tsukushi felt better after hearing him say that. "Forget about them and dance with me." Tsukasa extended his hand.

"But I don't know how to dance."

"It's okay. We'll only do slow dances. You don't have to do anything but lean into me."

Tsukushi blushed she placed her hand in his and they walked out to the dance floor. The music started, it was a song by Utada Hikaru, First Love (AN: is that how you spell her name?) Tsukushi loved her she had all her songs. She stopped thinking and just felt. She loved the way their bodies fit together.

Unbeknownst to them the three girls were staring at them. "What does he see in her anyways?" Iyo asked.

"I have no idea, from what I've heard she's just a poor girl and she's not even pretty," Shizu said.

"We're more qualified to be his girlfriend than she'll ever be," said Masai.

The only reason they were on the boat was because their mothers had hoped they could try to become "friends" with Doumyoji Tsukasa, and perhaps something more than friends. Any sane person would have enough sense not to do this on his supposed honeymoon. But they were all sure that this was an arranged marriage, meaning that there was no love between them. Each girl was confident in her ability to snag a guy. After all they were heiresses and models. But when they saw a girl in a school uniform jump onto the boat they realized their plan wasn't going to work anymore. Not after seeing Doumyoji staring into her eyes like a fool. They realized they were going to have to do something and fast if they were going to hold a position as Doumyoji Tsukasa's wife.

The song ended and everyone came to a full stop. Tsukasa told Tsukushi to wait there on the dance floor. Then he walked up the stairs to stand in the center.

"As you all know this was supposed to be my wedding reception and as you can see there have been some changes. I realized I was about to make a grave error. I was about to marry a woman I didn't love. So there will be no marriage, not at this time." Everyone started murmuring. "But the woman I love is on board and in these five months I want no one to bother us." With that Tsukasa walked down the stairs. The spotlight was still on him. They were following him down the stairs and to the woman he loved. Many girls were jealous, not just the three that talked to Tsukushi. For the most part a lot of couples thought it was romantic.

When Tsukasa reached Tsukushi she blushed, she felt so embarrassed yet happy that he professed his love in front of everyone. When did he become such a smooth talker? She's always thought he was just spoiled person who didn't know Japanese. Tsukasa took Tsukushi in his arms, and as if he willed it the band started playing. It was another slow song, Egao ni Aitai (from Marmalade Boy). They had a few more dances until Tsukasa decided to bring Tsukushi back to her room. She looked exhausted.

"Good night Tsukushi," and kissed her on the forehead.

"Good night," then she walked into her room. It wasn't until a few minutes later that it registered that Doumyoji called her by her first name. She turned red again. She yelled at herself, I have to stop blushing so much! She found that she didn't mind him calling her by her first name. In fact she liked it. She felt their relationship move to another level. She should've been nervous, usually she would be but this time she was happy. She didn't know if it was because she was too tired to be nervous or if something in her changed. She didn't want to think about it. She changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth and went to sleep.

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Wow, that took so long to write. I hope you enjoyed reading it! Please Review! ^_^