Disclaimer: I don't own N&TV or TPD

A/N I'll have to be less tactful now, you people really are forcing me to resort to this... Hello? Is anyone even reading this? Because let me know if I'm wasting my time. I could jolly well be MSNing my friends instead of staying offline to write. If anyone does happen to read this, and has actually read this far, I have a little message for you: It would be quite sad if I finish this story and my review count stays on 4. A measly. pathetic. 4. I'm not asking for triple-digits, I'm only asking for TWO digits. Is that to much to ask for?? Ok, I've scared enough readers away. On with the story.

Pretending nothing happened seemed to be a great accomplishment of Josh's. He'd -so far- managed to pretend that Mia hadn't turned away from his first attempt at a kiss, and now he was pretending that he hadn't kissed her- and the little part where she'd responded.

Upon reaching the Richter Manor, Mia silently showered and got dressed. She didn't know what to make of it all, she was just really confused. When the time came, Josh escorted her to the ball, and claimed the first and last dance. As he left to request the second dance of other ladies, Mia sat down at one of the nearby tables...

...and spotted Michael right opposite her. She let out a little cry, then, no longer startled, proceded in making small talk with him. How was the tour with Jarre? She asked politely. Mia stared at his grim expression. Surely he could mean that he'd already proposed? Not to be outdone, Mia smiled the best smile she could muster. Josh kissed me just now, in the gardens. She noted that Michael's expression changed from grim to disappointed.

Why? Mia wondered. After all, he'd gone and proposed so suddenly! Unsure of what to do, she decided to elaborate. It's the second time he's tried. Oh, yes? Michael's tone was mild. Infuriated by his calm demeanour, Mia continued. The first time I avoided him. Then, today, I kissed him back. Mia had missed Michael's initial hopeful expression, but his stricken expression did not escape her.

Mia was hurt that she'd made him upset, and worse, had wanted to do it. Angry at herself for even caring about her feelings, she hissed at him, Oh, don't play the fool with me. What about Jarre? You barely know her -I'm surprised if you've even seen her more than twice... go on, say you have!... I knew it, you barely know the girl and already you invite her on a so called tour' of Yhuria. AND who knows, you've probably proposed to her by now... for goodness sake, I only kissed the guy!

Angry, Mia wished in all the world that she coiuld just get up and leave him hanging... but that was against the rules and social manners. She could not cut a Prince- especially one of such a wealthy country as Yhuria.

Forcing herself to sit, Mia had no choice but to hear Michael's explanation. And that, he difinitely needed to do his fair share of. Mia, I haven't proposed... there was a reason why I invited her, and you're right. Mia was jerked awake. She was? I am? Michael sighed. Yes. I have hardly ever seen her, and did not know a single thing about her, but I truly was on business, and that business had nothing to do with recommending myself. In fact, I do hope that what I've learnt is not true. If only it weren't! Mia was, once again, confused. Whatever are you talking about? I don't quite follow.

Michael sighed again. I think I've already said too much. Listen, the musicians are finishing this song. May I have the next dance? Mia agreed, even though she was confused.

As Michael lightly placed his hands about her waist, and she stood close to him, Mia truly meant to figure out what was going on. But at his touch, and his nearness, all wit fled, and left her quite shocked to silence. She gave up, and rested her head upon his broad, strong shoulders.

A/N There! See? I'm being nice and giving this chapter a proper ending. It's your turn to be nice. Am I being too tactful? Or should I spell it out? Oh well, I'll give you people a chance to prove your ability to read between the lines. Oh, and also, when I read the reviews for other peoples' fics, all I ever see are nice things. Why can't I have nice reviewers too? You people are too harsh on me....

*goes off into the corner and looks all sad and puppy-eyed. You come nearer to comfort me and realise that I am really hiding behind an illusion and reading the Obernewtyn Chronicles again. Sigh, you just gotta love those books.*