Once Upon a Time
By: Mako-chan

Mako-chan officially describes herself as a horrible author. Not only because of her bizarre ideas, officially because of that teeny-weeny part (more accurately the last) of the previous chapter. But to atone for that, here's another chapter for you to be happy and feel good about...I hope. I seem to be hypersensitive about tragic endings lately, that's all. And please watch out for the special appearance of the cookies!!! ;)

Two words: I DON'T.

Chapter 7 - And they meet at last

Xiaoyu approached her bed and sat wordlessly on the soft bed. Teary-eyed, she started to stare at her folded hands, looking at anything but the ripped part of her dress. After a while, she looked hopefully at the young maid. "Himiko, what am I going to do?"

Himiko didn't know what to do either. She started to fiddle and pace a bit, then abruptly stopped. Showing her her own anxiety will just dampen Xiaoyu's hopes more, and that she didn't want. Then her eyes suddenly lit up. Of course!

The sudden twinkle in the young assistant's eyes made Xiaoyu wonder. She watched Himiko as she lifted the bed's sheets, rumaging for some thing. "What are you doing?" she asked quizzically.

"Simple solution to a simple problem," Himiko replied with a smile. "I remember bringing in a big package for you from Mrs. Nomura," she explained. "She said it was a gift for you, but Mrs. Nomura also instructed me never to show it to you or speak of it, unless the right time came. This could be it. I hid it somewhere...here it is!" She pulled a wide box and handed it to Xiaoyu.

FOR EMERGENCY USE. This may come useful one day, and even though you have tried and try to refuse, I insist. A dress fit for a most beautiful young lady. - Mrs. Kei

Xiaoyu held the note written by none other than Mrs. Nomura in her hand, her heart racing. Nervously, she opened the box and her eyes shone like jewels. Elegantly nestled was by far the most beautiful dress she has ever seen. Xiaoyu's thoughts and awe were interrupted when she felt a slight tug in her arm.

"I think it would be best if you wear right away. The night is quickly coming to a pass. I'm certain Master Jin would be just utterly dreadful without you."

Meanwhile...

"My, my. Aren't we the long face, Kazama? Have you turned into such a scrooge that you're trying to drive us out of your expansive estate? You're so boring right now you're even going to end up boring yourself to death!"

"Shut up, Hwoarang. I'm not up for your antics right now," Jin shot back rather coldly.

Hwoarang put down his scotch and sat beside his moping friend. "I hate to say this but...c'mon, there could be worse things in life than getting stood up by a woman. There are still lots of them after all."

Jin took a sip of his drink. "She can't. She just can't. What is taking her so damn long?"

He stared at his friend and gave his head a hopeless shake. But he also had to smile at that. In the years that they have known each other, Jin was not the type to pine over a date...not that he had done tons of it in the past as well. Seeing him getting caught up in no less than his big day was starting to crack up Hwoarang like no tomorrow. Although, it would be nice to see the kitty that Jinny was waiting for, Hwoarang thought with interest.

Himiko expelled a breath of relief and exhaustion. "There, all done." She surveyed her work and she couldn't be any prouder. It was painstaking to redo Xiaoyu's hair but it was all worth the time and effort. From the simple twist, Himiko had to unbound her hair but only to transform it into something so much more breathtaking. Her hair was up in soft waves and curls, but was left to flow and sway freely down her back. The front relatively untouched except for a change in the parting of her hair. Himiko finished with a string of little crystals that she meticulously weaved through Xiaoyu's hair, making it as if she was wearing a crown.

"Wow...I could never thank you enough!" Xiaoyu gave Himiko a hug.

"He will be so happy to see you. Have a good night, Miss Xiaoyu," she said with a warm smile.

"Stop joking, don't call me that!" she gushed. "Well, I guess I'll be off then."

Himiko walked away brimming with satisfaction. In fact, she wasn't joking. Though Xiaoyu never fully knew or understood, she was always the mistress of the household.

Donned in a strapless satin dress, Xiaoyu resisted every temptation to break into a dash. Her dress was required her to lift up her skirts if she were to make the slightest move. "I never thought going to the grand garden was this hard."

Jin ran an exhausted hand through his hair. He slumped a bit, and started to loosen the buttons on his cuffs and collar.

Hwoarang can only watch his friend as he spun his partner from the dance floor.

"Finally." Xiaoyu had to catch her breath both from exhaustion and excitement. The mansion's main garden was impressive and sprawling, but now it was way beyond her imagination. Twinkling lights and candles, sparkling glasses and beautfiul people, and grand walkway that welcomed her to the gardens. "This is like..."

"...a faery tale." Jin breathed his words, his wineglass halfway arrested to his lips. Slowly he rose up, his eyes riveted and unmoving at the beauty standing at the top of the stairs.

"Who is she, Jin? Wait a minute, is --"

Jin cut off his friend and replied with a smile. "She's mine."

Xiaoyu felt pink and heat stain her already rosy cheeks. Everybody was looking at her, and all actions stopped. A million thoughts were running around her head, and she found it excruciatingly hard to take a step.

"Princess."

Rattled, Xiaoyu looked down at the bottom of the stairs. Her eyes sparkled with a smile. "Jin."

Sheepishly running a hand through his hair, he took mental note of how worn out he was. He climbed up, only to stop a few steps away from her. He offered his hand. "The wait was well worth it."

Xiaoyu's head snapped, completely taken by surprise. "You were waiting?" she asked as he led her to the dance floor.

Jin quickly turned his away, feeling a sudden surge of blood creep up his face, reaching his ears. "You're HORRIBLY late. And I just don't get it," he reprimanded, trying to change the subject.

"I know, I know. It's stupid. I just got into some kind of trouble. Can you forgive me just this once?"

Jin cleared his throat. "Forgiven and completely forgotten."

"Thank you. Thank you for everything," Xiaoyu said. Gently, she extracted her arms from his hand and shoulder. Jin reflected disappointment then his heart raced the next minute. Affectionately, Xiaoyu had her arms around his neck and settled her head comfortably on his broad chest, as they continued to sway to the slow music.

Jin could no longer resist the temptation of running a hand on her smooth and delicate back. "Have I ever told you...you feel so wonderful in my arms?" he asked, his voice deep as he buried his face in her tresses.

Xiaoyu closed her eyes as she felt Jin's arms tighten around her. When she heard those tender words from him, she just gave her a dreamy whimper. "Have I ever told you too," she said, her voice muffled, "how bad you are at wooing girls like me?"

He gave a hearty laugh and cupped her delicate face. "But you do like it, don't you?" Jin earned a giggled from Xiaoyu in return.

"Oh, the song's ended."

Jin looked at Xiaoyu playfully. "I've an idea. This way," he said, as if to show her his biggest secret. They sneaked past the guests and was running away.

"Where are you taking me?"

The handsome couple came to a complete stop, right in front of one of the tall vined walls. Still holding Xiaoyu with one hand, Jin tried to search for some kind of opening. "Here it is." He gave the wall a push and it swung open. "After you."

"Oh my. I-I never knew of this place. But I swear I've gone to every room and corner of this estate." Not long after, she realized that she had said too much and clamped her hands over her mouth. To make things worse, Jin looked at her, an eyebrow raised suspiciously.

"I never went to your room without your consent!" she protested.

"Never said anything to you, love."

Love? Did he just call me 'Love'?

"This is a secret place. My parents brought me here when I was younger. I remember it just like it was yesterday. They told me that if I wanted to be by myself...or if I wanted to spend so much time with someone I love...then I should bring her here," Jin said, his blush very much evident...if only Xiaoyu could see it without his back turned on her. "Come, sit beside me." He patted the spot right next to him.

Her hands grew cold and her heart was pounding faster and stronger than ever. All she could feel was a flutter. Slowly and gracefully, she took a seat. Xiaoyu slightly tucked a stray lock of her hair. "I-I almost forgot! I got something for you."

"Oh...well, where is it?"

She started to twiddle her thumbs. "I-uh...Look away!" she shouted at Jin, then instantly turning his head the other direction.

"Careful! You're gonna break someone's neck!" he shot back, rubbing his nape.

"I'm sorry! It's just that I-uh...have to uh...reach under my-uh..."

Jin waved his hand, smiling sheepishly. "Go ahead. I won't look. Of all places to hide...aren't you taking a little too long? Let me instead." Arms folded, he turned to Xiaoyu who pulled the container finally, causing her gown to billow down. He felt an eyebrow twitch uncontrollably.

"Ecchi! Just because it's your birthday doesn't mean you can be a pervert...Here. I know it's not fancy or anything, but do try to act like you find it nice, okay?" Slightly embarrassed, she placed the tupperware on Jin's lap and looked away like a prudish lady.

Fortunately for Jin, she wasn't watching him go ten different shades of red. When he opened the lid, he couldn't contain his smile. Cookies. Yummy-looking cookies. "You made this. You made this...for me?"

"Well, I gave it to you, didn't I?" Xiaoyu snapped, turning to face him. She saw an expression she's never seen before. Was he touched?

"The last time somebody made something for me was when my mother was alive." He set the gift aside. "Thank you," he said, while he had Xiaoyu gathered in a tight embrace. Slowly, Jin pulled her at arms length and cupped her tender cheek. Then he leaned forward for a kiss, when suddenly he felt Xiaoyu's hand on his face, pushing him away. "What?!" he exclaimed, extremely irritated.

"Oh no, you don't! I won't give you any reason to make fun of me afterwards!"

"Is that how you felt every time I stole a kiss? Is that what I made you feel?" Jin asked quietly and earnestly.

Xiaoyu turned her head and placed an arm across her. "Well, it's just that I felt confused...afterwards. My heart beats wildly...each kiss...I can never seem stop myself from thinking about them. You see, no man has ever kissed me before. And...I always--" She was hushed by the gentle fingers on her lips.

"No more. I guess I never gave you what you wanted. Let's do it. Let's kiss again," Jin said brightly, wrapping his arms around Xiaoyu's waist and shoulders. He brought her closer to him, and now she was cradled on his lap.

She waved her hands in refusal and gave a nervous laugh. "It's not that--I mean, you don't have to--Yyou're a great kisser! I mean it!" She blurted out in halfhearted protest. But Xiaoyu never even made a move run a away. Jin's touch was sending shivers all over her body. "Don't take it per--" She was robbed of words and reason as soon as she felt his lips touch hers.

Jin's lips descended like a feather, soft and gentle. Tenderly, he kissed Xiaoyu's lower lip, nipping and teasing. He traced a delicate cheek and then, his hand came to rest upon her nape. She tasted so sweet, Jin couldn't do anything but help himself. He was kissing her so deeply that he didn't want to let go of her.

Melting...she was melting in his embrace. Of the times Jin had kissed her, she would have a hard time deciding which she liked best. But what Jin was doing far surpasses them. She could feel his want for her, and she wanted him so bad as well. Here she was in the garden pavillion behaving like wanton. She didn't care because she liked it so much, but they had to stop. Breathing was becoming labored.

Gently and slowly they broke the kiss, neither one wanting to stop, but had to stop. At least they knew they had to stop. Jin tried to put a stop to the familiar sensation invading his lower region while Xiaoyu tried to calm her raising heart. She was wonderfully flushed and she felt feverish all of a sudden.

"I hope," Jin began as he looked into Xiaoyu's eyes, "your first kiss will be a fond memory for you."

The night wore on and to Xiaoyu, everything seemed like a fairy tale. With a graceful twirl, she landed on the bed with a soft plop. Just thinking about the kiss they shared that night made her heart race, familiar feelings came washing over her again. Even if she thought of it a million times, she would not tire of the memory. "Tonight will be filled with nothing but sweet dreams." She turned of the bedside lamp with a click, closed her eyes and surrendered to deep slumber.