Chapter 13- Unwelcome

Destiny's POV

Math didn't seem so horrible anymore. Sure Ms. Stokes still hated me, and Kate still made all her snide remarks but I didn't really care anymore. Actually, none of her insults even scratched me. Because all I had to do was stand next to Kai and she would glare in hatred, looking extremely offended. Call it payback, or part of it anyway. What fun.

Although Tala wasn't in class, and that may be part of it…

"Destiny, pay attention". I jumped. Ms. Stokes was glaring at me over her glasses, "Detention after school"

I scowled. The last thing I wanted was detention. Besides, I didn't have to pick up Tommy so I was going to Kai's place after school for some business party thing.

"I can't" I replied firmly and Ms. Stokes eyebrows came together, making her look as if she only had one. I suppressed the urge to laugh.

She stared suspiciously at me, "Why not?"

I crossed my arms and leant back in my seat, "It's none of your business"

I am so asking for it. Ms. Stokes was pulling a Kate, glaring and shaking in anger.

"Just leave her alone," Kai ordered, and Ms. Stokes seemed as if she were trying to speak, but nothing was coming out. I think I like her better that way.

A few people were snickering and Kai was staring back in an 'end of discussion' sort of way.

Ms. Stokes kept making little noises, and I assumed she was muttering to herself. But as much as I knew she wanted to, she didn't say anything to Kai, or even me for that matter. Instead she turned back to the board and started writing, in sharp jerky letters.

I grinned at him and he winked in return. I suppressed the urge to giggle. When I turned back to face the board Kate was staring at me awkwardly.

"What?" I asked innocently. She turned up her nose and faced the front, thrusting her hand into the air.

"But only right angle….yes Kate?" Ms. Stokes said impatiently.

Kate sat up straight, clearing her throat to get everyone's attention. She thinks she so significant, it makes me want to hurl.

"Well" she began loudly, "I don't think Destiny should be excused from detention Miss"

I rolled my eyes and I heard Kai sigh in annoyance. Oh, this is like a mini war.

Ms. Stokes looked like a deer caught in headlights. Who was she supposed to side with? Kai (and me), or Kate? After all both of their guardians had a huge influence and could take away her job in a heartbeat. I leant back in my chair to enjoy the show.

"Your objections are noted" she finally replied, rather weakly too.

The look on Kate's face was priceless. Definitely a Kodak moment. She slunk back down, a dark scowl plastered on her face.

Ms. Stokes didn't continue her lesson though, and instead copied the homework onto the board and sat down behind her desk buried behind stacks of paper. She looked close to passing out.

I shifted my chair over to Kai's desk and dumped my books on top of it. He raised a brow.

"Wanna work with me?" I beamed, plunking down into my seat.

"Do I have a choice?" he said, a bemused look on his handsome face. Picking up my pencil I waited for him to answer the first question. I propped up my chin with my free hand to watch.

"Wha?" I said when he finished, "How did you do that?"

He shook his head, "Here"

He explained the numbers on his paper. I cocked my head to one side. Ok, something about Pythagoras, and something squared equals something else squared. Uh huh, ok.

But I wasn't hearing him anymore. Instead I was watching his mouth move to words I could only vaguely hear. He really is gorgeous.

His hair fell gracefully into his eyes and I reached out idly and brushed it away, tracing my fingers lightly down his cheek. He stopped talking and gave me a small smile.

"Just copy mine," he said, shaking his head. I'm hopeless, I know.

I giggled. "Thanks!" I exclaimed cheerfully.

When class ended I received some odd stares as I exited, skipping happily after Kai. I only just caught sight of Mark disappearing around the corner.

-

Lunchtime finally came and I followed the crowd into the cafeteria. I started heading toward the table Mark, Cassidy and me always sat at, but stopped halfway. They were both there, deep in discussion. Cass was looking grim and Mark determined. I couldn't…

Instead I sat down at a deserted table. My good mood from the morning was gone, and now it felt like a storm cloud was floating above my head. And after receiving a cold look from Mark it started to rain.

I put my head down on the table, I felt tired all of a sudden. Maybe it was the storm sucking out all my energy. Yea that's it… my imaginary storm cloud…

"Destiny". Someone was shaking my shoulder. I lifted my head up to look.

Kai was standing over me, a slightly concerned look in his auburn eyes. I smiled.

"You all right?" he asked and I nodded. "Come on then"

He waited for me to get up before leading me towards another table. I stopped dead in my tracks. No. Way.

"They don't bite," he whispered encouragingly in my ear and then sitting in his usual seat at the crowded table. I noticed there were no empty seats and people were standing around and even sitting on the table. I followed him reluctantly. So much for my refusal.

"Destiny" Tala greeted, and I was surprised to hear his voice wasn't frosty like it usually was when he spoke to me. It appeared he had skipped math today.

"er, Tala" I replied awkwardly and went to stand beside Kai's chair. Everyone around the table was giving me weird looks, seemingly accusing me for being alive. See, I knew this was a bad idea.

"Sorry Kai" I muttered, and then tried to hurry away but he caught my wrist.

He pulled me down onto his lap. I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks and I hid my face in his shoulder. Wrapping one arm around my waist, he used the other to grab a couple fries from his tray. That's when I caught sight of Kate. She was surrounded by a couple of guys I didn't know. But she wasn't paying any attention to their attempts to impress her; her eyes were narrowed at me. She really is fun to toy with.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, placing my head on his shoulder and snuggling into his chest. I smiled and sent her a small wave. She jerked her eyes away, her lips tight in fury. I chuckled.

I reached out and snagged some fries. Fat foods always taste so good, it's hard to resist.

Kai gave a quiet laugh. The fries were making me hungry though so I told Kai I'd be right back and then pranced off to go buy some.

I returned with a chocolate ice cream cup instead, getting comfortable in his lap again. I ripped off the top and dug in my spoon.

"mmmm" I spooned some into my mouth. Ice cream is so good. I held out a spoon of it to Kai. He shook his head. I glared at him.

"Eat it," I commanded.

"No" he replied flatly.

"Eat it Kai," I repeated.

"No" he said again.

"Come on just one spoon"

"No"

"Please?"

"No"

"Come on, its just ice cream"

"No"

"Kai, do it"

"No"

"Why not?"

"No"

"Oh come on"

"No"

"puhlease"

"No"

"Pretty please?"

"No"

"Pretty please with a cherry on top?"

"No"

"Kaaaaaai"

"N-"

I shoved it into his mouth.

He almost choked and I burst into a fit of giggles. But then he jammed a spoonful into my mouth. Only I actually did choke. Coughing and gagging I managed to swallow it and stay alive.

"That wasn't very nice," I spluttered, gasping for air.

"Serves you right" he retorted and I stuck my tongue out at him.

A pretty pink-haired girl spoke up, "You two make a cute couple" she observed, a far-away sort of look in her eye. I blinked.

"Thanks", I beamed and snuggled back into my boyfriend's chest, quietly eating my ice cream in peace.

"So…Destiny is it?" A chinese boy with black hair spoke up. I nodded.

He grinned, "I'm Ray"

I already knew that of course, but I didn't bother pointing that out. I smiled pleasantly back at him. He continued to stare at me in a curious sort of way.

"Yea, she's Canaslut" Tala said casually, a hint of delight hidden in his voice.

I glared at him, "I told you to stop calling me that"

He only laughed in return. Michael had turned his attention towards us though and I absentmindedly tightened my grip around Kai's neck. The way he always looks at me is way beyond creepy.

-

No. No no no no.

"Kai, why are they all coming?" I whispered, taking his hand with both of mine. Tala, Michael, Kailee and Ray were all standing next to Kai's car.

He didn't answer though, as we approached the newly interiored Mercedes. Kailee jumped up squealing and embraced me in a bone-crushing hug.

"Hey Kay" I smiled after she let go, allowing me to breathe again. She pulled me to one side as everyone else piled into the car.

"Oh my god, I heard that you and Kai are an item" she gushed quietly, grinning broadly.

I giggled, "Yeah"

She hugged me again, and then her expression went serious as her eyes flickered over the car. She seemed to notice my anxiousness.

"Kai won't let him near you again Des, trust me" she assured, glancing at Michael. I nodded my thanks. God, why am I afraid of like…everything?

"Talk later, let's go" Tala whined as he slid into the back seat. Kailee laughed and then slid in next to him followed by Ray. Kai started up the car and I quickly climbed into the seat next to him. And then I felt Michael sit next to me. A cold shiver went up my spine and I moved closer to Kai.

"I thought this was a business party thing…why are they all coming?" I whispered in his ear, leaning into his warm side.

He nodded, "Their parents work for Voltaire's company"

"Even Tala's?" I asked curiously, keeping my voice down so no one else could hear.

Kai shook his head, "Tala has no parents"

What?

-

"You look fine," Kailee told me as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. But I really didn't think so. The dress was long, dark and tight. It had a very wide neck, with short sleeves of folded black material, drawing attention to my heart-shaped locket linked around my neck. A clip with a big black flower pulled back my hair on one side. I looked like some sort of 'Queen of Darkness' or something. I couldn't decide if I liked it or not.

"I dunno" I replied unsurely, twirling in front of the glass. Kailee had done my make-up, and my lips were so loaded with lip-gloss they looking like water. At least she'd gone easy on the eyeliner. I didn't even let her do eye shadow, afraid of what she'd do. But I did let her pick out my earrings, and so I had silver ones, with three silver strands falling at different lengths from the stud. Close-toed black heels were slipped on my feet matching the black dress.

She rolled her eyes, an amused smile pulling at her lips, "You do"

I grinned back, finally agreeing and fell back onto her pale yellow bedspread. I whistled as she struck a pose, one hand on her hip and the other behind her head. We burst into giggles. She really did look pretty though. She was wearing a ruby coloured sleeveless dress that fell to her ankles with a slit that ran up to her knee complete with black shoes.

"Shall we go?" Kailee asked extending her hand. I shook my head.

"Kai was gonna pick me up, but since I'm already here he's gonna pick me up from your room" I chirped, adjusting the short sleeve on my shoulder.

Kailee nodded, "You're always supposed to escort you're partner through the doors" she said traditionally.

"But we're already inside…" I said slowly. Was I going to have to go outside and then walk back in? How pointless.

"Oh no, you have to make an entrance with Kai" Kailee explained as if I should already know this. Which of course, I didn't.

"Are you doing this 'entrance' thing?" I asked curiously and she sighed.

"No" she said in a soft voice, rejection clearly entwined in her words, "Just Voltaire and then you and Kai"

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold the phone. Just me and Kai? And Voltaire? No. Nuh uh. Why was I never told? Did they want to give me a heart attack? I stood up and started pacing.

"Why uh… well why just…WHAT?" I stammered, my fingers pressed against my temples as I paced.

Kailee watched me walk back and forth. "Oh…" she said unsurely, "I thought you knew"

"NO" I shrieked and Kailee jumped a little.

"Oh, well yea. Voltaire's the head of the company and Kai's his heir, so they always do. Not till everyone arrives though. And then he gives a small welcome speech and that's it" Kailee explained thoughtfully.

I nodded slowly. Ok, not too bad. At least I don't have to say anything. But Kailee was staring at me suspiciously.

"That's not all is it" I said flatly. This whole thing was starting to seem like a big mistake.

She sighed, confirming my suspicions. "Well you guys have to lead the first dance"

"Kai or Voltaire?" I asked, hoping it was the latter.

"Both"

Did I say big mistake? I meant huge. Ok, this could be worse. It's not that big a deal. Aside from having to stand within 10 feet of Voltaire. Oh my god.

There was a knock at the door. I opened it to reveal Kai dressed in a black suit. I grinned, he looked damn hot.

"Ready?" he asked and I nodded linking my arm through his. All right. Time to get this over with.

-

"Oh my god" I whispered nervously as I watched more people pour through the doors, hand their coats to two girls wearing matching blue dresses and then turn into the hall on their left. At the end of this hall was the huge room that the ball was being held in. Kai's house is seriously too big.

"How many people are coming?" I asked Kai, my eyes wide.

He shrugged, "couple hundred or so. Not really sure"

"Oh" I said faintly. Well, that's not too many….yea…

We waited for everyone to arrive. I fidgeted with my hands nervously as we waited. I felt an arm fall across my shoulders and I moved closer to Kai's side.

"Is it almost time yet?" I asked. There were no more people filing in through the doors anymore. He nodded.

"Kai" a deep male voice came from behind. I jumped.

Voltaire was standing there; wearing a strange black suit under the black cape fastened with a gold chain and fell to his ankles. His cold empty eyes came to a halt on me. I tried to smile, but only ended up biting my lip.

"Where is Miss Hiramaki?" He asked as he stared disapprovingly at me. Nice to see you too…

"Probably already inside" Kai said flatly. Voltaire shook his head.

"You are a disgrace Kai" he said, as if it were hurting him. "I'm ashamed"

I looked at Kai, but he didn't look even slightly bothered. Actually, he looked sort of amused.

We followed him to the end of the hall. Curtains had been drawn across the arch and we stopped in front of them.

'Please welcome Voltaire Hiwatari' said a voice from behind it. The curtains immediately flew open and Voltaire walked through proudly. A loud applause echoed through the hall.

'His Grandson Kai Hiwatari and Miss Kate Hiramaki'

I froze. Kai no longer looked amused. He looked downright angry. Well, I assumed so by the way fire burned in his auburn eyes.

People whispered as we walked through, pointing at me. I looked up at Kai, he nodded and we kept going up to the stage at the front.

We stood behind Voltaire as he made a small speech, saying nothing too significant. I wondered what his company did, to make so much money. Must be important.

"…Kai is the heir to this company. I will be retiring in only a few years. Ladies and Gentlemen…my grandson" Voltaire finished as he gestured to Kai.

Kai stepped forward, "There was a misunderstanding in the introductions, this is Destiny Springfield"

I stepped forward absent-mindedly, butterflies flying wildly in my stomach.

"Thank you" he said flatly. Voltaire glared at him. It was strange how powerful Kai actually looked standing next to Voltaire. They were about the same height; Kai may be a little shorter. But I couldn't see the family resemblance.

"Yes, I'm Kate Hiramaki" an annoying female voice spoke up. She always has to be the centre of attention.

I looked down to see her dressed in a bright pink strapless dress; it had high slits on both sides and extremely tight. She was so obviously not wearing a bra.

More whispers. Interesting how much this matters. Stupid wealthy snob people and their stupid social status.

A man stepped out from behind her. He was relatively tall, with short dark brown hair and a perfect moustache. He was dressed in a sharp black suit and black shoes that glowed in the light.

"Ah Voltaire, Could I ask your grandson's first dance be with my daughter?"

Voltaire's lips turned up into a sneer as he glanced at me, "Of course Richard"

I wanted to object, but I knew it was pointless. It wasn't my party, and I knew I wasn't really welcome here either. I could only watch as Kate dragged Kai to the dance floor. I guess he had no choice as well. He was looking very displeased though.

Voltaire took the floor with a relatively tall, square shaped woman. She had sharp features, a long nose and narrow hazel eyes. She, did however, appear to be high up in the company. I quietly climbed off the stage and sat down at one of the circular tables close to the wall.

I watched Kai keep pushing Kate off of him. She'd wrap her arms around his neck, and push her body against his. I couldn't watch. It hurt.

I stared at the other couples slowly coming on to the floor joining the Hiwataris. I sighed, what a disaster.

"Wanna dance?" I looked up to see Michael, his hand extended.

I laughed, "Are you kidding"

He shook his head, "I'm serious"

"I think I'll pass" I told him and then turned my back to him. He reappeared in front of again though.

"I won't try anything, I promise" he persisted. He did look sincere. I nodded, after all there were a lot of people here, he couldn't really do anything.

He led me to the floor and put his hands on my waist. I slowly, put mine loosely around his neck. As the music played on, somehow I ended up close to him and I could feel his breath on my skin. I started to pull back, but his grip was tight. I fell back into his uncomfortable embrace.

"I'm sorry" he whispered suddenly.

"For what?" I said stupidly, leaning back so I could look at his face.

He sighed, "At Kai's party. I hurt you. I'm sorry"

Ok, weird. What I really wanted to say was Sorry doesn't cut it, but somehow I said, "thanks" instead. I mentally smacked myself, I'm too nice. After all I hate this guy. But somehow those feelings of hate didn't register much anymore as I looked at his face. He actually looked sorry and sincere. I wondered if forgiving him was a good idea.

"What are you doing"

I jumped. The song was over and Kai was standing next to us. Michael let go of me.

"Just dancing, she was alone" Michael smiled. When did he get so sincere. Maybe he really had changed…? But in so little time?

Kai was glaring at him until I hugged him, "It was fine, nothing happened ok?"

He nodded and hugged me back as Michael walked away.

"Wanna dance?" I chirped and he shrugged. I took that as a yes and wrapped my arms tightly around his neck. No more Kate for him. I relaxed in his embrace, it was comfortable and I felt protected, so unlike the way I felt with Michael.

"Why'd you dance with him?" Kai asked me softly.

I shrugged, "I couldn't watch you with her"

I looked up at him, and he nodded. I rested my forehead against his and closed my eyes. This was the way life's supposed to be. Happy.

"Kai" I whispered and he murmured in reply. His lips were only centimeters from mine. I closed the gap. I felt myself melt in his arms and-

"What the hell are you doing" a female shrieked. I turned my head to find Kate glaring at us.

"Umm, kissing my boyfriend?" I said innocently, and her eyes narrowed.

She glared at me and then smiled seductively at Kai. She reached out her hand to touch him when I slapped it away.

"Don't touch him," I growled.

"Daddy" Kate shrieked. "DADDY"

I was so confused. How random was that? Richard Hiramaki was suddenly here asking if Kate was all right. Maybe not so random…

"She won't stay away from Kai" Kate whispered as if she were actually hurt.

He looked shocked, "Is this true Miss"

"Umm, what?" I exclaimed in confusion.

"It's true daddy" Kate assured him.

Richard shook his head, "Miss Springfield, I'm sorry but this man belongs to my daughter, I'm going to have to ask you to focus your business elsewhere"

I glowered at him. "I'm not a whore" I spat, "That place has already been filled by your slut of a daughter"

He was mortified which quickly turned to anger, "Don't ever speak to me like that again"

Egotistic asshole. I shrugged, "Same goes to you"

His nostrils flared, "I think it's time for you to leave"

"Yes I agree" I turned to see Voltaire.

I looked from one to the other, "What?"

Voltaire rolled his eyes, "Ever since you have entered this house you have been nothing but a problem. I don't want you here. Go throw yourself at some other guys, Kai is not available. There is no room for a poor, clingy little slut in his life."

His words stung. I looked at Kate who once again was all over Kai.

"Fine" I whispered. "Fine."

I ran out of the room, yanking the curtains in front of the entrance arch off their rod and kicking over the table sending sheets of paper flying everywhere, Voltaire can pick them all up. Serves him right. Serves him damn right.

-

Ok, I know I haven't updated in a long time. And I'm sorry this chappie isn't too great. I found it sorta confusing. But anyways I'll try and update really soon this time. I want to say thanks for waiting…not that you really had a choice. But thanks!

Oh, and next chapter I'm gonna start personally thanking each reviewer. Yea, so. Review! Please?