Title – Destined together
Disclaimer – I don't own Cardfight! Vanguard or any of its characters…
A/N – Hello everyone! I know, I know, I'm late for the update… But anyway! Here's the new chapter! And thank you for the wonderful reviews and waiting! I made the chapter long too! So RnR, Fav and Follow! ^^
'…' - Thoughts
"…" - Speaking
Chapter 12
No One's POV
"Good morning, Misaki-chan! I missed you!" greeted Rukino cheerfully.
"Rukino-san, you are here… Good morning!" Misaki greeted back and smiled. "I… missed you too" she added.
"Here, I brought you some clothes. They are my daughter's. I think they'll fit you" said Rukino handing a bag to Misaki who looked surprised. "They are not of any use anyway…" she mumbled looking away, quietly.
"Huh…?"
"Nothing!"
"But… I…"
"No need to think much of it. Besides, you can't always cosplay you know" Rukino stated, pointing at Misaki's maid outfit. "Although, I'm sure Toshiki won't mind" she added, smirking.
Misaki smiled awkwardly. She was wearing the maid costume again (which Rukino had lent to her) as she had to wash the other one (which she had received from Asaka). She had no other clothes for the day so she had no choice anyway…
"Umm… Thank you, Rukino-san. I'm really grateful" Misaki smiled, gratefully.
"No need" Rukino waved her hand, dismissively. "I better go and make breakfast. Is Toshiki awake?" she asked as they walked side by side.
"I don't know…" Misaki shrugged.
"So… Did something happen while I was gone? You know… between Toshiki and you? Did he try anything?" enquired Rukino, wiggling her eyebrows at Misaki who sweat dropped. "I mean you were alone with him so…" she continued causing Misaki to feel awkward. Misaki was about to speak but was interrupted.
"Good morning, Misaki-san… Oh, Rukino-san, you are here" greeted Shingo, nodding at both the women.
"Shingo-kun! You're back? Then where is Naoki?" asked Rukino.
"He's in the kitchen. Well… I'll catch you later ladies. We have lot of work today. See you around" waved Shingo and left.
"Hmm… Misaki-chan, after you change clothes, check up on Toshiki. Wake him up, if he's still sleeping and call him for breakfast" said Rukino. "We'll talk later" she added and winked before leaving.
"…" Misaki stared into the space. 'Why me!'
Misaki stifled a yawn. She felt tired now, mentally as well as physically. Her plan to make her so called 'Master' frustrated and annoyed had backfired. She recalled his over friendliness and gritted her teeth. Oh… how furious he makes her…
She sighed for umpteenth time now. 'Slave sounds correct term for me now, I guess… I can't believe my plan has backfired. I don't think it's working since he really thinks I am willingly obeying his orders. Now he thinks he had won… And his overfriendliness is killing me. I have to think something else. If he continuous this, I might snap. And now his uncle is also coming…' she thought and recalled…
Previous Day
Evening….
Misaki glanced to her right side… Yes, she still inspects the hallways because of a certain someone… Call her paranoid but she thinks he is everywhere and mostly he's there when she least expects him to be…
"Tokura"
Misaki whipped her head to her left at Kai's voice and gasped. Kai raised his eyebrow at her as she stared at him with wide eyes. He smirked. He had been watching her since lunch… er… merely observing her behavior, he corrected, and he knew how much his behavior is affecting her but still she hasn't snapped at him, much to his amazement.
'She's holding back much better… I would've confronted her about her little act but it might be useful for me since she's not complaining' he thought, shrugging.
"Kai-sama, I have completed the task. Do you need anything else?" asked Misaki, composing herself. 'Why am I freaking out?' she thought.
"No" replied Kai. "…My Uncle will be here in two days and I need you to help others prepare for his arrival…" he added, referring to Rukino, Shingo and Naoki.
"Uncle…?" muttered Misaki, thoughtfully.
"Yes" replied Kai. "He'll be here for a while… I guess…" he added, running his hand through his hair. Misaki noted a hint of distress in his voice and… she chose to ignore it.
"Okay, Kai-sama. I'll do my best" said Misaki and tried to hide the sarcasm in her voice but failed.
Kai sighed, looking at her carrying on with her act. He nodded and stepped ahead. 'I guess… our silent war needs to stop for a while' he thought.
"What about your family?" she blurted out causing Kai to pause in his steps. She noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere around him. 'Did the temperature suddenly dropped?' she thought.
"None of your business" he gritted out, sending her a glare.
"I was just asking"
"Why? Curious about me… Tokura?"
"N-no! I was just thinking… if there are any other… more people? I thought your family would visit-…"
"They won't. Never… Not anymore" he stated before entering his room. "And don't disturb me" he added and shut the door with a thud, muffling Misaki's words.
"I… am sorry…"
Present time….
Misaki shook her head and knocked on Kai's door. She got a reply of "Coming in five". She shrugged and left at that, not really wanting to be near or alone with him.
'He seemed angry. I shouldn't have pried into his personal life… And he seemed sad… almost. Hold on! What am I thinking! I have to think of something about my predicament not HIM! But still…' she thought, trudging across the hallway.
Some Time Later…..
'If what I think is correct… then I'm in a big trouble. It's just an assumption but still… I must think of a way to avoid it before I get trapped. But what?' thoughts kept running in Kai's mind. He went on his silent and stoic self since yesterday evening when he told Misaki not to disturb him. He even ate his dinner in his room last night.
"Good morning, Toshiki dear" greeted Rukino and started serving breakfast for Kai.
"Hm. Morning, Rukino-san" Kai greeted back with a curt nod and took his seat as usual when Misaki came back with a carton of juice.
"Anything else you want?" asked Rukino. Kai shook his head 'No' and glanced at Misaki then turned to Rukino who was about to leave.
"Is everything alright at home?" he asked to Rukino. Rukino looked at him and smiled. Misaki was… surprised.
"Everything's fine, dear. You don't have to ask this every week when I come back, you know" Rukino replied.
"Hn" grunted Kai, stoically. "Where are Shingo and Naoki? Don't they want to eat?" he questioned and started eating the food.
"I was just about to call them" said Rukino and left smiling at Misaki who looked more surprised now. Rukino knew Kai's uncle won't allow him to eat with them and he'll miss this atmosphere so he asked them to eat with him which they sometimes do. Not that he'll admit it though…
Misaki noted that Rukino reacted as if it was their usual routine. She poured juice in a glass and kept it beside Kai's plate. 'He treats them like… a family…' she thought, staring at Kai who glanced up at her.
"What are you waiting for? Take a seat and eat. We have a busy schedule" he stated and resumed without sparing another glance in her direction.
'He can be nice… I guess. At least to others…' she thought and sighed inaudibly as she sat down. The others joined them soon after.
Everyone finished eating breakfast and Kai told Rukino that he'll be back for lunch. He glanced in Misaki's direction, nodding briefly to her as if telling her to follow him and left. Misaki shrugged as if it was nothing and started to help Rukino pick up the dishes when…
"Aren't you going, Misaki-chan…?" asked Rukino, raising an eyebrow at Misaki.
"Uh… where?" asked Misaki.
"Tokura, I told you to follow me" came Kai's voice from the door.
"Huh? When?" Misaki raised her eyebrows.
"Let's just go" Kai gritted out and glared at Naoki who snickered and Shingo who tried not to laugh.
"When he nodded at you…" answered Rukino to Misaki's question while Kai sighed. Misaki rolled her eyes but followed the impatient Kai. Shingo and Naoki shook their heads at the duo.
"See you later!" exclaimed Rukino and giggled when Misaki glared at Kai's back while Kai took long strides. 'They would make a lovely couple!'
Office hours…
Miwa's Office
"Is there any specific reason he's coming…?" asked Miwa, looking at Kai. They were in Miwa's cabin as they held their private conversation. Aichi looked at the two. Ren was… absent, courtesy of Kai.
"It's hard to tell… even for Kai-kun" commented Aichi, thoughtfully.
"There's one reason I assume…" Kai replied and paused.
"That you are rejecting all the marriage proposals? He finally saw you are getting old and grumpy, huh" completed Miwa and smirked. Kai rolled his eyes while Aichi sweat dropped.
"I'm not that old. How about you get out of here and share your jokes with someone who'll actually laugh?" Kai glared.
"Okay, guys… Don't argue now. We are getting sidetracked here…" Aichi cut in. Kai exhaled deeply and Miwa shrugged.
"It could be something else. Like… meeting Tatsunagi's? He didn't specify his reasons though. And I only called you guys to inform you and to keep everything in check not for any discussion" stated Kai, turning serious.
"Oh, come on, Kai! As if you can't handle that meeting" Miwa rolled his eyes. "I have a feeling it's something totally different! Don't you think, Ha?" he bemused.
"You are not always right, Miwa" retorted Kai.
"I agree with Miwa-kun… And what about Tokura-san…?" asked Aichi.
"Yeah! Are you going to introduce Nee-san as your servant?" Miwa gave a bewildered look.
"Since when did you start calling her 'Nee-san'?" Kai cut in.
"Jealous? That… we're close?" came a sly comment from Miwa, earning him a glare from the brunette. Aichi shook his head at the two as they were again getting 'sidetracked'.
"Dream on. Anyway, I'll just tell him the truth" Kai sighed.
"What! You are kidding, right? What will happen to Nee-san? I think you should tell her to hide in her room until he leaves" suggested Miwa, crossing his arms across his chest.
"Very funny, Miwa" Kai shook his head at the blonde. "I'll tell him she's my guest… may be" he said. Miwa and Aichi glanced at each other than sighed. Their boss was distressed, they noted.
"Kai-kun, you do know that he probably knows her, no?" asked Aichi.
"Thanks for stating the obvious" stated Kai and Aichi sweat dropped. Miwa was about to speak when the office door opened, revealing Ren.
"Ren, I told you-…"
"Kai! Some people are here from Oracle Corp. They're asking for you regarding an important matter. It must be about Misa-Q" said Ren and for once, he looked really serious. Kai frowned sensing the atmosphere suddenly turned tense.
"Let's go"
Next Day…
'Today Kai's uncle is arriving and we are all still working. Well at least I'm working in office. I can see Kai wants everything to be perfect, work and files, whatever it may be. I'm surprised he's inspecting everything himself. Why is he working so hard? To impress his uncle, I guess?' Misaki thought, stirring the coffee.
"Umm… Kai-kun… is not here…?" came a voice from the door.
Misaki glanced up from the current task at hand; an order to make coffee from Kai, and saw a blue haired guy… neatly dressed and glancing around. 'I haven't seen him before… Should I answer him or…?' she contemplated.
"Aichi?" said Kai, entering his office and closed the door behind him.
"Aa… Kai-kun. I didn't know you were out. Anyway, I wanted to discuss about Jun-san's project… Have you got some time?" asked Aichi, keeping a file on Kai's desk.
"Hn, sure. Take a seat, Aichi. You don't have to be that formal" said Kai as he took his seat and gestured Aichi to sit. "Tokura, where's my coffee?" he asked.
Misaki felt her eyebrow twitch. She gripped the tray and walked towards him. "Here" she gritted out politely and he didn't even appreciate it when he took it without a thanks. 'Jerk'
"Hello, Tokura Misaki-san. It's nice to meet you. I'm Sendou Aichi, Kai-kun's assistant" the blue haired guy stood up from his seat and introduced himself.
Misaki was surprised. 'He's Kai's assistant? What a surprise! He looks so polite and… innocent. Somehow, I feel so comfortable just by looking at him. Akari-chan will surely call him Cute! What's more, he knows about me too?' she thought.
"Don't worry, Tokura-san… Only Ren-kun, Miwa-kun, Tetsu-san, Asaka-san and I know about you and we won't tell anyone" Aichi continued when he saw her surprised look. Misaki nodded.
"Misaki is fine. It's nice to meet you too, Sendou Aichi-san" Misaki smiled at him.
"Aichi is fine, Misaki-san. I hope you are liking it around here" he said and smiled. 'So… Kai-kun hasn't told her about her Corporation's visit yet? What is he thinking…?' he thought, shooting a glance at Kai who was drinking his coffee.
"Yes, Aichi-kun. Well, you sure have a tough job being Kai-sama's assistant. You are strong" she remarked, sending a glare at Kai. Aichi laughed nervously and blushed slightly at the compliment.
"It's n-nothing. He's a great friend and boss" was Aichi's automatic response.
And then they heard a fake 'cough' coming from 'The boss'. And looks like the brunette had already finished his coffee. His glare was evident towards the lilac haired beauty. Aichi sighed.
"Done with introductions?" asked Kai, more like stated. "Now go and finish the task you were doing before" he told her, shooting a glare at the couch where she sat.
"Some people can learn etiquette from you, Aichi-kun… See you later" she smiled to Aichi and Kai and went back. She could still feel the glare…
Misaki's POV
I am… SO tired! He kept ordering me to complete files, clean the office, backyard, etc. from yesterday! I have no idea why he keeps glancing at me every now and then. Not to forget Suzugamori Ren and Miwa Taishi, who kept bugging me whenever they come inside Kai's office and in Kai's absence! Aichi-kun is a nice company as he's not annoying but these two…
I sighed. They must be doing that on purpose. I was sure that Kai had paid them extra money to irritate me but then… Kai had barged in at Lunch time and had kicked them out of the office, not literally though…
I saw Asaka but as I couldn't go out and risk to be getting seen, I couldn't talk to her. Miwa and Suzugamori again came back and I was sure they would ask some more nonsense questions… But! I saw Asaka enter after them.
"So Nee-san, aren't you a little curious about Kai's uncle?" asked Miwa. So they know… Kai's uncle must be a very influential person then…
"Why should I be? I don't call me that" I chose to answer him, since I know he won't stop asking me…
"Oh! I almost forgot about that! He had visited a year ago and he kept glaring at me until he left. He's scary" Ren commented, shaking his head. I raised an eyebrow at that while Miwa and Asaka sweat dropped.
'So… Suzugamori is afraid of Kai's uncle, huh?'
No one's POV
"Well… that's because you arrived late for the conference and then… you almost knocked him causing him to spill his coffee that ruined his coat" said Miwa, amused.
"Hey! That was an accident!" Ren cut in, defensively.
"And then… you also stubbed his foot after that…" completed Asaka and giggled while Miwa laughed loudly.
"Really?" Misaki asked, curiously.
"I was just trying to help him!" Ren huffed.
"Yeah… You tried to grab tissues and didn't see his foot, we know. But that was hilarious! I had laughed so much after he left to clean up. Not to forget Kai was speechless!" hollered Miwa and laughed more as if recalling the scene. Misaki and Asaka giggled after him.
"Whatever… I just hope he had forgotten about that" stated Ren and made an almost sad face… or he was sulking…?
"Don't worry, Ren-sama! No one blames you" said Asaka and smiled. Ren smiled back at her while Miwa's laughed ceased. Misaki shook her head at Ren as she was amused.
"Well, my uncle does" came a voice from the door, causing everyone to pause and glance at Kai. "I thought I told you to leave or… do you guys want to meet my uncle so badly?" Kai continued, amused.
Kai smirked when Ren and Miwa shook their heads "No" at the same time. "I thought so. Well, he'll be here in some time by the way" said Kai as he made his way inside.
"It's time for us to leave, Asaka, Miwa!" said Ren, standing up abruptly.
"Yeah. He'll call us for meeting tomorrow anyway" added Miwa sourly, following Ren's suit. Both men made their way towards exit with slumped shoulders and Kai walked to his desk while Misaki talked to Asaka.
"Narumi-san, thank you for the clothes. I'll make it up to you somehow" said Misaki, smiling at Asaka.
"Call me Asaka. And I understand your situation so it's no big deal, Misaki-chan" Asaka nodded and glanced at Kai who seem to reach for files.
"Besides… It was Kai-sama who asked me to… you know" she added quietly, smiling slyly at Misaki and left. Misaki glanced at Kai, surprised at Asaka's words.
'Is she kidding…?' Misaki thought and blinked then glanced at Asaka. 'Why would she…?'
"Don't be late tomorrow. Tatsunagi's will be here along with my uncle" Kai called out, throwing a pointed look at Ren who sweat dropped.
"Yes, I know already! Are you saying I shouldn't sleep tonight so that I'll be on time?" asked Ren.
"Exactly" Kai deadpanned.
"Nice joke, Kai! Bye-bye, Misa-Q! Kai~" Ren laughed while Kai had an urge to smack his forehead.
"See ya tomorrow, guys!" Miwa bade.
"Have a good day, Kai-sama. Misaki-chan" said Asaka, following the two men.
With that the three left, closing the door behind them. Misaki smiled and Kai sighed at the same time, causing them to look at each other. Kai held a plain look while Misaki looked away and shifted uncomfortably.
"I should leave too… and help Rukino-san, I guess" Misaki said, clearing her throat.
"Wait, Tokura"
"Y-yes?"
"My uncle is unaware of your situation and we keep it that way. He doesn't need to know you work for me. He must be aware of the disappearance of Tokura heir so in case he sees you…" stated Kai, stacking the files over his desk. "Tell him you are my guest. I have already told Rukino-san and others"
"Of course, Kai-sama. Anything else?"
"Well… yes. Yesterday-…" started Kai but was interrupted by the opening of the door that leads to the house.
"Toshiki, your uncle has arrived. He's staying in the same room from his last visit. He said he'll be waiting for you in the parlor in thirty minutes" said Rukino and smiled at Misaki. "Misaki-chan, you should come with me" she added, nodding at Toshiki.
"Hn"
"Yes"
To be Continued…
A/N – Okay… I exceeded 3000 words… That's long! So I'll await your views on this one as usual! I hope you enjoyed most of the chapter. Well, I laughed by imagining the 'humor scenes' in chapter too! Review and you'll meet his uncle in next chapter! Haha! XD
Thank you! ^^