Title – Destined Together

Disclaimer – I don't own Cardfight! Vanguard or any of its characters… Only the OC's in this story.

A/N – Hello, everyone! I hope you're enjoying reading the story! Thank you for all the reviews! They're a great encouragement! I hope I make you smile on some scenes (and make you feel other emotions too!) Well, do share your thoughts and comments in the reviews please! Thank you for reviewing-

Mrs. Fullbuster (Thank you for thinking it was amazing!),

Jessica Pathak (Mention not! Of course I won't discontinue! I love writing this! ^^),

Quinn (Thanks. Here's the update!),

MadMandy (^^),

konoha (Thanks. Well, I tried my best to update…),

SHANNON (Thanks! Love ya too! ^^),

Ria (Thank you for the compliment! I appreciate it! By the way, I'll try my best to clear everything along the way as the story goes. And of course, they'll have many more moments together too!),

Camilo navas (There'll be AiKou soon. About the bet… You'll see ahead! I hope you enjoy. ^^),

Otakuanu (Hmm. I'm trying to keep them in their character! ^^),

bla (Thank you for being patient and taking your time to read! ^^

Mia (Well, stay tuned coz there are more unexpected things along the way! ^^),

Koucholate (Thank you! Sorry about replying so late. ^^') and

Thank you Guests! And just like other chapters, I hope you'll love this one too! ^^

On with the chapter now!

'…' - Thoughts

"…" - Speaking

Chapter 22

No One's POV

It was night and Kai sat in the parlor, on the couch. He was extremely tired and sleepy from work since his uncle wanted him to clear his schedule for tomorrow. But he needed to wrap fresh and clean bandages on his arm as he had taken a bath. He had called Rukino from his room over intercom and since she was busy, she had asked him to wait for him in the parlor. He tried to bandage by himself but it came loose since he couldn't use both hands so he just sat there waiting like a good kid and dozed off in a minute.

"Rukino-san told me you need some help-" Misaki said and paused. "Oh" she realized he needed help with bandages; the aid box laid open on the coffee table.

She doubted if he was awake to hear her since he didn't speak anything nor open his eyes. She didn't see Shingo or Naoki in the vicinity so she decided to aid him. She grabbed the bandage and the prescribed ointment from the aid box and took a seat beside him and found him fast asleep. She moved his sleeve up to his shoulder since he wore a short sleeved t-shirt. She grasped his hand and paused, her eyes inspected the wounds and bruises. She wanted to tell him not to sleep there on the couch but her eyes softened as she glanced at his face and shook her head. His handsome face looked so… relaxed. Uncapping the tube, she applied the ointment slowly and gently over his wounded arm and his body relaxed completely against her touch.

Misaki knitted her eyebrows in thinking. She wanted to talk to him about that contract she signed for him. He might use it against her in the future if she left it like that, she thought. She would have left tomorrow if he wasn't being such a spoiled demanding brat and now she had to postpone a day to leave. She didn't see him at all after he handed her the list or she would've talked to him. She was sure he did that on purpose to get on her nerves.

Once she was done wrapping the bandages on his arm, she called him, "Kai…"

"Kai, wake up" she said but he didn't move except for his regular breathing. "You should've stayed in your room if you were so sleepy" she muttered and sighed.

Kai was leaning on the couch, his head tilted at his side; facing her. She took hold of his hand to lay it on his side as she called him again. Instead of waking up, Kai moved and his head landed on her shoulder, almost bumping on her head which startled her. Kai mumbled something against her shoulder which she didn't understand but he stayed put. Instead, he closed his fingers around her hand which she had held. Misaki, realizing that they were holding hands, blushed. But that was short lived…

"…" Misaki's eyes landed on Genryu who gave the two a plain look as he stood a few feet away from them. "K-Kai-sama…" she mumbled as she debated her next course of action. She was about to stand when…

Genryu surprised her by holding his hand up to stop her. Misaki sat quietly in awkwardness while Genryu studied his nephew's face for few seconds. He noticed the serene look on Kai's face as he slept without a care in the world. He looked completely at ease by her side, which he had never showed in presence of other people except for those who he considers close. Misaki sighed in relief and calmed her racing heart as she saw the uncle leave the two without showing any disapproval which left her perplexed.

'So he trusts you that much' Genryu thought as he walked off.

The Next Day…

Kai's Office

"Kai! We heard you're meeting Kourin-san!" Miwa burst in Kai's office.

"Sorry, Kai-kun… for barging in without knocking" Aichi followed.

"Kai! Your uncle left finally! I was itching to come here ever since I heard the news" Ren came in, closing the office door after him.

"Don't tell me it's on TV. And stop barging in like this all the time" Kai said, glaring at his friends. "Knock" he told them in all seriousness and Miwa cleared his throat.

"Oh… we understand… We might walk in when Nee-chan and you might be-…"

"Don't. Speak. Miwa" Kai gritted out, rubbing his eyes. It was obvious he was taking a nap on his desk before he was rudely interrupted. "Didn't I tell you all that my office is off limits? No work for me today" he said.

"Sorry, Kai-kun. I told them you might be resting but…" Aichi said and Kai sighed.

"Shouldn't you be resting in your room then? This is your office" Ren pointed out the obvious.

Kai vaguely recalled Misaki had said something like that when she had dragged him by his hand to his room when he had slept on the couch last night… or was that Naoki who dragged him? He was sure Misaki was there. He blinked then shook his thoughts. He was in office because he wanted to avoid… more like, he didn't want Misaki to find him and talk about leaving. He even locked the door that connected his office and house!

"Whatever. And yes, I am meeting Tatsunagi. Although unwillingly… but I'm actually looking forward to it" Kai told them and smirked as he stood up.

"Kai… Have you finally lost it?" Miwa exclaimed while Aichi and Ren looked at the brunette in surprise. "You actually look… happy" he frowned and Kai shrugged. They were more surprised when their boss didn't retort back.

"Hn"

"And where's Nee-chan?"

"She's going to meet her uncle. I'm leaving. You guys, call me only IF… I repeat, IF there's an emergency" Kai said, more like warned them with a stern expression as he walked off. The three sweatdropped as they watched him leave.

"What is the point of this whole pretend dating thing if he still has to meet his suitors? His uncle is crazy, I tell you. It's like his uncle is intentionally telling Kai to cheat on his girlfriend!" Ren said, disapprovingly.

Miwa sighed. "Hey, Aichi… You know Kourin-san, right? If we…" he said but Aichi cut in.

"I know what you are thinking, Miwa-kun… But it's not our job to tell Kourin-san. Kai-kun is already going through so much and we shouldn't add more problems. If Genryu Kai-sama gets the news that we're interfering… then we're dead" Aichi told them.

All three shuddered at that…

Some Time Later…

"I know I was supposed to go home today but something came up, Jinbei-san" Misaki said on her cell phone. She wore a short pink top under an off-white cardigan and dark high ankle jeans and also carried an umbrella which Rukino lent her since the older woman assumed it might rain.

"Can I speak with Shin-san? …Yes, please" she said as she pulled the strap of her purse over her shoulder and adjusted her gray canvas shoes while talking.

On the other hand, Kai got himself a drink from the fridge and left the kitchen but paused when he saw Misaki talking on phone while she didn't notice him standing behind her. He was about to leave but realizing she was talking about him, he stayed put.

"Yes, Shin-san, he's fine!" …pause… "It's not like I want to stay-…" …pause… "Right. He still has that contract-…" …pause… "Hold on. I'm coming there, Shin-san, so there's no need to discuss this on phone. See ya" she ended the call and left, mumbling something.

Kai knew all her reasons yet when he heard her saying all that, he felt uneasy. What Kenji had said had been true and he was just being ignorant, he realized…

Evening…

Misaki smiled in triumph. She had prepared the whole meal a.k.a. Kai's dinner he had asked… with little help of Rukino, Shingo and Naoki. He never said I can't get help from others, she reasoned. As soon as she arrived back from her uncle's, she got to work. Rukino, Naoki and Ishida clapped as they stared at the food in front of them. Misaki had achieved accomplishment when she realized she still had forty-five minutes left from the designated time which was enough since the venue was ten minutes away by car. She discarded her red apron and bowed to others in courtesy.

"Thank you, everyone! I wouldn't have done this without your help" Misaki thanked them with a dazzling smile.

"You're welcome" Rukino patted Misaki's shoulder. 'I'm quite surprised Toshiki had asked her to make bento for him with his favorite dishes. My, my, what's this I see? Toshiki dear…' she thought and smiled as she started packing the food in special bento box.

"We'd be happy to help you anytime, Misaki-san" Shingo smiled.

"Don't mention it, Boss Lady! You did good job! Besides, I only helped in chopping" Naoki said, scratching his cheek. "Isn't this too much?" he asked, pointing at the food.

"Well, it's for everyone" Misaki shrugged.

"This is a surprise. He never asked this to someone outside this house" Shingo commented, thoughtfully.

"Shut up, Granny glasses! He wouldn't ask if he considered her an outsider!" Naoki exclaimed and Misaki was surprised to hear it.

"I didn't mean it like that! I meant, master never asks his guest to do something like this" Shingo defended and Naoki looked thoughtful. '…Then he must consider her more than just a guest' he thought.

"I still work for him, Shingo" Misaki reminded him.

"But what I don't get is… Why would he ask for a special bento when he's meeting in a restaurant?" Naoki thought aloud.

"Well…" Rukino and Shingo glanced at each other.

"He's just being weird again, Naoki. Don't think much of it" Misaki said, dismissively and Naoki nodded while Rukino and Shingo sweatdropped.

"And do you need a ride? I can-…"

"No. Thanks, Naoki. I'll manage"

"Are you thinking of skipping your duties?" Shingo narrowed his eyes at Naoki who tried to ignore him.

"Well, the food is tightly packed so it won't spill. By the way… you look happy that you made him dinner" Rukino commented as she completed wrapping the food and sweatdropped when Misaki smirked.

"I'm happy, Rukino-san. I'll definitely win!" Misaki said with a smile.

Blue Lotus Restaurant

A young woman with long blond hair, beautiful face and green eyes walked briskly yet with elegance and grace. She wore a Chinese style sleeveless white dress that reached her ankles graced with intricate red and pink design on it, a slit ran along the left side of the skirt reaching her thigh and red heels. After talking at the reception and recognized as Tatsunagi Kourin, she was escorted to second storey of the restaurant. She made her way inside through the glass doors on the second floor which was empty, considering the fact that the floor was booked; as expected of Kagero. She walked towards the brunette haired man in semi-formal clothes who looked bored to be present there yet his face held fondness of something as he gazed out, absently. She smirked.

On the other hand, Kai Toshiki was going through yet another déjà vu as he glanced around the empty room. He wore semi-casual clothes, white v-neck t-shirt under dark blue blazer and black pants. His uncle had yet again went overboard with the arrangements. At least, this time the room looked homey like a simple dining hall, not those flashy stuff and the room was airy enough, he noted. This wasn't new to him but this time he was told to be early by his uncle which was why he was granted a day off…and he was early by… two minutes. He glanced at his watch, noting that it was 19:04; six minutes passed since he was sitting there. He never expected anything from these situations where the women would gush praises about him and threw compliments at him along with showing off their own wealth. But this time, he was expecting something different… as he thought about the lilac haired beauty and unknowingly his lips twitched upwards in a smile as he stared out the window. She's really different and he likes her company, he admitted. He pondered more about how she took everything as challenge. He knows she's a fighter and a hard worker. And she'll put others' wellbeing before herself, he learned but this these thoughts will stay with himself.

'That's why she needs to be protected… as her uncle put it' he concluded.

'I can't believe I made a bet like that… What was I thinking?' he shook his head. He watched as the leaves danced along the wind on the tree, deep in thought. He looked spaced out.

"Thinking about a woman, eh, Kai-san?"

Kai glanced at Kourin and blinked. He didn't even realize she had arrived. He ignored Kourin's comment and stood up to greet her formally since he had told Misaki that he'll try and act as 'Charming gentleman' as she put it.

"Good evening, Tatsunagi-san" he said, stoically extending his hand in greeting.

"Good evening, Kai-san. Nice to meet you" she said as they shook hands.

"Have a seat" he gestured to the seat across him; habitually and Kourin frowned. So much for being a gentleman…

"You obviously look like you're forced to come here, Kai-san… but I'd appreciate if you act a little nice, even if your mind is occupied with someone you love" she deadpanned, mimicking his stoic look. She took a seat across him.

If Kai was shocked, he doesn't show it on his face. His mind had gone blank at the mention of 'Love'. 'It can't be true… Besides, what does she know about me anyway?' he thought and frowned.

"You don't know me enough to assume, judge or conclude such things about me, Tatsunagi-san" he told her.

"Hmm… true. I may be wrong… but you getting worked up tells me otherwise" she smirked, causing him to frown more. "Anyway, what do you think about all this?" she asked and he knew she was referring to the 'marriage of convenience'.

"Let me get this straight, Tatsunagi-san… I do not intend to go through with all this and I have already shown my disapproval the first time I heard the news. So I hope you won't expect any positive outlook from me" Kai stated in clear business tone. "Compromising isn't my forte whether it be business or relations" he told her.

"I have heard from my sister… And she likes you. She said you'd be a great leader and now I see why she said that" Kourin said, her gaze scrutinizing.

"I'm here to hear your view on this not your sister's" Kai stated, making Kourin surprised as he was the first person to ask her opinion on the subject.

"Let's get to the point, Tatsunagi-san" he said.

Kourin smiled for the first time that evening and confessed, "Well, the thing is… I have been in love with someone"

Meanwhile…

"I'm sorry miss… but you aren't allowed to go"

"Look, mister. I have to deliver this to Kai who is up there! Before 8!" Misaki explained in frustration, pointing at the bag in her hand.

"B-but you aren't a-allowed to go" repeated the man and gulped at Misaki's glare.

"And why is that?" Misaki asked.

"Because I ordered them" Genryu spoke from behind her.

"Wha-? Kai-sama…?" Misaki was surprised. 'What is he doing here…?' she thought.

"I presumed you will come here and try ruining my arrangement. Just for that, I had to book the entire second floor" Genryu glared at her.

"…?!" Misaki looked at him in disbelief.

"Listen well. You are not allowed anywhere near them. I don't want you to interfere when they had finally agreed to meet" Genryu said, dismissing the man on guard.

"I'm not here for that. Besides, it's their choice. Their decision has nothing to do with me" Misaki was getting impatient since the time was running out.

"Aa. You have told me… if Kourin agrees with the arrangement, you'll leave Toshiki for good. I hope you keep your word" Genryu told her and he wasn't asking, she knew.

"I always keep my word, Kai-sama" Misaki told him as she glanced at clock on the wall, impatiently. '19:47'

"Good. Then you're allowed to give this to him… when he gets home" Genryu said. "Keep an eye on her until she leaves. She might try using other entrances and fire exits" he told the guards.

'Seriously?! He's so over-protective! Like I'm here to kill his nephew' she thought and huffed.

Misaki left without a word since she knew she would be wasting her time explaining to Genryu. She decided to think of another way as she exited the building. She glanced around, thinking of a plan when her eyes landed on the path that went to the other side of the restaurant building. She ran where the path lead and turned around the corner, looking up to see if she can see the brunette and… she saw him, sitting near the window… on second floor. She called on his cell phone but it wasn't getting through. She couldn't shout his name to not to attract any attention. She pocketed her phone and jumped over the short fence of the shrubs without being noticed. She ignored how fancy the hotel is and focused on the task. She was grateful the windows were open and big, occupying most of the walls. She adjusted the bento box bag on her arm as she made her way to the tree which was adjacent to the building, just in front of the window where he could be seen.

'You better be grateful for what you're making me do!'

"Kai-san… you keep looking at the doors and your watch. Are you expecting someone?" Kourin asked.

"Dinner" Kai replied in monotone, hiding his impatience and before Kourin could speak… something landed on the window beside them…

"Wha-…?!"

Both Kai and Kourin glanced at the window when they heard some noise and were shocked as they stared wide-eyed. Lo and behold, there was Misaki standing on the windowsill balancing herself as well as the dangling bag on her arm which she hastily put on the sill. Kai was the first to snap back as he abruptly stood up from his seat when he saw Misaki's foot slipping off, toppling off his chair in the process and hastily made a dash to grab her. Kourin put her hand on her mouth, too dumbfounded as she stood up.

Misaki cursed her luck when she found her foot clad in shoes, slipping due to the polished and waxed wooden sill. The next thing she knew, Kai had grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside, not so gracefully. She crashed into him, her head bumping on his shoulder and they both fell on the floor. Kai landed on his back with Misaki on top of him in tangle of limbs. The bag was surprisingly intact on the wide sill. Misaki pushed herself up and sat on her knees while Kai sat up, supporting on his elbows. Kourin went to their side, worried.

"Are you alright?" Misaki asked as she panted, touching his bandaged forearm hidden by the sleeve. Kai stood up with clenched fists while Kourin helped Misaki up by grabbing her forearm.

"Are you out of your mind?! What was that stunt for?!" Kai shouted at her, his usual stoic mask slipping off and panic taking over him. Misaki flinched at his harsh tone and Kourin looked at him, surprised at his sudden outburst.

"I-… oh!" Misaki reached for the bento box bag and picked it up, inspecting it for damage but found none. She sighed, relieved and she kept it on the table. "Here's your… dinner" she panted, calming her racing heart due to almost failed 'stunt' a moment ago. This surprised Kai and he was angry now while Kourin was confused.

"No…" she realized when her eyes landed on the clock on the wall behind Kai that read… 20:04. She sighed in disappointment "I lost the bet…"

Misaki shook her head and turned to greet Kourin but Kai pulled back her wrist and made her face him. She frowned at him. He glared at her. She glared back.

"Bet? Just how reckless are you?" his glare intensified and his grip tightened around her wrist.

"I had a time limit. I just came to deliver dinner on time!" she snapped and pulled her wrist out of his grasp.

"Is that the only thing you care about?!"

"Since it was the deal regarding my friend, I had to do it!"

"That doesn't mean you have to climb a tree and jump through the window on second floor!"

"It was the only shortest route to reach on time!"

"But this is not the way! There's a thing called 'Door'!"

"What could I do? I wasn't allowed through the doors!"

"You have a cell phone!"

"I tried calling-…!

"Stop being so childish, both of you!" exclaimed Kourin, finally regaining her composure although she was still surprised at the duo's behavior. 'They fight like ten year olds' she thought.

Finally realizing that there was another occupant in the room, the arguing couple eased their 'anger' vibes. Kai moved back and closed his eyes in exasperation as he exhaled deeply. He shot Misaki a glare before walking to his toppled chair, intentionally bumping his shoulder on hers along the way. Misaki huffed at the rude behavior.

"I see you still have that reckless girl inside you, Misaki-chan" Kourin said and smiled at her friend.

"Nice to see you again, Kourin-chan….. After so long! I missed you" Misaki smiled back while Kai picked up his chair.

"Me too" Kourin smiled back as she gave Misaki a hug in greeting. "You two seem… well acquainted" she commented, letting go of Misaki. "Are you two dat-…?" she was interrupted by Misaki.

"No!" Misaki said.

"Oh" Kourin muttered when Kai only glared at Misaki. He looked like he wanted to say something but stayed put, she noticed.

"It's a long story, Kourin-chan… but I have to leave now. I brought dinner for both of you. Bye and take care" Misaki said.

'So that's why you were waiting…' Kourin couldn't help but smirk at Kai.

Misaki glanced at Kai only to find him looking away from them. She knew she couldn't say anything to him now that she had lost the bet… and after all the things she went through to get here! She squared her shoulders, dignified. She'll berate all she wants but after she goes back, she decided. 'If his uncle sees me here… The sooner I leave the better' she thought, glancing at the doors.

Kai watched with a frown and Kourin raised her eyebrows in thinking when Misaki walked back to window. Misaki was about to stand on the sill when Kai grasped her shoulder while pinching the bridge of his nose with other hand. She was departing from where she arrived… The window, both Kai and Kourin realized.

"Have you really lost it, Tokura?" Kai asked, exasperated and sighed. "Do you not realize your actions cause people grief?" he said, pulling her back towards him and away from window. Misaki glanced at Kourin at his statement, thinking she had worried her friend. Kourin nodded.

"I… can't go through the doors-…" Misaki was cut off when the doors opened to reveal Genryu who was followed by Aichi.

"Toshi-…!"

To be continued…

A/N – Well, well, well… Trouble-trouble. It looks like there'll be a little drama in here. Well, what's a romcom without some drama and action, right? I think this is the longest chapter so far…? (No problem, right?). Even Miwa and Ren are worried. A lot more to come their way so stay tuned for the next chapter! Oh and excuse me if there are any grammatical errors. Do share your thoughts and comments through reviews (or pm)!

Peace! ^^