Title – Destined Together

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

A/N – Yo, dear readers! This will be a long chapter so I hope you're prepared. Thank you for reading and loving this story so far! I really appreciate it. And I hope you'll support it till the end! Well, right now, enjoy chap 27th. Oh and in response to the reviews of previous chapter…

Camilo navas – Yup! Both the guys are obvious, don't they? And thanks for reviewing! I think you'll also enjoy this chapter and do tell me what you think! ^^

Ria – Thank you for writing a long review! I love to read what and how you felt! Yeah, Kai's stubborn but he's learning… after Misaki's lecture, I think? Aa… I made him feel anxious and all those emotions but I am trying to keep him in his character. Well, it does make some noticeable difference in him when he tries to deny what he feels, right? (Including jealousy XD). And you're right about necklace (^^). You'll definitely love the event, I'm sure! Oh and don't forget to review and share your thoughts! ^^

Jessica Pathak – Totally, right! Well, he isn't the one to say it loudly even if he realize it, don't you think? It's good to know I have managed to maintained their characters this far (^^'). (Woah. Me too! Me too! And who doesn't like Kai anyway? (^_^). Share your thoughts as usual! Although late, I still read your reviews (It makes me happy to read what everyone think) and thanks for reviewing as always! ^^

Lu-chan 16Love – Thank you! And thanks for reviewing also. New chap is up so enjoy reading. And share what you think at the end! ^^

So without further ado, let's get started!

'…' - Thoughts

"…" – Speaking

"Italics" - Flashback

Chapter 27

No One's POV

'How much more do I have to endure this…?' Kai thought, glaring at everything and everyone.

Kai wanted to leave badly. The gang had arrived at the party almost two hours ago; the party of Nakadai's that was the talk of the town throughout the week… but the only people who could attend were the ones who were invited. He could see many big shots around and many had already greeted and talked to him. He wasn't in the mood to dress up so he had just picked up the first suit which happened to be a classic coal black tux; his hair untamed as usual yet he managed to look cool. He had arrived with Miwa and Kourin since Miwa didn't have a ride. Ren, Asaka and Aichi had arrived seconds after them. Everyone introduced themselves to Kourin since this was their first meeting. The guys were all wearing black tux as usual to such parties. Kourin wore a stylish maroon gown picked by Suiko and Asaka wore a nice pink gown, earning a compliment from Ren that she looked beautiful causing her face to turn the same color of her gown.

"Stop glaring at everything, Kai" Miwa said as he sat beside his boss.

"Yeah. At least pretend that you're enjoying… Like me" Ren added, swirling the drink in his glass while Asaka glanced around, standing beside Ren. "Sorry to drag you here, A-chan… You must be bored" he said, looking at Asaka.

Asaka smiled. "I'm not bored, Ren-sama. I'm happy to attend this with you… all" she told him. 'Although I'm not his date…" she thought.

"If you say so. Thanks for coming with me" Ren smiled at her.

"You're always w-welcome, Ren-sama" Asaka was sure she was blushing so she excused herself "I had to greet Yanasegawa-san and she's right there! I'll be right back!"

"Mr. Nakadai is heading this way" Miwa informed, glancing at Ren.

"I'll bring something to eat… and also drinks" Ren said, finishing his drink. "Man! This party is boring…" he whispered, faking a smile at a grinning woman who passed by him as he stopped by a buffet table and grabbed a plate full of appetizers.

"Ren could have asked someone instead of carrying it himself" Kai shook his head.

"He's just avoiding the Nakadai guy" Miwa said and shrugged before adding "We're here for almost two hours… I wasn't personally invited so I can just leave-…"

"Don't you dare, Miwa"

"O-okay… Relax, Kai. You're already done talking to people so what's there to do? We can leave in some time"

"Aa"

"By the way… Kourin-san is nice and polite too. No wonder your uncle is being persistent. Oh and she's also friends with Nee-chan" Miwa said.

"Hn. So what are you suggesting, Miwa?" Kai was frowning.

"Nothing at all… You know I'll always be by your side no matter your choice!" Miwa grinned at Kai who nodded. "But… there's something off about Kourin-san… I mean, she doesn't look like she's happy even though she willingly accepted the proposal. Well, I don't know much about her personally but… she doesn't seem like your fan girl who'd just mindlessly say yes to Kai Toshiki. I don't think she accepted because she likes you. And you two barely talk!" he pointed out.

"Are you sure this is your first time meeting her…?" Kai asked, surprised at the blonde's evaluation.

"Yeah. I can tell… And she looks more attached to Aichi… I mean, that's understandable since they are friends and she barely knows us except Aichi. Speaking of Aichi… he always sticks by you in such parties but not today" Miwa raised his eyebrows. "It looks like… she prefers Aichi over you" he chuckled.

"She likes him" Kai bluntly stated the obvious and Miwa looked at him, surprised. Ever since Misaki's lecture, Kai tried to understand others. His friends don't know what happened but were happy with their boss's light change.

"She told you?" Miwa asked.

"She told me she's in love with someone" Kai shrugged.

"Someone? How can you tell it's Aichi? It could be anyone" Miwa reasoned.

"I'm not an expert on the subject but I can just tell… (Sigh)… It's too hard for me to explain" Kai paused in contemplation, causing Miwa to laugh. "Whenever we meet, she enquires about Aichi first. And I noticed she has that longing look in her eyes… for him. Well, I might be wrong" he tried his best to explain and Miwa knew it was difficult for Kai to speak about such things.

"Okay-okay, I get it. You're as perceptive as ever, Boss" Miwa nodded. "But you know… she should tell Aichi if it's true… Aichi would remain oblivious since he sees everyone in the same light" he said. "But now that I think, Aichi does treats her differently… Like she's special to him. I still can't believe he left you alone and went with her" he thought aloud.

"Hn. He just doesn't realize it" Kai commented, thoughtfully.

"Look who's talking…" Miwa sighed, shaking his head at the brunette. 'I just realized I have always been surrounded by oblivious guys' he thought, referring to Kai, Ren and Aichi and chuckled.

"Hn?"

"Nothing! Now before women start flocking around us for dance… especially you Kai-… Oh! Ren's fan girl is here! She's the second heir to the Starlight industries" Miwa said when he looked at Ren who almost reached them but was stopped by a woman.

"Who?"

"Just watch… This will be fun!" Miwa grinned.

"Ren-san~! I'm glad you came! Oh, you're as handsome as ever and look at your hair! Just lovely!" exclaimed a black haired beauty in an elegant royal blue gown.

"Thank you! You aren't bad yourself" Ren said and the woman laughed.

"I haven't seen you in… like forever! Although, we just talked last month!" she continued.

"Do I know you, lady?" Ren asked, plainly, causing the lady to be surprised then she burst out laughing, dismissing it as a joke.

"Come on, Ren-san! Always with humor!"

"I'm serious, Miss…" Ren told her to which she laughed lightly again but someone called her.

"Well, I would love to spend time with you but I have to go right now. Oh! I told my father about you so my father wants to meet you too! So later!" she left, sending him a flying kiss.

"What the…?" Ren blinked in confusion but was greeted by another person.

"Oh hey, Ren-san"

"And… who are you?"

"I'm Kyou Yahagi! How many times do I have to tell you? I live next to Tetsu-san on the same floor as you!" exclaimed Kyou.

"Oh… So am I supposed to know you? And you're invited?"

"Never mind. And I was invited because I'm friends with their son"

"Who cares?"

"Why did you ask in the first place, damn it?!"

"Anyway, Yagi-kun, I gotta go now!" Ren smiled at the teenager and left.

"It's Yahagi Kyou!"

Once Ren reached his friends, he sighed. "Seriously… what's with these random people? And why are you laughing, Miwa-kun?" he asked, curiously as he settled the tray on the table.

"N-nothing…" Miwa managed to utter as he calmed down. "I was just telling Kai why I attend such parties with you, Ren" he said and Ren nodded.

Kai shook his head at Ren 'This guy… really…'

"The dance will begin shortly" Aichi informed as he approached the men with Kourin and Asaka.

"Aa… There you're, A-chan! Here, I got you a drink too. Fruit punch for everyone!" said Ren, dragging a blushing Asaka to stand beside him.

"Thank you, Ren-sama" Asaka smiled.

Kai glanced at his friends. Ren and Asaka were chatting while Miwa was telling Aichi and Kourin about Ren's recent 'adventure'.

"Oh yes! Guys, I saw Misaki-san a while ago! She was talking to Nakadai Reishi-san. But I lost her" Aichi informed. The others were happy to hear Misaki was there while Kai was slightly surprised.

"Why that guy?" Ren sighed.

"Who's Reishi?" Kourin asked.

"He's the older brother of the birthday boy whose party we're attending" replied Ren with a frown, showing his dislike towards Reishi. "Anyway! Let's go find Misa-Q! She's with a womanizer so we need to save her!" he added and left with Asaka. The others joined him except Kai.

"You aren't coming, Kai-kun?" Aichi asked.

"No. I'll just… sit here" with his reply, the others shrugged and left. He grabbed the drink Ren had brought and sighed in annoyance. 'She's here… And what is she doing with him of all people?' he thought and felt anxious, as he glanced around until his eyes landed on her and true enough, Reishi was with her.

'And she looks… nice in that dress'

Meanwhile…

Misaki had an urge to glare at the man beside her. She wore a teal colored gown that complimented her eyes; her hair flowing on her back. She had been giving him a fake smile till now but this was as far as she could control. She was here for half an hour with Ibuki since Shin wasn't able to go but Ibuki had completely ditched her and disappeared somewhere. Shouldn't he be by his boss's side? Her cellphone was also with him. He was going to get an earful once she finds him! And then suddenly, Reishi approached her and introduced himself.

"I still can't believe Nitta-san have a niece and so beautiful one at that" complimented the handsome young man with raven hair named Nakadai Reishi and smiled at Misaki.

Ignoring the envious glares of women since Reishi was talking to her, Misaki's eyebrow twitched for the fourth time since this is the fourth time she heard this from him. If it weren't for good public relations and if she wasn't representing her company, she would have ditched this guy but couldn't since this man was the eldest son to the infamous person. And being rude to this guy would definitely be a big damage to her company's reputation and aside from that, he had been nothing but kind to her until now. She had tried ditching him but he kept talking and even walking with her while he introduced her to some people. He even offered her a drink and now they were standing at a side until she felt someone's gaze on her. She frowned.

'Where's Ibuki when you need him!' she wondered.

"I'm alive and standing, aren't I?" Misaki replied, sarcastically and Reishi laughed.

"You're funny too, Tokura-san" Reishi said and chuckled when someone called him. "Well… I'll see you around, Tokura-san. It's nice meeting you" he added, kissing the back of her hand.

"My pleasure, Nakadai-san"

"Please call me Reishi. And thank you for coming to the party. Please enjoy" he said and left her side.

'Well… that went well…' Misaki exhaled deeply when he left. She turned on her side to look for Ibuki when she saw Kai sitting across from her few meters away and… he was looking…er…glaring at her. Her eyebrow twitched yet again at his look. She gave him a plain look and turned away from him. She knew she would have to see him on such gatherings here and there. But why was he glaring at her? She huffed. She noticed many women wanted to approach him since they were obnoxiously talking about him but the look on his face and the intense vibes from him kept them away.

'I'll just ignore him. Wait… He's here… then the others must be here too. Maybe Kourin-chan as well…' she thought happily and took off.

Few minutes later…

Misaki didn't know why but she found herself near Kai; he was seated just a few feet away. Her feet were hurting from walking around and standing to greet people here and there, some familiar and some unfamiliar but she haven't seen Kourin and others or Ibuki.

'I guess I have no choice but to ask him…' she sighed, slumping here shoulders; reasoning that he was the only available option to ask about others.

Meanwhile, Kai looked asleep as he sat slumped on his chair. His face resting on his palm while his other hand rested on the table; his head was bent, his hair hooded his eyes but he wasn't asleep. He was bored. After he lost sight of Misaki, he sat and drank the drinks Ren had left behind since he had nothing else to do. He wondered the flavor of the drinks then shrugged since they were refreshing. Good thing he choose a table near a quiet corner, away from all the dance ruckus and with the position he was sitting, no one will know it's Kai Toshiki…

"Here… I brought you a drink"

Kai looked up at the sudden familiar voice and blinked then frowned. He tilted his head slightly and kept looking up at her without moving from his position. On the other hand, Misaki looked uncertain as she kept the glass on his table in front of him but then frowned when she saw his eyes lit up… perhaps from amusement, she thought. She fidgeted when he glanced at the glass she had brought and was glad when he finally spoke.

"Aa. Tokura… No, thanks" Kai said, looking up at her. "Six glasses are enough" he added.

"Oh…uh…" Misaki noticed the empty glasses on his table. "Anyway, I was looking for-…" she was cut off.

"But I'll accept it since you brought it for me" he said and Misaki stared at him in surprise. "I forgive you, Tokura. Sit" he added, grasping her wrist.

"Huh? Kai, I'm not apologizing!" Misaki was annoyed by his attitude. 'The nerve of this guy!' she thought as she tried to free her hand.

"But you should" he said, frowning. "I didn't like that…" he said, making Misaki confused.

"What are you talking about? You told me we owe noth- …"

"I didn't mean it, Tokura…" he voiced softly. "I'm… sorry" he said, staring in her eyes.

"H-huh…?"

Misaki looked at him, wide-eyed. She was… shocked while he merely looked at her sincerely. Misaki frowned as he wasn't acting like himself. Wasn't he glaring at her a while ago…? He wasn't looking as uptight as he always looked.

"I'm sorry, Misaki… For all that-… I would never hurt you intentionally, Tokura" he continued, staring at the glass and looked quite surprised himself. "Did I just-…?" he paused and shook his head.

"Have you-… Are you drunk, Kai?" she asked, skeptically.

"No" Kai said when she kept looking at him in suspicion. He blinked a few times as if clearing his vision and frowned. He rubbed his temple, agitated.

"I think… you-…"

"And don't go talking with random guys. It's just not right" he frowned at her.

"Ha? It's got nothing to do with you-…"

"Stop zaying (saying) that, Tokura… You don't get it"

"…" Misaki was sure he was swaying a little in his seat and his speech was confusing her. He wasn't even letting her speak. By now, his speech had gone slurry. Wasn't he being talkative today…? His face was slightly flushed and he actually looked cute in her eyes.

"This makez me so-… Tsk" he grabbed the side of his head. "Damn it…" he groaned out as he rested his head on the table.

"…!" Misaki stared at Kai. "Uhh… You okay? Kai?" she asked, now concerned as she sat beside him.

"I told you-… Nee-chan! There you are!" Miwa exclaimed in surprise as he approached the table with Ren and Asaka.

"Misa-Q/Misaki-chan!" were the mixed greetings she heard from Ren and Asaka.

"You guys. Nice to see you all!" Misaki greeted and sighed "But…"

"Are you that bored, Kai?" Miwa asked, noticing Kai's slumped posture.

"He must be. Since he is-… Hold on! Did he drink all this?" Ren asked, frowning. "What if it has-…? Kai, are you alright?" he moved to Kai's side.

"No, Idiot…" Kai replied from the same position.

"It contains some alcohol. Don't tell me he has low tolerance to alcohol?" Misaki asked.

"VERY low" Miwa, Ren and Asaka corrected Misaki with a nod.

"Did he act funny? Unlike his usual self…?" Miwa asked Misaki who nodded her head 'Yes'.

"Darn… I missed it!"

Ren laughed "Last time he slept on Aichi's shoulder and-…"

"I can hear you" Kai cut in, his voice deadly causing Ren and Miwa to gulp.

"A-anyway… let him rest for a while then we'll get him home" Ren said, looking at the 'out cold' Kai. "Till then… Let's go dance, A-chan! We shouldn't be leaving without a dance" he added, dragging Asaka with him.

'Wasn't he against attending this party?' Miwa thought as Ren left with a happy Asaka.

"Shouldn't we get him some medicine…?" Misaki asked, glancing at Kai.

"Don't worry… He'll be fine" Miwa assured.

"If you say so… Where's Kourin-chan?" Misaki asked Miwa.

"She's dancing with Aichi! Look, it's them" Miwa pointed at the dancing duo who were joined by Ren and Asaka. Misaki looked at them and smiled while Miwa glanced at Kai who looked asleep.

"Kourin-chan looks happy… I'm sure his uncle must have insisted but I'm glad he asked her to come along" she said, glancing at Kai who had dozed off.

"Well… I think her happiness isn't because of Kai…" Miwa told her and Misaki noted his seriousness.

"Huh…? What're you-…?" Misaki said as she looked at Kourin and Aichi "Don't tell me…?"

"Uh-huh. What would you do if it's true?"

"But then why would she accept-…? I don't get it"

"Yeah… that's what I want to know. I thought of talking to her but it'll be awkward for me, seeing that we just met today and all… Oh! I know! You're her friend! You talk to her" Miwa suggested and Misaki contemplated as she watched her friend dancing with the bluenette.

"But… shouldn't they talk to each other and clear things…? I…" she hesitated.

"I can only rely on you on this one or I wouldn't have asked, Nee-chan" he told her. "Besides, look at your friend. You can tell, can't you?" he said, looking at the dancing pair and Misaki followed his line of vision.

Aichi looked like he was blushing but he was talking to Kourin who was smiling at him while they danced. They looked… good together, Misaki noted. Not just like any good pair but… Kourin looked… very happy and contented with Aichi, she was practically beaming with happiness. And soon Misaki realized that the way Kourin looked… Her face held a strange gentleness. She has to talk to Kourin.

"Fine…" Misaki sighed and Miwa grinned.

"By the way, how come you're with Kai, huh, Nee-chan? When he's so… vulnerable?" Miwa asked, grinning at her.

"I was here just to ask him about you all but… who would've thought he has such a weakness?" Misaki said and smirked.

"Hmm… You thought he's invincible or what?" Miwa laughed when Misaki shrugged. "But he's not who most people think he is…" he added, seriously.

"Well… you can't deny that he's arrogant" Misaki added lightly. Miwa smiled.

"It's just… He can't express himself clearly… but he never let go once he holds your hand" Miwa smirked, well naturedly.

And Misaki noticed just then… True enough, he hadn't let go of her hand all this while…

An hour later…

Kai's table was crowded by the gang. Misaki had finally managed to retrieve her hand from Kai's when he woke up ten minutes ago. Kai wasn't complaining about the crowd much to everyone's surprise. Besides, he looked too dazed to speak. Ibuki had found Misaki. Miwa and Aichi were surprised to see him and shocked that he was Misaki's assistant but decided to ask Kai later since Ibuki acted like he met them for the first time. Ibuki had left saying he should make more 'contacts'.

"Kourin-chan… can you come with me for a while?" Misaki asked Kourin amidst the chatter.

"Sure, Misaki-chan" and they both left the table. Misaki led Kourin out in the garden and they sat on a bench.

"I'm still surprised Kai asked you out" Misaki chuckled at her thought and Kourin shook her head.

"That man is the most unromantic person I've ever met" Kourin smirked, amused as she told Misaki "He only sent me a text message that we're to attend this party… along with his friends"

"Now I'm not that surprised" Misaki laughed.

"Anyway, what do you want to talk about, Misaki-chan?" Kourin asked.

"Kourin-chan… I know I shouldn't be prying and suddenly asking such thing… I apologize in advance" Misaki hesitated.

"Huh? You don't need to apologize, Misaki-chan… You wouldn't ask if it wasn't important" Kourin said with a small smile.

"Aa… Please be honest. Tell me… Do you like Kai or…?" Misaki's question surprised Kourin.

"Wha-…? I… H-how…? That's-…" Kourin stammered but then sighed when Misaki put her hand on her shoulder "…No"

"It's Aichi, right?" Misaki smiled and Kourin nodded.

"I'm in love with Aichi, Misaki-chan… since high school" Kourin admitted. "But it's unrequited…" she added.

"Did you… tell him?" Misaki asked, although surprised.

"I can't… I couldn't. I tried but he… never mind. Many things happened through the years and we lost contact…" Kourin looked sad at that. "I tried giving it up but then I saw him again that day… And then-… I guess, I still hope…" she paused.

"So why are you marrying Kai…?" Misaki was curious now.

"I guess I can tell you…" Kourin said and she shared her reason with Misaki.

"Hmm… Does Kai know…?" Misaki sighed and looked up at the night sky.

"Maybe not... as he-…"

"-hadn't called the engagement off?" Misaki completed. Both the women laughed at that.

"Anyway, we should head back" Kourin sighed as she stood up.

"Let's go then…" Misaki followed.

'Choice, huh?' Misaki thought as she stared at Kourin's back. 'I have to help them… but first… I need to know what Aichi's feelings are' she then decided…

She can't let ruin three lives…

'And I think now's the time to repay him back for everything'

"Haven't you got rusty, Suzugamori?" Reishi taunted, as he attacked Ren with a katana.

"I'm just getting started, Nakadai" Ren dodged Reishi's sword and stepped back only to attack back.

The swords clashed and the people around them stepped back more to make room for the sword fight. Miwa sighed as the dance floor had somehow become arena for the two swordsmen. As soon as Ren and Reishi came face to face, Reishi challenged Ren for a fight and Ren had accepted. People watched in awe as the two master swordsmen fought and taunted each other.

"Wow… I never imagined I would get to see Ren-san's sword fight live! How lucky!" exclaimed one of Ren's fan girls with hearts in her eyes while the other ladies squealed and sighed dreamily.

Asaka glared at Ren's fan girls while Nakadai group cheered Reishi on. Misaki and Kourin were shocked to see Ren in a fight; he was already in the middle of the fight when they got back. Aichi sweatdropped while Misaki, Asaka and Kourin looked wide eyed when Miwa and Kai cheered Ren on from beside them.

"Go, Ren! Go! Yeah!" that was Miwa…

"Get him, Ren! Beat the hell outta him!" that was Kai, glaring at Reishi for unknown reason…

"Hey! That was expensive" exclaimed Reishi when Ren's katana sliced the sleeve of his suit.

"Like I care" Ren stated and stepped back after the slash. "You're good… but I'm better" he smirked.

"Where did they get the swords? And… Shouldn't we stop them…?" Misaki asked when Reishi attacked and Ren blocked it with his katana.

"Nah… It's just a friendly match" Miwa said.

"Doesn't look friendly to me…" Misaki, Aichi and Kourin stated while Miwa grabbed Kai's shoulders to steady him when Kai glared at him.

"Get me home already!"

To be continued…

A/N – Some party it is… I'm sure everybody enjoyed it, right? Did anybody notice Kai is jealous? Miwa is trying his best to help his friends and Ren… is being Ren (XD). Some unexpected things happened too. Amidst all the drama, I couldn't help but add humor. Misaki seems determined to help her friends so what will she do? Stay tuned for the next chapter! But before that, do share what you think of this chap! I love to read what you felt while reading! Thank you! ^^

Peace! ^^