Uchihahazel-chan: Gomenasai minna!! Sorry I didn't post this story last week as I promised!! I was very busy since I joined a lot of extra-curricular activities and Exams are coming this week!! AHHHHH!! I'm so busy!! Sorry again everybody . .

While I was making this chappy, Rica said something about vocaloid songs . . and I love voclaoid songs! especially the ones in the nico nico douga site. So for the next chapter I thought I'll let Hikari sing one of my favorite song. (Chotto matte . . I should be talking about this chapter right? . . Whatever! ; )

Anyway, Please Enjoy this chapter!!

Chapter 11

Exposure and guilt

Flashes of camera grew and the crowd went wild as the New Crowned Princess stood up and smiled to them. She was very charming as usual, like she was already used to situations such as this one . .

Well she is . .

She smiled and waved to everybody in the crowed. She didn't look like it but . .

she's crying inside . .

Confused . .

Akihito is one proud grandfather and Emperor, he looked at the girl with happiness. He said to himself, It was an amazing decision that Fukaku and himself made with her Father, since he saw Itachi and Hikari that day. On the other hand, Fukaku wasn't sure of the decision at first but since his father wanted it to happen, he had no choice. But when he saw her deal with the press and the people in the past, he was entirely convinced by her charm and willpower.

Itachi walked back to his chair and stood up with her bride in front of the crowed. He was smiling . . but it wasn't for real.

Hikari looked at him, he looked so used in this kind of situation. She knows his smile was a fake but she wanted to look at it anyway . .

And besides this guy never smiled when he's near me . .

. . .

Akihito stood up and gave a speech before the press can make their most awaited scoops. Everybody was listening and silence once again flourished into the room, everybody's attention is in His Majesty. Hikari looked at her 'Soon-to-be-real-grandfather' with great respect.

"It must be great being an Emperor, especially when you're being loved and respected by everybody." she spoke with a low tone. She was speaking this like she was just a commoner looking at a grace of a very respectful Royalty. Of coarse, she loved this old man.

"I wonder if I can be like him . ."

. . .

"Stay out of trouble if you want to do that . ." Hikari was startled by a very handsome man with a magnetic voice beside her. He was listening to his grandfather's speech. She was still mad at him 'for some reasons'. He had made her confused, so she gave him a strong 'don't-talk-to-me-or-I'll-bite-you-look'.

"And what's with that face? You look ugly. What if someone sees you, you'll embarrass the Royal family." he said with an expressionless tone with an expressionless face, he doesn't seem to be annoying her but . . . Thats the annoying part.

"UGLY?" An arrow strikes in to her head. She was pissed.

"You also have that stupid glaring look earlier . ."

he broke the line.

"Well Excuse me Mr. Pretty boy, if I was too ugly for your eyes . . . But let me tell you something . . I AM BEAUTIFUL!" she proudly said.

"Hn." he smirked back. Her blood was boiling.

. . .

What's going on?

. . .

"Poker face!"

"Ugly girl."

"Girly face!"

It seems like all things have become negligable . .

"Stupid girl."

Including what happened just now . .

"Weasel boy!"

The problems I was troubling myself became . . nothing . .

"Pig head."

It feel like he was taking all my troubles away . .

"Weasel boy!"

. . .

Clap! Clap! Clap!!

The two was startled. The speech ended.

He looked back again to the crowed. She looked him, she smiled.

"Were not finished yet, Weasel boy!"

"Hn."

- - -

"Good afternoon, Your Majesties and Your highnesses; especially to the new Royal couple. I am Yamato from the Yomouri newspaper and I am here to ask a question for Hikari-hime and Itachi-oujisama." a man with a brown hair said near the microphone from the audience.

The Press con is finally starting.

Hikari's heart began pounding, she can already hear it . . DOKI! DOKI! DOKI!

Why does it have to be me?

"Hikari-hime . . What is your first impression of the Royal Family especially His Highness Itachi-sama?" the man who was called Yamato said. Hikari let out a big exhale before answering . . actually shes thinking . .

"Don't worry . . just answer it honestly . . You don't need to think about it much . ." A handsome voice startled Hikari, it was Sasuke. "Just answer it already . ." she looked at him, she was blushing. She nodded, man! this guy looks so hot today!!

The press raised their recorder, cameras and cellphone as she spoke.

"Actually I can't remember quite well about my first impression since I've met them back when I was 4 years old but as far I can remember . . they were really nice to me and my family, so I guess whatever my first impression was It turned out to be true." she was still nervous. Her hands was getting cold, her thoughts were torturing her.

Did I made sense? Ohhh!! What should I do I can't calm down!!

"Then what about His highness?" Now with this question everyone, I mean everyone was paying attention . . of coarse except His highness. "Your highness, as we heard in the news you shouted at Ouji-sama and called him names . . is this true?"

"Eh?"

From the stage we can see Mikoto and Akihito giggling, while Fukaku and Sasuke was somewhat smiling. Itachi however was waiting for his future wife to talk. She felt so embarrassed for some reasons, But she didn't regret calling him names back there.

What should I do!? . . Oh!! Whatever I'll just answer this the Hikari way!! Thats right! The Hikari way!! hahahaha!!

She's desperate . .

"Ummm . . Yes . . I did call him names . . " she was really blushing in embarrassment, her face turned the other way. Everybody laughed; From the Royal family members, the guards, paparazzi, and to the audience - of coarse, his Fanclub wouldn't.

"Hahaha . . If His highness wouldn't mind, What did really happened that day?" Yamato asked Itachi. He was really loving what he's doing right now. Hikari looked at him from the corner of her eyes. The man sighed and looked at her . . he seemed to be somewhat displeased. Who wouldn't?

She looked the other way . . he turned his gaze to Yamato.

"I was inside the car, My Bodyguard told me to wait inside for a while, he told that two woman are arguing in front of the Seimon . ."

- Flash back -

"What's happening?" Itachi told Neji when he suddenly stops the car. He said, 2 woman are somewhat arguing in front of the main palace gates. The man sighed and told him to do it fast. He closed his eyes and waited, he looked somewhat impatient. "Do it fast . . I'm meeting somebody today . ."

. . .

It was taking a while and since Itachi has somebody to meet, he opened his eyes and looked ahead.

He saw a familiar face, that looked very similar to the little girl he met that day. The one who pointed at him and called him "Pretty boy". The same little girl she was going to meet. He looked quite surprised at first but he immediately regained his composure. He was . .

. . happy?

He went out of the car and . .

"What's taking this thing so long?"

Well you know the rest.

- End of flash back -

Everybody laughed especially Mikoto and Akihito, and to peoples surprise; even Fukaku and Sasuke giggled. Itachi is in his same posture while Hikari was blushing in embarrassment. Flashes of camera was growing again, she looked back at him, with angry eyes. She was angry because he told it all but she didn't regret doing it. The man ignored her . .

. . .

And the press con continues . .

- - -

She giggled.

Everybody laughed, she was getting used it. She never knew that this could be fun too.

Them asking questions, she answering them. Press conferences are quite fun . . .

Another reporter stood up from the audience. She smiled at him and Itachi gave him a friendly nod. The reporter blushed at the sight of the beautiful princess.

Hikari was excited to know his question . .

"G-g-good m-morning, y-our highnesses!! . . Um this question will be not just for you but to Sasuke-oujisama too." the reporter nervously said. Sasuke was a little startled by it. Hikari and Itachi were as well.

Something hit her . .

" . . . When we go out there and the press asked you something about me, don't answer back." his tone was serious now, she was still blushing.

"Why?"

"Just don't. Let me answer it, understand?"

Was that it?

What kind of question it is to make him told me about it earlier?

Itachi knew it.

"Excuse me for the Royal family but, There is this rumor that is been going around for a long time now and before, we think that the reason why the Royal family hasn't been answering the question about the new crowned princess is because of this rumor." The reporter was really nervous right now. Eager faces can be seen from the press. Fukaku, Akihito and Mikoto was getting intrigued, how come that they have no knowledge about this certain rumor?

Sasuke and Hikari share the same expressions right now, what the hell is it!? The Reporter gulped before asking it, it was like he was preparing for his death.

. . .

"U-um . . um . . Is it true that . . Itachi-oujisama and Sasuke-oujisama has a secret relationship?"

The crowd went wild and The Royal Family was shocked. Traces of disbelief flowed to the faces of the 3 royalties. What's up with that!? Where did that come from? they thought.

The three guilty of suspicion . . are guilty.

What are they going to do now?

. . .

Sasuke was dumbfounded.

Hikari's mind went blank.

Itachi . . well, his amazing self-control remained. How can he be so calm?

Sasuke didn't know what to say. First of all, He had no knowledge about the rumor. Second, He didn't expect it and Third, Itachi didn't say anything about it; he didn't even know if he knows about this rumor. He looked at his brother with a trace of fear, the man looked back like he was signaling him to calm down. He smiled a bit, he knew he would do something. He knows that they got each others backs . .

But what about her?

The young lady that accidental heard and discovered the fact that his future husband and his future brother-in-law is actually dating?

What about her?

The young lady who has been engage with a man who has no feelings for her?

And what about her?

The young lady who is feeling alone and stupid right now?

. . .

The girl that has been a victim by his selfishness?

She felt it, she saw how they supported each other. Shes not stupid, she's not naive. A person who doesn't know them wouldn't notice.

Hikari smiled, a weak smile . .

. . .

All her troubles are getting back . .

Here we go again . .

. . .

She can see the press people; some are intrigued and curious, some are happy and excited to know the truth. She paused for a moment and tried to be calm, she needs to learn how to manage herself, alone. Itachi looked at her . .

She closed her eyes . .

I can't back up to this now . . I agreed to this . . Its an obligation I have to take all my life starting today. Its a deal that I made to him, my new family and to my parents. Its an annoying and stupid deal I have to take all my life . .

Its unfair isn't?

Its like shes the only one who is suffering . . All for this stupid show.

Itachi returned his gaze from the audience, his eyes weren't visible. What is he thinking?

. . .

Sasuke is calm.

Itachi is calm.

Hikari is calm . . well, not so calm . .

. . .

Somebody has to answer . .

A voice broke it.

"Where did this rumored come from?"

. . .

Fukaku is not happy.

Hikari and Sasuke triggered danger. Like the sky preparing for the storm.

The poor, curious reporter is shaking with fear. You can't blame him, Its the Emperor who is angry. He opened his mouth to talk but nothing came out. The audience felt it too, the danger surrounding the scene. Flashes of camera lessened to nothing. Another reporter stood up, he acknowledge himself to be a 'friend' of the poor reporter. He looked scared too. " . . Y-your Highness . . T-the r-rumor . . . just started in the Internet last year . . It became a secret on the net . . but now a lot of people already knew it . . S-so w-we a-asked it n-now to you . ." The guy looked down as soon as he finished the sentence. Everybody was quiet.

Before Fukaku can let another word, Akihito sighed and spoke. Everybody was startled. Itachi remained calm, but still . . nobody knows what he is thinking. Hikari can really feel the tension in the atmosphere.

"Now Fukaku calm down, I knew about this rumor . . " he calmly said, though the old man looked really sad for some reasons. Hikari was shocked and so is Sasuke. Itachi remained calm.

"Itachi told me about it." Everybody including the audience was shocked, especially Hikari and Sasuke.

"He found it one time on the internet. It was questioning the very close bond of my 2 grandchildren, it was . . very unforgivable." The old man really looked sad. "But still I didn't do anything because I trust them, and there is no such thing as two brothers having an affair. I know, because I know them." He smiled. Hikari felt sad as the old man looked at Itachi with a smiling face, Itachi smiled too.

So that's why he was so calm.

Sasuke felt relieved, she felt a little annoyed. Fukaku was surprised, why didn't Itachi told him about this? Does Mikoto knows?

The crowed was relieved too, thank God Akihito spoke.

Hikari looked at the sight of Itachi, whose eyes weren't visible. She felt hatred of him; for lying to his family, to the people of Japan and to almost everybody.

She hated herself for accepting the deal. She hated how selfish he is.

. . .

The things went back to normal, the press con continues. The flow of the river became smooth again.

Like nothing happened . .

Hikari let it go for awhile, she knows she can't do anything right now and even if she does it will just create a larger fuss.

She let herself be carried away by the river's rocky path.

. . .

- - -

The chaotic Royal press con ended at exactly 3:00 pm. Everybody went back to their normal lives and continued their own reality. The Royal family decided to rest in their own dressing rooms before going to their daily activities. Itachi was called by Fukaku and Mikoto awhile ago so Hikari is alone in their room. She stretch out and slapped her face before letting herself rest in the nice comfy chair. She felt nice that it is finished, though she had fun on answering some personal questions. She leaned her back on the chair and closed her eyes.

" . . There is no such thing as two brothers having an affair . ."

" . . Ojii-sama . . gomen ne . . " Hikari started crying. She decided to hide it, the secret she knows. The secret that will ruin the Royal family and will hurt them at the same time. She has no choice but to lie . .

She opened her eyes and looked at herself in the mirror. She can see a beautiful girl with the most awful life, she sighed and smiled.

" I won't let this things ruin me!! I will protect this family!! I will be happy!! Like they said . . Theres a rainbow after the rain right?! HAHA!!" she stood up and laughed. She tried to keep a positive side, her life is miserable enough . .

She was trying to be strong . .

Keeping a smiling face after that . . Its hard . .

. . .

. . .

Hikari looked around the place . .

. . . there was no bathroom . .

Mother nature's calling her right now and there's no bathroom!! She opened the door to find the bathroom but luckily, Sai and his 'minions' were there to stop her.

"Where are you going Princess?" the pale boy asked the girl who looked really troubled 'for some reasons'. She was in a hurry. "I'm going somewhere!!" she yelled.

Sai sighed "Hikari-hime please tell me where is it and we will go with you."

Hikari seems . . you know? "I really need to go!! Just don't ask!! ok!!"

"Leave her to me." a handsome young man told them, Sai looked back. He nodded and went back to his position. Hikari said sorry to him and left with Sasuke, She looked at him . . still holding her butt. That's right, this guy . . is the-person-whom-she's-going-to-marry's special someone 'slash' brother. But how can she put it . . she doesn't have a grudge on him like she had with his brother. Maybe its because she knows that this guy is just . .

"What are you doing?" Sasuke was annoyed, cuz . . who wouldn't be annoyed if somebody was looking at you with a stupid looking face like that . .

"Ara! . . I'm just . ."

"What?"

"Nothing!!" she looked the other way . . Her stomach growled. He heard it . .

" ehe . ." she blushed . .

"Were already here . . make it fast ok?" he smirked.

My . . what an awkward situation . .

. . .

While Hikari was seating on the throne, Sasuke was waiting for her to arrive outside the females bathroom. He was leaning quietly at the wall, he looked tired. He seemed to be thinking though . .

"Hey Hikari-chan . . " he spoke with a very handsome tone. Hikari who was inside the cubicle was blushing.

"Yeah . ."

"Do you like Itachi?"

. . .

Her mind went blank as she flushes the toilet. Like her brain has been flushed too.

"Huh?"

"Just answer it . ." This was a question that has been asked to her for 5 times today. 4 times at the press con and the 5th time with Sasuke. Back there . . she said 'Yes' with a very convincing smile . . though her other side is crying inside . .

"Why ask?" Now, this is a stupid reply. She went outside to see Sasuke looking at her with the 'I'm-not-joking-look'.

She felt the danger she was in so she told him the truth . .

"Of coarse not."

"Hn." he smirked back. The two walked together in the hallways . . Hikari sighed

Thank God it was over . .

But . . was it the truth?

. . .

- - -

Next chapter preview:

"AHHHHH!! Finally! I can relax and let myself off . . taking a nice hot bath after a chaotic afternoon! Perfect!" Her eyes shines with happiness. The water is perfect and nobody can steal this moment of bliss and happiness away from her . .

She reached her bathrobe and dried her long, soft flowing hair in front of the mirror singing . .

. . .

"anata wa ima doko de nani wo shite imasu ka?" / Where are you right now? What are doing at this moment?

"kono sora no tsuzuku basho ni imasu ka?" / Are you looking into this wide, blue sky?

. . .

She went out of the bathroom and noticed it was raining . .

. . .

"Ima made watashi no kokoro wo umete ita mono" / I lost touch with you and now my heart feels so empty . .

"ushinatte hajimete kizuita" / Today I noticed this pain for the first time . .

"konna ni mo watashi wo sasaete kurete ita koto" / The fact that you had been supporting me this much each day.

"konna ni mo egao wo kureteita koto" / Equals the importance of the smiles you've given me along the way.

. . .

But she didn't notice that a storm is coming . .

. . .

"Maru de . ." / My chest is . .

"Kaze no . . "/ aching from . .

"you ni surinukete . ." / . . the loneliness I suffer now . .

"todokisou de . . todokanai" / And my heart seems to break whenever I think about you . .

. . .

Somebody opened the door, she didn't notice it . . she was busy singing her song . . She is happy right now but why is she singing that king of song?

. . .

"mou ichido . . ano koro ni modorou" / I'll always be . . laughing by your side . .

"ana . . ta no sugu soba de..." / I know that . . everything . . will be fine in the end . .

. . .

She happily grabbed the bottle of milk she saved earlier

"I'M FINALLY FREE FROM THAT MAN TODAY!!" she drank with all her might . . like an old man . .

" . . What are you being so happy about it?" Hikari sprayed the milk out and faced back . . she saw him . . leaning into her door . . completely inside her room! How did he get here!? She wondered.

"AHHHH!! How did you get here!! Go out!!" she said blushingly, pointing at him. He started walking, he was expressionless. Is it really that amusing when he torment and annoy her like that?

"You know if you drink it like that . . your breast won't get bigger . ." he spoke, his tone was teasing her. Hikari's eyes widened.

What?

. . .

Next chapter will have a connection with the storm. And who is this weird guys who is looking for Itachi? What's up with the guy who looks really weird with a guy who keeps talking about his religion?

. . .

While I was making this . . my little brother is insisting me to teach him how to ride a bike which is supposed to be the job of my 2nd aniki . . where are those 3?

So guys I'll be going now . . if you have any comments, suggestions, violent reactions you know I'll hear you out!!

Bye-bee!! (o)w