November 13th, 2015
First of all, I figured out that I uploaded the wrong chapter... so if you read the story before 9:20 pm EST on November 13th, 2015, then you should re-read it again. Sorry guys !
Anyways, I'd just like to apologize once again for taking so long to update the story ! :/
I really am trying my best! I even wrote over 12,000 words for this chapter to try & make up for my absence.
But I have all kinds of things going on in real life... piano lessons, homework, soccer (football), hockey, etc.
I also recently came back from the Windy City of Chicago! I was just over there on a class trip with my school ^^
But on another note, soccer is ending next week, so I should have more free time (but I can't promise anything!)
Enough about me though, I'll move onto the review responses c:
I also have this story on Wattpad! My name on Wattpad is " TheERain " . You can also find this story by searching "Serendipity"
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN KAICHOU WA MAID-SAMA, I ONLY OWN MY ORIGINAL CHARACTERS AND THE WRITING IN THIS STORY.
Chapter 18 - Heros
After hearing his voice, Misaki started to doubt herself. Why did I even come here in the first place? What were you thinking Misaki? You wanted to see him. You just did, now what? It won't change the fact that he has a family. He moved on. Now it's time you move on, Misaki.
Misaki had left the ballroom, and wandered into one of the gardens. She couldn't stay in that stuffy room. It made her feel like she couldn't breathe properly.
Misaki gasped. A hand suddenly rested on her shoulder. If it had been any normal person, she would've sensed their presence earlier, but the only person who was ever able to conceal their presence and surprise her was Takumi. Takumi… is it him? The weight, the shape, the warmth. Everything about this hand reminds me of him… What am I going to say to him? Will he know it's me? Misaki squeezed her eyes shut and hoped that Takumi would be the first to say something.
"Mimi?"
Misaki's eyes flew open, and she jerked away from the person behind her to see the owner of the hand was.
"T-T-T-Tora?!" She exclaimed.
"The one and only," Usui beamed. "Were you expecting someone else?"
"N-no…" Misaki lied. "Why are you out here?"
"Well… you kind of just left me there after the speech,"
"Oh… sorry. I just needed a bit of air, I wasn't feeling that well after the speech."
Usui looked at her suspiciously, but Misaki was avoiding his line of sight again. "Are you… by chance…M"
Misaki started to panic. He might have recognized me. Oh my gosh, Misaki. Misaki. Whatever he says, deny it! Do not hesitate to deny it!
"Married?" Usui finished.
"Wha- no…"
Usui walked towards Misaki, and grabbed her left hand. "I don't know… the lighter skin on your left ring finger seems to disagree with you." Usui looked right in Misaki's amber orbs. This was a look that she had never seen on her new friend before. The usual playful, carefree emerald eyes were now replaced by a pair of ice cold ones.
Right as Usui pointed that out, Misaki retracted her hand from his and covered it her right hand. "F-fine. You're right, except for one part… I used to be married."
"Oh, so you came to this ball to find a new husband candidate? I suppose after your marriage, you had no source of income to go shopping, am I right? And so now you came here, hoping to get the King's attention, or any other rich man's so that you could finally live a comfortable life once aga-"
"D-d-don't lump me in with those kinds of women!" Misaki blurted out. Her hand made quite an impactful hit across Usui's left cheek. Tears were almost welling out of Misaki's eyes. "Y-you have no right to judge me! You have no idea what I've been through, or why I'm here in the first place! You don't know me." She glared at Takumi. "Good night, Mr. Igarashi." And once again, Misaki was taking off from Usui.
However, Usui had different plans. He grabbed Misaki's hand as she was running away, and pulled her back towards him. "Sorry." He pulled Misaki into his embrace. "I'm really sorry… I crossed the line."
Misaki tried to escape from him by pushing on his broad chest, but failed miserably. Usui had suddenly started patting her head. For some reason, it felt so comfortable… so right to be in his embrace, so she unconsciously reached her arms out, and started to hug him too.
This one action from the woman in front of him made Takumi's body go crazy. Usually, he was able to stay calm, no matter what situation was before him. But Mimi had his insides all tangled up. His heart was beating so fast, that he had wondered if she heard it. All he could do was smile at the lady in his arms. "Mimi… are you okay now?"
Usui felt her nod into his chest.
"I'm really truly sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"I know," Misaki interrupted him. "...I'm sorry I slapped you…"
Usui chuckled. "It's fine."
"I'm also sorry that I've kept you for almost the whole night. I know I'm a nuisance sometimes."
"You're far from a nuisance. I'd rather be with you, than any other woman any day."
Misaki laughed. "I never asked you, because I thought it was unnecessary, but are you by chance married?"
"Nope, but I'm hoping you could change that."
Misaki grabbed Usui's left hand. "But the lighter skin o-" Misaki stopped, because her brain finally processed what he had just said to her. And her cheeks were instantly a bright red hue again. "B-b-baka!" She playfully hit Usui.
"Were you about to use the same line that I said to you, on me?" Usui smirked.
"It's not fair. I didn't even get the chance to say it." Misaki pouted.
"Sorry sweetheart, you're 100 years too early to use my own lines on me." Usui winked, and then walked away from Misaki.
Misaki's inner competitiveness came out of her, and she started to chase Usui. "I'm 100 years too early? Welllll. Let's see what you say after I wipe that smug look off your pretty little face!"
Usui was practically jogging backwards, while easily dodging Misaki's attacks. It was amazing how he could multitask that well. But in Misaki's defense, she was wearing a dress.
"Stop!" Misaki commanded Usui, who stopped obediently in front of Misaki. Of course, Misaki didn't expect that he'd stop, so she ran into him and both of them tumbled into the small stream in the garden.
Misaki gasped. "THE DRESS!" She quickly got up and out of the stream, caring more about the dress' condition than Usui's condition. She shot a glare at Usui. "Look what you've done."
Misaki's strapless ivory mermaid dress was drenched from the waist down. The part that used to flare out was now just straight, dragged down by the weight of the absorbed water. Luckily, her wig and makeup weren't ruined.
However, Usui wasn't so lucky because he tried to shield Mimi from as much water as possible. He was soaked from top to bottom. Even his hair under the wig was wet.
Usui slicked his hair and wig away from his face, loosened his tie, and took off his jacket. It was almost like seeing a god bathing in a moonlit bath. The way his abs showed through his soaked white shirt. And the way the water dripped from his hair. How his emerald eyes reflected the moonlight. To say he was hot would be the understatement of the century.
Usui finally got out of the stream and walked towards Misaki.
"W-w-what…?" Misaki asked as he picked her up and carried her in a bridal style.
Misaki tried to protest, but when she hit his chest, she could feel every detail of his skin.
"I'm taking us to go dry off," Usui replied. "You don't want to stay like this the entire night, now do you?"
…
Takumi carried Misaki through a different entrance of the garden. After all, it would've been bad if they walked into the ballroom all wet. Normally, women would be dying from happiness. Being in Takumi's arms while he was soaked was like being in heaven. However, Misaki being Misaki, was more worried about how she was going to dry the dress, and whether mud had gotten on it or not. There was a lot of things on her mind, and the way 'Tora' looked wasn't currently one of them.
Before she knew it, 'Tora' had carried her all the way to the King's bedroom chambers.
"H-h-h-h-hey…" Misaki whispered, hoping that no one was around. "W-w-we can't be here. It's the King's bedroom! We could get jailed! Worse! We could be sentenced to death!"
"Relax, I know him. He won't mind as long as we don't leave a mess."
"Y-you know U-Usui?" Misaki's palms started to get sweaty after mentioning his name in the castle.
"Yea…" Usui lied. "I'm a distant cousin. Do you know Usui?"
"N-no." Misaki tried to change the subject, hoping to get as far away from it as possible. "I-I still don't think this is a good idea..."
"We're already here though," Usui opened the door and stepping inside.
Misaki's mouth dropped open. "Wow…" It looks exactly the same.
"Well, I'll prepare the bath, you can bathe first." Usui sat Misaki down on the bed, and walked towards the bathroom.
"W-w-wait! I don't need to-"
"If you aren't willing to, then I'll personally make sure you take it." Usui turned the water for the bath on, and then stuck his head out of the bathroom door to smile at Misaki. "It's your choice."
Misaki started to weigh her options out. She figured that either way she'd have to take it. And she obviously didn't need 'Tora' to help with that. "Fine, I'll take it willingly."
"Good." Usui came out and sat with Misaki on the bed. Misaki immediately scooted away from Usui once he sat down next to her. "I'm not the type of guy who'd do something to a girl without permission…"
"I know." Misaki smirked. "But I'm not the type of woman who'd let her guard down just because of that."
Usui started laughing, which caught Misaki off guard. "You're really amazing."
He's so cute… Misaki started to smile after hearing Takumi's laugh. Wait. What? No! I didn't just call him cute… did I?
"Mimi?" Usui waved his hand in front of Misaki's face. "You really like staring off into space, don't you?"
"Ahhh, yea… Do you think that we should lock the door? Just in case someone comes in?" Misaki suggested. She didn't want Usui to come back from the ball, and then find her in there with 'Tora.'
"I guess," Usui got up and went to lock the door.
Click.
"I honestly don't think the lock would stop anybody though." Usui walked back into the bathroom. "You bath is done, you should go in before it gets cold."
"Ah, right. Thank you, T." Misaki walked into the bathroom and bowed to Usui.
"Oh, by the way. I'm sorry if it smells a bit weird."
"Fijian water lotus," Misaki accidentally blurted out. It was Misaki's favorite. They had once gone to a Fiji sauna, and she fell in love with the smell. So he had the water for their bath soaked in the flowers, despite Misaki's opposition. It was a waste of money, but the water smelt so good.
"Oh, not many people know the exact name of this smell."
"M-my mother used to run a flower shop…" Misaki pushed Usui out of the bathroom. "You can't come in here no matter what, okay? I swear, if I see even your shadow from the door, I'll make sure that your face will be permanently broken." She glared at Usui to get her point across.
Usui put his hands up in defense. "I told you! I won't do anything… unless you beg me to." He smirked.
Misaki shut the door right into Takumi's face, and started to take off her dress. Except, she couldn't reach the back. No way. Misaki started grab the top of the dress, and tried to pull it down, but it couldn't go past her waistline. Then, she tried to grab the bottom of the dress, and pull it over her head. But of course the dress couldn't fit past her head. At this point, Misaki was just about to freak out. She couldn't get the dress off at all. At least not alone. Noooooo.
Creaaaaaakkkk.
Misaki finally decided to get some help. There was absolutely no way of getting the dress off alone without ripping it. And she had already gotten it wet, she couldn't afford to return it ripped. Elizabeth's gonna kill me… "U-uhm… C-c-can you give me a hand?" Misaki peering into the room to see Usui reading sitting on a window sill while reading a book.
"Of course," Usui left the book on the window sill and walked over to Misaki. He smirked, and then started to unhook the top of the dress, and then leaned into her ear to whisper. "Although, Mimi told me not to look, so I guess I can't."
"W-what?" Misaki jerked away from Usui. "B-but I can't take it off alone…"
"I suppose I could help… but you'd have to beg me," Usui's eyes seemed to have an ominous glint to them.
"Please help me, T," Misaki rushed.
"Hmm," Usui started to turn, and walk away. "I don't think that's really begging…"
"W-wait!" Misaki pulled Usui's hand back towards her. "P-Please, I beg you to help me."
Usui smiled at Misaki, seeming to be satisfied. "It'd be my pleasure."
Since Usui already unhooked the top of the dress, all he'd need to do left is to unzip it. But knowing Usui, he didn't do it in an ordinary way. He took the zipper in between his thumb and middle finger. And as he slowly unzipped the dress, he slid his pointer finger down her back.
Misaki gasped at the sudden contact. "S-stop, b-b-baka," She panted.
"You want me to stop unzipping?" Usui innocently asked. "But you just begged me to unzip you like a second ago."
"D-don't stop… Just go a bit faster…" Misaki whispered out.
Usui smirked. Once again, the man was filled with a sort of superiority and confidence, which Misaki hated.
"There, I finished." Usui bit her ear, and then immediately backed away, afraid of getting hit.
Misaki covered the bitten ear with her hand, and glared at Usui. After that entire time, her face was extremely red. It had almost seemed like she just got out of her bath. "You are so lucky that I can't move in this unzipped dress…" She held the front of the dress up, to keep it from falling. And with that, she slammed the door shut.
The bathroom was composed of three rooms. The room connected to the bedroom was the largest of the three. It contained the sink, a huge mirror, and a shower that was as big as Misaki's closet. On one side of the room, there was another door that led to where the toilet was. The other door contained the bath. Now, when I say bath, I don't really mean bath. The bath is like a medium sized pool.
Misaki let her dress fall down immediately after she stepped into the bathroom, and then proceeded to walk into the room containing the bath. The water felt so good. She hadn't splurged on herself like this in so long.
Man, there are just some things that you miss about this life. Misaki shut her eyes. And then, a thought popped into her head. Usui also takes baths in here. Her eyes shot open, and she felt her face get hotter. God, why did I even think of that now? She started to think about how the water would drip down his rock hard abs. How it'd flow down to… Misaki! Get your head together! It's just a normal bath. It isn't something to freak out about. New topic. Hiku and Miku. What are you gonna say to them? Maybe start out with the fact that you know their dad. Maybe the fact that you're… wait. What are you to them? You're the dad's ex wife. Well, technically Usui and I are still married… right? But he had the ball to find a queen… but then again, he doesn't know I'm alive. So technically I AM still married to him. So… does that make me their mom? I mean, they always referred to me as their mom. But… I'm not their biological mother. So perhaps I'm more like a step-mom? Wait a minute, how long have I been in the bath? If I stay too long, T might get worried and barge in… I'd better hurry.
After being lost in her deep thoughts for a good half hour, Misaki finally got out of the tub. She walked out to the main room of the 'bathroom' where the sink was, and grabbed a towel out of basket. Misaki wrapped the towel over herself, and then wrapped her hair in the towel, making sure to cover all of her hair. So that T didn't see her real hair color.
As for her wig, Misaki took it off before she took her bath and set it on a table next to the bath itself. She didn't want to get it wet. She didn't know if the blonde hair would start to fall out. So Misaki decided to put it back on when her hair dried.
After wrapping her hair, Misaki grabbed her dress to put it back on. She couldn't stay there for any longer. She already took up so long in the bath. Wait a minute… Misaki looked at the floor of the bathroom. Where is it? And then she started to open up the drawers. I'm sure I set it here… Misaki looked into the other rooms, wondering if she had left it there, and forgot. But after a good five minutes of internally freaking out, she knew there was only one place it could be. T.
Creeaaakkkk…
Misaki stuck her head, and only her head, out of the door. Only to have T stare back at her from the window sil. "Where's my dress?" She glared at him.
Usui looked back at Misaki innocently. "I sent it out to get cleaned. It would've left a stain if you left it like that, you know. I couldn't let a beautiful maiden like you get her dress ruined."
"Great. Thanks a lot." Misaki replied sarcastically. "Now what am I going to wear? Wait a minute, how did you even get my dress?"
Usui smirked. "I got it off the floor. Duh. And it's not like I'm having you go naked, if that's what you're asking."
"What am I wearing then?" Misaki shook her head, and then wrinkled her eyebrows. "W-wa-wait a minute. You got it off the floor?"
Usui nodded and grinned, like a dog who wanted to be praised by its owner.
"Did I…" Misaki asked softly. "Or did I not, tell you that I didn't want you anywhere near the bathroom? Did I not tell you not to go in? What part of not going in do you not understand?!" As she continued, her voice got more stern and angry.
"B-b-b-but Mimi… I-I just wanted to do the best thing for you," Usui pouted with his puppy dog eyes. "I-I-I wanted to make you happy."
Misaki sighed, and then rubbed her temples. "Fine! This is the only time I'll forgive you, because you had good intentions." She glared at Usui one more time. "HOWEVER. This is also the last time I'll let things like this slide. Kapeesh?"
Usui nodded.
"Great. Now bring me what I'm supposed to wear for now." Misaki brought her head into the bathroom, stuck her arm out, and closed the door even more to make sure he wouldn't be able to peer inside.
"But you just told me not to go near the bathroom while you're in there. I can't just go against your word like you. After all, you told me that you wouldn't let things slide anymore."
Misaki rolled her eyes. What a smart-aleck. "Fine. Then close your eyes and turn around. Don't move a muscle."
Misaki swiftly move out of the bathroom, when Usui turned around. She left the door slightly open, so she would be able to run back and close the door. Misaki started to walk towards-
"Wait. Where's the clothes?"
"The clothes you're wearing?"
"No. The clothes that I'm not wearing." Misaki sighed. "Of course the clothes I'm going to wear!"
"Oh, I was just going to give you my shirt." Usui stated, like it was so normal for someone to do that. "But I can't take it off, because you told me not to move my muscles."
"WHAT?" Misaki exclaimed. I knew it wasn't this simple when it came to him. She facepalmed herself. But calm down Misa. Misaki breathed in and out. "Why exactly would I wear that?"
"Because… you have nothing else to wear. I mean, I suppose you could wear the towel, but I thought you'd rather have a shirt. And it's not like there's any clothes you could borrow in here."
Misaki stayed silent for a few seconds, contemplating what to do. You can't wear the towel, it'd be against our morals! But the shirt would cover just as much as the towel, nearly nothing! No woman should be reduced to these choices! "Fine." Misaki finally decided. Shirts are harder to take off than towels. I mean, even if he tried something funny, he'd end up in the hospital. But still, it's time to take precautions. "Don't move a muscle."
"I haven't." Usui chuckled.
Misaki walked slowly to Usui's back but stopped. "Can you take your shirt off first?"
Usui whistled. "Wow, I didn't take you to be the aggressive type of woman."
Misaki's cheeks turned to crimson. "Baka. I didn't mean it like that," she playfully hit his back.
"I wish I could take it off, but Mimi told me not to move my muscles."
God. I wish my words would stop coming back to bite me in the ass. Misaki sighed. "So what do I do?"
Usui pretended to think for a minute. "Take it off yourself, I suppose."
"I can't do that."
"Then you can stay in your towel. I wouldn't mind, but if the King or servants sees us in here with only you in a towel, then it'd might make the wrong impression right?"
Misaki gritted her teeth together. Worst. Situation. Possible. "Fine."
Misaki started to unbutton his shirt from the back of him, because she didn't want him to peek at her. She wrapped her arms around T. It almost felt the same as when she would embrace Usui. God. It felt good when I hugged Usui. But this feels so great. There's just something about T that comforts me. Something that makes me feel so nostalgic. Perhaps he came over a summer to visit Usui when we were teenagers. I mean, Gerald came occasionally. But usually no one came. I don't know… but you'd better hurry Misa. If you take too long, you'll look like a pervert.
One by one, Misaki unbuttoned each button, until she got to the bottom of the shirt. Then she pulled the shirt off from behind, and scurried back to the bathroom. But since she came out of the bath earlier, she had gotten the floor wet when she walked to Usui. So on the way back, of course, she slipped. One step in the opposite direction, and her vision was flipped upside down.
"Ahhh!" Misaki screamed. She shut her eyes, ready for the hard impact of the floor. But as she fell, Usui grabbed her hand and pulled her back up. However, Usui had also slipped on the water. So both of them just fell once again.
Misaki opened her eyes because she hadn't felt anything hard. In fact, she felt snug and cozy. "T-T-Tora? Are you okay?" Misaki moved his hair out of his face, only to see a pained expression. "OH MY GOD. YOU CAN'T DIE! DON'T DIE ON ME! GO TOWARDS THE LIGHT!"
Usui moaned. "It hurts."
"What hurts? Stay with me T!" Misaki started to search his body for any injuries. Her hand grazed his rock hard abs, due to him being half naked.
Usui smirked. "It hurts to not be able to pounce on you when you're in this kind of a state."
Misaki looked at herself. She was still in her towel, which looked like it could fall off any minute now. And she was sitting on top of Usui. Naked.
Misaki gasped, and then quickly walked back to the bathroom. "Y-y-y-y-you pervert!" She covered her woman areas with her hands, even though her towel was still on her.
Usui watched as the door shut close, and then chuckled to himself. God, she's so adorable. I just want to watch her all day every day.
After five minutes, the door opened once again to reveal Misaki in T's shirt. The shirt was bigger than Misaki expected. It stopped an inch below her panties, but the sleeves were too longer for her arms.
Misaki glared at Usui.
"You look great," Usui's eyes wandered up and down her body.
Misaki continued to glare, and didn't respond to Usui.
"Are you still mad?"
Misaki just jerked her head to the side.
"I'm sorry that I caught you when you fell."
Misaki crossed her arms.
"Well I mean I guess we're even now." Usui started walking towards Misaki.
"And how exactly are we even now?" Misaki asked.
"I made you fall, but you made me fall head over heels for you," Usui smirked.
"Pftt," Misaki started laughing. "T-t-that was so cheesy." She wiped a tear from her eye.
"Can I be forgiven now that I've said something that cheesy?" Usui asked with his puppy dog eyes.
Misaki rolled her eyes. "Only on one condition."
"Anything for you," he winked.
Misaki burst out in laughter once again. "Stoppp! I'm seriously about to die from laughing." After a seconds of more laughing, Misaki finally stopped. "Ahhh, I almost forgot what my condition was. Anyways. You have to bring me my dress in the next five minutes. Then I'll forgive you."
"Easy," Usui walked to a wardrobe and pulled out her dress.
Misaki's eyes shot wide open. "What? It was here the whole time?!"
"No, it came back a couple minutes ago, while you were changing."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner? Then I wouldn't have to come out in…" Misaki looked at her attire. "Come out in… this."
"Would you hit me if I told you I wanted to see you in my shirt?" Usui grinned.
Misaki clenched her fingers into a fist.
Usui watched as she seemed to be getting angrier by the second. "I'm kidding. You said you didn't want me near the bathroom when you're in there. So I gave you your space." He smiled.
Of course it's what I said. Jeez. "Whatever… just give me the dress so that I can change and go home." Misaki started walking towards Usui, and as she reach for the dress, Usui moved it. So she tried grabbing it again, but somehow, Usui was able to keep it out of her reach. "What's the catch?"
Usui smirked. "I'm not that type of person Mimi."
"Then what can I do to get my dress?"
"A simple peck on the-"
Misaki punched Usui in the pit of his stomach, and grabbed the dress. "Thanks," she smirked back at him.
Usui rubbed where she punched, and just chuckled. Adorable and unpredictable.
…
After she changed, Misaki and T finally left the King's bedroom chambers and started walking back towards the entrance of the castle.
"Thank god he didn't come back." Misaki let out a sigh of relief. "It would've been bad if he found us in there."
"Why?" Usui asked.
"W-why else? Because we could've gone to jail."
"Relax, it would've been fine. I'm his close cousin."
That's not really why it would've been bad though. "Y-yea. I suppose." Misaki diverted her attention to something else. "You really don't have to walk me to my limousine."
"It's alright. I have nothing to do anyways."
Before they knew it, they had reached the entrance, and Alfred's limousine pulled up to the door.
"Thank you for everything, T."
"No problem. Have a safe trip back to Mitaku." He grinned. "Thanks for accompanying me tonight, Miss Mimi with no last name."
Misaki chuckled. "Thanks for making me fall twice, Mister Tora Igarashi."
"Will I see you again?"
Misaki thought about being able to see him again. How he made her feel normal again. How the past seemed like it not longer affected her. But then she remembered. Usui. I can't. I can't seem to forget him. I used to love him. Even now, even though he has someone else in his heart, I still can't seem to forget him. "Well, as for meeting again," Misaki walked towards the limousine. "I guess we'll leave it to fate." And Misaki shut the door. There's no way I'm meeting him again. If Usui can't find me, there's no way in hell he will. Tonight was fun. Tonight was like a fairy tale for me, a fairy tale that I won't have again.
…
"How was the ball, Miss Ayuzawa?" Alfred asked.
"It was great," Misaki replied, smiling.
"That young man seemed nice," Alfred raised an eyebrow. "Friend of yours?"
"Friend… boyfriend… lover… stranger… none of that matters anymore." Misaki stared out of the window. "I'm never going to see him again anyways."
Sensing her sadness, Alfred decided to offer her some advice. "My friend, the one who runs the restaurant, always says that no matter how long you've been waiting, the man that the gods chose for you will find you. You will meet him when the gods say so. Not a minute earlier; not a moment later. Everything is prewritten. What we call fate, is what the gods have written for us."
Misaki managed to let a small smile out. "Well then, I hope your friend is right."
…
Misaki arrived back at Wigged around 11:00 pm(23:00). She was actually pretty tired out.
"Thank you Alfred for taking me and bringing me back," she bowed.
Alfred laughed. "No problem, I'd pick driving you over any other young person any day." Alfred watched Misaki go into Wigged, just to make sure she made it in safely, and then drove off into the night.
"Elizabeth?" Misaki walked into the store, and then locked the front door. She really should lock her door. "Elizabeth…?"
"Back here," a voice answered from the back of the shop.
Misaki walked through the aisle and straight into the back room. "What are you doing back here?"
The three of them were sitting around the round table playing cards.
"Just hanging out," Hiku answered.
"How was the ball?" Miku immediately asked.
"It was… good…" Misaki smiled nervously.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "Good? Just good? Did you-"
"Meet anyone special?" Hiku and Miku excitedly finished for Elizabeth.
"I suppose." Misaki diverted her eyes away from all three of them. "How were the kids, Elizabeth?"
"I told you to call me mother," she pouted. "They were fantastic. I never knew they were such smart kids."
"Yea…" Misaki started she gave a certain look to Hiku and Miku, who both just looked at each other. "Same here…"
"S-s-so what kind of man did you meet?" Hiku asked, hoping to change his mother's look.
"How did you know it was a guy?" Misaki blurted out, and then covered her mouth.
Miku giggled. "You're honestly terrible at lying Mama."
"It's not like I try to be bad," Misaki pouted. "Anyways. His name is Tora. Tora Igarashi."
Hiku and Miku gasped.
Misaki looked at them suspiciously. "Do you know him?"
Miku started. "N-no. It's just-"
"Did you meet the king?" Hiku interrupted his sister.
"Ah," Misaki forced a smile. "No. I didn't. Have you two met him," she raised an eyebrow.
"M-maybe… once or twice." Miku admitted.
"B-b-but not up close though, of course." Hiku added.
Misaki decided to let them off the hook. After all, they were only kids. And she knew them, they would have a good reason to not tell Misaki. "Well, there was also such good food there. I'll teach you two how to make tomato bruschetta tomorrow. I almost forgot that I knew how to make it."
"Tomorrow?" Hiku asked.
"Yea, tomorrow. Why? Is there something wrong? Do you guys not like tomato bruschetta?"
"W-well. We were actually planning to go home tomorrow…" Miku confessed. "B-but I'm sure we can stay for tomato bruschetta!" She quickly added.
"Oh… right…" Misaki gave them a sad smile. I almost forgot they have a real family. A real mother. "I-it's alright. You guys go home. We'll make it next time."
"It's a promise then," Miku smiled.
"You guys should go home and rest. I'm sure the ball was tiring," Elizabeth pointed out.
"Yea… and it's also way past your bedtimes," Misaki glared at the twins.
"B-because we were worried about Mama." Miku explained.
"Yes. after all, you wouldn't be able to carry us home if we both fell asleep, right?" Hiku smiled.
"I supposed so," Misaki grabbed both of their hands. "Bye Mother!"
"Goodbye my dear Misa," she held the door open as the three happily walked back home.
"So how was it staying with your…" Misaki thought for a minute. "Your… grandma?"
"It was good," Hiku started to drag his feet, making a beat.
Misaki stared at Hiku for a good minute, and Hiku could feel her gaze too. "That drives me nuts."
"Same," Hiku agreed. "I just wanted to see how long it'd take to make Mother nuts." He grinned.
Misaki laughed. "You sure love to tease your mother, don't you?"
"I guess it runs in the family," Miku giggled.
"Family?" Misaki asked. Do they… perhaps… know about Usui and I?
"Hiku and I. Did you forget about me?" Miku pouted. "That's not very nice Mommy. I might just cry." She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand.
Misaki stopped walking and got down to Miku's height. "That's not what I meant," she patted Miku's head. "I love you and your brother equally. No less, No more."
Miku smirked. "I know. I was just playing."
Misaki sighed. "Will you guys stop picking on poor old me?"
The twins walked hand in hand ahead of Misaki, and then turned back. "We love you mama," they both replied in unison.
Misaki smiled. "I love you guys too… even if I'm not your real mother." She muttered the last part underneath her breath.
…
The morning after the ball, Usui had decided to sleep in. It had been a long time since he was able to get such good sleep. In fact, the only thing that woke him up were the two angels that he had missed so much.
"Daddy! Wake up! We're back!" Miku exclaimed, opening the curtains of the room and letting the vibrant sun rays into the dark room.
"Sleepyhead, you can't sleep this late. It's almost lunch," Hiku tried pulled one of his father's arms.
Miku finished opening all the curtains, and ran over to her brother's side to help him. "At this point, you might even miss dinner!"
Usui watched as both of his children pulled his arm in an attempt to get him out of bed, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "Did you two miss me?" He grabbed both of them and carried them out of the room.
"Of course! After all, you're our best dad!" Hiku exclaimed flailing his arms around like he was flying.
"Correction. I'm your only dad," Usui walked through the hallways, making his way to the dining room. "Hold on tight, the ride might be a bit rough." In one swift movement, he flipped the twins at the same time, so that they would be able to sit on his shoulder comfortably. "Please keep your hands and legs inside the vehicle at all times." He sped up super fast to the dining room.
Hiku and Miku couldn't help but laugh as they zoomed through the hallways of Miyabigaoka Castle. It was ironic how they would get yelled at by Satsuki for running, but here was their dad, The King, running in the halls.
After less than a minute, they arrived at the dining room, where three plates sat at the end of the long table. Usui sat at the very end, and the twins sat on either side of him. As soon as they were seated and cozy, servants scurried in with the first course.
"Wow, that's got to be a record for you, Papa." Miku pointed out. "I don't think you've ever gotten us here that fast. Did something happen at the ball last night?"
"You know about the ball?" Usui arched an eyebrow.
"Is there anyone in this country who didn't? It was all over the news," Hiku separated the carrots from his plate full of food.
"Look," Usui used his serious voice, the one that the twins had only heard a few times ever. The last time they had heard it was when he found out that they snuck into the north wing. "I'm not replacing your mother. I still love her very much."
The twins nodded.
"And I want you to know that I will not marry anyone, unless you two both approve of her. The marriage is for two reason, and only those reasons. The first reason is that Seika needs a Queen. We can no longer evade the Queen's role in the Kingdom. The second reason, which is the most important, is for you two. I know that it's always been just use three. But a child needs a mother, and that fact cannot be ignored. No matter how much you two say you're okay without a mother, it's not true. So that is why you two will approve her her. Before I am a king, I am a father."
"T-then, does that mean that you found someone…?" Miku asked.
Usui stared into his daughter's eyes. He could easily lie and say no. But he wasn't the type to lie to his precious Miku. "I have a potential candidate."
From what Hiku and Miku had learned from last night, Misaki had no kind of contact with Usui. That meant that Usui had met a different woman, from Hiku and Miku's perspective.
"D-did you fall in love with her?" Hiku mustered up all of his courage to ask Usui that one question. Both twins sat in anticipation. What if he answers yes? Does that mean he moved on from Misaki? That means it wouldn't matter if she were dead or alive. He would still pick the other woman.. wouldn't he?
"I-"
"Master Takumi Usui!" Satsuki burst through the dining room doors. "How many times have I asked you not to run around the castle, half-naked!"
"Is my home not a place that I can be comfortable in?" Usui asked, eating his food.
"I'm not saying you have to be uncomfortable, however, what if Hiku learns this habit?"
Usui imagined the little Hiku running around the palace with no shirt on. "Well then, I've succeeded as a father then." He chuckled and patted Hiku's head.
"And if Miku learns the habit…?" She glowered at Usui. "Will you be a succeeded father then?"
Usui sighed. "Fine. Bring me my shirt, I'll put it on. In all honestly, I don't really mind. It's just that we were in a time crunch. What would we have done if we missed brunch hours?"
"May I remind you that you have chefs awaiting for your orders 24/7? So you could have lunch any time?" Satsuki walked to a closet in the dining room and pulled out a shirt for Usui.
"It's just not the same." Hiku started.
Miku was separating her carrots from the rest of her plate. "If we don't eat brunch during brunch hours, then it wouldn't be brunch. It'd just be… well… lunch!"
Usui took the shirt from Satsuki and started to button it up. "Father, like child." He chuckled.
"Exactly father, like child." Satsuki sighed. "Now eat your carrots everyone," she knew that all three of them had probably separated their carrots out by now. "It's supposed to be good for your health! Don't you want to be big and strong like your father?"
"I want to be beautiful like my mother." Miku blurted out. As soon as those words came out of her mouth, she looked down into her lap. She knew that she had said something that should never have been said. Especially in front of her father.
Usui reached his hand out, and started to pat his beloved daughter's head. "And you will be, now eat your carrots." He smiled.
"T-Then if we eat ours, you'll have to eat yours." Hiku proposed.
"I guess that's a pretty fair compromise. But I have work to do." Usui got up and kissed both of his kids on the head. "Welcome back home." And then he was off to go get ready for whatever he had planned during the day.
…
Misaki was left with a day to spare, because the twins had gone home. She had missed the chance to ask about their relationship with Usui because they had knocked out right when they got back to Misaki's home. And then, when Misaki woke up, the two little ones had gone back home, leaving only a note behind to inform Misaki that they left.
Misaki sighed. "It sure is quiet around here without those two little rascals," she whispered to herself. "What to do today…" She looked outside on of the shop's windows. The sky was like an endless ocean of blue. There were no clouds on this beautiful day, so the sun shone brightly on Takumisa. "Maybe I'll go see if Eli-," she stopped. "Mother wants to go anywhere today," she corrected herself. She pondered endless ideas through her mind. "We could go where the castle is, and visit the floating water market there. Or perhaps she might want to go visit the art museum. Oh! I know!" She exclaimed.
Misaki grabbed her keys, a small hat, and sunglasses. She then proceeded to lock the door of the bookshop, and hurried along to Wigged.
…
After a short while, Misaki arrived at the front door of Wigged. She always wondered why the shop seemed so creepy and dreary, because Eliz-Mother was obviously such a high spirited person.
"Mother," Misaki called, as she pulled the door handle.
But the door didn't budge.
"Mom?" Misaki called again, looking through the shop's windows. Because her mother used such thick curtains for the windows, Misaki couldn't peer in. I guess she's out. I guess that's fine then. Just a day for myself, I guess I could go by myself to that place…
So Misaki dialed Alfred's number, and started walking towards the opposite side of town.
"Alfred?"
"That's me," the voice on the line answered.
"Hi! Yes, this is Misa. I was actually wondering where your friend's restaurant was. I suddenly found myself with a free day and an empty stomach."
"Oh, if you go to the north side of town, head west on Tayuzawa Street, and then you'll end up in front of a bridge that crosses one of the castle's rivers. Once you reach that bridge, take a left into the alleyway. At the end of that alleyway are stairs that go down. Those stairs will lead you to the restaurant. It's called Heros." Alfred explained quickly. "If you have any questions, just-. Coming! Sorry Miss Misa, I have to go. Good luck!"
And the line hung up.
"...Thanks…?" Misaki didn't even get the chance to thank him. No worries, she thought, I can always do it another time.
As Misaki started walking towards the restaurant with her hat and sunglasses on. She was always cautious about her appearance when she was in public. Her hair was pulled up into a tight bun, and she wore a white button up long sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up. The shirt was neatly tucked into her blue acid-washed denim shorts that was paired with a simple black flats.
I really need to ask Hiku and Miku about their family. I mean, perhaps… it could all be a mistake. Maybe Tora was wrong… what am I saying? Of course he's right. They look exactly like Usui. They act like him. They have all his little quirks… like teasing me and smirking. Kids their age aren't that smart… or strong. In fact, they're the best at everything they do. I should've noticed it earlier, huh? God, Misaki, how unlucky can you be? A man's children that he had with his lover start to call that man's ex-wife, mother. Why is life so unfair to me? What did I ever do? I fell in love. That's it. Anyhow, I guess I can't really ask Hiku and Miku about this… I mean, I don't want to drag two innocent kids into this mess of mine. I guess I'll just keep quiet. Maybe I can forget about their parents. That's what I'll do. No child should ever be judged on their parents. Good Misaki.
...
Before she knew it, Misaki reached the river. It had taken her about an hour to walk to the other side of town. Of course, usually it took at least three hours, but Misaki knew some shortcuts. But as Misaki walked towards the bridge, she forgot what direction she was supposed to go.
"Was it left…?" Misaki mumbled, looking into the dark alleyway. "Or was it right?"
She scrunched her eyebrows together and thought super hard. But she couldn't recall which direction she was supposed to go.
"Excuse me," she stopped a woman who walked past her. "Do you know where a restaurant named 'Heros' is?"
The lady she stopped was about the same height and build as Misaki, but looked like she was like Suzuna's age. She had light blue hair that was almost white and deep yellow olive eyes. "Heros?"
Misaki nodded.
"Oh, I'm actually on my way there," she smiled. "Isn't that a coincidence?"
"Really? Wow, what a small world."
"Yea, not many people know about it. So it's not everyday that we get customers."
"Oh, do you work there?" Misaki asked.
"Something like that… It's a bit complicated," the woman replied. "By the way, I'm Aya."
"I'm Misa," Misaki held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Aya-chan."
"You too," Aya smiled and shook Misaki's hand. "What brings you to Hero?"
"Actually, a friend of mine recommended it."
"Oh, wow. That's super rare," Aya giggled. "No one comes to-"
Just as Aya was finishing her sentence, a man ran in between her and Misaki.
"My purse!" A woman behind Misaki exclaimed, running after the man.
The second Misaki heard her cry, Misaki set off towards the thief. Luckily, the thief was no match for Misaki. She easily caught up to the man. "It's people like you who make this world a sick place." She gave him a look that could kill someone.
The man was panting from the run, but he was all out of options. So he took out a shiny object from his pocket and charged at Misaki. Misaki expertly grabbed his arm, and flung him over her shoulder.
"Misa!" A voice behind Misaki yelled. "Are you okay?" Aya finally caught up to Misaki and the perpetrator. "Oh my god! What happened?" She looked at the man unconscious that was lying on the ground.
"It's alright," Misaki started dusting herself off.
"A-a-all right?" Aya looked at Misaki in horror. "You're bleeding!" She pointed at Misaki's arm.
Misaki twisted her arm to look at her injury. "Oh," she shrugged. "It's just a small cut. He must've accidentally grazed me with his knife when I flipped him over."
"F-flipped? What? Hold on, we have to get you treated first." Aya took out a spindle of thick ribbon. "I don't have bandages, but this'll have to do for now. They have bandages at the restaurant."
Misaki started to decline, but she was never really good at arguing against ladies. "It's okay… I don't want to ruin your pretty ribbon…"
"If you don't take my ribbon, then I'll call for an ambulance." Aya started to wrap the ribbon around the cut. The was an awkward silence, now that Misaki finally gave in. "So where are you from?" Aya broke the silence.
"Born and raised in this beautiful city." Misaki smiled. "How about you?"
"I was from a city that's south of here. It's called Artole. It's really small, so I doubt you'd know about it. But I moved here last year." Aya finally finished tying the knot on the ribbon. "There, all done." She grinned at Misaki.
Misaki gave her a gentle smile, and they started walking towards the restaurant. "So you're kind of new to Takumisa, aren't you?"
"Well, I've learned a lot about this beautiful city in my year here." Aya admitted. "But yes, I'm fairly new."
"What made you move here?" Misaki asked. "City girl born in the country?"
"Mmmm," Aya thought for a minute. "I suppose. Something like that. Oh," Aya stopped. "We're here!"
Misaki looked in front of her. It was indeed what Alfred described. There were steps made of stone that led down to a door. Above the door was a sign with the word "Heros." It seemed like a shady place that gamblers and drug dealers would go to in movies. In fact, the "R" in the word "Heros" wasn't even lit up.
Aya noticed Misaki tense up. "It's a lot better than it seems," she laughed. "I keep telling everyone to change the appearance, but they say that the restaurant should represent them."
"Oh… so you guys are indeed real gangsters." Misaki blurted out. "I mean, thugs… well. I don't really know what it's called anymore."
"Well, people describe us as gangsters, but it's all for a good cause." Aya opened the door into the restaurant.
It seemed like a normal tavern. The furniture was all made of wood. There was a bar with stools. The perimeter of the room had booths, and then the middle was filled with a pool table. The restaurant was not much bigger than Misaki's bookstore. I mean, other than all of the men with tattoos, it wasn't that different.
Misaki wasn't scared. There were tall, short, all sorts of guys. And she was certain that she could take on all of the men in the restaurant. But she knew that they weren't bad people. After all, how else could Aya survive among them? She freaked out when she saw Misaki's small cut.
"Aya!" The men all yelled as soon as Misaki and Aya came through the door.
"Hey guys, look! We have a customer." Aya waved and pointed to Misaki.
Misaki awkwardly lifted her hand up into a wave. "H-hi…" She was pretty much speechless.
"Her name is Misa-chan!" Aya explained. "Come on guys! This is our first customer in a long time. Do it just like we practiced." She waved her hands in the air and then started walking towards the kitchen. "I have some things to do, but I'll come back out in a while. Have fun Misa! By the way, don't order the daily special. It's not really special… or normal. Everything else is delicious though!"
"Okay… "Misaki stared back at the muscle men in front of her.
The room was silent for a moment. It was awkward, because even the buff guys who were twice her size just stared at her.
One of them finally stepped up. He had ash blonde hair and silver eyes. "Have some drinks!" He gave her a glass of yellow liquid. "For a pretty girl like you, I'll put it on the house if you give me a kiss." He winked at Misaki.
Misaki rolled her eyes. "That's great. What can I do to make you leave me alone?"
The guy was overwhelmed by Misaki's retort. He was left speechless, and then another man walked up to them.
Oh great. Another guy, Misaki thought to herself. I can probably guess he'll be as cocky and annoying as the ash blonde guy.
The other guy came up to Misaki. He had long dark purple hair that was pulled into a ponytail. "Pfttt, Shiroyan, I think you got rejected." The man proceeded to chug his glass down in one shot. "By the way, I'm Kurotatsu. Are you good at science?" He winked at Misaki. "Because I think we had chemistry together."
Ugh, what a guy, Misaki thought to herself. "How long did it take you to come up with that one?"
Clang!
Misaki didn't flinch at the sudden noise. She looked towards the back of the room where there was a man benching. This guy had indigo colored hair. He forcefully let his hundred and fifty pound dumbbell onto the floor, and then did a weird thing with his eyebrows.
"And what do you want?" Misaki shot a glare at the indigo guy.
The man walked up next to the other ash and purple colored hair men.
"Relax, sweetie, I just wanted to talk." He replied.
"No thanks." Misaki got up to change seats. She wanted to be as far away from these men as possible. Complete idiots.
"Hold on," the indigo haired man grabbed Misaki's arm.
Misaki felt as though her arm was being ripped off. If it were any other woman, they'd probably drop down on the floor and start bawling. He pulled on her cut. It was like he was pulling the skin and making the cut larger. But Misaki was Misaki. And she wasn't that weak. She jerked her arm away from the man. "I'm not one of those kinds of girls. If you touch me one more time, I can't guarantee that your bones in your body will still be intact."
The front door flung open, and everyone's heads turned to see who was at the door.
The man who burst into the room wore a black cloak. He was taller than Misaki, but stood a bit hunched. It was dead silent in the room. "That's not how you ask someone if they want to drink, Shiroyan." The man finally said to the ash blonde haired guy. His voice was a lot less rough than the other men in the room. "Would you like a drink?" He asked Misaki.
"I don't drink alcohol." Misaki declined, nervously smiling.
The man took off the hood of his cloak. "You don't have to be so tense. I don't bite."
The man looked kind of a familiar. But Misaki couldn't put her finger on who exactly he looked like. He was definitely a lot older. He had black hair and jet black eyes.
"I-I wasn't tense." Misaki hopelessly lied.
"Anyway," the man started again. "This isn't alcohol. It's apple juice. Do you think I'd be crazy enough to give these big guys alcohol?"
"Hey! We're not that bad with alcohol," one man argued.
"Yea! We just get… happy. That's it!" Another added.
"Last time I let you guys be 'Happy,' you guys nearly killed the neighbors." The black haired man rolled his eyes. "Anyways, they call me Papa Heros. I'm the owner of Heros restaurant, Heros Organization, and also, Heros Gang." He stopped. "But the gang is actually just a rumor."
"H-Hi Papa Heros. I'm-"
"I know exactly who you are." Papa Heros took a sip of his apple juice and finally smiled at Misaki, which surprised her. He cleared his throat. "Alfred let me know before you came. Anyways, have you guys seen Aya? She picked up my package for me yesterday, and I've been trying to find her ever since." He asked the men.
"Oh, she went in the back." Misaki gestured towards the door. "She said she has some stuff to do."
Papa Heros shook his head. "That girl… she works a full-time job, and she still comes to help us on her free days…" He turned towards the indigo and purple haired men next to Misaki. "Ikkun, Kurotatsu."
"Y-y-yes, Papa Heros," they both stuttered, putting their hands up to salute him.
"Don't bother Misa too much," the way he talked was as sharp as a knife.
"Y-yes, Papa Heros."
"Good," and with that, Papa Hero disappeared through the kitchen doors.
hat?" She looked, confused.
"Jeez, how did he know what happened?" The guy named Shiroyan asked.
Ikkun shivered. "It's almost like he's everywhere…"
"Everywhere at once," Kurotatsu added.
Misaki stared at Shiroyan, and then to the man named Ikkun, and then to Kurotatsu. "Do… I know you guys?" And then it hit her.
…
Flashback to Chapter 7
- Author's Note: You can skip this part… but the story will make much more sense if you read this
Noticing that she lost Kanou, Miku finally stopped running. "I think we lost him Hiku. Now we can go look around to our heart's content," she smiled to the person next to her. But he wasn't there. A wave of panic washed over her. "H-Hi-Hiku…? Stop playing around. Come out, I'm scared."
As she was looking around, she headed through a narrow tunnel when a group of 3 men started coming through the entrance she had once came through.
"What's wrong little girl?" One of the men asked.
"Are you lost?" Another asked.
The way they smiled creeped Miku out. She knew that they didn't intend to help her find her brother. Especially, since they had lots of scars and smelled like they hadn't showered for days. Some even had bruises as proof that they had just gotten out of a fight.
"N-no. I'm not lost. I'm actually quite busy. S-so if you guys could just let me go…" Miku trembled.
"Actually, I don't think we will. We know a few people who would pay a hefty price for a healthy girl such as yourself," one of them answered.
Miku no longer knew how to react. So she did what her gut told her to do. She started screaming at the top of her lungs.
The men covered their ears due to the sudden high pitched scream. It felt like their eardrums would burst.
Fortunately, Hiku was nearby, and heard her loud scream. He grew up with his dear sister, so he knew exactly whose scream it was and was so used to it that he didn't need to cover his ears. He ran past the men and stood in front of Miku.
"Onii-chan," she sobbed. "I-I was so scared."
"Shhhh, it's okay." Hiku tried to cheer Miku up. And then he glared at the men. "What did you do to my sister?"
"Nothing… yet." One man told him. "Listen boy, just let us take her, and we'll leave you alone, scratch free." The man put a hand on Hiku's shoulder.
Luckily, Usui and Kanou had taught Hiku how to defend himself. And just like his father, he was great at almost everything.
As soon as the hand touched Hiku's shoulder, Hiku took his hand and twisted it. As a result, the man fell to the floor and hugged his hand.
"Owwwwww! Fuck! Get that motherfucker!" He yelled to the other 2 men.
Right when Hiku was about to beat the other two people up, a person with a scarf covering their face kicked both men. The person grabbed Hiku and Miku's hands and ran.
End of Flashback!
…
Misaki didn't look at them, or rather, they couldn't see her expression. She cracked her knuckles, and looked up at them. The three men felt like an evil demon had somehow possessed her and they started to feel shivers going down their spine.
"You… guys…" Misaki grumbled.
"H-h-h-h-h-h-h-hold on." Ikkun put his hands up.
"W-w-w-what d-did we do?" Kurotatsu backed away from Misaki, but was trapped in between Ikkun and Shiroyan.
"Is it what we s-said earlier? B-b-because we didn't mean it," Shiroyan tried to calm Misaki down.
Kurotatsu pointed at Shiroyan. "Y-yea. It was all Shiroyan's fault."
"What do you mean it was my fault?!" Shiroyan yelled. "You wanna go?!"
"Come at me bro!" Kurotatsu punched the air, like how boxers warm up before a match.
"G-g-guys…" Ikkun put himself between the two grown men, trying to keep them apart. And then his eyes met hers. Or it. There was no way that girl's eyes could look that scary. "Guh-Ahh...ohh…" All he could do was point towards Misaki's way.
The other men slowly turned their heads toward Misaki again. The way she glared at them felt like she was putting chains on their souls, and then slowly dragging them on tiny pieces of glass that were glued to the ground. And then dipping only their hands into a pot of boiling water.
"You… SAN BAKA!" Misaki's fist flew from her side to their faces in a split second.
Don't you think that you should get their story before you start hitting, a voice asked in Misaki's head.
Right before her hand impacted their faces, Misaki stopped. In fact, she had initiated the attack so fast that the bangs of the men fluttered. "Usui," Misaki's eyes shot open.
All the men around looked confusedly at Misaki. They all were awestruck at Misaki's strength, speed, and then the way she stopped her attack.
Shiroyan nervously smiled at Misaki. "It's actually Shiroyan."
Misaki glared at him.
"B-b-but… you can call me anything." He repeatedly nodded his head fast.
She unclenched her fist. "Is it a habit for you guys to kidnap little girls near Ayusui Boulevard?"
And then it hit them.
"Y-y-y-your the scarf lady!" Ikkun pointed at Misaki with his jaw dropped to the ground.
"I prefer Misa, but sure."
"T-that's not what you think it was," Kurotatsu waved his hands in denial. "It's really something different."
"There's actually a high level of child labor in that region." Shiroyan explained.
"And as a part of Heros, we save the little girls in that region, and sponsors will sponsor the child to go to study abroad in another country." Ikkun added. "And that's what we meant by saying that the little girl would get a 'hefty price.'"
"But then that little rascal boy came along and ruined our plan," Kurotatsu nagged. "That little bastard wanted to bring her back to the master for sure. We've encountered those situations many times. Trust me Misa, we were right. You shouldn't have 'saved' them. But I suppose it's the thought that counts."
Misaki facepalmed herself. "You guys are so stupid. Oh my god. They're my kids."
The three men just stared at her. Stunned that they were hitting on a married woman who also happened to have kids.
"Well," Misaki was about to correct herself. Technically, they're not my biological kids. But I suppose this will keep them away from me for now. "Just stop looking so suspicious. Shouldn't you ask the kids before kidnapping them? I mean… even if it's for a better cause, you would scare the crap outta every kid."
"W-w-we tried doing that," Ikkun sputtered. "But they just scream and run away either way…"
"Then maybe you should try to at least sound like a normal person. Not some conniving thief who wants to sell them."
"Yes~!" The three answered, bowing down to Misaki.
"Damn, that new girl is really hardcore," someone whispered.
Misaki's head whirled towards the man's direction, and glared at him. She wore the face of a contorted demon. "Want to repeat that?"
"N-n-n-no…" the man started to break out in cold sweat.
"Good." Misaki replied.
Aya popped out of the door again. "Alright guys, I'm done for tonight." She smiled.
"Oh, I'll walk you home," Misaki offered. "Where do you live?"
"Southwest of here." Aya answered, packing some stuff in a bag. "But it's fine, I live on the opposite side of town from here. I don't want to burden you."
"It's totally fine! I live down there too. On Ayusui Boulevard." Misaki waved here hands in front of her.
Aya gasped. "I almost forgot about your wound!" She scurried behind the bar and lifted up a huge metal box. It seemed kind of heavy, and she almost wasn't able to carry it. Her arms shook like an earthquake. She carefully took off the lid, and pulled out some pieces of white bandage and a bottle of alcohol.
Misaki stared at Aya's actions. It seemed like she knew exactly what she was doing, "I'm really-"
"Nonsense. Just come here." She pulled on Misaki's left arm and dragged her to the back of the bar.
For a girl like that, she's very strong-willed. Misaki smiled. She wished more women in the world was like Aya. That way we can show the men why we're not just child-birth machines. "Ah…" Misaki groaned as Aya disinfected the wound with the alcohol.
"Sorry," Aya apologized, focused on treating. "It'll sting for just a little bit." After disinfecting it, Aya tied the white bandage around and around Misaki's arm. "Tell me if it's too tight or loose." When there was only about three inches on each end left, she tied a cute ribbon, which made the bandage look like an accessory.
"Okay, we're off!" Aya waved goodbye to everyone in the tavern.
"Bye!" Everyone called back, as Misaki and Aya walked back onto the cobblestone streets of Takumisa.
"So, I kind of heard about your kids from the back…" Aya admitted.
Misaki chuckled at the woman's honesty. "I do… well… kind of. It's a bit complicated…" I stuttered. "How about you?"
Aya laughed. In between each giggle, you could hear a mini snort that came out here and there. "Do I look like I have children? I mean. Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love kids. But no. Unfortunately, I don't. I'm not married either. I don't believe in sex before marriage," she skipped happily. "Just waiting for my Mr. Right."
Misaki arched an eyebrow. "No boyfriend? Love interest? Anything?"
"W-well…" she looked at the ground, her face was flushed pink. "I-I-I mean… maybe love interest…"
"Aha!" Misaki exclaimed. "I knew a cute girl like you couldn't be single."
"Well, it's not like I'm not single. I'm pretty sure he doesn't even know who I am yet…" She mumbled. "I have a kind of new job. Well. I've been working there for over two months now. And I have this ultra huge crush on my boss." She blurted. "Ahhh," she breathed in and out. "That feels so good to get off my chest," she giggled.
"Your boss?" Misaki repeated.
"Yea… he's sooooo nice. I mean, I'm not into the physical appearance thing- not to say that he's ugly… I mean, he's moderate… well… more than moderate… but-"
"Cute?" Misaki chuckled. "I think I know what you mean."
"Yea," she smiled. "I don't know… this is my first love interest in my life. You see, I grew up in Artole with a bunch of kids that Papa Heros saved. I'm actually the first child he's saved." Aya explained. "And I know I'm new at this whole relationship thing. But I really think he's the one…"
"But he doesn't know you?"
"He knows me… but just… not on a personal level. You know? Like how I'd want him to know me?"
Misaki nodded, and just continued listening to Aya, until her phone rang. They were almost halfway to Aya's house, when Aya had gotten a phone call. She just told Misaki that it was urgent and that she had to go.
"That's fine," Misaki smiled. "Thanks for helping me today, Aya-chan."
"No problem Misa~" She waved, as she ran the way that they had came from.
…
Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrringggg! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrringggggg! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr-
Usui picked up the phone on his desk. "I thought I requested for there to be no phone calls during-"
"Surely you have time for me," the voice answered. "After all, I am your only sibling."
Usui's tension rose as soon as he heard the manipulative voice that he was so used to. "What do you want, Gerald?"
Usui could hear chuckles through the phone. "That's no way to treat someone who's just calling to check up on their favorite younger brother. I just was wondering where you were on the night of your ball."
"I was there," Usui answered immediately.
"Don't play with me, Takumi. I went to greet you, but I was met with the heart-warming eyes of Tora Igarashi. It sure was a change from the way you look at me." Gerald tried to cover his coughs, but a couple slipped through. "Anyways, I'm just calling to check up on you."
"Great. Goodbye."
"Oh," Gerald squeezed in before Usui hung up. "I was also reading the paper yesterday, and I came across a life-changing quote. Would you like to hear it?" He didn't wait for Usui to respond. "It said that you should keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer."
There was a long pause. Usui was trying to figure out what he meant. "Life-changing, indeed."
"Also, since I'm already on the line with you, how are my favorite niece and nephew?"
Usui clenched his teeth together. "What do you want with them?"
"I'm just curious. I mean, you've never even let me meet them once. Do you know how much that hurts my pride as their uncle? Especially because they've never even met one of their own kind." Gerald continued, "I mean, it's a real shame what happened to, Misaki," her name slid out of his lips like a venomous snake's hisses. "She would've a great mother."
Usui could hear someone on the other line talking to Gerald, but couldn't quite hear what they said to him. "Well, since it seems like you're so busy, I wouldn't want to keep you for long." Usui smirked. "Do look after your health, older brother. I wouldn't want my children to finally learn who you are after you've… passed. Good day." And he hung up.
Usui leaned back in his chair and loosened his tie, while Gerald's words repeated in his head. He pushed himself away from his desk, and walked over to the large windows to stretch. Usui yawned as he stared out the window of his office. The sky was blue, the sun was out. This was a perfect day in Takumisa. And yet, he couldn't spend it with the people he loved.
"Yukimura," Usui yelled, waiting exactly four seconds before the butler burst into the office. "I'm taking the day off tomorrow, so I'll be working overtime tonight."
"Of course, your majesty." Yukimura bowed, and then walked back outside.
Usui ran his fingers through his hair. "Keep my enemies even closer, eh?"
How was that?
Good good goodd? :D
I hope it made up for all the time I've missed!
Anyways, as always, send me a review (:
I've literally checked every day ~ And I love getting encouraging reviews when I haven't updated for a while.
It motivates me to work even harder ^^