Previously…

She felt like a tidal wave of emotions washing over her overwhelming all her senses to the point that it was leaving her breathless. As if sensing her current condition, the pressure begins to soften just enough to allow her to sigh against his lips, "Takumi."

As he finally ends the kiss, he quietly whispers against her lips, "Misaki, it's now my birthday."

Chapter 2: Blushes

3:00 a.m.

Misaki did not immediately understand his words as Takumi's potent pheromones enrapture all her senses. The absence of his amorous lips on hers leaves her wanting more. When her mind finally realizes that he spoke, she opens her bewildered golden eyes to meet his smoldering jade eyes. She gasps at their intensity as she finds herself drowning in their depths. Her face discovers a new shade of red which Takumi mentally labels as Misaki Rouge. He knows that he will devote his lifetime in exposing all the unending shades of Misaki, but an unwanted thought suddenly invades his mind in which he unwillingly recalls an unwelcomed memory.

As she continues to stare, his eyes unexpectedly reveal a glint of despair that she has never seen before making her feel an extreme uneasiness that she could not comprehend. She wonders if he is suppressing something now, but as swiftly as it appears, it quickly vanishes making her unsure as to what she had actually seen in those mysterious eyes.

Eventually she finds the strength to break her gaze which settles on his phone that he continues to hold open. It reads the time as "April 27, 2011, 3:00 a.m." Her eyes widen as she finally grasps the significance of his words.

"Huh? Oh…Takumi, happy birthday."

Her flushed face lessens to a shade that he believes the only appropriate name would be Misa-chan Peach. As she reads the time again, a look of perplexity appears on her face. "Eh, were you born at 3:00 in the morning the day of your birth?" He simply nods in reply. "What a coincidence? I was born exactly at 3:00 in the morning the day of my birth as well."

He stares down at her for a moment as he ponders on her words carefully before he gives his measured response. "I do not interpret the time of our birth as a mere coincidence, but should I dare say…could it possibly be fate?"

She lets out a derisive snort. "I am not foolish enough to believe in such things as fate."

Reading the skepticism in her voice, he gives her an understanding but sad smile. "Then, how do you explain why you were here to give me the first birthday greeting at exactly the second that I become 18?"

She just gives him a disdainful glare. "Stupid Takumi, it is because you are an inhuman space alien who planned all the events that happened tonight to your advantage. It is not because of such things as fate, destiny or whatever else you want to call it."

Combing his fingers through his blond hair in a frustrated gesture, Takumi could not help but let out a soft chuckle as he softly whispers to himself, "Misaki's cute reaction shouldn't surprise me."

Then he taps a forefinger to his lip as he contemplates. "Hmm…what you say may have some truth to it, but even space aliens couldn't predict that all the factors would cooperate to result in the intended outcome. As you mentioned earlier, it was very surprising that your mother agreed to my plan. Her simple refusal would have utterly and completely destroyed my carefully calculated plan. And where would I be right now?" His perverted smirk materializes. "I would just be lying here…on this very sofa…all alone…wishing only in my wildest dreams…for what actually transpired moments ago. What a terrible way to begin my birthday? Now that I reflect upon it, I must express my gratitude to your mother for her birthday gift."

He could clearly see the question visibly forming on her face. "Huh, what do you mean by that?"

He leans down to quickly brush his lips against hers as a blissfully happy smile appears on his face. "Her birthday gift for me is you, Misaki."

Still not accustomed to his spontaneous displays of affection nor his rare exhibits of sincerity, the receding blush immediately returns to her cheeks with such vengeance that Takumi affectionately dubs this shade Crimson Prez. Feelings of inadequacy to appropriately respond to his honesty, she just sits there dumbfounded and gives no reply at all.

Trying to place some distance between the source of her discomfort in hopes of obtaining enough time to compose herself, she stands to walk around the other side of the coffee table to retrieve her bag that was place there earlier. She kneels down on the floor as she frantically rummages through her bag as if in search of something important. She finally pulls out a small rectangular box wrapped with a wrinkled olive green paper and a thin emerald green ribbon tied haphazardly. The finishing touch is what appears to be a very lop-sided bow made from the same green ribbon. Not having to guess that she personally wrapped this gift for him, this simple act gives him such a feeling of utter contentment that he never imagines he would feel…until the day his eyes first witnessed Misaki's enchanting smile.

She averts her gaze as she awkwardly presents her gift. "Happy birthday."

Her eyes shift to rest upon the honest smile of contentment on Takumi's face. Her mouth finds itself gaping in astonishment. She cannot recall ever seeing such a frank expression from him before. Not realizing the infectious effect of this particular smile, she couldn't help but tenderly smile back at him.

Unsurprisingly, Takumi expertly hides his amazement at seeing her beautiful smile. "What joy it is to not only receive my second birthday greeting from Misaki but also my second birthday gift is from her." He knew he shouldn't ruin this moment but seeing the amazing look on her cute face, he couldn't help himself as he leans down and whispers teasingly, "Of course, my first gift was from your mother."

Naturally, this aids her in swiftly recovering from her surprise. "Idiot, you didn't have to remind me!"

He chuckles as he presents his open palm to receive her gift. As she lays the gift down, he quickly clasps it close capturing her hand along with the gift. He stands over the table and pulls her up towards him to seize a delightfully sweet but fleeting kiss from her lips. As their lips part, his unoccupied hand brushes wisps of her raven hair behind one of her ears then trails his knuckles down to gently caress her smooth cheek which causes her skin to tingle wherever he touches.

"Thank you for my second as well as my third gift." He winks at her as he release her hand to sit back on the sofa and begins methodically unwrapping his gift.

Failing miserably to conceal the rising shade of a new blush which instantly Takumi adoringly brands as Ayuzawa Rose, her voice stutters as she replies, "I'm sorry…I was unable…to afford anything…elaborate. I know that it's not much, but I hope that you will like it."

She continues to amaze him by showing so many cute facets of her personality. He never would have imagined that the Seika High Demon President could possibly harbor such insecurities. Then he suddenly comprehends the possible reason…her father's rejection.

Offering her a patient smile, "You must realize by now that no matter what you give me I will always cherish it is as the most valuable, priceless treasure in the world…for that is how I see you, Misaki."

A/N: I now realize why so many authors request reviews. They are actually very influencial in the creativity in a writer as well as motivates the writer to do his/her best to captivate the readers.

I really wasn't expecting to receive such optimistic responses to this story. I am truly unworthy of such praise. Thank you to all those who took their precious time to read this story.

I wish to express my gratitude to Shark's Fin for giving me a few words of encouragement which bolstered my resolve to write this story. Thank you, my "kindred spirit".

I also wish to acknowledge my first reviewer as well as my first fan, Vividpixie, whom I am grateful for the initial positive and supportive review.

I desire to continue receiving such support from the above mentioned as well as from all my current and future followers.

Completion Date: March 2, 2011

Updated: October 20, 2011