Previously (Chapter 4)…

She continues to stare blankly at him but she finally murmurs astonishingly, "Have you ever heard of the phrase, 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'?"

Before Takumi could even reply, a black and white blur pounces on his chest, and a pair of vicious eyes glares at him. Takumi only stares back in annoyance. "You have such lousy timing, Sanshita-kun."

Chapter 8: Always

3:45 a.m.

Misaki stares in disbelief at the scene before her as the two combatants menacingly face each other. Each fiercely eyes the other's movements warily. She did not know how to react to what she's witnessing at that moment. A sudden gasp escapes her then a snort and then another gasp. Unexpectedly, she doubles over and her body begins to quiver all over. She covers her mouth as she tries desperately to suppress her reaction.

"I'm…pff…I'm sorry…pff." She could no longer contain it inside. If was as if a dam broke loose. Her body slid to floor as her whole body trembles…with outrageous laughter. Both opponents are momentarily distracted by her amusing outburst.

"I…hehe…wasn't expecting…pff…such a…haha…hilarious entrance."

Takumi gives a disgruntled sigh, "I really don't see any humor in this as I have to deal with this menace every night."

Hearing his monotone voice sobers Misaki from her bout of laughter, at which time she finally looks more carefully at the new arrival. Then she looks at Takumi somewhat bemused. "I'm surprised you've kept him this long, but I'm pretty sure you've had that cat long before you met Shintani. Why would you give him such a ridiculous name? Shouldn't you have given him a proper pet name like Socks since he has white feet?"

Takumi dangles aforementioned feline at arms length and he boringly replies, "If you must know, in the beginning, I just referred to him as Cat since I've never had a pet to name my own. Give me credit though. At least now I have found an apt name for him instead as he annoyingly reminds me of the person that he is now named after."

Sensing his animosity she looks at him in confusion. "Why do you say that? I thought you and Shintani were actually becoming friends. And why do you call Shintani by such a strange nickname anyway?"

Expecting such an innocent inquiry from her, he smiles knowingly. "You still don't understand, do you? Of course, I shouldn't be surprised…so it seems that I must make you clearly aware of the tenuous position between him and myself."

He whispers under his breath, "I can't believe that I'm actually going to admit this."

Takumi sighs as he begins, "I will tell you now that he and I will never get along. I address him by that particular name because I see him as such. I fittingly call him an underling because I cannot bear to acknowledge him as my equal. He will always be…my rival…my rival for you."

Seeing her eyes widen, he continues, "Isn't it obvious by now what kind of person I am? I am such a selfish and…jealous boyfriend. I have come to realize that I am very possessive of Ayuzawa and all of her cute faces. I even envy those who were granted the opportunity to witness young Misaki's cute faces that I may never see. I am only able to tolerate sharing you with your family, but I cannot stand sharing you with him."

With suspicious doubt in his voice he exclaims, "Just what is he to you!"

Just as quickly, his tone abruptly softens with painful uncertainty. "Consider that a rhetorical question as I'm sure that my heart cannot bear to hear your response. I understand that you and he had established a friendship long before I appeared in your life…but I am well aware of his feelings for you. I can see it in his eyes that it is your face that he dreams about every night as I can recognize that same expression mirrored in my own eyes whenever I think of you. That is why he and I will never be comrades…for he has crossed that unforgivable boundary when he declared his love for you so openly. I have such suspicions that he will try to assert himself even more into your life especially now that I must—"

BOOM! CRACK!

It seems that another unwanted interruption descends upon the couple as their attention is now turned upon Nature's wrath being displayed outside. As the thunder continues to roll, bolts of lightning illuminate the room like fireworks. Without warning, heaven's floodgates open as sheets of pouring rain descend upon the earth distorting the previously clear night sky.

At that very moment, a startled feline Sanshita decides to make his escape from Takumi's grasp by swiping his hand with his claws. "Ouch!" As Takumi loosens his grip, Sanshita growls at him while he effortlessly jumps away into the arms of a stunned Misaki. Somehow instinctively sensing that he can trust her, he doesn't try to fight her and quiets his low growling. Feeling the animal's tense muscles, she quickly understands and sympathizes with his fear. As if it came naturally to her, she gently draws the cat close to her chest and soothingly strokes the midnight black fur of his back to comfort him.

Takumi stares silently in deep appreciation as he absorbs the beautiful gentleness that is shining on Misaki's face and basks in the warm smile that appears on her delicate lips…that same warm smile that he fell in love with for the first time not so long ago.

Noticing his expression, she blushes profusely as she asks, "Why do you stare at me like I have everything?"

Without thinking, he answers tenderly, "Do you not realize by now that you are my everything…that I am nothing without you?"

She couldn't prevent her heart from skipping a beat. Trying to escape his piercingly honest gaze, she turns to view upon the fierce storm raging outside while she tries to calm the fierce storm that is raging within her.

Takumi suddenly realizes that they have yet to return to the previous crucial conversation. With a somber expression, he clears his throat nervously as he reveals his motivation. "I can only imagine what you must be feeling right now at learning of my imminent departure. It may seem deceitful and even secretive of me to reveal this information at the final moment. My only excuse is that I wanted to make every last second count. I desired to keep these last treasured days with you unspoiled from disappointment and regret. I want to savor all your smiles and laughter…" Recalling all his favorite cute faces of hers, he couldn't help but smirk as he continues, "…and blushes until the very end. Does it make me seem like a selfish coward?"

Misaki continues to gaze at the rippling raindrops falling down the windowpane. Emotionlessly she softly whispers, "You've already confessed that you are selfish…but in the end…it just seems like you're going to abandon me like my father."

He agonizingly witnesses through the glass reflection her expression twisting slightly with bitterness at the mere mention of that person. Her voice rises with disdain, "That man, with one simple action, made me believe that I was nothing, an insignificant existence that is unworthy of his love and affection. I wept bitter tears for that ungrateful man. From that day he turned his back on his family and onward, I promised myself that I would not play the role of a broken hearted girl anymore."

Her voice softens to an agonizing whisper. "Then you appear, confusing me, turning all my emotions inside out, messing with my resolve and making me believe once again that I am someone significant. With just your actions alone, you've made me open to the possibility that not all men are untrustworthy and fickle. I've permitted you to become the exception. You've placed this illusion inside my heart that by allowing myself to get closer to you will mean that you will always be by my side. Now…to hear you say to me that you are leaving, it brings back the feelings of that broken hearted girl again. I should feel…contempt. I ought to place you in the same category as him…I should hate you, despise you, and loathe you."

With each word she speaks it seems to Takumi that the vast space of the apartment gradually shrinks. For the first since he's known her, he could not decipher the true meaning behind her words. Forlornly, he begins trying to reason with her. "I know that I deserve all those words and more, but please allow me to explain. I expected this to be very difficult, but all I ask for is—"

He abruptly pauses in confusion as he suddenly recalls certain words that she had spoken earlier. "But if you feel that way, then what did you mean when you asked me if I ever heard of the phrase, Absence makes the heart grow fonder?"

Refusing to look at him, she remains facing the window while petting Sanshita and replies, "Before I explain that remark, I believe I have a right to know the important reason why you're leaving, why you're willing to risk breaking...my heart."

He downheartedly begins his explanation with his eyes imploring, hoping that she may understand his reason. "It is not my intentions nor will it ever be to break your heart. I would rather tear out my own heart than to ever see you hurt. Please listen to my words with an open mind as I wish for you to understand. I want you to believe me when I say that I would never readily leave your side if it wasn't extremely necessary."

He pauses in hope of receiving some type of response from her, but she merely stares out the window awaiting for his next words. "Do you remember two weeks ago when I had to make a trip to England?"

Misaki only gives him a slight nod of acknowledgement as she continues to gaze outside with a detached expression.

"I only went as it was at Gerard's request, and I was somewhat curious. I did not realize that on that trip I would be made aware of my so-called family's true intentions, the reason for their great desire for my return into their fold. It seems that the succession of the Walker bloodline is in jeopardy as Gerard is suffering from a debilitating health condition. Information about Gerard's health has recently been made public, and the family is in need of a public figure to alleviate panic that arisen within the Walker's business and political partners and investors. Of course, the family wishes to declare that a perfect candidate for this position has been found. The situation is so dire that they are willing to proclaim me as the secondary heir to the Walker family. It seems that they can even overlook my tainted blood as long as some Walker blood flows through my veins."

Takumi allows a weary sigh to pass his lips as he continues his explanation. "Of course, such a petty matter of money and power would not be enough to sway my decision to abandon your side and to return to a family that long since rejected my existence."

The tone in Takumi's voice changed from indifference to compassion. "But I witnessed first-hand Gerard's weakening condition and found that he has a life-threatening form of cancer. His chance of survival is very slim especially since he has battled cancer before as a child. The only treatment that may save his life now would be to locate and perform a near perfectly matching bone marrow transplant."

He hesitates as he tries to allow the meaning of his words to sink in. No, the real reason is the fact that he is afraid to continue, afraid to witness another negative reaction from her. But he knows that to ensure that there is no misunderstanding, he must carry on.

He inhales whatever essence of courage he has left in his body and concludes, "Although you may credit me for being an outer-space alien, I am only human…and so I am not perfect. I could not sit idly by knowing that I could possibly have the means to help him. So while in England, I requested to be screened as a bone marrow donor as I was sure I would have the most probable chance to be the most appropriate match…and it seems I was correct. Even though we were never close as brothers, Gerard is still a human being that needs assistance that only I am able to provide. I could not turn my back from a fellow man."

He gives a sardonic chuckle as he continues, "It seems ironic that the only possible cure for him now is the close matching marrow that is found in my bones. In the long run, I found that this situation is also to my own benefit as well. An arrangement as been set between our grandfather and I to assist with the family's current business and political crisis as well as become the bone marrow donor needed for Gerard's treatment…in exchange for my freedom."

He looks to Misaki anxiously awaiting for her response.

"What the hell were you thinking, you stupid idiot!"

That is not exactly the response that he's expecting, but at the moment he begins to notice that Sanshita is rousing slowly from his slumbering position in Misaki's arms. Afraid that another outburst from Misaki might awaken the sleeping terror, Takumi calmly requests, "Not only for your safety but also for my own self-preservation, would you mind placing that beast in his carrier before he awakens? This may be the only opportunity that he can be placed in it without the possibility of losing a limb at the moment."

He quickly locates the mesh carrier and brings it over to lie before Misaki. Surprisingly without further argument, she carefully places the still slumbering cat in it and swiftly zips the opening close without disturbing him. Takumi silently carries it to the front door of the apartment. When he returns, Misaki folds her arms across her chest and glares at him.

"Why didn't you tell me all of this information after you came back from England! Did you not have enough faith in me to handle this situation together! Why do you always believe that you have to manage such important decisions alone, you arrogant bastard!"

Involuntarily he rebuts to her last comment, "It can't be helped that I was born that way."

Gasping in sudden realization that she used that word, she immediately feels contrite. "I'm sorry…I…I didn't…mean it that way. I wasn't thinking before I crossed that line."

Noticing that Takumi shows no signs of anger or malice, she doesn't know what else to say. Then he calmly states, "I suppose I should have taken that as an insult and not...literally."

Surprisingly, he smiles at Misaki. "Don't apologize as I should be accustomed to your name-calling by now, but your words made me realize something."

With a contemplative expression, he carefully chooses his next words carefully. "I have come to grips with my illegitimacy long ago as I was made aware of it constantly during my childhood. My family's continuous indifference and scorn kept me in a bitter state of isolation from the more pleasant of sentiments. It became so engrained in me this mark of deficiency that I resigned myself to the fact that my lifelong penance for bearing such a shameful sin would be to never find my heaven on earth…that elusive emotion called love. This painful rejection seemed to have erased my hope for love since I was never truly loved. I'm not just speaking of just any kind of love but that unpredictable one-of-kind of love that is marvelously passionate yet indescribably gentle."

The sudden appearance of his radiant smile transforms his melancholy face. "Then miraculously one day, heaven came down and shown me…you."

Hearing his touchingly tender words and seeing his breathtakingly brilliant smile captures her mind and body to the extent that she is unable to think or move. The only thought in her mind is that all she wants in this very moment is to preserve that beautiful smile in a bottle for her to keep with her always…but that is of course impossible. He is leaving her after all. The revelation of his departure begins to weigh heavily on her mind. She cannot fault his decision to be reasonable and noble as it is clear to her that he has considered it thoroughly. If she would have found that he may have made any other decision but the honorable one, she would have skinned him alive. She is actually very proud that he can be the better man, but her heart still aches thinking of the prospect of not being able to see that special smile on his face, to feel the warmth of his embrace, to breathe the essence of his very existence. He has become so integrated into her life that she does not even realize it…until it's too late, and soon he will no longer be by her side. Does she have the courage to face the truth? The truth that she so desperately needs him. He is more than just a boy, a friend, a confidante…or even a lover. He is just…more. How will she cope without him? Will there always be obstacles to stand before them? Maybe it is just not meant to be…they are not meant to be. She knows that with her current status she cannot begin to match the high expectations that must burden the handsome man in front of her…unless she allows certain aspects of her life, of herself to change. Is she able to make such a huge sacrifice for him? She ponders on these thoughts for a brief moment and eventually makes a decision. When she is finally able to speak, she blurts out the first words that came to her mind. "I don't think it's going to work out. We should break up."

Those words shatter his heart like nothing else ever could. Paralyzing, his body seems to have forgotten how to function as he can feel whatever clinging hope he has left to safeguard their relationship just simply slips through his fingers.

Misaki continues, "That's what I should—"

Takumi painfully interjects, "Please do not continue I can clearly guess what your next words may be…and each of those words will be like pouring salt on an open wound. I would rather we break up at least on a civil note rather than with regrettable—"

This time he gets interrupted with quite a violent and harsh smack across the back of his head. "Just shut up, you stupid idiot!"

"Ouch!" He stands there rubbing the growing knot on his head in stunned disbelief as he gazes at Misaki's face which is now flush not by usual embarrassment but by irritating fury. He recognizes this face as the Demon President that is unleashed upon unsuspecting victims that frustratingly annoys her. Second time tonight, he is unable to read what is going in that pretty little head of hers. He cannot fathom what he just said or did that could provoke such a reaction from her.

She lets out an exasperated snort. "You may be an outer-space alien, but don't think that you can always predict exactly what words are going to come out of my mouth. You presume too much. As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by a complete moron…that is what I should be saying to you right now..."

She takes a rasping breath. "But those words hold no meaning to me, especially after finally understanding the truth about myself and especially after listening to your heartfelt words."

Misaki feels relief that she cut him short before he could finish his sentence as she finally comprehends the intentions that lie beneath his spoken words. He always knew her deepest thoughts and desires even before she knew them herself. That is why she is startled by his unspoken words. How could he imagine such ideas so far from the truth?

Still clasping the back of his head, Takumi breathlessly waits in anticipation as he asks one simple question. "Why?"

Not immediately answering, she turns around and with both warm hands pressing against the cool glass to gaze outside. A long moment of silence passes by while nothing but the constant patter of raindrops beating against the windowpane can be heard. He begins to wonder if she heard his question when she startles him with a response. "You are not him."

Shifting her gaze so that she may see his face in the glass reflection, she couldn't help but smile when she witnesses his perplexed expression. It gives her immense satisfaction that she is finally able to baffle such an outer-space alien as Usui Takumi. She takes a deep breath and begins her explanation. "For whatever reason, men that I love do not stay in my life for very long which made feel me utter sadness in my loneliness. My heart had been harden for so long that it shut out the feeling of any affection towards men replacing it with distrustful resentment…then you came along, and I can feel a change in me that I could not identify. I searched for the answer that was just staring right in front of me. It's because you are you, not my father. You are different in so many ways from him. I finally came to grips with the reality that unlike him you will never lie to me…that I can trust you like no other man before."

She closes her eyes to calm her rapidly beating heart so that she may find the strength to continue. "Ever since you've waltzed into my life, you have made me question my convictions which I never would have previously done. With your presence, your teasing, your taunts, your smiles, your caresses, your kisses, my doubts began to surprisingly soften. It is entirely your fault that you have made me fall…fall so hard for you. You have made me need you. What have you done to me? You have broken through all my defenses. I can no longer fight this feeling that has been buried deep within me. I don't want to run away anymore. How can I run away from how far we've come? A year ago, I would never have imagined that you would ever be so into me and I would ever be so into you. You have made my heart believe that I can feel...love…love for a man once more, but I've also realized a certain truth about myself. I have fallen in love in the worst way as I have discovered that I am one of those girls that can't just love with some of my heart. It is all or nothing at all. For that reason, even if I may want to or not, I can't take back the love I feel for you now. You will always have all my love."

Expecting all varieties of responses, he recalls hoping for the best, but preparing himself for the worst…but nothing could prepare him for this. Euphoria cannot begin to describe how he is feeling right now. Utterly captivated by the passion within the depths of her confession, he moves unconsciously to stand behind her and covers her hands with his. His sense of touch reveals to him how the spaces between her fingers entwining with his fit so perfectly. He bends down burying his face against the crook of her neck inhaling a trace of floral fragrance as well the provocative scent that is distinctly his Misaki.

Hands still pressed against the glass, she clenches her fingers in between his entwining them together as she closes her hands to form fists. She prays that she can convey her love through such a simple gesture. "As for the phrase, absence makes the heart grow fonder; the purpose for reciting such a cliché is to expose my revelation. Because of my current feelings for you, I do not see our separation as your abandonment but as one of many trials in our newly defined relationship that we must face…together. So I will wait for you to accomplish your goals for how ever long it takes…because I believe in you. You are worth it. You've never deserted me in my darkest hour so I'll always stand by you no matter what the consequences may be. Thus I'm willing to test if this hypothesis that absence will make the heart grow fonder is true…if you are willing."

With a satisfying grin that he could not seem to erase, he speaks, "Of course I am absolutely willing to prove that my absence will make your heart grow even fonder of me. I am truly a lucky man to have met someone as amazing as you. I find that you give me all that my heart could ever want…and so much more."

He smirks as he continues, "Are my eyes deceiving me? The girl I once knew as Misaki would have bashed my head and called me an idiot."

He pauses as he chuckles, "Wait, you've already done that. Ah well…que sera sera."

He presses his lips upon the beating pulse in her neck. "Who is this sensible and grown woman before me?"

Misaki can feel the temperature rising just beneath the surface where his moist lips had touched. She shivers involuntarily at feeling his heated breath caress her sensitive skin and hearing his sultry voice closely beside her delicate ear. Her only thought now is that she has never realized until now how melodic a man's chuckle could be…no, not just any man but his chuckle. She leans her back trustingly against his chest as she tries to make her brain function again. But once it begins to function she wishes that it hasn't. Unpleasant concerns begin to fill her head.

As Takumi gazes at her visage reflecting within the glass pane, he notices a single tear begin to trickle down her cheek. Impulsively, he trails his finger against her cheek and catches the lone tear before it fell further. He has only been witness to Misaki's tears when she is most afraid.

Clasping both her hands again, he encircles their arms around her slender waist to bring her intimately closer to him and whispers gently, "What are you afraid of?"

Not surprised by his astute awareness to sense her fears, she calmly responds, "I am afraid of change. These emotions, these feelings for you are so new so vivid that I am afraid that it will overwhelm me to the point that I may not recognize myself."

She sniffs back her unshed tears and smiles reassuringly. "However change is a part of life that cannot be avoided. I look at myself right now and ask myself, 'What do I see?' Am I an insecure little girl or a confident mature woman? The girl or woman that stands before you belongs to you and only you. Although that fact will never change, my insecurities have been concealed from me by my pride, but my eyes have opened to the realization that I am a very crude, demanding, and violent type of person. Feminine charm, finesse, style and culture are essential qualities I am severely lacking to be your equal. I will not stand meekly by to become another burden for you to bear. That is why I have decided that during your absence I will use that time to learn these vital qualities by training even harder, studying more diligently, and refining my negative behaviors."

Takumi frowns after hearing her announcement. "You do not have to change on my account. You are perfect just the way you are. I wouldn't have you any other way."

She unclasps one of her hands to cover his that is now stroking her cheek. "What do you love about me then?"

"I love your gentle smile as it warms the air that I breathe. I love your expressive eyes which hold mysteries that I may never want to solve. I love your unwavering compassion that defines the depths of your strength. I love your steadfast determination that has boundless limits. Of course, I don't want to forget that I love your cute maid uniform that I'm sure one day I will be able to undress off your tantalizing—"

Misaki quickly turns her head to glare at him and hastily slaps her hand to cover his mouth. "Don't you even think about finishing that sentence, you pervert!"

She can't believe that he would make such a stupid statement after offering her such sincere declarations of love. Surprising to find this predicament somewhat comical, she gives a laugh. "You really know how to test my patience, but I guess I must learn to overlook your twisted and perverted sense of humor."

She stops as her gaze lingers on his happily twinkling emerald eyes and sighs in pleasure. "I have to say that deep within my heart, I know that all the loving words you have spoken are true, but even if I successfully transform myself, those attributes that you love will not be altered as they are aspects of myself that I will not sacrifice. It is the steadfast determination you love so much that makes me want to change not just for you but for me as well. If I want to realize my full potential then I've got to stifle my insecurities and to find the resolve to not fear change."

She squeezes his hands desiring that he gives her the same understanding she has given to him. "I have only witnessed a brief glimpse of the world that you are planning to return, and the difference between that world and my own ordinary world is so vast. Not only your family but every other person will judge you by who you choose to stand by your side. That means that in the end they will judge me, evaluate me, assess me…to gauge if I'm appropriate for you. If I know you by now, you will only try to protect me from those types of people. But I don't want to be dependent on you to be my shield. I don't want you feel any shame to be with me just because I may not be worthy. I want to earn the right to stand next to you with my own two feet. So the next time you see me, you will be proud of my efforts to accrue immense knowledge and understanding of your world. It will then be my turn to protect you."

She moves her hand away from his mouth to place it behind his neck. She tilts her head back to obtain a better view of his face. Deliberately, she moistens her lips provocatively with her tongue as she tugs his head gently towards hers. She draws her body closer naturally melting into his. Astonishment registers in his eyes and his grasp tightens around her in anticipation as he realizes her intentions. For the first time since the beginning of their relationship, she unhesitatingly initiates this kiss, pressing her inviting lips softly gingerly against his, pouring all her love and devotion into this one truly pure and liberating form of affection.

Misaki finally breaks the enticing contact and murmurs against his lips, "Right now, I realize I'm rough around the edges and I might never become quite good enough…but I will always be yours."

Completely entranced by the stimulating touch of her alluring lips, Takumi adoringly murmurs back, "Must I remind you that you will always be my everything. You will always be my Demon Prez…as I will always be your Perverted Alien."

A/N: I truly regret the length of my absence. I hope that I still have loyal readers out there that are still interested even after this long length of time. I can go on and on about the many obstacles that I had to overcome to finally accomplish this final version of this chapter. But I will not take your precious time with trivial details. I just hope that I am able to achieve my readers' appreciation with this longer than normal chapter. I apologize to those that may not appreciate how Takumi and Misaki are slightly OCC which may I explain that I have taken liberties with their characters so as to cultivate my stories. I do not judge you negatively if you do not like my versions, but I do hope that there are still those that will continue reading my stories. Thank you so much to all my returning readers for sticking by me. You do not know how it means to me.

I will close with this little hint. If you are able to count the number of times the word "always" is used in this chapter, you will have the approximate timeframe for my next update. Be it days, weeks, or (dare shall I say it) months will be up to the powers that be that will actually allow me to concentrate without further distractions.

P.S.-This is just another reminder to check out my poll question on my profile.

Completion Date: 07/28/2011

Updated: 10/30/2011