Hi, I'm sorry for not updating. It's just that I was trying to push the reviews to 100 before this next chapter.

Thank you for the reviews! I'm sorry I worried the others. I won't discontinue this, don't worry.

Disclaimers: I don't own Kaichou wa Maid-sama

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~Chapter 6 - Everything Begins~

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"Takumi,"

Usui didn't look up as his half brother called his name. Gerard measured Usui's current state, as he leaned on the hood of his black car, his clothes was crumpled, hair disheveled, eyes tired, skin pale. He knew Usui had it rough tonight. At first Gerard wanted to ask him what happened, but he froze his heart.

"What do you want?" Gerard asked.

"Nothing," Usui mumbled.

"Grandfather left a while ago, something came up with the business." Gerard said.

Usui looked at Gerard with a blank expression.

Gerard shrugged, "Just in case you need to—"

Usui jumped to life when Gerard suddenly leaned forward. Cedric, who stood close-by, caught Gerard in time. Gerard suddenly started coughing.

"Cedric," Gerard gasped, "Hurry." he clutched his chest, as if having a hard time breathing.

Cedric nodded in understanding. He quickly opened the back door of the car and set Gerard inside. When he closed the door, Usui stood in front of him.

"What's going on?" Usui demanded.

"It's nothing." Cedric answered briskly.

"Is Gerard sick?"

"It's none of your concern, I'm sorry, but we must take our leave. Gerard-sama is tired."

"Is this the hidden agenda? Grandfather wants to mold me into the second heir?"

"That—"

"Don't get all self important, Takumi." Gerard said, Usui didn't realize that Gerard had rolled down his window. "Maybe Grandfather might want to shape you into a second heir, but just because you're a pawn in his chess piece. He needs you because of the Ashford princess' feelings for you. Your illegitimacy is still a flaw, surely, the media tonight will know of it, but Grandfather will take care of everything."

Usui was about to say something when the car suddenly spend away.

"A pawn," Usui repeated.

Suddenly a flashback of what happened earlier entered his mind again.

It was there, clear as day. He just needed to hear it from her personally. He had an effect on her. She felt something for him, and yet she refused to admit it to herself. It pained him when she laughed everything off, even though it was clearly just a front.

He was positive that she has feelings for him, but what about the boy? The next heir to the Shintani corporation? She said they're childhood friends, so that would mean that they share a bond that even he, cannot interfere with.

It's killing him. The single thought that she's engaged. She's getting further away from his reach.

He knew that he's capable of ruining the engagement. He's seen the tricks in political wars for this already. He knew that a single touch, a single snap of a camera can change everything. Can change the purpose of the party— just as his Grandfather had been hoping for.

But he couldn't do it.

He wants to give her a chance to choose. A choice. He wants her to willingly choose to be by his side.

He could defy his family for all he cares, but he's scared, yes, scared, that they might do something to her and those important to her.

He sighed as he leaned onto a lamp post.

There has to be a way. A way for them to leave everyone behind without worrying who'd get hurt. There must be a way for them to get away from the thickest chains, namely blood...

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"A fake?"

Misaki clutched her hands to her side, it took a great deal for her not to scream the words. She looked at each of the faces who were seated in the private room.

First her Grandfather.

Beside him is her Grandmother.

Then her father.

Shintani's parents.

Shintani, himself.

Ryuu.

Ryuu's parents.

A few media, who stood at the side.

"Yes, you've heard it precisely that way." Grandfather, who was sitting at the head of the table, answered. His fingers interlaced under his chin as he eyed her.

The engagement party ended just a while ago, early in the morning. Her grandfather had suddenly summoned her after she had only a few hours of sleep. She entered the room with surprise, instantly sensing that something important was going on. She saw that Shintani couldn't look at her in the eye and Ryuu just shrugged when their eyes met.

Then her Grandfather had told her a very unbelievable piece of information.

"Then the media, the people from other—"

"That was just part of it. They are aware that it was just a scheme." Grandfather explained.

"Were you all aware of this the whole time?" Misaki asked, looking accusingly at everyone.

"The children were not aware." Grandmother answered.

"We do apologize," Grandfather added, looking at Shintani's fallen face upon the news. "We are clearly aware that you have feelings for our granddaughter."

"It's alright sir, I understand that it was for the best." Shintani said quietly, still staring at the marble table. His mother gave him a gentle squeeze.

"We were the ones who agreed to be a part of this, so please, there's no need to apologize." Shintani's father answered.

"Then everything, the engagement isn't real." Misaki almost gasped.

"Your father," Grandfather said in a hard voice, shooting a glare at her father who was on the seat beside her, "Insisted that you're still too young to have a commitment."

Misaki shot her Father a quick glance of gratefulness, which he returned with a soft smile.

"But the main objective was to make it clear to the Walker family that they can't have you." Grandfather said, looking at Misaki meaningfully.

"Grandfather—" Misaki began to protest, but Ryuu's father interrupted.

"Misaki-sama, you have to be careful. The Walker family is known for their slyness. You might fall into their trap. If you show a single interest in one of the heirs, they'll use that tiny chance to bring you into their side. You, and whomever you are to wed to, are the next to inherit the fortune your Father has. So it's normal that they'd want to lure you into their webs."

Misaki was surprised with the great respect Shintani's father seemed to have for her, but she wanted to argue with him. Tell him that it wasn't true. Usui wouldn't trick her...even if they're enemies...

"Hinata says that one of the Walker heirs is your classmate." Shintani's mother said.

Everyone was suddenly looking at her. "Y-yes," Misaki stuttered with nervousness.

"We insist that you transfer her to an elite school," Ryuu's mother spoke up, looking at her Grandparents.

"We have suggested that to her, but the child is stubborn." Grandmother answered.

"She's vulnerable. I heard that Takumi Walker is an illegitimate child. The more likely he is to be the pawn. Gerard is a composed child, I've seen him on the field. He will not be used, only when they're desperate." Shintani's father supplied.

"Hinata has transferred to the same school anyway, I'm sure that everything will be fine." Shintani's mother said.

"I'll be having my son transferred too, just to make sure." Ryuu's father added.

"I'm very grateful that all of you are willing to help. I hope it's not much trouble on your part. Especially your sons, you're all training them already right?" Grandfather said.

"I'm sure it's not a problem. We can just arrange the schedules." Shintani's father said.

"Ryuu isn't busy," Ryuu's father chuckled, "That boy works fast."

Grandfather chuckled too, "I see. Well then, thank you. I'm also grateful that you've willingly assisted us." Grandfather said, turning to the group of media leaning on the walls.

"It wasn't a problem, we're glad to be of service. The information you gave us about the Walker family is enough." one replied.

"Then what are you planning to do about this...pretend." Misaki finally spoke up. She didn't care if she sounded rude, her mind was already spinning.

"You are to pretend to be engaged to Hinata when you are in school or in the presence of the Walker family. That is all." Grandmother said.

"Wouldn't they know that all of this was just a pretend?" Misaki asked.

"No. Unless someone will speak of it." Grandfather said, eye-ing her suspiciously. This made Misaki shut her mouth and sat in complete silence. "Well then, since this is settled, I guess we're done."

A few murmurs erupted in the room as everyone prepared to leave. Misaki stayed in her seat even when the others had left. A pretend. Well...this was more... bearable. Bearable than being actually engaged with Shintani. This was much better...

"Misaki."

Misaki jumped. She didn't realize that her Father had also stayed in his seat as everyone cleared out the room.

"Father," Misaki acknowledged, as she glanced at him, sitting beside her.

He gave a small reassuring smile, "Everything will be fine." he murmured.

"It's better." Misaki murmured. "Thank you."

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to tell you about it. Father made sure that I wouldn't be able to be in touch with you for a while."

"I'm not surprised." Misaki answered, "But I never thought that he would budge. What did you tell him?"

"What he said, that I think you aren't ready for a commitment, I just promised that you will never get involved with Takumi Usui," he said in a low voice.

Misaki's heart constricted. "Father."

"I know. But you are still young Misaki, you wouldn't be able to fully understand these things yet. Just abide by your grandfather's wishes at the moment. You will have your time. Patience, Misaki."

After a few moments of silence, Misaki suddenly spoke up again.

"He asked me." Misaki said, not looking at her Father anymore.

"Who?" he spoke in a soft voice.

"Usui asked me if I love Shintani," Misaki said in a small voice.

"Of course you—"

"I slipped." Misaki closed her eyes tightly, remembering that moment, "I told him no, but I turned it into a joke." She quickly amended, feeling her father tense beside her.

"And then?" her father asked, clearly relieved.

"He said my name." Misaki brought her hands to her face, "For the first time." Tears started to sting in her eyes, she tried to hold them back as best as she could. "I wanted to turn around and tell him that I didn't want this. I didn't want to be his enemy, and the only reason I have for even searching for you is because..." Misaki gasped in a mouthful of air, "My head is spinning already." she whispered.

"Everything will be fine. I promise." Father murmured, patting her head gently.

"I've never felt so lost..."

"There'll come a time when you'll be set free," he promised.

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"Hinata." Ryuu said in mild surprise, seeing Shintani waiting for him in front of the Ashford entrance.

"Ryuu," Shintani responded with a nod.

"Is something wrong? Did you get left behind?" Ryuu asked, suppressing a chuckle. His cousin can be a scatterbrain after all.

"You should've told me." Shintani murmured in a serious tone.

"Told you what? That they were leaving?" Finally Ryuu chuckled.

"I'm serious." Shintani looked up, he glared at Ryuu for a few moment.

Ryuu understood that Shintani wasn't joking, but he knew that his cousin didn't know how to be truly angry. "Get it out. Getting angry isn't like you. I'm sure you're going to cry."

"Are you calling me a whimp?" Shintani asked, but surely, there were tears in the corners of his eyes.

"I'm just saying the truth. I know you long enough."

"You know me, but why aren't you being honest with me?"

"Shintani, what—"

"That you're in love with Misa-chan too!"

Ryuu froze for a second but then asked, "What. Are you. Talking. About?"

"I saw you two. In the garden. Misa-chan seems to be in love with you too. Why did you have to hide it from me? Why did you have to disregard your feelings?" Shintani asked, pushing back tears. Yes, he may be a whimp, but it hurt too much.

"You're misunderstanding things." Ryuu said calmly, silently cursing that Shintani had seen them. After knowing that it was just a fake engagement, he knew that the plan of pretending that Misaki is in love with him woudn't need to push through. But now...

"I've never seen you so serious around a girl before." Shintani said.

"You don't always see me, dear cousin."

"She's just a little sister to you." Shintani said, "You always said that. And I could tell that it was true. But when Misa-chan came back, you became different. Can you still say that she's just a little sister to you?"

"Yes." Ryuu answered immediately.

Shintani shook his head, wiping away a stray tear, "Lies. Misa-chan too, she feels something for you, and yet she never told me."

"That's not it." Ryuu said.

"I know." Shintani said, "I know she didn't want to hurt my feelings. I knew all along that Misa-chan didn't feel the same way about me. I guess I was just too stubborn to accept my defeat." he shook his head, "Why wouldn't she choose you?"

"Hinata, you've got it wrong. Misaki—"

"You don't have to explain it." Shintani said, "I've already accepted it. I'll bow out. I'm going to respect Misa-chan's choice." He said with a forced smile.

"Listen!" Ryuu finally shouted because of frustration. "You've got it wrong. I don't have feelings for Misaki, and neither does she. That is the truth. Misaki didn't want to get engaged yet so we set a plan to break it by unfaithfulness. Got it?"

Shintani stared at Ryuu's eyes for a while, Ryuu sighed in relief as a pink shade started coloring Shintani's cheeks. "I..I'm sorry." Shintani apologized.

Ryuu sighed, "Apology accepted."

"But there's one thing you're definitely lying about." Shintani said.

"Hinata," Ryuu groaned in frustration.

"It's clear as day on your face even if you hide it. You're really in love with her."

"I'm not."

"You can't tell, but I can. You've changed."

"People can change anytime they want."

Shintani shook his head, "Before Misa-chan came back, uncle, I mean your father, was always complaining about you. Getting home late, getting drunk, all those stuff. But when she came back..."

"Is it so wrong to suddenly see the light and want to change my ways?"

"You were older than us, then. Having her leave us must've had more effect on you than it had on me."

"Hinata," Ryuu suddenly said in a warning tone. He was broaching a land mine.

"She is your light." Shintani concluded.

"I'm not in love with her." Ryuu said.

"We'll see," Shintani grinned.

Ryuu rolled his eyes. His cousin can be a pain sometimes, no, most of the time...but he could feel his heart pounding fast in his chest, and he couldn't understand why.

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Usui never thought that he was going to return to this place after the last time he came here. After all, disaster sprung in here. But here he was, trudging up the Walker mansion again, demanding where his father is.

Usui finally came to a door, which he knew is his father's study. He tapped on the door three times as a sign of respect, and entered. Surely, he saw his father on the reclining chair, reading a book.

"Father," Usui said.

"What do I owe this surprise visit for, Takumi?" his father asked pleasantly, placing his book on the coffee table beside him.

"I'm here to discuss about Gerard's health."

His father looked at him with surprise, but he instantly recovered, "I take it someone from the household leaked it to you?" He sat bat at his recliner chair as he eyed Usui.

"The party in the Ashford mansion. Just as he was getting into the car, Gerard seemed to have a coughing fit."

"I hope that no one else saw that incident. This isn't good." Father sighed.

Usui stood impatiently, "What is wrong with his health?"

"It is none of your concern."

"Gerard is my brother, and I think I am entitled to know what is going on."

His father eyed him. "Your brother." He stood up, "Your brother is having a hard time." then he walked to the window behind his desk. "Father wishes you to return to this household. Illegitimate or not, you are needed. Your acceptance to be trained as the heir in this family is very crucial."

"What connection does this have with Gerard's health?"

"Gerard doesn't have much time left to live." his father said, facing him with a grim expression.

Usui felt everything around him freeze for a moment. Doesn't have much time to live? How was that possible? "Gerard wasn't born sickly." Usui said, in case this was just a ruse to get him to be their puppet.

"Gerard's sickness is still yet to be known, but his health is obviously reclining. If he overworks himself, he starts to have a hard time breathing. He's fainted in three of his meetings this month."

"So this is the reason why Grandfather suddenly needs me."

"That, and also the fact that you've interacted with the Ashford princess."

"I will not let her become a chess piece in Grandfather's plans."

"You have no choice." his father said confidently, "You are clearly in love with her. Though I'm not certain about her feelings for you, I'm sure you can charm your way into her heart."

"This—"

"I've accepted you as my son even though you're not of my blood, show some gratitude. If we lose Gerard, you're next to the lineage."

"Does Gerard's life mean so little to you?" Usui asked coldly.

"Gerard is what I have left of your mother. He has her intelligence, her way of talking...he's strikingly similar to your mother, but not as eccentric as her. I don't want to lose him, but if this company falls, all Gerard's hard work will be for nothing."

"Gerard..."

"Gerard would want you to take his place. Even though he doesn't say anything, he accepts you as his brother, not just a half brother."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I refuse to be trained as the next heir."

"Well then, if that is so, I'm sure Gerard will find a way to charm his way into her heart. Even if she's engaged, for all we know, she's a fickle child."

"She is to stay out of this." Usui said, slightly getting angry.

His father's eyes narrowed, "Is this a challenge?" he then chuckled shortly, "How about this? If you agree to be trained as the next heir, be the next heir, we'll keep our distance from her."

"You and Grandfather will not get involved with her matters anymore, and you will not force me to take her away from her fiance."

His father chuckled, "You ask questions rudely, and now you are negotiating with me? You're an interesting child, Takumi. Fine. We'll leave her be, but we'll still keep tabs on her."

"She will not be used." Usui said.

"I promise. But I won't stop you when she gets involved with our family, whether by your will or by her own choice."

"She will never—"

"Don't be too sure, Takumi. If the Ashford princess gets drawn to you, I'm sure she will," he immediately added, seeing that Usui was about to protest, "because for some unknown reason, it seems to be your fate."

"Fate," Usui repeated, he was debating whether to scoff at those words or believe it.

"You'll know what I mean when the time comes." His father chuckled, "Well then, welcome Takumi Walker. We'll start your training as soon as possible." He walked past Usui with a single pat on the shoulder, and left the room.

Usui stood in the middle of the silent room. So, this is the path he has chosen. At least, one way or another, he's sure that she's safe from his family's schemes.

"Walker." he repeated. It just didn't sound right after his name. It sounded so wrong. But they've both made their choices now.

She's chosen to be an Ashford, and he a Walker.

Everything will start here...

A/N: yes, I know it was too short, but I'll end it here. This is like a prologue of the real story.

Please review! I'm hoping to push it to 120 or more...if possible.

Here's a treat to my wonderful reviewers!

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*preview of next chapter*

All the lights turned off, Misaki shuffled into the darkness as a few of the people in the room shouted in worry, everyone was talking, probably panicked. As she tried to walk in the dimness, she suddenly felt someone hold her arm and pull her towards the source.

Misaki smelled the familiar scent and gasped.

"What are you doing here?" she hissed, hoping that there weren't guards nearby, or probably a media personnel with sharp hearing senses.

"I came to take you away." the voice murmured.

"Are you crazy? When the lights turn on again, people will discover you. You'll be arrested immediately."

"I don't care. As long as I got to be with you. It's been a while."

Misaki pushed herself away from him. It took every ounce of strength she had, to do it since she wanted to remain there, resting on his hard chest, listening to his heartbeat. "Please, leave." Misaki said.

"Let's leave this place." he said in a soft voice.

"I can't."

"Why?"

"You're already the heir to the Walker family..."

"I—"

"You can't abandon your duty for me," Misaki whispered, a teardrops escaping, "This is wrong, we were a fool to think that—"

"Misaki."

"I'm sorry."

Then suddenly the lights turned on again.