Guys, please vote on my poll on my profile! The one that gets the highest vote will the be the next fic I'd write~ Summaries are on my profile too~
I apologize for the very late update, I was preparing for university exams . Thank you for those who have been patiently waiting for me.
As apology for my late update, you guys could suggest a fic for me to write, and I shall dedicate it for you.:)
By the way! The latest chapter of the manga already revealed Usui's family and what Misaki's about to do. Slight similarities with my fic, riiiiiiiight? ^_^
*Note: Since a lot are requesting for an update, I decided to post the 3/4 of this chapter which I had finished a long time ago, the next will just appear as chapter 12.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kaichou wa Maid-sama
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~Chapter 11 - Waiting ~
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Numbness...
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She tried to open her eyes— she couldn't see anything so she assumed they were closed. She couldn't feel her body as she willed them to move.
What's going on?
What happened?
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"Misaki. Please, Misaki. Please wake up."
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Who was calling her?
Why was the person's voice filled with so much pain? Like he had lost a part of himself... Like someone had just died?
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"Are you sure that's she going to wake up any time soon?" The worried voice stated.
"I'm positive. She's just in a state of shock. Her mind will come around when it thinks that she is ready." A calm voice said soothingly.
"She wasn't hurt anywhere! It's been two days and—"
"She's going to be fine."
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Who were they talking about?
What was going on?
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"She's really beautiful isn't she?" The calm voice suddenly said softly.
"She was able to charm us all." The worried voice changed into a less anxious one as he chuckled— there seemed to be a sense of pride in the way he spoke.
"I'm sure that Mikeru-san is really proud of her."
"Of course. She shines like a diamond..." He said in a low tone.
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Mikeru?
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Why did that name sound so familiar?
Suddenly her blank vision became bright. . . Her senses raised into overdrive.
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A speeding car. . .
People were calling one another's names. . .
She could see the car getting closer. . .
But it wasn't going towards her. . .
Someone had pulled her out of the way. . .
Someone had stood in front of her. . .
But it's not coming for me!
She had turned around, ready to reach for the car's target. . .
Out of nowhere someone appeared in front of that person. . .
Her eyes widen as she was pushed away hard. . .
Glass shattered right in front of her. . .
The breaks were protesting loudly and the person fell to the ground. . . covered in blood. . .
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NO! NO! Not him!
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"She can hear me can't she?" Ryuu said anxiously as he sat on the stool just beside Misaki's hospital bed. Seeing her face so peaceful, he could only hope that she was dreaming of peaceful things— not knowing that she was actually struggling inside. He fought the urge to brush the back of his hand across her cheeks... would she still want to be touched when she wakes up? After she discovers what had happened?
He clenched his fist tightly on his side.
He felt a gentle hand lay on his shoulder. He looked up and met the concerned gaze of Misaki's doctor, who also turned out to be his older cousin. "She'll be alright," His cousin said reassuringly.
"For now."
"From the stories you and Hinata had told me in the past, I'm sure that she's a strong person. She'll be able to face the situation head on."
Ryuu shook his head almost immediately. "The pain will kill her."
"Ry—"
"It should have been me." Ryuu brought his head down onto his hands as his elbows laid on his lap. "I should've been the one who was killed. I should have been the one taking that blow. I—"
"You shouldn't blame yourself."
The two cousins looked up as a strong voice entered the room, they heard the door closing gently after the person. Ryuu immediately stood up upon seeing Misaki's grandmother entering the room. She immediately waved her hand, signaling that he need not be so formal.
"I..." Ryuu began.
"It was his choice. You should understand. Misaki-san is more important than his life." Grandmother said, slowly walking towards Misaki's bed.
"If I never planned to take her away, then—"
"Enough Ryuu-san." Grandmother said strictly. "Blaming yourself would do nothing. I'm sure that Kazuma-san has tried to convince you of that." She gave a kind smile to Ryuu's cousin.
Kazuma returned that smile and bowed his head briefly. He turned around, leaving the room. Knowing that this was just between the two of them to discuss.
"She wouldn't be able to handle her loss..." Ryuu said quietly.
"Everyone feels that way, Ryuu-san. But Misaki-san will be able to handle it."
Ryuu looked at Misaki's grandmother curiously. He was actually surprised to hear those words from her. Misaki's grandmother rarely shows how much she favored her granddaughter. From time to time she would let slip praise about Misaki, but he was aware that she kept up a façade in front of Misaki. Making her think that she disliked her.
"What do you want her to do when she wakes up?" Ryuu asked softly.
"I want her to stay here, where it's safe for her. I don't want her to go back to Japan."
"Her grandfather would surely—"
"He has learned his lesson." Grandmother gently cut him off. As she said those words, pain suddenly twisted her features. "He's letting her go."
Ryuu looked away, not wanting her expression to fully register into his mind. "But, Misaki will want to return."
"For what reason?" Grandmother said, "Minako-san and Suzuna-san will move here in America. They will be cared for the same way... her father... has been cared for." She took a deep breath, "Mikeru is a respectable man, many people admires him here. I'm sure that they will openly welcome his family."
"Misaki would want to see him."
"I never thought that you would have given her a choice in the first place, Ryuu-san. You love her so much, and yet you are willing to hand her over to someone else."
"She will never be fully happy if she's with me." Ryuu inhaled deeply. Saying these words seemed to be taking the oxygen out of his lungs. It was hurting him so much. "She's in love with that person. She's in love with Usui Takumi... a person I can never compete with."
"Compete...?"
"I love her, as you have said." Ryuu turned to look at Misaki's sleeping face, "And it's not odd to know that others have the same feelings for her. Hinata is the best example... We both have a place in her heart, but Hinata had a bigger space because he had always been by her side in the past... But slowly, I began to consume the space he had occupied..." Ryuu shook his head. "It's a competition..."
"She will have to choose you."
Ryuu jumped at the intensity of her words. He stared at Grandmother with surprise. "I can't force—"
"She will choose you willingly. She has no choice."
"How can that be a choice if she—"
"Misaki-san is wise." Grandmother said in a dead calm voice. "She should've learned her lesson by now as her grandfather has learned his. If she chooses to interact with that person once more, she will have to face the consequences. We've already lost someone important..." Her voice trailed off as she looked away from Ryuu's stare.
Ryuu bit down his lip as he clenched his fists tightly yet again. Was this how he was going to have her?
"She should understand that as long as she desires that man whom she can never have, danger will always follow."
"If I had died, it would've ended."
"It won't make a difference!" Grandmother said angrily.
Ryuu saw the stray tears forming at the corner of the old woman's eyes. Ryuu stood in shock, because this was the first time he had seen her shed such tears ever since Misaki's father left the Ashford household.
"Someone will always be a sacrifice. This child should learn about the love that can never be." She said in a hard voice. "If she goes back, you might be in danger. The Walker's will never stop until a potential threat is disposed of."
"He was never a threat." Ryuu said quietly.
"He was." She said in a voice filled with pain. "Mikeru was going to take her away..."
"I—"
"Save your honor child. Prevent Misaki-san from ever seeing that person. Mikeru's death will not be for nothing."
"Ngh!"
Grandmother and Ryuu both flinched at the sudden sound of pain. Both of them immediately turned to Misaki, whose closed eyes were suddenly overflowing with tears. She thrashed her head from side to side as if trying to get something off of her.
"Misaki."
"Misaki-san."
They both said simultaneously.
"Misaki, it's me." Ryuu instantly reached over and cupped her face with his left hand. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
Misaki shook her head as tears still continued flowing from her golden orbs as she looked at him. "Father..." She said in hoarse voice.
Upon her mentioning her father, Ryuu felt his heart clench. She heard their conversation...
"I'm sorry," Was all he could say.
"It's all my fault." Misaki pulled his long sleeve towards her, as if trying to hide her face. "If I never tried to be a Lady in the first place—"
"Misaki." Ryuu said fervently. He circled his right arm around her neck as he pulled her up. Wrapping her in a tight embrace. This was the only thing he could think of doing... She was breaking... as was his heart while he watch her...
"He can't be dead!" Misaki cried, she moved towards Ryuu's chest. "He can't be! I still have to know more about him! He can't be gone!"
"I'm sorry," He murmured again, stroking the back of her head.
Misaki shook her head once again as she shut her eyes tightly. "Suzuna hasn't seen him yet. She still haven't had a chance to get to know our father! He can't be dead!"
"Misaki..."
"Why was he there in the first place? He must've known I was in danger! He must've known and yet..."
"It was his choice Misaki... and you weren't the one in danger..."
Misaki convulsed as she cried harder. "Don't blame yourself... I was the cause of everything..."
Ryuu abruptly pulled Misaki away from him. He waited until she had looked up and met his eyes. "You are also not to blame." He said gently.
Misaki bit her lips hard, she wanted to cry out loud. Her breaths were shallow as she felt her heart wanting to die along with her father...
"You're strong Misaki, you'll be able to pull through..." Ryuu said softly.
"Father... Father... he..."
"He would want to see you shine Misaki. Follow his footsteps... Change your goal. From now on, the reason why you want to become a Lady is because you want to be like your father. A respectable man..."
Misaki held Ryuu's shirt tightly once more as his words sank in. But no matter how hard she tried to think rationally, the pain still got the better of her. She shook her head vigorously. "I want my Father!" Misaki cried. She was like a lost child.
"Misaki..." Ryuu murmured her name with his voice filled with so much pain.
Her grandmother stood at the side, her hand closed over her mouth as tears also fell from her eyes. It was painful to lose her only son... but she had already imagined him dead ever since he left the household... the pain had been numbed over time... but her granddaughter...
For her, knowing that her father was still alive was a shock.
But she got to meet her father, Mikeru, once again... Getting to know him... A father whom she must've dreamt of having... The loss she must be feeling...
"Mikeru, you foolish child." Grandmother murmured, tears continue to fall from her eyes.
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"Are you satisfied?" Usui said darkly as he stared at the man in front of him. He was disgusted to think of this man as someone related to him. No, it the first place, this man wasn't even his biological father.
"Takumi," Gerard said in a tight tone as he clamped the shoulder of his half brother. Forcing him to stay seated on the couch. He turned his glare onto his father, who was seated behind his office table just across where he and Usui sat.
"You two shouldn't have schemed behind my back in the first place." The older man said as he watched the two children in front of him with amusement. "Furthermore, I never expected you, Gerard, to be a part of it."
"Does a life mean nothing to you?" Gerard said in a barely controlled voice.
"If it means that we prosper..." He shrugged.
Without thinking, Gerard had accidentally clenched his hand. His fingernails dug into Usui's shoulder, which he still held. "Gerard." Usui said in a calm voice as he flinched slightly from the pain.
Gerard jumped and let go. He took a deep breath and murmured an apology. "The man you have killed—"
"I admit that he wasn't part of the plan. But this outcome is even better. The head of the Ashford should consider his loss. He should now understand that we are not easily deterred. That—"
"You don't care who dies, do you!? You were the one who had driven that car and sent an innocent man to his death! Don't you feel any remorse?" Usui suddenly cut in, not wanting to hold back any longer.
"Innocent? Michael Ashford is hardly innocent."
"He has done nothing wrong but protect a life. Would you have stopped if Takumi or I stood in front of Ryuu?" Gerard spoke, once again pulling his half brother down with much force.
His father seemed to consider that thought but he only chuckled after a few seconds. "Nonsense. I knew that the girl was the priority for the both of you. You two don't know Michael. You don't know about the betrayal he has done in the past."
"So this is what it's all about?" Gerard said incredulously, his face was a mask of disgust.
"You have no idea what I'm talking about."
"She never loved you."
Usui looked at Gerard in surprise. What was his brother talking about? Loved? Was there something else going on? Was there a deeper meaning about what this situation was about? He looked up at the man in front of them and saw the shock clearly written across his face.
"Long before Grandmother had died, she told me the reason why you had become like this— a heartless man." Gerard continued. Staring at his father straight in the eyes. "Loving someone... but that person never chose you! Instead she chose your best friend!"
"It is not your place to speak!" Father said angrily.
"I only speak of the truth. Sara is someone precious to me! What kind of a father would kill his son's hope? Grandmother had told me everything as she consoled me. She even seemed to be defending you! Telling me of the pain you went through, of what you have lost. Then why?! You knew how it felt to lose someone precious, yet you have taken away—"
"Shut up Gerard!"
"Why? Will you kill me? This time not with a weapon but with your own hands?" Gerard rose from his seat as he glared at his father, "Don't bother. I will die soon anyway."
"Gerard." Usui said in a quiet voice.
Gerard turned to Usui, his eyes already cold. "Father feels that he has succeeded. He may not have taken out your competitor, but he has taken out his. Before loving our mother, he had fallen in love with the Ashford princess' mother. Actually the same thing has happened to Grandfather. He was in love, yet the girl chose the current head of the Ashford family. Now you can imagine why our household hold so much hatred towards the Ashford. They—"
"Enough!" Father finally slammed his hands onto his table as he also stood up.
"Betrayal..." Usui tried to piece things together, ignoring the older man's obvious rage.
"Grandfather was against Father interacting with someone from the Ashford household, but Father didn't listen. He befriended an Ashford. Michael Ashford was Father's best friend. While Minako Ayuzawa was Father's childhood friend."
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Twenty-three years ago...
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"Hurry up Minako." A teenager, with jet black hair and pale gray-blue eyes, pulled his childhood friend. This teenager was full of life and his face was lit with a bright smile, he did not resemble his current older self at all.
"Why are you in a hurry?" The younger version of Minako looked a lot like Suzuna. The way her eyes looked so blunt yet full of emotion. At the moment, she was confused as to why she was being pulled. Her reckless childhood friend had just returned from his study tour in America after a year. What was he so excited about?
"There's someone I want you to meet." He grinned back at her and immediately stopped when they reached his room.
"What for?" She asked curiously.
"I made a friend in America, coincidentally he was going to move here too. For some reason father doesn't really approve about the fact that I was befriending him, but he can't do anything about it!" He chuckled.
"You're really such a rebellious son." Minako shook her head.
He shrugged at her comment as he opened the door to his room. Minako looked curiously into her childhood friend's room. Then she saw a seemingly blonde angel standing by the window of the room. The boy looked at them with his aqua blue eyes. Minako felt her heart skip a beat as the angel smiled.
"This is Michael Ashford, but if you're having a hard time saying his name, you can just call him Mikeru."
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Twenty years ago...
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"Could you please repeat that again?" Minako stood frozen as her childhood friend shook her slightly, a wide grin plastered on his face. His grin was really a camouflage for the pink tint of his cheeks.
"We're going to get engaged." The said childhood friend repeated.
"Edward..." Minako said speechlessly as she stared into the honest clear eyes of her childhood friend. She was lost for words... She never knew that he had such feelings for her in the first place...
He judged her speechlessness for embarrassment as he chuckled softly, "Our parents are talking about it right now, and as far as I know... Your parents will agree to it." He smiled, "Come on, let's go see them!" He excitedly took Minako's hand and pulled her along.
"Michael..." Was the first thing she could say in her state of shock.
"I told him a few minutes before I came to find you. I told him to drop by the house." He laughed, "He hasn't replied to my text message yet, he must be so jealous that I'm getting engaged ahead of him."
Minako stayed silent as she let her childhood friend drag her through the hallways of his family's mansion and into a particular large room— the waiting room. Inside, she found that her parents were indeed present. They sat on the beige velvety couch comfortably, each sipping the served tea. Across them was Gerauld Walker's parents. When the two teenagers entered— both families were laughing over something— had stopped upon their entry.
"Ah, Edward couldn't keep his mouth shut after all." His father said good-naturedly.
"Of course dear, he's been requesting for this all his life." His mother exclaimed.
Edward blushed at his parents' statement. "Mother, Father."
"Are you two holding hands?" Minako's mother said teasingly.
Edward jumped when he realized that he was indeed still holding Minako's hand. He was surprised when Minako suddenly jerked her hand back to her side.
"I'm happy that your Edward is willing to take care of Minako-chan." Her father said, "We rarely know what the child is thinking, what's more, we never knew what she was feeling."
"Someone as carefree as Edward, we never expected him to be serious in something. It's really the first time he decided something for himself." His mother giggled.
"Our Minako too, well initially we assumed that she felt something for—"
"It took us by surprise," Minako's father suddenly interrupted the words that her mother was about to say, "To know that Minako-chan has actually taken a liking to Edward was a surprise. Though we've always considered that possibility, and the future of having our families united, we never thought that it would come true."
"Oh please. Why would the children not fall for each other? They've been inseparable since birth!" Edward's mother said.
Minako's eyes had widen upon hearing the conversations between the adults. She took a step back.
"Minako?" Edward spoke, sensing that something was odd about her behavior.
Suddenly someone had entered the room, Edward had looked up and a smile broke onto his face. "Michael, I'm..." Edward trailed off upon seeing the panic and intensity in his best friend's eyes. "What's wrong?" He immediately asked.
Michael didn't seem to pay attention to his best friend as he swiftly stood just behind Minako. Minako turned her head towards Michael and she shook her head.
"I'm here." He murmured to her as he took her hand and stood by her side.
Edward was suddenly confused with what was happening. He was about to speak when his father suddenly spoke in anger.
"I knew it! Your line is going steal again!" Edward's father said angrily.
"Sir," Michael said in a polite tone, he stood straight. "I am not here to steal, but to—"
"Lies!"
"I love her!" Michael voiced out.
Edward's eyes widen. "What do you mean?!" He immediately reacted.
Michael looked at his best friend with sad eyes, "I'm sorry Edward, I—"
"Minako!" Her father hissed, as he stood up. Anger was also evident.
"I'm sorry Father. But I'm in love with Michael... I can't let you force me into a commitment I can't keep..." As she finished those words, she turned to Edwars, her eyes filled with pleading and apologies.
"Why!?" The question was directed to Michael. "You're my best friend! I trusted you!"
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"Get out!" Edward, now a father, all his past carefreeness and cheerfulness all gone from his features, shouted angrily at the two teenagers in front of him. Gerard's words had triggered a memory he had been trying to bury for so long. The pain of betrayal... "Get out!" He shouted once again when the two siblings didn't move an inch.
"You want me to steal Michael Ashford's daughter not because you want to merge both families..." Usui said quietly, his eyes filled with shock as realization started to dawn on him. "You were planning on hurting her!" He assumed.
"As a way to hurt Michael Ashford." Gerard supplied. "But the fact is, Father doesn't really know what to do when you capture the princess. He can't bare hurting her, because somehow, she also resembles her mother— who Father still seems to love."
"Are you two not going out!?" Edward shouted angrily, his face flushed with evident effort.
"Let's go Takumi," Gerard said quietly, pulling the arm of his brother up.
Usui let himself be pulled up by Gerard, but he still continued to stare at the floor. Just the mere thought of the possibility that— He couldn't bare to think of it. He shook his head vigorously and looked at the man in front of him.
"Well, it seems like losing someone you love is a bounded curse in this household. You lost yours, Gerard his, and I mine. Are you happy now that we share your fate?" With that statement, Usui trudged out of the door. Aware that his half brother was just behind him.
"Takumi," Gerard called, touching his shoulder to stop him from walking further.
Usui clenched his fists tightly. He could still feel his rage burning inside of him. "He must feel so proud of himself." Usui said through gritted teeth.
"You're wrong, you know." Gerard said, referring to Usui's earlier comment. "You haven't lost her yet." He said gently.
Usui shook his head. "After what happened to—" He felt his throat close off when a flash of the accident appeared in his head. He shut his eyes tightly and opened them again. "We're dangerous. As long as I try to pursue her, danger will always follow."
"Not for long..." Gerard murmured.
Usui looked at his half brother curiously.
"It's about time we try being the rebellious sons."
Usui's eyes, immediately catching up with his half-brother's thoughts, widened. "He has covered his tracks well. It's on the news! The suspect on Michael Ashford's death is on the run!"
"I have enough evidence." Gerard said seriously.
"How—"
"It's about time Sara also gets the justice she deserves." Gerard walked away with a new found confidence.
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One year later...
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The streets of New York city was very crowded and full of life. People were talking simultaneously, shouting to each other over the noise. Some were running late as they ran across the pedestrian lanes, some were taking their time to talk to their friends as they walked on their way to school. Everywhere there was noise, except for one tiny secluded area. There was a particular alleyway, not many dared to quench their curiosity and bravely walked to the other side, but on the other side of that alley, there was small peaceful café shop.
It was a quiet place, the interior seemed like a house made of wood. It had the comfortable feelings of a home.
There was the soft tinkling of the bell located by the door's entrance— a signal that a costumer has arrived. The scent of cinnamon wafted around the place and soft music played in the background.
"Good morning sir," A waitress greeted the new costumer. This costumer is a regular, yet the waitress still couldn't help but blush when he smiled and waved her away. He was so breath-taking. The way his short cropped maroon hair was gelled back yet his bangs still fell to the side of his face, and his dark honey colored eyes...
The waitress shook her thoughts as she reflexively pointed him to a certain spot where a woman, whose profile was turned back.
The man nodded and quietly walked ahead.
He studied the back of the particular woman. Her back was straight, even as she sat. Both her shoulders were leveled. His brows furrowed upon seeing that her dark purple hair being tied back to her lower left, the flowing locks falling in front of her chest.
He quietly moved behind her and swiftly pulled the thick ponytail off her dark purple locks.
She gasped and accidentally dropped the papers she was holding. The man chuckled as he swooped down and gave the papers back to her. He laughed out loud upon seeing her golden eyes glaring at him.
"Ryuu," She said in a tight voice.
Ryuu just kept laughing as he pulled a chair across her. "Is this for me?" He asked, noting the warm coffee in front of him.
"Mm, it's for free. Seems like you have a fan." She said nonchalantly as she placed the papers carefully inside her suitcase.
Ryuu chuckled, "Right. She knows that I only have eyes for you Misaki." He grinned.
Misaki blushed a shade of delicate pink upon his words and she instantly looked away. "You still have the time to joke," She brushed back her loose hair behind her shoulders with her left hand.
As she did so, Ryuu instantly caught a familiar gleam on her left hand. He didn't have to wonder what it was, for he already knew— A diamond ring.
He smiled softly and reached across the table. He took her left hand gently and fingered the small diamond ring with his thumb. Misaki watch Ryuu's expression as he studied the ring. She shook her head as she slowly pulled back her hand.
"It's been a year, you look like you're still not used to seeing it." Misaki said.
Ryuu chuckled as he leaned back onto his seat, "Of course not. I'll never get used to it. Never."
"Ryuu..."
Ryuu shook his head, "Anyway, let's move onto another topic. How—"
"My college classes will start later afternoon. My private tutoring lessons in the company are moved since exams are coming up. And yes, I've set up a schedule to eat with Suzuna and mother before I go to the university. And no, I don't need you to bring me to the meeting place."
Ryuu chuckled at her quick reply. "I barely said anything."
"I know you too well already." Misaki shook her head as she took another sip of her iced coffee.
Ryuu nodded as he looked at the table. He carefully touched the handle of the teacup in front of him. "Hey, Misaki..."
Misaki instantly recognized the tone of Ryuu's voice. She immediately bit her lower lip, even though she already knew what he had to say, she let him continue.
"It was officially announced last week that the head of the Walker group has changed. The case filed on Edward Walker..." Ryuu trailed off, trying to think of a better way to say things instead of having the mood so down. "What I'm trying to say here is that, that man won't be able to reach you nor harm anyone anymore... With Usui Takumi as the new head—"
"What are you really trying to say, Ryuu?" Misaki said in a small voice.
"...Do you have any plans to go back?"
"You know that I have to stay here. This was Father's original plan after all..." Misaki said determinedly.
"With the choice of who you want to be with." Ryuu immediately added. Slowly, he looked up and saw Misaki looking at him with pain evident in her eyes. "Sorry," He mumbled, "I shouldn't have mentioned it."
"I—"
"It doesn't matter." Ryuu said, eye-ing the ring on Misaki's hand once again, which she had placed on top of the table.
Misaki clenched her hands shut as she glared at Ryuu. She hated it whenever he never lets her finish her sentences. But then, a thought struck into her mind, which made her look at him with sadness. "Speaking of going back..." Misaki said softly.
Ryuu met her gaze.
"Gerard's condition..." Misaki said in a small voice, unable to decide how she should put forth the topic.
Ryuu immediately shifted his gaze onto the coffee cup in front of him. "What about it," He said in a quiet voice.
"You already know that he's in a critical condition... and yet you refuse to see him."
"It's not that simple." Ryuu brought his hands in front of him on top of the table—clasped tightly.
"He's been asking for you, hasn't he?"
Ryuu's head snapped up as he looked at Misaki with surprise.
She just smiled apologetically, "I saw the stack of letters on top of your working desk... I didn't mean to pry... I was worried why you haven't gone to see Gerard when the news first broke out..."
"It's none of your business." Ryuu half-snapped.
Misaki was unfazed by the sudden change in Ryuu's attitude— she understood. She carefully reached her hands out and placed them on top of Ryuu's clasped ones. She felt them shaking.
"If you're worried because you think that I'm coming—"
"No, it's not like that." Ryuu looked down to see her hands on top of his, and once again he looked at the expensive ring on her finger. "If it's simply that, I'm fine now. It's fine if you go see him..."
"Then...?"
"I'm scared." Ryuu all but murmured, unclasping his hands and then holding onto Misaki's. "I didn't see my sister die in front of me, yet it was very painful. What if I visit Gerard-sama and coincidentally he dies right there and then? His last wish is to see me. What will happen after he sees me? He'll be so content that he's ready to die." He held onto her hand more tightly.
"Ryuu..."
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"That child hasn't replied to a single letter I've sent him," Gerard complained weakly.
Usui had just entered Gerard's hospital room in time to hear his complaint. He scanned around Gerard's room and saw that Cedric was by his side as usual, while Gerard still had an oxygen mask over his point and a dextrose tube attached to his left hand. What was different today was that he had a heart monitor near him. His heart beat was weak.
"Takumi-sama." Cedric bowed slightly upon seeing the young master.
"Oh, Mr. President." Gerard teased, he was about to laugh when he started coughing.
"You shouldn't talk much in your weak state. It must be very painful." Usui said in a low voice as he walked toward his brother's bed.
Gerard wheezed, trying to take a deep breath after his coughing fit subsided. "I'm going to die any time soon anyway, I should enjoy the moment."
Usui's brows furrowed at his brother's careless words. Gerard chuckled shortly seeing his little brother's expression.
"Come now, I'm just stating the truth. Grandmother died of this disease, mother did too. And so far, no one has discovered a cure for this illness."
"You've given up already?"
"You've asked me that over and over again. And I've told you that this isn't giving up, it's accepting."
Usui clenched his hands onto his side.
"I've already done the things I should've done. It's already all up to you." Gerard looked deeply into Usui's eyes. "It's up to you whether you'll sweep the princess off her feet or not."
"She probably said yes to Ryuu already." Usui mumbled.
At the mention of Ryuu's name, Gerard's tired and weak eyes seemed to have flared. "That idiotic, insensitive, carefree, un-thoughtful—" Once more Gerard begin to cough.
Usui looked to Cedric for more explanation. Cedric shook his head, "It seems that Gerard-sama has been asking for Ryuu-sama's presence, yet he never replied nor showed up."
Usui sighed as he looked back at his half-brother. "You should understand that this is hard for him."
"He should understand me too." Gerard spoke stubbornly. "He should realize that all this," He winced, "Is very painful for me. I should already rest in peace, but no, I'm trying to hold on for as long as I could because I'm waiting for him."
"He must be betting on that." Usui said quietly.
Gerard stayed silent for a while as he let Usui's words sink in, then he chuckled. "Stupid child... Well, you seem to be taking this all fairly well."
"There's too much matters in my head. Being the head of this family is not easy," Usui said in a monotone.
"Too busy to even register the impending death of your dear brother?" Gerard teased.
Usui looked away.
Gerard laughed softly, trying to control his expression as the pain pricking his lungs hurt so much every time he did so. Then he sighed as he slowly closed his eyes.
"Take care of that kid," Gerard said softly.
"We won't get along," Usui said in a small voice, almost begrudgingly.
"He's a good kid." Gerard spoke even softly, "Yeah, I'm going now."
Usui's head snapped up at Gerard's statement, his eyes widen seeing his brother's closed eyes and peaceful expression. Usui stepped froward until he felt a restraining hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see Cedric stopping him.
Cedric shook his head, then inclined his head the side. Usui followed it, and saw the heart monitor. Gerard still had a heartbeat.
Usui sighed a breath of relief.
"Gerard-sama likes to joke about his impending death often." Cedric said seriously, "You'll panic to the point that you didn't even hear the steady beep of the monitor. He's tired, that's why he slips in and out of sleep."
Usui shook his head as he looked back at his half-brother, "Damn you," He said softly. "Is there no other way?"
"Gerard-sama already said it. He had accepted his fate. Even if you bring the best doctors that might have a chance of curing him, it wouldn't work. Because, Gerard-sama won't fight anymore."
"Is it so hard to want to keep living?"
Cedric's serious expression slowly changed into a soft one, the first time Usui had seen it.
"He believes that on the other side, Sara-sama is waiting for him."
Usui stayed silent as he clenched his hands to his side.
"You should pursue your own happiness to, Takumi-sama."
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A/N: Yeah, please review. Thanks. Sorry for the long delay. Christmas break is coming up, so I guess I can finish this before new year. Thank you for those who are loyal and those who stuck with me till the end. :)