Before we start, I have two important announcements to make. First - I've recently started working full-time, and as you might have noticed, resulted in this delayed update. Can't be certain if I can keep up with the biweekly updates, but I'll definitely keep the story going. Look no further than my tumblr blog to check if I'm still alive and kicking haha.

Second - After debating with myself for months, I've decided to stop using 'ore-sama' completely whenever Atobe refers himself from this point onwards. Unless he drops the use of -sama in context, it'll be mentioned.

Right O' thanks for the reviews, favs, and follows! It motivates me a lot when I see notifications, like a kid with a gift on Christmas Day. Oh, and don't forget you can still vote in the poll! But remember it's not a pairing vote, but 'increase interaction'. Whether romantically or err friendly, your votes will help.

*Oyama is a real mountain

Standing rooted on the spot, Akemi watched the rose petals flutter in through the opened window with morbid fascination. Unaware that the stuffed bear had fallen from grasp, it sprawled face-down on the carpeted floor at her feet.

When she had left the safe haven of her chair was completely lost on her, as was the baffling phenomena occurring outside her house.

She rubbed her eyes furiously and stared. Still there.

She slapped her cheeks, pinched them until her poor eyes stung from the welling tears. Still there.

She squeezed her eyes shut, which caused the tears to roll down her puffy cheeks, counted to ten and opened her eyes. Still there.

Not only that, the light flurry had thickened to a proper shower. This most certainly did not appear on the weather forecast.

Staggering, she turned her back on the ludicrous sight and pressed the back of her hand against an eye, hugging her stomach tightly as though the actions alone could make her feel better.

A hollow chuckle escaped through her parted lips. "It's stress. It's stress alright. Revising for the exams has finally gotten to my head." She leaned heavily against the bookcase, fingers moving down to pinch the spot between her eyes. "I'm hallucinating...haha...that's all."

Even as she murmured denials, she was constantly reminded that it was all too real.

The gentleness of the petals caressing her face contrasted drastically with the turbulent draft. Her room was soon thrown into further disarray, snapping her out of the stupor. It wasn't exactly gale-force wind, but Akemi would rather err on the side of caution. She frantically snatched Yukimura's sketches, shoved them into her drawer, and set the precious vase of cosmos underneath her desk. At least the broad legs could act as buffer.

She turned towards the door and froze.

Amidst the harsh flapping of her curtains, a rather inharmonious rustling of heavier fabrics reached her ears. A second sound, this one, the faint plodding of footsteps treading across the carpeted floor caused her entire body to tense.

She's not alone.

The long, sleek black opera cloak swished gracefully as the predacious presence crept up behind her, its arms stretched out far and wide in readiness. She felt the warmth leant beside an ear, the lips twisted into a malicious grin as a pair of hands hidden inside the black leather gloves inched towards her waist.

Instinct snapping back in place, Akemi pivoted and delivered a roundhouse kick. There was a loud grunt when the sole of her foot smacked into the side of the intruder's head. She caught a glimpse of their face. The right-half was concealed by a white mask from which a striking blue eye peered at her in a mixture of shock and agony.

It lasted for a mere second.

In a blur of black, the force of her kick sent the intruder hurtling across her room before hitting the opposing wall with a satisfying thud, and crumpled into a heap on her bed.

Panting heavily from the tensed moment, she threw a glance at the window; the flower shower seemed to have ceased. Turning back to her bed, she frowned as the intruder scramble up from the precarious position, shouting curses and insults at her. The masculine voice though muffled by his cloak which had flipped over his head, sounded oddly familiar. He renewed his struggle against the cloak, but in all his haste, managed to get himself ensnared in her duvet.

The blue rose petals, the extravagant white-tie suit...

It suddenly clicked.

Akemi warily backed away as he thrashed violently against this fabricated imprisonment. Her fingers brushed the spines of her books and curled around one in a tight grip.

A head burst out from within the folds with a loud gasp from the parted lips. No sooner had he exposed himself, the book was hurled towards him. Instinct kicking in, he balled his right to grasp...air.

Of course, he didn't bring his racquet on this late night spree.

Cursing colourfully, he dodged the attack in a nick of time. He threw his arms in an attempt to shield his face against as the next barrage of projectiles hurled in his direction.

"Stop! Cease and desist!" His roar tore through the air.

Akemi stiffened with a jolt, a hardback encyclopaedia raised above her head for the impeded assault. Eyes fixed on one another, they gasped heavily for air. One of the gloved hands shifted around. The noirette tensed up, only for the mask to be smoothly pulled off.

A familiar face and a pair of dark blue eyes literally glared back.

Gathering back his dignity, he swung his legs to the edge of the bed and rose onto his feet, effectively making him appear formidably taller.

"Look – it's me." He might look different with his sleek hair combed back, but there was no refuting that statement. Raising his hands, he added, "So put the elephant down."

Her features visibly relaxed. Sighing in relief, Akemi lowered her arm.

"Good."

He took a step forward.

"Keigo-san."

He stopped.

Her expression hardened as the brown pools gained an icy stare. When she spoke, her voice was strained from suppressing the boiling anger. "We haven't seen each other for weeks because of exams, and this is how you show up in front of me?" Fingernails dug into the elephant doll. "You numpty!"

The stuffed toy hit his forehead before he could react. "Oi! Didn't I say stop!?" Atobe barked.

"Why should I?" Akemi snapped back, chucking another hardback at the Hyotei Captain who easily dodged it. Fuelled by anger, Akemi continued pelting him with anything within reach. "Can't you be a normal human being like everyone else and use the front door instead? But noooooooo –"

"Watch the face!"

"– not only did you dump those petals in my front garden, you have the audacity to break into my room and sneak up behind me wearing that dodgy getup. I have the right to have you arrested and thrown into jail! And that's not before I'm through with –" she broke off with a cry of surprise tearing through her throat when a force rammed into her.

The book clattered onto the floor.

Akemi stumbled back unsteadily, nearly tripping over her own feet if the muscular arms weren't supporting her.

Her luck ended there.

Taken by surprise, the connection between body and mind seemed to have temporarily severed, rendering her immobile and speechless. All she could manage in that state was a meek stutter. "K-Keigo-san?"

Atobe didn't know what came over him, hadn't really thought it through before lurching forward. Strangely though, there wasn't a smidgeon of remorse for this impulsiveness, not because she'd finally stopped going bonkers on him.

But...

He inhaled the fresh scent of shampoo clinging onto her hair. When he tilted his head slightly, the soft black curtain brushed his cheek.

"I'm sorry, okay?" His soft voice so foreign to her ears, carried a note of urgency, matching the firm hold around her when he gave her a brief squeeze. "You can throw another hissy fit, but not now. We don't have much time left."

Akemi frowned; their height difference meant that she could only just peer over his shoulder. "What are you on about?"

He moved away, keeping his arms around her for what he's about to do. "There's something I want you to see."

XXX

"A shrine?"

They stood in front of the impressive building of Afuri Shrine, a Torii gate looming over their heads, their figures surrounded by trees and the occasional electrical lamps, dozens of kilometre away from home...and some 700 meters high above sea-level on Mount Oyama.

Needless to say, Akemi was less than impressed – miffed even – that she couldn't help but be brutally sarcastic with that remark. Because as she put it...

"All that faffing about (mostly her), tossing me onto your shoulder like I'm a sack of potatoes without so much as a peep, and spiriting me away on your helicopter (where he got an earful) – just for a shrine?" She snorted, quite the lady. "What are you going to do, offer me as a sacrifice? Ask if we can share special powers? Live out the rest of our lives as hermits?" She rolled her eyes. "You really are full of surprises, Atobe Keigo."

"I know."

"That was not a compliment."

Atobe shrugged his shoulders, sniggering.

Glaring, Akemi shifted awkwardly inside the large cloak swallowing her entire form. After assuring her back on the helicopter that his tailcoat was sufficiently warm, he'd lent it to her since the mountains were generally colder. And at night, the chill eagerly crawled up her exposed skin. But that wasn't what rattled her.

Sighing wearily, the noirette glanced up. "Can you let me go?"

The answer to her simple question was the tightening of his grips and a dismissive scoff. "Nonsense, I am not allowing a lady stroll around barefooted –"

A half-hearted squeal of surprise escaped her at the abrupt jolt that nearly sent her reeling forward when Atobe started into a brisk walk. Her arms quickly found their way around his neck with relative ease as though they'd done this several times.

"– not in the name of Atobe," he declared resolutely, smirking proudly.

Faint as it were, the jolting sensations unnerved her. Imagining how painful it'd be if she fell on her back, she tried not to squirm too much as they went around the back of the shrine. Because frankly, she had enough fright – including the heart-stopping moment when she clung onto him for dear life as they abseiled down from the helicopter – today to last for a lifetime.

"Well, if you have at least given me the opportunity to wear slippers." Fortunately, the long cloak was wrapped around her feet. "Better yet, let me change out of my pyjamas..."

The rest of her complaints died down into unintelligible mutterings to his ears. But focused on his task, he missed the flushed cheeks before the brief silence was interrupted.

"We don't really have much time."

Akemi frowned. "You keep saying that. Why...?" She left the question hanging in the air when they stopped in front of a Torii gate.

Flanked on both sides by trees, a flight of stone staircase stretched uphill before them. Only the first few steps could be seen, since scarcely any light fell on this part of the shrine. Shadows engulfed the rest. Far away from chaotic civilization, the tranquil silence filled the mountain, broken occasionally by the hooting of owls and the whispers of leaves echoing in the night when the breeze brushed against them.

It was daunting alright, especially since Atobe looked ready to waltz straight into the shadows.

"Exactly where are you taking me?" Akemi asked in a small voice, staring ahead apprehensively.

Sharp eyes flickering about as they assessed the dingy path, the Hyotei Captain retorted, "It won't be a surprise if I tattle."

With the recent outlandish ideas, she wasn't looking forward to this one. "Can't you leave it until tomorrow?" she dissuaded sulkily. "Really, who takes a stroll in the mountains at this time of night?"

"No, it has to be tonight," he insisted obstinately. "Otherwise it'll be pointless."

She scowled in puzzlement.

"But for the record, we're heading to the summit."

Eyebrows flew up. "You're insane! We are not climbing the mountain," Akemi protested as she fruitlessly talked sense into him. "We'll probably stumble and fall to our untimely deaths before we have the chance to laugh our heads off from the fact we got lost – or worse, attacked by a man-eating squirrel!"

Just as he was about to move forward, he faltered to a standstill. His face contorted with a look of utter confusion. "Man-eating squirrel?" he echoed slowly.

Desperate, it had slipped from her tongue before she could stop herself. Akemi averted her gaze sheepishly, blushing. "Y-yeah, w-well...you learn about evolutions. When significant changes occur in an environment – like plants becoming scarce or acquiring poisonous substances to protect themselves from being eaten – herbivores may turn to carnivorous diet blah blah blah, and vice versa, blah blah blah – adaptation, survival of the fittest," she trailed off, looking even more flustered.

"I'm impressed you know this kind of stuff."

"One of my father's friends is a palaeontologist." Akemi tried hard not to sound pleased at the sincere praise, though she couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "He knows his brachiopod from his bivalve, free-swimmers from burrowers, planktonic from benthic foraminifera. Oh and let's not forget about dinosaurs. Even if you specialise in one branch, doesn't mean you should place a limit on knowledge."

Atobe hummed in amusement. Then, comprehension dawned on him. "Akemi, do you babble this much when you're scared?" he sneered, eyes glinting deviously as though in the midst of plotting something dodgy with this dishy information.

"Th-that's absurd!" she sputtered defensively, glowering. "I am not afraid of the dark!"

The sneer only grew. "I never mentioned anything about the dark."

Her face reddened further. She was about to retort, when an owl hooted nearby, startling her. "F-fine! This place gives me the creeps, okay?" she admitted, murmuring irritably under her breath.

Chuckling lightly, Atobe secured the hold around her. "Don't worry, if there's even a man-eating mouse, I'll beat them away. No harm will befall on you while I'm around." Taking a deep breath, he turned his gaze to the rocky path ahead. "Trust me."

Her stubborn resolve wavered considerably. His deep voice imbued with the same determination that had convinced and encouraged her the few times when she needed it the most resonated inside her. Akemi begrudgingly conceded defeat with a dejected sigh. "Whatever it is, it better be mind-blowing worthy of my blood pressure."

Atobe smirked triumphantly. "Oh, you can be sure of that."

The moment his foot touched the first stone step, lights suddenly came to life around them, banishing the shadows from existence. Lightbulbs gleaning brightly inside, the paper lanterns swung lazily from the wires that were hooked up on the trees, flooding their path ahead in a warm hue.

The tiny irrational fear vanished, Akemi marvelled at the mesmerising sight as Atobe carefully ascended the staircase. It was a slow and painstaking process since the steps were weathered from frequent footfalls and the elements. But as the intrepid captain smugly informed, he'd take down any challenges head-on whatever it took.

"Are you Don Juan or the Phantom of the Opera? I honestly cannot tell who you're masquerading anymore," Akemi sighed in exasperation.

"Hmm?" He made a sound of intrigue, lips twisting into the familiar haughty smirk. "Well, I dare say a good mixture of both."

"You're unbelievable. Smooth."

"Thank you."

"Again, that wasn't a compliment. And may I add that they're not exactly the most honourable men in fiction when it comes to women." She mulled it over again in silence. 'The Phantom had his moment of redemption despite the tragic end though. So, he's not all bad.'

A loud harrumph like a trumpeting elephant burst her thought bubble.

"As if I'll ever commit such uncouth acts!"

Akemi rolled her eyes in exasperation, shaking her head. She didn't rekindle another conversation. One, the headache might mushroom past the size of her skull. Two, she had fed his ego enough. Three, she didn't want to distract him from the trek up the stairs.

Once they (well, he) traversed the entire length of the stairs, the relieved noirette deflated in his arms. They stopped at the top of the stairs overlooking the shrine now several feet below them. No matter how much he repudiate, his breathing was noticeably on the laborious side of calm.

The noirette feigned affront. "I am not that heavy, mister." She playfully rapped her knuckle on his cheek. A spasm rippled across the skin as he winced sharply; it was the exact spot where she'd kicked him. "I-I'm sorry," she swiftly apologise, brows knitted into a worried frown; her tongue-in-cheek humour no longer present. "Does it still hurt? I did hit you quite hard."

"Heh," Atobe smirked, "Right so. For a second, I thought there was an elephant in the room."

"Keigo-san, I'm being serious here!" Akemi reproached.

He made several faces, checking if his facial muscles were working at optimum. "Well, my jawbones are still intact. And my head's not twisted in a weird angle." Atobe shrugged nonchalantly and started down the lit hiking trail. "I guess that counts as fine."

Hard pressed for time, his pace was hurried but cautious at the same time as he navigated the rock-ridden path.

Head nestling comfortably on his shoulder, Akemi took in comfort from the mild musky scent of cologne and the warmth seeping from his neck. With the effect of dwindling adrenaline kicking in, sleep threatened to overwhelm her. It had been a long night after all without the impromptu visit.

'Speaking of which, did he come straight after his Halloween party? Surely, he's tired.' Suppressing a yawn, she nuzzled closer to the warmth. As the silence stretched between the two, a strange nostalgic feeling rose in the back of her mind. Eyelids growing heavier, she frowned slightly in puzzlement. 'This feels...oddly...familiar...s...some...how.'

Her head drooped to a nice fit in the crook of his neck. One of her hands had slipped down to a rest on his broad chest.

For a fleeting moment, the dark blue eyes softened at the unguarded look on the feminine face. Feeling a renewed sense of determination, Atobe hastened his steps. He held the slumbering girl closer, his ears filled with nothing but her soft breathing.

XXX

Groggily, Akemi opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times before narrowing them against the bright glare from the light fixtures. She glanced hazily about, unable to make sense of her surroundings.

"You're awake?" a voice, dripping with disappointment, asked.

Mind sluggishly shifting to the state of full-awareness, she didn't catch the undertone.

"Keigo-san?" She blearily peered up at the debonair young man. "Where are we? This is..." She frowned at her surroundings as her vision and mind slowly sharpened. "...a train station?" In all honesty, she had never seen a station with platforms that were built like steps.

"It's a cable car station." Atobe nodded at a bright red funicular she'd failed to notice sitting idly between the two platforms.

A shadow moved inside the vehicle towards the opened door, and out stepped another familiar figure. Michael respectfully greeted the noirette with a bow before turning to address the Young Master. "Keigo-sama, everything's prepared."

"Excellent."

Atobe gently set her down on the bench beside the driver's seat before settling down next to her. The door shut with a hiss, and the vehicle juddered to a slow climb up the track under Michael's control. Crossing his arms and legs, the Young Master leant back in the comfy seat. Beads of sweat graced his forehead and his breathing was slightly harsher than usual due to the speedy trek uphill. Yet, he still managed to appear poised and regal.

Akemi had loads of questions to ask and wishful speculations to confirm, but before she could utter a single Atobe spoke.

"This," he motioned at his surroundings, "was built and recently completed by one of our subsidiary companies that specialises in the heavy industry sector. It's a project that's completely funded by the Atobe Zaibatsu."

Brown eyes widened in awe.

"There's actually an existing service transporting passengers from the foot of the mountain to the shrine the helicopter dropped us at. But getting to the summit takes around ninety minutes at most, and can be very tricky for those with certain difficulties. It took months to build and even longer to negotiate with the local communities even though the initial plans were officially approved with the relevant authorities."

"Oh, but why?" Akemi cocked her head in puzzlement. "It's not like money would be an issue. Environment?"

Atobe nodded. "That and the fact this is traditionally viewed as a holy mountain. The track's built along the mountain with minimal destructions. This funicular itself is a relatively new model made by our company. With all the latest cutting-edge technology, it's faster and smoother than the obsolete models."

The noirette saw the irritation flashed in eyes when he scowled at the digital clock above Michael. It was 11:39pm – whatever he planned to show must be strictly restrained by time.

Once the funicular pulled to a stop at the terminus about ten minutes later, Atobe scooped an alarmed Akemi back into his arms without warning and leapt onto the platform. Heart hammering in throat, she glanced over his shoulder. She could have sworn there was a hidden meaning beneath the amused smile Michael. In a blink of an eye, the station disappeared behind the trees.

Biting back a scream, Akemi clung onto Atobe helplessly as they sped down yet another rock-ridden path. He might be a prodigious athlete, mentally and physically robust, notorious for his stamina and superior acuity, she couldn't quash the fear rising inside her pounding heart as he clambered up steps after steps, skipping over one or two – sometimes four.

Only the sight of lanterns sent a feeble wave of respite. Because zipping up a mountain in darkness and accidentally slipping...

Frantically shaking off the grisly images, Akemi swallowed down a lump with difficulty. "K-Keigo-san! Please, you're going too fast," she fretted, eyes narrowed against the bitingly cold wind. "You'll get us killed!"

"Stop spouting nonsense!" His breath shuddered from exertion as he spoke; sweat once more on his forehead. Appearing impervious though, he broke into a wide grin, a look of triumph burning wildly in his eyes. "Look! We're almost there!"

A Torii gate marking the point to the summit stood in all its glory up ahead. And – she groaned despairingly – another staircase.

After what felt like eternity had passed, they arrived at the top of Mount Oyama where the sight of a restaurant greeted them. From the windows and the odd lanterns, light bathed the summit – enough for Atobe to see where he's going without stumbling. There was a picnic table, on which a lavish late night snacks stood in all their glory, as though expecting their arrivals.

To her utter bewilderment, Atobe made a beeline past the table for the shabby wooden shack instead. She glanced back over his shoulder forlornly at the cakes artfully arranged on the tiered silver tray.

"Later," he briskly said, as though sensing her discontentment.

The moment his feet fell on the threshold, the doors slid opened for them.

Bowing their heads respectfully, the two maids stepped aside for the Young Master as he crossed the dining area. He gently deposited a nonplussed Akemi on a stool, stepped back with his opera cloak back in his possession and turned sharply to the maids. "She's all yours."

"Yes, bochamma!" Wearing similar ominous grins, the maids turned around to the disconcerted noirette. "Please, leave it to us."

Akemi rose unsteadily to her feet, a terrible consequence of subjecting her legs to limited mobility for a long period of time. Backing towards the wall, she threw nervous glances between the approaching maids and the retreating back of Atobe. "Keigo-san, where are you going? Don't leave me here."

He paused at the doorway and glanced back.

Right now, Akemi hated that infuriating mischievous side of him more than anything in the whole world.

The doors slid to a shut with a thud, cutting off the frenzied activity occurring behind him and the bloodcurdling shriek for his head to a muffled buzz.

Smirking, Atobe calmly adjusted his tailcoat and sauntered towards the picnic table for a refreshing cup of tea. He deserved it.

XXX

Dark blue eyes gazed out pensively at the urban nightscape.

The gentle breeze caressed his face, wicking away the fatigue from his well-defined visage. Cold as it was, the fresh mountain air sowed tiny seeds of peace inside him. He scowled deeply, impatience eating at him. For the umpteenth time, he checked his pocket watch.

11:54

11:55

11:56

11:57

A jarring noise broke the silence.

'Finally,' Atobe sighed irritably, turned around and did a double take. His eyes widened.

Unaccustomed with the stilettos, Akemi took a tentative step from the restaurant's porch as the doors behind her slid shut. The midnight blue dress – modelled after mid-Victorian bustle evening gowns – rustled softly as the full-skirt's train and the hidden petticoat's hem brushed against the ground. A matching pair of opera gloves shimmered as she rubbed her bare shoulders in a self-conscious manner.

At the sound of someone approaching, the noirette lifted her eyes timidly from the ground by a centimetre. Her cheeks burnt in the chilly air. 'Why am I acting so weirdly because of a dress?' she scowled in puzzlement. 'Sure the collar's hanging off my shoulders, but the décolleté neckline's modest...'

So wrapped up in the mystery, her attentiveness on her feet momentarily relapsed. Akemi accidentally stepped on skirt's train and lost her balance. Her eyes flew shut, a silent cry of surprise on her lips as she braced for the impact.

An arm shot out and caught the noirette before she could make good acquaintance with the ground.

"Really now, can't you live without turning into a walking hazard? Bumbling idiot," the disapproving voice of Atobe echoed in her head. Another arm wrapped itself around her waist, pressing her firmer against his chest. "Or are you longing for my arms again?" he hummed, the deep and husky note resonating in his throat.

Although Akemi knew very well that he's only teasing, her cheeks flushed angrily at the humiliating position she literally landed herself in. Roughly pushing him away, she broke free from his grasps and glowered in an attempt not to appear abashed (failed miserably). "Don't get ahead of yourself and assume hastily. You'll only arrive at erroneous conclusions."

"Hardly ever," he refuted arrogantly, the roguish look ever present in his eyes.

'He didn't straightforwardly disagree,' Akemi observed. So that made him rather...normal.

Dark blue eyes roamed up and down her figure as though searching for something in particular. "As usual, my taste never fails to disappoint." His gaze came to rest on her red face.

Realising that she was indiscreetly complimented, Akemi bashfully looked away, wringing her fingers. "F-f-flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Gauche."

Indifferent to the remark, Atobe smirked in amusement, taking in delight at how he was affecting her.

She fixed a firm gaze on him. "Speaking of which, I expected you to dress up as a pompous king." And honestly speaking, she quickly regretted saying that when he burst out in laughter.

"Such fanciful pretence isn't necessary." He lifted his chin imperiously and puffed out his chest with pride brimming from his body. "I am a king."

Rolling eyes in exasperation, she muttered inaudibly, "And how is what you're wearing now different from your usual self?" In her normal volume, she added, "Just so you know, this dress makes me look like an oversized fruitcake. I mean, is this even necessary?" She cocked her head. "Where did you get this from anyway?"

"Mother has a few of these from an old photoshoot lying around in the basement's storage room." He shrugged. "She said I can borrow it for tonight."

Akemi gawked at his insouciant approach on the matter. 'They have such extravagant dresses like this floating around in the basement? What do they keep in the attic?'

Chuckling, Atobe tilted his head towards her with an enquiring expression. "Have you ever wished to be a princess?"

That casually phrased question popping out of the blue took her initially by surprise. Akemi studied the borrowed dress. As exquisite in details and style, as it was the luxurious quality, the ball gown truly was made for a princess from time immemorial.

"Wish? Pfft. Never." At the look of disbelief on his face, her shoulders slumped with a sigh of defeat whistling from her parted lips. "Fine," she grunted sullenly. "Back when I was a dim-witted little girl full of improbable dreams and imaginations about the world."

"Oh, I don't know about 'little girl'," Atobe differed, the corner of his lips twitching.

They stared at each other.

Brown eyes narrowed darkly. "And what about dim-witted?"

Atobe merely grinned impishly, leaving his opinion unsaid.

Akemi was on a brink of making a retort when a sudden cold gust of wind blew. It lasted for a mere few seconds, but enough to leave her shivering violently in its wake. Clutching her shoulders, she hugged herself in an attempt to keep warm.

Something large and heavy smoothly slipped over her shoulders, easily swallowing her entire quivering frame.

Ignoring her dumbfounded gaze, Atobe tugged the cloak's collar securely around her neck, gently took hold of her hand and led the speechless girl towards the look-out point where he was viewing not long ago. They passed the picnic table on the way, the tantalising cakes winched her from the stupor in time to realise they had stopped near the edge of a cliff.

Atobe walked around to stand behind her whilst keeping a protective arm around her waist. It was a comforting gesture, despite it meant he – like her – couldn't trust herself on high heels.

Not wanting to visualise a drop from the summit, Akemi slowly lifted her gaze from eyeing the cliff warily. Wider and wider they grew until it looked like her eyes would fall from their sockets.

Swathes of lights from faceless buildings, streetlamps and traffic highlighting the winding streets of the cities below glinted in the night. The sweeping view stretched as far as she could see left and right. Up ahead, there was a break in between where Tokyo Bay met the neighbouring shore of Chiba Prefecture. If she traced the direction of where Atobe's pointing, she could make out the runways of Haneda Airport in the distance, and the jagged outlines of the adjacent reclaimed islands built on the bay.

And straddling between the sprawling cities of Tokyo and Yokohama was home – her home since arriving in Japan three months ago, with ardent enthusiasm on potential new discoveries, places to explore, and (having grown up in a different country) culture and tradition to learn and understand...

...while holding very little to nil expectations of fitting in.

Like what she'd told Atobe though, jumping to conclusions could result in consequences, good or bad. The lingering warmth behind her was one of the living proof.

Out of the corner of her eyes, something glinted on Atobe's outstretched arm. It was the cufflink she crafted for this birthday. Seeing him wearing them made her feel extremely (and almost unreasonably so) happy. Akemi had never asked how often he wore them, not even an 'if'.

That's when it struck her.

That's when she started questioning when did the opinions of others...those apart from her parents...mattered this much?

A hand cupped her chin, startling Akemi from her thoughts. The warm sensation of skin made her realise that at least one of the black leather gloves was removed. At a snap of his fingers, they were plunged into darkness. Lights around them had gone out, except for the odd three illuminating the grounds and cliff's edge at their feet.

Arm around her waist, Atobe leaned forward and whispered, "Keep your eyes peeled. Blink and you'll miss it." Lifting her chin, he adjusted the position of her head. "Tonight's main event is up here."

Her breath hitched in her throat.

Not a single cloud dotted the night sky; forecast did say the region would have clear skies this evening. Lights from below cast a beautiful gradient of colours on the sky, from lighter hues of orange near the surface to dark bluish-black in the high atmosphere where the lights of civilization didn't reach. Standing on a 1252 metres (etched on a signpost nearby) high mountain far away from light pollution, the first quarter moon seemed so...insignificant compared to the myriads of stars and other celestial bodies twinkling brilliantly above their heads. As her eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, more came into sight. She could even name one or two constellations. The view stretched endlessly, overwhelming the awestruck girl. Only a tiny portion of the sky reflected in the brown pools.

But the highlight of the evening was undeniably the single meteoroid leaving a bright streak of light in the night sky as it burnt through the Earth's atmosphere.

Two seconds. Two seconds. And it was gone.

There was a clink of metal and an object fell directly into her field of vision at the spot between her eyes. Akemi became slightly disorientated and a stab of headache attacked her skull as she attempted to look at it cross-eyed.

Fingers snapped and light flashed as a few of the lanterns behind them lit up.

"Happy birthday," a voice breathed into her ear. Hidden within the folds of his suit, the hands on the antique pocket watch struck 12:00am.

Akemi cautiously opened her eyes – having closed them on instinct – and stared at the small butterfly pendant dangling from its silver chain. Her limp hand was lifted up and the necklace placed on her palm. Light rippled across the flawless surface of the sapphires as she tilted the pendant in her hand. Slowly and eventually, she peered up at the young man. "Why?"

Not a 'how', but a 'why'.

Because fearing he might attempt something mortifying that might appear in good taste from his point of view, Akemi was extremely wary of revealing her birthday to him. A vain effort it was. The first time he mentioned about the 'surprise', Akemi came into a succinct conclusion that either he sniffed it out himself or somebody (i.e. the Rikkai regulars) had disclosed it to him.

From the lack of astonishment, Atobe deduced she'd figured it out from the meagre hints he dropped at the start. He'd feign ignorance just this once.

"Do you want me to repeat again?" he sighed in exasperation. "Or are you as dim-witted as your alleged younger self?" He gestured at the pendant with a jerk of his head. "This is your birthday gift."

At first she was confused. Then, colours drained from her face as she scowled apprehensively. "These are genuine sapphires?"

"Of course," Atobe scoffed haughtily at the farcical implication. "Whether for myself or others within my circle, gifts from me will always be a cut above ordinary ones."

Akemi gingerly stepped out from his hold and retreated a few paces. "I-I-I...I couldn't possibly accept such lavish gift." It was just too much, even more so than the cufflinks she gave. Comparing the two, the cufflinks humiliatingly seemed so banal. Really, wood? Haha. What was she thinking? But...

"I can't turn down your generosity either. It'll be rude," she fretted, massaging her temple with a free hand. "I-I mean to say. H-how much did it cost?" She shook her head furiously. "No no no, don't tell me the price. Sorry, that was blunt of me. Where did you get it from? Oh, damn. What I mean is – no, that's not right."

Raucous laughter abruptly cut her off.

Atobe continued guffawing at her expense, ignoring the murderous look he's receiving. Sobering up, he wiped the tears from his eyes, though tremors from the lingering mirth racked his shoulders. "Look at you getting all flustered over a gift." He deftly snatched the necklace from her grasp and undid the clasp. "Come, I don't have all day."

Before Akemi could stop him, he was leaning forward. His nimble fingers brushed against the back of her neck as he refastened the clasp. Quelling the urge to squirm at the proximity, she focused on the stars behind his shoulder instead. Finally, she could breathe a sigh of relief when he stepped back with a satisfied expression.

Resting just below her collarbone, the deep colour of the sapphire set in the butterfly pendant effortlessly brought out the colours in her eyes. Well, he did have it custom-made.

Akemi placed a hand over the pendant and curled her fingers around in an almost possessive grip. "I...honestly don't know what to say, Keigo-san," she whispered lowly, peering up at him through her lashes. She had never received something so luxurious – not even from her parents. Then again, this was Atobe Keigo standing before her. Nevertheless, it puzzled her why he would do such a thing on a whim.

"Whether for myself or others within my circle..."

Akemi lapsed into a pensive silence, still looking a little unconvinced.

"Well, for starters, a 'thanks' will be nice."

Seeing the poised captain waiting expectantly with arms crossed over his chest and one eyebrow raised, her doubts was brushed aside as she giggled lightly into her hand.

"Thank you –"

A warm smile tugged at her lips.

"– for everything."

XXX

Having the means that could override the house's security system was fortunate, as was finding the ceiling light on upon entering the bedroom.

Since Atobe had Michael send the clean-up crew, the shoebox Akemi called bedroom looked more immaculate and organised than before the furore arose. Regardless, he cautiously padded across the room to the other end.

He dithered reluctantly in front of the bed, his pensive eyes gazing down at the girl, dressed (by the maids) in her flannel pyjamas, sleeping peacefully in his arms. Always full of surprises (both infuriating and amusing, but never endearing), Akemi had fallen asleep on her feet whilst hoping to catch another glimpse of a meteoroid. Luckily, he was right beside the noirette to catch her.

If only she was awake so that he'd tease her about it.

The bed groaned in protest as he gently set her on the footboard end. Keeping one arm around her, he pulled the duvet down halfway, exposing the fitted sheet. He hoisted her back into the air and carefully eased her legs underneath the duvet.

He stiffened.

Tentative hand wandered around her back, searching for something that ought to be hidden underneath her pyjamas. But it wasn't there where it should be no matter how conscientious as propriety dictated as he felt for the strap of her bra. His hand twitched to a stop when Akemi stirred slightly in her sleep. Snuggling against his chest, a soft noise akin to a sigh escaped her.

Heat rose up his face.

Dignity. Dignity.

Atobe laid her head down on the pillow and hurriedly pulled the rest of the duvet over her body up to her neck. His cheeks were still slightly flushed when leant away, scowling irately. "You have the audacity to ridicule me." He sneered. "I'll have my revenge."

Her face contorted fleetingly with a grimace when he nudged a cheek. A whine of reproach reverberated in her throat. Eyebrows furrowed as though glaring at him and lips pursed in a thin line, she flipped onto her side almost with a huff so that her back faced him.

"Even in sleep, you're the same," Atobe scoffed softly, a smile on his lips. Turning around, he studied his surroundings with a mixture of mild curiosity and disdain, noting the assortment of nondescript white pine furniture. Then, there was the matter of size. Just how'd she survive living in a Borrower-sized bedroom? There's hardly enough space to swing a racquet in this shoebox, much less a (figuratively speaking) cat.

He turned to the bookcase. On one of the shelves, intriguing shiny (and some lacklustre) rocks and fossils were laid out in a semi-circle. An elegant tree displaying photographs stood tall in the centre. Curious, he lifted it from its perch. Most of the pictures were relatively recent. One of them, taken after the play back in September, showed Atobe with the mock sword poised as though protecting an exasperated Akemi who was pressed firmly against him.

The smirk he wore as he glanced at the other photographs gradually plummeted as puzzlement took hold of his features. The old pictures clearly taken before moving to Japan were missing an important detail...old classmates, and generally kids her age sprang to mind.

He frowned contemplatively, eyes scanning the faces of the old photographs. Nothing.

Sighing, he returned the tree back on its shelf. 'There will be plenty of opportunities.'

Shifting onto the books, he skimmed through them, stopping briefly when he came across familiar titles, including a battered 19th century journal chronicling the discoveries made during the expedition of HMS Challenger, 'Lord of the Rings', and – he arched an eyebrow – 'The Physics and Technology of Tennis.'

Fingers poised to pry the tennis book off its shelf froze.

A stunned Atobe could only stare incredulously at the conspicuous teddy bear sitting innocently beside a stuffed elephant on the study desk. Snapping out of the stupor, he grabbed the bear and studied it closely. No mistake. The lifeless dark blue eyes sewn as two dots on the velvety face, the tear mole, blackish-purple wig, and even the black-tie suit and coronet lapel...

That inferior stuffed toy was him.

"What? Why?" His eyes flickered from bear to the slumbering girl. "Why does she have something like this?" His gaze landed on a small piece of card lying on top of a gift box. Oshitari's neat handwriting was scrawled across it.

Use it well – Best wishes from your Hyotei chums

Hand gripping the card trembled violently as he fought back the temptation to crush and incinerate the damn thing.

Then, an idea hit him.

Eyes on the unsuspecting figure curled up in bed, an ominous smirk tugged at his lips.

XXX

"What...?"

On the morning of the first day of November, the gears in her brain grounded to a complete halt. Akemi stared in utter horror as blood crept up her cheeks at an alarming rate. She dug her fingernails satisfyingly deep into the teddy bear which had 'mysteriously' turned up in her arms.

...or so she thought.

Projected on the glass was an undignified picture of her cuddling up to the stuffed Atobe-bear, a happy smile on her face, and blissfully unaware of a camera hovering above her sleeping form.

King - 10:25

Good morning, bumbling idiot. I trust you've slept well last night.

If text messages came with sound effects, Akemi's certain her room would be filled with that obnoxious sniggering.

King - now

Look to your right.

Astonishment quickly replaced the murderous intent. The noirette reached towards the windowsill and delicately picked up the white rose between her fingers.

Smiling wistfully, she inhaled the sweet fragrance as memories past resurfaced, her other hand gripping the butterfly pendant tightly, arm hugging the Atobe-bear to her abdomen, and eyes on the gifts on her desk.

XXX

Next Monday...tutoring session

"Senpai, did something happen over the weekend?" Kirihara nervously prodded.

Akemi turned away from the bright November sky. Half the glazed look faded from her soft brown eyes as she cocked her head curiously. "Why ask?"

"Since this morning, you've been grinning like you won free meals at a hotel restaurant." Marui suddenly gasped, his lavender eyes burning with intense hunger. "Did you!?"

If there was something to be said about the noirette was the level of salient mischief in her grin was something they'd never seen before. At the same time though, it seemed unsettlingly familiar.

"Who knows?"

Yes, Atobe's subconsciously rubbing off on her.

Background information will be posted on tumblr. Thanks for reading and see you next chapter! Review?

Poll Results:

Yukimura - 3

Atobe - 1

Kirihara - 1

Others - 0