Disclaimer: I do not own KWMS and P&P... never will... so sad...

Author's Note: I would like to dedicate this chapter to orbunion55 , yep... this is the chapter... XD

Warning: Beware... cheesy scenes here... I guess... hehehe...

Chapter 17


As the warm sunlight shone gently on Misaki's face, she slowly opened her eyes. She sat up and observed her surroundings; a big, soft bed with peach-colored bed sheets with exquisite carvings on which she lay, an armchair on the left side of the bed, big windows covered with white silhouette with scarlet curtains splashed with embroidered flowers which were colored cream on the sides on the left part of the huge room, a glass chandelier which hung on the ceiling, framed paintings of beautiful sceneries and flowers mounted on the beige-colored walls outlined with white, white cabinets, writing table and dressing table outlined with gold paint which leaned on the right wall, a small, shiny side table made of wood with a little lamp and a vase of white lilies on top, a carpeted floor and a white door also outlined with gold on the farther right corner. On the center lay a small round tea table with a vase of red and white roses on top and two chairs on side.

Misaki remembered the events which happened hours before, and because of them, she couldn't sleep properly. She wondered if he also was the same, 'Impossible...' she thought.

She rose and went before the cabinet to get some clothes to change; but she remembered that her belongings were destroyed by the mysterious scar-faced man. But as she opened the cabinet, there were new set of ladies' clothes were hung and piled. She wondered where did it came from, and after she changed clothes, she saw a letter, which was written three days ago, addressed to her in the tea table; it was from her sister, Suzuna.

She opened it and it read;

To my dearest sister Misaki,

My luck was again awarded, now with these set of clothes from a game of ours. I wish I could have those clothes, but they were too big for me. Those sizes fit you most, I thought, and I decided to give it to you, but then again I didn't know where you were back then, but I received a telegram from Uncle Tom that you'll be staying in Mr. Usui's house, that's why I sent it there. I also sent a letter to Mr. Usui that if ever you had already left to send this package to our house.

Do not worry about me, my dear sister. I am completely fine; my studies are good, and I had enough income from my job, so please take care. I am going back to Elmswood this weekend.

Sincerely,

Suzuna

Misaki smiled. 'A stroke of luck,' she thought, kept the letter, and went out.

-0-

Usui was on his way to the dining hall when he was surprised that the door on his left suddenly opened; it was Misaki.

They curtsied, and greeted each other with good mornings, following with Usui's inquiry. "Did you have a pleasant sleep?"

Misaki smiled and said, "The room was nice, but honestly, I couldn't sleep because of what happened."

"The same here," Usui replied.

Misaki paused with wonder; she thought of specific reasons why he, too, didn't sleep. Perhaps they have the same reasons, but she couldn't tell. Instead, she asked, "Are you going to town?"

"Yes. I was called by a colleague on some important matters," Usui replied.

They walked together to the dining hall, but as they reached the place, Usui asked, "After this business of mine, I am free this afternoon. Would you care to join me in the pavilion for tea?"

It was as if Misaki's heart skipped a beat at his offer. She smiled and nodded as she tried to hide her faint blush.

"Excellent," Usui said, "I'll meet you by the front door by three this afternoon, then."

"I will," Misaki answered.

After dining, Usui left, and Misaki didn't know what to do while she wait for his return. She decided to write her sister of her reply of her letter.

-0-

Thirty minutes before three, Misaki was already waiting by the front door. She looked at the sceneries, the forest which stood yonder, but Misaki faced her mortal enemy; boredom. She was anxious of meeting him, but still, she was bored.

She wandered outside until she reached the stables. She went inside and found three horses which were fed by a servant, Mr. Adam the coachman. He then talked to Misaki about the horses inside, until they reached the corner, where the third horse was. The horse had brown coating with a white smear on its face. She then realized it was Usui's apology gift for her.

"This horse..." Misaki started.

"Ah, yes. The free-spirited Twilight. Master Takumi named her after the time he found her wounded in these grounds when he was 10 years of age. Twilight is a sort of a wild girl, but I was surprised he tamed her. She was Master's first horse, and a very special one, too," Adam said.

Misaki wondered, 'If Twilight is indeed very precious to Usui, then why give it to me?'

She reached out her hand slowly near Twilight's head, and Twilight touched Misaki's hand with her face.

"That means she likes you."

Misaki and Adams turned towards the direction of the voice and found Usui, and on his hand the strap tied with his black horse.

"Master, welcome back," Adam bowed and continued, "Mrs. Wilkins already prepared the tea in the pavilion."

"Excellent," Usui said, "Will you please let Twilight out? I would like Ms. Ayuzawa to ride her."

"Of course, sir."

Misaki then said to Adams, "Thank you for showing me the horses, Mr. Adams, as well as your call last night."

"It's my sole duty to do any means for my master," Adams said and bowed.

Misaki then approached Usui and asked, "Is the pavilion far from here?"

Usui replied, "Not really far, actually. But I thought that you would like to tour the grounds. We'll stop by the pavilion for tea and I would like to show you something, Ayuzawa."

"Will we ride going there?" Misaki asked.

"If you like to. But we could walk towards there. I know you're fond of walking," Usui smiled.

Misaki paused, then laughed and said, "Am I that predictable now, eh?"

"On the contrary, no, you aren't," Usui said.

Adam was finished preparing Twilight for the ride. He held Twilight as Usui approached Misaki to assist her, but instead, Misaki was faster; she quickly rode on Twilight's back with ease despite her attire, then said to Usui, "Race you to the forest!" then off they went.

Usui laughed heartily and rode on his horse and tried to catch up with Misaki.

Adam was left alone, smiling at his master and his companion as they disappeared towards the forest. Mrs. Wilkins then appeared out of nowhere and stood beside him.

They stood silently for a few minutes, until Adams said, "I hope she'll be the one for Master Takumi."

"I have the same feeling when I met her," Mrs. Wilkins said, "She is indeed different from those despicable girls. They are not even worthy of being called a lady, yet they are daughters of n obles."

"Indeed. Mrs. Wilkins, I think she was the person whom Master Takumi mentioned to us," Adam said.

Mrs. Wilkins smiled and said, "I, too, was shocked that Master Takumi was willing to give Twilight for a present, and for apology, too. But it was rejected, though, and to think it was for a woman. I never heard that a woman would reject anything from Master Takumi nor met her, except Ms. Ayuzawa alone."

"I guess that's why master liked her," Adam said, "and why he offered Twilight out of plenty of horses here. Ms. Ayuzawa, in my observation, is also free-spirited, just like Twilight."

"I hope this goes well for the both of them," Mrs. Wilkins smiled, "I wouldn't mind Ms. Ayuzawa to be his wife and mistress of the house. Master Takumi doesn't deserve any woman, except her."

"Indeed," Adam said, "Shall we have tea, then, Mrs. Wilkins?"

The two of them went inside the house to have tea.

-0-

Usui and Misaki were completely ignorant of the servants' wishes of having Misaki to be the mistress of Château de Chamomiles, but as of the moment, they were having tea in the pavilion near the field of chamomiles.

Usui was bothered of what call Misaki referred to Adam, and after taking another sip, he asked, "Ayuzawa, if I may ask you..."

But he was interrupted by Misaki, who said, "You were referring to the call, aren't you?" Usui nodded.

Misaki placed her teacup on the table and explained, "Do you remember when I went out from the dining hall?" Again, Usui nodded.

"While I was on my way back, the phone suddenly rang. Since no one was there beside me, I answered it. I was a bit startled when the voice on the other side said that he was relieved that I answered, or at least from you, his master," Misaki said.

"You mean, Adam called?" Usui asked.

"Yes," Misaki replied, "He said he was worried that we actually came to the house, for he found out, from the man who attacked us, that all were only a setup."

"A setup?"

"Yes, a setup. The man attacked us, but was ordered not to kill the people inside. It was planned beforehand that the 'unfortunate' people whose coach was sabotaged to find a place for shelter nearby, which was the house of the Rivers family," Misaki said.

"You meant your old house," Usui interrupted.

"Well, continuing the scheme, we were to be accused of killing Ms. Rivers and her butler, or rather her husband, so that Helen Rivers and Matthew could get away," Misaki said, "But it turned out that they didn't escape from their crime. I was doubtful, at first though, but it was true, everything Adam said. I contacted Ms. Fanny's lawyer to inform his client's death and to ask about the inheritance."

Usui smiled and said, "I am thankful, then, that you were there."

"Even if you were there alone, I have perfect confidence that you can solve the mystery," Misaki said.

"Are you saying that you trust me, Ayuzawa? Remember, I was not that pleasant when we first met," Usui smirked.

Misaki replied, "I never did trust anyone else except those people I have confidence with. I may not tell you everything, Usui, but be glad I do trust you, a little. Consider it you reward."

Usui rose from his seat and said, "Then, shall we be off?"

"To the place you mentioned?"

"Yes"

"By the way, Usui, if I may ask you, where exactly is this place?" Misaki asked.

"Just stick with me and you'll know where. I'll only tell you that this place is very special for me," Usui said, "Consider it your reward, too."

Misaki only smiled and followed Usui. Bith of them left the pavilion.

-0-

They walked deeper in the forest; the pavilion actually stood on its entrance. Usui had already toured Misaki on Château de Chamomiles' grounds. It was vast, as Misaki remarked. They had the horses to be tied in a nearby tree and went inside the pavilion for tea. He saved the last part of the tour for the best place.

As they progressed, they passed by a spring, where, as Usui told Misaki, as light touches its waters, the waters sparkle like stars at night. They talked nonstop along the way, until they reached the far end. Misaki found themselves walking towards a cliff a few meters ahead, and stood still. Usui was a few steps ahead, stopped, looked back at Misaki and asked, "Are you afraid?"

"Not really"

Usui reached out his hand and assured her, "Here, take my hand. I promise I won't let you go."

Misaki, at first, was a bit reluctant, then she reached her hand and placed it on Usui's, which held it tightly and slowly, they walked.

As they reach at the end, Misaki saw a breathtaking site; she saw portions of forests on the land, then a mountain range on the far end, a waterfall on the left side, with a river which winded towards the town.

"That's Merritown, where you went before you stayed here," Usui said and he pointed the town, "and there's the road to the Château..."

"You often go here?" Misaki said as she looked at Usui.

"Yes, alone," Usui said, "I come here to relax and enjoy the sunset, which would be hours from now."

Misaki again faced the scenery and said, "When father was alive, he used to take Suzuna and I to watch the sunset back at Elmswood field. I always thought nothing beats its beauty, until now."

Usui looked at Misaki, smiled and said, "Sunsets are pretty much the same for me. What make them beautiful are the people whom you are with as you watch them."

"That's right," Misaki said, "But then again, I must say that this scenery is very beautiful"

"Very beautiful, indeed," Usui said.

It was then Misaki realized that Usui was still looking at her as he said those words, and as she met his eyes, he smiled as warmly as the sunlight which shone her face. She noticed that Usui was reaching his breast pocket, and then he revealed a necklace on his hand. The necklace had a heart-shaped pendant with a single pink jewel decorated on it. Then he said, "I saw this on the jeweller's shop. I thought that it might suit you, somehow."

Misaki blushed slightly and thanked Usui. She received the gift, and tried to put on the necklace. Usui then said, "Here, let me help you."

She thanked him again and apologized for such inconvenience, and held her hair on one side. Usui went in front of her and fasten the lock. After which, he placed the pendant on his hand and said, "It does really suit you."

"Thank you," Misaki said, and then met his eyes. They continued to stare at each other for a few minutes.

Then, both of them "unconsciously" closed their eyes slowly and slowly, their faces were getting nearer and nearer towards each other. As their lips were getting closer, suddenly, they realize what they are doing, and with their eyes wide open as they saw how close their faces were, both of them drew back, feeling very awkward. Then, in a rush, Usui avoided Misaki's gaze and said, "Well... uh... I got to check the horses... they are now a bit crabby..." then left hurriedly and disappeared to the forest.

Misaki only stood there in silence and felt her cheeks were burning. All the while she tried to pull herself together, while, still looking at the forest, thought, 'How come he could see the horses from here? They were a kilometer away...'

-0-

Meanwhile, just a few meters away, leaning against the tree, stood Usui, trying to catch his breath. He touched his forehead and felt it very hot; his cheeks were burning, too.

'How embarrassing,' he thought, 'Of all the reasons... why does it have to be...'

He took a deep breath, trying to calm down as he said to himself, 'At least I held back... I do not know what will happen if it was continued... she might avoid me like a plague...'

As he turned back to fetch Misaki, instead, Misaki was already walking towards him. He walked towards her, and as they meet, he said witha smile, as if nothing happened, "Shall we go back?"

Misaki, too, acted as if nothing happened and said, "Yes, let's go."

The two of them went back towards the house in silence, perhaps they were in an awkward situation, for no matter how hard they tried to think that 'it' didn't happen, they ended up thinking about it, though 'it' almost happened. Or perhaps they like to enjoy each other's company in silence, for they now know what they felt for each other.

They put the horses back at the stables, then, together, they went inside the house. They didn't expect to have been greeted by the servants, along with a rich-looking man with dark hair, and beside him, a beautiful woman with brown hair tied in a bun.

"Takumi!" the man exclaimed, "It's been so long before we saw each other agai..."

The woman interrupted, "What are you talking about? It was just a couple of weeks ago!"

"Now, now, Eloise, Gerard, you're a day early..."

'Wait... Eloise... Gerard...,' Misaki thought, then she realized, 'Usui's half brother and sister-in-law'

_END_


And here I present chapter 17! YAY!

Well... kinda cheesy and stupid and cliché and all... I'm so sorry... but at least I do not have that much to do... our exams were done and now preparing for graduation... I'm a bit happy for it, and a bit sad... don't wanna leave my school yet... but I'll be coming back... my siblings are also studying there... ^_^

Anyways, Sorry if I made you confused, bored, frustrated with the grammar especially the last chapter... I was actually sleepy when I typed it in my netbook/laptop, and all of that... I'll do my best to update Blue Rose every week...

Next chapter I will give a teaser-summary of the next fics I'm gonna write to those who will review... and SPOILER ALERT it's going to be 1 from KWMS, 1 from S.A., and a crossover of the two... well kinda sound like "trilogy" or something, but the individual fics from the two animes have only little connection, and it will all be revealed in the crossover, so it'll be like KWMS 0.5 and S.A. 0.5, then crossover part 2... hehehe.. I hope you'll look forward with that... ^_^

Lastly, thank you for those who reviewed and added my story to their favourites and me as their favourite author... I really appreciate it... :D

I hope you'll look forward for the next chapter!

~otaku911