A short Author's note and Disclaimer:

Thanks for the reviews. Mwah! Mwah! Love you guys!

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Maid-sama only belongs to Hiro Fujiwara. Those who claims it besides her deserves to be kicked out of Earth and into Pluto and I wouldn't want that to happen to me so yes, Maid-sama does not belong to me.

Rollercoaster of Hearts- Chapter Three

Patricia treaded carefully to his son's bed. There, Takumi was still curled up in a ball underneath the covers even when noon was already approaching. It was amusing to her, seeing him like this. His vulnerability was really something you call as 'a sight to behold'. It's not often she got the chance to see this side of him. Without much effort, she placed her weight on the mattress as she took a seat at the end of the bed. Smiling, she shook him up even if she still somehow wanted to savor the moment of weakness his son is having, saying, "Takumi, son, wake up. It's time for lunch."

"Mmmm…"

Her smile widened at how childish he was getting. She's got to admit that behind Takumi's killer looks lay a little child wanting more attention. Even with his exceptional skills at everything, he was still innocent-unaware of life's ways. That's what he gets for being spoiled too much by her and his husband, Yuu.

"Get up," the lady commanded as she tugged on the blanket, in an attempt to remove it from covering Takumi. Even in her age, she still knows how to play along. Heck, she could do this all day if it means getting this little monster to get off from the bed. Takumi gripped on the piece of fabric tighter. They were almost playing tug-of-war with the blanket.

"Why you little brat."

Patricia, exerting all her force, finally managed to get the blanket off his son revealing Takumi curling in bed like a helpless child. A smile graced her lips once more. In her mind was that she'll surely miss spending time with her son like this. This was one moment worth savoring for.

"Give that back, Mom. I'm still sleepy," he mumbled with lids half-closed.

"No. You have to get up. We're having lunch together. And by 'we', I mean the whole family and that includes you, mister. Now, get ready. Lunch will be served in five."

"I'm not hungry."

Patricia shot daggers towards Takumi. Sometimes she just had to prove him who's boss in this household. Takumi noticed the glare his mother was giving him and finally decided to give in to her wants thinking it's not every day she asks for family time together anyway.

"Fine. Fine. I'll be there."

"Good. Be sure to hurry up."

"Yeah."

. . . . .

"Wow. Good job in dragging Takumi with you, Mom. What spell did you cast on him?" Gerard commented amused at how his mother managed to force his brother to come and have lunch with him. To them, Takumi mingling with other people would be a miracle after Chiyo died yet it bothered him as to what could have ran through his little brother's mind to just suddenly give in without putting up a fight. He knows that even their mother wouldn't have that much power to lure him out of his cave. Something must have triggered this to happen. He just doesn't know why. Maybe he finally thought things through.

"Whatever, Gerard."

"Someone's in a foul mood."

"Now boys, I don't have time for your bickering. Let's have a peaceful lunch, okay?"

"Yes, mom," Gerard, being always the obedient type, answered with all due respect while Takumi only rolled his eyes.

"Oh! Takumi! What a surprise to see you here. How have you been? I'm sorry I have been away for a weeks," a figure suddenly emerged from the gigantic double doors causing everyone to bow. It was Yuu, the head of the mansion who just arrived from a business trip somewhere in Europe. He strode through the cold marble floors and made his way over to his wife, giving her a quick peck before looking at his sons. Gerard had a smile while Takumi was, well, being Takumi with his nonchalant attitude.

"Welcome back, Dad."

"It's good to be home, Gerard. So how was business doing here in Japan?" the older asked as he took his seat allowing the maids to serve the food in front of them.

"It was same as usual. The merge with the Oda's went smoothly."

"That's great. How about you, Takumi, how is home school doing?"

All of a sudden, the atmosphere went uneasy. Patricia had that nervous smile, Gerard was on the edge of his seat, anticipating the next thing that'll happen, and the maids and Cedric were holding their breaths. Yuu, being away for a while, haven't had the slightest idea that Takumi stopped home schooling right after Chiyo's made-up burial. Takumi thought it'd be best if he did so because all the more it'll only remind him more of her. They would always have class together and now that she's gone, his will to learn went away in a flash. Everyone in the household respected his decision. They wouldn't have a say to it anyway because objecting means driving Takumi to the point of suicide.

"I stopped. You know, grieving matters," the blonde managed to answer and brought everyone in the room to a shock when he gave a smile. Although it didn't reach his ears, it was heartwarming. It was something they longed to see until now.

"Takumi…you…you smiled," Yuu muttered as he was still trying to sink the idea that his son was smiling once again.

"Am I not allowed to?"

"N-no. Of course not. We'd like to see you do it more often."

"Whatever. I'm hungry. Could we just eat now?"

Yuu let out a short chuckle. His son was too predictable. He knew from the start Takumi would automatically change the topic. Ever since he was a child, he never wanted to be the center of attraction. In parties, he would only allow himself to hide in some corner. He was never the one to need attention from others besides the family and Chiyo. All he wants is to be ignored-to feel like he's not there.

"Yes. Let's eat."

The four had the usual lunch they always have whenever the family's complete. There was the constant business talk between Yuu and Gerard, the sharing of Patricia about her escapades with her best friends, and there was Takumi's quietness as he just listens to the other three talking and would sometimes give a nod or some short answers only when asked that is. It was a typical family get-together that was unexpectedly interrupted when Patricia suddenly felt dizzy and lost consciousness. It was supposed to be a small reunion for them if not for the unanticipated turn of events.

"Oh my God! Dear!" Yuu abruptly stood up from his seat and made a mad dash to catch his wife, preventing her from falling off her seat. "Cedric, call the doctor. Hurry!"

Both Gerard and Takumi also stood up and made their way to their mother with worry written on their faces. They both are concerned about what happened. Lots of what ifs where flooding their minds. The one that dominated the most was that what if it was some kind of chronic disease. What would they do if she'll die and things like that? Of course, the one who's going to be troubled the most was Takumi. He can't let another loved one pass him by. He already had enough of the grieving and mourning. He doesn't know what else he'll do if ever the worse happens to their mother. He might just reconsider hearing out those words the raven-haired girl told her and just end his life right away.

"Dad…" Takumi whispered.

"She'll be fine. Relax, Takumi."

. . . . .

It was a moment of anxiousness for the three guys as they waited patiently for the doctor to come out of room and tell them bad or good news. Everything just seems so unrealistic. One moment they were happily chatting on the dining table and next thing they knew, Patricia collapsed.

The wooden doors suddenly opened and came out the doctor. Swiftly, Takumi was the first one to stand up and approach the lady followed by Yuu and then Gerard.

"How is she?"

"As of now, she's fine. We still don't know what's wrong with her but one thing I'm sure of is that it isn't something serious yet."

"What do you mean by 'yet' Doctor?" Gerard asked. He couldn't afford to be contented with that answer. She needed to elaborate her words even more for him. No, scratch that. It's not what he wanted. He wanted her to tell them that his mother's fine and it was just maybe fatigue that caused the passing out.

"As I said, we still don't know what's wrong with her. I have to examine her more to find out what caused her to lose consciousness but right now, let's assume that it's just due to exhaustion. I heard she recently went on an escapade, right?"

"Yeah."

"Maybe she was just tired. Let's just let her rest."

"To hell with that. You're a doctor. You should already know by now what's wrong with my mother!" Takumi snapped at the lady unexpectedly. That wasn't what he wanted to hear. He doesn't want some blurry conclusions. He wants assurance that her mother's fine.

"Takumi. Watch your mouth," his father reprimanded while giving the doctor an apologetic smile in behalf of his son.

The blonde snickered and turned around leaving everyone behind. Good, now he just has another problem to face besides the loss of Chiyo. How can life be so cruel to him? Was it meant to torture him until he finally gives in and kill himself? Well, maybe he might do just that. He had enough with all the troubles life's throwing at him. To hell with what that girl told him. He wants to end all of these right now. Without noticing, his feet dragged him off to where he wanted to meet his end-the city. It wasn't in his mind why he wants to die there and he doesn't give a damn about it anyway. Things need to end...as soon as possible.

. . . . .

"Yuu…" Patricia whispered as she fluttered her eyes open only to come face to face with his husband who has that worry plastered on his face. "W-what happened?"

"You passed out during lunch. The doctor said it was due to fatigue. You know, you have to lessen those escapades," he said and smiled at her reassuringly.

"I guess so," she answered but in her mind, she knows it wasn't because of the escapades that caused her to lose consciousness. It was because of the secret she kept hidden from the whole family-her chronic heart disease. She found out about it just a few days after Chiyo passed and seeing her Takumi so down gave her the feeling that she just couldn't tell anyone about it yet. She doesn't want to add up to what's her son's going through. Most of all, she doesn't want to be a burden to anyone knowing it was her fate anyway. It was destiny's choice to give her the disease. It wasn't something they should worry about. Even though she knows her life's limited, she wanted to spend every day of it without thinking about her condition. She wanted to live normally like how she used to before her illness came. She wanted everyone to live the same too-without worrying about her. But now that signs of her illness are slowly showing, she needs to act fast. She can't let Takumi become even more crestfallen. She knows how stupid she's acting-still thinking about Takumi's welfare even in her state but it's what she feels she has to do…as a mother.

"You should rest."

"No. I need to talk to..." Her answer came out as a whisper because of the little amount of energy left in her but Yuu understood it right away. He knew what she meant even when she wasn't able to finish her sentence.

"Shhh…you need to rest more. I'll wake you up when needed, okay?"

Patricia gave a weak nod and shut her eyes for another sleep. Sometimes, she just feels lucky having these people around her despite undergoing a battle with death.

. . . . .

Takumi walked through the streets of Tokyo mindlessly, ignoring the girls fawning towards him or the random people convincing him to buy their products. Right now, he wanted to get things over with immediately. He doesn't need any more distraction. He just wants to end everything. Every single one of his problems just needed to be put to a stop right here and now. There's no turning back.

Casually he walked across the pedestrian along with other people but unlike them, he didn't fully cross the street. He stopped in the middle of the road, waiting for a car to hit him and finally end all of his misery.

Chiyo…I'm coming for you. Let's be together once again. Forever and always, right?

Thirty seconds…

Twenty seconds…

Fifteen seconds…

Ten seconds…

Five seconds…

"No!"

He shut his eyes, ready to feel the pain that would end it all. Not later, it came. He felt his body touch the cold hard concrete. It felt good to know he finally did it. He finally managed to take away his life. Nobody was able to stop him this time. He will once again see his Chiyo. They would be together again. Takumi smiled bitterly all the while facing his death. He stayed lying on the ground hearing people slowly crowding him and whispering things inaudible to his ears. It was weird. He could still hear them. Shouldn't he pass out now? Where's the pain? Wasn't there supposed to be pain? And why wasn't he feeling wet? Shouldn't there be blood? Wait, did he even felt a car crash towards him? Is this how death should feel like?

Surprised, Takumi immediately flickers his eyes open. Indeed, people were crowding him but they weren't panicking. They were more of confused. Puzzlement grew inside Takumi as he tried to take in everything. Wasn't he dead?

"Oh God, my back hurts," someone complained from beside him. Swiftly, he turned to face the direction and was greeted by the same pair of those familiar amber eyes.

"You," he whispered, not really believing it was her AGAIN. Now, it's all clear to him-how he fell to the ground yet felt no pain. Like before, she stopped him from committing suicide. Can't life just leave him the hell alone to die? Why does it have to let this girl cross their path and prevent him from dying once more? No, let him rephrase all that. Can't SHE just leave him alone?

"Yeah me. What do you think were you doing?!" she questioned with an annoyed face as she stood up and brushed her skirt.

"Well, obviously. I was planning to kill myself until someone just had to come and ruin everything for me," out came his answer full of sarcasm.

"Well sorry I ruined your suicide attempt but I hate to break it to you but I just can't stand and let some random person die in front of me and I already told you that during our first meeting. It'll haunt me for life."

"You're better off being haunted than me being alive. Life hates me."

"Life hates nobody. Difficulties are just things that'll lead us to what life truly desires for us. Maybe you just haven't found your destiny yet."

She reached out a hand for him to take which he decided to ignore and stand up on his own. He was annoyed by the fact that she wrecked his plans…again.

"What are you? A motivational speaker?"

"No. I'm just a concerned citizen. Thank you very much."

He snorted. "Stop butting into other people's business. You don't even know me."

"Okay so tell me your name then."

"I don't want to. Not when you clearly ruined not only my plans but also my day. Now, if you mind, get off of my face."

"Fine. I'm not interested with knowing some brat's name anyway."

"What did you call me?!"

"Brat. Aren't you?"

Takumi raised his fist and was ready to hit her when he came staring into her eyes.

Chiyo…

Without thinking twice, he retreats his arm and turned away in defeat, clutching his chest where his heart was beating furiously. What was that a while ago? Why was he reminded of Chiyo when she looked at him like that? Why did she look so like her? So…fragile amidst her tough demeanor?

Misaki was left puzzled alone in her state when he suddenly took off and she has no idea why. She brushed the thought away and was about to continue her afternoon walk when something sparkled in the ground. Curious, she bent down and examined the thing. It was a ring beautified by a few tiny emeralds.

"Wow, it's pretty. I wonder who dropped this."

. . . . .

"Patricia-san?"

"Misaki?"

"Yeah. It's me."

Misaki gingerly strode towards the huge bed at the middle of the gigantic bedroom. Patricia was there, lying, looking so sickly. She couldn't help but feel pity and sad at the sight of the person she considered as her second mother being so feeble as if life's slowly being taken away from her body every second that passes. She reached out for the chair next to the bed and settled herself, preparing for what news is about to come all the while hoping for the better.

"How's school?"

"As usual, it was a lot of hassle but it'll be worth it in the future anyway. So, I'm doing all my best with all the school works."

"Don't tire yourself too much. You might look as sickly as how I am now." It was supposed to be a joke but Misaki frowned. She wasn't used to Patricia saying stuffs like she's going to die any moment from now.

"I was just kidding."

"That wasn't funny, you know. You, being in this kind of situation affect me too. If only I can remove that illness from you and transfer it into myself, I'd willingly do it."

"Stop that. You do know you still have a bright future ahead of you, right? I can't afford to take that away. That'll be too selfish of me. Besides, I think I already lived my life to the fullest. Don't you think so too? I already travelled almost the whole world. I met the man of my dreams. I bore two handsome sons. And I managed to extend my family by adding you and Suzuna. All of that's already enough for me. I have nothing to regret anymore."

Misaki didn't notice it at first but tears were already streaming down her face as she listened to Patricia saying things like those were her last words. She sobbed and gave her reply, "That's not enough. Didn't you tell me before that you wanted to see me in a wedding gown first before that faithful day happens?"

The blonde chuckled at Misaki and gave her a pat on the head as a sign of comfort. "Oh yeah, I forgot. How about you get married tomorrow, then?"

"Patricia-san! You are not going to die. You're going to live for me…for your family…for everyone who cared for you. You're going to fight that disease no matter what. You can promise me that, right?" Misaki retorted. Right now, she just can't accept the fact that Patricia's acting like she's giving in to her disease. She still needed her, not for the money but for the motherly love she's constantly given her and Suzuna.

"Misaki…" Patricia was taken aback by the sudden outburst of emotion. She smiled. Misaki really was something. She never regretted letting her be the only one aware of her situations because she knows, she's the only one who can encourage her to have more faith in herself, to fight harder against death. If she eventually told the others, for sure, all they would feel for her is worry and sympathy. They wouldn't even think about helping ignite that flame within her that'll aid her to get through this disease unlike Misaki.

"Patricia, you are not going to die on me. You're going to fight. You're going to live longer and see me in a toga when I finally graduate. You're going to see me in a wedding dress, walking down the aisle in my wedding. You're going to see me when I finally become a mother. You're going to see me when…" She wasn't able to finish what she was saying because of the continuous sobs that escaped her lips.

"Misaki…" Patricia placed a comforting hand on her shoulder before leaning in to give her a warm hug. She couldn't help but laugh to herself. She was supposed to be the one to be comforted and not the other way around but she understood anyway. She knows this girl already grew fond of her to let her say things like she's going to die. She knew Misaki would never allow her to give up without putting up a fight first. She admired her for that-for her optimism at everything.

"You're not going to die. You're not going to leave me. You're not going to give up," Misaki kept murmuring against Patricia's chest as she continued crying her heart out.

"Shhh…calm down. I get what you mean. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving. I promise you that but in return for it, you also have to promise me one thing."

Misaki tried to stop her crying and looked up at Patricia who was smiling down at her. "Promise what?"

"You have to promise me to take care of my son for me while I'm fighting off this disease."

"You mean Gerard? Can't he take care of himself? I mean, he looks okay to me."

"No. I mean Takumi."

"Takumi? The one I haven't seen yet?"

"Yes, him. You see, he's undergoing something crucial right now. He needs someone to guide him. Can you do the honor of looking after him for me?"

"If that's what you want then of course. I'd be willing to even if it means babysitting him all day."

The two laughed at that statement before going serious all over again.

"He is very childish at times. He needs lots of attention though he is a snob at first especially when it's your first time meeting him. I don't know what's wrong with him being all that."

"He's bipolar?"

"No. He's just…he's just different just like you."

"Just like me?"

"Yeah. You're both different in your own ways that is. You're quite the opposite of him actually. You're cheery while he's moody but you both are unique."

"Well, good luck to me then. I'll make sure to tame him well."

"You make it sound like my son's an animal."

"Isn't he?"

"Well maybe he is kind of like that."

That's another thing Patricia liked about Misaki, her boldness-never afraid to voice out her opinions or what's in her mind.

"How old is he again?"

"Same as you."

"Oh, that'll be hard. I was expecting to look after a ten year old. Oh well."

"Wait. I'll call him."

"As in right now?!" Misaki was shocked. She wasn't expecting that. She thought she's going to start her mission tomorrow or a few days from now or maybe even still after a few weeks but now, not today.

"Yep," Patricia answered and pushed the button near her bed to speak to their butler. "Cedric, I want Takumi in my room immediately." She went back and focused on Misaki once again as soon as she heard the 'yes' Cedric gave her.

"Uhmm, why me?"

The older gave out a puzzled look as if indicating to let Misaki continue.

"Why did you choose me to look after him? You could've told Gerard about it."

"First, you're the only one who knew about my condition."

"Really?"

"Yes."

It was weird but Misaki felt like she was important. She really felt like she belonged in this family. Her heart couldn't help but swell with too much happiness at that.

"Okay and second?"

"Second, I trust you. I know you can help him just like how you helped me."

"I helped you? When?"

"It's for me to know and for you to find out."

Misaki chuckled and rolled her eyes. She just can't help but wonder at how Patricia still had that childishness in her even at her age. Maybe that's why her son's childish as well. Now, she knows where he got it from.

Both ladies jumped a little when a sudden knock came by the door.

"Yes?"

"Mom, it's me."

"Oh, it's Takumi," Patricia mouthed to Misaki which she got right away. "The door's open dear."

Misaki waited nervously on her seat. She couldn't help but have this unusual feeling inside of her like something weird is coming up. She heard the light sound the door made upon opening. With all due curiosity, she turned her head to face the person who just arrived and out came her shock.

"You," she muttered under her breath. She knew that he was surprised seeing her as well judging from the way those emerald eyes seemed to enlarge a bit and how his body seemed to stiffen just like hers.

Takumi stared, dazed upon seeing that raven-haired girl sitting by his mom who was smiling widely. Her knowing his mother means she could tell her about his suicide attempts. And that happening means more stress to his mother who's currently suffering something 'unidentified' yet as what that worthless doctor said.

"Fuck…"

"Takumi, dear, are you alright?"

Takumi snapped from his reverie and went to face his mother, giving a fake and forced smile. "Uhhh, yeah. I just remembered something unexpectedly."

"Oh. Anyway, I'd like to introduce to you my daughter."

"Daughter? From who?"

"Oh, let me correct that. I'd like to introduce to you my adoptive daughter-"

"Since when did you adopt someone, mom?" He needed to act cool despite receiving a weird glare from the raven-haired girl. Is she planning on telling mom? She looks…well, he doesn't know how to describe how she looked. She's unreadable as of the moment.

"Takumi, let me finish. I'd like you to meet Misaki Ayuzawa. She's the one I've been talking about. You know, the one whom I offered a scholarship."

"O-kay. So?"

"So, come here and greet her."

Takumi anxiously made his way over to the two girls before taking a seat by the bed. Never did he stop taking glances over the girl. He needs to make sure she keeps quiet. He doesn't want her mother knowing those futile suicide attempts considering she's undergoing something even the doctors still aren't sure of. Her having knowledge of him taking away his life is one thing she barely needed. She needs to rest and rest means not only sleeping but also being away from the stress he knows he's been giving her.

"Misaki, this is Takumi, my son."

"Uhhh, yeah. It's nice to meet you," Misaki greeted, giving a low bow while Takumi only stared blankly before averting his gaze away from them as if they never met before.

"Takumi, stop being rude. She's being nice here."

"Yeah, like she's nice enough to leave me alone to die," he muttered under his breath while rolling his eyes in the process.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Is this the only thing I came here for? If so, may I take my leave now?"

"Yes this the only thing you came here for and no, you are not leaving just yet-not until you show a little respect for Misaki first."

"Uhmm, Patricia-san, it's okay. He could just leave."

"No. He needs to be kind once in a while. Now, Takumi we know Chiyo-"

Patricia was unable to continue when she noticed how her son's face instantly darkened at the mention of her name.

"Takumi…"

Without uttering a single word, the blonde guy stood up and headed for the door, disappearing behind it not before glancing at Misaki with the 'you better not tell her look'. Patricia and Misaki were left dumbfounded.

"Patricia-san…"

"It's okay. It's my fault. I shouldn't have mentioned Chiyo right in front of him."

"Uhmm, not that I'm being super nosy but does this Chiyo pass away?"

"Yes. How did you know?"

Should I tell or not?

"Just a hunch."

"Anyway, do you mind joining us for dinner tonight?"

"I'm sorry but I have to refuse. I have tons of homeworks to do. You're not mad, right?"

"Of course not. Well, I guess I'll have to invite you some other time then. By the way, could you stop over here after school tomorrow? I have something important I need you to do."

"Sure. What is it?"

"I need you to force my son into studying again."

: Don't worry, I'll try and keep the whole plot going throughout the story. Wish me luck though.

axcel-lili: hahaha. 'wag kang mag-alala, lilingkuran din kita sa story mo! Pinoy Power hahaha!

Mystery: Sorry if you don't like Chiyo but actually I have plans on why I included her. She'll help connect our story to the title (Rollercoaster of HEARTS). This story will not only revolve around Misaki and Usui alone. I'll also add some more couples. But don't you worry, I ship TakumixMisaki so yeah, they'll be together, MAYBE. I can't give out spoilers yet.

Interview Corner!

Me: This is kind of awkward. Having this kind of thing in a dramatic story is weird. Anyway, welcome to Rollercoaster of Hearts' first ever interview corner! *confetti falls* Tonight/Today, we'll be having our main characters as our guests. Please welcome, Misaki Ayuzawa and Takumi Usui.

*Audience cheers*

Me: Wow, I'm glad you managed to insert this interview amidst your busy schedules.

Misaki: I know right. It's nice to be here though, away from all those shootings for different fanfictions.

Usui: I don't mind those shootings, really. I get to spend more time with Misa-chan. I especially like those Rated M stories, if you know what I mean.

Misaki: *blush* P-pervert.

Me: My, my Usui, you have one sensual taste for stories there.

Usui: I am a pervert after all.

Me: I guess that explains it. So, how do you guys feel about this story?

Misaki: I honestly think it's great (A/N: hahaha A thumbs up for me. I'm praising myself). I like my character here and the story is quite interesting. Readers should review more. =)

Me: How about you Usui? What do you think?

Usui: I don't like the fact that I'm too emotional here and also that my fiancé's not Misaki.

Me: Duhh! Being emotional helps with the dramatic effect and mind you, this story is about Misaki and you so hopefully, you'll end up together in the future. HOPEFULLY.

Usui: I still hate the idea of having a fiancé that's not Misaki.

Me: Well, whatever. If that's all you can comment, might as well shut up. Our time's up now so you two say goodbye now.

Misaki: Yeah…

TakuMisa: Bye everyone! Thanks for taking the time to read and please don't forget to review or favorite or follow this story. Let's help make Author-san happy.

Usui: I still don't like Chiyo as my fiancé.

Misaki: Oh, shut the hell up, you idiot.