It had been two weeks since the ball. So far, Misaki had done a fairly good job of blending in. He befriended Miss Aikawa pretty quickly, which was good because not only did he have a friend he also had someone to do his make up for him in the morning. Akihiko was also a friend, although Misaki didn't see him much during the day. He usually hid from everyone, only coming out in the morning to eat(Misaki was half forced into making him breakfast everyday now) and at night, to walk around the palace. Misaki wasn't sure how, but now he accompanied him in his nightly walk. They didn't talk much at first, making only awkward conversations. However once the two got to know each other they began to talk more, discussing random topics or asking questions about one another and their homeland. However, Misaki always seemed to prefer when they would walk in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.
Tonight, they took their walk outside, since the wind had died down enough plus the night sky was clear. Misaki wore some snow boots that Aikawa had lent him and a snow coat the King had provided for all the contestants. Misaki looked around in awe at the perfect white snow that blanketed the garden.
"You don't have snow back at home, do you?" Akihiko asked, noticing the other's curiosity.
"No, it never gets cold enough for it to snow. It does rain though, and that can get pretty interesting." she said, looking up at him. "How do you live in such a cold place?"
"I was born here, so I guess I've just gotten immune to the cold. How about you? Are you bothered by the cold? We could always go back inside."
"No, no. It's fine. I'm cold, but I can bare it. Besides it's so pretty outside." she bent down and scooped up some snow. "The snow looks so perfect, like in the pictures!" she said excitedly, trying to make a snowball.
Akihiko chuckled, "I don't see how you could be excited over some frozen water." He scooped up some snow as well, easily making a snowball and throwing it against a tree. "There's nothing special about it."
"It's only normal for me to be excited! I've never seen it before coming here." she pouted, "Besides, when I told you about my home you seem excited over nothing."
"Sun and rolling green hills are more exciting than white snow." he made another snowball and handed it to her, "It sounds better than the cold."
Misaki held the snowball in her hands till it stung and then threw it, "I guess I got used to it. But I will admit, I miss the sun." she kicked some snow, "However it's nice to be here. Even if it was an accident."
Akihiko smiled a bit and shook his head, "You care about your brother a lot."
"Of course I do! He took care of me for most of my life. I owe him so much. It's the least I can do."
Akihiko stared at her, a look of admiration on his face. She seemed very loyal and caring, willing to get her hands dirty if needed. You don't see many people like that, he thought, especially in girls. Why was she so different? Was it because she came from a different background than most? Or was it just her personality?
"What is it?" She looked at him in confusion, "Do I have something on my face?"
Akihiko smirked and then quickly got some snow from a bush and flicked it on to her face. "Just snow."
"Hey! That's cold!" she frowned but picked up some snow and made a snowball. She flung it at him but he dodged it and ran.
"Missed." he got more snow and threw it, hitting her arm.
The calm walk turned into an intense snowball fight. The two ran around laughing, dodging and making fools of themselves. And they loved it. Misaki hadn't done something this silly since she was younger and Akihiko had never done something so childish yet exciting. It made him happy. After an hour of playing around they decided to go back inside.
"That was fun." Akihiko said, escorting Misaki back to her room.
"It was but I regret it now."
"Why?"
"Because I'm freezing!" she said, shaking a bit.
"There's more blankets downstairs if you need them."
"It's alright, I'll just use the fireplace in my room. If that's allowed?"
"It's in your room for that reason." he rolled his eyes but luckily she didn't see. He didn't need her waking up everyone with her loud voice.
Once they got to her room she turned to look at him, "Thank you." she bowed a bit and smiled, "I really did have fun."
"Me too." he smiled back. They made eye contact and strange feeling fell over them both. It felt like a sudden burst in energy and he couldn't help but feel surprised, "Goodnight." he said suddenly before nodding and turning his head.
"Uh, g-goodnight!" she called after him, feeling her cheeks turning red, as if they weren't already. She went into her room and leaned against the door. That was strange...for a second it almost felt like...Misaki shook his head, "We're just friends…" he muttered, going to the fire place. He lit a match before tossing it into the kindling and watching the flame grow. It was nothing, just the cold. They were only friends… "Right?"
A/N: Sorry for the lack of posting. I had a military ball Thursday and Prom is this weekend so I'm going to be a bit busy. But no worries, more chapters are to come! Plus some more stories(One shots and more) are coming!If you're a Hetalia, Roosterteeth or Yugioh fan keep an eye out! And thanks for the reviews!
PS: Tell me what other Junjou couple you want to see!