Haruhiko stared at the door for a second before he frowned and walked back to his room. His shoulders were tense and his brow furrowed in anger and annoyance. Never in his whole life had he ever been denied anything. As bratty as it sounded, it was true. Everything he wanted he got through hard work and perseverance. He felt like he had earned everything and that there was no easy way out. That's what his father had told him and it was what life had told him. He started as a bastard child, an unplanned and unwanted child from an affair. Akihiko, however, was born royal and lived a life of daydreams.

While Haruhiko slaved away in his studies and lessons, his younger brother wrote stories and wandered aimlessly through the world. Yet, by doing nothing it seemed, Akihiko got all he wanted. Haruhiko remembered taking away his toys, his books and even his notebooks-claiming them as his. But there was one thing he couldn't take away or get for himself. And that was companionship and love. Akihiko had friends, had lovers...and Haruhiko had nothing but his books and wealth.

Haruhiko slammed the door shut behind him, frowning. His room was neat and tidy, except for his desk which was strewn about with papers and documents. He sat down at the chair and stared at all the work, thinking about the upcoming finals...and Manami.

She was so simple and plain but yet-Haruhiko looked out the window. She was humble, caring, sweet and doting. He had seen her baby Akihiko and treat him well even with Akihiko being unreasonable and being filled with faults. But she never saw that. Manami seemed...to only see the good in Akihiko. It's like she didn't even recognize his faults!

No, Haruhiko thought, she did notice them. He had heard her complaining to the maid and the scribe about his flaws-she saw them as well as anyone else. But she didn't seem to care all that much because there she was every morning, cooking him food and spending all her free time with him. Talking to him, smiling, laughing him...loving him unconditionally.

He wanted that. He wanted her to love him like that and treat him like that. To ignore his faults, his mistakes...his stigma of being a bastard child. He wanted her to love him. And he was going to change her mind about Akihiko and get her to love him. "So help me." he muttered under his breath, gripping the pen tightly.

"Miss Aikawaaa!" Misaki whined, looking down at the dress hung up on the mannequin. "You said you got me another simple dress! This is hardly an everyday dress." he said as he looked over the glittery, and quite uncomfortable looking, gown. Hell this dress was probably worth more than him!

"Oh hush, you deserved to be spoiled like the princess you are." she teased, laughing as Misaki wrinkled her nose. "Besides the king is going to throw one last party before the finals. A test, if you will."

"A useless test…" he grumbled as he felt the fabric of the gown. It was pretty tight looking too, though the silky feel seemed like a nice touch. "Where did you even get this thing?" he asked as he sat down at the vanity to fix her hair a little.

"Well I don't know darling." she leaned on the counter, "It was in front of your door when I came to check up on you this morning. Shame that you were already up and ready when I came in or I would make you try it on!" she picked up a letter on the bed. "Here this came with it. I was going to open it but I thought I'd make it a surprise for the both of us."

Misaki took the letter and opened it. It was probably from Akihiko knowing him! Embarrassing him like that...Misaki pulled out the note and his expression turned to one of slight confusion and worry.

Please accept this dress as a token of my love.

-Haruhiko Usami

Misaki frowned and slumped her shoulders and handed the letter to Aikawa who read it eagerly. "Oh my...Manami this is exciting! A dramtic love triangle!"

"I wouldn't phrase it that way." she pinched the bridge of her nose and groaned, careful not to disturb her makeup in anyway.

"The drama! It's so amazing! Oooh you're such a desired young lady!"

"Miss Aikawa please this isn't the time for fantasies. Can you just leave me alone for a little, please?" she asked. "I need...some time to think you know?" she said softly, trying not to sound mean.

The maid nodded and bowed to her a bit, "I'll come back to help you get ready for the party!" she said happily before running off.

Misaki groaned and when she left he slumped in his chair. Well shit. What was he going to do now. He knew that soon Akihiko would be coming over to spend time with him after the meeting. And if he knew his brother did this...well things would be pretty bad. He didn't even know why Haruhiko liked him. He hadn't spoken with him for extended periods of time. In fact only recently have they actually hung out and spent time together. Although granted, even when they hung out it was awkward. The tension was too much, really, for it to be enjoyable.

Misaki stood up and walked back over to the dress, lifting up the fabric and looking at the skirts underneath. It was nice, but it didn't fit him. At least the dresses that Akihiko bought were more his style. They were elegant and probably very expensive but they were...simple. The colors were warm and calm, not drawing any attention to him. The glitter and jewels were also kept to a minimum and it was modest. He smiled, liking the fact that Akihiko seemed to know and accept his personality. But Haruhiko...he seemed to glamourize him too much. So far as to make up his own assumptions about him. Paint him as some saint when, in reality, he was not.

The young man sighed, hand dropping to his side. He stared at the dress for bit more before deciding to meet Akihiko now rather than wait in the room with the dress. Besides he didn't want to have to talk about the dress right now. He needed to get his bearings straight, find out what he was going to say. He walked out without another thought, the frilly dress left alone in the room.

"And then out of nowhere my brother just comes home with five crates of strawberries! Five Crates!" Misaki fumed, waving his hands in the air.

"Where did he even get them from?" Akihiko asked, smiling slightly as he watched the other speak, being very animated with his hands. That's one thing he loved about watching Misaki talk. He always moved his hands when he spoke and his face was so expressive he could easily tell what he was feeling and how intensely. It was cute.

"I don't know, something about a farmer offering him some for free. But for the next two weeks all we ate was strawberries! Who know there were so many recipes with strawberries. I ate so much my skin became all smooth like a doll." he huffed.

Akihiko chuckled and was tempted to touch his cheek but it would be useless since he wore gloves. "You still have smooth skin."

Misaki blushed slightly, "Yeah well I doubt I'll ever get the strawberries out of my system. Ugh and don't even get me started on the salmon…"

They walked in silence for a bit, the sound of snow crunching under their feet relaxing in a way. They had probably walked along the garden path a hundred times now but it didn't really matter. It was their favorite part to walk. Plus who knew what type of little creature you could find.

"Misaki what are you going to wear tonight?" Akihiko asked after a bit, looking down at him.

Misaki hesitated a bit, trying to play it off as him rubbing his nose, "Um, not sure just yet. I don't even want to go really but I guess I have to." he said, smiling a little bit.

"Well you don't have to-"

"I am going to." Misaki raised a brow at him but smiled slightly. "Besides you're going aren't you?"

"If you are then yes. Otherwise there would be no point in me going." he held his hand, feeling him tense a bit out of embarrassment, before giving in and squeezing his hand back lightly. "I think you should wear the green dress I bought you."

Misaki bit his bottom lip a little bit, "Um, well, I need to think more about it. Besides Miss Aikawa is going to be helping me so she'll probably choose what I wear." he rambled.

Akihiko raised a brow, "Why are you thinking so much about it?" he asked, "You've never given much thought anyways."

"Well, I want to look my best since this before the finals and all…"

"But wouldn't you be more concerned at the finals than now?"

"Well…"

"Misaki is something wrong?" he stopped walking and turned to face him fully.

"N-Nothing."

"Misaki."

"It's…" he should have told Akihiko the whole truth. Told him about the dress, the weird affections from Haruhiko but he couldn't. He couldn't risk getting him angry now though. He'd rather put if off till later "I'm nervous. I mean...can I really convince a whole ballroom of people that I'm a female? What if they find out?" he asked.

Akihiko smiled and kissed his forehead and then cheek, "You will be fine. You've done it once, you can do it again." he cupped his face and grinned, kissing him again, making Misaki squirm a bit. "There's nothing to be worried about."

"Yeah...you're right." he said with a smile.

"Misaki you can't wear your corset with that dress." Miss Aikawa said as she adjusted Misaki's dress, tying it up super tight. "It has it's own built in one. Wearing another would make you look bulky. Don't worry you'll live." she smiled.

"That's really not…" she sighed as she looked in the mirror at herself. She...she did not feel right. She felt stiff and uncomfortable. Like an object rather than a human really. "I just feel like wearing a corset would be better." In reality Misaki didn't feel as confident without it. Besides...it gave him less clothing and less meant it could be easier to see his boyish frame.

"Now now don't be silly. You look absolutely stunning!" she said, putting a hand on her shoulders, "Right from the shoes to your hair!" she said, tugging at one of the curls.

"Thanks Miss Aikawa…" she sighed, fixing her dress a bit.

All of it, minus the shoes, were from Haruhiko. Even though he wanted to just wear something else it would be rude to do so and even if Haruhiko was acting like a creep Misaki didn't want to hurt him. He seemed like a nice guy, when he wasn't trying to court him. But then Akihiko...he would be mad too. But hopefully Akihiko would understand.

A knock at the door broke Misaki out of his thoughts and turned around to see Miss Aikawa opening the door. Sure enough, speak of the devil and the devil shall appear. "Good evening Prince Akihiko." Miss Aikawa bowed.

"Evening. Is Miss Manami ready?" he asked.

"I am." Misaki said, walking up to the door. He blushed a bit though when he noticed how...well how attractive Akihiko looked. It's not like he didn't dress nice everyday but he was wearing really fancy looking uniform. He guessed it's what he was supposed to wear everyday but...wow. He cleared his throat a bit though and looked up at him, curtsying a bit. However he noticed Akihiko's changed expression, "What is it?"

"Nothing, I just never imagined you would wear a dress of that nature." he paused, "Where did you get the dress from?"

"Oh well I must be leaving now. Please excuse me." Miss Aikwa bowed before scurrying out the door and leaving the two alone.

Well shit. Misaki straightened up a bit and shrugged, "Oh, uh, Miss Aikawa found it for me."

"Is that so?" he touched the fabric, "It seems too...new."

"Well, I don't know where she got it from."

Akihiko raised a brow, "Misaki…" he trailed off though, thinking for a moment before speaking, "Is it from Haruhiko?" he asked.

"No…"

"Misaki?"

"Okay, fine yes it is. But before you get mad a t me just realize it's only clothes! Besides it would be rude for me not to wear it and I don't want to hurt his feelings or anything."

"Who cares about his feelings?"

"Akihiko!"

The older man sighed and walked over, feeling the fabric, "Looks to delicate."

"I know."

He thought for a while, his frown slowly fading a bit as he looked at him, "DO you like the dress?" he asked calmly.

"Um...well it is really nice but a bit too extravagant for me." he admitted, blushing a bit. "I would prefer something not so...girly."

"Well, as long as you don't like it I guess I'll accept it for today."

"Hey! Don't be so rude." Misaki pouted.

Akihiko smiled after that and kissed his cheek before digging into his pocket and pulling out a leather case, "Here, I figured that you would need something like this to wear tonight."

"Oh Akihiko please tell me you didn't…" he slumped his shoulders a bit when he saw him open the case and revealed a necklace, though this one was simple and plain. And he liked it, though the thought of Akihiko wasting money on him was annoying. "You need to stop buying me things. I won't use them after this you know!"

"Give it to your sister in law then. But for now please accept it."

Misaki sighed but nodded, "Fine, fine."

"Here, let me put it on."

Misaki turned around and couldn't help but smile a bit at how delicately Akihiko draped it around his neck. It made him blush a bit. "Thank you-" he stopped when he felt him kiss his neck, "Woah woah not right now!" he turned and held him at bay. "The parties starting soon!"

"We can be late."

"No we can't!"

"Oh fine. But I'll see you after the party." he winked.

"Akihiko!"

The party was grander than before. More people, more glam and more music. Misaki had thought the first time he came here the party was huge but man, this one made the other look like a friendly gathering. He wondered how the finals would be. It was beautiful but it was also nerve wracking. Akihiko did a lot to keep him calm and it worked somewhat but still, he had moments of doubt when he met new people, danced with Akihiko or even just made eye contact with the other contestants.

Eventually Misaki had to step away from it all. He had left Akihiko talking to one of his friends, excusing himself to get some fresh air. It was snowing outside and the wind was bitter and nipped at his skin but he didn't care. He just needed to relax right now. He let out a soft sigh, closing his eyes and tilting his head up. "Oh brother, I can't take much more of this. I just want to go home." he muttered softly. But even after this was all over, when the new King was throned and married-what about him and Akihiko? They surely couldn't be together, even if the other swore that they would stay together, And what if Haruhiko chose him? What if Akihiko was crowned? What then? He couldn't keep this up forever. But the scariest part of this was-why was he so damn concerned? And why did the thought of leaving Akihiko hurt so much?

He opened his eyes when he heard the sound of footsteps. He sighed and turned, expecting to see either Akihiko or some random person but nope. It had to be /him/ of all people. "H-Haruhiko." he muttered, taking a step back and wrapping his folding his arms on his chest. "What are you doing here?"

"Taking a break from the party, just like you." he said with a small nod. "Cold?"

"No, no. It feels good." she said.

"I'm glad that you liked the dress."

"Huh? O-Oh well I didn't want to be rude and not wear it. It is beautiful after all."

There was a moment of silence before he spoke up, "You are not wearing the necklace I got you, though."

"uh...I didn't think it matched well you know."

"Where did you get it from?"

Misaki tensed when the other started walking over and she coughed, taking a few steps back. "You know what I think I am going to head back inside now. Don't want to miss out on all the deserts haha." she started to walk away but was losing her balance since she was wearing heels on the slippery ice.

Haruhiko followed after, easily keeping up with the teetering figure, "Was it my brother that gave you those?"

"Please excuse me."

"They are not very extravagant."

"Well I like simple things."

"So you don't like the dress I got you then?"

"Don't twist my words! I-I like it." Misaki started to speed up a bit in an attempt to reach the door.

"That doesn't sound that convincing. Let me know what you want and I'll give you whatever you want. Anything."

"Please don't. Just leave me alone now, please."

Haruhiko frowned, "What is bothering you? Is Akihiko telling you lies about me?"

"It's not-!" Misaki was cut off when she was suddenly turned and held tight. She squirmed a bit but was locked in Haruhiko's grip.

"Manami please look at me." he held her face, "I know we have not spoken much, but I have watched you. I have seen how caring you are and how nice you are." Misaki squirmed a bit, "You don't deserve to be stuck with my brother. He is nothing but trouble. I can take care of you and myself."

"It's not that-"

"Then what is it? Why won't you love me like I love you?"

Misaki pushed him away and started backing up, trying to reach for the door handle behind her, "I don't know you! A-And I know you mean well and you must be a very nice man but I...I can't."

"What does Akihiko have that I don't have?"

"It's not that! I just...Akihiko...I…" he pushed back against the door but suddenly it opened and Misaki's eyes widened as he felt himself falling.

It all happened in a flash. All Misaki heard was Haruhiko call his name(or Manami's name at least), then a ripping noise before he was on the ground. He opened his eyes and winced, "Ow…" he looked up at the other but was confused when he saw Haruhiko staring at him with a mix of shock and disbelief. "What is…" he looked down and noticed the dress had a giant tear, exposing his chest. He looked up in shock, "Haruhiko wait...I can-"

A shriek made them jump and they saw a maid, one that Misaki had seen often, standing near them. Her scream alarmed a few guards and a few waiters. Oh no, oh no, no, no…."Please wait-"

"Spy! Imposter!" The maid screamed, making the guards run towards Misaki.

Oh no.

((A/N: Omg well fuck that took forever. I aplogize for being gone for so long. Blame school and College apps. But yeah I am back and with a whole ton of stories under my belt. So keep an eye out for that. Thank you guys for the feed back and excuse the long chapter. I have been trying to make up for my absence. Please enjoy! What do you think will happen? We only have a chapter left(hopefully) till we wrap this up. I love you guys!))