Sorry for the month-long wait! I have been busy and my muse went crazy for Kuroko no Basket. And when I was writing this chapter, I had some difficulties with the beginning. I couldn't get the emotions I wanted or the words I want to come through. I finally got it. I hope you will enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 3: Let's Forget

"You're the Prince of Heaven…"

"You're the Prince of Hell…"

…

Both weren't sure how to respond to the sudden revelation. Soul mates, but of the opposite race. A love of the past never meant to be fulfilled. Painfully, the two princes allowed their lips to quirk up into a fake smile, but their eyes showed no happiness, just misery.

Ritsu laughed lightly, but humorless. "I didn't know you were the Prince of Hell. I am Mizasuki Ritsu."

Masamune returned the humorless laugh with one of his one. "Sorry for bumping into you earlier. I am Arakaki Masamune."

Emerald and honey orbs reflected the same emotion. Despair. Every angel and devil subconsciously yearns to find to their soul mate and be by their side. Once your soul mate is found, there is always a happily ever after, but this time… Where is it?

The Kings and Queens of Heaven and Hell chuckled lightly at their interactions. The rulers thought their behavior towards each other was rather interesting, especially because Masamune actually seemed to be shy. Only Keisuke, Natsumi, Keiko, and Kiriko noticed the oddness of their sibling's conduct, but no one said a single word of it because they were confused at the awkwardness that surrounded the two princes.

The King of Heaven, Atushi said slightly amused, "Why don't you two shake hands and we can move on with the celebration?"

The Prince of Heaven and Hell reached out slowly to shake the other's hand, but hesitation blocked them. They were afraid what emotion they would feel at the touch of the other's hand.

Eyes filled with fear and sadness stared into eyes that mirrored the same emotions.

Masamune closed the gaps between their hands, but in their minds it was a mistake. At the moment their fingers made contact, an electric shock spiraled through them, causing both to gasp softly. Immediately, both pulled their hands apart and averted their eyes from the other. It was then the rulers also noticed the awkward manner between their sons. The kings and queens glanced curiously at one another. The four wanted answers for the weirdness, so they turned their eyes towards their children, only to received similar questioning expressions.

The King of Hell, Hikaru coughed to dissipate the tension surrounding them. Everyone quickly looked towards him. Hikaru asked, "Why… Why don't we officially begin the celebration of the Day of Asteri?"

Atushi clapped his hands together and smiled. "Certainly. It is about time to. I am sure almost everyone has arrived." In his heart, he could feel a premonition of a complicated future approaching, but why? He sighed and pushed the thoughts away. "Shall we?"

Everyone nodded their heads and moved towards the stage. As for Ritsu and Masamune, the two swiftly rushed towards their siblings and avoided eye contact, but both couldn't help but to glance at the one another occasionally.

Once the two royal families stepped onto the stage, then they lined up. The kings stood in the middle, side by side, then their queen took their place next to them, and then their children by age from oldest to youngest. Atushi and Hikaru clapped their hands together loudly, commanding the attention of every single resident within the building.

Atushi announced, "Today is the 2,000th celebration of the Day of Asteri."

Hikaru continued, "On this very day 2000 years ago, our ancestors made a truce and to this day we keep peace between our two races."

"Let peace forever reside between our people."

"Today, we shall commemorate these faithful words."

"Rejoice, for today we shall have another honorable celebration!"

The claps and cheers of happiness resonated throughout the whole room. Hikaru said, "Let us resume the celebration. I hope for everyone to have a memorable night."

…

Throughout the celebration, Ritsu and Masamune avoided each other, not wanting to bump into each other's path. Keisuke walked towards Ritsu and asked, "Little brother, what is the matter? You have been acting weirdly ever since your introduction to the Arakaki family, especially with their son."

Ritsu fiddled with his fingers and sighed softly. "Nothing is the matter. Nervous, I guess. This is still my first year at the celebration." The brunette partially lied to his older brother. His nervousness was most definitely not a lie, but the reason was different. He trusted Keisuke immensely, but this was not something he preferred to discuss about to anyone, not even to his most trusted confidant.

Keisuke analyzed his younger brother for a few seconds. He could tell Ritsu was lying, but he did not push the brunette for an answer. He just reached out to ruffle the brown mop of hair. "I'm always here to listen."

Ritsu nodded his head and responded, "I know…"

The older of the two sighed and said, "I'm gonna grab a drink. Take care of yourself."

The brunette chuckled, "Of course. I'm not a child, Kei-nii."

After the ravenette had left, Ritsu maneuvered through the crowd and attempted to find a more secluded place. He was able to locate a room, but realized there was already someone occupying the room, the Prince of Hell. The brunette tried to slowly move away from the door without being heard, but Masamune's sharp hearing noticed him almost immediately.

"Who's there?" The ravenette commanded loudly.

Ritsu exhaled inaudibly. He looked towards the current occupant and responded apologetically, "It's me. Sorry for disturbing you. I was trying to find a quiet place." The Prince of Heaven moved away from the door, but was stopped by a strong grip on his slender wrist. He turned around to stare at the perpetrator curiously. He asked softly, almost monotone, "Is there something you want?" Ritsu wanted Masamune to release wrist and back away from him. He could feel the pleasurable jolt shoot through his body again. He didn't want to experience this. He didn't want to feel safe being near this man. He couldn't have any of these feelings. He couldn't, not when they were of opposite races and mostly importantly, members of the royal families.

The Prince of Hell whispered, "Why must you be born as an angel?"

The Prince of Heaven clenched his free hand and responded just as soft, "Why must you be born as a devil?"

Masamune answered, "Because fate is cruel towards us…"

Ritsu asked, "Then what does that mean?"

"Let's forget. Let's forget we ever met. Let's forget the fact we are soul mates. Let's forget everything about this night. Let's just forget…"

"You're right. Let's just forget. Tonight is a mere dream. A dream to be forgotten…"

The ravenette gently released his grip around his soul-mate's wrist and allowed the other to quickly run away. Masamune stared sadly at the disappearing figure and thought bitterly, 'Fates are a bunch of bitches.'

Ritsu ran as a far as he could away from the room. As he wandered the halls, he thought pessimistically, 'Fate is just a bunch of crap.'

The Prince of Heaven and Hell wanted to forget everything. The sensual touches and forbidden thoughts. Even if two soul-mates promised to forget, they already realized it was a mere lie.

"How can I forget when I have finally found you, my soul mate?"

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! :)

Love and Kisses!

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