Everything happens for a reason! So don't be disturbed LOL! I hope you enjoy the latest chapter :)

Chapter 12: Steps to Fall in Love: Meeting

Long, wavy navy blue hair fluttered as a young woman dashed across the busy streets of the market. She clicked her tongue in annoyance when her purplish-blue eyes glanced back and saw a group of men pursing her with great interest. She hated coming to the markets, especially because once the hood of her cape comes off accidentally, men have a tendency to crowd around her.

She turned a few corners, and slowly she lost her rampant male worshippers. She had to make sure no one was trailing her before she made her way back home. She lived deep in the woods, so she doubt they would ever be able to find her anyways. The young woman sighed and made her way back home through the thick, lush forests, luckily still carrying all of her brought items from the flee market.

Once she arrived home, she closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief. She set down her groceries and went to her room to freshen up. She removed her navy blue wig, took off her color contacts, and changed her clothes to reveal a lean male with short brown hair and beautiful emerald eyes. He hated having to wear that appearance out, but he promised his papa and mama he would never leave the house without concealing himself in that appearance. He never knew why, but he knew they had a reason behind it.

"Ritsu, we're home!"

Onodera Ritsu scampered down the stairs to greet his parents. At the door stood at man with similar brown hair, emerald eyes, and a muscular body and a woman with wavy, raven black hair and lovely lavender eyes. Onodera Atushi and Kiyomi returned home after a long day of work. They never told Ritsu what they did for a living, but simply said, "We work for the royal court."

Ritsu learned not to pry because obviously his papa and mama preferred not to talk about their day jobs. It did not matter if they told him or not anyways. The brunette said, "Papa, Mama Welcome home." He gave them both a hug.

Kiyomi asked, "How was going to the markets?"

Ritsu pouted. "You know how it went. It's always so hard going to the markets without being chased."

The two adults chuckled at their son's behavior. They always enjoyed teasing their son about his trips to the market. Despite the ravenous men that chase him, he returns to shop every week.

The brunette said, "I will go prepare dinner now. Papa, Mama, you can rest while I do so. It shouldn't take long."

Kiyomi shook her head. "Ritsu, I'll do it today. It's my turn to cook tonight anyways."

The young male furrowed his eyebrows, "Are you sure Mama?"

The female of the house chuckled and said, "Yes Ritsu, now go relax. You must be tired from the markets."

Ritsu smiled and replied, "Thank you Mama. I think I'll go for a short walk in the woods." He ran up the stairs in order to change into appropriate clothing.

"Don't forget to wear your cloak and your colored contacts!" He heard his father calling from behind.

"I know!" The brunette knew he was never to leave the house without wearing his contacts and his cloak. His parents constantly emphasized this ever since he was a mere baby. He never knew why even to this day. His mother and father told him they would tell him in the future when it was right. For now, Ritsu would simply comply. It was not much of a hassle after all. At least he didn't have to wear a wig or female clothing since he was going to be around the area and not in town.

"I'll be back in 30 minutes!" Ritsu waved and exited the house wearing his purplish-blue colored contacts and a navy blue hooded cape. He heard his father yelling, "Be safe and wary of strangers!" The brunette chuckled at his parents' over protectiveness. He was already 18 years old, yet they still worry about him crazily.

The young male pulled his hood over his head and walked down the familiar path of the woods towards his most favorite place. The shimmering blue lake, fragrant flowers, and fauna created a lovely and relaxing atmosphere. He would often come here to simply relax or think. He found this special place very comforting. No one ever came here, except for him since hardly anyone ventured into the woods.

But today, that apparently was not the case. He spotted a beautiful white stallion drinking from the lake. Ritsu glanced around, but did not see the horse's rider anywhere. He approached the creature slowly and began to pet it. Luckily, the horse did not feel threatened or frightened by the new presence.

"Where's your rider?" The horse only snorted and continued to lap the glistening water. The brunette chuckled and sat down next to the creature.

"der…" The brunette could hear a faint voice calling in the distance. "Xander!" The masculine voice grew stronger. The young male turned towards the horse. "Is that your rider calling for you?" The creature only whinnied in response.

Ritsu rose from the ground and began walking towards the direction of the voice. As he moved closer, he spotted the silhouette of the man. He called to him, "Sir!" The other male turned towards the direction of the brunette's voice. "Are you looking for a white stallion?"

The other male approached Ritsu and nodded his head. The brunette could clearly see the man now. He had raven black hair and honey colored eyes and a muscular, athletic build. He wore rather regal clothing indicating he was of a noble birth. "Do you know where Xander is?"

Ritsu nodded and motioned for the man to follow him. When the noble male saw his horse, he whistled and the creature immediately turned around and galloped toward him. The ravenette petted the horse and chided him, "I was worried about you. Don't run off next time." The stallion merely snorted causing his rider to chuckle.

Ritsu thought it would be best if he simply walked away quietly, but before he could the ravenette called out to him. "Sir! Thank you for finding my horse." The brunette turned around and smiled. "No problem. I simply came across him when I came to the lake."

The noble asked, "May I ask for your name? I am Takano Masamune."

For some reason that name sounded fairly familiar but the brunette could not recall from the top of his head. "My name is Onodera Ritsu. Nice to meet you." He bowed slightly in order to show is respect.

"Thank you for all your help. I accidentally entered the forest and got lost… Would it be possible for you help me find my way out?" Masamune had a light blush dusting his cheeks and hands scratching the back of his head lightly to show his embarrassment.

Ritsu chuckled and said, "Sure. No problem. Just follow me." He motioned for the ravenette to follow him. Along the way, the two made small talk, nothing significant. Once they reached the edge of the forest, Masamune thanked him for all his help. However, before he left, he asked, "Do you live in this forest? You seem fairly familiar with the area."

"Remember no one must know we live in this forest." In Ritsu's head, he could hear his parents' words ring loudly in his head. He could never understand why they had to live in such secrecy, but his papa and mama always had a sad smile on their face whenever he asked. He told himself whatever the reason, it was best he did not know. His parents only wanted to protect him and that he knew for sure. "Uh no. I just often like to come to the forest. There is so much to discover here."

"Hmmm… I see." The noble offered a kind smile and said, "Thank you once again for your help." The man jumped onto his horse and galloped away.

The brunette watched as the man rode away. He could not get rid of the feeling that he knew the man. He shook his head and decided to head back before his parents got worried. Dinner should be done by the time reached home.

…

Ritsu sighed. He needed to go to the supermarket again in order to replenish their supply of food. He clicked his tongue in distaste. Today, he wore a black cloak, simple female clothing, and his normal blue wig and purplish-blue contacts. He held his cloak together in order to prevent his hood from easily falling off. He moved about the quickly as possible in order to prevent accidents happening.

However, his luck failed him again. A female ran into him and knocked him down, causing his hood to come off. When all the men saw bluenette (or brunette), their eyes gleamed with animalism. In his female persona, he had a famous reputation as the "Mysterious Beauty." No one knew who he was or where he lived, which made him an enigma. His beauty was known throughout the town. Ritsu interested all the males and females in town because they wanted to confirm how beautiful he truly was.

The bluenette quickly grabbed all his fallen groceries and made a quick break for it. This became a usual routine, so he knew the town pretty well. He knew exactly how to get rid of all his followers. He rounded several corners and slowly lost people chasing him. However, he was quickly getting tired. All of the sudden, he felt a hand grab his arm. Ritsu could feel himself being pressed against a rather muscular chest. The man shielded him so that no one would notice the bluenette so that all the people chasing him passed by without even noticing him.

Once all the passed, the man released him and said, "They are all gone now."

Ritsu pushed himself off the man's chest and looked to see the man. His purplish-blue orbs widened a fraction when he noticed it was the man from yesterday. His heart began to pound heavily because he needed to make sure the man would not realize it was him. "T-thank you for helping me."

Masamune smiled and replied, "No problem, but why were you being chased?"

The bluenette chuckled nervously, "It's a normal occurrence when they see me. They all want to know who I am."

The ravenette still seemed confused, but decided not to press on. "Well be careful now. I have to get going. Maybe I'll see you around." The man walked away as he waved.

Ritsu breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully the noble did not realize who he was or it would have been awkward. Carefully, he made his way back home, hoping to forget everything that happened to him.

I know I know. Ritsu is cross dressing. I hope that doesn't chase you away lol. EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON! I guarantee a very very interesting love story for them! Well not just for them ;) I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I'll try to update soon :)

Love you guys! Love and Snow Kisses! Review please :)