We Broke Up

Chapter 4: Facades break

Misaki sighed as she stared at Takumi's back. He was in the kitchen, chopping vegetables. He glared daggers at the vegetables as he chopped them with a practiced efficiency. Misaki looked at him hatefully, what was wrong with him? He had yelled at her, took her inside and now he gave her the cold shoulder. She stayed rooted in her spot, waiting for him to finally speak up, so that she could retire to her bedroom. She was so done with the day already.

But it seemed like Takumi wasn't.

His gaze kept her pinned to her spot as he turned on the gas and put a frying pan on the burner. Misaki groaned, couldn't he just stop with this behaviour so that the both of them could go on with their merry lives?!

Moreover, why was she getting so worked up about Takumi!? Let him do whatever the fuck he wanted, as long as she got a peaceful night's worth of sleep, she was more than okay!

She decided to not wish him a "good" night and just got up to leave when he turned around and looked at her. Misaki reciprocated his cold glare and turned around to leave.

When Takumi heard the sound of her bedroom door slamming shut, he let the knife go and leaned on the kitchen counter. How long would this drag on? Moreover, why did he care?

Yeah, why the fuck do you care, Takumi? His inner roared, wasn't he the one who was so willing to break things off with her?

He sighed as he stared at the finely chopped vegetables lying on his kitchen counter… What was he doing?

He was just peacefully getting out of the house since it was time for Misaki to return. What he did not expect was watching some guy running his hands through her hair so casually. Misaki had stilled at the gesture and Takumi wondered if he had seen everything or had left out the main part of it all. He sighed as the thought got on his nerves.

Who the fuck was that!?

He almost reached out to her doorknob as Misaki's face came to his mind. Couldn't she wait out any longer?

Did he really mean so less to her that she reached out to another man already?

He had to stop this maddening train of thoughts right this moment. He let go of the cutting knife as he sighed.

Maybe it was time for him to stop bothering himself over Misaki's personal matters. That's right, now there was a wall of privacy in between them and both parties had to abide by the rules of this privacy.

But, she had lost her cool when she saw the unconscious woman too. Who gave her the right? Takumi leaned back and ran a hand through his hair. From now on, he decided to steer clear of her. He would keep to himself and not allow himself to be affected by the actions and the decisions made by her.

He couldn't act immature and go yelling at her. Not anymore. With that thought, he tossed the contents of the frying pan into the garbage bin, because exes didn't cook each other love filled meals.

The next morning, Misaki felt fresh and rejuvenated. She sat down peacefully at the dining table waiting for breakfast. She was hungry and she hadn't eaten anything last night. She saw a glimpse of Takumi's blonde hair when she looked at the corridor. The door to his room was unlocked and he seemed to be getting ready in a hurry. Misaki turned her head away, with a grunt of annoyance but she forgot everything when the chef placed two plates of beautiful looking blueberry pancakes with cheese.

Takumi came out of his room some time later, when she was on to her second pancake. His tie hung loose, unknotted as he slipped his blazer on and walked towards the main door without even a glance towards her. Cedric was standing on the entrance with his bag.

"I'll have breakfast at the office." He said and glanced towards the chef's way, who nodded and began to prepare. Misaki chose to ignore him and proceed eating the pancakes. When she was finished, there were no traces of him.

"So he's going to act aloof huh." She thought out loud as she held her latte in one hand and stood up to leave.

The house phone in the living room was ringing when she was about to get out of the door. She decided to ignore it at first, wondering if it was even her right to answer the phone. But the landline rang again leaving her no choice to pick up the phone.

"Greetings, young brother!" Came the velvet voice of Gerard Walker through the phone. His pride and attitude skyrocketed even through the voice call, and Misaki wondered if she should just leave instead of answering.

"He's not home. Try calling his phone instead." She mumbled, without saying hello. She heard a smirk from the other side. "It's my future sister-in-law on the other side, eh? Haven't heard from you in a long time, Misaki." He cooed and she wished to strangle him through the phone if that was possible!

She paused for a moment, sister-in-law? It meant that nobody knew about their break up yet. She fell into a state of catch 22, not being able to decide whether she should play along or just tell him the truth.

If Gerard found out about their breakup, he'd throw a damn feast! And after the feast was over, he'd arrange a match making contest where he would invite all of Britain's richest princesses worthy to be married off to the heir of the Raven Castle.

The mere thought of this made her shiver. No matter what, she wouldn't want to put Takumi through that.

"Is everything alright, Misaki?" Gerard spoke. She almost thought that he was worried about her.

"Yes, perfectly." She said. He chuckled, "That's great. I was just calling to tell that Charlotte and I just came back from Paris and she wants to see you both."

"What about you? Don't you want to see Takumi?" she asked.

"Of course I do, so we'll see you both tonight at 8." He said and cut the call. Misaki almost saw him smile evilly as he planned how to get rid of her so that Takumi could be a bachelor again.

Well, he wouldn't have to do anything then, she thought angrily.

Huh, she would announce their break up tonight, and then the look on Takumi's face would be worth watching.

Her heart raced. Gerard would be too happy to find out—not only that, he wouldn't even miss a second in going all board to find him a bride. She sighed as she slouched down on the couch. The Walker family would do anything to rid Takumi of her. They would be ecstatic to find out.

She took out her phone and dialled Takumi's number. She bit the insides of her lip as she waited for him to answer—but he didn't. He was still probably trying to ignore her in order to annoy her more. What he didn't know was that Gerard was going to come down to the house tonight and put his nose where it doesn't belong.

Inviting Gerard Walker meant going all out. Everything had to be lavish and perfect. She could bet that planning an evening with Gerard Walker and his wife—who was a fashion designer, would be more tiring than planning out an entire wedding! She tossed on the couch, what was she going to do!?

She tried to call Cedric, but she couldn't be put through. They were probably in a meeting right now. Talking to him would be impossible like this. She grumbled, looking at the plastic folders lying on the glass table, how the heck was she going to do her work with all this going on. Technically, it wasn't even her mess now—it was Takumi's mess. Why was she even bothering to go so far for him now!?

Because she couldn't see him be sacrificed in the name of familial drama. She could not see him be dragged to marriage meetings she was sure he didn't want to attend.

The entire day went by in a flash, instead of going to work like a normal person would, Misaki was stuck in the mansion. Planning stuff out like it was her wedding. She had to ask the chef to go glamorous with the food menu, keeping it low calorie and low fat at the same time—for the sake of Charlotte. Even though she liked Charlotte, she just couldn't bear with all the celebrity drama she'd put her through. Being a celebrity fashion designer in England was far from plain and simple which Misaki was. It meant bling, glamour and sassy!

Which is why she would also have to decide what to wear—right from earrings, dress (Of course it had to be a dress! You couldn't meet these people in denims, never!), sandals, and god knows whatever else existed!

It was like she was trying to impress her in-laws, she thought when she changed the flowers in the vase with fresher ones. She stopped for a moment, looking at how everyone was going crazy preparing for this big dinner that was going to take place tonight. Why was she going through so much trouble for the sake of saving Takumi's head?! She fell silent.

Because that's what he'd do for her too.

She smiled, there was at least one good thing about that man. But this was still driving her crazy, the maids were cleaning as if their life depended on it, the chef was also preparing dishes that would take hours, it was making her insane!

Then a maid came to her and took her to Takumi's closet, in which a shopping bag was placed. The maid took out the bag with utmost care, and handed it to Misaki.

She hesitated for a moment, but then opened it. In it was a dress which he was probably planning to gift her, and matching shoes. It also had a note which she couldn't bring herself to open. He had probably gotten this before their break up. It didn't even seem right for her to take this and wear it, but she had no choice. She didn't do dresses. It was either denims or a business suit, and this lavish, over the top dinner would be "casual" for Gerard, so it was rather this or nothing.

Takumi still wasn't picking up the phone. She decided to leave him a small message and hope that he would read it.

Your brother and his wife are visiting tonight at 8. So, show up.

P.S I already took care of the arrangements.

Misaki.

There, that would do it. With that thought in mind, she sent the message as she fell down on his bed, looking at the note that was placed with the shopping bag. Should she open it?

Probably not.

She got up, took the bag and got out of his room before it started to remind her of the things that happened in this room.

It was 7:30pm when Misaki checked her phone after finishing up her work. She had called in sick today, but she still had to take care of the work which was pending. She didn't know whether he'd seen her message or not, and she just hoped that she wouldn't have to deal with this drama alone.

The thought of running away and staying overnight in a hotel appealed to her, but she couldn't. Misaki sighed as she stood up from her bed. She went to the bathroom to take a shower.

Let the drama begin.

Twenty minutes later, Misaki was fresh and ready to take on the world. The Walkers were such a pain in her ass, she grumbled as she started to put on the dress, trying to pull up the chain on the sides. The dress sure as hell was beautiful, with simple maroon hue and matching embroideries on it. She was positive that this dress would look much, much better on someone curvier and bustier than her. Misaki almost sighed when she looked at her chest, some things never change.

She proceeded to put on the sandals which had a small heel, nothing she couldn't put on. Takumi had been thoughtful when he had bought this for her, and she had almost blushed at the gesture.

A matching lipstick was what she had proceeded to put on, happily, when she realised what she was doing. She was going to pretend to be his girlfriend in front of his family. She was going to pretend like everything was good, like they both loved each other, like they had never grown apart, like…

She had to stop her train of thoughts, and reason with herself. There was probably no way in hell that their relationship would have lasted any longer. She always imagined Takumi getting bored of her and moving on to someone else, even when he was just not this kind of person, but she always thought that he deserved someone more like himself—perfect that is. Misaki knew she was a far cry from the perfection he deserved.

This train of thoughts almost led her to believe that she was the reason they had drifted apart.

She didn't like it. Her smile had vanished, all she saw in the mirror was a broken woman, who was trying too hard to keep it all in as long as she could.

She sighed as she maintained a passive face and tried to smile, she would have to keep it in for another night.

There was no colour in her cheeks, so she pinched them, and winced. Geez, too much trouble for the perverted outer space alien's family.

Misaki was almost in a pool of tears when she heard the doorbell ring. She wiped her face the best she could—hoping her makeup wouldn't fall apart just like the façade she had to maintain tonight.

She stood up, leaving the note in her room. She had almost stolen it from Takumi, but she felt like she had the right to. She was going too far because of Gerard for him, and she was going to make him pay back in ways more than one.

When she reached the front doors—all dressed up and glamorous, she expected Gerard and Charlotte to be standing at the door, but it was Takumi and Cedric instead.

He didn't look at her at first, but when he did, he didn't stop looking. Misaki felt conscious and awkward, waiting for him to speak up.

Of course he had noticed the dress and everything. He just didn't remember giving it to him. He also noted that Misaki was wearing the ring he'd gotten her in high school.

Was she trying to hurt him by doing this? More importantly, where was she going dressed up like this? He was almost going to lose his cool, thinking that Misaki was off to meet another man wearing everything he'd gotten for her as a sign of his love.

If she were, then it'd be the worst thing she could do to hurt him.

"I understand that you haven't read my messages?" She spoke nonchalantly, no, he hadn't. He didn't get the chance to check his phone.

He nodded negatively, and she took a deep breathe. He felt distracted by the maroon lipstick she was wearing. It was no denial that she looked beautiful with her hair let open, wearing the dress he'd gotten. As expected, it looked good on her.

"Well, then focus!" her tone changed from stoic to panic. He raised an eyebrow. "Gerard and Charlotte are coming for dinner. I took care of everything. Please go and change before he comes!" She said as she started to push him by pressing her palms on his back to make him walk.

He laughed, "Are you scared of him?" He noticed that this was the first time he had smiled or whatever since they broke up. "Why is this a big deal?"

"Because he doesn't know about us." Misaki stopped pushing him. She looked down, and Takumi thought that she didn't deserve to look so defeated when she was looking so pretty. Of course, he couldn't tell her that.

"And I just thought that he'd exploit our break up for his reasons." She added, and Takumi looked at her. She'd cared about him so selflessly, he was at a loss of words.

"Now let's talk later." She panicked as she looked at her watch, "They'll be here any minute. Just go along everything. We can discuss this later." She said as she started to push him again. Takumi walked upstairs, just nodding along with whatever she said.

She took out a black formal shirt and light hue trousers for him. Takumi looked at her as she stood in his walk in closet, trying to find matching cufflinks for him. He took off his blazer and undid his tie.

When Takumi started to unbutton his shirt, Misaki felt the obligation to walk out of his room. It used to be normal before but now things were awfully different. She saw him raise an eyebrow when she walked out.

The doorbell rang and Misaki's horrors were realised as her heart raced. She tried to stop the shaking of her body and tried to walk normally. She walked down the stairs as Gerard walked inside with Charlotte on his side. The power couple smiled as Misaki made her way down the stairs.

"It's been so long, Misaki." Charlotte said as she kissed her cheeks formally, Misaki smiled, returning the gesture, "Indeed."

"Gerard." Misaki said with a smile when he took her hand and kissed it.

"You are my favourite thing about Takumi's life." Gerard said with a wide smile as they walked inside, and Misaki couldn't help but feel the creeps when he said that.

"You're in time." Takumi said as he walked down the stairs, putting on his cufflinks. Gerard smirked and Charlotte exclaimed.

"Takumi dear!" She said as he walked towards her and kissed her cheeks. "It's been a while. How was Paris?" he said.

"Oh the same as ever! The Paris fashion show was a total success!" she said as the two walked towards the living room.

Misaki suspected that Charlotte had a bit of a crush on Takumi. Thinking back to the one time when she tried to convince Gerard to die his hair blonde.

She almost cringed at the imagery.

As the small talks began, tea was served with mini cakes. Everyone was lost in chit-chat, smiling and laughing at some jokes Gerard made. Throughout the conversation, Charlotte sat enveloped in Gerard's arms in a homey embrace, while Takumi sat back relaxed, and Misaki sat up straight. Charlotte had noticed this.

"Did you two get in a fight?" she said all of a sudden and Misaki almost spat out the tea she had been sipping. Gerard kept his cup down and Takumi grew silent.

"Not at all." Misaki said and laughed nervously.

"Are you sure? I sense so much distance between you two. It's driving me crazy!" She said as she looked at Takumi. "Did you do something? You must be just like Gerard when he comes late from work." she glared at Gerard, who laughed, and then at Takumi, who smirked.

"I never leave her alone like that." Takumi said. Misaki felt like she was stabbed. Never leave her alone? Pfft!

"Yeah, we're basically inseparable." Misaki said sarcastically, Gerard sensed this, and laughed. Charlotte laughed for the sake of everyone.

"That's great. I just thought that you weren't paying attention to her." She said as she sipped some tea. Misaki scratched her neck nervously, and Gerard didn't say anything.

"It's always the other way around." Takumi said as he finished his tea and sat back. All eyes were now on Misaki, who was sitting on the edge of the sofa already.

"When have I ever disregarded your presence, Takumi?" she asked him slowly, and he looked back at her with a startled expression on his face. Gerard smirked at the reaction. He could always count on this couple for entertainment.

"Never." He smiled, and Misaki knew that he was up to something. Takumi placed his hand on her knee, showing signs of affection and Charlotte blushed.

Gerard stood up, "God, this sexual tension is killing me." He said dryly, and Misaki blushed. "Where do you keep your wine, Takumi?"

"Let me show you." Takumi said, as he stood up and completely ignored Misaki. "Make yourself at home, Charlotte." He said to the woman sitting in front of Misaki, who nodded.

When Takumi and Gerard were off, it was just Misaki and Charlotte.

Misaki felt hopeless, feeling as if she was where she didn't belong. She didn't have anything in common with Charlotte. God help her find something to talk with this woman.

Charlotte smiled, "So, do you like fashion?"

Misaki sighed and smiled at the same time. This is going to be exhausting.

Gerard poured out wine in two glasses as Takumi sat on one of the long chairs put out front. The sky was clear and Takumi's mind came circling back to Misaki.

Maybe they both should have sorted out the things that were bothering them.

Maybe not.

He didn't know and his brain couldn't come to process this. The things like Misaki and break up didn't go along well in his system. He could never come to completely accept it.

"Looking gloomy there." Gerard said as he took off his blazer and made himself comfortable.

"When do I not." Takumi laughed as he poured the wine in a flower pot and proceeded to pour himself a glass of whiskey instead. Gerard raised an eyebrow.

"Since when did you become a drinker?"

"Define a drinker."

"Not you." Gerard said as he emptied the contents of his glass and poured himself some more.

"Time and situations change people." Takumi said, feeling the burn of the whiskey in his throat. It was not enough.

"I wonder what happened in your perfect little life for you to be reduced to a drinks-himself-to unconsciousness type of a person. Usually that's me." Gerard said with a sigh.

"What problems would you have? You have a beautiful wife, a royal title, and all those things." Takumi waved his arms, trying to put his point forward.

"Until the day you finally decide to take the heir's position, I'm stuck here trying to keep everyone happy. The board is filled with assholes, so is the Raven castle. Things you don't give a damn about, because you have me keeping you out of that shit."

"Well, I didn't know you'd go through all this for me."

"You don't know the price I had to pay, for you to be able to keep Misaki in your life." Gerard laughed, "But I still become the asshole in everyone's eyes."

"What do you mean?" Takumi looked at Gerard, what was he even talking about?

"It means that you need to be the best you can be, and keep Misaki in your life. She means the world to you, so you better show her that— if you don't already. Otherwise all the pains I take for the sake of your love will be in vain. I wouldn't like that."

Takumi stilled. This was the first time Gerard showed him this side.

But he laughed bitterly, what did you even know, Gerard?

"Now, now. I wouldn't want to keep the ladies alone." He stood up, and placed the glass of wine back on the glass table. "Come on, fix a smile."

When all four reunited, it was the time for dinner. Small work related talks followed, but everyone mostly kept their thoughts to themselves. Nobody felt like addressing the issue, but tried to enjoy themselves.

After dinner was served. Charlotte announced that it was the time for pictures. Cedric stood with a camera and there were light adjustments for getting the best pictures possible. Misaki smiled awkwardly as Gerard and Charlotte kissed in a picture and Takumi and Misaki barely stood with their shoulders touching.

When Charlotte encouraged the two to properly pose for pictures, Takumi took the matters into his own hands. He was sick of pretending like there was a wall between the two of them, and the alcohol in system helped him. He put his hand on her waist, and he felt Misaki still for a moment. Charlotte squealed when Cedric clicked a picture in which Misaki was looking into Takumi's eyes and Takumi was just smiling.

Many of such pictures followed, and Misaki felt like her entire being was on fire. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes by the time they waved the couple good bye. Misaki slid down the front door as soon as she closed it. Tears followed and by the time she could bring herself to wipe them, Takumi was sitting down right in front of her.

Her heart stopped beating as he wiped the last tear that slid down her face. He placed her palm on top of his hand and he leaned in…

Only to put a soft kiss on her forehead.

~!~

Miss Kirei

How was it?

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So, I've been thinking…

I have three stories that are on-going, which I intend to finish.

Which Story would you like me to finish first?

· A Promise of Forever

Or

· My Fucked up Heart

Or

· Ups and Downs

I will put this on a poll too, so let me know…

~!~