I want to thank all those who take time to review. You guys inspire me to do better! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! I'll try harder to update faster!

I also want to give a shout out to my lovely editor, Jen. Thank you for all the hard work you've done for me. I'm sending you all my love and support.

At first, the men we're surprised when Ritsu first entered the ballroom; not having used to seeing him in any type of event. Then they saw Misaki beside him and they thought, 'ah, that's why'. Misaki must've encouraged him to come. However, it was soon apparent that Ritsu was the one leading a reluctant Misaki around, which raised the question, 'what did Usami do this time?'. Curious, they decided to keep quiet and watch as they descended the stairs without sparring them a glance.

Now, five pairs of eyes watched in amusement as Misaki ran one point of the Ballroom to the next, looking for Ritsu. Chiaki and Kisa were making fun of the poor boy while Hatori, Yukina, and Hiroki watched in curiosity.

"Its funny how quickly they lost each other." Yukina says as he crosses his arms over his chest and leans his hip against the railing. This was so much better than entertaining guests. If only he had the same privileges as Ritsu; he wouldn't have to attend these kinds of events. Yukina sighs. And maybe that would've be the case - since Usami favors his drawings for his novels - if only he wasn't intimidated by the Demon.

Hirkoki shrugs, "I'm not surprised. There's more people attending this year." Which was clearly an understatement. They could barely walk through the crowd without bumping into someone. Hiroki wondered why this year was different. What kind of gossip was running around this time?

Yukina nods, "still, it's absurd. How does Misaki lose someone with a dragon mask?" Both boys snickered at this. Yukina was sure his Kisa-san and Yoshino were going to keep this over Misaki's head for the rest of his life.

"Oh, look! Takano-san's here." Kisa-san points out. Yukina and Hiroki glance down at the crowd to find Isaka-san teasing Misaki while Takano looks on with amusement.

Hatori nods, "He finally had time to come. But I think it's mostly to meet Ritsu."

Chiaki frowns, "Why Ritsu?"

"It seems he's taken an interest in him."

Both Kisa and Chiaki sputter in outrage. "Hell no!" They cried in unison. "No one gets to date him without our permission." Kisa finishes with a firm nod.

"It's not like that. He's just curious as to why Ritsu requested to join full-time."

Kisa winces at the news. "Ah, so he found out?" He shakes his head, "he has no idea what's he's getting himself into." He learned early on that majority of them weren't working full time for some odd reason; with the exception of Usami, Yoshino, and Hatori. Usami and Yoshino had no choice since they were authors in their own right. Hatori - he later found out - was because he wanted to be Yoshino's editor. "It's gonna be hell for him."

To be honest, Hatori was glad Ritsu decided to pick up the slack. The amount of work they've been getting was ridiculous. With an extra pair of hands at least the work will be bearable now. "Starting tomorrow, Ritsu is officially in Emerald."

"Good luck, Ritsu." Kids mutters under his breath. He himself had no desire to join that hell. Just watching Hatori stumble into Chiaki's room - half dead - was enough to scar him for life. He was content with his current employment. He was content with all the free time.

Though he wish he could say the same thing for Yukina. With all the art projects coming up, they only spend three hours a day together.

"Wait." Chiaki's eyes widen in disbelief. "Did you see that!?"

Back down at the ballroom, Miyagi pulls Misaki roughly to the side, his right hand covering his mouth.

"What the hell is his problem?" Kisa huffs, his eyes narrowed on Miyagi.

"Didn't you see?" Hatori says, "It looked like Misaki was going to get into a fight."

Kisa snorts, "Misaki? Get in a fight? Come on, Hatori, even I know that's impossible."

"I don't know," Chiaki speaks up, looking at Misaki's struggling figure. "He looks livid."

Yukina smirks, "Takano-san is known for his rudeness."

Hiroki frowns. Takano's not the type of person to lash out at a stranger. He's hard on his co-workers, sure, but Misaki? He's the kindest guy you'll ever meet. Was it something else that triggered the reaction?

Hiroki couldn't help but ponder on Miyagi's actions. Why cover his mouth? Was Misaki about to reveal something?

"Holy shit! Misaki took Miyagi down!" Kisa shouted with glee.

Everyone looks back in time to see Misaki making it up to his feet and glaring down at Miyagi.

Kisa snickered, "It's about time someone knocked Miyagi out of his high horse."

Hiroki smirks. He couldn't say it better himself. The damn fool thinks he alone could break the curse; thinks he's figured everything out himself. But what he doesn't know - and what he's completely discarded - was his own curse.

Miyagi doesn't understand that he's digging deeper into his own grave.

"Well that was short." Kisa pouts, leaning his chin on the railing.

Hiroki focuses on the scene below in time to see the dumbfounded look on Misaki's face before he took off in an angry march after Miyagi.

Aaand he missed a turn. Hiroki thinks, as Miyagi headed straight for the stairs, while Misaki walked aimlessly to the right.

Hiroki turns away from the boy and leans against the railing; his thoughts shifting to Nowaki. He's been busier this year. He wasn't sure he'll be able to contact him with all the work he's been receiving. He himself wouldn't be able to leave the castle in a few weeks due to the amount of work that's been piling up. There was no ways to share the good news with him...

Hiroki grunts in annoyance. He was getting himself worked up again. At least Usami gave his permission for Nowaki to visit the castle. That in itself is a godsend.

And it was all thanks to Misaki.

He'll just let Nowaki know when he can -

"Oh! He's with Takano again!" Yoshino shouts, bringing Hiroki out of his thoughts..

Hiroki turns around in puzzlement. What he finds makes his blood boil with fury. The sight of Takano with Ritsu had him tensing up, his first thoughts were to go down there and separate the two men. 'That bastard better not touch him'.

Miyagi was terrible at hiding his notes in the office. When he found out that Takano was the same 'Saga' that broke Ritsu's heart, Hiroki quickly informed Usami.

However, he didn't tell him about Miyagi's plan for them.

Learning that Takano was frantically looking for an 'Oda Ritsu' made him wonder what happened between the two teenagers. Even Miyagi isn't aware of the incident. But that doesn't mean what he did to Ritsu was right. The poor boy was a wreak. If he wanted Ritsu, Takano had to go through all of them.

Hiroki focuses back to the ballroom to find Misaki glaring hotly at Takano. Does he know? The way he grabbed Ritsu and pulls him away from Takano said it all.

"I seriously thought Misaki was going to give him a piece of his mind." Chiaki pouts.

"And you know Misai isn't like that." Yukina agrees.

"You sure?" Kisa says as he motions them back to the scene. They watch with amusement as Misaki rudely makes his way to the Garden, uncaring of the complaints thrown his way. "What the hell did Takano-san do?"

When Misaki and Ritsu were out of sight,, Kisa jumped for the chance to follow. Hatori shakes his head, "Just let them be."

"But what if it's important." Chiaki pipes up.

"It's none of our concern-"

Yukina gasps, "Usami at ten-o-clock."

Everyone snaps their heads back to the garden to witness Usami climbing the stairs.

This time no one hesitated as they scrambled down the stairs and practically ran to the garden. Once they reached the stairs, Ritsu comes into sight, his face fuming in silent rage. Chiaki and Kisa jump on him and cover his mouth, knowing Ritsu would ruin their plan for the sake of privacy.

"Shh!" Kisa shushes.

"Wats ta big idewa!?" Ritsu tries to speak over their hands.

"Shh!" Chiaki sushes.

Everyone peaks over the last stair, mindful to keep out of sight and low on the ground. What they find is a rigid Misaki and a tense Usami. This only confirmed their suspicions. They got into a fight again.

They held their breath when Usami finally breaks the silence.

They tense when Misaki apologizes for what happened with Ijuuin.

They almost gasped with glee when Misaki stopped Usami from leaving.

"That was practically a confession." Kisa whispers.

They're eyes widen with surprise when Usami grows bold and caressed Misaki's lips with his fingers.

However, they were filled with rage the next instant when they find out that Ijuuin had kissed Misaki.

"I'm gonna pummel him." Yukina whispers, surprising everyone.

"No!" Misaki shouts out with desperation. "You got it wrong, Usagi-san!"

"Oh, just get on with it and kiss him already!" Chiaki whispers.

"Shh!" Kisa sushes.

Chiaki turns to him, "I can't help it! If this was my manga, the guy wouldn't be able to handle that," Chiaki points to Misaki's big green eyes and soft blush, "-cuteness and kiss him already!"

"This isn't your manga!" Ritsu whispers hotly.

"Yeah but-"

"Holy shit! Look!" Yukina gapes.

Everyone turns, wide-eyed, as Usagi-san goes in for a kiss.

"I fucken told you!" Chiaki cries out.

They lean closer, eyes wide with excitement as their lips neared-

"Am i interrupting something?"

Kisa pulls at his hair.

If Hatori hadn't moved to place a hand over chiaki's mouth, he would have screamed.

Yukina growls low in his throat.

Ritsu facepalms.

Hiroki looks on with boredom.

And Hatori sighs.

But everyone had the same thought running through their minds.

So close!

Misaki

"O-Onii-chan?" he was having a hard time breathing. Takahiro was the definition of health. His skin glowed under the soft lights, his eyes were bright with happiness, and his smile reminded him of the sun; alive and warm and blinding.

Takahiro opens his arms, "Misaki."

Misaki doesn't waste another second. He runs into Takahiro's arms and holds tight. The sob that broke from his lips was raw and honest. He sobbed harder when Takahiro returned the embrace, his voice breaking when he says, "I'm back, Misaki."

Misaki clings harder, his sobs growing louder. My god, how much I missed him. Words couldn't describe the relief and happiness he felt when he was able to breathe Takahiro's scent again. His heart was filled to the brim with love.

He no longer cared about anything. Everything washed away until there was only him and Takahiro. There was no curse, there was no Masks, no Usagi-san.

His brother was here. Alive. Healthy. How could he think of anything else?

Misaki sniffed and brokenly replied, "Welcome back, Onii-chan."

Miyagi

"I don't have time time for this." Miyagi tells Shinobu as he climbs up the stairs, "Didn't I tell you to stop treating this as a joke?" Having seen Shinobu trying to single him to come his way only irritated Miyagi more. I don't have time for this. He wanted to make a point with Misaki, to get it in his head that this was more than just a broken heart, Ritsu's life is in danger. But knowing Shinobu, he was going to get verbal if he didn't obey.

Shinobu rolls his eyes, "We got problems-"

"You don't say." Miyagi responded sarcastically.

Shinobu scowls, "I'm serious!"

Miyagi turns to Shinobu, his patience gone. "As am know, I can't believe I let you talk me into letting you join me. You don't have a clue what's at stake."

"Miyagi-"

"You think everything is a fucking joke!"

Shinobu doesn't flinch. Instead, he looks at him with boredom. "You really need to listen to what i have to say-"

"And you let me say what I have to say? You've got to be kidding me!" Miyagi pulls at his tie, his mask twisting with the rage he felt.

"Miyagi." Shinobu growls in warning.

"All my plans. Gone. This night was supposed to be the night. I was sure of it! Now Usami's avoiding Misaki. Misaki knows about Takano. And I'm half afraid he'll tell Ritsu-"

"You seriously got to listen to this-"

"-And you. You're the biggest headache of all! I don't know what your motive is but leave me out of it! You're still a child, you don't know a thing about love-"

Shinobu grabs Miyagi by the tie and pulls him down to his level. Once there, Shinobu closes his eyes and leaned up to kiss his mask

Only.

Only it wasn't his mask.

His mask literally parted for Shinobu's kiss. Miyagi's face exposed to the light of the ballroom for the first time in years before he was suddenly overcome with a sensation on his lips.

Miyagi's eyes widen in surprise. What?

Soft, giving lips trembled against his. In seconds, Shinobu slipped his tongue into the welcoming heat of his parted mouth. When Shinobu gave a gentle lap, he felt it in every single inch of his body. Shuddering in pleasure, Miyagi grew lost for a moment, revealing in the stolen kiss. The fine hairs of Shinobu's bangs tickled his sensitive face, causing him to shiver.

Repulsed by his reactions, he pulls away, his cheeks flushed and his heart thundering in his chest. The moment he drew back his mask snapped back into place in an instant.

Shinobu blinks, his own shock making him pause. "That was definitely not a mask I kissed." Then he smirks, "Now that I have your attention…"

Miyagi blinks in bafflement. Did he not see…? His mask just…? How? Why? He couldn't help but touch the mask, hoping to touch the skin of his face. Miyagi's blush intensifies. This little brat! It was even more horrifying since he reacted with that kiss! "Why did you-"

"You already know why." Shinobu rolls his eyes. "I have feelings for you. I want to date you. Do I need to be more specific? I am a man you know. My body reacts whenever I get near your body-"

"Enough!" That was too much damn information! "Never do that again!"

"Dude! I am so about to do that again. I like your taste." Shinobu licks his lips. "Wanting seconds."

Miyagi chokes. He could feel all the blood rushing into his face, making him light headed. "W-what did you want to tell me." He spits out.

Shinobu's eyes lit up. "Oh! I just saw Takahiro heading for the garden a few moments ago."

Miyagi chokes again. "What!? Why didn't you tell me sooner!?"

"I tried. You wouldn't listen to me."

Miyagi curses and runs down the stairs.

There was no way. No freakin way Takahiro would be here of all times! This had to be some kind of joke! He nearly pulled his hair in frustration.

He couldn't handle this in one day. There was just so much to take in. One disaster after another, he couldn't handle everything at once. How was he supposed to separate Takano and Ritsu? Misaki and Ritsu? Takahiro and Usami?

Shinobu from him?

Miyagi pauses, his fingers coming to rest on the mouth of his mask. It had parted. For Shinobu.

He groans in misery. I'll bloody figure it out later.

Shinobu

Once Miyagi was out of sight, Shinobu hunches down on his heels and covers his face with embarrassment.

He couldn't believe he did that. He couldn't believe he acted that way. Oh, my god! Did he really try to romance him? Ah, crap! That kiss affected him too much. He wasn't sure how he'd kept his composure around Miyagi anymore.

I freaken kissed him! With tongue! And the mask wasn't in the way!

It parted for him. It knew Miyagi was his! At the time, he couldn't express his shock or happiness when it happened, he could only act with indifference, as if it was a natural occurrence.

But having it shown to shown to him like that, it meant fate did pair them together! He was right!

How should I react when I face him again?

Shinobu's face turns red.

I'll bloody figure it out later.

Misaki

Takahiro sets Misaki aside and quickly wipes the tears from his eyes. His expression growing soft when Misaki sniffs adorably. "Don't cry, Misaki, Everything's fine now."

Misaki sniffs again, "I-I thought-"

"Shhh," Takahiro couldn't help but hold him again, his right hand rubbing circles on his back. "I'm here."

"But…!" Tears streamed down his cheeks, his body trembled with the sharp fear he felt in his chest. "I-I thought the worst! No one could find you! It was like you disappeared from the face of the earth! I assumed-" you were dead. Misaki choked up on the last part, his fears resurfacing to the forefront of his mind. He couldn't say it. Just thinking about it had him gripping Takahiro harder.

"I'm here." Takahiro cups his face, his eyes light with comfort. "I'm here, Misaki."

Slowly, a smile appears on Misaki's lips, his eyes shining with happiness. That's right. He was here. Takahiro was here. Alive and healthy. He sighs in relief, the burden from the past six months dissolving into blissful peace.

Takahiro smiles softly. "I'm sorry for worrying you so much, Misaki. I know there's a lot of explaining to do. But first," Takahiro looks up to Usagi-san. "Thank you, Usagi-san. For taking care of Misaki for me." When there was no response to Takahiro heartfelt thanks, Misaki quickly wipes the tears from his eyes before daring to glance back at Usagi-san.

Usagi-san was frozen in place, his eyes wide on Takahiro. Misaki noted sadly how all his attention was on Onii-chan, how his lips soon tugged upward in a tender smile.

Who was i kidding? Misaki thought. To compete with Onii-chan.

Misaki steps to the side, giving Usagi-san and Takahiro a wide berth. If his brother was happy then he was happy. Looking at Takahiro, he could easily see why Usagi-san loved him. He was kind and gentle; a man who kept his promises and treated everyone like a friend.

That's why he was putting himself out of the picture-

Misaki notices movement from the corner of his eye. He turns to the small disturbance and pauses in surprise. Behind Takahiro was a beautiful young woman in a cocktail dress, a shawl was draped around her shoulders, and both her hair and eyes were brown. For some reason, Misaki could have sworn he'd seen her before. But where? "Onii-chan?"

"Hmm?" Takahiro looks to Misaki and then to the woman. "Oh! That's right. I've wanted to introduce her to you, Misaki." Takahiro goes to stand by her side. "This is Manami Kajiwara-san. We've decided to get married."

Misaki sucks in a startled breath. But what about Usagi-san!? Misaki wanted to shout. Don't you know how long he's waited!?

"Ah, is that right?" Usagi-san moves forward, startling Misaki. He pats Takahiro shoulder, a soft smile appearing on his face when he says, "She's beautiful."

Misaki flinches. What are you doing Usagi-san!? He looks back and forth between them, his anxiety growing with each passing second. Aren't you going to fight for him!?

"Thank you, Usagi-san. It makes me really happy that you approve." Takahiro's smile brightens. "I wanted you and Misaki to be the first to meet her."

Misaki suddenly grabs Usami by his arm and drags him to the stairs.

"Misaki!?" Takahiro calls out in alarm.

"Don't worry! We're going to bring you guys some refreshments! Please enjoy the party, Onii-chan!"

"Misaki?" Usagi-san says softly.

Misaki doesn't answer. He ignores the concerned voices thrown his way. He ignores the party guests trying to gain their attention. He ignores Usagi-san as he tries to stop him.

The only thing he does focus on is their entwined hands; at the single heartbeat vibrating through their fingers.

How could Onii-chan be so cruel?

Much later

They exit the castle and stop at the gate. Misaki lets go of Usagi-san's hand and starts to pace. He replayed the conversation over and over in his head. His heart growing heavy with every word Takahiro said to Usagi-san. This isn't how he thought it would go. He was ready to give Usagi-san up. He was ready to go home and live a life of a villager...

But now...

Misaki couldn't stop the tears from falling. He turns away from Usagi-san, his sorrow too great to hold back. "I'm sorry."

There was a pause. And then, "Why are you apologizing?"

"Because!" Misaki sniffs, "That was awful!" He wipes his eyes, his voice growing hoarse when he shouts. "After you've loved him all this time...After all the care you've shown him...For him to say that he wanted you to be the first to meet her...it's so incredibly insensitive…" Misaki shakes his head angrily. "For the first time in my life, i wanted to hit my brother!"

Usagi-san chuckles softly. "The way your crying is appalling."

"I'm crying because of you, aren't I!?" Misaki turns to face him, "Once you start crying, you can't stop, even if you want to!" Misaki's voice broke at the end, big fat tears falling anew.

"...You're right."

Before Misaki could blink, Usagi-san steps in front of him and leans down to capture his lips with his own. He claimed his mouth possessively, his tongue twining with his - until they both shared the same breaths.

This kiss felt right.

Usagi-san draws away slowly, an amused chuckle escaping his lips, "You've stopped."

Wide-eyed, Misaki could only stare dumbly at Usagi-san. Was...was this really happening?

Usagi-san's smile wavered. "I'm sorry." He leans down and hides his face on Misaki's shoulder, his arms going around him tightly. "Just for a little while…"

Misaki's heart ached, instantly bringing his own arms to wrap around Usagi-san protectively. "U-Usagi-san...If you want to cry...go ahead and cry." His own eyes were spilling again, his heart hurting for this man.

"Moron. A brat has no business spouting precocious lines like that." His arms tightened around Misaki, his mask glowing softly. "I'll have you know, I haven't cried in front of a stranger since the day i was born. You're the only one. I'll be damned if I let anyone but you see me in this wretched state."

Misaki sniffs, his hand reaching up to caress Usagi-san's locks. Feeling his tear drops on his shoulder, Misaki was filled with so many shapeless emotions.

If only I could be with his always.

If only I could be his special someone.

With thoughts like that running through his mind, Misaki found himself unable to release the arms he'd put around him.

And we've reached the middle of the story!

XDD 56 Chapters and now another 50 to go...i think XD

The other half will focus on the Curse itself. I hoped you all enjoyed! Much love!