Chapter 24

Kyoya raised a hand to shield his eyes as a blinding light was pointed at his face. He was seated on a silver chair at a small silver table in a bare room. With a lamp light being pointed in his eyes he felt he was being interrogated. "What is this about Mellisa-sempai?"

Mellisa turned the white lamp brim back down to relieve Kyouya. She sat back and crossed her arms. "So you have no idea why I asked you here?"

"I have a faint idea it is about Kisa."

She shrugged. "It may be, but there is something else as well. First and foremost…" She pulled something out of her pocket and placed it in the middle of the table. "Is this handkerchief yours?"

Kyoya picked up the piece of cloth and examined it, noticing the embroidered 'K' on one of its corners. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Mellisa, trying to analyze her, but she let no emotion slip through her mask. He tossed the handkerchief back to the middle of the table.

"No, it's not my handkerchief, my handkerchiefs are custom made and embroidered with my entire initials."

Mellisa smiled and took back the handkerchief. "My mistake then."

He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, his hands joined. "Is that all?"

"Well that really depends on you."

"Me?" He asked coolly.

The look in her eyes could cut steel. "We haven't had much time to chat, as you know I've been a little preoccupied."

"Indeed."

"And given the recent circumstances I've been unable to really communicate with my friends and family and the trauma of it all has resulted in neglecting my duties, my sisterly duties in particular."

"It was quite the traumatic event, losing your ability to walk and all."

"Hmm, yes, until now."

They stared at one another. The silence was overwhelming. Kyoya was the first to move; he sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. "So she's told you."

Mellisa nodded. "You're very sly Kyoya, taking advantage of the situation as you did. I can only assume there is a contract involved."

He nodded. "One must always take precautions."

"Yes, it's better to be safe than sorry."

His lip curled. "I'm surprised, I never expected you to be this calm, a bit out of character, don't you think?"

"Life has a way of calming tempers, and there is no room for joking in such a bleak situation."

"Bleak?" He repeated. "Do you think I will mistreat Kisa-chan, Mellisa-sempai?"

"Of course not Kyoya-kun, I'd never expect you to ever raise your voice, or hand, to a woman... too disgraceful for you. However, being the perfect picture of a husband will not make Kisa happy."

"I think only time will tell. We will have a comfortable life, and she'll see in time."

"That's where you're wrong. You're quite the charmer Kyoya-kun, but you'll never understand women, or Kisa." She glared. "And no matter how great your intentions, you are beginning to resemble the beast that put me in this chair."

Kyoya sucked in a sharp breath and gave Mellisa a piercing look. "Surely you don't suggest that Leonardo and I are similar."

"I do. Blackmailing her with someone she cares about, ignoring her feelings, caring only about your own. You have a black heart Kyoya. She has never wanted to be with you and never will."

Kyoya stood abruptly. He breathed through his nose heavily, staring down at Mellisa. The shadows of the room hid his features, but she could hear his anger. "I can make her happy, it will only take time. In a few years she will get over these feelings for Kaoru and see that I am the better choice."

"You've never even given her a choice. You were too afraid she wouldn't choose you and instead relied too much on these schemes. You only ever cared about becoming heir." She said softly.

"They are tactics, not schemes, and she will see the benefits eventually."

"You're a wonderful businessman, Kyoya-kun, but Kisa will never choose you if you continue to think this way, and not about her feelings."

He sat back down slowly, staring at a spot on the table.

She watched his face closely. "And even your own…How do you feel about Kisa, Kyoya?"

He remained silent. His eyes met Mellisa's and she raised an eyebrow. "Do you love her?" She asked.

"Love." He said flatly. "What good would that do me? It only complicates things."

"You didn't answer my question." Mellisa pointed out.

Kyoya shook his head and stood again. "I do hope you don't keep yourself locked in here the whole party. Kisa-chan will worry about you."

"Kisa won't need to worry about me; she's worrying about herself more."

He narrowed his eyes. "And what is wrong with her?"

Mellisa smiled. "My my, if I didn't know better I'd say you were concerned." He shot her a withering look and made his way to the exit. Mellisa stayed at the table. "You don't have to worry about Kisa anymore, Kyoya, I'm cancelling this engagement."

He froze. "What?" He turned to face her. She was smiling widely. His face became a mask and his host smile appeared. "I think you'll find that very impossible, Mellisa-sempai. Like you said, there is a contract and it has already been signed by both Kisa-chan and myself, there is no way around this marriage. Enjoy the rest of the party."

As he opened the door to leave she rolled away from the table and stared at his back. "Section 2, paragraph 3, 6th sentence: This agreement of marriage will assure that the third party, Farisio Mellisa, receives treatment from the best physicians and will have treatment in any one of the Ootori hospitals with no hassle and have immediate care. Future treatments will not be billed. The union of Ootori Kyoya and Sasame Kisa will ensure the care of Farisio Mellisa. With the signing of this document the marriage between Ootori Kyoya and Sasame Kisa is binding."

Kyoya pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. "Yes, there is no way to break the contract. The engagement will continue."

"Apparently you didn't hear me. '…treatment in any one of the Ootori hospitals.' It does no say I have to take treatment there, and as the third party of this agreement I should have been required to sign this agreement as well. Kisa cannot sign for me, and her agreement only stretches as far as marriage if I continue to have treatment at an Ootori hospital. She didn't sign on her behalf, but mine. With the third party out of the mix the contract is in void."

"You're wrong. Even without your signature she still signed to marry me."

Mellisa wagged a finger. "Uh, uh, the contract never states that Kisa chose on her own free will to sign to marry you. Only on my behalf to get me treatment, but with me out of the mix…Well there's no reason for the agreement."

Kyoya's eyes widened and his hands clenched into fists.

Mellisa sighed. "Face it Kyoya-kun, you've lost. You can either cancel the engagement yourself, here and now, or I will bring the lawyers into it. You're a businessman, which is less of a blow to your reputation?" Her eyes softened. "Do it for Kisa."

He stood with his back to her, a hand on the door knob. The light of the hallway cast his shadow all the way to the front of her chair. His shoulders were stiff, but she could almost see his hand shake over the doorknob. He looked over his shoulder at her and his face was as cool as always, his fake smile in place. "Well played Mellisa-sempai, I seem to have no choice but to do as you say."

"Well it's unlike you to give up." Her eyes narrowed. "You better not be scheming anything."

"You're confidence in me is just heartwarming." He said sarcastically. He stepped back from the doorway and motioned for her to leave. Still giving him a suspicious look she wheeled by him and down the hall. She looked over her shoulder even while she moved, never ceasing her glare.

Kyoya rolled his eyes and followed after her. They entered the main lobby of the hotel, heading towards the ballroom.

"So how are you going to do it, make an announcement?"

He shook his head. "Of course not, that would cause too much excitement at once. It will be quiet, only a small article in the paper, or else both Kisa's and my reputations will take blows and rumors will spread."

Mellisa nodded. "Smart." She stopped her chair to let him open the door for her. "And what…" She trailed off, looking up at him. The large extravagant white wooden door blocked her view, but he saw something she didn't. The look in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. Cautiously she rolled back and tried to see what he saw.

"Kisa!" Mellisa said happily, heading towards her. She paused. "Aaaand Kaoru-kun." She looked down. "Holding hands…" She stared up at them. Kisa blushed beat red and took a tiny step behind Kaoru. She tried to let go of his hand, but he tightened his grip. Mellisa saw this and she grinned. "Weeeell, this is a surprise."

"M-Melly, please…" Kisa said, embarrassed.

Mellisa held up her hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I won't say anything. Should have expected this…Right Kyoya-kun?"

Kisa just suddenly seemed to notice Kyoya's presence and she paled. This time she succeeded in letting go of Kaoru's hand. She took a step towards the dark haired boy. "Kyoya… I…" She glanced at Kaoru then back to Kyoya.

"All has been discussed already, Kisa." Kyoya said smoothly. "Your sister has gone over a loophole in the contract. The engagement is cancelled."

Kisa's eyes widened. "What?" She looked sharply down at Mellisa, who smiled sheepishly. Kisa smiled widely and flew into her sister's arms. "Oh Mellisa, I'm sorry for bringing you into this."

Mellisa patted her head. "You didn't, it was something I had to do."

Kisa leaned back and wiped her eyes. Her smile slowly faded and she looked towards Kyoya. "I'm sorry it didn't work out for you Kyoya." And she meant it.

"But Kisa, he's been manipulating you the whole time." Kaoru argued, stepping to her side. "He only cares about becoming heir."

"I know." She said softly. "But he's still our friend. You know Kyoya, Kaoru-kun, you should accept that he'd do anything and everything to reach the top." She looked at Kyoya. "He never meant any harm."

"You're assuming." He said frigidly.

She smiled warmly. "No, I'm not."

He stared at her for the longest time. Mellisa and Kaoru suddenly felt they were in the way. Kaoru disliked the feeling and took a step closer to Kisa, placing a hand on her shoulder. Kyoya broke her gaze and glanced towards Kaoru, then back down to her.

"Our ambitions are very different."

"They are."

"Then I suppose I will have to go back to the old plan of rising to the top."

"I think it fits you much more than using a marriage to gain your father's company."

Kyoya looked away, into the ballroom and towards the head table, where his father sat with his brothers. "Indeed." He opened the door wider and let it go. He gave the three in the hallway one last look. "I hope you realize all fees and bills of this party are yours to pay back."

Mellisa opened her mouth in protest, but Kisa cut her off, smiling at Kyoya. "Of course."

He nodded. "Enjoy the rest of the party; I must speak to my father."

Kisa stared at his back as he walked into the ballroom and called out to him before he got out of earshot. "Thank you, Kyoya."

His brief pause in his stride was the only sign that he heard her. Kisa she let out a huge sigh, her shoulders slumping in relief.

"Oh Kisa!" Mellisa gushed, wrapping her arms around her waist. "You're so cute, my darling little sister!"

Kisa blushed when Kaoru gave her a smirk. She patted Mellisa's hands, urging her to let go. "Uh, Mellisa, c-could you leave Kaoru-kun and I alone for a minute?"

Mellisa backed away, a suggestive grin lighting up her features. "Ooooh, of course. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She winked.

"What haven't you done?" Kaoru asked sarcastically.

"Something that if you try to do with Kisa too early I'll kill you." She said seriously.

Kisa gulped, but Kaoru smirked and kicked a wheel of her chair. "Oh yeah? And how ya gonna manage that?"

Kisa gasped, but Mellisa laughed. The next second Kaoru had his arm twisted around his back with Mellisa's other arm around his neck. "My arms still seem to work, don't they, Kaoru-kun?" She asked sweetly.

"Yes." He gasped, his eyes bulging out of his head.

She giggled and let go, patting his head like he was a child. "Oh you're so precious Kaoru-kun." Her eyes opened and her look froze time. "Never stop." She threatened.

He stood up straight and saluted. "Yes, ma'am."

Mellisa nodded in satisfaction. As she passed Kisa to go back into the ballroom she passed something into her hand and winked. "Think it's about time you gave it back, ne?"

Kisa watched Mellisa leave then looked down at her hand. She blushed. "Mellisa stop going through my stuff!" She yelled.

Kaoru looked over her shoulder curiously, down at her hand. "A handkerchief?"

Kisa squeaked and turned to face him, clutching the material to her chest. He could see a corner of it sticking out of her hand and a spark of familiarity went through him when he saw the 'K'.

"Is that…?"

"It's mine!" She said immediately.

He smirked, reaching for it. "Hmm, well it looks an awful lot like the handkerchief my mom designed for me."

She laughed nervously. "O-Oh, is that right? What a coincidence."

He raised an eyebrow. "Kisa?"

She bit her lip and looked away nervously. She slowly opened her hand and held it out to him. "You gave it to me after a boy cut my hair when we were kids and I was crying. You said I looked c-cute with whatever hairstyle. That was when I started liking you, and learned to tell the difference between you and Hikaru-kun."

Kaoru felt his face heat up. "O-Oh, really, I did that?"

She laughed softly and looked up at him. "Don't worry; I don't expect you to remember."

He cleared his throat. "So you've kept this all these years…"

She looked away again, shuffling her feet. "Yes, well, it became a sort of memento of you, and then I left it behind after I we moved out of Japan, but when Mellisa heard about it, it became her quest to find…" She cleared her throat. "…Hankey man."

Kaoru snorted. "Mellisa-sempai sure does have a skill at making up names."

Kisa laughed quietly. She looked at the handkerchief in her hand and then back up at Kaoru. She held out the cloth. "I think it's about time I gave it back to you."

"What, you don't want to keep it to remember me by?"

She shook her head. "No, not when I have you right here." She blushed. "I don't need it if I have you."

Kaoru smiled and took the handkerchief from her hand. "Good, I'd rather you have the real thing as well."

Looking up at him shyly she grabbed his hand and pulled him into the ballroom. "Come on, let's go make a bright new beginning and cast out the shadows."

"Always such the poet." He rolled his eyes, but he let her drag him into the room, a small smile on his lips. He silently agreed with her as he spun her around the dance floor, watching her smile, listening to her laughter, it was the start of something, and he was looking forward to finding out what.

Mellisa smiled contently as she watched Kisa and Kaoru dance. She was in a dark corner of the ballroom, silently watching everyone. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Hunny edging over to her nervously.

"Melly-chan…" He began shyly.

It was too unnatural to see Hunny that way and she gave him an encouraging grin. "Hello Hunny-kun."

He gave her a large watery smile and flew into her arms, hugging her tightly. "You're back to normal!"

Hugging him back she let relief wash over her. She hadn't lost his friendship. "I'm so sorry for everything Hunny-kun, I've been awful to you."

He pulled back and smiled. "It's okay Melly-chan."

Her heart lifted and she smiled widely, patting Hunny's head. "Thank you."

A large hand placed itself on her shoulder and she looked up at Mori. He was smiling the tiniest bit. She placed a hand over his and smiled back. "You too Takashi-kun, I wouldn't have been able to get out of that funk without you."

He nodded to her, giving her a gentle look. She watched him with soft eyes. Hunny glanced between them and a knowing look came over his face.

"I'm going to go find Haru-chan, Takashi keep Melly-chan company."

Mori nodded. "Ah."

Mellisa watched Hunny bounce away. Mori looked at her again, but she didn't look up.

"Mellisa." He said softly.

"I've stopped getting treatment at the Ootori hospital." She said bluntly.

His hand tightened on her shoulder. She let go of his hand and gave him a determined look. "I'm going to go to Germany. They've been researching new methods with stem cells that could help me gain back my ability to walk."

"When?"

"Right after graduation."

His stomach dropped; graduation wasn't very far away

"I don't know when I'll be back."

An unbinding sense of dread fell over him and a dark shadow fell over his eyes. The hand on her shoulder shook slightly.

"I would just go for the treatment and return for the physical therapy, but the clinics in Japan are all owned by Ootori."

He shook his head, trying to think of any clinics that could take her in. But she was right; the Ootori's owned them all. Removing his hand from her shoulder he let his arms hang at his sides.

"I won't go if you tell me not to."

He looked down at her sharply; she still wasn't looking at him. Her shoulders began to shake and he moved in front of her to get a better look at her face, but she bowed her head. She cradled her hands in her lap. He kneeled in front of her and took her hands. She looked up at his touch and he sucked in a breath when he saw her tears. There were only a few, but as each slowly slid down her cheeks his heart clenched.

"I can't ask you to wait, but I care for you Takashi. So if you don't wish to wait then I'll stay."

He shook his head. He wondered how her mind worked. "Why…?"

"I'd give up anything for you." She said earnestly.

His hands tightened over hers and he bowed his head. There was a tense silence and Mellisa stared at the top of his head. She could see his forehead crinkle in distress. She felt guilty suddenly and averted her eyes. "I don't even deserve to ask this of you. I must have lost my chance long ago."

He looked up at her face, tracing every angle and part with his eyes. Reaching up he let his hand rest on her jaw. She looked down at him sadly, questioningly.

"Go." He said finally.

She couldn't hide her hurt even if she tried, but she didn't blame him. She tried to smile, but failed.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Her heart jumped to her throat and the spot on her forehead where his lips had touched was on fire. He leaned back and stared into her eyes. "I will wait."

"Really?" She asked, breathless. "It could be years before I can come back. There will only be visits here and there, but I won't be able to travel much, and you have your family's dojo to think about, we won't be able to see each other."

"I'll wait." He insisted.

She smiled, holding onto his hands even tighter. "Thank you." She whispered.

He made to stand, but Mellisa grabbed the front of his tux and pulled him down for a kiss, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. It was simple, and didn't last very long. She gave him a mischievous grin to his surprised look when they pulled apart.

"Come on, I'm not leaving yet, let's go live it up. Hunny's probably wondering what's going on." She went on ahead of him, but as she turned he caught the large amount of red that covered her cheeks. He smiled a small smile and followed after her. He wondered how the strange American girl had found her way into his heart, but he was glad she did.

A/N Thank you everyone for reading and to all those who were there since chapter one....sorry this took so long! It's the end, but as Kisa said just the beginning for them too. I hope you enjoyed the story! Thanks for reading!

~PurpleHaze91