Once upon an inspiration
Author: Nekocin
Email: animecrush@sr.net
Type: AU
Genres: Humor, romance
Pairing: RanKen -_-' and maybe some other pairings implied.
Warning: yaoi/shounen-ai, TWT (as in "Time will tell" or "Timeline what timeline" ^_^'), OOC,... uhm... my naivety?
Disclaimer: Characters don't belong to me. They never did. Only the fanfic.

This idea had been stuck in my head throughout exams! They're begging to get out!!! This is going to be a teaser since I'm not done with this chapter. It's supposed to be one-shot. And it's quite longer than I thought...

~...~ Ken's writing
"..." speech

*.*.*.*.*

~Once upon a time there was~

"ARGH! This is not a good start! The whole phrase sucks!" I exclaimed in the empty room. I tore the paper into pieces and picked up my pen again.

It's really annoying when I can't begin my story. A new story of course. A very wonderful one in my opinion.

I've analyzed half of the plot in my head already. The only problem is... how am I supposed to begin this new story if I don't have a beginning? Not a prologue. Not a prelude. And not even a first chapter! I don't know where to start this thing!

I stared at my new sheet of paper and scribbled a new sentence.

~A long time ago~

"It's not some historical novel, Ken!" I chastised myself and tore the paper into pieces.

Okay, I'm back where I just started.

The story needs an easy and normal beginning. It's not a fairy tale and not a historical tale. And novels aren't my specialty (Adventure, supernatural and fantasy are) even though I didn't even try writing one.

My first book was a lot easier if I can remember clearly. Back then I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I was just sitting in a beautiful garden, looking up at the sky when suddenly... WHAM! Or maybe splash in this case. A bird had shit on me. Knowing myself as a quick-tempered person, I yelled at the bird and threw stones at the poor thing. I said poor thing because I hit it on its head. It fell down to the ground, flat on its face. I think it's dead.

Something shot through my mind and I'd pulled my notebook out. I started scribbling the first few paragraphs madly. All those words just came out after one another. My hand had only followed my commanding mind to scribble down whatever came to mind.

My first story or book is about a fallen human. Yeah, it might sound clichéd, but I assure you it's not. It starts with a bird soaring through the sky just like that bird I'd 'accidentally' killed. One way or another he was flying through the sky above a wrong place at the wrong time. Arrows were heading straight to his direction. The little bird got hit on its left wing. The wounded animal dropped down on the land and somehow changed into a human. The fighting had ceased, because they thought the fallen bird (that turned into a human) was a fallen angel. A sign from God. And... yeah... that's all I can tell you. My memory is a little fuzzy so yeah... I'm not sure how the bird had changed into a human. Maybe you should go read my first book: Star for one day (1).

That book did come out as one of the best sold-out books in my new town.

I sighed and rubbed my temples.

My head hurts. I wonder if I've any white hair already even though I'm not yet twenty-five. My muscles need some stretching.

"Ken-kun? Are you in there?" A muffled voice called out as the owner knocked on my bedroom door.

I can recognize that voice from anywhere. It's the princess (2).

I opened the door and there she stood. With those beautiful blue-ish curls and the soft eyes. Princess Aya. "My lady" I bowed.

"I've been wondering where you've been" princess Aya smiled sweetly as her eyes sparkled.

Haven't I told you where I live? No... I guess not. After writing my third book the king had offered a place for me at his palace. That was two years ago by the way. He wanted me to keep on writing good stories. But for the most part he'd wanted me to entertain the princess since she loves my works. Dare I say a fan? As for the addressing, she'd insisted on calling her 'Aya'. But I'd declined her offer. It's improper to address someone as high as her rank by her name.

"I'm here, my lady. I've this wonderful idea for my newest book. But I can't think of a good start!" I sighed hopelessly and ran my fingers through my hair.

"Well, maybe you should get some fresh air or eat something. Your brain needs to relax too" Not only is she a fan, she is also helpful as well. She just knows what I need.

"Thanks for reminding me that, my lady" I gave her a grateful smile. Now that I'm not paying much attention to my problems. I blinked at the princess.

"May I ask why my lady is here?"

The princess beamed at me and her eyes sparkled again although they were livelier than usual. I looked confused at her. "My lady?"

"I was going to get you!" She blurted out with enthusiasm. I wonder why she's so excited. She latched herself on to my right arm and dragged me out of my chamber. She literally dragged me!

"M-my lady?" I squeaked out as I stumbled a few times just to match her speed. I've never seen the princess like this in all those two years. Something must be up.

"Ken-kun, he's come back! He's come! He's finally come! Oh, I'm so happy he's back! You've to meet him! I know you'll like him. Get to know him or something" The princess burst out and giggled all the way.

"Who's come?" I asked. I've no idea what she's talking about. Why must I meet him? Who's the 'him' anyways?

"My brother Ran of course! The battle is finally over. After these four years! We've won the battle thanks to my brother!" the princess beamed again as she dragged me around the corner.

"Oh, his highness..." I gasped out and clutched my painful arm (the one she was grabbing)

Yeah, the princess has a big brother. Prince Ran. The princess adores him as much she adores me. Uhm... yeah, she adores me too. Not only does she adore my stories, but me as well. She didn't really tell me straight in the face, but I've this feeling she does. Her actions speak for her anyways. I'm afraid she wants to marry me. But I just can't return her feelings. Somehow she'd made me feel like a big brother instead of her first crush.

Back to the big bro. I've heard a great deal about him from the princess. Intelligent, protective and mushier stuff added by the way. Sugary sweet stuff that chattered their way through my teeth. Rotting them too. But why must I get to know him?

"But my lady... why must I meet him 'there'... wherever 'there' is... and not at the throne hall?" The throne hall is at the other side of the wing by the way. The usual important meetings were held there. So yeah... call me a bit suspicious.

"If brother sees you with me somewhere or anywhere he'll throw a fit. That's why you must meet him personally and make yourself worthy in his eyes. He must approve you before letting me meet you again. I know I can make my own decisions, but he's my big brother. I know he wants to give me what's best" the princess explained and started running up the beautifully carpeted stairs.

Now that she'd explained her reason. I'm getting the feeling she really wants to marry me. Let the big bro approve the husband-soon-to-be and she'll have her hands all over him. That scares me. Not that I don't like the princess or anything. She's sweet and all... but... but...

"Brother! It's me Aya!" the princess stopped abruptly and knocked on a door. I panted helplessly and threw my other arm over my stomach. I got cramps there.

"It's open!" A voice boomed through my hazy mind. I'd fallen flat on my face when I head the unexpected voice.

"You can go in now, Ken-kun" The princess whispered and shoved me into the prince's chamber. That's really rude. As soon as she'd pushed me inside successfully, she'd slammed the door closed behind me. My eyes widened and my heart must have dropped down into my shoes. I hurled myself on to the door and tried opening it.

"M-my lady? My lady! What are you doing? My lady! Please open up!" I called out desperately. I knocked on the door with my open palm. "My lady?!"

Not long after that I gave up trying to open the door. She must have locked the door from the outside.

My hand was turning pink already. It hurts. Ugh! Another headache. My head was spinning madly again and the throbbing was making it worst. I sighed helplessly and then held my breath in. Somehow it got very cold in there. The hair on my back was standing up and something chilling ran through my spine.

I gulped and quickly whirled around.

"Aah! Your highness!" I exclaimed and plastered myself against the door. My heart was beating faster than usual against my chest. I felt the cold sweat running past my scalp down my spine. I shivered inwardly. I think I got numbed.

There stood the prince. The well-known Prince Ran. Pale skin and nicely sculpted face. Nicely cut hair with those thingies by the sides of either of his ears. His bangs looked a bit unruly. It must have been the wind. His eyes were a bit slanted and indigo colored. A beautiful color I might add.

But the meaning behind those eyes were scary. I mean I know that look. I know that clenched jaw line whenever I see one. Oh, he really doesn't fit my lady's description. He doesn't look like a rabbit to me. A bulldog or tiger maybe, but not a harmless, fluffy rabbit.

He's still wearing his battling attire and in my opinion he looks a little stiff. Maybe because of me being in his chamber.

I'm very sure he'd eyed me critically. I'd almost melted under that hard gaze of his. I shivered involuntarily and took a deep breath. I swallowed the lump in my throat and smiled weakly at him. "Y-your highness" I bowed shakily. I noticed his eyes following my moves. I shivered again.

The way he stared at me was creepy. I think I must have fainted under that hard look because everything went by so fast. My world got dizzy again and my eyes rolled back. I'd dropped down on the carpeted floor and then everything went black.

------

Where am I?

Cold. Hard. Hole?

Where am I?

I slowly opened my eyelids. My vision was blurred. I could see a lot of blurred colors. I blinked a few times and gasped. The prince was looking down on me.

"Y-your highness? W-where am I?" I pushed myself on my feet and stumbled backwards to the wall. Ugh! Jerk! I've fallen on the cold, hard floor and you didn't do anything?!

"My room" he narrowed his eyes at me. Oh... I know that look =too. I'm not afraid of it anyways. I've seen too many people glare at me like that when I was much younger.

"What am I doing in your room?!" I blurted out suddenly. I'm glad my voice didn't waver. Thanks to him I realized I wasn't even helpless. Anger is my latest "self-control'. He didn't even show concern. Jerk. He may be the prince, but he's way much lower than that other bastard Kase (I'll tell you later) No! That's not it! Kase is way much lower than his highness because I mustn't judge someone by their looks.

"I should be asking you that" The prince pointed out. I wobbled a little and pushed myself away from the wall. I straightened my clothes and smiled. Better be more presentable before he has my head.

"I'm Hidaka Ken. I'm a local writer and the princess' current entertainer. I beg your pardon for disturbing you, your highness" I've tried to be very polite and on my guard too. I don't like the prince's attitude. The whole royal family thing must be growing on to me because I sure feel like telling him to change that attitude of his.

Was it just me or did the prince twitch his eyes when I mentioned about the princess' part?"

Uh-oh… I sense fangs and pointy nails.

“What entertainer?! Why didn’t I hear about this?,” he demanded and clenched his fists.

Ooh… he’s mad. He’s overprotective all right. By the looks of his jaw line too and the stressing lines on his forehead.

“Ken-kun is my story teller. He writes books and gives them to me to read first before publishing them. He’s been here for two years already, brother. And… you were too busy in the battlefield. Our messenger couldn’t reach you!,”

That’s the princess all right. She must be eavesdropping and… uh… leave it to her to shoot her mouth off in front of her big brother. I bet they know each others’ secrets too. Both he and I eyed the door. If a princess is eavesdropping then she’s just broken one of these lady rules. Eavesdropping on someone is improper.

“Let’s talk some place else,” I whispered, promptly forgetting to whom I was talking to. Eep! The prince might behead me with that sword of his.

From the corners of my eyes I followed the prince’s moves. He took off his coat of mail and headed straight to his balcony. Strange. His footsteps were light as if he was walking on air. I guess being the head of a big army made him more experienced like a tiger eyeing its prey. I gulped. Prey… I don’t like the sound of that. Something tells me that I’m heading straight into the tiger’s stomach.

“Aren’t you coming?,” the prince’s voice boomed through his chamber. I looked over my shoulder and glared at the back of his red head. I hope I can be ‘calm’ around him unless he wants to be such a stuck up in the ass. Ah, my judgment day, my judgment day has just begun…

Wow! That hit me hard!

“That’s it!,” I exclaimed without knowing that I was thinking out loud. I searched my pockets for my spare notebook and a pen. I didn’t know what got me but I was sure it’s the prince’s turn to inspire me. He’s my new muse!

I started scribbling down the first sentence in my notebook.

~It’s time. My judgment day has just begun. ~

I read the lines a few times and smiled to myself. Well, that’s easy looking. I guess I should write from the first person this time. It’s way personal, but much more understanding I think. So where’s my muse?

I looked around me and frowned. The chamber was empty besides the bed and its white sheets and a desk with lots of papers.

Where did his highness go? Oh no! he didn’t run away from me did he? Am I that horrible?! I don’t think so. Girls like me… great I’m boosting my ego on my image.

“Your highness?”, I went up to the balcony and looked down. Bam! There’s that look of his. His eyes weren’t so scary anymore. That makes him the prince. My muse also. I smiled at him and made my way down the shrubs.

“Hey! I was wondering where you’ve been!,” I beamed at him as soon as I was standing in front of him. I couldn’t help it. I’ve finally got a different and unique muse. I can use his highness as my role model. His great stature, tall and intimidating character. Just what I need to keep me in the suspense. The prince narrowed his eyes at me again, crushing me in his gaze. Man! That’s one tough muse I got there. But I guess once inspiration has struck me then nothing is going to stop me from writing this new book of mine. I didn’t wait for the prince’s acknowledgement as I took out my pen and notebook.

“Don’t you think a cold exterior might mean something like high walls around someone’s character? I mean that’s a good barrier. Do you think it can fit a woman’s character? Hm? Hm?,” I started bombing some questions at the prince.

“What?,” He looked taken back by my sudden change of topics. His eyes wavered a little. I smiled victoriously and narrowed my eyes at him. Oh yes… my muse as a role model. He might be cold, but I’m sure he’s just as nice my lady’s described him. A great real-based story character.

“Hmmm… what justice must a bad person get?,” I was holding my pen ready and stared anxiously at the prince. The prince seemed to have hardened himself again, because he shot me an icy glare. Oh gosh! Don’t I just love it when facial expressions can mean a lot? That’s a nice look to describe. My mind started working feverishly and my hand obeyed.

~I looked up at the beautiful clear blue sky. It stared icily right back at me. I’m a nobody…~

I stopped in mid-sentence when the prince’s voice rang through my head.

“What do you think you’re doing here?! I’m talking to you and you’re busy writing stuff in your notebook?,” I’d to blink at the prince a few times before I realized I’d been staring at the prince a little too long. For the moment there I thought I was being an airhead or something. Did he just say that?

“Are you even listening?!,” he growled and crossed his arms over his chest. Nice muscles. How much big stuff can you carry?

“Hmmm… you know… I just love the way you look at me,” I smiled innocently at him and stared down at my work. Yes. I do love the glare. I mean just look at his expression. It really brings out the cold and badass character. It’s a perfect mirror for my new main character. So… scratch the last sentence. I scratched “I’m a nobody” and scribbled a new sentence.

~I can feel the cold wind numb my body under that scrutinizing glare. ~

I looked up from my work and sneaked a peak at my new muse. He’d lost the glare look. He looked confused. Ah! Stupid Ken! How can you do this right? I kicked myself mentally and huffed. The prince doesn’t know what I’m talking about.

“Okay. Done for now!,” I beamed at him and put away my notebook.

“Are you writing about me?,” He eyed me suspiciously.

“No, I’m just starting to write a new story. Before my lady had interrupted my brooding, I didn’t know where to start the first chapter. You on the other hand had inspired me where to begin! Thanks!,” I chuckled and I’d to fight the urge to hug him.

“I didn’t do anything,” The confused look was quickly washed away. Nice move. Just what I need. I picked out my notebook and flipped away a few pages.

~face changes, hiding emotions~

“Well… I can relate some stuff.” I answered whole-heartedly and closed my notebook. What was I going to tell him anyways?

“Oh yeah! You’re stuck with me now,” I grinned at the prince. “… uhm… your highness,” I quickly added when his glare was aimed at me.

“What does that mean?,” he mumbled.

Man! He must hate me a lot. Maybe my lady was right about getting to know him better. If he sees me with the princess he’ll surely behead me. Getting to know him is a better option anyways. Hmm… then I must prove him a worthy unmarried man. I can do that! I think…

“Do you like to read?,” I swung my question around his.

“Answer me!,” he demanded impatiently and clenched his fists.

“Well… go read my books. My answers are there,” I smirked at him.

My muse needs some taming. He’s still wild and unfocused. I, Hidaka Ken, must put him into chains… what the heck? No way! I’m not THAT cruel.

“So… ask me anything if you’re finding me unworthy to be an entertainer. Oh by the way, just go ask my lady for my books. She’s put them up somewhere in an altar. I swear she loves them! She adores them! She’s one of my… dare I say fans?! Just ask her and be careful with those books. It’s made out of cheap paper and I don’t think my lady will ignore a small tear in one of her books. Don’t worry. If you don’t want to ask her I’ll lent you the originals. I’ve them in my chambers. Would you like to have them now? So that you can clear your mind a bit from all those questions you’re about to ask me. Do you like adventure, supernatural, fantasy and suspense? Hm? Hm?,” I started babbling and easing myself in his presence. I better because I don’t want a muse that can attack me while I’m asleep. That’s very bad. I sound like a girl who’s just shaken hands with her hero. Ugh! Why do I act like one?

“Shut up, Hidaka!,” the prince ordered and increased his glare to 80%, I think. I see a small fire in those indigo eyes of his. I smiled at him mysteriously. Ah, I can see myself rubbing my hands in satisfaction with a big, evil grin plastered on my face.

“One thing you must know is that whenever I’m inspired I’ll never stop babbling nonsense. That’s why I told you to go read my books. A good coordinator might know my roots. Once you’re done you’re one step ahead, close enough to really stick with me like glue. By the way… is your hair natural-colored?,” Can you see me in those big professor’s robes and those eye glasses?

The prince glared irritated at me.

“Yes!”

“Hmmm… he’s not such a talker. I scribbled another few notes under the first one.

~doesn’t talk a lot~ ~hair color… ~

“Which hair color do you think is best? Brown, dark brown, black, blonde, dirty blonde, orange… white? Or maybe some other color? Which one?”

The prince made an interesting noise behind his throat. My eyes never wavered from staring amused at him or maybe anxious too. Live with it, your highness. You can never change a writer’s determination! One point for the writer.

*.*.*.*.

From that day on I started following the prince. Not really everywhere because I know every man needs his privacy. Sure he gets mad at me. He starts glaring at me, grumbling or even seizing my neck to make me stop following him. I couldn’t help it. If I say he’s stuck with me like glue, the he’s stuck with me like glue. No argument there. Running away muses might mean writer’s block. So I better stick with the muse before all my ideas drains.

It’s very odd how he can inspire me. One glare or growl or threat can send me writing paragraphs after paragraphs. By that time I’ll always be huddled in a corner with my big notebook in my lap, scribbling madly and forgetting where I am. Every time after my thoughts have come to a stop I’ll look up and find the halls empty. My muse has run away again.

When I’ve found him again, he’s either in some meeting or training or sleeping or even reading my books. I guess the latter makes me smile truthfully. At least he’s reading my books to find answers. Looking at him, you can simply see how peaceful he looks while reading. Makes me happy.

The queen got worried when she noticed I started trailing the prince. She thought I couldn’t handle her son’s tough attitude if I kept on following and irritating him around. Well, I guess not everyone understands the passion I have for my writing. Oh, she’s not really a problem when it comes to writing. She adores my work just as much as my lady. Only… the queen is much more attached to my work than to me. If she did show some interest in me, then I better write myself a testament. Because the king will kill me the next day.

As much as I hate to admit it, I’m sure the queen passes me off as her future son-in-law.

The prince will always make an irritating sound behind those clenched teeth whenever the queen gushes around about how a great son-in-law I can make.

I guess he still doesn’t see me really that worthy for the princess. I’m glad he doesn’t see me that worthy, because now I really have someone backing me up. As for improvements… lately he’s hooked on my last book. I can always find him in the garden, reading page by page.

That’s what I call improvement. Maybe he’ll become my latest fan or something. Or maybe a very understanding muse. Speaking of the muse… I’m stuck.

I stared blankly at the half written page.

“What must come next?,” I muttered and grabbed my head. I’ve a strange feeling about the next scene. I can’t believe I’ll be doing some ‘nice, mushy’ scenes too.

~Why did he show up at my front door?~

Why?

Okay, I’m actually already done with half the plot I’ve in mind. So… what’s next? I don’t know how to write the next scene. It’s entirely new to me. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s mushy, it’s yucky, and it’s interesting and more breathing. Wait a sec… where’s my muse? He’s more rational and more realistic than me.

Oh musey! Where are you?

“Your highness!”

Heh! If I called him that he’ll write down another rule in front of my face: “Don’t call me musey!” Next thing you know he’ll chop my head off. As if I’m really going to stop calling him that in my head.

I pushed myself off the walls where I’d huddled up and ran to the garden.

“Ah, there you are, your highness!,”

The prince was sitting casually on a bench with a book in his lap. He turned a page and growled as soon as he heard me. He glared at me through the pair of glasses he’s wearing. Nice glasses by the way.

I must have interrupted a very wonderful chapter. I can understand that it’s very annoying to be interrupted while you’re reading something exciting.

But now I really need his undivided attention. I invited myself to sit next to him and shoved the half written page into his view.

“Tell me what I did wrong! Tell me! For some reason I can’t get out of this hole!,” I dumped my problem on his shoulders. Hehehe… hope he doesn’t notice.

“I mean I know what’s next. But it’s very different what I’ve been planning. The whole course has changed a bit. And I know the next scene would be a little yucky. I just don’t know how to describe that thing. I bet my lady will swoon over this scene here… urgh! Any ideas how to swing the course around?,”

He took the half written page and focused on the paragraphs. I sighed and looked at my muse. I hope I can get some inspiration just by looking at him. Nothing. The prince just frowned at my short chapter.

“Let it be. It really does need some romance,” the prince commented and gave the paper back. I’d to blink at the prince. He ignored me and continued on reading my book. For once my muse just said something to help me out instead of using his actions. Well, that’s an improvement, right? I can’t really see my icy muse as a romantic inspiration.

“But I’m new to the romance genre,” I muttered under my breath and fumbled with the half-written paper.

“There’s always a first time in some fields,” the prince commented under his breath and turned over the next page. I took a deep breath and stared at the paper. Romance huh? Let’s see…

~Why did he show up at my front door? ~

Okay. So there’s the guy. My character is here. What’s so romantic here? So what’s the vampire’s reason to be here?

“Unless he’s trying to seduce him…” I blurted out thoughtfully and rubbed my temples absentmindedly.

Well, that’s an interesting thought. I think I’ve read something about vampires tend to seduce either sides of the genders somewhere. Maybe that’s my problem. How can one seduce someone of the same gender? It looks a little forbidden… but on the other hand supernatural is supernatural. It doesn’t really look forbidden.

“How about a kissing scene?,” I said thoughtfully and poked my cheek with the pen. But how the heck must I write something like that? It’s yucky already…

“Hey, your highness. What was your first kiss like?,”

The prince stopped his reading and shot me a confused look. Aah… finally I got his undivided attention 100%.

“What?,”

“Come on. Tell me! I need to write something, right? Well, I’ve thought about letting the vampire seduce my character and kiss him and then sink his teeth in his neck. The only problem is… how can I write a kissing scene if I’d never experienced it before? What was it like?,” I sighed and threw my arms around exaggeratingly.

I eyed the prince with my hawk eyes. He just sat there blinking his eyes and my… my… aren’t his cheeks a bit too red? Must be too personal, I guess.

“Maybe I should ask my lady then,” I sighed and dropped my eyes, staring at my lap. Nah! I don’t think so. She’ll go all red like her brother. Maybe she’ll even try to kiss me to see my reaction. Besides if she did, that big bro will hunt me down for harassing his sister like that. Ugh! Why can’t this be any easier?

I stared up at the sky, hoping to get some inspiration. The sky was definitely blue. It’s beautiful. Serene and not clouded with anything. I envy that day’s weather. It’s like as if the sky doesn’t have any obstacles.

I shifted my attention back to my work. Nothing came in my mind. This writer’s block is really getting on my nerves. I turned to study the prince, my musey. He seemed to have forgotten me or just ignored me. He turned the next page. His eyebrows were knitted in concentration.

His eyes never wavered from the book. It must be very powerfully written, because he looked nervous by the minute.

It must be that piece where my characters were living horribly, waiting for something unknown to take them down. I heard it was very captivating. I think I’ll believe them now. A hand brushed his bangs away from his vision. I think I should laugh at myself. It looked as if I’m studying the prince for a different purpose instead of just for my work. I don’t know what I’m talking about. It’s too crazy. Too hard to understand. Just… weird. I guess I can say that my new character might never be this tempting as his highness.

The next thing I know was that I’d broken a lot of rules with my sudden action. I shot straight towards him, leaning close and captured the prince’s lips. The contact sent shivers through my body. It was so bare.

Do you understand what I mean?! Do you?! Oh God! The prince’s lips!? What’s wrong with me you say?! It’s too tempting to understand. Too confusing. Oh God! Besides that, he’s also a guy! Please have mercy on me for doing such a thing.

I pulled myself away from his highness and stared blankly at the prince, waiting for my punishment. I held on to my dear life as I waited ‘patiently’. The prince stared in horror at me. His face was paler than usual. His slanted eyes were wider than before. Man! His indigo eyes were more noticeable than before, perhaps turning violet by the minute. His mouth was parted a bit; it’s much the same way when I’d forced his lips to open.

Oh God. Thinking back about the kiss makes me feel so naked. Talking about naked… The tingling feeling in my fingers was back. My heart leapt faster and I couldn’t fight the smile, which threatened to break out of my blank look, anymore. I quickly looked down at my work. Then the passion was noticeable again. Feverishly, I started writing down word for word.

“You’re the greatest!,” I blurted out as I made my pen run the whole surface of the notepaper. Gosh! The tingling on my lips itched a bit as if I wanted more. My stomach dropped as I wrote the kissing scene. It was as if I was reliving it.

After that I don’t recall having left the prince alone, letting him sort out the whole thing by himself. After all the kiss was only meant for some inspiration or encouragement, right? Right? Sheesh, why does everyone make such a fuzz about some action?

During supper I kept feeling eyes on me. I bet they were glares from the prince himself. But I guess I’d forgotten where I was as soon suppertime came. I weaved my ‘magic’ into every page and chapter, concentrating deeply on my storyline. The story itself got a little weird, unlike my previous published books. My main character was getting a lot of traumas and psychological scenes. So the story was getting darker and darker by the minute. Even dangerous like more blood was spilling, more horrifying deaths. Definitely getting R-rated… though where the hell can romance fit in? Let the vamp get him? Or create a new character to pair up with him?

I wandered down the halls, hoping to find inspiration else where instead of facing the prince. After what had happened this morning he might be sorting out his murder plans. I swallowed. I better finish this book before it’s too late. I stopped near the stables. I wonder why my feet had taken me here.

“Omi?! Are you in there?,” I called out the stable lad with whom I’d befriended during my first two years. Lately he’d been having problems with the horses. They were in bad shape. I guess the king must have gone hunting the whole week.

“Ken-kun? Is that you?!,” Omi poked his head out of one of the stables. He’s cute. Heart shaped face, big cerulean eyes and dirty blonde hair framed his face. Sometimes he’s mistaken for a younger kid because of his image.

“Omi!”,

“Ken-kun!,”

Omi’s cerulean eyes sparkled as he saw me. I ran towards him. If this was some shoujo manga, this place might be filled with floating flowers, sparkling stars, big bubbles or maybe even hearts. But hey… I don’t really have those kinds of feelings for Omi. He’s a nice kid to talk too. Very strong spirited and intelligent, I might say. He’s like a little brother sometimes. I think my feet had carried me here because I was trying to avoid the prince as much as possible. I don’t want to die yet and besides my new book is still not finished.

“I haven’t seen you around. How are you?,” Omi threw his arms around my neck and gave me a big hug. I encircled him in my arms automatically. I can’t blame him for being so affectionate. I’ve been away from the stables for a few weeks. He might be worried.

“Quite ‘fine’! I’m sorry for not visiting you for so long. I’ve been busy with a new book. How are you then? Can you forgive your onii-chan for being away for so long? Hm?,” I answered truthfully and pulled myself away from Omi. He just smiled at me and touched my cheek. He always does that when he understands me.

“I understand, Ken-kun. I’m quite all right. Nothing really new except…” He smiled at me. I always wonder why his smiles sometimes differ from one another.

It’s as if he’s hiding a lot behind those smiles, afraid that he might be lying to himself or maybe just hiding something.

“Tsukiyono!” a new voice broke through our companionable silence. Both of us turned to look at the owner of the voice. The voice was kind of unfamiliar to me. Mellow and very composed. I wonder if he’s a new worker.

“Yes, Naoe-kun?” Omi pulled his hand away from my cheek and stuffed both of his hands behind his back.

Naoe-kun? Where have I heard that name before? I dug through my memories, trying to find something familiar with that name. I looked at Omi from the corners of my eyes. He looked a bit nervous and red too. Is he sick?

“Tsukiyono, have you eaten something yet?” a short lad walked into the barn with a tray. I knitted my eyebrows as the teenager approached us. He looks cute. Heart-shaped face with a pair of dark eyes and dark-brown hair framing his face. Somehow he has this strange sense about him.

He stopped mid-way and eyed me with a sharp look. I was taken aback by the sudden glare and then I felt myself being flung away. I yelped in surprise.

“Ken-kun!” Omi called out. I felt my back slam against the wooden walls. I faintly heard some cracks and my head registered: pain. Pain was everywhere in my body. Especially my back. After that… everything went black

*.*.*.*.

“Ken-kun is just a friend,”

Yeah, I know that voice. That’s Omi. Of course I’m just your friend. Who doesn’t know that?

Ugh! Where am I? Why’s everything so black?

“Why did you touch him like that?”

Whose voice is that? I heard this voice from somewhere. But where? And what do you mean by ‘Why did you touch him like that?’ It’s just Omi’s affectionate gesture of understanding.

Auw! My head. It’s heavy. And ‘someone’ is trying to knock sense into my head. Ugh! The throbbing hurts. Why is everything still black?

I heard Omi gasped.

“It’s nothing like that, Naoe-kun! You don’t understand. It’s just my way of showing understanding.” I wonder why his voice sounds so nervous or is it desperate? Naoe-kun? Hm… Yes! That’s the name of the other kid! But… why is Omi afraid of him?

Nervousness always accompanies fear. What did Naoe-kun do to my Omi? How did I end up in this darkness by the way?

“Understanding? You never understood me like that!”

I gulped without knowing. Why do I have this sinking feeling I’m a thorn, between two petals? That voice sounds so… so… so ‘wrong’. Not wrong in a negative way… just wrong in a strange way.

“That’s not true, Naoe-kun! You know that’s not true. I understand you, but not really like in Ken-kun’s case. He’s been busy for a while and might be lonely up there. In his room and books.”

I heard some feet shifting away.

Awww, Omi… so you saw through me anyways. Yes. It’s lonely up there in my room. Of course my lady visits me often, but that’s not really the company I yearn. Of course I follow the prince around, but that’s because he’s me muse. A muse that really doesn’t want to cooperate can’t fill the empty space in my heart. I guess I haven’t really noticed that I was so lonely.

I choked out a sob and opened my eyes desperately. I can’t believe I’m so lonely. I can’t believe it. Even with my naivety I feel so lonely. A fire burnt through the small hole in my heart. Heaviness dropped on to my chest. I couldn’t breathe properly. Is there something missing? I’ve my passion for writing, I’ve my soft spot for being too nice, I’ve my body to react athletically. I’ve my brains to save me from saying something stupid. What am I missing?

“Ken-kun, you’re a wake!” Omi exclaimed with joy. I can imagine how his face lit up. Those sparkles of life in his eyes. My ‘little brother’ saw through me. A pair of arms was thrown around my neck. Omi embraced me and pulled away.

“Ken-kun?” I looked at him through my blurred vision. I can imagine my eyes shining through the watery surface.

“Are you all right? What’s wrong?” Omi asked. Concern was clearly etched in his voice. Where is that Naoe-kun?

“I’m okay. It’s nothing” I waved his concern away and wiped my tears with me sleeve. I choked a bit.

“You heard, didn’t you?” Omi whispered and dropped his eyes.

“Nagi-kun didn’t mean to hurt you, Ken-kun! It’s just that I really don’t have ‘those feelings’ for you like what Nagi-kun thought!” he quickly blurted out and let his bangs obscure his face. I suppose he’s embarrassed. I wonder if Nagi-kun is Naoe-kun too.

“It’s alright… A small misunderstanding can sometimes be more horrible than this case” I looked around for a while. I’d been lying on some dry hay. So we’re still in the barn. Naoe-kun was standing at a distance. He was eyeing Omi cautiously. As soon as he met my eyes, he turned away.

“You must be Naoe Nagi” I blurted out without even knowing. As soon as my head had registered it down I widened my eyes. My mouth had been shooting off quite a few times.

“And you’re the writer Hidaka Ken” Great! He knows me. No need for introduction.

“Yes. Now that you know me I think I must have dropped here at the wrong time. If you’ll excuse me I’ll be on my way back to my room before anything bad happens” I plastered my famous grin on my face and pushed myself up. I staggered a little towards the walls.

“Careful…” Omi let me use his hand to steady myself. “I’m okay” I smiled faintly and pulled myself free from Omi’s protective gesture. I guess I wobbled my way out of the barn. Visiting Omi that night wasn’t a good idea after all. I sighed and leaned against the nearest pole. My back ached and my feet were a bit heavier than usual. Do I wear shackles all the sudden?

“I’m sorry, Omi-kun” I faintly heard Nagi apologize. Since when did he use Omi’s first name? Talking about knowing this little guy. I remember Omi telling me about this ‘creepy kid’ when he and I became friends. This ‘creepy kid’ always has these dark looks on his face and doesn’t let anyone near him. Maybe Naoe-kun is this creepy kid. I wonder if Omi had made friends with him during my absence. After all a kid needs someone from around his age sometimes, right? But I also remember Omi being scared of him. The ‘creepy kid’ kept following him around. I frowned… why is this whole thing a mess?! Augh! My head hurts. I grabbed my head and sunk down on my knees.

“It’s okay Nagi-kun. I know Ken-kun. He understands”

“I shouldn’t have thrown him like that”

That caught my attention. Nagi didn’t even touch me! So how the heck did I get thrown to the walls?

“That’s because he’s a telekinesis. He can use force to move stuff” the voice startled me. I gasped and shot my head up. A pair of twinkling green eyes met mine.