Keeping Secrets *Mitsuhide x OC*(COMPLETE)

Alone Together Part 1

My eyes wander the ballroom as people talk and dance. I'd taken up residence against the wall by the doors with Kiki on the other side. I've seen Obi a few times sneaking through the crowds to pilfer food and drink off the passing trays before retreating back to the shadows to eat. I've yet to see Prince Zen and Reila though. I'm still not sure how to react from her dream last week where she'd asked me not to leave her. When she woke a short time later she didn't mention it so I wonder if she simply didn't remember it. I definitely wasn't going to bring it up. It makes me curious to know if she is as sad about her leaving as I am.

I spot Zen walking in from the balcony but my eyes immediately move to Reila who is walking beside him. It's like the air has been stolen from my lungs and everyone else is gone. She looks absolutely beautiful in a pale blue gown. Her hair has been put into curls that rest around her shoulders. I feel something touch my chin and push upward then hear snickering.

"She's breathtaking, isn't she?"

I tear my gaze away from her to find Obi staring at me with a pointed look.

"She is." I admit.

"Just think, if you would have told her how you felt, you could be out there dancing with her right now."

I roll my eyes. "I'm working. I'm not exactly in attendance."

"As if you couldn't slip away for one dance. I've danced with three women so far, Kiki is even dancing right now."

I follow his finger to where Kiki is reluctantly dancing with one of the guests. We can't exactly deny them if they ask.

"If you won't dance with her, perhaps I will."

I shoot him a glare and subtly kick him in the shin. "Stop doing that. Every time I give you sound reasoning on why I can't just do whatever I want, you threaten to do it instead, hoping that I'll suddenly do it."

"It worked when I took her to the gardens, didn't it?"

"And you got punched in the mouth for it... Hello Miss Reila."

I look away from Zen being forcefully pulled into a dance by a sour-faced girl in a pink dress to Reila who is smiling up at us. I smile involuntarily as my eyes meet hers, until Obi elbows me in the ribs so I shoot him a harsh glare.

"Are you two fighting again?" She sighs.

"We wouldn't dream of it Miss Reila. I was just telling Mitsuhide he should loosen up and have a little fun." Obi grins as he kisses her hand. "You look absolutely ravishing Miss. Perhaps I could steal you away for a dance later?"

"I'd like that. You both look handsome tonight. Black really suits you Obi, though your outfit seems a bit fancy for your tastes."

"It is highly uncomfortable..." He mutters as he absently tugs on the collar. "Enjoy your night, Miss, I'll find you later for our dance." He winks at her before trying to disappear into the crowd, but I watch him get pulled into a dance instead.

"Are you enjoying your night? I can't imagine it could be too fun simply watching over everything though."

"Watching you have fun is enough for me, Miss Reila. I enjoy seeing you happy."

Mitsuhide- I was, well, I-" She stutters out, her eyes dropping to the floor as her hands fidget with her dress. "-would you like to-" Her eyes move toward the crowd before returning to the floor.

I grin as her cheeks tint pink. "I would love to dance with you, Miss."

She seems relieved and I'm glad I guessed right on what she was asking.

I take her hand and lead her to the floor as I try not to focus on the fact that I actually get to dance with her. As we dance I feel myself relax slightly so I can enjoy the moment. This may be the only time that I will ever get to dance with Reila, so I'm not going to let anything, let alone my own mind, ruin this. I notice that her focus is only on me as we move, a slight blush still on her face, but she looks happy. I'm glad.

"Thank you for dancing with me, Mitsuhide."

"There's no need to thank me. I'd hoped that I would get the opportunity."

Her eyes widen slightly at my confession. "Why?"

I take a calming breath and I feel my resolve crumble. I'm going to end up telling her.

"Can I talk freely with yo-"

"Can I cut in?"

Disappointment flickers across her face before getting replaced by a soft smile. It's Prince Raji from Tanbarun. She can't deny him. I release her and press a kiss to her hand before letting him lead her away. As disappointed as I am, he may have just saved me. I head out to the balcony to clear my head. I think I got caught up in the moment. It's like I told Obi, there's no point in telling her. She's leaving in three days.

"What happened out there? Things were going so well! I swear it looked like you were going to kiss her."

"Go away Obi." I sigh without looking up from the grounds.

He ignores me and settles on the railing beside me.

"She's in there dancing with Prince Raji now. How did it go from you two acting like you're the only ones in the world to handing her off to a prince, an eligible prince?"

"I will shove you off this balcony." I threaten halfheartedly. "She can't exactly deny him the dance, especially since they both are eligible." A harsh chuckle leaves my lips. "They could even end up marrying."

A slap rings out across the balcony. "Snap out of it Mitsuhide! The more you try to fight your feelings the worse is going to be. Things won't change if you refuse to even try."

I grab his ankle before shoving him off the railing, letting him dangle in my grip. The drop wouldn't kill him but I'm sure it wouldn't feel pleasant.

"Don't slap me, Obi. You can be as hopeless romantic as you like, but it doesn't change reality. I can't lose someone who isn't mine. Who can't be mine. Leave it be, there's nothing that can be done."

With a sigh, I drag him back up to safety.