The kiss caught me by surprise. In the kiss, I felt much more than desperation. Chance was trying to get me to see that he really did care about me. He really, truly wanted to be with me. It was heart shattering how sad the situation really was.
When I didn't respond, he pulled away. "Why?" he asked, his voice shaken. "What is wrong with me?"
I placed a hand on his shoulder. "There isn't anything wrong with you. Well, other than the fact that you keep going after a woman who already is happily taken. That's a little disturbed." I smiled, teasing him.
His face was sad, and his eyes were depressed. "What do we do now?"
I was serious again. "Well, I'd love to still be friends? But, you can't keep coming on to me."
"I don't want to stop fighting for you when I know I'd make a better match than Shunsuke would. You can never forget me. We have way too much history. And can you really say that he isn't intimidated by knowing that? Or that you have been with other guys? You don't think that bothers him?" Chance's face was contorted. He was scary right now.
"Shunsuke knows all about it, and he assured me it was fine," I said.
"But he's lying. Don't you see that?" Chance said in exasperation. "It bothers him deeply, but he's too nice of a guy to say anything. And, how do you know he isn't having fun with the maids and servants now while you guys are in different rooms?"
I frowned at him, "Don't talk about Shunsuke as if you know him. Shunsuke is a good guy, and I know he would never do that to me." I turned and went out onto the balcony. "Chance, you are making me regret coming here. I don't need this from you right now."
He joined me, his hair ruffled by the breeze. "I can't help the way I feel."
"But you can help talking to me about it. I'm sorry, I truly am, but I simply cannot return the feelings. Now, I think you should go."
"Are you going to tell Shunsuke what happened?" he asked. There was no hint of concern in his voice.
I nodded. "Yes, I feel like I should, even if nothing happened. I don't want any secrets between us. Not anymore."
"I'd wait till morning. He's probably sleeping by now."
I nodded. "You're right. It was a long day."
"I'll take my leave then," he said. "Sleep tight."
I nodded. "Good night, Chance."
~.~
Chance, after he had shut the door to Kayden's room walked down the corridor with a new plan in mind. If he couldn't get Kayden to leave the loser, then he'd just have to get Shunsuke to leave her. Once he found out what happened, it would be the end of their relationship, and he would be on the first portal home.
Knocking softly on Shunsuke's door, he waited until he came and opened the door and let him in. "Chance, what are you doing here this late?" Shunsuke asked.
Chance stood near the window. "I just wanted to come and clear the air between us. I feel like we didn't have a very good start. So, let's start over," Chance said with a smile.
Shunsuke returned the smile, "Sure, ok."
Chance kissed Shunsuke's forehead and pulled him into a hug. "Hi, I'm Chance."
Shunsuke awkwardly returned the gesture. "Shunsuke."
"So, how are things between you and Kayden?"
Shunsuke smiled at her name. It made Chance envious of what the two had. But, yet, he felt sorry for the poor human for not having had Kayden like he himself had. "We're good. Great, actually. I feel like coming here was the right thing to do."
Chance let a hint of sadness flicker over his features. "I'm glad things seem to be good between you two."
"Seem? And what's with the sad face?" Shunsuke asked.
Chance turned to Shunsuke, putting a hand on each shoulder. "Friends tell other friends what their mates are doing behind their backs, right?"
Shunsuke frowned at this, "Uh, yes, I guess they would."
"Then I feel like it is my job to tell you that Kayden has not been faithful."
"What do you mean?" Shunsuke asked, worry flickering over his face. Chance could see the fear in his eyes.
"Well, I went into her room, to congratulate her about the two of you," Chance said. He sighed, "I feel like I'm going to look like the bad guy here. But, we were just talking out on the balcony when she suddenly grabbed me and kissed me. I'm not going to lie, but I kissed her back. She wanted more, but I pulled away. She pleaded with me to keep it a secret, but I thought it would be best if you knew."
Shunsuke frowned, shaking his head. "No, Kayden would never do that to me. I don't believe you."
Chance made a sad face, "Then, why am I the one telling you and not her?"
