AN: Since this takes place in an AU, assume major events and character relationships do not occur/exist unless otherwise mentioned. Our protagonists are adults now, approximately 10 years after high school. There will be some OOC to fit the plot, but hopefully minimal. Keep your eyes peeled for movie and pop-culture references.

My first attempt at a multi chapter story with weekly updates. Hope you enjoy and please take care of me!

Dedicated to my ever-loving, long-suffering husband on our anniversary. Thank you for being my perverted alien!

Disclaimer: I do not own KWMS. All honor and glory to Hiro Fujiwara-san! Nor do I own any other fairy tales or stories.

Chapter 1 - "Office Space", Mike Judge, 1999.

Once upon a time, in a far off land, at the top of an ivory tower toiled a young lad. In contrast to the luxurious surroundings, his workspace was small and Spartan. He was inconspicuous in every way. His clothing was plain, his hair was messy, his glasses were dorky. He spent every day hunched over banging away at his thankless tasks. Despite the never-ending stream of paperwork, he took pride in his work and dedication. This rather unremarkable sounding fellow was your typical overworked office drone. Or was he?


A large stack of important looking documents was unceremoniously dumped onto Usui's desk. Not bothering to look up, he kept humming to himself and typing away at the keyboard of the computer wedged in between two more towering piles of papers. It seemed as if he was sitting in the middle of a forest with all the mountains of dead, flattened trees surrounding him. "Make sure those TPS reports are all completed and filed before tomorrow morning's meeting" commanded the dark haired, blue-eyed young man, "and don't forget the new coversheets! I'll send you another copy of the memo, mm-kay." (1) He exuded an arrogant confidence as he sauntered away, pausing briefly at the door to his office to admire the golden plaque on the dark wood, engraved with his name followed by those three lovely letters: CEO.

Usui sighed. The lanky blond removed his thick-rimmed glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Tired emerald eyes blinked sluggishly. Glancing at the new pile, he quickly calculated the additional time he would need to remain at the office tonight before running his hand through an unruly mop of stringy yellow hair. Smirking to himself, he grabbed his trusty red Swingline stapler and began sorting the new documents and attaching the coversheets, softly whistling while he worked.


It was just before midnight when Usui trudged up the path leading to the back entrance of Walker Manor. Slipping quietly through the servant's door, he clambered up the back staircase, taking the worn wooden steps two at a time. He grimaced slightly at the squeak of the hinges as he opened the heavy door to his sparsely furnished attic sanctuary. Lucky for him the ceilings were high; otherwise, he would have to hunch his back. Crossing the rough-cut floorboards, he tossed his wrinkled suit jacket onto the well-worn leather couch and set his battered briefcase on the low coffee table; its surface decorated with watermarks and stains from many a cup of tea. He waltzed over to the makeshift kitchen and grabbed some ingredients out of the mini-fridge. A flurry of chopping ensued, followed by a satisfying sizzle from the skillet balanced carefully on an old hotplate. A few moments later, with a delectable smell emanating from his plate, he plopped down on the couch to enjoy the omurice.

After filling his stomach, he washed the dishes in the only sink, which did double duty as both kitchen and bathroom sink. A furry ball suddenly shot out from a dark corner and latched its claws onto his legs. Unconcerned he reached down and patted the cat on the head. "I guess you want your dinner too, Licht." He shook some dry kibble into a bowl and set a small saucer of milk next to it where upon it was immediately pounced on.

Deciding to forego a shower until the morning, he headed over to the window seat flanked on either side by a pair of rickety bookcases teaming with well-worn volumes. The small window afforded an excellent view of the lush grounds and was perfect for curling up with a good book. However tonight, Usui was too tired to read and it was too dark to admire the greenery. He settled for gazing out the window at the twinkling stars in the sky. Suddenly he saw a bright light streak across the inky darkness. Much to the dismay of his brain, his heart swelled and made a wish. A wish for something more in his life, more excitement, more passion, and dare he think it, more love. Yawning, he stood and meandered over to the comfortable couch. He stretched out on it, grabbed his soft blanket, and promptly fell asleep humming a familiar tune about wishing upon a star. (2)

1 – "Office Space", US movie, Mike Judge, 1999

2 – "Pinocchio", US movie, Norman Ferguson, et al, 1940