Wow, I started this two months ago and I leave it alone for this long? O.o I'm really sorry for not updating sooner. But to be honest, I sorta rushed into it and then I didn't know how to execute it after that. Sooo, after a two month hiatus, I finally worked on the plot more and I was also motivated by you guys reviewing, favoring and following still even though I almost gave up on it.

Please enjoy and review:)

With a full moon tonight, the four of us were given enough light to play... Well, more for the others, to be frank. Hanabusa, Ruka, and Akatsuki were playing in a oval shaped sandbox. Akatsuki and Ruka were building a sand castle, though they were still trying to start the building blocks of the structure. Hanabusa had a bucket of greenish blue marbles that filled to the brim. One by one, he placed each orb into a plastic tube. Though I sat far from him, he heard him explain that he was testing the strength of sand material. In my opinion, he was too smart for his own good. Even though this was my first time meeting him in person, I already had a feeling what kind of person he was.

But I guess I shouldn't judge him. He is at least playing with his cousins and socializing. And me? I was watching them from afar, sitting on my knees and leaning my back into the lamppost that was a few feet away from them, and not even really watching them to begin with. I was staring at nothing in particular. Occasionally, I looked up at the shining jewel-like stars and made up my own constellation to past the time. My favorite thing about it was naming them... but I was too embarrassed to ever tell anyone the names I came up with; yet I still gave them stupid names.

Once or twice, I caught the tan-skinned boy taking a quick glance at me when I wasn't looking. I don't know if he noticed, but I knew he was looking my way, even if it was only a few second stare. I tried to pretend he wasn't, for I felt like an idiot for omitting myself from them. I don't know what he is thinking because of his apathetic face, except of a rare smile that I only seen once since he and Ruka arrived, but placing myself in his shoes, he's probably thinking of how strange I am.

He, himself, might not be thinking it, but his cousins probably were.

After all, I would think the same if I saw a girl with a bandage over her eye that barely covers her scars, sitting by herself with a blank expression on her face.

Just sitting here, by myself, made it seem like hours have flow by. I rested my hands on my lap, lightly flicking the fat loop of the blue bow that was attached to the near end of the hem to my dress. I know Uncle wants me to get my mind off of what happened, but, to be honest, I wasn't in the mood to even play. It's only been an hour since I came home from the hospital. Right now, I had no desire to be around anyone; I wanted to be alone. It may seem shrewd to say it out loud, but my eye was beating like a heart, radiating with pain with each imitated pulse, and that pain was causing me to have the worst headache.

I lower my head, bringing my open hand to my face and resting it in my palm. The headache was becoming unbearable, like someone had taken the organ from my head, abused it brutally, and placed it back in. But the doctor did tell me that the trauma wasn't uncommon to cause this kind of pain. Yet it has been nearly a few weeks now. I thought the pain and the scars would disappear already...

Akatsuki must have saw the pained look on my face... because when I removed my hand, there he was; standing just a few inches from me with a concerned gaze. Sheepishly, I politely give him my attention and also tried to fight back the urge to look away so he couldn't see my face.

"Hey, are you all right? Are you in pain?" The gingered hair boy asks. Though his voice was a little monotone, I could hear that he was worried; which displeased me.

Giving into the urge to look away, that is what I did with a indifferent look on my face. I didn't want him see anymore of my damaged face as much as possible, so I turned my head to the right so only the left side of my face was visible to him.

"It's... I'm fine. But thank you for asking." I spoke as kindly as possible, but my voice cracked when a sudden jolt of pain hit my brain like a bat to the head.

I looked out of the corner of my eye, and I could see he didn't believe me.

"Then why are you sitting all the way over here? If it's about Hana-"

"It has nothing to do with him!" I interrupted. "I... just want to be alone."

"Is that really the reason?"

"Yes."

"But I don't want you to be sitting here by yourself. It's a little sad, to be frank." The vein in my head popped from my forehead. I clutch the hem of my dress as tightly as I could and clenched my teeth. I was starting to get annoyed by his constant persistence. I can hear in his voice that he's concern, but doesn't he understand that I'm in no mood?

"If something's wrong, then-"

"Nothing's wrong! Now get away from me!" I shouted with my sight in his direction. My eyebrows bending in annoyance, I no longer cared if he glued his eyes to my disgusting face. Both Ruka and Hanabusa heard my yell, promoting them to take their eyes off of what they were doing and they stared at me attentively. Hanabusa raised an eyebrow at me, likely annoyed of being distracted from his "experiment". With all their attention on me, I feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment as I turn away from their stares. But when I looked back at Akatsuki, he looked more sadden than he did before. Regretful, I lower my gaze.

"I'm sorry. I'm not mad at you; I didn't mean to yell..." I said softly

Akatsuki sighs. "It's fine. Please don't worry about it, Hitomi-sama." As soon as his words hit home, I gave him a questioning look. We were about the same age, so why would he refer to me with "sama"? It was too honorable for me.

"Huh? Why did you put "sama" in my name." I asked.

"I was told about your parents. They were very kind and respectful people, I heard. I only wish to treat their daughter the same."

I felt my face unintentionally paint a slightly amazed expression. I was a bit surprised to see how respectful he was. I don't judge only by appearances alone, but to me, he was like someone who didn't really care about much that goes on around him. Again, his facial expression is what made me think as much. Yet I can respect his concern that he's showing me.

I stand to my feet, shaking off the numbness in my legs

"That's kind of you." I said while gazing at my feet. I lift my eyesight from the ground and encourage myself to lock with his fire-like orbs. "But please, using "sama" with my name is too formal."

"Then... how do I address you?"

I clasp my hands to the front of my waist and grace a small smile. "Please, just Hitomi is fine."

Akatsuki raises an eyebrow, and I don't blame him for doing such. We Aristocratic vampires live by formalities. But I was raised differently than that.

"Isn't that too informal?" he says.

I cock my head as I reply. "Maybe, but my Father taught me that being too formal causes misunderstanding and discomfort; he's a very wise person, so I go by what he said."

Maybe he saw the carefree, laid-back logic in Father's words, but Akatsuki chuckles softly and smiles a somewhat unnoticeable one. I couldn't help but keep smiling along with him as I tried to choke back my own chuckle.

"Your father seems like a very smart man."

With another mention of father, my stomach began to flutter like butterflies have been set free. My sudden better mood was becoming somber and depressing. Even as I continue to smile, it was a sad one, and I only prayed that Akatsuki doesn't notice it. My eyes left his and I stare back down at the cement ground.

"Yes... he was." I mutter sadly. As soon as those words escaped me, my eye began to sting and my sight became blurred by the unshed tears that I tried to keep in. The longer that I tried to hold it back, the back of my throat began to ache and I couldn't keep my sudden whimpers silent. Raising a clenched fist to my lips, I shut my eye, trying as hard as I could to hide my tear filled orb. My body began to shake the harder I tried not to cry, but it was useless as I felt a wet, warm tear stream down my cheek.

Suddenly, I felt a comforting hand placed on my shoulder, the hand gently tighten its grip and held firmly in place. I opened my eye, and I saw Kain tuck his hand into his sleeve. After he does, he wipes away the tear that hung on my jaw line and he traced it from there to the stain on my cheek.

"I'm really sorry, Hitomi" he conveyed in a kind and warm tone. Feeling my cheeks heat up, Akatsuki continues as he untucks his hand from his sleeve. My eyes never leaving his. "I didn't mean to bring him up."

Sheepishly, I shook my head while keeping a smile on my face. Raising my hand to my eyes, I dig away any tears that were still trapped before I look back at him with a thankful expression.

"It's okay. I was the one who brought him up; you did nothing wrong." I beamed.

"Are you sure? If I done something to make you sad-"

"You haven't, though." I interrupted. Before I continue, I reach gently for his hand that he had on my shoulder, and I removed the said limb, lowering it down and latching both of my hands around his palm with a gentle squeeze. Looking back into his fire-brunt orange eyes, I realized how beautiful they were; color like from a fire opal, radiating his calm and kind aura. It seemed the longer I stared into them, the more I became memorized. He... was beautiful; inside and out. I was still dumbfounded by the fact he's related to Hanabusa, someone who is the complete opposite of each other like fire and ice.

With his hand between both of mine, I considerately tighten my hold as a way to assure him that I was all right. We barely even met, and yet, he was trying to comfort me. The fact that he doesn't glare at me or my eye patch strangely or with disgust was enough for me to think highly of him; he looked at me like I was... normal. That, to him, my ill-looking face didn't exist.

"You've been really kind to me. And I appreciated it, a lot more than you think." I said, removing my right hand and resting it on the top of his. "I just... have many things on my mind right now. I'm not in the best of moods, so please don't take my frustration to heart."

The tan-skinned boy graces a small tender smile, but it quickly became more sincere when he says.

"Are you all right now?"

"Huh?" Understanding what he meant, I turn my gaze from him and narrow my eyes to the ground, removing my hands from him and wrapping them around each opposite forearm. Truthfully, I didn't how to answer his question without being blunt and honest about how I felt. I was scared. That man... He literally disappeared after he murdered my parents; the Hunter Association, whom my family had good terms with, did investigate the incident. But they came up with nothing. For all I know, he could be watching me from afar, wanting to take his chance to finish what he started.

When I was in the hospital, I would wake up screaming and crying for hours. The nurse would try to comfort me and the doctors tried to use sedation to ease me, but nothing could take away the nightmares that dig at me like knives.

I narrow my eyes more, lowering my head away from his gaze.

"I... haven't told anyone this, but some probably already figured it out," Tightening my grip on my forearms, I begin to feel a sting of regret for my next words to come.

"I've been scared..." I feel my body cringe from those words. "I keep thinking of that night, and nothing else. It's got to the point that I can't sleep, I don't feel safe anymore. But to answer your question, I guess... I'd be lying if I said I'm all right."

After I finish, I awaited for Akatsuki to say something, but it felt like he was staring at me, dumbfound, for the longest time. My bangs covered my eyes, so I couldn't see him from the corner of my sight. I didn't want to see his expression at all. I'm sure he looked like someone who looked down on a lost puppy with pity. But when I finally was brave enough to stop looking at the ground and lock my attention with his, he didn't seem to pity. He seemed sincere. I could tell just from the look in his eyes.

Out of nowhere, Akatsuki took hold of my hand and started to drag me along with him as he walked back to his cousins. I exclaim as I try to stop him, but he kept a firm grip on my hand despite that I pried at it and tried to lean back from his pull.

"Akatsuki, stop! What are you doing!?" I shout, hating how desperate my voice sounded at the time. "Let go... of my hand!" No matter how much I tried to jerk away, he was stronger than me? I felt like a helpless child, fighting against the will of their parent as he dragged me closer to his cousins. Suddenly, before I even realized it, he lets go of my hand. I look and saw him taking a seat next the pale brown haired girl in the sand. Ignoring the blonde boy's glare face and Ruka's curious expression, I confusingly cock my head.

"Akatsuki, what are you...?"

The ginger-haired boy then points next to him at a spot in the sand, as if he was instructing me to seat next to him. Thinking that was the assumption, my cheeks heat up; I cursed myself for this feeling I couldn't control. But I shook my head lightly.

"Thank you, but I don't want to-"

"Sit down, Hitomi, and play with us."

Is he... serious? Mentally, I sighed. But when I think about, if I was in his shoes, if someone went through what I had and they tell me what I said... I wouldn't want that person by themselves. So he's... trying to make me feel comfortable? After our little staring contest, I gave in. I step into the oval structure and position myself next to him, brushing down the end of my dress as I sat on my knees. Turning my head towards him, he smiled tenderly at me, and I couldn't help but feel a smile come across my face.

"So, what kind of things do you like?" He said as he took a bucket of sand and tips it upside.

"Hmm? Why do you ask?"

"Does it matter? I want to know."

Though I knew I sounded like I was stupid, I did understand the point of his question. But I didn't know what to say, not because I couldn't find the words, but I just didn't like to talk about myself much. I always felt like I was being arrogant when I said anything that was related to me; I prefer others to see what and who I am beside me just saying it aloud. As he starts on his sand castle, he would look my way, waiting for me to answer. Again, I sigh and give in.

Scooting closer, I help them with their sand castle besides sitting quietly while I answered his question.

"Well... I like cute things; sometimes, I like to read manga; I also like to play the piano, but I'm not as good as my mother."

Akatsuki turns to me and says. "You can play the piano? What songs can you play?"

"Um, not many, I'm afraid. But I do know how to play this one piece my mother made herself, but again, I'm not very good."

"Either way, I'd like to hear it."

My cheeks heat from the small smile he was giving me. Shaking it off, I try to change the subject, patting my hands on the slowly building construction. I wasn't really even trying to help, I merely randomly patted on the lumps of sand that they were using to hopefully change the subject. Out of the corner of my sight, Akatsuki still had a little smile going as he continued his project.

"So, um... What kind of things do you like, Akatsuki?" I spoke to him, but I didn't look in his direction.

"Hm? Is it your turn to ask?"

"Um, I'm only curious. And besides, it's not polite for me not to ask you too."

Seeing Akatsuki open his mouth to speak, we all perk our ears when I hear the voice of uncle call my name from behind us. Akatsuki and I turn in unison to see Uncle come up from behind us with a smile on his face. Uncle then kneels down and pats my head, chuckling softly.

"I'm glad to see you're getting along with everyone, my dear."

Feeling a faint blush paint my cheeks, I give Uncle a gentle smile and a tiny nod.

"Mm-hm. They've been very nice to me." But I knew I wasn't telling the whole truth since Hanabusa glares at me and Ruka hasn't spoken a word since she came here.

"That's wonderful to hear." Uncle replies as he stands back on his feet.

"I'm sorry to pull you away, but I have someone I'd like for you to meet." Uncle says as he extends a open hand to me. I reluctantly took it and allowed him to help me to my feet. To be honest, I actually wanted to stay. In this short time, I was beginning to feel like myself again. Like "that night" never happened, and I was enjoying playing. As I walk with Uncle, I turned and saw Akatsuki waving a small wave at me. I smile, and I return the same, but it wasn't enough for me.

"Wait, Uncle. I want to do something first." I exclaim, releasing my hold on his hand. Sprinting to Akatsuki, I respectfully bow to him, clasping my hands to the front of my waist as I straighten my posture. With a small grin, I said.

"Thank you, Akatsuki, for being nice to me."

"You're welcome, Hitomi. But can you promise me something?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"The next time we play together again, follow your father's words: Don't so formal. Act like yourself."

Again feeling my cheeks heat up, I nod.

"S-Sure."

Hesitating for a moment, I turned my back to him, but I couldn't fight the urge to do what I was about to do. Twisting around to face him, I wrapped my arms around his torso, causing a surprised gasp to escape him. I tighten my hug around him, noting to myself of how much I was going to regret this. Before Akatsuki could say anything, I released the gingered hair boy from my hug, then turning my back to him as I walked to Uncle, who was waiting patiently.

I looked back with a smile.

"...Thanks"

And with that, I took back Uncle's hand and he lead me back to the house... all the while, my head was filled with so much nostalgia than I could contain.

I haven't felt normal like this in the longest time.

Once we were back in the house, Uncle leads me into the dining room. I raised an eyebrow when we walked in to see a bulk man sitting at the table. Uncle clears his throat to gain his attention. The man turns to see us and a smile graced his handsome face.

He had jagged-layered, medium length, black hair and eyes that were as green as emeralds. Despite that he was very intimidating in size, from his towering height, masculine broad jaw line, and his strong physique, he had a very kind looking face.

"Hitomi, I'd like you to meet a associate of mine." Uncle introduces with a smile.

The man stood up from his seat and walked over to me. I was almost tempted to take steps away from the colossal giant. When he stood up, he was much taller than I expected. He kneels to my height and he continues to smile as he said.

"So, you're the beautiful Hitomi Takumora. Is that correct?" His voice was incredibly deep and hoarse, but it didn't hide a certain gentleness and warmth; I liked it. Sheepishly, I clasp my hands to the front of my waist and I respectfully bowed.

"Um, y-yes. I-I am. Pleased t-to meet y-you." I stammered. Mentally, I wanted to kick myself so hard for being like this. It made it worse when he softly chuckles and pats my head with his massive hand. With nothing to do, I slink back behind Uncle's leg and took hold of his pant-leg, hiding a portion of my face behind it. My face was so red and my stomach was unbelievably twisted, I thought I was becoming sick.

"Oh my, it seems I made our little friend uncomfortable." he jokes.

Uncle laughs along with him, it only resulting in me wanting to hide myself in a shell.

"Back to the subject at hand," Uncle says as he wipes away a tear from his eye. "Hitomi, this is Maebara Usakai, he is a work colleague and friend to your father. He came here to meet you."

"You know... my father?"

The moment those words left my mouth, the kind smile on the male's face darken, his eyes narrowed down at me. He nods, standing back to his feet and bowing slightly to me.

"Yes, I do. A wonderful man and friend if I ever met one. He helped me a great deal when I lost my wife years ago, and I'd be glad to extend the same helping hand to you as he did for me."

Watching his face as he talked, every word he spoke made him look even more sad. I wish I was taller so I could hug him; I didn't like seeing him with such a sadden looking expression. Interrupted from my train of thought, Uncle says.

"Please, you two. Have a seat and we can talk."

Taking a seat at the far end of the table, I watched as Uncle and Maebara-sama took a seat on each opposite side of the table. Once they situated themselves, Maebara-sama clasped his hands together and rested them on the table. Both he and Uncle look at me in unison.

"Now, before we start, I wanted to ask you a few questions, Hitomi. If you don't mind." Maebara asks. I reply with a nod of my head and he smiles.

"Now, Hitomi. I understand that you had trouble talking to the authorities about what happened. I hate to ask you this, but could you explain to us what happened and what you saw. And don't worry, everything you tell us, stays with us. But if you're not comfortable with talking about it, we'll understand."

"N-No. It's all right."

I was doubtful at first. I didn't say anything to the police or the Hunter Association because I was afraid. The hunters, especially. I understand that they would want to be involved if one of their own did what they did, but I'm not as ignorant as they seem to believe. I could tell from the tone in their voices that what that man did to me wasn't their concern; passive, uncaring, and demanding. But I was a good judge of character. And Maebara-sama was a friend to my father. My heart told me to trust him, but my mind was setting off warnings. But I ignore the alarms and sigh.

"I... I don't know. I woke up around... midnight, I think. It was night and it was a full moon, and the smell of smoke was everywhere. Suddenly, I heard what sounded like gunshot, and then I heard Mother screaming. And another shot came. When I left my room, the hallways were on fire. I didn't know what to do, but I wanted to find Mother and Father. I was able to reach their study room, but..."

Memories began to swirl in my thoughts. Seeing my mother, covered in blood and tears, and the horrible smile from "him" as if he was enjoying every moment of it, was enough to give any sane person nightmares. I couldn't control the trembling that suddenly decided to attack my body. Biting down the inside of my cheek, I clench my hands onto the fabric of my dress and my eye began to sting and blur.

As if sensing my fear, Uncle reached out and took hold of my hand, lightly tightening his grip as a way to say, "I'm here."

"...But when I opened the door, I saw him, standing over Mama and P-Papa. Papa was laying on the ground and Mama was crying, while he held the gun towards her head. Then he... he-"

I couldn't talk anymore. When I tried to get the words out, I suddenly felt my lung collapse, and I started to in and exhale in short gasps. I squeezed Uncle's hand as hard as I could, feeling the warmth of his hand was the one thing that reminded me that it wasn't happening all over again.

"I'm sorry, Hitomi. You don't have to say anymore, you've been very helpful." Maebara-sama regrets.

Able to catch my breath and calm my breathing, I shook my head as I wiped away the tears in my eye before it fell.

"Please don't say sorry, Maebara-sama. I want to do what I can to help you, so I'll be fine."

The older male smiles. "That's very mature of you."

However, his smile quickly dissipates and a serious form takes its place. "But one last thing I need to ask you."

"Maebara, please. The poor girl is still traumatized by the whole incident. We don't need to bring back-"

"It's fine, Uncle." I interrupted as respectful as I could.

"Hitomi?" Uncle questions.

Looking into his eyes, I could tell he could see right through me; he knew that I was still scared. If my still trembling hand did give it away, my obviously false bravery did.

"If anything I say about that night helps find the one responsible, then I don't mind."

Uncle was hesitate for a moment before he gave an approving nod and smiled. Maebara rested his chin on his raised intertwined knuckles and gives a soft, "Hm."

"I can see you have your father's determination. He used to have that same glint in his eye when his mind was focused on something."

Naturally, I was humbled by his compliment.

"Ask your question, Maebara. This isn't the time to drift down memory line." Uncle states.

"Huh? Oh, my apologies." Once he clears his throat, he turns to me and asks.

"Now, sweetheart, I want you to think back. Can you tell me what he looked like? Hair or eye color? Any notable facial features?"

Strangely, as much as I didn't want to remember, I looked back at it and I couldn't picture his face. Not his hair or eye color nor any notable facial features that I saw. I tried to focus harder on the man's face, but no matter the effort, the smoke from the fire was his mask that covered him. But the only thing I remembered was that sickening smile of his, again.

Locking back with his green orbs, I regrettably shook my head.

"No. I'm afraid that I can't remember anything. Everything is black after that."

Maebara sighs, giving a dissatisfied look as he rubbed both of his closed eyelids tiredly. Suddenly, his smile returns as if he felt he was hurting my feelings from his act.

"Thank you, Hitomi. You've been very helpful. Now, onto the task at hand."

Maebara-sama rests his hand back on the table and directs his attention to Uncle.

"I came to inform you that I've already made the funeral arrangements. Though I can imagine that Hitomi needs time to rest, so I scheduled in one weeks time. Unfortunately, members of the Senate wish to attend. Is that all right?"

Uncle nods. "Yes, it is. You just took a little weight off my shoulders. Thank you."

"It was my pleasure. After all, I still own a debt to the Takumora family."

While they were talking, I suddenly notice the door that lead to the hallway suddenly close out of nowhere. Curiously cocking my head, I tug on Uncle's arm to get his attention.

"Hm? What is it, Hitomi?"

"Is it all right if I excuse myself? I'm not feeling too well."

"Oh, of course. Please, get some rest. And if you need anything, please inform one of the servants."

"I will, thank you."

Slipping off of the chair, I turn to Maebara and bow.

"Have a good morning, Maebara-sama. And thank you for everything."

The black-haired man gave me another of his tender smiles, causing my cheeks to again heat up.

"It was my pleasure, Hitomi. Please, get well soon."

I smiled to him, turning my back from them and headed for the door. As I reached for the door handle, I stopped halfway when out of nowhere, I heard what sounded like muffled yelling and scurrying of numerous feet. Pulling the door fully open, I was dumbfounded to see that the hallway was empty. Closing the door behind me once I was in the corridor, I made my way towards the stairs. But I caught something out of the corner of my left eye quickly run away from the end of the hall.

At first, I was wondering. But when I saw a shred of what looked like blonde hair, I knew who it was. Right now, the pain in my head was returning, and I had no effort to track him down to ask if he heard everything we were discussing. Though I shouldn't care. He probably knows already before Uncle took me in, and if he did, I just hope he didn't hear the full details. He'd probably get a sick stomach.

Chuckling at the thought, I yawn as I head back to my room, welcoming the sleep that I've been lacking.

Just in time, the blonde boy genius, along with the ginger haired boy, were huffing as they hid past the corridor as Hitomi stepped out of the room. Akatsuki peeked from the corner to see if Hitomi caught on. However, he sees the platinum blonde stop abruptly and stood with a curious look on her porcelain face. With her right eye blind, Hitomi looked out of her left eye for only a split second. Strangely, a small smile came, and a chuckle followed. Akatsuki, then Hanabusa who soon peeks from the corner, watch Hitomi raise her hand to her head with a pained expression as she leaves for the stairs.

Once she was out of sight, Hanabusa sighed with relief, wiping away sweat that formed on his forehead.

"You know, Hanabusa," Akatsuki says as he stands back up and glares at the blonde. "You really shouldn't try to get nosy in her business."

Hanabusa gives a soft "hmph".

"What is the big deal? I only wanted to find out what they were talking about. I didn't do any harm." During his defense, he looked at Akatsuki's face and saw that he seemed troubled.

"Hm? What's the matter, Akatsuki?" Hanabusa asks.

Akatsuki leans back into the wall and glares at the ceiling.

"I didn't know her parents were murdered. Right in front of her, too." he sadly says. "Did you know that?"

Hanabusa shook his head.

"No. Father told me that her parents were killed in a accident; nothing else."

"Mine said the same, too."

Akatsuki continued to stare sadly into space with no particular reason. He thought back to his question he asked, if she was all right now, and he now understood what she meant by her words.

"I feel sorry for her..." Akatsuki says melancholic.

"You do? Why?" Hanabusa arrogantly replies.

"You're that dense?"

"What!?"

"I don't know why you don't like her, but she seems like a good person. I doubt she actually gave you a real reason for you to hate her."

"I don't hate her," Hanabusa sulks. "I just don't want her thinking that she can walk in here and act like she owns the place."

Watching his cousin wave his hand arrogantly and hearing the haughtiness in his voice, he was almost tempted to slap him.

"Really, Hanabusa? I don't understand you sometimes..."

"Thank you for everything, Maebara. I'm glad my dear Hitomi knows she's has someone like you to look out for her when I can't." Nagamichi gratefully says.

Maebara held himself from acknowledging the fact.

"I'd say it's the other way around; not many people take in children that are not their own and loved them as much as you do."

"Well, I've always considered Hitomi to be like my daughter. She's such a kind, mature girl. Yet she has the habit of keeping secrets to herself, as to not concern others."

"Are you implying something?"

"Not at all... but I feel like she's just not telling me the full story." Pausing, he shuts his eyes as he sighs before he continues. "But I'll believe her if she tells me she doesn't know."

Opening his eyes, Nagamichi locked his gaze with the black-haired man. He saw a troubled look on his face.

"Something wrong?"

Maebara shook his head.

"Nothing. I'm just pissed the fuck off whenever I encounter shit like this. I'm just a little annoyed that Hitomi couldn't tell me anything differently. I wanted to know what the fucker looked like so I can find him myself."

Maebara raises an eyebrow when he hears Nagamichi chuckle.

"Still as foul-mouthed as usual. I was surprised to see your restraint when you spoke with Hitomi. You've gotten better."

"Oh, shut up." Maebara laughs. "Even I know when to control my language around children. I do have a son of my own, you know."

With that, Maebara pushes himself up and slides the chair in. He then says as he walks to the door.

"I should get home now. I'll see you in a week."

"Why not visit more often? I notice Hitomi has taken quite a liking to you."

Maebara turns to him.

"I'd love to, but you know I'm busy with my work with the Senate and my son... I'll try to make time. I own her father that much."

Maebara reaches for the doorknob, but stops himself before saying.

"Hey, I heard some of hunters from the Association wish to attend the soiree."

Nagamichi face darkens and his eyes narrow.

"I'm not sure Hitomi wouldn't want them to come. Tell them that they are not welcomed."

"You know Hitomi wouldn't say that."

"But she'd be thinking it."

Maebara, knowing the truth in his words, nods but reluctantly so. He knew he would have hell to pay with the Association when he tells them.

"Sure, I'll tell them."

"Oh, and Maebara?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"... Thank you."