Chapter 3: Avoidance

After the overall culture shock rolled off, the group disperses. One spots Miko, obviously acquainted with her already. She rushes up to her and they chat, smiling at each other. Miko points to our table but a frown grows on the other girl's face after seeing me. The problem with being a vampire is my hearing is extraordinarily good, but of course no one knew that, so I was stuck hearing this even if I didn't want to.

"Uhm, yeah… Her name is Luna right?"

"Yeah? Why do you look so unhappy Rena-chan?"

"Well, she's kind of ugly… Miko-chan why do you spend time with her? Is her family a good one? What do her parents do?"

"Miko-san, actually. I wouldn't know, you should ask her Kari-san."

"Oh come on Miko-chan, don't do this. You know Akari-sama doesn't like her friends, and rumored star pupil at that, hanging out with her type."

"Kari-san I'm obviously aware, but 'Akari-sama' is not 'Hime-sama' for a reason. She isn't my princess, we all know who is though. Please do rethink your actions, or I'll have to chose one over the other, which would rather upset me, and one would definitely win over the other. We aren't in middle school anymore. See you another time and give my regards to Akari, Hina and Anci." I was shocked at how Miko had handled that so maturely, it was so easy to understand what she was saying, as was everything around… Just have speaking left….

Miko comes back over and sits down and smiles at me, unaware of the fact that I heard it all, I give a sweet curious smile, trying to pass off being oblivious. We continue to eat like nothing's happened, but I'm very happy she chose me over Akari, Rena, Hina and Anci, who'd she obviously known for longer. It's touching really, that she has such an attachment to me already.

Miko eats silently watching me with her eyes, her big elegant eyes. She radiates grace and elegance, something which makes her catch the attention of many. Her eyes look sad though, and I can't take it anymore.

"What?" I croak, my voice faltering with nerves. I continue to slowly slurp my soup "trying" to be quiet.

"Don't let anything these people here say get you down." I put down my spoon and look her clearly in the eyes.

"Where did that come from?"

"Look, before middle school I got bullied a lot, but I just want to tell you that I did let their words get to me, and it made life very miserable. I know that you're extremely quiet, some people are, and I fear some people will take advantage of that. That's why I said it, okay?"

"You think I'll be bullied because I won't say anything? We're in highschool! Jeeze Miko…" I say it under my breath though, not caring if she doesn't hear. Miko continues to wait for my answer, so I nod my head. I get out of my chair as clumsily and sloppily as I can, leaving behind my barely touched soup on the table. I walk out of the dining room, hot summer air blasting me as I open the door. The sun is setting, but it's already 8, indicating this year will be nice and sunny, meaning I'll need a lot of sun block. Miko meets up with me on the way to the dorm, and we silently walk into our rooms, settling down.

Today was a mostly a good day, and I feel content, so I get into bed, and turn off my light, watching as my eyes adjust, the details coming through clear. I listen as Miko stop using her computer and falls asleep herself, despite it being so early. I listen to her breath, unconsciously focusing on her heartbeat. I hadn't been this close to a sleeping human in a long time. It freaked me out that my senses were coming out on their own, doing as they wished. I knew this year would be pretty bad, who knew how far I'd go while asleep. I cocoon myself in blankets, trying to protect Miko from my sleeping self. I fall asleep with thoughts of my subtle, ever present thirst, which consumes my very dreams. The ache is there, but I'm used to it, it's like I function with that feeling, knowing it'd be nice to quench it but it'd be never ending…

I jolt up, trapped in the cocoon I made for myself. I look over to Miko's bed and it's empty. She must've gone for an early run, leaving me behind without a word. I really had no idea what was going on with her, I could only assume homesickness of some sort, as many people miss those they're attached to, and maybe can't sleep. For me, I was always home sick, so I learned to sleep with it, but I wish I could just be content with my new parents and let the rest fade.

Rubbing my dazed eyes, my ears heighten, the sound of humming and drops of liquid hitting tile. Blood. The image sizes me, Miko sprawled against the tub, crammed upright as her fresh blood drops on the tile, a woman enjoying the taste and then the show of Miko suffering, humming with enjoyment from the buzz…

Miko opens the bathroom dorm returning with damp hair and a towel on her head. I take a sigh of relief, snapping back to normal. It was weird… Strange… My mind wasn't one to play tricks.

"You took a shower? I thought you were out on a run." She nods her head no and has a large grin on her face.

"Oh you'll see, it took awhile, but now it's perfect." She rubs her towel once more and lets it fall, Miko's once black wavy hair was now streaked with strands of purple. I just gaped at her, surprised by the turn of events. I had no idea she was the type to rebel, considering it was strange to dye your hair in patterns, and more normal to bleach black hair and recolor it over here in Japan. Nothing too exotic…

"Woah…"

Her smile grew wider. She spun around a little, giddy with joy.

"Luna, I feel more free you know. It's very different. I think I saw past something I didn't need, nor want. It's liberating. That's why I wanted to change myself, because Akari can't hold me back anymore." Freedom sounds nice, the ability to let go and do whatever you want. Her words sound more weighted though, nothing that just defying Akari could bring on, she's freeing herself from more than just that. I could never have the courage to embrace myself, to deal with the thirst; it would scare me, to see what I'd become. Maybe the fact that she can do the things I can't makes us even closer than anyone I've been with before, that I can live my desires through her. Miko's movements blur as I speculate and think over these feelings.

It's unhealthy to have jealousy, but I just can't stop. Miko's family is very wealthy, so we get a room with a private bathroom; She qualifies for a single person suite, which only elites like Akari get, and it's plainly obvious by the way she carries herself, but it's confusing why she isn't. I could sense there was something off about where her wealth comes from, from her words yesterday, a secret that only a few know about. I could never tell her I was jealous though, because it seems she has her own problems, and bound in her own ways. Already I can tell she's so energetic and crazy, and has such contagious personality that transfers over, it's a pity that she has these bounds, someone as lovely as her doesn't deserve it. I guess it makes it more manageable, that she doesn't have complete perfection.

Miko slows, turning around from getting ready and as she reveals her interesting, cute and foreign black dress, one that has one strap over the shoulder and tight against her skinny and tall frame. It doesn't show much but the intricate lace designs all over give her an edgy, dangerous look. She pairs it up with a leather jacket and some black flats, something I'd seen only a few people pull off at home. Her hair is swept over one side of her face and all fluffy, the side part just adds to her attractiveness. She looks into my eyes and they darken, hints of mischief dancing around.

"Look, I know this is crazy, but I've always wanted to try this look! Plus, I've heard those senpais hardly pay attention to anyone, kouhais and grade mates alike!" Her words and personality clash with this image, or rather with me at least.

"Who?" I speak slowly and cautiously. Senpais who pay no attention to their kouhais? Or anyone? Who could be so stuck up to do that? I'm not sure it'd be good to affiliate myself with them, and if Miko attracts their attention, she'd be well known, and then me being affiliated with her, I'd be brought to some light myself, which goes against my "staying under the radar" act.

"The Night Class of course! I want to check them out and be the first one to glimpse at them. I've heard more students arrived yesterday and that they've been out all night and are going to return for curfew soon, let's watch them!" She smiles at me, and all I can feel is a nervous pang in my heart. I try to swallow but my nerves are building up and bundling, making it hard. Those two vampires are exactly the people I don't want to attract attention to, and who knows who else is in that class that could cause me trouble.

Something is wrong with that class, but I have a feeling that this is something she'd be super excited about, something normal that temporarily distracts her from her bounds, to fawn over those who're out of our league, classy and in high demand. I could never deny that of her, and tell her she shouldn't. People already limit her enough, no need to add to that and lose my only friend. I won't stop her, but I know I can't go along.

"Hurry and get dressed, you don't want to miss the show!" I want to go and join up with her, but my common sense says no. I try to act like I'm hurt and wince as I get up from my bed. A small noise escapes from my lips to add to the believability.

"Miko, one sec you'll have to give me awhile." I get dressed slowly, making it seem like I'm in excruciating pain. As I finish putting on my light summer dress, Miko gives me a harsh look, I feel guilty that I know I've succeeded in fooling her.

"What?"

"You know what. I'm reconsidering my offer, I think you should rest."

"No! But I want to go!"

"No. I care too much. Go back, I won't let you come at all, I don't want you badly hurt because of me." She gently guides me back to my bed, helping me back into bed.

As she leaves I wait for a while, waiting until we have enough time in between us so she doesn't notice me. Although I don't want to bind her, I'm still worried, so I decide to follow her. I slip on my silver ballet flats to go along with the white dress, something easy and casual. I'm glad that they don't make you wear your uniform during the summer, which is a relief, because I feel to lazy to put it on. I ruffle up my hair to look distraught, making it seem if I got caught that I did struggle to get to her. I notice that the color is beginning to lighten at the roots; I'll need to get it colored again soon. After awhile I catch up to Miko, quieting my steps so she doesn't notice me. I watch from behind a tree with a good distance in between us, and watch as she nears the gate of the Moon Dorm settling with a book by the path. She sits behind the only plum tree in the area, which is so strategically placed, so if she were to be asked why she was here, she could pass it off as being her favorite tree sort of thing. She's so careful to not look desperate it's amazing. I look at the book she's reading, and it's an American book that came out years ago, a semi-famous dystopian I believe, except it'd been translated into Japanese. I was surprised she even knew it. I guess that'll give me something to talk to her about to, considering the fact that I love that book.

Sharply she whips her head up, noticing before me the unfamiliar voices approaching. I put more distance between us as those of the night class start to approach. I realized it was stupid to worry about Miko, the school wouldn't let anyone to endanger the students. As I decide to head back to the dorm, a strong smell wafts over, the sweet blood of nobles, the blood of the important people of my government. It's so strong it's overpowering, disgusting. I knew there was something off about the night class, but that smell confirmed my suspicions, something I'd hoped only wouldn't be true. Not only was the night class made up of vampires, they were nobles at that. There was even a pureblood I could smell in the precession. The dreams of being the only vampire, and going to a normal school shattered. I reacted hastily, an overpowering feeling of wanting to impress these people and serve them coming over me. But I had to fight my immediate instinct. I couldn't do this, I couldn't keep running away, this would lead nowhere, but I couldn't let myself get found out. I don't know what I'd have to do, but I knew staying there frozen wasn't an option.

I headed to the dinning room, wanting to seem normal and not miss breakfast. I opened the doors, and the modern room was empty. I was the first one, and there was some cold breakfast set out, the main dishes no made yet. I walked over to the cereal bar, not caring if technically breakfast hadn't started. I grabbed some oatmeal and water, no milk being set out yet. I grabbed a spoon, trying to eat as much as I could with my unsettled stomach. It was 6 o'clock by the time I gave up. I was still alone in the dining room, hidden away if any staff walked by, so I wouldn't get in trouble.

I trudged my way back to the dorm, and opened the door. Miko was sitting at her desk, listening to a song I'd never heard before. I assumed it was Jpop, but I wasn't one to be observant, nor did I care. Miko turned to me when she heard the door opening.

"Where'd you go? I got back and you weren't here. I thought I told you to stay here! Did you go looking for me?" She questioned me, obviously enraged. I had to think fast, because I couldn't explain how I magically became "unsore", so I thought up a lie as fast as I could. Guilt stabbed me again, making me notice I was lying more than I like, I was trying to be an honest person with my friend.

"I went to get some medicine. I also went to the kitchen and ate some breakfast to get some strength. Sorry I didn't wait for you… But I wanted to be well when you got back." It was somewhat true, so it eased my conscious. I bet Miko noticed my slowness to respond, because I had to wrack my brain for the words. If she did though, she payed no attention to it, because she smiled at me, obviously pleased with my response. As the morning goes on, I head over to breakfast with her, despite already attempting to earlier. Everyone had already eaten, and as we walked in some people were starting to leave. I watched contently as Miko ate some food. Her exposed neck taunts me, because technically it was a mealtime for me. I watch as her veins light up through her neck, making a game of looking through hunting and regular vision switching as much as I can. I clench my fingernails into my palm, waiting until I get back to normal. It's no wonder that the vampires were all in the night class, to separate them from temptation. They needed to dispel humans by saying only qualified people could make it, because it was a cover. At least I'd succeeded in fooling Headmaster Cross, making him think I'm oblivious, which I was at the time I suppose.

Miko stares at me. "Hello? Luna? You there?"

Apparently she'd been long done with her breakfast and was waiting for me to get up.

"Are you sure you're alright? You just spaced out for like 5 minutes. I mean I bet you weren't even listening to what I was telling you! Too boring for you, huh?"

"No… I'm fine, sorry*. I just got a little distracted, that's all. Please repeat what you said, I'll listen."

"I bet you won't even care…"

"No I will!"

"Later, I'm too lazy to repeat everything I said now. Let's go out and swim, there's only a 8 days left of summer, it'll fly by really quickly."

As we get back to the dorm, I don't know if I should actually go swimming or not… Would that kind of thing blow my cover? Let Miko find out something I don't want her to?

"Luna, you look depressed, cheer up! Thank god for waterproof make up, I don't know what I'd do if we went to the pool and it just came dripping off! Do you think any guys will try to pick me up at the pool?"

"Uhm, sure. I wouldn't see why they wouldn't." Miko's face lights up and she grabs my hand.

"Luna, you're the best. You're so sweet to me."

She goes in for a hug, my mouth right on top of her neck and I stiffen. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. I can see her veins through my closed eyelids and it's freaking me out. My fangs are slightly poking my lips, instantly going out with the sound of her blood pumping so close. With her bathing suit on, her neck is fully exposed and inviting. I keep on telling myself to calm down, I'm in control, and this'll all be over in a second. I cycle it over and over again, because this was something I couldn't handle naturally, or with ease. This was the one thing I could train for, because no one willingly got close to me enough to handle hugs. I wait, relaxing, as I know I've always been one to be in control and it's all in my decision and choices. Finally Miko let's go and I'm glad I haven't bitten her. I shake my head trying to set myself back on track.

We leave for the pool, Miko not noticing my freak out moment earlier. We decide to be back by 5:30 so we don't miss dinner, but as the time passes, we regret having such little time. The day passes by too quickly and we're back on campus. A lot of today was spent listening to her talk about how attractive the night class, and who were celebrities, which apparently most of them were. A lot of things she talked about were things I didn't honestly care for, but it was nice to know so I wasn't so clueless when people referred to so and so when school started. Although it was pretty useless, I had a lot of fun; I got to know a little more about Miko this way.

I also got to learn some history about our school, like the night class had been gone for 3 years, and then they reinstated it, fixing the old school buildings. She also told me about the cool thing about this place. Like it's university like qualities that I didn't pay attention to, for example how they weren't strict about a lot of things like keeping boy and girl separation. That's why some parents chose not to send their kids here. But she also informed me there are two things they really care about here: That we are back on campus, in the dorm (which is our separate dinning rooms are connected to) and on our side of the lake by night, and that we don't cause trouble for the night class, and go into their dormitory, as one of her senpais informed her.

This of course meant that after school started, we wouldn't have a lot of time to hangout outside of the school campus. Meaning we'd have to enjoy our few days of freedom, because they were dwindling. A few more students arrived, so the dining room when we headed to dinner was less empty. Apparently most of the kids would be showing up when we had 2 days left. Tomorrow I had my Japanese lesson in the morning, tapering to one a week, on Saturdays, because I was getting better. In our dorm room we settle down and I head to bed early, wanting to wake up on time. Wrapping myself in my cocoon, I get comfortable and close my eye. Thinking of my discoveries of the day, my confidence boosts and I feel like I've gained more knowledge. As I begin to fall asleep, my consciousness fades and images flash into my mind.

Hi There! Sorry it took fooooorever. This little draft took me 3 hours straight of editing, fun right? Oh well, I got back into editing my crappy version, this is probably even crappier, I took out all the exciting parts because I'm shifting things around, oh well.

* I learned how to say this in japanese, here are the english pronounciations: "Eyah... Watashi wa genki-desu, gomenisai." Just in case you were wondering~ Also "Diajoubu?" is asking "Are you okay?"

Cool Cool, Happy New Year!~ Any comments would be nice, this was long and I hope you don't drop the story.

ARIGATOU KASAIMASU,

Slipsilvermoon