Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight. In case you couldn't figure that out.
Rated M16+
Chapter 4
by Torrus
Kiku sized up the lighthearted brunette leading the way down the dark hall. She was, Kiku noticed, just as cheerful as her foster father. Not only was she as seemingly carefree as him, but she also had the same keen awareness for when something was amiss much like the headmaster. It was a good thing to have though, Kiku thought, meaning she wasn't gullible. Yuki looked back over her shoulder at the ex-blonde lugging herself along behind, carefully memorizing the layout of the sun dorms. Yuki slowed and fell into step next to Kiku, who was walking at her own lazy pace, a content look on her tan face. "Your name is Kiku, right?" Yuki asked, attempting to initiate a conversation. "Yes. Yes it is. And your name is Yuki Cross, correct?" Kiku mocked, setting Yuki even more on edge though she tried to keep up the friendly act.
"Ah, yes," Yuki adverted her gaze in embarrassment, silence slicing through the air again. Yuki's thoughts travelled back to what the headmaster had told her about the whole ordeal. He had said that Kiku was a shape-shifter and that her master was to retrieve her from the school when he returned from his vacation in Europe. That was if she got caught, which she did. Yuki had difficulties believing this normal girl could actual change her entire form into something else at will. Sure, she did have an air of confidence about her given the way she walked tall even with as slow as she was coming along, and the small upward tilt of her chin. Even her eyes were a little narrowed, creating the impression of a cynical stare everywhere she looked as if she judging things according to her taste; her sharp eyes taking in everything and analyzing it all.
Not only that, but it was peculiar that her "master" was planning on picking her up. It would give away who he was, not to mention leave him vulnerable. The order Kiku relayed to everyone involved was such a nonchalant thing it was unbelievable. Yuki wondered if Kiku would be here longer than they thought. How long would they have to put up with this invader, this strange girl? What's more, how did they know she wasn't lying to them? That she could really just take off that bracelet and slip out in the middle of the night, or ask someone to do it even though she said otherwise? Yuki's mind swam with questions, the ones nagging at her the most practically colors flashing through her vision; the biggest enigma for her was whether or not she could believe Kiku could really be a shape-shifter. Yuki peeked at the taller girl from the corner of her rust brown eyes, attempting to hide her interest.
"You want to know if I'm really a shape-shifter. To answer you question, yes I am," she stated, catching Yuki off-guard. Whatever idea Yuki had of Kiku was quickly shattered with Kiku's sharp answer to the unspoken question. She hadn't thought Kiku was the observant kind-never mind her job as a spy-when Yuki had first met her in Cross's office, but now she beginning to see that Kiku was actually just very quiet. What came off as an air of confidence was, in fact, just Kiku's lack of care and speech; and what Yuki mistook for an oblivious stare was in reality Kiku taking in all of her surroundings down to the very last detail, including Yuki. Yuki was suddenly struck by the realization Kiku had been studying her every move, observing her body language and emotions this whole time.
Yuki straightened herself, now fully aware of Kiku's stare. It made the hairs on her neck prickle. Yuki had only known Kiku for maybe ten minutes, including the night before when she had shown Kiku to her room. Even then she had seemed as normal as everyone else, but now Yuki could see why she was a spy. You wouldn't even notice her watching you.
"Thank you," Kiku said, her full attention now on the quiet brunette. Yuki started, causing her to abruptly feel wary. "What for?" Yuki asked, clearly baffled. Kiku kept a steady gaze on Yuki. "For showing me around and being kind to me," she simply stated, her eyes sincere, boring into Yuki's to ensure the message had gotten through. Yuki's cheeks flushed a pale pink. "It's no problem really. I'm just following orders," Yuki said with a small smile as she ducked her head to stare at the ground. Kiku shifted her sights back to the hallways they were heading down, etching the rooms and classes into her memory. Maybe she's not so bad, Yuki thought. She was rather genuine in all honesty.
Yuki lead them into a large class room already filled with multiple students idling on desks and in chairs, chatting freely amongst themselves so early in the morning. Kiku halted by the large oak desk next to Yuki as a male teacher made his way over to them from the other side of the chalk board. "Hello Mr. Nobu! This is Michi Kiku, an exchange student who will be staying with us for the month," Yuki beamed, clearly excited to have Kiku in her class now after being flattered by her mere seconds before. Kiku was always amazed at how the smallest of compliments could put someone in a good mood.
"Hello, miss Michi. Very nice to meet you," Mr. Nobu said, awkwardly pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. Kiku put on her best professional smile, revealing the top row of shinny white teeth. "Please, just call me Kiku. I look forward to being in your class Mr. Nobu," Kiku inclined her head in a slight bow. Mr. Nobu blushed at the girl's manners, unaccustomed to her politeness after dealing with the mainly informal and inconsiderate bunch of spoiled brats known as the day class for years. Not to say the night class would be any better, he thought.
"So, ah, an exchange student? And where exactly are you from?" Mr. Nobu asked, cocking his head curiously. "I was actually born in Japan," Kiku explained, "however I've been living in France for many years. My brother and I recently moved back into our old family home, but we're trying to find another place of our own." Mr. Nobu nodded with understanding. Yuki stared incredulously at the new girl, not expecting her to have been living in France. It must have been a grand life, she thought. "Well then, let's introduce you to the class and then find you a seat." A musical note chimed throughout the school as if on cue to signal the beginning of class.
The chattering reduced to a murmur as students took their rightful seats and prepared for class. Mr. Nobu waited patiently before speaking to the sleepy student body. "Good morning everyone! I'm pleased to inform you that we have an exchange student from France who will be staying with us for the duration of the month. Everyone please welcome her," he announced. Kiku bowed at the waist. "I am Kiku Michi. Please take care of me," she said before straightening back up. She scanned the room, testing all of the students.
One blonde girl, her hair tied up into long curly piggy tails, leaned over to whisper into her red headed friend's ear. They both snickered and gave Kiku a once over, an devilish smile playing on their glossed lips. Other girls gave her dirty looks, and some gave her the same look they would a complete outcast. Kiku's eyes glazed over, making it appear as if she didn't catch the weird looks the students were all giving her. Kiku followed Yuki to a seat towards the back nestled between a cute girl with short blonde hair and another with glasses and braids.
Kiku recognized the girl with braids as her new roommate, whom she had the pleasure of meeting the night before when they had woken the girl up to let Kiku in. Kiku gave the girl a small smile which was hesitantly returned, but returned nonetheless. As Kiku settled into the seat between her roommate and Yuki she felt someone's eyes on the back of her head. She turned to the side, meeting the purple eyes of a tough looking silver haired boy behind her. His eyebrows were pinched together as he glared death rays at her. No. Not her. At the girl next to her, just to her right.
Kiku shifted her sights to the boy's target-she could swear he was actually shooting daggers at her- to find that Yuki had promptly fell asleep, her chin on the desk and her face propped up towards the black board. A smirk tugged at the corner of Kiku's lips as she inwardly shook her head at the clearly exhausted creature. Kiku snapped her head back around to face the angry boy, and before he knew it she was patting his head: firm but gentle. Bewildered the boy turned his furious scowl towards Kiku, who merely put a finger to her pink lips.
"Don't worry friend of Yuki's," Kiku whispered, "I've got her covered!" Then she gave him a wink, her eyes sparkling mischievously, and straightened again with her eyes firmly fixed on the teacher and her ears perked at his every word. In a matter of minutes Mr. Nobu had asked a question and immediately zoned in on Yuki. Kiku quickly scribbled the answer the moment the words had left Mr. Nobu's mouth and kicked Yuki's leg. Yuki jerked awake, a tiny trail of slobber shinning at the corner of her mouth.
"Yes!" Yuki answered out of habit. "Yes what?" Mr. Nobu asked, the invisible smile of victory lurking beneath his teacherly facade. "Uh, yes to, uh..." Yuki looked down to the note in front of her. Her eyes brightened as she looked up and answered the question correctly, earning a disappointed frown from the teacher as he had to secretly admit defeat. Yuki caught Kiku's eyes, passing her a silent thank you. Kiku beamed at the appraisal and gave her a curt nod. Kiku was already enjoying her first high-school experience. She couldn't wait to try out everything she had watched on TV!
A.N. Sorry this was so late, I was discouraged about writing after reading a really good story and then I got busy. I hope this chapter is ok, though I know the ending sort of sucks. Anyway! I will have the next chapter up soon to make up for the lateness of this one (and because school is starting soon). R&R! And a special thank you to TheSneakyHobo for reviewing each time :)
