AN I still don't own anything so disclaimer still applies. Warning: light lime and threatened violence--oh my! enjoy. k

4. Unwanted Advances

"Class, I have some sad news. Your math instructor was involved in a hit-and-run over the weekend and is currently in a coma." The class gasped as the headmaster continued. "Since it is uncertain if or when he will return, I have brought in a replacement who is well qualified and highly recommended. Let me introduce Denaji Tanjiro of Tokyo."

The pencil that Kaede had drummed against her desk absently snapped at the familiar name. Crimson eyes scanned the room until they captured her attention and drew her into their depths. Cold ice seemed to shoot down her spine at his calm appraisal when a slight smirk played on his lips. The darkness of his aura seemed to cut off the very breath from her body as she forgot to breathe. As his presence began to overwhelm her, she drew a heavy breath then another and another deeper one.

Skye reached across the aisle to touch her arm. 'What's wrong?'

She gasped softly then felt relief when she was able to draw air again. 'I-I…his presence…I don't remember it being this strong.' His touch calmed her so she reached up and squeezed his hand in silent thanks. 'Thank you.'

"Is everything alright here?"

Kaede suppressed a shudder when she looked up at the guy who had never failed to give her the creeps. "Yes, Denahi-sensei. I was merely surprised to see you here. Otou-sama never mentioned that you had even sought work at Seiju."

His smile seemed to turn brittle. "He didn't know because the connection was through my mother. She is on the board and since they became in need of someone on such short notice. Anyhow, I wish to speak with you on other matters after class. You do have break next, right?"

"Yes of course."

"Good." He nodded then left.

After class she met him at his desk, uncomfortable with the fact that they were now alone. "You wished to see me, Sensei."

"Kaede, please we're family so there is no need for such formality." He said in a husky tone as trailed his fingers along her bare forearm.

She shivered at his contact when he drew closer until his hot breath brushed her ear. "What is it you wanted me for?"

A soft groan left his throat as he licked the shell of her ear then sucked on her lobe. "Do you even know what you do to me?"

"Na…" Her face flushed hot when he took her hand in his then pressed it onto his hardness. She licked her dry lips nervously as her heart thudded heavily into her chest when fear seemed to immobilize her. With another groan he captured her lips in a heated kiss then forced them apart with his tongue. Her sharp gasp fueled his fire as his other hand moved along her thigh to the edge of her skirt when she finally regained the use of her body to react. He grunted in pain when her nails dug through his pants before she twisted. "I suggest you never go there again or I will castrate you. Now tell me the real reason for this talk or I will have a nice conversation with my true brothers and father. Not to mention that my new step-brother is a teacher here and is much more protective than even Seijin is."

"Fine. For now." Tanjiro growled in frustration when she put distance between them. "Your father is quite displeased with your scores in this class. Which is why he has requested that I become a mentor to you of sorts and help you with your short-comings. Our sessions start after school and other commitments you may have. I will meet you at the gate."

"Tomorrow I will meet you in this class after school." She said with a set expression. "Tonight I have to cook dinner with my sister and tell my mother of my new obligation."

Her anger was apparent as she stormed through the halls to the ladies changing room that many students scattered at her glare. After putting on her shorts and white t-shirt, she yanked her hair into a ponytail. How dare he? If he ever…"Grrrrr."

Touya was surprised to see one of his students already on the track. Deep russet hair gleamed in the sun and seemed to turn her ponytail into fire as she sprinted from one end of the track to the other. He swallowed at the sight of well toned legs then shook his head. 'She's your student and your step-sister, get a grip. Then there's Yuki. Touya sighed as he watched her run to him. Something was definitely wrong especially since he had never seen her angry. Irritated yes, but not angry. Some thing must have happened. Or someone. "Yo, Kaede, most students can't wait to get out of phys ed not already here and working out."

She stopped in front of him and rested her hands on her knees for a breather. "I needed to work off some steam. Our replacement math teacher is a total prick."

"Yeah I've heard about him. They say he's a good teacher, you should give him a chance."

Golden brown eyes flashed. "He's already had too many chances over the summer. Kami, why did my father ever have to marry his dog of a mother?"

He blinked. "You mean Denahi-san is your step-brother?"

"Unfortunately and his bratty ten-year-old sister is a terror. I had to leave my cards under Dusks' constant protection so she wouldn't cut them up or something." Kaede growled then started furious pushups.

"Maybe you should take a break before you have nothing left for class." Touya quirked an eyebrow at her stubbornness. "Or I could sit you out."

Her first answer was another growl until she stopped and sat cross-legged on the grass. "He's my tutor in math now so I have to see him after school as well. Kami, I hate him so much."

"Kaede, there you are!" Sakura exclaimed.

The rest of the class trailed behind Sakura. Skye looped an arm across his mistress' shoulders once he noticed the anger that still lingered in her eyes. "What's wrong?"

Heat surged in her cheeks when she thought of what had happened in the classroom. "Lets just say I have a new…mentor per Otou-sama's request. We'll start meeting tomorrow after school."

"Okay, class. Once around the track to warm up." Touya instructed.

"Hai!"

--

"How was your day?"

"Kaede's play was picked for the festival!"

"That's great! I'm so proud of you, sweetie." Her mother gushed.

"Thanks, Mom." Kaede huffed. "Sakura, I was going to tell them."

"Well, you were too slow, besides you always underplay things."

"That is certainly an accomplishment, Kaede, congratulations." Fujitaka said with a smile.

"Thank you." She muttered as she looked back down into her plate before she pushed it away. "I'm all that hungry so I'm going to my room."

"Kaede." Skye stood to go after her, but June shook her head.

"I'll go. There's something I need to ask my daughter anyway."

Kaede lay facedown on her bed uncertain of her own feelings. Everything was in a jumble now with the sessions she absolutely hated and how drained she felt afterward. She barely seemed to have enough energy lately, yet it had only been a week. How could she possibly survive this? "Kae honey, what's wrong?"

She sighed as her mother sat down beside her and brushed the hair from her eyes. June bit her lip when her daughter shrugged. "You're a little warm. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Denaji-san…" Kaede broke off as her face reddened. "Not all is as it seems and…well, his interests are not my grades. He…he…"

"He hasn't tried anything, has he? If he has…"

"Um he did, but I threatened to uh… castrate him." She mumbled into her pillow.

Tears welled in June's eyes. "Oh honey, I'm sorry. You should of told me and you need to tell your father."

A shudder ran along the girl's slight frame. "No I can handle this. Otou-sama doesn't need to know. I'm already a disappointment to him."

"No! Kaede look at me." June prodded until dull brown eyes looked up at her with an expression that almost made her gasp. "Y-you are not a disappointment to me or your father. He loves you in his own way and he wouldn't let anyone hurt you, but he can't protect you if he doesn't know the truth about his stepson."

Kaede watched a horrified expression cross her mother's face when her grip tightened on her shoulder. "While you were there he didn't…"

"Not than I can remember. There are these blank spots in my mind and it feels like a darkness is hiding something from me." She shivered at the coldness she always felt when she brushed against the void in her mind.

She shook her head. "Anyway, we were never alone together during our martial arts sessions because Skye was always there. He never really trusted him and Denaji always gave me the creeps. That is, except for the dreams."

"What dreams?"

"I'm not sure except that when I wake up sometimes I'm scared out of my mind." Her brow furrowed in concentration. "Usually I don't remember them at all while others there seem to be shadows of the dream that hit me at the strangest times. Several times I've woken up to Cerberus and Twilight snuggled against me while other times they've found it very hard to wake me."

"Why am I just hearing about this now?"

She nibbled on her lip then twisted a strand of hair. "I didn't want to worry you so I kinda used magic to make them forget what they were going to tell you."

"What were you thinking? Magic isn't to be used in that way! With great power comes great responsibility." She scolded then sighed, "Not only that you've put yourself in danger and undermined your guardians' true purpose in your life." "I know okay?! This is really bothering me and I feel so lost sometimes." Kaede sighed. "I'm going to ask Sakura to help me this weekend. I really need some answers and there has to be a card in either one of our decks that can help me."

June pulled her daughter into a tight embrace then whispered, "I truly hope so, for all our sakes."