Kaname, Kain and Ruka took another train back into Madrid the next day. It was about an hour before sunset, however, it was twilight and the light was subdued enough to their liking. This time they were able to secure a compartment on the train to themselves so they could discuss relatively in private.
Kaname was on his way to see Yuuki, which was common knowledge to everyone. He planned to catch her up with everything and see how she could play a part in their cause. Kain and Ruka were on their way to see Reyes, for a couple reasons: To figure out a plan how to reinforce her and provide assistance should she need it in her endeavor tomorrow night. She still remained vague as to how she would get the famously powerful and menacing vampire Vladimir Bulgakov to share vital information; number two reason was to see Aurora Reina and have Ruka be introduced to her.
Ruka felt slightly apprehensive, not sure exactly how she was going to react. She recalled at their dinner at the Taperia how she was not angry or jealous of Reyes, but she found that she intensely focused all her attention on her. However, there was a little envy, but only in that Reyes seemed so strong and free within herself. Ruka secretly desired to have some of the sense of fearlessness that Reyes possessed in great quantities.
Kain was the first to break the silence.
"I heard Sara-sama has not been well as of late?" Kaname nodded.
"Yes, unfortunately it seems being with child is not agreeing with her. Overall she is well, her family doctor did a check up and assured us of that. However, it is wearing her out. Both the doctor and I insisted that she rest."
"I have heard that once the first stage passes it subsides," Ruka added.
"You are correct Ruka. Unfortunately though, we have quite a treacherous journey ahead of us. While things are relatively quiet I want her to regain as much of her strength as possible. It will be needed later on, I can guarantee it." Ruka smiled and clutched Kain's hand.
"Kaname-sama is so thoughtful and considerate. You will be a fantastic father," she said, leaning her head into Kain's shoulder. Kaname smiled and thanked his friend and former classmate.
"Where will you be meeting Yuuki?" Kain asked.
"I am meeting her at the student housing where she lives, and then I presume we will get tapas at Felipe's place. I think Yuuki will like it a lot. So, we will all meet back at the train station at sunrise? When we return to Osma the driver will be waiting." Everyone nodded in agreement.
Kaname felt a little nervous waiting for Yuuki in the living room of the building where Yuuki will be spending her year abroad. Naturally, his presence caused many stares of admiration and whispers among many girls and some guys. It wasn't long before Yuuki finally came downstairs and took Kaname's breath away. She was dressed in a simple but sweetly elegant white dress that made her look like an angel, a nice contrast to the darker colors of Kaname's Dolce & Gabbana suit and long Yohjiyamato coat. He rose up off the sofa and greeter her with a kiss on the hand.
"You are simply the vision of Venus herself." Yuuki blushed so hard she completely forgot what she was about to say. "Shall we then?" Kaname offered his elbow to Yuuki, clasped it, and headed out, leaving a group of envious and awestruck people in their wake.
Ruka and Kain were escorted into the home/brothel by Ines, another one of Reyes' aunts. Ruka became another victim of the astonishment in how strong the resemblance was between Reyes and her aunts. A moment later, Reyes came down with little Reina in her arms. Ruka did not know exactly what to expect, but she was definitely amazed. The little girl was practically a small, female clone of Kain. She just neutrally observed Kain's face light up as the little girl smiled and giggled when he reached out for her. She looked just as good in blue as her father, observing the adorable velour dress Reyes decided to adorn her in.
Ruka continued to be amazed. Even the way this little girl's hair fell in the front was exactly how Kain's did.
"Hello Reina," Ruka decided to greet the child. Reina smiled at Ruka and actually motioned for her father to let go and permit her to crawl over to his female companion. Surprised, Ruka allowed the little girl in her lap. She was a little nervous since she had not been around many small children before. Little Reina gave her a wide-eyed stare of wonder, smiled at her and began touching her long blonde hair. Reyes had to laugh.
"I guess she is not used to seeing girls with such light hair. It must be quite the novelty for her, since she is only around me and the aunts." Reina continued to explore Ruka, and smile and laugh at her at the same time. This made Kain chuckle as well, which caught Reina's attention again.
"Daddy!" she cooed and stumbled back over to Kain. He allowed the little girl to skip back into his lap. Standing up and taking her in his arms, Kain held his daughter very close and walked around the room with her. Ruka could not help but smile. This was definitely a new side to Kain she had yet to see, one that was nurturing and paternal, not that he was not nurturing to her in his own way. But there was a difference.
Part of her heart swelled seeing him bond with his child, who by instinct knew this mysterious man who showed up in her little world one day had a connection with her. Ruka was brought out of her trance by Reyes tapping her on the shoulder.
"Ruka, let's go shopping for tomorrow night! It's going to be a wild party and I must dress you in something hot!" Ruka was not expecting such an invitation. She paused, looked at Kain and then back at Reyes.
"Well, um, sure, I guess. Uh, but what about the baby?" Reyes laughed and winked at Kain.
"If we cannot trust her with her father, then we are all doomed." Kain became a little nervous at this suggestion. True, it was his daughter but he never was held responsible for a small child on his own. Ruka felt unsure as well.
"Akatsuki, are you alright with this?" Before Kain could answer, Reyes stepped in.
"K-chan, she is a good little girl, I doubt you will have any trouble. And if you need any help, my aunts are here, just call upstairs. You two can just go to my chambers to be more comfortable. All her toys are up there." Kain just nodded in agreement, thankful that he at least knew how to say "would someone please help me?" in Spanish.
Yuuki had never tasted such beautiful and delicious wine in her life. Naturally, Kaname had impeccable taste with these things, or all things, as Yuuki would believe.
"Would you like more, Yuuki?" Kaname offered as the gentleman he always seemed to be. Yuuki nodded taking another bite of chorizo. She could not believe after all these years she was finally in such a romantic and intimate setting with Kaname, even though this was not the intention.
"Kaname, please tell me what have you been doing? It's been so long." Kaname smiled that rare and special smile he reserved only for Yuuki.
"Well, I am married now. To Shirabuki Sara, she is another pureblood vampire, whom I believe you have seen before." Yuuki almost choked hearing that news, and blushed, remembering the event where she snuck out of her room, against Kaname's request, to observe the party Aidou's family hosted that one time. Yes, she did remember Sara, and how everyone stopped and parted the room upon her arrival.
"Yes, of course. She is really beautiful Kaname, congratulations."
"Thank you" Kaname said neutrally. "And we are expecting our first child soon." Yuuki's eyes opened even wider.
"That is great. Wow, Kaname, so many new things. But this is a good thing, right? I mean, there are not many pureblood vampires left, so…" Kaname filled up his own wine glass.
"Everyone else seems to think so." Yuuki looked at Kaname right into his violet eyes.
"Are you happy?" she just had to ask. Kaname looked right back at her and answered with utmost sincerity.
"Yes, I am happy," he answered truthfully, but punctuated with a look that seemed to add: "But I am even happier now having found you again."
Kaname continued the conversation asking Yuuki about herself and university, then proceeded to go into details about the Vampire Council, the formation of the alliance, what their plans were thus far, and about the underground party everyone will be attending. Yuuki listened intently and took in every word. She felt her heart and spirit lift and swell, especially over how Kaname was asking if there was any way she could help and be a part of it all.
Reyes escorted Ruka to a shop that appeared a lot smaller on the outside than the inside. Ruka recognized Reyes' friend Consuelo from the first dinner at the Taperia. They greeted each other with kisses on the cheeks. Consuelo was decked out in a style one could possibly describe as Mod meets London Punk scene. However, with Consuelo's beautiful but androgynous look, she got away with it.
"You are coming with us tomorrow night, yes?"
"Of course," Consuelo answered. "Someone's got to watch your back, tia." Ruka began to poke through the numerous wracks and piles of unique and elaborate clothing from practically all eras of time. "Welcome to my shop. It is my families' as well. Just because we are common vampires does not mean we do not have a good sense of fashion and taste." Ruka was shocked, but then again this was Reyes, always unorthodox and pushing the envelope. But Reyes, of a noble family and heritage, associating with common vampires, it was very unusual. However, the little exposure she had with Consuelo, she seemed cordial and polite, and it would explain why she did not have the elite airs most vampires in her class seemed to exude, including her.
"Consuelo, I have an idea. Look at Ruka-chan, and of course how gorgeous she is. Did you know she was the most beautiful girl at Cross Academy? Whoever is running for that title now has quite some shoes to fill." Ruka blushed at Reyes' completely unexpected complement. "What do you think of working with the theme of a mermaid? She has the hair, figure, and grace."
"I like that idea, and I have just the thing for it." Consuelo came back a moment later with a slinky and strappy dress in a shade of light azure blue, completely covered in small, delicate sequins. Slipping the dress on, the hem reached Ruka's knees, but the slits came more than halfway up her hips. The straps were very slim, exposing her shoulders and back completely, as the neck and back lines scooped very low. Adjusting and pulling in parts of the fabric, Reyes and Consuelo discussed amongst themselves.
"No, I don't even think we need to add a belt. But I know a neat silver chain we can sling around here…"
"Should the shoes be very open or more solid?"
"Definitely open, and she will need the double sided tape so she doesn't pop out."
"What do you think of adding these?"
"Love it! Should we shorten the skirt?" After a bit of conversation, Consuelo ducked into the back again, leaving Reyes and Ruka alone for a little while.
"Santa Maria, when Akatsuki sees you in this, he is going to just pop!"
"Reyes?" Ruka had to ask or risk losing her chance to get in a word. "Akatsuki never told me, but I want to hear from you. Why did you not tell him about Reina?" Reyes' energy dipped down a little, but she still continued to adjust and work with Ruka's dress.
"I thought I made it clear to him. It was my mistake, and I was not going to fuck up both of your lives with my bullshit. You are both on your way to something amazing and spectacular. Last thing you two need is baggage weighing that down." Ruka felt slightly touched that Reyes was seriously thinking about the two of them, but overall she knew that she should have at least let Kain know.
"I can understand that. What would you have told Reina when she is older?" Reyes shrugged.
"I really don't know. Unfortunately I am the type that deals with shit only when she really has to. Not the best quality, I am aware of that, but it has gotten me this far. But let me tell you this, I have never seen a man love and adore a woman as much as Akatsuki does with you." Reyes stepped aside so Ruka could look at herself in the mirror. It was unlike anything Ruka would ever think of dressing herself in, but she definitely liked it. Perhaps she was getting in touch with a side of her that was left undiscovered. She was splashed and highlighted with silver, azure, and white. Clamping portions of her hair, she piled it on top of her head to see what it would look like with the outfit.
"Aye mamí, that is hot! Definitely wear your hair like that."
"Let me come with you tomorrow! Please?" Yuuki begged when Kaname mentioned the underground party. Kaname was uncertain of this. It was a dangerous mission they were doing and he would not be able to ensure Yuuki's safety.
"Yuuki, it will not be a good place for you. Goodness knows exactly what kinds of people and vampires will be there. I might not be able to fully protect you."
"No Kaname, please, I will be alright, I promise. I can look out for myself, and with you there, I will be ok. Please, please let me come." Kaname just sighed, realizing that to continue refusing her would bring on further protest. They finished their dinner and paid the check. Yuuki thanked Kaname for treating her.
"Allow me to escort you home," Kaname offered. When they stepped out into a fresh and beautiful evening, they decided to take a long and leisurely walk around the city. The night breeze picked up, making Yuuki a little chilled in her strappy dress. Kaname offered his coat, which barely escaped the ground when draped on Yuuki's shoulders. Wrapping his arm around her, Yuuki could not help but allow her body to fall into the side crook.
They found themselves walking into a park and leaning against a tree, looking at the beautiful city lights through the budding leaves. The night was peaceful and kind of dark since it was a New Moon. Kaname held Yuuki very close, causing her to wrap her arms around his waist. She closed her eyes and took in the scent and the fabric of his shirt and jacket against her cheeks.
"Yuuki" he called to her in an audible whisper. "I have to confess. When you left, there was a hole in me that was made. It was nothing but emptiness and darkness. And now that darkness has been lifted." Yuuki blinked, not really being able to think herself. There was certain emptiness within her as well when she graduated from Cross Academy, however, she was never able to put her finger on it. Drowning herself in a new life, work, studies, and friends never alleviated it. She even briefly dated a boy in her class, but to no avail.
"Kaname" was all she could think to say. Looking up at him, his violet eyes had a sparkle and happiness in them she had never seen before. As if drawn in by a magnetic force beyond either of their control, Kaname and Yuuki reached for each other and connected lips. Soft, pillowy kisses upon each other's lower lips, followed by touches of the tip of the tongues. Their mouths opened wider, deepening the kisses, and Yuuki's tongue could reach in and feel Kaname's fangs, briefly bringing her back to one of her first memories: her, at age five, reaching in and stroking those fangs with her little fingers. Kaname reached behind her and placed his long hand along her bare back. Feeling her bare skin set his fingertips on fire, which sent chills and a euphoric rush throughout Yuuki's body.
After a little while they slowly and gently pulled away, not asking any questions, both intuitively knowing this was something they both needed. Instead, they just held each other very close, eyes closed, taking in the moment.
