Chapter 8: Beloved Sister

The sunlight shone through the glass window woke Hitomi from her slumber. Her eyes twitched and she ran a hand through her messy silver hair. She glanced at the clock on her bedside table which reads 8.00 am. Hitomi sighed and sat up. She got out of bed and stretched herself. She looked around her room which she shared with no one and yawned.

How long was I asleep? she thought to herself. She shrugged to herself and went to look at herself in the mirror. She giggled at her reflection. Her shoulder length silver hair were messy and there was sleep marks all over her cheeks, hinting that she had might be rolling in her sleep. If she looked any uglier, she swore that the mirror might just crack. Her fingers were immediately in her hair, getting rid of the knots.

There was a knock on her door. " Hitomi-chan? Are you awake?" asked a familiar cheerful voice.

"Yes! But I advise you not to come in," said Hitomi.

"Why?" Takuma's voice was filled with confusion.

"Just don't okay? Unless you want to die of a heart attack," said Hitomi in a grave tone. A snicker can be heard. " I doubt that would happen, but okay, I'll wait outside,"

"Hmm..." answered Hitomi absently.

Hitomi hastily washed her face and went to her closet to pick out a fresh set of clothes. It was Saturday and students are allowed to wear casual clothes and go out to town. She wanted to go out to town herself. Her mind began to ponder on who she's going to bring with her. Hitori-one-san mentioned that she may be busy... Maybe Ichijou-sempai... Senri-kun?...Zero-kun? she pondered. She dismissed that thought and went on picking her clothes. In the end, she ended up wearing a cute green halter top, a pair of three quarter jeans and a pair of sandals. After she finished tying up her hair into two pigtails, she walked out of the room.

She found Takuma leaning against the wall, wearing a loose tan shirt, a pair of slacks and shoes. Hitomi found herself blushing as she thought that he looked handsome. She always had this innocent crush on her chaperone. Takuma saw Hitmi and grinned.

"My, don't you look cute!" he grinned, eyeing her outfit.

"Thanks!" Hitomi smiled back.

"Where do you want to go today?"

" Can we go to the chairman's office? I want to talk to Zero-kun and Yuuki-chan, maybe one-san, too, if she's there,"

"Sure, that'll be okay."

They both headed towards the main building and to Kaien's office. Hitomi softly knocked on the door.

"Come in," answered a female voice, probably Yuuki's.

Takuma nudged Hitomi in, saying that he's going to wait outside. Hitomi nodded and walked in. She was about to say hello when her emerald eyes strayed to the sofa where her older sister sat. Hitori was casually sitting on the sofa in the middle of the room, reading a novel. She was dressed in a white shirt with a black bow at both of the shirt's puffy sleeves and a frilly design down at the front, a black ruffled skirt and a pair of black pumps. Her hair was swept under a frilly black headband, her violet eyes focused on the novel she was reading. Yuuki was leaning on one of the arm chairs beside the sofa, breathing heavily, hinting that she was tired.

The dark haired noticed Hitomi standing at the doorway and waved. "Good morning, Hitomi! You're up early," she smiled.

"Umph!" Hitomi, nodded, smiling back. Hitori looked at her sister through the corner of her eyes and nodded in acknowledgement of her presence and went back into reading her novel. Hitomi frowned at the lack of attention.

" Good morning, one-san!" Hitomi greeted cheerfully.

"Morning," was her sister's flat response.

.....................

"Uh... nice book you're reading there huh? You seem to be absorbed in it," said Hitomi, forcing a smile, not willing to give up.

"Hn,"

Yuuki and Hitomi sweatdropped at Hitori's lack of response.

" Is it interesting?"

"Um," Hitori nodded. Yuuki and Hitomi sweatdropped even more.

"Do you like it?"

"Um,"

Hitomi couldn't stand anymore. She began ranting in her chibi anime form, sinking into a sitting position on the floor.

" MO EEE!!! One-san!!! Are you ignoring me?!" ranted Hitomi.

Yuuki waited for Hitori's answer. After a few seconds, her answer was a .... "Hn," nodded Hitori.

Yuuki fell down anime style while Hitomi went to the corner of the room, sulking. Dark clouds could literally be seen above Hitomi's head, who was crying animatedly to herself, muttering "meanie" at the same time. Yuuki laughed nervously at her reaction. "Ma ma," she said, trying to calm the Level D vampire.

Hitori merely sighed.

" Hitomi-chan?" asked Takuma as he entered the room. He was wondering what took Hitomi so long in the office. "Hitori-chan? Is your sister here?" inquired Takuma. Hitori nodded and pointed to a certain corner of the room, her eyes still glued to the novel. Takuma followed her direction and chuckled at the scene before him. Hitomi was still sulking, completely ignoring Yuuki's attempt to calm her down. As soon as the young vampire spotted her chaperone, she ran over to him, instantly giving him a hug. Her face was buried in Takuma's chest, causing Takuma to blush. His face turned pale when he saw Hitori was glaring daggers at him. He could only laugh nervously.

" Ma... Ichijou-sempai!!! Hitori-one-san is so mean!!! She's ignoring me!!!" Hitomi whined like a five year old who couldn't get what he or she wants.

" Hitomi..." said Yuuki wearily.

Takuma chuckled. He gently stroked Hitomi's hair, soothing her. " Do't worry, your sister probably has her reasons," he cooed.

Hitomi looked up at his face with her wide innocent eyes. " Ichijou-sempai..." She stared at him as he stared back at her, a gentle smile on his face. Somehow, the other two girls seem to disappear and it was only Takuma and her.

" Uh-oh. I see where this is going," said Yuuki somewhere in the background.

The scene continued until a book can be seen flying towards Takuma's head, hitting it. Takuma yelped and fainted onto the ground.

" Sempai!" cried Hitomi.

Yuuki had a feeling who was the culprit. She took a glance at Hitori who was quietly sipping tea from a tea cup. She gave Yuuki an innocent look.

"What?"

Yuuki merely sweatdropped.

~ A few hours later~

Somehow, Hitomi, Hitori, Takuma and Yuuki were at town, along with Shiki and Zero, who were trudging from behind.

How did I get involved in this? they both thought. But both of them knew the answer.

Flashback

After Takuma regained consciousness, he reminded Hitomi about her real reason for being there. Hitomi's eyes widened as she remembered.

"Oh yeah! I came here to see if Yuuki-chan and one-san can maybe... accompany me to town?" asked Hitomi expectantly.

Yuuki beamed. "I'll come. I need to buy a few things anyways," explained Yuuki.

"I'll come as well. I have nothing to do anyways. Besides, I need to keep my sister from any... distractions," Hitori said, eyeing Takuma who laughed nervously.

Hitomi grinned. "Great!!"

" What's with all this ruckus?" A steely voice asked.

At the same time, a knock can be heard on the door. " Ichijou-san? Hitomi-san? Are you there?" asked a familiar voice; Shiki's. As he came in, Zero strode in the room through the other door. Hitomi had an idea.

" Zero-kun! Senri-kun! Perfect timing! You two can came to town with us!" exclaimed Hitomi excitedly.

" What?" asked the pair in unison.

End of flashback

Right, that's how, thought the boys wearily. The girls took no notice of the pair weariness, as they were busy staring at the clothes through the windows of countless boutiques with Takuma following not far from them. Hitomi and Yuuki would either stared in awe or sighed while Hitori remained quiet throughout the shopping journey.

In the midst of their shopping, Hitomi spotted a sign that says: Come to our Sales now!!! All things sold at HALF PRICE!!! Come now to Clover Boutique!

Hitomi's eyes widened in excitement. She showed Yuuki the sign. Yuuki reacted the same way as Hitomi and fought the urge to squeal excitedly like a five year old. Hitori was looking at some clothes through the window of a shop when she spied her two companions' reflection on the glass.

Those two looked excited. What's going on? she thought. She followed their gaze and eyed the sign. She merely groaned whe she read the sign. Yuuki and her sister noticed her reaction and disappointment stretched across their faces. " Looks like we won't be going after all," whispered Yuuki to Hitomi. The young vampire nodded in agreement, weakly. Hitori noticed their reaction and sighed. She faced them with a tired expression.

" Don't worry, you two can go. I'll just rest somewhere," she said. "It's about time you two buy something anyways," pointed out Hitori.

Yuuki smiled but Hitomi's face remained the same. However her frown didn't represent disappointment this time, instead it represented hesitance. " Are you sure? You haven't buy anything, either, Hitori-one-san," she said. Her older sister half-smiled at her statement. She kneeled in front of her sister and stroked her face gently.

" Don't worry, I'm fine with it,"

" But-"

"No buts," Hitori sternly cut off her sister. Then she smiled again. "I'll be fine,"

Hitomi hesitated for a while then gave Hitori her famous carefree grin. "Okay then! If you say so,"

Hitori nodded and faced Takuma with a smooth expression. She walked past him, her face blank. " Follow her, chaperone. Make sure Yuuki and my sister are safe," she whispered as she passed him. Takuma smirked and nodded. Then he faced the two other guys with a wide grin. "I'm going to a sale with Yuuki-chan and Hitomi-chan. Senri-kun, Zero-kun, wanna come?" asked Takuma.

Zero's answer was a stern and terrifying glare that sort of says ' no way, leech,' that Takuma sweatdropped at. Shiki sighed and nodded. "I'd suppose I'll come. Nothing to do anyway," he said, knowing even if he said 'no' he would still be ended up dragged by him anyway.

Takuma beamed. "Great!" Then he faced the two girls. "C'mon then. Shiki and I will follow," "Umph!" "Sure!" And off they went, with Shiki trudging from behind, his face as usual bored. Hitori watched them leave and headed towards the nearest bench. Zero followed her as she sat.

" Why didn't you follow your sister?" inquired Zero. He was genuinely surprised at the platinum blonde haired girl next to him. Hitori was known to be protective over her sister. If she could, she'd be at her side always. Now here she is, easily trusting her sister to someone else while she stayed behind to rest. Weird.... Zero thought.

"It's not unusual for me not to be by her side once in a while," said Hitori offhandedly, as if she read his mind. "Besides, when I know Hitomi badly wants to go somewhere, even I don't really want to myself, I'd let her go in condition someone is with her. I don't want to ruin her fun for my selfish reasons," explained Hitori as she closed her eyes to relax.

"Oh,"

"Why are YOU here? Aren't you always with Yuuki?" Hitori asked casually, eyeing Zero through her half opened right eye.

"I'm not really into shopping trips since like... forever,"

"Hm, I see," said Hitori, closing her right eye once more.

Silence passed them. After a few minutes, Zero faced Hitori.

"Hitori?"

"Mmmm?"

"Want to walk somewhere?"

Hitori lifted up her head and faced him with a quizzical expression. Her violet eyes which were usually empty or bored shows confusion. Hitori, who usually has no problem finding out people's true intention behind their actions, couldn't find a reason behind Zero's invitation.

Zero noticed Hitori's expression and did the rarest thing. (Author: And I do mean RARE.) He actually chuckled. Right in front of someone. (Author: You imagine him chuckling) Hitori, instead of being more confused or hurt, merely stared at Zero's amused expression.

He looks good that way. He should be more carefree like this all the time, Hitori thought.

" Hmph, talk about the pot calling the kettle black," her inner voice self smirked.

But Hitori took no notice. She was still focused on Zero. Zero... I wish you'd be more like this... I like you that way... Hey, wait! What am I thinking?! Hitori blushed at her foolish thoughts. When Zero fianally stopped chuckling, he faced Hitori with a small smile. "Sorry about that, it's just that your expression is amusing," explained Zero. Hitori's cheek turned slightly pink at that expression. She quickly turned her face away.

" Whatever, Zero," she fumed. Zero couldn't help but gave a small smile at Hitori's pouting face. She actually looks... like a normal teenage girl that way, he thought, unable to bring himself to say the 'b' or the 'p' word. (Author: Not offence words, but see if you can guess what those words are.)

"Anyway, shall we?" asked Zero as he got up.

" Shall we what?" asked Hitori, confusion returning to her face.

" Go for a walk. It's pretty boring sitting here all day, don't you think? Besides, you need to buy something too, or this trip would be meaningless," Zero pointed out.

Hitori smiled at Zero's statement. He's caring, isn't he? One of the things I like about him. Huh? Oh no! Not again! She mentally smacked herself for thinking such things. She could feel her blood rising up to her cheeks. To avoid Zero from seeing things she doesn't want him to see, she quickly turned her face away. Her cheeks were burning and Hitori couldn't find a reason why.

" I- I thought you never liked shopping trips," Hitori bit her tongue, trying to keep herself from stuttering.

" I don't. But I also don't like making worthless trips, either. I won't waste my time doing nothing and I'm not gonna let you as well,"

Hitori's eyes widened slightly at his words.

" Okay then. Let's go, Zero," confirmed Hitori.

" Right,"

~`*`~.. ~`*`~

Zero and Hitori spent an hour looking through shops, examining things. At one particular shop, Zero noticed Hitori staring at an object longer than usual. He followed her gaze and saw an antique music box. Does she want this? he thought. He watched as Hitori shook her head as if dismissing a thought and walked away. Zero quickly followed her.

" Why didn't you buy it?" asked Zero as soon as he managed to keep up with her. For a girl, she's fast. Hitori snapped up. When he looked at Hitori's eyes, he noticed something. Her eyes seem to be full of emotions that he could only comprehend a few. And one of them is regret.

" Hitori?"

Hitori took no notice. A scene was playing in her head.

Flashback

" Pwetty!" squealed an excited five year old Hitomi.

The Ai sisters were at a street market. A seven year old Hitori and her little sister were strolling around when something caught Hitomi's eye. It was an antique music box. It was a simple music box except that it was made of polished wood and gold leaflets decorated it , making it look rather grand. There was a carved design on the cover and at the sides of the music box.

" What is it, Hitomi?" asked Hitori who noticed her sister's squeal.

" Look Hitori-nee-san! It's a pwetty box!" exclaimed Hitomi.

" Don't you mean 'pretty' box?" she said while examining the object. "It's a music box, Hitomi,"

" Muix box?" asked Hitomi.

"'Music' box, Hitomi," corrected Hitori. "It's a box that produces music if you open it, more or less," she explained.

" Cool! Hitori-nee-san! Twy it!" pressed Hitomi excitedly.

Hitori smiled and nodded. She politely asked the shopkeeper's permission to borrow the music box. Once she did, she showed it to Hitomi.

" Watch carefully, Hitomi," she said as she lifted the lid.

A soft melody came out as soon as she did. Hitori recognized that tune. It was none other than Ave Maria, one of her favorite songs.

" Pwetty!" Hitomi said while she listened.

" Um," Hitori nodded in agreement.

" Hitori-nee-san, can you ask Mama and Papa to get one for me for my bwithday?" she asked her sister sweetly.

" I'll try my best..."

End of Flashback.

" She never did get one... since Mama and Papa died when she turned seven..." Hitori whispered to herself. Tears were forming in her eyes and were threatening to fall. She quickly wiped them away with her hand.

" Hitori? Are you... okay?" asked Zero, failing to hide the worry in his voice.

Hitori faced him and gave him a forced smile. " I'm fine. Let's stop somewhere, Zero. My legs are failing me. Besides, Hitomi and the others may be looking for us,"

Zero frowned at the tone of her voice. He was used to her usual monotone and flat voice but now, it was slightly shaken. On the outside, she looks cool and calm, but I have no idea what's it like on the inside, he thought. Zero nodded and led her to a nearby cafe. After ordering two glasses of cold latte for Hitori and himself, they both sat across each other at a table in a corner.

Hitori thanked him but she merely stared at the beverage in front of her. Silence passed them. Zero couldn't take it anymore. Usually he enjoyed silence like this but something was wrong and he needed to find out what.

" Hitori?"

" Zero, do you know what's the feeling of getting something you want?" asked Hitori suddenly. The question took Zero off guard. The feeling of getting something you want?

" I'm not sure... Why do you ask?" Zero asked carefully.

Hitori turned to look at Zero, her expression confused. Despite that, there was a rueful smile on her face.

" That music box I saw, Hitomi used to want one like it,"

" Huh?"

" When we were little, Hitomi and I used to love strolling around at street markets often held near our neighborhood. Our parents used to follow us as well,"

" Parents?" Aren't they orphans?

" We were orphans but not since birth," explained Hitori, as if reading his mind. " We became one when Hitomi turned seven and I was nine,"

" Oh,"

" Anyway, one particular day, she found this one music box and was attracted to it, especially after she listened to the melody produced by it. She asked if I could as our parents to buy one for her for her birthday and I said I'll try my best,"

" Then, what happen?" asked Zero, suddenly getting interested.

" Well, Mama and Papa said they will on her seventh birthday. Ever since then, Hitomi had been counting the days till her seventh birthday," she chuckled as she remembered, then her face turned solemn. " However one night, things didn't go as planned. It was three days before her seventh birthday and that was the night..." she trailed off.

Zero's face was filled with sympathy. He had known the rest of the story. That was the night when their parents got attacked and killed by a bunch of Level E's. His fist crunched up. Another reason for hating them, he gritted his teeth.

" Ever since then, I've been taking care of my sister as if she was my very life. I could she is, in fact,"

" What do you mean?"

" When I'm mad, frustrated or sad, even just plain lonely, she never fails to cheer me up with her carefree smile. She brings warmth and has a personality that is so sweet that I can't help but to feel happy just being around her. I love looking at her smiling face, filled with no worries, and if I could, I want to give her a life where she doesn't have to worry at all. A life where she feels no need to be scared, a life where she could just be happy. Yes, I want that. I truly do,"

Zero was speechless after hearing her words. She really loves her sister, doesn't she?

" You love her, do you?"

" Of course I do, Zero," she looked up to see Zero's face just inches from hers. His violet eyes staring at hers, it's as if he's trying to figure her out from the inside. Hitori suddenly felt the urge to kiss him, since that they were both leaning in, but she pulled away immediately, scolding herself for her intentions.

" Thank you for listening to me Zero. It's great to find someone who's wiling to do so," she thanked him with sincerity.

" Right,"

Suddenly they heard a familiar voice.

" One-san! Zero-kun! Where are you?" shouted a familiar voice, Hitomi's.

Hitori smiled and faced Zero.

" Let's go. Before she gets worried," suggested Hitori.

" Okay,"

Author: Thanks for the reviews! I was so happy that I somehow felt the urge to write a longer chappie! I felt you want more chappies like this, you know what to do! Please.... (drum roll) REVIEW!!!!