Chapter 9: Spin the bottle
Hey guys!!! OMG!! This is totally my longest chapter i've written by like a thousand words...i'm really proud of myself. Only problem don't know how to continue...i haven't finished it i'm no where near i just need to get past the 8ft thick/9ft tall brick wall that is my writers block. Anyhoo (i say that a lot) i promised to update before the 24th so here you go...hope you enjoy. As always read and review it inspires my creative genius *cough cough* =D.
A shout outn o everyone who favourite's this story and puts it on Story alert love you all...ENJOY!!!!
"Oh for crying out loud!" Yuuki shouted at the TV "Is there not anything on this fucking thing that isn't a romantic comedy?" Yuuki pushed the red button which turned the screen blank and violently flung the remote across the room where it landed harshly on the armchair opposite her, causing the batteries to fall out and get lost down the side of the cushions.
Ichijou was walking slowly around the back of the sofa where Yuuki was sitting and had his face buried in a manga. At the sound of her voice he looked up and laughed at her expression. She looked utterly pissed off but almost like she was going to laugh at the same time.
She looks so cute he thought Wait, did I just think that?
Now wearing a confused face, he looked back at the pages of the comic in front of him and walked towards the door leading to the kitchen.
"It's ridiculous. Three days and nothing but happily ever afters…when are they going to learn not everything in real life ends perfectly?" she murmured darkly to herself and the young vampire next to her. Opposite Yuuki, apparently vastly interested in the pages of Star magazine (something which Yuuki knew from Shiki she had never looked twice at) sat Rima Touya curled up in a ball, sitting on her feet and facing Yuuki. Politely, Rima looked up from the magazine and nodded at Yuuki in agreement.
"Tell me about it, there is never anything on." she muttered, sounding extremely bored.
"Well there has got to be something we can do." Yuuki moaned loudly.
Yuuki turned to face Rima and, like her friend, pulled her feet off of the white rug covering the hardwood floor and tucked them underneath her. Yuuki was lazing around Takuma Ichijou's townhouse in her favourite pair of sweats and a loose fitted batman t-shirt, similar to what she had been doing for the past two days. Yuuki's hair was tied up in a greasy… well, greasy in Yuuki's opinion, bun and her face was clear of all make-up. The result: Yuuki looking more than half dead. Rima on the other hand looked perfect and very clean, having just come back from a photo shoot with Shiki, who had since disappeared upstairs with Rima's box of pocky.
Rima was wearing a pair of light blue shorts, which stopped just above her knees, and a red and white striped tank top. Her golden hair was, as usual, tied up in two pigtails at the top of her head. The only reason Rima sat there and was not currently wrestling Shiki for her pocky back was that Yuuki had not moved in almost three days except to go to the bathroom or to go to sleep in the guest room down the hall. The rest of the time she was sat curled up on the sofa complaining to anyone who would listen about what was on the telly and Rima was really starting to worry. Ever since Kaname had left Yuuki refused to go home. She had convinced Yori, who had left on Saturday morning, to bring her some fresh clothes, explaining to everyone that she was just too lazy to go and get some.
"Because it's all the way over there." she would pout whenever someone asked her why she would not go home, allowing her arm to loll around in mid air while pointing randomly out of the window, and never taking her eyes off the images on the screen. Everyone in the house knew that she wasn't going to go back to her apartment until she could be sure that Kaname and Sara would not be there. However, they were all too clever to mention this reason to Yuuki… Well, at least to her face.
Rima smiled brightly at Yuuki. After three days of mindless staring and complaining this was the most animation Yuuki had exerted.
"Well, Yuuki-sama, what do you want to do?" Rima asked politely, setting aside her magazine.
"I don't know!" she wailed, before running her hand through her hair. "Urgh! Yes I do! I'm going to get in the shower, I'm disgusting."
Rima laughed as Yuuki sprang to her feet and half-ran towards the bathroom "Don't move one inch!" she shouted to Rima.
Rima rolled her eyes and shook her head slightly but did as she was asked and sat perfectly still.
Aidou burst through from the kitchen, laughing manically. From behind him Ichijou was also collapsing in fits of laughter but remained in the kitchen, clutching the black worktop, while Ruka giggled slightly on his right.
"Hanabusa, you better had get yourself back in here before I personally come and rip you to shreds." Kain called, sounding furious. Not for the first time since they arrived at the townhouse his usual composed behaviour had been shattered and his wild personality had broken through - thanks to the actions of his cousin.
Aidou however, only moved further away from the kitchen door and literally crawled towards an armchair on the opposite side of the room, laughing like a four year old. Panting and clutching his ribs, he managed to hoist himself onto the chair making it, despite shaking as much as he was. Silent tears of laughter fell down his cheeks as he writhed around in his seat. After a few minutes Ichijou followed Aidou into the living area with his precious manga tucked neatly under his arm, staggering with laughter himself before he managed to hang on to the wall for support. Following him was Ruka a huge grin plastered over her usually tranquil features who walked casually over to the sofa and dropped elegantly into the seat next to Rima.
"What did I miss?" Rima asked, genuinely intrigued.
"Akatsuki…his face." was all Aidou could splutter before he was overcome with another onslaught of sniggers. Ichijou waved dismissively and clutched the wall harder and shook with silent chuckles, unable to pause for breath; never mind explain.
"What did you do now Hanabusa?" Rima asked again.
"What's all the commotion?" Yuuki enquired when she entered the room. Although still wearing her sweats and batman top, her hair was now hanging limply, dripping wet by her waist. She took one glance at Aidou and Ichijou before narrowing her eyes. "Who's got laughing gas?"
"No ones got laughing gas, Yuuki-sama." Ruka chirped, "It's just that Hanabusa found a new way to wind Akatsuki up. This one was actually quite amusing…"
"For you!" Kain screeched from the kitchen in a very high pitched voice.
Yuuki's eyes lit up and she beamed.
"Come on then… spill." Yuuki demanded, before also dropping onto the sofa on the other side of Ruka. The three girls now sat comfortably on the sofa while Aidou squirmed on the armchair and Ichijou's doubled over figure hovered just above the bare floorboards. Akatsuki still hadn't emerged from the kitchen.
Ruka grinned again. It was unnatural for a girl as dignified as her to smile this much. Yuuki and Rima both looked at her frowning. Ruka began to explain at high speed, in a way that only girls can understand.
"You know Akatsuki has been getting letters off some random day class girl from the Academy?" Ruka started.
Yuuki interrupted here. "Yeah, hasn't he been on the phone for like two days trying to get in touch with my dad to get them expelled or something?"
Ruka grinned again. "Yes, they knew his home address and practically everything about him so he got worried. Hanabusa here just informed us who she was."
"Wait, you understood that?" Ichijou managed to voice, incredulous, but no one really paid any attention to him.
"Who?" Rima asked, still frowning
"Me!" Aidou burst out, still laughing manically. "I've been writing and sending them for about four weeks."
Yuuki looked at Rima raising one eyebrow whilst Rima looked at Yuuki with a blank expression. Yuuki's face broke out into a huge grin and they both fell about laughing; something Rima hardly every does. Yuuki almost fell off the sofa laughing whilst Rima lolled about over the arm of the sofa, clutching her sides. Ruka sat in the middle, grinning broadly. The door to the kitchen burst open and Aidou instantly stopped laughing and stared fearfully at the empty space.
Through the doorway walked Akatsuki Kain; looking murderous. Striding into the room, his eyes kept Aidou frozen to the chair. Slowly and menacingly, he took off the black shirt that hung open over a red turtleneck and threw it to Ruka who caught it tentatively. Every eye in the room was now either focused on Kain's offensive crouch and crimson eyes or Aidou's quivering form in the armchair. Unless those eyes belonged to Yuuki, who was trying to watch both at the same time, looking from Kain to Aidou and back again repeatedly. Kain breathed deeply and whispered to Aidou.
"You have three seconds." was all he said.
By the end of his breath Aidou was gone; a cloud of smoke resembling his body was left behind as he scurried out of the room. Kain was after him in an instant, moving so fast he was a blur.
Aidou squealed like a little girl making everyone laugh again.
"No! Akatsuki stop… please… No, ow! That got me right on the arse! Stay back I'm warning you... I'll tell!" Aidou screamed.
Looking up, Ruka, Rima, Yuuki and Ichijou all saw Aidou running along the second floor balcony above their heads. The seat of his pants was smoking a little, followed by a still furious Kain, who had a ball of fire resting in the palm of his hand.
"The chairman was going to tell my mother to move! You absolute Idiot!" he shouted, before throwing the fireball. Aidou ducked and the fire ball shot over his head and he brought his hands up to shield his face.
"No, not the face!" he pleaded, "I need it."
"Wait until I'm through with you and it will all be a distant memory." Kain threatened.
Aidou squeaked like a mouse being trodden on and darted down the stairs, reappearing behind Rima.
"Come on, Akatsuki." Aidou begged, ducking to avoid another fireball. "It was only a joke, lighten up."
"You'll be lightening up in a minute." Kain snarled.
With his mouth closed tightly, Aidou let out a very high pitched noise escape his lips but no one knew whether or not it was meant as a word.
Still standing near Rima's end of the sofa, Aidou cowered like a small child whilst Kain stood opposite him at the other end near Yuuki who looked positively petrified. She eyed the fireball still glowing in his curved palm with hesitation, afraid that if she made any sudden movements it would come after her.
No one was laughing now. The look in Akatsuki's eyes had silenced them all. Ruka sat in between Rima and Yuuki frowning at Kain who did not return her glances but rather continued glaring at Aidou. Ichijou was now upright and leaning in towards the scene in front of him, his eyes full of concern and worry. Yuuki was apparently having a staring match with Kain's hand (the flames were winning) and Rima…well, Rima just looked… bored. Again.
"Come on guys." Ichijou whispered "That's enough. You're gonna hurt someone or break something."
"I'll do both in a minute and then it'll all be sorted." Akatsuki snarled.
He moved quickly and without warning, darting around the front of the sofa away from Yuuki, towards Rima… but Aidou was faster. With a higher pitched shriek than anyone could have imagined he could produce, Aidou dived onto the sofa, forcing the three girls to the edge of their seats but still close enough to shield him from Akatsuki's rage. Instantly, Kain's fireball dissipated, but he still stood in front of the sofa staring at Aidou with crimson eyes.
With a sigh, Ruka finally spoke. "When was the last time you had a blood tablet, Akatsuki?"
The question distracted him and his gaze fell onto the blonde beauty sitting directly in front of him.
"Erm…" he started, but Ruka interrupted.
"Exactly what I thought. I've told you about this before Kain. I know they are disgusting, but we have to drink them or we end up getting pissed over the tiniest things… I've heard Aidou insult your mother before and you've never reacted like this."
Kain growled at the memory and Aidou whimpered. Rima, who was absentmindedly staring at the balcony over their heads; no doubt thinking about Shiki, gently dropped an arm onto Aido's lower leg and patted it, cooing a soothing "There, there it's okay now." as if he were a baby.
Ichijou was still standing tense in the corner, his usual smile absent from his kind face, but his eyes rested on Yuuki who was looking at him with raised eyebrows. He did all he could to suppress the smile from his face. Yuuki looked away and coughed to disguise her giggle.
Ruka and Kain were still locked in some sort of silent conversation, staring into each others eyes. Ruka stood, but Kain did not move. She began to move towards the kitchen but still he remained where he was and remained staring at Aidou and the gap in his defences that Ruka had left. Ruka sighed and shook her head once more before marching up to Kain and literally dragging him away. Everyone in the room winced, Ruka rarely showed off her inhumane strength and the fact that she was doing so now proved she was extremely annoyed with him. She considered it very un-ladylike. Kain never took his eyes off of Aidou who had begun to rise into a sitting position as Kain moved away. The door to the kitchen swung shut and Aidou let out a very relieved sigh.
"For a second there I thought I was a goner." he looked at the ceiling and mouthed a silent thank you towards it.
Yuuki giggled a little and Ichijou visibly relaxed; he removed the manga from under his arm and crossed the room to drop into the armchair Aidou had occupied earlier. Aidou sat up completely and threw his arm over the back of the sofa. Rima settled into the corner, bringing her legs up to her chest and sighing, still looking more than a little bored.
"What happened?" a bored voice asked from above their heads. Immediately everyone looked up and from the corner of her eye Yuuki saw Rima's eyes brighten slightly at the sight of Shiki, but other than that her expression barely changed, so no one noticed. Yuuki grinned and spoke to Shiki who was leaning on the rail.
"Hanabusa managed to piss Akatsuki off again." she replied bluntly.
"That explains the smell then." he noted.
"Oi!!" Aidou shouted at him, but he had already turned away and walked back to his room.
Yuuki looked at Rima and her eyes narrowed when she noticed that the little sparkle in her eye had gone completely. Rima now looked even more bored than before.
At that moment Yuuki sniffed, as did the rest of the vampires in the room, and turned her attention towards the kitchen door. From within that room a strong scent of fresh blood poured through the gaps around the door. Everyone sighed but turned away. Ruka was giving Kain some of her blood to quench his thirst and the smell of that blood was hard to ignore, especially considering vampire blood smells, and tastes, a hell of a lot better than the blood tablet substitutes.
Aidou groaned. "I'm the one who gets fried and he gets fresh blood. Gosh this sucks!" he then rose from his chair and stalked out the room, muttering dark things under his breath. Ichijou turned the last page of his comic and murmured something about getting a new copy and retreated upstairs into his room, shutting the door and not opening it again.
That left Yuuki and Rima alone again.
"We're back to having nothing to do again." Yuuki complained.
"Hmm…" Rima agreed.
"Well, it was an okay way to spend fifteen minutes." Yuuki added cheerfully.
"Hmm…" Rima agreed again.
Yuuki sighed in frustration, biting her tongue to keep the words in her mouth. But she was saved. At that moment the kitchen door opened again and Kain and Ruka both walked out. Ruka was adjusting the collar of her shirt and Kain was visibly in a better mood; a huge smile played on his lips and he rested one hand on the small of Ruka's back. Ruka was smiling gently too and the sight made Yuuki slightly nauseous.
"Where's Hanabusa?" Akatsuki asked, his eyes now calm and back to their original hazel brown colour.
"Dunno…" Yuuki replied, "He stalked off somewhere muttering about something or other."
Kain's eyebrows pulled together in a slight frown. "I should probably go and apologise. I overreacted… it's just those blood tablets are so disgusting. I usually don't have a problem with them, but lately…"
Probably all the blood you're getting off Ruka. Yuuki thought to herself irritably. Sort of changes your preferences.
Yuuki frowned and shook her head.
"Can't it wait until later?" Ruka asked innocently, her face pulled into a slight pout.
"Why?" Kain asked, looking down at her.
"I want to go somewhere with you." she replied.
He frowned a little, evidently torn between worry of his cousins' state of mind and pleasing Ruka. Eventually pleasing Ruka won.
"Okay, where you want to go?" he asked, trying, and failing, to sound annoyed as he looked at her happy face.
"Yay!" was all she said, before stepping towards him on tip toes and kissing him lightly on the cheek. She then took his hand and pulled him from the room, his face a mixture of awe and disbelief. Despite the fact Kain and Ruka had been together a while now, and everyone knew, she didn't really think much of an openly physical relationship; the simple gesture was so out of character for her.
"See you later guys." Ruka called from the front door.
Yuuki and Rima shouted their goodbyes and both of them sighed when the door shut with a snap.
"Urgh! Doesn't it just make you want to hurl?" Yuuki blurted out. "They may not be all physical in public but the looks and little gestures are nearly as bad."
Scowling, she folded her arms across her chest and stared angrily at the wall, probably hoping to drill a hole into it.
"Tell me about it…" Rima agreed, and the rolling of her eyeballs was almost audible.
Yuuki snapped her head back to Rima's face so fast she could have given herself whiplash. Her neck cracked loudly and she winced before letting her hand massage the bone. She began staring at Rima's oblivious expression with utter disbelief. Rima just stared wide eyed back at the pureblood, completely unaware as to why she moved so fast. Yuuki gaped and then started laughing without any real humour.
"You've got to be kidding me." Yuuki snorted.
"What?" Rima asked.
"Likeyou of all people can talk"" Yuuki retorted, without anger but just annoyance.
"What?" Rima persisted, her brow furrowing in a most unattractive way.
Yuuki just continued laughing.
Frustrated, Rima picked up her magazine and rolled it tightly into a long tube, before swiping Yuuki's head.
"Tell me…" Rima pleaded, thoroughly annoyed.
"You and Shiki, you're almost as bad as those two!" Yuuki pointed out, whilst using her free hand to massage her head
Rima sat there frozen; magazine poised midair for another strike at Yuuki, eyes wide and glazed over, barely breathing. Then she blushed uncontrollably, her usually porcelain, white skin flushed with a sea of pink roses and she diverted her gaze from Yuuki's all knowing eyes.
"Don't know what you're talking about…" Rima uttered in a voice, so quiet even Yuuki had trouble catching it.
"Bull!" Yuuki shouted. "Load of bullshit! I've seen the way you look at each other. Why can't you both get over your… pride and embarrassment… whatever it is and just make out already? We all know it."
Rima shook her head defiantly but continued to blush furiously.
"Come on Rima! Admit it! You like him and he likes you." Yuuki whispered loudly.
"You're evil, Yuuki-sama. Pure evil. A wicked little pixie." Rima hissed, ashamed.
"I knew it! I'm right, aren't I? Come on, I promise I won't tell a soul." Yuuki promised.
"ALRIGHT!" Rima hissed again. "Fine! You win, I like him, ok? Happy now?"
"Not really. Does he know?" Yuuki pressed.
"Of course he doesn't know. I've only known myself for a few days." Yuuki raised one eyebrow at this, and Rima quickly amended "Fine, a few weeks. But it doesn't matter anyway, he doesn't like me that way, so don't you dare tell him how I feel." she threatened. When Rima was whispering her threats seemed even more dangerous.
"Like I would." Yuuki assured her. "Anyway you're wrong again. He likes you too, I know it."
"Has he told you that?" she asked confidently.
"Well…no." Yuuki hesitated, "But it's obvious."
Rima snorted this time and did not continue.
"So you're not going to tell him?" Yuuki whispered.
"Durr! Of course not!" Rima replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Oh…I will then." Yuuki replied, throwing Rima an evil smile.
"You wouldn't." Rima snarled, her eyes narrowing.
"Oh, I would!" Yuuki grinned, before jumping off the sofa and sprinting for the stairs.
Rima let out a strangled scream and almost flew after her, tackling Yuuki and pulling her to the ground.
"No! Yuuki-sama…please don't. Please. I'm begging!" Rima panted, still restraining Yuuki.
"It's for your own good!" Yuuki wheezed, trying to free herself from Rima's vice like grip. "Jeez you're strong."
"What's going on here?" someone shouted.
Yuuki and Rima both stopped struggling and looked up. Leaning down, looking thoroughly amused, was the smiling face of Takuma Ichijou who had surfaced from him room just as Rima pulled Yuuki to the floor.
"Nothing." Rima said hastily, pulling her and Yuuki off the floor. Yuuki was shaking with silent laughter and Rima took advantage of her distraction and bolted up the stairs faster than the energizer bunny on ecstasy. Stopping near Ichijou she whispered: "Yuuki-sama is being a conniving little pixie, that's all. Don't let her out of your sight, it's all part of her evil plan, she might be after you next."
Rima then turned and yanked open Shiki's bedroom door and slammed it so forcefully that the pictures hanging from the wall shook ominously. Ichijou stared at the door for a while before turning his attention to Yuuki, who had fallen to her knees, absolutely hysterical from Rima's behaviour.
"Are you going to tell me what happened then?" he asked, humour clearly coating his every word and wide grin spread across his face. He and Aidou had been trying for years to get Shiki and/or Rima to react like that.
"I would, but I fear for my life too much. She would tear me to pieces." she spluttered, clutching her ribs.
Ichijou just chuckled and started down the stairs. Yuuki finally finished laughing and followed his descent with her eyes. He stopped just in front of her and leaned down towards her. Tucking his arm securely under her elbow he pulled her to her feet. Unfortunately Yuuki had developed a habit lately that involved tripping over non-existent objects and blaming the beavers. She stumbled and starting falling towards him. Luckily, Takuma wasn't quite as uncoordinated as Yuuki and so was able to steady her. He caught her gently in his arms and brought her upright. She gazed up at him and blushed slightly.
"Thanks…" she mumbled, and struggled to meet his gaze.
"Erm…" Ichijou murmured. "Come on, let's sit down before you break something."
They both giggled and Ichijou led Yuuki to her previous seat. Her waist length hair had finally dried and now hung in loose ringlets down her back.
They sat in silence for a while… a first for the two of them, throwing each other awkward glances.
That was awkward Yuuki thought I haven't been that close to anyone since Kan… no stop, I will not think that wretched name again! She flinched at the thought.
Ichijou uncomfortably cleared his throat and turned to face Yuuki.
"Yuuki?" he started.
"Hai, Takuma?" she replied, but did not look at him as her mind was concentrating on not thinking about a certain gorgeous pureblood. Shit! she thought I can't think like that anymore.
"Gomen, I know you don't like it… but I have to ask you something." he explained awkwardly.
Yuuki didn't like the sound of his voice and prepared herself for a conversation she had somehow managed to avoid for the past few days.
"You know, we're leaving at the end of the week. I was wondering when you are planning on returning home. It's not like I don't love having you here, I really do, but I would worry having you here by yourself." he rushed in a babble of conversation.
Yuuki sighed heavily, but inwardly decided that Takuma would not mind her insecurities. "Takuma, don't worry. I'll leave when you guys do. It'll be weird, it's been nice being around some of my own kind, but I can't go back there when there is a chance of running into him. If I see Kaname…" she struggled with the word "… or even Sara for that matter, I don't think I would be able to stay calm. I don't want to go back in front of the council to be chastised for my anger problems."
Takuma smiled but furrowed his brow, utterly confused. "Why would the council worry about your anger, Yuuki?"
Yuuki smiled "I hope you're comfortable."
Ichijou hastily settled onto the sofa and rested his elbow on his knee before cupping his chin and cast Yuuki a quizzical look worthy of any council member. With one eyebrow raised he addressed Yuuki in a very posh voice:
"Please, do continue."
Yuuki grinned at him before starting. "Well you know that I don't usually talk about this, okay? So give me a little credit." She paused and Ichijou nodded in encouragement. Taking a deep breath, Yuuki explained.
"Can you remember how reluctant I was to go to Shiki's party that night?" she asked.
Ichijou nodded but did not interrupt. So she continued.
"That's because I don't really get along well with the council. There were so many members there that I felt really uncomfortable. Hanabusa and Akatsuki really did save me from Katsuma. He was pissing me off and I was going to say something. I hate it when they poke their noses into our business…"
"Hold on a minute." Ichijou interrupted "You say 'our'? What did they do to you and others?"
"I'm getting there don't worry." Yuuki smiled reassuringly. "Well when I was talking to Katsuma and then he started saying things about Shiki and Rima and how he had heard a rumour about their supposed relationship. He started acting like it would be a scandal if the two of them were more than friends. It was none of his business so I told him that he was going to say something but the guys turned up and literally saved my ass. He annoyed me, thinking he could pry about Shiki and Rima, if they want to get it on it's up to them. I don't know or care about what is going on between them, so why should he?"
Yuuki was now so furious she had to pause to let herself calm down. Closing her eyes and taking several deep breaths. Ichijou took advantage of her silence and started asking more questions.
"But you said 'our'! I know you and Rima are friends but why would you class yourself in the same category? What did they do to you, Yuuki?"
Yuuki took another deep breath before opening her eyes and Ichijou recoiled involuntarily. Yuuki's eyes were burning crimson.
"This is what pisses me off most about Kaname." she hissed and Ichijou just frowned in confusion "He talks about how it is impossible to break his engagement even though he cares more about me." Yuuki could not suppress her snort of revulsion "It's not as impossible as he makes out."
"What do you mean, Yuuki? I don't understand?" Ichijou complained, sounding utterly frustrated.
"When I was re-awoken by Rido I was introduced to the council by my father. They were nice at first, understood my situation as well as I did, and they really helped when I had trouble with my thirst and everything. Then after about six months in my vampire body they got all shifty and started whispering about me; scheming. I wasn't worried at first, thought I was just being paranoid at being the new girl and everything. Didn't realise I was right though…" Yuuki's expression darkened. "Couple of weeks later I was brought into council and told some very joyous news." she mocked the councils words and sarcasm dripped off her every word. "I was introduced to the son of one of the elders and informed that this stranger was my new fiancé."
Ichijou's eyes widened and his mouth dropped. He gaped at her incredulous and stammered:
"Y-you're engaged!"
Yuuki snorted "Am I shite! I told them all to… go forth and multiply (A/N: Fuck off!) and walked off, laughing. I thought it was a joke. He was another pureblood of course; we had a duty the keep the line going as they said. Eventually we came to blows about it and I refused to go through with it despite their insistence. In their eyes I'm still engaged to whatever his name was until I find a fitting replacement, but they know I will never marry him; but they can't lose face can they? After that they hardly ever talk to me now, only if they have to and they downright disapprove of anyone who is friendly with me. Katsuma especially hates me; it was his cousin that was meant to marry me. He calls me the filthy ex-human now. I, for one, could not give a flying fuck. They can stick their marriage and their rules."
Yuuki finished her explanation and went quiet, stuck in bitter thoughts of the council.
Ichijou just sat there in silence.
"Wow! That's one hell of a reason!" someone piped up through the quiet.
Yuuki and Ichijou both looked up to see Shiki and Rima both leaning over the railing of the upper floor.
"You know, you are my friends but I wish you wouldn't sneak up on me like that. Possibly I didn't want you to hear all that." Yuuki informed them crossly.
"Gomen-nasai, Yuuki-sama." Shiki replied quickly. "We heard our names before and we came to investigate."
Yuuki nodded "I know. I don't mind. To be honest you scared the hell out of me."
It's kinda sweet the way they see each other; never on their own, always 'we', never 'I'. It's as if they want to be seen as a pair… I wish they'd both realise. Yuuki thought and she sighed.
Shiki and Rima both turned and made their way down the stairs, slowly and quietly; bored, like they always seemed to be.
"That was really nice of you to stand up for us, Yuuki-sama." Rima said, blushing a little as she thought back to their earlier conversation.
Yuuki just grinned at her. Shiki and Ichijou did not notice much.
Just then the front door opened with a bang and a cold breeze swept through the house making Rima and Yuuki shiver slightly. Soon it was gone and Ruka and Kain emerged into the living area holding hands. Kain was grinning and Ruka looked flushed from the wind; her pale cheeks had a faint pink glow in them.
"Hi everyone." Ruka announced. "Did we miss anything?"
"Nothing much…" Rima said.
"Rima did tackle Yuuki to the floor a while ago; that was fun to watch." Ichijou grinned along with Yuuki while Rima blushed and narrowed her eyes at the pair of them. Shiki just shot Rima a confused look and she shook her head at him. Not one to ask too many questions, Shiki just shrugged and started staring out of the window.
"Really? Why?" Ruka asked.
"For fun." Rima chirped up, still glaring at Yuuki. Who pointed at her own face and mouthed 'wasn't me' with the most innocent face she could muster without smiling.
Ruka grinned and separated from Akatsuki so she could go and sit in an armchair. Kain glanced around the room and frowned.
"Where is Hanabusa?" he asked.
Rima, Shiki, Yuuki and Ichijou all looked at each other and shrugged.
"Now that is a good question." Ichijou frowned "I haven't seen him since you left."
Everyone was thinking about when they had last seen Aidou but all of them shrugged and did not bother to answer.
"Don't all rush to find me at once! I'm fine, don't worry about me." Aidou announced, floundering in the room from a door near the kitchen.
"Hanabusa." Kain called "Listen man, I'm sorry about before, just these damn blood tablets are killing me. I'll never get at you about them again."
"Yeah you will…" Aidou replied, bored. "But I don't care anymore."
"Really?" Ichijou asked, perplexed by his answer.
"Yeah, I'm just too bored to get worked up at the minute." he sighed.
"Join the freaking club." Yuuki agreed. "No offence, Takuma, but you could have at least a board game or something."
Ichijou's face lit up and everyone started looking at each other, worried. An ecstatic Takuma was never a good sign.
"I have an idea." he announced in a sing-song voice.
Kain walked over to Ruka and sat on the arm of her chair before throwing his arm around her protectively. Ruka was too busy glaring suspiciously at Ichijou to take much notice. Shiki and Rima looked bored, as usual. Aidou looked confused and Yuuki was almost beaming.
"What?" Yuuki cried excitedly.
"Lets play…truth or dare - Spin the bottle style!" he shouted.
"Eh?" Yuuki said dumbly, incapable of understanding.
"We play truth or dare as usual…" Ichijou explained. "…but instead of a dare we have to spin the bottle and whoever it lands on must be kissed."
Yuuki grinned evilly and shot Rima a very pleased glance. Rima noticed and sat up very straight looking horrified.
"You're in on it too?" she whispered at Ichijou.
"In on what?" he asked innocently.
"Nothing!" she amended quickly. "Never mind..."
"Ok then." he said, shaking his head. "Who's in?"
Yuuki almost jumped out of her seat in excitement. "ME! Me, me, me, me, me, me… oh, and Rima too."
"Wait! What?" Rima shouted, but she saw the look in Yuuki's eyes before she could protest anymore. She just groaned and nodded.
"If Rima is, then I am too." Shiki added, making Rima cringe even more for reasons unknown to all but Yuuki.
"Ruka?" Yuuki pleaded.
"Oh, alright. It'll give us something to do." she agreed and Kain nodded too.
"I'm not being the only one left out! I'm in too." Aidou screeched.
"Oh goody!" Yuuki clapped, looking more and more like a five year old.
"I'll go get a bottle. Everyone, gather round the table." Ichijou ordered, as he left the room into the kitchen.
"Right. We'll do this properly, girl and boy, ok?" Yuuki ordered too. "I'll sit here." she announced before falling to the ground sitting cross legged on the right side of the coffee table. "Akatsuki, next to me here, then Rima, Takuma will sit there, Ruka next and finally Shiki here." Yuuki commanded, and they each fell into place. "Oh wait, that leaves Hanabusa." Yuuki realised.
The doorbell rang. "I'll get it!" Rima offered hastily, earning a very weird look from Shiki. She raced out the room and opened the door.
"Yori-chan! How nice of you to call by!" Rima greeted Yori.
"Arigatou Rima-chan. Where are the others?" she enquired.
"Through here. We're playing truth or spin the bottle, courtesy of Ichijou." Rima explained.
"Ok I've got the bottle. Let's play!" he shouted, and everyone heard Rima shut the door and Yori remove her zip up jacket before they both came back into the playing zone. Yuuki grinned at Yori.
"Great! Now we have even numbers. Will you play?" Yuuki pouted.
"I suppose it won't hurt." Yori nodded.
"Be careful." Rima whispered, though everyone could hear her. "Yuuki-chan is being a conniving little pixie."
Yuuki giggled and grinned at Rima when she dropped back into position.
"Yori, sit next to Shiki and then Hanabusa is next to me." Yuuki organised cheerfully.
When everyone was seated Yuuki turned to Yori.
"Yori? Where is Jamie?" she asked frowning, she had barely seen Yori and Jamie apart.
"Well you see… after what happened on Friday he's a bit worried about his head. You threw that rock real hard and it must have damaged his brain. Every time I mention you, or rocks, he starts mumbling something. I heard him say once 'Nowhere near the psychotic pixie ever again!' So now he won't come near you, for fear of his life." Yori explained with a grimace. Yuuki flinched.
"Gomen-nasai, I'll have to speak to him soon."
"Shall we get started then?" Ichijou asked impatiently.
Rima grumbled, Shiki remained silent, Ruka nodded, Kain rolled his eyes, Yuuki grinned, Aidou made himself comfortable and Yori sat there looking rather awkward.
"Who's first then?" Yuuki asked, scanning the group for volunteers.
"I'll go since I suggested it." Ichijou grinned.
He started scanning the group of young faces eagerly looking for his first victim. Hid face brightened as they fell on Hanabusa Aidou's face. A grin worthy of any Cheshire cat spread across his face and Aidou instantly cringed.
"Hanabusa, have you ever had a gay experience?" he asked, grinning like a monkey.
Every face turned to Aidou and he looked at Ichijou looking confuzzled. (A/N: My new awesome word for confused). His eyebrows pulled together in a frown as he searched his memory for anything that would be classed as a gay experience.
"My dog Laddie snogged me when I was seven…" he started.
"I knew it!" Kain whispered.
"…does that count?" Aidou asked the group.
"No!" they chorused.
"Well, then… no I haven't." he announced smugly.
"Urgh! You're boring." Ichijou complained. "Didn't even have to spin. That's gay!"
"My turn!" Aidou grinned "Ruka…" he sang, and she flinched.
"This is not good." Ruka whispered.
"Did you or did you not… Did I or did I not see you steal Shiki's strawberry pocky last night?" he asked, sounding uncannily like a private eye.
Shiki's head snapped up and he glared menacingly at Ruka, who despite that look managed to remain appearing completely calm.
"Don't lie Hanabusa, you are meant to ask me a question not assume things. Answer: No."
"Don't lie, Ruka." Rima interjected. "You came in my room last night and we ate half the box."
Ruka shot Rima a death glare and Rima giggled.
"I trusted you." she hissed.
"OOOH! Ruka lied! Ruka lied!" Aidou chanted, while Ruka shamelessly avoided Shiki's gaze. Rima, on the other hand, punched him lightly on the shoulder and grinned at him.
"I'll buy you three more boxes and some chocolate. Okay?" she offered and he brightened a bit.
"That means we must spin the bottle." Ichijou announced, before leaning forward and making the bottle spin rapidly.
Kain breathed heavily as the image of Ruka kissing another man made him shake with fury. Ruka placed a hand delicately on his knee and smiled reassuringly at him.
The bottle slowed as it continued to slide over each person's form. Yuuki, Yori and Rima were tense; not exactly relishing in the thought of kissing another girl. Aidou was glowing - wanting nothing more than to be able to peeve his cousin off even more. Ichijou looked apprehensive, Ruka wasn't exactly his type, and Shiki… well Shiki looked just plain bored. What a surprise.
The bottle stalled passing by Aidou, who looked down dejectedly. Yori, who breathed a sigh of relief. Yuuki, who smiled. The bottle finally stopped pointing at Akatsuki.
Ruka stopped staring at the bottle and looked up to stare at Akatsuki. He grinned back at her and shuffled closer to the table. Ruka sat up on her knees and leaned across the table. Kain leaned in as well. Suddenly, Ruka wrapped her arms around his neck and half-dragged him across the table so she could kiss him very passionately. Everyone looked at the pair of them; some amused, some shocked and in Rima's case… utterly disgusted. They all just sat there staring until Yuuki saw Ruka's tongue.
"Hold your horses. I'm having none of that!" she shouted, and leaned over to push Ruka back to her seat. "Save that for later, where innocent eyes don't have to look."
Ruka giggled and Kain sat there staring dazedly into space, caught of guard from Ruka's sudden attack.
"Where did that come from? Ruka, what's gotten into you?" Aidou asked, flabbergasted.
Kain frowned and reached over to punch his cousin in the shoulder "Shut up, numbskull! I'm getting used to this."
Everyone smirked and Ruka blushed.
"Come on enough of that. Ruka your turn to ask." Ichijou reminded.
"Alright." she agreed, not taking her eyes off Akatsuki. They both had a glint in their eyes which clearly told everyone that their participation in the game was short lived. "Yuuki-chan, honestly, what happened between you and your neighbour, Unoki?"
Yuuki's eyes widened in shock and she blushed a very impressive shade of scarlet.
"Who told you…? What? How do you know about that?" Yuuki stammered.
"I have my sources." was all she replied.
Cringing, Yuuki replied through her teeth. "I'm not sure. I was so drunk, he says I managed to drag him to my room, take my clothes off and climb onto the bed but by then I had passed out. He said he woke up in the bathtub."
Everyone laughed at her embarrassment and she grabbed a cushion off the sofa and buried her tomato red face into the fabric.
"Right my turn." she mumbled. "Shiki?" she murmured, before casting a sideways glance at Rima, whose amused expression was replaced by horror within seconds. "You dare!" she mouthed, but Yuuki just grinned.
"Do you…" she paused to fake thinking. "Do you have a secret crush? A crush that no one knows about… not even Rima?"
Everything was silent. Everyone was looking at Shiki's expression. Well, everyone except Kain and Ruka who were still staring at each other. Shiki's cheeks had a faint pink tint but his expression did not change.
"Pass." he uttered.
"Na-uh!" Yuuki grinned, shaking her head. "Spill… yes or no?"
"Pass." he repeated.
Growling, Yuuki relented. "Fine!" she hissed. I have better ways for this to work out anyway…
Rima was staring at Shiki, looking curious and confused at the same time; she barely noticed the evil glint in Yuuki's eyes when she moved to spin the bottle. No one in this room had seen Yuuki use her pureblood powers, or rather her developing pureblood powers, so no one bothered about the small about of liquid that was left inside the bottle. Yuuki noticed and began scheming over how to use it. Her control of water was going to come in useful.
It's only a small amount. I hope it's enough; it might stop a bit too early or too late. I'll have to plan this carefully.
Using as much force as she dared, Yuuki flicked her wrist and watched as the bottle created a vortex in the centre of the table. Waiting until it slowed enough for her to see the liquid inside, Yuuki concentrated and made the water move around more, causing the bottle to continue moving. It slowed as it passed her and moved onto Kain.
Just a little more she thought.
It stopped half way between Kain and Rima.
SHIT! Yuuki thought
Kain eyed the bottle nervously and Rima visibly stiffened, staring at the bottle then to Shiki's vacant expression and finally to Yuuki's conniving grin.
"What does that mean?" Shiki asked in a bored voice.
"Well, you could either kiss both or…" Ichijou suggested, but he was interrupted.
"No he won't!" Ruka smirked. She got to her feet and offered a hand to Kain who stared at it for a minute before smirking back; both had a weird glint in their eyes. "Come on." she motioned.
Kain got up and took her hand and they both disappeared upstairs. Ruka was giggling and they all heard Ruka's bedroom door shut with a quick snap.
"Ew!" Yuuki groaned. "Gross!"
Ichijou smiled "Guess that leaves Rima and Shiki."
Rima sat straight up, looking like she was tied to a stake, her eyes wide with shock and a faint glimmer of curiosity. Shiki looked no different than before; he was sitting slightly straighter but other than that no visible difference.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Aidou encouraged impatiently.
Rima cringed and shot Yuuki a pleading look which clearly screamed. "SAVE ME!!"
Yuuki just grinned and thought to herself: She'll thank me for this later.
Just then the doorbell rang again.
"I'll get it." Shiki and Rima both shouted before they scrambled to the door.
Yuuki sighed in frustration and annoyance; her plan had been going so well.
Yuuki heard a loud banging of shoes on wood and looked up to see Rima and Shiki both locking themselves into his room.
"Well, that's not very nice is it?" she frowned.
"Jamie?" Yori exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
Yuuki turned and flashed a smile at Jamie who was eyeing her frightfully. He was sporting a huge bruise as large as an egg on his forehead and Yuuki winced at the thought of how that must feel.
"Jamie! Hi!" she shouted. "Hey, I'm sorry about the whole…" she started circling her own forehead "…thing."
"Oh, erm… it doesn't matter. As long as you aren't going to throw things at me now." he smiled, but it was not very humorous and his eyes looked petrified.
"No you're safe." she grinned.
"Ok, good." he smiled back "You told me to come and get you, remember? We're going to that restaurant." Jamie explained to Yori.
"Oh yeah, sorry. I'll get my jacket." Yori hurried.
"Arigatou, Ichijou-kun." Yori muttered, before leaving with Jamie.
Yuuki shut the door behind her and sighed. Now she would have to think of another way of getting Shiki and Rima to admit their feelings to each other.
Urgh! This is going to be problematic…
Returning to where they were playing, Yuuki froze at the door.
"Aw that's just great!" she moaned loudly.
In the centre of the room was the coffee table, on top of it was the bottle and around it was…no one.
"Traitors." Yuuki muttered under her breath. They had all ditched her. Yuuki could now sense Ruka, Kain, Rima, Shiki and Aidou upstairs in various rooms but she could not tell where Takuma was. Yuuki sighed in defeat and sank to her knees next to the table.
"It's only a game. They could have at least said they didn't want to play." she pouted.
Absentmindedly she began spinning the bottle, at first it landed on herself, then the chair, then the door to the kitchen. She did not know how long she sat there alone, spinning the bottle before it landed on the corridor leading towards the bathroom.
"I guess that's me then huh?"
Yuuki jumped and looked up. Standing in line with the bottle was Takuma Ichijou.
"You could give Seiren a run for her money, sneaking up on people like that." Yuuki said casually.
"Gomen." he smiled, before walking to her and dropping down next to her.
He sat with one leg brought up to his chest and his arm draped over the top of his knee. The other leg was folded underneath him and he inclined his body towards Yuuki. She smiled at him.
"What's up, Yuuki?" he asked, his eyes full of concern.
"I'm just thinking about when you guys leave." she shrugged.
"What about it?" he frowned.
"I'll miss you guys…" she mumbled.
Takuma just laughed and threw one arm around her shoulder, pulling her head towards his and kissing her lightly on the forehead.
"You could always come with us you know. I'm sure the chairman would love to have you back." he suggested hopefully.
Yuuki smiled, but it did not touch her eyes. "I thought about it, but I don't think I would be very comfortable there."
"What…? Oh… Kaname." Takuma nodded
Yuuki nodded in agreement.
"Going home will be hard enough; I don't think I would be able to stand seeing them together everyday." she mumbled.
Ichijou sighed but nodded.
Yuuki looked up at him and adjusted her body so that she was now facing him instead of sitting to his side.
"You have beautiful eyes." she noted.
He grinned at her "Thanks, so do you."
Yuuki blushed and looked away. However, he reached out a hand and tucked his fingers under her chin and gently turned it back to meet his gaze.
"You shouldn't be sad, Yuuki, if it's Kaname that you want you should know he will fight for you."
Yuuki snorted "Yeah, right. Even if he did I'm not sure if I want him to, I mean, I don't know if I would be able to go through it all again. He's thrown my perspective of things out the window and now I have to start all over again. If he wasn't such a kiss arse to the council I might think different but he is so… I'm beyond confused." she confessed.
Takuma nodded, still holding her chin in his strong hands.
"You are too nice to me Takuma." Yuuki told him.
"Don't be ridiculous." he laughed and turned his head, dropping her chin.
"I'm not…" she whispered.
Her tone of voice made him look back and he was startled to see how close she was. He could see the thin layer of tears forming in her eyes. He reached up and gently wiped them away before dropping his arm back into his lap. Slowly she brought her head even closer to his. Besides his better judgement, and all the voices in his head screaming at him to stop, he found himself leaning towards her too. As the distance between them closed the voices screamed louder.
I should not be doing this! they said I should stop this right now. What would Kaname say? Oh god, there would be hell to pay; he'd kill me! Ah screw Kaname he chose Sara didn't him… no, I shouldn't think like this. Kaname's my best friend I should not be about to kiss Yuuki, he loves her, whether she believes it or whether he admits it I know he does. Then why don't I want to stop…
Despite all their screaming and discouragement here he was, sitting on the floor in his townhouse, about to kiss Yuuki. She wanted it, and so did he, but he could not help but feel it was wrong. But he did not stop.
Their lips made contact and it was gentle and slow. Just one kiss. More than a peck but full on tongues down the throat. It was slightly tentative; reserved and cautious. But it felt… delicate, nice.
Should I be doing this? Yuuki thought. Am I just doing this because Kaname rejected me? I think I might be… I should stop.
She pulled away gently and looked into his eyes. They were shocked, but kind… But she could see the same argument she was having in her head reflected in his. He knew this was wrong too, though she did not stop herself leaning in again. It was the same…almost. Sweet, gentle. Their mouths moved slowly and in unison. Yet there was no passion. It felt nice… too nice and reserved.
Stop this right now before it gets out of hand! Takuma thought, but his body reacted differently. His hand slowly lifted from his lap and swept past Yuuki's hair letting it rest on her smooth neck. Yuuki's arm wound their way up his firm chest and her fingers entwined in his hair pulling his face closer to hers. Yuuki was in turmoil.
I shouldn't be doing this to him. I need to stop this… but it's nice to be kissed again… gently, to be actually cared for. Gosh, I am such a bitch I'm hurting him…
At the same time his internal battle was still ongoing…
This HAS to stop NOW… but I like it. I don't want to stop, but do I really want to risk Kaname's friendship? No…
Reluctantly, he gently lowered his hand to her shoulder and pushed them apart.
"Yuuki… I… we." Ichijou stammered.
"Takuma, I know. I'm sorry." Yuuki murmured, cringing and moving away from him. "I don't know what came over me."
"It's… It's ok, Yuuki." he assured her. "I didn't exactly stop myself. I wouldn't have stopped but I can't do that to Kaname, no matter what you think. He's my best friend."
She only nodded. "Can we at least try and pretend that it never happened? I still want to be friends."
"Of course." Takuma assured her.
A few days later.
Hugging Rima affectionately, Yuuki whispered into her ear so quietly that only Rima would hear. "I'll get you to kiss him sometime soon, don't worry."
Rima smiled and shook her head "Still as evil as ever I see."
"Absolutely." Yuuki grinned back.
"Yuuki-sama, I wish you would come with us!" Aidou pouted.
"I would but I have university to attend… unfortunately. I'll come and visit soon." Yuuki promised.
"Really?" he asked.
"As soon as physically possible." Yuuki nodded, and reached to give him a quick peck on the cheek. He blushed furiously.
"He'll be gloating about that for ages you know." Akatsuki sighed, exasperated.
"Hell yes." Yuuki whispered back "I had to give you all some way of remembering my good side."
Kain grinned at her, and Yuuki turned to Ruka who smiled warmly. "Be good Ruka" Yuuki warned.
"Aren't I always?" she grinned and hugged Yuuki.
Yuuki walked back in Rima's direction but rather than stopping she walked straight past and stopped in front of the young brunette slouching against the doorframe. "Don't think you can hide it from me, Senri Shiki, you might fool her but I know the truth and I'll tell her soon if you don't." she whispered.
She looked up at him and he stared back at her, wide eyed in shock. "What…how did you…" he stammered.
Yuuki grinned when her hypothesis had been proven true. "I have my sources." she replied at a normal tone.
Finally, she turned to the person she had been least looking forward to saying goodbye to; Takuma Ichijou.
"Thank you for letting me stay, I had a great time." she whispered, as she hugged him tightly, wrapping her arms affectionately around his neck and burying her face into his collarbone. He gently wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"Anytime, Yuuki." he whispered back.
Pulling away, she turned to the nobles who had become her friends over the past few days. "I'll miss you, in a weird way… even you Hanabusa." everyone laughed at her and she picked up her overnight bag from her feet. Takuma opened the front door for her and she walked out onto the cold street. The sun was high in the sky but the temperature was low. Yuuki shivered slightly and began to walk down the steps.
"When are you leaving again?" Yuuki asked over her shoulder
"In an hour, Hanabusa still needs to pack his stuff up." Akatsuki answered and Yuuki chuckled.
Yuuki turned and pulled the taxi door open. Takuma was closest and placed a hand near hers on the taxi door.
"Are you sure you won't come with us?" he asked softly, without any real hope.
"No. Sorry." she smiled regretfully "I can't."
"I know. Bye, Yuuki." he murmured and kissed her on the head.
Kain had his arm around Ruka's shoulders and she had his around his waist. Yuuki's smile faltered a little as she knew this loving moment between them would not be continued at the academy. Aidou was leaning against the stone railing, sulking.
"Smile, Hanabusa, I'm not going to be away for long." Yuuki called.
His faced pulled up into a crooked smile. "Anyway, your fans are waiting." Yuuki reminded him and his face perked up instantly.
Looking further up, Yuuki saw Rima and Shiki hovering in the doorway, not wanting to come out into the sunlight in case it damaged their skin.
"Shiki?" Yuuki shouted, and he looked up from the floor. "Remember what I told you!" she grinned, then turned to Rima who was giving them both a suspicious look.
"You owe me one." was all Yuuki gave away as she smiled. Yuuki sighed and climbed into the taxi, giving her address to the driver and rolling the window down.
"Do your worst for me." she shouted from the inside of the car.
"Everyday!" they all assured her, grinning.
She waved sadly as the taxi drove away from the townhouse and turned in her seat to look out of the back window. Aidou had already retreated inside, Ruka and Kain were half way up the steps, but Ichijou was still waving from the pavement. Yuuki blew him a quick kiss and she saw him smile at her.
The taxi then rounded a corner and she lost sight of them all. She was suddenly sad; now was the time for her to return to her boring everyday life, where she had to struggle everyday to protect who she was from those around her. Yuuki sighed and settled into the seat, staring at the passing city out of the window.
Twenty minutes later she pulled up in front of the familiar building where she lived. She passed some money to the driver, grabbed her bag and got out, slamming the door before he drove off. Yuuki took a deep breath and began walking, hoping with all her might that she would not run into him.
She took one sweep of the foyer before entering, making sure he wasn't there. It seemed he wasn't so she walked calmly in towards the front desk beside the entrance, where a man sat, sorting through some papers. He looked up, and smiled widely at Yuuki.
"Miss Cross!" the old receptionist exclaimed. "I haven't seen you in a while, where have you been?"
"Hi Len." Yuuki smiled. "I've been staying with some friends for a while. Do I have any mail?"
"Oh yes you do actually. A couple of bills I think, and rent as usual, but there is something from your father there too."
"Oh thanks, Len." Yuuki beamed, before grabbing the letters that he was offering her. "How's Keiko? Has she had the baby yet?" Yuuki asked politely.
"Two weeks ago. A baby girl named Sakura." he informed her proudly.
The smile on his face was contagious and Yuuki was grinning too. "That's great! When you see her, give her my congratulations, would you?"
"Of course, Miss Cross." Len agreed.
"Well, I'll be seeing you, better get home and tidy up." Yuuki grimaced, making Len laugh.
"Goodbye, Miss Cross." Len waved .
Yuuki smiled back and walked in the direction of the elevator, but before she had made it halfway across the tiled floor, the elevator doors opened. Even from her distance Yuuki instantly recognised the figure instantly and Yuuki felt her stomach plummet as she froze in her place.
Sara Shirabuki still hadn't left yet. She was standing in the empty elevator apparently on the phone with her back to the door with her free hand holding down the open button. Luckily she hadn't noticed Yuuki yet.
Yuuki could hear Sara's half of the conversation from this distance…
"I don't care what you think, daddy, I can't take this anymore. We're both miserable. He won't talk to me. What do you mean it doesn't matter? It matters to me. I've decided I'm giving up. Yes, daddy, giving up! I'm coming to see you so that we can sort out this mess. When? Now! He'll drop me off and pick me up before we leave…."
Yuuki could tell that conversation was coming to an end and suddenly realised that Sara would see her if she remained frozen in her current position. Scanning the room she considered hiding behind the desk and the palm tree in the corner, but her eyes fell on the stairs sign.
I will not climb sixteen flights of stairs! I'll walk to the next floor and get the elevator from there.
Yuuki bolted to the swinging door covering the stairwell and immediately pulled the door shut, peering out throught the glass in the door. Sara was half-way across the foyer still on the phone, walking towards the door. Yuuki followed her to the doors and she froze when she saw him.
Kaname Kuran.
He was standing by the door outside the main entrance, staring straight at her. Yuuki couldn't move… couldn't even breathe. He did not move either; he just stood there, staring at her through the glass whilst she hid in the stairwell. He still looked as divinely gorgeous as he ever did; although the vision was slightly marred by his stunned expression. He blinked and Yuuki felt herself jolt back into reality. She closed her eyes and shook her head violently before turning away from his gaze and beginning to run up the stairs. He was there, so close. She could go to him if she wanted…
No! Yuuki screamed at her self. I can't do that to myself again. I won't. He's with her. He WANTS to be with her. Then again… what was with her conversation with her dad all about?
Pondering the meaning behind Sara's words, Yuuki began to climb three flights of stairs to the next floor. Stumbling throught the doors, she made her way to the elevator, still in a daze. When the elevator doors clanged open Yuuki managed to bring herself out of her sea of thought and began looking through the pile of letters still in her hand.
Len had been right; lots of bills, rent reminders and a letter saying she had won a car… again. She still hadn't claimed the last one. The doors opened as she arrived on her floor and only one letter remained unopened. Realising she did not have her key again, Yuuki absentmindedly walked to Unoki's front door and pulled the key from its hiding place. Deciding it was not worth another visit from her over-persistent neighbour she unlocked her door and returned the key to its original place. Unoki would never know.
Yuuki walked in and dumped her bag on the floor, removing her jacket and throwing it on the sofa. Yori was nowhere to be seen.
Probably with Jamie… again. She thought.
Yuuki tossed the junk mail and bills onto the coffee table and flipped the unopened envelope over in her hand. Sure enough the scruff handwriting on the front belonged to her father, but Yuuki could think of no reason for the sudden wish for contact; it had been three months since they last talked on the phone and five months since they had seen one and other.
Confused, Yuuki ripped the envelope open and removed the contents before dropping the envelope. Written on the most elegant paper Yuuki had ever seen was the most shocking news she could think of. She ran her eyes over the neat, elegant writing and her eyes widened with shock; her mouth hung open in disbelief. Suddenly, she grinned and her face produced an ecstatic smile. She re-read the invitations once more but continued grinning widely to herself.
Yuuki Cross
You are formally invited to:
Cross manor
On:
26th August
To celebrate to engagement of:
Zero Kiryuu to Akira Sato
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! You finished...gold star!!! smiley face =D
Hope you enjoyed it. I may have some trouble updating for a while...exams and shit so my free time has completely gone down the drain but i get a new laptop soon which works faster so i can write more. If anyone has any ideas...i totally appreciate all of them.
Write you in the next chapter!! Review now please...go ...go now...merci beaucoup!!!!
Toya xx
