The Calm...
by lightpathetic
"TAKUMA."
"Grandfather."
Ichijou walked into the room and greeted his grandfather, bowing deeply over their joined hands. "I am sorry to make you travel so far to see me..."
"It is never a chore to come and see my grandchild and my former ward."
"What brings you to our school? Is their news from my parents...?"
"I came to see you and find out how you have been settling in." Ichiou interrupted, totally ignoring his grandchild's hopeful glance. It was like a disease he couldn't cure, the boy's yearning for his absentee mother and father. No matter what he did to make him strong and independent. Why couldn't he more like young Kuran? He didn't see him crying over his lost parents and they were dead. His grandson so disappointed him so. But he could be useful. The fates had conspired to make him exceptionally redeemable. He only had to keep his eyes open...
"Kaname-kun is doing very well with this academy. When he said he was leaving to set it up you know how I had misgivings..."
"You threatened to freeze his assets and report him to the Council as a traitor..."
"Let's not bore each other with details. The point is it had worked out very well. So many nobles under one roof. I had little idea he had such influence. I hope you are learning from him, Takuma."
"Every day, Grandfather."
"Good. I do hope someday that you will assist me with my responsibilities. Once you have matured..."
"I wish it too, Grandfather. Is there anything else? I have to oversee dinner arrangements and... other matters..."
"Yes," Ichiou replied, a little taken aback by Ichijou's tone. Could Takuma be developing a backbone? He turned away and walked to a window to look out over the grounds. Some of the Night Class could be seen making their way back to the Dorm and there, talking to a girl with large white bows and a heavy jewelled snake-skin book-bag, was Shiki...
"Kaname was telling me about your friend. Some sort of model...?"
Ichijou's eyes narrowed. Kaname would have given away nothing. He enjoyed thwarting the old man as much as Ichiou enjoyed toying with them both. Ichijou was astute enough to realise that Ichiou was interested in Shiki. Not good...
"Yes. He is."
Ichiou noticed his grandson's guard had risen and smiled to himself. He was so easy to read. His grandson was very protective of him. Very Good.
"I know him, you know. By way of a very old, dear friend. I try to look out for her welfare, especially as her health has failed her in recent years..."
"You know Senri?" Ichijou exclaimed, completely letting his guard down. Ichiou, the old pro that he was, never let the game slip.
"Yes, but it must be several years now since I last saw him. He must have been seven at the time. He has grown so much now. His mother is worried about him, but I assured her that you would take good care of him. He is a little shy and awkward. I hope he didn't alienate you?"
"No! He is doing very well. She needn't worry about him at all." Ichijou assured, stepping forward to emphasize his position. It would suit him greatly if Senri's mother was finally reassured of her son's safety, of his right to grow and learn here. Away from her. With him.
"Good. I will tell her that. It would mean so much if I could count on you to keep him safe. Much like how you help me with Kaname..."
"Grandfather..." Ichijou began, his guard up again. Spying on Kaname was still a sore subject, but Ichiou parried quickly. Takuma was already doing very well.
"I meant that I still feel as if he is my responsibility. You ease my mind greatly. I am very proud of you."
Ichijou fell quiet but they both knew he was pleased with the compliment from his grandfather's lips. They were so few and far between.
"I will leave you now. I only wanted to see you both back safely. I will let his mother know he is in good hands. She really does dote on the boy."
"Yes, she does."
Ichiou let himself out and headed towards the stairs, but instead of going towards the main entrance lobby, he turned left and out to the back entrance where the Night Class were returning to the dorms...
"Grandfather! You are going the wrong..."
Ichijou caught up to his grandfather but was unable to stop him before his exited onto the lawn. The students milling around instantly stopped and bowed, recognising the old vampire from yesterday. Except Shiki, who looked up and smiled a small secret smile at his lover before his eyes roamed to who all the fuss was about...
Ichijou forgot everything as Shiki dropped Rima's notebook onto the grass a stricken expression stealing his smile.
"Senri!"
Ichijou tried to go to him but was beaten to it by his grandfather.
"Little Senri. I had no idea I'd see you today. Do you remember me?"
"... 'Uncle'..." Senri managed, bowing low.
"You look too thin. Are you taking care of yourself? Remember I told you how important your health is..."
"Yes..." Shiki shuddered as Ichiou patted his head. This man... had always scared him. He never looked at him as a person. It was as if he was just cattle...
"Grandfather. I was telling you your car is out front. Kaname had it brought around..."
Ichiou smiled at Kaname's not-so-subtle hint to get lost.
"Goodbye. Take care, Senri. Your mother sends her regards."
"HOW ARE you Mum? Did you take your medication today?"
Ichijou shoved their bags onto the overhead racks and then settled beside Shiki, trying to ignore their conversation. He had had to get used to it even though he still rebelled at the idea. But his mother had relaxed and let Shiki lead his own life, as soon as he assured her he would always be there for her. Within reason...
"Yes, Takuma is here with me. It's going to be lovely... Of course I wish you were here, but you have to rest. I will visit you next week." Shiki turned to the grimacing Ichijou and shot him an air kiss as he pulled his hand into his own. "I'll bring you a present... No, I am not telling..."
It had been after his grandfather's visit he was sure, but Ichijou had no proof. Shiki had gone home and come back with a renewed purpose that made Ichijou become acquainted with parts of his body he had no idea he had... But most importantly, Shiki was happy. He seemed to have found a common ground where he was balancing them both. And Ichijou had to be content with that. He would take what he could get, which was most of Shiki anyway...
"It's sweet and long..."
Ichijou glanced in horror at Shiki and Shiki swatted him. He had a dirty mind. Besides he never spoke like that to his mother with him around.
"You'll have to see. I've got to go. Love you too."
Shiki hung up and replaced the cell in his pocket. Or at least tried to. Ichijou leaned over and trapped his filthy lips in a deep kiss, his left hand firmly cupping his neck. He was his, fully his, for the next three days. No more mothers.
Shiki tipped his head and angled to catch Ichijou's tongue, at which point Ichijou reluctantly pulled away. When Shiki started that... let's just say it was best if they were in private.
"Spoilsport," groaned Shiki, licking his lips.
"Stop it. I've seen the lavatory and there isn't even enough room for Yuuki in there..."
"We could still try. You know I am very flexible..."
"Change the god-damn subject, Senri."
Senri laughed and leaned his head onto Ichijou's shoulder. This affair had been going on for almost four years and they were still as hot for each other as when it had started. But it hadn't been easy. Shiki frowned as he remembered their latest fight. Sometimes he wondered why Ichijou put up with him. But he always did. Always went after him and brought him back. Always...
"I love you, Takuma." Shiki whispered, although his eyes seemed to only see pain.
"Hmmm?" Ichijou roused himself from his semi-doze in Shiki's hair.
"I love that you did this. This trip meant so much to me."
"Kaname did it. Apparently you were a little loud."
"Oh..." Shiki flushed to an exciting shade of red and Ichijou chuckled.
"He isn't heartless, you know. He just behaves like it."
"If you say so." Shiki replied, sounding very unconvinced. He settled back again onto Ichijou's shoulder and tried to go to sleep. The ride would be an hour, underground. Not much to see.
Ichijou waited until he heard Shiki's regular breathing and leaned back in the seat and closed his eyes. It was so still, so perfect. Ichijou made sure to push from his mind the urgent summons he had gotten from his grandfather. That was a week away. Now, they had each other.
"I love you too, Senri." Ichijou whispered, his smile softening his face as he thought about what they had in store for each other on this trip. No hiding. A small guest house on the coast and three days to make use of it. It wasn't enough, but it will do.
Ichijou closed his eyes and his breathing became more regular as his the sounds of the train ebbed to the edge of his consciousness. Then there was only Shiki's warmth, scent, peace and love.
the end.
lightpathetic wrote this but these are not my characters. I have taken them shamelessly from "Vampire Knight" – that manga rocks!!
Well, that's it!! I can't think of anything else that won't be repetitive. Thanks to Flipkun for the idea and everyone else for their reviews and encouragement. Bye for now!