The longest chapter to date! Of course, that also means more interesting things happen -winkwink- Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I do. And I want to say hi to Komakipureblood, thanks for your support! It's nice to know you like this fic.
~audriel
Chapter 10
In few more months Misaki would be able to gain her license, and she already started on the preparations for her return to Japan. She was currently in the drawing room with papers and brochures were scattered around her. The necessary papers required to move back to Japan, which included her and her children's documents were put into different sets of manila folder once she was sure they were complete.
The papers done she moved her attention to the brochures, but before she could leaf through it, she could feel a rush of excitement coming from her bond with her children. It was not difficult to know what the cause was. She calmly gathered the brochures and placed it neatly on the table before heading downstairs.
Soon childish squeals and chatters reached her ears, eliciting a smile on her face. She wasn't surprised to see a familiar slender figure kneeling near the entrance surrounded by the twins. Her features softened, Zero was starting to lose the awkwardness around the children, acting less like a mere acquaintance and more like a real father and so were the children.
Both Kazuki and Mizuki acted more like children they were, playing and chattering freely in presence of both of their parents although they couldn't do it outside the mansion in order to avoid unwanted attention. In those precious moments when there were only four of them, they felt like a true family.
He raised his silver eyes as she came forward, meeting her blue eyes. She gave him a warm smile, which was returned with the softening of his features and the slightest smile on his lips. For these brief moments, she let herself dream of the family she could have, as far away and unreachable as it seemed.
Misaki found herself looking at the brochures again in the drawing room after sending her children to sleep. Absently she played with a stray curl near her face as she discarded the brochures she wasn't satisfied with. She sensed a familiar presence that made her look up towards the entrance to find the remaining Kiryuu standing by the door.
"Come on in," she said, before he could say anything. The man didn't linger too long to take up the offer and placed himself near her where he could also see the brochures.
"…Schools and houses?" Zero concluded from a single glance the contents of the brochures.
"I mentioned going back to Japan once I got my license, didn't I?" Misaki told him, "I'd like to live in the Hisakawa house, but the city is a little too… strategic."
Zero heard the implication of the word which meant that the city was overflowing with activities and people that came and went. And those people could be either humans or vampires, either good or bad.
In Paris, they didn't need to worry much because she and the children had the protection of the doctor and his master, added that Zero wasn't recognized as well as he was in Paris and his signature appearance didn't stand out too much. In Japan though, where the Kiryuus were well-known, it was different. They had to keep the twins away from public's eyes. He felt a twinge of guilt that Misaki wasn't able to return to the place she could call home.
"What kind of place you're looking for?"
"Well, a small town would be nice, where the houses a little apart from one another, enough to give a sense of privacy, where there are schools in reasonable distance and the town isn't too far from a city where I can start a firm of my own," she listed the kind of place she wanted to live with her children, "It's rather difficult to find, don't you think?"
Misaki turned to look at him, but was surprised to find him in deep thought. She tilted her head, wondering what he might be thinking.
"Wait," then suddenly he stood up and went out from the room, leaving a confused and clueless Misaki. Before she could blink again, he already returned with a brown envelope in his hand. Wordlessly, with the slightest hint of nervousness in his gesture, he handed the envelope to her.
The fair-haired woman could only accept the envelope, until she caught a slight look from him telling her that she was meant to see what was inside. When she pulled out what it seemed a mixtures of papers and thick, glossy papers and looked at it, she softly gasped in surprise. It was the pictures of a beautiful mansion, surrounded by shades of green of the forest. And what further surprised her were the pictures of the inside of the mansion which showed elegant yet simple colorings and furnishings and designs of the rooms that greatly resembled of her own designs of her dream house that she once showed him.
In the first floor, there were a kitchen, a living room, an adjoined dining room with kitchen, two guest rooms and a veranda where they could have breakfast outside to the garden. In the second floor, there were six rather large rooms in different sides what it seemed to be three main bedrooms, a drawing room, a study and a library. There was also special quarter for the staff of house.
Along with it, there was a map that showed where the mansion was which was in a rather small town and in quite a distance to big city and freeway. It was exactly the way she wanted. She looked up from the pictures to the man kneeling rather awkwardly before her; disbelief was evident on her face.
"How?"
"I stumbled across the town by accident during one of my trips. It's a small and peaceful town. The houses are quite apart from each other, but the people are warm and friendly, well-acquainted with each other. They are surprisingly aware of the presence of vampires. It seems that their ancestors were vampire hunters who learned to live side by side with vampires in that area and has been living in mutual understanding with each other ever since. There are schools there, although only from elementary to high school. The mansion is located in the west of the town, near the borders. It takes at least half an hour from or to the town. It takes about more than an hour to the city and another hour to the freeway."
"That sounds wonderful," Misaki smiled in open admiration, "But… I can see some of my designs in the mansion. The mansion cannot be already designed as such."
Zero felt rather embarrassed to explain how it happened, "When I found out the mansion was unoccupied, I immediately bought it. And well, I copied your drawing and made some adjustments on the mansion. It's nearly finished."
Misaki found herself at loss of words, she didn't know that he would go this far. She felt truly and deeply touched by his concern.
"I...don't know what to say, Zero," she admitted, looking at his face that still held the self-conscious look. She gave him an assuring look, "It's perfect."
Because it was nothing short of perfect. Her children would be safe among people who were conscious of the presence of vampires but was able to see through the difference. The town sounded like a Utopian place that it felt too good to be true, but she remembered that her father had once mentioned it before that there were places as such in every nation that was often overlooked. Sometimes in this kind of small towns where selfish desires were not the utmost importance, differences became small matter. When people strove to be different and to differentiate, conflicts became inevitable.
"It's not perfect yet," Zero spoke softly, raising his eyes to look at her for the first time, "Because… the mansion is meant for a family."
At this, Misaki stared at him blankly, thinking that she was hearing things. Seeing the look on her face made Zero feel really foolish for blurting out such things without thinking. However, he couldn't help it, it was the thought that kept appearing in his mind whenever he laid his eyes on the mansion. The mansion was intended for her and her children, knowing that was the best place for them to live as normally and safely as possible, but he couldn't ignore the part of him that wished to be a part of them, to live together with them in this mansion and to be able to call it home.
He wanted to see them every day. He wanted to remain by their side. He wanted to see the children grow up and spend all the time he had with them. He wanted to wake up next to her and be greeted by her smile. He wanted to have them together as family.
The first time it occurred to him, he forcibly squashed the far-fetched idea or the impossible dream and tucked it away in the deepest recesses of his mind, but the longing was there and kept haunting him. He was still not sure whether he was worthy of them, or whether he could really keep them safe, but he had promised. He had promised to himself he would try, and stop thinking of what could be.
That earring… that earring he had come to be aware of its presence on his ear since he caught her looking at the pair of them in the traditional market in Dinan in the rare time they could be afford to be seen together. That earring he bought discretely after their walk and gifted her that night.
He could recall the surprise on her face when she realized that he had bought her the pair of cuff earrings she had briefly laid her eyes upon in interest and more so when she realized he was wearing half of the pair. It had been a simple, lovely piece of filigree of burnished silver, just like the smile she had on her face as she looked at the unexpected gift and the unspoken gesture. She had said nothing but worn the earring on her ear, on the same ear he worn his.
He could not forget the swell of emotion, the rush of rightness when she worn the earring and whenever he laid his eyes on it. He was not a man of many words, he was not a man that express his feelings openly, but that gesture was the representation of his deepest desires that he wanted a future. A future where he would have her by his side. A future that he didn't allow himself to hope for. A future that he was far too afraid to reach. But he wanted nonetheless, as unlikely as it seemed.
Hesitantly and carefully, Zero reached out to carefully shed her hair behind her ears, revealing the identical earring he wore on his ear. He traced the filigree with such care for this was the first time where he actually initiated contact with her. Looking at the earring, he couldn't deny what he wanted anymore; he couldn't deny his own selfishness. He felt incredibly ashamed for asking such thing from her, but he needed to at least say it out loud, or he would forever suffer.
"When I bought this earring, I thought of nothing but the way you looked at it that day. But then I thought how you would have worn it…" His eyes were on the earring, but he could feel her gaze on him. "I would imagine myself doing the same thing… and thinking of you." He would think of her, of her wearing the same earring on the same ear and he would imagine himself a little bit closer than the distance permitted them and a little bit more constant than the rarity of their meetings.
Misaki wore the earring wary of what it symbolized, but expected him to take it differently, because for all she knew it was mere wishful thinking, for all she knew it was only herself that felt his presence whenever she wore it on her ear. She was content enough with the relationship they had, content that she wouldn't lose him anymore. She didn't expect this at all.
"What are you saying, Zero?" She couldn't help the feeling of doubt that plaguing her mind. She was afraid that this was just a dream, a dream that she would lose the moment she woke up. But when those silvery depths finally found her blue depths with such certainty despite the fear and doubt of rejection seen behind them, she knew that it was no dream.
"Marry me." His voice trembled as he answered it, but the certainty was there. He saw a lone tear escaped those clear blue eyes, trickling down her cheek. Instinctively he reached out to wipe the tear gently away from her delicate face; his thumb brushed the smooth and slightly damp skin of her cheek, indirectly reminding the reality of it to the two of them. Then slowly but surely, despite the tears that were threatening to fall, her lips curved into a smile that made her eyes shone with unrestrained warmth and happiness. Unconsciously he inhaled sharply at the sight before him.
He had seen many emotions fleeting through those eyes, but happiness was the one emotion he rarely saw and he rarely brought. But now that he saw it by his own eyes, he wished he could make her smile that way more often. The sight of the smile made him return the smile and feel incredible relief and joy pulsing through his veins knowing that he was the one who caused it, and that he was accepted. That moment he wanted to kiss her badly right here and then, but it took every ounce of his willpower not to repeat the mistake he once did, now that they were starting anew.
"Yes." All of the breath seemed to leave him at her answer, all of the thoughts in his head vanished, leaving him scrambling for words, but all he was aware of was the strong, burning urge to kiss her.
"May I?" Zero asked bashfully. It was unheard of the infamous Kiryuu being bashful, but right now, he wasn't a Kiryuu, he wasn't the president, he was simply a man, an ordinary man before the woman who saw him and accepted him the way he was.
In response there was a shy smile and nod from the young woman. Slowly and gently he lowered himself to her height and caught her lips in a kiss. The kiss was brief, but when they released the kiss, both were wide-eyed and breathing heavily as if something sparked between them, coursing through them and jolting them awake. Soon a blush found its way on her features, adorning her cheeks with rosy hue. The sight made him smile slightly in awe at her beauty and pride at the fact that he was the cause of it. Feeling bolder, Zero held her hand with his newfound confidence.
"I know I should've bought a ring first, but…" Misaki laughed lightly at this, due to the fact that he managed to think of this. The sound was welcomed by his ears, setting himself at more ease.
"We've never been like other people," she continued knowingly.
"No, we're not," he agreed, the smile became more prominent in his own face. Then they just looked at each other with smiles on their face, conveying their thoughts without needing words. And they knew that this wouldn't change this deep connection that they had, this trust and understanding for each other, but simply gave it a name and a future where they were together as a family.
I
I
I
The next day they broke the news of their engagement to the other occupants of the house who were immediately jolted awake with the unexpected news. The three of them simply gawked at them, although some were more graceful than the other. Their surprise and disbelief were drawn throughout their features. It took them a while to process everything and be convinced that it was real.
Francis was the first to recover, approaching the newly and officially engaged couple to offer his congratulations with a fatherly smile. Tanya was next, she jumped from her seat, nearly toppling the poor chair on the floor due to her excitement when she went to congratulate and hug them both –or nearly hugged him, in his case- for finally getting together and being a real family. Sonia was last, the previous sign of surprise and disbelief completely left her as she went to hug her friend tightly wordlessly, and gave her hand without giving a warning look to the tall young man that was returned by a firm nod and handshake of his own.
After that they went to discuss the plans for the wedding with the others to know what they thought. In the morning they had talked about it with each other and decided that they would hold the wedding in Paris, for most of Misaki's closest people were in Paris and other reasons, which among them were to avoid early attention to the appearance of other Kiryuus which would be easily drawing attention if they were to be married in Japan and so that she and her children would enter Japan with her maiden name.
They intended to have a small, private wedding with not many people but the closest people to them in attendance. He wanted to invite the parental figures in his life, but he was afraid he couldn't spare them both with the latest happenings in the hunter society. Zero already dared too much to get away from the Association for the wedding only.
Understanding that it was already a great sacrifice from his part, Misaki didn't ask anything else from her future husband, although her girlfriends frowned in disapproval at the thought of the two of them getting separated again after they were married. The only thing that stopped them from making Zero stay for another day was the argument that they would eventually lived together in Japan where they would see each other more often.
Both Misaki and Zero had listed the people they would invite to attend the wedding and wasn't really surprised to see that it was less than 10 people and all them was mostly the people Misaki were close to. Faintly Zero was aware that Misaki might want to invite more people but refrained because there was none from his side, but when he was about to protest, he was immediately silenced with a firm look on her face. His future wife was certainly one of the few who could silence him without needing words, he thought in amusement.
The children were the first whom they told the news, even before they told the adults because they didn't fully comprehend the whole implication of the fact their parents getting married. All they were aware of that their parents were their father and mother who lived separately because they were busy. It was only when they explained that when they moved to Japan that they would live together, that they would see more of their father, the children finally grasped the meaning of the marriage.
Their faces lit up with unprecedented joy that they wouldn't be separated anymore with their father. Their joy was infectious and he couldn't help but to chuckle as the twins went to jump on both of their parents, asking eagerly and repeatedly whether it was true.
In the end he left all the planning to Misaki who were immediately whisked away by the enthusiastic friends of hers, even the usually quiet and graceful Sonia. Zero merely raised an eyebrow at the sight, inwardly wondering whether he should save his fiancé from the clutch of overeager bridesmaids. Seeing the look on his face, Francis couldn't help to chuckle to see such…. normal expression on the extraordinary man before him.
"Just leave them be. I'm sure Misaki will manage," Francis didn't hide his amusement, reminded by his own wedding that slightly made his smile rather nostalgic. There were few moments of comfortable silence between them before Francis spoke.
"That's a short list of invitations." Francis observed. The list consisted of himself and the two friends; Misaki's custodian and family lawyer, Matsushita; senior architect of Atelier whom Misaki learned much from, Luc Martel; unfamiliar name, Kirihara; and in extension to her patron, Lord d'Orleans. All the names seemed more related to Misaki than to Zero.
"It is."
"Is there anyone else you want to invite?" Francis doubted that as distant as the young Kiryuu was, that he didn't have anyone he considered important figures in his life.
"I can't." It was the only answer. "And there's one that's supposed to be invited in person."
The determination in his tone made Francis looked at the calm face of Zero Kiryuu whose eyes seemed distant yet certain of some decision that he had silently made.
I
I
I
Zero made one last stop before he returned to Japan, which required him to cross the borders of France by Eurostar to the city that was once the center of Frankish court. He made sure that no one noticed his lone presence the moment he stepped his foot out of the station and hauled a taxi to get to his destination. The driver who was ordinary human looked at him like he was out of his mind when he told him where he was heading to, but followed his direction nonetheless.
He didn't have to wait long until he saw the looming figure of the magnificent Palace of Aachen in the distance. He was faintly aware of the driver's nervousness as he told him to drive inside the Palace instead of dropping him before the gate. He couldn't risk being seen, he didn't want his presence in the residence of the Charlemagnes be taken wrongly, especially when his presence wasn't related with his responsibility.
Just by revealing his face to the guard of the gate whom he recognized as a low-level vampire, he was immediately granted entry into the grand residence. After dropping him before the entrance of the palace and accepting the fee, the driver instantly slammed the gas to get away from the Palace.
It appeared that Charlemagne's reputation was well-known to human society and not limited to high-ranking humans, but then again, this palace had withstood centuries and became witness of the changes in history. If one were to look upon it, one wouldn't be able to feel awe at its magnificence. It was how he felt the first time he laid his eyes upon the Palace of Aachen and stepped his foot on its grounds and still felt whenever he visited the Charlemagne at least once a year due to his duties.
However, right now, he felt nothing and didn't bother to look upon the outline of the Palace as his mind was already set into different matter that made him focused and paid less attention to his surroundings. Lord Brandenburg was the first he saw as he walked decisively towards the direction of the Charlemagne family apartments in the northeastern part of the Palace where the head of Charlemagne spent most of his time was.
The man was among the most influential nobles in Germany, being the second son of the House of Hohenzollern who was responsible over the proud nation as one of the descendants of Charlemagne, but he was chosen to serve the Charlemagne himself and was among Charlemagne's trusted confidants, especially that Aachen was within his nation's boundaries. He had a cold and calculating look, rarely smiling, further supported by his hard and angled features.
"President Kiryuu," the light-haired man greeted him coldly the moment he saw his approach, standing between him and the path to Charlemagne.
"Lord Brandenburg," he returned the greeting no less coldly."I'm here to ask for an audience with Lord Charlemagne." The man's sharp eyes narrowed at the politely-phrased request.
"I'm not aware that Lord Charlemagne is expecting you." The man looked at him as if he was a mere low-class vampire that wasn't worthy of his attention. Brandenburg never tried to conceal his apparent dislike towards hunters, especially to a vampire-turned hunters like him.
"It's a sudden visit. I'm here for personal matter. It'd be very kind of you if you could inform Lord Charlemagne of my presence." Years ago, he wouldn't even bother with courtesy or pleasantries, but he had learned there was no harm in simple courtesy by adding few more words in his sentence and he didn't have to mean it. The man ice cold eyes narrowed slightly more, but he remained courteous, wary of the status and position of the silver-haired man.
"I'll see whether he'd receive you among his busy schedule." Zero watched the man went to contact his pureblood master through an antique phone and heard that the man delivered everything he said without changing it. He saw him nod imperceptibly few times and with a last respectful word, he ended the line. The man walked to him,
"You're very fortunate, President, our master has kindly accepted your sudden visit. He would receive you in his study," the man spoke as if he just got an audience with a divine god and his lowly self should be humbled at the honor, he simply ignored it.
Without further prompting, Zero followed Brandenburg leading the way towards the direction of Charlemagne's study. After few walks and turns through the hallways, Zero found himself before an elegant carved door which likely led to the study of the most influential pureblood in Europe.
"Come on in," the invitation came from behind the door, even before the two announced their presence. He could recognize with ease the rather high-pitched tone for such a deep voice that described the owner's cheery personality. Brandenburg dutifully opened the door to the study and announced him.
"Lord Charlemagne, President Kiryuu."
The pureblood was currently sitting on one of the comfortable chairs on the other side of the room where he was smoking a pipe and reading some papers. The man's features brightened in surprise at the unexpected appearance of him in his Palace.
It was unheard of, for a man like him who never attempted any kind of overtures to influential people that would strengthen his position suddenly visited the Charlemagne. Zero didn't fail to notice the well-concealed assessment of the possible reasons behind those dark blue eyes as he stood up and approached the president hunter.
"Lord Charlemagne. Forgive me for my sudden visit," Zero shook the proffered hand.
"Unexpected, but not unwelcome," Charlemagne answered good-naturedly, before giving a nod to the loyal Brandenburg to leave them alone which the man did rather reluctantly. Charlemagne led him to an empty seat at the opposite side where he previously was sitting. When they were settled, it was the man who started the conversation, Zero thought it was due to his curiosity.
"So, may I know the nature of this visit?" Sharp blue eyes remained on him, wanting to see a glimpse of anything that might tell him of the reason of Kiryuu appearing before him. Zero steeled himself, preparing himself what would come.
"I'm here as Zero. Not as the Kiryuu. Not as the president of the Association," he started, "I'm here for Misaki Hisakawa." The pureblood was certainly taken aback, if the slight widening of his eyes was any indication, but the brief surprise was immediately gone when he tried to find it.
"Ah. Misaki Hisakawa. I'm not aware that you're an acquaintance of hers," Charlemagne smiled pleasantly. Zero had learned to watch the choice of words whenever he was interacting with people, because he had realized that half-truths were better than lies.
"I'm not an acquaintance, indeed." Zero looked at the older man in the eyes as he said this, wanting to start this conversation with the knowledge that what they both knew of one another. Charlemagne immediately understood the meaning of his words; the smile was gone from his face, leaving a calm and reserved countenance.
"No. Not an acquaintance." Charlemagne confirmed.
"I'm here to inform you that I've asked for her hand in marriage," Zero, being Zero, chose to be direct.
"And I take that she has given her answer?" The blond-haired man was very calm as he asked this.
"Yes."
There was a rather tense silence that followed his answer. Zero concealed his discomfort well, never removing his gaze from the other man who also held his gaze as he waited for his response.
"Is that so? You're only here to tell me of this… news?" Zero knew that he was being examined.
"No. I'm here to ask for your blessing, both as her patron and as her only living relative." His response earned a deadly serious look upon the pureblood's face because it gave away how much he knew of Misaki and her inheritance. He recognized the look very well, having seen it in the eyes of Cross when it came to his adopted children.
"And what makes you think that I will give you my blessings?"
On the way from Paris to Aachen, he had conjured every possible scenarios of the conversation in his mind, from the best to the worst, from when the man would accept him readily to when the man would deny him before he could say anything.
Charlemagne had remained neutral and objective throughout the conversation, but he knew that it wouldn't go easily and smoothly. He had thought of various answers to the question, but in the end, he realized that the man only deserved the best: the truth.
Besides, he came here not as the president or as the hunter, he had no reason to keep up the façade, and he knew the man was not one to take advantage of this different side of him. Zero let out a defeated breath, closing his eyes for a moment before meeting the pureblood's gaze.
"I don't know," he said honestly. He was fully aware of himself, and of his own standing in human and vampire society. He wasn't a noble, he wasn't a pureblood. He just happened to be a hunter that was turned into a vampire and led the association of hunters, which often attracted many threats and dangers to himself that gained him more enemies than allies. He wasn't expected to have a family of his own. He was too much of a lone wolf.
"I don't know," he repeated again, this time was spoken more softly and more bitterly. "How do you ask that to a man who doesn't even know his worth?"
Charlemagne rarely found himself at loss of words, but that was how he found himself right before the young man whom he had known for five years. The young man who had left him a great impression the moment he met him, and strengthened that impression as he grew into the role of the leader of the hunters.
The young man who always remained strong and steadfast through everything fate threw on him. However, that very young man who was sitting before him looked so bitter, so vulnerable that made him realize how young he was and how much he had to endure in his short life to leave such a deep, lasting mark.
He was aware, he was aware of the young man's insecurities, but he didn't know how much, he didn't know it was actually this much. He couldn't help but reminded of Misaki. She had the same insecurities, although she handled it better than Kiryuu.
Misaki.
When he finally had the opportunity to meet her children, he was surprised to see familiar silver-haired twins bearing such great resemblance to the famous hunter that it was undeniable. He wanted to ask her of her relationship with the man, wanting to confirm his suspicions and wanting to know whether the man was worthy of him, but he managed to hold himself back, not failing to see her reluctance and the protectiveness underneath.
He tried to find out the nature of their relationship using every means he had, but he could barely find any sign of intimacy between them. They were close, close enough for him to sometimes visit her whenever he was around, but nothing else suggested deeper and more intimate kind of relationship. He had thought of him badly at first, especially seeing that he never appeared before her and their children. However, he eventually appeared, taking extra care whenever he came to visit, never being seen around her or the children.
They were alike; he couldn't to think sadly at this realization. Both suffered being the last surviving member of their famous family, and both blessed and cursed with their gifts. If there was anyone who understood what Misaki went through, that would only be Kiryuu and so was the other way around.
Because of this, both hesitated to ask what they wanted from each other, because of their insecurities. She didn't dare to ask him to stay and he didn't think it was best for him to stay. She didn't dare to push, and he didn't dare to do so, either. They thought too much of the other, but thought little of themselves. They were running in circles. But somehow, they broke the circle.
"Then tell me, why did you ask her?" his tone had softened as if he was talking to a child than to an adult. He watched as the man took a shuddering breath, and answered slowly.
"We…were talking… She was looking for a place where she could live peacefully with the children," Zero absently ran a hand through his silvery hair, "And I found the place. Have prepared it actually." There was a ghost of a sad smile on his features.
"I realized that… I've never truly imagined being apart… from her, from the children. And I never allowed myself to," he looked at him sadly, "I actually wanted to be with her for the rest of my life.
"I know that- It never occurs to me that I'm worthy of her. Never do. And still do," he admitted, spreading his hands apart. "But I suppose… I just want to try. I just want to try to make it work for both of us, for us and the children. I've missed most of their lives because I think that it'd make them safe. But it seemed it only caused more pain and sadness. I… didn't want to repeat the same mistake."
Zero held his hands tightly, unable to look at the man at his vulnerable state, but he continued regardless.
"I know it's selfish. But I want to be there for them. I want us to be happy." Zero felt his throat tight, his heart clenched painfully, thinking of the smiles and the looks on their eyes when he told them of wanting them to be a real family, and thinking of the concealed and unconcealed sadness everytime he left them until they met again.
"Enough. That's enough, son." The gentle and understanding tone, along with the way he addressed him made him looked up in surprise only to find the firm and serious look were already gone and replaced. A sad smile graced his noble features when he saw the disbelief and confusion remained on the younger man's face as if he didn't expect such kind response from him.
"You've proven yourself enough. Zero Kiryuu," this time Charlemagne addressed him with his full name. He raised a hand when the other man was about to protest, silencing him.
"Remember my answer when you asked to know whether you were worthy?" Charlemagne saw Zero unsurely nodded.
You never know. You can only keep trying. Only when you think you're worthy, that's when you know that you're not.
"When you think you're worthy, you would easily be easily satisfied, you would stop trying. But when you don't, you would keep trying with all your might to be someone worthy. Like you did when you were entrusted to lead the hunters in such a young age." At this, he earned a slight widening of his eyes that showed his surprise. Charlemagne chuckled mirthlessly.
"Do you think it would escape my notice?"
"No." It was a blunt statement, taken from years of observation. Charlemagne started to see the prominent side of Zero who managed to put the hunters under his authority returning.
"As long as you keep trying to be worthy of Misaki, of the children. As long as you try to make you and them happy, I'll give you my blessing."
There was no immediate reaction to this; instead there was a stunned silence. It simply further confirmed the pureblood that the man before him was truly worthy for Misaki, although he might not realize it. Because only those who truly understood the weight of that request in exchange for the blessing would hesitate and when he answered to it, he had no doubt that it was truly meant. When determined silver eyes found his own, he couldn't conceal the proud smile.
"You have my word."
I
I
I
Zero decided to make a new set of tuxedo to wear for the wedding that was done inconspicuously in Japan while the search for the right ring was done in Europe and Asia during his trips as the president of the Association. He wasn't easily satisfied with the selection of rings he found in every nation and every jewelry or antique shops he passed by, wanting nothing but the best for his bride. He only gave her a simple earring and his offer to buy engagement ring was turned down, because it was deemed unnecessary with the short engagement they had.
He intended to see that she would have the right and perfect ring that would better than any engagement ring he could give her. It was a peculiar sight indeed, to see such apathetic man when it came to such irrelevant things called jewelries suddenly paid quite an interest, if not an obsession, to wedding rings. When he thought of it, he couldn't hide the amusement that nearly surfaced when he was in the middle of an important meeting with Asian hunters.
He eventually found the kind of ring he wanted in a small antique shop that would easily be overlooked as it was between various odd shops in the outskirts of Florence. The rings came in pairs, differentiated between the man and wife. The man's ring was simpler than the wife's that was encrusted with beautiful small white and blue diamonds on white gold band that reminded him of her eyes. It didn't take him long to buy the ring and paid little heed to the amount of money that cost him.
Zero didn't know much how the planning of the wedding went, which shouldn't be too complicated since it was only consisted of a ceremony without the standard wedding reception following the ceremony. And from what he last heard, the wedding was going to be held in Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic chapel on the Île de la Cité that was also one of the historical national monuments of France, which naturally attracted many tourists.
So it was quite a surprise to find that they were able to have the chapel for themselves for few hours of wedding ceremony, complete with the mayor of Paris himself performing the ceremony. When Francis told them about it, the women were completely taken aback, Misaki was no exception. However, both of them knew there was only one person who could pull this kind of thing, which would be the bride's patron. Misaki didn't appear too surprised of the involvement of the pureblood, but simply paused through the line thoughtfully, in one of their weekly-turned-daily calls, wordlessly reading his silence and seemingly satisfied, she didn't try to clarify.
Sometimes he wondered whether her foresight enabled her to see his reaction to some things or her observation of him was that accurate. He figured it was a mixture of both, remembering that the foresight was nothing without the exceptional observational skill of the Arudas. She continued to share how her friends took the responsibility of the planning to themselves, after describing what kind of wedding she wanted in great details to her closest confidants, leaving her in their mercy, having to be ready whenever she needed to do some measurements or fittings for the dress or choose what kind of bouquet, and the short list felt long.
He shared her amusement how big fuss the others made of their supposedly small and private ceremony. They were certainly unusual couple, having this kind of talk casually few days before the awaited day. It couldn't be helped that they were continents apart and both of them had their own priorities at the moment; him with his duties as the president and her with her architect license acquirement.
Their late night conversations through the phone that had become their ritual ever since they went separate ways helped to soothe their nerves and erase the doubts and worries they had of the impending day. The stories of the children who were getting excited of the wedding and the move to Japan was never boring to listen to, especially the twins rarely reacted to such things like most children. Somehow it always managed to raise his spirits and make him eagerly waiting for the day to come.
Zero thought of all this as he straightened up his dark bow tie before a tall mirror that gave full view of him that was perfectly clad in dark tuxedo. He was used to wearing three-pieced suit since the years in the Academy and he preferred still to wear rather formal clothes wherever he went as the leader of the hunters. However, he rarely wore tuxedos unless it was asked of him. Today was an exception when he wore tuxedo on his own will. He looked over his reflection on the mirror, checking whether he forgot anything.
"I think this rose would go well with the tuxedo."
Zero wasn't really surprised at the sudden intrusion in the room that was at the side of the chapel and made as the temporary changing room for the groom. Even without looking or sensing the newcomer's presence, he already knew that it was a certain blond-haired pureblood, because he was among the two of the likeliest people in attendance that would like to pay a visit to the groom and one of them, Kirihara had made his presence known several minutes ago.
"Lord Charlemagne," he turned and nodded slightly in respect to the older man who finally attended the wedding with his wife, the charming Lady Vivienne Charlemagne. The man casually brushed the formalities and approached Zero to set the white rose in his breast pocket along with his silk handkerchief. The gesture was strangely intimate, as intimate as a father to his about-to-wed son and he couldn't help to wonder whether his adopted father would do such thing if he was here.
"You didn't invite any of your colleagues? Cross or Yagari?" The way Charlemagne seemed to read his mind reminded him of the pureblood's great-niece.
"I'm afraid I can't."
"Too much of a risk in such times, indeed," the man muttered knowingly as he critically examined the hunter from head to toe. "Too bad. You have barely anyone from your side. Kirihara's more an acquaintance of yours, I presume." Zero smiled slightly at the man's extensive knowledge, glad despite the knowledge, he didn't try to interfere.
"Is there something you want to say to me?" Zero didn't bother with pleasantries anymore.
"First, congratulations are in order," Charlemagne gave a sincere smile. "It's a big day for both of you, and for the children."
"Thank you. I also know that you're the one behind this," Zero gestured wordlessly to the chapel around him, earning him a playful twinkle in those dark blue depths.
"Second. I want to know what you intend to do after you're settled, considering I would not see you again in close future." Zero nodded, understanding the pureblood's reasoning to bring this up.
"I intend to keep the twins away from the public eye until they are ready. They might not bear the name Kiryuu yet."
"Understandable. Considering the circumstances." It had been fairly easy for him to relate the twins to their father just by seeing their resemblance, and he knew it wouldn't be any different where the Kiryuu came from. He assumed that both of the young parents had chosen the best and safest neighborhood for the twins to grow up, seeing how careful the two of them regarding their children.
"And Misaki?"
"I'd introduce her in the ball held by the Association for the human and vampire society."
"Her suggestion?" Charlemagne raised an elegant eyebrow as he noted the hint of reluctance in his tone, inwardly amused at the young man's protectiveness. There was a tight smile at the question.
"It'll be better if our relationship is known than hidden."
"She made a long list of reasons to support that, didn't she?" Charlemagne noted with amusement, almost chuckling at the resigned sigh from the silver-haired man. That niece of his was really hard to win against in a debate or argument, it really reminded him of his sister, although his sister more often used force and sheer will to win against others. It might a good thing that there were enough generations between them so Misaki didn't inherit that certain temperament.
"Related to that, I need to ask you a favor."
"You want me to acknowledge her openly in that ball," Charlemagne responded without missing a beat. He had run through the scenarios himself, and knew that this was the best course of action to take if Misaki was to appear in public as a Kiryuu, but never as an Aruda. She would need his protection or his favor. Being her patron was actually was good enough, but whether it needed to be emphasized in the public was the question, because there was further implication with that action.
"It might not be necessary. You can just hint that you are his patron indirectly to your people. It'll be more than enough." Zero's words suggested that the man was aware of the repercussion. The young president managed to be professional regarding the matter of his future wife although by the approaching union, the previous barriers between them were slowly dissolving. It was the pureblood's decision whether he would keep the barriers intact or dissolved more.
"Don't you think you have enough foes, Zero?" Charlemagne took the liberty to address him by his given name, indicating the seriousness of his offer. He could sense the man's surprise at the voluntary offer and his hesitation of such tempting offer for an alliance with the most influential pureblood in Europe and more. He could see the man evaluating what would the pureblood earned in return. A totally expected reaction, considering the younger's distrustful nature and such offer usually didn't come with something in return.
"You're an extraordinary young man. And when I say extraordinary, I mean in every way," he looked at him not unkindly, almost fatherly. "True, you're a vampire hunter who is also a vampire himself. You're the strongest and the surviving member of the Kiryuu family. You're the one chosen to lead the hunters in such a young age. And all of them are not of your own choosing."
Charlemagne stated this with such calm that it was difficult to contradict by the very person whom he was talking about.
"You have every right to hate humans and vampires alike. You have the right to cut us out from your life when you have the choice, but you don't. You don't hide your dislike, but it doesn't deter you from being fair and just. It takes a while, I know, but you learn and learn well you do."
If Zero wasn't used to wearing his calm façade, he might be blushing at the subtle compliment, but for someone as sharp as Charlemagne, it was no different. The pureblood thought that some compliments would do some good for the young man.
"Not without help," he muttered. Modesty was one of the traits hard to find among the high-ranking people of both worlds, Charlemagne noted in satisfaction, Zero was aware of his own shortcomings and that kept his feet on the ground.
"I can see what kind of man you are, and you'd become with the aid of Misaki," his dark eyes met his silver eyes. "In exchange of the alliance, I want you to remain true to yourself, just like you always do. That's all I ask. I know it seems a scant exchange, but don't you feel weary to always do something in exchange for something."
Charlemagne spread his hands to accentuate his feelings. He was indeed tired for having to question everything given to him for centuries. The truth of his words wasn't missed by Zero, whose corner of his mouth curved slightly upward.
"Thank you..."
"Louis," Charlemagne interjected. "Just Louis when it's only both of us."
There was an exchange of understanding look between them, wordlessly speaking through their gaze. Then the door to the room creaked open, revealing Francis in a neat tuxedo that made him appear younger than his appearance. The kind doctor nodded respectfully at his master, before turning to look at the groom.
"Kiryuu, it's time," the appointed best man dutifully told him. Zero nodded calmly, ignoring the butterflies in his stomach.
"I'll be in the front row," Charlemagne gave an assuring pat on his shoulder before leaving the two in the room.
Zero gave a nod and led them both to take their positions on the platform. He acknowledged the presence of the mayor of Paris who acted as the minister of the ceremony and waited for the ceremony to start. He swept a glance over the chapel which was too big for a small audience, the front row was only filled by three people on one side: Lord and Lady Charlemagne, and Lord d'Orleans and another three on the other side: a French man and his wife, whom he suspected the senior architect she invited, and the old hunter, Kirihara.
He wondered whether the seating was intentional, separating humans and vampires, but then again, sitting next to the nobility could be rather intimidating for ordinary people or even experienced hunter. His musings were cut short when he saw Tanya appearing in a soft pink dress that reached her knees; her red hair was pinned back with small pink roses, walking down the aisle in light bounce in her steps with a smile on her face. Not long afterwards, Sonia appeared in a similar dress, although the dress that appeared sweet on the younger women seemed more elegant against her exotic features, walking with more grace and poise than her cheery friend.
Then he saw his children after Sonia reached the side of the bride near the platform. The barely five-year-olds walked side by side, the older twin carried a velvety cushion with a pair of rings and the younger carried a basket of petals in her hands that she scattered about.
Kazuki was wearing a child version of tuxedo; looking like a miniature of his father, save for the clear blue eyes he inherited from his mother. Mizuki was also wearing pink dress suitable for her age; some of her silver hair was slightly curled and held up by small roses, making her resembling more of her mother than her father.
Both of them managed to keep their faces solemn, their head held high and their steps steady as they walked to the platform, knowing the importance of their part and the ceremony. Zero couldn't suppress the feeling of pride and joy seeing the children of his and Misaki acting properly as ring bearer and flower girl despite the obvious excitement, at least to him.
He was rather distracted with the twins that he failed to notice the new arrival in several paces behind the children. Only when he heard the wedding march being played, he finally realized the two figures appearing from the back of the rows. He faintly recognized the aged man in a tuxedo as Matsushita who was also Misaki's anointed custodian after the death of Hisakawa. When the two figures reached the other end of the aisle, clear blue eyes found silvery white eyes, he found himself taking a sharp breath at the sight of the bride.
Misaki was wearing a beautiful white mermaid dress with sheer lacy vest and sheer lacy wrap that trailed behind her. She let her long wavy hair loose, with some of the strands pulled back into small twists making a small crown on her head that was decorated with petals of roses. She wore minimal make up, which only accentuated her natural beauty. She wore simple jewelries that glistened like small stars within the dimness of the chapel. She had a beautiful bouquet in her hands that was also linked to her father figure's arm.
He couldn't help to think of the paintings he had seen in Italy of immortal deities of light descending from the heavens above and illuminating the world by its mere presence as she walked with such grace and poise that it seemed she was walking on air, the train of her dress trailing after her smoothly. He prided himself the one who knew her best, but he was aware that there were sides of her he had yet to see; this side was one of them.
She held her head high, her back straight, her steps slow but deliberate, she was every inch the princess that she was. Everything felt surreal to him, that this beautiful woman was really going to be his wife. It was her eyes and her smile that gave her away, the way her blue eyes twinkled with warmth and the way her lips curved into a smile.
He faintly remembered to greet her and accept her hand that was given with care and trust by the grey-haired man who was the closest father figure she had after the death of her family. He nodded without removing his eyes towards the older man to show his understanding of this gesture. Matsushita gave the silent young man a trusting smile before he took his seat at the bride's side.
They stepped up to the platform together, her smaller hand on his own, briefly exchanging a glance and a smile that told him that everything was real and that was truly her beside him. He was barely aware of the words that were spoken by the mayor, unable to ignore the warm presence of the fair-haired beauty next to him. Only when the mayor spoke the familiar lines the pledge that asked both of them of their willingness to take each other as their spouse.
"Zero Kiryuu, will you have this woman to be your wife and will you pledge your trust to her, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with her and cherish her according to the ordinances of God in the holy bond of marriage?"
"I do."
"Misaki Hisakawa, will you have this man to be your husband, and will you pledge your trust to him, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with him and cherish him according to the ordinances of God in the holy bond of marriage?"
"I do."
Neither answered the question with hesitation. Their voices were clear and steady in the silence of the chapel while everyone present held their breath in anticipation. By a sign from the foreign man, both of them turned to face each other, holding each other gaze as they spoke their vows before the witnesses.
"I, Zero, take you Misaki, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish 'til death do us part."
"I, Misaki, take you Zero, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish 'til death do us part."
By the signal from the mayor, Kazuki dutifully stood up from his seat and walked forward, carefully stepping up to the platform while balancing the rings on the cushion. The two of them naturally turned to look at their son who solemnly held out the rings on it for them to start the exchange. Gently he took her hand and wore the ring on her slender finger and noted with pride how well it suited her. She did the same to him, briefly feeling the smoothness of her skin as she wore the plain white gold ring on his finger.
"Because Zero and Misaki have desired each other in marriage, and have witnessed this before God and our gathering, affirming their acceptance of the responsibilities of such a union, and have pledged their love and faith to each other, sealing their vows in the giving and receiving of rings, I do proclaim that they are husband and wife in the sight of God and man. Let all people here and everywhere recognize and respect this holy union, now and forever." The minister looked at both of them with a knowing smile.
"Now you may kiss the bride."
Zero didn't need to be told, but he yielded dutifully and slowly leaned forward to capture those rosy lips in a brief, gentle kiss. Their eyes never left one another throughout the kiss, or after they broke the kiss.
This was it, he thought, barely restraining a smile of his own that earned an amused look on his newly-wedded wife at the attempt to hide his smirk.
"It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time, Msr. and Mdm. Kiryuu."
The small audience immediately erupted into cheers and claps at the official declaration of the union. The couple expressed their gratitude by their own way to the mayor who acted as the minister. Zero helped her stepped down from the platform by giving his hand to lean on as she descended gracefully in the white flowing dress. They were surrounded by their friends who offered the congratulations each with their own individual way.
The men approached the groom first and shook his hand, accompanied with a nod or an acknowledgment or an advice or in Charlemagne's case, a firm pat on the back and a warm laugh that echoed loudly in the high ceilings of the chapel. The women though, were less reserved than the men, the younger ones immediately took their friend into a hug, mindful of the dress and make up while the older ones gave a kiss on each cheek on the glowing bride, looking at Misaki in pride and awe. The twins managed to get to their parents, earning a hug from their mother after they took turns to kiss her cheek and a pat on each of their heads from their father. The two observant children couldn't hide their happiness when they saw how happy their parents were.
When they were told to stand together to take a picture of them both and their children, carefully pulling her close by the waist while they pulled each of the twins close, this time he didn't hold back his feelings, giving the barest glimpse of a smile on his features and the gentlest look one ever saw on the usually cold and detached man. At that moment, Zero never felt more complete than he felt now, having her and their children with him.
For once, he felt truly content where he was and wished it would remain this way.
Whee! Now Zero and Misaki are officially married and becoming true family with their children. Another wedding in the church, but then again, these vampires are immune to religious symbols and places, and it provides the kind of privacy they want and need (not to mention I kinda like it?). Review, since we're moving on to the new chapter of Zero and Misaki's life!