Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters
Rated M: Sexual Themes and Language
Chapter Fourteen
"We were suspiciously unordinary, always stumbling between the lines of love."
"Do I really have to wear this? How am I supposed to move around in this gown in the case of an emergency? Why do I even need to wear this anyway?" Yuuki nagged as she lifted the length of the champagne sequined dress that Senri and Rima helped her into - by Kaname's orders of course. When Rima turned her head she quickly attached Artemis to her garter, not that she felt she would need it, but she always carried it - just in case. Many things had changed since her life in the moon dorm, but her obligations as a guardian had not. Aido watched quietly from the doorway. He was already dressed exceptionally, and his arms were crossed as he leaned casually against the door frame.
Senri, who had been brushing her long knotted hair, paused to pass Rima a knowing look that didn't go unnoticed by Yuuki's curious gaze. She watched as the short pigtailed girl rolled her eyes and sighed. Yuuki didn't know why she'd hardly recognized the connection between those two while she was human. It seemed with her reawakened senses, nothing went by her unnoticed anymore. She kinda missed being oblivious to everything around her, maybe then everything that had changed in her life wouldn't feel so overwhelming.
Rima sighed as she lowered the makeup brush from Yuuki's face,
"I know all of this is new to you Lady Yuuki-sama, but it's not proper for a lady of your title to nag."
Aido shot Rima a disapproving look when Yuuki's jaw dropped. She knew she wasn't acting exactly like how a vampire princess was supposed to act, but she didn't think her old habits were that bad. Did they really expect her to play the part of a vampire queen so perfectly after she had only reawakened? She made a mental note to speak with Kaname about it.
"Don't mind her Yuuki-sama. To answer your question, the reason why you have to wear this dress is because Kaname-sama is having a commencement address for you and Kiryu Zero."
"Zero and I?...why?"
"Well to be honest...it's because he said so. But to be formal, you two are the first two day class students to every be transferred to the night class since Cross Academy was founded. The day class may not know that we, the night class, are vampires but the fact that you two are apart of our race now truly is a big deal."
"Yea I suppose. But technically I was born a vampire and Zero was on the verge of being a level E. What's so special about that?"
Aido took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. Becoming a vampire unfortunately didn't stop her from being so dense.
"Lady Yuuki-sama, up until you were reawakened, nobody knew you even existed in our world. Only a select few aristocrats knew that Lady Juuri-sama conceived a girl because you were so well hidden. Your existence is the biggest scandal since the Kuran family even rose to power! It's not easy to hide a vampire fledgling, much less a princess! For the longest time, the only Kuran offspring that anyone had knowledge of was Lord Kaname-sama, and even then, few knew about the ancestor taking possession of his body after Rido killed him. So yea….your status is a very big deal. As for Kiryu, he was born into a hunter family and is a twin. You know that twins are very rare and for one of them to have survived and bound to a pureblood, only to have successfully transitioned into a vampire without relapsing into a Level E, is extremely rare as well. Both of your backgrounds are very unusual to what the other students here are used to, so I suppose Kaname-sama wants to get them acquainted with who you both are before things get out of line. The incident that happened in the hallway the other day was a perfect example. Kaname-sama wasn't too pleased with us when he found out how everything went down…So please don't tell him I told you about the commencement address because he wanted it to be a surprise and if he knows that I ruined it for you, I'll definitely get punished...again…"
Everyone was too focused on Aido to notice Takuma when he walked into the room. He smiled warmly at everyone before bowing politely before Yuuki and taking in all of her beauty.
"Wow, Lady Yuuki-sama, you look amazing! I see the blood that runs in your veins fairs you well. Kaname wasn't kidding when he said champagne would look great on you! I bet you didn't know that he had that dress made just for you!"
"Which is not surprising considering everything else was done for her too…" Rima mumbled softly. Takuma ignored her remark as he continued,
"Besides, it wouldn't be appropriate for the vampire queen to show up to an event dedicated to her without at least looking the part!
"Takuma...weren't you accompanying Kaname-sama all day? Does this mean that since you're here, he's back from running his errands?" Aido side-noted.
"Well no, actually he's still preoccupied at the moment. He sent me to check on everything and make sure that you guys were treating his bride in a proper manner. How about it Lady Yuuki-sama? They aren't doing too bad after all are they?" He laughed heartily as he declined some snacks offered to him from Senri.
"Ugh! Not you too! Stop calling me that. I haven't changed. I'm still the same Yuuki I used to be."
"But you're not. You're not the same Yuuki. You have changed." Senri commented softly as he handed her a small handheld mirror to examine the work he did to her hair. She glanced at his reflection and frowned. She had to admit, he'd done a great job - both of them had. Rima had done her makeup so flawlessly that it looked as if she didn't have any makeup on at all besides the soft pink color on her lips and the mascara on her lashes that made them appear fuller and longer. Somehow being a pureblood made her appear more youthful than she already was. Takuma came over and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"It's ok to not want to change Yuuki-sama. No matter who it is you decide you want to be, to the people who value you in your life,you will always be significant and special. Even still, Kaname-sama brought you back into this lifestyle because you made it clear that this part of you…."
He cupped her jaw and ran his thumb over her lips, letting his finger slip past them to tap her sharp fangs,
"...is a part that you've been lacking. Let the person you are becoming fill the void in your heart. Isn't it exhausting...trying to fight it?"
She found herself nodding her head, transfixed by the geniality of his words.
"Thank you for the encouragement Takuma-kun"
"Anytime. And try not to be so hard on Aido and the others. Kaname is severely jealous of all the time they get to spend with you when he's away. That's the only reason why he's so hard on them.
In regards to the address, I know these types of events aren't things you're used to. The headmaster definitely raised you away from the spotlight. Sadly, this type of lifestyle is all Kaname knows, whether he chooses to admit it or not. Granted, if given a choice, I don't think we'd ever even see him if he could run away from all the burdens of the senate...with you too of course. I feel like the only reason he stays here now that he's got you is because of his ties to the school, and your ties as well.
You know Yuuki-sama, you've got the power to sway him in ways that we never will. If you're not comfortable with anything that Kaname plans, then tell him. Don't be afraid to use that power... you're the only one he listens to."
He suggestively winked at her, grinning ear to ear when her face turned vibrant red and made his way back towards the door.
"Oh by the way, he wanted me to give you this." He tossed a little envelope at her, which glided through the air like a paper airplane. She caught it with ease.
Please meet me at the fountain in the gardens at 6'o clock sharp.
Much love, KK
"Its frightening to see you so domesticated. After all these years, I'm still not used to it" Yagari commented as he watched his old friend, and secret lover, shuffle around Kaien's bedroom. Somehow the older man was still getting ready for the event, even though he was already dressed. He wore a tailored dark suit with a red handkerchief in his suit pocket. His long blonde hair was loose for once, just like how he wore it in his old hunting days. It made him look younger, and more like a bachelor than an adoptive father of two children. To Yagari, he looked unbelievably sexy, and he groaned when he felt his dick twitch. They definitely didn't have time for any of that!
"You know, you didn't need to set out all these snacks for me. There's going to be plenty of food at the commencement address. I don't know why, it's not like those kids eat human food."
Kaien rolled his eyes at his lover's sarcastic remarks.
"Nonsense! You and I both know that if I don't feed you then you won't eat. It's all that smoking you do. You know it curbs your appetite right? Besides, those students haven't softened your ice cold heart yet? Don't be such a stickler. This commencement is a big deal. My children are being honored in a big event that for once isn't even hosted by me. Of course I'm excited."
Yagari scowled,
"Your children are technically grown. I mean your daughter is eighteen and engaged...to a vampire I might add! Is this really the path that Juuri would be proud of for her?"
Kaien shot him a defeated look. He raked his fingers through his long hair as if he were trying to reassure himself.
"Don't do that Toga. Really? Can't you just be happy for me? I mean I know how you feel about vampires but this school is my dream and Yuki is my daughter. It's not like I can ignore the fact that Juuri wanted her to be human. I know that...but at the end of the day, she's not human. She's a vampire, and she's always been one, no matter how hard we tried to dress her up and feed her lies. It's not right anymore...I-I just need some time to adjust to these changes."
"You? Or her? Doesn't seem like it's going that smoothly for her…"
"Both of us!"
Toga swiveled the tea in his cup that Kaien forced him to drink, knowing good and well that he preferred a much stronger beverage of choice.
"I don't even understand why Zero is still at this school anymore."
"W-what? Why wouldn't Zero be here?"
"Because he's sure to have gotten a shit ton of hunter assignments by now. He could be fully funded to stay wherever he wants by the hunter association, doing what he wants to do. It's not like him to be this tied down. I'm sure the only reason why he's stayed behind is because of Yuuki. And with her failing grades I highly doubt she'll be able to graduate soon…"
"Don't be so pessimistic. Yuuki's just been through a difficult time. I'm confident she'll bounce back. Zero on the other hand, hasn't been taking this transition as well as everything else. I don't think he's happy at all in the night class. But what can I do? He's no longer in my hands. I just have to trust Kaname with this one…"
Yagari dug into his suit pocket and pulled out a cigarette and lit it up.
"Why? Why do you put so much trust in him? It's clear that everything he's done so far was only with your daughter in mind. Why would he care what the boy does? I don't see this ending well for Zero. He has a lot of promise when it comes to the association. They aren't gonna keep batting an eye to the fact that he's Kuran's pawn."
Kaien threw his hands on the desk in front of him. Yagari paused; it wasn't too often that the older man got angry with him. In fact, they rarely fought. They had mock play fights that usually ended up with them both laughing in the end, but this time he could practically feel the anger off his body. So the fact that he'd actually upset his lover with his tactless remarks actually made him feel guilty. He put out his cigarette and gave the ex hunter his undivided attention.
"I don't know why you've chosen tonight to be this negative...but I don't like it!"
"Kaien...I'm sorry. I was out of line. It won't happen again, I promise."
"Hmph" His elder checked his face for any signs of deceit before he sighed heavily and promptly plopped into the handsome, but much younger man's lap. Leave it up to him to need emotional support even when he was mad. The man was too forgiving at times, so he wasn't surprised that he didn't stay mad at him for long. Toga wrapped an arm around him to secure him on his lap before he cupped his lover's chin in his hand and guided his lips to his own.
"Will you let me make it up to you?" He gasped huskily when they separated for air. He closed his blue eyes and he could feel himself practically melt in his lover's skillful touch. The twinkle in Kaien's eyes along with the heat radiating from the tent in his slacks could amount to nothing else.
"Oh alright...but I call top!"
Kaien noticed a faint blush on his lover's cheeks and he grinned mischievously. It never failed to amuse him how easily he could break through Toga's tough exterior. The hunter definitely had his soft spots, and he was proud to admit that he was one of them.
"I guess I can't talk my way out of this one huh?"
"No, no you cannot. Now go find Zero for me, will ya? I'm absolutely positive he'll do everything in his power to be late to the event."
Toga gave him one last sweet kiss on his lips. Just before Toga was about to exit through his bedroom door he called back out to him,
"You know I love you right?"
Toga genuinely smiled and nodded before shouting on his way out,
"Yea, yea. I know!"
"Kid, what are you doing out here? Your party has already started. The headmaster won't stop nagging about how he can't find you."
Zero turned around to find his childhood mentor standing a few feet behind him. For once, he was cleaned up and looked presentable - most likely headmaster Cross' doing. He was out of his typical hunting garb and looked appropriate for the event, much to his surprise.
"I don't care what type of relationship you two have going on, but just because he tries to act like he's my father doesn't mean you need to too," Zero scoffed dismissively as he averted his gaze. He was surprised when the hunter did not respond to his smart comment. He expected a demand of respect and a reminder of why he'd lost his eyesight in that one eye, or even a recap on his responsibilities as a future hunter. Whatever the reason for his hesitation, which he assumed had more to do with respecting Kaien's feelings on keeping their relationship private and professional, he couldn't be bothered by their hovering natures at this point. But he could tell his implications had hit home by the way his elder was clenching his fists. It must have been taking all of his strength not to lash out and defend his relationship with the headmaster. When it became apparent that Yagari had no intention of leaving Zero demanded,
"What do you want?"
Yagai pulled out a cigarette case and popped one into his mouth. The good lord knew he needed it in order to get through any discussion with the unruly child in front of him. He took a few puffs before he responded,
"You sure do know just how to push all the wrong buttons don't you Zero? The real question here kid, is what do you want?"
Zero grimaced,
"Look I'm not in the mood to talk right now…"
"I don't give a damn what you're in the mood for."
"...Just leave me alone ok?"
"I will once you get your ass back into that room!"
"I don't belong with them. I shouldn't even be in the night class!"
"Oh so you're just gonna ignore the fact that you're a vampire now! Get over yourself Zero. After all that Kaien has done for you and this is how you choose to repay him? This is blatant disrespect and you know it. He has done nothing but sacrifice everything in his power to raise you, and not just you but Yuuki too. Was it not enough? What else does he have to give? Huh Zero? Please, tell me..."
Zero simply shook his head before he started to walk away. He was relieved when the elder didn't follow him, but his deep voice carried anyway,
"Look kid, I don't have time to babysit you anymore. The dog days are over. I'm not standing here just to bother you. Right now, your attitude is bothering me. I'm just trying to guide you...make you consider some options that I'm sure Kaien nor Kuran have presented to you. No matter what they say, you know you have options right? You don't need to keep playing the role of the ever faithful soldier. Choose your own battles to fight for, for now on. Everyone else already has their own. Hell, I've got mine...look, I suggest you go to the association and -"
"- Don't try to tell me how to handle a situation you've never been in before!"
Toga sighed. He knew it was gonna be hard getting through to the boy but when his lover asked him to collect him, he didn't think it was gonna be this hard! No wonder Kaien was so stressed out all the time- with these kids of his, he'll never find peace!
The hunter took a few more drags of his cigarette while he took the time to admire the beauty of the gardens around them. There was color - life - everywhere. Too bad the young man before him had such a bleak existence in contrast to the scenery he often escaped to.
"It's good to see that you're still as hard-headed as ever"
Zero pierced him with his dull lilac eyes. That spark that used to reside there….the one that used to make him believe that despite all the odds against him, that this child would overcome it, had lost its luster. Where did that sweet little boy go?
"Zero, I can't tell you how to live your life - I'm too busy living my own. That's all I'm trying to show you. While you're out here, pathetically drowning in self pity over the person you've become, everyone else around you has changed. Those very same people are moving on with their lives...making the most out of their circumstances. Sit down and really ask yourself - are you?"
The night breeze made the trees surrounding them rustle. The trickle of the water flowing through the fountain was soothing, just as soothing as the familiar flicker of the fireflies.
"You're right...I'm sorry. It's just hard you know. I keep asking myself if I'm as strong as I thought I was….I thought I might be. Everyday that goes by I doubt myself more and more. It's hard to accept it - what I am - because I never thought I would have to...and now I do. It's the one thing I have to do in order to move forward…"
It was then that Yagari realized the extent of just how broken Zero was. Throughout his life, people had taken a piece of him, and slowly he was chipped away, until nothing but his naked soul remained.
"...I don't wanna be this person. I'm tired of fighting…"
Yagari patted him on the head, before he turned around and made his way back to the banquet hall. He called out to Zero as he walked away with the only piece of advice that could save him from his misery,
"...then don't"
Yuuki tried her hardest not to wobble in her heels as Sieren led her to the banquet hall where the event was being held. The sun had fallen just a few hours prior and she was sure that all invited guests had arrived. She was already nervous, but being in the presence of the quiet girl in front of her was unnerving.
"What happened to Aido and the others?" She asked once she found her voice to speak.
"They have other responsibilities our lord wishes for them to attend to at the moment."
"Oh...I see"
Despite how irritating it was at first to get used to them always following her every move, at this moment, she really missed their company. They had an uncanny way of easing her mind when she was doing things for the first time, like the situation she was in right now. Too busy concentrating on her thoughts, she paid no attention to where she was walking only to barely miss tripping on herself.
"My lady...do you need assistance?" Sieren asked hesitantly as she eyed the shoes on Yuuki's feet.
"N-no, I'm fine. Thanks…" She laughed nervously. If it was that easy for Kaname's bodyguard to notice how badly she was struggling in her outfit, she already dreaded what the other aristocrats would think of her. Everyone she'd encountered so far had already passed judgments over her for being 'ill fit' in being by Kaname's side. She was confident they were already aware of how much she lacked a traditional royal upbringing. The last thing she wanted was to embarrass Kaname who'd set up the event as a way to get them to accept her as she was.
"Lady Yuuki-sama, we're here."
Yuuki eyed the grand oak doors in front of her sheepishly. Her voice cracked as she asked, "...are you not coming inside with me," when Sieren kept a distance between her and the doorway.
"No my lady. My orders are to escort you to the event and that's all."
Though her face didn't change from the emotionless expression she wore the whole way there, Yuuki could see the slight pity in her eyes. She sighed. Well here goes nothing. You can do this. You're supposed to be their queen for crying out loud! She told herself. Just as she reached for the elaborate door handles, the doors swung open and she was greeted with green glittered eyes and a warm sparkling smile.
"Yuuki-sama, you made it! I was starting to think that maybe Kaname whisked you off for himself for the night!" Takuma exclaimed cheerfully as he nodded his head in thanks to Sieren for guiding her there safely.
"W-what are you talking about?" Yuki stuttered. Her whole body flushed with warmth and she was sure that if she could see herself, that her face would be redder than the tomatoes headmaster grew in his gardens. Takuma merely laughed and winked at her. They both were aware that whisking her away for himself was something Kaname was definitely capable of doing.
"Ah well, as you can expect everyone is anxious to meet you." He changed the subject as he led her further into the room, through a crowd of people who were too busy talking amongst each other to notice her arrival. That, she was thankful for. She wasn't quite ready to face all those important people just yet.
"Where is onii-sama?" She whispered as she examined the space. The room was bustling and boisterous. Even though it was already dark outside, the lights were dimmed and it gave off a relaxed romantic type of feeling. There were candles mounted on the walls and they littered the tiled floors, and their flickering lights only added to the ambiance. Her sensitive nose picked up on various scents of expensive perfumes and colognes and everywhere she turned all she saw were designer dresses with equally expensive purses to match. It seemed this time, Kaname had hired an actual team to cater to all the aristocrat's needs instead of using the students, and right off the bat she could tell that they too were vampires. Really, he had outdone himself; these types of events always made her feel self conscious. She hated crowds, and now she was in the midst of one, unable to escape her responsibilities.
Every corner was occupied with chattering vampires, and every last one of them was breathtakingly beautiful. She fidgeted nervously in her skin tight dress and brushed a few curls out of her eyes.
"It seems Kaname is running a little late. I know my grandfather was speaking to him when he arrived at the party a little while ago. I'm sure he'll be here soon to make the introductions. Not that is matters anyway, because Kiryu hasn't arrived yet."
"Zero's not here?" it was unusual for Zero to be late to anything. She expected him to be punctual, even if this was the last place on earth he would have wanted to be caught dead at. Instantly, she recognized all of her friends as she took a good look around. Senri and Rima were between the tables where rows of delicious looking food were set out on display, purely for decorative reasons. Only those two were snacking to their heart's content. Ruka was standing next to a raised platform where two large expensive chairs were. At the base of the platform was a third chair, that was positioned a little off centered from the twin set. Akatsuki was only a few inches behind her, posing as her bodyguard, and even from a distance she could tell that he was having a very private conversation with her by his stance. Aido was in the center of the room, holding a tray full of glasses filled with a red liquor, being adorned by several beautiful, married women. If she hadn't known any better, she would have written him off as a classic womanizer. Too bad he didn't show as much interest in keeping his catch as he did toward the act of attracting his catch instead.
"I know it takes a while to get used to all the attention...would you like for me to introduce you to a few people in Kaname's place?" Takuma asked kindly as he smiled at a few people who had been watching Yuuki the moment they recognized her. To her relief, she heard a familiar voice joyfully call out her name,
"Yuuki! Yuuki dear, over here!" Off in the corner waving frantically was Headmaster Cross. He was standing among a few people she didn't recognize. In fact, if he hadn't raised her where she was familiar with his mannerisms, it would have been considerably harder for her to recognize him at all.
"Headmaster Cross...is that you?" She blinked through her confusion as she examined him thoroughly. His hair was down and he was dressed appropriately for his age. He looked less like a father and more like all the other single and happy bachelors in the room. He was very handsome, and completely oblivious to the young women drooling over him on the other side of the room. She did however recognize her professor Yagari, who was leaning casually against the wall with his arms folded looking completely uninterested in being there. She watched as he sent a few glares to Kaien's admirers.
"Of course it's me silly. And you look absolutely stunning Yuuki! Look how fast my baby is growing up." He fake wailed to Toga as he pulled a camera out of his jacket pocket and took a quick photo.
"What are you doing here? This doesn't seem like your type of thing…" Yuuki addressed to Yagari who merely glanced at her out of the corner of his eye before Kaien responded,
"I um...I invited him. The more the merrier right?" She shrugged.
"Yes, I suppose. Neh, have you seen Zero yet?" Kaien frowned as he shook his head no.
"I just spoke to him not too long ago. He should be coming any minute now." Yagari commented indifferently.
"Oh...ok. So where is he?" Kaien and Toga exchanged a cautious look before he responded,
"I left him in the garden."
Just as she was about to turn to the direction of the garden, she bumped into something firm and warm. That somebody snaked an arm around her waist and her chin was lifted to their direction. Rich red-brown eyes studied her before lovingly cupping her cheek.
"Kaname-sempai!" She stuttered alarmed as she stopped struggling within his grasp. His grip on her hips was very secure - borderline possessive. She highly doubted she would have been able to escape him judging by the tender affection in his countenance.
"Leaving so soon Yuuki?" He practically purred. He'd spoken her name with so much passion that she felt her heart flutter. She couldn't quite find her words to respond to his question. But that didn't seem to phase him as he leaned over and planted a sweet kiss on her lips. And even though it didn't show on his face when he withdrew, the longing he had for her lingered in her mouth.
"H-hai…" She managed to respond as she took the arm he offered.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting. I think it's about time we start now."
"But Zero…" Her thought trailed off as the crowd parted to let them through. It didn't take long for her to realize that it wasn't them that the crowds had split for, but for Zero who was coming their way from the back entrance near the gardens. She hadn't noticed that Kaname was watching her the whole time she was watching Zero, and out of the corner of her eye she thought his face shifted from happiness to disappointment.
"That's him, the hunter twin: Kiryu Zero" She heard the guests whisper amongst themselves.
"How nice of you to finally join us Zero" Kaname commented softly. Zero didn't comment as he eyed Kaname's hand on her hip and her hand looped on his arm. Kaname ignored his hard glare as he turned around and guided Yuuki to their seats at the front of the room. Zero sat in the chair that was at the base of the platform. Kaname gave the guests a few moments to settle down before he cleared his throat and began:
"As you all may know I have gathered you here tonight to celebrate an important day in Cross Academy history. Today marks the official acceptance of two former day students into the night class. This academy was built in Juuri Kuran's honor, and now it is my honor to present to you her daughter and the sole heiress of the Kuran family. It seems so long ago that my good friend Kaien Cross came to me with his dream of making what was merely Juuri's fantasy a reality. I am honored not only to be his friend but also to be a supporter of his cause. That in itself helped me make the decision of being the president of the night class and I have treasured and will continue to treasure every moment of it. And so, I want to take this moment to thank him, but most importantly to thank all of you for having the courage, the tenacity, and the diligence to always strive for a brighter future for our youths.
Some of you may be familiar with the Kiryu family and their twin son's Zero and Ichiru. Despite their history that is entwined with their hunter lineage, tonight and from here on out, I beg of you to forgive it. Tonight, they are not our enemies, but are our guests and Zero is now a fellow member of our race. I pray that seeing him among us will you give hope, just as I, that in the near future humans may walk in harmony with vampires. It is not often that we have this rare occasion of bliss, to be amongst each other, putting aside our trials and tribulations to celebrate who we are as a nation, and as a ancient group of people who have prevailed despite all odds. Since the dawn of our times, we have struggled for power and acceptance. It was then that the Kuran family was able to prosper and end our wars. Those days may be over, but that honored lineage of a pure race is not. As you may know, many of our ancestors - our purebloods - have been murdered or martyred. And yet tonight...I grace you with the presence of someone as special to me as I hope will be to you: Yuuki Kuran. I want to thank you again for taking the time out of your busy schedules to celebrate a special moment for me and my bride and our fellow classmate, Zero Kiryu. May you enjoy the festivities and have a wonderful evening! "
He was handed a champagne glass filled with red liquor and he raised it into the air.
"A toast: to new beginnings of love, faith, and freedom!"
The room roared with cheers and laughter. The melody of clashing champagne glasses echoed throughout the room. The older crowd clapped affectionately for the beautifully delivered speech by their king, and no sooner Kaname rose with Yuuki steadily on his arm, by his side, once again…
"Have you seen Kaname-sama?" Ruka asked the gang hurriedly as she glanced through the crowd, searching for his silhouette.
"Nope. Last time I check he and Yuuki were talking to a group of people on the platform." Akatsuki responded as he tried, unsuccessfully, to calm her nerves.
"I'm sure he's around here somewhere. There are so many people here to see him that I doubt he would run off. Right Takuma?" Aida asked the other blonde haired boy who was eerily quiet. He had a mischievous smile on his face, that looked a little out of place considering his pure and genuine character.
"Now that you mention it, I don't see Lady Yuuki-sama either…" Ruka trialed off suspiciously as she glanced in the direction of the platform.
"Why don't you ask Kiryu Zero. I'm sure he knows where Yuuki and Kaname are." Aido sneered jokingly as he pointed into the direction of the handsome youth standing in the middle of a crowd of aristocrats who'd come solely to meet him. He looked incredibly uncomfortable and it didn't take a genius to assume that he was probably planning his escape.
"Never mind that. I'm gonna go find them." Ruka brushed off as she walked away. Unsurprisingly, Akatsuki followed her.
"Kaname-sempai is up to something and we know that you know what it is." Rima commented emotionlessly to Takuma as she handed Senri another snack. Takuma merely smiled before he too walked away,
"All I can say is: love is a beautiful thing..."
Yuuki glanced up at the night sky. It was a beautiful night. The music from the party had traveled all the way outside into the garden and its muffled tunes put her in her own trance. She glanced down at her watch: 6:00am. She was on time, but where was he?
She wandered over to the water fountain and took a seat on the ledge, absently running her hand through the cool water. She heard a rustle coming from the dense rose bushes behind her and turned around.
"Yuuki" He sighed contently as he got closer to her. Instantly her nose was invaded by his crisp masculine natural scent. Before she could question it, she was in his arms and he clung to her as if she were his sole life-force. She watched as his pupils dilated from her body's reactions to seeing him. She couldn't help but moan when his strong hands trailed up the curve of her back before stopping right beneath her shoulder blades to draw her lips closer to his.
"You made it" She mumbled lustfully, their lips mere inches from each other. Each breath he exhaled, she inhaled and it made their stance ten times more intimate. The way he was staring at her, as if he was seeing through her, made her insides tremble with anticipation. He didn't disappoint when he yanked her body flush against his and captured her lips passionately.
When they withdrew he puffed breathlessly in her ear,
"You don't know how long I've waited to have you in my arms...It feels like a dream" She bit her lip as she pulled away.
"It's not a dream. I'm right here."
"And you're not going anywhere?" The pain in his voice almost made her flinch, but she caught herself and pulled him in for another kiss. They simply enjoyed each other's presence for a while before he led her back to the fountain and took a seat on its ledge next to her.
"Yuuki...we need to talk."
"What is it?" She frowned. It truly was a rare sight to see him so uneasy. She tentatively placed her small hand over his and he curled his fingers around her's and squeezed gently.
"I know this transition hasn't been easy so far. I wish there was another way to have granted you what you wanted without turning you into something you once hated…something that once - and may still - haunt you. I know that essentially I've stolen your past life from you and I wanted to apologize because we both know that as of now it's something I can never give back to you. All I can do now is try my hardest to make you as happy are you were before - before all of this. I want to make you happy. I wanna be by your side as you become the woman you are bound to be. I can only pray that in the future my actions don't make you regret the decisions we had to make not too long ago. Do you have any thoughts on that?"
She paused. The quiet, dark atmosphere of the early morning sky suited him well. She took the time to study him and he looked so damn majestic and mysterious and regal in its cool embrace. She couldn't lie, those had always been qualities of his that made him even more irresistible, no matter how many times she'd tried to fight it. She couldn't believe that for so much of her youth, she had fought over her feelings of what he meant to her only to find out that they were meant to be together. She was made for him. And not even fate could keep them apart. And to her- that was powerful. It was beautiful and profound and irrefutable. Even now, sitting before him as he poured his heart out in the only way he knew how, she knew she could never leave his side. And just as hard as it would be for him to always strive to keep her happy, she would do whatever it took to reciprocate those same intentions back.
"Onii-sama...I'm grateful, more than anything for everything you've done. So don't be sorry. It's true, once upon a time I was afraid of vampires and maybe there's a small part of me that always will. But being in front of all those people, listening to you talk and witnessing the devotion in their eyes made me realize that they're my people as well. This is who I am! Maybe it wasn't necessarily vampires that I was afraid of all this time. Maybe the inner me was afraid of myself. Without knowing it, I have been fighting more so with myself than with anyone else for the majority of my life. And I don't wanna fight anymore. I want this...I want you. I know you believe you stole me from the life I was meant to have, but you didn't. You brought me back into it! So really I should be thanking you. Really I should be apologizing to you for making this step so difficult for us both. My parents made so many sacrifices for me to live the life I lived, and I'm thankful for all they've done for me. I'm thankful to have my memories back and to quiet my demons who have been taunting me for so long. I'm thankful to be able to remember my parents as the humble people they were and now I want to live my life in memory of them. I want to make them proud...I used to think that I didn't deserve to be happy. So I did whatever I could to make others happy and it helped - it lifted a weight off. But what I didn't realize is that before I took the time to help others, I needed to step back and take the time to help myself...and now I have - because of you…"
She watched as a mixture of happiness and relief washed over his face and he lovingly cupped her cheek and merely gazed at her as if she were Kami herself. And she would never forget the love he held in his eyes as he lowered himself to one knee, never letting go of her hand, and kissed her palm.
"Yuuki Kuran, I never thought I'd have this honor to ask you to be my wife. I know things have been chaotic and I'm sure there are many things I could have done differently to get us to this point. But I love you. You are the only person in the entirety of this world that I adore. I promise to love and cherish you with the entirety of my being for the entirety of my life…"
She gasped as she started to shake her head. Technically they were already engaged, but it meant so much to her that he was really taking the time to propose to her. He couldn't help but clean up her runny nose as he continued,
"...will you marry me?"
No sooner, she jumped into his arms and he swung her around before setting her gently back on the ground. She leaned on her tiptoes and kissed him until she had no joy left in her soul to give. She felt his arms wrap around her hips before his head nudged into the crook of her neck. Instinctively, she copied his actions and both of their fangs hovered over the other's pressure points before simultaneously they bit down. Her whole body flushed with a warmth that was so phenomenal and pure that she barely had the strength to hold herself up. Easily, she could tell he felt the same way by the way they slowly crumbled to the ground, never letting their fangs part. Kaname moaned when they finally pulled away and he gathered her into his lap and buried his face into her sweet smelling hair. She glanced down adoringly at the ring he slid on her finger. It was the most intricate and beautiful looking stone she'd ever seen in her life.
"What is it?"
He chuckled at her curiosity as she marveled over it,
"It's a very rare firestone."
"Oh my gosh. Kaname please tell me you didn't. You had to have spent a fortune on this!" She spoke in soft horror. He grinned.
"It used to be your mother's engagement ring. She gave it to me to give to you when the time was right. Apparently there's a whole story behind how Haruka came across this stone to even be able to have it forged into her ring. Do you like it?"
"...I love it," She whispered.
"I'll take that as a yes then…" She pulled away just enough to kiss him on his cheek before running her hands through his soft mid-length hair.
"Yes?" He questioned breathlessly as her nimble hands found their way under his shirt and were gently caressing his chest.
"Yes!"
Suddenly, the whole room roared with happiness and Kaien watched as a swarm of guests began to make their way to the back of the room where the large, bay windows looked out over the gardens.
"This is so exciting! I didn't think he was going to do this today!" Takuma exclaimed joyfully.
"I guess he was serious about everything…" Ruka sighed sadly.
"Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to do it on their wedding night?" Akatsuki commented.
"Do what?" Kaien wailed. He had no idea what the young ones were talking about. He looked over at Toga for clarification but the younger man merely shrugged. He was just as confused as he was.
"Not necessarily; this is obviously a public declaration from the both of them. And it makes sense because he's got all the most important people gathered in one room. None of these people can reject any future claims..." Aido side-noted.
"What's going on?" Kaien questioned curiously as he too followed the crowd, trailing submissively behind the gang.
"There was a blood bond." Akatsuki noted.
"A blood bond? I haven't heard of that type of tradition being performed in years." Togo remarked surprisingly.
"Lady Yuuki-sama truly is special for him to decide to do that." Rima side-noted.
"You wouldn't because they can only be done by purebloods." Senri mumbled as he allowed Rima to drag him along.
"And most importantly: it's irreversible. Purebloods mate for life." Ruka mumbled softly as she looked down at the ground. Akatsuki ran his hand comfortingly up and down her back. Aido rolled his eyes at the two.
"So what does this mean?" Kaien asked.
"It means - " Takuma started to explain before Aido interrupted,
" - that they're, in vampire terms, officially mated...forever."
Kaien frowned slightly as he began to look around. He broke away from the crowd as be began to shuffle through all the guests for someone in particular.
"Oh dear, this can't be good!"
"What's wrong Cross? Who are you looking for?" Toga asked.
"...Zero..."
And the moment he spoke his name, they all immediately understood why...
Author Note: I had the worst writer's block this month. I'm sorry for the delay. I hope this nearly 10,000 word chapter makes up for it. Review, don't review. You can do whatever you like.