This will be my first time outside of Japan. I wish it would be under different circumstances.
Mana discreetly scratched underneath the wig as she stood next to Kaname. She gripped the handles of her hand luggage, eyes focused on the floor. Kaname brought her closer as the air hostess looked at their passports and bowed.
"Have a nice flight, Mr and Mrs Kuran."
Mana grimaced as Kaname ushered her towards the private jet. Because of course he had a private jet.
Mana looked around the cabin as Kaname took her hand luggage and placed it on one of the seats.
"Make yourself comfortable," he said. "It'll be a long flight."
Mana picked one of the seats and fumbled putting the seatbelt on. Kaname sat in the seat next to her, catching the stewardess's attention.
"Bottle of wine for after we take-off."
"As you wish."
She bowed and Mana stared at her bag, wishing she'd taken her music out to listen to.
"You may get up and wander after we take-off," Kaname said. "But I'd rather you didn't block me out."
Mana pursed her lips, eyeing the air staff. She folded her arms in her lap and took a deep breath. This was going to be a harrowing flight.
I suppose France isn't the worst country to visit.
Mana adjusted her sunglasses as she glanced out of the car, watching the scenery of the coast flow by. Kaname reached out and held her hand. She ignored him, focusing on the glittering ocean.
After a while, the car turned away from the coast and they were going uphill. Mana faced forward. Kaname squeezed her hand as the car passed a few villas until it pulled into the driveway of one. It was smaller than Mana had been expecting but at least it seemed like a discreet location.
The driver got out and opened her door first.
"Madam," he said with a bow.
Mana stepped out of the car at the same time as Kaname. Kaname circled the car, placing a hand on her back. He walked Mana up the stone steps, towards the main door. He took out keys and unlocked the door. Mana glanced at the driver and saw him carry their luggage up. She was ushered into the house.
It was quaint but well decorated with fine art. Stepping into the sitting room, Mana noticed the ornate bookshelf and the piano. She glanced around, taking her sunglasses off. She rubbed her eyes and yawned.
She was half expecting to feel her contacts.
French words were exchanged behind her. She fiddled with her sunglasses, watching the driver carry two suitcases upstairs.
"Sit, make yourself comfortable."
Kaname approached her and offered her hand luggage to her. Mana took it and sat down on one of the sofas. She fumbled around inside it and brought out her headphones. She slid them over her ears and played music.
She wasn't sure how long she sat there. She saw the driver go downstairs. After a while, Kaname took her headphones off and kissed her hard. Mana pushed him away and he tightened his grip on her. He pulled away, eyes blazing.
"I need you…"
Nothing more than a courtesan.
Mana ran her fingers through her bleached hair, scratching the scalp. She lay her head on the pillows. The tousled wig was on the bedside table.
Kaname shifted his hands up and down her body, pressing his chest to her back. He kissed her shoulder, intertwining his legs with hers. He sighed, hugging her tighter.
Mana glanced out at the full moon. She could hear the waves crashing onto the shore outside.
"There's a market tomorrow," Kaname murmured. "We can get you new clothes."
"I don't need new clothes," Mana muttered.
Kaname squeezed her gently. Mana flinched when he kissed her neck. He buried his face into her neck.
"I love you," he whispered.
I hate you.
Mana stood next to Kaname, lacing her fingers together. She tapped her foot whilst staring at the sea. Kaname was talking to the market vendor. Judging by his looks at the summer dresses and gestures, he was haggling. Mana was half-impressed that the almighty vampire king had such a peasant skill.
She glanced around. The street was bustling with customers and vendors hollering. She folded her arms and gripped her biceps.
She paused when she saw someone staring at her. She couldn't see him clearly, so she took her sunglasses off. She wished she hadn't.
Zero.
Mana nearly let the glasses slip from her hands. Did he recognise her? Or is he convinced that she was Yuki?
Oh, please don't let him recognise her, in all places!
Mana jumped when Kaname petted her shoulder and turned her around. He pressed a dress to her shoulders and she glanced back.
Zero was gone.
Twenty years since I've seen you last. Twenty years I've tried to forget about you.
Mana placed her cutlery down and looked up at Kaname. Kaname smiled, draining the last of his wine glass.
"There's a private beach where we can relax," he said, glancing at the evening setting.
Mana looked down from the terrace where steps led to a small beach that was bathed in moonlight.
"We could go skinny dipping."
Mana shook her head.
"Still jetlagged," she muttered.
Kaname tilted his head.
"Maybe another time."
He stood and gathered the plates.
"Do you still like strawberry sorbet?"
Mana shrugged.
"I'd rather not have something sweet right now."
Kaname smiled and kissed the top of her head. Mana winced.
"I'd like to take this wig off now."
Kaname sighed.
"As you wish."
He walked back into the villa and Mana took off the wig. She shook her hair out, scratching her scalp. Kaname came out onto the terrace and took the wig off her.
"Perhaps you should grow your hair out."
Mana shook her head.
"I have an image to keep."
Kaname stroked the wig.
"What if when the group disbands?"
Mana glared at him.
"If that happens then I'm gone. You have no leverage over me."
"Au contraire, I can still do something."
Kaname smirked slightly.
"I know Yuka is a hopeless romantic at heart," he said. "She'd love to find her Prince Charming, get married, settle down. Have children."
Mana clenched her fists.
"Stop it," she snarled.
"I wonder how she'd look when she realises she cannot bear children."
"There are more ways to have children!" Mana barked and stood up. "Yuka is stronger than you think!"
"So, you'd allow me to harm her?"
Mana gripped the table cloth.
"Mana, you have nowhere to run. Your love for these pitiful humans is your weakness."
"You know nothing," Mana murmured as tears brimmed her eyes.
Kaname leaned in and brushed hair out of her eyes.
"It's that love I want, Mana. You only need to direct it at me."
"You have a wife and children. My sister, niece and nephew."
Kaname brought her closer.
"You're more important and you know that. I've always loved you, Mana."
"It's a twisted love which should die in hell."
Mana hissed as Kaname dug his nails into her chin.
"You twist it, my darling."
He kissed her lips. Mana's nails tore into the cloth. Kaname pulled away.
"Get ready for bed."
Mana rubbed her chin as Kaname walked into the villa. She turned to the moon, hugging herself and glaring into space.
She flinched when a pebble hit her.
She glanced down at the small garden beneath the terrace and her eyes widened when she saw Zero hidden amongst the bushes. He beckoned for her.
Mana ran down towards him. She hesitated once she came face to face with him.
"Zero?"
Zero didn't answer. Mana lowered her head, lacing her fingers together. Tears pricked her eyes.
"Who is he threatening?"
Mana looked up at him with wide eyes.
"What?"
"I got the gist. Who is he threatening?"
Mana covered her mouth. Zero rolled his eyes and leaned in closer.
"I want to help you, so tell me."
"Why?" Mana spat. "Why would you want to help me of all people?"
Zero glanced at the villa.
"You're worth more than this."
Mana's bottom lip wobbled and she sighed.
"The other girls in Tokyo Benevolence," she replied. "It's an all-female pop group. If I don't do what he wants, they'll suffer."
Zero nodded. He grabbed her shoulders.
"Don't let him get to you."
"Mana!"
Mana glanced at the villa to see Kaname had stepped out onto the terrace. Zero's hands left her and she turned to see he was gone.
"Mana, where are you?"
Mana stepped out of the shadows and looked up at Kaname.
"I wanted to clear my head," she called.
Kaname looked down at her with narrowed eyes. Mana glared at him.
I may fall. But not for you.
Mana played the piano whilst Kaname stood beside it, listening. He swirled the wine in his glass, smiling. Mana flinched when his phone began ringing and it caused her to press a few wrong keys.
Kaname sighed as he answered his phone and walked away.
"I asked for you to not call this number," he muttered. "Excuse me?"
He glanced at Mana and went upstairs, muttering under his breath.
Zero?
Mana was startled awake when Kaname's phone rang in the middle of the night. She heard him growl and the window cracked when he pulled his arm away from her and answered it. He left the bedroom and Mana sat up, leaning in to try and listen.
"How can you lose another one? They are naïve human girls."
Mana bit her thumb.
"Then tighten security. It won't look suspicious because there is cause for concern over them now. Don't lose any more and find the others."
Mana heard Kaname hanging up and quickly dropped down to feign sleep. She heard him come in then grab her arm.
"Wake up, Mana."
Mana rolled over, rubbing her eyes. She gasped when he grabbed her wrists and slammed them onto the pillows. She widened her eyes when she saw his eyes ablaze with lust.
"I'm not done with you tonight."
Keep them safe, Zero. I know I can trust you.
Requested by myra k kuran