!POLL RESULTS FOR THE REWRITE!
I'm not going to give you the poll result unless you PM and ask, because honestly, it has had a really close call. A 10, 9, 9, 7, 4 type of score.
But, I have found that I am not allowed to do the top choice, Only make a separate story with the re-written chapters, so the only choices that are available now are:
Make a new rewritten story all together
and
Replace the original chapter with the rewritten ones
HOWEVER, I really, really think that everyone is tired with the polls. So here's what I'm going to do, you can either tell me in a review or PM to put up the poll, or you can just deal with me rewriting chapters 1-8 and replacing them with the original. DO NOT WORRY, I have gone back into all the reviews and picked out the favorable quotes and moments you like and made sure to keep it in the new chapters. If there are moments you would like me to keep in chapters 1-8, please tell me soon.
A/N: Okay, Happy 4th of July peoples! I would have had this up yesterday (THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!) But I left to sleep over my friend's house and then went to a barbeque camping thing and didn't get home until four o'clock this morning. Ugh. That's what happens in the military life. You don't celebrate the actual dates. You celebrate the weekend either before or after it actually happens! Joy. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter!
Rina Tomonaga
Chapter 35-The Need for Claim
Sitting in her blood-stained kimono, the woman smiled down onto the face of the boy in her arms. She stared into his eyes, caressed his cheek, and wove her fingers through his soft silver hair.
"Make hatred your nourishment and become an adult quickly. You want to kill me…this, "Shizuka Hiou", don't you…?" She chuckled. "Heh…I want to watch you closely, forever…those eyes of yours…that are filled with hatred are just mine…"
The boy looked into the woman's sadistic smiling face.
"I'm happy," she giggled. "That you and I are bounded by the 'Bond' that can never be broken..."
"You're wrong," came a distant, child-like voice. The woman, startled, looked up from the boy in her arms and stared at the other young child beside her. The girl looked up at her in wonder, as if expecting a response.
"You…" Shizuka gasped.
The child smiled, her eyes showing much more beyond her years as she tucked a strand of hair behind Zero's ear.
"I got to him first. This boy you claim to have 'Bonded' with…this boy, you claim to now own…no…he's not yours." The child giggled.
"His eyes…his hair…his body…his soul…his hatred…his love…his vengeance. It's mine."
Rina grinned, her eyes like pure black holes boring into the older woman's.
"It's all mine."
X
X
X
X
X
"And I dare you to take what's mine away from me."
X
X
X
X
X
Text to: Otaku
(Just dropped off Evil-Chibi. Expect to see her soon if she doesn't come to find me.)
Message Sent
Received Text message from: Otaku
(Okay, I've got Akuro with me. I'll get back to you if Evil-Chibi sees me. Where are you?)
Reply
Text to: Otaku
(Alright, I'll see you when I talk to Zero. I'm heading East by the gate, there's a tree that Zero should be under.)
Message Sent
Received Text message from: Otaku
(Kk)
I flipped my phone shut and set it back in my pocket before adjusting my sleeves back over my fingers. Rubbing my eyes with a yawn, I turned the corner of the gate and looked around.
The plan so far was going great. Get on Maria's good side: Check.
Now that phase one was done and over with, I had to go find Zero, just in case Maria leaves and comes looking for me and 'happens' to stumble upon him. I sighed, feeling myself come into Yuuki's position once again. I really should get used to this.
Zero was, as usual, brooding under the exact tree I thought he was…well, he was couple of trees away from where I expected but it was good enough.
"Why do the academy grounds have so many damn trees?" I mumbled to myself as I rubbed the back of my head.
I silently walked up to Zero, who hadn't noticed my presence, and lightly punched him in the shoulder to get his attention. He jumped from the sudden contact, but in turn rubbed his arm and glared at me.
I poked him in the forehead (have I mentioned that poking people in the forehead causes my sleeve to smack across their face? Heh, heh, oops).
As sexy as it is, "Stop being emo." I huffed, smiling and crossing my arms. He rolled his eyes and finally stopped rubbing his arm. It was silent for a moment as I leaned against the tree next to him.
"Got word from the Chairman," I said. "The girl you saved a while ago is fine now. Her memories about it are going to be entirely erased."
He didn't say anything.
"You relieved?" I asked.
Zero shrugged. "Not really. It's not like I went to hunt that Level E to save someone's life or something." He looked away. "My will has nothing to do with it anyways. It's just 'work'."
"Yeah, yeah, the whole 'vampire hunter's duty!' drama." I mimicked the Chairman. Tapping Zero on the shoulder, he turned his face towards me and received another jab in the forehead. Glowering at me, he rubbed it in response.
"Would you stop doing that –?"
"No." I answered right on top of his question. He shook his head and rolled his eyes. Giving him a small smile, I leaned over on his arm and nudged my forehead against it.
"You're always taking everything alone, you know that? Which is why you went alone without telling anyone, huh?" I sighed.
"Look, I don't want to be or sound leachy or anything, but you should really tell me if and when you go off the academy grounds. I don't want to go looking everywhere for you because Yuuki thinks your skipping class. Besides, if you don't tell anyone, who do you think would worry the most when she can't find you?"
He stared down at me. "You?" he answered.
I shrugged at the thought. "Well, yeah, but I know you can take care of yourself for the most part, but who else do you think would worry?"
Hit with realization, Zero looked up and knocked the back of his head on the trunk of the tree. "Yuuki."
I laughed "Yeah. She was actually the one who found you leaving the academy grounds and was about to come after you."
I don't know why I did it...
"I had to convince her to stay and that I would come to make sure you weren't running off or something."
I guess it was because, I felt a little bit of a hero when saying it? But as I droned on and on about why I followed him (since he hadn't taken my butterfly story literally) I just kept spewing out lie, after lie, after lie about different things. I couldn't help it.
Was this how our relationship was going to be? Spewing out lies and keeping secrets from each other? Last I checked, in manga, that never ended well. I mean, look into the original version of Vampire Knight and look what happened to Yuuki! Ugh, this SUCKS.
It couldn't be helped though, if he knew how I knew everything, I don't know what he'd say! Especially since I knew Shizuka was gonna come and I could possibly prevent everything in the future from happening.
Problem is, I'm just not that powerful.
"You two did practically grow up together after all."
I don't know why he chuckled though, I don't remember saying something funny. "You sound jealous." He said as he brought me over to wrap his arms around me.
"I do not!" I retorted. He shook his head and nuzzled his nose into my hair. Again, half expecting Maria to show up any time, I felt myself distance a little bit away from his touch, but he wouldn't have it. He tightened his arms around me as he leaned back against the tree.
"Stay." He ordered.
I tried not to laugh, but I smiled and leaned my head back against his chest.
"You know how you told me this morning that you were afraid to wake up one day and find me gone?" I took his silence as a yes.
"I'm worried about that, the same way you are. I don't like it. I feel as though, someday…you're going to avenge your family's death…without saying a word to me." Yeah! You would turn into a Sasuke Uchiha! And we can't have that, nope.
Hell to the fucking no.
I felt him sigh into my neck as his arms tightened up around my waist. He gently rocked us from side to side and for once that day, I felt extremely at ease. Things have really turned since the plan Yuuki, Akuro and I made, and honestly, I wasn't sure what to do from here on out. So I just needed to wing it and go along with whatever happens.
The ringing of my phone broke the peaceful silence between us, I was about to ignore it and just put it on silent, but then I remembered that Yuuki would have texted me if she saw Maria.
Flipping my phone open with Zero ignoring his surroundings, I read the text message.
Received Text message from: Otaku
(Evil-Chibi, skipping your way)
The sound of footsteps came soon after, and by then I had ducked out of Zero's hold, much to his confusion, and watched as Maria came walking up to us, a sad expression on her face as she stared at me. At that moment I panicked, because I totally forgot about Zero's reaction to seeing her.
"Kurenai-san, is something wrong?" I asked, to not be suspicious.
"I was just being a little tease…I guess I took it too far…" She replied, bringing a small patch of her hair up to her lips. "And nobody likes me now."
Aww, how cute. The squirrel behind her just threw a nut at a bird!
Again, on cue, Zero brought out his gun in a flash, startling me though because I didn't expect it to be so quick. Quickly ducking in front of the Bloody Rose, I shouted out a big, "WHOA there big boy!"
"This is the new student Maria, the one I told you about!" I wasn't stupid, Maria looks just like Shizuka, sending an instant panic attack into Zero, and I could feel it too! Now for some reason I wanted to take the gun out of his hand and shoot her myself!
"No…" he whispered, bringing a hand up to his face in deep confusion as he lowered the gun down.
It's not her, is what he means by 'No' most likely.
Maria unexpectedly cuddled up behind me and hid behind my hair, I was really on the verge of slapping her for the innocent act, but I didn't.
"H…How do you do? My name is Maria Kurenai…" she greeted. I turned around with a forced smile.
"Sorry for that Kurenai-san…"
"Maria…"
"Maria," Sweet I get a first name bases with her! "Zero's also a guardian in this academy, but he's a little…touchy when it comes to…of vampires…" It stung when Zero turned away, I'll admit that, but I forced myself to shake it off.
"I guess loitering around on my own wasn't good…I'm sorry."
I shrugged. "Meh, we all do it. No worry!" I said before patting her shoulder.
"Thank you…for protecting me, Rina-chan," Aww, she used –chan with my name! Creepy… "You are a good girl…I'm really glad she's friends with someone like you…"
Wait, who? What? She wasn't supposed to say that!
I don't get it, friends with who?
"What?" I managed to ask out from surprise. I'm getting surprised a lot today…
She turned and walked off as if nothing happened, a grateful smile shown clearly on her face.
Ugh, vampires.
(Next Day)
"His eyes…his hair…his body…his soul…his hatred…his love…his vengeance. It's mine."
I grinned, feeling my eyes sink into a dark black, with each and every trace of white disappearing.
"It's all mine."
"OH MY JASHIN!" I screamed, feeling myself fall out of my bed.
"Owie…" I whined while rubbing my head. Akuro looked up from her bed and stared at me.
"Rinny, what have I told you about falling off your bed!"
"Shut up Akuro!"
"I feel weird…" I whined as I walked behind Yori and Yuuki as Akuro skipped alongside me. We were heading to class and were currently outside to get to the other building. I yawned and rubbed my eyes, listening to Yori and Yuuki talk about…something.
You know, now that I think about it, Yori hasn't really made any appearance in the story for a while. I feel like I'm stealing Yuuki away from her…
"Dance party?" Yuuki asked Yori. My ears perked up. Dance party? Oh crap! The social ball!
"You all forgot about it?" Yori asked.
Yuuki rubbed the side of her head. "Ah…Things have been pretty hectic lately." She laughed nervously. I rolled my eyes.
"I've been too busy thinking about the stupid final exams coming up." I mumbled, but everyone heard me.
"Oh no..." Yuuki replied.
Suddenly, the air around Yori went dark and gloomy, causing me and Akuro to do a mini-freak out pose as Yuuki and Zero just stared at Yori with a dull expression.
"You have really forgotten it…traditional Cross Academy's Dance Party…the rule is that the class that does the poorest on the final exam before the party is forced to help the dance party's backstage preparation…"
Another gloomy aura appeared behind Akuro and I, causing us to do a freak-out pose again and hide behind Yuuki and Yori.
"I'm worried Cross-san…Tomonaga-san…the both of you are always lowering the classes average score…"
"That's a cruel thing to say, Class Chairman!" I glared at him from behind Yori. Jashin, the Ruka fan-boy, annoys me to no END!
Suddenly, he went into a long speech about the dance party that I didn't really pay attention to, in fact, Akuro didn't either.
"T-Tomonaga-san!" someone called my name from behind me. I heard that same someone trip with his books and papers flying all over the place.
Turning around, I ran over to help him. "Hey Aoi," I greeted, stacking a pile of papers in my hand.
Aoi is in my homeroom class and usually sat about three seats away from me on my right. His father is supposed to own some big company here in Japan and is currently training Aoi's older brother, Shouta, in becoming his heir, this caused him to have no time looking after his much more stuttering-shy, and clumsy younger son Aoi and sent him here. There was more on this whole story of Aoi's background with his mom becoming this big pop star and abandoning them with her two replacement kids and husband, but I didn't really get the whole story with that.
Tucking away his short bluish hair behind his ear, Aoi quickly stuttered a thank you and stood up, his greyish eyes darting everywhere in embarrassment as he tucked up his glasses over his nose. I never really knew what his problem was, considering the fact that he was always so…edgy…but I liked him as a friend any way. To get away from all the drama in the vampire world, I usually hung out with him and some other people when I didn't have classes with Yuuki, Akuro, Zero, or Yori. You'd be surprised by how much drama the human world had though. Aoi actually reminded me a boy version of Hinata from Naruto, save for he has his moments of courage more often than her.
"S-So…T-Tomonaga-san…" he started, gulping down some sort of nervousness I could sense in the air around him.
"I-I was wonder…wondering…w-what you were doing f-for the S-Social B-Ball?" he stammered. Not really thinking about it I shrugged.
"Eh, I'm a prefect so I'd most likely be patrolling around and making sure everything was okay. Why?"
He shrugged and bit his lip, fiddling with his fingers.
"Well…I was w-wondering…i-if you would like…to g-go –?"
So many dark aura's today, I thought as I felt Zero's presence explode in anger from behind me. I turned and saw him glaring furiously at Aoi, causing the poor boy to stand straight and pale.
"N-Never mind, I'll talk t-to you later!" he stuttered quickly before zipping off into the opposite direction of his next class. Confused, I turned towards Zero and pointed my thumb in Aoi's direction.
"What was that about?" I asked stupidly. Zero continued to glare in Aoi's direction.
"He was going to ask you out," He growled low enough for only me to hear. I rolled my eyes and laughed.
"Wow Zero, but did you have to scare him off? I could have easily just said no or came up with an excuse like my prefect duties or something."
"Hn." Ugh, I hate that non-word. He didn't say anything else before turning around and storming back to the others. I rolled my eyes once again.
"Nice to see you're the jealous type…" I mumbled. "Although it was actually pretty cute…" There is no way I could describe his chibi-face when he gets mad.
I walked back by a shaking Yuuki who was apparently intimidated by the Class Chairman since there was a rumbling air around the group.
"If I lose an opportunity to dance with Ruka-san from the Night Class…" he glared at both me and Yuuki, not noticing that I just left half of this conversation.
"I'll hate you forever…" he walked off, taking the pissed-off aura with him. Yuuki shivered and turned towards Yori and me.
"We better study hard like hell…" she whispered.
I shrugged. "Yeah, that…that would be a good idea."
She then looked at Akuro. "You better study too!"
Yori tilted her head in thought. "Well, why don't you ask the Chairman to look for a tutor?" Sudden realization hit me when she mentioned that, giving me a heart attack of the future to come.
Oh, yeah, now I'm pissed.
"YOU CAN'T GO THAT WAY!" someone shouted, bringing me out of my thoughts and instantly forgetting about them. "Day class is still there at this time, Maria!"
"Takuma." Both Yuuki and I said at the same time. We watched as Maria skipped ahead through the pillars, purposely avoiding Takuma is he followed after her.
This is where the fussing started. All the Day Class fan girls turned and saw their target, creating another aura (ugh, auras…) of instant attack.
"I think this is going to be a big problem, oh man!" He exclaimed.
"How exaggerating! I just want to look at the cafeteria!" Maria giggled. I sweat dropped, just realizing what she meant by those words. Wow I'm slow.
"Heehee! So amusing!"
I groaned again, watching Zero's eyes widen in shock at seeing her again. It was then that I looked at Maria, then back at Akuro, noticing a great similarity.
"Akuro! Come here!" I grabbed her by the arm, ignoring her whine. Placing Akuro in front of me, I looked back and forth between both her and Maria.
"Holy shit, dude! You both have the same face!" And it was true! Other than the hair and the eyes, they had the EXACT same face!
I mean, I know in anime the faces are pretty much the same and it was the eyes and the hair that differed them from each other, but with this, I'm not kidding! They were like TWINS.
Akuro turned to the other girl in question before squinting her face in concentration, she studied the vampire girl closely before turning around and shaking her head.
"No, she has bigger boobs."
"Wow Akuro, that's the only thing you pay attention to?"
"Maria!" Takuma exclaimed as Maria continued to run off.
Both Yuuki and I began to run after her. "Uh...that's not right!" Yuuki shouted.
I didn't get far, because Zero instantly shot his hand out to grab my wrist and turn me around. "Don't go near that new student," he warned. "Leave her alone, the vice president or Yuuki can deal with her." I turned back to Yuuki, shaking my head and telling her I was going to stay before turning back to Zero.
"Okay." I sighed.
In all reality, I just felt plain guilty. I knew what was going to happen in the near future, I'm not going to tell him, I'm probably NOT going to be able to prevent it, he's going to be pissed, and I'm going to end up crying at some point.
Sighing again, I just nodded and we both walked the opposite direction.
But there was one thing I didn't count on…
"Rin~Rin~!" came an ANNOYING voice from behind me.
Arms wrapped around my shoulders to my torso and pulled me back into the owner's chest.
"Hello!" he greeted cheerfully. I paled. Well, with brown skin, as much as I could pale.
"This is the second time we get to meet during the day since I've gotten here! Isn't it sweetie!"
"ZEPHYR NAKAMURA!" I screamed in irritation.
Let me tell you something: That was one big ass mistake.
"KYAAA! NAKAMURA-SAN IS HERE TOO?"
"NOO! HE'S HUGGING HER!"
"WHAT IS HE DOING?"
He whispered into my ear, "This is revenge for earlier, my precious Rin-Rin~"
Oh I hate you Zephyr.
Even more now than before.
"Watch as these girls grow mad with jealousy..." Okay, where have I heard that language before?
I didn't get any time to ponder this question however, because a surge of jealousy passed through me from Zero as I felt him yank Zephyr off of me. I could feel that he resisted from twisting his arm and breaking it off.
"May I speak with you, for a moment, Nakamura-senpai?" he asked as he released the boy's arm.
Nakamura straightened himself out and gave a phony smile. "Of course, Kiryuu-san. I've been meaning to speak with you too."
"Eh?" I asked confused.
Zero turned towards me. "Rina, stay away from 'Maria Kurenai'" he ordered.
I stuck my tongue out at him. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't get into a fight—actually, if you do could you tear off that petty little smirk off of his face?"
"Will do."
I grinned before looking at Yori and Akuro. "Well, gal's, I guess it's just us three...since I kind of forgot what happens around here…" I mumbled the last part.
"I'm worried," Yori said.
I waved my hand off. "He'll be fine…I think…"
"I was talking about you." Yori replied, looking at the mob of fan girls that had formed behind me. Akuro laughed at my misfortune.
Giving a nervous laugh and taking this chance to go run off (since I could take these girls if I wanted to) and find Yuuki, I shoved my books in Yori's arms (Because Akuro would drop them and leave) before zipping off.
"Oh my Jashin, SORRY YORI PLEASE HOLD MY STUFF FOR ME!" And I dashed.
"HEY PREFECT, WHAT WAS THAT JUST NOW?"
"YOU BETTER GIVE US AN EXPLINATION!"
The chase was on.
After about three full minutes of running for my life, I finally managed to find the ledge, balcony thing that Takuma, and possibly Yuuki, were hiding up in. Summoning up all my anime will-power, I jumped. It sucks though because I didn't manage to reach it. Luckily, Yuuki was there and managed to grab my arm and pull me over. I toppled to the ground just as the fan girls ran under us.
"Oof! Okay, I really need to attend PE more often." I said trying to catch my breath Yuuki nodded as Takuma held a finger up to his lips. So he is here too!
"Ah, you're having a hard time too being chased…"
"Hey Sempai…" I waved, still breathing heavily but quietly.
"What happened to Maria?" I asked.
"Uh…Actually, she got away while we were being chased by the Day Class girls." Yuuki laughed guiltily while rubbing the side of her head.
"I see." I said offhandedly, crouching low on the ground all ninja-spider-man-like with Yuuki and Takuma. "Damn…Apparently even the vice prez can have such a hard time. What do these fan girls' expect to do once they mob you anyways? Gang rape you or what? I've always wondered that…Anyways what you doin all the work for?"
Takuma ignored the weird part of my comment. "Eh-heh, its Kaname." He laughed. "Well, if Kaname asks, not just me…but everyone from the Night Class…would probably do what he says...There are countless abilities Pureblood vampires can use…and one of them is to make other vampires, that aren't Purebloods obey."
Giving a content smile at the thought of Kaname (And here's where the fan girls come in), Takuma spoke in a little bit of a whisper. "But, although he seems superior, Kaname doesn't wish for such thing…"
"Let's give him a goddamn cookie," I muttered.
He ignored me and gave a dreamy mushroom sigh. "That's why I'm doing these unfavorable duties."
"Ichijou-sempai…" Yuuki said admirably.
I blinked. "I'm craving mint chocolate chip ice cream now…"
(Other POV)
Zephyr smirked down at the small crowd of girls on the leveled ground, before turning himself on the roof to face the hunter.
"Hah, when you are next to me, girls can't come near because they're too scared. It's convenient at a time like this, but I feel kind of lonely, since Rina refuses to acknowledge my presence." He sighed. "I wonder why that would be."
Zero clenched his fist, but made sure to keep a level head. He must keep onto the subject of Maria before going on about what was his.
"Do Maria Kurenai and Akuro Hachirobei have any relations with that woman?" he asked. "Shizuka Hiou…" The name was spat out like it had a vile taste by Zero as his teeth then clenched together. Zephyr merely tilted his head to the side as if he were thinking about something long and hard.
"Eh~ I haven't been here very long because I have been taking care of my mother…but…I do know that Maria is a very old, long distant relative of Hiou-sama. Why, is there a problem, Kiryuu?" he grinned. "I guess it can't be helped though, she is the woman who murdered your family. As for Hachirobei-san…I doubt it, I've known her since we were small."
Zero gave no sudden reaction. "Isn't it because her appearance has changed, that nothing has been heard of her for four years?"
Zephyr shrugged, scratching his cheek as he gave no actual thought to it. "Ne, I wouldn't know. I'm not even a vampire if you hadn't heard." A sadistic grin showing at least three layers of canine teeth spread across the boy's face.
"Besides, even if I was, only a Pureblood would know of all the abilities of a Pureblood. But, this isn't the only reason why you've brought me up here, isn't it?" He stepped onto the ledge of the roof, and began balancing himself as he walked across it.
"You want to know what my true relationship with Rina-chan is, huh?"
"Don't speak her name as if you are so familiar with her!" Zero spat.
Zephyr paid no heed, but merely tilted his head to the other side with a lipped smile. "Well, do you know what you'll have to do to officially make her yours?"
The silence from the hunter made Zephyr's grin widen even more. "Oh? So she hasn't told you."
It wasn't a question.
"So…you replace the value with this 'X'?" Rina asked stupidly as she scribbled something on her paper. 'Ugh, so many numbers…so many letters…why can't we just stick with things like two plus two? It's not like I'm going to even USE half of this crap!'
"Yes, yes, that's right!" The Chairman cooed, happy to know that his teaching skills are doing some type of good.
"Eh? Why?" Yuuki asked, not sure why you would replace the value with X.
The Chairman sweat dropped. "Uh...because…uh…"
Rina sighed. "Jeesh Yuuki, are you not paying attention?"
She huffed. "Like you should be talking! How could you be failing math when you're actually pretty good at it?"
Rina shrugged. "Because, it's weird doing schoolwork outside of America! You're like, three years ahead and in America sometimes we're allowed to use our notes during tests and exams!"
A slight creak came from the door as Zero walked in before he began taking off his jacket. The Chairman looked up in his direction with a strained smile.
"Oh, Kiryuu-kun, you came just in time!"
"Hey Zero!" Rina greeted.
Nothing but silence came as his response. He tossed off his shoes and removed his tie to set on the rack.
Looking at both Rina and Yuuki, he noticed that they had changed into much more comfortable clothes instead of wearing their uniform. Clearing his throat, the Chairman motioned his hand towards the girls and rubbed the side of his head with the other.
"Uh, this is good! You can tutor Yuuki and Rina. They're working on their math since it's what they have the most trouble in. I have to go since the night patrol during the exam season is my duty."
Zero gave a blank yet intimidating look to the Chairman, who, in turn formed sweat drops on his cheek. "I-It's okay i-if you don't want to…"
"I'll do it." He said dully before taking a seat across from Rina on the table. The two girls gave each other a look before Rina cleared her throat and sat back.
"Okay then, let's get this show on the road."
"Then I'll leave it to you. Hey, Kiryuu-kun, didn't you come because you had some kind of business with me?"
"No, it's alright."
"Okay," the Chairman smiled.
(1 hour later)
"Ugh!" Rina groaned before hitting her head down on her book. "My head is going to explode!"
Yuuki nodded numbly as she kept trying to solve the equation she's been working on for a full ten minutes. She wasn't doing any better than Rina was.
Zero leaned over Rina's work to check on how she was doing. "You made a mistake on the same thing last time…solve it carefully."
"Eh? Oh, yeah…" She replied with a sigh.
"So…If I remember this correctly, then I should use this number, right?"
Zero nodded. "Right." Rina looked at him through the corner of her eyes and creased her forehead in worry. 'He looks really…down and dull, is he okay?'
"I'm done for the night," Yuuki groaned as she stood up and stretched. Slamming her books shut and setting them into her bag, she hoisted it over her shoulder and made her way around the table.
"What about you, Rina?"
Rina shook her head and sat back with a sigh. "I still need a little work on my science. Tell 'Kuro that I'll be up later, kay?"
Yuuki nodded before opening the door. "Okay." And she left.
Rina rubbed her eye. 'Jashin I'm tired.'
Standing up to stretch her limbs for a small break, she leaned her arms back over her head before feeling her wrists, arms, and back crack. Standing back up, she adjusted her shirt and sat at the edge of the table to look at Zero who decided to stand as well.
"Hey, are you okay?" She asked Zero, looking at his neck that seemed red from him scratching it.
Rina wanted to ask why his neck was so red, and point out that it was bothering him earlier as well, but she really didn't want to go on another dramatic lying spree, and decided to keep quiet about it.
Zero shook his head and brought a hand up to his tattoo.
"The place…where I was bitten by that woman…it aches…"
Shizuka.
More guilt because of her knowledge of the future continued to eat away at Rina. She lowered her head down in shame, since, again, she refused to say anything about it. 'I'm going to regret it, I just know it, and because of what I know, I can't have Zero leave this room.'
This part of the manga was a part Rina was very familiar with, and she was going to most likely be extremely pissed at Maria for it.
Rubbing Zero's arm, she silently pressed Zero on to continue.
"There hasn't been a night that I don't recall that day…the day that woman who played us brothers as fouls…and made the sea of blood four years ago…"
'Fight the urge to point out he's being too dramatic… fight the urge to point out he's being too dramatic…!'
"And yet, the reason I was able to move on…was because I remembered the promise we made…" he turned to Rina.
She shook her head, no longer being able to take it and stood in front of him. After removing his hand from the small wound he created onto his neck, she rested hers onto his skin and felt the heat between her fingers tingle. The skin was rough and hot, almost like it was an irritating itch he couldn't get rid of. It was then Rina knew, as he completely relaxed under her touch, that her hand soothed most of the pain.
"Stop being emo." She demanded, breaking the dramatic air around them with a pout. "You're worrying me with that face of yours. Maybe Yuuki's right, we should get something too –"
A big squeak cut her sentence short as she felt her body slam onto the table. Pinning her wrists on either side of her head, Zero forced his knee in between Rina's and dug it down onto the table.
"Well, do you know what you'll have to do to officially make her yours?"
"Zero?" Rina called out in surprise. "What's wrong with you today?"
His lips gently grazed against the side of her neck before she felt teeth dig into her flesh. A gasp escaped her lips, though she was certainly surprised that Zero hadn't even drawn any blood. Continuing to nip different places on her skin out of affection, a smirk spread across Zero's face as a harsh shudder rippled through Rina's body.
The feeling she felt as Zero continued to shower her in his own affection, especially as he glided his lips over hers, was something of complete panic, almost mixed with a layer of betrayal.
Had she said something wrong? Rina wondered this, slowly feeling her cares of the outside world dim like a faded candlelight. Many things crossed her confused mind in panic. He felt betrayed, he felt like he was in a complete mode of dominance, why? Why did it feel like he wanted to do something he was going to regret? What was he going to regret?
Something was wrong, in the back of her mind, Rina knew. But it wasn't just that. She didn't want to tell Zero to stop in fear of angering him. Then he would leave or stalk off without her. And if he left, he would sense Maria, and go after her. Maybe he sensed her now, Rina didn't know. But she had to find some way to keep Zero from even leaving this room and going after that woman in child-like form.
Zero felt her confusion, but didn't respond to it. He felt that she knew something he didn't, and was determined to find out. But what was that tint of fear in the back of her mind? Because of him? Because of his sudden actions? Or was it something else?
"Oh, so she hasn't told you."
Feeling his tongue slide over her bottom and almost swollen lip, Rina turned her head away in a small form of rejection. As much as she hated to.
"Zero…" she breathed. There was something off about Zero that kind of…scared her; like he wanted something that he was simply going to have one way or another.
Stop. This wasn't like him…But she couldn't say anything, as if something compelled her not to. She wanted to tell Zero to stop, ask him to tell her what was bothering him, and why he was being so…so…
It wasn't like the other night when Zero was playfully perverted, it wasn't like the other time when she felt his vulnerability and he just sought after her touch for comfort.
And Zero felt it.
Fear… The small rejection for his question of entrance angered Zero even more. With thoughts of the conversation he had with Zephyr still fresh in his mind, Zero hadn't noticed that Rina's whimper was actually from pain. Arching her back, she closed her eyes as she bit her bottom lip, feeling Zero's thumb nail dig into her right palm.
The scent hit him like a brick wall. But he tried to ignore it, then occupying his mind by merely tasting her sweet skin under his tongue. Rina ahhed in wonder at the new mood Zero had brought around him, trying to figure out what he was aiming for.
But the small drop of blood seeping from her palm had called to him in a sort of song, teasing, begging…almost mocking.
Fearing rejection again, Zero hesitantly brought Rina's hand up to his lips, and with a last glance at her eyes, he slowly licked the wound. She flinched, but didn't pull away.
This made his mind hum. As always, he felt the small taste of an exotic sweet slide over his taste buds. A soft moan from deep within his throat was his only response, and a shiver down his spine made something new rise from within him.
"Is that what you want?" Rina asked softly, rubbing a thumb over Zero's cheek in comfort after he released her hand. Again, he gave no response, or even protest as Rina slowly ran her middle finger over a fang as his mouth was slightly ajar. His eyes slid shut as Rina grazed it at its point, just hard enough for it to not draw any blood, but as if it were a tease.
"You could just ask, you know."
'No.' That wasn't just what he wanted.
His eyes scanned hers, and it wasn't until then did he actually notice that they were back to the normal emerald-crystal green orbs they were before. He looked for something of rejection, much like he had when he had first confessed to her. He looked for something that would show any sign of doubt, any sign of…something to tell him not to touch her.
"Just ask," Rina pressed, her forehead creasing in concern.
Zero leaned back down, resting his forehead on hers while closing his eyes. Rina did the same, feeling his hot breath caress her face as he spoke.
"That's not…what I want…" If he hadn't been so close to her, Rina wouldn't have heard him. But thoughts on what he meant by that didn't get to last long as he kissed her again; filled with want and full of need. She felt Zero slide her hands up above her head, and clasped them both in one hand before he trailed it down her body with a teasing purr erupting from his chest.
A cold hand slid up her shirt. Eyes snapped open as Rina gasped. Zero then took this chance to slide his tongue into her mouth, tasting the inside with greed. She broke the contact moments later for air, but he didn't stop. His hand continued to trail up her stomach, leaving goose bumps and a shiver rippling out through her body.
"What are you–Zero, what are you…? Ahh…"
He found it, that soft spot that had Rina gasping for pleasure as he nipped the area just inches away from her jaw line on her throat.
"Rina…" he mumbled, releasing her from his bite and nuzzling his nose into her shoulder.
Stop… That was what she wanted...
Stopping his hands just above her stomach, before his finger had the chance to slide the line under her breast, Zero released her hands and slid his out of her shirt before resting his forearms back onto the table.
"Never mind…" He mumbled, more to himself then her. He felt her quickened breathing slow into an even pace again; he couldn't say the same for himself.
It had finally clicked into Rina's head just moments before then of what he wanted to do. What they were about to do…
'N-No…I'm not…I'm not ready…for that.'
"What has gotten into you?" What has gotten him so worked up? To rush into this? Still a guy or not, it had only been a little while since they've officially starting being together. Feeling Zero about to pull away, Rina quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him back into an embrace. Cradling him as if he were some sort of lost child. She ran her fingers through his hair, like she always did, in comfort and felt him calm.
The feeling of panic had demolished, and it was then that Rina knew that Zero had done that on an impulse; before he could stop himself.
He's been acting weird since he came back from talking with Zephyr…
No, Zephyr…
"What did he say to you?" 'C'mon Zero, say something to me!' Rina thought as Zero's staggered breathing came to a stop.
"I can easily take her away from you."
Dear god, gouge his ears out NOW. Zero mentally scolded himself, thinking of how easily the other male got into his head.
He could have lost Rina if he had done this.
Shaking his head, Zero sat up and slowly let himself off the table before grabbing Rina's hand. Pulled off the table, Rina dusted herself off and clucked her tongue, trying to swallow the lump in her throat.
"Rawr…" was all she said. Zero rolled his eyes before leaning down and placing a small kiss on her forehead.
"I'm sorry for scaring you like that…" he murmured before resting his forehead on hers.
"You didn't scare me…" she muttered back, looking to the ground. "Worried me though…"
After receiving a chaste kiss, Rina watched as Zero quickly turned around and grabbed his jacket.
'Oh no…' Rina panicked quickly taking a step forward before Zero could say something and leave.
'If he leaves he'll probably run straight to Maria…and get himself hurt…' but it was inevitable. He would confront the woman at one point or another, he would attack, find that he can't kill her, and then Ichiru…
Of all the times to have this knowledge, now…now was a time Rina didn't want it.
And warning Zero would make him question her, become suspicious, and she really didn't want to tell him how she knew. He would be pissed, pissed that Rina knew what would happen and that she still became friends with that woman in her cousin's body. He would be pissed that of all the events she got herself into, Rina hadn't avoided them.
Rina then thought about why she hadn't avoided those scenes.
Pure amusement? To see what would happen?
She had to admit it now, to herself. The only reason why she hadn't said anything about her knowledge of the future…
Was because this was like a game to her.
The only reason why she hadn't told the Chairman about the future of this academy is because she wanted to witness what would happen.
It was just a sick game for her to play, with Yuuki and Akuro.
Think about it, a normal girl with a boring and sucky life, warping into her favorite anime or manga. Anyone would do it. They would keep the knowledge to themselves and play the world like it was some sick sadistic game. She had a bad hand, but she could see through all of the other's cards before they made their next move.
But then, there was the whole issue with the Trueblood, Vampyre, God and Goddess thing. Along with Lina and Zephyr.
He had left her and came here. Why?
How?
She shook her head. Right now, Rina couldn't focus on the whys, whens, and how's. She had to think of the now, and stop Zero from going after Maria.
"Be sure to remember the stuff I taught you. I'm heading back to the dorm."
'Stop him…' She would do anything to make sure he didn't walk out that door. 'Anything…?'
"W-Wait…" Never again did Rina hope to feel this foolish. And before Rina could think, her hand snapped out and gripped the fabric of Zero's shirt from under her sleeves.
He stopped mid-step and looked over his shoulder.
"Stay with me!" she blurted out, shaking. Zero slowly shut the door and turned around, confusion clearly written on his face.
"What?" he asked. Many mixed feelings erupted from Rina, causing Zero to take her hand in his and lift her chin up with one finger.
"You would like me to stay with you?" Why? After what he had almost done in the heat of that moment…
Rina nodded, hiding her face away in partial shame.
"I was…unprepared…for that right then…but…"
The message clicked into his head not a moment later, causing Zero's eyes to widen for a fraction of a second.
Was she serious? After all that–
Rina's hand was shaking, he could feel it as she stepped closer to him.
He rubbed a hand through her midnight blue hair and sighed.
"No, you're not ready yet…Don't give yourself up just because I…Because I got a little too impatient…-Because I'm desperate to make you mine instead of Zephyrs-"
The truth made Rina's ear twitch, causing her to look at him confused for a second.
She shook it off.
"I will always be yours, Zero…" He didn't hear her mumble this as she rested her forehead Zero's chest as he leaned back against the closed door
'Keep him from leaving alone…'
"Please…if you won't…then stay in the dorm with me…"
A simple spend the night was what she was asking for now. Zero shook his head, burying his face into her hair.
"Rina…I-I can't…I want you…I can't hold back if I…If I...no…I refuse to take you when you're not ready…" He could feel it; how she trembled at his lusting touch, how she panicked at his unexpected move…
'How disgusting…' He thought to himself.
"Please," she whispered. "Just for tonight."
Realization hit. She wasn't scared of him, but she was scared of something else. Like if he had left, he would get hurt. She was trying to protect him from…
The pull Zero had felt just an hour before then seemed to strengthen.
'Kurenai…'
"You know something…" he murmured, bringing his lips down to her ear. "Tell me, what do you know?"
For once, that bastard Nakamura was right; Rina was keeping something from him. But what?
Her silence told him the answer. She knew that he was going to confront Kurenai–no, that woman. The question is, how?
But if she knew that he would go after her, then she knew that he was going to get hurt.
She didn't want him to get hurt.
For some reason, he felt that he shouldn't question it. "Fine…I'll stay with you."
Rina's sigh of relief came as soon as Zero felt her relax under his hold.
'I'll stay with you…just because you asked…I'll do whatever you want…'
Because he belonged to her, and her only. The 'bond' that that woman claims to have on him, wasn't there.
He had already been claimed.
"Because I am yours, as you are mine."
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"I need to hear you say it. I don't think anyone will ever say it quite like you do. Come on, say it again. I'm a perfect devil. Tell me how bad I am. It makes me feel so good!" -
~Lestat
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A/N: Jashin, the scenes I hate is the drama scenes, mainly because it takes so much space…-sigh- I wanted to try and squeeze some more in here but it didn't seem right to not end it here. It feels as if I'm just dragging this on, and on, and on, but, I don't know, the longer the story the better I guess, as long as I stop filling it with plot-nothing fluff and stuff. Though I have seen that you guys don't really mind the ZeroxRina fluff.
Anyways, I just wanted to warn you ahead of time that I'm making up the timeline as I go along since it doesn't clearly state when an event happens. Well, except for day time, night time to morning events. So I'm making the Social Ball (When the real fun begins) about a week or two after this, which is going to be in about the next two or three chapters (I already have the gist of it planned out).
So Review!