Chapter 4: Meeting Father

Charlie and Tara couldn't believe it. They were face to face with Karlheinz, King of the Vampires. A mix of emotions swam through Charlie's system staring at his relaxed features. At first glance anyone could mistake him as a god, there was no doubt about it that Karlheinz was attractive. Each one of the boys took something from him, Subaru looking the most like his father.

His long white hair looked soft to the touch, his eyes were a beautiful golden color almost like a sweet honey or more accurately like venom from a snake. There wasn't a single blemish on his handsome face or a scar to show any form of hardships. He almost had this angelic, supernatural aura to him that just made people want to come closer.

Yet looks could be deceiving, Tara and Charlie knew all the cruel things he's done, well not all, but enough to know that he should not be liked. He is practically the devil himself. So having this sudden urge to come closer to the man that Charlie and Tara knew was the reason for so many daddy issues.

Tara squeezed her arms around Laito's waist nervously pushing herself deeper into his cold body, though it's not like Laito seemed to mind, his arm tightened around her waist keeping her locked at his side. "Father, what can we do for you?" Reiji spoke so calmly as if this wasn't the man who destroyed so many lives.

Charlie's left hand clutched tightly onto Kanato's, never taking her eyes off Karlheinz, her right hand scrunched into Subaru's shirt clutching onto the fabric like it was her only lifeline. Surprisingly Subaru didn't do anything when Charlie had grabbed his shirt's scruff. He just shifted closer, there was a faint red flush on his cheeks if someone paid close enough attention.

"Is there a reason I cannot spring by and see my sons?" Everyone felt their backs straighten even more. Their unease only grew when Karlheinz smirked moving from a sitting position to a standing position. "Besides," His long legs brought him closer and closer towards the girls. Yui was practically shaking out of her skin at this point. "I heard the most glorious joke today by a few of the staff members."

Charlie's heart was pounding harshly in her chest, she could feel it slamming into her ribcage. Karlheinz's golden eyes traveled over the girls, instantly taking notice of his youngest son's standing protectively around Tara and Charlie. "Would you like to hear it?" his velvety voice sent shivers down Charlie's spine.

Giving his children a look they reluctantly stepped away not wanting to deal with their fathers wrath. Tara's uneasiness seeped out of her pores as she looked back to Laito. He gave an apologetic look. She could see how nervous he was to be around him.

"My brother's children are staying with my sons," Karlheinz laughed, his right hand reached out, latching onto Charlie's chin forcing her to look up at him. "Hilarious, yes?"

"Father…"

Charlie felt like she was about to pass out, she felt some relief seeing his golden eyes leave her own to glare at Reiji. The relief left her system as soon as it came. His grip became harsh, bruising even. "You tarnish the family name to bring in two lowlives?!"

Tara squeaked at his shout, jumping backwards into Laito's arms. She didn't know what she could do to diffuse the situation.

"It's not their fault." Charlie hissed, clenching her eyes tight, she didn't want the boys in trouble because of them. They had enough problems. Karlheinz's angry gaze turned back to her, forcing her to be the center of attention "Oh pray tell, how is it not their fault?" she felt her body being pulled closer to his own. "We aren't from here…"

"Charlie!" Tara gasped, throwing her hands to her lips surprised she would even tell him that. "Tara shut it!" Charlie growled trying to yank her face back only for the grip to tighten painfully. There would definitely be bruises there later. Charlie felt the boy's fear towards their father, she knew it all too well, they didn't deserve it and if it meant they were safe well...she'd make herself a human punching bag again.

"Explain."

Gripping his wrist she tried to pull herself out of his hold "Let go of my face and I could." she grumbled through grit teeth. She didn't think he would listen, but to her surprise he just chuckled and let her go, watching her stumble backwards gripping her jaw in pain.

Tara rushed forward holding Charlie close to her chest, fearfully glancing up at Karlheinz. "I'm fine," she mumbled, looking at Tara worriedly "You need to sit down, you're about ready to keel over." Tara clutched tighter around Charlie's form despite feeling weakness spread through her body.

Looking back to Karlheinz she noticed right away that he was not amused in the slightest. Pulling herself out of Tara's warm grasp, Charlie stood tall, her left hand latched onto her right wrist to distract her from her nerves. Looking around the room every eye was on her.

"Should we go speak privately, your highness?" Karlheinz chuckled a wicked gleam in his eyes as he extended an arm towards another section of the house. "Of course." Everyone watched as Charlie and Karlheinz left the room.

Kanato frowned, clutching teddy tightly to his chest, his lavender eyes never leaving her. "Why did Charlie-chan do that?" Kanato whispered shuffling closer to Tara expecting an answer right away.

"I hate when she martyr's herself…" Tara mumbled, staring at the now empty hallway. Reiji sighed, fixing his glasses and facing the group "I recommend everyone return to your rooms." They hesitated but soon enough one by one everyone had left the foyer to their respective rooms.

"Tara," Reiji spoke, stopping the nervous brunette from going any further "Walk with me." Tara nodded glancing behind her at a pouting Laito, she gave him a small smile before returning her attention back to Reiji.

It had been hours since Charlie had disappeared with Karlheinz, three long agonizing hours without her annoying presence. When she had returned she was stumbling down one of the halls, Karlheinz not far behind a satisfied smirk on his lips.

Tara had rushed to her side catching her before she could fall. "I need a bath…" she mumbled, her voice distant, almost as if she was talking to herself. Charlie's grip was weak, her hands were shaking, her once bright blue eyes were dull, having a distant look in them. Her once tanned skin looked as pale as a ghost, blotches of crimson stained her flesh and clothes.

Tara felt her hatred for Karlheinz build. "Charlotte here explained everything." Tara growled low in her throat, tightening her grip on her best friend. She wanted to lash out, she wanted to watch the life drain from his eyes.

Ayato, Laito, Reiji, and Kanato watched their father, Laito wanted to look back to Tara to make sure she didn't do anything stupid. "Of course," Reiji nodded glancing at the now sleeping girl "That is all, I'll be back another time." Karlheinz's golden eyes traveled over Tara's form as another sadistic smirk made it's way to his handsome face "Dont be a stranger. I would love to speak with you girls again."

Everyone listened to his footsteps leaving the mansion, the air slowly becoming lighter once more until it was breathable again. All the weight that had been on their shoulders had finally lifted. Kanato was at Charlie's side instantly. Teddy clutched to his chest as he looked her over.

Fang marks littered her neck and arms. "I hate that man!" Tara hissed glaring at the empty space. "Join the club," Ayato let out a puff of air rolling his emerald eyes. "That has to be the easiest encounter we've had with him." Laito sighed, slumping his shoulders forward. "Come on Neko-chan, I'll take her to bed."

Tara nodded letting Laito take her best friend out of her arms "Night Charlie-chan..." Kanato whispered, staying seated on the floor. "I'm gonna keep an eye on her. See you guys tomorrow." Tara called giving each of the boys a look as she stood.

"I'll have someone bring you two iron supplements in the morning." Reiji nodded, walking off most likely to his lab. Ayato and Kanato were the only two to stay out.

The Next Evening:

Tara had hardly slept, her body craved sleep but her worry for Charlie had yet to leave her system. She had barely moved throughout the day, yet on the bright side her color had slowly returned. Shutting her eyes as sleep started to take over Tara thought maybe a few minutes of sleep couldn't hurt.

Slumping forward Tara felt the bliss of sleep surge through her body, staying close to Charlie, one arm tossed over her waist. She told herself she would wake up if she moved. For two hours Tara had gotten REM Sleep, her dream husband standing miles away from her. She ran and ran but he stayed the same distance.

"Tara," Charlie's voice echoed in her dream. "Tara we need to wake up,"

Tara's eyes shoot awake as she lurched herself into a sitting position. "Charlie!" the blonde haired girl gave a pained smile. "You're awake!" Tara exclaimed, launching herself into her arms trying desperately to hold back sobs. She was so worried.

"You're okay! I was so worried!" feeling Charlie's fingers run through her tangled hair brought her back to reality. Pulling away she glared at the girl "You're an idiot! Do you know how stupid you were! Going off ALONE with HIM?!"

Tara shot out of bed her legs pacing back and forth as she kept her practically red eyes locked on Charlie's form. "You shouldn't have even agreed to do that! I don't know why you always try to martyr yourself! You got out of one bad situation and that makes you think it's okay to go into another one?!"

"Well…"

"Don't you 'well' me! You're in big trouble! You made everyone worry about you!" Charlie laughed, cringed in pain, then shook her head to ignore herself. "I doubt everyone was worried but I'm okay."

Her voice was hoarse, gravely like someone had tried to choke the like out of her. "But the boys are okay...He was able to see everything."

Tara was confused now. See? See what?! That didn't make any sense!

"What did he do to you?" looking down at her lap Tara instantly rushed forward not wanting her to shut down. "I don't need you to tell me everything all at once, just please. Tell me a little of what happened." clutching her shaking hands in her own. Tara tried to force her eyes to lock with Charlies.

"Karlheinz could see through my memories that I wasn't lying...even after I told him everything." Charlie mumbled, Tara could barely hear but nodded her head "He also...he liked the taste…" letting out the breath she didn't know she was holding, Tara nodded her head pulling Charlie into a hug. "It's over, you're okay. I'll kill him if he tries to hurt you like that again."

Nodding her head, Charlie stared at the floor not meeting her friend's gaze. "No you won't…" Charlie pulled away first and slowly made her way towards the bathroom. "I'm going to shower." Tara nodded the worried expression on her face never left.

Tara knew if the opportunity ever arose where she had the upper hand against Karlheinz, she'd kill him. Charlie sat in the middle of her tub letting the hot water drench her body. Steam easily engulfed the room, her body too numb to from pain to realize the waters true temperature.

"So you say you are from another world?"

Nodding her head Charlie was terrified to speak. "Explain." Gulping her body shook as she started her story all over again. "Well Tara and I are from a completely different world. Where you all are characters in a video game…" she spoke fast. Hoping to god he didn't make her repeat herself. "It's crazy, I can barely believe that we're here. But we don't know how we got here. We were talking about Kino coming into the anime…"

Karlheinz tsked "Lying, already you've changed the story of my children and I." shaking her head Charlie's blonde hair flew past her eyes "No, it's a game but the developers turned it into an anime because of the success rate, theres even a manga. But thats beside the point." Running her fingers through her hair Charlie felt the urge to pace. The more she moved the more relaxed she could be. Right?

God he terrified her. She had only heard a few stories about him, Tara had done her research on the boys and had told her all the terrible things he's done as a father. He was fucking terrifying. She didnt want the boys to get hurt because of her.

Even if some of them were assholes (Ayato) that didn't mean she wanted them to get hurt. It wasn't their fault. They were just being kind and taking care of them. "Er…I lost my train of thought…" she mumbled her left hand clawed down her arm trying to distract her from his intense gaze. "Kino. We were talking about Kino and his possible arrival in the show since we've already met Carla and Shin but they were barely in the show. It was mostly about the mukumi's…"

"You're getting off subject. How is it you know of Kino,"

Looking up she jolted taking three steps back, he was so close. Her heart was about to leap out of her chest. "He was a character in the newest game…I didn't get to play any of them because I don't speak japanese…"

"And yet you're speaking it so fluently." she could see by the look on his face that he didn't believe her. "I don't appreciate being lied to." he growled, his hand flew so fast she didn't have time to process what had happened next. All she felt was white hot pain in the right side of her face, her body being thrown across the room. Slamming painfully into a wooden end table.

Whimpering in pain, Charlie didn't think she'd be able to get up. To move. Her back felt like it was broken. Was she paralyzed? "Agh!" She cried out feeling herself being pulled up by her throat. "Humans always were so weak." he shook his head.

Snapping his fingers she watched as time went backwards, the end table no longer being broken, her body no longer in utter agony. Her stomach flipped and the urge to vomit was prominent. What had just happened.

Agonizing pain. Thats all she felt as sharp fangs pierced her flesh of her neck, oh god was this what death feels like? There was so much she still needed to do, who would protect Tara? Who would take care of the boys?

"It seems you were telling the truth all along," whimpers left her lips feeling his wet tongue glide over the wound. "It seems you've earned a reward, Charlotte."

'No. No please no. Please don't say that name.' She thought horrified, memories of him flooded to the surface, hands gliding down her waist, sent that nauseating feeling back. She wanted to puke. She couldn't breathe. "What else can I learn about you, my dear Charlotte." he whispered before biting down once more.

A pained cry left her lips, her fingers balled into her fists as tears cascaded down her face "St-stop, p-please st-stop this." she begged. "But we've only just begun."

Charlie sobbed hugging her knees to her chest, her skin looking that of a lobster when Tara finally came in the bathroom. Choosing to sit with her back to the tub "It's okay," she called making her presence known. "I'm right here."

Charlie didn't know how long she was in the shower or how much water she wasted but she was glad Tara was there. She didn't want her friend to know what she went through again but she was glad that she was willing to sit with her and let her calm down.

At breakfast the girls sat quietly in their seats. Subaru glanced at the blonde every so often watching her push her food around her plate in some sort of daze. By the time they had to leave she was already up and out the door.

The boys easily took notice of her change yet didn't bother to say anything, they knew what it was like dealing with their father. "Charlie-chan, would you like to sit with me?" Kanato smiled, hugging Teddy closer to his chest.

"Sure," Tara gave off a small pout having lost her chance to sit with Charlie but shrugged her shoulders squeezing in beside Laito and Ayato. Kanato giggled to himself, looping his arm through Charlie's forcing her to come closer than before.

"Can either of you cook?" Tara shrugged her shoulders "I'm more of a baker than a chef." Kanato giggled excitedly "What about you Charlie-chan? Do you know how to bake?" a bit of life returned to her blue eyes as she nodded her head "I like baking but I'm not that good at it. I can make better lunches and dinners than desserts." she admitted.

"Tara-chan can you make pudding for Charlie-chan and me?" Tara leaned forward to look at the two, she noticed the weird look on Charlie's face and the excited one on Kanato's. "Sure Kanato! We just need to get the ingredients sometime soon. We can bake together if you'd like."

"No!" You could practically see the anime sweat drop on both girls heads at Kanato's little outburst. He had his angry face on and was glaring at Tara hatefully. Turns out he just wanted the pudding to be made for him, he didn't want to partake in the baking.

"Thats fine, I can just let you know when it's done I guess…" falling back in her seat Tara tried to think of a good recipe off the top of her head. "Charlie-chan and I are gonna play together while you make it Tara-chan." Kanato was annoyed that he had to explain this to her.

Charlie reached over, pulling Kanato's hand into her own, giving him a small smile. "You know what you did was stupid, right?" Ayato called, snapping everyone's attention towards him. Tara glared at the red head beside her "Shut up!" she hissed.

"Tara,"

"No, you were trying to help them. The least he could do is say thank you." she snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. "Why would I ever thank her? She's done nothing but annoy me since she got here."

"You literally just yelled at me for being an idiot this morning." Charlie agreed, nodding her head to Ayato. "But yeah, I know I'm an idiot." she had that small smile on her lips that showed she was okay with how he thought of her. He reminded her heavily of her baby brother. She had to annoy him and felt this need to protect him at times.

Tara frowned looking back at her best friend, her blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail, all Tara could look at was the prominent bite marks littering her neck. "Look, he can think what he wants. It doesn't matter."

"How can you say that?! Charlie you could have freaking died!"

"At least if I do I might see Robby again," Tara let out a gasp, tears welling in her eyes. "You know that wasn't your fault."

There was no life in Charlie's eyes. She was back to being a shell of a human once more. "Sure...whatever you say Tara." The group all seemed to share the same thought, who was Robby?

Exiting the limo Kanato kept a tight grasp on Charlie's hand while Shu made his way to stand directly next to Tara making his presence known. "See you at lunch Kanato," Charlie managed a small smile as she slipped out of his hold, joining Reiji. "See you Laito, Ayato. Try not to cause too much trouble today." Tara grinned as the four oldest left for class.

Tara's POV:

I was still worried by the time Shu and I got to Biology. I know she'd yell at me to stop fretting but she's my best friend. I'm always worrying about her. My bottom lip was stuck between my teeth, the pain grounded me from my thoughts. I hadn't realized how hard I was biting my lip till I tasted the metallic copper taste.

Running my tongue over the small cut I cringed hating myself for being so out of it.

A handkerchief appeared in front of my eyes. It was white square handkerchief. "This should help," Ruki's deep voice wafted through my ears. A pleasant shiver ran down my spine hearing him speak to me. Shu snatched the cloth from Ruki's hand forcing me to look away from Ruki to Shu.

The look in Shu's eyes screamed for anyone and everyone to back the fuck off. My heart fluttered in my chest seeing him act this way. Was it because he was in a bad mood? Or was it because he was jealous? I hope it was for the second one. The idea that Shu Sakamaki was jealous over me would be a dream come true.

The cloth in Shu's hand pressed against my lip stopping the very small trickle of blood. "She's fine." He tilted my head to look up towards him, was he showing his dominance? My sweet sleepy baby marking his territory?

I might faint. "Hmm...if you say so," Ruki's voice sent shivers down my spine I was in love with his voice. How could someone so attractive have a voice that beautiful. It wasn't fair, and it felt like Ruki just wanted to spend time with me.

To make matters worse (or better?) Ruki took his seat. Directly. Next. To. Me! I could feel Shu's growl vibrating through the shared desk. "Whats the matter Shu?" Ruki cocked his head confused an innocent look in his eyes "Afraid of a little competition?" Snapping my head to stare at Ruki shocked.

My jaw had dropped. Ruki Mukumi liked me. Ruki like me!? I could die and I'd be pretty okay with it. "You're my partner today Tara." he left no room for discussion. Oh my gosh what am I going to do? I don't know if I'm going to be able to control myself around Ruki. I'll most likely just leave a puddle of droll all over my desk . This isn't good. This isn't good at all!

"Eep."

Ruki could only chuckle at my distressed tone, his smirk was going to send me into overdrive. I needed Charlie, I needed to squeal and let my heart out and run around, I wanted to walk outside of class only to walk right back inside. I couldn't contain my nerves.

My mind wandered back to Charlie and I couldn't help feeling bothered that I was so happy right now and she was probably still upset. Was I the bad guy for being happy when my best friend needed me?

My mood instantly fell once again. I'm a terrible friend, how can I be happy when she wasn't? I felt the guilt start to eat away at me. What was wrong with me? Why was I such a bad friend?

"Hey," Shu called, forcing me to look his way. "It's okay," his voice was calm, his large hand wrapped around my smaller shoulder easily filling his palm. "Charlie will probably be herself by lunch time, there's no need to worry."

"I don't know Shu, I'm always worried about her mental state…" when he didn't respond I thought he was finished with the conversation. After all, class was about to start. Though I doubt I'll be able to pay much attention to what's going on. The lack of sleep was really getting to me.

"Worry about class for now, Reiji has Charlie. He won't let anything happen to her under his watch." A small smile grew on my face hearing Shu talk to me like this. He really does care about how I feel. I felt this sudden urge to kiss him, show him my appreciation but I'm not sure what to do. These sorts of things were always so confusing to me.

I'll need to do something to show my appreciation, but what could I do? I know he doesn't like overly sweet things like Kanato, but I'm not much of a baker. I'll have to look up a recipe and make an educated guess.

I know I need to make Kanato some pudding, maybe I can make him some sort of cupcake? Or maybe a pie! My grandma and I used to make Key Lime Pie all the time for my Grandpa when he was alive, he told me once that he didn't even like Key Lime Pie, he just knew that Grandma liked making them. I honestly thought it was the cutest thing in the world and I wanted to have a relationship like that!

Half way through the lecture I noticed that both Shu and Ruki weren't paying attention. Shu was listening to music and Ruki was just staring at the front boredly. Fiddling with my fingers I hesitated in asking Shu if I could listen to music with him.

I felt my body starting to shut down, it wasn't the teachers fault. I always hated Biology back home and would constantly fall asleep in class. "Tara," jolting awake, I straightened my back looking at Ruki, surprised he called my name.

He looked quite handsome today, his crooked smile, I felt I could get lost in those blue gray eyes. "Ye-yes?" My face burned heavily with my blush, I hate that I stuttered in front of Ruki of all people! "Do you always stick close to him?"

Ruki nodded his head to Shu. Shu had his eyes closed as he leaned against his palm. If I was anyone else I'd probably think he'd fallen asleep in class. But I wasn't anyone else, he was most likely awake and just giving off the persona of being asleep.

"If not him I'm with Charlie," I shrugged my shoulders somewhat telling the truth, since I have spent a majority of my time with Shu when I was away from Charlie. "She's the blonde haired girl in my brothers class right?"

Nodding my head I smiled "Yeah she's my best friend." glancing down at his black book I was curious of what he was reading, I think it's the memento from his father but I couldn't be too sure. "What are you reading?"

I watched Ruki look down at the little black book opening to the page he had been on and showed me. Poems. It was a book of Poems. "Poems?" I felt my blush return as he leaned closer "It's one of my favorites actually. Do you like poems?"

Nodding my head because I don't think I can trust my voice, I watched him chuckle extending the passage towards me to read.

Once in a while,

We should look into each others eyes.

Otherwise we might feel lost.

I'm so glad

That you are here.

My blush worsened having this feeling that he opened this passage for a reason. "I-it's beautiful," I tried to control my voice, I don't want to seem weird randomly screaming distracting the entire class.

I wasn't big on poetry but I did think it was cute. Glancing up from the page I found Ruki giving off that small smile that I knew would send my heart racing.

"Tara," Looking over at Shu I found him with his eyes closed but an irritated look on his handsome face "Calm down." My face was on fire, I felt like I needed to run away and get some fresh air. His hand reached out lacing with mine. "Eeep." Shu gave a small smirk knowing he's won my attention over Ruki's.

I don't know what happened the rest of class for the matter, I just know that Shu was holding my hand. His large hand wrapped in mine made me feel on top of the world. He really did like me.

Charlie's POV:

Reiji and I walked in sync to whatever class we were headed to, I didn't bother to learn since we'll be in class soon enough. I do know that we'll be figuring out who our history partners will be for this project or whatever. I felt Reiji stop me outside of class, his almost red eyes looking me up and down. Yui's uniform was still too small for me but I dont think he was checking me out.

"While I agree with my brother you were being completely idiotic last night." Of course this was coming. The lecture. Honestly if he was going to lecture me why couldn't it be in his lab. "I will thank you on behalf of all my brothers."

Blinking confused I cocked my head to the side unsure if I was hearing this correctly, did Reiji just thank me for being reckless? Who was this man and what happened to my 'by the book' Reiji? "No problem Reiji…" I didn't know what to say or do.

It was getting rather awkward between us. While I'm still not okay to say the least I'm not going to make it the boy's problem. So forcing a smile on my lips I pretend nothing happened yesterday. I needed to distract myself with school work. "Anyway, lets get to class? I'm sure you don't want to be tardy."

Nodding his head Reiji fixed his glasses and we walked into class for math. I honestly hated math, but I was decent at the subject. Right away I saw Carla sitting in his seat from yesterday. He was reading a book, something I was sort of curious about.

I needed a book, something to distract myself. I wonder what kind of literature they had in the Sakamaki library, would it be history books? Actual stories? Manga? Maybe even some cookbooks! Cooking always helped calm me down in the past.

Maybe I could cook something tonight after school, Kanato was curious if Tara and I could bake. I wonder why he's so attached to me, I haven't really done much with him. I guess I was entertaining. Letting out a sigh I shook my head and looked down at my notebook paper. Staring at the blank lines hoping it was psychic paper and eventually start to morph into a story. Not likely.

"Hey Neko-chan!" Jumping back to reality I didn't notice Kou entering the class or even him taking a seat on my desk. He had a big grin on his face, his hand placed over my notebook blocking whatever I could have started writing. His left leg crossed over his right knee. "Ya miss me?"

"Why're you sitting on my desk?"

He shrugged his shoulders, leaning down so that we were almost face to face. I watch his eyes zone in on my neck, a pout gracing his lips "Aw man, looks like someone went to town on you."

Looking away I brought a hands to my neck refusing to let anyone else see it. "Yeah, it wasn't fun…" Kou's grin returned "Who was it? Was it Subaru?"

My eyebrows knitted together confused "No, why would Subaru do that? He hasn't even…you know what, is hardly a conversation to have right now."

Reiji smirked behind his book. "That must be the smartest decision you've made thus far." My expression turned blank as I turned to face Reiji, he had that smug smirk on his face. "Oh bite me," I grumbled. Kou giggled to himself "If you're offering, mind if I?"

"Fuck no, I didn't mean it like that. I just...agh get off my desk." using whatever strength I had, I lifted my desk up watching Kou fumble to catch himself "Ahh! Neko-chan whyyy!"

"Go sit at your own desk."

Our teacher came in finally and started the lesson. I barely paid attention, it was practically easy. My classes in college were much more advanced than this. Then again this is nothing compared to nursing school. It took forever to get into the program and it took even longer to actually get my nursing license.

"Hey Neko-chan," lazily glancing over to Kou, he looked super confused "You understand this?" looking back to the board, doing the math in my head gave me the answer twenty seven. I could be wrong if I had more time to look it over and actually write down the problem but I didn't feel like it. "27,"

Kou scribbled the answer down on his paper. I could feel eyes all over me but I didn't really care. I suppose Kou's fans didn't like that he acts buddy buddy with me when I'm a new student. They must think I'm trying to steal their precious Kou.

Whatever, I don't even want him. "Please partner up and finish examples 15 through 27." sensei called signaling that he was done teaching. "Neko-chan you'll work with me won't you?"

"No." Standing from my seat I place my books on Reiji's desk "Partners please." I moved my chair so that we were sharing a desk now. "I refuse."

Giving a small smile "I refuse your refusal." Reiji only seemed to sigh, shaking his head going back to his math book. "I suppose I should have expected this." I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled free. There was a reason Reiji was one of my favorites though I wasn't expecting him to have a sense of humor.

A seat pulled up next to me, I wasn't very surprised to see Kou sitting beside me with his notebook in his lap. He gave me that dazzling smile that would normally send girls into a swooning fit. I just felt the evil glares of his fans. It's like Kou knew he was putting a target on my back. "Can you go away? Your fans are gonna kill me."

Kou gave a cute little pout slumping his shoulders forward "But Neko-chan, we're friends aren't we?"

Staring at him confused I didn't know what to say. We seriously just met yesterday, how was I supposed to be considered his friend? Was this a trick? I didn't want to deal with any tricks. Not answering the question I face Reiji. He seemed to have this irked expression on his face, never taking his eyes off Kou's form.

"Charlie-san,"

What now? Looking over to my sensei I noticed he wanted me to come speak with him. Hesitantly rising from Reiji's desk I made my way over to him. "Tsukinami-san, does not have a partner. Seeing how you are new. You wouldn't mind working with him now would you?"

Looking back to Carla I felt my heart hammering in my chest. I'd get to work close to Carla? "Seriously Neko-chan? Him?" Flushing a bright red I grabbed my books and walked to his desk.

I could feel myself get lost in those eyes, forcing me to look away. "Please fix your attire, it disgusts me to see those marks." frowning I quickly pull my wet hair down letting the strands cover my neck. "Sorry…"

Opening my book and notebook I started writing down the problem trying to distract myself. "Who was it?" his voice sent chills down my spine, I don't think he knows the effect he had on me. Shifting my jacket lower down my wrists. I didn't want to have this conversation. "Well?"

"The answer for number 18 is negative 72." I tried to change the subject, it wasn't working so well. I could tell Carla was getting pissed. "You dare ignore your king?"

An irk mark started to take shape. "It doesn't matter who, nothing matters."

A scoff escaped his lips at my answer. I don't think he's used to people not listening to his orders. "You're protecting no one. I know who's scent lingers on your skin." Irritated by his words I sent a glare his way. "Then why ask if you already know?"

My shoulders slumped forward annoyed. Why do the hot ones always have to be dicks? "It shouldn't matter to you."

"Have you no self respect? Tainting your body with the likes of them." shrugging my shoulders I kept my eyes on the book. "I get you dont like them but they're my friends."

"Clearly they've tainted your judgement." cracking a small smile I looked up at Reiji getting more and more frustrated with Kou. Kou looked absolutely lost, how he got into calculus I'll never know but poor Reiji looked like he was about to blow a fuse.

I couldn't help laughing to myself at Reiji's misery. "I've only known them for two days tops. They're pretty awesome though."

It was quiet for a while each of us working on our own problems in peace. Glancing over towards Carla I always wondered how he got away with hearing that huge scarf to school and not getting in trouble. In my high school you couldn't have anything obstructing your face.

We had some weird dress codes back in high school. I once got dress coded for wearing a regular T-Shirt nothing on it, just a blank T-shirt but you could see my sports bra strap near my collar. It never made sense to me, I get dress coded for that when half the guys in my school had their pants practically down to their ankles!

So it makes me wonder, has Carla ever been dress coded? "You're staring."

"Have you ever been dress coded for your scarf? Is it soft?" Golden eyes locked onto my form. He looked me over, a chortle escaped him as he shook his head. "You are close to being dress coded."

Shrugging my shoulders "Yeah I'm waiting for Reiji to get me a new pair. He said they should be in today or tomorrow. I hope so, Yui's so small."

"She is."

I honestly couldn't believe I was having a pleasant conversation with Carla. After his whole I'm a disgusting human with no standards talk, this wasn't bad. "Perhaps you will reconsider living with their kind."

"Yeah, maybe I guess it's not…wait what? Reconsider living with them?" The bell rang signaling the end of class "Finish the problems you have left for homework." Sensei called before leaving the room. "That seems to be lunch, until next time."

I watched dumbfounded as he lifted my right hand and placed a kiss over my knuckles. My face erupted in a bright red watching him stand and leave. I barely could recognize anything other than how warm his breath was against my cold skin.

My heart was beating erratically at this point I think I might faint. "Neko-chan!" whipping my head around to face Kou I caught him giving me that charming smile of his "Lets go eat lunch Neko-chan," grabbing my arm I was yanked out of my seat and dragged out the door.

I gave a pitiful look towards Reiji who looked to be very annoyed at the outcome. Letting out a small 'help' the door closed separating me from Reiji. What the hell was going on with my life anymore.

Extra long chapter because I took so long to work on this one! Hope you enjoy and let me know how I did :D