Well, hello there, kids. o_o Eh, school's started, and grade eight is such a bother. u_u Expect little updates as I'm hardly getting ay time on the net. ;-; Anyway, I'll be writing the chapters on and off the computer, and they'll probably be put up every weekend or so. So… =D

Oh, and thanks for the reviews! =3 Feel free to make suggestions too, and you can flame, I guess, but hopefully you won't. e_e I've got a clean no-flame record (I've written other stories before), and I want to keep it that way. =D If you need to blow up at me, do it nicely… o_o

And you MUST review… PLEASE!!!!! o_o If you do, I'll do the hula for you! *does the hula*

Chapter 2

Lectures

"Hey, Chiara, come here…" coaxed the honeyed voice of a 'high-class' person, reaching out for her arm. Chiara snarled quietly towards him, muttered something about seeing Kai, and quickened her steps as she made her way through the puzzling corridors. Why the heck did this manor have to be so big? Her head inclined every now and then as the 'higher-class' people passed her, her hand lifting to rub her opposite arm uncomfortably. She had dressed plainly, finding a light periwinkle gown in the bathroom. She had assumed that they were for her, so she donned them. After all, no one would care if a gown went missing; it wasn't as if Kai's grandfather didn't have enough money to get a new one.

Five minutes later, she was knocking on the grand oaken doors that lead to Kai's room. Timidly pushing them open, dark eyes flicked around as she frowned. It seemed empty. She snorted quietly, shuffling inside, her steps small and unsure. She shut the door with a small click, gazing longing towards the large-scale bed in the corner, the soft blankets beckoning her. Wanting desperately to collapse onto something warm and cozy, she gave an involuntary twitch. Glancing around again, she strode quickly towards the bed, and hesitatingly laid a hand upon the covers. It was soft. Oh, so soft. There was something wrong about a servant lying upon a master's bed, but she was too tired to figure this out. Heck, she wanted to sit. To feel the warmth of the blanket surrounding her tired, aching body.

"Sleepy?"

Chiara let out a sharp breath, whipping around to face Kai, his arms crossed as he gazed evenly at her. The look on his face was hard to explain. Amusement. Maybe irritation. She stepped away from his bed, eyes fixed on some point above his head as she gave her answer.

"… No," she said quietly, lowering her gaze to stare at her feet. She heard his footsteps, and could only assume that he was moving forward. She didn't look up, only recoiling slightly as he lifted her chin. Holding his gaze for only a few seconds, she looked up for inspiration.

"You're late," he said, letting her go as he crossed towards his bed. Chiara watched him settle down into a sitting position with a twang of slight jealousy. She remained standing, dark eyes now fixed on the foot of his bed.

"You've been here for around three years." His voice floated quietly over to touch her ears. She put on her indifferent face, the face she used when she didn't want to listen, but had no choice. She was quite familiar with this expression; eyes unfocused, face slack. She did not want to be here. She did not want to stand. She wanted to relax. But of course, to be a servant the house of a master, you didn't do anything unless asked to – no, unless ordered to. Chiara let out a soft sigh, bringing herself back to reality as she listened dully.

"And this is the first time you've attempted escape," he continued tonelessly. It was as if he had it all memorized. And perhaps he did. "You know the punishment, and you know what's coming for you." Mauve eyes – but they looked cinnamon at the moment – flickered to watch her face as it tightened slightly. His face was wiped blank from emotions. Like Chiara, he had long ago taught himself the face of indifference… the face of mild interest. Kai let a hand pass over his left arm, fingers gently touching his vivid tattoo of the Phoenix.

From the corner of her eyes, Chiara caught his movement and instinctively looked over. She had never really gotten a good look at his arm. And that phoenix was pretty. Beautiful even. She couldn't deny that. It traveled down the length of his arm to curl around his elbow. A Phoenix of blazing colors, it weaves its tail feathers around his forearm. Bright scarlet colors slashed with crimson, gold and orange merging in among the swirl of fiery hues. The bronze beak of the tattoo was opened in a vicious snarl of silence, its wings spread in a blanket of burning death. Chiara stared openly at his arm as he went on in a tone devoid of emotion, willing herself not to think about the coming pain.

"It won't hurt that much – "

Take the blade and pierce the stomach.

"Because it's your first time trying to escape – "

Twist the knife a bit – make her bleed.

"And Grandfather is generally impressed by you – "

She shook her head fiercely, eyes snapping shut. "Stop it," she hissed to herself, unaware that she had spoken out loud. The abrupt stop in the monotonous tone caused her to glance towards Kai, whose eyes had narrowed slightly as a light frown tugged upon his lips.

"Sorry," she muttered, eyes fixed once again upon her feet as her fingers fidgeted with one of her sleeves.

Kai watched her. He had watched her a lot over the past three years. She was unlike any of the other servants within the giant manor, unlike the other girls who cowered and simpered when he walked by. From the day Chiara had arrived until this very moment, she had always been brazen. She had always spoken her mind. If she didn't like something, she'd snarl and say so. Allowing silence to swallow the room, Kai let his mind wander, knowing that this silence would not bother Chiara.

-Flashback-

He walked quietly through the halls, icy eyes fixed upon the door that he had to enter. Upon reaching his destination, he lifted a hand to knock thrice before entering. Noiselessly closing the door, he turned to face what awaited him. First, his eyes moved to his grandfather, sitting behind his oaken desk, looking impressively solemn as usual. With a nod to greet him, he turned his gaze to the girl. Two men were holding her arms as she fought to break free. It was a silent struggle; she made no sound as she tugged desperately at her arms. Lurid hair of silky black framed her face. Straight under normal circumstances, they were now hanging in limp locks, tangled and slightly curled at the ends. Covered in bruises, it was clear to anyone that she had not come quietly. Dried blood caked above her right eye, and fresh blood was dripping steadily from a wound over her neckline. Her clothes were white, although they were now dusty and dirty, patches of muck evident on her pant-legs. Her dark chocolate eyes flicked to stare pleadingly towards Kai. He stared blankly back. She was his age, perhaps younger. His grandfather's voice reached his ears, and he turned his back upon the girl.

"Kai, I am well aware of the fact that you dismissed your former slave," his grandfather said, his voice a deep tone of reason. Fingers laced, his chin was placed delicately upon them as he gazed towards the ceiling. A true aristocrat.

"Servant," Kai said quietly. His grandfather looked up sharply.

"What's that?"

Kai repeated the word, muscular arms folding across his chiseled chest. "Servant. Not slave."

"Kai, do not argue these things with me," said the elder severely. "I did not bring you down to chatter."

"Yes, Grandfather." Flat voice was issued towards his grandsire. Casually, he turned his gaze towards the girl again, who was gazing towards him. "May I take a guess that it involves giving her to me?" The girl's eyes narrowed slightly. Obviously, she did not understand.

His grandfather gave him a sickly smile. "Yes, Kai. She is to be handed over to you." Kai was still staring at the other thirteen year old. The confusion on her face had melted into fear.

"Mhm," Kai answered dully, barely listening as his grandfather went on.

"If she escapes, it is your duty to bring her back. I trust you know what the punishments are?"

"Uh huh."

The monarch of the house gave a nod of approval. "Good," he said, waving an arm towards the girl and then the door. "Out you go."

Kai wordlessly turned and relieved the guards of their burden – the girl. Gripping her upper arm in a tight grasp, he headed for the door. The bedraggled female only stumbled after him. Only until they were sufficiently far away, did Kai let her go. She stood silently, rubbing her arms.

With his back turned towards her, he shot a question at her. "What's your name?"

"Chiara," she said quietly. "You can call me Chi."

"I only asked your name. Nothing else was needed." Turning around, his arms were once again crossed over his chest. He let his gaze wander up and down her bruised form.

Her eyes flashed back at him as she shot back with, "I didn't grow up being a servant, and I'll speak however I want."

She was feisty, Kai mused silently, mildly surprised. His face betrayed nothing of his feelings, nor did his voice, which remained monotonous. "You are one now. Learn the rules."

She opened her mouth to retaliate, and he placed two fingers upon her lips. "Shut up," he said simply. "I'm not done."

Chiara swatted his hand away quickly, eyes dark and mistrusting.

"I'm not going to hurt you. Shut up, obey the rules, and you'll be fine." His second surprise came when she quirked a weak smile and punched him arm gently.

"I don't obey the rules, honey."

Bold as brass. His steady gaze did not flicker as he raised a hand and grabbed her wrist instinctively. She began to protest, when he again, placed two fingers upon her lips.

"You will obey the rules, because you live longer that way… Sweetheart."

-End Flashback-

He let out a small snort. Over the three years, Chiara had certainly listened to him… most of the times. Kai brushed varying shades of azure bangs from his face. There had been a time when she stubbornly went against his wishes, and at the time he had been in a rather bad mood. And so he struck her, backhanding her across one cheek. She had swayed for a minute, as if stunned, before leaping upon him and landing a punch to his stomach. It hadn't hurt, really, but all the same, Kai wasn't invincible. He had just grabbed the back of her neck as he fell onto his back, and pinched. Chiara had let out a faint gasp, before going limp and collapsing upon him. It was common knowledge that the neck was delicate, and Kai knew it well. He had lifted her and dumped her unceremoniously upon his bed, letting her recover on her own time as he sat by and observed. As soon as she had risen, up went her fist, and down went her punch as it connected with his face. The bruise didn't fade until a week later. Bringing himself back to reality, he mentally shook his head.

"I've changed my mind," he said abruptly, locking eyes with her.

Chiara held his stare for three seconds before gazing away. Kai gave one the feeling of being caged, his eyes boring into one's mind. It was unnerving.

"Changed your mind?" she questioned, toying with a lock of hair.

"You are not to be punished, merely to give me a full apology. Because I've wasted an entire afternoon chasing after you," he added as she opened her mouth.

Unable to stop herself, she blurted out, "You're not the only person in this house, and it wasn't as if you had to chase me, someone else could've done it!" She flinched automatically as Kai walked three quick steps towards her. Fully expecting to be knocked down, she was surprised when he flung his tattooed arm around her waist and pulled her close. Noses almost touching, his next words were spoken in a low whisper.

"But I am the only person in this manor who is not so… perverted."

With a small squeaky gasp, she punched his side half-heartedly. Her face was decidedly hot, and she knew she was flushing. She was half freaked that she could've been raped, and half delirious because she was pressed up against Kai's chest… And all she had on was a gown. She flailed, shaking her head as she struggled to get away.

He let her go with a light smirk, deadpan face betraying his feelings of deep amusement.

Giving him a nervous chuckle, Chiara rushed towards the door.

"Expect the apology by tomorrow…"

e n d c h a p t e r

And the end of another chapter! :o So… How did you like it?! Was it good? Bad? I thought it was a bit rushed… But I'm so impatient. u_u Anyway, you've GOT to review. o_o Please! Reviews are my life… *gets on her knees and dances for reviews* =D