Chapter 4
Two years later:
"Kaname-sama," The said pureblood looked up from the book he was reading while seated on a secluded corner of the Ichijo mansion library.
"What is the matter Miyu?" it was not Kaname Kuran that questioned, it was Takuma Ichijo, the heir to the Ichijo family who had occupied the seat beside the Kuran pureblood.
"Master Takuma, we received a phone call for Kaname-sama?"
That got the pureblood's attention right away. His eyes moved from the book only to focus on the red head female. "Is it from a man by the name of Kaien Cross?" that is the only phone call that concerns him.
"No milord, it's from the Shiki household."
Kaname's interest on the matter was killed instantly!
Takuma faced his friend to find him sighing out of relief. He fully understood Kaname's reason because phone calls from Kaien Cross only came bearing bad news regarding Yuki. Though it was painfully obvious that majority of the time the man lied but Kaname however never took the chance to brush it away as some sort of silly banter; not when it involved Yuki.
"Thank you Miyu, I will take it from here." Takuma personally got up to take the cordless receiver from the maid, marched back towards his friend and passed it on to him.
Kaname took the phone without even looking up from his book. There was slight hint of annoyance in his eyes that he did not bother to hide. He placed the device next to his ear and started in an already exhausted voice in hopes that the conversation would end soon.
"...Yes Aiyora…!" His exhausted tone however had no effect on the person on the other side.
"Onii-sama!"
Her loud chirpy voice almost exploded out of the receiver reaching Takuma's ear in the process as well. Making the blonde wonder if his friend has already gone deaf. He looked in Kaname's direction again to see that he was growling in silence while pinching the bridge of his nose.
Sadly Aiyora was still too young to understand that her onii-sama wasn't interested in talking to her in this hour. Or in Takuma's observation ever! Like Kaname would never bother to call her once, not even in weeks or months. Words about Aiyora he had been collecting from the head of the Shiki house whereas the poor girl calls him on a daily basis.
It is quite clear to all that Kaname Kuran actually wants nothing to do with her. But when it comes to Yuki, it's a whole different story. The pureblood personally would call Kaien Cross every other day to inquire about her. There are times when Cross would give the phone to Yuki, and Kaname no doubt would usually spend the next few hours just listening to her.
"Onii-sama… I miss you so much. Why do I never see you? When will I see you next? Aiyora wants to see her Onii-sama!" the last part was more of a combination of demand and request.
"I am not so sure Ai, after all I happen to be quite busy in the recent times."
"Onii-sama I had a bad dream, a monster was trying to eat me. I was so scared that I woke up crying… When you come visit me will you help me go to sleep by cuddling with me?... Onii-sama can you also bring a picture of yourself… I will keep it next to my bed so that I don't feel scared."
Kaname was resting his head over his palm. Aiyora was actually saying so many thing at the same time that it was sort of hard to catch up. But what to do? The girl deep down understood by now that her brother does not have much time in hand so she tried to fit everything within his given timeline.
Takuma went out of the library and returned in minute to see that Kaname was still in the same position. He could hear Aiyora's voice reminding the pureblood something. Followed by that came another desperate plea to visit her atleast for that day. From where Takuma was positioned it sounded like she was crying but Kaname only remained silent. He gave her no sympathy or the comfort she was looking for.
"Onii-sama, say something!" this time her voice was so loud that even Taukam heard those words clearly.
Kaname simply kept quiet. To Takuma who was simply watching it it appeared as though Kaname was lost in deep thought. Aiyora reminded him to speak again only for him to hum in response.
And the silence again!
Longer the silence stretched, it proportionately broke the little girl's heart. It saddened Aiyora deeply. The proof laced within her voice.
Takuma looked away from his friend and concentrated on arranging his manga's on the shelf. He did not want Kaname to think he was trying to meddle in his personal affair.
Yet despite being so far away Takuma could still feel the little child's sadness. His heart actually ached thinking about the innocent girl's heart getting broken again. She called almost everyday, every single day to request him to visit her and Kaname always had an excuse ready at the tip of his mouth to deny her. This diverse personality of the pureblood always surprised Takuma. It made no sense how could he show so much kindness towards one and at the same time such level of ignorance towards the other?
Would it really hurt so much to show even little bit of emotion to the girl Kaname? He thought.
"...Fine then," the pureblood finally muttered under his breath after a long period of silence. "…I shall come visit you tomorrow evening."
Takuma snapped his head back to look at his friend. He couldn't believe what he just heard. Even though he said in a tone very similar to pitying her but that didn't matter since it made the little one happy anyways. The way she squealed in joy said it all.
"...yes you will see me tomorrow evening Aiyora, and I will take you outside to celebrate this special day...alright then... Goodbye for now... Yes, you will see me in the evening tomorrow."
Takuma asked once Kaname disconnected the line and put the receiver down.
"So finally a change of heart?"
Kaname's initial response was to let out another sigh and run a hand through his dark brown locks before proceeding to answer with another tired sigh.
"It is her birthday tomorrow..." he replied before returning to his books. That was enough for Takuma to understand that his friend was not in the mood to talk about it further.
"Alright then," Takuma beamed him his signature happy grin while climbing down the ladder. "Allow me to buy the presents for the birthday girl on both our behalf then."
"Do as you wish... Ichijo!" Kaname responded without even looking away from the book.
…
That night the whole Shiki mansion was illuminated by her smile.
Her Onii-sama would be visiting her tomorrow. After about two years she will once again see her big brother, be able to hold him, hug him and tell him how much she missed him and ask why has he barely ever called? There's so many questions that had been piled up inside her that she desperately craved the answer for.
Aiyora's heart was overflowing with happiness and it was felt by all when she jumped around every corner of the mansion squealing and squeaking on top of her lungs.
Among all those who participated in her joy, there was one person in the house who could not be bothered about it…at all, as a matter of fact she felt utterly irritated by the little pureblood's joy.
"What's that chaos all about?" Midori Shiki asked, almost snorting out her irritation. She meant the hustle going on outside.
"It is Aiyora-sama." The maid who was combing her hair slipped the information.
"Does that girl have nothing better to do other hand screaming or crying?" The Shiki women snarled. "I barely get any sleep because of her loud blabbering mouth…Eversince she has come here to live my life has become a living hell. First the mother, now the daughter making my life hell. One day surely I will burn that girl alive and eat her remaining pieces." the maid became nervous at her mistress's sudden dark tone. She could tell that soon one of her episodes might strike in. The symptoms had been taking place one after another.
"...Maybe I will save some of her remains for Senri too. Do you think she will taste good Ayu… Her pure blood... will that taste good?"
"My lady please-"
"…I mean she smells divine even from far and what makes it more alluring is that I get hint of Rido every time I sniff her. And that alone moves me inside to the point sometimes makes me so happy that I desire to hold her in my arms and never let go. However, other times it makes so angry that I wish to rip her apart! Tear those soft flesh of her to shreds..."
"Forgive me my lady but I don't think it's wise to speak of a pure blood such a way."
"Pureblood huh...!" Midori mused in thought. "Do you know Ayu what is the best part about a pureblood, in our community they happen to be the biggest predator and at the same time the biggest prey..."
She then turned her head back at the maid to let out her remaining thought.
"And that child is no predator she is a definate prey!"
Her maid could only awkwardly stare her down with a nervous smile tugging at the corner of her lips. First of all the lady said so much that she was having hard time keeping up with her and it also didn't change the fact that the words that came out of her mouth were seriously dangerous.
If her uncle learns of such thought, she would be more severely punished this time.
The maid named Ayu wondered for a second if her lady has forgotten how her uncle Sayatohi Shiki isolated her for almost two months, while depriving her of food and blood supply last year for just scaring the little pureblood in her sleep.
But then, Ayu was in no position to voice out any opinion on this matter either. She had been working here for long time to see the downfall of her one time glorious mistress to the mad-woman that she is today. It was all escalated to this only because her feelings and her son received no recognition from the man she pledged herself to. And now that same man's daughter with another women has been shoved right on her face. It was only natural for her to feel this way.
"I believe it time for your nap my lady. Please lay down while I go retrieve you're your sleeping potion." With that the maid excused herself. It was best that way.
...
"Can you do something for me Saya-chan? I will give you a pocky in return?" Aiyora tried to bribe the maid who was shapooing her hair during her bed-time bath.
"Oh Aiyora-sama, I will do anything you ask for, there is no need for you to give me something in return. So go ahead ask what you have in mind I will be happy to oblige."
"You know my onii-sama is coming tomorrow," The young pureblood said while her cheeks flushed a beautiful shade of pink.
"Yes, Shiki-sama has informed us about Kuran-sama's visit tomorrow."
The maid spoke with uncertainity, wondering what the little pureblood actaully had in mind.
"So…" the maid took notice of how the child's blush deepened. "…can you make me look pretty tomorrow?"
The said maid could not hold back on her smile, especially at the adorable way the request came out of the little ones mouth.
"Is that even something to ask Aiyora-sama, do you not realize how beautiful you are?" the young pureblood just gave her one of her signature displeased pout.
"But I want to look more beautiful…" for my big brother!
Though Aiyora could not fully say what was in her mind but the maid surely did listen to those words that hid deep within her heart.
"For sure, I will do my best."
"Thank you..." the smile that came following those politely said words took the older maid's breath away. There was so much innocence and purity in it that it had the strange ability to melt the strongest iron.
...
"There you go Aiyora-sama."
The maid from last night said after placing the headband over Aiyora's head to push back the long strands of her hair.
Aiyora quickly jumped from the stool and stood before the full length mirror in order to do a final check on her appearance while the maid left her alone to check on the preparations of the meal in kitchen.
Dress, shoes, hair, everything was on point. Though at first Aiyora and the maid got into an argument whether her hair should be tied up or let loose. While the maid suggested doing two big pony-tails that would suite her childish face but Aiyora was stubborn on letting it lose, remembering her big brother's fondness for her hair. Finally two came to agreement and used a headband with huge pink bow to push the hair back all the while keeping her waist length mane falling like fountain at the back.
She took in every detail till she was completely satisfied with how the maid has dolled her up. And now she could not wait for her brother to get here. Sure he would be beyond impressed and proud to see her doing so well.
Aiyora could not hold herself back from smiling at the mere thought of her big brother getting here anytime soon. Oh how he would pet her head, pull her cheeks, or even hug her so tight that she would not be able to breathe…
The young pureblood was so engrossed into her own thought that she didn't take notice of the other figure that stood behind her. Even though the mirror had been reflecting her for quite some time.
"Look at you!" said the taunting voice.
"Mama-chan!" this is what Aiyora was taught to address the Shiki woman as.
Aiyora turned to face the women. She is usually quite scared of the lady however her over excitement made her temporarily forget how she actaully feels towards this lady.
"How do I look Mama-chan?"
"Breath-taking…" Midori Shiki took few cautious steps towards her and stopped when there was only a little distance between them. She bent down on her knees to adjust herself to the child's level.
"You look very beautiful…just like your mother."
"Thank you!" Aiyora flashed this woman one of her signature heart melting smile.
Midori watched with wide eyes how this one smile just brightened up the whole room. She gave into the temptation and cupped a portion of Aiyora's face.
She studied her moon like pretty face, especially that killer smile. It made her wonder how Rido felt about it? Did he ever notice it? He must have. A smile like this would not go unnoticed by anyone be it men or women. And the fact that this child had the ability to constantly carry on this smile on her face made brewing beauty stand out on a whole differnet level.
"For whom have you dressed up this way?" Midori asked while combing Aiyora's long dark locks with her free hand.
" Since today is my birthday Mama-chan, my Onii-sama said he is coming to cut the cake with me." Though her sentences were sort of incoherent but Midori understood exactly what the little one meant.
Protect her! Protect her! Protect her!
A voice in her head repeated continuously. Midori was suddenly possessed by the strange feeling to protect this child. A sane part deep down saw her own reflection in Aiyora. The same kind of love, that hope, that excitement which in the end will bring nothing but heartbreak and destruction.
"He won't come." She just blurted that on Aiyora face like she already knew. "He will not come Aiyora."
"Who will not come?" At first Aiyora was confused.
"Your brother!"
"He WILL come!" This time Aiyora exclaimed with determination. "Onii-chan said he will come, so he will come!"
The burgundy haired woman let out a hysterical laughter.
"My dearest child, these men make promises only so that they can break them… with our heart alongside it."
"No you're wrong, Kaname onii-sama will come and he is not a liar."
"That is exactly how I used to console myself while waiting for your father, I'm sure your mother did the same too. But that savage brute never did return. He broke my heart, shattered me from inside out. And that one is no different. Like uncle like nephew!"
Aiyora could only blink her eyes in confusion. All those things that were thrown at her face made absolutely no sense to her aside from the fact that she was trying to tell her that Kaname will not come.
"Kaname will come." Aiyora tried to make her point clear. "He promised!"
Midori lost her cool and screamed back at Aiyora in a voice louder than norm.
"HE WILL NOT COME! HE WILL NEVER COME. ALL HE WILL DO IS USE YOU, DEVOUR YOU AND LEAVE YOUR REMAINDERS FOR THE STREET DOGS TO FEED ON."
Her sudden outbursts frightened Aiyora to the point where she burst into tears. But Midori didn't plan to stop, not yet. She reached forward and grasped Aiyora by the front of her dress and was about to rip it apart when the little ones high pitched scream made Sayatohi Shiki burst into the room.
"MIDORI UNHAND HER NOW!" He roared.
"NO," she spat back "I'm trying to help her."
"DON'T MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF MIDORI…" he warned but she did not listen.
"In that case you leave me no choice." His eyes turned red and in the next second Midori Shiki was thrown across the opposite wall with an invisible force. That's when two maids rushed in to her side. One held her tight while the other chained her before dragging her out of the pureblood's chamber like she was some ragged doll.
Once the crazy women was taken away the pureblood child ran towards Sayatohi and hugged around his knees. Holding onto him for her dear life. Sayatohi looked down at the trembling child. She was shaking quite vigorously.
"It's all okay now, Aiyora-sama..." he placed his large hand to pet her head. "She won't harm you anymore."
Aiyora could only manage to look up, with tears still pouring out of her eyes. She extended her arms up signalling him to pick her up. The older man did exactly as the child wanted.
"Come my lady, come, fresh up before Kaname-sama arrives."
"My onii-sama will come...right?" It was a statement and question at the same time. The ladies over confident scream messed her little head up.
"Well off course he will come!"
"But Mama-chan said he won't?"
"Oh please, do not take Midori's word's seriously…she is crazy."
"What is crazy? And why is she crazy?"
"hmmm…" he hummed thinking for a good response. "That is going to be along story why not I save that for some other day. Because now we must prepare for Kaname-sama's arrival."
"Oh yes…I totally forgot Onii-sama is coming!"
They contained their chatter while going down the stairs.
...
"Please be careful with those."
Takuma instructed the maids as they were loading up the back trunk of the car with all the presents that he has purchased for Aiyora. Beside him standing, Kaname, was inwardly rolling his eyes.
Inside the pureblood was deeply irritated. When he gave his friend the permision to buy present for Aiyora is expected a small box of chocolate or something of that sort. But the blonde completely surprised him when she showed up with a huge white teddy bear and two moderately big sized boxed wrapped gifts. And too add more to Kaname's utter annoyance he even brought a cake.
"You got a cake too?" the pureblood inquired, running a hand through his hair.
"Yes off course," Takuma gave him his signature closed eyed tender smile. "No birthday is complete without a cake."
Shaking away the vex from his shoulders the brunette got into the car while Takuma still stayed outside instructing the maids what to put where and how to place them in order.
…
En-route to the Shiki Mansion.
The two male in the car had the exact opposite facial expressions. One of them was beaming with joy while humming a happy song in low tone. The other just sat there, with boredom as the only description of the current expression of his face.
"I cannot wait to meet Aiyora-chan. She seems like such a happy person."
"I'm sure you two would get along well."
Takuma searched for an expression on his friends face while he said those words but sadly found none.
Sensing that the pureblood was not in the mood to carry out a conversation; the Ichijo heir leaned back and rested his head against the head-rest while eventually resuming back to the tune he was humming earlier. His green orbs looked out through the window, taking in the beauty of the scenery.
Soon Takuma from his side was able to see the Shiki Mansion standing proud afar. The car was headed that way or that is what it appeared till the chauffeur took the vehicle to a right turn, all of a sudden.
Takuma was stunned by the move. He sat up straight and called the chauffeur.
"You're going the wrong was Mizukoshi."
Before the chauffeur could defend his action the pureblood spoke up defending him.
"I ordered him to take this route Ichijo."
"But Kaname, this is will take us opposite to Shiki house."
There was a brief pause during which the pureblood turned his face towards the window.
"...We are not going there…today! "
"Wait-What!?"The blonde exclaimed. "What do you mean by we are not going there today? Where are we going then?"
"I received an urgent call from Cross-san, he informed me that Yuki is unwell, infected with high fever."
Takuma sighed out in relief that it is no serious matter after all. Only to realize this could be a lie too. Since Kaien Cross is habituated to lying to the pureblood.
"Kaname, majority of the time that man makes up lies to get you there. How are you so sure this isn't the same this time?" he reminded his friend but the pureblood's next words confirmed his fear that the decision has already been made. Most likely was made long before they even boarded the car.
"I don't think it would be wise on my part to celebrate birthday with Aiyora while Yuki is burning up with high fever…wouldn't you agree?" Though he never said it out loud but Takuma really disliked when Kaname always twisted things the other way.
"What if she is not, Kaname? What if Yuki-chan is just fine. Besides what about your promise to Aiyora-chan? You gave her your words yesterday that you will spend the day with her. I mean, do you realize that this is the first time in two years you will actually be visiting her!?"
"I don't feel safe to take the risk…especially when it comes Yuki. She is a human now, very vulnerable."
"What about Aiyora-chan? She maybe a pureblood but she is also very young and mind you that is also a very vulnerable stage." there was an underlying hint of anger in Takuma's voice that Kaname could sense.
But did that have any effect on him? No absolutely not!
"Ichijo...!"
His name left the pureblood's lips as a warning. He was put into his place right then and there.
And understanding the depth of the situation the blonde quieted down. The pureblood loosing his temper is the last thing any noble vampire wishes to face.
…
From the inside of the car Takuma watched his friend as he anxiously waited outside the Cross house after pressing the door bell several times. Soon the door was opened by the blonde haired owner of the house who had the usual goofy smile pasted upon his face.
Behind him shyly standing was the very reason why they came here. Yuki!
Takuma did a careful study of Yuki. Judging from the attire she was wearing it was clear that she was not well, but she was not bed ridden either like Kaname made it sound like. To him Yuki seemed to be on the verge of recovery especially the way she pounced herself on the pureblood when he was on his knees before her spreading his arms wide open for her to fill in.
A part of Takuma felt relived that Yuki was alright and that also led to the conclusion in his mind that maybe the duration of this visit will be cut short since they already have another plan. But little did he know, how wrong he actually was.
It sort of confused Takuma when his best friend turned around and with his hand signaled the driver of the car something.
At first Takuma did not understand what he meant but soon as the driver climbed out and open the trunk at the back his heart stopped! The smile that he had on his face slowly turned down to a frown While he watched as all the gift that were meant for the birthday girl were given to Yuki.
The shocked joy on the young brunette's face brought smile on Kaname's face too. It was a real, warm smile which was only meant for her. And for the first time the Ichijo heir found himself in a situation where he could not be happy. Although Takuma always longed to see that warm smile on Kaname's face but this time he couldn't bring himself to be happy for him…
How can he be happy? When deep down he knows all too well that this happiness comes with a cost of another innocent's tears.
...
Hours after hours passed. The evening turned to night, the night turned to midnight and followed by that finally dawn appeared with a brand new day. The sun has already showed up on the east side of the sky brightening up the city with its ray. Meaning its time for humans' to come out while creatures of the night should be retiring.
At that point everyone in the Shiki manor was already making preparation to go to bed.
Midori Shiki was already put to sleep by her uncle. Her son had already gone to bed before sunrise and the head of the family Sayatohi Shiki however was still awake because the little pureblood has not yet gone to bed.
Standing on top the the stairs he observed the Kuran princess who was still standing by the window.
Her beautiful royal blue orbs kept looking outside the window still searching for the vehicle that was supposed enter the Shiki Mansion carrying her brother inside. The maid in charge of her had dosed off long time ago sitting down in one corner of the room. The young pureblood however had her eyes wide open. There not no single ounce of sleep in those large eyes, just a bit of irritation for looking out in broad daylight.
A crooked smirk curled up the older noble man's lips. He has received a phone call from the Ichijo mansion informing him that Kaname Kuran will not be able to visit today. And he couldn't wait to deliver this new to her.
He gracefully took the stairs down. The sleeping maid jerked up sensing his presence nearing. He however placed a finger to his lips and signaled her to keep it silent before motioning her to leave.
After the maid's exit he finally approached Aiyora who still did not remove her longing gaze from the window. Whether she sensed him or not, he wasn't sure.
"Aiyora-sama…?" He called placing his hand tender over her head combing her hair with his long fingers in the process.
"Why is Onii-sama not here yet?" the anxiety now clear in those blue orbs. Plus she looked tired as hell. After standing in one position for almost the whole day it was only natural to feel that way.
This is the perfect time. He thought to himself before kneeling down to adjust himself to her height.
"Aiyora-sama, please forgive me for being the bearer of the bad news," he looked into those beautiful royal blue orbs and said the next line. "I regret to inform you that I received a phone call form the Ichijo mansion and have been informed that Kaname-sama is unable to come for his visit as he promised due to some unavoidable circumstances."
The little girl's mouth parted as she let out an inaudible gasp.
Though Aiyora did not understand majority of the words he said but she understood this much that her big brother will not come.
The reaction Aiyora gave was more than what Sayatohi expected. His plan worked. Actually the phone came long time ago but Sayatohi decided to not to disclose it to the little one until now, after all these hours of waiting. His mind had a calculation that the longer the wait the greater the heart-ache and he was proven right. After all, result of patience is always sweet.
"But he promised-" She tried to reason while still trying to register the heartbreak.
"I am very sorry Aiyora-sama." With his dark gaze he observed the young pureblood in this broken, vulnerable state.
Vampire or human children in situations like these are indeed a sight to look at. So alluring they looked in that vulnerable moment, that it was almost sinfully beautiful.
Sayatohi's eyes moved down from her crying face to her neck. The vein there was pulsating, like it was calling him in a tantalizing manner. He could not help but allow his hand to travel from over her head down to her neck. Just like her mother she too had exceptionally thin-long giraffe like neck.
Such a tempting sight! The disturbing thought appeared in his mind.
Her pureblood powers may not have yet come around but that except beauty and enticing aroma has already started to develop.
He unintentionally licked his lower lip at the thought of how that pure blood of Kuran mixed with Hanadagi would taste like. Her mother smelled delicious, mouth watering to be accurate and she has that exact same smell and if it continues like this soon she will surpass her mother who was quite popular among the male genders in the vampire race for her beauty and an over exciting aroma.
It was Aiyora's soft sob that snapped him back to his senses.
"Aiyora-sama...?" he pulled her chin up to look at her crying face but the girl only pushed his hand away at first and then threw her arms around him sobbing out loud.
He embraced her little form tightly and stood up with her in his arms.
"You had a long tiring day, you need your rest Aiyora-sama." he said kissing her head. She didn't respond to that only continued to sob louder and louder leaving no choice for the head of the Shiki family to put a hand over her head and put her back to sleep.
Once Aiyora passed out Sayatohi eyes looked down at her form. What an asset she will be. With her by his side he will be able to achieve a lot and most importantly control Rido Kuran. After all she is the only weakness he has ever had since Juuri.
Haruka Kuran has done him a great favor by getting her engaged to Senri.
...
Aiyora woke up sensing a presence of another in the room. She quickly shot upright on the bed to search for the source, but it did not take long effort since the intruder was already sitting on the couch next to the window.
"Senri-chan!" she uttered his name a bit awkwardly scratching the side of her head.
"Aiyora-chan!" he too said her name with the same amount of awkwardness.
The duo blinked their eyes at each other for several times; not knowing what would be best to say next.
Though the two have been living under the same roof for about two years but they were far from being close. The only thing they probably knew about each other was their name and the fact that they were siblings. Well half-siblings to be accurate but that details were always skipped out.
Sayatohi however introduced the two on various occasions and encouraged them to play together but it never actually turned out that way. Mainly because of Aiyora's ignorance. Even though Senri sometimes made some effort to get to know his sister but it was never noticed by Aiyora since she was too busy chasing after her onii-sama. So eventually Senri too gave up and thus it only resulted in further distance between them.
"What are you doing here?" She asked while rolling and sliding down the the bed before running in his direction.
He stood up uneasily. "Um…I was told it was your birthday yesterday."
Aiyora didn't respond and that put her brother in a difficult situation. He wasn't even sure if it would be a good idea to give her the present and Aiyora on the other hand continued to stare at him like she was expecting something. Thus it made the young boy more nervous.
"I have a present for you."
"What!?" her voice sounded like she was demanding.
"Here…" he brought out two boxes of pocky biscuits and placed them before her to choose. One strawberry flavored and the other was chocolate.
"I brought you a birthday present."
"Oh!" Her facial expression changed. Her eyes were shimmer in joy. Although she was not able to show it properly but this small gesture made by Senri actually healed the pain that her beloved Onii-sama has caused her.
He saw her struggle on which one to take and in the end not being able to decided she ended up taking both.
"Um…only one was suppose to be for you." Senri pointed out in a sort of skeptical tone.
Aiyora heavily blushed in embarrassment and Senri realized his mistake and was about to return.
"But it's your birthday…" he concluded with a sigh. "So you can keep them both."
And it was then, that made in heaven smile appeared on her face.
It was a smile so pure, so innocent yet so powerful that it had the ability to turn a person blind with its brightness. And Senri was no different. The boy could only stand there and blink his eyes in shock. He too felt blinded by such ray of happiness. Such concepts were after all very unknown to him since he had been growing up in a hostile, gloomy, tragic environment; where there is no one to show him such emotions, not even his very own birth mother!
"Thank you Senri-chan!" She chirped like a bird jumping up and down then threw her arms around his neck to hold him in a tight embrace.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!~" She chanted and sang into his ear like a mantra.
The burgundy haired boy was not sure how to respond to that. This was the first time that someone has ever held him like this. He only stood there with his hands slightly quaking and wide eyes trying to figure out how to hold her back or should he even hold her back? What if he ends up hurting her? She looks so fragile after all.
"You're going to make me deaf very soon!" Senri actually opened his mouth to say something else but those were the words that actually came out followed by a sigh.
But Aiyora was so happy receiving present that she remained lost in another world to take notice of what her brother said.
"Thank you so much Sneri-chan!" she could not bring herself to stop thanking him.
This time Aiyora pulled away from the embrace but leaned forward almost to placed a deep kiss on his cheek. Once more Senri just stood there with shocked face, where he was not sure on the best possible way to react to it. Till his sister pointed out.
"Your turn!"
"My turn?" He asked her with confused expression and raised one of his brows in the process.
"I kissed you now you kiss me back." She said pointing at her face.
An entire minute passed by but Senri made no move.
"Sneri-chan?"
The burgundy headed boy finally leaned forward to kiss her on the face but ended up kissing her nose instead, and made the girl giggle in the process.
Once again it was Senri's turn to go red with embarrassment when he realized that he actually kissed the wrong surface.
For a while he just stood there embarrassed as his little sister continued to laugh. However after a certain while it no longer mattered because Aiyora forgot it soon and nevertheless gave him a bone crushing hug anyway.
Here is the thing at the moment neither of them knew that soon this kiss on the nose would become their trademark of showing each love.
"Senri-chan, if I cannot finish all these pocky by myself can I share them with you?"
Aiyora asked keeping her firm hold on him.
"…Yes!"
"Also, Senri-chan…" this time she called him in a longing voice.
"What is it?"
"Um…will you um…" she hesitated not sure on how to best put it. "…will you play with me from tomorrow?"
She loosened her grip on him and went back a little while awaiting his response.
"I-I actually have never played with anyone, but if you teach me I will try..."
She smiled again!
Finally she has playmate the thought made the little pureblood squeal in joy before pouncing on her brother taking him down with her.
"Yay!"
"Aiyora-chan, your voice is too loud…"
a.n. Thank you all for reading. hope you enjoyed.
