a.n. the chapter has been changed a little.
Chapter 17
"Can't my introduction be postponed till Senri-chan is back?"
No, it cannot!
The response came up to his throat, but he did not let it out. Instead just swallowed them down and sighed. Maintaining the silence he continued to look through the window and watch the sun spreading its last rays across the horizon before setting for the day.
Sometimes it was best to play deaf. And for Kuran Kaname this was that time.
"Onii-sama…? Are you listening?"
Do I have a choice otherwise?
This was Aiyora after all, not Yuuki. Meaning there would be no easy escape for him. She's not only persistent but quite stubborn too. A trait that she surely inherited from her father.
Closing those garnet orbs the male pureblood took a deep breath.
"Onii-sama?"
Reopening his eyes, revealing those garnet orbs, Kaname turned. Now it was his back's turn to face the window.
The expression on Aiyora's face was as if she was ready for fight. Her eyes however wasn't able to conceal one crucial detail. The vulnerability. Which was why Kaname approached her cautiously. He walked towards her in steady calculated steps and stopped when he was just a hand away from her form.
And his words were even more calculative than his steps.
"You prefer to wait for Shiki… but why?" he asked tenderly caressing her face, adding a bit of intimate contact.
Aiyora took notice of how his large hand cupped her small face before looking him in the eyes. And she knew right away what he was trying to do. He was not only showing her how much he cared but also how she was making it difficult for him. Indirectly hinting she was being unreasonable and unrealistic.
Now she knew she too had to be careful with her choice of words.
"Having his presence nearby would make me more at ease. Besides this is a big event for me. I shall be facing the nobles. So if my family stands by my side it would make me feel safe, more comfortable and give me one less reason to be afraid."
Her words worked just like magic!
His hand that was cupping her face, fell. And that gave Aiyora the chance to take a step back.
Kuran Kaname looked like he was kicked in the gut. There was now an expression on his face. And it was no regular expression. It was the look of your pride being pulled off and crushed under feet.
To evade his gaze Aiyora quietly looked away.
There was a lot going on in her mind. The changes happened too quickly. She is yet to be adjusted. She was taken away from home and thrown into this new settings. The faces she was familiar with are no longer there. The woman she considered mother tried to kill her. What more can one ask for. And now with him making faces like this! She did not need more to be added to her already existing stress.
"So I am not your family?"
The question made Aiyora look back at him. There goes her attempt to evade his gaze. But as she looked, she didn't meet his face. He was looking down, eyes now covered under those long bangs. He looked exactly like those good-looking but twisted villains with very tragic past that's often shown in the manga's these days.
"Tell me honestly Aiyora, is that how you truly see me… as an outsider?"
Her words hit his pride and for some reason he could not hide that fact.
"I never said that!" she got all defensive. "All I said was – being around Senri makes me feel safe?"
"Which clearly means you don't feel safe around me!" he went on accusing.
"I repeat, I never said anything like that." She stayed strong on her ground. Glaring at him.
But he looked at her differently this time. His dark orbs held a tender gaze. A gaze that showed a look of hurt... a look of desire to belong… a look to be wanted…
"Then what's wrong? Why wait till Shiki's arrival?" just like her, he too could be persistent. After all they had the same blood flowing inside… well almost same blood.
"…I will be with you, right beside you at all times. I promise."
"Onii-sama," Aiyora sighed "...You're the president here. This is your territory. What you want is what will happen. I no power to fight you and nor will I dare. Go ahead introduce me to the night class when you want to, for all I care."
"Aiyora…"
"Don't call me like that. I didn't break your heart. All I did was simply share my preference. You don't have to take it if you want – which you clearly don't."
Kaname just stood there with his mouth slightly parted.
Now that hurt even more. If her previous words were kick in the gut, this for sure was a kick on the groin.
"Why can't I be the one you prefer… this once?"
Aiyora looked at him shocked. Surprised by his audacity. She wanted to congratulate him for successfully getting into her nerves. If this conversation continues any further, then she will for sure explode like a bomb. Was he even aware of his level of greed? How dare he expect to be her preference when she was never his?
Suddenly, a crack appeared on the window behind Kaname.
It caught the attention of both the purebloods. Kaname turned his head back and Aiyora looked straight. An uneasy silence feel between them. The male pureblood turned back to his fiancée.
"Sorry…This won't happen again." She assured him without meeting his gaze.
"It's okay Aiyora. It happens. Emotions will not always be within our control." he reached to out embrace her. But she dodged his arms.
"And about the introduction… do it when you think is the right time. Just let me know when and where and I shall be ready."
With that said she walked into the bedroom and slammed the door shut.
Couple days later:
Aiyora looked at her own reflection on the giant mirror that was standing tall before the sink inside Kaname's bathroom. A look of complete terror was pasted up on her face. In that moment she didn't look like a pureblood vampire, she looked like child who was scared out of her life.
She splashed water onto her face several times in hopes that it would calm down her anxiety. However it made no difference, she still looked the same. It did nothing! Neither it calmed her down nor freed her off anxiety. All it did was just drench her face.
And that was a good hint for Aiyora to understand she wasn't ready to face the aristocrats or meet the night class. But her brother on the other hand would not prolong this any longer. It will happen tonight. He informed her earlier. Thus there is no going back. Especially when she gave him the consent to decide on the date and time.
"Aiyora!?"
There was an urgent knock on the door followed by which came Kaname's alarmed voice.
"You've been in there for long. Is everything alright?"
Aiyora rolled her eyes. She didn't feel like responding. She wanted this time away from him and just for herself. She hoped he would understand.
But he clearly didn't; because the knock came again.
"...Do you need me to come in? …Are you decent?" The worry in his voice was evident.
Are you kidding me?
"I'm fine." She responded quickly, holding in her breath. The last thing she needed now is for him to burst in here.
"...I'll be out in a moment."
With those words she bought herself few more minutes during which she could compose and prepare. She had to be absolutely ready when meeting the night-class tonight. She couldn't afford to stand before a room full of noble vampires and make a complete fool out of herself.
"Everyone…this is Kuran Aiyora," The night class president introduced the person standing beside him and broke the heavy silence looming over the grand living room. That name alone was enough. Everyone present there knew right away who this new addition was. But still Kaname chose to confirm it. That way it wouldn't leave any room for confusion…
"…My little sister." He finished the sentence that was left hanging. Then wrapped an arm around the person's shoulder and brought her form closer.
And suddenly all that left was pin-drop silence.
The two purebloods stood on the stairs. The place where they (well specifically Kaname) chose to stand was exactly the middle that divided the whole staircase into half. It was of course done on purpose. The top would have been too far away and the bottom step would bring them too close to the nobles. Hence why middle was the best option. It wasn't too far, but nor was it within their reach.
The silence continued and became more uncomfortable with each passing minute.
Silence
.
.
.
Silence
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.
.
Silence
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.
.
The aristocrats were still processing what they heard. Hence why it lingered longer.
Almost everyone there thought they heard it wrong.
Kuran Kaname just introduced his fiancée as his sister! But why did he do that?
The dreadful question was buzzing in all heads, but none dared ask. If it was anyone else, then surely these aristocrats would have buried him six feet under the grave with questions after questions piled on top.
Some may argue that technically the pureblood didn't do anything not wrong. After all she is his sister. Cousin to be exact – which most people here already knew. However couple years back the two got engaged. Their names are now registered that way at the council's book. Therefore the other titles aren't important any longer. Then again it would have been understandable if the younger one addressed the older one as brother out of respect. But for Kuran Kaname to introduce her as a sibling – wasn't definitely normal. As it showed a weak state of bond.
So why would some as intelligent as him would do something like that? He isn't the type to slip just like that.
But this odd form of introduction didn't come off as a surprise to those who have been keeping track of the pureblood's routine. The man has been engaged for quite some time now, yet there has been no change in the way he treated the headmaster's daughter. Despite the new status he continued to openly display his affection towards that particular human.
The lips couldn't stay sealed for long. It was obvious – the silence wasn't going to last forever.
"Is it appropriate to address your wife-to-be as sister?"
"Maybe this is not her?"
"Perhaps the engagement might have been called off."
"I don't know… maybe."
Eventually the sound of slow whispers started to drift into the air.
Aiyora shot her 'brother' a questioning look. In response he touched her hair and put few locks behind her ear.
"Relax…" He whispered leaning into her ear. "...they are a bit curious that's all."
"I'm not even bothered." She assured, smiling. In all honesty she could care less about the aristocrats' opinion. After all it's not her who has to prove a point in this relationship. Nor is she the one who must work hard in order to win trust.
.
The Ichijo heir, who was standing across the hall looked at his friend, disappointed. He belonged to the group that wasn't surprised. Especially after what happened during Aiyora's birthday, three years ago. Since then his idea about Kaname changed…
But that was then! What's his motive now!? Wasn't he trying to work on building his connection with her? After all that was the excuse the brunette gave while staying away from the academy more often than it was required.
...Recently, Kaname's words and actions did not match and that created a lot of confusion.
One by one everyone present in the room introduced themselves to Aiyora. She shook hands with every single one them and graced them with a warm, inviting smile. With some of them she shared few words with others it mostly stayed to hand-shake and smile.
Once introduction chapter closed, the party begun. Soft classical was being played at the background. Refreshments were served on the large table. By now people were divided into many tiny groups- some were drinking and socializing, whilst others were dancing.
Then there were some who were just watching the purebloods siblings. And this is the group that consisted of Kaname's inner circle.
The two pureblood stayed together. Hand in hand they were taking a walk around, inside the moon dorm.
Takuma sighed, while watching the purebloods with tired eyes.
The two Kurans continued to talk amongst themselves. The older one was mostly speaking and the younger was listening. From their body language it did not look like they were discussing something serious. Especially when Kaname kept touching and caressing Aiyora on her head, face and arm for no apparent reason.
To Takuma the scene looked like Kaname was just looking for excuses to touch her. He released a frustrated sigh when his friend once again tucked few strands of the girl's hair behind her ear. This was probably the seventh time he touched her hair… for no apparently reason!
'Why introduce her as the sister when you can't keep those hands off of her…?' he thought, irritated.
Well at least now he understands why Kaname was in such a rush for this evening. Senri's absence! He wanted to be done with this before the model returned. It made the situation far smoother. Since the half-siblings close bond was starting to stand as an obstacle before his plan. So the further apart the two were during such occasions, the better it was for him.
Leaving his friend's form Ichijo heir's green eyes landed on Aiyora.
He studied her carefully. Those lost blue eyes deeply concerned him. He wanted to make sure she was alright. However judging by her interaction with her brother she appeared just fine. Standing on straight posture, looking at Kaname respectfully, even the soft smile playing on her face. She was behaving exactly how he would have preferred. Oh poor child! Takuma's heart filled up with more sympathy for her. She is so young, so naïve, so inexperienced that she barely understood a thing that just happened. It was so unfair, and so unjust.
But little did the blonde realize how wrong he was in his conclusion – because Kuran Aiyora was no fool! She understood exactly what has happened here. But she felt very indifferently about it.
She has watched enough movies and thanks to him (Takuma), she read enough romance manga's (only recently) to understand the dynamic of the dramatic situations. The moment the words "my younger sister" left her so called fiancé's mouth there was a change of expression on all the aristocrats' faces. Moments later it became sickeningly obvious that everyone present was pitying her.
As a pureblood it hurt her pride to be sympathized by the ones below her rank. But in this moment her hands were tied.
This was supposed to be a new journey for her. A new beginning that she was looking forward to, for a while now. But this was not how she expected it to start. Thanks to him now everybody sympathizes her. In their eyes she is the unfortunate woman, whose man isn't interested in her! And that made her situation quite like those not-favored by the emperor, empresses or queens of the mangas. Only difference was, like those heroines Aiyora was not going to fight to win her king's affection – because she didn't want him in that sense. But that doesn't mean she can't question. After all it was him who constantly reminded her that he will be her husband once she comes off age. And now before the night class she suddenly became his sister?
If that wasn't absurd, then what was!?
Despite the strong urge to ask, Aiyora kept her mouth sealed and opted for the safe option to act oblivious. As she was well aware that by raising this question she would not only put both of them in an embarrassing situation but also most likely end up jeopardizing the place where she stands with him today.
No matter how much it killed her to admit but the truth couldn't be ignored and the truth was she needed Kaname and his alliance… at least for now. And absolutely could not act against him under any circumstances… until her root was strong enough!
Plus on top of that… this whole turn out of the event was not as bad as it looked or sounded. It did have some positive effect. What mattered most now is that she is in Cross Academy and will be with Senri; and being Kaname's sister, her closeness to the former remains less questionable. Therefore she won't have to worry about others eyeing their bond or doubt her loyalty to Kaname.
And Kuran Aiyora couldn't ask for anything better than this.
Meanwhile with the models:
Rima has never seen her partner this excited.
The Shiki heir turned into a whole different person since receiving the news of his pureblood half-sister's awakening. The news brought so much happiness that it took away all his focus from work. The professional model could barely pay attention to the photographer's instructions. It left all crews on set confused and gave the directors real difficulty working with him this time.
Those usual dead eyes had real sparkle, sparkle of life, on the day of their return.
Rima who was not very used to this sight, felt nauseated. She was happy for Senri. However, in her opinion these puppy like eyes did not suit him. It made him look quite uncool. But of course she made sure those thoughts only stayed within her mind.
The plane landed on the runway smoothly.
They were finally inside the grand limousine. On their way to back to Cross Academy.
The models were sprawled on their spot, completely exhausted from this long trip. Their manager who was seated on the opposite, went on lecturing Senri.
"I still don't get it. What exactly happened to you Shiki-kun?" the human has been going on this way since they boarded the plane. "I hope you understand the seriousness of the situation. The agency will not be happy to hear about your unprofessional manner. Do need a break? Can you assure me that it will help you get back on track?"
From the corner of her eyes Rima glanced at Senri and watched his reaction. He was facing the window and of course was taking their managers word through one ear and throwing it out the other ear.
.
.
.
Their manger, Ye, was the first to be dropped off. Once that annoying woman was gone Senri finally spoke.
"She can be very dramatic." He shared. Stretching his body on his seat.
"What level of drama are we talking about?" She asked blankly without pausing her action. Which in that moment was surfing through a magazine.
The maroon haired boy smiled recalling his little sister's occasional craziness.
"The ones befitting the cinema." This time Rima paused in her action and looked at him like he was telling some kind of stupid joke.
"Ai-chan loves to picture her life like romance movies."
Of course she does! Rima thought.
"Last time I visited, she made quite the scene…"
This time he faced his friend and proceeded to tell her what took place during his last visit. How Aiyora yanked herself free from Kuran Kaname's tight grasp and pounced into his awaiting arms.
As Senri went on with his story Rima realized that this will be long. Recently all his tales about the pureblood are longer than usual. Which she didn't mind. Since most of Aiyora's stories were highly entertaining. For a pureblood that girl was surely an odd piece.
But in order to go through this conversation she would surely need something...
A hand went inside her purse and pulled out a box of poky. She put one into her mouth and then offered her partner one. And hoped that this one box will be enough to finish through this story.
When the news reached Aiyora that Senri has returned she dropped everything in hand and ran.
Pushing past all the obstacles on her path she rushed down the stairs like nothing around was important anymore. Her eyes shimmer with joy, lips curled up in wide smile and those long luscious hair flying all round her small form. She looked no less than a heroine of a romance movie…expect for the fact she was a little smaller in size.
Before Senri was even out of the car Aiyora was already out of the door. And within seconds of getting off the vehicle she was already pouncing in his arms.
The aristocrats watched the scene unfold in shock. Each and every one of them had the same expression on their face – what the hell!
Without a care in the world he returned her hug. She was safe! And that was all that mattered.
"I missed you…missed you so much." Aiyora was the first to speak, pulling away slightly to look at him.
"I missed you also, but not much –" That sentence earned him a slap on the chest and a 'how dare you look' from the pureblood.
"…as I was too busy worrying about you." He finally finished the sentence taking her small, heart shaped face between his hands and then gave her nose a fleeting kiss.
The look her face softened the moment those lips came in contact with her supple skin. Her face shined in happiness whereas her eyes brimmed with tears that were ready to pour out any moment. She opened her mouth to speak but the euphoria of the moment blocked her words. So she hugged him again in hopes that he would understand what her heart is trying to tell him.
The two remained locked in embrace. Their focus completely turned off from the world around.
However the one standing beside them, the daughter of the Tooya family saw everything…
She watched how the driver was eyeing them. Curious stares also came from the servants that were collecting their luggage. Then the small group of the students that were standing by the doorway with Kain Akatsuki looked absolutely lived. And as her eyes went up, it met with the dark burgundy orbs that belonged to the other pureblood – the main one. He was watching them from a window of the top floor with a very strange gleam in his eyes.
And that was when Rima felt the need to inform her friend of the situation he was in. She lightly tapped him on the shoulder and pointed towards the dorm president who have been watching him for a while now…
Senri too stared back. His eyes didn't blink for once. However his hold on the girl in his arms, tightened. As if it was an automatic response. It happened beyond the boy's realization. He was just acting on instincts. And this moment his instinct commanded him to save this ball of innocence from those predatory eyes.
.
While Kuran Kaname and Shiki Sneri were locked down in some serious staring down competition. Aiyora [raa1] on the other hand finally noticed the other person. She was standing so closely that it made the pureblood feel like this person was trying to invade in her personal space.
She pulled out of Senri's arms and put her all attention on the other. Her stare was so intense that it made Rima feel uncomfortable. To the latter it felt as if those large blue eyes would gobble her up any moment. The pureblood took a step towards her and Rima unknowingly shivered. The pureblood wasn't just watching her …she was studying her …judging her and if possible she was doing an autopsy of her with those strong gaze.
The aristocrat moved her eyes from the pureblood and focused them on the Shiki hair. And that seemed to trigger a nerve of the pureblood but before she could take an action Senri intervened and introduced the two.
Rima was a lot prettier in person than on a magazine cover. – That was Aiyora's initial thought.
"It's great to finally meet you in person," placing a hand over her chest the aristocrat bowed slightly. "Lady Kuran." And addressed her name using proper honorific.
Not just beautiful, but very courteous too. – That was her (Aiyora's) second thought.
Aiyora was so busy judging the other person that completely forgot her own manners. No response came from her after Rima's respectful greeting. She just continued to watch her (Rima) till the guy standing beside her elbowed her.
And that snapped her out of the zone she was lost in.
"Oh please you don't have to address me so formally. 'Lady Kuran' sounds like some miserable old married woman. First name basis should be fine. After all I am younger than you… Rima."
Senri noted the change in her tone towards the end and elbowed her again.
"I mean san – Rima-san."
"It's fine, just call me Rima." She tried to break the tension. But remained unsure of if this was going to work. "If Senri can call me by my first name, so can you."
"…Thank you Rima." The pureblood responded with a flushed face and this time gave her a decent smile that had more of a friendlier approach than her previous stare.
More than a week have passed since the night of Aiyora's introduction… but the topic of gossip for the night class remained the same. If anything more was added after Senri's arrival. All day all night these people talked about Kuran Aiyora.
Her relationship with the dorm president and Shiki Senri were the main point of discussion. Eventually people started to make speculations. Many of them even came out with various theories as to why the dorm president introduced her as sister – some suggested it for that human while others had even absurd ideas. Then there were handful who were already pointing out how Kuran Aiyora will grow up to be an unfaithful woman!
Such remarks really bothered the vice-president. He wondered if these people had no life. Was gossiping the only form of entrainment that existed for them. Then again it was also pointless to blame these people. Be it human or vampire, give them a hot topic and they will talk. Its an unavoidable instinct in both speeches.
The one who should be blamed was Kaname. He is one who gave these people the spice to cook.
Takuma thought about bringing this matter to his friend's attention for some time now. But haven't had the chance, because whenever he was here he was always around her. Aiyora's room was still under renovation and that was why she was still stuck with him. Actually she did not to move to Sneri's quarter after the latter arrival. But of course Kaname did not allow that.
However her room was ready shortly after…
Once Aiyora moved into her own quarter Takuma decided to act on the matter and have the talk with his friend.
"Here is your tea Kaname."
Ichijo passed the cup to the pureblood. A part of him hoped that his friend would appreciate his effort.
But the person seated behind his desk did not even look up. His full focus laid on the stacks of paper that he was working on. Even the 'thank you' that came out of his mouth was barely audible and countable. If Takuma wasn't a vampire he probably wouldn't have heard him utter those grateful words. But that didn't stop him from enthusiastically watching the brunette as he took his first sip. He expected a reaction. Positive, negative any kind of feedback would have worked. All he wanted was a feedback. As it was a rare kind of rose tea that he has imported from abroad for his best friend.
…but sadly the pureblood just drank it like any other tea.
"Is there something that needs to be discussed?" Kaname asked, not even slightly raising his head.
"I showed Aiyora-chan to her room. She seemed to like it very much. Also, couple of maids have been assigned, who are currently helping her get settled in with everything."
"Hmmm…" the pureblood hummed before adding a simple, "I see." Still not looking up.
"Senri is also there. Giving her a hand with everything." The Ichijo heir casually slipped the information to see how the pureblood reacted. And of course no response came from him… although his writing paused for a fraction of second.
And the blonde wondered why?
"Would you like me to check up on her again, Kaname?" Takuma knew how dangerous it was to push the button for the brunette but sometimes some risks were worth it.
"There is no need for that, I'm sure she will be fine on her own… Besides she has him. So your presence will act as the third wheel."
'What the…?'
His tone got bitter from the word 'his' and kept going downhill from there onwards and that surprised the blonde. As it was very unlike the Kaname he was used to. The only other time he sounded this bitter was the night Zero stabbed him in the arm with a steak-knife.
He stood there for a while and watched as the pureblood continued with his writing. For some reason his grip on the pen appeared tighter and so was the pace of his scribbling…than before.
"Oh by the way Kaname, I was meaning to ask…" Takuma started with a brave heart but hesitated mid-way.
"Ask me what?"
"You introduced Aiyora-chan as your little sister. When in reality she is your fiancée. I mean it's no secret. Almost everyone is aware and made the guess of who she was. Until you gave them the chance to question by-"
He stopped midway when Kaname stopped his writing and looked up.
"So… you think I did it in purpose to insult Aiyora?"
Takuma said nothing. His silence spoke for him instead.
The look in the brunette's eyes changed to something akin to disappointment.
But that did not bother the aristocrat. Plus he doesn't believe himself to be at fault for thinking so low of his friend. The ones who know Kaname closely (such as himself) are well aware that till now he has done nothing for Aiyora. Plus if there is question about Aiyora's safety Kaname should be last person to be trusted. Now he is even more convinced that the only reason he saved Aiyora from the Shiki house is because she is yet to serve her purpose.
"In that case I regret to inform you, that my words that night was chosen carefully only so that it would benefit Aiyora!" the tone of the pureblood's voice made it clear that he took his friend's accusation personally. Which at this moment Takuma could care less about.
"She has been through a lot." The pureblood continued "Received the kind of betrayal that people of her age cannot even begin to think about in this era."
The fact about betrayal was something that the Kuran pureblood actually said from his heart. Both, the son of Haruka and Juuri and the progenitor of the Kuran family was quite familiar with the bitter taste of betrayal. Therefore he knew the agony, the pain, it brought along and the scar it left behind.
"You do realize that introducing her directly as my fiancée would be equivalent to putting a huge burden on her shoulder. That title comes with responsibility. I do not want to rob her off of her happiness. She is still very young. I want to court her, pursue her and give her time to get adjusted to my presence before making her my fiancée. …For now her happiness is all I am concerned about. I have no right to put Aiyora in a situation where she will be forced to keep her distance with Shiki."
"I'm sorry Kaname but you don't make any sense. You're saying you want to pursue her yet you don't want her to keep away from Shiki?"
The pureblood closed off the pen and put it back on the holder. Then looking away from the blonde standing before him spoke in a distant voice.
"…You're right. Perhaps I am going mad."
The situation diffused with that bizarre reply. As the vice president could not come up with anything to challenge that. So he bid his friend goodnight and left him be.
a.n. I have been having some severe writer block with this story. There was a lot going on in my life at the beginning of the year. So I was having hard time focusing. However when situations settled I expected to be able to get on track with this story… but it wasn't happening. I wrote few parts of the next chapter but somehow it wasn't properly blending in. Then I decided to redo this chapter. While doing so I ended up adding some scenes here - such as Senri -Rima and finally Senri and Aiyora's reunion after so long.
Hopefully from the next chapter I will be able to start blending some mix with the canon. No I'm not jumping into the anime timeline yet. I will start of with the short novels and ice blue sin will be the first "Ice blue Sin."
