Chapter 18 Ice Blue Sin


"I sincerely apologize. It was not my intention to disturb you at such early hour. However I certainly hope that you will understand my reasoning... The matter is quite personal and of importance. And there aren't many here whom I can trust regarding this situation."

The cousins Souen Ruka and Aidou Hanabusa shared a quick worried glance amongst themselves. Both of them were equally worried, not for themselves but for their pureblood leader. He isn't the type who would disturb others unless the matter was quite urgent. And if he being the pureblood was worried for something, then as aristocrats its their first and foremost duty to relieve him of those tension! That was the exact same view these two cousins shared.

"Please Kaname-sama do not embarrass us by apologizing. We –aristocrats are here to serve you. So please do not hesitate, feel free to command." Hanabusa was the one that spoke and beside him, Ruka nodded her head showing her approval.

A small, barely noticeable smirk curled up the corner of the pureblood's lips. Now he is fully assured that he made the right choice, picked the right candidate. Sometime the Kuran heir himself found it amusing as to how blinded these two in particular were, when it came to anything regulating him.

They were so blinded by him they failed to see the real scenario. If there would have been another person present, say someone like Kain Atatsuki then he would have right away realized that there was no need for any sort of relieving; as the pureblood vampire was under no stress to begin with. After all who in stress sprawls over the divan in such relaxed fashion and sip his wine like he is enjoying some leisure time.

"The matter is involving Aiyora…"

The two aristocrat cousins standing before him shared another look amongst each other.

Then instead of inquiring what it was regarding. The Souen girl said something… odd.

"Your sister, you mean."

For some reason she felt the intense need to point out this detail… as if it made a very big deal. So she specified. As in her heart, she wanted to believe that was the only relationship the two Kuran shared.

"No, I meant my fiancée," now it was Kaname's turn to correct her. And he was savagely direct, and did not just stop there "…the girl who will become my wife… after coming off the right age."

Even though he was speaking to both but his eyes remained glued only on the female. Like this information was only meant for her to hear. And how could those words not bring a reaction? Ruka's form visibly stiffed. The words out of the pureblood's mouth stabbed her. It didn't only break her heart but also harshly pulled her out of the slumber where she could have colorful dreams about him.

"Anyway… Aiyora will not be joining the night class, yet. ...I want her to mature a little more before. Which is why I would like to ask you both to look after her, guide her, tutor her and prepare her as the pureblood princess she is expected to be."

"Of course." Hanabusa complied right away.

Ruka on the other hand kept her gaze down. She did not want to do this. Hanabusa may be delighted to help him. So was she, but in this sector… it was very hard.

"You do not have to do it, if you don't want to. I will find a replacement in time."

The Pureblood told her, directly looking at her. He sensed her discomfort long before, but of course wasn't going to do anything about it; as it was not his business. Those were her feelings, thus it was her personal matter.

"Kaname-sama it will be my honor."

"Thank you, Ruka!" he gave her a smile. And that smile killed her internally, instantly.

She always knew that her Kaname-sama had a cruel side to him. This was the second time she was experiencing it. (First being the time he drank her blood to quench his thirst for Cross Yuuki.)

However the only difference was that, the pureblood used no power to manipulate her. Nor was there any sort of force. He simply asked, leaving it an open choice for her to decide.

And she had all right to decline… but she could never bring herself to do so. She couldn't do it the first time. She won't be able to do it this time either.


"What's with that face?"

Senri inquired plopping down on the bed, beside an already sprawled Aiyora.

There was a dull look on the pureblood's face. It was the first thing the Shiki heir noted as he stepped in through the door.

"Did anyone say anything?" he further inquired. Trying to assess the situation.

"No." The rolling of eyes and that big pout contradicted that answer.

"Then?" he wasn't sure whether to be concerned or not.

As much as Senri would like to worry he also knew off all her habits. Recently it has become a common trait of Aiyora to suddenly shut off from her surrounding. During those days her mood usually stayed down, she spoke to no one and snapped at those persistent ones trying to step into her personal space. This phase usually lasted for couple of days. Before she returned to her normal self and acted like nothing has happened. Senri did not have the proper diagnosis of these symptoms. But at times wondered if this was something she picked from their father – perhaps one of his crazy traits.

"Onii-sama dropped by..." now that served as a temporary relief for maroon haired boy.

"And?"

Aiyora turned on her side and faced her beloved Ri-chan, who was already facing her way. Looking at her with quite the intense eyes. There was a strange kind of hunger in those usually dull-dead eyes. But Aiyora didn't pay much attention to there…

"He assigned two sitter for this baby!" she said pointing a finger at herself.

That wasn't too bad. Senri concluded. He actually feared worst. This was nothing considering it was Kuran Kaname. The latter could do worse. So why was she making this face anyway...?

"So you're upset because he appointed two people to look after you? Would you have preferred him do it personally?"

"NO WAY!" She retaliated back. "It's just that I was expecting I would be able to relax for some time more before school finally starts. But no he won't let me have that peace. He is making all arrangements for me to be homeschooled, starting tomorrow."

"I don't see anything wrong with that. In fact it's a good thing. You won't fall behind when you start class with us."

Aiyora rolled her eyes.

"You do realize you aren't joining the night class anytime soon."

This time she groaned, while making a 'whatever' face.

"Anyway…Aren't you curious about how my day went?" Senri took an attempt to change the topic and it worked like magic. Instantly Aiyora was all cheered up.

"Oh yes, tell me, how was class? What did you learn? Anything interesting happened...!?"

"This is a very strange place Ai-chan, where interesting incidents keep taking place at all times."

"Then what are you waiting for…" She scooted a little towards his body that was laying flat on the right side of the bed. "…tell me all about it."

Taking that move as encouragement he pulled her closer, so that they could cuddle. Then proceeded to tell her about how the day went.

As the story progressed the topic of switch-over came up, and no tale of switch-over is complete without its main protagonist – the day class students, the famous fangirls and one fanboy!

Now Aiyora was even more excited to join the night class. This living like celebrity was a life-long dream for her.

"So how are these fangirls handled? Or do you guys get molested everyday on-route?"

The answer to this question led to another topic, the prefects. The antagonists of the story, whose job is to stand as a barrier between the hormonal fangirls and the night class. This was also the part where Senri knew he needed to be extra careful. He did not want to give away too much information on Cross Yuuki. The female prefect was mentioned very casually, yet very carefully. Only her name, the fact that she is a prefect and the adopted daughter of the chairman of this school were the only information the Shiki heir provided his half-sister. To be on the safe side, and for the purpose of entertainment he spoke more about Kiryu Zero. The headmaster's other adopted child.

Also, in Senri's personal opinion Kiryu was a far more interesting person to talk about, over Cross Yuuki. There was so much intriguing fact about that guy- for example: his hatred towards vampires can be a great topic for debate. Even his sense of fashion is decent enough to be talked about; not to forget the tattoo on his neck –is beyond cool!

And that girl on the other hand was just plain, simple and boring. There isn't much to be talked about her, other than why she receives such special treatment from a pureblood like Kuran Kaname.

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They stayed in each other's arms.

The half siblings have been in this position for a while now. Each taking pleasure in the other's presence, and together enjoying the silence. The topic of their discussion has already reached its conclusion. Since Aiyora raised no topic further, Senri understood her desire for the silence. And how could he not grant her anything?

He took her hand that was resting on his stomach and gave it a little squeeze. Making sure she was alright and not fallen asleep. She has been unusually quite for some time.

"There's something I want you to know," the long silence finally came to an end as Aiyora spoke.

"What is it?"

"Informing me about my tutors wasn't the only reason for onii-sama's visit. His main purpose was to speak about lady Shiki. ...Apparently the council wants to execute her for her actions against me. However they are waiting for Kaname onii-sama to deliver the final verdict. And onii-sama wanted me to make the decision."

There was a minute long uncomfortable silence.

"And what was your response?" although his voice came out vacant but Aiyora felt how his muscles tensed. The woman in question maybe crazy, but she was his mother after all.

"Regardless of what he said earlier, I could sense that he was trying his best to convince me to go along with the council's initial plan."

Senri gulped slowly. His palms turned sweaty, however the calm did not leave his face and despite being in this situation he made no protest. He braced himself of what was to come.

"And… did you…" he could not bring himself to finish.

"I forgave her."

Senri sat up straight. "What!?" he sounded like he was having hard time believing it. It was one of those rare times when the Shiki heir showed some kind of emotion.

Aiyora also sat up following his movement. But instead of just sitting beside him, she actually went ahead and sat on his lap, straddling him, boldly. Her action shocked the Shiki heir, but he tried his best to keep his composure and act like it was no big deal. As there were far more pressing matters in hand at the moment that to think about that.

"Why do you look so surprised Ri-chan?" she took his face between her hands and kissed his nose lightly.

"She wanted you dead, yet you want to save her… Why?"

"What do you mean 'why?' how heartless do I look to you?"

"But-"

"Don't think I'm doing this because of you. It's got nothing to do you."

"What is it then?" he couldn't help but ask.

"I don't even understand why you are asking such ridiculous questions Ri-chan. You of all people should know how desperate I have been for mother's love. …She may never see me as her own but I have found a mother in her. …So tell me, how is it possible for a daughter to authorize her mother's execution?"

There was a lot he wanted to say but Shiki Senri wasn't that big of a speaker. Which was why instead of voicing out his appreciation he pulled her in for a warm, tight hug and hoped that the rhythm of his heartrate would tell her how grateful he is and shall forever remain...

All these time Senri loved Aiyora, but as off now she earned all his respect as well.


"My name is Aidou Hanabusa…"

The blonde with spiky hairstyle and baby blue eyes introduced himself to Aiyora. His head remained slightly bowed while a hand was placed over his heart.

The young pureblood went ahead to reintroduce herself as a polite gesture, thinking the aristocrat was done with his part of the introduction. But little did she know...

"...I'm the only son of the honorable family. The second born of Aidou Nagamachi and Aidou Kouri. Brother to Tanya, Tsukiko and Ayka. I'm sure it would be an absolute pleasure to be your mentor…"

Wow! That's a lot of information. Aiyora thought in her head.

"Also, I am eternally grateful to Kaname-sama for giving me this opportunity. Thank you for believing me of being capable, and trusting me with the safety of your one and only beloved. I assure you – I won't let you down."

What an ass kisser!

Aiyora looked at Kaname, clearly surprised by his judgement. 'Are you kidding me?' she asked him telepathically.

'Relax... he is harmless. You are in safe hands.' He took her hand in his and gave it a little reassuring squeeze.

Finally it was Aiyora's turn. Although she needed no introduction but the latter chose to do it anyway. If her tutor can, why can't she…!? But unlike him she didn't have a big history of family that she could recall. So she just went on with her name.

Once the introductory part was over Aiyora asked her second question.

"Where is my other tutor?"

As far as Aiyora was concerned she didn't ask anything wrong... So why the air in the room suddenly turned a little cold? She looked at her brother, he remained stoic. Then she looked at Hanabusa, even his chatter self just muted down. It was because of these attitude suspicion started to rise in her mind. What's going on?

"Wouldn't she be coming today?" she pressed further.

Hanabusa looked at Kaname worried. But the latter kept his focus on Aiyora. He knew all too well that she wouldn't stop unless her queries are answered. So he gave her one that would stop her temporarily.

"Ruka is unwell at the moment. Till her recovery Hanabusa will be the one in charge."

"Oh okay."

All this time admiring the pureblood couple with adorning eyes, Hanabusa was slightly taken aback by how casually Kaname just lied, that too, to the person he will marry in the future. Deep down it coiled another question in his stomach – was this how he lied about Cross Yuuki to Aiyora-sama…?

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Since it was the very first day, there was no serious studying to do. They started with little chit-chat in order to know the other well. And of course this initiative was taken by the pureblood herself. Since this Aidou guy liked to talk, she give him the floor to go on.

"You seem to admire my onii-sama very much. Why is that?"

Hanabusa's initial reaction was to slightly blush.

What the heck! Why is he blushing? Aiyora wanted to make a face but held herself back. She told herself again and again not to jump to any form of conclusion. Just hear him out.

"Not just me, every student in the night class admires Kaname-sama."

"But why…? What has he don't to earn so much admiration from all of you?" she felt stupid for not understanding this blind love for a pureblood. Was there truly no other agenda? That can't be right! If there is one-thing she learned from her experience at the Shiki residence – is that aristocrats always have an agenda. Take Shiki Sayatohi for example, the man's attitude change when she became engaged to her onii-sama. Although he was respecting her in front but she could see through his face that he couldn't wait to get rid of her. But that also changed when Kaname had a long meeting with him behind closed door. Now who know what he promised.

"For a person of his status Kaname-sama is different." Hanabusa was speaking like he was trying to convince her to join the cult. "He is kind, he is humble and has a generous heart. We still have quite a handful of pureblood left in our society, but not a single one of them has taken such great initiative."

"What initiative?"

"Of co-existing! Kaname-sama and the headmaster of this academy Cross Kaien wants to create a world where both species of vampires and humans can peacefully live side by side. Therefore to prove everyone that such prospect is possible Kaname-sama has created the night-class."

"And you believe in this?" she meant the co-existing idea.

"Yes of course. I have no reason not to believe."

"I see…" she truly hoped that he wouldn't ask her the same question back. As she did not share the same thought as him. The idea for sure was nice. But there are tons of other ways to co-exist. This idea of just sharing a school seem to have some loopholes. Something sure wasn't right. And if Aiyora knew her brother right, he sure had other motives. However she wasn't going to share these thoughts with a blind supporter of his (Kaname's) and make a complete ass out of herself.

"Okay…enough about onii-sama. Why not tell me more about yourself Aidou-Kun."

"Are you certain Aiyora-sama."

"Try me."

And he started to speak and it borderline sounded like he was bragging. Which Aiyora didn't really mind, she understood her teacher was the kind of person who liked to beat his own drums. There was nothing wrong with that. Besides he appeared to be simple in nature. Hence why she liked him more.

However what topped all causes was the fact that she sure had some room for entertainment at the moment.


Aiyora was pretty sure that her brother actually assigned two aristocrat from his inner circle as her mentor. One was of course the blue eyed blonde. Who at the moment was sitting opposite to her, checking her test paper, thoroughly, Aidou Hanabusa – whom she called Aidou-kun. And the other was supposed to be this really pretty girl with gorgeous ash-blonde hair, Souen Ruka.

It's been way over a week and Aiyora was yet to see her other tutor. She has been eagerly waiting for that time. However there was no sign of Ruka. By now Aiyora started to grow impatient and asked Hanabusa everyday about her. A part of her sensed something was wrong. It made her wonder whether aristocrat has declined the offer to be her mentor. But why would she do that…!? They barely had any interaction aside from Hi-Hello at the night of the pureblood's introduction.

Ripping a sheet from her notebook Aiyora made a ball out of it and threw it in the direction of her teacher, who had his face glued to the paper in hand.

"What!?" he shook awake with a jerk. The perfect star mark he was drawing on her paper got ruined in the process.

Instead of apologizing she gave him the puppy eyes. "I want to ask you something."

"Go ahead." No one in their right mind could turn away an adorable face like that.

"Where's my other teacher?"

Okay now the Aidou heir became uncomfortable. He just hoped the expression of his face wouldn't give away anything. He tried his best to keep a normal expression on his face. But how is he supposed to tell her that Ruka is trying to avoid her by keeping a straight face. This pureblood has quite the curious nature, it's guaranteed she won't stop questioning.

"She's been feeling under the weather Aiyora-sama." That's the best he could think of for now.

"For two weeks? What is she a half-human?"

"Her situation is a bit complicated. But not to worry she will start with you soon."

"How soon?"

"I'm assuming next week."

"From then on I will be in charge of your training and Ruka will deal with the studies and other feminine stuff."

"I can't wait."

Hanabusa hoped the response satisfied her. But couldn't understand one thing, why was she so interested in Ruka?


Kain Akatsuki found himself in the middle of pretty frustrating situation. Watching Ruka in such pathetic state was something he wasn't so used to. His heart pained to see her suffer this way.

Ruka withdrew from everything since learning from the pureblood about the exact status of the latter's relationship with the other pureblood. Honestly it didn't really come off as a surprise because the whispers about his engagement has been going on for years now. However when he introduced the same fiancée as sister before the night class. A part of Ruka saw some gleam of hope. She knew it was absolutely foolish of her to expect, however her heart couldn't not be strong. It always grew weak against the dark haired pureblood.

Of course the pureblood's cruelty didn't stop there… despite being well aware of how she felt for him. He still assigned her as one of the mentor for his fiancée. And since then Ruka hasn't been herself. She did not have the ability to decline but nor did she have the capability to go anywhere near that young pureblood.

So she chose to lock herself up in her room. She did not even come down during the meal time. But Akatsuki made sure to send her meal to her room, every time. Sadly they returned barely touched... Most of it remained untouched...

Almost two weeks passed just like that…

And that was enough stress that Kain heir could take. Hence why he personally brought her food this time and has no intention of returning till the plates are sweep clean.

"If you aren't capable of this job then, why not tell him frankly." Akatsuki said placing a comforting hand his female cousin's shoulder, who remained seated on one corner of the bed.

"I can't do that." Ruka snorted. "It'll disappoint Kaname-sama."

"I'm pretty sure that guy doesn't care."

"You don't understand, do you Akatsuki!? …For the first time he has trusted me with something. Do you have the slightest clue of what that means to me?"

"If that is the case, why are you hiding then?" Akatsuki hated himself for this. Yet could not bring himself to stop. "Why put double the load on Hanabusa. He is been doing his part of the task and yours. If you find it that uncomfortable to face the pureblood then speak to the dorm president, I'm sure he will find a replacement."

"I don't want to be replaced Akatsuki!" she exclaimed. The anger in her voice was evident.

"But if this is what you keep up, then he will definitely replace you."

The expression on her face changed. Her brows squeezed, jaws tightened.

"Please leave now… I wish to be alone for some time."

"At least eat something-"

"JUST LEAVE! Will you..."

The fiery haired vampire complied. He left bitterly, feeling defeated.

She heard the door getting closed, slightly louder than it should be and following that came the sound of fading footsteps, indicating Akatsuki was gone.

Ruka remained unmoving. Her lost gaze had their focus settled on the view outside the window. She wasn't slightest aware of how long has passed, till another slow-soft knock appeared out of the blue. She didn't have the mind to deal with any of this now. So she chose not to respond. And hoped that Akatsuki would go away.

…To her utter dismay the knock came again, this time slightly louder.

Ruka stuck to her initial plan, just ignore. But it seemed to get louder and louder. She got irritated. Why was Akatsuki acting like such a pest? What's with the idea of knocking like a gentleman all of a sudden, when during his previous visit he bare bothered with such customary.

The knock kept getting louder. Ruka knew this joke wouldn't stop till she gives him a piece of her mind. She got off the bed with a huff and walked to her to door in fast moving strides.

"What the hell is wrong with you Aka-" her voice was caught between her throat when the person outside the door turned out to be not Akatsuki. But the very reason for her current situation –Kuran Aiyora!

"Good evening…" the pureblood greeted, her face was slightly flushed, voice a little awkward.

"Aidou-kun told me you haven't been feeling well. So I thought off bringing you something little..." She extended the box of chocolate towards the astonished aristocrat.

Now, that put Ruka in further difficult situation, she didn't know whether to invite the other in or send her back from here.

"Anyway… you take rest. I will see you soon."

"No, um… please come inside." She decided to invite her in.

"Are you sure…?" the pureblood seemed eager but also hesitated at the same time.

"Please, I insist."


Aiyora kept on biting her nails. Something that automatically took place when she was bored. Her essay finished long ago. Her tutor, who's supposed to be back in five minutes was still no show, it been close to fifteen. Nor did he leave any instruction on what else needed to be looked into after the essay is completed. So basically she has no task in hand for now. Leaving nail biting as the only thing to do, unless something else pops up.

The cold breeze that drifted in through the open window made the young pureblood shiver. Goosebumps spread through her buttery smooth skin. She quickly got up to close the window. Just as she was about to do it, another smooth gust of breeze caressed her form. This time the air seemed different. She could smell something in there… something that took her breath away.

Her whole body shivered. She did not understand what was happening but she liked the feeling. It felt like a natural instinct. She didn't even realize when her blue eyes started to sparkle in red luster. Nor did she have any control over her body when it jumped out of the window in complete trance. Because this was the very first time young Kuran Aiyora had a sniff of human blood.

Meanwhile…

Laying down on the red velvet divan Kuran Kaname was reading a book.

It was the weekend. For the night class also it was off. Almost everyone was in the dorm. With the exception of handful that went home or ventured into the city. However most members of the pureblood's inner circle were in the dorm that evening. Hanabusa was teaching Aiyora. Akasuki was somewhere with Ruka. Rima, Senri and Takuma were together.

All in all it seemed like a peaceful evening...

Till Kaname decided to turn the page of the book in hand. He paused halfway. His keen sensed picked up the scent of a trespasser. Someone has successfully managed to infiltrate the premises of the moon-dorm. This person had quite the strange smell and worse, she has managed to get herself injured. The air started to reek of her blood.

As the president of the moon-dorm it was his responsibility to make sure the vampire students did not lose their composure. He tried to think, who would be the best person to send in order to take care of the matter but his thought was cut short when the sound of someone jumping out of the window reached his ear. His form further tensed when he sensed Aiyora. Out of everyone she had to be the one to run after blood. Indeed she was her father's daughter. But deep down Kaname knew he couldn't blame Aiyora. She isn't used to the smell of human blood!

Wasting no time he also rushed towards the window. His eyes became wide when he saw Aiyora already on the ground, running towards the source. He too jumped.

Luckily he made it just in time...

Aiyora was quietly standing behind the girl. Like a predator that would attack the prey any moment. Just as she was about to pounce on her pray a large arm came around and pulled her back. Aiyora struggled to break free. That left Kaname no with other option but to put a hand over her head and forcefully put her to sleep. Seiran appeared by his side right when Aiyora's body slackened.

Lucky was the pureblood, the human didn't turn back for once, while all these fiasco was going on.

Without turning back the girl continued to walk towards the moon-dorm. Kaname understood she was looking for a particular room. Handing Aiyora to Seiran, he followed.

"How nice it must be… and look at the bedroom, they're so huge…" the human was speaking to herself. Taken aback by the luxury she swallowed unconsciously, completely overwhelmed.

"This isn't good… what is a girl doing walking alone at this hour of the night?" Kaname finally made their presence clear. His crystalline voice made the girl jump in fright. It was easy to tell that her blood was running cold. It was obvious she didn't sense him earlier.

"You're a day class student…?" he inquired, amused. "…but how?"

"Sorry! I know I have broken the rules. I'm very sorry –" the girl suddenly froze. This was the first time she actually saw the face of person standing behind her. And she almost fainted. This was not what she expected to encounter when she infiltrated. The reason for her late night incursion – Kuran Kaname.

"Ka-Kana … Kuran-senpai!?"

She realized how lucky she was. Rather than feeling upset by this unexpected turn of events, her chest was filled with happiness. She was just her to find Kaname's room, never thought she would actually meet him in person. Also it was the first time he had ever been so close. Before, she had only seen him from afar during class switchover. She refrained from mixing with the shameless fangirls and instead preferred to watch furtively from a distance.

"Are you alright? Are you feeling sick…?"

Kaname frowned in concern as he further observed. He moved closer to the human, further cutting the distance between them. This girl had short wavy hair and facial feature that quite strangely resembled Yuki's friend, Councilor Wakaba's daughter. But this one was older than them by couple years.

The girl felt like her heart was going to explode. "I-I feel fine, perfectly fine!"

"I see… then you should return to your dorm. Because it isn't safe at these hours of the night."

"Um… Kuran senpai I was wondering if you are going to tell the headmaster about tonight…?"

Since she had been discovered, it was obvious that the punishment was coming.

But the response she received from her crush surprised her further.

"Don't worry, about tonight… I will keep it a secret."

"S-secret…? But why?"

"Well… this evening thanks to you, I have discovered something very interesting… consider it a reward for that. …Anyway the gate is in that direction. Be careful on your way."

Suddenly Aidou Hanabusa, Kain Akatsuki, Souen Ruka and Ichijo Takuma appeared from the darkness where there had seemed to be no one. They appeared almost right next to the human, whose head was still a little bowed.

"They will guide you to the gate." The words came in form of a command.

The figures who stepped forwards were the cousin duo, Aidou and Kain.

The girl unconsciously covered her mouth with both her hands in surprise. It certainly was too good to be real. Tonight she not only met the one she adored but also the ones who are close to him.

"Come on, let's get going. It's getting very late." Aidou ushered the girl to start moving.

"Ah okay." She was considerably surprised to find herself being tugged along by the arm by Hanabusa. Half way through she looked over shoulder regretfully and saw Kaname wave farewell.

"…Good night!" she understood their meeting was ending and she hadn't yet introduced herself. "By the way Kuran-senpai, I'm Fuuka!"

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Fuuka. Have a goodnight."

Her Kaname-sama has called her by her name. He now knows her. Perhaps when they meet next he will recognize her. And that will give him more reason to accept her chocolate. The girl was at the highest peak of her joy. So much that she did not even notice the look the dark haired male gave to the ones accompanying her to the gate.


Aiyora ran to answer the door after hearing a rushed knock. She jerked back in surprise to find Kaname on the other side. Judging from the outfit he was in, she realized he was going somewhere. But where was he heading this early in the morning?

"Good morning. I hope I didn't disturb your sleep." he offered her a bashful smile.

"No, it's fine. What's the matter?"

"May I come in?"

Aiyora opened the door wider, it was a silent invitation for him to enter. Kaname slipped past her without making any noise. He looked around her room. And to say he was shocked would be an understatement. For a girl Aiyora was extremely messy. But he had no intention of pointing that out now… he decided to leave that matter for later.

"Where are you going? Hope everything is alright?" she inquired after closing the door.

"I'm going to the council." He revealed the envelope he was holding. "To give them this."

"What's this?" she took the envelope off his hand. "Can I open it?"

"Of course, it needs your signature."

She opened the envelope and carefully pulled out the folded paper from inside. She skimmed through the first few lines but gave up after that. It was too long and the language was quite complicated.

"What is this?" she wanted him to explain.

"Lady Shiki's fate." He responded so casually that it sounded like the matter was barely important.

Aiyora did not like his tone. She got the distinct urge to tell him something, but did not. By now she knew some times it was best to be silent. This is the thing with shit- the more its stirred the more it stinks.

"She's being forgiven, right?" She looked at Kaname, directly in the eye. She wanted full confirmation before signing the document. He nodded his head yes after holding her gaze for a good minute.

"Okay, where do I sign?"

"Right here." he pointed the area with his finger.

"Hold on let me get a pen." with that said she dived down on the mess of books and papers that was piled on the floor, in desperate search of a pen. Leaving the other to watch the show.

Kaname continued watching her. The amused expression remained intact on his face. Aiyora sure was a thing! Only she could be blessed with such talent - one should learn from her how to make a bigger mess out of the already existing one. ...Almost a minute passed, the mess moved from one side of the room to another, the pen was yet to be found. At this point he was confirmed that she wouldn't find her pen even if hour is spent in search of it. Actually nothing can be found in this room unless the clutter is cleared. A part of him was in desperate itch to give her a hand of assistance. Not because he wanted to help her, but becuse he absolutely could not stand mess. He also made a mental note to have a chat with one of the maids.

Kaname watched Aiyora struggle to find a mere pen for another couple minutes before finally pulling out one form his own pocket. Frankly he would have let this circus continue longer if his ride wasn't already waiting for some time now.

"Here, take this."

She turned to him, surprised. He had a pen on him all these time yet he didn't bother to offer until now! He was an...

Aiyora snatched the pen from him with a huff and went on to sign. Just as the tip of the pen came in contact with the paper his hand reached out, grabbed hold of her hand tightly and stopped her from signing. Aiyora snapped her head in his direction and looked at him completely puzzled. Her eyes demanded - what do you think you are doing?

"Think about it again..." he told her with concern. "Take more time if you need. But make sure to choose wisely."

"There's nothing to think. I already know what I'm doing."

"Are you certain you want her to go unpunished?" before she could say anything he turned her to face him. His one hand remained on her forearm, holding her in a protective grip; while other proceeded to take the pen away from her. But that attempt failed. As Aiyora challenged back by refusing to loosen her grip on the pen.

"Are you sure...? Even after all that she has done."

Aiyora remained silent. There was a small spark of insecurity in those blue orb.

"...Don't let the heart guide you all the time. It will only make you weak. It's times like these use your brain to make the judgment." She remained still as a doll. She looked like she was contemplating. And that confused Kaname. As he could not tell where she was heading.

"...I understand you are feeling compelled because she is Senri's mother. But I can assure that he will understand if you decide otherwise."

"Onii-sama..." the words left her lips almost in a whisper. "...Why are you repeating the same thing? Didn't we already have this conversation earlier? I thought I made myself pretty clear back then."

"Aiyora… you don't understand how deep that woman's hatred is."

Aiyora remained silent for some time before timidly speaking in voice that was just above whisper. "Doesn't matter. My decision was made long ago. I have forgiven her and that is how it shall stay. I will not move from my words."

Kaname loosened his own grip on the pen and on her arm that he was tightly holding before drawing himself a step back gracefully. He understood there was no point in this conversation anymore. Her mind won't change. He watched her sign the paper from the side, harboring a defeated look on his face.

"I know you are thinking I'm some emotional fool..." Aiyora said folding the paper and putting it back inside the envelope. "...But you don't understand my feeling towards her."

She was about to hand the envelope back to him but half-way changed her mind and instead put it inside his coat pocket by herself.

"You may remember our parents onii-sama, but I don't. I can't recall anything, no matter how hard I try. You are the most that comes to my mind but afterwards everything is blank. So after years of trying I gave up and tried to find a new family. ...I don't know if you will believe me, but my decision had nothing to do with Senri. In my eyes she isn't only Senri's mother but my mother as well. …So tell me how can I even have the slightest thought of punishing the person I adore as my mother."

Kaname watched her like he was in some kind of hypnotic trance.

"...Also, all these time after some serious I have come to understand her actions. Her intention was not to hurt me, but to protect her son. Maybe her way was wrong, but that doesn't mean she deserves to be punished - when all she was going was protecting her child."

"Onii-sama...?"

Her call almost shook him awake from the zone he was so lost in.

"You are so kind Aiyora… you forgive everyone so easily. Everyone... with the exception of me." this was the first time his voice conveyed the depth of loneliness.

But Aiyora sighed, heartlessly. Somehow she had a hunch that he was going to raise this particular topic.

"I want to know why... why is it so hard for you to forgive me then?"

His hand reached out to touch her but retreated back.

"…I will forever be with you." the words left his lips, without being properly realized.

"Onii-sama-"

"Aiyora-"

"I have forgiven you. I can't hold onto grudge for long." the heavy sarcasm in her voice clearly stated how much she meant what she said.

Finding some form of courage Kaname took a step forward, boldly. His hand reached out and this time his long fingers managed to take hold of few locks of her hair.

"Then why do I still sense this distance between us...? What kind of forgiveness leaves behind such distance. ...It's okay, you don't need to be dishonest. I understand you heart is still not ready. However I want you to know that I am willing to wait. Just do me one small favor and tell me what do I do in order to earn this forgiveness and to break the wall that stands as a distance between us till to this day...? What do i do?"

"Actually there isn't much you can do but to wait. I'm giving you my word I will forgive you."

A ray of hope shined in those dark orbs.

"...Yes onii-sama, the day I figure out and understand, why you abandoned me all those years ago I will truly forgive you."

"Aiyora -" She placed her finger on his lips and silenced him.

"You don't have to say anything nor do you have to do anything. I will figure this out on my own. And the day I do that, I will truly forgive you. ...Like I said I don't hold onto grudges for long."

His mouth slightly parted but he said nothing. His face and eyes however successfully maintained the vacant look. …However, his heart gave away. For some strange reason that organ started to beat fast, unrealistically fast!


a.n. finally a new chapter! hope you lovely reader will enjoy.

I'm not sure how many of your read the novels. but those of you who did might know Fuuka. She isn't oc, in fact the main lead from "ice blue sin". the day class student who had a crush on Kaname later falls in love with Hanbusa. some of you might be wondering so what? how is this relevant? well my plan is to make Aiyora experience every incident that took place in canon.