a.n. Here is another update. also next chapter the even from the anime timeline will be slowly blended in.

Chapter 24


At the headmaster's office:

Yuuki stood in awe…

Earlier she was called in by her adoptive father and informed about new night class student. The prefect was slightly taken aback by the revelation, as there has not been any new or transfer students in the night class since it was first established. On top of that she also felt a bit nervous, because a new night class student meant another vampire will be entering the premises. And the very idea of having an addition made the petite brunette slightly uncomfortable.

Truth is – Yuuki was, and still is scared of vampires. Despite fully supporting her father's pacifist ideology unlike Zero. As she believes it will give kind vampires like Kuran Kaname a chance to co-exist with the human kind and build a world that is peaceful for both races to exist side by side. However she is also well aware that not every vampire that came in and joined the night class are as kind as Kaname.

Before long she could ponder more on the thought a gentle knock on the door brought her back to full attention.

"Please come in." there goes the headmaster giving permission in his authoritative voice.

The door opened and Yuuki's body grew tensed. But when the figure on the other side was revealed to be Kaname, her muscles relaxed back. The brunette vampire stepped in with a figure towing behind. His larger frame shielded the smaller one. Yuuki was unable to get even a glimpse till the night class president sat down, and once he did… the sheltered figure appeared direct in line of Yuuki and headmaster's vision.

The chairman transformed back to his usual goofy self and went on gushing about how 'cute' and 'adorable' this newcomer is. He even went as far as to pull her cheeks a little and play with them.

As for Yuuki, her shock was painted quite well on her face. This girl standing in front was unlike any vampire the younger brunette had ever seen. Somehow she found herself unable to move her gaze off of this person – er vampire. While the headmaster continued to play with her cheeks, Yuuki observed, the new vampire and Kaname a share a gaze. No words came out yet it appeared as though they were having a full on communication just through the eyes.

Soon after Kaname cleared his throat, the headmaster got the hint. Gaining his composure Cross Kaien offered the girl to take the empty seat beside Kaname before he went around the table and settled down himself.

"Yuuki, I'd like you to meet the new student," The headmaster formally introduced "…Kuran Aiyora."

"Nice to meet- Um… are you somehow be related to Kaname-sempai?...since you both share the same surname." In the midst of introducing herself, the prefect realized the fact that this person shared the surname with Kaname.

Are they related! But how…? She has known the vampire all her life and never has he ever mentioned anything about his family. Suddenly Yuuki felt like an idiot. Just because he never really talked about his family does not mean that he has none.

The moment passed in silence. No one in the room actually spoke. Although the headmaster knew exactly who the newcomer was he could not open his mouth as it would reveal some unwanted information to the person in question. Kaname on the other hand was contemplating on which relationship to disclose and Aiyora was just waiting for him to speak.

All eyes were now set on Kaname, waiting for him to formally introduce the person sitting beside him.

"She is my fianc-"

"He's my older brother." Aiyora took over, cutting him off.

Kaname glanced at Aiyora from the corner of his eyes only to see that she was doing the same.

"Oh, I see… sorry I was just a little surprised, as Kaname-sempai never mentioned anything about his family. But I'm so glad to have finally met you…"

While relief washed over Yuuki, Kaname faced Aiyora. Under the table his hand reached out to entwine with her. Hidden from the eyes of the headmaster and Yuuki. Aiyora was unfazed by the action, her focus remained on Yuuki instead. But her hand sure gave his a gentle squeeze, assuring him she knew what she was doing.

"Yuuki why don't you give our new student a tour while I finish up the formalities with Kaname-kun."

"Of course."

Aiyora stood up gracefully and motioned Yuuki to lead the way.


The prefect showed the new student around...

Yuuki being the one in lead and Aiyora, as the one following.

"That's the old teacher's dorm." The brunette pointed a finger toward an old abandoned looking building, while they walked past it from far. "…it was used as a temporary residence for the night class students when it was first established."

Aiyora made no comment. Only silently observed the human as she let out an unwanted shudder. The pureblood wondered if its because this place brought back the memory of the night, the night she saw true face of a vampire. It has to be! Or else why would they walk around it from far as if the place was plagued.

"That over there is the sun dorm, a prohibited area for all night-class students. The smaller building beside is day class teacher's dorm. On the far right opposite, the smaller grey colored house close to the moon dorm is the night class teacher's dorm. That's the cafeteria, right by its side is the library. Both of which closes by 7.00 pm sharp. …And the large building we are walking towards is the main school building. Most of it is used by the day class but the top floor is reserved for the night class only."

"I see…" Aiyora mused. Secretly studying every detail of the prefect's feature.

The young Kuram rarely paid attention to the tour. As most of it was quite irrelevant. What good would it serve her to have knowledge on where the sun-dorm is, the teachers resided. The library and cafeteria would have if sense if the moon dormitory didn't have those facilities available. Why on earth would she buy food from cafeteria when the moon dormitory has their own personal chef. As for the library, a quarter of the south-east wing in the moon-dorm consisted of its library.

The main reason why Aiyora even agreed to the tour was so that she could closer look at Yuuki. There was a lot more to her than it appeared in the eyes. Despite being a human she bore some striking resemblance to Kaname; and it doesn't just end there, she smells a lot like him too– a problem that did not seem to fit equation quite right.

The pureblood's mind reflected back on all the interactions she witnessed between the two. From Yuuki's side the feeling can be described as having a huge crush on someone who is totally out of your league. As for Kaname it was slightly different –he deeply cared about her. So much that every time after meeting her his eyes reflected two notable emotions: sadness and loneliness. However their interactions remained more on the platonic side, most of which included him petting her head or ruffing her hair and sometime cupping her face. Never escalating further. And this was precisely the part of the puzzle Aiyora was having hard time cracking. She even went as far as to bite him but he acted fast enough and sealed off his all his memories before she could get a single glimpse.

Now moving onto the important part… Aiyora understood Kaname's weakness for Cross Yuuki. But why on earth was she developing a soft spot for the human? Why was she feeling a connection? Why does her scent make her (Aiyora) so nostalgic? What is going on here?

What are you not telling me onii-sama? What are you trying to protect so much…? Who is this person…?

The young pureblood felt a dull ache taking over the back of her head and spreading its way forward. She took a deep breath in hopes that it would ease it down, even if temporarily.

They stepped into the main school building.

Aiyora remained lost in deep thought. Yuuki seized this opportunity to closely examine the vampire.

Vampires are naturally born blessed with good looks. So it was nothing new for a vampire to be beautiful. As a matter of fact it was one of their most prominent feature which they use to lure their prey. Every member was in the night class is beautiful. However among them the one who outshined everyone all this time was Kuran Kaname. But with the entry of Kuran Aiyora that changed. If there is anyone that can give serious competition to the Kuran male was this Kuran female.

Yuuki felt no shame in admitting that Aiyora has the most unique and catchy pair of blue eyes that she has ever seen. They're big, bold, slanted like a cat and quite expressive. Not a single dot or the smallest of patches exist on the surface of her absolutely milky complexioned skin. Her lips, almost red. And the hair… looked like luxurious silk cascading down the owner's back. This vampire was unlike anything she has ever seen.

They walked along the dark hallways making way towards the staircase in silence. The tour has come to an end. Now Yuuki was just dropping her off to class. Few more flight of stairs till they reach the desired destination.

"So… how was Kaname-sempai as a child?" Yuuki finally gathered some courage and tried to make some personal conversation.

Aiyora looked at her from the corner of her eyes before responding with a simple. "I don't know."

Yuuki shot the vampire a confused look. Like how could she not know being his own sister? And Aiyora happened to read through her thoughts.

"I'm a lot younger in age than he is, he was quite grown by the time I was born." She clarified but made sure to sound every bit dis-interested. In hopes that this topic 'Kaname-sempai' would not drag along further.

Unfortunately for Aiyora, Yuuki missed the hint and went on to narrate the story of her beginning that consisted off him. Leaving the pureblood no choice but to listen to one of the most cringe worthy story ever told. Aiyora's wasn't sure whether it was the story itself or Yuuki's style of narration that was making her cringe so much.

"You must be so lucky to be related to him." Aiyora rolled her eyes. If only she knew…

"He made frequent visits each year. Even after leaving me with his closest acquaintance, he always came to check, to see if I was coping well here... despite being a vampire he is so kind."

Only to you. I was abandoned, while you were living in bliss.

"Even though he is a vampire… as long as he is close by I no longer feel scared. He takes away my fear."

Girl, you should be scared! He's a nothing but a wolf in sheep's skin.

"He is so gentle. Despite being a vampire he possess so much warmth…" She almost shivered as she spoke.

Goodness gracious!

"You seem very fond of my brother Yuuki-san." The said person's blush deepened. Her face was now fully red. She grew nervous and started to stutter. Seeing that Aiyora decided to tease further. "I can convey him the message if you want me to."

"No no no I did not mean it in that way. It's just I owe my life to hi-"

"Relax! I was just joking." Aiyora petted the other's shoulder. "Anyway where is my class…?"

"We're almost there." Yuuki told her as they climbed up the last flight of stairs.

Kaname was waiting for them just outside the classroom. He watched the two girls make their way towards him. Seeing the two of them together side by side brought back memories of happiest times he lived in this lifetime. The big-brother him longed to pull the two little ones into his arms and relive those days even if it was for a moment. However he also knew how much of an impossible wish that was.

"Thank you for bringing her back safely, Yuuki." He said offering a tender smile.

"No need to thank me, I was just doing my job." She bowed, in an attempt to hide her flushed face. Then turned on her heels to retreat and that was when Aiyora spoke up.

"Oh by the way Yuuki-sempai, thank you for all your help." She added with a mischievous smile. Yuuki in turn gave an enthusiastic nod and left.

The purebloods stood there and watched the prefect's retreating figure. Once the latter fully faded in the darkness Kaname wrapped an arm around Aiyora's shoulder but the latter pushed it off with a vigorous jerk of her shoulder. The older pureblood looked at her in question glare but she was already at the door. However she paused right before entering the classroom, looked over the shoulder and flashed him a teasing smile and uttered the following words in a voice so low that only he could hear for whom it was intended… "See you after class."

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The professor, Subaru Tachibaya introduced Kuran Aiyora formally to the class. Not much was needed to be said as the latter has been a resident of the moon dormitory for the past couple years. Everyone was already familiar with her and vice versa.

She was asked to take the seat anywhere of her choice and Aiyora chose the empty space beside the Shiki heir.

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That night the class went on till 3 am. By the time everyone left the school building and reached back to their respective room it was close the 3.30 am. Not being used to managing such tight knit schedule Aiyora went straight to bed after quick shower.

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At one point in time a soft knock came to her door. But the young pureblood way too deep into slumber to even hear. The opened after couple more knocks. A figure in dark colored attire walked in… it approached her bed… watched her sleeping form for a moment… removed the hair that was curtaining her face… the figure then leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on the side of her temple and afterwards left.

Just as the soft click of the door closing was heard… the young pureblood opened her eyes… a smile gracing the corner of her lips. He came, she could careless about that fact. What called for celebration that she successfully fooled him into thinking that she was asleep.


Several days have passed since Aiyora joined the night class.

Tonight the class ended few minutes short of 10 pm and everyone was already back at the dorm before quarter past 10.

Aiyora was also in her room. Taking her sweet time in taking off the uniform. Not like she had anything to do afterwards. Originally she and Senri made plans to dine outside but on their way back after class the latter's mobile phone rang. The call came from the agency, asking the models to report urgently. Once back the at dorm the model pair only had enough time to change out of their uniform before taking off…

Kaname gently knocked on the door and waited till a voice a came from inside asking him to enter.

Once inside he found the owner of the room seated on the edge of the bed pulling down her ponytail. Her blazer was already off and discarded on the couch. The red ribbon that holds the blazer together was somewhere on the floor laying like it was an item of no importance.

"I hope I'm not interrupting…" Kaname said, taking a quick scan around while also closing the door behind him. Indicating he was not planning on leaving anytime soon.

"I was just changing."

"Would you want me to wait outside…" he was a gentleman after all.

"No, its fine." There goes her teasing, again.

"May I offer some assistance then…?" the soul of the ancestor found himself to be appalled at his own perverted offer.

No doubt the offer he made was quite provocative. If this was the scenario let's say a month back Aiyora would be sitting on the spot terrified, if not that, then outraged for sure. She would scream profanity at him and have him kicked out of her chamber. But now the situation was a lot different. Now she knows, and have discovered secrets that not only gave her leverage but made her quite bold.

"Sure!" she extended one of her leg. Kaname raised an amused brow. She was asking him to take off her shoes. Her audacity surely knows no limit. But more than her courage Kaname found himself questioning his own self respect. What was going on…? Why was he complying…?

Before his head could even seek out the answer he had already knelt down. The offered right leg now placed on his lap. He unzipped the brown leathered ankle boot before slowly pulling it out. Now that the footwear was gone, the sock remained. His wine orbs followed, the material has stretched out all the way above her knee. His hand slowly slithered its way up… till his fingers connected with the elastic hem that sat mid-thigh. Their eyes locked, his dark dilated wine ones with her mischievous blue ones. His fingers lingered there for little more than they should have before slowly it started to pull the hem down.

Carefully and gently Kaname placed her leg down on the floor and soon as he did that, her other leg – the unattended one landed right back on his chest. The pureblood prince looked down, just to make sure he felt it right and he sure did! The booted foot was placed exactly over his beating heart. The breath he was holding in finally released… as he contemplated on the feeling. How is it possible for one to feel humiliated and excited at the same time…? He sure is a masochist while also being a sadist.

…And what was worse was the fact that Aiyora now knew it all!

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They lay on the bed facing each other. Although no words were exchanged with mouth but communication through action remained constant. His foot for example, which has been playing with her feet for so long that at this point he unable to bring it to a stop.

Not just him, she has also been playing her part perfectly, almost too perfectly. Her fingers that were initially playing with his hair have moved on to the buttons of his shirt… slowly and steadily undoing them one after another... till it came fully undone, revealing the smooth chest that usually stayed hidden inside.

"Would you be offended if I told you, your action is arousing me." The silence finally broke and he was the one to break it.

"Nope..." she stated like it was no big of a deal. Her fingers now drawing patterns all across his chest.

"And if I tell you that it is giving me the urges… to touch you." He pursued...

"Sure, do that..." she added the rest with a teasing smile playing at the corner of her lips. "…but only in your mind."

"That is quite unfair…"

"I know…"

Shutting those eyes he released a deep sigh and leaned in, their forehead touching, nose almost crossing. All that he needed now was her permission.

"How about a kiss then...?" he suggested in a voice barely above whisper.

"Absolutely..." her nails dug deeper into his chest and scratched down drawing lines of thin bloody trails in the process. "…but only after you arouse me."

He let out a low growl. "...you're too cruel."

" 'One has to be, in order to survive in our world.' It was one of your teaching that I have taken into my heart."

"How bold of you… to speak to me in such a manner."

"It's your fault for giving me such courage…" she referred to the incident that occurred that night, the night where the predator transformed into a prey. While her hand slid down lower and caressed his abdomen.

"…I was only defending myself but you had a choice. And you chose to let your guard down. I can understand the fear you felt hearing her name from my mouth. But that doesn't justify your action afterwards… You and I both know our strength would never match. All you probably had to do was use a bit of force and I would have been thrown away, but you did none of that. Instead you surrendered!"

Everything that has been happening between them since, is the aftermath…

"Feed my curiosity, tell me… why you allowed me to bite you?"

"If I tell you, that I want you to have same equation with me as you have with Shiki..." this was his turn to make the move. The ancient vampire slowly settled himself above her, positioning his form tactfully between her legs. "…In fact I want to be the only one that you give such pleasure to."

Aiyora looked at him confused not quite clear about the reference he just made.

"…Has no one ever told you, a vampire's bite provides you with the same kind of pleasure as mating."

"I may have heard but never experienced. Lady Shiki's bite was anything but pleasurable."

"Let me change that…" he suggested cupping a portion of her face.

"Why not do that to Yuuki." She made the counter offer and changed his smirk to a frown.

"Oh wait you can't… your heart maybe left in her care but your body is running after another." She teased, blowing some air onto his face with her lips. His eyes closed down at the sensation.

"…When you once made the decision to abandon me, it would have been best to keep it that way." She advised. "…But no, you returned with a plan that possessed major flaws. You spent way too much time in my company than it was required for your purpose. All that you needed was to gain my trust. But you wanted to be a step ahead, so you added the plan to woo me as well, just so that in the end you have a stronger grip on me. And while doing so, you spent less and less time with that special person... and before you even realized, there was already a wall between the two of you…how tragic."

Again Aiyora took change and flipped their position. She sat on him straddling his hips while he lay beneath her helplessly.

"…And as days are passing you're losing you're capability to break that wall. After all your body is growing weak towards something it should not."

His hands that rested on the curve of her waist tightened.

"You think I'll be alone in this…?" he charged. "…Perhaps I am now, but I know for a fact that I won't be for long. Given that what has happened to me, the same will happen to you. It is only a matter of time before this body…" his hand ran up and down her clothed stomach "…starts to feel the same urges."

"Hence why attraction towards the wrong person can be deadly. Even if one do feel such… it should be kept a secret. But for some reason you chose not to do that. Let me guess… now you're trying to gain your strength by bringing me into the same page… aren't you?"

He provided her no answer. Giving her the floor to go on.

"You should have shared your memories instead of revealing your feelings. Because the latter holds no value to me. Perhaps by using the former you could have gained some of my sympathy and worked that towards your plan."

"I've lived a long complicated life. Delving into my memories at such young age would further confuse you. Besides memories are for the past, that is meant to be left behind. As for you, I want you to focus on the present, live it like its a gift." His hand reached out to cup her face but she slapped it away.

"You don't want me to find out about Yuuki… why is that? Are you afraid that I might harm her. If so, let me assure you… I hold no bitter feelings towards her."

The response he gave had absolutely no connection to what she just said.

"Do you feel the changes occurring within in my body. I would advise you, not to take me to the edge. Stop before my limit is exceeded. I don't wish to scar you for the rest of your life."

Aiyora chuckled. "Are you implying that you might rape me? …is that a threat?"

"I'm simply asking you to not to provoke me. Unknowingly you're playing with fire..." he warned, one of his hand landed on her hip and squeezed the area. "…stop it before you get burnt."

"And if I don't listen…" she challenged. "What if I tell you that I'm no longer afraid of you."

"That would be very foolish of you."

"Well then enjoy the show…" with that said she bit into her own wrist and started to drink her own blood. The older pureblood's eyes initially winded before looked the other way and closed them down and used all his strength to divert his mind elsewhere…

"Leave!"

Kaname shot his eyes open and found Aiyora standing on the floor, she was no longer seated atop him.

He sat up and buttoned his shirt before leaving the bed. Aiyora had expected him to leave as per her order and frankly he was going to do that till his eyes fell upon his current object of fascination. And in a heartbeat the vampire within him was aroused... in a split second he was in front of her, licking up that thin trail of blood from the corner of her lips… which Aiyora did not even know was there until…

"It would be wise if you to refrain from doing something so rash." He implied to the action of Aiyora drinking her own blood.

"What I do with my blood is my business. And if it really bothers you, then by all means… stay away."

"What are you trying to prove?"

"I have nothing to prove. I simply want my answers and nothing can stop me from seeking them out. Not even you!"

"The beauty of life works in a mysterious way… the lesser you know the better off you will be."

"Let me be the one to decide that… onii-sama!"


After a quick bow to the two awaiting vampires the chauffer opened the door to the limousine.

Ichijou was the first to enter and Kaname was just about to climb in, but interruption came when his name was called out by an all too familiar voice. The pureblood quickly turned, only to see Aiyora rushing down the stairs of the main building and in a split second she was in front of him.

"You forgot this." She presented him his wallet while a jubilant smile crossed her lips. Kaname eyed the object suspiciously. He clearly recalls grabbing his wallet and putting it inside the left pocket of his trouser. So how did that end up in her hand? …But nevertheless he took it, offering her a smile of his own.

"Don't run so fast you'll trip over and get hurt. Next time hand them to a maid." His voice was laced with concern. "… but thank you so much." He petted the top of her head and slightly caressed her face.

And this time Aiyora beamed him an innocent, almost childlike smile and then leaning closer, she winked. Kaname somehow found himself smiling. In return he decided to give a soft kiss on her forehead. It shocked her slightly, but that was only for the giver to see. Not the person who was watching their interaction, sitting inside the vehicle.

Ichijou watched the entire exchange, confused. A visible frown formed on his face. None of the recent interactions of the two Kurans made any sense; especially to someone who had the most knowledge. Kaname was going to bite her. Aiyora would have gotten hurt, or worst – be dead. And now look at them, closer than ever! Takuma at least expected Aiyora to shut herself off from everything for weeks. But to his surprise she did none of that. As a matter of fact when he saw her the very next evening, she appeared all hyper and excited chatting with Aidou on the main floor lobby.

By the time Kaname climbed back into the car his previously kind face vanished and was replaced with the signature blank slate. Ichjiou gave a smile, out of politeness but that was returned with nothing. His friend simply looked the other way and faced the window. The brunette was upset with the blonde and was not going to hide. The latter understood the former has been expecting an explanation for his action and an apology, but guess what – he wasn't going to give one either!

The car drove out and continued to drive through the empty streets of the town. The riders inside sat in tensed silence. Each facing the window of their side. From time to time the Ichijou heir would turn to check up on his friend. Frankly he was quite mad at Kaname but that does not mean he was any less worried about the him. At this point Takuma wasn't just worried about Aiyora, he worried for Kaname too. He wanted to know what took place between them after Aiyora had sent him off. And why soon after that the smell of his blood flooded the entire moon-dorm? How did such a thing even happen? When Takuma was leaving, Kaname was still the predator with Aiyora as his targeted prey. But soon after his exit their positions swapped. The predator became the prey! Now the question is what could have taken place to cause such drastic change? Aiyora would never match him in strength despite that she overtook the situation. How she pulled off such a daring stunt is beyond his understanding…

Deep down Ichijou was itching for answers but alas there was no way to scratch the itch and soothes his senses. Kaname was not speaking to him and when he asked Aiyora, she gave him a very vague response, which at end of the day did not make much sense.


Senri was worried. The maroon haired model was quite worried about his half sister. Even now while watching her as she packed his bag, he could not shake away the worrying feeling that has been piling inside his stomach like a bile.

"I will not let you go if you continue to stare me down like that."

"Better for me..." The model commented dryly. "…its not like I want to anyway. Leaving you behind is the hardest thing I have to do. …sometimes I wish you were small enough to be packed into a bag. I would have taken you everywhere with me."

Senri usually does not talk that much. That fact that he was doing so, meant something was not right. And from the tone of his voice Aiyora already detected something was off. She packed the last sweater and turned to him, then asked "…What's wrong?"

He said nothing just continued to watch her… like she was the subject he was studying for exam.

"Ri-chan…?" the pureblood grew slightly worried. Especially when he did not answer even after the second call. She quickly zipped up his bag before approaching him.

"Talk to me Ri-chan, tell me what's wrong?" one of her hand reached out to cup his face while the other grabbed hold of his arm.

"You drank from president Kuran…" whether it was a question or a statement she did not know. Nor could she detect the exact emotion from within his tone. It was a thin line between being worried and being jealous.

"I did…" she admitted with absolute honesty.

"How did you do that?"

She raised a brow, wondering should he be asking why instead of how.

"He was going to bite me, so I defended myself. Little did I know he was going to be such an easy prey. All I had to do was grab him and flip us over. There was zero attempt to fight back. He just laid there like a dead body."

The Shiki heir sighed, not fully convinced. He was sure the real scenario wasn't as simple as Aiyora was trying to make it sound. There is no way Kuran Kaname would just lay there and let her suck the life out of him. He definitely did that for a reason – a very solid reason!

"You do realize Ai-chan it's not as easy as you're trying to make it sound." He told her.

"You're right…" And she couldn't agree more. He was right… it wasn't; but she didn't want him to know that. "…it was easier."

Senri rolled his eyes. "…why would you take such risk? Did he taste that good?"

"I was hoping to get answers."

"Any success…?"

She shook her head 'no', "He sealed off his memories before I could dive in."

Another sigh left the model's perfect lips. Just as he expected. President Kuran is not going let someone feed off of him for nothing. There has to be some sort of agenda behind it.

"So what did you actually find out by drinking from him?" he asked the question she was dreading the most.

Aiyora bit the inside of her mouth contemplating on how to answer that. Should she lie? Or be honest. For moment there she sided with the former idea. Only to realize what good would it do. It wouldn't be wise to lie or keep your loved one in the dark. More importantly those feelings belong to Kuran Kaname – it has got nothing to do with her. So without further hesitation she picked the latter…

"He's attracted to me… very attracted to me." She blurted out like it was nothing, yet specified on the word 'very'.

For a moment there Senri felt his heart stop. And it did! For a good few seconds it did not beat before it started to drum out as if it was trying to break out of the ribcage.

"How are you so casual about it…?"

Aiyora made an 'I don know' face. "It's his body –his problem. I play no role here."

"You're not leading him on… are you?" she turned to him stunned. Did he just accuse her…!?

"Why would I be leading him on!" she exclaimed. Putting her foot firmly down.

"I heard from various sources that he came to your room the other night-"

"Yes, we were talking. I was trying to coax him into giving me the answer."

All sorts of horrible images filtered through the Shiki heir's mind. And now he has to leave her here, ALONE for the next two days! He could seriously feel his head spin. In this situation the best case scenario would be if Kuran Kaname is lying. If the pureblood is indeed fooling her, then the most that would happen is that Aiyora will end up with a broken heart. Sure it sounds bad, at least he -Shiki Senri will be there to mend to her broken heart. And if Kuran has indeed developed feelings for her and its not reciprocated then that's a sign of trouble. Especially if she's giving him wrong signals now.

"How exactly were you trying to coax him?"

Aiyora thought about what to tell him exactly –that she made Kaname take off her shoes. Then for no apparent reason opened his shirt and scratched all over his chest like a wild cat! (A scene that she has watched in an erotic movie and adapted in real life.) Oh and it gets even better… she drank her own blood to provoke him.

Aiyora bit her bottom lip understanding all to well that none of those cannot be told. So she opted for safer choice of words.

"…I want my answers. And he has them!"

The maroon haired vampire noticed right away that she evaded the question… that too after that long silence.

"Ai-chan… What answers do you need out of the blue?" he ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated.

"Hey!" a third voice came and interrupted them.

The half siblings faced the door and found Rima all set to head out.

"Manager Ye called, she outside waiting." She informed.

The next couple seconds passed in pin drop silence. Aiyora was looking at nothing in particular. Senri was staring her down and Rima staring at them both.

"We're running late." Rima took the initiative to break the silence.

Senri gave her an understanding nod. He grabbed the bag from the bed and placed it on his shoulder. As he was about to walk past his half-sister he paused, only so that he could tell her to stay safe until his return.

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Once in the car, on their way to the agency Rima cleared her throat in order to grab her distracted partner's attention.

"What is it?" he asked without even sparing her a glance. His head remained leaning against the window.

"Are you upset that she drank from president Kuran?"

"…"

He did not answer and her already existing frown deepened.

"It was a wise move in her part…" Senri turned, only to glare. But she did not back down and instead remined him. "…don't forget that she is his fiancée. …So it would be in everyone's best interest if she stopped drinking from you."

The Shiki heir closed his eyes. As it felt like salt was being rubbed on a freshly made wound.


They walked down the grandeur staircase of the council's main building. The aristocrat was couple steps behind the pureblood. Their ride back was already waiting for them. The long black limousine was standing right where the stairs ended.

The meeting has finally ended… with no solution reached. Meaning few more trips to accursed place was on que now. The earliest one would be sometime next week. But what to do, things have gotten quite complicated especially after the awakening of a pureblood of the Hanadagi clan. First it was Hio Shizuka, who recently disappeared without a trace and now this. As if the vampire world didn't have enough trouble to begin with.

Takuma looked at the sky, the sun has already set. He sighed tiredly. It was before dawn when they arrived, now as they're leaving its already dusk. He certainly hoped the next session won't be as long as this one.

The chauffer rushed to open the door when Kaname was about to step onto the last step of the staircase, but with a raised hand the pureblood signaled the lower ranked vampire to wait. He needed some fresh air… so he decided to take a walk…

While the pureblood paced the premises lost in deep thought, Takuma leaned against the vehicle and waited. His warm green eyes remained glued on his friend. The latter appeared upset and quite stressed out at the same time. Under normal circumstances the blonde would inquire… but now he decided to mind his own business. Like the pureblood would even share...

Takuma took a quick glance at his watch, almost half hour passed and Kaname has been standing on the same spot for the last twenty minutes. A moment later he finally moved but not where expected. Instead of turning back, he march towards the forest ahead. But right before entering the forest he turned and glanced back at the blonde. He may not have said anything verbally but his aura commanded the aristocrat to follow. Leaving the Ichijou heir no choice…

The brunette and the blonde continued to walk through the forest in silence like two strangers. It has been a while and they've made it half way through with no words exchanged… yet.

Takuma knew his friend very well. The very reason Kaname has brought themselves into the forest is so that they can talk. It is him who wanted to talk, but his pride was holding him back from making an attempt. So if Takuma does not take the initiative chances are they will end up spending the night in this jungle. And to be alone in the Kuran prince's company was the last thing the Ichijou heir needed at this moment.

So he did what was needed to be done, he broke the silence. "If you're expecting an apology, you will be disappointed. Because I don't regret my action Kaname."

The pureblood's footsteps came to a halt but he did not turn.

"That is quite bold of you to stand against me Ichijou. Then again it would be foolish off me to be surprised, considering what you've done…" he made reference to the way Takuma has jumped in to save Aiyora.

"…tell me, you're not growing inappropriate feelings for her… are you?" this time the pureblood looked over his shoulder and studied the blonde who had his face down.

"I don't know what you mean by inappropriate… but to her I'm a brother." Takuma spoke with honesty.

"Her feelings maybe platonic... But what about yours?"

"It might change… depending on the circumstances."

Kaname's glare hardened. This time he turned and fully faced the blonde aristocrat.

"I would advice you to refrain from listening to your grandfather's ill advice." The brunette made it clear that he overheard the private conversation which took place between the grandfather and the grandson inside Ichio's office prior to the start of main meeting.

"Perhaps I should consider his advise… in order to save an innocent life." Takuma said, feeling really bold all of a sudden.

The response infuriated the pureblood. It was direct challenge thrown at him. The alpha has been challenged by a mere beta… how ridiculous! At the same time Kaname also wanted to laugh. Ichijou was indeed very naïve. Aiyora and innocent? An unwanted shiver ran down his spine and his eyes closed in a momentary bliss… if only he knew…

"Allow me to let you in on a little secret… you wasted your breath Ichijou... It was absolutely pointless posing in as the hero in front of her because-"

"Listen Kaname, Aiyora's life may hold no value to you but that doesn't mean her life is worthless-"

" –I was not going to drink her blood." Kaname finished, calmly.

"What…!?" Takuma exclaimed not fully registering what he just heard.

"I can devour anyone. Any vampire… hunter… human… animal. Any living being that walks the face of this earth I have the ability to drain… and that includes Yuuki as well. However, with Aiyora it is different… they say what you cannot have is what you desire the most. Perhaps it is also why my thirst for her blood is the strongest… As it is something I will never be able to acquire on my own."

"I don't understand what you're saying Kaname."

The pureblood opted to ignore his surprise and went on narrating staring at the nothing in particular.

"…For the longest time I kept myself guarded around her. But then it started to upset Yuuki. So for Yuuki's happiness I started to let my guard down around Aiyora. Unknowingly, bit by bit I became captivated by her very essence… I was never as close to Aiyora as I was to Yuuki, which was why I was gravely surprised as I started to feel her blood call out to me. It did not just reach out, but also summoned and aroused the vampire that intended to sleep eternally."

"You're not making any sense Kaname. You just said that you cannot drink her blood…did you ever try?"

Kaname did not answer, instead continued at his own pace.

"My mother's last wish was for Aiyora to be left in Shiki family's care. Whilst my father's last wish was …" he paused and took a deep breath allowing the breeze to gently caress him. "…keep away from Aiyora."

"I'm afraid I don't quite understand… your father, why did he want that…?"

"I did not either, at the beginning… Now to answer your question first question, yes I did try to drink Aiyora's blood. My fangs even successfully penetrated through skin… but then it miserably failed to draw the blood. I used all my strength and suckled, but all my efforts were in vain… not a single drop reached me. I concluded that as a mistake on my part to bite her palm. So the next time I went for her wrist. My fangs felt her blood as it streamed through… it was right there… still I could not suck out even the tiniest drop. …Now to answer your second question, my father ended up being a witness. He walked in on me as I tried to drink from my youngest adopted sister. Although he told me nothing but I saw his eyes as it glistened with disappointment. From that moment he stood as a silent barrier between Aiyora and I. He went to great length to keep us apart…"

"Then…?"

"…soon after Aiyora was promised to the heir of the Shiki family."

The pair of green eyes went wide.

For Takuma it was a lot to take in at once. But he did not mind, in fact he was glad. Finally, after all these years he understood Kaname… even if it was only a bit. The pureblood actually said a lot and at the same time those answers gave birth to many new question. The most important one being –

"Why is it that you can't drink from Aiyora-chan…? What makes her blood so special…?"

"…"

Once more Kaname gave him the signature silence. After all what could he possibly say… without letting out on his biggest secret. He could certainly not share with Ichijou that the blood of his master – the one that awakened the ancestor from the coffin was flowing through that girl's body.

Therefore in the absence of Kuran Rido, his daughter Kuran Aiyora was his master!

And it is imply impossible drink the blood of your master... without permission!

...but that was not for Ichijou to know nor the fact that he has devised the perfect plan to persuade her.


Kaname returned from the council after a day long meeting.

Recently the situation at the senate have gotten quite chaotic. The alleged son of Hanadagi Maya has made sudden appearance, and caused civil-war within the Hanadagi family. As if that family did not have enough trouble to begin with. Amongst all the pureblood clans, that particular family is the most troublesome one. Their eldest daughter, Maya was murdered in cold when all her brothers started to go against one another in order to marry her. Then, several hundred years later another daughter was born, Layla – aka Reira. That poor soul was sold off to Kuran Rido and now she's missing with no clue about her whereabouts. Although there are gossips that she seduced one of her brothers and fled with him after steal some of the families wealth. But there are hardly any evidence. And now with the return of Maya's son things at the Hanadagi estate are quite shaken up. In all honesty if tomorrow the news break out that the entire Hanadagi clan has been assassinated Kaname wouldn't be surprised.

The brunette pureblood climbed up the circular staircase of the moon dorm, tired and exhausted. He thought about paying a little visit to Aiyora but his heighten senses detected her absence in her own room and that altered his decision. His route changed and he headed straight to his suite.

A smirk made its way onto his lips as he detected her in his room. A strange excitement seeped through him. His hands pushed open the door that led to his office… and there she was sitting on his chair with both her legs seductively crossed and resting up above the desk…waiting for him!

Her confidence could fool anyone into thinking she owned the entire place.

Kaname was not entirely sure how he felt about the scene displayed before him. He wanted to be angry, in fact there are many reasons to… For starter, the chair she was so insolently seated on held a respectable meaning. This chair not only belonged to the president of the moon-dorm, it was a throne, to the leader of the night-class –Whose authority over the vampires in this school was above all. That included teachers and even the headmaster of the school itself.

…And here she was occupying it like some sort of upscale pleasure giver. Such disrespect!

Now onto the reasons why he could not be angry despite such disrespect; and there are plenty here as well. Her posture… the very fashion in which she sat… the look on her face… that heart melting innocent smile and that cunning expression within those cat like eyes. Every single one of those little things she did throw a challenge at him. It showed her authority over him... After all no one in the night class would dare enter his chamber and take over, the way she has done. Nor would anyone in their society challenge him the way she has been doing. … indeed they share the master and slave relationship.

"You're late!" her tone made it hard to differentiate, whether she stated or demanded an explanation. But he chose to explain anyway…

"Few of the councilmen could not arrive on time..." He came around the table, "…So the meeting began hours later than its original scheduled time."

His eyes continued to picked out every detail of what she was wearing. These days Aiyora mostly wore the short silk slip dresses with a matching long kimono or robe that usually loosely hung around her shoulder. She owned them almost in every color and tonight her color was blue. The shade that matched her mesmerizing eyes.

The older vampire sat on the edge of the table, close to where her feet were placed.

"Its considered rude to keep a lady waiting." His eyes moved down to her lips, that smile was so captivating.

He heaved a sigh…

"My sincerest apologies." One of his hand reached out and started to play with her left foot. His elegant long fingers gently massaging her long perfectly pedicured toes. The action wasn't intentional, it just happened. Did he know how…? Not really.

Their eyes remained locked in competitive stare. She continued to smile and he continued to watch her smile. Eventually his fingers moved on from her foot, travelling the way up along her calf. The feel of her skin reminded him off butter. The battle within their eyes continued… The first to blink would the one who lose. …His hand brushed over her knee making it's way towards the thigh. Aiyora retreated her legs and was up on her feet immediately.

She may have been a little scared but hid the factor quite well. Instead she closed in on the gap and wrapped her arms around his neck. Then whispered into his ear in a seductive purr.

"So… any chance tonight I get to see something?"

He leaned into her ear, caressing the area with his nose and lips. She expected him to say something but he only took a deep breath before releasing it in the form of a deep-heavy sigh.

"You wouldn't know unless you try." That was him granting her the permission to go ahead.

Instantly she undid the long black coat he had on, but did not push them down the shoulder. Then moved to undo top four buttons of the crisp white shirt under it, before leaning into his neck and giving it a long lick like it was her personal property. The older pureblood leaned back resting his entire weight on one hand while the other wrapped around her tiny waist.

Her fangs sunk in… piercing through the flesh of his neck. This was her second time biting him… a feeling which he was deeply wanting. His eyes closed down at the sensation while the body started to shudder as series of pleasure started to hit him like tidal waves... one after another and another and another…

.

.

.

Around the moon dorm a lot of people tensed as the smell of very familiar blood made it appearance once again.

Takuma was in his room sitting on the study table reading a manga. He stopped the moment the scent of blood reached him. His body grew tensed. He slammed the book shut and let out a frightful sigh. A part of him was glad that Senri was not present tonight.

I hope you know what you're doing Aiyora-chan.

.

.

.

Ruka came close to barging in. She marched all the way up to the pureblood's suite and was just seconds away from pushing the door open when Akatsuki appeared out of nowhere and grabbed hold of her wrist before completely pulling her back.

"What do you think you're doing?" he hissed glaring down at the her.

"Kaname-sama's blood-"

"He is letting her drink out of his own will!" that seemed to have push some sense into her.

She pulled back from his grasp and walked back to her room in silent defeat. Leaving Akatsuki to watch her retreating figure longingly.

.

.

.

From a far distance Hanabusa watched both his cousins.

Back in the pureblood's study:

Unfortunately for Kaname this euphoric feeling did not last long like he had hoped. Because after the sixth gulp Aiyora pulled back abruptly, almost tearing apart the flesh around that area. Making his blood splatter on the table and some spots even on the floor. As an involuntary reaction the older pureblood give out a muted snarl. It resulted from mixtures of couple different feeling – the sudden pain being one, while the other was incompleteness. The bliss was still on the verge of building up and was nearing its peak, but then suddenly it was all taken away just like that! Leaving him absolutely on the edge, unfinished, with his body tingling.

Only Kaname knew how much power he was using just to sit there tightly. What was worse was that fact that she was still in his hold. His arm that was around her waist has not yet moved. And now every cell inside was begging him to taste her. Just one biteone gulp of her blood

"You're a disgusting pig!" she hissed. He was glad that she spoke as it served as temporary distraction. There was a faint tint of blush adorning her cheeks. A rare sight for him indeed.

"I was under the impression you wanted to see what was in my mind." He may have sounded steady but he was still coming down the from the feeling of being high. And that showed in action when his other hand pushed back the robe while a finger skillfully pulled down the strap of the night gown from the right side of her shoulder, exposing a lot more skin than it was required.

With a vigorous jerk Aiyora broke free from him and took quick step back to fix herself. Realization hit her, situation was getting out of hand. It would be in her best interest to leave now.

"It is your memories that I'm interested in, not your lewd thoughts." She was walking away when she felt his hand grasp her wrist.

"What –?" she glanced over the shoulder while also trying to pull out of his grasp. But his grip remained iron tight.

"Quench my thirst…" he tilted his head to the side and whispered.

"There are plenty of people in the moon-dorm who'd be happy to oblige." she hinted towards Ruka.

"But I want yours…" he sounded like a stubborn child making absurd demand.

"You don't know when to give up do you…!?" she rolled her eyes.

He said nothing to her initially but then suddenly pulled her closer. "Let's make a deal Ai…come on, let us quench each others thirst." His arms snaked around small her waist and forehead rested on atop her.

"Are you losing your memory onii-sama. I just drank..."

"But you're still thirsty for answers." Her eyes turned wide, mouth parted slightly but no words actually came out. He gulped as his eyes landed on her parted lips from up close.

"Do you not want to know who Yuuki is…? What is her connection to us…?"

"…" Aiyora may not have uttered a word but her silence spoke volumes.

"Let me drink your blood Ai, and in return…" one if his hand moved from her waist and settled into her hair grabbing a fistful of it.

"In return?" she quoted him, almost immediately.

He sighed, letting his breath shower her beautiful face "…in return I shall withdraw all secrets between us."

... And this was precisely the plan he could not share with Ichijou.


a.n. Thank you all for reading hope you guys enjoyed.