a.n. This chapter is not connected to the anime. However it a part of their light novel which was released separately. For those of you who already read are familiar with the story. For those who didn't read the story is actually available in wattpad. I'll briefly tell you - the story revolves around night class trying to take down a level e that works in the showbiz. Timeline is before Yuuki and Zero starts high school in cross academy and also shows how zero is armament on not going to high school with the vampires.
But as I am writing it here... a lot needed to be changed in order for it to go with the timeline of my story. Therefore it will be similar as in certain scenes from the novel are there but rest had to changed. So here is part 1. Hope you guys enjoy.
Also special thanks to Astird Claire for giving me this idea long ago.
Chapter 28 Noir's Trap (part 1)
"…?"
In depth of sleep, the blonde vampire was aware of someone calling him and asking a question. Instead of replying he buried his face into the pillow, but nevertheless, mustered enough energy for a reply.
"… that one …should be fine..."
"Okay." Having understood his semi-coherent reply, his roommate nodded. Having said that, he got up and left.
It was a rest day. Sleeping in like this was an absolute luxury. Normally, the noisy Day Class students would be outside. But today, it was all quiet and peaceful –perfect for sleeping. Hanabusa turned over on his bed and fell back asleep, completely forgetting the conversation he just had.
•••
Aiyora was ascending the stairs, ready to retire of the day. When she saw Ruka and Akatsuki coming down. Both dressed in semi-formal attire which they usually wore when heading out for day business.
"Where are you going this time of the day?" the pureblood asked.
"Kaname-sama is sending us out to take care of one of his business." Was what Ruka said in her response.
"We are actually visiting Rima and Shiki at their current location of shooting… would you like to come?" Akasuki invited the pureblood after revealing exactly where they were headed unlike the girl beside who kept her answer vague. His response also earned him a glare from Ruka.
"Are you sure I can come? It won't be bother?"
"Absolutely not. And I am sure Shiki and Rima would be delighted to have you." Ruka's glare hardened hearing the fiery haired vampire that say that.
"Great!" the pureblood chirped like bird. "Just give me two minutes. I'll change and meet you both at the main door."
Akatsuki nodded his head while Ruka frowned and that expression only deepened once Aiyora left them to get ready.
"Kaname-sama might get upset after learning this."
"So are you asking me to defy a pureblood now?" He asked with a raised brow.
"I'm simply reminding you that she does not come before Kaname-sama."
"But he made no such specification that his sister cannot accompany."
Ruka crossed her arms over her chest and gave out a frustrated sigh. Seeing their discussion was going nowhere she saw it as the best option to call it quit for now.
•••
The driver stepped on the brake and stopped the vehicle, Ruka opened the door and stepped out of the taxi. Looking every bit in the bad mood she was in. It was daytime, which for vampires was way too early to be up and about. Sure the sun wasn't there mortal enemy, it wouldn't kill them. But for vampires exposure to the sunlight was nevertheless uncomfortable.
Moreover, she was more disgruntled with her partner than anything else.
"Ah! But what can we do, it was after all Kaname-sama's order."
Following her out of the taxi, Kain Akatsuki replied in a soothing tone, trying to comfort the sulking Ruka. Upon hearing Akatsuki emphasize the name 'Kaname-sama' into her ear, a blushing Ruka jerked her head up and gave the considerably taller Akatsuki a severe glare.
"Of course, otherwise why do you think I'd come here with you!"
Akatsuki then turned and assisted the last person from inside the taxi, Kuran Aiyora.
"But why did onii-sama pick the two of you?" Aiyora asked, first thing after getting out. Personally she was glad the uncomfortably silence ride finally came to end. Ruka was quite upset about her joining their team more so because it was done without Kaname's permission.
"I'm sure the dorm president have his reasons."
Neither the girls made any response to that reasonable reply. While Ruka tried to suppress the anger building inside her by looking elsewhere. Aiyora focused on the ancient castle that stood before them.
"This must the location then?" Ruka pondered out loud.
Akatsuki nodded his head in agreement "Shiki and Rima must be in there."
Aiyora's face brightened at the information. Excitement brewing inside. She simply could not wait to go in.
As they stepped in Aiyora shivered, and gave out a sigh of uneasiness. The castle was filled with cold atmosphere. Having come to such a place, air that one can comfortably breathe was suddenly scarce and valuable.
"Shiki is over there." Akatsuki was the first to spot.
The model was standing on the grand spiral staircase of the lofting hallway. Aiyora's head snapped at the direction. Following her, Ruka also turned her neck and her lips curled up into a smile as she spotted her roommate.
"Rima's there as well… sitting on the steps –but what kind of outfit is that?" her words grabbed the pureblood's attention.
The handrail of the spiral staircase were designed to look like vines. Blood red roses were scattered all over the dark carpet. Overall, the backdrop created a beautiful atmosphere. Senri was still in the middle of the shoot. Only a slight flicker of eyes indicated his acknowledge of their arrival. Although the Shiki heir's dull grey blue eyes gave off characteristics rigid appearance, at the same time they also exuded a sense of delicate charm that was as thin as glass. The lack of change in his expressions was one of the reasons he had become such a prized model. It gave him an unshakeable sense of presence. No one else has such ability to create this type of atmosphere – this is his greatest charm, and this is what made Shiki Senri …irreplaceable.
At the moment he was wearing a white dress shirt with fitted black trousers. The almost open shirt showed considerable amount of his chest, and the tuxedo over it had an asymmetrical hem. On top of it all he wore a large black cloak.
Senri spread out his arm as if he was prepared to fly, the cloak immediately flared out around him like wings. A rose fell gently from the cloak, drifting through the air before onto Rima's hand, who was seated on the twisted staircase.
Rima's beauty was highlighted by makeup that was applied to her face. Her ivory skin reflected the shimmering light emitted by the surrounding blue and white lights. Her eyes were clouded with confusion as she gazed off into the horizon. Her lips were colored bold red, matching the color of the roses. Wearing that retro style dress, Rima expressed no response to the rose that fell into her hand.
In that moment they were models, portraying characters on a set – as young vampire and the human girl that was attracted by his charm.
CLICK!
The photographer captured a snapshot of this unique world.
"Heard the subject of this photoshoot is -vampire of the ancient castle."
"Really!"
"Pretending to be a vampire and human that got abducted by him… is this the type of job that Shiki and Rima are willing to do." Ruka kept her tone neutral, containing neither sarcasm nor mockery.
Upon hearing this Akatsuki just gave his shoulder's a shrug and Aiyora shot her a look of disapproval.
"Shiki-kun please turn slightly towards me! Ah yes, that's right! Now try this…" the energetic photographer kept pressing the shutter. Meanwhile the two professional models remained motionless and moved only when they were told.
"Come to think of it, this is my first time seeing them while they are working."
"Me too."
"How about you?" Akatsuki turned to Aiyora, who also nodded her head no.
"Its also my first time." She responded.
"Ah Shiki-kun is too good. His expression of vampire – cold, proud and lonely. Just as it was expected – no he did better than I expected. And Rima-san is also very good. It literally does look like vampire and his human lover." The photographer commented loudly as his camera never stopped taking shots.
"It's no wonder when you consider Shiki-kun and Rima-san, they are professional models." Next to Aiyora, Akatsuki and Ruka, the staff working behind the scenes started to talk amongst themselves.
"Hence why the photographer is always excited white working with these two."
"A forever young and handsome vampire living in an ancient castle, falling in love with a human girl. Ah the love-story is so poignant. Just look at those two… they could and should make a tv series out of this." Aiyora noticed from the corner of her eyes as the woman talking pointed her fingers at them.
"Speaking of vampire…" a timid woman spoke up "…have you about the rumor yet?"
"Oh that one?" Another female staff member spoke dropping her voice, her tone becoming somewhat more somber.
Although the three vampires present behind the camera appeared not to care. But in reality Aiyora was the only one who was least bothered. The other two stiffed, silently paying attention to every detail of the conversation going on behind them. Akatsuki's jaws stiffed and Ruka's eyes blinked – those were the only indication of their heightened awareness. Though, the ordinary eyes of the human saw none of this.
"The deaths all seemed to be caused by severe blood loss. Isn't this strange…?"
"And targets were all young girls."
"Were there no official police reports?"
"There are some. However the events are so bizarre that authorities are not revealing any details to the public. The investigation is being carried out secretly."
"It's scary…"
Dispelling the heavy atmosphere, a female staff member cheerfully mused, "…But if it was me, I would not mind getting sucked… as long as the vampire looked like Shiki-senpai…"
All the other stuff laughed it off as they returned to their respective jobs.
Having just finished their shoot Senri and Rima left the spiral staircase and looked over at the visitors.
"I think it's their break time, let's go over."
While Ruka only nodded to Akatsuki's suggestion Aiyora was already on the way, running towards them – well more like Shiki.
.
.
.
They were all seated in the lounge that was prepared for the models to rest. Senri, Aiyora and Rima were occupying the large three sitter sofa. Of course Aiyora made sure to seat herself in between the models. There is no way when she is around she would let another sit beside her Ri-chan. Akatsuki and Ruka occupied the double sitter on the opposite.
"Shiki-kun, Rima-san you two must be tired." Their manager- the short haired woman in glasses quickly strode across the hallway towards them. And upon seeing their manager Rima pointed at the magazine that was spread open on the coffee table and said, "Next time let's use this photographer."
"Isn't that Inakaru-san. You have great foresight Rima. Recently you two have become used to picking photographers by name and are more willing to accept magazine interviews. This is great, you two are finally beginning to become more professional. …Well, your wish seems to have come true Inakaru works for the firm that's covering the next photoshoot."
Having heard their manager Senri also glanced down at the magazine and muttered "…fine let's go with him."
As the manager left the conversation between them resumed.
"You three came together." Senri asked.
Ruka couldn't help but purse her lips and blurt out. "It was Kaname-sama's order. However that was only for me and Akatsuki. Aiyora-sama just squeezed herself in after Akatsuki told her where we were heading. But let's not talk about that… here, take this, Hanabusa recommended these cakes."
Senri took the box Ruka offered and opened but just as he saw the luxuriously decorated cake, he lost all interest and closed the lid. "This is too much for now. I'd prefer chocolate bar. Ai-chan you want them."
"Nope."
"Rima…?"
"No."
Since no one was interested Ruka easily disposed of the cake by giving it to one the staff members.
"How was today's shoot?" Akatsuki asked conversationally. While the photographer behind was busy adjusting the next set. Darting from one spot to another, constantly making changes like moving the chairs around and ordering the assistants to fix the lighting.
"Expecting some good shots." Rima replied while Senri remained busy with Aiyora having a conversation of their own.
Meantime Akatsuki shot Ruka a glance and whispered into her ear indicating at the photographer. "Do you think that's him?"
"Maybe."
Although they got here not too long ago, but Ruka's body was already screaming – get me out of here. It was bad enough to mingle with the day class during switchover at the academy. But having to be surrounded by so many ordinary people under such circumstances took Ruka's mood from bad to worse.
…but it's Kaname-sama's order.
A voice from within reminded Ruka why she was here. Also the reason why she accepted the task before Akatsuki. The blonde haired girl rested her cold fingers against her neck. Recalling the best moment of life, so far… the night when her beloved Kaname-sama drank her blood. Although she has not experienced such lucky event since then, however the fact that he chose her for the task made her happy. But her mind always wondered if such event were to occur in the recent time would he again call upon her? Ruka's honey eyes shifted to the younger pureblood and narrowed down in glare. But Aiyora was too busy chatting away with Senri to notice.
Before long Shiki and Rima's manager Ye, ran back to inform them the set was ready to shoot the next sequence and that they have been summoned back. Now that she had some spare time, Ye finally took notice of the others that were with them.
"Are they your classmates Shiki-kun?"
"Yes …and this is Ai-chan." Senri's usual dull eyes showed flicker of emotion as he wrapped an arm around the dark haired girl's shoulder.
"Ai-chan as in Aiyora? Oh wow!" the manager's eyes went wide.
"Ri-chan talks about me?" the girl asked excited.
"Well you see Shiki-kun does not speak much but when he does you're all he has talked about. Speaking of which I'm upset with you Shiki-kun. How come you've never told me how beautiful she is." Manager fixed her glasses and pointed a finger at Aiyora.
"I did. I told you she is so glamourous that most times she looks like the villains in the movies than a leading lady."
"HEY!" the girl in topic exclaimed hitting Shiki across the chest. "What is that suppose to mean?"
"A compliment –main leads are not supposed to be so gorgeous so that everyday girls can relate to them. It's the villains who are portrayed as more gorgeous." Senri blurted out. Aiyora pouted not understanding why he gave such bizarre complement.
"And you two…" the manger focused on Akasuki and Ruka "…are you a couple? The two of you make a stunning pair."
"Rima and Shiki's friends are all so beautiful. Just like them." A member of the crew joined the manager.
"Why don't we use them for the next segment. They are far better than the other models that the agency requited. Besides I have been dying to apply makeup on these girls…" the makeup artist gushed, already making Aiyora and Ruka his next target.
Even the photographer looked up from his work and joined the other. "We must use him." He was talking about Akatsuki. "He has a type of masculinity that's completely different from Shiki-kun. Especially beside her," he meant Ruka. "… he looks fantastic."
"I'm sorry we got here a bit earlier than expected!" A loud voice spoke from the entrance. Dressed in cotton sweater and jeans, a young man walked over and handed manager Ye a business card.
"You must be from the magazine." The manger said.
"I'm the editor of the magazine..." Having introduced himself the young man looked over at the group. First his eyes were on Akatsuki, then moved to Ruka, then Rima, then Senri before finally settling on Aiyora.
"We originally intended to Shiki-kun and Rima-san for the castle shoot. But if its possible I would like to use the other three for this particular shoot as well."
"Really!" came Aiyora's enthusiastic reply.
"But we just came for a visit…" Akatsuki's half spoken sentence was quickly drowned by the chatter of the surrounding staff member.
"Few shots won't hurt."
"Just leave the hair, makeup and outfit to us! Don't worry about a single thing!"
"It would be great memory…"
In a few short moments the other three night class students were completely surrounded with no means of escape. With the expectation of Aiyora who seemed interested and naturally blended in, but Akatsuki and Ruka hoped they could get out of this mess. While Aiyora was busy instructing the stylist on what type of outfits and looks she preferred, Ruka kept glaring Akastsuki 'are you kidding me look'. Only to have the latter respond with an apologetic look.
Outside the chaos a comfortable Senri and Rima observed the unfolding of the mess and whispered quietly.
"I want to see this."
"Me too." Rima calmly added. "Oh by the way, that guy… is the next photographer."
Instantly the other night class members tensed up (except Aiyora). The person Rima was pointing at was none other than Inakaru, whom she has selected out of the magazine. Who according to their manager was fast becoming a well known photographer.
"The chance of him being the guy is quite high… might as well see this to the end."
Akatsuki nodded his head in agreement with Ruka.
About a week and half later:
A series of laughter broke out into the classroom. The blue eyed blonde did not restrain himself and laughed whole heartedly, completely ignoring his two cousins who were glaring at him. Even Aiyora's pout did nothing to stop him. When none of those worked Senri's monotone look was out of the question. There was no way that would stop Hanabusa from laughing.
Spread out on the desk was popular youth magazine, on it was Senri as a vampire and Rima playing the human that captured his heart. But the problem did not lie there. It was the picture below that picture — with her back against the sofa Ruka wore a bored expression and Akatsuki was bent behind the sofa with both his arms stretched as if he was about to take Ruka into his arms.
The front of Akatsuki's shirt was open. Revealing the well defined muscles that lay beneath. His hair also provided a sharp contrast to Shiki, giving Akasuki a rough and wild imagine. On the other hand Ruka was dressed in glamorous low-cut black dress. There was a rose in her hand that was raised close to her lips like she was enjoying the fragrance of the flower. Since they were not models it was impossible for them to pose and express like Shiki and Rima.
But the picture on the next page had a different situation. There was a reason why Aiyora got solo coverage on the next three pages of the magazine. Despite not being a professional model Aiyora was as good as one. Her expression, poses, style everything was on point. However for their conservative society, especially how the pureblood are looked up on, such photos were highly inappropriate.
On the first picture Aiyora was sitting on a big arm-chair with her long slim legs seductively crossed and a black snake wrapped around her long spender neck. She cast away the toothless snake the studio offered once the stylist left and used her familiar instead. She was wearing a black bodysuit that came with built in pushup bra and shoulder pads. Unlike Ruka's dress it was not as low cut. Rather had the basic v-neck. However the problem was, nothing was worn as bottom —no pant or skirt. The pureblood wore just the bodysuit, like how people would wear one-piece swimsuit. Her hair was pulled up in a tight sleek ponytail and for makeup it was dark grey smokey eyes, sharply contoured face and nude pink matted lipstick. Also special oils and shimmering powers were rubbed on her bare legs to make sure they shined perfectly against the dimly lit light.
Unlike the others, for next photo Aiyora opted for a different look. Her makeup was changed from smokey eye to bold winged eyeliner that enhanced her cat like eyes and the nude pink lipstick was changed to a blood red one, that went perfectly against her pale skin and her hair was down and blownout using a hair dryer giving them big curls and massive volume as they cascaded down her back. This time her outfit was a set of dark violet cropped top and flowing long skirt with long trains. The skirt came with a big slit on the left that successfully brought the leg out on that side. While her top ended just above her belly-button and the skirt started just below the belly-button. Leaving a good couple inches between them. Giving her the perfect scope to show off her belly-button which was pierced and had a sparkling diamond stud embedded into it. This was the first time Aiyora was able to reveal the jewelled part of her body. She was inspired to get this piercing done after being motived by lady Shiki just few day before leaving the Shiki residence. Never had the scope to display it as it always remained hidden underneath the clothing.
Aiyora had two photos this outfit on. One where she stood on the spiral staircase bare feet and the other where she was laying down on the white leather sofa decorated with rose petals, with her bare leg slightly raised in a very sensual manner. It that picture she looked like a wanton lady waiting for her lover.
The only thing that remained a constant in all her pictures were her blood lusted red glowing eyes. To give her the look of thirsty vampire the makeup artist applied red contact lenses. However Aiyora did not like the look those lenses provided. In her opinion it ruined the entire look. When the makeup artist when to work on the others Aiyora seized the opportunity to dispose of the contact lenses and turned her own eyes red.
Hanabusa continued to laugh...
Akatsuki and Senri may not have had an opinion on Hanabusa's rude and impolite laughter, but Aiyora kept her mouth sealed trying to figure out whom he was laughing at. As long as it wasn't her she had no reason to feel offended. However Ruka, the one standing beside Akatsuki, was a whole different story. Her hands had already balled to angry fist. Every bone in her body wanted to beat the blonde to pulp. Akatsuki took notice of how Ruka was reaching the end of her patience. To diffuse the situation he patted Hanabusa on the head and suggested,
"... your laughter is going too far."
But to the blonde it was way too funny to contain his laughter. By now he was wiping tears from the corner of his eyes.
"Aidou-kun you're too rude!" sitting beside him on the same bench Aiyora pouted. "And here I was hoping to receive complements."
"Why do you care what he says...?" Senri joined. "What does Aidou-san know about fashion and modelling anyway."
"HEY!" the blonde interjected, offended by Shiki's words. "I understand fashion. I was just about to say that Aiyora-sama actually looks... looks... um..." Hanabusa was not sure how to put it, because despite looking beautiful the pictures were provocative. And he did not know how to describe it without sounding offensive or disrespectful.
"She looks slutty!" Shiki bluntly stated putting a poky into his mouth.
"Shiki how dare you insult Aiyora-sama!" Hanabusa exclaimed angrily while Akatsuki and Ruka just started at the model stunned. "Aiyora-sama looks every bit classy and breathtaking."
"For your information Aidou-san, she wanted to look sexy and slutty, not beautiful and classy."
Aiyora nodded her head in agreement with the Shiki heir and then added. "And boring."
"Modesty is not boring." Ruka stated that as a matter of fact. "In fact it is expected of a pureblood to always appear on the classier side-"
"Who are you to talk!" Hanabusa cut in. "Have you seen your expression..." he started to laugh once more. This time his laughter sounded more insulting.
Concerned about how Ruka felt Akatsuki said to Hanabusa in hopes that he would stop soon. "Are you done laughing?"
"No way!" Akatsuki frowned while Ruka glared.
"Oh Akatsuki how do you expect me to be done so soon when the two of you have made such fools out of yourself. This..." he pointed at his cousins picture and said between his laughter "...this is hilarious."
Ruka reached the ultimate point of her patiences. She slammed the magazine shut.
"If you want to laugh, keep laughing but don't expect an apology when I lose my temper."
"You have only yourselves to blame. Besides," Hanabusa added snickering, as he picked up the magazine and flipped it open "...I can use this joke for a ver long time. ...On a serious note why did you go to the modelling studio anyway...?"
Her anger faded and she smirked at her blonde cousin. This time the victory was her. Ruka thought briefly running a hand through her long hair before proudly declaring.
"We went there on Kaname-sama's order."
"What!?" the magazine slipped from Aidou's hand. Akatsuki picked up the magazine and placed it back on the desk in front of Aiyora who was seated to Aidou's right.
"When did this happen? And why did you both have to go?"
"It was the day we inquired about the western bakery. Remember you recommended. That cake was enjoyed by all the staff at the modelling studio." Akatsuki spoke up. "We called you several times Hanabusa, but you refused to get out of the bed. So we took Aiyora-sama instead."
The blonde's eyes went wide. Despite the memory being fuzzy and vague he did remember the incident now. He clenched his fist... although he didn't know why their leader picked Akatsuki and Ruka to go to the modelling studio. "...if I had known, I would have tried a lot harder to get up."
"Even if you did get up that day, I don't think I would have picked you for the task."
A deep voice suddenly spoke up. All heads turned to the direction of the voice and found Kaname at the entrance of the classroom.
As if on cue everyone in the classroom stood up. Kaname stepped in and gave a slight nod of his head indicating they may sit down again.
"Kaname-sama, what did headmaster Cross want?" Ruka was the one that asked trying to initiate a conversation.
"He informed me that..." the pureblood walked over to where his group was and picked up the magazine and started to flip through the pages... "... the editor of this magazine and his team are asking for permission to enter academy. They want to come this weekend and take pictures of Shiki and Rima's school life here."
"So... what was your response to that?" Hanabusa asked.
"I agreed—" Kaname momentarily froze as he reached the page where Aiyora was featured. "...Besides, there are no reason to decline their request. Next time you should try harder to get up... Aidou."
"Ah... yes! Absolutely!" Great! Next time I will definitely wake up earlier so that I can work extra hard for Kaname-sama's sake. Lost in his own thought Aidou failed to catch the hidden meaning behind the pureblood's word or his current state of mind. Actually no one was able to catch the older pureblood's current state of mind as he walked away from them so casually. In that moment no one knew how furious he was.
•••
The magazine was slammed on the desk.
Ruka flinched in impulse and Akatsuki bit the inside of his mouth.
Kaname looked absolutely livid as he interrogated the two aristocrats in his office. Usually it was Hanabusa, who often faced the wrath of their leader and most times with him Akatsuki got dragged along too. But this time it was different. For Ruka this was foreign. She has never seen her favourite pureblood this enraged until today. And the anger too was directed at her.
"Care to explain how these photograph was clicked?" The pureblood pointed his fingers on Aiyora's solo pictures that were published on the magazine. Although his voice sounded calm but the anger was not hidden.
"How did she ended up on a magazine looking like this...!?" he demanded an explanation. Not just her outfit but her poses were also way too provocative. Especially the one where she was laying down on the sofa with a leg slightly raised. No even the one where she was wearing just the black bodysuit is no less. Actually all of them are provocative. And when her age and status is taken into consideration it becomes highly inappropriate. No female pureblood in the history of vampire race has ever exposed herself so much publicly. Therefore for their conservative society and someone as conservative and prudent as Kuran Kaname, having his sister's such photograph on a popular magazine was absolutely unacceptable.
And Kaname held these two aristocrat responsible for such mishap. Mainly because he did not have the courage to take out his anger on Aiyora.
"What were you both doing...? Ah I see..." the pureblood then diverted his attention on the picture of them and taunted. "...you both were too busy being models yourself."
Ruka looked down in shame, more than ever regretting her decision to agree to take part in photoshoot. Akatsuki glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, concerned.
"Aiyora-sama wanted to come along..." mastering her courage Ruka spoke. Indirectly trying to shift the blame on the mentioned pureblood's shoulder. But Kaname's furious eyes made her change directions. "... however it was Akatsuki that complied."
The fiery haired vampire looked at the girl, hurt. He was not fully surprised that to keep her good name before the dorm president Ruka threw him under the bus. Still it hurt.
"Understandable... but why was I not consulted? ...Since when have you all become Aiyora's guardian?"
A silence followed by because neither of the vampires could give the dorm president an answer.
The pureblood left his chair, came around the table and stood before the aristocrats with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Your foolishness is going to cost me a hefty price..." the brunette let out a frustrated sigh and ran his fingers through those dark brown locks. To Ruka, in that moment Kuran Kaname looked absolutely mesmerizing. The sight of him running a hand through his hair stole her breath in a heartbeat.
She did not notice the light blush that played along her cheeks. Neither did Akatsuki as he had his face down. But Kaname did, and the smirk curving the corner of his lips stood as the evidence.
Which was why he said the following right after, keeping that devious smirk intact. "You've disappointed me ...Ruka."
Ruka's heart dropped. And sensing that Akatsuki gritted his teeth, calling the pureblood in his head fucking bastard!
•••
Akatsuki quietly walked behind a sulking Ruka. Her mood has been bitter since they returned from the dorm president's chamber. Of course change of her mood proportionately effected him.
This time the Kain heir was actually angry. Yes, he was angry at their dorm president for acting like a coward and venting out his frustration on them instead of the real root of the problem — his sister, Kuran Aiyora. It was her choice to come with them. It was her choice to wear such clothes and pose so vulgarly. Most importantly she's a pureblood, there's no way either of them could oppose or deny her anything.
Despite knowing it all the pureblood put the blame on them, especially Ruka.
Frankly Akatsuki was ready to accept full responsibility and accept any punishment for the whole turnout of the event. But no, that arrogant prick had to twist everything and put the blame on Ruka. Akatsuki would never forgive him for this. Never!
"Stop following me!" Ruka hissed after entering the common room.
Akatsuki said nothing but didn't listen to her either.
"Go celebrate your victory. You've ruined me in front of Kaname-sama..."
"Hey I did nothin-"
"Was it really necessary?" she asked containing her rage, in voice so broken that it broke his heart. "You have always known how I feel about Kaname-sama... what he means to me... how much he matters to me..."
"But you don't matter to him! None of us do!" He stated bluntly and observed as her hands balled into tight fist.
"...Still, I would do anything and everything for him. ...therefore I won't just sit by and watch Kaname-sama's reputation get tarnished because of that brat's irrational desires. Even if it requires me to defy a pureblood, then... so be it."
Opening her eyes that afternoon Aiyora found her most favorite person right by her side... watching her.
"Ri-chan!" she wasted no time to greet him, in her half sleepy and half whispering voice. "What are you doing here?"
It has been so long since they have climbed onto the others bed, that now, after all these years, it felt strange. Not the bad kind of strange, but the good kind. Besides, the last time these half siblings were alone... they had a moment of weakness, which almost led them to kiss. Unfortunately it did not go as planned because of the silver haired guardian —who appeared out of the blue and ruined the whole thing.
"I came to deliver this." Senri showed her the envelope in hand.
"Oh..." Aiyora's mouth curled to a disappointed frown. "And here I was under the impression that you were secretly watching me sleep."
"You do realize that I'm not a creep. However there are some not so valid sources here, which claim that the dorm president sometimes enters your room at odd hours. I'm sure he watches you... as you sleep."
Aiyora made a face and rolled her eyes. "Well... I'm not surprised. He's he a creep and a total weirdo."
"Weren't you just suggesting that you wanted me to watch you sleep. And now you're calling the person who probably does that a creep and a weirdo. You're quite the two faced."
"It's different..." she scooted closer and hugged him, resting her head over his chest. "...with you its always different. Anyway..." she extended a hand, indirectly asking him to handover the envelope. Which he did and impatiently using her powers the pureblood ripped the envelope and unveiled the letter that was inside.
She continued to read it while still resting on Senri chest while he kept on running his fingers through her long hair.
"WAIT WHAT!?" She exclaimed sitting up straight. And reread the portion again. Just to make sure her eyes weren't playing any sort of tricks on her.
"I don't believe this..." Aiyora muttered the line under her breath again and again.
The maroon haired boy also sat up and peered over.
"Did you know about this?" she turned and showed him the offer letter.
"I had some idea." he admitted. "The agency's CEO asked me if you were interested and I simply told him to check with you."
"And he sent me a direct contract —with a signed cheque!" Aiyora spoke in disbelief.
She was over the moon. Absolutely no part of her could believe this was real. She was being recruited as a model...? That too by the same agency where Senri was working...? It seemed too good to be true. Moreover does this mean now she can work with him? ...Probably!
More importantly she will see him outside of the Academy often. Plus now that they work together, she might even be able to accompany him to the trip abroad.
"Oh Ri-chan!" She sprang her arms and pulled the boy in for a bone crushing hug.
While Aiyora remained lost in their embrace the Shiki heir's eyes fell on the letter which was now sitting on his lap. He suddenly noticed a crucial detail at the end of the contract which Aiyora most certainly have missed.
"Um... Ai-chan did you fully read the contact?"
She nuzzled a hum into the crook of his neck. Senri wasn't quite sure whether she said yes or no. Regardless he decided to tell her.
"Due to your age, you must have your guardian sign the consent section."
"Okay... did you have to do the same?"
"Yes... my grand-uncle had to sign for me when I initially started."
"I see... do you think he will sign for me?" hearing this Senri shot her a look.
"He cannot sign for you Ai-chan... you're current guardian is the dorm president. Only his signature will work. If any other vampire signs she or he will have to stand for a trail at the senate."
An uncomfortable silence fell between them. A silence which neither dared to break. They simply remained like that... locked in each others arms, lost in deep thought.
For Senri, his main concern was how heartbroken Aiyora would be when Kuran Kaname would refuse to give his approval. And how did Shiki even know that the older pureblood wouldn't agree...? Well... knowing his conservative and prudent nature it was given that he would stand as a barrier for Aiyora to enter the show business.
Aiyora also remained lost in her own set of thoughts. Getting Kaname to sign on the consent form is not going to be easy. There are ways... its just that she has to bend her finger. She only has two available option in hand, to make the situation work in her favour.
Her first option is to blackmail him. But chances are higher that it might not work. Especially now that they stand on clear grounds. Her empty threats about hurting Yuuki is not going to work. He already knows how deeply she feels about her older sister and wouldn't do anything to hurt her.
That moves her towards the next option and possibly the ultimate and Aiyora's least favorite one —that is to seduce him! Unfortunately this one is guaranteed to work over the former. She's sure about it from her past experience. Earlier Aiyora has played such kind of games with Kaname and everything single time came out as the winner. Somehow sadly she has mastered the tricks to control Kuran Kaname behind the closed door. And she is definitely not proud of herself for possessing such skill.
Honestly Aiyora did not want to seduce him. Especially after knowing he has been tied to her sister since her birth. She found it morally wrong and had no desire to steal her sister's then again what twisted game of fate it was, her dream was sitting at centre of his palm.
And Aiyora knows it well that no amount of talk and conversation would convince him. Which was why she did not even bother add those to her options. She overheard Akatsuki and Ruka's conversation in the common room the other day. And by eavesdropping there she learned that Kaname has held the two aristocrat accountable for everything, since they were the ones who took her with them.
His cowardly move angered her. If he indeed had problem he should have had the guts to say it to her face. Rather than blaming two individuals who could not have prevented the matter anyway.
After this Aiyora felt more determined to overcome any obstacle that stood on the way of her dreams. If she does not put her foot down now, she definitely won't be able to do it in the future.
So in order to achieve that even if she has to... then be it!
Fuck moral values!
"Fuck moral values!" this time she said audibly.
"Are you alright?" Senri noticed the change in their surrounding. The air around them turned chilly and dense, almost unbreathable. Followed by it was a soft click sound. He noticed she had locked the door. Followed by, the windows started close down on its own, same could be said for the drapes and curtains.
He looked at her, confused, trying to understand what she was doing.
Aiyora saw his questioning gaze but provided no explanation for her actions. Instead she pulled out of his arms, confusing him more. And finally settled on his lap, straddling his thighs. She cradled his face between her palms; but before the Shiki heir could ask what has gotten into her all of a sudden, she dove down like an eagle ready to catch its prey and pulled him for a kiss swallowing in his questions... gasps... sighs...
She pulled away couple minutes after, leaving them both heavily breathing. There was no ounce of guilt within her eyes. As a matter of fact she looked certain about this new development of their relationship. It was sudden, it was unexpected, but none of those mattered anymore. What has been done, cannot be undone.
Their eyes locked. Each could see their reflection in the other's eyes.
Once the shock subsided, lust took over. Shiki Senri lost whatever composure he had remaining... placing a hand at the back of her head, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled her back in... Their mouths met again... in a kiss that was hungry... wild... ferocious... and beastly...
It was a dangerous move they made but both parties were way too lost in lust to care. Everything around was long forgotten... including the modelling contract and even the options Aiyora was contemplating on earlier whether to blackmail... or seduce Kaname...?
a.n. Which option do you guys think Aiyora should pick? Don't hesitate to let me know. Also, they finally kissed... cheers to Aiyora and Senri!
Thank for reading hope you enjoyed. If possible give the original Noir's Trap a try... its a good read. Personally I recommend it.
