Chapter 29


Shampoo, conditioner and hair serum— check
Body wash, salt scrub and goat milk bar soap— check
Salted Toothpaste— check

Aiyora reread her list numerous times to make sure she did not miss out on anything. She was spending the afternoon at the departmental store picking out some personal essentials when she suddenly sensed a familiar presence.

Yuuki-nee...what is she doing here?

The pureblood followed the familiar scent and it led her to the chocolate aisle.

"Yuuki-sempai..." The brunette turned hearing her name called and found her favourite sempai's little sister at the other end of the aisle, waving her hand.

"Aiyora-chan...?" Yuuki also waved back. "What are you doing here?"

"Just picking out essentials..." Aiyora replied making her way towards the guardian, pushing her shopping cart forward. "What about you?"

It was a simple question that should have had a simple answer. But instead of giving the simple answer Yuuki blushed, making the vampire raise a brow. Aiyora could not understand what was so embarrassing about buying chocolate. But the red heart shaped boxed reminded the younger girl of the upcoming event —Valentines Day!

Oh that's right, the 'Campus Life' photoshoot which was due to take place this weekend at the academy featuring Senri and Rima's school life has been postponed to next weekend because of Valentines Day.

"Are you giving chocolate to anyone this St. Xocolotto Day?"

Aiyora was about to ask the other what she meant by St. Xocolotto Day, but that's when she remembered how valentines day is celebrated at the academy — as st. Xocolotto Day. A day when girls usually give chocolate to her crush to proclaim her love. In Cross Academy's scenario— it's an opportunity for the day-class girls confess their feelings to their night class senpai.

And what do the night-class boys do? They accept the chocolate courteously and walk away. The feelings are never returned. Most boys in the night class don't fancy humans in that sense. For them humans are only delicious source of blood. However the only exception is Kaname, but then... Yuuki is no human either!

"No, not that I was planning to..." Living in the moon dorm for the past couple years gave Aiyora an idea of how st. Xocolotto Day worked. But it never really grasped her interest. However watching Yuuki buy chocolate gave Aiyora some form of encouragement.

"What about you? Who are you giving chocolate to? ...Ah I see, you've decided to confess your feelings to onii-sama." the pureblood teased making Yuuki's blush turn deeper.

"No-no it's just my way of expressing gratitude to him, for saving my life."

Aiyora rolled her eyes. At this point she wanted to tear her own hair out in frustration. How long can one keep playing the same tune?

"You're planning to make chocolate... that's nice." Aiyora examined snatching the packet from Yuuki's hold. "Ah it comes with a recipe book... I'll buy one too. I've baked several kinds of chocolate cakes and chocolate treat but never attempted to make real chocolate." she said returning Yuuki the packet and picking a similar kit for herself from the counter.

"So you're also making chocolate for Kaname-sempai...?" Yuuki asked trying her best to hide her hesitation as Aiyora placed the box in her shopping cart.

"Eww! No! He's my brother. Besides, he never saved me nor gave me any reason to feel indebted to him."

That response made Yuuki feel strangely relieved. "So who are you planning to make chocolate for?"

Aiyora flashed her a genuine smiled as they headed to checkout counter. "Can't I have some whom I'm indebted to?" In her words the term indebted to basically translates to — in love with.


They were at the lobby, waiting for Kaname to come down.

Senri and Aiyora were on the sofa located to the left, Akatsuki and Aidou were seated on the opposite one. Rima stood behind Senri, Ruka was standing in the middle, beside the wooden center table and Takuma was standing on staircase located behind Senri and Aiyora.

All of them were trying their best to block out the screams of the fangirls which was making it's way in penetrating through the sound proof walls of the moon dormitory.

If this was the situation inside, one could only imagine what hard time the prefects were having controlling such crowd outside.

"Everyone seems so excited..." The vice president commented.

"...Even though St. Xocolotto Day is tomorrow." Akasuki finished the sentence suppressing a yawn. Clearly showing he barely got any sleep because of this chaos. But his cousin on the other hand seemed perked up for this event.

"I wonder how many chocolate I'll get this year. …Akasuki, wanna make a bet to see who gets more this year?" the fiery haired vampire nodded his head 'no'.

"This is so annoying." Senri blurted out, making a disgusted face.

Aiyora snapped her head at him. Now she felt a bit unsure whether it would be a good idea to go along with her plan. Or will she make a total fool out of herself.

"I'm sure you'll get a ton of chocolate, Shiki."

Aiyora looked at the vice president, who came down the stairs to encourage his friend.

"That's not the point Takuma-" the model got cut off as Ruka suddenly chimed in excitement.

"Kaname-sama!"

Everyone there turned to see their leader coming down the stairs situated behind Aidou and Kain with Seiran towing behind.

"Morning Kaname." Takuma greeted.

"Let's go…" was all he said to the awaiting group before heading straight towards the gate.

•••

Everything about the switchover that afternoon seemed normal. The fangirls screaming their lungs out. The night class minding their business and heading to class, except the flirty Aidou.

The purebloods stepped out maintaining their poise and elegance. Recently Aiyora, Akatsuki and Ruka have been getting called out more. It was due to the modelling assignment they did.

The Kuran siblings greeted Yuuki with a tender smile. While Kaname continued on his way Aiyora stopped to have a small talk with the prefect. And this earned the petite brunette several deathly glare from the fan girls. But it made no difference to either girls.

And then, the anomaly happened. The leader of the night class suddenly stopped.

Noticing that the rest also stopped. Aiyora and Yuuki also abruptly paused their conversation. At first they thought Kaname was coming towards them, but was proven wrong when he changed direction and headed towards Zero.

"Hello Zero... how are you feeling?" the said person looked at the pureblood confused. Then leaning a bit closer he whispered, "…take care of yourself."

Whilst his action confused everyone, it angered Zero. The latter's hands balled to fist as he tried to control his rage.

"Listen if you want to challenge me, then know that I'm ready whenever you are… Kaname." he snapped at the retreating pureblood.

Hanabusa and Ruka reacted immediately. The blue eyed blonde was ready to go verbal when his cousin intervened and calmed him down and pulled him away.

Cutting their conversation short and quickly bidding Yuuki farewell Aiyora also joined her group.

Suddenly there was just some odd tension in the air.


Finally!

Aiyora sighed with relief as she opened the oven for the third time and ultimately found the chocolate withholding its shape. First time it got fully burned as she set the temperature too high and second time it was edible but one of the sides broke, completely ruining it's shape. However the popular phrase 'third times a charmer' proved to be true in this case.

If only she knew making chocolate was going to be this hard, Aiyora would have opted for safer option. Something she was already familiar with like baking cookies or cakes. No matter how easy the recipe book tried to make it look like, making chocolate was no joke. The pureblood cursed herself repeatedly for giving into the temptation to buy this garbage. Why on earth did she need to make chocolate? When she has already confessed her feelings with a kiss.

"It looks delicious." commented the maid who assisted her to pull the tray out of the oven.

"Thank you Kiyoshi-san."

"Who is it for?"

"It's a secret." The pureblood said mischievously placing a finger to lips. Signalling the maid to keep her lips sealed.

"Are you going to pack it now?"

"No, it's too hot to be packed. I'll keep it in the fridge for now and let it cool down."

•••

Aiyora's sleep was ruined by the ruckus outside the moon-dorm. Which by the way, was getting out of hand every second. Placing the pillow over her head she expected to fall back asleep and for a moment there it seemed to work. But that peace was not meant to be long lasting, as few seconds later her body jerked up to the sound of blowing whistle.

Fuck!

She threw a pillow at the window in frustration. And all it did was land on the floor with a soft thud.

Groaning, she sat up. There's no way she'd be able to sleep through that level of noise pollution. Chances are most member of night class are in the same situation as her. With the exception of few lucky ones that could sleep like the dead.

Now she knew why most night class actually detested this event. Some even requested Kaname to speak to the headmaster and have this event banned. When the matter was addressed to the chairman, he said "It's impossible. If I were to ever do that it would cause a riot."

Aiyora left the bed with her mind set to get some work done. Watching tutorials she learned how to make box out of cardboard. After the box was made, she spent hours decorating it with colours, glitters and added cute bows as final touch.

Tired, she slumped down on the bed once the box was finally completed.

Today Aiyora made record. She got ready in less than thirty minutes. That includes everything from shower to her morning rituals, hair rituals and putting on her uniform. And all this was done so that she could go downstairs and pack the chocolate before others left their respective rooms.

She left her room in haste and briefly encountered Kaname. She was running down the stairs while he was calmly walking up the stairs on the other side.

"Thank you Ai..." She heard him and responded instantly.

"You're most welcome!"

Although she did not have the slightest idea as to why he was thanking her in the first place. However she was on time crunch so it was not possible to stay back and find out. Therefore she let it pass as one of his 'for no apparent reason happy day' a mood that he carried quite often these days.

She walked into the kitchen with butterflies flying inside her stomach. She opened the fridge thinking about how Ri-chan would react. Would he appreciate this small effort? Or bluntly say something offensive. But that's not Ri-chan! Even if it turns out bad he would never let her know. He does not have it in his system to hurt her— where's the chocolate?

Aiyora froze. The chocolate she made was gone! The empty tray was all that remained.

"Where is the chocolate Kyoshi-san?" she charged the kitchen in charge who assisted her last night.

"He ate it." The maid replied with blush.

"WHO!?"

"The person whom you made them for."

Ri-chan was here?

It was strange, because she could not detect his presence. The only scent that lingered in there aside from her and this maid's was—

"Onii-sama...!?" Aiyora mastered the courage to ask but did so in horror.

The maid nodded her head with great enthusiasm. Like what an honour it must be, to have her chocolate eaten by none other than Kuran Kaname.

"He told me to tell you that they were delicious."

The box Aiyora made staying up all morning slipped from her hand and fell on the floor. The happy maid absently bent down and picked it up.

"...I have never seen Kaname-sama like this. He looked so happy as he ate them, it was almost as if he was a child who found his greatest treasure... you are so lucky..."

The rest of the maid's words faded in the background as the pureblood blocked out everything in her close proximity and focused only on staying calm, so that her boiling temper does not blow everything up. Aiyora was aware that if she loses her temper things around will get dirty.

However the blabbering maid did not seem to grasp the seriousness of the situation. As she still went on about,

"Oh I totally forgot, Kaname-sama also told me to tell you, that he would really appreciate if you made such kind of chocolates for him again."

"Of course, I will definitely make them for him again." Aiyora said slamming the fridge shut. "But next time when I make chocolate remind me to add the important ingredient which I forgot to add this time."

"Oh what might that be?"

Turning on her heels, ready to walk out if the kitchen the pureblood answered.

"Poison!"


Sour! Angry! Bitter! Frustrated! Irritated!

Aiyora's face a was combination of all those emotions as she stood at the back of the group, that gathered before the wooden gate waiting for it to be opened.

"Are you alright Aiyora-sama?"

"Never been better!" came her sarcastic reply with equally sarcastic expression. Which otherwise translated to fuck off! The vampire got the hint and backed away immediately.

She briefly looked ahead and noticed both Kaname and Senri were watching her with worried gaze. She momentarily locked her gaze with Senri, then looked away. As for the other, she did not even spare him a glance. For now she made up her mind to pretend he did not exist. It was better and safer. Safer because Aiyora did not want to lose her temper and cause some innocent bystander harm.

Soon as the gate opened the excited scream and squeal of the fangirls tore through the air and pierced the vampires ears. Today Kaname and his circle (except Aiyora) stood at the front.

Ready with the whistle in hand Yuuki dictated the instructions to both parties.

Of course Aidou was gushing in excitement. Beside him Senri commented how much of a pain it was and Akatsuki gave his usual diplomatic opinion by asking them not to speak aloud about the matter here in public.

Even though Aiyora could not see what was going on at the front because of the tall people, but she could hear Yuuki's instruction loud and clear. Yes, it's a different story that she wasn't paying attention, as it had nothing to do with her. This event was mostly between the day-class girls and night-class boys. The day-class boys and night-class girls played no part in it. With the exception of the four eyed nerd that was always after Ruka.

However one particular line within Yuuki's instruction actually caught Aiyora's attention.

"Listen carefully, this is not some game… the ladies here take this very seriously."

Like you! She said in her mind.

Her thought was cut short when she heard Kaname firmly calling out her former mentor.

"Aidou… you must behave yourself. Is that understood?"

"Y-yes… president Kuran."

Aiyora did her signature eye roll, mumbling under her breath, "Such hypocrisy! …who are you to discipline others?"

"Who are you talking about?" the same person who asked her earlier if 'she was alright?' turned and poked his nose into her business for the second time.

"You!" for the second time the pureblood silenced him with her sarcastic reply and furious eyes.

When Aiyora stepped out the night-class boys were already standing at their designated gate, receiving chocolates. Her eyes went straight to Kaname, his gate was the fourth one on the right. It was the gate that had the longest of line. Noticing her gaze he turned and gave her a small smile. And that smile fueled her already erupting rage. She already knew the fate of all these chocolates, they will be trashed away soon as he is out of their sight. The only one he will keep is Yuuki's. Which was fine. Aiyora had no problem with that. Her problem was that he dared to steal her chocolate.

Lost in thought Aiyora vaguely heard the compliment some of the fangirls were giving her. Some asked how she was so beautiful, while others asked if she would continue modelling? But Aiyora answered to no one. Her attention now remained on the ground she was glaring on her way to class.

"-your one turn out?" her footsteps came to a halt hearing Yuuki. It took her a moment to understand the question that was asked. Yuuki asked how her chocolate turned out.

"How did your one come along Yuuki-sempai?" Aiyora pulled a Kaname on Yuuki. Answering a question with a question.

"It was a total failure. I ended up buying something instead." The short haired girl muttered embarrassed.

"It's fine… you tried at least. That's all that counts." Aiyora tried to comfort.

"You still did not tell me how your one turned out? Were you able to give it to that person."

"I had success at the third attempt. But I could not give it to the person whom I made it for."

"Why?"

"Because a thief ate it." The female Kuran sounded like she was spitting venom. Her words drew attention making all heads turn towards her. Even the day class president who was about to present his chocolate to Ruka froze and focused on the pureblood.

"But how can a thief enter the moon-dorm?"

"I don't know that." Aiyora answered shaking her head and continued to rant. "However I do hope he gets diarrhea, cholera and all sort of embarrassing stomach infections and ends up dead in one of them… have a good day, see you later."

•••

Aiyora sat in the class, alone and angry.

Few minutes after Kaname and Seiran walked in. As expected his hands were now empty, all he was holding was the book that he left the dorm with. Seiran was now carrying his chocolates. He basically garbaged them to her.

"What's wrong?" Kaname asked sitting down beside her. Aiyora kept her silence and waited patiently for the rest to arrive. That way he won't be able to pester her long.

"Are you upset that I gave away all those chocolates to Seiran." He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. "...not to worry I saved the best one for you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the box that was from Yuuki and placed it onto her hand.

"This is from Yuuki-nee...? Why are you giving it to me." Aiyora was confused. This chocolate is supposed to be a confession from Yuuki, it hold her feelings for him. So why was he giving it away. Throwing away chocolates which he received from random day-class girls made sense. But giving up Yuuki's chocolate and eating up her chocolate which wasn't even meant for him made no sense.

What's going on? A feeling of uneasiness built up inside her stomach.

When the rest came in Kaname went back to his seat. But that did not prevent him from gazing at her every now and then.

•••

During the break period Aiyora decided to take a walk with Senri. She led him further away from their classroom and into an empty classroom located at the furtherest end of the hallway.

"We're here because?" Senri asked looking around while his half sister closed the door and embraced him from behind.

"...Because I need to calm down. And the only way that can happen is when you're this close to me."

He tensed at first, they were in public place. There are certain amount of risks involved. However that tension only lasted briefly before he found himself relaxing down in her arms.

"But how is this fair?"

"What do you mean, Ri-chan?" she whispered burying her face into his back.

"Don't just selfishly hold me by yourself, at least let me turn and hold you too." Chuckling she turned him around and pounced on him and had the embrace equally returned.

The next couple minutes were spent in utmost silence, each enjoying the warmth of the others arms.

"I have a confession to make..." hearing that Senri looked down at the girl in his arms, slightly worried.

"I made chocolate for you..." she admitted blushing deeply. Even admitting this made her feel silly. Is there even a difference between her and those always stimulated fangirls?

"Where is it?" his voice snapped her out of thought. To her relief he was not laughing, neither was he making fun. The look of his face showed appreciation and seriousness.

"...Um I don't have it. Kaname onii-sama stole it."

"Is that you're way of admitting that you had a change of heart last minute gave it to him instead."

"No! He actually stole it." She exclaimed. No matter how absurd it sounded, that's exactly what happened.

"Okay... so you're telling me this because...?"

"Because now I want to give you something else..." her hands reached out and cupped his face. Automatically he was leaning in and then—

"Hey! Aidou-san is waiting."

The half siblings pulled apart. More like pushed each other as far as possible and tried to act like it was nothing. However little to their knowledge Rima had seen it all. Even though she was acting like she saw nothing.

"Let's go." Senri told Rima, then turned towards Aiyora and asked "You wanna come?"

"Where?"

"She's dorm president's sister Shiki, its not safe to include her." watching her trying to make the decision strike a nerve within the pureblood. So she put her foot down to show the aristocrat where she belonged.

"If I'm not coming then neither is Ri-chan." The pureblood gave her verdict linking her arm with his.

"..."

There was a full minute of awkward silence which was ultimately broken by a defeated Rima.

"Fine."

•••

All of them walked over to Zero who was patrolling by the poolside and surrounded him. On reflex Zero pulled out the Bloody Rose from inside his jacket and held it before Ruka who was standing to his left with Akatsuki by her side. Hanabusa stood directly in front of the prefect. The remaining three Senri, Aiyora and Rima were standing on the right accordingly.

"What do you want night class?" the silverette hissed.

"You're acting a little cocky these days… Kiryu!" Hanabusa pointed out.

Then Ruka joined him. "You're just a human yet that attitude of your towards Kaname-sama…"

Finally Aiyora cracked the puzzle and figured what this was about.

"Are we really doing this?" Rima asked the crowd, unsure.

"Yeah, but Takuma said to leave it alone." Senri responded to Rima's question.

Aiyora's eyes widened and continued to get wider.

"He's right Hanabusa, Ruka…" Akatsuki joined Senri and suggested against what his cousins were planning.

"Scratch Takuma! I am telling you guys to drop it this instant." Aiyora exclaimed. But did not use her powers to bend them to her will. So it went on...

"If Kaname-sama finds out he will tear us all apart…" Akatsuki continued on his effort to diffuse the situation. He even approached Zero, placed a hand over his shoulder and peacefully suggested "...Zero you as well, please put that thing away."

But within the blink of an eye Zero grabbed Akatsuki, flipped him over his shoulder and threw him onto the ground.

"So uncool." The model duo commented in union and Aiyora looked between them startled before offering the fallen vampire a helping hand.

"Shut up." The Kain heir growled at the models before accepting Aiyora's assistance.

"Come on then vampires, I'm in a bit of a bad mood anyway." Zero taunted.

"You see… it's that kind of attitude that makes us unhappy." Hanabusa said while ice palates started to form beneath him. Akatsuki got up to his feet and join him.

"And here I was trying to play the good guy…" the tree branch behind him lit up in flames. "I'm not to be blamed for what is about to take place."

"HOLD IT RIGTH THERE!" Aiyora was the first to look up and the rest followed her gaze and watched Yuuki flip over them and land right in front of Zero with the artemis rod in hand.

"Fighting is forbidden. Didn't any of you read the student handbook?" She stood up on her feet. "If you refuse to back down then as a member of the disciplinary committee, you have to come through me first."

"Now that she's here…" the branch behind Akatsuki stopped burning.

"I'm over it." Hanabusa also retreated.

"Well the mood is completely ruined. Let's go ack to class." Ruka was the first to turn back on her heel and walk away, the rest just quietly followed.

And as they reached class…

.

.

.

"Well to me it seems that everyone is truly repentant." Ichijo acted as the lawyer, for the group while everyone stood behind with their gaze down and looking absolutely guilty.

Kaname did not even look at them, he kept his face facing the window.

"But I have to say, it was pretty gutsy of Kiryu to take up Aidou's challenge. Something must really be bothering him." The vice president added.

"He can't be helped, not anymore… that occurrence... has changed his life forever." Kaname spoke up, his gaze still focused outside.

"Now as for their punishment," he turned, in order to have one last look at everyone before giving out his orders. "...Ichijo go back to the dorm, gather all the staff and give them the night off."

The aristocrats tensed understanding what is coming their way.

"Put Shiki for guard duty, Ruka and Rima in change of the kitchen, Akatsuki will look at the garden and as for Aidou —he will clean the entire dormitory."

Noticing that her name was not uttered, Aiyora sighed in relief.

"And as for Aiyora…" fuck my life. She cursed mentally. "I am going to give Seiran the evening off, and she will be the one filling in."

Ruka looked at the pureblood in envy. Oh how much she would have preferred this punishment, over the one she received.


They stood at the peak of the mountain. Now out of their school uniform and in their regular clothes. Before them lay the glorious view of the entire town, glistening in its night time glory.

If only in good mood, Aiyora would have truly appreciated the serene beauty that was present before her eyes. But alas! The hot rage still coursing through her system prevented her from focusing on other things. Although she did not have much of an expectation, but the day turned out worse than what she could ever imagine. Everything went wrong. Every single damn thing!

Now, Aiyora deeply regrets not taking the hint. When the first two attempt at making chocolate went horribly wrong, she should have understood it was a sign, telling her to quit. Of course, being the emotional fool she was, she ignored.

End result— the chocolate never reached the person it was meant for. Then, because of her bitter mood she could not even appreciate the fangirls who genuinely wanted to congratulate and praise her on the photoshoot. After that she got dragged into the Zero vs night-class fight and got punished… which led to the situation she was currently in.

On this day of love, how much time did she actually get to spend with her beloved Ri-chan? Hardly half hour at most. Even in this short period of time they could have had a moment, but all thanks Touya Rima, even that went down hill. And now she is stuck with the last person she wanted anywhere near her tonight.

"You look like you are about to explode." Commented the deeply calm voice, trying to gain her attention. And it sort of did. Even though she did not face him but her frown deepened and gaze narrowed down to glare at everything that was within the line of her vision.

"…Although I have already thanked you, but it does not hurt to thank twice… right? …Your chocolate was delicious. I have never tasted something as divine as this in a very long time. It made me feel very nostalgic. Took me back to my childhood… reminded me of my mother… she used to make similar kind of sweets."

Aiyora had no idea what kind of nonsense was he blabbering. Because their mother never made chocolate. She used to make chocolate flavoured custard, cookies and cakes. And if memory serves her correctly Aiyora does not recall him ever touching those. Their mother used to come up with various schemes to make him eat her desserts but miserably failed every time. So from where this 'my mother used to make...' bullcrap was coming she had no clue.

Lost in rage the younger pureblood did not pay full attention to his words, which was why the term 'my' went undetected. He said 'my mother' instead of 'our mother'.

"What I'm about to say will make me sound greedy, but I cannot help it… so here it goes -Will you make something like this for me again?"

Ask Yuuki. Was what Aiyora wanted to say until a better response came to her lips.

"Sure… I guarantee you next time will be even better. So much better that it will straight away put you to eternal slumber!"

Kaname chuckled and continued to chuckle till it slowly turned to laughter. This time Aiyora turned, slightly surprised and to see for herself that what was so funny. After all it wasn't everyday that Kuran Kaname laughed.

"I don't recall mixing any kind of drugs or potion into the chocolate."

"It's your words… and the style in which you deliver them." He answered clearing his throat and gaining back the composure. When Aiyora said nothing other than make a face, the conversation died there.

She continued to look beyond while he silently just watched her.

The silence looming over grew heavy.

.

.

.

"It's Valentines Day, the day of love… which is meant to spent with the one you love." Aiyora suddenly spoke up. The silence that was turning the air around unbreathable was finally broken.

"I agree…"

"Then why are you with me…?"

A smile graced his otherwise perfectly straight lips. This was the exact opportunity Kaname was waiting for. As a matter of fact, it was the main reason why he brought her here. Finally... he can clear all confusion, come clean and perhaps... confess.

"Aiyora," he turned her to face him, took hold of her hands and pulled her closer. "…there is something you must know."

He cared not how dramatic or cheesy it looked. Aiyora made chocolate today and that indicates something. Even if she does not say it out loud but her romantic persona would one day appreciate this gesture.

"Our relationship has never been smooth." his voice was nothing but genuine.

"... I was not there by your side when you needed me the most. No matter how much power I yield, I cannot change what has been done. …However the present and the future that lies ahead, can be made better. And I want you to give me the chance to make it better."

Aiyora looked at him confused, then swallowed...

"Ai… I need you to give me this chance. …please give me the chance to make your present so blissful that the past will be nothing but a fleeting memory."

A strange feeling was building up in her gut.

Where is this coming from? The female Kuran thought at the back of her head. Didn't we already have this conversation a while back. Why is he scratching old wound?

"Kaname onii-sama-"

"Kaname." He corrected.

"What!?"

Snaking both his hands around her waist and resting his forehead against her, he spoke in a voice just above whisper. "From now on just call me by my name."

Aiyora noticed her hands, they were firmly pressed against his chest. She pushed them harder to create some distance between them. But to no avail, he did not even move an inch. If anything his hold tightened. Like he was very much prepared for this.

At this point Aiyora was terrified. She felt unsure about her safety in his arms.

"Ai…" the way he called her out sounded like a lover calling the name of his beloved during their union. It sounded wrong! Very wrong!

"Aiyora…" his eyelids closed down as he uttered her name for the second time. Whereas her remained wide open.

"I lov-" She quickly placed a hand over his mouth a blocked the rest of his words.

"I KNOW!" And exclaimed in louder voice than it was required by the situation.

Kaname reopened his eyes, wide. She knows...! Which means she must also have her response ready. His insides sparked up with the kind nervousness and excitement that was hard to describe in words.

"I know..." she repeated "...In fact we all know. You don't have to repeat yourself again and again. It's painfully obvious that you are in love with Cross Yuuki!"

What!

Kaname was baffled. He looked every bit like the guy who have been kicked on the groin. He blinked his eyes and repeated the action few times, just so that his brain could process what he just heard.

Aiyora reopened her mouth, seizing his chance to speak.

"And I already told you before, as long as I live, no one can come between you both."

She paused again, to think what to say next while he just continued to be stunned by her.

"You know what!" she broke free from his arms. "…I'll go fetch her."

With that said Aiyora turned on her heels, ready to flee. Who said she's coming back here again. If possible she'll flee from the academy as well. But just as she was about to take the third step his hand reached out and grabbed hold of her wrist and pulled her back. Making her crash against his chest.

Aiyora got a glimpse of his face and was able to not of his furiously glowing eyes. Why he was suddenly so angry remained unknown to her and before she could fully comprehend what was happening ...darkness consumed her fully.

•••

Expressionless, Kaname looked at the sky. It was an unusually bright night decorated with millions of stars and a fully rounded, softly glowing moon.

A sigh filled with regret passed his lips. This was not how he expected for this beautiful evening to end. He did not want to wipe away her memories, he wanted her to remember every bit of this eventful day that ultimately led to this evening. However his hands were tied, she left him with no other choice.

His hold on her unconscious form turned protectively tight, as he lay on the ground and watched the sky in absent mind.

You're mine and mine alone. Unsolicited, the thought crossed his mind.

Kaname was quite surprised by how his head and heart functioned these days.

It wasn't long back that he was constantly planning Yuuki's safety and how to shape Aiyora into the perfect piece that could be used against Rido. And fast forward tonight, he is holding her so possessively in his arms. How the tables have turned...

The difference in change was astonishing. In many ways Kaname was totally amazed at his own change of personality.

Removing his gaze from the starlit sky the brunette focused on the girl in his arms.

His star.

Suddenly the realization crossed his mind... they were alone and away from the academy.

Unbeknown to him, his eyes have already settled themselves on her lips. Her reddish and plush lips. Which looked so so so soft...

Within his ancient soul the sleeping beast stirred.

Subconsciously his thumb he lightly fingered her lips.

There was a faint urge building inside, which kept encouraging him to have a little taste. It told him constantly that a small peck wouldn't hurt. She would never know. How his heart suggested otherwise. It commanded him not to take advantage of the situation this way.

Kaname obeyed his heart and quickly looked the other way. No matter what his brain suggested, he would never stoop so low. Giving into greed would not lead to anything. For now he decided to appreciate the present, the gift... Although in state of sleep but the one he desired was right where she belonged, in his arms.

For now that's enough.


Next morning:

Senri and Takuma were in their room resting up when a knock came out of the blue and alerted them. The roommates looked at each other, at first confused. Who could it be at this time?

...But soon after their keen senses detected Seiran to be the one outside their door.

It led Takuma to open the door, because Seiran at their door could only mean Kaname was summoning him. The blonde vice president answered the door with a smile.

Keeping her signature emotionless face Seiran informed,

"Kaname-sama has summoned everyone for a meeting. Please head to Aiyora -sama's room."

Takuma was about to ask what she meant by everyone but then his eyes noted Akatsuki, Hanabusa, Ruka and couple others; all of them were heading towards what looked like Aiyora's room. Moments later he saw Rima, climbing up the stairs following a bunch of others, that group was also heading towards the same direction.

"What is it Ichijo?" Senri asked, not even bothering to move from his position. He was still on his bed, resting with his eyes closed.

"Kaname has called for a meeting ...in Aiyora's room."

That got the maroon haired vampire to shoot his eyes open, sit up straight moments later and focused on his blonde roommate.

"Why in her room?"

"I don't know. Let's go and find out." the responder was as clueless as the questioner.

•••

There was a lineup in front of Aiyora's door. As the entire moon-dorm gathered there. Senri and Takuma were amongst the last of the students to walk in. They found Akatsuki, Hanabusa, Ruka and Rima at the corner and joined them.

Once all the students were in, the staff, basically both on and off duty maid-servants started to enter.

Some students looked at each other confused. Situation like these were odd, where everyone was called at the same time. Seiran entered last and closed the door after her. That was her way of signalling her master that everyone has arrived.

All eyes now settled on the dorm president who was sprawled over the couch placed close to the window; with Aiyora laying on top of him... sleeping, as he continued to play with the strands of her hair.

Takuma and Senri exchanged a look. It was clear that Aiyora was put to sleep. She may not have been a light sleeper but she never slept like the dead either. If she were indeed sleeping naturally the presence of this many people would have awakened her by now.

"It has come to my attention..." Kaname begins "... that Aiyora is not getting her share of the respect, from you all, which she is entitled to... by birth."

A wave of mummer broke out as some students whispered amongst each other. But it was the vice president that spoke on behalf of the others.

"Kaname, no one here has any problem with Aiyora-chan. Everyone here dearly adores her. She's not only your little sister but ours too."

"I have not said anything about adoring her, did I?" he threw a cold glare at the vice president and silenced him. "I was talking about giving her the same amount of respect that is being given to me."

The members of the pureblood's inner circle looked at each other trying to understand where their leader was heading. Senri and Takuma shared a worried glance. While the rest remained unaffected. To them it did not really matter what the dorm president was going to announce, they're going to have to follow it anyway with no questions asked.

"I may not have mentioned this when I first brought her here..." Kaname broke the brief silence that took over during his pause.

"...but she isn't my sister only, in fact many of you already know of her true lineage. She was fathered by my uncle Kuran Rido and one of his lover from the Hanadagi clan, Layla. But none of that is of importance and to be dwelled on. What I expect from you all is to focus on only one status— my betrothed."

Certain individuals present there tensed. Kaname sensed that too which was why he said the following next.

"Under no circumstances any of you should forget who she is, next time when you interact with her. Therefore effective immediately I expect you all to treat her accordingly. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Kaname-sama." all voices said in chorus.

Even though everyone associated with the moon dorm have been summoned but this entire message was meant for one individual mostly, Shiki Senri.

"That would be all."

They were dismissed. Seiran opened the door and one by one everyone exited, only Senri stayed back. Seiran was about to tell him to leave but the pureblood dismissed her also.

With Seiran gone and Aiyora still unconscious, the tension between the two vampires got heated. Senri was throwing daggers at his cousin through those piercing gaze. Kaname did not look at him but acknowledged his presence with one simple statement.

"As expected... go ahead ask your question."

"Is Aiyora aware off this?"

"She does not have to be," the brunette paused to inhale the rose fragrance emanating off of aforementioned girl's hair.

"...as long as you are aware, that is all that matters."

Which in other words translates to — distance yourself from her.


a.n. Not sure if that was a total prick move, but we all know Kaname isn't always the nice guy. Just because he loves Aiyora now, doesn't mean his personality would flip over night.

Another thing I wanted to address- I hope you guys noticed this was basically the second episode of the anime. But the problem is with Aiyora being in the pictures scenarios are slightly changing. It can't follow the exact anime/manga path. I hope it does not both all the vk fans. If it does... I'm sorry...

Thank you all for reading hope you all enjoyed. Next chapter we go back to the rest of Noir's Trap. If you guys read the original book, you already know it is going to be slightly different.