Reply to guestwithreviews: Kaname's promise in that chapter was totally fake. It was something he said to the head of the Shiki family. His plan back then was to handover Aiyora to Rido and gain Yuuki's safety and his freedom in canon exchange. Or have Aiyora killed if needed to take down Rido. But before he could get to that point... a lot changed.

Currently the focus is all on Rido. After his arc ends it will smoothly transition into the manga timeline. And to answer your question if he will bring it up then... I think Sayatohi dies with most members of the council when Kaname takes them down. Personally I think it's better for him to die that way life becomes easier for Senri and his mother. And the reason why Sayatohi never brought it up because he doesn't have proof. Now that you mention... I think in one of the earlier chapters he brought it up in the council meeting but since there's no valid documents to back it up he simply had to swallow his words.

As for the bloodlust situation... I'm still thinking about it. But I know this much Aiyora will figure out her own way of how to handle this situation. As for Kaname... the blood tablets are there and there is Yuuki and Ruka. If anything I'm spending more time trying to figure out Yuuki's situation... because for her the reality is going to be different than it was in the manga.

A/N: Now let's move onto the story, my version of episode 3, more taken from the manga and certain things added. Hope you guys enjoy the chapter. And feel free to point out if you notice any mistake, I'll have them corrected.


Chapter 47


It was now winter break for all of Cross Academy.

Most students have already left for their home. Much like the day class, most night class members have already left. The only ones still remaining were Kuran Kaname and his circle. They will also set out tomorrow afternoon and spend the month long vacation down south of the globe, residing in the Aidou family's vacation villa, situated there.


"What?!" Aiyora stopped mid packing, exclaiming in disbelief. "You're not coming with us...? Then why am I packing for you?"

"No, I have to go visit my mother. She's been harassing me for sometime."

"Ri-chan my birthday is next week. You can't ditch me!"

"She made it sound quite important. It's best if go and have a look. I'll come back before your birthday."

"Well... then I'm coming with you!" She declared placing her hands on her hips.

Senri rolled his eyes as a result. "It's not safe for you."

"I don't care! It's either you're coming with us or I'm going with you. Now you decide." Aiyora said stomping away.

"Where are you going?" He asked her retreating figure.

"TO PACK!"

And the door was closed with a hard slam.

Sighing Senri resumed his packing from where Aiyora had left off. He was trying to not think but he was indeed stuck in difficult situation.

Within minutes after Aiyora's departure a subtle knock was heard. Sensing the presence of the person outside, the Shiki heir tensed.

What does he want? He thought skeptically.

Just as he gave the permission the door open and Kaname walked in, holding a white envelope.

"The tickets have arrived." He walked over to Ichijou's bedside table and placed the envelope on it.

"I booked one ticket under your name as well. But if you choose not to come it's totally fine. However... I would like to make one thing clear—Aiyora will not be allowed to step her foot into the threshold of the Shiki residence. So do not even think about taking her with you."

Kaname made the warning pretty clear.

"I'm not crazy. I wasn't planning on taking her with me. But what if she refuses to listen...?"

"Worst case scenario I will step in and take matters into my own hand." The brunette male assured, slowly walking back to the direction of exit.

Senri's face became hard. Kuran Kaname taking matters into his hand is not really a good sign. Who knows what the hell he will do... He couldn't risk it and have Aiyora to get hurt in the process, physically or mentally.

Kaname sensed the aristocrat's uneasiness and stopped once he was in front of the door.

"...Just so you know there is another way of handling this situation."

"What would that be...?" Senri asked without a second thought. Whatever it is, he will take it, as long as it doesn't hurt Aiyora in any shape.

A sigh left the pureblood's lips before he pulled his hand off of the doorknob, turned back and looked his cousin in the eye.


Yuuki and Zero stood outside the moon dormitory. They quietly watched Takuma instruct the servants loading suitcases into the trunk of the car.

The prefects needed to see the night class off before they went away on break. Plus another reason they were sticking around was so that the remaining day class don't show up and cause ruckus. The silver haired boy glanced at his brunette partner only to find her lost in deep thought. Lately there was a lot going on inside Yuuki. Often at night she would have nightmares and during the day sometimes she would have strange visions. Other than that, she was spending almost all of her time thinking about the infamous pureblood and the offer he made her.

"Good work Yuuki-chan, Kiryu- kun." After the luggages were loaded, Ichijou walked towards the prefects and praised them for making sure no day class showed up and disturbed.

"You two always work so hard. I hope you guys can relax while we are gone."

Yuuki bowed out of respect and bid him and the rest of the moving vampires farewell.

"Take care." She especially wished Takuma. Only to have the blonde exclaim out of the blue. "Ah Kaname!"

Surprised, Yuuki hid behind Zero. An action that confused everyone— Takuma, Zero and even Kaname who was approaching them.

"Did you lock the doors Kaname?"

"Ichijou... I can do that much by myself." Came the pureblood's offended reply. "But to answer your question... I didn't. Aiyora is doing some last minute packing. I left the keys with Seiran. She will lock the door and hand them over to me."

As the vampires continued to discuss why it was taking Aiyora so long, Zero slightly turned and observed how Yuuki was watching the pureblood; with that deep blush adorning her face.

"There they are!" Takuma exclaimed making Kaname, Zero and Yuuki look.

Aiyora and Senri finally came out, with the former tightly latching onto the latter. She was holding him so tightly that it appeared as though he would vanish into the air if she loosened her grip.

Seiran brought the key over to Kaname and he held out the envelope for Yuuki.

"Here you go Ms. Guardian, the key to the moon dorm."

She moved out from behind Zero and accepted the envelope. The blush still intact on her face.

"Kaname you can stay back if you—"

"You can wait in the car with everyone else." Kaname interrupted him. And Takuma walked away. After the blonde's exit, he turned to Yuuki and requested, patting her head.

"Yuuki can you please leave us for a moment too?"

Her already deep blush further deepened at the contact. However it didn't prevent her from looking at him all confused.

"Don't worry, I won't be mean to him."

"Alright then, please take care Kaname-senpai." Yuuki said and moved further away to give the two privacy.

"Kiryu-kun... take care of Yuuki."

"Anything else?" Zero asked with an annoyed face.

"It must feel nice to know that you won't have to see my face for a while, isn't it? You're so fortunate... whereas, even during this break period I'm stuck to see the face of the brat that irritates me the most. And the sad part of it all is that I cannot share this feeling with anyone but you."

"What?!" Now it was Zero turn to be confused.

"Never-mind. Just forget about it."

"What is with you today?!"

The pureblood simply walked away. Leaving the hunter more confused. Zero stood there seriously confused. His mind thinking what was that? Since when does Kuran chat with him and more importantly... why?!

On the other side, Yuuki longingly watched the retreating form of Kaname as he descended the long stairs.

I can do anything... if it's for Kaname-sama.


Rather than taking the car, Kaname chose to take the train. Due to being fast, frequent and time saving the trains are a very popular mode of public transportation. That means... lot of people, humans to be more precise, were crowding the train station. And all of those folks were staring at the group of nine gorgeous looking individuals that were walking through the station.

"Kaname-sama, we should have taken the car even if it would have taken longer time than the train." Hanabusa told Kaname after taking a quick glance around their surrounding. He was coping with it fairly well unlike Ruka, who was starting to get irritated and Aiyora, who has been against the idea of taking public transport from the beginning.

"It's fine Aidou, we're only being watched. I doubt these people will do anything further." Kaname responded to Aidou's comment.

"That's exactly how the day class started off. At the beginning they would only gaze from afar, but look where it got them today." Ruka pointed out.

"Now that you mention..." With a thoughtful expression on his face and a hand under his chin, Takuma presented his theory. "Kaname was the only one that they watched from a distance. Maybe instinctively they understood that he is a fiendish creature under the disguise of a beautiful human."

That theory earned several reactions. For starters Aiyora exploded into a series of laughter earning a weird look from Senri. Whose hand she was still latching onto.

"Takuma-sama!" Ruka began in offence.

"Fiendish creature?!" Rima only turned back at Takuma and raised a brow. Clearly not impressed. He just stated a fact that everyone already knew.

Seiran and Akatsuki ignored it for the most part and continued to walk. Hanabusa however, seized the opportunity to tattle. After all this may be his only chance to get the green eyed blonde into trouble. As the latter always get away trash talking about the pureblood.

"Kaname-sama, Ichijou is saying those awful things about you again."

"I think he hit the mark." The pureblood replied in his signature monotonous tone. Then turning towards the blue eyed blonde he said the rest with a small smile on his face. "In any case, it's finally break time, so let's stop with the formalities... shall we Aidou?"

"...Yes." He said uneasily while thinking in his mind.

If this is what Kaname-sama prefers, I have all intentions of complying with him.

•••

They had reserved two of the vip cabins in the train. With each cabin designed to sit four people with plenty of space worked out perfectly. Although they were nine in total, the cabins were spacious enough for one extra person to easily squeeze in.

Aiyora, Senri and Takuma were already settled inside their cabin, now waiting for the fourth person. The three vampires looked mildly annoyed, because the fourth member of their group Rima was stuck behind Hanabusa and Ruka, who stood in the hall arguing over who would sit in the same cabin as Kaname. Akatsuki was trying to get them to calm down but the bickering pair ignored him and went on. They were so engrossed into their argument that they failed to notice when someone stepped between them and walked into the preoccupied cabin.

Silence fell into the hall as the arguing pair came to their senses and realized who that person was. Kaname flashed them a smug smile before closing the door of the cabin on their face.

Now disappointed, Ruka walked into the other cabin followed by Akatsuki, Seiran, Rima and finally the pouting blonde.

•••

Their destination was almost half way around the world. It is so far from the academy that the climate there is different.

But since they took the 'world encompassing subterranean "underground rapid railroad"' that connects various countries. The duration of their journey was covered in a span of five to six hours.

For the most part it was a quiet journey. Kaname spent his entire time inside the cabin switching between the task of finishing a book, looking out of the window, doing small talk with his friend and supposed cousin... and watching Aiyora. While she happily chatted up with Senri and Ichijou, before falling asleep half way into the journey cuddling her half sibling.

•••

The group made their way through the mostly empty railway station to the awaiting butler of the Aidou family.

Even after they exited the train— Hanabusa and Ruka still kept sending each other hateful glare and Aiyora was still tightly latching onto Senri's arm.

"You know it's safe to let go of his arm now Aiyora-chan. Shiki can't runaway. We're quite far away from the Shiki residence." Takuma teased from behind.

Aiyora turned to with a pouty face before refocusing on Senri.

"Welcome home Hanabusa-sama and friends. I hope you all had a pleasant journey." The butler greeted with a warm smile. "Please wait inside the car while your luggage is retrieved."

"Did you tell father that I will be staying at Rima's house?" Hanabusa whispered to his butler. The mentioned female who was walking just behind him raised a curious brow. Wondering why out of everyone he picked her name.

"Oh yes, don't worry I have cautiously made sure everyone will spend their time undisturbed." The old butler reassured.

Aiyora, Senri, Takuma and Rima occupied the vehicle in front. Whereas Kaname, Seiran, Ruka, Akatsuki and Hanabusa took the one behind.

•••

After another hour long drive the vampires finally arrived at the vacation villa. While the staff unloaded the luggages and set them in the respective rooms, the butler and the head-maid showed the guests individually to their rooms.

"That luggages goes here." Takuma pointed towards the room on his right.

"Okay sir, I'll take it there."

"And all four bright yellow suitcases belongs to Aiyora-chan please take them to her room upstairs."

To avoid unnecessary mess up Takuma took the responsibility to show the staff which luggage belongs to whom.

Meanwhile leaning against a nearby wall with his arms crossed around his chest Hanabusa quietly watched the grandson of Ichio, innocently goof around. The blue eyed blonde could not shake away the thought— How is it possible for that monster of a person who controls the vampire council to have grandson, who's such an idiot.

"Aaah! Since we're all here I wish we could all sleep together." Takuma spoke generally.

Ruka and Aiyora, the two girls loitering around both shot him a look. But had two very different reactions.

"If we all sleep together... does it mean it'll be an orgy party...?!" Aiyora curiously asked.

Ruka on the other hand was completely flabbergasted.

"Takuma-sama! If my grandmother finds out I did something like that... she would kill me."

"Alright... so what are we doing later tonight? Any of you interested in a pillow fight?"

"What's a pillow fight? And what do you do after the fight?" Rima who just joined the group asked.

"You throw the pillow back and forth."

"No! That's not how you do pillow fight." Aiyora corrected the green eyed blonde. "Each would have to take a pillow and hit the other opponents using the pillow."

"That sounds fun! Who's interested?"

While Ruka and Rima just ignored the enthusiastic blonde, Aiyora moved from her spot only to appear by Aidou's side.

"Aidou-kun... what's with that serious face? What are you thinking?"

"Ichijou's grandfather is very oppressive, it's only natural that Kaname-sama became a runaway." Hanabusa muttered absently under his breath.

"Huh?" Aiyora and the rest looked at him all confused.

"Wh-what are you saying all of a sudden, Aidou?" The green eyed blonde stuttered, oddly horrified. It was hard to tell whether it was real or was he faking it.

"I'm sorry Aidou, that you have to look after a homeless me." Kaname said as he walked into the room. His remark snapped Hanabusa out of his trance state.

"Ka... Kaname-sama!!!" The blonde paled and gasped. "I-I didn't mean you're a burden—"

Taking full advantage of the situation and surprising everyone, well mostly Aiyora, Takuma ran over to Kaname, threw his arms around him and complained like a child.

"Kaname... Kaname... AIDOU'S SO MEAN! I can't do anything about my grandfather, but still he says hurtful things! Even I don't want to see my grandfather's face... so I'm being a nuisance here!"

"Does he have the permission to stay overnight?" Kaname asks Aidou sarcastically, petting his friend's head.

"Um... yes."

And then both Takuma and Kaname walked back to their respective room with a smug look on their faces. In other words Hanabusa was left behind feeling like a fool.

.

.

.

Later that night after couple hours of nap and a warm bubble bath, Aiyora joined the boys in the downstairs living room. Rima and Ruka were in the garden taking a stroll. She was planning on joining them but the conversation in the living room was too intense to forgo.

She slipped in unnoticed and occupied the seat on the couch beside Senri, who was just minding his own business and enjoying his poky.

"Um your parents... why did they commit suicide?"

Aiyora turned to Kaname slightly surprised, that, this was how the Council decided to declare their death. Well... to be honest Aiyora didn't quite care. But others in the room tensed.

"Hey Aidou-kun, Kaname may have issues replying to this question so..."

"Actually, I don't mind Ichijou." Kaname stopped Takuma. Then focusing on Aidou said the rest.

"However, if you're going to be asking, then I suppose you already know the answer... A pureblood vampire's life is much longer than those of a noble class and there's no chance of dying from accident or hardly any kind of disease. Outside of this long life... their death is mostly caused by either murder or suicide..."

Hanabusa's heart was pounding loud enough for all occupants in the room to hear.

"Your parents... they didn't seem like the type to commit suicide..."

"Indeed..." Kaname agreed before revealing. "... because they were murdered."

"But who would dare do such a thing?"

"Aidou..." Kaname warned calmly. "It would be wise not to delve any further."

"But why Kaname-sama?!" At once Hanabusa shot up from the sofa, frustrated and argued with the pureblood he so admired. "Why would you only tell me a part of the truth?"

His sudden out-of-character behaviour surprised others. However they refrained from reacting.

"Because I don't want you to die for nothing."Came Kaname's response.

"But I want to use my strength and protect you Kaname-sama. And Aiyora-sama as well."

"Aidou... it's best not to take this topic any further." Ichijou said with a smile, but the other blonde picked up on the hinted warning.

"Of course, I understand. Please forgive me for my outburst Kaname-sama." Hanabusa muttered lowly.

"It's alright Aidou."

"And please remember that I'm always on your side, so never hesitate to ask... please excuse me." Aidou said heading towards the door quickly.

Only to have Kaname call him out halfway.

"Hanabusa..." the aforementioned male stopped. "I thought you might suspect, that I was the one who murdered my parents. ...The fact that you didn't... makes me happy."

After Hanabusa, one by one everyone exited the living room and returned to their own. The only one who stuck around the longest was Aiyora. That too for another couple of minutes, before she too decided to make her exit.

But Kaname grabbed her wrist just as she was passing him. Making her stop and turn to him wordlessly.

He brought her hand to his face and nuzzled it affectionately. The female pureblood slightly narrowed her eyes wondering what was that?

"Do you want to say something, Kaname?"

He stood up and let go of her hand. "No, I just wanted to... never-mind."

"Okay."

He took a step towards her, ran his fingers through her dark tresses. "Have a good rest then..."

"Already did. I'm actually joining Ruka and Rima in the garden."

"In that case would you mind joining me in my room...? There's something I would like to discuss."

"Alright."


The purebloods were standing on the balcony that came attached with Kaname's room. Basking under the soft light of the crescent shaped moon and enjoying the gentle caress of the night breeze on their skin.

"So... what did you want to talk about?" Aiyora was the one that started the conversation.

"Yuuki..." Kaname replied with a heavy sigh. "She's starting to remember. Her memories are pushing to come back."

"Okay... so...?" She sounded least bothered.

"This is where things get complicated... initially I was supposed to use my life and turn her back into a human once again... after Rido was dealt with."

The younger Kuran stiffed. Just because she bashed him at the soirée, doesn't mean she relentlessly hates him. The topic of her father is still quite sensitive. She is just getting to know him, discover him after all these years. Although he may not be the best person, he's still her father. Besides no member of the Kuran clan are clean slate to begin with. So why should only Kuran Rido alone be branded as the bad guy?!

But for now... Aiyora decided to keep those thoughts to herself. It was better that way.

"Honestly... that's the most idiotic idea I've ever heard. Then again— hey! It's your life. You do, what you want to do. However if ten years down the road she again starts to regain her memories... don't expect me to sacrifice my life for her. I'd rather enjoy her as a meal and save this world from having to nurture one less useless person."

"Do you hate Yuuki, Aiyora?" Kaname genuinely asked, petting her head. "You can tell me if you do... I won't judge."

"Hate is a very strong word. ...No, I don't hate her. But do I love her enough to end my own life for her sake...? Oh hell no!"

Kaname chuckled at the expression she made. She looked so adorable... and he could not stop himself, he could not hold himself back from scooting a bit closer. However, his movement remained subtle so that she doesn't take notice. And it worked! Indeed her mind was preoccupied with Yuuki's thought to take notice of how much distance was covered between them.

"The other idea was to leave the academy, with Yuuki turned into a vampire and live the rest of our lives together... much like how it was meant to be."

He observes Aiyora carefully to see what kind of reaction she gives off. To his utter disappointment, there was nothing.

"That's a much better idea. To be quite honest... I think turning Yuuki-nee into a human was one of the most foolish decisions ever made. Seriously what was that woman thinking! She wasted her own life for nought. Being a vampire isn't at all bad. I love my life and enjoy all perks of it. Who cares if my skin burns a little under sunlight or eyes get irritated. I'm sure with time we will come up with technologies to tackle that problem. If we can discover alternative to blood, other matters aren't even a big deal."

"Truth is... you can never change who you are. The faster you accept your reality the happier you will be. And I have come to realize this after being with you..." He cupped her face. Enjoying the softness of her skin under his palm. "It is why I will forever remain grateful to you... because Aiyora, you didn't only teach me to love you... you taught me to love myself as well."

"You're welcome... I guess." she said uneasily and put a distance between them after noticing how close he was getting.

"In any case..." Clearing his throat Kaname continued. "...a future with Yuuki is something I no longer look forward to."

"Why not? It's not like I've agreed to become your mate. And more importantly I don't think the Council would agree to have the head the of Kuran clan walk around like a strayed bachelor."

"Don't worry about the council, they wouldn't be around for much longer."

It was a crucial information that made her heart miss a beat. She understood what he was trying to say but didn't want to know any further and have the rest of her vacation ruin. This matter could be dealt later. For now she decided it was best to dodge the topic.

"So... if not Yuuki then it would have to be someone else. You cannot stay alone forever."

"I will wait." The response came so fast and so smoothly, that, it felt as if it was waiting at the tip of his tongue.

"For me?" Aiyora asked pointing a finger at herself.

Kaname replied with a lonely smile.

"That would be stupid. What do plan to do during this waiting period...? Watch me get married and have children from the sideline."

"...Maybe. I don't know what else you plan to put me through."

Aiyora released a frustrated sighed. "And what would it take, to get you off of my back?"

"A child perhaps."

"A child?" Her brow arched up. He spoke with such a straight face that the smile from her lips dropped momentarily. However it returned seconds later, after she figured it was merely a joke.

"Not now. After you mature." He clarified.

And she exploded into a series of laughter.

"Wow! Just when I thought you couldn't get anymore creepy and weird..." she spoke between her laughter. "...but it was a good joke. It caught me off guard for a second."

"What if it wasn't no joke?"

Aiyora did not let those words get to her. Instead put it through one ear and out of the other.

"Then it's a terrible idea. I not familiar with motherhood. Which means I will be the worst mother a baby could ever have."

"Doesn't matter... I will raise our baby." His emphasis on the word 'our' spread strange shivers throughout her body.

"Believe me I was once a very capable father. I know how to fill up a mother's void."

Aiyora's gazed changed to an awkward one. It appeared as though the joke crossed the boundary. So she inquired, deeply praying, they were still on the same page with this banter.

"I cannot tell whether you're joking or are you actually trying to convince me."

"Do you want the truth...?"

She nodded her head 'yes'.

"Bit of both."

An odd silence fell between them.

Aiyora could tell he was eagerly waiting for some sort of response. But she had nothing to give him other than this silence.

After what seemed like a minute had passed by, the female pureblood took a deep breath. The first moment she made since the silence begun.

"Let's drop all jokes and get serious for the next few minutes." She spoke firmly. "So now... what's the plan for Yuuki?"

"Currently... I'm planning to stick to a portion of my old plan." Kaname revealed.

"Which is...?"

"I intend on making her my lover once we return to the academy."

There was another moment of silence before Aiyora laughed again. This time slightly less louder.

"My goodness! I think I'm finally starting to understand your sense of humour."

"I am serious. In fact I have been serious all along."

She laughed more and it made tear up in the process.

"I never said I didn't believe you." She told him, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes.

"You know... I expected you to feel slightly jealous." There was a strong hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Oh please! Think before you speak. I seduced that fool on the night of the soirée. Thanks to me she's under the impression 'Kaname-senpai asked me to become a vampire.'" She perfectly mimicked Yuuki voice towards the end.

"That was unfair."

"What were you expecting me to do. She wasn't speaking with me like she was doing with you. So I couldn't just go in and lecture her. Sending a familiar in your shape was the only way I saw fit."

Kaname smiled softly.

"Anyway it will be dawn soon. I better return to my room. Goodnight Kaname." Having said that she turned to leave but he caught her wrist once again.

"What now?" Aiyora turned, slightly irritated.

"I was serious..."

"About what exactly? Be more specific. We talked about a lot of things and you said that you were serious about everythin—"

"Our baby."

Not again!

Her eyes blinked.

"...Um..."

Ugh! Why do you always have to make everything so weird.

She fully turned towards him.

"Kaname... don't waste your time thinking about meaningless banter. For now... focus on being a good lover to Yuuki."

Kaname was about to give his opinion on the statement she just made but Aiyora silenced him. Placing a finger over his lips she nodded her head 'no', indicating he should speak no more.


At the same time, back in the Academy:

Yuuki was taking a walk around the academy grounds with Zero closely following behind. The latter was not an idiot. He could clearly see Yuuki was not her usual self. Something was in her mind, bothering her, and she going above and beyond to hide it. And it was worrying him. But around the headmaster he didn't want to bring up these sensitive matters and cause Yuuki more discomfort than she already was in.

"Tell me... what happened with you?" Zero pressed. Breaking the silence.

"Huh! What do you mean?" She looked at him nervously. Then put on her happy face to clarify. "Nothing happened at all." Sadly the blush on those cheeks gave it away.

"Quit pretending! I can tell... you are unstable right now. Don't force yourself to laugh and act normal when you're around me."

Yuuki sat down on the cold grassy field and looked up at the sky. Her vision focused on the crescent shaped moon.

"I've got so much. I'm so spoiled. I have the headmaster, Kaname-senpai, you and Yori-chan. I've been so lucky. Yet, I still wonder..."

She looked down on her lap, as if it was an attempt to hide her face before she revealed the thought that's been eating her alive for the last couple of days.

"... Do you think my heart will grow stronger if I become a vampire...?"

Zero flinched at those words. His heart stopped momentarily. To him, it was as if his worst nightmare has been coming true. Yuuki was the last person he could ever imagine turning into a blood sucking monster.

"Kaname-senpai asked me if I wanted to become a vampire and I—"

"You thought that somehow becoming a vampire was a good idea." He completed her sentence.

"Yeah." She admitted honestly. Then quickly dived down to defend the pureblood. "But Kaname-senpai was just joking. He wasn't serious about it."

"I will never let that happen to you!" He told her firmly. The pureblood may have joked, but he wasn't.

Yuuki's face changed to that of disappointment. But in that moment Zero didn't care.

"I don't care if it means making Kuran Kaname my enemy! Or even if... you hate me for it." Having made his point the silver haired boy walked away. Leaving Yuuki to dwell on her thoughts.


Finally, it was the night of Aiyora's birthday.

The first week almost flew by in preparation of this day. Having the arrangement done without the birthday girl finding out, was something easier said than done. However it became possible because Kuran Kaname personally took charge. He managed everything. Starting from assigning Senri and Rima to keep Aiyora away and distracted, to Takuma and Ruka to deal with the decor. Akatsuki and Hanabusa were in charge of bringing in all items and materials of the decor. Kaname himself dealt with the baker for the cake and drove the old woman crazy in the process. The size of the cake and the flavours were changed multiple times. Only for him to realize last minute that Aiyora isn't much of an eater. She wouldn't care how the cake tastes, but she would definitely care how aesthetically the cake appears.

.

.

.

It was Senri who brought her down to the living room right at midnight. The rest awaiting there surprised her the moment she stepped her foot in. Ruka even made a flower crown, that Takuma placed over Aiyora's head while personally singing her the birthday song. While others wished her 'Happy Birthday'.

And to say that Aiyora was just surprised, would be a massively understatement. The young pureblood got emotional and ended up in tears.

This was unexpected. It was beyond what her mind could ever imagine. At most she thought they would go out to a fancy restaurant for dinner. Not even for once it crossed her mind that these people would put so much effort into this evening.

The room was decorated with few different kind of flowers— Pink roses, orchids, lavenders, hydrangeas, hyacinth and sweet peas. The balloons were also chosen in the similar colour family with the only addition of few metallic silver ones. A bubble machine was placed in the corner to produce bubbles all throughout the room. It was a last minute addition, when Kaname suddenly remembered how obsessed Aiyora was with bubbles, back when she was child. The cake placed at the centre was gold in colour but decorated with iridescent edible glitter. To add more to the ambiance, soft jazz music was playing in the background. Overall it was aesthetic and luxurious. Exactly how the birthday girl preferred.

The next couple hours were spent by taking over hundreds of photos, cutting the cake and eating it.

At last came the time to open the gifts...

The group gathered around the birthday girl.

Takuma's was the first present Aiyora opened. He got her two pairs of high heels. One was pointed toe pumps and the other was strapped sandal type. Aiyora thanked him and gave him a tight hug before proceeding to the next present, which was from Rima— it was a ballet flat. Next was Ruka's, she gifted her a pair of diamond earrings. Everyone including Aiyora was a little surprised since the two hardly interacted. Seiran gave her a silk scarf. Akatsuki gave her stuffed bear and to compete with him Hanabusa also gave her a stuffed bear, only difference— Aidou's one was huge. Aiyora couldn't even open the box, Akatsuki, Takuma and Hanbusa himself had to do it for her.

Then it was Senri's turn. He gave her a beautifully wrapped small box. Aiyora didn't want to open it publicly but nosy people like Hanabusa and Takuma started to fuss. So under peer pressure the pureblood was forced to open it.

"What is it?" Takuma was the first to ask.

Before Aiyora or Senri could reply Hanabusa threw in his comment.

"You're such a miser Shiki! You gave her just one earring instead of a pair."

"Aidou-kun! It's not earring. It's for the navel." Aiyora corrected.

"Who pierces that part of the body?"

"I did!" Aiyora replied rolling her tongue at him.

Knowing he wouldn't be able to beat Aiyora, Hanabusa went on to pester Senri. "Still, couldn't you find earrings or were you trying to save money Shiki...?!"

"At least I got her something... unlike him." Senri pointed a finger at Kaname.

"Hey! Don't blame Kaname-sama. This evening wouldn't have been possible without him."

Aiyora looked at Kaname, shocked. All this time she was under the impression Senri and Takuma were the mastermind. The fact that it was Kaname, came as a big surprise.

In the background Takuma could be heard siding with Hanabusa .

"Aidou has a point. And to be quite frank I have never seen Kaname so hands on with a task up until now. He is usually very lazy and make others complete the task for him."

"And now it's my turn..." the male pureblood who was silent all this time, suddenly spoke up, gaining everyone's attention.

"You also have a gift?" Takuma asked his friend, scratching the back of his head. As he doesn't recall the brunette buying something.

"Of course I do. What do you take me for Ichijou...?" Without breaking their eye contact, he walked to the birthday girl and offered her a hand.

Smiling, Aiyora accepted his hand and allowed him to lead her to the terrace. The rest quietly followed behind.

"So your gift to me is the starless night sky?" Aiyora joked, causing Takuma to chuckle.

"No..." the hand that was holding her hand cupped her face.

"...my gift to you is the most illuminated night sky you will ever see."

Just as those words left his mouth the fireworks started to go off. Brightening up the night sky like it was day time. It was unlike anything that any of them had ever seen. All of them, Aiyora including watched show with mouth partly agape.

I finally understood what you represent, Aiyora. You're just like the fireworks, that brings in colour and brightness to my dark world and makes them even more beautiful than brightest of day.

...With you in life, I have no desire for the sunlight. No vampire ever will...


At dawn, Senri carried the exhausted Aiyora to bed. He laid her down and tucked her under the duvet. Then without even her asking, he joined in and cuddled her from behind.

Aiyora didn't know what it was about but she liked it.

"Ri-chan..."

"Yeah..."

"I love you."

"Ai-chan... I love you too." He softly kissed her head. "More than anyone."

A content smile made its way onto the pureblood's lips shortly before she surrendered to sleep.

And...

.

.

.

When Aiyora woke up next evening, Senri was gone. All that remained in his place was an envelope addressed to her.


A.N: I made a little change to Senri's departure. I think it fits better. Hope you all liked it.