Chapter 62
"Rido-niisan!"
Oblivious to the displeased look in her mother's eyes, little Juuri sprung into the awaiting arms of her older brother.
Beside their mother, their father stood with a stoic face.
Rido locked eyes with the woman he believed to be his mother. Unable to hold his gaze the woman opted to look away. It was obvious, the snide remarks were trying to burst out of her mouth, but they were reserved for the time of her husband's absence. In his presence she never dared pull such stunts.
His mismatched eyes then moved over to his father. He had a small smile tugging the corner of his lips.
"Juuri missed you niisan." The whisper brought his attention back on to the child, he was so protectively holding in his arms.
A pleasurable shiver ran down his spine when she buried her small face at the crook of his neck. Another stronger followed the same path as he felt her taking in his scent. The tickle of her warm breath made his body go rigid. He loved this little girl so much, that he already knew deep down that without her in his life, he would go insane.
"I missed you more Juuri… if only you knew how much." He returned the hug lightly, scared that he might crush her bones if he put more pressure.
"Juuri dear, come back. Your Rido-niisan returned from long journey, he is tired, let him rest for now."
Juuri pulled back with an adorable pout forming on her small lips as she protested turning to their mother.
"No, I want to play with Rido-niisan now!"
"Juuri!" Their mother's voice rose slightly but Rido immediately shot her a look, silently warning her to not raise her voice at Juuri.
The woman saw the look in his eyes and was forced to back off. But not without throwing a glare at the him.
Rido on the other hand could care less. He and his mother shared a complicated relationship. He always saw through her deep hatred for him under the phoney facade of a kind mother. Although he never understood why she felt such way about him. It was different when he was a child, back then, he did care and tried everything to win over her love. Sadly nothing no efforts of his ever worked to break the barrier of hatred. However with time Rido moved on and at this point he simply didn't give a flying fuck. Now he has Juuri, he doesn't need any one of them. If needed, for Juuri's betterment he will get rid of them all without a second thought.
"Let them be." Their father stepped up. "Rido is never tired to enjoy his sister's company. Right son?"
"Yes, you're correct otou-sama." Rido reassured, pressing a firm kiss on his sister's temple.
.
.
.
He was sitting under a shadowy tree, looking over the horizon, basking in the soft sunlight of the late afternoon hours, when the ten year old Juuri sneaked into his arms.
A smile graced Kuran Rido's lips as he looked down at the small figure as she got herself comfortable in his arms like it was a place she owned. Then again it wasn't a wrong analogy. His arms, his lap, his body, blood and soul none it belonged to him anymore; they were all his little sister's property now.
"Rido-niisan…" Young Juuri muttered, nuzzled her face into her mouth older brother's chest.
"What is it?" He dipped his fingers into her hair, playing with her soft red curls.
"Okaa-sama said I'm a bad sister because I don't play with Haruka."
"Then why don't you play with Haruka?"
"I don't like him! He is not like you." A feeling of pride swelled up his heart at her innocent words. He was happy to know he meant more to her than their other sibling.
"Haruka teases me. Do you know yesterday he told me birds could make a nest on my hair." Juuri's complaining tone combined with her adorably angry face made Rido chuckle. Which only stopped after meeting her glaring eyes.
"He lied. You have beautiful hair Juuri. Besides, if any bird dares to make a nest on your hair I will roast it for good."
She gave him a toothy grin and his heart skipped a beat. He wasn't sure for how long he had been starting into her deep brown eyes. But the sun has already set and moon already risen long ago.
"Rido-niisan…?" She called him. To which he responded with a rhythmic hum.
"When I grow up, will we be like Otou-sama and Okaa-sama?"
His heart skipped another beat before it started to hammer against its ribcage like it was ready to burst out.
"No…" he whispered softly, earning a questioning look from his sister. "…we will better then them, my precious sweet Juuri." He clarified, pricking his thumb using one of his thumb and inserted that bloody finger into her mouth and made her suck onto his blood.
His eyes came to a forceful shut down at the pleasurable sensation, brought by her suckling.
"Juuri…"
And while the aforementioned female lost herself to the overwhelming taste of his rich Kuran blood, Rido could not hold back from letting his thoughts transform to words.
"I will love you more than Otou-sama loves Okaa-sama."
She sat in front of the dying fireplace, in nothing but a lilac coloured short slip dress and a matching robe draped over the shoulder. She may have been sitting for a while, but the comfort that she usually found in the soft cushions failed to present itself.
"—something to eat?"
Aiyora's head jerked up as she realized someone just spoke to her. Turning, she found Ruka at her door, looking at her with concerned eyes.
"Shall I bring you something to eat?" Ruka repeated, figuring the pureblood didn't hear her properly the first time.
Aiyora managed to nod her head sideways before returning her stare back at the fireplace.
The female aristocrat stepped in and closed the door with the back of her hand. She then strolled over and sat down beside the pureblood.
"You haven't eaten anything in the last three days." Ruka pointed out. "He's getting really worried, and so are we. Please whatever you do, don't hurt yourself."
Aiyora slowly turned, again, a smile somehow returning to her features. "Glad to hear that people still care about me."
"What do mean?!" Ruka exclaimed. Not understanding in what context that statement was made.
"You know very well what I meant." Aiyora muttered, in a slightly bitter tone. Then quickly changed it to something suitable for casual conversation. "Anyway, how is Kain-senpai and Aidou-kun doing?"
"They're doing fairly well. Akatsuki is out most of the time, running errands for Kaname-sama. While Hanabusa and I have been assigned as Yuuki-sama's tutor."
The pureblood tensed at the mention of her cousin's name. Now that her body has begun merging with her father, her feelings towards Yuuki has become far more complex.
Recently she has been seeing glimpse of his life with his beloved little sister, Juuri. Aiyora understood he is sharing his side of the story with her; because she saw them from his point of view, felt the emotions he felt. And now, that resulted in increased hatred for Juuri and bitterness towards Yuuki.
However the rational part of Aiyora knew it was unfair to blame Yuuki. It's wasn't her fault. Unfortunately, Juuri wasn't around to take her share. So automatically all those negative and bitter emotions were getting diverted towards Yuuki. As her overwhelmed heart couldn't help it.
Hence to avoid unnecessary mess, and to avoid seeing Yuuki's face at all cost, Aiyora have cooped herself in her room since their return to Kuran manor. For now it was the best solution she could think off.
"To be honest, all three of us have gotten quite comfortable. Feels like we're still back at the academy, except for…" Ruka spoke bringing Aiyora's attention back on her.
"Except, few are missing." Aiyora finished the sentence for her. Referring to the absence of Senri, Rima and Takuma.
An uneasy silence followed after. Since Ruka didn't exactly know what to say. Ever since they left Cross Academy, Aiyora's life has drastically changed. She lost the most important person in her life, Shiki Senri— Her Ri-chan, her half brother, the love of her life, her everything!
"Are you in touch with him?" It took the aristocrat a lot to master the courage to ask this simple question.
"No." Aiyora closed her eyes allowing her own words to sink in. "But I know he's out there doing alright, thriving perhaps."
"You know Kaname-sama isn't doing so well. He's constantly worrying for you. The only time he leaves his room is to come stand before your door quietly just to check if you're alright."
"Don't worry about him. He's strong nothing will happen to him." Aiyora reassured.
"And Yuuki-sama—"
"I didn't ask about her, did I?" The pureblood snapped, unexpectedly. With her change in temper, the temperature in the room also dropped drastically.
A muted gasp left Ruka's lips. As she felt goosebumps spreading all over her skin and the hair at the back of her neck rising.
Realizing what she had done, Aiyora reached out and place a comforting hand on the other's arm.
"I'm sorry Ruka-senpai. These days my emotions tends to get the best of me."
"Aiyora-sama…?"
"Please leave me alone. I don't want to do anything I'd regret later."
"As you wish." The blonde reluctantly stood up and walked to the door but paused after grabbing the doorknob. Then, casting one last worried look at the lost pureblood she left the room.
Aiyora plopped down on the couch she was seated. Closed her eyes, both her hands clenched in tight fist.
Time was early hours of the evening. The three cousins were strolling around the garden. Ruka and Hanabusa were engaged in conversation whilst Akatsuki quietly listened to them. Offering his opinion only where it's needed.
Their topic at a point moved towards the direction of the Kurans. And it was Hanabusa that brought it up as she inquired about the youngest Kuran.
"So how is she doing?" Aidou asked in a hushed whisper.
Akatsuki cast him a side-eyed glance, wondering why the blonde was whispering when they were a good distance away from the manor.
"Not great. She seems really depressed." Ruka replied, maintaining a low voice and brows furrowed, clearly portraying her concern for the pureblood.
"Can't we do something to help?"
Sighing Akatsuki responded to Hanabusa's question. "Logically speaking I don't think any of us are in a position to help her. The person she needs the most, isn't here."
"There must be some way to help her get through this!" Aidou put his foot down, refusing to accept Akatsuki's sad conclusion. "She considers us family. We can't leave her side at time like this and sit on the side in hopes that in due time she will figure everything out on her own. Shiki or no Shiki, we must do our part."
As Hanabusa ranted his fiery haired cousin picked up on the change of expression on Ruka beautiful features. She looked like she had some idea as to what was going on inside Kuran Aiyora's mind.
"What it is Ruka?" He suddenly cut into the conversation.
"Huh!" Hanabusa also turned to the mentioned female.
"What?"
"You look like you know something." Akatsuki pointed out.
She heaved a sigh. Debating for a moment whether to share.
"I don't think Shiki is only reason for whatever she is going through currently. Yesterday, when I visited her, she snapped at me mid conversation. Her demeanour completely changed. It appeared as though she was battling a war to hold herself back. Strangely it only happened as I was about to bring up Yuuki-sama."
"What does that supposed to mean?" Asked Aidou, one brow curiously raised.
"It means she would have been in a much better shape if Yuuki-sama wasn't here. For some unknown reason Aiyora-sama can't seem to tolerate her."
"Can you blame her? That one surely is a challenge." The blonde quipped.
"Who is a challenge Aidou-senpai?" Asked a voice that didn't belong any of them. It came from behind. Immediately the two gossiping aristocrat froze realizing who it was.
Aidou was the first to turn and stutter. Fearing rising inside, as he tried to figure out how much she has heard. "Y-Yuuki-sama! What are you doing outside?"
"I saw you three outside and decided to join."
"You shouldn't be outside." Ruka stated firmly, like she was accusing her of committing a crime.
"Please go back inside." Akatsuki on the hand politely told her. "Kaname-sama will be upset if he finds out you left the manor."
"Its just the garden. Besides, you all here."
"Rules are different for you! Kaname-sama clearly instructed— you are not allowed to step outside under any circumstances."
Both male aristocrat cast the female a look. Slightly taken aback by the hard tone she just imposed on the pureblood.
"But—"
"Please I implore you don't make it any harder for us."
"Ruka-senpai…" Yuuki trailed off, unsure as to why the female was suddenly being so hard on her.
"Okay that's it!" Hanabusa intervened. With the intention to diffuse the situation even before it had a chance to escalate.
He quickly marched to Yuuki and grabbed her by the hand and pulled them back into the manor. "Come on, we have studies to resume."
"What? I studied the entire day yesterday." Yuuki protested trying to stay back and enjoy the fresh air outside.
But her tutor wouldn't have it.
"Yet you scored below 15% in your math test." He gave her a brutal reminder.
"Yes but I'm improving. You said so yourself."
Following the brutal reminder came the cruel comparison.
"Aiyora-sama never scored below below 100% in her math test." The words slipped out of the blonde noble's lips without even him realizing.
Yuuki flinched.
The abrupt comparison to Aiyora was unexpected and to some extent it actually hurt. Considering she is the older one and not the other way around.
Yuuki let out a deep sigh.
Her new beginning did not turn out how she had initially anticipated. What the Kuran princess pictured was to be by her older brother, no her fiancé's side. Share his burden and together they would look after Aiyora and the aristocrats that are residing with them currently.
However, the reality she's living is nowhere near her imagination. In fact it doesn't even come close. Kuran Yuuki's life at this point is a series of routine. Wake up— eat— study—eat again—rest and repeat.
Its been over two weeks they left the academy, and in these past two weeks not a day had been different for Yuuki. Everything has been compressed within her schedule set by Souen Ruka and Aidou Hanabusa. The two faces she sees everyday with the occasional visits from Seiran and Akatsuki.
The person whom her heart was longing to see, hasn't appeared before her even by mistake.
The last time Yuuki saw him was the day they arrived. Even throughout their long car ride he made no attempt to speak to her. However he did initiate conversation, but only with Aiyora. That conversation never prolonged due to her lack of interest. Once they arrived at the manor, he instructed Seiran to show everyone to their room while he disappeared with Aiyora.
And… neither of them were seen; ever since.
Yuuki knew both Kaname and Aiyora were home. She could sense their powerful presence somewhere in the manor. But couldn't pin point where exactly the two were located. If only the manor wasn't so massive and she wasn't new here, then Yuuki would have started to search for them by now.
Perhaps she will, as soon as she becomes familiar with it.
"You have only fifteen minutes left." Aidou's word rang an alarm.
Now fully alerted Yuuki sat up in straight posture to finish her essay only to find out she hasn't even started. All she wrote on that paper was her name. An old habit.
"What's this?! You haven't even written a word." Her frustrated tutor found himself in state of great shock after he cast a glance at her paper and found it to be blank .
"I was thinking." Yuuki defended herself biting the end of her pen.
"It was supposed to be a 500 word essay finished in half an hour. But I chose to be considerate and gave you one full hour instead. Still your paper is blank. What's wrong with you?!"
"I'm sorry." The pureblood looked down in shame.
"Listen! You have to take your studies seriously. There's a lot to cover in very little time. You're already behind, you wouldn't want to fall back any further than that."
"What about Aiyora-chan? Doesn't she have studies to finish?"
"Aiyora-sama has been receiving all sorts of education and training from a very young age. Unlike you she didn't spend ten years of her life as a sheltered human." Right after the words already left his mouth the Aidou heir realized his mistake. He was too rude and crossed the line. No matter his personal feelings he should not forget that the girl in front is a pureblood of the Kuran line.
He quickly apologized and Yuuki being the kind hearted person she is, forgave him.
But alas! When it came to marking her paper, he couldn't give her a score higher than one. Just to appreciate her for writing her name.
Later that night Yuuki was walking along the hallway when stumbled upon Seiran. Judging by the latter's attire the former understood she came from outside.
A part of Yuuki was envious off her. For she was free to go outside anytime she wanted… unlike her.
"Is there something you need Yuuki-sama?" The level-C asked upon noticing the pureblood staring at her in a strange manner.
"Um… no. Actually yes." Her mind changed quicker than the seasons.
Her indecisiveness made Seiran arch a brow.
"Can you please take me to Kaname onii-sama. I need to see him." Her tone made it hard to understand whether it was a request or an order.
But after studying the look on her face Seiran leaned towards the former option.
"Unfortunately Yuuki-sama he is occupied at the moment. Is there a message you would like me to pass along?"
Yuuki debated for a moment. Then decided against it. "No it's alright I'll tell him when I see him."
"Very well then." Giving her a short bow the vampire left.
And Yuuki was left to watch her retreating figure with a small pout, resulting from her ongoing frustration. She really needed to see Kaname. But nobody seemed to be able to help her in that aspect.
Sitting at the edge of the bed he watched her as she slept. She looked so beautiful, so pure, so innocent, just like… a baby. By looking at her nobody would ever be able to guess the monster she actually devoured.
Now more than ever he wished to in the place of Kuran Rido. For the first time, he was envious of his self proclaimed master.
Closing his eyes he took a deep breath. Aiyora's signature lavender essence invading inside him through the nostrils. As he reopened his eyes several moments later and glanced at her once more his fingers burned, itching to touch her.
It almost reached out on the mission only to retract moment before making contact with her face.
And that's because Kaname knew not to.
As she did not desire it at the moment. She wanted space for the time being and how could he deny her such a small request. At this point for him, there was no greater satisfaction than fulfilling Aiyora's desires; because she was for lack of better terms, his life now!
Hence why he only visited her when she slept.
The rapid spread of goosebumps on her skin caught his attention. He didn't need to touch her to know she was getting cold.
Quickly, he pulled the warm blanket over and fully covered her. Then, kissing her over the head left her room, carefully closing the door behind him in order to avoid making the slightest sound that would disturb her sleep.
Despite keeping a straight emotionless face on the outside, he was actually giddy with happiness inside. What a pity that it couldn't be shown. Aiyora was with him! And not Shiki! What more could he ask for.
Upon return to his chamber Kaname found Seiran waiting for him outside his door holding a large yellow envelope.
"These are all the documents you've asked for." She informed, handing over the envelope.
He accepted it with a low whisper of 'thank you'. Then opened the door to his office and walked in. He strode around the dark oak desk before settling down on the massive chair behind.
"Anything else?" He asked without even sparing her a glance. He knew Seiran followed him inside closing the door and now stood right in front of the desk.
"It's Yuuki-sama…" She trailed off like it was an uncomfortable topic to raise. All the while observing the pureblood, who was busy opening the envelope with a letter opener.
"What about her?" He cast her a quick glance before resuming the task in hand.
"She wants an audience with you."
Kaname's initial reaction was to nod his head. He said nothing more. His already busy hand took out the papers from inside the envelope and spread them out over the desk. Acting as if Seiran hadn't said anything at all.
"So what do I tell her?" Seiran felt compelled to directly ask since there was no response for her earlier statement.
The male Kuran turned to her, with an aggravated look his face.
"As you can already see, I'm busy. So tell Yuuki, I'll see her later, when. I. have. time." His words towards the end came out punctuated. "If there isn't anything else you're dismissed."
Taking it as her queue to leave the grey haired female gave him a short bow and vanished into the thin air like she wasn't even there to begin with.
It's been over a week since Yuuki's interaction with Seiran. Where she requested an audience with Kaname. Seiran assured her she'd inform him. But to Yuuki's utter disappointment she came down with the news soon after— "He is busy and will see you later."
Then, just with few blinks of the eyes the entire week passed and Kaname was yet to grace her with his presence. He neither came to her nor called for her.
It surprised Yuuki. Even though it shouldn't have. But she somehow managed to brush off whatever suspicious thoughts tried to invade her mind. Arguing back that her Kaname onii-sama has a lot on his shoulder. Therefore she should be supportive and understanding of his situation and circumstances.
Not even once it occurred to her just how busy is it possible for someone to be. There are seven days in a week with twenty-four hours long each day. Despite so much time he could not spare a second for her?
So a week later she decided to take matters into her hand and help him. After all, she's no more the naive human, Cross Yuuki. Now she's his sister come fiancée, Kuran Yuuki, who will one day be his wife.
With that thought settled in the back of her mind, Yuuki walked into the kitchen and found the middle aged spectacle wearing maid preparing rose tea.
By now it was common knowledge that rose tea was only made for Kaname. But she still asked, just to be certain.
"Is this for Kaname onii-sama?"
"Yes it is, Yuuki-sama." The vampire confirmed, carefully pouring the tea into the beautifully decorated ceramic cup. Then decorating the small empty plate beside it with plain round shaped biscuits.
Once the woman placed everything on the tray Seiran appeared out of the blue to collect it.
Thinking, this might be her chance to see Kaname, Yuuki dived in and made the offer to take it instead.
"Please, give it to me. I'll take it, Seiran."
"Unfortunately, Yuuki-sama, aside from me no one is authorized to go onto his floor at this time. And that includes you as well."
Hearing that, the look of hope and smile both dropped from Yuuki's face. But her determined self wasn't ready to give up just yet.
"But—"
"Please try and understand, Yuuki-sama. I cannot go against Kaname-sama's orders." The grey haired female stated firmly, while maintaining her respect for the pureblood.
Understanding, Yuuki stepped out of the way to let Seiran pass. However just as the vampire carrying the tray was walking out of the kitchen, the other female pureblood made her first appearance since their arrival.
Yuuki, Seiran and the maid watched Aiyora descend the stairs. Dressed in red silk slip dress with matching long robe and matching furry slippers covering her feet. Her long luxurious hair was gathered onto one side, resulting in the exposure of her unnaturally long neck.
Yuuki had her mouth slightly parted as if a word was about to slip out. She knew purebloods were born beautiful but Aiyora, she was on a different scale. Or least that's how it appeared.
Aiyora felt Yuuki's eyes feeding on her form, but on purpose pretended not to notice. She simply wasn't ready to deal with her cousin, yet. That time will soon arrive but until then Aiyora would pretend the other female pureblood doesn't exist.
Truth be told, despite all the emotional turmoil currently ongoing, the youngest Kuran makes no compromise when the matter is of her appearance. Everything around could go to hell for all she cared. But her look has to stay head turning, jaw dropping, glamorous and fabulous.
"I will take it from here." Her words were directed towards Seiran.
"Actually… we are not allowed into his quarter at the moment Aiyora-chan. I already asked Seiran-san."
Yuuki's words caused Aiyora to glance at her. But she said nothing against her words. And much to Yuuki's surprise without any form of protest or argument, Seiran just handed over the tray to Aiyora. Who then turned around on her heels and walked up the stairs.
The scene left Yuuki momentarily dumbfounded. It was her who ultimately broke the silence after Aiyora's figure disappeared from their sight.
"I thought you said Kaname onii-sama doesn't wish to be disturbed." Finally, Yuuki found some words in her voice.
Realizing the statement was meant for her, Seiran turned to look at the brunette. Her usually vacant eyes now had a glint of pity in them.
"Rules are different for Aiyora-sama." Was all she could say before disappearing from there.
A.N. Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed.
So, this is the beginning of the manga timeline.
This is more of a filler chapter to show how everyone has settled in. There will be couple more chapters like this before it blends into the manga timeline. Spoiler alert it will be slightly different.
Also I'd like to point out— the reason Yuuki is getting treated in such way is because of Aiyora's existence. Now the aristocrats can be a little hard on her. Plus I think Aiyora's being bitchy towards Yuuki too. Hopefully in time all animosity between them will be cleared.
Reply to guestwithreviews: Well even if Kaname kept his language flowery, Aiyora on the other hand indirectly told Yuuki how her life would be. And she never asked Yuuki not to come because in a twisted way she wanted Yuuki to follow them, Kaname, to be more precise.
I guess after devouring Rido, she is getting some darker sides.
