Chapter 66
Now that the cat was out of the bag, it was time to make the formal announcement.
However, the announcement was made only where it was needed to be made.
Due to lack of time in hand the Hanadagi family which included Aiyora's grandmother, uncle and mother, had received the news via phone call. Although Layla had prior knowledge on the matter, but acted oblivious. The Shiki residence was yet to be informed. It's just that Aiyora didn't want to inform them over the phone.
As for the aristocrats who were staying with them, the announcement was made at the dinner table.
Aiyora broke the news herself.
And soon after the dining hall was engulfed in heavy silence. Everyone looked at the youngest Kuran like she grew another head on her shoulder.
In their defence, they were all caught off guard by the news. A pureblood going to university for education was unheard off. As a matter of fact, it was their first time hearing something like this. Even children of reputable noble families didn't set foot on university campus. It's not like they didn't receive higher level education. They definitely did! But not by going to campus. As it was filled with human and regular vampire. In their case big name professors were brought home to educate them.
"If this what you believe to best for you, then who are we to stand on the way. Many heartfelt congratulations from me." Akatsuki was the one who took the initiative to break the silence and offer her his sincere congratulations.
Ruka followed suit. Actually she went extra mile by going up to the pureblood and embracing her. Her action shocked Yuuki. As she didn't take the blonde aristocrat to be someone touchy-feely.
After Ruka it was Seiran, and after Seiran it was Hanabusa. Who grudgingly walked up to Aiyora and straight up told her not to leave Kaname. Then kept going on presenting many reasons as to why this was a wrong time for her to leave.
Only after she was done dealing with a brooding Hanabusa, the blue eyed pureblood finally turned to Yuuki; who has been patiently waiting for her turn for sometime.
The older Kuran cautiously walked up to the younger one and the two hugged. Their previous altercation left behind and safe to say, forgotten.
Despite offering her congratulations, Yuuki didn't seem very fond of the idea of Aiyora leaving the manor for such a long time. She expressed her concern as to how bored she would get at home without her. Aiyora rolled her eyes, amused. Yuuki isn't the first person not in favour of the idea. Aidou Hanabusa is veteran member of that club. But unlike Yuuki, he didn't make it about himself. He wanted Aiyora to stay back for a different matter entirely. Which was why Aiyora didn't get irritated with him, the way she was starting to get irritated with Yuuki.
In any case, Aiyora never took the other pureblood seriously. Although it sounds harsh, but the truth is, to Aiyora— Yuuki and her very existence has become a purpose of entertainment.
As expected, Kaname remained absent at the dinner. He has locked himself up in his room and hasn't come out ever since he handed Aiyora the signed form.
But as a gesture of gratitude Aiyora didn't want him to miss out on the dinner she had prepared to celebrate. So she sent the dishes over to his room.
Only, it retuned completely untouched.
Which didn't effect Aiyora much. Her brain reasoned not to take offence. If he wanted space to clear his head, he could have it, because she had no desire to poke the fire and ignite further flame.
Days passed with continuation of Kaname's sulking. Initially he didn't leave his room, unless he had to get out of the manor. Then eventually he showed signs of improvement. Joined during dinner and started to interact with others, except Aiyora. She still kept getting the cold shoulder.
To which, she didn't mind. If he wanted to ignore her, she was more than fine with it.
Ironically, for the first time in life she felt like a mother. Mother to an extremely immature child. Still, regardless of all her feelings, she let him be. Thinking, with time he will come around.
Little did she know, a naughty child is always up to some sort of mischief.
Fortunately, she found out pretty quickly.
On one fine sleepless afternoon as she was on her way to the kitchen in order to grab some snack, but never reached, because halfway into the journey she received a call from her university.
Naturally Aiyora panicked, thinking the worst possible outcome. But the person on the other side assured, it was no such case. Then proceeded with a topic that stopped her heart.
Kaname.
"We would like to do an inquiry on Kuran Kaname. I believe he is your older brother."
"Ancestor."
"Excuse me?!"
"Cousin! I meant cousin! He is my cousin!" The pureblood quickly corrected her mistake. "Why do you ask?"
No matter how natural the term 'he is my ancestor' sounded to Aiyora and the people she is usually around, it would never make sense to the human who was currently speaking to her.
"I was hoping we could verify his application with you."
"His application! For what?"
As the man went into details, Aiyora narrowed her eyes, feeling her heart drop to her stomach. She rubbed a hand over her face and didn't dare hope. From experience she learned, it was always better to assume the worst. At least the weight of broken expectations weren't so suffocating then.
.
.
.
Soon as the call ended, Aiyora changed direction. Turning around on her heels, she sprinted towards Kaname's quarter. Didn't bother knock, just barged through the door. Manners could go to hell for all she cared!
The owner of the room lay on the divan, resting. An arm was draped over his eyes, shielding them from the incoming sunlight through the adjacent window.
"Did you apply for a job in my university?" She demanded, kicking the door shut.
Uncovering the eyes he turned, with an aggravated look on his face.
"Good morning Aiyora. Next time please knock." There was heavy sarcasm dripping from his voice.
But that hardly had an effect on her. As she pressed more firmly this time, punctuating each word.
"Did. you. apply. for. a. job. in. my. university?"
Instead of answering he sat up. Poured a glass of water, emptied out an entire tin of tablets and waited for it to dissolve. Acting as if she wasn't even there.
Aiyora narrowed her eyes and crunched her nose at the intense smell of chemical emanating from the tablet, that punched it's way through her nostrils.
He picked up the drink once the tablets fully dissolved and finished it in couple of long sips.
The female Kuran tapped her foot impatiently, assuming he would throw in an explanation after his drink finished. But no, he said nothing. Simply stared at her with those sad eyes. Anyhow, he really didn't need to say anything. The silence spoke on his behalf.
Taking this as her queue to speak, Aiyora began. Unlike him, she had the decency to explain as to why he isn't getting the job.
"The university called to verify your credentials. Might I add they were quite impressed and really wanted to recruit you."
She watched his reactions carefully.
"Unfortunately, it did not work out. You didn't get the job. And I made sure that you wouldn't, even in future." She spat the last part like she was spitting venom.
Now that earned a reaction. His body became stiff, shoulders tightened, brows furrowed, jaw clenched hard as she asked the following through gritted teeth.
"What did you do?"
"I was put in a position where I was forced to choose between my freedom or your reputation…" she trailed off uneasily.
Suddenly he looked menacing and Aiyora wasn't sure if she had pushed the boundaries too much. Just to be on the safe side she got herself into a defensive stance. Then revealed to what exactly she said.
"I told them you're a sexual predator, who preys on young girls."
Kaname sighed tiredly, running a hand through his hair.
Truth be told, this did not come off as surprise to him. He is very much aware of what Aiyora is capable off.
Still, it hurt.
All he wanted was to be near her. Was it too much to ask for?
"Did it give you peace…?" He asked chuckling, his gaze settled elsewhere. "Tarnishing my reputation."
"No Kaname it didn't!" She almost screamed. "The same way it didn't give me peace when I accused you of rape. But here's the thing, I felt no guilt, neither back then or now."
The brunette closed his eyes and hung his head in defeat. And Aiyora walked towards him as if she was approaching a wounded animal.
"Why do you deliberately do this Kaname?" She took his face between her palms and raised it so he was forced to look at her.
"Why do you put me in a situations where I'm compelled to hurt you. Why do you create problems where my only solution is to put false accusations on you?"
His wine eyes poured into her blue ones, watching it tear up.
"Believe me, I don't want to tarnish your reputation." She continued, "Having said that, I also cannot sit tight and let you take control over my future. I'm not a bird you can trap inside a cage. I'll always find a way to break free."
One of his hand reached up and cupped her face. The thumb wiping away the tears from the corner of her eyes while his other hand snaked around her waist and guided her to sit on his lap.
"I'm sorry if it made you feel that way. Believe me it was not my intention. I just wanted to be with you… stay close to you." He admitted.
It was Aiyora's turn to sigh.
"You cannot just drop everything like it's a sack of potato and follow me like a lost puppy. You're a grown man with huge responsibility on the shoulders."
Her fingers combed through his messy hair, tousling it back and forth. The sensation caused his eyes to close down.
"You destroyed the senate. Now it is your job to rebuild and re-establish a proper governing body for our race. Then there's the liability that needs to be care off."
There was no need to spell it out, it was obvious about whom she was referring to; Yuuki.
"The most important factor here is that… I want to discover myself. And I need to do so on my own, without your shadow hoovering over me at all times. So please…" she begged, "don't pull these foolish moves that will cause a rift between us."
"In that case, may I write to you frequently?"
The mood in the room changed, it was suddenly light.
"Of course. You don't need my permission for that." Aiyora said with a smile.
"May I write romantic letters to you?"
"You can even write erotic letters." She responded cheekily, running a finger along his jawline. "I'll respond I promise. Just don't deliver them in person."
"Relax, I'm not that desperate." He said smirked.
To this Aiyora rolled her eyes. "Looks who's talking."
The corners of his lips rose with the barest of smile. An urge to kiss her crept up his spine, unsolicited.
But... he resisted. He has to. Because she wasn't ready yet.
The chaffer stepped on the brake and stopped the vehicle.
Aiyora opened the door and existed the black limousine, only to focus on the big castle that stood before her. It is that exact same place from where she began the journey of her short-lived modelling career.
And here she was, once again, a year later. Right before the beginning of another new journey.
Suddenly, nervousness returned to her features as remembered whom she'd soon meet; after four months and twenty seven days to be exact.
Ri-chan!
Her heart skipped a beat. Resulting in her hold on the chocolate box to tighten. Meeting Senri after so long is definitely going to be awkward. Really awkward. But Kuran Aiyora was definitely ready for it. Therefore with chin up and face full of confidence she walked in. Her tall pencil heel perfectly clacking against the dark marble staircase.
Once inside, pretty quickly she spotted Senri. The aristocrat was laying down on a oversized leather sofa placed beside the grand spiral staircase. Dressed in modern-cut navy fitted suit, paired with light blue t-shirt inside. His bored eyes were focused on the high ceiling.
Click!
The sound of camera went off. Kojin, the photographer, with whom Aiyora had the opportunity to work few times just captured the beautiful shot.
Rima was waiting on the side getting her hair touched up. Her hairstylist was the one who detected Aiyora at the back of the crowd,
"That girl looks familiar…" The woman trailed off, adjusting her glasses. Instinctively Rima followed.
"Is that really Aiyora-chan? Oh yes! It is her!"
Thanks to her excited scream, all heads in the room turned in Aiyora's direction. The entire crew, along with the models and the photographer included.
The said female waved at them gleefully. Her heart warmed up at the sight of so many familiar, friendly faces.
"You've been dearly missed, Aiyora-san. Glad to have you back." The photographer rushed over to her with a beaming face.
"Actually…" The female Kuran smiled softly. "I've come to say goodbye."
The photographer was about to ask what she meant but he was beaten by the voice that spoke from behind.
"What does that suppose to mean?"
All heads now turned to Senri. He was sitting up in straight posture. Looking directly at his Ai-chan, wordlessly demanding an explanation.
Kojin moved out of the way so the two had clear view of each other.
"That is the good news I have come to share."
.
.
.
They sat in the lounge that was setup for the models to rest. Just like the last time.
But unlike last time, Aiyora didn't forcefully sit herself between the models just so that no one except her can sit beside the maroon haired boy. This time she just picked the double sitter sofa. Leaving the three sitter for the models to take.
As expected Rima sat down across from Aiyora. Following her Senri joined. But to both their surprise he didn't take his usual spot on the three sitter. He chose to sit beside his Ai-chan. Then casually picked up a box of Poky from the nearby table and put one stick into his mouth.
Out of uneasiness the pureblood looked down, admiring the silver pointed toe pumps adorning her feet.
"You are really going to university." It was Rima's voice that broke the silence, dispelling the heavy atmosphere. She repeated what she overheard the pureblood say to the agency director.
Aiyora answered. "Yes."
"What subject would you be perusing?"
"Law. Criminal law."
Hearing that Senri turned, his impassive face filled with confusion. Aiyora never strike him as someone very studious. Hence why this particular choice of her came as complete shock to him.
"You're not trying to runaway are you?" Senri joined the conversation. Putting another poky stick into his mouth.
"I'm trying to discover myself." Aiyora replied sharply. "Frankly speaking, I don't know how much I'll actually enjoy studying law. What I do know is that I need change. Change of setting, surrounding, new faces around me."
Following those words a silence settled between them, which was broken when the Shiki heir decided to speak again.
"When do you leave?"
"The coming Sunday."
His eyes closed down to absorb the information. It was less than seven days away. After that, she'd be gone.
"For how long?"
"To be completely honest, I don't know. My program is for three years. However, if by chance someone comes along the way or I really end up liking it over there, I'll settle."
"What about Kuran-sama then?" Rima asked skeptically.
"Well…" The pureblood chapped her lower lip. "he should focus on finding himself a lovely mate and continue the Kuran line. Or as per his parents wish marry his sister. Whatever floats his boat."
"I thought you two were a thing."
"We were never a thing! Rima." Aiyora spat.
Both Aristocrats tensed at the sudden change in the pureblood's temper. It was their natural vampire instinct that was designed to fear their superior. Aiyora maybe their friend/sister/beloved, but that doesn't change the fact that she is a pureblood vampire.
Realizing what she had done, Aiyora quickly apologized, flashing them a goofy smile. Just to assure it was uncalled for and unintentional.
"We may have had our moments, but that doesn't mean we have to start a family together. I won't deny, we have chemistry. Very strong chemistry. But that alone can't be the foundation for a healthy family. He is ready to become father, grandfather or everything possible down that line. But I have different goals, so it will never work."
Putting a new Poky stick into her mouth Rima tossed the box over to Senri, which he caught with ease and took out a Poky for himself. His third one now. Then offered Aiyora, but she brushed it off.
"Anyhow, I was hoping to spend a day with you before I leave Ri-chan." Aiyora requested out of the blue.
Senri turned to her. They looked at each other with great interest.
"Just you and I like the old times?" His bored face suddenly showing excitement.
"Yes. Just you and I like the old times." Her face perfectly mirroring it.
"Okay. Let's do it day after tomorrow then." He planned, taking her hand into his.
The scene made the Tooya girl's heart drop. A sharp pang of jealousy shot through her heart. Unbeknownst to her, a frown was already under formation. In spite of knowing she had no right to feel this way, she remained unable to prevent it.
Lost in the bitter feelings, Rima failed to notice when the pureblood had looked and seen the look on her face.
.
.
.
Their break was coming to an end.
The next set was more or less up and ready. The photographer was going around barking orders left and right. Senri was pulled away by the stylist to try on the outfits for the upcoming segment. Rima's outfit was running behind schedule. Therefore with no change needed in her hair and makeup, Rima decided to keep Aiyora company till Senri returns.
However, what the aristocrat didn't expect was her heart to suddenly act so irrationally. Feel so insecure upon hearing Aiyora's last wish to spend a day with Senri. What hurt more was that he accepted it in a heartbeat. Without even sparing a second to think what he had on his schedule that particular day.
"Are you okay…" Aiyora trailed off. Pulling the aristocrat out of her chain of thought.
"I'm fine! Just tired." Rima quickly answered, avoiding the pureblood's gaze.
"What I meant was— are you okay with me and Senri spending the day together?"
"Are you asking for my permission?" Rima asked in her quiet, observant way.
"I am." Aiyora answered.
Rima hummed, but her gaze seemed to say that she knew Aiyora had other motives for wanting to spend this time with the Shiki heir.
"You don't need my permission to—"
Aiyora cut her off with a raised hand. Not hiding the fact that she was offended by the others body language.
"I'm well aware Rima-chan that I don't need your permission. In fact I don't even need his permission. I have the power to bend things according to my desire. Whatever I command both of you are bound to follow. But I care…"
The pureblood paused for a moment to compose herself. After realizing her emotions were starting to let lose.
"I care too much about Ri-chan to do something so cruel to him. At the same time I respect you too much to do something so humiliating to you."
As Aiyora finished her sentence, she noticed that the aristocrat's eyes have turned partially wide. She couldn't understand why Rima had such reaction though. Was it that hard to tell that she saw her as a friend?
To Rima surprise, the pureblood before her suddenly changed her seat. She sat beside her. Closer than Senri in proximity.
"Rima-chan I'm not sure how you see me, but I truly do see you as a friend and a confident. Someone to whom I can entrust my most precious belonging."
Then she scooted closer and spoke further lowering her tone.
"That aside, you also mean a great deal to Ri-chan. I may not be aware of how deep your connection to him runs but rest assured, I'm not here to jeopardize that. So if you do feel even a tiny bit of hesitance or unease please let me know."
"Then what?"
"Then I will cancel the plan." Aiyora said it like she meant it. Indeed she meant it.
The ginger haired girl's partially wide eyes went fully wide. She wasn't certainly expecting to hear that.
"I may have made the plan with him, but will only go through with it if I have your permission."
"Why does my permission matter to you?" Rima asked confused. Genuinely confused.
"All these time I strictly believed that no one was a better match for my Ri-chan than me. Turns out, I was wrong…. So very wrong!"
Their eye contact broke and the pureblood was the one who did it. As she muttered the last bit.
"You proved me wrong Rima-chan. Pointing a finger, you showed me what it is to care for someone. Don't get me wrong, I do care for Ri-chan but… I don't think I come anywhere near you."
Suddenly embarrassed by her own actions Rima became awkward. She didn't know what would be the right thing to say, so she reached out and gently took hold of the pureblood's hand.
Unknown to the girls Senri was hiding in a corner, watching them, with his heart swelled up in pride and a rare smile placed on the corner of his lips.
"I can't believe—"
"— that I'm still searching for Ichijou."
Senri finished the sentence for Aiyora.
As per the plan discussed over the phone, Aiyora joined Senri at the location he provided. From there he picked her up and brought her to the former Senate ground, where he began the search while she stood behind holding an umbrella to protect them both from scorching sunlight.
Even though sun wasn't their mortal enemy. But morning like these were an exception. It was so damn hot that even humans were avoiding going out, unless absolutely necessary.
And here they were, two vampires out in broad daylight, under the blazing sun, searching for someone presumably dead.
"What clues have you uncovered so far? Anything strong enough to verify that he is still alive?" Asked Aiyora scanning her surrounding.
She couldn't understand how Senri was so sure that Ichijou survived. From what she knows, Kaname had ordered the cleaning up of the mess soon after they left the academy. If Ichijou were to be found, he would have already been found by now. More importantly it's not like there would be a body to be found— he turned to dust. There's no way a bunch of human labours would be able to differentiate between a vampire's remains from the dusts from rubbles. For all they know, Ichijou Takuma is resting in peace in some dumpster. Sounds terribly tragic but that's the reality.
"His sword." Senri said pointing his finger. "It was under a ruble over there."
"What did you do with it?"
"I took it. There has to be some sort of reward for returning it."
Aiyora was deadpanned.
"And who are going to return it to?" She commented in a tone that matched her face. "Even the senior Ichijou isn't alive to throw you half a bone."
The Shiki heir stopped on his track and turned to his half-sister. His gaze trying to asses where her bitterness was rooting from. From what he remembers the two of them cared for each other deeply. So now why does it sound like it doesn't matter to Aiyora if the green eyed blonde is dead or alive. What changed?
"Why are you—"
"—so bitter towards him?" This time Aiyora finished it for him.
"It's because I partially hold him responsible. He repeatedly lied to me. Assured me that you were alright, everything was fine. When clearly neither were true."
"And what difference would it have made if he told you the truth? Could you have come and save me? Would Kuran Kaname would have let you come, knowing the state I was in?"
Narrowing her eyes in rising temper Aiyora looked away. She made no comment albeit many words were trying to burst out of her mouth. Simply forced herself to swallow them into her stomach. Just like Senri had his opinion, she too was entitled to her. She felt no ounce of guilt for feeling the way she felt about Takuma now. However, she also didn't want to ruin her last day with Senri over an insignificant argument.
So she decided to divert the topic, slightly.
"By the way how are you so sure that he is alive?"
"We found dusty remains and conducted through test. Turned out they belonged to his grandfather. Nothing of Takuma's was ever found. I used to come here everyday till the last bit of rubble remained. I personally supervised the cleanup. So I know for sure there's no way I missed it."
Aiyora was surprised. She didn't think Senri would be so determined to find Takuma.
"Your words only lead to one explanation Ri-chan, someone took him." Aiyora concluded. "But who? It certainly wasn't Kaname or the Hanadagi family."
"Whoever it was, has an ulterior motive." Senri said shaking his head.
"But with the council demolished and his grandfather dead, is he any useful?"
"Ai-chan did you flush your brain down the toilet?"
The mentioned female shot him a glare.
"Do you forget what close ties he shared with Kuran Kaname? If someone wants to dig out information on him, there is no other candidate better suited than Takuma. Which is what leads me to believe he's alive, very much alive. Let's just hope he didn't fall onto the wrong hands."
"Alright, let look over there." Aiyora pointed towards a specific location.
Their search continued for few more hours, asking around people in the neighbourhood and collecting whatever information they could.
By the time they headed back to the Shiki manor it was already dark outside. Sun had set long ago and everyone in the household was awake.
They sat down with Midori for dinner. Where they talked about the most random things. Aiyora even pushed Midori to share some stories from the past. And the woman gladly opened up.
She told them about her first meeting with Rido and how terrified she was to meet a pureblood from the Kuran clan. Then she also talked about her passionate affair with her former co-star, who coincidentally happens to be Takuma's father.
The revelation dropped like a bomb on Senri's head. His face showed shock like never before. Which in turn gave both ladies a good laugh.
"I cannot believe you used to sleep with Ichijou's father." Senri commented in his signature bored tone. But the ladies knew he was far from bored.
"We were in love." His mother countered.
"You had horrible taste in men, Okaa-san."
"No... your father was the only exceptional."
Aiyora watched them in content. Senri and his mother bickering like a normal mother and son. The sight was so beautiful.
It was amongst them she truly felt at home, she felt complete. She maybe a Kuran by birth, but the Shikis were her true family.
And surely she would miss them the most.
.
.
.
After dinner the half siblings to decided to spend some time in Aiyora's old bedroom. For a supposed trip down the memory lane.
Upon entering Aiyora found herself deeply surprised. She walked around in awe, a smile tugging at her lips and eyes watching with wonder. It was unexpected, to find her room preserved the way she had left it.
"Was this your doing?" She asked, plopping down on the bed spreading her arms and legs.
Senri smiled, already anticipating what her reaction would be after learning the answer.
"Believe it or not, it was my mother."
He joined her, sitting down at the edge of the bed.
"The maids mentioned, my great-uncle wanted to have it transformed into another guest room. But my mother didn't let him. Bizarrely, she also spent a lot of her time here afterwords. It's like she became obsessed with you once you were gone."
"That is actually very sweet of her." Aiyora smiled fondly.
Senri made a face. "Not really. It was weird. Besides obsession is bad. It only leads to terrible things. Take our father for example."
He was right, obsession does lead to terrible things. At the same time, it also shows what length a person would go to obtain what they truly desire. And it was this very thought that prompted Aiyora to ask the following question.
"Ri-chan, how come you have never been obsessed with me?"
Senri blinked, baffled by the stupid question.
Sometimes speaking to Aiyora was equivalent to speaking to the air. Like now for example.
He just explained her drawbacks to obsessions, with example and yet she asked him a meaningless question like that.
"Stop being so greedy. You have enough people obsessing over you. There is no need for me to join that list."
Aiyora laughed.
And watching her laugh, made him smile.
Soon she observed him watching her so intensely. Causing her to die down and be replaced with a smile.
The urge to kiss the other passionately right here was strong from both sides. But neither were sure if the other was ready for that yet. Or if they should even make the move to begin with.
But such desire was like magnet. It pulled without the individual having to realize it.
Exactly the same was happening here. They continued to move closer and closer, until the gap between them closed and they were kissing each other like nothing else mattered.
It was one of those rare times when the monotonous Shiki Senri showed passion. That he had never showed before.
The kiss was about to lead to something more. But it didn't, because Aiyora froze suddenly remembering her promise to Rima. Noticing she had stopped Senri too stopped. And Aiyora seized this opportunity to move away from him and quickly fix herself.
"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have kissed you." Aiyora spoke first breaking the awkward silence that came following their separation.
Confused, he sat up. Not being able to grasp why she was apologizing when he was the one who kissed her.
"You don't have to apologize, it was me who kissed you."
"I'm going away and I don't want to leave you behind, pinning after me. I can't guarantee what will happen once I'm there because I'm going with an open mind, ready to explore. And I can't live knowing that I've hurt you."
"What are you saying?"
Aiyora ran a hand through her hair pulling the strands slightly.
"I don't want to drag you into my mess. You have something purely blissful in formation with Rima and I don't wish to taint. In fact I think you should persue her. Rima is a great girl. Far better than me, with lot less complications in life. As for me, I don't know if I can ever escape the dark fate of the pureblood. What I do know, is that in order to be on the safe side I must not form deep attachment with anyone. Like father I don't want to love someone so deeply that it will drive me to the point of insanity. Nor do I intend to suffer and live a depressed life like other purebloods. What I want is to live and thrive. Otherwise how would I repay all those people whom our father has harmed in the process of obtaining his love."
Senri stared at her confused. To him, it seemed like she just got off track. Little did he know, she was very much on track now. In comparison to a moment ago when they were kissing.
"Speaking of undoing some of his wrongdoings…" She trailed off searching into her purse and fishing out a white envelope.
"This is for your mother."
"What is it?"
"Open it."
Senri accepted the envelope and opened it in haste. Initially he examined the documents disinterestedly. Afterwards his eyes went wide.
"What have you done?!" He muttered in disbelief.
"Congratulations! You're no longer the bastard son of Kuran Rido. From now on you'll be known as his first born."
"I don't understand—" He really didn't.
"Are you an illiterate? Can you not read?!" Aiyora pouted dramatically before proceeding with her explanation. "It clearly states that I've made your mother his official wife."
"I don't understand why you didn't put your own mother's name. She a pureblood vampire. Someone more deserving of that title."
"If anyone ever deserves to have the title of Kuran Rido's wife, it is none other than Shiki Midori. Although Rido would have preferred that ugly haired whore Juuri, but who cares with what he wanted. He's dead anyway."
"You didn't have to—"
Predicting what he was about to say, Aiyora spoke over him.
"No Ri-chan I have to do this! As per my promise I an going to compensate every individual that my father has put in harms way. And I decided to start with the two of you."
Senri pulled her flushed against his form; taking Aiyora by surprise. This time he held her like a proud big brother. There was a lot he wanted to say, express his gratitude in multiple language if possible.
Truth is, although he doesn't care much for the recognition. It would definitely mean the world to his mother. For Senri knows, he had seen with his own eyes how desperately his mother tried to get him some sort of small recognition.
Only for that man to turn her down over and over again. In the most degrading manner.
Today Aiyora changed that! What a cruel twist of fate.
She not only gave Senri the recognition as Kuran Rido's son, but also gave his mother, Midori, the prestigious title of the said pureblood's wife.
After battling all the overwhelming emotions, in the end what actually came out of the Shiki heir's mouth was,
"When did you grow up so much?"
"It was all your influence." Aiyora returned the hug. "I am what I am today because of you Ri-chan. And it is something I will never allow myself to forget."
"No silly, you're giving me too much credit." He said kissing the top of her head.
"No, you're too humble."
The dreadful day had finally arrived.
The day of Aiyora's departure.
The day she'd leave him.
Kaname watched through his window as suitcase after suitcase were being loaded into the back trunk of the vehicle by the staff. Seiran stood there, giving out instructions. Hanabusa and Akatsuki stood not too far, discussing something.
Then, he finally caught a glimpse of her.
Aiyora.
All breath was stolen from him when his eyes land on the blue eyed Kuran. It was as if the world came to a stop within moments of seeing her.
She stepped out, spoke to Seiran briefly and hastily running back inside. Her action hinting, she had forgotten something.
A knock on the door snapped Kaname out of his zone. Noticing who it was he quickly gave the permission.
The door opened slightly and Yuuki popped her head inside.
"I wanted to ask you for something, may I come in?" She asked.
"Of course."
Cautiously the petite girl stepped in and closed the door behind her. He still had his back facing her, it only added to her already nervous state.
Even so, gathering her courage Yuuki made the request.
"Everyone is going to the airport to drop off Aiyora-chan. I was hoping if you would allow me to go as well."
For a moment he said nothing. Simply contemplated on the pros and cons of the request she made. Yuuki shouldn't be going out. However it would be a straight journey to the airport and back. Plus, the area is privately owned by the Kuran family so no outsiders will be present. Overall he saw no harm, as long as she abide by the rules and stick close to someone trusted.
Ultimately her request was granted.
"Sure, you may come."
Her face lit up instantly.
"Thank you! Thank you so much Kaname onii-sama. What about you though, aren't you coming?"
He did not answer, only turned, picked up the coat hanging over his chair and strode over to Yuuki.
"Aiyora is not only going away, she is also taking a part of me with her. You tell me Yuuki, how can I not come." Kaname said offering her an arm.
The aforementioned female had no idea what those words meant. In Yuuki's simple mind it sounded like a riddle. Nonetheless she was glad that Kaname was joining them. And gladly accepted his offered arm.
.
.
.
Aiyora stood with Seiran doing the final check, when Kaname came down with Yuuki.
The latter had a smile on her face that couldn't possibly grow anymore. She was so happy to be this close to the vampire she so deeply loved and admired. Sadly, this blissful time wasn't meant to be long lasting.
It was cut short the moment Aiyora looked, because Kaname pulled his arm free and headed straight towards her.
Leaving behind a shocked Yuuki. Whose mind couldn't fathom what just happened. Anyhow she followed closely, just so that she could stay close to him. Her fiancé.
Regrettably his attention remained on their departing cousin.
"Are you all set to go?" Kaname asked Aiyora, stroking her cheeks with the back of his hand.
"Yes of course." She answered enthusiastically. Making it further clear how excited she was for this new beginning. In case he assumed she was having second thought.
He smiled a melancholic smile before bending down and affectionately pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Unbidden her heart fluttered.
The kiss was so powerful that she couldn't help it.
Simultaneously, Yuuki also felt something inside of her— heart tightening and a knot forming at the pit of her stomach. Be that as it may, she didn't want to give into the envious feeling. Rather, she tried to be more understanding of the situation. Aiyora's leaving, it is only natural for Kaname to give her the last bit of attention. They share a close bond after all, like all siblings do.
Siblings with platonic feelings.
Kaname guided Aiyora into the car and the rest quietly followed behind. After two of them settled in, the remainder climbed in one by one.
Yuuki sat across from Kaname. Hanabusa sat beside her, beside him it was Akatsuki and beside Akatsuki sat Ruka. The four squeezed themselves onto one row whilst the other two had the opposite row all to themselves. And Seiran was smart enough to sit in the front, beside the chauffeur.
.
.
.
The entire journey to the airport Kaname kept looking out of the window. From time to time the Aiyora would glance over at him but he never turned. In spite of it, his hold on her hand remained intact.
Not even wanting to, Yuuki found their exchange odd. And looked fixedly at Hanabusa to see if he had any opinion to offer.
But alas! The latter was too busy watching the pair with dreamy eyes.
Disappointed, Yuuki gazed down at her lap.
The knot inside her stomach tightening furthermore. But miraculously a voice inside her mind assured Yuuki,
Stop overreacting! Stop overthinking. Aiyora will be gone soon, and everything will be alright then.
.
.
.
As the vehicle drove into the airport tarmac, a decent sized private jet was already waiting for them.
The Kurenai family had already arrived to drop off Maria. As Aiyora had phoned earlier and requested they fly together.
Senri and Rima were also there, conversing with Maria's parents. More like listening to them while trying their best to overlook how Maria's mother was gushing over Senri.
Her motive—an alliance between the two families, by getting Maria married to Senri. With Ichijou Takuma's disappearance, now Shiki Senri was the most sought after bachelor in the vampire society amongst the aristocrat families.
Meanwhile inside the vehicle:
Since her existence wasn't announced to the public yet, Kaname instructed Yuuki to remain inside the car whilst the rest were told to exit.
Seiran was obviously the first to get out. Akatsuki, Hanabusa and Ruka quickly followed to give the grey haired female a hand with the luggage.
Aiyora bid farewell to Yuuki inside the car. They hugged tightly and kissed each others cheek. Yuuki even broke down and shed few drops of tears. But Aiyora stayed strong. Like a mother she consoled Yuuki, promising she would soon return. And instructed her to take care of herself, Kaname and everyone in the house for the time being.
The moment the two Kuran stepped out of the car, Maria's parents rushed over to them. Both Mr and Mrs Kurenai praised Aiyora for breaking the stereotype and taking such bold initiative. They also thanked her for involving their daughter. Then following a brief exchange of pleasantries with Kaname, they left to spend the last few moments with their daughter.
Everyone quietly watched Maria's tearful goodbye from her parents. As the Kurenai family's car drove away from the tarmac, a dreadful feeling settled inside Aiyora; because it was her turn to say goodbye now.
Although saying goodbye to Yuuki was anything but hard. Nothing she said managed to reach Aiyora deep inside. Her words, tears, cries everything brushed past the blue eyed pureblood. But saying goodbye to these people will certainly be tough. After all, these are her loved ones.
Aiyora took turns in bidding farewell with everyone personally. Ruka was the first person she hugged. Followed by a group hug with Akatsuki and Hanabusa. While Akatsuki behaved, Hanabusa on the other hand almost crushed her with a bone crushing hug and kept crying like a baby.
This was the point from where emotions were starting to take over the youngest Kuran. Tears were glossing on her eyes like glass but Aiyora desperately fought to hold them back.
Finally freeing herself from the death grip of the Aidou heir, the departing pureblood made her way over to the models who stood with Maria closer to the aircraft, patiently waiting for their turn.
First she hugged Rima and remained like that for sometime. Then she hugged her Ri-chan, which lasted even longer. There was a lot she wanted to say to him but unfortunately her voice couldn't form the words properly. Interestingly, even after they let go of each other, their hands remained intertwined for few moments longer before ultimately separating.
"Be with each other." Was all she managed to whisper, closing her eyes and facing down in order to hide her tears, which were pouring by now.
And then, a large palm protectively touched the small of her back. Wordlessly promising to stay by her side, always. Sensing who it was, Aiyora opened her eyes. Turning, she swiftly wrapped her arms around the brunette, who wasted no time in sweeping her off of her feet and went on kissing whatever exposed area of her face, head and shoulder was available to him.
Hanabusa counted. Kaname had kissed her a total of fourteen time before properly retuning the hug. They remained in that position for the longest time. Everyone smelled salty tears in the air but remained unsure as to whom they belonged to.
Was it her… Him… or perhaps both together.
Kaname eventually put her down on the ground and pulled back. Keeping their gaze locked. They looked at each other like nothing else in this world mattered.
Everyone in the background continued watch the purebloods with great interest, trying to guess which one out of the two would break the silence first or what would they even say to each other.
Hanabusa was secretly wagering on Kaname. To their utmost disappointment, no words were exchanged between the Purebloods. Not even when Kaname was moving them towards the awaiting aircraft.
They stopped, reaching the foot of the staircase. Kaname subsequently kissed her forehead, releasing his hold on Aiyora and joined the rest in watching as her climb up the stairs that would open the door to her new beginning.
Giving Kaname a small respectful bow Maria joined her friend.
Just as she reached the top, her footsteps halted and Aiyora turned, to have one last look at the loved ones she was leaving behind. Everyone was watching her, including Yuuki who had put the window down. She waved them all a final goodbye and entered the aircraft, with Maria following her trail.
Soon after, a flight crew appeared to close the door. And in the next few minutes the plane started to taxi.
An excruciating pain shot through Kaname's heart the exact moment when the plane lifted off the runway. It felt as if his soul was forcefully extracted from his body and he could do nothing other than helplessly watch it getting further and further away from him.
The aristocrats already got into the car but the male Kuran remained and with him, remained the Shiki heir. Together, they continued to watch till the plane was nothing but a small dot in the vast expanse of sky.
A.N. Thank you for reading hope you enjoyed. So Aiyora's finally gone. That aside, the chapter isn't edited. So if you notice any mistake feel free to point out.
Also we are closing in towards the beginning of the manga timeline. I'm hoping it'll start after one or two more chapters. But in the meantime feel free to share your ideas, thoughts while I plan the future chapters.
On a side note I was quite taken aback by the comparison between Yuuki and Rido. Personally, it'll be possible for Yuuki to choose that path. She has Haruka's mild and kind nature.
Anyways hope to see you guys in next chapter. Stay well and safe.
Reply to guest:thank you for loving. I do intend to finish this story.
Reply to guestwithreviews: Happy new year to you and your family.
I'm sure this chapter already answered the question about him tagging along. He wanted to, but Aiyora got her hands dirty to stop him.
Kaname may have changed towards Aiyora but doesn't mean he has become all good and not selfish anymore. That'll take time. Besides how'd the manga timeline continue if all is good now.
And to explain her closeness to Kaname, I would say it a combination of multiple situations.
First— after devouring Rido a bond has developed between them. In canon Rido was gone. Even then he stayed in Kaname's head. Over here, he lives within Aiyora.
So, it could be Rido's desire to devour the most powerful beats or to have the said beast as his slave. While Aiyora may not think like him but his feelings would have some impact on her. Keetin mind she's not that old, strong or experienced enough. So basically it could be Rido's emotion that's bringing Aiyora close to Kaname.
Second— it could also be she's trying to not think about Senri. Aiyora already mentioned, she doesn't want to love someone so much that it'll lead her to the same path as her father.
Third— she's trying to get under Yuuki's nerves.
Yuuki was given the option to stay back. Kaname is still hinting that but she's choosing to stay.
Reply to Belle: Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. The main conflict between Yuuki and Aiyora will come to light in the manga arc. Even if Aiyora has feelings for Kaname, she won't easily acknowledge it. Her priorities are different now.
