Chapter Eight – Sweet Scents

"Where are Shiki and Rima?" Ruka asked as Ichijou looked out of the window in Kaname's office, the sun high in the sky over the academy. Kain and Aido, who were playing cards on the edge of Kaname's desk, both looked up at Ichijou as Ruka asked her question.

"I don't know. I went to Rima's room first, so they should have been the first ones here…" Ichijou replied in confusion. Aido smirked, barely able to hold back the snicker that begged to be freed from his chest. Kain just smiled as he looked down at his cards. "What?" Ichijou asked innocently as he looked at the two older boys, Aido's laughter finally bursting free.

"Ichijou! You're so naïve!" He laughed loudly, Ichijou blushing as he watched Aido swaying back and forth in his chair, tears pricking his eyes. Ruka sighed and threw a stern look at Aido's hysterical figure.

"Don't worry about it Ichijou, Aido's just being a jerk." She added supportively at Ichijou's discomfort. The younger redhead calmed swiftly at his friend's down cast expression.

"Ichijou, I'm sorry. I know you get uncomfortable around girls. I didn't mean to…you know." He apologised sheepishly, Ichijou managing a smile as the door opened to admit Rima and Shiki. All of them smelled Rima's blood as she entered, a white bandage fastened securely around her neck. "No need to ask what you two were up to, right Ichijou?" Aido joked as he turned to the young boy, who blushed brightly.

"Right." He replied shyly, Shiki looking at Rima perplexed as they went to their usual chair at the edge of the room. Shiki sat down with Rima on his lap as usual, his arms snaking around her gently.

"Ah, thank you all for coming." Kaname greeted as he walked in, looking around the room as Yuuki and Seiren entered behind him. "Where is Zero?" Kaname asked as he turned to Ichijou, who blushed slightly as he looked across at Kaname apologetically. The pureblood had requested the presence of all the students in their inner circle, but…

"I couldn't find him. He wasn't in his room, nor any of the living areas." The blonde replied, a little embarrassed as Kaname sighed and walked to his desk.

"Yuuki, do you know where he might be?" Kaname asked as he sat down, Yuuki looking thoughtful as she headed to the window and opened it. She leaned out and looked up towards the metal guttering, her long brunette hair tossing in the breeze.

"Zero?" She called loudly as she looked up at the edge of the roof, the sunlight irritating her eyes as she peered up. A familiar figure appeared at the edge, crouching to look down at her. "Come down here, we're having a meeting." Yuuki called up as she pulled back and stepped away from the window. Zero's long legs appeared as he lowered himself down from the roof, his feet just touching the sill as he released the roof tiles and grabbed the window frame. Yuuki held the window up as a precaution as he crouched down to slide himself in.

"Nicely done." Aido complimented as he watched Zero's catlike form come through the window before he straightened and brushed the dust off his black jacket sleeves.

"I would prefer you to use the door in future Kiriyu." Kaname chided with a smile as he looked at the platinum haired boy, who sat on the edge of the sill with a nod. "Now, as to why you're all here." Kaname began, turning back to the front of the desk, where Kain and Aido had returned their cards to the box and were now sitting attentively, Seiren standing off to the side. Yuuki remained beside Zero, opting to sit down at his feet, his hands playing with her hair gently as he looked over at Kaname attentively. Ichijou was standing beside him, with Rima and Shiki sitting on the chair, her hands holding his gently. "I have reason to believe there is a pureblood here, someone out to cause trouble." He added cautiously.

"This isn't because of what happened this morning is it?" Ichijou asked worriedly, Kaname nodding firmly in response. "But…isn't that a bit premature?" The blonde asked shyly, not liking to question Kaname.

"No. Only a pure blood could do what you described…I can't feel a presence anywhere, but it's unlikely that anything else could have caused this, so I want you all to stay on your guard. Don't get too close to the humans on your own. I don't want any repeats of earlier today." Kaname ordered as he glanced over at Ichijou, who was blushing shamefully, worried that he'd caused trouble. "Don't worry about it Ichijou, it wasn't your fault. A few minutes ago Ichijou almost bit Mai as she slept, but the blood lust wasn't the cause. Someone else was controlling him, and it's unlikely that this person will just go away. I want you all on your guard, especially Yuuki and Kiriyu. You'll be outside alone at night. Be careful." He instructed as he turned to look at them, Zero's hands still playing with Yuuki's soft locks, gently working them into a long plait that reached the centre of her back, though he had nothing to tie it with. "Everyone keep an eye out and report anything suspicious immediately." He added, the Night Class nodding as they gradually headed back to their rooms deep in discussion, while Kaname sat at his desk looking at the wall, deeply troubled.


Mai opened her eyes slowly, finding herself lying on a soft bed. But…didn't I fall asleep in the chair? She thought tiredly as she sat up and looked around the dark room, the door opening as Ichijou stepped in. He seemed preoccupied, even worried, until he looked up and saw her.

"Ah! Mai, I forgot you were in here." He lied with a smile, Mai blinking as she tried to wake up a bit more, watching in a daze as Ichijou grabbed his book bag and started sorting through his books. "You should hurry and get dressed, we'll be leaving soon." He added brightly, Mai jumping to her feet and running frantically down the hall. Damnit! I don't want to be late! She thought as she ran, hitting something soft but hard and falling back on her rump painfully. Grimacing, she looked up to see Aido sitting opposite her with a similar expression.

"Watch where you're going!" He groaned as he got to his feet, Mai blushing as he offered her his hands, his grip firm but gentle as he pulled her to her feet. His pull was a little too hard as she stumbled forward into his arms. His scent is sweet…They all seem to smell sweet…She thought as she looked up into his startled blue eyes, his expression quickly turning into a handsome smile as she got her balance and stood straight, his hands still on her shoulders.

"I-I'm sorry, I was in a rush to get ready for class." She apologised, blushing as Aido edged her to the wall so that she had her back pressed against it. Her eyes widened as he leaned down towards her, his hot breath caressing her ear.

"You shouldn't rush around so much. You'll hurt yourself…" He purred, his breath tickling her ear as he leaned forward, his tongue licking her neck gently. His teeth felt unusually sharp as he ran them over her skin.

"Get off her!" An angry voice shouted as Aido was yanked away, Mai barely even recognising it as Naru's as he slammed Aido into the banister. The redhead was leaning back precariously over the edge. "Don't touch my girl!" Naru snarled possessively, Aido plainly seeing the rage burning in his eyes, thinking for a moment that he might actually fall.

"N-Naru! Stop!" Mai cried as she wrapped her arms around Naru's waist and pulled him back. He's laying it on a bit thick! He could really hurt Aido if he doesn't stop! She thought as she felt Naru's body slowly relax in her arms. His grip on Aido's shirt loosened as he released him.

"What is going on here?" Kaname's voice demanded as he walked towards them, his eyes fixed on Aido, who looked across at him guiltily as he got to his feet and straightened his jacket. Naru turned to Kaname, his blue eyes back to their usual calm.

"Just setting things straight." Naru replied politely, turning to Mai. "Come on. You have to get ready for class." He added as he led her down the hall towards their rooms, leaning on the wall as she opened her door and stepped inside. Naru followed her, watching as she gathered her uniform and headed for the bathroom. He closed the door behind him, giving them the privacy to speak freely.

"You shouldn't have done that Naru. I know we're supposed to be going out, but throwing Aido against the banister? You could have killed him!" She called as she ran a sink of water, talking loudly through the door. She slipped her top and bra off and picked up the soap to rub it over her torso. His teeth felt so sharp…She thought with a blush, still feeling his hot breath on her neck.

"I wasn't sure what he was doing. It seemed the best way to get him away from you. We don't know what they are remember…He could have been trying to infect you with something or exert some sort of control over you." Naru replied almost defensively, Mai nodding in agreement even though he couldn't see her. She washed the soap away quickly before getting dressed, goose bumps prickling her slightly damp skin. "Mai?" Naru called, still waiting for a response.

"Oh! Yeah, I agree. But still, you could have seriously hurt him…I am grateful though." She replied, blushing as she tied her ribbon, watching herself in the mirror before looking down at her uniform. She tugged the skirt and straightened the collar before opening the door to see Naru already by the door with her book bag.

"What are you grateful for?" He asked as she took her black bag from him, looking up at him with a slight blush.

"Well, if you hadn't come along something might have happened, and you saved me…so thank you." She replied, walking through the door without waiting for a reply. She felt Naru's arm around her waist as they walked down the stairs, the rest of the class already down there ready to go. Yuuki and Zero lead the way out once again. There's…something here! Mai thought suddenly as she stopped and looked around. The corridors upstairs were dark and deserted, the rooms on the ground floor were all empty with their doors closed. Where is it? I can feel it, it's here…Mai thought in certainty as the tingle grew stronger, making her whole body shiver.

"Mai?" Naru asked as he stopped beside her, his blue eyes concerned as she stood with her eyes wide, her whole body shaking as her eyes darted around the room. It was strong, so very strong.

"I can feel something…" She replied quietly, her voice quivering almost fearfully. "It's the same as the Night Class, but stronger." She replied as she looked up at Naru, who sighed and pulled her closer to his side. He didn't want her to get separated from him, not after what happened with Aido earlier.

"It's probably the psychic blocks wearing off. I told you it would happen." Naru replied unconcerned as he led her out the door, where the Day Class girls were screaming at them. "I'll take you to the nurse's office and send Lin over." He added as they walked. Maybe Naru's right…Mai thought, still nervous as she looked around, gripping his hand tightly as the feeling seemed to follow her.


"There's nothing wrong with your guards." Lin stated as he stepped back from the bed, Mai looking perplexed as he sat on the one opposite. "What happened?" He asked simply, looking slightly worried as he crossed his legs.

"I felt something…It was like the Night Class but much stronger…It felt like it was looking at me, and when we were on the way here it seemed to be following." She explained, Lin nodding as he listened thoughtfully. The door opened to admit a tall well-built man with a long ponytail of light brown hair. "Monk-san." Lin acknowledged, not used to seeing the monk so well dressed.

"Hey! I thought I'd just stop by and see how you were doing." The monk said as he hopped on the bed beside Mai and ruffled her hair affectionately. He hadn't seen her since his arrival, and she could tell he'd been a little worried about her.

"How did you know we were here?" Lin asked as he looked over at Monk-san in surprise as the young man sat back on the bed leaning on his arms. His woven brown jacket fell open, exposing the white shirt and brown silk tie he wore beneath.

"I was working late. I was actually on my way to your class when I met the nurse outside. She told me you were in here, so what's the problem?" He asked as he looked down at Mai in concern.

"She's fine…but we may have a problem. She felt an extremely strong presence following her from the Moon Dorm, but it didn't follow her inside." Lin explained quickly, Monk-san looking thoughtful. Mai could tell he was weighing up their options on whether this warranted calling off their current mission.

"You think we should tell the Chairman?" He asked, seeking Lin's experienced opinion.

"No, but we should take care…Something stopped it coming into the main building, but what?" Lin wondered as he paced, looking very much like Naru as he did so. Or perhaps Naru looked like him. Lin was older, and Naru had likely picked up his habits over time.

"Well, you and I are here. We're both fairly powerful, you more so than me." Monk-san replied thoughtfully, Lin nodding at the possibility. It wasn't impossible, and in many ways it wasn't unlikely, and Naru was stronger than him. But his powers are dormant right now so maybe he was overlooked…

"I know Kuran of the Night Class is very powerful in some way, but whatever this force is it must be stronger than him to go near the Moon Dorm, and that could spell trouble." Lin thought out loud, Monk-san nodding in agreement. He didn't know much about these Night Class students, but anything that gave Lin pause had him worried too.

"Well, I guess I should give Ayako and John a heads up. It seems Masako hasn't arrived yet. I was expecting her to arrive yesterday." He added, though he wasn't overly concerned. Transport out here wasn't easy, and if she missed a train she could easily be a day late. "I'm sure she's fine, probably just delayed." He insisted at Mai's concerned look, the young girl nodding at Monk-san's assuring smile.

"Mai, tell Naru what you felt. I've fortified your defences again so they should last a little longer, but they will fail eventually." Lin warned as she hopped down from the bed, her feet making a gentle tapping sound on the linoleum as she did so. "I'll follow on in a few minutes, I want to talk to Monk-san." He added, giving Mai leave to head to class by herself.

"Okay, bye Monk-san." Mai called as she left the room, Monk-san giving her a grin as she left. I wonder what they're talking about…and what was that presence I felt? Was it really following me? Or is it after someone else? She wondered as she walked through the corridors, gasping as she walked into someone. With a small yelp she fell back towards the floor, but found herself held securely in someone's arms. His scent was sweet and irresistible. Familiar too.

"Are you okay?" Zero asked in surprise, Mai looking up with a blush as he held her gently, pulling her up so that she was on her feet. She stood with her hands resting on his firm shoulders. His arms were securely around her waist as his violet eyes peered down at her.

"Yes, thank you." She said brightly. That's twice in one day! Jeez Mai get a hold of yourself! She scolded as she blushed, Zero making no move to release his hold on her as he looked down at her. "Zero…um…" She began, his grip loosening but not letting go.

"What are you doing out of class?" He asked as his hands rested on her slim waist gently. Mai stayed where she was, her hands comfortable on his larger shoulders. His scent penetrated her senses, making her feel slightly light headed as she gazed up at him, captivated by his deep violet gaze. She'd never seen such a pretty colour before and it was easy to get lost.

"I-I was in the nurse's office…I wasn't feeling too good." She replied. What am I doing? I'm mooning over him like the girls of the Day Class! She thought with a blush as he looked down at her softly. Mai slowly wrapped her arms more firmly around his shoulders as Zero leaned forward and tilted his head slightly, his lips brushing hers gently. His arms moved to wrap around her more securely, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. Mai moaned into his mouth lightly as his tongue slid over her lips and tangled with hers. She felt his hand lace in her short hair, supporting her head.

"Hey! What are y-oh…" Monk-san trailed off as he ran towards them. Seeing Mai seemingly helpless in Zero's arms had forced him into action, but as the two looked at him startled he almost laughed at the situation, especially as Mai blushed. He also knew this was no laughing matter. This was very out of character for Mai. "What are your names?" He asked sternly, Zero and Mai releasing each other to face Monk-san, who straightened his tie as he scrutinised the pair like a disapproving teacher.

"Kiriyu Zero, prefect." Zero replied, fighting the urge to snap to attention.

"Uh, Taniyama Mai, Night Class student." Mai replied unnecessarily, Monk-san looking at the pair so sternly Mai thought they might actually be in trouble.

"Well, I suggest you get to class and you get to your duties rather than…making out in the corridor! If I catch you again it will be detention for both of you!" Monk-san shouted, both Zero and Mai wincing at the volume. The monk wondered if he was putting it on a bit thick, but at least the boy seemed convinced. "Go on, get moving!" Monk-san added, Zero hurrying on to join Yuuki outside. "Well…care to explain?" Monk-san asked as he looked down at Mai, unable to hide the glint of amusement in his eyes.

"I…uh…no." Mai replied in embarrassment as she looked down the corridor Zero had just walked down, Monk-san looking down at her with a smug look.

"So…that was some kiss huh?" He joked, Mai blushing as she glared up at him. She hid her mouth in the large cuff of her sleeve. "What happened to the Naru thing?" He asked a little more seriously, Mai nodding in agreement. It was one of the thoughts she'd had herself.

"I don't know…I think I've noticed something about them…They all have the same sweet scent. I think that's what attracts normal people to them." She replied, effectively dodging the question as Monk-san looked thoughtful. It wasn't beyond the realms of possibility.

"Sort of a…lure? A natural scent to lure prey?" He thought aloud. Prey? Is that really what Zero and Ichijou see us as? They seem so…warm…She thought, Monk-san's hand ruffling her hair with a grin. "Cheer up, it was just a theory." He replied gently, seeing her sadness at his thoughts.

"I know…I was just thinking." She replied with a forced smile as she looked up at him. "I should get back to class, Naru will be wondering where I am." She added, Monk-san nodding and letting her head off to class. That girl's a puzzle. He thought with a smile as he watched her go.


Mai opened the door and stepped into the classroom to find the students scattered around the room. Kaname was talking to Ruka and Seiren, Rima and Shiki sat at a desk together, Aido and Kain were playing cards. Naru seemed to be studying in the corner and Ichijou was heading towards Mai as she stood in the doorway.

"Hello Mai, how are you feeling?" He asked kindly as he reached her, Mai blushing as she looked into his genuinely concerned blue orbs. He wouldn't prey on us…He's too good a person. She thought with certainty as she smiled brightly, her instincts giving her reassurance.

"Oh, I'm fine. I just felt a little faint." She replied assuringly as she entered the room and headed for Naru, Ichijou taking her arm gently to stop her.

"Sorry, I just-um…I was wondering if you would like to sit with me today? I thought it might help to…break the ice. It seems your boyfriend isn't making too many friends, but I think if you were separated and someone else sat with him then you might both make friends." Ichijou suggested, Mai smiling at his idea. It was the sort of thing she would have suggested had their places been reversed, and he was right. Naru wouldn't talk to anyone else as long as Mai was safely at his side.

"Okay, I'll let Naru know. Hold on." She replied brightly, leaving Ichijou to approach Naru, who looked up as she reached him. "Naru, it was a presence I felt. Lin's going to keep an eye on it, and the secret to the Night Class's desirability is their scent, I'm sure of it." She reported quietly, Naru nodding his acknowledgement. "I'm going to sit with Ichijou today. You should sit with someone else too. We need to make friends, right?" She added with a bright smile, Naru sending a glare Ichijou's way but nodding his agreement, watching as Mai walked back to the blonde boy to join him in animated conversation. It always surprised him how Mai could make friends no matter where they went.

"Alright class, take your seats and we'll begin our lesson on the human body." Lin said loudly as he entered the room, the students making their way to their seats. Seiren sat beside Naru on Kaname's orders, neither of them speaking as the lesson commenced. Ichijou and Mai sat at the desk in front of Kaname and Ruka, who worked away quietly with minimal conversation. Aido and Kain were to their left while Rima and Shiki sat in front. Everyone was working quietly as usual.

Do you want to come over in the morning when we get back? Ichijou wrote on a page of his notebook, pushing the book to Mai, who read it with a blush.

I guess I could do that. She replied uncertainly. Ichijou smiled in amusement as he read her reply and glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

Don't worry, I didn't mean anything by it. He replied honestly. I enjoy your company. He elaborated, Mai smiling as she read it, her gaze darting between the notes Lin was writing on the board and Ichijou's neat hand writing.

I like you too…So what do you want to do? She asked, Ichijou blushing as he looked at her.

Miss Taniyama! I never thought you to be so forward! He joked, Mai blushing as she glanced at him. Both of them broke out into small giggles, being as quiet as possible, though all of the Night Class noticed, Aido peering over suspiciously. I jest of course. Ichijou added, oblivious to the attention he'd drawn.

I know, but what do you want to do? She asked, Ichijou looking up at Lin momentarily, seeing he was preoccupied with teaching at that moment. This would give him time to write out a longer message.

Well, you only managed to get through the first two books of that manga I lent you, right? You can carry on reading…and this time you take the bed. He insisted, Mai blushing brightly as she glanced at his amused expression. So I did fall asleep in the chair…

Thank you. She replied simply.


As the lesson ended and the class was dismissed Mai found that things were different. Instead of putting his arm around her and guiding her back to the Moon Dorm she found Naru standing at the front of her desk as the class filed out with a different plan in mind.

"Mai, I'll see you tonight." He said as Mai lifted her book bag looking perplexed. "I have things to do." He added as he leaned over, one hand capturing the side of her face as he moved in and kissed her gently, his lips pressed against hers firmly but softly. His light airy scent filled her senses, making a blush colour her cheeks as he pulled back.

"O-Okay, meet you in the hall tonight?" She replied questioningly, Naru nodding with a soft smile as he left. Mai watched him leave stunned. I never dreamed in a million years he'd actually kiss me! She thought excitedly, Ichijou chuckling as he got to his feet.

"You're blushing as if it's the first time you've kissed. You've been together for two years, right?" He teased with a cute smile that made Mai's blush deepen as he turned his eyes back to packing his books away.

"Um, we have a very…chaste relationship." She excused, Ichijou humming his understanding as he hefted his bag.

"Well, I must say I think I'd be the same if I had a girlfriend. I get very nervous around most girls." He said as he smiled and offered Mai his arm. Wow, he's like a real gentleman from the nineteenth century! She thought as she linked her arm with his and allowed him to escort her out of the classroom. The eyes of the Night Class watched closely as they walked along, ambling slowly down the hill. "So, what do you think of that manga?" Ichijou asked as they walked through the corridors.

"Oh, it's good! I really like the human investigator! She's so strong-willed and intelligent!" She replied enthusiastically. She's actually a lot like Naru…She thought as they walked, the chatter of the Night Class filling the hollow halls. I wonder what he's going to check up on…I hope he's okay wherever he went…She added, her expression dropping as she worried about her boss.

"You seem troubled. Is there something I can help you with?" Ichijou asked curiously, doing his best to make her feel comfortable and at ease as they walked along. Mai forced a smile as she looked up and shook her head, pushing her childish worries aside.

"No, I'm fine." She replied, Ichijou sighing and putting an arm around her shoulders. Mai blushed as she found herself pulled closer to his side. His grip was both protective and slightly possessive.

"You know you don't have to pretend you're okay, even if you don't want to tell me what's wrong. Sometimes the best thing a friend can do is just be there and offer comfort." He whispered, his mouth right by her ear, but when she turned her head she saw him upright and looking ahead. I must have been imagining it…No one can move that fast…She thought, peering up at Ichijou as he walked beside her. His eyes shifted to hers briefly, looking away as a blush coloured his cheeks.

"Um, did you say something just now?" She asked, Ichijou chuckling as he reached up and ruffled her hair.

"Of course I did, weren't you listening?" He asked, Mai blushing as she looked up at him.

"Yes, I was. I just thought…" She trailed off, shaking her head quickly. "It's nothing, just my imagination." She decided as they stepped out into the cool morning air. Mai shivered slightly in the dampness, finding herself pulled closer to Ichijou.

"Better?" He asked with a smile as Mai blushed. The morning air was cool and fresh, the scent of dew drifting through the air. Above the sky was like a grey veil, the far edge over the town tinged with pink and gold as the sun began to rise.

"Yes, uh-thank you." She replied awkwardly as he led her across campus towards the dorm, Ichijou blushing as he kept his arm around her. Where did this confidence suddenly come from? He wondered as they walked through the gates. I guess I always felt comfortable around Yuuki, but I never liked Yuuki the way I do Mai…Mai's…different. He thought to himself as he looked down at the girl beside him.

"I'll let you go and get changed. My door will be open." Ichijou said as they walked up the stairs and arrived at Mai's room. Naru's door stood shut, but whether that was because he was out or because he was already back and preparing to sleep or work she couldn't say.

"Okay, I'll see you in a few minutes." Mai replied as she opened her door. Ichijou caught a glimpse of the inside of her room, but there was nothing unusual or out of place inside that he could see. Ichijou looked down at the girl and smiled before heading off down the hall towards his own room as Mai closed her door and changed quickly, setting out her uniform ready for class that evening. Why do I feel so nervous? It feels like I'm waiting to go on a date! She huffed inwardly. But if he asked me would I go? She wondered, blushing at the uncharacteristic thought. Get over yourself Mai! He wouldn't be interested in you, and besides you only like him because of his scent. Remember what happened with Zero? And then there's Naru…Naru…I wonder where he went…She wondered as she looked towards her closed door, heading towards it quickly in her slippers since she wasn't intending to leave the dorm until evening.

She opened the door and stepped into the corridor, heading down the hall and up the stairs to Ichijou's room, where she froze in the open doorway as she saw the blonde bending over his wooden draws wearing a pair of jeans, but his torso was bare. His back looked so soft and smooth, a gold chain dangling around his neck as he rummaged before jerking upright and looking over at her with a blush. Turning towards her he revealed his well-toned chest, Mai blushing brightly as she looked at him.

"Ah, sorry, I was just changing." He apologised sheepishly, his cheeks burning red as another figure appeared in the doorway.

"So early in the morning?" Aido said questioningly as he smirked at the younger boy, who looked at the floor in embarrassment as Mai turned in surprise and blushed as she locked eyes with Aido. His aqua gaze was soft and tinged with amusement as he looked between the pair. "You could've closed the door at least, you couple of exhibitionists!" He added as he stepped inside, smirking at Ichijou's discomfort.

"It's not anything like that!" Ichijou objected sharply, the blush still bright on his cheeks as Aido pulled him into a gentle head lock and ruffled his blonde locks teasingly.

"Whatever you say." He replied with a laugh.

"What do you want Aido?" Ichijou asked with a sigh as the older boy looked at the bookshelves, producing three manga books from the inside of his jacket.

"I finished the first three volumes of that vampire manga you lent me. I just came to get the next three." He replied as he scanned the shelf, Ichijou walking over and taking the three books. He caressed the spines lovingly as he crouched and returned them to their place, plucking out the next three with ease. He hadn't even had to search for them. Mai could tell he took his collection seriously.

"Wow, you really like vampire stories don't you." Mai laughed as she looked along the shelves, seeing many of the series were gothic or included vampire in the title somewhere. Ichijou and Aido looked at each other with a knowing grin.

"Yes, I love vampires." Ichijou replied with a smile, Mai feeling she was missing out on something as Aido laughed and walked to the door with his new books.

"Vampires are far superior to humans." Aido added smugly, though Mai didn't really get why he seemed so haughty about it. "Well, I'm going to bed, I'm tired." He said as he stretched and yawned, Ichijou leaning on the door frame as he watched the redhead walk down the hall.

"Be careful with my books!" He warned with a small frown, Aido waving over his shoulder as he disappeared around the corner.

"Good night!" Mai called as she watched the young man walk away.

"Thanks." Aido replied as he headed down the stairs. With Aido gone the atmosphere became awkward again, Ichijou and Mai both very conscious of his state of undress.

"Well…sit down on the bed. I'll just find something to put on." Ichijou said as he ushered her into the room and over to the bed, where she perched awkwardly, watching him as he bent over the draws once again.

"Um…you don't…" She trailed off, Ichijou looking up questioningly as Mai stopped, blushing brightly. "Uh, you don't need to put a top on if you don't want to…I mean, I don't want you to on my account…" She said shyly as she looked at her lap, her hands clutched together nervously. What had started off as a considerate thought had quickly dug a hole for her. It sounded so much less perverted in my head…

"Oh…well, I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable." Ichijou insisted with a smile as he stood up straight, his draw still open.

"Don't worry, I'm not uncomfortable." Mai insisted with a blush still colouring her cheeks as he stepped closer to her and sat on the bed beside her.

"Well…do I make you feel comfortable?" He asked suddenly, a slight blush lighting his cheeks as he glanced over at the girl beside him, who looked at him in surprise.

"Of course, you're very kind." She replied with a bright smile, Ichijou seeming hesitant as he glanced at her. I wonder what he's thinking…He seems so shy suddenly…She thought as she looked at him quizzically as he got to his feet, standing in front of her.

"I think you're a very kind person too Mai…" He replied, his cheeks reddening as he stepped closer to her and put his hands on her shoulders gently. What's going on? Mai thought suddenly nervous as he eased her back onto the bed so that she was lying down, her legs dangling off the end as he straddled her hips and leaned over her. His sweet scent was so strong that Mai could barely think as he leaned down, his blue eyes gazing into her hazel orbs. Her breath brushed his lips almost teasingly as he paused, Mai making no move to push him away as her eyes softened.

Why am I suddenly so…light headed? She wondered as her arms reached up to wrap around his shoulders, his skin so soft and smooth beneath her hands. His scent seemed to get stronger as he leaned down and captured her lips, his hands sliding up inside her loose green top. Her skin was soft and warm against his slightly cold hands. Her spine arched as he rubbed against a sweet spot on the small of her back, his eyes soft and amused as he pulled back.

"You like that, hm?" He teased as he stroked the area again, Mai blushing slightly as her back arched again, her breasts pressing firmly into his chest as he leaned down again and kissed her lips. His mouth slowly moved down from her lips, kissing a trail down to the soft skin of her neck, where he licked and sucked just above her pulse. I wonder what her blood would taste like…Would it hurt, just this once? He wondered, his eyes glowing red as he thought about the thick warm coppery liquid just beneath the surface, his fangs lengthening in response. No! Stop it! He snapped suddenly, his fangs retracting immediately at his thoughts.

"I-Ichijou…" Mai sighed as he bit her neck gently with his now normal teeth, the blood lust slowly fading as he sucked on her skin. His hand stroked her back, her breasts pressing against his chest as she moaned lightly. Her arms wrapped around him more firmly, pulling him closer, one hand reaching up to fist in his golden hair.

"Ichijou." Kaname's voice called from the door, his expression slightly harsh as the blue eyed boy looked over at him, his expression calming as he saw the blue of Ichijou's eyes. "This is not an appropriate way to spend your time, particularly with the door open." Kaname added with a smile as Ichijou climbed off Mai, who blushed as she looked over at the dark haired boy in the doorway.

"Sorry Kaname!" Ichijou apologised with a blush. Mai sat up and pulled her top down quickly, running a hand through her hair as she looked at the green carpeted floor. She could feel her cheeks burning, wondering how much Kaname had seen.

"It's alright, but I'd prefer you to use your discretion in the future." Kaname replied, looking at Ichijou meaningfully, the younger boy blushing shamefully. He knew he had gone completely against Kaname's wishes. That was stupid! I was so close to sinking my fangs into her neck, I could kick myself! Ichijou thought inwardly as he looked at his feet.

"Yes, of course." He replied quietly as Kaname stepped into the room and poured out a glass of water, handing the glass to Ichijou. He put one blood pill in his mouth and washed it down, and then another, not taking any chances as he glanced at Mai, who sat looking extremely uncomfortable.

"I'll see you tonight. Mai, perhaps you would grant me the pleasure of your company in class?" Kaname suggested, Mai looking up at him in confusion. "Would you sit beside me tonight?" He elaborated with a gentle smile, forgetting that his use of words was still quite old fashioned at times. Mai blushed brightly.

"Oh. Yes, of course." She replied, Kaname nodding his satisfaction.

"Good. Ichijou, you sit next to Shibuya…I don't think Seiren made much progress." He added with a smile, Ichijou chuckling as he turned to Kaname, his carefree nature back in place.

"I'm not sure Seiren was the best choice." He replied, both he and Kaname smiling as they looked back in their minds at class that night. Seiren and Naru had sat beside each other in silence for the whole session, both working quickly and listening attentively, but not saying a word or even looking at each other. "Well, I'll try my best…Perhaps we should circulate until everyone has spent at least one lesson seated next to Mai and Shibuya." Ichijou suggested, Kaname nodding in agreement,

"It would be the most effective method to form friendships." He agreed, looking at Mai, who nodded her agreement.

"I'm sure Naru will agree to that." She added with a smile.

"Alright then, it's settled. I'll see you tonight Mai." Kaname said as he headed to the door. "Ichijou." He nodded on the way by, Ichijou bowing slightly in response.

"Well, I'll get that manga you were reading." Ichijou said awkwardly as he turned and scanned the shelf, Mai blushing as she watched. I need to be more careful around these guys! Anything could've happened just now!