Chapter Seventeen - Red

I knew this would happen sooner or later…Mai thought as she dressed after her shower, sighing as she left her bathroom. Naru looked up as she entered, having been working at her desk since they'd returned from class. They were close to a result, and Naru wanted to keep working until they had it pinned down. He could feel the answer right there on the edge of his perception, but it had yet to fall into place. He was so close.

"What's the matter?" He asked as he noticed Mai's slightly downcast expression. With a blush Mai threw her towel back into the bathroom, the dark haired boy too far away to spy the blood on it. Closing the door Mai coughed awkwardly as she hurried to the bed and sat down with her legs firmly crossed.

"Girl stuff." She replied ambiguously, though Naru was no child. He knew what she was referring to, and decided not to press the matter. His mother had always been adamant. Never press a lady when she mentions women's problems. He didn't understand the embarrassment over simple biological functions, but it was best not to upset Mai. "Are you any closer?" Mai asked, somehow knowing that Naru understood.

"No." Naru admitted as he got to his feet and slouched his way to the bed, where he collapsed in a heap beside her. A blush rose to Mai's cheeks as he looked up at her from his place on the bed, his ebony locks obscuring his cobalt eyes from view. "Take a look." He added as he rolled onto his back and handed Mai the pages he had. Mai did as she was told and sighed as she looked down the short list.

"I'm surprised you kept vampire on here. They're just myths, aren't they?" She asked as she turned onto her side and pulled her legs up beside her. Naru turned to her, propped up with a hand on his cheek. His crystal eyes were ringed with grey, a clear sign he was tired, and his skin was whiter than she remembered.

"All myths have an ounce of truth to them, some more than others. I won't rule anything out until it's been disproven." Naru replied, Mai nodding her reluctant agreement. Next he'll be telling me werewolves and the tooth-fairy exist too! She thought with an internal sigh, flushing as Naru shifted a little closer. Mai pretended to ignore it, keeping her eyes on the pages, knowing that Naru was testing her again.

"You're still blushing." Naru purred in her ear, hiding his amusement as Mai yelped and rolled back towards the edge of the bed. Only Naru's strong hand on her back stopped her from falling off. Mai's fingers automatically gripped Naru's black shirt to stop herself from toppling over the edge, the motion bringing their faces closer. "And careless." Naru added quietly, his breath warm on her lips. With an annoyed scowl, Mai pushed herself forward until she had Naru pinned to the bed. Her lips crashed down against his carelessly. Her kiss slightly clumsy and inexperienced until Naru reached up to support the back of her neck, his lips fighting back gently until they found a rhythm.

"Am I blushing now?" Mai retorted breathlessly, still scowling as she looked down at Naru's wide blue eyes. His breaths were coming in small gasps as they both tried to get their breaths back. His hair was tousled on the white sheets, his cheeks slightly flushed and his lips glossed with a hint of redness, but he had lost none of his superiority.

"Yes." He replied smugly, watching Mai's scowl deepen, her hazel eyes burning with indignation as she glowered down at him. Remembering his hand on her neck Naru let it slide down her back, his fingers pressing and massaging the skin as he worked his way down to her rump, where he let his hand rest lightly. Mai made no move to stop him. Her delicate fingers played with the buttons of Naru's shirt, the silence hanging between them as they waited for the other to say or do something. In the end it was Mai who moved first, her knee rising between Naru's legs as she made to get off.

"Are you okay?" Mai asked as Naru's breath hitched slightly, his cheeks gaining a new tint of pink as she paused with her thigh pressing against his crotch. Coughing to cover his discomfort, Naru attempted to shift back, but only managed to push himself further against the girl on top of him. "Your cheeks are flushed…" Mai said softly as she raised a hand to his warm cheek.

"It's nothing, I just really need to get up." Naru replied, losing his breath as Mai rested a hand on his stomach and pushed to raise herself. She effectively knocked the wind out of Naru, who curled against her slightly. "Here, let me help." He breathed as he clutched her knee and rolled them over so that he was on top of her, their legs entangled as he held himself just above her on his elbows.

"Ah! Naru…You're pressing right on my crotch!" Mai complained in exasperation as she reached down to push his hips back, noticing the way his cheeks reddened at her statement. "Jeez! What is that?" She complained as she reached down, expecting it to be his metal belt buckle, but her hand found that before the real problem. Her cheeks flushed as she paused, wondering if she should save Naru the embarrassment and just ask him to get off. Would Naru pass up the chance to embarrass you like this? A little voice in the back of her mind prompted.

"Mai…" Naru said warily, unsure what he should do. The easiest thing to do would be to climb off and pretend nothing had ever happened, but that little voice in the back of his mind was wondering what Mai would do. If she did what he thought she might, what should he do in response? Chewing her lip slightly Mai allowed her fingers to slip over his belt buckle, her eyes looking up for Naru's reaction as she let her hand go lower. "Mai!" He objected, his eyes widening slightly as he felt the direction her hand was travelling.

Well, that wasn't exactly an order to stop…Mai's little voice reasoned as she continued, her hand stroking down to his pelvis. The skin and muscle was quite firm beneath his white trousers, as she'd imagined it would be from looking at him. He was quite slim, but not lanky, rather he was toned. Above her Naru's breath deepened slightly, his muscles twitching at her light touch, their eyes locked in a steady gaze all the while. Finally Mai's fingers found the hard lump that had been pressing against her. Her own cheeks flushed as she let her fingers glide over it. Naru bit back a grunt as she pressed a little more firmly.

Mai gasped as Naru lowered himself slightly, almost trapping her hand between them as he eased himself down to one arm. His cerulean eyes continued to watch her as he let one hand stroke her waist gently, his fingers almost tickling with the lightness of his touch. As Mai opened her mouth to speak she found Naru's finger against her lips, a gentle 'shh' whispering between his lips. Mai froze as she watched him lean down towards her, his mouth pausing above hers for an instant before gently lowering to touch hers lightly.

Mai hesitated as she closed her eyes, unsure what she should do. How did we get from vampires to this? She wondered as Naru moved his lips against hers, pausing at Mai's lack of response before letting his arm loop around her waist again. He felt her breathe in against him before lowering his lips to hers once more. I never thought we would be like this. This is beyond acting as girlfriend and boyfriend!

Remembering where her hand was resting, Mai made to pull back, pausing as Naru's hips jerked towards her. Unsure what to do Mai pressed her hand against the hard bulge more firmly, hearing a small sound in Naru's throat, almost like a purr. Is that a sign that I should continue? She wondered, moving her hand slowly up and down, feeling slightly smug as Naru thrust towards her hand.

"Who's blushing now?" She chided lightly as she pulled back to look at his flushed cheeks, her comment making his blue eyes sharpen slightly. Mai stared back unapologetically, a small yelp escaping her as Naru's hand slipped inside her beige top. His hand stroked circles on her smooth skin, his fingers toying with her bra clip suggestively.

"You are." He purred in a deeper tone, receiving a frown for playing dirty. Though this whole situation seems dirty to me…In revenge Mai squeezed the bulge in his trousers, feeling Naru thrust against her roughly in response. Mai gasped as her bra loosened, her hazel eyes looking up at Naru warily as his hand slowly crept around from her back.

"Don't." She objected, cut off as Naru's lips pressed against hers, his hand slipping beneath her arm to slide across to one of her breasts. He squeezed teasingly, his palm brushing across her nipple in the process. Okay, this is a lot further than I thought it would go…I should get him to stop. Mai decided, pulling back from the kiss to tell him so.

"Don't what? You started this." Naru stated as Mai took in a breath to speak, the younger girl pausing at his accusing words. "Weren't you curious about this?" Naru asked, his fingers tweaking and rubbing her nipple teasingly, his blue eyes boring into her. Is Naru really like this? He seems so…manipulative…Sensing her hesitation Naru took his chance and tugged her top up, ignoring Mai's hand pushing his shoulder back as he licked her newly bared skin.

"Naru!" Mai snapped, hearing the boy chuckle as his teeth nipped her nipple lightly, her hand continuing to push him back. Pulling her trapped hand free, Mai shoved Naru's shoulders, covering her chest with her arms as he looked at her. Silence fell between them as Mai stared at Naru, somewhere between fear and fury. Her cheeks were a deep shade of pink and her hazel eyes blurred by tears.

"Mai…" Naru trailed off apologetically, his blue eyes swimming with guilt and shame as he looked down at her. "Sorry, I don't…know what came over me." He added, pushing himself to his knees and allowing Mai to extract her legs. Mai had a similar feeling of confusion. It wasn't like her to act like that with anyone. Even if it is Naru…or maybe because it's Naru. "Will you say something?" He asked warily.

"Okay." Mai said quietly, still hugging her chest as she looked across at Naru.

"Okay? Is that all you have to say?" He prompted gently, Mai shrugging lightly as she tried to figure out exactly what was going on in her head. Her mind felt foggy, and so many emotions were running through her that she could feel her arms trembling.

"What am I supposed to say?" Mai retorted vulnerably, stiffening slightly as Naru shifted closer, though she made no move to escape as he shifted behind her. His hands were extraordinarily gentle as they reached beneath her top to fasten her bra. "Thanks…" Mai muttered as she straightened herself, eyeing Naru's hand as it rested on her shoulder and slid down her arm.

"You know I wouldn't have hurt you, don't you?" Naru asked gently, Mai nodding her agreement, looking up at the boy beside her. She had entrusted her life to him on many occasions, and he had saved her life without her ever asking. He wouldn't hurt me, not physically at least…but this…Naru looked at her with soft blue eyes, a very rare and caring look that she had only seen once. He seemed hesitant as he looked down at her, licking his lips before he spoke. "Mai, I know I don't show it, but I do." He began, stopping with a start as a knock sounded on the door.

"Mai, are you awake?" Ichijou's voice called, slightly muffled by the wood of the door. At Mai's positive response the door was opened and the blonde boy stepped inside. He paused with a start as he saw Naru sitting beside her, his arm hooked loosely around her shoulders. "Sorry, I didn't realise I was interrupting…I will return later." He decided as he made to close the door.

"No! I mean, we were just saying good night." Mai said hurriedly, noticing the slight hurt in Naru's eyes as he drew back and gathered the papers from the bed. Getting to his feet Naru turned back to Mai, hesitant as he looked down at her. "Good night Kazuya." She said with a small smile. The ebony haired boy leaned down to her level, his blue eyes looking into hers softly.

"Good night my love." He said in a soft gravelly voice, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead. His hand reached up to run through her soft hair, cupping her cheek gently before gradually slipping away leaving tingles prickling Mai's skin. Mai watched, still slightly stunned, as Naru turned away and left. Ichijou chuckled lightly as he sat at the desk.

"He really does adore you, doesn't he?" The blonde said softly with an almost envious edge in his tone. Mai tilted her head slightly, though she did her best to hide her puzzled look.

"I guess so." She replied awkwardly, knowing how good Naru could be at acting when he wanted to be. Ichijou laughed a little louder at that.

"It's plainly obvious…even if he doesn't always show it." The blonde added, almost suggestively. Mai hummed lightly in response, though she doubted it was really true. Naru was too handsome and intelligent to ever be interested in a plain girl like her. Especially when Masako is chasing after him…How could I ever compete with her? Across the room Ichijou coughed slightly and covered his mouth and nose, his eyes lowered to look at his knees.

"Ichijou! Are you alright?" Mai said worriedly as she got to her feet and hurried over, lowering a hand towards his shoulder. Before she could make contact the boy roughly knocked her hand away. Mai held her sore wrist as Ichijou got to his feet with a hand shading his eyes from view. "What…what is it?" Mai asked worriedly as he stepped back, a trickle of blood slipping from the corner of his mouth. "You're bleeding!" She added as she stepped forward again.

"I…I'm not feeling well, please excuse me." He said hurriedly as he turned and hurried through the door, Mai following quickly to stop him. Grabbing his sleeve Mai tugged, the boy turning back in surprise. His hand lowered for an instant to reveal wide eyes tinted with red instead of blue. His eyes! She thought as she released her hold. The boy immediately hurried away from her, leaving her standing stunned in the middle of the hall.


Aido laughed quietly as he watched Mai's door, thoroughly enjoying the challenge of toying with her emotions, and that Kazuya boy's too. It wasn't difficult. The initial attraction was there, so pushing them to go that extra step wasn't difficult. The only thing he wasn't sure about was when to stop. He wanted them to be distracted. Not just at that moment, but in the days to come as well. The ideal would be if they had a big fallout and left, but that was pushing his luck.

"Aido." Kaname's velvet voice chimed, the displeasure clear in his tone. And it was just getting good too! Aido thought regretfully as he pulled back, hoping his mischief would be enough to cause problems for them. As he turned to look at the pureblood Aido tugged the collar of his black shirt straight. "Humans are not toys for you to play with." The pureblood stated firmly, a stab of remorse going through Aido at the telling off.

"They're asking for it Kaname! They're getting closer to us each day! Surely a little distraction to keep them preoccupied wouldn't be a bad thing?" Aido countered, Kaname almost sighing at Aido like he was a child. The redhead all but glared, though it wasn't as strong as it would have been with anyone else. Kaname was a pureblood, and therefore deserved respect. Even when he is getting on my nerves!

"There are other ways of distracting them without toying with their emotions in that manner." Kaname stated firmly, watching as Ichijou approached Mai's door and entered. Aido noticed Kaname's gaze grow troubled, his hazel eyes tightening ever so slightly in something akin to regret. Feeling guilty for adding to Kaname's troubles Aido straightened up.

"Alright, I'm sorry. It won't happen again." He sighed as he shoved his hands into his pockets. Kaname knew that Aido was being considerate of his feelings. The strawberry blonde was almost as devoted to him as Ichijou was at times.

"Thank you." Kaname replied with a soft smile, Aido shrugging off his blush of embarrassment. Turning to Mai's door, watching across the walkway, Aido leaned his knee on the wooden railing beside Kaname. He knew the pureblood was troubled, but couldn't pinpoint why.

"What's up?" He asked, partly curious and partly concerned. Beside him Kaname sighed, leaning his hands on the rail without breaking his gaze from the room opposite.

"I think Ichijou is hiding something from us." He confessed, Aido's amber eyes widening at the admission. Ichijou and Kaname were almost like brothers. He would have said lovers if it hadn't been for Yuuki. He and the blonde boy had been inseparable for years, despite Ichijou's grandfather trying to force him to spy on Kaname. "Oh no." The noble almost hissed before Aido could respond.

"What? What is it?" Aido asked, clapping a hand over his nose and mouth as the scent hit him. It was blood, fresh blood, though slightly tainted by another scent. It was a familiar one to Aido, who often sneaked out into the grounds and visited the human girls. "Oh Jesus! You've got to be kidding me!" He almost cursed as he stepped back, hit by a strong bout of bloodlust.

"It's alright. Go to your room and warn then others. Take your pills immediately and double the daily dose until further notice." Kaname ordered, Aido nodding in agreement, his blue eyes a deep shade of crimson as he retreated down the hall towards his room. I hope Kiriyu has his own pills with him. Kaname thought warily as he circled round towards Mai's door, pausing at the end of the hall as Ichijou stumbled out. He watched as Mai tried to stop him, her eyes wide as she froze. Her hand remained hanging in the air where she'd grabbed his arm. Did she see?


Mai hurried back to her room and closed then locked the door, her hazel eyes watching it for what seemed like an age as though she thought someone, or something, was going to burst through it. His eyes…She thought, over and over again. She couldn't get the red out of her mind. They almost…glowed…She thought, panicking as she stepped back towards the window, gasping as her shoulder bumped into it. I need to get out!

She didn't know why, but her mind was screaming at her to get out of that room. Pushing up the window she stepped onto the ledge and reached upwards, her fingertips barely gripping the stone ledge above. How am I going to get up or down? She wondered, gasping slightly as she moved her foot. She tried not to think about what it would be like to fall from that height.

There wasn't a handy tree outside her room, but there was one a few feet across, past Naru's room. Taking a breath Mai began inching her way across the ledge, her eyes focusing on her goal. There was a large gap between her window and Naru's, but she had to try it. Something told her she wouldn't be safe in her room. Reaching across Mai began to lean, gripping the ledge above as she reached out for Naru's window ledge. The stone just a few inches from her fingertips.

"Up here." A new voice called, Mai almost losing her balance as she started. Her hazel eyes looked up to find a pale hand offered down to her. She only hesitated a moment before taking it. His strength pulled her up to the ledge beside him, where he wrapped an arm around her waist and almost seemed to jump. It felt like an instant, but then her feet were on the slanting tiles above Zero's room. "What were you doing climbing out the window?" Zero asked as he looked down at Mai with a puzzled expression.

"N-nothing, nothing at all." Mai replied forcefully as she took a small step back, looking into his violet eyes searchingly. He reached out hesitantly, almost hurt by her reaction as she flinched away, and rapidly became wary. As he looked down at where her room was he became aware of the reason for her fear. Kaname was in her room. Shit.

"We can't talk here." He said, his voice barely a whisper as he breezed forward and grabbed Mai, a hand going over her mouth to silence. As he jumped along the rooftop he hoped that no one would notice, or that they wouldn't care where he was going. Though I doubt it with Mai smelling like this! He added inwardly, biting back his desire for her as he jumped from the tree to the fence, and down to the ground, travelling at high speed towards the fields.

"What are you?" Mai demanded fearfully as he put her down inside the stables, hoping the smell of the horses would drown out a little of Mai's scent. But they know that I come here. Yuuki knows I come here, and she wouldn't disobey Kaname…Mai watched as Zero closed the doors and pulled the wooden bar down to lock the stable doors. All of the stalls were empty since the horses were out in the fields. Mai stiffened as the silver haired boy turned to her, his violet eyes tinted very slightly with red.

"Mai, I won't hurt you…" He assured in a soft voice that quivered slightly, whether in a good way or bad Mai wasn't sure, but she knew one thing. She didn't feel safe. "I know I'm…different, but you've spent time with me. Do I really seem like a monster to you?" He implored, still slightly hurt by Mai's sudden change of heart. Mai paused as she took in the boy before her. His eyes were still soft, even if they were tinted red. Other than that and a little breathlessness he was exactly the same boy.

"No." Mai replied calmly. Zero smiled softly as he stepped closer, noticing that Mai seemed less wary than before. She really is like Yuuki, accepting it all without judgement. "What are you?" Mai asked again, anticipating and dreading the answer as Zero stepped closer. Something changing about his mouth as be began to speak.

"You've already guessed…haven't you?" He prompted, Mai's hazel eyes shifting to his mouth once more. There was something about his teeth. Fangs! She realised, trying not to flinch as he stood before her, close enough to touch. His sweet scent washed over her, making her head feel light as she looked up at him.

"Vampire." She part realised, part admitted, almost falling as her knees gave out. The only reason she didn't fall was Zero's warm arms around her, his warm breath tickling her ear. His breath was shaking, almost as if he were intoxicated or drugged. Zero could feel the blood rushing in his ears as he cradled Mai to his chest. The scent of her blood was driving him crazy, and her closeness almost pushed him over the edge. In his heightened state he knew his own scent would be weakening Mai, soothing her fears and inhibitions. Like a predator…

Almost unaware of what he was doing Zero lowered his mouth towards Mai's shoulder, his lips brushing the soft warm skin. The scent of her blood mingled with her usual delightful honey scent. She was so irresistible, even the way she shivered against him, either from silent fear or the thrill of his scent. He couldn't be sure which in his own state of arousal. He ran the tips of his fangs along her skin. The slightly salty taste of her human skin teased his senses as he prepared to sink his fangs into her throat.

"Zero?" Mai's voice questioned as she felt his fangs poised above her neck. The boy paused and stiffened at the sound of her voice. He pulled back slightly, his eyes an even deeper shade of red than they had been before. He had a guilty look in his eyes as he drew back, turning his face away to stare at the stable wall. "Is it hard? Not killing me I mean." She asked lightly.

"It's not that I'd kill you…I don't want to hurt you. Not like that." He replied uneasily, Mai sinking down to the pile of hay on the ground as Zero's presence shrank. His scent lessened, his intoxication calming. She felt like a mouse that the cat had spared. Zero sat beside her silently, his eyes still facing the wall.

"Are you new to…being one of them?" Mai asked, knowing already that they all had differing levels of strength. Zero was the weakest, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say he had more advantages. His eyes weren't as sensitive as Ichijou's. He could stand the heat of the sun for longer. He was more human. His disadvantage seemed to be his weakness for blood, though Ichijou had been similarly affected. Damn period! Why did it have to start now?

"It's been about a year now…" He replied with a far off look that showed more pain than Mai liked to acknowledge. She was curious about how it had happened, but preferred not to ask. If he felt like talking about it he would. It was this quality that Zero liked. No questions, no judgements, just quiet companionship and silent sympathy. "You shouldn't let the others know that you know…It's dangerous." He said finally, Mai nodding her agreement.

"At least now I know what they were hoping we'd find out…" Mai sighed as she leaned back against the slightly bouncy pile of hay behind her. It was surprisingly comfortable, though where it touched her bare skin it prickled. Zero shifted his eyes to her with a questioning hum. "Well, we were sent here to find out about the Night Class…Naru knew something was off from the start! It was like they already knew about it, but wanted us to find out…I don't know why. All of our cases are confidential." She replied to his silent question. Zero leaned on his side, looking across at her thoughtfully.

"It could be the council I guess. They're not fond of this program Kaname has going. According to them humans and vampires could never live in peace. In reality I think it's more that they like to consider themselves higher than humans. Feeding on them like livestock, using them and throwing them away!" He replied almost bitterly while Mai fell silent beside him. Vampires exposing vampires? I guess that makes sense…but surely it's dangerous for all of them that way, unless…

"They know you'll kill us!" Mai realised as she looked across at Zero with wide eyes. The grey haired boy reached across to capture her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Not everyone. Only you…Everyone else Kaname can use his powers to repress the memory, but something about you is resistant to it. For the safety of all vampires he'll try to kill you, but I promise I won't let it happen." He swore, Mai blushing slightly as she gave a small nod of thanks. "Damnit! Using people for their own agenda!" He added, one fist pounding the hay roughly as he ground his teeth.

"So…they didn't want us to expose you. They just wanted Kaname to realise how dangerous this charade is, so that he'll go home?" Mai surmised. Zero nodded his agreement as he glared at the wooden wall, the anger flaring his bloodlust slightly. Keep a lid on it! He scolded inwardly, feeling the red recede from his gaze. Mai shivered as she thought of the sun going down.


"Masako! I'm so glad you've arrived!" Ayako sighed as she walked alongside the young medium, having been tasked with guiding her to the old school building. Masako held her deep blue kimono sleeve over her mouth as she hid a small smile. In truth she was pleased to have arrived. There was no telling what havoc Mai was causing in her absence. She couldn't wait to see the look on the girl's face when she threw herself at Naru.

"As am I. I would have come sooner, but filming took longer than I thought it would, and then we were stopped by the weather in Hokkaido." She replied, feeling slightly fatigued. She had been travelling straight for about twelve hours. I simply must bathe and rest before I find Oliver. She decided, sighing at the thought of warm water, and perhaps a bed to rest her head. That may have to wait. She thought as the first cold wave hit her.

"Masako!" Ayako cried as she grabbed the smaller girl's shoulders, holding all of the girl's weight as she swooned. "What is it? What's wrong?" The older woman demanded worriedly as she hobbled off the path and lowered the medium to the grass below a tree in the shade. The younger girl looked up with grateful blue eyes as she lowered her hand and breathed deeply.

"I feel…I feel…" She gasped, Ayako putting a hand on her sweating forehead as she continued to take short breaths. "Death." Masako concluded as she fell back against the tree with her eyes closed. Ayako shook her a little before getting to her feet and trying to heft the smaller girl.

"May I be of assistance?" A beautiful dark haired boy in a white school uniform offered with a charming yet concerned smile, his dark brown eyes glittering in the sunlight. I know him…Kaname Kuran! Ayako gave him a grateful look as he stepped forward and lifted Masako into his arms like a princess, her head cradled into his shoulder safely. He was far stronger than he looked to simply heft the girl. It didn't break his stride at all.

"Thank you Kuran, please bring her to the nurse's office." Ayako added unnecessarily as they started walking, Kaname noticing her anxious stares as they went. They clearly know each other, Miss Matsuzaki and the medium Masako Hara…So, they're all in this together…

"Do you know what happened to her?" Kaname asked innocently as they walked, curious himself.

"Not really, she just suddenly swooned and fainted." The redhead replied, though Kaname knew there was more to it than the older woman was letting on.