Eyes Red as Blood
A/N: Here is the next chapter (obviously). Thank you to all those who reviewed and to those who favorited/followed this story despite the long hiatus. I'll continue to write, and as noted by charlene171990I will proofread more carefully from now on.
I do not own Vampire Knight.
Thirteenth Night: The Soiree II
Arisu was greeted with a sight she hadn't been expecting. Instead of seeing the faces of the vampires in attendance, she saw the top of their heads. The women curtsied while the men bowed. Each and every one of them dressed fancily in designer suits or dresses. The ball room was decorated elegantly but simply. Her eyes darted around the room and she found the two vampire hunters standing at the far end of the room. Wine colored eyes locked with violet before her attention was pulled away.
"Oh, we thought you were Kaname-sama. You have a similar presence." A man with blond locks and blue eyes noted as he stood up from his bow, "I presume you are Kaname-sama's sister?"
Without turning to look at Hanabusa for fear that it would show weakness, Arisu replied respectfully, "You would be correct."
Hanabusa tried to shift attention to himself and took a step forward. "Father, this is Arisu Kuran, daughter of the late Haruka and Juri Kuran."
The older man smiled, but it was clearly for show. There was not a single crow's foot at the corner of his eyes. "It is nice to finally meet you, Arisu-sama."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Aidou." Arisu replied, smiling warmly despite her weariness. "Thank you inviting me to your ball."
Some of the whispered conversation became louder.
"She looks just like Juri-sama."
"Yes, it's as if Juri-sama has come back to us."
"She is such a beauty."
Arisu was getting uncomfortable as everyone around her spoke as if she wasn't there. She knew that she would be the topic of conversation, but some of their comments were becoming insensitive. They didn't even try to hide their stares. Her smile disappeared when she heard, "What proof do we have that she is of the Kuran?"
Mr. Aidou took notice and quickly glared in the direction of the aristocrat before turning back to Arisu with an apologetic smile, "Please forgive them, Arisu-sama. They mean no disrespect. We were all shocked with the news that the late Kurans had a daughter."
Oh, if only they knew about Yuki. "It's quite alright. I was expecting a certain level of interest, but everyone rest assured that I am who I say I am," she said, addressing everyone. There was an edge to her voice that none of them missed. Her smile returned.
"Yes, of course, Arisu-sama," Mr. Aidou readily agreed, "I hope my son has been of service to you."
Arisu looked on bewildered. She never thought of Hanabusa as her servant much less considered him to be of service to her. This time she looked at Hanabusa. His face was flushed and he looked away, embarrassed by his father's words. She thought carefully before responding, "Hanabusa has been a very helpful friend."
That simple statement startled the aristocrats, especially Mr. Aidou. However, soon he began grinning again, more than likely thinking he could gain something if his son remained on the new Kuran's good side.
"I'm pleased to hear that," Mr. Aidou was hoping to further his agenda. If Arisu didn't have an inkling of what Mr. Aidou planned, her face would have contorted in disgust as the man continued. "I implore you to remain close with my son. Who knows something might sprout from this friendship?"
Arisu forced a smile on her face, but she didn't have time to reply as everyone's attention turned to the door. She turned around as everyone bowed a second time.
"My apologies. I didn't mean to disturb all of you." Kaname walked into the ballroom.
A wave of relief washed over Arisu as Kaname stood by her side, but she didn't let it show. Finally, she wasn't in the spotlight anymore.
A man who was still bowing spoke up, "Kaname-sama is it true that you took the human's side at the Board meeting? That human boy?"
Arisu practically rolled her eyes. For so called aristocrat, the man lacked common courtesy.
"It is true," Kaname replied, looking squarely at Zero before turning towards the man. All around them the vampires began to murmur among themselves again.
"Kaname-sama is brilliant."
"He is trying to make amends with the humans, so we can live peacefully with them."
"He is very astute."
Arisu's furrowed her brow in disgust this time. She knew that many of the vampires in the room, despite the fact that they were public figures, could care less about a peaceful existence with humans. Kaname simply chuckled at her reaction and brought his hand to rest in the small of her back, trying to comfort her.
"Kaname-sama, Arisu-sama," Mr. Aidou steered the conversation away from its current direction, "thank you for taking care of my son."
"Thank you very much for inviting us, Mr. Aidou," Kaname replied, "I'm sorry that I do not show up at your soirees very often."
"Don't fret over it, Kaname-sama. Actually I have a favor to as of you." The older Aidou motioned for a petite young blonde girl to step forward.
Arisu's posture became rigid.
"Father!" If Hanabusa looked embarrassed before, now he looked horrified. "Father, please stop," Hanabusa begged desperately. "Kaname-sama, I didn't ask for this."
"This is my daughter, Tsukiko. It would be great if you could take an interest in her. Our family would like that very much." The man continued, paying no mind to the protests of his son. "Unless, of course, you are already betrothed to Arisu-sama."
Hanabusa frantically looked at Arisu, hoping that she wouldn't misunderstand. Arisu stared back and guessed he was telling the truth. She nodded her head ever so slightly, indicating that she believed him, but Kaname kept looking forward and barely registered Arisu's response. "Arisu and I aren't betrothed. It is her decision if she wishes to marry me, not mine or anyone else's."
Arisu looked up at him, considering his wording. She already knew she wasn't to be betrothed with him, but his words both confused and hurt her. His words gave her a glimmer of hope, but she knew it would be better if she squashed this feeling before it grew. Besides, whatever Kaname said was all an act for those who didn't know the truth.
She snapped out of her thoughts as Kaname continued to speak, "I do not know what will happen, but I will keep that in mind."
The girl, Tsukiko, blushed as she looked down. Arisu's jaw clenched and her hands balled into fists; however, Kaname noticed and lightly pushed his hand into her back, causing her to remember where she was. She visibly relaxed, although only on the outside. The pesky vampires around them began to murmur again.
"Kaname-sama has matured. He used to ignore the subject."
"Yes, now he understands the importance of the pureblood's role."
"Kaname-sama, please meet my daughter as well." Statements like these erupted all around the room.
Arisu noticed Zero scoffing at the vampires' reactions. She felt like doing the same, but she couldn't. Soon enough their attention was directed toward the door as every vampire in the room, with the exception of the Kuran siblings, bowed for the third time that evening. Even Arisu stood in awe at the beautiful doll like blonde woman who gracefully walked into the room. From the murmurs, Arisu deduced that the vampire in front of her was of the Shirabuki clan. The last of her family, Sara Shirabuki, was rarely seen at social gatherings. She was wearing a flowing beige dress and her hair cascaded down in soft waves. "Everyone, please do not say things like that. Poor Kaname," Sara said cocking her head slightly to the side.
"Sara, it's been a while," Kaname greeted as he turned towards the woman, strategically placing himself between her and Arisu.
"Kaname, ever since you started going to school I haven't seen you as often," Sara replied as her gaze flicked over to Arisu, "I'm guessing that this pretty, young lady is your sister?" Kaname nodded as he took her hand in his and kissed it as a greeting. "It's nice to meet you, Arisu. I am Sara Shirabuki." Her gaze quickly shifted back to Kaname. It was evident that she wouldn't get to interact with Arisu much if Kaname was present. "We are three of the only remaining pureblooded vampires. We have to stick together. You must realize that" Despite including Arisu in her statement, it seemed that Sara was just enticing Kaname to say something. When she didn't get any sort of reaction, she sighed. At that moment Arisu saw a flicker of movement in the balcony overseeing the ballroom. Sara noticed as well but turned to the evening's host, "Mr. Aidou, I thank you for inviting me; however, I'm growing tired. It was nice seeing you, Kaname."
"Likewise," Kaname replied respectfully.
Sara then turned to Arisu and smiled, "I enjoyed meeting you, Arisu – May call you that? I'm glad I decided to come after all. I do hope to see you soon."
"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Shirabuki," Arisu spoke warmly, but there was a hint of weariness. Sara giggled before excusing herself out of the ball room.
Arisu tugged at Kaname's arm sleeve, and Kaname looked down at her knowing what she wanted to say. "Do you wish to stay a bit longer or would you like to accompany me back to check up on pressing matters?" Kaname asked, offering Arisu the choice to go check on Yuki with him.
Arisu knew that he was going to go to Yuki regardless of what she said and for once, she was glad. "I think I'll stay for a bit longer and get acquainted with more people."
"Very well," Kaname excused himself from the party, "I will take my leave. Hanabusa, I leave Arisu in your care."
Mr. Aidou was pleased with Kaname's statement and many of the other vampires were surprised.
"Yes, Kaname-sama," Hanabusa went to stand next to Arisu.
"I bid you all farewell," said Kaname, and he left the room without another word. The tension in the room dissipated to a minor amount.
Mr. Aidou was the first to speak to the whole crowd after that, "Everyone, shall we start the music?" Everyone murmured in agreement, so Mr. Aidou gestured for the orchestra who was sitting on an elevated platform at the side of the room to begin playing. Soon couples flooded the dance floor to dance the waltz.
"Arisu-sama, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?" Hanabusa asked, holding out his hand. Had he not asked her, she would have been swarmed immediately by male aristocrats vying for any excuse to interact with her. Wearily, she placed her hand in his. It deterred the fixated eyes of some of the aristocrats though others thought they could just wait their turn. The music, Shostakovich's Jazz Suite, Waltz No. 2, started off soft, completely changing the atmosphere of the room as it became livelier.
"I've never actually danced before," Arisu confessed as the two faced each other before beginning the dance, "Formally, at least."
"Really?" Hanabusa was skeptical. Dancing was among the first things he learned in his childhood.
"Yes, although my parents did dance a lot in front of us as children. I memorized the steps. I just haven't actually danced," Arisu admitted. As the two began to move Arisu worried about stepping on Hanabusa's feet or tripping.
To Hanabusa's surprise it was easy dancing with Arisu, "Keep your head up, it makes it easier. Don't worry, I'll lead you."
Arisu blushed as she took her eyes off of their feet.
"There you go. You are a natural, Arisu-sama," Hanabusa complimented, trying to coax the pureblood to relax. Eventually she did, but the song soon ended. As the two stopped dancing, some of the vampires around them clapped.
"Marvelous."
"As expected of someone of the Kuran line."
Ostentatious. Arisu turned to Hanabusa, "What's the next piece that will be played?"
"I believe it's going to be a piece by Strauss," he replied looking down at Arisu. In return she sighed, confusing him.
"And I'm guessing it'll be a long dance," Arisu looked downcast as she continued, "Let's go meet some aristocrats on our way to Zero, then."
Hanabusa scrunched his eyebrows in response, but complied with her wishes as they made their way to the back of the room.
Yagari was still standing next to Zero, but neither said anything to each other until they saw Arisu making their way towards them. Arisu couldn't exactly make out what Yagari was telling Zero, but it was along the lines of "Your disciple is coming this way." Yagari smirked at Zero when the younger hunter glared at him for his statement. The older hunter walked away to stand in a different part of the room.
"Excuse me, Arisu-sama. My name is Atsushi Koruya. You probably know my son Kai Koruya, yes?"
Arisu turned to look at the source of the voice. There stood a middle aged man with sandy brown hair and green colored eyes. Unlike with the eldest Aidou, Arisu noted there were crow feet wrinkles at the side of his eyes. Because of this, he looked friendlier than all the other vampires in the room who appeared sharp eyed.
"Yes, I have talked with Kai once or twice before," Arisu said, masking how she really felt about the boy, "He is very… interesting company."
At her statement Mr. Koruya chuckled, "Arisu-sama, you don't need to lie about my son. I apologize for his mannerisms."
Instantly Arisu smiled, "And I apologize for lying to you, Mr. Koruya."
"Do not fret about it, Arisu-sama," Mr. Koruya replied, pulling out a sealed white envelope from his breast pocket, "I would actually like for you to read this letter when you have the chance." Arisu stared at the envelope. Hanabusa was about to receive it from her, but she held her hand up to stop him.
"Only if you promise to drop the honorifics and just call me Arisu." She continued to look at Mr. Koruya gauging his response; all the while Hanabusa almost face palmed at Arisu's request.
I don't think she'll ever understand her positon, Hanabusa thought, rolling his eyes discretely. Oh, well, that's what makes her charming.
"I saw that, Hanabusa," Arisu whispered, quickly jabbing her elbow at Hanabusa's side.
Upon hearing her request, Mr. Koruya smiled warmly, "That was the same thing Juri made when we first met. I'm sorry for your loss, Arisu."
"Thank you," Arisu replied, her smile faltering. Mr. Koruya was the first aristocrat to express his condolences for her parents death instead of thinking that she was a pitiful creature. "I'll gladly read this letter." Arisu added, personally receiving the letter from the older man.
"Well, I seem to be running late for my flight," Mr. Koruya glanced at his watch, "I was just waiting to deliver that to you."
"Oh, I'm sorry we kept you long," Arisu apologized.
"No, it's fine. I needed to hand it to you directly," Mr. Koruya assured, "I should take my leave. It was nice meeting you, Arisu."
"Likewise, Mr. Koruya."
"Hanabusa, my boy, thank your father for inviting me tonight," Mr. Koruya turned to Hanabusa.
"Yes, of course." Hanabusa bowed slightly as the older man walked away from them. Hanabusa leaned down and whispered, "He's a lot nicer than his son, isn't he?"
Arisu giggled, "Yes. Let's go to Zero before any other aristocrats come. I'm pretty sure Mr. Koruya is the only nice one of this bunch."
"You may be right." Hanabusa offered his arm as they walked to Zero. Not many vampires stopped them after that, mostly because the amount of vampires looming around lessened as they neared Zero.
"Should I leave you two be?" Hanabusa asked, suspiciously looking at Zero.
"If you could, please." Arisu answered honestly.
"Alright, motion me over if you need anything, Arisu-sama," Hanabusa stressed as if trying to intimidate Zero, but Zero just brushed him off without even a glance.
"Sure," Arisu agreed.
Hanabusa turned to look back at them when he rejoined the group of vampires in front of them, hoping that Arisu would call him back. Instead she just waved happily at him.
"Looks like you have your happy go lucky servants to attend to," Zero drawled to get to get Arisu to leave.
"Oh please, I don't have servants." Arisu rolled her eyes at Zero's antics, "Besides I think I'm better off not meeting some of these vampires. The ones who just want to use me." Arisu didn't look at him. Instead she gazed at the room in front of her, so she was able to see the curious stares of some of the vampires. She politely smiled at them and some smiled back or just averted their gaze. She was enjoying seeing their reactions when they looked away embarrassed. "How are you, Zero? You collapsed just as we were about to leave the Academy."
"None of your business."
Arisu wasn't planning on letting it go, so she looked up at Zero and was willing to stare him down until she got an actual response. She was quite happy when a while later Zero grumbled, "I'm fine, but I don't see how that's of your concern."
"It is my concern. You are important to Yuki, and I consider you to be my comrade!" She laughed jovially when Zero looked at her in bewilderment.
"Tch, who said I was your comrade?" Zero spat out, trying to regain his composure although his cheeks were tinting pink.
"Haha, you do remember you are supposed to teach me how to use Artemis, right?"
"Yeah, but that's different from being comrades with you."
Arisu sighed, what a stubborn young man. "Fine, we aren't comrades."
Zero looked satisfied.
"Not yet anyways."
He sneered, but there was genuine amusement dancing in his eyes.
"I wanted to tell you that we have found Yuki. She's fine." Arisu purposefully kept Yuki's location a secret from Zero.
"She was missing?" Zero asked confused.
Arisu furrowed her brows, "You mean you don't remember coming up to me asking if I had seen Yuki?"
"I did that?"
"Yeah." Arisu tried to play it off, so Zero wouldn't become suspicious of her. "Jeez, Zero, are you sure you are alright?"
"I'm peachy considering I'm in a room full of filthy vampires," Zero sarcastically replied. His eyes narrowed, "yourself included."
"Oh, you wound me so," Arisu replied in pout, "But are you okay?"
Zero sighed, a sure sign that he was giving up, "I'm fine. I just can't remember much of what happened today."
"Since what time can't you remember?" Arisu asked even though she already knew the answer.
"I remember what happened in the morning and a bit later, but not much after the evening until I woke up," Zero said, confiding in Arisu for whatever reason, "Hanabusa said you told him to get me into a car while I was unconscious."
"I found you collapsed not long after you came to ask me if I had seen Yuki. I was about to leave you behind in the infirmary, but I remembered you had a job to do here today." Arisu hoped that he wouldn't keep to asking questions.
"I see."
"You should tell the Chairman about this," Arisu persisted with the act, staring at Zero intently.
"That would be pointless," Zero replied. He looked away, eyes scanning through the crowd of vampires in front of him. They were all wearing pleasant faces, hiding the monsters they were.
"I'm being serious. You should get checked out, so that this doesn't happen again," Arisu insisted, appearing to be serious.
"If you'll stop bothering me about it, then fine," Zero grumbled. Really, he just wanted the matter dropped.
"Good." After a moment Arisu spoke again, "Well, I should go socialize with my fellow 'filthy vampires.' I'll see you later. You better go to the Chairman."
"Whatever."
Arisu ignored his remark and walked away.
Zero stayed behind and started thinking things over. Maybe, she was right. Maybe he did needed to tell the Chairman about this. He didn't want to be blacking out without knowing what happened or what he had done. He sighed. How he wished this stupid gathering could be over right about now.
Arisu glanced back at Zero and noticed that he wasn't really paying any real mind to the gathering anymore. I hope he doesn't keep asking questions, she thought as she rejoined the others.
"Hello, Arisu-sama," Rima greeted as Arisu joined the usual group.
"Hello, have you guys been enjoying yourselves?" Arisu asked, smiling. The reactions she saw answered her question; no words were necessary. Ruka looked away, Akatsuki sighed, Rima like Shiki remained silent, and Ichijo smiled exhaustedly. "I guess we are feeling about the same." Arisu laughed, a light, airy sound that carried into the air.
"Arisu-sama, do you know where Kaname-sama is?" Ruka asked.
"I believe he went back to his room," Arisu replied.
"I see," Ruka said, looking downcast.
"But, hey, that just means we get to have a lot more fun without him!" Arisu says trying to liven up the mood.
Akatsuki chuckled, "Do you really think we can have fun in a place as stuffy as this?"
"Heh, I guess not... At least Hanabusa is having fun." Said vampire seemed to be in full bloom in the center of attention of other female vampires.
"That idiot always has fun," Ruka huffed at being reminded of the boy.
After that time seemed to tick by dreadfully slowly until Mr. Aidou took to the stage where the orchestra was playing and gave his thanks for all those in attendance, expressing his gratitude of Kaname and Sara for making an appearance as well as Arisu who decided to stay until the soirée was over. Arisu simply smiled as attention was on her again briefly. Soon the vampires started to file out of the room to leave the Aidou villa but not without talking with Arisu on their way out.
"So, do you even remember any of the people you just talked to?" Akatsuki asked. He was both curious and in the mood for teasing the younger girl.
"Most of them... Actually very few," Arisu admitted. Truthfully, she was pretty sure she would forget almost everyone at the party in a couple of days. She was exhausted and wanted to go back to the Academy, so she headed for the door. "I'm going to Kaname's room, so that I can leave."
"Do you want me to accompany you, Arisu-sama?" Hanabusa was finally by himself without his harem of females swarming him.
"It's fine. I can find my way back," Arisu replied, "You stay and send off the remainder of your guests." She was mostly referring to the Academy group since there weren't many others left in the room. She finally remembered the letter she had been holding the whole night.
Instead of reading it right away, Arisu held onto it tighter as she neared Kaname's room. Sensing that Yuki was still in there, she quietly knocked at the door, but there was no response. She quietly opened the door, and a part of her wished she hadn't. Kaname was sleeping, lying in Yuki's arms who was also sleeping soundly. Both looked incredibly peaceful and at ease. Arisu walked over to the nearby table which had paper and a pen lying on top of it.
Hanabusa took me home.
–AK
She quickly fled the room after that with the ivory envelope no longer in the perfect condition it was when it was given to her. Now it was completely crumpled as she ran back to where she knew Hanabusa would be at. Arisu knew she had to get it together before she joined up with Hanabusa, but she couldn't. She peeked into the ballroom where Hanabusa was sending of the last of the stragglers. Arisu waited until she had his attentnion and waved him over. The aristocrat quickly excused himself, and made his way outside the ball room where she was waiting.
"Arisu-sama? What's wrong?"
"Nothing… Uhm, can you come take me home?" In vain she tried to keep for voice from quivering. She couldn't look at Hanabusa.
"Certainly, I just have to finish here, and then we'll leave," Hanabusa quickly agreed.
Arisu nodded and murmured that she would wait outside for him. Hanabusa tried protesting, but she didn't listen. A couple of minutes later Hanabusa hurried outside to the front of the building, looking for the pure blood that was no where in sight.
"Arisu-sama Arisu-sama!" He called out as he circled the building in search of her, but she wasn't answering. As he turned the corner, he saw her standing there looking up at the night sky. "Arisu-sama."
She turned around to face him with a sad smile as she pointed up at the sky, "Oh, Hanabusa… Look, it's snowing…"
Small flakes of snow fell gently onto her and the surroundings. Hanabusa took off his coat and wrapped it around the younger girl.
"I-I want to go home…" This time her voice wavered, and tears threatened to spill over.
Hanabusa held her, wishing that he could carry he away from whatever was hurting her and wondering what it was.
Revised: 3/17/20
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