Purity
His Flowers
Shizuka loved surprises, though of course, not a lot of others knew this about her (or anything at all really). Expecting the unexpected when one was born a pureblood, 'gifted' (she felt that was a relative term) with nearly forever, interesting out-of-the-ordinary things quickly became a necessity in order to avoid killing oneself out of sheer boredom. Experiencing the same routine, day in and day out… Who wouldn't get tired of it all?
And as much as she'd just love to step outside, to get away from the repeated cycle of waking, eating and sleeping, there was the council to consider. In their eyes, purebloods such as her were no better than pet monkeys kept in a cage; or maybe an exotic animal, she could care less. What she cared about was being able to indulge in her pastimes, which she was no longer allowed, thanks to the Kuran deaths (ten? twelve?) years prior.
She didn't like to think herself petty enough to lay blame where it didn't belong, but a part of her always resented the Kuran siblings for dying so suddenly, one practically right after the others. Rido, Haruka, and Juri – all three of them gone in the span of a few human years; pathetic, pitiful and downright upsetting. Her own freedom had gotten even more restricted because they all had somehow chosen to keel over and kick the bucket. The council had used the incidents to put up more 'protection' and 'security' so something like it didn't happen again.
When she'd first heard of it, she'd laughed.
The council members…they were all such liars. And if they kept on with their nasty habit, she wasn't going to be the only pureblood wanting for a change. They (she and the other purebloods) all had their own personal reasons for not interfering with the council. For Shizuka, she knew where the Kuran siblings had stood when it came to the council, and didn't doubt for a moment the old geezers had something to do with their consecutive deaths. The tragedy of the Kuran family had been a warning to the rest of the purebloods.
Bored as she may be, Shizuka would rather have her life and give herself time to think of ways in which to step ahead of the old geezers (that or she could wait until they died, really, it wouldn't be long she figured; because ugh, those wrinkles? Yeah, not long).
In the meanwhile, she'd pass the time in her perfectly made role of being the crazy lady of the prestigious Hiou household. She tried all kinds of things to scare the servants. The new ones were, of course, amusing as ever, but surprising the older ones, supposedly experienced with her behavior, was interesting to see as well.
She'd probably soon grow tired of that too, but something else would hopefully have popped up by then and she would be able to keep her death out of boredom at bay.
"Shi-Shizuka-sama! What are you doing to the garden?"
"Ah, Modoka…" Shizuka held up one of the red-orange plucked daylilies to her lips and smiled coolly. "Just reworking it. What have I said about my garden? I only wanted lavenders and white bell flowers."
And that was true. Shizuka had been very specific about what flowers went to each garden. The two private gardens, which only Shizuka and her preferred gardener ever visited, she'd stated clearly only lavenders and white bell flowers were to reside in them. Modoka held in a cringe. She should've held her ground more firmly against Hiou senior's demands. Modoka was aware of how much Shizuka loved her gardens.
"I apologize, Shizuka-sama, but your father had come by the previous day and wished for more color."
"And my father suddenly turned into Hiou Shizuka? He's still very much male, Modoka. This is my home, don't confuse who the lady of the house is."
"Of course, Shizuka-sama. I'll have Shiori fix the problem immediately."
"Thank you Modoka. Your speediness is what I've always liked about you." She threw the flower into the air and watched in satisfaction as it turned to ash and never reached the ground. Other brightly colored patches of flora had also met the same fate.
"Shizuka-sama, if I may address another concern?"
"Yes?"
"Kurumi is still very new to this household, if not serving a pureblood altogether. If I may ask for you to…curb things for her, for the first few months…"
Shizuka smiled. Modoka was the only one who knew about her actual level of sanity, due to knowing her since they were both very young. She provided for good conversation once in a while. Modoka always told the most amazing stories.
"As favor to you, if you wish it, I will grant it."
Modoka smiled back, "Thank you Shizuka-sama. I will train her to the best of my abilities." Shizuka expected nothing less from the manager of the household.
As Modoka made a swift exit, Shizuka headed for her bedroom and slid out of her evening kimono and under her silk covers. She always preferred to sleep without clothes, loving the texture of the fabric against her bare skin. As she rested her head atop her pillow, she laughed softly.
"I know you're here. If you need to speak to me, now is the time." She turned to lie on her side as she felt him sit at the edge of her bed.
"You know why I'm here?"
"I just knew you were here, not why. But you must be desperate, showing up here in person." She teased. As they'd both grown older, it was rare when they were able to converse face to face, most often communicating by sending familiars to each other. The ability to send messages that way had worked to keep them entertained and it'd prevented them from becoming too idle.
"I'll admit I am, but my reason for being here is also for you get out of the cage you've always hated. I know you like surprises."
Shizuka laughed again, scooting closer to him as she playfully poked his side. "So you're really desperate, enough to come here on your own, but it'll get me out of here?" He knew her well, always had. Well, she smiled to herself, she wouldn't have agreed to their engagement all those years ago if he didn't. Shizuka had no intention of her own husband just adding to the boredom she was forced to live with.
"Yes. Are you willing to listen?"
"It sounds too tempting not to." She prompted.
"I know you know of Kiryuu Riku."
"Riku? Everyone knows of him now, ever since he'd been outed as a pureblood Coeur de Sang."
"Are you aware he'd been murdered?"
Her slim pale fingers paused in playing with the hem of his shirt. "Murdered…?" No, she hadn't known, though when the news of his death reached her, she did kill twelve of her servants. It was what had hardened her reputation as the 'insane lady', as no one knew the reason for her sudden homicidal urge. She hadn't and still didn't either. She just knew the death of the only human she'd ever taken the chance to meet had affected her enough to force her to act out.
It was only after Modoka had advised killing any more of the servants would only alert for the council and her father's attention that she stopped. That, and another part of her had whispered Riku wouldn't have wanted her to be this way.
"How did you know about Riku?" How had he known she knew him?
"I have my sources." He shrugged. Though initially, it had surprised him when he found out Riku had had contact with Shizuka.
"I only knew him for days' worth," she murmured. "He made such good tea. He's the reason for my lavenders and bell flowers."
He nodded. He'd noticed and suspected.
"Who killed him?"
"I don't know, though I do have certain individuals in mind who were involved." He didn't know who cast the final blow. "They also killed Haru and Juri."
"And nearly killed you," Shizuka added. "I really did think you were gone. Should've thought better than to assume so." She could guess what he was here for now. But, "why now? It has been fourteen years."
"They found Zero."
She sent him a blank look.
"His son."
"…Son…Zero." So that was another reason why he was here. "I can't do much from this place, you know that."
"I do, and Zero is safe for now." He grinned, "And what do you mean, 'from this place'? Why do you think I'm here?"
Shizuka looked up, hopeful. "Are you really? Can you?" Take me away?
"There're not a lot of things I'm not capable of doing, Shizu."
The Hiou princess let out a rare grin and sat up to wrap her arms around him, squeezing tightly. "Just this once, I'll admit you're a godsend, you won't ever hear it again." She whispered against his ear.
He chuckled. "That's expected." He ran a hand down her silky bare back. "Now, unless you want to leave with only this cover as…well, a cover, get something on."
Shizuka laughed lightly, turning to slip out of her bed. "Are you not tempted at all?"
"Once upon a time, maybe." He smiled teasingly. "I've thought of only Riku since I met him."
Shizuka blinked at him over her shoulder as she pulled a dark violet kimono over it. "You were so close? Has our engagement been for naught then?"
He sent her a gentle smile, the first she'd ever seen it. "I'd have loved having you as my wife, but I really found what I needed in Riku."
Tying her glowing white obi in a simple box knot, finishing it off with a pale yellow cord through the middle, she gathered her long hair in a low tail and turned around. "Riku…he was your…?" Realization dawned in her pale eyes and she nodded contemplatively. "I still wouldn't mind being with you, for the sake of companionship. You are the only one interesting enough to keep up with me out of the rest of us. I hadn't known others could be so boring until Father started introducing me to suitors." Goodness, she'd considered turning to females it was so bad.
Looking down, she checked for any imperfections and twirled once. "I've never dressed so fast. We do need to hurry don't we?"
"You have time to pack for personals. I'm not stupid enough to be blamed for kidnapping the Hiou princess. Your father knows you'll be gone for a while."
"Father knows?" She grumbled. Well, there went her fun. But, she reminded herself, she'd still be getting out of here. "He won't be sending anyone to 'keep an eye on me', will he?"
"I've informed him this trip was to be very private. No spies or voyeurs."
Her eyes widened. No, he didn't. But his smirk said it all. He did! She laughed. "You told him that? That we were…we were…" Going off to spend time in their 'love nest'. It'd been an old joke between them. She wasn't surprised her father actually bought it; so eager he was to have his one and only daughter wedded off to the eldest Kuran vampire.
"Good to see you're liking this so much."
She smiled.
Kaname blinked down at the piece of parchment in his hands, his mind blank. He resisted the urge to go looking for his sister to ask whether he really was seeing those words on the page. He wouldn't have believed something as ridiculous as this, but there was definite proof seeped into the words themselves Kaname had no other choice but to reconsider something he'd previously known as fact.
He'd thought his uncle was dead. He'd found a few letters from him to his father and his parents had informed him of his sudden death before Yuuki was ever born.
"Rido Oji-sama…" He wasn't dead. Merely incapacitated for nearly two decades. His knees suddenly feeling weak, he sat himself back into his chair.
"Nii-sama? Kaname, are you alright?"
"Yuuki." He hadn't even noticed on her presence. "Yuuki," how should he say this? "Do you remember Father and Mother's older sibling?"
"Ah…Rido-Oji-sama, I think. But they said he, that he…died before Mother had me." She answered carefully.
His eyes going to the letter again, Kaname shook his head. "Apparently, he hasn't. He's had to recuperate for a while, but he isn't gone."
"He's alive?"
"And he's headed here. He could arrive any time, according to his words. He's also bringing Hiou Shizuka."
"Shizuka-san?" Yuuki tilted her head. Why her?
"She will be able to help Zero and Oji-sama trusts her. They've had a longstanding history."
Yuuki raised a brow. "History?"
"They've known each other for some time and were arranged to be married even before Father and Mother got together." It'd all been just formality. Kaname never believed his uncle felt anything romantic for the Hiou princess or vice versa. Purebloods rarely ever did in arranged unions.
"Oh." Yuuki flushed. "But because Oji-sama was hurt, they didn't get to perform the ceremony?"
"That could be probable." Though Kaname doubted it. It wasn't unusual for vampires to be engaged for years as they had long lives, but Rido and Shizuka had been putting things off for decades. Even if they disliked each other, arranged pairs usually went and got things over with, if only to shut the elders up. Rido and Shizuka, if Kaname remembered correctly, had gotten along as well as arranged pairs could get, and yet had still refrained from making anything official.
"How does Rido Oji-sama know Zero?" Their uncle had been hurt enough to be declared dead.
"He will most likely inform us of his connection to Zero when he arrives." Zero was important to all vampires as a pureblood Coeur de Sang, but Rido had no personal ties to him, none that Kaname could see, and he was getting impatiently curious. He was not willing to settle for simple explanations and he would get his answers.
Yuuki clapped her hands excitedly. "Oji-sama is coming!" It was as though the news had finally sunk in. "We should ask for food, right Nii-sama? A nice dinner for coming back after so long. What does he like?"
Kaname tapped a finger against his desk, thinking for an appropriate response to his sister's question that didn't sound insulting. "Rido Oji-sama...is very open minded when it comes to food." He'd eat anything that tasted well enough, and despite his life style, Rido wasn't limited to expensive delicate dishes. Kaname remembered him smuggling in burgers and fries to him as a child behind his parents' backs.
It'd been embarrassing at first, since he'd no idea how to eat without forks and knives or chopsticks (he'd also never seen a burger served quite that way), and made a rather huge mess of himself. His mouth had been too small to bite into the burger and everything between the buns had…well, landed elsewhere besides his stomach. His uncle had took it all in stride however, and gave Kaname his own in bite sized pieces.
Now that he thought about it, many of his personal embarrassing moments he'd rather not tell anyone about, were caused somehow, someway by his uncle. After the burger and fries incident, there was the hotdog (with a mountain of toppings) incident, which still caused him a measure of discomfort upon remembering, since his parents had walked into that one and their reactions…
They couldn't stop laughing for five minutes straight and even afterwards, if there were any mention of hotdogs, they'd give him amused smiles and a few teasing lines.
Really, Rido was a horrible, horrible uncle.
But it was because of him Kaname had been able to experience what no other pureblood child was allowed. Eating something that equaled to fast food was unheard of for purebloods and extremely rare for nobles. Kaname was aware Kain, Aido, or Ruka had never had such foods and would most likely dislike them on principle and refuse to even contemplate about eating it. Ichijou…would have found some way of getting it if he'd been interested enough. He'd developed his skills in going past his grandfather's eyes into an art form.
Rido had never been one to toe along anyone else's rules, however, and tended to go along with his own, which was to have none at all.
"I wonder what he's like, I never got to meet him," Yuuki smiled.
"He…is very different from our parents." Their father and mother were always soft and gentle while Rido never curved anything, even in the face of young children. Young or old, everyone received the same treatment – or so Kaname assumed.
"Yuuki, where is Zero?"
"In his rooms. He's asleep."
"He's asleep." Shizuka murmured. "He has his hair." The silvery strands made a stark contrast against the dark sheets. Walking up to the bed, she peered into his face and smiled. "He looks just like Riku, doesn't he, Rido?" Though she felt Zero had more of an enticing neckline. She had to stop herself from tracing it with her finger.
The other pureblood next to her couldn't keep his eyes away from the boy in front of them as he whispered, "Yes, yes he does."
"Should we wake him? He'd be so surprised…" She already had some of her weight on the bed, leaning on her arm. Rido sent her an exasperated look. He didn't want to get off on a bad footing with Riku's son from the get go.
Soft lips parted, "Not really."
Shizuka blinked. "You knew we were here."
Zero turned to look up, rubbing his eyes. "You're purebloods. There's no way I'd miss you coming into the room." He mumbled.
"But you didn't do anything."
Well… "Are you here to hurt me?"
"That's not what we came here for, no."
Zero shrugged as if her answer was enough of an explanation.
"You knew?" She asked. How could the boy know whether they intended for harm or not?
"It's not like I can read your mind, but as a Coeur de Sang, it's fairly easy for me to tell how you're feeling." Neither of the purebloods in front of him felt agitated enough for violence.
Shizuka nodded. "Riku, he always knew too." He'd offer her his smiles and his tea; a few kind words and short, soft laughter. He'd been working at one of the restaurants her father owned, and that was where Shizuka had first met him; when her father had bribed her with the chance to get outside to drag her to the restaurant. She'd been refusing to see to more suitors after Rido had been declared dead, and her father had had enough of her rebellious attitude.
He knew the only way to gain her attention and used it over and over to the point where Shizuka had refused even that. She'd get the chance to be outside yes, but it was completely ruined by the presence of her controlling father and whatever dull suitor they had for the night. Her bad mood was only expected, and Shizuka had had no qualms about showing just how much.
She'd purposely eat in the wrong order, kept her voice flat, made subtle insulting remarks about her chosen form of company, and completely ignored any and all attempts her suitors made in trying to gain her interest and favor. They were far from impressive.
Those evenings had only reinforced the moments she'd spent with Rido, how he'd always know what made her angry or happy. What he should do or say to make her laugh. Of course, he had the advantage of knowing her for far longer than those suitors, but Shizuka never saw that as an excuse to be so boring.
If he wanted to first catch her attention, Rido would make casual remarks about their surroundings, whether they be good or bad (when they'd been mere children, he'd asked their waitress whether she had a fondness for meat buns since she looked so much like one. She'd better be careful though; too much food of the meat variety could bad for the skin. It's already getting to your forehead. Look at Shizu; she's absolutely perfect. And you know what? She doesn't eat meat buns.)
The offended waitress had rushed off in a fit of barely concealed anger and a waiter had then been called to serve them instead, not that Rido hadn't any extra advice for him either. Their parents, and Rido's siblings had been rather mortified, but that only made the situation all the more hilarious. Shizuka hadn't been able to stop her giggles.
The night she'd met Riku had been particularly bad. Her suitor for that evening had apparently thought himself the greatest thing to ever grace the race of vampires and assumed Shizuka would think the same. Just as she was about to flick a piece of fried fish at his face (maybe those obnoxious eyes) Riku had come by with a tray of tea and a warm smile.
It'd turned out to be one of the best evenings she'd ever spent outside.
Zero narrowed his eyes, focusing his gaze on the female pureblood. She'd known his father, just as Yuuki did, but she wasn't his.
"Coeur de Sang know how to calm us, but they have to know when we're feeling the need for comfort. Riku told me sensing a vampire's emotions could be instinctual, but it's usually by choice." Rido spoke up, gaining Zero's attention.
He slowly sat up, leaning against the headboard with his pillow to cushion his back. "Yes. Since I knew you weren't Kaname or Yuuki, I checked to make sure you two weren't dangerous."
"How do you tell the difference?" Shizuka asked, intrigued. She'd never gotten the chance to know Riku as a Coeur de Sang.
"If I tell you that, you'd probably use it against me," Zero smirked. There really wasn't a technique or ability to figuring out the differences, just time and familiarizing with the feel of each vampire, though of course, it was easier with purebloods.
Neither of them needed to know that however.
"You really look like him," Shizuka leaned forward, having already seated herself next to him, and inhaled deeply. "And you smell just like him too."
"A lot of people say the same."
"They're right." Rido murmured. He blinked when Zero raised his hand to brush a few locks away from his eyes.
"You don't happen to be related to Kaname or Yuuki?"
It took a moment for Rido to answer, as he closed his eyes and relished the feelings Zero's touch brought back. Riku would sometimes do the same, threatening to cut his hair while he was at it.
"I can't see your eyes at times, Rido, and I like them."
"I'm their uncle."
"I can see the resemblance."
"Don't you think so?" Shizuka added. "The Kurans all look the same. If you see Haruka and Juri's pictures, their kids look exactly like them. Personally, I think it's creepy. It's like seeing the same people with different names." She bet the Kuran line had produced every shade of dark brown hair possible along with every shade of red for the eyes. When describing them, it was always, 'Yeah, he's, you know, the one with the more reddish tint to his hair with the cooler eyes, more purplish red?' And not about the shape of their nose, eyes, or face, since really, that wasn't all that informative or distinctive enough.
"Hey," Rido called out warningly. "Watch who you're calling creepy."
"Oh you don't need to worry, Rido, you don't need to look like anyone to be creepy." Shizuka waved a hand dismissively. "You're quite creepy all on your own."
"And here I am, thinking you treasured me and all," Rido smirked. "Whatever happened to, 'you're the only one interesting enough to keep up with me'?"
"Being a creep is part of your interesting-ness. Why, I wouldn't change that for the world."
"That was – was that a compliment?"
"You can take it however you wish."
Zero sighed. "I feel like I'm sitting between two five year olds. How old are the both of you?"
"He's definitely older," Shizuka pointed.
"Hey, I was dead for like, two decades."
Both Zero and Shizuka snorted. "Now that was weak." Two decades was nothing on a grown vampire.
Rido, about to give a retort, tensed and turned towards the door, Shizuka and Zero doing the same. "Yuuki's coming." Zero lightly pushed Rido out of the way to get of his bed and changed, heading to the bathroom.
Just as he came back out, there was a light knock. "Yuuki," he greeted.
"Zero, I'm glad you're awake. I couldn't keep it to myself; my Oji-sama is coming!"
Zero frowned. "You mean the pureblood sitting on my bed?" He thought Kaname and Yuuki had known they were here after Rido admitted to being their uncle.
"Eh?" Zero opened his door further to let her in.
Yuuki's eyes widened at the tall brunet sitting on Zero's bed.
Disclaimer: No own Vampire Knights.
Shizuka...is very, very different. She's never had an ex-human lover who was killed before he reached level E, and she and Rido knew each other for a long while before their arranged marriage was finalized. Rido isn't an asshole, so she and him got along fairly well, and yeah, Shizuka's life wasn't that much of a broken sob story, to wrap things up in a nutshell. Boredom is her greatest enemy, and she likes causing trouble :D In a lot of ways, she's like a sheltered princess that's aware there's plenty of bitterness life can offer.
I'll stop the ramblings now, and wish you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Thank you for all those who've reviewed, favorited, and alerted this story! Hugs and Kisses!