All of the night class had gathered to greet Takuma's grandfather. Even Kaname had roused himself for where he had been sulking in his room. I walked into the room, ignoring the looks the others gave me, and took up a post in a corner. Kaname raised an eyebrow at me but said nothing.

The door burst open. I watched as the other vampires greeted one of the most powerful members of the senate. Echio ignored all of them, striding straight to Kaname.

"Welcome, Echio." Kaname said calmly. "It's good to see you again, it's been a while."

"Lord Kaname." the old man said bowing. "The last time we met was when you refused to make me your guardian."

"That's right." Kaname said. "I just didn't want to be coddled."

"I understand." the old vampire said. "That is why you are one of the great leaders of our kind. I only wish my grandson could be as confidant as you are, Lord Kuran."

"Grandfather." Takuma protested.

Echio waved him off. "My Lord." he said, kneeling before Kaname and taking his hand. The other vampires in the room tensed and started forward but stopped at a wave of Kaname's hand. "Your blood is the purest of all our race." Echio continued, as if nothing had happened. "I would be honored if you cared to allow me to partake of it."

In a moment two of the other night class students were there, one pulling away Kaname's hand, the other removing Echio's. "You would dare-" one started in outrage.

Kaname's hand snapped out and slapped the speaker across the face. "Quiet, Hanabusa." to Echio he said. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I have not taught him his manners yet."

"It's quite alright." the old man said, standing. "I must leave now anyway. Takuma, I'd like to speak with you in my car. Goodbye, Lord Kuran."

"Goodbye." Kaname said quietly as Echio swept out of the door followed by his grandson.

"Lord Kuran," the chastised Hanabusa whispered as Kaname turned away.

I chose that moment to step from the shadows. "Now that was interesting." I observed. "I never figured you for kind, Kaname."

"What do you mean?" Kaname asked, not turning.

"Simple." I replied, looking the glaring Hanabusa up and down. "If you hadn't punished Ido Hanabusa right there and then Echio would have taken it as an incredible insult. But of course, he wouldn't take it out on you, not when he'd just asked for your blood, so he'd take it out on Ido." I smiled at Ido. "You just barely escaped death!"

"Kara." Kaname said with a sigh. "This is really not the time."

I shrugged. "Fine. I just thought your followers ought to know how much you do for them. Even if they are stupid enough to offend one of the senior senate members." I raised a hand in farewell. "Well, I'm off. More patrols to get to. See you, Kaname."