Chapter Seven
Hey guys, just a heads up, I won't be updating for the next few weeks because of exams. Sorry for the inconvenience. I'll be sure to make the next chapter long and interesting to make up for it.
Thanks! And don't forget to review!
Disclaimer: Same as stated in every other chapter.
Rena sat up in the bed, wincing at the stiffness of her muscles and the soreness that throbbed acutely between her thighs. Her master, as she had been instructed to call him, had returned in a particularly foul mood and had chosen that particular time to ravage her over and over during the course of the night. She had hoped he would be gentle, pleaded with him to be tender––she was a virgin, but he hadn't slowed. It was fury and rage and frustration bottled up and released over the course of several excruciatingly long hours.
She glanced down at her bruised body and felt a sense of shame. The truth was, Rena had rather enjoyed being dominated by him. Her submission was what he desired and she wanted nothing more than to please him. She knew it was twisted and wrong, but she couldn't help the way her body reacted––his stares made her heart leap and every touch set her skin aflame. It was toxic and addictive. She hated the power he held over her.
Throwing the covers aside, Rena unsteadily collected her clothing from the floor. After further inspection, she deemed the tattered rags unwearable and discarded them before searching her drawer for a replacement. Slipping on a loose dress, she settled back on the edge of the bed and covered her face with her hands.
Her master was gone and although she expected nothing less, she had hoped to wake up with him by her side. Rena wanted him to smile at her, a genuinely tender smile. She wanted him to cradle her in a protective embrace and promise to love her for all eternity. His love was all she desired, and if obtaining it were all she accomplished in her life, she would die happily. A sob escaped her as she collapsed back onto the bed with an arm draped across her eyes. His Lordship would never love her––she would be forever cursed with an unrequited love.
A private bathroom had its perks. There was the silence, the privacy, and more importantly, the distinct lack of fangirls raving on and on about those damned vampires they were so smitten with. Indeed, for a weary guardian, a private bathroom was a step short of heaven.
Mako closed her eyes and leant back against the ceramic bathtub. She propped her arms upon the edge and allowed her fingers to skim back and forth along the waters surface. It had been a while since the huntress had allocated a time to relax, given her incredibly busy schedule––what with all those vampire attacks and whatnot. She longed for the days when a long soak in the bathtub would provide her with some relief from her burdens. As relaxing as it was, it did little to relieve the tension, or rather, the emotional turmoil that seemed to be bubbling within her.
Ever since her arrival at Cross Academy, she felt as though she were slowly losing control of herself. And it hadn't escaped her notice that such loss of control was more prevalent when she was in the company over vampires. Her sanity hung by a thread, a thin and taunt thread that threatened to snap at any given moment.
There were moment when she felt less than human––desperate and manic to the near point of hysterics. Being able to retain control of her emotions provided her with some comfort, it meant she was still human. But with the constant interference of the vampires, Mako felt her anger surfacing more and more. It worried her. She had never felt this kind of anger before. White hot and relentless.
The same anger that resulted in her bursting into maddening laughter.
An anger that flared around vampires.
Mako's fingers brushed against the mended skin of her neck and she took a sharp breath. She still felt him. The strength of his embrace, the heat of his skin, and the feel of his body against hers. The familiarity of it all made her sick. It left a sour taste in her mouth. It made her want to retch––she would have felt better if she could. Instead, she was left to stew with the uneasy feeling that it wasn't over.
"You test my loyalty and you over-estimate my restraint."
What restraint? The Pureblood hadn't been showing much restraint since her arrival at Cross Academy. His transgression earlier attested to that. Home-invasion and assault were hardly a sign of self-control. If anything, she would classify it as some sort of sick obsession. Constantly questioning after her wellbeing, forcing his aid on her and borderline stalking––the last one may be an exaggeration, but there was a point to be made. Granted she had attracted the twisted attention of a certain psychotic vampire, but the Pureblood was entirely different. He had the Headmaster's daughter. So why would Kaname be interested in a vampire despising hunter?
"You still don't understand, do you Osaragi-san?"
A growl escaped her as she slapped the water with a force that sprayed the wall. "What don't I understand? Why the hell does he keep doing this? It's not like I ask for his attention. I never asked for his concern or his kindness. I don't want it." She took a deep breath as she reclined back against the bathtub. "Why won't he leave me alone?"
"I can't help myself."
"Fuck."
She slowly slipped beneath the surface of the water and stopped only once she was completely submerged. And submerged she stayed for the next few minutes. There was something about being underwater that Mako found very comforting. It stripped her of her thoughts and worries even if it was only for the briefest of moments. In those moments all that remained was the steady drumming of her heart; slowly at first, but gradually hastening its pace.
Only when the beat of her heart quickened dramatically and her need for oxygen became all too apparent, did she surface. She inhaled deeply as she ran both hands over her hair to push it back. It felt nice, the beads of water rolling down her skin, warming her bones. She felt calm and composed. It was a nice reprieve from the constant anger, but it was only temporary. She needed a more permanent solution.
Her eyes fluttered open and her gaze fixated on the opposing wall. There was someone, an acquaintance of hers, who might be able to help her with her current situation. With things as they were, there weren't many options available to her.
That vampire, Hideki, was becoming irritatingly bold. Attacking her on Academy grounds was a brazen and incredibly stupid move––Mako wouldn't stand for such blatant disrespect. But then, neither would the Headmaster or his precious Night Class students. Vampires were territorial by nature, so for a vampire to knowingly enter the grounds and prey on their hypothetical food source was nothing short of suicidal. Particularly considering that there was a Pureblood at the head of her herd.
Unless it was Hideki's intention to bring down the wrath of the Headmaster and his precious Night Class.
No. Despite her intense hatred for the vampire, Mako could recognize his intelligence. It was a game of chess. And his latest move, whilst arrogant, was nothing short of tactical genius. He knew the Headmaster couldn't act without putting the Day Class in danger, and that Kaname couldn't mobilize the vampires without the Headmaster's consent––technically he could, but he would have the hunters on him in minutes.
Hideki would have her. And he would have fun getting to her.
There was only one other solution available to her, so the Headmaster believed. But it wasn't a solution she was all too eager to consider. Mako refused to involve the Hunter's Association because of Zero. He was fighting a losing battle and she had yet to find a way to resolve that situation. Realistically speaking, she had only one choice.
"Could I really call her?"
Mako rested her foot upon the edge of the bathtub and propped her cheek against her fisted hand. The huntress couldn't believe she was even thinking about contemplating on this course of action. It was drastic and only to be used as a last resort, but it seemed unavoidable at this point. Mako needed to know what the vampire was after and she could provide the huntress with answers. But was it really worth all the trouble? All Mako had to do was wait, because the vampire had made it clear that his prerogative was her. She simply needed to wait for his next move.
There was no need to call her just yet.
"Only as a last resort." Mako whispered.
For now, she would just have to control her anger. Grin and bear it.
With a sigh she settled back against the bathtub. "Easier said than done." An urgent knock caused her to start. She frowned. "Yes?"
"Mako, it's me. Can I come in?"
"Cross-san?" The huntress raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised by the guardian's sudden visit at such a late hour. "Come through. I'm in the bathroom."
She heard shuffling from her bedroom as the guardian made her way towards the bathroom. It must have been difficult to negotiate her way around given that Mako's room looked like it had just been ransacked. Admittedly, the huntress may have been more than a little riled by the Pureblood's visit and had chosen to take it out on anything that wasn't attached to the floor. A squeal followed by a loud crash alerted Mako to Yuuki's fall.
An amused smile spread across her features as she covered her mouth to prevent laughter from bursting forth. The huntress had an image to maintain, after all. Mako heard a groan as Yuuki pulled herself to her feet and proceeded towards her final destination. And a moment later, the guardian entered the bathroom looking exhausted. Her attention was focused over her shoulder at the mess of a room.
"What happened? Is everythi– M-Mako!" The guardian immediately turned to her, blushing furiously at the sight of the huntress lounging in the bathtub. "Y-You're– You're naked!"
Mako chuckled. "Sorry. I didn't think it would bother you all that much." She rose from the bath, droplets of water slipping smoothly down her skin. "I'm not quite sure of how to behave in these situations. I've never had many friends, you see."
"You– You consider us friends?" The surprise in her voice was evident.
"I should hope so, Cross-san. I've grown quite fond of you." Though the reality of the matter was, Mako was more tolerant of the girl for Zero's sake. Grabbing her towel, she secured it firmly around her body. "You can turn around now."
Yuuki turned and gave a smile that reached the corners of her eyes. "I'm glad."
Mako stared at her, searching her voice for something, any inkling that might give away her dishonesty. She found nothing. Yuuki's smile was pure and genuine. There was no hidden agenda, no second intent. Her feelings were loud and clear for the whole world to see. If Mako were the type of person to feel guilt over a small fib, she might have felt bad. But she felt nothing. She felt no remorse in giving the girl false hopes. Instead, she simply smiled back.
"Your smile is genuine, Cross-san. I appreciate that."
"What?" Her confusion was cut short when she caught a glimpse of Mako's back as the hunter emerged from the bathtub. A thick, disfiguring scar twisted down from her right shoulder and ended somewhere beneath the towel. "M-Mako! Your back!"
Mako followed the guardian's gaze to her shoulder and gently reached over to finger the top of the scar. She resisted the urge to flinch as the memory filled her thoughts. The memory itself wasn't particularly agonizing, but it was something she preferred not to remember. With a subtle shake of her head, Mako banished the memory into the farthest expanses of her mind and answered Yuuki's statement with a nonchalant shrug. There were more than a few aspects of Mako's life that she wouldn't be privy to, and this was one of them.
Grabbing her brush, she strode past the guardian and into the next room. "Is there something you needed?"
"Huh? Oh yeah!" Still fixated on Mako's back, Yuuki sat down on the edge of the bed. "Zero was real agitated. I think he was concerned about you, so I came to make sure everything was alright."
"Everyone seems to be concerned about me." The huntress muttered under her breath.
Yuuki smiled. "Because everyone cares about you."
She glanced at the guardian's smiling reflection in the mirror. Those were very strong words coming from an otherwise naive young girl. And what made the situation all the more amusing was that she truly believed that. Mako could see it on her face. She was utterly determined to save the souls of the damned, whether they wanted her help or not. For Zero's sake, Mako would protect that innocence, but she would not benefit from it. Her soul was too far gone for any kind of redemption.
"It isn't caring, so much as constraint." She turned away from the mirror and placed her brush on the dresser. "But if it will put your mind at rest, I'll let you examine me."
Before the guardian could respond, the hunter had crossed the room and stood towering over her seated form. The close proximity immediately resulted in a dark blush spreading across the girl's cheeks, and Mako's lip twitched at the thought to toying with her. It was more than a little obvious that Yuuki wasn't comfortable with the idea of sexuality, neither hers or anyone else's. Mako found herself wondering how the guardian would react. Her reactions were always so entertaining.
Mako rested a hand on her shoulder and felt the guardian tense as she leant forward. In the corner of her eye, she could see Yuuki struggling to avert her gaze. Yuuki swallowed hard and turned her head away from the sight of Mako's sizable and shapely breasts. She couldn't deny that the huntress was unbelievably attractive. Yuuki often envied her good looks and natural seductiveness. Even without caring, Mako managed to turn heads. Yuuki was certain that even if she hadn't showered in days and was covered in horse manure, boys would still find Mako incredibly attractive.
Even Yuuki, despite being entirely certain she was straight, was willing to admit that she found herself beguiled by the huntress. It was a form of admiration in part, but Yuuki couldn't help but wonder if Mako released some kind of pheromone that attracted both sexes. Ether way, the guardian could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest, and she was certain that Mako could hear it too.
"Let me make it easier for you." The hunter's voice was low and sultry, and sent a pleasurable shiver down Yuuki's spine. Mako retreated far enough to turn her head and expose her elegant neck. "See." She gave the flustered guardian an amused smirk as she pulled back. "Nothing."
Yuuki swallowed hard. "T-That's good." She kept her gaze averted in an attempt to lessen her embarrassment, until she heard a silvery laugh. The guardian's gaze immediately snapped up to see Mako covering her mouth as she strove to control herself. "Mako?"
"The look on your face." Mako laughed. "Did you think I was going to take advantage of you?"
"W-What?! N-No! Of course not!" Her cheeks darkened, if such a thing were possible, causing Mako to laugh yet again. "S-Stop laughing! I-It's not funny!"
The huntress rolled her eyes. "But it is amusing. So, so amusing." She patted the guardian's head and laughed again as she retreated into the bathroom.
Yuuki watched her retreating figure with a creased brow. Mako was acting strange. It was nice to finally hear the girl laugh, but...
"Why did it sound sarcastic?" She muttered.
Was she in pain? Had something happened? Ever since that day in town, that day when she'd found Mako in the company of Kaname and Daisuke, covered in blood, everyone had been on edge. Zero even more so. Of course, she had questioned him about it, but he immediately snapped. The Headmaster wasn't any different, he was tight-lipped and wary. It was worrying and Yuuki didn't know what she could do.
"You're still here?" Yuuki looked up to see Mako leant against the doorway wearing nothing but her underwear.
"W-Was I supposed to leave?" When the huntress said nothing, Yuuki got to her feet. "Right, well, have a good night."
Before she reached the door, Mako called out to her. "What are you feelings towards Zero?"
Yuuki was taken aback. "W-What?" She paused upon meeting the hunter's intense gaze. "Um, I...uh...what do you mean?"
"Exactly what I asked."
The guardian flinched at the forcefulness of her voice. Mako wasn't in the mood to deal with anything but an answer. Yuuki averted her eyes to the door. It wasn't as though she hadn't thought about it. She felt something for Zero, of course she did. He was her friend, her dearest friend, and the thought of ever losing him made her want to collapse into a blubbering heap.
"I-I'm not sure. I mean, I care for him–"
"And Kuran-san?"
Wide-eyed, Yuuki instantly snapped her attention to the huntress. "K-K-Kaname-senpai?" Mako nodded. "I-" She lowered her gaze. "I owe him my life. He saved me and I–"
"Love him?" The guardian blushed at the thought, but said nothing. "Be realistic. Kuran-san is a vampire, and you're just a human."
Every word felt a like a stab to the heart, but Yuuki couldn't deny that there was truth behind them. "I-I know," Yuuki whispered, "but–"
"Come to a decision quickly." Yuuki looked up and froze. Mako's gaze was steely and relentless, burning into her mind with frightening ease. Some time during the course of their talk, the hunter had resolved something. "Zero cares deeply for you and I have no doubt that he'll be willing to wait. But I won't give him the chance to."
Yuuki frowned. "What do you mean?"
The huntress turned her back on the guardian. "Good night Cross-san."
"Good boy...Kaname..."
The Pureblood opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. He rested across the chaise lounge, one arm draped over his stomach whilst the other hung motionlessly at his side. A decent days sleep had been difficult to come by for many years, but lately, the memories that plagued him behind closed lids were all the more painful. His memories weren't entirely bad. There were moments of joy and happiness that he was willing to re-live over and over again, but others...
Most were laced with pain. Because every memory drew one step closer to the grand finale.
His fingers curled around the spine of the book he'd been reading and carefully placed it upon the coffee table. Kaname stood and ran his fingers through his hair as he made his way to the window. He pulled back the curtain, just enough to see the grounds, and flinched at the severe afternoon sunlight. Unused to the light after spending a lifetime in the dark, it was more than a little uncomfortable.
But the moment he caught sight of a dark figure heading towards the group of girls flocking around the Moon Dorm gates, all discomfort was forgotten. It seemed Mako was returning to duty, regardless of everything she'd been through during the course of the last few days. Of course she would. A small smile tugged at his lips. She wouldn't allow herself to show weakness to vampires. She was far too proud.
It still threw him, just how similar they were. No. Not similar. They were near identical in every way. Mako was frank in her dealings with others, she had no problem displaying her dislike or harshly relieving others of their comfortable delusions regarding their own self-importance, but she struggled to display affection. She was the same way. They shared the same resolve, the same sense of justice and deep seeded hatred for all those who dared to take advantage of humankind's naivety.
Kaname ran a hand through his dark, silky hair. He didn't understand, couldn't quite believe that it was at all possible. But she was there. In the elegance of Mako's movements, in the touch of her skin and the scent of her blood. His beloved.
"My precious Mako."
Trailing a finger across his lips, he inhaled deeply. Despite having cleansed his hands of her blood several times over, it had done nothing to dispel her scent. It continued to linger upon his skin with no remorse. Sultry and seductive, Mako's scent was that of pure, unadulterated lust and power.
His body begged and his blood ached whenever he was in her presence. His desire stemmed from a fundamental need for her. She was a necessity. The only touch that made his skin burn, the only blood his body would consume, and the only soul with which his would resonate. It was a madman's desperation. A lack of control that would do nothing but harm. He needed to control himself as much as he needed her.
Caught in the excitement of her scent, his protruding fangs grazed along his finger and drew a thin line of blood. He stared at the crimson beads, desperately wishing it was the lifeblood he so longed for. His tongue darted from between his lips to lap up the blood and seal the wound, even the smallest drop was enough to cause a stir within the Night Class.
A gentle knock made him turn away from the window. "Enter."
"Kaname-sama." The Dorm vice president popped his head around the door with a pleasant smile. "I came to see if you were ready. It's time to leave."
"Give me a moment."
"As you wish."
The instant the door clicked shut, Kaname resumed his observation. His grip on the curtain tightened and as the simple chandelier hanging from the ceiling began to sway. Mako had been joined by the silver-haired hunter in the short moments of Ichijo's interruption, and Kaname couldn't be more displeased. He could tolerate Zero's growing affection for Yuuki as he knew the hunter turned vampire would never act upon those feelings, but to discover that Zero and Mako had a shared past irked him.
Mako was more than happy to openly display her hatred for all things vampires, and yet Zero was the exception. Why? Why was she so intent on saving Zero? What could she accept the soon-to-be level E and not him? Hadn't he expressed his concern for her wellbeing? Hadn't he been there to support her in the aftermath of both attacks by the deranged vampire that sought her blood?
Every hand Kaname offered, she slapped away.
It didn't sit well with him.
"You're not supposed to be here." Mako barely heard him over the squealing fangirls who eagerly awaited the arrival of their Night Class princes. "The Headmaster said–"
She pushed herself off the tree trunk and approached the silver-haired hunter. "Yeah, I know what he said."
Zero followed her gaze to the squealing girls all herded into their respective vampires' gates like cattle for the slaughter. Friends pushed and shoved each other in an attempt to get to the front, so they could be certain that their chocolates were accepted. Mako rolled her eyes at the pathetic display. They were so easily swayed by vampiric nature that they would probably do away with their friends and family at the mere prospect of being with their princes.
Mako turned back to Zero with a deadpan expression. "Thought you might need a hand with the herd."
"I don't." She raised an eyebrow at his forceful tone. "Go back to the dorm."
"Was that an order?" Zero tensed and unconsciously took a step back as Mako's aura flared. "I don't respond well to people ordering me around."
His eyes hardened. "Then don't be stupid." That caught her off-guard and Zero moved forward and took hold of her shoulders. "Don't think I didn't smell your blood last night." He spoke in a whisper and averted his gaze in shame of what he was about to admit. "It took all my power not to follow the scent. It was so strong. There was so much blood." He finally met her gaze, a pained expression on his face. "You shouldn't be up."
"It was superficial."
"Self-inflicted." Zero tightened his grip on her shoulders. "You hurt yourself."
Mako rolled her eyes. "You're very nosy today, aren't you."
"Mako–"
A whistle blew loudly, hushing the girls long enough for Yuuki to speak. "Listen up! No cutting in line!" The female guardian turned to the Night Class, whose presence, oddly enough, had gone undetected by both hunters. "Okay! Day Class ladies, it's almost that time! Today's event is about to start! Get ready to pass out as many chocolates as you can!"
In the midst of all the chaos and screaming, Mako could feel the gaze of a certain Pureblood burning into her skin. She locked her gaze with his, eyes narrowed dangerously. The memory of last night was fresh in her mind and she hated it. Hated that he was in her thoughts. She hated that she could still feel his nauseating touch despite having scrubbed herself raw. And she especially hated the way he looked at her now.
All trace of the cold, harsh gaze she'd glimpsed last night was gone, replaced by a tenderness she was reluctantly familiar with. She hated it. Absolutely hated it. She wanted him to stop, to leave her alone. But even when he wasn't there he continued to haunt her. When she closed her eyes, those garnet orbs continued to stare. The Pureblood was always there.
Zero's grip on her shoulders constricted enough to make her wince. His fingertips dug into her skin with a strength that threatened to break the skin. His gaze, of course, was trained on the Pureblood. It was an atmosphere full of menace that went unnoticed by everyone except Mako and the Night Class. She reached up and gently took hold of Zero's wrists, lightly circling her thumb over his steady pulse.
"Zero." The silver-haired blinked and turned his attention to her with some reluctance. "Did you take your medication?"
He quirked a brow. "Medication?" It took a pointed look from Mako for him to understand. His eyes widened for a brief moment before he averted his gaze. "I...tried."
Mako sighed. "Your body rejects the tablets, you refuse my help, at this rate you'll descend to a level E."
"And if I do, you'll execute me." The huntress said nothing and Zero leant in closer, his nose brushing against her cheek. "Mako."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again. "I know my duty, however reluctant I might be to go through with it, I'll terminate you when the time comes."
He pulled back, his hands lingering on her shoulder a moment longer before being removed completely. "I have your word."
"Yes."
The huntress was graced with a silent nod before Zero left her company to aid Yuuki in holding back the surging Day Class girls. She was motionless, save for the clenching and unclenching of her hand by her side. Her word was her bond. She had given the Hunter's Association her word, she had given her master her word, and she had given Zero her word. There was no escaping her duty. If Zero were ever to turn, no matter how much it would pain her to do so, she would be his executioner.
Daisuke somehow managed to slip away from the screaming girls and moved over to where the huntress stood. He observed her, staring absentmindedly at the ground. It made him wonder what the silver-haired hunter had said to her. She looked almost vulnerable. A sly smile appeared on his lips as he approached. Mako had yet to acknowledge him. Either she was so deep in her thoughts that she hadn't sensed his presence, or she was merely ignoring him.
The Aristocrat stepped up behind her and slid his arms around her waist, pulling her back so that they were pressed together. Mako immediately tensed, snapping out of her thoughts the instant she felt his arms encircling her. Daisuke leant down and brushed his lips along the shell of her ear.
"Happy to see me, Mako-chan?"
"I'm not in the mood, vampire." She whispered dangerously. "Let go."
"But I like holding you." The graze of his lips against her neck made every muscle in her body rigid. "You fit perfectly."
She nudged her elbow into his gut, but he refused to release her. "Why are you bothering me when there's a bunch of girls waiting to confess their undying love to you?"
"You sound jealous." His whispered words resonated in the nape of her neck and sent shivers down her spine. "Do you wish to offer me chocolates, Mako-chan? To declare your undying love for me."
Mako scoffed. "Undying spite's more like it."
"There's no need to be shy. You can give them to me in private if you find it more comfortable."
"Like I would ever give chocolates to a vampire."
"You're right. It should be something more meaningful." His voice was low and sultry. "Will you offer your blood instead?"
Daisuke gently kissed her neck, feeling the steady beat of her pulse against his lips. Even in the arms of a vampire who threatened to bite her, her heartbeat was remarkably calm. Could it be that she trusted him enough that she no longer felt the need to worry? No. Mako didn't trust vampires. Unless that vampire was Zero. He was the only exception. Daisuke tighten his grip on her.
It felt unimaginably good to hold her in his arms. Her body molded comfortably against his and he experienced a sense of peace that he never knew existed. And he knew, from that moment, that the only way he could go on living was to stay by Mako's side. Even if she could never love him, he would take her hatred as compensation. Just so long as he could touch her, so long as he could hold her.
His fingers brushed against the gauze on her neck and he hesitated, snapping out of his trance and immediately releasing Mako. "Sorry." The huntress stared at him, eyebrow raised as though expecting him launch a surprise attack at any given moment. Instead, he clasped his hands behind his back and bowed his head. "I've taken the joke too far."
"You always do, but you've never apologized for it." She raised her hand to the gauze around her neck and growled. "You vampires need to get it through those thick skulls of yours, I am not someone to be coddled. I'm not a weak little girl. I am a vampire hunter."
Before Daisuke could formulate a response, a sudden shout drew their attention. Distracted, Yuuki had been knocked to the ground by a group of girls who had sudden charged forward, and the box of chocolates she had done her best to conceal went soaring. The small green box landed at Zero's feet, taunting him. Mako frowned. Had Yuuki made her choice? Were the chocolates for Zero, or the Pureblood?
Zero stared at the chocolates for a moment before picking them up. "Kaname." The Pureblood turned in time to effortlessly catch the green box thrown to him by the silver-haired hunter. "It was on the ground."
"Z-Zero!" Yuuki immediately pulled herself out from under the pile of girls.
"Glad to accept it." He met the guardian's surprised gaze with a smile. "Thank you, Yuuki."
And without another word, Kaname turned his back and left. Yuuki proceeded to mercilessly strike Zero, as though she really thought she could inflict physical damage. Mako could see the hurt in his eyes even as he teased the guardian. It pained him that Yuuki had given Kaname a box of chocolates. It was a declaration of her love to the Pureblood, even if she only perceived it as a means of thanks, the intent was there.
Mako could never forgive Yuuki for hurting Zero.
"Damn it, Zero." The huntress muttered as she watched the scene. "You idiot."
She started forward, with every intention of dragging Zero aside and giving him the lecture of a lifetime. Daisuke reached out, catching hold of Mako's elbow before she moved out of reach and pulled her towards him, tightening his grip. She turned to face him and narrowed her gaze menacingly.
"Let me go."
"No." Her eyes widened as he pulled her against him and embraced her once more. He felt her chest pressed against his and gave a gentle sigh as he rested his chin on her shoulder. "Not ever. I can't let you go."
The Aristocrat closed his eyes and reveled in the feel of her, her sultry scent bombarding his senses with the sweet ecstasy of her. He held her tightly. Yes. He wanted to hold her, just like this, for all eternity. Even if she hated him. Daisuke felt her body relax after a moment and opened his eyes curiously.
"You're foolish." He tensed at the harshness of her voice. "Showing affection for a hunter. I should kill you where you stand."
He clenched his jaw. "Then why don't you."
There was silence, but he could see the smirk forming on her lips. "Because you're not worth the effort."