His Only Princess: Chapter 12
Bright white streamed into the small room, stretching over the wooden floor and casting odd shadows upon the walls. It bathed the slumbering girl in its harsh yet warm light, revealing how at peace she actually was at the moment. With her body appropriately covered and her face buried deep within the pillow underneath, she took on the appearance of a sleeping cherub, chestnut hair fanning around the soft lines of her face like a halo. With such a beauty so close, one could not help but admire her, even for just a moment, and this was certainly no exception for the irate young man occupying the room as well.
Zero examined her briefly with bated breath, almost wary of exhaling and creating any small disturbance in the thick silence that surrounded them. He took in every feature of the visible half of her sleeping face, minutely aware that she retained some of the same innocence that Yuuki did, had. Supposedly, he couldn't really consider her as innocent anymore. His mind wandered as he watched her sleep on, back several hours; it really was dumb luck that he had found her when he did.
They stumbled through the snowy streets, dark falling upon them long ago. Yori still clung in aftershock to him, shaky arms wrapped in a death grip around his waist. He supposed he couldn't really blame her; no matter how much one had been exposed, any ordinary human would still manage to be shaken up by an encounter with a vampire. But he did have to admit, she handled it quite better than he would have expected.
Finally, his small apartment came into view, and it took all his might to not heave a sigh of relief. Peering down at his startled companion, he wrapped his hands around her forearms in attempt to pry her off.
"Wakaba, we're here. You can let go now," he managed to bite back most of the irritation in his voice, but it still remained quite cold. When she didn't budge, he, very carefully, pulled her away from him, holding her at arms length as he unlocked his door and dragged her in behind him, the door slamming shut behind them. It wasn't necessarily warm inside, but it was significantly better than the harsh winds blowing outside.
Zero released Yori's arms, leaving her to stand in the middle of the room as he went about his own makeshift routine, making sure to choke down several of the chalky tablets that were sitting on his dresser. Turning around, he found Yori still standing there, eyes plastered to the floor that was slowly collecting little water droplets from the melting snow in her hair. Sighing irritably through his nose, he stalked over to his bed, stripping the covers halfway off.
"Don't go all stone cold on me now, Wakaba," he glanced over his shoulder only to catch her slightly bewildered eyes flicking up to meet his. "What happened to the calm and collected kid that you used to be?" he turned his attention back to his task, watching his hands. "It could have been worse."
His offhand comment seemed to reach whatever part of her mind that had become unresponsive as annoyance poured its way into her. Who was he to question anything about her, let alone play down what had happened? Before she could offer up a witty rebuttal to his statement, however, something caught her eye. A small, square object lay on the floor at his feet, completely unnoticed by him.
As silently as possible, knowing he'd catch at least some of her movements, she crouched down and stretched her body out as much as possible, finally catching the edge of the object in pursuit between her index and middle finger. A nanosecond glance was all she got of what was on it, for the second her fingers touched it, it was roughly snatched out of her grip. Chancing looking up at him, she wasn't really surprised to see him staring at the wall in front of him rather than her. She slowly rose back to her feet and took a step closer to him, worried she might have pushed him too far with her nosiness.
"Uh...Zero-kun?" her question hung in the stagnant air. "Is everything okay?"
Snorting derisively, he lowered his head and crumpled the square paper in his hand.
"You've asked something similar to that before," he turned to face her, eyes alight with something akin to anger. "So, do you want an answer this time?"
Unsure of her ability to form words, Yori gulped and nodded slowly, wide hazel eyes never leaving him.
A singular breath hissed through his teeth and he cast his eyes to the side, shaking his head once and letting his shoulders slump.
"Go to bed." His command offered no room for rebuttal, but her curiosity, as well as compassion for him, were sparked. Taking a brave extra few steps closer to the somber hunter, she stopped just shy of being directly in front of him, barely taking notice to the look of pain that flashed quickly across his face.
It was dead silent in the small room, only her shuttering breathing and the muffled sounds of the arousing night world to be heard.
"Don't you remember what I said?" she questioned in a hushed whisper, watching him carefully, especially once his eyes flickered back to her. He quirked an eyebrow, his silent persuasion for her to continue, no matter how effortless he thought it may be. "Zero Kiryuu, whether you like it or not, I consider myself your friend." He opened his mouth to protest, but Yori merely raised a hand to silence him. "And friends help each other, no matter what the problem may be. So please, stop shutting me out! I may not be Yuuki, and you may not ever view me as someone who you can really be friends with, but at least let me try to help you." She felt a rant bubbling within her and knew she'd better stem off the one-sided conversation now or else say something she'd regret. Clamping her mouth shut, she played with her fingers nervously, but never once looked away.
When he didn't respond, she gave her bravery one last push and extended her hand towards him, resting it gently on his tensed forearm. The sudden contact snapped him out of the reverie he had been in, and he finally spoke while staring at the shaking hand on him.
"Why are you doing this?"
"Simple." Speaking a little too quickly, she cleared her throat before continuing, hoping what she'd say wouldn't cause him to retreat back into the shell she had somewhat managed to crack. "Yuuki was my best friend, and I owe it to her to not let you do this to yourself, at least not alone. And even if that wasn't it...no one deserves to fight their battles alone."
Zero was drained, both mentally and physically, and certainly didn't have it in him to argue this matter with her anymore. She wanted to help someone like him? Fine, he'd let her have it her way. She'd soon realize what she had signed herself up for and back out on him, just like the rest of them.
"You're an odd one, Wakaba. Have it your way, then. Just don't get in my way while you 'try to help me'." He crossed his arms, being careful of the crumpled paper in his hand, and stalked off to the washroom and shut the door, putting a blockade between the two of them.
He was entirely unaware of the small smile that pulled at the corners of Yori's mouth.
"Thank you, Zero-kun."
He really didn't know whether to laugh or yell at her for her stupidity. Surely she'd learn what she was in for before it was too late and another...occurrence came round again.
Propping an elbow on his knee, he rested his chin in his palm, taking advantage of her sleeping to look at what had been uncovered-almost discovered by her curious eyes-last night.
The photograph was worn and tattered, showing its age in no good ways. The two figures in the photo were fading slightly, the color not as vivid as it once was. Yuuki and himself. They had both just started at Cross Academy, and, of course, their very vivacious guardian insisted on taking as many pictures as he could right before they left. Yuuki, like always, had a very silly grin on her face, the absolute epitome of childlike happiness, while he himself was just like a statue next to her, dull in comparison to her bright aura. He absentmindedly stroked picture-Yuuki's face with his thumb, wishing fervently that things could go back to how they used to be, before her infatuation with Kuran began.
But then Wakaba would have remained hidden in the shadows forever.
Eyes drifting back up to her sleeping form, taking note that she hadn't moved a single inch, he pondered on that thought whilst studying her.
This girl was definitely no Yuuki. She was much more reserved and quiet; whereas Yuuki would crash into someone's life like a giggly wrecking ball, bringing havoc and happiness in full swing, Yori would ease her way in, very timid, the changes brought on very subtle but very much there. Yuuki was loud, energetic, excitable. Yori was quiet, calm, collected. It really was an example of opposites attract with those two being best friends.
Yori began to shift around, bringing his attention back to her. She stretched her arms out, flattening herself entirely on the bed and somehow buried her face even deeper into the pillow, breathing deeply before settling back.
Zero chuckled a little.
"Yeah, you're definitely an odd one."
Somewhere far off, hidden far enough in the thick woods where no one could find it, was a grandiose mansion. And within the bowels of this mansion was a girl.
A very impatient, antsy girl who was pacing the length of the parlor and dragging her fingers along the wall.
She was dressed splendidly; the rich red of her Victorian style gown stood out against her snowy skin and made her red-tinted brown orbs gleam brightly. Even her hair was done intricately enough to pair with her regal appearing attire, the ends of the long strands having been curled prettily with a lace and pearl headband perched on top of her head.
"Where is he?"
"Please do not worry yourself too much, Miss Yuuki."
Yuuki ceased her pacing and looked towards who had spoken. It was one of the many maids that bustled around in the vast mansion, somehow managing to keep everything within spotless. What her name was, though, Yuuki was clueless about.
She gave a bright smile in response.
"I'm not. I just feel rather lonely when he is out." If she were to be honest, she was always really bored when Kaname would leave, going out to do who knows what. At least when he was there, she had someone of substance to talk to, even if their conversations turned a bit hands-on from time to time.
The maid nodded once and bowed her head.
"I am certain Mister Kuran will return very soon. Would you like anything while you are waiting?"
"Hm. Would you mind showing me the way to the flower garden? I always seem to get lost when I go looking for it," she sheepishly admitted.
"But of course! Please, follow me, Miss Yuuki." With her polite offer, the maid turned and walked briskly down one of the long hallways, Yuuki following close behind. They reached a door, which the maid pushed open and then stepped aside, holding her hand out. "It is right through here."
"Thank you!" Yuuki beamed and hurried through, not bothering to close the door after her.
"Ah, would you like for me to inform Mister Kuran about your whereabouts if he were to return soon?"
"Yes, sure, sure." Not really paying attention to what had been asked, Yuuki flitted her way through the many exotic flowers, lifting the skirt of her dress so she could walk properly.
The maid smiled at her carefree attitude and pulled the door closed.
Several different types of flowers decorated the room, some crawling up the wire-fenced walls while others were in elaborate mini-gardens along the floor. But there was one type that she preferred out of the hundreds occupying the space. In the back, somewhat isolated from the others, was a bush of deep scarlet red roses. She had requested them upon learning of the flower garden, and Kaname had them brought in immediately, willing to do whatever his beloved wished to be done.
Approaching the flower of her affection, she carefully grasped the largest one, plucking it from the bush. It petals spread wide, covering her hands entirely under the crimson satin, resembling a pool of blood resting in her hands. She noticed the dull sting in her throat, but she could wait; Kaname would be home soon enough. And he would need to feed, too. So instead, she focused on the flower, turning it over and running her fingertips over the soft petals, admiring how they curled lightly under her touch.
The rose fell from her hands when another pair of hands snaked their way around her waist, pulling her flush against something warm.
Smiling warmly, she turned in their hold, arms already raised to rest upon their shoulders.
"Good evening, my darling Yuuki," Kaname breathed out. His breath fanned over her face, sending delicious chills up her spine, and she smiled even wider, already raising up on her toes and lowering her face to his covered neck. She felt him chuckle, the sound reverberating through her own body. "Thirsty already?"
Nodding lightly, she stole a glance up at him, breath catching in her throat at the seductive expression that graced his handsome face. With nimble fingers, he quickly undid the top buttons of his black dress shirt, folding the collar away from his neck. She lunged at his exposed flesh not a second after his fingers had retreated, fangs unsheathed. Burying her face against his neck, she pressed a tender kiss to the spot right under his pulse point before sinking her teeth in.
Kaname lifted his hands to her body, one resting on her lower back while the other tangled in her hair, holding her as close as possible. He closed his eyes, focusing on the sound of her drinking from him.
Once she had had her fill, Yuuki pulled away from slowly, a coy smile on her bloodstained lips. Without warning, Kaname bent down, closing the space between them and initiated a heated kiss, his tongue briefly flicking over her lips to taste his own blood.
Pulling back, he raised her hand to his lips, turning the inside of her wrist to face him.
"You are a tease," he quipped darkly, kissing her wrist before taking his own turn, long fangs puncturing her sensitive skin. Yuuki stroked his hair while he drank, admiring the way he looked, how graceful he made it seem. Her eyes finally locked on his, which had been watching her intently, and she felt heat creep up her face, though it didn't show anymore.
"Kaname-sama..."
He retracted his fangs from her, but kept his hold on her, pulling her forward and into his strong embrace.
Yuuki thought back to all of the times he had done things like this before she was awoken, remembering how she would stumble over her own two feet and crash into him, whereas now, she glided gracefully. The thought provoked a low giggle from her.
Kaname placed his head on top of hers, smiling fondly at her laughter.
"What is so funny?"
She only shook her head and wrapped her own arms around his middle lightly.
"I was just remembering some things, Kaname-sama. But they don't matter any more. I'm just glad you're back." She turned her face, nuzzling against him. "Welcome home."
It was well into the late morning when Yori finally arose. She stretched and sat up, taking in her surroundings. Zero's apartment had seemed small and suffocating last night, being shrouded in the cold dark, but now that morning had come and the sun broke through, it didn't seem so bad. She noticed that she was still in her clothes from the day before, which allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief even though she knew she wouldn't have had to worry, but also realized that they were cold and wrinkled, sticking to her uncomfortably.
Zero came out of the washroom, dressed in all black, a towel hanging around his neck to keep the water dripping from his hair away from his clothes.
"You can clean up if you want to." He regarded her with the same emotionless tone he always had; however, it lacked the coldness it usually held.
Yori practically jumped from the bed, stumbling and righting herself, tugging on the bottom of her sweater.
"No, that's alright. Thank you. I'd better be heading back to the Academy," she inwardly cheered for managing to not stumble on her words at least.
Zero crossed his arms and nodded.
"Then let's go."
It was a rather silent walk back. Neither participants spoke a word and kept everything to themselves, eyes included.
Since Yori had chosen to not take up Zero's offer to clean up, she was still in her cold clothing, wrapped in her coat, which had also ended up snow soaked and was now just as frigid as the rest of her things. Shivers coursed through her and goosebumps raised along her skin and it really took all of her might to keep her teeth from chattering.
That was when she felt something heavy and warm being draped over her shoulders. Her head jerked up only to find her companion now without a coat, his black trench coat now hanging precariously on her.
"Zero-kun...?" she trailed off, not quite sure how to ask him what he was doing.
"You said friends help each other," he responded gruffly. "I figured if I'm going to let you go along with your insane idea, I may as well be cooperative."
A smile of pure happiness appeared on her face, and he felt his stomach swoop a little at her radiance.
"Thank you, Zero-kun," she spoke with earnest and pulled his coat around her slight figure tightly, a new-found bounce now in her step. "For everything."
Zero only shook his head, deciding that he was completely right with his previous claim for her.
She was odd. Really odd.
But, had it not been for everything that had happened up until present-time, he would have never learned that. His thoughts wandered to when he was wishing for things to be as they once were, and back a few seconds, when this strange, once very quiet girl's smile had created such an odd feeling for him.
Perhaps it wasn't just dumb luck he had found her last night during the attack. Perhaps it was dumb luck he had found her at all. Or that she had found him. This girl seemed to know exactly what he needed at the moment, and was very determined to give him just that and then some.
This was bound to be an interesting friendship to unfold between them.
A/N: The end!
(no, I'm seriously kidding!)
Whoa, where the heck did I come from?! It's been...what? 3 months? More? I'm so sorry T_T I was being totally honest when I said I'd never abandon this thing, but my updating has been slacking badly. I promise to fix that.
So, how was this for a return chapter? I've been playing with ideas of where I can take this to pick up the speed (cause we don't wanna end up reading 100+ chapters, now do we? No.) (I've also been practicing writing fluffy Zori moments, because I just want to make that absolutely perfect for you all, my lovelies! And I just like writing that
-/.\\-
Anyways! Thank you's time!
thecoldforest: Oh so cold to Kaito dearest! Haha. I'm with you there, though. Zero is better ;D
DrkSpphrGT: And I'm back...again, too! I hope you liked that really long flashback! Sorry if you were expecting something more, but now you can see that that's coming up later on now, right? :D Thanks for the welcome back!
HadaMagica93: I had to translate your comment ^^; I am glad you liked the chapter! I hope this one makes up for you wanting more last time (and trust me, there will be plenty more to come!) Gracias!
summer162: I hope this chapter was worth your looking forward to! :)
Angie Darcy: Thank you! Your wait is over for now :D
Hazel: I took your advice! Zori progression (small, but there!), and even Yuuki made an appearance. I hope you liked it!
Ally: Thank youuu! I am always so worried I'm portraying her weirdly. Your words made my day, though! :)
Little Princezz Everlazt: Oh, thank you! I'm glad you love this story so far!
*and to the rest of my readers and past reviewers, thank you all so much as well! I hope you've enjoyed the latest installment of His Only Princess.
Until chapter 13!
-Anzu-chan