Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
I feel like it is necessary to sing this: *Says in a Sing-Song tone* I'm baaa-aack :D
Did ya miss me? It's okay if you didn't...but I just survived my first 2 weeks of school and finished taking a science test and a math test yesterday so I feel pretty accomplished if I do say so myself :D
Shout-outs! to: Aroosa, SamWolf NightLover, OtakuDL, Guest, Shiro (x3), NoUsernameNeeded, FranFranWriter, Mia Storixia, Harlyn, animelover221004, SamWolf NightLover, RatedM, mariahernandezperez26, and butterfly for reviewing all you guys are sweet and awesome, thanks for the support :D
In addition to those who reviewed thanks to those of you who followed and favorite my story. You're all so kind and supportive thank you *bows down politely in gratitude*, I'm really glad you all have read my story and enjoyed it this much, it means a lot to me as a writer and a person, so thank you all very much :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Diabolik Lovers or any other animes much to my disappointment...
On with the story!
"Well then, name your three conditions Shu, I haven't got all day." Ayato sighed.
"You are in no position to rush me and what's the hurry are you that eager to see Yui otōto-chan*."
"Don't call me otōto-chan!" Ayato bellowed towards the nonchalant blonde relaxing on light blue sofa within his private sanctuary.
The blonde raised a flawless eyebrow in slight amusement, "Well I can tell you seem a bit tense, do you know what I do when I feel tense? I take a nice, long, soothing nap somewhere comfortable, in fact what's more comfortable than a music room?"
"I think I'm starting to get a bit sleepy—"
"No, wait don't go sleep!" The fiery haired vampire interrupted Shu's purposeful blabbering, "Just tell me what your conditions are, and I swear to you on my own honor and pride as a vampire to follow through with it." Ayato declared truthfully and without hesitation making Shu sit up abruptly.
The orangish haired blonde's sapphire orbs widened in slight surprise.
For Ayato to swear on his pride as vampire he must be really serious about Yui, but why a plain, idiotic mortal like her what's so special about her?
"Fine, my conditions are as follows, in mine and Subaru's presence don't refer to yourself as Ore-sama, but say it around Reiji as much as you want to," Shu smirked at the thought of seeing his pissed off brother's face, "In addition, I am allowed to call you whatever I want including but not limited to Ayano, Ayato-chan, otōto-chan, and baka-chan but you must always respond and address me as Shu-sama, Master, Milord, or Onii-chan ."
The red head rolled his eyes, "Tch, is that all?"
However, on the inside he was seething.
Damn, that diabolic mastermind, how am I to be taken seriously especially amongst Yui and the rest my idiot brothers if Shu gets to address me by those embarrassing nicknames and what if I still need to call him that in public as well, like when we're in school?!
Thank God I don't have any classes with him since he'd probably make me call him onii-chan, to think I the soon to be vampire king, allow myself to be referred to as anything less than Ayato-sama or ouji-sama!
But I came to seek Shu's assistance with his knowledge of humans because I want to understand humans like Chichinashi better…I'm not quite sure why, but I do.
"Okay Shu what's your last condition?
"I want you to take up an instrument and I will teach you how to play it, as of now I can play every instrument apart from the bagpipes so you can choose anything but that." The sleepy vampire explained flatly.
"I thought music was your thing why do you want me to play an instrument too?"
"Even while we were children I watched how you stared enviously at Laito as he played the piano accompanied by Kanato's lulling voice; you've secretly desired to learn how to do something that requires musical abilities but you had no one to teach you and Cordelia forbid you from wasting your time with something you haven't got the talent for—"
"Then what'd you care supposing that I 'haven't got that talent' to play an instrument." Ayato sharply retorted eyes shut as he grew defensive interrupting Shu as he spoke.
"Look Ayato, I don't believe that you're talentless believe me I can tell and I honestly believe all my brothers have what it takes to make something of themselves in the music scene or anything else, apart from Reiji he's the only talentless bastard that I've had the displeasure of meeting." Shu murmured the last part of his statement to himself bitterly.
Being vulnerable is something Ayato would never peg himself to be, he tries to be as tough and strong as the bravest of warriors; but sometimes he just wanted a bit of encouragement, someone to pick him up when he's feeling low, give him that extra push or comforting words when he needed it.
This was especially true when Ayato was a young boy…
FLASHBACK (10 years ago)
"Ayato make sure you finish memorizing the Greek alphabet as well as at least half of the elements in the periodic table as well as the atomic mass, and amount of protons, neutrons, and electrons present in each. Is that understood?"
"But I wanna play with Lai-chan and Ka-chan haha-sama*, how come they get to do fun stuff and I always have to work?!"
"Silence Ayato."
"But it's not fair!"
"Life's not fair kid and the sooner you get used to it the sooner you can surpass Beatrix's brat and become the primary heir to the throne."
Ayato cast a glance at the ground in an attempt to cover his watering eyes, he felt like he was trapped or worse off just something to use for bragging rights. His own mother hardly treated him like a person.
She never even calls him son, and yet she gave Laito and Kanato endearing pet names.
"What's so special about Lai-chan and Ka-chan haha-sama? How come they get to sing and play instruments and I don't?!"
Her green eyes glistened with an almost murderous intent, "How dare you question my judgement you insolent idiot! You have no talents whatsoever and are a complete good-for-nothing child with no musical capabilities at all!" Cordelia shrieked enraged and frustrated with Karl not showing her enough affection.
"Why are you so mad? Is it about Papa again? Haha-sama I know he loves you were his first wife and if there's anything that you've taught me it's that first is the best!" Ayato tried to encourage her as he gingerly took steps towards her hunched disheveled form on the grounds of Christa's rose garden.
"What if he doesn't love me anymore…"
"That's impossible Haha-sama, you're wonderful when you choose to be and you're beautiful."
"Really?"
"Of course, and even if he doesn't love you that just makes him a bigger meanie than I thought. Me, Ka-chan, and Lai-chan care about you, we love you."
Although sometimes you make me feel really, sad, angry, and alone it's okay because you're my mom which means you love me, right?
"You love us too right Haha-sama?" Ayato probed since he had never heard his mother tell him that she loved him before.
The young vampiress looked up at her son eyes beginning to water, "Do you really think that he loves me?" She had completely ignored her son's previous question.
Does she really love me? The small prince wondered to himself before answering his mother's questioning an attempt to comfort her.
"I don't think, I know." The young boy grinned.
Cordelia dusted herself off before nonchalantly commenting, "You may engage in recreational activities with your brothers."
"Arigatou gozaimasu Haha-sama!" Ayato thanked excitedly as he ran up to her and gave her a big hug, which she didn't return and a kiss on the cheek; the older woman uncaringly brushed him off whilst a small smile tugged at her lips, she delicately patted her eldest son's head.
"You're a good boy Ayato. Thanks for that, go have fun with your brothers."
Ayato's emerald orbs light up with glee, "Hai!"
As Ayato made his way towards the courtyard, he spotted his two brothers playing a game of chess he inwardly sighed to himself, those two are such strategic thinkers it always takes them forever to get through a game of checkers, but chess?! Ayato was gonna have to wait an eternity for them to finish!
Although he liked that chess had a king, he preferred being kinged in a game of checkers; but much to his disdain he always lost at games like this for going head first without thinking of a strategic course of action unlike his two brothers.
In other words, Ayato always lost.
"Hey look its Aya-chan!" Laito exclaimed happily while hastily moving on of his pawns to the side of a lonesome bishop unaware that he'd stepped into Kanato's trap.
"Hey Laito." Ayato greeted coolly, "What's up?"
"Oh, nothing much just whopping Kanato in a game of—"
"Lai-chan?" Kanato drawled interrupting Laito midphrase.
"Checkmate." The smirk in his voice alone was enough to make Laito pout.
"Aw no fair Kanato, you cheated!" The fedora wearing boy pouted puffing his cheeks out in annoyance as he crossed his arms.
"Sorry Lai-chan I didn't cheat its called skill, ne Teddy?"
Ayato laughed whole-heartedly at his twin's expense, "That's what you get for being cocky, Laito."
Laito's face looked pained as he scowled at his partner in crime, "Hey! I don't wanna hear that from you of all people Ayato look at the pot calling the kettle black!"
"Huh, what's that supposed to mean Laito?" Ayato barked, he knew it was an insult, he just didn't understand its meaning, nevertheless, he began harassing Laito's face by pinching his cheeks mercilessly.
"Aya-chan! Lewt gow ofw myw beautifulw facew." Ayato ceased in his assault with a large grin.
"Wait what did you just say?"
"He said 'Let go of my beautiful face.'" Kanato answered whilst sipping tea and munching on cookies as per usual.
"How do you know Ka-chan?"
"I'm just good with languages, deciphering, and things along those lines." Kanato briefly explained cheerfully.
"Well, let this be a lesson to you Laito, don't use confusing metaphors around me!"
"Is it just 'cause you're too dumb to understand them…" Laito bitterly muttered under his breath.
"What's that Laito, you lookin' for a fight? 'Cause I'm ready to rumble! And believe me, if you keep talkin' then you're crusin' for a brusin'!"
"Darn Ayato calm down already how's about you and me play a game of checkers, you love getting kinged don't'cha?"
"I know you're taunting me Lai-chan, you just want me to play so that I lose, you know I hate boring games like that, why don't we play something fun like flag football or tag?" With a gleeful demeanor, Ayato proposed his idea with a smile.
Kanato's eyes began to water, "But I'm terrible at flag football everyone will just try to tackle me for no reason, and teddy would be away from me!"
Ayato and Laito exchanged glances with each other, knowing that if they didn't do or say, something quickly this would turn into a full blown Kanato level temper tantrum.
"Okay what game do you wanna play Ka-chan?" Laito questioned the lavender haired toddler.
"Umm, how about hide-and-go-seek? We haven't played that in a while and it's not violent at all." Kanato bubbled.
"Sure, we can do that." Laito agreed and Ayato gave a nod of approval.
"Could we also play with Su-kun and Shu-nii-san? They're fun and I like them."
"Sure I'll fetch Subaru from the rose garden, Ayato could you go get Shu."
"Tch, you know how haha-sama feels about me associating with either of Beatrix's sons especially Shu, what if Beatrix sees me and I get in trouble."
"I thought you weren't afraid of anything Ayato why are you wussing out now?" Laito taunted green eyes shining with mirth.
"This is payback for pinching your cheeks isn't it?" Ayato declared irritated.
"Maaaaaybe." Laito cooed feigning innocence much to Ayato's disdain.
Ayato rolled his eyes, before saying, "Fine I'll get Shu."
"Good." Laito smirked before the two parted ways leaving Kanato alone with his Teddy as he happily dined on an assortment of confectionaries.
About 15 minutes passed before Laito returned with Subaru and Ayato was yet to return.
Maybe Shu's at the back gate since he usually sneaks off to go out somewhere, I've already checked his room and asked that stick-in-the-mud Reiji where the heck his brother is, so this has to be the last option.
As Ayato's frustration was about to boil over he heard a rustling in the bushes, hey who's there?!" The red head barked unamused.
"No need to worry Ayato, it's just me, Shu."
Overjoyed, the emerald eyed vampire grinned a broad toothy grin before dragging Shu to Kanato and the others.
"Ayato it's about time you got back, Subaru was starting to get annoyed and I was about to start the game without you guys." Laito explained with a small smile.
"Well don't worry your prayers have been heard because I have finally arrived." Ayato exclaimed haughtily.
"Would someone mind telling me what's going on here?" Shu sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Were playing hide-and-go-seek!" Kanato chimed.
"Oh cool, where's Rei-chan?" The blonde questioned searching around for his raven haired brother.
"I knew you'd ask that. I didn't intend on inviting him at first but I assumed you'd want him around so I asked that butler in training if he wanted to join, but he said, 'Something like that is a waste of my time, I don't plan on growing up to be a loafer unlike some people in this house.'" Ayato explained with a glare at the memory.
Opening his mouth to continue, Ayato added, "And then Reiji said I just invited him because of you and not because I wanted him to play, which is true but what does he expect he's a buzzkill that takes everything too seriously and doesn't realize he has four cool brothers and a god like me as a half-brother!"
"Okay calm down, whose going to be It?" Subaru questioned the group aloud.
"I volunteer Shu as tribute since he came last." Ayato declared.
"I second that notion." Kanato added.
"Sure fine with me." Laito reasoned.
"But I don't wanna—" Whining somewhat immaturely the blonde crossed his arms unwilling to yield with the demands of the group.
"Hey aren't you supposed to be the older and more responsible sibling? With an attitude like that how do you ever plan on becoming the vampire king? Huh Shu, I'm all ears so please do tell." Ayato taunted his older half-brother with a broad smirk unconsciously showing off his snow white canines.
"Is that a challenge?" The ocean eyed vampire boy lightly glared at his fiery haired emerald eyed counterpart with a playful smirk of his own.
"Of course it is!"
With a small nod of understanding Shu went to a tree closed his eyes and began to count backwards from 100 although he only needed to count to three since they all possess enhanced speed; however, for formalities sake toppled by the fact that he just returned from one of his almost daily interactions with Edgar, a human boy he had met in a village not too far from the manor, Shu had decided to give his brothers time to find good hiding spots.
Ayato ran into the house at a breakneck speed careful not to make any of his brothers aware of his genius plan, he was going to hide in plain sight!
As the young red head seamlessly slipped into his iron maiden, he gently closed the lid to avoid making any noise.
Heh, nobody's gonna find me in here! The emerald eyed boy mentally gloated to himself.
All of a sudden, Ayato heard delicate footsteps, and two voices.
"Where do you think Ayato's hiding Laito?" Subaru questioned.
"Probably in his iron maiden I bet'cha 5 dollars he's in there right now…"
"You're on! C'mon let's go check it Laito there's no way he could be dumb enough to hid in there."
"Darn it!" Ayato quietly muttered to himself in annoyance.
"Did you hear that Subaru?"
"Yeah it looks like Shu's done counting let's go hide somewhere else, quickly!"
"Fine, but you own me 5 dollars Lai-chan." Ayato could practically hear the grin in the albino's voice.
"Oh c'mon Su-su I know he was in there!"
Eventually, Ayato heard the footsteps grow fainter so he decided to make his escape. As he tip toed out of his room he heard a droning voice call, "Ready or not here I come!"
"Aw, tartar sauce!" The young prince sighed as he retreated into the safety of his room.
How am I supposed to get out now?
His watchful eyes lingered towards the direction of the window in his room.
Well, drastic times call for drastic measures!
With one last glance towards his bedroom door the emerald eyed vampire jumped out the open window.
A/N: Talk about taking hide and seek to the extreme am I right? XD
Translations:
otōto-chan: younger brother
ouji-sama: Prince
Haha-sama: A way of saying mother with respect
I will update this chapter with my responses to reviews but I want to at least update Be Our Guest first, sorry.
Please R&R, if youdoing something interesting apart from reading this fanfic on Valentine's Day I'd love to hear it...get it love? Valentine's Day puns am I right?