"Hotori?"

The blond boy stood to attention. "Yes, sir?"

"Have you learned anything...new?"

"Nothing of significance, sir," he replied curtly. "There are no threats that I am currently aware of, however I will check with - "

"No, no," he shook his head. "That's not what I mean."

Tadase was confused. "What do you mean?"

The headmaster sighed. "Do you realize that Tsukiyomi Ikuto is a vampire?"

He blinked and paled. "I-I-I was not aware - "

"It's alright Tadase," he said gently. "He isn't just any vampire, Tadase, he's a royal. A pure blood."

"I-I thought the academy was barred to vampires - "

"It is," he nodded, "however, he is a...special case. He's strong, an old vampire with a very powerful heritage."

"Is there something I should do about him?" Tadase asked still reeling from shock. "He is dangerously close to - "

"I know," he let out a lengthy sigh at that.

He turned and looked at the small photo on his desk, picking it up and studying it. Amu was young, only two or three. She had a cherry held out as an offering to the camera while he held her up. Her lips were deep red from all the cherries and her fingers had become sticky. Her hair was tied up in two little pigtails and an innocent light twinkled in her eyes.

It was simple back then, taking her away from danger while hiding it from her as well. She was always in danger since he was - or at least had been - the top vampire hunter and she was his kin. Especially ever since the attack, he had become protective of her and afraid of what would happen once she was out in the world on her own. He could at least watch her closely now. Distancing himself from family and friends...it was a difficult thing to do.

"Sir...?"

"There isn't much you could do Tadase," he set it down. "You're good friends with her, right?"

"Just as you commanded - "

"Tadase." The headmaster looked at the young man who stood before him; one trained and raised to protect. "Do you like being friends with Amu?"

He stared at the headmaster with more confusion. "I believe she has a good heart."

"Tadase, are you her friend for me or you?"

"She is a good friend," he relented. "I really am glad to be in her good graces."

He knew that was probably all he would get from him. "How are your studies? Do you have any requests?"

"No, sir," came his quick reply.

"Is there anything you would like?" He asked kindly. "Anything at all."

He shook his head. "I am content with everything you have already given to me. There is nothing else I desire at the moment."

"Alright," he yawned. "You're dismissed, Hotori."

He disappeared into the hall, shutting the door behind him. The hum of students filled his ears as he rejoined the crowd. Lunch time. Amu was sure to be around. He had become a little nervous to learn that her companion Ikuto was a vampire. A powerful pure blood at that.

He would be sure to keep a watchful eye now and suddenly the headmasters' knowledge came back to him. Why would the headmaster only tell him that he was such a creature now? It was already late into the year...how could HE not know? He was usually adept at distinguishing vampires by now. Ikuto never have any indication of being a vampire, but with his power must have kept it well hidden and it escaped his notice.

"Tadase-kun, " Kara greeted him with a bright smile. "I was looking all over for you!"

Kara was the captain of the girls swimming team. Being one of the fastest girls at the academy, she was popular and well liked. Her dark hair was always down unless she was in the pool. Her amber eyes sparkled with interest. He knew of her romantic interest but he had none other than that of a friend.

"What is it, Kara?"

"I have some new techniques for muscle strengthening in practice," she brushed her hair back. "I wanted to show you them before I told everyone and see if you liked them."

"You should show me about half an hour before practice," Tadase smiled. He was a 'manager' of some sort for the swim and organized the events and competitions they joined. "I'll show up earlier and wait for you."

"Cool," she giggled. "Wanna go get lunch with me and chat? The lunch here is getting boring."

He shook his head and politely turned her down. "I have many things to get down if I want to show up early."

"We don't have to do it before practice," she insisted. "We can just move it after practice - "

"Then we wouldn't be able to show it to your teammates," Tadase laughed. "I'll meet you later, Kara."

"Oh, alright," she pouted.

When they parted, he began his search for his pink haired friend. He would have to spend more time with her since Ikuto was a vampire and could turn any minute. She probably had no idea she was in the presence of a dangerous monster. And as his job to protect her, he would just have to stay by her side and drop some clubs. Speaking of which, he could probably just drop swimming. It took a lot of time and there were lots of meets and tournaments that took away his time from the academy. He needed to be nearer to Amu anyway.

"Tadase!" A familiar voice called to him.

"Amu?" He smiled at her as she waved to him. "I was just looking for you."

"Funny, I was looking for you too," she laughed. It was funny how her laugh was different. It dipped up and down in seconds but held its own sounds. It was pleasant, he thought. "Wanna have some lunch? I have a free hour afterwards so we can go out of town but only if you're not busy."

"Sure we can, Amu," she looped an arm through his. "But I drive."

"Pssh, fine," she rolled her eyes. "But I'm definitely getting to choose the place."

"Of course you can, hime-sama," she blushed at that. Just an innocent girl... "Just promise me you have a good taste in food."

"Are you kidding? I have a wonderful taste in food!"

"One would hope," he murmured. I hope you stay this way, Amu.

[A/N] I've been going on a lot of trips and such so I haven't had much time to write anything orz

~lonelybutlovely