Blood Candy 11- A Visitor

"What's all the racket about, Ichijou?"

"Hanami-sama! It's terrible! My grandfather's coming!" I stiffen at my door and then frown.

"Does Kaname know? Don't answer that. With all of your yelling, I'm sure he does. Go to sleep already, honestly. It's way too early in the day to be running around like an idiot." I go back into the room and throw myself onto the bed. Great, I hate Ichijou Asato. With a passion. He's one of the most annoying members of the senate. I sort of wish that Kaname would just get it over with and destroy that group. Instead of hanging around with it. I turn over and settle back in to try to sleep.

*That Night…*

Great, everyone is in the front room, waiting. I lean on the rail and watch the door. Maru stands silently beside me, confused.

"Hana-sama? What's going on?"

"You haven't had the 'pleasure' of meeting him. But Ichijou-kun's grandfather should be arriving shortly. He's a rather unpleasant and old vampire on the Senate." She nods slowly and the door opens. I spot Kaname out of the corner of my eye. Ichijou notices him as well and starts up the stairs.

"Kaname! It's alright. You don't need to be here. He's probably just coming here to lecture me."

"I want to say hello to Ichio since I haven't seen him for so long. May I?"

"Of course you may…" At that moment, the atmosphere changes, the aura of Ichio seeping through the door in the moment before it opens and he comes in. I shudder at the sight of him and watch to make sure nothing happens.

"Well, well…I deeply appreciate all of you coming to greet me…but I only came to visit my darling grandson. You don't have to stand on formalities." They're aristocrats; of course they have to stand on formalities.

"Ichio…I'm glad you seem to be in good health."

"We haven't seen each other since the day you refused to have me as your legal guardian…Kaname-sama."

"I didn't want to be coddled." I don't trust this…something's going to happen. I just know it.

"Kaname-sama…Purebloods are different from aristocrats…even if you're covered in blood, nothing can defile you…you're a flower that smells lusciously sweet for eternity…" I frown when Ichio takes Kaname's hand and starts to kiss it. "Your overwhelming youth, power, beauty…I pray that someday…I will be able to receive the benefits of your unrivalled blood…" Shit. I jump over the rail, unsheathing my knife, at the same time that Ruka grabs Kaname's hand away from Ichio and Aido grabs Ichio by the wrist. I hold my knife to Ichio's throat, pissed. The moment Ichio recognizes me, he stiffens slightly in fear.

"You jest too much, Ichio." "The daughter of Souen, the son of Aido, and Kuran Hanami-sama…" I clench my teeth in anger and tighten my grip on my knife. Akatsuki and Ichijou take action to pull Ruka and Aido away.

"Stop it, Ruka. Let go."

"Aido."

"You say that, knowing that asking a pureblood for his blood is the greatest taboo among vampires! I'm not afraid of you…" With my free hand, I slap Aido across the cheek, at the same time I lower my knife. The threat has passed. However, I don't sheathe the blade.

"I haven't taught him enough manners."

"Because you are here, Kaname-sama, Hanami-sama…I feel at ease keeping my grandson in this academy…my Lord and Lady." He kneels, too afraid of my knife to attempt to kiss either of our hands. Kaname leaves and the room clears of everyone except me, Ichijou, and Ichio. I glare at Ichio and finally put my knife away.

"I suggest you refrain from actions like that. Particularly when I am around. I will not tolerate even the slightest threat to my brother."

"Of course. I will be more careful." I roll my eyes and start up the stairs. I pause when I see Maru's worried expression, and touch her shoulder when I get to her.

"It's okay." She nods and we head to our room. I stand by the window and look out. Zero and Yuki are taking Ichio to Kaien's office.

"Hana-sama?"

"It's nothing. Tonight is a free night, so do what you want. As long as you don't leave the dorm."

"Okay. I think I'll go see what Shiki-sama is doing." I laugh slightly.

"Maru-chan?"

"Hai?"

"You know that all of the people here are your classmates. You don't have to refer to any of them as 'sama'."

"I know. I feel more comfortable that way." I nod and she leaves the room. I touch the glass of the window longingly and stare after Zero. I know that he'll come by for a brief few minutes before sunrise, but even that snatch of time isn't enough. I wish that either it would end already or we would reach a place when we can be together easily. Better than now. I clench my hand into a fist as Zero disappears from my view and I sit on my bed dejectedly. I can't wait until he gets here.