Chapter 2
In the three days before the meeting Kaname found himself wondering more and more about what a grown up Maia would be like. He wasn't entirely sure his plan would work, because he wasn't entirely sure that Maia was the same girl he remembered. But the meeting was sure to clear everything up for him.
While Kaname was more than a little apprehensive Maia was nervous as well, but more excited. She had missed the vampire so much. She had been devastated the last time she saw him, devastated for him, devastated about losing her friends. Because even though Yuuki was really gone she had lost Kaname that day as well. Yet he was the one person in her life she could now get back.
The night came merciful quick and Kaname sat in the sitting room of the Moon Dorm, waiting as the final rays of sunlight faded into shadow. He wore a white sweater with his black dress shirt underneath and khakis. Upon the table sat a bowl of freshly cut roses and a bottle of wine and two glasses. As nervous as he was he wanted to make a good impression.
Takuma stood outside the door awaiting Maia's arrival. Both he and Kaname were skipping classes for this meeting. It wasn't entirely unheard of them to do such things but it was sure to cause a stir amongst the other vampires. That was why Takuma was present to guard against curious eyes.
At precisely an hour after sundown three large wolves loped out of the wood to the right of the Moon Dorm.
A large white tundra wolf, a smaller leaner red wolf, and the biggest was a brown tinted and gray, Grey Wolf. Takuma watched as in a swirl of color and shine the three wolves transformed into humans before his very eyes. He found himself blinking continually to apprehend what he had seen. It was like a magic trick…even vampires did not have such magical flair.
Before him stood Lady Maia wrapped in a gray shawl, flanking her were a tall muscular built man with spectacles wearing a gray trench coat and a shorter rough looking man with a black leather jacket.
She smiled at him and took in the sight of the dorm before turning to her companions. "Boys keep a look out, and play nice." She said with a playful tone.
They nodded in response and stayed put as she sauntered towards Takuma. "Mr. Ichijou." She greeted politely.
He smiled back, "My lady, good to see you again, my lord awaits you." He turned and knocked on the door before opening it to allow Maia in.
When Kaname heard the knock he sat up straighter and as the door opened he watched a pair of long leather clad legs step forth through the door. Maia said "thank you" to Takuma before turning completely to enter the door and face Kaname.
Kaname remembering his gentleman's training stood as she entered the room but his eyes covertly wandered from the knee high black leather boots to the black riding pants that hugged the gentle swell of her hips and above that a bulky brown pouch belt that hung over a burgundy corset with lacing up the front that disappeared under her gray shawl. His eyes landed on her face, her smile was the same and her eyes were the same comforting dark orbs, with green flecks shining mischievously in them. Her hair wavier than he remembered hanging loose around her shoulders, raspberry red with caramel highlights. She was gorgeous, with the same comforting presence he adored.
She smiled openly at him and covertly took in his appearance the same way appreciating his growth as much as he did hers.
"As I live and breath, Kaname." There was a pause in her speech before she blinked to regain herself. "Oh how I've missed you."
He smiled back at her, a small secret smile he hadn't used in many years. "And I you dear friend." He held out his hands to take her shawl and as she shrugged it off he was greeted with the sight of her bare shoulders and her arms clad in white peasant blouse sleeves. After hanging up her shawl he held out an arm to motion her to the couch. "Shall we?" She sat gracefully down on the couch crossing one leg over the other still smiling happily in joy of seeing Kaname.
They just stared at each other for a few moments, taking in the other's presence. Neither of them were ever at a loss for words, but now they couldn't think of anything to say. Time and uncertainty stood between them.
Finally Maia broke the silence. "How have you been?"
"I've been better." He stated cryptically giving her a little smile. "But I've also been worse…"
"Maia…" He started reaching over and taking her hand. "I've heard rumors. What of your family?"
Maia swallowed noticeably and looked away. "They are all gone…"
Kaname squeezed her hand wanting to take away all her pain, pain he knew all too well.
"7 years ago, now, Tane and Dane caught a disease unique to werewolves, we have no idea how they contracted it, but it killed them both." She stopped to throw a sad pleading look at Kaname before taking a breath and continuing. "Not a year later my parents and Thor went to visit friends in another province. Vulcan and I stayed behind, him to run things and me because I was stubborn." She gave a light laugh at that. "One of their guards returned to tell us they had been killed on their return trip, assassinated by vampires…"
"Level Es?" Kaname questioned although in his gut he knew that wasn't the case.
"No, the guard described the attackers as well dressed men who looked older than your or I but not old, with deadly weaponry and skill."
"The council." Kaname said in a whisper. He could feel his anger growing but had to tamp it down less he destroy more windows or worse...
"Yes, then two years ago while on patrol one night along the outskirts of the capital Vulcan and I were attacked…he sacrificed his life to protect me." A single solitary tear fell down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it away. In the outside world such weakness was not tolerated by leaders. "Not a day goes by my people do not cry for blood to avenge my family. But I know that if we went to war, we would only be giving them what they want…the destruction of our treaty." Her eyes finally returned to lock with his own her gaze more stable and determined. "But I will not destroy the peace my parents, our parents, worked so hard to build and keep."
Kaname squeezed her hand. "You are brave Maia."
She chuckled giving an ironic smile. "You mean I'm a fool. My people condemn me for weak every day. I am surprised they listen to me at all."
"At least you have the power to punish them if they do not listen." Kaname answered the irony cutting him as well.
Maia studied his face, his usual mask of detachment in place but she knew how to read him. Always had, it was as though she could sense his emotions even when he was not sure he even felt them. His more strategic and calculating side found it dangerous to have such person that could see right through him, but another part of himself found it comforting to have an understanding compatriot. "Do not blame yourself for this Kaname. We both know that you have your own problems to deal with. I am certain they have something to do with this school." She said making a motion with her hand to their surroundings.
Kaname smirked at her keen observation skills and opened the wine bottle and began to pour them both glasses.
"Not even your all powerful self can deal with all the world's problems in one bold move."
He handed her her glass and sat back. "You would be right on both counts. This school is my latest attempt at improving vampire-human relations."
He went on to explain about the Night Class 'experiment' and she listened intently, sipping at her wine.
"However, the council is not as enamored of the idea as I and I am very likely watched every second."
Maia shook her head. "Your ambitions will be the death of you Kaname, but peace has been the goal of your family for centuries I do not doubt the same desire runs in your veins. Peace with werewolves and humans, your parents would be proud." She lifted her glass in a slight toast to him and then took another swig.
Kaname gave a weak smile and for a moment his mind wandered over his past, his destiny, all he had lost, and what was left to him. Any lesser being could become lost in the maze of despair within Kaname's mind, but he was used to it by now. Snapping out of it he looked intently at Maia once again.
"The council's pressuring is the reason I called you here tonight."
"And here I thought you just enjoyed my company." She rolled her eyes sarcastically she put down her wine glass and drew closer to Kaname pulling her knees up under her to kneel upon the couch.
Kaname smirked inwardly at this only Maia would do such an un lady like gesture, but make the move so sexy it wouldn't matter to any heterosexual man with a beating heart. She was a master at distraction. Even before sexy was part of the equation. "But I am always eager for a game. I do believe this is the first time you have ever taught me one." She commented with a grin.
He kept a straight face knowing all too well that she could very well slap him for the suggestion he was about to make and be in the right. "The council wants me to begin the search for a mate. They of course wish it to be another pure blood. But all the pureblood ladies have their own ambitions and I will not have some power hungry harpy spying on me. That is why I would like you to pretend to be my lover to keep the council from persisting on the topic."
Maia stared drolly at Kaname for a moment before pursing her lips shaking her head and running a hand through her wavy red and russet tinted locks. "You mean to tell me that a werewolf lover is going to keep the council content? I don't think so Kaname."
"You are of the right social status, I can give reasons concerning the peace treaty."
"They will not like that." She answered back.
"They will not but the reasons will satisfy and unless they wish to shatter the illusion of diplomacy and civility that keeps them from being hunted by the Hunters Association then they will accept it. It will assist you as well." She gazed at him quizzically and he continued to explain.
"You told me that your people see you as weak because you do nothing against the council. And my sources tell me they oppose you because of your youth and gender. If you are courting me then not only will they see a strong male potential but, my perceived strength alone will assure them that you are taking steps to off set the council's threats."
She looked thoughtful for a moment mulling the idea over in her head. "I do not know if it would endear me to the assembly or alienate me more to be attached to a vampire."
"The werewolves do not know of the intrigues involved in vampire politics, outwardly speaking I have no forward connections to the council. This arrangement is mutually beneficial to us both. Besides you are the only woman I can stand to be in my presence." Kaname smirked he had not spoken so many words at length in a long time, but she deserved an explanation and she was the only one who would ever get one from him.
She smirked and rolled her eyes at his complimentary effort.
"Please Maia, you're the only one I can trust with this. You are my best friend." Kaname said his eyes showing all sincerity.
Maia felt herself once again being dazzled by the red brown eyes of Kaname. His eyes were the windows to his soul she had found at least for those who looked hard enough. Those eyes had taught her his every tell and emotion since they were small. Those eyes meant everything to her.
"Alright I will do it. I'm up for the game, we're practically actors already." She said her trepidation replaced by a playful grin.
"Everyone must believe this is real, everyone even our most trusted." Kaname added firmly and she nodded crossing her heart. "Scout's Honor." She joked.
He set down his wine glass his eyes hardening once again. She couldn't understand this sudden mood swing. Still staring away from her he spoke, "I must tell you the truth as well Maia…. Yuuki is alive."
Maia blinked rapidly and leaned closer to Kaname. "H…how…how did she survive?" She paused for a moment before forcing out in a whisper. "Father always said whatever had killed your parents must have also gotten Yuuki, but how did you both survive?"
Kaname was taken back by the fact that she knew the truth about his parents. His only give away for his shock was the widening of his eyes, but she noticed it.
"My father always believed that Haruka and Juuri would never willingly leave this earth while you and Yuuki still needed them. They loved you more than anything and would never do that to you."
Kaname felt his insides begin to warm uncharacteristically at her heartfelt words, but he hid it better this time.
"They died protecting Yuuki and I. Our mother used her own blood to bind Yuuki's vampire blood in essence making her fully human."
"Yuuki… is human?" Maia asked in awe.
Kaname nodded. "She has lived as a human for almost 10 years. She retains no memory of her life as a vampire."
"She doesn't know you." It was more of a statement then a question, but all the same Maia's face showed sympathy and concern.
"After the battle that claimed the lives of our parents I 'found' her in the woods and brought her here to this academy to be raised by the headmaster. She knows I am a vampire, but as a friend not a brother."
Maia smirked and chuckled lightly moving to reposition herself on the couch again. "If I know my Yuuki even if she does not remember you she probably has a crush on you."
"Perhaps…"
"Perhaps nothing… Kaname. Is she the reason you are fighting the idea of courting?"
Kaname had not really even thought about that. Yuuki was his intended, but with so much on his mind he had never connected the dots between the courting issue and her. Her existence as his sister and her existence as his fiancé were both fact to him, and he cared for her very much, but he was so set on keeping her safe in her ignorance he dared not to think on that hope.
"Truly... I am more fearful that my mother's incantation is wearing off. Yuuki has become more curious about the night class and is friends with a Level D." The last part was said with some disgust. Maia could sense both anger and jealousy in his tone. She too became worried for her dear friend at the thought of her being in the presence of such an uncontrolled beast.
"I fear for her safety with him, but if she were to revert to her pure blood state she would have even more to fear from the council."
"She would become an instant target. That is why your parents kept her hidden." Maia observed finally understanding his worries.
They were silent with their conclusions for a while before Maia said, "I would love to see Yuuki again and I will do anything to help you protect her, but won't we be hurting her with this charade?
"It is the only way. She will understand later."
'Will she?' Maia thought to herself, she remembered well how Yuuki adored her brother and if she was the same girl she knew then she most definitely was in love with the pureblood. Maia wondered if the friendship she had with Yuuki when they were younger would survive all of this.
Their talk once again turned to their pretend courtship and they decided that he would come make an 'official' calling to her at her home in two weeks time and then after that come to visit him 'publicly' at the Academy.
Their talk had lasted most the night and when Kaname looked at the clock he knew that the Night Class would be returning soon.
"Has it really been all night?" Maia questioned looking at the clock as well.
"Well you're easy to talk to and a great distraction." Kaname said with a little smile as he stood.
"Well you're difficult to talk with, but you're easy on the eyes and not a bad listener." She grinned at him playfully as she too stood and made her way to the door. He grabbed her wrap from the hook and headed towards her. "So are we putting on a show for the peanut gallery?" She asked tossing her head towards the door to indicate their men outside.
Kaname nodded grabbing the door handle. "Who's leading you or me?" Maia asked.
"Me."
"Naturally." She said with a little roll of her eyes before he opened the door to allow her to step outside. Kaname always the strategist had planned her exit for the exact moment the other vampires were coming through the gate back to the moon dorm.
As she stepped out he stepped out behind her holding her wrap. "One moment my lady." He said as he brought the wrap around her and used it to pull her body to his. She chuckled and leaned into the embrace. Kaname leaned forward to nuzzle and kiss her exposed neck. She laughed again, because anyone watching who knew Kaname as well as she would know that this was completely out of character for him and whispered, "Kaname…" When she did he leaned back up to look into her eyes for a moment before placing a chaste kiss on her lips. Which he quickly turned into a passionate one. Maia gave as good as she got and they remained that way for only a few moments before Kaname pulled back and loosed his hold on her arms. She righted herself and leaned back with a playful pout on her lips.
"I'll miss you." Her tone was playful but her words serious.
"Don't worry. Two weeks is not very long. I will come and see you soon, I promise."
Caressing her cheek with his thumb as he spoke.
"I will hold you to that. And you'd better make it up to me." She said in a teasing tone.
Kaname smirked. He smirked because no one else would ever get away with teasing him in such a manner, but mocking and teasing had been Maia's method for pulling him out of his shell as a child. She used to mock his serious tone to show him that some times being serious was just plain silly. It seemed her methods never changed and here she was doing it all over again. He caressed her cheek once more and then leaned down to kiss the corner of her mouth. "I most definitely will, my lady." He replied smoothly with a smile. She grinned at him and wrapped the shawl tighter around herself. She nodded her head in respectful greeting and he did the same before she descended the stairs in a slow saunter. She walked back towards her two men who stood one with a wide eyed look of shock and the other with a covertly raised eyebrow, she turned her head to see the mixed looks of shock, bewilderment, disgust and the generally emotionless vampire expressions coming from the Night class. She smirked at them and looked to her entourage, "Boys…" She stated then turned around to face Kaname and Takuma who stood on his immediate right. She bowed low with a flourish and in an instant the whirl of color returned and the three transformed into wolves and bounded off into the forest from whence they came.