Maboroshi
Soirée of Blood
Shinichi paced around the room. Kaito hadn't returned yet so he had some time to think. He stared at his trembling hands and frowned, he still felt relatively normal despite his ever-increasing panic. He felt like he was drowning. He pressed his hands to his face and tried to take in some deeper breaths. The room was quiet save for the grandfather clock in the corner whose incessant ticking was becoming louder as the seconds passed. He crouched down and covered his ears. The trembles that ravaged his body evolved quickly and then he found himself curled up in a fetal position on the floor.
It made him angry because when he was left alone, he became unable to do anything but as soon as Kaito returned and soothed him, the switch turned off and his body acted as though it never happened. He wanted to fight it, he hated that he didn't have control. His tongue flicked out across his fangs and immediately he tasted blood. He squeezed his eyes shut and gasped as his throat burned in longing.
He heard the door first and then he felt the hand on his shoulder. He lashed out and trembled in terror when he smelled blood. Kaito was beside him and Shinichi watched the blood travel from the deep scratches, down his arm, and drip onto the floor.
"Pl-please," Shinichi's voice cracked as he reached out for Kaito's arm, "m-make it stop."
"You have to feed for yourself, Shin-chan," Kaito said as he held his mate back, "it's painful, isn't it?"
"Please, I'm not ready, I'm not," Shinichi cried, "Kaito, please."
Shinichi's eyes were teary and miserable, and they were the eyes Kaito could never say no to. Kaito sighed and allowed Shinichi to lap up the blood that dripped down his arm. "If you looked at me with those eyes, you could ask me to end the world for you and I would do it without hesitation. I cannot say no to you, and that will be my downfall."
Shinichi cleaned his arm free of blood and then stared at the floor in shame. They stayed in that position for a while and then Shinichi spoke. "I'm sorry for hurting you, you startled me. I never want to hurt you."
Kaito held a hand out to the detective and they stood together, "is that why you won't feed from me? Is that what you're afraid of?"
Shinichi continued to stare at the floor and Kaito smiled softly, "oh Shinichi, you could never hurt me. It would bring me so much pleasure and relief to have your fangs in me." Kaito tilted Shinichi's head to the side and Shinichi shivered as Kaito stared at him with lustful, hungry eyes. He grabbed the magician's shirt as Kaito's breath ghosted across the skin of his throat, "shall I show you how it's done?"
Shinichi held back a moan as his eyes slipped closed. Kaito brushed his lips across Shinichi's skin, "do I ever hurt you this way?"
The detective opened his mouth to respond when a knock came unto the door, again. Kaito huffed in annoyance and kissed his mate's cheek, "I will get you alone at some point while we're here."
"I'm beginning to doubt that," Shinichi replied with a laugh.
Kaito opened the door and was greeted by a maid who bowed deeply, "My Lord, dinner is served."
"Well, Shin-chan?" Kaito turned and held out his hand gracefully, "would you care to join me for dinner?"
The room was quiet as dinner was served. Shinichi thought there would be more people but it was just him, Kaito, and Chikage.
"Is something wrong, Shinichi-kun?" Chikage smiled as she sipped her wine.
"Actually, I thought there would be more people. I prepared myself for more people," Shinichi smiled feeling a little light now that the silence was broken.
"There are, but they are eating separately from us. There's a lot of blood going around so I thought you might be more comfortable if we ate here without the distracting scent." He set her glass down gently and smiled, "however, there's a soirée tomorrow, so you may want to prepare yourself for that. There will be a lot more people than just us."
"A soirée?" Shinichi blinked.
"Oh, Kaito didn't tell you? We're here for his Coronation Ceremony," Chikage explained, "there's going to be a lot of vampires, and a lot of blood, and it's going to be overwhelming for a new fledgling such as yourself. Take care of yourself tomorrow, okay?"
"Yes ma'am," Shinichi stared wide-eyed and Chikage chuckled.
"You are so cute," she laughed and Shinichi blushed, "now, how is your mother? How are you? It's been quite a while since I've seen you."
The conversation lightened after that and Shinichi laughed openly which made Kaito happy. He had some regrets about bringing Shinichi to their vacation home but his mother insisted. He seemed so uncomfortable and out of it but seeing him now, eating and laughing with his mother, everything seemed like it would be okay.
"Goodnight, Kuroba-san," Shinichi bowed after dinner.
"Oh please, Shinichi-kun, call me Chikage, you aren't a child anymore." Chikage kissed Shinichi's forehead and kissed Kaito's cheek. "You two behave and I shall see you again in the morning."
"I like your mom," Shinichi said as he and Kaito walked back to their room. "I don't remember much of her, but I'm glad I was able to meet her again."
"I'm glad," Kaito replied, "you seemed really happy talking to her."
Shinichi went quiet again and then smiled, "I don't know how to react around you yet. I spent a long time trying to thwart you and possibly get you arrested, and now we are together. We're together in ways I didn't think we could be together, so I don't know how to react around you yet." Shinichi looked at the magician, "you raise feelings in me that I'm not sure of yet and I feel like I can't do anything out of the line that's been set because right now I need you. My body will not allow me to be away from you. Even the thought of being far from you sends me into a restless panic and I don't know how to deal with that. It's been a lot and I'd love to say I need some space but I can't even have that right now."
Kaito didn't say anything initially and they continued walking in silence until they reached their room. "Do you feel better now that you've gotten it off your chest?" Kaito asked as he opened the door.
"I do," Shinichi replied as he removed his shoes and sat on the bed.
Kaito took off his jacket and shirt and Shinichi pretended not to be affected. "That's good. I always want you to be able to be honest with me. I want to know everything. When you're thirsty, when you're tired," the magician approached the detective and Shinichi couldn't help his blush, "when you're horny, tell me." Shinichi laughed a little and Kaito grinned as he sat down. "You don't have to change who you are just because your body has changed, Shinichi. I'm still the same person you've chased after, bantered with, battled with wit; don't change that. I fell for you as you are, Meitantei. You don't have to change that. Keep chasing. Keep trying to get me arrested. You will never succeed."
"I'll take that as a challenge, KID," Shinichi laughed then and it felt like the wall that separated them slowly broke away.
Shinichi was exhausted as he stared at himself in the mirror. At least that was another myth he could cross off the list, vampires do have reflections. He fixed his red bowtie for the seventh time and sighed.
"You look just fine, Shin-chan," Kaito said as he stepped out of the bathroom. Shinichi stared at the magician in his pristine white suit. He had a red shirt and black tie on otherwise he would've been a complete replica of his alter-ego.
"Really going for the KID look there, huh?" Shinichi said as he fixed his bowtie again.
Kaito had forced him to stay up all night because the party would take place over the course of the night and although they slept all day, he was still tired. Vampires, daylight, borderline uncomfortable. A myth he couldn't cross off his list. Too bad he had to cross 'turns to stone' off.
"You think so?" Kaito asked as he pulled Shinichi's hands away from the bowtie. "Leave it, it's fine. Calm down."
"Sorry, nervous," Shinichi sighed as he shoved his hands in the pockets of his black suit pants. He had a gray shirt and opted for a red bowtie instead of a regular tie.
"You've been to large gatherings before, why are you acting so strange?" Kaito asked as he checked his slicked-back hair.
"Those gatherings didn't include vampires or all of the attention or the consistent scent of blood," Shinichi pursed his lips, "or my newly acquired skittish nature."
Kaito hummed nonchalantly, "you have all your facts, huh?"
"Do I have to go? I hate large gatherings."
"Do you want me to leave you here?" Their eyes met and then Shinichi looked away. "I didn't think so."
Kaito finished his check in the mirror and turned to face Shinichi, "you look absolutely stunning." He stole a kiss and grinned as Shinichi pouted at him, "it's time to go."
As if on cue, there came a knock at the door, "Kuroba-sama, it's time now!"
Kaito opened the door and the same maid in her frilly pink dress bowed to him, "come now, you cannot be late!"
"Yes, Mira, I understand, we're coming!" Kaito grabbed Shinichi by the hand and together they follow the maid down the hall toward the ballroom.
"I never did get to introduce you to the staff of the house," Kaito said as they walked. "This wonderful lady is Mira, she is the head of the seven maids and six butlers that work here. She's very bossy."
"I can hear you, My Lord," Mira replied.
"Whaaaat? I complimented you!" Kaito laughed, "she used to terrify me as a child, especially when I pulled pranks on her and used her as practice for experiments for my magic show. She'd always chase me around. I come here every year for the first week of summer break and stay longer at my own discretion. The other maids, Kira, Yuna, Daeko, Iris, Hanako, and Riri wander around so I'm sure you'll run into them at some point. You'll meet all the butlers at the ball so you can learn their names on your own. We have three cooks that work on rotation but don't tell anyone I said Dante is my favorite."
"I'm telling," Mira interjected and Shinichi laughed.
"We have four gardeners and a stablehand," Kaito said with a smile, "fifty vampire guards that circle the grounds, and a pest control guy."
"Pest control?" Shinichi questioned.
"Yup. He is a cat and his name is Lucifer."
"What is this, Cinderella?" The detective laughed.
"No," Kaito leaned closer and whispered, "but if it was, you really lucked out Shinderella."
Shinichi shook his head and pushed the thief away. "Seriously though, I'll take you on a tour, probably tomorrow. You should ask the kitchen for dried sardines. Lucifer will be your best friend for some dried sardines."
"We're here My Lord," Mira stated and nodded at the two men standing in front of large double doors. The men bowed and pulled the doors open. "Please summon me if you need me."
"Thank you, Mira."
Shinichi held his breath as he was hit with the powerful stench of fresh blood. He took a step back but Kaito held his hand tightly. "It's okay Shin-chan. I'm right here. If it becomes overwhelming, press your face into my neck, as I did for you yesterday. You're okay."
"I'm okay," Shinichi repeated and took another breath. His eyes flashed and he let Kaito take the lead.
"May I present His Majesty, The Vampire King Kuroba Kaito."
Unlike the applause Shinichi expected, the room became dead silent and every vampire's eyes glowed ethereally creating an unexpectedly beautiful scene. Every head bowed and Shinichi glanced over at the man holding him steady and Kaito's violet irises glowed beautifully as well.
Kaito tugged gently on his hand and they went down the stairs slowly. Kaito's eyes remained illuminated and Shinichi was absolutely captivated by them. He glanced at the magician every other step until they reached the platform at the bottom of the stairs.
"My name is Kuroba Kaito, son of the late king, Toichi, and his beloved queen, Chikage," Shinichi jumped as Kaito spoke loud and clear beside him, "I am the rightful heir of the blood and power of the purest Kuroba line. The last of its kind. I accept my inheritance willfully and fully, and I am entitled by nature to do so. I serve those who serve me and remain loyal to my being. I am met without defiance. Should you wish to defy my existence, step forth so I may bathe the earth with your blood."
The room was silent for a long moment and there was pin-drop silence before the clapping began. A quiet and graceful round of applause simultaneously erupted throughout the whole room. Every person clapped at the same time and pace, it was scary.
The music began and the tension seemed to melt away from the room. All the illuminated eyes returned to normal and everyone began speaking to each other again.
Chikage came up on Shinichi's left side and grinned in a manner so similar to her son, "what a party, huh? Kai-chan, leave your Shin-chan with me, I'll take care of him."
"Mom, are you drunk?" Kaito asked.
"Of course not! We can't get drunk!" Chikage giggled.
"Vampires can't get drunk?" Shinichi asked and Kaito sighed.
"The rapid healing makes it impossible but some human turned vampire scientists got creative with their long lives. I've heard of a blood concoction that can imitate intoxication for a short time. Who would bring this in here?"
"Oh honeyboo, I ordered the stuff." Chikage smiled as she held up her glass, "I wanted to make this party a little interesting, that's all."
"Mom," Kaito sighed exasperatedly, "this is a soirée, not a nightclub."
"Bocchama, you should greet your guests. They await you." Jii bowed in front of them.
Kaito nodded and Shinichi followed him off the platform into the crowd of eager vampires. The people parted like the Red Sea as they were led to extravagant chairs on another raised platform on the opposite side of the room, cordoned off and surrounded by armed guards.
"All the families will come to greet us, wish us well, probably try to push their daughters or sons to me for consideration of mateship," Kaito explained and Shinichi furrowed his brows.
"But, you're mated to me," Shinichi said and then covered his mouth with a deep blush.
Kaito chuckled and took the opportunity to kiss his cute mate, "yes, I am and it makes me so happy to hear you say that."
They were seated in their fancy chairs, which Shinichi thought was absolutely ridiculous, and waited for the first of their guests to arrive. "These soirées are so boring. My father was king for a long time before I was born and being the last royal bloodline, there haven't been any coronation parties to attend since his. However, I've attended a few coming-of-age parties for noble vampires and they are so so boring. Many of the vampires here are centuries old and they enjoy these traditional, old-fashioned parties. It's why they're still done this way, otherwise, we may have just been at a nightclub."
Shinichi smiled as the first couple approached them and Kaito stroked his hand lovingly.
"From the Noble Katsuoki family, Jun-sama and his wife, Rena-sama." Jii introduced.
"My King," they bowed, "we have patiently waited for this day for the last decade. We have mourned the previous king's death all this time and we are so happy to see the pure Kuroba line continuing the throne. We run a line of real estate so should you ever require our services, we will gladly serve you."
Kaito nodded and he put on his most charming smile, "it is a pleasure to meet you. I shall remember you in the future. Please allow me to introduce my beautiful mate, Shinichi."
"A pleasure," Shinichi smiled and nodded.
The couple bowed and left quietly and Kaito sighed. "People come, say their piece, pretend to be interested, and then continue. I, too, have to pretend to be interested and it is exhausting." Kaito made sure to fix his posture and keep his face neutral, "you did well with your simple response. Continue that and it will all be over soon."
It was a lot of that as they continued on, Shinichi noticed. Kaito put on the same face for everyone, he gave them the same responses, and he never deviated. It was impressive. The people who approached had predictable habits as well. They would be introduced, they would say something about nostalgia, and then mention that they were involved in this or that company or business venture and Kaito would rinse and repeat.
"From the Noble Hanau family, Fuyushi-sama, his wife, Kaori-sama, and their daughter, Sara-sama."
"It's an honor to meet you again, My King. You were an infant the last we saw you." Fuyushi stated. His voice was deep, intimidating. "We have many hopes that you will live up to the good name of your bloodline." The man glanced at Shinichi from the corner of his eye for a moment and then back to Kaito. Fuyushi then nudged his daughter to stand closer. "My daughter Sara has been groomed to be the perfect mate and mother, a far cry from the tainted, untrained mutts you can find on the street."
Well, that was new. The man glanced at Shinichi again as he spoke and Shinichi was taken aback at the fact that he had underhandedly been compared to an untrained dog.
"You may inspect her as you please. She could birth you many children to continue the pure Kuroba bloodline. It is a precious asset." Another glance and Shinichi nearly opened his mouth to speak when Kaito squeezed his hand.
"May I introduce to you my beautiful mate, Shinichi?" Kaito smiled, "Fuyushi-san, you have glanced at him many times so you must find him incredibly attractive as I do. Unless, of course, I am incorrect in stating that you are intentionally insulting my mate because you think I'd take even the slightest glance at your daughter." Kaito stood slowly and suddenly Fuyushi began to sink to his knees. "If that is to be true, you would be utterly mistaken to think that you could sway me with a few dirty words about my mate, my mate, who isn't just chosen by me, but who is chosen by the pure blood of the kings before me." Fuyushi was forcibly tucked into a bow underneath Kaito who stood menacingly over the man, his violet eyes glowing bright with his anger. "Surely, you've mistaken your ignorance for confidence if you think you could stand in front of me and speak ill of my beautiful mate as he sits right there."
Shinichi stood up as the man seemed to close in on himself as if he was being forced together by an invisible box. Kaito's eyes never changed as he spoke and Shinichi had never seen him look so angry. Fuyushi grunted at his feet, trying to hold back a scream and the detective reached forward and grabbed Kaito's hand. The magician seemed to come back to himself and his normal poker face slid back into place. The pressure visibly released from the man on the ground and he huffed out a large, relief-filled sigh.
Kaito pulled Shinichi close, cradled his head, and tilted him back for the most toe-numbing kiss the detective had ever experienced from, well, anybody. Shinichi closed his eyes for a moment and forgot where they were as he responded eagerly to Kaito's masterful mouth on his. Kaito looked up at the family watching, the mother and daughter who stared with fear, and Fuyushi who looked down in shame, as well as the other occupants of the soirée who tried to look on curiously. He turned his eyes back to his lover as he broke their kiss and Shinichi stared at him with the most erotic face, glassy eyes, flushed cheeks, and pouty lips. He couldn't wait to get back to their room.
Kaito turned back to Fuyushi who bowed again, this time of his own accord. "My King, please find it in your heart to forgive my insolence. I did not intend to offend you, I regrettably assumed that you would have accepted a female to extend your bloodline. I beg your forgiveness."
"It's not me you should be apologizing to." Kaito didn't smile and Fuyushi looked at Shinichi as if he had just been decapitated.
Fuyushi gritted his teeth as he shifted his body and bowed to Shinichi who was still a little dazed, "I plead that you will forgive my inconsiderate comments about you. It was a lapse in judgment."
Shinichi nodded silently, he didn't trust his voice, and Fuyushi stood and bowed again to Kaito, "thank you, My King. If you ever find the need for it, my family runs an onsen business just outside of Osaka, we would love to have you visit us."
Kaito nodded and the family bowed once again and departed quickly. Kaito sat down and pulled Shinichi to sit on his lap. The detective struggled to get up but Kaito just held him in place. "Stay here, just for a little while."
Shinichi stared at the magician for a long while. He could tell Kaito was still thrumming with anger but the consistent nagging in the back of his mind settled and made him feel better too, not that he would admit it, so he sighed and leaned against the magician. What was the harm if it made them both feel better?
"Jii-chan, a break please." The old man bowed and went to prevent anyone else from entering their little area.
"This estate was built hundreds of years ago. Apparently, my grandfather was intrigued by the architecture of Great Britain and had this place constructed similar to those gothic-style buildings. Being as though we're vampires and humans have come up with strange myths about us, it's very fitting if you ask me." Kaito smiled and Shinichi frowned.
"You don't have to fake your smile with me," the detective said, "if you're mad, you're mad but don't fake your smile with me."
Kaito truly laughed that time, "you've become so bossy Shin-chan."
"I've seen you smile for real. You give everyone that fake, charming smile that you've perfected but I've seen the real thing and if I'm with you; together together, right? That is the only one I want." Shinichi took the initiative and pressed his lips to Kaito's quickly and blushed deeply, "I'm not one of your fans, Kaito, so don't give me one of your KID smiles; I want you to be able to be honest with me too. You're allowed to have emotions and I only want the truth."
Kaito stared at Shinichi with raised eyebrows before he grinned a wide grin and chuckled, "why is it that you know me so well in such a short time? Am I that readable? You are insufferable and you make me fall in love with you more and more every day."
Shinichi blushed and looked away, "you're not easily readable. I'm just the best detective, it's what I do. I'm good at what I do."
Kaito kissed his mate again and Shinichi pushed him back, "wait! Why did you-"
"Forgive me for interrupting, Bocchama," Jii approached them, "are you ready to proceed? Your guests are becoming impatient."
"Yes, send them up." Kaito smiled at Shinichi and kissed him again, "you were saying?"
Shinichi blushed deeply as he remembered Kaito's inappropriate kiss in front of the last family and didn't want to give the magician any other ideas, "n-nevermind. I'll ask later."
Kaito grinned knowingly and kissed the detective as the next family stepped in and bowed gracefully.
Shinichi collapsed halfway on the bed at close to 5 a.m. without bothering to remove his shoes.
"Are you okay there, Meitantei?" Kaito asked from the door.
"How are you not tired? That whole ordeal was exhausting." Shinichi grumbled into the pillow.
"I slept pretty well yesterday, and I've never really needed much sleep," Kaito replied as he began to shed his clothes. "I guess I shouldn't tell you that there's a part two tomorrow then?"
"What? Why?"
"I didn't get to all the families," Kaito shrugged, "and the self-employed vampire council has made it my personal responsibility to privately meet and greet every attending noble family. If I don't, I could have a riot on my hands."
"Can't you just skip it?" Shinichi mumbled into the blanket. It smelled like lavender.
"I could ask you if you wanted me to leave you here again, but I know what answer I'm going to get." Kaito sniggered, "Shin-chan?" Kaito peeked at the detective and smiled affectionately. He fixed the detective to lay on the bed properly and removed his clothes and Shinichi barely twitched.
"It's so good that you trust me, Shin-chan," Kaito said quietly as he stroked his lover's hair and used his power to ensure he would remain asleep for quite a while, "because if you had any idea of all the bad things I want to do to you, you wouldn't anymore."
Kaito just sat and watched his lover sleep for a while and then he got up to shower after tucking Shinichi under the blankets. "Sleep well, my precious mate."
He walked into the bathroom and stared at his reflection in the mirror. His eyes glowed and he touched his cheek and sighed, after leaving his instincts at the forefront of his mind, there was no way he could tuck it back now. He thought about all the people he encountered earlier in the night and he got pissed off again.
His facade dropped and his face twisted into rage as he put his fist through the mirror, shattering it to pieces. He licked his knuckles as they bled and stared at himself in the salient remains of the glass, his glowing eyes glaring back at him, mocking him, and his instincts that screeched at him in the back of his mind.
He sighed and closed them. He was better than this. When he opened his eyes again, they were back to normal and the voice squealing at him quieted once again. He went to make sure the scent of his blood didn't wake his detective lover and he was relieved to find that Shinichi hadn't stirred at all.
He looked around the bathroom at all the broken glass and sighed again, it really had been a long night.
Shinichi sat on his little throne chair, as he called it, sulking. He was back at the soirée, unhappily, and they were attempting another trust test. Kaito had gone off for a few minutes to mingle and Shinichi was to find something else to focus on. The detective tapped his foot impatiently, anxiously, as he tried to spot the magician's head in the crowd, but to no avail which only managed to further exacerbate his anxiety. He huffed again and then Kaito appeared in front of him in a puff of smoke.
Shinichi stared at him unamused and Kaito whined, "I haven't done any big pranks or magic tricks since we got here, it's killing me."
Shinichi held back a sigh of relief as he took Kaito's hand and kept his frown, "I don't want to be here anymore."
"I know, but it's only for tonight. Tomorrow, we go to the beach." Kaito grinned. "Come, mingle with me."
They stepped out into the crowd of vampires and Shinichi just followed Kaito around as he said a casual hello to everyone. Their suits were different again because apparently, it was a royal sin to wear the same suit twice. Kaito wore black this time and his hair was styled differently but Shinichi thought he was unbelievably attractive. Not something he would admit out loud. Shinichi himself had a light gray suit and blue shirt which really made his eyes pop and he couldn't help the blush and subsequent arousal that came up every time Kaito complimented him, or gushed to others about him, or even kissed him lovingly because 'he was so beautiful'.
Shinichi was just glad the magician was in a better mood. He got irritated every time some family tried to push their daughter to the front but he didn't react as negatively as he didn't with Hanau Fuyushi the night before. He did notice that once Kaito's face reflected his displeasure, the families usually bowed quickly and cut their visits short. He was confident in his assumption that the word of Kaito's reaction to Hanau Fuyushi spread and although the other families still attempted to implant themselves into Kaito's life one way or the other, they didn't push their luck.
The night was passing rather quickly. They had fewer people to meet this time around so they finished their mandatory meet and greet early, and now they were just mingling like normal. For a social butterfly like Kaito, it was heaven but Shinichi just wanted to curl up and die. He hated social gatherings and he wanted to go hide away in a corner somewhere but of course, just the mere thought of leaving Kaito's side sent his heart racing.
"Hey, you're Kudo Shinichi, right?" Shinichi's attention was captured by his name and he turned to look at the boy that spoke, "I've seen you on TV before."
Shinichi wasn't sure if he should reveal his full name considering he was still hiding from the Black Organization but after a careful look in the boy's curious doe eyes, he nodded.
"Yes, that's my name." Shinichi was only interested because he was the only person who had actually spoken directly to him in the last two nights.
"Wow, it's such an honor to meet you! I've read about some of your cases and I'm a big fan." The boy raved.
"Shinichi, who's this?" Kaito asked as he wrapped an arm around his waist and the boy nearly fainted.
"M-m-my K-King," the boy stuttered as he bowed.
"Oh, this is probably the son of the Mantaiko family, you remember? The family with the fishing business. I remember him being asked to wait while his family came to see you. They tried to pawn their daughter off to you." Shinichi actually winced because he knew it was stupid to ask Kaito if he remembered someone. He could probably name everyone in this room by their complete name and occupation.
"Ah yes, I do distinctly recall that," Kaito nodded. "Is it true?"
"Y-yes My King! M-m-my name is Kouta. Mantaiko Kouta, my family owns a fishing business here and in America." Kouta kept his head pointed to the floor and he spoke, "it is an honor to meet you as well, My Lord."
"Kouta-kun, what is it that you needed from my mate?" Kaito asked smoothly and the boy seemed to pale and his eyes got really really wide.
He stuttered incoherently as he tried to explain and Shinichi just laughed, "you don't need to be so intimidated, Mantaiko-san," Shinichi looked at Kaito, "he was asking me about my detective work. He said he saw me on TV."
"I greeted you so rudely," Kouta bowed over and over, "please forgive my ignorance. I did not realize that you were the King's mate."
"No, don't worry about it. It's not necessary," Shinichi smile warmly, "don't worry about it."
"Bocchama, your mother requests your presence," Jii appeared beside them and Kaito nodded.
"It was nice to meet you, Mantaiko-san." Shinichi waved and Kaito turned away.
"Um, how did you know who my family was?" The boy asked quickly. "How did you know when I hadn't even told you my name?"
"I'm a detective, it's what I do," Shinichi just smirked, "and... your eyes are very green. I could see them when you were peeking in on your family."
"I see," Kouta blushed and Shinichi turned away to leave with Kaito.
"You're cute," Kaito said as they went to find Chikage in her private lounging area.
"What do you mean?" Shinichi blushed.
"When you were talking to Kouta-kun, you were really cute," Kaito said. "When anyone talks to you about anything that has to do with being a detective, your eyes shine and you get the cutest dopey smile on your face."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Shinichi looked away and Kaito chuckled.
"Exactly, proving my point." Kaito nodded to guards blocking a door off to the side of the ballroom and they pushed it open for him.
"You called Mom?" Kaito announced as he entered the room with Shinichi.
"Kaito honey, thank you for coming so quickly," Chikage said as she crossed her legs. She sat at one end of a long table and in six other seats sat two other women and four other men. The last seat was empty. "I have assembled your council. Take a seat."
"This really isn't a good time, Mother," Kaito said as respectfully as possible as he held Shinichi closer.
"No, now is the time," Chikage replied, her face incredibly serious.
"Okay," Kaito replied slowly and went to take a seat but Chikage raised her hand.
"Shinichi-kun, I'm sorry to ask this of you but you are going to have to wait outside for a short time. This particular matter affects Kaito alone."
"But-"
"Okay, I will wait outside for you," Shinichi replied and squeezed Kaito's hand.
"Will you be okay?" Kaito asked quietly as he stepped closer to his lover.
Shinichi nodded and took a deep breath, "don't take too long." The detective exited the room and Jii closed the door behind him.
"Sit down, Kaito." Chikage sighed.
Kaito sat in the empty chair and his face became blank, "what is this about? I know as well as you that my meeting with the council isn't until after the Coronation Ceremony in two days."
"The problem, Kuroba-sama, is you," one of the men stated bluntly, "we have been informed that your mating ritual is not complete."
Kaito glanced at his mother who stared back with a ferocity that surprised even him. "The Queen Mother has given us this information so we could advise on how best to proceed. As your royal advisors, My Lord, we urge you to complete your mating ritual as soon as possible."
"I'm working on it," Kaito said, trying to keep his voice even.
"No, My King, you don't understand. On the day of the full moon when you inherit your powers, without your mate there to ground you, the full extent of your powers will be too much for your body to bear on its own. Most likely, your mind will destroy itself and your baser instincts will take over. The ones that turn us vampires into bloodthirsty, massacring monsters if we let them get out of hand." One of the women spoke.
"There's no way you could-"
"No, we know this for sure," one older man spoke up, his voice weathered and rough. "My name is Tokiwa Jin. I have been a Vampire Council member for over nine hundred years and I have seen many coronations and many deaths. Eight hundred years ago, Kuroba Kazuhiro was the new monarch for the pure Kuroba line. He was only two hundred and sixteen moon turns, same as you right now. His father, Kuroba Ichihiro, had perished in a fire when he was still a babe. He had completed his duty and impregnated his mate during their mating ritual but his mate did not return his mating mark. When he inherited his father's stagnant powers on his two hundred and seventeenth moon turn, his eyes began to reflect the color of blood, his fangs, and claws elongated, and his mind was lost to bloodlust. He murdered sixty-eight vampires, two hundred and thirteen humans, seventy-six of which were women and children, and fifteen animals."
Kaito lowered his head and squeezed the bridge of his nose.
"It was a bloodbath that extended beyond what we could allow as the vampire council. He could not come back to himself so we had to put him down."
Kaito put his hand down and stared at everyone in the room, "why are you telling me this?"
"The vampire council made a decision all those years ago," another woman said, "Kuroba-sama, if your mating ritual is not completed before the night of the full moon, the vampire council will have no choice but to execute you before you have the chance to become a monster we can't control."
Hoo boy, this was so much fun! I hope you enjoyed it!