Author's note: Wow! Thank you very much to all who supported this little story. I promise to do my best and of course, regarding the... ehem... the lemons, I will continue to do my best though I never thought it will be greatly received! I was afraid it will be boring.
And to my dear best friend, please don't curse me, I will update as fast as possible.
Unfortunately, this one won't contain any juicy lemons as first, we need to set everything straight, ne? ne? ne~!?
Please enjoy nonetheless!
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Chapter 05
Moving Forward
'Shit. Shit. Shit!'
Zero cursed and walked even faster. A trembling hand clutched the front of his ruined white school shirt to avoid exposing his skin and the kiss marks the pureblood had undoubtedly left on his skin. His heart began to beat faster again at the recollection of what had happened earlier.
He grimaced at his earlier actions. Damn! He let himself get carried away. Had there been no interruptions, he'd surely have ended up succumbing and repeating the happenings of that night.
Fuck! He was doomed.
He knew he was in it too deep already but he didn't know it was this deep. It was like thinking one was only ankles deep in the mud only to realize that they were already neck deep and still sinking fast. It brought waves of panic in his chest.
It was happening too fast that he didn't know where he ended up now. Suddenly knowing the fact that he already had an irrevocable and unending bond with the vampire had him tumbling down the hill even after he thought he was getting a good grasp of their situation. And the confirmation of his need and feelings towards Kaname as evident on his eager reciprocation of the pureblood's action sent a good jab in his guts.
He abruptly stopped and stood still for a moment. He groaned. Head hung, a pale hand hid his tightly closed eyes while the other clenched his shirt ever so tightly.
Yep, he's screwed…
For life…
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When the stately figure of the Vampire King emerged from his room, it was to find his daughter standing still on top of the staircase. Her head slightly tilted up, eyes closed, as she undoubtedly searched for the auras of her unruly siblings. The aura filled with frustration and the irritation escaping from her promised a world of pain for her younger brothers and sister. She opened beautiful lavender eyes and turned around to face him once he came closer.
"Chichiue." She tiredly greeted. A heavy sigh escaped before she explained. "They slipped out from me while I was taking a bath… they were gone by the time I finished…" She felt like she was growing white hairs despite the impossibility of it. She was so frustrated. They all sneaked up on her. Even Kohaku! Even though she knew this already, she was only reminded that all of them have mischievousness deep deep inside them. Even Kohaku and herself. Even though they were obedient most of the time.
"It's quite alright. They couldn't have gone far. We'll find them. Perhaps they've gone to see Zero." Kaname comforted his very annoyed daughter. Looks like his future wouldn't be boring like he had initially thought years and years ago.
"Um!" She nodded and waived all the irritation away. She came here by accident but with a certain purpose. She must see it done! So, she must be focused! When her father finally reached her, she started when she noticed the familiar scent on him. She modestly sniffed some more. "You were with otou-chan, chichiue?"
Kaname inwardly flinched at this and felt his body tense. Had she heard them? He wondered if her hearing was so superior from the norm that she heard the noise despite the ever-so-present barrier he had erected inside his room to ensure perfect privacy at all times. Thankfully, she added even before he voiced questions that would have given himself away.
"I can smell otou-chan on you. Was he here?" She innocently inquired. A hint of cheer in her voice.
The look in her eyes told him that she knew nothing of the intimate moment he shared with the hunter earlier. Rather, he could sense relief and happiness from her. "How did you know?" He mildly inquired.
"Because of your scent! It's the smell I remembered and know ever since." She hugged him and buried her face on his waist. "Ah, this is the smell I recalled. Though it's stronger in the future. It's certainly a familiar scent. Thank goodness, it's here." She loved this scent, of her father's and daddy's combined.
It was their family's essence.
The scent that filled their castle.
The smell of home.
She didn't like, no matter how good it was, the separated smell of their father and daddy. Even though it was the core that made up her favorite perfume, it was just not right for her. "I hope you get along well with otou-chan, chichiue. I assure you it's the best thing that will ever happen to you."
"I don't doubt that." The pureblood sincerely agreed with a gentle smile. "Come. Let us find your naughty siblings."
"Um!" She let go of Kaname's waist to hold his hand. Soon, they set off to find the little devils lurking somewhere in the school.
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The father and daughter pair decided to look separately for the four little imps. They had cleverly masked their presence which mightily irritated her. She was annoyed at how well she taught her siblings the art of sneaking around and playing tricks. She sighed. She was certainly paying the price now. Oh well, it was not like they'd be able to go far.
She knew they just went out in search for their otou-chan so she made way to their grandpa's place while her chichiue chose to search the woods since the search area was bigger. It was certainly possible that the children with the acclimatization skills of a plankton ventured there. She knew for one that Nao, angelic as he may be, had no sense of direction whatsoever.
Anne was running fast but abruptly stopped at the sound that came just right ahead. She opted to simply walk quietly to avoid startling the person currently sobbing softly by the fountain that one must pass to get to her grandpa's office. The sight of aunt Yuki came to view. Worry filled her. The little princess quickly moved to inquire what happened when she heard her aunt chide herself.
"No, no, no… stop already… you said you'll be fine right? So… so… stay strong…" Yuki whispered to herself. Shaking hands wiped fresh tears that escaped from miserably swollen eyes.
"Aunty?" Anne softly called out.
Yuki turned at the sound of the gentle voice that came from the child approaching her. She looked at her and couldn't help but stare. There stood the product of Zero's and Kaname-senpai's love with worried lavender eyes looking at her. She was a wonderful combination of the two people she loved most in the world. Though she got more of Kaname-senpai's features from her long, wavy dark hair that ran long passed her knees, pink lips and small heart-shaped face, her striking almond-shaped lilac-colored eyes definitely came from Zero, as well as her ears and nose.
"Are you alright, Yuki-bachan? What happened?" Anne asked when the older girl only stared at her.
"Nothing. I'm fine." The prefect assured even though she knew the child was unconvinced by her shaky smile. "Ne… I have a question… You said you came from the future right?" She turned her head back to place it on top of her knees that were hugged together by her arms. "Then, how are… how are… your… your parents together?" Yuki managed to ask. The words felt odd on her lips.
"Otou-chan and chichiue?" Anne clarified while she sat beside the older woman on the ground and imitated her aunt's sitting position. "What do you mean, aunty?"
"I mean… are they…. happy?" She cleared. Chocolate orbs stared unfalteringly on the ground.
Anne looked at her again. Once curious amethysts briefly studied the beautiful face before her and the look in those watery sienna eyes, realization struck her. She finally got it…
'Ah…'
The little princess didn't know what to feel with the knowledge that her aunt was in love with one of her parents. She didn't know this story… She could only remember perfect harmony and easy camaraderie between the three. Nothing that would indicate bitterness that most of the time arose from a broken-heart.
She looked at her aunt and put a stop to her pity and worries when she remembered the happy future which awaited her. She was about to divulge this but stopped herself. She shouldn't interfere too much. She knew it would come to place and that should be enough. She shouldn't take away the joy and fun of the happy surprise which awaited her bachan. Though when she remembered that there was not much interaction between her aunty and her future mate, she suddenly became a bit worried. Men could be slow or cowardly at times. Maybe she should interfere… only for a little bit…. Just a little…
"Um! They're very happy!" The young girl answered her aunt's question. To give evidence, she held out her hand to let an album materialize on her palm. "Do you want to see, aunty?"
"Eh?" Yuki frowned and gasped in amazement when a book, no, an album came out of nowhere. She stared at the album that was handed to her and when she opened it, she was struck by the beautiful images the little album held.
She was greeted with genuine and blissful smiles of the two handsome men on the first page. They sat on a settee. The silverette, with his folded left leg rested on the seat so he could place his left arm on top of his knee, leaned back with his head turned to the brunette beside him whose right arm and head rested on the silverette's left shoulder. Zero was wearing an immaculate all-white tuxedo whereas Kaname wore an elegant looking black one which he carried with effortless grace. The white gold band that Zero wore around his ring finger was not lost to her.
It was a picture from their wedding day.
Yuki could feel their happiness from the photograph. She only just noticed how perfect they looked together and was rendered speechless by the stunning image. She swallowed and eagerly anticipated the next one.
She turned the page to reveal a sleeping Zero with his head rested on the pile of pillows on Kaname's lap while the vampire sat on a sofa. There was a peaceful smile and look on the pureblood's face as he watched his slumbering mate. A book lay forgotten on the pureblood's left hand where his own white-gold wedding band rested around his ring finger. His right hand that held the silverette's left was laid on top of the hunter's stomach. Their fingers intertwined, perfectly fitting each other's hands. Zero's wedding band shone noticeably. Yuki caressed the picture gingerly, weak with the emotions that the image presented her. A smile unknowingly appeared on her face.
She turned to the other page and looked at a haggard and delicate looking Zero, who, despite looking quite weak, still had the look of absolute joy while cradling a bundle of cloth where a small pink face appeared to be sleeping. It was obviously a picture from after the delivery. She now felt the smile spread even more widely across her face.
The other pictures seemed mostly around that time since she saw pictures of the Chairman also holding the baby, which was Anne, she was sure of it as she believed the photos to be arranged from the oldest to latest, happiness flowed from his bespectacled eyes.
There was also an image where she, with curiously long hair, and Ichiru hovered near Zero. They looked like they were arguing with the silverette to allow them to hold the bundle of joy. With the way he cradled his child ever so closely, the hunter was obviously adamant in denying them. Kaname was by his side and judging from the look on his face, was trying to pacify both parties. She smiled at this. Clearly, Zero wouldn't trust his treasure with the two clumsy prefects. She chuckled at the funny image they created.
She turned another page to uncover the image of Kaname holding the baby. He looked like he was talking to his daughter by how the camera captured his lips that were parted with its sides turned up in a smile. His eyes said that he had everything he needed to live. It touched her heart.
She turned on to more pages and pictures. She found only delight and peace in them. From the simple ones that were taken while the couple was walking hand in hand, to ones that depicted Zero doing things like giving Anne a bath as a baby, tying her hair up when she was older (about three), simply carrying her while she slept in his arms or while he cooked. There were also photographs of Kaname reading to her while she sat on his lap and showing her the images or texts, and carrying her while she slept to lay her down on her little bed. Photos where the mighty Vampire King played with her as toys scattered about on the floor to images that depicted events like birthdays, Christmas or parties and even one picture showing (this amused Yuki) flustered looking Kaname and Zero trying to calm one crying little Anne. Every picture revealed only warmth, contentment, joy and harmony.
Yuki felt another tear ran down her cheek but not because of pain. She cried because she felt a light and warm feeling washed over her. She found great comfort in knowing that her two most beloved people found happiness in the arms of each other. It still ached somehow but not as strongly as before. She felt that it would only be a matter of time and she wouldn't feel even an itch of it. She was jubilant and satisfied now. Unexpectedly, the feeling that she could finally move forward and accept the truth about them filled her.
She turned to the little girl besides her to give her another smile. A big, bright and genuine smile. They were nearing the end of the album but had to stop at the image she happened upon on one of the pages. Her eyes widened and immediately turned to the girl then back to the image only to repeat it again. "Eh?... Eeeeh!? What the… He? And… and Ichiru? What? Why? When? How?"
"Eh?" Anne frowned in confusion and when she looked at the picture her aunt was talking about, she finally understood. "Ah…" Oh crap. She forgot she put that in her favorites. "Hahahaha… Yuki-bachan, don't tell them, okay? It must be a secret!" She should have given the album that only contained her favorite images of her parents. What an idiot. Could it be that some of her brain cells died last night?
"What… You mean they're… they'll be together?" Seriously?
"Um! They'll have three children! Fuji-chan, Nobara-chan and Sakura-chan. They're smart and cute!" Anne confirmed while slightly giggling. She was very fond of all her cousins.
Yuki gaped at her. "Really? Wow… hmmm… oh…" She wondered if there were any signs of inclination, affection or admiration on either side… Were there any? Then she remembered the many stares he directed to Ichiru which she assumed was out of spite like the ones he directed to Zero. Maybe there was more to it. She suddenly felt giddy.
Ah, it's really interesting!
Then suddenly, something struck her so she turned to Anne once again. "Was I married in the future?" and when Anne answered affirmatively, "Eh? To whom? Do you know him? Do I know him?" Large russet orbs suddenly brightened at the prospect.
Anne immediately leaned back while her aunt eagerly leaned forward, both her hands on her mouth. Alarmed lavander orbs widened when she remembered that the answer to those questions were inside the album as well. Oh no! So, she waved her hand and willed the album to disappear.
"Eh? Ah!" Yuki started when the album suddenly vanished. "Wait!"
"I'm so sorry bachan but… but… it's better to let things flow as is… you know… and… and it will be a great surprise! I assure you!" Anne promised vigorously, imaginary sweat escaped from her.
Yuki resignedly sighed at the sight of the clearly troubled child and just asked, "Will I be happy?"
A wide and bright smile appeared first before Anne answered confidently, "Blissful!"
"I'll take your words then." She smiled. She was starting to really look forward to the future. "By the way, why are you here?"
"Ah!" Anne jumped to her feet. She forgot about her little search. "Those little-! I'm hunting for four little devils, aunty. Would you like to join me?" She invited.
The young prefect chuckled. Ah, how lively. "Sure!" Yuki got up and patted her skirt clean before walking after the little girl towards the Chairman's office in search for her future niece and nephews.
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"Kyaaa~! So cute!"
When he heard this, the silverette knew he had found who he was looking for. Sure enough, he discovered the dark-haired twin boys surrounded by a bunch of starry-eyed Day Class girls who were gawking at them.
He immediately went over to the boys being fawned over. Seriously, he was both impressed and annoyed at how well they masked their presence. He had to follow them by their scent which he happened upon accidentally. It was hard since he had not yet memorized it. It also seemed like they first washed before going out which made it twice as hard to track them by scent alone.
When the boys felt his presence, they immediately turned to him. Zero halted his steps and thought his heart would stop when one of them, the extremely lively boy, opened his mouth to greet him.
"Ah! Ot-mph!" Akira began but was immediately silenced when his twin brother's hands covered his mouth.
"Akira, do you still remember what nee-chan said? .cause. ." Kohaku reminded in a low, warning tone.
Zero almost sighed in relief. It would cause an uproar if these children actually called him daddy in public. He continued moving towards the group of fan-girls ogling the adorable twin boys who looked remarkably like the handsome Night Class President.
"Move on with your lives already. Leave these children alone." The prefect scowled as he announced it to the annoying bunch that promptly exploded words of insult. "Shut up! Go back to your classes!" The silverette bellowed in a menacing voice that instantly sent the girls away in fright.
"Wha! So mean! Kiryū, you jerk!" They threw one last insult before running away.
The silver hunter ignored them. He was never bothered by any of the contempt thrown at him and instead turned to the children left behind who were both expectantly looking at him. The elder's hands were still on the younger's mouth who just waved his hand at him in greeting since he couldn't speak.
The silverette crouched down to sit on his heels. "You two, what are you doing wandering around?" He mildly asked, well, tried. He was careful not to repeat the same mistake he made towards the older girl that morning.
Kohaku answered. "We were looking for you otou-chan. We just wanted to make sure you're already fine." He looked at him with uncertainty in his wine-colored eyes. He was afraid that their daddy was angry at them. Did they bother him? Had they made the wrong decision of coming here? "I'm sorry." He looked slightly down.
Akira looked at his twin and then to his otou-chan, frowning. Unable to speak, eyes clearly asked the older man if he was angry.
Zero was once again attacked by guilt and remorse. What was with him? Was it his voice, his face or really just him? Why do children kept on getting scared of him even when he tried not to frighten them? He took a deep breath and tried again. "Look kid, I'm not angry and I'm fine now. Thank you." He reached out his hands to pat the two dark haired kids and slightly ruffled their hair then smiled to further assure them. This seemed to have the intended effect as the two instantly brightened and beamed at him. Perhaps the effect was too great that they didn't stop at that and immediately moved to put their arms around his neck. This caused him to lose his balance and land on his ass.
"Otou-chan~! Otou-chan~! Otou-chan~!" They chanted and rubbed their heads on his shoulder blades. Their swaying hair tickled Zero a bit.
Though the hunter was surprised, he found their actions very cute and innocent that he instinctively stroked the back of their heads, taking in their warmth and comforting scents. They smelled like high grade hot dark chocolate drinks which warmed him in winter cold nights. A gentle smile unconsciously spread across his face which painted him in a different light.
"Yes, yes, thank you but we must go back. Your sister looked like she was about to explode when I heard her looking for you." He slightly laughed at how fast their skin paled when they heard that. "Let's go. I'll come and perhaps I can persuade her to let the two of you off the hook this time." He was mildly amused at how fast their color returned at that.
They were extremely relieved that their otou-chan would plead their case for them for it most surely meant that it was going to be a case won.
"Ah, by the way, where are the other two?"
"Eh? Who?" Kohaku asked.
Zero stared at them. "Didn't you go together with the little boy and girl?"
"Eh? Naoto and Sui-chan also sneaked out?" Akira looked at Kohaku with an 'uh oh' expression to which the other responded with a grimace. Oh dear, their nee-chan must be extremely pissed off.
Zero sighed. How well he must have raised these children. Oh well, this might be good practice.
He stopped at that thought.
Fuck, what was he thinking?
It was like resigning to his future! Wasn't he going to fight Kuran? But when he looked back to the little faces staring at each other, in silent conversation using their eyes, with an 'I told you so' expression, he found that what the pureblood said was true. He couldn't kill them or erase their existence with his own hands.
It was not fair to them. It was not their fault. He was so lost in thought that he didn't realize that he had reached out to cup the cheek of the twin who turned and looked at him in question.
"Otou-chan?" Kohaku asked.
The hunter immediately shook himself out of his thoughts. He ruffled both children's dark-hair again and spoke as he stood up. "Let's go. It looks like we need to find two more missing children before going back."
He took each twin's hand in his which they eagerly accepted and proceeded to look for the two young silverettes.
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The pureblood king had less trouble in finding the youngest twin silverettes since they weren't able to conceal their auras for too long. He spotted them cheerfully walking hand in hand to where they believed their grandpa's place was, which was funnily at the opposite direction, in a bid to visit their otou-chan.
He learned they sneaked out after finding their older brothers gone and attempted to follow them which they weren't able to do so since the older ones hid their presence immediately. Seeing that they already defied their sister's order of staying put, they decided to search for their daddy alone and hid their auras as well.
Kaname merely shook his head at this. He couldn't find the strength to be angry at them. Not for this innocent reason. He sighed in defeat. "Very well then. Let us go back immediately to appease your sister. I'll call for Zero once we get back so you can see him but never wander on your own again, is that clear?" They nodded readily at this but Kaname wasn't so sure if he should trust this promise. He didn't think that his authority as the Vampire King would work on them. He even had a strange feeling that he'd only find himself more defeated by them in the future.
The twin silverettes insisted on walking as they found it enjoyable to stop and poke their curiosity at anything that caught their attention. Kaname allowed them to walk in front of him. Fond burgundy orbs watched as they observed a colorful butterfly flying up front.
But then, he suddenly sensed someone near them.
A hunter.
The aura was approaching them, seemingly going to the direction where they came from. He promptly stopped his tracks and instructed the younger two to do the same. They must have sensed the hunter as well for they immediately ran to him and hid behind his legs. They waited until they saw the hunter in question, indeed, walking towards their direction. He must have sensed them from far away since he wore an alert and focused expression.
The hunter had messy, ash brown mane and confident dark hazel eyes. The young man had a lean muscular built and fair complexion. He was in his early 20s though Kaname couldn't be too sure because like vampires, hunters' age could also be different from how they look because of their inherited vampire genes that made them hunters like Kaien Cross.
Kaname knew the hunter's name for he was one of the prides of the Hunter's Association. They met several times in meetings and when the said hunter stood guard in some parties held by vampires. He was considered as a talented young one that was polished by Toga Yagari himself.
Kaito Takamiya.
One of the fearless hunters known for his great distrust and anger towards purebloods. My, what wonderful luck.
The hunter stopped only a few feet away from the pureblood king, distrust evident from his dark hazel eyes. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? Royal bloodsuckers prancing around in mid-day. That's very strange. Where's the red carpet and your entourage?" He sneered, clearly also recognizing Kaname.
"Kaito Takamiya. It's a pleasure to see you as well." The vampire replied in an equally sarcastic tone but not quite succumbing to the hunter's bait.
"That's Takamiya-sensei for you, vampire, or don't you use honorifics because you're an all-mighty pureblood? Oh, that's right, maybe I should call you Your Majesty?" He continued to challenge Kaname's patience. "Heh." When Kaname refused to answer. With grudging respect towards the vampire's astounding patience, he just added, "I thought I sensed three ominous auras. Let's see." That was when he looked down to see two pairs of arms around the pureblood's leg which betraying the twins from their hiding place with silver tresses even slightly showing. Children?
The hunter crouched down and sat on his heels to look at the children trying to hide themselves but failing miserably. It felt like he was transported back into the past when he finally saw the face of one of the brats. The boy who looked so uncannily like a certain hunter or rather, an ex-human now, he thought sadly, that he knew when he was a trainee.
Hazel orbs stared intently. It was like seeing Zero as a child again but because those large lilac eyes displayed innocent confusion on his pale little face that was cupped by soft silver hair, it was better to say perhaps; it was like seeing Ichiru again. The hunter was so surprised that he was in the act of reaching out to said boy despite himself only to be interrupted by the familiar sound of the same hunter the little pureblood looked like.
"Kaito?"
There was a hint of great surprise in Zero's voice and there was, what was that, panic?
"Zero, my boy. How are you do-?" What the hell? Now there are two children that looked like the vampire king in front of him which are…hmm… What are they? Vampire? No, hunter? No, no, no, not quite…. What are they then? "Who and what the hell are those brats?"
Kaname and Zero tensed at the inquiry. They met each other's eyes. Both asked the other what they should do next.
Should he dare and snatch the children and make a run for it? No, that'd be suspicious as hell. He knew that bastard Kaito would just run after him.
"Kai…to… jiichan?" Kohaku spoke in a way that indicated that he was not sure if he was right. Why? Why is he like that?
"Eh? Is that really Kaito-jiichan? Really? He smells different… though it's indeed him, huh…" Akira observed and looked at his twin, mightily confused as well.
"Kaito-jiichan?" The silverette twins emerged from their hiding place to look at the hunter in front of them whose one hand was still outstretched.
The little silver pair frowned and actually sniffed him, which caught the hunter off guard. "He smells different and weird." They declared before turning around to find the one they were looking for standing before them. "Ah! Otou-chan!" They ran towards the silver-haired hunter who looked like he was regretting his indecision that might have saved him from the situation.
All three dark-haired males shook their heads. My, my, my, what a catastrophe.
Yep, should have made a run for it.
"What the fuck?" Was all Kaito managed as he watched the young silverettes reached their 'otou-chan'.
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"Maa, maa, Anne-chan, calm down. I'm sure Kaname-kun has already found them." Assured the cheerful Chairman of Cross Academy.
When they reached the headmaster's office, they found the honey-haired ex-hunter working quite seriously and instantly brightened up at the sight of them. "My beautiful daughter and granddaughter!" He ran to hug them dramatically like they hadn't met for years. Yuki expertly dodged and left Anne to take in the crushing hug which the child didn't appear to mind.
Her grandpa had always been like this. It made Anne happy that he had always been the same in this time where everything and everyone was almost too different from how they knew them. "Oh, grandpa!" She responded in equal drama, acting to match her grandpa's mood. That'd always be their modus operandi. It started this morning and she was used to it since he had been like this her whole life.
Yuki watched all this in amazement. She chuckled at the theatrical exchange and was all smiles when Anne proceeded to ask if any of her younger siblings happened to pass by to wreak havoc to which the Chairman replied negatively. He whined that he'd been 'alone since this morning and constantly missing them'. He added pitiful sobs which earned him a slight pat on the head from the indulgent child.
They were invited to tea to wait for the arrival of her siblings when they all agreed that it was the Chairman who they were trying to find to inquire about their otou-chan. They didn't know that the young ones were actually smarter than they were given credit for and had, in fact, already searched for the hunter directly.
"Mou~! They're always like that!" Anne pouted. A small, graceful hand took the cup of tea she was given. "I hope father scolds them." She huffed.
"Aw! How cute my granddaughter looks when she's angry!" The blonde fawned like a teenager while he took pictures of her in every angle possible.
Yuki merely sighed at the eternal hobby of her adopted-father. She had long given up on making the Chairman stop his maniacal way of taking pictures. Besides, it looked like the child didn't mind. She must have been immune already, Yuki mused.
They were chatting and enjoying tea in peace when the dark-haired child turned her head towards the door and smiled before announcing, "Ah, we have a visitor."
As if on cue and without any warning, the door burst open to reveal a gruff looking hunter. One glacial blue eye critically surveyed the room. He frowned when his gaze fell on the young child who smiled sweetly at him. What is this brat?
He came to deliver the newly hired student teacher who would teach in the academy starting next week and to inquire about his stupidly stubborn pupil and of his present condition. The Chairman hadn't given him any update and so he proceeded to hear from him directly. It had also been months since he last saw the honey-haired man. He was walking, anticipating seeing him again, when he felt this odd presence.
"Toga-chan! Wha- what are you doing here?" Kaien was slightly flustered when he noticed the intensity of Toga's gaze on his granddaughter. He was too preoccupied and too used to the familiar aura that he failed to sense him! How should he explain his relationship with her? He was sure that his son would not appreciate his directly informing his master that she was his child with Kaname… a male and a pureblood.
"Who's this brat?" Toga asked without preamble. Hard cerulean orb did not leave the child's lilac ones which were very familiar to him. Those were the eyes of his favorite student but what interested him the most was how odd the child's aura was. He was sure she was a vampire but there was something amiss with her. What is it?
'Oh dear. What should I say to Toga-sensei?' This was what was going through Anne's mind at that very moment though she acted calm and collected. Her face never betrayed her mind. She must be careful since she knew she could get her otou-chan in trouble. Since no bright idea came to her mind right then, she opted to using smiles to get away and allowed her grandpa to come up with whatever excuse he could provide.
And then she felt it.
The presence she had been looking for. Her heart started to thunder violently despite herself. The vampire princess absentmindedly stood and anticipated his coming.
Though, when she concentrated, she felt that his aura and scent was not quite as she remembered. It was raw… it was like a normal hunter's aura but she knew it was him. She could sense the same core, the same foundation where his essence was established. And she was most sure that she'd never mistake him for anyone else. No matter how different he might be.
The angelic child unknowingly put her hands together in front of her, clenching it on top of her chest. Her heart pounded faster at the prospect of seeing him again. Even in her own timeline, it had been a while since she last saw him which made her desperate to see him again no matter which time or era.
The other occupants watched her in confusion before following her gaze. They all looked at the still opened door of the Chairman's office. After a few minutes, they were finally greeted by a flustered ash-brown haired hunter, two wonderfully joyful silverette purebloods which were carried by the distracted silver-haired hunter and two passive looking brunettes who each held the calmer older vampire's hands. The two hunters looked like they had a race to get there as they were both red-faced.
They exclaimed in unison at the sight of Toga. "Sensei!" They both called out at the same time though the tone of brown haired one felt like he had something to reveal while the other hunter sounded like he had something to explain.
When Kaito spotted the dark-haired girl, he immediately bent to rudely look closely at her exquisite face, making the child visibly jolt. His face was merely inches from hers. His brows drawn together, intently studying her face which made hers blush furiously. "Fucking hell." Kaito breathed in disbelief which made her jump once more and earned him a reprimand from the Chairman and unknowing glares from the parents.
"What? You two look ridiculous." Toga addressed his two pupils. He frowned even more when he noticed that Zero was carrying purebloods in his arm. He was taken aback by the familiar look of the silver-haired pureblooded twins. After recovering, his sapphire orb traveled to the dark-haired pureblood king who merely nodded and down to the two dark-haired twin boys that looked exactly like the vampire holding their hands. One of them even waved a hand at him in greeting. After sensing the boys' aura, he was reminded of the quaint aura he initially sensed and looked back at the young girl who was intently watching his older student though Kaito appeared to be oblivious to the longing look the young girl gave him. His gaze went to the Chairman who clammed up at the sight of the odd group as if expecting a storm to rage any moment. Something was definitely wrong and he was determined to know all about it. He turned to the silver-haired hunter. "You boy, speak."
Zero opened his mouth only to close it again, not finding any words to say. He was panicking and didn't know where to begin, what to say or how to say it. He only hurried here when Kaito mentioned that their sensei was here. Their mentor had gone to the Chairman's office to inquire about his condition and Kaname informed him that his eldest was also there to look for the missing children. He didn't even make any plan; his feet just took him there. The only thing he was certain about was that he was in deep shit for all of this.
"Ano… Would you like to sit down first, sensei? That will be much comfortable." The young girl offered which was immediately supported by the Chairman and earned her a grateful look from her otou-chan. She must set everything in motion first, she decided. Nothing would come out from her stares only.
"Marvelous idea, Anne-chan. Come sit here Toga-chan and you too Kaito-kun. I didn't know you're here already. What made you come here today by the way, Toga-chan? You should have informed me so I could have made some more scones." Kaien gave out a nervous laugh. He didn't think that anything could lighten the situation at hand, he grimaced internally. "Don't stand around like statues, you three, and please close the door. Ah thank you, Kohaku-kun or are you Akira-kun? Oh, Kohaku-kun? Thank you."
They shuffled about the room; Yuki went to sit behind the Chairman's desk, both eagerly and dreadfully anticipating the next events. Kaito and Toga sat on one of the sofas in the middle of the room while the Chairman strategically sat between them so he'd be able to react fast enough should one of them get violent. Zero and Kaname chose the sofa facing the hunters with the young girl and the oldest of one of the dark-haired twins in between them. The little silverettes on Zero's lap and one of the dark-haired boys on Kaname's.
"So… where… where should we start?" The headmaster tried valiantly to lighten the mood while his lover's eye stayed trained on his younger student. Kaito's roamed from one child's face to another, greatly doubting the facts he'd been slightly let on to.
"Why don't we start at who these children are and their relationship with my pupil that he will actually let some purebloods cling to him?" Toga gruffly started which made Zero flinched visibly.
The black-haired hunter very confused, but he didn't show any of it. He looked at the two silverettes who both stared at Zero with worry once they sensed his agitation and panic. The resemblance between Zero and the little purebloods were even more obvious at the proximity of the three with each other. The attachment of the two seraphs with the older one made it even more questionable.
"They're our children," Kaname responded instead when his mate refused to answer the question and begin the conversation, "who came from the future."
"….!"
"Kuran!" Zero couldn't believe the vampire divulged it just like that. Kaname merely gave him a look.
They needed to explain the situation. Since it was clear that the silverette had yet to sort out his speech, Kaname took the liberty of starting the awkward discourse.
"What in the world are you saying? Are your screws loose in the head, vampire?" Toga exclaimed in disbelief.
The Vampire King merely smiled at that. "I assure you I'm perfectly sane. I'm merely stating the truth. I gather that you're perplexed with these three's aura, am I correct?" He gestured at the older children. "That's because they're a mix of all our races." And thus, Kaname began relating all that had been explained to them last night. Everything from Zero's lineage, his blood, the children's power, reason for travel; everything. None was left unsaid. Even his possible pregnancy was explained.
"What?!"
That last piece of information made the older silverette bow his head, unable to meet his master's eyes, and made their sensei jumped on his feet. His blue eye now unable to hide the overflowing confusion and disbelief he felt.
The Chairman readied himself to grab Toga should he start attacking someone. Kaito was flabbergasted. The young silverettes poked Zero's unmoving body while the young brunettes faked calmness. Kaname silently waited for their sensei to slip back to composure and Yuki all the while greatly relieved that she was not part of it.
"Hey, Chair-," That was the scene Ichiru happened upon when he opened the door to the headmaster's office to ask if he'd seen his brother. He needed to report that some girls were squealing about seeing a cute pair of twin boys that looked exactly like the Moon Dorm president. Apparently, some people were taking a wonderful walk in the park. However, he had to take a step back. Whatever plan in mind already forgotten. "-man, would you like some tea? Wait, I'll make some for you." He hurriedly added to escape from the tense atmosphere inside the room. One look and he knew what the topic of conversation was about.
Yuki immediately jumped at the chance to get away. "Wait! I'll help you!" She stopped to add when several pairs of eyes strayed towards her direction. "Hehehe… There are…. too… too many cups… to… to carry… I'll help him! Bye!" The brunette hurriedly explained and bolted out of the room without waiting for any reply. Her intent was too obvious indeed.
Zero immediately cursed them internally. They just bailed out on him! Talk about brotherly/sisterly love but he stopped himself. It was not like they had any responsibility to help him. He also doubted they could actually do something regarding the situation.
Luckily though, it seemed Toga was able to think a bit clearly with that short interruption and proceeded to reclaim his calm. He sighed first then went to pace behind their couch, itching to smoke but stopped at the sight of the children.
After a while, he stopped to look at his pupil again who seemed to have regained his strength to at least look up again. "So, it means… that these children are yours… because of your blood's power, was able to… well… with that pureblood… and that they came from the future… correct?... And what do you mean hybrid? How does that even work? What powers? Are they purebloods or not?"
The Chairman perked up at this. "Oh, they can show you! Anne-chan, if you'd please."
"Of course." The eldest child stood up and in the same manner as last time, held out her hand to take out Byakuya and unsheathed it from its scabbard. She then went to the black-haired hunter who stood in shocked and amazement to hand over her katana. He took and examined it.
"Anti-vampire weapon…" He looked at her hands. "It didn't burn you… a vampire… a pureblood… wielding an anti-vampire weapon." He needn't speak of what it entailed or how powerful this made the children. "Are you really a pureblood? A vampire?" Then eyed the blade again. "Or a hunter?"
"That's still under debate but I am indeed a vampire." The princess smiled at him. "Since Chichiue's blood was stronger, otou-chan's blood wasn't able to transform it but was transformed instead. As per the properties that has always been on the Suzaku's blood, it gave the pure blood in us tremendous power. Chichiue's blood is the oldest, purest one there is." She glanced meaningfully at her chichiue. "As such, it's the most powerful blood there is. This, coupled with Suzaku's powerful blood properties created us. Yes, it's pure as always but with something a little… more. We were categorized as a different specie altogether because of the confusion thus we were called hybrids. There's currently only eight in the world." She realized she had said something that would confuse them so immediately added, "Ah, that's… well… that's something for the future. Ha,ha,ha." She scratched her cheek slightly. She must be careful; she decided not to meddle with everyone's affair… too much.
Toga only eyed her suspiciously but didn't pry further nor did anyone else in the room.
In his entire life, he had never experienced anything like this. Frankly, he didn't know what to do or how to react. The facts sunk in ever so slowly and he found himself lost in what he must say, do or feel.
The older occupants of the room were alarmed when he raised his hand to touch the child in front of him. They were surprised when he merely cupped her face and panicked again when he pinched her skin to stretch her cheek. The little girl didn't do or say anything; she merely beamed at him, the best she could, like she was so used to that.
"I assure you I'm quite real." She teased playfully when he didn't do anything else but that for more than a minute.
Toga didn't quite understand it. He felt like he must act strongly against what was happening but seeing these children already here, odd but beautiful beings as vibrant lives always were, he couldn't find it in him to deny or feel rage at their existence.
He supposed he felt a bit furious towards the pureblood who knocked up his beloved pupil and annoyed at his student's stupidity in getting mixed up with the bloodsuckers, he couldn't feel the rage he felt like he wanted to boil. It seemed like it was being tampered by these children even before it bubbled.
Half of him wanted to ask him how in the world this even came to be, but one couldn't just ask that. He was also not sure if he was ready to hear whatever the answer would be. He sighed in defeat and turned to his pupil who wasn't able to say anything at all. "I think I know what your answer will be but let me ask you anyway," It was in the tone of there's no going back if you're already decided. "That," He pointed at his lower belly, "will you keep it?"
The air suddenly went ever so still.
Zero looked at his mentor then to Kaname who met his eyes with a nervous expectant look. Lavender orbs then landed on his daughter who had become stiff with anxiousness in her face; she must be really shocked and affected by the question.
Anne was aghast, her head lightly bowed, that there could be any answer other than yes or that her otou-chan would actually think of aborting her. She was definitely hurt and was near tears when she heard a determined "Of course." Trembling amethysts looked up to meet her otou-chan's eyes and her tears spilled anyway but because of joy this time.
She didn't notice that the black-haired hunter blanched at her reaction while the headmaster immediately embraced her. "Toga-chan, you jerk. Look at what you've done! There, there, my beautiful granddaughter. He's just being mean because he's an idiot." The Chairman was a bit exasperated that the hunter asked such a question while the children were present.
Toga turned away; a bit ashamed. He knew he lacked tack but he didn't really think of the consequences. His mind was really muddled and he just wanted to set the scores right away with his stupid student. "Grrr! Shut up!" He barked at the bespectacled ex-hunter fussing at the still sobbing child. Her little brothers and sister already surrounded her to pat her shoulder, head or back while the young parents stood to earnestly watch them. "Look kid, I'm not trying to bully you. There's just," then paused to think, "just some things adults must do."
Anne nodded in understanding. She knew what sensei was trying to do and she was happy that their otou-chan chose her out of his own accord.
He wanted her.
That made her happy.
She lived long enough to know the fact that conceiving doesn't mean wanting. There were lots of heartbreaking stories of children being born even without being wanted or parents hating their own children.
"Well, that's really mean sensei. Here I thought I was the bad ass here." Kaito smirked at their sensei's irritation. He leaned, an arm on the sofa's frame to look at their little group.
His cool voice made Anne straighten her back and wipe her face gracefully. She couldn't let him see how unsightly she looked right now!
"It's okay, brat. You'll get used to it. Your name is Anne, right? Hmmmm, heh…. Zero don't tell me you really had a crush on Anne Takashima?" He grinned at Zero's confusion. "Can't blame you there, brother. Those curves are really-" The hands that were outlining a figure of sexy woman in the air instantly travelled on his head when he got a mighty blow on top of his head from Toga and an earsplitting scolding from the Chairman. Fuck, that hurts.
"What the hell's wrong with you, boy?! Can't you see who you're with?!" His sensei roared at him.
"Please be mindful of the children, Kaito-kun! You're going to be a teacher too! I will not permit such scandalous behavior!" Berated the headmaster, rightly upset, while cradling the children together in an attempt to muffle the hunter's words.
"What in the world are you even saying?" Zero gritted his teeth. Hard amethysts glared at the indelicate hunter. He long knew since their younger years that Kaito could be such an ass. "I don't even know that woman." He felt Kaname stare at him. The dark aura surrounding him betrayed his seemingly indifferent expression. He shivered once it slipped inside his clothes ever so slowly, caressing him in a torturously sensual way as if in punishment.
"Heh?" Kaito rubbed his head and felt a lump started to form. Damn. Sensei really didn't hold back. "I saw you stare at her at one time while she was in the target range. You know that blonde bombshell-, okay, okay," He raised his hand in surrender when his sensei, and this time the Chairman as well, made a gesture to beat him up good. "Well, you even named your first brat after her, eh?" His head motioned to the eldest child who was listening intently to his every word.
"Oh?" Kaname blandly spoke but the aura escaping from him, which made the room chill a great deal, exhibited his overwhelming displeasure at that knowledge.
It immediately made the other occupants stay still. Toga was suddenly alert but did nothing for he knew the reason behind it, just like Kaito though the young hunter refused to show that he was fazed. The silverette only cursed inwardly. 'Damn stupid Kaito!'
"No! I don't kno-, ah…" Zero remembered watching some new hunters do their practice, observing their skills. He can vaguely recall a, indeed perhaps, good-looking blonde shooting the targets though sadly, her aim was not as pretty as her. He frowned at Kaito. "Don't twist the facts, you stupid oaf. Weren't you the one ogling her?" He let out a harsh sigh. "Che, must have been dumped already." He was internally relieved when he was finally able to breathe easy once the pureblood's aura rescinded from him.
"Excuse me? Me? Dumped? Me? You don't know who you're talking to, chap." He waved his hand in this dismissal. "It's women that can't get their hands off me." He even grinned but before he could continue, the Chairman who could sense any wayward thought immediately intervened.
"Kaito-kun, for the last time, mind your words! There're children here!" The ex-hunter scolded. It was rare to see him irritated.
"What? I haven't even said anything." When he saw the older dark-haired children stare at him with comprehension in their eyes, he guiltily gave up. "Fine, fine, sorry, sorry." How did these children even understood what he was trying to say?
When everyone was settled, and Kaito's crass mouth was sealed and silenced for the meantime, Toga turned again to his silverette student. He stared at him for a long time. "I will not tell you how to live or what to do with your life, Zero. As long as you're determined and decided that you'll face everything and not regret what you did, then I guess I will support you," then glancing at Kaname, "no matter what you decided or… or who you chose to be with. It's your damn life after all. Live however you want." His words surprised Zero and earned him a soft smile from the Chairman.
The silverette wanted to say something but he couldn't seem to find the words. He was even more startled when his sensei ruffled his silver tresses like how he used to when he was young. "Sensei."
"It's okay, kid. Tell me next time. I need to show Kaito where he'll be staying in for the rest of the year."
"Eh, you'll really be teaching here?" Zero arched one silver eyebrow. "Seriously?"
"That's right, my dear Zero. Feel free to call me Takamiya-sensei, shishou or daisensei-sama." His dark hazel eyes were bright with mischievous glee.
"Whatever, stupid Kaito." The silverette only snorted, like hell he would.
"Enough, Kaito. We need to go." The raven-haired hunter dragged his older pupil who looked like he was about to spout some more nonsense.
They watched the two hunters exit the Chairman's office. Well, that went unbelievably well. They were amazed and Zero, in particular, felt extremely grateful to his sensei's understanding. He knew that their discussion was by no means over. However, he knew that somehow, his master had already accepted their bizarre future and his unsaid would-be relationship with the vampire. He was also glad they didn't ask how in the world that happened because he was sure as hell won't answer.
They were still basking in relief when the angelic face of their eldest, who was staring with yearning at the closed door the hunters exited from, suddenly turned to them, sending a wave of dark brown threads to slam on Akira who was right beside her.
"Grandpa!" Anne exclaimed in a very urgent and imploring tone that surprised the honey-haired Chairman. "Can I attend the Night Class? Please?" She pleaded and even put her hands together, as if in prayer. Delicate chin was placed on her folded hands while she fixed her large moist lilac eyes on the ex-hunter's nervous hazel orbs.
"Eh? But Anne-chan, we don't have an elementary division in this academy…" He explained with a confused, wavering smile.
"No. Please let me attend the high school's Night Class. Please?" The princess then tackled her flustered grandpa in a hug. She couldn't afford to miss this chance that she had been waiting for all her life! She begged like her life depended on it. "Please?"
The ex-hunter was troubled at this. He didn't want to deny anything his cute granddaughter asked for but he knew this is impossible. "But we can't let a child attend a high school class." He tried to reason with his doe-eyed grandchild but her pleading violet orbs were hard to resist.
"What are you saying, Anne?" Zero frowned at her request.
"Anne." Kaname spoke with mild warning. Though he could hear the urgency in her voice and see the desperation in her elegant features, even he could not grant her illogical request no matter how much he wanted to. He was also concerned about the reason for his daughter's sudden interest in joining the Night Class. He didn't know all of their quirks and had yet to master their behavior but he was sure that she was not the type to ask something so unreasonable unless there was a perfectly good excuse. He knew his daughter was no fool. She could be naïve but definitely not a fool and rarely displayed preposterous childishness.
"I can do something regarding that." She hastily assured them. "I can control my time well so that will not be an issue. I'll behave well and study well, I promise."
The adults were astonished by her declaration. All wondered what could be the cause of this great insistence. Kaname and Kaien caught each other's eyes, both laced with concern.
"No fair! Me too!" Akira whined and raised his petition.
Oddly, Kohaku didn't admonish him for he too wanted to embark in that fun and promising experience. That would be infinitely better since it would mean a far more productive and effective use of their time.
When the twin silverettes spotted this, they decided that they wanted to be a part of it as well. Both raised their hands and shouted, "Us! Us! Us!" while jumping up and down and tried their best to appeal to the now very flustered Headmaster.
The distraught Chairman looked at one child to another who were saying their pleas all at the same time. It made his head spin but then an idea came to him. It should be able to straighten out their problem.
"Alright then, I will allow it as long as you are able to meet certain demands." He raised a finger and continued. "First, you must pass all examinations that students take before transferring. Secondly, you must be able to attend in the appearance of a teenager. You said you could do this, right?" He looked at Anne who nodded, greatly focused on his every word. "Thirdly, you'll need to follow all rules set by the Academy as a student. Lastly, to avoid jealousy, if one of you failed the test, then all of you will not be able to attend the class." He finished, greatly confident that with that, the children would not be able to attend.
Well, if they were able to meet all the requirements by any chance then that would mean they were fit to go to class. He'd have nothing against it in that case.
The ex-hunter and Zero were surprised when the children readily agreed to this, seemingly confident that such prerequisites were nothing to them. They didn't notice when Kaname turned to sigh. The Vampire King was the only one among the three who knew the reason why. It seemed like they'd have some new addition to the Night Class.
What intrigued him most was how they'd be able to comply with the second rule. He looked at his eldest who now glowed with happiness, not at all bothered with any of the conditions. There was a slight anticipation to see her other power. This would surely be interesting.
They watched the children talked about their plans for the coming week when they come to class. Their excitement and anticipation, as if the deal was as good as sealed, puzzled the other two. Only Kaname knew it indeed was.
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It's really the best day ever!
That was the thought inside the head of a certain cheerful young brunette. She was extremely happy since just hours ago; she was able to see the love of her life again and was able to get their grandpa's permission to attend the Night Class where the ash-brown haired hunter would also teach.
The Chairman was greatly amazed that all of them not only passed but even perfected the examination. He looked a great deal at the youngest of them, who both beamed at him.
Their grandpa didn't know that Nao and Sui-chan already freshly finished their higher education and were currently only taking a break before taking their first course. The two silverettes were undecided on what they wanted to learn and the course to take. Since they had all the time in the world, they were allowed to take their time and think about it carefully.
On the older children's part, they almost completely forgotten how easy high school education was. Thank goodness for the genius of their Hana-jiji! They were able to understand all subjects in a way that wouldn't make them forget so easily.
And now, they had their white Night Class uniforms, school supplies and reference materials ready for their first class which happened to be this coming week. Just two more days! She couldn't wait!
She sat down at the edge of their bed, the one that she shared with the two young silverettes, and flopped down on the sheets. Her great lilac orbs trained on the dark ceiling, fogged by peaceful memories that would come to pass in the future. A reminiscent smile on her lips.
"Don't worry, brat. You're not going to be left behind." A gruff tone voiced laughingly as rough but gentle hands wiped a damp clean towel on her cherubic face now messed up by horribly applied cosmetics. "I will wait for you." His dark brown eyes normally laced with mischievousness or sarcasm drowned in gentleness and kindness. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I promise." He added, grinning, before pinching her nose.
Her smile turned a bit melancholic. "You said you'll wait but it turns out like I always run after you." She closed her eyes when some unwanted memories flooded her mind. No, she didn't want to think about the reason that made her learn that extremely hard spell or her hopelessness as that fact and Kohaku's warning rushed back to her.
'You cannot change the future'
I will. I must.
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