Author's Notes: Yes... I know... I'm worthless... I'm late again... I'm sorry... I'm late for a day again... ｍ(｡≧Д≦｡)ｍ
I was told to make some addition to this chapter but I don't think it's any good... Please forgive me, touching scenes and angst are really not my forte (I don't think I have one, but oh well,) ＿φ(￣ー￣ )
This chapter might be too short and not contain much but... hmmm... hmmmm... well, it needs to be done, I guess? _φ(*￣ω￣)ﾉ
So please bear with me please, I'll do my best on the next chapter. ～～(つˆДˆ)つﾉ｡ )ﾉ
Oh! and I'm still currently working at those children's profile, perhaps I'll publish it in the next chapter okie? ヾ（〃＾∇＾）ﾉ
And again, thanks for the continues support for this fanfiction! I hope that I'm not getting worse and regressing. That would be bad, hahahaha! (╯°□°）╯︵ /( ‿⌓‿ )\
(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)
Chapter 11
Hidden Meanings
There was a soft clicking sound, signaling the door being opened gently. The door to his inner room opened to allow entry to his eldest daughter. He looked at her from his position besides the sleeping figure of his silverette mate on the bed, where he sat beside his hunter, taking one of his hands between his own. His distressed burgundy eyes met her knowledgeable lilac ones, there was a kind and reassuring smile on her lips; she undoubtedly knew what has come to pass.
Anne and her siblings were all drawn to the window of the lounge where they were having a silent afternoon/evening tea when they felt a slight tremor in the air and a surge of a heart-wrenching aura of their chichiue. Outside they saw the sight of their father cradling their daddy's unconscious figure, holding him very close to his body, seemingly trapping him in his arms as if he'll fly away at any moment. They couldn't see it but they can feel it, their father is crying.
They made uneasy exchanges, they instantly knew what happened.
"A seal transfer," Kohaku anxiously uttered, more to himself.
They didn't say anything, too worried to think. They've been told of this particular moment. Anne could still remember that time when their otou-chan told them the story. He stared far away then, there was pain and hurt in his eyes and she remembered pressing her head on his stomach to comfort him. She recalled the sad and soft smile she was given in return. Though they knew that everything will be fine, still, it worried them as they knew just how much pain it will bring to their parents.
It was only moments ago when he transferred to Zero everything he has been hiding, all his memories and darkest secrets. After carrying him to his room, taking off all his clothes to avoid making him catch a cold, he promptly laid him on his bed. He's been waiting anxiously for him to wake when Anne came to the room. She slowly walked towards him. He returned his gaze back to his lover before speaking, "He's going to hate me, I'm sure." dread laced in his voice.
"Hate and anger comes to everyone, even towards the person you love the most," she mildly started, "In the future, you'll have many more fights and arguments but you have stayed together for 80 long years and would stay together for thousands more," she arrived beside him then she hugged his waist from the side, "Your relationship have survived this and so your other future trials and I believe you always will." she smilingly added, "You even repeatedly told us that all those years were like a blink of an eye so don't worry chichiue, everything will be alright."
He looked at her daughter and smiled sadly, slightly unbelieving as he knew the weight of his sins against his beloved.
"I know father," she said softly as if reading his mind and his doubt. She looked up, meeting his troubled eyes, "I know it will be because otou-chan loves you that much." She added before tiptoeing to kiss his cheek, "Good night father."
Kaname watched his daughter go, closing the door before going to the other room, before he returned his gaze to Zero. Her words gave him encouragement. He knew it will be chaotic once his silverette woke up but he's determined never to let go of him, he'll give him space, yes, for his sanity, but he'll never let go.
He stroke his silver hair, moving away some strands that have covered his lover's face when he moved his head, before giving him a soft kiss on his forehead.
"I would spend all my long years in penance Zero, just as long as you stay by my side…"
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Splash, splash, splash
The sound of splattering water can be heard throughout the forest as the female prefect made her way deeper, unsure of where to go. She was making her rounds, more adamant in spending her time awake than asleep as her recurring nightmares of bloodshed haunts her. She's exhausted, fearing sleep when she really needs to rest for she has yet to have a peaceful slumber after she had that first nightmare.
She's scared as her nightmare seemed to follow her not only in sleep but even when she's awake. She sometimes see blood in her hand which goes away after blinking but it seems to stay longer and longer. She's frightened; she didn't know what's happening to her. Is she turning insane?
She trekked the forest, her feet unknowingly bringing her closer to the Moon dormitory where her comfort and sanity resides. Normally, she would think of her hero, Kaname-senpai, as her comfort but now, she's unconsciously thinking of those soft bright golden tresses adorning the head of a cheerful vampire. She wished to see the relaxing smile on his face and the bright light in his emerald eyes as if containing the whole universe inside it. Her mind was filled with thoughts of his light and warmth as morbid images attacked her. She wants to see him, even a glimpse will do. Just for a while, just a little or she'll really turn mad as she felt herself being sucked into the unknown darkness that hunts her.
She stopped horrified as she saw a puddle of blood then it was followed by a growling sound. A level E? Oh No! She immediately reached for her Artemis and swung it. She's suddenly alert, trying to sense the impending attack, her heart going wild in her chest. She turned around, looking from side to side but then she felt her clothes soak and when she looked down, she let out a horrified scream as she saw blood envelop her body. "No! No! No!" she yelled repeatedly, beating her Artemis in the air as if fighting off the image she's seeing.
"-ki! –uki! Yuki! Yuki-chan!"
She stopped screaming and thrashing around when she heard familiar voice she's been longing to hear since earlier. She belatedly registered the sturdy body pressed against her, coupled with the calming scent of books and the stench of flesh being burned, both a bit lost because of the rain. She looked up and there she saw him, with worry and anxiousness swimming in his green eyes. Yuki felt like crying, relief flooding her system, as she stared harder, unable to believe he's finally here. When she tried to pinpoint where the burning smell came from, it just registered to her that Ichijou was hugging her with one arm while the other was holding her Artemis rod, seemingly in order to stop her from swinging it to get closer to her, uncaring of the anti-vampire weapon that is burning him. She immediately let go of her rod as he did and wrapped her arms around him tightly, pressing him closer as if holding on to her vanishing sanity, trying to get warmth from him, unmindful of the rain that's rapidly soaking them both as their umbrellas lay forgotten somewhere.
"Ichijou-senpai! Ichijou-senpai!" she repeated hysterically, not even caring if she was acting weirdly or too intimately as she did the only action she's been thinking of doing which she believed was the only thing that could stop her descent to madness.
"Yuki-chan, what happened? Are you okay?" Ichijou entreated in a very worried tone. He's been making rounds as ordered by Kaname because Zero won't be able to do his duties. He was about to inquire more but the pain he saw in his friend's eyes stopped him. He only nodded and proceeded in doing the prefect's job when he heard the scream of a very familiar voice. He immediately came as he knew that horrified scream and there was something in it that made him more concerned. He found the prefect swinging her rod frantically in the air as if fighting an invisible enemy but he saw no light or recognition in her eyes and was further convinced that she was not in her right consciousness when she didn't respond to his earlier calls and proceeded in attacking the rain even when he came close.
Yuki didn't answer and only continued calling his name until she's hoarse, her voice becoming barely audible and her embrace even tighter. It's hard to tell because of his wet clothes and as she pressed her face on his chest, making him unable to see her expression but he's almost sure she's crying. Why? What happened?
"Yuki-chan, please, you're scaring me. Did anything happen to you? Are you hurt? Is anyone after you? Please answer me, I'm worried about you." Ichijou pleaded as he felt her small body tremble against his own. He hugged her tightly, assuring her with his actions though unable to comprehend the reason; he just knew she's scared of something. "Shhhhh, I'm here, you can tell me anything." He cooed and assured her.
"I think I'm turning crazy senpai," she sniffed as she looked up to him, "I'm seeing images of blood everywhere." She confessed in a frightened voice.
He wasn't able to say anything as the declaration baffled him though he quickly assured her first, "You're not going to turn crazy, silly, you're going to be fine." as he pressed her head against his chest, "Even if you are, I'll stay with you and be crazy with you." He whispered softly.
Yuki wasn't able to say anything in reply, she only closed her eyes as warmth and relaxation filled her soak and chilled body. She felt light that it made her think she's acting very silly and childishly but she can't help but cling even more. The earlier episode seemed nothing more than a foolish illusion.
After staying in that position in silence, Ichijou untangled her arms to direct it around his neck before carrying her in his arms. It was done without any words but it felt the most natural thing to do and Yuki didn't complain as she buried her face on the base of his neck, unembarrassed at the intimacy and closeness of their body and her childish actions.
She knew she'll later tumble in shame at her bold and unabashed reaction but she didn't care, she craved for this, she wanted it. It seems to be the only thing that can save her from madness. Only his presence calmed her down. With him around, the nightmares will be kept at bay, as if his mere existence shields her from anything vile and dark. She clung to him tighter, bringing herself closer.
Ichijou smile at her action, "Shall we go?"
He only received a nod and an even tighter embrace.
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He stirred, his silver hair tousled on the pillow, he stared at the blurred image of a wood brown ceiling that greeted his sight before blinking a few times to clear his vision. He flinched when he tried to sit down, it hurts! It felt like being hit by a ten-ton hammer or being run over by a fast moving truck. He held his head between his hands, feeling like it will roll from his neck down to the floor, as he steadied himself in to a sitting position.
"Are you alright?" the familiar voice of his mate came.
"Fuck you." He snarled as he was once again attacked by the images of his lover's memories.
Ten thousand years old. What the hell.
Zero closed his eyes as he tried to rearrange the memories in his battered mind, of his lover's past, of his actions up to now, of his previous plans, of his sins.
He groaned as he felt the pressure in his head, he grasped a handful of his hair, trying to alleviate even some of the pain but to no avail.
"It will pass Zero. Do you want some water?" Kaname spoke again, moving to give him a glass of water.
Zero felt his movements. He violently slapped away his lover's outstretched hand that was holding the glass sending it flying to hit and crash on the wall, "Get away from me, you bastard." He ignored the regret he felt as he sensed his lover stiffening at his words, obviously hurt at his actions and words, too angry to let himself be swayed, stopping his heart from going to his pureblood.
It can't be helped and Kaname didn't blame him. This action was far lighter from what he deserves considering everything he has done to his lover. For all those pains and crimes, he deserved nothing less than a bullet through his chest. He knew this. He was also told that everything is going to be fine, the future was already set and he's still with his hunter, even the reaction was as expected but no reason seems enough to stop the bleeding of his heart as his hunter's aura and action continuously tried to push him away.
Zero closed his eyes even tighter as the most painful of the memories came back to him. He was surprised, of course, after learning of the fact that his lover was already ten thousand years old and the ancestor of the Kurans, the very first vampire but he honestly didn't mind. After all, it's just a count of years.
He was also shocked to know that he was awakened by Rido, by sacrificing his own nephew to him, thereby making them master and servant by the call of the blood and bond. He was shaken as he watched the dried and disheveled look of the figure that devoured the innocent child that he was handed but as he knew it was something that Kaname had no control over and he didn't blame him.
He watched the memories of his lover as he was taken care of by the kind Kuran couple, how he was suspicious at first as he has no doubt of their knowing what he has done to their precious son and baffled at their genuine smiles. How he was happy to be loved, feeling finally belonging and accepted somewhere. He watched him grew into a child; he felt his feelings of love towards his family.
He admitted feeling a bit jealous and conflicted as Kaname swore to protect his sister, his beloved, only sister, Yuki. He felt another pang in his heart as he was reminded of Kaname's relationship with Yuki, his pureblood sister and his rightful fiancée. They're supposed to be the perfect couple, the pureblood siblings whose union would ensure the purity of the Kuran Royal bloodline.
His heart ached even more as he watched the tragedy of the Kurans unfold before his eyes, through his lover's, as Kaname ripped Rido to impossible pieces that had they not been master and servant, then it would surely killed the devious vampire who killed his own brother as he coveted their own sister, Haruka's wife, and Kaname and Yuki's mother, Juri. He watched the heart-wrenching event of Juri using the last of her life to turn Yuki into human, leaving Kaname as the only person with the heavy and grievous memories, leaving him to carry the burden alone.
He stopped his heart from going to his pureblood's arms, forcing fury to boil inside him as he watched the vampire create plans to protect his sister and kill his uncle. Everyone mere chest pieces on his large board game, his war, including him as his white knight, designed to be his queen's protector and a weapon for his goal.
A tool, a piece, a pawn.
He was nothing but a chest piece.
Though through his memories, he also saw the change in the pureblood's feelings and thoughts. He saw him agonize countless of times regarding the indescribable feelings budding inside him. How he would stay awake at night only to think of him, how he would watched him in secret, how he tried to hide the affections he was starting to feel, the agony he felt as he saw him in pain because of bloodlust and awe at his will as he suppressed it for years, his amusement at his continuous rudeness and retaliation, his happiness and eventual anticipation of their every meeting.
Zero felt light as he knew of Kaname's feeling, he knew he should be happy at the evidence of the real and present feeling of his lover towards him but he can't as the worst of all the memories came back to him. He watched horrified as the young pureblood stood in front of a large cage housing Shizuka Hio, the vampire that irrevocably changed his life, his parent's murderer and Zero's master.
He felt hollow as he watched Kaname freed Shizuka even with the knowledge of her madness and the possibility of her attacking innocent humans, feeling his confidence and arrogance through the memory, uncaring for the consequences or the results which ended up tragic for Zero's family. Not even the fact that Kaname killed her because of her wish to take her servant back and to enslave Zero, even though he didn't know of his feelings towards the hunter then, convincing himself that this was all so Zero can stay by Yuki's side to be her protector, can warm him enough to forgive. He felt too cold.
The silverette felt weak as realization dawned on him. All this time he's been in love with a man who used him, saw him as a tool, who let him be convicted for the murder he never did and most importantly, making the careless actions that led to his parent's death and his doom.
"Why? How could you?" Zero started, his voice filled with anguish and sorrow.
"Zero, I'm sorry, please forgive me. I-," Kaname apologized in agony, stopping himself from saying anything in defense for what he has done as it will only be intolerable excuses. He decided that he shouldn't make any justification for what's done is done and the facts stood, he caused his lover's tragedy.
"Fuck you! Forgive? How could I when you're the one who set her free!?" he roared, shouting at the top of lungs as anger and pain-filled hatred exploded within him. "Why? Why is it you?" he finished a bit weakly as he drowned in sorrow.
Kaname was silent, for once not knowing what to say, no smart and smooth words to offer as he knew the charges laid in his door were far too heavy and too true to refute. He didn't mind the accusation as he's only filled with regret and pain as he watched the misery his lover is feeling. He could feel it in the air and through their bond, it's crying and screaming. He watched the figure of his lover hugging his own body, seemingly grow smaller as he shook in anger and in suffering, dying to wrap his hunter in his arms to comfort him but decided against it as he knew just how welcome his presence was right at the moment.
No more words were spoken, no excuses uttered. They stayed silent and unmoving for a while before Zero got out of the bed, aware but uncaring of his nudity. He went to the dresser to get some clothes, feeling the eyes of his lover follow his every movement.
Kaname made a step forward to approach his hunter but was stopped by Zero's bitter words.
"Don't come near me, you bastard."
"We are inseparable Zero. Nothing you say can change that." The pureblood quietly said.
"Watch me, asshole." Zero challenged as he clenched his teeth.
He went to the door when he was finished putting on some clothes only stopping when he heard Kaname speak again.
"Zero, I won't force you but neither will I let go. I am only giving you time but don't think I'll ever give you up. You belong to me and I'll take you back." He heard his pureblood declare softly but determinedly. He didn't say anything in response as he opened the door to walk out of the room.
Feeling even emptier as he left his heart behind.
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Ding. Dong.
There was a series of hurried footsteps before the door was opened to reveal a quizzical and cheerful looking chairman. He didn't know who could it be at this hour and he was greatly surprised to see it was Ichijou-kun carrying his little princess.
"Ah! My daughter! What happened? Was she hurt?" the honey blond chairman immediately fussed around his princess and it didn't escaped him how close Yuki clung to the vampire. It surprised him because Yuki is normally a shy girl and she was never like this with him or Zero, not even with Kaname-kun. He modestly snatched a peek at the vice-president of the Moon dorm and he had to marvel at the tender looked he gave his daughter. Oh, okay, I see. He smiled sadly. How time moves fast, his children are all grown up. Two ensnarled by vampires. Hmmmm, then the only mystery left is Ichiru's love. Who is it? He wondered. "Please come in. You're both soaked to the bones! Let's run a hot bath. Come, quick!"
Ichijou smiled and followed the ex-hunter inside and he was led to the bath where the chairman proceeded to run the hot water to fill the tub. The young vampire then moved to let the prefect down and he was surprised when Yuki's grip tightened while shaking her head, like a child refusing to let go.
"I won't go anywhere, I'll stay outside until you're finished but you must warm yourself now, okay? I don't want you to catch a cold. I won't go anywhere, I promise." He whispered to her ear, smiling as he did.
She nodded before finally letting go. She let her head hung, a bit embarrassed at how shameless and obvious she's acting but she can't quite regret acting as such. It felt so good and comforting to be near him. His assurances were like magic words that would keep anything evil away.
They were trapped in their world, unaware that they're being watched by the only other person in the room who's currently unsure of what to do, faking business just so he won't look out of place even though he finished filling the tub. After a few seconds of silence, he took the chance to say something.
"Alright! The tub is full now my lovely daughter, hop on it, wash yourself and I'll bring you some clothes. Ichijou-kun, come here, use the guest's bath, you're wet as well! Come, come." The chairman jovially invited, hurrying to immediately get out of the awkward situation for him.
Yuki and Ichijou exchanged one more look and nod before he closed the door to the bath.
After a while, the young blond emerged from the chairman's guest bathroom wearing what smells like Zero's clothes. He stopped at that thought, maybe he should stay here for a while, just until the smell wears off or it could be lethal for his life. Kaname would surely not be happy with him wearing his mate's clothes, he gulped a bit nervously.
He went back to the bath that Yuki was using when the door coincidentally opened to let out a dazed looking prefect, already in her night gown. She saw him and she smiled weakly as she went to him and wordlessly reached out to him. He instinctively carried her in his arms like he did while she wrapped her arms around his neck. He smiled though still a bit baffled. He's happy, yes, of course, how could he not when she's being so sweet and clingy to him but he worried about her.
"I think I'm turning crazy senpai," she sniffed as she looked up to him, "I'm seeing images of blood everywhere."
What could that mean? He looked down at the small figure clinging to him for dear life, he never saw Yuki this frightened or desperate that it unconsciously made him so worried and scared for her. He pressed her closer to him as he walked towards to prefect's room to lay her on her bed but when he thought of how inappropriate for him to enter her room, his steps unconsciously faltered. Oh dear, should I?
He was still hesitating when he arrived in front of her bedroom door. He stood there for quite a while before asking, "Uhm, Yuki-chan, we're here."
When he heard no response, he looked down only to find a sleeping brunette. He stared for a while, unable to look away as he was entranced at her peaceful looking slumber, feeling relieved that she's looking much better. He sighed in resignation before entering her room. He ignored the slight prick at the back of his spine as he knew that the chairman is watching his action from afar, to make sure he's not about to do any highly improper action. He smiled wanly; at least he's going to be reminded not to cross his boundaries.
He laid her down on her bed and after tucking her, he watched her sleep for a while before motioning to go.
"Ichijou-senpai." she suddenly called out.
He turned back to find her large sienna eyes trained on him. She held out her hand.
"Don't go. Please stay with me." she pleaded in a very soft voice.
He stopped and hesitated, he has a feeling that the chairman is about to barge inside any minute now but when he looked at her desperate eyes, he wasn't able to say no. He moved closer to her again as if magnetized, he took her hand and sat next to her.
"I'll be here. I won't leave you, I promise." He smiled kindly.
Yuki must have been really exhausted for no sooner than he said that and she closed her eyes, she immediately fell asleep again. He sighed, this is really too cruel. As he watched the defenseless, slumbering figure of his beloved so vulnerably exposed to him inside a room that's filled with her intoxicating scent with darkness tempting him to jump at the delicious opportunity of bending down to claim her plump pink lips.
He looked at her and sighed. He must be born a masochist to allow himself to be tormented like this. He smiled as he sat down on the floor, placing his chin on top of his arm, the hand which is still holding on to hers, to watch her sleep.
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He felt so empty as he went down and trekked his way farther away from his pureblood. He's in a daze, not even registering the vampires who were looking at him as he goes out of the Moon dormitory. He opened the door to the downpour and proceeded to head home, uncaring of the rain, as his mind and soul wandered somewhere else.
The hunter was only pulled away from his gloomy trance when he felt an arm wrapped around one of his. He belatedly registered staying dry as an umbrella shielded him from the rain. He looked to his side and he saw his eldest daughter looking right back at him with a kind smile illuminating her face, in her adult appearance. He stared; she really looked a lot like Juri Kuran but with a more cheerful aura with his own light lilac eyes. He wasn't able to return her smile as he drowned in despair and grief.
"You should always take care of yourself otou-chan, this weather is treacherous to the body." She commented offhandedly, understanding his silence.
"Why are you in that appearance?" he asked quietly, not knowing what else to talk about.
"Well, I can't help it. I'm afraid I won't be able to reach you in my normal height and you're in great need of support and umbrella." She explained with ease, trying to lighten the gloomy mood both caused by the weather and her daddy.
Zero didn't say anything in response. He really didn't want to talk about anything as he felt like an empty shell, too ruined to feel anything anymore.
They walked in silence with her arm wrapped around his and her holding the umbrella to cover them from the harsh, heavy rain, whilst moving slowly towards the chairman's house. For long moment, there was only the sound of heavy rain drops on their umbrella.
After a while, she finally broke the silence between them, "Did you know otou-chan, there was once a time when Akira and I fought so bad that I told him he's not my brother anymore?" she started as they continued in their slow pace, "Well, that idiot accidentally started a fire with his powers, as he was too young and foolish to control it, and it got so big that it burned my room to ashes! I was in a right fit of anger since I kept on telling him to be careful with his fire but he never listened so he accidentally burned all my treasure and belongings." She reminisced, it might have been the reason why she started storing her things inside her dimensions, "I knew that he didn't mean it, he was too young but still, the deed was done. I was without clothes and all those I treasured and collected were burned to nothing but soot and cinders."
Zero looked at her, trying to understand where the story was going.
"I told myself that I'm done with him. That kid was too unruly and no matter how much you reprimand him for all the stupid things he did, he'll keep on making even more foolish things in the future." She sighed before smiling again, "Ah, but did you know why I still love that little devil of a brother?" she turned to him before placing her head on his shoulder, "because someone told me to remember why I have loved him in the first place, not why I hated him." She returned her gaze on the road, "then I remembered how very sweet Akira is, how he'll stop himself from playing outside to stay with me together with Kohaku whenever I'm sick in bed. He would endure days of boring games so I'll not get bored whenever I get sick. He would do the stupidest things to cheer me up when I'm down, he'll always stand to protect me even when he was weaker than I am, he would even indulge my preferences of dressing both of them up just to humor me and once even went to the ball in their adult appearance even when they knew they'll not enjoy it just because I asked them to. Akira and Kohaku both have been my best friends and partners in crime and I love them both very much."
She smiled as she recalled the many fun memories of their childhood and after a short silence, "I believe one cannot walk this world without making any error, after all, you'll only grow and know you're wrong once you've done your mistakes but what's important is that you learn from those errors and for those who were wronged, it's to forgive and never to lose sight of what's more important. That day after I saw the remainder of that great fire that took about half of the east wing with my room, I saw how serious it was and felt relieve that Akira survived it unscathed. Well, I guess he will as he controls fire any way," she giggled, "and it's not like he didn't apologize, it was the first time I saw true guilt and repentance in his eyes and though I have all my belongings burnt, I was not left with nothing for I still have my brother who'll continue to stay by my side every time I get sick or troubled." She then turned somber before continuing, "Otou-chan, I know you've lost far greater things than mere clothes and material objects. Your life was ultimately changed by a moment of haughtiness and arrogance but before you make the decision of hating chichiue forever, I would like you to please think about the reason why you fell in love with him in the first place." They stopped, already reaching the front door of the chairman's abode, "I will not force you for any decision that wasn't made solely by your heart alone will be meaningless but I also do not want you to regret anything as well." She smiled kindly at him before tiptoeing to kiss his cheek. "Good night otou-chan."
That was all she said before she left him to enter his guardian's place, she left Zero who was still quiet while he contemplated what her story meant. Anne walked away, greatly wishing that the time when forgiveness dawned on his heart is near.
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He hurried inside the house, promptly shedding his black Day class coat and taking off his shoes at the genkan before proceeding inside his guardian's house. He decided he wanted to stay in their annoying father's house for a while as he didn't want to be alone with his irritating and persistent guard for he didn't share his dormitory room with anyone. He shivered as the cold weather chilled his fragile body.
"Chairman, I'm back!" he called out to his guardian, a bit quizzical that he was not there to make any annoying welcomes then jumped to all creature that would pass through the entry before making a pitiful display of saying he missed him/her very much.
He went upstairs to go his room before going to the bath for a change of clothes when he saw the chairman in a sneaky position of hiding his body behind a wall and taking a peek at the hall way where the bedrooms are accessed. The honey haired ex-hunter must be too obsessed with what he's watching to not even notice him already behind him. Ichiru stood there for a few moments before finally saying something.
"What are you doing, you perverted old man?" he asked making the ex-hunter jump comically in surprised. What is he doing here?
"Ichi-chan! Don't scare me like that!" Kaien exclaimed while clutching the fabric over his heart, his heart beating a bit fast. "You almost gave me a heart-attack!"
The silverette stared suspiciously at him before taking a peek at the hall way too, but it was empty. He looked at his weird guardian again who was still patting his chest as if to calm his heart. "What were you doing?"
"Eh? Nothing, 'father' problems." He answered as he looked away to avoid the doubtful lilac eyes of his son. "What are you doing here? I thought you'll sleep at the Day class dorm?" he inquired to divert the conversation.
"Why? Am I not welcome here?" Ichiru asked, not fooled but letting himself be diverted. The chairman has always been weird anyway.
"Of course that's not it! You'll always be welcome here my darling son!" Kaien was back at his usual odd self, "have you eaten? Should I prepare something?"
"No thanks, I only wanted to have a bath," he answered but in actuality, he's really hungry. He hasn't eaten anything as he has lost all appetite but he'd rather starve than be poisoned, he decided he'll just eat some cereals after bath. "Isn't it too late for you to be up, sleep already chairman." He coaxed, he wanted to have the chairman out of the way so he can eat his cereals without his guardian's nagging and hurt lamentation of his children avoiding his cooking.
"Ah, you're quite right but, uhhmmm," the ex-hunter stopped for a moment, as if having an internal debate, before mumbling, "it should be okay, it's alright… right?" he asked himself. He knew he can trust Ichijou-kun but men are all the same beast and he's still quite conflicted if he should leave it be and if he should trust him. He sighed, it's hard being a parent, as he decided to give his trust to the young vampire who he knew treasures his beloved daughter as much as he does. "Alright, I guess I should retire… I'll just lock the door…" he trailed, a bit depressed.
Ichiru watched the retreating figure of his dejected guardian, honestly perplexed at his action which was a bit surprising as they all knew all his oddities by now but still, this is weird in a different sense. He was about to confront the chairman when a sneeze escaped from him.
"Ah-choo! I guess I really need that hot bath," he muttered to himself as he sniffed.
He went to his darkened room and proceeded to take a change of clothes but before leaving for the bathroom, he went by the window to check on something. He took a peek and sure enough, his annoying guard is still there.
He felt a bit guilty as he watched Hanabusa Aido look up at him, meeting his eyes and even granting him a smile as he stood outside besides a tree for further shelter, holding an umbrella to shield himself from the harsh storm. Ichiru ignored the pity he felt towards the blond vampire, forcing irritation to bubble even when he felt none, convincing himself that it was what that vampire wanted. Gah! I didn't even ask him!
He moved away from the window to proceed to the bath, exercising an enormous self-control not to run outside and invite the vampire to the warmth of the chairman's house.
Ichiru submerged himself in the hot water that successfully warmed him as he sported thoughts of his blond guard. He wondered how he was supposed to get a wink of sleep knowing that Aido-senpai was just outside, enduring the harsh weather just to watch over him. He shook his head, no, it's not like he wanted to and Aido was only asked to do so. He reminded himself of the possibility that the vampire is toying with him, purposefully trying to get closer to him despite knowing his feeling towards him. Is he being smug? Argh! He didn't know anything anymore. He's so confused that he felt like he'll explode at any moment.
In the end, he felt only heart-break and loneliness. It's so hard to forget something you've always wanted and dreamed of.
After taking his bath, he wasn't able to resist looking outside the window again and he wasn't able to stop the disappointment he felt when he saw the blond gone from the spot he was last seen. He surveyed the surroundings but he's really gone. He sighed, how foolish. He's been trying to get rid of him and now that he left, he feels lonely. He's really insane.
Ichiru shook his head, trying to shake away the depression he's feeling, as he proceeded down to the kitchen. He was so dejected that he didn't even notice the presence that was seated on one the chairs around the dining table. He just went to the kitchen blindly to get a bowl, cereals and the carton of milk in the fridge. He finally noticed him when he placed all the ingredients for his dinner on the table. He stopped and slowly looked at the opposite side of the table. He had to blink a few times, believing himself tricked by his own eyes, but there he was, with his amused pool of electrifying azure orbs, an elbow propped on the table with its hand supporting the chin on top of it, and a happy smile on his full lips. He even had the audacity to wave a hand at him.
Ichiru couldn't help himself and immediately threw the carton of milk he was still holding towards Aido which the vampire very easily dodged, "What are you doing here!?"
"Hmmm, the chairman saw me outside and invited me to sleep here," he answered easily, throwing the poor innocent carton a look before turning back to him, "He said it will be better if I'm near you, always." He flashed him one delighted smile when he finished.
Grrrr! Chairman! He thought, his initial pity and disappointment fast retreating, and though he wanted to strangle his guardian, he can't as he felt too happy and relieved but he'll eat his tongue first before he admitted it. He sighed inwardly, yeah, he's a lost cause.
"What are those?" Aido asked, eyeing the things he brought with him.
"What else? Dinner… and breakfast." the silverette added when he remembered that it's almost dawn. He went to retrieve the milk he threw, thank goodness that its close that was why it didn't spill.
The blond vampire frowned at this, "Don't you want real dinner?" he asked, not approving of his diet as he wanted the silverette to eat much more nutritious meals.
"Well, unfortunately, there's only poison from the chairman and I'm not allowed inside the kitchen… for…" he paused, not knowing what reason to say, "for…" Ichiru wasn't able to finish his sentence as he didn't want to reveal his clumsiness towards the blond vampire.
"Security purposes?" Aido smiled knowingly. Unfortunately for the prefect, he knows almost everything that is to know about him, specially his hopelessness in the kitchen.
The silverette glared at the vampire despite being chagrined. He also blushed, because of shame or that smile, he didn't know.
"Wait here, I'll cook for you." The noble declared, already walking towards the kitchen.
This startled the silverette as he knew Aido-senpai to be quite spoiled being nobility and all. He unconsciously followed him and found him rummaging the fridge and the pantry. He can only stare at him as he moved about the kitchen with ease as if it's been what he's been doing all his life. He gathered a few ingredients and made way for the stove. He began to wash and cut the raw materials, heated the skillet where he then cook steak, then heated a pan where he then put in the other ingredients which he stirred and all. Ichiru was lost and could only watch his actions, find his smooth and knowing actions quite mesmerizing.
"I'm surprised that there are lots of ingredients here, it seems like the chairman cooks a lot." Aido commented when Ichiru didn't say anything.
This managed to wake the young Kiryū from his reverie. He looked away before answering, "He likes to experiment," he answered shortly.
"Hmmmmm," he hummed thoughtfully. Well, lucky for him then, at least he can show off some of his great skills. He doesn't look it but like many other things, he's been gifted with the natural talent for cooking. It's really easy for him. Well, with his genius to understand and even memorize recipes and experience with mixing ingredients for his own experiments, it's really no wonder why cooking was such an easy thing for him. It's like simple science. He smiled; hopefully this would improve his image.
After about half an hour of waiting which was spent in stares (from the silverette) and smiles (from the blond), the finish product was then produced.
"Thank you for waiting, here's your seared steak with caramelized onion, enjoy. Bon appetite." He smiled proudly as he served the dish in front of Ichiru.
The silverette was of course very impressed but he stubbornly kept it to himself, "Hmph," was all he provided in reply.
The young vampire returned to his seat with his own plate, smiling very brilliantly as he watched the young Kiryū eye him then the food suspiciously.
"What did you put here? Poison?" Ichiru asked, ignoring the delicious smell of the steak in front of him.
"No, love potion," Aido answered before taking a bite.
This made Ichiru look up from his plate, "Was that a joke?" he asked with one quizzical eye brow arching.
The blond vampire didn't say anything. He only gave him one alluring smile as he stare at his confused lilac eyes. His smile became even more enticing when he saw a blush form on the handsome face of his little Kiryū.
Damn you, Ichiru cursed, "Are you trying to seduce me?" he almost bit his tongue as soon as the words were out. He couldn't help it, he's really tempting him to do the most foolish things.
"Why? Are you seduced?" Aido asked back.
'Hell yeah', was the obvious answer but Ichiru will stab himself with his fork first before voicing it out. He turned away from the vampire in front of him, inwardly grimacing as he was further convinced that Aido-senpai really knew of his feelings and is only playing with him for amusement. Damn, damn, damn! He unconsciously tighten the hold on his cutlery, feeling embarrassment and humiliation flood him, defeat eating him so violently that he can't help but clench his teeth in mortification when all these dark feelings was immediately banished by his senpai's next question and words.
"What if I am? Seducing you, I mean." Aido asked, intensely looking straight to his eyes.
Ichiru was caught off guard by his question. He gaped as he asked himself.
'What could he mean by that?'
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