Author's Notes: I'm dead! where's my muse? I feel like the quality of the updates are not so good as before so let me fix myself. I declare a hiatus just for next week so I can review the next chapters okie? I'm ashamed to keep on uploading chapters I've only made for the day and not yet thoroughly reviewed...
ｶﾞ━━━(°Д°;)━( °Д)━( °)━( )━(°; )━(Д°;)━(°Д°;)━━━ﾝ!
Oh! the humiliation! (〃ﾟдﾟ〃)
I will keep on improving myself, I just think that I'm regressing. LOL (ｏ＾∀＾)o
Well, who told the HR department to give me split offs?! I can't write like that! Give me my two consecutive offs back! Give it back! Give it back! （○´Δ｀人）
I hope that it's still entertaining anyhow. I'll be back next next week my lovelies! I hope that in the meantime, you'll enjoy this chapter. ohohoho~! (≧∇≦)/
Thank you for the continues support! I'll improve myself (or at least try to?) or even just the next chapters, even just a bit. Ψ( ｀▽´ )Ψ
And I'm extremely sorry for my tardiness at this update yet again! I lost track of the days! My goodness! (ノ＞▽＜。)ノ
Thank you for your patience! So here's my promise!
OC Character Profile
Anne Kuran
Birthday: April 8
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Food: Pastries (especially ones that are baked by otouchan!)
Favorite Drink: Strawberry-milk drinks
Favorite Place: Palace Garden and Otouchan's Garden
Hobbies: Playing the piano and reading books (usually romance and period)
Greatest Fear: Unmoving time, being trapped in a certain space, Caterpillars
Kohaku Kuran
Birthday: September 11
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: All types of sweets and desserts
Favorite Drink: Hot chocolate drinks, Earl-grey tea
Favorite Place: Castle's Library
Hobbies: Reading about history and mythologies
Greatest Fear: Mannequins, Dolls, Centipede
Akira Kuran
Birthday: September 11
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Food: Steak!
Favorite Drink: Chocolate drinks
Favorite Place: The whole castle, specially the halls and dungeons
Hobbies: Setting up tricks and traps, conducting experiments
Greatest Fear: Seriously angry chichihue, otouchan and nee-chan
Naoto Kuran
Birthday: December 7
Favorite Color: White
Favorite Food: Everything made by otouchan!
Favorite Drink: Grape juice and wine (Don't tell otouchan!)
Favorite Place: Castle's Library and study
Hobbies: Reading and writing novels, plays and poems
Greatest Fear: Clowns, Slugs/snails
Suiren Kuran
Birthday: December 7
Favorite Color: Lavender/ Lilac
Favorite Food: Everything made by otouchan!
Favorite Drink: Apple Juice
Favorite Place: Castle's roof top, anywhere where there's a beautiful prospect or view
Hobbies: Drawing and painting everything and anything
Greatest Fear: Bugs, especially with a hairy body and/or with multiple legs!
hahahahahaha! I'll think of something else, ohohoho~! ⊂二二二（ ＾ω＾）二⊃
(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)
Chapter 12
A Step Forward
Tok, tok, tok.
There was a soft knock before the door opened from the outside and Yuki's worried face peered inside the darkened room of her adopted-brother and best friend.
"Zero?" she called out softly.
She's been having a great day so far because she woke up from a very deep and peaceful sleep to find a slumbering vampire beside her bed; Ichijou's head on his bent arms, with one hand still holding hers. He really kept his promise of staying by her side and not going anywhere else. She then remembered her shameless actions, how tightly she clung to him and how she asked him to stay with her. She blushed, the inevitable embarrassment finally attacking her system but as she watched his handsome face in peaceful sleep, she can't get herself to regret anything, feeling too fortunate to have the opportunity to see him like this.
She was about to reach for his face when he suddenly stirred. She reflexively went very still, pretending to be asleep. Why? She didn't know. She felt him wake up and she had to fight the smile that's been persistently trying to form as she felt his movement, he was stretching, but no matter what he does, he still didn't let go of her hand.
"Ungh, ah, I fell asleep," he said in a husky voice that Yuki thought was very sexy, she wished her blush that she knew was there was not that obvious. Ichijou turned to the window to ascertain the time while rubbing his sleepy eyes with his free hand, the other still tightly holding his beloved's, and saw that it was already morning. No wonder he felt so tired, it's time for him to sleep. What should he do? He needed to go back but he didn't like the idea of breaking his promise to Yuki, at that thought, he returned his gaze to the brunette still asleep on her bed. He sighed, well, it can't be helped. Hmmmm, what a beautiful morning…Eh?
Yuki is already itching to move but she didn't know how or when. She cursed herself, why must you pretend to sleep? Why?! What for?!
She was thinking of the perfect opportunity of when to 'wake-up' when she felt him sit beside her on the bed, her heart suddenly thudded violently inside her chest.
"Good morning Yuki-chan." The blond greeted the prefect, he had the suspicion that she's already awake or about to wake up, he then bet down to grant her a kiss on her forehead, anticipating what her reaction would be if she's really awake.
Yuki jolted very visibly as she was caught off guard by his action. Her eye lids fluttered opened to reveal a very much awake sienna eyes. She immediately saw his bright smiling emerald eyes on her.
"What are you doing? Playing a game so early?" he asked, smiling down at her teasingly. Yuki-chan can be so weird sometimes, he mused.
"Eh, ah, I don't know." She admitted sheepishly, "Good morning, Ichijou-senpai." She awkwardly greeted, giving him a very embarrassed smile on her blushing face.
"How are you feeling?"
"Eh? Ah, I'm better, thanks to you," she said, feeling her face burn in shame at the reminder of her silly actions the night before. She sank deeper in the mattress in an attempt to bury herself alive, Oh the humiliation! She should have taken some alcohol so she could have something to blame it to! She thought regretfully.
"That's good," he smiled kindly, he knew she's being shy but he can't help but find her actions extremely cute that he reached out to brush away the dark brown hair that covered her face before tracing a finger on her soft cheek, not even noticing that he was already in a trance.
Yuki stopped her momentary journey of shame as she stared up at him, daze as the intimacy of his actions seemingly enchants her as well. They were instantly thrown in a world only for themselves, not even noticing how he kept on leaning closer to her, how her heart beat in anticipation, not even when an unwelcome guest intruded inside the room.
"Ehem!" the chairman had no choice but to rudely 'wake' them up as he's been standing there for a minute already without being notice and as the atmosphere is getting steamier every second, he was forced to put all of them in an awkward situation, rather than just him.
The two immediately jumped out of the bed, "Chairman!"
"Uhm, uhm, I've… I've made some breakfast, would you like to have some? Yuki-chan, it's almost time for classes so please ready yourself," he added when there was no response, "I'll… I'll wait for you both downstairs, okay?" he went out the door, walking stiffly like he's made of rocks, even before there was any response from the two teenagers.
Both Yuki and Ichijou blushed and grimaced, looking at the opposite directions, trying very much to calm themselves. How embarrassing! To be seen by the chairman of all people! They didn't even do anything inappropriate, not yet, but it felt like they were caught red handed… doing what anyway? They glanced at each other then they turned away again when their eyes met, this is getting even more confusing.
Ichijou cleared his throat first before saying, "Ah, it's late for me so I should get going already Yuki-chan. If ever anything happens to you, come to me, I'll help you." He turned to face her and smile again.
"Thank you Ichijou-senpai, you really helped me." She spoke after bowing slightly to him to show her appreciation as well as to hide her furiously red face.
"You'll always be welcome," he said sincerely, reaching out to her to tuck a bit of her hair behind her ear. "It's my pleasure." He added before bending to give him another kiss on the forehead. He knew he's being too close from the norm but he didn't care, rather, it's better to have his intentions and affections known to leave her of no doubt regarding his feelings. He wanted to confess already but he told himself to wait a bit more. He didn't want to confuse her as she just had her heart broken, though unknown to him, it was already too late as she's as confused about him and her feelings as can be.
Yuki watched him go out of her room as he declined her offer to walk him to the door for she needed to get ready for classes. She was left speechless and breathless as she felt her heart too light and heavy at the same time, she felt like there are butterflies in her stomach, she felt weak in the knees but energetic within, her body trembled in a pleasant way as desires embed itself in her soul. The young prefect threw herself on her bed, closing her eyes as she took a deep breath. She didn't know what Ichijou-senpai did to her but she found she love the feeling. She smiled as she basked in the delightful feeling the blond vampire gave to her, suddenly, yesterday's dark and bloody nightmare seem so far away as she felt her world illuminated, her heart strengthened and protected.
The cheerful brunette was bouncing with energy when she went down to the kitchen and even greeted the chairman a great morning, the earlier incident and interruption already forgotten, before she seated herself by the table and proceeded to eat her breakfast, unmindful that she's eating the chairman's cooking and not noticing Ichiru's dazed expression. When she looked around though, she noticed that Zero was not around, that caught her attention as she knew Zero is now being forced to sleep in their guardian's house because of his pregnancy and because of Rido's impending attack. She turned to their father to ask.
"Where's Zero?"
"He's inside his room," Kaien frowned, "hmmmm, I think something happened with him and Kaname-kun because he refused to eat breakfast and… and he looked conflicted." He came to his son's room earlier to invite him to breakfast and saw him sitting on his bed wearing a look of anguish. He asked him multiple times if something is wrong but he didn't even answer him. He has gone very troubled but didn't nag further as he decided to leave Zero alone for a while to think and he knows that his children are smart enough to arrive to a conclusion for every challenge they face. He sighed, he wanted to do something for all of them but perhaps he also needs patience as it's never good to force open a heart that's not ready to share. He only hoped that they'll come to him if problems get a little too heavy to carry.
This caught both Yuki and Ichiru's attention. They looked at each other and became concerned about Zero as well so proceeded to go to their brother's room.
Her apprehension intensified when she saw the expression on Zero's face. What could have happened? "Zero?"
The hunter looked up and saw Yuki followed shortly by Ichiru.
"Nii-san? What happened?" Ichiru asked his brother, feeling troubled at the look of pure agony on his face.
"Zero, are you okay?" Yuki never saw him like this before. The expression reflected on his face is different from the pain she used to witness because of his bloodlust. These past few days, she can only see happiness in him that's why she's even more anxious and baffled at the suffering now drowning his lilac eyes.
"It's nothing, I'm fine. Tell sensei I'll not be able to come to classes today." He said flatly with a tone of finality and a silent plea for silence and some time alone.
The two looked at each other again. Ichiru nodded to Yuki as a signal to heed and leave the hunter for now. He knew that tone, his brother really wanted to have some time for himself.
"Zero, you can talk to us, you know. Uhm, if… if you need us, we'll be here, okay?" Yuki gently offered. They stayed for a while but since he didn't answer, they were forced to leave him alone, internally debating if they should ask Kaname-senpai regarding this.
With a small click, the door to the room closed and the hunter was left alone in the darkness of solitude and misery.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
There were some slight movements in the darkness as the occupant of the room lay down on his bed completely. Zero felt exhausted even though he didn't even do anything since last night. He wasn't able to sleep the whole time ever since coming back from his lover's room as he thought of the memories, of Kaname's promise and of Anne's words.
He stared at the ceiling, not really seeing the white paint and the cobwebs starting to form as vision of his lover's face, life and memories filled his mind. Why? Why of all the people must it be Kaname?
So he was the reason why Shizuka Hio got loose, it was because of the pureblood's arrogance then. It hurts. He felt like drowning as he's attack by the fact that Kaname was the ultimate caused why his parents got killed and why he was doomed to become the very creature he hunted. It also hurt that he thought of him as nothing more than a tool for revenge and protection for his beloved sister. He felt used and worthless though he also knew Kaname didn't feel like that anymore but it was not enough to lift his spirits.
He held up his left hand in front of him and looked at the red ring around his pinky. It felt heavy and warm, almost as if trying to remind him of the eternal promise and relationship he shares with that vampire. He didn't know why but he couldn't find the energy to take it off no matter how angry he was.
He roll to his side and closed his eyes as he contemplated what will happen from now on when the words of his eldest daughter came ringing inside his mind.
"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."
"Reason, huh?" he numbly uttered to himself as he opened his eyes, not sure if he wanted to review the reasons of how and why he indeed fell for his pureblood vampire despite everything else.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
There were series of hurried footsteps that can be heard throughout the hallway leading to the chairman's office and after only a moment, without knocking, an ash-browned haired man opened the door to find the honey haired ex-hunter and a brunette little girl in earnest conversation.
"Chairman!" Kaito shouted but started at the sight of the little girl that Kaien is conversing with.
"Ah, Kaito-kun, thank you for coming, please sit down, I'm finish talking with Anne-chan." Kaien said cheerfully. He called for his eldest granddaughter to ask about Zero and Kaname and he was just informed that they're currently facing one of the trials in their relationship but was given nothing more regarding the matter. He didn't inquire further as it looked like quite a personal and private affair. He let it go as he was also assured that everything will be fine. He smiled sadly, hoping that would be soon as it's unbearable to see the despair in his darling son's eyes. He also called for the young hunter to ask him to protect the students and keep an eye out for anything unusual as an extra precaution for Rido's impending attack.
"Uhm, I heard that a vamp attacked last time, why didn't you tell me?" Kaito accused. He was out at the time to make a few rounds in the city that was why he was just informed of the attack that happened. Damn, a good opportunity just slipped by! And to think I could have legally shot down a pureblood vampire even! Tsk!
Anne chuckled as she watched the expression on the young hunter's face. She just knew what could be going through his mind right now if she judged right based on what she knew of his character, "You'll get your chance, Kaito-san."
Her lilac eyes instantly met his brown orbs and she slightly frowned when he averted his gaze as if being electrocuted. She was baffled at this because the Kaito she knew would never avert his gaze even when faced by a foe stronger than him. He faces them without fear so she was a bit troubled by this action. She was about to ask if anything was the matter with her favorite hunter when her grandpa spoke again.
"Well, let's talk about enhancing the security then," then he faced his granddaughter, "thank you for your time, Anne-chan. Please talk to me if anything happened, alright? You should retire now as you still need to sleep. You have classes tonight."
"Eh? Oh, I understand grandpa. Uhm, I'll- I will leave first then." She excused herself and proceeded to the door but without first throwing an inquiring look at the hunter which the latter didn't even notice as he was busy looking anywhere else but at her. "I'll see you later, Kaito-san."
The only thing she was given as a response was a grunt of acknowledgement from the hunter. It took all her will power not to barge inside again after she left and closed the door of the room. Hmmm, what was that? She thought, a bit irritated at not knowing the answer.
Anne has to sigh; men could be such a mystery sometimes.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"Hah~…" a long sigh came from the pretty little brunette that was slumped on her seat in their class. She's feeling exhausted and though she's as happy as she's feeling fortunate that a certain vampire would come visit her for a short while every day to ask how she's feeling since that certain embarrassing rainy day, she's still troubled by some other things.
Yuki blushed as she remembered how Ichijou-senpai whispered to her the day after during the night parade that he'd wait for her at a certain time and place inside the academy forest. She was really nervous then and was really curious for the reason why he called her out, it turned out it was to ask her if she's feeling completely well already and if she's still seeing her bloody visions. She was indeed having these strange visions but unlike before, she's a bit calmer though it would still scare and shake her. She honestly didn't know what's happening to her anymore but she believed it part of her forgotten past but then why is it coming back now? Who was she? Why was there blood everywhere? There was a part of her that's very afraid to find out the truth should it be as horrifying as her nightmares.
The vampire then proposed meeting there every night to check on her which she eagerly accepted. Yuki felt she'll really be fine with the assurance of seeing him every day and it's the reason why she can keep her calm even when red obscures her view. She felt lucky to have his company and it saved her sanity but her happiness couldn't be completed. She sighed. The reason was because of her adopted brother.
She turned her head to look at the back of the class where her troubled silver haired best friend seated himself. It's been a week already and he's still in the same gloomy and melancholic mood. His brooding expression prevented her from feeling the happiness that is within her already. She felt extra worried as it's also been a week already since she saw Kaname-senpai. The one to lead the Night class these last few days was Anne. It surprised the Day class students as well as Ichiru and herself. She didn't even think Zero knew about it as he hasn't been attending to his prefect duties during the class exchange, no doubt trying to avoid Kaname-senpai. But why? What happened?
She sighed, she's getting even more troubled because of this for they have no idea what happened to both as they refused to say anything because according to Ichijou-senpai, Kaname-senpai was also grave and silent which worries the whole Night class. They would spend hours trying to reach a conclusion as even the children refused to talk about and no one dared to pry even more.
She took a deep breath to calm and stop herself from marching up to Zero to demand the answers from his own lips. She knew it won't do to force him to spill. She smiled sadly, sometimes really, she just hope that he'd rely on her or Ichiru or even the chairman and not bottle it up like this.
She looked up at the ceiling then closed her eyes. Anne-chan said that everything will be alright. She hoped it would be soon as she can't bear to see her favorite people fight like this.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"Chichiue?"
"Kaname?"
These came from the blond vice-president of the Moon dorm and from the two young twin brunettes that opened the door to his study. They peered at the completely darkened room and saw Kaname seated by the large table, looking outside the balcony. They looked anxiously at each other for it was the same position they left him before.
He never moved from that spot, as if waiting for something, no, waiting for someone.
"Chichiue, please eat. We've brought some food for you." Kohaku offer softly after Ichijou laid the tray with his dinner on the table, "You've barely eaten and slept these past few days. Chichiue?" he repeated when there was no answer.
"Ah, forgive me for worrying you like this, but I'm really not hungry." Kaname gave a small smile to his young twins which only managed to look painful and weak.
"Demo, chichiue…" Akira began but couldn't continue. He looked at their exhausted father and had to fight down any retort for worry that it might just add to his burden. They witness many of their parents' fight but most never lasted this long. Most were also just petty arguments because of either side's stubbornness and they very rarely see it escalated in such a scale that it took days to be resolved so it concerned them greatly. Their sister would often go to their daddy's side to see how he's doing to make sure that he's eating at least and they're task to do the same for their father. However, it seems like nothing can console either side, especially their father who sees the situation completely hopeless but they knew he's just bidding his time and is using all his self-control not to barge in to their otou-chan's space to force him to his side again.
"Worry not, I'm fine," Kaname assured them again but it did nothing to alleviate their worries.
"Then, we'll leave the food here. Please eat it whenever you're hungry father…. And we'll take these," Kohaku offered and motioned to take the stack of papers that accumulated at the side of desk that the council still sent.
"Ah, there's no need, I will do it at another time."
"It's alright chichiue, let us handle it. You need to rest. Do not trouble yourself over such things. It will be done in a moment." Kohaku reassured which was supported by his twin's continuous nods.
"Thank you. Leave the things you cannot handle and I'll do them later."
"Uhm, rest well then father." Both brunettes nodded and they tip toed to give their chichiue a kiss before they exited the room.
Ichijou watched the two young ones close the door before turning to Kaname, "Would you also be skipping the class tonight?" he asked apprehensively.
"Yes, have Anne lead the Night class again tonight. There have been no problems, correct?" he answered, his gaze returning outside.
"None, the Night class still walks proudly behind her…." He paused before continuing, "will you be okay Kaname? You look terrible… How about going to class this time? The others kept on asking what happened." He persuaded. It was not a secret that something is afflicting their president as it can be felt inside the whole Night class dormitory. The lower class vampires have been asking if something was the matter and only the children's assurances was able to calm down the otherwise chaotic confusion that might have arisen from this. He sighed. The air was so heavy, it's hard to even breathe as even the children's mood and aura became so depressed. It was hard enough with only one gloomy pureblood but with five depressed hybrids, the pressure is almost solid. It's like the ceilings are so low on all of them. He wished that everything will go back to what it was, for his friend's and the entire Night class' sake.
"No, I'm trying to give Zero some time and space. I do not want to hurt him further."
"But Zero-kun is not even present during the night parades." The noble hastily informed as he might just convince his friend to finally emerge from his room.
"What?" This made him turn to his vice-president.
"Oh, he… uhm, we haven't seen him yet since that night." He explained. Ichijou forgot that Kaname didn't know about it as they avoided talking about the hunter in front of him and he only knew from Yuki that Zero is also brooding in his room and was only forced out to attend classes but never the prefect' job at the night march though he does takes his rounds around the academy.
"I see, then I'll wait some more." Before I take him with me. Kaname asserted and Ichijou wasn't able to say anything more to his friend's answer as finality was in his low but firmed voice.
The blond went away to the classes and he heard the door close behind him.
Kaname closed his eyes, his patience is wearing thin. He wished that Zero would come first to him so there'll be no need to drag his lover back. In his heart, he wanted his hunter to forgive him completely so they'll be no need to force him that's why he's been giving him time but every day seems like a century, every minute like a prick in his exhausted composure and every moment that passes without his mate by his side seems to freeze a part of him. How long must he wait? He's almost at the end of his rope.
He opened his burgundy eyes again. He's been fighting the urge to intrude upon his hunter's space that he didn't even try to connect to him though their bond. Zero must arrive to his own answer alone or it will be meaningless. He let out a deep sigh.
For you, Zero, I can loosen my hold. But I can definitely not grant you your freedom. Come to me soon or else you'll wake up and find yourself imprisoned in a golden cage.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"What if I am? Seducing you, I mean."
He halted his steps as the words and that piercing gaze kept coming back to attack the fragile defenses he put around his heart.
Damn it! What could that mean?!
Ichiru was haunted by those words day in, day out and he didn't know how seriously he should take them. Really, what is that vampire's game? Why, if he's hated, would he say those words? Would he take his joke this far?
He honestly didn't know.
Ichiru only knew that if, by any slim chance, Aido-senpai was being serious about his words then he is certainly crazy. Why him? Why would he like him? He couldn't think of one single thing that's good about him. He's fragile and weak. He's only so-so in other studies while greatly lacking in mathematics. He's also pathetic in sports and combat. And above all else, he's disgustingly sickly and feeble. He sighed. He can't think of one good characteristic about him that could possibly seduce a handsome, genius, charming, popular and rich noble vampire that's why all conclusion could only lead to his being played at.
He balled his fist, trying to get a grip of himself and reality.
There's no way, it can't be.
Who was he fooling? Aido-senpai is perfect and he's a man, why would he fall in love with a pathetic person like him and a male on top of that?
He took a deep breath. Irritation building up inside his chest as he's both annoyed at his own words and at how true those words rang to him. He was only jolted out of his inner torture chamber when a voice called out to him.
"Ichiru, how long do you plan to stand there? It's getting colder; let's hurry to the chairman's house before you catch a cold." Aido's voice was suddenly behind the young silverette that it made the poor prefect jump out of his skin.
"Fuck, don't surprise me like that, you bastard!" Ichiru exclaimed while clutching his uniform, his heart beating furiously inside his chest.
"I've been calling for you for a long while, you're the one who spaced out and didn't answer." The blond sighed, "Enough, let's go." He then took one of Ichiru's hands and proceeded to lead the prefect instead.
"Wha-! Don't get familiar with me. Hey! Are you listening? Let go of my hand, you asshole!" the silverette ranted while attempting to pull his hand free of the vampire's grasp.
But Aido's grip was like steel. No matter how much Ichiru pulled, he didn't let go. The prefect was left squirming and even ended up panting because of the effort but all to no avail. He looked up and saw the noble's proud golden tresses swayed as he trekked the way to the chairman's house, unmindful of the actions of his rebellious charge who was trying to escape.
The silverette looked down again on his captured hand. Ah, how he wanted to close his own fingers around this vampire's. He stopped himself as he knew he'd come to regret it should he make a bigger fool out of himself. He felt miserable as the noble's actions repeatedly threw him in the myriad of confusion that he wasn't able to stop himself from speaking.
"Enough already. Stop it." The prefect started.
This managed to snatch the vampire's attention that he stopped his steps to face the dejected silverette, "Stop what?" he inquired, arching an eyebrow.
Ichiru looked up at this. Damn this bastard! "If you know already then that's enough! There's no need for you to rub it on my face! If you want to laugh, laugh by yourself, there's no need to gloat!" he shouted angrily. He didn't mean to explode and finally say everything but it's all too much already. He can't take it anymore. If Aido already knew then there's already no use trying to ignore it and let himself be subjected to such games for amusement. He gritted his teeth at the look of pure surprise and bafflement on the blonde's face, "You bastard, you might think it's disgusting but I never regretted having those feelings! It's true for me so don't you dare play with it!" He exclaimed, a bit breathless but still staring unfalteringly at those enchanting blue eyes that has haunted him ever since he first sighted them.
"Ichiru, what- what are you talking about?" Aido asked a bit worried. He didn't understand the meaning of his words but it seems like Ichiru thought he's playing with him… but what game?
"I said enough. You already know right? Don't play dumb. You're a genius so there was no way you wouldn't find that out," he answered, bowing his head slightly, "Don't confuse me anymore than you already did. If you hate me then just hate me but don't… don't make me fall even more…" being further humiliated as blush formed on his pale skin.
Suddenly, the wind's howl was too deafening as silence blanketed the two students. Everything in them went very still except their thundering heartbeats.
Hanabusa stared at Ichiru, unable to believe what he's hearing. Is this real? Did he really hear those words? Does it have the same meaning as what he believed they do? Is Ichiru really telling him that he's been in love with him all this time? But wait, what? That and with his earlier words… did he mean that Ichiru believed that he's been toying with him? Him?!
The vampire felt a vein popped inside his brain. What-the-fuck! Did he suffer for a long time because of this misunderstanding? Who's to blame?! Who!?
"Wait, what are you talking about? Why would I play around with you when I've been chasing you for so long?!" he exasperatedly replied a bit too loud with a deep frown that his eyebrows almost met.
This made Ichiru raise his head, "Don't play dumb! I know you hated me! I've watched you since… since years ago so… so I know…" he added the last words in a softer tone, embarrassed at finally revealing his secret.
The blond noble wanted to kick himself at this. Shit! What the-! Yes, that was true but it's been long reversed! He wanted to scream in indignation. He can't believe it that he's been one of the reasons for his own suffering. "If you're watching then you should know that it's been long since changed!"
"Ha! What changed? Didn't you continue to hate me even now?!"
Grrrrr! Aido felt so frustrated. It's because Ichiru kept on flirting! "Isn't it because you kept on seducing girls?!"
"Hmph, says the Idol of the Night class." The silverette muttered, turning his head to the other side.
Argh! He can't refute that. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. What an utter failure. They just completely missed each other. He wanted to hang himself as he was really to blame for half of it but he did made his intention clear specially these past few days, wasn't that enough?
"…." Wait, maybe that was not direct enough. He looked at the silverette who's looking away from him. Ah, that's right. He forgot. Ichiru is a great pessimist. How could he forget that? He never did see what's so good about himself. "You're such an idiot." He softly whispered but without any meaning to insult.
"What was that, you-," Ichiru sharply turned back his head at Aido. He was about to curse him again but stopped at the sight of his blue eyes on him, with intensity that drowned him for a moment and knock out his air completely.
"I love you and if that's not clear enough, tell me. I'll repeat it again and again." Aido sincerely confessed out of the blue. He should have done this a long time ago instead just showing it to this dense silverette.
The young prefect gaped at the vampire's words. For a moment unable to comprehend what it meant. He didn't trust himself to believe, feeling that it would be too good for him. How is it even possible that he can have him? Before he can utter one word, the blond spoke again.
"How could I even hate you when I can't even breathe without you?" he forthrightly admitted, placing his forehead on the silverette's shoulder as if he's too exhausted to even stand straight. "I've been whacking my brains for methods to seduce you so that you'll notice me even just a little so how was it that I'm playing with you? You don't know how much you torment me. I want you so much it hurts." his voice was so full of emotion that it paralyzed Ichiru on the spot.
The prefect can't believe he's hearing those words. How? When? Why him? Can he really believe he's fortunate enough to have caught his attention? Is it real? And before he can even ask any of those questions, Aido raised his head, a hand below his jaw line, forcing him to look up. His breath got stuck in his throat at the sight of his face descending slowly to his. He almost closed his eyes, his heart honestly anticipating tasting his lips on his again when a feminine voice calling his name suddenly shook him out of his trance.
"Yuki! She'll see." The young prefect panicked. His hand shot up to stop the vampire's movements.
"As if I care," was all Aido said before he claimed his beloved's mouth and kissed him passionately. He wouldn't care even if the whole Academy sees. As long as he can make sure that he really holds this stubborn prefect's heart then it's fine. He wanted to make sure that no misunderstanding will be left of his intentions and feelings towards the younger Kiryū or he'll really hang himself.
Ichiru was lost and he instantly forgot all about his adopted-sister's arrival at the scene the moment he felt those enticing lips on his. It's as bewitching and intoxicating as he remembered from the first time he felt them. He could only instinctively wrap his arms around the vampire's from under Aido's arms, his hands clutching his senpai's white uniform to draw him closer.
The entire world has been forgotten as it contained only them. They could hear and see nothing, not the trees, cold wind, full moon or even the female prefect who indeed happened upon the steamy scene and whose mouth was promptly covered, to stop the exclamation she would have uttered, by the other blond vampire also at the site.
The two newly arrived, unwelcomed guests exchanged big smiles on their furiously blushing faces before quietly leaving the two for a more private time, feeling a bit awkward and too conscious of each other as they did.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
He opened his lilac eyes to find his surroundings completely dark. He got up and sat down, brushing away the hays that stuck to his clothes with his hand while he blinked multiple times to drive away the remaining sleep in his eyes. He sighed. He hasn't been able to sleep well since that evening and it's been about a week already. No wonder he felt so exhausted.
He heard White Lily neighed as if trying to get his attention. He looked up and reached out to her mane to pat her, "I'm feeling better, thanks." He said softly. It's the only place left for him where he can sleep peacefully as the prick of the bond tormented him. He almost forgot that it's been days since he last fed from Kaname and their budding bond obviously didn't appreciate that. It screamed at him and wailed like a child. He sighed. One of his hands shot down to feel his stomach. He hesitated. It can't be good for Anne too. He knew that but he can't help himself.
He looked up blindly. It's been so long since he needed to worry about bloodlust. It's not that he really craved it like before, like he was about to lose his mind as hollow coldness filled his body that he would have given anything just to quench his thirst. No, not like that anymore. He's just plain hungry but no other blood will sate him other than his. No other blood appealed to him. He only wanted Kaname's. He grimaced. What happened to him?
He knew he's fortunate never having to go through that painful experience of terrible bloodlust. He was saved from that as his mate's life and sanity will keep him from ever descending to that level. He need not become a monster anymore. He's lucky; he didn't need to pull the trigger of his gun to end his own life but why is it still so hard?
He closed his eyes as he sighed. He was told to think about why he fell for that bastard in the first place. Why indeed?
He's an arrogant bloodsucker who got on his nerve every fucking time and seemingly designed his every day to torture him with his condescension and disdain. He hated that arrogant prick so why did he fell so hard for him? When did it start again?
Was it because of his challenges hidden behind his haughtiness that pushed Zero to fight his bloodlust? Was it because he always seemed to save his neck even when he didn't ask to? Was it the time when he offered his pure blood to save his sanity? Or was it simply because he's Kaname?
In this life, what did he gain? What did he lose?
"It's not love at first sight and to be honest with you, I do not know when it started or how it began. How an extremely cheeky hunter managed to capture my heart when no one else did. I asked myself over and over again that very same question. I found I didn't need to know how or when it began because everything about you makes me crazy, sometimes irritates me, enchants me and makes me ridiculously happy. It's only you who made me feel, makes me breathe, only you who shook my very soul. Your every move, gaze and words seduces me every time to the point where I'm beside myself."
Was this a lie? It's not… right?
"Zero, I can't promise you a completely rosy life, for if you'll be with me that would mean endless challenges and struggles. I can't promise our union to be all but happiness, I'm sure there will be hurt and pain but if you're willing to face that with me as I will be willing to face all your troubles and carry your burdens then choose me. I promise to stand by your side until the end of my life."
At least he didn't give him false expectation about that, so this is true, right?
"I will postpone putting a band on your left ring finger but I would like you to put this on, this is the only thing I can give you. I will not get down on my knees but I would still ask you to share my life all the same."
He slumped, his hands grasping a handful of his silver hairs, his elbow on his bended knees.
It hurts. He wanted to run to him, very badly so but what would his parents say? Would they feel betrayed for he loved the man that indirectly caused their deaths? What would Ichiru feel? What if he hated Kaname? What should he feel? Can he even truly hate and forget him?
He can't and he hated himself at his inability to do so.
It's his arrogance that caused the greatest tragedy of his life. It's what turned him into a monster in the first place. He's the reason why Ichiru and he are now orphaned. So, why? Why can't he hate him? He knew he used to but why not now? Even after knowing all those things he did in the past, why can't he, for the fucking life of him, hate that bloodsucking vampire?
Fuck, it's really just because of that, huh?
He loves him.
For better and for worse.
It's too late, he knew it.
Even if deception clearly reflects in his eyes, it's too late.
But Kaname didn't even lie to him. He told him because he didn't want to hide it from him, because he wanted his trust, because he cared… right?
He opened his eyes, determination and resignation burning in his lilac orbs.
He stood up, there's no point of even prolonging both of their agony. He sprinted towards the Moon dormitory even before he realized it.
He knew he has long lost the war even before the battle started. He honestly didn't know what his parents or Ichiru would feel, the only thing he knew was what he would feel. He decided he'll apologize countless of times to his family but he'll still chose to be with him because he knew he'll regret it. He'll regret it until he dies if he let it end here, if he were to face life without him and if he were never able to see that future with him.
"I'm sorry mother, father, but please let me make this choice." as my happiness could only be with him.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-