Enjoy~!

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

Chapter 19

Unravel

Another night, just like any other night in Cross Academy, she still walks and patrols like a normal prefect. Still in her black Day class uniform and other than the newly acquired vampire instincts and power, nothing should have changed… and yet, here she was, doing her undertaking soullessly.

That jerk. Yuki sniffed, downcast.

That was a load of crap, that date was. She wanted to cry again in frustration for she can't understand what was wrong with him. How can he even say those things? What was the real score? Where does the problem lie? To her who was now an exalted pureblood or to him, who he believes was an undeserving noble?

Why was it even an issue?

Who dictated anything about a pureblood being together only with someone of the same high status?

What was the point of her reclaiming her memories if it was the reason why she cannot have him?

How unfair. That idiot. That stupid prick. Baldy! Dolt! Jackass!

Yuki suddenly jerked, halting her steps, after becoming aware of a presence… a powerful one…

She immediately took Artemis from its ridge, wincing at the sudden painful current of her weapon (it has been reacting strangely to her ever since she awakened as a pureblood) but enduring it, she looked up to see multiple bats hanging upside down on the branches of trees around her and though it would normally alarm her, the bats seem somehow familiar.

"Bats… Weird…" she murmured, trying to feel more and identify them as she can be sure that they were not normal winged mammals…

Vampire's bats.

"They seem to be the same type as onii-sama's bats, but… but…" she frowned, trying to pinpoint the difference. She only saw her brother's bats once or twice and since she's only been a pureblood for a short time, she's still not that familiar with sensing another's power. She was still deep in thought, trying to sense more, when the bats flew and assembled just in front of her.

The creatures formed and Yuki was wide-eyed as she beheld another vampire seemingly with child-like anatomy. After the cloud of bats dissipates, she was able to make out a light haired male wearing an odd attire of laced white shirt with blue ribbon tied around his neck, black puffy short, tights, boots and top hat.

"Good evening~!" the new vampire greeted in a sing-song and playful tone, "What a surprise~! I was thinking of meeting that hunter but look who I met instead~! You must be the little brat from the Kurans."

Yuki's eyes narrowed, immediately assuming defensive stance. How did this vampire learned about her? She has been awakened only for a while… and how did he manage to get in Cross Academy undetected until now? No, wait… this aura… "You are… a pureblood too, aren't you?" she asked experimentally.

"Right on the mark~!" the childish vampire replied, giving her a smile that didn't reached his eyes, "I'm the head of the Touma clan and I'm here juuuust to introduce myself so can you tell me where Kiryū Zero might be?"

This alarmed Yuki. She gripped Artemis tighter despite her weapon's apparent aversion to her new form, sensing something sinister about this new intruder, "No." was her firm answer.

Touma made a tut-tut sound in mock disappointment, "The stage is finally starting to move towards the bloody violence that I love so much! So, you know what that means~?" his smile and tone fell, replaced by wickedness unbefitting his adorable visage, "It means you need to get the hell out of the way and don't disturb my enjoyment!" he finished nastily as he dispersed in to multiple bats once again.

The prefect was only momentarily frozen at the instantaneous movement of her enemy but was able to brace herself for the attack. She was already prepared to swing Artemis at the first bout of bats coming her way when three presences made themselves known. She gasped as her view got obscured by broad shoulders clad in white with the longish dark brown hair of her savior. She watched as Kaname easily slashed the attacking bats, disintegrating to black puddles on the ground and heard the noise of a gun releasing its rounds near behind her but what caught her attention so strongly was the sound of sword being unsheathed close beside her. Her heart clenched as she turned and sure enough, Ichijou-senpai also came to her rescue.

From then, it became a blur of movements and noise of weapons as Kaname, Zero and Ichijou made short work of the bats that it didn't even take five minutes before it all fell but just as Yuki thought that it was already over, her brother and best friend turned towards the collection of black puddle.

"Awwww, they noticed me~~" the playful voice came from the black pool where Touma's head emerged from, "Awwww, bummer. I just wanted to sharpen my blades on her a little. No need to look so scary." He playfully stuck his tongue, "Well, toooobaaad~!"

"Disappear. I don't care if this is just an alter version of you. I'll still beat it to a pulp until it doesn't work anymore!" Zero ferociously threatened as he pointed Bloody Rose at the irritating pureblood.

Touma's eyes flashed at the sight of Zero but when his gaze fell on the vampire king intimidatingly towering over him with a promise of slow murder hinted in those bloody pools, he was forced to reply, "Okaaay~~!" he pouted, seemingly unaffected, "Bye-bye~~!"

All four closely watched as the last of the child-like pureblood's body turned to numerous bats and flew into the night.

Kaname eyed the bats, already calculating the exact revenge he'll do, contemplating actually attacking the audacious and foolish vampire in his own castle though it could very much be a breach of their 'etiquette'. But still, he needed to question that brat of the reason for his rude intrusion and surely, the attack against his sister, no matter if thwarted, needs proper punishment.

Zero glared at the column of retreating bats even after they flew far away from the academy, "Who the fuck was that?"

"Touma," Yuki answered, "He said he's the head of the Touma clan." She informed them though judging by her brother's unsurprised reaction, he already knew that.

"Did he say anything?" Kaname asked as he went near his sister, quietly inspecting her for any injuries though he can't smell any of her blood.

"He said he was here just to introduce himself… he was looking for Zero." She supplied hesitatingly, hating that she's giving them another reason to worry about.

Upon hearing this, Kaname looked back at the pitch black sky even though the shadow of that vermin has long been gone, eyes narrowing. One pest after another, he thought bitterly.

"Are you alright?" Zero inquired, easily brushing the fact that another troublesome fellow has been targeting him, no doubt for some dubious reasons. He's been concerned about Yuki ever since he sensed the intrusion of another pureblood in the vicinity and though he's sure that they made it in time, he's still worried. Though that leech appeared to be a child, he seemed knowledgeable enough in combat and Yuki is just like a new born fawn in utilizing her vampire powers. She wouldn't stand a chance even if she's more powerful. He sighed, and knowing that he was the supposed target made him quite guilty for mixing her in his mess.

"I'm fine, Zero, don't worry about me!" Yuki smiled brightly, expelling the forming gloom. That grim expression on the silverette's face tells her that Zero is slipping in his bad habits again. He's always been so fast on blaming himself. Geez, this guy. You can't just leave him alone. "I'm great even! I was just about to show him my best technique but you beat me to it." She answered animatedly, balling her fists in a fighting pose.

Kaname smiled at her adoringly for her lively spirit, though Zero was a bit more troubled as he noticed the burns Artemis made on her hands while Ichijou only stood quietly, closely observing to ascertain her well-being but not saying anything, feeling he has lost all right after what has passed between them.

They eventually trekked their way towards the chairman's abode to report. It seems like they needed to revise and strengthen the barrier they planned to erect and security measures they've been starting to prepare since the first invasion. They really needed to put up that barrier as soon as possible for a third attack might happen anytime. Clearly, they've been too lax and careless, it was just their luck that no damage has been done but they can't rely on good fortune any longer.

'What do you think he wanted?' Zero asked his mate through their bond as they continued their silent walk. Hell if he'll believe that leech with his reason. He didn't look like just introducing himself. His action spoke volumes of trouble.

'I shall find out. I'm planning in giving our little guest a visit soon.' Kaname replied, smiling comfortingly at his lover.

The silverette scoffed at the word visit. He's already too sure it will not be done over tea and cakes. Well whatever, he's sure that brat deserves it. He was just lucky he didn't manage to hurt Yuki because he would have definitely accompanied Kaname in visiting him had he been successful.

Yuki walked in silence, lagging just a bit behind the others, while quietly staring at the familiar stands of golden hair on a certain noble's head. How can he act like nothing happened when she feels like her heart was being painfully ripped out repeatedly? But if he didn't care then why come here to save her? Was it because she's their princess? Is it because of duty? Obligation? Because of Kaname-niisama? Did those previous actions mean nothing? Were those memories merely out of kindness? Was that affectionate smile something he gave to everyone else?

Hey senpai, what do you really feel about me?

Yuki halted her steps, clenching her teeth and balling her fists. She felt so confused and hurt. If you're not in love with me then don't act as if you do! It's only making it harder to ascertain the truth in his feelings. And if you really do love me then why not fight for me! Argh! He's either a liar or coward. This conniving and confounding bas-… Yuki swallowed the hateful words as she remembered those precious moments they shared together. No, he'll always be the one who saved her from those nightmares and the one who protected her when she was most scared.

Wasn't he the one who held her hand the whole night, who got hurt from holding a vampire weapon just to embrace her and said that he'll be crazy with her should she fall to madness? Were those out of pity? She believed it was out of love. For he… He… He…

"You jerk!" Yuki yelled at the retreating back of the blond.

All three vampires turned around, quietly surprised at the sudden outburst of the pureblood princess.

Yuki huffed, unable to rein the anger and pain she's been suffering from, almost in tears because of frustration. It's unfair. She glared as she walked nearer the blond, her long dark brown hair swung wildly with wind, the other two were forgotten pieces in the background, "You're such an asshole!"

"Eh?" Ichijou blurted in bewilderment, shocked that his innocent Yuki would say such a word so seriously and vehemently whereas Zero was used to it being called as such many times in the past while Kaname only looked mildly interested and amused as he sensed his sister rising to the challenge of her romance.

"You bastard!" she continued on as she grabbed Ichijou's collar forward, "Was it fun to keep my hopes up?!"

"Yuki-sa-,"

"I believed in you!" she shouted in agony, tears finally formed and fell down her flushed cheeks.

"Please listen to me." Ichijou pleaded, a hand around Yuki's wrist that's holding him to try and pry them loose.

"No, you listen to me! What you said was discrimination! How could you treat me so specially when I was a human and then just discard me now that I'm a pureblood?!"

"I-,"

"How could you let go of me so fast? Doesn't that make your feelings for me so shallow?" You loved me, didn't you? She sobbed, "You're horrible. Isn't that the same as playing with me?"

"That's not true!" Ichijou shouted as he gripped her shoulders tightly, successfully startling Yuki speechless. "I…" he started, tormented emerald-green eyes met equally miserable reddish-chocolate ones. His exquisite face contorted to something heartbreakingly vulnerable as he finally whispered the words that he painfully withheld deep inside his crippled heart, "I love you."

Tears fell even harder from soft brown eyes as she both rejoiced the confirmation of her deepest wish and lamented the reality of their unhappiness, "Then why?"

"I can't," he shook his head unconsciously as he wiped away the proof of her torment with his thumb, "Yuki-chan, I… I'm cowardly and weak… I'm nothing but a puppet. You'll be in danger if you're with me and I'm afraid… I'm so afraid I won't be able to protect you." He weakly confessed a voice almost breathless.

"Senpai, what do you mean?" she anxiously asked when she saw deep anguish in her favorite green orbs. Who is it? Who's this nefarious creature that tortures him? Anger seeped inside her core as she cursed the malevolence she didn't know surrounded the gentle and kind creature in front of her, "Senpai, please." She desperately urged when he didn't answer.

The noble was rooted where he mutely stood, looking tenderly in those strong and beautiful chocolate pools. He didn't want her to know for he knew of her admirable spirit and how she'll do everything she can to protect him. He cursed himself, ashamed at his own weakness and cowardice but one look in her eyes and he felt like he was completely forgiven. Ah, how was it that she loves him? What did he do to deserve it?

"Senpai, please," Yuki repeated, gripping a handful of his white uniform. She can't take it anymore, "Please tell me, senpai. Why?"

Her imploring eyes crushed his resolved that he can't help but confess, "If you're with me then you'll be a pawn to the ambition of the most senior vampire in the council of ancients, Ichijou Asato… my grandfather," he smiled bitterly and weakly as if the name alone poisons him.

Wide sienna eyes stared tenderly at the blond. She only met that old aristocrat once as a human and even then, she could feel esteem and apprehension towards those indiscernible but undoubtedly cold and cruel icy blue eyes. No wonder. He was so intimidating that his enemies would surely cower in fear under his scrutiny but not her.

Soft chocolate eyes hardened to sardonyx jewels as she made her decision to free her only light from the darkness trapping him. How dare he torment her love? It's unforgivable. She'll fight him with everything she got for there's something she absolutely can't lose. Nothing can make her let go of this hand! Nothing! Her silent battle cry was halted when slightly shaking hands pulled her closer.

"Please…" Ichijou closed his eyes while embracing her tightly, "I don't want to hurt you." He begged, "You're too precious to me."

Affection surged her whole being at those words which made her eyes water again. Why? How can you be so kind? Aren't you the precious one? Yuki wasn't able to say anything and only tightly wound her arms around his trembling body, all the while making a wish.

Someone, please, please, grant me his heart.

"Senpai, please, I don't care whatever hardship and danger I'll face when I'm with you because I'm sure it will be nothing compared to the pain I'll suffer if I were never to have you." She chokingly whispered to his ear, her dried tears already resurfaced. That old vampire might be scary but she just can't abandon this love. No force in heaven or Earth or in this vast vampire world can make her relinquish his heart. Nothing. "So please, don't endure my pain for me."

Ichijou tightened his embrace even more as he listened to those miraculous words, unable to utter a single word. Ah, so this is how it feels to hold the whole universe in one's arms. Elating and frightening at the same time. Overwhelming feelings poured inside him in violent waves as incredible happiness flooded him until his heart hurts. It was strange, how impossible fear chained him and yet he never felt freer than he does at this moment. How precious. How unbearably precious.

"So please, just let me love you." Yuki continued, giving logical conclusion in their circumstances. It was supposed to be simple anyway. If he loves her then it's only right that she'll have him, right? And no ambitious and greedy old schemer should get in between them, "Be mine, okay?" she brightly smiled even as a tear escaped from her.

Ichijou managed a genuinely delighted smile as he loosened his hold to take in the lovely sight of this amazing woman, "It would be a privilege." And as if it was a force of nature, he instinctively leaned down and took those pink lips in his. He sighed. It was even sweeter than he expected and the innocent and clumsy way she kissed him back only made it more endearing.

Yuki returned the kiss as much as she can while her heart betrayed how nervous she was as it thumped wildly in her chest and her face burned bright crimson. She never knew anything could be better and sweeter than her favorite parfait and pudding. She sighed as he softly moved his lips against hers. It was brief and gentle and while she was not yet ready to part with those silken lips entrapping her in an innocent seduction, she still let him break it to lightly kiss her forehead afterwards. This should be enough for now.

They only stared and smiled at each other for a long while, his forehead on hers, as they enjoyed the cold night wind that cooled down their heated faces and softly ruffled their school uniform and hair. They were silently basking in the contentment of having accepted their understanding when they remembered classes that the noble must attend to and at that, they were reminded of their two companions who they rudely ignored and associated as accessories of the landscape.

Yuki and Takuma snapped their heads to look for the other two, burning bright red from their toes to the roots of their hair, as they realize having performed for them an amazing spectacle only to find they were alone with the trees. For somewhere in the middle of their argument, they didn't notice when Kaname snaked an arm around a stunned Zero before yanking him to another part of the academy in blurred speed to give the couple some privacy so when the two finally came to, they were unaccompanied in the middle of the woods.

No, seemingly unaccompanied.

"Nee-chan…"

"Silence, Akira."

"But nee-chan, wasn't it finished?" Akira whined at his older sister. They were currently inelegantly sprawled and hidden under a dense bush to shamelessly stalk the couple in front like common perverts as their aunt and uncle unfolded their romance. Really, he can't take it anymore. When they felt another intrusion from a pureblood just earlier they, of course, flew after their parents to help out but even before arriving, it seemed like the ordeal has already been dealt with.

They were about to go back but then they heard their dear aunt's shout of frustration. He didn't know if it was a natural talent of their sister to know when such moments were about unravel but she immediately ordered a barrier be made and grab both him and his twin to duck ungracefully under this dense vegetation in order to, again, watch and record the happenings. If he's any judge, he'd say it's a crime and he's being forcefully turned into an accomplice!

"Be silent, dear Akira!" Anne hissed again, "Now I have to make some editing to take out your infernal voice from this." She shook her head, "That's right! I'll just insert some lovely melody since I plan to make this the perfect gift on their 100th wedding anniversary!"

Akira sighed. He wanted to point out that the said event was not even for more than two long decades even back during their time but he just decided to give up. He'll be nagged again and again so he just held his tongue and copy his twin brother who seems to be feigning slumber all the while pleading to his guardian angels.

Someone save me!

He sighed miserably.

This is indeed the tragedy of their family, to have a daughter who has such insane hobbies.

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"'I came here with no expectations, only to profess, now that I am at liberty to do so, that my heart is and always will be yours.'"

Everyone inside the parlor turned to the new arrival and they were all graced by the animated sight of their vice-president. Considering that he just quoted a famous line from a romance novel and movie, they, especially the three little brunettes, were sure of the reasons behind it. No one asked nor commented regarding his cheery mood instead, a certain young lady rose to the occasion.

"Oh, that was absolutely lovely uncle!" Anne swooned, "How about 'In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.'" She finished with a sigh as she hugged herself.

The blond and brunette smiled at each other in understanding while her little siblings also joined in by quoting different lines from several movies to entertain themselves.

"'Hope guides me, it's what kept me through the day and especially the night. The hope that after you are gone from my side, it will not be the last time I look upon you.'" Suiren quoted as she looked up from her sketch.

Naoto surprised everyone in the room by quoting one of his favorite lines from a play. "'Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.'"

"'You had me at hello.'"

"'Swoon. I'll catch you.'"

"'I think I'd miss you even if we'd never met.'"

"'I wish I knew how to quit you.'"

Ichijou froze for a moment, "I do hope you had parental guidance when you watched that."

All five children turned at their uncle at this, smiling beatifically but still with no hint of a direct answer. Well, perhaps they were old enough. Ichijou comforted himself as they continued on blissfully quoting famous lines which then turned into a guessing game.

Meanwhile, the only two other nobles sat in silence as they listened to the children and their vice-president happily guess which line came from what movie.

"It's a wonder how someone could be so annoying when they're depressed because of love and be even more so when they're happy in love." Hanabusa grumbled.

"Don't be like that Hana, you were worse than Ichijou-san." Kain supplied, deadpanned, also watching the green-eyed noble waltz around as if flying while carrying with him a smile bright enough to burn anyone.

The blond turned to his cousin, looking scandalized, "What? Excuse me but since when did I quoted cheesy lines from romance movies?!"

Kain stared at him, debating with himself if he should point out that while he didn't spout movie lines, he did, however, bored him with countless poetry and sonnets enough for him to remember several authors and in his book, that was infinitely worst. But having mercy, he swallowed his retort and instead asked, "What's the problem?"

Hana sighed as he leaned back on his seat, "Ichiru was acting weird." Of course his cousin can read him well.

This caught the red-haired vampire's attention, "Did you ask him about it?" oh no, please let them make up fast. He didn't think he'll be able to endure months and months of sleepless mornings again. And he'll just hang himself should his cousin start reciting depressing poems about broken hearts.

"Of course I did. He wouldn't say anything," he answered, his head on his hand, "I wonder…" He's worried for he has several ideas and he didn't like any of them.

He, of course, ruled out the possibility of his silverette falling out of love because that's impossible. He's confident that they're no doubt the most perfect couple there is! It's also not possible that someone else will catch his angel's eyes for his perfect self has only been more radiant since acquiring his treasured lover. He also made sure that he didn't miss any important details in their relationship! Their first monthsary is not for several days though he already prepared the perfect gift as always. And even when his popularity threatened to overwhelm them, he always makes sure to assure his lover of his eternal faithfulness and adoration to him… though jealousy is really hard to conquer. Damn. So that's one infernal possibility.

Though it might not be because of their relationship…

Maybe it that scary costume he'll be forced to wear? No, that's ridiculous since it should be obvious that his Ichiru will turn extremely cute no matter what he wears and he was told that he didn't even know what they will wear just yet… Perhaps, the upcoming midterm examination after the cultural festival? He remembered that it was always a cause for his depression, and Yuki-cha-sama's, but he somehow doubted it.

Or maybe, someone is bothering him! A persistent stalker maybe and considering his angel's beauty and natural grace, that's definitely not impossible! Then he caught himself. No, that can't be it since he would have noticed being with him at every possible hour… did someone got passed his sharp eyes? That irritated him. Admittedly, their precious moment together were always inadequate because of classes and since the chairman didn't allow him anymore overnight tickets to his house after finding out about their relationship which mightily depressed him so someone may have taken the chance to get closer to his precious lover! He might be exaggerating but he can't rule out that likelihood since this is his angel he's talking about whose innocence still unwittingly seduces him even now. So definitely a possibility.

He sighed.

There are hundreds more other likely reason for Ichiru's distress and he's irked that he can't take it away for him. He blindly stared at his companions only to see silvery lavender orbs in the face of a pale beauty. There's this one other possibility that he didn't want to think about…

Hopefully, that was not it. He knew his gentle Ichiru… who's always been blind about everything perfect about himself… He smiled sadly.

He needs to figure it out fast since his adorable lover could be an idiot sometimes.

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"Oi, Kaname. Wake up."

He felt a nudge and heard Zero call his name apparently trying to rouse him from his sleep. Somnolent eyes slowly opened to find his lover sporting a disgruntled expression, "What is it, Zero?" he languidly inquired reaching out to gently rub a thumb on his cheek as if to wipe away his unease.

"I… I can't sleep," the silverette answered, frowning even more as he turned away from the sleepy pureblood, "I'm… hungry."

Kaname sat up and was about to offer his blood but before he was able to speak, Zero added, "Not for blood… I want to eat."

The brunette raised an inquiring eyebrow, baffled not because his lover is hungry but because he found his reaction quite confusing for when he was able to shake away drowsiness, he observed Zero's embarrassment. He stared at his hunter's blush, his hands clutching the blanket with an unsettled expression, an air of indecision around him as if he didn't know what to do with himself. He smiled. Ah, how adorable.

"Shall I wake the kitchen staff?"

"No!" Zero blurted out, immediately turning to the pureblood and looking exasperated, with his eyes asking 'are you an idiot?', "I just want to eat some… fruits." He would have done it himself but he didn't feel like rummaging someone else's refrigerator as if he owns it. He didn't know why but he really wanted it. It was the first time his mouth watered for anything other than blood. He wanted it so badly he can't even sleep even when he tried! Damn it.

"I see. Let me get some for you." He indulged but before he could even get out of bed, Zero added:

"S-strawberries. Just that."

He blinked when he saw embarrassment, unrest and amusingly, great determination and desire in his lilac eyes expressing a loud 'we'll-have-problems-if-I-didn't-get-it.' Kaname affectionately smiled in a reassuring way and nodded before making his way towards the dormitory's kitchen all the while chuckling while thinking about how incredibly cute Zero was.

He entered the silent and dark dining hall to unsurprisingly find it empty and only then realized that he actually didn't know where the kitchen is or even how it looked like. For a moment, he seriously contemplated waking someone to help him but decided against it for its shameful and rude to disrupt someone's sleep for such a reason. Perhaps it was exactly for the same reason that his lover was flushed and embarrassed when he made this request.

Instead, he looked around and went to the place where servants often disappear to whenever he makes his orders. It's lucky that he has been spending more time eating in this hall to join his children during their meals rather than eat alone in his room. To his relief, he happened upon just one door that immediately led him to a huge kitchen containing more than what he saw in the chairman's own house.

He looked around trying to figure out where one keeps their fruits. As far as he knows, fruits are kept in one single bowl atop the dining table… ah yes, that was the case in most household… it might be different since this is a dormitory. Alright, then it should be kept… ah, of course, the fridge, isn't it? It's a good thing that he already saw a refrigerator once in the chairman's kitchen… now where was theirs? He turned from side to side, eyeing everything inside the room but none looks exactly like what he saw in his friend's house. It can't be that Moon dorm doesn't have one…

With no other choice, he tried the classic trial-and-error to search for the godforsaken appliance. Kaname went to the nearest cabinet and opened it to find stacks of plates, then another to find bowls and the next one containing small electrics. He was opening the fifth cabinet when the lights he didn't even turn on came to life and the gasp of one Aido Hanabusa resounded.

"Kaname-sama!" he exclaimed in surprise. He was just about to refill his water pitcher when he sensed their leader. He blinked at the sight of their beloved king doing something so menial like opening a kitchen cupboard. No, the pureblood standing in the middle of the kitchen is already too unbelievable and unprecedented. "Err… ah… What are you doing, Kaname-sama?"

"Aido, perfect timing. Could you direct me to the fridge?"

Hanabusa blinked for a few minutes before he comprehended just what he was asked, "F-fridge?" Why is Kaname-sama looking for the fridge? "A-are you hungry, Kaname-sama?"

"Not at all but I'm looking for strawberries." The pureblood quietly smiled, still waiting for the noble to answer.

"Strawberries…" the blond numbly parroted. Huh.

"Aido?" Kaname jarred the blond out of his thoughts. Zero's waiting for him, he needed to hurry.

"Hai! Ah yes, the fridge." He walked towards the large cooler and opened it.

The brunette quizzically looked at the large metallic appliance, wondering why it looks very different from Kaien's. Never mind, he thought as he watched the blue-eyed blond search for the contents and looked for those reddish pip-full strawberries that his mate currently craves.

The noble searched the inside in the pureblood's stead but didn't find one. He checked each shelves, the vegetable rack, the little containers and even the freezer but found not one teeny tiny strawberry. "…." He nervously looked up at the expectant pureblood, "Err, Kaname-sama? I don't think the staff stocked some… Uhm, there's none here. Maybe, it's because it's not in season?"

Kaname fell into a deep thought. "How troublesome." He remembered how Yuki wasn't able to buy the fruits on her date for reasons she didn't want to inform him though perhaps that mystery was already solved but his own dilemma still stands: They have no strawberries.

"But there are some apples here. Maybe you'll like this instead?" the noble hopefully offered.

He blankly stared at the unwanted fruit then remembered the look of his mate when he made the request. "No, I'm afraid that won't do." He decided. This is the first time Zero actually made a request so he won't allow himself to fail him. "Surely, there is somewhere we can purchase them."

"Of course, Kaname-sama." Aido answered which unknowingly caused enormous relief in their president.

The pureblood looked at the noble companion currently still squatting in front of the open appliance. Someone needed to go out and buy some. How unfortunate, he sent Seiren out in a mission and though Aido will most definitely obey him, he didn't like the idea of just waiting whereas someone else fulfillshis Zero's request. He sighed, "Aido, do you know any store that still operates at this hour?"

"Eh?"

"…." Hanabusa's in a daze, torn between happiness and lamentation. For sure, he was the only one graced by such rare sights of their beloved Kaname-sama in the middle of the dormitory kitchen and his serious expression while scrutinizing a produce in a 24 hour supermarket but he bemoaned the fact that it was all because of that stupid hunter's pregnancy cravings. Kaname-sama… their beloved Kaname-sama actually being forced to an errand to satisfy that hunter… He deeply grieved the fact but knowing just what one will be willing to do for the sake of a loved one, he let out a defeated sigh. Well, he knows he'll do the same for Ichiru so he can definitely relate to it.

And so the noble allowed himself to be blissfully entranced and distractedly followed the pureblood while he shopped for other nutritious foods he deemed Zero might need and pushed the cart containing all the strawberries the market had on their rack. He was content with just watching their leader read the label of a fresh milk carton when he spoke to him.

"How's Ichiru-kun?"

Hanabusa caught himself, "Eh? Ah, he…" he trailed, slumping a bit at the reminder of his clearly distressed lover, "Physically, he seems healthy but I noticed that something seems to be troubling him as of late." The blond admitted, fiercely frowning at the red fruits as if they're the cause of his beloved's suffering.

"Is that so? And he didn't tell you the reason?" Kaname asked while glancing at his subject from the corner of his eyes.

"No, Kaname-sama…"

"You're the sole male heir to your family's noble line, aren't you, Aido?"

"Eh? Yes, of course," the noble blinked at the sudden change of subject.

"Then before the knowledge of the Kiryū's lineage and power, have you ever thought that it might just end in your generation?"

"I… I was never concerned about it, Kaname-sama, for I'm hardly the last of the Aidos. My sisters' child-…" he stopped once comprehension dawned on him the moment he looked at his president's knowing eyes. He immediately understood the unsaid meaning. So that was why…

"Ichiru is quite fragile, take care of him." Kaname smiled before proceeding to the counter.

The noble followed. He knew that his leader's words pertained to Ichiru's emotional strength and his self-confidence rather than his lover's physical aspect. He knew it. So that was really it. Ichiru really is such an idiot. He smiled sadly. He must quickly fix this erroneous misunderstanding.

"Thank you for your assistance, Aido." Kaname turned to face the noble before proceeding upstairs after coming back with their purchases.

"No, I thank you, Kaname-sama." He respectfully bowed down. He's extremely grateful for letting him understand the reason for his lover's gloom. He then went back to his room, completely forgetting his empty water pitcher that was left in the kitchen and the initial motive why he went out of his room that evening.

Kaname watched as his subject returned to his chambers, a hidden smile on his lips. Well, so much for letting them handle it privately but he cannot let his lover's twin be in pointless agony much longer which may become a reason for his own mate's unhappiness. Still, the rest shall fall in their hands for, right now, he has far more important things to worry about. He must quickly go back to his hunter. Having been gone for much longer than was expected, his lover must be feeling impatient and sure enough, a disgruntled expression on a pale face greeted him.

"You're slow." Zero grumbled as soon as Kaname opened the door, a knot on his forehead, too impatient in his waiting. He would have gone back to the chairman's house already had he not remembered that he already used all the damned strawberries when he baked that cake for that party. Oh hell! He didn't know why he felt so unsettled. He just wanted to eat them. Damn it! What is wrong with him?

Kaname quietly apologized. His lover's unintentional bright expression at the sight of the fruits washed away any displeasure he would have felt because of his ungraciousness. He smiled as he watched his hunter silently eat, clearly enjoying his meal, surrendering for he can only feel contentment in knowing it was he who delivered such satisfaction in his mate.

"What the hell are you looking at?" Zero mumbled uneasily, his lover's constant gaze unnerving him.

The pureblood genially smiled, "Please do not mind me. I'm just enjoying the view."

The silverette fixed his resentful scrutiny to the unperturbed brunette who, if possible, only turned even more delighted as if his annoyance was something extremely captivating and purely adorable. He sighed. Kaname's disease runs deep.

After being completely sated, Zero was able to rest easy. The crease on his forehead completely vanished as if the sweet fruits were panaceas to his unexplained craving. He fell in a deep slumber, unmindful of the vampire who contentedly watched him sleep with undying devotion in his wine-filled eyes.

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