Author's Notes: ｡：ﾟ(｡ﾉω＼｡)ﾟ･｡ I have no excuse except that I'm an incompetent trash. (つ﹏ 。) Just... I'm so sorry. (っ◞‸◟c) I don't even know if this chapter will be up to your taste but I'll continue to do my best. (｡•́︿•̀｡) The silver lining is... I'll be able to update again by next Saturday... I'm just so sooooorrrrrrrry! .·´¯`(｡ﾉω＼｡)ﾟ´¯`·.
(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)
Chapter 24
Secrets
Wise men said that half of one's life will be full of sadness while the other half will be abundant with happiness. That in every miserable happening, there would be some miracles and bliss, and that the sun will shine even after the darkest night. Very positive and uplifting but it cannot be forgotten that it could be reversed as well. That after every bright day will come the dawn of the blackest night. That if there's an up, there's a down and after the fun of the cultural festival, there's the nightmare of the term exams.
Yuki groaned. She didn't know how many times she did it that evening but she can't help but repeat it, hoping the world will find pity in her circumstances. Chocolate orbs resentfully stared at the several reference materials and notes spread in front of her. Ah, it's dizzying. No matter what she does, she cannot, for the life of her, burn the symbols, numbers and incomprehensible words in her mind.
What did she do to deserve this torture? She thought miserably as she closed her eyes to deny the horrifying view before her and tiredly held her head between her hands.
"Argh…"
Russet orbs wearily opened to find her faithful silver companion doing the same thing. Ichiru seemed to have ruffled his hair one too many times if his messy hair was any indication. She heard him groan again and she felt somehow relieved to know that she's not the only one miserable in this particular situation.
"Aren't we in the middle of a war? Why do we still have to take tests?" Yuki groaned, totally disregarding the fact that such a question didn't grace her lips when she was busy fussing about her love life and having fun at the school festival.
The silverette mirrored her groan before answering, "It's the chairman… He wants everything to appear normal…" He moaned pitifully again before continuing, "He said it will appear weird to the students if things didn't proceed as it should… He said to hold off until the winter break… winter break… shit… the winter break is still so fucking far away…" They should just close off the academy immediately. Though there hasn't been any attack as of late nor was there a successful one before, it's kind of risky to keep the students here. He understood the trouble it will have in their normal life especially when they have no idea what's going on and when the academy could possibly open again, but it still wasn't enough to motivate him regarding their present concern.
"True…" the brunette faithfully answered back in a voice full of death.
"We're home!" the headmaster's jovial voice resounded from the main entrance. It seems that they're finally back from Zero's bi-weekly check-up.
Yuki frowned when she saw Ichiru visibly stiffen and heard his steadily raising heartbeat. She asked him, "Hey, Ichiru, are you-," but her worried inquiry was cut by the older silverette who just entered the living room where the two decided to bully their brains.
"Ichiru, you're here."
"Ah! Ichiru-kun!" the chairman immediately cried passionately when he saw the younger silverette, "Where were you last night? How could you ditch your papa's most important event?!"
Ichiru steadily paled as his very own silver bullet and golden canon fired at him while a hand unconsciously covered the base of his throat where a large band aid is plastered over Hana's bite marks. Shit, he still hasn't thought of a logical excuse.
"Did anything happen to you?"
"N-nothing."
"Spill it."
He took a deep breath, "Really, nothing happened." He repeated more resolutely, fear making him more convincing much to his own surprise.
"Tell me the truth."
"Eh?" Incredulous lilac eyes met suspicious lilac eyes. How can he even tell? That's my best performance ever! His question must be plastered on his pale forehead since Zero answered him.
"You have your 'lying' face on."
"Ugh." Ichiru groaned, averting his gaze once again while the chairman and his brother continued to interrogate him.
Yuki smirked when the other two crowded around the poor prefect. Oh, so that's what it is. The brunette mused, already having an inkling regarding the reason for his absence. She was still contemplating whether to help her dearest brother or snatch this chance to tease him mercilessly when a series of fast actions easily made the decision for her.
Just when he's about to burst because of nerves, Ichiru's instincts must have kicked off and in response to his fight or flight dilemma, panic gave his long legs enough power to suddenly jump out of his seat and run. Unfortunately, his battered brain cells have also completely forgotten that he's facing two well-known hunters whose abilities far surpassed his own.
Both Kaien and Zero reacted fast to Ichiru's sudden action and they seem to share the same thought of grinding the silverette for answers as both reached out at the same time. Each hand landed on Ichiru's either shoulder which they yanked at to prevent his leaving. Their action damaged the youngest' shirt and ripped most of the poor shirt's button, leaving Ichiru almost half-naked.
"Wha-," the younger silverette sputtered, stumbling a bit. A surge of irritation filled him and he whirled back to the two once recovered only to find them quite frozen. Ichiru frowned, "What?"
They blinked before turning away with Zero sighing and the headmaster covering his face. The mystery was only solved when Yuki, who's wearing a smug look even while blushing, openly leered at him and pointed at something on his back, "Those," she said not as a question, "are not insect bites."
Ichiru instantly knew what they could have seen since he also caught sight of them in the mirror just that morning. Hot flush instantly covered his pale skin as he fearfully looked back to this brother and guardian but instead of the frightening explosion he was expecting, lilac orbs was only greeted by the sight of the two hunters covering their faces as if embarrassed. Before any words were said, the blond ex-hunter run out of the room but not before shouting at the top of his lungs that "P-papa will always support you, Ichiru-kun!"
Zero, on the other hand, removed his hand and simply sighed as if exhausted and said in a resigned tone, "Make good life choices, Ichiru."
That was all and he trudged out of the room and perhaps, towards the kitchen in search for his stress-reliever; strawberries with cream, cheese and peanut butter. The angry litany and threats to his lover which he was expecting never came and he wondered if it's only the calm before the storm. It didn't look like it though.
"Wow, you got off unexpectedly easy, huh?" Yuki finally broke the silence, blinking large chocolate orbs in wonder, before turning to her only companion who's still frowning at the door. To be sure, the headmaster would probably go back sometime to say something moronic but that's not a problem, she was expecting Zero to immediately launch an attack at the blond vampire but seeing him deflated like that, she doubted it. Ah, must be the hormones. She decided finally after finding no other logical explanation to the underwhelming development. "Well, aren't you glad, Ichiru-kun?" she let out in a sing-song voice while clapping a hand on the male prefect's back.
The silverette scowled in return and hissed, "You're enjoying this, aren't you?!"
"Eh? Of course not. You know I'm on your side."
"Say that again once you've wiped off that smirked from your face."
"Eh? I don't know what you're talking about. This is my default expression."
The silverette only heaved a huge sigh before fixing his shirt and flopping back on his seat. Argh, he's tired. Lilac eyes looked back at the pureblood when he heard a chuckle and found her smiling genuinely. "What?"
"Nothing. I'm just glad. You seem better." Yuki sincerely offered. The gloom surrounding her adoptive-brother's aura in the past few days didn't escape her notice but seeing him now, she knew that was taken care of and that something good happened to him.
Ichiru averted his gaze to look down on his study materials. "Y-yeah." He nodded, slightly coloring, "Thanks, Yuki."
The pureblood princess was still nodding happily when thoughts of likely antagonists in the form of the Day class students intruded in her mind. She, herself, was ambushed by a rabid mob of Ichijou-senpai's fans but even though she was quite overwhelmed at first, she was able to stand her ground even with all the loud shouting torturing her hyper-sensitive ears and proudly declared that yes, she's going out with Ichijou-senpai and no, she doesn't have any intention of breaking up with him no matter how much they threaten her or how shameless they claimed her to be. She daresay that she did a very good job of facing them all that even Yori-chan, who was with her the first time, was impressed. But really, she cannot let herself be overwhelmed by the Day class students anymore for she has a bigger fish to fry in the name of that old coot, Asato, who's trying to poison her boyfriend's mind and attach strings to him like a puppet. So yes, not losing out now.
However, while Ichijou-senpai's fan-base is large considering that he's the perfect prince charming, it's surely nothing compared to the sheer number of fans Aido-senpai must have. The pureblood her, no matter how brief, was already overwhelmed just by that number, how much more for Ichiru who may be facing half the female student body as his enemy? Seeing no visible scratches and wounds on him didn't snuff the unease building up inside her. "Hey, how are you this morning?! Are you okay?! Were you ambushed by Aido-senpai's fans?! Did anyone threaten you?!" Yuki interrogated, internally berating herself for remembering that important piece of fact just then.
Curiously, Ichiru's reaction was unexpectedly lame and without distress. "Hmmm? Oh, that." He stated in a voice that also seems to wonder, "Err, I'm okay… I guess?"
"What do you mean?" Yuki incredulously asked. It can't be that the incident yesterday went unnoticed. More than a dozen groups barraged her for answers just last night!
"Huh… I wonder…" the silverette only murmured as light lilac eyes got fogged by the memories of the incident that happened that morning.
He knew that though everything between him and Hana are at least pretty much settled, an incoming storm in the name of Hana's fan girls are still at bay. Even with the fact that his school life has most definitely been thrown into disarray, the knowledge of Hana's love and acceptance gave him far more courage than he thought possible for him to possess in his lifetime. And so, with just a bit of trepidation for he's sure to find his locker glued shut or packed with mud, his shoes missing or filled with insects and his desk vandalized or squarely chucked out of the window, he still went to face the inevitable chaos. However, instead of finding himself the target of horrifying bullying like in mangas and anime, he found his locker closely guarded by a dozen or so female students wearing headbands and carrying pink banners that read something that resembled 'HanaIchi for Life'. What the hell? The silverette was instantly immobilized by shock and confusion. He could have sworn that he recognized some of them belonging to the large anime club and the infamous drama club that are known for their queerness.
To say that the silver prefect was surprised was an understatement. He was so stunned that he's numb and speechless and not even their high-pitched exclamations at spotting him could shake him from his trance. He didn't even notice when his bag was snatched from him and his leather shoes were replaced by his clean indoor school shoes and was promptly dragged, almost carried, by the happy mob while a few appeared to have stayed behind to still guard his locker and leather shoes.
The scene they happened upon inside their classroom was even more astounding. He was almost able to make out the background from wild, wild west with pistols and cowboy hats on the two opposing sides who were having a glaring contest around his desk which, he numbly noted, is still clean and scribbled-free.
"I said do not interfere."
"And I said stop these childish pranks."
"This has nothing to do with all of you!"
"Yes, and you all have nothing to do with Aido-senpai and Ichiru-kun's relationship as well!"
"W-what did you say? We're Aido-senpai's most loyal fans!"
"So? That doesn't give you any right to bully his boyfriend!"
"Wha-! H-hey, i-it's not confirmed!"
"Oh please, we both know that you're all here because you know it to be true."
The group of girls who're clearly against his and Hana's relationship flinched and fell into a defeated silence. Silver lavender orbs cast their gaze down, unable to face the torment he has brought upon the creatures whose seemingly questionable actions were surely only caused by broken hearts. While he knew that it's not his fault, he can at least sympathized with them, having felt the same strong feelings towards the blond noble and maybe, would have expressed the same bitterness at the knowledge of his loving another person besides himself. Yes, he can sympathize with them. He's the lucky one but in a sick twist of fate, he could have been one of them.
"I'm sorry." He found himself saying.
His voice, in the midst of tense silence, carried through all the occupants of the room despite its softness. All eyes were upon the silver prefect in an instant. The angry female horde quickly made a move towards him but his seeming allies beat them to it and were around him as if to shield him from any in-coming attack.
"You didn't need to apologize, Ichiru-kun. You're not at fault here." said the young woman who was speaking opposite the angry girls earlier.
"No, I…" Ichiru begun and with the same conviction in having enough of running away, continued, "I'm not sorry that I'm going out with Hana but… I am sorry for hurting you all."
Complicated expressions replaced the earlier angry glares as if unable to decide what to feel any longer. Only a brief and tense silence followed before a quiet voice belonging to one Wakaba Sayori, who's standing quietly by Yuki's empty desk, put a stop to the drama.
"I think this is enough from all of you." She voiced in an even tone that is neither mocking nor scolding, "You shouldn't take it out on Ichiru-kun that Aido-senpai chose him above anyone else. You also cannot forget that it may be Aido-senpai who fell in love first and as such, you may be ruining his chance to happiness by trying to force them apart. I don't think senpai will be pleased with you cornering Ichiru-kun like this."
Several lips tightened into a grimace and without any more words, the early angry mob of girls filed out of the room. The sea of people outside watching the commotion parted to give them way.
Wakaba Sayori only sighed, hazel orbs quietly following the retreating students. When the last of the anti-party disappeared into the crowd in the hall, she turned to the silver prefect who's also following the group with somber gaze. "I know there's no need to say it since it's Ichiru-kun but I hope you won't take it against them."
"Wakaba-san…" Ichiru uttered gratefully, lilac eyes finding the girl who can always be trusted to be a voice of reason and a much better source of sensible advice than his guardian or Yuki.
"Ichiru-kun!"
His attention was then snatched by the swarm of girls he didn't notice were still surrounding him. The girl earlier, Tachibana, faced him with an odd sparkle in her eyes.
"Don't mind! No matter what anyone says, know that we're here to support you."
Ichiru colored a bit. Oh yeah, everyone knows now and though it's not unwelcomed, he didn't know how to react to such strong support for it's the least thing he expected especially from the female Day class students. He could only dumbly nod once and raise a hand in gratitude, "Ah, d-domo."
Another girl, a short-haired blond named Suzuki from the class next door and a part of the literature club, snatched his raised hand and directed her also sparkling gaze at him and exclaimed, "I think it's really cute, Ichiru-kun. I've been waiting for this kind of development! Can I write a story about you two?"
"Eh?"
"Ichiru-kun!" cried another while softly elbowing Suzuki out of the way and clasping both her hands in front of her as if in prayer, asked, "Can I take a picture of you two?"
"I want one too!" he heard another voice from behind him.
"Me too!"
"Hey, can I do an interview with you two for the school newspaper?!" requested the girl somewhere in his left.
The silverette's head spun at the continuous flow of questions and requests from the enthusiastic girls. Surprisingly, the one who saved him and broke the happy bubble was a boy from his class, Nishimura.
"So you're going out with Aido-senpai, Ichiru? Why didn't you tell us? Aren't we best buddies?" he smiled good-naturedly while grabbing him by the neck in a friendly way, simultaneously whisking him away from the girls near him.
The girls' violent disapproval at the untimely interruption was left unheard when another boy belonging to another class and was in Ichiru's class during middle school came up to them and also nudge the silver prefect, "Ichiru! I heard you've confirmed your relationship with that blond senpai? That's brave, man! Congratulations!"
From then, the female students were steadily replaced by the male ones offering their congratulations and commending his courage in declaring his relationship with the Night class senpai. While Ichiru was relieved for being saved from the girls' incessant requests and inquiries about his relationship, he cannot fathom the easy acceptance from his male schoolmates. To be sure, he expected the hatred from the female student body to be something like never was seen before but while he didn't know exactly how the male students will take it, expected at least some mockery and/or overall evasion from them. After all, he's a dude going out with another dude and the idea is not the norm. Yet, here he is, being bombarded not with insults but good-natured comments and encouragement.
He wasn't left in suspense for too long, however, for one male student's question easily answered the untold question of why.
"This means that you and Aido-senpai are no longer in the market, right?"
"Eh?"
"What are you talking about, Tadashi? Of course! Since they're going out with each other!" answered Nishimura for him.
"That's right, isn't it, Ichiru?" asked another classmate rhetorically.
"I'm so glad! I mean…for you two!" voiced someone from his right. "Maybe, I can ask Maya-chan to go out with me instead of squealing for senpai." He added in a murmur that Ichiru still managed to catch clearly.
To Ichiru's surprise, sentiments of the same kind kept on being mumbled around him and he can't help feeling guilty when he heard several pitiful sobs saying something to the effect of "maybe my girlfriend will actually have a date with me instead of waiting to be Ichiru-kun's date."
The words of apologies he would have uttered to these men didn't quite escape his lips for the ladies then pushed the boys away.
"You're bothering Ichiru-kun!"
"Hey, we're not! In fact, we're going to support him and protect him from senpai's angry fan-girls!"
"No need! We're the ones who'll do that!"
"Hey Tachibana! Why don't we do it together?"
"Shut up!"
"Maya-chan, why don't we take Ichiru and Aido-senpai's pictures together?"
"Let's ask Aido-senpai for that interview, Sakura-san!"
"Should I lend you my laptop to write your stories, Suzuki-san?"
The myriad of offers from the male students and refusal from the female were only broken when their homeroom teacher, who sent the students from other class away and reminded them of the duties for the morning and the upcoming term exams, finally entered the room. After finishing their duty of cleaning after the festival in which his was made easy by everyone trying to help him out, they were let out very early for the day.
Ichiru recounted the eventful morning to Yuki who can't seem to stop laughing at the unexpected turn of the much feared episode. She deeply regretted not being able to witness that with her own eyes since she was trapped by a different group of fan-girls for questioning at the girl's bathroom, empty classroom, garden and later, on the rooftop. Really, how funny but she's greatly relieved to hear that this incident was closed, at least for now, in a relatively peaceful manner.
"What about you?"
"Huh?"
"Did you experience any bullying?" the silverette asked quite seriously. He heard this morning that someone saw Ichijou-senpai and Yuki walk around the festival and dance at the banquet. Many wondered about their relationship as well. Seeing that Yuki didn't attend the whole homeroom, he worried that she was caught by trouble and was waiting for her to open up but decided to simply ask directly since they're in the topic anyway.
Yuki smiled, completely understanding the obvious reason for his worry. "Of course!" she gleefully confirmed while raising a peace sign with her hand. How could she not be when she has a best friend in Yori-chan who thoughtfully stood by her locker in order to guard it and later her desk when she was called out the second time by the girls from another class. She even offered to go with her again but she assured her that she'll be fine like the first time. Ah, she didn't know what she did in her past life to deserve such a great friend but she's thankful all the same. Hopefully, the earlier encounters with Ichijou-senpai's fans are enough to end that farce since she'll feel bad for always troubling Yori-chan.
"That's good to hear." Ichiru sighed but seemingly not out of relief.
"What's wrong, Ichiru?" Yuki frowned at her adoptive brother's odd expression given the happy news.
"It's just that I have a bad feeling."
"Why?"
"You see…"
He begun to relate certain questions that came from a hopeful looking female and male student just before they were all chased out of the room.
"Ichiru-kun, is Kiryū-san still single?"
"Ichiru, is there any possibility that Kiryū-kun swing the same way?"
Both questions were left unanswered as both were immediately kicked out by his homeroom teacher but the creeping feeling that his brother is only going to experience annoyance and trouble from here on kept nagging at the back of his mind.
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Quiet but purposeful footsteps resounded in the hall leading to the Cross Academy's headmaster's room where the lone creature in white uniform is intending to go to. The pureblood made his way slowly and despite the trepidation about the news the chairman seems to have gotten his hands on, his expression still displayed that same indifference, not betraying an ounce of his present feeling. While the news is yet to be determined as bad, he doubted anything could be good considering the present circumstances.
Kaname heard two heartbeats from inside the headmaster's office. One, he noted, was beating erratically, signifying distress. It was soon accompanied by abrupt movements and some violent stirrings then followed by the quick and heavy footsteps of the other occupant of the room. Kaname was then greeted by a terribly flushed Ichiru who looked positively harassed. He would have inquired about the young silverette's well-being but the poor blushing prefect merely run passed him as if unable to bear being near that office and his guardian any longer.
The pureblood was not left in suspense of the possible reason for Ichiru's quick departure for upon entering the room, after a short signal knock, he found the chairman quietly hunched on the floor, seemingly picking up small sachets he immediately recognized as condoms. Kaname didn't know if he should feel pity or amusement towards the poor silverette who was obviously given, or attempted to, the talk. By the look of quiet fondness and slight amusement on the ex-hunter's face, he at least enjoyed the little badgering he did.
When smiling hazel eyes met quiet auburn ones, Kaien immediately took on a look of utter lamentation and sniffed unconvincingly, "Ne, listen to this, Kaname-kun. That Ichiru-chan threw this at me!" he cried passionately to the apathetic pureblood, "Even though I was merely concerned." Kaien continued to sob while placing the box of condom on his desk, "You know, I don't blame you or Zero-kun for what you did, but I just thought it will be better for my children to know about such important matters early on." The blond then gasped as if an important thought just crossed his brilliant mind, "How should I talk to Yuki-chan about this? Ah! How about we arrange it in a classroom? Even though it's late, you can still join my children, Ichijou-kun and Aido-kun in this class! This way, it won't be awkward!" he merrily offered before sitting down on one of the couches in the middle of the room.
All the while, detached sienna eyes merely followed the headmaster's movements, not showing any inclination of joining for the sake of amusement or agreement. He sat down opposite the blond and continued to stare impassively, as if waiting for the arrival of the sane acquaintance he came there to meet.
"Why is everyone being so un-cute?" Kaien sob after a minute when his passionate idea was only met by ice cold burgundy stare.
"…"
"I understand, Kaname-kun. I'll stop so please don't look at me that way. That stare of yours hurt." Kaien finally said after a full minute under the distant stare of the vampire king. He cleared his throat awkwardly before seriously regarding the pureblood. "Well, Kaname-kun, thank you for coming. I understand that it's too early but I thought you must know this as soon as possible." he said in a serious voice that was very far from his earlier tone while minding the tablet in his hands.
The chairman then handed him the device that shows an image of an ostentatious foreign car. Based on the angle and color of the photo, it obviously was taken stealthily in the middle of the night. He swiped to the next image and found a face that he still recognized despite the darkness of the photo.
"Michaela Xerces, a member of the Council of Ancient." Kaname whispered more to himself. Kaien nodded in affirmation. Surely his friend is still familiar with the members of the Vampire council despite his retirement.
The next images showed all the council members arriving and then a photo of the building where all the elder vampires went to. He instantly recognized the mansion as one of the old, almost forgotten, properties of the Ichijous.
These images alone were no reason for any concern since the council always convene in the head's, Asato's, mansion. However, the fact that they chose not to announce their presence to their king is troubling. Before this, the council members would always and without fail let their king know that they're in the country in hope that he'll grace them with a courtesy call.
Burgundy eyes narrowed at the next image of an androgynous beauty alighting from a black vehicle. The color of his eyes and his light hair that was partly tied up was completely indistinguishable in the darkness of the moonless night. He only saw him once or twice but he can still remember him and he has no intention of soon forgetting the face who just recently made Kaname's 'to kill' list for what he has done to his mate.
The Hunter Association's president.
"I take it there was no news of an official meeting on your side either." Kaname uttered, his voice cold.
"None."
Despite the treaty and promise of peace, both the vampire and the hunter societies do not meet to have tea parties together. They still look at each other with mistrustful eyes. All meetings between their races were announced and prepared for so in case that the other group did anything untoward, like say annihilating the other party, the opposition could retaliate immediately. Announcements were made to protect them and to make sure that both parties will not act in a way that will taint their race's reputation and dignity.
There's no need to think too deeply on how suspicious a secret meeting between these two powerful factions in the dead of the night is, especially one that is hidden from the Vampire King himself.
"They seem to have forgotten to send me an invitation as well." He smiled mirthlessly.
Kaname had hoped to address the issue against the Hunter's Association president after crushing the corrupted Vampire Council. It seems that he got his work cut out for him. Still, it's much better than being struck at when he least expect it from an unforeseen direction.
He already had suspicion of who is aiding his uncle. After all, he long knew that the head of the council never had and never will be working for his sake. His position never blinded him of who his enemies are. This discovery only strengthened his decision to do what he knew he should have done a long time ago. Nay, it only gave him concrete reason that will be accepted even by the most hypocritical vampire. While he knew that he can do whatever he wants and no one save for his uncle and his pawns will really challenge his authority and actions as the vampire king for his renowned strength, he never wanted to be an unreasonable and tyrannical ruler. His kind parents certainly weren't like that and he didn't want to do anything that would make them roll in their graves.
"Toga-chan sent me these photos after he called. It's clear that they were having a negotiation."
Hazel eyes intently gazed at the silent pureblood. His face didn't crumple in rage and remained ethereal but the retired hunter knew the smoldering anger permeating the brunette's very core as the increasingly dark, seething aura of power was slowly being imbued to the very air inside the room. His hackles rose at the threat that is the vampire king but forced himself to calm down and instead, continued, "Kaname-kun, Toga-chan was able to intercept an order meant for another hunter. Apparently, the association president ordered the hunters to organize for a possible attack in the latter part of December this year."
"December 22nd, the Winter Solstice." Kaname supplied the information that they both already know. Somber burgundy orbs tangled with equally somber hazel ones, "I understand. Thank you for letting me know such crucial information. I'll make a plan with the Night class. I shall let you know of any plans we will come up to."
"Please do, Kaname-kun. Toga-chan was sent on another hard assignment but we'll make sure that both of us will be there during the Winter Solstice. We aren't many but there are some hunters that I trust who will surely join us." He imparted with determination, his expression turning lighter with hope.
The brunette nodded, finally allowing his heavy aura to recede. He stood up, sure that the conversation is over but just to make sure, still asked, "Is there any other thing that needed to be discussed?"
Kaien turned serious once more. "Yes." He answered while intertwining his fingers together, "What time and date should we have that class about sex education?"
Before he even finished his question, the door closed with a quiet thud. Kaname had already left his old friend in delusion in the company of cold air.
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"What are you doing here, nii-san?!"
Ichiru questioned his brother currently donning his own PE uniform. To normal students, this incredulous inquiry must be odd considering that the older Kiryū excels in all athletic activities and is a favorite when it comes to forming teams. Ichiru, however, knew that his brother, despite the lack of apparent roundness, is in lesser state than him to jump and run among their classmates.
"Shut up. I know."
"No, you don't!" the younger silverette all but shriek lest the other male students still in the locker room overhear their conversation. Already, some students kept on looking at their direction but he suspects that a large part of it is due to the exposed upper body of his older brother. Oh man, he grimaced as the nagging feeling steadfastly form unwelcomed thoughts. "If Kaname-senpai even heard of your being here, inside this locker room and changing among the other male classmates, even more so, participate in the activities, sweating and clashing bodies with the other students, there'll be hell to pay. Do you want our classmates to die?!" he hissed.
Instead of dignifying his actions with an answer, Zero only look at his younger twin with exasperated silver-lavender gaze. Why the hell mention Kaname every damn time? Is he everyone's lord and master? The silverette internally snorted to himself. He, of course, knew the answer even while he asked himself but he really didn't need to be reminded. He perfectly understood why he shouldn't do any strenuous exercises. It's for this very reason that he kept on ditching this subject when it comes to outdoor activities. It's just that damn muscle-ly baldy, who's currently filling up for their sick PE teacher and apparently noticed his frequent absences, caught him this morning. He's still thinking up an excuse because it seems that not all teachers were informed and only Hinata knew that he won't be participating in any outdoor activities for the rest of the school year. It's the only reason he's here and given the chance, he would have bolted right out if only that idiot Tanaka is not standing guard outside. He seems to have a personal vendetta against him if his actions were any indication.
Also, no matter how dense Ichiru and Yuki claimed him to be, even he can't not notice the odd atmosphere of the whole student body as of late. Really, what a joke. Still, since the prank is just starting, he still has the patience to endure everything and ignore even the sticky stares he can currently feel. They should get bored soon. He just wished he can wriggle his way out of the in-coming activity.
Zero straightened his back when he felt the aura of the most useful person nearby; the chairman. He quickly snatched his PE shirt and wore it fast, all the while ignoring Ichiru who's still passionately enumerating the possible cataclysmic events that will befall them should the pureblood bastard found out about his current situation. He went out hurriedly; his twin, who thought he's avoiding his scolding, was on his heels but he was only able to snatch a glimpse of the retreating blond. He would have followed him to ask his help in keeping the annoying teacher off his back when the voice of the said pest called out his name.
"Are you sick, Kiryū?"
"Huh?" Zero turned back. Ichiru mirrored his actions, a light brow arched in question.
"The chairman said not to let you participate in any strenuous activities for the rest of the year."
For the first time in a long while, he suddenly felt respect towards their guardian who probably perceived his dilemma arising with the change of the current personnel. "Ah…" he mumbled in answer, "Yeah." Nice thinking, chairman.
Midnight eyes narrowed suspiciously at him, "Are you really sick?" He repeated, even crossing his arms in an intimidating posture as if to scare the truth out of him, but it didn't have any effect on the silverette.
"Eh?" he didn't know if he should or should not be surprise that someone actually doubt Kaien's words. Never mind that said someone is a teacher in the academy and the words came from the headmaster.
"Because the illness he mentioned was…a love bite." he explained while arching a bushy eyebrow.
Cold south wind blew towards the twins but Zero can't even feel the cold while dead fish eyes stared unseeingly, unable to believe that he felt even a glimmer of respect towards someone who'd come up with a reason like that.
Chairman, how embarrassing can you get?
Ichiru valiantly fought a burst of laughter that visibly shook his shoulders. He pursed his lips and even pressed his blunt fingernails onto delicate skin to calm himself enough to say, "Ignore the headmaster, sensei. I'm sure he's just joking with you but nii-san is really in a very delicate condition right now." Zero threw an amethyst glare at him but Ichiru just ignored it and continued, "He was diagnosed with weak lungs like me, so well, just as a precaution, you know. So it doesn't escalate, he's not allowed to participate in strenuous exercises."
"Hmmmm…" Tanaka briefly stared at the silver prefects before putting a hand on Zero's head as if he's a child and said, "I get it. You can just observe for now but don't go out and play hooky."
"Yeah, I know." Scowled Zero, lightly slapping the teacher's hand away.
"Yes, sir." Ichiru answered more playfully and even saluted before following his brother to the gym. This is not good. The younger silverette whispered to himself, the dreaded thoughts came back to him. He knew that Tanaka teacher was an enemy amongst all the male students since he tends to pick on all guys and is known to be disgusted by them, especially bishounen. He, himself, became the target of his light power tripping back when he was still flirting with girls but he even patted Zero's hair. Lilac eyes surreptitiously glanced back only to see the confused look on the instructor's face as if completely baffled by his own actions. His eyes travelled to their surrounding and didn't even miss the way all the other students' stopped on their way and follow them with their ardent gaze. He doubt that was because of him for he knew that while he's not as hated as he initially thought he'd be, the knowledge of him dating another man, a student no other Day class student can measure against, drastically lowered his value in the market. And together with the knowledge of his brother's natural beauty, his increasing charm because of his pregnancy and his overall effect on all human and vampires alike, he can already tell that all the admiration is directed towards his brother. It seriously wouldn't bother him if it stopped at that but the heat in these star-filled gazes grew heavier by the day and he's afraid that they'll start to act upon it.
Seems like a talk with his future brother-in-law is needed.
"Is Kaname-senpai already back at the Moon dorm?" Ichiru absentmindedly asked.
"Huh? Of course he's at the Moon dorm. He should still be sleeping." Zero answered without stopping his brisk pace.
"Eh? But I saw him go to the chairman's office this morning."
"What?" long feet finally stopped walking in order to turn to the other silverette. "What was he doing there?"
"Hmmm? I don't know." Ichiru answered honestly while barely containing his grimace at the reminder of the content of his own tête-à-tête with their idiot guardian.
Zero frowned. Kaname didn't mention any talk with the headmaster. While it could be about anything, considering the brewing war, it surely wouldn't be about the good old times. Could it be that he's hiding something?
Any grim ideas and suspicion screeched to a halt, however, when the shrilly voice of the pureblood princess called out his name, demanded the reason for his attendance for that class and asked whether he already lost his marbles or if he's simply being an idiot. Like a rehearsed screen play, without giving him a moment to explain, she also enumerated the chaos her dear onii-sama will lay on them should he found out his participation in the gym activities.
Ten minutes later, after which Yuki berated them for not informing her immediately that her fears were unfounded, amethyst orbs watched the game of volleyball their class is having unseeingly. All that was reflected in his light eyes was his lover's beautiful visage and the suspicion that he was again stupidly keeping an important thing from him together with that even more moronic ex-hunter.
His gaze fell on the grey skies outside peeking through the small windows of the large gym hall from his seat at the bench with Ichiru and idly wondered if a big storm is coming once again.
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Glowing blood red eyes stared unseeingly at the lavish flower arrangement of roses placed on a side table in his study. Despite the cheery sunshine of the autumn morning, there was a dismal and suffocating air inside the vampire king's office.
It's still quite early for their kind so the Moon dorm is still asleep save for him who's contemplating the demise of a loathsome relation and the repulsive ancient council members. It's extremely fortunate that he's alone for he wouldn't want his children to witness him in his murderous mood.
His solitude was impeded, however, when his loyal subject finally returned. He felt her presence approach from behind him and stopped at the veranda just beside his room.
"Kaname-sama, I've returned." She announced though she knew that her liege already sensed her and despite the fact that Kaname's back was on her, she still went on one knee in a respectful bow.
"Welcome back, Seiren." The pureblood greeted back, fire red eyes still on the red petals of the roses, "How was it?" he asked despite knowing the answer.
"I watched them, my lord. It is as you said." Seiren confirmed.
"I see." Kaname uttered, his voice cold and even. He already knew who's behind those odious coots' movements. Though he knew that they'll never be loyal to him, they still would not have made a move without the assurance of a powerful pureblood who'll give them what they're all so desperate to achieve, "It would have been nice if he had slept on forever." He whispered. Blazing ruby orbs watched while the previous grand flowers rapidly rotted. All former glory disintegrated to ashes.
"There's another matter, my lord. There have been some movements from the other vampire clans not connected to Rido-sama… It seems that many clans have been amassing weapons and are creating private armies." Seiren informed grimly.
There was only silence for a moment before cracking sounds reverberated inside the darkening room as fissures on the window panes and walls appeared.
How irritating.
'Flies do love to play with the lion's tail.'
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While no big storm came to lay waste on their path, an even bigger pain in the ass disrupted his relatively peaceful days.
This is extremely stupid.
Something's not right and Zero hated not fucking knowing what it is. There's this nagging feeling at the back of his head that countless eyes were upon him for a few days already. But that was something he can still live with since he had spent a long time starting from their junior high up till now that they're high school freshmen being glared by the whole freaking student body though these gazes seemed to be of different kind of heat. It doesn't matter, he can still ignore it. What he can't ignore was the humongous joke that has been playing on him since that nightmarish cultural festival. He can't believe he's already been called out numerous times by other Day class students for sudden confessions.
"Kiryū-san, please go out with me!"
"K-Kiryū-kun, I really l-like you, p-please go o-out with me!"
"I promise to behave from now on so please be my boyfriend!"
"Zero-sama, I love you!"
Grr! What's wrong with them? And what's even more disturbing was that it was from both girls and boys! What the fuck? Imagine his horror when a tall second year ambushed him on his way to the stables for his only haven left. He never thought that any normal human will ever cause him so much distress but when he suddenly grabbed his hands and said, "Zero-san, I've loved you since I saw you tame White Lily", he thought he would have committed the first non-vampire murder that would send him to prison. He growled a vehement, "I'm gonna send you flying, you bastard" as an answer and walked away but perhaps that distaste was nothing compared to the revulsion he felt towards that deranged student who attacked him in the men's restroom. To think that he would try to rape him, Kiryū Zero, of all people. Of course it was easily dealt with by a sharp knee in the nuts and an extra powerful punch on the face that left the poor bloke unconscious on the tiled floor.
But seriously, are they shitting him? Is the whole academy in on this joke? Because that was not the end of it. Students telling him lies and secret admirations kept popping out of nowhere like poison mushrooms everywhere. Zero's patience steadily thinned at each freaking moment. Aren't they fucking tired of this already? It's not even funny. What the hell?
To Zero's dismay another student, a blushing female this time, came out from behind a tree. He glared at her but though the young girl flinched a bit, it was not enough to scare her in to running and still said those damnable words.
They didn't realize an anxious pair of blue eyes belonging to a meek girl with braided light brown hair watched them with nervousness from up the second floor, wishing with all her might that no one would yet win her savior's heart.
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Soft rustles of silent steps woke up the slumbering silver hunter. He made no move even when the silent movements can be easily mistaken as something made by burglar for he knew the heavenly scent that accompanied the sneak. Somnolent lilac eyes that can still clearly see despite the darkness and his sleepiness immediately zeroed to the door where the vampire king is watching him with that fond and quiet smile he always sees him wearing every time Kaname finds him sleeping in his room. If Zero wasn't so sleepy, he would have rolled his eyes at him. Why would he look at him like that when the bastard should have expected it given the fuss he made to make him stay there every night? Geez, he'll melt from all the sappiness.
"I'm sorry I woke you up." Kaname apologized after kissing Zero's hair. He simply chuckled when the hunter finally rolled his eyes at his action.
The silverette only grunted in response and would have dived right back to sleep to leave his vampire to dress up by himself when he remembered what his brother told him just that morning. He has yet to corner his mate and interrogate him about what he talked about with his idiot guardian because of the countless unwelcomed attention and intervention from the Day Class. He was only able to see Kaname during the cross-over.
The pale form on the bed sluggishly moved to sit down. Silver brows crumpled ever so slightly when he touched his middle only to be met by his ever so flat stomach. Damn it, the contradiction between what he can feel, see, and felt he should see is constantly giving him stress. It's also been giving him a hard time finding his core of gravity. With his back on the headboard, he leisurely caressed his stomach and finally felt that spark of power, an evidence of the life inside him. He breathed a sigh of relief even though he knew he could trust his daughter to know what she's doing. Still, since it was such a tricky thing to do, he can't help but reassure himself that his unborn daughter is still safe inside him.
"Ichiru said he saw you go to the chairman's office this morning." Zero began without preamble the moment the pureblood got back from his bath.
Kaname was silent for a while and simply patted his hair dry with a towel but Zero is determined to hear his excuse and simply glared sleepy eyes at him. Finally, Kaname let out a quiet, fond chuckle at his suspicious mate, "There's no need to be so suspicious. We merely talked about the Winter Solstice. We need to arrange the date to let the students go back and when will be the safe time to end the winter vacation. In the end, we decided to announce a renovation of the Sun Dorm as an excuse." He disclosed smoothly. Good thing that he and chairman had this talk already.
"Renovation? You know you'll have to really do that. The students will look for that once they come back." Zero muttered, scowling when he thought of the waste and unneeded expenses jut because of that bastard, Rido.
"Certainly. Since it's my family's fault that the students are put in danger, I've promised to fund it. It seems to be just perfect since the headmaster also claimed needing more rooms for the coming semester." The vampire king finished, nonchalant about the whole business.
"That's all?" Zero asked, still not convinced.
"That is all." Kaname confirmed.
The silver hunter glared at the vampire while weighing the merit of what Kaname just said. It's true that it's important. To avoid exposure, they needed a good excuse to keep the students away for as long as possible and an unexplained extended vacation will simply cause many suspicions. If the students are kept away for too long, parents will begin to ask questions. Surely, the chairman will cry buckets should he lose all his little "darlings" and the idea of co-existence will go up in smokes. Damn it, all because of that bastard Rido.
"Since we're on the topic, I'd like to inform you that we'll be leaving for the Kuran Castle as soon as the examinations are over." The brunette added as if to give his earlier words credibility.
"What? Kuran Castle?" The hunter sputtered. Does he really need to attend?
"Of course." Kaname answered the question that Zero unknowingly let slip through the bond, "I won't leave you especially now that there's threat lurking around." From all sides, he grimly added internally.
Zero must have a very put off expression on his face since Kaname smiled ever so amused. It's just that he can't think of any excuse that may save him from the troublesome affair altogether.
"I can't wait for you to see the Kuran castle." The brunette said offhandedly, putting his still-damp forehead on his lover's, before whispering in an almost too soft tone, "I wish you could have met chichiue and hahaue as well."
Zero was unable to say anything in response. He's never been good in comforting others any way. He put a hand on the arm of the vampire before him. After hesitating for a bit, setting aside the fact that they were vampires and focusing on the part that they took care of the brunette, he whispered back finally, "It would have been nice to meet them."
And when Kaname graced him with that smile that he seems to love giving him, one that seems to contain untold amounts of affection for him, the hunter knew that he'll stick around him in that freaking ball even though he's only a few seconds away from insanity. Ah, damn it. He'll swear until his dying day that such sappy thoughts are only caused by his freaking hormones.
The silverette's self-mockery and hate-filled speech to his raging hormones were halted, however, when his lover's hands cupped his face to make him focus once more.
"And you? Don't you have anything to report to me?" Kaname inquired, "Ichiru-kun also told me something interesting earlier." He further clarified before Zero could even ask.
Damn it, Ichiru. The silver prefect cursed internally. Why is he reporting to this bastard? He even asked his twin not to say anything to Kaname! The bastard is already being too fussy about his well-being. If he knew about the Day Class' new brand of harassment, he may be forbidden to go to class altogether! Not that he'll actually obey but it will surely only lead to one troublesome argument after another and he's really in no mood to be fighting with Kaname specially when only his scent seem to calm his ire about everything in the present world. "Nothing. The Day class was being a bit rowdy but there's nothing out of the ordinary." Zero immediately lied, glad for the hundredth time that he's finally able to consciously control the ideas that bleed into the bond even though he still needs more practice. Still, lying to the pureblood was made easier by this.
The vampire only hummed in acknowledgement, "Ichiru-kun mentioned that you were confessed to. Is that true?"
Zero cursed his nosy twin again and promised grim retribution come tomorrow, "Confessed? What the fuck? They just keep pestering me for answer regarding Ichiru and that idiot blonde's relationship. It's a pain but it's nothing." He smoothly provided.
The pureblood stared at him for a few minutes. He was afraid for a moment that Kaname could already see through his lie but he merely kissed him lightly before saying, "Very well, just be careful, Zero. Don't make me worry too much."
The hunter merely grunted in assent before flopping back to sleep. Really, Kaname is too damn persistent and anxious. It certainly is troublesome but what can the Day Class students really do to him? He internally mocked, completely forgetting his initial suspicion about what Kaname and the chairman talked about.
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