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'd 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.
The brunette then remembered her shameless actions, of how tightly she clung to him and how she asked him to stay with her. She blushed. The inevitable embarrassment finally attacked her system but while watching his handsome face in peaceful sleep, she couldn'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 had to fight the smile that had been persistently trying to form when she felt his movement. She could tell he was stretching, but no matter what he did, he still didn't let go of her hand.
"Ungh, ah, I fell asleep." Takuma said in a husky voice that Yuki thought was very sexy.
The brunette sincerely wished her blush that she knew was there was not that obvious.
Ichijou turned to the window to ascertain the time while rubbing sleepy emerald 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, his circadian rhythm demanded 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. With that thought, he turned his gaze to the brunette still asleep on her bed. He sighed, well, it couldn't be helped. Hmmmm, what a beautiful morning…Eh?
Yuki was 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 still 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 noble greeted the prefect. He had the suspicion that she was already awake or about to wake up based on her rising heartbeat. He decided to put his conclusion to the test by bending down to grant a kiss on her forehead, anticipating what her reaction would be if she was really awake.
Yuki jolted very visibly and was caught off guard by his action. Her eye lids fluttered opened to reveal very-much-awake sienna orbs. She immediately saw bright, smiling emerald eyes on her.
"What are you doing? Playing a game so early?" Ichijou asked, smiling down at her teasingly. Yuki-chan can be so weird sometimes. Adorable. 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." The school guardian answered, feeling her face burn in shame at the reminder of her silly actions the night before. She sank deeper on 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." The vampire smiled kindly. He knew she was being shy but he couldn't help but find her actions extremely cute. Soft fingers reached out to brush away the dark brown strands 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 and stared up at him in a daze. The intimacy of his actions seemingly enchanted her as well.
They were instantly thrown in a world only for themselves. Both didn't notice how he kept on leaning closer to her, how her heart beat in anticipation, nor notice when an unwelcome guest intruded inside the room.
"Ehem!" The Chairman had no choice but to rudely 'wake' them up. He had been standing there for a minute already without being noticed. Since the atmosphere was getting steamier by the 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 both like to have some?" Kaien added when there was no response. "Yuki-chan, it's almost time for classes so please ready yourself. I'll… I'll wait for you both downstairs, okay?" He went out the door, walking stiffly like he was 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 before quickly turning away again when their eyes met. This was getting even more confusing.
Ichijou cleared his throat first before finally breaking the silence. "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, though it was mostly to hide her furiously red face.
"You'll always be welcome." Takuma sincerely avowed. A hand reached out to tuck strands of chestnut hair behind her ear. "It's my pleasure." He added before bending to give him another kiss on the forehead. He knew he was being too close from the norm but he didn't care. Rather, it was 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. She just had her heart broken.
Unbeknownst to the young man, it was already too late. She was as confused about him and her feelings as could be.
Yuki watched him go out of her room since he declined her offer to walk him to the door for she needed to get ready for classes. The young girl was left speechless and breathless. Her heart too light and heavy at the same time. She felt like there were butterflies in her stomach. Her knees felt weak but her body was energetic and trembled in a pleasant way. Desires and unknown aspirations embedded themselves in her.
The prefect threw herself on her bed, closing sienna eyes and taking a deep breath. She didn't know what Ichijou-senpai did to her but she found she loved the feeling. She smiled and basked in the delightful feeling the blonde vampire gave to her.
Suddenly, yesterday's dark and bloody nightmare seemed so far away. Her world could only be filled with illuminations. Her heart strengthened and protected.
The cheerful brunette was bouncing with energy when she went down to the kitchen. Cheerful voice even greeted the Chairman a great morning, the earlier incident and interruption already forgotten. She bounced on her way to her seat and proceeded to eat her breakfast, unmindful that she was 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. She knew Zero was 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. 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.
Kaien asked him multiple times if something was wrong but he didn't even answer him. He had gone very troubled but didn't nag further. He decided to leave Zero alone for a while to think and he knew that his children were 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 needed patience. It was never good to force open a heart that was not yet ready to share. He only hoped that they'd come to him if problems got 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. It was for this reason that both themselves in front of their brother's room.
Her apprehension intensified when chocolate orbs 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 was different from the pain she used to witness because of bloodlust. These past few days, she could only see peace of mind in him. That was why she was 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." The older silverette responded flatly with a tone of finality and a silent plea for silence and some time alone.
The younger two looked at each other again. Ichiru nodded to Yuki, 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 his own wretched thoughts.
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There were some slight movements in the darkness as the occupant of the room laid 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. His thoughts were filled with the complex memories, Kaname's promise and his eldest daughter's words.
Dazed lavender stared blankly at the ceiling, not really seeing the white paint and the cobwebs starting to form. Only the 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 Hio Shizuka got loose. It was because of the vampire's arrogance then.
It hurt.
He felt like drowning.
The entirety of his being was attacked by the fact that the pureblood was the ultimate cause of his parents' murder. Kaname was the very reason he was doomed to become the very creature he hunted. All those years he struggled with bloodlust was the result of his lover's careless actions.
It also hurt that Kaname thought of him as nothing more than a tool for revenge and protection for his beloved sister. He felt used and worthless. While he also knew Kaname didn't feel like that anymore, it was not enough to lift his spirits.
Zero 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 shared 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 rolled to his side and closed his eyes, contemplating what would 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. However, 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?" The silverette numbly uttered to himself. Glazed amethysts shot open, not sure if he wanted to review the reasons of how and why he indeed fell for that pureblood vampire despite everything else.
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There were series of hurried footsteps that could be heard throughout the hallway leading to the Chairman's office. After only a moment, without knocking, an ash-brown 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 was conversing with.
"Ah, Kaito-kun, thank you for coming! Please sit down. I'm finished talking with Anne-chan." Kaien cheerfully disclosed. He called for his eldest granddaughter to ask about Zero and Kaname. He was just informed that they were currently facing one of the trials in their relationship but was given nothing more regarding the matter.
He didn't inquire further. It certainly looked like quite a personal and private affair. He let it go after being assured that everything would be fine. He smiled sadly, hoping that the conclusion to such dreadful affairs would be soon. It was unbearable to see the despair in his darling son's eyes.
Kaien then turned to the new arrival. He 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 at 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."
Bright lilac eyes instantly met avoidant brown orbs. The little brunette slightly frowned when he uncharacteristically 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 any and all adversaries 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." The Chairman 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." The young princess 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 in 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 had to sigh; men could be such a mystery sometimes.
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"Hah~…" A long sigh came from the pretty little brunette that was slumped on her seat in their classroom. Yuki was feeling exhausted. Though she was happy and was feeling fortunate that a certain vampire would come visit her for a short while every day to ask how she was feeling since that certain embarrassing rainy day, she was still troubled by some other things.
Yuki blushed at the remembrance of 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 was feeling completely well already and if she was still seeing bloody visions.
She was indeed having these strange visions but unlike before, she was a bit calmer though it would still scare and shake her. She honestly didn't know what was happening to her anymore. She believed it part of her forgotten past but then, why was it coming back now?
Who was she?
Why was there blood everywhere?
There was a part of her that was 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'd really be fine with the assurance of seeing the noble every day. It was the reason why she could keep her calm even when crimson obscured her view. She felt lucky to have his cheery company and it saved her sanity but her happiness couldn't be completed. She sighed. The reason was because of her adopted brother.
Yuki turned concerned sienna eyes to look at the back of the class where her troubled silver haired best friend seated himself. It had been a week already and he was still in the same gloomy and melancholic mood. His brooding expression prevented her from feeling the elation that was within her already.
She felt extra worried because it had also been a week since she last saw Kaname-senpai. The one to lead the Night Class these last few days was Anne-chan. It surprised the Day Class students as well as Ichiru and herself. Yuki didn't even think Zero knew about it. He hasn't been attending to his prefect duties during the class exchange. No doubt in a bid to avoid Kaname-senpai. But why? What happened?
The petite young girl sighed once more. How many times had she done it that week? It felt like she was inviting all the misfortunes of the world. Yet, she couldn't stop!
She was getting even more troubled because of this. No one in the Cross household and high-ranking nobility have an idea regarding what happened to both. The lovers refused to say anything! According to Ichijou-senpai, Kaname-senpai was also grave and silent which worried the whole Night Class. They would spend hours trying to reach a conclusion in vain. Even the Royal princes and princesses 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.
Yuki looked up at the ceiling then closed exhausted auburn eyes. Anne-chan said that everything would be alright. She hoped it would be soon. She simply couldn't bear to see her favorite people submerged in a dismal mood like this.
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"Chichiue?"
"Kaname?"
Anxious voices came from the blonde vice-president of the Moon Dorm and the two young twin princes who opened the door of the quiet study. Worried eyes peered at the completely darkened room to see the esteemed pureblood seated by the large table, looking outside the balcony. Affected orbs exchanged troubled looks at the sight of the unchanging form of the somber vampire. He was still in 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 offered 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.
"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 melancholic 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.
In the decades they were alive, both children witnessed many of their parents' fight but most never lasted this long. Most were also just petty arguments because of either side's stubbornness. It was very rare to see any disagreement escalate in such a scale that it took days to be resolved.
Their elder sister would often go to their daddy's side to see how he was doing and to make sure that he was properly eating at least. The brunette twins were tasked to do the same for their father. However, it seemed like nothing could console either side, especially their father who saw the situation completely hopeless. More worryingly, however, was the fact that he was merely bidding his time and was using all his self-control not to barge in to their otou-chan's space to force him to his side again.
Any act of coercion was sure never to end peacefully.
"Worry not, I'm fine." Kaname assured them again but it did nothing to alleviate their anxiety.
"Then, we'll leave the food here. Please eat it whenever you are hungry, chichiue…. 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. Haku and I will be done with these in a jiffy!" Akira reassured with forced cheer which was silently supported by his twin's nod.
"Thank you. Leave the things you cannot handle and I'll do them later."
"Uhm, rest well then, chichiue." Both brunettes nodded and tiptoed to give their father 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?" Kaname answered, distracted wine gaze returning outside.
"None. The Night Class still walks proudly behind her…." The blonde 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 was afflicting their president. It could 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. Ichijou sighed. The air was so heavy. It was 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 was almost solid. It was like the ceilings were so low on all of them. The noble wished that everything would go back to what it was, for his friend's and the entire Night Class's sake. Please, Zero-sama!
"No, I'm trying to give Zero some time and space. I do not want to hurt him further."
"But Zero-sama is not even present during the night parades." The noble hastily informed. He might just convince his friend to finally emerge from his room.
"What?" This made the pureblood turn to the vice-president.
"Oh, he… uhm, we haven't seen him yet since that night." Takuma explained. He forgot that Kaname didn't know about it since they avoided talking about the hunter in front of him. He only knew from Yuki that Zero was also brooding in his room and was only forced out to attend classes but never the prefect' job at the night march. It seemed that the silverette was still making his rounds around the academy though.
"I see. Then, I'll wait some more." Kaname asserted, internally marking the end of the month. If he did not see his mate outside the door by then, he'd do something drastic.
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. The door closed with a short click.
Kaname closed his eyes, his patience was wearing thin. He wished that Zero would come first to him so there'd be no need to drag his lover back. In his heart, he wanted his hunter to see him out of his own volition so there'd be no need to force him. It was that desire that allowed him to leave the silverette alone but every day seemed like a century. Every minute like a prick in his exhausted composure and every moment that passes without his mate by his side seemed to freeze a part of him. How long must he wait? He was almost at the end of his rope.
Burgundy eyes opened once again, more exhausted than before. He had been fighting the urge to intrude upon his hunter's space. He didn't even try to connect to him though their bond. Zero must arrive to his own answer alone or it would 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.
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"What if I am? Seducing you, I mean."
The young silverette's steps halted at the recollection of those confusing words and that piercing aquamarine gaze. They just 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. He didn't know how seriously he should take them. Really, what was that vampire's game? Why, if he was hated, would he say those words? Would he take his joke this far? Could he really be that cruel?
He honestly didn't know.
Ichiru only knew that if, by any slim chance, Aido-senpai was being serious about his words then he was certainly crazy.
Why him?
Why would senpai like him?
He couldn't think of one single thing that was good about him. He was fragile and weak. He was only so-so in other studies while greatly lacking in English. He was also pathetic in sports and combat. And above all else, he was disgustingly sickly and feeble.
He heaved a long-suffering sigh.
He couldn't think of one good characteristic about him that could possibly seduce a handsome, genius, charming, popular and rich noble vampire. It was for reason that all conclusions could only lead to him being played at.
Pale hands balled into fists, trying to get a grip of himself and reality.
There was no way. It can't be.
Who was he fooling? Aido-senpai was 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?
The silverette took a deep breath. Irritation building up inside his chest. He was 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 beat 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 blonde 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 at each step he took to trek 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. He knew he'd come to regret it should he make a bigger fool out of himself. He already felt miserable because the noble's actions repeatedly threw him in the myriads of confusions 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 who halted his steps to face the dejected silverette. "Stop what?" Hanabusa 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!" The silverette shouted angrily. He didn't mean to explode and finally say everything but it was all too much already. He couldn't take it anymore.
If Aido already knew then there was already no use trying to ignore it and let himself be subjected to such games for amusement. Ichiru 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 had haunted him ever since he first sighted them.
"Ichiru, what- what are you talking about?" Aido asked worriedly. He didn't understand the meaning of his words but it seemed like Ichiru thought he was 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." The younger man answered, bowing his head slightly. "Don't confuse me anymore than you already have. If you hate me then just hate me but don't… don't make me fall even more…" Further humiliated when a 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 was hearing.
Was this real?
Did he really hear those words?
Did it have the same meaning as what he believed they do?
Was Ichiru really telling him that he'd 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'd 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 was 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?!" Hanabusa exasperatedly replied in a voice a bit too loud. A deep frown formed 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 blonde noble wanted to kick himself at this. Shit! What the-! Yes, that was true but it had long since been reversed! He wanted to scream in indignation. He couldn't believe it that he'd 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 was 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 couldn'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 because he was really to blame for half of it but he did make 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 was looking away from him. Ah, that's right. He forgot. Ichiru was a great pessimist. How could he forget that? He never did see what was so good about himself. "You're such an idiot." Hanabusa softly whispered but without any meaning to insult.
"What was that, you-," Ichiru sharply turned back his head at the noble. He was about to curse him again but stopped at the sight of his serious azure orbs 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 was it even possible that he could have him? Before he could utter one word, the blonde spoke again.
"How could I even hate you when I can't even breathe without you?" Hanabusa forthrightly admitted, placing his golden head on the silverette's shoulder as if he was 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."
The euphonic voice was so full of emotion that it paralyzed Ichiru on the spot. The prefect couldn't believe he was hearing those words.
How?
When?
Why him?
Can he really believe he was fortunate enough to have caught his attention?
Was this real?
And before he could 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 a stunning face that was reminiscent of a perfect male lead straight out of a shoujo manga descending slowly to his. Shaking amethysts closed, his heart honestly anticipating tasting his lips on his again when a feminine voice calling his name suddenly knifed through the serenity of the moment and shook him out of his trance.
"Yuki! She'll see." The young prefect panicked. Pale hands shot up to stop the vampire's movements.
"As if I care." Was all Aido stated before he claimed his beloved's mouth and kissed him torridly. He wouldn't care even if the whole Academy watched. As long as he could make sure that he really holds this stubborn prefect's heart then anything was fine. He wanted to make sure that no misunderstanding would be left of his intentions and feelings towards the younger Kiryū or he'd 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 was as bewitching and intoxicating as he remembered from the first time he felt them. The hands that held on to his waist and neck felt so warm that he could only instinctively wrap his arms around the vampire's from under Aido's arms to brace himself. Long fingers clutched his senpai's white uniform to draw him closer.
The entire world had 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 blonde 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.
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Somnolent eyes opened to find his surroundings completely dark. He sat down, brushing away the hays that stuck to his clothes while lavender eyes blinked multiple times to drive away the remaining sleep in them. He sighed. He hadn't been able to sleep well since that evening and it had been about a week already.
No wonder he felt so exhausted.
Zero heard White Lily neigh as if trying to get his attention. He looked up and reached out to pat her mane. "I'm feeling better. Thanks." He murmured softly. It was the only place left for him where he could sleep peacefully, especially when the prick of the bond tormented him.
He almost forgot that it had 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 expelled another sigh.
One pale hand shot down to feel his stomach. He hesitated. It couldn't be good for Anne, too. He knew that but he couldn't help himself.
The lonesome silverette looked up blindly. It'd been so long since he needed to worry about bloodlust. It was not that he really craved blood like before, like he was about to lose his mind while hollow coldness filled his body that he would have given anything just to quench his thirst.
No, not like that anymore.
He was 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 was fortunate never having to go through that painful experience of terrible bloodlust. He was saved from that because his mate's life and sanity would keep him from ever descending to that level. He need not become a monster anymore. He was lucky he didn't need to pull the trigger of his gun to end his own life but why was it still so hard?
He closed his eyes and groaned. He was told to think about why he fell for that bastard in the first place. Why indeed?
He was 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 fall 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 was 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 ecstatic. It's only you who made me feel, makes me breathe, only you who shook my very soul. Your every move, gaze and words seduce me every time to the point where I'm beside myself."
Was this a lie? It was not… right?
"Zero, I can't promise you a completely rosy life. 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 around your left ring finger but I would like you to put this on. This is the only thing I can give you at the moment. I will not get down on my knees but I would still ask you to share my life all the same."
He slumped. Long fingers grasped a handful of silver hairs, elbows on his bended knees.
It hurt.
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?
Could he even truly hate and forget him?
He couldn't and he hated himself at his inability to do so.
It was his arrogance that caused the greatest tragedy of his life. It was what turned him into a monster in the first place. Kaname was the reason why Ichiru and he were now orphaned.
So, why?
Why couldn't he hate him?
He knew he used to but why not now? Even after knowing all the things he did in the past, why couldn't he, for the fucking life of him, hate that bloodsucking vampire?
Fuck.
It was really just because of that, huh?
He loves him.
For better and for worse.
It was too late.
He knew it too.
Even if deception clearly reflected in his eyes, it was 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?
Zero opened his eyes, determination and resignation burning in his lilac orbs.
He stood up. There was no point of even prolonging both of their agony. He was sprinting towards the Moon Dormitory even before he realized it.
He knew he had 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 knew he'd be miserable.
He decided he'd apologize countless of times to his family but he'd still chose to be with him.
Because he knew he'd regret it.
He'd regret it until his dying day 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."
My happiness could only be with him.
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