Author's Notes: (･ω･)ﾉHello everyone! Sorry, y( ꒪◊꒪ )y I haven't been able to edit my mistakes. ( º﹃º ) Been so busy lately so the next chapter… well, I'll see what happens.
To be honest, I'm not sure about this chapter… (つ﹏。) One time I feel that the pace was too fast but I still can't add anymore to it so please forgive me. (/;◇;)/
～(￣、￣ ) I'll try to correct my mistakes at a later time after I edited the earlier chapters! (๑˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥) No matter the headache this will give you, ヽ(｡ゝω・｡)ﾉ I hope that you'll still enjoy this somewhat!
(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)
Chapter 34
Music of Life
A deep exhale resounded in the silent gloom of a certain old rose garden. The current lone occupant sat on the frozen stone bench, not minding the biting cold of the winter air nor the darkness of the ongoing dawn heralding the coming day that children from all over the world must be looking forward to.
The allure created by elegant vintage lamps that illuminated the expansive outdoor beauty eluded the stunning creature morosely staring at the quietly falling ivory petals that made the temperature drop even lower. The much hoped-for snow had come with the promise to cover the world with pristine grace. Yet, even with the chill reaching an unforgiving degree that even the new coat her aunt gave her for Christmas could no longer protect her from, the vampire princess refused to move back to the warmth of the castle.
The private gathering that the pureblood princess had hastily arranged started hours ago. Despite her mood, the brunette refused to ruin the festive atmosphere with her cheerlessness and instead smiled at the gifts exchanged. Even when her thoughts were filled with a certain newly turned vampire who went out to take an urgent mission, she genially expressed her gratitude to her parents, siblings, servants, aunts and uncles who all congratulated her safe return. She even indulged her aunt Yuki who wanted to see how her presents would look on her nieces and nephews. Together with her beloved brothers and sister, they paraded around in their teenage glory to satisfy her aunts and uncles despite her silver father telling them to ignore his midget adopted-sister.
After assuring their parents that it was no trouble at all, they went on with their gift giving and merry chatting. Her spirits lifted a little at the sight of his silver father hunting his siblings for their highly inappropriate gifts. Their chichiue had no choice but to restrain their otou-chan and administer a loving kiss which predictably made their otou-chan explode in mortified anger. Still, all settled down despite the flaming faces that had nothing to do with the warmth of the blaze in the fireplace.
A lavish meal was shared in which an attempt to taste the wine one pureblood princess thoughtlessly asked a servant to bring was thwarted. Even after a pouting Suiren and Naoto justified that they were of age under human law, the Vampire King resolutely forbid them from drinking alcohol. Not even two pairs of pleading reddish-lavender eyes were enough to make him recall the servant who was tasked to return the vintage drink back to the cellar, much to the disappointment of the pureblood princess and the younger Kiryū who were both reprimanded by their formidable silver brother.
Nerves settled, excitement calmed, and the silverette prince and princess distracted by rum flavored truffles, all settled to watch a Christmas themed movie which was part of the headmaster family's holiday ritual and apparently, the future Royal Family's as evident by the practiced way they arranged themselves for the movie. The children all settled on comfortable, giant puffy feather beanbags in front of the massive television that appeared on top of the mantelpiece. The chairman's adopted children and their lovers copied the little royals while the other nobles relaxed on the numerous sitting areas that had the perfect view of the lighthearted story on the screen.
Half-way through the story of a doubtful young boy's adventure on a train to the North Pole, the Royal Princess quietly excused herself for a bit. Already donning a new coat from an enthusiastic aunt, Anne ventured outside to silently contemplate once more. The jovial mood didn't quite let her forget about a certain hunter's quick disappearance earlier that day.
When the princess woke to find the hunter gone, she had wondered if that peaceful image of him serenely slumbering would be last memory of him she would have in this timeline. She couldn't even determine if she felt more relief or dismay at never having that most dreaded confrontation. She had wondered if it would be cowardly or callous for her to let him seek her. Would it be crueler to let him see an unwelcomed visage or was she being irresponsible by cowardly waiting? Wouldn't it be heartless to let him wait another eighty years before he could face the very creature who slighted him?
She didn't know what to do.
Before long, slender limbs unconsciously carried her by the aged wrought-iron gate. It was how she found herself once again in that place of memories. A small smile appeared on soft lips. Despite everything that happened, those wistful memories refused to turn bitter. Perhaps, it would always be that lovely to her.
Despite mutely watching the surrounding slowly transform into fairytale like magnificence for so long that the chill had covered her pale skin with faint blush, she felt no inclination to return. Dark lavender continued to blankly watch as mists disappeared at every exhale inside that untainted space, recalling the innocent memories unsullied by the sin of selfishness. She had to marvel once again at his kindness to her.
"Whatever is eating your thoughts must be really hungry."
The highly missed voice sharply knifed through the princess' deep contemplation. The brunette immediately stood to find the striking form covered in dark long coat that was slightly sprinkled with snow. Despite the tall, dark creature being in great contrast to the refined world the snow painted, he still looked so arresting that the creature of beauty in vermillion coat was left utterly muted.
She could not even spare a thought for the reason he managed to come closer without her detection. All she could register was the look of health and the familiar expression on his face. It felt like it had been years since she last saw him on his feet. Ignoring the slowly constricting throat, the tingle in her nose and the stinging of her amethyst orbs at the familiar scent that assailed her at his proximity, the elegant Venus stood motionless. Without her knowledge, her feelings were blatantly put on display on her lovely face.
When he first came back to the castle using the luxurious sports car the Vampire King himself let him borrow to be in time for whatever silly ideas the Chairman's two idiotic children were planning, he was surprised to find they were short of one person. He didn't even go to the room where he could feel the others' auras gathered. He would have been worried that she was still confined to her bed if not for the warm beacon he could feel outside. The curses he was internally spouting at his kohai for letting his child out during the frigid weather stopped as feet swiftly changed course to the garden. Before long, hazel orbs found themselves blinking at the exquisite sight of the grown woman who, he would not loudly admit in the next few decades, stole his heart.
The opening of the celestial gates of the heavens and the arrival of singing angels, however, was ruined by the overwhelming tug of something violent at the back of his throat at the scent of Lily of the Valley mixed with honey and cream. The mouthwatering scent instinctively aroused newly acquired fangs into protruding which kept his rapidly sprinting heart and the heated irises company.
A hand immediately covered his mouth to hide the offending incisors after his knees met the freezing snow that covered the ground. Without need for any clarification, he knew that this was what those idiots from earlier were asking about. He fought the bloodlust valiantly, refusing to succumb to the frightening urge that overcame his senses.
Suddenly, the crushing pressure and painful desire were suspended by the warm embrace that enveloped his whole body. The torturous sensations affected only him but it seemed that the female brunette trembled worse than him. He finally became aware of the shaking limbs that surrounded him, the frozen tears that landed on his cheek and the whispered apologies above him.
"Please forgive me, Kaito-san. It was all my fault." The instantaneous reaction the hunter had at their close proximity didn't escape the young princess. She had been afraid of having a negative impact on his apparent lack of bloodlust as his 'master'. She was right of course. Tears overcame her at the thought of being the ultimate reason to her precious person's unhappiness. Now, she had more reasons to stay away and it shattered her heart.
The nearness to the beckoning call of blood just underneath his fangs, even when covered by expensive and thick fabric, should have further hypnotized his clouded reason but the tremulous voice begging for forgiveness only cleared his mind. Unexpectedly, Kaito found it in him to take calming breaths and steady the tremors of his body. "I'm alright, brat. I just tripped because of the snow." Firm hands gently drew shaking shoulders at arm's length. He knew it was useless to give lame excuses but he couldn't let those incessant apologies continue any longer.
While those words managed to interrupt the endless whispered remorse, the kindness produced more tears to trail down flushed cheeks. The sorrowful brunette could only let herself be led by a reliable hand to the covered pavilion. Though the action was a little too late for they were both already wet by the still continuously falling snow, neither could seem to care.
Startled lavender looked up when she felt towel land on her head accompanied by calloused hands that roughly dried her hair and clear the obvious tracks on her face. Dark brows met at the sight of a serious brunette diligently helping her without even patting the snow off his own shoulders and head. "Please don't be kind to me, Kaito-san. I don't deserve it."
"Why, brat? Did you get on Santa's naughty list?" Kaito feigned ignorance and continued on with what he was doing.
Anne frowned even more. "More than that. I wronged you by dishonoring your wishes."
"You think my wish was to croak by being skewered? Did I look so unambitious?"
"Kaito-san! You know that's not-!" The female in teenage form cried in outrage. How could he talk about his near demise in the hands of the unworthy so carelessly?
The hunter could almost smile at the look of affront. "Brat, did you really think I'll curse you for trying to save my life?"
"But I turned you without your permission." The lovely face crumpled in self-disgust and turned away.
"Brat, no matter how great I am, it would be hard even for me to give that when I'm passed out." The hunter offered sagely, damp towel now trying to help with the snow that had slightly melted on him. While he could understand where she was coming from for he knew enough of her character, he could not help but expel a deep sigh. They did say she could be such a Drama Queen. But of course, she was. She was Zero's brat, after all. "I should be thanking you."
"Please don't." Anne mumbled. She didn't deserve any gratitude for what she did was mostly for herself and without regards for anyone else.
"Nah, I really should." Kaito brusquely responded before finally sitting down. He had to wonder at vampire's resilience once more when he was only slightly startled by the ice-like temperature of the seat. "Stop worrying about unnecessary things. You'll develop wrinkles fast."
"Kaito-san…"
"Just think, you saved half of humanity by saving me." It took him only a few hours to get used to his newfound abilities and managed to end seven level Es by himself in record time. Granted, his control was not perfect and he had to use that little troublemaker's bloodstone to be undetected but he could see the improvements.
A short, humorless chuckle escaped the princess. "But you didn't want to be a vampire."
The hunter hummed in agreement. "Yeah, I didn't." Flaming amaranthine orbs glanced sideways at the creature that still looked spectacular even in her melancholy. "But I wanted to live."
"Truly?" Anne slowly asked in disbelief. Amethyst orbs found garnet ones staring at the pristine world outside the pavilion and paused at the small wistful smile on his lips.
"Yeah." If anyone asked him the same question years ago, he would certainly have responded that he would rather die than become a vampire. Now, his world had changed entirely. "I want to live for a veeeeery loooong time." Someone needed to look after this crybaby after all.
When glowing rubies finally met the lavender hues on the perplexed beauty, a smirk that would annoy the Royal Consort to death curved slightly. "So don't kill me off just yet, brat."
The princess nodded once, quite unable to stop the lone tear that escaped from one eye. Before she could hastily wipe it away, a calloused thumb of the man standing in front of her did the job. The same hand took her wrist to force her to stand. "Let's go back inside. Vampire or not, I think I'll still turn into Olaf if we stay longer."
The brunette was silent for a moment. Eyes never left the sight of the wide back that was instantly assailed by the beautiful petals of winter. The hand clutching her wrist was freezing and rough but she wouldn't pry out of it even in the pain of death. The allure of the remarkable vision made her belatedly respond rather breathlessly. "Yes, Kaito-san."
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The pureblood chuckled lightly at the look of consternation on narrowed lavender eyes of his consort. He could tell that he was trying to catch a glimpse of that certain garden despite the impossibility of it. Even he would not be able to see through the great expanse and the flurry of whiteness unless he made use of his familiars.
While he was wondering about how the conversation between the newly turned vampire and his daughter was coming along, he wasn't worried. The Vampire King strongly believed that the concerns swimming inside the lovely silverette beside him was unfounded for he could tell that the hunter was at least a man of dignity though he may not look like it.
"You're going to strain your eyes, my love." He covered his beloved with another thick blanket to protect him from the cold wind in the balcony. Burgundy orbs then briefly strayed to the group inside the room who were still intently watching the heartwarming movie end with the boy finding Santa's present beneath his tree. He left them to discuss the next one they wanted to watch and tightened the arm wrapped around the troubled form of his mate. "Let's watch this movie next!" They could hear Yuki proclaim excitedly inside the room.
"Shut up, Kaname." Zero agitatedly whispered. "They're taking too long." He hissed. The silverette wanted to be a cool parent. He really did. He wanted to be the type to give badass advices, order pizza when his children's friends come over, calmly tease them about their love life and ask more details about their crushes. But as it was, all he wanted to do was kick that irritating senpai to the next continent. Never mind that it was his daughter who obviously tried to get close to the hunter. Kaito was at fault for existing at all.
The Vampire King remained quiet. He knew that pointing out that the hunter arrived less than half an hour ago would only get him in trouble. He also kept mum about how his beloved reminded him of a silver dragon guarding his eggs. For sure he would just find himself on the snow-covered ground, blinking up the balcony.
Mercifully, before the pureblood could beg his lover to return to the warmth of the room once more, they felt two auras moving steadily towards the castle. The world blurred when a pale hand pulled him towards the cozy parlor. He blinked to find himself seated on the large beanbag they previously vacated with his mate lounging beside him as if he didn't just spend the previous half-hour glaring at the snow-covered garden.
Amused burgundy met warning lavender.
'Not a word, Kaname.'
'By your will, my love.'
A few seats away from them, twin brunettes were whispering seriously. "I'll retrieve them. Cover for me."
"Sure. But you're really surprising today, Haku. Should I be worried that you caught some unnerving behavior from nee-chan?"
"Silence. Your worries are unfounded. I simply want to do her a favor."
"Uh-huh." The younger twin responded, unconvinced. When they found their baby sister intensely looking at her tea while they were taking a break during their short preparation for a Christmas Party, they knew she saw something with her abilities. They were worried it was another troublesome business but when she informed them of a rather private affair that would take place in a certain old garden, the older of the brunettes immediately did something only their older sister was wont to do. The great Kuran Kohaku immediately went to their grandmother's garden to set up multiple high-tech, top-of-the-line video cameras protected by Akira's bloodstones. Akira was sure that the world was coming to an end. "Are you sure you don't have any ulterior motive for doing this?"
"You dare accuse me?" Kohaku's offended glare found his still perplexed twin. Coughing once, his glare turned unconvincing when he avoided the piercing gaze on him. "While I must admit that these made fine materials for blackmail, how could you for one moment even doubt me? This is a gift for a hundredth anniversary."
"Ah." Came the enlightened response. That made more sense. Whether for blackmail or bribing, they could use it to avoid their sister's wrath at least once or a hundred times. His twin sure was resourceful. "50/50 split, right?"
The Kuran heir answered without looking at anyone in the eye. "Of course."
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The remaining days of their long winter holiday passed by in a blur of snowball fights, more movie marathons, video game competitions, shopping sprees, lavish meals and preparations for their departure on top of the still unfinished business with the Hunter Association and the Vampire Council. Still, nothing could stop the pureblood princess from enjoying the much-needed relaxation after the horrifying incidents that happened.
It was almost unbelievable that the traumatic events only transpired in those two days but it was enough to be seared in every involved creature's nightmare. It was for this reason that Yuki found every opportunity to have fun and dragged anyone who could spare the time to her shenanigans. She made full use of her power as a pureblood to spread joy and expel the horrid gloom in the castle. With the enthusiastic support of the Vampire King's aide, the nobles could do nothing but indulge her. Even the little royals made sure entertain her wishes. With the celebration of the year's end, it was no surprise that everyone was drunk by the festive mood.
After the dizzying days of fun, splurging almost all the allowance her dear brother gave her and bullying all the vampire in the vicinity to join her, the short brunette was almost lamenting the start of the third semester. Even though their break was a week longer compared to other schools, it was still not enough for her. Now that the threat was over, she found that she still hasn't had enough fun.
"It's okay, Yuki-chan. We'll certainly come back!" Coaxed her angel-like boyfriend. Even though he was one of the busiest being her brother's aide, he still found the time to spoil her.
"We can visit the Tsukuyomi Castle in the next opportunity." Kaname further coaxed, burgundy orbs never leaving the documents he was working on in preparation for their departure. He needed to make last minute arrangements for when he was once again absent. He should probably inform his mate that such tasks and all the responsibilities of the Royal Consort would fall on him in the future. Soon, he hoped.
"Really, onii-sama?!" Yuki brightened at the suggestion. She had been wanting to personally visit the castle that was part of her inheritance that she only heard about. They showed her pictures of the magnificent traditional Japanese palace that sat somewhere in Kyoto. She couldn't believe that a simple girl like her had her own castle! She was so excited.
"If Zero is amenable to it, it would certainly be a pleasure, Yuki." The even tone responded.
"I'll convince him and Ichiru!" The female proclaimed before dashing out of the office she intruded upon to express her lamentation.
Takuma beamed lovingly at the adorable figure while the pureblood could only shake his head. It would seem that they needed to soon conduct etiquette lessons for his sister. His mate would probably try to shoot him at the mere suggestion but he'd at least try to make him attend. Formal events had a lot of intricacies after all. Good thing that one of the vampires who was already a candidate for the consort's ladies-in-waiting, ehem, secretary was knowledgeable about their society's etiquette. He could also recruit Aido, who would apparently be the official royal tutor and researcher according to his children, to help Ruka.
"Are you excited to return, Kaname?" The blonde noble turned to the Vampire King once their pureblood princess was gone.
While he was used to the formalities and duties attached to being the highest authority in their society, he had certainly missed he simpler life as the Night Class Dorm President. "Maybe so."
Takuma smiled at the pureblood. There was no change in the ever-distant expression of his friend but even he could tell the change in his countenance and aura. Especially now that the toughest adversaries had finally been vanquished. With the lovely prospect of his eldest child's birth in the coming months, who would not look forward to the arrival of spring?
Speaking of things to look forward to… "Kaname, have you asked Zero-sama about that yet?" Even though they were already mated, there was no formal marriage yet. If their princess arrived with her parents still unmarried, that would technically classify her as an illegitimate child. While it would be omitted once her parents do marry in the future, how could they possibly let it happen?
When inquiring emerald orbs met the gloomy air that at once surrounded his friend, the noble internally cursed himself. Why did he have to flap his useless mouth? "Ah, never mind, Kaname! It was silly of me to ask. We were so busy that I'm sure it was hard to find the opportunity!" Takuma anxiously waved his hands and tried to salvage the situation but the reminder of their busy days only seemed to make his king more dismal. Gah! "I'll go and find Katsuragi-san for you!" The noble immediately dashed out of the large study in search for the steward. He would normally use the communication device to accomplish the task but he knew when he was more of a nuisance than any help.
Deep russet orbs watched the blonde run reminiscent of his sister before expelling a breath at the predicament. He had indeed been busy but the thought of marriage had been in his mind ever since he knew that he longer needed to fear anything with the death of the only threat in his life. Now, he was certain that he could protect his mate from all remaining adversaries if there were any. The prospect of claiming the hunter in every way tempted him in every waking moment but he knew that, mated or not, it would still be a challenge to make his hunter agree.
Under the fiery sky of that late autumn sunset, Zero had accepted him as his eternal companion and for the hunter, that might have been enough. On the other hand, it was just a taste for the pureblood.
But what could he do?
Growing up as a relatively normal boy with the sensibilities of a regular person, he was sure that the silverette would raise an eyebrow at the thought of marrying so young. Even by vampire standards, marrying or being permanently bonded in their teens was too soon. He was sure that the hunter would turn him down. Shoulders imperceptibly droop at the mere possibility.
Must he really wait for a long time?
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After the flurry of preparations and last-minute settlements of some issues and plans, the group of important individuals found themselves bidding goodbye to the castle staff who all neatly stood to wish their masters a safe trip and pleasant days ahead. The servants all bowed and thanked the Royal Family for gracing them with their presence.
Zero was grateful that his senpai had gone ahead to complete more missions before the official start of the classes so he was not there to witness his embarrassment. He couldn't find it in him to roll his eyes. After being helped by so many of the servants, how could he even try and be so rude? Then came the horrifying realization; he was getting used to it!
The silverette held his groan. After the last of the luggage was loaded in the numerous cars, they finally sped away. He didn't think it would happen when he first saw the outstanding castle but as lavender orbs watched the winter scenery of the picturesque grounds through a tinted window, he knew that he would miss it.
Privy to his wordless realization, the pureblood lovingly took one pale hand and planted a reverent kiss on a soft palm. Zero ignored the pink scores that decorated his cheeks and instead found the slumbering forms of their exhausted children who were roped in by their energetic aunt for some last-minute holiday festivities.
He knew with certainty that it was now more than just a castle.
It was home.
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The soft tinkling sound of a bell accompanied the silver creature's groan once his back made contact with the soft duvet of his new bed. Ichiru would complain at the differences between the Sun Dorm and Moon Dorm to their guardian if not for that look of pure exhaustion so obvious on his ageless face.
Since Kaien didn't yet trust anyone with the supervision of his beloved academy, he still insisted on doing his part as the chairman. Thanks to the help of modern technology, he could do his share of the Association's work even while in the Academy. Since there were two people sharing the title of Association President, it wasn't hard for him to leave the rest to his dependable protégé and lover. Only, with all the craziness that happened, even ten people would not be enough finish all the current tasks. It was a small mercy that they found the previous president's slush funds and so could solve a lot of problems. Takamiya-kun's half-serious petition for an increase was sadly declined though. Kaien appreciated his swiftness in carrying out all his missions through his newfound abilities but they still needed to be frugal for indefinitely.
The younger Kiryū snorted at the remembrance before smiling widely. He would soon take the training for new hunters next week. He would surely become very busy but he was looking forward to being part of that world he could only watch from afar even though he was technically a part of it. Even the knowledge that he would be trained by their annoying senpai couldn't dampen his motivation. It's just Kaito. I can handle him.
His lover supported him fully and since he seemed to be busy developing something in his laboratory the past few days, it was the perfect time to be immersed in a different endeavor.
He sat up to finish the unpacking he was doing. After the long trip from the Kuran Castle to the Cross Academy, Ichiru wasn't able to rest for he had to process his own transfer to the Night Class. Even with the help of his enthusiastic but just as exhausted adopted-sister, his lover, the children and the nobles who he had gotten much closer to during the holiday (for nothing beats the bonding made during life and death situations), it still took them hours to transfer everything to his new room. Though his room was still a mess, he was pretty much ready for the third semester that was scheduled to start in three days.
Lilac eyes roamed around the expansive room their Dorm President bestowed upon him. The memory of how he managed to snatch a room for himself had him chuckling nonstop.
"You only need to ask, Ichiru-kun. There's no need to be so formal. I already consider you as family."
The mighty pureblood said that but it didn't escape his notice how nimble hands quietly took certain special photos and stuffed it inside his breast pocket as if he owned them. Well, guess he now had a powerful ammunition on his side. Good thing he had more pictures.
Ichiru smiled while taking out an old, purple, fading album hidden underneath all his comic books with the words Zero's Evolution which was jokingly engraved by their father. ("Because your brother acted more like an aggressive ape sometimes.") His smile sobered at the recollection of how his mother had compiled their childhood pictures in two thick albums. Thank you, mom. I'll use this well. Sadly, he couldn't find his own album. When he finally remembered that they had such albums, he found that only his twin's remained.
A knock on his door jolted him out of his reverie. He immediately tucked the album between his shounen manga once again, just in time for his adopted-sister to come in with a tray laden with refreshments.
"We're back!" Yuki jovially announced, coming in with the drinks.
"I told you to wait for a response, Yuki-sama." Hanabusa admonished while putting down his own burden filled with plates of sweets and other refreshments on a low table.
"Now, now, Aido-kun. Ichiru-kun was expecting us, what's the harm?" Takuma pacified the blood while offering large bags of potato chips to the silverette.
"Thank you, Ichijou-senpai. It's alright, Hana. Yuki will soon learn to stop doing that." Ichiru appeased his lover before smirking at Yuki who was made to attend etiquette lessons by her big brother.
The brunette heaved a big sigh before conceding. "Yeah, I'm sorry, Ichiru, Aido-senpai. I'll be more careful." She wanted to argue with her onii-sama, especially since the Royal Consort himself refused to do it, but with the promise of an exciting vacation in Kyoto, she had no choice but to relent. Darn Zero! "Hey, Ichiru, why don't you do it with me?"
Easily ignoring puppy chocolate orbs, the silverette merely sipped his hot drink. "Nii-san would already be with you, what more do you want?"
"He'll just be listening! He would not do it! Come on, Ichiru! Join me!"
Though it was not the threats of being shot that had her brother relenting, the young king settled for the hunter being informed of what was expected of them as the vampires holding the highest position in their society. Though it was very much doubted that anything learned from the lessons would be practiced by the silverette, even the stubborn hunter acknowledged that the information might come in handy in the future. Not only for his mate but also for the sake of his children. Not to mention, he would get first seat in watching the clumsy pureblood try to learn how to curtsy like a proper lady. Zero had already asked his child for a video camera to use to record all the possible hilarity that would occur.
"Why not?"
Before the younger Kiryū could respond, his newly arrived older brother did for him.
"N-nii-san?!" Ichiru sputtered incredulously.
"Zero!" Yuki excitedly beamed.
"Nii-san, what are you saying? What has that got to do with me?!" The flustered silverette immediately justified. One pale hand pushed his energetic adopted-sister's face away.
"Well, aren't you dating an aristocrat?" The older one responded nonchalantly, looking around the room. He was totally not doing it in petty jealousy that his twin got his own room. Even if he did, it was the hormones' doing.
"So wh-?" Before he could ask, lavender orbs fell on the blushing blonde beside him.
Hanabusa shyly cleared his throat. Though he was sure that their grumpy silver consort didn't intend to hint anything to his benefit, the noble couldn't help but take it as acknowledgement to all the connotations of his lover learning vampire society's etiquette would entail. After all, why would a hunter learn anything like that if there was no intention of being part of it? Surely, even the older hunter knew that their relationship was the everlasting sort.
"That's right, Ichiru. You have to make sure not to embarrass yourself in front of Aido-senpai's family!" The short princess triumphantly professed even while massaging the cheek the silverette abused. It didn't matter. She now had someone to commiserate with!
The groan the younger silverette wanted to release got trapped into a shaky smile at the expectations sparkling brightly in those clear azure orbs. Fuck. "W-well, might as well."
"Ara, that's the spirit, Ichiru-kun!" Clapped one Ichijou Takuma, delighted at the cheer now reflected in those beloved auburn orbs.
"We'll crush this, Ichiru!" The brunette further encouraged.
Yeah, spectacularly. Zero meanly snorted in his mind before quietly leaving his brother's room. He had wanted to talk with his brother, and maybe, that pipsqueak about something important but gave up in the face of the other people.
Zero internally grumbled.
How should he go about this?
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The silverette knew that he must look around but the heavy weight of the ladies and other customers' stares, especially the leering looks of his two companions, were like ten-ton pressure on his head. He knew that it was just his imagination but he couldn't seem to lift his head to start looking at the selection in front of him. He was about 10 seconds from bolting out of the shop but this was already the third one they had been into and the last one in town. He didn't feel like going back to the other two shops after he tore out of there like the devil himself was after him, face aflame with self-consciousness. For sure, he was being talked about among the employees and so he swore not to make the same mistake again.
But the two freaking idiots with him whom he managed to talk into helping him after much deliberation made it hard not to feel mortified about the whole situation. Perhaps, it was a mistake to ask for Ichiru's and Yuki's cooperation regarding this matter but he didn't feel like asking one of his angels as well. It was fucking humiliating to get advice from his future children regarding the issue at hand.
"Hey, nii-san!" He heard Ichiru call him and felt a slight nudge on his side. "She's talking to you, nii-san!"
Zero looked up to see a sweet but professional business smile from a female employee looking back at him. It seemed that she was asking what he was looking for and after giving a short and direct answer, asked for his price range.
"The price is not an issue." He answered honestly. While he still had his own savings and even the money the pureblood gave him for his allowance which he didn't want to use, he knew that this thing didn't come cheap. It was for this reason that he asked his adoptive father for his credit card. The mere reminder of it made his cheeks burn and even more so when the two embarrassing creatures with him began teasing.
"Whooo! So generous!" Ichiru hooted behind him.
"I think I'm falling in love with you, Zero-kun." Yuki squealed in chorus.
"Shut up!" Zero hissed without looking at them and just continued to train his glare on the floor.
Thankfully, the female employee was a true professional. After she led them all into a private room for viewing, she merely continued on to inquire about the design he was looking for and the stone he wished for without being bothered by the noise his companions made. After answering every question and quietly voicing out that he was looking for two rings for men which the female employee only took with a blink and a nod, he was presented by some recommendations. Both Yuki and Ichiru mercifully quieted down to admire the beautiful designs.
While all the rings presented to him were all high-classed, only one ring seemed to stand out. Zero absentmindedly took and examined it.
"18K white gold, round cut, red and purple diamond ring." The attendant immediately informed, internally surprised that the young man would pick out the most expensive ring in their store. She only added the ring because the three customers were all wearing branded clothes and seemed extraordinary at first glance. "Red diamonds symbolize passion and love while purple diamonds were one of the rarest gems. The color is associated with wealth, power and royalty. It was designed by -,"
"I'll take it." The silverette decided, stealing Ichiru and Yuki's attention who immediately took a peek at his choice over his shoulders. They hummed in approval and surprisingly uttered no teasing remarks.
The female attendant stopped her commentary and smiled. Whether out of relief at his quick decision or pure and genuine pleasure because of what she was seeing, he could not tell. In truth, the poor female was freaking out. Thoughts of calling her manager filled her mind even as she bowed and put away the rest of the selection. Before she left the room, she still had the wit to ask, "Would you like to put some engravings as well?"
"Yes, why not, nii-san? It seems to be the fad nowadays."
"Yeah, Zero. Put something extremely cheesy like 'To My One and Only'." Yuki snickered.
"Or 'To My Darling Ka-'," Ichiru wasn't able to finish for his rude brother covered his whole face with his hand. He swallowed after taking a look at his twin's face. The younger silverette internally snickered when he took on the glare that went horribly in contrast with the blush covering his face. Mercifully though, he merely raised both of his hands in surrender.
"W-why don't you both go outside and wait?"
"Eh? Stingy!" Yuki whined but still dutifully stomped out of the room like a good sister, faithfully followed by Ichiru. Damn! There went her precious teasing material.
Zero must be really embarrassed since he seemed to have encircled a barrier around the room to prevent her and Ichiru from eavesdropping given by the mute hum of power that suddenly enveloped it.
Smiling auburn orbs met amused amethysts and both vampires fought hard not to laugh at their brother. But really, both of them thought the hunter had finally learned how to crack a joke when he asked them to help him pick out an engagement ring.
An engagement ring!
Kiryū Zero asked!
The fact that he sought for support and assistance was already outstanding. The nature of the request was even more shocking. If not for the quick hands that got a hold of their collars, both siblings would have run out of the room, shrieking in astonishment. Even now, the desire to squeal and scream like idiots had yet to completely abate.
Oh gosh! This is going to be so exciting!
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The night found all three ex-prefects in their guardian's house. Said guardian was busying himself with plating the freshly delivered food for his children who already told them of their plans. While he would have wanted to cook in order to celebrate, his workload prevented him from doing so. He slightly lamented before shaking himself at the reminder of the soon joyful circumstances awaiting them.
His son was about to get married!
His eldest was now old enough to propose himself!
While several people would probably tell him that there was something seriously wrong with a sixteen-year-old jumping on the rocky voyage called marriage, he would only ignore them. After all, they did not know the situation. Not to mention, a frightening pureblood would probably take issue with anyone who'd prevent the affair from happening. Since only good things would come with the union, who was he to stop it?
He welcomed the three bickering teenagers. The other two pestered the oldest silverette regarding the engraving to no avail. The silver hunter resolutely ignored the incessant badgering.
"You got the ring already? That's fast." Kaien put his hands together in happiness. He thought that it would take days to process the ring and so he would still have the time to do his research regarding the recommendations he would make.
The older hunter wanted to join the other two in professing the wish to see the ring but seeing the large vein that decorated his eldest son's neck, he knew he should think twice. Instead, he redirected his two adopted-children's attention to other fun things. The two soon found something else to bother their brother about.
"So, how would you pop the question, nii-san?"
"Let's make it romantic, Zero!"
"Are you going to get down on your knee, son?"
While another vein threatened to pop at the irritating barrage, Zero didn't lash out for he was in a real dilemma regarding that. He absolutely had no idea how to go about it.
In the first place, it never crossed his mind to propose to anyone. Even when he had his puppy crush with Yuki, the thought of actually confessing never crossed his mind. He didn't even think that Kaname would want to marry him, though perhaps he should have. It was his mate, after all.
This started when the hunter noticed that something was troubling his mate. Given that Kaname was such a crafty bastard, he wasn't able to glean anything from their bond. He only had an inkling when he caught his mate looking at ring selections during that time Yuki forced them all to go on one last shopping trip before going back to Cross Academy. It hit him what his mate had been mulling over so seriously for many days.
The silverette was surprised that the pureblood would want to go through that sacred union with him. They already had the indestructible bond. He thought that was enough. Apparently, it wasn't. Well, after establishing a never-ending connection with his lover, marriage didn't seem hard enough to fulfill.
After ascertaining his feelings over the matter, he made a decision to ask his mate about it. Through the course of their entire relationship, it was almost always the pureblood who made the initial move. As a man who also pledged himself to the lasting commitment, it didn't sit right with him to continuously wait like a typical Victorian maiden.
He was also a man in love.
He could ask for his lover's hand in marriage, damn it.
Though after going through just the first step of buying the damn rings which costed all of his savings, he had the unnerving feeling that he bit off more than he could chew. He didn't think it would be such a distressing experience.
The heated conversation of the three eager creatures continued on without him. Zero distractedly caressed the soft kicks of his angel and internally apologized for he must have awakened her with his distress. However, his anxiety only increased when he heard words like billboard messages, radio announcement, musical flash mob, bespoke fireworks program, skywriting and other ridiculous suggestions. He already put his foot down against public proposals but it seemed that the three developed convenient amnesias.
"But son, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event! It must be grand!"
"You're proposing to a king, nii-san! We must pull out all the stops!"
"Zero, you're proposing to my brother! You must be fantastic!"
What's fantastic will be our failures. The hunter couldn't help but think. With the power of these three, he didn't any of those outrageous plans would go without a hitch. For sure, they would ruin it amazingly. He just had that bad feeling and he was mostly right about such things. He didn't manage to successfully save their kitchen from exploding multiple times just by pure chance and luck after all.
With gritted teeth and thinning patience, he growled his insistence against anything ostentatious. As retaliation, the three pouting and sulking idiots veered towards a different course of humiliation. What the fuck was wrong with these three? How could they seriously ask him to compose a song or write a poem? Were they insane?
At the continuous barrage of nonsense, Zero briefly wondered if he was powerful enough to erase a pureblood's, a vampire with Suzaku's blood and a 200-year-old hunter's memories. This was clearly a mistake. Why did he even open his mouth and asked for their help?! But then again, he had no one else to ask. He knew that useless Kaito would only mock and tease him without giving him any sound advice. His sensei would probably tell him to just ask with no preamble. But it was the proposal to his mate they were talking about. The same one who would probably do all those ridiculous suggestions from the three imps at the same time given the first chance.
No one would claim that he was ever romantic. All who knew him would sincerely pledge their life that they had never witnessed him do anything sweet. He would be the last person anyone would think of when trying to name a sentimental person. He was neither charming nor amorous. So, why was he even sitting there and listening to all that nonsense?
On one hand, he already had an eternal bond with his mate and they even have a child on the way, asking for marriage next shouldn't be that hard. He knew throwing the question out during breakfast would still make his mate happy. Yet, he found himself wanting to do this freaking proposal right. Somehow, he found that it was very important to him.
"Stop being stupid and just lend me your place, Chairman." The silverette cut the trio from planning a trip to Italy. Seriously?
"Eh?"
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That evening found the silverette a nervous-wreck while on the way to the Chairman's house with the pureblood who was waiting for him back at the Moon Dorm. It was still chilly outside but that didn't prevent sweat from covering the poor hunter. It was just a few hours' prior that the hunter decided on how he would do it and was preparing for the most lavish dinner he could dish out in the remaining time he had.
He wanted to do this right but he did not want to overestimate his abilities. After much deliberation, he decided on a simple candlelight dinner. It was already too much for him so he did not dare be more ambitious. Anything too out of reach was bound to blow up to his face. With the acrobatics his heart was doing inside his chest, he knew he was right in doing it moderately.
"My love, are you quite alright?" The pureblood who was silently observing his lover concernedly queried. By the state of his heart, he knew that something was wrong and it unsettled the vampire like nothing else did. He was immensely regretful of his mate's strong control of their bond for he could not catch a glimpse of what was troubling his hunter.
"'m fine." He mumbled in answer. Evasive amethysts focused on their path, a pale hand on his unborn daughter's movements in an attempt to calm himself.
Dark eyebrows crumpled over narrowed burgundy orbs. "Zero." The brunette pronounced firmly, tugging the hunter's other hand to make him stop walking and face him.
"I'm really fine, Ka-," The silverette's reassurance ceased when he smelled something burning and sour in the air. A chill that had nothing to do with the weather climbed all over his spine. Turning sharply to his adopted-father's house, he started to walk faster, taking the pureblood with him.
The Vampire King who also sensed something amiss and smelled the unpleasant scent in the air matched his lover's quick strides. Both arrived at the Chairman's abode and without stopping, his mate harshly opened the door to find the dining table upturned. It seemed to have been previously set up based on the white cloth, several shards of glasses and porcelains, silverware, a broken vase and the roses it contained that now littered the floor. The pureblood would have questioned the occasion if not for the sight of his sister nursing her head near the small wreckage.
What the fuck happened? Wide lavender orbs surveyed what had become of his painstaking preparations. He didn't even know where Yuki had come from when he had kicked out the three stooges even before he began setting the table. He was so exasperated that he couldn't even find it in him to inquire about Yuki's obviously hurt state.
"S-son!" The blonde Chairman of Cross Academy blanched when he saw the couple standing, one stupefied and the other confused, in the dining area. He was so frightened that he almost let go of the first aid he had just fetched. He wondered if it was still called patricide if the one who killed him was his adopted-son.
"N-nii-san?" Ichiru called loudly. He stumbled from out of their guardian's bathroom. His Henley and fringe wet from when he had hurriedly tried to wash the damn hot and scalding gravy from his eyes. He was extremely grateful to his new regenerative abilities. That could have blinded him. Seriously. What did the Chairman put in that sauce? Now, if he could survive his twin's wrath, he'd be completely safe.
"Z-Zero?!" Yuki cried in alarm. She belatedly felt the new arrivals' presence and immediately panicked. Even the hard impact her head felt when it met the floor didn't make her forget about the important plan for that night. How would they explain all these?
Knowing how the usually calm silverette must be feeling because of the occasion, the three well-meaning creatures just wanted to make sure that their beloved hunter managed to finish the preparation for that night.
The thoughtful gesture started to go wrong when Ichiru made to follow their guardian who was taking a long time in inspecting the kitchen only to be catch the blonde red-handedly putting something in the gravy. The old hunter was so immersed with what he was doing that he managed to splashed a good deal of the sauce on the silverette's face in surprise. The scalding heat of the sauce hurt Ichiru who instinctively run to the direction of the bathroom with a pained howl. In his blindness and hurry, he had strongly bumped the pureblood who was busy admiring the simple but elegant way her adopted-brother arranged the table.
She was still giddily thinking about Zero's uncharacteristically romantic side when she was harshly pushed forward. Her inclined posture made it easy for gravity to grab her and made the table careen with her until it was ultimately turned over. The only silver lining was that the shards didn't cut her at all. The older hunter immediately run to look for their first aid kit, vampire's natural regenerative abilities flying out of his agitated mind.
And that was the simple tale of how good intentions could turn disastrous.
It was truly tragic.
Zero groaned in pain. He didn't even need anyone's explanation to know what happened. After living with the three for many years, he could already tell. This wasn't the first time their clumsiness turned something simple into something dreadful.
"Are you quite alright, Yuki, Ichiru-kun?" Kaname perplexedly queried. "Is there an occasion? Do you need any assistance, Zero?"
The trio was sent into a quiet panic once again at the questions. Despite it being in the middle of winter, their sweat could probably create a small pond. They knew they wouldn't live long if the momentous event of Zero proposing ended there. Even if not by the hands of the silverette, the Demon King, that is, the Vampire King would surely end them should he knew what they just robbed him of. Good thing the silver hunter had recovered enough wit to salvage the situation.
"We were just about to celebrate the Chairman's instatement as the Association President." Zero answered in a deep, heavy tone. Glaring amethysts could see three sweating figures nodding continuously.
"I see. It's a shame that the preparations ended as such but do not worry, my love. I will help you." The brunette smiled lovingly at his mate.
A gentle hand provided placating caresses on the back of his hunter who was once again irritated by his clumsy family, utterly clueless as to what important event the three had just stolen. With telekinesis, he helped the three clean the ruined dining area while making a reservation at a famous restaurant. All the while, he was busy trying to comfort his peeved mate. Pregnancy hormones must be making his lover more annoyed than usual for he had yet recovered his usual spirits even after the blonde hunter nervously drove them all to the classy restaurant he had reserved.
Dinner passed by tensely with the culpable individuals silent as the dead.
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An inaudible sigh escaped the fair creature walking with his lover early the morning after the disastrous attempt. He had wanted to deliver ruin on the three idiotic beings who could probably lay waste on their planet through sheer ineptitude. He reined himself, however. It was not lost to him how they all tried to sincerely help him. It was just their luck that their innocent plans borne from familial affections almost always ended up in mishaps. At this point, he should be pitying their cursed fortunes and start looking for shamans who could change their stars or search for replacements for their incompetent guardian angels.
He had to give grudging respect to their undying positivity though. Just after the funeral-like dinner, all three convened again for another plan.
A revenge they said.
Since Zero wanted to ask the question before they start getting busy with the new semester, etiquette lessons, his twin's training and all the other shit that could hit them, he relented. After giving another excuse to the reluctant pureblood, he was once again swept by a stormy brainstorming with the three guardian-angel-less individuals. He could imagine all the ways the new scheme could go wrong but he was getting desperate. They start school the day after the next.
So, there he was again, walking hand-in-hand with his lover at dawn. He hadn't slept in almost 24 hours because he had to get up early in order to purchase a ring just the morning before. Dread and adrenaline made it hard to feel sleepy though. He fervently wished that nothing catastrophic would happen.
Of course, as previously and numerously mentioned before, he and the heavens were official nemesis.
How could things ever go smoothly?
It went wrong when two excited creatures softly wrestled for the best spot on a tree's branch for the best view of the couple walking in a safe distance. The nervous expression on the silver hunter made their struggle even fiercer and they fought to get a better glimpse of this rare expression. In their childish actions, the two dolts didn't realize the branch's refusal to carry them as its burden and had shown its resistance by completely detaching itself from the tree. The two were already falling before they even realized their mistake. Not even their heightened abilities and senses could save them from falling to their epic failure.
"Pigyah!" Squeaked the young Royal Princess when Ichiru and Yuki landed heavily on her back. The young brunette who had come there ready with her video camera after hearing excellent news about their silver parent's current dilemma from her baby sister's visions got flattened on the ground.
"Wha! Anne-chan!" Both vampires immediately recovered and frantically rolled off of her. Not even the knowledge of her true strength as a hybrid made their unease of landing on the child any calmer.
While the two adults fussed about the young princess, instead of joining them to help, her two brothers merely gaped at her quietly.
"Onee-chan just said 'pigyah'." Murmured Akira.
"Onee-chan just said 'pigyah'." Confirmed Kohaku.
The bubble of laughter that would have erupted from the unfeeling duo quickly diminished, however, when the lilac glare of their honorable sister fell on them. "Err, are you alright, onee-chan?" Quickly inquired Kohaku once recovered.
When deadly glare didn't abate and only intensified by the minute, they knew they messed up big time. As one, they numbly wondered if their sister recovered enough power to send them both to the other side of the world. Maybe he could persuade his sister into throwing them into the desert in Egypt. Kohaku happened to want to revisit the ruins of Thebes but with their apparent luck, they would be thrown into Antarctica. Ah, maybe he could bring one or ten penguins with them on their way back.
The impending chaos was only halted when the voice of their father asking about the commotion resounded and his stately figure came out from between the abundant vegetation.
Ichiru and Yuki flinched at the pureblood's entrance which was shortly followed by the exasperated silver hunter who gave them a glare for he could already tell their reason for being there. They were beside themselves with panic. At once, they struggled to come up with an explanation for the little commotion there. Mercifully, they were saved from completely ruining the plan when their sweet niece spoke.
"Ara, chichiue, otou-chan, my apologies. We didn't realize that you're here." Uttered the brunette princess. Face unreadable with her hair shielding her expression. Her voice sounded a bit odd, however. "Maybe because we're having so much fun. We're playing a game, you see."
"A game?" Asked the hunter.
"Yes, hunting-the-royal-twins game."
Both young princes shivered when their sister directed her wide, honestly quite maniacal, smile at them. It was accompanied by large lavender orbs that flashed with malice and sadism. The only thought that entered their mind at that moment was 'run!'
Without words of greeting or acknowledgement from them to anyone else in the vicinity, both brunettes immediately took off with their sister hot on their heels. The smoke of the pursuit left the other four wondering about what had just passed.
"What in the world just happened?" Curiously voiced the pureblood king.
"We have no idea." Answered the two culprits while struggling to hide their guilt at being the indirect cause of the young twins' suffering and for ruining the perfect setting for their brother's proposal.
"Yeah, we have no idea." They repeated to better convince themselves.
The hunter wanted to face-palm at another failure.
When the resounding sound of a commotion startled them, the pureblood immediately turned to face the noise just in time to miss the cluster of red balloons in the air. Zero's blood ran cold at seeing the inflated rubbers fly away with his whole savings with a harried blonde hunter trying to catch them again.
The older man was curiously examining the luxurious crimson velvet ring box when he was startled by a loud sound. He had briefly turned toward the noise only to belatedly realize that his hand was free of the precious box tied by the strings of multiple balloons. The cluster was already high up in the sky when horrified hazel orbs found them.
With imperceptible speed and inhumane flexibility, the bonded vampire urgently released Rose and punctured the inflated rubbers. Without pausing, he transferred the ring box, punctured balloons and all, in his earring's dimension before quickly following his mate to see the mess his siblings created.
Somehow, the urge to just sleep overcame the hunter.
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"How about recreating your first date, nii-san?" Ichiru seriously suggested even while nursing two smoking bumps awarded by his twin for ruining the plan once again and for making a cushion out of his baby girl that morning.
"Why not, Zero? We promise not to come this time!" Yuki voiced in an equally serious tone despite the physiological tears brought by pain, both hands on her own throbbing bumps. After almost making a pancake out of her niece, she graciously accepted the punishing smacks on her head.
"Why not do it on the Ferris Wheel, son?" Kaien, who was holding a placard stating that he wouldn't be careless anymore with his two hands, suggested.
Tired lavender orbs blankly stared at the apologetic trio sitting formally in a kneeled position. He wanted to glare at the blonde and question whether the suggestion was due to any knowledge of its significance to Zero but was too exhausted to grill him further. Frankly, it was not a bad idea.
And so, with a heart heavy with dread at the possibilities of another failure, the silver consort went out to ask his surprised mate to go with him that day.
Of course, given the rarity of the occasion, the Vampire King was only too glad to accompany his mate. He was still wondering what the occasion was when he saw his beloved's face turn strange at the sign they found outside the amusement park.
It was close.
Zero was now sure that the heavens were shitting him. Of course, of all days, that day just had to be their regular day off. He knew it was his fault for not checking the park's operation calendar but damn it, he just knew the world was out to get him.
"My love?" Even without the power of their bond, Kaname just knew that his mate was upset. He knew that something was bothering his hunter since a few days ago but all his inquiries were answered with assurances.
"It's nothing…" Zero answered tiredly. He was tempted to simply go down on his knee there and then but stopped. He didn't want that to be story they would tell to their children in the future. "Let's go to that shop. Haku likes the cakes there."
"Zero, whatever is troubling you, you must know that you can depend on me to assist you." Kaname professed with so much sincerity that the hunter felt foolish that he had worried his lover to an extent.
"It's fine. Nothing bad is happening." The silver hunter responded with conviction in order to expel the concern swimming in those striking burgundy pools. "Come on. Let's buy something for the children. We also need to buy that welcome gift for Ichiru." Zero finally offered with a half-smile, stating the original excuse he mentioned for the outing.
While the pureblood was not entirely convinced, he had allowed himself to be dragged by his lovely mate to the opulent looking building. The pale hand in his returned the affectionate squeeze which made the vampire a tad more relieved. He truly hoped that there won't be any unpleasant surprise ahead.
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Lavender orbs continued to look at the dawn heralding another day. Classes would start just after this day but he found himself calmer after his 'afternoon nap', a meal and a bath. After what seemed like a frantic day, he finally found himself rather refreshed. After checking what his children were up to, he had sequestered himself in the bedroom.
Still eyeing the streaks of dark purple, blue and orange in the sky and the dark silhouette of the trees outside, pale fingers toyed with the expensive ring which he immediate pocketed at the sound of a warning knock outside.
Without words, the Vampire King entered the room and sat beside the silver hunter still seriously contemplating on the bed.
"Zero? What's wrong? Is something distressing you?"
Zero turned towards the deep and euphonic voice speaking so earnestly that he'd only internally admit he had come to love. He could tell that his strange actions and uncharacteristic disquiet were seriously causing anxiety to this infuriating but still so damn endearing vampire.
How stupid.
He didn't spend all those hours listening to ridiculous plans just to agonize his lover. All he wanted to do was communicate how important he was to him. That despite his inability to show how he truly feels at times, he never regretted what became of their relationship. He wanted to tell him that he was also looking forward to their future and that however incapable he was at expressing it, he truly wished an eternity with this bastard. Ultimately, what he desired to declare was simple.
He just wanted to always stand by Kaname.
As if the current break from the insanity that was his family, something in Zero pushed him to open his mouth and say the sentiments that had always been in his heart but his stubbornness wouldn't let him speak even in the pain of death.
"I love you." Zero professed straightforwardly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Stunned, the Vampire King was unable to say anything in response. The only indication that he heard the exceptional confession was the rising beat of his heart.
"Like you, I don't know when my hate and annoyance towards you turned to this but I do know that I don't regret any of it." Zero uttered in a low, even tone, almost a whisper. "You said you can't promise me a rosy life but I don't really need that. I don't mind the challenges or struggles. I just want you to stay by my side." He finished almost shyly but resolute nonetheless. Honest amethysts never once left slightly shaky wine orbs.
The pureblood was in disbelief of his wonderful fortune. He had thought it was already an extremely lucky day since his beloved had invited him out, he never thought that he'd be blessed enough to hear such candid words from his normally unyielding hunter. Before he could further doubt the dazzling view reality had unexpectedly afforded him, the beautiful creature before him continued.
"Let's get married, Kaname."
While there were many astonishing turns of events happened in his extremely long life, none quite robbed him of his speech as effectively as the sight of his stunning mate taking a ring out of his pocket and sliding it around his left ring finger.
The silverette was internally amazed at the unbelievable serenity that filled him despite the raging beat of his heart as he was pouring the long buried but sincere feelings normally unexpressed. He knew that even that was too good to be true. Somehow, he'd manage to ruin things spectacularly regardless of the simplicity of things. The composure that he felt dissipated like an illusion at the slight gap created by the ring's circumference. Suddenly, the flustered countenance of the people in the shop when he demanded to take the ring with him asap made so much sense.
Fuck.
"Damn it. I just did something so embarrassing I could die and the ring doesn't even fit?" Zero couldn't help but grumble in self-loathing, flushed with mortification. "Shit… I wanna die…"
The slightly flustered hunter didn't want to look since he was embarrassed but when lavender orbs saw a drop of water land on his hand, they immediately looked up to see the normally composed vampire with a lone tear sliding down his left cheek.
The silverette was at once speechless to see the tear quietly followed by another one which slowly trailed from one garnet eye. Since his face didn't crumple in disdain nor with happiness, the hunter could not be sure if the tears were actually 'tears of joy'. The thought that on a slight chance that it was due to contempt or dislike caused Zero's heart to beat even faster with nervousness.
Uncertain amethysts could only watch the pureblood fisted his left hand and soft lips landed on his clenched fingers. The action almost alarmed the hunter.
However, before he could fully throw himself in the pool of self-doubt and panic, he saw a familiar light reflected in those auburn pools and the familiar shadow of a smile so fragile and rare on full lips.
Now that was a look he recognized.
He saw the same expression reflected on the mirror as he was preparing himself for his class while the pureblood continued to lounge in bed the first few mornings since he accepted that future with Kaname. That disbelieving look as if he was gazing at his sincerest dream coming true right before his eyes and waiting for the heavens to open up and tell him that it had been a cosmic mistake.
"I can't believe how lucky I am to have the opportunity to have you turn towards my way every day henceforth." Kaname rasped, joy evident on the rare blush and elated smile that bloomed on his handsome face which made him unbelievably attractive.
The infectious delight drew an answering smile from the usually obstinate hunter, allowing himself to express the pleasure such heartfelt words stirred in him. Out of nowhere, tears welled up and spilled from lavender orbs to accompany the soft laughter that bubbled out. He would be even more embarrassed later, but Zero couldn't find it in him to care at that moment. It was all he could do in order not to choke from all the emotions that filled him.
It was clear that the pureblood mirrored his own feelings. Elation that no words could express saturated the pulsing bond they shared. All they could do was hold each other, the vampire's forehead on his pale one, as soft chuckles rend the wintry air at twilight.
It was at dawn, with the world still at peace and the sleeping silver hunter curled in his arms that the pureblood noticed words engraved on his ring. Kaname thought that after his mate's proposal just hours earlier, nothing more would be able to astound him but of course, his beloved would always find ways to squeeze affection out of him. The Vampire King couldn't help but retaliate by holding the unbearably captivating creature tighter in his arms.
To the One who Quenched My Thirst
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