II – ecstasy, pain, hesitation, existence, reality

Existing in this place are now uncleanable lies/

I wonder when it has begun/

How far do/I have to go to see the light?

The vampire boy and the human girl both hide painful secrets.

Those secrets that may heal completely or shatter entirely.

Their situation is unique, and thus they gravitate towards each other, the secrets unlocking gradually.

They walk in the sinful path of their elders, relishing in their supposed indifference to societal norms.

Shinya Hiiragi does not believe in judgment. He refrains from delivering judgment, and does not allow the judgment of others to affect his thoughts. It is not in his right to judge others when he himself should be judged for his sins. He is flawed, flawed and marred with undesirable features just like every other mere human. He was born to have some sort of imperfection, a visible smudge on the clear, cracked glass. It is the reality, a human's very existence, the absolute truth. He was just a mere mortal.

"Shinya."

The silverette acknowledged the voice, turning around to see bored amethyst eyes sparkling with impatience (impatience that he has yet to make verbal) and slight curiosity (curiosity as to why Shinya Hiiragi has seemed to allow himself the pleasure of daydreaming).

"Yes?" he replied with an extra layer of unneeded cheeriness, the right amount of pure sunniness that bothered the person sitting before him.

"Why the hell are you just standing there? God, Shinya, it's fucking weird when you do that. You aren't a mannequin."

"Of course not!" the silverette exclaimed in response. "A mannequin wouldn't be able to make love to you, right?"

"Tch, whatever. Just stop zoning-out."

Shinya simply smiled at the free-spoken Guren Ichinose, the man of a certain exuberance categorized by well-planned ennui and a tendency for sardonic remarks directed at the world's wondrous events. He was rudely but pleasantly blunt, an aloof mystery that very few figured out.

Perhaps being a vampire allowed him that right.

"You should be getting ready," Guren noted, messing with the buttons on his cufflinks, choosing to ignoring the alluring smile Shinya's lovely lips always shifted into. "Mikaela and Shinoa will be here soon." Guren rolled his eyes and sighed. "Great, just what I need: a miniscule smartass and a depressing bloodsucker trying to keep me company."

"That's funny." Shinya placed his hands on his hips, smirking.

"What's funny?"

"You calling Mika a 'bloodsucker' when you yourself are one."

Guren shrugged. "Eh, doesn't matter how I describe him; in the end, we're all still the same. Our personalities differ, but our instincts don't. Now, get ready."

Shinya's smile grew wider.

"I am ready."

~•~

Shinoa prepared mini-pizzas as the food she'll give her hosts, a dish that Mikaela deemed utterly tasteless and tacky. Shinoa reminded him that the miniscule snacks were the only type of food she prepares that Guren Ichinose would ever tolerate to eat, and that they were a nice, fun snack.

"Tasteless and tacky," Mikaela repeated.

"The food, or Guren?" Shinoa asked as Mikaela opened the front door for her. She gave her gratitude, daintily prancing down the steps.

"Both."

~•~

Guren Ichinose didn't smile as Mikaela Hyakuya and Shinoa Hiiragi appeared at his door. Mikaela did not return the smile, either, but Shinoa grinned widely, as if she was trying to smile for both herself, Mikaela, and Guren. Shinya followed Shinoa's actions, smiling warmly and softly.

It was a very thoughtful attempt, but useless.

"Hyakuya," Guren greeted, his amethyst eyes regarding the fellow, younger vampire with indifference.

"Ichinose."

"Oh my, my, my!" Shinya declared. "They are referring to each other on a last-name basis. They are progressing nicely, aren't they, Little Sister?"

"They are indeed, Big Brother."

Guren rolled his eyes, not amused by the sarcasm and smart remarks the humans produced. It was never well-placed, actually meaningful, unlike his. "Shut the hell up," he said, crossing his arms.

"Don't refer to me as if I'm some lab experiment," Mikaela retorted, a low growl emitting from his throat. Shinoa sighed. They weren't even in the door yet, but tension had decided to arise, anyway. Perhaps the mini-pizzas will calm everyone down.

"We're joking, Mika. May we come in, Shinya?"

"Of course. I was wondering why you were standing outside, since it's a bit chilly. Did you want to freeze?"

Shinoa chuckled, her laughter clear and well-planned. "Yes, Shinya we're wanted to be a pair of human and vampire icicles."

The girl walked in first, the vampire stiffly following behind her. They entered a house similar to their own, a sanctuary adorned with sumptuous items and resplendent belongings, showcasing the famed Hiiragi wealth that the Hiiragis themselves do not even care about. Their lavish life was shown perfectly, flawlessly, though it was all a waste, nothing more than needless materials.

Mikaela Hyakuya found himself sitting next to Shinya Hiiragi on chocolate-brown leather couch. How pleasant. Shinoa sat across from him, chatting with a mini-pizza-eating Guren about the intriguing and mind-bogglingly topic of politics.

How unpleasant.

Mikaela did not wish to start the conversation. He will leave that to Shinya, who was currently taking a sip of the tea that - surprisingly - Guren made. The vampire did not make small talk, choosing to keep his thoughts, his words, his feelings to himself. He did not speak unless he was spoken to, and when he did speak, he went with the flow, providing normal answers, responses that conformed to the majority thinking. He seldom deviated from the topic unless it was a necessity.

It was always a necessity with Shinoa Hiiragi. It was soon becoming a necessity with Shinya, as well.

These two Hiiragis were intriguing to the blue-eyed vampire. He only had these non-conformists partially figured out - everything else remained a charismatic mystery.

"Mikaela," Shinya started. "You don't have to be so quiet. Trust me, I won't bite." Mikaela half-expected the Hiiragi to laugh at his own pun. He was slightly surprised when he didn't.

"You can call me Mika," the vampire casually threw out, sinking into the couch like a bored and frustrated child. "If you want," he quickly added.

"Ah, I assumed you were one for formalities."

"I am. You and Shinoa happen to be an exception. Consider yourself lucky."

Shinya laughed. The laughter was floaty, whimsical, genuine. It easily reflected the silverette's nature, reminded Mikaela that he was sitting next to the complete opposite of himself: outgoing and full of whimsy, as opposed to quiet and full of melancholy. Fascinating, how he can even withstand a conversation with him, Shinya Hiiragi.

"Very well, Mika." Shinya paused for a moment, and then: "You can drink the tea."

Mikaela arched an eyebrow. "Hm?"

"The tea that Guren made, it's jasmine tea. Quite delicious, if I do say so myself."

At the mention of his name, Guren turned his head, his eyes immediately locking with Mikaela's. The older vampire gave a small smirk.

The younger vampire's faced remained stoic, as expected.

"I didn't poison it, if that's what you're thinking. If I did, I'm pretty sure Shinya would be dead by now."

"Oh my, it's that strong that I could lose my life over one simple sip?" Shinya placed a hand over his heart, eyes sparkling with great (and fake) distress. "My own Guren is plotting to murder us! At least I would die with a pleasant, warm feeling."

"I guess I would have died tenfold, seeing as how I'd finished my cup," Shinoa remarked, tapping the small teaspoon against the side of the empty teacup. "Shame, too. Our conversation would have been interrupted, and I hate being rude."

"May we not speak of death?" Mikaela abruptly asked. "It's not a topic I wish to hear."

"But it's a topic that surrounds us. We are all going to die - well, hell, not us, of course. The fragile humans, I mean. They're all gonna pass us by, turn into dust blowing in the wind or some poetic crap like that. Every single human, and that includes Shinya and Shi - "

"Guren," Shinya said, an edge to his voice that only Mikaela seemed to notice. "Mika here wants to change the subject, and I wish to change the subject as well. We are changing it."

"Fine by me!" Shinoa exclaimed. "Guren, we should continue discussing the Hanayoris. Sayuri is a nice girl, she really is, but she isn't too fit to run for office. Now, Shigure, from the Yukimi family, she is a possibility."

"Shinoa!" Shinya suddenly exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Dear Noa, could you come in the kitchen with me? I require your assistance."

"Bad manners to make the guest work, is it not?" Guren mocked. "Especially a pipsqueak like her."

"Hey, not nice!" Shinoa cried.

"That's exactly why I need her. Shinoa, if you will."

The lithe girl hopped to her feet, lavender hair bouncing up and down as she skipped childishly to her brother. Mikaela frowned at the prospect of being left alone with Guren, even if it was only temporary. It wasn't his idea of having a good time.

"How long do you think it will take before they kill each other?" Shinoa asked as she entered the kitchen.

"I believe they can wait until we return. I'd be terribly upset if blood stained my newly-painted walls."

~•~

"How has your life been going, Mikaela? Still dreary, I suppose?"

Mikaela disregarded Guren's comment with a wave of his hand. "Is there really a need to discuss my life matters?"

Guren laughed. "No, I guess not. Frankly, I don't give a damn."

"That makes two of us," Mikaela interjected.

"But, I know that Thing 1 and Thing 2 are probably listening in on our conversation, hoping that we can becoming a buddy-buddy and pop open a can of beer discussing sports. It's something I'd like to do, but not with you. I doubt you like sports, anyway, but for now, you're going to like sports. So now, I'm going to ask again: how has your life been going, Mikaela?"

"Not dreary, like you incorrectly think it is. I'm alright, as long as Shinoa is with me."

"It's not for long, ya know."

Mikaela narrowed his eyes. This is one of the many reasons as to why he hates Guren Ichinose. He'd point out the painfully obvious - the truth. The very truth Mikaela doesn't feel like hearing.

"Why must you be so morbid about everything?" the blonde demanded, his blue eyes darkening a shade deeper. "It is unnecessary - you are unnecessary."

Guren remained unfazed. "I'm not being morbid, Mika - is it alright if I refer to you in that manner? - I am being a realist. A very vocal realist that acknowledges what's going to happen to the humans around him. You just refuse to acknowledge it."

"I do acknowledge it," Mikaela hissed, lying to both himself and Guren. "That doesn't mean I have to go around and fucking remind them of it. Do you not care if Shinya dies?"

A pair of amethyst eyes flashed in anger before lightening back to indifference. "Do you not care if Shinoa dies?"

"Don't answer my question with another question! I...I wouldn't know what to do if Shinoa died."

"Then you have your answer."

Mikaela remained quiet, unsure of how to respond. An aroma of sweet-smelling chocolate chips filled his senses. Cookies. They were conveniently baking chocolate chip cookies. The vampire reluctantly reached for his cup of now-cold tea and took a large gulp, not caring how ill-mannered he looked. If there was truly poison in that jasmine tea, please let it end his life quick and swift.

Two seconds go by. He's still here. He allows another two seconds go by. He hasn't found himself foaming at the mouth yet.

Figures.

"You do know that if that tea was poisoned," Guren started, " that it wouldn't affect you?"

"Shut up," Mikaela said. "I know that." Doesn't mean I shouldn't try.

Charming laughter entered Mikaela's ears. It was Shinoa's. She was having fun, probably burning the cookies in the process.

"You know she's most likely burning the cookies, right?" Guren said as if he read Mikaela's mind.

"Yes, I am aware."

"I'm going to pretend to like them, just so Shinoa won't kill me."

For once, Mikaela Hyakuya agreed with Guren Ichinose.

"So...how's that thing with Yuichiro going?"

Mikaela narrowed his eyes. How did Guren know about his situation with Yuichiro, he didn't know. He would have to speak with Shinoa about that later.

"Ah, I can tell by the look in your eyes that you are still pissed at him. It's none of my damn business, but it sure as hell isn't healthy to hold a grudge for - what? Four, five years now?"

"It doesn't matter," Mikaela simply said, surprisingly calm. "He is not of my concern anymore."

"But he's of Shinoa's concern, and the last time I checked, anything that concerns that pipsqueak should concern you. So go speak to him. Nobody's saying reconcile, but you owe yourself and Shinoa at least one chat with him."

Before Mikaela could respond, Shinoa rushed into the room, a plateful of chocolate chip cookies in her hands. Surprisingly, they were perfectly normal-looking. Shinya followed behind her, his arms overwhelmed with drinks. "Cookies are ready!" they exclaimed in unison.

Guren rolled his eyes at seeing the older Hiiragi struggle. "Damnit, Shinya, you're going to drop the drinks. Let me help."

"No, no," Shinya objected. "You sit there and entertain the guests. Let me be the stubborn human I am."

"You sound like some stereotypical housewife."

Shinya laughed. "Oh, please, Guren, don't compare me to you."

Shinoa chuckled, placing the cookies on the table. "Good one, Big Brother. Knock that vampire down a peg."

"There's a special type of hell for both of you," Guren retorted.

Mikaela glanced at the clock, noting that it had gotten late. Good. It provided the perfect excuse to cut this occasion short. Mikaela stood up, dusting himself off and looking at the girl that was happily munching on a cookie.

"Shinoa, we should leave. It's getting late."

Shinya frowned, placing the drinks on the table. The refreshments wobbled precariously on the edge until Guren slightly pushed it towards the center, scolding the silverette in the process.

"But we just made more snacks!" Shinya exclaimed, ignoring the older vampire. "All my hard work, ruined."

"Guren will vaccum it all down," Shinoa said, a small smirk plastered on her face. Guren rolled his eyes, letting his silence show his indifference.

"'Tis be alright!" Shinya clapped his hands together, smiling joyously. "I do think it was nice of you two come! We've got to do this again sometime. Do something more than cookies and discuss other topics besides the dreaded, corrupted politics."

"Agreed."

Mikaela found himself already at the front door, holding it open for Shinoa. He watched as she laughed with the older Hiiragi, teased the other vampire. She was beaming with joy, expressing those precious human emotions that Mikaela himself cannot comprehend anymore.

He slightly frowned.

"My apologies," he called, monotonously interrupting the fun, "but we have to get going."

"No need to apologize, Mika," Shinya responded. "You never need to apologize for something as trivial as that."

Mikaela nodded, flashing the obligatory smile. Before he could give thanks, he saw Shinya throw himself at him, tackling him to the ground. Shinoa and Guren looked on with curious eyes as Mikaela weakly attempted to escape Shinya's hug. He could easily throw the human, tell him not to do that ever again, incite Guren's wrath, but he didn't. He couldn't bring himself to.

Perhaps because this is the first time in a long time that another human besides Shinoa has hugged him? It felt...nice.

So the vampire chose to mockingly protest, his objections proving futile as Shinya Hiiragi hugged him tighter.

"I've changed my mind, Mika! You aren't leaving me!"

"Are they cheating on us?" Shinoa mockingly asked. "If they are, then they are surely confident, having an affair right in front of our eyes." Guren shrugged.

"Maybe. I don't know what the hell Shinya is doing, and it seems like Mikaela isn't enjoying this."

Shinya stopped his death grip and looked up at Guren, frowning. "Both of you, hush. I'm doing a little human called showing affection, something I expected Shinoa to recognize and understand."

The silverette rolled off Mikaela, who had slightly blushed at the action, much to his chagrin. He allowed Shinya to help him to his feet.

"Ah, thank you," the vampire said. "For both helping me up and nearly suffocating me."

"No problem! Thank you both for coming here! I cannot wait until we meet again, Mika and Little Shi!"

"Of course, Big Shi!" Shinoa twirled around until she reached Mikaela's side. "We are grateful that we could be your company for the evening."

"You two have the stupidest nicknames for each other," Guren pointed out. This was the second time Mikaela Hyakuya has agreed with Guren Ichinose.

"You're just jealous," the Hiiragi siblings exclaimed in unison. Guren rolled his eyes, focusing those purple orbs upon the blonde vampire.

Amethyst eyes met with blue ones.

"See you whenever, Mikaela Hyakuya."

Mikaela nodded.

"See you whenever, Guren Ichinose."

~•~

Hues of orange and red reflected off Mikaela's porcelain skin. The sun was setting, making the lovely transition to the quiet night, the very time of day Mikaela enjoyed. They walked in synchronization, his hand holding hers, Shinoa discussing how carefree her dearest brother was, how her brother has taught her to be the sarcastic person she is today.

"So...how's that thing with Yuichiro going?"

"But he's of Shinoa's concern, and the last time I checked, anything that concerns that pipsqueak should concern you. So go speak to him."

Mikaela blinked and looked to the side, looking at the humans that walked by. The trees were dimmed a deep, sleepy orange. Few people still inhabited the park, walking, chatting with their significant others. Their eyes would sometimes focus upon Mikaela and Shinoa, their loud cheerful voices turning into hushed whispers. The blonde could see the judgement in their eyes, hear the scathing words that left their lips.

"A human...with a vampire? How awful."

"That girl's family must be so disappointed with her, knowing she made the choice to be with that."

"How could she stand to be in the presence of that bloodsucker? Is she crazy? She must be."

"Absolutely despicable."

Shinoa babbled on as if she didn't notice the disgusted glares and remarks.

Mikaela wished he could be like her.

"Nobody's saying reconcile, but you owe yourself and Shinoa at least one chat with him."

"I've an errand," Mikaela said suddenly, looking away from the group of humans. He stopped in his tracks, causing his lover to look at him curiously.

Shinoa tilted her head. "An errand? Is this why you wanted to leave so early? Tsk, tsk, Mika. What type of an errand?"

"An important one."

"Important one?" Shinoa paused momentarily, as if she was contemplating something. "Ah, so mysterious. Fine, I'll be at home. Don't let the vampires suck your blood."

A now-frowning Mikaela eyed Shinoa, who put her hands up in defense. She attempted not to snicker, though a few giggles escaped.

"What? It was a joke. A funny one if I do say so myself."

Mikaela reluctantly released Shinoa's hand and cupped her face, deciding to change the subject. "Be safe returning home, Shinoa," he said softly, tenderly.

Shinoa grinned. "Aren't I always safe? I do know how to handle myself in a fight from the big bad vampires."

"Promise me, Noa."

The vampire leaned down, pressing his lips against Shinoa's. He kissed her gracefully, meaningfully, sadly ending it as quickly as he started it. He didn't doubt Shinoa's strength, but it wasn't other vampires he was worried about. He smiled at Shinoa's slightly glazed-over eyes, her lips still parted, a light blush painted on her soft cheeks.

"Don't keep me waiting," she cooed seductively. Mikaela nodded, a bit unwilling to leave her. He bid his goodbye to her, hugging her before sending her off. Shinoa waved behind her as she walked away, fading away from the vampire's sight until her lavender hair rounded a corner.

Mikaela sighed. Why must things change?

~•~

Mikaela Hyakuya sat on the bench in the most isolated part of the park, ignoring the stares from the people that would seldom walk by. They were afraid of him, fear taking over their senses even after all this time. Even now, they still hated him, still despised the very concept of him.

Good. That means they'll leave him be, allow his thoughts to formulate into something sensible.

He wanted to go back to Shinoa, deal with her scolding in the sharp form of sarcasm. He wanted to her hear her voice, see her eyes, feel her body. It was all things he wanted to have, but couldn't right now. Not until he does this, not until he starts gluing together the broken pieces.

The pieces he wanted to leave shattered on the floor.

He took out his phone, dialing the number slowly, trying to avoid the inevitable for as long as he can. Was it worth doing this? Was it worth doing anything? He hesitated. There must be some benefit, something that Shinoa sees but he can't. A way to rid himself of the pain that ebbs away at him.

Ha. That's funny. The pain will never go away. Ha, ha. His scars doesn't heal that easily.

Mikaela pressed the dial button, gingerly holding the phone to his ear. He cringed when a familiar voice answered politely and warmly. The voice had matured greatly.

What irony.

"Hello, Yuichiro? This is Mikaela. Yeah, nice to hear from you, too."

'Tis be Mika here and please don't hurt me for taking such a long time to update! My apologies! I'll try not to procrastinate so much for Chapter 3, promise! ...Maybe. I think my writing style kept changing throughout this chapter, for some strange reason. Maybe because it's more dialogue-heavy? I dunno - I'm just rambling.

Anyway, I didn't expect all the reviews and favorites and follows. Makes me happy to see others that enjoy this pairing (or, at least giving it a chance)! X3 Like I said, I opened with Shinya's PoV and I was going to end with Guren's, to show his thoughts of the day's events, but then I thought of something completely different and realized I enjoyed that more. Ah, and yes, Mikaela and Guren don't have the greatest of relationships, mainly due to their personalities and ways of thinking clashing. Next chapter will start off with Papa Guren's thoughts. Also, the "animosity" between Yuu and Mika will be partially explained next chapter. It'll kinda be OOC, so bare with me, please!

The chapter title is a reference to the song Xepher by Tatsh. Stay tuned for Chapter 3: The Last Judgement.

(Hey can you all imagine Mikaela x Shinya like I think I can make that work damnit I'm rambling on again.)