Long time no post guys!

Sorry, I had difficulties finding the right time and mood to write for this lovely story, but as usual, seeing so many awesome reviews, favorite and follows pushed me to go to the extra miles to write this chapter XD

It is literally 2:44 am here when I am posting this, so excuse any slip in grammar or spelling since I have no brain to reread and did not give our dear Irmina to read the last part and fix it. I am just that excited to post this hhhhh.

With no further ado, enjoy the read! love ya

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ last chapter ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

The next day, Kaname woke up to a wary call from Takuma.

"Kaname, I am so sorry… I tried calling every other person I know but to no avail. The Aido nanny has her hands full with the children she oversees. Hanabusa asked me to bring the child over but he could not guarantee that the children would not bully him because they attempted to bite the nanny herself at some point. The Shiki's and Akatsuki's do not have any nanny obviously because they have no children yet…. The only good news I might have is that Ruka will be visiting in two days to help out as soon as she lands from her trip to Italy."

Kaname felt an impending migraine at the thought of taking care of a toddler. He expected the coming days to be straight out of a horror movie as soon as his enhanced hearing picked up the shuffling sound from the bedroom.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

The king of vampires found himself walking on the tip of his toes to peek into the bedroom where he laid the exhausted child to sleep. He could see the bottom of the kid wiggling around under the cover until Zero pushed it off him and looked around, obviously drowsy and surprised by the foreign surrounding.

Kaname was about to jump by his side when he saw the tiny lips quivering, he did not think that he could tolerate a full-blown crying fit. However, the next action made him more curious. The lips stopped quivering but the silver brows knotted as Zero took every detail of the room. Once the assessment finished, the toddler started shuffling. With his small legs and arms, he crawled on all four across the huge bed. When he reached the edge, turmoil was visible on his face because of the height of the bed. Zero realized that he could not get down on his own.

Kaname started fretting a bit when he saw him dangle his feet, worried that he might hurt himself. However, the child crawled back on the bed and pouted. His cherubic face lit up again all of a sudden when he caught sight of the pillows. Kaname had to stifle a chuckle when Zero started to drag and drop them on the floor.

Proud of his work, the toddler proceeded to get down, Kaname held his breath watching him, the first foot landed safely, and Kaname breathed out a sigh of relief, but soon regretted it as the second foot slipped and the child was about to fall square on his head. Thanks to his enhanced speed, Kaname reached in time before the worst happened.

Zero was startled for a second before realizing that he was saved, he looked up with his big teary eyes and reached out to clutch Kaname's shirt, burying his face into the crook of his neck while trembling. Kaname was taken aback once again by the action, the affection that the child showed him unsettled him for unknown reason. He brought a hand to rub the small back reassuringly before putting the child down on his feet.

A brown eyebrow rose when he noticed the awkward standing position and the squirming, it took him a while to understand, not until Zero held both hands in front of his pants that Kaname understood that is was potty time with a great feeling of dread.

The last thing Kaname would have thought of finding himself looking up on the net was 'how to clean a toddler after a toilet break'. He could not blame Cross Kaien for not including the instruction for it, since a nanny would naturally know what to do. Now cleaned and dressed, the child recovered his happy mood along with the running around and mischief.

Kaname's phone rang while putting the clutter away, and he recognized Yuki's I.D. He was surprised to have her call since she left barely minutes ago.

"Is the boy awake?" The queen asked.

"Yes. Is something the matter?" Kaname got right to the point.

"Father just called. I did not know what you explained to him about the child, so I told him that you will call him when you have time." She answered curtly, "Bye."

Kaname put down the beeping device and pondered for a moment about what to do. He looked at the child who was now struggling with his puzzle pieces. It did not take him long to call Cross Kaien.

Kaname did not bother telling him about the situation with the nanny in detail, just that he had it covered in due time. However, he was surprised to learn that Zero had a regular appointment with a speech-language pathologist along with a social consultant over the week. Kaname was impressed by the amount of pressure that the Chairman was put under in order to be granted custody of the child.

After making another few calls, he decided that it was best to take the child himself to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

Zero had a worried expression when watching Kaname putting things in his small backpack while reading the notes about what to take. He obediently followed the brunet to the car. Kaname was aware of the fidgety behavior and it puzzled him. After securing his seat belt, Kaname went around and got into his seat.

"Uhm…" The small sound startled the pureblood king and he glanced at the child clutching the band over his chest, "Where?" Zero asked timidly, looking at his caretaker from under his long silver eyelashes.

A lightbulb lit in Kaname's head. If I remember correctly, this child was taken out of the custody of Cross-san few times while they investigated the issues he talked about. Is he thinking that I was taking him to the shelter again?

"Your father asked me to take you to visit Dr. Kim. You always spend time with her every Tuesday, right?" Kaname spoke softly. He was amused seeing Zero counting the days on his fingers before giving him a full-toothed smile, worry disappearing from his shiny eyes.

"UM!" He nodded continuously and looked out of the window, waiting for the car to move.

Kaname assumed that Zero got along well with this doctor seeing how happy he was about meeting her.

Once in the cabinet, the secretary greeted the child with a coloring kit and papers that Zero took happily before running to a door that he opened without reserve. The king of vampires felt a little awkward being in such a bright and cheerful place, plastered with kids' drawings, not to mention the overwhelming presence of mothers waiting for the turn of their children while ogling him hungrily.

He was lucky that he brought enough paperwork with him to distract him in the hour he will spend waiting for the session to end.

While he waited, his lips would curl up subtly on occasion whenever a loud giggle erupted from the room, knowing that it was Zero's voice.

He suddenly regretted rejecting the offer to accompany him during the session seeing how shy Zero had been around him ever since he took him in. It would have been a chance for the child to relax more in his presence.

The brunet shook his head, surprising himself to find his thoughts drifting more and more towards the strangest things. His chest tightened suddenly, remembering that he did not take his time talking to his late lover before leaving since he was short on time. He felt anxious and could no longer focus on his work anymore. He tucked the papers back in the bag and stood to take a walk outside the building. He had two mind about teleporting back to his quarter if his phone did not buzz. It was the secretary informing him that Zero was ready to go home.

As expected, Kaname found him leaving the room with a middle-aged woman. His worries vanished for a moment when he caught sight of the wide smile on Zero's face as he allowed the doctor to guide him to the secretary. "He seems used to be around here."

When the doctor nodded for him to follow her, he glanced at the secretary. She gave him a reassuring nod as she stroked Zero's head, who was distracted with the new toy she gave him.

The door closed and Kaname sat on the seat offered to him.

"Hello Mr. Kuran. I hope that you were not bored waiting for little Zero to finish his session."

"No such a thing Dr. I appreciate the help you are providing him." Kaname answered humbly, hiding the discomfort he was feeling from the scrutinizing look that the woman was giving him.

"So~ I usually proceed with a small chat with Cross-san in order to close the report that I need to submit to-" She interlaced her hands and paused for a moment, "Sorry… You are his son-in-law if I am not wrong, right?"

Kaname nodded,

"Are you aware of the purpose of such consultation despite the fact that Zero-chan does not really need them?" She asked

"Yes. My father-in-law briefed me about it."

"That would make things easier…" She exhaled, "First of all, I would like to say that Zero is as bright and clever as always. I have always enjoyed the sessions with him the most and will be looking forward to the next one." She beamed, "Though, today's discussion was quite unique."

Kaname tensed at the undertone, "Is there anything alarming I should know about?"

The doctor tapped on her chin, pondering before pulling a paper from under Zero's medical file, "Actually yes… It would be these." She handed several drawing to Kaname for him to examine them.

The pureblood was surprised to see that they were drawing of himself, though he only knew that from the weird way that Zero spelled his name above the distorted picture of a man standing next to a child.

As he flipped the papers, he halted at the one he suspected that the doctor would have something to say about it.

"Kame and me fighting the evil box?" The doctor quirked an eyebrow.

Kaname sighed, "Well, about this-"

"I am just curious about the real nature of the object he drew as a gun in his hand."

A brown eyebrow twitched "It has nothing to do with a gun or any kind of shooting weapon for that matter"

"What is it then?" The woman insisted, not falling for the way Kaname was trying to avoid answering her question.

It was on extremely rare occasions that the pureblood king of vampires happened to feel cornered, and this was such an occasion. Kaname delicately placed the papers on the desk and gave the old woman a fake but charming smile, hiding the fact that a vein was about to pop on his temple.

"It was nothing threatening. I assure you. He was about to throw a fit when I prevented him from taking a paper cutter into his hand. Seeing that it would be one of the few times that I am left in charge of the child, I always make sure that he is left without unpleasant memories in my company. Therefore, I thought of turning it into a game by guiding his hand holding the blade securely over the sealed box containing his toys. It was he who dubbed it as a monster that we defeated and saved all his toys it took away"

The brunet was hoping that his perfect poker face would be as flawless as ever because he was lying through his teeth.

The doctor fixed Kaname with a steady gaze, analyzing every word he uttered and every gesture that followed. She was greatly amused when she noticed that he was fretting and panicking over his words despite trying very hard to hide it.

She could not help but let out a soft giggle : "Oh dear… I guess that you were aware of how hard it would be to get Zero-chan to quiet down once he starts crying, so you probably thought of the next best thing to do."

Kaname was slightly taken aback, thus too slow to manage a response. "Ah-"

"No please…" The woman was cracking up, "No need to elaborate. I did not mean that in a negative way. Heck! If it was any other specialist in my field, they would have taken Zero away after your explanation."
Kaname all but paled if not for the humorous tone that the doctor was adopting.

"Let me tell you something good. This should be the least of your worries because Cross-san had far more reckless incidents raising Zero to this day. I assure you that if it was not for me caring for a good ol' friend, that child would have been taken from custody once and for all a long time ago."

Kaname's eyebrows rose in surprise at the unexpected information.

"In any case, I am well aware that the child will be around you for a limited period of time. However, I have to ask you to childproof your home for both your sakes. I am saying this not only as a consultant, but also as a mother of three myself. Kids nowadays are capable of things you could never conjure with an adult brain, ever"
Kaname had to admit that the tone was quite ominous, and it had the intended effect on him, surprisingly enough.
The remaining conversation was trivial but pleasant for the vampire king as he got to learn a few tricks and things to avoid in order to have a safe stay with the child. On their way back to the castle, Zerorin was more upbeat and happy, sitting on his knee and naming the element of the fleeting scenery outside the window. Kaname noticed that he would clam up when he would try to start a conversation with him. It was a little disappointing but he did not push him too much, thinking that Zero might be shy around him still.

Once they arrived, Kaname watched in a mixture of awe and amusement the little legs shuffling and the small arms clutching the backpack as Zero made his way to his quarter without asking for direction. He was acting as if he was the true master of the place walking around and greeting the servant who felt awkward at the overfamiliar human child running around with their king.

Kaname removed his tie and coat, and was about to call out for Zero but found the child already at his feet, handing him his folded mittens and beanie. Kaname accepted them gratefully and watched as the child fumbled with the zipper to remove his coat. The pureblood figured that he needed assistance, judging from the flushed cheeks and pouty mouth. He kneeled and covered the small hand. Zero awkwardly removed it and allowed the older male to help him out of the garment.

Soon after he ran to his mat and toys, dragging his backpack along with the intention to take out the new toys and drawing tools that the secretary gave him while Kaname talked to the consultant.

Minutes later, Kaname leaned against the frame of the bedroom's door after wearing more comfortable clothes, made of the softest silk in the darkest shades of black and red. Wine red eyes followed the comfortable behavior of the child, relieved by the text informing him that Ruka would be coming later this evening since she took an earlier flight.

It has not been seventy hours since the child came into his personal space, and the pureblood was already feeling a considerable amount of pressure. Pressure that he never felt even when buried in his royal duties through his grief. The thought ran through him like a bolt of lightning as his eyes flew to the ornamental table.

The child did not notice the hasty pace his caretaker took and how fast he reached the farthest wall of the room, neither did he bother to peek over the couch that blocked his view.

Kaname caressed the silver box, as his self-imposed ritual dictated, except that his hand was shaking terribly, his heart was aching and he felt a heavy weight of guilt suffocating him as he tried to whisper through the lump in his throat, "Love… Sorry… I did not mean to make you wait…" His trembling lips curled up slightly as he cradled the ashes of his late lover, "I guess the name Zero comes with a luggage of hand fullness… However, you are the only one that matters to me and that will never change, ever… I promise that I will never leave in a haste like today… the time spent with you is my lifeline. I am sorry I did not greet you as soon as I came in like usual… Were you lonely?" Kaname chuckled, imagining the witty retort the Zero he fell in love with would give, as well as the deadly glare it would earn him. "I felt lonely… I need you by my side at all times after all…" steadied finger traced the cold metal, "I wonder what you think of our little guest?" Wine orbs glanced in direction of the child, finding him asleep over his drawing. A small bitter smile traced his lips, "Were you that happy and full of life when young? I wonder… I wish I met you a lot sooner, love… We would have so many happy memories to enjoy talking about."

The king kept muttering, his expression going from relaxed, to solemn, to hurt and back to the relaxed and happy in a matter of moments. He placed the ashes back on their sacred shrine once he deemed it enough.

Once again, Kaname laid the child to sleep and headed to his desk for the paperwork awaiting. He halted midway, remembering the note that the chairman wrote in the notebook about security and safety stuff he put together. He quickly pulled and flipped the pages until he landed on what he was looking for. Kaname immediately set up everything according to the instruction before heading to his desk in the study room adjoined with the bedroom and living room. The smell of aging wood and old books was strangely soothing after the day of hyperactivity he was subjected to. He sighed and sat behind the pile of paperwork that Seiren prepared neatly on top of his mahogany desk.

The king of vampires was halfway through the work when he heard something being dragged on the floor along with small footsteps growing closer. He paused the scribbling of his fountain pen and observed as the drowsy kid wobbled into the study.

"Ka-me~" Zero called just as drowsily.

Brown eyebrow knitted in worry, "What?" he tried to sound as gentle as possible, though not appreciating the sudden interruption.

"Bathroom~" Zero clutched the ear of the stuffed bunny he was dragging along, as if sensing the irritation of the adult, his eyes were weary as he waited for Kaname to respond.

Big sleepy eyes watched as the fountain pen was gently placed in its slot, and the dark haired man rose from his seat. A smile brightened the cherubic face when a helpless look showed on the handsome face of the pureblood. Small arms spread when Kaname bent over to pick him up, then wrapped around the strong neck before placing a kiss on sharp jawline.

The action surprised Kaname once again. He felt slightly guilty as he wished the child would not bother him for something like a bathroom break minutes ago.

After doing the deed, and dreading the fact that he was getting used to it, Kaname watched as Zero strolled back to the bedroom, climbed the couple of colorful stairs that Kaname set up earlier as to avoid the morning incident. He did not wait for him to fall asleep since work was a priority for the kind, second to his beloved.

However, the pureblood was astonished to find that he had no energy to focus or stay awake in order to finish his pending tasks properly. 'Was it because of how long it had been since I went outside during the day and did extra chore around?'

Shrugging it off as the byproduct from adjusting to the intrusion on his calm and quiet life, Kaname switched off the desk lamp and headed to the couch for some rest, not expecting to get a good sleep despite the exhaustion.

Just as he thought the night could not be anymore eventful, he cracked one eye open upon feeling a presence nearby, only for it to be the child he thought was asleep.

This time, Kaname did not bother hiding his irritation, "What is it this time?"

Zero flinched, but took a deep breath as he stepped closer.

Small hands clutched the fabric of the sofa and eyed it for a moment. Kaname observed the action, already guessing the not so hidden intention.

Zero took a step back, dejection visible on his face, "nothing."

Kaname sighed at the pouty face visible to his keen eyes in the dark. It suddenly triggered a thought, 'Cross san did not mention anything about him being afraid of the dark.'

"Do you want me to switch the light on?" He asked to make sure if that was the case.

"no…" Zero denied instantly, the moonlight filtering through the large windows allowed him enough visibility.

Kaname pondered, then asked another question, "Do you miss your daddy?"

From the surprised look on Zero's face, the pureblood figured that he hit the nail on the head. However, it left him perplexed as to how he could deal with such a situation.

"He is coming back soon, you know…" He used a soft voice as he extended a hand to pat the silver head, "He misses you too. How about we call him tomorrow and ask about him, hmm?"

Another bright smile blinded Kaname, amazing him by the simple and pure soul that landed in his life that have always been filled with sin and despair.

The smile retracted a bit as Zero bit the corner of his lips, "Anone…" He whispered, as if trying to get the attention that was already granted.

"What?" Kaname asked, amusement taking over the irritation that haunted his voice moments ago.

"Daddy always sleeps together." Zero stated through puckered lips, as if hesitating to tell the fact.

Wine orbs widened, confirming the first suspicion Kaname had when Zero was examining the couch he was sleeping on. He did wonder if the child was looking for a spot in order to join and sleep with Kaname on the uncomfortable piece of furniture.

The pureblood observed the situation through his tired mind. He exhaled slowly before pressing on the lower part of the couch and pulled. Despite the sophisticated look of the couch, it was indeed a sofa bed.

The childish eyes lit up with million stars when he found the ample space beside the brunet. Faster than the light, Zero climbed and snuggled up to the side of Kaname, making sure to throw an arm over large chest and rest his head close enough to the crook of Kaname's neck.

The warm breath was ticklish, but the vampire found himself distracted by the fine hair caressing his cheek. He stared at the ceiling for a while, listening to the rhythm of the heart beating next to him. He knew the child went to sleep right away, the steady breathing was proof enough.

Kaname's eyes would flutter closed before forcing them open again, as if scared to fall asleep.

He glanced at the altar of his beloved, like any other night, longing to feel his warmth by his side, wishing to listen to his steady heartbeat that always lulled him to the most peaceful sleep.

Kaname suddenly stopped his train of thoughts in shock upon landing on the reflection of the child in his arm through the mirror of one of the cabinets.

The moonlight-colored hair stopped his breath, as it was identical to the one he used to caress every night before drifting to sleep. However, his partner would be sleeping out of exhaustion from their lovemaking.

A pained expression adorned his face as he faced away from the reflecting furniture, the sense of loss and loneliness taking over tenfold the usual amount. He chest clenched, burning from inside. Unconsciously, as if looking for comfort, his arm wrapped around the small frame of the child as he twisted his bigger body to lay sideway. He pulled the toddler closer and used his power to lay a woolen cover over them. Nuzzling the fine silver hair, Kaname did not notice when his long brown eyelashes fluttered lower and lower to meet his prominent cheekbones, neither when his breath steadied as he drifted to sleep.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

"I don't believe you… There's never been anything going on between us, and it will never be."
"There WILL be. I know how you looked at me when we were still at Cross Academy. I know how you were broken when I left with Yuuki. You think I didn't notice? You love me!"
"NO!"
"Don't deny it! I could see it in your eyes! Even now, I could see that passion there!"
"No! I don't love you!"
"Why are you lying to yourself, Zero? What are you afraid of? I know you love me. I can prove it."

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

The next thing he knew, eyes colored of the deepest reddish brown snapped open upon hearing the chirping of the birds and feeling the morning breeze washing away the last vestiges of the night.

"What?!" He breathed out the startled word. His eyes still fixed on the open window that he left open or draw its curtains. The sun was climbing higher and higher into clear blue sky, the rays slid against the wooden floor, growing closer to the couch as he remained trapped in his stupor. Kaname tried to raise his wrist to check the time only to find a weight hindering it. Blinking a few times, memories of the previous day slowly came back to his awakening brain.

He dropped his head back on the pillow, letting out a deep sigh. Not long after, a knock on the door confirmed how much longer he slept compare to the usual, if Seiren had to explicitly knock on the door instead of waiting for him to grant her access upon sensing her presence behind closed doors.

"Come in!" He ordered firmly.

Little did he know how hilarious the reaction he was about to receive.

The grey haired bodyguard froze by the door, failing to close it behind her. For once in her lifetime, maybe twice, her eyes bugged out. She had to discreetly tilt her head and verify if her eyesight did not betray her. After all, the last thing she would consider as a vampire would be to check her eyesight.

"That is Kaname-sama still sleeping, right? He actually bothered to take out a cover- wait… Is that… Oh~ no no… that is not the issue… Kaname-sama is actually drowsy from sleep? That means he actually slept properly… with a child in his arms to boot?"

Her bleak expression was on again once Kaname carefully maneuvered his arm from under Zero's head and sat properly to face her, not caring about his tussled hair. Seiren was among the rare individuals who witnessed his worst states.

The female vampire glanced at the skies as if checking for it to start raining cats and dogs.

Kaname had a hunch about what was going on in her mind, but did not bother pursuing it, saving himself the embarrassment.

"Is there any urgent appointments or meetings on my schedule today?" Kaname asked groggily. It has been years since the pureblood slept properly, and the feeling of having a clearer head left a bad aftertaste for his usually numb senses.

Seiren straightened her back and clapped her hands behind her back in a formal posture, regaining her composure, "None, Kaname-sama. I apologize for bothering you, but I merely came to request the signed documents that needed to be sent today."

Cream-colored long fingers combed through chocolate brown locks. Knowing that he did not finish signing everything, Kaname gave an irritated look at the bundle snoozing by his side. his lips pressed thin, he stood and shuffled around the bookshelves until he picked a pink notebook.

This time, he did not miss the bug-eyes that Seiren gave him as he briefly glanced her way. Though she was as proficient as him in regaining her poker face, curiosity shone brightly in her eyes as she watched him flip the pages.

A sigh of relief escaped the pureblood when he found that there would be no hectic activity such as taking the child anywhere for the day.

"I will have the documents ready in an hour." Kaname declared before closing the bathroom door behind him.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

Having handed the notebook to Seiren and explained what it was for, Kaname took his time in the bath, relaxing and pondering about the rollercoaster, he landed himself in.

He started questioning his decision to take care of the child even if for a limited number of days.

"I guess I can always send him to Yagari-san. Cross-san said that it would be the last resort if I did not agree. That would mean that he did take care of the child before…. Or I can… No… Sending him to one of our human employee may not be wise."

The pureblood finally dipped his head in defeat, sinking completely under the water. He never appreciated anything or anyone disrupting his routine and monotone life. His beloved was the center of his life, worthy of his time and energy. Having them shared with anyone or anything other than word was borderline unforgivable.

Resurfacing, Kaname inhaled sharply. With eyes cast down, he muttered, "There is only eight days left. I can hold out for that long. Zero could forgive me that little time of distraction… I hope…"

He stood, allowing the water to slide over his naked frame to the floor for a few moments before grabbing the towel and bathrobe.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

Opening the bathroom was akin to opening the gate to a different dimension when a onslaught of laughter, chatter and merry mood greeted the sullen pureblood.

He had to glance at the clock to see if he actually spend more time than he thought in the bathing.

Kaname walked in the lively living room, curious about the ruckus. He toweled his hair dry as he leaned his back against the doorframe.

There, on the colored mat of the playing corner he set up for Zero, sat the now awake toddler. Next to him sat one Takuma Ichijou, who focused on placing a piece of Lego in the tower they were building, and a giggling Ruka who sat on her knees with a pointy hat on her head while she stayed still for little Zero to paint whiskers on her cheeks. Even Seiran was not spared as Kaname found her hunting for a chance to get Zero to eat a spoonful of the prepackaged food he hated so much for breakfast.

Red brown eyes drifted from the cheerful corner to the open door of his study where he could see the piling documents. Takuma seemed to have brought more with him. Then the dark eyes drifted back to the bunch who did not even notice his usually worshipped presence.

It took him a minute or so to take in the hilarious situation and suddenly burst in laughter. The sound positively startled his guests who snapped their heads in his direction simultaneously.

The first one to react was his little mischievous charge, as his tiny feet run as fast as they could so that he glomped on his robe like an octopus, a wide grin adorned his chubby face as Zero looked up. "Mornin'"

Takuma, Ruka and Seiran stood formerly in presence of their king. The action served only in sending Kaname in another fit of soft chuckles as he lifted Zero in his arms. Takuma who did not seem to mind getting caught playing with the Lego pieces still had an orange cube in his hand. Ruka, who was flustered by the fact that Kaname witnessed the un-lady like behavior of hers, forgot about the whiskers that Zero drew on her face in the rush of removing the glittering hat from the top of her head.

Seiran being Seiran merely busied herself with putting the leftover food on the tray as she nodded in acknowledgement of the presence of her master.

"It is good to see you back Ruka." Kaname stated amicably.

The female noble lowered her head in respect and answered politely, "Thank you very much, Kaname-sama. I apologize for coming to visit earlier than scheduled. Ichijou-san explained the urgency of the situation and I wished to be of use as soon as I arrived."

"And I truly appreciate your dedication. I also apologize for adding to your burden and taking so much of your time for the next few days." he put Zero down and instructed him to go back by Ruka's side until he finished dressing himself.

"There is absolutely no trouble, Kaname-sama." Ruka finally lifted her head with a joyful expression shining through her eyes.

Kaname glanced at the child walking her way with a discrete curl in the corner of his lips.

"I see that another victim has fallen under his charm."

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ TBC ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

Feedback is always and forever welcome :D

As I said in my other story, I may have gotten busier, but I am not giving up writing any of my fanfic. As a matter of fact, a new one is in the making as well but I will not post it until I finish one of my stories (I am mean I know *sigh*)

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed it and that you are looking forward to what is coming next.

The pace of this story will pick up slightly after the next chapter, so be ready for a bit of a roller-coaster along with our pureblood king hhhh

See ya next chapter