Disclaimer: Vampire Knight is not mine. This story was made for fun. I don't own the characters and no money is being made with this story.

Greetings, minna-sama! (o´ω`o)ﾉ I am alive! .･ﾟﾟ･(／ω＼)･ﾟﾟ･. I apologize for this incapable imbecile's lateness! I thank everyone who's still willing to read this poor fic of mine! (づ￣ ³￣)づ

Truth be told, the change in my circumstances distracted me a lot. ε=ε=ε=ε=┏(;￣▽￣)┛ Well, there were also other things that prevented me but it'll be wrong to just blame Wei WuXian, Luo Binghe and Noah Wynknight right?(*´∀`*)

And while I daydream about what should follow in this fanfiction, I couldn't bring myself to actually write the scenes! ━Σ(ﾟДﾟ|||)━ Curses to my dumb fingers! But I stand by my oath to finish it...eventually! Erm, you remember I said this was a long-winded, slow-paced one right? Sorry that even this amateur is so slow!| ू´ᆺ`●)

Some parts of this chapter has been written months ago and admittedly, I haven't had the chance to thoroughly edit this. ｍ(｡≧Д≦｡)ｍ (Damn you, Kaito!) So sorry for anything that might be lacking or for OOCs. Please be reminded that English is not my first language so if there are great lapses in grammar...ahie (๑´ω`๑) Please don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything terribly wrong in your opinion and I'll try my best to fix them! For all the favorites, follows and comments, thank you very much! I am very grateful! (๛ ˘ ³˘)۶

And yes, if you'll notice, I did use character names from other animes because （○´艸｀） huehuehuehue it's hard to just come up something of your own sometimes (I've exhausted it all with the children). (´｡• ᵕ •｡`)

I'll try to come up with the next chapter faster this time. Heaven forbid I get pulled down just like last time. …..φ(〃∇〃 )))

As always, your comments, suggestions and constructive criticism for this poor amateur writer is very much welcome. (シ_ _)シ

Let's go before I change my mind! Dozo~!

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Chapter Sixteen

Uncommon Nonsense

A certain ex-human vampire hunter was starting to languorously wade from his too peaceful slumber to the land of the living and his still buffering mind can't quite understand why he's feeling light and heavy at the same time. When he realized that there's a weight on him, lavender eyes slowly opened to take in his surroundings. The first thing his eyes met is the light streaming slightly from the gap of the closed velvet curtains. He also registered that part of his vision is obscured by a slender neck and silky brown tresses. Following the lean lines in front of him had him turning up to see the unguarded, slumbering face of the vampire king.

Light orbs widened as Zero stifled a yell as memories of the night before came rudely intruding his consciousness together with a violent blush. He tried to get up but found the pureblood's hold on him to be firm. Under the quilt that covers their naked body, a strong arm was snaked around his waist while the other was used to cradle his silver head.

The silverette looked up again at the sleeping vampire and frowned in irritation. What the – pureblood or not, the damn bastard doesn't have the right to look like an angel fresh out of heaven even in deep sleep. Does he ever drool or have morning breath? Fucking unfair. Or maybe he is a celestial being or whatever, if heavenly creatures drink blood and are greedy for sex that is, this shitty asshole. The heat in his cheeks intensified as he belatedly noticed the throbbing of certain parts of his body, especially of his inner thighs and hips. Hell, even his lips and throat feel as though they've been overused and fuck him through all nine circles of hell, they were.

The way the brunette looked unguarded and innocent with lush lips slightly parted and long, dark lashes fanning out against creamy cheeks would have melted anyone's heart if they didn't know just how relentless the sadistic bastard is. The prefect grumbled low in his throat, still careful not to wake up his detainer. He took some time to survey his surroundings and found them to be in a large bedroom that is triple the size if his own room in the chairman's house with some furniture still covered by huge white cloths to protect them from dust. However, the place seems to be relatively clean actually.

He decided that he has to get out from there one way or another and therefore slyly separated his body from the warm one next to him, refusing to acknowledge the memory of just how intimately intertwined they were the previous evening, quite unable to stop the rapid beating of his heart due to an unmentionable feeling. Damn it. As he tried to move, ignoring the soreness in weird places, a disgruntled moan came from the vampire king and the hunter found himself tugged even closer as dark brows furrowed over gently opening somnolent garnet orbs.

When wine-red eyes found surprised lilac ones, Kaname, as though still half-asleep, smiled mesmerizingly down at the flushed creature in his arms and kissed his lover on the forehead, "Good morning, Zero." He uttered huskily before arranging his hunter snuggly beside him and seemingly about to go back to sleep.

Ah, fuck it. "Kaname, don't fucking go back to sleep." He said against the tempting vampire's pale neck. He's got half a mind to bite the damnable pureblood to give him a nasty shock, "Let me go, you bastard. Oi!"

The silverette can feel the chagrin bubble up inside him together with the feeling that he fucked up big time. Waking up naked and thoroughly sexed by the vampire king wasn't in his list of priorities when he went for his mission yesterday.

And here he thought he fucked up before.

Seeing that the asshole won't get up still. He opted to just forcefully prise himself from the arms surrounding him and he thought he heard a sigh from the brunette as Zero raised himself on his left elbow.

"It's still quite early, Zero. I do not think there's any need to hurry." murmured the man beneath him in a low tone. The deep, soft voice gently caressing him evokes memories of whispers and groans from the night before causing him to grimace as the rest of his body became even more active. Shit.

"It's already noon." retorted the silverette. He didn't point out that it was already nearly dawn when the exasperatingly greedy jerk let him sleep since just the internal reminder had him ready to spontaneously combust – he doesn't think he can say it without feeling the need to strangle the man beside him from embarrassment. He cursed luridly inside. And since he knows that he got to have his share of sleep, he's fairly certain that it's already nearly noon at least.

"Hmmm," returned the pureblood as auburn eyes fluttered open again and Kaname smiled mutedly when he was met with the stunning vision of his hunter. He reached out his right hand to gently touch a flushed cheek. "I suppose the children would be looking for us."

He saw Zero's complexion heightened. No doubt the thought of just exactly what kept them occupied thereby leaving their little darlings alone for the night wreaking havoc in his mind. He chuckled. He's sure that his angels would forgive him for this selfishness.

He sobered but that small smile still graced his lips as he firmly led his lover's face closer to his with the hand that was caressing his cheek earlier to give his hunter one sweet lingering kiss on the lips.

"Alas, it does seem that we have to go home for now."

His Zero does look beautiful while blushing, not even his fiercest glare could be detrimental to his charm.

"You bastard, don't get fucking carried away." He snarled but the hostility in them was cancelled out by the crimson color of his cheeks. He's internally growling, damning his heart to calm down, for crying out loud. "Where is this?" He snapped instead to change the subject and allow his body to cool down, hating the asshole who is not making it easy.

"A house I had built on a land I bought several years ago." started the brunette who continuously combed slender fingers through the soft strands high above him, not allowing his lover to move away from him with one restraining hand when Zero tried. "Incidentally halfway between the Academy and that small town yesterday. I have servants from the castle come at regular intervals to keep it maintained should I need it. I'm pleased to know that it came in handy." He added in a mutedly happy after thought.

One of Zero's eyebrows twitched once in irritation and a huge vein on his forehead throbbed painfully at the bastard who seems to be baiting him to a shouting spree. But the embarrassed yell the hunter would have let out at the shitty bastard's teasing was caught in his throat when he saw a dark cloud pass over sienna eyes as though the brunette was suddenly struck by something particularly painful, not that the exasperatingly beautiful face under him crumpled in disdain.

It wasn't the first time Zero saw the vampire this pensive but somehow, a feeling he can't quite pin down was simmering inside him. The silverette almost reached his hand out to Kaname, not even realizing how much he's observing the pureblood that he can make out subtle changes like this but any thought of consolation went flying from him when the vampire king reversed their position and pinned him against the soft mattress, "What the—"

"How truly tempting. Why must you seduce me so, my love?" Kaname said with no hint of whatever thought was bothering him just then. And Zero couldn't help but feel that something has just been denied from his notice.

And for Kaname, the kiss, though gentle, was his way of distracting his future mate from something that will both give them pain later on.

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As soon as he opened the front door and was met with the sound of food sizzling in the skillet, Zero knew that his plan of coming home unannounced has already been thwarted by his guardian. He murmured his "I'm home" very quietly in an attempt to keep the chairman in the dark and avoid seeing the blond retired hunter even before he's got a chance to clean after himself. He made a beeline for the stair to go to his room however, the beautiful vision occupying a good space on the sofa of the living room caught his notice and he paused to look at the sleeping form of his silver-haired daughter, the silky strands of her hair in graceful disarray on a throw pillow and a thick blanket has been put over her to keep her from getting cold. The calming sweet scent of freesia present in the air.

"She came here first thing in the morning to ask about you and waited until she fell asleep when she learned you're still not home." A certain kind voice spoke somewhere behind him and the teenager turned slightly around to look at the school headmaster who's wearing his frilly apron before going near the sofa to caress his daughter's cheek, his frown mirroring the slight crease on the young lady's brows. He crouched down which immediately sent a sharp pain to flare at his hips and he cursed for the nth time the sadistic, relentless vampire who didn't give his body rest the night before and hoped that his body won't betray him now with an incriminating blush.

"I didn't move her 'cause I don't want to wake her. Poor child seems to have been stressed all evening. She said that Kaname was given a trinket made by her for teleportation so you should be here as soon as business is over but you made her wait for so long!" continued Kaien before putting his hands on his hips in a maternal pose, mercifully not in the position to see the pink scores marring his guilty son's cheeks, "Really, Zero-kun, how dare you worry my granddaughter like this."

"Be quiet chairman." Hissed Zero, calming himself but, too late, dark sienna eyes started to open slowly the moment Zero tried to ease the folds in her brows.

Tired auburn eyes looked on for about half a minute before registering the image before her, "Otou-sama!" exclaimed Hime as she shot up on her elbows, "You're back."

"You look tired." commented Zero, "Were you that worried? Did you think I'd lose?" not bothering to mask the reason for his departure, knowing his children to be too smart for such kinds of deceit.

"Of course not." Hime said horrified but the breath of anxiety in her eyes is evident as small hands unconsciously hang tightly on to the lapel of his shirt and sleeves.

Then Zero remembered that the father they left behind in the future is on the verge of dying and therefore he cannot fault his children from being over protective, once this crossed his mind, he can't help but also note the insurmountable amount of unshed tears reflected deep into garnet eyes and felt guilt rack his body for causing them distress.

"Sorry…I'll…try not to worry you next time." He said as he slowly drew the female silverette into a light hug while patting her head.

The little princess burrowed herself into the embrace before noting something and Zero grimaced at the remembrance that his clothes did roll in dust and rainwater yesterday but was caught off guard when his child remarked innocently "My, you smell wonderful, Otou-sama. It's very close to how you usually smell at home."

This brought Zero unwelcome ideas of just how complacent his marital life seems to be in the future coupled with a certain recollection of the night before that he was unable to stop the scarlet burning his face.

This comment from his lovely granddaughter caught the headmaster's ear and he went nearer the duo in order to closely observe his foster son, saying in a loud whisper as his inner contemplation about his responsibilities as a guardian got the better of him, quite forgetting the child in the room as he proceeded to put his hands on either side of his silver son's shoulder.

"Hmm, he certainly smells sweet but I'm not sure if this is it," Kaien contemplated in a loud whisper then rounded up at the teenager, deciding to straight-forwardly ask the silverette in almost a shout, "Son! Did Kaname-kun went on top of you and—" the blond was unable to continue as an arm swung around violently to send him flying across the room, administered by the violently flushing young vampire hunter. Damn, Chairman.

"Ah, grandpa!" gasped Hime with wide auburn eyes, hands coming up to cradle her cheeks in shock and worry, completely clueless of the mortifying subject.

"Don't mind him, Hime." grunted Zero, quite unable to meet anyone's eyes, he just pat his daughter's light head from his standing position, "I'll, er, just change clothes. Wait here. I'll escort you to the Moon Dorms." And then dashed off as fast as his exhausted body can carry him to make his escape, wincing at the pain it brought him in unmentionable places.

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Longish, dark brown tresses curling at the nape tickled the young man slightly as he walked over to the little gathering consisting of his brothers and youngest sister with their two cousins and a pensive aunt Rima. Sato watched with wine-red eyes as Tsukiko, followed by Shinobu, clapped their hands in a hearty applause at some, no doubt, achievement of their naturally blond cousin who seems to have been working on fixing an old personal fridge, various tools and screws littered by his feet. Ichi was looking bored, though, as he claimed that he succeeded after a few minutes of plugging in the appliance to check if it's working already. Itsuki, who's in an obviously worn out Rima's loose embrace giggled merrily in reply.

"Oh, good going, Ichi. So you don't always mess things up, eh?" hooted Hiro who was comfortably lying on his stomach on sofa.

This perked up the little golden rogue who said in a tone that aims to sound shy but contrarily puffing his chest out with a smug smile, "Aww, praising me as the greatest is just embarrassing, Hiro-nii."

"No one said that, though. Idiot." joined in Sato in a quiet voice, glancing at every face in the room and stopping momentarily at a certain female model's tired face. Hmm, seems like Hime was not the only one anxious since last night.

The fact that their Aunt Rima was up till this early in the afternoon just to wait for her copper-haired partner to come back is already a sorry sight after staying half the night coaxing his own twin sister to take a rest instead of waiting for their parents to arrive, believing that the two of them together will be alright. That their Uncle Shiki is still not back sets a rather dark cloud hovering around the usually calm vampire.

He hoped that the innocent, loud, childish cheers around her would make her feel better and he picked up the still hot teapot and went near the blue-eyed female and gently asked her if she wants a refill of tea. Exhausted eyes fixed him an unseeing look before Rima turned her gaze in front of her to the gleeful sounds of children, wondering what the time is already and whether or not Shiki will come back soon. She won't usually worry about her quiet but capable friend but the suspicious and sudden summons of the Council during this bizarre situation they're currently in makes her heart squeeze in apprehension. It can't be coincidental.

"Please don't worry too much, auntie," the sincere tone of the eldest of the Royal Children reached her as he relieved her of the toddler who was pushed on her lap by Ichi and is then given a hot cup of tea, "please know that Chichiue already arrived and was told about uncle Shiki's summons."

This piece of news caught her off-guard as she didn't notice the Moon Dorm President's arrival. But she might have chosen to ignore when several peals of delighted shouts sounded from Tsukiko-sama just a few minutes earlier, which might have been when their king returned. Now that she thinks on it, Hiro-sama seems to be talking to her earlier but she was just too weary and anxious to pay attention. She stared at the young prince with slightly wide eyes before nodding in slight relief; surely Kaname-sama will be able to figure everything out.

She replaced her gaze ahead to the lively children and heard when the son of a particularly rumbustious blond classmate explained to his audience in a genuinely uninterested voice how he fixed the appliance, "Checked the manual, looked at the wiring, screws, parts and just figured it out as I go, I suppose. This is too basic, I can't even think of it as a challenge."

Hiro clapped his hands in mock-admiration, "Oohh, as expected of Ichi, since he has experience, he really knows it when there's a few loose screws." He concluded with a grin for which he received a smack from Sato, though Ichi didn't really understand the comment.

"I highly suggest that you go and rest, aunt Rima." compassionately offered Sato, he gave a look to his younger twin brother as though questioning him why their aunt Rima is still mercilessly up when he already ordered Hiro to make sure she knows that their Chichiue was already home and was informed of uncle Shiki's situation. He was met with helpless and lightly indignant auburn eyes, mouthing silently, I tried, was ignored.

Rima nodded her head quietly. "It seems Ichi has talent for mechanical works." She casually imparted in a slight whisper as she stood up rather unsteadily, trying to make up for being such a dismal companion earlier. She thought she saw the two eldest brunette twins grimace a little at this, one in genuine horror, the other with disguised amusement.

"Well, I'm afraid he hasn't got the taste for it." replied Sato stiltedly as though recalling some rather nasty things.

"Yeah, I remember this experiment where he modified his sister's doll into a mini chocolate factory." added Hiro who's clearly struggling to keep a straight face.

Ichi, who's got a natural radar for picking up when people are talking about him, caught their conversation with sharp ears and immediately launched a would-be narrative, "Oh, but that was a good one! Inspired by the nutcracker! You just need to cram the cocoa in the mouth and then the finish product would come out from the—" he animatedly started while gesturing grandly on his own backside.

"Yes, dear, I don't see how that can ever go wrong." suddenly cut in Hime drily as she opened the door to the common room with a quietly derisive look at her genius cousin but she smiled slightly when her gaze landed on the rest of the room's occupants, the expression finally matched the freshly picked flowers she's carrying in one hand.

All four of her siblings found her and Sato and Hiro immediately registered the change in her aura so that her russet eyes are dancing and both brunettes' sighed in relief. The sight of their father who followed her laden with a bouquet of flowers and a bag of treats elicited an excited clamor from all of them and they all noted the fascinating scent coming from the silver hunter which they also noticed on their Chichiue when he arrived earlier. The impact of what the sweet, graceful scent reminds them is evident on how hint of tears appeared on Tsukiko's lilac eyes for the second time that day and how Shinobu's lips tremble on his usually impassive face and Sato had to remind himself that rushing the tracking spell won't be possible.

"Otou-chan!" Tsukiko cried happily despite the rather painful reminder of what they left behind in the future as she ran to Zero who was scowling irritably at something up until the time he saw his children, her twin brother close at her heels.

Zero then gave a short smile as he dumped what he's holding on the floor in favor of crouching down (with a slight wince) and receiving his youngest children's eager greetings.

"Careful there, Tsukiko, Shinobu." Hiro called smilingly as he also walks near them, "Chichiue promised to come down soon and play with us if you behave yourselves." The young brunettes wouldn't have let go of Kaname at all if not for his assurance of spending the rest of the day with them after he takes care of a few urgent business. The way they're burrowing their heads against Zero's chest, relishing the closest scent of their parents in the future so far told them that it'll be nearly impossible to separate the two adorable angels from the silverette any time soon. "Oh well." Hiro merely shrugged as he gave in to his own urges and hugged their father tightly, inhaling deeply, "Good mor-ah-afternoon, Otou-sama!"

When another pair of hands snaked the silver hunter's lowered neck, Hiro resurfaced to find Sato doing exactly the same from their father's other side, "You're not being Mr. Stony, today, Sato?" He asked with an air of contrived shock.

"Shut up, Hiro." was Sato's only and quiet reply, closing his eyes as he mutedly greeted Zero who only smiled quietly at their banter.

Lavender eyes going from his children to the three blonds further in the room where he can hear little Ichi going in tangents with one Rima Toya about an invention of his from the looks of it, but his back became stiff when he heard a voice call him and perceived the steps of a certain pureblood coming down the stairs.

"It is really you, Zero." gently called out Kaname, a little surprised at finding his future mate in the Moon Dorms as he tucked in a formal looking note into his shirt's breast pocket. Like him, the silverette already managed to change his clothes but as the sweet fragrance of their union still hovers around the silver hunter like peerless perfume, Kaname couldn't help the quiet smile that formed on his lips. Garnet eyes roamed his beloved's figure before taking note of a particular detail, "You are disgruntled."

The prefect was surprised that the vampire noticed but scowled at the reminder before stopping after looking at the pureblood for a few seconds, "Back at you." He replied finally.

Kaname was rather taken aback that Zero could tell, after all, he tried to suppress the displeasure simmering inside him as he resolved to tackle certain matters only after giving his children the attention and affection they deserve. Nonetheless, he was inordinately please that Zero is paying close attention to him now. He decided not to call him out for it just yet, however. "Trifle matters that sought to distract me from you. Foolish attempt, though." He said to divert his future mate.

The hunter was still eyeing the pocket where he saw the note that the vampire was holding disappear to when he heard the pureblood's last sentence and his scrutiny became half-lidded as he felt his temper together with his temperature rise again at the continuous teasing. Bah.

Seeing the silver prefect's expression, the brunette finally managed a genuine smile, his chest feeling lighter as he chuckled in amusement at Zero as he pressed again, "And what has happened to cause our Zero to feel annoyed?" He reiterated gracefully, eyeing the paper bag abundantly stuffed with chocolates and pastries and the freshly picked flowers.

Meeting you. Zero answered bitingly inside his mind, loath to give in to the vampire's obvious teasing, one silver eyebrow twitching in irritation at the sweet way Kaname referred to him.

Before the silverette could come up of clever ways to mask a swear word to hurl at the pureblood in front of their children, Hime graciously explained for him, "Otou-sama must be uncomfortable with those presents the Day Class students gave away after we passed them as we were going here."

The reminder got lilac eyes glaring at the offerings on the floor as though they intentionally existed to infuriate him. "They're just trying to piss me off." The silverette gritted between clenched teeth.

Hime was thinking how the young ladies they met on the way to the Moon Dorms did a double take and flushed after seeing her otou-sama before going away and afterwards catching up to them with various gifts at hand, even ignoring her as she tried to hide herself behind her father in the wake of their unexpected appearance. Glittering eyes centered on the silver prefect as they stuttered some greeting before reluctantly going away, completely oblivious to the silver prefect's crumpled expression. She had to convince her otou-sama not to throw the harmless gifts in the nearest bin out of respect and amusement for the young ladies.

Upon knowing what happened, Kaname's smile became just a tad cooler and he stooped to stop Tsuki-hime from picking up the innocent bag to rummage the contents, "Don't worry, Tsuki-hime, if you want something like this, you can just tell chichiue and I'll have it prepared for you." He then faced Zero who felt a slight chill go down his back at the sight of that smile, "I would assume Zero doesn't have an interest in this."

The hunter resisted the urge to take a step back in the face of Kaname's lightly narrowed gaze and just answered curtly, "Un."

At his short but honest answer, the vampire's expression became a lot warmer and he proceeded to proffer the bag to a frozen Rima and Ichi who became statues when they perceived the king's slightly peeved aura. "Zero doesn't like these. Might I trouble the two of you to share these among yourselves? I daresay Itsuki-kun shouldn't be given too much sugar. Of course, you may throw it away should you want to." The pureblood kindly finished before receiving the blond model's quivering gratitude as she mechanically took the bag and fully exited the room but she paused as though battling with herself as she took one last look at the Moon Dorms President.

Noticing her gaze and knowing of her concern, the king spared another glance at her as he quietly eased her worries, "I'll have Seiren look into the matter with Shiki."

Relief flashed across the tired, pale face of the younger vampire and she nodded respectfully before she continued to hurry away, wanting to be a hundred miles away from one jealous pureblood.

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Soft silver strands tangled with his fingers as he combed through the silken tresses of his beloved, also caressing the bell at the end of the thread adorning his longish starlight hair. The sun was shining warmly but cannot be compared to the angelic smile of Ichiru as he smiles at him, lilac eyes spoke of so much affection. He can feel his heart beat fast as he foresees his darling silverette utter the words he's been craving for so long—

A loud crash of their dorm room's door banging open pulled him half-awake but the blond noble desperately swam back to his dream as he kept blue eyes tightly shut to hear Ichiru say the three important words, already he's opening those lush, pink lips. Wait!

There was silence but for a feeble sobbing of someone but he ignored it as he again settled into seeing Ichiru look at him with an open heart—

Sniff.

Ichiru was looking at him with an open heart-

Sniff. Gulp. Sniff.

Ichiru was looking at him—

Bawling.

Ichiru—

More bawling.

God damn it. Aidou Hanabusa irately opened blue eyes to strangle the culprit who dared go between him and his sweet dream and saw the annoying Moon Dorms vice-president drowning in crocodile tears.

"Are you awake already? I've been here a full three minutes." Ichijo Takuma had the nerve to look put upon and the grace to fake-sniff again.

Aidou buried his face on his pillow to muffle a scream of vexation.

"Really, now, Aidou-kun, you might wake them next door." lightly scolded Takuma as he helplessly wipe away imaginary tears, clearly satisfied at having annoyed another to alleviate his own feelings.

Aidou sat up and directed his tear-filled glare at the green-eyed vampire, "What is it you want this early, Ichijo-san?" he yelled exasperatedly.

A sleepy Kain is already sitting up, ruffling his red hair while looking at Takuma, wondering at the commotion. He noticed that the two children who crawled in their bed last night were nowhere in sight and therefore might be awake already.

"Come on! You just have to mourn with me!" Takuma wailed, the actual displeasure of his situation carefully concealed and churning uncomfortably inside his chest, "My grandfather just sent me a letter saying he's going to come here soon to visit us! That can't be good!" he dramatically drew the curtains of their room open to let in the bright sunshine as he finished his sentence, looking outside with huge exaggerated tears in his eyes.

"Ichijo-san!" Aidou moaned, the head of the Vampire Council visiting is not his fault so why are they bothering him with it? Especially when he's with Ichiru! "Just tell Kaname-sama about it and close the damn curtains! Do you want to burn yourself?!" he then threw his covers over his head and plopped back down to his pillow, hoping that Takuma would go away. He needs to catch up with his dream!

Instead of obeying the request, the annoying blond noble even pressed himself against the window panes, "Ah, I hope I can just burn to ashes. It would rid me of that stupid grandfather forever. Even Kaname looked extremely pissed and he just got back, too—oh! It's Yuuki-chan and Ichiru-kun! What perfect timing to lift my spirits!" he then took off outside their room and, no doubt, down below.

At the mention of a particular silverette's name, Aidou threw back his covers again and jumped out of bed.

Ichiru!

Within three seconds he already changed his clothes and was styling his hair. Akatsuki Kain, of course, who knows who holds his genius cousin's heart and don't plan on coming in between them again which will undoubtedly only cause him a million years of headache, just yawned and watched unseeingly at the noble's frenzied movements, thinking that both blonds are like tornadoes ruining his sleep. But when he realized something he attempted to halt his cousin from going out of their room, "Oy! Hana! Wait—" but the vampire was already gone.

'…..…..'

"Oh, well." He tried, He'll realize soon enough.

Meanwhile, Aidou Hanabusa was determined that no man or thing would prevent him from seeing his one and only silverette, especially since the daily dose of dreams of him was already cut short by that stupid Ichijo-san. He bypassed everyone and didn't heed any greeting nor attempts to call him.

Luckily, it seems that Yuuki and Ichiru was just on their way to visit the royal children and was walking alongside the dorm wall outside, no doubt thinking of going through the balcony door of the room where the royals are making the spell from outside.

He caught Ichiru as he pass by the terrace running along one side of the Moon Dorms. He called out to him as naturally as he can and walked coolly to lean over the railings. Yuuki Cross was nowhere to be found but he can't care about that just now.

Angels in heaven sang when lavender eyes found him. Ichiru looked at him from head to toe and when he smiled at him, he wanted to sing himself.

"Senpai, you're early. You don't even seem fully awake yet." He greeted politely, the noble still doesn't like the hint of something bothering his future mate as though Ichiru is holding a great burden within himself. But after all those months of pining for him, just the fact that those lilac eyes are on him is enough to make his day.

He had to remind himself not to be too obvious as his plan is to slowly capture the silverette so that he'll be trapped before he even knows it and won't have the chance to slip pass his fingers, "There was a slight disturbance. I have many things to do anyway so I just decided to not go back to sleep." He said importantly.

"I see, well…ah—hmm, I see."

And both just looked at each other, not knowing what to say to further the conversation, one was desperately scrambling for things to say just to prolong the encounter, afraid that their moment for the day would be over already while the other is in the process of calming himself, when he sensed the dull throbbing of his heart despite leaping to his throat at the sight of the dazzling vampire earlier, the silverette internally smiled a little as he felt himself settle.

"Where are you going? What are you doing in the Moon Dorms?" blurted Aidou.

"Visiting the children." hastily answered Ichiru in spite of himself, "They requested that we visit them. I heard nii-san is with them and we haven't seen him since yesterday so…and we're going to ask how they're doing with that, err, spell of theirs."

Mingling with the grouchy older silver hunter any more than he's expected to is not something that he would like to do but if it's to have a few more minutes with the love of his life, Aidou decided that he can endure it, "What a coincidence, I have some things I need to ask the princes about that spell myself." He said, lying a little as he already asked all that he's curious about when it comes to the spell the young royals are making. Taking on a look of contemplation, "Now that you mention it, it might be good to ask them now while they're not busy." Everyone knows that when the silver hunter is here, the children would make a point to finish their work as early as they can to enjoy time together with their father. "Ichi would most likely bother them again today so I should make sure to look after him." He finished, hard put to keep his cool and calm demeanor.

"Really?" exclaimed Ichiru brightly ('Is that because of me? That's because of me, right?' Aidou thought, his expression nearly falling away), then, as though remembering something, he sobered up and cleared his throat, "I'll tell them you're coming then."

Yes! He succeeded! "Ichi and Itsu weren't in the room when I woke up so maybe they're with Hime-sama and the others already. I'll just go with you. I'll go down now."

"E-eh? Don't you need to go to your room first?"

"Hmm? I'm all set."

"I think senpai needs to change his clothes first."

"Eh? I already changed."

Ichiru looked at him as if checking the honesty of his words, when he decided that he's in earnest he shook his head and smiled a little at him, "Um…senpai. Y-you're still wearing your pajama bottoms."

The blond noble froze, blinked once, then twice, and slowly looked down at the treacherous lower garments and, true enough, hanging comfortably from his long limbs, blue eyes saw teddy bear prints happily looking back at him against a light blue background.

He thought he heard Ichiru shout after him that they'll wait for him while he ran back to his room cursing and screaming for Kain.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

A few minutes earlier…

Feeling refreshed for the first time in several days, the light steps of one Yuuki Cross carries a little sense of jubilation, especially as the two walking prefects neared the highly admired Moon Dorms in search of their brother and his children. Feeling safer here than in any part of the school currently, Yuuki breathed deeply in relief as they passed through the black iron gates and sienna orbs gazed at the heavily curtained windows of the upper floors, idly wondering where Ichijo-senpai's room might be.

"I'm really glad you're feeling better, Yuuki." Ichiru imparted casually beside her, lavender eyes stealing fleeting looks at her from the corner of his light eyes.

"Uh-huh." The petite brunette nodded in response before adding in a relaxed but sincere tone, "Sorry again for worrying you and making you search for me." She tried her best to repress the shivers at the memory of last night's debacle.

Concern filled Ichiru as he reached out a hand to ruffle short and soft dark hair, "Just make sure to tell us if there's anything bothering you and make sure to thank and apologize to Wakaba-san again."

Nodding her head once more to avoid having to lie about what exactly worries her, she gave her adopted brother a smile as they rounded up the corner of the building, having decided to enter from the balcony where their nieces and nephews are making their spell.

A slightly cold breeze carried the tranquil scent of books and autumn and the female prefect automatically turned her head to look behind them even before a cheerful voice called out her name, "Yuuki-chan!"

An answering smile naturally formed on her face as her chest filled with contented warmth, "Good afternoon, Ichijo-senpai!"

The blond upperclassman carefully walked along the shade of the building but the shadow was unable to conceal the sparkles the naturally charming vampire normally exudes and Ichiru felt blinded as he distractedly wondered who would win if Ichijo-senpai and Aidou-senpai ever competes on who glitters the best out of them. He internally shook his head to chase away his idiotic thoughts as he greeted the vampire respectfully after Ichijo Takuma greeted him as well.

Light purplish eyes took this chance to surreptitiously look at the two as they gravitate towards each other while happily forgetting about him. He smiled ruefully as he marveled how he ever managed to miss the affection blatantly plastered on the twinkling vampire's green eyes. He must have been really absorbed in his own little world. He once again shook his head, berating himself a little for not being attentive enough because of his own little problem.

Examining them for half a minute more, the silver prefect quietly took his leave to give them privacy and continued on to where his brother is…

Meanwhile, Yuuki was completely unsuspecting of Ichiru's subtlety as she schooled herself to be respectable and proper but was unable to stop the brilliant smile blooming on her face at the other's kind and welcoming reception.

"I remember promising Yuuki-chan to lend you some mangas so I thought I should give it to you now since you're here." warmly remarked Takuma as he handed a paper bag to Yuuki. While he had it prepared so that his lady can easily carry it back to her room, he was of course unwilling to let the discourse end just like that. Thinking that the sunny and open atmosphere of the garden is better than the stifling interior of the dorms, he lightly invited her, "Would Yuuki-chan like to check some of these? I would be able to get the second volumes for you now while you're here if you're interested in them. We can check them over there in the garden pavilion if you'd like." He finished as he pointed at a simple but elegant wooden garden pavilion, situated not far from the side of the Moon Dorms and complete with sturdy wooden chairs and benches and a circular table.

The brunette saw the shaded small building and thought that Ichijo-senpai would be properly guarded against the sunlight while still being able to enjoy the open air of a good day, she nodded her agreement and thanked him.

Takuma called in a maid to request for some snacks to be delivered and then led the way while talking about mundane matters and trifling stories that distracted the prefect and made her laugh. Making her comfortable and safe will always be forefront in his mind. As gentle emerald orbs took in the happy expression on his beloved's face, he thought that letting Yuuki come to him on her own to ask for help about what's ailing her would be the best course of action he could take for now.

The idea of his own grandfather's malicious scheme against his best friend and his children throwing a wrench at his feeling but the sight of Yuuki laughing promptly chased away the hint of bitterness that threatened to creep in his heart.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

A chinking sound can be heard as youthful man with ash-blond hair put two teacups side by side as he makes tea inside the headmaster's office of Cross Academy. Kaien calmly pushed his long hair behind him as he solemnly listened to his closest friend make his report. The dark-haired man before him gruffly lit a cigarette despite numerous reminders that the school office prohibits it.

"I persuaded the Matoba's. Iwaizumi already suspected something a long time ago and readily agreed. The Hibari's came to me themselves. I didn't bother with Suguo because his family has been kissing the ass of the president since before they grew balls but I know some of those who could think for themselves." One Yagari Toga roughly stated as he looked at the bespectacled man in front of him, his heart focusing on the ageless face he knew of almost his entire life while his mind rehashing the details of the plan they're trying to work with.

The ex-hunter placed a steaming cup of herbal tea in front of the taller man who looked at the cup rather balefully before replacing his gaze on him. "I also received a few notes from families like Nakajima and even Hughes, though they only started reporting to the Association here in Japan since just a few decades ago. We need to make sure that we won't let in any snakes or if we do…" Kaien trailed off as he took a sip of tea.

"Sniff them out and kill them." finished Toga for him as he flicked ashes on the ashtray that the headmaster had no choice but to helplessly place on the coffee table anyway because of this one shameless rule-breaker.

"Are they willing to work with vampires?" asked Kaien with a bit of a frown after a few minutes.

Toga scoffed slightly turning his dark head away. "What fucking choice do the bastards have? Some of them think that we can handle it ourselves but some got brains enough to know that it'll be better to have the help that king is offering." The blue-eyed hunter said drily, his tone taking on a harsher note when he said the word 'king' like a disapproving father-in-law, "They aren't happy but they're willing to cooperate."

Kaien had a little knowing smile on his face after hearing his tone of voice that had Toga averting his eyes even more to the side in a boorish manner. He spared him from the teasing however, "So they're targeting Zero first, huh." He commented contemptuously, "According to a short message from Kaname-kun, the Council has also already showed signs of stirring."

"I would assume it's that they want to get rid of the eagle to prey on the eggs." Another wisp of smoke snaked upwards as a crease appeared between black brows. Why does it feel that they're missing something? "Or is it that they needed Zero as a vampire br—…as an Immortal Fruit? If that's the case, they might try to go after Ichiru as well." he stated, his contemplating frown turning into a near scowl as he choked on the word 'bride', opting to use another epithet for the constitution instead.

Kaien's expression darkened a tone as his own question was verbalized by the other man. Regarding his adopted sons being vampire brides, it'll be no wonder why the Council would want them but it shouldn't be to the point of desperation. That man would have no use for Zero unless as a source of food that could definitely bring him back his strength…right? And while they really might target Ichiru as well, they shouldn't be certain that the other silver hunter would be a Kakusa Hanayome as well even though they're twins. Their side only knew because of his grandchildren. But being twins doesn't guarantee that both would be vampire brides normally. There are still a lot to be considered and he doesn't like how much pieces they're missing. The ex-hunter narrowed his eyes as he tried not to grit his teeth in frustration. He opted to inquire instead, "What of the announcement?"

Understanding the reason for the lack of response to his question, Toga let it drop with a blow of smoke up in the air, "A hunt has been approved, there's even a fucking reward. On the surface, the order is to capture him only however there's an underlying order that should that prove difficult, they have to immediately eliminate him but that's all hushed up. I don't think they want their playmates to know that they're stupid enough to backstab them by having Zero killed." Seeing the dark and pondering look on the blonde's face, he added, "They don't have brains Kaien, but they also don't have balls enough to try to attack the school as they are now. We still have time to strengthen the defenses here. Those fuckers will most likely sit on their asses to wait for a chance outside the school." If anything, it's the blood sucker's side they have to watch out for, the tall hunter growled internally.

Hazel eyes found dark blue ones and a stretch of silence prevailed before Toga saw the older man smile without humor once before nodding. "And Kaito?" Kaien asked suddenly, looking for ways to lighten the mood, noticing that he hasn't seen his Math teacher since yesterday night. Remembering another incident concerning the wild hunter in association to one of his vampire students, he deliberated if he should share it with Toga-chan just for laughs. But before he managed to decide, the other replied, distracting him.

"That brat should have been informed already." Toga roughly stated, suspicious of the reason for the unexpected playful gleam in the other's light eyes, "I sent him a notice to ignore the Hunter's Association and to stay put so I can tell him about the plan."

The Headmaster froze in the act of taking another sip of tea as this and slowly looked towards his packed desk, "I hope it's not that paper he left untouched here in my office."

The brusque hunter followed his gaze and zeroed on the small but neat note he remembered sending his apprentice who can't be bothered with technology like him. It was clearly unopened. Silence ensued as Kaien could almost see his ever so composed longtime friend internally face palm.

"That stupid brat." Toga Yagari finally scowled, thinking of ways to murder the kid.

Shoulders gently shaking from repressing a laugh, Kaien comforted, "Well, we don't know that he did anything reckless, yet. I think we'd better check up on him. Even one person would be valuable for the fight to come." He finished as he stood up to get his coat to cover his rather flamboyant and ridiculous dress suit, sensing a change in the other's stare which has been happening quite a lot as of late and promptly ignoring it.

"Let's first try to check the faculty. You can try to look for his aura inside the academy. God knows that child doesn't check nor answer his phone." He hurried as he tried to bypass the man already standing by the door as though waiting for him.

As he strode pass the taller man, a hand caught his arm and Toga turned him so they are facing each other. After a few seconds of consideration as he gaze above the other's blond head, dark blue eyes found hazel ones once more but with his usual strength and with an even fiercer light.

"…You remember what I said before?" Toga started once more. He already put off asking about this but he'll be damned if let himself continue to be a fucking coward. It feels like the younger him is much more courageous in the face of this man. Fucking hell.

Kaien's eyes widened a bit. It's the same look and the same tone of voice which brought him back to that one and only year when he let this man follow him around as his student. The confession that a certain young, slightly pale but still curt and blunt seventeen year old Yagari Toga entered his mind, but the headmaster valiantly kept the thought at bay and instead innocently replied after a short pause, "Eh? Which exactly?" He clamped his jaw after as he lowered his gaze where it landed on the old scar on the hunter's chin.

When he heard a sharp clicking of tongue, he automatically raised his head and when he saw the man's eyebrow crumpled severely which effectively conveyed his annoyance, the blond thought that it's a lot more eloquent than any of the dark-haired man's word ever was.

Without a word, the raven haired man exited the office and marched towards the faculty room without looking back. The ex-hunter observed him for a minute more and when the tall figure disappeared from his sight, he let out a soft breath.

Toga never raised the subject again before. He never did again so this old hunter thought that after all these years, he'll just have to forget being told words of feelings that went beyond admiration and respect from his former student several decades his junior. He thought the other man finally chucked it as juvenile impulse and he should not wait for the continuation of 'Don't answer now. I'll ask you for the answer myself later.'

It took a while but he did find his answer.

But 'later' never came.

And after all these years of waiting, he already went pass disappointment and what might have even been grief; he already struggled and finally managed to bury it to the deepest part of himself.

So why is this rude kid bringing it up again?

"Are you playing me again, Toga-chan?"

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

Several miles away, completely oblivious to the fact that two very prominent hunters are searching for him to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, brisk steps clicked unto the stone hallways of the Hunter Association as one Kaito Takamiya menacingly made his way with a dark expression.

Brown eyes keenly flitted here and there, immediately taking in certain changes in the looks and over all auras of his fellow hunters.

He noted the absence of several of their good members as well as the sneers of the fucking good for nothings as they talk among themselves. There's also the hesitant manner of some of the low key hunters as they peek here and there as though wishing someone would give them their direction in life and the young hunter gnashed his teeth in frustration at the stinking pigsty the Hunter Association is rapidly becoming under the rule of the fugly maggot in silk of a president.

He stopped when a fellow hunter of the same age called out to him followed by his mentor. The ash-brown haired hunter turned towards the approaching figures while straining his ears to its maximum capacity to better scope his surrounding, "Tsukishima, Sawada-san." He greeted the two good-natured men.

"Kid." Sawada returned as he swung an arm around the fierce youngster's shoulder in a friendly manner, "I've been away on a mission for a while and what do I hear when I returned? Apparently you've become a hard-working baby-sitter. Maybe now you can appreciate my adorable son's cuteness? My wife just gave me a new picture. Look." Kaito noticed that the usual goofy smile the older hunter usually has is a bit strained around the edges, not that he can blame him, the gigantic clusterfuck everyone knows to be brewing below the surface is enough to cause people who simply wants to live their lives peacefully cry tears of blood.

He let Sawada shove a picture of a thin but lively toddler in his hand and as they both lowered their heads to examine the image, the blond man whispered without letting go of his smile, "Imagine my surprise when the first thing to greet me is this missive from our hoity-toity president." His words and facial expression comically contrasting with each other as he showed the order to capture Zero Kiryuu, detailing his betrayal and how dangerous an entity he is for the vampire hunters. "Just what the hell is this?"

The brunette sneered at the sight of the stupid memorandum, "What else? Paper, ink and a load of shit."

Sawada laughed wryly, shaking his head, "Listen, Nana told me Yagari-san asked for me but didn't leave a message, maybe he didn't want to be traced."

This situation in the Association didn't just happen overnight. Kaito knows that his master and the chairman already have a plan in mind though the damn old-timers never bothered to tell him anything and the only thing he's got insight on is how the massive disappearance that keeps occurring here and there surely connects to what's going to happen from here on out. Hmmm, now that he thinks about it, didn't he forget a note from shisho in the headmaster's office? Damn, he needs to make sure to get it once he's back. He first set out here out of impulse to shove the order down somebody's throat but now that he's here, an idea suddenly struck him instead.

Sawada continued, his senses wary and he knows that even his own mellow student is stressing himself, making sure that there are no unwanted ears listening in near them, "This has gone from bad to worse. I don't know what happened but I sure as hell know I can trust Yagari-san. Tell him I'm all ears. I don't want my family to be on the wrong side of the fence when this blows over. He'll know where to find me."

"The same for me." The tall young man with tall stature and medium build mutedly agreed, brown eyes still alert as he observed his surrounding, "My brother's still young so I'll have him hide away with the rest but I can be of help."

Kaito smirked humorlessly before imperceptibly nodding and turning to Sawada again, "If you're not stupid you'll get yours out as well."

With a short grin and a hard slap at brunette's sturdy back, he assured, "Done and done, kid. Yagari-san already warned them."

All three tall men gave each other a nod.

"You'd better get out of here now, Takamiya-san." advised Tsukishima, "They'll surely be looking for you in relation to Kiryuu-kun's case since you've been living in the academy."

"Nah, I'm getting the feeling I won't step in here for a while so I have a bit of sniffing about to do."

Sawada narrowed amber eyes at the daring note in the young man's voice, "Don't get yourself killed, kid. Yagari-san will have my hide if he found out I let you walk away now only to put your head in the gutter."

"Back at you, old man."

After separating from the two who exited the headquarters, Kaito stealthily made his way to a corridor running below an extremely old but elegant building in the rear center of the Association's grounds, making sure no one's tailing him. He has found this structure suspicious lately, since only the President's people can be found lurking here starting from a few months ago. He tried sneaking in a couple of times but was unable to get further than the first floor underground. Since it seems that he could go for broke this time around and not show his face after, he thought it'll be a good chance to see just what that faggot hides here.

He managed to reach two floors down from the ground floor; the ancient marble flooring soon gave way to simple cement and then afterwards to old stone as he got deeper down one dimly lit corridor. The air continuously grew mustier with every silent step he took. The security of the place is not exactly that tight, giving the idea that whatever the violet-haired monster president has down here is something that has to keep instead of wants to keep. The guards stationed are all those who managed to survive in the Association by boot-licking with the president, therefore sidling up to them to whack them asleep with a blow behind the neck is child's play, he saw one or two who pissed him off before and he cheerfully gave them an extra kick and an extra black-eye.

He can remember one time when his master said that the ambitions and desires of the president is such that it won't be a surprise if he would one day collude with the vampires to achieve it. Kaito now wonders if something like that did happen for real. That desperate dickhead, he thought derisively.

After striking the twentieth-something guard he came across together with his partner, brown eyes swept around a huge set of ancient looking wooden doors. He let out a rough puff of breath from his exertions and proceeded to cautiously open the door.

When he peered inside, he felt his jaw clench hard in surprise, the first thing that caught his eyes was a large incinerator in the middle of the spacious room. Ceilings high with various torches on the wall for illumination, he realized what the place is at once but what gave him greater pause and a rush of confusion with a healthy stream of mental expletives is the rows upon rows of bodies lined up to cover almost every inch of the immense space surrounding the ancient and most revered furnace for them. His dark eyes traveled around the room to take in as much details as he can, the bodies all seem to be in deep sleep and he can't find any similarities between them, all sorts were gathered; men, women, old and young. The tall hunter also noticed a mark of some kind of flower or maybe the sun on the surface of the furnace; he can't recognize it from the various insignia and symbols that he had to cram into his head as a young, sniveling apprentice and can't relate it at all to the Mother of the vampire hunters. He filed the thought away for later when he felt an approaching figure even with the absence of footsteps.

"They're all in medically induced coma, if you're wondering." a curt and smooth voice sounded and Kaito revealed a vicious smile as he replaced his sharp eyes to the space in front of him, and walking from the direction he came from, a petite young woman with long, violet hair loosely spilling over one shoulder stopped a few feet away from him. Her warm eyes, playful smile and gray high school uniform created a perfect image of a vivacious teenager that had several of the young male hunters sigh in fascination before. "Though I say 'medical', I'm sure Kaito-san noticed that it's not through science. We are not able to keep that many people unless they're all unconscious. We just need to keep them alive for so long anyway."

"Mahiru." acknowledged Kaito, finally realizing that that cunt of a president didn't really skimp on the security after all. He let his best female vampire hunter guard the place, "I see your uncle is keeping you busy." This is going to be fucking troublesome.

"Not all of us have a choice." Her friendly voice exhibited a hint of dissatisfaction but maintained her amiable smile.

"Bullshit."

The young lady chuckled fondly, "As eloquent as ever, Kaito-san, or should I call you 'sensei' now?" Dark eyes displayed petulance and reluctance as she unsheathed a pair of long golden knives, "If only I can persuade you to come with me."

"Having to deal with just one overbearing little missus is already a fucking pain." He drawled, one image coming to mind as he mocked, "So you can piss off."

That merry smile finally stretch into one thin line.

"What a pity."

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

Flipping through the pages of the manga she's holding with a quiet smile, sienna eyes seems to be unseeing of the black and white images as her grateful heart recalls the peaceful morning, happily ignoring the hubbub around her in the school grounds as fellow schoolmates look for and occupy the many benches littering the yard, filling the place with charming sounds of youthful chatter. While she just recalled how she totally forgot her original goal of coming to the Moon Dorms which is to visit her nieces and nephews, nothing can just break her out of her cheerful mood.

The hazel eyes of her current companion flitted to her as one Wakaba Sayori also peruses the books being lent by the sparkly Moon Dorms Vice-President. The light brown-haired girl reflected Yuuki's smile, feeling relief that her friend's feeling better, thanking the blonde sempai internally. Somehow, she's seeing the bigger picture here a little more clearly.

"That poor protagonist would cry harder seeing you, Yuuki-chan. You're not paying attention to her." She lightly commented since the prefect doesn't seem inclined to continue the story and she knows the girl would soon want a confidante, she tried before but it didn't result to any confessions from the petite girl but Yuuki seems to be vibrating with energy so might as well give a leeway to opening the discussion.

"I am reading! Focused! Focused!" Yuuki automatically defended herself while slapping the pages with vigor.

Sayori glanced at the page the shorter girl was reading before shaking her head in slight amusement, "That girl's father was just assassinated by the guy she loves…" she explained while giving the other brunette a knowing look.

"Huh?!" Yuuki exclaimed confusedly, finally focusing on the images before her, attracting a few glances from the other girls around them. "When did that happen?"

Sayori chuckled a little before focusing gently serious eyes on her best friend. "Ichijo-senpai is too kind to lend these." She opened, directing the conversation.

Light orbs observed carefully as blood taints the other girl's smooth, pale cheeks and Yuuki smiled wider before cheerfully nodding her head without any hint of self-consciousness.

The quiet girl wished to express her approval of her best friend's choice, "It'll be hard to vie for him what with his popularity. But it'll surely be worth it." There, she thought she phrased it better this time. Assuming but not directly asking, the last time she went with the simple 'Do you like Ichijo-senpai?' was an unmitigated disaster with lots of stuttering and flailing and she thought she managed to make Yuuki choke on air.

She already prepared herself to giving endless advice and encouragements as she pushed her friend onwards so she really couldn't help the sigh that escaped her when she saw the lovely red hue on the petite prefect's face heightened to an alarming shade as Yuuki defensively switched onto Denial mode. Oh, stupid little me, Sayori berated herself at again mistaking her timing. Truly this is not her area of expertise.

Yuuki heavily closed the manga in her hand with a loud and decisive snap while automatically stuttering at the insinuation, "I-I-I d-don't like I-Ichijo-senpai that way, I—"

Sayori sighed again in self-derision as she supplied seamlessly, "—just think that he's really kind."

The prefect raised a forefinger between them as though citing an important discovery, "As well as-"

"Caring and sweet."

Yuuki continued, hearing but not registering the strange format of their current conversation, "Though the way his eyes-"

"-twinkle and smile makes it looks like the sun rising a second time today."

Dark brown hair swung left and right as Yuuki shook her head vehemently, "But that—"

"-doesn't mean that you're feeling anything beyond gratitude and friendship." Finished the taller of the two and Sayori offered an apologetic smile, "I understand Yuuki-chan."

The whole discourse finally dawning on Yuuki and she stared at her friend before exclaiming in an amazed voice, "How did you know everything that I wanted to say Yori-can?! You're a genius mind-reader!"

Not really, the other thought drily. Perhaps, telling Yuuki that they had the exact same conversation for all of three times already wouldn't change a thing so she let her clumsy best friend delude herself that it's only innocent admiration she holds for the blond vice-president of the moon dorm for at least a few more. Soon, maybe, she'll be able to face the truth of things.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

One step at a time, a lone figure found herself traversing the unfrequented part of the woods in the academy, near its main entrance. Ruka Souen has a tiny frown between her willowy brows as she made herself stop and berate herself for being so senseless.

What is this? Had she not caught wind of that strange scent in the air even from where she was sitting in an obscured spot in the school library, researching about a senseless history of a mathematician for an assignment given by a rather irritating math teacher, she wouldn't have ventured this far even with the remote chance of being caught by one of those grating Day Class students.

She can't really pinpoint what it is that draws her so. Maybe it's because she's aware that it's blood she smells which should have been enough reason for her to stay away, but for the life of her, she couldn't help herself from investigating. It's not even the most luscious scent she's ever encountered. But it was truly an intriguing one.

She squared her shoulders, cautiously resumed her steps and went around a series of tall trees but halted once more when a certain man in dark overcoat, smoking a cigarette was revealed to her surprised gaze.

The rugged appearance and the annoyed exhaustion of the man was evident but she immediately zeroed on the seemingly still bleeding wound on the other's upper arm. There was blood seeping from the cloth wrapped around one Takamiya Kaito's left arm and Ruka caught herself before she manages to examine the reason behind the suddenly stuttered beat of her heart. But it might be due to the known hostility she knows this man is capable of.

"It's you again, missy." A pair of amber eyes froze her in place as the vampire hunter languidly puffed smoke upwards, "If you have brains, you would be running away when you smell blood, not come fucking looking for it. I might have to hunt you soon, otherwise."

The truth underlying those words and the implication of his words caused the young female to tremble a little. She hardened her regard. This man shouldn't scare her. "I didn't know sensei needed any reason at all to start hunting our kind."

She expected the man before her to continue with his tirade about how loathsome vampires are and she prepared herself to be insulted but what she didn't account for is the lazy smile that slowly painted itself on a handsome face.

"Smart girl."

The meaning of the reply was definitely not a compliment to her or to her kind but for reasons she couldn't fathom, her face heated up and her lips contorted into an awkward line as she unconsciously took half a step back.

It's best for her to turn on her heels and walk away from there so she doesn't know what possessed her to redirect the conversation instead, "What did you do?"

She didn't elaborate her question, the ruined tourniquet and the heavy smell of blood should be enough detail for the both of them. She didn't even think she'll actually get a reply.

"Something fucking stupid." Kaito nearly growled in remembrance as he answered. Of course, if asked by his seniors the same question, he wouldn't have been so honest.

Either due to receiving a reply or the amusing scowl on her math teacher's face, there was a small, rueful smile that spread on her face, "I bet."

Kaito snorted.

The statuesque female paused for a bit before pointing out, "You kept it."

The perpetual mar on the arrogant hunter's forehead deepened by a fraction in confusion, "What?"

Ruka cleared her throat for a second before jerking her delicate chin once towards the clothed used to cover her teacher's injury while pointedly looking at it, "That."

The older man followed her gaze and immediately understood her meaning as he drawled, offering a smirk, "Ah, thought it's better to use it as a bandage than a shoe cleaner this time."

Rose-colored eyes narrowed in a scathing glare that he's sure would have been enough to turn innocent young boys' bones soft. With a lofty huff, not justifying his words with a reply, the young student turned around and hastily moved away, disappearing behind the thick vegetation. Kaito snorted once more in amusement at satisfyingly exasperating the annoyingly beautiful woman.

He spent several more minutes in peace, contemplating when he would steal away to his room and try to avoid detection from the surely angry old-timers in this school. Who would have thought said seniors would come to him, instead, and he internally groaned at the thunderous look on his master's face.

Good fuck, he drily cursed internally.

After getting dragged into the headmaster's office to be patched up for his few but deep wounds and then enduring the nagging and scolding that would give most grandmothers a run for their money, Kaito finally put both of his fore-fingers out of each ear while Yagari Toga lit another cigarette and started puffing up smoke, turning to look at a smiling Kaien who's happily sipping his tea while taking a break from treating the younger man. Seeing Toga-chan yelling at someone else is strangely refreshing, the distinguished vampire hunter thought.

"Now, for the love of fuck, you had better something to show for the damn moronic action you did." The raven-haired hunter growled as blue eyes pierced the young man in front of him.

Kaito fought off a scoff at being treated like a brat, barely stopping himself from sounding a little petulant as he made his report. He gave them the details of the security in the innermost chamber of the Hunter Association and what it hides at the moment. He also added the mark he saw on the sacred furnace of the Mother, making a rough sketch of it on a paper provided by the chairman, thinking that the two prominent vampire hunters might recognize it. However, the two examined it and consulted each other, but apparently, they, too, have never seen it before. All three men frowned at this before Kaien tucked the paper away, determined to research about it, and maybe ask Kaname-kun about it, just in case it's something important. Once the account was finished with the confrontation with the Hunter Association President's niece, a short silence ensued.

"Got your ass handed to you by a girl." Huffed Toga after finishing his second cigarette and snuffing the remains in the prepared ashtray, "That should take your damn arrogant big head down the shit slide."

Kaito scowled at the merciless ribbing, "I'm fucking sure I handed her damn big ass back to her just as fine." He crudely defended to which the School Headmaster softly smacked his head.

"You're still talking about a lady here, Kaito-kun." Kaien reprimanded while cleaning up the medical supplies he used. A little thoughtfully, he changed the topic with a small smile, "But it's quite a surprise to see Souen-san sweating and in a hurry just to find me to help you." He faced the two gruff figures in front of him and proudly boasted with a tone of 'I told you so', "See? My students are kind."

So it was missy who sold him out. Recalling how strands of wavy blond hair swayed as she run away earlier, the corner of Kaito's lips unconsciously lifted slightly as he contemplated if he should penalize her with another assignment for ratting him out. From the corner of his eyes, he saw the blond ex-vampire hunter hold up the bloody handkerchief he used as bandage earlier.

"Pity, this seems to be of good quality. Where did you get it?" Kaien nonchalantly asked, not really expecting an answer. But it is quite a surprise to see this rough junior of his carrying such fine material with him. He internally wondered where on earth he picked it from as he carelessly added, "The blood won't easily wash off, you know. Should I throw it out?"

The two older men didn't notice Kaito pause for a second before he replied, reaching out for the soaked article, "It's fine, chairman. Give it here."

The headmaster didn't give it much thought as he handed the bloody cloth over to outstretched fingers.

Amber orbs looked over the ruined handkerchief, his mind not deigning him to ponder why in all circles of hell it's filled with visions of a proud pair of rose-colored eyes. Happily ignoring everything else, he stuffed the thing back to the pocket of his coat.

Heh. Overbearing little missus.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

Lounging amongst the grass, lilac eyes could be found surveying the starry heavens, deep in thought. He just managed to regain his breath from playing an outrageous hide and seek with his older brother who seems determined to give him the much needed but equally abhorred heart to heart talk. When Ichiru got wind of his nii-san's intention when they spent some time with the children this morning, he finds himself unable to face his nii-san due to his own problems and therefore had taken to hiding, instead.

Now and again, the prefect would expel a breath of air in defeat before composing himself once more. When the slightly chilly evening wind became filled with the fresh scent of freesia accompanied by the soft crunch of leaves getting thread upon by dainty feet, Ichiru wasn't surprised when a dulcet voice reached him.

"Uncle, are you hiding from otou-sama?" Hime politely asked, stopping a few steps away from her uncle. She took to looking for her kind uncle when her dear otou-sama came to them looking for him. "Won't he feel sad that uncle avoids him like this?"

Ichiru smiled apologetically before sighing, "I'm sorry but I kinda need to sort a few things out with myself first before talking to nii-san. Can you tell him that for me, Hime?"

He heard a hum of agreement before soft tones worriedly conveyed to him, "I feel that you need someone to talk to." Ichiru felt the short steps resume and soon saw a doll-like face way above him. Auburn eyes full of sincere concern and mature understanding unbefitting of such a young face met his lavender irises. "If you find yourself unprepared to talk with otou-sama, might I offer my assistance in listening to you, uncle?"

She's right, Ichiru internally grimaced. While he doesn't feel ready to face his nii-san and he's not really all that gung-ho to open up about this, with everything going on, he might just burst. Maybe, he just wants someone to know so that he doesn't have to feel like he's afraid someone will find out. But… "Yah know, I don't think I should be talking about this with my cute niece."

"Then I shall pretend to be someone wholly unrelated to you." She replied decidedly and then gracefully lowered herself on the grass beside him and tucked her legs under her. Abundant layers of lace and brocade lovingly surrounded her.

The silver hunter snorted.

Hime put a gloved fist near her dainty lips and coughed twice as though clearing her throat then she proceeded to boldly albeit kindly call out, "Is our young gentleman aware that your eyes betray you sometimes? After all, the eyes are the window to the soul. May I be impertinent and discern just who lurks in your mind at the moment?"

The prefect groaned, wanting to cast himself down the nearest cliff. Trust his nii-san's child to go for the kill! Ah, he just knew it! Of course they knew! He must have been such a miserable old fart of a bachelor in the future where they came from. Or was he just too obvious here and now? He berated himself before grumbling sullenly, "Hime is too smart. I won't say anything more then if you've figure it out."

The young lady paused for a bit before cautiously continuing, "And yet…you do nothing to find a way to prevent him from being taken away."

Ichiru was suddenly aware of the pressing pain making his chest heavy and he huffed aloud to try and deny it entry in his consciousness. "And make him miserable? After all that pain, I'll be angry if he won't find happiness by the end of it…." He closed violet orbs before saying, "and I'm fine already."

His niece didn't answer for a long time that Ichiru opened his eyes once more to look at her beautiful profile as she look at the distant horizon, she replaced her soft gaze on him before smiling a little questioningly "Have you never thought to at least confess?" when he resolutely shook his head despite the difficulty of it from his present position, she followed up with "Why?"

"Cause I know it'll come to nothing."

"What have you convinced?"

"I just know it."

"Even just to take it off your chest?"

"It'll be incredibly selfish of me to burden him with something like that just to relieve myself."

With these words, wine-red orbs widened in understanding and Hime lowered her slightly blushing face a little in shame at the realization. That is true, isn't it? But…

Seeing her remorse, the older man laughed a little and raised one hand to pat her silver head twice in comfort. They are still children.

After putting his arm back beside him, he further explained, "It's not like you can always expect the person you like to like you back just like that. It's embarrassing even thinking about letting the other party know."

The last few sentences must not have been the right thing to say because disagreement painted itself across the adorable features and the silver haired angel pouted a little despite herself, "It might be because of how young I am but I've always thought that if it's causing you to feel embarrassed about having such feelings then why have them in the first place? As it is, liking someone is nothing to feel shy about, wouldn't you say?"

The hunter backed up a little because he finds himself sweating at the heated passion hiding behind dark orbs, "Do you want me to try this Hime just so I won't have any regret in the future?" Are they trying to prevent a miserable future for me?

He thought he saw something clouding the once bright sienna eyes as his niece rearranged her countenance to one of distant politeness. She didn't speak again so he took that as a yes. For a long time, the both of them left each other to their thoughts. Thankfully, it's not an awkward kind of silence and Ichiru went back to looking at the night sky above him.

It was after a stretch of silence when Hime spoke again, "Unc— O dear silver hunter." Her voice started off as warm but as though remembering something, she changed her tone to once of kind civility.

The school prefect smiled and played along, "What is it?"

"What is it like to love?"

Purple eyes momentarily travelled to the beauty beside him but since she's not looking at him, he returned to staring at the horizon, "Heh, that question, huh? Did you ever ask nii-san, I mean your father, that?"

"I remember…once. When I was twelve."

"…And?...Did he answer?"

"Pass the blush and uncharacteristic stuttering? Not really, I'm afraid. Chichiue seemed infinitely amused though...ah, but he did look at me worriedly right after. When Otou-sama failed to have dinner that night, I resolved never to ask again."

Ichiru found himself laughing, partially turning away while clutching his stomach, "Oh man, that sounds really like nii-san." Once he resumed his relaxed position he queried, "Why are you asking?"

The moonlit-haired princess smiled at nothing in particular and rather dazedly replied, "I know love towards my family, I feel it. And I also know romantic love, for I've seen it. I have ever since I can remember. But I do get curious about what it feels like."

Heh. Ichiru contemplated his answer for a while. He might be in the throes of his own hateful feelings but while the topic should be cringe-worthy for someone like him, seeing the longing look in his niece's face, even if she's not facing him, he resolved to put a bit of effort and honesty to his answer, "…It's like…it's like floating…high, ah, like that right there," he described pointing at the night sky, "everything is vast and dark but, err, glittery?" damn it, could I sound anymore pathetic than this? He cursed himself, "But it's not scary 'cause there's a steel cord tying you down to that one person…" He thought that's a pretty good representation, but he still wants to bury himself alive for saying all that. Argh!

There was a soft hum beside him and he thought he could forgive himself a little at seeing his pretty niece smiling gently, "Sounds exhilarating." Hime concluded at length.

"…I hope you don't feel it yet, nii-san will cry."

He heard her chuckle softly.

They once again stayed in companionable silence. This time, Ichiru debated whether or not to ask his niece something that's been on his mind ever since he met them. Well, no one can blame him for asking, right?

He cleared his throat, "Hey…Miss…Fortune-Teller." He called out suddenly, copying her earlier antic.

"Yes?"

He smirked and almost laughed again at how childish the both of them are.

"Can you tell me what will happen to me in the future?"

"Well, that depends."

"On?"

"What you do today."

"Sounds troublesome."

He thought he saw her smile from the corner of his eyes and he wondered if his brother knows this warm feeling inside at having such a person and if this is what it feels like to have a daughter.

He became sure of that smile when he heard it accompany her graceful voice, "I'm sure you'll find the courage to create your future, uncle."

He just hummed in response. I hope so, Hime.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

Zero had to give up chasing after Ichiru when it became apparent that his younger was not in the mood to talk to him. He damn accepted it and resigned himself to maybe having earned his younger brother's irritation for being a fucking coward and avoided having a serious talk with him about the whole messy situation they're in at the moment. He'll have to really make it up to him soon.

Serves you right, you goddamn moron. He chided himself.

Coming out of the shower with a fluffy white towel over his wet silver hair, lilac eyes caught their blurry reflection on the slightly fogged up mirror and Zero became fixated on one part of the hazy image that he went nearer the mirror to wipe it clear with a free hand. Lips straining into a thin line as he stared hard and long while he convinced himself.

It doesn't bother him. No it doesn't. Why should it? He's glad if anything…

After several minutes of repeating this again and again, he noticed how he proceeded to gritting his teeth in irritated confusion.

Well fuck….

Fine, it does bother him. He finally acknowledged to himself as he looked at his reflection in the mirror, his right hand coming up to caress the smooth flesh of his neck, a deeply disgruntled frown marring the image of the silver person in front of him.

He doubted it this morning. But he didn't make a mistake. Lavender eyes narrowed, regarding the same place his hand is currently touching, trying to search for a bite mark that wasn't there.

Kaname didn't bite him, didn't complete the bond.

Why?

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

Under the dim lighting of the elegant room, Kaname dropped five blood tablets in his drink and quietly watched as the clear water slowly became tainted with the dull shade of blood. In front of his desk stood a grim-faced Takuma as he read out a report from the sheet of paper in his hand, light brows meeting in consternation.

"The council denied summoning Senri. I don't know if they're brave enough to lie outright to an inquiry from you or…"

"Either they're lying or most of them were kept in the dark." Kaname supplied mutedly, slightly nodding his head once, auburn eyes still fixed on the poor imitation of blood in his glass.

"…but I still don't understand why they'll get Senri of all people."

Kaname was silent for a while at this, also flitting through series of questions and theories in his head at this comment, "It's my oversight; I didn't think the other party would go after one of our own this way and when I'm away. I heard that the seal of the Head of the Vampire Council was presented at the gates and therefore was unable to be denied access to the school."

At this Takuma's face darkened by a notch, hearing about the leader of the Council of Ancients made his already dreadful mood take a nose dive. His poor excuse for a family…

"Maybe I should—"

The pureblood cut him off however, "What they decide to do for themselves has nothing to do with you." Sienna eyes finally rested on his somber friend and he continued, "I already sent Seiren to investigate. You may retire, Takuma. It'll be morning soon."

The golden haired vampire stood for a while, debating with himself, his lips pressed into a thin line. But after seeing the unyielding look of his king, he sighed and offered an apologetic smile. He's truly sorry that he can't do anything about the family he was born in.

"As you say, Kaname." The Vice-President of the Moon Dorms bowed slightly and left the room.

Several minutes passed and the brunette remained unmoving, now glowing red eyes took in the glass in front of him. But instead of the inferior form of sustenance before him, what reflected instead is the ethereal form of the one he hungers for. He felt his throat constrict mercilessly as need and desire desperately clung to him like a disease.

With a nearly imperceptible frown, he lifted the glass to his lips and hastily drank its contents but while the burning sensation in his throat eased by a lot, the emptiness inside felt even more pronounced than ever. His grip around the fragile glass broke it in pieces and while the shards did nothing to his soft lips and skin, the left over liquid messily flowed down his right hand and chin like the blood it was supposed to resemble.

He slammed his wet hand in a fist on top of his desk while his left hand covered his face and he regulated his breath in an attempt to calm himself.

"Zero."

The beautiful name fell from his lips.

I can no longer take this thirst.

It wasn't like this before. No matter how he abstained from drinking real blood before, he never craved it as much as he does now. Ever since that day he offered his blood to the silverette, the immoral yearning in his guts made itself know little by little until he's beside himself. But the fact that it can only be satisfied by one person alone and no one else drives him insane.

"Zero."

He could just take him. The monster inside him, like a devil himself, urges him to take what is his. He doesn't even know where he got the presence of mind to not bite his hunter yesterday when he took him. Every particle of his soul wanted to. That way, Zero would never be apart from him again. He'll be safe. He will never escape his grasp. No matter what he tries.

Ah, but if he did that and then his crimes come to light; Zero would hate him, wouldn't he?

Yes, but he won't be able to separate from him anyway so why should it matter?

Why should it matter?

True, why should it?

But…

Kaname.

Remembering Zero looking at him, even with his disgruntled gaze, he still unhesitatingly faced him - as he always has from the moment they met each other. He felt the thundering beat against his chest subside a little.

If he sacrificed that to get what he wants now…

More than this starved desire, there is something he can't let go of.

How foolish of him to want this of all things. He's well aware he doesn't deserve it.

What are the chances that it'll happen? But he can't bring himself to stop that yearning. Maybe even after everything, Zero will do it of his own accord. But perhaps, it's due to his own greed, a need greater than his thirst.

A need to be chosen.

Of your own accord, my love, will you choose me?

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

Aiya! Here we go now! Σ(゜ロ゜;) Angst? Angst? What is that? Is it edible?!Σ( ＠﹏ ＠ )ﾉ" Maybe the reason why I am unable to proceed smoothly is because I know what should follow and I know I'm as bad with those kinds of scenes as I am with lemons. (ﾉ*'ω'*)ﾉ彡┻━┻

I am pretty sure there are scenes here I forgot I added lol but I do remember there being a scene I wanted to write but decided not to uwu

I hope to see you again next chapter! Thank you for lending me your time! (๑•з•)))⋆* *⋆ฺ=͟͟͞͞=͟͟͞͞