Chapter 26

The half siblings came out of the ice-cream shop hand in hand. Senri picked a berry flavored popsicle for himself and Aiyora had a scoop of blueberry ice-cream on cone.

They continued to walk the streets passing people, shops, alleys. Lost in the momentary bliss. For Senri, this time away from the academy was crucial. Because it was the only time when his Ai-chan was solely his and his alone. There was no Kuran Kaname nor any of his dirty tricks to lure Aiyora into his grasp.

Although nothing was said out loud, but by now it was becoming an open secret. The people in the moon dorm were starting to suspect the pureblood siblings of conducting some form of sexual affair. Several saw the dorm president visit his sister at inappropriate hour; there are others who saw her do the same. However the matter is not considered as scandalous since the two are already engaged to be married in the future. That was the biggest advantage that Kuran Kaname had, he was her freaking fiancé. In their male dominating society that is a free pass for almost anything. Even if the pureblood ever forced himself on Aiyora, there are plenty of people who will blame her for the matter, accuse her of not tending to his need properly. Instead of calling him out for a heinous action.

Regardless of whatever was going on between her and that smug Kuran, with him (Senri) Aiyora always remained the same. Her innocence still intact and well preserved. Which was why every time they were away from the accursed academy the peaceful and relieved he felt.

"… there is something I must tell you." Aiyora spoke up suddenly. Her words broke not just the silence but also the bliss. As the Shiki heir already guessed what topic was coming up.

"Spill it." Senri braced himself for what was to come. It has been a while since the purebloods stopped interacting in private. Now he hoped it came to full stop not just a temporary pause. All this time he had several chances to ask her about it. All such questions that basically translated to what was going on and why did it stop? But he never asked and instead waited for her to speak of the matter in her own terms.

...and finally that time has arrived... Which was now!

"Kaname onii-sama offered me a deal."

She did exactly what he asked her to do, she spilled. Aiyora did not know what better way she could put it. So she took on his advice and straight up blurted it out.

Senri may have kept his usual cool face upfront but his rate sped up. The information made his blood run cold. Kuran Kaname offering her a deal! Now that can't be anything good.

"Is that why your interactions with him suddenly paused...?" he could not stop himself from asking.

"That is one way to put it."

"So, what kind of a deal?" He dared ask.

"To lift up all secrets…"

"Secrets?" the model arched an eyebrow.

"…all secrets between him and I. ...But, in exchange for my blood." He saw the way she bit her lip towards the end. Whether it was done out of guilt or worry he wasn't so sure. But he was about to find out.

"Wow he sounds pretty desperate." The comment left his mouth instantly.

"I know right…"

"So…have you given a thought about it?" he felt frightened asking that.

"Yes…"

"Made a decision…?" his heart thumped louder.

"Not yet… although I want to be clear about everything. However I'm still not comfortable to give what he has asked for in return."

Finally, he sighed in relief. But then tension free moment wasn't meant to be long lasting. Especially considering the oddity of the situation. Frankly Senri was not surprised by the fact the Kuran Kaname wanted to drink her blood. It was very natural, she smelled divine. Given the chance anyone in the night class would dive down to drink her blood without a second thought. No one would pass out on an opportunity like that.

What actually surprised the Shiki heir was the fact that the arrogant pureblood was actually seeking permission. And the length he is ready to go to obtain that. The promises he made to her, to disclose all secrets... He must be really thirsting for her blood… if so.. then why wasn't he just going for it? Why not hold her down and sink his fangs directly. What was stopping the Kuran Prince from doing that? Instead why was he opting to ask for her consent and manipulate to get a yes.

A lot of the things about this scenario felt out of place. The more he thought the confused he became.

"So, where to next?" He asked Aiyora after they made a turn in the next alley.

"You can go back to the academy. I have to make a quick trip. I'll return before dusk."

"Um, where exactly are you going?"

Aiyora debated for a moment whether it would be a good idea to tell him. What if he tried to stop her? Well he can try but that doesn't mean he would succeed. Hence she answered honestly.

"I'm going to the council."

"Excuse me!"

"You heard it right."

"Why not earth would you go there? That too by yourself."

"Relax!" she stopped him with a raised hand. "I am going in with proper permission. I have already spoken Ichio-donno about the matter."

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Senri sat inside the taxi with a mildly irritated look on his face.

It was suppose to be a quick trip to the latest ice-cream shop in town. Sadly it was after coming out he understood what his sister's plan have been all along.

"What do you have at the council?" he asked, keeping his face facing the window. He did not need to turn, he could see her through the reflection on the glass.

"I need to use their library. They have some books that could come handy for my research." She replied, with eyes closed and head resting against the headrest.

"What kind of research?"

"Nothing worth mentioning."

He sighed, getting the hint that she was not going to speak on the matter. Sadly he cannot even bring it out of her.

Back at the moon-dorm:

The dorm president and the vice dorm president were both in the library that morning. The brunette was seated on the chair closest to the large French window, writing. The blonde vice president was behind him, standing, facing the window.

Without notice Takuma suddenly opened the window to let the fresh morning air come in. However his action came at a cost. During that time the day classes were having their physical activity period and today they were having special lesson on horse riding. And misfortune fell upon the prefect Cross Yuuki, as she was assigned to ride on White Lilly, otherwise known as the horse from hell.

Zero was the one who placed her over the white mare before disappearing from the scene. And for sometime Lily was also cooperating being as gentle as possible.

However when Takuma opened the window the presence of vampires filtered through the air and most animals present there suddenly started to act abnormally. And White Lilly being the way she was, gave into her true nature and threw her rider Yuuki off of her, kicked her as well before running away.

"Ooopps!" Takuma mused like child. "Looks like Yuuki-chan got thrown off of a horse."

"Is that so…?" Kaname asked without pausing in his writing.

"I think she hurt herself too." He said secretly observing his friend's reaction.

"I see…" The brunette was still writing.

"Are you not going to punish that horse."

Kaname rolled his eyes at the childish remark before telling his friend. "I'm sure, Yuuki can manage on her own. Besides don't you think it would be absurd to punish an animal."

Takuma pouted childishly, but his faced turned back to normal when Kaname spoke up again, inquiring out of the blue.

"Has Aiyora come back yet?"

"No."

"It has been a while since she left." it was not a question, but rather a statement he made.

"Are you worried about her, Kaname?"

"..."

"Don't worry," the blonde assured his brunette friend who for some reason appeared a little worried. "...I'm sure Aiyora-chan is fine, after all Senri is with her."

This time Kaname's writing came to a pause. He tapped the pen on the paper for a moment. Then stopped, withdrew the pen and closed the cap before placing it down.

Takuma was partially taken aback when his friend abruptly stood up. He proceeded to ask where the pureblood was going but received no reply except for hard slam of the door.

Somehow, Kaname found himself inside Aiyora's room.

The past few weeks have been strange for the pureblood, to say the least. In fact it was safer to say it was extremely confusing to him. And Kaname hated being confused. Its was like his mind could not make up the kind of relationship it wanted with the other pureblood. On one hand he wanted to fully devour that small snake and keep her inside of him, forever. For as long as he will continue to exist... she will too, but only inside of him. But another part of him... the somewhat sane part, contradicted against that plan. As it wanted her by his side; so that he could touch her… feel her. That same sane part of him actually wanted her to see the world from his arms, not from inside of him through his soul.

Undoubtedly he has changed towards Aioyra. One could easily believe and argue that the changes within him came because of their recent interactions, that went on for a while in secrecy. But no, Kaname knew all too well that such was not the case. Truth is Aiyora has been in his mind for sometime now. And how could she not…? After all no creature has amazed his ancient soul as much as she has done. She is the rainbow that has brought color into his dull grey life. Not only that, she gave this just breathing body, a life… She makes him feel alive... And does so unknowingly...

Everything about her is surprise and suspense to him. Take the changes in her appearance for instance. Kaname has never seen a person change as much. Truth be told he cannot find any similarity between this Aiyora and the small little girl she used to be. Except for the hair, the hue of her eyes and that rare dimpled smile, everything about her changed. It was if she has gone under the knives and got the full structure changed. A perfect example would be her eyes – as a child Aiyora's eyes used to have shape similar to deer and equally as innocent. But as she aged it has changed its shape to ones of a feline - slanted, sultry and cunning. Her facial structure also changed quite a bit. She is no more the cute small round faced girl. Like her father, Aiyora's facial features are also very sharp. To put it all in simple terms- over the span of time that girl has become quite…glamourous. So glamorous that one simple glance at her is enough to make his inside stir.

Its not just the appearance, changes also came within the personality. She is no more the helpless child, but have transformed into a cunning woman who knows her worth... a little too well.

Looking around Kuran Kaname exhaled deeply. And as he did, the temper within him arose. His brain could not process that how is it possible for a girl - so beautiful, to be this messy? Like how...!?

Everything is everywhere! Clothes are piled up on the bed, some discarded on the floor. Several pairs of shoes are scattered around. A black pointed toe heeled pump was even on the bed. The dresser was also jumbled up, all her electronic hair tools were plugged in and active.

Kaname ran a hand through his hair, in utter disbelief.

Honestly he did not know where to start from. He had a small glimpse of Aiyora when she was leaving and from what he saw she left dressed quite casually. For attire she picked a lilac v-neck cropped, oversized sweater and pair of light wash tight jeans. Frankly Kaname has never seen a pair of bottom this tight! And that bothered him greatly to the point he wanted to call her back and make her change; however he gave up knowing she wouldn't listen. As for her hair, it was tied up in a sleek ponytail, so what was she doing with all these instruments on...?

He sighed again...

Without wasting more time he dived down to work. After all it was going to take a while and Kaname surely did not have the entire day. He started with the clothes; picked them up from everywhere and gathered them all on the bed before folding them down or hanging them on a hanger neatly. He moved on to the shoes soon as he was done with the clothes. Despite have several colored pairs out Aiyora actually wore basic nude pumps (pointed toe with five inches heel). By now Aiyora has gotten so comfortable and confident that she could even run with ease in these awfully uncomfortable shoes.

And, he always liked watching her walk in such shoes...

His body suddenly throbbed, recalling a particular moment of her walking in such heels. She looked like a model who walked straight out of a fashion magazine. That day he watched her like a vulture, with eyes drawn to her like magnet. After all the sight of those small hips swaying was simply so… hypnotic. He tried, Kaname tried his best to look away, but it was easier said than done. The more he tried to avert his gaze the more his entire system retaliated. Ultimately leaving him in defeat that not only watched but also wanted to... touch!

With a shake of his head and clearing his throat Kaname pulled himself out of that memory and moved to her dresser.

First thing first! He unplugged the electronic tools. Then moved onto the cosmetics… he was about to cap the bottle of the perfume but changed his mind last minute and sprayed few spritz of the fragrance into the air.

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes tightly. The added fragrance in the air enhanced her already existing aroma. Reopening his eyes Kaname placed the perfume on its designated placed. Then grabbed the small bottle of lip-gloss that was about to roll down the edge of the dresser. Even this was not properly closed. He had to un-screw it fully in order to close it down properly. As he un-screw the cap the faint smell of peach reached his nostrils. The flavour was so strong that he could almost taste it.

Unbidden the thought crossed his mind, is this what her lips would taste like…?

Unknowingly he gulped... hard. His hold on the small container now tight. An intense urge was now taking over him, streaming through his blood, singing to him... to pin her down and bite those plush lips! Taste them! And see if they indeed tasted like peach.

He let out another sigh, this time it came out a bit shaky.

Everyone in life experiences first time for something. He did too, in fact for many things but most of which was during his previous life. He experienced love, intimacy, betrayal, hurt... just name it and he is most likely familiar with it. But this was his first time with lust. Never before has Kuran Kaname felt such urgent desire to touch someone this badly. It was becoming an itch that desperately needed to be scratched. And he honestly did not know what to do...

Kuran Rido has already awakened one monster from his sleep and his daughter was awakening another one... the deadlier one.

At the Council Headquarter:

"I'm here to see Ichjou-donno, my name is Kuran Aiyora." Aiyora told one of the black suited guards at the main entrance. Hearing the name the person became alarmed and quickly went inside to fetch the mentioned person. But minutes later came back with a woman.

"Aiyora-sama…" the woman politely and respectfully addressed the pureblood.

"That is me." The said pureblood added with a childish grin.

"My name is Mina, I am Ichijo-sama's secretary. I'm here to inform you that Ichijo-sama has sent his deepest apologies for not being able to come in person, he is caught up in a very important meeting. But not to worry, all arrangement has been made. You will be well cared for. So please follow me."

"Thank you so much Mina-san." Aiyora said motioning the vampire to lead the way. And just when she was about to follow the other's lead a hand caught her wrist, and stopped her. Making her look over the shoulder.

"Ri-chan?" while her mouth simply called him out, her eyes demanded 'what are you doing?'

"Are you sure it is safe?" Senri asked, concerned. He had every reason to feel that way. And the fact that he had no clue about what Aiyora was actually upto is what scared him the most.

"Yes. 100% safe. It's the Vampires Council, not the Hunters Association. Who will dare harm us here."

Exactly his point. They were standing at the threshold of the council! The Freaking council! The most dangerous place for a vampire to be in, after the Hunters Association. One wrong move and both would end up punished. Well in Aiyora's case most that would happen is either she would receive a warning or a warning would be sent out to Kuran Kaname asking him to discipline her. But Senri's fate could be different, his punishment would be far more severe.

But the determined look on Aiyora's face told him she was not turning back. Therefore he is the who has to choose, either follow her inside or turn around and head straight back to the academy. The Shiki heir of course chose the former and reluctantly followed after his half-sister. There's no way he'd leave his Ai-chan alone at such a predatory place.

Meanwhile, Ichijou Asoto entered the dimly lit chamber. One that was located on the top floor west wing of the council's headquarter.

The older blonde got on one knee and placed a hand over his chest and addressed the person or rather the child who was seated on a large throne like chair. Making him look every bit of the king of this dark world.

"Rido-sama..."

The addressed person did not respond. He was busy. As he had his fangs embedded into the neck of an unconscious woman, whom he was devouring mercilessly. Once the woman in his arms turned to dust he focused his attention on the kneeling aristocrat.

"What is it, Ichio?"

"She is here…" the aristocrat informed, in a voice that was close to whisper.

The hetrochomic eyed child raised a brow. His face lit up in excitement as he took a deep breath, inhaling in the sweet essence that was slowly conquering the dark environment.

"So, this is how you smell now…my darling." he muttered to himself quietly before focusing on the aristocrat once more only to declare. "I would like to meet her."

Ichio quickly shot his head up at the impossible demand.

"I would advise you otherwise."

"You've grown quite bold, asking me not to see my own daughter. Have you gotten bored of your long life...do you wish for me to end it?" His voice came out cold and the threat laced with it was clear.

"Rido-sama, I am a friend not a foe. I'm only suggesting what is best for the current situation. Appearing before her suddenly would be unwise... I'm afraid at this time in her world… you do not exist."

"You're saying she doesn't remember who I am! She has forgotten..." He let out a hysterical laughter, "...me!" Then he remembered "... oh yes it was done by my wise little siblings. How could I forget. However I'm quite disappointed that in all these years no one has bothered to restore her memories."

"Why don't you ask Shiki, after all she was placed her under his care for a while."

"Oh yes, that bastard. Fix another meeting with him. But for now... I would like to see her; even from far would do... I can at least do that, right?" He asked grinning with mockery.

"Yes of course, that shall be arranged shortly."

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The two young vampires were in the library sitting between huge piles of books.

Aiyora continued to surf through every single one of them while her half brother napped resting his rest over her shoulder. Senri did not plan on being useless, he offered to help, but Aiyora declined every offer of assistance that came from him. All she made him do was take off the books from top shelves earlier, after that he was left to do nothing.

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"That is her!" the soul that captivated the body of the small child spoke with disbelief. Kuran Rido could not believe his own eyes. Despite being in the child body, he was able to feel all the emotions of a full grown male pureblood.

He reached forward and with his finger traced the outline of her figure on the glass. Kuran Rido was so engrossed into his daughter that he did not even take notice of his other child that was present there. Until his daughter pulled the boy to her side and gave him a soft kiss of appreciation on the cheek.

The smile from Rido's face dropped.

"Why is this useless pest here, with her!?" he snarled.

Ichio raised one of his eyebrow, clearly amused. The jealous tone made the pureblood sound more like a lover than a father.

"They share a close bond. The two were in-fact engaged for some time." The aristocrat informed, being well aware that he was adding fuel to the already blazing inferno.

The pureblood shot the aristocrat a look that liberally screamed 'who dared do such a thing?'

"…Your younger brother." Ichio slipped the information smoothly. "Haruka-sama made that arrangement shortly before his demise. However, since it was done verbally with no written document, I seized the opportunity to annul the engagement and in return got her engaged to your nephew."

The look on Rido's small face hardened. This news was more disappointing. If he was angry before, he was furious now.

"I see, in order to correct my brother's mistake you made another mistake..." the pureblood turned away and walked past the aristocrat giving out his next command.

"...Anyway, time has come for you to make the correction."

A cunning smile graced the old senators lips at the command that was just made.

Oh he couldn't wait to get started on it.

It had now been several days since Aiyora and Senri's secret trip to the council. Lucky for her Ichio has not mentioned anything to his grandson. Therefore not a soul in the moon dorm had a clue about it. For that Aiyora was grateful to the old senator. Because if Kaname found out, he would most definitely close off all options leaving her with no choice but to agree to his terms.

Next evening half way into the class Aidou and Kain disappeared.

No one paid much attention to the matter. Two had the habit of playing hookie.

Aiyora on the other hand hoped her Aidou-kun wasn't upto something foolish; that would get him and his cousin Kain in trouble. After all the former has the bad habit of seducing the day class girls. Although Kain never really did anything but always got punished because of his cousin's stupidity. Some times Aiyora wonders if Aidou was using this method (to seduce the day class girls) to forget Kisaragi Fuuka.

Sadly all of Aiyora's hopes crumbled when the faint smell of blood drifted into the classroom. She was the first one to react, leaving her seat the young pureblood rushed out of the classroom and ran towards the nearest terrace.

Class was immediately dismissed. Kaname put Takuma in change to take everyone back to the dorm before he dispatched himself to the scene.

Aiyora watched the scene unfold from the terrace — Aidou bit into Yuuki's palm. Zero appeared in the next few seconds and held the blonde aristocrat at a gunpoint.

Seeing her fellow classmate in danger Aiyora wanted to intervene. She was about to jump off when hand came from the back and grabbed hold of her arm. She turned and came face to face with Kaname, who for some reason appeared pretty calm despite the seriousness of the situation.

"Stay here-" was all he could say before the gun went off. Both purebloods looked and found Yuuki holding Zero's arm up in the air. He actually shot the blonde but Yuuki jumped in at the right time and move his hand away.

Kaname disappeared from her side and appeared at the scene. Whilst Aiyora remained on the terrace, watching.

With Kaname's entrance the tensed situation somewhat diffused. Seiran appeared behind the two day class girls who have past out after getting a glimpse of Aidou's fangs and erased their memories of tonight. Kaname informed the prefects that the culprits (which in this case are Aidou and Kain) will be escorted to the headmaster's office to receive their due punishment. And it all ended with Yuuki getting dragged away by Zero while Kaname stood there watched their retreating figures fade into the darkness.

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Later that night in the moon dorm:

"Suspended for ten day… but for a taste of Yuuki's blood it was totally worth it." Hanabusa bragged.

"Hanabusa be careful with your words, dorm president Kuran will get upset if you keep saying such things." That was Akatsuki, warning his cousin.

Aiyora was in the kitchen at the time making herself a drink with blood tablet when she heard the cousins converse, in the foyer. They were not very loud, however due to having acute hearing ability Aiyora could hear them crystal clear and she was sure that she wasn't the only one.

For now the pureblood decided to mind her own business but also remain in the kitchen as this way no one would notice her eavesdropping. But she made the mental note to have a conversation with the blonde later. He tasted Yuuki's blood, therefore he might be able to provide some crucial details. She's almost there, a little more information on the human's blood is all that she needs to crack the ultimate puzzle.

"Let him hear... Fine with me… I'm sorry… but surviving on blood tablet alone isn't good enough for me. Her blood was so irresistible… that I just-"

Aidou was silenced when Kaname appeared out of the blue and slapped him across the face hard. Coincidentally Aiyora also stepped out of the kitchen just then and therefore had the privilege to witness the scene from up close. In shock the young pureblood temporarily froze to the ground. However she did not lose her composure and made sure to maintain the silence and stay as much invisible as possible. It was clear the lesser attention she grabbed at the moment the better it would be.

The aristocrat was slapped so hard he ended up spitting blood. But the person that slapped him that way seemed to have no regret in his action.

"You just!?" Kaname hissed, although Aiyora could not see but she was sure he baring his fangs.

"I'm sorry." The guilty blonde's timid apology further confirmed her theory.

For Aiyora this was the side of her older brother she was yet to be familiar with. The fact that Kaname was capable of hitting his peers like that did not sit well with her.

In her opinion this was abuse of power. Slapping a vampire for giving into his natural instincts was unfair, especially under the setting they were in. You cannot have a lion around a flock of sheep and expect it to act civil. This is impossible! Even the most trained one will hold back for few days but one day it will for sure give into the lust and attack. It is the same for the night class. Everyone here craves real blood. Nobody is quite as much satisfied with the blood tablet including Kuran Kaname himself (in fact Aiyora would rank him number 1 in the list of thirsty vampires. Precisely the reason why she was so reluctant to take up on his offer, because she is sure that she would end up as shattered crystals by the time he is done drinking). After all the blood tablet is designed to serve as temporary relief not permanent solution.

However like an idiot Aiyora is not going to butt in and start a fight. Because whatever happened just now has got little to do with the fact that Aidou bit a human. It was more to do with whom he bit. The person that got bitten matters, not the blood that was spilled. With his action indirectly Kaname has answered a lot of her questions.

…Now she was more than sure in her theory.

"Why are you making that face, were you asking for that?"

"JUST SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!"

Aiyora heard the cousins bickering in the background over what just happened, as she quietly climbed up the stairs and made it to her room without being noticed.

Due to his suspension Hanabusa was not even allowed to step out of the dorm. And Aiyora decided to make a good use of this golden opportunity.

One of the days when Kaname had to visit the council, she made an excuse of having a bad headache and skipped class. Aiyora almost felt bad for lying to Takuma and Senri both of whom were so concerned that they wanted to stay back. But she did not allow that, because she needed to be alone with the blue eyed blonde to have this chat. Therefore by having no one around was the only way to prevent unwanted eavesdropping.

Given her situation Aiyora could not afford to take the slightest of risk.

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Aidou agreed without a second thought when Aiyora invited him to have tea with her, that evening in the library. He was so touched by her generosity that the fact that she could have an ulterior motive never crossed his mind.

"How do you feel now Aidou-kun, does your face still hurt." Aiyora asked conversationally, sipping her tea. Her tone was laced with concern and sympathy.

"I'm perfectly fine. All injuries have healed. Besides, Kaname-sama was right to discipline me. I crossed the line that night."

What an ass kisser. Aiyora rolled her eyes but then decided to push the button tad bit further "…but you're face is telling me something different."

Hanabusa quieted down, and that brought momentary silence between them.

"I-I find it quite disturbing that Kaname-sama gives her special treatment." he spoke after an uncomfortably long pause.

"…And you never wonder why he does that?"

That put the aristocrat to thought. He fell into deep thought. Trying to understand why their leader was so biased towards that pathetic human. But Aiyora intervened shortly after. She did not want him to ponder on that for long. He was a smart one, chances are he would figure something out.

"…anyway," she cleared her throat to get his attention and pull him out of his train of thoughts. "…you had a taste of her blood, tell me how did she taste…?"

"Her blood was unlike anything I've ever tasted…" Hanabusa muttered in a daze, Aiyora gave him a nod of encouragement to go on. "…like it is impossible for a human to taste this delicious."

Aiyora noted down that line, mentally.

"Do you think her blood tasted as good as vampires'."

"…yes, in fact better."

"How better are we talking about?"

"Well, better than most aristocrats we have here."

"Oh, I see..." Aiyora acted pretty casually even though the information she learned is of utmost importance before tactfully diverting their topic of conversation elsewhere. "...anyway enough about Cross-san; this topic is becoming quite tedious. Let's talk about something else. How's your family? How are your sisters...?"

"Actually my little sister Tsukiko was inquiring about you..."

While Hanabusa gleefully told her all about how his family was keeping. Aiyora's mind was occupied with putting everything together:

-Yuuki's resemblance to Kaname, check.

-Kaname's special treatment towards her, check.

-The familiarity of her smell, check.

-The possibility of having vampire turned to human, check.

-Aidou-kun's review on her blood, check.

All in all it sums up to one conclusion only… and that is…

Aiyora heaved out a sigh, finally she can have a closure with her beloved big- brother.

"Kaname-sama wishes to see you."

Aiyora was walking along the dimly lit hallway on her way back to her room when Seiran suddenly appeared behind her with news.

The pureblood made no response and instead continued on her path.

Unfortunately, the situation was getting quite overwhelming for Kuran Aiyora. Her discovery came at a price. Now she must face Kaname.

Although that night she did not listen, and instead went to her own room instead of his but the following evening Aiyora decided to skip class. As if getting the hint Kaname also declared that he would not be attending class.

Later in the evening when no one was in the dorm Aiyora went into Kaname's room. She made a quick knock on his door and soon as he gave permission, she entered. But upon entering she did not find him in the study.

"Onii-sama…?" she called just to make sure her mind wasn't playing some sort of tricks.

"I'm here…" the sound came from inside the bedroom.

Sighing she walked in but stopped at the door. He was sitting at the edge of the bed, consuming the blood tablets directly from the container.

Personally Aiyora was disgusted by this habit of his and always wondered how he did that. Was he always so thirsty that he did not have enough time to drop the tablet in water and wait for it to dissolve. It wasn't like water wasn't available. There was a glass beaker filled with water and small glass on the side table. Yet he was consuming the tablet directly.

"Wait," she asked him to hold on a moment as she went ahead poured a glass of water. Approaching him she snatched the container of tablet from his grasp and put two tablet in the water. Once the tablet dissolved and turned to faux blood she handed him the glass.

"…here, drink this." He took the glass gracefully but drained the liquid inside impatiently.

"Feeling better…?" she asked cupping his face with one hand while using the other hand to collect the empty glass.

The brunette sighed, he could not bring himself to answer. His senses could barely focus when she was so close. Aiyora noticed how he was nuzzling into her touch. Pattern of his breathing now slightly heavy.

"Ai…" he sighed her name. The battle he was batting was a real difficult one. It was taking almost all of his strength to not pull her towards him.

"So have you come to a decision?" he somehow managed to ask, gazing at her with hope. She nodded her head affirmative, running a hand through his hair hoping it would soothe out the uneasiness he was currently feeling.

"And…?" he honestly did not know what to expect. But somehow he had a feeling that it was not going go according to his prediction.

Seeing his condition Aiyora decided not to beat around the bush.

"I'm sorry…" she started with an honest apology. "…I'm truly sorry for everything onii-sama."

For a second there he could not catch why she was apologizing. But then, as the realization sit within him, his face fell. All hopes now crumbled under the feet.

"So you've figured out…" he softly muttered, his tone bitter in defeat. "…but how?"

"Actually it wasn't that tough. Especially when the similarities between the two of you are taken into account. I'm actually surprised that the other members of the night class haven't noticed it. Some people here aren't as intelligent as they claim to be..." That was a hint made towards Aidou -the boy genius.

"Look at us," she danced a finger between them "…we don't even look like distant relatives. Whereas she is practically your female version. Then her smell –there are plenty of human in this school how come she is the only one that stands out? I also asked Aidou-kun and he told me that her blood was unlike anything he has ever tasted. Two strong point together cannot be coincidence… right?"

Kaname sighed and looked the other way. Aiyora also let go of his face took few steps back and leaned against the wall.

"However one thing kept puzzling me… I could not wrap my head around how she could possibly be a human. So I did some real risky digging and found out that it is indeed possible."

"Where did you learn that from?" Kaname grew concerned. He made sure no such book that even had mere of those spells existed in the library. He did have some in his room but they were locked inside his safe. And no one had access to it. There's no way Aiyora will have her hands on those.

"I went to the council and used the library there. Over there they have collection of certain books which explains how such spell works." She admitted honestly, and Kaname bit the inside of his mouth in hopes to keep to his rising rage under check. He knew Aiyora was bold and cunning. But not even for once he imagined she would be able to go this far. She was already making friends with the ones he considers enemy.

"Don't worry… nobody will learn about this secret from me. Not even Ri-chan. Although he was with me at the council I made sure to give him no clue on what I was actually looking for."

A heavy silence fell between them. Which for the longest time neither dared to break that was until Kaname spoke absently,

"So, what happens now...?" he could not wrap his head around the fact that this was how he got beaten. He was so sure, so confident that she was going to cave in. So, now what…!?

Aiyora chuckled, then suggested "Now… you awaken Yuuki-nee and have your happily ever after."

It is not her, that I crave. Was what he wanted to say. However what he actually said was "…not all that shines is gold, life is not always that simple."

"I highly disagree…" she interjected. "Like beauty, life is also on the eye of its be holder. End of the day it all comes down to how you see it. I understand our parents must have been under severe pressure to take that drastic step and turn Yuuki-nee into a human. However it does not always have to stay that way. You can change her back. Knowing her, she sure would have no problem."

A look of guilt suddenly took over his features and it confused the younger pureblood. Because what reason does he have to feel guilty.

"Why that face onii-sama? Are you worried about me since currently I am your official fiancée?" his silence confirmed her suspicion.

"If that is the case let me assure you…" Aiyora didn't want to vomit on his face that she didn't like him that way. The time and the moment both were sensitive so she wanted to be as polite and kind with her words as possible.

"…I will never come between the two of you. All I want is for my older siblings to be happy." The girl wanted to sound like the leading ladies of the movies. And she did.

"Ai-"

"Onii-sama," she suddenly appeared before him and took hold of his face between her palms completely ignoring the fact that his heart just missed a beat, "…I'm not going to ask for much but only this much… allow me to also protect Yuuki-nee. Please, allow me to look after my older sister the way she used to look after me when I was a child."

"Very well then," he snaked an arms around her waist and pulled her closer so that he could burry his face into her chest. "…you protect her from now on."

The next few moments passed in silence during which Kaname pulled Aiyora to sit on his lap while he kept his face buried into her chest. For him the moment was absolutely serene. It was probably the first time in the longest while he felt at ease. Like a heavy burden have been lifted off of his shoulders.

If only he knew it wasn't going to be long lasting…

"…Kaname onii-sama," she muttered softy, breaking the long overdue of silence.

"What is it?" he softly whispered into her clothed chest.

"You're forgiven." He pulled backed, not understanding what she was talking about that was until she further explained.

"…remember I promised you earlier, years back, that I would forgive you from the bottom of my heart once I understand the reason why you truly abandoned me at the Shiki residence. Today I fully understand the reasons behind your actions. …You were right to choose Yuuki-nee over me. She is the vulnerable one, the one that actually needed and needs you the most. Plus she is the one born for you. Therefore it was only natural for you to be by her side. I would have done the same if I were in your shoes. … you see the child Aiyora may have misunderstood you, but this Aiyora, fully understands."

"But, you-" even he wasn't sure what he was going to say. She has caught him completely off guard.

"Ssshhhh… its okay, you don't have to say anything. I understand everything now. So relax!"

She leaned down and placed a fleeting kiss on his forehead and before he could savor its taste properly she was gone. Leaving him there, absently watching the empty space which was earlier occupied by her... strangely feeling guilty…?

The pureblood aimlessly wondered through the dark forest. His mind and focus elsewhere. Feelings, deeply conflicted. He who has committed sins most his life without remorse, this was his first time feeling guilty.

If someone asked him, what is the most powerful feeling on the face of this earth. Kuran Kaname would answer – 'guilt'. Although if the same question was asked earlier his answer would have differed. Back then he would have said 'love'. Because back then love was the only feeling that gave him a purpose… his love for Yuuki.

But now its different…

You're forgiven!

A simple phrase, that was said so innocently, has turned his entire world upside down. And left him hanging in complete despair.

Never in his life did Kuran Kaname imagine that one day he'd feel this bad for his actions against Aiyora. The girl, who without a single hesitation forgave him for all the cruel things he had done to her all these time.

Up until now Kaname made many plans with different strategies. Most of which was done keeping Yuuki's well-being in mind and the exact opposite for Aiyora.

For Yuuki –he formed the night class. In reality it was him gathering a group of loyal army that would assist him in time to protect her.

And what has he done for Aiyora? For starter, he abandoned her at the most vulnerable time of her life, when she was small child who could merely fend for herself. Second –made promises, gave her hope. Which he broke with no remorse. Then, couple years later he re-entered her life with a purpose to use her as bargaining chip against her own father.

However Kuran Kaname was no God. Therefore he could not write fate or decide future as much as he thought he could. Which was why the events that followed after was completely unplanned. Aiyora grew up to be quite beautiful. Not just beautiful, she is beyond what words could describe, at least in his eyes. Just as her appearance evolved, he developed some dangerous level of attraction towards her. He felt shallow admitting, but her looks, her appearance and her smell played a huge part in this. It moved not just the vampire but also the male inside of him. And that attraction has drove him to places where he should not have ventured. He thought about her in ways that are considered highly inappropriate. Kaname never knew his mind was capable of being so filthy till he started to think about Aioyra in his alone time. What has he not pictured, starting from how to drain her blood to all the way upto how to defile her...

In turn it led him to make slight alterations to his plans, where he started to come up with schemes of how to lure her into his grasp.

And one of the crucial part of that scheme was to gain her trust. He tried to do so by apologizing. Kaname remembers apologizing to her quite a few times. But Aiyora never accepted those apologies. Now he knows why. Because those apologies never came genuinely. Never! They were simply meaningless words he was uttering to fool her. Not even for once he actually tried to earn her forgiveness. He never felt the need to.

But now, as that forgiveness was offered to him on a golden platter, he could not bring himself to accept it. It felt so wrong… so unjust…

Therefore even if Aiyora forgives him, he cannot forgive himself knowing all too well how unworthy and undeserving he is of such kindness.

The past few days every time he ran into Aiyora, she treated him differently. There was no attitude, no temper-tantrum and no more of ignorance. She treated him respectfully, spoke to him in polite and kind manner and smiled at the end of their every brief conversation. And every time she smiled, his heart ached. It ate him up on the inside. This was the first time in his entire lifetime Kaname felt embarrassed. So embarrassed that he could not even look her in the eye.

At the beginning like her he also thought about putting it all behind and just look forward, focus on the future. He tried to be the free bird that was meant to fly out of the broken cage and not look behind. Sadly, it was not so simple. This time he was utterly defeated and became the bird that willingly walked backed into the cage.

And that is the power of guilt — a feeling so strong that it could over power anything and everything on its path.

If Kaname was asked what he was doing inside Aiyora's room in the middle of the day (which for them is inappropriate hour)? He would not be able to provide a proper answer. As that answer remained unknown to him as well.

All that mattered for now was that he could not sleep. He was tired, worn-out and exhausted yet his eyes had no ounce of sleep. And he knows quite well that even today he will not be able to sleep, the same way he hasn't slept in weeks if he does not see… her!

He could not diagnose what was wrong with him. But he could feel that both his heart and mind have been racing to see the owner of the room, who for some reason was sleeping on the couch today, instead of her four-poster queen size bed.

Without thinking he knelt down before her and there was nothing Kaname could do to stop himself from reaching out to touch her. His long fingers brushed away few locks which were curtaining her face.

Where is this unsettling feeling coming from? he wondered, his face curiously tilted.

Aiyora now knows about Yuuki… her existence… her importance. And has accepted it all with open arms. She now understands him and finally after all these years have whole heartedly forgiven him. Yet he cannot bring himself to accept the forgiveness. Why...? What was going on? Why did it sound so wrong and undeserving when she said she forgave him?

Because you are undeserving of such kindness. After all, what have you honestly done to earn her forgiveness?

Exactly, he has done nothing. All these time everything he has done with this girl, his youngest sister, has been for a purpose. Nothing he has done has ever been for her betterment. And yet she forgave him! When he has done nothing to earn it.

That guilt stabbed him in the heart again and again.

"I'm sorry," he whispered softly, when in reality he actually wanted to scream.

Sorry for abandoning you…
sorry for breaking all the promises I made…
sorry for using you as a medium to save Yuuki…
sorry for thinking about harming you constantly…
and I am truly sorry for making you forgive me when in reality I have done nothing to earn that forgiveness.

He leaned over and placed a delicate kiss over her head. It was his first kiss to her that came with a heart full of love and affection. Not lust and agenda.

.

.

.

Her chest felt strangely heavy. Aiyora was in the middle of deep sleep to understand what was happening. But when she was finally able to reopen her eyes, she found Kaname on top of her, his head resting over her chest while the his weight was crushing her beneath him.

Initially she tensed, but then relaxed remembering that they were in better terms now. Still she opted to ask what he was doing? As finding him in such position was not normal. But he responded soon as she gave voice to her thought.

"I was unable to fall asleep... So I brought myself here..." being close to you is what helping me stay calm. Those were the words he left unsaid.

"You promise not to bite..." she joked in between a yawn, wrapping her arms around him, hugging him like he was her body-pillow. Her tired voice indicating that she would fall back into sleep any moment now.

"I promise not to bite," he replied closing his eyes and went on "... from now I promise to only protect you. …and also, I refuse to accept your pardon. I cannot bring myself to accept the charity. ...Do me one last favour, at least give me the chance to earn it."

"…"

The response he received was the sound of her soft snores.

Certainly she heard nothing of what he just said. For which he was glad. As it was about time he proved her wrong and he could do so with actions than words. This time he will truly work hard and rightfully earn her forgiveness.

That was his last thought before he also drifted off to sleep, for the first time in weeks... in her arms… with a content smile on his lips.

a.n. Thank you all for reading. hope you guys enjoyed. I know again another chapter with a lot of Kaname. just one more chapter like this then the other characters will start to appear more often. As next chapter is going to be the turning point of this story. Anyway enough about that...

Also thank you all for taking part in the small survey and commenting and PMing me with all your ideas and feedback it is very much appreciated. And if this helps, your suggestion have clear the small confusion that I had in my mind. and I'm hopeful that path I will take won't disappoint you guys.