Music of the Knight

[Saiyan Princess]

When Kaname told her that she was interesting, Yuki blushed. "Thank you." She was mindful of his name, keeping it out of conversation. Then again, he had used her name at least once. "Thank you, Lord Kaname." She had hoped that no one heard that. Yuki then heard him ask about the balcony. Where they would be alone, with no one watching them. "Oh, well, I..." she looked around for some reason to avoid this. There was none. "I guess so, Lord Kaname." Soon, the memory of the gift she had given the Pureblood came back. "So, did you like my gift? I tried my best."


At first, Senri licked his lips, as though waiting for her to turn her head to the side so that he could get better aim of her neck, then, his delight was cut short by the blonde mentioning the refreshment table. "Oh, right, fine." He muttered. Takuma watched from a distance. "Don't even think about it, Senri." He growled under his breath. "She's off limits." Shiki rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up. I wasn't going to try it."

 

[Wishfully]

Kaname always meant what he said, and he never regretted saying such things when he saw the brunette's adorable blush. When the two were alone, Kaname felt a strange feeling overcome him. There was a bitterness, but also a warm radiance that he couldn't deny in her presence. Perhaps there was even a slight hint of fear in the solemn man, but that was quickly replaced by his need for comfort. Though the pureblood was standing behind her, he pulled her so her back was leaning on him. Placing a hand on her head to smooth her hair, Kaname closed his eyes. "Please...stay like this with me, just for a moment," he said, voice filled with loneliness and longing.


Maia selected a couple of tasty-looking drinks from the refreshments table. She returned to Senri, handing him one before taking a sip of her own. Sure, they were human drinks, but Maia still didn't think they were so bad. "Sorry, I don't really know what you like," she said, rubbing her head. She wasn't sure if he would like it, but at least she was making an effort, right?

 

[Saiyan Princess]

As Yuki was led toward the balcony, she felt one vampiric arm around her waist and the other inches below her hairline. Now, she felt safe to use his name. " Lord Kaname." The human felt the urge to look up at him. "I will stay like this. Honestly, I'd like to stay like this even after theparty is over, but that ccan't happen, can it?" She smiled. "And, about what you said before, I miss being able to talk to you about everything. I'm sorry if I seem distant." She apologized yet again while her hand traveled across his arm toward his hand and rested there. "It's just hard to talk to you when we're in two different classes, and, when we come across each other, there's always a crowd."


Senri took the cup as kindly as possible, even adding smile as he did. "Oh, don't worry about it, Maia. Honestly, I'm not that picky." He laughed lightly. "I'm on vacation from my modeling career." He brought the cup to his lips with a slight smirk, watching Maia's cousin squirm as he was unable to do anything about Senri talking to her. "Still, I can't remember when it was that I last had this much fun." He put the cup down and took her hand. "I like this song."

 

[Wishfully]

Kaname let out a deep sigh. "You're so warm," he said as he moved his hand from her hair to lace with her fingers. He smiled when Yuki looked up at him- it seemed she felt the same things as he. Kaname was glad that she wasn't pushing him away; it was something that others had accused him of before. Even the other Night Class students had told him so before- that he kept others at a distance even when all they wanted to do was help him. But Yuki...she was that one person he would never want to distance himself from. It had hurt him to watch her grow up without being able to by her side like he was supposed to be. It was for her own sake, of course, but Kaname had never wished for her to grow up alongside Zero Kiryu- such filth had no right to stand in her presence. "Indeed, it is difficult," Kaname agreed. "What happened to us that we don't talk to each other anymore?" he asked after she mentioned their distance. Though, Yuki was right. There always were other people around, and because this was a school, there were rules that needed to stay in place. Otherwise, he would never let her out of his sight.


Maia smiled, relieved that he wasn't picky. He never seemed like the type, but she never wanted to make anyone upset with her. Maia took great care to be peaceful and welcoming, though it was strange for a vampire to be like she. Her parents never thought it was a bad thing and even encouraged her friendly behavior, so Maia assumed she wasn't doing anything wrong. She was a little surprised when Senri took her hand to dance yet again. What had she done to possibly warrant so much attention from the young man? She felt a light blush dust her face as she followed him. "Oh...well, I'm glad to hear you're having fun. Though, you shouldn't feel obliged to stay with me the whole time. Surely there must be others you could spend time with."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

As Yuki smiled up at him, she could easily feel the blood rush to her cheeks. "You're warm too, Kaname." That's when she looked down at her feet, certain of Kaname's ability to sense her blush. Then, oh, God! He had to ask that question! "I don't know what happened. Other than you leaving with Takuma after a few hours every time you came around, then Zero coming to the school, there's nothing." Yuki sighed. "I just don't understand."


Senri tilted his head. "You're probably correct. Your cousin would kill me if I stayed much longer with you. He's so possessive that it makes me sick." With a final bow, Senri left, striding toward a group of girls with a huff, glaring at Takuma as he did. "Stupid moron." He growled.

 

[Wishfully]

"I see," Kaname said sincerely. Was he really being so cruel, ignoring the feelings of the one he felt most for? Kaname thought for several moments without saying a word. He had always appreciated Yuki's honesty about, well about almost everything form her feelings to what she saw in others. It was a trait quite few possessed. After what may have seemed like a long time, Kaname spoke up again. "Well, perhaps there is something I can do to fix that? Would you want to visit with me on a regular basis? We could set up a time and place, and you can just come and talk to me about whatever you like."


Maia was a little disappointed to see him go, to be honest. "I know he's a bit overbearing sometimes...but he means well," she defended her cousin. She always thought that Senri and Takuma were good friends. Maia sighed a little to herself before looking back toward the dance floor to watch the others. She smiled, glad that both classes seemed to be enjoying themselves.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Yuki didn't know what to say when this question came up. "Um, Lord Kaname, that would be great, but I don't want to cause a stir with the vampires." As she said this, Yuki looked up at him again, sad. "I do miss you, Kaname, but what about the school? I'm already getting into trouble with some of your fans." Yuki didn't want him to think that she didn't want to be around him. She did, but not if it put them in danger of suspicion. "In the day time, you're sleeping, and, at night, you're in class. How would we ever see each other? Let alone set up a time and place to do so?"


Takuma answered before Senri got the chance. "Yes, Senri and I are quite close, I just don't want anyone getting too close to you. Not after I wasn't able to you growing up. It was always the occasional party where I was able to even catch a glimpse." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. After Ichio leaves, then we can go back to normal. You can talk to anyone you want."

 

[Wishfully]

Kaname thought for a moment as she said this. "You're quite right, indeed." Kaname replied. "But it's a risk I'm willing to take." He considered the prospects carefully, trying to think of the best option for them to meet- if there was one. "I would suggest we meet after the switch, but I suppose you still have to be on duty then, don't you?" The Academy was rather large, so it wouldn't be so hard if the two met up outside perhaps by the fountain or beneath some trees. Kaname was concerned that there had been Level E's on campus before, but he also knew that he was more than capable of protecting Yuki. In fact, she would be the safest if she was with him.


Maia nodded. She had nearly forgotten about Ichio. From what she could remember, he had never had anything against her exactly, but he continued to look at her like she was just a child that needed to be monitored all the time. If she could prove that she was mature enough to be trusted, then maybe things would get better for her here.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Yuki smiled still, now turning around in his arms to face Kaname. " Okay, I can do that. I can't exactly call you out of class, but I guess I could wait right outside the building, like always." She blushed. "Did I just say that out loud?" Yuki shook her head and pulled away. "I think there's still time for one last dance before we have to separate." She didn't look happy about that at all.


"Now, about Senri." Takuma smiled down at her, his hand in her hair. "Why don't you tell me the truth. Do you like him or is it just my imagination?" He teased, like always. "Because, I know for a fact that Rima wouldn't want you near him if she could help it." He looked up to check the time. "It's almost 3 o'clock in the morning. Hmm, Grandfather said that he would be here at one."

 

[Wishfully]

Like always? Kaname raised an eyebrow. He chuckled. "Well I feel lucky to have a guardian looking out for me all the time," he said. Kaname listened to the music, nodding at Yuki's statement. "Yes, I believe we do. If you will, my dear." Kaname gave her the proper space before extending his hand. He was glad to have one more dance.


Maia sighed. "I knew she didn't like me..." she said a bit sadly. She shrugged. "I don't know, Takuma. I think Senri is nice, but I don't know him very well." She followed her cousin's gaze to the clock. "Oh...he did?" she wondered aloud, not having remembered when Ichio said he would be there. "Well then...should we go back to the dorms then?"

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"What?! Did I just say that? I meant...oh." Yuki whined, head hanging low. "I'm sorry, Kaname. I didn't mean to say that." Once again, Yuki had embarrassed herself in front of the Pureblood. "Sure, I'll dance. As long as I don't say something stupid like that again." Yuki took his hand again.


Takuma shook his head. "No. Not until President Kuran gives the word, and you still haven't had the pleasure of dancing with anyone. It even looks like this is the last song, so, by all means, you should dance. May I?" He bowed, extending a hand to his little Maia. "Please?"

 

[Wishfully]

Kaname couldn't hold back a laugh at her embarrassment. "It's quite alright, Yuki," he assured the girl. He patted her shoulder affectionately and kindly before they began to dance. Dancing was such an innocent act, but still a great leap of faith. You had to trust your partner and follow their lead, or else you risked messing up or falling behind. Kaname hoped that Yuki trusted him, for he knew that soon, that faith would be put to the test...by others- both human and vampire, and by himself. He needed to know that she would be true to him. "I want you to know I'll always come through for you. No matter what, Yuki- I want you to believe in me," Kaname said. "Please say you will."


"Oh, I suppose you're right. We should wait for Lord Kaname...it would be rude to leave early, wouldn't it?" Maia pondered for a moment until Takuma asked her to dance. Actually...she had danced with someone already... Maia felt her cheeks heat up a bit when she remembered dancing with Senri. But that didn't mean anything, they were still just friends, more like acquaintances. "I'd love to dance with you," she said with a smile.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Kaname's words and his ability to make Yuki feel so weak and insignificant helped him to gain what he wanted: her love and devotion to him. "I believe in you, Lord Kaname." Yuki laid her head on his chest. "You know that. But, how can you expect me to keep this up if you can't tell me the whole truth or even half of it?" Again, the question about her past was coming back. "Kaname, please tell me. I can't take it anymore. Will you please tell me what happened that night?" Yuki kept dancing, though it wasn't in time to the music.


"Excellent, now, as we practiced as children, remember?" He brightened up. "Come on. I know you do. Our parents wouldn't let us stop until we both learned." He laughed. "Still, it saddened me to have to separate in the morning. It just wasn't fair." He spun her. "But, now, they can't stop us. Not anymore, for at least a few hours until inspection."

 

[Wishfully]

Kaname smiled, pleased with her response until she asked him to tell her about that night. "Soon," he said. "But not tonight. For now, I just want to dance with you." He knew she would say something like that. Yuki always wanted to know, it seemed. Her insistence would be his undoing; he could never refuse her or deny her what she wanted for forever. Fine, he thought. I've tried so hard to keep you pure and innocent to the truth for your own good, but if this is what you want...You'll know soon enough, but just know that I won't be able to protect you from yourself, Yuki.





Maia laughed. "Yes, of course I remember!" she agreed. "But I couldn't take it seriously for the whole night, and I remember lots of spinning in circles. Was it really so long ago?" she thought wistfully. "I guess it doesn't matter. I'm just glad we can enjoy our time together once again. It was a hard few years without a friend."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Yuki knew that Kaname was upset by her insistence. He would never admit it to her though. "Kaname, please don't be angry with me, I'm just tired of being kept in the dark all the time." She laid her head on his chest, hoping that she hadn't just pushed her friend away. "Fine. If you don't want to tell me tonight, then I just want to cut this dance short." Yuki let go, though it hurt her to know that her one night with Kaname without weird stares was cut short by her selfishness. Still, she could not leave the party. Yuki just stood to the side to keep up with her Guardian duties. "What's wrong with me?" She whined as she now sat in a chair, head in her hands and eyes closed.


"Well, I can promise that you will never be alone again." Takuma smiled as he kept dancing with her, now extremely close to Yuki without noticing it. "Not even Ichio can stop us, Maia. I'm truly sorry that you've gotten all mixed up into this. And, after I tried so hard to keep you here too." He replied sadly.

 

[Wishfully]

Kaname stood like a statue, his insides freezing up as Yuki left him standing there. Still, he would not chase after her. He was too proud for that, and she was being childish. He didn't try to stop her- he knew better than to do such a thing when she set her mind on something, but two could play at this game. Love was a fickle thing, so temperamental...it could be such a shame sometimes. Kaname's eyes were cold as he walked back into the main ballroom area. He started to gather the Night Class students in order to return to the Moon Dorms, since the dance was almost over now anyways.


Maia smiled happily at Takuma's words. "That's a nice promise," she said. "I don't want to be alone either, but I'm not sorry I got mixed up in it. Ichio doesn't see me as a threat; he still looks at me like a naive child." Maia shrugged, "I guess he's not far off...I still have much to learn. Still, I'm glad I came here because I get to spend time with you," Maia smiled softly. She then noticed Kaname calling for them to depart. "I guess we'd better go," she told her cousin.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Yuki was fairly surprised that Kaname didn't come for her. She felt that a part of her was ripped away because of this, but she would never show that to Kaname, even as she stood and followed the Night Class out. "Maia, Takuma, come on." She pulled the cousins toward the exit, Artemis at her side again, cocked and ready to go should they be attacked.


Takuma sighed and nodded to the human as he led the young vampire toward their president. "Come along, Maia. Grandfather can wait while we rest. He's probably not even on school grounds right now." He pulled her along until reaching Kaname.

 

[Wishfully]

Kaname collected the others and fell to the rear, as usual. There were things awaiting his attention when he would return, specifically the visit of Ichio, who was coming to check up on Takuma and Maia. However, Kaname knew that Ichio was skeptical, and much of the reason for this visit was to make sure Kaname was capable of managing the aristocrats. The older man wasn't the most warm or welcoming person, but Kaname felt no reason to fear his judgment. The Night Class students had all been behaving well, especially tonight, and he was proud of that. As he walked out the doors, he stopped before passing Yuki. "Thank you for tonight," he told her, lifting her hand to his lips. He kissed the tops of her knuckles kindly before straightening. "I had a wonderful time," he finished. There was still a bit of strictness and formality left in his expression. But although they had argued, he really had enjoyed himself and wouldn't let a small dispute keep him from telling her that.


Maia nodded as Yuki ushered them out. Overall it had been a wonderful night, she thought. She had to admit she was a little tired, juzst from spending the energy, but she didn't feel so bad. "I'll be okay," Maia assured him. "I don't think I need to rest. I just want to make sure I'm awake and pleasant when Grandfather shows up...I'm going to do my best so he won't worry so much." Maia smiled optimistically. "Surely he'll see how well I've adapted here, and I'll be able to stay..."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Yuki had lost all sense of anger when Kaname graced her knuckles with his lips. Carefully, she held Artemis out to her side to avoid hurting the one man she truly felt for. "Y-You're welcome, L-Lord Kaname." She told him with a blush as she followed the vampires out. Aido smirked as he saw Yuki interact with Kaname, remembering what he told the human about her blood belonging to Kaname Kuran. Takuma followed after Hanabusa and Akatsuki, wringing his knuckles. "I can handle my grandfather, Lord Kaname." He didn't want the president to worry. He wrapped an arm, protectively around Maia's shoulders.

 

[Wishfully]

Kaname heard Takuma and nodded slightly. "He is your relative, so I expect you to know how to treat him, but he is also a guest. I appreciate your willingness, but it wouldn't be polite of me to ignore the man without even a welcome." Kaname looked at the two blonde vampires for a moment before continuing. "Plus, I know he will have questions for me, and I will do what I can to put his troubles at ease." Kaname saw Aido out of the corner of his eye, and he appeared to be smirking. Kaname narrowed his eyes, making note to keep an eye out for Aido's behavior when Ichio arrived.


Maia bowed quickly to the pureblood. "Thank you, Lord Kaname," she said. "You do so much for us...we can't thank you enough. I just wish it wasn't so much trouble for you. I'll do my best to help prove that Grandfather can trust us, and you too!"

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Yuki hid partially behind her elder brother, secretly changing the setting on her weapon a notch higher just for Aido. "Kaname, do you want me to go back to my room, or can I stay with you?" She asked with the slightest hint of a plea in her voice. Truthfully, she just didn't want to head back through the dark, alone. Scary vampire...will eat me. "Lord Kaname." Ruka started to argue that Yuki couldn't stay.


Takuma laughed at his cousin's eagerness. "Maia, you're adorable, I hope you know that." They reached their dorm. "I want you to at least try to relax." He led her up the stairs and to the girls side of the building. "Please, he'll be here soon and I can't have him thinking that you refuse to sleep." Ichijo was so worried about what his grandfather would possibly want this time. "I can't believe Lord Kaname can't trust me with this. Yuki wants to stay as well? Oh no!" He sank to his knees, hands in his hair.

 

[Wishfully]

Kaname hadn't realized Yuki was with them until he heard her voice behind him. He glanced at Ruka, holding a hand up to silence her. "Yuki? You didn't go back with the other Day Class students..." he sighed. "You really shouldn't be here. Although he probably won't pay any attention to you, Ichio can be a bit unfriendly at times. But I can't have you walking outside alone, knowing that we're expecting a visit from another vampire. So stay here," he told her. "But just keep quiet and try not to think ill of the man. He is well-respected by many people."


Seriously? Maia frowned. Fine, she would sleep...but it made no sense to do so if Ichio would be here soon, in her opinion. "It's dark outside, Takuma. I don't need to sleep now anyways...wouldn't that look weird?" she said. She sighed and put a hand on his shoulder. "Its okay. Yuki is a big girl- she's a guardian, after all. And it's not that Kaname doesn't trust you, he's just doing his job as our leader."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Ruka immediately fell silent, though she was quite irritated at the thought of Yuki in the Moon Dormitory...again. "Yes, sir." She muttered. Yuki was going to obey Kaname when he spoke of her not leaving with the Day Class. "I'm sorry, Kaname. My father told me that he could walk them back safely." She tried to argue her case. "He just told me to be back soon." Yuki brightened up when Kaname told her to stay with him. She forgot all about being angry with the Pureblood. "Right. I will, I promise." She bowed quickly again.


Takuma looked up from his spot on the ground in front of the window. "I know. I just don't want him to take you or even both of us away from here." He smiled up at her. "I'm overprotective, Maia." He ran a hand through his hair again. "I want to stay here and have him know that you're safe with me as your personal Guardian." He teased her.

 

[Wishfully]

"Very well," Kaname replied. She still should have gone with the Headmaster, but there was nothing to be done about it now. "I'll walk you back once we are finished here," he told Yuki. "If it makes you uncomfortable to be around Ichio, then you can wait in my office. No harm would even enter there, much less try to harm you." Kaname didn't want trouble, but he especially didn't want to make Yuki feel unsafe here. Of course, the safest place would be within his sight, but he would understand if she wanted to distance herself from all of the vampires at the moment.


Maia nodded. "I understand," she said when her cousin spoke of being overprotective. "But I would like to think there's nothing to fear as long as we behave as normal, if not even better." She offered her hand to help him stand. "Now come, we have to look our very best- happy and well-mannered before our guests."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Yuki sighed, knowing that she was basically supposed to remain invisible throughout this encounter. "Okay, I'll be quiet." She took a seat across from Akatsuki and held her head low as she removed her mask. Watching the ground, she saw others throw their own masks on the ground. This would be a long night.


Takuma smiled and took her hand. "You're very mature for your age, Maia. How did that happen? The last time I saw you, you were barely losing your infant fangs." He teased her while being led away. "You need to stop growing up on me. You'll make me feel old."