The Other Destinies

Haruki's POV

St. Xocolatl's Day... A day when female population gave their significant other chocolate to express their feeling. 

And also... a day when the crazy Day Class students became crazier. I sighed from my perch in one of the branch in my favorite tree. Without looking down, I knew precisely how crowded the front of the Moon Dorm gate.

Almost every female students, and some male students, wanted to give their 'idol' in Night Class their chocolate. And it was just seven in the morning for goodness sake... didn't they have anything better to do?

From the corner of my eyes, I could clearly see that my dear sister was reprimanding, or more like yelling to, the sea of students while standing proudly on the dorm gate's wall. Not long after that, there was a student, bravely helping the other to toss her chocolate to the other side.

'Hmm... I really don't understand a woman's... heart? feeling? Well, it's not like I know and feel that much emotion to begin with... what with became a hermit in my office in Death's Manor for thousands years'.

I sighed again and only let everything play out. I shut my eyes and just listened to what's happening with one ear. And with some, for sure, impressive lecture-plus-warning-plus-barely concealed insults from Zero, the grounds immediately lost any humanoid living beings. I then took a brief meditation-slash-nap before finally went to class, completely forgetting about the annual meeting with headmaster before the class started.

"Where were you this morning before class started?" Ichiru asked me when the bell rang and lunch came. 

"I was taking a nap. Why?" I answered his question with side glance and then just continued my reading.

He only hummed and then said, "Nothing. Just... it's not like you to miss a meeting about guardian's duty."

I hmm'ed absentmindedly... then after a second I stopped reading and blinked once... twice. "Oh... I totally forgot that there is a meeting this morning." I started and looked at Ichiru who now sat beside me. "Then... is there something interesting happening?" I inquired.

"Just like always... Zero's indignation for protecting the 'abomination' and protesting about every single thing ... then Yuuki gave us her gifts like always, and then planning how to discipline the students this evening."

"Hmmm...." I acknowledged before my attention going back to my book, and from the corner of my eyes I saw that Ichiru ate his lunch rather leisurely.

Though, nearing the end of lunch time, I asked something that was probably one of the most avoided problems between Ichiru, Zero and me. "How's Zero?" I blurted.

Immediately Ichiru stopped... his bottle of green tea halfway to his mouth. A second passed before he sighed, "He rejected me. He said he can handle it... but we know perfectly well he can't. It's all thanks to you Haruki that Zero survives and didn't go on rampage. He still took your medicine, but he didn't take my 'offering'."

"I'm pretty sure that I already gave him a 'strict' warning that my medicine can't function perfectly if he didn't take yours, or whoever who want to sacrifice a bit of life for him." I stared at the one who we talked about, who was blissfully unaware and sleeping the day away.

"He felt guilty to us, to me particularly. He knows that you heal me the first two years I gave him mine."

"He really is a self-sacrificing and self-loathing bastard, isn't he?" I mused... and then sighed a long and deep sigh. "Well then... It seems he will snap sooner than I predicted." I murmured when the bell rang and Ichiru stood and went back to his own seat.

Well... The headmaster did a great job this time of 'disciplining' his students. What with that spectacular line of students behind something-gate-like with each name of Night Class students in it. At least our job as guardians became less of burden this time, we only needed to oversee the event. Yuuki was... like always, full of energy, while the Kiriyu twin also did their job properly. It seems this time they have something that they lacked all this time, something called teamwork.

And when the time for crossover started... the squeal of the exited Day Class students reached a whole new record. And someone, for sure the one named Aido Hanabusa,the one being dubbed as Idol by the Day Class female students, gave a cheerful greeting and ran to the gate where his name was, while shouting something like 'All chocolates are mineee!'.

'Ridiculous...' 

But just like always, beside Aido-san the other Night Class students didn't have that much enthusiasm. At least some of them have common sense... that way it was less job for us. That's what I thought before I saw that Nii-sama took the chocolate intended to him when he passed his gate. Seeing that, I could feel a twinge somewhere in my chest, though I didn't really know what that was.

'I wonder what this feeling is... Every time I saw Nii-sama shows kindness to others... Bitterness always invaded... I wonder if what I feel is 'that feeling'... but... if that's true... I... don't think I really have any right to feel like this.' I frowned and looked at my chest.

'As emotionless as Death was, I really wish I can speak to them now.' I thought rather longingly to the only companion I knew for a very long time.

And when my attention came back to the reality, I saw that Zero threw a chocolate to Kaname that obviously from Yuuki. 

'Even when that kindness was directed to our own sister... Ah... How can human, past or present, endures it... This... ugly feeling.' I thought inside my own mind while in the outside I stared unseeingly at nothing.

I don't know how long I thought about that because when I came back again, there were just a few students left, and Yuuki and Ichiru herded them back to the dorm. I frowned again, this time in worry, because I couldn't find Zero anywhere. I wonder when he gave me the slip and disappeared to who knows where. I have a bad feeling about this situation with Zero, and I could only hope that I will be there to control the situation.

Kaname's POV

Right after I stepped out of the Dorm's gate, I know that someone I wanted to see the most was not here.

After I subtly swept my gaze to the usually rowdy pavement, I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly because for once, the Headmaster did a great job to prevent any accident from occurring, what with a rather disciplined line behind something-like-gate. 

Unfortunately, I couldn't see and feel Haruki anywhere. Even though I'm sure that he was somewhere in here, observing. I wonder how he could conceal his presence and aura this drastically that even my pureblood instinct and sense couldn't feel him at all. But no matter how much I wanted to ask him, I couldn't. Everytime he looked at me and didn't even recognize me as someone important, the questions died in the tip of my tongue.

I sighed inwardly and absentmindedly reprimanding Aido Hanabusa to not did anything unnecessary. After that, I walked to the school building with my thoughts still occupied by Haruki. But that too was being invaded when a quiet voice called me.

Well it seems without me knowing, I reached the gate-like with my name in it. I took some chocolate and gave my apologize to the ladies when I couldn't receive anymore, I walked away, but not a second later, Kiriyu Zero's voice came and I caught something that smelt like chocolate and Yuuki.

'Hmmm... It seems Yuuki finally had the courage to 'give' me some chocolate... even if only in the intent department'. I thought, amused when I saw that Kiriyu Zero and Yuuki bickering again.

After a quick thank you, I dumped the other chocolate, sans Yuuki's, to Seiren and continued my journey. Though right before I sat on my throne-like-chair, finally I caught sight of Haruki. Who for some reason leisurely sitting in the rooftop of one of the numerous towers that the school had.

'What is he doing there? It seems he is thinking about something.' I sit and proceeded to stare and observe him. And after a few moments passed, I began to worry because it seemed he really was so deep in thought that he didn't even know that hours had passed.

'I wonder if something is wrong... Usually Haruki is more observant than this and didn't let his usual neutral mask to slip and give away that he has some problem.' I thought with a frown. 'Maybe I should approach him after class if he's still there.' I decided in the end.

After that, I focused my attention to the teacher. But not long after that, a very beautiful and sorrowful melody traveled through the class and managed to grab our attention.

And someone commented absentmindedly. "Such a sad melody... I wonder why I think that this melody pictured someone who lost everything and still walked through anything with sadness always trailing behind them."

And for some reason, I agreed with their interpretation about the melody... a melody that being produced by the only one I hold dear with everything I had and have.

Third Person's POV

Meanwhile in a deserted corridor, Zero sat with ragged breath and an urge to do whatever it took to quench the undesired desire.

"You just worry Haruki and Ichiru unnecessarily Zero... with this stubbornness." A voice seriously stated. A familiar voice that rarely sounded serious.

"I don't want to depend on them anymore, Headmaster. Since that night... they help me with everything they got. Ichiru sacrificed a bit of him every time I need it and Haruki always researched every single way to make me better. Day and Night." He explained.

And then, for some reason Zero smiled a rather deprecating smile and laughed. "Ichiru and I... we really are indebted to him. And I don't know if I can repay him." Zero rambled to distract himself from his curse. "Why... did he help me? This useless me."

The Headmaster who listened only sighed, because in the end, whatever he said will be discarded by Zero. The only one who can pierce through Zero's steel... the Headmaster wondered who that person will be.

"Think about whatever Haruki tells you. You and Ichiru are twins. He knows whatever you feel." The headmaster advised Zero rather halfheartedly.

Though after some time, nothing came out. Just like the Headmaster predicted, Zero didn't even pretend to acknowledge what the Headmaster said.

In the end, he only passed Zero two vials. "From Haruki, he knows you don't want Ichiru's, and he hopes at least this potion can control you for some time. But he also told me to tell you that you should not get addicted to it. You can become immune if you consume the red potion too much." With that the Headmaster took his leave and left Zero to his thought.

"Haruki..." Whispered Zero softly, "You make too much effort for us... you're too kind hearted... too soft. As much as you want to pretend to be poker-faced person and emotionless bastard, you can't cover what you are.

Ah... I hope I can repay you someday, Haruki. Even if that payment is my life." And just like that, he downed the potions with silent gratitude.

In the distance he heard a soft but sorrowful melody. Hearing that, he could only think that his gratitude being accompanied by such melody... almost made it like a prayer.

Haruki's POV

It seems... I immersed myself to my pieces a bit deeply. Already I have played two pieces with my beautiful and beloved violin, a present from Kaname Nii-sama for my tenth birthday.

'Maybe one more song before I go back to my dorm and get some rest,' I mused. Too absorbed with my thought, I didn't even feel another presence approaching my self-proclaimed private tower.

"Haruki." A slight call that usually didn't phase me much, gave me a right fright because I didn't expect it.

And because of that stupid loss-of-awareness, that call made me jump in fright... and lost my footing from the edge of the rooftop 40 feet above the ground. I felt my eyes widen in the second and then I shut my eyes firmly to prepare myself for the impact.

One second... five seconds ... and then thirty... There's no impact and there's no sound of the wind rushed through me. After that realization, I felt that something was holding my hand, and that something was the one that prevented me from my undoubtedly embarrassing death. And slowly, I opened my eyes.

"Haruki, are you alright?" Came a worried voice.

At that voice, finally I realized that the one who called me out and the one who came to my rescue was Nii-sama. I didn't know if I should feel annoyed, because for sure he deliberately concealed his presence, or feel grateful for his help.

"I... am... alright... Kuran-san." I answered a little breathlessly considering I avoided a rather stupid accident.

I heard Nii-sa.a let out an audible sigh, and felt my body being lifted. I snapped from my dazed gaze and focused on Kaname who lifted me and then he put me in his lap while he himself sat in the edge of the rooftop.

I blinked once... twice... and then looked at him questioningly because I was confused. Why didn't he put me back on my own feet or put me to sit beside him... Sometimes I didn't know what to think about this person... or vampire I suppose. 

Nii-sama just raised his eyebrow and chuckled lightly, "Why do you give me such look Haruki? It's been so long since we just sat together and enjoyed each other's presence."

I arched an eyebrow and stated matter-of-factly. "But we never do that Kuran-san. You and I were never that close." I pointed out to him... at least that was true, 'after' Kaa-sama sealed my memory.

Kaname just gave me a wistful look and quirked a sad and morose smile that I, for whatever reason, hated. I hated it when he had that sad and lonely look in his eyes. He was supposed to be strong, a leader, so why did he give me that kind of look?

He didn't answer and didn't seem to have a will to answer, that much I know. Then he hugged me from behind firmly, as if he didn't want to part with me. For whatever reason, all his behavior screamed possessiveness. Though... why did he possess something like that for me?

Honestly this feeling and emotion business... it only gave me headache trying to pinpoint each of them. I really need someone to 'teach' me about feeling that was not about caring and protecting.

Though, considering whom I surrounded myself with... the Headmaster... was a bust, Zero... I don't want to be angry at the world 24/7, Ichiru... It was a bit scary how he chose to live for others, and Yuuki... I couldn't even see myself to be cheerful and passed the life with such optimism.

"It seems you abandoned me for your thought, Haruki." Kaname Nii-sama voice pulled me back to the here and now. I could only blink when he said that.

"I am here but you don't even pretend to give me your attention. I wonder if I can ever manage to enter your personal space... considering you don't really like me Haruki." He continued with something akin of... hurt?, in his voice.

At that accusation, without knowing it I widened my eyes in shock. Did I really give that kind of impression to Kaname Nii-sama? But... I was pretty sure I acted rather normal with my usual impassive expression. So... How come Kaname Nii-sama pull that kind of conclusion?

And after that realization passed my mind, without any conscious action, I slapped-slash-cupped his face between my hand and turned his face so our face meet.

"I don't understand how you got that conclusion Kuran-san. Moreover, why did it matter if I like you or not? I am no one and will never be anyone to you except as someone whom you rescued a long time ago.

You don't need me who was no more than a fragile and normal human... While you are a vampire... Pureblood Vampire who has everything.

You're everything I will not... you have power, you have friends-slash-minions, you're handsome, intelligent, and you have the authority to lead people, or vampires in this case, to follow you.

You are everything anyone wants to be and you can be anything you want to be." I half-lectured half-glared at him... something that I never ever did. And when I finished, I could tell that Kaname was shocked but also amused.

At that kind of reaction, I could feel that my face become a bit warm from embarrassment. To think that I, the epitome of cold and emotionless, as the Day Class usually stated about me, for once lost control over something like misunderstanding.

"Hmmm... I didn't know that you placed me on some kind of pedestal Haruki, and here I thought you didn't care about me." He said with a hint of teasing.

"That's... not true. That was a fact... anyone know about that. And I don't understand where this conclusion about me hating and not caring about you comes from. I never felt that I give you that kind of impression, Kuran-san." I answered and explained with a frown marred my forehead.

He hummed... but kept his silence. And after a while without any answer forthcoming from him.... He finally said, "Why don't you play me a song? For the first time, we could just sit here and enjoy each other's company."

"I can't play in this position, Kuran-san. Moreover considering you hugged me like this I am surprised that my arm didn't feel off." I retorted sarcastically.

He arched an eyebrow and chuckled. "Then... You can sing me something. Anything from you is very precious to me."

I gave him a confused look when he said that, but he just smiled so I just shrugged it off. "You are becoming more annoying and more confusing, Kuran-san." I stated simply and he only chuckled again in amusement.

Then I began to sing a song... A song from a long time ago that gave people hope and promises.

Kaname's POV

When the class finally ended, I went to search for Haruki, and found him still in the rooftoop of a tower that usually didn't have any visitors except for Haruki, as far as I knew, Yuuki and the Kiriyu Twin called this specific tower as Haruki's Tower.

And when I arrived in said rooftop, I stared at Haruki's visage who now just stared to who knows where after he finished his latest song... a song full of emotion that could lull us all, human and vampire alike, to a peaceful slumber. 

I sighed internally because I didn't know if I should be happy that he was still here or annoyed that he was still here and not in his dorm room.

If what I observed was true, then Haruki didn't get that much rest because of his responsibility as a 'Prefect'. Maybe sometimes later I should convince him, and Yuuki too, now that I thought about it, to get a better schedule of rest.

A few moments later, I called him out... though to my surprise, he was surprised. It was very unusual for Haruki to not aware of others presence around him. And to my horror, because of me he lost his footing and in the danger of being plummeted to the ground.

Without a second thought, I ran and grabbed him and barely got his hand in time. He said he was alright... and even though that was true, but for whatever reason I got the feeling that he was confused. I wonder why the feeling I got was that of confusion and not that of fright considering he was just being saved from certain death.

And without further ado, after I pulled him up, I put him in my lap and hug him firmly. Like this, I remembered that he is mine. Mine to protect, mine to claim, mine to mate, all of him is mine.

I was sick of this limitation where I couldn't get too close to Haruki and Yuuki, of course Haruki especially. Because here and now... was the first time since Juuri's sacrifice that we could enjoy each other's presence and talk about something... even if I knew that Haruki didn't remember anything.

And it hurt badly when he said that he was nothing to me... nothing more than human and didn't deserve my attention... how I had to restrain my urge to just told him everything.

It's Haruki, after all... I was sure that he will understand everything. Because unlike Yuuki who still maintained her naivety, from the beginning Haruki never had that childishness that was usual in a normal kid, even a vampiric one.

'Hhhh... maybe my decision to put some distance between the two of us when he lived with Kurosu Kaien was wrong... maybe I should just lay my claim from the start so Haruki know that he is precious to me.' I thought sadly and a bit mournfully. 

And after some time passed... I requested a song. And because I didn't want to let him go from my arm, I told him to just sing me something. It's already so long since I got to hear Haruki's singing voice.

Really... when he sang... it was like he had two different set of voice. Because his singing voice, which completely different from his usual emotionless and neutral tone of voice, was like an angel's voice, too beautiful to be true.

His singing voice, like his music, had so much power that could even calm my vampiric side that always in the edge to rage at everything and anything because this situation which separated us.

Seconds passed like nothing. And even after he finished, I still hold him dearly and only basked in his mere presence accompanied by the wind whistling rather softly from above here.

My thought finally came back to me after I felt that Haruki's weight becoming more pronounced. And when I looked down at him, I got an adorable and precious picture of Haruki leaned his back to my chest and breathed evenly, clearly succumbed to his own exhaustion. I just smiled and held him a few moments more.

After that, I stood, carried Haruki bridal style, and started to get out from Haruki's Tower. To my surprise and amusement, he began to cuddle my chest. His long and elegant fingers grabbed my school coat and he mumbled something. When his mumble became clear, I immediately stop my track and looked at the bundle in my arms.

Haruki began to stir again and mumbled, "Nii...-sama... Kaname... Nii-sama...." And for some reason he scrunched his forehead, like he was in some kind of concentration.

For a moment, I just stared at Haruki, and then I felt my lips curled upwards before finally I smiled a genuine smile.

I kissed Haruki's lips lightly, and then said, "I know that it is not the time to let you know about the truth. But, even if you only remembered me in your dream, and even if you only unconsciously remember me... I am happy Haruki, believe it or not.
So Haruki... for now I will only say good night and have a nice dream." Then I started to walk toward Haruki's dorm room to let my precious mate took his rest peacefully.