Dance
During the next class, I'm answering a question when the door opens. I look over from where I'm leaning against the desk, spotting a young girl with grey hair skipping in happily, uncaring of her interruption.
I smile down at her when she beams. "Hello! I'm the new student. Maria Kurenai." She says, holding out her hand.
I smile, accepting it and not noticing the red eyes flashing when she brings her face down to my hand, not so subtly kissing my wrist. There are many growls and I chuckle, shaking my head. "Welcome, Maria." She looks back up to me, and it takes everything in me not to show my shock and anger. Immediately knowing this young girl's body is being possessed by a powerful pureblood, I let my eyes show the danger when I speak next but keep my tone pleasant as to not worry the class. "I'm Hadiran Peverell."
She freezes as she meets my eyes, fear passing through her eyes before she attempts to conceal it. "It's nice to meet you!" She laughs, snatching her hand from me, having many of my students' hackles raising once more. "I'm sorry to interrupt!" She leaves and I watch her go, planning on keeping a very, very close eye on Zero.
A throat clears and I look back with a pleasant smile, clapping my hands together. "Now, where were we?" I grin.
"Who did she think she was?!" A girl shouts, indignant on my behalf.
"And she even... with your wrist!" Another girl shouts.
Others join in and I'm flustered by their defense, laughing sheepishly and attempting to calm them. "Now, now. She was probably just nervous." I attempt.
"As if." Ruka sniffs. Many nods and I chuckle, attempting to divert the conversation. "Who's excited about the dance? Hm?" I ask hopefully.
Many raised eyebrows and deadpans at the very unsubtly change in subject, have me laughing brightly. "Can't you give me face for just one class?" I ask with slight embarrassment, rubbing my neck. Laughter breaks out and I perk up, enjoying their moods brightening, even at my own expense.
"The dance is going to suck." A boy mumbles.
Senri nods. "Hm. Too many humans."
Many agree and I can understand. "Well, if you're worried about being ambushed, just stay in groups." I comment, confused.
They pause looking to me in shock and my eyes widen in confusion before understanding, and I laugh. "Did no one think to do that? Truly?" I cover my mouth when many look away, obviously embarrassed. I sigh, shaking my head. "Well, make sure to have at least four in a group and it should be easy to maneuver around each other."
"Will you be going?" A boy asks, hopefully.
I smile softly, nodding. "I will be there with Kain, yes."
Not seeing the tension in Kaname's body as I answer, which only grows at the next question, I look to the girl. "Are you and Cross married?" She asks.
I choke, shaking my head, hearing a few giggles. "But you're always together!" A girl shouts, sounding upset at my nonexistent dating life.
I chuckle. "We're just very good friends. No..." I wave my hand. "Relationship to be seen."
"Do you have a wife then?" A girl asks.
I flush, groaning. "Merlin, what is this?" I cover my face with a sigh before answering when I see many waiting for the answer. "No. No wife, no boyfriend. Nothing." I chuckle. "Any more personal questions?" I ask sarcastically.
"Is it true the day class student is your son?" Another girl asks.
My eyes soften as I think of Teddy, nodding. "Yes. He's my son in all the ways that matter." I respond with cheer, but they catch my meaning. He's my not my biological son.
"Is he like you?" A boy asks.
I roll my eyes. "Yes and no." I answer, relishing in the groans of disappointment. "Now, that's enough personal questions." I turn away, walking around my desk. "I've spoiled you lot too much." I mumble with a sigh, once more forgetting the vampire hearing.
Giggles and nods are heard, and I sit before speaking. "Alright, work on the papers I gave you. When you're finished then you can spend the rest of class doing what you will." I wave my hand, many perking up before beginning to work. I smile, looking them over before my eyes catch Kaname, who hasn't looked away from me.
I grin up at him, and he sends a small smile back, nodding once.
__________________________________________________________________
Finishing up Ruka's hair, I pat her shoulder. "Alright, go ahead and get dressed."
She stands and Yuki sits in front of me. "Are you sure..?" She asks hesitantly.
I nod, beginning to brush through her hair in my now empty bedroom, unaware Kaname has stopped by with Yuki's dress. "You're young, Yuki. There will be many opportunities for you to go out and defend something. Going to your first dance though, that's an unforgettable experience." I say softly.
She flushes, playing with her fingers. "You're not still mad at me?" She asks hesitantly.
I crease my eyebrows, setting the brush down and moving to her side, crouching down in front of her. "You thought I was mad at you?" I ask worriedly. "Why?" I prod.
Her eyes are wide before she stutters out an answer. "Because of Zero..." She whispers, eyes watering.
"Oh." I whisper, remembering. "Oh, honey, I wasn't mad at you." I reach out, pulling her into my arms and beginning to run my fingers through her short hair. "No, I was never mad at you. I was upset at the situation. I was firm, because I know how stubborn you can be, little miss." I growl playfully, poking her side and she giggles into me. I pull back, cupping her face. "I was never mad at you. The reason I haven't been around, is I've been surrounded by my students, and it's dangerous for you right now." She nods in understanding. "Tell you what, this weekend why don't me, you, Zero and Teddy go into town, hm? Get lunch and see a movie?" I ask with a grin.
She nods rapidly before throwing her arms around my neck. "Thank you, Ge." She whispers into my neck.
I chuckle, rubbing her back. "Next time you have worries, come to me. I'm not a mind reader-" I pause. "Well..." I grin when she gasps before shaking my head. "I'm not unless I want to be." I give a mischievous smile before continuing. "Come to me. Communication, honey. I won't be able to settle your doubts and fears if I don't know them, okay?"
She nods with a bright smile. "Hm!"
I stand, clapping my hands together. "Great! Now, let's get you fixed up. I was thinking... a princess." I tease, chuckling when she flushes. "Yes, princess Yuki sounds perfect."
I begin on her hair once more, straightening it before braiding a few small braids and holding them in place with a few flowers. "Perfect. Face me." I ask before reaching into the bag of makeup I bought. "Yes, this will suit you." I begin applying the makeup, when Ruka exits the bathroom.
I smile at her fondly. "Beautiful, Ruka."
She flushes before brushing her hair behind her shoulder haughtily. "Of course, I am." She huffs before darting a look back to me. "Really?" She whispers.
I hum, nodding with a smile. "I promise. You and Yuki are going to have all the attention tonight, I guarantee it."
She beams before looking to a blushing Yuki. Instead of the jealousy she might have had in a different world, she hums walking over. "She needs more blush." She comments before beginning to aid me.
I laugh when Yuki flushes even harder. "Perfect." I smile down at her. "Hold on, her dress should be..." I trail off, walking out of the room and into my living room before spotting Kaname sitting on the couch. He's also dressed up and I smile at him when I notice him watching me softly. "Kaname. You look nice." I tease.
He looks away and I soften, thinking he was upset, instead of flustered, which he is. "I mean it." I walk over to him, leaning against the back of the couch so we're closer. "You look very handsome." I smile sincerely.
He coughs. "Thank you, Hadrian."
He holds out a bag and my eyes light up. "Yuki?" I ask hopefully.
He nods and I turn to leave before pausing when he speaks. "Thank you... for Yuki."
I turn back with a fond grin. "She's family, Kaname. Always."
He nods to me once more, concealing his happiness at my words before standing. "I'll see you there?" He asks.
I nod, pausing again when he coughs. I look back once more, seeing him staring into my eyes. "Save me a dance?" He asks hopefully.
I choke. "Kaname. I'm a teacher."
He grins, reaching out to grab a piece of my hair and it has an odd warm sensation fluttering in my chest. "It doesn't have to be in public. Just one?" He stares down at me, and I sigh. "Fine." I chuckle, pushing at his chest. "Now go. I'm sure your friends are waiting not at all patiently." He doesn't budge at my push and it has him staring down at me fondly before he's nodding with a goodbye.
I make my way back to the girls, holding the bag out to Yuki who gets dressed. Ruka decided she's doing my hair while we wait and I laugh, sitting down for her. She brushes and styles the curls so they're more defined, before adding a single flower. I don't know the significance of the red rose, but she does, and she's hoping it pleases the person she's doing it for.
I move to my closet, dressing in a nicer silt top and pants, the clothing flasher than usual, hugging my body and accentuating my beauty. When I walk out of the closet, both girls gasp. I don't process that, looking Yuki over with a nod. "Perfect. You look beautiful, Yuki." I smile, watching her fluster.
"Hadrian." Ruka whispers.
I look back to her and she grins, grabbing my hand. "Come on. He's got to see this."
I'm confused, but follow, Yuki grabbing my other hand and following us out. I drop Ruka off at the dorms before making my wait to Kain. We pass Zero and Teddy on the way and I enjoy their blush at my praising them, before I'm dropping Yuki off into their hands. "Have fun, children. Be good!" I call out as I begin walking away to Cross.
I get to his office, walking in and seeing him struggling with his tie. "Hadrian!" He wails.
I laugh brightly, walking over and helping him. "What am I going to do with you, Kain?" I ask fondly.
He grins. "Love me!" He shouts, wrapping his arms around me.
I nod into his chest. "Always, Kain. Always." He lets me go and I look him over. "Good. You look fetching." I tease, enjoying the beaming smile he gives me.
"You do as well, Hadrian." He eyes me, something crossing his eyes. "Don't be alone tonight." He orders. I can hear the overprotective tone he gets sometimes. His big-brother mode as I call it, even though I'm older.
I sigh, nodding. "Okay. Okay. Ready?" I ask happily. I can't wait to watch all the kids at their first dance.
He chuckles, nodding and we make our way out of the office and towards the filled ballroom, our arms laced.
When we enter, I don't notice the eyes on us. I smile at everyone that greets me.
The night passes with smiling children and Kain's chatter as he converses with me, occasionally pointing out one of our three kids.
When Yuki comes up to Cross, I grin, watching him cry tears of joy at his daughter wanting to dance with him. They leave, and I take the time to stand, stretching, not seeing the eyes that haven't left my form.
I walk towards the balcony, wanting the cool air and lean against the railing resting my chin on my hand as I look at the moon.
I startle when a body settles next to me. I look up, seeing Kaname and rub at my chest. "Merlin, Kaname. Give a man some warning."
He chuckles, before the music is changing to something slower, and he holds his hand out to me. "May I have this dance." He asks softly.
I smile fondly, grabbing his hand with a nod. "I'd love too."
He pulls me into him, my eyes widening when my cheek hits his chest. He holds my hand, his other going to the small of my back, I rest my hand on his shoulder and hum. "I haven't done this in a very long time." I mutter.
He chuckles deeply, the vibrations entering my own body from our closeness. "Just follow my lead." He murmurs into my hair softly.
I nod, beginning to follow. He leads me around as we dance slowly, nothing but the moon and each other as our witnesses. IT's nice, and something warm flutters in my chest once more. Still confused about it, I push it away, enjoying the moment.
He begins humming along to the music, and I smile, joining him. I don't notice his 'friends' hiding and peeking through the windows, a few giggling, others chomping on poky, and some puffing with pride at their plan working.
"I enjoy the site of the Rose in your hair." Kaname murmurs.
I flush, nodding. "Ruka insisted on it. It doesn't look odd?" I ask, a bit shy.
I feel him shaking his head against my own. "It looks... perfect. Right where it belongs."
I don't hear the possessiveness in his words and laugh into his chest. "Then I'm glad you like it. Maybe I'll begin wearing them more."
His chest begins to vibrate once more, this time with a purr and I unconsciously press into him further, something he notices and enjoys greatly.
When the song ends, I pull away looking up to him with a smile. He smiles down at me, cupping my cheek. "Thank you, Hadrian." He whispers.
I smile brightly. "No, thank you!"
I look out over the darkened courtyard, my instincts going off. I hum, looking back to Kaname, who's concealing his worry over what he's feeling about me going after the pureblood I'm about to face. "Goodnight, Kaname." I whisper, stepping back with a smile.
He hums, his eyes darkening. "Be safe." He orders.
I startle at the firm tone, nodding unconsciously. He relaxes with a sigh, smiling once more. "Goodnight, Hadiran."
With a laugh, I leave the balcony before making my way out of the ballroom and towards the foreboding feeling. Kaname watches me go from the balcony, holding himself back with the knowledge that I'm powerful, but if there's one inch of me harmed, he'll take the heat of the vampire world for killing a pureblood.
________________________________________________________________-
When I get to the room, it's to see Zero under the control of the same pureblood that killed his parents. I notice the dead twin is in fact, not dead, and realize this situation is a lot worse than I thought.
My power floods the room, everyone freezing in instinctive fear. "Zero, come." I order. He doesn't hesitate, making his way behind me, scared after realizing she could control his body.
I look to the woman with a deadly look. "Were you harming someone under my protection?" I ask quietly. She stutters and I look to Zero's twin. "Your brother would give the world for you, and you let this woman corrupt your mind out of jealousy. You can come here, now, and we can work through this." I order. He wavers, looking between the three of us and I raise an eyebrow. "My patience is thinning child." I comment.
Zero places a hand on my shoulder and I look back to his pleading eyes. Understanding he doesn't want me to kill his twin, betrayal aside, I sigh with a nod. "Fine." I look back to the boy. "Your choice?" I ask.
He makes his way to us, ignoring the frozen woman who's screaming. I silence her with a wave of my hand. I meet the boys' eyes, him flinching. "Do not harm Zero." I command before turning back to Zero. "Take him and go."
"Ge-!" Zero begins.
I place my hand on his shoulder. "It'll be okay. Go on, now." I whisper encouragingly.
He wavers, so I nudge him, and he grabs his twin's hand, leaving the room and then the building.
"You can't kill me! I'm a pureblood!" She screams as I walk closer to her.
I hum, nodding. "It would cause me many problems." I sigh, rubbing my face. "I can't kill you." I sit down, releasing her from my magic. She falls down in shock when she's free and I begin speaking. "Zero's parents killed your lover. For all that you manipulated his brother, you never harmed him." She stands to sit in the couch across from me, wearily. "Tell me, Shizuka, what are your plans now that you're not going to die as you planned too?" I ask quietly.
Her eyes widen in shock before he's sagging with a chuckle, shaking her head. "You really are..." She sighs. "I don't know." She whispers.
I nod, standing and walking over to her, sitting on the couch next to her. "I've been lost before. With no goal or purpose any longer after having one for so long. It's difficult and you'll falter many times, but if you truly try, I mean really, truly try, you can make a life for yourself. One you enjoy, without the baggage of misery from your past." I say sincerely, grabbing her hand and looking into her eyes.
Her eyes begin watering and I pull her into me. She falls into my chest, crying out the years of pain, and I don't stop her. I begin running my hand through her hair, giving comfort and soothing words.
When she's finished, she sniffles. "I'm going to travel." She whispers.
I nod into her hair. "That sounds like a brilliant plan. Any place in specific for your first stop?" I ask, truly interested.
She hums, nodding. "Italy."
I smile brightly. "A brilliant choice!"
She chuckles, sitting up and wiping her face. "Thank you, Hadrian. You..." She shakes her head. "Thank you."
I smile brightly, nodding. "Of course! Come and visit, okay?" I ask, standing and holding a handout to her.
She accepts it and we begin walking out of the room, through the building. "Are you... sure?" She asks, hesitantly.
I nod brightly as we get outside beginning to walk through the courtyard. "I do! I'm sure Ichiru would like to see you." I say happily.
She huffs, and we get to the gate. She turns around to face me once more. "Thank you, Hadrian... you're too..." She gets a look in her eye, one I've seen on Kaname's face, and it still confuses me. "You're not alone... correct?" She asks, a bit of worry entering her face before it smooths out and she nods, relief obvious. "Good. Then, goodbye."
I wave, smiling happily. "Goodbye, Shizuka! Come back soon!"
A hand lands on my shoulder and I jump with a yelp, looking up to find... Kaname. I sag once more. "Kaname" I chide.
He's staring at me with a complicated look, before sighing in exasperation. "Only you, Hadrian." He mutters, lips twitching.
"Huh?" I tilt my head, following when he places his hand on my back, beginning to lead me back into the grounds. "What'd I do?" I ask in confusion.
"Shizuka." He comments.
"Oh!" I smile. "Really kind lady." I nod to myself.
He makes a pained noise and I look up to him in worry. "Are you okay?" I ask.
He sighs once more, and I make a face. He laughs reaching out to grab a piece of my hair. "Do not allow another to touch you." He finishes on a hiss, eyes flashing red.
My eyes widen and I nod slowly. "Okay. Okay." I murmur soothingly, reaching up unconsciously to rub his chest, the motion calming his vampire.
He sighs, relaxing before he's pulling me into his arms, rubbing his face into my hair. Wanting to help him, I hold him back, giving him as much comfort as I can. He hums, before his forehead is resting on my shoulder. "Slow. I need to go slow." I mutter.
I'm beyond confused, but don't question it.
We stand there, holding each other, and when he's finally calm, he pulls back with a soft smile. "Thank you for staying safe." He whispers.
I hum, nodding. "Of course!" I smile brightly.
He chuckles, beginning to lead me away once more. "It was a good night." I say happily, reaching out to wrap my arms around one of his, looking up to him with happiness.
He makes a noise in his throat before clearing it and nodding. "It was, indeed." He responds fondly, not taking his eyes off of me.