The hunter
I'm leaning against my desk while a student's writes on the board, filling in the blanks. I hum, nodding. "Brilliant. Good job, Ethan."
He preens, walking back to his seat like a peacock and I smile fondly moving to write another question for a student to answer. Studying for midterms made fun, is always better than the normal way. "Alright, who wants to give it a shot?" I ask, nodding to another boy who walks down, beginning to solve the math problem.
I tense, the class freezing, when a shot of a gun goes off. Knowing instinctively who and what just was, my magic wavers, everyone shivering before I'm able to calm and bring it back under control, smiling brightly and clapping. "Alright. Good job, Markus! Now, I want everyone to continue with their studies, mingle and write down any questions you have for me. I'll be back." I leave the classroom, making my way quickly down the hall and stairs, coming to the courtyard and making my way to the mountain.
I'm unaware my unfilial students rushed to the window to watch instead of following my instruction.
When I get to the fountain, I see Zero in the fountain, holding his bleeding shoulder, with Toga Yagari standing over him, blowing on the barrel of the gun. He looks up, seeing me and fear flashes in his eyes for a split second before it's gone. My eyes glow, the air turning dense with power. "Hadrian Peverel." The man nods to himself. "It's been some time." He grins. "Figures my old student would latch onto you."
I hum, walking towards him, the suppressing magic making him shake. By the time I've gotten to his side, he's kneeling on the ground, attempting to not look like he's gasping for air.
I pass him, getting to Zero and helping him up. He sits on the edge of the fountain, and I quickly dry him with a spell before placing my hand on his shoulder, healing him. He sighs in relief before sagging into my shoulder, the vampire weapon harming him internally, regardless of my healing.
Anger overcomes me and I look back to the gasping man, unaware I look like I'm about to end him.
Kain pops up, his cheerful facade gone as he looks between us with a serious expression. He walks over to Zero and me, ignoring his friend gasping on the ground, placing a hand on each of our heads. He crouches down, a worried expression, and my magic begins to calm, receding. The man finally stops struggling, able to breath normally once more. "Zero, are you okay?" He whispers quietly.
Zero nods, but I can tell he's not, as can Kain.
Kain looks to me with a small smile. "I'll take care of him. Promise." He says sincerely.
I go to look back at the man, but Kain moves, blocking my site. "I promise, Hadiran." He says firmly.
I pout, but nod. He smiles brightly, turning back to Toga. "Wait for me in my office please!"
The man scowls, standing shakily before opening his mouth. "Now, please." Kain cuts him off. The man huffs, walking away.
Kain turns back to us, wrapping an arm around Zero's waist. "Come on. Hadrian I'll take him, go ahead and finish up your class."
I look at Zero with worry before sighing with a nod. "Alright." I smile up at Kain. "Thank you for coming."
He smiles brightly. "That's what friends are for!" He cheers.
I shake my head, rolling my eyes with a fond sigh. I wave over my shoulder as I walk back to the building. "See you."
"Byeee!" He cheers.
Planning on visiting Zero after class, I get back to the room and walk in, seeing them all studying and smile fondly. "My cute little students." They look up, grinning at me. "Maybe I don't spoil you too much." I nod to myself, walking to the board and not seeing the grins they exchange with each other, whispering about how cool I am.
"Alright, next question. Who's up?" I ask happily.
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Yuki braces herself once more, as I move keeping my movements quick. Slower than a vampire, but faster than a human. She's progressed greatly, and I couldn't be prouder as she blocks every attack.
The sun begins to set, but we don't pause until she's out of breath. I nod, patting her head. "You did well." I praise.
She gives a shaky smile, her body shaking. "Now, run." I order.
She doesn't argue after a month and half of being trained by me. She nods once. "Hai, sensei!" She shouts, determined before taking off. I smile, watching her go. She's a good student, and before long she'll be able to not only spend time with the rest of my students, but she'll be able to hopefully train with Zero and Teddy.
I hum as I walk back into my house, spotting Kaname in my kitchen, preparing tea. I chuckle, walking over to him and leaning againist the counter, resting my hands on the ledge. "Kaname." I smile up at him.
He looks down to me, pausing in his tea preparation to smile back at me. "Hadrian." He says softly.
I hum, looking outside and creasing my eyebrows. "You're up early. Couldn't sleep?" I ask worriedly.
He softens before reaching out to pat my head. I close my eyes, giving another smile when he chuckles deeply. "I don't sleep as much as everyone else. I figured you wouldn't mind if I accepted your open invitation during the day as well?" He asks, moving to continue preparing the tea.
I nod happily. "Of course! We're friends now!" I pause. "Right?" I ask, my smile dropping.
"Yes." Kaname's answer snaps me out of my thoughts and I look back up to him, beaming. He hums, something odd in his eye before it's quickly gone.
Not worrying over it, I walk to grab a few pastries before placing them on the table. Kaname follows with the tea and we both sit. "Did you see Yuki?" I ask eagerly.
He nods as he sips his tea. "I did. She's progressed."
I preen, not seeing the admiration in his eyes. "Of course, she has!" I drop the act, excited once more and he shakes his head with a huff. "I'm going to have her defend against Zero in a week and if she can hold back then I was thinking about allowing her over here when the others are." I plead with my eyes. "That's fine, right? She's been left out and I don't like it."
He hums, before sighing with a smile. "It's fine, Hadrian. I trust you."
I beam, reaching for my tea. "Thank you, Kaname." I take a sip, smiling into the drink in enjoyment. "You're so good at this." I mumble happily.
He grins. "I'll make you tea whenever you'd like." He teases.
I grin back at him. "I'm going to take full advantage of that offer." I rest my cheek on my hand. "You'll grow tired of me quickly." I tease right back.
He huffs, shaking his head and setting his cup down. "Never." He promises, meeting my eyes with a seriousness I can't understand. I'm unable to look away, nodding to show my understanding. He hums, pleased before speaking once more. "You expressed interest in music." He comments, the shift in topic throwing me for a split second, something he notices and smiles at.
I nod. "Yeah! It's so interesting to see the changes over time. I've always like it in all forms." I smile softly.
He hums. "There's a theater in a months' time. I would like to take you."
My eyes widen. "Me?" I ask, shocked.
He sighs with exasperation, but the fondness is heard. "Yes, you." He chuckles. "Is that a, yes?"
I open and close my mouth before nodding when he raises an eyebrow, humor in his eyes. "Yes!" I say excitedly. "If you're sure... don't you want to take one of your friends?" I ask worriedly.
He hums, placing his elbows on the table and leaning forwards. I'm caught in his burgundy gaze once more, unable to look away. "I thought we were... friends, Hadrian?" He asks quietly.
I swallow, before nodding, unable to speak, confusion at the feelings and emotions I'm feeling, painted across my face. His eyes soften once more, endeared and understanding as he reaches out to grab my hand. "Good. So, you'll go with me? I'd hate for the tickets to go to waste." He prods.
I nod, calming once his hand was in mine. Something I didn't realize, but he did, as usual with his observant, assessing gaze. "I'd love too." I whisper.
He hums, smiling and nodding to my tea. I pick it up unconsciously, drinking it and relaxing as the tense atmosphere relaxes. "Perfect. I'll give you more details a week prior."
I nod happily, excited. "Perfect! Thank you, Kaname." I smile, looking into his yes.
He squeezes my hand, nodding before resting his cheek on his fist, eyes not leaving me. "No, thank you." He whispers, something in his tone that has me shivering and squeezing his hand unconsciously. I don't understand it, but the keen eyes watching me, do, and he grins in pleasure.
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Introducing Yuki to my students was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I should have known my cute little students would be accepting. Surprisingly, or maybe not, it was Ruka who bonded with her the most. The two of them baking together in a closed space made for easy small talk to evolve to a friendship.
I continue reading to Hanabusa whose laying down with his head in my lap in the spare room, while the others are watching a movie in the living room. Hanabusa was excited for the next chapter, and of course I relented.
A knock on the doorframe has me looking up, seeing Kaname. I smile at him, nodding, before looking down and seeing Hanabusa asleep. I chuckle and Kaname walks over. "Need help?" He teases.
I grin up at him, nodding. "Please?" I whisper.
He lifts Hanabusa off of me and I stand moving the blankets before he's being laid back down. I cover him up, tucking him in before grabbing Kaname's hand and leading us out of the room. "The kids?" I ask, looking up to him.
He chuckles, pulling me after him as he leads the way to the living room. When he pauses, I look over and smile fondly at seeing them all asleep. They made a palate on the floor, with too many pillows and blankets to count. Teddy and Yuki took the couch, the rest all piled together. Senri, Rima, Ruka, Akatsuki, Zero and Takuma all cuddled close.
I cover my mouth, following when Kaname leads me to the kitchen. "They're going to wake up so sore." I move around, aiding him in preparing the tea.
He chuckles, nodding. "They will, but they're happy." He turns to look back at me. "Thank you, once again."
I flush at the thanks, rubbing my neck. "No thanks needed!" I whisper happily.
He chuckles before finishing up. We each grab a cup and head to my room, sitting on the small couch. I set my drink down before leaning back, not noticing his arm that's laying across the top of the couch as he sits reclined, with an ankle laying across a knee. "Come here." He murmurs when I nod, dropping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his side.
I go easily, sleepy, and cuddle close, enjoying the scent of roses and something distinctly Kaname. "Stay?" I mumble into him.
He hums, resting his cheek on the top of my head, shifting me even closer. "Always." He whispers.
I fall asleep to the soothing purr of Kaname, and the safe embrace I've begun to crave.