When the Ancestor first arrived in Cross Academy, he never expected to form friendships. His initial intention was simply to protect Kaname and eliminate the threat against him yet for some reason, Yukashi found himself surrounded by different people. Aristocrats who have been following Kaname since he was a child and it made Yukashi wonder, would it have been better if Yukashi had done the same as Kaname?
Except it would mean his son would have never existed. It would mean Yukashi wouldn't have been able to save Zero's life.
Regardless, watching the view of the Academy made Yukashi feel a little sad. His experience wasn't badâif he doesn't include the admirers constantly swarming the gates of his dorm or receiving gifts from both male and female students. It was actually endearing; he hasn't received so much love and attention from humans for thousands of years.
All he saw in their eyes were hatred.
The Day students never found out the Night class is composed of vampires; it has the Pureblood ponder if they would have reacted any differently if they did know what they are. Who knows, the evolution of the human civilization could surprise Yukashi.
It's a long trip to his home. Not the one they were initially staying in but another mansion where Yukashi, Zero, and Taji can start anew without the tragedy of the past haunting their memories. It is the home where Yukashi first began his bloodline, where he married two female Purebloods he cared forânot lovedâbut cared for nonetheless. Where he had his first children, then his first granddaughter from his second wife's lineage.
In that very home is where his family has been slumbering for a very long time. It has crossed his mind to awaken them except it would require sacrifice and he would be their master to which he prefers not to be. One day, they will awake themselves from their slumber and Yukashi hopes that when they do, he will be there with Zero and the family he had made to welcome them back.
The one thing he never wants his bloodline to become is the same as other Pureblood lineages. They are all empty, deceptive, and lacking an actual will to live. Aristocrats are more bound to their love for family than Purebloods and Yukashi wants to make his family different, united as a bloodline should have been from the start. He doesn't know what made the Purebloods become so distant during his years of slumber but he will change that.
It may take years before he can see any results.
Nostalgia wells up in his chest once his blue eyes lands on the large mansion showing resemblance to the Kuran Mansion. The only difference would be in its particularly distinct design of its exterior; his home was carefully cleaned and prepared for months for this moment.
What makes him happier is watching his son Taji waiting patiently waiting for them on the front garden of the mansion, playing with Isaya Shoto by placing a pretty flower on the Pureblood's head. A smile is across the man's face, once stoic and cold to those around him yet was melted instantly with merely the presence of Taji.
"That's huge," Zero leans forward viewing their home from Yukashi's side. "It kind of looks like Kaname's."
"It was the idea when I initially had it built. This is the Shoto Mansion, home to all descendants." Yukashi replies, smiling to himself.
"Isaya and Taji arrived first than us." Zero acknowledges, sounding slightly nervous.
Make no mistake, Yukashi himself is nervous as well. It has been forever since he last saw his home and it concerns him more now that Zero agreed to live with him. To be frank, the Pureblood initially asked him out of courtesy; he didn't know if Zero had somewhere to live after he finished his academic studies and didn't expect him to say 'yes' either.
The vehicle halts in front of the grand steps of the mansion, Yukashi and Zero exit the car before the chauffeur is able to open the door for them. Blue eyes fall on them, the blonde little boy rushes out of the garden to throw his arms around Yukashi. "Daddy! Zero!" He chirps, hugging Zero nextâgrinning.
"You missed me?" Zero carries Taji in his arms returning the smile on the boy's bright face; on his ear, Yukashi can see the earing Zero gave him when they first met. It makes him subconsciously brush his fingers across his own earring that once belonged to Zero; the silver hair hunter teases Taji a little longer.
Eyes flicker to his descendant who stands in front of Yukashi, bowing respectively. "Lord Shoto, would it be at all possible for me to become Taji's caretaker?" Isaya questions, edging in a soft plea.
It would have been easily missed by someone who doesn't comprehend the current situation. Yukashi has known for quite some time and to have the once cold-hearted distant great-grandson of his to practically beg him to take care of Taji has confirmed his initial assumption. Yukashi offers a discreet smile, "I don't see why not, after all, you are family." His words demonstrate a clear impact on Isaya.
"Yay! Isaya gets to stay with us!" the boy practically jumps off Zero's arms, clinging to the taller man in front of Yukashi. They make their way back to the garden, Taji insisting on seeing Isaya use his power once more.
Zero leans closer to Yukashi, "We should start unpacking." His voice is low, purring seductively against the blonde's ear and suckles on his earlobe.
A shudder rakes down Yukashi's spine, heart speeds up at the sensation of his hot tongue rubbing against the cartilage of his ear and bites sternly. "Yes, we should." He answers eagerly, aware they are going to do much more than 'unpacking'.
Once they were done unpacking and fooling around soon after, they receive an unexpected visit from Kaname and Yuki Kuran. In reality, the visit is something Yukashi has anticipated for quite some time; intentionally neglecting to inform his lover for a specific reason.
The hunter spares them glimpses of bemusement, mostly settling his eyes on Yukashi silently questioning of Yukashi's knowledge of the current predicament.
"I'm aware this is rather soon after you have moved in together," he directs a sharp glare to Zero's direction, not pleased with the current arrangements but says nothing against it. Yukashi cuts him a warning look knowing full well of Kaname's protectiveness. "But due to the pressing matters regarding the Purebloods, Yuki and I have come to an agreement to propose you, Zero Kiryu, to start a Pureblood lineage."
"What?" Zero blinks at the brunette sitting rather poised on the couch beside Yuki.
Yuki pinches Kaname lightly with a smile, "What Kaname is trying to say, we want you to start a bloodline. You're still a hunter and we thought if there ever comes a time none of us are here anymore, we want to be assured that your bloodline will prevent Purebloods from harming humans in the future."
Realization touches the hunter's handsome face, peering over to Yukashi who spectates the conversation silently. Greeting his lilac eyes, it confirms he knew about it. Yukashi doesn't want Zero to feel pressured and quite frankly, it's a decision Zero has to make on his own without being influenced by anyone.
Currently, the vampires are slowly complying to the new way Kaname is doing things. It doesn't necessarily mean they will proceed to do so after Kaname, Yuki, Zero, and Yukashi go into slumber. In the future, there can and will be one amongst the vampires who will feel entitled to go against everything they built in order to do as they pleased.
Ensuring a Pureblood lineage with the power of hunters running through their veins will serve as a threat and reminder of what punishment they should expect should they decide to hurt a human.
All these factors are obviously being taken into consideration by the expression Zero is making on his countenance.
Kaname rises from the couch holding the female Pureblood's hand, "You do not have to decide now, however, it would be convenient to get an answer by the following month." He addresses monotonously.
Zero nods in understanding, mustering a smile at Yuki who congratulates him on moving in with Yukashi. The new butler of the Shoto Mansion escorts them out of their home as Zero shifts around to face Yukashi with a sigh. "A heads up would have been appreciated."
"You would have come up with a way to avoid it."
"He could have come any other day and he chose today, that damn pr-"
"Please refrain from disrespecting my brother in front of me," the platinum blonde Pureblood informs politely serving to soften the hard features of Zero's face.
"Sorry," he says, pulling his lover into his chest and kissing his forehead.
Yukashi remains in his chest, relishing in his arms before they are interrupted by a servant alerting them of their lunch. They both stand up, strolling toward the dining room when they come across the open doors of their backyard; outside under the protection of the canopy from the sun, Taji is sitting on Isaya's lap reading a book.
It is a heartwarming sight for Yukashi but from the corner of his eye, the taller vampire is glaring in discontent. He can't help chuckling, "It seems like Isaya has found the thing that makes him want to live more than anything in the world." His words cause the hunter to snap his head at him, wide-eyed.
Dawning on him what Yukashi means, he glances back at them with a smile etching on his face. Yukashi rests his head onto his arm, "I always knew Taji would one day become someone's sun besides me." Sadness drips from his voice, Zero drapes his arm around Yukashi's shoulders offering a sense of comfort.
Including for Zero, it's a little sad imagining the day they have to give up their little ray of light to someone who can make him brighter than he ever was. Something Zero hopes he can do for as long as he lives and breathes for the man in his arm. Unable to control his emotions any longer, Zero breaks away from Yukashi taking his hand and places it on his neck, gazing intently into the mesmerizing clear blue eyes. "I love you, Yukashi."
His heart nearly jumps out of his chest hearing the three words drop out of Zero's mouth. Words Yukashi has longed for and ached for. "I love you too, Zero." His face flushes in embarrassment as he feels strangely fulfilled.
Embracing the shorter male into his arms, his fingers interlace with Yukashi's over his shoulder and encircles his arm on his slim waist pressing his lips against his temple. "Even if you don't have your 'sun' anymore, let me be your 'moon' and I promise to bring every ounce of happiness in my heart to keep you smiling at me the way you do." Zero buries himself into the fluffy locks, refusing to allow Yukashi to witness the light redness of his pale face.
"And 'stars'," Yukashi adds, grinning. "Don't forget the 'stars'."