I N N O C E N C E (Shu Sakamaki)

Chapter 42

"I'm tired..." Manami fell into the bench, placing her violin and its bow carefully onto her lap.

"Already?"

She looked up at the blond vampire who began to freestyle a piece of his own, facing away from her as his vibrant sound filled the lakeside.

"Well, I am sorry not all of us are as naturally talented as you." She raised her eyebrows, her voice sounding irritated.

"You are forgiven." He teased back, as she hung her mouth agape in awe. She didn't stay offended for too long, as she picked up their music sheets.

Shu watched as she began to drop down notes, writing in corrections and adding new dynamics. 'Passacaglia' was a piece with strong Spanish roots, meaning street song. This one, in particular, featured a series of loud and fast chords, giving off a feeling of hurry and urge. It was as if you were a robber being chased down, your life hanging at the tip of your sleeve.

He continued to play it from his memory, as he remembered the first time he had ever heard the melody about ten years ago...

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A giant chandelier hung from a high ceiling, its bright light illuminating the giant hall, where men and women were dressed in their best attire. Overpriced brands, expensive alcohol, and fake formalities... It was a room filled with two sided faces, and Shu knew that, as he entered through the giant doorway.

"Fix your face." Reiji said, nudging his brother lightly, only earning a glare in return. "You look like you were forced to attend against your will."

"That's because I was." Shu replied, fixing the jacket of his suit. "What was the point of me coming?"

"I can't comprehend that either, however, it is father's will." Reiji cleared his throat. "Now, look as if you are enjoying this."

Without another word, Reiji stopped the waiter who carried glasses of champagne on a luxurious golden tray.

"What is this?"  He asked, not bothering to even look at the waiter. (A/N: Pompous king!)

"Sir, this is only the finest wine personally produced from the grown grapes by the lord of this chateau." He spoke the practiced words. "The method of fermentation-"

"I asked what, not how." Reiji cut him off, grabbing two glasses and shoving one into Shu's hand. "Drink. Honestly, your behavior is one closely mimicking a human child's. Think of throwing away your own needs and doing something other than thinking about yourself for a minute. The virtue of being the oldest has gotten to your head-"

"I didn't ask for a lecture." Shu said, taking the glass anyway.

"Tch." Reiji, leaving his brother behind, walked through the crowds of dressed men and women, before stopping to talk to one of them.

"Perhaps I am starting to regret bringing the two of you here together." Shu heard a sigh from beside him. "Please, do feign some delight."

"Why?" Shu asked, looking unimpressed. "I am in no interest to keep up your political persona, "Touga" Sakamaki."

The white haired man chuckled.

"Let me introduce you to someone." He said, leading Shu to the middle of the ballroom.

They stopped behind a woman with long curled blonde hair, similar to Shu himself. They cascaded down to her waist, contrasting her long white dress that weaved a trail among the marble flooring. Shu watched, as the woman turned around, a somewhat surprised expression on her face.