No Warmth

Chapter 2- Family

Soon the group passed through a wooden gate and stopped in front of a white house with a red rooftop.

Akari set Rin down and opened the door. "Rin, we'll need to clean and bandage your wound so it doesn't get infected."

"It's just a normal cut, but okay," Rin disappeared inside the house.

"Since you followed us all the way home, you might as well stay for breakfast." Akari held the door open and waited for Yuki and Zero to enter.

Zero stood stiffly in front of the door until Yuki grabbed his arm.

"Please excuse us," Yuki said as she took Zero's hand and led him into the house.

Akari led the two into the kitchen where a blond-haired man was seated at the table reading a newspaper. A black-haired woman was setting a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon at the table.

"We're back," Akari placed the bag of sweet bread at the table.

Her parents looked up at her and smiled.

"Akari, we didn't realize you'd bring friends over," the blond-haired man stood up and pulled out two chairs.

"We met by chance in town today and they helped us. They are Yuki and Zero." Then, Akari glanced at the duo. "These are my parents."

"They are human..." Zero muttered.

"Did you say something?" Yuki sat in one of the chairs and stared expectantly at him.

Zero shook his head and sat beside Yuki.

"Anyway, I have to go help Rin in the bathroom since he fell down and scraped his knee." Akari left the kitchen and headed towards the bathroom.

When Akari entered the bathroom, she noticed that Rin was washing his knee with a cloth.

She walked by him and washed her hands.

"Here let me help," she took the washcloth from his hands and gently pressed it against his wound. "Does it hurt a lot?"

"No. It just stings a little." Rin lowered his gaze. "Are you angry?"

"I'm upset because you ran off on your own despite my warnings." Akari pulled out a gauze bandage from one of the drawers and wrapped it around Rin's knee.

"I'm already ten years old, but sometimes I feel like you still treat me like a little kid," Rin met Akari's gaze.

"I might be a little protective of you sometimes, but that's because I worry about you. When I smelled your blood earlier, I was afraid. I shudder to think what could have happened if Zero had not been there to save you. Before you decide to disobey again, think about how hurt your family would feel."

"Yeah, I'm sorry Akari."

"Good." Akari placed a hand on Rin's head and ruffled his hair. "You're my precious little brother and you mean a lot to me."

Rin's cheeks turned red. "I love you too big sister, but please don't mess up my hair."

"Okay, let's go eat breakfast," Akari led Rin out of the bathroom.

When they returned to the kitchen, Akari noticed that there was a plate of eggs and bacon and a glass of orange juice for everyone at the table.

"What did we miss?" Rin asked as he and Akari sat down.

"Yuki was telling us about the school she attends." Akari's mother remarked.

"Since we are talking about it, I was hoping Akari would join our school. I know that Akari is a vampire because she used her vines to catch me when I was about to fall."

Everyone turned to look at Yuki.

"Cross Academy's goal is to create a world where humans and vampires can coexist. The headmaster is my adopted father, and I'm sure he'd accept her." Yuki explained before she bit into her bacon slice.

"Isn't Cross Academy an elite school? Our family wouldn't be able to afford it," Rin blurted.

"You don't have to worry about payment. I'm sure that I can work something out with the headmaster and the dorm president of the night class." Yuki added.

"What do you think, Akari? This could be a good opportunity to interact with others your age." Akari's father smiled.

"Thank you. I will give it some thought," Akari replied before she took a sip of her orange juice.

"How did you all end up becoming a family?"

This time, everyone turned to look at Zero.

"We found her ten years ago when we were on our morning stroll. We were appalled to see a child in a blood-stained kimono sitting in a street corner. At first, we thought she was a human child."

"I would have probably died in the streets if they hadn't taken me in." Akari added.

"When did you find out that Akari was a vampire?" Yuki asked.

"I lost control of myself when I first got my fangs, and I attacked my father." Akari grimaced.

"You didn't give up on her then?" Zero frowned.

"What I feared most was letting go of the trembling child in front of me." Akari's father turned to Akari and smiled. "I don't regret my decision in the slightest."

"I would have done the same as my husband. Akari is still our beloved daughter even if we are not related by blood," Akari's mother added.

Akari smiled. "I am blessed to be a member of your family."

***

Once they were outside the gate, Akari turned to face Zero and Yuki.

"Yuki, why do you want me to go to this school of yours?"

"I think you are a good person. At first, I thought you were ruthless. You killed another vampire without batting an eye. However, when I saw how caring you were with your brother, I knew I was wrong." Yuki smiled. "To be honest, you remind me of someone I know. Both of you seem cold, but you also have a warmth that not many get to see."

"I see." Akari lowered her gaze. "I was separated from my vampire family when I was seven, and I can't remember much about what my life was like then. I am not sure if I'll fit in with any of the Night Class or if I'll find any clues regarding what happened to my family."

Yuki gave her a puzzled look. "I can't say for sure on whether you'll find clues there. However, even if you don't learn about your past, you'll be able to make great memories at our school." Yuki gave her a wry smile. "I can't remember anything about my past, but I've met great people who are like family to me."

"I guess we are kind of similar in that sense," Akari smiled.

Yuki walked forward and took Akari's hands in her own. "Yes, that is why I want you to have a chance to make unforgettable memories at our school as well."

"Alright, you have convinced me. I will attend your school."

"Yay! I'll talk to the headmaster so we can start the preparations," Yuki exclaimed with a wave. "Well, we better head back to school. You'll be hearing from us soon!"

Akari waved back at Yuki and then watched them disappear into the distance. I cannot let this opportunity slip by.