This Is Not a Tragedy

15 | Don't Cling

Friday, June 22, 2007

"Do you always work from home?"

Sergius looks up from his computer to me standing at his office door. I've calmed down since yesterday, though I haven't forgiven any of them. Even during our morning training a few hours ago, Sergius had been mild, not pushing me or making small talk like he usually does. "Not usually. Once the others get here, I'll return to work outside."

"Ahh." So they don't want to leave me alone. "You said you're at the top?"

"Yes. Since your father became head of IVA, I took his place as the head researcher."

Ih-vuh? "What is Ih-vuh?"

"I.V.A. International Vampire Association. We call it 'ih-vuh' for obscurity and ease. Though the Americans call it 'ai-vuh.' And the Japanese 'ee-va.'"

Hm. He's the head? Ah, I think Sergius did say something about that before. "So... he's in charge of everything? And everyone?"

"Well, we make decisions as a committee, and when it comes to international affairs, we convene with the heads of other countries' branches. But he is our leader and technically in the highest position."

Wow. So, he left us to obtain power.

"That's not it at all, Natsu," Sergius tells me firmly.

My eyes narrow. "Didn't you say you wouldn't―"

"We're talking about your father; of course, I'd check on you."

"Check on me?" I shoot him a disgusted glare. "What a euphemism."

Sergius sighs and looks back at his computer. "You have every right to be angry with your father. I'm sometimes miffed by him too. But I don't want you to misunderstand him." Suddenly, he freezes and perks up. "Ah."

Just as I wonder what's gotten into him, I hear the sound of a car door close.

"That reminds me. I should test your hearing and other senses as well."

The front door creaks open at the same time Sergius stands up. "Oh, it's Emina," he says.

At first, I wonder how he can tell, then hear the sharp footsteps. I reluctantly follow him down the hall and peek past the corner. Ah, so that'd be why.

Extended from tall, pointy red heels clacking against the foyer marble are long mahogany legs and a torso covered by a tight black dress and a red blazer. Crimson-painted lips and black waves of hair falling over her shoulders, I don't think I have ever seen anyone like "Emina."

"Looking like you just stepped off a runway, as usual, Emina," Sergius greets with a smile. "You're here early, though. You don't have work?"

"I just got back from a business trip to Milan, so I thought I'd take a few days holiday. I've been quite excited since I heard we were getting a new boarder." She raises a neat eyebrow and looks towards me.

"Natsu, don't hide around the corner like some scared kitten. Come here."

I frown, offended at being compared to a kitten, but move around the corner and towards the pair anyway.

Her eyes surrounded by thick lashes go big as I come into full view. "Oh. Oh my god." Emina covers her mouth with her red-tipped fingers. "Oh my god, Serg― It's a coincidence, right?"

Sergius frowns in confusion. "What are you talking about?" Emina taps her temple, and she and Sergius silently stare at each other for a while, Sergius's eyes gradually getting bigger. "Do you know if anyone else has seen him?"