♧Inner Demon♧

Dear Mama,

I'm about to do something stupid. I hope you're watching me.

Yours,

M. A.

P. S. Onii-sama hasn't changed, he still hovers.

♧Inner Demon♧

Mahiru took Kuro with him, his Uncle Toru making him stay in his bag. Kuro usually stay inside anyways, so it wasn't a problem. His uncle's visit was certainly unexpected and he usually tells Mahiru when he's going home.

But Mahiru wasn't complaining, it certainly has been a long time since he saw his uncle, with all the vampire stuff happening.

Going inside a sushi restaurant, Mahiru sat down on the assembly, a stranger was seated next to his right and on his left was his Uncle Toru.

That's when Mahiru noticed who the 'stranger' is.

It was Tsubaki! What is he doing here!?

"Fancy meeting you here." The servamp said nonchalantly, a sushi on his mouth and he looked mildly surprised to see Mahiru too. His expression schooled immediately as if he was more interested on the food he was eating.

"Tsubaki... why are you here?" Mahiru asked in a cautious tone.

"I'm having lunch?" Tsubaki answered as if that was already obvious from the way he was eating.

"Mahiru, an acquaintance of yours?" His Uncle Toru asked.

Suddenly, Mahiru doesn't feel like having lunch anymore.

"Uncle, I think we should leave or else we'll be in trouble.." His uncle, who doesn't seem to see the danger infront of them, proceeded to make a really bad pun about sushi. And Tsubaki actually laughed at the ridiculously bad joke!

This nerds.

"Sushi... as much as you want..!" Tsubaki said between laughs, slapping the table repeatedly before turning around and stopping.

"How unamusing."

Mahiru felt second hand embarrassment just from being between the two. Then Uncle Toru left, a call from work taking his attention which left Mahiru alone with Tsubaki.

"That was your uncle? He seemed humorless." Tsubaki said, taking another plate from the conveyor belt.

"Since we're here. Let's talk about Sakuya." That caught Mahiru's attention immediately.

"Wha.."

"Aren't you interested? Of the feelings Sakuya carries until now? And how he felt when he betrayed you?"

Mahiru stood up. "Wait..! Why are you suddenly s-saying this?!"

"Hm? Do you like fishing?" Tsubaki said, not bothering to answer his question.

"I don't really like it...since I'm so moody." Tsubaki, in a bored tone. "But if you chummed them, it's much easier."

And this guy wanted to start a vampire war? Why was he suddenly saying random things?

Tsubaki looked to Mahiru. "When I touch you, it's bubbling below the surface."

What was he even saying?

"I don't understand.." Mahiru started.

"Let's leave my goals aside for now." Tsubaki dismissed. "You're interested, aren't you?"

Mahiru doesn't answer. Of course he's interested! Sakuya was his friend! But then he was unsure, it felt off not to be with Mitsuki during these times. She would have bravely faced Tsubaki head on, if it weren't for the fact that just the sight of the vampire with red eyes and an aura of red makes the crossdresser annoyed.

Did Mitsuki know of Sakuya's past? Those two have always been very chummy..

"Ah but Alicein Mitsuki isn't here. How odd. You're usually joined at the hip during important events. "Tsubaki suddenly blurted.

Mahiru almost glared at the servamp.

"Those Aliceins you know.. are very dangerous. "

What did Tsubaki meant by that? Mahiru was becoming very annoyed at the vampire's ambiguity.

"Did you know that she smells a lot like me?"

Mahiru's eyes widened.

"What do you mean by that.." Surely he misheard it. Mitsuki smelled of roses and peaches afterall, Sakuya always says that.

"Heh. You really don't know anything do you?" Tsubaki said to him, an amused expression on his face but he also seemed displeased.

"Two of your 'friends', never told you a thing." Then, he smirked. "Then, I'll tell you a boring story. He was a child of liars, born in a town of liars. The first who lied to him was his big sister..."

♧Inner Demon♧

Two figures were sitting on a swing set. One was a child, obviously Sakuya, the other his big sister. She looked thin, and she had several bandaged wounds on her; one on her neck, one on her forearm, and one on her cheek. Her body shows signs of obvious physical abuse.

"Sakuya, today father will return home. You mustn't leave your room, okay?"

"But what about you..?"

"I'll be fine. Don't worry."

That night, Sakuya peeked from behind a door, only to realize how deeply regretful he was for believing his sister.

He lied the next day. Lied about his sister's death and told the police it was nothing but an accident because they were playing.

It was the first time he lied.

♧Inner Demon♧

Mahiru's eyes were wide with shock, his hands were slightly gripping the wooden material of the tabletop.

Tsubaki continued with the story, unfazed. "Sakuya's father told him, 'When the police come tomorrow, tell them she fell playing with you. Otherwise, the same will happen to you. You don't want your sister's death to be a waste, right?' He lied for the first time. His family received a huge amount of life insurance. The people knew something was going on in the household, but they didn't want to get involved and lied. She was killed by the town."

Mahiru felt cold, very cold. He didn't know this. Sakuya's real background and his story. What sort of betrayal was this? What sort of monsters were Sakuya's parents?

Was a parent really like that? But Mahiru's mother was different! He didn't know about his father since he was never really in the picture.

Still, for other parents to be capable of killing their child just for money...

"And six years later...he was forced down the same path as his sister." Tsubaki continued. "Subclasses are created when a dying human drinks the blood of a servamp. From then on, they have to obey the servamp's wishes." Then as if to mock Mahiru's cluelessness, he started laughing.

"Ahahaaha! You really don't know anything do you?! Ahahaah! And you call yourself his friend!! Hahaha!"

Then he calmed down. "Bill please." That was fast!

"Nii-san is scaring me so I'm going to sleep. He's in your bag, right? I can feel his murderous intent. But I don't feel like it today." Tsubaki explained, his aura combating that of Kuro's.

"Though I really was hopeful to see that little Alicein girl. Maybe next time. "

Mahiru stood up at that. "What do you want with Mitsuki?!"

Tsubaki just laughed and slowly walked away but Mahiru didn't understand why he couldn't move his body. He felt frozen in place. He wanted to stop Tsubaki! He wanted answers!

And he wanted to know where Sakuya is! Where his friend is! So why...

"Has that stylish fellow left already?" His Uncle Toru said, already done with his call.

Mahiru slumped back on the chair, surprised.

His voice shook, speaking, "Uncle...I...have lost an important friend. Why? Why didn't I try to get to know Sakuya better? Just because I didn't want to pull him into this, I...I selfishly lied to him."

"What's that so you did have a fight?"

Mahiru just cried, feeling loss for words. Why couldn't he be like his uncle? Why couldn't he be like someone dependable? Like Mitsuki perharps? Now Mahiru just felt worse, why was he feeling so jealous of her all of a sudden?

Was it because she seemed closer to Sakuya than Mahiru? Was Mitsuki aware, all this time that Sakuya was a vampire? She didn't seem so surprised when the truth was revealed.

So it was Mahiru who didn't know.

His Uncle Toru placed his hand on Mahiru's head, ruffling his hair a bit. "I don't know what happened between you and your friend, but...if it's about reaching out to someone, it's really simple. You have to be willing to stick with them...no matter what happens. You just have to be ready to trust them."

Mahiru's hand and shoulders trembled. Of course, Sakuya's always been his friend, there was no doubt about that. And he was in no way suppose to be jealous of Mitsuki just because she was closer to him.

It was because she reached out to Sakuya, something Mahiru did not do. What kind of friend was he?

"It's okay to make mistakes, Mahiru. I grew up making them. What you don't want to do is leave regrets behind. Your justice might differ from the justice of other people, but that's what makes you different from them. Still, we try to get along. That's why we compromise and argue." Uncle Toru said with an understanding look. "So, is it really okay to leave things as they are?"

Of course it isn't. If he really was Sakuya's friend then he would not give up so easily like this! Mahiru stood to his feet in an abrupt manner.

"Thanks for the food uncle! I'm going to school!"

♧Inner Demon♧

As Mahiru ran for school, he just kept thinking the same things over and over.

He had to apologize to Sakuya and make things right again!

When he opened the school door to their classroom, Mahiru asked, "Where's Sakuya?!"

Everyone stopped talking to stare at Mahiru, surprised that he was out of uniform.

"Sakuya?"

Mahiru felt his heart dropped.

"So you don't remember..?"

Ryusei replied, a hand on the back of his neck, "As if we could forget him. He only changed schools last week."

"It's a shame it was before the festival. He was looking forward to it, too." Kouyuki added. "Mi-chan's been gone as well and we haven't heard from her for quite a well."

"About Sakuya...umm," Ryusei started. "It's weird. I remember his personality so well, but I can't remember his face."He was rubbing the back of his neck, a puzzled look on his face.

"If he comes tomorrow, you think I'll be able to recognize him?" Ryusei asked Mahiru. "Just saying.."

Mahiru's hands clenched. Just how scared was Sakuya..? Then tomorrow..

"Don't worry, I'll definitely find him!" Mahiru, speaking up.

But first, Mahiru needs to see Mitsuki! And he knows people who might know where she is at the moment.

♧Inner Demon♧

In the hospital, Misono's phone lit up, Lily in his insect form, a butterfly, went as he spotted it. Transforming into his human self, Lily picked it up. "Misono. A text from Mahiru. He wants to come see you."

"Tell him not to come." Misono said, pulling the covers around him.

Lily replied, holding the phone in front of the hospital's map. "Then, I'll just send him a screenshot of the hospital's map."

Misono instantly sat upright and shouted. "You bastard! D-Don't ignore m-me!" Then he added. "You c-can also take pictures with that?! You're getting better at using that thing than me and it's my phone!"

Lily just gave a playful laugh as he handed Misono the phone, reading Mahiru's text. "Sorry for contacting you so late. How are your injuries? Thank you for fighting for me the other day, and sorry that I'm thanking you so late as well."

Misono's expression softened then he threw the phone back to Lily. "Tell him it was no big deal, and that I'm gonna contact him later."

He lied down again. "After acting all high and mighty, I couldn't even protect one friend.. then that annoying woman had to protect me instead.. How can I show my face?"

Misono paused, his body shaking a bit as he threatened to cry, Lily was unable to see his face.

"Lily.. I want to... get stronger.."

Lily gave a soft smile.

"The young miss might visit today. She seems really worried when she called."

Misono sat up again. "I just said that I can't show my face to anyone right now! Especially not to that woman!"

"Ah but the young miss is already on her way, Misono. Would you like me to tell her that you're asleep and can't accept visitors at the moment?" Lily told him softly, hands clasped behind his back.

An embarrassed blush appeared on Misono's face.

"F-Fine..! Since she's already on her way.." Misono said in a reluctant tone which made Lily smile.

It was nice to know that Misono was starting to warm up towards the young miss. It made his worries ease a little.

♧Inner Demon♧

"The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of coverage area. Please try again later."

Mahiru's grip on his phone began to tighten but he did not want to give up so he went to the hospital and began asking information from the receptionist.

"Umm excuse me.." Mahiru began, calling the personnel's attention.

A hand then rested on his shoulder and he whirled around from shock.

"Mahiru, what are you doing here..?"

The brunette's eyed widened. No, that voice. It couldn't possibly be her?

He gulped nervously.

"M-Mitsuki?"

The beautiful girl smiled at him, flashing her pearly white teeth.

"Of course it's me, who else?"

"Huh?! That can't be true!" But as Mahiru examined her appearance from head to toe, it was no doubt Mitsuki. Those mispaired eyes were a dead giveaway as well as her silver white hair!

But Mahiru just wanted to be sure..

"What's your favorite smell?" He questioned.

Her brows furrowed at him and Mahiru almost sighed in relief. Of course, such a beautiful girl couldn't possibly be Mitsuki! That Mitsuki would never wear a dress! And she'd never let her hair down!

"Why are you acting so weird.." The girl said, looking at him strangely. "But to answer your question, my favorite smell is laundry detergent."

"MITSUKI?!"Mahiru shouted, unable to believe his eyes.

The hospital staff immediately gave him a nasty look, Mahiru had to apologize profusely so he wouldn't get kicked out.

"Geez. What's with you, shouting all of a sudden.." Mitsuki said, tilting her head. She was carrying a bag of groceries and they seemed to be filled with fruits in general.

She then grabbed Mahiru's hand with her free hand, walking them to a vacant hallway.

"I just can't believe you're wearing a dress..just the last time was.."Mahiru trailed, not wanting to remember that scene where Sakuya was arguing with Mitsuki.

"I guess you're surprised afterall. Do I really look different? Onii-sama chose the dress since its been a while since I've worn one." She explained, gesturing to the green floral dress with small beadings on the skirt.

Mahiru glanced at her.

"Yeah.. You look.." His face flushed when she turned to him.

"Ehh, Mahiru-kun's face is all red. Are you too embarrassed to admit that I'm beautiful? Hehe." Mitsuki teased, a grin on her face.

He shook his head.

"N-No! I just think that this look suits you better... You are a girl afterall..."

She laughed.

"I guess.."

"But are you okay now? Shouldn't you be resting still? You were injured badly!"

"I'm fine, Mahiru. All healed up and ready to kick ass again~" Mitsuki, in a confident manner.

Mahiru rubbed the back of his neck.

"I'm sorry... because of me you got hurt."

Mitsuki pulled her hand and slapped his back, making him stumble forward.

"What..?!"

"You really are too responsible for your own good." She said. "What I did was my decision and I did tell you didn't I? Because I'm your friend, I would stand by your side no matter what. I believe in you--"

Mahiru pulled his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder.

"Are you crying, Mahiru? It doesn't suit you at all!" She joked, before placing her hands around him and patting his head.

"I'm s-sorry.."

"Hey! I told you it's not your fault! Geez. What am I going to do with you, MahiMahi? Kuro! Please help me!" She whined, Kuro's head popped out from Mahiru's bag.

"What a pain."

"Hehe, good to see you're also doing better!"

♧Inner Demon♧

Their visit to Misono was very sudden and the Eve of Lust certainly didn't expect to see Mahiru so soon.

"Lily! I thought you said that annoying woman was going to visit?! Why is Shirota and this stranger here instead!?"

Lily just chuckled. "Misono, this is the young miss."

"What?!"

"Hello, Mikkun~"

"WAAHH! Don't come near me!"

"It's good to see you're doing fine! I brought you tons of fruits! We can all eat them together!"

"M-Mitsuki! Misono's still revovering!"

"LILY, DO SOMETHING!"

"Ah. It's nice to have the young miss back~"