[baker] To Aonghas, I give my heart (part i)
Title: To Aonghas, I give my heart [Part 1]
ID: [Baker]
Word count: 18,397 altogether
Rating: Hard R
Warnings: Non explicit sex, swearing, instances of explicit violence
Pairings: 8059, R59
Theme challenge: YES
It's horribly cliché how your race is portrayed to the world. Cliché enough that you would feel ashamed telling anyone that 'No, my dear, I am not human. I AM A VAMPIRE!' in that tacky Transylvanian accent unless you are as proud as Gokudera Hayato. Dracula has really screwed your people over with his stupid capes and funny hair styles and absolutely horrendous way of talking. With his accented 'R's' and emphasis on certain syllables, embarrassing as hell that you would keel over and die if you met him by accident.
You are very much thankful to God that the moron people called Van Helsing had staked him by the time you had been made or brought over, same thing really. You can't imagine life as a vampire if Dracula was still alive. You shudder to think how life would be.
Even now as you look around the bar you are at; you are almost ready to shrivel up in shame. Just because you are a vampire doesn’t mean you have to act debauched and like a slut. Like that woman over there grinding her pelvis and what-not God gave her into the person next to her. You’re sure she would gladly grind against any vertical surface that is in the closest proximity to her. You’re so busy glaring a hole into the slut’s skull that you miss him.
"She is a little bit over the top, isn't she?"
"FUCK!" Had you a heart, it would have been pounding, trying to get out your chest cavity. "FUCK! SHIT!" You are swearing profanities in all kinds of languages you have learned over the years. The man raises an eyebrow at you looking mighty impressed. He looks like a dumb idiot.
"Oh, sorry! Did I scare you?"
You turn and stare at the man in disbelief. In all your years of being a vampire, apart from your master and maker, no one else has had the ability to sneak up on you. Even if you had been distracted a moment ago.
"I really did scare you, huh?" The man's grin is unrepentant, mischief gleams in his eyes. "I'm really sorry!" He looks anything but sorry; you don’t point it out to him.
You stare at him some more, half because he has managed to sneak up on you and half because you are suddenly too curious about him. He also smells funny. In fact, so funny that you want to bury your face in his neck and never back away. You back away from him, eyes wide and alarm bells ringing in your head. Danger is ahead. You don’t want to involve yourself in it.
When you don’t say anything, his smile dims a little bit and somewhere in the deepest corner of your mind you feel smug, knowing you caused the stupid goofy smile to dim, even a little bit. But then as if the man has read your mind his smile brightens up once again, only this time it gets even brighter and shinier. It's actually blinding enough that you have to look away. A smile like that had no place in such a dingy bar like this.
"I don’t get what you’re doing here then, haha! Shouldn’t you be somewhere more prim and proper?" The man cocks his head to one side; and it reminds you so much of a dumb bird you have to snicker. Until what he has just said registers in your brain. Your smirk immediately changes into a scowl. It also kills any sort of attraction you feel towards him, though you’d rather meet the sun than admit it to anyone; even yourself!
"It's very rude to ignore someone when they ask you a question, you know! My father always used to tell me that showing peo..."
You block out his rambling for favour of focusing more on his physical attributes. It is not like you to stare. You had been brought up in such a strict family that the manners still linger in you. Even after 300 years of being dead. But you can’t help the way he draws you in, even with the rambling. There is something about him, about his smell that just gets to you.
His eyes are slightly tilted and hazel brown. At least from what you can see it is only hazel brown, but somewhere inside something tells you it is not quite just hazel brown. There are other colours in the mix. You stare some more trying to see what it is and against your better judgement you lean into his face. His eyes go comically wide for a second before they focus on you properly with an intensity you find surprising first, electrifying second.
You are right though. With the eyes focused on you completely you see that it does glow. Like some Supernaturals’ tend to do under the proper circumstances. You cock your head the way he had done just minutes ago and when he tilts his head the other way, you jerk back. You move back from him fully, he is a bit too close for your comfort. The man has been invading your personal space completely; you’re surprised with yourself that you had let him.
"So you are a Vamp!" His smiles brightens up a notch until your eyes feel like they would burn quite literally if he kept it up. Vamp?!
"God, you're annoying." You must have surprised him again; he stops for a second and looks at you. Actually gapes at you for a minute or two before bursting into snickers that develop into full blown laughter.
"You are so refreshing." He tilts his head to one side and for the first time you properly get a good look at his neck. And the rest of him follows after that.
A little thrill coils up your spine when you see his jugular pulsing with life, his lean body angled in a way that is half lazy, half tense. Torso clad in a blue shirt with the top two buttons of his shirt undone, but the tails tucked in neatly into the black pants that seemed to stretch on and on all the way down to sensible, polished back shoes.
"Done checking me out?" The man sounds way too amused for your comfort. “Do I pass?” You find yourself glaring at him before you can control it while he chuckles at you good naturedly.
"Who are you?" It's blunt, but then again you have been made fun of, by a complete stranger on top of that. Your pride could not get more battered if you tried. You are scowling at him full force doing your best to not let your gaze wonder anywhere else. If he catches on, he doesn’t let you know. Or he probably does. The smirk upturning his mouth stays fixed on his face.
You want to punch him and kiss him at the same time for some god forsaken reason. He is also driving you mental. And you don’t even know his name! “What’s your name?!”
He does nothing but smile at you sweetly till your scowl darkens and then he chuckles. "Must not scowl, O’ pretty one. Smiling cures all!" He sounds benevolent, like a god passing down a decree to his disciple. You cuff him on the back of his head for that, hard!
“Better shut that trap of yours if you don’t wanna be found dead, dumbass!" You expect him to back off at your hiss. Your fangs are out and your eyes gleam, and you know for a fact that you look terrifying, clad in all the leather with your mouth twisted up into a snarl.
Instead of backing away, he steps closer. His hands, you hadn't even noticed are on your fangs, tracing them, his face lax as if in a trance. And you know he is under nothing of the sort. You jerk away from him fast and you almost turn to leave when you are pulled back into his chest. You start to snarl and claw at it when his mouth presses against your ears. You go still for a second.
"See you soon. Hayato!"
He is gone before you can blink.
***
"Why are you so interested in him?" She's amused with him and he with her. Young children trying to poke their noses into places where they don’t belong. Insert dramatic sigh, pause and continue. What has the world come to?
"I find him intriguing,"
Simple as that. A specimen with his morals still intact. And that is after 300 years of being around a maker with none at all. "Is he a virgin?"
It is plain curiosity that drives the question out, but when all windows in the room shatter with the force of her spiking anger he wishes he had kept his mouth shut. "I have no patience for this, my Lord"
"Funny how you can be so respectful and still make everything sound like an insult at the same time, never got the hang of it myself." He smirks at her simply to tease. It's fun watching her get so angry with him.
"He can never be yours!" A new voice cuts through the room. Speak of the devil, though in this case it was more think of the devil and he shall appear in front of you. As unwelcoming as it is, he acknowledges the other’s presence with a nod of his head.
Then it registers in his head; the words and the underlying threat of it, the ice in his voice and the furious eyes on him. The chuckle that slips out of him makes the fury go up a notch higher. He is glad.
"I've been wondering when you would come forth, still skulking around the place, Reborn?"
He probably should not have used skulking. Old vampires do not skulk, he’s been told that many a times. And though Reborn has yet to lose his temper with him, he still gets a kick out of trying to rouse it. He finds the youngster as amusing as he did a thousand years ago.
“What are you doing here, my Lord?" The ‘lord’ is spat out as though it is the foulest of insults and he marvels at the two creatures before him. They are condescending and insulting, at the same time polite. He almost feels like sighing.
He watches them both try hard not to stare at him out right. They have been doing that for the past few nights he had spent with them. They’re curious of his presence; he doesn’t feel much like enlightening them with the entire story just yet. He wants to drive them up the wall a little bit more before she pulls the story out of him.
"But I am curious myself, my Lord. You rarely have stepped out of your world for the past 4000 years and suddenly you are here. Forgive my daughter for her impudence. but I believe we have the right to know if your presence here is going to put us in danger or not."
The new presence is calm, but he can feel the unrest in her just like he can feel it in the other two vampires present in the room with him. "I know, Luce."
"You will address Queen Mother with the respect she deserves!" Aria thunders at him much to his amusement.
"Aria!" It is not a bellow, but it’ is the closest to one Luce will ever get. It is enough, however. He can tell Aria is shocked and almost terrified of her mother. Luce has never tolerated disrespect.
"There has been an assassination attempt on Caedmon."
The resulting gasps make him smile. It felt satisfying to know he still held the ability to surprise Reborn. The foolish boy.
"Is that why you are here?" Luce demands.
"No. I am taking a holiday."
He doesn’t get much of a reaction apart from a slow blink from Luce. It is enough to make him give into the urge and roll his eyes. "Yes, that is why I am here. The assassination attempt was well organized. If it hadn't been for Arailt, he would be dead."
"He?" All raise their eyebrows at him. He sighs.
***
Never in both your human and vampire life had you felt prouder than the day you had been selected as part of the vampire Council. It is not the crème de le crème of the vampire society, but you are a mere step away from it. And for now it makes you happy just being part of something so important and special to your vampire kin.
You're standing next to your maker - Reborn - when the man from the club strolls into the room, so casually; as if he belonged in it with the rest of you. You are shocked at first and then confused, but you're not surprised when everyone in the room goes still. No one, apart from members of the vampire Council is allowed into this room. According to Reborn, and though it is not a rule set in stone, it is still a rule unconsciously followed by all Council members to not let anyone apart from the council enter the room. And for something that still had a pulse to walk into the room so casually; it was preposterous. And the fact that no one took action, atrocious!
He is followed by Princess Aria and the rest of the High Council members. Reborn moves to take his seat with the members and soon when everyone have settled into their designated positions - the man is still standing much to your annoyance - the Queen Mother walks in. You are surprised once again when she moves to hug the man tightly before leading him to the chair that is usually occupied by Gamma - her second in command. Gamma - you note - remains standing next to the Queen Mother.
"You have all been gathered here for a special meeting."
To the voice of the Queen Mother all noise dies down and everyone goes still and attentive.
"I have terrible news from our neighbour and biggest ally."
You are immediately worried. And as the tension level in the room rise by the second, you know your colleagues are feeling the tension your Queen Mother so carefully hides behind the serene face and voice, just like you. It almost feels like the calm before a storm, a nasty one. As if chaos was just around the corner. You don’t like the feeling at all.
"Caedmon - The High King of the Ailpein Fey has gone missing after an attempt on his life-"
And just like that, the room explodes into noise. You jump at the suddenness of it all before scowling to yourself. When you look around there is so much motion it hurts your brain. Never in your life would you have expected such disrespect to the Queen Mother, and from Council Members of all vampires. You are sure that instead of shouting out questions, if they had just listened to what she had to say their curiosity would be satisfied in a short period of time. You almost give into an overpowering urge to sniff haughtily at everyone inside the room.
When you suddenly feel someone's eyes on you, you glance in the direction only to catch the weird idiot - now you know he is an Ailpein representative - staring at you with his good-natured grin plastered on his face. You direct all the anger you feel at everybody's behaviour into the scowl you give him.
You almost flip him the bird, but the fact that their Queen Mother had gone to the level of embracing the fool makes him important in your book. Albeit grudgingly, and you are not admitting it to anybody, even under the threat of torture you promise yourself.
You also promise not to do anything disrespectful to the Fey before giving that promise up. Nobody who winks at you in the middle of such an important meeting deserves respect!
"SILENCE!" Princess Aria roars at them all and it is sudden enough to make you jump a foot from your chair. Still it does the job of silencing every single vampire in the room rather nicely. She is scary when calm, absolutely terrifying in her rage and small she may be, but you haven't met a single vampire more intimidating than her apart from the Queen Mother of course. She is special. Your maker on the other hand is on a completely different level from all vampires. No one terrifies you more.
"It was a well organized attempt. And according to the Ailpein representative we have here-" She pointed at the Fey "they suspect the Ciardha’s involvement in the attempt-"
"My Queen, if I may..." You along with the rest of the vampires in the room gape at the Light Fey representative, at his nerve. Princess Aria along with the rest of the High Council minus your maker and Verde look explosive.
You are even more shocked - you really do want the surprises to end, your heart can bear only so much - when your Queen Mother waves at him to continue. And that is all she does.
"The World of Fey is in a state of deep unrest. The High King has gone missing; we don't know where he could be. Right now it is our Prince and Heir to the Throne, Diarmuid, along with our General Arailt, who serve in his interests until he returns-"
"Are you sure he will?" Someone interrupts from your right, and you are not surprised to find it is Ken. The vampire couldn't have kept his yapping trap shut even if his life was under threat. No one snaps at Ken though, for his disrespect. And the Fey representative just continues on with a smile on his face.
"But we suspect it is the Ciardha along with Millefiore who have attempted this. And we are also suspecting Millefiore of planning a Coup d’état against the current vampire High Council."
The noise level almost deafens you this time. But you are too shocked to care about the noise or the behaviour of some members. You have heard about the Millefiore from Reborn, albeit sparsely. You know they scoff at the constitution the Queen Mother had established almost 200 years past - you helped create it. You know they don't believe in the peaceful co-existence with humans.
Byakuran - the leader of the group - had made it clear that he saw humans as nothing more than blood banks for the vampires to feed on. But to go as far as to organize a Coup d’état against the Ailpein and the Arcobaleno was mad, and suicidal.
"SILENCE!" Princess Aria's voices cuts off the noise again and after a grateful look at the Princess, the Ailpein representative continues again.
"We also have had a couple of disappearances in the past few years from our kingdom, disappearances that have been put down as kidnappings recently, after much investigation. We believe that the Ciardha have been kidnapping our children and selling them to the Millefiore in return for their services."
Horrified gasps erupt throughout the room, the High Council members look as horrified at the news as the rest while their Queen Mother simply looks grave. You start trembling in horror when the spectrum of what has been happening hit you like a Tsunami. Vampires are forbidden to drink from a Fey, especially Ailpein Fey.
The purity of the raw magic that flows in the blood of an Ailpein Fey is highly addictive to any vampire. Potently intoxicating as well, from what you’ve read in the old journals belonging to older, deceased vampires. Although in moderated doses, it is said to increase the potency and level of power in a vampire. Of course, it would tear your soul into shreds and drive you mad, which is the reason it is banned. But if the Millefiore has been consuming the blood of Ailpein Fey, you shudder to think how powerful they have become.
"How many?" You are as surprised to hear your voice cut through the noise as everyone else. Nonetheless, when the Queen Mother smiles at you, you have the courage to stay rooted in your seat instead of sinking into it in embarrassment like you initially want to. You flush with pleasure before the glare your maker shoots at you make you wilt. The representative shoots a thoughtful look at you before answering.
"Nine so far-"
"FUCK!" The expletive almost makes you smile because it is so like Lawn-head to swear at such an important meeting like this. You can almost see Hibari smacking the poor vampire down with one of his tonfas before you actually hear the sound, followed by the expected howl of pain from said Lawn-head.
Colonello - the maker of Lawn-head and esteemed member of the High Council - looks as amused as one could get in the face of such a grave situation. The representative just smiles at the ruckus before continuing on smoothly.
"We also have news that the Millefiore are planning on striking up an alliance with the shape-shifters and Black mages, but the White Circle has offered their hand in alliance to us. In return for protection of their families."
You wait for more information with bated breath, a headache starting at the back of your head, but when it is clear that the representative - who's name you still don't know - is done with sharing, you relax a little bit. That is until a new voice cuts through the oppressive silence that has settled over the place.
"So basically we're about to go to war?" Lambo - the youngest member of the council yet - sounds put upon. And you are startled to realize you feel about the same. You are also startled to realize that instead of feeling scared or nervous of the troublesome future, you feel annoyed that some stupid ungrateful pieces of shits would compromise the peace of their world for something as stupid as power.
When their Queen Mother calls an end to the meeting you don't wait for Reborn before making an exit. You are too tired to socialize with the rest.
***
"So how is Arailt?"
Reborn looks everything but curious. He looks downright bored in fact and put off at having to deal with him for this long. They are in the lounge area of Luce's mansion. The fire roaring in the fireplace keeps the room warm and gives them both clear vision. Reborn is in front of him, reading some old book while he lounges on the sofa almost dozing.
"He's fine. Though why’re you calling him Arailt?"
"Why can't I?" Reborn raises an eyebrow at him in challenge.
"Don't you guys call him Squalo or something?" He shrugs.
"We do,"
"So?"
"Why do you call him Arailt?" He sighs. Tedious should be Reborn's last name.
"Because it is his name of birth."
Reborn looks at him, curiousity shinning in his usually dead eyes. That could not be a good thing. A curious Reborn was not a good thing.
"What's yours?"
"Why're you asking me when you know it already?"
The look of disgust on Reborn's face makes him crack up. "Your parents have horrible tastes,"
That makes him laugh harder. "No, they don't!" He disagreed.
Reborn only shakes his head before turning to the book he is reading. "No wonder you're so messed up."
"And of course Reborn's such a brilliant name after all!"
The only response he gets from Reborn is a snort.
***
A few days later you are called into the Day Room of the mansion and it leaves you immediately nervous. Vampires of the Council only get called into the day room if they are about to be handed an important mission or if they had done something punishable by vampire law. You are so busy running through practically every little thing that could be considered even mildly punishable in your head, you don't notice his presence until he pokes your right side with one finger.
The screech that bursts forth is on the squeaky side and you round on him ready to throttle him for invading your personal space and embarrassing you in such a manner. You resent yourself for the squeal.
"Haha, you squeal!"
The grin on his face is so blinding it freezes you on the spot. You feel your face twist through expressions as if your brain can't decide whether it wants to settle on horror, disgust or confusion. In the end when the Fey starts laughing you think you look as lost as you feel.
"You're so funny." He tells you much to your horror. Funny?
You are not funny. You are everything but funny, in fact you have been told by countless people just how unfunny you are all the time. Two of the High Council members - Colonello and Viper - in fact have given you pet names like Party Pooper, Wet Blanket and Stick in the Mud much to your dismay. You are proud to be unfunny and whatever those two have called you in the past. And then this creature thing or whatever it was has the audacity to call you funny.
You stare at it some more before you turn on your heel and stalk off in the direction you had been walking towards before. In your surprise you find that you have forgotten what you had been thinking about before.
Much to your disgruntlement, the thing with its long legs catches up to you in no time. You speed up a little bit, with it doing the same. You speed up even more and it speeds up to walk with you. Finally, you simply stop and when it stops at the same time, you can't help the annoyance that clouds your brain that will surely make you do something extremely stupid. You haven't been stupid for a long time; you don't plan on starting anytime soon.
"What is wrong with you?" You ask the thing, and you can't be blamed for the pitch or level your voice is at. You expect it to answer, only to have it cock its head to one side like a frigging bird and blink at you innocently while smiling good-naturedly. How an Ailpein Fey could act so stupid is beyond you. How an Ailpein Fey Representative could act so stupidly - it hurts your brain to think about it too much. You probably won’t understand the reasoning anyway.
"I asked, what's wrong with you?"
"I know, I heard. I've got ears, see," And to your displeasure, it points at its pointy ears before grinning down at you excitedly "and nothing's wrong with me. Thank you very much, though."
When you stare at it blankly, lost for a few seconds, trying to figure out how it could have missed out on you insulting it - you did it so blatantly and all - it laughs in the stupid way it does. And for a reason your brain refuses to comprehend, it starts thanking you. It also extends pleasantries your way, and before your brain actually breaks under so much good will, he answers, finally! "Oh, that's for asking me about my health."
You stare some more, this time your mouth hangs open and you know your eyes are as wide as saucers. "How the heck? GET OUTTA MY BRAIN, YOU FRICKING NUT!!!!" You roar at the smiling nutter. "And for your information, I was not asking you about your health. I was asking what was wrong with your stupid self, you dumb moron!"
"Moron? How...Absolutely delightful! And oh yes! What is a fricking nut? Also I am a 'he' by the way, not an 'it'." The thing bends down and winks at you in a conniving way, as if it is sharing an important secret of the universe with you. And you are so utterly blown over you have no comeback to his idiocy. It obviously didn't function on the same wave-length normal vampires like you did. But then again, it was an Ailpein Fey, so perhaps that had something to do with how weird the thing was
"Shall we be on our ways, Hayato? Luce is expecting us, yes?"
You blink at the sound of your given name and your scowl comes back on full force. "You dare use Queen Mother's name so casually! Address her as she should be addressed, Ailpein Representive!"
One of his eyebrows rises in surprise before he chuckles down at you. At that moment, the fact that he is several inches taller than you smack you across your face. You have to tilt your head quite a bit to look at his face. That you have to tilt your head as much annoys you with a startling intensity, but then again you have always hated how some people tended to look down at you. Like you would never be good enough to exist in the same family as Hibari and Reborn. It grates on your nerves. You turn in a huff and stalk down the path with him at your tails.
All your nerves return once more when the doors leading into the Day room come into view. You may have been too distracted to think about the reason you have been summoned just a few minutes ago, but now your thoughts are occupied once more with everything that could go wrong once you enter through those doors.
The ornate wooden doors open as if magic propels them outwards when you approach them. The eight High Council members are present along with Queen Mother and their presence terrifies you into silence. You kneel before Queen Mother, making sure to keep your eyes respectfully trained on the white marble floor.
"I can never get over the fact that Hayato is your protégé, Reborn. I mean, seriously!"
Several snorts echo through the room while you burn with embarrassment. Your maker makes no comment but you can feel him staring at you from where he is seated in the room.
"Seriously, look at Reborn and then look at Hayato. I don't know how any protégé of Reborn could be so upti-"
"And if you know what's good for you little one, you will keep that thought to yourself."
You can't keep the smile off your face when Queen Mother cuts Colonello off, mid-sentence. When several snickers cut through the room your pride settles down.
"I am not insulting Hayato, Mother, it's Reborn-"
"I know, and you should know better than to insult him of all people. I don't want a repeat performance of your little tiff from last time." She sounds firm yet amused with the two of her sons. You feel the grin breaking out on your face before you can will it back down.
"He can smile?"
"Skull!”
”Shut it!"
Both Princess Aria and Lal Mirch's voice echo in the room. And you finally raise your gaze to look at them when it becomes clear you are not to be punished. You can almost feel your insides turn into jelly with all the relief coursing through your body. It is a miracle that you don't slump onto the ground. You stand up when Queen Mother signals you to sit down on the sofa next to her. She immediately begins when you do.
"I have a mission for you-"
At Verde's snort she stops to look at him exasperatedly before continuing on. You are itching to check where the representative has settled himself into, but you don't dare look away from the Queen's face. You solemnly take the wine glass filled with blood wine offered to you, taking the smallest of sips. You are dying to down the whole thing in one go; your nerves are still frazzled.
"I need you to infiltrate one of the bases that belong to Millefiore-" You would have choked on the wine had you been a breathing living being, but by God's grace you are a vampire and that saves you from embarrassing yourself in front of the most esteemed members of your society.
"You're the only one in our council who would be able to hack into the system and find out where the nine Ailpein Fey members are being kept. Takeshi will be escorting you on the mission…" Takeshi? You glance at the Fey in confusion. You had been expecting a stupid Gaelic name that you would never in a million light years dare pronounce for fear of making a complete fool out of yourself by mispronouncing it. Not some stupid, common, overused Japanese name. You feel disappointed for some odd reason that you don't bother explore and focus once more on your Queen.
"…to the base, he'll be guarding you-" You did not need guarding, but you don't dare give voice to the thought even in your head for fear of them hearing it. "-while you break the codes. If you come across anyone who will oppose, you kill them! And by all means do not get separated. I want you both working together on this, and even if you feel annoyed with the other, suck it up and stick with each other. That's an order!" She sounds so strict that you know you wouldn't dare disobey her even if you feel like murdering the idiot, which you probably would if past experiences were anything to go by.
"Yes, your Highness!" You reply softly, bowing your head down in deference to her.
"Very good!" She beams at you happily before turning to the Fey who went by the name Takeshi - of all names. "He has the best telekinetic abilities, Takeshi. You should see him in battle! He can make things explode just by staring at them; he can separate people's limbs from their bodies just with a mere look. How wonderful is that?" She sounds so happy with your morbid ability, you feel giddy about it yourself.
When you turn to look at the Fey, he too looks morbidly fascinated. "Delightful! What a gruesome ability!" Both Skull and Colonello bursts into snickers and your happiness dims just a little bit. You shoot a glare at the Fey before turning away to look at Queen Mother who is busy glaring at her misbehaving children.
"It is a wonderful ability that is unique to just Hayato!" Princess Aria points it out to the snickering two emphasizing on the ‘just’ much to your pleasure; the force of both women's glares shut them up.
"When is the mission, your Highness?" You ask her softly. "Oh for Heaven’s sake, call me Mother, Hayato!"
You wince at her tone, but you can't and will not call her Mother. That implied you were special and you haven't earned the level of respect just yet. Some night in the distant future you will find the courage to address her in the manner she desires, just not tonight.
Almost as if she has read your mind, she shakes her head at you in what you can see is fond exasperation. "Next week, Monday."
Your breath shakes.
ID: [Baker]
Word count: 18,397 altogether
Rating: Hard R
Warnings: Non explicit sex, swearing, instances of explicit violence
Pairings: 8059, R59
Theme challenge: YES
It's horribly cliché how your race is portrayed to the world. Cliché enough that you would feel ashamed telling anyone that 'No, my dear, I am not human. I AM A VAMPIRE!' in that tacky Transylvanian accent unless you are as proud as Gokudera Hayato. Dracula has really screwed your people over with his stupid capes and funny hair styles and absolutely horrendous way of talking. With his accented 'R's' and emphasis on certain syllables, embarrassing as hell that you would keel over and die if you met him by accident.
You are very much thankful to God that the moron people called Van Helsing had staked him by the time you had been made or brought over, same thing really. You can't imagine life as a vampire if Dracula was still alive. You shudder to think how life would be.
Even now as you look around the bar you are at; you are almost ready to shrivel up in shame. Just because you are a vampire doesn’t mean you have to act debauched and like a slut. Like that woman over there grinding her pelvis and what-not God gave her into the person next to her. You’re sure she would gladly grind against any vertical surface that is in the closest proximity to her. You’re so busy glaring a hole into the slut’s skull that you miss him.
"She is a little bit over the top, isn't she?"
"FUCK!" Had you a heart, it would have been pounding, trying to get out your chest cavity. "FUCK! SHIT!" You are swearing profanities in all kinds of languages you have learned over the years. The man raises an eyebrow at you looking mighty impressed. He looks like a dumb idiot.
"Oh, sorry! Did I scare you?"
You turn and stare at the man in disbelief. In all your years of being a vampire, apart from your master and maker, no one else has had the ability to sneak up on you. Even if you had been distracted a moment ago.
"I really did scare you, huh?" The man's grin is unrepentant, mischief gleams in his eyes. "I'm really sorry!" He looks anything but sorry; you don’t point it out to him.
You stare at him some more, half because he has managed to sneak up on you and half because you are suddenly too curious about him. He also smells funny. In fact, so funny that you want to bury your face in his neck and never back away. You back away from him, eyes wide and alarm bells ringing in your head. Danger is ahead. You don’t want to involve yourself in it.
When you don’t say anything, his smile dims a little bit and somewhere in the deepest corner of your mind you feel smug, knowing you caused the stupid goofy smile to dim, even a little bit. But then as if the man has read your mind his smile brightens up once again, only this time it gets even brighter and shinier. It's actually blinding enough that you have to look away. A smile like that had no place in such a dingy bar like this.
"I don’t get what you’re doing here then, haha! Shouldn’t you be somewhere more prim and proper?" The man cocks his head to one side; and it reminds you so much of a dumb bird you have to snicker. Until what he has just said registers in your brain. Your smirk immediately changes into a scowl. It also kills any sort of attraction you feel towards him, though you’d rather meet the sun than admit it to anyone; even yourself!
"It's very rude to ignore someone when they ask you a question, you know! My father always used to tell me that showing peo..."
You block out his rambling for favour of focusing more on his physical attributes. It is not like you to stare. You had been brought up in such a strict family that the manners still linger in you. Even after 300 years of being dead. But you can’t help the way he draws you in, even with the rambling. There is something about him, about his smell that just gets to you.
His eyes are slightly tilted and hazel brown. At least from what you can see it is only hazel brown, but somewhere inside something tells you it is not quite just hazel brown. There are other colours in the mix. You stare some more trying to see what it is and against your better judgement you lean into his face. His eyes go comically wide for a second before they focus on you properly with an intensity you find surprising first, electrifying second.
You are right though. With the eyes focused on you completely you see that it does glow. Like some Supernaturals’ tend to do under the proper circumstances. You cock your head the way he had done just minutes ago and when he tilts his head the other way, you jerk back. You move back from him fully, he is a bit too close for your comfort. The man has been invading your personal space completely; you’re surprised with yourself that you had let him.
"So you are a Vamp!" His smiles brightens up a notch until your eyes feel like they would burn quite literally if he kept it up. Vamp?!
"God, you're annoying." You must have surprised him again; he stops for a second and looks at you. Actually gapes at you for a minute or two before bursting into snickers that develop into full blown laughter.
"You are so refreshing." He tilts his head to one side and for the first time you properly get a good look at his neck. And the rest of him follows after that.
A little thrill coils up your spine when you see his jugular pulsing with life, his lean body angled in a way that is half lazy, half tense. Torso clad in a blue shirt with the top two buttons of his shirt undone, but the tails tucked in neatly into the black pants that seemed to stretch on and on all the way down to sensible, polished back shoes.
"Done checking me out?" The man sounds way too amused for your comfort. “Do I pass?” You find yourself glaring at him before you can control it while he chuckles at you good naturedly.
"Who are you?" It's blunt, but then again you have been made fun of, by a complete stranger on top of that. Your pride could not get more battered if you tried. You are scowling at him full force doing your best to not let your gaze wonder anywhere else. If he catches on, he doesn’t let you know. Or he probably does. The smirk upturning his mouth stays fixed on his face.
You want to punch him and kiss him at the same time for some god forsaken reason. He is also driving you mental. And you don’t even know his name! “What’s your name?!”
He does nothing but smile at you sweetly till your scowl darkens and then he chuckles. "Must not scowl, O’ pretty one. Smiling cures all!" He sounds benevolent, like a god passing down a decree to his disciple. You cuff him on the back of his head for that, hard!
“Better shut that trap of yours if you don’t wanna be found dead, dumbass!" You expect him to back off at your hiss. Your fangs are out and your eyes gleam, and you know for a fact that you look terrifying, clad in all the leather with your mouth twisted up into a snarl.
Instead of backing away, he steps closer. His hands, you hadn't even noticed are on your fangs, tracing them, his face lax as if in a trance. And you know he is under nothing of the sort. You jerk away from him fast and you almost turn to leave when you are pulled back into his chest. You start to snarl and claw at it when his mouth presses against your ears. You go still for a second.
"See you soon. Hayato!"
He is gone before you can blink.
***
"Why are you so interested in him?" She's amused with him and he with her. Young children trying to poke their noses into places where they don’t belong. Insert dramatic sigh, pause and continue. What has the world come to?
"I find him intriguing,"
Simple as that. A specimen with his morals still intact. And that is after 300 years of being around a maker with none at all. "Is he a virgin?"
It is plain curiosity that drives the question out, but when all windows in the room shatter with the force of her spiking anger he wishes he had kept his mouth shut. "I have no patience for this, my Lord"
"Funny how you can be so respectful and still make everything sound like an insult at the same time, never got the hang of it myself." He smirks at her simply to tease. It's fun watching her get so angry with him.
"He can never be yours!" A new voice cuts through the room. Speak of the devil, though in this case it was more think of the devil and he shall appear in front of you. As unwelcoming as it is, he acknowledges the other’s presence with a nod of his head.
Then it registers in his head; the words and the underlying threat of it, the ice in his voice and the furious eyes on him. The chuckle that slips out of him makes the fury go up a notch higher. He is glad.
"I've been wondering when you would come forth, still skulking around the place, Reborn?"
He probably should not have used skulking. Old vampires do not skulk, he’s been told that many a times. And though Reborn has yet to lose his temper with him, he still gets a kick out of trying to rouse it. He finds the youngster as amusing as he did a thousand years ago.
“What are you doing here, my Lord?" The ‘lord’ is spat out as though it is the foulest of insults and he marvels at the two creatures before him. They are condescending and insulting, at the same time polite. He almost feels like sighing.
He watches them both try hard not to stare at him out right. They have been doing that for the past few nights he had spent with them. They’re curious of his presence; he doesn’t feel much like enlightening them with the entire story just yet. He wants to drive them up the wall a little bit more before she pulls the story out of him.
"But I am curious myself, my Lord. You rarely have stepped out of your world for the past 4000 years and suddenly you are here. Forgive my daughter for her impudence. but I believe we have the right to know if your presence here is going to put us in danger or not."
The new presence is calm, but he can feel the unrest in her just like he can feel it in the other two vampires present in the room with him. "I know, Luce."
"You will address Queen Mother with the respect she deserves!" Aria thunders at him much to his amusement.
"Aria!" It is not a bellow, but it’ is the closest to one Luce will ever get. It is enough, however. He can tell Aria is shocked and almost terrified of her mother. Luce has never tolerated disrespect.
"There has been an assassination attempt on Caedmon."
The resulting gasps make him smile. It felt satisfying to know he still held the ability to surprise Reborn. The foolish boy.
"Is that why you are here?" Luce demands.
"No. I am taking a holiday."
He doesn’t get much of a reaction apart from a slow blink from Luce. It is enough to make him give into the urge and roll his eyes. "Yes, that is why I am here. The assassination attempt was well organized. If it hadn't been for Arailt, he would be dead."
"He?" All raise their eyebrows at him. He sighs.
***
Never in both your human and vampire life had you felt prouder than the day you had been selected as part of the vampire Council. It is not the crème de le crème of the vampire society, but you are a mere step away from it. And for now it makes you happy just being part of something so important and special to your vampire kin.
You're standing next to your maker - Reborn - when the man from the club strolls into the room, so casually; as if he belonged in it with the rest of you. You are shocked at first and then confused, but you're not surprised when everyone in the room goes still. No one, apart from members of the vampire Council is allowed into this room. According to Reborn, and though it is not a rule set in stone, it is still a rule unconsciously followed by all Council members to not let anyone apart from the council enter the room. And for something that still had a pulse to walk into the room so casually; it was preposterous. And the fact that no one took action, atrocious!
He is followed by Princess Aria and the rest of the High Council members. Reborn moves to take his seat with the members and soon when everyone have settled into their designated positions - the man is still standing much to your annoyance - the Queen Mother walks in. You are surprised once again when she moves to hug the man tightly before leading him to the chair that is usually occupied by Gamma - her second in command. Gamma - you note - remains standing next to the Queen Mother.
"You have all been gathered here for a special meeting."
To the voice of the Queen Mother all noise dies down and everyone goes still and attentive.
"I have terrible news from our neighbour and biggest ally."
You are immediately worried. And as the tension level in the room rise by the second, you know your colleagues are feeling the tension your Queen Mother so carefully hides behind the serene face and voice, just like you. It almost feels like the calm before a storm, a nasty one. As if chaos was just around the corner. You don’t like the feeling at all.
"Caedmon - The High King of the Ailpein Fey has gone missing after an attempt on his life-"
And just like that, the room explodes into noise. You jump at the suddenness of it all before scowling to yourself. When you look around there is so much motion it hurts your brain. Never in your life would you have expected such disrespect to the Queen Mother, and from Council Members of all vampires. You are sure that instead of shouting out questions, if they had just listened to what she had to say their curiosity would be satisfied in a short period of time. You almost give into an overpowering urge to sniff haughtily at everyone inside the room.
When you suddenly feel someone's eyes on you, you glance in the direction only to catch the weird idiot - now you know he is an Ailpein representative - staring at you with his good-natured grin plastered on his face. You direct all the anger you feel at everybody's behaviour into the scowl you give him.
You almost flip him the bird, but the fact that their Queen Mother had gone to the level of embracing the fool makes him important in your book. Albeit grudgingly, and you are not admitting it to anybody, even under the threat of torture you promise yourself.
You also promise not to do anything disrespectful to the Fey before giving that promise up. Nobody who winks at you in the middle of such an important meeting deserves respect!
"SILENCE!" Princess Aria roars at them all and it is sudden enough to make you jump a foot from your chair. Still it does the job of silencing every single vampire in the room rather nicely. She is scary when calm, absolutely terrifying in her rage and small she may be, but you haven't met a single vampire more intimidating than her apart from the Queen Mother of course. She is special. Your maker on the other hand is on a completely different level from all vampires. No one terrifies you more.
"It was a well organized attempt. And according to the Ailpein representative we have here-" She pointed at the Fey "they suspect the Ciardha’s involvement in the attempt-"
"My Queen, if I may..." You along with the rest of the vampires in the room gape at the Light Fey representative, at his nerve. Princess Aria along with the rest of the High Council minus your maker and Verde look explosive.
You are even more shocked - you really do want the surprises to end, your heart can bear only so much - when your Queen Mother waves at him to continue. And that is all she does.
"The World of Fey is in a state of deep unrest. The High King has gone missing; we don't know where he could be. Right now it is our Prince and Heir to the Throne, Diarmuid, along with our General Arailt, who serve in his interests until he returns-"
"Are you sure he will?" Someone interrupts from your right, and you are not surprised to find it is Ken. The vampire couldn't have kept his yapping trap shut even if his life was under threat. No one snaps at Ken though, for his disrespect. And the Fey representative just continues on with a smile on his face.
"But we suspect it is the Ciardha along with Millefiore who have attempted this. And we are also suspecting Millefiore of planning a Coup d’état against the current vampire High Council."
The noise level almost deafens you this time. But you are too shocked to care about the noise or the behaviour of some members. You have heard about the Millefiore from Reborn, albeit sparsely. You know they scoff at the constitution the Queen Mother had established almost 200 years past - you helped create it. You know they don't believe in the peaceful co-existence with humans.
Byakuran - the leader of the group - had made it clear that he saw humans as nothing more than blood banks for the vampires to feed on. But to go as far as to organize a Coup d’état against the Ailpein and the Arcobaleno was mad, and suicidal.
"SILENCE!" Princess Aria's voices cuts off the noise again and after a grateful look at the Princess, the Ailpein representative continues again.
"We also have had a couple of disappearances in the past few years from our kingdom, disappearances that have been put down as kidnappings recently, after much investigation. We believe that the Ciardha have been kidnapping our children and selling them to the Millefiore in return for their services."
Horrified gasps erupt throughout the room, the High Council members look as horrified at the news as the rest while their Queen Mother simply looks grave. You start trembling in horror when the spectrum of what has been happening hit you like a Tsunami. Vampires are forbidden to drink from a Fey, especially Ailpein Fey.
The purity of the raw magic that flows in the blood of an Ailpein Fey is highly addictive to any vampire. Potently intoxicating as well, from what you’ve read in the old journals belonging to older, deceased vampires. Although in moderated doses, it is said to increase the potency and level of power in a vampire. Of course, it would tear your soul into shreds and drive you mad, which is the reason it is banned. But if the Millefiore has been consuming the blood of Ailpein Fey, you shudder to think how powerful they have become.
"How many?" You are as surprised to hear your voice cut through the noise as everyone else. Nonetheless, when the Queen Mother smiles at you, you have the courage to stay rooted in your seat instead of sinking into it in embarrassment like you initially want to. You flush with pleasure before the glare your maker shoots at you make you wilt. The representative shoots a thoughtful look at you before answering.
"Nine so far-"
"FUCK!" The expletive almost makes you smile because it is so like Lawn-head to swear at such an important meeting like this. You can almost see Hibari smacking the poor vampire down with one of his tonfas before you actually hear the sound, followed by the expected howl of pain from said Lawn-head.
Colonello - the maker of Lawn-head and esteemed member of the High Council - looks as amused as one could get in the face of such a grave situation. The representative just smiles at the ruckus before continuing on smoothly.
"We also have news that the Millefiore are planning on striking up an alliance with the shape-shifters and Black mages, but the White Circle has offered their hand in alliance to us. In return for protection of their families."
You wait for more information with bated breath, a headache starting at the back of your head, but when it is clear that the representative - who's name you still don't know - is done with sharing, you relax a little bit. That is until a new voice cuts through the oppressive silence that has settled over the place.
"So basically we're about to go to war?" Lambo - the youngest member of the council yet - sounds put upon. And you are startled to realize you feel about the same. You are also startled to realize that instead of feeling scared or nervous of the troublesome future, you feel annoyed that some stupid ungrateful pieces of shits would compromise the peace of their world for something as stupid as power.
When their Queen Mother calls an end to the meeting you don't wait for Reborn before making an exit. You are too tired to socialize with the rest.
***
"So how is Arailt?"
Reborn looks everything but curious. He looks downright bored in fact and put off at having to deal with him for this long. They are in the lounge area of Luce's mansion. The fire roaring in the fireplace keeps the room warm and gives them both clear vision. Reborn is in front of him, reading some old book while he lounges on the sofa almost dozing.
"He's fine. Though why’re you calling him Arailt?"
"Why can't I?" Reborn raises an eyebrow at him in challenge.
"Don't you guys call him Squalo or something?" He shrugs.
"We do,"
"So?"
"Why do you call him Arailt?" He sighs. Tedious should be Reborn's last name.
"Because it is his name of birth."
Reborn looks at him, curiousity shinning in his usually dead eyes. That could not be a good thing. A curious Reborn was not a good thing.
"What's yours?"
"Why're you asking me when you know it already?"
The look of disgust on Reborn's face makes him crack up. "Your parents have horrible tastes,"
That makes him laugh harder. "No, they don't!" He disagreed.
Reborn only shakes his head before turning to the book he is reading. "No wonder you're so messed up."
"And of course Reborn's such a brilliant name after all!"
The only response he gets from Reborn is a snort.
***
A few days later you are called into the Day Room of the mansion and it leaves you immediately nervous. Vampires of the Council only get called into the day room if they are about to be handed an important mission or if they had done something punishable by vampire law. You are so busy running through practically every little thing that could be considered even mildly punishable in your head, you don't notice his presence until he pokes your right side with one finger.
The screech that bursts forth is on the squeaky side and you round on him ready to throttle him for invading your personal space and embarrassing you in such a manner. You resent yourself for the squeal.
"Haha, you squeal!"
The grin on his face is so blinding it freezes you on the spot. You feel your face twist through expressions as if your brain can't decide whether it wants to settle on horror, disgust or confusion. In the end when the Fey starts laughing you think you look as lost as you feel.
"You're so funny." He tells you much to your horror. Funny?
You are not funny. You are everything but funny, in fact you have been told by countless people just how unfunny you are all the time. Two of the High Council members - Colonello and Viper - in fact have given you pet names like Party Pooper, Wet Blanket and Stick in the Mud much to your dismay. You are proud to be unfunny and whatever those two have called you in the past. And then this creature thing or whatever it was has the audacity to call you funny.
You stare at it some more before you turn on your heel and stalk off in the direction you had been walking towards before. In your surprise you find that you have forgotten what you had been thinking about before.
Much to your disgruntlement, the thing with its long legs catches up to you in no time. You speed up a little bit, with it doing the same. You speed up even more and it speeds up to walk with you. Finally, you simply stop and when it stops at the same time, you can't help the annoyance that clouds your brain that will surely make you do something extremely stupid. You haven't been stupid for a long time; you don't plan on starting anytime soon.
"What is wrong with you?" You ask the thing, and you can't be blamed for the pitch or level your voice is at. You expect it to answer, only to have it cock its head to one side like a frigging bird and blink at you innocently while smiling good-naturedly. How an Ailpein Fey could act so stupid is beyond you. How an Ailpein Fey Representative could act so stupidly - it hurts your brain to think about it too much. You probably won’t understand the reasoning anyway.
"I asked, what's wrong with you?"
"I know, I heard. I've got ears, see," And to your displeasure, it points at its pointy ears before grinning down at you excitedly "and nothing's wrong with me. Thank you very much, though."
When you stare at it blankly, lost for a few seconds, trying to figure out how it could have missed out on you insulting it - you did it so blatantly and all - it laughs in the stupid way it does. And for a reason your brain refuses to comprehend, it starts thanking you. It also extends pleasantries your way, and before your brain actually breaks under so much good will, he answers, finally! "Oh, that's for asking me about my health."
You stare some more, this time your mouth hangs open and you know your eyes are as wide as saucers. "How the heck? GET OUTTA MY BRAIN, YOU FRICKING NUT!!!!" You roar at the smiling nutter. "And for your information, I was not asking you about your health. I was asking what was wrong with your stupid self, you dumb moron!"
"Moron? How...Absolutely delightful! And oh yes! What is a fricking nut? Also I am a 'he' by the way, not an 'it'." The thing bends down and winks at you in a conniving way, as if it is sharing an important secret of the universe with you. And you are so utterly blown over you have no comeback to his idiocy. It obviously didn't function on the same wave-length normal vampires like you did. But then again, it was an Ailpein Fey, so perhaps that had something to do with how weird the thing was
"Shall we be on our ways, Hayato? Luce is expecting us, yes?"
You blink at the sound of your given name and your scowl comes back on full force. "You dare use Queen Mother's name so casually! Address her as she should be addressed, Ailpein Representive!"
One of his eyebrows rises in surprise before he chuckles down at you. At that moment, the fact that he is several inches taller than you smack you across your face. You have to tilt your head quite a bit to look at his face. That you have to tilt your head as much annoys you with a startling intensity, but then again you have always hated how some people tended to look down at you. Like you would never be good enough to exist in the same family as Hibari and Reborn. It grates on your nerves. You turn in a huff and stalk down the path with him at your tails.
All your nerves return once more when the doors leading into the Day room come into view. You may have been too distracted to think about the reason you have been summoned just a few minutes ago, but now your thoughts are occupied once more with everything that could go wrong once you enter through those doors.
The ornate wooden doors open as if magic propels them outwards when you approach them. The eight High Council members are present along with Queen Mother and their presence terrifies you into silence. You kneel before Queen Mother, making sure to keep your eyes respectfully trained on the white marble floor.
"I can never get over the fact that Hayato is your protégé, Reborn. I mean, seriously!"
Several snorts echo through the room while you burn with embarrassment. Your maker makes no comment but you can feel him staring at you from where he is seated in the room.
"Seriously, look at Reborn and then look at Hayato. I don't know how any protégé of Reborn could be so upti-"
"And if you know what's good for you little one, you will keep that thought to yourself."
You can't keep the smile off your face when Queen Mother cuts Colonello off, mid-sentence. When several snickers cut through the room your pride settles down.
"I am not insulting Hayato, Mother, it's Reborn-"
"I know, and you should know better than to insult him of all people. I don't want a repeat performance of your little tiff from last time." She sounds firm yet amused with the two of her sons. You feel the grin breaking out on your face before you can will it back down.
"He can smile?"
"Skull!”
”Shut it!"
Both Princess Aria and Lal Mirch's voice echo in the room. And you finally raise your gaze to look at them when it becomes clear you are not to be punished. You can almost feel your insides turn into jelly with all the relief coursing through your body. It is a miracle that you don't slump onto the ground. You stand up when Queen Mother signals you to sit down on the sofa next to her. She immediately begins when you do.
"I have a mission for you-"
At Verde's snort she stops to look at him exasperatedly before continuing on. You are itching to check where the representative has settled himself into, but you don't dare look away from the Queen's face. You solemnly take the wine glass filled with blood wine offered to you, taking the smallest of sips. You are dying to down the whole thing in one go; your nerves are still frazzled.
"I need you to infiltrate one of the bases that belong to Millefiore-" You would have choked on the wine had you been a breathing living being, but by God's grace you are a vampire and that saves you from embarrassing yourself in front of the most esteemed members of your society.
"You're the only one in our council who would be able to hack into the system and find out where the nine Ailpein Fey members are being kept. Takeshi will be escorting you on the mission…" Takeshi? You glance at the Fey in confusion. You had been expecting a stupid Gaelic name that you would never in a million light years dare pronounce for fear of making a complete fool out of yourself by mispronouncing it. Not some stupid, common, overused Japanese name. You feel disappointed for some odd reason that you don't bother explore and focus once more on your Queen.
"…to the base, he'll be guarding you-" You did not need guarding, but you don't dare give voice to the thought even in your head for fear of them hearing it. "-while you break the codes. If you come across anyone who will oppose, you kill them! And by all means do not get separated. I want you both working together on this, and even if you feel annoyed with the other, suck it up and stick with each other. That's an order!" She sounds so strict that you know you wouldn't dare disobey her even if you feel like murdering the idiot, which you probably would if past experiences were anything to go by.
"Yes, your Highness!" You reply softly, bowing your head down in deference to her.
"Very good!" She beams at you happily before turning to the Fey who went by the name Takeshi - of all names. "He has the best telekinetic abilities, Takeshi. You should see him in battle! He can make things explode just by staring at them; he can separate people's limbs from their bodies just with a mere look. How wonderful is that?" She sounds so happy with your morbid ability, you feel giddy about it yourself.
When you turn to look at the Fey, he too looks morbidly fascinated. "Delightful! What a gruesome ability!" Both Skull and Colonello bursts into snickers and your happiness dims just a little bit. You shoot a glare at the Fey before turning away to look at Queen Mother who is busy glaring at her misbehaving children.
"It is a wonderful ability that is unique to just Hayato!" Princess Aria points it out to the snickering two emphasizing on the ‘just’ much to your pleasure; the force of both women's glares shut them up.
"When is the mission, your Highness?" You ask her softly. "Oh for Heaven’s sake, call me Mother, Hayato!"
You wince at her tone, but you can't and will not call her Mother. That implied you were special and you haven't earned the level of respect just yet. Some night in the distant future you will find the courage to address her in the manner she desires, just not tonight.
Almost as if she has read your mind, she shakes her head at you in what you can see is fond exasperation. "Next week, Monday."
Your breath shakes.