I was sulking tonight, taking pity on myself. I was perched on a high branch of my favourite tree, ignoring the chilly night air because I didn't want to go back home. I took a deep breath and tried to speak. A hoarse noise came out and I gritted my teeth in frustration. Come on, surely I haven't truly lost my voice? I massaged my throat and tried again, weird croaks coming out instead of words. My frustration turned into despair. I have been trying to speak all day, testing my voice alone so no-one would be around to witness my failures. Also, I can't let anyone know I had lost my voice, it made me feel vulnerable.

A voice is very important to humans. It's the primary form of communication, it's my way of expressing my creativity. Without it, I'm just this pathetic excuse of a girl. I won't be able to perform at the talent show. I rubbed my throat and tried again. It only resulted in coughing and wheezing. My throat burned, it didn't hurt much but it felt like agony. Like I truly wasn't who I was without it. I rubbed my eyes, clearing the remnants of tears that had lingered. Yes, I had been crying again, I couldn't help myself really.

"Mana?"

I froze as I heard someone call my name from the ground. I looked down and through the darkness and mess of branches, I made out a white uniform.

"Mana, may I come up?"

It was Kuran. Hell no, no-one comes up in my tree. Despite my mental disapproval, I heard the branches rustle as he climbed up, pretty quickly too. He settled on an adjacent branch and sat down with a smile.

"Wouldn't you prefer to go home? It's getting chilly."

I just glared and looked away.

"You're shivering, Mana. Would you like my jacket?"

HELL NO! I shook my head firmly but I still heard him unbutton his jacket.

"You look really cold, Mana…"

Like hell, I'm taking the jacket! I sat up sharply to turn to him and shake my head again when suddenly…

SNAP

For fuck's sake! The branch snapped under me and I was spiralling down the tree, my hair getting snagged and pulled by other branches, my uniform getting snagged and torn and little cuts appearing on my body.

"Mana!"

I was caught and I opened my eyes. I bristled when I saw Kuran had made it in time to catch me on the ground. He let out a sigh of relief, holding me closer to him.

"That was close."

It's your fault, I'm just blaming this on you, now put me down. Kuran shifted me in his grip and began walking off.

"You should get home before your blood attracts others."

Hey, mate, I can walk by myself. Let me down. Jerk. I kicked my legs and wriggled, making him stop.

"If you want to get down, you can just say, Mana."

I took in a deep breath before pulling Pearl Beauty out and brandished her. Kuran smiled before letting me down.

"You're so violent, not very lady like at all."

Yeah, don't remember asking for your opinion, douche. I turned on my heel and flounced off. He followed me. After a minute or two, I turned on my heel and pointed for him to go away.

"I'd like to see you get home safely."

Yeah, right, I can take care of myself so skedaddle! He didn't move for a moment and I just gave up, storming back to go home. He followed along, like a happy puppy. No, not a puppy, puppies are cute and he's not. Let's go with a happy…nah, let's go with an obsessed stalker, that sounds more appropriate.

We walked on in silence until finally we arrived home. I opened the door and was greeted by an overeager Yuki.

"Mana, it's so late!" she exclaimed as she ran into the hallway "Where have you…"

Her eyes lit up.

"Kaname-sama! Good evening!"

I reached around to rub my head only to feel a branch lodged in my hair and I pulled it out. Yuki stared at me with wide eyes.

"What happened?"

I shrugged, walking past her to the kitchen where I could shove it in the bin.

"Um, Kaname-sama, why don't you come in for a cup of tea?"

"I would love that, thank you, Yuki."

I rolled my eyes as Yuki dashed into the kitchen as I heard the door close. She stood in front of me and gave me a bright smile.

"Mana, could you make some tea for us please?" she asked "I just need to look for Zero, he's out late too…"

Really? I could go look for him! Let me go look for him, don't leave me alone with the douchebag. But Yuki had already bustled out, blurting out something about an errand and assuring Kuran that I was making the tea. I grumpily grabbed the kettle and filled it with water. Why must I be the one to cater to his needs? She was the one who invited him for a cup! Gah!

A few minutes later after pouring the water into the teapot (two teabags inside for Yuki and Kuran) I let the tea brew for a moment or two. Then I placed two teacups on the tray with the teapot and carried the lot to the living room, placing it on the coffee table. Before I could leave, however…

"Mana, may I trouble you for some milk?"

I took in a deep breath, considering the consequences of lashing out with Pearl Beauty before nodding and storming off to the kitchen, wrenching the fridge door open, grabbing the carton of milk then storming back to put it on the coffee table. I froze when Kuran leaned over and plucked a leaf out of my hair. I glared as he just smiled and chuckled slightly. Oh, I want to kill him, nobody gets into my personal space and lives to tell the tale! I breathed in deeply again as Kuran nodded and thanked me for the milk with a smile and I turned around again.

"Aren't you staying for a cup?"

I let out a short, impatient breath and shook my head.

"Really? Why not stay for a while, we can talk?"

Ha ha ha ha, no way.

"I would like to get to know you better. We've known each other for so long."

You know, I prefer to never know you at all.

"Is there something I could help you with, Mana? I heard some curious sounds and your eyes were a little red from crying."

I turned to glare at him, prepared to whip Pearl Beauty out despite the consequences.

"I care for you, Mana. Very deeply."

I snorted at him before storming upstairs then locking myself in my room. I threw myself onto my bed and just covered my head with my pillow.