The morning sun spilled through the grand windows of the Kaiser estate, casting a golden glow across the marble floors. The air was calm, yet filled with an unspoken warmth—the kind that came with the rare luxury of a day without battles, council meetings, or bloodshed.
For once, there was no urgency. No danger lurking in the shadows.
For once, they were just siblings.
Sora stretched lazily on the couch, his legs sprawled across the cushions. "It feels weird, doesn't it?" he mused, resting his head on his arm.
Sakura, who sat across from him, raised an eyebrow. "What does?"
"Not having to kill someone today."
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Only you would feel uncomfortable about peace."
Kaiser, who was sipping tea at the head of the table, smirked slightly. "He has a point. It's rare for us to have a completely free day."
Hinata, lounging near the window, sighed dramatically. "Then let's make use of it."
Jin, sitting beside her, nodded. "We should do something together."
A tiny voice interrupted them.
"Go shopping!"
All eyes turned toward Hana, their youngest sister, who sat on the floor playing with her stuffed rabbit. Her big, innocent eyes sparkled with excitement.
Sora leaned forward. "Shopping? For what?"
"For me, of course!" Hana said proudly.
Silence.
Then—
Laughter.
Sakura chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Hana's soft curls. "Well, at least she's honest."
Kaiser set down his teacup. "It's not a bad idea. It's been a while since we've all gone out together."
Hinata clapped her hands. "Then it's decided. We're going shopping."
Jin smirked. "Hana, you're the boss today."
Hana beamed, her tiny fangs peeking through as she jumped up and down. "Yay! I get to be the boss!"
Sora groaned. "I have a feeling I'll regret this."
(Scene Cut – Shopping District)
The shopping district was bustling with life. Humans and vampires alike filled the streets, their conversations blending into a constant hum. Shops lined the sidewalks, their displays brimming with everything from luxury clothing to handcrafted trinkets.
Hana clung to Kaiser's hand, practically dragging him forward. "That one! I want to go there!"
Kaiser chuckled, letting her lead. "Alright, alright."
As they moved through the crowd, Sakura walked up beside Kaiser, nudging him playfully. "You're smiling a lot today."
Kaiser arched a brow. "Am I?"
Sakura smirked. "Yeah. It's weird."
Kaiser sighed. "You know, Sakura… sometimes, I forget how it feels to be normal. Days like this remind me."
She glanced at him, her teasing tone softening. "Me too."
They walked in silence for a moment before Sakura suddenly gasped and grabbed his arm.
"Kai, look!" She pointed at a jewelry store window displaying an array of elegant rings and necklaces.
Kaiser blinked. "What am I supposed to be looking at?"
Sakura grinned. "That black onyx ring—it would suit you."
Kaiser glanced at the simple yet refined ring. "You think so?"
Sakura nodded. "Yeah. You always wear black, and honestly, you'd look cool with it."
Kaiser smirked. "You just want an excuse to make me buy something."
Sakura feigned innocence. "Who, me?"
He shook his head but stepped into the store anyway.
As he purchased the ring, Sakura leaned against the counter, watching him. "It suits you, Kai."
Kaiser slid the ring onto his finger, flexing his hand. "Maybe you're right."
Sakura crossed her arms. "I'm always right."
Kaiser chuckled. "I'll let you believe that."
### **(Scene Cut – Inside the Shops)**
As expected, chaos ensued.
Hana was the first to receive her gifts—a tiny silver tiara from Jin, a pink dress from Hinata, a stuffed black cat from Sora, and a delicate bracelet from Sakura. But the most special gift came from Kaiser.
A small, enchanted locket.
Hana gasped as Kaiser knelt in front of her, placing the locket around her neck. "This will always bring you back home," he murmured. "No matter where you are, you'll never be lost."
Hana clutched the locket tightly, eyes shimmering with emotion. "Thank you, big brother."
Kaiser smiled softly, ruffling her hair. "Always."
Then came the gifts for each other.
Sakura handed Sora a black leather bracelet. "So you don't forget that we *like* having you around, even when you're a pain."
Sora blinked, staring at the bracelet before smirking. "Not bad, sis." He then handed her a new dagger—sleek, silver, and custom-engraved. "So *you* don't forget that I'll always have your back."
Sakura's breath hitched. She smiled. "Thanks, Sora."
Jin gifted Kaiser a finely crafted sword, its hilt embedded with a deep crimson gem. "You're still the strongest," Jin said firmly. "No matter what anyone says."
Kaiser exhaled slowly, gripping the hilt. "…Thank you."
Hinata received a delicate music box from Sakura, one that played an old lullaby from their childhood. "So you don't forget where we started," Sakura whispered.
Hinata wiped a tear from her eye. "You're all too soft."
They laughed, sharing memories, teasing each other, and simply enjoying the rare moment of peace.
As Kaiser admired his new sword, Sakura nudged him again. "Now you have something from all of us."
Kaiser glanced at her. "What do you mean?"
She tapped the hilt. "That sword from Jin. The bracelet from me. And the ring you just bought because *I* picked it out."
Kaiser rolled his eyes. "You're really taking credit for that?"
"Absolutely."
He smirked, shaking his head. "Fine. You win."
Sakura grinned. "I always do."
### **(Scene Cut – Sunset by the Fountain)**
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet. They sat by a grand fountain, bags of gifts surrounding them.
Hana dozed off on Kaiser's lap, her locket glinting in the fading light.
Sora leaned back, exhaling. "I gotta admit… today was nice."
Sakura smiled softly. "Yeah… it was."
Kaiser gazed at his siblings, his heart unexpectedly full.
Sakura rested her head on his shoulder. "Hey, Kai?"
"Hmm?"
"…You'll always protect us, right?"
Kaiser didn't hesitate. "Of course."
Sakura smiled. "Good."
Silence.
Then—
"You know, you're my favorite too," she whispered.
Kaiser smirked, the corners of his lips twitching upward. "I know."
She scoffed. "Cocky."
He chuckled. "You love me anyway."
Sakura sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately."
Kaiser rolled his eyes but gently nudged her forehead with his. A rare moment of softness.
They had lost much. Suffered much.
But as long as they had each other—
They had everything.
Hinata stretched, yawning. "We should do this again sometime."
Jin smirked. "Yeah… before we get dragged back into chaos."
Sora scoffed. "If we live long enough for another peaceful day."
Sakura rolled her eyes. "You really know how to kill the mood."
Kaiser, still gazing at the darkening sky, murmured, "We will have more days like this."
His siblings turned to him.
"…Because no matter what happens," he continued, voice steady, "we'll always come back to each other."
A quiet moment passed.
Then, Sakura smirked. "See? You do have a heart."
Kaiser sighed. "Don't push it."
Laughter echoed under the evening sky. And just for a while—just for today—they allowed themselves to believe in that promise.