~A Dream of Sunshine~

Characters: Zero Kiryu, Yuuki Kuran

Writers/ Role Players: Shizza24 (Zero) , LeVampireCat (Yuuki)

Synopsis: Yuuki Kuran is busy preparing for the upcoming ball at Cross Academy when Zero-senpai, injured and covered in blood, enters the hall. [The plot line is taken from Yuuki's fantasy world in VK Chapter 88, where she wishes Zero and her to be humans and be together in a perfect world. Characters written by: Yuuki Kuran(Le-Vampire-Cat), Zero Kiryuu(Shizza24).] Warning: Heavy fluff ahead


~Yuuki Kuran's POV~

A heavy sigh is emitted, and seems to reverberate off every single wall of the vast ballroom, bouncing off each marble tile of the floor so that I, Yuuki Kuran, the emitter of the sigh in question, feels as if every single set of eyes in the room has settled upon me. A warm blush swims to my cheeks as I quickly busy myself with the string of streamers I have been untangling…ironically, my frustration with the streamers was the cause of my loud exhale. I stare guiltily at the delicate strings of blue and purple crate paper, realizing my classmates who are helping to prepare the ballroom for tonight's dance, all know I am the reason our class has ended up on preparation committee again.

I resist the urge to emit another melancholy sigh, for fear of drawing further attention to myself, and instead run a hand through my tousled bangs. It wasn't as if I hadn't studied…in fact, I'd even had a personal tutor to help this time. Swiftly, I draw my chest-length mahogany hair in front of my face in a bid to conceal the slight blush that colors my cheeks. Slowly, I untangle my fingers from the strands, recalling how I had cut my hair only recently…for the ball in fact. It had reached my waist before, and had become kind of irritating... but when I had caught a glimpse of a certain someone surveying a girl with shorter hair, I had resolved to get a haircut…my father and older brother had protested of course, I'd had been growing my hair since I was a small child. However, now that I was a seventeen year old, a young woman, as my mother had pointed out, I'd had been allowed to trim the unruly strands back slightly. I'd agonized a little over the length truthfully…fearing that person wouldn't even notice. It wasn't a drastic change in length as I had wanted…it wasn't likely to draw the older boy's attention …if only Kaname-onii and father hadn't been so adamant.

I have given up on the tangled streamers now completely, recalling that evening…only a few days ago. I had been tapping the pencil in my grasp in an absent minded way against my cheek, merely staring at the page, my mind was elsewhere…then, the sound of the backdoor. The sound of male voices, the Headmaster and someone else. I often visited the Headmaster's house in between classes and prefect duties, and so felt comfortable enough to sit and study in his dining room. I looked up, straining my hearing to listen. I couldn't quite decide what the men were saying exactly, and didn't have time to figure it out before silence had ensued. Footsteps….and then the sound of the door to the dining room, a gentle click, and there he was, standing before me, my fellow prefect and senpai, Zero Kiryu. I had flashed him an amiable smile, standing to greet him…we sat side by side, and he had helped me with my algebra. Admittedly, I'd been confused about which equation to begin with; every mark on the paper I made seemed incorrect and foreign. I could feel my heart skip a beat as I recalled how he had taken the pencil from my grasp, not forcefully, but in a way that had caused our fingers to brush against one another…the delicate way in which he seemed to draw the number four as if it were effortless. I had blushed and retorted that he was a year older than me, and would of course already know how to do such equations. Still…had he noticed my hand trembling slightly when he'd touched it?

Mentally I scold myself for behaving so childishly, turning my attention back to decorating. Snatching up a new roll of streamers, I begin to unravel them, feeling slightly disheartened as I do. I sigh, another deep, hopeless sigh, once again forgetting how sound echoes off every crevice of the vast building.


~Zero Kiryu's POV~

The wound on my chest is still throbbing as I make my way through the halls of Cross Academy. Classes are over but as a prefect, I'm still supposed to supervise the students preparing the halls for the upcoming ball.What a pain... The students would probably have gone back to dress up for the evening anyway. So much for getting the job done, I mentally scorn at myself.

I'm still pissed off about today's events, though I should get used to it by now. To think those bastards thought they could actually beat me. I scoff. Not in the next thousand years...

Today, six years have passed since that night. That night, when I lost my everything. My memory takes me back to the house I used to share with my family all those years ago, the laughter and warmth that echoed through its walls still vivid in my mind. Ichiru had gotten terribly sick that night, and I remember Mom and Dad rushing in the car to take him to the hospital. But they never came back.

My chest is starting to feel tighter, the knife twisting even deeper inside. I'll never get used to this feeling; it's as if someone is chafing my heart against a million shards of glass. I sigh.

I had skipped school to pay my parents and Ichiru a visit today. On my way back, I had come across a group of thugs who were robbing an old woman. Let's just say they caught me at a bad time. And as expected, things got ugly and I lost my temper. An acute pain shoots through my shoulder and I wince. Damn... It wouldn't have been this bad had that foolish old woman not jumped in between the fight in a hopeless attempt to break us apart. If I hadn't blocked the assault in the last second, she would have been a goner by now.

I turn around the corner and make my way across the front yard, the cut at the side of my lips still bleeding. My uniform is probably battered and shabby, but I couldn't care less.

Ever since that night, I have been living in this boarding school, under the supervision of the headmaster. Kaien Cross, my parents' close friend had even suggested that I let him adopt me. But I had refused. I don't think I can tolerate that man for more than five seconds, even though I am grateful that he's been taking care of me till now.

I let out another irritated grunt. Where in the world is that man? I have been looking for him everywhere, my temper rising with every footstep. Maybe he's in the hall where tonight's ball will be held? I change my course and head up a flight of stairs, going towards the hallway that leads to the room. I walk up to the main entrance and open the doors. The lights are still on, and students are still working on the decorations. I wasn't expecting this. My appearance ignites a wave of gasps and murmurs throughout the room.

"Oh my, is that blood?!"
"Kiryu-kun got into a fight again"
"Wow, he's scary... always beating people up..."
"Yeah, such a delinquent..."

I ignore the remarks and whispers and look around the room for any signs of the headmaster. People usually stay away from me; they're too afraid to approach. And I prefer it this way. Kaien isn't here either. Damn him.

It is then when my eyes land on hers, a shocked and worried expression painted on her face. And before I can stop it, my heart skips a beat.


~Yuuki Kuran's POV~

So absorbed in my own worries, I don't even registered the sound of the doors to the ballroom opening, or even care to acknowledge the sound of footsteps, perhaps slightly uneven as if the person is limping. It is only when a myriad of horrified gasps and even a soft shriek-like sound echoes across the ballroom that I am finally dragged away from my private thoughts and inclined to look up. I have been facing away from the large Oakwood door, but now, as a soft nuance of whispers seems to flood the room I turn on my heel. My gaze meets with his, familiar lilac eyes settle on mine in an intense stare, and I'm so astounded by his appearance that I literally allow the yarn of streamers in my hand to slip from between my fingers and fall to my feet. Here I have been selfishly hoping to be the one to take his breath away when I enter the ballroom tonight…when in fact the reverse has occurred. My breath really does catch in my throat, and I can't stop my mouth from falling open in horror as I survey the young man. His black uniform ripped and torn, his once crisp white shirt now dyed crimson red as blood seeps through the cotton fabric. It's difficult to tell from the distance between us, but I think I can see a trickle of blood running from what appears to be his swollen lower lip. His pallid skin seems even paler than usual, hauntingly so, and his handsome features are grimy with dirt. My heart seems to ache painfully seeing him in such a state. Zero-senpai is notorious for getting into fights…and it isn't the first time I've witnessed him with cuts and bruises, however…never have I seen him in such a state.

My mind takes control, as if on autopilot. Although I fear the wound beneath his shirt is fatal, I recall that blood always makes an injury appear more serious than it is. I regain feeling in my body. Straighten the prefect band on my arm as if to assert my authority, and stride purposefully toward him. "Everyone, please get back to work." I call out, not heatedly but sternly enough to make at least some of the students stop gawking at him. As I draw nearer I struggle to maintain my authoritative composure. There's so much blood…is it his own…or? I never allow the thought to take control of my expression, and although fear grips my heart in a vice like grip I flash him a quick glance, only enough to let him know I'm here for him, before taking hold of his hand and leading him back outside in the direction he came. I blush guiltily, knowing now is not the time for me to be squeamish about the feel of his hand in mine, or for me to act like a schoolgirl with a silly crush…but I can't help but feel a little embarrassed about the brashness of my actions. My heart skips a beat, and I feel a sinking feeling in my stomach as I feel the moisture of blood on his hand. What happened to him?


~Zero Kiryu's POV~

The warmth of her palm is perforating my entire being as she leads the way to the infirmary, her gentle hands sending electric pulses over my skin where they touch it. I am trying my best to keep my calm. I let out a deep breath. Compose yourself! My mind silently yells at me. Honestly, what in the world is wrong with me?

Frustration is taking over my senses, as I let out an irritated sigh, allowing myself another glance at the short brunette walking in front of me. She cut her hair shorter, I notice. I can't say it doesn't look nice.

My reactions to this girl perplex me. Perhaps it's because she's the only person who has ever approached me so directly, and fearlessly. I don't know how to react around her. And it annoys me to no end.

Kuran Yuuki... The first time I met her was at Chairman Cross' office. He had called her and I to tell us that we were selected as Prefects of Cross Academy.

"Kiryuu-kun, meet Yuuki! She will be your partner from now on~" The Chairman had declared in his musical tone the minute I entered the office.

She had turned around to meet my gaze, and only one thing remains burnt in my memory: her beautiful smile, reminding me of a warm, sunny day.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Kuran Yuuki." She extended her hand towards me, the warmth of her smile reaching all the way up to her large, cinnamon eyes.

"Zero Kiryu." I took her hand into my firm grasp. Her touch was gentle.

After that we met every day after classes for our prefect duties. While most other students largely avoided me in fear, Yuuki had never once showed that emotion. Maybe that's the reason I'm so intrigued by her. She is my only real friend.

Before I realize, we're in the infirmary and Yuuki is shutting the door behind us. The nurse isn't here since the school is closed. Yuuki is pulling my uninjured arm as she pushes me down to sit on the bed, a frown permanently plastered on her face.

"You really love picking fights, don't you, Zero-senpai?" She scolds me, while pulling out a first-aid box from the cabinet. "Fighting is bad! Look at what you've done to yourself!" I can see a myriad of emotions flashing through her eyes- worry, anger, sadness- as she pulls out a wet cotton swab to clean the cut next to my lower lip.

My lips slightly part in anticipation, the sting of the medicine feeling nothing compared to the tingling sensation her fingers send all over my skin. I can feel my pulse rising with every passing moment. She is standing too close.


~Yuuki Kuran's POV~

I struggle to control my breathing as I lead the young man down the silent and empty halls and corridors of the Academy. Our footsteps echo stridently around us, the slight heel of my brown school boots creating a slightly higher sounding clack whenever I take a step, compared with the dull thud of Zero's shoes against the tiles underfoot. I am thankful for the steady and continuous clatter of our footsteps around us, drowning out the frenzied fluttering of my uneasy heart.

Had his hand not been smeared with blood, I'm certain he would have noticed the sweatiness of my palm by now. The darkness surrounding us also cloaks the soft blush which never leaves my warm cheeks.

No words are uttered between us. The rhythmic resonance of footsteps seems to create an almost relaxed atmosphere. The silence is not an awkward one as it might be if two people aren't well acquainted. In fact, the silences we often share never seem tense or awkward in any way…at least they hadn't. Even now, it isn't uneasy in that way. Zero and I have become close during our time as Cross Academy's prefects. We can bicker playfully, and I feel as if I can talk pretty freely to Zero, even if he is my senpai. My chest constricts at this thought.

The day we met in the Headmaster's office I'd taken to Zero immediately. I'd heard whispered rumours about the boy in front of me. A delinquent. A troubled boy who feels nothing. His stare is icy cold, and can turn into a blazing inferno when angered. A bad boy…one who gets into fights and never loses. As he is my senpai, a year older than me, the two of us never crossed paths before that time. If we had I don't recall the event being particularly monumental. In any case, having heard so much about him, I had been surprised when the Headmaster had informed me he would be my partner. As we awaited his arrival, I had imagined a fierce looking boy to charge into the room, his gaze angry and hateful. However, I had wanted to do my very best to get along with the boy as well…if he was to be my partner the last thing I wanted was for us to start off badly…however. The boy in question was nothing like I imagined…and as soon as my eyes settled on his I realized that this boy was like no one I had ever encountered before. His soft lilac eyes didn't seem cold, or fierce to me, but rather serene…I could see something in his eyes. A vulnerability, perhaps, masked carefully behind a neutral gaze. I couldn't explain the connection between us exactly, but the moment we met, I decided that I wanted to cherish this boy. I wanted to befriend him, wanted him to let me into his secret world….a secret world I could only begin to glimpse.

Finally, we reach the infirmary, and I slowly open the door with one hand, never releasing Zero's with the other, almost as if afraid if I let my grasp on him slip he will leave me. The old door creaks almost ominously as we enter. A chill runs up my spine, and I don't like the feeling one bit. He seems completely detached as I gently shut the door behind us, ignoring the nagging feeling that is niggling away at the back of my mind. I breathe deeply, reminding myself to remain calm for his sake. Facing him once more, I am now close enough to get an idea of the extent of his wounds. Fear seems to flare up inside me, my stomach churns and knots as my eyes take in every detail of his blood spattered appearance. The only way I am able to suppress my panic is to plaster a stern look upon my face. I fear any other emotion will open the flood gates and cause me to fall apart.

I lead him over to one of the empty beds. No one else is around. Even the nurse has gone home for the night. Everyone else is preparing for the ball….the ball that now seems like a far off dream in the light of Zero-senpai's injuries. Gently, I coax him down on to the bed, trying not to seem too forceful. He never protests, and allows me to do as I wish. His expression seems emotionless…no….troubled. The intense look swimming in his gray eyes…gray in the dimmer light of the infirmary…causes my chest to ache. Unable to face him any longer I turn on my heel, opening the familiar cabinet door, the one I know from experience contains the first-aid kit.

"You really love picking fights, don't you, Zero-senpai?" I question. My tone remains stern as I reprimand my senpai. I turn back toward him, first-aid kit in hand; however, I cannot bring myself to meet his gaze just yet. I set the medical kit down on the mattress beside him, swiftly opening it and retrieve a clean cotton swab and some antiseptic.

"Fighting is bad! Look at what you've done to yourself!" I continue my voice a touch more shrill than it had been a moment ago. I struggle to maintain my composure. I want to shout at him, I want to plead with him…can't he see he's destroying himself? I wet the swab, moving to stand directly in front of him. I mentally scold myself, my heart skips a beat as he parts his lips ever so slightly, just enough for me to tend to his wounded lip. My brows furrow into a deeper frown as I struggle to see in the poor light. I lean closer, allowing the damp swab to touch his lip for the first time. I expect him to move, to wince at the pain. However, although I am not staring at him, I notice out of the corner of my eye that he is static. My pulse quickens as I place my fingers on his jaw bone, as if to keep him from moving…my other hand wipes the swab softly over the cut.

I can feel his soft gaze on me, even without looking I know he's staring at me. His breathing seems just a little ragged, and I wonder if his wounds are causing him more distress than he let on. My heart is pounding in my ears as I examine his lips. An innocent enough gesture…so why is my face so flushed? His warm breath against face is pleasant, the closeness isn't off-putting. In fact I feel drawn in by his warmth. A slight sound of frustration escapes from my lips without me realizing, as I realize what I'm contemplating. When had the closeness between us become so intimate? When had I first started to feel so…different around him?

My breath catches in my throat, and I withdraw from him, satisfied that his lip is as clean as I can make it. My eyes flicker over his body, attempting to decide which wound needs my attention next…my gaze settles on his hand. Although the musty smell of blood clinging to his shirt is almost sickening, I'm too frightened to face it just yet. I need to work my way up to it.

Gently, I take hold of his hand, carefully rolling his sleeve up just a little in order to examine the full extent of the injury. Thankfully, it doesn't appear to be as bad as I anticipated, and I reach back into the first aid kit for a clean cotton swab, and gently begin to daub it over his pallid skin. His hand seems so large compared to mine, and I am reminded of our age difference. Only a year, but enough to make any feelings I may have for him forbidden in the eyes of my father….and my brother. I dismiss the thought, not willing to give it any further consideration right now.

"So who was Zero-senpai fighting with this time?"


~Zero Kiryu's POV~

"So who was Zero-senpai fighting with this time?"

I turn my face away, looking at some random spot in the distance. Her warm breath is hitting my face, sending electric tingles where it kisses my skin. "It doesn't really matter any more." I quietly reply. It really didn't matter who those bastards were. I made sure to turn them in to the police when they arrived on the scene. So whoever they were was of no consequence now. I dismiss them from my mind, my conscience now focusing on Yuuki's warm and gentle touch as she cleans and bandages the cut on my hand.

A strange feeling is creeping inside my chest as my eyes settle back on her pale, flawless face, her deep, chocolate eyes focused down on her task as long, thick lashes blanket her warm, rosy cheeks. Her brows are knit together in a small frown and her soft, full lips are tied in a little 'O' as she concentrates ever so diligently at tending to my wound, looking breathtakingly adorable at such close proximity.

Her dark cinnamon eyes suddenly look up to lock their gaze in mine, my heart shooting up its speed as it runs a mile in a minute. I notice the color on her face getting redder as her deep, luscious eyes widen ever so slightly. I feel something electric yet warm seeping into my eyes from hers in a connection so tangible that I can almost touch it.

But then I break it and pull away, looking down at my hand as she lets out a small sigh. I try my best not to look at her, my mind struggling to break the awkward silence as my pulse hammers against my veins. It's then when I remember the ball that's taking place tonight, and also the fact that Yuuki might want to attend it. It's almost sunset so it should be starting soon.

"I'm sorry for keeping you busy with me." I tell her, finally breaking the silence. "I can take on from here. You're already getting late for the ball, aren't you?"


~Yuuki Kuran's POV~

I continue to gently wipe at the wound on his hand, long after I'm satisfied it's clean. Stealing glances at the blood sodden fabric of his once crisp white shirt, I'm beginning to feel a sense of urgency. The reason I continue to daub at his hand…is it because I'm far too fearful of how deep or possibly fatal the wound underneath is…or is it because the thought of running my hands over his chest, over his finely toned stomach makes my body prickle with heat and my breath falter and catch in my throat. My façade begins to crack, and my fingers fumble with the cottons swab. I utter a small squeak of frustration, attempting to breathe deeply to steady my racing pulse before my thoughts run away with me. I can feel the blush on my face spreading over my entire body, deep into the core of my being. I'd be surprised if he can't feel the heat radiating from my fingertips as they dance over his injured hand.

Realizing he answered me quite some time ago, I finally release his hand, gently placing it down beside him as if he cannot move it himself, before turning away to dispose of the cotton swab. I'm too proud to admit that I hadn't even been listening….how would I explain to him why my mind had been wandering? Not that I expect him to ask…still. I sigh deeply, as if preparing myself for the task at hand. Does he feel as nervous as I do right now?

"I'm sorry for keeping you busy with me…I can take on from here. You're already getting late for the ball aren't you?" I turn swiftly on my heel to face the young man again. Even in the shadowed corner of the room, his lilac eyes are pleasantly piercing especially filled with such an apologetic look. His words are kind, yet they stab at my heart as if he has just insulted me. I preoccupy myself with the first aid kit beside him, purposely allowing my thick hair to veil my eyes so that he won't see the disappointment that is inevitably swimming in them. Part of me knows I should be relieved that I don't have to face the task ahead…yet my heart knows that I cannot leave him here like this. Taking a clean cotton swab in my hand, I grip it tightly as if to prove to myself that I'm going to stay and finish this.

"I won't leave Zero-senpai here like this…you got yourself hurt in the first place, and I don't trust you to clean your wound properly!" Despite the scolding nature of my comment, I make sure to keep my voice light and playful….despite the fact that inside I feel nauseous with worry. Right now…I don't care about the ball at all. Not about the dress I had spent hours trying on and picking out with my mother, not about the shoes and accessories I had spent weeks agonizing over….it all seemed to essential earlier today…I'd spent the day with my stomach knotting in anticipation, silently praying that tonight I would captivate him with the perfect dress, hair and smile…it all seems so mundane now. The frivolous worries of a school girl…

"There will be other dances." I continue in a reassuring tone, lifting my head to look him in the eye…not sure if I am trying to reassure Zero or myself more. Still, the smile on my face is genuine. More than anything I want to be with Zero right now…even if I obey him I'd only spend the entire night sitting alone and worrying about him. This is where I want to be.

"Now, let me take a look at this wound….it looks pretty bad." I approach him in a more serious manner, my heart beginning to hammer against my chest as I stand before him again, so close I can smell the nauseating aroma of blood clinging to his soaking shirt. Now that I'm closer, I can see that the fabric is sticking to his torso, and the thought makes me feel a little queasy. It isn't that I have a phobia of blood…I have cleaned his wounds enough times to realize that I am more or less comfortable with that side of things…however, the stench is intoxicating, and I can literally feel my stomach beginning to bubble with repulsion.

Keep it together Yuuki, I tell myself determinedly. I have to focus on something else. Anything else. I stare at his neck, his strong jawline as pale as his face. I look up at him, staring uncertainly into his eyes as if asking for his permission to proceed. I am attempting not to focus on the intimacy of the situation…never before have I unbuttoned a man's shirt…or cleaned a wound in such an intimate area. Honestly, I've never even seen my own father or brother topless…so the prospect of undressing Zero has my mind in a haze. His deep lilac eyes settle on mine, and we hold the gaze for much longer than I intend. His eyelashes appear almost translucent, and frame his eyes in the most captivating way….I mentally scold myself at the thought, turning my attention back to his wound. How could I allow myself to get distracted so easily? Slowly, my hands find their way to his collar. My fingers fumble with the first few buttons as if the task is rocket science. With each slip of my hands, I feel my pulse rising. Surely he will find it peculiar that I can't even manage to unfasten a few buttons. Slowly, the little buttons become slightly easier to manage, and I am able to proceed in a calmer fashion.

He's so pale….The thought keeps swimming through my mind. My stomach knots painfully. What if he has lost too much blood? My mouth feels dry as sand as my fingers brush against his collar bone, electric sensations running from my fingertips right through my body. My chest constricts as my hands move lower. His chest comes into view as the sheaths of fabric part to reveal porcelain skin, tinged with streaks of crimson. My quivering hands combined with his blood cause me to falter once more as I draw close to his stomach. My frustration seems to reach its peak as a button slips from my grasp for the fifth time in a row. A muted sound of desperation parts my lips, slipping from the depths of my being. Although it is soft and low, it epitomizes everything I am feeling. Anger, soul gripping fear, sadness and something else entirely. It's childish….but more than anything right now I want to fall apart and tell him how frustrated I am….with everything! With his behaviour, with his lack of regard for his own safety. I want to scream at him for being so reckless…and for making me feel so confused about him.

Why do I feel so confused?

Perhaps the most frustrating thing of all is that I don't understand why I feel such a need to please him! Why do I so desperately long for him to notice me, for him to see me at the ball, why had I cut my hair for him just so he might notice? As I stand in front of his blood splattered body it's clear to me that he doesn't feel for me the way I feel for him….because if he did….he would never have allowed himself to have been injured so badly.

You're being selfish again…my mind murmurs as I continue to struggle with his buttons, blinking back angry tears from my eyes, and swallowing the lump that has formed in my throat in one painful gulp.


~Zero Kiryu's POV~

My entire conscience has been set on a wild rampage as my heart pounds against my chest like a frenzied horse, my pulse jolting through my veins in mind-numbing electric signals. After undoing all the buttons on my shirt, Yuuki swiftly removes my uniform jacket, revealing the blood soaked, unbuttoned cotton shirt that is doing little to conceal my wounded torso. Damn, she's taking my clothes off..! Okay, I need to calm down. I take a deep breath, her next move flustering me even more as she slowly pulls off my shirt, leaving my bloodied chest exposed beneath her deep, warm and worried gaze. Sweat is rapidly forming on my forehead.

The injury isn't as serious as it appears. The wounds aren't deep and they're not bleeding anymore. Yuuki's eyes are frantic with worry, her hands slightly shaking as she takes the cotton swab and puts it against my collar bone, her face flushed red, the rosy color rising all the way up to her ears. Her warm fingers send electric waves on every spot they touch, their heat seeping through my skin and pooling in my chest.

As her fingers clean the cut, I can see relief surfacing in her gaze as she realizes that the wound isn't all that bad, her face still flushed deep red. This is definitely an awkward situation. I've barely had a girl even touch me, let alone undress me and tend to my wounded chest. Despite my callous facade, I'm nervous and have no idea how to react. Our frequent eye-contact leaves me flustered every time as I struggle to maintain my composure, our close proximity sending small shivers up my skin.

After cleaning the injury, Yuuki is now putting a bandage on it, her small hands delicate yet skilful. Having completed her job, she finally steps back to inspect me a last time, a rather strange and flustered expression painted on her face. I can't really place my finger on it. She's a weird girl. I really don't understand why she cares so much.

When our eyes meet again, I can't help but soften my gaze, a warm feeling seeping in my chest as I look at her kind, caring form. "Thanks." I quietly express my gratitude.


~Yuuki Kuran's POV~

My heart slows only slightly as the task of unbuttoning Zero's shirt is completed. Any hint of relief I might have felt was tinged with embarrassment and anxious worry as I realize I now actually have to remove the saturated shirt from his body. I stall for time, building up the courage to proceed by tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear before proceeding to place my hands on the wet fabric. It's still warm from the heat of his body, and I slowly peel it from his torso, every second that passes stretches like an hour. He allows me slip the shirt from his broad shoulders, moving slightly to allow me to peel the sleeves down his arms and over his hands. I pause at the second arm, his injured arm. I can feel my heart racing feverishly in my chest as my fingertips brush over his muscular biceps. My face burns as his muscles tense a little as my fingers graze his bare skin. It's just Zero-senpai Yuuki… my mind hisses. The thought's intention is to calm me; however hearing his name, even in my head causes my chest to constrict further.

I finally slip his injured hand gently through his shirt, and take a moment to survey his wound. I struggle to keep my eyes from wandering over his body. I've never seen a man's body like Zero's before…not in real life at least. His stomach and chest, although bruised and specked with beads of sweat and blood, are well defined as I had imagined but never necessarily expected. Years of exercise and training have given his body a healthy build, despite his constantly pallid complexion. My heartbeat thumps loudly in my ears at a frantic pace. I swiftly retrieve the cotton swab and antiseptic, eager to work quickly so as not to prolong the awkward situation.

The moment my hand makes contact with his chest I feel his body flinch, just slightly, and I conclude that the antiseptic is too cold. My eyes dart over the wound, over the blood, and I can't keep the bubble of worry from forming in my stomach. A peculiar feeling is swelling in my chest, making every breath a little more difficult as I wash away the blood, and I only feel a slight pang of relief, overshadowed by the feeling of tension between us. Thank goodness…his wound doesn't look dangerous. Our eyes meet every now and then, the air surrounding us laced with a myriad of emotions. I can't quite distinguish one from another. All I know is that the room seems to be incredibly humid, suffocating almost. I feel relieved when I'm finally able to take a roll of bandages from the first aid box.

Slowly, I unravel the bandages so that I have enough to begin covering his chest. My mind races as I move closer to him, purposely avoiding his mesmerizing lilac eyes as I make the first move to wrap the bandages around his back. We both shift a little as we come into close contact, my arms gliding around the back of his torso as if embracing him, our chests almost touching. My heart flutters as I can feel the heat of his body so close it seems to envelope me. I mumble nervously, incoherently as my fingers dance over his back, fumbling to pull the bandages back round to his chest. My eyes flutter upwards and our gazes meet, quickly flickering away as the awkwardness of the situation takes its hold on us. I can't deny the relief that engulfs my body when the deed is finally done. I step back to examine my work. The bandages seem decently placed, of course not as well as a qualified medical professional would have applied them, however I am content that they will stay in place for the time being.

"Thanks." Is the only word he utters, however, knowing Zero as I do I can hear the sincerity in his low voice. His tenor is softer than usual, reflecting his gratitude. I smile at him, trying to consider my words carefully, eager to break the tension.

"Zero-senpai was lucky this time…the wound only needed some bandages…but it could have been much worse!" I reprimand him, briskly replacing the first aid box's contents before closing it sharply. However, I cannot keep up my façade of mock anger as he stares at me in such a gentle manner.

"…you're welcome. After all, if I didn't take care of your injuries who would?" I ask my tone softening as I look him in the eye. Zero isn't one to care for himself….when the Headmaster sends us on shopping errands I drag him into restaurants to make sure he eats, and find clothes for him to wear….I know nothing of Zero's circumstances. Only that he lives at the Academy under the Headmaster's watchful eye. As far as I know he never returns home for the holidays, nor does he visit his family during the weekends…actually….I really know nothing of Zero's family, and wonder if they ever think of him at all…or if he thinks of them. The thought causes me to move closer to him, instinctively compelling me to care for him.


~Zero Kiryu's POV~

Our recent interaction has left me rather flustered, and I'm struggling to keep my composure. Her cheeks are redder than ever, and their warm rosiness makes my heart flutter even more. What is this feeling that I get whenever she's around? I don't understand.

I stand up, and put my shirt and blazer back on, extremely aware of her pair of warm brown eyes glancing my way. I don't want to keep her here any longer. She must have been looking forward to the dance tonight, and I selfishly got her to take care of me instead. Next time, I'll make sure she doesn't find out. She's too kind and needlessly worries about others, and it's troublesome. She's even missing out the ball for my sake.

Speaking of which... I'm supposed to patrol the ballroom tonight.Damn... I'm not looking forward to it. I had voluntarily taken up this job so that Yuuki wouldn't have to worry about it and would be able to enjoy herself. That sure worked out well. I mentally scoff.

"Anyway, I should be off now. I have to oversee the ball tonight." There are still many hours left till it will be over. But even so, I have to hurry and go back to my dorm to wear something more decent than a half-torn, bloodied uniform. "And I'm sorry for keeping you this long." I apologize again.


~Yuuki Kuran's POV~

I feel a sinking feeling in my stomach as he moves, and the intimacy between us is broken. I swallow the lump in my throat as if it is nothing; push back the feeling that is overwhelming me right now. I don't exactly understand why my cheeks are burning as I watch from the corner of my eyes...as he pulls the ruined shirt on over his bare shoulders, his expression unreadable. My fingers tremble a little as I try to regain my composure, throwing cotton swabs into a metal trash can, and returning things to their places...

Anyway, I should be off now. I have to oversee the ball tonight.

My heart flutters as he moves to the door, his gaze not as intense and hateful as it had been earlier...I move towards him, stretching my hand out, an instinctive gesture.

"Zero-senpai!" I call out, hand still outstretched as if to draw him back. I suddenly realize what I'm doing, and as if awakening from a spell I withdraw my arm, holding it to my chest instead. I stare uneasily at him. He's injured...he shouldn't even be attending the ball tonight...it would be better if he remained in his room and rested...and yet, I'm too selfish to give him this advice. I want him to stay. I want to keep him in this room...but why? My thoughts are muddled. My emotions conflicting. This room is stuffy. My vision swims a little, and I hold an arm out, leaning against a nearby storage unit to steady myself. I must appear incredibly odd to my senpai...this thought causes my cheeks to burn even more...I want this boy...this man to be at the ball...I want to wear the dress I agonized over and take his breath away...however, the thoughts seem selfish and foolish now.

I stand up straight again, regaining my balance and fixing him with a reassuring gaze.

"You don't have to apologize..." I say with a smile...the sentence is open, as if there is a 'however' attached...

If Zero-senpai wants to make it up to me...he could...save me a dance... The words, of course, don't pass my lips, though the thought causes my heart to skip a beat.

"But Zero-senpai is injured and should take it easy...so I'll patrol with you." I tell him, placing my hands on my hips in a bid to seem authoritative. A pang of disappointment...although I have tried to convince myself otherwise...it seems as if there is only one reason I have been so worked up about the dance. Flustered, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear in a bid to conceal my burning cheeks.


A/N: We hope you have enjoyed the first chapter! As this takes place in the form of a role play, it is difficult to say WHEN we will update, but rest assured, we're working on it! Please let us know what you think, and check out the role player's own Fanfiction accounts.

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