Fire Roses

Author: Suryallee

Rating: Mature for later chapters contents!

Parings: Kain/Zero, Minor, Kain/Maria/Zero, others

Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Knight and its characters nor the Manga or the story.

Authors note: This is a un-beta fic, Sorry for the grammar and spelling: I am native German, please be kind. I have not written for this genre for years. Somehow, I got interested in it again. Back then, I didn't like were the story and plot where going. In the late, I have found my love for VK again. In the late, the story got interesting again, although I pity the poor Hanabusa for losing his father that way…Ahh, however, please enjoy. Maybe I will even write on my old Aidory story again. It is tempting.

Warning: m/m, m/f/m, if you have a trouble with such pairings, please leave now.

Story: short after Kuran Rido's death with spoilers of the future lead of the Manga, AU in some way.

Summary: Kain muses, Zero has a fit or two or three, Maria gets involved and the others are not helping the situation much. Alternatively, why one should never let Akasuki Kain think too much.

Chapter one

If one asked Kain Akasuki later, how the hell he had ended up babysitting Zero Kiriyuu he could not tell for the life of him. All that was certain was that the hunter brat needed someone stronger than the average hunter or Vampire to keep him safe and out of trouble.

Unfortunately, for Kain, the one who was assigned from Kaname turned out to be him.

Groaning the blond Noble rubbed his tired eyes again with his left hand while sitting with his back leaned against the only door of the room they were in. Zero was too weak to move …much. That didn't mean that he couldn't at all, as Kain had found out in the last twenty-four hours with grim amusement. Zero did sleep peacefully for now. The fever had gone down and the shaking of his limbs had stopped an hour ago.

Another point why Kain had to babysit Zero, he couldn't get sick. Born Vampire here, duh, it had its benefits he reflected.

Sadly, that didn't mean that he couldn't die from exhaustion or couldn't get hungry.

The fever ravings of Zero had given him a headache. Since the Hunter was a turned Vampire, he still could occasionally catch a virus and so, especially when weakened like he was from the fight with the Kuran Pure Blood, Rido Sama. Exactly that had happened here, he had caught a cold. A bad one at that and now Kain had the joy to take care of him.

As he found out, Zero was persistent if anything and he didn't give up no matter what the odds.

One would mind since Hanabusa was the ice wielder here that he would have been chosen for the job, but no Kain was. As their leader had put it, Kain was the responsible of the cousin duo and so, Kain had to watch Zero Kun in the end… he hated it. It wasn't that he exactly disliked Zero. Not at all to be blatantly honest. The Hunter wasn't the problem here, Kain's leader was.

Zero had no choice in his life before and now too, he had none. Kaname san had made a weapon out of Zero and had used him, just like he did it with the others and Kain too. Luckily for Zero, Kaname valued Zero enough to protect him now. Even if that meant that, the Kiriyuu had now to grudgingly accept Kain as his jailer for the time being.

Kaname Sama wanted to keep his weapon.

Kain could understand that. Idly he wondered how much their pure blood leader did underestimate the silver haired Hunter all the time. Zero had stunned them all and that was something none of the Vampire Nobles could wrap their heads around. The power that the Hunter wielded was enormous! Moreover, as it had turned out, it was even enough to kill a Pure Blood Vampire if needed.

Once again, Kain mused how strong the Kiriyuu truly was.

A scary thought.

Even for Kain.

Although he was leveled as a D class vampire now, Zero was a Noble in power levels surely. If he kept up growing in power, what wasn't so far from the hook, then he could become a real danger in no time at all. No matter what the others thought, including his cousin Aido, Zero wasn't harmless and he could take them all down in a matter of hours if he set his mind to it. Kain realized that fact all too clearly. Keen blue eyes gave the sick Zero a short once over. So far, if he wasn't mistaken, Zero had consumed the blood of Shizuka Sama, Rido Sama, Kaname Sama and Yuuki Sama too, if Kain was correct. That made it four Pure Bloods that had given him their powerfully blood.

He snorted.

Four Fucking Pure Bloods!

For heavens sake, one normally was already enough to boost the power of a Vampire to new proportions. Thus that, Zero had consumed his brother before the battle and was now whole. And the others still thought him as a harmless level C or D class Vampire? Another snort escaped Kain before he unfurled his long legs and stood up slowly and carefully to not to wake Zero up again. His senses were still sharp, despising his weak and sick state.

Watching the Hunter for a moment, Kain pushed his hands into the pockets of his trousers and went out to get himself water for a blood tabled. He was thirsty.

Thankfully, the majority of the human student body was home now. Therefore, no Kya Kya screams did unnerve Kain when he walked down the corridor to the bathroom to get himself some water. That was more Aido's thing anyways. Kain hated his cousin for that. He preferred his peace all the time to the loud screams of their fan girls. Looking out of the window of the bathroom Kain watched the glowing windows of Cross san's rooms across the male part of the Sun Dormitories until his tabled had dissolved in the water. He consumed the glass contents mechanically while still musing over Zero.

Zero was one of the very few that nearly matched him in height at the school and beyond.

He was still growing from what Akasuki could tell, not fully filled out now and too slender still. He wouldn't be for much longer Kain contemplated. The boy was growing up right now. He would become stronger, get more bulk on his bones and would soon be a full-fletched adult. Kain, he was already fully-grown. How much would that change Zero, Kain mulled in silence. If he were right in his thoughts, then the Kiriyuu would become a formidable treat to all Vampires if he were not restricted somehow soon in the near future.

That was unacceptable.

Kain reflected lazily on what he did know about the situation at hand.

With the president gone, the next most powerful hunter in line for the job had to be Zero or Cross san. Yagari san too was an option. The number one hunter was strong enough to be more than a formidable treat but in addition, old like Cross san for the future. So, where did that lead Kain in the end? Zero, of course. The scion of a priced Hunter line. The only heir to the Kiriyuu clan. The one who killed Rido Kuran and from the rumors of it, Shizuka too …though, Kain had his doubts with that information.

The most powerful Vampire Hunter that there was at the moment was unquestionably Zero.

Absentminded he refilled his glass and put a second tabled into it. Kain was sure that the Hunter council would try to mold Zero now and then set him in charge. That was something that could never be permitted to happen! Too big were the risks that would arise from Zero being in charge for his kind. He would be the begin of a new Era, if they let him become the next president.

Unacceptable!

However, what, Kain mused in silence whilst drinking the second glass, what if he could be swayed to the Vampire side?

Promptly Kain choked on his drink.

Tempting.

That was what it was, alluring. The thought alone had its merits. With such a value as Zero had it, the possibilities were endless. Kain was sure his brother wouldn't be half as miffed at Zero as he was now if the Hunter brat would forget his loyalties and turn over to their side. Rather the contrary would his cousin do, Kain was sure about that. Kaname had used Zero as Yuuki's shield…the thought kept circling in Kain's head for a while.

Zero loved Yuuki that was a fact. He set down his glass to refill it a third time.

No matter how much he told the opposite, Zero loved her. Clear and simple. Kain carried the glass back to the room were Zero was in. staring down at the teen Kain concentrated on that stray thought and followed it. Could that be used? His hand ruffled through his blond hair. Sitting down on the chair near the bed, Kain continued to stare at the recovering Hunter wishing silently for Zero to reopen his gorgeous eyes.

He wasn't certain, maybe, Kain thought.

Honestly told, Kain was certain that Zero's love for Yuuki wouldn't be enough to sway Zero from his duty to the Hunters.

He had the inkling that the teen needed more as only duty to keep holding on a path and more so, to switch sides. Putting his chin into his hand Kain tried to figure out what made Zero tick. Why had he never mused about Zero before? Kain wasn't certain but he suspected that his and the other Nobles inability to see the teen as a treat or a possible ally before had lead them all straight to their current dilemma in the now.

Kain was convinced that the other Nobles had also never considered Zero in actual fact as such a big treat that he had turned out to be.

They had only seen his dilemma with slowly falling into level E and the leash the Hunter society had put on Zero and had felt too safe around the Kiriyuu.

Now, Kain was sure that that had changed. Also, his devotion to Yuuki had made clear to them all to what extents the silver haired Heir of the Kiriyuu clan would go to safe her if needed. That fact alone had already made obvious that one had to count him in all the time when Yuuki was included.

So, what made Kiriyuu Zero tick?

Kain scratched his head.

Maybe he should better ask what Zero needed? Missing? On the other hand, perhaps he could use something against Zero that the boy didn't even know about now that he desired it? Another groan left Kain's lips. Damnit! Hanabusa was the genius here and not he! Kain began to fiddle with his sleeves whilst staring off into nothing.

From what Kain did know Zero had lost all of his family. He did understand that the boy considered Yuuki as a sister, possible love interest and the chairman as a father replacement not matter how much he ignored Cross san's wishes to call him father al the time.

He hated Vampires because of Shizuka and her turning him and killing his family.

When needed, Zero was loyal, valiant and if required he could even be polite. He was an excellent Hunter and warrior, sharp and hard to read, even from Kain, who was observant to a fault. Emotionally the teen was a wreck. There was no denying it. It was the doing of his kin that was responsible for that only liability of Zero.

Zero possibly wanted the most what he never had to begin with. Or better said what he had lost.

A family he could care for and keep. True acceptance and respect. A place in this world and a position that did suit him. Simple things, really, if you looked at it as Kain did it right now. But, oh so much more, when Zero was taken in consideration. For the Hunter, all these little things and goals had to weight a lot more as a responsibility that was drilled into him since his childhood.

Especially when it was such a hollow sense of duty, like Zero's.

Now looking back to Zero, Kain suddenly realized that the two of them had much in common.

Both preferred calm and were flexible thinkers by heart. Both were observant and took an effort to detail and both of them almost never missed anything when perceiving something. His eyes widened for a second when Kain realized it suddenly that both of them too were warriors at heart.

And both had another thing in common. He heaved a heavy sigh.

Both were hopelessly in love with a woman that already loved someone else.

Rubbing his face again, Kain cursed under his breath.

Ruka, he did realize, would never love him back. Even if she ever stopped to pine after Kaname in the future, her heart would be too injured to see Kain for what he was. Kain let another sigh escape and stared up at the ceiling. In the late, he had seen Maria Kurenei look at Zero. The petite Noble was younger then they both and had now a promising future. Kain had often seen her visit the school secretly and stare at Zero from out of a safe distance…maybe he could use that?

If Zero knew about it, he never showed or told a soul.

The Vampire did bet that Zero didn't. Maybe…

Closing his eyes Kain slouched in the narrow chair. Where were his thoughts leading him here? His arms swung back and fort at his sides the fingertips brushing over the carpet constantly. Too long were the arms already, the fingers easily touched the ground when he let them hang at this angle.

What was his mind up to? Kain wasn't certain of his own train of thought here.

Steadying himself in the chair his gaze went back to Zero.

He was attractive for sure. As unruffled as Kain appeared for most of the times, inside of his mind he was constantly thinking over something or the other. Wild sempei had his name not for nothing although, not for the reasons which the pitiful human girls here at the school thought it to be.

His nickname came from his family in origin.

For his sometimes volatile nature and his deep and thoughtful mind. Outward Kain could be as cool as the winter but inward he was constantly smoldering away. Emotions run often amok inside of him and habitually only his eyes gave his true state of mind away to the observant onlooker.

He thought that his power over fire was befitting him from A to T if one took the time to mull about it.

Kain did know his mind and will, had always done so and tolerated no idiots or fools who thought that they could tame him in a way of speaking. He looked at Zero again. The last was also all too true for the Kiriyuu too. He too was a sleeping volcano on the inside. Kain did bet his life that Zero would be a passionate lover and devoted partner to whomever had the luck to catch him in the future. For a man, as Zero was promising to become in the near future, for such a man there were no halfhearted decisions or others as the one that he would chose. There would never be a lover to another as the partner that Zero chose to be with.

The same was it for Kain.

Moreover, as tempted as Kain was, he wanted children in the future to raise them for his family.

So, where did that leave him?

With a problem as it looked. He put his head between his hands and held his ears closed. The sudden silence was deafening. It helped him to focus again.

His mind trailed back to Maria Kurenei and her yearning looks directed at Zero.

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully Kain let his mind wander again.

It wasn't unheard of. Fact was Kain did know at least about ten of such arrangements under the Noble lines. And all of them worked brilliantly out for all parties involved. Another of his considering looks went over the unresponsive Zero. Honestly told, he found the teen already attractive, alluring even. He had exactly that kind of inner fire that Kain needed in a potential partner and Zero certainly could hold up against Kain if needed.

On the contrary, Zero could be like Kain and calm down enough to analyze a situation to act then accordingly. Cold and heat, all together if needed in one package. It was an attractive bait for Kain.

And Maria?

A good bloodline. Healed from Shizuka as she was now, her chances of a good match had risen considerably in the past months. She was… suitable for Kain's rank and class as well as her temper was it. Beautiful in a petite sense and nothing like Ruka Souen. Neither in appearance nor bearing. She was more playful and of course, younger. Although not as petite as Yuuki Sama or better told, not enough. He nodded into his hand that held his chin while the arm belonging to it was probed up on one knee. Enough dissimilarity to not remind too much on both of the other woman and still enough likeness to make a divergence that was becoming.

With enough time give the young lady would grow into a stunning woman, Kain had no doubt,

She was a relative to the late Shizuka after all. His grin was sensual and dangerous at the same time. Looking at Zero, he noticed that the teen had somehow managed it to get out of his blanket while his thoughts had taken Kain away from the reality for a while. After admiring the lean muscles of Zero's chest for a moment, he stood. Kain tucked the boy back in and sat down on the chair again.

Inside of his crafty brain was a plan already forming.

Flapping his cell phone open Kain called his family and requested a bigger van to transport Zero and after making a few arrangements with his father he clapped, it closed again to stare down at Zero again for some minutes before he opened it again to dial a number.

"Good evening Mr. Kurenei, Akasuki Kain speaking. Is your daughter Maria in the near and at home? I would like to speak with her if that is creation no problems? Yes, I will certainly wait, Sir."

A few minutes ticked by, then Maria's voice greeted the tall heir of the Akasuki Line.

"Hello back. Marias san, I call you out of a certain point. I would like to suggest an alliance with you if you are willing to listen. It matters a certain Hunter that we both have an eye on, Kiriyuu Zero Kun."

On the other end of the line was silence for a while then a barely uttered affirmation was hearable. It made Kain's lips curl upwards in a decidedly scary manner that would have made his cousin wary. If he had seen it that is, what he did not.

"What offer I have? Simple. We both want him, am I correct?" On the other end of the conversation, another confirmation was muttered. He nodded slowly at that, his grin widening.

"Am I correct that your family, like mine, will not allow you to bond fully with the Kiriyuu only? Out of family obligations?" Again, a faint yes was heard. He nodded. Kain had already thought as much. Nobles had duties to fulfill to their family lines. Never taking his eyes from the sleeping Zero Kain addressed the female Vampire on the other end of the phone line again.

"Than would you maybe consider my proposal instead?" He could tell that the speakers had been turned on. Kain could hear her parents rummage around in the background faintly. His grin widened. Seemingly, he had their attention, as expected. His unwillingness to take a mate was widely known and his preferences too.

"I would like to propose a three way partnership to you. Consisting of Kiriyuu Zero, you and me in a full mating bond." His look went down meanwhile he spoke and one hand shortly caressed softly the left side of Zero's sweaty face. "If you find him and me as partners to your liking for you, that is?"

For a minute, there was nothing to hear on the other end then the sudden gasps of her parents in the background made it known to Kain that he had hit the jackpot just as he had expected it.

The firm yes coming from the heiress of Shizuka Sama was enough to seal the alliance.

"Then I would propose that we file out together the details later. I will bring him now to my family estate. He is weakened from the fight with Kuran Rido and has gotten sick to boot. You are welcome to come with your family there so we can talk out the facts. Oh, and don't be alarmed, he will not be there freely for now. It will take us some work to get him to agree to this. But between us and our families I have no doubt that we will get through to him in time." With that, he ended the conversation to help the silent servants of his house to pack up the teen and his meager belongings and to move him secretly out of the school.

When Cross later checked on the pair, both were long gone already.

Destination unknown.

Suryallee