Zero and Kaname had been together for three years. They would be graduating from Cross Academy in a few weeks time. Zero was going to work at the Association and Kaname would be close by, after all they were going to live together. It was all just perfect. Then he left and Zero couldn't figure out what he had done wrong to make Kaname leave…
No lemons, just gore and language… enjoy!
Beyond My Reach
Zero sat staring out the window. It was fitting that it should be raining today, the day that he lost it all. How nice of the weather to coordinate with his mood. The Hunter looked down at the letter in his hand and read it again, it must have been the hundredth time already. And just as every other time he had read it Zero couldn't find the explanation he wanted in the perfectly written words. There was nothing but a very formal good-bye. What hurt the most was that Kaname hadn't even said good-bye in person. Do I really mean so little to him that he just left a note? Did he just use me? Zero fought back tears. He felt so stupid!
He had been going out with Kaname since the middle of their freshman year at Cross Academy. They were even roommates now and had plans for after they graduated. Since they both already worked for the Association they would have gone to work together full time after school. Now it seemed Kaname had never been serious about it all. Can't really blame him… I'm just a Level E. What would a Pureblood ever seriously want with me? I'm the lowest there is… Zero closed his lilac eyes and tried not to think about all the kisses and caresses they had shared. It meant nothing to him… and I just followed him blindly. I should have seen this coming. How did I miss it? Everything seemed wrong at the moment. Just that morning he had been happy his life had been perfect and now it lay in ruins. The mirror of love had shattered and Zero was left to pick up all the sharp pieces.
Kaname sat in the back of the limousine biting his lip. The rain drummed on the windows as the Pureblood left Cross Academy. He really wished he could have stayed but that would have put Zero in danger. It was just best if he left. Right? I did this to help Zero not hurt him! I couldn't bear to lose him if he became a target… This IS for the best. Kaname had to keep telling himself that. He had analyzed every other option and this was the only one that would give Zero freedom. He didn't want to lock his boyfriend away like a bird. Even though he would be safe Kaname knew that Zero would not be happy. The young Hunter enjoyed going on missions and doing other things that would be impossible if he and Kaname were really going to live together. And the Pureblood was angry with himself for only seeing this recently.
It had been at the last council meeting that he had realized what it would mean if Zero and he were to move in together. Zero would become a target for manipulation. There were many Vampires out there that wanted Kaname either out of the way or under their thumbs and that left Zero in a dangerous position. It always had but recently the stakes had just been raised because Kaname was now taking full reign over the Vampire world. "Don't hate me Zero. I did this for you." Kaname whispered as a silent tear slid down his face.
It was business as usual the next day. Friday was Zero's day off from school and he always went in to the Association. Zero got ready for work just like he normally did; even though he didn't sleep. He had to pretend to everyone else that this wasn't a big deal. If Kaname had really left then it was apparent that he had no say in the matter and he had to make the best of this all. It would be stupid to just give up and curl into a ball just because Kaname left. Zero knew he had to continue on… after all time could heal wounds right? So all he had to do was keep living and he'd get past this. After all he had forever to live…
The Association was nearly empty when the young Hunter arrived. "My aren't we early today?" a sand haired Hunter called to Zero.
"Ya. Thought I'd change it up. Did it work Kaito?" Zero put on a fake grin.
"Hmm… or are ya early cause you stayed up last night and ran out of things to do?" Kaito laughed.
"Pulling all nighters suck." Zero figured it'd be easiest to pretend he'd done it on purpose.
"Working on reports?" Kaito quirked an eyebrow.
"You know it."
"Ya. We're alike I always leave mine till the last minute." Kaito gave Zero's shoulder a light punch.
"It's what the best of us do. Right?" Zero smiled and walked off to his office. Acting happy wasn't so hard… maybe this would be easier then he thought.
Zero took a seat and started his laptop up. He really did have reports he had to finish and since he was in early he might as well get them done. So he started typing away on them. He'd been at it for over an hour when Yagari came in. "Whoa. Here already?" He was quite stunned to see Zero here so early.
"You missed it. I got here at eight."
"No way." Yagari walked fully into the office and sat in the chair opposite Zero's desk.
"Yup. Thought I might as well get some work done." Zero shrugged, saved his document, then looked at his old teacher. He had completed his training three years ago when he'd taken a full time job at the Association. The silver haired man noticed the folders in Yagari's hands. "What chya got there?" Zero jerked his chin toward the folders.
"Some new assignments. Thought I'd give you some real work." Yagari grinned and his one good eye sparkled with excitement. "We need a den of Level Es disposed of and I thought you and Kuran would like to take it on." Zero tried not to visibly flinch at the mention of his lover. Ex-Lover actually. Zero thought bitterly. He didn't feel like explaining to Yagari so he simply put on his fake smile.
"Sure. I'd love to take it!"
And so started Zero's streak for taking the suicide missions.
The Bloody Rose fired three times. Taking a Level E down each time. Red hot pain seared through Zero's body as talons tore apart his back ripping flesh from bone. Snarling Zero spun and fired again. Another E was turned to dust. Cackling warned Zero of his next attacker so he was able to bring his arm up in time to block his throat from what would have been a deadly attack. He threw the deranged Vampire off him and kicked it in the neck causing it to spit up blood for a minute before Zero brought his foot down to crush it's skull. More pain ripped through his body as a female Vampire clawed his side. Baring his fangs Zero brought the Bloody Rose up and shot a hole clear through her head. "You kill your own?" An E called as it stood in front of Zero with its glowing eyes and taloned hands. It was that last of the pack.
"Only the ones that taint the name of Vampires." Zero said raising his gun.
"But you are no better." It cackled and accepted the bullet willingly.
The Hunter stood panting in the middle of the blood stained and ash covered room. Twenty three Es had just been killed and it was something that made Zero slightly happy. But what irked him was the only pain left in his body was his burning throat as he lusted for blood. The wounds had healed leaving him with torn and bloody clothes. A side effect of being Kaname's lover and drinking his blood was that it had altered his genetics and he healed faster than Level E Vampires. Sometimes Zero wished that wasn't true because he would have been long dead by now. Sighing Zero reached into his jacket and pulled out his Blood Tablets. Gritting his teeth Zero swallowed a few and resisted the urge to throw up.
This was how it had been for a year and a half. Blood Tablets were his source of food even thought they made him feel utterly sick. Without Kaname he had no one willing to give him blood regularly so he had to deal on his own. It would only be a few hours till he felt better and he had learned to cope with the nausea.
Zero raced through the silent woods after the Vampire he was Hunting. It should have been so easy to kill it. But for some reason he didn't have the Bloody Rose. But Zero had to finish this mission. Suddenly the E was in front of him and they collided. As they rolled about each fought for dominance and control over the other. Zero snarled at thrashed out of the E's grip. This wasn't as easy as it normally was he was moving slower. He saw the taloned hand swing toward his face but he was unable to dodge it in time. It felt like everything was in slow motion.
Searing pain raced through Zero's veins as a chunk of his cheek was torn from his face and blood poured out. "Fuck!" Zero slammed his fist into the face of the E again and again. But the Vampire seemed unaffected. Fear was now pumping through Zero as he realized he might not win this fight. Then something blurred overhead and knocked the E off him. Zero scrambled to his feet in time to see the E fall to dust. Then Zero took in the sight of his savior. "Kaname." His heart beat fast and it hurt at the same time. He wanted to cry but knew that it would be dumb. He shouldn't be so happy to see Kaname. He should be angry… but the only thing that he could do was smile.
"Zero." Kaname's voice sounded so amazing to Zero's ears. "You're hurt…" Kaname was at his side in a second and lowering him to a sitting position. "Drink… please." Kaname held Zero's mouth close to his neck. The ex-human couldn't resist the allure of the pure Vampire blood. Besides he had missed this for so long.
"Thank you." Zero licked Kaname's neck first before slowly sinking his fangs in. He felt Kaname's arms tighten around him and Zero griped his lover closer. After only a few deep swallows Zero pulled back.
"If you need more take it Zero." Kaname stroked silver hair.
"No I'm fine." Zero smiled and touched the side of his face to find it completely healed. "Where have you been?" Zero griped the front of Kaname's shirt and pulled him close so he could rest his forehead on Kaname's shoulder.
"I've been around…" Kaname's arms held Zero to his chest.
"Why have you avoided me?" Zero felt the tears prick his eyes.
"It's what was best for you. I did not want any harm to come of you. I wanted you to be safe and I realize now that my choice only hurt us." Kaname's lips ghosted over Zero's neck and up to his ear where he whispered. "I've missed you. And I'm not going to leave ever again. I love you Zero."
"I love you too Kaname." Tears spilled down Zero's cheeks as he leaned up and kissed Kaname. He was happy he had Kaname back. "I knew you hadn't really left me. I knew you'd be back soon." Zero smiled.
A buzzing filled the clearing and the image melted away. Zero's eyes flew open to stare at the ceiling of his bedroom. His heart beat fast and tears flowed from his eyes again. "FUUUUUCK!" Zero pounded his fists into the mattress and thrashed about. "IT WAS A FUCKING DREAM!" Zero's heart hurt so he took it out on his alarm clock and hurled it across the room where it exploded into tiny pieces against the wall. He wanted to curl into a ball and die. He didn't care who he left behind.
That was the last time Zero slept through the night…
The two lay curled around each other on Kaname's bed. It was almost dawn but neither was asleep. Kaname ran his hand over Zero' bares back relishing the smooth feel of his skin. The Hunter shivered at the contact and moved closer to his lover. His head rested on Kaname's chest and listened to the slow steady beat of his heart. Zero leaned up and kissed Kaname's neck lightly. "I love you." He whispered against the pale skin.
"I love you too Zero." Kaname said back in his absolutely sexy voice. Zero smiled up at his lover then he kissed him full on the lip. He felt his heart warm at the fact that he was loved by this absolutely perfect being. As long as he had Kaname then nothing could go wrong.
"Zero you look horrible." Yagari said leaning over the desk to look at Zero.
"I'm fine. Just a bit tired." Zero looked up from his computer screen to see the concern flash in Yagari's eyes. Everyone had figured out that Kaname had left Zero and it had been immediately clear that Zero was not taking it well. Although it had taken people at the Association nearly a year to make the connection because Zero had done such a good job hiding it.
"When was the last time you slept?" Yagari had already guessed that Zero didn't sleep very often. But he had been unable to report it and make a medical examination prudent because Zero's sleeping and eating habit were not affecting his work.
"You sound like my father." Zero rolled his eyes and tried to avoid the question because he didn't want to tell Yagari that he couldn't remember the last time he slept.
"Zero." Yagari growled. "Answer my question."
"Last night." Zero lied.
"Are you telling me the truth? Look me in the eye and tell me again." Yagari had a sick feeling that Zero was lying. It had hurt to see Zero slowly decline. He'd lost weight and it didn't seem healthy because he was already a thin boy and now he was bordering on emaciated.
Zero looked Yagari straight in his good eye and said, "I slept last night." His expression was earnest after all he'd had nearly two years practice of telling lies to people and making it convincing.
"Okay. You'd better take better care of yourself." Yagari straightened.
"I'm doing fine. It's not interfering with my missions so I don't see why you care." Zero said. It was the same excuse he gave time and again.
"I don't know how you're still alive. You take solo missions that are meant for at least five Hunters." Yagari had to admit he respected Zero for being able to take such missions and be successful. But it was bordering on an almost obsessive thing. Every other day Zero was out. It was almost as if he wanted to get himself killed…
"What the fuck Zero!" Kaito leapt out of his chair when Zero walked in. His silver haired was matted and bloody. A long gash on his face was half healed. The band tee he had been wearing was nothing but bloody shreds. The tight jeans Zero always wore were covered in bloody gore and torn in a few places. Kaito's eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Chill. I'm fine. Sorry I'm late for the meeting. There were fourteen Es instead of the reported six." Zero took a seat at the half filled conference table. Yagari shook his head. How it was that Zero wasn't dead was a wonder to him. But he was thankful.
"Maybe you should have showered before you came." Kaito pointed out.
"It would have made me even later." Zero countered.
"Zero go shower. We can finish the meeting without you. I'll update you later. And Kaito go with him." Yagari said looking to both of the boys.
"Fine." Kaito nodded. Zero growled before storming out of the room. "Yo Zero wait up." Kaito had to jog to keep up with the angry Vampire.
"You can go slack off. I can shower on my own. I won't drown myself." Zero said sarcastically. He hated when Yagari treated him like a child. Honestly what was the point of sending Kaito with him?
"Zero, can we talk first?" Kaito wanted to talk to Zero about how he'd been acting lately. It was clear that Zero wasn't sleeping at all and the missions he took lately were even worse than before.
"Kaito do me a favor." Zero stopped and looked Kaito dead in the eyes. "Fuck off."
"Why should I?" Kaito wasn't too surprised by Zero's words.
"Because I don't want to talk. Everyone should get that. I'm never going to want to talk about it okay. So please it's my life I can fuck it up how I want."
"But Zero… you're going to get yourself killed." Kaito's eyes were burning with so many unsaid things.
"I'm fine with that."
"You know we're all concerned for you. Yagari is torn up about this and you're acting like no one gives a fuck!"
"Don't waste your time caring for me." Zero started walking again.
"You're acting like a child!"
"Fine. Whatever. If I'm going to get myself killed then let me do it." Zero kept walking and Kaito just watched him. He didn't know what else to say. It was quite clear that Zero didn't give a shit about his life anymore. He was done with living and Kaito was afraid his best friend would die.
Zero lay in bed staring at the patterns the moon made on the walls of his room. It had happened again today. Zero had recognized Kaname's aura in the Association and had gone to find him but of course he was already gone when Zero got to Yagari's office. It still hurt as much as the first time it happened. To know that Kaname had been so close and he'd missed him… it made Zero ach all over. It had been two and a half years since he'd last seen Kaname. The Pureblood had done a very good job of cutting himself out of Zero's life. He had said it was best for Zero but the Hunter had given up on that idea years ago. He'd been reading articles about how successful Kaname was and what he was doing and every time he'd see the Pureblood's name his heart would throb. It was almost pitiful to Zero how attached he'd been to Kaname.
Zero curled up into a ball as he remembered the first time he'd run to find Kaname at the Association. It'd been only a few months after he'd left.
::Zero picked up Kaname's scent and easily pin pointed his location. The young Hunter sprinted off toward Kaname. Zero skidded into Yagari's office a minute later. The Hunter looked up in surprise. "Where's Kaname?" Zero asked with wide eyes.
"He just left. Why?" But Yagari didn't get an answer because Zero took off again. His heart beat with anticipation. He hoped that he'd be able to see Kaname. It'd hurt so much not to see him every day. And now he was going to see him.
Zero sprinted out of the Association building onto the bustling street. His head swung left then right looking for Kaname. But the only thing he saw was a mass of unfamiliar faces. It was painful to think that he'd been so close to Kaname and yet he'd lost him… did Kaname really not want to see him?::
Stupid. That's what he was. Zero hated that he still thought Kaname would come back to him. A Level E. Ya like a Pureblood would ever really love an E. Get over it you're nothing to him… you never were. Zero tugged at his hair. His inner voice was so cruel sometimes… then again Zero had become quite the masochist. Taking the mission he knew would get him hurt. Skipping sleep. Not eating human food even though his body craved it. Taking the Blood Tablets even though they made him sick. The pain helped keep his thought away from where they kept trying to go. Kaname had fallen beyond his reach and Zero had to live without the only person he had ever given his heart too.
Zero walked through the cemetery and he felt the Es all around him and was waiting for them to attack first. Finally one leapt out of a tree and tackled him to the ground. Zero felt a rib break from the impact but he relished the pain and rolled using their momentum to come up onto of the E so he could shoot and turn the thing to ash. When Zero stood he went into immediate battle with three Es. Talons lacerated skin and Zero hissed as his blood fled his body. Throwing an arm up Zero blocked another blow and kicked an E in the chest. He fired The Bloody Rose twice, killing two Es. Another one came at him. Zero smashed the barrel into a new attacker's skull four times. Gore covered his sleeve and face as he shot the dying Vampire. Another E leapt at him and forced the Hunter backwards where he tripped over a tombstone and fell. His head grazed stone and bled for a few seconds before starting to heal. The E was on top of him in a second. Zero thrashed trying to free himself but it tore at him causing deep gouges to appear all over Zero's upper body. Finally Zero got his hand up and gripped the Vampire's throat tight enough to crush its windpipe. It continued to scratch at Zero as it suffocated and turned to ash. Zero's chest rose and fell rapidly from the exertion of the battle. Sitting up he popped a few Blood Tablets. He felt himself trying to vomit but Zero suppressed the urges and stood. As always his outfit was completely ruined with blood and gore.
"There you are…" Kaname looked up from his work when he heard Zero.
"Hello my love." Kaname smiled brilliantly at his boyfriend.
"Hey." Zero took a seat on Kaname's lap and brushed their lips together. "What chya working on?"
"Just a review for the Association." Kaname's hands came to rest on Zero's waist.
"Oh… is it urgent or do I have permission to distract you for a bit… I've missed you." Zero kissed along Kaname's jaw.
"I've been gone for three days and you missed me?" Kaname just wanted to hear Zero say that he missed him again. It made the Pureblood's heart beat with pure love.
"Of course. I miss you every time you have to go attend to business and I get stuck at school." Zero pulled back and smiled.
"Well then how about you show me how much you missed me." Zero liked the way Kaname's eyes sparked with lust.
"I would love to." Zero leaned in for a fiery kiss with the love of his life.
After they had finished all official business Kaname asked the question he asked every time he came to the Association. "How has Zero been?"
"He's the same as always I suppose." Yagari said. He felt a little bud of hate every time he saw Kaname because of what he had done to Zero.
"Is he around?" Kaname was intensely curious about the one he loved. He of course kept tabs on Zero yet he hadn't faced him in years. It would be too dangerous for Zero. it had always been dangerous but now that Kaname was active in the Vampire world he had made enemies and he didn't want Zero hurt. So he kept his distance even thought it hurt.
"No he's out on a mission." Yagari had been waiting to get the normal call from Zero that he had been successful.
"Oh. He's been on a lot of missions lately hasn't he." Kaname kept his emotions out of his voice. It was quite worrisome that Zero went out of his way to go on mission entailing the death of at least five Level Es at a time. It usually wasn't normal for the Association to send one Hunter on such a job.
"Of course. He's become dedicated to his work. You might be interested to know the nature of his missions." Yagari leaned forward. It was Kuran's fault that Zero was acting the way he was so he had the right to know.
"I know." Kaname said before Yagari could even start. "He has been taking missions that should have killed him. Taking on dens of Es by himself. Yes I know Yagari-San. I am not so clueless of Zero's life as you seem to think." Kaname's tone became icy. He was offended that Yagari could think he had just dropped Zero like a useless trinket. Then again that's how you've treated him. Never seeing him and all. Kaname stopped that train of thought immediately.
"Well I suppose that's good. And I hope I'm not over stepping my bounds, but have you met up with Zero at all?"
"No. It's better for him if I do not." Kaname's features remained neutral. His mask of neutrality was something he had perfected. It was easy for him now to act as if something did not hurt him.
"And do you want to?"
"That is stepping over your bounds." Kaname's nostrils flared slightly. It was no one's concern what Kaname felt. He had locked such feeling away inside himself and shared them with no one. Zero had been the only to ever see such things and that was the way Kaname was going to keep it.
"Very well." Yagari didn't hide his frustration. "Is that all?"
"Yes." Kaname answered. "Thank you for your time Yagari-San." Kaname stood and bowed. Then he turned and walked out. He had hoped to catch a glimpse of Zero but since he was out on mission that would be impossible today. Kaname mentally kicked himself for all his decisions concerning Zero since that day. He should never have left him… but at the same time he didn't want to turn Zero into a caged bird. He wanted Zero to be happy…
Cat and mouse. That's what they had been playing for these last few years. But Zero couldn't figure out which part he was. Kaname and he had been dancing around each other. Every time he tried to find Kaname or contact him he would get so close only to have his love slip through his fingers. While Kaname always knew where Zero was. It was ironic that one was oblivious to the others presence. But they both missed each other more than words could describe.
:: "Kaname…" Zero half whined. He was tired of doing homework he just wanted Kaname to distract him right now.
"What?" Kaname looked up from some paperwork.
"I'm tired of my homework…" Zero smiled all cute at his boyfriend.
"And what do you want me to do about that?" Kaname set his pen aside and smiled widely.
"Anything you want." Zero stood up and walked over to Kaname. He leaned down and kissed Kaname deeply.
"Anything?" Kaname smiled as he broke the kiss.
"Anything." Zero said sitting on Kaname's lap and putting his arms around his neck. ::
Setting aside a completed report Zero reached for a new one and started right away. It probably would have been better for him if he just filled out the paperwork right after the mission instead of letting it sit around till Yagari started to rail on him about all the late reports. Then again Zero hated the paperwork and needed motivation to do it. And it just happened that Yagari yelling at him was the perfect motivation for him to finish them all in one night.
As the Hunter sat at his desk a familiar scent wafted into his nose. He knew who it belonged too and even though his whole body screamed at him to get up Zero remained in his seat. He had learned after the first few years that it didn't matter how fast he got there Kaname would always be gone and Zero was left hurting. So by now he'd just given up trying. He'd given up on a lot of other things…
A letter sat on Zero's desk that morning when he walked into the Association. His brow furrowed as he recognized the script that spelled out his name. In the blink of an eye Zero had ripped it open and was reading the letter from Kaname. It was asking to meet with him tonight. Zero wasn't sure how to feel… it had been three years since he had last seen Kaname. The same amount of time we were together… Zero thought absently. So why did Kaname want to see him now? Had he finally decided to come back? No. don't get your hopes up. It's probably just something to do with the Association. Why would he come back to you? He's been off doing all that he needs to do as Pureblood. Probably has everything he needs… so there's no room for you anymore. Zero let his head rest on his desk. This was so confusing…
"Zero."
The Hunter's head snapped up. "Sensei."
"Are you alright?" Yagari asked. He had noticed that Zero looked even worse as of late. The dark circles under his eyes were particularly horrible and he looked even thinner than before.
"Of course." Zero said. It wasn't even hard to lie about his health anymore, it was something close to second nature by now. He had been doing it since Kaname left and now it was just what automatically came out of his mouth.
"Zero…" Yagari leaned against Zero's desk and looked at his student. "That's a lie and it has been every time I've asked you."
"No. Really Sensei I'm fine."
"Zero, you look dead on your feet and half starved."
"You're over exaggerating." Zero rolled his eyes and slid the letter from Kaname under an old report.
"I am not. I've been worried about you for a while. Maybe you need a break from work." Yagari knew that it wasn't work that was getting to Zero but maybe a vacation would help the boy unwind.
"No I don't need a break. I need more missions. You're killing me here!" Zero joked.
"You need to finish the reports before I can give you more assignments."
"You suck." Zero said half joking.
"Well finish those up and I'll get you something that you'll enjoy."
"Thank you!" Zero smiled a genuine smile and pulled out a folder to work on.
As soon as Zero was able to leave he grabbed his jacket and Kaname's note and left. He was almost giddy. He'd be seeing Kaname in a half hour! After thinking about it all day Zero had decided to go see Kaname. For better or for worse he was going to see him. So Zero arrived at the park early and sat on the bench Kaname had promised to meet him at.
And he waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Kaname checked his watch for the fifth time that minute. This meeting was supposed to have been over an hour ago! But he couldn't leave there was important information being discussed. But he was supposed to meet Zero! Of course this would happen! The second I get enough courage to ask to see Zero and I get stuck here! Away from him! Kaname was so frustrated right now. He worked his ass of every day to keep Vampires and Humans at peace and to keep his company in working order and now the one day he actually wanted to leave on time he can't. The second he got a chance Kaname called for a five minute break. "Seiren." The short Vampire walked over at Kaname's call. He hated to have to do this. But he didn't want to completely stand Zero up. "Please go to meet Zero. Give him my apologizes and explain that I got tied up." Kaname said in a whisper.
"Of course, Kaname-Sama." She bowed and went to meet the Hunter.
Zero was checking his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. When he looked up Seiren was in front of him. "Kiryu-San." She bowed. "Kaname-Sama whishes to apologize that he is unable to meet with you. He got tied up in a meeting." She said.
"Of course. I should have guessed that he wouldn't see me. Three years and not a word from him. I should have guessed that he'd stand me up today." Zero stood. He felt anger boil in his stomach. But there was disappointment there too. He felt so stupid for actually coming.
"Kaname-Sama truly wished to see you." She looked Zero dead in the eye and he saw no lie there.
"But he couldn't even find the time to pull himself away from work to see me." Zero had to get away. He didn't want anyone to see him cry. "I should have guessed that I meant so little to him. After all what would a Pureblood want from an E other then sex?" Zero seethed as he walked off. Seiren reached out then pulled her hand back. She wasn't sure if she was allowed to impart what Kaname felt for Zero. So she closed her mouth and watched the ex-human walk off.
Seiren made her way back to Kaname's office and waited for the meeting to end. As they walked to the waiting limo Kaname asked, "How was Zero?" It still hurt like a knife wound that he had been unable to meet Zero.
"Angry. Depressed. In ill health. What else would you expect?" Seiren said in her monotone. Kaname already knew everything about Zero. He knew that the Hunter was not taking proper care of himself and that it was his fault that Zero was in such a state. But he had never seen Zero face to face since he had "left" Zero behind. Seiren had a feeling if Kaname could see Zero's current state he would go back to the Hunter in a heartbeat. Then again she assumed Kaname had always wanted to be with Zero.
"Hmm." Kaname bit the inside of his mouth. He felt sick to his stomach.
"It seems that he really did want to meet you today. After all he waited that long. And if he had not then I don't think he would have been so angry you were unable to attend." Seiren looked at the Pureblood.
"I know. I think my desire to see him is just about as strong as his to see me."
"Then ask for another meeting."
"I don't think I can." Kaname slid into the limo.
"Why not?" Seiren had been pushing Kaname to meet Zero. She always had. But today was the first time she had seen Zero in almost a year and he was much worse. The Vampire had a feeling that if Zero continued this downward spiral and addiction to suicide missions he'd slip up one day soon and it would cost him his life. And if Zero were to die then Kaname would die on the inside. He would only go on living for the sake of appearances.
"What did he say?" Kaname changed the subject.
"That he should have known you would stand him up since you have not spoken to him these three years. He went on about how absorbed in your work you were. I think you leaving him has made him doubt everything that you two ever had." No other Vampire (except Zero) would dare to be so upfront with a Pureblood. But Seiren had been Kaname's bodyguard since before Cross Academy and she knew the Pureblood like no other so she was sure that she would not be reprimanded for her words. After all she never had been in the past.
Kaname felt his heart clench. How could Zero second guess the love they had? Maybe because you left him without explaining. Maybe because you've avoided him and never shown a bit of interest since that day. "Surely not."
"Indeed. And this is directly from Zero's lips. I should have guessed that I meant so little to him. After all what would a Pureblood want from an E other then sex?" Seiren looked Kaname dead in the eyes. She was able to catch the flicker of intense pain for a split second before Kaname hid it away.
"Really. How stupid of me…" Kaname turned away from Seiren ending the conversation. He did not want to hear anymore. It was clear that Zero hated him now. Even if he wanted to meet up with the Hunter again Zero would surely decline. If only you knew how much you mean to me Zero. I never intended you to act this way. You were supposed to be angry at me and get over it and move on! Kaname bit back tears. It was not befitting a Pureblood to cry where others could see. Even though his heart was bleeding he would not cry. I love you Zero… I only wish you knew…
"Zero, I have a mission for you." Yagari dropped a folder on the desk.
"Fine." Zero didn't look up from his paper work.
"It needs to be completed tonight." That caught his attention.
"Then why wasn't I given this sooner?" Zero scowled.
"It just came in and it's urgent."
"Okay than." Zero closed the folder he had been working on and picked up the new one. He flipped through the pages and concluded that it would be fairly easy. "Looks like I've got to get going if I want to be there in time." Zero had noted he had about an hour dive ahead of him.
"Well hop to it." Yagari smiled and walked off. This mission would be a piece of cake for his student. After all only one E needed to be disposed of.
Shaking his head Zero stood and slipped on his long trench coat.
It was a short ride to the woods that the E's den was. It would have been longer if Zero had been speeding but it was a habit of Zero's to speed around on his bike. So he was there in half the time he'd originally estimated and was now walking toward the abandoned house that the E was supposed to be in.
Pulling out The Bloody rose Zero kicked in the rotting door and scanned the room. Nothing. But it was in the house. Zero sprinted to the second floor. At the end of the hall in front of a shattered window stood the crazy Vampire it cackled at the sight of Zero. The shot he fired missed as the E jumped from the window. Snarling Zero ran down the hall and jumped through the window in pursuit of the Vampire. Using his Hunter senses Zero was able to locate the fleeing Vampire and took off at top speed after it.
It only took a few minutes for the Hunter to catch up and fire a shot at the Vampire. The E spun toward Zero intending to fight but Zero simply shot at it again.
The woods were silent as Zero walked away from the pile of ash. It really had been easy. Then the wind shifted and he picked up a familiar scent. His heart thudded in his chest. Holstering The Bloody Rose Zero took off at a sprint. The silver haired Hunter skidded into a moon washed clearing.
And his heart sank.
It was empty.
But he had been here, just a few seconds ago. "Why did you leave Kaname? I just want to see you." Zero's shoulders sagged and his heart ached. It was just like every other time he had been so close yet missed him and it felt like someone had just stabbed his heart. He didn't care if Kaname didn't want to be with him anymore he just wanted to see him. To know that he was alright. That he was alive. But it hadn't happened in six years. Anger ripped through Zero and he punched a tree. The bark cracked and caved in on itself from the force.
Still fuming Zero stalked back to his bike and kicked it to life. He was angry with himself for chasing a shadow and he was upset that Kaname had remained a shadow for so long. Zero revved the engine then shot off down the road. The whole time his mind was running through reasons why his life wasn't worth living and they all seemed to lead back to a certain Pureblood. Stupid how much I relied on him. Stupid how much I still seem to rely on him. I'm like a stupid school girl who can't get over her first love. Zero gritted his teeth and tried to rationalize with ideas such as the fact that Kaname had filled the hole his dead family had left in his heart. Or the fact that Kaname had always been there and had seemingly given his love all to Zero. Then he left telling me it was better for me if he wasn't in my life. Funny how I never got a say in that. How he just assumed I would agree. Zero pushed his bike well over the speed limit. But he didn't care.
The stoplight up ahead was green for him so Zero sped on toward it. As he was approaching the deserted intersection headlights came out of nowhere. The Hunter's eyes grew wide as he realized he wasn't going to have enough time to stop and he couldn't speed up. The car collided with Zero. The Hunter's body was thrown from the bike and into the air before it collided with the asphalt and skidded to a bloody halt. He had rolled and his entire body was grazed, cut and bleeding profusely. Groaning Zero tried to move but his whole body felt like it was on fire. His vision was blurring fast. Headlights illuminated someone as they bent over him and tapped his face. The Hunter let out another groan before he blacked out.
Part 2 coming soon!