A/N: Zero here is a vampire but his need for blood isn't very well-emphasized. *sincerely apologizes* He's a bit out of character here, since he's being nice and all. Andand, Zero here IS a vampire. He does drink blood from Kaname and all, but their rather un-deep hatred towards each other is just that between a vampire and hunter, so it's not really anything to do with rival or Yuki or wtv.

If you're here and hoping for more of Yuki, I'm afraid you're in the wrong place. *dislikes Yuki* Again, sorry, I know the story's a bit messy since the POV seems to be in third person but if it does get confusing, please tell me, I'll make a mental note to be more aware of that in future.

Warning: This is Zero x Kaname. I'm sure you know that. There is implied abuse and supposedly *gulps* rape here. Sorry, but I made Ichijo the bad guy here.

Disclaimer: Yeshhh~This place is called Fanfiction for a reason. These characters do not belong to me and never will. They belong to Matsuri Hino.

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"Yes Kaname, Ichijou is coming over in two days' time to the academy to stay for a week. He told me to keep it a secret from you and make it a pleasant surprise. You will be in charge of giving him a warm welcome, Kaname," the principal happily announced, unaware of the strangely tense pureblood.

"Principal, I'm really sorry, but I believe that my former guardian will be arriving at night…yes? And along with the Night Class, I have lessons t—" Kaname was interrupted with a clap from Cross.

"Yes, and you will be excused from all your lessons. The rest of the Night Class, of course, will continue with their lessons as usual," Cross replied.

That bastard, pleasant surprise huh? He must be up to something. It was utmost unsettling and disturbing news for Kaname to hear that his former guardian was coming over for a...visit.

His screams bounced off the dungeon walls. He dropped to his knees, only to be put in a more vulnerable position with his hands being 'held' by Asato Ichijou. He tried to pull his hands away from the concrete, but Ichijou just laughed and 'pressed' harder against his wrists. Kaname threw his head back against the wall and screamed. Damn it, it hurt. His powers, he couldn't tap into them. Ichijou was too strong. All he heard was an evil sneer before he was slammed roughly backwards into the concrete. The pain and humiliation, those hands that were on him, touching him.

Kaname squeezed his eyes shut and forced himself to open them again, but not before he gave his head a slight shake. Nobody had noticed, of course. There was only the Principal, the Night Class and Zero in the room, as Day Class representative. However, Zero had noticed Kaname's tense frame and slight smile which was so obviously forced on. Why hadn't the Night Class noticed? Wasn't Kaname the Pureblood prince? There was something wrong, Zero decided. He had to find a chance to talk to Kaname later on. As the Night Class proceeded back to their Moon dorms, Zero stayed behind and waited till it was left with just him and Kaname in the office.

"Kaname, play chess with me." Zero more demanded than requested the slightly dazed pureblood.

Kaname just raised his eyebrows and sat on the opposite couch and proceeded to simply staring at Zero instead of the chessboard on the table. Zero pretended not to notice Kaname's actions and instead, focused on fiddling with the chess pieces until he finally began to shift a little uncomfortably under Kaname's persistent and yet questioning gaze. He looked up at those dark brown orbs and found himself quickly lowering his head to rest his eyes on a loose thread on his own pants.

"So?" Kaname inquired.

"What..." Zero muttered a little rudely.

"If you have nothing to say, then I'm leaving," Kaname threw out, nonchalantly, before placing his hand on the hand-rest, preparing to push himself up.

That caught Zero off guard and he blurted out, "No! Wait! Kaname, I wanted to ask…ask—"

Kaname hid a smirk demurely with the back of his left hand, already back on the couch, in exactly the same position he was in before shifting.

So he hadn't really planned on leaving, Zero thought sulkily.

"Yes? Ask what?" Kaname replied smugly, inclining his head.

Since he already fell for it, he might as well just hurry up and say it. Zero lifted his head and continued, "I wanted to ask why you gave that reaction when Cross said that Asato Ichijou was—" Zero took another breath, "coming over," he finished.

Meanwhile, Kaname had widened his eyes and Zero could almost see the gears whirring in his head, thinking of a smart answer to push the out-of-the-blue, but right-on-the-mark question.

"Don't bother lying. I want you to tell me why." Zero said firmly, not once leaving Kaname's gaze.

Kaname let out the tiniest of hiss and tried—but failed to regain his usual composure.

"Nothing, you thought too much of it," Kaname said in a clipped tone, avoiding Zero's persistent stare.

Zero had caught the movement and change of tone. "Liar," Zero snarled back, leaning forward, moving closer to Kaname's face.

Zero pulled away suddenly, once again widening the gap between the two of them. Kaname had the irresistible look on his face that clearly showed how caught off-guard he was by Zero's words. It was nice to see that face on Kaname once in a while. No, that's not what he should be thinking about now. Zero stood up to grab his jacket, before taking his usual stride to the door.

Before stepping out of the doorway, Zero turned around. Dark-coloured orbs met lilac ones. Zero said in a calmer tone, "I'll be there."

Still a little dazed, Kaname continued staring at where Zero's face had been in the doorway and his mind barely registered the three words he heard. It was just a simple three words, yet there was this strange feeling in his chest, seemingly trying to force his breath out of him. Long after Zero had left, Kaname was still on the couch, a sub-conscious faint smile on his lips.

That one smile, lit up his perfect features…

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