Chapter One

Zero Kiryu POV

The sweet smell of chocolate seems closer than it did before. It was coming in the direction just behind me. I don't bother to turn around because I know exactly where the smell is coming from. "Zero?" I hear his tender voice and feel his arms circle around my neck. "Mmhm?" I smile taking hold of the hands around me and bringing them around. "You smell delicious Ichiru." I say and bring his body closer to mine. He giggles a bit but allows me to pull him as close as I want. I take a whiff of his silver hair that's exactly like mine and close my eyes at the overpowering smell of chocolate. Ichiru always smells like sweets but occasionally he'd surprise me with chocolate.

"Zero really likes the smell of chocolate doesn't he?" I don't bother answering; I just continue to hold onto him tightly. "Zero, Ichiru, dinner's ready." Our mother calls from the kitchen. "Shall we?" Ichiru whispers and kisses my forehead. I smile and let go of his body and quickly follow him into the kitchen. Mom has already set the table and dad is already seated reading a news article of some sorts. "We made your favorite Zero." Ichiru beams when I'm seated. He's so childish. "It looks great, Ichiru." I say and take a mouthful of food.

"How is it?" he asks peering over at me.

"Delicious as always." I say with a smile and he blushes.

I stand at the doorway of Ichiru's bedroom while mother tucks him in. She knows he'll end up in my bed but still, just like every night, she tucks him in. She gets up from her position on his bed and walks to me, "good night Zero," she says knowingly and kisses me on my forehead. I smile looking away from Ichiru but quickly turn my attention back when I feel his hands on my cheeks. "Zero…why do you look so sad?" he asks in his soft voice that breaks my heart. "I'm not sad," I say quickly but I already know he knows I'm lying. He doesn't question me further; instead he takes me by the hand and leads me to my room.

I stand quietly at the edge of my bed as he crawls into his usual spot. I don't say anything when he faces me with questioning eyes. "Zero?" he pouts and reaches out for me. I hesitate for a second but slowly crawl into his waiting arms. "I'm fine Zero. Don't make that scary expression, it only hurts more." At his words I twist out of his embrace and put my hands on his cheeks. They're hot and red and sweat is beginning to form on his head making the loose strands of hair stick to his forehead. "Ichiru!" I say in a panic but he places his hands on mine and pulls me closer so that our foreheads touch and his eyes are gazing into mine. "Do you love me?" he whispers hotly against my face. I move closer and drop my head on his shoulder. "Of course I do, Ichiru."

I watch him sleep. His fragile figure curled into a ball and the shallow breaths he takes. I watch his hair in the moonlight and how his cheeks are still red maybe even redder. "Ichiru…" I say and reach out to stroke his face. His skin is just as hot as before. He's still sweating but not as much as before. I want to protect this boy. I don't realize I'm crying until a tear drop hits his cheek and cascades down his neck and soak into the mattress. Ichiru is undisturbed by my tears dropping on his cheeks and it only makes me cry harder. "Ichiru." I whisper and pull his body close to mine.