A/N: I know I should be writing my poor Just where is home, but due to the lack of Zeki in it, I decided to write this little story. It will probably have only two chapters, so it won't take too long. I really hope Zeki fans can enjoy this!
AU. Every character is human being.
Chapter 1: A not-so wanted encounter?
"Good bye, Ichiru. Tell Zero I'm going," the man said with a smirk, his tone holding a devilish edge that made an unpleasant shiver ran up Zero's spine. It was not just the fact that he mistook the twins again - their former father never had done it; also it was his manner, his aura, or to cut it short, his whole appearance that made him so irritated. He hated that man.
Zero missed their father so much. And he would never let anyone, especially this bastard, take his place for as long as he lived.
It was a beautiful day.
The breezes brushed through the trees, from which echoing the wordless songs of the birds, the songs that could lift our souls and made us hum along. From high above, the sun was shinning brilliantly, pouring the warm light down on the streets. On those winding roads, people are crowded. Either driving in a car or just walking on the pavement, either rich or poor, they all had a beaming smile on their faces; all look up and inwardly admired: 'Ah, what a beautiful day it is!'
Nonetheless, there seemed to be a certain teenager who was oblivious to all the beauty of that day. Lying alone on the roof of his house, head resting on his folded arms, Zero was soundly asleep. His gorgeous silver hair spread over his arms, shimmering gracefully in the sunlight like real silver. Alike his hair, his pale skin glowed with a whitish light; pale and slim as he was, Zero's strength was not to be suspected. Though still so young at the age of twelve, he already had a man's sturdy lines – wide shoulder, firm jawlines and such strong arms, results from all his hard training with his late father. However, in his disheveled state, Zero just look adorably like any other boys at his age, so young and carefree.
"Zero? Are you here?" A timid voice asked from inside the house.
Zero slowly opened his eyes, knowing all too clearly who the asker was; there was only one person who knew his secret hideout.
"What's wrong, Ichiru?" He asked, rising his head a bit to lean on the palm of his hand, elbow resting on the hard roof. His eyes watched his twin brother with indifferent inquiries.
"You know…" Ichiru fidgeted, hand ruffling his messy hair in confusion, "You should not be so angry to mother like that."
Zero sighed. How could Ichiru still be so silly as to accept such crime the mother of theirs committed?
"Listen, Ichiru. I knew you did not get along well with our father, but he's our only father. Even when he could no longer be with us," Zero paused, recalling the cheerful voice of their father during his rare furloughs, his strong arms holding them so firmly while he lifted them off with a burst of laughter: "My little boys! I'm home!"
Then Zero could not continue.
"I think our new father will be nice. I really like him," said Ichiru shyly.
"You… Why?" Shook off his ponderings, Zero yelled at his brother furiously, rage burning in his amethyst orbs, "That bastard? He did not like us, Ichiru. I heard people said he was a bad guy, that he hated children and he dated our mother only for her money. He was deceiving you and mother!"
"At least he can play with us more!" Ichiru almost shouted at his brother, his hands clenching into fists, "At least he didn't tell me I'm useless, or act as if you are the only son! You was always loved… You'll never know!"
Zero's eyes widened at his twin's words. All along and he had not known… that his other half held such strong hatred against their father. And his father… he had always loved them so deeply and treated them equally, had he not?
"I like our new father… Zero…" Ichiru finally uttered, before turning around and walking away.
Sitting on the roof, Zero was left in rage. How silly Ichiru was, to believe that varmint could actually love him. Obviously his father loved Ichiru, he was just not good at showing his emotions… It's not his fault he could not be with them more! Stupid Ichiru!
Zero suddenly stood up. He need to get away, to find some place to think. He did not know when, but the house had long before become so oppressive to him he could not breathe.
Getting out of the house surely made Zero's mood get better. Inhaling a deep breath, he felt much better. Only after getting out of the house did the boy actually realize how beautiful the day was. Basking in the warm light, he felt so fresh and calm, and Zero soon let himself forget all the distresses he felt earlier.
Nonetheless, troubles always came seeking him.
It was nearly noon; the sun was high in the sky, so Zero had a cap on to avoid being exposed to the light. And that cap was the beginning of all troubles.
"Onii-san!" A cheerful, yet somewhat teary voice sounded as Zero was suddenly hugged by a little girl from behind, her head nuzzling into the boy's back, "Finally I found you!"
Sighing, Zero turned around to look at her.
"Did you mistake me for someone else, kid?" He asked, impatiently; apparently his good mood was gone.
The girl seemed quite startled at his voice. She looked up with him, and her brown eyes widened when amethyst orbs stared back at her. Zero noted that her eyes were watery.
"I'm sorry, I was lost and I thought you were my brother. Your coat and cap are like his." The girl replied, and then quickly looked away before mumbling to herself, "How could I make such a mistake? He's way shorter than brother."
"Excuse me?" Zero asked, lifted an eyebrow at the rude remark.
"Yeah, and the grumpy attitude is different, too," the girl continued, this time did not even bother to speak lowly.
"Okay enough," the boy waved his hand impatiently, "I intended to help you look for your brother, but it seems you can do it on your own, I won't help you."
"What a relief! I don't want a suspicious stranger to go with me. There is a high chance you're a robber, kidnapper or even a murderer! You can't be trusted!" The girl said slyly, a devilish smirk grew on her lips, her eyes sparkled with a cheerful light.
"What? I'm just a boy. I can't be a murderer!" The boy said with incredulity. Seriously, what's wrong with that girl?
The smile on the little girl just widened, and somehow at that moment Zero immediately knew he was in trouble.
"Then prove it to me. Smile."
"What?" Again Zero was dumbfounded, his brow twitched in irritation. He was never the smiley type, and only few people ever saw him do that. It was not that he was not happy; he just found it more comfortable to stay indifferent and smile inwardly.
Anyway, who that girl thought she was to make such reckless command to him?
"Come on, I'm waiting. Normal people never frown and yell angrily at everyone. You know only criminals do that," The girl smiled cheerfully to demonstrate her point, "See, just like this. Though I think it may be harder for you, mister I'm-in-a-bad-mood-don't-mess-with-me. Your facial muscles must be screaming for action; I wonder how long it had been since the last time they were used," said the girl, seemingly having completely forgotten that she was crying a minute before,"a thousand years, perhaps?"
Ignoring all her sly remarks, Zero struggled with himself, wondering whether he should comply with this idiot's command. And watching the girl's curious eyes before him surely made him wonder if he was actually far from being a murderer. Was this girl pretending to be annoying or was it her gift?
"Fine." Zero's facial muscles contracted, lips curling up into something more alike a grimace than an actual smile. The girl burst into laughter at the sight, her hand moving to wipe her teary eyes, this time from laughing too hard. Zero frowned for real now, as he watched she bend up, holding her stomach while laughing hysterically.
"I'm sorry, but it was too hilarious! I truly regret making you smile; it looked even worse than ưhen you frowned." Finally stopping laughing, the girl said, straightened herself up. Then suddenly coming back to reality, the girl grabbed Zero's arm, pulling him hurriedly despite all his protest, "Alright, you passed! Now let's look for Onii-san!"