"Thank you Sir," Kaname said, giving the short, corpulent man a small bow. He placed his hat back on his head and smoothed the front of his jacket.

"Anytime Mr. Kuran. I do hope you and your lovely fiancée visit us again soon. My deepest felicitations to you and your betrothed once again." The man gave a wide smile and bowed once more. Kaname nodded and looked past the man to a young brown-haired girl in a scarlet dress. She dreamily ran a piece of lace through her fingers while staring at a mannequin dressed as a bride. It was, in fact, wearing the wedding gown she had chosen. The tailor had been making adjustments and left it out for Yuki to admire.

Kaname smiled at the longing look on her face; it would soon be hers to wear. Their wedding was in about two weeks, after the sakura trees reached full bloom.

"Yuki dear," he called softly to her. "We have to leave." Yuki glanced back at him, disappointed. She gave the dress one last longing look and handed back the sample of lace that she had chosen for her veil back to the tailor. Kaname smiled fondly and held his arm out to her. She grasped it with her small glove-covered hands and they exited the store.

"Oh, Kaname," she sighed as they walked down the street. "I wish the wedding were today! I don't think I can wait!" Kaname looked down at her sunlit face with amusement.

"Is that all your excited for? Wearing the dress? What about me?" he asked in mock outrage. Yuki blushed and looked at her feet.

"That's not what I meant," she mumbled through her chagrin. Kaname laughed and gently nudged her with her elbow.

"I was merely joking, love," he bent down slightly to whisper in her ear. "You're going to look beautiful." Yuki's blush deepened and she held Kaname's arm tighter, looking pleased. They walked in amicable silence down the streets and past the church where they were to be married. Both of their smiled grew as they saw it. Yuki suggested they take a small detour through the sakura tree park across the street from the church before returning to Yuki's house.

They strolled through the trees, talking about last minute wedding details. Yuki stopped in front of a young sakura tree with fresh buds. She leaned in and caressed one of them.

"Can you imagine how beautiful this will be when it's fully bloomed Kaname?" Kaname hummed quietly in response, already imagining Yuki walking down an isle of pink blossoms toward him. Yuki looked up at the tightly closed buds. She seemed content to gaze at the small furled spheres, so Kaname stood silently beside her, preserving the peaceful atmosphere.

He was staring into the expanse of sakura trees, imagining them in full bloom, when he heard it. A high, quavering sound that swelled around him and filled the air. An intricate melody weaved through the budding sakura trees and captivated him. Kaname froze and strained his ears for the source of the sound. It resonated through his being and he felt peace softly settle over him.

Kaname grabbed Yuki's arm and began pulling her through the trees. He blindly walked, following the sound. Yuki cried Kaname's name in alarm. Her feet caught in the roots underfoot and she tripped many times, but Kaname didn't seem to notice. He kept the same pace and sometimes even tugged her arm so she matched his stride. Then, suddenly as he had torn through the trees, Kaname stopped. Yuki crashed into him and looked at his back in confusion. She touched his shoulder, but Kaname didn't turn around. He was staring at a figure under the Sakura trees.

A tall silver-haired man in a dark suit played a violin under a sakura tree's sweeping branches. The fingers on his left hand moved rapidly as he played, pressing the strings for the notes of his beautiful song. His eyes were closed. His face was serene, as if he heard nothing but the music he was playing. Kaname watched the man's willowy form, transfixed.

"He—hello," Kaname blurted suddenly. The flow of music stopped abruptly. The clearing filled with silence for a moment before the man slowly lowered his violin and opened his eyes. Yuki gasped and Kaname felt his own eyes widen. The man's eyes looked colorless, but the sunlight that fell through the trees illuminated them, revealing a slight hint of lavender. The man blinked several times before nodding his head and murmuring a greeting in response. The quiet sound of the man's voice brought Kaname back to himself. "Sorry to disturb you," he said politely, "but I heard you playing and I—I—," Kaname stuttered, unable to put his sudden reaction into words. He took a deep breath.

"I wanted to know who it was," Kaname said, looking to the man's right. He found he could not concentrate properly while looking at his light eyes. The man continued looking steadily at him, but didn't say anything. Kaname remained silent as well and, after a moment, the man turned away to leave. Kaname didn't want the man to go, but he wasn't sure how to keep him there. "Ah—wait!" he blurted. "My name is Kaname Kuran!" Kaname looked at him, hoping he could learn his name too. The man didn't respond again, so Kaname decided to keep talking; anything to make him stay. "You play beautifully," he said in a soft voice.

The man gave him a strained smile. "Thank you," he said quietly. He checked his watch and started backing away simultaneously. "I'm sorry, I have to leave." The man turned away and walked briskly out of the clearing before Kaname could say anything else.

"Wai—," Kaname started to call out, but he let the word die on his lips when he saw the edge of the man's coat disappear among the trees. Kaname felt his shoulders droop. He looked down at Yuki. She looked up at his face with troubled eyes. "Kaname… Are you feeling alright?"

Kaname shrugged and took her hand. He led her out to the pathway and they began to walk. Yuki let go of his hand and looped her arm through his. She looked up at him again. "Ka—"

"Wasn't his playing beautiful Yuki?" Kaname looked ahead of them, but Yuki wasn't sure if he actually saw where they were.

"It was strange Kaname," she tried to say firmly. She didn't know why, but the entire experience had rubbed her the wrong way, especially Kaname's behavior now. "Why was he playing here? Don't you think it's odd Kaname?" Yuki bit her lip, hoping to see Kaname frown and tell her she was right. Instead, he did the opposite. He smiled and Yuki once again had the feeling he wasn't seeing his immediate surroundings. "It was wonderful. I don't think I've ever heard such beautiful music. I think we were very lucky to see him today." Yuki made a non-committal noise in the back of her throat, to which Kaname responded, almost angrily. "It was peaceful there. You'd play piano there too, if you could."

"I suppose…" Yuki said, slowly stroking Kaname's arm. "Kaname, what time are you coming tomorrow morning? We have to visit the bakery." Kaname started and looked down at her. "Really?" he paused. "Actually sweetheart, I won't be able to come tomorrow. I have to settle Grandpa's assets. He's becoming sicker and wants me to do it soon. I don't want to keep him waiting. You understand, don't you?" Kaname gave Yuki a smile.

She pouted and huffed. Kaname smiled wider and brushed her bangs away from her forehead. "I'm sure you and your mother can choose a design better than I. Besides, all I care about is the taste." He elbowed her gently and she let out a reluctant giggle. Kaname slipped his hand around her waist and hugged her softly. "I have to get you home, or your mother will think we've eloped." Yuki smiled and snuggled into him for a moment before pulling away. They slowly made their way through the trees back to the main road.

Even as they walked further from the clearing, Kaname's mind remained immersed in the image of the sunlit violin player. When they reached Yuki's house, Kaname kissed her cheek lightly. "I'll come by tomorrow evening. Tell your mother and father for me alright?" Yuki nodded and shut the door behind her. Kaname turned and began walking home. On an impulse, he took the longer route back home. As soon as Kaname was away from Yuki, his mind immediately went back to the violin player. The musician's heartbreakingly beautiful music flooded his mind and Kaname felt himself relax again. Kaname saw the handsome man's peaceful expression and felt an overwhelming desire to return to the clearing and bask in the player's music. He closed his eyes and listened to the music in his mind.

"Are you alright son?" a concerned looking neighbor's voice broke through his music induced reverie. Kaname cleared his throat and tried to look normal. "Yes I am Mr. Stevens. Thank you for your concern." He smiled brightly and blindly grasped for the doorknob behind him, hoping for a quick getaway. He pushed the door open behind him and tried to walk through backwards, but ended up tripping through into the dark interior. He quickly shut the door behind him and hoped Mr. Stevens wouldn't think he was losing it. Kaname shook his hands and feet, trying to shake off the strange feeling that filled him now.

After this morning's walk, Kaname decided he was ravenous and walked through the short hallway into the kitchen. He set a kettle to boil on the stove and rummaged through the cupboards until he found some bread. Kaname slapped it on a plate and sat down at the small table. He chewed on the corner of it absentmindedly while waiting for the water to boil. Kaname's thoughts became an almost incoherent jumble. The only thing that was clear in his mind was a pair of light lavender eyes. Kaname remained lost in his thoughts until a hand shook his shoulder. A groan escaped his lips and he opened his eyes slowly. He was slumped across the table and there was now weak sunlight streaming through the window, making the kitchen looking like an alien space.

"Kaname!" a female voice exclaimed, "Why did you fall asleep in here? You could have burned the house down!" So that was what had happened he thought groggily. It would explain why he felt so stiff and why everything was so dark all of a sudden. He stretched and slowly pushed himself up. As his mind began to emerge from the drowsiness, Kaname felt the last threads of a now familiar melody fade away from his consciousness. He glanced up at the figure standing over him.

"Good evening mother," he said, holding back a yawn.

"Good evening indeed! How long have you been slumped on the kitchen table in that ungraceful manner?" she asked indignantly.

"I'm not—"

"Is that all you had for lunch?" she interrupted. "A slice of bread and a tea kettle full of nothing?" She pushed him out of his chair. "Go change and I'll start dinner right away so you can get some food in you!" Kaname rumpled his hair and looked at her reproachfully. His mother glared right back and waved a wooden spoon in his face. "And if I ever see you leave something unattended in the kitchen like that again, I'll skin you head to toe!" With that last threat, she pushed Kaname out of the kitchen.

Kaname stumbled into the hallway and slowly climbed up the stairs. He reached the landing and walked across the hall to the door that was slightly ajar. He pushed it open all the way. He walked in and dropped his jacket on the floor near his bed. Being too lazy to grab his dinner jacket, he decided to go to dinner in just his shirtsleeves. Kaname gently slipped his engagement ring off his finger and put it on his desk. He looked at the small circle resting on his table for a moment contemplatively before exiting his room.

Dinner was mostly silent for Kaname. His mother asked some questions about the tailor's, but other than being directly asked, Kaname didn't volunteer any information.

"Yuki, her mother, and you are going to the bakery tomorrow, correct?" his mother inquired. Kaname almost choked on his rice, remembering his earlier excuse that wouldn't work with his mother now. He cleared his throat. "Actually mom, Yuki said I didn't need to accompany her tomorrow. I think she wants to try on her dress again and she doesn't want me to see her in it."

"Oh, alright" his mother said, "then that means you can help me with your marriage announcement for the paper tomorrow."

"I said I was meeting someone tomorrow, mom. I'm going to be out all afternoon." Kaname's mother shrugged and began talking to his father. Kaname tried to feel relieved, but all he felt was a queasy sensation in his stomach. He pushed his rice into small piles on his plate, feeling guilty about his fibbing. Kaname bit the inside of his lip and forced himself to finish his dinner. As soon as he was done, he asked to be excused. Once in the kitchen, he grabbed a glass out of the cabinet. He felt horrible lying to his parents and Yuki about his whereabouts tomorrow, but it had just slipped out. Kaname sighed and drank his water in one long draught.

Kaname woke early the next morning, excited by the excursion he was going to take. He pulled clothes out of his closet at random and hoped they matched. In his hurry, Kaname forgot to slip on the small silver ring on his desk. He rushed out of his room, down the stairs, and into the kitchen for breakfast. Kaname ate whatever he found and almost ran into the hallway. He pulled on his shoes, straightened his coat, and was prepared to step into the world when he realized how light the sky was. Kaname checked his watch. His excitement deflated. It was only 8:30 in the morning. The violin player probably wouldn't be there. After all, he must have other obligations to fulfill during the day.

Kaname sighed and closed the door. He slowly made his way back to his room and just refrained from slamming his door shut. He lay back on his bed and buried his face in his pillow. He breathed out heavily and stayed facedown. They had left the tailor's at about 11:30 in the afternoon yesterday. The park was only about a ten minutes' walk from there. That made it 11:40. When they had gotten to the park, they had walked for…had it been twenty or thirty minutes? Kaname pursed his lips, frustrated that he didn't know the exact amount of time they had walked. Kaname exhaled, twenty minutes; if he was calculating, then he might as well be early. So, twenty minutes plus 11:40, made it noon when he had first heard him. This meant he would be there noon today too, but it was probably better to be early. Then to catch him, Kaname had to be at least fifteen minutes early. It would take him at least a half-an-hour to walk, plus margin time, so that meant he would have to leave his house at exactly 11:05.

Satisfied with his calculations, Kaname turned over to face the ceiling. He raised his hand to his face and looked at his watch: 8:40. He let his arm fall back down and let out a deep sigh. He had two hours and twenty-five minutes to waste until he had a reasonable excuse to leave the house. Kaname folded his arms behind his head and stretched, hoping that some deep breathing would relax him.

Eventually, he sank into a stupor. His subconscious began to conjure up images that were close to dreams, but with a scarier spin on them. His mind wandered from dark rooms, overgrown forests, and even to a strange parallel version of his own house. Throughout all these differing dreams, a single song played over and over again. It was a comforting companion that followed him to each dreamscape. It was a warm friend that kept the images from turning grotesque. Kaname snuggled deeper into his bed.

"Kaname! Wake up! It's almost 11:30!" his mother's muffled voice came from the hallway outside his room. "What kind of respectable young man stays in bed this late?" she grumbled from the other side of the door. Kaname rolled his eyes and turned over. Her words only registered as superficial nagging at first, but something dug into the back of his brain until he sat bolt upright. His mother had said it was almost 11:30. He was going to be late!

Kaname jumped out of bed and grabbed his jacket. He yanked the door open and ran past his surprised mother. She called after him to eat breakfast.

"Already did!" he yelled, pounding down the stairs.

"Lunch then!"

"Don't need it!" he yelled again before slamming the door shut. Kaname took off down his street at a run. He kept running until he caught sight of the clock tower two streets from his house. He stopped abruptly in the street and bent over, breathing hard. He had been berating himself for being late when the clock tower said it was only 10:30. He breathed out heavily and began berating himself for listening to his mother. He was now thirty-five minutes early! Damn his mother's dysfunctional time telling! Kaname straightened and glanced around himself. What was he supposed to do in the extra time? He deliberated for a moment and shrugged, deciding to walk to the park anyway. Maybe if he walked really slowly…

Kaname took measured steps as he walked through town. Occasionally, he would stop at some windows and inspect what was inside. As he passed the bank and the bakery (which were, oddly enough, situated right next to each other), he felt the weight of his lie settle on him again. He walked by quickly and hoped that Yuki wasn't anywhere near the bakery yet. He had almost walked by the bank when he saw a flash of silver. His heart started beating loudly and he backtracked until he could peer through the window, but there was no one there. Kaname put his hands in his pockets and continued to the park.

When he reached the park, he was, as he had feared, much too early. It was 11:05, the time he was supposed to start. He sighed and decided to make a few circuits around the park. He stayed in the shadows of the giant sakura trees, even though he shivered a couple of times in the deepest shadows the sun hadn't warmed yet. The trees swept over him, blocking the sky with their branches. He stared, awed by their grace and beauty. The sun eventually strengthened and lit the small sakura buds. A handful had already bloomed, and the sun shone through them, making the petals seem almost papery. Kaname almost plucked the small blossom off the tree, but decided it was better off left alone. He made one more round before he deemed it was acceptable to start waiting.

Kaname cut across the park, stepping over the gnarled roots of the trees. By his estimate, the spot should be somewhat straight ahead. Kaname remembered passing by an old wooden bench just before he had heard the music. He walked through the trees carefully, trying to spot something he remembered from yesterday. After pushing through a few more branches, he spotted the edge of a dark wooden bench between the trees. Smiling, he made his way to it slowly. It was covered in leaves and looked like it hadn't been used in the last twenty years. Kaname gingerly brushed the leaves on it and tried to sit down, but it groaned and he heard it crack in several places. Kaname had a moment of panic before he shook his head and decided to sit on the ground next to it. He rested his chin on his hands and felt his elbow dig into his thigh. He sighed and thought of Yuki looking at cake designs by herself. He felt his stomach curl in on itself. Kaname should have been with her, but somehow, he couldn't bring himself to move. It really didn't matter all that much to him now.

Kaname thought of when he had first met Yuki. She had been sweet and gentle, but what he had liked the most was her energy and relentless smile. He smiled now as he thought of their first meeting, but in seconds an unbidden image of colorless eyes appeared. Kaname straightened quickly and almost hit himself on the head. He shook his head and tried to throw the image away, but it didn't work. The harder he tried, the more his brain pushed memories of the man at him. He remembered the way his fingers had moved along the violin and how his lips were turned down slightly, as if he was dissatisfied with something. Kaname pushed back against his brain. All he wanted to do was apologize for barging in yesterday and maybe find out his name. Why did his brain have to remind him of all this unnecessary stuff?

Kaname froze when he heard the first long notes of a violin. Excitement bubbled in his chest as he listened to a slow series of scales. The music stopped for a moment and Kaname could almost taste his anticipation in the air. Then, the player started a complex melody, different from the one that had been running continuously in Kaname's head for the last day. Kaname almost ran into the clearing at the sound of the first notes, but something stopped him. He listened in silence for a minute, letting the music wash over him. As Kaname listened, he felt something loosen in his chest and he relaxed completely. Feeling content, he slowly stood up and waited for the music to come to a close.

When it finally slowed, Kaname carefully began stepping over the roots of the trees, hoping he didn't make too much noise. He ducked under a branch and walked into the clearing. The man had his back turned toward him and was slowly moving the bow across the strings for one last quavering note. Kaname waited until he was still and cleared his throat. The man's back stiffened and he whirled around to face Kaname in the same instant. Kaname's eyes widened and he almost took a step back. Yesterday the man had been startled and wary, but today he looked annoyed and furious.

Kaname stood frozen in shock for a moment before clearing his throat nervously. "Hello, I'm not sure if you remember me…" Kaname trailed off. The look on the man's face clearly said he remembered and did not want him there. Kaname felt himself shrink back. "Your playing was so beautiful yesterday and I know I already said that, but I wanted to apologize for interrupting so suddenly yesterday and I guess for today too… I just wanted to listen, if it's possible I mean. I don't want to impose…" Kaname wrung his hands together and looked at the man hopefully. The man was still glaring, but his glare softened a little around the edges as he took in Kaname's stuttering form. He pursed his lips and jerked his chin in the direction of the base of a tree. Kaname took it to be an assenting motion, but he still stayed where he stood.

"If I may, can I ask your name?" Kaname refrained from biting his lip. It might have been too much to ask so soon. The man's eyes narrowed and his lips became a thin line. His expression clearly said that he didn't want to, but Kaname still heard a low voice say: "Zero Kiryuu."

"Nice to meet you," Kaname said hesitantly, still trying to preserve an atmosphere of politeness. Zero looked like he was trying not to roll his eyes, but he nodded and turned away from Kaname. Kaname made his way to the base of the tree Zero had indicated and sat down. Zero waited until Kaname stopped making noise and raised his violin again. The first notes were shaky and sounded nervous, even though Zero's demeanor said he was anything but. As Zero became more comfortable, however, the music began to pour out unrestrainedly.

Kaname leaned back on the tree trunk and watched Zero's back. He was glad he hadn't run away. Zero's music was definitely worth it. Kaname leaned back and closed his eyes. He finally felt happy and at peace. Zero ran through several different pieces and to Kaname's contentment, played the one he had heard yesterday. When Zero finally stopped, Kaname kept his eyes closed. He let himself memorize how he felt at the moment and then slowly opened his eyes. He jumped slightly when he realized that Zero was watching him. The expression on his face was unreadable, but Kaname felt the intensity of Zero's gaze piercing his body. Zero blinked and broke eye contact as soon as he realized Kaname was staring back at him.

Kaname breathed a sigh of relief when Zero looked away. Zero's eyes were so strange! It was uncomfortable for Kaname to look directly into them. He felt like Zero could almost read his thoughts. Zero grabbed his case and gently laid his violin down in the velvet.

"Thank you very much," Kaname said loudly so Zero heard him. Zero snapped the top shut. "Uh huh," he said.

"Will you be here tomorrow?" Kaname ventured. He wasn't sure how Zero would take it. Zero looked at Kaname appraisingly. "I don't know," he said and walked away. Kaname slumped back onto the tree, disappointed by the lack of a definitive answer. It was probably better than he could hope for, however, judging by Zero's behavior. At least he had a name to put with his face now though. Zero… How come he had never seen him before?

…..

The rest of the day passed by in a blur. He visited Yuki and oohed and ahhed over the designs she had selected. He helped choose the type of flowers she wanted for her bouquet. His choice was sakura, but she wanted white orchids. They finally compromised on white lilies with pink throats. He also played with the ring bearer and flower girl (Yuki's little brother and sister). Kaname laughed and smiled many times that night, but it wasn't genuine. He felt like there was something missing, something that wasn't quite right. The happiness he had expected wasn't there. Yuki noted his tiredness later on in the night and gently stroked his face.

"I think you need some sleep, love. Go home, I'll tell you the rest later." Kaname tried to smile at her, but it came out more as a grimace. He was tired. He cringed internally at the thought of hearing more wedding arrangements tomorrow, but he told her she was right and grabbed his jacket. Yuki helped him button it up and walked him to the front door. She looked at him with concern. Yuki smoothed the front of his jacket and held his hand to her face. "I love you," she whispered. Kaname smiled, but didn't repeat her words. He held her hand for a moment before stepping out into the night.

Kaname let the cool night air soothe him and tried to get rid of the bitter taste that suddenly sprang up in his mouth. He didn't know why, but every time he had to do something else for his wedding, a small rebellious feeling manifested inside him. He didn't want to talk about wedding plans anymore. What more was there to do after all? Everyone couldn't stop talking about it and it infuriated him. He curled his hands into fists; something had shifted, changed, inside of him. Just two days ago he had been brimming with happiness; now all he could feel was restless discontentment. What had changed? What made it so his heart didn't soar when he saw Yuki? What stopped his hands every time he reached out to touch her? What stopped his mouth from telling her all the things he would have before?

Kaname pushed open his front door angrily. He didn't want this to happen. He slipped his shoes off and tried to sneak up the stairs, but his mother intercepted him.

"Did you have dinner dear?"

Kaname gripped the railing and rolled his eyes. "Yes, ma. I'm going to bed." Kaname climbed the stairs and locked himself in his room. He threw his jacket on the chair in front of him and sprawled in bed fully dressed. He tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position. He pulled his blankets to his chest, but was annoyed with them a moment later and pushed them to the floor. He turned in his bed again. Had he woken up this restless? Kaname closed his eyes tightly and tried to calm down, but the only thing in his mind was how angry he was.

Kaname sighed and decided to go through his day again until he fell asleep. He thought about his morning, his afternoon, and his evening. Kaname realized that the happiest part of his day was the afternoon when he had been listening to Zero play. Kaname stretched and decided that it wouldn't hurt to visit Zero again tomorrow to listen, even though his demeanor was downright acidic. It was the only thing that relaxed him all day and it might be beneficial for him until he sorted out exactly what he was feeling.

….

Kaname woke up late on purpose the next day, on account of wanting to visit Zero. He did everything twice as slow so he didn't have to spend hours twiddling his thumbs like yesterday. Even his mother commented on his strange behavior when he insisted on reading every single article in the paper. Kaname merely shrugged and checked his watch again. At exactly 11:05, Kaname said goodbye to his mother and began walking towards the park. He arrived on time and sat down on the ground next to bench like yesterday. He rested his chin on his knees and stared dejectedly into the trees. He tried to figure out how things had flipped so suddenly. He grinned to himself sardonically, maybe it had to do with the fact that he was sitting on the dirt waiting for a mysterious man to appear with a violin. Speaking of, he glanced at his watch. It said 12:30. Kaname listened to the silence that pressed on his ears. There was no sound of a violin or another person. Had Zero been serious about not coming today? Kaname waited for another five minutes, but he still didn't hear anything. He stood up and looked in the clearing's direction. Kaname deliberated for a moment and walked into it to check.

As soon as he cleared the trees, Kaname began laughing out loud. Zero was on the other side, sprawled on the ground and trying to yank his foot free from a root. It was somewhat mean to laugh, but the sight of Zero unexpectedly lightened Kaname's chest. He crossed the clearing and knelt down beside him. "Do you need some help?" Zero stopped struggling and looked up at Kaname, startled.

"You again? What the hell?" he asked angrily. Zero ignored his offer and continued trying to pull his leg out of the roots. Kaname laughed again in spite of Zero's rude behavior. "You're going to break your ankle!" Kaname said and reached forward to grab his foot, but Zero snapped, "Don't touch me!" Kaname raised his hands and backed away. He sat down and watched Zero silently. Zero seemed extremely stressed and out of sorts. Kaname almost wanted to brush the hair that was falling in his face away, but that was sure to earn him another biting remark. A few seconds later, Zero huffed and sat back on his hands.

"Yes," he said.

"What?"

"Help!" Zero said, frustrated. Kaname waited one moment to let Zero hear his own words and then moved to his ensnared foot. It was twisted at an odd angle and would take some gentle maneuvering, not the frantic yanking Zero had tried. Kaname held his foot gently and freed it. Zero gasped and pulled his foot toward himself. He gently massaged his ankle and untied his shoe. Zero took it off and dropped it next to him. "Thanks," Zero muttered out of the side of his mouth. Kaname nodded and settled down a few paces from him.

"Why are you here?" Zero asked suddenly, looking at him.

"I just wanted to hear you play," Kaname responded.

Zero looked at him with one eyebrow raised. "Are you a stalker?" Kaname stared at Zero, dumbfounded.

"Excuse me?"

Zero glared at him. "Are you some kind of freaky stalker?"

Kaname gaped. "No! What's your problem?" he asked vehemently. "I told you, I enjoy hearing you play! Is there something wrong with that?" Zero shook his head disbelievingly, which set Kaname off more. Under his breath he muttered "self-centered bastard".

This time Zero gaped at him. "Interrupting my time, encroaching on my space, and being persistently annoying, you don't call that being a bastard?" Kaname shook his head and stood up angrily. He had started the day hoping he could figure out why he was so angry and Kaname thought he'd finally found the reason.

"I just wanted to listen to some beautiful music because it made me feel…I don't know…but I can't understand how an asshole like you could play such music in the first place!" Kaname finished, breathing heavily, and glared at Zero. Kaname gave him a disgusted look and walked away, intending to leave. He almost disappeared past the circle of trees when his angry energy suddenly vanished. Kaname felt it drain out of him and he sat down heavily where he was standing. It was strange. Kaname had never fought with anyone like this. He was angry…furious at Zero…but also felt strangely exhilarated. Kaname knew it wouldn't be the same if he fought with Yuki. This was ugly, but Kaname at the same time felt freer and more himself. Apart from that, he was still fuming. He buried his head in his arms and tried to control his breathing.

Kaname didn't know how much time passed, but his breathing and heart rate finally returned to normal. He stood up immediately to leave the clearing.

"Hold on!" Zero called. Kaname paused, but didn't turn around. "I—I'm sorry," he said. Kaname held his breath, but stayed turned away from Zero. "I was wrong and I overreacted. This is the only time alone I get and I was just angry that it was being interrupted. I don't usually play for people, so I was uncomfortable. I shouldn't have made assumptions. I'm sorry." Kaname stood silently, weighing Zero's words. He was still upset with Zero, but Zero had volunteered an apology when Kaname hadn't expected one.

Kaname turned around. "You probably shouldn't call people stalkers," he said. Zero looked embarrassed and played with his fingers.

"Sorry. If you'd like, I can play something for you tomorrow, to make up for my behavior today…" Zero's voice trailed off by the end of the sentence and he continued to look down at the ground. Kaname paused, wondering if he was serious or if it was just his guilt. Eventually, he nodded and said, "That would be nice."

Zero looked relieved. He almost smiled and held out his hand. "I'll see you tomorrow?" Kaname took his hand and shook it firmly. "Yes, I'll see you tomorrow."

…..

Kaname sat at the small table in the kitchen eating oatmeal. He was waiting for it to be 11:05 again. He pursed his lips and pushed around his oatmeal. His days were beginning to run together. They primarily revolved around him lounging around all day waiting for Zero, the man who had called him a stalker. Kaname began to think that he should work in his father's bookstore again, for something to do, but his dad had said that since the wedding was coming, his main focus should be on preparations. Once upon a time, that would have been acceptable, but now he felt like a man without a purpose. But he didn't mind too much because the trade-off was worth it. There was something special about Zero. Kaname had fought tooth and nail with that man and said some things that his mother would have burned his tongue off for, but he had still felt a connection to Zero. It was something that Kaname had never felt and couldn't explain. There was something there and he would keep going back as long as it called to him.

Kaname rinsed his bowl and placed it in the sink. Zero also promised to play for me today, he thought. That was something he couldn't miss. Kaname left the house in silence and walked at his own pace. He tried not to, but he thought about Zero the entire way there. Maybe it was inevitable, seeing as he was meeting him, but Kaname couldn't help lingering over small details from their past meetings: like Zero's eyes, his voice, the way he played, the continually downturned lips…

Kaname stepped directly into the clearing instead of waiting by the bench. He was right on time because Zero was on the other side fussing with his violin. Zero looked up when Kaname entered. His right hand held the neck of his violin tighter and his left hand twitched upwards, as if to wave, but he didn't. The awkwardness in the air was stifling and Kaname almost smacked his forehead. He had half a mind to walk out of the clearing and hope his life would return to normal. Instead, he did the exact opposite of what he was thinking and walked over to Zero. It seemed to Kaname that that was what always happened when he was near him.

"This is sufficiently awkward," Kaname said when he reached him. He hoped it would lighten the dense atmosphere around them. Zero laughed nervously, but he did relax slightly after Kaname had spoken.

"So…what do you want me to play?" Zero asked off-handedly. Ah, the offer was still valid. Kaname smiled.

"How about the one you were playing when I first interrupted you?" Zero nodded and picked up his bow from its case at his feet. Kaname sat down in the grass and closed his eyes, deciding it would make it less awkward for Zero. There was silence for a few moments as Zero readied himself and then the first notes of the song filled the air.

As soon as Zero began playing, the awkwardness disappeared. The atmosphere surrounding the two became relaxed and Kaname sank into the music. He leaned back and rested his weight on his hands. It was the music's magic again. Kaname was as spellbound as he had been the very first day. He smiled to himself and was still smiling when the piece came to an end. He looked up at Zero as the latter lowered his bow. When their eyes met, everything shifted. A barrier that had been present before dissolved. Kaname felt exposed and vulnerable, but the look on Zero's face told him he felt the same way. Then it was okay. Kaname smiled softly at Zero and surprisingly, Zero smiled back. It was the first time Kaname had seen Zero smile. It lit up his entire face. His eyes glowed and he looked surprisingly…handsome…

Zero broke eye-contact first, but his icy shell had melted and he sat down next to Kaname comfortably. He pulled his violin case closer to him and began putting his violin away. Kaname froze at his sudden movement and found that he suddenly couldn't move with Zero so close to him. Zero grabbed a small metal box from the ground and opened it. He took out a sandwich and looked at Kaname. "Do you mind?" Kaname, still somewhat frozen, shrugged.

"I don't go home for lunch, so I just bring it with me."

Something in that sentence struck Kaname as odd. "Lunch?" he echoed.

"This is my lunch hour," Zero said. "I like to come here and play during it." He smiled at Kaname. "Did you think I popped in and out of existence?" His comment snapped Kaname back into reality.

"That seems so normal," Kaname mused. Zero laughed out loud. "I work at the bank and it's easy to walk here." Kaname was stunned at this new information. Even though he wouldn't admit it, Zero had always seemed ethereal to Kaname, like he was a magical fairy or something. It was odd hearing proof that he was only human.

"That's so strange," Kaname said, still following his own train of thoughts.

Zero's eyebrows furrowed. "That I walk here?" he asked. Kaname ignored him. "Thank you for playing for me," he said. Zero, whose mouth was full of his sandwich nodded. He took a huge swallow and said, "You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Who is it by?" Kaname asked.

"Me, I write music in my spare time."

"Really?" Kaname asked with wide eyes. He was floored. He had never heard such beautiful music in his entire life and the composer was sitting right next to him. Zero looked at his sandwich, embarrassed.

"My mother, father, and brother used to love listening to me play, but you're the only one now," Zero said. He stared at the ground, suddenly in another time and place.

"I'm…the only one?" Kaname asked hesitantly. He wasn't sure if he wanted to hear the answer. Zero kept silent for a moment before looking into Kaname's eyes. Kaname felt his heart twist at the sadness he saw in them. It was like he could drown in it.

"There was an earthquake last year. They died when the house collapsed. I'm the only one left." Zero said this all in an even and controlled voice, but Kaname could hear the pain in each word. Without thinking, he took Zero's hand and held it. He squeezed it gently. "I'm sorry," Kaname said. Zero nodded, but kept staring at the ground. His hand did tighten around Kaname's however. They sat in silence for a few moments before Zero spoke again.

"I was visiting Mr. and Mrs. Kurenai when it happened. They were my parents' good friends, so they took me in after." His hand grasped Kaname's hand so tightly Kaname couldn't feel his fingers. Zero continued to stare morosely at the ground and Kaname was sure he was remembering that horrible day, but he didn't know what to say. He hoped Zero could feel his sincerity and the comfort he was trying to express through their intertwined hands. Kaname heard Zero sniff and looked over in time to see him trying to discreetly wipe his eyes with his other hand. Kaname frowned and reached up with the hand Zero was holding to brush Zero's hair away from his face. Zero, startled by his touch, turned to face him.

"Your mother wouldn't want to see you like this. I think she's smiling that you're still here. You shouldn't make her sad." It was pretty bad, consolation-wise. Zero seemed to think so too because he rolled his eyes, but he did slip his hand out of Kaname's and sit up straighter.

"I suppose, thanks," he said. They sat together for another five minutes, then Zero picked up his things and stood up. "I have to go. See you…later." Kaname smiled at him and remained seated. Even though they were going the same way, Kaname thought it would be weird for them to leave together. After Zero disappeared, Kaname lay back on the ground and looked into the canopy of tree branches.

There were small patches of blue sky visible and the sun fell on his body in strange shapes. He felt the hand that had held Zero's tingle, but ignored it, telling himself it was because he was allergic to grass. Bits and pieces from their conversation floated inside his head. He examined each one and pushed it to the back of his mind again. Zero worked in a bank. His entire family was killed in an earthquake last year. He composed music in his free time. He lived with Mr. and Mrs. Kurenai. He wasn't a figment of Kaname's imagination. His hand was soft and warm, but his fingers were calloused. He was extremely good-looking.

Kaname paused at the last thought. Was he? He thought of Zero's smiling face, but quickly dismissed it. He shouldn't have been thinking like that in the first place. But, being the traitor his mind was, it pushed more images of Zero at him. It even reminded him of the moment right after Zero finished playing the song Kaname had requested: that electric moment when Kaname's brain and body had simultaneously shut-down. Kaname dismissed his thoughts again and sternly told himself to stop thinking about Zero. It didn't help, however, because he suddenly remembered how it had felt to hold Zero's hand and how protective he had felt as he tucked his hair behind his ear. Kaname closed his eyes. He could allow himself a moment of these feelings…a moment and nothing more…

…..

Kaname was getting dressed, only half-awake, when he heard a knocking on his door. He quickly finished buttoning up his shirt and called, "Come in!" His father peeked around the door.

"It's Saturday Kaname. Can you deposit the money from the store today?" Kaname slipped on his waistcoat and began doing up those buttons as well.

"Of course dad, I'll go right now."

"Thanks kiddo." His dad smiled. Kaname smiled too and grabbed a light weight coat from his closet. After slipping on his engagement ring, Kaname left his room and went down the stairs. The envelope with this week's earnings was sitting on the kitchen table. Kaname grabbed a quick piece of bread and left with the envelope. While he was walking, Kaname concentrated very hard on road in front of him. He tried not to think of the fact that he was going to the bank and he might just see Zero. This lucky coincidence didn't make him happy at all… At least, that's what Kaname tried to tell himself.

He got to the bank in record time. He tried to reach for the door handle, but his fingers didn't obey. It wasn't until someone cleared their throat behind him that he jumped and pulled the door open. Kaname smiled at the man behind him and let him go through the door first. The man gave him a strange look as he passed through. Kaname sighed and told himself to get a grip. It was only a trip to the bank, something he did almost every Saturday. This Saturday wasn't any different.

He shut the door behind him. Sunlight streamed through the windows of the bank, lighting up the large wrap-around desk that spanned the entire room. It wasn't too crowded, but there was a small line formed in front of the door. Kaname automatically scanned the three teller windows for Zero and to his delight or maybe mortification, he was there. Kaname did his best to remain still, but he couldn't help nervously tapping his envelope.

The customer in front at Zero's window left and Zero looked past him to the next person in line. As waved the next person to his window, he spotted Kaname. Zero's eyes widened and he looked confused. Kaname tried to smile, but it might have turned out more like a grimace because he was so nervous. Zero's eyes moved from him to the man in front of him. He smiled at the man and the man gave him a small black book through the window. Kaname's nervousness disappeared and he frowned. It had been four days before Kaname was able to see Zero's smile. Why was he handing them out here like free candy? Kaname's frown deepened and he glared at Zero, hoping the latter could feel his reproach.

The line shortened as the other two tellers called people up to their windows and Kaname found himself next in line. Zero handed the man in front of his window his black book back and looked expectantly at Kaname, as if he had known it would turn out this way. Kaname chewed the inside of his cheek as he walked up to Zero. He hoped he didn't look nervous or like he was about to throw up, which, he was. "Hi," Kaname said. Zero looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Don't you have a job?" Kaname was speechless for a moment. He was about to respond with a sharp comeback when a voice called Zero's name.

"Zero! Don't talk to customers like that!" An elderly man with gray hair rebuked. He stood behind Zero with his arms crossed. Zero glanced back at him, looking guilty.

"He's a friend," Zero explained. The man loosened his arms and the line between his eyebrows smoothed out.

"Oh," he said. "Still, please be more polite, there are other customers around and it's my reputation that's on the line, not yours." Zero smiled apologetically, "Sorry." The man patted Zero on the back and moved away to the other tellers. After he left, Zero turned to Kaname.

"So," he said. "How may I help you?" Zero smiled a sweet smile that was a little too wide to be natural. Kaname sighed exasperatedly.

"For your information, I work at my father's bookstore and I'm here to deposit this." He slid his envelope through the semi-circle cut through the glass along with his father's bank book. Zero took them both and asked the teller next to him if he knew Kaname. The teller looked up and nodded. Before he turned back to his customer, he gave Kaname a little wave. Kaname smiled and looked back at Zero, feeling vindicated. "I also come here every Saturday." Zero nodded distractedly and added the new amount. He opened the book to the right page and scribbled the new number. He got up and walked back to the work area behind the teller counter. He pulled out a large and heavy looking ledger to record the amount in the bank's records.

Kaname watched him work. It was interesting to see Zero serious about something other than his violin. His hair kept falling in his eyes and he'd push it back irritably, only to have it do the same thing. Kaname watched the way Zero slowly ran his finger down the list of names and the little tapping motion he made with his other hand. When he finally found Kaname's family records, Zero's nose was about an inch from the page as he wrote down the new amount in the ledger. Kaname thought his motions were strangely endearing and felt happiness bubble in chest as he watched him. The buoyant feeling almost made him laugh out loud. As Zero put the book back on its correct shelf, Kaname finally realized what he felt. It had clicked: the feeling that had turned his life upside down.

When Zero returned and handed his father's bank book back to him, Kaname thanked him with a bright smile. Zero looked surprised by his exuberance, but smiled back. Kaname was about to ask him about his lunch break, but the older gray haired man walked behind Zero's chair.

"Are you done Zero? You're going to be late." Zero looked back at him and said, "Almost."

"Late for what?" Kaname asked curiously. The gray hired man answered. "The fitting for his new suit. Zero's getting married. Didn't he tell you?" Kaname had been nodding along with the man's words, but by the end stood frozen with shock. Kaname looked at Zero in disbelief. Zero looked back at him.

"No, he didn't. Congratulations Zero." Kaname smiled automatically and Zero said a quiet thank-you. The man clapped Zero on the back.

"Yes, he's going to be my favorite son-in-law, not to mention my only one," the man laughed. Kaname's mind numbly registered that this was Mr. Kurenai, the man who had taken Zerro in. Kaname quietly said his congratulations again and left without saying goodbye to Zero. He walked out in the street and back to his house. The only thing he could hear in his mind was Mr. Kurenai's voice saying 'married' over and over again.


Heyy everyone, groundedreamer here! What did you guys think of the first part?

I originally got this idea when i was listening to the song Yumesakura (/watch?v=dF6BwCrbSAg). It's so beautiful. I love it so much! I thought it would be absolutely perfect for Kaname and Zero, so I started writing it. Funny thing, I thought it would take a day or two to write, but no, it took me a month and a half! And that's just the first part! It just totally spun out of control! It's 16 pages on word, I've never written that much, ever! Hopefully you guys liked it. Please tell me your opinions and if there are any mistakes, please tell me! I hope I can get the second part out soon...depending on how long it is :D

Edit: I had the song lyrics incorporated into the story, but I was told I couldn't use them, so I had to take them out. To get a real feel for the story, please look up the translation of the lyrics online. It really is a beautiful song. :)

Anyway, peace out! :P

~Groundedreamer