Author Notes: Well, having given almost all of my music training back to my teachers, had to resort to YouTube for a couple of details on the recital. Hope I didn't stuff up what I put in, and that this chapter lives up to the promise in my teaser. And as promised, this chapter is long. Enjoy... and don't forget to drop me a review, OK? They make my day!
Appreciation: Once again, I have been remiss in forgetting to thank AgateLinks who was kind enough to look over the rough draft of this chapter and patiently responded to a constant bombardment of 'what if's and uncertainty coming from yours truly. Thank you for your neverending encouragement and patience, dear! :D
Summary: Zero attends a recital and notices Kaname Kuran in the audience. Zero wants to sit up front but hasn't got a seat. Kaname has a seat up front but is troubled by unwanted attention. Sounds like a simple win-win situation, doesn't it? :D
-- Chapter Start --
Damn.
Trust Cross to throw additional chores at him on the day of the music recital. Zero was going to be late and he didn't like being late. He didn't like it at all. The silver haired prefect scowled darkly as he strode from the stables back to the Sun Dorms for a quick shower.
It was Friday evening and the recital was organised by the town's resident association, for a local boy who had succeeded in obtaining a scholarship to further his studies in music. He was giving a one night performance together with the local orchestra before flying off. The recital was due to start in half an hour's time and would take place in the small town right next to Cross Academy.
The plush hall built for music performances and theatre plays wasn't very big, hence it was strictly 'first come first served' for the seating. The only exception was for the premium priced seats situated at the front of the hall – these consisted of four rows of plush, comfortably padded chairs. Each pair of chairs shared a small, round table placed in front of them to hold drinks and pastries. Behind these four rows were ten rows of normal chairs with no tables while those who came late had to stand at the back of the hall. The patrons in the premium seats were usually permitted – and expected – to order refreshments while the other seated patrons were ignored since they could hardly be expected to applaud and not spill anything on themselves as well as the chairs they occupied.
Anxious to get one of the normally priced chairs for himself as he didn't fancy standing for the entire forty five minute recital, Zero shed his T-shirt and jeans then took a quick but thorough shower before throwing on his school uniform over a clean shirt - he needed both jacket and tie to be admitted into the hall. It was a pity Yuuki wasn't interested in classical music; it would have been nice to take her there as well. Luckily, the Chairman had promised to help her out during the class changeover later.
Zero fixed his red silk tie as he walked swiftly out of Cross Academy and headed to town, the ticket he had purchased two days earlier clasped firmly in one fist. Six minutes later, he was striding up the steps of the plush hall. He presented his ticket to the attending usher and shook his head when enquired if he wished to purchase the evening's program. It was overpriced in his opinion, and he wasn't going to waste money on that.
The silver haired prefect stepped into the cool air conditioned interior of the hall with its thick carpeting, elaborate red and gold hangings and impressive chandeliers. His silvery amethyst eyes quickly scanned the rows of chairs in front of him then his heart sank. Damn, he was still too late. Many of the premium seats were still vacant but each chair in the ten rows behind them was occupied. Zero scanned the rows again, slowly this time, just in case he had missed a vacant chair somewhere. But all the empty ones had programs or bags left on them, indicating they had been reserved. Zero exhaled in annoyance, his lips thinning. Damn Cross. There were still ten minutes to go before the recital started but it looked like he would have to stand after all.
Still muttering curses under his breath at the Headmaster of Cross Academy, Zero moved along the back of the hall towards the centre, his eyes still absently scanning the front half of the hall. He paused mid-stride – wait, was that Kaname Kuran sitting in the very front row? There was no mistaking that regal, arrogant carriage and the long, dark wavy hair he carried off so well. And alone too - that was surprising. Perhaps the person he had come with was somewhere around...
A moment later, Zero smirked. A skinny and rather emaciated looking guy with long hair sitting by himself two rows behind the pureblood was looking him up and down with an obvious look of interest in his pale, watery eyes. Was that guy actually hitting on Kuran? Well, well, well, it looked like the arrogant pureblood could be vulnerable after all, without his usual entourage of noble ass-kissers surrounding him and protecting him!
Zero's lip curled. Too bad – let pretty boy Kuran deal with that queer himself, it wasn't his problem. Shoving his hands deeper into his trouser pockets, Zero leaned back against the wall, resting his weight on his right foot as he bent his left leg and propped his left foot on the wall behind him. A thought unfolded in his mind and deepened his smirk as he wondered which would prove the greater entertainment for him this evening – the actual recital... or Kuran's discomfort at being ogled, and by a male, no less. Although he would much prefer the former, Zero was inclined to think the latter would prove true.
The hall continued to fill up and Zero glanced around him. Everyone was in formal wear, the men in coats and ties, and the ladies in dresses. Even Kuran – from what he could see – was picture perfect in a lightweight jacket that looked as if it was tailored especially for him, from the way it fit his shoulders perfectly. It probably was. It probably cost the earth as well. Zero shrugged disinterestedly and looked around.
But a minute or so later and despite his resolve, Zero found both his eyes and his attention turned once more upon the pureblood. His keen hunter senses told him that Kuran really was uncomfortable. The pureblood looked completely at ease, leaning back in his chair with long legs elegantly crossed and a hand resting lightly on the table in front of him, the very picture of relaxed contentment. Still, something in his posture was – off – to Zero. It nagged at him, demanding that he gave it his full attention until he solved its mystery. Zero complied since the recital hadn't started yet. It wasn't like he had anything else to occupy his mind with...
He focused his whole attention on the pureblood in the front row. Yes, the position of that elegant dark head was held just a little too stiffly to look truly comfortable, and there was a certain tenseness in those well defined shoulders. Kuran clearly wasn't relaxed and it had to be due to the unwanted and unwavering attention of the guy seated two rows behind him. Zero's eyebrows rose slightly – that voyeur must be pretty well off too, to be able to afford a premium seat.
For some reason, the fact that he had actually succeeded in picking up on the pureblood's subtle signals annoyed Zero and he snorted under his breath. So Kuran was being ogled – so what? His fault for having those perfect, pretty-boy looks, right? And he was a pureblood – one glance and Mr. Lecher would be toast. Or reduced to a gibbering idiot. Or both. Whatever. Zero had come here to enjoy the recital and enjoy it he would.
His lips thinning again but with resolve this time, Zero folded his arms across his chest and shifted his weight onto his other foot as he directed his gaze back to the stage in front of the hall. The stage was a sunken one, about two feet below the audience. A lone baby grand stood in the middle of the stage, with the small orchestra arranged behind it, its members already seated and ready. Zero wanted to get up close enough to be able to see the pianist's fingering but that would mean purchasing front row seats. And now, he didn't even have a seat – it was going to be pretty tiring standing for forty five minutes...
Almost involuntarily, Zero's eyes drifted back to the pureblood sitting in the center of the front row. Trust Kuran to get the best seats in the house... It was obvious now that he was alone tonight since the recital was going to start in the next couple of minutes and the chair beside him was still vacant. That would also account for the unease Zero could sense in him.
Kuran's admirer was sitting in the third row, three tables away on the right side of the hall and still openly ogling him. From time to time, his pale gaze would light upon the empty chair on the pureblood's left, as if he was actually toying with the idea of sitting there himself. Zero shook his head briefly. It was obvious Mr. Lecher wasn't a vampire otherwise he wouldn't have dared to even think of such a bold move.
Suddenly, a tentative idea unwound itself in Zero's mind. Almost horrified, he pushed it away immediately, but it drifted back again with gentle insistence. Look, it whispered persuasively. Kuran had the best table in the entire hall, right? It was positioned right in the center and its twin seats - the left one in particular - offered the most optimum view of the piano keys so that its occupant could easily witness the pianist's virtuosity. Kuran was alone and the left chair was available. He could just go there and make himself comfortable...
Yeah. Right. Zero nipped the idea sharply in the bud. The pureblood would just lift a snooty eyebrow and either deny him that seat or get someone to throw him out. It was well within his rights too, and Zero would be too humiliated to stay around afterwards. But the idea continued to nag at him again. Look, it whispered even more persuasively than before. Kuran wouldn't say no to you, because it would also help him - the vacant seat would be taken and the queer sitting two rows behind him would have to give up, right? So it would actually benefit the pureblood to have someone sitting at his table, even if it was his own love rival. After all, they wouldn't need to converse with each other, for goodness' sake. The two chairs were about a foot and a half apart so they wouldn't even be sitting all that close, just at the same table. Just a simple arrangement, really...
Before he could change his mind, and telling himself firmly that he was only looking out for his own comfort, Zero pushed off the wall and strode confidently up the middle aisle. There was a space of about three feet in between each pair of premium priced chairs and Zero had no trouble walking right up to the front row. Some of the patrons seated nearby glanced at him and a couple of them frowned, both at his rudeness since the recital was going to start, and at his attire. The Day Class uniform Zero was wearing didn't quite match the 'Formal Dress' ruling the other patrons were adhering to.
A uniformed usher materialised behind Zero like a shadow. "May I help you, sir?" he murmured, his tone clearly implying he didn't like the disturbance the tall, silver haired boy was causing. Zero ignored him and stopped beside the empty chair at Kaname's table. The pureblood glanced up at him, his expression politely enquiring. Up close, it was obvious to Zero how tense Kuran's shoulders were but he wondered how he could sense that from the back of the hall. He could also sense Mr. Lecher's inquisitive eyes on him now.
Zero deliberately locked gazes with the pureblood but waited for him to speak first. The usher stood silently and a little uncertainly to one side, not daring to speak further since Kaname had not immediately reacted. After about half a minute of heavy silence, Kaname finally spoke. "Kiriyu-kun," he murmured, inclining his head politely. Zero slowly nodded, still looking down into that familiar face with its graceful, perfect features. "Kuran" As usual, he omitted the honorific and the usher on his other side backed a pace, wondering if this denoted some sort of familiarity between the two. He was loathed to cause any anger if this were the case.
The pureblood was waiting for Zero to state his reason for approaching him and the prefect shoved his hands back in his trouser pockets before jerking his chin at the vacant chair in front of him. "I came late. Is this seat taken?" he asked softly, reining in his tone from sounding overly rude.
Kaname was still looking up at him but he seemed to be considering something. "Takuma Ichijo was supposed to accompany me here but an emergency came up," he murmured. Then he paused. Even though his head was turned to the left and his eyes fixed on Zero, the latter got the impression that the pureblood's attention was somewhere behind him on his right, scrutinising his voyeur. Then Kaname seemed to come to a decision because he inclined his head graciously and waved an elegant hand at the empty chair. "Since you haven't got a seat, please do join me, Kiriyu-kun." What looked like amused acknowledgement flickered briefly in his deep brown eyes.
And Zero knew. Kuran knew...
Before he could back away, Zero gave a brief nod of thanks and sat down. The attending usher's attitude immediately became more servile. "May I take your order, sir?" he asked deferentially. Zero's eyebrows rose even as his shoulders tensed slightly. He hadn't planned on ordering one of the horribly expensive drinks here. In fact, he probably didn't even bring enough cash to cover it. Crap.
"Please, Kiriyu-kun. On me," Kaname invited and Zero shot him a suspicious look. The pureblood looked calmly back. Zero hesitated, then nodded. "I'll have what he's having," he muttered, indicating Kaname's glass of amber liquid on the table, standing next to the program he had evidently purchased. Well, of course the pureblood had cash to burn... The usher bowed low and vanished.
As if on cue, the overhead lights dimmed then went out, leaving only one or two spotlights trained on the baby grand on the stage. As the chatter in the hall died down, the conductor walked onto the stage to polite applause. He acknowledged the audience then stepped up onto his podium. The pianist emerged half a minute later to more applause. He made the audience and the orchestra a bow then seated himself at the piano.
Kaname glanced sideways at Zero again. "Thank you," he murmured softly. Zero refused to look at him but he snorted softly. "For letting me sit here? That's not necessary."
But innate honesty compelled him to add "Thanks for the drink." Kaname didn't say anything and Zero shot him a suspicious glance. The pureblood was still looking at him with a faint smile on those well shaped lips. "Then enjoy your drink, with my gratitude," he replied quietly. It was as if he wanted Zero to know that he knew...
Zero wanted to deny it but he found himself giving a cautious nod instead. Another expectant hush fell over the hall and simultaneously, both vampires leaned back in their chairs and looked back at the stage. At a signal from the conductor, the familiar opening strains of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 9 filled the hall. Despite himself, the silver haired vampire found himself glancing over the pureblood's shoulder. Sitting down like this, he and Kaname were at the exact same height and Zero half hid himself behind Kaname's head to glance at Mr. Lecher again, whose eyes were now measuring the eighteen inches of space between the two vampires' chairs. Zero realised with an uneasy jolt in his stomach that just occupying the vacant chair wasn't enough to throw off Kaname's admirer. Apparently, the distance between the chairs told Mr. Lecher that Zero and Kaname were just... acquaintances.
Despite the lively first movement of the concerto, Zero heard, or rather felt, the almost silent sigh issuing from the pureblood sitting next to him. But Kaname didn't say or do anything. It was almost as if he was prepared to just sit out the torture of being ogled throughout the recital. And for some reason, something in Zero just... rebelled. Strongly. He didn't know why, he should be breaking out in gleeful cackles at the thought of someone actually making the arrogant and confident pureblood uncomfortable. But he wasn't. Zero sighed. Perhaps it was because Kuran had been gracious in letting him sit here?
Before he could stop himself, Zero got up halfway and shifted his chair closer to Kaname's before sitting down again. Now their chairs were only about eight inches apart. Zero felt the pureblood's gaze on him once more and he glanced sideways, half expecting a rebuke from Kaname to please remember himself and keep his distance. But amazingly, there was that cryptic half smile on those chiselled lips again as the pureblood murmured a barely audible "Thanks." Zero gave a rather self-conscious nod in reply.
At that moment, the usher materialised at his left elbow, placed his drink on the table and then bowed himself away. Zero took the opportunity to surreptitiously glance at Mr. Lecher who was looking a little more put out now. But he still didn't stop looking at Kaname. Zero was all too aware of the pureblood's discomfort and it was affecting his enjoyment of the music. He realised now that he was paying more attention to the voyeur's actions than anything else – it didn't bode well for the rest of the evening.
Zero stared at the pianist on the stage but he was not taking in his nimble fingering, nor even hearing the music. All he could think about was getting that voyeur off Kaname's back so that he - Zero - could enjoy the rest of the music. His annoyance suddenly made an imp of mischief rear its head in his mind. Even as he told himself he was doing it only to ensure his own enjoyment of the music and not to help Kuran, Zero deliberately shifted his chair until its right side thumped against Kaname's. A couple of irritated 'tsks' sounded behind him – his frequent shifting about was annoying some of the patrons. Zero ignored them as he settled down in his chair again. As he did so, his right shoulder brushed Kaname's left one and for some reason, that brief contact made his ears burn. He hoped the pureblood didn't think he was - well, hitting on him or anything like that.
But Kaname didn't do anything. Half hidden behind the pureblood's long, wavy locks, Zero sneaked a covert glance at their observer again – yes, there was a definite look of dislike on Mr. Lecher's face now. It made a hot surge of satisfaction well up in Zero's heart but he ignored it. A very soft chuckle ensued from Kaname and Zero ignored that as well, his ears tingling even more.
Resolutely, Zero folded his arms and stared straight ahead, practically glaring at the innocent if talented pianist on the stage. But a moment later, he couldn't help glancing back at Mr. Lecher again. He was livid but still staring. Zero rolled his eyes – he was already sitting as close to Kaname as he could – their chairs were already stuck together, for heaven's sake! Was there nothing that could shake that pervert off? Honestly...!
Kaname turned his head a little to the left, his dark eyes taking in the set jaw and clenched teeth of his silver haired companion. "I appreciate it, Kiriyu-kun," he murmured then stiffened. His voice had held more warmth than he had meant to show and the sudden and startled turn of Zero's face towards him said he had noticed as well. Quickly, Kaname faced front again. Crap.
Zero found himself staring at the pureblood's side profile. There was a strange sense of loneliness... or... vulnerability in that low voice. Something that called out to him. Zero inhaled softly, strangely touched, and then cursed. Damn it if his heart wasn't just too soft...
He sighed, striving to make it sound as irritated and as annoyed as he could as he shifted on his chair, moving closer to Kaname so that their shoulders and upper arms deliberately touched. Then he froze, waiting to see if the pureblood would draw away or even hit him over the head for being so presumptuous. After all, they were well into each other's personal space now and no one touched a pureblood or sat that close uninvited. No one. Not even a Level D vampire who was also his love rival. No, make that especially not a Level D vampire who was also his love rival.
But surprisingly, Kaname didn't move away or hit him. If anything, he actually moved a little closer towards Zero so that their upper arms continued to press together. Even through both their jacket sleeves and shirt sleeves, Zero could feel the pureblood's body warmth against his arm. It was... soothing. It showed that Kaname was a warm, living, breathing creature. And improbable as it was, being this close to the pureblood didn't raise any warning bells in Zero's head. After all, it wasn't as if Kaname would kill him right now and during a music recital, no less.
It was... strange. Zero had never really noticed Kaname's scent before but now, he couldn't miss it even if he tried. The pureblood smelled shower fresh with the fragrance of shampoo lingering on his long hair and the faint smell of soap about him. His clothes were laundry fresh too. But even under all that, Kaname smelled good. Intoxicatingly good. It wasn't the smell of his blood for he was not bleeding anywhere, it was just him. Kaname himself. Zero had a rather idiotic thought for a moment, wondering if all pureblood vampires smelled as good. No wonder the guy never used aftershave or cologne – he simply didn't need to. And he shouldn't, it seemed almost a crime to cover up his natural scent... Zero bit his lip as he repressed a groan, bringing his wayward thoughts to a screeching halt. What was wrong with him this evening, thinking such weird thoughts and about Kaname, of all people...!
Kaname was surprised too. If anyone had told him earlier that his love rival would be sitting so closely to him that their arms were actually pressed together, he would have thought them mad. Or slapped them. Or burned a hole right through them before tossing them into the nearest tree. But here was Kiriyu, doing just that and leaving Kaname very contented as well. Of course, the fact that the obviously gay man two rows and three tables behind him was practically undressing him with his eyes was a most definite deciding factor but still... Kaname was surprised to find that the idea of Kiriyu sitting so close to him and invading his personal space was not all that distasteful as he had initially thought it would be. It was non threatening, and dare he say it, even... pleasant.
Kiriyu smelled like he had very recently showered. The damp, silvery hair was shampoo fresh. His uniform jacket and trousers had obviously been worn for a day already but that was all right. The white shirt underneath the jacket was clean and freshly laundered even if a faint smell of perspiration clung to it – Kiriyu coming in late must have meant he had exerted himself enough to break a small sweat. But still, it was... pleasant. The ex-human's scent, instead of grating on his nerves, somehow relaxed Kaname. He mused on this for a moment before deciding it had to be because Kiriyu was the only familiar person in this room. It was just a sense of familiarity bringing a false sense of comfort, that was all.
But even more surprising than finding out that Zero's nearness and scent was acceptable, was the fact that Kiriyu had actually exerted himself on the pureblood's account. Sitting so close like this, Kaname might have almost been tempted to think that Kiriyu might be hitting on him if it weren't for the fact that they were actually enemies, and definite love rivals for the same girl. So what Kiriyu was doing now – apart from getting a seat for himself – had to have been done out of caring? A small frown drew Kaname's brows together. He couldn't believe it...
Beside him, Zero leaned forward as he reached for his drink with his right hand. At the same time, so did Kaname, with his left. Their knuckles brushed lightly, almost teasingly together and Zero drew back his hand swiftly as if he had been burned, causing his glass to rock dangerously but it did not tip over, even if some of the whisky splashed onto the table, a couple of drops even landing on a corner of Kaname's program. Even though it wasn't his fault, Kaname couldn't help murmuring a "Sorry" to which Zero just shrugged and mumbled a "Not your fault."
They each took a drink from their respective glasses before putting them down. Then they leaned back once more, shifting a little to ensure their arms were still touching each other's. Music soothed out the somewhat awkward moment and Zero glanced covertly at Mr. Lecher - he was still living up to his name. With the mouthful of whisky warming his stomach comfortably, Zero tilted his head to the right and whispered out of the corner of his mouth "Your admirer still hasn't given up, Kuran..."
The pureblood shifted uncomfortably beside him and Zero smirked. Then Kaname sighed. It was a soft, melancholic sound. "I know," he murmured, almost sadly. Again, Zero felt that weird, protective urge come over him – he didn't know why he suddenly found himself blurting out "Wanna try something to throw him off?"
Silence.
Zero ignored an annoyed sigh coming from directly behind him as he turned to deliberately met Kaname's startled gaze. "Well, do you?" Zero repeated, lowering his voice. Kaname was frowning slightly as if confronted with something he didn't quite know how to respond to. For some reason, that touched Zero, that he could actually render the pureblood surprised. Then Kaname nodded decisively. "Anything," he said. Some of his frustration leeched out into that one word and Zero repressed a grin.
"All right," he whispered, feeling rather like a partner in crime with the pureblood, united for once against the world. Or more exactly, against lecherous guys attending music recitals... "Try not to scream, OK?" Zero muttered wryly before sliding down a little in his chair, so that his right ear was at the same level as the pureblood's shoulder. The next moment, he deliberately rested his head against that same shoulder. Kaname's body tensed up immediately and Zero heard his breath rush out in a soft, surprised exhalation. "Cool it, Kuran," Zero said quickly. "I'm not going to jump you. I just - "
"I know," Kaname said quickly, interrupting him. Zero felt the tense body next to his relax and his own relaxed in response. They sat in a strangely companionable silence, somehow managing to enjoy the music. Soon, a prolonged trill followed by a series of descending arpeggios by the pianist led the orchestra to close off the first movement with a flourish. After a pause, the second movement started. Andantino. Moderately paced.
Something brushed Zero's right cheek. From its scent, he knew it was a lock of Kaname's dark tresses, unbelievably soft and fragrant. It caressed Zero's skin as the pureblood rested his own cheek on top of Zero's head, making the prefect tense up. "Cool it, Kiriyu-kun," murmured that soft, silky voice above his head, sounding strangely in tune with the slow, beautiful, almost sensual passage of music being played now. "I'm not going to jump you. I just...," Kaname straightened his head as he let his voice drift off meaningfully.
As he had expected, Zero pulled away to glare at him before snorting softly, crossing his arms almost defensively as he acknowledged the pureblood's jibe. Kaname uncharacteristically winked at him, holding back a smile as Zero's lips actually parted in surprise. For a moment, the ex-human experienced the horrible urge of actually wanting to wink back at the pureblood but he resisted.
Kaname made a slight, sideways movement with his head, encouraging Zero to continue with what he was doing. The ex-human complied, letting his head rest against the pureblood's shoulder once more. The second movement was slower, soothing... Zero hid a yawn. Late nights were catching up with him again and Kaname's shoulder felt good to lean against. Surprisingly good, in fact. Firm with muscle and warm... Zero suppressed another yawn and the image of the pianist on the stage blurred for a moment.
"Sleepy, Kiriyu-kun?" murmured that same low, silky voice, sounding almost intimate in the darkened hall, under the cover of the music. Zero resisted the instinctive and almost irresistible urge to rub his cheek against the soft, fine linen of Kaname's jacket sleeve. "Mmm, tutoring Yuuki... algebra," he muttered noncommittally as he rubbed his eyes and slid down another couple of inches in his comfortable chair.
"Ah, I see." The pureblood's voice was warm with affection now but Zero ignored it. A moment later, something just as warm descended over his shoulders. He almost jumped up in surprise but that warmth was firm... hard... and it held him down without difficulty. "Cool it, Kiriyu-kun," Kaname whispered, his eyes fixed firmly on the piano on stage.
Zero's were, too. "Admirer still not given up?" he asked dryly. Without waiting for a reply, his eyelids drooped a little.
The third movement of the concerto was fast, lively and it woke Zero up a bit. As it ended to loud and enthusiastic applause, he craned his neck to glance behind. Mr. Lecher was just getting up to leave, shooting Zero a final, livid glare before he stormed away. An usher approached the irate patron and was given a brusque reply to his polite enquiry. The usher then walked up to the table to remove the empty glass. It looked like Mr. Lecher wasn't going to return. Fully expecting Kaname to remove his arm and shove him away at any second, Zero was surprised when his companion did neither. Perhaps he hadn't noticed he was no longer being ogled? Zero mentally shrugged and chose to ignore it, in lieu of the fact that the pureblood's shoulder was really comfortable. Whatever...
The members of the orchestra now left the stage to allow the pianist to continue with the second piece for the evening - Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. The stately pace and somber tones of the world famous sonata made Zero yawn again and this time, he did unconsciously rub his cheek against Kaname's jacket sleeve. But if the pureblood noticed, he didn't say anything. The steady, persuasive notes soon had Zero's eyelids drifting shut as they lulled him into a sweet and deep slumber.
After a while, the dark eyes glanced down and a quizzical smile curved the sculptured lips. It was strange – Zero had been keeping a very close eye on that lecher behind them but he obviously hadn't noticed he had already left. Otherwise, Kaname was sure the ex-human would have left no time in scooting himself further away to distance himself from his love rival. If Zero had snored, the pureblood would have shaken him awake without a second thought. But the silver haired vampire was a quiet sleeper, and it felt oddly... pleasant... to have him so close by his side like this. Kaname told himself that he was only keeping Zero like this just in case the queer came back. Or in gratitude out of knowing that he had sacrificed a few nights' sleep to tutor Yuuki in her studies. But the more honest part of Kaname knew – that lecher wasn't coming back. And Zero was sure to have received his own reward in the form of Yuuki's thanks. So that could only mean that Kaname was keeping Zero next to him solely for the reason that it made him feel not so alone anymore.
Kaname was always alone. He had had to grow up with that knowledge, he had become quite accustomed to it. Didn't mean that he liked it though, even if it came with the other privileges of being a pureblood. Even if Takuma had been here with him, the Assistant Dorm Leader would never have dared to sit this close to him, it just wasn't done. But someone was doing that now. How ironic then, that it was the one person in Cross Academy who didn't respect, like or admire him. Yes, Kaname had someone beside him now, even if that same someone was blissfully unaware of it. And the strange thing was, it made Kaname feel warm. Good.
Life certainly was strange. But if fate was offering Kaname a moment of warmth in a vast sea of loneliness, who was he to reject it? He who craved love, warmth and acceptance more than anything else in the world? With his dark eyes on the pianist and a rare, soft and contemplative look on his face, Kaname dipped his head, touching his lips very lightly to the soft silver hair as his love rival's head rested trustingly against his arm.
- o -
Takuma sat in the backseat of the limo as he watched the patrons leave the hall. He was sorry he had returned only in time to accompany the driver to bring Kaname back to the Academy. But most of all, he was sorry he hadn't been able to be with his friend, to keep him company and to watch over him.
After ten minutes, the last few patrons had exited the hall but there was still no sign of his charismatic pureblood friend. A slight frown of consternation knitting his brows, Takuma got out of the limo and walked up the steps.
He produced his ticket, politely brushed aside the usher's profuse apologies that the recital had already ended and went into the hall. Kaname appeared to be the only person there, sitting in the centre of the front row. The plush carpeting muffled Takuma's naturally quiet steps but the dark head turned slightly, acknowledging Takuma's presence.
When the Assistant Dorm Leader reached the back row of the premium seats, he stopped short, his green eyes widening. Kaname wasn't alone after all, there was someone else sitting next to him. Swiftly, Takuma made his way to the front row and his mouth actually opened in surprise.
Kaname's unknown companion was Zero Kiriyu, Cross Academy's moody and sullen School Guardian. That silver head was actually pillowed against the pureblood's arm. Takuma opened his mouth to speak but Kaname held up a long finger to his own lips before shaking his head slightly. Then the dark gaze eyes rested on the sleeping boy before darting up to meet his friend's. "Have a seat, Takuma," Kaname said softly. "Kiriyu won't be waking up anytime soon." The pureblood never knew that Zero could actually sleep through thunderous applause or the faster paced pieces that followed...
Takuma nodded, a soft, quizzical smile forming on his lips. He stepped in front of them and quietly bent down to take a closer look at the slumbering prefect. Then he bit his lip.
"Kaname, Zero-kun's wrinkling your jacket sleeve."
"It can be pressed."
"I think he's drooling, too. At least, a little..."
"It can be laundered."
Takuma nodded and moved closer to Kaname's side. Silently, he sat in the chair at the next table.
"So... what did your Grandfather want?"
Both vampires conversed in very soft voices and Kiriyu didn't stir. But after ten minutes, the ex-human still didn't give any indication of awakening soon and Takuma shifted a little. He didn't want to break this strangely peaceful scene since he could see that his friend was comfortable where he was but... "Kaname," he said reluctantly. "We have to return soon. The others are waiting for you..."
The pureblood didn't give any indication that he had heard his friend but he slowly moved the arm Zero was lying against. He paused, then repeated the gentle movement until the prefect stirred. Zero's eyes blinked open and he registered the slightly tilted vision of the stage. The orchestra had disappeared and there was no one sitting at the piano now. Where was the pianist? Why wasn't anyone playing? Was it intermission now? Zero blinked again as his ears registered the silence of the hall and his head slowly came up. Oh, that's right. The recital was only forty five minutes long hence no intermission was necessary. So where the heck was everyone then? Had the recital ended already?
Zero sat up, unconsciously stretching his neck and flexing his shoulders as he looked behind his left shoulder - every single chair on the left side of the hall was empty. His stomach dropped to the chair he was sitting on. Oh no. Oh no. He had not just slept his way through the entire recital, had he? Zero swung to his right and saw Kaname still sitting in the chair next to his, looking at him in that impassive way of his. Behind him, the right side of the hall was empty too. On the other side of Kaname was Takuma Ichijo, trying without much success to hide the rather amused grin on his face. Zero swallowed as he felt his stomach drop right through the seat of his chair onto the carpet below.
"Had a good sleep, Kiriyu-kun?" Kaname murmured. To his utter mortification, Zero flushed deeply. Crap. The recital was over and he had missed it almost completely, but was that the worst part? Nope. The worst part was him using Kuran's arm as a pillow all this while. Could anything be worse? Well, yes. The fact that although the recital had obviously ended, Kaname choosing not to wake him up immediately could be considered as worse. Crap. Well, crap didn't quite cover what he actually wanted to say but...
"Uh, Kuran," Zero began rather awkwardly, his gaze fixed upon the pureblood's solid gold tie pin. But Kaname just shook his head. "Please don't, Kiriyu-kun," he said softly. You helped me out too, you know.
Zero looked up then. His tentative glance caught the unspoken message in the compelling dark eyes looking back at him and he paused, surprised. Was that a sort of understanding gratitude there in those dark depths? Impossible, and yet...
After a moment, Zero nodded, one hand going up to smooth down his hair. There was a rather awkward silence as Takuma looked from one to the other before Zero stood up. "It's late. I should get back," he began, only to stop as Kaname lifted a graceful hand. "We are also going straight back to the Academy, Kiriyu-kun. It would be faster by car," he invited graciously.
Zero started shaking his head then gave a sidelong glance at Takuma who nodded readily. "Fine," Zero accepted. Feeling uncharacteristically awkward, he waited for Kaname and Takuma to stand up and begin walking before following them out of the hall. Zero would've liked to have kept the program but Kaname had taken it with him and there weren't any others lying on the chairs around him. He could hear the ushers quickly walking in from the side doors now to clear the tables of used glasses and plates and to straighten the chairs. The somewhat hurried sounds made Zero's ears burned anew as he realised that the pureblood must have told them to hold off the cleaning until he had awakened... He glanced surreptitiously at his wristwatch. Oh geez, he had slept for a good twenty minutes after the recital had ended? Crap!
The short ride back was silent. Zero elected to sit in front after seeing the driver open the back door for Kaname and Takuma. As soon as the limo had stopped in front of the Moon Dorms entrance, Zero got out even before the driver did. He muttered a brief thanks, tacked on a good night then turned away, hoping the other two vampires wouldn't say anything. A person could only take so much embarrassment in one night...
"Kiriyu-kun"
Zero froze. Reluctantly, he turned around to face Kaname, who had taken a step forward. "Thank you," murmured the pureblood. There was no mistaking the sincerity in that low voice and Zero hesitated. "I, uh... yeah, right," he muttered, fighting an urge to fidget with his loosened tie. What the hell was Kuran thanking him for?
Kaname gave him an enigmatic smile, reading his thoughts easily. "For helping me to enjoy the music," he elaborated. Zero hesitated again. He wished he could say the same but he couldn't, could he, because barring the first concerto, he had fallen asleep with his head pillowed on... "Yeah," he muttered again then turned and left.
- o -
Three days later, Zero entered his room in the Day Dorms after classes ended. A brown envelope lying on his bed caught his eye and he picked it up curiously. It was addressed to him in beautiful, flowing script. When he opened it and turned it upside down, a music CD and a gilt edged booklet fell out.
Zero sat down on his bed and picked up the CD. It contained a selection of classical pieces for piano, and Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 9 and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata were amongst them. The booklet was the program from last Friday's recital. Frowning slightly, Zero picked it up. There were a couple of small water stains in the upper left hand corner of the program, exactly where two droplets from his glass of whisky had landed.
Tentatively, Zero brought the program up to his nose, getting a faint whiff of Kaname's scent, together with the stronger smell of ink. The latter was explained when he opened the program and saw "Thank you for a most enjoyable evening" written across the top of the blank left page, in the same beautiful hand. Zero flushed in spite of himself and made as if to toss the program into his wastebasket. Then he changed his mind and kept it inside his desk drawer instead. After all, it wasn't as if he had to pay for it...
During class changeover that evening, Zero tried to catch Kaname's eye to thank him for the CD. But the pureblood refused to look his way and Zero finally gave up before Yuuki noticed his unusual behaviour and commented on it. He never told her about the gift, nor the fact that whenever he had trouble sleeping, he would slip on his ear phones and listen to a particular sonata on that CD. Despite reminding him of the pureblood's unique scent, it also never failed to lull Zero into a deep, restful sleep.
-- Chapter End --