Secret Senses: Chapter 1: Death
Noise erupted from down stairs as close friends gathered for a private meeting. Soon he would have to go down stairs and join them but at the moment his work was all that mattered. One of his close friends was missing or dead. About a month ago they found blood spatters and remains as if one of them had died. The blood was Aidou Hanabusa's. It covered one room in the private home he bought for himself to get away from his family. No one knew why he wanted to escape from them, not even Kain or Souen that was until more evidence was found. He was the only one the investigators from the Hunters' Association that he was sharing information with. Zero became the lead investigator on the case since his break through opened their eyes to possibilities many never thought of after he gave a brief look through the report.
The Ashes weren't Aidou's.
Only the blood belonged to Aidou, there was a lot found at the scene. Enough blood was spattered that a normal human would have died but for a vampire it was enough to put one of them in a coma. The ashes weren't even human and were burnt by an unnatural force. Other Hunters trying to prove themselves claimed a vampire with the power of fire had to have done it. In their area that left only five vampires with that ability. Many problems then began to arise when they started to question Kain and Aidou's father. Only Zero and he knew Aidou's father was hiding something. And that something was found when Zero used his leverage with the new Hunters' Association's President to get his own private team.
Crime scene was done over.
It had been six days since the first investigation was started, two days into it Zero came into play, then on the third Aidou's family started getting harassed. After Zero's team went over the scene again they found traces of a struggle and semen on the floor. The clothes were then checked and semen was found on them also. This gave Zero the conclusion Aidou was beaten and raped. This new information stayed between Zero, his team, the Association President and Him. The rest of the house was checked and there was no sign of forced entry so that meant Hanabusa knew his attacker. It was then discovered there was two sets of semen and both were similar to the other.
Aidou's father was then brought in.
Three days had passed since Zero started his own search. Aidou's father admitted to sexually abusing Hanabusa and told Zero that he had been doing things like that to Hanabusa since the boy was ten. Aidou's father said he was furious that Hanabusa had left home and that he wasn't able to find him for some time. When he did find Hanabusa, he waited till the boy got home then knocked on the door. Hanabusa answered and let him in after hesitating for a while. They went into that room to talk, before things got out of control. Aidou's father pleaded that he didn't kill his son that he couldn't, although he did admitted that some of those blood spatters were from him but Hanabusa was alive when he left. Only difference was that he had injured him a bit more than normal.
Zero made an assumption.
Zero needed someone to say his assumption to that wouldn't spread the information gathered, that's when he came into play. The tenth day of the investigation, Zero came to the house. Yuuki was ecstatic thinking Zero had come back to her, to be friends again. Zero said he wasn't here for her it was a private matter. Zero was civil, more civil than he'd ever shown anyone of them before.
Discussion was held in his office.
"Kuran, I need to talk to you about the case and no one else can be privy to this information." Zero said knowing that Yuuki and some others were outside the door.
He pulled one of the chairs close, beside Kaname and sat down. He also sat down and they began to talk in low whispers. Kaname was told all that Zero knew. Then Zero said his assumption.
"I think Aidou tried to kill himself after what his father did to him after who knows how many times it has happened. It's like he gave up on himself." Zero's tone told Kaname he knew just how hard something like that was to go through.
He could only wonder how Zero would know that type of pain.
"Obviously from the way the largest pool of blood was formed, Aidou had to of slit his own wrists with his claws or something." Zero said, "No weapon was found and the way Aidou's clothes were still there says someone probably saved him."
"Wait, so your saying Aidou is still alive somewhere." He said.
"Yes, the amount of blood in that room would have been able to be smelt if a vampire was passing by." Zero's brows creased together as he continued, "They didn't want anyone to know that he was alive still so they tried to cover it up since Aidou probably doesn't want to be alive. They probably wanted to give him time. At least I hope so."
"If so, then Aidou will come back when he's ready." He stated, "See if you can get this case to be closed with that assumption for the time being. We should wait about and month since his injuries will take time to heal."
Zero nodded at Kaname before smirking. He sat there unable to move thinking that Zero looked satisfied about something. He wasn't sure how to act when Zero was being civil but now Kaname didn't want to move. Zero being open around him made him happy for some reason. He hadn't felt that type of emotion since Yuuki fell madly in love with a pure blood visiting from Canada seven months ago. Kaname watched Zero as he stretched in his seat like a lazy cat that wanted affection. He laughed inwardly as he thought about telling Zero he looked cute. It made him wonder what type of reaction he would get. That thought made him then want to be the one to see that reaction Zero.
"I think this is the most uneventful conversation we've ever had Kuran," Zero stated smiling slightly.
"Well Kiryuu if it continues this way people might think we're friends," He said.
He watched as Zero scowled a bit before looking Kaname in his eyes.
"If that happens Kuran, then you may start calling me Zero since friends use each other's first names when speaking." Zero said leaving him to think about it. 'Did Zero leave the choice to be friends up to him?' Kaname thought watching Zero move with a grace he didn't know the boy had.
Zero got up from his seat. He also got up; he would see Zero out like any other guest. Zero stopped walking as Kaname came up beside him. They both glanced at each other trying to figure one another out once again. This always happened between them when a crisis happened. They always changed themselves to benefit those around them and in that way Kaname thought they were similar. Willing to give their lives for what they thought was important.
"I don't see why we couldn't be friends Zero," He said, "especially since I think you're cute when you smile."
He smiled as Zero sputtered while he blushed lightly. Zero turned his head and Kaname felt disappointed to he couldn't see Zero's expression any more. Always around him Kaname felt emotions he thought he locked away. Kaname wasn't sure if he felt happy or upset over the fact but until he knew what he wanted Zero for, he was going to have a bit of fun. Kaname's smile turned sadistic.
"I can't think of reply to that," Zero said composing himself, "especially something that wouldn't make me feel as if I was trying to hit on you."
Kaname's smile grew and Zero smiled a small shy smile as he opened the door. Both were smiling as Yuuki, Kain, Souen, Senri, Ichijou and Rima stood there. Both composed themselves as they noticed them staring. They left the six of them standing there as Kaname accompanied Zero to the front door. Seiren then walked with Zero to his motorcycle. As Zero grabbed his helmet he could feel Seiren staring at him as if she wanted to say something but wasn't sure. Zero turned to face her.
"Seiren," Zero said.
"I wasn't trying to ease drop but my hearing is better than most. I thought you should know that Aidou has been suicidal for quite some time. Only this time I was not in the same vicinity to clean him up." Seiren said as if Aidou tried almost weekly to kill himself.
"Did the others hear?" Zero asked. Unsure if that was the reason they were staring.
"No I was in front of the door that is why I heard bits and pieces." She stated still standing in the same position that she stopped in.
"Can I ask you more questions about this say tomorrow at four?" Zero asked, "Tell Kuran I'll be back then, since he'll probably want to know also."
Seiren nodded and then sharply turned to leave. Zero got on his bike and left as quickly as he arrived. Seiren re-entered to a scene of an angry Souen and Yuuki while everyone else was slightly shocked.
"Kaname-sama, Kiryuu said he would be back tomorrow at four, it seems new information has come up." Seiren said bowing to Kaname before fading into the background like she normally did.
"Thank you Seiren."
"Kaname-nii why was Zero here?" Yuuki asked. Kaname cringed a bit as Yuuki said Zero's name.
"That matters not." Kaname stated taking a seat on the couch. He would amuse himself by watching his friends interact with each before he went to sleep for the night.
"So you and Zero aren't friends then." Yuuki smiled "Okay." she said cheerfully and skipped over to Ruka's side. Both Giggled together.
He wanted to argue but ever since Yuuki said she's wanted someone else, he's noticed how horrible her actual personality is. He wondered if Zero knew of this and if he did, he could only wonder why Zero loves her. Kaname himself is rather disappointed in himself about wasting so many years for her but his promise to his mother made it worth it. He hasn't told anyone but he was truly glad she found someone else; it was like he was waiting for her to hand herself over to someone else so he could finally start living. But that left him with one question he couldn't find an answer for.
Why didn't he want Yuuki with Zero? He would protect her even if it meant his life. He would love her and only her, while she would love many while being so carefree. And Zero would indulge her every whim. So why didn't he want Zero with Yuuki?
He then said his good night to the rest of the group who decided to stay for the night in the many guest rooms his and Yuuki's home had. Tomorrow at seven PM, they were to go to the home of a visiting Pure Blood to further coexistence between all and learn some of the history Japan may have lost since it was known that most of Japan's Pure Bloods were all young compared to other countries. He thought to himself for a moment maybe he could get Zero to tag along with them. Of course Zero would have to barrow some clothes from him; He liked the thought of Zero wearing his clothes in front of others.
Kaname fell asleep to that very thought.
A knock on the door woke Kaname from his slumber. Yuuki entered his room and walked over to his bedside. He rolled over in his bed and asked Yuuki what the matter was.
"Kaname-nii, I'm ... I can't decide. I love Mataeus but Zero ... I know Zero came back because he doesn't mind that I'm a vampire anymore." Yuuki said, "I'm not sure if I want to pass up the chance with Zero."
He could only stare at Yuuki as she spoke. Knowing that Zero didn't come to the house yesterday for her in anyway Kaname was completely clueless on how she came up with whatever thought gave her the idea that Zero wanted her. All he could think of was even if Zero somehow did he couldn't let Zero be with her. No, Yuuki needed to leave with Mataeus. He wouldn't let her have his Zero ... His Zero? It's only been less than a day since he had his first decent conversation with Zero and He was already calling the boy his.
Was that the reason? He couldn't believe he felt this way. He knew the boy was something but this? No this is too much. Zero had always been a pain in his side, not listening to him even when it was for the greater good. True that vampires in general like to mix pain with pleasure ... wait why was he even debating this.
Kaname sighed he missed everything that Yuuki had just said debating with himself over the fact that Zero belonged to him. How childish, he was like a kid who finds something for good or bad and keeps it to himself.
"Yuuki, Zero was here on business, nothing else." Kaname said to his sister, "Now how did you get the idea Zero was here for you?"
"Ruka and I were talking -" Kaname cut her off.
"Ah, Yuuki, Ruka probably said that so you would stay here. She probably doesn't want you to leave to go stay in Canada with Mataeus." Kaname said smoothly, using Ruka as the main excuse.
Yuuki's face dropped and she nodded her head in understanding. He felt a wonderful sensation as he watched Yuuki show that she mentally put herself down. Kaname wanted to smile. Another Knock was heard before Zero entered his room. He had forgotten that he told the maids to let him sleep. Zero walked in further into his room not even looking at Yuuki. Kaname made eye contact with Zero and Zero smirked.
"Um Zero, do you ... are you here for me?" Yuuki asked.
Zero finally turned his glaze in Yuuki's direction. Kaname didn't move from his spot on his bed except to prop his back against his pillows so he was in a semi sitting position. Zero took a seat next to Kaname and in front of Yuuki. Yuuki took Zero's way of sitting as a welcome for a hug like she used to when she was human. Yuuki practically tackle Zero onto Kaname.
Kaname looked down after the wind was knocking out of him upon impact. He never really thought about Zero sprawled on top of him till now. A tingle of anticipation crawls up Kaname's spine. Zero and Kaname exchanged a brief glance before Zero sighed. The whole situation amuses him for some reason. Thanks to his sister Kaname could feel Zero without him realizing.
"Yuuki I'm here for Kaname." Zero said lifting Yuuki off him. He almost gasped as he could feel Zero's ribs and back bone as he moved, the worst being that Kaname knew if Zero wasn't wearing his sweater he would probably be able to see them physically.
Zero was still sitting on Kaname but didn't seem too realized as Yuuki started to tear up. She ran out of the room in a flash. Zero turned to Kaname. It was then that Zero realized just who he was sitting on. A fierce blush spread onto Zero face as he removed himself next to Kaname. He heard Zero mumble a quick apology and smiled as Zero continued to look away from him.
"Its fine Zero, you're rather warm." He said but he would find some way to get Zero to eat more.
"Hurry up and get out of bed Kuran." Zero said.
"We're back at using each other's last names then?" Kaname wanted Zero to use his name, in many ways but some of those would have to come later. He didn't the boy to be healthy at the very least for more than half of the activities.
Zero tried to remove himself from Kaname's bedside only to be pulled back and down on top of Kaname again. Kaname had grabbed Zero's arm to drag him back to his side. It was Kaname's turn to blush. Kaname then released Zero's arm. He felt that if he held Zero's wrist any stringer it would snap. Just what was Zero doing to himself.
"I was thinking we could just talk here." Kaname said, "And eat, since I'm obviously not ready to leave this room yet." Zero looked a bit afraid for some reason but quickly tried to mask his facial expression.
"You really don't want to get out of bed do you?"
Kaname shook his head. Kaname moved over on the bed to give Zero some space to sit or lay down next to him. Zero took off his shoes and sat facing Kaname on his bed. If this had happened any time before last month Zero would have suspected Kuran of trying to do something seedy. Zero still expected Kaname to do something although now it was somewhat more of a sexual nature. Which sent a chill up his spine but he didn't know if it was good or bad and he really didn't want to find out. Especially if it was good.
Zero shook his head and sighed. Kaname watched as Zero seemed to be having a debate within himself. He took the time to look Zero over. Many probably didn't notice Zero that much but he was thinning and it looked like he was barely taking care his body. Sure Zero looked and smelled clean but that was just an appearance he put up so others wouldn't notice and Kaname knew it.
"How about we start all over?" Kaname asked. "Hello my name is Kuran Kaname and you are?"
"Kiryuu Zero." Zero stated giving Kaname a small smile. Zero fidgeted a bit; he didn't like the way Kaname was staring at him. Zero knew he wasn't something many wanted to look at, he was disgusting. He wished Kuran would stop those glances he was giving him, they seemed familiar but Zero knew he didn't want anyone to look that way at him.
"Ah, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He tried to bow slightly but it looked weird with the way he was propped up on his bed. Zero smile at him.
"The pleasure's all mine, I think." Zero said.
"So what is it you wanted to talk about?" Kaname asked snapping Zero out of his thoughts. Kaname had watched as Zero appeared to crawl into himself.
"Seiren told me that Aidou had always been suicidal but she was there before it got too bad." Zero said as he swiped some to his hair out of the way of his eyes. Kaname noticed they had more of a reddish tinge to them. Zero was denying himself blood and food. He was saddened, he knew what happened between them at cross affected Zero but he didn't think Zero would start giving in to what many told him to do.
Kaname wanted to stop Zero; he was letting himself decay from the inside out.
"Zero will you accompany me to a gathering tonight?" Kaname asked, "You might be able to get a feel for just who could be helping Aidou, since vampires from other countries will also be in attendance."