AN: I reach a writer-block I guess. So I need to throw out some idea to make my head clear again. So here another short one-shot of SVD prequel.
Disclaimer: I do not own vampire knight.
Beta-ed by: Sweet Sonia
Enjoy...
~*KaZe*~
The silence remained after Rido's body dissolved in thin air. A pair of lilac eyes staring in a daze before finally searching for the other strong presence around which was beside him, Kaname. His face cold and expressionless, even after the disappearance of the biggest threat; the enemy no longer alive… Zero stared at the pureblood thinking he could at least look relieved instead of his rigid posture which was present in front of his 'precious' sister.
Zero noticed Kaname opening his mouth to say something but the prefect was not going to allow this.
"Let's continue yesterday's conversation…" Kaname stayed silent, staring at the prefect blankly. "You got what you wanted. I want to leave." Zero continued.
"No." Kaname's lips twitched as he said so.
Zero scowled. "WHY?" he shouted.
The pureblood had no answer. Just like yesterday, he looked troubled. Is he remembering something? Is the seal wearing off? There's two ways for Kaname to break the memory seal. First was for him to taste the blood of his first child with Zero, the caster of the seal and other was the pureblood to be exposed in the presence of his own child with Zero in some period of time with an immense desire to remember.
It couldn't be the former. "Kuran…" Zero shifted his gaze away from the pureblood for a second, in thought before looking back at the pureblood. His heart beating faster in anticipation. "Kana-san…"
The name didn't trigger any recognition from Kaname but it did make him flinch. 'He still doesn't remember after all…' Zero sighed sadly. 'But why won't he let me leave? It should be favourable to get another pest out of Yuki's life.'
"Who—"
"No one." Zero retorted. "Anyway, why can't I leave?"
"Why are you so eager to leave me?" Kaname asked instead.
'Isn't it obvious? You chose Yuki and now are going to leave this academy with her to build a new life. I don't want to be the one to witness that.' Zero's eyes grew darker as he felt a sudden drag. "And why do you want me to stay?" Zero mumbled under his breath before lifting his gaze to the pureblood. "You seem to forget, Kuran. I hated you and I despised your kin! "Zero replied, glaring at the pureblood.
"Even though you're one of us now, not to mention the child you're carrying?" the pureblood's calm statement startled the prefect.
His face drained of colour, making him paler and his body shake terribly. He averted his eyes from the pureblood. "Wh—"
"Don't try to deny it, Kiryuu." Kaname cut him off as he reached towards the prefect. His slender fingers brushing against the prefect's smooth cheek. "What?" Kaname breathed out, his finger lingered down Zero's jaw, his neck, his shoulder before it rested on Zero's stomach. "Did you think you could hide it from me?"
Zero flinched. He pulled away and pushed the pureblood away. His breathe was ragged. "Wh—what are you talking about? I'm a boy! I can't conceive."
The pureblood smirked. "Sure…and here you are, pregnant."
Zero bit back his retort. He was in a speechless stupor. The silence lingered between the two. Zero gazed down towards the ground, his bangs covering his eyes. "Stop it. Why are we even talking about this? Why do you care anyway? The child may not be yours!"
Suddenly in an instant, the air turned cold and Kaname grabbed Zero's hair, holding it tight as he pull the prefect closer to him, whispering dangerously. "Then, I'll make you abort it." The pureblood's hand was hazardously creeping towards Zero's abdomen.
Now panicked, tears trickled down Zero's eyes. His trembling left arm quickly protected his stomach while his right hand reached up, grasping the pureblood's arm which was gripping at his hair painfully.
"No… don't. Please… I've never slept with anyone else beside you." Zero sobbed.
Hearing the sentence, the atmosphere turned back to normal. The palm on his abdomen left and cupped his other cheek followed by the releasing of his hair. Kaname brushed Zero's tears away, caressing his cheek lovingly. "Shush… don't cry. I'm sorry…"
Zero leaned into the touch. It was rare for the pureblood to show tenderness towards him and when he did, Zero couldn't stop from feeling nostalgia and longing. The old Kaname was gentle. He loved the pureblood's gentleness but now it was rare to see it towards anyone except for Yuki.
He's leaving. He's going to leave with Yuki. More sadness clouded the prefect's mind and heart while tears continued to trail down. "Kuran…" Zero caught both Kaname's hand in his, his eyes gazing directly into the pureblood's wine orbs. "Who am I to you?"
Kaname pulled his hand from Zero's and looked to his left. "I don't know."
The silence caught up with them again. Zero bit his lower lip, cutting off his sob. "Am I just a pleasure outlet for you?"
"…" the pureblood hesitated.
Zero felt like he was going to cry again but seconds later he felt anger rising and he raised his voice. It must have been his hormones, the unstable mood swings. "Answer me, Kuran. If I mean nothing to you, why do you want me to stay? Why can't I leave? You worked so hard to get rid of me before so why are you doing this?"
Kaname sighed. "I don't need this right now."
"ANSWER ME, KURAN!" Zero was pissed now.
"BECAUSE YOU ARE CARRYING MY OFFSPRING! It's… my responsibility to take care of you now… and our child." Kaname's eyes showed his sincerity but Zero couldn't accept it.
'This is just like the conflict we had before we broke up. I can't let the history repeat again.' Zero lifted his lilac orbs to the pureblood. "Is that all…Your obligation? I don't need you! I can take care of myself and this child." Zero rubbed slightly at his abdomen.
The atmosphere became as heavy as the conversation. Disagreement was clearly showing on the pureblood's face. Somehow Zero was slightly happy he had caused some changes towards the pureblood's cold façade.
The prefect suddenly chuckled. "Ha… you never change Kuran. It's always responsibility first with you. I can't take this anymore…. Kuran, did you ever have any affection when it came to me?" Zero knew he looked pitiful right now but he didn't care. His pride didn't matter at this moment in time. He just needed the truth.
"…"
Why? Why doesn't Kaname have anything to say? He usually just retorts back with his smart ass, sarcastic reply. 'Why can't you just break my heart now and cut off any hope? Are you afraid if your usual treatment will harm the baby? Is that it?'
"How about Yuki? Do you love her?" Zero pushed his thought deep into his mind for a while.
Kaname bowed his head, staring at the ground. His reply came in heavy tone. "… Yes…"
The last string had finally broken; there was nothing stopping Zero now. "You chose her after all…" Zero mumbled under his breath. The ex-human closed the distance between him and the pureblood, his expression hidden. "I'm sorry, Kana-san. I'm leaving."
"No—!"
The tears made Kaname bite back his words but what made him speechless was not the tears but the smile Zero was wearing. The silver haired teen's heart was wrecked.
Zero reached out, caressing the brunette's cheek softly. "I know you don't remember… but a long ago I promised you, we'll meet again. We did. I thought this time I'll win your love but still I couldn't win over her." Zero gazed into Kaname's wine orbs and the other did the same.
"I love you, Kana-san." The silver teen leaned in and their lips met.
The wind suddenly blew hard and Zero pulled away. "This is a good bye, Kana-san." Zero whispered before he blew softly at Kaname.
"Wait~" the pureblood grew weaker and fell to his knees, his arms in Zero's as the silver teen supported him. He was losing conscious and before he was complete out, he called out. "Ze—ro."
The prefect went onto his knees and hugged Kaname's limp body, tightly. "Sleep now, Kana-san. When you get up, you'll forget everything, the fact you slept with me and the pregnancy. Forget everything about our relationship in the past six month."
~*KaZe*~
Zero stared absentmindedly into his room. His bag pack was at his side on the bed and his bloody rose strapped on his waist. He felt empty somehow and it was so quiet. It was strange to say he felt calm at that time.
Zero pulled out a picture of his baby's ultrasound. He felt warm looking at the picture as he rubbed his abdomen.
He put the picture away in his jacket before sighing and picked up his bag. He let his eyes linger around the room for a second before closing the door and leaving.
The affair with the pureblood started when Shizuka died. Kaname gave his blood to him to stop him from falling to a level E. The pureblood's intention was to keep Yuki's knight, his chess piece sane enough to do his job but he unconsciously created a bond between them.
Because of this, they were able to understand each other's feelings all the time. But even so, they continued to hurt one other due to Yuki's account. It was seriously a bloody and disturbing relationship one could say. It had gotten even more confusing when after all the torment, the pureblood would be so gentle in treating him and he responded in the same manner when the pureblood was in need for comfort.
Of course it was kept a secret but rather than saying it was friendship, they were just comfortable in each other's presence besides their daily fights. Sometimes, they just spent time sitting in silence, content with one another's company. Many events forced them to rely on each other and soon enough, Zero found out he was falling for the pureblood.
When this happened, Zero learned how to hide his thoughts to prevent them from getting to Kaname through the bond. But it didn't last long. The drinking session increased his desire for lust and other needs. One thing led to another and they slept together. He was the one who seduced the pureblood first so it was his fault.
The sexual affair continued behind Yuki's back as they couldn't keep their hands off one other. But reality finally caught up with him and Zero had to ask himself if Kaname loved him back or whether it was only physical. However before he got to ask, he got sick and discovered he was actually pregnant.
He stayed away from the pureblood for a while by going on missions. The stress built up and soon began receiving images, flashes of events he never knew of before. It was about a teen pureblood, Kana-san who was cursed to kill his beloved and Zero was married to said pureblood at the age of nine.
They had their ups and downs and in a month and a half into the pregnancy, Zero received all his memories. He was shocked to find Kana-san and Kaname were the same person. However the reason he left Kana-san was more shocking as it was because of Yuki being the pureblood's fiancée, ex-fiancée.
At the same time, he had promised Kana-san he would come back and he did though it being unconsciously. He also promised himself he would fight for Kaname's love. Yet, he lost even without a fight. Kaname loved Yuki and he picked her.
It was an understandable though. Kaname loved his sister so much; he would do anything for her. When he was cursed, he was so worried that he would kill Yuki. Kaname was under the belief that Yuki was his soul mate, thus sending her away to live with Cross. When he found she was not, he was so glad.
Kaname married Zero so that he could protect him from all the leaches and power hungry bastards who were trying to use him by being his legal guardian. It was a will of a good friend. Since Kaname couldn't become Zero's legal guardian by adoption since he was still young himself, he took the decision to marry Zero by vampirism law which no one could question him or said they were still so young.
It was his choice to seal Kaname's memory and it was his idea to let it be as it was after getting his memory to see if Kaname would choose Yuki or him without feeling the responsibility as his husband or being a good friend.
It was his loss after all. Zero stopped thinking about it when he arrived at the academy gate. He whirled back around and glanced at the moon dorm where Kaname's room was situated. Then he sighed.
"Hanabusa, what are you doing here?" he called out.
Aidou came out of hiding with a pout. "You're as sharp as ever. Where are you going anyway?" he asked.
Zero glanced over the blond. "I believe I asked you first."
"I'm just out for a walk and spotted you. There is no harm in asking, right?" Aidou spoke sincerely.
Zero nodded slightly and turned to the gate. "I'm leaving."
"Where? Why?" Aidou asked again, ignoring the fact he was invading the other's personal space.
"Away from here and not for any particular reason." Zero lied.
Aidou frowned and squinted his eyes at him. "You're lying. You are leaving because Kaname-sama chose Yuki-sama, aren't you?"
Zero flinched but he refused to show any signs he was troubled by it. "No—"
"I knew Kiryuu. You can't hide it from me. I knew you were in love with Kaname-sama." Aidou spoke so proudly.
Zero stared at the blonde as if he had said something outrageous and Aidou flushed. What Aidou said may have been true but Zero knew the blonde wouldn't notice this by himself. Aidou was not the kind of person who would notice something like that. It usually Akatsuki and Aidou would only know from his cousin.
Aidou huffed. "Alright, alright. Akatsuki told me a few months ago and I have been observing you. Also I knew you've been sleeping with Kaname-sama."
Zero flushed and raised an eyebrow. "You didn't peek on us, did you?"
Aidou stuttered and the red dust on his cheeks proved enough.
"EW… Aidou. Hentai!"
The colour on Aidou's face darkened. "I'm not. I just saw by… by accident." Aidou stumbled.
Zero let out a big sighed and turned his back. "I'm outta here." He said heading out the gate.
"Ah! Wait. Kiryuu…" Zero didn't stop. Aidou bit his lower lip and spoke up again. "I know you are carrying his child!" that got Zero to stop in his tracks. "I saw you at the clinic, having your check up." Zero whirled, lilac orbs wide in alarm.
"I've seen your report too. The proof… I never thought you of all people could get preg—" the prefect clamped Aidou's lips with his palm. His breathe was heavy.
They stood in silence before the prefect released the blonde and eyed him. "Does anyone else know of it?" Zero asked.
Aidou shook his head. "I was the only one who knew since I'm the only one who broke into the clinics' archive."
Relief shone in Zero's lilac orbs and Aidou continued to silently watch the prefect. "What are you so afraid of, Kiryuu? No one is going to harm your child even if the others knew."
"No. As soon as this knowledge is out, it'll be a death sentence for my child."
Aidou didn't understand. "Why?"
Zero piercing gazes shot through Aidou's blue orbs. "Don't you get it? I'm a hunter, Kaname's a pureblood. The child I'm carrying is a taboo child. He won't survive if anyone knew of it." Zero felt his eyes stinging as he gazed at the forest ground. "Beside if Yuki got a wind of this, she'll stop at nothing to make sure my child never sees the light." Zero exclaimed, trembling. She got him last time; he'll not let her get him this time too.
"What Yu—Yuki-sama got to do with this?" Aidou asked frowning with confusion.
Zero glanced at the blonde. He forgot. Years ago when he sealed Kaname's memory, it affected everyone else's too. Everyone who knew of him and the old Kaname had their memories altered. Anything about the cursed pureblood, the marriage and the fact Zero was the vampire hunter's president was locked away and replaced by fake memories.
Kaname's memory seal was hard to crack but not the others. The ones that had been affected only needed to have the desire to remember for the seal to break.
However till now, no one affected had the desire to remember anything as they didn't know anything was forgotten.
It was better if no one knew of the past. He could erase Aidou's memory of knowing about the pregnancy but something didn't feel right about it. Zero tapped his finger on the blonde vampire's forehead and muttered under his breathe. "Remember."
Slowly the blonde's eye lids closed and reopened. He stared in a daze for a moment before the light returned to his blue orbs. "ZERO!"
"You remember now. So keep the secret from the Kuran siblings." Zero reminded him before turning to the gates again.
"Wait." Aidou caught the prefect's wrist. Zero didn't turn but he let Aidou keep a hold of his hand. "At least tell me where you are going." Aidou finally released the silver prefect's wrist. "I'm still your friend, right?"
Zero hesitated at first but felt warm when Aidou still thought them as friends after what he had done. "China. That's all I can tell you now." Zero said while walking towards the taxi that had stopped in front of the gates just moments ago. In there, Dr. Shou's figure could be seen.
Zero closed the door after getting in and pushed the window's button down. "Thanks Hanabusa."
"For what, being an ass to you for the last few years?" Aidou joked.
"No. For keeping my secret to yourself."
"…" Aidou was lost for words.
"I know you'll keep it a secret. I trust you." Zero pulled out a small smile. "Well then," Zero spoke as the driver got ready to drive away. "Good bye, Hanabusa. Take care."
"Erm. You too."
Zero pulled a weak smile as the taxi drove away, leaving Aidou to stare into a distance as the taxi disappeared from his vision.
"Aish…Zero, why won't you believe in Kaname-sama's love?" Aidou shook his head before heading back to the Moon dorm.
~*KaZe*~
"Did you take care of everything?" asked the doctor trying to break the silence they shared on the way to the airport.
"Yeah, I erased everything that existed of me at the academy." Zero replied. "How about on your side?"
"Ichiru's body is already on its way to China, the record of the pregnancy is already burnt though the record seemed to be tampered with … and by the look of your face; you already knew who it was?"
"Yes, it was Hanabusa."
"Alright… erm… How did things with you and Kaname-sama go?" the doctor carefully asked while observing the silver teen.
"He didn't take my departure well and we had a little argument. He also knew about my pregnancy." Zero said calmly.
"He knew?"
"Yeah and he wanted to take responsibility over it but I declined." Zero spilled out. Somehow he seemed too calm, it was disturbing.
"… Are you ok with this?" the doctor asked.
Zero nodded silently. "He's in love with her and I'm just a burden he felt responsible for. I don't want to be the obstacle in his search for happiness anymore."
"…How about your happiness and your child's happiness? He's going to grow up without one of his parents."
"My happiness doesn't matter. I'm just happy with the memories…" Zero turned his head downwards. "And I know it unfair but I'll try to give my child as much… no! I'll give more love than any child could get from both of their parents."
The doctor looked away, helplessly. "If you say so, Zero-kun. If you say so…" he mumbled.
Zero rubbed his abdomen, smiling reassuringly at it. "I'm sorry my child. I'm a coward… but I love you."
Then it was silent again.
~*KaZe*~
It had been a month since Zero left the academy and started his life with the doctor and his family. The physician's family consisted of a wacky mother who always disappeared without notice, a doting father who was really alike Cross, an older brother who was studying in England and a younger brother who had a mind of a 5 years old when he was about the same age as Zero.
It was a bit hard to follow at first but later Zero got used to it and nothing much surprised him after that. The doctor's family ran a restaurant next door and Zero worked there as a payment for his stay.
'KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK'
Zero looked up from his book. The physician was standing at the door way.
"Shou-sensei, what is it?"
"Someone is here to see you. He's in the living room." The doctor said before excusing himself to make some tea.
Zero nodded before heading to the living room. Upon entering, he was greeted by hyperactive blonde.
"Yo, Zero. I came to visit." The blonde's eyes sparkled before noticing the bulge around Zero's stomach through his clothes. "Oh, you got fat."
'BANG!'
Zero glared at the blonde. "I dare you to say that again."
The blonde paled. "Cool it, Zero. I'm sorry!"
Zero put his gun away and sat down. "Sit."
Aidou didn't need to be told twice as he quickly sat down, on the opposite couch to Zero's.
"What are you doing here?" Zero asked.
"Like I said to visit." The grin returned to the blonde face. "I was in the neighbourhood for work."
Dr. Shou came in and served them tea and some snacks. After setting it all down, he excused himself again.
Aidou took a sip and felt himself relaxe from the taste and the smell of the tea. There was a moment of silence as Aidou busied himself with the treat in front of him.
"Ne, Hanabusa. What are you really here for? I know when you are lying."
"…" Aidou put down the cup while continuously staring at it.
"Come on, did something happen?" Zero urged.
Aidou glanced around. After a while, his eyes finally landed on Zero. "Well it's true I came here for work. It's not a lie. Yuki-sama ordered Shou-sensei back for duty. Also I came here to inform you something."
"What?"
"Well, you know Kaname-sama is engaged to Yuki-sama, right? Also that they are going to marry by the end of the year?"
Zero twitched at the mention of the two siblings' marriage but nodded anyway.
"Well, the marriage is postponed."
Zero gasped. "Eh? Why?"
"I don't know. Yuki-sama won't tell me and I can't see Kaname-sama. Yuki-sama has forbidden me."
Zero was silent. He felt uneasy somehow.
"Ne, Zero. Do you think something bad happened to Kaname-sama?"
The question startled Zero and was left staring at Aidou in return.
-6th month-~*KaZe*~
Dr. Shou left for Japan to check on Kaname and asked his mom, who was also a doctor, to take charge of Zero's pregnancy check-ups. He was afraid that the trip was going to be a long one.
By request, Dr. Shou kept Zero updated with Kaname's condition. The doctor was still unaware of the cause of the pureblood's sickness but he suspected it was an internal problem. The cause of the problem was lost on Dr. Shou for two months however finally one evening he got it.
'Rinne Rondo rang'
Zero picked up his cell phone and wondered who it would be calling so late in the night. He yawned, rubbing sleep out of his eyes.
"He~llo?"
"WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING, ZERO?" someone was shouting over the line, waking Zero completely. Zero moved the cell phone away from his ear.
"What the heck?" Zero cussed and searched the caller ID. He was a little shocked to see it was a call from Dr. Shou. He never screamed before or rather he never got angry.
The line had gone quiet and only the sound of heavy breathing could be heard. Zero moved the phone closer to his ear again. "Shou-sensei? Is that you?"
The other took a breather. "Yes. Sorry for shouting so suddenly."
"It's ok. Are you calm now? What happened?" Zero asked.
"I'm calm now but I have to say you did something foolish, Zero."
"… What is this about?"
"Did you erase Kaname-sama's memory with your power?"
"Yes." Zero replied and was rewarded with another shout.
"ZERO! YOU KNOW YOUR POWER IS DANGEROUS. Why did you use it to wipe off Kaname-sama's memory? Why didn't you just seal it like last time?"
Zero knew very well his power was dangerous. Since he was a child he restrained from using his power which could make the target disappear in thin air. There's no return or reverse when he used the power.
"I don't know why. It was on impulse. I wasn't thinking." Zero answered.
"Well, has it ever occur to you Zero THAT ERASING HIS MEMORY FROM THE START OF THE BOND IS LIKE SERVERING THE BOND? YOU COULD HAVE KILLED KANAME-SAMA."
Zero sobbed. He knew the normal him wouldn't have cried from being screamed at but the mood swings made him shed tears. "Sto—stop shouting at me. I know I—I was stupid to use my power at the time."
"Ah~! Don't cry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have shouted. Sorry, Zero, Don't cry."
Zero wiped his tears. "I'm sorry… So what's happening to Kaname? Is he ok?"
"No, he's in withdrawal. Sometimes he's ok and other times he would suddenly scream, trashing around and run around aimlessly."
"Is he going to be ok?" Zero asked in concern.
"No. he's going crazy. The bond is lost right now. He's searching for his mate but the thing is his mind doesn't remember that he's created a bond with someone. It's confusing."
"…"
"Zero… I know you know this. You're the only one who could cure him."
Zero was silent. He wanted to help ease Kaname's pain and for sure he didn't want Kaname to end up crazy but the infant's aura could be sensed by others now and couldn't risk them finding out.
Besides, Zero clenched his hands till they turned white; he was not prepared to see Kaname right now.
"I know… but I can't do it…Sorry." Zero apologized and ended the line. He also pulled the battery out and cast it away before pulling the blankets over himself. Dr. Shou's words echoed in his ears.
Zero clamped both his palms over his ears and closed his eyes, wishing it away.
-7thmonth-~*KaZe*~
Zero stared in a daze as his fingers played with the strap of his cell phone. Dr. Shou's words were still playing in his mind. A month had past but Zero still hadn't changed his mind. Dr. Shou told him Kaname was on medication now and most of the time, spent sleeping. If this continued, he would most likely go into a long sleep. This happened when the vampire metabolism defence system kicked in, to ensure survival while the body tried to heal whatever was wrong.
Zero leaned into the wall beside the window as the wind blew at him gently. It was calm but it felt so wrong. Maybe it was guilt.
The pregnant teen sighed and left the room. He took his coat and left the house. Wearing the coat, he walked down the hill leaving the restaurant and headed to town.
'Cling, Cling' the bell of a shop rang at the same time Zero opened the door.
"Welcome." The owner spoke as he lifted his head. "Ah, Zero-chin. It's been a while. How have you been? How's the little one?" the owner, an old Japanese man asked warmly with a big smile on his face. Kyou-san was an old man who helped Zero one day when he fainted because of the heat while he was taking a walk in the city. Kyou-san was really a nice man, he was a Japanese too so he had no problem speaking the language though he stumbled sometimes as he hadn't used the language for a long time.
He migrated to China a few decades ago.
Coming back, the Japanese man owned a music instrument here and sometimes let Zero play the piano. He may have left the piano for a long time but he still had the skill. The old man liked to hear him play so he didn't mind Zero playing once in a while. Besides he attracted customers.
"I'm ok." Zero smiled before he rubbed his stomach. "And the little one's been active lately, very active." Zero told him. Kyou-san knew of Zero's pregnancy but what he didn't know was that Zero was a guy. Though he was flat chested, people still though he was a woman. Why, Zero may never know but he heard some say he was a tomboy or androgyny. "Anyway, Kyou-san, can I play the piano?"
"Oh, go ahead." The old man gestured. "I'm going out for a while. Can you take care of the store too?"
"Alright."
"Thanks. I'll be back in 30 minutes." Kyou-san said before he left.
The store became quiet as soon as the old man left and Zero headed to the grand piano at the centre of the store.
He lifted the piano lid and took a seat. He fished out his silver cell phone from his pocket and flipped it opened. He hit the speed dial and put it to his ear, hearing the line ring.
"Hello?" Zero felt a jolt hearing the deep, tired voice. He didn't say anything but placed the cell phone by the piano. He heard the other line saying hello again but he ignored it before he started playing.
Silver music danced around the room and the other line turned quiet. Zero guessed Kaname was listening so he continued to play with all his heart.
He played for five minutes and when the piece ended, Zero snapped out of his world. His eyes quickly searched for his mobile and saw it still connected. He brought it near and placed it close to his ear. Kaname was not saying anything but Zero could hear his soft, calm breathe.
Zero smiled. "Sweet Dreams, Kaname." He wished, not expecting a reply since he knew the person on the other line had fallen asleep. But he was wrong.
"… Ze..ro… come back…" the pureblood mumbled before Zero heard the soft, even rhythm of Kaname's voice again.
'THUMP!' pink coloured his pale face, his chest felt painful and he felt a lump in his throat. He pursed his lips, clenching the cell phone closed to his heart. "Kana…me…!"
~*KaZe*~
The visit to the music store became frequent and the call too. Also Dr. Shou told him, the pureblood's condition had become stable and he hadn't run havoc after. His aura too showed calmness and peace.
Zero was glad to hear such good news but something else started to worry him now. His due time wass nearing and he couldn't seem to calm down. He was agitated, scared and he was losing sleep. It was not healthy for the infant but Zero couldn't stop it.
Even though it's his second time pregnancy, he was worried. His first child was still-born, what if the second too? It scared him.
Zero shook his head. No, he has to stop thinking about this. He could still feel the baby's aura in him, strong and bright. He/she is not going to have the same fate as his deceased older brother.
"Zero-kun, Aidou-kun here to see you." Suddenly Dr. Shou's mother told him from the door.
Zero blinked and looked at the doorway. Aidou, the blonde noble entered the room as Dr. Shou's mom left.
Zero got up from his chair. "Hanabusa?"
"Hi, Zero." Aidou greeted shortly.
"Let's go to the living room. We can talk there." Zero suggested as he exited his room. But before he could lead the way, Aidu stopped him.
"Wait, Zero. I'm not here to talk. I'm here to take you back to Japan." the blue eyed noble told him straight away.
Zero raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
"Dr. Shou told me to fetch you. Your due time is nearing right? Hitomi-sensei doesn't know how to handle your labour. Also Dr. Shou can't leave his post."
There was a moment of silent before Zero broke it. "Now?"
"Yes, now. Your flight is in an hours' time. To drive to the airport takes half an hour too. So pack your things fast." Aidou told him.
Zero nodded and headed to his cupboard. Aidou let a small smile graze his face as he turned. "I'll wait for you outside, ok?"
Zero nodded again. "Ok."
Aidou left and Zero never pulled his eyes away from the blonde until he was gone. What has gotten into him? He seems gloomy.
-birth-~*KaZe*~
Upon arriving to Japan, Zero stayed at his old house, the Kiryuu's residence. He stayed there and kept a low profile. Dr. Shou came sometimes to check on him but most of his time, he spent alone. Also he had his piano tuned and as routine; he played some pieces of piano for Kaname through the cell phone without speaking to the said pureblood even once. Kaname also didn't know it was Zero who called him since he had changed his number.
That was two weeks ago, today Dr. Shou was supposed to come for his check-up but he was running late.
For a few hours now, he had been having cramps in his lower regions. He had told Dr. Shou about it and the said doctor told him, he was going to be there pronto but still he hadn't arrived yet.
All the waiting made him thirsty so he went into the kitchen and had some water to drink. He put the glass away quickly when dizziness hit him suddenly. Zero held his head and staggered backwards, leaning against the kitchen island. His vision blurred, slowly sliding to the floor. He felt energy leaving him and starting to see black spots. His head hit the floor and he could hear his own heavy breathing.
'What's going on? I'm losing consciousness.'
From the corner of his eyes, he could see his cell phone lying at his side and he picked it up. The light was flashing and Zero flipped it opened. 'Is it Shou-sensei?'
"Hel—ha—lo?" Zero strained himself to talk normally.
"…"
"Sensei? Where are—you?" Zero tried
"… Kiryuu?" Zero felt a jolt. He felt like crying.
"Ka—Kaname... help me. It—it's painful."
"Kiryuu? What's going on? Where are you?" Kaname sounded awfully concerned for someone who didn't remember having any relation with Zero except being enemies.
Suddenly his eyes widened as a shock of pain assaulted him. "Ahh!" he was panting. "Kana…me…" he muttered before finally darkness engulfed him.
~*KaZe*~
"Ro…Ze…Zero…can you hear me?" Zero heard Dr. Shou's voice faintly as he saw a blur of the said doctor's figure.
"Shou- sen… sei…" He mumbled before going back into the dark world.
~*KaZe*~
The second time he regained conscious, he saw he was in his room and Dr. Shou was preparing for his labour. Then he drifted into unconsciousness again.
~*KaZe*~
The third time he woke up was by a wave of pain. He regained his consciousness fully. His lilac orbs looked around searching for the doctor as he had hard time breathing.
Dr. Shou came into sight with his white working coat. He brushed Zero's wet hair backwards and whispered. "Breath like how I taught you before Zero. In…. Out… In… Out…." The doctor continued to give guidance until he was satisfied with the way Zero was breathing and handling the pain.
"I'm going to give you anaesthetics now." Zero was told before he felt a needle pinch his artery. The drugs kicked in right away. In seconds he was oblivious to the world.
~*KaZe*~
The next time he woke up it was already morning. The birds were chirping and the sun light was streaming into the room through the windows. His room was strangely reeking like the hospital and Zero disliked it very much.
He tried to get up, to get out of the room but as soon as he moved a muscle, he double over in pain. "A…a..ah…" he cried out, holding his almost flat abdomen. Eh?
Zero glanced down. He was not pregnant anymore. Then he remembered yesterday's event. "Sho—Shou-sensei!" He called. Silence greeted him. "Sensei!" he called again and when he didn't get any response, he carefully got up from the bed and wobbled out of his room.
He heard sounds from the next room so he headed towards it. It was his old room; he made it into the baby's room.
Zero pushed the door room, his senses were still confusing so he didn't sense whose aura it was in the room. So it was a shock for him to come across the eyes of Kaname Kuran, who was holding a bundle of blankets in his arms.
Zero paled.
"Weird? There are two Zero's." the pureblood uttered, blinking in confusion.
~*KaZe*~
"He's in complete withdrawal." Dr. Shou's voice reached deep into Zero's mind.
Zero glanced at the pureblood, watching him, staring at the baby in the crib; his slender pointing finger in the baby's grip. His eyes were content but at the same time lack of recognition. It was as if he didn't know what was going on around him or where he was.
"Why isn't he in deep slumber?" Zero asked.
"No. He is in deep slumber alright. It's his instinct moving his body now. Something must have awakened his instincts when he was in the process of withdrawing and brought him here."
"So he is mostly like a doll?" Zero asked.
"Yes, if you are referring to a doll that doesn't use its brain. He doesn't think, he doesn't have will and he doesn't lie. He just has feelings and moves according to his guts rather than brain."
"Oh…" Zero mumbled. He glanced again at the pureblood, catching his eyes with his own. He was closer than he thought which startled him a bit.
"You're bleeding." The pureblood said and without much shame, pulled Zero's clothes upward—he was wearing one of those hospital gowns with nothing under—showing his lower region and his surgery stiches.
Zero yelped, blushing in embarrassment while the physician in the room didn't care. "He only got a day, so make use of it wisely, Zero. After this, he'll fall asleep for sure and forget everything." The physician informed as he disappeared from sight.
The silver teen didn't have time to answer since he suddenly felt something wet trail over his wounds. Zero grasped a hold of Kaname's shirt, pushing his shoulder away. "Stop it, Kaname. What are you doing?" Zero squirmed.
Kaname held Zero by the hips, holding him in one place as he licked the opened wound, chasing the blood that was trickling down the hunter's abdomen and thigh.
"AH…! St—op it. No…" Zero protested as he felt the pureblood sneaky hand against his inner thigh while the other wrapped around his waist. "No… Stop to—uching at weird place, Kaname."
*However Kaname continued his ministration, having no attention to leave his mates' wound unattended. Zero bit his lower lip, he knew he shouldn't feel like this; after getting out of a surgery and everything and Kaname's action was only to heal his wound—but he couldn't help from feeling the heat building up in him and the pleasure from the pureblood's skilful tongue against his skin.
~*KaZe*~
"Kana—me…" Zero moaned. The two of them had changed location, leaving the baby's room and into the master room. They both ended up in bed with Zero straddling Kaname's laps while the pureblood was holding the prefect's waist. Their lips were on each other. Finally Zero pulled away and rested his forehead against the purebloods.
"Zero?" Kaname called. His voice sounding confused.
"Our child…" Zero paused. "He lived." The prefect voiced out of relief.
Kaname blinked.
Zero's body shook and Kaname pulled him closer in an embrace. In response, Zero wrapped his arms around the pureblood's neck, breaking down the next moment.
"I was so afraid, Kaname. I was afraid if I would lose him like I lost Tsubasa." Zero confessed. Tsubasa was the name of the child he lost during his first pregnancy. He still remembered Dr. Shou''s words. Male pregnancy was dangerous and the chance of the baby living was small.
"Shh… it's ok, Zero. Koori is healthy. He will live and have a wonderful life." Kaname whispered, comforting Zero as he rubbed Zero's back in small circles.
Zero blinked, cocking his head. "Koori?" he hiccupped.
"Kiryuu Koori, I decided on the name for our child." Kaname replied.
Zero slowly pulled away from the embrace, studying Kaname's face deeply. He frowned. "Are sure? It's ok for him to be a Kiryuu?"
Kaname chuckled. "So, I take it you agree with Koori then?"
Zero nodded. "Koori sounds lovely."
"It is… also for your earlier question, I don't care if he's a Kuran or Kiryuu. He's still our child."
Zero hugged Kaname again. "Thank you Kaname…" Zero smiled though his eyes darkened second later. "So… are you letting me go then?"
Kaname shook his head. "Never, Zero. I'll never let you go as long as I live…" he paused, placing his palm on Zero's cheek, cradled it as he stared deeply into Zero's lilac orbs. "I love you so much to let you go."
Zero was speechless.
Kaname raised his other hand and cradled Zero's other cheek, bringing Zero's face closer till their foreheads touched. The pureblood had his eyes closed. "I'm sorry Zero. I didn't answer you last time… I was so afraid if I told you I loved you, you'd be disgusted and left me."
Zero's eyes widened before he hit Kaname's shoulder. His eyes were teary again. "You idiot! You should have just told me!"
Kaname glanced up at Zero, staring up into his eyes. "You're not disgusted?"
'How could this man be so clueless?' "Of course not! I love you. Why would I be disgusted?" Zero sobbed. He wiped his tears with both of his knuckled. "I was waiting for you to say that. I was waiting for you to say I meant something to you. I waited so long but you never said anything." Zero cried.
"I'm sorry."
"I love you and I confessed but you would never believe me." Zero hit Kaname's chest. "Why won't you believe me? Why did you brush me off? Am I just a kid in your eyes?" Zero asked, hitting Kaname again. Zero had once confessed to Kaname when they were kid but Kaname brushed it as brotherly love. Then whenever he said he loved the pureblood, Kaname always found a reason to brush it off.
"I'm sorry." He apologized again. "You were still so young back then. I really thought you said it in brotherly way."
Zero glared at the pureblood. "Stupid! If so why would I marry you?" Zero retorted. "Even if I was a child, I knew there was no marriage between two guys. Not in a human way at least and even if vampires allowed it, I'm a vampire hunter. They surely wouldn't approve of it. Besides, I'm strong enough to protect myself. I agreed because I already had feelings for you."
Zero began to cry again while Kaname frantically tried to calm the silver hunter. He pulled the hunter into a hug, stroking his hair. "I guess I was stupid after all"
"Damn right." Zero said though it was muffled but he was pretty sure the other heard him.
Silence...
Kaname chuckled before he kissed Zero's temple. "I love you Zero and I will forever."
Zero pushed himself up. "I love you too." He said and they kissed.
~*KaZe*~
The next morning, Kaname fell into a complete sleep. Dr. Shou and Aidou sent him back to the Kuran house where he was put under the physician's care by Yuki.
A year later he woke up and a party was held to celebrate. Fatefully, he woke up on Koori's first birthday. The party was grand and every vampire was invited. Zero didn't go to see Kaname anymore. Shou-sensei said Kaname didn't remember anything anymore. His only memory of Zero was from the first time they met at Cross place until the day Shizuka's death. Zero was a little glad because if the pureblood remembered, he would be in another fit like last time. Though Zero was still sad Kaname had forgotten about him again.
Zero shook his head. No need to feel sad, Kaname was going to be happy and healthy. That's all that mattered now. Besides, Zero took all precautious to connect the bond again and made it almost invisible for Kaname to feel so that Kaname wouldn't go crazy again because of the bond.
However he was more worried about the rumour about Yuki's change in behaviour. She became more unreasonable, cold and demanding. Zero guessed it must have been because she remembered something from the past.
Zero just had hoped Yuki didn't get the wind of Koori's existence. Talking about that, Ichiru almost blew it off. He went to the party held for Kaname's awakening and got in touch with Kaname in blessing a charm he had made for Koori.
Though it was weird how Kaname agreed to Ichiru suspicious request. What did Ichiru say to the pureblood to make the pureblood agree?
Zero didn't know and Ichiru was being an ass with not telling him or ran way when he asked.
Another three years passed and Koori had grown into a loveable and smart boy though he was a bit spoilt. He was cheerful and got an innocent smile that won people's heart all over. He also had no problem making friends with people of all ages.
But something worried Zero. Last week, Koori asked about his dad and Zero had reacted badly to the question. Koori cried right after and had been sulking in his room. He seemed normal the next day but soon Zero noticed something was wrong with the boy. He didn't have an appetite and he was losing sleep too.
Zero was stuck. He wanted to comfort Koori but he knew the reason the boy was like that was because of the issue with his dad. Zero couldn't let Koori know his dad was out there, who cared about him. Koori would surely go to find his dad.
That was why Zero lied (scream) to Koori that he hated Koori's dad. He could tell Koori that his dad was no longer with them, dead but he couldn't stand the thought of Kaname being dead so he settled with the hate.
~*KaZe*~
"Come on, Zero. Please only this once." Aidou pleaded as he took the first step into the house.
Zero raised an eyebrow towards Aidou. "Why are you so persistence to make me go to your birthday party? You didn't whine this much last year or the years before." Zero asked suspiciously.
"Well because years ago, Kaname-sama came to mine. But last year he didn't turn up in the last minute and this year too."
Zero went silent when Kaname's name was mentioned. It had been long since he heard that man's name. The last time he heard about Kaname was when Aidou came to tell him, Kaname postponed his marriage after waking up and was looking for him.
"So, I'm just a second alternative for you huh, Hanabusa?" Zero huffed, faking hurt.
Aidou smiled awkwardly. "Don't be like that, Zero. You know what I mean. Besides, you hate parties so I never force you to go to one before."
"What's the different now?" Zero asked a matter of fact.
Come on, Zero. Don't be like that. Only this once ok? I don't have any companions lately."Aidou cried. "Akatsuki and Ruka are always busy and this year is the worst. There's a probability they won't make it to my party." Tears started to run down Aidou's cheeks.
Zero jerked behind, surprised.
"I'm lonely! Come on, Zero. Come to my party. Please…" Aidou looked at him, tears in his eyes.
"No." Zero still stuck with his decision.
More tears rolled down Aidou's cheeks and he started wailing wildly. Zero flinched at the loudness and closed both his ears with his hands.
"Hanabusa, pipe down. Koori has just fallen asleep and he has trouble sleeping lately too." Zero called.
Aidou didn't stop and Zero sighed. "Alright, alright. I'll go. Where is it?"
A smile quickly painted Aidou's face. "At my house. I sent you my invitation card, right? All the information is in there."
"Emm…" Zero replied lazily.
"Thanks." Aidou hugged the man before leaving with birds dancing around him.
Zero gazed at the sight, expressionlessly. "He must be really bored." The hunter said before turning his attention to the birthday card which was on the table with the rest of his mail.
Zero sighed. "I hope Hanabusa isn't planning anything with this."
End chapter….
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