Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight, Matsuri Hino does.
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The Visit!
Chapter 3
On Sunday morning, Kaname awoke earlier than expected, his thoughts on what had transpired the day before. He had felt a pang of loss as they said their goodbyes, not wanting their meeting to end. And Taki was so kawaii waving at him until he was out of sight. He had really enjoyed their company and if he was honest, he found himself looking forward to see them again.
He usually slept longer during the weekends but today was different. He had no idea why he had approached Zero in the first place but there was something that just drew him in. Maybe it was Taki? Who am I kidding! He normally didn't mingle with humans unless it was business but this time he would make an exception. He had surprised himself by inviting them to his house but he was even more surprised when Zero had accepted. He had expected him to make excuses, that he was busy or something but the fact that he agreed made him somehow feel good.
And Zero's suggestion that he should get a man instead of chasing after women was not such a bad idea, after all. Maybe he would do just that. He knew men with good looks and class but when he tried to think whether any of them would be suitable for him, only one face came to mind. Zero!
Maybe I should just pursue him for myself! I enjoyed flirting with him and seeing his beautiful face blush. He's definitely got my attention. I just have to convince him with the 'Kuran Charm' and show him that it can be just as good between two men. But I have to take it slowly with him, or I will surely lose him! He knew from his conversation with Zero before, that the other man had been through a lot. He had seen the sadness in his eyes, heard the pain in his voice as he spoke.
His mind made up, Kaname jumped into the shower, mentally going through his closet as he washed his hair. Of course he only had designer clothes and could pick up anything, but he suddenly wanted to look his best in Zero's eyes. When he finished, he dried himself and put on a grey sweatshirt with a jeans trouser and looked at the clock. It was almost time. He slipped on his shoes just as someone knocked on his bedroom door.
''Come in....'' he called.
''Wow! You look great, Kaname!'' Yuki said and walked into the room.
''Thanks, Yuki. Did you sleep well?'' Kaname asked his little sister.
''Yeah! I'm so excited that we're going to have visitors today. I also want to meet the little boy you gave up my ticket for.'' Yuki said smiling. ''He must be adorable to make my big brother get all generous!''
''He is, you'll see. I'm sorry, Yuki, are you hungry?'' Kaname asked.
''No, no, I'm fine. They are almost here, so I'll wait and eat together as promised.'' Yuki answered.
''Good. I thought I was being selfish by asking you to join us.''
''I would do anything for you, Kaname, you know that. Your friends are also my friends so I'll treat them with special care.'' Yuki said.
''Thanks, you're the best sister ever.'' Kaname said and pulled Yuki to his side in a hug. Yuki was much younger than him but the way she carried herself out, one would think she was the eldest of them, when in fact, she was only nine years old.
Yuki grinned sheepishly. ''I am your only sister!'' She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him back.
''Right!'' Kaname said and released her. ''Now let's go before our guests arrive, shall we?'' He took Yuki's arm and led them downstairs. Just as they reached the foot of the stairs, Izumi, the maid approached them and bowed.
''Good morning, Kaname-sama,Yuki-sama! Your visitors have arrived!'' Izumi announced.
''Well, what are you waiting for, show them in.....'' Kaname said.
''They are already in the living room waiting.'' Izumi said then bowed and excused herself.
Kaname and Yuki walked into the living room to greet their guests. Taki ran to Kaname as soon as he saw the pureblood enter the large room. Kaname lifted him high in the air then put him down again. ''How are you Taki?'' he asked.
Taki was about to answer but kept quiet when he noticed the girl standing behind Kaname. He beckoned Kaname to lean lower so that he could tell him in his ear. Kaname decided to humor him and squatted so that he could hear what the boy had to say. ''I am fine, thanks. But who is she?''
Kaname smiled and replied, ''Her name is Yuki, she's my little sister. So please, don't be shy or scared of her, Taki. She only wants to be your friend.''
''Really?'' Taki whispered.
''Yes.'' Kaname assured the little boy. ''Now be nice and say hello to her.''
Taki walked toward the Yuki nervously and said, ''Hello!''
Yuki smiled. ''Hello, you must be Taki, aren't you?''
''Hai!'' Taki replied.
''You're so cute!'' Yuki exclaimed with excitement.
Zero cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. Kaname turned around and walked to him. He stood in front of Zero and held out his hand. ''Hello, Zero!'' He greeted casually and smiled. ''You look great.'' He squeezed Zero's hand and looked directly into the other man's eyes. He looks even more irresistible today! I could have him for breakfast! Yummy....
Zero could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. ''Thanks, so do you.'' Zero replied.
He didn't let go of Zero's hand, yet. ''Were you jealous that Taki's got all our attention and thought maybe we've forgotten all about you?'' Kaname asked.
''No, I'm used to it by now. People always run to him forgetting that I exist. Nobody notices me..'' Zero pouted.
''Don't worry, I acknowledge your existence, Zero, more than you know....'' Kaname said seductively. He began caressing Zero's palm.
Zero gasped and pulled his hand away when he began feeling tingling sensations from the caress. ''Uh....Weren't you going to introduce me to your sister?'' He asked. What the hell just happened to me?
''Oh!'' Kaname said and turned around. ''Come here, Yuki.'' His sister did as she was asked. ''I would like you to meet Taki's father, Zero! This is my younger sister, Yuki.'' he introduced them.
Zero shook Yuki's hand and smiled. ''Nice to meet you.''
''Same here.'' Yuki replied.
''Now that we all know each other, why don't we move to the garden, where our breakfast awaits.'' Kaname said and led them outside the house. When they arrived, they all took their seats under the warm morning sun in the middle of the garden. There were bright flowers and trees, beautifully arranged to make it the place more spacious. Kaname looked at Zero who was looking at his garden in awe. ''Do you like it?''
''Yes, it's so beautiful, I could spend my days relaxing here. I've never seen such an arrangement.'' Zero said and continued to look at the surroundings.
He had not taken a tour of the house but judging from the outside, it must be huge! This man must be loaded to own such a place. Who the hell am I dealing with here? Earlier in the morning, he had logged in to his computer to check the train connections of how to get to Kaname's place and had been surprised to find that no trains nor buses went through there. They had to take a taxi to get here, for the mansion was in a secluded area. What did he expect from rich people, they never liked mingling with commoners!
And his assumptions were correct because the size of the house, the compound and the garden spoke volumes. The man even had servants at his beck and call. What could be better than that? The man lived like a king, for God's sake. He just realized how different they were, their backgrounds and all.
''I am glad you like it.'' Kaname said. ''Let's eat.''
Zero pushed his chair to stand up but Kaname stopped him. ''But I have to serve Taki what he wants.'' he explained his action.
''Please sit! I have people to do that, so Taki will indeed, get everything he wants. Just ask him what he wants to eat, ne?'' Kaname said.
Zero asked Taki what he wanted to eat. The little boy looked around at all the food on the big table and couldn't make up his mind. So he said he wanted a little of everything making everyone laugh. Zero let him have his way this time. They ate and talked about everything and nothing in general. When they finished eating and everyone was satisfied, Kaname decided it was time he showed Taki the surprise he had promised.
''Taki, would you like to see the surprise I promised?'' Kaname asked.
''Oh yeah!'' Taki shouted.
''Why don't you run along with Yuki? She will show you, we'll join you in a moment.'' Kaname encouraged the little boy who took Yuki's hand in anticipation of the surprise.
''Are they going to be all right?'' Zero asked when the kids were out of sight.
''Yuki will take care of him, you worry too much. Let them bond a little.'' Kaname said.
''What did you promise him, anyway?'' Zero asked curiously.
''I'm not telling you will see for yourself when we get there but right now I would like to give you a small tour of my house, if you want.....'' Kaname offered.
''Great, I would like that!''
They stood up and went back to the house Kaname leading the way. First he showed Zero the Kitchen then opened the double doors that led to a spacious dining room. Along oak table graced the centre of the room, it's eight carved chairs at attention. A matching china cabinet held china, crystal and silverware. The silverware were all polished and the floors were so clean you could eat from them.
Kaname showed him the TV room, then they ascended the long curved stairway to the first floor, since Zero had already been to the living room. The landing paused at two long hallways. Five bedrooms as well as two bathrooms stood along one of the hall ways. Retracing their steps, they advanced down the second hallway.
''This is Yuki's room,'' Kaname explained as they went in shortly.''
Zero was too excited to take it all in. ''I could get lost in this house.''
''Many people have been lost their first time here. You can't get to know your way around it only in a day.'' Kaname explained as they left Yuki's room and moved to the last bedroom. ''And this is my bedroom.'' he opened the door. ''Come in!'' he invited.
Zero walked into the large room. He noticed the room had a patio door. Closer investigation revealed a balcony that overlooked the driveway. The room also had a fireplace and a door adjoining the bathroom. He ran his fingers along the smooth marble mantle. What a beautiful room! Then he looked at the bed again. Of course it was the first thing he saw when he entered the room but his interest had been captured by other things.
''You must sleep like a log when you lie there, don't you?'' Zero asked his eyes fixed on the bed.
Kaname stalked towards Zero from behind, closing the gap between them. Zero held his breath as he felt the warm moist of Kaname's lip's blow across the nape of his neck. He suddenly felt very weak and leaned back into Kaname's body length. Kaname took that as an encouragement and put one arm around Zero.
''Do you want to try the bed?'' The pureblood asked.
Zero had to shake his head to clear the dazzling haze that fogged up his brain before he answered. ''N....no... thank you!'' he stuttered. What is the hell is this man doing to me? I almost melted there for a second. Damn!
Kaname released him and stepped back, ''The offer still stands. Are you feeling okay, now?''
''Y..yes..'' Zero managed to say. In truth, he was still feeling hazy.
''I can support you again if you're feeling faint....'' Kaname offered.
''Don't need your support, I'm doing just fine!'' Zero roared then realized he had just shouted at his host. ''I am sorry, I didn't mean to shout at you.'' he apologised.
Kaname smirked. ''No problem since I have discovered one of your weaknesses.....'' he said and left the room faster than the human eye could see.
''You bastard.....'' Zero followed him but he was nowhere to be seen. ''Fuck!'' he cursed. Now he had to find his way back alone. After getting lost twice, he finally managed to find the staircase. Soon he was outside and looking for the children. He heard their laughter and followed. A huge bouncing castle stood at the other side of the compound. So this is the surprise! Well, I am also surprised. I never expected this......
Taki noticed him and began waving. ''Daddy! Over here, Dad!'' Zero went over. ''You have to try it!'' the little boy continued jumping up and down.
''Yeah, come join us.'' Yuki encouraged.
''I don't think so, you kids have your fun.'' Zero waved them off.
''Oh common! It's not that bad, is it? Look at me,'' Kaname said, '' I'm having fun.'' he demonstrated to lure Zero.
''You.....'' Zero began then stopped. Not in front of the kids. he thought. But he made sure to throw daggers in Kaname's direction.
Kaname smirked knowing he had won. ''Come up here and play with us.'' he held out his hand daring Zero to refuse him in front of the kids. Zero sighed heavily and gave in. They played with the kids and only stopped when Izumi brought them refreshment drinks. The kids continued while the adults watched them.
''May I go and show Taki my toys?'' Yuki asked Zero.
''Sure.'' Zero answered. ''Just don't let him play alone on the stairs, okay?'' Yuki nodded then took Taki's hand together they ran into the mansion.
''You really care about your son, don't you?'' Kaname asked.
Zero looked at him, his anger forgotten. ''Yes I do. He's all I got and I am all he's got. We have to look out for each other because nobody will. Since my parents died, we have nobody else to turn to but I want Taki to feel that I am there for him. I don't want the fact that I am a single parent stand in his way of happiness.''
''I think you're doing a great job, Zero.'' Kaname encouraged.
''Thanks. I try my best but I won't lie to you, it ain't easy being a single dad. Hell, I'm not perfect. I've made my mistakes and I've learned from them. I just try to take one day at a time.''
''And how do you manage financially? That is…..if you don't mind my asking?''
''It's okay. No luxury but at least I'm able to provide the basic things that we need.''
''What about toys?'' Kaname asked.
Zero looked away. ''He has some. If only I was able to work for longer hours then I would earn more and provide for him to his hearts desires. Compared to Yuki's toys, you would think I don't buy him enough toys, but I do. According to what I earn, I do my best!'' Zero cried.
''Hey....It's okay, I never said that. I am sure you do the best!'' Kaname said gently.
''But perhaps, my best isn't good enough!'' Zero raised his voice. ''Most of the times I put aside my needs and buy for him instead just to see him happy like other kids. I don't want him to ever feel disadvantaged just because I am a single parent, I want.....'' His voice trailed off.
He couldn't say anymore or else he would start crying. He didn't want anyone to see his tears. He had to hold them back for Taki's sake. Because once he started crying, it was very hard to stop. He had cried a lot in the past. Crying only brought him painful headaches and swollen eyes. No! He didn't want Kaname to see this side of him. He didn't even know what made him open up like this. He had never shared his feelings about the hardships of parenthood with anyone. And nobody ever asked him questions like Kaname's.
''It's okay to cry, Zero!'' Kaname encouraged. ''Let it all out.''
''What? Who said I'm crying. I am someone's father, I can't allow myself to be seen crying out in public.....ha ha ha!'' Zero gave a false laughter.
Kaname didn't buy it. ''You know I am a vampire, don't you?''
''Yes, I do. The colour of your eyes gave you away. So what?'' Zero said.
''I can smell your tears even before I see them.'' Kaname said matter-of-factly.
''Oh really?''
''Are you not scared of me?''
''No.....'' Zero said.
''You'd better be afraid, be very afraid!'' Kaname warned.
''What's the worse you could do, bite me?''
''Yes.....'' Kaname's eyes turned red as he answered and gave Zero the tongue action.
Zero trembled. ''Now I'm really afraid.'' he said brushing his arms as if it suddenly got cooler.
''Don't worry I bite very gently.'' Kaname promised.
Zero shrugged his shoulders. ''Hmm! By the way, why didn't you tell me that you live away from civilization? We had to get a Taxi to bring us here.''
''Sorry about that.''
''Which reminds me, we'll have to leave early, because Taki has to go to Kindergarten tomorrow.'' Zero explained.
''I will drop you guys home, so relax.'' Kaname said.
''You don't.....'' Zero began.
''It's been decided. I will take you guys home. Now lets go get the kids and have an early dinner, ne?''
Izumi went upstairs to get Taki and Yuki, then served them their meal in the dining room. After dinner and dessert, it was time to say goodbye when Taki began crying. ''I don't want to go home, I want to stay and play with Yuki!''
Zero looked at Kaname and rolled his eyes. ''He we go again!''
''You can come and visit Yuki again!'' Kaname said the magic words and they worked because Taki stopped wailing.
''Really? Can I come and play with Yuki again?'' Taki asked his dad.
''If you stop crying now then you can come visit next time.'' Zero replied.
Taki wiped all traces of tears from his eyes. ''I am not crying, see? I am a good boy, dad. I am not crying at all!'' he tried to convince himself more.
''Of course you're a good boy, Taki.'' Kaname encouraged him.
''Goodbye, Yuki!'' Zero ruffled the little girl's hair. ''Be a good girl too.''
''I will!'' Yuki promised then gave Taki a hug. Then she surprised Zero with a hug too. ''Be a good father!'' she teased.
''Hai!'' Zero replied. Then turned around to leave. ''What about an auto seat for Taki. We don't have one.''
''Don't worry. I already sent for one that used to belong to Yuki and it's already in the car.'' Kaname assured him.
''You're thorough in what you do, aren't you?'' Zero asked as he helped Taki into the car and buckled him up. He opened the door on the passengers side and sat.
Kaname smiled. ''Hmmm, if I wasn't then I wouldn't have what I own today.''
''Right!'' Zero said. They drove in silence the rest of the way. Taki had already fallen asleep soon after the car started to move. When they arrived Kaname turned to Zero.
''Give me your apartment keys.''
''Why?'' Zero asked confused.
''You will have your hands full, carrying Taki. I will help you with the doors.'' Kaname explained.
Zero nodded, gave him the keys and got out of the car to carry his son. Kaname waited for him to get Taki then locked the car and followed them. He opened the doors just as planned and waited in the living room as Zero went to tuck, his son in. He looked around the small apartment and wondered how people could manage to live a such a small space. My bedroom is bigger than this whole apartment! His thoughts were interrupted as Zero came back.
''Is he asleep?'' Kaname asked.
''Deep asleep. He must have been tired since he played a lot today.''
Kaname approached Zero. ''Yeah! Your boy has a lot of energy. Well I am glad you guys came and livened our place up.'' He was now standing in front of the other man.
''Thanks for having us over, we had a fabulous time.'' Zero said nervously. Why was being near Kaname so disturbing? It's not like he's gonna eat me....hmmm....I take that back. This one can swallow me whole, in one gulp!
''Zero......''
''Huh?''
''Can you give me a hug?''
''Why?''
''It seems everyone got a hug today apart from me. I also need some TLC. Will you hold me please?'' Kaname asked.
Zero sighed. The pureblood was so cute when he begged. Who was he to refuse him such a harmless deed. ''Okay, come here.'' He opened his arms.
Kaname went into them fast and hugged Zero close in his arms. Who is hugging who? Zero wondered. He tried to move from him but Kaname tightened him strong arms around him. ''Let me hold you for a while...'' He held Zero for the longest of time until he relaxed in his arms.
Zero welcomed the warmth. He felt safe like never before. He buried his head in the pureblood's shoulder and enjoyed the tranquillity he found there. Kaname was the first to pull away and Zero moaned the loss. ''Sweet dreams, Zero.'' and with that he was gone.
As he lay on his bed that night, Zero tossed and turned. Sleep eluded him even though he was tired. His thoughts on a certain pureblood and the harmless hug they'd shared!
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Now be good boys and gals and tell me what you think.....Review, Review!
Thanks again to all who holla-d last time. You guys are the best.
I will have the next chappie up, sooner than you think...peace!!!
