Dear Beloved

Man Hunt

There was a heavy sigh. "Takuma…" The blond tried to keep himself from wincing. Zero only ever used his full name when he really was irritated or annoyed with him. But still, he had to try.

"I swear this'll be the last time, I swear!"

"You're…swearing really has no insurance value. You said the exact same thing the last…three times? Yes, the last three times you asked me to do this," Zero raised a brow.

The blond whimpered, "but Zero…you know you're my favorite for these things."

"Why not ask that boyfriend of yours? I'm sure he'd be more than happy to do whatever you ask." Zero suggested, a hint of exasperation leaking into his tone.

"Senri's…well you know how Senri is," Takuma pouted.

"No actually I don't, and am glad I don't," Zero cut in when he saw the blond was about to go into another one of his 'Senri is an absolute God' tirades. Takuma was now much like a brother; it'd be…a bit disturbing having to hear about his love life in such detail.

"So you'll do it? If you won't, then it'll only be Ruka…" Takuma let slip, his expression completely innocent as he saw the cogs turn in Zero's head.

"Ruka…you asked Ruka? Why did you…? And why did she…? No, I don't want to know that either," Zero muttered. Narrowing his eyes in a glare he knew was completely wasted on the blond before him, he growled out, "fine, I'll do it. Just tell me when and where."

Takuma beamed. "I knew I could count on you, Zero! You have Friday afternoons free, don't you? Come to me then."

And that was that.

Shizuka supposed she led a rather ordinary life. She went to school just as every other child her age did, ate regular food, did regular things, and didn't feel there was much to define her in ways of special talents. So she never understood why the other children all tended to keep such a distance from her. She didn't feel that they meant to do so to be particularly spiteful or deliberately mean, but it was troubling, as she couldn't see any immediate reason as to why. Not to mention, despite them keeping their distance, they all tended to stare at her for prolonged periods of time, especially the boys, though there were some of the girls too.

She'd considered telling a friend, but it didn't seem right and when she went to her uncle in search of answers, he seemed just as clueless. Then she'd made the mistake of going to her father about it and had only received peals of amused laughter for her efforts. Well, he did say something, but it wasn't very helpful, nor did it make any sense, at least to Shizuka herself,

"And Zero couldn't figure it out either? My goodness, you two…both of you are like two peas in a pod! My cute little daughter and adorable little brother, what will I do with the both of you so dense? If only your mother was here for this…"

See? No sense at all, that father of hers.

But the loony-ness of her father wasn't what she was supposed to be thinking about right now. No, it should be about the beloved uncle she was to be meeting soon. Shizuka smiled as she read the message from her driver and saw that he'd be there to pick her up on time, as school was ending earlier today.

"Shizuka-chan, who was that?"

"Mm? Tanaka."

"Oh, your driver right?" Kanoko smiled.

"Yes, he's going to take me to see Oji-sama today," Shizuka beamed. She was completely oblivious to the blushes and long stares that occurred within a three-seat radius in response to her genuinely delighted expression.

"Oh, Zero-san right?" Kanoko flushed, remembering the picture of him Shizuka had shown her. It'd only been a two dimensional image of him, but it was enough to leave an impression. Kiryuu Zero was one handsome college student, better than those boy band members her older sister always raved about. Even as a seven-year-old she could tell who was better.

Kanoko had no idea she'd been one of the lucky few to be witness to Zero actually smiling in a photograph. There were very precious few of those left, and Shizuka held one of them within the pocket of her favorite purse.

Sunlight shining down on his silver tresses and illuminating his pale skin, soft lilac eyes radiated with love and affection as they gazed down at the young girl in his lap, his lips lifted in a full smile, gentle and tender.

"Tanaka, I'm thirsty," Shizuka pouted.

"Would some iced tea be acceptable?"

"That's fine. Take your time." The moment her driver turned the corner, Shizuka giggled and unlocked her door, stepping out of the car and rushing through one of the entrance gates to her uncle's school. No offense to Tanaka, but she'd rather do without his overbearing presence when spending time with her uncle.

Looking around, she regretted not asking more about the layout of the campus from him, having not a clue as to which way she should proceed in search of her direct relative. With a slight pout, she walked into the first building she spotted and stepped up to the front desk,

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, hello," a young woman's face peered over the top. She sent Shizuka an amused smile before coming around and squatting to Shizuka's eye-level. "What is it that you need?"

"I'm looking for Oji-sama, where is he?"

"An uncle? What's his name?"

"Kiryuu Zero."

The young woman blinked. "Zero-sempai? Then you must be Shizuka-chan, it's a pleasure to meet you; I'm Kyoko!"

"You know Oji-sama?"

"He's like a professor of sorts, a teacher to me," Kyoko smiled. Standing back up, she went behind the desk and quickly typed something in the computer in front of her.

"You're here for him right? Today is…it's Friday huh?" She turned back to the other students working around her, "Hey, does anyone know where Zero-sempai is today?"

A random male spoke up, "Zero? I just had class with him this morning, but he's free this afternoon. He could be anywhere."

Kyoko bit her lip. That was a problem. "Does anyone have his number?"

There were a few snorts and giggles and a girl spoke up, "Oh I wish!"

Kyoko frowned. "Seriously guys, does anyone know how to contact him?"

"Why do you need to know?"

"His niece is here, you know, Shizuka-chan?"

That was all she needed to say before their eyes widened and they crowded around the front desk, peering over it at the petite girl still dressed crisply in her school uniform, a small pink pouch hanging by her side from a thin strap over her shoulder.

"Oh my god, it's her! She's so cute!"

"She came all the way here to see him?"

"So that's his niece?"

"She's like a doll."

"Ah, guys, can we get back to Zero-sempai? Does anyone know where he might be?" Kyoko asked, trying to get everyone back on track.

"I know he's close with Takuma and Ruka. He could just be hanging with them. It's Friday."

"And where do they usually hang out?"

The guy shrugged. Kyoko refrained from growling in frustration.

"Is Oji-sama not here?" Shizuka pouted. Had her trip been wasted?

"Oh, she spoke!"

"She sounds just as adorable."

"Really like an angel huh?"

"Um, if Zero-sempai is with Takuma-sempai or Ruka-sempai, they could be at the dorms." Someone spoke up.

"Sayori, you know Ichijou Takuma?" Kyoko blinked.

"He's in my painting class."

"And his dorm room? You know where that is too?"

The freshman nodded hesitantly. "We were partners for a project once and he invited me over."

"Great! Then could you take her over there?"

"If you could cover my workload while I'm gone, then sure," Sayori offered.

"I think I could manage, thanks Sayori," Kyoko smiled.

Shizuka looked up at the girl leading her to her uncle by her hand, "thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm not close to Zero-sempai myself, but I know him through his work." A lot of people did. "You have a very talented uncle."

"Oji-sama is special," Shizuka nodded. "Otou-sama and I know."

"You like him a lot huh?"

"Otou-sama and I love him very much." Their housekeeper had once told her, her father had been an absolute wreck when her uncle had been involved in a minor accident and it'd resulted in a concussion and two-day stay at the hospital.

"He didn't sleep at all for three days, and hardly had any the rest of the week. He looked terrible, which in turn upset Zero-sama which then Mitsukuni-sama felt even more guilty for…"

Shizuka knew her father loved her uncle. It shone in everything he did. His love was genuine, unconditional, pure without a single ounce of doubt. But another reason Shizuka suspected for his attachment was because her uncle greatly resembled her deceased mother, her uncle's older sister.

Shizuka herself was no different. She'd inherited her mother's looks in every way, from the tips of her silvery hair down to her pale delicate toes. It was no wonder everyone thought she and her uncle were direct siblings.

"Oh Shizuka-chan watch out!"

What?

Shizuka hardly had enough time to prepare for the near collision. She was thankful for Sayori, who'd pulled her out of the way fast enough. If not, she and whoever this was would have ended up on the floor in a painful pile of limbs.

"I'm extremely sorry. I should have—"

Shizuka raised her hand, much like how she'd seen her father do in his office, and swiftly interrupted, "It's okay. You're forgiven. I'm not hurt." If she had sustained any form of injury, the man would have a lot more to worry about than apologizing for the fall.

"Are you sure? It doesn't hurt anywhere?" He couldn't believe he'd almost ran over a child in his hurry to escape from the doom his childhood friend had been planning for who knows how long.

"Yes and no. I'm okay."

He sighed in relief. "I'm glad, but I still feel terrible about this—"

"Kana-chan!"

He paled.

Shizuka tilted her head.

Sayori frowned. "Kana-chan…?" The name sounded familiar.

"Kana-chan! You…you and your long legs…too, too fast, damn it…" Yuuki came up, gasping for breath as she leaned on her knees, her face flushed and chest heaving.

"You, you're Kaname-kun?" Sayori blinked.

"What? Yes, I am." Kaname answered, bewildered. He'd never met this girl before.

"Kana – Yori-chan!"

"Yuuki," Sayori smiled. "I knew that nickname sounded familiar. What were you doing, chasing him around?"

"Well, I just found out about one of my sempai's dorm rooms and wanted to visit with Kana-chan, but he refused to…and well, here we are," Yuuki laughed sheepishly, her breathing still fairly labored.

Her large brown eyes focused on the young girl beside her roommate, "Who's she?"

"She's Zero-sempai's niece, Shizuka-chan."

"Wait, Zero-sempai's?" Yuuki squealed. "Oh my goodness, she looks just like him!" She bent down next to Kaname for a closer look. "I never knew there could be someone else with his coloring! Your eyes are the same too, wow…"

"You know Oji-sama too?" Shizuka questioned. It seemed her uncle was famous. Those people at the front desk all knew him and these people did too.

"I've known him for two years now. Are you…going to see him?"

"We thought he'd be with Takuma-sempai, so we're going to his dorm," Sayori explained.

"Oh can we come with you two? Neither of us has anything to do this afternoon," Yuuki took a firm hold of Kaname's wrist.

"Weren't you going to see your sempai?"

"It's alright, this sounds more interesting."

Sending her roommate a look, Sayori nodded. "I guess…I don't think Takuma-sempai would mind."

Sayori raised her loose fist to knock when a pained moan from inside made her pause. The sound was soon followed by a frustrated groan,

"Ruka, keep still!"

"My knees hurt in this position!" A feminine voice cried out. Sayori frowned as well as Yuuki and Kaname. They weren't aware there'd be a girl…

"How can they hurt? You're on the bed," came Takuma's level answer. "Now stay still, I promise it'll be over soon."

There was a moment of silence in which Sayori raised her hand again before,

"Ugh, Takuma, are you done yet?" It was the same girl that'd complained about her knees.

"I know this might be straining, but bear with me please," Takuma soothed.

Steeling herself for whatever they might be interrupting, Sayori gave the door a few firm knocks, ignoring Yuuki's whispered,

"I thought it was Zero-sempai that was with him."

Once again, there was silence from inside before the knob turned and a cheery Ichijou Takuma opened the door with a smile. "It's Sayori-chan! I never thought you'd visit again. You brought friends too." He looked down. "Oh? And who's the little beauty?"

"Hiou Shizuka."

"Hiou Shizuka?" He tilted his head before his eyes lit up with recognition. "Shizuka-chan! So you're the little lady Zero's been crazy about. Nice costume by the way, I saw your picture." He'd thought it strange for someone like Zero to be carrying around the picture of a doll, however gorgeous it was, until Zero informed him it was an actual human being dressed up for trick or treating and was in fact, his niece. Well, doll or not, Shizuka made a lovely mini-geisha.

Shizuka nodded, "thank you."

"I don't want to keep you guys standing, come in," the blond smiled. "Zero, Ruka, we've got guests, are you guys decent?" He called out.

Yuuki's brows rose. "What were you guys doing?"

Takuma laughed lightly. "That did sound a little suspicious huh? I was just using Zero and Ruka as my models for my next painting. Nothing dirty."

"Er, ah, in the nude? Together?" Yuuki asked uncertainly. Kaname felt his mouth go dry. Zero – nude?

"No, I wish they'd let me, actually, since they both have wonderful lines, but…" Takuma shrugged.

Yuuki grinned. "I wouldn't mind seeing Zero-sempai naked." It was just as she'd suspected. Her sempai did have great lines. With his height and physique, it was a no brainer. Her hand twitched with the sudden near unbearable urge to draw what lay underneath the thin cover of her sempai's clothing. Takuma-sempai was so lucky, she inwardly whined.

Takuma chuckled. "A lot of people wouldn't." Unaware of Yuuki's thoughts, he did feel very lucky. Zero didn't strip down for just anyone. As far as he knew he was the only one of two people Zero ever agreed to be modeled for.

"Wait, have you?" Yuuki turned to face him inquiringly.

Takuma smiled. "Yes." On numerous occasions. Though now that he had Shiki, the most he'd ever get to see of Zero would be his top half, not that he minded. Zero was perfect no matter what he decided to show.

Yuuki gaped. Yes? Did she hear right? He said Yes? "I really want your brain!" She pouted. "But if you have seen everything, can I ask one more thing?"

"I might not answer, but you're free to ask."

"Is he really pale all over?" She'd always envied Zero for his complexion and she wasn't the only one.

Takuma laughed, "Yes, he's perfect." Ah, the memories…

Wow, Yuuki flushed at the comment, Ichijou Takuma had just called Zero-sempai perfect…

"I swear this will be the last question – for now," she clasped her hands. "Do you have any artwork of him nude? I don't care what it is, if you do, can I see them?"

Kaname fought the urge to bite his lip. He really didn't like where this was going. He was now aware of Yuuki trying to get him closer to Zero and he had no intention of letting her maneuver things however she wished. He wasn't a puppet to be played around with for her amusement and neither was Zero.

But you are glad you were finally able to meet him in person, aren't you?

Kaname's lips thinned. Yes, he could admit that he was, but if he wanted to get to know Zero better, he'd do it on his own terms.

There was a mocking laugh. How?

Well, he'd think of something, he was sure.

The laughter now turned slightly hysterical in disbelief and incredulity. Ah, yeah, good luck with that train of thought buddy; maybe you'll get somewhere with it when he's married, has six kids, grandchildren too and on his deathbed!

Far from amused, Kaname frowned and turned his attention elsewhere that didn't intend to mock him at every opportunity.

Takuma paused to consider Yuuki's request. "I guess I can, but only a few, since most of it is very personal."

"Oh, right, I'm sorry, I didn't even think of it that way. You don't have to if you don't want to. I didn't mean to push."

"It's alright. I can understand why you'd be interested." He couldn't imagine anyone not being interested.

"Taku? How many people have you got over there?" They recognized Zero's voice.

"It's Sayori-chan with some friends of hers and another surprise-someone. You've got a visitor," Takuma answered.

"A visitor?" He sounded curious.

"Zero!" Ruka chided, "Button up your shirt and zip up your pants! Whoever they are, they're not going to want to see you so disheveled!"

His shirt and pants undone? "I wouldn't mind!" Yuuki called.

There was an amused snort in response.

Not really comprehending Ruka's words besides the fact that her uncle really was here, Shizuka also called, "I want to see Oji-sama!"

There was a pause before, "Shizuka, is that you?"

"Oji-sama, it's me!"

Then there was shuffling of cloth, Ruka's sharp call of Zero's name, a loud thud, and finally, the form of Kiryuu Zero rushing around the corner, his lilac eyes wide.

"Shizuka?"

"Oji-sama!" The young girl wasted no time running into his arms, laughing delightedly as she was scooped up and twirled around once before being set on his hip, resting her hands on his shoulders.

"Hey," Zero smiled, pressing a kiss to her hair, "what are you doing here huh?"

"School was out early and I wanted to surprise you!"

He chuckled softly, "Well, surprise me you did, Angel, did Tanaka bring you here?"

Conveniently forgetting she'd ditched him without leaving a single note of where she planned to go, Shizuka nodded happily before resting her forehead against his bare neck, closing her eyes.

"Zero, I don't care if it's Shizuka-chan, you didn't—Takuma! You didn't tell me there'd be so many!" Ruka flushed at seeing three strangers in her friend's dorm room, hoping she didn't look too terrible.

"It's just Sayori-chan and friends, Ruka, no need to get so upset."

"Freshmen?"

"I think so."

Ruka gave a disinterested nod, momentarily dismissing the small crowd and turned to Zero with a frown. "You haven't done up your shirt all the way." Her slender fingers made a quick work of the buttons, leaving the top few undone, just the way she knew he preferred.

The three of them heard a set of giggles and turned to their friend's guests. Zero raised a brow, "Yuuki?"

"It's just," she gestured, "You three make a perfect little family with Shizuka-chan," she commented teasingly.

Ruka sighed exasperatedly at this and Zero shook his head. "Even you? The number of times people have said that to us is annoyingly, one too many."

"Well, you two seem…close."

Ruka sent the freshman girl a flat look, "When you've known someone since they were four, it's a given."

"Any embarrassing stories?"

Ruka flipped her hair, "I'm not one to go around talking nonsense about other people's lives and even if I did, it wouldn't be about Zero's. Childhood friends or not, he'd flay me alive then feed me to his dogs and then dump my bones into the river before pretending to miss me and filing for a missing persons report."

Yuuki blinked. Sayori put up a hand over her mouth murmuring an, "Oh my…" and Takuma chuckled, "So true."

Zero only let out a snort, not denying anything, and went to kneel in front of Takuma's mini-fridge to take out two cans of soda for Shizuka and himself.

"Oh, Zero get me one too," Ruka raised a hand already prepared to catch the can she knew would come flying over his shoulder. It landed perfectly on the palm of her hand with a smack and she cleaned the top with a tissue before opening it, letting out a content sigh as the cooled iced tea went down her throat.

"They're…really in tune with each other huh?" Yuuki commented softly.

Takuma smiled fondly, "Even as childhood friends, they're closer than close. Zero sent an ex to the hospital once for making her cry."

Yuuki nodded, "Kana-chan is the same." Well, it hadn't been as violent; Kaname merely smacked the guy one well and good (that was a lovely broken nose) and then proceeded to ruin him financially. Really, not much of a big deal, could've been worse. He could've been sent to the hospital and been ruined financially.

Kaname blinked, "You knew?" He tried to keep his actions discreet.

"Yeah, about Akitoki."

Oh, just him? Yes, he had been less…composed, about that one, but it was the moron's fault, for insulting Yuuki to his face, hence the broken nose. And the others…they'd never even made it to boyfriend status before they backed off fearing for their lives. Kaname held in a derisive scoff. Cowards, the whole lot of them. Totally undeserving of Yuuki.

Busy verbally abusing the men on his black list, Kaname almost never saw the can of iced tea that came flying at his face. Managing to catch it in time, he sent Zero an inquiring look.

Still supporting Shizuka on his left forearm, Zero held up his can of coke with his right, "to the assholes that I hope burn in hell after dying a gruesome death and in hopes for Ruka actually finding a decent guy."

Kaname nodded, catching on as he raised his own can, "Also in hopes for Yuuki finding someone deserving of her charms." Sharing a smile, they took a few sips.

Both Ruka and Yuuki raised a brow. "And whose fault do you think that is?" They demanded.

"I'm glad you gave Akitoki what he deserved, but all the other potentials that just might be ' deserving of my charms' run off at the first sight of you, Mister Perfection!"

Ruka nodded, "It's the same here! They all think Zero's going to tear them apart if they so much as looked at me!"

"And even if they were brave enough to stick around for a while they start to get this weird inferiority complex comparing themselves to him in everything!" Yuuki continued, exasperation leaking into her tone.

"Then they start to doubt me, about how close I am to him, as if I'd want to be romantically involved with someone I think of as a brother!" Ruka added on.

"That, with the inferiority complex starts them thinking why we ever chose them and how they could never match up to him." Yuuki gestured wildly at Kaname who's eyes were going back and forth between her and Ruka along with Zero's.

"I know! It's all, 'He's fucking perfect! Why do you want to go out with me! Everyone says you're better off with him!'" Ruka mimicked, quite spectacularly, and Yuuki let out a laugh before nodding furiously.

"That's when I get fed up – because really, don't they have any self confidence? – and then it's who can yell louder and last the longest without taking a breath before it's over." Yuuki sighed.

"You know, sometimes, guys are such sissies. They just can't stand not being the biggest thing on the block."

Yuuki snorted. "And we just had to end up with the biggest thing there ever would be as childhood friends."

The two girls shared a longsuffering look. They tapped their cans together, "here's to finding a guy that can actually stand those two breathing down his neck," they chorused.

Zero and Kaname sent them wounded looks, their gaze clearly stating they only wanted what was best for their childhood friend.

Yuuki rolled her eyes, "Oh put those eyes away, both of you!"

Ruka sniffed in agreement, "They've stopped being effective years ago. You're not getting any sympathy from us."

Takuma and Sayori shook their heads as they watched, smiling in amusement.

Zero shrugged and licked his lips free of coke. "As long as she's safe." He never wanted to see Ruka cry because of an asshole boyfriend, not that she ever had, since that day.

Kaname, who now had his eyes on Zero's mouth, nodded absently. Makano Akitoki would certainly have trouble getting anywhere in life, not that Kaname suspected he ever would have. The brunet had just wanted to make that a sure, permanent thing.

No one messed with their dear girls, Takuma thought sympathetically. It seemed Kaname too had a protective streak a mile and a half long and wide. The blond had had his own experiences with Zero's and still did. Senri went through proverbial Hell before being able to comfortably claim himself as Takuma's long-term boyfriend. But at least the blond could say he and Senri were serious about each other with utmost confidence.

Seeing Shizuka doze off on Zero's shoulder, Takuma winced inwardly in advance for all those boys who were probably going to end up dead if they ever made her cry. Shizuka was a lovely girl and he had no doubts she'd grow to be a lovely woman. Men (and perhaps even women, if they weren't too busy feeling jealous) would flock like birds in a permanent state of mating season.

The little girl was four now, so…in ten plus years, Zero would be having his hands full, literally.

Sayori checked her watch, "I have to go back to work, guys. I'll see you Monday, Yuuki, Takuma-sempai. It was nice meeting you, Zero-sempai, Ruka-sempai, Shizuka-chan, and Kaname-kun."

"See you, Yori-chan!"

"Come by again," Takuma called.

Ruka sighed as she stood up from her seat on the bed, "Looks like this modeling thing is done for today. I'll be heading back to my apartment." Receiving her own share of farewells, she threw her empty can out in the wastebasket on her way out.

Takuma turned to the four remaining in his room. "I'll be cleaning up until next time, but what are you guys planning?"

Zero shrugged. "I think I'll be bringing Shizuka back with me. Nii-san probably has a late night anyway." She was also falling asleep and he didn't want to wake her.

Yuuki perked up. "You mean an apartment?"

"…Yes, why?"

"Can we please, please, come over?"

Kaname looked alarmed. "'We'?"

Yuuki sent him a look. "Yes, we," she stressed. "I wouldn't leave my dear precious childhood friend behind," she smiled sweetly.

Zero looked suspicious, but ultimately couldn't find anything wrong with letting them over on a Friday night. His place wasn't all that far from campus anyhow. "As long as you keep quiet while Shizuka's asleep," he noted.

Yuuki nodded, "Of course."

Back outside campus, Tanaka wailed, practically in hysterics as he spoke into his phone, trying to contact his employer about losing his daughter and hoping he wouldn't be fired.

Disclaimer: No own Vampire Knights.

Wow, hope that didn't bore anyone...