A/n: Hihi…I know that I took a while with this, and I just want to say THANK YOU to all my wonderful reviewers. You guys have totally inspired me and I feel a lot more confident with this story. There is gonna be more Kaname/Zero stuff…(not overly romantic mind you…lol…at least not yet), and some readers seem to be hating on Yuuki-chan a bit, so I'm going to limit the appearances of Yuuki in this chapter…although I can't promise that in the next one.
This chappy is just mostly Kaname and Zero in the infirmary and Kaname is trying to understand what has happened to Zero over the last three months and ten days. A few OCs will be introduced…but no-one playing a big part. Kronos will also be explained a bit…but nothing too revealing.
On wit d story!
KxZxKxZxKxZxKxZxKxZ
Chapter Four: The Revealing
Fresh salty tears continued to flow from Zero's lilac eyes as the young hunter's thin body shook with his silent sobbing. Kaname was at a complete loss…and I mean a complete utter loss. He knew how to handle an angry Kiryuu; a resisting Kiryuu; a Kiryuu who knew too many profanities; hell, he could handle a Kiryuu who was constantly at Yuuki's side…but a crying Kiryuu? The Kuran knew that he was probably no good at comforting anyway…so he decided to wait it out.
The air was thick with discomfort…well Kaname's discomfort and awkwardness at the situation. Zero's sobbing had managed to simmer down after the first few minutes, but those tears kept on materializing behind his long thick lashes, and streaming down his pale cheeks. For some reason, tears just didn't look right in Zero's face. Kaname knew Zero to be all strong-willed with a fiery spirit and an equally fiery tongue. This vulnerability was so new and so different.
"You found me," he croaked softly, his voice shaky. Kaname looked at him in surprise. Was Zero starting to come around? He had really hoped so…at least for the sake of everyone, especially Yuuki, who he sensed was taking this extremely hard.
The sun was starting to rise through the horizon, its golden rays glowing and sparkling through the misty skies. The birds were chirping a little too merrily, and this usually signaled Kaname's bedtime. The Pureblood stifled back a yawn and waited patiently for the ex-human to finally ease into the familiar environment of Cross Academy before anything else was done.
"So you finally recognize me, Kiryuu-kun?" Kaname asked hesitantly after a while, the urge to bite out a calm sarcastic line was practically killing him.
"I thought-I thought…I-I thought you were them…" Zero rasped unevenly, finally finding the strength to sit upright, his legs dangling from the edge of the hospital bed. Kaname sat down on the chair and silently observed Zero. He knew exactly the them Kiryuu was referring to…the only question was what did they want? What was so important that they had to kidnap Zero?
Furthermore…how DID they manage to capture the ex-human? Zero was certainly a force to be reckoned with and Kaname was sure that Zero had put up one hell of a fight…perhaps even severely injuring or killing some of the offending humans. Kaname also knew that Zero was a hunter, meaning that he had access to spells and charms…so Kaname was intrigued as to the kind of tactic used to subdue Zero Kiryuu.
Last but not least…what did they do the hunter? How could they manage to mess him so bad? Kaname was pulled out of his reverie when Aoi, the nurse walked over to the pair.
"Kiryy-kun? Are you feeling any better?" she asked, her blue eyes glowing in concern.
"Y-Yes, I'm fine. Thanks," Zero replied softly, his eyelids once again threatening to close due to fatigue. Kaname raised an eyebrow…Did Zero just say the word: Thanks?
The nurse smiled cheerfully and walked away, leaving the two to their privacy.
Zero looked at Kaname questioningly and snorted.
"I am capable of the basic manners Kuran," he said, his lavender eyes still not looking at the pureblood in front of him.
"Hmmm…as shrewd…and as annoying as ever Kiryuu-kun," Kaname casually responded, smirking slightly. Finally, he thought, Kiryuu is finally being….Kiryuu.
"You should be thanking me, you know," Kaname continued indifferently, "after all…it was the Night Class who found you." Zero froze at the statement.
Kaname soon realized that he may have said the wrong thing as he witnessed the subtle but visible changes of Zero's body. His shoulders tensed up considerably, his jaw tightened with nervousness, or edginess…Kaname couldn't figure out which and his bottom lip trembled slightly.
"You're right," Zero whispered mildly, with no hint of hate or antagonism, "Thank you. I-I don't know how to thank you enough. I guess it's just one more thing I owe you for eh?" Kaname could tell that Zero was trying to lighten the mood a bit, and he also realized that he was talking about taking his (Kaname's) blood for the past few months. However, the silver youth still refused to make eye contact, and the whole damn situation was beginning to feel strange…and it was pissing him off.
Since when did Zero thank HIM? Kaname Kuran? Big, bad Pureblood vampire? Since when did Zero sound so defeated and soft? And why the hell wasn't Zero making eye contact with him? He always did…every single time they were arguing or fighting…Kaname could always feel Kiryuu's amethyst coloured eyes on his cherry ones. Kaname combed his fingers over his silky chocolate locks in utter exasperation. He was accustomed to knowing everything…he was always the one who figured everything out.
But this time…just wasn't one of those times. He didn't have all the answers. Hell…he didn't have ANY answers…and frankly, he was afraid to ask Zero anything right now. He thought it was too soon since the hunter was obviously still in a fragile state. Kaname Kuran sighed…and gazed at the current enigma in front of him: Zero Kiryuu.
"Kiryuu-kun, will you look at me at least?" Kaname finally asked, already losing his patience and for some reason, he missed those lavender orbs which were always focused on him when the two were forced to be together. The ex-human fervently ignored Kuran's request as his eyes remained averted away from the Pureblood and was probably gazing at the interesting apple white walls.
"Kiryuu…" Kaname trailed once again, rigidity entering his voice resulting in a slight, almost unnoticeable flinch from Zero.
"Just look at me, please," Kaname tried once again, deciding to add the "please" as an afterthought. This was not begging, Kaname resolved, he was simply trying to be gentle with the obviously troubled teenager. Zero continued to stare into nothingness and Kaname elegantly stood, not taking his eyes off the hunter for a moment.
"Kiryuu, there are some things I need to take of. Yuuki will probably visit you later. I don't know if you remember her…since I heard about an unfortunate incident which took place earlier. So, please, just be polite even if-"
"I remember Yuuki you bastard," Zero interrupted, still not looking at the Pureblood, "I-I just did not recognize her…"
"You seemed to recognize me just fine, Kiryuu," Kaname retorted calmly unintentionally.
"Y-Your blood. I recognized your blood. T-T-That's when I realized that you had found me," Zero answered softly.
"Hmmm? My blood? Did you not recognize my face? After all, I do recall telling you to never forget the one who gave you this blood…" Kaname said offhandedly and almost cursed when the hunter winced at his words.
Kaname POV
I almost cursed. I really needed to watch myself around the hunter. I knew that he was in a delicate state and his psyche was brittle and his body was weak. I kept on thinking of the brazen, bold Zero…almost forgetting that the Zero sitting quietly in the infirmary was not the Zero I knew. I needed to be…nice…to him. The very thought was making me nauseous.
However, I also knew that time was running short in regards to the Kronos. I was aware that once they had figured out that their prisoner was gone, they would have most likely vacated the hideout. It did not matter much to me though. I had Sieren place a tracer on the force field they had used on the Mansion, knowing that wherever they had fled to, they would activate the field, thus activating the tracer as well.
I stifled a yawn once again. I knew I could go days without sleep, but the events which had occurred just a few hours prior were both taxing on my mental and physical state.
Furthermore, I needed valuable information from Zero in order to continue conducting investigation on the so called "Vampire Haters." That was easier said than done. I was positively sure that Zero was in no mood to discuss the possible traumatic events which he was forced to endure during the time of his imprisonment.
"I need to leave. I will be back," I said in a quiet tone and as I was about to depart, a pale hand clutched gently onto the hem of my school jacket. I knew at once it Zero's hand…but I was still shocked that he initiated some kind of contact all on his own.
"What is it?" I asked just as gently as the grip on my uniform.
"W-Will you take me outside? Please?" Zero asked delicately, his voice no longer rough and raspy. Rather, it was smooth like cream. It reminded me a bit of Zero's original voice whenever he was talking to Yuuki. He was always soft and gentle with her, and now that voice was directed at me. I felt something flutter in my stomach, but I decided to ignore the new sensation and wondered if it was safe to acquiesce his request.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Kiryuu-kun. You need to rest," I replied, hoping that he would not get too upset.
"Please, I just want to see the sun. Just for a little while," Zero said again, and his tone came close to pleading, but only Zero could pull of such a request and not make it sound like he was begging. However, it was very difficult to imagine a begging, pleading Zero. It didn't look, nor did it sound right.
"Fine, but only for a bit. I doubt the nurse would appreciate you getting up…so we'll be quick about it," I assented reluctantly, almost pitying the forlorn looking figure on the bed.
"Thank you," he replied, and I knew that I would need to accustom myself to these changes in Zero. It was rapidly coming to my attention that he was no longer himself, and different approaches would be needed to interact with him. I reminded myself to tell Yuuki this, as I doubt her less than subtle advances would be welcome.
I took his wrist in my hand and relished in the warmth of Zero's arm. He stumbled once, but after a while, he steadied his footing and was as sturdy as the old Zero. He tugged his wrist from my grip, but I simply tightened my hold on him.
"I am responsible for you since I'm here. I don't want you falling down and making a mess of yourself," I explained rationally, trying to figure out why his wrist fit so perfectly in my cold palm.
I slowly led him to a door on the western side of the room where there was a direct entrance to the Cross Academy Gardens (A/n: I don't know if this actually exists). I passed Aoi, and as expected, she stood up in silent protest.
"We won't be long. He just needs some fresh air," I told her effortlessly, trying my best to put as much charm in my voice and physical features as possible. She hesitated a bit, but sat back down and nodded her reluctant approval.
I opened the mahogany doors (really, the Chairman does like beautiful things), and slowly led the Kiryuu down the steps, ensuring that he really did not fall and make a mess of himself. Now that would prove to be detrimental and Yuuki might hate me forever.
The Gardens really were lovely. There were so many roses of different colours: red, yellow, white. There were other plants and trees as well, but whenever I came down here, it was mainly to admire the roses and the well manicured lawns.
Normal POV
Zero's bare feet scuffed the grass and he reveled in the feel of the soils and lawn under his soles. He tilted his head to his right just enough to let the warm rays of sun to hit his pale cheeks. He pulled at his wrist again lightly, and Kaname finally freed his arm from his constricting hold.
The Pureblood Prince simply stood in the shadowed background and observed the Kiryuu who was just standing in full view of the sun. Kaname had to admit that he appreciated the subtle way the sun brought out and enhanced Zero's facial features: his strong, firm jaw; high cheekbones; long lashes; and ruby red lips which were still slightly stained with Kaname's dried blood.
It seemed like hours had passed since they were out in the Gardens and Kuran checked his watch only to see the ten minutes had gone.
"Kiryuu, I think we should be getting you back inside before Aoi-chan really gets angry," Kaname reasoned after a while. Really and truly, Kaname did not mind being outside, especially when Zero looked so…physically appealing in the sun. The Kuran reasoned to himself that being a vampire would have never been in Zero's nature, especially as the morning hues really made him stand out.
"Just a few more minutes Kuran. I haven't been outside for months…this feels too good," Zero trailed in a wispy voice.
Kaname blanched. Had he heard right?
"Surely, your…captors, I mean…I'm sure your room had a window…" Kaname said a little pathetically…ok ok…I mean really pathetically. Kaname felt a bit uncomfortable for a moment…this day was turning out to be a day of firsts. He really hoped that this wasn't becoming a habit.
Zero turned around and focused a calculating stare on the Pureblood. The intensity of his eyes glazing down the very core of Kaname's soul and if the Prince had no dignity or pride, he would shivered in apprehension.
"My room? Why, Kuran, you make it sound as though I simply went on a holiday," Zero snared evenly, all evidence of weakness and deficiency non-existent.
If he was allowed, Kaname knew that he would have gulped.
"You know I did not mean it like that, Kiryuu. I was simply looking out for your welfare, that is all," the Kuran answered calmly and forcing his body language to maintain its composure.
"Hmph, right. I guess you're just dying to know what happened to me, right?" Zero asked rhetorically, his back turning to Kaname once again as the silver haired male continued to soak in the sun.
"I can see it on your face…you're just itching to question me…aren't you?" he asked again, not really expecting an answer.
Kaname was beginning to wonder if Zero was just naturally bi-polar. His nerves were starting to twitch in irritation at Zero's comments, and he was simply desired more than anything to throw some hurtful verbal retort.
"I don't know their names though, so that would be no use," Zero began, and to Kaname's horror, he laid down on the grass, his whole body taking in all the golden rays as possible.
"Kiryuu, I think you should get up. You can catch a cold…it's still dewy," Kaname reasoned, still remaining in the shadows of the large avocado tree.
"A cold will be the least of my worries…and besides…I won't get sick for a while," Zero trailed.
"Really? Despite you being vampire, you are still a Level D, meaning you are still susceptible to common human diseases," Kaname patiently explained, instantly realizing that he probably wouldn't have to gently probe the boy for information since he seemed more than eager to tell all. Maybe a little too eager.
"They placed a charm on my lower back. The tattoo is still there I believe, I can feel its magic. It stops me from getting infections," Zero replied, still looking up at the sky and the listless clouds earnestly wishing that he could easily float away from all these problems.
"And why would they do that?"
"Well think about it Kuran. It does make an awful lot of sense. They were keeping me physically healthy so I could endure as much as their torture as possible without killing me," Zero replied vacantly as his shoulders sagged deeper in the grass, staining the blades with brown dirt.
Kaname winced at the dead tone of Zero's voice. He wisely remained quiet knowing that if he had nothing comforting to say, it was safer to say nothing at all.
Zero lifted his back from the lawns and propped his upper body on his elbows. He slanted his head a bit to the left just enough so his narrowed eye could glimpse Kaname.
"You know, you told me earlier that I should be grateful that you found me. Now don't get me wrong, I am eternally grateful for you saving me and all…but you should be grateful to me too. I kept your dirty little secret," Zero informed the Pureblood, a hint of a smirk playing on his face.
Kaname now had just enough of playing Mr. Nice. The only thing was: he was wondering how long this cool, brave façade Zero was fronting would last. First he was a quivering a mess (close enough) and now he seemed almost back to normal. Keyword: ALMOST. His eyes seemed dead, his voice was nonchalant. Kaname was trusting that a loud, abrasive outburst, which usually signatured (a/n: this is not a word, I just made it up) Zero's rage, was forthcoming, since he certainly knew how to deal with such typical Zero-behaviour.
"Nothing to say, Kuran. Perhaps something you want to ask me?" Zero continued sarcastically, his smirk only getting wider. Eventually, his attention was returned to the lazy skies and Zero sighed again, relishing in the feel of everything normal.
"I am confused as to the "dirty little secret" you so elegantly phrased," Kaname bit out, with as little sarcasm as he could manage, trying to hold down his gnawing temper.
"Well, you know I was never one for elegance anyway," Zero chuckled darkly. He got up and turned his full attention to Kuran. Both males now eyeing each other, both with cool indifference.
"You know what I'm talking about Kuran. All the Purebloods do. Why do you think they kidnapped the Level Ds who belonged to them? Really Kuran, you must think I'm thick," Zero replied and he proceeded to Kaname's direction. Kaname clenched and unclenched his fists a few times in an attempt to dissipate the welling anger in his being.
"I think we should go inside," Zero continued, "I need to change these clothes."
Kaname laughed softly, his eyes shining in dark amusement.
Zero looked at the Kuran devoid of any emotion and raised an eyebrow.
"You find my misery funny?" Zero asked sardonically, whilst Kaname simply kept on chortling in that same annoying saturnine way.
"Forgive me Kiryuu, there is nothing funny about your misery. However, I was expecting a more…despondent Zero. Perhaps a sorrowful, distressed version of you. More like how you were reacting in the infirmary," Kaname explained, a small smile still adorning his thin lips.
Zero smiled in return, albeit a rather grim one.
"You mean you were expecting a Zero riddled with agony and so much pain that he could not hear or see straight, right? Zero inquired, leaning even closer to Kaname, consciously backing the Pureblood against the wall. He placed his left hand on the side of his head. Kaname did not bother to reverse their positions knowing instantly that he would have the upper hand either way. Zero was unarmed and still relatively weak.
"Yes," he answered, "that's exactly what I was expecting. But it matters not how you deport your mannerisms." Zero nodded as if in complete understanding with the elder male. The younger boy got even closer to the Pureblood, so close that they were almost nose to nose, and their lips were probably a few inches apart. Zero was eyeing him. His eyes roaming his face and his body shamelessly.
"Kiryuu, what on Earth do you think you are doing. I could break your neck in an instant," Kaname threatened softly, whilst enjoying the feel of Zero's body warmth and the smooth caresses of his breath on his lips. Deciding that he himself was going crazy with fatigue he opted to stop this nonsense immediately. As he raised his hand to push Zero away, Kiryuu grabbed his wrist gently and stroked the soft skin.
"Kiryuu, you are acting weird, again," Kaname murmured and just as he was enjoying the smooth feel of Kiryuu's velvety skin, the contact was lost, and Zero was backing away, his eyes still on the Pureblood, calculating and analyzing.
"They managed everything perfectly…" Zero trailed slowly, turning his back on the Pureblood and was about to go up the stairs and back into the infirmary when Kaname grabbed his shoulder harshly, releasing a slight flinch from the ex-human.
"What the hell was that?" Kaname asked angrily, turning the hunter around so he could face him, making sure to keep the boy at an arm's length.
"I-I…" Zero stuttered out, and Kaname wondered if all that bravado was just a macho act and the boy was now beginning to lose his nerve.
"Answer me!" Kaname demanded even ruthlessly, perhaps more in shame at his body's reactions to Zero's touch.
Another wince came from the hunter, but Zero's pursed his lips sullenly.
"Unhand me, vampire," Zero ordered, his tone morose.
Kaname only squeezed his shoulder even harder and demanded again, "You will answer me," his tone becoming dangerously quiet, his eyes reddening even further. Zero straightened his back with resolution and rolled his eyes at Kaname's antics.
"Really, Kuran. Resorting to such childish behaviour just to get what you want? You really are a spoilt brat through and through. They captured you perfectly. As a matter a fact, if it wasn't for your blood, I would still be thinking I was with them," Zero spat out hatefully, his eyes narrowing in revulsion at the predator instinct owning all Kaname's features.
Kaname let go of Zero's shoulder instantly as if burned and he vaguely heard him mutter, "That's gonna bruise."
"What?" Kaname questioned eloquently. What did the hunter mean by capture him?
"I mean, Kuran, they used…illusions on me…using my memories of the people I knew against me. Trying to get me to break emotionally…trying to destroy me so I would lose my head and tell them everything. They recreated you, Yuuki, the Chairman…everyone I knew," Zero explained, almost choking and stumbling on his words. The painful memories still afresh in his mind, forcing him to remember things he would rather forget.
Kaname's eyes widened in surprise and horror.
"Illusions of us?" Kaname repeated.
Zero sighed. Must he spell it out?
"Yes Kuran, illusions. Copies or clones of everyone I ever knew. They tortured me, hurt me, made me feel like I was worthless, like I was nothing…absolutely nothing. Made me want to hate myself and blame myself for everything that had ever happened in my short life," Zero blurted in a fit of uncontrolled agony.
"I guess some of it might not be too hard for you to imagine, seeing that you treat me as though I'm nothing but the gum beneath your pretty shoes. Just multiply that by one frickin thousand," he continued, his chest heaved gently as he spoke in leveled grief-stricken tones.
Kaname visibly flinched, remembering the barb he had earlier thrown at Yuuki and the others: referring to Zero as being nothing.
"Zero…" Kaname trailed, deciding that he should start using the boy's first name, perhaps out of guilt and remorse, "I'm sorry."
"Sorry? Well, Kuran, I'm not. Everything I ever said to you, I damn well meant it."
"I'm sorry…for what you had to endure…"
Zero stopped and looked carefully at his senpai. The Pureblood really did look sorry and utterly regretful, and the softer side of him, the side he left behind when he was a child came creeping back up like a thief in the night.
Zero sighed.
"I don't need, nor do I need your pity, Kuran. I'm a little battered here and there, but I'm sure I'll recover, I always do. All that's important is that the Pureblood Secret is safe, and the evil bastards don't know shit," Zero explained and made a move to return to the infirmary, and Kaname followed without any argument, still contemplating about the secret Zero kept, and how awful he felt for the hunter.
But Kaname knew that what Zero told him was not everything, especially as to the methods used to torture and subdue him. He figured that he was toning it down, perhaps more for his own benefit rather than for Kaname's. Kuran had to admire Zero's strength and will. As he watched the retreating figure, he knew that he had made the mistake of underestimating one Zero Kiryuu.
A/n: Well that's it for now. I hope it lived up to the hype and was to your immense satisfaction. To all the Yuuki haters, I did leave her out of this chapter just like I promised. The next chapter should be out next week…so look out for the update. I want to thank everyone who told me that the last chapter was not as boring as I had thought…so once again your reviews always manage to make me smile and dance in my room XD.
Please read and review.
Constructive criticisms and ideas are more than welcome.
Note: Anyone who gives me a really good idea anytime, I promise I will credit you in the chapter/s.
Thank you!