Author Notes: I do have plans for a Christmas-themed chapter that I'll probably post on Christmas Day itself but this one has to come first... -smiles mysteriously- Enjoy!
Summary: In one of his bids to promote better relations between the Day and Night Classes, Chairman Cross organises a 'Treasure Hunt' with both classes teaming up to compete. Kaname Kuran pairs with Zero Kiriyu but can two strong willed individuals collaborate long enough to win, and what will they learn about each other this time?
-- Chapter Start --
Zero stared at the paper on the notice board and scowled at the bold heading. "A Treasure Hunt?" he echoed. After reading further, his scowl deepened. "Between the Night and Day Class? OK, he's a certified loony, Yuuki."
Standing in front of him, the petite auburn haired girl giggled softly, her large brown eyes still scanning the two sheets of A4 sized paper stapled to the Sun Dorms' Notice Board in the main hall. They had both seen Chairman Cross put them up while coming back from patrolling the grounds a minute or so earlier.
Yuuki whistled softly as she ran her eyes down the list of rules that applied to the hunt. "There sure are a lot of rules," she commented. By this time, Zero's eyes had already reached the second page since he read much faster than her, and he grunted in reply. "Not nearly enough," was his disgruntled comment.
Ignoring his words, Yuuki started to read each rule aloud.
"(1) There will be five teams competing in the Treasure Hunt. Each pair must be made up of one Day Class student and one Night Class student.
(2) The treasure hunt will start at five o'clock in the afternoon this Friday and is expected to take no more than two hours.
(3) There will be ten stations located throughout the school campus i.e. the classroom, the Sun Dorms, the Moon Dorms, the main quarters, the guest quarters, the canteen, lakeside, hillside, main gate and the stables.
(4) Each team will have to answer a Trivia question at each station before proceeding to the next one.
(5) Each team will be provided with one hundred dollars in the form of ten dollar coupons. These coupons can be used to purchase sandwiches and bottled water at the refreshment stand or purchase clues for the questions. Clues, sandwiches and bottles of water each costs ten dollars.
(6) Depending on the amount of coupons, each team may purchase as many clues or refreshments as they need.
(7) Each team will be assigned to a different station upon the start of the hunt, to avoid clashing with other teams.
(8) Every station will be manned by a Day Class teacher and a Night Class teacher to ensure no favouritism is practiced.
(9) At each station, a Trivia style question will be asked. Each team must provide an answer within the space of one minute. Only one answer is allowed, hence the two persons in a team are expected to collaborate with each other prior to submitting their answer.
(10) If the answer is correct, the team may proceed to the next station immediately.
(11) If the answer is wrong or no answer is given after one minute, the team must pay ten dollars to purchase a clue to obtain the correct answer. They must also sit in a time-out of ten minutes before being allowed to continue on to the next station.
(12) If the team does not have enough money to purchase a clue, they will have to sit in a time-out of twenty minutes.
(13) The first team who covers all stations first will be judged the winner. In the event of a tie, the team with the larger amount of remaining money will win.
(14) No outside food or drinks is permitted. Any team caught bringing their own refreshments or accepting refreshments from any other team or any students or teachers, whether from the Day or Night Class will be immediately disqualified.
(15) No outside help is permitted. Any team caught using cell phones or talking with other teams or other students or teachers, whether from the Day or Night Class, to obtain answers to the questions will be immediately disqualified.
(16) All teams are to wait at the field outside the classroom at two o'clock this Friday afternoon for last minute instructions.
(17) Day Class students who are interested in competing, please submit your names to your Class President by this Thursday, 12pm. Night Class students, by this Thursday, 10pm."
Yuuki took a deep breath and laughed excitedly. "Oh Zero, this will be such fun!" she exclaimed, eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm going to submit my name and I'm sure Yori will want to as well!"
- o -
"What? Why can't I compete?" wailed a disappointed Yuuki as the two prefects stood in front of Chairman Cross' desk the following morning.
"Because you'll be manning the refreshment stall, together with Yori," replied the older man firmly. Yuuki pouted at once. "But don't you think it would be a good idea to have at least one Disciplinary Committee member participating in the hunt?" she tried, knowing very well Zero was not interested.
Chairman Cross beamed at them. "I know and that's why Zero will joining in – I've already submitted his name to the Day Class President!" he informed them happily.
Zero's jaw dropped. "What?!" he barked. "I'm not joining some stupid treasure hunt! Besides, the Night Class is made up of vampires – are you crazy, Chairman? Things could get out of hand!"
The older man shook his head, completely unfazed. "Nope. I've discussed things with Kaname-kun and everything's going to be fine," he said, ignorant of the small, involuntary start Zero gave at the mention of the pureblood leader. "This treasure hunt will prove to the Vampire Council as well as the Hunters' Association that Cross Academy is serious in promoting peace between the two races. Kaname-kun agrees with me on this."
Catching Zero's look of disbelief, the Headmaster sighed. "Here, take a look if you don't believe me – this is a copy of the rules given to the Night Class." He handed over two pieces of stapled paper to Yuuki and Zero read it over her shoulder. They were basically the same as the ones pinned up on the Sun Dorms' notice board, with an additional rule at the bottom of the second sheet, namely:
(18) Any night Class students caught disclosing their identity to their teammate, biting their teammate or using their vampire speed to gain an advantage over other teams will be immediately disqualified. Night Class teachers will be on hand to assist in monitoring all teams."
Zero snorted, only half convinced. "I'm not joining and that's that," he said with finality as he folded his arms across his chest. As expected, both the Chairman and Yuuki rounded on him at once.
"Ah, please reconsider, Zero!" cried the Chairman, perilously close to what Zero knew were pure crocodile tears.
"After all, you might not even get chosen, Zero," Yuuki reminded him in as reasonable a tone as she could manage. "Only five students from each class will be chosen to compete, you know."
The only reason why Zero finally agreed to join the hunt was due to relief that Yuuki would not be participating in the hunt and therefore, safe from any of those Night Class bloodsuckers, whether male or female. And from one particular pureblood as well.
- o -
Friday afternoon arrived at last and as expected, almost everyone from the Day Class had submitted their names for the hunt. Everyone gathered in the large field outside the classrooms, even the Night Class students, immaculately turned out in their white school uniforms and standing rather conspicuously in the shade of several large trees nearby since it was a hot and sunny afternoon, despite the late hour. Chairman Cross made no comment about this as he was aware they could all hear what he had to say.
Standing in front of a table, the cheerful Headmaster thanked everyone for their enthusiasm in the hunt and finally disclosed the prize he had cunningly left out from the original pieces of paper tacked on the notice boards. "The pair that wins the treasure hunt will get two movie tickets as well as an elegant dinner at the French restaurant in town."
His disclosure was greeted by various high-pitched squeals from the Day Class students with a good number of them loudly verbalising their wish to be teamed up with 'Idol-sempai' or Takuma Ichijo. The Night Class students were notably silent, their perfect features either expressionless or mildly disgruntled. Only Takuma Ichijo seemed genuinely happy as he nodded and smiled at the delirious Day Class girls.
"Tell me again, Kain, why is Kaname-sama punishing us like this?" muttered Ruka as she shook her long, honey blond hair back, her expression deeply mutinous.
Kain sighed tiredly and stifled a yawn. He silently agreed with Ruka but knew better than to fan the fire (pardon the pun). "It's to promote peace between the Day and Night Class, Ruka," he explained again wearily. "And it's what Kaname-sama wants."
Aido was standing on Kain's other side and he rolled his eyes now. "Surely Kaname-sama could have chosen a cooler time than this – I'm boiling in my uniform!" he complained as he flicked a bead of sweat off one flushed cheek. His words were softly uttered since he didn't actually want the pureblood to hear him. Kaname was standing under the shade of another tree, with Seiren beside him. The dark haired pureblood looked as cool as ever as he kept his attention on the Headmaster, with Zero and Yuuki standing beside him.
As the besotted girls grew quiet once more, Chairman Cross cleared his throat and read out the rules once more (omitting the last one) before he announced that all ten stations and teachers were ready and they could select the teams now. There was a hushed silence as the bespectacled Headmaster dipped his hand into one of two cardboard boxes that stood on the table in front of him and drew out five pieces of folded white paper. He then read out each name and Zero's lips pressed into a thin line – his was the fifth name selected; the other four being the Day Class president and three other girls who promptly squealed their delight in being thus honoured.
Zero stood there grimly as Chairman Cross then tipped over the second box and five pieces of folded paper fell out. Apparently, Kaname had already volunteered five participants from the Night Class – Takuma Ichijo, Hanabusa Aido, Akatsuki Kain, Ruka Souen and himself. As the Headmaster called for the selected students to step up to the stage, Zero felt a rather grudging respect for the pureblood leader. He needn't have volunteered himself since he had a class of loyal nobles willing to do his every bidding... but he had.
Briefly, Zero wondered how would any of them react if they had seen the side of Kaname Kuran that he had. That night, a couple of months back when the pureblood had been injured with hunter weapons. When he had cried out in his sleep and latched himself tightly to Zero, frightened and desperate for comfort. When he had finally fallen asleep cradled in the prefect's arms but only after he had said and done things he wished he hadn't.
Zero felt his cheeks warm slightly at the memory even though it wasn't the first time he had thought of that night. Kaname's presence intruded on his senses again, along with that deliciously unique scent that stirred Zero's senses and evoked so many memories in his mind. The prefect looked up and found himself staring straight into knowing brown eyes. Ever since that night, the pureblood had taken pains to avoid him during class changeover. At first, Zero hadn't understood why but after a couple of days of suffering strange feelings of disappointment, he came to the conclusion that Kaname must still be feeling pretty embarrassed at having revealed a weakness he never wanted anyone to know. A part of Zero wished he could let the pureblood know that whatever he had accidentally learned that night was truly safe with him.
Kaname graciously allowed each selected Day Class student to select their teammate by picking any of the pieces of re-folded paper containing the Night Class students' names. Zero stoutly told himself that Takuma Ichijo would be the best bet for a partner (if he really had to choose a Night Class student) but a part of him grew more nervous and excited at the same time as the Assistant Dorm Leader's name was picked by the third student and the pureblood's name still hadn't been selected. He found himself staring at the remaining two pieces of paper on the table in front of him, wondering if by any chance...
It was the Day Class' president's turn now to choose his partner and both Kaname and Aido were still available. Zero held his breath as his classmate, disappointed that Ruka had already been selected earlier, reached for the nearest piece of folded paper on the table. Then the prefect blinked, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him – the two pieces of paper had fluttered very, very slightly, even though there was no breeze. It had also happened once earlier, when the second girl was selecting her partner but now, Zero was sure. Someone had switched the papers around once again.
Zero's eyes shot up to find Kaname looking directly at him with a small smile playing on his lips and knew that somehow, he would be partnered with the enigmatic pureblood. Zero ignored the funny leap in his heart as he reached for the last piece of paper, unfolded it and confirmed with his eyes what his heart already knew.
Vulnerable? Yes, Kaname Kuran had shown he could be that sometimes.
Devious? All the time... Zero pursed his lips and held back a smile as he shook his head disapprovingly at the very innocent looking pureblood. He was sure that the four nobles must have also seen and known what Kaname had done. Only of course, they would not say anything, would they?
- o -
Each team was then assigned a station to proceed to first and the hunt was on. The first station Kaname and Zero picked was located at the Moon Dorms but the pureblood glanced over at the refreshment tent nearby before looking enquiringly at Zero.
"Shall we get something to eat and drink first? It will save time since we won't be coming back here again until after the hunt and the other stations are further away." Kaname didn't actually want to say that none of the Night Class students had actually eaten or drunk anything yet they had only just woken up from sleep.
Zero hesitated then nodded. "Might as well," he said cautiously. "But it's expensive and we might need the money later on if we get the answers wrong."
Kaname nodded thoughtfully. "Let's just get one portion of food and drink then. We can share...?" He raised an eyebrow as he said this and Zero nodded in agreement. Kaname was holding the coupon book and he paid twenty dollars for a sandwich and a bottle of mineral water. Even though it wasn't real money, Zero still blanched at the price. Yuuki beamed at them both and wished them good luck as she waved them off. The sight of the two most important boys in her life teaming up together had helped to make up for the disappointment of not participating in the treasure hunt herself. Kaname nodded and smiled his thanks but Zero merely nodded before they walked on to the Moon Dorms.
Both boys were silent as they walked rapidly, uniform jackets folded over an arm and red silk ties loosened. They were both aware of each other's presence and each other's scents... but they pretended they weren't. It was smooth sailing for the first three stations – the Moon Dorms, the Sun Dorms and the main quarters – both Kaname and Zero had no trouble coming up with similar answers which turned out to be correct. They passed by one of the teams on their way to the fourth station, Ruka looking deeply annoyed and walking ahead of an intimidated looking Day Class girl.
At the fourth station outside the canteen, Kaname's answer was different from Zero's. The prefect stuck to his guns since they had covered that part in History class only a couple of days ago and he was sure about the date. Kaname was silent. He knew his answer was correct and that Zero had confused the date of the civil war with another one that had occurred a couple of years later. But at the same time, Kaname didn't want to rock the boat. He had deliberately made sure he was paired with Zero and he couldn't even explain the reason to himself. He shrugged and graciously allowed the prefect to make the call.
Zero blanched visibly when the Day Class teacher – his History teacher, no less – told him in no uncertain terms that they would have to pay ten dollars for the clue and wait out the requisite ten minutes before being allowed to continue. Kaname was silent as he handed over ten dollars from their coupon book. He could feel the prefect's chagrin from where he stood but didn't say anything.
"Kuran, I... apologise for my wrong answer," Zero said stiffly as they stood waiting a few feet away from the makeshift station. Kaname shrugged as he wiped absently at a drop of sweat rolling down his neck with the back of one hand. "It's still early, we can catch up," he brushed aside the apology casually. They waited out the rest of the time in an uneasy silence – Zero was wishing his apology had been more politely worded and voiced out especially in the face of Kaname's easy grace and the pureblood was wishing he knew what to say to make his teammate more relaxed and less guilty.
At a signal from the teacher, they set off again towards the next station – the main gates of Cross Academy. It was Zero's turn now to be faced with a decision because he knew without a doubt that Kaname's answer for their current question was wrong. The prefect was sure, so very sure that his answer was right. But in the end, he kept silent. He wasn't sure if it was out of a mistaken sense of guilt at having pushed aside Kaname's correct answer earlier, or an equally mistaken sense of willful pride, in wanting the pureblood to make a mistake as well so that they would both be 'even'. But whatever the reason, Zero allowed Kaname to submit his answer as their own.
The pureblood didn't say anything as he handed over another ten dollars to the Night Class teacher manning the station and merely nodded when courteously and regretfully told they would have to wait for another ten minutes before proceeding to the next station. He looked around for Zero who was now looking outside the main gate, frowning deeply with his hands tucked deep into his trouser pockets. When he heard the pureblood approach, Zero turned away.
"Kiriyu-kun."
Zero ignored Kaname. The prefect was breathing agitatedly and still fuming at himself. They could have saved another ten dollars and ten minutes if only he had spoken up just now instead of letting his guilty feelings rule his head. And they could have saved yet another ten dollars and another ten minutes if he hadn't insisted on his wrong answer at the fourth station. Thanks to his stupid pig-headedness both times, they were now down to sixty dollars and had wasted twenty minutes on the clock. Kaname must be regret choosing him as his partner now...
"Kiriyu-kun, look at me."
Stubbornly, Zero shook his head. The next moment, someone grabbed his arm and swung him around. Zero's startled eyes focused on a pureblood who didn't look quite as cool and collected as he usually appeared – sweat was beading on his forehead and aristocratic nose, and his long, wavy hair looked damp from perspiration and more tousled than usual. The afternoon heat had also painted a light flush on his pale skin. All the same, Kaname exuded his usual poise and calm.
Zero glared at him. "Let go of me, Kuran!" he hissed, trying to pull his arm out of the pureblood's firm grasp. Kaname released him but spoke rapidly before the prefect could turn around again. "Why didn't you stop me just now, Kiriyu? You knew my answer was wrong, you should have said something!"
Zero scowled but didn't reply. Kaname exhaled in sudden frustration, raking his fingers through his long hair and tousling it even further. He knew the prefect was stubborn but boy, did Zero have a talent for taking it to the next level! This was not the time to get all huffy and sensitive.
Kaname took a deep breath to calm down. "Look, Kiriyu-kun, we're in this thing together, OK? Don't hold out on me if you're sure that you're right. And what's done is done. Stop thinking about your past mistakes if you want us to win this game!"
Zero blinked – Kaname's unexpected outburst had startled him. But what he said... yes, it was the truth. Zero had been too caught up with guilt that he had caused them both time and money. He had been caught up by the fact that his partner was Kaname Kuran and that had somehow cost them another ten dollars and another delay. That kind of attitude wasn't going to help them win this game or anything else.
Zero dropped his gaze and bit his lower lip as he felt a tell-tale warmth creep up his cheeks. It galled him to know that once again, the pureblood was right. Kaname saw Zero's initial surprise and realised he had spoken rather more passionately than usual. It was what he believed in – you just had to accept the decisions you had made in the past and if they weren't the right ones, you just had to learn from them and move on. He was used to making mistakes... and learning from them. But the young pureblood hadn't quite meant to voice it out so... vehemently, and to someone who in all likelihood would resent it even more, perhaps even blow up at him for sounding like such an arrogant know-it-all.
It was Kaname's turn to bite his lip now as he looked at Zero's suddenly pensive side profile. The pureblood started to wonder if he should say something before his partner got too upset and blew up at him, thereby ruining their chances of winning this game. But to Kaname, far more important than the game itself was the fragile and tenuous trust that had started to blossom between them. Something that didn't involve Yuuki being in the middle. Something that made him realise that he could actually, against all odds, trust this moody but honest prefect standing in front of him now. Something that made Kaname want to believe that together, they could make the best of things and come out on top of anything they tried their hand at. Having survived this far, surely they could do more together? Kaname truly believed they could.
Then Zero looked up, cheeks still warm. Kaname realised that the prefect didn't look angry anymore. In fact, his striking amethyst eyes were conspicuously lacking that usual cold glare. "You're right, Kuran," Zero admitted quietly. "I should have said something just now."
Kaname just blinked at him, taken aback at the unexpected apology.
Zero was a bit embarrassed at the pureblood's silence. He wasn't comfortable with the way Kaname was still staring at him, as if he had said something particularly brilliant, and it showed in the way the prefect was self-consciously hunching his shoulders now. Kaname recognised that posture and knew Zero felt awkward and embarrassed so the pureblood merely smiled, a genuine, warm smile that lit up his brown eyes before he nodded once. Surprised, Zero smiled back before he could stop himself. Embarrassment and guilt had drained away. And in its place was a newly found desire for teamwork.
The pureblood didn't say anything more but Zero suddenly realised something else. Kaname looked... hot. The regal pureblood was now perspiring heavily, even though they were both standing under the shade of a tree. Both of them had already discarded their vests and red silk ties as well as unbuttoned their collars and rolled up their long sleeves but Kaname's smooth cheeks were rosy with heat and standing this close to him, Zero could hear his quiet but slightly laboured breathing.
Having been human, Zero was relatively more used to the sun and heat than Kaname was. And since they had bought food and drinks... The prefect knelt down on the grass and pulled the plastic bag from his knapsack, holding it out to Kaname. "Here," he said. "You might as well have some of this since there's another five minutes to go on the clock."
It brought back an unexpected feeling of déjà-vu to Zero as Kaname accepted the 1.25 litre bottle of mineral water and twisted the cap off. Oh yes, he had gotten the pureblood water too, back at the fast food outlet the other time. Rather absently, Zero started to wonder why he always seemed to be the one helping the pureblood with food and drinks when his thoughts screeched to an abrupt halt.
Since both of them knew they were sharing the food and water, Zero has expected Kaname to be a little more considerate about it, especially since he was the first one to take a drink. Granted, they weren't provided with cups (most likely an oversight on Yuuki's part) and Zero hadn't actually said anything but he had assumed that the pureblood would tilt his head back and pour the water into his mouth rather than actually touch his lips to the mouth of the bottle, like what he was doing now.
Zero's mouth fell open in dismay as he watched Kaname take several large gulps of water this way before lowering the bottle and recapping it with an unmistakable look of relief on his still slightly flushed face. Ah, much better...
Ew.
OK, so it looked like he didn't have any water to drink now. No way was Zero going to drink any from a bottle that had Kaname's saliva on it. The prefect had just come to this conclusion when the pureblood dug into the plastic bag again and took out the sandwich, wrapped in greaseproof paper. Again, Zero had sort of assumed that Kaname would first tear the sandwich in half so that they could each have a portion. His mouth fell open even more as Kaname took a huge bite straight out of the sandwich instead. What the -?!
Too stunned to even say anything, Zero just stared at the clearly starving pureblood who looked like he could have easily devoured at least half a dozen sandwiches without pause. Right. Not only did Zero have to forgo the water, he now had to contend with a growling stomach because Kaname had also 'contaminated' the sandwich they were supposed to share. Zero scowled angrily. It looked like he should have taken a gulp of water first before handing the bottle over to the pampered pureblood. He should also have taken it upon himself to break the sandwich and hand over one half to Kaname instead of assuming the pureblood would know how to do the right thing.
Kaname was starving but he forced himself to stop eating upon realising he had already wolfed down half of the sandwich. After all, they had to share, right? As he wrapped back the remainder of the sandwich, Kaname glanced up at Zero then paused. The glare the prefect was directing at him could have frozen him solid.
"Sorry, here's your half now," Kaname said as he put the bottle and half eaten sandwich back into the plastic bag and handed it over to Zero. The prefect just shook his head, his amethyst eyes cold and angry. "No, thank you, Kuran. Keep it for yourself."
A slight frown drew Kaname's brows together. "But I thought we are sharing the food and drink?" he asked, only to be rewarded with an even heavier scowl and an extremely rude snort from the prefect. It was clear his partner was furious about something and Kaname frowned a little more as he tried to understand why. Oh, perhaps it was because he hadn't waited?
"I apologise for eating and drinking first, I was starving," Kaname admitted quietly. It hadn't occurred to him that anyone would mind that he had eaten and drunk first – well, none of his nobles would have minded if anyone of them had been his partner, or even if he had eaten and drunk every last bit of food and drink and left none for them. Not that he would, but in the event that he did... The pureblood reminded himself that he had to tread more carefully when it came to one very prickly and stubborn Zero Kiriyu.
Another derisive snort sounded. "Forget it, Kuran," Zero said shortly. "They're yours now, the water and the sandwich. I'll survive. Even if I am just a Level D and not a pureblood," he added rather nastily. Zero knew that Kaname had a knack of reading his mind and he quickly averted his gaze from the pair of observant brown eyes scrutinising him now.
"But we agreed to share." Kaname persisted and Zero turned back to glare at him again. Not only did the arrogant pureblood make both food and drink unpalatable to him, he had the stunning gall to even sound like Zero had somehow forgotten their earlier agreement, when in actual fact, it was Kaname who appeared to have forgotten.
"I quite remember what we agreed on, Kuran," returned Zero in an icy tone, heedless of the fact that the teacher manning the station nearby was following their conversation with undisguised interest. "But I don't recall agreeing to share your saliva!"
Kaname blinked again. Oh. Was that what this was all about? "I'm sorry," he apologised again. "I didn't think you would take offense that –"
Zero snorted for the third time. "You didn't think?!" he derided. "Why? Because anyone else would have fallen over themselves for a chance to taste your pureblood saliva, Kuran? Well, excuse me if I don't think it such an honour!"
It was a good thing the teacher manning the station was from the Night Class while Zero himself was not – otherwise, he would have broken Rule number eighteen and gotten both of them disqualified. Zero didn't care about that but he could have bitten out his tongue the moment the words left his mouth. He hadn't meant for the words to sound as damning as they did. Of course he didn't want to taste anyone's saliva – except Yuuki's – but he also didn't mean to imply that he abhorred the pureblood's over anyone else's. Only that was exactly what his words had sounded like. Zero stared in stunned horror as Kaname looked back at him with eyes that had looked merely guilty before but were now both stricken and hurt. The prefect barely had a second to take in that look before the pureblood swung away but the pain in those deep brown eyes had struck the prefect deep and twisted around his heart, squeezing tight.
It was apparent to Zero now that Kaname had not expected his actions to seem offensive. After all, he knew very well how hungry and thirsty the pureblood was and how well he had ignored his wants till now. Yes, the prefect had expected Kaname to behave with a little more consideration but his initial annoyance had vanished. Because he knew that Kaname was considerate. The pureblood had shown him graciousness and consideration during the several occasions in which they had spent time together. If he hadn't shown any this time around, it was solely because he truly hadn't thought of what he had done as being offensive in any way.
Zero stared at his partner, uncomfortably wracked with guilt now for having blown up at him. He could see a faint flush creeping up Kaname' graceful neck and face and was stunningly aware that he had put it there himself. Perhaps Zero might have felt a certain triumph in being able to lash out at the pureblood like this and see it take a direct hit without even suffering any consequences, but all he felt now was crippling guilt. He swallowed then forced himself to speak. "Uh... Look, Kuran, it - it's cool, OK? Let's just –" He broke off as the pureblood suddenly swung around to face him, eyes cold with pride and chin held high.
"Again, my apologies for not being considerate earlier, Kiriyu. But as disgusting and repulsive as my saliva may be to you, let me reassure you that I am not carrying any diseases that can be passed by sharing food or drink. And even if I were, you would not be at risk of contacting it!"
Zero flushed in shame and glanced down knowing he fully deserved that rather cutting rebuke. Even if he hated being criticised by someone else, and especially Kuran, he knew he had it coming. Suddenly, he realised that the teacher at the station was giving them the thumbs-up sign and nodding – their time-out was over. He swallowed. "Uhm, time's up, we can go now," he mumbled, still avoiding looking at Kaname. "Shall we?"
Even as Zero started to get up, a hand on his arm stopped him. "No – wait, please." Zero stared at the beautifully shaped hand on his bare arm then looked up reluctantly at Kaname. Was the pureblood still expecting him to apologise over this thoughtless remark earlier?
Kaname sighed and removed his hand, his lean cheeks flushed with the afternoon heat now as much as his emotions. "Kiriyu, I should not have said that. You have every right to be angry with me since I was the one who hadn't been consider-"
"No!" Zero shook his head vehemently, even glaring at Kaname now. "Don't say anything more, Kuran!"
Kaname frowned. "Why not? It's the truth. I just didn't think that you would mind. That meant I was being inconsiderate."
Zero inhaled deeply then forced himself to look at the puzzled pureblood, still feeling the heat pulsing in his cheeks. "No, you weren't. If you were a selfish bastard, Kuran, I wouldn't be bothering to apologise now."
Kaname blinked. "Oh."
Zero glanced away then nodded.
"So... I'm not a selfish bastard then?"
Zero glared suspiciously at Kaname but the pureblood looked perfectly serious so he just shook his head in agreement. All right, stop now, Kuran.
"And are you apologising? Right now?" Kaname persisted, still looking politely puzzled. Zero's face flamed even more and he scowled. "Yes, damnit, I am!"
Something twinkled unexpectedly in Kaname's brown eyes. Zero's scowl deepened as he finally realised the pureblood was amusing himself at his expense. Oh, for Pete's sake…!
"It's definitely the most unusual apology I've ever heard," Kaname commented in a perfectly neutral tone.
Zero fought with himself as he continued to glare at the infuriating pureblood. Then the prefect sighed and shook his head ruefully, his gaze softening. "Kuran, I really didn't mean to make it sound like I was disgusted or – or repulsed because I'm not, OK? I just assumed you'd..."
Zero broke off, a little confused. Was that actually sheer relief showing in Kaname's eyes now? It made the funniest thought cross Zero's mind – the realisation that what he said and thought could actually influence the pureblood's emotions. But why should it? He wasn't anyone important to someone like Kaname Kuran, much less anyone else, save perhaps Yuuki. Why should Kuran let himself be affected by him? Why should he care if Zero thought well or poorly of him?
With a small frisson of shock quivering up his spine, Zero suddenly realised the same thing about himself. He shouldn't care about what Kuran thought of him, other than being just glad if the pureblood thought him enough of a love rival to actively dislike him. But deep down, Zero knew the pureblood was still able to affect his emotions and his moods. Why else did he listen to that music CD almost every night? Why else did he want to thank Kaname so badly for it? Why else was he happy when he saw that the pureblood had enjoyed the fried rice he had cooked the last time? Why else was he deeply touched to know that Kaname found his hands warm and his embraces comforting? Why else did he find himself remembering and even analysing every single word the pureblood had said to him in recent months?
Kaname kept his gaze on the now silent prefect sitting cross legged in front of him. The icy glare has disappeared, leaving the amethyst eyes achingly vulnerable once more. Kaname was more relieved than he had expected to learn that Zero didn't think the prospect of tasting his saliva disgusting in any way. Because for some absurd reason, he had come to – value – the prefect's opinion. He shouldn't, of course, and there was no reason for him to. Zero was an ex-human, the lowest level of vampire before Level E. He treated all vampires with dislike and contempt, even Kaname. In fact, he treated Kaname with even more contempt because he was a pureblood and because of their love for the same girl. But somewhere along the way, Kaname had experienced times with Zero that weren't filled with insults and fierce glares, anger and jealousy. Instead, those times had been peaceful with shared understanding, common interests and even a tentative and warm companionship.
The pureblood was still deeply touched at the fact that Zero had risked his life to help defend him against the group of renegades previously even if he had gotten hurt while trying to protect the prefect in turn. Zero didn't have to get involved but the stubborn ex-human had still jumped right in. Kaname was also rather mortified whenever he recalled that someone else was now privy to past demons that had scarred him internally and plagued his sleep occasionally with nightmares... but if he asked himself honestly whether or not there was another person he would have preferred to witness those weak moments when he had voiced out those broken pleas and clung shamelessly to Zero, the pureblood could think of no one else. Even if he hadn't said anything, Kaname knew without a doubt his secrets were safe with the one sitting opposite him now.
"Hey, Kuran?"
Kaname looked up, startled from his thoughts. Zero got up and brushed off the seat of his pants. "Shall we get going? Time's a wasting here."
It wasn't time wasted at all to Kaname but he only nodded in agreement before standing up. Zero waited for him and together, they walked on to the next station.
- o –
At the sixth and seventh stations, the classroom and stables respectively, they answered the questions correctly, being careful to consult each other both times. It was a good thing the station at the stables wasn't placed too near the building, to avoid spooking the horses inside. But as Zero started walking again, Kaname touched his arm once more to stop him. The prefect glanced sideways at him. "Is something wrong?"
Kaname was looking steadily at him. "We still have sixty dollars and only three questions left to go. I think we can cut back to the refreshment stand and still make it to the other stations in time. Do you want to get a sandwich? Or at least some water?"
Zero was surprised that Kaname was still thinking about what had happened earlier. "No thanks, I think I can manage," he replied, touched despite himself. As Kaname opened his mouth to argue, Zero quickly added, "Besides, if we tie with another team, they'll look at the amount of money we have left so we shouldn't spend anymore than we need to."
Kaname nodded reluctantly. "Yes, I know that. But you're thirsty, Zero. And hungry, too."
Zero didn't miss the fact that Kaname had used his name again nor the faint guilt that lingered in the pureblood's voice. And yes, he was very hungry and thirsty by now, after all this walking around in the heat. Zero's throat was parched, his tongue felt like it was gluing itself to the roof of his mouth and his stomach had been growling ceaselessly for the past fifteen minutes, something he was sure Kaname had also heard.
"I really think you should eat and drink something before we continue," added Kaname quietly. Zero stared at him. Yes, he should eat and drink something… and they still had food and water with them. Getting more would be a waste of the money they had left as well as time. In the face of Kaname's graciousness, Zero struggled with his pride and his determination to win. But he had already told the pureblood he wasn't really disgusted at the idea of taking in his saliva, right?
So...
Uttering a sigh of defeat, Zero's shoulders sagged even as he lowered himself onto the grass. "All right, pass the bag here," he muttered. Kaname sank down gracefully to sit cross legged in front of him then handed over the plastic bag but his brown eyes were warm with relief. Zero ignored that look as he pulled out the bottle of water and twisted off the cover. He tilted his head back and lifted the bottle so that he could pour the water into his mouth without being in contact with the bottle. Zero happened to glance at Kaname at that moment and saw the intent way the pureblood was staring at him now, as if he hadn't really believed the prefect's earlier reassurances about not thinking his saliva disgusting...
Zero closed his eyes and sighed as he shook his head ruefully. Then he hesitantly put his lips to the mouth of the bottle, a little surprised himself to find he that he wasn't actually grossed out. But then again, it could have been the oh-so-wonderful feel of water swishing through his dry mouth and over his tongue before washing down his parched throat. God, that felt good...!
After several deep gulps, Zero lowered the bottle and opened his eyes. Kaname was still staring at him, with that same look of warm relief in his eyes. To cover his embarrassment, Zero quickly recapped the bottle and returned it to the bag before digging out the half eaten sandwich. He pretended not to see the even teeth marks where Kaname had bitten through the bread and wolfed down the rest of the peanut butter sandwich. It was hardly enough to fill his stomach but at least the damned thing would stop growling and complaining at him. Zero pretended he hadn't noticed that Kaname was still staring at him as he balled up the wrapper and placed it inside the plastic bag. Then he pulled out the water again. There was about a quarter left. He put the bottle to his lips once more, this time without hesitation.
The pureblood was surprised when Zero decided to make do with their remaining rations instead of getting fresh ones. But he hadn't quite believed it because the prefect looked like he was still trying to avoid touching the mouth of the bottle, until he finally relented and drank directly from it instead. For some silly, nonsensical reason, that touched Kaname's heart. He didn't know why but the sight of Zero drinking from the bottle much as he had earlier, then eating the half-eaten sandwich he had already bitten warmed his heart unexpectedly. Kaname was aware that the prefect's actions had cost him his pride. After all, the pureblood was no stranger to pride and the heavy cost of sacrificing it...
"Kiriyu, wait."
Zero swallowed the water in his mouth then looked enquiringly at Kaname as he lowered the bottle a little. "What?"
Kaname's expression was suddenly unreadable. "If you've had enough, I wouldn't say no to another mouthful of water," he said quietly. Zero gave the almost empty bottle in his hand a startled glance before looking back at Kaname. "But... I've already drunk from it." Crap, perhaps he shouldn't have put the bottle to his lips, only he had stupidly wanted to reassure the pureblood of what he had said earlier.
Kaname held Zero's gaze steadily. "I know."
Zero's eyes widened. Wordlessly, he handed the open bottle to the pureblood who took it without breaking eye contact with him. The prefect was staring at Kaname as if he couldn't believe that the pureblood actually meant to drink again.
Well, never let it be said he did things in halves... Still looking at Zero and keeping his expression perfectly serious, Kaname brought the mouth of the bottle up and closed his lips around the entire opening, causing Zero's mouth to fall open in shock. It was a good thing Kaname had expected the prefect's reaction otherwise he might have choked on the absolutely priceless look on Zero's face. After a moment, Kaname released the mouth of the bottle from his lips and drank from it normally, secretly enjoying the prefect's stunned reaction. Calmly, he swallowed the water and ignored the fact that it seemed sweeter than before, for some strange reason. Kaname then handed the empty bottle back to Zero. "Well then, shall we continue?" he asked casually as if he had done nothing out of the ordinary.
Zero blinked. "Uh... yes, of course." Quickly, he tied up the plastic bag and got to his feet then extended his right hand to Kaname. It was an automatic gesture, prompted by the camaraderie of the last few minutes but now that he had done it, Zero couldn't pull it back without looking really stupid. It wasn't even a necessary gesture since the pureblood was perfectly able to stand up on his own, but it meant a lot to Kaname and he took the hand at once, feeling Zero's fingers clasp firmly around his own. The dry warmth of the prefect's hand reminded the pureblood of what he had blurted out the last time when they had returned to school from the hotel and Kaname was careful to avoid Zero's gaze as he fell into step with the prefect and they headed on towards the next station.
- o -
Kaname was right. After hurried discussions, they got the questions right at the remaining three stations, passed a relaxed looking Takuma who was chatting casually to a dazedly smiling Day Class girl at his side, then made their way back to the classrooms to find they had indeed won the game since they were the first team back. Chairman Cross was waiting there and happily waved the little black and white checkered flag in his hand. He beamed happily as he proclaimed that he wasn't at all surprised that they had won and ushered them towards the refreshment tent nearby.
Kaname thankfully reached for a hand towel from a nearby table and stood there wiping the sweat off his face but Zero merely grabbed one before heading for the next table that held more refreshments - carafes of chilled coffee, tea, fruit juice and ice water (but no dissolved blood tablets) as well as a selection of sandwiches and pastries. He poured himself a glass of iced tea and helped himself to another sandwich and a jam-filled croissant before sitting down at one of the small, vacant tables set up nearby. After a moment, Kaname joined him with his own tea and Danish pastry.
Zero exchanged a small, slightly awkward smile with Kaname, finding it rather difficult to believe that they had actually squabbled about something as trivial as food and drink especially now that they could eat and drink as much as they want and lounge around in the shade while waiting for the other teams to come in. After about a minute, Cross came over and sat down next to them, followed by Yuuki who squealed happily as she offered her congratulations. "So, Kaname-kun and Zero-kun, would you care to share the secret of your success with us?" asked a smiling Cross.
Kaname shrugged. "It's easy – we just shared our resources."
Zero flushed immediately and glared at him but Kaname just looked calmly back at him.
"Is that so?" asked the Chairman, happily thinking along the lines of open collaboration and matured discussions. He glanced at Zero and his eyebrows shot up upon seeing the prefect's glare. The Chairman turned back to Kaname. "Eh, what resources did you mean?" he asked curiously, making the prefect's glare at the pureblood deepen significantly. Not one word, Kuran...
Luckily at that moment, the second team came in and both the Chairman and Yuuki excused themselves before hurrying out of the tent to welcome them. Hanabusa Aido and the Day Class President were still arguing amongst themselves and barely spared the Headmaster a glance as he waved the same little flag in their faces and proclaimed them first runners up.
Zero turned back to face Kaname who was looking at him with gentle amusement. "After all," said the pureblood softly as he eyed Zero's soft blush with undisguised interest. "What's a little saliva between...?" He paused delicately and Zero swallowed hard as he willed himself not to flush anymore than he already was. Thank goodness he could blame it on the afternoon heat...
But between what?
Enemies?
Rivals?
Acquaintances?
Or perhaps... friends?
"Between what, Kuran?" Zero croaked out as he stared at the pureblood, unable to stand the suspense. "Tell me!"
Kaname smiled before his well shaped lips parted slightly, upper teeth lightly touching his lower lip, as if he wanted to say a word that started with the letter 'F'. But then he paused and Zero's heart slammed painfully against his ribs for a few agonising heartbeats before the pureblood finally answered, "Teammates, of course. Between teammates."
They stared at each other. Kaname may not have said the word he actually wanted to say but it still hovered in the air between them - teasing and taunting them with its presence.
A lump lodged itself in Zero's throat. "Teammates?" he whispered huskily, not knowing what he should be feeling, only knowing that he was somehow... disappointed. "Just teammates?" Zero didn't realised he had spoken the last two words out loud until he saw Kaname's eyes widen in surprise. Crap, did he want the pureblood to think he was crazy?
Zero tensed, about to leap up from his chair and quickly, Kaname shook his head. "No, Zero, not 'just'. You're never a 'just'," he murmured, looking confused and perhaps even a little shaken, the exact way Zero was feeling now. The prefect wanted to ask Kaname what he had meant by that remark but he couldn't seem to get his tongue to function anymore. And by the time he could, a still furious Aido had stormed into the refreshment tent followed by an equally annoyed Day Class president... and the fragile moment was shattered.
Zero found himself pondering over Kaname's words for the rest of the day, little realising that the pureblood was doing the very same thing as he sat in class that night. Kaname didn't know why just one unguarded look from Zero's amethyst eyes was enough to make him say things he never meant to say to him, even if he had started to think of them in recent weeks.
Ceaselessly, in fact.
-- Chapter End --