AN: Sorry for the late update! So many power outages and internet issues happened this past few days.. (That's why I hate election time ) Anyway here's the second to the final chapter. It's in Kaito's POV by the way. Just to share, a scene here was inspired by Phil Collins' "Against all odds" I was listening to it all the way!

Huge thanks to those who reviewed: ben4kevin, SexyBVirgo, cyhap, guest reviewers, irmina, hitomi65, ErisAndTheWhale, animechick57 and suriaa.

Thanks to all your faves and follows.

And to my Beta ed SexyBVirgo, Thanks for all of your idea's and feedbacks. I can't thank you enough!

BROKEN SONNET

Chapter 7

-Kaito-

I visited Zero after hearing from Yagari-sensei that he had kept him from meddling with the vampires by locking him up. Just by looking at him now, sleeping on a fetal position on the side of his bed with eyes all puffed up and red from so much crying I can say that the happenings this past few days has taken a huge toll on him. And it isn't going to get any easier today.

Kaname left.

I soothed Zero's silver hair, agonizing about the situation. How can I tell a news that will surely devastate him? I was pondering about what will happen, when Zero awoke, now looking at me with hazy lavender eyes.

"Kaito-nii...

It broke my heart to hear him call me in such a depressed tone. It was what he always calls me when he is hurting. How can I break the news?

"Where is Kaname?"

"He already left with his people" I managed to utter. Zero looked away, tears streaming from his face. He never did make a sound and it made it harder to look at him because he obviously doesn't want me to see him in pain.

"Zero." I whispered and gathered him in my arms.

"Was Kaname already healed?" Zero asked, in between quiet sobs.

"Yes, A vampire's blood can heal a wounded vampire faster than human blood can, and that's why dad summoned them"

Zero lifted his eye to look at me and I wiped his tears. "What did he say?"

I took a deep breath before I answered. It is hard, but Zero needs to know everything. "He listened to his people's plea... He said its best for everyone that he live with his kind." I wasn't able to finish it since I felt the trembling of Zero's' body. Zero's face contorted in pain and he was holding his chest. I was about to call for Cross but he was already beside me, he held Zero and rocked him like a little child. After a while he spoke.

"Zero, I had this dream ever since, that hunters and vampires co exist in peace. I believed that, but after all that's happened now I realized that it will only result in more misunderstandings and pain and its much better for us to live apart from the other. That's why I let Kaname go..Because we agreed on the same thing. But that doesn't mean that he doesn't love you anymore Zero, he is doing this for you."

Zero wasn't able to reply to that. He just pressed his face closer to Cross' chest. Minutes passed in silence. Zero asked to be left alone which we respected. I was in my room contemplating about everything that's happened and my feelings. I love Zero so much that it hurts to see him break down because of Kaname and I want to express that feeling to him but I know I can't, Zero needs me as a brother right now more than anything else. I realized that my feelings might not be reciprocated anymore but its fine, as long as Zero is well.

Just then the object of my thoughts appeared on the doorway. He was now dressed in jeans and he had a jacket over his black shirt.

"Brother, please take me to Kaname."

I was stunned with the request, how can I do such a thing? I knew where the vampires were staying but I don't plan on leading Zero to them. I placed my hands on Zero's shoulder and shook him lightly to emphasize to him how reckless his request was. "Zero, Kaname already made up his mind, I think its much better if you try to move on for our sake. Please..."

"I know and I'm sorry... but I need to speak to him. I need to know something. Please brother help me just this time I promise I won't ask for anything more."

Tears threatened to fall from his lavender orbs again and I knew I had to grant his request. I won't be able to bear seeing him cry again. I sighed in defeat. "Okay, but don't do anything silly like following Kaname afterwards, because I swear I'll lock you up for the rest of your life if you do that"

My silver haired love smiled, and seeing it once more convinced me that agreeing to this folly was all worth it.

~KZ~

When we approached the house that Takuma owned and where the vampires were staying. I told Zero that I need to hide since my presence might do more damage than good. Before Zero even made it to the door however, eight vampires came out all carrying luggage's as if they're moving from the place.

Kaname followed soon after.

His eyes widened at the sight of his former master. All the female vampires started hissing at Zero and the pureblood stopped them. The vampires then left the two alone and went to the waiting car parked outside the garden. I hid in the bushes waiting on Zero to finish his 'task'.

"What are you doing here, Zero-sama? Haven't they made it clear to you? I'm not going back there anymore" Kaname said in a harsh tone, glaring at Zero with the same emotion. His reactions were somewhat controlled. I can feel it even when I'm far from them. It made me even more worried.

Zero went to his knees in front of the pureblood. "Kaname, please... I will accept your anger and your hatred towards me, I'll bear it, I won't expect that you'll forgive me anytime soon, but please give me a chance to atone…don't leave me." He said as he hugged the pureblood's knees, he was all in tears, lowering himself along with his pride. My heart was shattered on what he had become but I knew I can't go to him now. Zero needed this.

Kaname looked down at my brother not in disgust, but with pity laced with another emotion that I can't read. "Zero-sama, I forgive you... but I need to go with my people now, I've neglected them for so long..I belong with them." He then turned away, forcing Zero to let him go.

Zero stayed in his spot, even when Kaname started walking away. He had no strength anymore. "Don't leave me, please….I cant..don't." He whispered while holding his chest.

Kaname faced him one last time but immediately looked away when he saw Zero's distressed state. He then gave the final blow.

"Let's not see each other anymore."

I came out of the hiding place as soon as the vampires left, I then went to my brother who was still in the same position as when Kaname left him. I lifted his face and I was shocked at how pale he looked. He was still holding on to his chest and that's when it dawned on me that Zero is also physically hurt.

"Kaito-nii, my chest... hurts." Zero leaned on me and I panicked at his now labored breathing. I hurriedly dialed Cross' number.

~KZ~

I held Zero's hand while he was sleeping after getting scolded by Yagari-sensei. The fear in my heart won't quiet down. I can feel that something was wrong with Zero and both sensei and Cross was hiding it from me. When I saw the Doctor leaving, I kissed Zero's forehead and decided to confront dad.

"Dad please tell me what's wrong with Zero, and don't tell me it's over fatigue because I won't believe you"

Cross buried his face in his hand and handed me some papers on the other. It was Zero's medical records and what I saw made me fear for Zero's life even more.

Cyanotic heart defect, congenital heart defects... I'm no doctor but I know they are serious heart problems. I slammed the papers back on the table and forced Cross to look at me. "What did the doctor say? What will happen to Zero? Tell me!"

Cross stood up and went to his office's window; his back turned away from me. "Zero was born with that illness.. he was a blue baby, the weaker twin. The doctor said he was lucky to have survived this long. But eventually...I don't know Kaito, I don't want to think about it anymore"

I punched the table in frustration at Cross for his inability to decide. "So what do you plan to do? Just let him die?" I was gritting my teeth.

"He has a fifty-fifty chance if he goes through an operation but Zero doesn't want to go through with it. I don't know what to do anymore." Cross was unable to control his sobs.

I went at his side. "Dad why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm sorry, it was Zero's decision, and he doesn't want to see you in pain." I embraced my dad and tried to ease his burdens. My mind was made up.

I'm going to save Zero. No matter the cost.

~KZ~

Weeks passed, I left regularly on missions, trying to track down the person that can help Zero, and at night when everything quiets down, I visit him in his room, cheering him up, talking about anything. Zero grows weaker by the day. I can feel his time slipping away. It made me work twice as hard.

My prayers were answered one night when I finally found the place where Kaname and his people are staying. Before I went to them, I decided to check on Zero first.

He was on the terrace of his room, barefoot and on his pajamas looking ahead at the vast garden in front of him. When he saw me, he smiled.

Without any word, I carried him back to his room and onto his bed. Zero didn't protest. I was shocked on how light and easy it was to carry him. He had indeed lost a significant amount of weight in a short span of time, proving once again how critical his condition is. As I was about to kiss him goodnight, he spoke, which he rarely does this days.

"Thank you brother for everything" he said and caressed my face. "Forgive me if I haven't been a good brother to you. But please believe me when I say that I love you like I loved Ichiru." He said and lifted his head to kiss my cheeks. How much more painful can this get? It made me even more anxious to complete my mission. The life of this person, whom I love with all my heart, depends on it.

I kissed him on the forehead and smiled at him too "Zero, I should be the one thanking you. You bought me nothing but joy ever since Cross bought you here. I'm sorry if I forced my feelings on you."

Zero closed his eyes and whispered. "Maybe in our next life.."

Its as if my heart has been clenched.. Zero was saying goodbye. "Shhh, don't say that, we have many, many more years to live this life." I said in the most cheerful voice I can muster. Zero nodded, his eyes still closed.

I kissed him one last time and left. I don't want him to see my tears...I need to be strong. I won't have it. I won't give up just yet.

Not while there is still hope.

~KZ~

I reached Sara's secluded mansion just before it went dark, I bought my katana as I've expected that I won't get in easy, but I'm ready to face any vampire even if it will cost my life, if it means saving Zero.

I was able to reach the manor when a female vampire appeared in front of me. Her fangs were bared and her body was crouched, ready for battle. I drew my katana, hoping that Kaname will be here before his people come in succession and outnumber me. The female vampire attacked while I was in deep thought, her nails aimed for my hand and I dropped my katana, I quickly grabbed it with my other hand but before I can plunge it in her stomach, both my arms were locked from behind.

The female vampire was ready to attack me, but was quickly restrained as well.

"What are you doing here hunter?" It was Kaname approaching us. I never thought that the day would come where I'd be so happy to see his face.

My captors quickly released me and stood beside the female vampire who was still posed to attack me.

"Ruka, that's enough. Aido, Akatsuki escort the hunter outside please." Kaname ordered and walked back.

"Wait!" I was about to follow him when the male vampire stood in between us. "Kaname I need your help, please!"

Kaname faced me once more, his eyes blazing in anger. "And why would you think I'll help you? Get out of here Kaito, I will not be held responsible if my people kill you in our territory."

Aido and Akatsuki held me once more. I pushed them away but they were stronger than I thought. "Please Kaname, help Zero; he needs you!"

I saw Kaname's features soften, just before he turned away. "I have nothing to do with Zero anymore; you know that. So go."

"But he's dying Kaname" I said. I finally broke down in tears, unable to contain the emotions I've bottled up for how many weeks now.

Before I knew it I was slammed into a wall, Kaname's trembling hands were grasping my shirt. "You lie." He said in an equally trembling voice.

"God how I wish I was! But it's true..Please Kaname, you're the only one that can save him!"

Kaname released me. "Where is he?"

"At the old house, come with me now.. we don't have much time."

Kaname went on ahead but was stopped by Sara just as he was about to exit through the door.

"You're going to leave us? Kaname-sama they will only hurt you again!"

Kaname held her by the shoulders and looked directly at the other vampires. "I know I haven't been a good ruler as I should be, and this time will be no different. Forgive me, but I can't abandon Zero." He said and sped away in a blink of an eye. I quickly followed.

~KZ~

He was already there when I reached the old house. He was holding Zero's hand, Father and Yagari-sensei was behind him. The room was silent.

Then it happened; Zero opened his eyes. When he saw Kaname his eyes lit up; all traces of the impending death vanished in an instant. Upon looking at him, a vision of a person who saw the light made me realize how deep his love for Kaname was. I can never compete with that. Tears fell from my eyes and I was shaken all over. Everything was going to be fine, I would give up my love for Zero and I don't care if it hurts, as long as his existence remains. I was so lost in my thoughts that I missed his exchange with Kaname. When Zero closed his eyes again, Kaname spoke.

"You know what's going to happen; I'm going to change him into something that is against all that you've believed in. If you don't want to see it, please leave"

And that's what we did. Dad and sensei held my hand, and we left, leaving behind my feelings of love for Zero.

After this I'll be his older brother again. And nothing more.

TBC

PS – as for the illness, I'm sorry if it's clinically incorrect, I knew of a person who died from it but I admit I didn't do much research about the disease. Please forgive me.