~Save Me Tomorrow from Today~

Authors:

Cult Grade Koolaid and Danaeyl Panthernopaeus.

Rose Red Part II – Under Covers

Zero looked around the hotel room. Knightsbridge Hotel was stunning from the outside, and the inside was just as beautiful. He grinned and threw himself onto the king sized bed, enjoying the softness of it. He rolled around, as though he was a cat and was rubbing his scent over everything.

Zero sat up, and removed the hoodie he wore. It was warmer inside than it was out. Kaien had told the pair of them to buy a new wardrobe, and to leave their uniforms back in Japan. Apparently they would have no need for them in England. Not that Zero was complaining. He and Kaname had spent five hours shopping two days ago. And that was mainly so they could buy clothing they found the other attractive in.

Kaname stepped out of the bathroom. Much like Zero, he was in awe of the room. And much like Zero, Kaname had never been abroad either. Kaien flat out refused to send him overseas without a Handler, in case something really bad happened. Kaname wasn't going to complain anymore. He was in England, with a great view of the city from their window.

Kaname sat on the edge of the bed. He picked up the menu for room service, and glanced at the top right corner above the window. Someone had already been in to set up cameras, and that was something that worried Kaname a little.

Zero rested his chin in Kaname's shoulder. "There are at least three in this room. We will need to be careful," he whispered into Kaname's ear. Trying to make it look as natural as possible, he wrapped his arms around Kaname's shoulders.

The last week alone had been them trying to get 'closer'. Yuuki, Salix and Angel had watched them. Salix and Yuuki had tried giving them tips on how they could look more like a couple, while Angel laughed his little heart out about how awkward the two of them looked. If it wasn't for the fact that that was the only time Angel had shown emotion, Kaname and Zero would have killed the boy.

There was something worse than the touching, though. And it was something that had all three of their spectators in fits of laughter. They attempted to kiss for the first time. Zero had never kissed anyone before, and he assumed that Kaname was a playboy. That was purely him being judgmental. It didn't help that Yuuki had cheered, taken pictures and gushed over the two of them kissing.

As soon as their lips met, they both pulled back almost immediately. In all honesty, Zero never thought it would be nice to kiss another boy. But Kaname wasn't just any male. He was a Kuran, and they were known for their prowess in everything. The worst part for Zero, however, was that he actually enjoyed it and wanted to do it more often.

And then there was the part that Zero really didn't want to think about. The sex.

It was an undercover mission that was meant to take seven months to complete. He and Kaname were meant to be lovers. Not having sex in that time would seem a little suspicious. They were young, volatile and good looking. What person in their right mind would believe they weren't having sex? But that just raised the question of who would top.

When taking a vote with Angel, Kaien, Salix and Yuuki the answer had been unanimous. Kaname was to top. Zero never thought they would think of him as the bitch, as Salix had ever so kindly put it. He, of course, apologized for it sounding condescending. They all gave reasons as to why they thought Kaname should be the top. It was Angel's reasoning that had stung the most.

According to a twelve year old, Zero was hormonally unbalanced, disorganized and wouldn't know what he was doing. The damn kid knew more about sex than what Zero did. And that was a little creepy. What exactly had Salix been teaching him?

Kaien had told them they could do it for real, or just pretend they were doing it. If they were going to pretend, they had to make it believable. It was around that point that both Kaname and Zero blushed. They had no idea how to make fake sex believable. Naturally, their blushes were noticed and Yuuki immediately began cooing over them. As far as she was concerned, there was nothing more romantic than two virgins losing their virginity to each other.

Zero had just ducked his head, trying to hide his darkening blush. Did Yuuki seriously think that mission was about romance? He had to find out what drugs she was taking, or maybe ask her to share them. He saw nothing romantic about 'Infiltration'. It was a slightly less-than-standard mission.

Kaien and Salix had told Angel and Yuuki to leave the room, while they attempted to explain how the sex worked. Kaien had the brilliant idea of searching gay porn, and even he was shocked by how unrealistic it looked. Salix is apparently a four hundred year old virgin, but he said something about reading fanfiction and yaoi manga. Kaname and Zero weren't going to ask.

But that was their research was. They had read manga and fanfiction. All Zero really learned was that he was no where near as flexible as he should be. Kaname had questioned the lack of protection used, but had answered his own question. Apparently the fantasy of fanfiction and manga is that there are no diseases around. Men are allowed to screw anything with a penis without any drawbacks. So he made sure he had packed condoms.

While Kaname and Zero had been trying to figure how to make fake sex look real, they were informed that Rose Red was tracking everyone that came out of Japan. They also learned that there was yet another Rose branch, but this one was actually trying to help the world.

They didn't know about the helping the world part, but they had guessed they were from a Rose branch. The woman had a white rose in her red hair, which was piled elegantly atop her head; and he male friend had a white rose in the breast pocket of his suit. They had smiled kindly at Kaname and Zero, and they were instantly suspicious. Why were they there?

It was a question that couldn't be answered, as Kaname and Zero were packed. They were just swinging by Kaien's office to get the plane tickets, and the credit cards. The room was booked for the next six months, and all Kaname and Zero had to do was focus on acting as though they loved each other.

Kaname put the room service menu back, and stood up. "Is there anything you want to do today?"

With the initial excitement of being in England wearing off, Zero nodded. "Sleep. I feel like shit, and I'm sure I don't look much better."

Kaname smiled over his shoulder. "You look…gorgeous as always?" He had no idea what he was meant to say. It was his first time in a relationship. But that also meant that he could say whatever he wanted, and Zero couldn't do a damn thing about it.

"I've always depended on the kindness of strangers," Zero said with a roll of his eyes, as though he was trying to tell Kaname to relax.

Kaname went to the door when there was a knock. He stared at the person on the other side, who was holding a bucket with ice and a bottle of champagne in it. "Can we help you?"

"No, sir. I am just delivering this complimentary bottle of champagne." The man smiled happily, his eyes closing in a manner that reminded Kaname of Salix. He held out the bucket. "Where would you like it, sir?" he asked, stepping into the room.

"On the bar, I guess." Kaname closed the door, and stood beside Zero. There was something strange about that man.

"Very good, sir." He placed the bucket on the bar, and turned back to the guests. "Is there anything either of you require?"

Kaname glanced down at Zero, smirking. "I need to talk to you outside," he said to the man. Zero nodded, and Kaname stepped out of the room. He looked around to make sure they were alone. "Who are you?"

The hat the man wore was removed, and his long pale brown hair spilled down his back. "Did you really think Cross-san would send you out with no back up? The cameras in the room have been disabled, and your names have been removed from the computers. As far as Rose Red knows, you never showed up. They're likely to be around to collect their equipment. I suggest stashing your bags in the bathroom, and making the room look as unused as possible." Salix smiled. "If you need anything else, just buzz for it."

Kaname stared with wide eyes as Salix gathered up his hair, and tucked it under the hat. The hat was so small that he couldn't understand how it hid so much mass, without looking out of place.

"Have a wonderful day, sir."

Kaname raised an eyebrow, as Salix wandered off. He was surprised he didn't notice the grace that Salix actually had until then. That might be because Kaname had never seen the man do anything, other than give a halfhearted attempted at something and then give up. With a shrug, Kaname went back into the room.

"That was Salix, wasn't it?" Zero asked, as he sat cross-legged in the center of the bed.

"How did you know?"

"The way he walked in here, as though he owned the place. So he's…what, a bellhop or something like that? I guess Yuuki and Sayori are going to be maids. I also know that the cameras are down." Relief seemed to settle in Zero's eyes. "At least we don't have to put on a show for those perverts."

"We are meant to be contacted by them, however. I guess that means we should go out, and explore the town tomorrow." Kaname undid his boots, and toed them off. "I will take the sofa tonight."

Zero glanced at the cameras. "Won't they be around to collect them?"

"I doubt they will come in tonight. They will most likely wait a few days, just to make sure there is not a glitch in the system." Kaname went to the bathroom door. "I'm going to take a shower. You might want to eat something before you go to bed. I noticed that you didn't eat anything on the plane. I don't want to you pass out tomorrow."

Zero stared at Kaname's lips, as they pulled upward. He quickly turned his head away when he felt a blush. "I will see if they have anything good. Did you want me to order you anything?"

"The salmon fillet, with crushed new potatoes and watercress, please. Check the breakfast menu, and order for me."

Zero looked at the bathroom door when it clicked shut. He picked up the menu, and flipped to the breakfast segment. He was going to order what Kaname wanted, as it sounded delicious. But why did Kaname trust him to make the breakfast order?

And just like that, Zero swore he saw Angel grinning at him, and saying: that's why you'll never be the top! He hated his mind at times. He guessed that when he actually thought about, he agreed with Angel. He was a loose canon, and Kaname was calmer and more collected. Even if he was going slightly insane. Still, Kaname wasn't hearing a little boy's voice in head, reminding him of why he wouldn't top.

Zero went back to staring at the breakfast menu. He had no idea what Kaname ate in the mornings. Frankly, Zero preferred to skip breakfast and lunch, especially recently. He had to talk to Kaname about it. At least there was one breakfast combo that looked appealing.

The bathroom door opened, and Kaname stepped out in a pair of black jeans, and a white shirt that wasn't buttoned up. He had the towel around his shoulders and he stared at Zero, who quickly averted his gaze once his cheeks started to heat up. He cursed his hormones for being unbalanced.

"I was thinking of the energy breakfast. How does that sound?" Zero muttered, holding out the menu.

"It sounds fine," Kaname said. He sat on the edge of the bed, and finished drying his hair. "We do have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Yeah…" Zero went over to the phone, and pressed the button for room service. "Hi, could I get two serves of the salmon with crushed potatoes and watercress? Could I also order breakfast to be delivered at seven, tomorrow morning? Yes, two of the energy breakfasts. Thank you."

Kaname only half listened. He got to his feet and went over to the bucket on the bar. He glanced over his shoulder once Zero had finished with room service. He could tell something was playing on his mind.

"Hey, Kuran? If we've become invisible to Rose Red, how are they going to know that they can approach us?"

"Cross-san leaked enough information to let them know that his 'pet' Kuran is looking elsewhere for employment. We are not in the hotel's computer, but they can just mistake that as a glitch. The deactivated cameras… To be honest, I would like to come back here after a long day, and just relax instead of having to continue with a show."

Zero flopped out on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Knowing that the so-called last Kuran was on the loose would drag all the organizations out of hiding. If there was a war brewing, everyone would want the strongest players on their team. Would Black Rose see through it? There was no doubt about that.

Zero suddenly sat up. Savior had known that he was a time Hima. The old man had said that the rose tattoo was to keep him as deactivated as possible. If Savior had the power to copy any ability he came into contact with, had he copied a body jumper? It would explain why Resurrection went down so easily. He was likely already dead, but Savior was wearing his meat suit.

Idly stroking the tattoo, Zero wondered if Savior had copied his ability that day. Or if he had indeed had a run in with Savior. The one possessing the target didn't say what his name was. He just knew that Zero was a time Hima. And no one seemed as surprised as they should have been to know that there was a time Hima running around.

Zero's eyes narrowed. They wouldn't be surprised if they knew about Ichiru. The only one that had mistaken him for his younger twin was Trapper, and that was likely because he didn't know any better. Did Ichiru also possess the ability of the Kiryu line? It would not be a shock if he did. At the moment, Zero would be more bewildered if someone said that his twin was dead.

"Are you okay, Kiryu-kun? You have been glaring your reflection for a while now."

"Last year, when I first discovered I had the ability to stop time, the target had been taken over by a body jumper. He said I bear the mark of a time Hima. If they were extinct, how would there be a mark and how would anyone remember it? Then there's also the fact that no one seems surprised about my ability to stop time." Zero groaned and closed his eyes. Not wanting to sound like Yuuki, but all that thinking was starting to tire him out.

"The body jumper was probably toying with you, Kiryu-kun."

"Yeah," Zero sighed. He ran a hand through his hair. He frowned. Salix. That bastard was hiding something. His eyes widened when his stomach growled loudly. With a shake of his head, Zero looked up at Kaname. "Could you massage my shoulder?"

"Of course, Kiryu-kun."

Zero pulled off the black tank top. He gritted his teeth when Kaname's cool hands touched his skin. He never thought he would be shirtless, on a bed with Kaname behind him. But that's what was being played out in the mirror across from him. There was a fluttering in his stomach, and Zero turned his head to the right. He watched Kaname from the corner of his eye. What the hell was going on with his body?

Kaname had his eyes fixated on the shoulder he was massaging. Zero, somehow managed to blame his body's reactions to Kaname on Kaien. Not even Zero was certain on how he managed that one, but it was the only thing that made sense. Zero had spent the better part of the last ten months telling himself that the most Kaname could ever be to him was a friend.

And in the last week, everything Zero once believed was being destroyed before his mind's eye. His eyes slid back over to the mirror. Once Zero had come down from his high, he had questioned Kaien on why anyone would believe that he and Kaname were lovers. Kaien had ever so happily explained that it was extremely common for Handlers and Himas to be lovers.

"Were you and the witch doctor lovers, then?" Zero had demanded, with a smirk.

"Once upon a time. As I said, it's highly likely for someone that you trust to win over your affections. Most of the time, with our line of work, we generally hold onto the one stable thing in our lives." For the first time in his life, Zero actually believed what the old man was saying.

Kaname hadn't said anything. He just gazed at the floor, his eyes filled with sorrow. It was as he didn't believe what Kaien was saying. He did have the nickname 'Cursed Hima', which had probably destroyed any idea that Kaname had of being happy with someone. It didn't help that Zero still had not fully accepted him.

Zero came back to the present. Kaname had stopped the massage, and had wrapped his arms around Zero's shoulders. Zero stared at their reflection. He never realized just how good they looked together, either. That would most likely explain the way that Yuuki kept squealing over them, whenever they were together. There was something not quite right with that girl.

Kaname removed his arms when there was a knock. He got off the bed, opened the door and allowed the waiter to bring in the cart, which held two plates covered with gleaming platinum domes. Silver eyes flickered between Kaname and Zero, and the man fought to keep a smirk from his face as he lifted the silver domes.

"We do hope that you enjoy your meal. Please leave the cart outside when you are done. Have a pleasant day, sirs." He bowed his head politely at the two, and left the room.

Zero raised an eyebrow when he thought he heard the waiter snickering. With the domes removed, his stomach growled again and he was reminded of how hungry he actually was. He went over to the cart, and raised an eyebrow at the small portion that was on the plate. How was that meant to fill anyone? Maybe if a model stopped by it would be enough for them.

Zero sighed, and picked up a plate as well as utensils. It would have to do until breakfast. At least he knew what not to order next time. Kaname didn't seem like a big eater. So the tiny amount would probably be enough for the Hima. Zero, however, was able to eat the entire meal in two mouthfuls.

Zero went back to the bed, flopping onto it. He could hear Kaname's utensils on the plate, and decided to fall asleep to that sound. If he was lucky, Rose Red would break in during the night and give him something to look forward to.

When he heard the cart being pushed out of the room, Zero sat up. A brilliant idea had just come to him. Unfortunately, his body and brain had picked that exact moment to go dead. He collapsed back to the bed, asleep. He failed to notice that Kaname kneeling beside the bed, and kissed his cheek wishing him sweet dreams.

Kaname woke up when he heard Zero gasp. He looked up from his position beside the bed. When he saw Zero, he shook his head. Zero had gone to sleep without his heat pad, and the cooler weather of England was likely not helping the muscles and tendons of his shoulder. Kaname couldn't believe he had forgotten that.

Kaname went into the bathroom, and hunted through his suitcase. He found Zero's heat pad, and went back into the room. Zero was sitting up, trying desperately to massage out the pain. He quickly turned on the pad, and wrapped it around Zero's shoulder, still cursing and kicking himself mentally.

"I am sorry, Kiryu-kun," Kaname whispered.

Zero glared up at Kaname. "…the fuck for?"

Kaname pulled Zero down the bed a little, and sat behind his Handler. He massaged Zero's shoulder through the heat pad. He knew that Zero wouldn't understand why he felt responsible for his shoulder. If it had not have been so reckless during their first mission together, Zero would not have endured as much damage. If he had not flipped the younger teen in the Chairman's office the previous week, it would not be worse.

Kaname lowered his eyes. "I should have put the pad on yesterday."

Zero pulled himself free of Kaname's hands, turned around and pinned the Hima to the bed head with the forearm of his left arm. "You're not responsible for me!"

"How can…? You are my Handler. Does that mean anything to you?"

"It means I'm responsible for you. It isn't the other way around, Kuran. I can take care of myself." Zero pushed away from Kaname, and rolled over to the other side of the bed.

Kaname continued to stare at the wall. Did Zero mean to insinuate that Kaname didn't know how to care for himself? He had been doing it for the last fourteen years of his life! That and keeping his sister safe. For the first time since he was five, Kaname actually felt hurt. Zero's words had stung.

He didn't say anything, though. He wasn't going to make the situation worse than it already was. Zero was obviously angry with himself that he had forgotten the pad yesterday, and was taking it out on anything that would make eye contact with him. That was fine. Kaname had grown accustomed to that. He could deal with anything that Zero dished out.

"We're going to the Tower of London," Zero stated, almost as though nothing had happened. "I also don't want to hide our bags. In fact, I want to be waiting for the Red Rose Agents that come by to take back their cameras."

Kaname blinked. His eyes drifted to Zero's pale back. Even with the heat pad on it, it was sexy. Zero had a nice back. And his jeans were tight as well, giving Kaname a lovely view of Zero's ass. When did he start viewing Zero sexually?

"The Tower sounds fine, Kiryu-kun. And why do you want to be waiting for Red Rose?"

"What better way to infiltrate their headquarters than to act as if we had disabled the cameras? They might think we're actually serious about it." Zero rolled onto his back, and turned his head towards Kaname. "I'm sorry for my outburst. I was angry with myself for being so stupid, and forgetting to put the pad on yesterday."

Kaname smiled. "You do not need to apologize, Kiryu-kun. I hope you understand that I feel responsible for your shoulder."

Zero raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You should. It was completely your fault that my shoulder got fucked up."

"And I have apologized."

"Oh, I'm aware. But you're just like Salix – the guilt always overrides your logic. I've been using Sandman to do my laundry for the last month, because he feels guilty that he didn't save Ichiru when he had the chance."

Kaname's eyes widened. Was Zero being serious? His Handler had guilt-tripped Salix into doing his laundry, because of something that was completely out of his hands? That was impressive. Salix would have known there wasn't anything he could do to save Ichiru, but Zero still got the better of him. Salix must not be as worldly as he claimed.

"Is doing your own laundry that much of a hassle?"

"Nope! I just felt like getting someone else to do it. I think he washes them by hand or something, because they're so much softer than when I do it."

Kaname continued to gaze at Zero with disbelief. "Why would you get him to do something like that?"

Zero's smirk broadened. "Salix isn't the only one that likes to toy with people when he gets bored," he answered simply, as though it was completely natural for someone to take advantage of another.

Kaname closed his eyes, laying back on the bed. It was more comfortable than the floor. Just as he was ready to sleep again, there was a knock at the door and the announcing that it was room service with their breakfast. Kaname had forgotten about that. He was about to get up when he felt the bed shift slightly.

Zero opened the door. He glared when he realized the one bringing up their breakfast was Salix. "I'm sure you know the drill," he muttered and stepped to the side.

Salix wheeled in the cart. "Is there anything else you require, sirs?" His pale eyes slid over to Kaname for a second. "Do you wish for a maid to turn down the bed?"

"We're fine, thanks." Zero picked at strawberries in a bowl.

"Very well, sirs. If there is anything else you require, do not hesitate to ring us. Have a wonderful day, sirs." Salix bowed his head politely, and left the room. "The sexual tension between those two could kill a small horse," he murmured to himself.

Zero glared at the door. Why did everyone think there was sexual tension betwixt him and Kaname? Even Sayori thought they needed to sleep together. Of course, Sayori was Yuuki's Handler and it was possible that Yuuki had corrupted the girl. God, Zero hoped not. Dealing with Yuuki's obsession for gay men was enough. And if any of the girls at Cross believed he had slept with Kaname, Zero knew he would need to sleep with one eye open.

Kaname stood beside Zero, looking over the selection for breakfast. "How is your shoulder?"

"It will be fine. At the moment, I'm fucking starving."

After they finished breakfast – though Kaname was unsure on if Zero had actually tasted any of it – Zero removed the heat pad, and Kaname massaged the shoulder a little. Once he was finished, Zero went for a shower and Kaname placed the cart outside the door. When Zero was finished, he would shower and then they could plan their next move.

Zero wanted to see the Tower of London, and Kaname was hoping to take a stroll along the river Thames. He was also hoping to swing by Whitechapel, and enjoy a tour of Jack the Ripper's murders. He wasn't so sure if Zero would enjoy that. But seeing as they had to act like normal lovers in public, he doubted that Zero would complain too much…he hoped.

Kaname rubbed the back of his neck, and went over to the floor length windows that lead to the terrace. He stepped out, shivering. If Zero wanted to wait for the Red Rose Agents that would be coming by to pick up the cameras, it would probably be a good idea to have some kind of communication going with Yuuki or Salix. It would most likely have to be Salix. His perception was a lot better than Yuuki's. Plus Kaname wanted to know how good Salix was when he was on a mission.

Kaname looked down on the street. Even at that hour of the morning the streets were alive with people. Everyone was rushing to get to their jobs, or get to school. No one was looking up, but Kaname could feel two sets of eyes on him. He was being watched. With a casual look around, Kaname couldn't pinpoint where the eyes were. He assumed it was in an adjacent building, or quite possibly a projection.

Going back inside, Kaname closed and locked the window. It wouldn't stop a projection Hima, but if the one Cross had was anything to go by, Kaname could safely assume that projections weren't as strong as they should be. That could be a good thing. He closed the curtains, just as Zero stepped out of the bathroom.

"That shower is amazing. I want one."

Kaname looked over his shoulder and smiled. He never thought Zero would be the type of person that would enjoy a shower so much. The one back home in his dorm might not be as big as the one here, but it was by no means horrible in comparison. Kaname was going to guess that Zero enjoyed the extra space.

"You could talk to Cross-san about it, if you would like. I can see no reason why he would not renovate my bathroom for a bigger shower." Kaname walked past Zero, and patted him on his left shoulder. "Imagine the jealousy that would be going around if that happened, Kiryu-kun."

"Not to mention the speculation of why we'd be needing a bigger shower."

Kaname blinked when Zero winked. What the hell was going on? Was Zero flirting with him? Kaname didn't know if he should be thrilled or worried. Zero had shown no affection going into the mission, and had down refused to kiss Kaname again after their first failed attempt. And then there was the fact that Zero was a wooden actor, and couldn't make flirting seem natural for him. He always looked as though he had a gun to his head. At one point, Zero did hold Bloody Rose to his own head and threaten to kill himself if they couldn't take a break.

Kaname lowered his eyes with a smile. "You are strange, Kiryu-kun. One moment you cannot stand flirting with me, and the next you are the one instigating it."

Zero shrugged and went over to the sofa. "What happens at Cross stays at Cross. Angel, Salix and Yuuki were trying to help me get into character. I think it worked, don't you?" He didn't wait for an answer and turned on the flat screen LCD television. He flipped through the channels, until he found one that was dedicated solely to cartoons.

Shaking his head, Kaname went into the bathroom. He pulled out the clothing he wanted to wear for the day, and turned on the shower. Almost instantly the room was filled with steam. He showered quickly, and stepped out. They would be needing more towels. He dried and dressed, leaving the bathroom.

Zero was laughing at something on the idiot box. He looked over at Kaname, his lilac eyes sparkling. Kaname had never seem them shine that way, and had to wonder what it was about the show he was watching that made Zero feel so alive.

Kaname stood behind the sofa. He watched as a gray and white cat was hit over the head with a bat by a mouse. How could Zero find amusement in something like that? Kaname moved around the sofa, and Zero pulled his feet back so Kaname could sit down. Once the Hima was seated, Zero flung his legs out again.

Kaname looked down at the legs that were on his lap, before he raised his eyes to the television. He watched the rest of the show, still trying to find why Zero found it humorous. It was about a mouse that lived in a house with a cat, and the cat didn't want the mouse around. That was natural instinct right there. Why the hell that cat didn't just catch and eat the mouse was a mystery to Kaname.

"Kiryu-kun…what the hell are you watching?"

"'Tom and Jerry'. It's a cartoon from my childhood, when we spent three years in North America." And suddenly, it was as though Zero was back in that time. His eyes sparkled with a true joy Kaname could not remember seeing, and he smiled. "For Halloween that year, Ichiru and I went trick-or-treating as them. Our mother spent a week working on our costumes, and it really paid off. We looked awesome."

As Zero spoke of how well the night went, Kaname slowly lost his own smile. He never had that with Yuuki, nor will he ever. Zero might not want to think about Ichiru, and about what might have become of him, but at least he had a few fond memories of his brother. What did Kaname have? He was too young to remember Yuuki's first day at home, and the only memory he did have of her was when she was crying over their mother's dead body.

"…wanted to try the anvil thing, but mom told us not to." Zero looked at Kaname. He didn't have to read the Hima's aura to know he was thinking of something painful. The tears lining Kaname's lower lashes were proof enough. "Kuran, are you okay?"

Kaname blinked. The show came to an end, and he realized he had not heard much more of what Zero had to say. "I am fine, Kiryu-kun. When did you want to head out for the day?"

Zero frowned as Kaname stood up, making sure to hide his face. "Like hell everything is fine, Kuran. What happened?"

"It does not matter."

Zero leapt over the sofa, took hold of Kaname's shoulder and turned him around. "Don't you dare go emo on me! Now tell me what's wrong."

Kaname saw anger in Zero's eyes, and he couldn't understand that. How could Zero be so angry about everything? "You at least have some happy memories of your family, Kiryu-kun. I am not so lucky."

Zero released Kaname's shoulder, and lowered his eyes as he thought. Kaien had said that Kaname was activated when he was five. He had a sister, which apparently didn't seem to know about him. Zero couldn't wrap his head around it. And it hit him hard.

"Your family was killed when you became active, right?"

"Yes. At the party celebrating my awakening. One Contrill was able to get in and obliterate my parents. If my sister has any memories of her life with us, I have no doubt that that will be the only one." Kaname sighed, and sat on the day bed at the foot of the bed. "She became active four years after that."

Zero's eyes widened. "A body jumper that can use electricity for free… Yuuki is your sister."

"Yes." Kaname looked up. "How did you know that? The only person that knows is Cross-san and Salix-kun."

"The old man sent me and Yuuki on missions together, hoping she could keep me under control. It didn't work all that well, as I'm sure you could guess. I can't believe I didn't figure it out before now." Zero shook his head. He had always thought it was strange that Yuuki could use electricity for free. How thick could he be? "Why haven't you told her?"

Kaname stared at Zero. For the first time in his life, he actually experienced and reacted to anger. "How can I?" he exploded, jumping to his feet. "What am I going to do, Zero? Just drop it in a casual greeting? 'Good morning, Yuuki-chan. How are you today? Did you know I'm your brother? I hope it does not rain today'? Do you have any idea what might happen?"

"Do you?" Zero shot back, standing his ground. "You can't think for her, Kuran! You don't know how she's going to react. You don't know if she'll hate you, love you more or just shut down because her brother hid that fact from her for fourteen years!"

"I knew you wouldn't understand."

"And what wouldn't I understand, Kaname? Yuuki believes she is alone in this world, and that all of her family is dead." Zero scoffed. "I think I understand more than you know! Don't forget that until recently, I thought I was the sole survivor of my family. Do… You…" He took a deep, shaky breath. "I'm not going to tell you what you should do. I will support any decision you make, as your temporary Handler."

Kaname shook his head. Is that what it felt like to vent? He felt as though some of the stress had been lifted from his shoulders. It didn't seem like a bad idea to do it more often, providing Zero was willing to listen. Even if Zero was his temporary Handler, at least he knew he had something stable in his life, even if it was for a short amount of time.

"Well," he said as he sat down again. "Now you know my big secret. I hope you will keep it…" Kaname trailed off. He forgot for a moment who he was talking to. The only people Zero conversed with were him and Kaien, and possibly Doctor Reed.

Zero sat beside Kaname. "I'm not going to blab it out to the whole world, Kuran. I might be a bastard, but I'm not a fucking bastard."

Kaname glanced at Zero's hand when he rested on his thigh. Hesitantly, he took hold of the appendage that was slightly smaller than his own. He looked up at Zero. He wasn't smiling, but his eyes were softer, and Kaname could feel himself moving in closer. All he wanted was a small kiss.

Just as their lips were about to touch, there was a knock from the door. "Maid service," Sayori's voice called through.

Zero sighed and rolled his eyes. You cock-blocking bitch, he though as he went over to the door, and opened it.

Thirteen minutes later, Kaname and Zero were walking around the crowded streets of central London. They acted more like good friends than lovers, but that was something the two of them could deal with. Adding romantic feelings into the mix would not have been good for either of them, at that moment in time.

Whenever they felt they were being followed, they quickly held hands and Kaname adopted the role as the dominant of their relationship. Oh he knew that if they had to perform for the cameras that Zero would put up one hell of a fight, and Kaname found himself liking that idea. He wondered what it would have been like to have sex with Zero.

That train of thought was quickly put on hold when Kaname discovered they were on their way towards the Tower of London. The street performers were amazing, and Kaname made sure he took plenty of pictures. Angel had asked for them to do that, as he was too young to be sent on a mission out of the country, under Kaien's rule anyway. According to the child, when he was with Shizuka, they never went to England.

"Isn't it amazing?" Zero asked, as he watched Kaname snap pictures of the performers. "That you are doing this for a child that could quite easily kill us all?"

Kaname looked at the picture he just took. "No," he said, looking up at the clear blue sky. "What's amazing is that he didn't fully trust Shizuka. You can see it in his eyes, whenever he talks about her. He might hold her in high esteem, but I believe that is because no one has ever shown him a shred of kindness."

"What do you think she planned to use him for?" Zero inquired, as they began walking towards the Tower.

"In all honesty, I have no idea. His ability to teleport is his bloodline ability, so catching him would be almost impossible. Add in his ability to remove memories from a crowd. Not even Ingrid has that ability. She can only do one at a time. If Shizuka wanted to rule the world, all she would have to do is point Angel in the direction and unleash him." Kaname leaned over to Zero, and nuzzled his ear gently. He could feel the eyes on them again. "We should be thankful we got to him before she could do that."

Zero looked over Kaname's shoulder, as though he was checking out his Hima's butt. In actual fact, he was scanning the people behind them. He thought he saw two people dressed in red suits, but when he blinked they were gone. If it wasn't for the fact that they had to infiltrate that organization, Zero would think himself crazy.

"Two of them," he whispered into Kaname's ear. "Both female."

Kaname forced himself not to groan. Dealing with psychotic males was bad enough. But psychotic females, who will have hormones mixed in? Kaname doubted he or Zero would be walking away from that fight without a few scratches. He looked at Zero's right shoulder. How much more damage could that part of Zero's body take? And without Doctor Reed around to heal it immediately, how long would they be stuck in an alien country for?

"They might be insane, Kuran but I think we can take them. All we need to do is rough them up a little, so they'll report back to their leader." Zero's eyes lit up. He had forgotten how stunning the Tower of London looked. "We're taking the tour."

"Of course."

Kaname was not going to complain. He was looking forward to stepping through time with Zero. He had heard a great many things about how wonderfully constructed the Tower was, and the way all the actors played their parts. He was particularly interested in seeing the cell that the Red Barron was kept in.

Kaname hung back, while Zero got their tickets. He wanted to know if the Rose Red Agents would follow them. What was he thinking? Of course they would. They would likely wait for him and Zero to step off to the side, and then corner them. Kaname was not going to get into a fight inside a historic monument. He wasn't going to run the risk of destroying something.

"The next crowd is gathering now. The tour will be departing in seven minutes," Zero said, taking Kaname's wrist and dragging him inside.

Kaname looked around. He could already feel the energy of everyone gathering. The excitement was amazing. And for one moment, Kaname felt normal. He wasn't a Hima on a mission. He was a regular tourist that was enjoying a day on the city, with a friend and almost lover.

The same feeling was affecting Zero, too. It was hard not to notice the way he was smiling. For a brief second Zero seemed to forget that he was angry with the world; forgot that he was disgusted with everything they had to deal with everyday.

Blinking, Kaname looked at the hand that had taken his. He looked down at the child of about six that was grinning up at him, her green eyes sparkling in the sunlight. Her black curls were in twin ponytails at the top of her head. She had a red bow on each of the hair ties. She wore a black dress with a red ribbon around the waist, which made a giant bow at the back.

Kaname got on a knee, smiling kindly at her. "Are you lost, little girl?"

The girl's eyes flashed red. "You're going to die, Kuran," she said sweetly, like a child asking for a cookie.

Kaname stood when the tower, and all of the people shattered like a mirror breaking. He was standing in a blue-gray wasteland. The ground was cracked beneath his feet, which allowed a yellow mist to escape. The gray sky hung low over them. Desolate, was all that Kaname could think. There was not a living thing as far as the eye could see.

With a stab of fear, Kaname looked around for Zero. The girl giggled and danced backwards. "Isn't it lovely here, Kuran? This will be your final resting place."

Kaname's eyes widened when bones gathered on the ground. How many people had that little girl killed? If it was indeed a little girl, and not a body jumper. As though she was sensing his thoughts, she laughed again, which was cut short. It was as though someone had ripped her voice out.

"You need to be more careful, Kaname," the girl said, stopping her dance. "You should not be trusting anyone. You are on vacation, after all."

Kaname raised an eyebrow. It was obvious the girl had been taken over. It was who was currently in her that worried Kaname. Was it Savior? And if so, how did he know that Kaname was in trouble? That was not a comforting thought.

"Savior?"

"Bingo!"

Kaname stared at the girl. What the hell was Savior doing? Couldn't Kaname go on a single mission without running into that maniac? "Why did you jump into her body?"

"Oh Kaname, Kaname, Kaname." Savior looked around the wasteland. "I could let you find your own way out of here, but I know you won't be able to do it. And your Handler would be go insane trying to find you. I thought I would give you a hand."

"Why would you do that?"

"Because I'm the one that's going to kill you," Savior answered immediately. "I refuse to some toffee nosed twat from Rose Red beat me to the punch. And while you're on vacation as well." Savior shook his head, the curls bouncing around happily. "If I want to plan this correctly, you and your beautiful Handler will need to get closer, in order to make the death so much more delicious."

"How the hell did you know where we were?"

Savior laughed. Despite it coming from a little girl's voice, it sounded rather menacing. "I know where every person of interest is, Kaname. I also knew that when you were going to take a vacation to England that Rose Red would not be able to help themselves. They would want you to join their ranks. The last Kuran as Rose Red Agent 23."

Kaname stared at Savior. What the hell was he talking about? Kaname would never leave Cross, and especially not for a bunch of psychotic, maniacal, insane, homicidal, depressed lunatics. He had standards. He closed his eyes, rolling them in secret. He had forgotten that Kaien had leaked the information that he had left Cross, and was currently seeking employment elsewhere.

"Only number twenty-three?"

Savior smiled, kicking at the bones around his feet. "Of course. You killed Agent 8 and Agent 17. But don't worry; they've already been replaced. Rose Red is a small organization. It isn't nearly as large as say Black Rose or even Purple Rose."

Kaname raised an eyebrow. He had no idea who Purple Rose was. He had never heard of it. "How many organizations are there?"

"Six, soon to be five. Once you and your beautiful Handler take out Rose Red, which will leave Black Rose, Pink Rose, Purple Rose, White Rose and Cross. But with the fall of one leading organization, it will send all the others into a spiral to regain Europe. The war is coming, Kaname. And you will be the one to kick start it."

"Wha ––?"

Kaname gasped as the wasteland shattered. He was standing beside Zero, who was staring at him with concern. How long had he been gone? It felt like twenty minutes, but it seemed that the tour had not even begun yet. So it could not have been longer than seven. Not unless the girl's ability made it so the present was not altered when she got back.

"What's wrong?" Zero asked, noticing the way that Kaname was looking around. "Do you sense something?"

"Was I not gone for a long period just now?"

Zero raised an eyebrow. "No…? You were doing your shoelace, and then you stood up. What happened?"

"A Rose Red Agent took me to alternate plain of existence. She looked as though she was six years old. Savior was the one who sent me back."

"Savior?" Zero repeated. "Isn't he the one trying to kill you?"

"That was why he saved me. He wants the honor of killing me himself. At least he is honest about it." Kaname watched as their tour guide walked up to the group. "And if it keeps me alive, who am I to complain? I doubt I would have found my way out of that girl's plain."

"If we have to wipe out Rose Red…" Zero lowered his eyes. "That means we have to kill that girl. I fucking hate it when the enemy plays dirty."

"There isn't anything we can do about it, Kiryu-kun. She is not exactly sane. She seemed to take pleasure in killing people. It was horrible to see it in someone so young." Kaname placed a hand on Zero's shoulder. "We will not be able to get out of this one without killing everyone."

Zero stared at the actor that had taken place of the tour guide. He wasn't listening to what the man was saying. "If we do that, we won't be much better than Rose Red itself. Murdering a child was not part of the mission."

Kaname shook his head. "There isn't anything we can do about, Kiryu-kun. She is insane, and if allow her to live she can continue killing, until Cross-san sends someone who will kill her."

"Did Savior say anything else?"

Kaname half smirked. "He had a lot to say. Taking down Rose Red will kick start the war, and all the other organizations will be fighting to take over Europe."

"How many organizations are there?"

"Six."

Zero frowned. That didn't seem right. "Aren't there seven continents?"

"My guess is that no one wants Australia. They aren't any threat, anyway. And that was about all that Savior had to say, except that Purple Rose is as big an organization as Black Rose."

Zero rolled his eyes. "What's with all the roses?"

Kaname shrugged. "I have no idea. There are five Rose branches, and Cross is the only organization that has nothing to do with a rose," Kaname explained as they walked with the crowd to the first stop of the tour. "I get the feeling that Savior is looking forward to this war, and that he is hoping Cross will do most of the dirty work."

Zero kept his eyes lowered. There were six organizations, which would soon be five if they were successful in removing Rose Red. If they continued to take out all of the Rose branches, it would come down to Black Rose and Cross, providing Salix didn't betray them again. But the old man had to know what was happening. Right?

"What if Black Rose already has Australia under them? Everyone thinks that Australia is a backwards country, and they're probably right. But wouldn't that make it perfect for a secret weapon?" Zero asked, staring at the stone beneath his feet. "If that is where Black Rose has set up their operations, how would we ever know? And more than that, how the hell did Savior know we were in England?"

"I can't see Savior setting up in Australia. It doesn't make sense. As for how Savior knew where we were…" Kaname closed his eyes. Savior had referred to him as a 'person of interest'. That was a little creepy to Kaname. "He has his fingers in a lot of pies. He is a body jumper, as well. They are impossible to detect, unless the person they have taken over is acting completely out of character."

Zero scratched the back of his head. "I actually thought this was going to be an easy mission. Rose Red didn't seem that dangerous. But when Savior is around, I usually get fucked up and badly. And Sayori, Yuuki and Salix have no idea where we're going for the day, so we can't count on them for back up."

"I believe Salix-kun will always be our back up. Remember, he is everywhere and nowhere. He likely already knows where we are." Kaname glanced to his right, through an open doorway. He saw a woman in a red uniform, almost identical to the one of Black Rose. "I think we have company."

"Yeah." Zero patted the left side of his jacket, and remembered that Bloody Rose was under a pillow, back in the hotel room. "Shit."

"You won't be needing it, Kiryu-kun. We are just going to talk. If anything other than that happens, you can stop time so we can get the hell out of Dodge." Kaname went over to the doorway, glancing around to make sure they were alone.

Once Kaname and Zero were through the threshold, the door closed and locked. "What would the famous Kuran Kaname be doing in England, with his Handler?" the woman asked, a smile settling on her ruby painted lips.

"Vacationing," Kaname answered, his eyes hardening.

"That would explain why you're out of uniform. It doesn't explain why you didn't pack your uniform, though. Have you left really Cross organization?" She stepped closer to Kaname, holding her chin as she looked him over. "Crystal is going to love you." She looked at Zero. "Eh."

Zero glared. "Who are you?"

"Rose Red Agent 7; Codename Phyra. Behind you is Rose Red Agent 21; Codename Eisna. We were given orders to bring you back to Rose Red headquarters, preferably in one piece. If you refuse, we may have to get a little rough." Phyra's reddish-orange eyes flashed with malice.

Zero looked over his shoulder. Eisna's pale blue eyes danced psychotically, if such a thing were possible. "We would like to finish the tour, if you don't mind. And if you do mind, tough luck. We're on vacation. We aren't here to be propositioned by a pair of psychos."

Phyra snarled. "Shut up, boy. I don't know what the last Kuran could possibly see in you. You're nothing but a hormonal catastrophe. You detest everything that he stands for, and yet you're protecting one. You are screwed up in way more ways than one." She shook her head, her bright red hair falling out from under her cap. "And for some reason he's allowed you to be his lover!"

"At least I know I am. You still think you're human."

Kaname stood in front of Zero as Phyra's right hand was engulfed in flames. "We will need the night to think about it. We are staying ––"

"We know where to find you," Phyra said, the flames dying off. "We will be by tomorrow morning to see if you have made up your mind. If the answer is yes, I cannot wait for Crystal to break you." She stared pointedly at Zero. "You will be weeping like a bitch within in five minutes. I have a hundred pounds on it."

Eisna and Phyra laughed as they walked out of the small room. Kaname looked at Zero. "We were not meant to piss them off, Kiryu-kun."

Zero shrugged. "Force of habit," he remarked as he also left the room. "Let's see if we can find out group. I don't plan on missing out on this because of them."

Kaname smiled and nodded. "Of course, Kiryu-kun."

End Rose Red Part II - Under Covers.

So what do we think? I know it was originally called 'Infiltration', but Panther wanted to change the title of the arcs to the colored roses they would be dealing with. And I know there wasn't much of covers in this chapter, but hopefully the next chapter will make up for it. And with that said, next chapter will be the final chapter in the Rose Red arc. Are ya excited? So yeah, Rose Red Part III - For You is gonna be awesome! You're excited, right? Please tell us you're excited!
I would love to thank everyone who told us which way you would prefer the pairing. We really appreciated it!
And now our favorite part!

Brownie goes to...doppelganger! Enjoy your brownie!

Extra special thanks to: Unmei no Kaze, KanameZero4Eva (welcome!), God-d-e-ss Eternity, LuanRina, Alexia, Ayamichama (welcome!), kaze, Shino (welcome!), YumeNoito (welcome!), Crackling Rose, kanamexzero fan, heriyandi kurosaki (welcome!), MiamiB, x-YaoiWolf-x (welcome!), snipits42, OfDarknessandFlowers, Kekeh, Last Night's Piz, Ada121 (welcome!), Goshikku Hime wa Yami-san, KyouyaxCloud (welcome!), keita2061 (welcome!), zerojouno (welcome!), and Silent Curse!
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Quick update, my lovelies! The next chapter might take a short while to be posted. Panther is writing it, and between a fulltime job and two majors in university he doesn't have much spare time. He hasn't written a chapter since the Prelude, so I know he's excited to be writing the next one.
I ask that you bear with us. Please bear with us!
xoxo CG Koolaid.