HEYYYY! Nobody told me anything! I looked at the fic once again, and I see it's so CRAPPY. Fragmented sentences and bad formatting and lack of action and…GAH! There'll be this major change I tell you! I'm going to change all of it soon. SOON. And please tell me if you want Yuki around…?

This is important. I actually included the mention of Yuki here. Either in reviews or PMs, I'd appreciate it if you could tell me if you want the inclusion of Yuki. It'll be all the way with Yuki existent or non-existent. Just thought it was…haha, mean to leave out everybody and make this fic a two-man show. [that sounds great anyway]

And if Yuki exists, I'd have to think of the family tree and stuffs yadayada. [most probably I'll make her NOT-related to Kaname. Gosh, I'm so biased but well, niakniak.]

A/N: Zero here is a vampire but his need for blood isn't very well-emphasized. *sincerely apologizes* He's a bit out of character here, since he's being nice and all. Andand, Zero here IS a vampire. He does drink blood from Kaname and all, but their rather un-deep hatred towards each other is just that between a vampire and hunter, so it's not really anything to do with rival or Yuki or wtv.

If you're here and hoping for more of Yuki, I'm afraid you're in the wrong place. *dislikes Yuki* Again, sorry, I know the story's a bit messy since the POV seems to be in third person but if it does get confusing, please tell me, I'll make a mental note to be more aware of that in future.

Warning: This is Zero x Kaname. I'm sure you know that. There is implied abuse and supposedly *gulps* rape here. Sorry, but I made Ichijo the bad guy here. Rido seems to be the default ultimate evil and I thought I'd maybe use him uhmm…later. HAHA! Who knows? Well, go on and read, don't let my insanity get to you!

Disclaimer: Yeshhh~This place is called Fanfiction for a reason. These characters do not belong to me and never will. They belong to Matsuri Hino.

Extra Note: Those of you who noticed it, well done! It's Daisya Barry from D. Gray Man. He appeared for such a short time in the anime that I decided to do him justice and feature him. Ohmy, Kaname has a rival!

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"Tell me."

Caught by surprise, Kaname looked questioningly at the hunter walking by him. Lilac orbs stabbed into garnet ones accusingly.

"You dodged the subject earlier. I would think you have an idea as to what that lecher is planning. You just didn't exactly tell me in detail, or at all in that case."

Kaname looked up at the moon pensively, allowing the accusation to pass through. The moon was rather pretty. It wasn't very special, in the sense that it wasn't a full moon or eclipse, but the light of it radiating just seemed particularly pretty, enhanced by the presence of Zero beside him. It was nice to take a stroll without tense shoulders or painfully-kept formalities. He didn't exactly get to stroll every night and gaze at the moon. Zero waited patiently for the pureblood's reply. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Kaname shifted his gaze back to Zero.

"I'm sorry. I was not aware of your interest."

Zero growled warningly, "don't even try pulling that tactic on me. We both know I do want details, especially when it comes to that lecher."

Kaname chuckled, "yesyes, that's fine, I suppose, but at the rate you're going, I'd advise you not to be too comfortable with the term you're giving him. You might slip up and call him that lecher in a fit of anger."

Zero merely smirked, showing his mirth through that single charismatic action. Slowly and carefully, Kaname phrased his words.

"I suspect that Ichijo is planning a rebellion. He seems—no— insists on being at odds with the idea of co-existence. Judging from his tone, it is doubtless he would like it very much if he could put all else beneath his feet. And by all else, I mean hunters and vampires alike."

"…So that's it? He's planning a rebellion?"'

Zero frowned in deep contemplation. A second later, he muttered something mostly inaudible before diverting his attention to the sound of his shoes on rustling grass, and the breeze lulling past his ears. This time, even Kaname's hearing didn't catch that whisper.

"What was that?"

Zero looked up from his shoes, looking at his companion sheepishly.

"Nothing. I was just saying that I could ask Daisya about some…things."

Kaname narrowed his eyes. He hadn't heard about this "Daisya" before.

"Daisya?"

Alarmed, at the sudden spike of interest Kaname held in his gaze, Zero gave a flustered chuckle.

"No-nobody dangerous. He's just a comrade. He's a hunter as well. We usually go on missions together. Daisya Barry."

Kaname kept his silence, an unknown feeling settling upon him. Zero had never brought up any of his missions when with him. He was no fool; he knew a hunter's life consisted almost entirely of missions. The thought of someone "consisting almost entirely" Zero's life was…stirring something within him. Kaname kept his passive face on, though his mind was reeling from many, many thoughts that was urging him to do certain irrational things, one of which was getting away and finding a place where he could have a nice little chat with 'Daisya' and attempt some sort of crime.

"Safety is the least of my concerns. You thought I'd deem him a threat? That aside, how's this comrade of yours like?"

Zero nodded, absent-mindedly addressing Kaname's probes, unaware of the maelstrom of emotions and thoughts whirling within that pretty head beside him. His attention riveted back to his shoes, then Kaname's as they walked on.

"I've known him for quite a few years. Daisya cracks the best jokes around. He can give you a really good laugh. We've been sent on missions together by the Association so many times he insists we're tied together by a red string on our fingers!" At this, Zero grinned, bringing his hand up to the moon to peer at the fluorescent light casting a shadow of his hand on the uneven ground.

Red string…? Was this man trying to imply something? I'll see to it that this Daisya boy doesn't get over his head for what's not his.

"Oh, so you're familiar with this comrade, familiar enough to address him by his given name?"

Oh yes, Kaname was sour about this man, this unknown man he hadn't known Zero was on close terms with. This comrade that made Zero flash a charming grin like that. Who was this mysterious comrade anyway? Who was it that he, Kaname Kuran, hadn't heard about that Zero knew so well? Zero expressed confusion, looking from his raised hand to Kaname's eyes, which were currently avoiding him and instead focused on little flowers by their pacing feet.

"Yes, I suppose so. We've been on missions together for as long as I can remember."

"Is that so?" Kaname asked in a clipped tone, feeling something in him turning rancid.

"Yeah, are you interested in Daisya? I mean, he's pretty interesting, I guess."

Kaname ignored the question.

"I'd love to make acquaintances with this… Daisya of yours one day."

The patrol had ended, and they now stood a few hundred metres from the Dorms. With that, Kaname strode off into the distance ahead, as silent as he always was, back to the Moon Dorms without casting a glance back at Zero.

"Kaname?"

Zero heard the faint whisper of 'good night' and he followed two steps, before stopping to shake his head. He had no idea what was wrong with Kaname. Kaname had acted fairly strange at the mention of Daisya. Had he said something wrong?

Did the name happen to be the same as someone he knew? Was that it?

Zero had already gone back to his room, and was now peacefully in slumber, enjoying the full comfort of his bed. It wasn't very large, but it was enough for two, and Zero was easily contented. To him, a bed was just a bed, its size didn't matter. He could sleep in that thing called 'bed'. That was all that mattered. Meanwhile, Kaname was in his room, oh, he was sane enough to get a little rest even though the Night Class was thought to be mainly nocturnal. They still kept to any other person's biological clock as much as possible. Kaname lay on his large bed, not enjoying all that his bed provided. He was still thinking about that Daisya boy his Zero had mentioned.

Who the hell was he anyway? Just a comrade? He seemed a little more than that, Kaname thought sulkily.

Deciding that the comfort the bed was supposed to provide wasn't helping him to calm his nerves, Kaname rose to his feet, making his way to the window ledge. Looking at the moon was one thing he enjoyed. The moon was just a small orb dangling far away, shining only on reflected light, the brightness and beauty of it all, nothing but borrowed from the brightest of all, the sun. Yet, it was the mysterious and humble glow of the moon that drew him to the deceivingly unattractive moon. Kaname looked past the glass window before him. He gave his undivided attention to the moon, hidden from view then revealed, all due to passing clouds. A strange shadow caught his eye as Kaname flicked his gaze downwards towards the school gate. A lone figure was looking in from beyond the school gates. He looked in the direction of the Sun Dorms, and the dimness of the setting made it impossible even for Kaname to see his expression, but Kaname could have sworn he heard the faint happy tinkle of a bell when the distant figure finally turned and walked away from the school compounds. Kaname narrowed his eyes. He'd look into the matter the next morning. Someone staring at the Sun Dorms in the middle of the night was curious, as morbid as it may sound.

Morning had arrived too soon, absolutely too soon for the hunter. He groaned as an annoyingly chirpy voice from outside his room came wafting in.

Damn that Yuki, she always had the natural built-in ability to annoy me like no other.

Zero groaned, giving in to the rampant rappings on his door, dragging his torso off the inviting bed to open the door. When he got to it, he opened it, finding a Yuki grinning up at him, swaying from side to side with a—urgh—

"What do you want now? I had Cross promise me I'd get a break today. I told him I was sick."

Yuki snorted.

"Don't whine. And since when has Zero Kiryu ever been sick? I doubt he believes you. He's just too much of a sappy person to say no to one of your rare requests."

Zero groaned, slamming the door shut, with the knowledge that Yuki wasn't intending to let him sleep in, even if he tried. A moment later, the silver-haired prefect had resigned to his pitiful fate, and was standing beside Yuki, listening to her rattle on and on about all sorts of nonsense. The first two lessons had been postponed due to something the teacher had to attend and the two were now outside the classrooms, enjoying the soft grass and shade. Well, at least Yuki was. Zero was being overwhelmed by truckloads of useless information from a certain girl that wouldn't stop.

"…and I was saying, my Math has improved!"

"Don't think I'll blindly agree to anything you say just because I wasn't listening," Zero deadpanned.

Yuki withered. She had been hoping Zero would simply nod like she usually does since he wasn't… well, listening to her important speech anyway.

"Oh! I forgot!"

Zero didn't look surprised, only turning to face her with familiar patience. He had gotten used to random realizations and bursts of surprise only Yuki displayed.

"The Headmaster wants to see you in the office at twelve sharp!"

Zero look stunned for a moment, then he looked up at the sky and ground out a curse, already scrambling to his feet.

"Yuki! If you have such an amazing storage space in that tiny head of yours, I'm sure you wouldn't mind telling me a little earlier so I don't always have to be late, on your account too!"

Yuki grinned her trademark grin, watching with an amused face as her beloved victim of her teasing tore off through the fields, moving towards the direction of the Headmaster's office. Yuki looked at her watch. Cupping her hands around her mouth, Yuki took a deep breath, preparing to holler after the fast disappearing hunter.

"Too slow! You're seven minutes late!"

Kaname was aligning the documents on his office table, his perfectionist habits kicking in. He had plans to meet the Headmaster and see if Kaien Cross had any news if anything…well, fishy was revolving on around Ichijo. Apart from that, he really hadn't much work to do, having finished most of it in the morning after waking up early. With a sigh, Kaname slipped back into his seat, hoping to finish his work for the next two days as well before he went to meet the Headmaster.

Zero burst into the office, taking deep breaths. Face slightly flushed, Zero withdrew the hand lingering on the doorknob, opting instead, to lean against the wall beside the door. What he saw sent a jolt down his spine. It was a familiar comrade, one that had wild, boyish hair and confidence that radiated from every inch, and of course, the usual dark colour scheme he kept to for everything he wore. He didn't need Visual Kei. Just black alone made him look extremely fantastic.

"Daisya?"

"Yo, Zero!"

The faint tinkle of a bell that accompanied that strong, sturdy voice confirmed the identity of the man before him. Daisya caught on Zero's dreamy state soon enough, taking care to take a little advantage of Zero's confusion. He waved, bending a little as he shoved his hands into his pockets, pushing his face close enough to embarrass Zero. Exactly three seconds later, Zero had pushed his friend from himself, wary of their close proximity. Although Daisya was quite the 'great friend', he was an unpredictable joker, and being pulled a prank on wasn't what Zero had planned on his schedule for the day. Kaien Cross watched this spectacle with sparkling eyes.

"Now, now, Zero, now that you've met and properly introduced yourself with brotherly affection, I shall go straight to the point shall I?"

Without waiting for Zero's protest against the mention of false 'brotherly affection', the more-than-cheerful Headmaster had already maneuvered the Daisya by the shoulders to stand right beside Zero, making it more than obvious that they matched. Really well. In the physical sense. What they needed wasn't complimentary colours. Their striking differences yet charming auras were enough to get any fan dropping to the floor in a dead-faint.

"So, Zero, Daisya will be joining the Academy and he will be your roommate. That was his request, and I suppose no harm done, your bed can fit you two can't it? So there's n—"

Zero glared at the lousy attempt at a joke. He gave what he was known for as the Killer Glare, one that spat needles and pins, one that got the Headmaster in cold-sweat and weak in the knees.

"Hah…hehe, just a joke my dear Zero-kun! I will move a bed into your room of course, rest assured, just a joke…a joke…"

Zero's gaze softened immediately as he gave a triumphant 'hmph'. He didn't mind sharing a room. He knew Daisya well enough. But a bed was just pushing it.

The Headmaster continued, "So you'll be his escort for the time-being, I trust the two of you will get along well?"

Zero dismissed the question, turning to look his partner in the eye. There was something he wanted to know.

"So? What is it you're doing this time, enrolling into the Academy?"

Daisya feigned a hurt look, "you're so cruel! I have no ulterior motives!"

Zero sportingly gave Daisya's shoulder a feeble punch in defeat.

A more serious edge creeping into his voice, Daisya continued, "I just thought it'd be great if we were from the same school. We'd be in the same school, we'd be in the same class, we could go for missions together, and it'd be easy for us to meet up. I think I sorta missed you while you were in the Academy. We haven't gone on a mission together for a while now."

Zero hadn't paid much attention. He was bracing himself for the next charge. Mentally, he counted:

Three, two, one!

It happened in one split second. Both had crashed sideways into each other. Zero had his comrade in a tight arm-lock from the side, while Daisya had his wrists and elbow working together to lock Zero's head tightly within his arms.

"Hahaha! See you haven't lost touch, Zero!"

"Like hell I would! It'd be you who've gotten slower! I won't fall for that old trick. Oaf!"

The two of them grinned at each other, neither letting go nor losing out in this childish game of theirs. The office door was opened yet again. This time, it was Kaname who waltzed in. Kaname had taken in the scene in the room with his calculating orbs, and less than a second later, all the occupants of the room other than the pureblood himself had felt the temperature of the room drop an inch.

Oh, there was hell to pay, yes. He was furious. Furious there was an insolent, insufferable, arrogant twit, a hunter at it too, with his arms around Zero! Who did the brat think he was?

Daisya had removed his arms from around Zero, shoulders squared and body partially tense. Alarmed, Zero had moved his left hand up to latch onto Daisya's elbow, preventing him from doing anything out of impulsivity.

"Now, now, no need for this! Daisya, I believe we have had this talk, no need to be so wary of Kaname. This is a school that stands for co-existence, for pacifism! Let's not get into a fight now, shall we?"

So this guy really is Daisya.

"Indeed, I apologize for my behavior, Headmaster Cross. I was surprised by the presence of an intruder."

Pissed beyond reason, Kaname stood there, unmoving, reasons for coming to the office completely neglected. A unanimous glaring contest between hunter and vampire was on, and Kaname wasn't about to lose to a mere intruder. Already feeling uneasy at the conflict between two people he knew about, Zero interrupted the deadly silence. Zero, gathering that this was just tension between two natural enemies, smashed the frightening silence.

"I'll bring Daisya around. I'll show him my room!"

With that, Zero dragged a reluctant hunter out of the office, feeling as if the air had suddenly gotten fresher. Meanwhile, Kaname was in the office, all eyes on the Headmaster, extricating details and information on the new arrival that seemed irrefutably close to Zero.

"Zero! Why did you drag me out? That dude in there was too damn confident for his own good."

Zero only smiled wryly, "talk about yourself. That 'dude' you just met is the Pureblood Prince, Kaname Kuran. He's from the Night Class of course, and I suggest you don't mess with him. He wouldn't take too kindly to it, judging by the way he glared just now. You're a hunter, he's the highest of the vampires, don't push it over the edge."

Daisya snorted, deciding that a change of topic would be good.

"Forget about that Kuran. How's life here anyway? Seems pretty big around here. Any chance we'll run into one of the bloodsuckers and engage in some…warm-up?"

Alarmed, Zero went against the idea, insisting on co-existence and that he didn't do something rash to get himself in trouble around the campus. The two soon engaged in another childish wrestle on the way to the Dorms, mood enlightened.

Kaname was not pleased. Not. Pleased. All had been fine until Daisya Barry came along and messed it all up.

Daisya Barry, age seventeen, a hundred eighty in height. Hunter. Choice of weapon; blades, basically anything sharp that easily penetrates wood, even metal. Close combat.

He positively abhorred the presence of the unwelcome hunter. Worst of all, Headmaster Kaien Cross had allowed, allowed for goodness' sake! He had allowed that hunter boy to live in the same quarters as Zero, basically sharing the same bed—room when they were already so close to each other. Who knows what might happen? Kaname was seized with panic and resentment, torn between the two but he blamed it all on the arrival of the new student.

For the next few days, each time Kaname saw Zero, he was either walking along the corridors with Daisya or fooling around, basically hanging his arms all over his Zero and laughing in that annoying voice of his. It was only during prefect duty that Kaname got to have a moment of peace in his confused and stray heart, to see Zero, not with anyone, still that fiery hunter keeping the screaming students in check.

Zero. Zero was taking up more and more of his heart. At first it was just a small corner of his heart, then the affection and protection he wanted to offer became contagious, invading more and more of his heart, then when he accepted it, his heart only happily filled itself to the brim. Now his mind seemed to be filled with Zero by default, and other things…work, pointless conversations, false pretences, they all took a back seat. He didn't let his guard down, no, of course not, but his mind was…, slowly eaten up by Zero each day. And he wasn't going to let go. It was supposed to be just another day, but Ichijo had mysteriously left the campus, reason stated that he had "matters to attend to", and Kaname was feeling a little happier than usual. Ichijo was gone, he was going to see Zero again once it was class-changeover. Simple as that. That was how the day was supposed to be, but when the Night Class strutted out lazily, proceeding to their classrooms, the student body was there, screaming and yelling, and all Kaname did was smile. Hid mind, however, was elsewhere as his eyes roved over the unstoppable crowd, searching for a particularly silver-haired hunter.

He hadn't seen Zero.

Gracious as ever, once the Night Class had been seated, Kaname had politely excused himself, the scraping of his chair silent but swift. The Night Class members only nodded or cast a respectful glance at Kaname-sama. They assumed he had important things to deal with. Kaname turned down the corridor, worry engulfing his restless mind.

Was Zero feeling unwell? Bloodlust? But he hadn't felt anything.

Subconsciously, Kaname reached up, the back of his fingers brushing against the invisible spot against his neck. With a worried Kaname, not even miles could stop him. Or slow him down. Within seconds, he had his hand around the doorknob of Zero's bedroom. Chuckles from within the room sent Kaname into a complete frenzy.

Was Zero that unwell?

Without a moment's hesitation, Kaname had twisted the piece of metal in his hand and stepped into the room. Furrowed brows smoothened, parted lips closed, tense shoulders slumped; any person might as well have kicked him to death. Daisya had pinned Zero's wrists to the bed with one hand, the other holding the Bloody Rose tauntingly out of reach with his knees on either side of Zero, while Zero lay flat on his back, having given up on winning, going for grinning at Daisya instead.

So they were having fun, while he was worried sick with concern etched deep into his entire being for Zero.

The couple had been about to resume their banter and bickering when the intruder had entered the room.

"Kaname…? Why are you…here?"

"A certain prefect was missing, leaving a certain girl to fend for herself. Just thought I'd come to teach you a lesson. Apparently you already had your own playmate and I presume you're too busy to turn up for class changeover duty?" Kaname spat back bitingly.

That stung. Zero turned on defensive automatically, stuttering his feeble excuses. Daisya, however, had slid off the bed and straightened his jacket with his left, a kunai held in his hand; arm bended at an alert angle, pointing straight at him threateningly. Kaname was in no mood to entertain, only staring at Daisya coldly, sneer in place. Zero scrambled from his position on the bed, knowing Kaname could be deadly if he wanted to. And blades would be the last thing to stop him. In two steps, he had stood in front of Daisya, point blank, facing Kaname. Daisya had no chance against a sarcastic Kaname.

"What are you d—" Daisya hissed.

"That's what I should be asking you, Zero! Protecting him? Is that it? You of all people should know what I'm capable of. One more person before my target isn't going to change anything."

Kaname's words sliced deeper than Zero had thought it could.

"N-no! Kaname! What's wrong with you anyway? Daisya doesn't mean you any harm, you know it! You said so yourself he wasn't a threat so—"

This time, the interception was from his comrade.

"That's beside the point! He sees no sense! Kuran, you're a pureblood, you'd know entering a room with two hunters isn't exactly the safest option."

Zero whipped around, grabbing both Daisya's wrists. If Daisya made any move to aggravate Kaname more than he already was, both would face Hell and Fire.

"Zero!" Daisya protested, struggles futile within Zero's firm grip.

"Daisya, don't do it. This isn't like you. Remember what the school stands for. Don't get in trouble. He hasn't done anything wrong."

Daisya had opened his mouth to speak but Kaname had spoken first.

Bitter words poured forth, "What? Now it's a lover's quarrel? Save it for when you two are alone! What's it with this habit of touching each other anyway? Was it a lie, Zero? Are the two hunters something more than comrades after all? O—"

A shot rang out. Zero had pulled out Bloody Rose, a bullet lodged snugly in the walls behind Kaname, inches from where his cheek was. Kaname wasn't hurt. Zero knew how to aim. Shooting Kaname in the face wasn't something he had planned. Kaname hadn't dodged. He stood where he was. He would have even if Zero had decided to shoot him in the heart. Because right now, the shot to the wall above his ear might have as well been a slap to his face. The very fact that Zero had pulled out Bloody Rose and pointed it at him after all they've been through, and shot, was enough to send Kaname's heart hurtling to the ground in hurt.

Breathing harshly, Zero snarled, "That's it. I don't know what's wrong with you but I'm not so sure I care. You've crossed the line Kuran!"

Even Daisya's frame had slackened at this. Vampire or not, it was the first time he had seen Zero this angry. Angry enough to pull out his vampire weapon and use it with an intent not meant for killing. Kaname swallowed, feeling as if bile was forcing its way out of his throat. The back of his eyes stung, his head hurt, and his world was spinning. His world which Zero had left and now shot at.

"Kiryu. I am aware my presence here is unwanted. I apologize for my behavior. If you'd like to have it so, I could tell the Headmaster to allow you a break from prefect duties, if seeing me is so detestable," Kaname stated dispassionately.

With that, Kuran Kaname swept out of the room, leaving a dazed Daisya and an agitated Kiryu in the room. Silence plagued the room, the sound of Zero's breathing had slowed and diminished, now the two hunters were left alone once again. Except this time round, every molecule of air seemed to rub it in Zero's face that he had done something terribly, terribly wrong.

Right after showering, Daisya had sped off to a mission that would end most probably the next morning or so, and Zero had been left to his own device. Even though all he wore was the school uniform and a holster with Bloody Rose in it, he felt something heavy crushing him. Guilt was increasing the pressure on his shoulders, and he felt inclined to drop to his knees and find an efficient way to stop his thumping heart. He hadn't seen Kaname anywhere on the school compounds where he walked. He had humiliated Kaname after all. He had shot at Kaname after all. He had snarled at Kaname after all. He had

Oh god, he needed to find Kaname and talk, damnit!

He had done so many things wrong. He had shamed Kaname in every single possible way there was by doing all he did in front of a hunter. Kaname could have killed him at anytime he wanted, but he had chosen not to. A pureblood's pride was gargantuan and if Kaname had put it down for him… he hadn't deserved it.He was now doing patrolling duties, more vigilant than ever, driven on by his determination to find Kaname. A whir appeared before him and before he had Bloody Rose in hand, his gun had thawed by some miracle.

"Hanabusa! You gave me a shock! You're not supposed to be out this late, go back to your dorms," Zero growled impatiently.

"Kiryu, what have you done?"

"Wha-?"

"Don't try to fool me! Kaname's been in his room and he hasn't appeared since he disappeared from class ages ago."

Guilt coursing through his veins once more, Zero squared his shoulders, defiant.

"I-it's got nothing to do with me. What makes you think it had anything to do with me anyway?"

"Who else, ex-human? Yuki? The Headmaster? Who else, Kiryu? Who else but you would disrespect Kaname-sama and most likely hurt his pride if nothing else?"

The accusation would have been harmless and irrational at another time, since Hanabusa didn't know what happened and could only guess. But right now, even the wrong words seemed to rhyme; sending a blow straight to Zero's conscience.

"Sh-shut up! Don't think I'll bow down just because you're from the Night Class. Go back to your dorms or I'll have someone make you."

Hanabusa Aido growled threateningly.

"Don't think you'll get away with it. Kaname-sama will have you pay, you be sure."

With that, the ice that thawed Bloody rose out had started a steady drip, and the manipulator had gone, vanished in the night.

I'd have preferred it if Kaname had stayed and made me pay. Or even get Hanabusa to do it for him, Zero thought miserably, but he hadn't and most probably wouldn't, and that only made him feel worse.

Zero had taken a chance and crept to the Moon Dorms while everybody else was fast asleep, making absolutely no sound when he did so. He knocked on Kaname's door.

"Kaname!"

"…"

"Kaname, I know you're in there, open up!"

"…"

Zero ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, the guilt making him feel more flustered than he should have been.

"Look Kaname, I'm sorry for what I did, open up will you?"

Zero listened intently for any form of sound that might show signs of Kaname still awake and had heard what he said. No noise came.

"Kaname! Open up or I will! Now!"

"…"

Zero was charged with guilt now. If Kaname didn't open up soon, he'd surely die from it. Zero gave a few paces up and down the corridor, before his lilac eyes lit up with a plan. Zero focused on everything he had remembered about Kaname. His eyes, his tresses, his scent, his blood, everything about him that he could possibly remember. With that in mind, Zero reached through their bond. It was a strange sensation, like a smooth pebble dropped into a puddle of water. There was this strangest feeling as if Zero had burst through a bubble and was now in it. Was this how it was supposed to feel like? Zero reached out, calling softly in within his mind, never once breaking his concentration. He got what he expected. A soft gasp travelled from behind the door, followed by a click. Twisting the doorknob ever-so-gently, Zero stepped into the room. He hadn't expected Kaname to have a habit of leaving his doors locked, so he had assumed that Kaname had 'held' the door locked somehow. Distraction was what he had used. Padding around the room, Zero peeped around furniture and peeked under them, looking for Kaname as he would a child throwing a tantrum.

"Kaname?"

Walking to the bathroom, he found it unlocked, sounds of water running coming from inside. He pushed the door open, revealing a Kaname lying in the bathtub, clothes fully on. Instantly worried, Zero leaned over the bathtub, laying a hand on Kaname's forehead. It was strangely hot, and Zero's eyes widened with horror when realization hit him like a truck of lemons.

Kaname had drenched himself in cold, running water for hours!

The pureblood was experiencing a bad fever and his eyes were glazed over, barely showing signs that his consciousness was still intact. Zero waved his free hand before those eyes he loved painfully much.

"Kaname, Kaname! Respond if you hear me, Kaname!"

Shaking the pureblood's shoulders weren't working. With startling agility, Zero had scooped the slightly shivering Kaname out of the bathtub into his arms, guilt weighing him down worse than ever. He had hurt Kaname, and on top of that, Kaname was now running a high fever, after having drenched himself in a bathtub of running cold water for god-knows-how-long and now he was not exactly conscious. Zero carefully laid the shivering pureblood on the sheets, arms already working on instinct, pulling off his own jacket for Kaname. The effect was immediate. Kaname had jerked on the sheets, and a hand shot out to wrench Zero face down on himself. Zero was jerked off his feet and onto the bed by Kaname, and he was now relying on his quick elbows to support himself and not make the pureblood even more uncomfortable by crashing into him while he was sick.

"Kaname, can you hear me? I can't hold up in this position, my elbows will die sooner than they should. I need to get up Kaname, let go."

Said pureblood gave a whimper, only tugging the hunter down onto himself, before sliding his arms securely around Zero. Concerned, Zero tried to pull himself up, looking for any signs of discomfort Kaname was showing, but he was only pulled down again, lying heavily on the pureblood. With intense awareness of everything Kaname displayed, Zero found the arms wrapped around him trembling slightly.

"Kaname, I need you to respond. At least try to nod if you can hear me. For one, I never thought vampires could get sick. Well, at least not purebloods."

Kaname gave no response. The question had been on his mind for a long time. Was it really just a fever? Purebloods weren't supposed to fall sick, were they? Theoretically it was impossible, but he hadn't been around many purebloods so he couldn't be sure.

Mental relapse, probably…?

At that thought, Zero drew back from Kaname slightly.

Was that it? Was it because of him Kaname was suffering some unknown breakdown?

Zero groaned at the realization, before flipping over so that the two of them were lying side by side. He really couldn't afford crushing a sick Kaname with his weight.

So it really was because of him.

"Kaname? Kaaaaa-na-me…I don't know the cause of your sickness, I have to ask Yagari-sensei at least, or Daisya since he's more easily contactable."

Kaname flinched, as though struck, before extracting his arms to curl up on himself. The movement caused Zero to narrow his eyes.

Kaname was reacting, on a subconscious level. Was it something he said?

"Kaname?"

No response.

"Sick?"

No response.

"Yagari-sensei?"

No response. Zero growled. What else was there he hadn't said?

"…Daisya?"

Kaname curled up tighter upon himself.

"Oh god, is it still about Daisya? So it really was me after all."

Having given up on thinking but coming to no conclusions, Zero reached forward, bringing the shivering pureblood closer to himself. Kaname loosened up only a little, but enough for Zero to put Kaname's arms around himself lest Kaname does something unexpected. Zero fingered the stray locks on either sides of Kaname's face, letting his eyelids flutter shut. At that moment, the unexpected happened. Zero's plans to hinder any surprises from the unconscious Kaname had backfired—

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The arms encircling Zero tightened a fraction, and Kaname pulled the hunter flush against his own body, before his head dipped and lips connected. Zero cracked his eyes open, sliding his gaze to left until lilac met a rich brown. What in the blazes was Kaname doing? He had to get away, and quick! Frantically, Zero scrabbled at Kaname, uncaring for the moment if Kaname was sick. What Kaname was doing wasn't something he was expecting damnit, much less since Kaname seemed to be conscious right then. A voice halted his actions.

"Going to leave me again, Zero?"

The baleful look Kaname was giving him shot a swift arrow of guilt through.

Indignation pushing to the surface, Zero countered, "…again? I-I never left you in the first place."

Orbs narrowed to slits.

"Oh, really? I was under the impression that you had forgotten me in favour of your dearest Daisya then proceeded to roughly shove me away. Never left me? Is this just a joke to you, Zero?"

The look Zero got wasn't anger, it was hurt and hopelessness. That cut more than anger would, Zero reflected, guilt coursing within again.

"Kaname, what is this about Daisya? I don't get you at all. What's between you and Daisya?"

"No, it's what's between you and Daisya. Ever since he came along, your schedule's booked full, every single slot by him, I rarely see you anymore and just today, you've skipped out on duties. I suppose you've been skipping out on patrol duties too. Your—"

Zero flashed a look of confusion and surprise.

"Kaname…you're…you're not…jealous, are you?"

That shut the pureblood up. Kaname's jaw clenched tightly with finality and his lips thinned. Zero misunderstood the reaction he received, exhaling in relief.

"Don't act like you are when you aren't Kaname, I got a shock there y—"

"What if I am?"

Zero blinked.

"Wha—?"

"I am, Zero. I'm very, very jealous. Hopelessly so. Helplessly so. Your schedule's booked full, I don't get to talk to you, now I'm not even seeing you during class changeover, your patrol duties seem to have slackened, and you're not even there when I'm not anymore. Yes, Zero, I'm jealous, very much so."

Zero opened his mouth, then shut it, then opened it again.

"Stop doing that, Zero," Kaname said crossly, "you're like the spitting image of a brainless goldfish."

Before Zero had a chance to speak, Kaname had continued, "and, if you aren't going to do something about it, I will make you."

"About what?" Zero asked stupidly.

"About your time with that boy and about your likeness to a particular fish."

"Kaname, firstly, before it slips my mind again…I-I'm sorry for the shot I fired."

Kaname lowered his gaze, memories resurfacing and causing the subsiding ache to start its regular throbbing again.

"And! Kaname! I hadn't realized being with Daisya bothered you. There's nothing going on between us! We—We're friends so you can get over this…this…thing."

"I'm not too sure about that. Your friend seems a little too close and you might not have noticed but his eyes tend to change when he's with you. Keep your distance, if you're only…friends," Kaname challenged with a tilt of his head.

Zero nodded obediently. After a moment of silence, Kaname spoke again. This time, his tone was comparably softer, most of the bite in it gone.

"Zero? Could you…forget what happened earlier? What…happened to me? It isn't often it happens to a pureblood. You probably thought I was sick. I wasn't. It's just a sort of…withdrawal purebloods experience under…certain stress. If this leaks out, the Council and many others will not hesitate to use this against me. There are…quite a few who would stop at nothing to get rid of me."

Zero nodded in compliance, asking a question of his own, "if I shot you again—" Kaname winced, "—would you go through the… withdrawals again?"

"Once is enough… Zero," Kaname whispered, eyes downcast.

Blinking furiously, an unknown pain and guilt tore through Zero once more. Within strides, Zero had Kaname tucked securely in his embrace, head cradled gently. Dry silent sobs of genuine confusion and hurt racked the seemingly tiny frame in Zero's arms.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Kaname. I'm sorry for what I've done, I'm sorry for what I put you through. Damn it all to hell and back, I'm sorry I hurt you. Shhhhh," Zero crooned, as if his apology was a mantra that would erase all the scars.

"…"

"What is it, Kaname?"

"Stay with me tonight."

When Zero gave no response, Kaname panicked, a gush of incoherent words trying to rectify what he thought had angered or offended the hunter.

"Baka no Kaname. I will stay."

Kaname shut up promptly, settling for holding Zero close to himself.

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Just for now…

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Please don't kill me for doing that to Kaname. And as for the withdrawal, it'll be more…in detail soon. I mean…who said the ride's going to be bumpy just once? *blinks innocently as rotten tomatoes come this way*

Coughcough. Daisya will be appearing, yes. This is JUSTTHESTARTOFEVERYTHING. Daisya will appear throughout. Throughout the main plot and all the way till after the big plot is out too! But he won't be playing a main role duh~ Sorrehs but I suppose no matter how much I love Daisya, ZeroKaname is the best pairing evaaaaa~ (perhaps Yullen is better*gets bashed by KaZe fans*)

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Baka no Kaname- informal phrase simply to say that "Kaname is an idiot", in this case it's more like an endearment ohohoho! *cackles at fluff*