A/N: Hey everyone it's me again, I tried to not wait super long until I updated this again but yea life didn't go totally as planned. Anyway so this is the next chapter, it really focuses on developing the Kain/Zero relationship and also dives more into Zero's personality. Lastly I'm dedicating this chapter to my most constant reviewer, toshiro46 so I hope it's to your liking =^.^= happy reading ~Rena-chan

Chapter 8: At First It Was Only Interest

As the two walked back towards the academy after their day at work Kain couldn't help but start asking questions. "So are those videos something you do often?" he started off noticing the deep blush that appeared on the silver haired model's face. 'That's cute, it reaches the tips of his ears even...wait, cute?' he blinked wondering if that really was what he had just thought.

"Ah commercials like we did are pretty common yes, but there are a few occasions where the videos get...well more interactive between the models I guess you can say." came the hesitant reply. "It's been a long day, do you want something to eat once we get back? The others will probably be asleep judging by the sun rising but I can make us something quick and easy." he added racing to change the topic.

"You cook?" Kain raised an eyebrow, he had heard that Zero occasionally served dinner for Yuuki and the headmaster since neither of them could cook to save their lives from the rumors that went around but he didn't think Zero did it willingly.

"I do, I know it seems like some sort of girly thing to like doing but I find it something akin to relaxing. It was also the only way I could get away from Yuuki and the Headmaster when I lived with them, they weren't allowed in the kitchen otherwise we probably would have to evacuate the school. I learned to cook during my training and I found it useful ever since. What do you like?" he asked looking at Kain with what could be considered the most unguarded eyes the older had ever seen. It almost looked as though he was having a good time with him.

"Anything with rice as a side dish." he answered and noticed the amusement return to Zero's lips as he nodded.

"I can do that, rice is the easy part so what for a main? There's fish, there's tempura, angel hair pasta with a garlic butter sauce, hmm you can even make pizza go with rice...and soup...ah! How does carbonara and garlic bread sticks with a side of white rice and soy sauce sound?" he eventually concluded turning back to look at a blinking Kain.

"That sounds great but you know you don't have to go through all that trouble." all he was looking forward to was spending some extra time with the silverette after all, well and the rice too.

"I want to." Zero simply replied as the duo reached the gates and he started to pull open the door.

"Why?" the new model had to ask, after all it wasn't everyday Zero was so lax and accepting of anyone's presence.

"Because, Kain, you're the first one that's ever taken time to care that much genuinely. You don't pity me, I can see that in your eyes. I thank you for that, you make me feel less...lonely." even though his back was towards Kain, the older A class student could tell the younger was blushing from embarrassment as he quickly walked inside before Kain could say anything back.

'I think it's really me who should be thanking you, for trusting me, Zero.' he thought but said nothing out loud as he watched his interest, yes his, move around the kitchen with a kind of grace to every step.

"Pasta is done, the rice still has a minute to go on it but I can bring that out in a second umm here's your plate." Zero announced snapping Kain out of his unknown musings on the male in front of him. He took the plate with a nod of thanks and made his way to the dining room where Zero soon brought him his rice as well before bringing out his own plate of food.

"Your cooking is something I've never tasted before Zero, it's incredible." Kain praised as they got further into their meal. Zero blushed slightly but smiled as he was unable to hide the feeling of happiness at the compliment.

"Thank you, but really this is nothing. I mean this is only because we should go to bed soon and didn't have very much time to do anything nicer...if you want sometime I could make you something more...top notch? The models generally get free time on the weekends and often I've been corralled into going to Seij's place in order to make dinner." he explained looking back down into his meal, Kain couldn't keep his eyes from flaring at the thought and frowned.

"How about we go somewhere together, I could treat you since you've already done so much. There are a few good five star restaurants around here I haven't had the time to try out. Would you accompany me, Zero?" he asked, changing the subject to curve his thoughts from his previous wish to murder the mentioned son of a bitch. The image of his precious Zero serving that asshole made his blood boil.

"If I didn't know better I'd say you were asking me out on a date Kain-san." Zero chuckled slightly taking a mouthful of rice in.

"And if I am?" Zero choked and struggled to swallow the food as he blinked owlishly at the man across from him. "Is it really so unbelievable?" Kain pressed.

"Why would you want to? I'm not exactly the dating type unless you've yet to hear the rumors floating around I don't know, half the damn country. You would only sour your reputation. And besides, how do you even know I'm into guys?" amethyst eyes narrowed ever so slightly as the questions were asked.

"I've heard the rumors around here, I'm hoping I can prove at least most of them wrong because I don't think you're anything like what people think you are around here. My reputation isn't a factor because I don't care about it so that's out of the way. If you weren't into guys you would have immediately rejected me, yet you thought up reasons around why I wouldn't want to date you as though you were thinking about saying yes but needed reassurance. Lastly, you started out as something of an interest to me Zero but even though we've shared a few conversations, a meal and something akin to an interview I can't help but want to learn more. The question is, will you trust me enough to let me see more of your caged and protected heart?" Kain tried his best to sound sure of himself and steady when he answered all of Zero's questions, he honestly didn't know if he had ever spoken so long in one go before and he was worried about the answer Zero had yet to give him. He wondered if the younger male could hear his heartbeat pounding over and over again and see the sweat he was desperately trying to get off his hands.

"I don't know what made you come to any of those conclusions, but maybe with some time and a few more dinners...we can...I don't know make this work?" he was hesitant and unsure, of course, hell it's not like he'd ever dated anyone before much less a guy but something in the back of his mind told him that he would regret it if he refused. That he would miss out on something that could change his life pattern of rejection, pain and loneliness if he said no and frankly, as tough as he claimed to be, the thought of that mortified Zero more than he'd let anyone ever find out.

"I'm glad you're willing to give it a try, to give us a try, Zero. Thank you." Kain was elated, he had no clue what to do from here but if there was anyone he'd throw himself into the fire and unknown for it would most definitely be the silver haired model with more secrets than pounds of make up on the faces of his fangirls. What started out as only an interest and a strive for friendship, sure turned out to be something he knew he wouldn't regret. He would protect Zero, make him happy, make him smile and damn it he would make everyone see just how much the silverette shined.

A/N: Okay! Chapter is done and holy shit it's only 12:35 am! Well this is the eighth chapter of Sayo and I really hope you all like it, please keep reading and stick with me even though I'm terrible at timely anything. Once again thanks so much to toshiro46 and everyone else who has been reading, following, favoring and reviewing to not only this fanfic by my others as well if you've read them. If you haven't I suggest checking out Not Yet and telling me if I should work on a sequel to that. Happy reading! ~Rena-chan.