Author Notes: My apologies for the delay. This was a really stubborn chapter to work with and I had to rewrite it a couple of times before it worked out nicely. Or as nice as I could make it, anyway! Penguita38, you may recall you asked for a certain person's reappearance back in your review for Chapter 1. Hope this chapter doesn't disappoint!
Appreciation: Belated but grateful thanks to the incomparable Blackened Wing for letting me use a certain phrase that actually came from one of her fics. Just thought it fitted really well here. I'll let you guys know which one that is at the end of the chapter, OK?
Summary: With their growing awareness, class changeover sessions are now golden opportunities for Kaname and Zero to steal looks at each other but it is not enough for the pureblood. A chance meeting with a common enemy takes that awareness one step further for both of them.
-- Chapter Start --
It was strange, Kaname mused to himself as he waited with the other nobles outside the Moon Dorm gates. Strange how his perspectives had changed. He had always looked forward to class changeover, the time when the tall gates in front of him would creak open and he and the rest of the Night Class students would stroll past the besotted, screaming Day Class girls on their way to lessons. It was basically the only time he would get to see Yuuki, even if it was only for a few moments - a time to enjoy her smiles, maybe even hug her and let her natural warmth seep into his soul, however briefly it stayed with him.
Now, the young pureblood leader looked forward to class changeover even more... but it was because of the tall, moody, silver haired prefect who stood next to Yuuki. How strange, to have always regarded Zero Kiriyu as your enemy and rival, only to now look at him and long for his company. How strange it was, to know that you could let your ever watchful guard down in front of him and be completely safe in the knowledge that you would not be harmed or hurt in return. Stranger still to realise that although Zero has seen past the mask you were so careful to hide behind each day for years, you could still hold your head up with pride and look him in the eye without any loss of dignity or sense of shame, and know without a doubt – no matter how improbable it seemed – that your secrets were utterly safe with him.
Kaname closed his eyes momentarily, consciously controlling his heart lest its less than stately beat signaled to the other nobles how eager their leader was to see not Yuuki, but his rival for her affections, and to exchange silent and meaningful looks with him. It had been this way for the past one and a half weeks since his dinner with Zero in town. The gates finally started to swing open and Kaname took a slow, deep breath. He was once again craving for Zero's presence and his unwittingly shy glances that were usually accompanied by a faint blush.
- o -
It was almost time for class changeover, just a minute or so remained on the clock. Zero stole a glance at his wristwatch then looked back at the group of excited girls in front of him. Yuuki was standing beside him as always but she was looking away for the moment. Zero was glad - he was too distracted to make any sort of reply to whatever she had to say now. He couldn't believe that he now looked forward to class changeover, a chore he had always detested. Zero had always hated the mindless adulation of the Day Class girls as they gazed with rapt attention at their idols, he was always annoyed by the way the snobbish Night Class nobles sashayed their way to class while soaking up the frenzied admiration of their fans. But for the past one and a half weeks, it was the only thing he had looked forward to since the night of his movie and subsequent dinner with Kaname.
Zero hurriedly turned his thoughts away from the passionate and hungry kisses that had ended that night, and had replayed all too often in his mind. He mused instead on other things. For example, how strange it was to eagerly anticipate the time when you could lock gazes with the one person who, being a pureblood, should by all rights be your mortal enemy even if he weren't your love rival. How strange to know that he was expecting your smile as much as you were expecting his, to know that you had the frightening power and capability to give him happiness or take it away from him. How strange to realise that a dynamic and charismatic pureblood with a loyal following of nobles had chosen you to be completely honest with, even when it left him wide open for your derision or scorn. Stranger still to realise that while you alone held knowledge, however little, of the secret and private things about him that could very well undermine his position in school and in society and destroy the respect others have for him if they knew it, you were still willing, determined even, to keep it a secret. Strangest of all... not for your sake but for his alone.
When Zero heard the gates creak open, his heart stumbled then started galloping at a much faster pace. He had heard this sound hundreds of times by now and it had never affected him like how it was doing now. Ever since he and Kaname had kissed on that snowy, magical Christmas Eve, in fact. Zero turned to face his side of excitedly squealing girls but all his senses were tuned to the beautiful, bright presence he could feel behind him. He longed to turn around to see if those deep brown eyes were on him again, telling him silently how glad Kaname was to see him. The look would be subtle and very discreet but to Zero, it was as loud and as obvious as a blaring siren and he had to fight down a blush each time it happened.
Zero waited out a small eternity of suspense until he sensed that Kaname was right behind him, then he turned around slowly. The prefect was standing on the Night Class students' right side as they walked down the path, and the pureblood's head was already turned that way. Their eyes met instantly. Kaname's expression was hopeful yet guarded as if he wanted only the prefect to see how he felt. Zero's gaze was just as guarded as he silently prayed that no one else would notice.
Kaname's heart warmed at Zero's shy glances. He longed for more of Zero than just these brief, stolen moments and he wanted to meet him for a much longer time. It hadn't been possible last weekend – he had been busy and apparently, so had the two prefects. But it was Saturday again tomorrow and Kaname wondered what were Zero's plans for this weekend.
When the pureblood hugged Yuuki in greeting a few moments later, he asked her casually and learned that she and Zero were taking a bus tomorrow afternoon to the next town to pick up a specially couriered package that had just arrived for the Chairman. Yori was accompanying them - no doubt the two girls had other activities to indulge in while in town – before the three of them returned to school later that evening. Kaname had nodded at this information as if it was barely of interest to him. But as soon as classes ended that night, the pureblood went to inform his driver that they were going to the same town tomorrow afternoon, regardless of the fact that both of them were supposed to be sleeping at that time.
It was far too good an opportunity for him to miss.
- o -
"So how was that movie you saw last week, Zero?" asked Yuuki casually as she, Yori and Zero walked out of the post office after having picked up the Chairman's parcel, now safely tucked into Yuuki's shoulder bag. "I never got around to asking you that."
Zero sent her a startled look before slipping on his sunglasses. "What movie?"
Yuuki huffed. "The one you saw with Kaname-sempai the other night!" she replied then clapped a hand over her mouth when Yori asked, "Zero-kun, you saw a movie with Kuran-sempai?"
"Sorry!" whispered a contrite Yuuki to Zero, who scowled at her. "Uh, it was all right," he mumbled, looking elsewhere. Well, what was he supposed to say? He hadn't taken in much of that movie at all!
Yuuki stared at him. "All right?" she repeated disbelievingly. "It's a blockbuster, Zero! It got rave reviews!" Her light frown deepened at her fellow prefect's glaring lack of interest. "And was that scene in the lift as funny as they said it was?"
Zero only looked at her blankly. Lift? What lift? And what scene was that exactly?
Yuuki rolled her eyes – Zero's blank look was evident despite the shades over his eyes. "The one where the hero got into the same lift as the girl's boyfriend! They were both on their way up to her apartment with flowers for her birthday!"
A moment later, she narrowed her gaze at him. "Are you sure you saw that movie, Zero?" she asked suspiciously. A sideways glance told Zero that Yori appeared just as interested in hearing his answer and he hunched a shoulder awkwardly. Finally, he decided that honesty - or at least, a part of it - was the best policy.
"We, uh, we didn't pay much attention to the movie because a family with three kids came in late and sat next to us. The eldest two caused a ruckus when they couldn't see the screen properly." Zero decided that 'next to us' sounded a lot safer than 'across the aisle from us'.
"Oh... So?" One of Yuuki's delicate eyebrows remained arched.
"So we – Kuran and I – helped them out," Zero mumbled, hunching his shoulder again.
"How?" Both of Yuuki's eyebrows were raised now.
"Uhm, by letting them sit on our, uh, laps."
Zero's cheeks pinked when he realised that both girls were now staring open mouthed at him. "You and Kaname-sempai?" asked Yori disbelievingly. "On your laps?" echoed Yuuki in a similar tone as her friend's.
"Yeah, that's why we were distracted, OK?" growled Zero, again deciding not to mention that the two children had actually fallen asleep within minutes of climbing onto their laps and had not disturbed them in any way or even woken up until after the movie had ended.
"OK," said Yuuki promptly. She was actually torn between wanting to giggle at the adorable mental image of a flustered Kaname and an equally flustered Zero with querulous children on their laps and feeling envious that she hadn't been there to actually see it. "Well, what about the din-"
This time, Zero was faster. "So, do you girls want to go back to school now?" He frowned a little when he saw Yuuki exchanging secret smiles with Yori – smiles that said they both had no intention of going back right now. Zero ignored Yori but gave his fellow prefect a mock stern look. "OK, what's up, Yuuki?" he asked her.
The auburn haired girl gave Zero a charming smile. "Well, the shopping mall here is having a grand sale. Yori and I saw the advertisement in the newspapers yesterday and I – that is, we thought we'd just pop over there for a while..." She drifted off as Zero's brows drew together. "How long is a while?" he asked evenly. Yori smirked as she looked elsewhere.
Yuuki started twirling a lock of hair around her finger as she fidgeted a little. "Uh, a while... an hour, maybe two..."
Two hours! What on earth was he supposed to do for two hours? And Yuuki always took an extra half hour after that to actually decide on what to buy! Yuuki giggled as she saw Zero's less than ecstatic reaction and even Yori smiled. "Oh, you don't have to follow us, Zero! Yori and I will go back on our own. You can go back first, OK?"
The three of them had purchased return tickets that morning and they were valid for any of the buses from the same bus company that went past the small town next to Cross Academy. Zero hesitated. He knew that the girls would be pretty safe since it was only half past three in the afternoon now but he still issued them a stern warning to be on the bus no later than six o'clock. There was no point in waiting for them now since Yuuki wasn't alone in any case.
After the girls had chorused their promises and waved him off, Zero made his way back to the bus station located in the centre of the town. As he walked along the pavement, he passed by the local art gallery. It was a large double storey building and he noticed at least a dozen people queuing up at the counter outside the entrance. There were also a couple of school buses in the parking lot and two groups of uniformed school children milled around nearby with their teachers fussing around them.
It looked like there was an interesting exhibition going on. Zero automatically glanced at his wristwatch. He had plenty of time to kill now so it wouldn't hurt to go take a look... In any case, he was quite sure that the gallery would charge a nominal fee for students and he had his student ID card with him. Zero doubled back towards the entrance, unaware that a pair of brown eyes were watching him from within a limousine parked across the street.
Kaname waited until after Zero had purchased his ticket and had gone into the building before instructing his driver to drive into the art gallery parking lot. As Kaname got out of the car and went to buy his ticket, his long brown overcoat swinging around his legs, he was unaware that a pair of pale, watery eyes were watching him from inside another car that was just turning into the parking lot.
- o -
An artist was displaying his paintings in the gallery this week. Zero followed the crowd of people up the stairs to one of the two exhibition halls, ignoring their chatter as he looked around him.
The hall was a large, high ceilinged room. There were about thirty of so paintings hung up on the plain cream coloured walls, with red velvet ropes preventing the public from getting too near the paintings. Although Zero wasn't exactly a student or an aficionado of the arts, he could appreciate the talent the painter possessed, judging from the realistic still life paintings he could see so far. He took his time in looking over each painting, strolling from one to another.
About ten minutes later, Zero's hunter senses started to tingle and he automatically took a step back as he frowned to himself. Wait – that had felt like... Kaname? For a moment, Zero wondered if his traitorous imagination was actually getting the better of him. After all, Kaname has certainly occupied most of his waking (and sometimes sleeping) thoughts as of late. But no, Zero had managed to not think of the pureblood for once in the past ten minutes so it can't have been the case. Yet it was Kaname's aura he was sensing now despite how improbable it was. The pureblood was here, in this very same gallery – he was sure of it now.
Zero's heart started to beat faster but despite the six teenagers jostling around him as they looked at the painting in front of him and commented to each other, he kept very still. He could tell that Kaname was approaching him from behind and was surprised that the pureblood was even awake at this time – it was only four o'clock in the afternoon. In any case, why would Kaname even be here in this town?
Still, Zero couldn't help the small, involuntary smile that had tilted the corners of his lips. Kaname was here. There was no mistaking that special presence, those sure, soft footsteps on the wooden floor and the faint hint of that delicious, unique scent. Zero's smile widened and his cheeks warmed with a hint of colour as he felt Kaname move up behind him. The prefect was just about to turn around with a soft greeting when a pair of arms slid around his waist from the back and pulled him against a firm chest.
What the hell – was Kaname hugging him in public?! Both happy smile and soft greeting forgotten, Zero struggled to get free at once. "Kaname!" he spluttered indignantly.
"Hush..." Kaname's voice was a mere whisper and the light brush of his lips against Zero's right ear froze the prefect to the spot. He stood there, chest rising and falling rapidly under his light blue collared T-shirt, each passing second making him more and more aware of Kaname's presence behind him, each agitated breath pulling his captor's delicious scent into his lungs. But still - what did Kaname think he was doing, hugging him in public like this, for crying out loud! Zero could feel his entire face pulsing with heat and he dropped his gaze as two middle aged women walked past and clicked their tongues at both of them in a disapproving manner.
Zero scowled and tried to turn around to glare at Kaname but the lithe arms around his waist tightened, preventing him from moving. Zero then tried to turn his head only but Kaname's left cheek pressed against his right one, his chin resting on Zero's shoulder. "No - don't turn around, Zero. Don't move," Kaname whispered, feeling Zero's accelerating heartbeat and knowing that his was beating just as fast.
Zero's scowl and blush grew deeper but he kept still, his heart now hammering inside his chest. "Is this your idea of a joke?" he hissed and felt the pureblood shake his head in reply. Silky, dark hair brushed Zero's right cheek like a caress and released the fragrance of a most familiar smelling shampoo.
"No, not a joke, Zero. I'll explain everything in a minute. For now, just - behave normally." Kaname managed to sound utterly serious. He did have a good reason for doing this after all, and it just felt so good to have Zero in his arms once again.
Behave normally? Zero would have snorted at that if he weren't so embarrassed he felt like he could sink right through the wooden floorboards under his sneakers. He managed a weak snort all the same as he continued to stare unseeingly at the painting in front of him.
"Come, walk with me now." Kaname's right arm fell off Zero's waist but he kept his left arm where it was and tugged it to get Zero to follow. The prefect's face was still burning as he shot a quick sideways glance at Kaname who was casually walking them to the far end of the hall, looking as if he wanted nothing more than to take a closer look at the group of seaside landscapes displayed there.
Still... Zero's scowl lightened then finally disappeared as he followed silently. Kaname wasn't as relaxed as he appeared to be. Zero could feel that the arm around his waist was as tense as its owner was despite how casual and relaxed Kaname looked on the outside. Something was troubling the pureblood, Zero belatedly realised.
They stopped for a moment in front of a painting of a small cottage on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. Kaname then strolled on to the next painting, tugging Zero gently along with him. The prefect continued to keep his head down to hide his flush but he got the feeling Kaname was waiting for the small group of people in front of them to go out of the hall. After about half a minute they did, by which time Zero's blush had more or less receded and his heartbeat slowed down. They were alone now, at least in this corner of the hall. Zero heard a soft sigh beside him then the arm around his waist slipped off reluctantly.
Both of them were facing one of the paintings now and Zero turned his head to the right. "What's going on?" he asked curiously. Kaname turned to face him, letting his eyes roam freely over the prefect's face. "My apologies, Zero," he murmured before smiling a little. "Did I embarrass you earlier?"
Zero scowled again and ignored that question. "What's going on, Kaname?" he asked again. He didn't give the pureblood a chance to reply before asking more questions. "Why are you up so early? And what are you doing here, anyway?"
Kaname sighed again. "I know it's early," he admitted. And much too bright as well. "When I talked to Yuuki yesterday, she mentioned that you two and Sayori Wakaba would be coming here on an errand for the Chairman. So..." he drifted off and shrugged lightly.
Zero was staring at him. "You followed us here?" he asked in disbelief. Kaname hesitated then nodded. "Yes. I wanted to see you again," he admitted softly then watched the soft colour in Zero's cheeks deepen. "I saw you separate from the girls outside the post office then I followed you... to see if you wanted a lift back to school."
Zero blinked then smiled reluctantly. Well, of course Kaname wouldn't have come here by bus! Zero was embarrassed but pleased that the pureblood had obviously cut short his sleep and taken the trouble to come all the way here just to seek him out. He could see that Kaname looked like he hadn't really gotten quite enough rest. Despite that, the pureblood still looked exceptionally good, dressed in a cream coloured linen shirt and light brown pants under his overcoat. Before Zero could say anything however, Kaname glanced over his left shoulder and stiffened almost imperceptibly. "Ah. He's back," he murmured, sounding resigned.
Zero frowned. "Who's back?" he asked. Before he could look behind him, Kaname shifted closer, his left arm going around Zero's waist once more. "Don't look now," Kaname whispered and Zero shot him a sideways glare. "What do you mean by 'don't look'? I want to see who it is!" he retorted, wondering if Kaname had caught sight of one of the Night Class nobles. But no, he hadn't sensed the presence of any other vampires nearby. Oh dear, surely Cross hadn't decided to come pick up his own parcel?
Kaname sensed Zero's growing agitation. "It's not anyone from Cross Academy, Zero."
Zero relaxed but only partially. "I'm still going to make a scene if you don't tell me who-"
Kaname's arm tightened around Zero's waist as he put his lips to the prefect's pierced right ear and whispered, "That guy from the piano recital - the one you helped get rid of, remember?"
Zero froze then his brain came up with an image of the thin, creepy guy who had kept staring at Kaname previously. Slowly, the prefect turned his head the other way and gave a casual glance behind him, despite Kaname's arm tightening around his waist. Yup, it was Mr. Lecher in the flesh, standing at the entrance of the hall and looking as emaciated as ever. His bulbous and watery eyes were now fixed upon them.
Wonderful.
Zero felt the familiar burn of resentment in his heart as he half glanced at Kaname again. "How long has he been following you?" he asked softly. Kaname was relieved to hear that Zero no longer sounded annoyed and appeared to have forgotten about the arm around his waist. "He came in just after I did and started following me around. I knew you were up here so I shook him off downstairs but it looks like he has found me again."
Kaname sounded rather melancholy but Zero only snorted softly in reply. He wasn't at all scared of that guy but for some reason, Kaname was. Perhaps it was only disgust, though. Zero glanced over his shoulder again and his blood started to boil as he caught sight of Mr. Lecher glaring at him quite obviously. Couldn't that queer just take a hint and leave Kaname alone?! Honestly!
Zero glanced back at the pureblood's face. Kaname was still looking at the painting in front of him, his face as calm and composed as ever. But Zero had learned to both see and sense past that perfect façade now and he was aware that despite his calm exterior, Kaname seemed... troubled. Even worried.
The pureblood felt Zero's eyes on him and turned his head. "Stay close to me," Kaname murmured suddenly. But he needn't have worried - Zero's caretaking instinct had been aroused by now and he nodded without hesitation. "All right," he replied softly before adding, "Crap – he's coming this way!"
Indeed, Mr. Lecher was now walking towards them with a purposeful manner. Kaname didn't bother to look but he pulled Zero even closer against him. The prefect opened his mouth to voice a protest then shut it again.
"Do your part!" Kaname hissed into his ear.
"How?" Zero hissed back, already pink in the face.
"Your arm – around my waist."
What?! Zero balked at Kaname's words. It was one thing to offer a comforting embrace when they were alone together and when the pureblood looked like he was hurting very deeply inside; it was another thing altogether to hug like this, so casually, and in public! Zero turned his head to glare at Kaname again and met his gaze full on. The usually clear brown depths were now haunted by what looked almost like fear and Zero's breath caught in his throat.
"Please, Zero." Kaname's entreaty was made in a hurried whisper.
Mr. Lecher was already halfway across the room. Zero gritted his teeth, knowing there was no way he could say no to Kaname. Not now. Not when he was both looking and sounding so vulnerable like this. Crap. Zero flushed hotly again as he slipped his right arm around the pureblood's almost too slender waist under his overcoat, and prayed that neither Yuuki nor Yori would suddenly have the urge to abandon their shopping plans to view paintings instead.
A small group of factory workers, just off from their shift and still dressed in their uniforms, moved up behind Kaname and Zero to take a look at the painting in front of them. Kaname's unwanted admirer took the opportunity to join them before slowly and unobtrusively making his way to Kaname's right side.
Zero felt the almost imperceptible stiffening of Kaname's body before the pureblood pressed closer to him. Ducking his head slightly and turning it to the right, Zero realised why - Mr. Lecher was now standing on Kaname's other side. What the - that creep had his face practically buried in Kaname's hair! Zero realised that the other man was actually sniffing at the pureblood's long, wavy locks! Gritting his teeth, Zero held in a snarl. He was suddenly, achingly aware of Kaname's silent distress, manifested through the slightly more visible trembling of his body now and Zero felt unaccountably furious that the gentle pureblood beside him was being subjected to this unwanted attention. An elemental, almost overpowering urge to strangle Mr. Lecher's thin neck with his bare hands right here in this hall came over Zero but he fought it down. Still, his right arm tightened possessively around Kaname's waist and he leaned forward to glare at Mr. Lecher for good measure. The tall, skinny man caught his glare and looked a little taken aback. There was a spark of recognition in his watery eyes but unfortunately, he didn't look in the least bit discouraged.
Zero resisted the urge to give an extremely rude snort and merely fixed Mr. Lecher with another cold glare before tugging at Kaname's waist to make him walk. As the two vampires moved over to the next painting, Zero's heart warmed at the undeniable fact that Kaname had actually leaned into his touch instead of cringing away from it as he had with Mr. Lecher. With their arms still around each other's waists, Kaname and Zero continued to view the rest of the paintings in the hall, ignoring both the amused smirks the other people were giving them as well as the creepy gaze of Mr. Lecher who persisted in following them around.
Neither of them could actually take in or even appreciate the paintings they were looking at. All Kaname and Zero could focus on - along with the distant irritation of Kaname's admirer - was each other. Their nearness... their scent... how intimate it felt to walk around with one arm around the other's waist and how their sides brushed against each other with every step they took. Kaname appeared to relax after a while and his arm loosened a little as he let his hand rest lightly on Zero's denim clad hip, even casually hooking his thumb into the jeans waistband. Zero pretended he wasn't doing the exact same thing to Kaname's pants.
Unfortunately, Mr. Lecher was still following them around. Zero was no longer keen to remain in this room especially when he realised that most of the other people were now leaving to go to the other hall where more exhibits were on display. This left only Mr. Lecher and another couple with them now. Having scrutinised all of the paintings along one wall, both Kaname and Zero found themselves standing in the opposite corner from the entrance of the hall. Zero was just about to suggest that they got the hell out of here when Kaname's left arm tightened around his waist. "Zero, do you think we-" he whispered before breaking off.
Zero realised that Kaname's body had stiffened once more beside his. Then he realised why – Mr. Lecher had somehow crept up to Kaname's other side again. Zero's right hand tightened reassuringly around Kaname's waist – the pureblood was trembling again. The strange realisation came to Zero once more - for some bizarre reason, Kaname was actually afraid of Mr. Lecher. Zero didn't know why but it was the only logical explanation for how the pureblood was reacting now. The prefect's gaze swung to their unwelcome audience. Mr. Lecher was wetting his lips as he gazed raptly at Kaname and ignored Zero. Then a creepy smile stretched his thin lips and he spoke. "Hello," he said in a thin, reedy voice. "I was wondering-"
This time, Zero let the snarl building up in his throat escape. "Back off!" he growled, his amethyst eyes cold and fierce. He didn't care that the other couple in the room was now staring at him, that he was behaving completely out of line, and at a stranger no less. All Zero was aware of at that moment was the fiery rage in his heart caused by the strange trembling in Kaname's body, rendering the usually invincible pureblood vulnerable and seemingly in need of his assistance and his protection.
This was completely irrational – Zero knew that as a pureblood, Kaname didn't need help. Others needed his help, not the other way around. But although Kaname was still standing straight and tall, Zero could feel the pureblood leaning against him a little, almost as if he needed to feel Zero next to him. Zero's caretaking instinct was aroused again, building and feeding off both his sheer annoyance at Mr. Lecher's persistence as well as Kaname's vulnerability, that only he was aware of.
"I just wanted to know-"
That did it. Zero growled again, almost letting his fangs show this time. "The only thing you need to know is this – he's mine!" he hissed coldly, sounding completely and illogically possessive.
Mr. Lecher blinked in surprise and took a step back. Kaname appeared stunned as well. With the strange imp inside his brain goading him on, Zero let instinct take over. His right hand slipped up to Kaname's back and he pushed, swinging the pureblood around in front of him in one smooth motion. At the same time, Zero's left hand clamped onto Kaname's right arm and he walked forwards, forcing the other back a couple of steps. There were no ropes cordoning off this corner of the hall since there were no paintings hanging here. Kaname felt his back come up against the wall and he stopped, staring at Zero in shock, his mind reeling at the suddenness of the prefect's unexpected action.
Under normal circumstances, Kaname would have had no trouble in stopping Zero but not now. Mr. Lecher's appearance had unsettled him more than he had expected. He was feeling vulnerable from things he didn't want to remember or dwell on and his emotions felt raw and painful. As if that was not enough, Zero's sudden actions and his very surprising words, given what he was usually like, had thrown the pureblood even more off kilter. Right at that very moment, Kaname was at a complete loss of what to say or do.
Dear God, Zero had sounded and acted so possessive a moment ago!
"Don't look like that," came Zero's voice in a soft whisper beside at Kaname's right ear. The pureblood swallowed, aware of Mr. Lecher's shocked and furious gaze on them both. "Look like what?" Kaname breathed almost audibly without moving his lips.
"Like you're completely stunned," Zero whispered back. He should be mortified at what he had told Mr. Lecher earlier and at what he had done right after that but he wasn't. At least, not yet. Kaname exhaled sharply on a failed attempt at laughing. "That's probably because I am stunned, Zero," he murmured. His chest was heaving softly and he suspected Zero's was too, judging from the uneven puffs of breath wafting past his ear. "What do you think you're doing?" Kaname asked curiously.
"I don't know," came the reply and Zero pulled back a little to look at Kaname. The fierce look in the amethyst eyes had faded and they now looked as confused as Kaname was feeling. The pureblood felt that he could at least relate to this. "Throwing him off the scent, perhaps?" he suggested helpfully.
Relief and gratitude replaced the confusion in Zero's eyes. "Yeah, exactly," he agreed, thankful that Kaname had chosen to be diplomatic. Then Zero flushed deeply, as if just only realising that he was now standing very close to Kaname, his right hand on the pureblood's waist and his left hand on the other's right wrist. Quickly, he drew his hands back.
"Well, it's not really working," Kaname commented even as his heart warmed at the sight of the other's blush. Zero's eyes widened in surprise then widened again as he felt Kaname's arms encircling his waist and pulling him closer so that both their chests were touching now. "It isn't?" Zero asked in an uncharacteristically small voice. Kaname could feel that the prefect's heart was now thudding as fast as his. "Nope," he managed.
Zero exhaled softly in frustration. "Well, what is Mr. Lecher expecting us to do then?" he growled softly. This time, Kaname managed a breathless chuckle despite feeling very uncomfortable with their unwanted audience looking on. "Neck a bit, perhaps?" he suggested teasingly. Zero pulled back a little to glare at him and Kaname looked back innocently. "You did say I'm yours," he reminded in a silky voice, his eyes gleaming with devilish amusement as the prefect flushed anew. Then surprisingly, something gleamed in Zero's eyes as well. "So I did," he agreed.
Kaname blinked as Zero dipped his head. Then the pureblood gasped softly as warm lips touched his jaw line just below his right ear. Kaname's eyes fluttered half closed. "Zero?" he breathed.
Zero had heard the very slight quiver in Kaname's voice. Hoping fervently that he wasn't ever going to regret this, the silver haired prefect slowly trailed his lips down the graceful line of the pureblood's jaw, from ear to chin. The slender body against his trembled. Zero parted his lips as he worked his way up to Kaname's ear again, tasting the silky flesh under his lips this time.
Kaname's eyes glazed over with delight. This corner of the hall was dim and it gave him the protective illusion of privacy. Without any need for encouragement, he gave into temptation and touched his lips to Zero's jaw line in turn. His skin was so soft, so smooth... Zero exhaled on a small gasp of surprise as he felt Kaname lay his own line of soft kisses from his chin up to his right ear. Zero couldn't deny that he had done pretty much the same thing to Kaname but perhaps this wasn't a really good idea. They should stop this.
"Ka-Kaname?" Zero breathed, a shiver tracing up his spine at the unexpected feel of those warmly seductive lips on his skin. Almost forgetting about Mr. Lecher, Kaname lost himself in Zero's enticing scent and skin and the way the prefect had said his name in that soft, breathy moan. Kaname now took a sensitive earlobe into his mouth and sucked lightly on it, feeling the metal piercing adorning it clink softly against his teeth. Zero gave another gasp, then a soft groan as his knees went weak. He found himself clutching at Kaname's shoulders to keep his balance.
Somehow, the tables had turned. On him.
Kaname released Zero's tingling earlobe with a low purr of satisfaction and started to explore the tender skin behind it with his tongue, making Zero grab handfuls of Kaname's linen shirt as he shivered hard. "Kaname," he moaned softly, his heart thudding in his chest. The pureblood's feather light touches were intoxicating and Zero found himself leaning unconsciously into Kaname's touch, pressing closer to him.
Kaname could both feel and hear Zero's gasping breath blowing past his ear. The prefect was intoxicating... delicious... delightful. Kaname's hands tightened around Zero's waist to pull him away slightly then captured his mouth in a deep kiss. Zero mumbled an incoherent protest but responded anyway. Had it only been a week and a half since they had last kissed? It felt like a lifetime ago and Zero drank in Kaname's low growl as their tongues met and played with each other.
When their lips finally parted, Zero felt the tip of one of Kaname's fangs brush lightly against his lower lip and he inhaled sharply. Kaname only smiled at him, his chest heaving softly. "Your fangs are showing too, Zero," he teased huskily. His passion darkened eyes were slightly mixed with crimson now but the tender look in them made Zero flush deeper. He suddenly recalled they weren't exactly in a secluded place. Quickly, Zero released his hold on Kaname's rather wrinkled shirt and pushed away from him. "That's enough," he mumbled but the pureblood's arms around his waist continued to keep him captive.
"Don't move away, he's still here," Kaname whispered and Zero froze. He had all but forgotten about their voyeur. Despite his still flushed face, Zero snuck a quick glance behind him. Mr. Lecher was standing about two metres away from them and seemingly furious yet transfixed at what he had witnessed. At least he appeared to realise that he wasn't going to get anywhere with Kaname now because he didn't try to come any closer. Thin hands clenched tightly by his sides, he gnashed his yellowed teeth impotently at them then turned around to storm off. Kaname and Zero watched his hasty exit out of the hall. They were alone now, the other couple having gone off as well.
Zero then turned back and pushed at Kaname's shoulders. "OK, that's it. Let's get out-"
But Kaname's arms only tightened around his waist. "Not yet, Zero."
Zero gave him an uncertain look. "Why not?" he asked before his heart speeded up again at the look in Kaname's eyes. The achingly vulnerable look, the one that had cried out silently for Zero's help seemed to have magically vanished along with Mr. Lecher's disappearance. Kaname was looking at Zero intently now, his usual self assurance tempered by the tender, grateful look in his eyes.
Zero didn't know how to respond to that look. He was now feeling the irrationality of his actions and quickly buried his face in Kaname's neck, breathing in his delicious scent in embarrassed gulps. Geez, he was necking! In a public place and with Kaname! And with someone watching them, too! It was a few moments later before Zero realised that Kaname had stiffened once again, his body as tense as before. Surprised, Zero lifted his head. He was just in time to catch the look of wariness, of almost fear in Kaname's eyes before it was swiftly masked.
Zero blinked. Had Mr. Lecher come back? But a quick glance around confirmed that the hall was still empty. Was Kaname... afraid of him now? No, that was ridiculous. But Zero had had his face buried in the pureblood's neck a moment ago - perhaps Kaname thought that he was about to bite him?
"No, Kaname. I-I wasn't going to bite you," Zero whispered hurriedly and realised he was right when Kaname smiled in somewhat chagrined relief, his tense body relaxing, shoulders slumping a little. "I know," the pureblood replied, his eyes gentling again. Slowly, he leaned forward and Zero's eyes closed, his breath catching in his throat as those smooth, warm lips started to adore his other cheek and ear before trailing lightly over his jaw. Kaname smiled as Zero shuddered softly. The prefect was clinging onto Kaname, his eyes closed and his breathing ragged.
Zero's earlier aggression seemed to have completely disappeared in the wake of Kaname's tender love making but he didn't want to be the only one affected like this. Despite his habitual reserve, Zero started touching Kaname in return, brushing his lips over one high cheekbone and graceful jaw, feeling the long silky hair brush his face, enjoying the pleased shiver that shook the pureblood's body and hearing the uneven quality his breathing took on. It was Zero's turn to smile now as his fingers knotted in Kaname's shirt once again.
They were only aware of each other now, revelling in being able to touch each other again after ten or so days, lost in each other's beautiful caresses and equally beautiful responses. Kaname's head dipped lower, automatically searching for the pulse in Zero's throat that was jumping rapidly just under the pale, smooth skin. He licked the tender area gently then teasingly brushed his fangs very lightly over the moist skin.
Zero jerked under that light touch, his body tensing up immediately before pulling away. Kaname forced his arms to fall from Zero's waist as his eyes showed remorse. "I'm sorry, Zero, I should not have done that," he apologised quickly. Kaname knew how Zero had been turned – unwillingly and violently by an enemy but in the heat of the moment, he had forgotten. In his eyes though, his oversight was unforgivable.
"I didn't mean to frighten you," Kaname whispered. Zero drank in the genuine apology in the remorseful brown eyes then let his gaze drop. "It's not you," he mumbled then forced himself to look at Kaname. "But sometimes... occasionally..." Zero swallowed. This was something he had never told anyone, not even Yuuki. "Sometimes, I still have - dreams - about that time," he said reluctantly.
Kaname knew they had to be more nightmares than dreams. "I'm sorry," he repeated softly. Zero shook his head. "Don't say that. You didn't bite me," he said with his usual honesty. Then he hesitated. "But it - I know it hurts."
Kaname saw the deeply rooted fear in the unguarded amethyst gaze before the prefect bent his head and bit his lip. Zero didn't know why he was confessing his darkest fear to Kaname but it wasn't fair to act as if Kaname had caused him pain when he hadn't. The pureblood found himself staring wordlessly at Zero's silver hair, his chest squeezing softly in his chest. On the one hand, he was thrilled that the stoic prefect had trusted him enough to confess his fear to him to relieve his guilt, but on the other hand, Kaname was also somewhat dismayed at finding out that Zero was still haunted by the painful memory of that vicious bite, up until now.
Kaname didn't know what to say at that moment so he just pulled the silent prefect into a tight hug, one hand around his back, the other pressing the silver head to his shoulder. "Zero, a bite doesn't have to be painful," he murmured. But when Zero's body tensed up again, Kaname sighed. "It's OK, I promise not to bite you," he whispered. But I really hope that you will let me... one day.
Zero lifted his head and looked at him. "Really?" he asked uncertainly. Kaname nodded. "I promise, Zero." Solemn amethyst eyes regarded him silently then Zero smiled in relief, a soft, wondering smile that Kaname had never seen before. It warmed his heart from the inside out and made him feel like he had just conquered the world. "Zero," he whispered then leaned forward to capture the other's very willing lips.
When they finally paused to catch their breath a long moment later, Zero was uncomfortably aware that he was somewhat sexually aroused. He was deliberately keeping his hips apart from Kaname's despite the fact that their chests were already pressed against each other. Thank goodness Kaname didn't seem to notice this as he held the prefect close to him.
"Kaname?" Zero spoke softly.
"Yes, Zero?" the pureblood replied, his lips playing with the silky hair above the prefect's ear.
"I..." But Zero couldn't say it, he was much too embarrassed to voice out the fact that being held by Kaname like this was amazing, that what the pureblood did to him was just as amazing. "Never mind," Zero mumbled, shaking his head and looking away. A second later, graceful fingers under his chin tilted his face up and Kaname's breath caught at the completely vulnerable amethyst eyes looking back at him, filled with a shy but uncertain warmth.
"Zero," Kaname breathed. "Please... don't hide what you feel from me," he murmured. I need to know how you feel...
But Zero only shook his head and averted his gaze once more, looking even more embarrassed than ever. An amused yet exasperated smile quirked Kaname's lips - Zero may not want to tell him anything but the pureblood definitely did. Without further delay, his hands dropped to Zero's slim hips. Long fingers splaying over firm buttocks, Kaname pulled Zero towards him in a sudden movement, pressing their hips together and making the prefect freeze in surprise.
Widened amethyst eyes swung to Kaname's face as Zero felt something he wasn't quite sure he wanted to feel pressing against his inner thigh. Mortified, he placed his hands flat on Kaname's chest and tried to struggle free but the pureblood didn't let him. Despite his fear of being possibly rejected, Kaname forced himself to hold Zero's shocked gaze steadily. "I want you to know what you do to me, Zero," he said quietly.
Zero only struggled again, his face burning. "No, let me go, Kaname!" he protested as he tried to push away. Kaname didn't let him and instead, pivoted on his heel and swung them around so that Zero's back was now pressed against the wall. Kaname kept him pinned there with his chest and hips. Zero's head fell back and he let out an embarrassed whimper knowing that his own aroused state was now exposed to the pureblood. Desperate to escape Kaname now, he struggled even harder, hitting at the pureblood's chest with his fists. "I said let me go, damnit!"
Kaname froze at the unexpected discovery, surprised delight spreading over his face. "Zero?" he asked as he rubbed against the other again, wanting to confirm that what he had felt wasn't merely an illusion or a product of his overheated imagination. Zero squeezed his eyes shut, his face hotter than ever. "No, Kaname, don't!" he begged.
The pureblood froze, confused. Was Zero asking him to stop now? Why? "Zero, what's wrong?" he asked softly, his brows knitting in concern. Then he paused, his head swinging towards the far entrance of the hall. Zero followed his motion. They could both hear voices and footsteps approaching the hall.
"Come along, step lively now, children!" A female voice suddenly sounded, bright and cheery. Kaname and Zero looked at each other. It was clear this was no place to continue anything.
"Let's go," Kaname muttered as he tugged at Zero's hand, pulling him away from the wall. The prefect was strangely quiet and he allowed the pureblood pull him along without protest. Kaname managed to locate the back exit of the building further along the corridor. They went down a flight of narrow stairs and exited out into a small garden behind the building, surrounded by large trees. There was no one around here. It was almost evening now but the lowering sun was blocked by the row of shops opposite the art gallery. Kaname released Zero's hand and the prefect immediately pushed both his hands into his jeans pockets and turned away, his gaze fixed on the ground in front of him.
"Zero?" asked Kaname softly. Zero tensed up but didn't say anything. The tips of his ears were still pink. Kaname walked around to stand in front of Zero. "Look at me," the pureblood requested. "Or are you too shy to?" he added teasingly. Zero's head snapped up at that remark, his eyes dark and stormy. Perhaps Kaname was very willing to continue what he had started back in the hall earlier but Zero was not. Oh, he had momentarily lost himself in the magic of those warm, skillful lips but that was pure insanity, nothing more.
"Zero?" Kaname's voice was puzzled now. The prefect just turned away without answering and Kaname sighed then moved in front of the other boy again. "What is it?" he asked. Zero hadn't seemed to have any objections to what had happened just now and Kaname was deliriously happy at the undisputed fact. Only... what had happened to change the prefect's mind now?
"Are you embarrassed by what happened just now?" Kaname asked quietly. Zero inhaled sharply but made no answer. Yes. Yes, he was embarrassed. Mortified. And ashamed.
"Your body is just showing a physical response, Zero. There's nothing to be embarrassed about," Kaname added, keeping his tone soft and reasonable.
Zero shook his head mutely. Perhaps he was being surprisingly naïve, stupid even, in not realising where all this would eventually lead to but their kisses and hugs had so far been innocent. Even when they were passionately kissing each other that night, there was a new, even tentative feel to their responses but this - this was different. This was not just attraction, this was desire.
Lust.
It frightened Zero and forced him to take a whole new look at what they were actually doing. Dear God, was he insane? They were Kaname Kuran, pureblood prince and Zero Kiriyu, ex-human and vampire hunter. How could they be together? They couldn't! That was even before you considered Yuuki, the girl they both love, and the reason why they were rivals in the first place. And if that wasn't enough to make this whole thing completely insane, he and Kaname were both of the same gender, for Pete's sake!
Zero bit his lip, confused beyond belief. If this was wrong and by all accounts, it should be, then why did kissing Kaname feel so right? Why did hugging him feel so good? Why did Zero feel so content in the pureblood's presence and in his arms? Why did it warm his heart when Kaname gave him that rare, soft smile?
"Zero, look at me. Please."
No. He should stop this madness before it got any further. Zero lifted his eyes to Kaname's and hardened his gaze. "This is wrong, Kaname."
The pureblood blinked. "Wrong? Why is it wrong?"
Zero snorted in disbelief, his shoulders hunched, tensed. "Why? Do you actually need to ask me that?" he asked incredulously. "We shouldn't be doing this – it's mad! You're a guy. I'm one, too!" It sounded stupid, he knew, to say the things that were already so obvious but apparently, that one important fact appeared to have escaped Kaname's notice. Well, not his notice exactly, not after what had happened just now, but rather his concern.
A light flush shaded Kaname's cheeks but he took a step forward. "I know you're a guy, Zero," he said quietly. "Did you think I hadn't realised that?" he asked in turn. Zero knew that Kaname's soft voice and reasonable tone would eventually prove to be his undoing. Before he could soften, he immediately retorted, "Well, I don't know about you, Kaname, but I am not gay!"
Kaname inhaled sharply – was Zero implying that he, Kaname, was gay then? "You didn't seem to think this mattered when you pushed me against the wall earlier," he said, his tone noticeably annoyed.
Zero flushed to the roots of his hair. Yes, he had done that and was now being punished for it but wait – he had done it to save Kaname from Mr. Lecher! "I was only trying to help you get rid of that pervert, Kuran. Nothing more," he growled back.
Kaname stared at him, his heart hurting in his chest. So he was back to being a 'Kuran' again? Zero had sounded so wonderfully protective earlier, even to the extent of growling and snapping at that man, was it all just a show? Was it just to get rid of that pervert as Zero had said and nothing more? But Kaname was sure that that wasn't all it was, it couldn't be...
"Was that the only reason you did that, Zero?" Kaname asked. He had meant to sound cool and matter of fact, but his voice quivered unforgivably towards the end. Please say it wasn't.
It was difficult but Zero hardened his heart against the plaintive note he could hear in the other's voice. "Yes, it was," he bit out tersely, knowing he was lying. Too late, he saw his words hit home, courtesy of the crushing hurt now showing in Kaname's eyes.
In the stunned silence that followed, they stared at each other. In his heart, Kaname knew that Zero was lying. But the prefect's stubbornness in refusing to be honest with him when his body already had hurt Kaname far more than he thought it would. Before he could weigh his words, the angry pureblood lashed out in return. "Then perhaps it is not worth pursuing this since you appear to have so little trust in me, despite everything that I have told you." A sudden, uncontrolled flare of his aura chilled the air around them. Kaname found it hard to continue but he struggled on. "Despite everything that I have done."
There was a cold finality in Kaname's words that struck at Zero's heart and he stared at the pureblood in shock. Did - did Kaname really mean that? Did he actually want them not to continue this anymore? Despite his earlier words, Zero's heart protested sharply at the very thought. Kaname's heart ached when he saw the blank shock in Zero's eyes. So perhaps the prefect didn't want them to end this after all. But before Kaname could say anything, Zero's shoulders straightened and he lifted his chin proudly. "Fine," he bit out.
It was Kaname's turn to stare numbly at him now. He wanted so badly to retract his words but he just couldn't find the words without sounding like an absolute idiot. After all, he was a pureblood, he had his pride. Surely Zero couldn't expect him to just drop that and apologise, like the pureblood had found himself so fond of doing lately? Kaname stood there, hands clenched into fists by his side, his pride warring with his longing for the stubborn boy standing in front of him.
Perhaps Zero saw Kaname's reluctance and guessed at its reason because he just gave an angry shake of his head before swinging around and stalking off. Kaname watched him go and the expression in his eyes turned to despair. So Zero had run off again – well, what else did he expect? That the prefect would stay and just argue with him some more? Why should he when Kaname had just said that he didn't think it – them – worthwhile anymore?
Kaname hung his head and exhaled. Why on earth had he said that? That was a lie and he knew it. Zero was worth all this trouble, all of it and more. Zero did trust him, even if he was going across a lifetime of prejudices to do it. And really, what had Kaname told him anyway? Hardly anything. He had not said a word about what had actually happened to him in the past, that had haunted him all these years and made him feel like someone unworthy of being loved. He had not confessed just how much he wanted to be with Zero and to have the prefect look at him like he was the most important person in the world. No, Kaname had not said much at all and he shook his head now. How could he blame Zero for walking off like that?
A few minutes had passed before Kaname finished castigating himself and came to a decision.
No.
He straightened up, determination blazing in his eyes. He couldn't let Zero go. Not like this. It wasn't right and it wasn't at all what he wanted. With long, sure strides, Kaname walked around to the side of the building, heading towards the parking lot. Almost instantly, the limousine pulled up beside him and Kaname got into the backseat, opening the door before the driver could even get out. "To the bus station. Now." he ordered.
But he was too late. They pulled into the bus station just in time for Kaname to see Zero board the bus before it took off. Kaname stared at the retreating vehicle blankly. After half a minute, he realised that his driver was still patiently awaiting his further instructions. Kaname told him to drive to the town next to Cross Academy, knowing that that was where the bus was heading to. After all, where else would Zero go? Kaname then leaned back and closed his eyes, one lean hand massaging his temple where the beginnings of a headache was starting to make itself known.
Would Zero still listen to him now?
Would the proud and stubborn prefect even look at him now?
- o –
Zero was the last person to step off the bus, his shoulders hunched and his head down. Kaname, who had arrived at the bus station twenty minutes ago and had been patiently waiting in his car all this while watched the prefect silently, his heart still aching. He had always admired the boy's strength and spirit and seeing him like this hurt. It hurt even more knowing he was the one who had caused it.
Kaname stepped out of the car and crossed the road, not even really looking out for traffic. As he came closer, Zero froze. Then he looked up and their eyes met again. But neither of them said anything, not even when Kaname stepped right up to Zero.
During the forty minute bus ride back here, Zero had had time to think about what he had said to Kaname earlier. He knew he had overreacted. Severely. Lashing out at Kaname like that, of course the pureblood had been confused. It served Zero right that Kaname had said what he had. But the prefect had also seen the pride warring with the anguish in the pureblood's eyes and he couldn't help wondering if Kaname intended to ignore him from now on despite what had happened before. That was the somewhat forlorn conclusion Zero had come to as the bus pulled into the bus station.
But Kaname had obviously come here to see him, despite what Zero had said to him and despite what he had said himself. So perhaps, there was still a chance? After all, there was no more anger in Kaname's eyes now, only remorse mixed with uncertain hope, mirroring the exact way Zero felt now. He took a chance and smiled a little shyly.
Despite the nagging headache brought on by the bright afternoon light, Kaname felt the tight, hard knot in his heart loosen a little upon seeing the tremulous smile quivering on Zero's lips and he felt his own lips lift in a small smile. If Zero could still look and smile at him like that, perhaps he would not be adverse in accepting his apology as well?
"Kaname," Zero spoke first with an awkward half shrug, sounding strangely subdued.
But not here.
Kaname nodded. "Zero," he said softly. "Please... come with me."
Zero looked like he wanted to say something but he only nodded and followed Kaname to the car. The driver was waiting and he opened the backseat for both of them to get in. Throughout the short ride back to Cross Academy, both of them were silent, sitting close together but not quite touching. As the car neared the main gates, Kaname leaned forward. "We will get down here."
"Yes, Kuran-sama."
They got down from the car and waited silently until it had driven past the gates then Kaname started walking into the woods that surrounded the school, motioning for Zero to follow him. The sun was setting fast now behind them and they walked on in silence, seeing their lengthening shadows stretch in front of them. After a couple of minutes, Kaname stopped. It was very quiet in the woods here and Zero eyed him a little nervously. Then Kaname turned around.
"Zero, I apologise," he said softly. Zero shook his head and took an impulsive step forward. "No, Kaname. Let me apologise first," he insisted.
Kaname opened his mouth to protest but Zero's eyes were a soft, shimmering violet now. With a strangled sound deep in his throat, the pureblood stepped forward and threw his arms around Zero. There was no hesitation this time as the prefect's arms went around Kaname's waist and he hugged the pureblood, hard. For a perfect minute of silence, no words were said, just an embrace that went on and on as they buried their faces in each other's shoulder and drew comfort from each other's warmth.
"I'm sorry," Kaname finally whispered into Zero's ear, his eyes closing as he felt the prefect tremble in response. "I am, too," Zero whispered in turn.
"I didn't say thank you for helping me get rid of that guy earlier."
"I didn't mean it when I said that that was the only reason why I helped you."
"I shouldn't have said that this was not worth pursuing. It is."
"I shouldn't have said that this was wrong. It isn't."
They both drew back to look at each other in surprise then laughed softly at their own words and at each other's apologies, still feeling a little embarrassed and almost giddy with relief. Kaname's eyes were gentle but filled with a longing that made Zero blush despite himself.
"Did you mean what you said when you told that guy 'He's mine' earlier?" Kaname asked teasingly. Inwardly, he was surprised to find that he could even joke about it, instead of rejecting the idea outright as a completely insane one.
Perhaps... I like the idea of belonging to someone.
Zero was torn between nodding and shaking his head. Biting his lip, he looked away. It was good Kaname hadn't seemed in the least bit offended at his presumptuous remark but Zero couldn't help wondering again why the pureblood had seemed afraid of his unwanted admirer. But he didn't want to ask why... at least not now.
A soft chuckle had Zero's head swinging back to Kaname again. "Was that a 'yes' or a 'no'?" the pureblood asked, a hint of pure devilry glinting in his eyes. Zero scowled. "Of course it's a 'no'!" he retorted.
How could you ever belong to someone like me, Kaname?
The pureblood looked like he was about to protest. "But it's a good thing you like my touch and not his," Zero quipped quickly, not quite able to hide the soft pride that filtered through his voice. Kaname heard that and his heart thrilled softly in response.
"Of course I do. I thought it was pretty obvious just how much I like your touch," he replied, the ardent look in his eyes reminding Zero of what had happened earlier.
Zero flushed deeply as he glared at Kaname but the irrepressible pureblood only laughed again. "It's also pretty obvious how much you like my touch, Zero" he added innocently, then easily caught the fist directed straight at his chest without batting an eye. Before the flustered prefect could try to punch him again, Kaname pulled him into another hug, uttering soothing noises.
Zero struggled a little more before he let himself be hugged. They had only addressed one of the millions of questions that begged to be answered but in the wake of their earlier argument, he was only too happy to shove them all to the back of his mind and just enjoy what they had now. Kaname also felt the same need to tiptoe around their other doubts, at least for now.
Neither of them said anything more and a few minutes and a couple of kisses later, they reluctantly walked back out of the woods hand in hand. Only when the main gates of Cross Academy gates came into view did they release each other, their hearts full but their gazes still longing.
-- Chapter End –-
A/N: The phrase I meant was Zero's surprising '... he's mine!' statement, aimed at Mr. Lecher :D I have loved these two words ever since I first read it in Blackened Wing's terrific Under the Rose fic, since it could apply to either Kaname or Zero...