Moon Waltz: The Guides

by Drywaters08

When 3 little visitors suddenly intruded in Cross Academy asking for the vampire king and the sullen vampire hunter's help, Kaname and Zero found themselves thrown into the greatest journey of their lives yet. YAOI KanameXZero

11. Chapter 11 Steps and Missteps

Disclaimer: Vampire Knight is not mine. This story was made for fun. I don't own the characters and no money is being made with this story.

Greetings, minna-sama! (❁´▽`❁)*✲ﾟ* Here's yet another chapter, I do hope that this will be able to bring you enjoyment. This is by far the longest chapter I've ever posted (and hopefully, not the last) and I've read and re-read it and revised it far too many times that I do not know if I managed to improve it or ruin it by this time (Σ(゜ロ゜;)) so I'm just gonna post it now for you to see for yourself and judge whether to bury me alive or not. For those who likes long chapters, I hope this will satisfy you. ヽ(≧д≦)ノ For those who dislike how wordy I am, I wish you can endure this. m(_ _;m)三(m;_ _)m

I believe you'll recognize a scene here that I got from the manga. I hope you won't mind but I feel that such details make all this more 'real' to me σ(≧ε≦ｏ)(if you know what I mean). I hope you guys can let me keep Ruka's description that way :3

I myself think there's a lot of gooey sappiness going on here. (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄ AiIchi are giving me a lot to ponder on! But I just love them so much! (*/∇＼*)

Again, please let me thank everyone for the follows and favorites for this story as well as for the encouragement and advise. I really appreciate it! You're all so sweet! (〃ﾉωﾉ) Thank you for accepting my original characters so generously. ((ﾉд`*)っ))

Alas, I'm drowning in drafts! (ノ ﾟДﾟ)ノ ＝＝＝＝ ┻━━┻ I'll try my best to write some more and not be late for the next one! m(＿ ＿)m

It'll be the parade of special occasions soon! I hope everyone's having a relaxing season! ー( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

Let's go! o(〃＾▽＾〃)o

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Chapter Eleven

Steps and Missteps

"Unbelievable, if you ask me."

"I know, my Hime."

"It's supposed to be an easy enough task!"

"To be sure."

"It's giving me a terrible headache!"

"Do calm yourself, my Hime. It won't do you any good."

Kaname soothed his daughter who's currently leaning on his knee while sitting on a pile of cushions, patting her crown of rich silver hair as she lamented the inability of her cousins to keep the secret of their full parentage. Tsuki-hime, who's on his lap, was dividing her attention between comforting her older sister and sipping the tea and eating the cakes her Hiro-nii brought in.

The room his children are occupying for their spell is quiet save for their conversation, the soft breathing of his sleeping hunter and youngest son and the hearty chortle from his second son.

"They didn't even manage a full three hours! Hilarious!" snickered Hiro before adding to his twin brother not far from him, "What did I tell you, Sato? I won the bet! I told you twenty-four hours is a near miracle!"

The eldest son huffed rather petulantly at this, "You only get a slice off my cake Hiro. Just one." He returned in a whisper, eyes narrowing, waylaying any sinister plot against his much needed dose of sweets. Hiro just stuck out a tongue at him, stingy!

When his eldest daughter whimpered delicately in exasperation at their banter, Kaname sharply called the two boys into attention, "You two are distressing your sister."

Two little backs straightened in answer, "Hai, Chichiue! We're sorry!" they tensely whispered in unison before lowering themselves back to the spell-making process. Hiro pursed his lips to stop himself from chortling but his mouth is not cooperating so he had to settle with chuckling soundlessly. Sato merely rolled his eyes at him, though it is amusing but he need not say that aloud, it'll only irritate their twin sister further.

The silver princess, on the other hand, snuggled against her Chichiue's knee, finding comfort in his calm aura, slowly but surely getting back her composure at the head-splitting dilemma her troublesome, albeit cute, cousins from the future are piling on her plate one by one. She swears they could cause her hair to turn white instead of silver, never mind that the difference would be minimal if ever, but she happens to love her Otou-sama's hair color, thank you very much.

Dark silver brows crumpled together as she remembered the hastily patched up situation from earlier.

She barely managed to stop her blond uncle from storming out of the Moon Dorms in search of the silver prefect.

Hanabusa quickly but carefully handed the dazzling silver toddler over to his tall cousin. Ichiro yelped and jumped to stop him, managing to latch himself like a koala around one of his daddy's long legs, clearly not realizing that he needs his feet on the ground as a sort of brake if he wants to hinder him from going. As it is, he was only dragged together in his quick strides, his wavy golden tresses swaying back and forth wildly.

The female silverette stood in front of him with an air of easy confidence that she didn't really feel, her fan near her lips in a gesture of elegance. She could only pray that the mental cold sweat she's imagining won't come out to the surface.

That effectively halted the noble but the frantic look in his eyes suggested that he would just as soon jump out of the window to get away, "Hime-sama!"

"Now, uncle, there's no occasion for you to…let the enormous cat out of the bag in a frenzy."

"But, Hime-sama, Ichiru, he…he might be thinking…I need to speak to him!" he entreated almost pleadingly, blue eyes reflected mixed emotions of joy in their future union and dread in the possible current misunderstanding.

Her lips twitched a little, not knowing whether pity at his anguish of what his future mate might be thinking of him or joy at the love she's witnessing in front of her and the possible schemes this all presented her should take precedence in her mind.

"Oh, uncle, kindly calm yourself. With careful planning, anything can be used as an added aide towards one's goal. Surely you see this?" She tried to placate and convince him consolingly, sparing a glance at her cousin unhelpfully wrapped around his leg. The young boy just batted long dark lashes at her, clearly giving her the reigns in the conversation.

"But…I've been waiting for this for so long." The aristocrat whispered almost entirely to himself.

This made the princess smile fondly. They've always been a close couple in their timeframe. It's good, too, since that means they've already got some genuine foundation to work on. Now she just needs to know how her Uncle Ichiru is feeling, "A very sweet sentiment, uncle. But, please, be at ease. Just let it all sink in first before making a move. Striking while the iron is hot is not always good." She urged further serenely.

By the look of her dear, genius uncle, she could almost see him skipping from foot to foot, hankering to tell the younger hunter how much they're meant to be together and how they should go to an officiating priest directly. But if her Ichi-jichan is not quite there yet then it would be a calamity, indeed. She so would hate being bereft of company and good cheer should her adorably unruly cousins fail to come to life.

"Understand, Uncle?" she looked directly in his aquamarine orbs and smiled beatifically, "Patience is a virtue. Your turn would soon come."

"Hime? Something wrong?" the unmistakable voice of her beloved Otou-sama, currently thick from sleep, jolted her from her reverie. She opened creamy lids to find the half-awake inspection of the male silverette on her, lilac eyes darkened from sleep reflected quiet concern at her slightly dejected form.

"Otou-sama! You're awake!" her darling father's attention on her worked to completely bring back her energy. She sent him a reassuring smile "I'm quite alright. But you need not rouse, you could afford to rest some more. Or, if you'd like, you can rest upstairs." She offered eagerly, stopping to glance at her Chichiue for confirmation of his permission. Kaname only smiled in tender adoration at her and then at Zero who seemed to come more alive at seeing that same affectionate expression from the male brunette directed at him.

Amethyst eyes immediately averted his gaze and it landed on the open balcony door to reveal a good view of the crimson sky of the dying sun. Shit, he fell asleep for that long?

"I…ah…I should probably go back." He stuttered, but the warm weight of the young boy sleeping on top of him makes it hard to even stir, let alone leave. Shino's hold on his hand didn't loosen even when the boy fell asleep.

At these words, the remaining four children's full attention directed itself to him and four pairs of agitated eyes went soulfully to him.

"Eh? Why? Why would Otou-chan go? Where?" Tsuki-hime uttered in a slight panic, her small fist clenching her Chichiue's shirt, her lilac eyes darting to Kaname and back to Zero in an agitated manner.

"Shh, Tsuki-hime. Calm down." gently murmured the king to the young brunette, softly wrapping both hands around her slight body before placing a quiet kiss on top of her head.

"Umm, must Otou-sama go? I gathered there were no classes for you today. If we're being noisy I can—" the female silverette started to implore with the hunter. She stood from her comfortable seat and walked near the ex-human, faltering a little as the prefect stood and then tenderly placed his sleeping charge on the couch nearby, very slowly untangling his hand from the firm hold.

Zero moved to where Hime was standing to crouch down in front of her and sit on his heels. His two eldest boys went near them as well, both frowning a bit and so did Tsuki-hime who came down from her Chichiue's lap hastily. He gave each of them a soft pat on the head and a small smile.

"It's not like that Hime. I just need to go to...er, take care of some things. There's still cross-over for the Night Class. Their day off for freshmen and sophomore are postponed for a few weeks so they got classes tonight. On that note," light purplish eyes traveled to the Night Class president who's still calmly and contentedly seated while freely observing them, "Someone should be readying for class."

The pureblood gave him a small, cordial smile, russet eyes intent on lilac ones, "In a moment, I assure you. I happen to need to impress someone with how responsible I could be." He answered with silent geniality.

The hunter wanted to glare at the vampire hard and cuss at the bastard for teasing him in front of the children knowing perfectly well that he can't retaliate. Well, damn you. He huffed instead and changed the subject, also ignoring the pink score on both his cheeks, "Did you even move since earlier?" The brunette was in the exact same position as when he last saw him as he drifted off to sleep. Not that he was looking. No.

At this, Kaname's smile became even more charming, "Hmm? Not at all. I was enjoying the view from here, you see."

Well, so much for changing subjects. Damn. One dark silver eyebrow twitched a little in embarrassment as blood dyed pale skin a deep crimson. He can't believe he fell freaking asleep with Kaname Kuran in the room! What the hell is the matter with him?! Damn it.

He risked throwing a short glower at the exasperating vampire before turning back to his children, willing his body to cool down a bit for crying out loud. He found his triplets giving him three identical amused expressions while Tsuki-hime singularly looks extremely close to crying.

He gave her a brief but kind smile, "I'll just visit you again." He promised as he gathered her in his arms and even allowed himself to lightly kiss her dark head. And, of course, he repeated the gesture to his three eldest who all looked at him expectantly. There's something heartbreaking in the way four pairs of hand fearfully, determinedly held on to him, not wanting to let go.

When he finally managed to tear himself away from their comforting warmth and stride across the room to the open door of the balcony to exit from there, he felt the pureblood advance to him and he unconsciously slowed down.

"Thank you, Zero." The silverette very much hated how familiar he's starting to be in hearing that genuine pleasure and tenderness in the vampire king's voice when addressing him.

He halted in his steps and reluctantly faced the brunette who's already right behind him. Did he mention how he hates seeing that small, honest and charming smile the bastard kept flashing in his direction? Because he does. He's convinced it won't do anyone any good. The gods do have their favorites. His narrowed lavender eyes glared daggers at the man in front of him.

"What?" he snarled under his breath at the aggravating brunette, hearing his alarms roaring inside him, "You don't need to come near me."

"My, but I do." Was the husky return. Zero absolutely doesn't want to meet those clear auburn eyes. But he's not scared of Kuran. There's no earthly reason why he should feel threatened, right? Damn it. Light violet eyes resolutely met burgundy ones and he regretted it immediately. Fucking—why does it always fucking feel like he'd lose himself? It's just Kaname!

Few seconds passed as the king probed purple depths, feeling the reigns of his control try him hard as he goes under the spell of that reluctant but determined gaze. Ah, but he can't surrender, yet. His silverette still needs time. He continued in a low voice for his future mate, "I'm afraid I haven't said my goodbyes for the day, yet. Might be because I'm not ready to do so."

He loved the red paint coloring Zero's creamy skin and he could feel his beast imploring for him to take what is his. He willed for some degree of patience.

"Fuck you, Kuran." The hunter whispered for his benefit and he just had to smile at the adorable silverette.

"There, don't you think there's an advantage for you to this distance? You couldn't have done that earlier. And it does something for me, too, of course."

"Stop fucking molesting me." The ex-human gritted under his breath.

He chuckled quietly, hearing the erratic heartbeat of his hunter increase dramatically. He put lean fingers underneath the silverette's delicate chin to make sure he won't turn away from him, "Oh, I wouldn't say 'molest'. It's too," he stared deep into this creature he so crave it hurts, "one-sided." He finished softly before covering those plump lips with his.

He felt the prefect's resistance but it all came to nothing as he delved deeply into that sweet, moist cavern, erotically tangling his tongue with his silverette's in a sleek caress aiming to arouse. He perceives the hand that landed on his chest in an attempt to push him away. But his future mate should have known that it's futile.

The kiss took longer than he intended and Kaname could feel his control slipping away from him, he struggled with himself a couple of minutes more before he gave one last brush to those luscious lips. His hunter was flushed and breathless when he finally let go of his lips. The hand that Zero meant to push the pureblood away with was now fisted against his clothes. As did the other one which gripped the lapel of his shirt tightly while his own free hand coiled around the ex-human.

A moment after and the slight haze that darkened lilac eyes came into focus and reflected comprehension. Both pale fists clenched tighter at his clothes as the hunter bowed his head in muted confusion and enraged exasperation. The king heard him curse under his breath, almost inaudible even to his vampire hearing, "Fuck."

Kaname understood and, to a certain degree, felt compassion for the silverette's internal conflict. Zero was raised from the family of outstanding hunters. With pride he carried himself to be the best of his kin, even as he was turned to the very thing he hunts. His loyalty and belief are surely tearing him up inside at the situation at hand, not knowing how to proceed. Oh, how he knows this, he thought rather gravely, shadows of his own demons edging his consciousness, leering at him.

The Moon Dorm president took one of the balled fists clinging to his shirt, thereby catching the hunter's attention. He brought the curled fingers to his mouth to place a tender kiss on them, ensnaring purple regards in red wine, he then distracted him with his next words, "I would call that a kiss," he murmured in deference to their earlier conversation before giving him a slightly teasing but mostly serene smile.

Yes, he can sympathize but that doesn't mean that he would let Zero go or that he would deny himself what he desired after all these long, empty years. Zero is his. And he would have him. Surely.

The blush came back in an overwhelming wave to Zero as he stared at those benevolent and assured reddish-brown scrutiny. His body's still warm from before and his lips throbbing from the passionately eager kiss. He then remembered something and turned a look at his children, his heart palpitating even more at what they might have seen. Fuck, does this moron know anything about parental guidance?!

Relief flooded him as he saw his triplets looking at different bits of the opposite wall while Hiro held a hand over to their youngest sister's eyes who's not struggling at all. Thank whatever holiness's at work for small fucking favors. He felt himself breathe a little easier, his thoughts a jumbled mess inside.

"We have rather astute children. Aren't you glad, Zero?" the tall brunette fondly expressed with another irritatingly enticing smile before leaning down for another short kiss faster than he can react, nuzzling his lips lingeringly in another series of bewitching strokes.

"I'll see you later then, Zero." The vampire imparted benevolently before taking a step away from him though not releasing his regard.

The silverette soundlessly mouthed some very rude swear words at the pureblood that he can't risk his children hearing then bolted out of the balcony door, taking the sound of the pureblood's chuckle with him. The pleasant voice making every step heavier to make.

"Damn, you never learn. You're fucking dead, Zero." He cursed himself breathlessly.

He didn't notice how a certain pair of rose quartz orbs followed the figure of that hateful hunter out of the Moon Dorms with pure resentment and unyielding resolve.

"No. I won't let you."

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Lavender eyes peeked slowly from the mountain of fluffy pillows he buried himself under and to the open window of his room at the nearing setting of the sun, glorious rays after rays becoming a more vivid color of crimson by the minute.

The somber creature sighed as he started to get up from his slumped position. He was lying on his stomach so he put his weight on his hands to lift himself up, his shoulder-length silver hair fell on both side of his face like silk curtains. He sighed again tiredly and, as if bearing the weight of the world, let himself drop on his bed again but whirled a little so he landed on his back. He stared at the ceiling, not seeing the white paint but golden hair and blue eyes of a merciless demon and his angelic children.

He put the back of one of his hands against his forehead. Ichiru was exhausted, having taken to hiding in his own room after a flying chairman came crying to him out of concern and asking him what the matter is.

As if he can actually tell him, 'Oh, it's nothing. I just found that the person I love will never love me back. He'll have beautiful children in the future and I'll be stuck pining for him. Did I mention that he's a man? Oh, and a vampire, too! Surprise! Fucking fantastic, isn't it?'

He wasn't even dumped, he chuckled rather bitterly. Oh no, 'dumped' suggest some degree of action and confession which he wasn't given the chance to do. He just stood at the side like some freaking statue.

He can feel his eyes stinging and glazing slightly as the he realized how really hopeless it was from the start. Before he can even do something to try to catch a bit of that light he was already barred from doing so.

Regret was destroying him inside and he was forced to admit that despite him telling himself over and over and over that it wouldn't work from the start, he did hope. A small…no, a huge, silent part of him did. Fervently so. That somehow, someday, that irksome blond will look his way. And he would have waited.

'The time of unrequited love is the happiest.'

Who the hell came up with that…that…that inhumane deception?

Big, fat freaking lie.

He'll definitely chop that person into pieces, if he ever finds out. He wished whoever it is died a horrendously brutal, brutal death anyway.

He tightly closed stormy violet eyes and turned to bury them in the alcove of his bent arm, masking one or two tears that dared escape his eyes.

This is fucking stupid.

He deeply took in a quivering breath, hoping that it'll somehow give him even a small degree of composure since the heavens refuse to let him crumble into dust or have lightning strike him out of his misery.

After a few minutes of trying to calm himself, he finally got up from his bed while furiously rubbing his fist against his eyes. He went to his closet to take out his black school uniform. There's still cross-over for the Night Class and it's surely pipe dream to hope that the Day Class students won't come to grovel and scream themselves hoarse for the unearthly beauties of those vampires.

It's the first time that he's not excited for the night parade. He doesn't want to get a glimpse of what will never be his and inadvertently fall even more insane for the stupid vampire noble and his stupid, handsome face. He can manage that even alone, thanks very much.

When he finished dressing and fixing his hair, he walked to his still open window, the bell dangling from his hair-tie chiming with every step. He took a seat on the window sill and rested his back against the side jamb, also propping his right leg over the remaining length of the framework. The hunter turned his head to the wide, windy late afternoon, letting several silver strands get swept in the rather chilling breeze.

He knew he let himself be distracted by old dreams when he found that he's trying to gaze at the Moon Dorms from his room in the Chairman's house. He clicked his tongue and frowned, willing himself to hate and even blame (no matter how unfair) the annoying aristocrat for his current suffering.

Like hell. He thought sourly, now that's the pipe dream. But would it hurt to have the noble bastard choke on his dinner or slip in the bath? Or, maybe, even get hit by a car or mauled by a rogue lion? Just a teeny-tiny form of retribution for him from the gods since he himself is doomed to a lifetime of agony. It's not as if those would kill him.

He pouted a little before taking a photo from the inner left breast pocket of his black blazer. A bright smile flashed at him from the shiny surface of the print. He can't remember how many excuses he had put to use and lies he had to make up, not to mention the charm he exercised, just to be able to get the blond idiot's stolen snapshot (by his fans) without exposing himself as a besotted fool. He even has to take some by stealth. Good thing he was never caught.

It's not as if he's got a lot of them, anyway, he defended himself internally. Just this one he always carries, the one underneath his study desk, the one in his wallet, the one between his folded clothes, the one in his treasure box and then—

He stopped himself, hanged his head and sighed. Did he mention that he's hopeless?

And now he only needs to tear this image to pieces and scatter it in the winds with many a tears flowing down his cheeks and he'll be sure to grow a vagina overnight. That could probably top all his girly antics, god damn it.

He tried to glare at the stupidly handsome, golden aristocrat in the picture and flicked irate fingers towards those blinding sapphire eyes and pointed nose. "Hope you tumble down the stairs on your way down, moron." He muttered every word with an accompanying flick of his fingers. He paused for a minute before continuing, "And make sure you don't have the children with you when you do."

He chuckled a bit at the memory of those radiant children then sobered up immediately. He knocked the back of his silver head on the side jam a couple of times hoping it could smack some sense into his muddled brain.

"Stupid, stupid, Aidou-senpai." He whispered distractedly in the air while continually hammering his head lightly on the wooden frame. I wish I knew how to give you up, his thought were belied by how his fingers gripped the photo even more firmly, afraid to let go, damn. "Stupid, stupid, Ichiru."

He thought he saw something in the corner of his right eye and he turned his gaze towards the dense wood below. He was staring unseeingly first, and then silver dark brows crumpled together as he began to blink hard at the figure amongst the vegetation. He re-arranged himself so he can lean down better without actually throwing himself out the window and simultaneously killing himself. But when he looked again, there was nothing there but tall trees and bushes.

He scanned the greenery for a couple of minutes more before straightening and finally declaring himself officially insane. He distressingly scratched the back of his head. Shitty brain, he should be hallucinating about some pale, tall angel with rich, gold tresses and cerulean orbs, not some humongous, ass-kicking silver wolf which he even thought was spying on him.

Yeah, right.

"Stupid Ichiru."

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"Hime-nee…Hime-nee!"

The smiling silver princess slowly drifted her attention back to her surroundings as the voice of her imp of a cousin called for acknowledgement. She slowly opened sienna orbs and directed them in front of her at the angelic figure who she found sitting formally on the floor in a seiza position while holding a smooth wooden pole connected to an enormous punishment placard that reads 'I'm sorry. I promise not to be careless again.' Young Itsuki was wrapped around his golden head. He's sitting atop Ichi's shoulder with his short legs around the slender neck of his older brother, small fists clenching on sunshine locks and blowing raspberries among curly golden strands to occupy himself.

She didn't straighten from her comfortable 'thinking' posture with her soft cheek resting gently on her fingers and palm, her elbow planted on the arm of the chair she's sitting on (but since she's small and her sitting height wouldn't suffice, her whole upper arm reclines on the armrest), but she smiled sweetly with genuine pleasure at her cousins.

"It would be two sugar cubes for my tea, dearest." Was her answer to his appeal.

Pinkish lips pouted a little at this, "I wasn't offering tea, Hime-nee." The agitated rascal whined, wanting to slam his exquisite forehead on the floor in exasperation but refrained because his adorable brother's gone koala around his head, "What are we going to do with otouchan? You even stopped me from making my three hundred eighty-fifth wedding invitation for their wedding!" He can't take it! Why do they hinder his perfect preparations?! For shame if they go last minute!

"Oh, hold your chimeras, dear." gently chided the eldest princess with an engaging smile, taking it upon herself to make everybody some tea using sheer mind force as she made the teapot and sugar bowl make organized movements on the table, "And pen to tissues hardly makes a wedding invitation."

She then gave the enormous bundles of neatly arranged, doodled on table napkins that she confiscated a highly affronted look, as though they greatly offended her for being thought of as invitation cards. Hiro was inspecting it with a huge grin on his face.

"Nice touch." He commented with a chuckle while reading one in old Latin for a certain Signor Cavallone VIII. Ah, that kindly Italian pureblood who talk such an awful lot. Are they even acquainted in this time-frame? He shook his head. Trust their cousin not to take those little details into consideration. "Well, isn't fine? Cutting costs! And the guests can use these to wipe their mouths after the dinner reception!" he joked just to infuriate his twin sister who he noticed seems to emit a rather happy mood. Must have found out something.

The female silverette didn't even justify her twin brother's remarks with an answer, opting to give him a look instead before addressing the golden seraph in front of her. Everything seems to be in order from what she just learned of the state of affairs of her uncles and the last thing she'll need to throw it in complete disarray is for one moronic genius to keep yelling around the place about wedding invitations.

"My dear cousin, I leave you for a minute and you managed to terrorize the kitchen staff to giving you the entire week's supply of table napkins." She shook her head while motioning her hand in the direction of the round table, directing the teapot in the air, "Surely, dearest Ichi apologized and gave back the remaining stacks as I instructed?" she gave him a lightly pointed look.

Another pout from the golden rouge formed at this, ignoring the laugh of certain older brunette twins from both sides of the room, "Hai." He finally muttered rather sulkily, even Sato-nii's laughing. It's the ball pen ink, isn't it? Well, excuses, he didn't know they have a calligraphy brush and ink here! "But it's my grand infinitely-better-than-Hiro-nii handwriting!" Anything by these beautiful hands would be accepted, thank you very much.

"Hey!" Hiro called indignantly to which Sato laughed louder in agreement, "Shut up, Sato."

"With glitters!" Ichi still insisted as though the sparkles should more than make up for any shortcoming, his cute baby brother supported him with a cheerful giggle. He proceeded to fish the almighty pen (which he found in the dining room) from his pants' pocket and held it up in the air with dignity as if it would speak in defense of his greatness.

Hime gave him a would-be kind look and a sweet smile that suggests she would be looking for his brain at the base of his feet if only she hadn't made sure that his genius was the real deal a decade ago, that or because she already checked his soles just last year. Anyhow, he still felt about three inches big after two minutes under the burgundy gaze. He wanted to shout for his otouchan but since he can't, and his daddy's in the middle of preparing for school like Uncle Kaname, he just sniffed once as he put the pen down between them quietly and averted his gaze from the auburn torture.

Sato shook his head sympathetically, deciding to somewhat come to his rescue, "It's admirable how you wish to help. But it'll be more than half a decade before you're born, Ichi. I'm sure something could be arranged before then." He said quietly. "And you misspelled 'heureuse' on this one for Madame De La Fontaine." He added critically, looking at a sample Tsuki-hime gave him since he didn't get up from his place on the floor beside the tracking spell.

A squeak sounded at this but before the light-haired hellion could defend himself and say that the French didn't really care about spelling and that he really, really knew of that mistake and deliberately made it to test his cousins' observation skills, Hiro interjected.

"But I think Hime has some wonderful news to impart to us." And when the darling silverette gave her twin brother a blank, innocent look saying that she hasn't a clue as to his meaning, Hiro snorted. If Lycanthrope didn't go to spy on someone then he's a chupacabra. "Out with it, Hime."

"Oh, let's just say I was pleasantly right when I thought I got my work cut out for me." She finally revealed after a little more pressing.

The second prince paused to look at the spell he's returning to and replied, "Yeah, you can say that again."

"I'll be sure to do my part later on. So please make sure you do not make a mistake on the tracking spell, dear brothers. And let us calm ourselves and not do anything unnecessary, there is much fun to look forward to." The princess imparted with quiet cheerfulness. "Did you hear that, dearest Ichi? Come and let us calm ourselves and not do anything unnecessary." putting stress on her last words and giving the golden cherub a meaningful look and an amiable smile that made the blond break in cold sweat.

"She said it twice." commented Hiro.

"She said it twice." agreed Sato.

"Oh! And since it looks like my dearest brothers are eager for participation, I am going to ask a favor of you two." Hime added rather coyly with a demure curve of her lips and her twin brothers flinched in unison as a foresight that they won't like this 'favor' at all entered their mind.

And when two pairs of cautious auburn orbs gazed at the silver young lady to find an engaging beauty peering at them, they know that they'll be entangled again in something troublesome.

The second son of the Kuran household can't help wanting to kick himself, Ooohhh! I should have shut my mouth!

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Under the soft ray of the dying sun, the pair of tall black gates slowly opened to let pass the procession of inhumanly beautiful creatures clad in white, all of them possessing refined features that could be those of the forgotten gods. And the air was filled with the unbearable cries of adoration from the Day Class students as the Night Class made their way to the school building.

The procession was led by one annoying blue-eyed noble that seems to be even more incandescent than usual. His smiles dazzling half the Day Class' female population into oblivion and, if it's possible, they started to bray even more.

"Idol-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Look here!

"Kuran-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

"Wild-sama! Kyaaaaa~!"

"Idol-sama! So cute!

"Idol-ssssssaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaa!"

Bright blue orbs kept propelling to the left side of the assembled student where Yuuki and the younger Kiryuu are situated. The two prefects hard put at maintaining the crowd of oversexed teenagers.

The female prefect was yelling a warning with all her might to those who's very close to breaking the barrier set for them but it's always lost among the excited squeals of the students which is in great contrast to her partner who was sullenly forbidding and seems to be copying his older brother in using ruthless moodiness to keep the girls' toes in line.

Some of the fans on the side of the silver prefect were confused at this. Ichiru Kiryuu always kept them obedient by using the charms he has in great abundance but there's no hint of the kind words of instruction nor the agreeable smile as those lilac eyes looked forlorn and dejected. Some took this chance to touch and hug him, missing how narrowed azure orbs stared disapprovingly, while others glared at his older brother who might be the cause for their only angelic prefect to go astray. But the small group of wonderers couldn't possibly hold its ground when compared to the screeching of the rest of the school at the oncoming onslaught of delectable dreamboats.

"Ichijo-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

"Shiki-samaaaaaaa! Your autograph pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaasseeeeeeeeeee!

"Kyaaaaaaaaa~!"

"Idol-sama looks so radiant!"

"I'm going blind!"

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

"Ichijo-senpaaaaiiiii, I love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"

"Wwwiiiiillllllllllllldddddddddddd-sssaaaaaaaaammmmaaaa!"

"Soueeeennnnnnn-ssssaaaaaaaaaaaammmaaaaaaaaaaa!"

One Kiryuu Zero looked like a beast fresh out of hell from keeping the Day Class girls from pouncing on the beautiful bloodsuckers as they make their way to class. But the little imps must know how to get back at him for the forced capitulation. They're about to succeed in bursting his ear drums finally. How can they even scream so fucking much?!

His ears pricked and invisible veins popped in his forehead and neck when several girls near him started clamoring over one particularly elegant pureblood, the orange glow of the sunset setting off his dark hair like a halo so that he looked even more like an unattainable being of the heavens and the girls started pushing each other and shaking the person nearest them in a crazed fashion unable to take that excruciating radiance of the Moon Dorm President. The silver hunter wanted to roll his eyes at the ridiculous show.

"Kaname-samaaaaaa, I love you!

"Kuran-sama, marryyyyyyyyy meeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"Kuran-sennnppppaaaiiiii! I'll bear your children for yoooooooouuuuuuuuuu!"

"Just one night with you Kuran-sennnnnnnnpppppppaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii."

Zero could have sworn he's starting to grow horns at the enormous irritation filling him up and he kept telling himself that it's because of the damnable bellows around him that is near causing his ears to fall clean off his head. His brain is pounding mercilessly against his skull now.

His glare was of pure darkness as they found the burgundy eyes of the tall vampire, willing him to drop dead. But, of course, since the world officially hates him, the abominable brunette just kept walking and even directed a quiet smile of pure silent sweetness at him to match his glower as if he finds the silverette's antics extremely lovable, which just caused the outcries of the little demons in skirts to increase. His mind started giving him unwelcome replay of what transpired earlier and therefore, heating up his body in degrees that is simply not appropriate given the horde of women in the vicinity. He stifled it with a litany of curses in his head. Damn the bastard.

Zero gritted his teeth and when he felt a particular day class student attempt to bypass him to get to the nearing Idol-senpai, wrongfully thinking that the prefect is currently distracted, he said in a coldly dark and hollow tone, "Take one foot pass me and I'll make you cry." He then aimed his menacing glare through the corner of his eyes at the suddenly tearful girl who squeaked like a cornered rabbit and got rooted on the spot, trembling in fright.

His half of the crowd went dead silent at the murderous aura coming from the grumpy silverette. He's looking positively brutal and the Day Class students can't even begin to contemplate how anyone could be that mean to them when they're just expressing their innocent admiration.

The sudden speechlessness of half the crowd made the screams of the other half even more distinct and when a great shout of "MAKE LOVE TO ME KANAME-SAMAAAA!" echoed through the crowd, some great nerve seemed to have snapped in Zero's head and he directed a murderous scowl at the student who shouted which made the poor girl shrink back into the sea of suddenly frozen fan girls. The silverette growled loud enough on the direction of the fucking irritating yell, "Shut the fuck up." and the silent black fury in his tone and expression successfully stunned the rest of the crowd into terrorized quietness.

"Every single damn day. Get a life, all of you or I'll swear you'll be in detention 'till graduation." he snapped, taking advantage of the stupefied silence all the while unconsciously oozing with palpable lethal intent. "Get the hell back to your fucking dorms!"

"Zero." Yuuki squeaked, also startled at her adopted brother's deadly atmosphere, he's not even shouting and, yet…she risked a peek at her savior to find him quietly surprised at the silent fury from the hunter and back to Zero who still looks like an avenging angel of death. She shook her head with a barely suppressed smile (Zero might kill her is he sees her smirking, better be safe), ah, ah, ah, jealousy is a terrible thing. She casted a glance at a certain blond vampire who's got a more open expression of bewilderment in his green eyes but managed to catch her scrutiny and shared a knowing smile with her that made her heart flutter again. Several girls beside her sighed contentedly when they saw the Vice-President of the Night Class present them a brilliant smile (extremely comforting given the current atmosphere), imagining that Ichijo Takuma is smiling at them specifically and Yuuki felt a little bothersome twitch deep inside her as if someone flicked a hard finger on the tip of her nose. She restrained it, however. Yep, jealousy is a terrible thing.

Catching his breath a little, seconds after alarming the students into retreating back to their dorm rooms for the day while muttering a curse under their breath for the silver prefect to choke on his dinner or just simply vanish into thin air, Zero realized what he just did and just how it would look like to the individuals who's in the know.

Amethyst eyes flew to the pureblood King, finding slightly questioning auburn eyes inspect his. He prayed, yes, he prayed to any god in the heavens not to let anyone think about his sort of explosion of temper or to, at least, not let his body betray him as the comprehension of his own actions dawn on him. And…great, just fucking great, the high heavens must have a fucking personal vendetta to settle with him since he could feel his body heat up with the convicting blush he's desperately trying to avoid, covering him from his toes to the roots of his silver hair. He wished that it's not too noticeable in the early sunset but when he reluctantly turned back to peek at those quietly surprised russet eyes, he grimaced as he saw them lit up with unfolding understanding and Kaname gave him a mutedly elated smile that could cause a riot if not for the greatly diminished number of fan girls in the area and his aura became fucking pleased, indeed. Fuck. Shit. Damn.

Zero wanted to throw himself over a cliff or bury himself alive as he averted his gaze to the ground. He clenched his jaw and willed the earth to swallow him right then and there. He heard someone cough and the march continued awkwardly. A few students like one Akatsuki Kain and Ichijo Takuma even murmured a greeting to him before proceeding. Shuffling pairs of signature shoes walked pass him one by one. He closed lilac eyes when he saw a particular pair stop right in front of him and one unwanted pureblood's voice whispered directly over his ear, blowing clouds of warm gust over the sensitive parts of his ear and neck. That didn't help cool his body down. Fuck my entire life.

"Good work today, Zero. But mind your temper now." The hunter hated how he can already visualize the smirk playing on those irritatingly sensual lips, "We don't want our children to think that something's up with you. Though, I must say, it's amusing to see."

"Keep walking, Kuran." The silverette gritted under his breath. Or just fucking kill him.

"And you need not worry, I won't stray." The king's serene tone silkily finished, ignoring his dismissal.

His silver head snapped up at this, only to find the corner of a smile of the obnoxious bastard as he turned to follow the rest of the Night Class.

"I-I didn't…that wasn't…shit…" he wanted to defend himself somehow but he doesn't even know what to say. 'I wasn't jealous' sounds disturbingly girly and direct for him and he would be six feet beneath the ground before he says it. "Fuck." God damn it, where's that fucking shovel?

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One weary copper-haired vampire observed as his reportedly genius cousin switched from sweet satisfaction to ruffled vehemence back and forth within several minutes.

Aidou Hanabusa was sporting a cat-like pleased smirk while cradling his face with both hands, his elbows planted on the wooden desk, a happy color marring his cheeks, then, as if remembering something, aquamarine eyes opened in a hardened glare, frowning at a blind distance in irritation and his suddenly balled fists slamming on his desk with a surge of temper. After but a few seconds, his eyes caught an imaginary scenery that seems to more than appease him as he lowered his torso down the furniture in liquid bliss as though melting from joy, that crazy contented smile back on his lips. Kain wasn't even able to count to three before the blond noble suddenly shoot up from his chair, the flat of his hands again connecting to the poor wooden table in a ruthless blow, his scowl at the horizon alarmingly menacing, indeed. Then, perking a little as if he heard or recollected something, he slowly sat down in a daze and continued until he's cradling his golden head on his folded arms in euphoric comfort, chuckling to himself a little.

"Hanabusa seemed to have finally lost his mind." quietly commented a red-haired Shiki Senri and Kain thought that his cousin must be garnering a lot of attention if even their resident disinterested vampire came to notice his actions. That or he's just really looking tremendously moronic.

Ichijo Takuma just gave a kind little laugh before articulating with a great amount of tolerance, "No, no, I think that's what you'd call emotional indecision." He then turned emerald eyes at him, "What happened to him anyway?"

Kain flinched as he nervously scrambled for some kind of excuse. According to their silver haired princess, they must limit the people who knew until it's time. And he'd rather face the cool, sharp scrutiny of the Vice-President of the Moon Dorm instead of the cold, forbidding ones of their royal princess. "Err…not exactly sure, Ichijo-san. But it's Hana so…" he trailed off as though that should be sufficient to explain away his crazy cousin's antics.

"We should remove him from the public view before he does something even more idiotic." Observed a female blonde model as she offered Shiki some pocky.

He sighed. "Nah. Don't worry about him, judging from his current reactions, he'd be rolling around laughing and hurling things out the window simultaneously if he'd been left alone in the dorm room." He doesn't want to know what state their room would be if the overzealous blond was to have his inner remunerations there now.

"He should at least copy Dorm Leader in showing his overwhelming happiness." Shiki added further, taking bite of his pocky and fixing the golden noble, who's looking at his right hand with a satisfied smile, a bland look, why is he looking at his hand like that? Looks perverted.

"Ha-ha." A dry laugh was all Kain could answer to that statement as all of them remember the never-before-felt light mood of their King. It's perhaps the closest they can get to the word 'blissful' when it comes to the stoic president.

Kuran Kaname's expression didn't even change from its usual quiet and calm demeanor but it's plain to every one of them how peaceful and relaxed their leader is feeling. There was an almost perceptible smile lurking at the corners of his lips and the charm that is always contained behind his slightly forbidding aura kept gushing out in extreme dosages that female students and teachers alike can't help but stop and gaze at him throughout the whole homeroom so far.

He also genially ignored instead of apathetically ignored the ladies' elegant fawning on him and didn't even get angry when Hana threw a slight ruckus when someone tried to grab his right hand to give him something while his left hand was occupied with his books.

He gently shook his red head. Ah, what power Kiryuu-san, ah, Kiryuu-sama. He glanced at the now vacant seat of the Moon Dorm president as Kaname went out just earlier, taking advantage of a self-study period, accompanied by an insistent Ruka.

Speaking of their female cousin…

The tall vampire left their small group and went near his now seething golden-haired cousin who is scowling at the distant horizon which goes in horrible contrast with his charming face. He sighed once and steeled himself for the cumbersome things to come as he raised his notebook in the air and smack his cousin with it.

"What the hell, Kat?!" shouted the young genius in surprise as he held his head in both hands and turned to his cousin.

"Believe me, Hana, I don't want to bother you in your internal struggle but I think we should talk to Ruka. I've got a bad feeling she'll do something stupid." answered Kain in a serious tone.

Cerulean eyes became irritable, "Why should I? I'm protecting a treasure and am in the middle of strategizing in that which would most definitely change my life!"

Dark brows crumpled a bit over tired eyes, "You're not 'strategizing'. You're pining. Like what you've been doing over the past months. You're just worst today." He pinched the bridge of his nose, "By the way, if you looked stupid then, you look stupid now. Why the hell are you even holding your right hand for?" He added as he saw the noble hold his right wrist with his left hand. "Everybody's thinking that you probably jacked off hard with that hand and couldn't get over it."

The blond vampire became full of affront at this statement, "What the—! Kat! How dare you! Don't taint my precious memories!" he barked.

"Well, do you have any other story even more probable and convincing than that?"

At this question, the blond aristocrat changed his demeanor and smiled smugly as if Kain's a plebian who's been denied knowledge. The copper-haired noble felt just a teeny bit pissed at the arrogant air of his cousin and he's thinking that he could probably strangle the guy and get away with it. Everybody should pardon him once he explained himself.

"You don't know, Kat? Of course, you don't know." Hanabusa snickered, looking like a prince who has everything as he combed his golden threads with his left hand, "You see, with this hand, I—!" he continued majestically, showcasing the mysterious right hand to him, his eyes shining. He then proceeded to cup his left hand over his lips in a gesture of a secret communication and whispered in a highly excited manner, "—held hands with Ichiru!"

Orange eyes became exasperatedly distant as they beheld his poor cousin blush and act even more giddy than a child who's been invited for a whole day tour in Disney Land. Sorry Ruka, you can't even compete with a hand Ichiru-kun held.

He palmed his face and was torn between saying 'good for you' and 'you're embarrassing'.

He paused for a minute to think then after resigning himself to a very stupid plan, while wearing a martyred expression of a man sacrificing himself, turned to face the golden haired youth who's cradling his right hand, "Sorry to you, too, Hana."

Hanabusa was greatly distracted and almost missed his cousin's apology, "Huh? What was that, Kat—"

And blue eyes widened in horrified indignation when the tall aristocrat quietly took his right hand firmly and shook it in between both his own, making sure to slightly rub the smooth palm as if erasing the magical fact of his silverette's touch.

"Move forward and follow me already." Articulated Kain gravely, wanting to laugh a little. "We need to talk to Ruka."

The golden Adonis was completely paralyzed as he beheld his hand still clasped by his cousin. After a second more, "NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

While many students debated whether there was a blood-curdling scream that accompanied the lunch bell, a few confirmed that they saw the handsome noble Akatsuki Kain-sempai running outside the building with a straight face while being chased by a flaming, strangely golden hellhound that looked impossibly like that genius, yes, that famous charmer.

That Aidou Hanabusa.

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The firm click of heels on the marble floors of the school hallway sounded as two vampires strode with such grace and poise in the direction of the Headmaster's office. One pair slowed down and the other followed suit as another pair of brisk movement was heard coming to them.

Kuran Kaname smiled a little when he perceived his hunter walking in their direction, obviously on his way out. Lavender eyes didn't meet his and while he didn't like that those beautiful orbs aren't directed at him, he's glad just for the sight of the exquisite silver creature. Zero is clearly determined to ignore his presence and walked pass him but Kaname couldn't help wanting to have his attentions on him. He's also aware that despite having fed just last time, the hunter must be feeling the renewing thirst for blood earlier than most vampires because of his level D status and the all-around stress from recent events. His prefect's descent to level E is still a big probability unless they mate already and so, he's always concerned.

"Zero," the pureblood called out serenely to his silverette who flinched but did not stop, "How are you feeling?"

The sudden inquiry seemed to have surprised the hunter a little since he turned to look at him without thought. When burgundy eyes saw guarded shock and wariness in those lilac pools, he knew he's right to be worried. He can feel his protective instincts screaming at him to take the hunter and feed him and hide him in a safe place. The one-sided bond tugged at him hard to fulfill what needs to be done to make the silverette all his. And he's very much tempted to simply follow what he wants, ah, but there's much to be done first and there is still that.

Again, it's not yet time.

He can feel his own body go rigid as the struggle between desire and reason wreaked havoc inside of him but his hunter always comes first. "Retiring for the evening? Take care of yourself now."

Zero kept his lips firmly shut before harshly turning away from the king and quickly leaving the place.

Kaname watched his future mate go and only addressed his companion that he all but forgotten completely when he could no longer see the beautiful form of his silverette, "Ruka, return to class. I have something to talk with Chairman Cross." He ordered the honey blond woman without so much as a glance in her direction therefore missing the coldly venomous look she's bestowing where the hunter disappeared to.

The brunette didn't wait for her reply and simply continued on to the office of the ex-hunter. When he reached the headmaster's office, he knocked once and entered.

"Ah, hello Kaname-kun. I had a feeling you'll be paying me a visit." The blond cordially greeted as the pureblood closed the door behind him.

"Chairman, how long do you plan on allowing Zero to stay in the Day Class?" the brunette seriously asked without preamble, fixing his old friend with a somber gaze.

"Oh, you didn't come for some cookies? I bought new ones!" the ex-hunter replied energetically while showing off a pink and white tin can. When the vampire didn't take his bait and simply went on eyeing him gravely, he sighed, "That'll be his decision to make, Kaname-kun. I'm sure you're perfectly aware by now how stubborn that son of mine is." He responded with quiet fondness for his adopted son. "If we transfer him now, there will be much kicking and shouting…and shooting." He added the last word with a slight shiver, not wanting to witness it in real life.

It was Kaname's turn to sigh. He didn't really expect the chairman to agree easily. He is aware that his hunter would oppose it grandly and he also knows that Zero transferring will happen eventually. But based on recent happenings, he wants the silverette where he could keep a constant eye on him - ideally, beside him. He could protect him better if he's part of the Night Class. He could also feed him regularly.

He looked at the clear dark skies outside the window before going back to the chairman with a small, brief smile, "I suppose saying that I virtually have a say in the matter is irrelevant."

Kaien let out a soft laugh at this and gave Kaname a sympathetic smile, "At present, Kaname-kun. But he'll come around, I'm sure."

The brunette sighed once more and returned to his serious demeanor as he addressed the headmaster once more. "Then let's proceed to the only other topic that needs to be tackled. What did Toga Yagari-san inform you, Chairman?"

The answering hazel scrutiny told the vampire king that their situation could still get worse.

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The long sword cut through the air fluidly as a breathtaking silver hunter swung down his katana. Ichiru was trying his best to concentrate on his training but every little thing seems to remind him of that which shouldn't be thought of again.

Just earlier he thought he heard Aidou-senpai shout so loud it almost drowned the Night Class lunch bell but there's no way that golden bastard will ever let out such a pathetic chicken-like scream for anything.

He gritted his teeth as he violently brought down his katana as the turmoil inside him clenched at his heart. But because of the sweat on his palms and the suddenly uncoordinated way he flung his weapon, the sword flew from his hand, pivot through the air before landing tip-first on the ground. He cursed silently while catching his breath. He already discarded his jacket before he started his training but still felt extremely warm due to the exercise, trickles of perspiration run down his temple and back.

He knows it's all in his head but why does letting go of this so hard?

"Damn it." He murmured again before letting himself collapse in a sitting position on the hard forest floor, the golden bell on his hair chiming noisily. He raised his hands in front of him, resting his elbows on each raised knee. His left hand seemed to tingle with guilty remembrance of a touch that he only had once but sorely missed as though it's a lifetime sustenance that he's used to having. He wanted to deny even needing that warmth. Hell, he's been denying it from the start. When he realized that he's falling, he tried to kill it any which way he can but all to no avail, what makes him think that he'll succeed now?

He put his hands together and bowed his silver head against them as if in prayer. Come on, come on. Please, please, please. Let me forget this. At least let me fall in love with someone else, anyone will do, even that scary Ruka Souen. Just let my heart rest in peace. Don't let me want something that I can never have. Come on. He chanted desperately in his head all the while seeing vibrant aquamarine orbs and a sunny smile. He gnashed his teeth as he felt a slight stinging at the back of his eyes.

"Argh!" he cried in an exasperated half-growl, half-gasp exhalation while letting himself fall on his back, spreading himself grandly against the earth and looking up to gaze at the patch of sky that he can see amidst the canopy of trees above him. For the longest time he wondered, wished and longed to be a woman just so he can have the slightest chance of trying to win him. But even now that he knows he's actually capable of giving him a family, he still can't have him. He linked his fingers together and held them across his lips. He refused to admit that he's trembling. He can't have him, it's already been determined that he'll have a wife and wonderfully adorable children. Can he even attempt to ruin those children's chances at being born? Just so he can satisfy his own desire? He closed darkened lavender eyes. No. He'd rather burn in hell.

Yes, he'd rather burn in hell.

There are some things that you just can't have no matter what. So it's better if you just let it go…right?

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Ragged breath came out in thin mists in the cold evening air. The silver prefect covered his face with one hand as he yet again, felt that infernal thirst begin to grow in the pit of his stomach and claw at every part of him. He can manage. Of course, he can manage. He's been enduring it since that day, but his ability to barely suppress his sanity as he slowly go hungry like a monster doesn't change the fact that it's pure torture.

He closed his eyes to calm himself and gather his composure. He told himself to think of anything that would help him hold on. Oddly enough, small childlike faces with innocent eyes and sweet smiles came to mind. He could feel peace creeping in slowly.

But when he perceived various auras and movements closing in, he cursed in his mind before opening violent lilac eyes. He silently took out Bloody Rose from the inside of his school blazer and unflinchingly pointed it behind him, right beneath the delicate jaw of one Ruka Souen

"What do you want, the Night Class?" he coldly addressed the fifteen or so vampires clad in white that came to him.

"Why is Kaname-sama interested in this lowly level D?" the feminine voice of the honey-haired vampire uttered to herself aloud. Icy, rose-colored eyes looked down on the prefect, "I can't stand it."

Lavender orbs glared hard at rose-quartz with a sharpness that could cut steel. The prefect didn't let his guard down as he sensed the all around auras of his unwelcomed visitors. While this one irritating female vampire glowered at him with pure, unadulterated direct loathing, he felt many of the young vampires surrounding him leer at him with barely disguised greed and thirst which made his skin crawl even more. He squared his jaw at the impending brawl. Damn if he'll let a single malicious leech touch him.

A tall, copper-haired vampire moved forward and reasoned calmly, "There's no point in getting jealous, Ruka. The same goes for the rest of you." Akatsuki Kain can't believe that after all that trouble of being chased to hell by his cousin, he'll still end up alone to placate this group of impulsive youths, scarcely making it into the scene. The heavens just wouldn't let him rest, would they? "If Kaname-sama finds out about this, he'll be furious. Kiryuu-san, ah, Kiryuu-sama, you should put that away, too. Okay?" he continued rationally, putting a hand on the prefect's arm to urge him to back up and not shoot his cousin, ignoring the glare said cousin bestowed upon him for the deference he's showing towards the silver hunter.

Without so much as a glance or a word from the scowling silverette, the tall noble felt a hand grab his restraining arm and his world jerked out of balance as the prefect flipped him over his shoulder. He slammed back down the earth in shock, unable to comprehend what just happened in time.

"That was so uncool." Indifferently called Shiki Senri and Rima Toya in unison, the only ones with impartial expressions on their faces among the sea of hungry predators, having only come to see what all the fuss is about.

"Shut up." replied Kain somewhat lamely. Oh man, he spectacularly failed twice this evening and they'll be in for the punishment of the century. He just knows it. Story of my life, he thought dryly.

"So, Kaname Kuran is the reason why you've suddenly all decided to gang up and take me down?" Snarled Zero at the crowd of miscreants, "I'd like to see you vampires try. I've been waiting for a chance like this. Don't think I won't be happy to fucking shoot you all here." He finished as he took off his prefect badge. He's going to exterminate these morons as a hunter, to hell with the school policy.

The undisturbed manner in which the prefect handled their group's threatening atmosphere, the peerless challenge in his light eyes and the way he carelessly said the name of his beloved lord snapped the elegant female vampire's barely confined temper.

"Irritating. Do you think you're anyone important? Always walking one step forward and two steps backwards, Kaname-sama doesn't deserve some lower being like you." articulated Ruka severely, eyes morphing into glorious flames as she pierced the abominable hunter with a venomous glare, "You should just give all your blood to Kaname-sama, that's about as useful as you can ever be! You don't even have the right to breathe the same air as him!" her breathing was harsh and her voice was a note higher by the time she finished.

Why? Why? Why?! She was here all along! She's been waiting patiently! She knows that no one has yet to capture her king's heart so she was going to work her hardest just to be able to be the one who'll be by his side! No matter how long it takes! Even if it's only a little! Just a piece would do! And now she's being told that that place has been taken?! It's hers!

"If it's alright with Souen-san, we would gladly take Kiryuu out of your hands." interjected a first year noble in an arrogantly careless manner, stepping forward confidently. This was followed by murmurs of agreement by his peers, all of them smiling engagingly.

Zero shifted his glower sideways to the pompous imps without loosening his hold around his gun. His eyes narrowed as he became surrounded by a sea of fiery, hungry orbs.

The growing tension and palpable thirst of the students got Kain to get up with a warning shout. Fuck. "Oy!" Do they want the Dorm Leader to kill them all?!

Ruka's brows knitted harshly. These youngsters are terribly uncouth and she can't believe she let them tail her in her mission when they had insisted. "I don't need you to—"

"What is this?"

Everyone froze as if shot as an extremely quiet, extremely cold, and extremely terrible voice whispered loudly in the oppressive gloom, the darkness of the night seemed to dominate with undeniable weight as the vampire king appeared in the middle of the crowd.

Ruka felt her heart thunder against her chest painfully as the very breath of the gathered students became non-existent around her. She didn't think that her king's audience with the Chairman would be over so soon. She didn't really want him to witness her plan. The female vampire was trembling from both anxiety and determination and after hesitating for a second, she took a small step forward. This is her chance to let her king know of her sentiments, for him to see reason. Immortal Fruit or not, this repugnant hunter is not fit to stand together with her beloved pureblood, "Kaname-sama…" she slowly started.

For a moment, Kaname didn't even seem to register her presence, but when he did looked at her out of the corner of his eyes, it was with a severity that she very rarely see even in the King's foulest mood. And it was now directed at her. "Ruka." The whisper was all that was firm and quiet but the fierce, cold and threatening aura that hit her suggests that she more than overstep her boundaries and her king is extremely, severely displeased with her. In a panic, she tried to justify her actions.

"But Kaname-sama, you should realize that this hunter needs a lesson. For such a lowly being—compared to you he's nothing but an ani—"

She was unable to complete her litany when a firm hand sharply struck her across the cheek to silence her.

"Enough."

It was just one word. And yet, it was enveloped with such icy and silent fury that the rest of the Night Class present took a step back.

"All of you go back. You are all suspended until I say otherwise."

The honey-haired woman was so shocked that it took her a while to comprehend what just happened. When rose-quartz finally managed to look at her king, Kaname just finished ordering the rest of the crowd who began to tremulously disperse.

"Kaname-sama, I…I'm s-sorry…I just…" the noble tried to gasp for words. No, no, no. This can't be happening to her. How could anything go so wrong, so fast?

"You are dismissed." He cut in coldly through her apology without even looking at her but she knows that the rejection was for her. She tried to breathe, not even registering someone's hands on her shoulders, trying to keep her steady.

The Moon Dorm president then faced the hunter who was thrown into silence by the pureblood's show of temper before taking the silverette's hand and leading him away from there.

No.

She watched helplessly as the vampire king moved away from her, aware that it's not just distance that he's putting in between them. And as the frantic beating of her heart and the tears filling her eyes threaten to overwhelm her and make her the biggest fool of the night, she slowly turned and ran in the opposite direction from her beloved, bypassing Kain and willing her feet to carry her as far as possible before her heart breaks completely.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

A sniffle came from a down-hearted young aristocrat as he traverse though the cluster of trees, now and then looking down at his right hand which was a source of happiness earlier. Damn Kat. As if he didn't know how important a relic his hand was. After eleven months, eight days, and fifty-seven minutes of conscious pining for the younger silverette, he finally got to touch him!

He was grumbling about the inconsiderate jerk that was his cousin and now nothing more than a dream vanquisher when he caught the scent of the one who unfailingly inspires such a dreamy state in him, like his very own cocaine. After months and months of craving for that sweet vanilla scent, hunting for it anywhere he went in the academy, Hanabusa is convinced that he'll know it even after death.

Ichiru.

He moved with practiced stealth toward the heavenly aroma, careful of the treacherous fallen twigs and scattered bushes that might betray his presence and soon found what he was looking for. He smiled brilliantly when he found his darling silver hunter on his way to the Sun Dorms, apparently, to retire for the night. Ah! Really, that damn Kat! He missed a night of observing his silverette while he patrolled all over the academy! He is so going to get him later. He'll see what'll happen to him when he gets in between of his epic love!

Blue eyes hungrily observed every movement of the perfect being that he still can't believe will be his in the future. He pined, moaned, and longed for the younger silver prefect with an intensity that annoyed his tall cousin to death. He also beseeched, implored and begged every known deity to grant his grandest wish of having the perfect angel for his own. Now that he's been told that he can and will have him, he can barely stop himself from closing the distance between them. The cowardly waiting is over. From now on, he'll eagerly move forward to capture that which is rightfully his own.

When he first saw the younger hunter, aside from barely acknowledging the beauty he has, he thought he was weak and insignificant and as the brother of that irritating Zero Kiryuu, he can't help but resent him by association.

Oh, how stupid his genius self was.

Just how strong and determined this humble and graceful creature is, he found out by accident and was helplessly caught since.

He was out walking alongside the academy walls when he happened upon the side of the academy clinic. He wasn't surprised when he saw the younger silverette inside. He sometimes would spend the night there when he gets attacked by another sickness brought on by his fragile body.

Hanabusa never liked the frail and the weak. They have such dismal atmosphere. They always rely on others, waiting to be saved. For him who always uses his own means to gain what he wants, he doesn't have any respect for those who depend on others to survive.

He looked on inside with an air of indifference as a rising panic ensued as the elderly school doctor hand over various medicines to the pale hunter. It seems that he keeps throwing up and can't keep down anything that he puts in his stomach.

It might be the first time he was able to observe the younger Kiryuu and at such a short distance, too. He looked paler than usual as far as Hanabusa can see but when the prefect lifted his head and the blond noble caught a glimpse of his face, and heard the conviction in the whisper of his voice, though it was tired and rough, as it rang clearly as from any brave warrior in the battlefield; "I won't lose." Hanabusa was struck.

There was white fire in his eyes, a spark that darkened the depths of those magnificent lilac orbs, a conviction that rivaled his brother's, without a shadow of a doubt, practically wrestling with death himself then and there and winning.

To that steadfast light, he found himself drawn; like a moth to a glorious flame, captivated by the unwavering desire, the burning determination to live in that person's lavender eyes. It was so beautiful it hurt. There was so much strength in him that he was left stunned.

And every other observation from there on just further revealed to him how the silverette vehemently fights his own weakness.

He'd been blind. Was such a perfect being in front of him all the time? He must be an idiot.

And just when that admiration turned to become an all consuming desire to be the reason for that light, he can't remember.

He wants it directed at him. He wants to be the cause for it. He wants to be the one to kindle that spark. To care for it until he himself is consumed by their flames. He wants to have it, such a beautiful fire.

And before he knew it, the dazzling silverette became everything. He's everywhere. The center of his world.

It'll be the greatest gift if he's the only one to know his heart. To have this lovely person his.

"Ah! Here you are daddy!"

The cheerful childish voice cut through his remunerations and Hanabusa felt a sudden weight on his back as his future sons landed on top him from where he's lounging at a tree branch near the Sun Dorms.

"Oh, brilliant sons of mine and Ichiru," the blond heartily greeted without breaking his glance from the tall building that currently houses his beloved, "shouldn't you two be sleeping? I thought you mentioned you were tired."

A playfully derisive snort sounded from his eldest as though little Ichi didn't think sleep holds much credit, "After having my handwritten wedding invitations confiscated, my attempt to book your honeymoon in the Shilin Stone Forest was sadly thwarted, as was my shot at getting that tour through the catacombs. I daresay I have earned my right to sulk. And is the idea of having red beans and kiwi jelly wedding cake that unacceptable?" the little rouge whined to his daddy grievously, followed by a lively sound from Itsuki, "Only my loyal brother supports this handsome genius who he knows is never wrong!"

With half of his concentration still on the silver prefect, Hanabusa only managed to comprehend half of what his little rascal said and gave a quiet chuckle in response, "You would normally visit Paris for the Eiffel Tower and the Versailles, especially for a honeymoon, not the catacombs. But I'm thinking of bringing Ichiru to the Lion City in China."

"Too wet, daddy." Exclaimed Ichi, "How about that Relampago del Catatumbo place? It looks exciting."

"Nah, with Ichiru's luck, we'll get electrocuted." disagreed the aristocrat, "Maybe, we could see the Glowworm Caves."

"But otouchan doesn't like worms or the dark." reminded Ichi, "The ultimate suggestion of this genius me would be an out of this world tour of NASA but I think we could also settle for a trip to Bagan."

"You're one to talk, you wanted the catacombs!" frowned Hanabusa. "And the Bagan is not very romantic."

"None of those are very romantic places." interjected Kain who was standing at a distance since earlier. It seemed that father and son were having too much fun thinking of places to go with their beloved silverette that they forgot the main objective. That or they just really have a very weird sense of what a "romantic" setup is made of which, if he's going to be honest instead of kind, isn't really impossible with them. And when the tall noble heard of the "Chernobyl" and the "Bermuda Triangle" among other warmly proposed places for the future 'honeymoon' that is turning more and more horrific by the minute, he resolved to remind the two to set a place that is not freezing, haunted, underground or dangerous for the poor silverette. But maybe later, definitely not tonight, as he's already got more than enough trouble (all by mere association with troublesome cousins) to last him for a whole week. And he's really got no strength left to argue with a pair of absurd geniuses who could probably annoy the gods to oblivion just by trying to get their opinion recognized.

Yeah, for an occasion that's likely to happen half a decade from now, he figures that he can take it easy with them. And, indeed, he decided to let his cousin and nephews merrily plan ahead when he saw the joy he's cousin is in at this impossible turn of events even as he flinched when he caught the Island of Dolls and the Bran Castle added to the continuing list of places to visit for the now haunting pilgrimage.

Perhaps, just perhaps, he should start preparing decent brochures to discreetly leave for his cousin's perusal for Ichiru-kun's sake.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"A shitty course for a shitty class on a shitty night, it's just fucking perfect."

The new mathematics teacher of Cross Academy lazily drawled as he puffed out smoke in the night air while he made his way to his first ever class, already hating every minute that he has to stand in front of disgusting leeches with a book instead of a gun.

He even had to waste effort to get himself a teaching license and all he gets for his trouble is a job to babysit mindless bloodsuckers. The hell is up with this world? The gruff hunter continued to internally grumble as he put out his cigarette on the stone post that he passed by. Perhaps, he can use this chance to irritate that abominable pureblood into attacking him so he can have the excuse to blow his brains out. He smirked as one hand came up to ruffle his ash brown hair.

He's about to turn a corner of a building when he heard frantic footsteps closing in on his position. He braced himself as he put one hand inside his coat to reach for the knife he keeps since he was expressly forbidden by his master and the Chairman to bring his gun with him to class. Brown eyes narrowed dangerously as he waited. He can identify a vampiric aura so he's sure that the one coming near is a bloodsucker. Well, he'll welcome any lethal greeting the leeches might want to throw at him but they should know that it won't fucking end well for them.

When his supposed bloody treat that came from around the corner revealed to be a dark blonde noble whose face he can't even see as she had both her hands covering her face and just headlong collided against him, he had to rethink whether or not he's really being attacked. This is either a mistake, a ploy or they're really fucking convinced that they can head butt him to death.

The noble who successfully managed to make him land on his ass is now sitting in front of him, between his long legs, on top of his long coat and didn't even seem to notice toppling over. She continued to cover her face while visibly trembling from whatever's ailing her.

He gritted his teeth. He doesn't have time for this. "Oy, miss." he started roughly, brows meeting together for a scowl.

He begun to reach out to the intruder and shake her shoulders to get her attention or just plainly shove her away from him when a sniff escaped from her followed by full stream of tears and wretched sobbing. His hand automatically withdrew as he saw the young female replace one of her hands on top her chest and clenched the fabric of her white uniform as though in pain. Her other hand lowered to her lips to try to muffle the fierce cry that continuously rattles her body.

Brown eyes quietly observed as dark lashes, wet from tears, fluttered to half reveal eyes the color of pale roses, currently trained on the ground. Even though the hunter can only see part of the other's face, it's evident from the crumpled brows and the healthy flow of tears that this woman's really in the middle of a bitter grievance.

One Ruka Souen barely managed to get away before her own heartbreak drowned her. Kaname-sama has always tolerated her especially. She thought he treated her especially among the inner circle he keeps. Many women envied her closeness with their King. But now…

She pressed her hand against her lips tighter as she willed herself to stop weeping. Someone like her shouldn't be reduced to this. Perhaps, there's still a chance for her to take back even just a small amount of affection from her beloved king. Even just a little would do. Whatever small amount would be better than nothing. Oh, what had she done? She firmly shut both of her eyes again in deep remorse, fresh tears slipped away from her.

Meanwhile, the vampire hunter found himself counting to a hundred before he decides to grate the unknowing female who's still practically sitting on top of him only to find himself counting all over again when he sees that her snivelling's far from over. Rolling his eyes to the heavens in exasperation but strangely keeping quiet while setting his chin on his palm with his elbow resting on one raised kneecap, one eye open to regard the Night Class student.

At length, she finally seemed to notice him and her current surroundings. He arranged his expression to be one of arrogance and hostility as the young noble appeared taken aback at finding herself on the ground and with someone. When she registered just who or what he is (based on his scent perhaps), red-rimmed eyes narrowed in sudden enmity. Here goes.

"Finished?" he mocked with a great dose of boredom.

Pale skin flushed deeply at this but Ruka desisted answering and just continued to glare at the rude hunter. So this is the new teacher.

Kaito then saw one of the female noble's hand fly to her skirt and blazer in search of something (most likely a hanky) while the other continued to press heavily against the female vampire's lips, now trying to halt the light gasps for air which crying a river left her with which still shakes her whole frame, and ultimately coming up empty. The brunette sighed (more like, growl), went over several scathing remarks in his mind that he could hurl at the now slightly puffy-eyed creature who he wants to annoy out of general principle (all the while telling himself that he can be such an asshole and that yeah, he's aware, fuck off) and finally, fishing from his pocket a square of cloth that may or may not have been a handkerchief in its previous life. After deciding that it's clean enough while simultaneously telling himself that he doesn't care if it's not, dangled the cotton piece in front of the young vampire.

Rose-quartz registered confusion mingled with surprise first and then suspicion when the article met her glistening orbs before she glowered at the hunter in front of her.

"You can take it or I can gag you with it, missy." He grunted at her when it seems that the little ingrate won't bother to accept despite his efforts, "And don't bother to pretend you don't need it when you have snot all over you."

Her color deepened and her scowl intensified. "I do not." she protested hoarsely but all the same, snatched the article from the hunter's fingers and continued to clean her face.

He snorted derisively in reply, "Now, get off my coat."

She did so without another word. When she saw him pick up the books he threw aside when he thought he's going to be attacked (and how did that went for you, eh?), he noticed that the young lady became rather disturbed as she cast a glance on the textbooks and then at her wristwatch.

Ah, must be part of my class then.

"I'll excuse you from class so just go." He remarked nonchalantly as he took a step towards the building where his class is.

He saw her eyes widen a fraction before looking down, "But…" he heard her utter in a low voice.

"I said just go, missy. Don't make me fucking repeat myself if you don't want to regret it." Kaito interjected roughly and with finality as he completely turned his back on the honey-haired young woman whose downcast eyes still reflect a few unshed teardrops.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

It took Zero exactly five minutes of muteness before he registered the brutal dismissal of the vampire king toward the group of Night Class students who decided to be idiots and gang up on him and subsequently had his ass hauled from the crime scene by the same auburn-eyed vampire. It might be weird as hell coming from him but he has never seen Kuran Kaname that murderous, especially when it's not directed at him.

But he fucking doesn't need this. He doesn't need to be saved from a bunch of bloodthirsty leeches; he can have all their asses handed to them just fine. He doesn't need to be whisked away like a third rate heroine from a sappy soap opera; he'd rather be back at that part of the academy where he can shoot those bastards in the face. And he certainly doesn't fucking need to be alone with Kuran Kaname; not that he's scared, dammit, but he's got enough to worry about without having to mind his heart going off a mile a minute in the presence of this despicable asshole.

The steel grip of the pureblood should be nothing to his vampire nature but he can't help but wince a little as the firm grasp of the damn pureblood on his wrist became even tighter as they reached the heart of the academy woods. For the nth time, he tried to shake the vampire's hold on him but was again unsuccessful. He made another follow up in the form of a shout and hope that it wouldn't be unheard again by the king of bastards, "Let me the fuck go, asshole!"

It seems that he managed to get the brunette's attention this time as the Moon Dorm leader abruptly halted in his steps and swiftly turned to him.

"Forgive me, Zero. Did they hurt you?" russet eyes caressed every part of him as though to ensure that he was unharmed even before he can answer.

"No. But let my damn hand go or I'll really shoot you." The silverette snapped as he made another tug to free his captured hand.

The pureblood looked down at the pale wrist that is being held prisoner by his unyielding fingers. He slowly and reluctantly released Zero and the hunter lost no time in snatching it back completely and inconspicuously shaking it to regain its feeling.

"I don't need you to worry about me. Your stupid parade of leeches probably just got bored watching you being a moron." The silver prefect at length said, "So you'd better drop the act before I have to shoot their brains out." Of course, he'll be glad to do that anyway with very little provocation.

The pureblood looked at him awhile before earnestly addressing his future mate in a subdued voice, "Is that what you really think?" unwavering sienna orbs found stubborn lilac ones, "Nothing can ever move forward if you just continue to believe that I'm being led by the future shown to me and is merely following the flow instead of my own desire."

The pale hunter momentarily froze at this, wanting to free himself from the binding those wine-red eyes have over him.

"Isn't that what this really is." managed to snap the younger man. Somehow, he's being filled with anxiety, "What makes you accept all this?"

Instead of answering him, the brunette also questioned him, "Why are you running from all this?"

At this, silver threads swayed as Zero fiercely turned his face away, "I'm not." He gritted.

"You are." Pressed Kaname as he took one step towards the hunter and the prefect simultaneously took one step backwards, "You convinced yourself that that's only what this is. Look at me carefully first before you decide to tell me what I'm feeling for myself."

Zero grinded his teeth as he was unable to form a retort at the damn vampire's words.

Kaname's voice reverberated throughout the woods, quiet as they are, and the hushed tones caressed the hunter like the most intimate of lovers, "Unless you accept the fact that I do love you and finally really look to see what you feel for me, we'll only go in circles."

Taken aback and blushing from the bold articulation of sentiments, the silverette harshly faced the pureblood again and barked at the embarrassing creature, "I know what I feel for bastards like you."

At this, the king gave him a silent, indulgent albeit sad smile. "Do you reject me, Zero?" the brunette whispered dangerously low, suddenly flitting close and capturing the silverrette's hand.

Fuck. "What the—" the breath blowing against his neck caused his heart to convulse even more.

"If you truly wish to reject me," Kaname said in a voice more potent than any poison, "then push me away."

Zero wanted to do just that. He'll show this bastard. He'll turn him away and tell him how he fucking hates his guts and more.

He's persuaded he's got overflowing conviction to have it done. But he stayed frozen as the dastardly vampire imprisoned his fist between his own hand and chest, right above the erratic beating of the king's heart.

He was assailed by a thousand separate sensations that only agreed to one thing…

No. It's supposed to be as easy as hell. He would shove the beast away from him and walk away from there. This is a fucking ridiculous situation. As a hunter, there really should only be one answer in front of him.

But why in nine circles of hell can't he fucking stop his heart from beating like crazy?

He unclenched his trapped hand and put his palm on the surface of that white uniform but instead of shoving the ass away from him, he found himself gripping the clothes underneath his fingers.

"Fuck you! Why me?!" he almost yelled as he bowed his head. Silver tresses blocking his view.

Kaname hummed a little in understanding at his mate's slight outburst, eyes close while gently rubbing the silver head against his cheek once, "While I also ran in circles and near insanity asking myself that ever since that day I offered my blood to you, I could only come up with a rather simple answer."

He opened wine-red eyes to take in the form of his hunter's confused appearance, "For the world you made me see. For the things you made me feel. For the way the sky looks a lot kinder when you're in my embrace. For the realization that my heart never beats quite the same without you. I could only love you and love only you. " He smiled slightly in quiet amusement, "Because, of all the things that easily passed by my eyes, your image alone seems to be permanently etched within me, refusing to go away, filling me with a numb desire to possess – everything."

Even as he heard the prefect's breath catch in his throat, he can't bring himself to give the hunter any reprieve. Not from something they should be both facing. Now, the cards are in his hand, the ball in his court.

"So will you push me away, Zero?" he murmured against his ear.

The silverette clenched his jaw and remained absolutely silent, or more to the point, he can't freaking utter a damn word. He can't fucking get his feelings in order.

He lost almost everything once already and now kept everything at a safe distance while watching everybody else become the fools. Affection. Love. Peace. Except for the remaining family he has left, there is no place for those in him. A time when he will be vulnerable again because of treasures that protected his heart and made it so damn fragile at the same time will never come again.

Or so he thought.

He might have been waiting and waiting to be brought back to life but now that the chance presented itself to him, he's afraid of the possibility of losing it again and he was afraid to reach out to it. Afraid that it's not his to keep. Afraid that it'll be taken back anyway.

He's afraid because he's sure he'll be the one unable to survive it.

And as the night grew older and colder, the only consistent things that he can recognize are the crazy beating of his heart, the unfaltering gaze he knows one pureblood has on him and the searing heat of the vampire's hand.

A hand that is still on his.

And even as he sees those lustrous lips quietly and serenely form a small, gentle smile, he can't bring himself to make that one move that'll teach this bastard what disappointment is.

"Thank you, Zero." That infernal low tone again grazed his ear as the king raised his captured hand to brush it against soft lips.

'I haven't agreed to anything, yet.' is what he wants to say in retaliation, but the words won't fucking form as his lips resolutely refused to cooperate and continued to press into a thin line. He could only grit his teeth.

Why is it that this one bastard managed to come across his boundaries and everything that he kept away…

Not even when the damn vampire pressed a finger to his chin and have him lift his head to place a kiss on his temple and at the corner of his lips could he manage any gesture of rejection as he stood silent like a statue.

"I'll see you by morning." Kaname's parting statement as he laid his forehead on top of his was muted and kind.

"Goodnight, Zero."

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

And yes! It's the Kaito-Ruka pair, the mystery pair I was pertaining to! (〃∀〃)ゞ (I wonder if anyone's surprised?)

I understand if there's some of you (or all) who wants to hunt me down now (Σ(゜ロ゜;))), but please let me use this. When my twin sister nonchalantly mentioned such a pairing in passing when we were talking about a particular fanfiction (a favorite), the idea became so well fixed in my mind that I decided to use it. (〃ノ∇ノ) I think they're the perfect opposites; he's masculine, she's feminine, he's vulgar, she's elegant, he hates vampires, she hates hunters and all that! ｍ(｡≧Д≦｡)ｍ

As I said, the idea was unintentionally given to me by my twin, so if you hate it, please give her half the blame and if you like it, kindly give me half the credit. （*´▽｀*） Mind you, you'll have to ask my twin to unearth me for I'm thinking of hibernating due to my unproductive state. (・・。)ゞ

I'm going on a soulful journey to Prontera, then Rivendell, then Domina, then afterwards to Ingary and maybe to Besaid so please just send your Howlers by owl as they'll know how to find me. ∩˙▿˙∩ (yes, yes, sanity in question XD)

I can't believe I only just read Ogeretsu Tanaka-sensei's works! (シ_ _)シ I feel like such an idiot. I almost missed half my life!

Happy Holidays (soon anyway)! See you next time! (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄