Author's Note: Hey guys! I wanted to include more things in this chapter, but it was getting pretty long... so I decided to break it up :) I was rushing this a little, so forgive me for any mistakes you find :) Lastly, I hope you enjoy Chapter 12! And please review :) Oh and please note that I've made a little adjustment to Chap 8, regarding the spell reversal for the TSS. Do check it out :)
Disclaimer: Credits to Matsuri Hino, Blackened Wing and TammyTBoneTTB!
PAST
Will it be today?
Zero had been awoken by the sun shining in through the window, its rays uncomfortably hot and bright. Lilac eyes had snapped open, before narrowing in confusion as he processed his unexpected, yet strangely familiar, surroundings. It had taken a few seconds for his sleep-hazed brain to register that this was his dorm room at the Academy. As if floodgates had been thrown open, the memories of his decision had flooded in, pain once again stabbing at his heart at what he had left behind.
Once he was able to get his roiling emotions under control, that question had popped up in his mind. Was today the day when Ichiru would attempt to kill him? When the ball would start rolling, kicking into motion the series of events that would follow successively?
He could only hope. Because the longer he dwelled here, not doing anything that would alter the future, the more his resolve to stick to his decision was wavering. It was getting increasingly difficult for him to accept not ever being able to stay by Kaname's side as his lover.
If his memory served him well, the night before it had all begun, Yuuki had shared with him her fears about her past on the rooftop, before she had left to meet with Kaname. His attempt to hold her back, and then his cowardly words after that, even now, they still made Zero cringe. He had been so afraid to lose her then, yet he had not had the courage to ask her not to go.
That had also been the day he had first spoken to his brother after his admittance into the Academy. If that was so, was Zero supposed to call him out? To trigger Yuuki's sad, reflective speech to him later in the night, the one that gave her courage to learn about her past?
Or was it not yet time for that? In this timeline, had Yuuki begun acting weirdly regarding her past? From the carefree way she had been behaving around Zero, it would seem like nothing was wrong. But it was hard to tell, what with Yuuki always fighting to maintain a cheerful front.
What was he supposed to do? Should he even do anything? Since his mission here was to alter the future, maybe by not following in the footsteps of what he had done before, it would be more effective? Maybe just having changed the course of the previous two nights was enough to alter the future.
Was it? Or was it not?
Zero groaned, hanging his hand in his hands. He had no idea what to do.
Well for starters, he guessed he should probably get dressed. It was almost time for classes to begin. If he didn't show up, Yuuki would probably nag endlessly at him again. He smiled fondly at the thought as he groggily got out of bed and squeezed himself back into his uniform. Just when he was contemplating jumping out through the window (it was so much more convenient, though anyone who saw him fall two stories unscathed would most definitely freak out) instead of leaving through the door (like a normal person), a knock sounded on his door.
'Kiryuu?'
He had already sensed the vampire presence approaching , so he could not say he was surprised to hear the deep, familiar voice outside his door. He did wonder what was so important that he would sacrifice precious sleep just to pay him a visit, though. Snatches of his earlier nightmare came rushing back to him, and he had to struggle to chase them away.
'Come in, Kuran,' he called, settling himself with his hip against his desk, arms folded loosely.
A crease appeared between Kaname's brows as he entered the room only to be met with the sight of Kiryuu leaning against his desk, in a position he was all too aware he often held in his own room. Was it just a coincidence? Had to be, righ-
A corner of the hunter's lips quirked upwards as Kiryuu regarded him silently, thinly-veiled amusement glinting in his amethyst eyes.
Kaname's eyebrow twitched in irritation. Coincidence, indeed!
Swallowing down a dry remark, Kaname folded his arms – deliberately ignoring the rising corners of the ex-human's lips at that instinctive action – and got right down to business. He didn't want to be here any longer than necessary, after all.
'Kiryuu, I came here to find out more about what will soon happen. You said that Ichiru would attack you, at the behest of my uncle and Ichijo Asato.'
When Zero nodded mutely, the pureblood pressed on, enquiring about when and how that would happen.
The hunter briefly considered refusing to answer, but figured it wasn't worth the trouble. 'He sent me a note before my classes ended, urgently asking me to meet him behind the dorm because he needs help. Then two unknown vampires appeared and held me down while he-'
Here Zero paused abruptly, swallowing thickly as the unwanted memories flitted across his mind. Three agonising stabs in the chest, throat and wrists sliced mercilessly. Even now, he could still clearly remember every plunge and wave of the blade in Ichiru's hand, the cruel smile that had twisted across his twin's face as he stabbed him repeatedly, relishing at the sight of him in agony.
Kaname watched as a shadow fell upon the hunter's eyes, his jaw muscles tightening and hands clenching unconsciously. He didn't know what Kiryuu Ichiru had done to him, but Kiryuu's earlier words rang out clearly through his head.
'..by leaving me close to death..'
It must have been brutal and vicious, as was to be expected from a man who thought his most beloved person murdered by him. A faint pang of guilt flashed through him, but he quickly brushed it away. Why should he feel guilty? Kiryuu had always only ever been a pawn in his chess game, just a knight to protect his queen. He was meant to be used; that was the only reason Kaname had allowed him to live as long as he had, despite his continued impudence and disrespect.
'Kiryuu?'
The stark anguish and torment in those lilac eyes when the hunter gazed dazedly up at him had him freezing in shock, wine orbs widening slightly. Kaname faltered, lips parting slightly as if to offer some comfort...
But then the silver-haired male blinked, and the intense emotions that had been lurking within those eyes disappeared without a trace, leaving only a cool mask on his face. Kaname pressed his lips together in a tight, thin line, chastising himself for once again feeling sympathy for the hunter. He needed to stop this madness.
Oblivious to the pureblood's inner conflict, Zero ran a tongue swiftly across his dry lips, taking a deep breath as he continued his recount. 'After that, Yuuki found me... like that. Lying on the grass, bleeding out, on the brink of death. And then she begged you to save me. And... you did.'
Two simple words. He had only needed two words to sum up what Kaname had done for him then. But it had been so much more than that. He could still recall every minute of that harrowing experience. How he had been in such terrible pain, unable to even speak or flinch away. How the pureblood had carefully tended to his wounds with his mouth, before proffering his almost-virgin neck, basically entrusting his life into Zero's hands, despite the very real possibility of the starving, dying ex-human completely draining him. How Zero very nearly had, only managing to stop himself in time. How he had returned to his senses only to see how cruelly he had mauled the other's neck, and how weak and close to death he had been.
Even now, Zero's heart swelled up in love and adoration at how far Kaname had been willing to go. Of course, at that time, he had done it simply for Yuuki's sake, but still... Kaname had risked his precious, pureblood life for his, a mere ex-human that he hadn't even liked.
Choosing to disregard the slight tenderness that had crept into the hunter's tone at those last words, Kaname clarified, 'and that's when my uncle and Ichijo struck?
Zero nodded grimly as he replied, 'yes. They sent six vampire assassins.' Seeing Kaname's incredulous glance, he continued softly, 'both of us were far too weak to do much, though we did manage to get one. But he killed himself.'
The pureblood nodded faintly. He had not imagined he would ever be so careless as to allow himself be drained so thoroughly by a dying D', but apparently, that was what had happened. Yet another foolish mistake he planned to rectify.
'When will it happen?'
Now that stumped Zero. He had no idea. Not unless he managed to get some information first... Once against moistening his dry lips, he glanced up at the pureblood.
'Has Yuuki asked... to know about her past?'
Kaname blinked in surprise. He had not expected that question. However, sensing the hunter's discomfort, he guessed there was probably a legit reason for it. So he chose to answer truthfully.
'Yes... but I didn't tell her anything.'
Zero's head shot up at his answer.
'Shouldn't be long then,' he muttered, more to himself than to the pureblood.
'Come again?'
Wary, hesitant lilac eyes gazed at him.
'In the early hours of the day that Ichiru attacked, Yuuki went to you, asking to know her past. You promised you would... as long as she agreed to become your lover.'
Kaname's eyes widened imperceptibly. All these years, he had been trying to conceal her past for as long as possible, terrified that she would detest him for having been the cause of her parents' death. It was stupid, of course, he knew Yuuki's feelings for him were not that shallow, but... he couldn't imagine how such a sweet, innocent girl like her would ever be able to accept that the boy she had always thought of as her protector and guardian, was pretty much a murderer.
That first time Yuuki had asked, he had frozen in shock, irrational fear gripping him as those sincere eyes bore into his, imploring and beseeching. He had managed to brush her off, but it would appear it hadn't worked.
As for asking her to be his lover in return... The thought had crossed his mind, he could not deny that. To have some sort of guarantee that she would not leave or despise him, even after learning the full, horrible truth behind her parents' deaths. It had been a pathetic thought, one that he had rejected almost instantly. How could he be so selfish? If he really loved and cherished her, he should let her decide for herself what she wanted to do after she found out the truth. That's what he had told himself, anyway.
And yet... It seemed like he had stuck to that idea after all. And... she had agreed?
The relief that surged up within him was almost palpable, twisting his lips up into a faint smile of wonderment. Yuuki had wanted to be his lover. She had agreed!
However, despite the overwhelming joy that rushed over him, there was something inside him, a small little thought buried right at the back of his mind, that was insisting on dampening his elation. He glanced up briefly, trying to shake that thought away.
That was a mistake.
The expression on Kiryuu's face was sombre and contemplative, as if he were reliving the memories of that time. A sudden question bubbled up within Kaname. Had he been present to witness that exchange?
How must it have felt to see the woman you loved agreeing to become someone else's lover? And how must it have felt to later end up in a relationship with that 'someone else', knowing you were snatching away her chance at true happiness?
The pureblood regarded the brooding hunter silently for a few more seconds, before the realisation of what he was doing suddenly dawned on him.
Damn it, not again! baulked Kaname inwardly as he firmly averted his gaze.
Still, those questions about Kiryuu's feelings – god, why in the world was he even thinking abouthis emotions? – were not the cause of the faint niggling at the back of his mind. It was the annoying question echoing over and over again in his head that was.
Had he given her no choice but to agree?
Kaname loved her, he loved her so much, but maybe that love had made him desperate. Desperate for her reciprocation, for her to say those words that he yearned so much to spill forth from those soft, perfect lips.
Had his words been akin to an ultimatum for her?
A sudden spike of horror gripped him at the thought. He would never do that, would he? And Yuuki, she was no longer just an innocent little girl. She could make her own decisions. And she had. She had chosen him.
Yet... he could not resist glancing at the silent ex-human again. Would Kiryuu be wearing such an intense expression if he didn't think that? Misgivings welled up within him, dominating the jubilation that had previously been residing there.
Had he made her accept?
Zero glanced up for a half-second, still immersed in his memories, only to pause at the sight of Kaname's face tensed in apprehension. Self-doubt and misery was etched into the lines of his face, making him appear decadesolder than he really was. The hunter frowned in confusion. What had caused that hundred-and-eighty degrees change in the pureblood's mood? Just seconds ago, he had been practically beaming at the news of Yuuki's acceptance.
'Kuran, what is it?'
His sudden question caused the pureblood to jump. Still keeping his eyes firmly downcast, Kaname, in a small, quiet voice, asked, 'did I... did I force her to accept?'
Zero inhaled sharply. That was what he had been worrying about? That he had not given Yuuki a choice? Well... Zero could still remember accusing the pureblood of the very same thing years ago when it had happened for real. Thinking that Yuuki had been blind to Kaname's scheming ways, willing to follow along with whatever he said...
But he knew now, that the pureblood had truly not wished to threaten her. He had just been so afraid... Maybe it had come out that way, as if he were trying to manipulate her into a relationship with him, but Kaname had never wanted that. There was no doubt about it in Zero's mind.
The hunter fixed the pureblood with a level gaze, firmly replying with a, 'no, you did not.'
Kaname would never in a million years admit it, but the resolute refutal in both the hunter's tone and eyes did wonders to assuage his fears. Yuuki...Thank god.
Giving a terse nod of thanks, the pureblood paused for a second, before looking up again, a steely look in his eyes, as if he had come to some sort of a decision.
'When you do receive your brother's note, find a way to leave the building without being seen. Then immediately head to the Moon Dorm.'
Zero blinked at him in incomprehension. Why...?
'I'll accompany you to the meeting, but hide until the two vampires appear. Then I'll subdue all three of them and gather information about Rido and Ichijo.'
Ah, right. Of course. Of course that was what the pureblood had meant.
Zero shook his head imperceptibly. For a second he had almost thought that Kaname wanted to offer his protection, ridiculous as that sounded.
'Yeah, sure,' he agreed easily, turning away to occupy himself with arranging the stationery on his desk. Everything was already impeccably neat, of course. He was just trying to hide his discomfort.
But because he was so caught up in pretending to be busy, he missed the strange look that passed across the pureblood's features. One that was filled with just a little less distaste...
...and just a little more amiability.
PRESENT
It was pure agony.
Cold sweat prickled on his skin, a total contrast to the scorching flames raging within his body, hungrily licking and devouring his insides. He couldn't move, he couldn't speak, he couldn't breathe – it was like being trapped underwater, murky water viciously leaving a trail of its burning touch as it gushed past his throat into his constricting lungs. There was no escape, no respite from the torment. It was all around him, surrounding him... it became him. No longer a vampire. Just pain and suffering incarnate.
His body jerked violently as an uncontrollable shudder racked through his limp, sweaty body.
Just let me die already...!
His desperate plead echoed round and round his head as he remained on his back, muscles seizing up painfully, extended claws unwittingly carving long, deep gashes into the soft material beneath him.
No more... no more... Let it all stop...!
And then something warm pressed against his clammy cheek, the sudden sensation causing his body to jerk again. But this time, his flailing limbs were restrained, held back by more warm touches.
Then he smelled it.
Deliciously, mouth-watering goodness, the only thing that could quench the fire within him; sate the rampant beast within. And suddenly he was no longer lost in that pool of water. His senses, now refocused onto the divine smell, reawakened his body, freeing his lungs and clearing his head.
He sniffed the air deeply, angling his head to get closer.
But he needn't have bothered. For the delightful treat came to him, pressing against his dry lips. A tongue swiped out from between his lips to lick up the liquid coating them. A moan of pleasure escaped him as his taste buds sung in delight at the rich flavour, parched throat tingling and constricting.
More... need more...
The soft warmth at his mouth was still leaking the delectable liquid. His tongue raked across it, lapping up all he could get. But all too soon, the flow stopped, the surface clean and free. He growled in frustration, tongue still running across the silky-smooth flesh.
But then he felt it. A tiny pulsing below the skin, clamouring for his attention. What flowed inside those tiny vessels was the sweet nectar he so desired.
And it was his for the taking.
His hands twisted in the iron grip that encased them, trying to free themselves to grab onto his prey, as if to prevent it from escaping. But it was an effort in vain, despite his valiant efforts. Too impatient to wait any longer, he leaned forward, sinking his throbbing fangs into the flesh.
Oh, god...!
XXX
Kaname stared mutely down at the boy latched desperately onto his wrist, greedily gulping down his blood as if he were starving.
Though he supposed this Zero had indeed been starving for years, managing his bloodlust only with his admirable control and high pain threshold. This would be his first time consuming pureblood blood. He could only imagine how exotic and delectable it must taste to the ex-human, who had only ever had Yuuki's human blood.
After his call to Aidou the previous night, Kaname had spent the rest of the night glued to his computer, looking through the files he had been forwarded. It had been both physically and emotionally draining, having to view report after report of fatally-ill humans. Countless wan, sickly faces had stared back at him, their eyes disillusioned and filled with tired resignation.
It had reminded him so strongly of how pale and weak Yuuki had been in those last few weeks of her illness, dragging up the familiar anguish and remorse from his memories. With his heart further bruised and aching from Zero's cold, abrupt departure, Kaname had had to stop and compose himself a few times throughout the night, taking deep breaths and swallowing down the lump forming stubbornly in his throat.
Despite that, he had gone through every single one of the medical reports, a notable effort that, had he been around to see it, his Zero would have commended him for. Well, actually, considering what this was for...maybe not.
After placing a second call to Aidou, he had finally returned to his room quietly, sensing the younger Zero slumbering in his lover's room. He had had to force himself not to enter that room. Not because he was afraid of getting shot, of course, but because seeing his lover's doppelganger where his Zero should be would only torment him more. Such similar features they had, that Kaname could almost mistake him for his lover, but ultimately, he was just not Zero.
It was his own lover that the pureblood craved, not just a lookalike, or a different version. It was the one he woke up next to everyday; the one who preferred to personally make him breakfast instead of sending for food from the kitchen; the one who lovingly embraced and welcomed him home from work; the one who berated him for everything, from not picking up after himself, to neglecting his health because of work, to being an 'insatiable twit – his favourite phrase –; the one who flushed and squirmed delightfully under him when they made love; the one who made him do the same when the roles were reversed.
Just as the sun had been beginning to rise above the horizon, Kaname had slid into bed, trying to get some much needed rest. The last time he'd had slept well... was the three hours he had gotten before waking up to find past Zero keeled over on his kitchen floor. He was exhausted.
And he missed Zero terribly.
Despite his fatigue, Kaname had lain awake for about an hour, tossing and turning underneath the sheets. Had the bed always been that big? Or was it just because there was only one occupant in it now? Had the room always been that cold? Or was it just because there was no warm body curled up next to his?
With those depressing, contemplative thoughts swirling around his mind, he had finally drifted into a restless sleep...
...only to be awoken two hours later by past Zero's distressed whimpers and moans. Disregarding his lethargy, he had leapt out of bed, rushing to the opposite room with vampire speed.
Zero had been lying on the bed, body battered by wave after wave of tremors. His skin had been deadly pale, and with horror, Kaname had realised that he was not breathing. He had practically flown over to the side of the bed, eyes wide in panic. Was the hunter having some sort of attack? He had been about to attempt CPR, when suddenly Zero jerked wildly, claws abruptly extending to inflict irrevocable damage to the sheets and mattress.
The fact that his claws had been extended...
Kaname had made a wild guess then. To prevent the ex-human from hurting himself with his lethal claws, he had straddled the spasming boy, catching both his wrists in one hand and pinning them to the bed above Zero's head. Following that, he had used a fang to slit a long gash down his forearm, hoping that his gamble would pay off.
Thankfully, it did. The moment the scent of his blood was in the air, Zero had taken a deep, shuddering breath, body finally settling down peacefully beneath him. The feel of the hunter's tongue against his bare skin had elicited a range of emotions in him, from pleasure to anguish, from desire to aversion. He had had to remind himself that this wasn't Zero, this wasn't Zero, this wasn-
And then those fangs had pierced his skin, and he had almost moaned.
Mortification flooded him, heat rising in his cheeks as he realised how close he had been. If he had really let his voice out, he could never have forgiven himself. This wasn't Zero, no matter how his stupid, lewd body was thinking and responding. Deriving any form of pleasure from this was akin to cheating on Zero.
And that was completely unacceptable.
Kaname clenched his jaw tightly, resolutely ignoring the tingling of the sensitive skin that was being lathed with past Zero's kisses and licks as the ex-human slurped noisily from his wrist. He would not feel anything, he swore, closing his eyes and deliberately calling up memories of Zero. His eyes, his smiles, his warmth, his laughs – they all flooded through his mind, glad to finally be free of self-imposed mental gates.
But recalling his lover wasn't really the best idea, not when he was trying to suppress his body's desires.
The pureblood cursed under his breath. The tendrils of heat now spreading languidly within him had nothing to do with embarrassment. This needed to end, now. Besides, judging from his slight light-headedness, Zero had had more than enough of his blood.
In one swift motion, Kaname twisted his arm away from the ex-human's guzzling mouth, wincing slightly as the fangs buried within his flesh tore deep gashes through it. If Zero were here, he would rebuke the pureblood for not being more careful. But it didn't matter anyway, because almost immediately, the torn and bloody flesh began healing itself, skin returning to its normal smooth state in mere seconds.
As the hunter blinked rapidly, the red in his eyes slowly fading away to reveal confused amethyst orbs, Kaname released his wrists, climbing off of him and standing by the foot of the bed. Just in case the other vampire tried to attack him in his crazed state.
It soon became evident that Zero was back to his normal self, as he gingerly sat up, before eyeing the pureblood warily.
XXX
That had to have been a dream, right? No way Kuran Kaname, regal vampire pureblood, had allowed an ex-human to devour his blood so carelessly.
But there were tiny red spots on the pureblood's creased shirt, clearly from his desperate messy drinking.
Disgust welled up in him, thick and suffocating, as the implications of what he had just done hit him. He had bitten someone – though admittedly not a defenceless human – while in the midst of blood lust. As if biting Yuuki hadn't been bad enough, this time, he had bitten the man that she loved. What the hell was wrong with him!? How long was he going to continue this way, biting anything and everything that had the misfortune to cross his path while he lost himself? The next time he woke up from another attack, what would he find? Another vulnerable human lying limply at his feet, blood pooling out of his/her body? Or worse, would he have drained them so thoroughly that there was simply nothing left to flow?
'It's not your fault, you know. It's a natural vampire instinct. You can't fight it forever.'
Zero bristled at the concern accompanying those quiet words. He didn't need the bastard's pity, damn it!
'Shut up,' he snarled, slamming his fist down onto the bed to prove his point.
What he didn't expect was for his fist to penetrate right through the mattress, sinking all the way through till he felt the cool metal of the bed springs pressing against his forearm.
'What the hell!?'
He wrenched his arm out of the hole he had created, glaring accusingly at the mattress as if it had been its fault for being so weak.
A chuckle from the pureblood drew his attention immediately.
Kaname smiled softly as he regarded the hunter. 'Zero did the same thing after the first time he drank my blood. But it was through a wall, not a mattress. I must say, both of you do like to flaunt your increased strengths, don't you?'
Zero gritted his teeth. Not only was the pureblood smiling and laughing again, he had just made a joke. An honest-to-goodness joke. At his expense, no less! Annoyance built up within him, like a tsunami growing bigger and bigger as it advanced along toward its target. He opened his mouth, ready to let it all come crashing down...
...and then abrupt closed it again. No, he was sick of letting Kuran's words get to him. He wasn't going to allow himself to get carried along with the pureblood any longer.
Settling for hurling profanities at him in his head instead, Zero silently swung his legs off the bed, before getting swiftly to his feet.
Bad move. The second his weight was transferred off the bed to his own two feet, his head swum, vision wavering dangerously. The room appeared as if it were spinning endlessly around him, a bright carousel twirling around and around. Or was he the one spinning? He couldn't tell.
Zero took a few wobbly steps forward, tottering unsteadily on his feet. Only his pride and stubbornness kept him upright and not collapsing to the floor immediately. He would not allow the pureblood that satisfaction.
But then his feet scuffed against the carpet and he lost his precarious balance. Cursing inwardly, he immediately made to fling himself forward, so that he would end up safely on his hands and knees.
An arm suddenly snaked around his torso, pulling him backwards and throwing him even more off-kilter. His full weight ended up resting against the warm body that held firmly onto him, despite his frantic attempts to free himself.
'Damn it, Kuran, get off me!' spat the hunter, mind whirling in panic. He was so close to the pureblood; could feel his steady heartbeat against his back. The pureblood's scent, one he had been introduced to when he had sneaked into his room, wafted around him, overpowering his nostrils and forcing him to remember the taste of his delicious, immensely satisfying blood as it had flowed down his parched throat.
Kaname paid no heed to the boy's protests, or even the vicious clawing of his arm. Dragging the trembling hunter back to the bed, he threw him down onto it, using a little more force than was necessary.
'You're clearly in no state to be moving around. Just lie here quietly until you recover.'
What the hell!? He was not some little kid to be bossed around by him!
'You bastard, do you think I'll jus-oomph!'
Without batting an eyelid, Kaname placed a hand on his shoulder, forcing back him down onto the bed and keeping him there. Then he frowned. It wasn't taking him very much strength to pin the hunter down this way, though it was clear he was struggling with all his might. Even though this Zero's power was a far cry from his lover's, surely he had never been this weak?
'Kiryuu, do all your bloodlust attacks usually leave you this drained?'
Surprise bled into Zero's eyes, ceasing his feeble attempts at freedom for the moment. Now that he thought about it... his attacks had never been as intense as the one he had just experienced. Though they were all equally agonising, he never once felt like he had no control over his body, like he was frozen to the spot. And despite having had so much pureblood blood, he was obviously still shaking and trembling. How could it be...?
Kaname didn't need a reply. The confusion written all over the hunter's face was all the answer he needed. Was something else going on? Perhaps he was still suffering from the aftereffects of the Time Switcher Spell, he surmised.
'Get some rest, alright? I'll have some food brought up for you later.'
Though the hunter glared daggers at him, he didn't try to get up again when Kaname released his shoulder and left the room.
PRESENT
Despite his best efforts, Zero had not had any opportunity to speak to Ichiru. Though they shared the same classes, his brother seemed to vanish the second the bell rang. And with Yuuki constantly hovering around him, chattering cheerfully about mundane topics, he couldn't very well ignore her and chase after him, with no reason other than 'I think I need you to spy on me talking to him so that you can have an epiphany that you want to confront Kaname about your past'.
Maybe it just wasn't today, he thought dejectedly, hands combing lightly through soft, white strands.
White Lily snorted softly, nuzzling against his neck reassuringly, as if sensing his troubled state. Zero smiled gratefully at her, patting her muzzle with one hand, the other digging into his pocket for the apple he had snuck out from the cafeteria.
A sharp glint in the mare's eyes was the only warning, before she lunged for the apple, almost chomping off Zero's hand in the process.
'Tch, Lily, don't eat me too,' chided the hunter, the tenderness in his tone belying his reproaching words.
White Lily paused briefly in the midst of her excited munching to stare remorsefully into his eyes. When Zero shook his head in exasperation, scratching behind her ears fondly, she snorted happily as she leaned into his gentle touch, continuing to wolf down her treat.
Was it possible that Yuuki would still ask Kaname about her past tonight? Even if things were slightly different now? After all, his very appearance here had already altered the past, putting into sequence a whole new chain of events, such as Kaname visiting him in his room this morning. So then, would Yuuki finding out about her past change as well?
He sighed heavily before he burrowed his face in Lily's silky coat, inhaling the strong, familiar scent of his mare. He remembered how he had used to skip classes to hide out here, catching up on his sleep, or fighting to control his bloodlust. White Lily would always curl up protectively against him, silently proving him strength and comfort. When was the last time that had happened? When he and Kaname had decided to leave the Academy, he had considered bringing Lily along as well. But then, he had realised how she would react to constantly being around vampires, as well as being totally alone – not that any other horses dared to approach her, with that fiery temper – especially since he would constantly be off on missions. It had been incredibly difficult saying goodbye to his one constant source of comfort, but, after leaving behind a huge bag of carrots and giving the stable master firm instructions to 'keep both eyes on her', he had made himself walk away, forcing himself not to hear the indignant snorts and agitated stomping of her hooves as she watched him go.
Just being here again in her familiar comforting presence calmed him down immensely, the tension slowly rolling off his shoulders and escaping into the wind.
Zero slowly lowered himself until he was sitting on the hay, fingers still stroking her body. In a huff, as if berating him for leaving her standing all on her own, she settled down next to him, apple long gone. Zero relaxed against her body, curling up over her back and resting his head upon folded arms. As his upper body bobbed up and down with her steady breathing, he felt a pleasant wave of lethargy spread over him, eyelids slowly drooping over bleary amethyst eyes. As if sensing his imminent descent into sleep, White Lily kept as still as she could, quietly watching the boy she loved slowly drift off into a peaceful slumber.
PRESENT
'Reiya Chikako has been overseas for the past month, liaising and meeting up with various pharmaceutical companies.'
Kaname nodded at the information. He had figured as much, considering how badly the company was doing. She was trying to get as much support from other businesses in the industry as possible, forming contract deals and alliances.
Of course, she was resolutely staying away from all pureblood-owned businesses, which meant that her options were severely limited.
Kaname sighed. He really did not want to have to deal with this right now, not with the gaping hole still in his chest, and the utter silence at the other end of the bond, but he had no choice. He needed to handle this now, before... he may never be able to.
Seiren continued. 'I have dug through everything I can about the company and Chikako herself, but it all seems perfectly clean. Everything was done above the table and according to all laws and regulations.'
Kaname had feared that as well. He had always been well aware of the Reiyas' reputations, that they never resorted to any dirty tricks or underhanded means in their business. Ibuki had been a hard man, but he was a just and upright one. He would roll over and sit up in his grave if any of his descendants did anything that went against his moral principles.
But if Chikako had done the spell, it obviously meant that scheming plans had been crafted. Bitter anger swirled up within him. He had experienced first-hand the noble's spunk, but for her to have been so blood-thirsty as to formulate such a strategy... he had foolishly thought she had too much honour and dignity for that. If only he had not been so lenient, and had just eliminated her and her company right away, Zero would be with him right at this moment.
His fists clenched. How could he have made such an erroneous judgement? The pureblood had always prided himself on being able to accurately read people. It was a huge reason why he was such a shrewd and efficient businessman. For him to have failed now... It was just too cruel that the one time he had slipped up, it had led to his lover deciding to leave him for good.
Unless... it hadn't been Chikako.
As if somehow sensing his train of thought, Seiren stepped forward, placing a file on his desk. When Kaname flipped it open, hard, cruel eyes stared up at him from a photograph.
'While I couldn't find anything amiss about Chikako, her assistant, Genzo Eiji, has been reported by colleagues as behaving suspiciously for the past few weeks, disappearing for hours on end without a valid explanation.'
Kaname briefly glanced through the file, noting how he was closely involved in most of the company's projects and deals. He had apparently been with Reiya Pharmaceutical Holdings ever since Chikako's father had been running it, and had decided to stay on even after she took over. Wine orbs once again examined the vampire in the photograph. Was this the man who had screwed with his life?
'Do you have any evidence?'
Seiren shook her head. 'No, he is far too careful and guarded. However, he has a younger brother, Isamu, who is also working in the company. He is a careless, nervous man, and I believe I can crack him.'
The pureblood nodded, dark eyes glinting in the shadows of the room. 'Do it, but be careful. We need to bring concrete evidence to Chikako if we are to seek her cooperation in this.'
'Yes, Kaname-sama,' replied Seiren quietly, before she turned to leave.
'Seiren, wait.'
She paused, turning back to fix him with a questioning look. 'Is there anything else, Kaname-sama?'
The pureblood gazed at her silently for a few seconds, before he asked, 'are you aware of what I am about to do?'
She blinked. Of course she was; she knew everything about him. Why was he asking her such a question?
'Yes, Kaname-sama.'
'...Do you think it's a rash decision?'
If Seiren had not been a master at masking her own emotions, she would have gaped at him, jaw hanging open. As it was, her eyes widened in surprise as she realised that the pureblood was actually asking for her opinion. That had never happened before. For him to ask now, he must have been pretty stressed and worried about this matter.
But of course he could be. This was no simple decision.
'I think that it's what Kaname-sama truly wants to do, and that's all that matters.'
She was aware that she was not addressing the question, but this was what she believed, and what she knew he needed to hear. Without Zero around, he was clearly lost and miserable. As long as it would bring back the joy and softness in his eyes, she would be willing to do anything. The pureblood's safety and happiness were the only things that she cared for. Everything else was inconsequential.
Kaname eyed his praetorian silently. The gaze in her eyes was sincere and understanding. He knew, of course, that she never would have voiced her displeasure at any of his decisions, but knowing that he had her full support and acceptance of this particular one filled him with immense gratitude, even if he could not display it.
'I see. I trust you will continue to deal with this matter for me, as well as keep an eye on Zero?'
Seiren bowed immediately. 'Of course, Kaname-sama.'
'...Seiren?'
Halfway out the door, the female vampire once again turned back at her master's call.
'Thank you... for everything.'
A small smile flitted across her lips as she bowed again.
Be safe, Kaname-sama.
That's the end! :) Hope you guys enjoyed it :) I can't really remember whether Blackened Wing talks about Lily in her stories, so I'm just going to go with her being left in the Academy stables. Hopefully it fits :) This chapter was more on the interactions between the past and present Kaname and Zero :) Chapter 13 should be more interesting :)
Replies to my dear reviewers:
Sonzai Taz: Hello! Thank you so much for reading this story, and for your compliments :) Hmm.. regarding whether Zero would think Kaname would choose Yuuki over him... Honestly, I would have to answer that with a yes. Because, well, it was initially Kaname liking Yuuki, and vice versa. Zero only came into the picture because of the blood bond, and everything that happened just continued on from there. If Yuuki hadn't died, Kaname would still love them both equally much. It's only my opinion, of course, but I think that Zero would feel that insecurity, if Kaname had a choice between him and Yuuki. Because in SitD, the only reason it wasn't Yuuki helping Kaname through was because she wasn't around. If she had been... she might've ended up as the one helping him. But, again, that's just my opinion though :) Yeah, I was kinda thinking hard about whether present Zero is stronger, or past Kaname... I still can't decided hahahaha. But there's also a little something else that I might use to explain it later though :) Oh, thank you so much for all your nice words :):) Hehehe is she the villain? Guess we'll have to wait and see :) YAY I'm so glad you liked those funny moments. Writing humour's not one of my best suits, so even though I try, it may not really come through? I'm glad that you enjoyed them though :) Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback! I really like being able to have 'conversations' with my readers this way, finding out their thoughts, so thank you :) I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well :):)
shia naru: Heheh past Kaname is still all confused about how he's feeling towards present Zero. He doesn't know if he likes him or not haha. I made past Zero suffer abit in this chapter... I hope he forgives me hehehe T.T Thank you very much! I may not be able to update as frequently now though, but I shall definitely try my best. I hope you continue to support Switched and enjoy the story :) Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review :)
kanamexzero fan: I wanted to touch on what present Kaname was going to do in this chapter... but looks like it shall be in the next instead, I'm sorry :( Hahah I'm afraid Zero's a little stubborn though, bad Zero! Hahah but it seems like past Kaname is getting nicer to him; maybe it's not just about using him anymore? ;) Thank you so much for your review and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well :)
geekielove1: Oh WOW. Such unbelievably kind words! Sometimes I get disheartened because of the little response I get for this fic, but when you guys do review, it's to leave the most awesome reviews! THANK YOU SO MUCH for making an account to support me; it means A LOT! I can't even express my gratitude in words... just, THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES! Yes, I have that same conflict too! He's being so annoyingly stubborn about this, to the extent that he's hurting Kaname so badly, but then he's doing it because he wants to save someone he loves... so it's hard :( Thank you SO MUCH for your review and kind words! Hope you enjoyed this chap :)
BlackAbyss: Hello! I got both your reviews, but thank you so much for taking extra time to write the second one! :) Hahaha 'attention span of a squirrel' that's one I haven't heard before LOOOOL! I'm so glad it brightened up your day, because that's all I ever want my writing to do: bring joy :) Oh wow, literally hanging in a tree? That sounds really fun! Though I think that if I ever did it, I'd just go dizzy and faint or something HAHAHA. I think cats are really cool, so you're really cool too :):) Thank you so much for the compliment about writing it like a movie :) I've always hoped that the long descriptions don't irk anyone HAHAHA. I used to like that movie too, though it has been a last time since I watched it :) Oh, thank you :) Negative comments... I think they would make me fall into depression for about a day hahaha. But if it's constructive criticism on how to improve, I gladly welcome it :) Oh, that sounds like a depressing line :( Everything in this world is rule by people who have the money and power, isn't it :( Or am I interpreting it wrongly haha? Anyway, thank you so much for the reviews and support! Hope this chapter was enjoyable for you too :):)
