Chapter 13: An Eventful Outing
A/N: I know it's been a few months since I updated and I am really sorry for the wait. My attention was at my studies and after a month of grueling tests I am finally free!! Now what's left is to wait for the results to come out during March next year…Hmm…Wonder what results will I get…But that's beside the point, again, sorry for the late update and read on for more KanZe goodies~ !
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Summary: Kaname and Zero takes on the task of looking for the perfect catering for the anniversary and end up getting more acquainted with the other as well as attracting unknown attention…
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Disclaimer: Obviously not mine….But I am thinking of persuading Matsuri Hino to give me Zero since the Yuki in the manga obviously doesn't deserve him. And I'm hoping Kaname will tag along to follow Zero as he is hopelessly infatuated with the silver haired hunter…O_O
~Start Chapter~
Picking up Bloody Rose, Zero took a moment to check his gun over before sliding it into the custom made leather holster strapped on the belt he had put on. Rubbing his slightly damp hair with the towel draped across his neck, Zero made his way over to his bed and picked up the shirt laid out on it. Yuki had enthusiastically assigned herself to the task of picking out his clothes when she had heard about his and Kaname's outing. She had also mumbled something about appearances being vital to this outing and Zero could not help but have a strange feeling that she seemed to be plotting something evil. Of course, he shrugged it off as nothing significant. Yuki would never do anything to harm him anyway.
Discarding the towel in the laundry basket, Zero pulled on the deep red shirt that Yuki had chosen. Tugging slightly at the edge of the shirt, Zero couldn't help but notice that it was slightly tighter than the normal shirts he wore. Giving his hair a last comb in front of the mirror, Zero picked up his wallet and phone before exiting his room.
Yuki and Kaien were waiting for him at the foot of the stairs. Raising his brows in bewilderment at their evident excitement, Zero was merely given a glomp from Yuki and a pat on the back by Kaien as their response. Deciding that there was something wrong with the both of them today, Zero slipped on his shoes and made his way towards the Moon Dorm where Kaname had requested a car to fetch them. Feeling oddly squeamish at the thought of seeing Kaname, Zero tugged at a strand of loose hair absent mindedly.
He supposed his slight anxiousness is perfectly understandable, seeing that the last few days had been very unsettling to him. Somehow, since Monday, he had managed to bump into Kaname at least thrice a day and seeing that they normally only saw each other during class changeovers, these encounters leave Zero wondering briefly if Kaname was stalking him. But the thought itself was so absurd that it was dismissed immediately without any further attention upon it.
But a good outcome from these 'meetings' were that they had managed to have more time together to finish planning up the whole Anniversary Party. The newly appointed committee members were also deft in helping sort out the things and in these few short days, they had completed most of the minor stuff and details on the event.
They had also set up their own decorating committee.
He and Kaname had originally planned to simply pull in the help of a party planning agency to help with the decorations, but during the first meeting with the committee members on Wednesday, Ruka (which is in charge of the venue along with Sayori) pointed out that it would be a waste of funding since they were perfectly capable of decorating it themselves. As the rest of the committee seemed to share the same sentiments, they had gone through with her suggestion and appointed her and Sayori in charge of the whole thing. If Kaname and Zero had any doubts, it was quickly dispelled, seeing that by the end of the day, Ruka and Sayori had already managed to come up with the planning and after receiving approval from both Zero and Kaname (the girls had found both of them together when he and Kaname had again conveniently bumped into each other in the school library), they had proceeded to buy all the things needed. After that was done, they gathered up a small group of students from both Day and Night classes, and started decorating during Thursday. When Zero and Kaname had popped in the hall during the evening to take a glance at how the whole thing was going (they met each other in the school's cafeteria when Zero walked in for his usual cup of evening tea, which was slightly weird in Zero's opinion, since the Moon Dorm has its own kitchen staff and dining room), and both were taken aback by how much progress had been done.
The normally dreary white walls of the hall were now all ensconced beautifully by curtains of luscious wine red curtains. Tendrils of gold and silver ribbons cascaded in arcs around the curtains or twirled from top of the ceiling made up a remarkable view of glittering grandeur. The normally clothed and unused chandelier in the middle of the ceiling had been cleaned and was lit up when Zero and Kaname walked in, casting a warm and lovely glow upon the whole setting. And there were veils of half translucent golden red silk tied in the shape of waves from the metal chains of the chandelier and spreading out to cover up the normally ugly white boards of the ceiling. It was an utterly magnificent view that even Kaname, who was used to grandeur, was shocked into stunned silence.
Of course, they both had given the whole committee their words of appreciation and after they left (Kaname had suggested a brief walk through the school grounds since night hasn't approached), Kaname had graciously phoned up a French restaurant in the area and ordered take out for all of the 18 people decorating the hall. Unknown to Zero, Kaname had also asked for a set of meal to be brought to them into the school gardens where Kaname had conveniently led Zero to during their walk. They had then enjoyed conversation and dinner together on the stone tables and benches that was available in the area. Of course, Kaname had been late to classes that night and Zero had to endure questions by Yuki and Kaien ranging from 'Why did you miss class changeover?' to 'Where did you eat dinner and with who?' It was all totally chaotic as Zero found ways to maneuver over questions he would rather not answer while he mumbled his replies to other more mundane and less sensitive questions.
Smiling softly, Zero realized that despite all the trouble and the oddness of the situation, he did not hate the times he spent with Kaname. In fact, they were surprisingly pleasant and he found himself inexplicably in tune and adjustable with Kaname. It's as if the animosity and awkwardness that once existed between them had never been there in the first place.
And there was the flutteringly warm feeling that had started to spread in him whenever he was with Kaname. Although it wasn't unpleasant, it was still unsettling. Zero could neither make head or tail of it and was now more than content of labeling it as the feelings of having a good friend which he never had before, a result from his previous harsh life and bitter attitude.
Glancing at his watch, Zero quickened his pace. He did not want to be late. At the sight of the Moon Dorm buildings rising over the trees lining the pathway, Zero slowed down his pace and took the chance to catch his breath. Taking another look at the time, he was glad that he had made it early. Turning the corner, he barely had time to raise his head before he ran into another person. Not really sparing a glance at the person, Zero merely nodded vaguely and muttered a soft apology before walking away.
Reaching the gates of the Moon Dorm, Zero was not at all surprised to see Kaname and the car already there waiting for him. The pureblood's tardiness was quite well known. Giving Zero a warm smile, Kaname couldn't help but took an appreciative glance over him.
"You look nice today." Kaname complimented.
"As do you." Zero murmured in response while looking intently at the side of the car. Kaname's gaze was too warm and intense for his comfort.
Sensing Zero's awkwardness, Kaname swiftly pulled open the car door and gestured for Zero to go in. Once both of them were inside, Kaname gave a quick instruction to the driver through the intercom attached on the passenger seat. The car was obviously well designed for privacy, seeing that they were sealed off from being seen by the driver through a sliding panel which blocked off the front seats. Leaning rigidly back onto the leather seat, Zero tried to relax. Sneaking a glance at Kaname through the corner of his eye, Zero was alarmed to find the man looking back at him. When Kaname caught onto his gaze, he smirked at Zero.
Quickly averting his eyes, Zero cursed inside. Damn that smug bastard…
While Zero tried as best as he could to not look at Kaname, the later was using this opportunity to take a good look at him. Kaname was more than pleased with Zero's outfit today. Zero had on cream white pants, and together with the shirt, made him look absolutely delicious. The deep red shirt was hugging in all the right places, showing off Zero's lithe, but firm body perfectly. The colour blended with Zero's silver hair nicely, and Kaname was suddenly struck by the thought of the prefect lying down, naked and panting with roses scattering across his body. Shocked by this sudden vivid image of his that had been conjured up, Kaname averted his eyes quickly in embarrassment and hoped that Zero hadn't notice his sudden awkward movement. After a while, since Zero hadn't said anything or even looked at him, Kaname deemed his mind clear enough to take another look. Zero was still in the same position, looking out of the windows with a slightly fidgety look on his face.
Taking a moment to just look at Zero's face, Kaname let his eyes wander across those arcs of silver brows, down the slope of his nose and pausing a minute to scrutinize those luscious looking lips, swept right up to those silvery amethyst eyes that were so unique and expressive. Feeling a strong tug on his heart, Kaname wondered what was it about the prefect that is just able to inflict such emotions within him.
Breaking the silence, Kaname said, "Zero, are you alright? You seem awfully quiet today."
Finally looking at him, Zero paused for a moment before replying. "I'm fine." Just very nervous…
As if reading his mind, Kaname let out a small laugh. "Are you nervous Zero? Am I making you feel so?"
On cue, stormy amethyst eyes met his. "I am not nervous. Why would I be anyway?" Zero seethed.
Kaname eyes were shining with pure mirth. "I don't know, but I suppose going out with a dashing young man like me would make anyone feel slight giddy with joy."
Zero let out a small noise which was torn between being amused and sarcastic. "Self centered bastard, that's what you are." But he couldn't help the small smile which tugged at the edge of his lips and his body posture relaxed visibly.
Noticing it, Kaname smiled too. "Well, if I was any less than that then it would be thoroughly surprising now wouldn't it? But I suppose that I should try to be courteous for the sake of our…outing." Kaname decided against calling it a 'date', since it was more than obvious that Zero still wasn't completely comfortable around him, as had been demonstrated earlier. It seems he had misjudged how dense and oblivious Zero could be when he wanted to. Ah well, he would just have to learn to be patient then.
Zero turned to him and gave a small smile as his eyes turned a warm grayish-purple. But his tone remained sarcastic. "I don't think you would be able to pull it through. We were rivals after all."
Kaname laughed. "Were. But we are something more now, aren't we?"
And as Kaname laughed once more at the blush which swept through Zero's face, the prefect merely scoffed it off and they continued on their married-couple-like bickering throughout the whole journey, previous awkwardness and distance dispelled as easily as if it had never existed in the first place.
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Among the six catering services that he and Kaname had chosen during the night of their dinner, Kaname had again narrowed it down to only three, so they spent the most part of the morning and noon going to the three restaurants to taste the food. After all were tasted, they finally decided on a quaint, but quite popular restaurant in the area called 'Pheonix'. The other two were just unsuitable in terms of price, taste, quality and experience.
Detouring back to the restaurant to discuss the details with the manager about the planning, Zero and Kaname then spent a few hours on the venue to decide on the different types of food they should order. They had decided on a buffet system, seeing that it would appeal more to the students than the normal and more formal table dining. Besides, it was entirely more flexible for them to manipulate the time and programs of the night. Also, as Zero had pointed out, it was definitely more cost-saving. A lot of girls would definitely eat less for appearance sake and it wouldn't do if they had table dining only to be left with large amounts of food wasted.
The buffet was decided into three sections. The first would be main courses, where Kaname had decided that they would have two sauces for a certain type of pasta, two types of chicken and beef, and grilled and steamed vegetables. Of course, steamed vegetables were for the ladies sake, as Zero had kindly pointed out that anything oily would be a no go in a female's opinion. The second part would be appetizers, and it was not put first since Kaname had thought that normal students won't really follow such strict eating regime. On this, they had decided on an utterly wide variety of salad that had all the toppings and ingredients imaginable. Kaname had then laughed when Zero had mumbled lowly about how he would learn to avoid that particular section since it would be crowded with the school's girls. And of course, the last section was desserts. Zero had tackled that of course. And after meticulously asking through every possible dessert available and their details, he had finally settled on an assortment of cakes, pastries and éclairs. Also, both he and Kaname decided to have the catering set up a mini bar in one corner since they would have a few adults coming to the party and seeing that seventh and eighth grade students are allowed to drink, it was quite appropriate. Of course, they would have to think up of something to prevent younger students from sneaking some alcohol.
When all things were finally done, including the paperwork, the cost of the catering was summed up and Zero paid it by writing a cheque for the manager. Kaien Cross had given him the chequebook under the school's name when he first knew he would be working on this party and he was to be paying for all the large amounts of money using this. Besides that, the chairman had also given Zero and Kaname a huge envelope of money for which they could utilize to pay for lesser costing items. The money was securely kept in Kaname's safe in his study room and it had been the source for the committee to buy necessary items, including all the decorations and materials needed by Ruka and Sayori.
Stepping out of the restaurant and giving their polite goodbyes to the manager, Zero and Kaname gave each other similar smirks as they walked towards where their car was waiting a distance away.
"Well, I'm glad that this is done. And it's a good thing we ate at three restaurants seeing that it is already five in the evening." Zero then stifled a small yawn and stretched his hands over his head languidly. His movements were graceful and refined, and Zero's shirt lifted just slightly to allow Kaname a glimpse of the tantalizing creamy soft skin before they were covered back again.
For once, the pureblood cursed the invention of cloth.
Noting Kaname's lack of response, Zero asked worriedly, "Kaname?"
Kaname just gave him a dismissive wave of his hand. "So, it seems our work is done. Do you want to go back to school already?"
Zero shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, not really, seeing that I don't have anything else to do today I suppose I shall take a walk around town. It's been some time since I did that."
Sensing an opportunity as it presents itself, and also noting the slight invitation that may or may not have been intentional by Zero's words, Kaname immediately seized the chance to have more time together with the prefect. "So, do you mind if I join you, Zero?"
Zero eyes widened in surprise but he nodded mutedly. Kaname smiled at the adorable look on his silver-haired partner.
"Thank you. I suppose we have to ask the car to go back first then."
As Kaname went and asked the driver to return back to school without them, Zero was left alone and he took the moment to lean against a nearby wall. Closing his eyes, Zero contemplated the situation. He had been taken aback that Kaname had actually wanted to join him on something. It was both a wary but happy feeling. Well, it won't bode well to think too much about this change of events, so Zero merely cleared his mind and enjoyed the feeling of the warm rays of evening sunlight on his skin.
His moment was disturbed of course, when he heard Kaname walking towards him. Hearing the sound of engine fading away, Zero opened his eyes to the sight of said pureblood standing in front of him and a closer look behind showed that their car had indeed left. A thought suddenly popped into Zero's head.
"Kaname!" His voice was traced with slight alarm. Kaname raised his brows at this. "Are you okay? I forgot that pureblood vampires are extremely sensitive to light, how did you manage to endure the whole morning?" Taking a step forward and thus being closer to Kaname, Zero absent mindedly let his eyes roamed through the taller male's body. "Why didn't you say anything? Are you sure you don't want to return to school?" He asked while pulling Kaname by the arm to stand under a shade of trees.
Zero's voice was laced with concern and his brows were creased. His eyes shone a bright mixture of faint purple with specks of silvery white reflected by the stray light. And his lips were pursed in worry.
Kaname simply couldn't help the flood of warmth that coursed through his body. The stream of emotions was warm, gentle and fluttering one moment; and then it was raging, strong, wild and passionate in another. Kaname was sure his eyes must be swirling with emotions by now, and his normally deep hazel eyes will be tinted with just a hint of red and gold, a look that he had discovered he had around Zero, as Takuma had been so kind to point out on one occasion.
Leaning slightly towards Zero, Kaname raised a slightly shaky hand and ran it through Zero's hair. Then it swept through the nape of the prefect's neck before rising back again to caress gently at the now warmed cheeks. Tilting his head forward, so that his forehead was almost touching on Zero's head and his wavy, ebony hair falling in swirls around Zero's face and become entangled with Zero's own silver hair, Kaname let out a small breath he had been holding in for god knows what reason. This moment just seemed too perfect and so goddamn right.
To say Zero was at a loss of words would be precise. He didn't know what had happen. No, he knew what was happening, but he didn't really know how it had come to. One minute he was lecturing Kaname, and the other he found himself and the aforementioned male standing so close that their breaths may as well be mingling. It was an odd sensation, having someone so close to him while actually being able to feel the tickle of the others hair along his face, but it wasn't out of place. Somehow, with Kaname, Zero really didn't feel like his mind would like to rationalize the moment anymore. What felt right couldn't be wrong could it?
So, Zero decided to just be caught up in this strangely perfect moment of intimacy. The air around them was again painstakingly heavy, and Zero wondered briefly if Kaname had some kind of vampire ability to control air, seeing that the atmosphere around them always seemed to change when he was with the man.
Taking in another deep breath, and savoring the mix scent of nature together with his and Zero's unique scent blended together, Kaname closed his eyes for a brief moment. Then he pulled away enough to look Zero in his face, and when he opened his eyes, found what could be the mirror of his eyes looking back at him. He was pretty certain that his eyes would look exactly the same to Zero as what Zero looked to him.
A hint of apprehension and confusion would be swirling in the front, but behind was a whole background of tumbling passion fused together with a weird mixture of joy and gentleness and warmth.
Yes, that was exactly how Zero's eyes looked, and it was strangely alluring. Kaname wondered if Zero felt the same allure from himself too.
"Zero." His voice came out huskier and thicker than he could ever imagine. Not believing that he was actually feeling nervous, Kaname took a small, unnoticeable gulp before continuing. "Zero, thank you."
Zero's head shot up, a weird look on his face. "For what?"
Kaname thought about it for a moment. He wasn't sure why he had thanked Zero either. It just came out. "Well…I guess for your care towards me. It really warmed me…" Kaname trailed off, his eloquence once again deserting him.
Zero blushed, not that he could help it, of course. Quickly averting his eyes and breaking off his shared gaze with Kaname, he did not notice that Kaname had looked away to the other side too, a rare tint of pink gracing the normally stoic purebloods cheeks.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Zero mumbled, "You're welcome…I guess."
Regaining his composure, Kaname took as step backwards from Zero. And the loss of warmth was immediately regretted by both male. But neither said anything about it. Previous embarrassment all erased, Kaname was once again the look of a perfectly composed and smug vampire that he used to be.
"Aidou had managed to come up with a certain type of sunscreen lotion that is especially for vampires. When applied, it would be absorbed through our skin and makes it invulnerable to light. That's why I am more than able to come out during the daytime now." Kaname explained, all the while taking a glance at the sky.
He had actually been the one to ask Aidou to come up with such a thing, since during the war it had been an extreme disadvantage to only be able to have movements after the evening. There had been several prototypes before, but they all failed, either wearing off too quickly or providing side-effect such as rashes. It was only last week that Aidou had told him he had successfully manufactured the lotion and Kaname was secretly glad that he could now use the daytime to be with Zero. Zero was not born a vampire, but turned one. Even if his blood is quite unique and pure with both Shizuka's and Kuran's blood flowing through it, he is not prone to the usual disadvantages a normal vampire has. Of course, his almost royalty, pure, hunter blood had something to do with it also. After Zero had achieved maturity at the age of seventeen last year, it seems his blood has finally matured enough to counterattack the vampire part of his blood and had been able to subdue it more considerably than Kaname's blood. And Zero had been more than pleased to find out that he didn't really needed blood to survive anymore. Only sometimes he would get a very huge headache and he would have to resort to blood tablets to cure them. But even this scenario seemed to be happening less and less often as the chairman had reported to Kaname. It was only until now that Kaname realized how much he missed the feeling of Zero's grip on his shirt as he clutched onto Kaname, being overridden with blood lust, and the small hitched breath that the silver haired prefect would make before taking a hesitant plunge into Kaname's neck.
Kaname nursed the side of his neck, suddenly feeling exceptionally thirsty, but he squashed down the urge. He was just starting off with Zero, and it wouldn't do well if he accidentally bit his intended partner now, would it?
"So, that's why you don't have to worry about the effect of sun on me. I really don't feel any pain at all." Kaname assured Zero, seeing the skeptical look the prefect still had on.
Zero took a firm look at him, and Kaname held his gaze. After a moment, Zero turned away and nodded, apparently satisfied. "That lotion would be very useful. Vampires will be able to blend in with the world now."
Kaname nodded too. They had started walking away from the spot under the trees and were now entering a park nearby. "Yes, it would. Takuma had brought it up with the council and we are deciding to market it. It would surely be a profitable venture."
"Yeah…Aidou really is some sort of a blonde genius isn't he? He seemed to be inventing a lot." Zero mused.
Kaname chuckled slightly at this. "Yes, he loves experimenting, and we had to set up his own laboratory in the Moon Dorms, seeing how his experiments at any other place would result in a whole lot of unnecessary damage. But a genius nonetheless."
Zero smiled. His relationship with Aidou was kind of unorthodox. One moment the blonde will hate his very existence and the other he would be unintentionally kind. Zero actually took him to be like a small and silly little brother or cousin he never had. "But he sure is a very impulsive person." Kaname nodded his agreement. "Hey, do you think Aidou will let me have a look into his lab though? I am kind of curious."
Kaname stopped in his steps and turned to regard Zero with a curious expression on his face. "You want to see Aidou's lab? You do know that will entail interaction between the both of you right?"
Zero scowled. Was Kaname implying that he might get into a fight with Aidou? "Yes, to both of your questions. And I think I will get along with Aidou fairly well. We seemed to have some similar interests last I talked to him."
"And when was that?"
Zero, who had resumed walking and glancing around the park, didn't notice the slight displease in Kaname's voice. "During the party you planned for Yuki."
Kaname almost growled. He didn't know that Zero and Aidou interacted with one another in private. He really didn't like it one bit.
Not sensing Kaname's anger, Zero continued on. "I know I used to despise him before, as I did with you, but I think there's much more to him than his silly infatuation with you." Zero said amusedly in a half-mocking tone. When he received no answer, Zero turned around and realized that Kaname had stopped walking a while back.
"Kaname?"
Kaname looked at Zero. What was wrong with him today? First, he was totally enraptured by Zero. Then, he had no control over his emotions and had nearly bloody hugged the prefect in bold daylight. Now, he was getting all pissed off just because Zero was talking about another male? Where the hell was his composure and control?
But then he remembered the soft, amused look that Zero had on when he talked about Aidou and his fury was back tenfold. Jealousy rearing its ugly head, Kaname gritted his teeth and taking two long strides, stood before Zero, his eyes blazing with anger.
Zero looked up, once again confused. Had he done something to anger the pureblood?
And then Kaname was tugging at his waist and pulling him flushed against the other's body, while soft breaths were felt at his ears, slightly disoriented, as if Kaname was struggling to control his emotions.
"Don't." Kaname's voice came out firm and authoritative. "Don't go to Aidou's lab." Zero was utterly lost now. Why was Kaname so disturbed about him visiting Aidou's lab? It's not like there is anything dangerous in there is it? Pausing for a moment in thought, Kaname added. "In fact, keep your interactions with Aidou to a minimum."
Zero frowned. What the hell was wrong with Kaname today? Pushing the brunette away, Zero gave Kaname his deadliest glare. "What the fuck? What is wrong with you today? Getting angry over absolutely nothing and ordering me of all things!" Giving an exasperated growl, Zero turned on his heels and walked away angrily, all intentions of waiting for Kaname forgotten in midst of confusion and anger.
Kaname froze. Realizing that he had let his emotions get the better of him, he groaned. What had he done? Rushing in Zero' direction, Kaname managed to catch up with Zero before he turned a corner. Grabbing Zero's arm, Kaname called out.
"Zero!"
Hearing Kaname's voice, Zero stopped, but still he didn't look at Kaname. "Zero, I'm sorry. I didn't know what came over me." Zero scoffed. "Sure as hell you didn't." He remarked sarcastically.
"I'm sorry, really. I think I just don't like the idea of you and Aidou getting close."
Zero did turn around and glare at him at this. "And why don't you pray ask?" Zero just didn't understand what's wrong in his intention, and he didn't bother hiding his displease through his icy tone.
Trying not to flinch at Zero's visible hostility, Kaname had the decency to feel some guilt over his actions. But that didn't change what he felt about the situation, and never one for lies, Kaname stared Zero steely in the eyes and said, "Because I am jealous that's why."
Zero frowned. "Jealous? What do you mean by jea—" His words were cut short when he realized what exactly Kaname had meant and a blush crept up his cheeks. Looking away from the Kaname, Zero felt his rage dispersing and he wondered when he had gotten so forgiving in nature.
Not knowing what to give as an appropriate response, Zero mumbled, "This is stupid."
Kaname chuckled. "Indeed it is. Forgive me, Zero?"
Zero sighed. Damn the smug bastard to be using such a soft and apologetic tone. Zero could already feel his resolve weakening away. And he reminded himself to never be on an outing with Kaname again as it is frankly very bad to the heart. Zero felt like he was on a rollercoaster of emotions and his feelings just kept shifting from one moment to another as swiftly as passing seconds ever since they had stepped into the same car during the morning.
"Fine, fine." was the disgruntled reply that Kaname got. Giving Zero a smile that eerily reminded the prefect of a child getting what he wished for, Kaname then asked casually.
"So, where shall we be going then?"
And Zero almost hit the vampire for being so damn casual as if their argument had never happened at all.
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They had ended up going to a night market that was available each night from six onwards in the area. Zero had gone a few times before, with Yuki dragging him of course, and was more adjusted to the scene.
It was quite a special night market, seeing that it changes its theme ever now and then, unlike those traditional ones. It appeared that "Traditional Japanese" seemed to be the theme of the month and as soon as they crossed over the arc which was quite like a doorway into the night market, they were thrown back into the scene of feudal Japan, with the stalls all decorated with paper lanterns and paper folds. The vendors were also wearing traditional Japanese clothes such as yukata and kimono. A few of the items sold were also related and there were booths where the market goers could rent costumes and put them on for the whole night.
Zero had of course refused flat out when a girl asked if he and Kaname would like to rent out costumes too and Kaname had looked sort of disappointed at that. But the pureblood himself was quite unnerved by the fact that he was in unknown and unchartered waters. He had never been to a night market before. And the sheer amount of people and activity was all new to him. When he had told Zero this tiny fact, the prefect had merely raised silver brows in surprise and then smiled mischievously at him, before pulling him inside the crowd while shouting, "Then I suppose we will have to get you acquainted then!"
Kaname was both warmed and glad that Zero hadn't shown any signs of pity and shock. That was one admirable quality which Zero had—he didn't judge at all, and he sure as hell didn't show pity. He would just simply accept things for how they were. And Kaname was grateful for it; he wasn't sure how his pride would take it if he saw pity in Zero's eyes.
Zero really did keep up his promises after that, seeing that he literally dragged Kaname around to try out every single food and game available at every booth. A few of the sellers seemed acquainted with Zero, and would shout out greetings as they passed, and Zero would smile at them and nod in reply. It was a pleasant feeling, just walking around and looking at odd objects and doing silly things like a normal teenager. It was an experience that Kaname didn't seemed to have, and he doubted that Zero had much experiences too, seeing that both of them were equally caught up in a whole lot of graver and more serious events.
He and Zero were now nearing the end of the market and Zero was munching on his takoyaki as Kaname scrutinized his own. He had never eaten this before, and although Zero had explained to him that it was squid balls, or something along that line, the brownish gravy and the slight quivering fish shavings, as Zero had told him, did nothing to appease his reluctance in eating the cuisine.
Noticing that Kaname wasn't eating the takoyaki and was instead merely poking at it with his bamboo stick as if he were afraid that they might come to life any moment, Zero rolled his eyes and nudged the man with his elbow. Confused deep hazel eyes turned to him.
"Kaname, just eat it already. It is really very delicious."
Although he still looked skeptical, Kaname slowly poked through one of the balls and raising it to his mouth, took a rather hesitant bite. Zero looked on in amusement. After a moment, Kaname's eyes lit up, and almost reluctantly, admitted, "It is rather nice."
Zero merely gave him a look which said 'I told you so' and continued to finish off his food. Kaname ate on, deciding that yes, takoyaki was definitely something he could get used to eating. Zero had gotten him to eat soba just now, and that was by far the most unappetizing food he had eaten up to this point. But Zero had seemed to enjoy it, so Kaname supposed that his taste buds may be different from the hunter's. In fact, although all of the food were sold in stalls and weren't done by world-class chefs, some were actually very delicious and they all held a hint of the warmth of homemade feel to them. One of the stalls that Zero had brought him to sold normal daily food eaten in any Japanese household and the tempura had been an oddly satisfying food to him.
At the end of the market was the high steps rising up to a temple which had been built since the existence of their town. Although the structure of their town was European like, the cultures and beliefs followed Asian countries and this temple with its architectural structure being oddly mixed between Japanese and Chinese was the perfect proof. They had both gone up and into the temple to say their prayers and had then bought a small charm which was sold outside for Yuki.
As they made their way down again from the excruciatingly long steps that temples seemed to be prone to have, Zero and Kaname both took the moment to walk slowly and to enjoy the night breeze that was caressing about them. The topics of their conversation were ranged, varying from how the other was doing at school and to jokes and sarcastic remarks over other mundane stuff. Zero found that he could actually keep up the conversation with Kaname. He wasn't usually very talkative, something which came out of a bitter childhood he supposed, but with Kaname, things like his childhood memories with Ichiru and his hunter training period hadn't been that difficult a subject to talk about as he thought it would be. It seemed Kaname felt the same way, because he reciprocated equally on his own thoughts and memories after Zero had told him his. Somehow, Zero didn't think Kaname would usually talk about such things with other people, not even with Ichijo Takuma.
The conversation they had not only made to let them understand the other better, but also, unknowingly, enabled them to find solace in certain aspects of their life. Zero had never been able to openly talk or even mention Ichiru ever since his death, not even to Yuki, who had prodded him countless times to just speak up. Yet, he was effortlessly speaking of his twin brother to Kaname. It helped eased his heart somewhat. And he would listen as Kaname recalled how painful the years had been when Yuki hadn't remembered her past and Kaname would be forced to control himself as to not let it slip of his status as a brother.
It seemed they found more solace and understanding from the other since they had been through so much, not only individually, but also together during the war. And to Kaname, their level of compatibility surprised him, but he wouldn't have it any other way. It was a wonderful feeling, to know that there was someone that you could look at as your equal, and also being able to confide in him without any fear.
As they walked back towards the entrance, Zero and Kaname brought a variety of odd objects for Yuki and Kaien. Most of them were food, but there was also a teddy bear for Yuki and a set of intricately crafted bamboo chopsticks for the chairman.
Deciding against calling for the car to fetch them, Zero and Kaname decided to walk, seeing that it was a very nice night. Stepping down the stone pavement which lined the roads, there was a small moment of silence from both males as they just savored the moment and surroundings. It wasn't everyday that they get to have such a relaxing and enjoyable day.
Kaname had been the first to speak. "Zero, what do you plan on doing in the future?"
Zero thought about it for a moment. They were both eighteen years old now, and would be graduating next year in their eighth grade. The thought of leaving Cross Academy was a saddening thought, but it was the inevitable.
"Well, I think I may advance on to college, and also maybe help out as a tutor in the Hunter Academy. Yagari-sensei had been asking me for some time now. It seemed that there is a lack of tutors and trainers. How about you?"
"Same as you, going to college first, and then I am officially taking over Kuran Enterprises." Kaname's answer was firm. He had already thought about it.
Zero nodded perceptibly. It made sense for Kaname to venture into business. Someone had to take over the business his parents left behind, and Yuki sure as hell wouldn't make the cut as the person. "But you are already monitoring the company's progress aren't you?"
"Yes. It wouldn't do if my family's company is ruined in the hands of a bunch of incompetent board of directors now would it? But it sure is taxing work though, the more the reason I shouldn't be elected as Master of the vampire council. I won't have enough time juggling both responsibilities."
Zero chuckled slightly at that comment. "At least it will suit you."
Kaname's raised his brows in amusement. "And how would that be so?"
Zero feigned a look of thoughtfulness. "Well, let's see. You're manipulative, arrogant, cunning, deceivingly clever, eloquent, and unrelentingly harsh when time calls for it, authoritative and oh, the most important thing is that you are the most self-centered and smug bastard I have ever met."
Kaname laughed. And so did Zero.
"I believe you have just made a huge compliment on me, Zero."
"Trust me, it wasn't meant to come out that way. You're just too thick-headed to see through the layers of sarcasm." Zero retorted.
"Well, but you did leave out a few other crucial elements as to why I may be an excellent businessman though." Kaname said.
"Oh really? And what would those be?" Zero's eyes were twinkling with mirth and his tone didn't came out as sharp as he would like it to be.
Kaname smiled. "Words such as dashing, hardworking, gorgeous, sexy, and suave and so on."
Zero snorted. "Self-obsessed and delusional, maybe?" And Kaname chuckled again.
They were now nearing the school gates, and Kaname really didn't want the night to end.
"Come on, surely you see the logic behind my words?" Kaname made a wild gesture over his face and body.
Zero managed to contain a snort and scoffed instead. "Right." His words were dripping with sarcasm but still his eyes are friendly and warm.
And then the next moment, Kaname was once again utterly too close to him for comfort.
"So, does being nearer convince you of my cause?" Kaname's voice was low and almost seductive by now, and Zero managed to gulp from seeing the overly handsome face magnifying in front of him before turning to look away. A strangled "No." was his answer, and even that didn't sound entirely convincing, his previous sarcasm and firmness disappearing into thin air.
Again, why the hell did he always ended up in such a close position whenever he was around the pureblood? And Zero resisted the urge to groan and instead chose to take a step backwards. His attempt was stopped, however, with an arm circling around his waist. Again.
"Kaname!" Zero's tone was alarmed by now. What on earth did Kaname think he was doing? They were in front of school gates god damn it! Anyone could have seen them and mistaken their position as something else entirely.
But Kaname's thoughts were far from being discreet and cautious. There was just a strange urge in him to just act and forget about the consequences. But he then remembered how tentative Zero is and any amount of rash decision will surely put a major setback against what they had accomplished today. Sighing, Kaname released his hold reluctantly and stepped away. He took the chance to observe Zero's face though, something which had become quite a favorite pastime of his.
The moonlight was again doing wonders to the prefect's look, making him more ethereal and breathtakingly beautiful. The rays were reflecting off his silver hair, giving them an almost glowing quality, and the light in Zero's eyes accompanied by the light blush dusting Zero's cheeks were too innocently seductive and it was driving Kaname wild. But still, he controlled his emotions, not wanting to scare Zero away.
Reaching into his pocket, he took out a small wooden box and pulling Zero's hands upwards, placed them in the middle of Zero's palm. Zero looked at him, both confused and surprised at the same time.
"A present for you. I bought it at the market."
Zero looked down at the box again and then back up at Kaname's eyes. "How did you…? Why?"
"You were away buying takoyaki, and I saw it and felt that it suited you. And as for why, the reason of this wonderful night and my own will should be enough now, shouldn't it?"
Zero stared at him, lost for words. Kaname pushed Zero's hand towards him. "Come on, open it."
Gingerly, Zero clicked up the small iron latch in front and pausing for a moment, lift up the lid off the box. Lying inside was a delicately crafted chain of necklace, wrought from silver. The light from the moon caught on it and it sparkled brightly in the box. The chain was obviously designed for a male, judging from the thickness and heavier feel. And Zero found himself at a loss of what to say.
Kaname seemed pleased with his reaction though. "So, do you like it?"
Zero's eyes turned to him, and they were filled with amazement, but there was also a slight look of desperation in them, and Kaname wondered if he had done something wrong.
"I like it…But Kaname, I can't accept it. This…It just doesn't seem right…I…I don't know." Zero rambled, unsure of what he was trying to convey. He really did like the present, and he felt both touched and amazed that Kaname had bought something for him, and the feeling was so strong that he felt a desire to just pull the pureblood down for a hug or a kiss. And with this random thought came fear and insecurity which flooded his senses. And Zero wasn't sure what to feel or do anymore.
Sensing Zero's turmoil, Kaname closed his hand over the box and pushed it into Zero's chest. "Keep it. It's a gift from me to you. And it would really mean something to me if you just accept it."
"But…I didn't buy anything for you." Zero knew that he sounded weak in logic, even to his own ears.
Kaname smirked. "Well, I will be gladly hoping for a present from you for our next outing then."
Finally relenting, Zero nodded. Closing the box, he slipped it carefully into his pocket. "Thank you then." He said softly. A gentle caress through his hair was the answer he received, but when he looked up, Kaname had retracted his hand and was already walking through the gates. Touching his hair briefly where Kaname had ran his hands through, Zero shrugged off the odd and queasy sensation in his stomach and walked in after Kaname.
Again, on their walk back towards the school compounds, they continued on with their good natured rambling and making fun of the other, completely dismissing away the romantic moment which had transpired just now and occasionally throughout the whole day, both males feeling that it was necessary to just not analyze it for the time being and just enjoy and feel the other's presence.
**********
A string of clicks sounded in the silent night even as she cursed the loudness of her camera. Keeping a hold on masking her presence and keeping unseen while hiding behind a well positioned tree, she lowered down the camera as she saw that the moment had dispersed and her targets were heading back into the school grounds. A place no reporter could enter due to well placed detection charms. She would blame the headmaster and chairman of the school, Kaien Cross for that. The man was a skilled hunter back in his years and there was just no way to get past his casted charms.
But even without coverage on school grounds, she still had enough pictures than necessary already. She just couldn't believe her luck. Who knew coming out for a stroll during the evening would bring about such fruitful results? Smiling gleefully, she carefully placed her camera back into the bag and zipped it up. Hoisting it up front the floor onto her shoulders, she pulled out her cell phone and pressed for the second speed dial.
"Hello, it's me. Meet me at the office this instant. You wouldn't believe what I've got."
Even as she explained and heard the shock but pleased voice over the receiver, her lips curled into a satisfied and thoroughly joyful grin.
**********
Zero had felt, rather than understood that something was off in the atmosphere of the school today. The chatting was still imminent in the corridors, but the looks that the students gave him were fairly different than the normal scared and wary looks. And the girls were positively more annoying than ever. He had already lost count of how many girls who had turned away and giggled whenever they caught sight of him. And the boys were distancing themselves a bit, something that they did out of fear and respect normally, but Zero sensed that this was different. Everyone seemed to be in a dizzy over something, and seeing that it was likely to be nothing of importance and the chances of him inquiring of it from a student was close to impossible, Zero merely ignored it and made his way towards class.
Sitting himself down on his usual spot at the back of the class near the window, Zero noted the looks that even his classmates were giving him. Cocking his head in sheer confusion, Zero wondered if there was something on his face. Running a hand through his hair, he decided that no, he had looked in the mirror this morning and there was nothing off about him. He had woken up late, and Yuki had already left for school. It was weird that even the chairman seemed to be out early, but Zero reckoned he must have had some urgent duty to perform. The man wasn't at all tardy if there was nothing important.
Taking a sweeping glance through the room, Zero noticed that there were groups of his classmates which seemed to be seriously considering coming over to talk to him. The girls were mostly more enthusiastic though. They were whispering softly yet giggling loudly and pushing one another as if they were too embarrassed to come forward to talk to him and needed a messenger. Now this was weird. The girls in his class usually only stopped at looking at him and giggling. They had never attempted conversation before.
Fingering the necklace that Kaname had given him the night before, Zero took it out and absent mindedly started to twist it around. He had contemplated whether or not to wear it, and had fussed over it for a good amount of time before finally deciding to hell with his thoughts and just put it on. It was a little uncomfortable, seeing that he wasn't used to wearing anything around his neck, but the knowledge of it being a gift from Kaname was a very relishing fact. Zero felt a surge of contentment and joy at the thought of it, and had then gone on to pointedly ignoring as to why he felt so.
A loud, collective gasp erupted from the previous group of girls and Zero looked up in confusion. They stared at him for a moment before turning and huddled together, all the while talking excitedly and quickly. Zero could barely make out the words being said. They were also pointing and looking at a magazine spread out on the table they were crowding around.
Certain remarks such as "It is true then! It must be! Just look at these!" Drifted over to Zero's ears as he tuned out his classmates and choosing instead to stare out of the window. His peace was interrupted however, when Yuki's voice disturbed him.
Zero glanced up, and noted that Yuki too, looked excited and absolutely frazzled over something. In her hands clutched a magazine and Zero recognize it as being the same magazine that the girls had been looking and pointing at just now.
"What now?" Zero said with a slight impatient air. If Yuki asked him to comment on nail polish colors one more time…
"Zero! Have you seen this?"
Zero raised his brow in confusion. "Seen what?"
Yuki raised hers as well. "You mean you don't know yet?"
And there was just something in Yuki's toned which alarmed Zero. He felt the warning bells ringing off at the back of his mind. "Know what?" He was really dreading the outcome now.
Yuki beamed. Taking the magazine in her hand and spreading it out in front of Zero, Yuki made a wild gesture. "This!"
Zero lowered confused eyes towards the page spread out. It took only a moment for him to skim through the whole middle double page and a look of embarrassment and pure horror swept through his face.
Oh god. Oh god no.
In front of him was a seemingly exclusive article which was published as the feature story in the magazine of the equivalent of 'Seventeen' or 'Vogue' in the vampire world. And his and Kaname's pictures were splattered over the page, covering every inch as to where there weren't any words. The bold red and silver title of 'Unexpected Couple~!!' splashed through the upper part of the whole page and the worst of it was the amount of ivory designs and heart shapes that decorated the whole page and lining their pictures.
There was the picture of him and Kaname under the shade of trees, with them being in close proximity. And then there was a picture of Kaname tugging at his arm as he caught up with him in the park. There was another of them eating tempura while seated in front of the stall, a small smile playing across both their lips. Then there was another where he was laughing as Kaname attempted to fish up the goldfish with a mere paper web. Then there was one with them coming down the stairs, both of them lost in conversation. Another when Kaname had circled his waist in rage in the park. One where Kaname ran his hand through his hair in front of the school gates. Another where Kaname put the box in his hand and beside it was a smaller picture of a zoom in at the box after Zero had opened it, revealing a partial gleam from the necklace…
Zero's eyes skimmed through them. A feeling of nausea washed through him. There were every picture imaginable of his and Kaname's outing. And then a particular large picture in the middle caught his eye. He wondered why he hadn't seen it at first glance.
Zero's blush deepened.
It was the picture of Kaname circling his waist when they were standing outside school gates. Zero was looking up at the pureblood, eyes slightly widened with a small blush across his cheeks, and Kaname was looking down at him, a desiring and almost loving look was on his face. The night did absolutely nothing to hide their faces, seeing that the shine off the streetlight cast a yellowish warm glow about them.
Zero groaned. Oh god. He and Kaname had looked absolutely like a doting couple in the picture. A bloody loving, mushy and passionate couple. And they had looked like they were about to kiss.
Zero had the wild urge to just die at that moment. But even as mortified feeling ran through his veins, Zero realized that he had thoroughly overlooked one thing on their outing, which due to these pictures, would rather be called a date. And the thing was how much he and Kaname had acted like a long-together couple. Resisting the temptation to bang his head on the table at his self confession of acting and feeling like lovers around Kaname and the sheer embarrassment of the article, Zero could only groan.
Again, oh god, what had they gotten themselves into?
**********
Kaname was having a rather pleasant morning. Last night had been utterly wonderful in his opinion, and a good night's sleep had also improved his mood considerably.
Taking a sip of his morning coffee, his movement to grab the newspaper set on his table was interrupted with a very excited and cheerful Takuma rushing into his study room. The blonde didn't even bother to knock. Kaname raised his brows, Takuma seemed far too happy than usual.
He set down his coffee and looked up at Takuma who now stood in front of his desk. Not bothering to inquire, Kaname merely waited for Takuma to speak.
"Kaname," Takuma's voice was dripping with amusement. "I didn't know that things were going so well between you and Zero!"
Kaname frowned in confusion. "What?"
"Oh, you haven't seen it yet?"
"Seen what?" Kaname took another sip of his coffee. It had a rather calming effect and he was certain that whatever Takuma would dish out would be less than calming.
Waving a magazine that he held in his hand, Takuma exclaimed, "This!" Flipping through the pages, he found the one he was looking for and turning it around, spread it on Kaname's table. Kaname shifted his chair nearer to the desk, and look down at the article in question. His face was expressionless at first, but then in a mere moment, Kaname's lips lifted into a smug smile.
"Where did you get this magazine?" He inquired softly, a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
Takuma smiled. "Ruka subscribes it. She had been reading it at the dining table and this caught her eye. Needless to say, I was compelled to let you know. But speaking of which, I just remembered I have to hurry downstairs, Aidou is throwing a hissy fit to say the least. He didn't take the pictures too well."
With a final grin at Kaname, Takuma walked out and closed the door behind him.
Picking up the magazine, Kaname smirked at the pictures. They were pretty well captured, both his and Zero's emotions pictured clearly. Of course, Kaname had felt some embarrassment and surprise initially, but then the thought of Zero seeing these pictures had entered his mind and he could vividly imagine the appalled and embarrassed look on the prefect's face. That had cheered Kaname up immensely, and although he hadn't really planned to let everyone know of his feelings towards Zero, Kaname quickly realized how this could be played out in his favor. It would definitely help him a lot in the pursuit for Zero's affections seeing how everyone would assume them to be a couple, courtesy of the article. And this wasn't very far from the truth, judging from the evidence the pictures provided and his memories of the night before.
Zero was just too shy—and dense, to realize anything of his own feelings and also of Kaname's. The pictures could be a rather suitable wake up call for the silver haired hunter. Kaname just had to let out a low chuckle at how much in turmoil Zero must be in now. He must definitely plan for a meeting between them later this day, just to gauge the prefect's emotions and thoughts. The definite possibility of seeing Zero all flushed up would be a welcomed and tantalizing added bonus.
Ah, the sadistic side of Kuran Kaname.
Leaning back comfortably into his armchair, Kaname took another sip of his coffee. It was going to be a nice day, something worth looking forward to just provide so much encouragement.
But for the meantime, he would ask for copies of the pictures from the publisher. They were really very well taken, thought Kaname, as a small, but arrogant smile graced his lips.
~End Chapter~
A/N: That's it! The new chapter~! I made it extra long for two reasons. One, as a form of apology for my really late update…=_=" Second, because I am posting up this new chapter on my birthday!! I hope you guys will overlook my obvious inexperience in the catering area; I tried to write it as believable as possible, trust me. Hope you guys liked the chapter~! Kaname and Zero definitely did have more action now right? _
Please review~! They would make such good gifts to me! O_O and again, thanks for reading and thanks for previous reviewers~!