Author's Note:Hey! Chapter 14! Okay, actually, this isn't really completed, because there are more things I wanted to include. But to finish that would probably take me a few more days, so I thought I would just post this part first. :) Hope you guys are okay with that. Also, I'm really blown away by the amount of feedback I got from you guys for Chap 13. Like, WOW. Thank you all so much! Every one really means so much, so thanks :) Replies are below as usual :)

Also, please do read the note at the end of this chapter. There's some news I need to tell you guys. Hehehe...

Okay, for now, please enjoy this chapter! :)

Disclaimer: Credits to Matsuri Hino, Blackened Wing and TammyTBoneTTB!

PRESENT

'...K-kaname...?'

Zero felt as if he were frozen in place, heart beating so hard that he could feel every thump resounding in his chest. It felt like no matter how deeply he inhaled, he couldn't get enough air to flow into his lungs.

Not breaking eye contact with his lover, the hunter gingerly slid his legs out from the lake. He couldn't tell if the shiver that racked his body was because of the evaporating sheen of cool water on the twin limbs, or because of his own churning emotions.

Was this really happening? Was Kaname really here? Or was this another dream? Would he wake up in his room after the pureblood pulled his heart out again?

But... the bond... He could feel Kaname's intense emotions transmitting across it, the disbelief and relief there mirroring his own.

A choked sob escaped Zero. This was real, wasn't it? Kaname, his Kaname, was right here!

The hunter abruptly jumped to his feet, ready to cross the short distance between him and his lover. But with his entire body still trembling in anticipation and nerviness, his shaky legs gave out the second he put his weight on them. Amethyst eyes widened as his wet feet slid down the slippery grassy edges of the lake, throwing him off balance and propelling him towards the awaiting waters.

But before he could tumble ungracefully into the lake, a strong arm wrapped around his waist, pulling him back to safety. His body pressed snugly against a warm, familiar chest, a most wondrous scent filling his nostrils. When he looked up, Kaname's stunning face stared down at him, longing and tenderness apparent in those mesmerising brown orbs. The hunter's heart constricted, and another sob escaped his lips, despite his valiant attempts to get a hold of himself. The feelings were just much too strong to handle, brimming and overflowing endlessly.

'Zero...,' murmured the pureblood, mild amusement flitting across his face as he regarded him. However, his eyes glistened suspiciously, voice noticeably a little shaky as well.

Just the sound of his name, said in that familiar soft, warm voice, was enough to release the tears that Zero had been suppressing for so long. No longer caring if anyone saw, not thinking about anything other than the fact that his lover, the actual one, was standing before him, the hunter crumbled against the other, winding his arms tightly around the pureblood, as if he would never again let go.

Kaname's arms immediately opened to welcome him, enveloping his lover in an iron embrace. Finally, finally, Zero was within reach again. The heat, the skin, the scent – they were all proof that the vampire in front of him was his Zero, not some other ex-human from a different time. Burying his face in the silver tresses, he inhaled deeply, relishing in the familiar, unique scent he loved so much. His arms tightened around his lover, eradicating all and any distance still remaining between them, trying to pull him as close as possible, until they could meld into one being, onesoul, and Zero could never again leave him.

The ex-human's tears were flowing freely now, soaking the collar of Kaname's shirt. With his face buried against his lover's neck, his sobs were faint and muffled, just a whisper of the wind, his shaking shoulders the only clue of his racking sobs.

One hand slowly slid up the hunter's back until it was buried in the tousled hair. Kaname cradled his lover's head tenderly, rubbing his thumb reassuringly against his scalp. He, too, had tears running down his face, dampening the silver strands that his fingers were lovingly intertwined with.

'Zero,' he murmured quietly, his voice quivering slightly. It was unbelievably amazing to have his lover back in his arms where he belonged. For too long, Kaname had agonised, heart sputtering and shattering into pieces, not knowing if he would ever be able to hold him again. The chaotic emotions that had been relentlessly churning around within him for hours were finally starting to calm down, pacified only by the closeness of his beloved.

'Zero,' he said again, as if to reassure himself that the hunter was really here, held in his arms. It felt like ages since he had called his lover, even though it had been mere days.

Zero inhaled shakily, his long tear-studded eyelashes fluttering as his eyes fell shut. His arms tightened around the pureblood, encasing him in a tight bear hug. But if Kaname felt any pain or difficulty in breathing, he didn't show it. His only response was to hold his lover closer, his own tears glistening under the moon's satisfied glow.

XXX

As gently as he could, Kaname's fingers gripped the silver strands, pulling their owner's head back. Zero blinked up at him blearily, luscious peach lips slightly parted as he continued to wheeze lightly for breath in between soft sobs. His mesmerising amethyst eyes were reddened and swimming with tears, cheeks wet and tinged with pink. The pureblood took a precious second to gaze down at his lover's flushed, gorgeous face, stunning even when in tears, mentally tracing the immaculate features and memorising them for the umpteen time.

As if he could ever forget.

And then Kaname was leaning forward, lips pressing gently against his lover's. Zero's eyes widened in surprise, but then they fluttered shut as he, too, leaned in, lips responding to his lover's touch. For a minute, Kaname left the kiss chaste and sweet, just lips moulding and brushing against one another, yet delicious all the same. But all too quickly, the insatiable beast within the pureblood reared its head, wanting to feel more. Much, much more.

His tongue shot out, swiping lightly at his lover's full lower lip. It was moist and salty, from his still-flowing tears. But the tangy taste of his lover's tears only served to fuel Kaname's desire to have more. Knowing exactly what the pureblood wanted without even having to open his eyes, Zero parted his lips, granting him much-awaited access into his warm, delicious mouth.

That innocently alluring action seemed to flick an inner switch within the brunette. Without a moment's hesitation, he dove right in, tongue quickly exploring the depths of the cavern, running over fangs and teeth in its hasty excitement. Taken by surprise by his lover's sudden aggressiveness, Zero gasped lightly. But the sound was immediately swallowed up by Kaname as he continued plundering his lover's enticing warmth, his tongue engaging the other's in a seductive, leisurely dance. And then, he abruptly withdrew his tongue, lips quirking in amusement when a growl of protest rumbled deep in Zero's throat, his tongue flicking out to chase after Kaname's.

In a fluid motion, Kaname took his lover's tongue into his mouth, sucking on it hard.

Zero's eyes snapped open, all traces of tears now gone.

'Mmm!?'

Kaname grinned as much as he could, lips not relinquishing their prize.

Mine, Zero. All of you belongs to me.

Zero shuddered, not just from the spikes of pleasure shooting through his body from Kaname's ministrations, but also his whispered words across their bond.

Belonging to a pureblood... His past self had had a massive conniption at the very idea, but the only emotions rising up in Zero at the thought was contentment and pure bliss. For he knew it went both ways. Kaname belonged to him, too.

Yes...

The warm hand pressed firmly against his back slid lower, inching towards more dangerous territory. Too caught up in their passionate kiss to realise, Zero remained passive and silent. The warm, delicious trail of heat left in the wake of his lover's touch caused him to sigh in pleasure, adding to the haze in his mind. He shuddered slightly, feeling a delightful warmth starting to spread through his body. This felt so good.

And then Kaname's hand snaked around to his front, fingers lightly stroking down the front of his pants.

Now that Zero felt. The pureblood's clear intention cut through his pleasure-hazed brain, jerking him back into reality as the offending hand continued to fondle him through the fabric of his pants, causing that particular area to become just a little tighter. A flush crept onto the hunter's face as he abruptly broke the kiss, turning his face away. They were in the forest, open for all to see! It wasn't just Kaname's inner vampires who might see them. Day Class students and even Yuuki might walk by at any time. What the hell was Kaname thinking!?

With admittedly colossal effort, the hunter put his hands flat against his lover's chest, shoving him away. Forgetting how he had pretty much been relying on the pureblood for support, his knees buckled, legs almost giving out beneath him. Taking a deep breath, he forced his legs to remain strong and hold him upright. Berating his lover for being an insatiable pervert would just not be quite as impactful if he were collapsed on the ground.

Caught by surprise, Kaname tumbled backwards, almost falling onto his bottom in the grass. Managing to catch himself just in time, his genuinely puzzled eyes sought out Zero's, wondering at the sudden change in his attitude.

As if he didn't know.

Glaring exasperatedly at him, Zero dragged the back of his hand across his mouth, wiping away all traces of their passionate kiss.

'How far were you going to go, Kaname?' demanded the hunter. 'We're out in the open!'

The pureblood's confusion gave way to amusement as he chuckled softly, not a trace of remorse on his face.

'It's okay, isn't it? You want me too, don't you?'

Zero glowered at his lover, despite the traitorous blush that continued to stain his pale cheeks. 'Idiot,' he growled. But there was no real malice in his voice. There wouldn't be, not when he was finally reunited with the lover he thought he would never see again.

Kaname didn't reply, only moving closer to him. Slowly, as if trying to show the hunter that he meant no harm, he lifted one hand to cup Zero's cheek, his thumb lightly rubbing away the tear stains marring that smooth, flawless skin. Despite himself, Zero leaned into his touch, eyes closing briefly as he took a long, deep breath, relishing in the feel of his lover's gentle caress. One of his hands lifted to cover Kaname's hand with his own, holding on to it dearly as if it were a priceless gem.

'Kaname... you're really here, aren't you?'

He didn't think he could bear it if this turned out to be another dream. His mind and soul was finally at peace, his heart no longer feeling as if it were broken into two. If he had to wake up all alone again... It would just destroy him completely. Would he ever be able to be whole again?

Amethyst eyes snapped open, staring pleadingly into Kaname's. Please be real... Please...

The pureblood's breath hitched at his lover's soulful expression. He looked so apprehensive and desperate, as if he couldn't believe this was actually happening.

But then a small smile grazed Kaname's lips. Wasn't he feeling the same way, after all? As if this were just another beautiful dream, one that would abruptly end and shove him back down to reality?

But this time, it wasn't. This was reality. Zero was his once again. His to hold, his to touch, his to love. All his.

'Yes, Zero, I'm really here,' reassured the pureblood tenderly, reaching out to grab Zero's hand, threading his fingers in between the long, pale appendages. Such a perfect fit. Wasn't there a song somewhere that spoke of how the spaces between one's fingers were where their lover's fingers fit perfectly? He had once thought that line was unbelievably sappy, but now, he realised how true it was. He lifted their joined hands, holding it in front of their faces.

'Can't you feel me, Zero? This is real. I'm real. The one holding your hand, the one touching your face, it's all me. And it will only ever be me.'

His smile softened, eyes swimming with adoration and love for his lover. 'Every time you turn around, I'll be standing right there, following you everywhere you go. Even if you get sick of me, I'm never going to leave you alone,' he promised, squeezing Zero's hand tightly.

Zero's heart swelled, wonderment overwhelming him. How was it that Kaname always knew exactly what to say? Whether it was by his touch, his words or even just his smile, the pureblood was always able to reel Zero back in from the dark hole he sometimes got lost in, calming his roiling emotions and keeping him centred at his core.

The hunter smiled softly, the worry behind his eyes slowly fading away. He let Kaname pull him into another hug, their hands still linked tightly together. Just like their hearts. Tied together for all eternity. With what his lover had just said, those embarrassingly mushy yet sincere words, how could Zero have any further doubt about the pureblood's love for him? For him, Kaname had risked his own life by coming here to the past, just to be by his side again. Of course, the pureblood probably hoped to persuade him to return to the future with him, and Zero would have to find some way to reject him, no matter how terribly difficult that would be. With Kaname actually here in person, it wasn't like before, where he could just leave – however cruel it had been – despite his lover's insistent rejection. This was an infinitelymore troublesome situation, but Zero found himself too caught up in his lover's presence to care about it for now.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, a little niggling started up, trying to direct his attention to something important that he was not seeing, but Zero ignored it, too content to remain snuggled up against Kaname.

'Was it Aidou who cast the Time Switcher Spell on you? Did he cry when you had to leave?' teased the hunter, smiling against the pureblood's neck.

Kaname chuckled lightly, mood lightening as he felt his lover relaxing against his chest, all traces of his previous tension gone.

'Well, he didn't exactly cry, but... maybe he was just holding himself back,' quipped the pureblood playfully, eyes glittering in amusement as he recalled how Aidou's eyes had repeatedly darted up from the book to him all throughout the spell, eyes wide in fretfulness and worry. The blonde had seemed so distracted by the pureblood's welfare that Kaname had actually wondered if he would make a mistake.

Thankfully, it seemed that Aidou had managed to pull it off, after all. Not that Kaname had ever had any doubt. Though the blonde noble was admittedly hot-tempered and loose-lipped, he had never let him down before.

Kaname's eyes softened. 'Aidou wasn't the only spell caster, though. The rest of my inner circle vampires were involved as well.' Then an image of the elderly woman popped into his mind, and his smile turned tender. Mind swimming with memories about that wonderful lady, he continued, without thinking. 'Kouya-san, too...'

He trailed off, eyes widening in dismay as he caught himself. Oh, damn. It wasn't that he was trying to hide it, but he hadn't wanted to bring the particular topic up until much, much later, especially since Zero seemed to have forgotten all about it. What a blunder...

The hunter had not missed the mention of an unfamiliar name, as well as the subsequent stiffening of the pureblood. He pulled away slightly to look at him, brows furrowing in incomprehension when he saw the apprehension in his lover's eyes.

'Kaname? Who is Kouya-san?'

Kaname averted his lover's probing gaze, exhaling shakily as he tried to steel himself for Zero's reaction to his next words.

Zero's confusion intensified. Why was Kaname looking so guilty? Had something happened? Kouya-san... He had never heard that name before, and he was pretty up-to-date with the pureblood's affairs. So then, she had to be a stranger.

Unless...

'Did my past self hurt someone in his blood lust?'

Kaname blinked, startled gaze shooting back to his lover at those unexpected words. Zero was staring at him, intense horror and dread on his suddenly-ashen face. There was no way Kaname could bear to leave him under that impression, not when he knew how the hunter had spent most of the earlier half of his life trying to rein in the raging beast within him. Zero might put on an admirable show with all his snarling and snapping, but in reality, he had one of the purest hearts of anyone Kaname knew. Maybe even as pure as Yuuki's herself. All he had ever wanted was to protect the innocents. If he believed that past Zero had harmed an innocent, he would most definitely pin the blame on himself, even though there was absolutely nothing he could have done.

'No, Zero, don't worry. Your past self didn't hurt anyone.'

Relief flashed across wide lilac eyes, chasing away the shadows of worry and doubt. Then perplexment once again settled in.

'Then...?'

Kaname sighed softly, sombre eyes once again flitting away to gaze off into the distance. It was an unconscious reaction to feeling remorseful, one that the pureblood would only be able to show to Zero, around whom his guards were practically non-existent.

Zero stared at his lover, totally mystified. Why was Kaname refusing to speak? He was obviously hiding something, but what? Who was this Kouya-san and what did she have to do with the Time Switcher Sp-

A chill suddenly ran down his spine, horror and shock coursing through his veins.

Finally, the reason behind the niggling in his mind became clear. How had he not realised it before? He had been right there when Aidou brought the book in, right there when past Kaname had read the spell for the first time.

A human sacrifice is required. The younger the sacrifice, the more likely the spell will be successful.

XXX

Zero dropped Kaname's hand as if it were a burning-hot poker, swiftly backing away from his lover. Just mere seconds ago, he had felt as if he never wanted to leave the warmth of Kaname's body, but now, he could not even bear to look at him. How could he let himself get mesmerized by those fathomless, sienna eyes, knowing what they had seen their owner doing?

Zero choked back a strangled sob, wrapping his arms around himself as his body trembled slightly, not from giddy happiness this time, but horror and repugnance. Why did this have to happen? He had been so incredibly glad to have Kaname back at his side that he had been blind to what it had required for that to happen.

That pitiful, innocent human...

And it was all because of him.

'You... you sacrificed a human to come here... to come after me?'

When Zero had practically pried himself out of his embrace, Kaname's chest had tightened in agony. At his lover's repulsed expression and tone, his stomach had lurched, heart feeling as if it were once again crumbling into pieces. He had only just gotten Zero back, and the hunter was already sick of him. Even though he had had an inkling of the response he would receive, he had not quite pictured the scene before him: his lover looking so horrified, visibly drawing into himself as he stood shakily, eyes widened and cast downward.

Kaname stepped forward, both hands raised, a beseeching look on his face as he tried to calm his lover down. All the while, only one thought echoed round and round in his head, chilling his insides with cold dread: Zero, please, don't reject me.

'Well... yes, but-'

Fists clenched, the hunter cut him off, voice raising several notches as he got visibly more agitated. Still he resolutely refused to meet the pureblood's eyes.

'Kaname, how could you? Sacrificing an innocent, just for my sake? Didn't you know how much I would hate it?'

The pureblood's face twisted in pain. He continued forward, reaching a trembling hand out towards his lover. Imploring. Hoping. ...Begging.

'Zero, please, it's not what you're thinking.'

When Zero flinched and turned away from his touch, Kaname froze for a second, feeling as if someone had their hands wrapped tightly around his throat, preventing any air from entering his lungs. He swallowed thickly, before taking a deep, shuddering breath.

'Please, Zero, please give me a chance to explain. I promise it's not what you're thinking. I wouldn't do something like that, don't you know me well enough by now?'

The hunter inhaled shakily, still turned away from his lover. The raw agony in Kaname's voice was heart-breaking. Zero's heart clenched unbearably at the cracked, whispered words, sounding nothing at all like the ones the usually-confident pureblood spoke.

But it was the last line that really plucked at his heart-strings, sending immense guilt flooding through him. He knew that Kaname was not so selfish and cruel that he would've just gone out into the street and randomly plucked the nearest young, healthy human as sacrifice, of course he did, but... The fact remained that Kaname was here, for his sake. And that meant that someone haddied for him.

Still, all the harrowing experiences that he had undergone together with the pureblood had not been for naught. The implicit trust that he had in the pureblood was not so weak that he could continue accusing his lover without at least hearing him out. Not when Kaname was so visibly upset and stricken.

So when that familiar hand once again reached uncertainly towards him, he did not baulk. Not this time. Silently, he let Kaname turn his head towards his, before large hands cupped his cheeks gently in their caress. His body had learnt to associate the pureblood's scent and warmth as signals of safety and bliss, so it came as no surprise that just one whiff and touch was enough to cause Zero's tensed shoulders to relax somewhat.

Kaname stared intently down into his lover's face. He had been expecting Zero to slap his hand away, so the hunter's passive reaction had taken him by pleasant surprise. His lover was still rigid and pale, but at least he was allowing Kaname to hold him this way. It meant that he was willing to listen, at the very least. A tiny wave of relief washed through him. Perhaps things would turn out fine after all. But there was still one thing...

'Zero, won't you please look at me?'

The soft entreaty caused Zero to stiffen slightly, jaw clenching. As a few seconds of silence passed, Kaname's heart started to sink. Was he wrong, after all? Zero wasn't going to give him the chance to explain?

But then, gradually, amethyst eyes flicked upwards, the hesitant, guarded orbs gazing straight into his. A quiet sigh of relief escaped Kaname's lips. While there was definitely still some uncertainty and doubt in his lover's eyes, at least he was letting him explain. And for that, he was infinitely thankful. He knew how stubborn Zero could be, especially when it came to matters that he felt very strongly for, so he was glad that at least the hunter was not just freaking out on him.

'Kouya-san was an elderly woman suffering from stage four pancreatic cancer.'

When Zero's eyes widened in shock, Kaname gave a small, sorrowful smile. 'She had been suffering through so much pain for months... And that's why she agreed to be a part of this.'

Understanding finally dawned on Zero, and his breath escaped in a whoosh. Of course. How could he ever have doubted otherwise? He should've known, even without asking, that Kaname would not do anything to hurt others unnecessarily. It had happened enough times already, hadn't it? Sacrificing himself for Yuuki and Zero; risking his life to save the three human children years ago; expending all his energy and power to save the Cross Academy students from the flood – Zero had seen Kaname make all of these decisions – and more – right before his eyes. How could he ever have suspected that that same gentle pureblood would have just carried this out callously? Remorse and regret were clearly reflected in those brown orbs. It had obviously not been easy for Kaname to do what he had done.

By not choosing a young and healthy human sacrifice, Kaname had increased the stakes of having the Time Switcher spell cast on him, risking his own life in the process of chasing him down. Yet, despite knowing that, he had made sure to choose someone who would be able to benefit from this arrangement, trying, as always, to find some positive in a terrible situation. Someone who was desperate to end their lives, but was unable to. Someone who would hence leap at this opportunity.

Zero would be lying if he said that he was fully accepting and comfortable with all this, even if the other party had been willing. After all, regardless of how he looked at it, an innocent life had been lost, just for his sake. Because of his selfish decision. But, he could not deny that alleviating a suffering, terminally-ill patient of her agony caused some shift in perspective.

Kaname peered down worriedly at his silent lover, recognising that expression on his face. Having lived with him for so long, the pureblood had eventually managed to decipher the little nuances of Zero's facial expressions. It was an extremely useful skill for trying to predict his lover's moods, especially since Zero was a master at feigning indifference and apathy.

Creased brows, slightly narrowed eyes, pursed lips – these were clear signs that Zero was currently analysing the information he had been told, weighing the pros and cons and trying to figure out how he really felt.

Kaname swallowed, an unfamiliar feeling of nervousness rising up within him as he continued to stare at Zero. He wasn't registering any strong emotions from their bond, so that meant that the hunter was calm, at the very least. Yet, he wasn't visibly responding to him, deep in thought, eyes seeing past him.

'Zero?' Kaname knew he should have just let Zero respond in his own time, but the pureblood just could not wait any longer. His anxiety levels were spiking, heart rate shooting up to reach for the stars above them. Almost unconsciously, his fingers stroked his lover's cheeks gently from where they were wrapped against his face, as if seeking some form of connection to Zero. If there wasn't any emotionally, perhaps physically, then...

With a jolt, Zero snapped back to reality, startled eyes immediately darting up to meet the pureblood's. Oh. There was so much insecurity and worry there, he thought. And it had been put there because of him. Again.

When Zero's hands slowly raised, fingers closing over his outstretched arms, dread crept up Kaname's spine, his breaths becoming unsteady. Was Zero going to push him away again?

But those pale hands remained still, gripping his forearms tightly.

Kaname inhaled sharply. Dare he hope?

Zero shot his lover a tentative smile, eyes softening. 'I understand, Kaname. I... I don't like it, but... I understand.'

Even before he had finished speaking, Kaname was closing the distance between them, wrapping his arms tightly around him.

'Thank you, Zero. Just... Thank you.'

Zero froze for a second, caught off-guarded by his lover's sudden movement, but it wasn't long before he was returning the embrace.

'Yeah...'

For how long they remained like this, holding each other close, neither could say for sure. Time seemed to still, their surroundings falling away as they simply basked in each other's presence. For too long they had been forced to live without the other, and it had been like living with only half a heart. It always felt like something was missing, something out of reach that was so very crucial for them to keep on existing. It had been such an unbearable, pitiable existence for each of them.

But now, they had finally found each other again. Two halves of a soul, melding together and reforming the perfect whole. It was perfect. They would have been content to stay this way forever, but alas, there were far more pressing issues that Kaname just could not ignore.

'Zero, won't you return home with me?'

Zero's heart constricted at the mention of their 'home', but he firmly suppressed the feelings of hopeless yearning and nostalgia that had risen up within him. The question had been no surprise, of course. From the moment he had sensed him, he had known Kaname's motive for pursuing him all the way here. But he had to keep his resolve. No giving in, even if it was such an enticing thought, especially coming straight from his lover's lips.

Damn it, cursed the hunter mentally. Stay firm! For Yuuki. Yuuki and Kaname.

'Kaname, no. I have to do this. I can't give up a chance for things with Yuuki to be different,' he whispered quietly.

'Don't you want Yuuki to live a full, happy life too?' His voice cracked slightly as he pulled back to gaze up at the pureblood, his face imploring Kaname to understand.

Kaname's eyes tensed. Of course he did. So, so much. It had been his fault, in more ways than one, that Yuuki had had to suffer such a terrible fate. Even if he had not realised it until it was too late, he had been the one to draw Nasser's attention to her, causing her to fall victim to another one of his twisted games. And it had also been his desperate bite that had exacerbated the illness, speeding up her death.

Though he no longer held himself directly responsible for everything – thanks to Zero's continual reaffirmations –, occasionally when he thought about her, a gigantic wave of guilt would crash over him, overwhelming him and leaving him breathless for a second. If only he had dealt with Nasser earlier. If only he had been there to protect Yuuki. If only, if only...

So it went without saying he wanted Yuuki alive and well again. Whether it was to see her younger self blushing up at him, stammering out a 'K-kaname-senpai!', or her older self, the one who drew him into her loving arms, smiling tenderly at him before pressing her soft lips against his in a breath-taking kiss, he would be content just to have her back at his side. Healthy. Safe. Alive.

But he wouldn't give up Zero either.

Years ago, he had hated Kiryuu Zero with every fibre of his body, cursing him for being able to stay by his beloved Yuuki's side, even if it had been Kaname himself who had planned it so. But after everything they had been through, all those horrible, unspeakable experiences, Zero was now everything to him. Just the thought of living without the hunter by his side filled him with irrepressible horror. Life wasn't worth anything unless Zero was with him, gazing at him, smiling at him, holding him, loving him. Zero was the wind in his sails, the sun to his moon. Without him, Kaname could not function, could not truly live. He would only remain as a dark, still entity, going through all the motions of life, but not truly feeling anything.

Zero was his air. There was no way Kaname would ever willingly let him go.

There was only one thing for it, then.

Grasping Zero's hands in his, looking him squarely in the eyes, Kaname calmly stated, 'Then let us stay here together in the past.'

End! Hope you guys enjoyed that :) In case you were wondering, the song I was referring to was Vanilla Twilight by Owl City :) I've always loved that line and I was super excited to use it here hehehe :)

Okay, um, so now for the news. Well, as I've told you guys in previous chapters, I've been getting really busy, so I won't have much time to write for awhile. Because of that, I've decided to put this fanfic on a hiatus (after the next chapter) until things let up a little. I'm not very sure how long that'll be, honestly, but if I do find some time, I'll still post once in a while. I'm really sorry guys T.T I feel horrible about this :( I wish I could just write all day sigh, but sadly, I can't. :( However, I've also been thinking about posting random fluffy K&Z oneshots that won't take very long to write, so maybe some of those will appear one day haha.. If you guys have anything you want me to write about, just drop me a review/PM :)

Alright, that news was really hard to break, but it's done now yay! On a brighter note, please look forward to the next chapter :) If everything turns out well, there should be some more lovey-dovey scenes :)

Reviews from my dear reviewers:

BlackAbyss: Haha don't feel bad; I know nothing of French, so you're not alone. GOOD LUCK WITH IT, THOUGH :) Yeah :) I'm really glad that past Zero got to see that side of Kaname. And to feel less angsty. Hahaha lotsa lovey-dovey moments are happening next :) Oh, no, please fangirl more :) It makes me really excited too haha! HAHAHAH a new superhero is in town, watch out guys! :) Hahah you're so adorable ^.^ Please don't ever worry about taking up my time! I enjoy having conversations here too :) Like making new friends hahaha. Thank you so much, and for the Hunger Games quote as well! Hope things go well for you too. Thanks for your support and review! :)

shia naru: Hello! Thank you :) Hahaha the next chapter's going to be about the present K and Z though, because I've been dying to write more lovey stuff hahah! But past K and Z will come eventually :) Hehehe this update is still within this week, so YAY! Hopefully I can finish the next one soon too :) Thank you for the review and support! :)

CoffeeKitten: Hello! Thank you so much for telling me that! I can't believe that anyone would look forward so much to my updates, so that really makes me really happy! I do want to apologise for some spelling and grammatical mistakes I still make though T.T Oh wow, your words really give me a lot of motivation and hope! I can only tell if people enjoy this fic by the reviews/favourites/follows, so it really makes me glad to know that there are more silent readers out there who like my work :) I enjoy replying to reviews, because not only does it allow me to communicate with my readers, it's also the least that I can do for them taking the time to leave a review, since reviews bring me such great joy :) Thank you so very much for your very encouraging words! :):) Really appreciate them :)

kanamexzero fan: YAY REUNION! Been waiting for this for the past 13 chapters hahaha! This chapter is an extension of the previous one, so yay :) Hahah what will happen in the past, I wonder... :) Thank you so much for your support and review! :)

mysticterrier: Hahaha that is SO true! Kaname isn't going to just let this go, THANK GOODNESS for all us KxZ fans hahahaha. Yep, I think Zero needs to understand what he put Kaname through... :) I'm glad you like this story :) Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! :)

Guest: Yes! I'm so glad to be able to write some happy scenes after more than ten chaps of angst and longing and heartbreak hahaha! Time to soothe my soul hahah. Thank you so much for your review :):)

perfectly flawed woman: Love you too ^.^ I'm glad it went how you wanted it too :) No worries about the lateness! Better late than never hehe! Hope your computer 'gets well' soon :) Here's the next chapter hahah. Thank you so much for your support and review!:):)

Guest: Heheheh that's a REALLY good guess ) But... No spoilers though hahaha! We'll just have to see, won't we :) And thank you so much for your review! :D:D

Sonzai Taz: Hehehehe yay I'm so glad I managed to catch you by surprise hahaha! And yes! They do have that chance now :) HAHAHA I would love to bring in more Aidou moments; thank you for that suggestion! :) I'll definitely keep that in mind when crafting the past K&Z chapters :) Yeah :) I really liked those interactions between Misako and Kaname :) They were so sweet :) Something is indeed happening to past Zero though... :) Hahah I love how much you support Chikako! I'll be writing about her more in the past chapters :) Haha i think this fic is pretty K and Z-centric, so I really do need to bring in more characters! I think I should involve them more later on, as well :) I'm glad you enjoyed the previous chapters! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a dear, long review! :):)

gleish26: YAY long review again hahaha. OMG the typewriter comment made me laugh so hard! It's actually because I was like writing all the time. But I can't do that anymore, sadly T.T Oh, good luck for that! Hope everything goes well :) Keep up the good work :) Haha I do agree with you :) But we'll have to see what K and Z decide :) Convincing Zero, though, that might be impossible LOL. There are so many possibilities for how the past will turn out, so I really need to think hard haha. OH! Thank you for commenting on the cover pic! I was beginning to worry that no one even viewed it hahah... THANK YOU:) And yes! It'll be in the next chapter, so look forward to it :) Thank you so much for the support and reviews! (I love Kaname too! *gush*)

Chaos: Yay, I'm glad you thought so :) Hopefully most of this chapter was sweet for you as well :):) Thank you so much for the review! :)

haru: Thank you for those kind words! :) I'm really glad they're together, too! Like, finally! Thank you for the review!:):)

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR READING THIS :) HOPE YOU LIKED THIS CHAP (and that Z's not OOC T.T)!