Chapter 26: Turning the Tides

Zero sat on the edge of his bed silently as he watched Kaname do the same. Ten minutes had already passed since the pureblood's return. Zero knew by the expressionless face still on Kaname's face that Len said something to him, yet as to what, Zero wasn't there to know. But it sure had Kaname's full attention, even now when Zero was a few feet away from him.

Sighing for the umpteenth time, Zero stood and made his way across the short distance between Zero's and Kaname's bed until he towered right over the other.

"I stood up pacifically because you wanted to talk. Yet ten minutes has come and gone and you have not said a word. Now, explain to me why I must remain awake when you still haven't said one word to me?" Zero stared at Kaname who finally looked up at him as if just realizing he was there.

"What are you thinking, Zero?" Kaname asked out of the blue after a moments pause.

The question itself was confusing to Zero yet he didn't stop himself from answering. "That I would like to get to bed."

"That's not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean?"

"I mean, what are you always thinking about? Who or what is occupying your mind?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because it drives me crazy not knowing what your thinking most of the time."

Zero looked at Kaname with a shock expression. Kaname was feeling the same way Zero was. The fact that he couldn't figure out what the pureblood was thinking also drove Zero nuts. It made him unsteady, even nervous, yet the feeling of wanting to be inside the others mind was still so great.

"Can't you tell me? Won't you open up to me and tell me what you want?"

Zero raised an eyebrow. "What I want?"

Kaname nodded his head. "Tell me."

Zero narrowed his eyes before pushing the other backwards. Kaname fell against the satin sheets, hair fanned around him, arms limp beside him, eyes watching as Zero climbed over him and sat on top his hips.

Lilac eyes met garnet.

"You want to know what I want?"

Kaname nodded again, not caring for a moment that he was being dominated by the other. Zero wrapped his hands around Kaname's neck and squeezed, not hard as to block his airway but enough that it left a mark that soon disappeared after it was made.

"I want the total annihilation of your pureblood kind and I don't care what I have to do in order to accomplish that wish."

Kaname closed his eyes. "Then do it."

Zero tilted his head to one side. "What are you getting at?"

Kaname looked up at Zero again. "I'm giving you permission to see to my end."

"This is not a joke, Kuran."

"Who says I'm joking?"

Zero observed the serious look displaying on Kaname's face. Zero squeezed tighter, thumb digging into Kaname's Adam's apple. The figure with the mismatch eyes was grinning like a mad man, Zero's eyes flashing red before he shook his head and let go of Kaname's neck.

"I can't…" Zero whispered. "There's a part inside me that wants to end your life, but the part that is me can't do it. You're a pureblood whose species I despise with all my heart, however, when it comes to you I can't bring myself to hate you even though I want…no…need to hate you."

Kaname raised one hand and placed it upon Zero's cheek. "Why?"

"It's the only way we can survive."

Before Kaname could ask what Zero meant by we, Zero suddenly fell limp against his chest.

Deep within Zero's mind there was an internal battle between Zero's consciousness and the figure who took pleasure in manipulating it.

"I believe it's high time for you to sleep."

"What do you plan to do?"

The figure smiled. "Moving things forward."

Zero couldn't do anything but scream as he was dragged to the darkest part of his mind, watching in horror as the figure took his place on the front line.

"Zero you okay, what's the matter?" Kaname asked worried as he tilted Zero's head up so the other's face was looking at him.

Zero's eyes fluttered open, two red orbs were now staring at Kaname.

"Zero…?"

Zero grinned before placing a single finger on Kaname's lips, silencing him. "Shh…no need to worry Kaname, I'm right here."

"What's wrong with your eyes-"

Zero silenced Kaname once more. "It's rude to talk when other's are still in the process of speaking."

Kaname stood still, somehow entranced by this darker Zero.

"Man, was it cramped in there." Zero spoke again as he stretched his arms above his head.

"Your not Zero are you?" Kaname asked eyeing the person on top him suspiciously

Zero looked down. "Was it that obvious?"

"Who are you?"

"All in good time. Now, lets get on to what it is that dear Kaname wants?"

"I want Zero back!"

"And you will have him but not until you name your price."

"I told you what it was."

"Have you?" Zero questioned.

"I have!"

"Lying doesn't suit you Kaname."

"I don't have time to argue with you." Kaname started and was about to push Zero off him when a single drop of blood landed on his cheekbone, halting him from moving.

Zero had scratched the side of his neck without the other knowing and now blood trickled down his neck and onto Kaname's face.

And when Kaname's eyes turned red, Zero let a smile appear.

"Are you still uncertain as to what you want when it's written clear on your face?"

"Don't…"

"What's the matter?"

"Please…don't"

"There's nothing wrong with a little nip and suck."

"I can't do that when Zero is not present."

"You honestly think Zero will willingly give you his blood? He said it himself that he hates your kind. You either give this chance up or take it, it's your choice?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Kaname reversed their positions. Pinning Zero's hands above his head and leaning in to lap up the blood. Stopping only momentarily to utter a silent apology before giving into his prolonged hunger for the other's blood.

Not once did the smile on Zero's face faded.

There was a handy trick up his sleeve that he knew would bind the other to him. Just one of the few benefits of manipulating a hunter.

TBC…