YOU GUYS GOT ME ABSOLUTELY SPEECHLESS!
There will be a lot of rambling in the notes after the chapter but I want to shout out a big thank you for ya all and tell you that I love you and how awesome you people are.
This chapter is neither a filler neither an action filled one. It is kind of transition, and it is riddled with hints about the upcoming events.
Do not worry, you will not need a lot of tissue for the angst in this one but I might need some guards for the punches that will come my way.
I would like to answer the question of my awesome guest readers here because I am unable to send them a private message :(
XtAG : I am sorry but I might have to keep your heart confiscated for a little bit longer because you will probably end up losing it somewhere again with the angst coming up in the next few chapters *smirk*
Guest & Abby : The angst and drama will keep going for a little longer but I have to answer yourworries by saying that there will be a happy ending for Kaname and Zero, but they will go through a pretty rough patch in order to savor it ;)
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Cross Academy ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
The hundredth sigh left the hunter's lips as he finally got out of his vehicle and walked towards his room. He tried his best to tune out the bustling of the house that was swarming with everyone who came back from the hospital. Zero felt suffocated the whole time. He left the hospital room more than once to breath only to end up being pulled back in by his twin, Cross and sometime Hanabusa because Yuki was adamant on keeping him by her side until she gets discharged.
He was truly glad that the child he helped protecting and nurtured while in her mother's womb was welcomed into the world. He was certain that Ai would grow to be a lucky girl surrounded by many people who will shower her with love and affection. He was more convinced that he made the right decision when he witnessed the image of the perfect family unfolding in front of his eyes. Leaning against the doorframe, Zero jolted slightly when Kaname brushed against his shoulder to get inside the room after finishing the paperwork for their discharge. His chest tightened when the pureblood patted his mate's head with adoration before getting his daughter ready in her crib, but he crushed whatever was trying to take him over by looking at the bright side, that he will not be breaking the happiness of these people by a foolish mistake such as a bet. He got away with the excuse of getting his car ready to drive his brother and co back to the academy.
Now, alone in his room, Zero clutched his chest as hard as possible in attempt to ease the burn he felt every time the cold look in Kaname's eyes flashed in his head. I never wished for it to end like this! I thought that we would part ways on better terms! Why does it hurt so much to have him despise me, why would I care so much about how he thinks about me?
A knock at his door startled him. Zero called out when he made sure that there was no pureblood aura behind and the door. Sure enough, Gin let himself inside the room and sat backward on the desk chair facing Zero who was sitting at the edge of his bed.
"Congratulation, Uncle!" Gin teased while resting his chin on the headrest of the chair. The dull response Zero gave confused the teacher.
"Thanks."
A long moment of silence stretched and strained on the blue-haired human's nerves.
"Zero?" He tried to get the hunter out of the bubble he lost himself into, what is going on?
"hmm…" The hunter hummed.
"Everything all right?" Gin asked
"uhuh." Zero nodded without looking at the concerned grey eyes.
Like hell! Gin screamed inwardly at the bullshit. "I just got back from the Moon Dorms," He talked in an upbeat tone, "Ai-chan is soo tiny and cute… It is still hard to judge who is it that she looks like more, but she is adorable nonetheless. I left Kei-chan gushing over her and he was even scolding the adults who were trying to wake her up."
Zero let out an amused chuckle, but Gin did not miss the bitterness laced in it.
"Dinner is ready actually and they are planning to gather there, Ichiru was coming to fetch you but asked me instead because he was busy helping around."
Zero shook his head sideway, "I don't feel like eating, too tired from the trip and the fuss. The last thing I need is watching those idiots partying around." And seeing him playing the role of the perfect host and father.
The words, expression and reaction confirmed Gin's suspicion. Especially after the icy look, that Kaname shot him when he held Ai in his arms. Something happened!
"Zero… When one cares greatly about another, they would do their best not to jeopardize their happiness. Even if it meant letting them go in the arms of another."
The hunter stiffened at the words spoken in such a serious tone.
Gin sighed, "Although it is be easier said than done, the pain of letting go can leave you crippled."
Amethyst eyes glared at grey ones before Zero snarled, "Why are you telling me this?"
Gin gave him a tight smile as he tilted his head, "Because it seems that your old flame is still shining bright."
It was Zero's turn to tilt his head in confusion. Gin expected such a reaction but decided to continue, "Ichiru was worried about your reaction to Yuki finally giving birth to Kuran's child." Zero flinched at the mention of the brunet, "He wondered if you still had feelings for her. I was quite surprised to learn that she was actually your first love." Gin teased the hunter who groaned and hid his face with both palms in exasperation.
"Will you do me the favor of taping Ichiru's mouth whenever he is around you? What is with him and spilling every detail of my life to you… Stop pulling him into talking too much already, Gin!" Zero snapped.
Gin gave heartfelt laugh at the gruff reaction, "You are finally back to your usual self." Although I know that Ichiru is wrong on his assumption already.
Zero blinked few times. The screech of the chair made him squint before following Gin with his eyes. Stopping before opening the door, Gin faced the lavender eyes with a playful look, "They will probably come pester you for not attending dinner later. If you feel like getting away, feel free to come hide in my room. I will leave the door unlocked."
Zero quirked an eyebrow, "Are you planning on taking advantage of-"
Gin gave him a dramatic look of disbelief, "I am hurt! I thought you said it was okay to stay as friends… What are friends for if they do no help each other…" He gave him a tongue out that made Zero roll his eyes and snort,
"As if I would believe that shit."
Just as he was about to exit, Gin halted when Zero mumbled loud enough for him to hear, "Was that advice one that you are following as well?"
Gin glanced back to see the hunter looking down instead of facing him. Dark blue hair rested on the doorframe while he crossed his arms, keeping his back to the hunter, "Maybe~"
"Does this mean that you gave up already…"
The answer came as a whisper, "The only thing that will make me give up is your absolute rejection… For now, I am bidding my time with the hope that you might look my way one of those days…" He paused as he pushed away from the door and looked back at the pained hunter, parting ways with a lighthearted joke, " Maybe I have an ulterior motive by inviting you after all… To show you another good side of mine."
Seeing the door closing, Zero flopped sideway on his bed. Looking at his palm absentmindedly.
let go, huh…
He sighed deeply
I planned on doing so from the start anyways… It is no use crying over spilled milk, Kiryuu Zero! Just because things did not go the way you wanted… The end result is the same… It is about time to part ways as bed partners… I does not matter if he hates me or… not… It is not like we were always on friendly term to begin with… Things are just getting back to their normal flow after a trip to fantasy world and back.
Zero kept convincing himself with multitude of other excuses, unaware of the tears spilling from his blank eyes, drenching the pillow.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ After dinner ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Gin took the chance to spend some quality time with his sister and niece since everyone gathered in the Moon Dorm. They talked about his permanent move to Cross city, and the future arrangement that will happen once Hina got a hold of her powers and responsibilities as a pureblood. Gin's residence in the faculty housing was temporarily because he wanted to reunite with his remaining family sooner than later. However, he is having second thoughts about his purpose in coming here. He felt as if fate was weaving this path for a far different reason.
He glanced at the window of Zero's room and sighed when he saw no light. The fact that the black Jeep was still parked in front of the house reassured him. He was not sure about what happened with Kuran and he knew that he would not be able to get an answer unless he divulged his knowledge about their affair. Nonetheless, he was certain that Zero was hurt by whatever happened, and the grey-eyed teacher felt like wringing the neck of the smug pureblood the whole time he was watching him during the dinner.
To his surprise, He found a silver-haired man curled up in his dorm room, in his bed, with his back facing him. Gin smiled when Zero scooted more to make space for him to sit on the bed. However, He chose to sit on the carpet after grabbing a water bottle from the mini fridge. His back against the bed, he sighed in relief.
"Not going to say anything?" Zero mumbled as he turned around and stared at the messy twirls of dark blue hair facing him.
"Should I?"
"Why are you not asking…?" Zero's voice sounded strained, telling Gin that he was about to cry or had been crying.
"Will you answer if I ask?" Gin answered with yet another question.
"You can be infuriating, you know that?" Zero commented while pulling on Gin's hair like a sulking child.
"Ouch… Can't help it since I am confused as hell right now." Gin quipped
"About what?" Zero asked while shifting in a way that his shoulders and hands were dangling out of the bed and his head lolling sideway to meet Gin's eyes.
"Well… You obviously told me that you do not do relationships and never believed in love…. Now, I see you heartbroken over your first love who happened to be your adoptive sister… How can I not get confused?" Gin mocked annoyance.
Zero rolled his eyes and flopped back on the bed. This time he used his feet to knead Gin's shoulders in a provocative way. "There is nothing to be confused about… That was puppy love and I moved on from it. One more thing, I am not heartbroken." He emphasized on the last part with a push against broad shoulders.
Without looking back at him, Gin took the chance to ask the question bugging him, "Speaking of love and relationships… Are you still seeing that guy?"
Zero was oblivious to the question when he was trying to pull the dark hair with his toes, "Which one?"
"The one you have been sleeping with more than once." Kuran Kaname! Gin did not miss the way Zero's teasing ceased for a second before going on.
"Um… not anymore…" The human felt his heart jump to his throat.
"Why?" Gin whispered, unable to hide his curiosity.
"We had a deal for it to be temporary from the start." Zero deadpanned. Gin grabbed the naughty feet and started massaging it in a way that made the hunter let out a soft moan of relief.
"Hmm?... I thought for sure that this mystery man was my rival in winning you over." Gin teased. The deadline must have been Ai's birth.
Zero scoffed, "There is nothing to feel rivalry about."
Gin was silent for some time before looking at the time. He brought out a beer for Zero to enjoy while he went for a shower before calling it a night. He expected the silverette to be gone by the time he finished, but he was again surprised by seeing more beer cans open and the hunter sitting lazily on the carpet, watching TV. Gin drank a little with him before jumping in bed since he had early classes the next day. He could not help but ruffle the silver hair when the hunter mumbled 'Thank you for letting me stay over' before chugging another beer.
A little later, Gin could feel the hunter hovering over his sleeping face. He made sure not to move or twitch when Zero moved in a cat like motion, lifting the covers and stealthily joining him. He cracked one eye open to peer at the hunter who made himself comfortable beside him in bed. Of course, Zero had his back facing him so he was not aware that Gin was awake when he shuffled and spooned him as if the hunter was a hugging pillow. Zero tensed for a second before relaxing in strong arms. He was grateful that Gin was not as nosy as usual, which made him a comfortable company for the hunter who felt as if his own room was suffocating him and swallowing him in a dark loneliness he never felt before.
Gin did nothing more than wrap an arm around the hunter's stomach and slide a hand for him to use as a pillow. He made it seem accidental by smacking Zero's head with it, making the hunter tuck the muscled arm under his small head. Not long after, Gin's chest tightened when he felt the tremors going through the hunter's body as well as the dampness dripping over his skin, but he did nothing, assuming that the hunter needed to pour out whatever was bottled up inside him.
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The next morning, Gin woke up to the sound of Zero talking over the phone.
"Yes… Okay, I will be there soon… Thank you for calling me!" The hunter hung up and looked at the lazy man stretching on his bed with a soft smile. A smile that melted Gin's heart for a second. Zero approached the bed while putting on his jacket; he bent over the nightstand to grab his keys and wallet as he spoke, "Mornin' … Sorry to wake you up… You should sleep some more, there is still time for classes."
The hunter startled by the strong hand gripping his wrist, "How are you?" Gin's tone showed the depth of his concern and made Zero realize that he was aware that the hunter did not sleep much the night before. As much as he sought company, the hunter could not relax enough to sleep comfortably in his arms. He gave him a wistful smile, "I slept better than I would have in my own room, thanks for letting me stay over." It was true; he would not have had a wink if he stayed alone.
"You can stay a little longer," Gin rubbed his thumb on his wrist as he tugged him back in bed lazily, "We can have breakfast together and-"
Zero chuckled and surprised Gin by giving him a peck on the lips that successfully woke him up fully. "I would love to, but I have to go. Yuki will not be happy when she hears that she gave birth one day apart from her archenemy, White Lily." Zero winked with a happier glint in his eyes upon remembering the good news.
"Oh!" Gin's eyes widened before chuckling at the coincidence, he promptly let go of the hunter so that he could join his best friend. No one could ever win against the white horse when it comes to priorities. The ethic teacher could not believe that he actually felt a bit jealous.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ At the stable ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Zero was rubbing the head of the tired new mother, telling her how brave she was while watching the small foal struggling to get on his feet for the first time. The vibration of his phone distracted him. He used the wet towel that the caretaker handed him before pulling the device to check the incoming message.
He jolted when he saw that it was from Kaname,
:: "We need to talk."
Zero worried his lower lip, wondering about what the pureblood wanted from him.
:: "What is there to talk about?"
His heart started racing when the answer took a while to come through.
:: "About us."
The short and concise text sent Zero's heart and brain into overdrive. After being intimately involved with the pureblood for the last few months, Zero was surprisingly able to read his mood and guess his intentions, which gave him a good hunch about the meaning of the message. He stared at the word 'us' for some time before finally typing his reply.
:: "There is no 'us' anymore. That was the deal. It was nice knowing you, Kuran." He tucked his phone hastily and joined his horse once again. He figured that it would be better to stay away from the campus in case the pureblood decided to act up.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ In Kaname's chamber ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
"It was nice knowing you… Kuran?" Kaname hissed the words he read from the flashing screen of his phone. Seconds later, smoke erupted from the now charcoal black device, the glass around the room only cracked thanks to the great effort that the pureblood made to suppress his flaring aura. Kaname sagged in the red velvety loveseat with a forearm over his eyes, covering the turmoil swimming in garnet orbs.
He did not get a wink of sleep despite the exhaustion he felt from putting up the cheerful front with his guests at the dinner and later with the tired but happy Yuki who needed help tucking Ai in. The thought of his daughter was bittersweet. He was wrapped with an unfamiliar warm feeling when he held her in his arm but once away, he could not help the dark thought of the 'What if she was never born'. He felt disgusted with himself for thinking that way.
However, he could not help but wish for a little more time with Zero. He acted impulsively and probably hurt the hunter more than how the silverette hurt him. He said a little too much without considering Zero's opinion or feelings about the whole situation. His heart ached at the thought that the hunter could have gotten rid of their child, he felt betrayed by the fact that Zero played him for a fool. It will surely take him some time to forgive such despicable actions, but it does not deny the fact that he simply expected too much and that was his mistake.
Just because he was deeply in love with the hunter, he expected him to come around somehow and reciprocate his feelings. Just because he was ready to give everything up for the sake of having a loving family with him, he expected Zero to feel happy and nod in approval of his idea and sincere intentions. To sum it up, Kaname lost to his own possessive and monopolizing strike, forgetting one important fact about the hunter; the untamable rebellious nature of the silverette that made him fall in love in the first place. He was now reaping what he sew. He let a bitter laugh escape his lips before finally whispering, "I was nice knowing me, huh… Zero"
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Two weeks later ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Zero somehow managed to fall back into his usual routine before Kaname came into his life and messed it up. He covered the grand piano at K-bar after finishing his piece, made his way to the bar in the midst of clapping and praises, and sat on the stool between Kaito and Gin who came over for a drink and get together over the weekend. Gin came a day early to settle some paperwork about the estate his family owned in town. Kaito followed the next day and the two were planning on staying over at Ichiru's as per usual.
"It's freaking awesome no matter how many time I hear it." The slightly tipsy Kaito tapped on Zero's shoulder.
"Thanks." Zero answered as he took a careful sip of his Bloody Mary. He had been feeling under the weather, lethargic and the fever racking his body made it hard to breath. He knew the reason, but could not manage to curb the need no matter what he tried, so he tried to ignore it for once. However, Kaito's rambling was not helping.
"I passed by club Loose before coming here. The master there asked about what was going on with you… He told me that you suddenly appeared after a long absence and running wild, practically living in the club. Some other patrons literally ambushed me when they knew that I was a friend of yours. What is with the dry spell and the sudden outburst?" Kaito drawled.
Zero sighed, I did not go there in a while because a certain pureblood kept me sated so much that I felt no need to seek anyone else.
"Oh! Could it be the hot stud?" Kaito pointed while holding his drink midair.
Zero rolled his eyes in annoyance.
Kaito huffed, understanding that the silver haired hunter did not wish to talk about it, "Even so… The rumors over there were quite vicious… What is with those losers saying that you have both genders…" Zero stiffened at that and let out a nervous laugh, "Seriously… What losers! Just because you did not go along with their lame flirting, they would start making you out to be a freak of nature just to keep face… It was out of respect for the master of the club that I did not clobber those bastards." The hazel-eyed hunter complained, oblivious to the shaken state of his fellow. Even when noticing the discomfort, he patted Zero's shoulder, "Dude, it is better to joke about it if it comes up instead of making it worse. Good thing that you heard it from me first…"
Kaito was too engrossed in his rambling and drinking to notice that Gin placed a hand on Zero's knee when he caught wind of the conversation. The reassuring squeeze helped the hunter relax and not let it show how freaked out he was at the idea of Kaito finding out his secret and might think of him as 'a freak of nature'. The hand did not linger much, but Ichiru managed to catch the action and smiled at the interaction. Although it bothered him that his brother was getting more promiscuous than ever.
"What hot stud were you talking about?" Ichiru decided to change the flow of the conversation to the detail that piqued his interested. Has Zero been seeing someone?
The reason Zero did not like having a drunk Kaito around is that he tended to run his mouth a little too much, especially when it was Ichiru asking. In a slurred tone, he answered, pointing to Zero, "This guy have been bedding a married man for quite a while…*hiccup*… The guy must be a veteran if your brother have been sticking with him this long."
Ichiru stopped just as he was about to take a sip from his glass, looking at his brother with a horrified expression, "Nii-san you-"
"It's over." Zero announced flatly, cutting off any rambling and migraine-inducing lecture he expected from his twin. "I am not seeing him anymore."
Kaito sobered up almost instantly, "How?"
"Who cares?" Zero shrugged before chugging down the rest of his drink and standing up. "I am leaving."
"Zero-" Ichiru was about to ask him not to leave but Gin stopped him, "It is better to let him leave… You said it before, right? He needs some space when bothered."
Ichiru met the teacher's eyes and nodded reluctantly when he figured out that Gin was aware of what was going on.
"Does this mean that I am the only one kept in the dark?" He complained.
Gin and Kaito exchanged a sheepish look before Kaito decided to take the blame, "I actually told this guy in attempt to have him give up on pursuing your brother."
"Failed attempt." Gin smirked.
Ichiru sighed as he looked at the still swinging door, "How long had it been going on."
Kaito shrugged, "Couple of months minimum. I was surprised when he told me about it, I frankly did not expect him to last long, or look like that after it is over… He seemed… I don't know… " The hunter trailed, not finding the right words
"Empty…" Ichiru finished his sentence, "I would even dare say… brokenhearted?" He mused before shaking his head to chase the idea, That would mean for Nii-san to open his own Pandora box which does not seem to be the case.
"I do wonder what kind of man could have affected him that much though…" Ichiru trailed
"Who knows…" Gin mumbled while sipping on his drink, snapping Ichiru's attention to him. The silver-haired twin stuttered when he realized that he could have offended the man knowing his feelings for his brother, "I did not mean… I mean… yeah… I am curious about what kind of man that can make my brother give up his bad habits even temporarily, but I certainly would not wish for them to get together just because of that… Think about it… What good could come out from dating a married man..."
Gin laughed at the flustered younger man, "Relax Dude! I was wondering the same thing as well… No need to be cautious about my feelings." A dismissing hand brought relieve and chuckles to the group. Ryou was watching them from the corner of his eyes before calling his boss to attend to some regular clients.
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Zero ditched his car when he realized that he forgot the keys at the bar and decided to walk instead. He wandered aimlessly in the street. The mist from his breath reminded him of the cold weather that reflected the freezing state of his soul. All he wished for is a reset button that would allow his to turn back time to that blasted first dinner he had with the pureblood. He wished that he had never invited him over in the first place. He wanted to erase his time with him, he wanted to forget his touch, his scent, the way he moved, his voice… He regretted knowing the other façade of Kuran Kaname that was hiding behind the mask of the arrogant and ruthless pureblood king.
His phone buzzed for the hundredth time that day. He felt as if a noose was tightening around his neck. Kaname never ceased his attempts to contact him. Zero regretted giving him a duplicate key because he was constantly thinking that the pureblood might open the door whenever he was in his apartment. He avoided his home like the plague lately, not only in fear of confronting the brunet, but also because of all the memories, it held. The hunter came to realize that they did not leave a corner in his place without making out in it, there was not a place where he could not remember them cuddling, or bickering about something. Zero hated it, he loathed the fact that his emotions ran amok whenever the brown haired man was concerned. The buzzing of his phone made the feeling worse. He was scared. He knew that the resolve of separating from him would waver the moment he finds himself in a room alone with Kaname. He was not sure about what he might do, but he was certain that it would be harder for him to let go if the pureblood ever wanted him back. He tucked his hands in his jacket and looked up as he leaned on the street pole. The city lights hid the stars that where doing their best to illuminate the dark sky. He exhaled, seeing his breath mist from the cold weather before pushing himself in direction of his dwelling. How long am I going to run away?
He fished his phone and read the message. His eyes dulled at the words flashing back at him before he typed the answer as he entered his apartment. He sat on the table, fumbling with his handheld device before heading to the shower.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Meanwhile with Kaname ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
After two long torturous weeks, Kaname finally got the okay to meet up with Zero. The pureblood was extra cautious in approaching the silverette after their last argument because it was like treading new waters without any advantage to support his cause. Thus, he avoided antagonizing the silverette by showing up unannounced at his place.
Now that Zero sent him the time of their meeting, Kaname was whizzing through his work like a tornado in order to finish everything in the half hour left to meet him. He cursed internally for letting so much work pile up because of losing all drive and motivations at the thought of losing his beloved hunter. Kaname shook his head when he realized how far Zero was able to affect him. Heck! I feel like a love-struck teenager whenever he is concerned, but I had better not tell him that.
Once the time came, he dropped everything and teleported to the vicinity of the building. He pinpointed a dark alley a while ago, which he had been using whenever he had to enter in a civil way, alas using his key. Kaname chose to buzz the door first, knock after, and then used the key when the hunter did not bother answering.
He made his way through the dimly lit living room to the familiar path that led to the bedroom. Kaname's face tightened when he felt more than one presence. He froze when he rounded up and stood at the door of the bedroom.
There Zero stood, clad in a towel around his waist, unbuttoning the shirt of another man standing in front of him with lust filled eyes while another gripped his slender hips and grinded against his rear.
"Hey babe, I thought you said it was a threesome…" The man pointed his chin toward the stunned brunet while Zero slid his shirt off. The hunter grabbed the chin and made him look back.
"It is a threesome…" He deadpanned while pulling the curious human for a kiss. He acted as if the brown-haired vampire did not even exist. Zero gave a lewd moan when the man behind him yanked the towel and caressed his skin up and down the pale thigh while nipping his neck. Said man spoke in a hoarse voice while glancing at Kaname, "I would not mind him joining, he is pretty hot."
Sandwiched between the two horny males, Zero's indifferent eyes finally met incensed garnet orbs to drop the final blow, "I don't know about that! He will probably be on his way out soon…"
The look and the tone made Kaname realize the truth behind Zero's reply to his text.
Kaname :: "I would like to meet with you one last time and talk it out. I do not think it was a good idea to part on such bitter terms. Just state the time and place as you see fit."
Kaname believed that sending such a text would give him a chance to talk to the evasive hunter who was trying his best to avoid him. The answer of the hunter gave him a glimmer of hope only to get trampled further right this moment.
Zero :: "I will be at my apartment in forty minutes. Do whatever you want."
What goes around comes back around. Kaname dragged his feet back on the same path to leave, he stared at the marble counter of the kitchen where he left Zero's key before making his way toward the exit. He took a shuddering breath against the door before pushing his heavy body and leave.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ couple of hours later ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
*Sound of door opening*
"I have no idea what has gotten into him lately… It is strange that he is not picking up his calls indeed. I had to come check on him more than once for the past week… Sorry that you had to leave Ai-chan and come here because of my stupid brother, Yuki-chan… You could have called me though." Ichiru mumbled as he opened Zero's front door only to be cut off by two towering figures equally surprised.
"Holy shit! He had a twin?" One of the guys gawked, making Ichiru and the brunet, shifting behind him, uncomfortable.
"Dude… If you swing his way, we would have taken you both… half price…" The other bent and reached for Ichiru's chin, but the silverette smacked the hand away and gave him an icy glare that made both of them back away. Once the nuisance gone, Ichiru looked at the stunned Yuki and exhaled, "Sorry you had to witness that."
Yuki shook her head furiously, and gave him a sheepish smile, "Nuhuh, don't worry… I am aware of his 'tendencies', but it is still weird to stumble upon… you know…"
Ichiru ruffled her hair and held the door for the young mother to let herself in, preparing himself to clobber his insolent twin for such a situation.
"I felt that he was acting distant when he came to the hospital and he just up and left without saying anything. I maybe paranoid but I really do not wish for another repeat of the time he avoided us completely… It is like… Just when we thought like the old Zero is back, he reverts to the stranger act again." Yuki pouted while looking around the living room. She has not come to Zero's place much, and she liked the minimal design of the place as well as the lights and the mood. Typical of Zero… The place screams of his touch!
Her eyes landed on a key on the kitchen counter, Ichiru saw it as well and could not help commenting, "It is rare for him to put his keys there, even his obsession with neatness seems dented… I will go check on him, must be in the shower…" Ichiru huffed as he stomped to the bedroom.
The silver haired human did not notice the stillness of the brunette pureblood. As obtuse as Yuki might be, it was hard for her senses not to pick up on the lingering presence of Kaname. She would recognize it anytime anywhere. She looked at the decorative table she passed by when coming in and saw a similar key resting in a bowl along with a wallet and Zero's jacket hanging above it. Her eyes, the closest shade to Kaname's, scanned the room and landed on the kitchen counter again. The bickering of the twins coming from the bedroom interrupted her thoughts. She quickly grabbed the key, pushing it in the pocket of her cardigan before walking quickly to stop the brothers from fighting.
She jumped and looked away, covering her face, when she came across a butt naked dripping Zero.
Hearing the squeal she let out, Ichiru jolted as well and quickly threw a towel that Zero caught to wrap around his waist, "I don't get it! What has gotten into you… It is like you were reverting back to that shitty time… Do you not realize how you are stressing and worrying everyone around you with your behavior?"
Zero rolled his eyes and popped the water bottle to drink but Ichiru snatched it away, "Look at me and answer!"
"I…Ichir…Ichiru" Yuki stuttered when she saw the dark look in Zero's eyes.
Identical faces glared at each other before Zero finally snarled, "I do not see a need to explain my actions to any of you… I live the way I want to without bothering anyone… It is not my problem if you have the shitty habit of poking into my business." He reached for the bottle but Ichiru grabbed his wrist, irritating him more.
"It becomes my problem, my business AND my concern when shitty rumors start spreading, when you start fucking married men, when your fuckbuddies stalk and flirt with me when they find themselves unable to have another go with you…"
A pissed Zero yanked his hand violently to the point that Ichiru stumbles back few steps. "Well sorry for that! The rumors are just that, rumors… Don't blame me when you cannot tune them out… Married men, well… It is not like I can do a background check on every fucking night stand I pick up, and if you are that bothered by those losers harassing you… here is a tip, dye your hair or do something as not to look like me… Easy right?" He answered sarcastically, while getting dressed, leading to Yuki turning around again.
"Zero… Calm down please… We are just concerned…" Yuki tried to pipe them down, with her back still facing them. Therefore, she did not see the disgusted face followed by the snort of the hunter… "Your concern is the most annoying shit there is."
She froze at the cold tone and turned to see an icy look that Zero was giving both of them. "What business do you have here anyways…? Shouldn't you be changing diapers and singing lullabies to that child of yours." Yuki's mouth flapped like a fish, unable to form words. She was used to Zero's snappy attitude, but the anger and venom directed at her this time were unbearable.
"Oi! Nii-san… No matter how pissed you are, that is no way of talking to her… She came over because she was concerned…" Ichiru snipped back
"No one asked her to do so." Zero looked away and slipped his pajama shirt, "If you have nothing else to say-"
"I do." Ichiru interrupted Zero from chasing them out.
"What?"
"What is with that attitude?"
"Ichiru… it's okay." Yuki pulled at his sleeve. It was obvious that Zero was in foul mood and Ichiru was making it worse. She regretted coming over the minute she stepped into the room. This will only have the opposite effect.
"It is not!" Ichiru hissed, his glowering eyes never leaving his brother.
Zero remained silent with a look of disdain on his face. The last thing he needed was Ichiru's preaching and having Yuki around, especially with a face that reminded him of the last person he wished to remember.
"I get it that you are angry at me for being meddlesome, but did you have to take it out on Yuki-chan?" Ichiru's voice was calmer now, trying to get his point across.
"Ichiru… It is okay, really…." Yuki begged while looking meekly at Zero who would not meet her eyes.
"Aren't you going to say something? Like sorry for snapping at you for no reason?" he added, ignoring the brunette's plea.
"No" they both startled at the high-pitched voice of Yuki, "Don't push it…" Zero finally looked at her, she took a deep breath and met his eyes, "I might have hurt Zero unknowingly, and it might be the reason he does not wish to talk or even look at me… It would not be the first time I made such a blunder." She hung her head, trying to hide the hurt she felt.
The silence stretched before she gave a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of her head, "I came here because I wanted to insist on you coming to the winter solstice as Ai-chan uncle, we are planning to introduce her to the vampire society at the event…. Uhm… I guess… you would not be interested… Silly me, huh? You never liked those gathering anyways, sorry for intruding…" She was about to bolt out of the room if not for Zero moving at the speed of light and cut her escape.
She froze when she found him facing her, a sad expression on his face…. Why are you looking at me like that?
Her confusion increased when Zero ruffled her hair and forced a smile on his lips, "I am sorry… Ichiru was right; I had no reason for snapping at you like that. You did nothing wrong… It is not your fault…" It is not your fault… It is mine.
Yuki could not understand what he meant but she felt her chest tighten at the sadness dwelling in lavender eyes, to the point that she reflexively wrapped her arm around his midsection and gave him a comforting squeeze. Ichiru snorted at the stunned expression on his brother's face that soon morphed in an exasperated smile while he ruffled her messy curls.
Big red-brown eyes looked up at him, "Will you attend?"
"Only if Bloody Rose is allowed." Zero teased, leading to Yuki jumping up and down in joy.
"All right! Make sure to come for the fitting of the tux if you don't want to have a pissed off Ruka chasing your tail." She gave a tongue out
"WHAT?" Zero gave a horrified expression.
"See ya~" She waved a silly hand and teleported before the hunter could object on anything.
"What the fuck was that about?" Zero scowled at his brother.
"It is the 'full evening dress' type of event after all." Ichiru answered with obvious mirth in his voice.
"GAAAH!" Zero covered his face with both hands, "That is the least I need right now…"
"You might have had a chance to get out of wearing it if you did not act like a snappy bitch." The younger twin gave a shove to the shoulder and left the room. He glanced over his shoulder, "One more thing… I hope you really have nothing to do with that married man anymore…"
Zero stilled for a moment, "aah! It over and done with."
"I hope so…"
"Anything else, mother!" Zero quipped again, with less venom this time since he understands what was going on in his brother's mind.
"Nothing… Ah! Yes… did you bed all the guys in the city and moved to gigolos now…" The sarcasm earned him a whack on the head.
"You were on your way out, right?" Zero pointed to the door, kicking Ichiru on his behind. The younger twin chuckled at the flustered brother and answered, "I am. Make sure to note that the rehearsal is in a couple of weeks."
"Rehearsal?"
"It seems that you and I will escort Ai-chan down the stairs as a grand entrance. Something about it being symbolic to the peace-treaty."
Zero groaned, "Fuck me!"
"As much as I love you, brother… I will pass on that." Ichiru teased, having the fun of his life.
"You are enjoying this aren't you?"
"Should I not?" He shrugged, a permanent smile plastered on his face.
"When is the actual shit going to happen?"
"In three weeks. The second week after will be my party. Speaking of which, I have to go rest since Hana will come over tomorrow to go over the plans for it." Ichiru pondered as he walked to the door with Zero behind him.
"You are not having super Ruka as an organizer?" Zero threw the sarcastic remark that Ichiru actually took seriously.
"Oh yeah, we are! You think she would miss torturing her cousin. She actually gave us a huge list of things to choose, that is what we have to go through tomorrow." The whiny tone did not hide his excitement. Although the next question Zero asked puzzled him.
"Is it really okay, Ichiru?"
"What?"
"Being with a vampire."
"What are you saying Nii-san, don't tell me that you are-"
"No! I am not opposing your choice. Just curious about it."
Ichiru pondered, "It is not about Hana being a vampire, or not… I think it is more about the fact that he gives my life a meaning… It might be selfish of me, but… I feel complete when he never misses a chance to show me that he can't go on without me… I totally feel the same way as well, and we definitely see one another for what we are as persons not race."
Zero was silent for some time before snorting, "Sorry, I should not have asked." he opened the door and kicked Ichiru again, making his brother grumble, "What is with the mood swings today! You pregnant or something?" Ichiru cracked the joke that made Zero slam the door to his nose, "Maybe pmsing would have been more accurate." The younger twin shrugged and left for his place to look forward to what another day would bring.
Zero, on the other side of the door, banged his head against the door twice before going to his drink cabinet with the intention of getting smashed since he had no work that day.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Meanwhile in Cross Academy ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Kaname ran hand through his hair as he unbuttoned the first buttons of his black shirt. He paused in front of the heavy wooden door of his chambers upon sensing an aura that suddenly manifested inside. He let out a heavy sigh and opened the door to find Yuki sitting on one folded leg and dangling the other on the love seat in the lounging area. She had both hands on her lap squeezed together while looking at the male pureblood who shut the door closed softly.
"I was putting Ai to bed because your attendant had hard time calming her crying fit." Kaname spoke first, the underlying question obvious in his tone and posture as he crossed his arms and leaned against the dark wall.
"Sorry," Yuki winced, "I had to step out for a bit."
Kaname gave her a tight smile, "I hope you dealt with whatever business that was bothering you." He did not miss the fidgety behavior of Yuki for the past few days, but he could not pinpoint the reason for it.
She nodded before shifting the leg from under her to sit more formally as she straightened her back, "I just thought I would calm down a bit before going to see Ai. It is not good to give out negative vibes around a newborn."
It was Kaname's turn to wince as the point drove home, but he did not show that he was affected by Yuki pointing out his gloomy mood behind the stoic mask.
"Onii-sama… Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
Their voice were so low it seemed as if they were whispering, knowing that the other party would hear perfectly thanks to the enhanced abilities.
"Why did you not drink from me since your awakening?"
A brown eyebrow twitched in surprise, "You were pregnant."
"And now?" Curious big round eyes bored into his.
"It would be cruel to take from you now because I would be partaking Ai's share." Kaname deadpanned.
Yuki sighed, "What if I told you that I was thirsty right now?"
Kaname stiffened for a second when a flicker of red glow showed in Yuki's eyes.
Without saying a word, he took a glass and elongated a claw that he dug in his own palm, letting the pure red essence drip in the container. Once the glass was half filled, he took few steps and offered it to Yuki.
Yuki gave him a wistful smile, "This means that I won't be drinking from you anymore, I guess…"
"Do you want to?" Kaname's question sounded as if he was stating the obvious.
Yuki took the drink offered and drank it gratefully. She cannot afford the scent to spread too much if she did not want any interruption.
"You might be right." She nodded before exhaling and placing the glass on the table. She dipped a hand in her cardigan while Kaname took a seat on the rocking chair at an angle from her. His breath caught when his sister brought out a familiar object that she delicately placed on the coffee table close to him.
Yuki did not miss the way Kaname's lips pursed for a moment.
"My errand was about going to Zero's place because he was not answering my calls. I had to get his confirmation about attending the upcoming ball. It is an important event for the family." She explained while placing her hands back in her lap, this time digging a bit to hide her nervousness.
Wine orbs looked at her in a calculating manner before Kaname voiced his question, "And?"
"He agreed to attend when I told him that it was Ai's introduction to the vampire society."
Kaname gave a lazy nod before resting his chin on the back of his hand, waiting for the next question to come out of the fidgeting brunette.
"I found this on his kitchen counter, and you might have already guessed the reason for my indiscretion that led me to bring it back here." She took a deep breath before fixing Kaname with a steady fierce gaze, "Onii-sama, do you have anything to do with Zero's attitude lately?"
It was not the way Kaname expected her to formulate her inquiry, but he expected the topic to come up. He got up from his place and joined Yuki on the larger seat, draping both arms on the back of it. He stared at the ceiling for a moment before looking at the petite woman sitting beside him, "Rather than Kiryuu-kun, do we not have a more important matter to discuss? You asked me to wait until Ai is born and I believe that I waited long enough after that…"
Yuki swallowed at the stern tone of her brother as well as the dark look telling her that she would be stepping on a landmine if she did not go along with his conversation.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Few days later ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Zero groaned at the buzzing of his door early in the morning. He spent the whole night working and was just getting comfortable to sleep. His crankiness soared to the point of risking to blast the head of whoever salesperson was making the mistake of buzzing his place. I forgot to put that form to prevent these people from using my interphone.
He slammed a palm against the innocent wall and pushed the button to see and answer the unfortunate soul. However, he was surprised to see familiar grey eyes.
"Yo, sleepy head!" Gin chirped when the green light lit up.
"You do not see my head to judge if it was sleepy." Zero groaned and pushed the unlocking button, "Come on up!"
Zero left his door open while washing his face. He found Gin in his kitchen making coffee.
"What brought you here on a weekday? 'sensei'" Zero asked while sipping on the heavenly drink handed to him.
"I was granted a day off to settle some paperwork. There are several offices that do not open during the weekend, so…" Gin explained with a shrug.
"Why are you selling off your family's estate anyways? It won't be long until Hina-chan is given the free pass to move around freely. I thought you were moving back here once that happens." Zero asked, remembering a conversation about the matter he had with the taller man over one of their breakfast routine.
Gin shook his head, "There was a change of plans. My sister is getting comfortable at Cross Academy and does not feel like leaving Yuki-chan's side. She worries non-stop about her especially that she is with a child now. Hina-chan will be attending Cross Academy anyways, and I like my job there. Therefore, I will just get a place to live in Cross city, where my sister and her daughter can come live with me or hangout during the weekends later."
"I see…" Zero nodded as he leaned over the counter with the mug cradled in his hands. "And… What brings you here so bloody early in the morning to interrupt my sweet sleep?" he griped.
"Oh yeah!" Gin pointed a finger as he drank another sip. "I wanted to take you on my last ride."
Zero gave him a quizzical look.
After some coaxing and begging, Gin finally managed to make Zero wear casual outfit and leave the walls of his apartment.
One outside the building, the hunter whistled at the roaring Harley-Davidson that the teacher was straddling. Gin grinned as he handed the helmet to the hunter.
"Why is it the last ride?" The hunter felt like he was shouting loud even if it was necessary.
"I am selling it."
"What a waste." Zero caressed the bike with apparent admiration.
"No other choice, it has been sitting around without purpose. I need something more… practical, like a car now. Hop on!" Gin urged him to get on so that they can drive away.
Despite the biting cold of the morning wind, Zero could not help but grip Gin's shoulder and stand up on his feet to enjoy the speed to the fullest. They got on the highway for while before the blue haired man drifted to an unpaved path where he had to slow down a notch. He ignored Zero's question about their destination and kept going.
The ex-human gawked at the sight that greeted him once the bushes and rocks at the sides of the road cleared to leave the space to a breathtakingly beautiful beach in the middle of nowhere. He removed the helmet as soon as roar of the engine quieted down.
"Only the locals of the town are aware of such a place. Even during summertime, you would not find too many people around." Gin explained as he stared at the waves crashing against the rocks.
Zero took a deep refreshing breath before giving a heartfelt smile, "It's a great place."
"Are you planning on getting off the bike one of these days?" Gin leaned on the handle, laughing at the pouty hunter who was too lazy to move.
"Nope."
"All right. Sit tight, I will be back in a jiffy."
Zero nodded and shifted his legs to sit sideway on the leather seat. He could not help but marvel at the nature that surrounded him. The sound of water and the breeze coupled by the scent of the sea and the lush greenery behind him tickled his senses in a pleasant way. They made him nostalgic about the time he spent in the forest cabin near the lake where he had to undergo his training as a hunter alongside Kaito and Yagari Toga. A warm metal object brushing against his cold cheek interrupted his drift to nostalgia.
His eyes landed on the can that Gin offered and scoffed, "Hot chocolate? Really?"
Gin shrugged, "There was coffee, but you already had one and you probably will need to sleep when you get back."
"Ever the considerate." Zero bit sarcastically after popping the can open and taking a sip.
"Can you blame me?"
The question did not receive an answer, which made Gin understand that the hunter was in no mood for his subtle flirting.
"I would never have deemed you to be a biker, though." Zero pointed, still amazed by the discovery.
Gin chuckled and bragged, "There is a lot you have yet to know about me."
Lavender eyes squinted, "Why do I feel that I am better off not knowing."
Gin's shoulder slumped in a dejected puppy mode, "That's mean." the action earned a pleased victorious laugh.
"Now, seriously… Is this from your rebellious days or something?" Zero inquired curiously.
"At some point in my life, I was kind of a fleeter. You know? like a nomad, moving from one place to another without a specific destination. This baby have been my companion during the whole journey. I got so attached that I had to ship it back with me when I came back here."
Zero's attention perked at the last bit of information, "Came back?"
Gin paused and then nodded before explaining, "We are not from here originally. No…. That is not correct. My mother is Japanese, but my father is not. We used to live in Australia before moving back here."
Confusion was written all over Zero's face, "You last name, Moriya?"
"I took the last name of my step-father. The second husband. I always considered him to be my real father since he raised me from young age." Gin explained with a pleased smile.
Zero could not help but smile back, "I see…"
After a long chitchat, they kept silent and stared at the sea that calmed down when the sun rose move above in the sky. It was absentmindedly that Zero spoke his mind aloud,
"I wonder how one can get rid of an addiction."
Gin glanced sideway at the lonely profile of the hunter who was no leaning back with both elbows on the leather seat. "Depends on what kind of addiction. The twelve step program could work."
Zero gave a mocking scoff, "You sound like that fucking shrink who had no better in life than recite few words from a book."
"You went for rehab?" Gin frowned while inquiring.
Zero cursed the slip of tongue, "Nope, went to a consultant and quit after the first session. I will not say anymore because there is nothing more to it."
Gin stretched, enjoying the cracking of his spine before voicing an idea, "How about going cold turkey."
"Not working." Zero deadpanned.
"Some people replace a vice with another that is less destructive."
"Not working." Zero groaned.
"Getting professional help?"
"Not happening."
"Talking to someone close."
"Not good."
The last answer confirmed to Gin that Zero was indeed talking about whatever pull he was feeling towards Kuran Kaname and it somehow dampened the cheerful mood he had since coming here.
"I guess only time will tell." Zero sighed softly.
Gin nudged him with an elbow, trying to keep his usual goofy self, "Who was it again that said they were not heartbroken. If there is something time can heal-" *Smack*
The teacher felt his vision blur from the sudden smack on the head that he never saw coming. He fixed Zero with a hurt look, "You might end up giving me a concussion one of these days."
"Stop flapping your mouth about nonsense if you do not want it happening sooner than expected."
"Tch! Here I was going to try being cool by saying that the cure of a lost love is to look for a new one."
Zero scrunched his face before drawling, "Too bad for you that there is no such a thing in the first place. Anyways… Do you really have to sell it… Driving it during the summertime must be best experience ever."
Gin went along the sudden change of topic, "I would love to keep it. Sadly, the numbers would never add up, and I kind of need to put an end to that page of my life."
"How about selling it to me?" Zero perked with the question, making Gin give him a baffled laugh.
"I am sure that you can afford the price but I would not be able to accept any money from you."
They bickered for some time until Zero gave up on the idea with a big yawn. "I think it is about time we go back." Gin announced as he tapped the hunter's knee for him to sit properly.
Zero wrapped his hand around gin and rested his head on the broad back, yawning again, "Sorry… I feel like I might sleep for an eternity if I had nothing better to do."
"Just don't fall asleep on the way and fall off." Gin answered while getting the engine to kick in.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ TBC ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Soooo~
I hope that you can guess that the real mess will start in the next chapter that I will do my best to post as soon as possible.
I originally planned to post two consecutive chapter today, but my life got crazy busy in the last week with exam and some unexpected socializing (that I could not escape from *sigh*) to the point that I am praising myself for actually writing this chapter. (I dedicated my precious Sunday for it because my muse was pounding on my brain to get on with it)
On another different note: I have to say it again, YOU GUYS GOT ME ABSOLUTELY SPEECHLESS!
I am flipping happy to see the increase of readers following and favoring the story and fired up more than ever after having my eyes bulge out at the number of awesome reviews the last few chapters received.
You guys certainly make my life much brighter and if there is an improvement in my writing and a better flow to the story, I will have you know that it is thanks to you because I feel like I need to give it my all when I know that there are people out there enjoying the read.
It is not just about the praise, criticism push me to improve and your requests that I fit in the story makes it all the more interesting, so, all rambling aside.
BUCKETS OF LOVE, KISSES AND HUGS TO EACH AWESOME READER REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY REVIEWED, FOLLOWED, FAVORITED, OR JUST TOOK THE TIME TO READ AND ENJOY, THANK YOU! *BIG SMILE*
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