I Do Not Own Vampire Knight! (Awwww damn! Woke Up From The Dream!)
A/N At Bottom
Let's GO!
Chapter Nine
Degrees Of Separation
"That fucker," Ichiru growled, his arms dropping as he vacated his seat to pace before his brother. "How could he do something like that?" He turned furious eyes on Zero. "And how can you stay with him? That is a clear violation of you fucking basic rights!"
Zero had no answer. He pressed his hands to his tired eyes. "He's a fucking entitled pureblood! He thought he deserved to have kids when he wanted them."
"See! This is why I don't want to mate with a fucking noble!" Ichiru swore, thinking of the immediate past, of waking up in Aidou's arms.
"Aidou is not Kaname," Zero warned. "Don't reject him because of this."
The silver twin gave his brother a look that would have scoured metal. "What? Are you saying that Aidou wouldn't do the same thing?"
"Aidou is not Kaname," Zero repeated firmly. "Don't push him away."
"Oh! So I'm supposed to sit around while he plans my future? Fuck that!"
"Aidou cares for you." Zero shrugged helplessly, his eyes darting to the small cut on Ichiru's neck. "And besides, from the look of things you won't be able to get away."
"To hell with that! The only one deciding my future is me!"
Zero crossed his arms, giving his twin serious eyes. "Are you telling me that when you woke up this morning with him, it didn't feel natural?" He was thinking of the first time that he'd awakened in Kaname's arms, full of alarm and disbelief. But no discomfort. The only reason he'd wanted to get away then was because he'd felt that Kaname was his natural enemy. Which he had been. But that hadn't stopped him from responding from the pureblood's advances. Shit, he'd given in too easy by his standards. And here he was mated and pregnant.
Ichiru blushed. Because it had felt natural. The only thing he'd felt was surprise at waking in the noble's bed. "That is neither here nor there. I didn't ask to be mated."
"Neither did I," Zero sighed. "But there is no changing the facts."
Ichiru swore again. "How can you be okay with this?"
Zero's red rimmed, tear swollen eyes widened. "You think I'm okay with this? I thought you knew me better than that!" He stood, starting for the door. "I'm far from okay. Now I have to make a decision."
"Where are you going?"
Zero looked over his shoulder, red rimmed violet meeting violet. "To take care of a little business."
Ichiru fidgeted at the determined, soulful expression on his twin's face. "What the hell are you cooking up now?"
"Nothing to be worried about," Zero replied, slightly uncomfortable with his twin's concern. He'd spent the last hour ensconced in his arms crying his heart out, the link between he and his heart-mate blocked by a half closed link. It'd taken him that long to realize that crying wasn't going to do anything to solve his problems. Yes, it felt good but was inevitably useless if he didn't take action.
So he was taking action.
He looked down at his casual clothing. "I'm going to change clothes. I'm going to headquarters."
The worried look on his twin's face deepened into deep creases across his forehead as he frowned. "But you have the night off. Don't you think it's better to rest for now? I mean you've just found out some startling news and on top of that you were almost k-" He let the sentence trail off at the furious look that was slanted his way. "I was just saying. It's better that you take all the time that you can and rest up, especially in your con-" He broke off again abruptly. Damn it, he kept putting his foot in his mouth!
"I'm just saying, give yourself some time."
"I don't have time," Zero snarled. "Or did you forget that someone tried to kill Kaname last night also? The attack was meant for him. Even if I don't like him right now, If someone were to kill him, they'd be killing me and my children at the same time!" Unbidden, his hand snuck down and touched his abdomen. A quick, secretive movement. He didn't even seem aware of it. Catching the movement, Ichiru felt somewhat relieved. His twin wasn't as unfeeling as he was trying to appear.
"So what are you going to do at headquarters?"
"I'm going to search the archives and see if anything like the perpetrator last night was recorded and I need to speak with Aaron."
"Aaron?" Ichiru drew a blank. "Why would you need to speak to Aaron?"
A deadly, brittle smile emerged from which there had only been sorrow, bone white canines glinted in the late night moonlight. "Oh, it's personal I assure you." That was the only part he'd left out of the story.
"Fine, but I'm going with you!"
"Why?" True confusion, decorated Zero's face. "Don't you have someon- something better to devote your attention to?"
Bright heat flushed Ichiru's cheeks at the statement. "Hell no! What could be more important than you?"
Thinking of a time when he'd felt the same way, Zero shook his head. "I'll ask you the same question later and I'm sure that your response will be much different." He sighed, exhausted already and it was barely midnight. "Meet me in the foyer in twenty minutes if you're intent on avoiding Aidou. No make it thirty, grab some breakfast on your way."
"Hey!" Ichiru's protest fell on deaf ears as Zero opened the door, ignoring him. He flinched in surprise as Aidou was revealed, standing tall in the doorway. He'd changed clothes, wearing all white and he looked like a bright ray of sunlight, his hair left free and cascading around his broad shoulders. His aura reached out hungrily and Ichiru wondered how he'd missed his arrival. Zero turned and gave him a smug look. "If you still want to go in thirty minutes meet me." And then he was gone, too fast for Ichiru to protest. He was left staring at Aidou awkwardly.
"Why are you here?" It was the first thing he thought to say and the noble's mouth tightened in displeasure. "I thought you might want breakfast since you didn't get to eat last night."
He started to deny the offer and thought of his brother's parting words.
Oh what the hell! He's pregnant, he needs all the food he can stuff into his mouth.
TD
He changed quickly, keeping a cautious eye trained over his shoulder. Kaname had said that he had meetings all night but that wouldn't be a big road block if he caught on to what he was doing. So he calmed his breathing and moved slowly, his thoughts relaxed. He donned black cargo military pants, black shirt, black boots and black skullcap, his movements languid. Crying had left him with a faint sense of vertigo, so he moved slowly as he completed dressing. The world around him felt surreal, the lines of reality blurring slightly around the edges.
His body felt different.
He felt different.
Even the anger he'd felt, felt far away, the tempest from the night before and this morning subdued by his uncharacteristic waterworks. He glanced at the bed, wanting nothing more than to snuggle in the covers and submit himself to sleep once more. He squared his shoulders, determination spreading through him like a warm rain. He couldn't afford do get back in the bed now. He couldn't afford to let his emotions mess with his resolution. He wiped a shaky hand over his eyes, breathing deeply before he made for the exit, careful not to glance back at the room.
He moved swiftly, his concentration on the half closed link between he and his heart-mate, walking the halls of their home from memory as he contemplated the unruly emotions coming from Kaname. The temptation to open the bond fully was like a sore wound in his soul. But, well if he went that route Kaname would never let him leave the house. He reached the foyer with alacrity and wasn't surprised to find Ichiru and Aidou there. The tall blonde enforcer looked predictably upset, his blue eyes fixed on Ichiru as he spoke in low heated tones. With his accelerated senses, Zero couldn't help but hear the conversation.
"You're running. Zero can take care of himself!"
"You don't understand, my brother needs me right now!" Ichiru growled back gesturing to the small bag in his hand. "And besides, why would I run from you? You don't run my life. I can go where I please!"
"Hmph! We both know why you need to run! But it will only be so far before I catch you."
Zero watched as Aidou stepped even closer, if that was even possible as he was already damn near pressed flat against his brother. He rubbed a finger over the scratch he'd placed on Ichiru's neck, causing him to shudder. "You can't avoid me forever Ichiru," He hissed, deadly ivory canines flashing. "I've already marked you and tasted your blood. There is no going back."
He was amused despite his current apathy as he wondered when his brother was finally going to give in. He could feel the tension as it wound around them, chocking off the air in the hall. He smiled wanly as both males finally sensed his presence,turning to give him completely different expressions. Ichiru's was absolute relief and Aidou's extreme frustration.
"Ichiru have Kitakawa pull the car around please."
Ichiru nodded, avoiding looking at Aidou as he escaped the tense atmosphere. Zero, however, didn't indulge in the same practice. He fixed Aidou with ferocious eyes.
"If you keep pressing him, he's going to insist on running away. I suggest you find another way to woo him."
"As Kaname wooed you?"
He knew that the noble spoke before reason could curb the frustration, but the knowledge didn't stop the truth of his words from slamming into Zero like a runaway train. The corners of his full mouth tightened as he sought to calm the fierce torrent caused by his own memories of that 'wooing'. They caused anger but more so desire as images of his husband subjecting him to all of his perverted tendencies flitted through his mind; the dark nights he'd spent under Kaname as the pureblood had satisfied every lewd craving, not so slowly cinching the chains of their bond until Zero had been well and truly enslaved. A cold, cynical smiled etched anger onto his features and he held Aidou's eyes for several heartbeats.
"You are not your king, so I doubt that would work for you."
Aidou sighed, his vexation morphing into regret. "Zero-"
But Zero was already turning away. "Tell Aaron his presence is needed at headquarters. Sooner rather than later."
He felt the bond twitch as he walked out of the front door.
TD
"Retrieve us at dawn."
After throwing the casual order to the dark man manning the long, sleek Cadillac, Zero stepped out into the chilly night air, Ichiru on his heels. They stood before the center of a long stone walkway that was lined with massive stone pillars that gave the impression that the held the building up. Zero knew better as he and Kaname had restructured it when they'd restored it after the damage done to it. The pathway led into the building proper, forcing one to navigate the various booby traps that had been installed. Those booby traps only responded to hostile intent, so he wholly comfortable as he stepped onto the stone and begin to traverse the pathway. Cold washed down his spine as he passed the barrier that was made up of his and Kaname's respective powers. Hunter and Vampiric. The perfect embodiment of their combined world.
At any other time he would have felt pride, but now he just felt a certain resentment. Especially when two tall, muscled vampire enforcers alighted on the path before him, stopping his momentum. They bowed respectfully, their black hair gleaming in the strong moonlight.
"President, we were,"
"Not expecting you this evening."
"Eiji, Haru," He paused as they looked at him with identical black eyes. "I will not need you tonight. You are dismissed."
As one they shook their head and spoke together. "That will not do. The King ordered us to protect you anytime that you were in the vicinity."
He growled as Ichiru made an abbreviated sound of disgust behind him. "Are you saying that you won't follow my orders? I run this fucking building."
He stopped walking and presented them with murderous eyes. He was so not in the mood tonight!
The twins didn't miss a beat, used to his recalcitrant attitude. "But Kaname is our King and his orders are the only that we follow."
That was going to be a problem, damn his overbearing spouse. But rather then arguing with the young set of twins, he merely continued forward, gritting his teeth as one stepped in front on him, the other taking the back position. As if he really needed protecting.
But the reason for that is very clear now…..
Shut up! He snarled at the voice in his head. Even when Kaname was not there, his presence was keenly felt.
"My brother is here so there is no need for you to stand guard in the room." He slammed the door open to his office and gave the twins a look that dared them to defy him as he shut the door in their faces. With a vicious expletive and two steps forward, his booted foot crashed into the heavy, sturdy wood of his desk. He felt little satisfaction as the wood gave slightly, a sliver mesh five tier file tray wobbling slightly, his mind going back to the previous night's events. "On second thought, maybe you should reject Aidou thoroughly." His expression was sour.
Ichiru started as the idea lanced through him. His heart thumped painfully at the thought. A second later he berated himself. When had he become so enamored of the blond that his absence would cause his heart to ache?
"Yes, maybe I should."
"No, no, don't mind me. I'm just reacting to Kaname's actions. There is no telling if Aidou would do the same, " Zero imparted wearily, sitting in the humongous seat behind his desk and opening a drawer that contained all of his current files. "I'm just letting my emotions get the better of me."
"Who wouldn't," Ichiru gritted out. "Why are nobles so overbearing?"
"Because they have the purest blood. The instinct is inherent within them," He answered absently, pouring through the files. Truth be told he hated the responsibility of being the President, knew how Kaname had felt all those years subjected to paperwork and useless meetings. Already, he regretted coming in tonight. But there had been no help for it. Not if he was to accomplish what he had to accomplish. He paused as one of the reports caught his eye. It had been filed by one Sarah Shibuki. His spine went ramrod as he began to read. Now he knew why she'd approached him. But why hadn't she gone to Kaname? After all he was her sovereign.
"Shit!"
Ichiru bounded up from the couch. "What?!"
"Nothing that should overly concern you, " Zero murmured absently, eyes still scanning the report. "It seems Sarah Shibuki put in a missing report for her fiancé. She wants the hunters to investigate. She approached me at the party last night to arrange a meeting. But why not Kaname?"
Ichiru shivered in a dramatic display. "Have you ever met Kaname? I mean he gives me the creeps and he's my brother in law."
"Shut up." Zero leaned back in his chair, mulling over the matter. Should he go see her? She hadn't seem too worried about the matter. But them Sarah had always been a stone cold bitch. "Maybe I should pay her a visit."
"Or maybe you shouldn't," Ichiru griped back at him. "You need to go home and sleep. Or talk to Kaname."
"I don't want to fucking talk to Kaname right now!"
"You can't avoid him forever."
"And you can't run from Aidou forever," Zero sniped sarcastically.
"Ugh! Are you ever going to eat? Shouldn't you be hungry?"
Zero eyed the satchel of food and shook his head wearily. "I have no appetite right now and besides I drank when I woke."
Ichiru dumped the bag on the desk. "You've gotta take better care of yourself. Eat."
"Go to hell." The presence he felt stopped further insults and he instinctively turned towards the door. "Go find something else to do. This conversation is private."
There was a sharp knock on the door before Ichiru could execute a smart comeback. The change that came over Zero alarmed him. His eyes glowed red for a brief second before he buried his anger deep inside, but his stillness spoke of cold rage. He relaxed, a direct contrast to the aura that seemed to turn the room into an arctic plateau. He looked for all the world like a self confident monarch, which Ichiru supposed he was. He spoke authoritatively.
"Enter."
Ichiru wasn't really surprised to see Aaron stride through the door, his expression wary. He was dressed in his usual gear, all black leather minus the studs he'd worn when he first joined them. The black made him paler than he would have been usually and the hilts of his swords shadowing his shoulders made the air around him dangerous. His blood red hair was swept up into a topknot, revealing a perfectly chiseled jawline, straight nose and glittering green eyes that only saw Zero. Ichiru grimaced as the atmosphere in the room became downright frightening. Not waiting for his brother to dismiss him again, he exited the room with a speed that would have scorched the ground had his feet been tires.
Zero crossed his arms over his chest as he studied the foreign hunter, not deigning to speak for several long minutes. Aaron returned his look impassively and it pissed him off further that the man didn't look guilty in the least. As if his actions had been completely sanctioned. Zero wanted to get up and kick him in the chest and then shoot him with bloody rose. The urge made his skin tingle, the metal surging to the surface of his skin. He contained himself. Barely.
"You are relieved of your duties as a hunter." He spoke succinctly, not wanting to waste words here. He wanted the man out of his sight as soon as possible. His thoughts must have been clear on his face because Aaron chuckled softly. Mirthlessly.
"I knew that would be the outcome President."
"And yet that didn't stop you from helping the Vampire King with his mad scheme. From betraying your heritage."
"There was no other choice."
"What?" Zero couldn't help it. He surged to his feet, his demeanor threatening. "There was no choice but to enable your leader, someone you profess to give your loyalty, to become pregnant. To commit treason."
Aaron didn't miss a beat. "I was acting on behalf of the King and his family. And our entire nation. There was no treason."
There was no longer any lilac evident in Zero's eyes. There was only the blood red of murder as he came around the desk in a wave of power. "So you would have me believe that the agenda of the Vampire nation supersedes that of the Hunters'?"
"Your children need to be born. Kaname-sama understood this."
Zero whirled away, the sight of the composed hunter inciting his need for violence. "And yet you didn't see fit to just ask me what I wanted."
"It was quite evident what you wanted President. And it is detrimental to our survival. Seeing it that way, we could not help but take the actions we did."
"What the fuck! What reason did you have to make me pregnant!" Zero faced him again, his aura out of control in his anger. "What are you going to do when I get rid of them! Encourage Kaname to knock me up again?"
That rocked Aaron back on his heels and he was suddenly approaching. "You can't do that," He breathed, his quiet voice agitated.
"Then fucking tell me why you betrayed one of your brethren!" He grimaced at how desperate his voice sounded. "Why you saw fit to act on your own."
Aaron stopped directly in front of him and his emerald eyes showed a hint of affection? Zero stumbled back clumsily but could not avoid the hand that cupped his face almost tenderly.
"Let me show you."
He heard the phrase through a gale of images that blanked out the world. He went to his tip toes as they flooded his mind. He disappeared. Aaron disappeared. Nothing existed but the visions Aaron allowed him. He slumped forward, gasping, only to be caught by Aaron's large hands. He pushed the tall, fiery haired hunter away, then followed up with a swift uppercut to his chin that sent him to the ground. He backed into his desk as he tried to regain his composure.
"You showed Kaname this?" He gasped ire and fury making him breathless.
Aaron rubbed his chin, never looking away, his green eyes brilliant. "I did."
"You fucking bastard. Get out before I kill you." He didn't wait to see if his order was carried out.
Aaron paused at the door, his hand hovering just above the knob, looking at the shaky figure of his ex president. "Considering the circumstances, I would do it all again President. Kaname has offered me a position as his left hand. I'm going to take it."
"Get out."
The door closed behind the ex-hunter with a quiet snick and it was only then that Zero allowed himself to go to his knees, trying to catch his breath. the images still flowing. When he was somewhat calm he stood and picked up the phone. "Change of plans. Pick me up now."
He slumped into the chair, employing the breathing exercise that was supposed to relief stress. Breath in through your nose for the count of four-seconds, hold for seven-seconds and them breath out through your mouth for eight-seconds. He repeated this several times. It allowed him a modicum of false calm. He strode from the office, blind, his emotions a tornado that preceded him. The twin enforcers came to rigid attention.
"I'm leaving so I will no longer need your services tonight."
"Nevertheless we,"
"Will see you safely home."
His fist slammed into a pale nose, the crunch of broken bone and the smell of blood satisfying. The other twin went down just as quick, a quick, hard chop to his throat abruptly cutting his strings. He didn't bother to pull his punches. Let Kaname take care of them when they reported back. He stood in the aftermath of his loss of control, feeling much better than he'd had all night.
"Do you still think that you need to 'protect' me? Get the fuck over it!"
"Did you really have to do that?"
His eyes swiveled to his twin who was looking down at the enforcers with pity. "You could have just accepted their offer."
"GO home Ichiru. Let your mate claim you."
"Hey! Where are you going?"
"GO home!"
Ichiru would have argued further but air was so dangerous he dared not. "I think I'll stay here for a few. Be safe."
"Whatever."
He strode away from the carnage he'd enacted. The cool night air, refreshed him slightly. It was as if the car hadn't gone anywhere, pulling up at the exact time that his feet hit the stone pathway. He collapsed in the leather seat and gave Kitakawa directions to where he wanted to go.
Zero?
Bright, acute colors swirled in his vision as he was pulled into Kaname's world. His pureblood looked a little frantic and a lot angry, his black eyes now resembling fire. He was in a meeting, surrounded by his counsel. What are you doing? You don't need-
He imagined a three ton door and slammed it shut on the bond, reinforcing it with mental commands. The sudden abrupt cold of disengagement made him curl into the seat.
"Hurry," He murmured weakly, "we don't have much time."
And maybe, finally someone was feeling loyal. The car sped away from the curb.
In the opposite direction of his home.
Whoo! And another chapter finished. Thank you so much for your patience with my updating schedule and as always, Thank You for all of your reviews, faves, and follows! Big shout out to:
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Until Next Time…..