Thank you everyone for the reviews! I'm so glad you all are liking it so far. So here's the second chapter! Cheers!
The Doorman
Chapter 2 – Plotting
Kaname was looking over paperwork, like always, in his office at the Association when Yuuki walked in with two coffees. She kicked the door closed behind her.
"I thought you could use I pick me up right about now."
Kaname looked up at his sister and tried to smile
"Long day so far?"
"It always is. If it's not Hunter work it's company shit of council shit. I have a never ending pile of paperwork."
"So you're hiding at the Association today because you know want to be left alone? Or are you hoping to see Zero."
"He's not here today."
"A shame. So I have a proposition to make."
Kaname reached out and took the offered coffee. "I'm listening."
"So as you know I'm moving out soon. And Zero needs to move closer to the Association and his job as our doorman… so why not let him have my room or one of the guest rooms."
"No."
"What? Why not?"
"You don't have to move out in the first place."
"I know but it'd be rude to parade my lover in front of you."
"I could care less Yuuki."
"Why not let Zero move in. you'll be lonely without me around."
"I'd rather not be murdered in my own house."
"He doesn't hate you and you know that. I rather think he likes you."
"No."
"Why?"
"I'm frustrated enough as it is. I always have you there to keep me from making a fool of myself. I couldn't handle myself if it was just the two of us."
"Then maybe you should talk it out with him."
"He tolerates me as it is and that's solely thanks to you. He would not tolerate my affections." He sipped his coffee.
"I think you're wrong."
Kaname sigh and shook his head.
"Please onii-sama let him move in."
"No. That's final." Kaname picked up his pen and went back to his paperwork, ending the conversation.
Yuuki didn't leave right away. She watched her brother for a while longer before standing and walking out. Furious was an understatement. If Zero had moved in she could have the Association relax on their surveillance. Thanks to he brother's stubbornness her first plan had failed.
Nothing to worry about. On to plan two! Yuuki thought to herself as she smirked.
The three Hunter's on the Kuran Case sat in a coffee shop. Since Kaname was in the Association Headquarters they weren't worried and they had a fourth non-Hunter covering the doorman duties. This fourth person was a friend of Aiko's who needed the spare work. They could call him when they needed a break and Kuran was accounted for.
"Okay so I just got word that the Kurans are both attending a Vampire party this weekend. It's by invite only and Vampire only." Kaito said pushing a fancy envelope toward Zero. "Sorry mate."
"That's what I'm for right?" Zero broke the seal and took out the thick cardstock that was the invite. "At least it's in the city. Isn't this one of Kuran's hotels?"
"You're sharp." Kaito smiled.
"Did you forget that I went to school with the blood sucker?"
"That must have been an experience." Aiko said. "I've heard about Cross. It also makes sense on why Yagari-San put you on this case."
"I'm assuming this is a black tie affair?"
"Yup. You'd better get yourself a tux. You'll be going to a lot of these."
"Fine by me." Zero smiled sarcastically. "My favourite way to spend a night. Surrounded by blood suckers."
"Your attitude isn't very positive toward Vampires despite going to Cross."
"No one should have a positive attitude toward them. Especially not a Pureblood." Kaito said fiercely.
"No need to bite my head off. I was just stating a fact." Aiko rolled her eyes.
"Well I've got to go. I need to change into uniform before going to be Kuran's doorman." Zero said downing the rest of his latte.
"See you tomorrow then." Aiko smiled sweetly at Zero.
The Ex-Human departed.
Kaito chuckled. "You're barking up the wrong tree."
"What do you mean?" Aiko looked down to hide her blush.
Kaito leaned in. "You're not his type."
"How would you know?"
"You've got too many extra bits." Kaito made a groping motion over his chest.
"What?"
Kaito rolled his eyes. "He's bent."
Aiko's eyes grew wide. "Oooh. Damn it. The cutest ones usually are. What is his type then?"
"Tall, pale, dark hair, handsome as fuck."
"Kaname Kuran?" Aiko raised an eyebrow.
Kaito scoffed. "Fucking Vampires."
"Well this job is perfect for him if that's the case. He gets to keep an eye on him and be close."
"I don't think it'll do him any good. It'll start ripping him up soon enough." Kaito sigh.
"I know how you feel about him. No one wants to see their little brother depressed." Aiko shrugged.
"Since Ichiru died I've been there for everything. We had issues when we were younger but we've been closer lately. After working at Cross for those two years we're just like brothers. And after… well I've missed the feeling to say the least." Kaito looked at the ceiling for a moment as he pushed away his brother's face in his mind's eye.
"Well you've got my word that I'll be keeping an eye on Zero as well. He's got potential to be one of the best Hunter's this generation. It's weird but I don't want his future ruined because he's lost his drive to hunt. We'll need someone strong like him soon enough."
"I know. But the worst part is he keeps so much to himself." Kaito shook his head. "He could be close to a breaking point and it's so damn hard to tell."
"Have you seen him break?"
Kaito's mind flashed to the night Ichiru had died. The night Zero had gained his true strength from his twin's blood. He could still see the tears on Zero's cheeks when he closed his eyes. The haunted look hadn't really left his eyes since that night.
"He holds it together so well. After everything that he's been through and still more shit gets heaped on his plate. I tried to talk Toga out of putting Zero on this case but he wouldn't hear it. I think it's too close to the heart for him."
Aiko hummed and nodded. "It does put him in a tight spot. I remember the Kiryu twins. I used to live close to them before Shizuka. Even though I'm older I used to play with them. They were the happiest family."
"Those were the happiest times of his life. Even Cross was tough."
"I know. It's weird but everyone at the Association has been keeping close tabs on him since he started Cross. There's the one camp who want him put down for what he is. And there's the other camp that wants to see how far they can push him with his extra abilities. And yet another where they just want to let him find a happy life where ever he chooses to lead it."
"There will always be haters. I… have done my best to put my hate aside so I can stand with Zero and support him. Sometimes it's tough. Like this fucking even Saturday. He's going solo, no backup, nothing. Even his cell will be off limits till Sunday." Kaito ran a hand through his hair. "That's fucked up."
"But safe for him."
"Yeah, but there's are going to be radical's there too. It's not just a coexistence party. Everyone is fair game to enter."
"I know." Aiko sigh. "He's brave. He accepted it without batting an eye."
"As I said he keeps his emotions closed."
"Is it true that he's close with Yuuki Kuran? Can't he ply her for information?"
"They were closer before he accident and subsequent waking. But they still talk. He's been in touch with her. They all met for coffee the other day. He's clever." Kaito smiled. "Less then 48 hours after getting this assignment and he's playing every advantage he has."
"Sometimes I envy him. He has such extraordinary powers. And he's so strong. It's probably why he's not scared of anything."
"He still gets scared."
"Of what?"
"Fucked if I know. No one's fearless." Kaito looked out the front window. "He's a fucking mystery sometimes and other times he's just a lonely little boy."
"I heard he's looking for a new flat."
"Yup." Kaito looked back to Aiko. "If I didn't have my girlfriend living with me I'd have him in."
"Do you think he'd move in with me? I've got a spare room. It's usually my brother's when he's in town, but that's rare." Aiko bit her lip. "It's only eight blocks from the Association and less then a ten minute walk from Kuran's building."
"It's worth passing by him. It's not like he's poor or anything. He's got enough money to get a penthouse if he was in the mind too. But he likes the simple things."
"He does wear nice clothes."
"Does he?"
"It's all designer."
Kaito made a face and shrugged. "Who knew he was such a label snob."
Aiko laughed.
Kaito finished his coffee. "Well I've got to be off. Date night and all that. I just wanted to meet with you guys."
"For sure." Aiko stood. She had finished her mocha ages ago. "I'll talk to Zero when I see him in the morning."
"Good. Well have a nice night." Kaito smiled before leaving the coffee shop.
It was a warm evening which made for a nice walk home. Most Hunters that worked locally or held high ranking jobs at the Association lived in the city centre. Once Zero moved closer it would make for better drinking nights. Kaito smiled. There was just something about Zero that made him want to make the silverette smile. Everyone knew Zero's story, nothing was private at the Association. It was like a giant family, for the most part.
Shoving his hands in his pockets Kaito walked a little faster. He always enjoyed date nights. Tonight Lyra was cooking for him and they were going to the movies later. They had been going out for five years now and living together for two. It would be time to get married soon, after this mission with Kuran was over might be the perfect time. The Hunter smiled to himself. Now he just had to make sure Zero found someone.
Zero straightened his hat. He looked stupid and there was way too much starch in his jacket. But he would have to get used to it. This was his job for the next, god knew how many months. It was nearly midnight now and he hadn't had to open the door in an hour now. So he pulled out his iPad and pulled up documents that needed reviewing. If he was going to be up all night he might as well get a start on material he needed to know.
Plus he wanted to pull information from the Association's digital archives on the Vampires that would be attending the party Saturday. He knew it was going to be a snake pit but he wanted a heads up of how careful he had to be. If it was bad maybe he'd ask Yuuki a favour and see if she could spare some blood to up his blood status for the night.
It was just before three when there was a tap at the glass and Zero looked up. His heart stuttered.
He opened the door with a smile. "Good morning Kuran-Sama."
"Hello Zero. It's nice to see you, normally I let myself in."
"Are your arms broken?"
"I saw you sitting there and you looked bored. I thought I'd give you something to do. It is your job." Kaname raised an elegant eyebrow in challenge.
Zero but the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. "That's right."
"Why are they staffing someone over night?"
"Security issues or some shit. It'll be me most nights I think."
"How nice." Kaname nodded. "At least it won't ever be boring when I get here."
"I'll do my best to entertain you." Zero flashed the Vampire a wide grin.
"Good." Dark eyes flicked to the forgotten iPad. "Why are you looking up Sara Shirabuki?" Kaname leaned closer.
"Fuck off." Zero said reaching over and locking the screen.
"I was simply curious. If it's something fro the Association then I can lend you some of my records on her backgrounds. I doubt that Hunter's have an accurate profile of her. If it's for…" Kaname looked Zero over from head to toe. "Personal reasons. You'll have to make due with your records."
"Oh so you'll help if it's for a mission but if I want to fuck her I've got to work on my own."
Kaname stiffened. "Precisely."
Zero slumped back in his seat and unlocked the screen. "As a matter of fact it is for the Association. I've got to go to some stuffy ass party this weekend to keep an eye on the going ons. Radicals and all that bullshit. Honestly if you all want to kill each other less work for me." Zero smiled in a sweetly sarcastic way.
"Interesting. Shoto-Sama's party s by invitation only."
"Suck it." Zero pulled out his invite and dropped it on the screen of his iPad.
Kaname picked it up and looked it over. He held it to the light before he sniffed it. "How the fuck did you manage that? It's authentic."
"I'm just soooooo important." Zero drug out so in a sarcastic manner.
"Impressive." Kaname smiled. His heart sped up as an idea sparked. "I'll be there too. Perhaps we can collaborate."
"On what?"
"Why not come up to my room and we can chat." Kaname leaned in and smiled, showing off his fangs.
"And if I decline?"
"Are you scared?" Kaname leaned in closer and pinned Zero in with his arms.
"In your dreams." Zero snarled.
"Then come along. If anyone else needs to get in they have keys. And you have your pager." Kaname straightened. "Come along Zero." He said in an arrogant tone.
"Fucking blood sucker." Zero seethed under his breath as he grabbed his things.
When they were in the elevator Kaname allowed his eyes to honestly wander over Zero.
"The uniform suits you."
"Shove off."
"I'm serious. If you'd worn you Cross uniform properly I might have noticed years ago how handsome you are."
Zero's eyes narrowed. "If you're taking the piss I swear to god I'll break your face."
"It won't stay broken for long." Kaname smiled.
Zero rolled his eyes.
"I'm serious though. You look good all made up. Will you be wearing a tux this weekend?"
"I have to." Zero crossed his arms. "I have to fit in and all."
"I'm sure you'll look dashing." Kaname said. And he meant it but Zero didn't have to know that.
Zero just rolled his eyes.
They got to the penthouse Kaname motioned for Zero to go first.
The Hunter had never been here before so when the elevator opened into a small foyer with three closed doors he stood there awkwardly.
"The rooms to the left are Yuuki's. Mine are to the right. And straight on is the shared area." Kaname lead the way through the middle door. "Yuuki should be asleep by now. She does enjoy her day time gallivants."
"She likes to feel Human still." Zero offered.
"Yes. Yes she does. You keep her in touch with that world."
"Not any more. I'll be working nights here. Before I realize it I'll be just like a normal blood sucker."
"Won't that be wonderful." Kaname smiled over his shoulder. "Come through to the kitchen, I feel like a coffee."
"Do you even know how to make a coffee?" Zero smirked.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Aren't you too high and mighty to make your own coffee?"
"Are you offering?" Kaname turned from the sink.
"Like hell." Zero crossed his arms and leaned on the bar.
Kaname just smiled to himself and went about preparing two coffees. As the French press was steeping he went about preparing mugs. "Cream and sugar?" he asked.
"Just cream." Zero said. While Kaname was working with his back to him Zero was enjoying the view. It was these small moments that Zero selfishly indulged in.
A few minutes later Kaname turned around with two steaming mugs of coffee. He walked over to the breakfast bar and set one in front of Zero.
"So about Saturday." Kaname said before sipping his black coffee.
"Right." Zero sipped his coffee, for a moment he had let his imagination run wild. But of course it was about business. The Association was eating away at every aspect of his life. He hoped this case would be over quickly, then he could go back to avoiding Kaname, as he had planned. Seeing him so much wasn't going to do him any good.