Yay! My second chapter. Thank you all for your reviews to my first chapter. I'm happy that you enjoyed it. Okay my Muse finally decided to clock in to work, so here goes the second chapter.
I do not own Vampire Knight that is a blessing bestowed upon the ever-talented Matsuri Hino.
SUMMARY: A downpour. A surprise found in the gutter. Kaname's new roommate. Treasured moments on a night walk.
Lunch with You and Special Night Walks
Rain. A downpour fell in sheets from the dark clouds inhabiting the sky. The deluge had settled upon the land days ago, feeding the river and testing the levees built to keep out the floodwaters. The levees were holding up as best they could, but still there were some city streets that managed to flood because the drains had overflowed. The inhabitants could only hold their breaths and hope that there would soon be a break in the weather.
Kaname sat in the chair next to one of the library's floor length windows, his gaze fixed upon the myriad of droplets streaming down the glass pane. It had been raining for days, which he didn't mind of course, until a few days ago. When it was clear that the torrent was not going to end any time soon- and that it may be a deviant low-level tropical storm-, Zero and the Chairman departed to go help fortify the levees. He'd volunteered to go as well, but the Chairman had argued rather logically that it was best that he stay and make sure that classes at Cross Academy, both Day and Night, continued normally. Of course, the rainstorm driving the Level Es lurking in the city's shadows to higher ground to attack the Academy was also a problem they would possibly have to contend with.
Kaname sighed and kept his eyes on the window. The others were watching him, he could feel their gazes of concern, but he did nothing to acknowledge their presences. He didn't want company tonight, not unless it was that of the silver-haired prefect that held him captive. It had only been three days, but he was sure that Father Time was intentionally drawing out the days so it seemed like three years instead.
He allowed his thoughts to amble, summoning an image of Zero. Mentally he followed each of the smaller vampire's perfect features: silver hair kept neatly trimmed, expressive lavender eyes that could bind him in place with a single glance, a perfectly proportionate nose, and impeccably carved lips. The prefect was beautiful and Kaname sorely missed seeing him the past few days. He missed Zero like an addict cut off from the source of its drug. It was a sin, a taboo, a crime to love an ex-human, but he didn't care to pay any heed because he was already blissfully hooked.
Thoughts about the past week and a half navigated his mind, bringing back with them the moment the guarded prefect allowed him to glimpse a small fragment of his heart and the humorous exchange they'd inadvertently shared at the onsen. A tiny smile started at the corners of his mouth but faded before it even got started when he realized how alone he felt. Of course it wasn't like he and Zero were lovers or anything, far from it, but he still wanted the comfort of seeing those lavender eyes soften momentarily when they fell upon him before being quickly averted. Zero.
The nearing of footsteps pulled him from his reverie. He cast a sideways glance to the blonde nobleman standing at the other end of the table, a near nervous expression plastered on his face. Hanabusa Aidou, one of the few that would bother him when he clearly was not in the most sociable mood. With an indifferent countenance he shifted his gaze back to the window, silently conveying that he didn't wish to be bothered.
Aidou fidgeted uncomfortably with the books in his arms, his senses warning him of his leader's 'leave me the hell alone' aura, and took in a breath. "Kaname-sama…" He started, but stopped when the brunette turned cold eyes upon him.
"Yes Aidou?"
The other Night Class students had grown quiet- both those at the table in their respective study groups and those standing behind the large bookshelves- listening closely to see what would happen next.
Kain sighed softly, wondering why it was that Aidou always chose to bother their leader when he was not in the best of moods. He hoped the blonde didn't pay for it. Again.
He grew quiet, but decided to speak when the other regarded him with silent, expectant eyes. "Shinzo-sensei assigned me as your partner for our Literature project this time," he said quietly. Again he fidgeted with the stack of books he held in his arms, trying not to overstep his boundaries by placing them on the table.
He vaguely remembered their instructor giving them an assignment before they left class. He knew Aidou would do the entire project himself if Kaname showed no interest and would shamelessly lie and give him credit for help he did not provide if he wished it. However, as much as he wanted to be alone, another idea came to him. Perhaps being busy with an assignment would reduce the forlornness troubling his heart to a bearable ache. "Ah, yes. We were assigned Sophocles correct?"
Aidou nodded in anticipation. "Yes Kaname-sama."
Kaname eyed the seven thick, hardbound books the tousle-haired vampire held and gestured to the seat opposite him. "Then let's begin." While Aidou scampered to the chair opposite him and began arranging them on the table, he scanned the audience that they had unknowingly accumulated. Those that had been looking turned away quickly while those concealed behind the bookshelves resumed searching for the right book. He smiled inwardly, allowing himself to briefly enjoy the power he possessed over his peers.
Aidou sat down in the straight-back chair and opened rather plump red book. "Does Kaname-sama wish to recite a passage from one of Sophocles' dramatic works, or does he want to do the timeline?" He looked at the pureblood- who was skimming through one of the books- with adoring sky blue eyes, forcing away the blush creeping to his cheeks.
Kaname didn't want to do any of it, but this was keeping his treacherous mind occupied for the moment. He knew how much Aidou loved doing research and that the short vampire would have a field day with doing a timeline about Sophocles. "I would rather memorize and recite a passage." It was the easier half of the assignment but-- The sheepish look on the noble's face stopped his train of thought. "Hanabusa?"
Aidou cleared his throat. "Shinzo-sensei said that the person that chooses to recite has to wear a costume that befits the monologue he chooses," he informed the pureblood, trying to hide the small twinkle in his eyes.
Kaname maintained his unperturbed expression and returned his attention to the book in his hands. Damn.
Zero sloshed down one of the many streets that had flooded, nearly shin deep in filthy water full of debris from the sewage. Rain beat down upon the hood of his shin-length raincoat, beading off the brim and forming its very own watery veil to haze his vision. He'd started out helping fortify the levees three days ago, then he'd helped redirect traffic all day, then he'd aided the relief workers in getting food and other necessities to those in need. Now, he was making sure the detour signs were still standing.
He stopped at one of the large blinking detour signs and bent over, tugging on the stem to make sure it was still bolted to the pavement so the current didn't carry it away. Finding it secure, he straightened, wringing his wet hands, and took in a breath. He glanced up and down flood-ridden streets, taking in his gloomy surroundings. He hated to admit it but he wished he was back at Cross Academy, in his room, or maybe eating dinner.
An image of the pureblood sitting in the library (this was Kaname's study period) in his immaculately tailored school uniform, a pleasant expression on his perfect features as he immersed himself in a book appeared in his mind. Zero furrowed his brow when he found himself smiling. What the hell was he thinking about Kuran for? Okay sure it'd been established that he was no longer the enemy, but still thinking about him just out of the blue like this was just downright strange.
He'd already traveled to another street to see if its sign was still secure-while trying to not think about the pureblood- thanking Fate that the weather had slackened when he heard a voice on the wind. "Zero!"
Yuki. His eyes widened and before he could think he was sprinting towards the direction of the voice, several different scenarios flickering through his mind at rapid-fire. He hoped she didn't slip and fall into the canal running through the city. In less than thirty seconds flat he spotted her and immediately stopped. She didn't appear in any immediate danger.
She stood under one of the few streetlights still working in this area of the city, intently staring down into one of the deeper gutters of the city. "What's wrong?"
She wiped at the water dribbling from the lip of her hood and pointed a delicate finger at the near overflowing gutter. "Look there!" She said over the steady rainfall and water washing through the gutter.
Zero followed the direction of her finger and instantly found the reason for the worried expression on her face. "What the hell?"
"I know you're supposed to be working but I knew that the only person here that could help was you so…." she trailed off.
"Yeah," he mumbled, his eyes searching for a way to navigate the rain-slick rocks jutting from the rushing water without falling in.
"Be careful," she said as he took a tentative step towards the bottom of the gutter.
The weather cleared up two days ago and everything in Cross Academy was back to normal. The sun sank behind the horizon, the remnants of its rays dying the sky brilliant shades of orange and pink. It was nearing dusk. The Day classes were over and it was time for the Night Class to commence. The residents of the night stood outside waiting for the doors to open so they could begin the transition to class amidst their squealing so-called fans.
Kaname stood at the head of the Night Class, books held in the crook of his arm, trying not to react to the scent teasing his nostrils. Zero was back. His heart stumbled in his chest at the mere odor of his chosen mate and it took a great effort for him not to force the doors open himself. He sniffed in Zero's scent again, realizing momentarily that it was different. A delicate eyebrow rose. Why would Zero smell different? It was not Yuki's odor, no he had that catalogued in memory. This odor was distinct and he could not place it, and that sent a spike of jealousy through his heart.
Takuma was among those that stopped talking when they felt the pureblood's aura take a dark turn. He regarded the brunette's expressionless face, trying to read his emotions. "Kaname-sama," he said softly, attempting to pull the pureblood back from whatever troubles had caused the malevolent chill in his aura.
Kaname remembered his location and reigned in his aura, gaining small exhalations from the other vampires. The doors opened, causing a boom that rang throughout the courtyard as they did so, and the students filed out.
Zero yawned tiredly, blinking back the sleep that was persistently tugging at his heavy eyelids. He hadn't slept last night, not while trying to keep their secret from making any noise. Movement caught his eye and he glared at one of the girls breaching the boundary. "Get back in line!" He commanded harshly.
The girl seemed to shrink in size and scurried back into the line.
Zero sighed heavily. Damn, he'd probably made her cry. He chanced a glance at Yuki who seemed just as lively as every other day. A twinge of irritation pricked him when he realized she'd probably slept like a baby last night. This was one time that he wished he had a roommate. Ah well… An overpowering aura invaded his senses, tugging his attention to the group of students swaggering towards them, and to the ever-confident male leading the pack.
Kaname Kuran. To his chagrin and unending irritation some part of him actually seemed happy to see the pureblood. While the mass of girls behind Yuki squealed their undying affections for their gorgeous student of choice, his side remained relatively tame which was not good for Zero. His eyes began to wander, meandering their way past sinfully beautiful features to sorrel orbs that speared into his like dual arrows and slammed into his guard with all the force of a thousand chariots. He looked away quickly, fighting the urge to take another peek at the pureblood. Zero what is wrong with you? Stop ogling that beautiful jerk. Did he just admit Kaname was… beautiful?
He turned his back to them, grateful for once that the girls were too busy fawning over the Night students parading past to pay heed to the blush creeping across his cheeks. Fuck. This was bad. He could not like Kur--Kanam--er--Kuran, because it was preposterous. First of all the guy was a conceited snob that did nothing but lord his position over him, secondly he was not gay, and thirdly he… He didn't need a third reason because those two were good enough. He DID NOT have a crush on Kaname. Dammit. He did not have a crush on Kuran.
He ignored the aura that began looming closer and closer. Oh no, Kaname was approaching him. The hairs on his neck stood to attention and a tremble nearly snaked through his entire body when he felt a ghost of a caress ascend slowly and surely up his spine. Suddenly he became acutely aware of the pureblood. His delicious scent, the hardly audible sound of his breath, the heat from his body reaching out to feather over the nape of his neck, all of it inundated his senses, threatening to fog the line between his rational mind and the softer part of him that he kept tucked away in that special corner of himself.
Kaname swept a quick glance over the other's shoulders. Zero always looked so appetizing in his school uniform. He wanted to touch the other male, feel his velvety skin beneath his searching fingers, taste those lips that endlessly tortured him, drink in his scent until he was intoxicated, and allow the cadenced beat of his heart to lull him into a peaceful slumber. He maintained the cool façade when he approached the ex-human, secretly longing for the hunter to show the same tenderness he'd displayed under that peach tree. First of all though he had to figure out what was the smell clinging to Zero like cheap perfume. "Kiryuu-san."
A few months ago he would have commanded the pureblood to "back the hell off" and get moving, but this time he remained in the same position, hoping the vampire would take the hint and keep going. Kaname didn't move. Zero could feel everyone's eyes falling to him, especially two pair in particular. He heard Aidou mumble an insult about him being a disrespectful dog. He whirled around with every intention to spout words at the small vampire that would surely make a sailor blush, but his eyes instantly glued themselves to the pureblood blocking his vision. "What?" He asked, managing to lace a dash of acid in his tone.
Kaname wanted to slap spit from the noble's mouth for insulting Zero, but his rational mind knew that it would only raise unwanted questions from both bodies of students. He however would deal with the mischievous noble in private. "How are you?"
The question threw him off guard which made him go on the defensive. "Why do you want to know?" He folded his arms and set his jaw, ignoring the weird flop in his stomach. Then, he noticed the slight flare of Kaname's nostrils. Was the pureblood smelling him? A small thrill skittered through him, tangling up his nerves and flipping his thoughts topsy-turvy.
What was that odor on Zero? It was strange, not human, it smelled like---. A small frown worked its way to his stunning face before it disappeared instantaneously. He didn't like it and he wanted it off of him… now. However, seeing as how Zero would probably reacquaint him with the business end of Bloody Rose-not that he was afraid of the weapon or anything- if he just started ripping his clothes off with no explanation, he restrained his urges. "The Chairman informed me that you all were going to help in the relief work before you departed, I was merely wondering how it went," he stated nonchalantly, his starving eyes falling to take a glimpse of the prefect's delicious-looking lips.
The courtyard was quiet now, both sides looking on in interest at the exchange that they were sure would end in an altercation. The vampires watched attentively, wondering why their leader was talking to such an inferior creature and what evil game he had up his sleeve. The humans-the girls- watched in awed jealousy, wondering what the hell Kiryuu did to get the much desired Kaname-senpai to even realize he existed.
Zero put up his guard as fast as possible, trying to bludgeon the warm feelings flittering through him. He resolutely met the pureblood's eyes, willing his gaze to remain like stone. "It went well," he answered coolly, switching his weight to his leg, arms still folded.
The hardened amethyst eyes staring back at him stung, digging needles into the exterior of his mask. What did you expect? Why would he ever be interested in a pureblood like you? Kaname nearly winced, exiling the dark voice back to its prison. "Did you help many people?" He wished he could touch Zero, hold him, kiss him, nuzzle his nose in that luxuriant silver hair, and revel in his blood. He wanted to see that softer side of Zero again, but if the prefect didn't want to oblige, neither would he.
Before Kaname's eyes turned cold again, Zero saw what was unmistakably wistfulness in those chocolate globes. "Yeah," he answered in a softer tone. What was up with the pureblood? Why couldn't he just return to being a colossal asshole? Why did he insist on being this polite person that seem to actually care about his interests, that looked at him with such gentleness, and offered his blood so willingly? It unsettled him, pitching him off-balance until it seemed that he would never regain his equilibrium.
"I'm glad." He gave the faintest of smiles, bid the prefect a farewell, and returned to the vampires awaiting him. Everyone fell into step behind their leader, following him as if nothing had ever transpired between the two supposed enemies.
Zero folded his arms and cast a forced glare at the retreating form of the pureblood. What was wrong with him? He should not be thinking of Kaname like that, like he was something other than a predator. But, deep down he knew that some fraction of him was happy of the revelation that was unraveling within his mind. He turned away and glared at the mass of girls that were still staring after the dwindling shapes of the Night Class with big doe eyes. "Okay, party's over, move on," he rumbled sternly.
The girls- and guys- disbanded to go their separate ways. Zero stared after the Night Class, trying to make sure each student entered the building, and he would swear for months to come that just before the doors to the school building closed, the pureblood looked back and their eyes met for the briefest of moments.
The morning sun shined brightly through the window the next day, falling upon the silver-haired ex-human lying bundled up beneath the white cotton sheets. Zero awakened, turned over slowly, and sat up, wiping sleep from his eyes. He looked down at the floor and heaved a sigh. "You're more trouble than you're worth." He groused and walked to his closet to get ready for school.
Zero stepped back, vampire reflexes preventing him from colliding with Yuki. He looked curiously at the girl standing before him, back curved, hands resting on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. "What's the matter with you?"
She looked up at him with worried eyes then around at the students hurrying towards their first period classes before deciding to keep quiet. She grabbed his hand and led him to the shadow of the building. "Didn't you hear?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Hear what?" Why did she look like she was about to cry?
"It's Kaiba-san, he got the approval from the Chairman to inspect the boy's dormitory," she said in one shrill breath.
Zero scowled irately. Hanzo Kaiba was the President of the dormitory for the Day Class boys and everyone knew one specific fact: Kaiba was acutely allergic to cats. Zero silently berated himself. He'd thought he'd been careful enough, but apparently not. "If he finds out about Mochi, he'll have him sent away," she said sadly, looking up at him with teary eyes. "What are we going to do?"
Zero sighed and leaned against the building, brow furrowed in thought. "We'll have to hide him," but then added, "but where?"
Yuki tapped her bottom lip in contemplation, her mind grasping at ideas, until it found the right one. Her eyes lit up and a wide grin spread across her lips. "I've got it!" She declared.
The look in her eye made Zero's stomach lurch, because he knew what she was thinking. Well, it wasn't what she was thinking that made him inwardly groan, it was who she was thinking about. Kaname Kuran. Just thinking about the owner of that name made a fragment of his spirit sigh dreamily. Goddammit.
Kaname lay burrowed beneath the luxurious covers of his large bed eyes shut tightly, brow creased and sweaty, features stricken. He was in the grips of a nightmare. It was the same one he lived all too often.
A single candle burning in a dark room. Shackles of Hunter origin binding his wrists to the wall. The crack of a whip as it came down repeatedly to shred the skin of his back. Pain. Humiliation. "You are not fit to be a pureblood."
Kaname's eyes flew open, his conscious mind bringing him back from his corner of hell, those malicious words sill ringing in his head. He sat up, breathing deeply, sweeping the room to make sure everything was still intact. He slipped a hand through his dark locks, gathering his composure and battling back the remnants of the nightmare still clinging to the recesses of his waking thoughts.
Zero walked behind Yuki, a box on his hip, a scowl plastered on his face to conceal his unease. Shit. Why did Kaiba have to be allergic to cats? He growled irritably. After the look they shared yesterday, Zero needed to regain his bearings and seeing the pureblood again was not going to lend him any support. I hope you're having fun up there. He was still trying to figure out if that was a true look of wistfulness in those sorrel eyes he'd seen yesterday or if it were just wishful thinking.
His thoughts drifted to the time they'd spent under the peach tree and the courtesy Kaname showed him at the onsen. Was he supposed to feel that way at the gentlest touch from the pureblood? Were the leering gazes and the softest of glances the older vampire directed his way born of something other than lust? Or were they all a clever ruse to reel him in until he was owned body and soul?
"Okay Mochi," Yuki said to the furry creature in the cardboard box she held fondly in her arms. "This will be your new home… Hopefully." She knocked on the embellished door firmly and ran a nervous hand through her brunette tresses.
Zero raised an eyebrow. That was odd. Kaname usually answered the door before they could even knock. "Maybe he's not feeling so well Yuki, maybe we should just take Salem back to my dorm and hide him until--"
"His name is Mochi!" She corrected him, a frown on her face. "And Kaname-senpai is fine Zero, he's probably just sleeping. I mean he is a vampire and it is midday and all." She stated matter-of-factly and beamed down at the cat (a rather lovely jet black specimen).
"His name is Salem, it says it on his collar, and Kana-ah- Kuran usually…" He didn't dare finish that sentence because he didn't want to know where it would take his train of thoughts. Why did he keep thinking of that jerk as Kaname? He was bloody fucking Kuran, the bane of his existence. So why did a wave of relief wash through him when he heard the other's soft footsteps as he approached the door.
Kaname opened the door, allowing a faint smile when he saw Zero, Yuki and--- What was that in her box? Was that a cat? "Is there something I can help you with?" Two glowing yellow eyes peeked over the edge of the box at him.
Yuki sent him a sugary smile. "Kaname-senpai this is Mochi. Mochi this is Kaname-senpai." She introduced them, looking over the fact that both of the introductees did not seem terribly interested in each other. "Zero and I found Mochi in a gutter a few days ago. You know during the flood." She had to get this out quickly before her cheeks melted under that gentle gaze. "So we called the owner and he said that he wouldn't be back home for five more days. So Zero has been keeping him in his room because he doesn't have a roommate like I do but today… um..."
Kaname's eyes shifted between Yuki and Zero in intervals of half-seconds. Zero looked uncomfortable. The pureblood smiled to himself. Even when he was clearly uncomfortable the prefect maintained that brazen façade as if he were a stone and nothing ever fazed him. Kaname knew it was a lie.
Zero sighed when Kaname's gaze lingered on him for a second too long. He had to get this over with before he found himself wanting to stare into those luminous sorrel eyes and his gaze fell to the other's exposed neck. "My Dorm President is allergic to cats. Apparently Salem must have gotten some of his hair on me and now he's having a dorm inspection today. So--"
"So, we were wondering if you wouldn't mind keeping him here for two days." Yuki finished, beaming sweetly up at the pureblood. "Please Kaname-senpai." She batted her eyes cutely, managing to look adorable while tugging at the older male's heartstrings something fierce.
Kaname looked at Zero. "You want me to keep a cat in my room for two days?" He didn't like cats, actually he didn't like most animals- it was a simple fact about the vampire species. Not that he hadn't had any pets as a child. He'd had a cute little Pomeranian named Gin. Of course Gin was a dog and he didn't know if he could tolerate an animal that didn't seem to understand that it was not sentient. But if it was what Zero wanted, then how could he possibly refuse?
He nodded hesitantly, switching his gaze elsewhere when those russet orbs burned into his. "You won't have to do anything. I'll make sure to come by every lunch period to feed him, clean his litterbox, and play with him a little," he answered casually.
"Alone?" Damnit. He hadn't meant for that to come out. "I mean without Yuki-chan?" Wow what a weak save. It was the best he could do for the moment. The thought of having Zero alone in his room was a rather distracting thought to the usually unflappable pureblood.
What the hell kind of question was that? What was that look in the other's eye? "Yeah." For but a second he saw a glimmer of something softer flitter through sorrel orbs that seemed to be a little brighter after his answer, then it was gone, concealed behind that aloof veil. Was there more to the pureblood than he thought? Was Kaname more than a sadist?
How could he refuse such an offer? "Then your cat, which is a she by the way, is welcome here." He stepped aside, his cool silk pajamas caressing his skin with every movement.
Yuki entered with a blush on her cheeks, near giddy at the fact that she was being invited into her crush's room. "Thank you so much senpai!" She bowed deeply, hair tickling the cat's nose. After thanking him she knelt and tipped the box slightly over, signaling to the animal that it was time to depart its cardboard RV for something better.
The three of them watched as the cat slinked around Kaname and darted off to explore the room.
"I uh need to set up the litterbox." He stated uneasily.
"Of course." Kaname followed Zero into the bathroom- while Yuki tried to find Salem- watching with curious eyes as he put a plastic rectangular container in the corner and proceeded to fill it with what looked like… sand?
Zero straightened, turned, and gave a start at how close the brunette was to him. He wanted to tell the pureblood to move, to get away from him, but the intense emotion brimming within those sorrel depths immobilized him. Whoa. He'd never seen such intensity contained in anyone's-human or vampire- gaze and it felt like it was going to smother him under its weight. "K--" What did he want to say?
He was drowning again, plummeting into those amazing lavender eyes, eyes that ensnared him. Zero. The other's essence overflowed him and he let himself revel momentarily in everything that was this wonderful prefect. "Zero," he started, his voice huskier than intended. The instant he saw the prefect's eyes widen he knew the spell had been broken. He inwardly kicked himself for speaking when he knew his voice would be dripping with raw need. Although he had to admit, the pink staining the other's cheeks was utterly adorable.
Zero's eyes widened and his cheeks reddened at the way the pureblood had spoken his name. It sounded so utterly sexy when he said-- Holy shit. "Soooo," he started, making sure his voice did not waver. "The cat, Salem, will use this 'when nature calls' so it would be a good thing to keep the door open so she doesn't leave surprises in your slippers or anything."
Kaname nodded.
"We've got toys well, makeshift toys for her so just let her play with those while you're sleeping and everything should be okay." He stated, wanting to move away from the pureblood, but unable at the same time.
"Why are you buying things for some other person's cat?"
Zero shrugged. "Her owner is away, she's lost, and there's no one else to do it," he answered honestly, slipping past the pureblood and walking to the door.
Kaname smiled softly. Zero's soul was beautiful. He followed the two to the door, watched intently as Zero fed the cat, and bid them farewell when the left. He shut the door and looked down at the jet black colored cat sitting on its haunches next to him. "I will not kill you because Zero entrusted you to me. Do not provoke me and it will go easier for us both," he warned it, voice like steel.
Kaname hated Salem. He was the cat from hell. In a day and a half's time the evil feline had wreaked havoc in his room. Sometime during the day he'd turned over to find the filthy creature sleeping soundly on his head (On his head for Pete's sake!). After chunking it a good piece across the room- it landed on its feet of course- he'd fallen back to sleep. Upon wakening to get ready for class he found his drapes shredded, his bookcase ransacked, and his inkwell turned over, a pool of black ink ruining the important document beneath it.
The animal's behavior was bad but it got worse. The cat loved to pounce, the smell of its food made his stomach sick, and no matter how many times he tried, it never stopped climbing under the covers only to scratch and bite his toes. No wonder the owner had left, the frigging cat was probably driving him insane.
The only good part about the whole experience was the time he got to spend with Zero. That fact- spending time with Zero- was what he was focusing on when he awakened at 11:55am. A reeking, putrid smell stabbed into his sensitive nostrils, nearly making him gag. What the hell? Was it time to clean the litter box again? Seriously how much could one cat poop? He rolled to his side, sat up, slipped his feet into his house shoes, and stood. He took one step and… Squish.
Kaname stopped in mid-stride. No way. Did he just? He looked down and turned his foot over only to find fresh brown feces caked on the bottom of one of his favorite slippers. Salem. Was. The. Devil's cat. "You…"
The cat, which was lounging at the end of his bed, gave a disinterested mew as if saying "so what".
It needed to die. This evil quadruped needed to cease to exist. It would be okay if he killed it. He would just tell Zero it ran away. Who would know the difference? He sighed. He would know. Murdering the cat was not what would eat at his conscience, it was the fact that he would be lying to Zero. Speaking of Zero… He sensed the prefect before he even made it to the front door of the dormitory. He cast a glare to the feline and darted into the bathroom to clean his slipper.
Zero knocked on the door rolling his eyes when it gave a click and 'opened' on its own. Before he'd closed the door to the opulent bedroom good, Salem had attached himself to his pants leg all sixteen claws extended. "Alright already." What was that awful smell? And where was Kaname? "Hey Kuran?" He walked past the pureblood's large bed and stopped when he saw the pile of slipper-shaped cat poo on the floor. Zero's eyes widened in realization that Kaname had actually stepped in catshit. He started to laugh, softly to himself.
Kaname stepped in catshit! He could just imagine the surprised then nauseated look on the fastidious vampire's face when he'd realized his blunder. The odds of a pureblood stepping in steaming hot poo seemed insane, which was why it was so hilarious. So, Zero stood there, a cat clinging to his leg as it demanded in no uncertain meows to be fed, as he allowed himself to enjoy the absurdity of the moment.
Kaname stood in the bathroom doorway in his black silk pajamas, a spray bottle in one hand and a washcloth in the other, watching the prefect laugh. He knew that the prefect's smile- let alone his laugh- was an elusive gift and he was content to just stand there and let the glow sweep over him. After a few moments of burning this beautiful image into his mind he finally spoke. "I'm thrilled that you are amused by the 'gift' your animal friend left for me," he stated with a mild amount of sarcasm.
"I warned you not to leave the door closed so she could get to her litterbox," he replied with a smile in his voice.
He strutted to the defiled spot with a determined look on his face. His plan was to clean the spot then drown it in disinfectant. "I didn't, that cat is just a shepherd for the Devil," he groused irately. He knelt to the floor and was about to start cleaning when gentle hands touched his. He looked up at the prefect, hardly able to resist the urge to gasp.
"I thought that was your job," he joked lightheartedly, taking the spray bottle and washcloth from the other's hands. Such flawless hands should not have to clean up such a disgusting mess. "Here let me."
"You don't have to clean it." He stated softly. He did not want a person as pure as Zero doing something so repulsive. The subsequent smile the prefect telegraphed him through those incredibly demonstrative eyes left him nearly breathless.
Zero sprayed the cleaning material on the spot and began to clean it. "I brought him here, so it's half my fault right." Ugh. This was disgusting.
"You're right," Kaname agreed, a hint of playfulness in his otherwise calm voice, and stood, hovering over Zero. From his vantage point he could see the nape of the prefect's neck. An involuntary shudder rippled through his system as a wave of hunger stabbed him. Damn. It was nearly absurd that such a simple spot of Zero exposed to his ever-searching gaze could illicit such a reaction from him. Then again, he was a pureblood, and they were known for being unnaturally attuned to everything about their chosen mate. "And it is my job. I just don't like my underlings defecating on my floor," he joked.
Zero merely smiled. So Kaname had a sense of humor after all- it was rather twisted- but he had one nonetheless. After he finished cleaning up after Salem- and Kaname had seen to it that he thoroughly washed his hands- he found that the pureblood had actually fed the cat and all he had to do was eat the food the dorm chefs brought up from the kitchen.
Kaname lounged on his immense bed watching the apple of his eye eat his lunch. "Are you enjoying your tonkatsu?" He was going to have the chef bring up a bowl of moules marinieres, mussels served in white wine, but thought against it since he knew the prefect would appreciate a simpler meal for lunch. Perhaps he could take him out to a five-star restaurant one day.
He picked up a piece of crispy pork with his chopsticks and hesitated deciding to answer the pureblood before he started chewing. "Yeah, it's really good." He inserted the morsel into his mouth and began chewing, savoring the flawlessly cooked meat. He kind of enjoyed his time here, with Kaname-of all people.
They hardly talked during the lunch hours they had together as of late. Kaname usually enquired of Zero's liking of the food which Zero was all too happy to answer. Zero would play with Salem for a little after eating while the pureblood silently watched. Despite the relative silence between them, Zero was beginning to notice that he was beginning to increasingly enjoy the pureblood's company.
Zero and Yuki walked side-by-side to the Moon Dorm. It was evening and the time when the Night Class students grew restless- especially on the weekend. The two prefects strode through the gate, up the steps, and went through the double French doors that served as an entrance. To his surprise he was not accosted by vampiric auras slithering over his senses. They stopped when they found the common area deserted.
"Everyone's gone," Yuki stated with a curious expression.
Zero sighed. Yuki was wrong, not everyone was out. From the powerful aura reaching out to engulf his, he knew that one person in particular was still present within the dormitory. "Come on Yuki."
Kaname sat in his room, lounging on his chair, wanting desperately to reach through their bond to brush across Zero's consciousness, but knowing such a move- especially in the current position of their relationship- would be moronic. So he sat up and looked toward the open door, opting to busy himself with his Sudoku puzzle book so he didn't look like he was waiting for them. He knew he was waiting for them- for Zero. He was always waiting, hoping for that moment where the prefect would see him as something other than a pureblood, a predator, or his ever-willing donor. It was foolish for a pureblood to wait on anything. He was at the top of the vampire caste system. The world was his oyster. He could have whatever he wanted if not at request then by force. Yet he found himself waiting on the beautiful hunter that didn't reciprocate his sentiments but all the same entangled his heart in a web he had unwittingly woven.
He looked up when they entered. A faint smile directed at Yuki played momentarily upon his face. Yuki looked quite adorable in her pink sleeveless sundress and matching headband. Zero on the other hand looked ravishing in his casual attire. He doubted if there was anyone else in the world that could make jeans and a t-shirt look half as good as Zero. "Salem is all ready to go," he stated coolly, not wanting to let on that he was immensely relieved the hellcat was being returned to its owner. He rose elegantly and picked up the box of supplies.
Yuki picked up the cat when it came to greet them and nuzzled its nose. "Time to take you home Mochi," she sang saccharinely to the raven-colored feline, walking into the room to pick up the box in which they would carry the cat.
Zero sighed at Yuki's incessant habit of calling the cat something other than what was specified on its collar. He strode to the pureblood, taking the box of kitty supplies the older vampire held out to him. Before he could stop himself his eyes had drifted over the pureblood's dark collared shirt that seemed tailored specifically to his body and matching trousers. The colors of his clothes brought out the richness of those garnet eyes, highlighted the silky texture and hue of his hair, and contrasted rather attractively with his pale ivory skin. Damn. Did the pureblood always have to look so- just say it already- hot? He stepped back, averting his gaze quickly before the brunette saw the scarlet tint of his cheeks. Dammit. What was wrong with him? He was not a girl! So why the hell was he always blushing like one around the forever poised pureblood?
Kaname inwardly smiled when he saw the rosy tint to the other's cheeks before he turned away. He nearly shuddered. If Zero looked so adorable when he was blushing shyly he wondered how he would look as he writhed beneath him in bliss. Absently his tongue slid its way over his fangs in an almost predatory fashion. "Isn't the owner supposed to meet you at nine-thirty in Shinobi Park?"
Zero-who had made it a point to get to the door before he blushed again- turned and regarded him. "Yeah." Tingles prickled over his skin causing goose pimples in their wake. Why couldn't Kaname just stop looking at him? It wasn't enough that he no longer called him Kuran in his head, but now he had to go and actually make him get a thrill out of being ogled too.
"You are leaving quite early are you not?" He tilted his head to the side, staring at Zero inquisitively despite the question being directed towards Yuki. Zero was torturing him. He was always so close, so enticingly close but yet untouchable all the same.
Yuki brightened up instantly. "Zero and I are going on a nightwalk. Do you want to come along Kaname-senpai?"
Zero twitched. Son of a bitch. He just couldn't escape him. No matter what he tried to do he was going to eventually be stuck with the pureblood. It was just a matter of friggin time.
Kaname saw the visible twitch Zero gave and felt his heart tighten in his chest. Zero didn't want him around. It sent spires of pain radiating from his heart and throughout his core. He shouldn't expect anything less. Zero had viewed him as The Enemy for so many years; he shouldn't expect the prefect to warm up to him in a matter of months. "I don't want to impose."
The crestfallen expression that had consumed those garnet eyes when they detected that his company was unwanted yanked at something deep within the silver-haired youth. Then it dawned on him. Kaname was all alone up here. All the other vampires were out. For some reason, the pureblood being alone brought out his caretaker side. "You're not imposing," he blurted.
Kaname's brow rose. "I'm not?"
Yuki ran up to him and smiled adoringly. "Of course not."
Zero's eyes gleamed wickedly. "Besides, the Chairman gave Yuki her allowance today, so it'll feel nice to have someone suffer along with me." Was Kaname always alone?
He smiled at Zero softly. "Then I would love to accompany you on this nightwalk."
Moments later, the trio exited the vast Moon Dormitory. Yuki was already chatting with Kaname while Zero cooed to the cat curled lazily in the box as they strode out of the gates and into the courtyard. He remained silent as they walked towards the gates, content to allow Yuki to fill the conversation gap. Why the hell did he let Kaname get to him? Why didn't he just turn around and leave when the pureblood more or less declined? A few months ago he would have had a conniption fit when it became clear he had to be alone with the pureblood, but now… Things had started to change. Zero stole a glance at the pureblood- who seemed to be listening intently to Yuki's plan for what they would do tonight- and looked away before the brunette could notice his gaze.
"So what is done on a night walk?" Kaname asked as they exited the gates of Cross Academy and began descending the hill that led to the city.
Yuki smiled teasingly at the pureblood. "Oh a little of this and a little of that," she stated vaguely, biting her bottom lip nervously when the pureblood regarded her with a fond gaze. "But before we start it we're going by the animal shelter to donate the pet supplies we had left over. And then, the fun will begin."
Kaname found that he rather liked this nightwalk. The first half of their stroll they hit the shopping district and Yuki spent the better half of an hour trying to decide on the red velvet embroidered clutch or the pink silk paisley print purse. Eventually she chose neither and decided she wanted a pair of shoes instead- much to Zero and Kaname's dismay. In the end, at Zero's urging, she chose a pair of pink high heel shoes. After that they hit a café. Yuki and Kaname ordered confectionary treats to indulge their sweet tooth while Zero decided to just take a cup of jasmine tea.
Kaname's eyes sparkled in wonderment when they turned upon the next street. It was a bazaar of some sort and was bustling with people. Vendors were packed side-by-side trying to sell their items-food, perfumes, baubles, and other oddities- to their potential customers. A plethora of smells teased his nostrils many he recognized and many he didn't. Each booth was fitted with lanterns, their soft yellow light giving the street a relaxed ambience-despite the collective chatter of the crowd. He stopped when he realized they were going to travel down the street. There were so many people.
Yuki's stomach growled voraciously. "First stop: tempura!" She declared to the cat snuggled in her arms (they'd ditched the box a while ago), entering the crowd of people without hesitation.
"Yuki wait up!" Zero yelled after her and was about to follow her when he noticed Kaname hadn't moved. He took a gander at the pureblood who had this barely perceivable expression of a deer caught in the headlights. "Hey," he called softly.
Kaname made sure his veil was back in place before he regarded the prefect. "Yes?" There it was again, that soft hint of concern in the other's voice. That timbre in his voice was like his own personal haven, his own lifeline, but yet it tortured him. It tortured him because it set his heart up for a fall, a fall that he didn't mind experiencing when it meant he could be close to the silver-haired vampire.
Zero opened his mouth to say something, closed it, and then opened it again. What was he supposed to say? He didn't want the other to feel uncomfortable, but he also wanted to avail himself of the cheap food the vendors had to offer. "Uhm…"
Kaname said nothing; he just composed himself and walked into the sea of people, loathing himself for showing such a weakness to the prefect. Why would Zero want someone like him? He just didn't like being in the company of so many people, because more often times than not he was leered at by humans and vampires lusting after him for his beauty.
As they navigated through the sea of people Zero found that somehow he'd drifted closer to the pureblood to the point that their shoulders almost touched. He didn't know why this protective streak had reared its head but it prompted him to stick close to the pureblood as if he were a living breathing shield warding off the pureblood's oglers. When he caught the hungry looks and vulgar comments sent the taller vampire's way he found himself glaring at every single person that dared to set their eyes upon them. Before he knew it he had grasped the brunette's hand possessively and started leading him in the direction from which the scent of tempura was wafting.
Kaname was transfixed upon the hand clutching his. Did Zero even know that he was holding his hand? He raised his eyes to the prefect, catching only a glimpse of silver hair. His heart fluttered terribly and he gripped the other's hand. The warmth Zero's hand emitted seemed to pervade him, traveling through every vessel in his body until it seemed that even the shadows plaguing his soul bent beneath it.
They arrived at a booth where chairs made of bamboo encircled the counter behind which an elderly woman stood over her stove and grill preparing fresh food for her customers. The two young men sat down at the far end of the bar, Kaname in the corner and Zero next to him. "Have you ever had street food before?"
Kaname shifted uncomfortably, retaining the aloof expression on his face. Again, he realized how inexperienced he was when it came to common everyday treats. "No."
Zero almost smiled. How could a person so worldly, arrogant, and astute be so adorably inexperienced at such customary things? "Well, there are no menus because everyone here," he said, gesturing to the other customers sitting at the bar, "pretty much knows it by heart."
The old woman cranked out a bowl of miso soup, udon, ramen, and shrimp fried rice in one fell swoop, placing them in front of her customers. She shuffled over to Zero and Kaname, the wrinkled folds in her forehead rising when she saw them. "What's your order?"
Zero placed an order for beef yakitori, ramen noodles, and green tea. Kaname asked for her specialties and after hearing them all decided on the miso shiru and yakitori. They sat there in a brief silence, both enjoying the different smells and sounds of the bazaar. "Are you not concerned about Yuki's whereabouts?"
Zero shook his head slightly. Was Kaname worried about Yuki? It's not that he wasn't concerned about her; it was just that he was enjoying one-one-one time with Kaname. Uh oh. He was starting to enjoy alone time with Kaname. This was so beyond wrong. It just wasn't going to happen. Kaname was a rich and powerful prince of vampires. He was-- well he was an ex-human one level above insanity, the bottom of the food chain so to speak. "She'll be fine. Uehara-san a few booths over cooks the best tempura around and Yuki is one of his beloved regulars. He'll make sure she calls when she's done eating."
Kaname inclined his head to stare almost expressionlessly at the prefect, noticing the change in the air around him. Had something upset Zero? "But you have no cell phone Zero."
Zero shot a sly glance to the pureblood, bowing his head in thanks when the old lady placed their food in front of them. "No, but you do." The duo ate their food in silence, Zero noticing that the brunette had a penchant for soup. He also noticed the hesitancy the pureblood displayed when he saw that there was no silverware with which to eat his yakitori. He picked up a skewer from the plate and took a bite of the sliver of well spiced beef wrapped around the end. A moment later he cast an inconspicuous side-glance to the pureblood to find him mimicking his actions, an embarrassed expression on his face.
Yuki found them several moments later and dragged them off to another booth- this one sold teriyaki rib tips. They wandered throughout the bazaar sampling small portions of food and purchasing many odd items. Before they decided to take a side street to town square, Kaname had accumulated several bags and seemed rather content that he'd showered Yuki with presents. Of course Zero didn't know it, but he'd purchased a few things for him as well. The trick would be getting Zero to accept those gifts without freaking out. He smiled at Yuki as she prattled casually, talking about many things, careful to avoid any sensitive subjects.
His eyes found their way to the silver-haired teen sauntering on the opposite side of the only girl of the trio, making their merry way from his hair, past the silver earring adorning the rounded part of the shell of his ear and down to the intricate designs of the tattoo inscribed upon his exposed neck. He had only realized he'd been staring when his perceptive eyes detected the slight bristle he gave. Restraining a sigh he turned his head back to the dark alley they were traversing.
"Do you two take this street when you're alone?" He asked, a bit concerned because a shadowy alley such as this was prime territory for a Level E ambush. Of course a Level E would hardly come this way at the moment, not with his commanding aura stabbing their senses like a finely sharpened spear.
Yuki stopped talking and both she and Zero looked at him peculiarly. Zero rolled his eyes. "We're not stupid Ka-Kuran. We know that this alley is dangerous territory. The only reason we're taking it is because you're he..re." Dammit. He did not just say that did he? What was wrong with him? He immediately glued his gaze to his feet, a frown on his face as he tried to hide the rosiness clinging to his cheeks. This was the worst nightwalk ever.
Yuki stared at Zero in stunned shock then turned a one hundred watt smile to the pureblood. "You make us feel safe Kaname-senpai." She looked down at the cat strutting next to her feet. "Isn't that right Mochi?" She cooed and reached down to lift the cat into her arms.
Yuki's words simple as they were, were like salve to his soul, massaging his heart and with loving hands. "I am glad you feel that way Yuki." He smiled softly down at her. "I would never let anything or anyone harm you."
Zero smiled when Kaname patted Yuki's head lovingly. Kaname could be a jerk, an arrogant, handsome, jerk, but he loved Yuki like his own blood. He knew that the pureblood would carry out whatever vow he made to her even if it took his dying breath. They made it to the town square which wasn't bustling with people because of the late hour. However there were a few people out to enjoy the street performers and the large beautifully sculpted fountain at its center.
They stopped and watched an acrobatic act. Kaname regarded the act with attentive eyes, not too impressed by their flipping and graceful movement but by the fact that they were human. After paying the acrobats they found an artist that offered to paint them. "Come on Zero please."
He shook his head resolutely. "I don't even like taking pictures what makes you think I want someone to paint me?" He growled.
"I'll stand in the picture with you Yuki," Kaname said with a small amount of cheer.
She turned on him a smile on her lovely face. "Okay." The two stood in front of the fountain and posed for the artist who gawked at Kaname for a brief while, then blushed when she realized she was staring before she began to paint.
Zero stood in front of the fountain, enjoying its beauty. Whoever sculpted this fountain was really good at their job of depicting Poseidon. His ears picked up an all too familiar melody and allowed it to invade his senses and carry him away to times past, when his life was simpler. He was remembering a fond memory when he and Ichiru decided to make pancakes for their parents while they slept upstairs when Yuki's voice pierced his mind.
His eyes flew open and he looked up at the painting she shoved in his face. It was a rather good portrait of them; Kaname had an arm around her shoulders, a slight smile on his face while Yuki wore a demure smile on her strawberry lips, cheeks painted with pink.
"What do you think?" She asked.
"How much did you pay for it?"
"Ten dollars," Kaname replied calmly.
"You should ask for a refund," he joked.
Yuki glowered at her 'brother' and stuck her tongue at him rather forcefully. "You shouldn't be such a jerk so much Zero."
Zero rolled his eyes. "And you shouldn't keep calling Salem Mochi, but that doesn't mean you listen does it," he quipped, a smirk on his face.
She put a hand on her hip and sent him a rather obscene gesture.
"I'm rubber and you're glue," he stated calmly, knowing how much that statement irked her nerves.
She glowered at him even harder, poking her bottom lip out in a pout. "Only little kids say that anymore Zero."
He smirked. "And only little kids pitch tantrums Yuki."
Kaname watched the two bicker with increasing amusement. He looked down at the cat, which sat at Zero's feet, nuzzling his pants leg lovingly. It looked like they were the only ones sane in the group- well at the moment. The argument ended when Zero gave a bored 'whatever' and started striding away, the black cat right on his heels.
They stopped to listen to a young man that looked nearly emaciated play a beautiful piece on the shakuhachi. The pitch had a calming effect and each note spilled out like water flowing one right after the other in perfect succession, forming an exquisite musical composition. All three paid the man- well Kaname paid Yuki's half since she had already blown all her allowance on clothes, food, and whatever else she could get her hands on- and exited the town square. No sooner had they gotten out of earshot and were walking down a well lit sidewalk when Yuki broke the silence.
"Zero plays so much better than that guy," she stated nonchalantly, as if the fact that the other prefect could play a musical instrument was common knowledge.
Kaname perked up. Zero played a musical instrument? "You play the shakuhachi Zero?"
He cast a glare at Yuki and nodded slowly. Wonderful, why didn't Yuki just tell the pureblood all his well-kept secrets while she was at it.
A simple nod was not enough for Yuki. "He plays beautifully, and that's not the only instrument he plays," she bragged.
"You play multiple instruments?"
"Yep. He mastered the piano, shakuhachi, and violin." She counted on her fingers. "Yagari-san says that he's gifted. I think so too." She cupped a hand over her mouth and leaned over to the pureblood. "Although getting him to play anything is like pulling teeth," she whispered.
Zero twitched with irritation. Why? Why did Yuki have to constantly do this to him? "That's not it!" He blurted loudly.
The other two looked at him as if saying 'go on."
"I don't have the money to buy a shakuhachi," he stated quietly a little sheepish at his outburst. "And if I ask Cross to buy it for me he'll call in the favor by getting me to do something insane or humiliating." The gentle caress of the moonlight washed over them as they exited the dark alley and continued across the street to the sign that said in big bold reflector letters SHINOBI PARK.
Kaname didn't think it was possible, but Zero had just gotten much more attractive to him. Not that he wasn't hopelessly in love with the other teen in the first place; it just seemed that being aware that Zero possessed such a special gift made him so much more precious in his eyes. "You are full of surprises aren't you Zero," he said with a small smile, shooting a meaningful gaze over Yuki's head.
Zero averted his eyes quickly, unwilling to discern the soft emotions flittering through those garnet globes. Note to self: nightwalk with Kaname is a bad idea. He was about to follow Yuki into the park when Kaname spoke.
"Why don't we sit here on this bench so the owner doesn't have to search for us within the park," he suggested, gesturing towards the sturdy well-built bench placed right at the entrance of the park. He wanted to be sure that damned feline went to its rightful home- the dog pound in his opinion- with its rightful owner, because he would be very put out if he had to tolerate it one more day.
Yuki sat down in the middle of the bench, eyes batting coquettishly, scarlet dancing lightly over her cheeks when Kaname sat next to her- on the side where the streetlamp's light hardly reached. Zero did not want to sit on the bench with Kaname, not that it disgusted him or anything it was just… He frowned to himself. He didn't want to sit there and he didn't have to stand here like an idiot analyzing the reason. If he didn't want to sit down on the bench he wouldn't and that was that. Satisfied that he managed to not perform a full-scale analysis for his actions for once tonight, he folded his arms and leaned against the streetlight.
After several moments and the quiet conversation between Yuki and Kaname concluded, the pureblood looked back at the prefect leant against the stem of the streetlight. "Aren't you going to sit down Zero?"
Zero shrugged. "I'll sit when I feel like it," he replied tersely.
Yuki started to scold him for being so short with Kaname for no apparent reason but the pureblood stopped her, stating that Zero did not have to join them on the bench if he did not desire to. She grumbled lowly- Zero heard it of course- and returned to petting Salem and her conversation with her so-called sweetheart.
Zero rolled his eyes and allowed his gaze to rove over the buildings across the street. The city was centuries old and its architecture displayed that of an era gone by. The buildings were elaborately constructed with sweeping arches, domed and tapering roofs, and floor to ceiling windows. Gargoyles mounted the tops of the buildings added to the gothic ambience that surrounded the city. Pockets of shadow were rampant throughout the city at night, tucked between the buildings and dark alleyways. Zero glowered at the eerie atmosphere the towering structures emitted. No wonder Level E's were so bad around here.
Inadvertently and entirely of their own desire, his traitorous lavender eyes drifted from the city skyline down to the brunette vampire sitting next to Yuki. Searching eyes trailed from the crown of the pureblood's head and followed his silken dark locks all the way to where they ended at the nape of the his neck. Kaname's neck. Hungry eyes traveled to the collar of the other youth's neck. The pureblood's neck was never exposed to his vision unless he was about to sink his fangs into it. Memories of the luscious taste of the brunette's blood flooded him, teasing his palate and nearly pitching him into the fire itself. He straightened rather abruptly, his face nearly blanching when Kaname shifted slightly.
Shit. Did the pureblood detect his hunger? Did he know Zero had been fantasizing about drinking his blood? He closed his eyes, willing the hunger to subside, and hoped that the pureblood was only shifting because the seat was starting to hurt his ass. When he opened his eyes the other two were staring at him, concern etched in their coffee orbs. He took in a deep breath and sat next to Yuki.
"Are you hungry Zero?" She asked, ready and willing to give him her blood if he needed it.
Zero shook his head. "I'm fine," he managed to say around hardly throbbing fangs.
"But you look hungry." She stated softly, leaning over to look at his faintly scarlet-tinted depths. "If you need…" She cast a quick over-the-shoulder glance at Kaname, who seemed indifferent to the situation. "If you need blood I--"
"I said I'm fine," he snapped venomously. He wasn't angry that he'd almost vamped out. He was upset because he'd been thinking about Kaname when the bloodlust hit him. Staring at the pureblood had triggered his hunger which in turn muddled his mind up even further.
Yuki's face fell slightly and she looked down at the cat cuddled happily in her lap.
"Zero."
Kaname's commanding yet soft voice prompted the silver haired youth to give him his full attention. He shifted slightly in his seat, able to see the knowing feelings swirling through those luminous eyes.
"Are you truly alright?" He asked tempering the softness of his voice with a hint of steel. Zero's hunger had been sudden and not in harmony with his usual feeding schedule. He had felt those eyes on his neck just before he began to lust. Was that why Zero had started to thirst? Because he had been looking at him? His heart sped up at the thought, but he denied it. Zero did not have those types of feelings towards him. Not yet at least.
Zero sighed and looked down at his hands. He hated when someone used that tone of voice with him. It was the same tone his mother had used with him when he was a child and it always exacted obedience and honesty from him. He merely nodded, not trusting his mouth. When those penetrating eyes left him he almost gave a relieved exhalation.
The trio sat on the bench for what seemed like eternity, Yuki chatting animatedly with Kaname while Zero participated here and there. He looked down at his wristwatch. "He's late. He said he would be here by nine thirty, it's nine-forty-five now."
"Give it time Zero-kun, maybe something happened," Yuki said optimistically.
An hour later they were still on the bench, Yuki had laid her head on Zero's shoulder and dozed off. Kaname and Zero sat there, under the streetlight, with the faint sounds of the city and Yuki's gentle snoring to pierce their silence.
Naturally, the brunette's gaze meandered to Zero and he felt himself melt. Zero looked beautiful. The soft light from the streetlight glinted off his piercings and danced upon his hair, causing each silver lock to shimmer iridescently like a moonlit halo. Zero looked like an angel. Damn. The pureblood soon found himself staring into amethyst orbs illuminated by the silvery rays of the moon. Zero was beautiful, a living breathing work of flawlessly sculpted art. He smiled softly at the prefect, surprised that those hypnotic eyes remained upon him instead of averting quickly.
What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he look away? Did he even want to look away? Lavender eyes ambled over the impeccable beauty of the pureblood. Even now, the light of the street light did not grace him completely choosing instead to play upon his pale skin while the shadows danced upon his hair and swirled within his eyes. The prince of vampires, a creature of darkness remaining pure even when his soul was bathed in blood. Zero continued to appreciate the other's immaculate traits of his face, smiling softly to himself. If there were gods, they were probably insanely jealous of the young man staring at him. Zero quirked his lips slightly and turned away.
Kaname felt light as a feather as if he could traverse the depths of heaven itself. These moments, when Zero looked at him so softly were the only things that mattered. Even if the prefect did not love him he still had these moments as his sanctuary. The tattoo on the ex-human's neck caught his eye. He turned his attention to the tattoo standing in direct contrast to the prefect's alabaster skin, following its arabesque design with the utmost intentness. Images of him licking every inch of that mark navigated his mind, but he quickly squished them knowing now wasn't the time nor place for fantasizing about Zero.
Questions about the mark flowed through his mind. Had it hurt when they did it? Was it done by a tattoo artist or was it burned into his skin by some Hunter charm? The latter notion both hurt his heart and created slight resentment towards them for basically branding his beloved as if he were livestock. He knew that it was for his salvation, that it was to tame him so he didn't fall into darkness, but a part of him couldn't help but feel a measure of bitterness toward them. He never wanted Zero to feel pain in any shape or form. Before he could stop himself, he'd reached out and started trailing his fingertips over the tattoo. Realizing his mistake he jerked his hand away as if a snake had bitten him.
Tingles ripped through him and a thrill flitted through his system at that gentle touch, but before he could begin to enjoy it, it was gone. Zero swallowed nervously, grateful that Yuki was sleeping so she didn't see the flush pervading his face. He shrugged casually when the brunette apologized. He wasn't going to get angry at the pureblood for something he enjoyed.
Kaname folded his hands in his lap, mostly so he could keep them from wandering. "Did it hurt?"
"What?"
"The tattoo, did it hurt when they did it?"
Zero frowned, remembering the painstaking hours he'd spent lying on that divan willing his face to remain stoic as the artist carefully inked the design upon the sensitive skin of his neck and the enchantment burned into his skin to evoke the charm's power afterwards. He'd had to pop aspirin like a druggie for two days to combat the pain. "A little."
"Oh." Another silence swept over them. He made a promise to himself, vowing that he would allow nothing else to inflict damage upon Zero's soul. "So you are musically gifted. I should have suspected it the day you tuned the piano to perfection."
Zero shrugged. "Yeah."
"Did you ever want to be a musician?"
Zero almost chuckled at the question. "I'm a Kiryuu. My future was set in cement the day I was born. I was to be a Hunter just like my parents and just like my ancestors." He leaned against the bench when Salem jumped into his lap and nuzzled his furry head under his chin. "Music was just another gift I was given."
Kaname was sorry he ever asked the question when he saw the prefect's beautiful expression become stricken. Damn. It was difficult to find subjects that wouldn't remind the ex-human that his heritage thus far had been denied him because of one single betrayal that plunged his life into the depths of the abyss. Again silence enwrapped them, but this one was deafening, carrying with it the weight of a wound reopened. He entwined his fingers and sighed heavily. "It was not my intention to…"
"I know." Months ago he would have known that Kaname had steered the conversation towards a subject he knew would hurt him. Now, though, he knew differently.
Kaname smiled softly, glad that Zero didn't think so lowly of him. "Perhaps one day if you ever have the chance to purchase a new shakuhachi…" He cleared his throat, gripping his self-confidence when Zero regarded him with enquiring eyes. "You could play for me." He finished his thought like a question averting his gaze to avoid seeing the prefect's face when he rejected him.
Kaname wanted him to play for him? The thought of sitting under a tree the playing his heart out as the pureblood listened with rapt attention fluttered through his brain. Somehow the image both warmed and made him unbelievably nervous. When he was a child he'd been too nervous to play any musical instrument around anyone other than Ichiru- let alone playing for someone as cultured and refined as Kaname who had no doubt been to top-notch symphonies, recitals, and concerts where the veritable royalty of the musical world performed. It was enough to scatter his scruples that the pureblood wanted someone untrained to play for his no doubt critical ears.
When Zero remained quiet, the pureblood knew rejection was quickly approaching, but he waited for the answer that he knew would sting.
Zero looked at the pureblood resolutely willing the boldness he'd mustered up not to crumble and fizzle out of his voice. "Okay," he answered sincerely, uncertainty pervading his tone. When Zero realized that the evident delight swimming in those garnet globes was caused by him, he was infused with an unfamiliar emotion and the desire to always make those eyes shine so beautifully.
Kaname's eyes glittered joyfully at the unexpected answer. To think that Zero actually wanted to share such a well-kept secret with him. It was almost unthinkable, but yet Zero had agreed. He smiled a genuine smile and allowed the warmth of his aura to caress its way over them both. Perhaps they were getting somewhere in this non-relationship.
A sleek car stopped and parked at the curb across the street.
Both of the vampires' senses began to prickle uncontrollably. Zero sighed. Great, a Hunter. He felt the pureblood's aura chill, becoming dark and foreboding as they watched the man remain in his car a moment too long. The man was probably arming himself. Zero couldn't fault him for being cautious. If he was in his shoes and he sensed a Level D and pureblood aura, he'd arm himself too. Zero propped Yuki on Kaname and stood, holding the cat, when the man exited the car.
The Hunter was tall- probably a whole head taller than Zero- with a burly physique. He wore a dark shin-length coat with a matching shirt, pants, and thick boots. Zero sized the Hunter up as he walked towards them, trained eyes picking up the indenture of a gun beneath the right side of his jacket. "We found your cat," he said once the man was in earshot. To his surprise the man continued to advance.
Kaname laid Yuki on the bench, just in case this Hunter meant ill intentions towards Zero. If he tried anything Salem was going to be lacking an owner. The man's life meant nothing to him- not next to Zero's.
Zero sensed Kaname moving behind him and heard the subsequent warning growl that rumbled from within the pureblood's chest when the Hunter looked as if he would breach their personal space. He held the cat out to the man. "Here's your cat."
The Hunter plucked the cat- who seemed ecstatic to see his pet- from Zero's hands, nuzzling the cat's nose fondly, prompting it to purr happily. After lavishing the cat with attention he let it leap to the concrete ground where it began rubbing against Zero's leg. "If I'd known vampires had my cat I would've gotten home sooner," he said nastily, piercing eyes blatantly traveling over Zero.
Zero glowered at the man (able to look him in the eye because the man was on the flat street and he was on the curb), becoming uncomfortable under that appraising gaze and wolfish smile. "We're not looking for trouble," Zero stated, not afraid in the least.
The Hunter chuckled softly. "Of course not. You all are students of Cross Academy and you…" He allowed another hungry gaze to sweep over the silver-haired youth. "You're that Kiryuu boy. The one that was turned by that crazy pureblood. Well they're all crazy aren't they?" He gave a nasty chuckle.
Zero glared at him, mouth set in a hard frown. He could tell that the man was tense, his muscles coiled like springs ready to be put to good use, but he would give him no reason to start a fight. This Hunter smelled like death and had obviously just come from a mission and was still wound up rather tightly. Zero shifted, protectively blocking the man's line of sight when he attempted to get a look at Yuki and Kaname.
The Hunter smiled predatorily at Zero, admiring the boy's beauty. "You grew up well, well besides being turned and all." He could think a few rather obscene things he would like to do to that cute little ass… and mouth. "How's that pacifist Cross doing?" He could sense the pureblood behind the boy his aura giving a clear sign of 'back off or you're dead'. He wondered if he could immobilize the boy and disable the pureblood before he was dismembered. Nah, he wouldn't chance it. The Kiryuu boy was tempting but not worth the pain.
Zero kept his hands at his sides, trying to ignore the powerful aura overwhelming his senses while keeping his guard up just in case the Hunter made any sudden movements. He shrugged.
"Maybe I'll pay him a visit sometime. It'd be nice to have dinner with an old friend."
Kaname frowned. That was it; this man had been here long enough. He could feel the man's lust emanating from him in waves and all of that hunger was directed at the silver-haired vampire in front of him and it put him in a murdering mood. The thought of the man looking at Zero as if he were a rare cut of meat on display ignited a spark of possessiveness in the pureblood and he stood, placing a hand on Zero's shoulder.
Zero felt a warm hand on his shoulder and saw the Hunter's green eyes flash with something akin to anger. While he was sifting through the content feeling flowing through him the pureblood spoke, his voice steely.
"We will give Cross-san your regards." He maintained the same indifferent countenance while his eyes resembled those of a predator marking his territory, promising death to any rival that dared to trespass upon what was his.
The Hunter, taking the hint gave a forced smile. "Please do." He tipped his head at them. "Guess I'll be going." He took a few backward steps before stopping. "Oh and thank you for taking care of my cat. She looks like she was well taken care of."
"You're welcome," Zero answered cordially.
He smiled another rapacious grin, blatantly leering at the beautiful teen. "You kids run along and take that human girl straight home, now. She looks like she's past her curfew."
"Perhaps it would be in your best interest if you did as well hunter, because there are many dangers lurking around as you well know," Kaname stated politely, his tone and voice hardly betraying the veiled threat in those words.
The hunter gave a half-smile half-sneer and continued across the street, his training telling him not to turn his back on vampires. "Have a good night," he said with a wicked glint in his eyes, his gaze still on Zero.
Kaname stood halfway in front of Zero making a conscious effort to hold on to his aura so it didn't just run rampant and splatter the man where he stood. "Good night," he nearly snapped, aware that his fangs throbbed in his skull, aching to be employed in the task of ripping the man's esophagus out. He watched the Hunter backpedal to his car, looking away only when he had cranked it up and driven away.
Zero tried not to glare at the pureblood, but he couldn't help it. He was not used to being protected. He'd been thrown into the lions' den when he'd hardly hit puberty. So he was used to fighting his way through the storm or being a shield to protect Yuki, but being on the receiving end of protection was unfamiliar. "You didn't have to do that," he said coldly.
Kaname turned to Zero, an enquiring gaze on his features. "Why?"
Zero folded his arms. "Because I can protect myself," he snapped. He didn't like being protected, because it made him feel weak and he didn't like that feeling. "It's not like I was in any immediate danger or anything, and even if I was I wouldn't have needed your help." He turned and walked to the bench were Yuki slept soundly, blissfully oblivious to what had just transpired.
Kaname stood there silently. Just when he thought they were getting somewhere, they always managed to get knocked backwards. Two steps forward and one step back. No. He would not settle for taking a step back when he felt as if they had come so far the past few days. He didn't want Zero to slip from his grasp. "Is it wrong for me to want to protect someone I care for?" He asked, watching somewhat amusedly as Zero tried to rouse Yuki.
Zero sat next to Yuki and patted her head. "No I don't think it's wrong for you to want protect Yuki." Kaname couldn't care for him. It was impossible. Not that he wanted him to care for him or anything.
The pureblood felt a prick in his heart. Zero didn't think he cared for him. How could he think that? "I was not speaking only of Yuki, Zero." The enquiring expression followed by a look of slow realization on the ex-human's face told him that Zero truly did think he didn't care for him. In a few steps he was next to the prefect who now just sat on the edge of the bench with a lost expression on his face.
"T-then…" he stammered before going quiet.
Did he dare to say what he truly wanted to say at the moment? Would Zero once again reject him? He didn't care, he didn't care about his pride, and he didn't fear rejection because he needed Zero to know that he cared. Perhaps he would not tell him that he loved him more than his vampire heritage, but hopefully there would come a time for such a confession. He sat in front of the prefect, using a finger to tip his head upwards so he could look him in the eye. "Zero you are… My inner circle does not just include Takuma and the others. It includes you and Yuki as well. Thus because you are a part of what I consider mine, you warrant my care and protection." Damn. That wasn't what he wanted to say. He hoped Zero didn't take it to mean that the only reason he became so possessive because he was under his jurisdiction. He didn't want Zero to think he protected him out of a mere sense of duty.
The prefect's brow knitted, his eyes downcast as if he were contemplating something. "Would you have done the same thing for a member of the Night Class?" He asked, his tone confirming that it was more than just an inquiry. This was more than a question to Zero. He didn't fully understand why he'd felt the overwhelming need to ask the beautiful male that question; he just knew that he needed to have it answered. Whatever response Kaname gave would be dealt with when he was alone. Now, he would just hold his breath.
Kaname's mask briefly faltered. Oh god. What was Zero doing to him? He looked into those eyes, hoping they would dart elsewhere and give him a chance to gather himself. However, Zero did not look away this time. Lilac eyes stayed upon the pureblood challenging him to tell anything other than the truth or use a sly roundabout way to avoid a direct answer. It was a loaded question and Kaname had given Zero the ammo without even realizing it.
He could not simply tell the boy that he loved him, that would be suicide to the progress they'd made, but he had to say something. He examined the other boy's eyes, able to discern from the slightly anxious look in their brilliant depths that this was more than a question to Zero. The hand tilting Zero's chin up traveled to his cheek and remained there, enjoying the velvety flesh beneath his hand. "No," he replied barely above a whisper. For a moment, he saw those amethyst depths shine ever so slightly and that gladdened him beyond words.
Having got his answer, Zero stood, face stoic as usual and patted Yuki's head. "Yuki, wake up."
Yuki didn't flinch and continued sleeping soundly on the hard bench.
Zero gave a long suffering sigh and glided a hand through his pale locks. "She's not waking up." He leaned down and gathered her into his arms, holding her thin frame like his beloved bride.
Kaname wondered what was going through the younger vampire's head. Had his answer been correct? He scrutinized the prefect holding the sleeping girl in his arms, hoping to find a hint to how his answer had affected his precious ex-human. There was no hint. Damn, perhaps he wasn't as deft at reading Zero as he thought he was. Perhaps he should not analyze it so much. Just let it be for now. "I'll call a car so you don't have to carry her all the way back to the academy," he stated casually, reaching in his pocket to retrieve his cell phone.
Zero shook his head. "The buses are still running. We could catch one of them," he suggested, tone implying that it was more of a suggestion than an argument. He looked down at the array of bags next to the bench and almost gave a groan.
"Will the bus drop us off at the gate?" He reached down for the bags, dialing the number on his mobile without looking up.
Zero scowled. No, the bus would not drop them off at the gate, which meant that he would have to walk the entire hill. Dammit, Kaname was right. He rolled his eyes and glared at the pureblood for being right.
"Will it?" He repeated, timbre suggesting that he merely wanted to hear Zero admit he was right.
Zero narrowed his eyes at the pureblood. Of course Kaname liked being right, because he was half the time. "Just call the damn car already."
Kaname's eye glittered naughtily. "But I thought we were taking the bus," he stated innocently, unable to help the urge to rub it in.
He glared at the smug pureblood standing before him. "Geez Kaname would you just call already," he growled irritably, belatedly realizing that he'd just called the pureblood by his first name. Shit. He looked past the pureblood, unwilling to see whatever emotions fluttered across those beautiful features. He didn't need anymore emotions to sift through tonight.
Kaname paused when he heard his name leave those lips. Well, that was unexpected. His name upon Zero's lips was like music, a melodious sonata made for his ears only. He wanted to smile and enfold Zero in his arms; he wanted to say something, anything but the way the other determinedly avoided his gaze prompted otherwise. He finally looked down at his phone when he heard a faint 'hello'. He put it up to his ear. "Saji, would you please come collect my companions and me. We are sitting in front of Shinobi Park." With a polite thank you, he hanged up the phone. "Saji will arrive shortly."
Zero just gave a short nod and sat down on the bench, cuddling Yuki's still sleeping form. Kaname was starting to affect him, and what was worse, he was beginning to like it. A prick of contentment passed through him when the pureblood sat next to him, both hands clutching as many bags as possible.
Kaname elegantly crossed a leg, prepared to patiently wait for the arrival of his chauffeur. He felt uncanny warmth flowing through his system. He hadn't felt so happy in a long time. Yes, he knew that he was far from being able to hold, kiss, make love to, and feed from the silver-haired youth, but right now… he was happy. He'd learned many things about his precious prefect during this nightwalk and had many happy memories to add to that special sanctuary he often went to when the darkness and his nightmares blitzed the shield he'd erected against them. Even if Zero avoided him for a while he could hold on to his contentment because of two specific facts: they'd held hands and Zero had spoken his first name tonight. Kaname had caught a slightly bigger glimpse of the prefect's heart than he had under that peach tree and learned that Zero was starting to show signs that perhaps his concern for the pureblood went deeper. Their steps were small, but Kaname didn't mind. Patience with Zero was worth it if it meant that the delightful and kind-hearted boy would one day stand beside him as his lover.
Zero shifted Yuki in his arms, making sure to avoid eye contact with the pureblood. His brain was a jumble right now, a cocktail of feelings vying to be pondered upon and understood. Okay, he would take it back. This was not the worst nightwalk ever, it was the best, and he was willing to admit it was because Kaname had been there. He did not care to sift through his emotions save the one he'd felt when Kaname had 'come to his rescue' when the Hunter was there and after he'd admitted that in so many words he did care about him. It sparked a bone-deep feeling that he didn't even know he could feel. Maybe, just maybe… He cast a side glance to the stunning pureblood, nearly averting his eyes when the other male's gaze caught his, and gave an almost smile. He didn't really know what he was feeling right now, but he knew it was pleasant. And, it would have never happened if he hadn't had to go to the pureblood's room during lunch for those few days to feed Salem and let Kaname accompany them on their nightwalk. Zero smiled to himself and looked up at the clear night sky, realizing that the stars seemed to shine a little brighter tonight.
Finally! Phew, I thought I was never going to finish this chapter *Wipes sweat from brow* Sorry for the slow update guys I started school last week, but I'll try my best to update faster. Okay I'll tell the truth it was going to be out faster because I just wanted to get this one over and done with so I could hurry and get to the next chapter (which I can't wait to start writing because so far it's my favorite one), but I didn't want to give you guys a half-assed attempt at a chapter. So if this sucks anyway, I'm sorry, this wasn't my favorite chapter to write but it is essential to Chapter 3 and plays a pivotal role in the development of their relationship.
Anyway please R&R because those that read and don't leave me feedback makes my Muse sad but those that do leave me reviews I heart you 8P! Anyway I hope you enjoy it and if they're totally OC my bad *decides to sleep with one eye open*.
Later taters