A dream

"What's going on? Tell me." Kaname asked, still not letting go of Zero's wrist.

"Nothing… it's nothing," the hunter answered curtly and turned his head away quickly to hide his face. He tried to retreat too, but the pureblood's hold was strong and didn't let him.

Zero sighed. The pureblood had the worst time as far as "regaining consciousness" was concerned. No, it could have been worse, he could have woken up to the sight of Zero hovering over him with a dagger in his hand. Speaking of dagger… As unobtrusively as possible Zero quickly reached up for the blade with his left foot and kicked it under the bed before the other could even notice. There, that should be sufficient hiding place for now. He turned back to the pureblood.

"Look Kaname, I'm just tired. It was a very long night and I should really go." Zero kept his voice calm but still tried to tug his wrist free to show that he was quite serious in his intentions to leave the room. "We can talk later."

Kaname knew from experience that his attempts to get the boy to open up and talk has been unsuccessful at best and caused the boy to run away from him at worst, so he decided a new tactic was needed. A distraction perhaps?

"Okay if you say so." He released his hold and said innocently - very innocently, which made Zero narrow his eyes in suspicion. Kaname was never the type to give up so easily. What was the pureblood planning?

Kaname scooted to the side of the bed and patted the newly created space. "You really do look very tired. Almost as tired as I feel, so why don't you lay down. You can relax here." He smiled as he added: "The bed is big enough for both of us and I promise no more questions for a while."

Zero raised eyebrows at the offer, weighing his options. If he tried to ignore it, the pureblood would no doubt try to find some another very annoying way to keep him here and talking. But if he stayed here, he could delay any serious talks until Kaname falls asleep again. The pureblood looked wobbly and tired. He still hadn't fully recovered from the poison, it seemed, and was willing to drop his interrogation if the hunter stayed here. So why not just indulge him for a while and safely sneak out of the room later.

Deciding to do so, the hunter laid down reluctantly. Zero fought a very strong urge to face away from the pureblood to show him he wasn't very keen with this whole idea of sharing bed, but in the end, he forced himself to stay on his back. What was he doing anyway… still in one room with the man who he was so ready to kill only a moment ago? Who he was supposed to kill and failed…Or more importantly, the man who, even though unconsciously, confessed his love to him like a seconds ago!

This might have been a mistake. The hunter closed his eyes and sighed in surrender, hoping the king would fall asleep soon enough.

"That's better." Kaname smiled tiredly. He too eased his posture and settled back down quietly. His body relaxed again.

Zero was watching ceiling above him tensely, waiting for what would happen next. But no further questions were asked. It seemed that for now Kaname decided to keep his promise. After a while, Zero could hear the pureblood's breathing evening and it seemed it won't be long before a deep slumber claims him once more. Zero relaxed, too… Soon, the chance to get out of here unnoticed will come….

Zero thought about what he will do next. He couldn't stay in the castle. That was more than clear. He will probably have to get out of the city, the kingdom even. Zero ignored the pang in his chest at the thought. Well, what then? Maybe he'll go to the south. They say the seas there were of the most beautiful azure color so unlike the grayish waters here. Or maybe he'll head to the east to see if those rumors about the city hidden somewhere in high mountains, where humans and hunters ruled solely were true.

As the time ticked, Zero relaxed even more. This was actually one hell of a comfortable bed. No doubt, the sheets had been made from the best fabrics one could find in all the northern kingdoms. It also helped that the spot he was now occupying had been warmed up by Kaname's body before. Zero could feel the sleep attempting to claim him, but he knew he couldn't afford even a light slumber and he fought the drowsiness the best he could. Though, the struggle was getting harder and harder and eventually… he dozed off.

To say the dream Zero was having was strange would be a huge understatement. He knew it wasn't real, simply because he had no recollection of how else could he get to that place. Zero found himself on the hill overlooking battlefield. Even from this distance he could hear the cries and clashing of sword and other weapons.

The horse Zero was sitting on felt very familiar and one look confirmed hunter's suspicions, that it was indeed Lily. He himself was also dressed for a battle as he felt a sheathed sword by his side and was wearing something sturdier than was his usual gear. Though, it still couldn't be called armor, but Zero would always prefer it that way. It might not give as much protection as a full-body armor, but it allowed him to move much more quickly and effectively.

It was dark already but thanks to the strategically placed bonfires Zero could see just well enough to recognize the figures of hundreds or maybe even thousands of soldiers battling down below. Some of those warriors had already fallen and became a feast for crows, the others still fighting the best they could. There was no other option, for the loss equaled losing their lives, too.

Those knights seemed to be of two different banners. The red one's Zero recognized as the color of the house of Kuran, but he had no idea to whom the blue banners with a silver eagle belonged to. With a growing dread Zero realized that the red knights were slowly but surely becoming outnumbered and his eyes started searched frantically for Kaname. Just as he was considering risking riding down the hill to have a better look, he heard them. The sound of horse hooves behind him. Zero turned around only to meet a familiar garnet gaze.

The hunter sighed in relief. Kaname too seemed to be dressed for battle. He was in light armor, his long cape bearing Kuran rose fluttered in the wind as the pureblood galloped on his black stallion. There was whole battalion of riders behind him, but they stayed back letting their king have some privacy as he rode up to Zero. The only one still following was lord Kain.

"How are the men holding up?" Was the first thing Kaname asked, the moment their horses lined up with the hunter's their gazes following the battle down the hill.

"It doesn't look good." Zero heard himself saying. He realized he really can't do anything to influence this dream, it was more like watching a memory that already happened. "We're losing." His dream self finished saying.

"Well then, it's good the reinforcements arrived just in time." The pureblood put his hand on the hilt of his sword and turned his head to address Kain. "This seems like the right place if we want to flank them. The element of surprise is on our side. Give the men their commands."

"Your Majesty, you can't be serious! You're planning to enter the battle, too?" The captain of the guards started protesting. "You can't just march into the battlefield like that, it's too dangerous."

"And yet it's not dangerous for those soldiers behind me to march in there, or for those who are already fighting?" The pureblood argued.

"B-but that's different. These men swore to give their lives for the kingdom, for you… our king." Lord Kain tried again, but he knew he could do little against king's will. He couldn't deny orders. "Please your majesty…you should stay here in the safety. The rulers are not expected to enter battlefields, only to lead them."

"Yet I also swore on my life to protect this country and its people. I won't let these men go there alone… the leader should be in the midst of his army." Kaname finished and pulled on the reins of his horse, prepared to ride back to give final orders to his battalion...

…but Zero stopped him quickly. "Please wait your majesty! I also think this is insane, you should stay here." The hunter looked over his shoulder to make sure the soldiers were far enough from them so he could talk freely. He also turned to check on the captain of the guards, though Kain had already set his gaze back to the battlefield as if studiously ignoring them. Who was he to interrupt the only man that was able to talk some reason to the king in this situation?

Zero was quite grateful for the man's consideration. He put his hand over the pureblood's one that was still clutching the reins. "Please Kaname, I'm begging you…don't do this. Stay safe. Your people need you, Yuuki needs you… I-I need you."

Kaname looked down at their hands and smiled gently, intertwining their fingers. "Zero you have to understand, it is something I need to do. These men are my responsibility and as you can see for yourself, they need some serious boost to their morale… and what is better than the king himself riding into battle with them? Moreover, this whole mess…" He paused and shook his head, not seeing the point to go through all the details again and again. "Anyway, don't forget we purebloods are very, very hard to kill… But if it makes it easier for you I promise I'll try to keep safe."

Kaname turned towards Kain once again. "Go prepare the men to march, captain."

"Understood, your majesty." The captain of the guards nodded and rode away.

The pureblood's gaze followed his retrieving back for a while before looking back at the hunter. "Zero, you have you own mission to fulfill." The pureblood shook his head to stop the protests that were already forming on hunter's lips.

"Remember, you promised me something and it's time to keep that promise." Kaname squeezed Zero's hand before finally releasing him. "Now go, before I can't hold back this urge to kiss you anymore."

"You can count on me, I'll keep my promise. And Kaname, I-… just be safe, okay." Zero said his goodbye and watched Kaname ride back to his men. The gentle smile completely gone, the face of the strong ruler in its place.

Zero spurred Lily and headed the opposite direction from the battlefield. Behind him, he could hear Kaname shouting the orders and words of encouragement to the soldiers… he could hear the men's answering cheers. Too soon he heard the battle cries and sounds of sword clashing as the riders joined the battle. But Zero refused to turn his head, because he felt like if he looked back even for one second, he would give up his promise and dive into the battle to make sure Kaname will be safe.

The hunter spurred his horse more and rode further and further until he couldn't hear the sounds of battle anymore… And then, as the dream started it ended just as quickly.

No more visions followed, just a peaceful whiteness as the hunter continued slumbering.

Suddenly, a feeling of being watched jolted Zero awake. He opened his eyes only to find himself back in the king's chamber. What did that dream mean? It felt so impossibly real, like a memory, yet the hunter was knew nothing like that happened or didn't think it had a chance of happening any time soon. A warning perhaps? Why there would be war and with whom? And why would he be so familiar with Kaname, yet it felt so natural... Anyway, it was a dream and just like any other, it already started fading from Zero's memory.

Just how long had he been asleep? One quick glance confirmed his fears. The room was still dark thanks to heavy drapes, but Zero could see hints of sunlight from behind them. Somehow a few hours must have passed and it was a day already. Zero cursed inwardly. He lost his chance to sneak out of the room, out of this castle while it was still dark.

He turned his head to see if the pureblood was still asleep... No such luck for Kaname was definitely awake. Though, the pureblood was not only fully conscious but propped on his elbow he was watching the hunter intensely. He didn't look tired anymore and seemed much more like himself. The eyes completely rid of the drowsiness gazed down at the hunter sharply.

Zero looked up and their gazes met. For brief instant it seemed like the time itself has stopped. Kaname was looking at him with such a piercing gaze that the hunter almost felt an electric current ran through him. Once more the pureblood's confession replayed in Zero's head. Shaken by the possible meaning behind all of this, the hunter quickly turned his gaze away, breaking the spell between them.

…Only one look from the pureblood was enough to make him feel so nervous. Only a few words, whispered unconsciously…

Zero quickly shook himself out of his reverie and searched for any distractions. His gaze roamed around the room, partly to avoid looking at Kaname, partly to find some diversion, when he finally found it.

"You know I always wondered, what is that portrait above the fireplace?" He asked quickly. Sure, Zero had noticed that painting before, but never really gave it much thought... never asked. He was quite grateful for that little fact now.

"A portrait? You mean who is on it?" Kaname looked almost bewildered by Zero's sudden interest.

Zero nodded. It was a picture of a woman - a very beautiful, very regal looking woman. She was dressed in a long dark blue dress that complimented the coloring of her silver hair. The woman was posing on an armchair, her pose straight and face serious with an air of power around her. Beautiful like a doll… yet, on closer look one had to wonder if there was more to her than the picture showed. Her eyes shined brightly, almost playfully and the corners of her mouth had been raised slightly as if she was fighting a smile. A wildness hidden behind a perfect mask of a proper lady.

But the one thing Zero definitely didn't pay enough attention before was a small golden diadem on her head…. a diadem… Then it hit him. "Wait, is that the queen?"

Kaname chuckled. "Who else? Do you think me the sort of man that would hang portraits of beautiful unknown ladies on walls?"

Zero snorted at the retort. "Sure. Hanging up portraits of ladies, heavens forbid, even some scantily dressed… One could never know with you nobles. The stories that get passed around in taverns about some aristocrats…" Zero quipped.

"…Might actually be true with some of them." Kaname tallied with his remark, earning an incredulous look from the boy. "You should definitely pay a visit to some of the knights' chambers. In some cases it could prove to be more educative than a visit to the brothel."

"Uh-huh. I think I'll pass." Zero deadpanned.

The pureblood chuckled. "Suit yourself."

But too soon his face turned more serious. Kaname nodded back towards the portrait. "But this is not some kind of easy lady. This is the Queen... was the Queen."

Zero wasn't sure what to say to that, but Kaname looked like he had more to add and Zero gladly let him. It seemed the portrait served its purpose as a distraction, but more importantly, he was kind of curious himself. Zero's gaze was automatically drawn back towards the painting. It was like he was seeing it in a completely new light… So this was what the queen looked like.

"It was painted shortly after we found out she was with child." Kaname explained. "You see, we weren't exactly what you would call fond of each other. It was practically love-hate relationship where hate took up a much, much bigger part. Our marriage has been strictly political, but it all changed one day. When we found out she was expecting, it was a complete turnabout for us. Though, the happiness didn't last long and too soon she and our unborn child had been taken from me."

"How did it happen?" Zero asked before he could stop himself. He knew about the assassination, but never really bothered to find out anything more about the circumstances. Maybe he should have, considering what his mission was. What his mission used to be, he corrected himself.

Though, Zero realized he was quite rude, prying into someone else's past like that. "I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

Kaname smiled gently at him. For a moment that meaningful look was once again directed at Zero. "It's okay. It should be way too long ago for me to be hurt just by talking about her."

"It was a poison, aimed at me…a goblet specifically poured for me, but she had one of her sudden cravings and asked me for some wine, so I passed the cup to her without thinking, without even tasting it myself. Normally it shouldn't be able to kill a pureblood, but because of the pregnancy her system was already weakened and..."

"…It was meant to be me. It was my drink. It should have been me… My carelessness cost me my wife and my unborn child." Kaname finished. He turned to his back, visibly drawing away from the hunter.

"You couldn't have known." This time it was Zero's turn to rise himself on his elbows. It was mostly to keep the eye contact with the pureblood, but small part of him didn't want to lose this feeling of closeness he felt towards Kaname at that moment. However strange it might seem.

"It wasn't your fault."

Kaname sent him a small smile of appreciation. "You're too kind, Zero. You hide it so very well behind that grumpy attitude of yours, but you are…."

"…another trait that reminded me of her." He added quietly. So quietly, Zero almost didn't hear him.

"What did you just say?" The hunter raised his eyebrows. Did he hear right?

Kaname didn't answer right away. He stayed silent for a long moment, as if wondering whether he should really say what he was going to say. Just when it looked that he won't answer at all…

"You know, the first time I saw you, for a moment I couldn't believe my eyes. It was like seeing her, or at least some male version of her, almost like seeing her twin brother. Yet when I interrogated you, it turned out you were just an ex-human, no chance of you being related to her what so ever. It was almost disappointing... but still, there was something intriguing about you and that's one of the main reasons I allowed you to stay in the castle. And I am very glad I did." Kaname grinned. "Oh, maybe It's the right time to apologize about being so suspicious of you at our first meeting, one can't be careful enough in the court life."

"Sure." Zero answered tensely. After all, Kaname's suspicions were right on the spot. And the fact that the previous assassination attempt that had been made on pureblood's life was also through poison... it almost made warning bells in Zero's head go off.

"But even now, the more I know you, the more it makes me wonder. You even have the same rebellious spark in your eyes, the same stubborn streak, yet there is this kindness hidden behind the exterior…you even have the same reactions to certain things. Sometimes I wonder…"

Zero sat up fully now, for a moment wondering what the hell was Kaname trying to say or whether the king has really lost his mind or something. All that stuff that happened today, all his worries about his failure as a hunter, about the assassination, even that weird dream…all those things completely forgotten for the moment being. Just what exactly was the pureblood trying to say seemed like bigger concern for now.

Seeing his bewildered expression, Kaname chuckled. "Yes, I know how crazy that must sound. Even I sometimes think that I lost my mind. Yuuki and all her ridiculous stories about fate, and tarot cards, and past lives must have affected me. She had spent too much time listening to those foreign merchants' telltales at the market to my liking. Though, she manages to scare quite a lot of ladies of the court with those witchcraft fables." The pureblood chuckled fondly as he talked about his sister.

Yes, Kaname did once ask Zero if he believed in reincarnation, and the only reason the hunter even knew what the hell was the pureblood talking about was because of one weird eastern monk that took up residence above an old bakery in the city and Zero had heard enough of his stories during his hunter patrols in that district. But the pureblood continued...

"… I don't normally believe in such things. Most probably, it's just my wishful thinking. It has been almost twenty years since she passed and I still miss her. Very much."

"Wait, did you just say twenty years? But aren't you still in mourning or something? Isn't it a little too long?" Zero thought it was only a few years, yet it seemed this all happened before he was even born. Maybe he should have known something like that, but he had no interest in politics before this mission at all. It was not like he had any contact with court life before anyway, since he was just a commoner in this vampire ruled world and the only thing that interested him was that the bloodsuckers were the ones in power.

"Yes, if I were a human. But with purebloods it's different. We live such a long lives, that decades just pass through as if it were mere years. Our mourning period usually lasts thirty years and I can't marry anyone till it's over. That is because losing a bondmate can drive any pureblood insane. Look at Shizuka for example." Kaname smiled in sympathy, when he saw Zero's deep frown at the mention of that name. "Thus, during that time the council keeps an eye on the pureblood to make sure he doesn't go insane. Fortunately, I found my anchor that kept me sane. The reason why I even allowed Yuuki to return to the court life. I just hope it wasn't another of my mistakes that would cost someone close to me dearly."

Kaname looked so sad, so lonely… "Hey, don't get so depressed on me…" before he could stop himself Zero ran his hand through pureblood's hair soothingly. Maybe it was the influence of that weird dream, since they were so familiar there and it somehow felt so very natural.

"You're right, that's enough sadness for one night…let's do something fun." Kaname's expression suddenly turned mischievous and Zero had to admit that he was quite relieved.

The pureblood grinned devilishly. "So Zero, since we are both already in one bed… well then, what do you say to that offer of mine? You know the one where I suggested we make some use of the attraction between us?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Zero rolled his eyes. Yup, Kaname was back to normal.

The hunter tried to stand up but before he could, Kaname managed to grab the hand that was still near his head a pulled the ex-human to him. "You don't know what I'm talking about, huh? Then why did your heartbeat speed up so suddenly?"

"That's becau-" A pair of warm lips interrupted his answer. A few mumbled protests later, Zero returned the kiss in earnest.