No Such Thing as Normal
Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Knight. I seriously want to be Yuuki in this chapter...
The sun is glaring in the horizon, but the wind is cool as it weaves through my hair. I wrap my arm a little tighter around Zero. I don't want this to end. The nervousness soon wears away, and is replaced by an unexplainable warm and fuzzy feeling that just buzzes in my head, drowning out everything around me; a blissful feeling that seems to make time run ten times faster. I don't notice the old lady passing across the street, smiling at what she sees, or the two girls walking home, pointing and giggling. The constant beating of my heart reminds me that I shouldn't feel this way about Zero, that it there is a line that shouldn't be crossing. That if I cross it, things would change, and I don't want anything to change.
Staring at the front door, I'm almost disappointed that we got home so fast. Zero tries to hide it, but I can tell that carrying me is strenuous for him. Sweat has gathered around his temples, threatening to fall, and his breathing is deep and hasty. I am like 2/3 of his body weight... I blush again.
"The keys."
Zero suddenly speaks, breaking me out of my daze. "Keys?"
"House keys, you have them in your pocket right? Open the door, my hands are full." His voice stern, I guess he is still mad at me.
Oh, I usually have it with my locker key, which I always have in my pocket. "... Aren't you going to put me down?"
"As if I would." Comes the quick reply, leaving me no room to rebut.
"Um ok. Hold on." I fumble for the keys in my pocket. Zero bends forward slightly, so I can reach the keyhole easily, unlock the door, and swing it open. Stop blushing, face!
Zero kicks off his shoes, walks in and lowers me on to the lounge room couch. "I will kill you if you move an inch." He threatens. The intensity of his amethyst eyes freezes me in my spot, along with my thoughts. He then leans down, and before I can protest, he takes off my shoes. The one on the hurt foot is a bit snug from the swelling, and I can't hide my wince as he removes it. "Ditzy head." He mumbles while looking up at me. My face is now as red as a tomato, my gaze firmly fixed on the floor. He narrows his eyes and leans in a bit closer. "Are you alright? Your face is so red. You don't have a fever, do you?" Before I know it, he gets up slowly and closes the distance between us, reaching out to sweep aside my bangs. Centimeters away, his warm breath tickles my cheeks like a feather as his forehead lightly touches mine to check my temperature, cool against my flushed skin. The short contact sends an electric shock through my entire system, and I suddenly shoot backwards, just to prevent my heart from jumping out of my chest as a result of his close proximity. Zero gives me a puzzled look, and my mind races to find an explanation.
"I... I'm ok, it was really warm outside. Can I have a cup of water please? Hahaha..."
He doesn't buy it, I can tell, but he doesn't question me either. He puts away my shoes near the doormat, then walks into the kitchen for a minute, and comes back with a cup of water. He crouches down, so that his eyes could be at level with mine, watching me as I take a sip. "All good now?"
"Um, yes." I give a smile. The water is helping.
"I need to get your bag. Keys?"
I reach into my pocket again and hand him the keys. I notice that he didn't take his bag either, and I feel bad about the whole incident.
"I'll be right back. Do. Not. Move." Zero commands and I nod obediently. I am not out of the woods yet. Satisfied with my reaction, he stands and heads for the exit.
"Wait, Zero!"
He stops and turns his head.
"Um, Thank you."
"No need, that's what friends do isn't it?" With that, he exits the front door.
That's right, Zero and I are friends. I lay on the couch trying to get my emotions under control. What is wrong with me? I can't stop thinking how comfortable it is holding on to him. Despite the fact that he was mad at me for hurting myself, he was very gentle with me when he picked me up. It felt so safe. Oh why do sports shorts have to be so short... The cold water is doing little to calm my nerves. I must have hit my head as well... this is just not normal for me... It's not the first time he piggybacked me right? It's not like I've never been piggybacked... I splash some water from the cup on my face.
I hear the sound of keys jingling outside and I sit up in anticipation. Zero comes in, but with Kaname in toll, which surprises me. That walk back could not have possibly been easy for either of them.
"Kaname-senpai?"
Onii-san sounds a bit breathless. "I heard you got hurt Yuuki, I came over to see how you are. Are you alright?"
"Er yes, I'm not hurt that badly..."
Zero closes the door and put our bags down near the couch. "I caught him running past me just down the street. I'll be in the kitchen." I am a bit thankful; I don't know how to face Zero right now.
Wait, Onii-san ran? I've never seen him run, in fact, I could barely imagine it. Kaname sits down beside me and pulls me into his embrace. "Silly, silly girl..." He whispers, and runs his fingers through my hair. I relax against his shoulders.
"It's really nothing, Onii-san, don't worry, I'm not that hurt." I try to reassure him. "And please don't be angry with Ruka-senpai, it wasn't her fault."
Regret creeps into his eyes. "Yuuki, Ruka told me about your difficulty with putting up your hair... I have insisted that you should keep it long, but now..." he trails off, and then leans down and kisses my forehead.
My eyes widen. I break my hug and look at him. "Kaname-nii! Are you blaming yourself? Gosh stop being so silly! I chose to keep it long, I was one who joined the gymnastics club... You can't protect me from every little thing! I can look after myself!" He always has such a lonely look in his eyes, and that make me sigh. "Onii-san... I'm ok, and I'm still here."
"... So let me have a look." He moves to kneel in front of me, and picks up my ankle, delicately holding it between his hands. I can tell that he is scrutinising the damage I have done to it closely.
"I think you are overreacting, Onii-san."
He looks at me austerely. "It's lucky that you fell on your shoulder rather than your head." He scolds.
That shuts me up.
"Ah your ankle is very swollen, must have been very difficult getting home."
"Er, Zero piggybacked me..." A blush is making its way up my face again. At this rate, the skin on my cheeks is going to get burnt off.
He visibly flinches. "You could have asked for the chairman to drive you back."
I look at him as if he's crazy. He just sighs. "Ok, I get it..." He stands up and goes back to his seat beside me, and rests his head on my shoulder. He looks tired, drained almost. I wonder if it's the council work.
That expression makes me fill with worry. "Onii-san, are you ok? You don't look well."
Upon hearing my concern, a deep rumble that sounds like a short snicker left his mouth. "You are the one hurt, and you are asking me how I feel." Kaname gets up sluggishly, his deep red eyes gaze into mine, with all the gentleness that I know is only meant for me. "How should I say this, you are the only family I have left... if you ever leave, or disappear, I wouldn't know what to do. I would feel as if... if my existence has lost its meaning." For a brief moment, his features express such an overwhelming feeling of sadness that I can't help but let it flowing into my heart, and it tightens slightly. He takes hold of both of my hands in his large ones, no once dropping his gaze. "I really think that you should cut your hair, and promise me, you would never do something as foolish as this again."
I am so, very touched. At that moment, I would have agreed to any request, however petty. "O... Of course Onii-san. I'll cut my hair, so don't be upset anymore."
"... and call me next time, instead of Kiryu-kun." Ahh, somehow it always comes back to this.
"Onii-san..." If I didn't know better, that's his attempt at emotional blackmail. "Ok..." Half-heartedly I reply, and it's working.
With that, Onii-san changes the topic and goes on to talk about the student election that is coming up. It is getting late, and the daylight is fading outside. "I need to get back. Golden week is coming up, so you should be able to get plenty of rest. I'll try to visit if I can." He waves goodbye and exits the house. Sudden realisation hits me. It's Golden Week and I'm bedridden! I flop onto the couch, deflated.
"Yo Kaname, you are a bit late home today." Takuma looks up from his book. "Don't worry, I told Ichi-devil that you were held at school concerning a student's injury."
"Thanks for covering for me Takuma." Kaname collapses onto the seat beside his step brother.
"No problems, but just so you know, I can't do it very often, so don't just run off next time."
"I know, my movements are very restricted." Kaname replies somberly.
"You also made the council worry with the way you reacted today. You stormed out without saying a word. Aido explained that it was because Yuuki was in foster care with you. Ruka was wondering if you are angry with her."
"It's not her fault, it was just an accident. Also I don't think Yuuki would like that. She seems to like the club and Ruka very much."
"Ruka would be happy to hear that." Takuma's face then turns uncharacteristically serious. "... But you know, the council members are not idiots. I didn't think they bought the foster care explanation and it's common knowledge that you have a sister. They are going to put two and two together and I doubt that this is ideal."
"You can stop pointing out all of my failings now. It was always my intention to tell them eventually." Kaname glances as Takuma coldly.
"Yeah, nice save Kaname." Takuma gives a rather sarcastic smile and goes back to reading. He is about to turn page, when he suddenly stops midtrack. "Oh Kaname, grandfather said something interesting today, and I can't quite grasp what he meant. You can probably figure it out better than me."
That piqued the dark king's interest. "Oh? go on."
"Well, he pointed out that I should have stayed with you. Then he mumbled 'in a couple of months, I wouldn't need to depend on my disgrace of a grandson'. It got me pretty worked up at the time, but then I thought, that's an odd thing to say. What could he possibly mean?"
"Yes... that is worrying..." It appears that there is a time limit to his chess game.
Father comes home and the whole explanation starts again. I really shouldn't complain that so many people care about me, but sometimes I just want a bit of peace and quiet. Kaien insists on making a big dinner, which I don't really mind. Zero is largely silent, and I don't really know what to say to him. I was put to bed early and that was that.
Zero has been carrying my bags for the past few days, while I limp along behind him. I can walk, although carrying anything or running is still out of the question. Today is the last day before Golden Week. After today it's a whole week of no school, and probably a whole week of staying at home because someone can't walk properly... I sigh. We didn't really plan anything, but just walking through the park, or going shopping would be better than nothing.
I rub my hair between my fingers. In all honesty, I have been growing it for so long that I have some attachment towards it. However it's time for it to go, it can't keep on growing forever, and shorter hair would be a lot easier to look after and do cartwheels in.
The students are fizzing with excitement, Yori is going to a hot-spring resort for the week. I'm so jealous. The day ended up being a blur. Since I am disabled, I wasn't allow to participate in any club activities. I have been sitting in the gymnastic club the last few days, and it's been getting really boring after a while. Ruka-senpai said that she finally understood what I mean by Zero being nice, and winked at me, leaving me very puzzled. The questions I got from the girls about Zero were getting annoying too. I mentioned that he is a childhood friend, and I got a lot of 'woos' and 'ahhs', like they know something I don't...
I'm unable to carry my bag but I don't want to prevent Zero from riding. So I end up hanging out in the barn today. I don't mind it really, I would've joined the equestrian club if isn't for the dung shoving. I shudder at the thought.
My eyes widen as he enters the barn. "What are you wearing?"
Zero looks rather puzzled by my question. "It is the equestrian uniform. Everyone else is wearing it here."
"Yes... well..." To be precise, it's a very Zero way of wearing it, which in all honesty ends up looking very different to how it's meant to look. The cream riding pants are neatly tucked into his knee high boots, but the masculine, vine embossed leather belt is definitely not a standard issue. His unbuttoned jacket reveals his white shirt, which is barely tucked in. The cravat that's normally present on the other riders is missing, leaving his collar carelessly open and his tattoo in full view, giving the otherwise rigid and formal attire an air of nonchalance. It feels as if the uniform was tailored to fit his tall, athletic form. His tossed silver hair gleams in the warm sunlight, and clear violet eyes are glowing with a calm confidence. I have to admit, while it's definitely bending the rules a bit, he looks ruggedly handsome. Well, I've always thought that he was handsome, but now he looks... surreal. I quickly pushes it out of my mind. "I just assumed since you picked me up at the gym club in your normal uniform that-"
"It's made on order, I didn't get it till this week. I couldn't ride at all last week because of it and all I did were barn duties. Tell me you aren't seriously that surprised."
Ok, I am an idiot. I've never observed Zero in his club before, cleaning the barn, saddling. He is at completely ease, relaxed, and in his comfort zone. He doesn't really interact with the other members, but that's Zero for you.
It's odd how White Lily seems to complement him, his silver hair and pale skin melds into Lily's ghostly mane. White against white. I can't tear my eyes away from him. He really looks like a knight in shining armor on that horse, back straight and staring into the distance. This deserves a picture.
I take out of my phone and snap. The image comes out blurry because the horse is trotting. So I try again... ah damn.
"Oh Zero!" I call after getting the aim. As predicted he stops at looks my way. Snap. Yes! Got it! Oh crap he is coming, must run... oh crap I can't run... mental facepalm.
"Hehe, hey there." I say nervously. He is intimidating enough by himself; him on a horse brings it to a new height.
"Did you just take a photo of me?"
"...No."
"Give me your phone."
"No!" Thank god for password protection. Ahh wait, that's not the point... "It's a really good picture ok! We don't get a lot of good picture of you 'cause you are so camera shy. It's on my phone so you don't have to worry about father blowing it up and framing it on the wall, or emailed to every family friend that we know, or put into an album so father could show everyone that visits us."
Lily, seeing the red stick moving across her face must have mistaken it for food, and grabs it with her mouth. "Oi, Lily! Give that back!" But upon realising it's not food, she spits it out on to the ground.
"My phone! My phone! Oh wait it still works... oh the photo is still there..."
I am so distracted that don't notice Zero getting off his horse, and swiftly grabbing my phone out of my hands. "There's a good girl..." He pats Lily.
That horse hates me.
Zero looks at the photo with a neutral expression. He isn't going to delete it right? I try to reach for it, but all he needs to do is to raise his arm. I add jumping to the many things that I can't do. "Oh if only my ankle isn't hurting..." I pout.
He is now flipping through my album. I try to recall the pictures I have in there...
"Why were you taking pictures of your hair?"
"... In memory, I think I'm going to cut it."
"Suit yourself. I guess it's either that or your life." I slap his arm; Zero winces. "For an injured person, you sure are energetic." He goes back to flipping through my album casually and then suddenly chuckles. It's rather... adorable. I just stare at him in disbelief. I get very curious as to what exactly in my photo album that's so funny, that it made the normally stoic Zero laugh. I try again to get a glimpse what he was looking at, but he just moves it out of reach.
"What's so funny?" I am getting really annoyed now.
"I didn't know you kept such a comprehensive collection of dessert porn on your phone." He scans me up and down, smirking. "It a wonder where all of it goes."
I am now trying very hard to not aim for his head with my fist. "What can I say, the desserts all look so delicious and pretty, I wanted to make a record. And I work it off ok?" Zero seems to just dismiss my comments, and continues flipping. This is rather nerve wrecking.
Then he finally closes the lid. "You can keep it as long as that freakish alien doesn't get a hold of it." Grumbles Zero, and returns my phone. Phew. He didn't delete it. That makes me smile.
I might as well take advantage of the situation. "Hey Zero, can I have a ride? It's been a while and I really enjoyed it last time."
Zero pauses for a little, then suddenly looks away. "In that?" He points to my normal uniform skirt without meeting my eyes.
I blush, realising what he is implying. Idiot. I should have mentioned beforehand! "I... I got shorts underneath." Ok so I was paranoid that I might hurt my ankle again in my precarious situation, and he might actually have to carry me with my skirt on...
Well that's awkward. I glance at him nervously, worrying that perhaps he is going to say no. In a way, things have changed; we are not children anymore.
"I guess it's ok..." He gestures for me to come over, and gives me his helmet. He then gives me a boost so I can swing my hurt leg up and around the saddle. Lily, feeling a different person on her, fidgets and nibbles on Zero's hair. I try to contain my laughter.
Zero glares at us both, and leads the white horse around the paddock. I let out a content sigh and enjoy the ride.
He walks us back to the barn, and helps me off. Ack, the feeling I had the week before came back in full force. His warmth lingers on me from catching me as I slide off the saddle, leaving me with a tingling sensation.
My mind is going through overdrive again, and wanders back to the events of the past few weeks. No, Zero is not just a friend, or a brother. He is... something else, but I'm not quite sure what that is exactly. I touch my phone, feeling quite satisfied that I have something of Zero that no one else has.
Author's note: Kaname is a bit more reckless in my story. This was mainly because I feel that he is a human boy here, and you kinda have to be a bit reckless to do something like trying to overturn a drug cartel at such a young age.
This is kinda happy, too happy? That was so much fluff. We need some happiness in this world with the manga the way it is.