Disclaimer: I am the proud owner of braces. I will be a proud owner of Vampire Knight...if only I did own it. T,T
Innerself: Ah, so we've gone full circle, eh? And to think, you started this story with ire for your lovely dental attachments..
Me: I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for them.
Innerself: Wow. Emotional growth.
Me: YESH! ............................................................now what?
Innerself: Oi. I knew it had to end somewhere... THE FIC, DOOFUS!! THE FIC!!
Me: You don't have to yell so loud.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed!! Here's the final chapter for y'all! :D
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There were many things that Zero Kiryuu hated.
When he was still a baby, he hated being away from his brother.
Whenever Ichiru wasn't around, little Zero would cry his buggy eyes out. This continued until they were five. By then, Zero had come to realize that crying won't do him any good and it was better to take action. Hence, he latched onto his brother's arm for dear life.
He also hated carrots for a brief moment of his childhood.
He didn't trust anything that came from nature but was not green.
But he got over these petty 'hates', even managing to eat a carrot on his 9th birthday.
However, just when he thought that he had gone past seemingly trivial dislikes, the whole Shizuka incident happened.
Starting from that, Zero became a being that seemed to thrive on hatred.
He breathed to destroy, lived to kill.
…
But Zero was different now.
He's older, wiser… He understands that 'hate' is not a good thing to cultivate within your soul, for it slowly rots it…and eats it up.
…
As he started studying in Cross Academy and became a prefect, he had long forgone hating.
…
He loathed instead.
He loathed the Night Class, those evil, manipulating, goddamned bastards.
…
If it wasn't for a certain someone, Zero might have continued on loathing the said beings.
…
It was basically Yuuki's fault that he managed to lessen his apparent dislike for the bloodsuckers.
But the person who will change his entire view of the said beings was someone Zero never expected.
That person, standing on the other side of his life's spectrum, came towards him…disrupting the balance of Zero's otherwise monotonous life.
-------
The whole school was abuzz with preparations for the nearing Winter Festival. Everyone found the time in their own busy schedules to get involved. Some teachers who were considerate enough even gave a few minutes or half of their time to the students who were so hyped up with the festival that their normal attention span of 10 minutes got reduced to 2 minutes and 30 seconds. And goodness knows, you can't very well teach under those circumstances.
It was getting very chilly, but thankfully, there hadn't been any snow. It would completely disrupt a particular group's plan to make this a Winter Festival a certain soon-to-be couple would never forget.
Ah, yes…even the weather seemed to be cooperating in order to make these students happy.
…That, or this particularly rabid group might find some way to cause even the weather some pain.
…
And speaking of students finding the time to get involved, rumors say that even the 'notorious' Black Pillar of the Day Class is involved in the preparations. This rumor might have spawned from the fact that said person has been missing a lot of lunch breaks lately, opting to spend them in the music room. Also, said person's usually impeccable and impenetrable glare barrier had weakened considerably, allowing one Day Class girl to almost touch one Hanabusa Aidou's sleeve.
…Well, almost.
But this new piece of information just proves the fact that no one is immune to the sudden 'Winter Festival' fever that has befallen the academy…
No one, not even the Night Class.
Yes, even the 'fabled' Night Class is preparing for the event. It would explain why they have taken the initiative of decorating their own building, placing many colored tinsels against the otherwise cold and boring gray walls.
Since they have shown quite the enthusiasm, Headmaster Cross had agreed to make the Winter Festival a joint event, to be enjoyed by both the Day Class and Night Class.
No one was as more pleased by the recent development than a particular group of Day Class girls.
Needles to say, their 'charge' only got sulkier but he can't very well complain about it. After all, he was under those vicious girls' control…and a kidnap victim would know better than to displease his 'captors'.
…
Zero shivered at the thought of being a 'kidnap victim'. It made him feel uneasy…even more than what he was feeling right now—
"ZERO! Why are you slacking off?? The Winter Festival is just a few days away! PRACTICE!!!"
His hand almost fumbled on the handle as long graceful fingers tried to get their bearing on the otherwise foreign object in his arms.
Zero could only utter one silent grumble before he was forced…once again...against his free will—
"ZEEEERRRROOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! STOP STARING OFF INTO NOTHING!!!!"
A groan. That was the only sound of complaint before another sound took over the music room and finally quieted the rabid girls around him.
--------
"Did they do as I told them to?"
A sigh. "Of course they did. Why wouldn't they? After all, you're—"
"Very good. The tinsel is hanged outside, I presume."
"Yes. But, honestly, did we have to go this far…?"
A creak from the antique but stylish chaise lounge. "We had to. He didn't notice anything so we had to put it in a way any common layman would see. No offense to him, of course."
"I don't think he would take any offense anyway."
A small pause.
"Yes. I guess you're right."
Another small pause.
"So…do you have any plans this Winter Festival with Sh—"
"NO! Uh…er…what I mean is.."
"He hasn't asked you about it yet, huh?"
"…Don't rub it in."
"I'm sure he'll ask you eventually."
"…He'd better ask me, or else."
"Hm..? What was that?"
"Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. We have to go now. They're all waiting."
"Alright then. Let's go."
A final creak from the lounge and the sound of the door clicking shut.
-----
A few days later…
-----
The smell of hot chocolate and freshly baked cinnamon cookies combined with the sharp but refreshing winter breeze was in the air. Pleasant giggles erupt from the girls every now and then, playing like a gentle tinkle of bells. The male half of the population in school chose to stay quiet and take in the pleasant tinge of coldness brushing their faces but never inflicting serious shivers thanks to their layered clothes for the season. Even if it was still early, many booths were already open, one even serving freshly made bread and warm milk-the bread all but melting in your mouth as what was left of it was washed down by the milk. Little Christmas lights adorned the trees, giving a festive and romantic glow to the normally cold and dreary grounds of the academy.
The Winter Festival has finally arrived.
-----
Since it was considered a school holiday, Headmaster Cross thought that it wouldn't be such a big event. After all, most students prefer to leave the academy for their winter break.
But as he glanced outside his big office windows, Kaien couldn't hold back a sigh.
"It seems like the whole school's still here…"
"You make it sound like you don't want to see them around here anymore, Kaien."
A small cloud of smoke signaled the entrance of one Toga Yagari.
The principal gently massaged the side of his temples. There was a certain pain radiating from his brain which felt like he was on the verge of having a brainfreeze.
"It's just that…I thought this Winter Festival would be a quieter event. Kind of like the dance—"
Toga fixed him a deadpan look, "That one wasn't peaceful at all."
A sweatdrop. "Oh, right."
Toga thought that Kaien's feelings have settled but the lighter-haired one still kept glancing at the slowly but steadily growing crowd on the grounds.
"At least, you should be happy that both of your…err…'children' participated in the preparations for the festival."
Cross' face lit up at the sentence, "Yes! It's absolutely wonderful!! I mean, getting Yuuki to cooperate with something like this is easy- especially if there's additional credit on the line- but Zero really surprised me with his enthusiasm!!"
"Enthusiasm…? I don't think you could call it that. I heard he was forced to be in it."
"Forced, enthusiastic whim…whatever you may call it, he's still in it no matter what!!"
It was Toga's turn to sigh as the Headmaster started on his long usual tirade about Zero as his 'little pumpkin' and Yuuki as his 'little cherry tart' and how they looked when they were just kids…cute as buttons…yadda,yadda,yadda…
"I'm leaving."
Cross stopped in mid-tirade and switched to shock mode. "What??!?? You can't leave! Who will teach my beautiful childr—urk."
A hand stopped the hyper blonde from uttering any more.
"I'm leaving this room! Not the academy. Sheesh, do you always have to exaggerate everything??"
To which, Cross could only honestly reply, "Sometimes."
In three seconds flat, Toga had left the room, leaving the Headmaster to pine about his 'lovely children' uninterruptedly, the chirruping of two bluebirds outside serving as the only other sound keeping him company.
------
The program for the Winter Festival was simple enough.
What was supposed to be a 'per class' performance turned into a mini-talent contest, due to the insistent push(es) of a certain group no one dared utter the name of.
The various gaming and food booths will be opened starting from morning till night. The main part of the program, which was the talent contest, will be held at exactly 7 pm, giving the Night Class (which would have joined the festivities around 6 pm) some time to enjoy themselves in the booths. Some Night Class members even volunteered to set up booths themselves, to the delight of fangirls and fanboys (!) alike.
Ruka came up with a make-over booth, while Rima set up game booth named 'Toss the Cookie in the Jar'. Shiki helped Ichijou with his nighttime butler-themed café, the idea of which the blonde got from a certain manga (almost everyone was shocked that Shiki even volunteered to help seeing as he was not into doing work). Aidou, as predicted by everyone in the Night Class, made a kissing booth. But no one was concerned with him getting in trouble since Kain would be handling the booth with him, as by Kaname's order.
And speaking of the pureblood…
There were many disappointed fangirls (and fanboys) when no one caught sight of the brunette. In fact, he was not present when the Night Class arrived. He had been missing from their usual twilight transition for some days now and it caused a 'silent grief' among his fans.
Many looked to the gates from which the elite group came from, expecting it to open once more and reveal the last but certainly not the least of them…but to no avail.
…
This only made Zero worry even more than when all of this started.
---------
'Dammit…Where is he??? … … … I knew this whole thing was a mistake to begin with.'
-Tsk, tsk. Pessimism never gets you anywhere-.
'Oh yay. Hello little voice in my head. Long time no see.'
-Miss me?-
'Not really.'
-That's really cold, Zero-chan. How can you manage to hold on to a relationship if you're that cold?-
'If Kaname doesn't come tonight, there won't be a relationship.'
-I know it sounds silly but if Kaname doesn't come toni—wow, Zero. Did you actually think what I thought you thought???- (XD)
'Uh…yes…? After all, it's the truth, isn't it?'
-Oh, Zero! What amazing emotional growth!! … It's so amazing..I'm tearing up a bit..'-
'Why don't you just tear up the whole way and leave me alone?'
-'Whew. For a second there I thought I was in the wrong person's head.'-
'If only.'
-'…'-
'…'
-'… He'll come, Zero. You'll see.'-
'I hope so.'
-'… He will come. Because… … …'-
'Because…we're made for each other…? Urgh, can't believe I'm thinking like that now…'
-'Shh! Don't ruin the mood!!! I was about to say something important!'-
'-Sigh- Alright. What is it? Why do you think Kaname would come?'
-'Because…'-
'…?'
-'Beeecaaauuusee…….'-
'…..???!??'
(cue horrible karaoke music) –'YOU'VE GOT TO BELIEVE IN THE POW'R OF LOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVEEEE…!!'-
'… … …I knew listening to you was a mistake.'
------
Finally, the clock timed 7pm.
The crowds predictably gathered to the area closest to the temporary stage set up by one of the eager festival committees a few days before. The soft-tinted spotlights made to dance lazily in the night sky turned into a more intense color as one was aimed at the center of the stage.
The people cheered when the two emcees emerged on the stage.
"Good evening, everyone!! So, how do you like the Winter Festival so far??"
This was answered by a crowd roar.
"Great!! So, let's hype you up some more and get this talent contest started!!!"
-----
A few minutes later…
(Backstage)
"Are you ready?"
"Oh, hi Yuuki. And no, I'll never be ready."
"But you're up next!! We worked so hard for this night, Zero!!"
"And it will all be pointless seeing as that particular bloodsucking bastard isn't here—"
"What are you talking about??!? Kaname-senpai's out there right NOW!!"
Zero blinked.
Cue the emcee, "That was a very..uh…interesting plate-spinning performance by Sato from second year!! And now, let us call on the third contestant—"
Cue crowd noise.
Zero barely noticed that Yuuki had pushed him on to the stage, trusty guitar in hand. The spotlight was kind of making him dizzy…
" Zero Kiryuu!!"
-----
The crowd was finally reduced to silence. The lights were dimmed and gentle strumming filled the air.
"Waiting for your call, I'm sick, call I'm angry, call I'm desperate for your voice
Listening to the song we used to sing…"
Everyone was stunned by how…beautiful Zero sounded. The singer, on the other hand, was focused on staring at his hands strumming on the guitar.
'If Kaname really was here…'
It only made Zero more nervous. Nevertheless, he continued..
"In the car, do you remember
Butterfly, Early Summer
It's playing on repeat, just like when we would meet…
Like when we would meet…"
'Like when we would meet at twilight…'
Zero almost scoffed, if only he wasn't on the stage right now. But then he tensed right up when the chorus came. God, he was trembling so much…
"Cause I was born to tell you I love you
And I am torn to do what I have to
To make you mine
Stay with me tonight."
After taking a deep breath, the silver-haired prefect finally let his eyes fall on the mesmerized crowd before him. His eyes searched, unabashed since he'd practically confessed it already.
Silvery lilac sought warm garnet red…and met nothing.
He'd passed glances at the Night Class, twice even…but he just couldn't find him.
Zero thought he felt his heart constricting painfully in his chest.
'Where is he?'
"Stripped and polished, I am new, I am fresh…"
Until finally, there was that aura.
It made Zero turn his head to the right and, sure enough, he was standing there…watching him with a smile both on his face and in his eyes.
'Kaname…'
"I am feeling so ambitious, you and me, flesh to flesh
Cause every breath that you will take when you're sitting next to me
Will bring life into my deepest hopes
What's your fantasy?"
Zero saw him smirk slightly at the implications of the song. The prefect's face gained a pretty dusting of pink but he pressed on. After all, Kaname was making no move in leaving, nor was he showing any inclination to stop gazing at the prefect…even making meaningful and appreciative eye contact.
The amethyst-eyed lad felt renewed strength bubble up from deep within him, urging him to finish the song…
'Maybe Yuuki was right with doing this, after all.'
"Cause I was born to tell you I love you
And I am torn to do what I have to
To make you mine
Stay with me tonight."
-------
After the talent contest…
The crowds were slowly dissipating and the booth owners were packing up their stuff from the hectic day they just had. It was around eleven in the evening and the non-vampires are already feeling the heaviness of their eyelids, the sandman paying no heed to the fact that they had all enjoyed the night's festivities and wanted to stay there until morning.
Fresh from performing that night, Zero did not mind lending the booth owners a hand. Even though he had a bit of a problem swatting fans away (now he knew what it felt like for the Night Class), he had no objections whatsoever in putting in a little work.
Plus, it was also a great way to avoid—
"Kiryuu-kun."
--Oh holy crap…He thought this particular booth was far enough!!
Zero did not look up from the small wooden crate he was currently carrying to a nearby vehicle. "What do you want, Kuran-senpai?"
'Keep your voice steady, Zero…If you act like what happened didn't happen, the odds are that he might forget!'
"Can we talk?"
'..Oh, who am I kidding…?'
Zero merely grunted as a response and followed the tall brunette as he headed to the academy's fountain. The younger of the two would forever deny that just then, his heart had started hammering so loudly in his chest or that his steps have gotten lighter and there was an urge to skip as he followed the dorm president.
-----
There were many things that Kaname Kuran loved.
For one, he loved roses. It was pretty obvious with the way he liked surrounding himself with them. He admired the fact that roses, no matter how beautiful they were, only lasted for a short while without proper care. But even with that, a rose's beauty is always breathtaking.
He also loved a good hobby he can finish with his hand; probably something like playing the piano or having a go at his PS2. Maybe just about anything that required his manipulation.
But now, Kaname Kuran had himself at a dilemma.
For you see, he was in love with someone…extraordinary.
This boy…
He had beauty not unlike a rose…but he does not fade away as fast. Sometimes, even leaving you with such an impression it becomes impossible to forget who did it to you or who said it to you.
He had something against Kaname's manipulation and would sever any strings the brunette could try to pin to him just to get him to behave as the brunette had wanted. He was wild, yes, but beautifully so.
In perspective, Kaname shouldn't even be in love with this person, seeing as they are –first of all- both male (it is a well-known fact that the vampire prince can have his pick of females, both human and vampire), and that they seemingly had no compatibility whatsoever.
But that was not how Kaname saw things.
He saw Zero as a challenge he had to overcome in order to get another that he loved…Zero himself.
To hell with those gender and compatibility issues!
The only thing that Kaname knows right now, as they sit beside each other while gazing at the moon…as he could see Zero's glittering amethyst eyes catching some star shine as he looked above and his silver hair reflecting the moonlight…
This was the person he wanted to be beside him. Forever. Period.
And when Kaname Kuran says forever, he means forever.
The binding rule of such a word is also one of those things he likes.
…as well as a breathless moan from one kiss-dizzied Zero Kiryuu.
-------
Perry blinked at Pinkie, both perched on their favorite tree branch situated incidentally near the fountain. This was where they had their first 'couple perch' and neither of them could ever forget it (:3).
Maybe it was just because the fountain is such a romantic place, especially on a night like this…
"It was a beautiful song, Zero. I loved it."
Perry tilted his head to the side. That voice sounded very familiar. The name was on the tip of his beak….(XD)
"I..uh…Well, it's just that…I…Dammit! This is so difficult!!"
Pinkie chirruped a bit, recognizing Zero's voice at once. It was that nut job who talked to them a few weeks ago!
"I believe no more words are needed."
The bluebirds stared at the scene before them, the two figures beside the fountain merging to form one. Then there was a breathless moan.
Perry looked at Pinkie questioningly, almost as if asking what the two were doing. Pinkie just shook his small blue head and poised to fly off.
Humans really were nut jobs after all.
--------
….
"Mmm…Kah-na-meh…"
"I love it when you say my name like that."
"Mmm—OW!"
"Zero? What's wrong??"
"Something snagged my tongue!"
"Oh. That must be my braces."
"…………………….. Your what?"
"Braces. Didn't you see them? Well, they're kind of hard to see. But anyway, where were we?"
"No way am I kissing you again with those…things in your mouth."
"What?? Why???? They're just braces!!"
"I know. But they cut my tongue. I'll kiss you when you get those things off—"
"They cut your tongue? Are you okay, though?"
"Yeah. My tongue's just bleeding a bit—"
"……….. Bleeding, you say…?"
"Yes, bleed—oh crap. Oh holy, freaking cra—"
….
"Mmmnmnn…" –gasp!-- "Kaname, you sadistic bastard!!"
"It's vampire, honey. Vam-pire."
"Dammit, I hate those braces."
"Oh, I don't know. I kind of like them…now."
!---- OWARI -----!
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YAYZ! Last chapter finished!! Sorry for all the giant plot holes. Heck, I didn't even specify when this fic was situated in the original VK timeline. But I guess you can tell…somewhat. Hehe. At least it was sweet. :3
Also, sorry for the delay. I'm going to school in a few days (two, to be exact) so I wanted to finish this before I get gobbled by schoolwork yet again. (-groan-). I miss summer already. XD
Oh yea, the song is Your Call by Secondhand Serenade. :D
Thanks for all the support and reviews! Mind giving me one more review? I finished, didn't I? XD
Ja ne! :D