Author's Note: Hi guys! Chapter 5 is here! This chapter just would not end hahahaha; sorry if it seems too draggy or anything. Hope you guys enjoy and review :D Thank you for reading this anyway :)

Disclaimer: Credits to Matsuri Hino, Blackened Wing, TammyTBoneTTB!

PRESENT

For the hundredth time that night, Kaname sighed in exasperation. Running a hand through his hair, he let out a frustrated growl and almost threw the book in his hand down onto the floor, but managed to restrain himself from such a childish act. He settled for slamming it back onto the shelf with a force greater than necessary, before stalking his way back to flop down on the sofa, head thrown back against the head cushion, eyelids closing over exhausted chocolate eyes.

It had been two hours since he had left Zero in the guest bedroom to rest. He had headed straight for their library in the villa, hoping to get some answers from the old, precious collections gathering dust on the shelves. He had had this library stocked up with as many books as he could gather, both of vampire and hunter history, spending a great deal of money and time to obtain rare, antique titles. Yet, nothing in them spoke of a spell or charm, oranything at all, really, that could cause a blood bond to mysteriously disappear without a trace, along with the owner's memories. Well, he hadn't really expected to find anything - at least, not so easily - seeing as he had never even heard of anything like it before, despite past efforts to research into the matter, but frustration was eating at him, knowing that it was his lover who was at stake here.

Initially, he had thought that Zero's amnesia was just a tactic, perhaps to keep Kaname occupied on his lover, then the perpetrators would take that moment of distraction to carry out their true plan. Something similar to what had happened at Cross Academy years ago, when Zero had been attacked simply so that Kaname would be weak enough to be taken.

But after he realised the blood bond was gone, he didn't know what to think. Not many people knew about their bond, except for his inner circle, and Yagari. It was possible that perhaps an enemy had gotten wind about it somehow, and was using it to attack him.

Whatever the plan was, it was effective.

Kaname could barely focus on anything else; his mind filled solely with thoughts of Zero and their missing bond. He had been in a constant state of agitation and trepidation ever since then, even his impeccable mask cracking slightly. He knew that he was responding exactly the way the culprits would've wanted him to, but it was tremendously difficult for him to calm down; almost impossible, if he were being honest. His aura hung around him like a dark, constricting curtain, threatening to suffocate whoever dared to remain in the same room as him for more than a few seconds. When he had called Seiren to him, asking her to look into Zero's predicament, her concern at seeing him in such a state had been apparent, even if she had made no mention of it.

The pureblood exhaled heavily. He needed to get himself together. He knew that if his Zero were here, he would lightly chastise him for being such an idiot, losing his head over this when a clear mind was crucial in this situation. Kaname smiled slightly as he imagined the angry-yet-worried expression that would be on his lover's face, just like those he had often been subjected to when he had been caught sacrificing sleep to finish up yet another report for work.

Kaname rubbed his bleary eyes, before getting to his feet again, heading towards the door this time.

Zero was sprawled on his back above the bed covers, jacket and socks strewn haphazardly on the floor. Sometime during his tossing and turning, his red tie had slipped off from around his neck, now lying abandoned on the bed. The hunter was covered in a layer of perspiration, eyebrows knitted together, fists clenched tightly, seemingly in a nightmare of sorts.

Kaname stood by the side of the bed, gazing down at his lover tenderly. He had intended to take a short walk to clear his head, but his feet had led him to this door instead. At first, he hadn't been sure he would be able to enter without the edgy hunter awakening and threatening to empty his bullets into him, but Bloody Rose had been at the same place he'd left it earlier, and the hunter hadn't stirred in the slightest. Probably sleeping off the effects of whatever had been done to him, Kaname had mused.

It was amazing how much Zero's presence calmed him down. Superior to all and any drugs the pharmaceutical labs he owned could ever hope to make. Already, he could feel the tension rolling off his tense shoulders, and the lethargy that had been hanging over him in the library had vanished without a trace. Zero was the drug that Kaname was hopelessly addicted to, making him high enough to soar in the clouds, wishing he would never have to come down. He was like the finest glass of champagne, filling his stomach with delicious, satisfying warmth that spread through every inch of his body, leaving him light-headed and giddy with happiness.

Zero was all Kaname would ever need to feel contented and blissful in life. Nothing else mattered as long as his silver-haired beauty was by his side, greeting him with his dazzling smiles and loving him with the entirety of his sweet, earnest heart.

Swiftly and silently, Kaname picked up Zero's clothing, folding them neatly and placing them on the end table, with Bloody Rose snugly on top. Behind him, an unseen force tugged at the window handle, pushing it open. A light breeze blew in, rustling the curtains and the bed canopy.

When Kaname heard a soft grunt and the rustling of bed sheets, he froze instantly, holding his breath. Had he woken Zero?

For a few heart-stopping seconds, Kaname paused, unmoving, ears closely following the sounds of Zero's breathing, which, thankfully, remained deep and steady. Only when the pureblood was absolutely certain Zero was still sound asleep did he dare turn around, releasing his breath slowly. The hunter had shifted to lie on his side, now turned in his direction, lanky body curled up adorably, reminding him so much of the stray cats he used to see back at the Academy. Footsteps muted by the carpeted floor, Kaname made his way over to the bed, settling himself on the edge quietly.

Gingerly, he tucked away a few strands of the silver hair that had fallen over his beloved's face. Kaname knew he should not tempt fate by going any further, but his hand seemed to have a life of its own, gently running its fingertips over his eyelids, nose, lips – such soft, perfectly sculpted lips! -, before tracing along his jawbone, and pressing its palm softly against the warm, smooth cheek. The pureblood let his eyes flutter close, relishing in the feel of the soft, supple skin under his hand, especially knowing who it belonged to. His heart swelled with happiness and love, all traces of his earlier worry and frustration seeping out of him. He leaned in, closing the distance between them. He could feel Zero's warm breath tickling his cheek, a mere few inches away. Unable to resist, he moved closer, seeking out the other's lips.

They were as soft as ever.

Zero's eyes snapped open. He jolted up, heart hammering wildly in his chest. This wasn't his room. It wasn't Yuuki's room, or even Cross's. He didn't recognise it, and there was no scent, save for the smell of freshly laundered sheets and a piny fragrance of the night breeze coming in from the open window. He threw his head from side to side, searching for any clues that would give him an idea of where he was. And then his frantic gaze fell upon Bloody Rose, lying calmly near the door, and all the memories of the previous night came flooding back.

The hunter exhaled, forcing his heart to slow to its normal rhythm. No wonder he had no recollection of this room; it was just a guest bedroom at Kuran's villa.

Kuran... Just the mere thought of being in the pureblood's house had his senses prickling and his hair standing on end.

Zero jumped out of bed, scowling at the slight dizziness and wavering of his vision from the sudden drop in blood pressure. He had only taken a step before he realised that his white shirt was hanging limply off his body, buttons undone. What the hell? He definitely did not recall undoing them. His gaze swivelled down sharply. The carpeted floor was spotless, totally void of the articles of clothing he did remember throwing off. A sinking feeling of dread and horror began to emerge as the implications of what that could mean pulled at his thoughts. How had his senses not alerted and awakened him ?

His suspicions were confirmed when he realised his missing clothing was presently folded neatly on the end table, serving as Bloody Rose's cushion. Coupled with the open window, he knew, without any doubt whatsoever, that someone had entered the room while he had been asleep. Not only had the intruder thought it was a good idea to touch his stuff, including his weapon, he had also had the balls to undress him. The fact that all these had been done for his sake and comfort was completely ignored and disregarded. It made no difference; in fact, it only fuelled his anger. Zero didnot appreciate his privacy being intruded on, especially when it involved having his shirt undone in his sleep by a complete and total stranger. Not even Yuuki would have dared, though perhaps she was the only one he might have forgiven.

There was really only one who would want to aggravate him enough to do something so obtrusive and audacious.

Zero growled, buttoning up his shirt swiftly and irritably with one hand while he stalked over to the door. Grabbing his gun, not even bothering to tuck it away, he twisted the knob and threw the door open, before stomping out of the room, using his hunter senses to pinpoint the vampire presence of one Kuran Kaname.

XXX

Kaname heard the hunter moving around in his room long before the sound of a door being almost ripped off its hinges echoed through the corridors. Though it was obvious Zero was upset about something, probably about his not-so-secretive visit to his room earlier, Kaname was far too distracted by what he had just heard to give it more than a passing thought.

'I'm sorry, could you repeat that again?'

Yagari threw him an irritated scowl.

'You heard me; don't make me waste my breath.'

Kaname's eye twitched at the old hunter's disrespect. But he was right. He had heard him. It was just that his words were too incredulous to believe.

'How could that be...?' he questioned softly, more to himself than to the hunter.

Yagari exhaled in exasperation. It looked like he was going to have to repeat himself anyway, seeing as how the pureblood's mental facilities did not seem to be quite up to functioning levels.

'Like I said, I called up those buddies of mine, wheedling the old bastards for information on what might've happened to Zero.' When the vampire glanced up sharply, he rolled his eyes – eye, he corrected mentally - , 'Don't be stupid, of course I didn't mention his name or anything like that. I'm no idiot, Kuran, I know what I'm doing.'

Receiving a relieved nod, he continued. 'As expected, no one's ever heard of a way to break a blood bond. But, they were all going on and on about how, instead of killing one party, you could just pull his past or future self here instead, sending the present one to take that one's place. Effectively, the bond is 'broken', since half of it is in another time.'

'So it's like a body switch?'

'Yeah, exactly,' affirmed the hunter gruffly. 'It's not just the mind that's been switched; it's the whole person, clothes and whatever that's on him at the time the spell is cast, that gets... switched.'

The whole thing sounded like the product of a wild, over-imaginative mind, just like the storylines of those blockbuster movies Zero liked to watch. How was it possible that the hunter in his house, whose skin he had been caressing but an hour ago, was not the one he knew and adored, but his past self? A younger Zero, innocent, he would even go so far to say, with no inkling of what was about to happen in the coming years, of how his life as he had known it would change drastically and irrevocably. Sure, after Yagari had explained it again, his memory had stirred, reminding him that he had once read about such a spell, many, many years ago, when he was still just a boy, but that did not mean that it could actually work, much less serve as the explanation behind the current situation.

And yet, Kaname thought grudgingly, it made too much sense. It would explain, well, everything, actually. About why the necklace he had searched the boy's body for was not anywhere on him. About why he was dressed in his prefect uniform, with Bloody Rose never far from hand. About why Zero remembered nothing of him, or anything else, beyond Yuuki and Cross Academy.

And especially about why there was only a cold, silent emptiness where their bond used to be.

Yagari opened his mouth, seemingly about to say something, but when the door to the living room slammed open violently, almost cracking the wall behind it, both occupants turned to face the new arrival. There was no surprise on their features, both having sensed the approaching presence of the furious boy seconds before his dramatic entrance. Mild annoyance crossed the old hunter's features at the rude interruption, while Kaname's eyes immediately traversed all over Zero's figure, critically scrutinising every inch of the boy.

Now that Kaname was truly concentrating on it, he realised the (possibility of the) truth of Yagari's words. Though outwardly this Zero looked no different from his lover, his scent was slightly different, with no trace of Kaname's smell on him. After years of having shared beds and blood, their scents had changed accordingly, interweaving and blending with each other's completely, such that each could always smell a hint of his lover on himself, and also detect a whiff of himself on the other. Of course, that made it all the more crucial that no one ever got to smell them, which was why Aidou's gifts were extremely precious and never taken off. At this thought, Kaname's gaze fell over the hunter's wrists. Even with the cuffs of the long shirt covering them partially, it was clear that they were bare.

Even the look in his eyes was different. His Zero had been through much suffering and loss over the last few years, and those experiences were reflected in his wise, if weary, amethyst eyes. Eyes that had seen too much of the world's suffering, forcing him to grow up and mature much too quickly. Eyes that spoke volumes of all the anguish and sorrow he had gone through, of all the hurt that had been inflicted upon him, and his own immense guilt over the ones he had inflicted in turn.

If Kaname had to use words to express it, the term 'world-weariness' was the most suitable.

But of course, he knew that despite all the terrible experiences Zero had been through, there had been just as many good ones. Their time, however short, with Yuuki, had been the greatest, most unforgettable days in his own life, and he knew his silver-haired lover thought the same. He also had no doubt that, despite their occasional disagreements and quarrels, Zero loved him just as much as he loved the hunter, and was truly happy and content being by his side, just as he was.

Alongside all the bad experiences, Zero had also learnt what it was like to live his days in true happiness and satisfaction. The pureblood had no qualms about showing and professing his whole-hearted and everlasting love for him, so the hunter was always wrapped in a tight bubble of the pureblood's never-wavering affection and love. Even if he found it annoying and oppressive at times, at least he would never have any doubt of how much he was loved and treasured by his lover.

And that was exactly how Kaname wanted it.

The huge misunderstanding they had gotten into after Yuuki's death, simply because of their lack of courage and miscommunication, had resulted in such disastrous consequences, with Zero feeling, for months, no less, that he held absolutely no place in Kaname's life and heart. But even then, thinking he was about to have his will stripped away from him, with a lifetime of serving Kaname as his puppet all that he could look forward to, even then, Zero had not run from him. He had waited for the pureblood to show up, ready to give up everything, just because he could not kill him, could not leave him. Even now, Kaname could not help the amazement and awe that swelled up in his heart at the thought, despite the terrible circumstances under which they had occurred. That was how much Zero had loved him. Even believing that Kaname wished to bind his will to him, Zero had still loved him, and had been ready to abandon everything that made him Zero.

Ever since then, Kaname had never let himself hold back his feelings for Zero, letting them all flow through to the hunter, so that Zero would never have any doubt of his place in the pureblood's heart again. The pureblood had vowed that never again would he allow something like that to happen. Never again would he let Zero feel insecure and worthless.

And he had lived up-.

'Kuran, what the hell did you do to me while I was asleep?'

The words, hissed menacingly into his ear, shoved Kaname harshly back into reality like a douse of ice-cold water. Before he could process the fact that Zero was now standing in front of him, he felt a hand roughly grab a fistful of the front of his shirt, dragging him up into a standing position. It never occurred to him to try to resist the hunter, and he let himself be pulled upright onto his feet. Blinking the last of his thoughts away, he found himself staring into Zero's glaring face, with Bloody Rose again pressed menacingly to his chest. That beautiful face he adored so much was so close, so dangerously close. If Kaname just leaned forward a little, pretending to stumble...

'Hey, kiddo, what's got your panties in a twist?'

Both Kaname and Zero started at the sound of Yagari's lazy drawl. Kaname recovered faster, the slightly wistful look on his face swiftly disappearing as he schooled his features into his usual mask. Zero, on the other hand, having marched into the room with all his fury and attention directed towards the pureblood lounging on the couch, not realising there was another hunter presence in the room as well, turned toward the older man in surprise, hands unconsciously releasing Kaname's shirt and also lowering his gun.

'Sensei! You're still here?'

Yagari scratched his chin as he regarded his student thoughtfully.

'Yeah, not getting rid of me that easy.'

This impulsive, energetic boy in front of him was definitely not the mature, level-headed hunter his best student had become, surmised Yagari easily. Despite the calm, accepting demeanour he had shown to Kuran earlier, the old hunter had had his own doubts about what his buddies had mentioned. At that time, he had scoffed at the thought. How could such a thing be possible? He had not been at all surprised that the pureblood's initial response had been exactly the same. It was unthinkable, and incredible, and plain unbelievable.

But, watching the boy in front of him now carefully, Yagari was almost completely convinced. His hunter senses told him that this Zero's power was a far cry from what his student's had reached. It was as clear as day. This Zero, with all his anger and hatred towards the pureblood, was exactly like how Zero had been, years ago, back when he had still been at the Academy. There could be no doubt.

'Kuran,' he began, looking towards the other vampire. 'I believe The Time Switcher spell was cast on him.'

Puzzlement crossed over Zero's face. The Time Switcher spell? He had never heard of such a spell before. And the way his sensei had been studying him quietly, before addressing the pureblood, gave him a very strong inkling that the 'him' Yagari-sensei had mentioned was, in fact, referring to Zero.

His suspicions were confirmed when the pureblood's eyes flickered over him, before he nodded, albeit reluctantly.

'It would appear so.'

Zero furrowed his brows, eyeing the two males, his previous desire to confront Kuran about his earlier visit tossed aside for the moment. It was unthinkable that both his sensei and the pureblood would agree on something. And what bugged him even more than that fact was that what they were agreeing on had something to do with him.

'What are you talking about? A spell? On me?'

Then realisation dawned on him.

'Was that why I passed out when I was patrolling?'

Kaname paused, unsure of how much to divulge to the unsuspecting hunter. 'Yes, the spell did that.'

That was a truthful answer, in Kaname's opinion. It had been the spell that had caused him to fall unconscious. He just had not mentioned its additional effects. Like transporting him years into the future, for instance...

Feeling Yagari's piercing stare on him, Kaname turned towards the old hunter. Yagari had an eyebrow raised, a questioning look in his eyes. Do you want to tell him?

The pureblood frowned. In such an unbelievable situation, what was the best approach to take? If this spell was something that could be reversed very quickly, perhaps it would be easier to simply keep up the farce, that Kaname was only harbouring Zero here for his own protection. But what if, God forbid, this situation dragged on for some time? He knew it wouldn't take very long before Zero started demanding to see Yuuki, and to return back to the Academy, damn his being targeted. How long could Kaname hope to keep him closed off from the rest of the world? The public knew him as Kuran Kaname's gifted protégée; his inner circle and house staff knew him as Kaname-sama's lover and bondmate. Basically, to remain hiding the truth from Zero, he would have to confine him within the house, not allowing him contact with anyone except those personally approved by Kaname, who knew of the situation and had enough discretion not to say the wrong things, i.e. not Aidou. Even access to the television and internet would have to be, at worse, denied; at best, restricted. It would be no better than forcing Zero to live in prison. And that wasif he could manage to get Zero to listen to him obediently.

On the other hand, if he told him about their relationship, Zero would definitely flip out. The vampire-hating Zero from Cross Academy days would never, ever, in a million years, be able to accept that he was in a mutual, romantic relationship with the pureblood, living together in their villa, no less. And how would he ever be able to tell him about Yuuki? The hunter would attack him, for sure. What if he tried to kill himself again? What would happen to the spell, and to his lover, if this Zero did manage to do what his lover had - thankfully - failed to all those years ago? He would always have to worry about the hunter and whether he was physically and emotionally coping with the news. The pureblood did not think he could go through that again, especially not when someone was after him, having used the spell to attack Kaname through his lover. He needed to focus all his efforts and attention towards finding the culprit, and not work with half a mind wondering if Zero was okay.

But, there was another way, wasn't there? He could tell Zero about what the spell had done, but hide some facts about this future. Zero did not have to find out about Yuuki, or their bond, at least not for some time. Hopefully, by that time, Kaname would have found a way to reverse the spell, and apprehend the perpetrators responsible. It was not really lying, but just... omission of certain facts.

Satisfied with the course of action he had decided on, Kaname gave Yagari a barely-perceptible nod. The hunter bobbed his head once in acknowledgement, gesturing with a hand towards the clueless hunter standing in front of them, as if to say 'Take it away, then.'

Kaname exhaled in annoyance. He had assumed the hunter would give him a hand in breaking the news to Zero. Coming from his revered sensei, this Zero would not scoff openly or reject the idea outright. He would perhaps take the time to listen to what he had to say, before making up his mind. But if he, the pureblood that this Zero hated with every fibre of his being, was the one telling him, 'oh, and by the way, guess what, Zero? You've been transported to the future!' the hunter was sure to punch him or something to that effect, before stomping off on his own to find his way back to the Academy. He sighed inwardly, knowing he was just stalling for time. Here goes nothing, he thought, steeling himself for Zero's reaction.

'Zero, the Time Switcher spell switches past and future selves of a person. You're in the future of the time you're from right now.'

Zero blinked a few times, but otherwise gave no outward indication of having heard his words. Kaname paused for a few seconds, but when it seemed like the hunter was not going to react, he repeated himself.

'You've been transported to the future, Zero. So-'

'Yeah, yeah, you said that already. I'm not deaf, Kuran.'

This time, it was Kaname who found himself blinking in surprise. Wasn't Zero's reaction slightly anti-climactic?

He did not miss the amused smirk playing on Yagari's face.

'No surprise, eh, kid?'

Zero ran a hand through his hair. 'It sounds crazy and impossible, but... I guess it makes some things clear. Like those weird things on the news. And your relationship with Kuran.'

Then he looked Kaname straight in the eyes, causing the other's heart to skip a beat. 'And why he insists on calling me by name. I guess we're on somewhat cordial terms now, huh? Never would've guessed that could ever happen.'

Overcome by surprise at Zero's easy acceptance, all Kaname could do was nod in agreement. To all of his statements. For indeed, the past Kuran Kaname would never have imagined them even being on speaking terms, let alone in a loving relationship.

Zero glanced away, self-disgust and incredulity evident on his face. 'Can't believe I would ever agree to become your protégé, though. What the hell is wrong with future me?'

Kaname had no immediate reply for that. For one, Zero was not really his protégé. At least, not only. And Kaname realised that he had never actually asked if Zero had wanted to take that role. He had just had Takuma announce it to the Night Class, and then started introducing him as such ever since. Of course, no pureblood had ever had to ask a vampire if they would like to please become their protégé. Every vampire would beg to be given such an honour. Except Zero, of course. The hunter defied all traditions and customs in vampire society, not caring in the slightest about how the other vampires thought of him for it. And Kaname loved him so much more for it. For not giving a 'rat's ass', as he had once so eloquently put it, about Kaname's position in society, or having to maintain appearances in public. Because of that, the pureblood could totally relax and be himself around his lover. He could never be able to do that with any other vampire, even those of his inner circle, because to them, he was Kuran Kaname, pureblood vampire, owner of Cross Academy, shrewd and powerful businessman. But with Zero, he was just Kaname. Lover and bondmate. He had no obligations, no roles to play, except to love and cherish his lover. And that was no act.

Anyway, back to the protégé business. He had only come up with that because he had needed a believable reason to explain why he was giving Zero so much of his time and care. But he had wanted to give Zero something to live for, something that would push him to work hard. And their sparring sessions had successfully managed to drag out from the boy the old fire and spirit everyone was so used to seeing, instead of the dead, empty shell he had become after Yuuki's death. So, in reply to Zero's question...

'A lot of things happened that led up to that,' Kaname said quietly, eyes darkening as he relived the old memories.

Zero's eyes narrowed at the vague reply, a sarcastic retort at the tip of his tongue, but at Yagari's slight shake of the head, he faltered, words remaining trapped in his throat. Frustration and annoyance built up in him. Was he just supposed to accept this? It was unthinkable that he had agreed to become Kuran Kaname's protégé, and he wanted, no, needed, to know the damned reason things had ended up this way. Had Cross Kaien somehow managed to coerce him into this? Had he almost fallen to E but had somehow wound up in the pureblood's debt? Try as he might, none of the scenarios he was capable of imagining would explain why he had ended up in the servitude of a vampire, especially one he had loathed for years, ever since he first laid eyes on him. Even despite his sensei's obvious desire for him to not question any further, he was almost tempted to shake the answers out of the pureblood.

But not right now. There were more important questions he needed answered.

'Where is Yuuki in this time?'

Had both of them, including his usually stoic and calm sensei, just jumped at his question? Suspicion had his voice raising a few notches as he repeated his question, eyes burrowing into the two men as he waited impatiently for their reply.

'Yuuki, she...' began Yagari gruffly, before he shot a glance at the pureblood, seemingly unsure of how to continue.

Kuran aimed an exasperated glare at the old hunter, before he turned towards Zero, mouth opening.

'Yuuki and Chairman Cross are both still at Cross Academy. For certain reasons, I am no longer a student there, though the vampires of my inner circle still remain there. The co-existence plan is very much still in effect, with an extra hunter class having been added to the school. Vampires, humans and hunters now live and study alongside one another in the Academy.'

Though his words had been in reply to the question about Yuuki, Kaname had managed to smoothly manoeuver the direction of his reply until it touched upon the Academy. He had hoped that the news about the new hunter class would distract Zero enough that he eased up on questioning about Yuuki, at least for the time being, until Kaname managed to come up with a better plan and story.

And thankfully for him, it seemed to work.

'A hunter class? That's ridiculous. There's no way they would ever be able to get along with the Night Class.'

Swiftly overcoming and masking his initial surprise at the Kaname's smooth lie, Yagari did his part, letting out an indifferent grunt.

'Yeah, well, can't stop the occasional clashes. But all in all, things are going pretty well there. Who would've thought, huh? The three races all living in harmony.'

Inwardly, Kaname sighed in relief that the old hunter had not given anything away. His initial response to Zero's question had been too suspicious, and he had almost told him the truth. Thank goodness Kaname had managed to jump in quickly before anything else had happened.

Zero nodded in affirmation with what his sensei had said. Then he furrowed his brows again.

'So I'm assuming we've already graduated, Yuuki and I? So where do I stay now? And why is she still at the Academy?'

Kaname groaned inwardly. It looked like Zero had not been so easily side-tracked after all. But these questions, he could answer effortlessly. As long as the hunter did not demand for the nitty-gritty details, or decide he wanted to go visit them, Kaname would be able to handle his queries.

'Just like that news report said, you're currently living in my house,' he answered. Spying the beginnings of a horrified and disgusted look starting to form on Zero's face, Kaname continued, 'It's only to be expected when a pureblood takes a protégé. Shadowing the pureblood throughout his daily activities and remaining close at hand is the best way for the protégé to learn and be taught.'

It was not a lie, what Kaname had said about protégés, because most purebloods did have their protégés follow them around all day. Most of them also did have them stay in their houses as well, because it was so much more convenient for their training.

And also because most of them developed romantic and/or sexual relationships with their protégés.

So really, it had been to no one's surprise that Kuran Kaname and Kiryuu Zero were living together. If members of the public ever thought the behaviour uncharacteristic of the elusive and private pureblood, they would automatically assume – not incorrectly, as it would turn out - that Kaname was also using his ex-human to fulfill his physical desires.

Though he would not mention that fact to Zero, of course.

'Yuuki chose to stay behind at the Academy with Headmaster Cross, to help him run the school and to take over the reins in the future,' he added. The lies were flowing out so smoothly, with no trace of hesitation in his tone or guilt on his calm, sincere features. Even Yagari found himself almost believing the pureblood's words, despite knowing the real truth.

Zero's jaw fell open. 'Yuuki? Headmaster?'

Kaname could not help giving a little chuckle at the incredulous expression on his face, causing both hunters' eyes to snap over to him in surprise. Clearing his throat, the pureblood quickly recovered his composure.

'Yes. Yuuki grew up to be quite the responsible young woman.'

Zero stared at the pureblood. Warmth had crept into his eyes and tone, and despite his obvious best efforts, the corners of his lips had turned up slightly as Yuuki occupied the pureblood's thoughts. This, together with the laugh – Kuran hadlaughed? He still could not wrap his mind around the revelation that that self-important, proud pureblood could actually laugh, not just smirk and sneer at him – showed Zero how different the pureblood had become. The Kuran Kaname he had known and hated had never shown his emotions. Even with Yuuki, his omnipresent pleasant yet reserved mask had never slipped, at least not in his presence. And, towards him, the pureblood had only ever spared a cool, withering gaze, filled with undisguised scorn and contempt.

Never had he chuckled at him.

Mind still sputtering in shock and disbelief, Zero turned his back on the two males in the room, clutching his gun so tightly that his knuckles turned white. This was way too strange. Knowing in theory that he was in the future was one thing, but actually experiencing for himself the differences? That was just too much for him to accept all at once. The more he had asked, the more the gravity of the situation had finally started to sink in.

He was trapped here, in an unknown time, where everything in his life had changed drastically. Suddenly he was parted from his adopted – dare he say it? – father and sister, no longer a prefect in Cross Academy, but living together with the pureblood as his protégé.

What was he going to do here until they found a way to reverse the spell? This was not his life; there was no way he could just fall into it and play the part.

And what if they never managed to undo the spell? What if he remained in this time forever?

Zero shuddered involuntarily. That could not be allowed to happen. He could never live like this, even if his future self had somehow hit himself on the head and decided to submit himself to his enemy's tutelage. The only comfort he had was that knowing what he did now, once he was back in his rightful time, he could take steps and preventive measures to make sure all these never came to pass. Even in the worst case scenario, he could just remain at the Academy with Yuuki and Cross and serve as mentor to the hunter apprentices. What could have happened that had been so horrible that becoming the pureblood's protégé and living together in his house had been the best solution? Whatever it was, he would find out, and he would make sure his future never led to this. Serving under a pureblood... Even if Kuran had lightened up, and seemed to be less of a prick towards him, it did not change the fact that he, a vampire hunter, was submitting to and learning from a pureblood. The very thing he hated. The very thing that was the reason for his very miserable and pathetic existence as an ex-human. How could he, under any circumstances at all, have just gone along with such a stupid and ridiculous idea? The him now would rather die than agree to such a thing.

How much had Kiryuu Zero changed? Had he lost himself? Submitted to his vampire instincts to obey authority?

It was such a terrifying thought.

The hunter gritted his teeth. His future self might have totally lost his mind, but he could still stop himself from going down that same path. As long as he was extra careful. As long as he remained clear about who his enemy was.

He would never submit to Kuran Kaname.

'Zero?'

The hunter bristled at the concern in the pureblood's tone. No, this was not how it was meant to be. They were enemies. Theirs was never supposed to be an amiable relationship.

'I'm too tired for this. I'm gonna go back to bed.'

Then he paused, glancing behind him long enough to throw the pureblood a warning glare, raising his gun to emphasize his words.

'Don't you dare come in this time, or I swear I'll put some silver in you.'

And then, with a nod towards his sensei, he strode out of the room, without another backward glance.

With a weary sigh, Kaname leaned back on the recliner chair in his study, the crease in his eyebrows and shadow in his eyes betraying the grim thoughts swirling around in his mind.

Just when he had thought that maybe, just maybe, this Zero would be able to calmly accept the situation, hence reducing the headache this situation was becoming, the hunter's mood and manner had abruptly changed, returning him to his usual vampire-hating self.

Kaname raised a hand to rest over his eyes, blocking out his vision, wishing that it could block out this whole awful situation instead. Even though it had only been a few hours since they were last together, he missed his Zero terribly. How was he going to get through this, without the reassuring, unwavering support of his lover? For this indefinite period of time, Zero was inaccessible to him, beyond even his reach. Even as he sat here, as good as alone in their house, his dear hunter was eons away, not even in the same timeframe as he was in. That was almost equivalent to being in different dimensions, or universes, wasn't it? All those times Zero had gone off on his missions, leaving Kaname waiting and pining for him for unbearably long hours, at least he had only ever been only a few hours away. And Kaname had always had the knowledge and existence of their blood bond to comfort and ground him. But now, he had absolutely nothing to hold on to, nothing to take strength from.

The past few hours, Kaname had firmly not allowed himself time to worry and wonder about his lover's predicament, fearing the distraction it would create to the important research he had had to do about this situation. God knew how much their missing bond had distracted him from his political and business work. But now, having not just Seiran and Yagari, but also his inner circle, researching all they could about The Time Switcher spell, especially how to reverse it, Kaname had finally found a second to be alone with his thoughts and unease. Only now did he finally allow his mask to crumble totally, anxiety and concern for his lover surfacing immediately.

If the spell had worked as it should, his Zero would have been transported back into the past. Back to Cross Academy, presumably. If this Zero had been in Yuuki's presence when he passed out, then his Zero would probably awaken with her next to him. For some reason, that thought comforted Kaname immensely, easing his worry somewhat and almost pulling his lips into a smile. Even if he himself did not get a chance to, he was glad that his lover would be able to enjoy Yuuki's company again. Both of them loved her equally much, but for the hunter, who used to spend all his time in school with her by his side, her absence must have been extremely hard to handle. For his lover, it would probably be like a dream, being able to meet Yuuki again. Unlike Kaname, it was actually possible that Zero could enjoy himself during their separation. And that was a small consolation to the pureblood. That at least his lover would not feel all alone and lost in that time, because Yuuki would be there for him. Dear, sweet, loving Yuuki, who would shower him with her affections and comfort, even if Kaname could not.

Even right at this moment, his Zero might be happy and relaxed, spending as much time as he could with Yuuki. Things would be good for him, Kaname concluded, warmth suffusing his heart. What a relief...

Then a sudden thought struck him.

What if Zero, thinking it was simply a dream, went to seek out the Kaname of that time, and treated him like his lover? After all, he would not know any better. There was no reason for him not to, especially if he thought it was all just a dream.

The pureblood visibly paled. Though it had been many years, he could still remember how he had used to treat the hunter back while they were still at school. He had been jealous over how close he was to Yuuki, and that had led to his growing hatred of the boy, even though Zero's fierce and loyal protection of her had served him too well for him to get rid of the insolent, disrespectful prefect.

However, he knew that regardless of the hunter's usefulness, the old Kuran Kaname would not have the tolerance and patience to try to understand, if Zero were to suddenly treat him not just like a friend, but as a lover. Or, his heart sinking with dread and fear as the thought crossed his mind, if he discovered his mother's memory necklace in his possession. He would not hesitate to hurt the hunter, if that was what was needed to get the truth.

And Zero could be very stubborn, a fact he knew all too well.

Kaname inhaled deeply, struggling to calm himself. There was nothing to worry about. Zero was not the type who would do something as romantic as to randomly give his dream lover a hug and a kiss. He would likely act as how the Yuuki and Kuran in the scene expected him to. Or so he hoped. And as long as Zero did not give anything away, or reveal the memory necklace to Kuran, there would be no problems. None at all. Zero would be able to pass his time there in happiness and warmth. He would, wouldn't he?

The pureblood hissed softly, frustrated to no end that, for now, all he could do was hope.

And so, hope was what he did, as he lay alone in the darkness of his study, while a warped version of his lover, a Zero who hated his guts and would not hesitate to put a bullet in him, lay asleep at the other end of the house.

Zero... Please come back to me soon...

Thank you for reading! Feel free to tell me what you think! I apologise if them finding out about the spell seemed so conveniently fast. I wanted to spend more time on their relationship from here on out, and that couldn't happen if they didn't realise the truth. Hehehe.

Replies to my dear reviewers:

gleish26: Awww thank you for loving it :) that made me unbelievably happy heehee. I can't give away what going to happen because I'm just writing it as it comes HAHAHA. I've considered a few ideas for what the ending could be like, and I really, really like your idea as well, so thanks for the idea! If I use it, I'll be sure to credit you :):) No problem at all; I love receiving reviews, especially long ones, so feel free to write more hahaha. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and I hope to hear from you again soon!

Siren Dreams: Haha thank you for the review! :) I hope you enjoy this chapter! :):) See you soon!

Hi (guest reviewer): Hello! I wasn't quite sure how far to go with that scene, actually. But it felt like past Kaname would not have been able to accept seeing something like that so easily, so I had to make it a bit more extreme even though it was kind of hard to write as well. Regarding your questions: I'd originally planned to write this story without overlapping Blackened Wing's story. In my mind, the past that I had Zero sent back to, was supposed to be far before the beginning of her Crimson Door, i.e. before Kaname ever gives Zero his blood in his room that night, when they are discovered by Aidou. I had no plans for them to try to change the future, because *SUPER SPOILER that I don't know if I should be mentioning, but since you asked... :)* they were never meant to remain in the foreign times for very long. The idea is very tempting, though. I shall see how my muse proceeds, and consider it as I go along, but for now, I think I will probably stick to that original plan. Or maybe I'll do it in a separate fic after this one is over hahaha. Nevertheless, I hope you continue to enjoy this story :) once again, thank you for all your support and reviews! Looking forward to your thoughts on this chapter as well! (No pressure, though LOL) :)