Author's Note: Hello. Sorry for the wait! Chapter 7! Please enjoy and review :)
Disclaimer: Credits to Matsuri Hino, Blackened Wing and TammyTBoneTTB! I used some of Blackened Wing's descriptions for the beginning of this chapter. And also added some new stuff to it.
PRESENT
Zero took a deep breath.
The strong, sharp scent of lavender air freshener was everywhere, making it difficult even for his vampire sense of smell to pick up any other scents around the room. Inhaling deeply, he let his eyes close, blocking out all other senses in order to focus solely on the scents permeating his nose. And then he detected it. Just a tiny whiff, barely noticeable if he had not been so concentrated on searching for it, but still there nonetheless.
It was his own scent.
Opening his eyes again, Zero let his eyes sweep the room. Presumably his room. A door was set in the wall opposite him, probably leading to an adjoining bathroom, and maybe even more rooms that were linked to this. Another four-poster bed, this time cherry wood, was against one wall, with pale cream drapes hanging around it. The soft bedsheets and plump pillows looked invitingly luxurious and beckoned enticingly to his exhausted self to rest himself on them. Fighting the urge to just crawl under the covers, Zero directed his gaze instead to the several windows adorning the other walls. For a second, he wondered confusedly how having so many windows through which sunlight could stream in could possibly be comfortable for a vampire occupant, even with all the accompanying drapes drawn, but soon surmised that there was probably some clever trick behind it. He expected no less from the extravagant Kuran. The room had clearly been decorated with comfort as the main aim, what with all the silky soft fabrics and plush couches filling the room. And even to Zero's cold, assessing gaze, it was a homey, comfortable bedroom, one that fit so perfectly to his tastes that he could not find a single thing to hate. (Except maybe for the excessive use of drapes.)
And no doubt that that had been the pureblood's objective when he had had this room prepared for him.
And somehow, the thought of Kuran Kaname putting in any effort at all in an attempt to make him comfortable just bugged the hell out of Zero. It made his skin prickle and hair stand. He briefly considered letting Bloody Rose loose on everything in sight, just to vent his frustration. At both the pureblood, and at his future self, who would return to a destroyed bedroom if they managed to reverse the spell.
When, he correctly mentally. When they managed to reverse the spell.
After leaving the pureblood and his mentor in the living room a while ago, Zero had made his way upstairs, for all intents and purposes to return to bed. But sleep had been the furthest thing from his mind as he climbed up the stairs and walked through the dim hallway. He had returned to where he had been earlier, before Kuran had stopped him, in the isolated corridor with the two mysterious doors. Without a moment's hesitation, he had grabbed the knob of the door on the right, swinging the door open swiftly and surely. Despite his hunter senses telling him that Kuran was still downstairs, he had stepped in quickly, shutting the door firmly behind him.
The first thing that had hit him was the overwhelming smell of lavender air freshener, as if someone had upturned an entire bottle of it in the room and left it without opening the door and windows. When the full blast of it slammed into his nostrils, Zero had gagged and choked, eyes watering painfully as his sensitive nose was violently assaulted by the piney floral fragrance. He had scrambled to open the nearest window, sticking his head out and gasping desperately for fresh air. Eventually, once he had recovered enough to breathe without feeling like he was going to vomit, he had forced himself to turn back around, intent on seeking out the scent of the owner of this bedroom.
And he had.
His future self.
Spying a large wooden wardrobe, Zero made his way over purposefully, feet thudding softly on the clean carpeted floor. Swinging the heavy dual doors open as wide as they would go, he stepped back for a second, eyes widening at the sheer number of clothes hanging on the rack. Back in his dorm room, all he had had were two sets of the Academy uniform, and another two sets of casual wear – tee shirts and jeans. He had never needed anything more than those clothes he owned. But in here was such a wide variety of clothing, ranging from tee shirts, to formal shirts, to polo shirts, to shorts, to pants, to bermudas – Zero's mind spun just looking at all of them. How did one guy need so many kinds of clothes? Even the shirts alone had their own different variations, taking up almost a third of the wardrobe. Different collar types, fabrics, cuff types, colours, patterns – they were all different in some unique way.
How many shirts did his future self need?
But then he remembered. Future Zero was the protégé of the high-ranking, prominent pureblood, Kuran Kaname. Of course he had to be presentable. God forbid he was ever caught wearing the same shirt in public, for it would surely smear the pureblood's good name...
Once again, repulsion overwhelmed Zero as he was reminded that in this timeline, the name 'Kiryuu Zero' would always be linked to that of Kuran Kaname's. No longer just a pathetic ex-human who used to be a hunter. Now he was an ex-human who used to be a hunter, but was now a pureblood's protégé.
Zero growled low in his throat. He would never be able to accept that his future self had agreed to become Kuran's protégé. For that matter, why had Kuran himself even agreed to it? Their mutual dislike and animosity had been clear for all to see, back during their Academy days. Seriously, something really horribly messed up must have happened for things to end up this way.
Regardless, opening the wardrobe had further reinforced the fact that he now knew for sure – that this was not, as he had initially suspected, Yuuki's room. There was not a hint of her scent anywhere in here.
Thankfully.
He sniffed one last time, taking in the scent of crisp, freshly laundered shirts. But then he froze, lifting his head and inhaling sharply.
It was unmistakable.
Kuran's scent.
The open window had allowed most of the lavender smell to diffuse out into the night, even though the scent still hung over the room. His own scent was now much stronger. And it allowed him to realise that it was slightly different from his own. Something... extra. And beneath all that, he had gotten a whiff of the pureblood's scent as well.
It was unthinkable.
Future Zero allowed Kuran into his room?
Just how close were they? Kuran must have been in here for pretty long too, for his scent to still be lingering on despite the hours that had passed, and the overwhelming lavender clinging stubbornly onto every surface.
A thought suddenly occurred to him. Not even bothering to close the wardrobe doors, he strode out of his – no, not his but the other, insane Zero's – room, letting the door swing shut behind him.
He could smell himself here, too.
Here in Kuran's room.
He had pretty much already figured it out for himself, but the elaborate, Victorian-style design of the room opposite hi-future Zero's was a clear indication. A simple whiff of the air confirmed that the dominant scent here was that of the pureblood's. No surprise there.
What did surprise was that his scent in here was stronger than Kuran's had been in the other room. Perhaps the lack of lavender bombarding his nostrils was the reason why. Was that the reason for the lavender then? But if so, why only that room? Why not the pureblood's as well? All these unanswerable questions were giving his already-weary brain a pounding headache.
Nevertheless, Zero had realised an undeniable fact.
Kuran and future Zero often visited each other's rooms.
What he could not figure out was why. What need was there for a pureblood and his protégé to mingle even during non-office hours? Wasn't the living room adequate for talking business, and the endless fields outside for physical training? What need was there for them to enter each other's rooms? Late night emergencies? Sleepovers?
Whatever it was, it just made Zero's stomach churn.
The hunter rubbed his face tiredly, exhaling harshly. This was ridiculous. This future was ridiculous. His whole being here was just downright ridiculous. He would think about all these later. Right now, all he wanted to do was sink back into sleep.
Thus, returning to the other Zero's room, he threw himself onto the awaiting bed, relaxing into the caress of the soft cottony sheets and down-filled pillows. Enveloped by lavender and future Zero's scent, his eyes soon closed, lulled to sleep by the impossibly comfortable sheets and the whisper of crickets from outside.
Within seconds, he had succumbed to the darkness.
It was probably a relief that he had failed to realise how the pureblood's scent peeking out from the mattress beneath him was stronger than anywhere else in the room.
Kaname's eyes opened. There was a faint throbbing in his chest, and his right arm was outstretched in front of him, fingers splayed as if in an attempt to grab hold of something.
'Kaname,' said Zero, gazing at him tenderly, fingers gently tracing across his cheek. 'I have to leave.'
Puzzlement had Kaname's brows furrowing as he questioned, 'Leave? Where? And when are you coming back?'
A soft smile twisted the hunter's lips, but the pain in his eyes was evident. 'Somewhere far away.' He pressed his lips to Kaname's in a ghost of a kiss, before pulling back to smile fondly at his lover again. 'I won't return.'
Panic gripped at the pureblood's chest, his heart constricting agonisingly. Urgency laced his trembling voice as he demanded to know what Zero meant.
Shaking his head slowly, Zero drew away, before turning and walking away. With every step, his figure grew fainter and fainter, as if he were disappearing right before Kaname's eyes.
'No, Zero, stop!'
Desperately, Kaname threw his arm out, trying to reach for the hunter.
But it was too late.
Zero was gone.
Kaname shook himself mentally, shaking off the depressing memory. That had just been a dream. Zero was not gone forever. He would be back soon, without a doubt. He would not rest until he found a way to return his lover to his rightful place – at Kaname's side.
Forcing himself to get off the reclining chair on which he had drifted off, he crossed the room to the bathroom. The cool water served as a very welcome distraction from his worries, jolting his system awake as it streamed down his bleary face and weary body. Once all traces of exhaustion and nightmares had disappeared down into the unseen depths of the drainage system, Kaname toweled himself dry, before returning back to the study.
A warm light was starting to light up the room, the windows slightly darkened as they adjusted to filter the sunlight streaming in. The sun was just starting to peek out from the horizon, its muted rays painting the sky the hopeful orange glow of dawn. A light breeze wafted in through the window, bringing with it the sweet scent of morning dew. And...
Vampires?
Kaname cursed inwardly as he glanced out the window. A black car was winding smoothly through the roads that led to the compound, windows tinted to block out the rays of sunrise. He was not expecting anyone, and he doubted his Zero had been, either. If not for the fact that he knew exactly who they were, he would have just ignored them, letting the security measures set in place take care of them and halt their approach.
But he did know them. And they were here to help him, or so they must have been thinking when they decided to pay a visit, without so much as an advance notice of their arrival, during the day. With a murderous Zero around.
Not that they knew that part yet. He had not quite told anyone, except for Yagari and Seiren, the reason why he was so interested in The Time Switcher's Spell. And he had planned on keeping it that way. Until now.
Sighing in annoyance, he headed down to meet them.
'God, why is the sun so bright even though it's barely even up?' exclaimed Aidou irritably as he stepped out of the car.
Despite his long tee and pants, as well as the large sunglasses obscuring half his face, he cringed as the sun's rays enveloped him, feeling like an ant under a thousand-watt spotlight. Their driver quickly hurried to his side, shading him under a huge umbrella.
'You're the one who decided to go out during the day, Aidou,' came a wry voice from the other side of the car.
Aidou scowled into the car as he reached in to retrieve an old, leather-bound book, clutching it tightly to his chest.
'This is important, Kain! Kaname-sama needs us! Even if he lived in the middle of the desert, with no shade or shelter for miles, I would still rush to his side the second he called for me.'
Hearing his cousin scoff in derision, he raised his head, glaring at him over the top of the car. 'I would, too!' he defended stubbornly.
'I don't doubt it.'
With a gasp, Aidou spun around.
Kaname stood at the entrance to the house, leaning against the doorjamb, safely protected in the shade of the porch. A wry expression was on his face, the annoyance that had been in his eyes somewhat lessened by his gladness at seeing his old friends safe and well.
'Kaname-sama,' greeted Kain calmly, bowing his head slightly at the pureblood.
Aidou's response was much less reserved. He hurried up to the brunette, with his driver scrambling along to keep the blonde under the umbrella's shade.
'Kaname-sama!' exclaimed Aidou. 'Are you alright?'
Any trace of annoyance that the pureblood still harboured dissolved instantly when he saw the intense worry and concern in the noble's searching, sincere eyes. Gaze softening, he nodded.
'I am fine, Aidou. Thank you for worrying.'
Missing the pureblood's emphasis on his first word, an embarrassed blush rose on the blonde's cheeks. 'It's no problem at all, Kaname-sama! Your safety and well-being is, and will always be, my utmost priority!'
Chuckling lightly, Kaname gestured the two vampires in, leading them toward the living room. Once all three of them were settled comfortably on the couches, he turned to them, a serious look on his face.
'I presume the reason for your sudden visit is regarding the spell I asked you to research?'
Kain, sensing the pureblood's subtle displeasure at their showing up at his house without warning, quickly opened his mouth, about to apologise for their rudeness. Even though it had been Aidou who had claimed there was no time to waste, practically shoving him into the car and yelling at the driver to 'hit it!' Only later, when he realised they should call Kaname-sama to inform them of their arrival, did they both remember that their phones were still in the dorm.
But Aidou, oblivious as ever, cut in before he could.
'Yes, Kaname-sama! After your call, I immediately went to the Academy library. When I was younger, I used to visit my grandmother, and I once read about that spell in one of her books. When the hunter class was formed, my grandmother donated all her books, including this one (here Aidou excitedly waved the book in his hands) to the Academy. And I managed to find it!'
Kain rolled his eyes. He had been the one to find the book. Not that he had expected his proud cousin to share credit, of course.
Ignoring him, Aidou glanced down at the book, carelessly flipping it open to a page somewhere in the middle, before he held it out to Kaname.
Taking the book carefully so as not to damage the worn, fragile tome, Kaname's eyes trailed over the words.
'The Time Switcher Spell. An ancient vampire spell designed millennia ago to switch past and future selves of a person. It is most commonly used in 'breaking' vampire bonds, something that is otherwise impossible. By sending each into a time he/she does not belong in, one half of the bond has disappeared, effectively breaking the bond
Method: A human sacrifice is required. The younger the sacrifice, the more likely the spell will be successful. Draw the required symbol using the sacrifice's blood and lay the sacrifice within the symbol. Next, recite the spell as follows. Sunglasses are advised for spell casters.'
Success rate: Low. Depends very much on the sacrifice, spell casters and especially the target. Most times, the target does not have the power and strength to be transported across times, even with the sacrifice's power added to the mix, and ends up dying in the time in which the spell was cast.
Below that was the symbol mentioned, as well as the words of the spell, which appeared to be an archaic form of Latin. The spell was so simple to carry out, it was hard to believe that more vampires did not use this. But what the book had mentioned about the power of the target playing a huge role in the spell's success cleared things up. There was no point using a spell that had such a high chance of failure. If death of the target was desired, there were much simpler ways. Kaname could now understand why such a powerful and valuable spell had faded quietly into the shadows.
But with his Zero's incredible strength and abilities, not mentioning his lineage, it came as no surprise that the spell had worked on him. Still, raw anger and horror seared through him as he realised that had the spell failed, Zero could have died. At least now, even though he was in a different time, his lover was alive and well. As long as the spell was reversed, Kaname could get him back. And now, he also knew for sure that the spell had been cast on the Zero of his time, rather than the Zero from the past. Which hinted more strongly of who exactly it was aimed at.
Kaname read on to the next page, eyes scrutinising the text for what he needed. But it was a different spell.
Cold horror gripped him.
'There's no spell reversal?'
Outwardly, he appeared calm, but his voice was tense and strained. It could not be? There was a spell reversal for every of the vampire spell that he knew of.
Although this could be the exception...
Thankfully, Aidou shook his head, before saying, 'There is! I remember that there was a page dedicated to the reversal of that spell.'
Relief washed over Kaname like a tidal wave. Thank goodness, he thought.
But if it wasn't in the book...
Carefully examining the book, he soon noticed what he had missed before. A page had clearly been torn out, leaving some tiny pieces still stuck to the spine. The pureblood ran his thumb across them. So close. He was so close to getting Zero back again. This book had almost been the solution. Yet the crucial information, the one he needed most, was gone. Deliberately removed from his reach. Kaname looked up, a steely look in his eyes.
Aidou pulled at his collar nervously, detecting the pureblood's obvious ire and frustration. 'That's why I thought it important to show you this in person, Kaname-sama. The page was intentionally removed. Only that page. I checked the whole book myself.'
In a rare show of support for his cousin, Kain nodded in affirmation. 'We were wondering if it could have been done by a student from the Academy for some research, so we went over all the lists of subjects for both the hunter and vampires classes, starting from when the hunter class was formed. There was nothing that would require researching on such a spell. This is probably not a coincidence.'
Kaname nodded, looking straight at them as he softly said, 'Investigate this further. But be extremely discreet. No one else is to know about this, except for the rest of my inner circle.'
Kain and Aidou bowed their heads immediately.
'Yes, Kaname-sama.'
Then Aidou looked up, hesitation in his eyes.
'Kaname-sama?'
'What is it?' Kaname had a feeling he knew what the blonde was going to ask.
'I don't mean to probe, but... is something wrong? The spell...' he trailed off, eyes flitting over the empty kitchen briefly, before returning to Kaname with a worried look.
Kaname sighed inwardly. Of course Aidou, who managed to remain oblivious to just about anything else, had to notice Zero's absence. But it was only to be expected, of course. Whenever his inner circle came over for a visit, Zero would busy himself with serving them snacks and drinks, even though the staff would trip over themselves trying to get it done before he could. Right now, however, Izumi and his kitchen staff were not around. Kaname had sent them off for vacation for three weeks, mostly at Zero's insistence.
'You can't expect them to work all the time, can you? They need off days as well!' his stubborn lover had argued at that time. It had not taken much for Kaname to concede and agree. Zero had beamed, pleased that for the next three weeks, he would be able to work the kitchen without Izumi glaring at him and watching his every move like a hawk, and the kitchen staff offering to help with every little simple task.
Kaname had laughed then. 'If you're happier without them around, I can just have them reassigned elsewhere,' he had teased, though he had been completely serious.
'No,' Zero had said, a small smile playing on his lips. 'I need them to look after you for me when I'm off on missions.'
'Just don't ever leave, then,' Kaname had replied, drawing his lover into his arms. 'Stay by my side forever.'
'Kaname-sama?'
Aidou's concerned voice pulled Kaname out of his reminiscing. That's right. He needed to stop recalling past memories and focus on the situation at hand. For half a second, he considered telling them that he was fine, and that Zero was just sleeping upstairs. He was sure that even though Aidou would not have believed him, he would still accept it.
But, these were vampires he trusted with his life. They had proved their loyalty and support unwaveringly over the years, even when he had been shunned by everyone else as his parents' murderer. Kain had almost died during the investigation then. Because he would rather die than betray him. Aidou, too, had almost given his life protecting Zero for him. He had been the one who questioned how Kaname felt about the hunter, back when the pureblood had still been considering binding him. He had always supported him. And Zero, for that matter.
It would not be fair for him to lie to them. To his friends. To his...family.
Besides, their understanding could help ease his burden. Less people he had to put up a front for.
'The Time Switcher Spell was cast on Zero.'
Shock was evident on both nobles' faces. Aidou's eyes widened in horror. Even though he had suspected Kaname's sudden interest in the spell to be due to personal reasons, never had he imagined that Zero had been the victim to the spell. Kaname's most beloved person, and his own... friend.
Numbly, he asked, 'Do you know why?'
Kaname shook his head grimly. 'No. There was no warning at all. It seems almost random.'
But of course all three of them knew it was not a random move. Someone had deliberately done it. Most probably aimed at the pureblood.
'Does he know?' asked Kain.
Kaname nodded.
'Yes, he does. I also told him about the new hunter class.'
Then he looked first at Kain, before staring straight into Aidou's eyes.
'I told him Cross was still at the Academy, with Yuuki training to take over as Headmaster. He has also been told that he is my protégé. And only that.'
Silence greeted his words as both nobles processed this knowledge. Of course, they had not expected Kaname to tell Zero the whole truth. But still, lying about something that could be disproved so easily seemed too risky. Not that they could think of a better lie, of course. How did you explain to someone why the two people who had been the only constants in his life were no longer by his side? They trusted that Kaname-sama had done the best he could have under the circumstances.
'I trust the both of you will behave accordingly? And instruct the others as well?'
Both nobles looked up immediately.
'Of course, Kaname-sama.'
Kaname nodded once. 'Then be prepared. He is here.'
Before Aidou could fully process the meaning of the pureblood's words, the door to the living room swung open. A scowling Zero stood in the doorway, eyes narrowing as he caught side of Kain and him.
'What are they doing here?'
Though Zero never looked away from them, his question was obviously directed towards Kaname. For a minute, amusement filled Kaname. This Zero, who thought himself only a protégé, had no right questioning the presence of guests. This was Kaname's house, after all. He could invite anyone over, and his protégé had no say. So if Zero was responding this way, maybe it meant he was beginning to see this place as his, as well.
Then again, the more probable reason was that Zero did not give a rat's ass about statuses.
'They are here to help. I told them about the situation.'
Offering the hunter the book in his hand, Kaname watched as the he read about the spell, the irritation on his face growing with every line he read. Then he glanced up.
'What, that's it?'
Kaname shook his head. 'No, according to Aidou, there was once a segment on how to reverse the spell. It would appear that it was previously removed.'
Zero tsked, not bothering to conceal his impatience and frustration.
'What a pain in the ass.'
'We'll get it,' reassured Kaname softly. He wasn't quite sure who he was trying to comfort, Zero or himself.
Zero grunted in response, tossing the book onto the couch next to Kaname. A few seconds of silence passed, before he whirled around, glaring hotly at the blonde noble.
'Will you quit gawking at me like I have two heads? What's your problem?'
Aidou started when Zero's eyes met his. Feeling like a thief caught stealing red-handed, he forced himself to hold the hunter's gaze, despite the irrational urge to shift his gaze away from him. Aidou had been staring at Zero ever since he entered the room. Because this was not the Zero they had all become accustomed to. This was the Zero he had used to hate, back at the Academy. Hot-tempered, disrespectful and utterly insolent. Addressing a noble so casually and rudely – the old Aidou would have thrown a fit, cursing and spitting at the ex-human who did not know his place. But just like how Zero had changed, Aidou had changed too. While they still had conflicts, it never extended beyond the playful, teasing bantering between friends.
'Hey, you,' growled the hunter belligerently. 'Forgot how to use your mouth?'
Okay, now that was uncalled for. Aidou scowled at Zero, mentally trying to control his surging annoyance. He would not kill Zero. He would not kill Zero.
'Or did having hunters join the Academy make you meeker? It suits you, I must admit.'
Okay, he was definitely going to kill Zero.
Sending a heated glare towards the hunter, Aidou clenched his fists, starting to rise from his chair. 'You bastard...!'
Heaving an exasperated sigh, Kain grabbed his cousin's shirt, pulling him back down onto the couch. 'That's enough, Aidou.'
The blonde whipped his head around. 'But Kain! He's the one-'
'Aidou.'
The noble froze at Kaname's voice. Swallowing the rest of his words, he slowly turned to the pureblood, expecting to be met with icy, annoyed eyes.
But Kaname-sama simply shook his head once, grim understanding in his eyes. It was almost as if he were... requesting Aidou to let things slide.
Because he was. Kaname knew that Aidou was not the one at fault here, that it was Zero who was working the tinder in his hands, trying to get a spark that would ignite a fearsome fire. Yet, Kaname could not do anything about it without risking any drastic actions Zero could take. Past Zero had always taken an abrasive attitude towards vampires, insults and sharp retorts permanently on the tip of his tongue. If Kaname responded in a way that made Zero feel like he should be acting more like Future Zero was supposed to, the impulsive hunter was sure to bristle and baulk. The already strained situation would become even more unbearable.
So, for now, all he could do was hope that Aidou understood.
Amazingly, he did. He knew how much the pureblood had to be suffering about this whole situation. For him, he had lost a friend, but for Kaname-sama, he had lost a lover. And Aidou would not do anything to cause Kaname-sama more hurt and anguish.
And so, nodding at the pureblood, he turned back towards Zero, all traces of anger disappearing. In a mock-haughty voice, he announced, 'I won't deign to reply to such childish comments.'
Zero's eyebrows shot up, shock replacing the scorn on his features. What the? Since when would the pompous, irascible Hanabusa Aidou accept snide remarks from anyone? Especially from an ex-human?
Not missing Zero's astonishment, Aidou smirked lightly. 'I'm not the same Aidou, you know. I've changed (Here Kain could not resist a snort, rolling his eyes as well). A lot has changed. You, as well.'
Zero gave a short, mirthless laugh. 'So I'm beginning to realise.'
Of course he knew that nothing would be the same. It seemed like years had passed since the past where he came from. It wasn't like he expected things not to change, just that it seemed like everything had changed. The Academy, Kuran, the vampires. Himself, most of all. He had never once imagined being able to live and work amongst vampires, instead of just killing them. Or ever wanting to. But yet, this was how things had turned out. How, he would make sure he found out, but since they were already on the subject...
'What's future Zero like?'
While he had spent a lot of time hating and berating his future self for the stupid decision he had made, he had never taken a minutre to try to imagine what he was really like. Was he still as guarded and distrustful? He couldn't be, if the Bloody Rose he had found inside the dresser next to the bed was any indication. Was he equally protective of Yuuki? How could he be, if he had allowed himself to leave her side, to live with the vampire she had been admiring all her life?
How could he stand waking up in a pureblood's house every day, walking next to him, learning from him, being associated with him? How could he stand the thought of Yuuki back at the Academy, without both him and Kuran to ensure her safety? Not that he had any doubt that the pureblood would have made sure she was fully protected, but the him now just could not imagine not being there personally, making sure she got enough sleep, helping her with the mad horde of fan girls during class changeover, making sure she finished her homework and kept up with lessons - these were all things he had always done for her. Things that he always complained were pains in the butts, but never had he ever considered not doing them.
Future Zero was someone he was completely unable to imagine. He was like a whole other person.
How much could one person change? Zero had always stuck by the old saying that a leopard could not change its spots, but here it seemed like his own life was proving him wrong.
'Huh?' asked a flustered Aidou, startled gaze locking on his. 'Wait, you're asking me to describe him?'
Zero folded his arms, rolling his eyes. 'No, I'm asking you to sing a song about him. Yes, describe him, idiot.'
Aidou bristled, but remembering Kaname-sama's previous look, just about managed to hold back a sharp retort. Through his struggle to control his fury and indignation, his mind reminded him about Zero's question. Why had the hunter asked him, of all people? What should he say? How much did Kaname-sama want him to know?
At that thought, his panicked gaze sought out the pureblood, mentally pleading for help.
But Kaname-sama only nodded once at him, signaling him to continue.
Eh? He had not been asking for permission to describe future Zero, but for his assistance at answering the question! What was he going to say? Dimly, he tried to imagine their Zero from his previous visit several weeks ago, struggling to find words to describe his friend. Er, Zero was...strong? His physical strength was boundless, and coupled together with his vampire powers, he was practically undefeatable. Zero had been the one who saved the pureblood during the flood, and had been crucial during Kaname-sama's battle with the pureblood Nasser. It was clear to everyone that Zero was a formidable adversary, one you did not want to get on the bad side of.
Kiryuu Zero was the embodiment of all three races. The ex-human vampire who worked as a hunter. Even the Hunter Association had recognised his unique and powerful standing, not just as a pureblood's bondmate, but also as a hunter with a unique vampire power. Ever since he had shown his vines during the Nasser attack, word had spread like wildfire through the Association, and even through the Academy. People either feared, or respected Zero. There were even some hunters pushing for him to take over the Association as head, a move that Kaname and Yagari fully supported. But Zero had always refused, wanting neither the responsibility or the power. The two of them were still in the midst of trying to persuade him otherwise, thankfully. Perhaps one day...
And though he would never admit it to anyone, Aidou thought of Kiryuu Zero as intelligent, quick-thinking, loyal and extremely dauntless. Never had he backed down from a challenge, even if it seemed terrifying, or impossible. He always went in head-first, gun at the ready, face set in a determined look. The blonde had always admired his ever-ready, can-do attitude, even back when he had hated his guts.
So, which of those should he tell the Zero in front of him now? He was not about to admit how he really felt about Zero, especially not in front of Kain and Kaname!
'Uh...,' Still hoping for help, he shot his cousin a helpless, beseeching look.
But all Kain did was shrug unhelpfully. Aidou glared at him, gritting his teeth.
Avoiding the hunter's increasingly more annoyed face, the noble scanned the room, mostly in an effort to buy time. But then his gaze fell over the kitchen, and his face lit up.
'We had a food fight in there once,' blurted the noble, motioning toward the kitchen.
An incredulous and flabbergasted expression crossed Zero's face. 'What?'
He sure had not been expecting to hear that.
From the corner of his eye, Aidou saw a small smile come onto Kaname-sama's face. Recalling the happy memories, most likely. Encouraged by the pureblood's lightened mood, the noble went on.
'It was over an orange. And we kind of destroyed the whole place, covering it in foodstuff and baking ingredients. Oh, and whipped cream. A lot of whipped cream.'
Aidou could not stop the broad smile spreading over his face at the memory of their childish fight. 'The housekeeper was really mad at us. Everyone got roped into helping to clean up, even Kaname-sama and Kain.'
Kain shook his head in exasperation, but the corners of his lips tugged upwards. Kaname's eyes, too, were filled with gentle tenderness as he remembered how Zero had been laughing uncontrollably, tears running down his cheeks. That was one of the first times he had ever seen his lover laughing so hard.
The stunned disbelief on Zero's face was priceless. It was only with supreme effort that Aidou managed to hold back a snigger. He was pretty sure the hunter would not appreciate his making fun of him.
Still lost in the past memory, he continued on, a glint in his eye.
'That wasn't even the best part. The best part was when Kaname-sama asked the cooks for some whipped cream so that he could use it for you lat-'
The blonde yelped in pain as his cousin prodded him viciously, but subtly, in the side of his ribs with a finger, interrupting his train of thought.
'What are you-'
It was the incredulous 'are you an idiot?' look on Kain's face that had him breaking off. Too late, he realised what he had said. Oh, crap. That had definitely been too much information. Why hadn't he just kept his big, fat mouth shut?
Eyes widened in horror, he glanced cautiously at first Kaname-sama, then Zero.
Kaname had stiffened in his seat, face taut. Shooting the blonde a reproaching stare, he then turned to the hunter, assessing his response.
Zero's features had twisted in confusion and incomprehension. 'Whipped cream? For me? Why?'
'It's nothing! Slip of words. Just forget what I said!'
Kaname frowned at the blonde in annoyance. Did he not realise that his hasty reply had only made Zero more suspicious?
'What the hell? Spit it out, Hanabusa.'
Why couldn't Zero just let this go!? Running a hand haphazardly through his hair, Aidou's gaze swivelled down to the floor, avoiding both Zero's irate scowl and the pureblood's rebuking frown. Oh god, why did he always have to put his foot in his mouth? So much for having changed...
'Zero. He's just trying to protect the secret training we do.'
All three vampires turned to the pureblood. Aidou's jaw dropped. What was Kaname-sama talking about?
Sighing lightly, Kaname continued, despite the disbelief on Zero's face. 'It was just an idea I came up with after witnessing the food fight. It made me realise that whipped cream is a readily available household necessity, and it is an excellent tool for blinding and slowing down opponents. So I incorporated it into one of our training sessions.'
Three shocked faces gaped at him.
Recovering first, Zero shook his head in disgust, not bothering to mask the incredulity and scorn on his face.
'What the hell kind of stupid idea is that? Whipped cream training? Seriously?'
Kaname shrugged easily, not giving anything away.
'I'd say it went pretty well.'
And he was not lying. Their 'training' session after the fight had been immensely satisfying, on both their parts. Kaname had smeared the cream all over his lover's body, using his mouth to clean him up seductively, teasing and adoring the hunter so thoroughly that all Zero could do was lie back on the bed, trembling and holding tightly onto him, drowning in a boundless sea of pleasure as wave after wave of sensual bliss crashed over him.
Revulsion still on his face, Zero remarked sardonically, 'I am seriously starting to question your so-called training, Kuran.'
Kaname let the dig slide, fixing his gaze onto Aidou instead. The blonde noble still wore panic and alarm on his face, but his eyes were remorseful and mournful as he stared back at him.
Even though the pureblood did not say a word, Aidou gulped, dread creeping over him like an icy chill. Except that ice was his power, and he had never had to experience it before. But Kaname-sama's frosty eyes seemed to have powers of their own, causing a shiver to run down his spine. The unspoken message in those eyes was as clear as day.
Aidou, you better remember how I had to look like a fool for you.
Aidou swallowed hard.
That's it! I have no idea how Aidou came to become the main focus of this chapter XD He's so adorable though, so forgive him, yeah? I finally got around to planning some stuff out for this story, so I'm pretty excited. But, because real life shall be starting up again in a few weeks, soon my posting frequency shall be severely compromised :( I'm not going to abandon this story, though! Promise! And in the meantime, I will use whatever time I have to write as much as I can :) Thank you again to everyone who has stuck with Switched through these past 7 chapters, and to all new readers as well.
Oh, and I still would like to request ideas for what will happen in the Past with Zero and Kaname XD Thanks, guys :)
Replies to my dear reviewers:
gleish26: HAHAHAH! While I do regret that the dream scared you, I'm kinda glad that it was good enough to cause such a response hahaha. At least it was only a dream yay :) Kaname will never be that cruel. I hope. Thank you so much for your suggestion, I really like it! I DO plan to have a happy ending, so yeah, things will turn out for the best somehow *secret grin* HAHA. Thank you so much for your reassurance of the previous chapter! I was really pretty worried about that. Thank you so much for taking the time to review, and it is my pleasure to write for all of you :D Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Hi: It IS a lot of pressure isn't it! I feel it too, as the author having to decide for him HAHAHA. I hope he makes the right choice :) Oh, I'm so sorry about the cliffhanger T.T I was really stuck, thinking hard about what choice he should make XD I think I've got a sort-of-idea about what will happen next, though, so I hope that turns out well :) Woohoo, if you like Aidou, you should enjoy this super Aidou-centric chapter I think :). I hope I didn't portray him as being OOC or anything though! Thank you once again for your reviews and support and see you soon! :):)