I forgot to mention in the last chapter that I am updating this story on fanfiction and AO3 at the same time, with the same title and same author name XD
Thank you very much for your wonderful and extremely encouraging reviews. As for how many chapters this story has left. I would say that I have an approximation of 8-10 chapters to call this one complete. Never in my wildest dream have I deemed myself able to actually my own fanfiction story. I guess now that I started, I have hard time stopping *blush*
Most of you already know that I enjoy replying to practically every review through PM, so I would like to tell those who have their PM option disable that I did try reaching out to them but couldn't and that I love reading their reviews nonetheless.
Enjoy the longest chapter I have ever wrote XD
Zero sat on his bed, leg crisscrossed and hugging a pillow to his chest. His face sporting a scowl and fidgeting as he followed the pureblood with his eyes. Kaname was pacing the room slowly, not caring about the fact that he was down to his boxers, talking on the phone. He was more listening than talking, giving signs of approval every now and then. When he finally hung up, the hunter groaned and threw the pillow to his face, that Kaname caught with ease, "did you really have to pick up on that damn call, I remember you said that you were on a two days rest" Zero spat in annoyance at being left high and dry.
Kaname did not utter a word, already getting used to the silverette's capricious antics. Instead, he fetched Zero's phone and handed it over to him, earning a quizzical look from the other, "I think you need to switch on your phone and check for any recent message." Kaname talked in a serious tone that confused Zero even more.
"What do you mean?"
"Just switch it on for now, it is nothing alarming. Don't worry!" Kaname assured as he sat beside Zero on the bed. Wine orbs observed as the hunter startled at the pinging of the messages as soon as he switched to device on. Once he heard the content, violet eyes widened and nimble fingers quickly typed a number to call, instantly forgetting about their companion. Zero turned to lay on his stomach and propped himself on his elbows; one hand holding the phone to his ear and the other in his mouth as he was chewing on his thumbnail.
"Zero, where the heck have you been?" Ichiru literally growled over the phone
"Sorry Ich! I got a little tied up with some stuff."
"You mean you got tied up to your own bed… Anyways, get your ass here as soon as you can. Sensei was discharged last night and is in Cross's house. He will be leaving tomorrow first thing in the morning."
"Why were we not informed sooner? Damnit, I would have stayed there instead of coming back to my place!"
"Beats me! Cross said something about the traveling arrangement getting settled as soon as discharge was confirmed. It seems that they were monitoring his condition so that he travels in the best state possible or something." Ichiru explained, exasperated at the rush of events as much as his brother did.
"Alright! Alright! Just give me the time to freshen up and I will come pick you up as soon as I can, later!" Zero hung up on the grumbling twin who was asking him to wait until he makes sure someone will take care of the Bar for it was supposed to be Ryou's day off.
After throwing the phone away, Zero stayed in the same position wiping his face and letting out a loud long sigh before staying still for an awfully long moment. His tense shoulders relaxed when he felt a soft hand pressing and moving along his naked back in soothing motion before going up to his nape, massaging it tenderly.
"Are you okay?" The rich voice resonating in the quiet room added to his comfort. Zero flopped down on the bed and leaned on his side so that he was facing Kaname who was sitting on the edge.
"Yeah, I am fine I guess. You probably already know, but I have to get back to see Sensei off."
"I know, I was informed just now." Kaname confirmed. When he saw no sign of the hunter moving out of the bed and his face taking that solemn expression he found himself hating to see, the pureblood figured that Zero still needed a little push. In a swift movement, he jumped on the bed and covered Zero's body with his own, startling the hunter in the process.
"What the hell! Kana-"
"Since you do not seem in a hurry, I was thinking of resuming where we left off" the brunet whispered in pierced ear.
"Like hell we would! I hate to break it to you, but the fun is over, I have to get ready to leave and so do you …," Zero grunted as he grabbed a fistful of brown hair and yanked the smirking pureblood's head away from his sensitive ear.
"Oh right! You have to go see your Sensei…" Kaname started speaking in a pensive way, narrowing his eyes as if recollecting an important memory before he trailed his word slowly "your mentor... the man you respect the most… the person you owe your life to… What else did you say he was?" He grinned flashing his pearly white teeth at the way Zero's expression when from a frown, to surprise and then turning scarlet of embarrassment when it clicked in his head at to what the pureblood was referring.
Zero quickly hid his face when he felt his blood rush upward "Shit! You heard that?"
"How could I not? You were not exactly trying to keep your voice down." Kaname reminded him teasingly
"Why did you have to remind me?" Zero whined
"Maybe seeing so weak and helpless reminded me of that night?" the pureblood talked while removing the hands covering the unexpectedly shy hunter, earning a trademark scowl at the action.
"I am not weak!" Zero spat
"Okay then, vulnerable?" the pureblood was pushing his buttons further
"I am not"
"Coward."
"Fuck you Kaname!" this time Zero snarled punching the shoulder above him and tried to shrug the weight of the man off him.
"That is what I was planning to do to you." Kaname kept still and unmoving while talking in a way he knew would get under the hunter's skin.
"JUST… uff… get off already! I hate to break it to you AGAIN! But I have to get ready and leave ASAP!" Zero's irritation showed clearly, as he shoved Kaname harder and letting out puffs of breath.
"Alright! I figured you were planning on never going for a second there." The pureblood deadpanned as he dropped to the side next to Zero.
The latter was confused for a second "huh?"
"Well, if you were really eager to go, you would have jumped from the bed as soon as you finished that phone call and gotten ready, not sit and brood over useless things"
"I was not brooding and I was not thinking of useless things"
"Then what are you doing still lying on the bed"
"God! You are so irritating," Zero drawled as he scooted over the edge of the bed and put on his discarded underwear before going to rummage his closet for something to wear.
Kaname lied comfortably on his side, with his head cradled on the palm of his hand that supported him by the elbow. He remembered what Yuki told him over the phone about the gathering of hunters and a few pro-coexistence vampires that appreciated the effort of the sick hunter and wanted to bid him farewell. The ancient vampire took pride in this small victory. Even if the true coexistence was far from accomplished, seeing the snobbish vampires who usually bear their fangs at the mere sight of hunters actually visiting their sick president and wishing him well was one-step towards the ultimate goal. He discarded further thoughts in favor of observing the hunter in front him who was engrossed picking clothes and throwing them on the armchair nearby.
"Zero…"
"What?" Zero answered absentmindedly
"You should take a shower before leaving in case you forgot"
"Hmm…"
"Zero!" this time, Kaname raised the whisper to get the silverette's attention and succeeded.
"What is it, Kaname! Can't you see I am busy, I can't believe that I moved practically all my casual clothes to Cross's house. There is no way in hell I am going formal either… Damn…"
"Well… In any case, you might opt out of those ripped faded jeans over there…" Kaname was smiling at the dilemma of the other and his remark totally rubbed Zero the wrong way.
"They happen to be my favorite, you prim and proper gentleman! So don't talk about them as if they are as good as garbage… What were you saying earlier?" Zero decided to change the subject, he is not ready to take Kaname's advice on what to wear or he might end up with a silk formal shirt, suit pants if not a whole suit and a pair of polished click-clacking shoes. The hunter shuddered at the look he would get from his fellow hunters if he showed up dressed like that.
"I was saying that even if we did not get down and dirty (fucked all the way), you still have my scent all over you. Therefore, you need to take a shower to get rid of it. From that phone call earlier, I assume that there is plenty of hunters visiting Yagari-san, but there is also a bunch of vampires there as well, and high ranking ones. You would not want them to smell me on you now would you?"
Zero's eyes widened in realization "Oh shit! I completely forgot about that." You stupid idiot Kiryuu Zero! The hunters might not be able to smell the scent of a pureblood on you and even if they did detect something, they would just think it is your vampire smell. However, the nobles are a different story, especially Kaname's inner circle who will sure as hell be there.
He quickly picked two towels and rushed to the adjoined bathroom. After he finished, he came out of the steamy cubicle into his bedroom and started to put on his clothes. He glanced toward the bed to find that Kaname took the liberty of going under the covers and hugged a pillow, getting ready to snooze.
"Are you not planning on getting ready to leave?" Zero inquired in a confused tone. What is he doing getting comfortable there!
Kaname yawned lazily "Well… I supposedly took two days off to 'fuck your brains out' like you suggested, but now you are leaving and it would be quite awkward for me to go back barely one day after announcing the need to rest and have some time alone."
"I know! But wasn't whoever called asking for you to go and see Sensei off as well?"
"No~ they were just keeping me updated on what is happening in my absence." The truth was that Yuki did ask if it was possible to cut his journey short and come over, but Kaname had other plans that neither Yuki nor Zero knows about.
"So you are not going."
Kaname popped one lazy eye open to make sure that the hunter was just confused not angry. He was relieved to see curiosity in amethyst eyes.
"My presence might turn the atmosphere a bit uncomfortable for many guests, so I will make sure to visit him at the last minute when only the close ones are present… For now, I will borrow your place to actually rest. You know… have some quality time to myself and, who knows, you might decide to come back here and resume where we left off." Kaname brushed Zero's suspicions smoothly in a playful way that made the hunter roll his eyes.
"Suit yourself, then! But I will probably not be back at all. The door has an auto lock, so you just need to close and leave whenever you want. I am going now"
"Take care"
Kaname did not miss the awkward halt in Zero's movement and the surprised look at his answer. He smiled when the hunter shook his head as if to chase away the confusion and left.
As soon as he heard the door click, Kaname picked his phone and called Yuki.
"Hello, Onii sama? I am sorry if I called at a bad time earlier, are you free to talk now?" Yuki figured that her brother had company judging from the curt answers he was giving her when she explained the situation earlier.
"Yes, Yuki. Sorry for cutting the conversation short earlier."
"It's okay! Although I would have liked for you to have a proper rest when you took off, not go about business venture like you usually do." Kaname could imagine Yuki's puffed cheek over the phone right that moment from the tone of her voice.
"I swear to you that it was not a business transaction, I was conversing with an acquaintance of mine and you know it is rude to leave your guest alone for a phone call no matter how important it is." Especially a certain grumpy ever scowling and highly aroused silver hunter.
"Fine! So~ do you think you will manage to come see Yagari-san before he leaves?"
"I will see him but not at the Academy."
"Why?"
"After I am done here, he would be long gone by the time I reach there, so I figured that I will meet him at the airport and have Ichijou drive me back."
"Oh! That's a good plan…. Also… Uhm…" Yuki stuttered.
"What is it Yuki?" Kaname knew his sister was about to drop an unreasonable request.
"I was wondering if it was okay to stay at father's place until Yagari-san leaves"
"…"
"I promise I won't cause any trouble… I will behave…"
"I know you will behave, but it is the hunters around you that I am worried about"
"I won't let them get under my skin"
"Yuki… You know perfectly well how little control you have over your power lately… I can't risk you getting provoked by something as little as the killing intent of a hunter who probably would not act on it, but you would react in the blink of an eye."
"Mou… Nii-sama… Why are you being so paranoid, everyone will be there, why should I be the only one hiding in a corner when I should be the first to stay by their side."
"Yuki… You can go after the hunters leave and stay as much as you want."
"…"
"Yuki? You answer?" Kaname heard the fumbling of the phone as if it was passed to somebody else
"Kuran-sama? Isaya Shouto here." The soft voice of the pureblood caught Kaname by surprise.
"Hello Shouto-san"
"Hello! I apologize for cutting your conversation so rudely but I figured that it would be better if I gave you an idea about the happenings. You see… Yuki-sama has been in a very bad mood for the past hour because we did not allow her to leave the premises of the Moon Dorm to go to Cross's dwelling without your permission. However, now that you denied her that, she threw the phone and locked herself in her room. Therefore, I would like to know if you could allow me to take her and keep an eye on her there. As you might suspect, despite her pregnancy, she can easily sneak out behind our back and go by herself, which might turn disastrous. I give you my word to keep my guard up and repress any hazardous onslaught of her aura with mine." Isaya explained with a pleading tone.
Kaname pondered for a moment, That Yuki! She sure is surrounding herself with powerful allies. I could not be any happier if it was in different circumstance.
"Are the Kiryuu brothers there?" Kaname asked although he knew they have not left their town yet.
"No! Ichiru-kun called and informed us that they are on their way barely a minute ago."
"Then you will have to wait for them and accompany them inside." Kaname issued the order with finality leaving no more room for debate.
"Understood!" Isaya confirmed reluctantly, but he could not deny how right the decision was.
Once the first call ended, Kaname proceeded to the second and more important one.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The black Jeep pulled in the driveway of the house after passing a myriad of other cars parked outside the campus. Ichiru hang up on the phone after informing Hanabusa that they reached and then joined his brother who already got off the vehicle and walking in direction of the house. The twin's walk slowed down when they noticed the small crowd of people coming in and out of the building. Ichiru let out a groan at the sight of the hunters; he did not care to hide his displeasure upon seeing the people who shunned him from their society ages ago. It is certainly ironic for him to say that he feels much safer around vampires than around them.
Zero noticed the faltering footsteps of his twin and slowed his own to match his pace without saying a word. The hunter could not help the pang of guilt knowing that he was the one who deprived his twin of the last vestige of hunters power he had, making him unfit to fight. However, Ichiru's collaboration is something he was proud of and wished that Ichiru himself took pride in playing such an important role in the intelligence department of the association. Zero's self loathe was interrupted by a croaky voice he recognized quiet well.
"Well! Well! Well! If it is not the failures of the Kiryuu clan here." Jinmu talked in a sardonic tone with an expression filled with disgust
"Good evening! Jinmu-san" Zero replied politely while Ichiru glared daggers at the hateful man. God I could never stand this fella
"Your ungratefulness knows no limit, does it? Going as far as coming fashionably late to see your master instead of being by his side kissing his feet for keeping an abomination like you alive. Then again, that is what he get for protecting a bloodsucker and a vampire boy toy." Jinmu snapped, glancing at Ichiru to get his point across.
"YOU!-" Ichiru growled menacingly as he stomped in direction of the old hunter to give him a piece of his mind only to have Zero's arm block his way.
"We came as soon as we heard the news. We took this long because of how far away we live, and that is a detail that Yagari-sensei as well as Cross are well aware of." Zero spoke in a monotone voice as not to give the hunter any advantage to rile him up or his brother for that matter. I seriously could never stand this fella ugh!
As the twin were about to take the three stairs leading to the threshold of the house, the old hunter moved in their way, preventing their entrance while adjusting the strap of his gun in attempt to threaten the twin in vain.
"I have an idea where you live, and I must say that you are well off living the fancy life in that posh area with this expensive car and those apparently high end clothes. Well! I expect no less from a vampire, you lot just love to show off your power through money and blood. Nothing but vain creature." The old hunter finished his talk with a spit aimed at Zero's shoes that he darted swiftly without showing any sign of surprise, keeping his bored poker face on.
However, this action caused the last string of self-control within Ichiru to snap. "You fucker, how dare you spout rubbish like that just because Nii-san is more successful than a loser old coot like you. Get out of our way before I-"
"Ichiru, that's enough!" Zero cut his brother off when he started making a scene and other curious visitors gathered around them.
"Before you what? Oh what a scary look you have! You are going to tattle to your vampire hubby and have him come after me, you weak little shit. What can you do apart from hiding behind those monsters with your tail between your legs… Oh! My mistake, it should be his tail between your legs."
Ichiru was livid at this point until a slightly cold hand rested on his shoulder and squeezed, followed by a voice he would never get enough of hearing.
"Maybe having his hubby come after you is not such a bad idea. However, I am sure that he likes to settle his score without anyone's help and he is very capable of doing so…" the old hunter was taken aback by the sudden apparition of the blond vampire beside Ichiru who did not bother to hide his displeasure at the insult thrown towards his loved one. Aido's eyes were crimson red and glaring at the old hunter who felt a chill run down his spine as the temperature around him dropped slightly.
"Aido! That is enough." Zero's stern order made the noble retract his aura that was making everyone around them restless "We are not here to cause trouble. Let's get inside"
"He is right! Aido sempai… We are here to visit Yagari-san" Yuki spoke as she took a couple of steps and hooked a hand around Zero's arm, startling him for a second before looking at him with a smile that did not hide her excitement. Oh yeah! Yuki must not have seen sensei in months because she is not allowed to go into crowded areas due to her pregnancy and lack of control. Zero pondered internally as he understood the reason why the vampires were waiting for them to arrive.
Just after the war ended, Yuki was representing the vampire society and working with the hunters to bring back a semblance of order and peace after chaos. However, the pureblood would never go into the association or any meeting filled with hunters without the company of Zero or Isaya Shouto. She was always uncomfortable and scared of the hostility directed at her, especially since she was not confident in her fighting skills yet and worried about the child growing inside her. At that time, Zero was always besides her, he had no qualm thwarting anyone who dared to try to harm her, hunter or vampire. Thus, it is widely known that anyone would think twice before trying a stunt with the future queen when her overprotective brother is at her side. Oh! Well! As long as it keeps everyone calm and well behaved, I do not mind playing the bad guy.
Zero had about enough of the childish bickering and took the first stair toward the old hunter, hoping for him to take the hint and get out of the way so that he can finally get inside. Sadly, Jinmu did not learn his lesson.
"What a disgusting sight! I feel ashamed having that loser as a president. He should be stripped of his title as a hunter for so many reason. Not only is he a faggot banging a faulty abomination (Cross Kaien), but he is also mingling with the very creatures he is supposed to hunt, going as far as taking some of them under his wing and sucking up to others. Disgusting! UGHHH"
The old hunter felt the air whoosh out of his lungs as his back was slammed against a wall and debris fell from the impact. He started shaking like a leaf when he belatedly realized his position. His gun was thrown miles away from his reach, his feet were dangling in the air as he held on the wrist of the clawed hand that was strangling him while keeping him up. He swallowed a whimper of fear when he glanced down to meet blood red eyes and aroused fangs of a snarling vampire, none other than a pissed off Kiryuu Zero.
"I tolerated the shit you threw at me, held myself in check when you riled my brother up with your bullshit, but I will never forgive anyone insulting Yagari-sensei, Never!" Zero tightened his grip on the muscled neck, his claws slicing through the skin. A lame squeak came out of the breathless hunter while Zero brought his face closer. "As for Cross, I am the only one who can badmouth him and get away with it…" the hunter concluded his talk with more pressure on the neck and a look that clearly translated into 'I have no problem snapping your neck any time I want'.
Everything happened in a blur, one second Yuki had her armed hooked around Zero's, the next that arm was hooked around air and Isaya Shouto was gripping her shoulder suppressing the surge of aura that she accidently let seep out when she heard the crash of the old hunter and his groan.
At the same time, few hunters acted on instinct and drew their weapons in Zero's direction ready to shoot. However, they found themselves surrounded by vampires with glowing red eyes and other fellow hunters pointing the tip of their swords toward their necks and other having their barrels stuck to their temples, ready to dispose of whoever threaten the ex-human's life. The high tension and the fact that nobody was backing off showed clearly how much power Zero held, even after retiring from the temporary position of association president. The fact that all vampires and majority of hunters present were forming a barrier to prevent something as thin as a needle from reaching him showed clearly were their allegiance resides. The hunters that thought of taking the opportunity and dispose of him swallowed their pride and dropped down their weapons in defeat.
"Enough kid! I think he got it. We would not want him to piss his pants now, do we?" The booming voice of the female that came out of the house quieted all the commotion. "The kids are getting jittery because of the blood; though I bet it is stinky as hell"
Zero smirked when he recognized the third party and threw the hunter down at her feet "You are right, Yagari-san! It stinks worse than rotting fish."
The woman was grinning as she tied her long dark hair in a ponytail and lifted her stunning blue eyes to look at him "I see you are looking cute as ever"
Zero failed to hide the blush at the unexpected remark that earned him some snickers and teasing from his friends.
After dispelling the tension, the tall woman slammed her boot-clad feet on the chest of the groaning man who was trying to get up "As for you, shithead! I will have you know that despite my little brother being a softie with a hobby of taking care of wayward and strays, he is still one of the top hunters and among the most respected men in both society, a status trash like yourself would never dream of achieving with that rotten mentality of yours. Therefore, such a man does not need to suck up to anyone, unlike you who is here to suck up to him and be on his good side although you think nothing of him. Who is sucking up to who in the end, loser! Now leave before I personally manhandle you, and you know that is not going to be good." The old man scurried away spouting nonsense about making them pay and whatnot.
The dark haired woman let out a long sigh and made a sign with her head for everyone to go inside with a welcome smile as she picked her bag,
"Glad to see you again Yagari-san!" Zero spoke first as he let the woman ruffle his hair. Since he was a child, on the rare occasion that he visited her with his mentor, she always made sure to spoil him rotten with food and shower him with motherly affection every chance she gets, making her own children jealous.
"Don't let that dampen your mood, he is waiting for you and you won't be helpful if you have a sour look on your face, SMILE!" She complained while pinching his cheek and stretching his mouth into a smile before pushing him inside, "I have to go feed a bunch of hungry kids at home. I leave him in your care."
Zero nodded with a tight smile as he went inside followed by Ichiru who received the same treatment from the woman with the addition of a comforting hug.
The last one to follow the group inside was Yuki who stood by the sick hunter's sister with a shy smile. Blue eyes size her up before giving her a full teethed grin "Oh dear! You pipsqueak became a perfect balloon ready to pop"
The pureblood puffed her cheek, faking annoyance at the sarcastic tone of the woman. "I am not that round!" she whined
"Oh! Yes you are! Veryyy round" the taller insisted with a tongue out.
"I am not"
"You should have learned from experience that you would never win in this persistence game against me. Now to the juicy part. Which is it? That stubborn brother refuse to tell me because he wanted me to come and ask you myself. Sorry that it had to be now, but I have been very busy" her voice took on a friendly tender tone as she leaned to rub the pregnant belly.
"You don't have to worry. Taking care of seven children is a feat not many can accomplish as well as you do, and it require all of your time and energy. I am grateful enough that you helped me through the beginning of my pregnancy, and sorry for burdening you with that. As for the news, it is a baby girl, Ai-chan. Zero is actually the one who chose the name." Yuki chirped happily, her face glowing.
Blue eyes softened more as a gentle smile stretched the wrinkles at the edge of the mouth "That is wonderful! I bet she will be as lovely as her mom. She will be proud to have such wonderful parents. I just shudder thinking of what will happen to anyone courting her… You know with a powerful doting father and sure as hell overprotective uncle, the guy will have to climb a fortress before getting the permission to just take her on a date."
Yuki giggled at that "Tell me about it! They are already fussing about her wellbeing while she is still inside. Especially Zero, he would not have a fulfilled week if he does not scold me about not getting enough sleep, eating something I should not have, or doing an activity that would put a strain on Ai's comfort. Geez, he is more of a nagging grand mom than an uncle if you ask me."
The older woman had a nostalgic look as she softly spoke while looking at the direction in which the hunter disappeared "As much as I pity you, I am glad that he is still as caring as he was before… you know… his life changed. I just wish he would smile more like he used to."
Yuki picked on the sad tone "I wish I had known him then too. Ichiru always speak about how bright, cheerful and social Zero was before he was turned."
"Yup! He was a child that every mother would dream to have, extremely polite, dazzlingly handsome, cheerful and caring. No wonder his mother was quiet overprotective of both of them."
"She was?"
"Oh yeah! Sakura was already a powerful and strong-headed woman. Despite the elders being skeptical about her being able to carry the twins to term and trying to make her lose them by dirty tricks, Sakura took off with her husband away from the hunter society and gave birth to them despite all odds. When they came back, everyone gawked at the angelic beauty of the toddlers and nobody could hate them, even if they carried the hunters curse with them. Nonetheless, she would never allow anyone to feed them, give them a bath or change their clothes. The only one allowed to do so was my brother because Zero was extremely attached to him. I take the opportunity to spoil them when Toga bring them over for a visit while their parents are away."
"Oh! That is why he turns docile and relaxed whenever he is around you and Yagari-san." Yuki slammed a fisted hand into her palm in realization. It always bothered her why he was so mellow with the dark haired hunter and not the same with his adoptive father.
The woman grinned "Yep! And we are quite proud of that."
"Now what kind of fun did I miss!" the gruff voice coming from behind startled both women as they failed to sense the approaching hunter, Kaito Takamiya.
Yuki's face broke into a smile at seeing her friend back "Nothing much! Just Zero getting in one of his mood."
Kaito quirked an eyebrow "Let me guess! One of those idiots tried to piss him off and it worked." He contemplated looking at the cracked part of the wall.
"Bingo"
"It is good to see you alive, ungrateful brat. You can travel to the end of the world for your stupid mission but you cannot drop by to visit your mom?" Yagari's sister grumbled as Kaito took the stairs to join them at the porch.
"First of all, I don't remember having two mothers. Secondly, I just had a very, very, very long train trip and the last thing I need is your preaching, old hag! And it is good to see you alive too, albeit with more wrinkle than last time." Kaito grumbled back and turned to ask Yuki about the others only to get backhanded with one strong hand.
"While your mother, whom I consider a friend, was in and out of rehab, I was the one who washed your dirty laundry down to your underwear. I also made sure you had a good warm meal when coming back from your training, and took care of your sick ass whenever my stupid brother comes freaking out about you having the slightest fever. That gives me the right to call myself your mother and don't you dare deny that again… Now, why the hell are traveling by train when you could have taken a plane and arrived hours ago?"
Kaito rolled his eyes and let out a long sigh knowing he won't be freed anytime soon, "Well! In case you did not live in a cave, you should know the difference between the cost of a train ticket and an air ticket."
"I do have an idea and I know it is nothing you cannot afford."
"That would be true before your brother and his conspirator throw a kid under my care. Got it?"
"Nope!"
"Come on, are you that stupid! You, who have seven monkeys at home, should know that raising kids is quite expensive and I have to take care of that starting from now."
"My kids are not monkeys"
"Yeah! You can say that when they do not climb me like a tree as soon as I enter your house."
"Forget it, back to the guardian issue. I know about the kid you are taking in, and I know for sure that he has prior financial support because his father was a war victim, so you should not have money issue with him. I hope you know that they will still send you the money for his financial support like all the other kids like him."
Kaito's nostril flared as he took a sharp breath and looked away from the woman as he mumbled. "That money will be saved for later."
Blue eyes widened for a second and a small smile of recognition adorned the face of the huntress. So my little bro did raise a good kid, I see! But I am not done with him yet.
"Oh well! Since you care that much about the well being of the child, why don't you think of a woman that can help you raise and support him. You are not getting any younger, you know that?"
"Says the one who was calling me a brat a second ago. Mind your own business."
"You are a brat to me and you will always be. I know that you do not come over anymore because of the piling omiai pictures gathering on my desk. It really bothers me to see all those good girls almost groveling to have the chance of becoming your wife while you go and fool around with a bunch of sluts. Won't you settle down already and have your own family. I am sure Sachi would be happier if he had younger siblings and you know that."
"She is right, Kaito. It bugged me as to why you nor Zero decided to marry seeing that hunters tend to commit at a young age." Yuki interjected. Curious but also enjoying the dilemma showing on the hunter known to be a vicious bully.
"First of all, do not use the well being of Sachi as a bait to trap me in that kind of comedy. Besides, I have no intention of marrying nor am I a father material. Taking care of this kid alone will be a huge hassle, I do not need a nagging wife and a bunch of kids giving migraine either."
"Says the one who would call at least two times a week asking about Ai-chan." Yuki teased
"Oh my! She will have three guards making her life a living hell." The older women exclaimed dramatically.
"Fuck! Spare me the chicks' drama please! I am going in, I have better things to do…" Kaito announced as he was about to turn around and go see his guardian.
"What do I do about your marriage proposals? They would need an answer soon."
"You can refuse any omiai from now on, I have no plans to marry… What?" the finality in the hunter's tone picked the interest of the older woman, so she quickly grabbed his arm to prevent his escape.
"Now, now… Since when?"
"huh?"
"Since when are you going steady with this person?"
"What?" It was Yuki's turn to get surprised at the implication.
"Well, this kid always loved to keep those women pending with the hope that he would look their way one day that is the kind of playboy he is. To think that he is suddenly disregarding any perspective of marriage and sparing those girls the heartache of waiting for a dream that will never come true, can only mean one thing. You have a special person already, and from that smirk on your face, you are already in a relationship."
"Kaito-san?"
"Well… she has always been good at reading through me…"Kaito addressed Yuki this time
"You bet I am! Now the reason why you are not marrying this person because this person is a he, not a she. Gay marriage may be approved in human society, but hunters are quite homophobic seeing that they care about procreating and siring powerful hunters all the time. Is that why you did not bother to tell even me."
"Kind of…" Kaito trailed
"Well! Tough luck, you are bringing him to dinner the first weekend you are back from your mission, and I won't take no for an answer. I have to be introduced to my son-in-law ASAP" the huntress chirped in excitement
"What? No! that is not happening…No! I am done talking here… See ya in hell" Kaito barked as he bolted out and went inside the house to escape anymore-mental torture. I just realized recently that I was serious about him. Now you want me to have him meet the family? You are fucking kidding me!
The women bid each other farewell when a call informed that a cab is here to drive the older one home and Ichiru was calling Yuki to come in already.
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Zero was surprised but happy to see that the house was quiet empty inside, with only few guests ready to leave. It is getting rather dark outside!
He took the flight of stairs two at a time, leaving Ichiru and the vampires behind him. Once he was in front of Cross's bedroom, he knocked twice and let himself in after hearing his adoptive father calling.
Contrarily to what he expected to see, which is a bunch of tubes and life support system hooked to his master's body. Yagari was sitting on the bed, looking refreshed with some color in his previously ashen pale skin. He was wearing warm casual clothes instead of a hospital gown with his eyepatch in place. His hair was messy, but in the good way that Zero was used to.
"Yo kid! What was that fuss outside just now" the rich voice of his mentor snapped Zero of his reverie, he found himself smiling like a child as he walked to sit beside Toga.
"Nothing to worry about! Just the usual bickering between hunters and vampires. Tessa-san dealt with it quietly. Yuki and co. are here to see you by the way."
"Oh! That is wonderful!" Cross chirped from the corner of the room where he was folding and arranging clothes in a suitcase.
"Good! About time they came to pick up those kids as well. They got tired of folding cranes and fell asleep on top of them. Nee-san was crackling her knuckle ready to kick some ass when she felt the threatening auras lashing around, lucky there was no bloodshed, probably because of you." Toga grunted pointing in the direction that Zero followed with his gaze. The ex-human realized that he was too distracted by his mentor's improved health that he did not notice the mountain of cranes lying on the carpet nor the two small figure snoozing under the covers on the other side of his master. Keiichi and Hina-chan were apparently with him the whole time. Yagari explained that he was the one who asked Cross to bring them over. This explains more why Jinmu-san had them in a knot!
"I have not come across Gin coming here, is he the one supposed to pick Hina-chan?" Zero asked
"Gin?" Yagari inquired looking in direction of Cross
"He is talking about Moriya-sensei. Remember, the substitute that Yuki-chan and Kaito-kun recommended. He is quite an outstanding young man. He is out of town, Zero." Cross explained
"Wait! You mean he is the man who graduated from the same university as Kaito? And his full name is Moriya Gin. By any chance, does he have kind of blond hair and honey colored eyes, tall and more on the skinny side, always wearing glasses." Yagari talked fast, confusing both men. Zero was the one to answer him.
"Well for starter, he has dark blue hair, grey eyes that do not seem like contact lenses to me, he is indeed tall but more on the bulky bodybuilder side, and I never saw him wearing glasses even on the rare occasion when he is working or grading papers."
Yagari frowned before relaxing his serious face "Must have confused the names then."
"And who is this other Moriya that got your feathers ruffled?" Toga smirked at the jealous undertone of his lover's question.
"He was an instructor at that university in my student days, and he mysteriously disappeared. Rumors were flying about him taking a trip around the world, other saying he committed suicide and other crazy assumptions. I tried contacting him several times over the years but failed each time. He was a good teacher and a friend of mine. That is all." Yagari would cut his tongue off before revealing that he dated the guy for a short time because he reminded him of his first love, but Zero might have picked up on it judging by the way he was trying not to laugh and expose him.
The awkward moment dissipated when the vampires and Ichiru joined them followed by a haggard looking Kaito. The group enjoyed some animated conversation with the old hunters in a cozy familial atmosphere now that all other strangers left. After a while, Cross offered to guide them to the living room for some refreshment, implicitly giving some private space for his lover and his disciples. Yuki of course did not linger long before joining them again, claiming that she is a disciple as well since Yagari did teach her some self-defense techniques at some point.
A couple of hours later, Takuma announced that the driver will reach in twenty minutes, urging Cross to get Yagari and himself ready to say goodbye and leave. The ex-hunter took slow steps that were as heavy as his heart toward the bedroom to help his lover down and drive him to the airport. However, the sight that greeted him successfully lifted his mood.
Amused blue eyes looked into surprised hazel ones "Someone should teach them not to use a sick man as a pillow, don't you think?"
Cross chuckled and nodded at the sight of a snoozing Kaito resting his head on Yagari's chest, Zero hogging his arm while Ichiru barely kept himself in balance by hugging Zero's back. Kaito was the first to stir awake as he felt the rumble in his guardian's chest when he talked. He bolted and woke the two others up when Kaien explained that they needed to leave.
Even after they bid their goodbyes and Yagari's wheelchair was pushed towards the car, Zero and Kaito were complaining about not being allowed to accompany him to the airport. "Stop acting spoiled! I already told you that no one other than Kaien will be coming with me, Ichijou-kun is going because this limousine is his courtesy and that is final. Stop nagging and go get a life already." That successfully silenced any protest as the two men stood watching the car disappear from their sight before turning around and join the sniffling Yuki and Ichiru inside.
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Thirty minutes later, Zero felt suffocated because of the gloomy atmosphere lingering in the room and decided to find comfort somewhere else. Just as he was about to open the door to Cross's bedroom, something he would usually never do in his absence, his phone vibrated.
"Hello…"
"Are you free to speak?" Kaname's voice resonated across the line
"Yeah…" Zero answered softly as he pushed the door open and went to sit on the bed where Yagari was not long ago.
"I just wanted to check on you…"
"I am fine. Sensei is already on his way to the airport… You missed the chance to see him off if you ever wanted to…"
"Too bad…" Kaname chuckled as he imagined a pout that Zero would never have.
"Regret is painfully obvious in your voice, jerk!" Zero grumbled, knowing how childish he is being for taking his anguish on Kaname. "It sounds like you are in a crowded area judging from the noise, I hope you did not make a mess at my place before leaving."
"I remember being the one to clean the mess usually… Right?" Kaname smirked at the implication of his own talk
Zero blushed knowing what he meant but snapped when he caught sight of a familiar pouch on the nightstand. Isn't that the pouch where sensei keeps his clean eyepatches?
"Kaname… I have to go… talk to you later!" He hang up before waiting for the pureblood to react, grabbed the pouch and run through the corridor, skipped down the stairs and bolted out of the house. He felt like he bumped into someone but gave it no thoughts as he jumped into his car and drove away.
"Hello everyone! I was tackled by Zero just now as he was running for his life. I tried calling out for him but he was deaf to the world. Do you think we should go after him?" A perplexed Gin stepped into the living room announcing the stealthy sneak of the hunter. Ichiru rolled his eyes from his position in Aido's lap "leave him be! He probably needs to get some fresh air, alone so that he does not take out his frustration on us." Gin shrugged and joined the group who filled him in on what happened in his absence.
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Zero took a deep breath when he found himself inside the airport departure lobby. He scanned the information board and frowned when he found no flights to Germany that were leaving anytime soon. He fished his phone and dialed Cross's number. It had better not be another sick drama plot they are pulling on us.
The phone rang several time before the annoying voicemail came in. Zero almost broke the phone as he was pushing on the screen until he found Takuma's number and called. Thankfully, the noble vampire answered on the second ring.
"Yes, Kiryuu-kun?"
"Ichijou… Sorry, I kind of need you help to guide me…"
"Guide you where?" Takuma's eyebrow shot up as he looked at his pureblood friend who was standing nearby.
"Actually, I kind of found my way to the airport but I don't know the flight information and I kind of need to hand something important to sensei before he gets on the plane." Zero explained hoping to get a positive and non-elusive answer.
"Wait! You are at the airport, right NOW?" Takuma yelled unconsciously before whispering the second time "You know very well that Yagari-san did not want anyone following him. You are putting me in a bind here, Kiryuu-kun"
"I know, I am sorry but I need to hand this over to him, he will thank me for it instead of scolding us. Trust me"
Kaname noticed the blond vampire's distress and decided to take matters in hand, as he snatched the phone from Takuma's ear.
"Where are you now, Kiryuu-kun?" Kaname spoke with a flat tone, not letting any emotion seep.
"Kaname? What-" Zero's eyes bulged out when he heard the last person he expected to be present.
"Could you specify your location so that Ichijou can come and guide you to where Yagari-san is? You would not be able to access this area by yourself."
"I… Umm…" he looked around and answered, still confused "I am standing in front of check in counter number 18"
"Good, Ichijou will be there shortly, do not move." Kaname hanged up the phone and handed it to a panicked Takuma.
"Kaname what are you doing?"
"He is here and most probably alone, we cannot possibly send him away. Besides, he must have figured that there is no regular flight anytime soon and that will make him suspect that all this might be a big farce. It would be better if he sees everything with his own eyes. I will deal with anything else later; we do not have any more time to waste." Takuma nodded and walked his way to fetch Zero. Meanwhile, Kaname went to explain the situation to Yagari and Cross.
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Takuma saw Zero's shoulder visibly relaxed when he spotted him. The blond vampire flashed him with his dazzling smile as he beckoned him to follow.
"Where are we going? Ichijou-kun?"
"Yagari-san is not taking a regular flight to go to Germany, you will understand in a minute" the noble explained as he took out a golden card from his breast pocket and showed it to the receptionist at the entrance of the VIP lounge of the airport. Zero was lost at this point, following the slightly shorter noble through the carpeted corridors, passing by a fancy looking lounge then taking a flight of marble stairs to end up in front of another fancy expensive looking door that lead to a private departure gate. He had to blink twice to believe that he was seeing the name Kuran engraved on the golden plate placed on the red covered table next to the door. "What is the meaning of this?"
Takuma took in the direction where the hunter was looking and answered, "Yagari-san will be using one of the Kuran's private jet to travel comfortably to his destination"
Before Zero could find his next question, they were walking through a tunnel that was rumbling from the proximity of the airplane's roaring engine. Kaname was standing at the entrance of the plane waiting for them. As soon as they came close, he moved his head in a gesture to follow him inside. Zero scowled in his direction but followed without a word.
Inside the high tech contraption, Zero found his mentor lying comfortably in a big bed with a couple of seatbelt holding his midsection. There was some familiar medical machinery besides him that a man who looked like a doctor was setting up and hooking them to his arm and finger. On the other side, Zero saw Seiren with two other women that Zero recognized one of them being the assigned nurse back at the hospital.
Yagari and Cross noticed the confusion of the hunter and called out to him "So what is this important thing that made disregard my warning and follow me here?" the gruff voice showed obvious displeasure at being seen in such state but he could not help the amusement of having Zero dumbstruck. Zero lifted up the pouch to show it as he stood closer to the bed. "Oh my! I actually forgot such an important item! Thank you so much for bringing it Zero." Cross exclaimed and blamed his carelessness when packing the luggage.
"Sorry for entering your room without permission, I was looking for something when I stumbled upon it." Zero's explanation earned him an approving nod from Yagari who gratefully held onto the pouch. In the middle of his conversation, Zero could not help but discreetly glance toward Kaname who was talking with the pilot and Seiren at this point.
After all the preparation were done, everyone got off the plane except for Seiren and the doctor who were travelling with Yagari. Cross informed Takuma that he will be going back with Zero as his adoptive son seemed to have too many questions in his eyes that are better answered in absolute privacy. Kaname nodded in approval and beckoned his friend. Once they reached Zero's car, Cross grabbed his arm and held his hand waiting for Zero to give him something.
The hunter quirked an eyebrow "What?"
"You know what? Pass me the keys, I will drive." Cross spoke sternly
"It is my car, why should I let you drive, old man?"
"Because I want to reach home in one piece." Cross stated
Zero rolled his eyes at the implication "Come on! Just because I don't drive at a snail speed like you does not mean I do not drive safely."
"Either you hand over the key or I will not answer any question. It is better for me to catch on some sleep anyways."
Having no more room for debate, Zero glared at him as he handed the switch over, earning a beaming smile of the once again goofy ex-hunter.
"Now let's have some father-son bonding time, shall we?" Cross chirped as he climbed into the driver seat.
"Ugh! Spare me!" Zero groaned as he put his feet up on the board, earning a scolding remark from the other "Again! It is my car; I can sit however the fuck I want."
"That crass way of talking is exactly like his." This time, the remark was soft with a lingering nostalgia that was apparent in the ex-hunter expression. That is when Zero decided to stop being a jerk and properly listen to what the older man has to say.
"You are probably wondering about all that you witnessed there right?"
"Duh! I don't exactly remember my mentor to be some sort of royalty that can afford the luxury of traveling in a private jet, let alone have their own medical team etc… and I am sure as hell the association does not have enough extra budget to cover such expense, neither do you. Now, why in the world would you get Kuran to provide his services, which leave you in his debt? Your opinion aside, that is something sensei would usually never resort to." Zero finally poured all the confusion that was twirling around his head from the moment he passed through the VIP gate.
"You have it all backward Zero, we did not seek Kaname-kun's services, he offered to help, anonymously." The hazel-eyed man deadpanned as he focused on the road ahead of him.
"What?" Zero looked at him quizzically.
"Long story short, Kaname-kun is the one who found this doctor in the first place, and for your information, this doctor is extremely stubborn and eccentric to the point that he handpick his patient and well known for not accepting just any case. Kaname-kun not only convinced him to take Toga-chan in his facility but he will be the one overseeing his treatment, in person. After getting the agreement and report, Kaname-kun presented the option to Toga and left him with the final decision of taking the treatment or not. Once your mentor agreed, Kaname-kun got them to send a medical team from Germany to get him ready to travel without risk. Meanwhile, he remodeled that jet plane into a medical one. Once the preparation were done, he left Seiren in charge of guarding Toga and catering to his need for the whole period of his stay over there. He did all this and asked for his collaboration to stay anonymous. The only ones who knew about this are Takuma-kun, Seiren, myself and now you." Zero was successfully dumbstruck once again, he pondered for a second before voicing his opinion.
"It is too good to be just a good deed. There must be something behind it. Or he might want something in return, how can you trust him so blindly." The hunter protested as he straightened up in his seat and scrutinized his father's face "What did he demand for this."
"Nothing" Kaien replied with a happy smile as he glanced at his scowling passenger
"Bullshit"
The harsh tone of Zero was reciprocated by Kaien dropping his goofy look and putting on an eerily serious expression along with an exasperated sigh "Zero! You need to understand that Kaname-kun is a different person now. I understand that you had your difference in the past, that you fell right at the center of his twisted plan, and that he hurt you more than anyone in this world did. However, you have to understand that he is not the same person anymore. He does not bother to scheme or plan anything because he is playing in a team now. He realized that it is a better option to work together toward our common goal instead of the one man show that led to so many casualties, and you made sure that he paid for his sin. Is taking away his freedom to act not enough for you to move on and see beyond his past actions?"
"He never did anything without a reason, a selfish reason! Why should I trust him?" Zero spat, irritation started to seep in his pores
"Well as a matter of fact, he has been doing a lot of selfless deeds since he awoke and realized how much of a mess his actions entailed. I cannot tell you the details, but trust me; no selfish man would do what he had done to help us all."
Zero looked for any sign of deception that he learned to detect on Cross's face, finding none, he relaxed in his seat "Fine! I will take your word on that until I am proven otherwise."
Cross smiled in relief and gave one last comment before continuing the road in comfortable silence "Can you promise me that you would make the effort to get along with Kaname-kun from now on. I really wish that one day you can sit together as friends."
Zero glanced sideway then gazed at the stretching road as he answered "Don't get your hopes up, old man!... but… maybe… I will give it a try… someday… the getting along part… I mean" he trailed the last word in a stuttering mumbled that earned him a chuckle.
Although we have been getting along just fine for a while, but that is on a different level that no one needs to know about. The hunter internally smirked, thinking of ways to torture the pureblood for hiding this from him and lie about other stuff.
BEFORE YOU ASK! YAGARI/CROSS ARE NOT THE THIRD PAIRING, they are just mentioned but will not have too much screening as a couple.
I don't know why but I enjoyed writing this chapter and I had to forcefully stop myself and update because it is still going on and on. The other part is still a bit short but it will probably not take me long to write more and update it during this week. But I will not do so unless I get some reviews *smirk* (just kidding)
REVIEWS PLEEEEEEEEEEEAAASE!