STOP RIGHT THERE!
DID YOU READ CHAPTER 44!
IF NOT GO AND READ IT BECAUSE I DID A TRIPLE UPDATE!
I POSTED CHAPTER 44, 45, 46 ON THE SAME DAY!
ENJOY! XD
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ The next morning ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Amethyst eyes fluttered open as the rays of sun filtering from the wall-sized window tickled them.
A soft groan alerted the hunter of the other presence in his usually empty bed. He shifted slightly and faced his adoptive sister who was clutching the pillow with a slight frown knitting her eyebrows while deep asleep.
A smile curled Zero's lips despite feeling bad for worrying her to the point that she abandoned her own family to stay by his side, even for one night.
Resting his head on the pillow again, he observed the funny expressions of the female pureblood as the bothersome sun slid across her face. He forgot his intentions of shutting the curtains in favor of musing on her features, subconsciously.
Asleep, Yuki had eyelashes as long as Kaname's, coupled with the trademark thin but dark and perfectly traced eyebrows. The shape might be slightly different but Zero was remembering instead of comparing. In his vision, the nose bridge elongated a bit and became more refined. The slightly pouty lips became thinner in line but plump and lascivious. The round face and soft cheekbones sharpened and shifted. Thus marked the beginning of the pleasant memory.
Flashback ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
The pleasant ache throbbing through his body made him forfeit leaving the bed, especially with the delicious sight that greeted him. There, next to him, the naked pureblood slept soundly on his back with a hand close to Zero's head indicating that he slept while massaging the silver head. His other hand was draped lazily over his naked midsection as his toned chest rose slowly every now and then.
Zero traced soft circles on the palm next to his head before the naughty hand extended and started tracing the perfect features of the serene pureblood who ravaged him like a beast barely few hours ago.
A big yawn escaped him, looking at the time, he realized that he barely caught any sleep. that explains why I woke up before he did.
He pondered as he traced the length of a delicate finger, before scooting closer and resting his head over the strong chest. He would never admit it to anyone, but he found himself sleeping the best in Kaname's embrace. His presence was enough to chase away his worst nightmares. No, Zero would not admit it because the last thing he wanted was to depend on a man he was meant to let go of eventually.
A kiss on top of his head snapped him out of the daze, his lips curled in a faint smile as he looked up to see the sleepy look on Kaname. Zero always cursed at how unfair it was that the pureblood looked his best waking up from sleep. He whimpered softly when Kaname shifted his sore body to wrap him in his arms.
"Good morning…"
"Mornin'…" Zero nuzzled the collarbone, tickling Kaname on purpose, "It is pretty rare for you to wake up after I do… "
"hmmm… That's true… You do sleep quite a lot."
"Jerk! You are the one who does not sleep at all." Zero snapped at the sarcasm, looking up to scowl at the man who cut him off with a soft kiss. Zero was tempted to chase after the lips when they detached from his if Kaname did not stretch and reached out for his ringing phone.
While the brunet answered his phone, Zero taunted him with lewd caresses across his chest, nibbling his ear and lips to the point of making him chuckle and apologize to the person he was talking so formally to.
As soon as he hung up, Kaname went into a full on tickle torture, leaving the hunter red and breathless.
"All right! That should be enough." He chuckled before claiming the hunter's lips for a deeper kiss, "I need to get ready and go."
Zero's hold over his neck slackened and he sunk back onto the mattress.
Hearing the sound of the shower made him a bit melancholic. He did not understand why, he did not want to understand why. Therefore, he kicked the sheet and slid on a fresh pair of boxers before going to make some coffee.
He was sitting on the stool by the kitchen island when the regal pureblood joined him in his crisp suit and immaculate look, ready to put on the façade of the vampire king.
"That was fast…. Here I was thinking about giving you a back scrub." He quipped.
Kaname's eyebrow quirked up in amusement, he stepped closer and snatched the cup from Zero's hand to take a sip while the hunter took the initiative of tightening the loose tie.
Zero took the chance to pull Kaname down and kiss him one more time while clutching the jacket so that the pureblood does not break it before he got his fill.
Kaname welcomed the action like in every rare occasion Zero claimed some affection after they fulfilled their lustful desires.
Whispering against his lips, "See you soon…"
The pureblood smiled but halted right after, "Oh! I am actually going on a business trip," He had to hold himself from pouncing the hunter when Zero gave him a cute pout, "I will come over as soon as I get back. It will probably be by the end of the week though."
Zero pondered for a second before his shoulder slumped in disappointment, "I have an undercover mission next week. Sucks!"
Kaname was silent but Zero could see dejection flittering across his eyes. Their meetings have always been sporadic. There would be times where they would go at it like bunnies almost every day, but there are also time where they would go for over a week without seeing each other. Kaname hated those periods the most and Zero knew that was because he believed that the hunter would be looking for another man to warm his bed in his absence.
Pulling on the tie again, "I don't mind waiting as long as there is a next time…" he teased as he kissed, bit and dragged the lower lip of the pureblood.
Chuckling at the growl, he allowed Kaname to hold the back of his head and claim his mouth in a deeper, hotter kiss before groaning as he separated their swollen lips "There will be a next time and one after and another after, but I really have to go now…" The pureblood had two minds about cancelling all arrangement for the rest of eternity if the hunter ever made the crazy request, even as a joke.
"Go." Zero whispered as he pushed the reluctant brunet gently.
end of Flashback ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Zero felt his throat tighten and gasped for the breath he did not know that he was holding. He stopped his hand in time before it caressed the cheek of his sister and he quickly left the bed, closed the curtains and escaped from the room that was choking him with the bittersweet memories.
In the hallway, he peeked at the guestroom and saw the shape of Gin bundled in the bed. Quietly, he tiptoed and sneaked under the cover to join him.
Zero startled when the grey-eyed man caged him in a bear hug. He reciprocated and inhaled loudly, trying to find a soothing scent that would erase the one from his memories, to no avail.
Catching on his tense posture, Gin quickly chased the sleepiness away "are you okay?"
Zero nodded against his chest.
"Bad dream?" He asked again, hoping that he hunter had a good night sleep after yesterday's dilemma.
Zero shook his head, "No… I just… I just felt like being here, with you."
A long pause followed.
"That is quite cruel of you to say." Gin chuckled, letting go of the hunter and ruffling the silver hair.
He sat on the bed, running a palm across his own face before inhaling deeply. He felt the need to remind himself that Zero would not mean those words the way he wished he would. Glancing at the silverette, he let out an internal squeal at the cuteness he showed by grabbing the hem of his shirt.
He lied back on his side and stroked the small head gently, "Did you sleep well?"
"uhm… I did. I am feeling much better actually." Zero mumbled with a lazy yawn.
"Sleep some more if you need to. I am going to whip up some breakfast. Any idea about what Yuki-chan likes?" Gin asked, remembering the other guest.
"Scrambled eggs, sausages and …. uhm… I don't know… She has cereal sometime… but that is years ago, dunno about now…" Zero wondered, realizing that he was ignoring his sister a little too much lately, and wincing at the thought.
"I will see what I can do. Any cravings?" Gin teased.
"Do we still have rice crackers?" Zero mumbled, rubbing his sleepy eye.
"Do you feel nauseous?" Gin got worried because that is what Zero took to suppress a little of the morning sickness.
"Sort of… I don't think it is the morning sickness though. Just adapting to this new phase." Zero explained when Gin noticed his feverish skin.
"Yeah…" Gin trailed, "Yuki-chan did say that it should be temporary until you both adjust to a certain pace."
Zero frowned, "It seems you had a good talk."
The human grinned, "Yeah we watched a movie since none of us could sleep until we made sure that you would be fine for the rest of the night."
"Sorry about that." Zero grimaced, getting into a sitting position next to Gin who already sat on the edge of the bed to stand up.
"Don't be… I learned quite a few things thanks to that and I think that I will be more useful with the pregnancy from now on." Gin quipped. He then remembered a detail, "Oh! By the way, she was going on about how you will be having a big baby judging from the bump and stuff. Now that I think about it. That approximation you gave was a little too off. What are you planning to do when you are supposed to be thirteen weeks and saying that you are four or five. I mean, won't it be weird when the premature baby is born healthy and well. What if, god forbid, you go into premature labor, that would be even more awkward. Not to mention that we are consulting a different doctor-" Gin was panicking as he poured more information to the point that Zero had to cover his mouth to stop him.
"I know… I sort of screw up there…." Zero's shoulder slumped, "I would have thought of a better timeframe if you gave me some heads up" he glowered at the guilty man.
He then sighed, "I will think about it later, I want to go back to sleep for now."
Gin pulled the cover over the hunter and headed to the bathroom. Zero, on the other hand, was wide-awake with millions of dreadful scenarios going through his head.
****author note: the use of they does not mean twins but it is referring to the child because Zero does not know the gender and does not want to refer to his child as it****
I can't give birth to my child here obviously, we need to arrange the travelling at the earliest. I hope this siphoning will not be a problem by that time.
Now that they are aware of the pregnancy, I can't possibly hide the existence of this child. I just hope they take after me not after… their father.
His throat tightened and he squeezed the cover over his head as a fear creeped up to him.
What if they look like him, what if they grow up to look like their father? How will I explain it? What will I tell my child when they notice it? What if he decides to take them away from me? No… NO… That cannot happen, he can't do that… Can he?
Hunter threw himself in a fit of anxiety and panic until he heard the bathroom door open again. Closing his eyes, he sighed at the feel of Gin rubbing his head after hovering over him for a second. It will be fine, we will work it out somehow.
Zero could not help but ponder about the reason why he decided to keep the baby in the first place. Sure, Gin gave the final encouraging push, but something inside him was against the abortion in the first place. Unlike the time, he was carrying Marco's child when he did not second-guess his decision. Zero felt as if he had an internal prayer for someone to stop him from doing the irreversible. He wanted to keep this baby for reasons he could not comprehend. He was aware of the risks and repercussions of this pregnancy; he wanted to end it when he first heard the erratic heartbeat.
However, somewhere along the lines, he started to feel the little existence inside of him grow… Every time he rubbed his lower abdomen, he would imagine what it would be like to feel the kick against his hands few months later. Every time he closed his eyes and listened to the muffled heartbeat, he would feel a serenity he never felt before… He loved this little precious existence and the more he struggled to protect it the more he confirmed that he wanted nothing more than to welcome this baby and give them all the happiness of the world. The love, the bond forming between them and all other new emotions overruled any doubt or pondering in Zero's mind as to why he wanted to keep this baby. The only truth he cared about is that he is about to enjoy a fulfilled life for his child and looking forward to a much brighter future with them. He could care less about any other issue right now.
Violet eyes fluttered, dozing off to a much pleasant sleep. The exhausted hunter did not notice the small figure tiptoeing inside the room and swooning with a silent squeal when she saw the smile on his peacefully sleeping face. Yuki hurriedly dragged Gin to show him and they both chuckled without making too much noise before going for breakfast.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ The next day ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
"Gin! Come on~ Don't be so boring… I want to tag along… It is not like I will do some intense workout or anything… I will just help around and-"
"I said no." Gin interrupted the whining silverette as he put on his jacket and snatched the car keys before Zero could abduct them.
Pointing his finger between Zero's eyebrows, he lectured, "I know that you are not allowed to go on missions, I know that you have about a week off thanks to overworking yourself unreasonably and I know that you will be bored moping around at home by yourself. However, I have to go to work and will swing by the house, then come back on the same day. Someone who just went through a life-threatening situation should not make such a tiring trip. Besides, what if I got held up and had to stay over at Cross Academy for the night. You surely do not seem like you want to go anywhere near campus."
"I can stay at-"
"Hotel? Hello no! wait!" Gin raised a hand to stop the incoming argument so that he checks the message he received on his phone. A grin signaling the rescue traced his lips and he looked at the curious hunter. "Yuki is on the way… She will be here in less than an hour with an overnight bag and Ai-chan in her arms. She will be staying over until your doctor's appointment. She said that it will be in three days."
Zero perked at the news. He was extremely reluctant about staying by himself at his place, and it sucked that Ichiru was at Cross Academy. Therefore, Gin leaving seemed to get his stress level a little higher than usual. Yuki basically saved the day by camping over at his place, and the thought of his favorite niece around made Zero forget about Gin leaving.
The grey eyed man observed he excited pregnant vampire who immediately went to tidy the already tidy apartment and thinking of a convenient sleeping arrangement.
Closing the door, Gin shook his head in exasperation. Selfish and capricious, can it get any better.
He finally wiped off the silly grin and sent a thank you message to Yuki with a note about what to expect because of the strange mood swings.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ At the lab ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Aido's lips pressed in a thin line when he saw the message blinking besides the computer he was working on. He glanced over his shoulder to see Kaname going through some paperwork with the head of the nutrition research division, and back at the phone.
The noble sighed upon hearing the murmur of the slacking lab trainees who were swooning and wondering about the reason for the sudden visit of the king himself. That would be because the one who was in charge of his tasks, namely myself, dumped those back at him.
Feeling the impeding headache from days to come, he gathered an envelope along with his phone and car keys. He did not bother notifying anyone about his leave since he assumed that it will not take long for him to come back.
Swinging by his apartment, he smiled at the sight of a sleepy Ichiru who just woke up in his loose pajama bottom.
"Do you think you can get ready in about ten minutes?" Aido's serious tone immediately alerted his lover to his tense mood. All sleep chased away, Ichiru frowned. Due to their inverted schedule, it was not weird for him to wake up alone knowing that his geek of a lover was cooped up in his lab. However, on the rare occurrence that Hanabusa would take some time off, he would inform his lover beforehand to make plans and enjoy the time to the fullest.
Today, not only the tense atmosphere worried Ichiru, but the impromptu request that he accompanied him as well. His eyes widened all of a sudden as a thought flashed through his head, "is something wrong with Zero?"
He immediately assumed the worst seeing that Hanabusa confiscated his phone when he kept bugging Gin about Zero's health. He found it highly suspicious for Yuki to suddenly go stay over at his place when she never bothered before. What was more suspicious was the fact that she prevented him from tagging along, saying that Zero will come over in just a few days. It is true that he had a lot on his plate, but he would toss away anything in a heartbeat when it comes to his brother.
Aido shook his head, "Yes and no! No, nothing is wrong with your brother, but yes this does concern him. I am going to meet Moriya-san right now and I want you to tag along because I want us to be on the same page when it comes to your brother. Don't think that I did not notice your irritation about watching from the sideline. I am sure that will end today," he explained firmly.
"What do you mean?" Ichiru asked curiously as he washed his face with Hanabusa standing by the door. "It is just a hunch. However, the one thing I am sure of is that your brother will need you mother hen care a lot."
Ichiru chuckled at the teasing remark. He had a feeling that his lover was not telling him everything but he let it slide since it seems that meeting Gin will clear everything up.
They drove for less than ten minutes and parked in front of the American style family house situated in a community area. The location was conveniently situated between the city and the campus allowing a short drive to both destinations. It was their first time visiting the house that Gin purchased and Hanabusa could not help but whistle at the size of it.
"Does a teacher salary allow such luxury?" Ichiru wondered. For the building to impress his wealthy noble of a lover, the place was indeed impressive despite the simple design of it.
It did not take long for the automatic gate to slide open and reveal the one who invited them.
Gin whipped his head in direction of the house. "Come on in. Sorry for dragging all the way out here."
Ichiru and Hanabusa greeted back while following Gin inside. Refreshments, breakfast as well as a perfectly organized living room greeted them. They sat on the comfortable couch ornamented with mahogany wood carved in intricate yet abstract details.
"Nice place! Quite fancy for a teacher, don't you think?" Hanabusa could not help but drop the remark. In his aristocratic eye, everything screamed of high-grade luxury furniture, antique, custom made from some of the rare and sought after materials from around the world. Ichiru, on the other hand, was not as intrigued as his lover because he had no idea that he was sitting in a room that would cost his weight in gold.
Gin's lips curled up, amused by the sharp eyes of the noble vampire, "I was quite the young master coming from a rich household who ended up with a hefty inheritance. Does that explain it enough?" the lighthearted manner of speech gritted on the vampire's nerve. Ichiru picked on the vibe because the usual Hanabusa would tease and joke back about this kind of thing.
Gin sighed at the reaction that he honestly did not expect. "I guess we should get right to the point, seeing that I have classes in about…" checking his watch, "an hour, you have work and Ichiru is quite busy at it is."
"Please." The silverette answered in a begging fashion, the mood of his lover was starting to make him uncomfortable.
"What kind of foul play are you trying to pull, Moriya-san?" Aido was the first to speak, sparing Gin the introductory speech he was about to start.
Both Gin and Ichiru startled at the venom filled tone with which Hanabusa broke the silence.
"Pardon?"
"Here." Hanabusa threw the envelope he was holding. Gin did not bother pulling the paper fully when he saw the first few lines.
Rubbing his temples, "I don't need to beat around the bush then. I see now why he wanted you guys to stay out of the loop."
"What?" Ichiru looked quizzically between his lover and the lover of his brother.
"Can I assume that the part about you being together is also a lie?" Aido deadpanned as he laid back on the couch with arm crossed over his chest.
"WHAT?" Ichiru shrieked, "Can somebody tell this ignorant me about what exactly is going on here?" he finally snapped, having enough of the enigmatic communication.
"Your man here," Gin gestured to Aido, "is apparently furious because he discovered that I am not the biological father of Zero's child."
Ichiru frowned, "Is that some kind of Joke?"
Gin did not answer but handed the report under the hawk like glare of electric blue eyes. Neither of them commented on the way that Ichiru's face paled at the realization nor on the gasp that escaped his lips.
"We would really appreciate an explanation, a thorough explanation." Aido stated with a grave voice, the result of the tests and the comparison he made were haunting him every second of the last couple of days. However, he did not want to be as reckless as before and act harshly without understanding the actual situation.
"It is actually a relief that you figured it out beforehand, because this is the very reason I called you out. Ichiru-kun, I do not wish for you to hold this against your brother because I am sure that he, himself is not aware of the gravity of his decisions."
Gin started explaining the events from the day he stopped the abortion until the incident of the night before. Ichiru's face went through all the shade of stupefaction, sadness, offense…
Hanabusa, on the other hand, was taking everything in stride and keeping his expression blank. His mind was another story, crackling at the speed of light; various gruesome scenario went through his head. The final straw snapped when he learned about the siphoning.
Slamming his hands on the table, he spoke through gritted teeth, "Do you realize what you took part in? Do you realize what would have happened if Yuki-sama did not act that fast? Do you have any idea about what your 'heroic' interference could have led to? You should have let that doctor do as he said, you should not have taken him out, you were about to bloody kill him and carry his ashes back to us because you wanted to respect his wish to keep the baby? Bullshit!" The noble vampire was livid, especially when Ichiru seemed as if received an attack from Medusa.
Gin clammed up, unable to retort, "I admit-"
"You admit shit! That is what you admit. Get off your high horse, Mister!" Aido was literally standing and pacing the room at this point. All to control himself from freezing the man and blasting him in pieces. "Who do you think you are? What do you think you are doing? You knew Zero for barely few months. You got introduced to the worlds of vampires and their law for a little more than a year." He spoke while making an 'are you insane' gesture, "Does that make you entitled to judge and act on your own accord, deciding what is best in a situation that you don't even have a clue of the extend of it? Give me a break!" He ran his finger through his hair, inhaling sharply to dissipate the anger.
Meanwhile, Ichiru was slowly assimilating the shocking situation.
"You knew that he was seeing Kaname Kuran." The silver haired twin whispered with a blank expression.
Gin cringed at the statement, but nodded.
"Since when?" Accusing violet orbs finally met his hesitant grey eyes. The stare spoke lengths about the dire consequences of another lie.
"I… I just found out a while ago, by coincidence." Gin tried to dismiss the matter, but Ichiru refused to let go.
"When? Where? And how?" He snapped, fist clenched and face dark with anger.
Gin finally gave in, careful about every word leaving his mouth, "I stumbled upon them kissing. Zero was not aware that I saw them, but Kuran did notice."
"Where?" Aido was the one who pushed this time.
"At the chairman's house, the door of his room was ajar and they were standing close to it." Gin worded his answer while chasing away the actual situation where he confirmed the nature of their relationship later on.
The tightness of Ichiru's throat was noticeable through his strained voice, "When?"
"After he visited you at the hospital, when…" He paused, "Both of you were attacked at the association."
Ichiru gasped for air and cradled his head in his palms while Hanabusa sat on the armrest and patted on his trembling shoulders. In the back of his mind, Ichiru wanted to believe that Zero was not serious when he told him that Kaname and him were seeing each other that often. He wanted to believe that his brother was forced into it somehow, maybe blackmailed. That the tension of it finally snapped and caused the ruckus and the hurt Zero suffered from the savage handling of Kaname. He did not want to consider the possibility that his brother was genuinely attracted to the pureblood. He did not want his suspicion, when he saw the look in Zero's eyes as he told him about his affair, to rise more.
Sliding his hands to cover his mouth. He felt a burn in the back of his head, as if his brain was on fire. Not only did his brother have a consensual torrid affair with the brown haired vampire, he is actually keeping the child he impregnated him. In Ichiru's head, it could only mean one thing, that his suspicions were spot on. However, he also knew that his brother could be dumb enough not to realize it.
Looking back at the man sitting in front of him, who was waiting for any reaction. Ichiru felt his fury ran amok again, glancing at his lover; he found a darkened look that mirrored his emotions.
"Why did you not say anything? Or do you have a hobby to hear what others tell you but do not bother spouting the important knowledge you acquire?" He stated sarcastically, without looking at Gin.
The older man answered in a heartbeat, "It is not my place to judge, or take action about what Zero does with his life and with whom he decides to do it."
"He was fucking his sister's mate!" Ichiru slammed a hand on the couch in frustration.
"All the more reason for me not to say any careless remark!" Gin slammed back, "What good would it do to rise unnecessary animosity when I was not sure about what was going on. It could have been a one time thing, I could have been mistaken in my assumption… Do you expect me to come out and say 'Hey Ichiru! I saw Zero kissing Kuran, are they together?'… Are you that naïve to think that I would go screw up his life when he was obviously keeping it concealed?"
Ichiru locked his jaw, understanding the point but refusing to admit it. For the sole reason that it could have prevented the worse from happening.
"Looking out for his best interest seems like the constant argument you have." Hanabusa mocked Gin, who tightened his jaw as well, feeling the sting of the remark because he was well aware that his discretion contributed to the escalation of the situation.
"Is this trial court over yet? I believe that we have more pressing matters to discuss than whether I should have brought their affair to light, or said that I was not the father of the child, or that I certainly keep Zero's happiness in mind even through my careless judging mistakes."
The firm tone and the hands balled together put an end to the bratty sulking of the lovers and brought their attention to the issues at hand.
"Zero needs to abort the baby and you need to find a way to convince him. He is not going to hear from either of us because he knows that we would not normally ask him to do such a thing." Hanabusa stated.
"That is out of question." Gin denied flatly.
"As I said, you have no right-"
"I do! As I said… Aborting the child would be devastating for Zero at this stage. He will crumble and sink in a state I cannot begin to imagine. It is only because he is keeping you at arm length that you did not notice yet, but he grew too attached to his child that he does not mind dying just to protect it. The moment he started desiccating, he immediately thought of Yuki, for reasons I am sure you can figure out."
"Because she is as powerful as Kuran and her blood can save him." Ichiru whispered.
Frustrated, Hanabusa sat on the couch again and started drawing patterns on the table as he explained, "Let me just make one thing clear. Zero will not be able to carry this pregnancy to term as long as he is keeping Kaname-sama out of the loop. His body might go into self-preservation and do a spontaneous abortion even with Yuki-sama's blood, or he might die because the baby overpowers his own mother and consumes him totally, at a faster rate than what you saw last night. A level D, no matter how stable he can be was never meant to carry a pureblood's offspring. There is a reason why the previous council considered it taboo. They cannot survive it." He tapped on the wood, looking at the observing human to get his point across.
"But Nii-san is not your run of the mills level D." Grey eyes widened slightly at the unexpected remark Ichiru dropped along with the calm tone of it, "I mean… He faired quite well before when-"
"That is different!" Aido cut him off with an icy glare, "At that time, your brother was pumped full of the power he absorbed from you, Kaname-sama and the newly awakened Yuki-sama. His body was empowered with enough magic to sustain him. Your brother at the present time is only relying on his own energy. His body is empty compared to before. He is strong enough to be a legendary hunter, and he has enough experience under his belt to take down the strongest rebel. However, the one thing neither of you knows just yet about vampires pregnancy is this one crucial point." He paused with a finger pointing out.
"Apart from purebloods, every other vampire of any class needs to prepare for a pregnancy and they never, ever risk an unplanned one."
Ichiru raised an eyebrow about the new information he never knew about.
"What do you mean?" Gin voiced the question.
"For a vampire, especially a male one to carry an offspring. They need to adjust their bodies. To nourish it enough in order to handle the strain of the pregnancy. Before, they used to drain humans dry. That carnage stopped thanks to the new laws. Now, they consume from their partner without reciprocating in order to conserve the life energy to be absorbed later. As soon as they declare the pregnancy, they are supplied with hefty amounts of blood bags in order to prevent them from turning into killing machines."
Ichiru and Gin listened intently, the horror of the current situation downing more and more.
However, both of them were set against the idea of terminating things, to Aido's dismay.
"There has to be a way to make it work. Look, he will be consulting Yuki's doctor, I am sure that she will take extra measures to help."
"That is another issue to look into. Sorry to burst your bubble." Ichiru slumped when he caught the drift of the teacher.
Aido rubbed his temples, "There is no way he will not figure out the wrong timeframe."
"I know; that is where I need your help to keep the confidentiality of the matter. Also, I believe that the reason Zero is comfortable with me knowing about the intricate details is solely because he thinks that I do not know about his relationship with Kuran. I would like to keep it that way. The last thing we need is for him to run away from all of us because he thinks that we are taking him for a fool or judging him."
"I agree." Ichiru nodded. He already assumed that it was the reason that scared Zero about revealing the truth of his pregnancy and he was not about to antagonize his vulnerable brother. Ichiru had already set aside the offense he took about being left on the sideline and decided to be smarter in his ways of supporting his brother. His head on and nosy approach never led to anything good anyways. He was also starting to get skeptical about Gin's motives behind the caring mask, but he was not about to say his words aloud. Not when he was the obvious pillar supporting his brother's mental state.
He did not suspect the genuine care of the man towards Zero, but he was surprised to see him that supportive for a child that was not his own.
"You agree?" Aido stared in disbelief at the comedy show that was about to unfold.
They argued for much longer than planned and parted ways without coming down to a definite decision. Gin felt worse than before he spoke to them, but the burden of carrying the secret lessened considerably and he believed that this will do Zero more good than harm. He was confident that both men cared deeply for the hunter despite the different ways they showed it.
Drinking his strong coffee as he rushed to class, he could not wipe off the smirk as he replayed Hanabusa's behavior. That guy might be more overprotective towards Zero than any of his close friends and family members! I seriously felt the killing intent when we cornered him into letting Zero go on with the pregnancy… It is obvious that he is prioritizing Zero's life and safety above anything else, even his own moral and personal opinion on the matter. The roundabout way he goes through to express it is quite 'endearing' as Ichiru said.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ The day of the doctor's appointment ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Zero was jittery all the way back to Cross town. He hated the fact that he will be having the appointment at Yuki's place. However, for the sake of the secrecy and discretion, his sister went as far as setting up a mini clinic in one of her rooms just for him. He certainly could not feel anything but gratefulness towards that.
Despite Yuki reassuring him that his decisions will be respected and whatever he wanted to keep confidential will stay as so, the hunter was extremely nervous about meeting another doctor after the fall out with the previous one. He was worried that this one will reach the same conclusion of terminating his pregnancy; he was scared that he would divulge the actual progress of the pregnancy after refusing to go along with the lie of being four to five weeks along. So many facts swam in his aching head as Gin drove them in the parking of his house.
Zero unbuckled his seatbelt and grabbed his duffel bag in a hurry to get ready and go. They were already late as it is because of his unexpected bout of morning sickness, and he hated not being punctual the most.
Gin, on the other hand, was feeling drained. Juggling between his teaching, finishing up the house, and travelling back and forth to check on Zero were chores for a hundred men. He would never complain though, since he knew that the hunter would definitely take it the wrong way.
After guiding the hunter to the bathroom to take the shower he could not take at his place, he checked his phone repeatedly, hoping to find a reply to the message he sent. He informed both Hanabusa and Ichiru about the meeting time and place with the doctor, but he did not get any affirmation of them coming, neither did he receive any news on how were they planning to proceed in light of their last conversation. Nerve-wrecking was the least that can be used to describe his mental state at the moment.
Thankfully, Zero did not take long to come out, fresh and dressed. On his way downstairs, he glanced sideway and caught a glimpse of a room being remodeled. He would normally not pay it too much attention as half of the house was undergoing maintenance, but the set up prickled his curiosity.
"Gin!" He called out, not knowing where his partner in crime was. This place is freaking huge!
"Yees!" The trailed answer came soon after.
"Do you mind coming here for a second?" Zero spoke again, loudly because the grey-eyed man seemed like he was outside.
He chuckled when Gin sprinted back to him with a worried expression, feeling slightly guilty for worrying him. The haunting look in grey eyes did not escape the hunter and he knew that all his nervousness and capriciousness was taking a toll on the older man. He was willing to compromise if it makes it easier, but Gin left no room for him to act reserved at all.
"I am fine… I was going to ask you about this room. Last time I checked, you were planning on having it as guest room. This does not look like a setup for one to me." Zero spoke first to make it short.
"Oh!" Gin rubbed his head, relieved that nothing was wrong but hesitant about breaching the topic of the room during such tight schedule, "hmm… Actually, I was planning to tell you about it after getting back from the appointment." Gin stated.
"About what?" Zero tilted his head.
"You know how reluctant you are about going anywhere near campus. I won't ask for the reason whatsoever, don't worry. I was just looking for ways of having you close while keeping you comfortable…. I mean… Screw it!... What I am trying to say…" Gin ran a nervous hand through his shaggy dark blue locks and looked sheepishly at Zero, "I was setting up a working area where I will be shifting your equipment in Cross's house to here so that you can stay here when I am unable to go to your place because of work… I am not asking you to move in with me, don't worry! I am just trying to…"
"I will." Zero cut off the stuttering man with a deadpan expression.
Confused, Gin paused before clarifying, "You will? You will what?"
"I am moving in with you." Zero stated again with a smirk.
Grey eyes widened the size of a saucer, disbelief written on the human's face, "Zero… You don't have to push yourself…"
"Idiot! Do you think I did not notice how drained you have been?… Do you think it pleases me to see you that way?… Just to make things clear, this decision has no hidden meaning. I don't want to get your hopes up." Zero explained with an apologetic tone and expression, "I just see it as a good choice. It is not as if my work is bound by any location, unlike yours. I can be closer to Yuki and Ichiru. I don't have to prepare three days ahead for the doctor's appointment and I can have you around most of the time." He gave a bright smile that sent warmth inside Gin.
The bittersweet feeling of Zero depending on him that much pleased and antagonized him all the same. Unable to hold back, he stole a kiss from the smiling lips and dragged a chuckling Zero out to leave.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ In Yuki's apartment ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Instead of an improvised room, Zero felt as if he stepped in an actual clinic.
Glancing at his beaming sister with a raised eyebrow, "You went all out." a gruff statement failed to hide the gratefulness in his eyes.
"That is for my own pleasure." She beamed even more, pointing to all the machinery, the bed, the screens and the maternity decoration around. "I have to admit that it was not an easy task to pull in less than a week but I am certainly surrounded by capable people."
"Let me guess… Ruka." Zero rolled his eyes.
Yuki nodded furiously with a huge grin on her face.
He sighed and sat on the bed, Gin did not take long before joining them.
Few minutes later, Yuki received a call signaling the arrival of the doctor. She left them to get him.
Their eyes met nervously as Zero clutched the medical mattress. Gin kept calm despite freaking out on the inside in order to soothe the hunter.
"It will be okay…" He whispered close to his ear as he rubbed the silver hair.
"Can't be sure about that." Zero scoffed, ready to lash out if the doctor did as much as insinuate the hopelessness of his situation.
The murmur on the other side of the door quieted them and they watched as Yuki entered leaving the door ajar. Zero felt a sense of déjà vu from the action.
"Zero, Moriya-san! I would like to introduce Kuma-sensei whom I trust that he will ensure a smooth sailing pregnancy from now on."
"Hello-"
For a second, the air in the room stilled and the temperature dropped when the introduction halted.
The pureblood female sensed the vibe. She tensed and looked from one man to another. She did not understand the reason for it, but something was obviously off about the situation.
"Moriya-san? Does this mean that you are… Mamiya-"
"This has got to be a fucking joke!" Zero jumped off the bed and seethed at the doctor, the same blond old noble vampire who requested the termination of his pregnancy, who doomed it before even trying to salvage it.
"Wait… what?" Yuki was confused. She had hard time wrapping her head about how they knew each other.
"I should have connected the dots when Yuki-chan told me your name. However, I failed to do so because it was quite common." Gin sighed, holding Zero's arm in attempt to prevent him from leaving, "As you can see, the name he used was an alias and he used to consult you in disguise. Now if you will excuse us. I don't see a need for this meeting when we already heard your verdict about the situation beforehand. I am sorry that your effort were in vain, Yuki-chan."
"Just hold on a second, young man." A croaky voice snapped all attention to the wrinkled short woman in a kimono standing by the door. Despite her advanced age, she kept a graceful stance, with a straight back and refined hands holding her clutch.
"Son?" She looked at the doctor.
"They consulted me at the clinic. I suggested the termination because I did not know the identity of the patient nor what kind of help they will get." He answered, glancing at the female pureblood fixing him with an unpleasant look.
Yuki sighed. Finally understanding the weird reaction at the introduction.
Midori-sensei, a renowned old noble vampire who swore her allegiance to the Kuran family since the generation of Yuki's grandparents, observed Zero with her wise and experienced eye. She then looked at Gin who was waiting for her as she requested.
"Hmm… Well… I can see where the animosity is coming from. However, I would like to request that you give my stupid son here another chance. If you are still uncomfortable, I would be glad to be the one in charge of overseeing your health. Would that be satisfying?" Her snobbish expression switched to a motherly tender look that left no room for argument.
Seeing that the tension magically dissipated, Yuki excused herself to guide Midori-sensei to see Ai-chan before meeting Kaname.
Another awkward silence filled the room as Kuma-sensei sighed in exasperation from his mother's antic. Patient trust is a crucial point especially during a tricky pregnancy. Seeing that Zero reacted that badly to him only dampened his expectation towards the progress they can make. It was obvious that the best choice would have been for his mother to take over instead, but he knew that the stubborn woman does not practice anymore from the moment he inherited the business and the only patient she would oversee would be the bearers of the Kuran's offspring, only.
"Kiryuu-sama." He broke the silence.
"I am not aborting." Zero seethed back.
"I will not ask you to do so. Please understand that I suggested it because I had no way of procuring blood powerful enough to help you at that time. Had I known that Yuki-sama was willing to provide her blood, the thought of terminating the pregnancy would not have crossed my mind." He reassured as he took out his papers and tools.
Putting on his lab coat, he sat on the high chair next to the bed and waited for the hunter who was still standing a couple of feet away, listening and observing him intently.
"Yuki-chan bragged to us about your confidentiality. How far can we trust that?" Gin was the one to ask the most important question.
"If you are asking me about whether I can help keeping the secret that you are far more than five weeks along in your progress, it is going to be tricky. I honestly do not understand the reason for such a lie in the first place."
Gin was about to answer but startled as another voice he did not expect resonated in the room as soon as the door opened.
"Because it fits the time these two got together and we need to keep the identity of the actual father a secret. A secret that can lead to a scandal if divulged." Aido closed the door and activated the distortion field to ensure the privacy of the discussion. "Thus, Kuma-sensei, you are to keep all files and information about this pregnancy to yourself and relay all reports to me. This case must not, by any mean, be registered in the central system. I will personally perform any analysis and tests needed."
"Young master?" The doctor's mouth gaped and he blinked several times.
Hanabusa explained to the confused couple that the doctor came from an old bloodline that actually branched out of the Aido clan. In addition to the rules of vampire society, each one of the top noble clan had their own set of rules to maintain the order in the families and branches. The Aido clan is known to hold the talented scientist, doctors and professors that strived in the knowledge and evolution in order to preserve their race. It was around the generation of Yuki's grandfather that the aim of the main family shifted to seeking peace with humans and find ways to avoid killing them. The practice bore its fruit when the heir of the current head honed the composition of the substance that sustained vampires from thirsting and killing humans in the haze of bloodlust.
Everyone in the Aido clan worshipped and revered the heir, their future head despite the opposing faction who always looked into his flaws such as having a human as a partner. The power Hanabusa Aido held over the members of his clan rivaled his father's. Kuma-sensei gulped and Zero frowned at the tense reaction of the doctor.
The lighter shade of blue in his eyes flickered in worry when Hanabusa pulled a paper from an envelope, which looked like a contract for the doctor to sign.
"I believe that you understand the repercussion of going against a non-disclosure agreement stamped with the seal of the main family emblem on it." Hanabusa confirmed before putting the paper on the table and waiting for the shaky hand to scribble on it. Neither Gin nor Zero knew at that moment that the doctor was signing on a potential death row if he ever dug and revealed the truth behind the hunter's pregnancy.
Aido sighed internally, thankful that the doctor was technically an underling even if it made him sound like a Yakuza boss. However, the fact that he is of a branch family allowed him to override the allegiance towards the Kuran because his words would be more absolute in such a situation. Especially when his brother-in-law is the center of the situation.
After a more detailed explanation, Hanabusa helped Zero on the bed, chuckling at the fidgety hunter who seemed as if he wanted to squeeze him into a hug when he reassured him that everything was going to be okay. It was at that moment that a breathless Ichiru barged in, shouting a 'sorry I am late' before scurrying next to his brother and immediately holding his hand.
Zero had to blink back few tears when he felt the reassuring squeeze and the pat on his head as the doctor set up the screen and computer for the consultation.
He gave a glance towards Gin who was leaning on the bed from the chair he was sitting on with the silliest grin on his face when the screen showed the already formed child inside of him.
The gasp Ichiru gave did not escape him after sensing the harder squeeze he gave him. As for Aido, he immediately took the liberty of switching on the volume, drowning the room in a melodious heartbeat that brought a lot of mixed emotions.
The most obvious on was the tears spilling from Ichiru's eyes as he hugged his brother, and kissed his head from behind. Zero was too happy to have them around and feeling their support to notice that they were aware of more than what they let on.
"I see that your little peanut is developing quite nicely…. hmmm they might be more of the size of a lemon now"
A breathy chuckle left Zero's lips, the size comparison always left him cracking up.
"Aw… here…" The doctor quickly snapped a three dimensional picture that showed a frowning face, "seems like a grumpy thing already."
All nervousness, fear and suspiciousness was thrown out of the window as the mood lightened and the fun of seeing every part of the baby and discussing their health and progress started.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Meanwhile in Kaname's penthouse ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
"Well it was good to see you doing well. You have a wonderful daughter and I believe that she might need some more daddy time if you know what I mean."
Kaname raised an amused eyebrow at the old woman sitting on the couch next to his, "I see that Yuki did not leave a rock unturned."
The old woman scoffed, "That girl is just too easy to figure out. She also told me about the new arrangement, mainly because we found Isaya-sama in the nursery room."
Kaname's lips curled up, amused while imagining the awkwardness of Yuki trying to hide a secret from this perceptive woman. She has always been a sort of mother figure after the Kuran couple died and was the first to endorse Yuki after awakening again.
"I wish I could say the same about her adoptive brother though." She sighed after sipping on her tea.
Kaname startled at that and tried to gauge more out of her. He was aware that Yuki was acting fussy about Zero more than usual since the pregnancy announcement, however, he did not hear about the hunter being unwell.
"What do you mean?"
The light colored eyes met his, "You both go a long way back don't you?" She asked instead of answering.
Kaname chose to play along, "Yeah… Since Cross-san adopted him. We had a strained but stable interaction because of Yuki since then."
"Hmmm?..." Kaname felt slightly uncomfortable under the intense gaze of the woman, "Who would have thought that you would show interest in anyone other than your beloved sister?"
The pureblood slumped, reverting to his childhood, "Midori-san… Could you please not tease me about the sister complex every chance you get." He pleaded with a dazzling smile.
"Oh well… Back to the hunter/vampire or whatever you want to call him."
"Kiryuu-kun would be fine."
"Good… Ok. Kiryuu is already hosting a conflicting set of blood types, genders and it seems to me that he not one to appreciate drinking blood."
"I should not be impressed by your accurate information." Kaname stated as he nodded.
"Unfortunately, the fact that the child's father is human only adds to the dilemma." She declared flatly.
"How?"
"A third blood type in the mix is obviously a recipe for disaster."
Kaname's curiosity peaked, "What if the father was a vampire?"
"hmm?"
"Just asking." he shrugged.
"Well it would make things easier. However, that man would certainly not allow any vampire around him that intimately. He is notorious for the hate he harbors to the point that it amazes me that he is living in this nest of our race."
Well you are actually sitting with the vampire he allowed to mingle with him intimately.
"I see… Could you tell me more about why you are so apprehensive about this pregnancy?"
"I am sure that I cannot say this to Yuki because of how upset she might get, but I do not think her blood alone would suffice in appeasing the siphoning. He will need a lot more and more frequently than once a week, which she cannot afford seeing that she is still nursing Ai-hime. Human blood would not do much when it comes to that phenomenon."
A long pause stretched before Kaname blurted the words that made the woman freeze in shock.
"Would my blood help?"
"Huh?"
"I am asking if I assisted Yuki, would it change any dire consequence you are anticipating." Kaname insisted. The idea of Zero perishing or suffering from the pregnancy was simply unacceptable for him.
"I … I guess so… Your blood is after all… I mean…" The old noble who was aware of the secret stuttered. She was the one who helped deliver the actual Kaname Kuran and it was not hard for her to notice when the child perished in order to awaken the ancestor. Just thinking of Zero drinking such pure and powerful blood made her mind go blank.
"Midori-san?" Kaname jolted her from her daze.
"Yes Kaname-sama. I believe that your blood would definitely help him, greatly."
Kaname nodded, pleased by the information.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ TBC ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞