STOP! STOP! STOP!
GO BACK TO READ CHAPTER 44 AND 45 IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY READ THEM BECAUSE I UPDATED ALL THREE OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME XD
ENJOY!
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Back in Gin's house ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
An overly excited Yuki shrieked at the news of Zero's plan to move closer. After a bubbly conversation, she up and left like the wind.
In the living room, Zero dropped on the comfortable couch, drained by the events of the day while Gin went to place their luggage in their respective rooms. The hunter was shaken up when Ichiru pulled him aside and informed him that they were aware of the little act they were pulling. He expected the worst when his twin brought up the issue of the blood samples they took at the last meeting which Hanabusa used to confirm the identity of the father through DNA testing.
However, what Ichiru said next blew his mind away, "I just want you to know that Hana and I will be there for you as long as you are happy. Seeing and hearing the little one today made it feel all the more real and we want to be part of it, even with whatever consequence it might incur. We just don't care! Okay?"
He glanced at his twin who was talking on the phone to his lover.
"Okay! I will be there in a minute."
"Was that Hanabusa?" Zero asked with a frown.
"Yeah! He came to pick me up; we are going to check out that place I told you about."
"hmm… Why is he not coming in? It is not like you are in a rush or anything." He asked while checking the time on the wall clock.
Ichiru winced at that, "Actually… I think that Hana is still a little bit awkward after he… You know… bashed you in some way… Don't take that bossy act he pulled today for granted. He practically did not sleep and was unable to work since he figured it out and he was blasting my head off with what can go wrong and stuff like that to the point that he was having nightmare in his sleep. I have never saw him that stressed out before. However, he would clam up and hide in his little corner when I ask him to talk to you instead since that would be more productive. You get the idea."
Zero chuckled at the comical scenario. His spats with the golden haired vampire had always turned childish because of his awkwardness when it comes to making up. Hanabusa never knew how to actually set things straight despite his flamboyant personality.
Zero stood and pulled Ichiru to the front porch when he heard a car pull up.
"You should be resting." Aido grounded as soon as he saw Zero coming out.
The hunter rolled his eyes, "Relax, I am not going to be the third wheel. Ichiru rescheduled the appointment and you have the afternoon free to spend together with us."
Aido startled and looked at his lover who just shrugged, catching the drift of his brother.
"If that is the case, I will just get back to work and Ichiru can stay-" He stuttered while trying to get back in the car.
"Nope, Nope… that ain't happening." Zero grabbed his arms and slammed him back against the car in a trapping motion. It was not aggressive but strong enough to get his attention.
"Look!" violet orbs fixed electric blue ones with a steady gaze, "I screwed up… big time… and I deserved every shit thrown my way and more. Heck! I don't know how you were so patient with me up until now."
"Zero, it is not-" Hanabusa tried to wiggle out of his grip but the similar build hindered the action.
"No it is."
"I overdid it without knowing half of the truth… I just- God! What if something happened to the baby when I was beating the crap out of you… What if I lost it and killed you had Ichiru not stop me in time… What if… I just saw black and it is inexcusable." Aido finally snapped and poured what was gnawing at his conscience, "I would never forgive myself if I harmed you… and I did.. badly… The physical wounds were one thing, but… what I said-"
"Just stop it okay?" Zero shook him out of his depressing thought, "I am okay! I am happy! You are finally having the married life you always wanted. Ichiru is in pure bliss now that I am moving closer and we will be together more often. Look at the bright side, that night was probably a wakeup call for each one of us."
Aido's shoulder slumped in defeat, "I still want to say that I am sorry… for everything." He mumbled, looking away.
Zero finally let go of his arms and hugged his midsection, resting his head on Aido's clavicle and startling the vampire with the sudden show of affection. Even Ichiru had to raise an eyebrow at the action, albeit an amused one.
"No comment, pregnancy hormones." Zero mumbled in a voice that let Hanabusa know what the hunter meant, especially with the sob that followed.
The noble vampire reciprocated by awkwardly wrapping an arm around Zero's shoulder and the used the free hand to pat on the silver head. He found it slightly weird how different it felt from hugging his lover despite them being identical twins.
As if what Zero felt became contagious, both Ichiru and Hanabusa felt their eyes prickle with unshed tears, tears of relief that the rift that suddenly appeared vanished, bringing the family together once again with a sweet addition to look forward to.
"Damn, this stuff might seriously be contagious." Aido sniffled as Zero pulled away but not far as he still leaned into the side hug. "Can I?" Aido asked hesitantly, pointing to the clothed stomach.
With a happy nod from Zero he placed a hand on it, "Hmm?... I was expecting it to pop a bit more… I guess you are not one to show too early."
Ichiru rolled his eyes, "Quite the time for a medical diagnosis."
Hanabusa pouted, "What? I can't help it… For your information…" he pointed to Zero, "The frequency of checkups will be increasing, so you better move in here as soon as possible."
Zero groaned, "Why does that sound terrifying coming from you instead of reassuring?"
"Because you know that I will be monitoring you like a hawk to make sure you both make it to the delivery safe and healthy. I am going to make sure that he is born as a happy strong little boy." Hanabusa explained, smirking at the gasp he earned from the twins.
"What did you just say?" Zero breathed out the question, still stunned.
Licking his own lips and grinning as he answered, "Oh! Did I forget to say that I figured out the gender along with the identity of the father?"
The innocent look earned him a joking punch to the shoulder and a happily sobbing parent-to-be against his chest with his lover joining in the group hug.
Hearing Ichiru's squeal and the laughter, Gin curiously joined the crowd only to be glomped by an over ecstatic hunter screaming 'it's boy' while hanging from his neck.
Everyone present would agree that Zero never looked any happier at that moment. Knowing the gender of his child made all the more real and exciting somehow.
With few more tears and hugs, they finally calmed down.
Gin clapped his hands, "All right! How about you guys head inside while I run to the store and grab some drinks and snacks. I completely forgot that the fridge was empty."
"Oh! Does the store have a Mexican aisle?" Zero perked.
Gin squinted, not wanting to guess it right when it came to this particular craving. "Guacamole?"
Zero nodded.
"Marshmallows?"
Zero nodded again, making Gin grimace and whisper the last one, "Do you need the mustard."
"Yeeep!" Zero grinned, whereas Gin looked like he was suffering as he walked away.
Looking around, the hunter found a pair of green faced men looking at him weird. "What?" He tilted his head.
Ichiru and Hanabusa looked at each other and decided to go inside the house without saying a word.
"What?" Zero flailed his hands as he followed, giving up when receiving a curt 'nothing' and a rude 'drop it'.
Sitting on the kitchen table. Zero pulled the papers, grinning as he saw the gender on the test report, a grin that faded slightly when he saw the name written in the father's spot.
He quickly discarded it as not to dampen the mood and looked up to find a pair of electric blue eyes boring into his.
"Okay… What is it now?" Zero trailed, resting his chin on his palm supported by an elbow on the table.
"What?" Aido startled, realizing that he was staring a bit too much.
"It is obvious you have something you are dying to ask." Zero deadpanned.
Ichiru looked at his husband and then at his brother. He had a wild guess about what was gnawing at Hanabusa, since the same question was bugging him. However, they were both unsure about how they will handle the answer.
"Why did you keep it… him?" Aido stuttered for a moment.
A long silence stretched painfully as Zero scowled at the innocent table, searching for the right answer, the truth as to why he did not abort.
A long sigh startled Hanabusa and Ichiru and they looked expectantly at the hunter who gave them a defeated smile and shrugged, "I guess I just fell in love."
The way both paled made Zero realize what went through their head, "Noo no no! NOT THAT! Stupid idiots!" his hands were flailing all over the place as if to chase away the misunderstanding, "I fell in love with him." He clarified pointing a finger to his abdomen.
"Oh~" was the common relieved response he got from his guests.
"DUH!" Zero rolled his eyes, relaxing after the tense moment. He ran a hand over his hard lower belly and smiled as he spoke, "I was really set on the abortion when Ichiru first brought the medicine. Oh! I forgot to thank you and scold you about the risk you were taking… I just learned the penalty of providing it." Zero looked at Hanabusa with worry written all over the place.
Aido shrugged with a grin on his face, "It is not a big deal. It is not like you will go around spreading it."
"I guess so." Zero winked.
"What?" Ichiru started to get irritated at being the one out of the loop and it showed in his tone.
"Your hubby here was providing the abortion drug without written legal consent which can easily lead to the death penalty if revealed." Zero explained, pointing to Aido.
Ichiru was flabbergasted and stared at his lover with a horrified face, "And you did not bother telling me?"
"You would freak out unnecessarily, just as you are doing right now." Aido spoke flatly.
"Of course I would freak out because I actually told Gin at one point and God knows if I slipped with someone else." Ichiru shrieked as he covered his face.
Both Zero and Aido had their eyes bulge out for a second and looked at each other and then at Ichiru before sighing in exasperation.
"Love." Aido tapped a hunched shoulder to make Ichiru look up.
"You seriously need to work on that blabbermouth of yours." Zero finished the noble vampire's thoughts in a jokingly scolding tone.
Ichiru suddenly felt small under their reprimanding gaze and only nodded pitifully.
"Back to what you were saying?" Hanabusa dropped the subject smoothly. He was aware of the risks, but he also knew the loopholes he could use to escape any accusation unscathed. He was confident that his cousin could easily get him out of this mischief, as the world-renowned attorney, Akatsuki Kain.
He was always conflicted about that choice of career since it did not fit his cousin's wild image, but he guessed that Kain had the right disposition after years of dealing with Aido's troublesome personality.
"As I said, I was dead set on it at first. However, I had some pressing work to finish before suffering the aftermath for a good couple of days." Zero started explaining.
Both listener nodded, urging him to continue, "I guess it was around that time. The longer I felt the pregnancy, the more my feelings shifted. I can't really explain it, but I find myself getting attached to the tiny existence that made me see hell during those days. I could not help but remember the rollercoaster we had to go through and the stress inducing situations. I think I was amazed that my boy actually survived all that and was still fighting for his life. I was still going through with the abortion, but the closer I got to that time the more apprehensive I was. However, the final straw was Gin barging in at the moment of hesitation. I guess his words, whether purposely said or not, pushed the right switch that made me drop the idea of getting rid of the baby. I am truly glad he did. I might be taking advantage of his weird sense of responsibility, but I am glad that he has been there to help me out and push me to do the right thing. Although he does overdo it sometime."
Hanabusa groaned at that, "Tell me about it! I was seriously about to clobber him bad after I realized the masquerade you guys were pulling."
Zero looked guilty as charged, "It was either that or I disappear from the face of earth to give birth and raise my child alone. He did not want that. I guess it would have been impossible if I ever went with that plan."
The surprising piece of information relieved the couple instead of sending them in an anger strike. It was actually the missing piece of the puzzle to understand the motive behind Gin's stealthy ways of supporting Zero.
"I guess it all turned out for the best." Ichiru clapped happily.
"Anyways… I am glad to hear it directly from you. However, we have more pressing matters that we need to attend to. You do realize what you are getting into, right? If we do not want a repeat of that previous pregnancy, you will have to be extra careful and ask for assistance at the tiniest discomfort."
Biting the inside of his cheek, Zero nodded.
"We also need to do something about the messy timeline. We can just bump it up few more weeks and drop the blame on the fact that the baby was tiny at first and it confused the doctor. As for the cover story. Let's see… We can make it as if you got together because of the pregnancy and you did not want to admit it." Aido explained.
"But that will raise the unwanted suspicions that nii-san is trying to avoid."
"That's right, Hanabusa. I really do not want that man to even have the doubt about it. The last thing I need is having him back in my life, or worse, taking my child away from me." Zero worded his worries that Hanabusa could not deny. Knowing his leader, if worse came to worst. The pureblood would certainly use the right as a father to force Zero into giving in. The idea disturbed him greatly.
"It will be fine. We can just reduce those first weeks. It is better to have a premature baby at seven or eight months than at five. That would be simply ridiculous."
"What would happen if he looked like him?" Ichiru could not help but wonder, "I mean… The Kuran genes are pretty strong, especially his, since he is an ancestor… Ai-chan is already taking so much after him…"
After a slight pause, Hanabusa pointed, "Yeah but… She is pureblooded and Yuki-sama looks a lot like him as well… So…"
"NO… He has a point." Zero whispered. The thought haunted ever since the pregnancy was revealed in Cross's house. "We do know that it is a highly likely scenario… This is not the first child I am having under such circumstances… Although this time is more… comfortabl-"
"What?" All three head snapped to the door, shocked to see Gin with shopping bags in both hands. CRAP! was the thought swimming in three heads.
"Welcome back." Zero spoke calmly.
Gin stepped in carefully, placing the bags on the kitchen counter before pulling the chair next to Zero and sit on it. Hanabusa and Ichiru gulped and tensed as Zero and Gin stared at each other intently.
"What do you mean that this is not your first child?" Gin narrowed his eyes. His gut feeling told him that he was not going to like what is coming next.
Seeing that Zero was taking a while to answer, Ichiru's brain raced all over the place to look for a cover story, or a joke to brush the suspicion aside.
"Actually!" He perked, "We were just-" His performance was cut short by the curt and firm answer that Zero provided.
"Keiichi is my first son."
The silent made the sound from a whooshing gust of wind too obvious for comfort.
"Pardon?" Gin had to hear it twice, as unbelievable as it sounded. The human was amongst those who only knew the story that plagued the news when Keiichi was revealed as Shiki's son.
"Shiki Keiichi, who is in reality Kiryuu Keiichi, is my firstborn." Zero clarified.
Gin blinked twice, "Wait… I am confused… Are you saying that you and Senri-kun-"
"Hell NO!" Zero shrieked at the scandalous thought.
The reaction made Aido stifle a laughter and put on a serious face when Zero gave him a deadly glare. "You think this is funny? Why don't you do the explanation, then?"
"But-" Hanabusa jolted at the order but did not refute when faced with a hormone crazed grumpy and livid hunter.
The noble sighed and looked at the confused human, "As he said. The truth of the matter is that Kei-chan is actually the child of Zero who got impregnated by Rido Kuran before he left to the U.S. He realized too late that he was pregnant and abortion was out of question in that situation as it would kill Zero along with the baby. I used underground connections and a lot of bribing to ensure that they reach a stage safe enough for the baby to be delivered. Thus, Keiichi was born prematurely through a c-section and kept in a N.I.C.U that I set up in an abandoned house. When he survived the worst and became strong enough, we brought him back to Japan and…" Aido explained the events up until the adoption and how Zero did not know of his existence until recently.
Zero was grateful that his brother in law did not bother with the gruesome details, as he did not want to remember any of it. He was impressed to know about what actually happened after the child he loathed at the time was taking out of his womb. He admired the effort and dedication they put in saving Keiichi and was amused when remembering how Ichiru made him think that they were having some 'couple time' when he asked about where they disappeared almost every day.
Gin remained stunned, frozen and confused for quite a while before composing himself and clearing his throat. "Rido… Kuran?"
Zero jolted at the name. The name of the monster who plagued his nightmares for years. The man who triggered the miserable life he was leading so far. The leech he would kill a hundred times over if he could.
The same rage coursed through Ichiru's vein at the mention of the pureblooded vampire who took away every ounce of happiness he could have enjoyed as a child and a brother.
"It is the uncle of Yuki and Kaname-sama." Aido clarified, assuming that the man did not know about him as he died long before Gin was introduced to the vampire world.
"How?" Gin finally asked, looking at the grim looking Zero.
The hunter scoffed bitterness obvious in his voice, "The short version would be… Let's see… He was the first man I ever had sex with, and before you start imagining disturbing things. I will tell you one thing; it was not consensual. He raped me in a dungeon and left me to an imminent death." Zero deadpanned before pushing the chair and go lay down on the couch after having a cup of water. "I would appreciate if this was the last time you asked about it because I have no intention of remembering any detail of it." He called out from his spot.
With subtle movements, Gin, Ichiru and Aido exchanged knowing glances and surrounded the grumpy hunter in comfortable silence.
Ichiru made Zero rest his head on his lap and Aido sat on the carpet with his back against the couch. Gin was the last to join with a plate of the gruesome craving that Zero did not wait to dig in.
The mood lightened when Zero gave a sweet moan as the taste he was craving hit his is buds. The action horrified them but elicited a fit of laughter nonetheless.
The rest of the evening was pleasant as they had a quick tour of the house and discussed various arrangement. Zero was surprised to know that Ichiru was already setting up a second bar in the city because he was not planning to become a househusband, to Hanabusa's dismay. The only request that the hunter stated was for there to be a piano as well.
When it was about time to leave, Zero pulled Hanabusa aside for a quick question.
"About Keiichi…" Zero whispered as he glanced at his brother who was conversing with Gin on the couch. "What happened with the bullet in his head?"
Stupefied was the least that can be used to describe Hanabusa's expression, he narrowed his eyes when he realized where the hunter was coming from, "Did Kaname-sama tell you about it?" He asked, fully knowing that he did not tell anyone, not even Ichiru about it as not to burden them with guilt. He used the fact of having no biological parents around as a scapegoat to explain the stunted growth. However, if there is one person who can have access to Keiichi's health file without his explicit permission, that would be his boss. He did not expect Kaname to dig into it though, and was grateful he kept the most crucial truth in his head instead of a computer.
"Yes, but he did not figure out the link. He just made up a whole dramatic story about it, which was quite the script now that I think about it." Zero answered humorously before getting serious again, "So… What about it?"
"What about it…" Aido raised both hands, "That thing is the bane of my existence. I spent eight years waiting for it to budge a little bit from that spot to try and extract it but it is stuck like glue." The noble voiced the frustration he held for so long.
"Can you explain more? Using simpler words." Zero urged, crossing his arms and giving his full attention.
"It is located in a position that is not easy to reach without damaging critical brain tissues."
"But he can heal later by drinking blood-" Zero started
"The area is the one responsible of triggering the healing process. If damaged, he will not."
"Oh!"
"Moreover… The bullet did not activate. That is the only reason Keiichi survived this far. If touched by a vampire…"
"The spell will detonate and… Oh my god!" a horrified Zero had a hand covering his lips, horrified at the image of the bullet actually blowing the little head of his son, no matter how unwanted the child was.
"It would have been easier if I can get a hunter surgeon to perform. However… The engraving on the bullet would give you away and a migraine inducing case will be opened up to reveal the connection between you two." Aido sighed in exasperation.
"Can I do it?" Aido startled at the suggestion. His eyes bulging out when facing the determined expression of the hunter.
"Zero… This is not-"
"Game? I know… However, think about it… I am a hunter… The bullet is from my weapon and it will not activate when there is a risk of harming its master. It all fits. I am no surgeon but you can guide me through it. I can handle the blood and gore that comes with it. Please… Hanabusa… I need to do this… For him and for me… We are all aware that his stunted growth is starting to affect his personality and I do not want that negativity to haunt him." The desperation in his voice made the noble vampire waver.
"Give me a few days to think about it… I need to-"
"Do whatever you need to do; I will be ready anytime you give me the go ahead." Zero squeezed his shoulder and went to join his brother and pretend lover with lighter heart.
Hanabusa observed the hunter, his lips curling up in a soft smile. So… this is the changing for the better that Ichiru was talking about.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ A week later ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
It was, hands down, the most hellish week of their lives. In the rushed decision of Zero moving in with Gin, two teams formed to ensure that the overzealous hunter does not take the matter in his hands. Yuki abducted Zero in the confines of his apartment where his only role was to point towards the things they had to pack in the boxes. Ichiru and Kaito handled the labor work.
In Gin's house, Takuma drove the pickup that transported the equipment from Cross's house to its destination and helped with the initial set up so that Zero only had to plug in the complicated cabling. This happened in the first couple of days. The rest of the week consisted of unpacking, settling down, a small housewarming party, and a gender reveal.
The DNA testing was not suspicious because the way Aido fussed over the hunter would easily explain his impatience to know the gender as well, and the only guest who did not come to the party was Kaname who made sure to be away by that time.
Few days later, when everything finally settled down. Zero stretched on his seat and headed to the living room where he found Gin on the couch watching TV.
Flopping next to him, he nudged him so that the bigger man adjusted himself and Zero could use his lap as a pillow.
Shutting off the noisy screen, Gin looked down at the exhausted silverette who pulled an all-nighter yet again.
"You need to do something about work… Going at this pace will do you no good."
With another yawn, Zero rubbed his temple and grumbled, "It is not like I have anything better to do."
"Still…"
"I am getting plenty of rest… Don't worry." the hunter put a finger on Gin's lips to stop the lecturing, smiling with gratitude shining in his eyes, "Besides, I get to have tasty meals waiting for me, and awesome pampering massage whenever I feel sore and cranky. Aren't I the luckiest?"
"Are you sure about that?" Gin asked seriously.
"hmm?"
"Are you really happy with all this?"
Zero tilted his head quizzically as Gin traced his jaw, "I mean… Are you sure that you did not make this drastic move just out of consideration for me? The last thing I need is for you to feel uncomfortable…"
"Come on! You are bringing that up again… Gin! I will have you know that if I did not like it, I am selfish enough to pack up and leave right away."
"Good, because that is exactly what I want you to do." Gin spoke in a flat tone, startling the hunter whose eyes widened but had no chance to react until the grey eyed male hovering over him finished talking, "I want you to know that, in the unfortunate case that you do not want to do this anymore, I will not object the decision of calling it off. If you want to put an end to the pretend game anytime, know that I will not be bitter about it. You don't have to be considerate about how I feel if you decide to live your life differently, because all I want is to be there for you when you need me."
Zero frowned, "Why do you put yourself down that much?" he shifted in a way that made him practically sit on Gin's lap. "You make it sound like it is okay for me to toss you aside if I do not need you anymore?"
Gin gave him a wistful smile, "That is exactly what I am saying. I am not putting myself down or anything, quite the opposite actually. I am just protecting myself by this selfish request. You surely do not notice it, but I feel like the line between pretend and real gets blurry at times. It confuses me and I do not want to get over my head and hurt you by taking things seriously."
Zero sighed, resting his head on Gin's chest and letting him rest a chin on top of his head, he mumbled an 'I am sorry' under his breath leading to the larger man squeezing him in a hug.
The pretend was taking a toll on both of them and Zero did find it tiring to be on the lookout more often now that they lived closer to the others. They did not know who would pop out at their front door and expected more visits from their friends. The only two other people they can relax and act 'normal' around were Ichiru and Hanabusa for obvious reasons.
In addition, Zero noticed the hungry look in Gin's eyes that flickered sometimes when he flirted with him in front of others. He knew that it was cruel to provoke a man who already confessed his love repeatedly. Zero was confident that the actual reason that pushed Gin to say such a thing is the few unexpected moments that happened the past week. Like the spontaneous kiss, they shared while cooking dinner together, or the fact that Zero insisted on sleeping together because he could not settle in a room alone.
Gin was not the only one who sensed the blurring of that line. Zero felt confused just as much. However, his pregnancy might be playing tricks on him and he refused to lead Gin on because of temporary impulses. An image of the brown-haired pureblood, father of his child flickered in his head for a moment but he dismissed it soon after, like every time it happened.
*RING**RING**RING**RING*
Zero shifted a bit after Gin broke the embrace. Pulling his phone from the back pocket, he answered in a lazy tone, "Hiiii!"
"You sound sooo energetic." Aido commented sarcastically.
"Give me four hours of sleep and I will come kick your sorry ass." Zero grunted as he stood from Gin's lap.
"I can give you about… Let's see… three… no, make it two and a half before you bring your sorry ass to the hospital's address that I will be sending you."
Violet eyes widened, "They agreed?"
Aido paused before speaking in a relieved voice, "Papers signed, sealed and delivered. The operation room will be ready and they are already in the hospital with him since last night. They are currently preparing Keiichi for the upcoming operation. Of course, your involvement will be kept anonymous." Aido explained, trepidation getting the best of him because of the delicate procedure they were about to embark in. He punched himself internally for not informing Zero earlier so that the hunter gets the proper rest.
"You are an idiot!" Zero drawled, annoyed at the last minute request which was so unlike his brother-in-law.
"I know… Things have been hectic."
"I won't be able to settle down and sleep knowing this. Anyways, Yuki should be here any minute with the weekly dose she has promised. My energy should be replenished enough with that." Zero spoke as he reached the bedroom and started pulling clothes to wear after taking a refreshing shower, Gin was on his trail.
"That is perfect." Aido chirped before hanging up.
"Is everything okay?" Gin asked, worried about the tense way Zero was acting.
The hunter bit the inside of his lips before facing him, "Do you have any plans this afternoon?"
"Not really." Gin frowned at the question.
Zero then explained the situation to the minute detail, stunning the man even more. He appreciated that Gin did not turn offensive when he told him how he actually pointed the gun to his own pregnant stomach and pulled the trigger in hope to get rid of what he considered a monster growing inside him at the time. Aido sugarcoated the truth when saying that Keiichi was born prematurely. The truth was that the golden haired vampire had to open him up and wrench the child from inside him for a chance to save both their lives.
True to her words, Yuki came in time with a couple of warm bags filled with freshly drawn pureblood.
It was not hard to get her to leave soon after since they were dressed up and obviously heading out.
A couple of hours later, Zero found himself at the hospital he last visited to check on his sick mentor before he left to Germany. Taking a deep breath, he stepped in and found Ichiru waiting for him in the lobby. They silently took the staff elevator thanks to the badge Ichiru held, and avoided any encounter with the Shikis at first.
Unfortunately, Zero had to bump into Senri when he used the restroom after an extensive, nerve-wrecking explanation about what he is about to do. He thanked the heavens for the years of practicing a poker face that he used on the maroon haired vampire. He got off the hook with the excuse of coming over for some pregnancy-related testing.
Back in the room, his breath caught at the sight of a drowsy Kei-chan dressed in a tiny hospital gown with a fanning out circle adjusted over his scalp. The sound of the shaver indicated the final preparation and Zero immediately slipped in the clothes that the nurse gave him. The gory part of the procedure was the least of his worries, as he was scared of hurting the precious child or worse… He shook his head, chasing the negative thoughts as he stroked his gun that Aido manage to smuggle inside the operating room.
It was not a scalpel or any surgical instrument that the hunter intended to use. According to the explanation he received, the best bet is to use the actual weapon in order to retrieve the bullet. Moreover, the hunter was confident in his control over it more than over a shaky blade.
"Rero?" The soft whisper snapped him out of his thought and made him realize that he stood too close that Keiichi noticed him.
"Hey you…" Zero cooed softly. Now that the harm was done, he found no reason not to comfort the little man.
"You come… say… hi?" The slurred word were more difficult to make out with the heavier tongue.
Zero smiled, "Of course!"
"H..jii… said… I wi… songer..." Keiichi's finger twitched as he tried to finish the sentence before the anesthesia finally kicked in.
"You will become stronger, I promise." Zero whispered as he placed a kiss on the small forehead through the mask, "I will make things right this time."
Aido signaled for him to step aside so that the procedure may begin.
Zero had to wonder about how the golden haired noble managed the c-section years ago when he turned green at the sight of Keiichi's brain showing as the surgeon made careful incisions to provide a safe passage.
The procedure went smoothly. The only tense moment stretched when Zero was concentrating ultra-hard in guiding the vein growing from Bloody Rose inside the child's head. As restless as the vampires around were, their eyes were fixed in amazement at the rendering from the micro camera. They all but gasped at the moment the veins grew thinner and wrapped around the bullet before tugging it out gently and smoothly in one direction. The sparkled of burning flesh scared the crap out of them but they soon relaxed when all was well and done. A huge round of applause erupted when the bloody bullet hit the ground with an echo and Zero slumped to the floor, exhausted.
He did not relax until he saw Aido hooking the bag of his own blood to Keiichi's IV drip. Moments later, the wound closed completely and the eyelids twitched as a sign that he healed up completely.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ an hour later ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Thanks to receiving his biological parent's blood, Keiichi experienced a speedy recovery from the anesthesia.
He was already in his assigned hospital room when his crystal blue eyes fluttered open to find his parents observing him intently.
Rima was holding his hand while Senri clutched the side of the bed, nervously waiting for his son to wake up. Aido was monitoring his parameters while Ichiru stood in a corner, occasionally glancing up at the surveillance camera that was modified. He knew that his brother was not far, sitting in another room facing the screen connected to the device and watching just as nervously. The only reason he could stay calm was that Gin accompanied his twin.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ In the adjacent room ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Zero squeezed Gin's hand painfully when he noticed that Keiichi was waking up. He did not know what to expect, no one knew. However, Aido mentioned that the definite sign of success would be a better articulation of his words. Keiichi has been suffering greatly from the inability to pronounce long words and certain letters are hard for his slow moving tongue to pronounce.
Gin rubbed his hand and arm in attempt to calm him down but he figured that it was useless from the way Zero's eyes were glued to the screen.
In the other room, the surgeon was checking Keiichi's vitals while getting him to focus.
"Hello Keiichi." The doctor asked with a smile.
Confused, the child tilted his head, "Hello." he answered as he rubbed his sleepy eye.
"Can you tell me who this person is?" The man asked pointing to Rima whose lips were quivering in a nervous smile.
"Mommy." She did not waste time to cradle him in a hug while minding the I.V hook.
"And who is this?" He pointed to Senri next,
"Daddy." Keiichi answered with a brighter smile since he did not see his father at first.
"Good… Good…" the doctor gave an okay sign for the memory test. "Now can you tell me the name of that mister standing over there?" he asked while pointing the Aido since he was informed that his name was the one that Keiichi could never manage to say right.
"Hana-jii" Keiichi chirped. With the drug effects worn out, his bursting energy was back tenfold and he enjoyed the questions thinking that it was some sort of game.
The happy mood was contagious as the doctor started to grin unconsciously, "And his full name is?"
"Uhm… Hana… Hana…" everyone was tensing up, waiting for the actual moment of truth. However, Keiichi had other plans, He looked around until his gaze landed on Ichiru and he got on his knees to face him from his bed. Ichiru quickly got closer when he noticed the expectant look in the clear blue eyes, "Ichi-jii… Anone… earlier… I saw Zero… He was wearing the same clothes and he kissed me here."
The child was going on with his tale without caring for the gasp escaping the orange haired female and the glistening of Ichiru's eyes as he listened to his melodious voice speaking the most eloquent words he ever heard from that tiny mouth. Unable to resist, he picked him up in a crushing hug, a single tear running down his cheek as he glanced stealthily up to the camera. You did it! Nii-san!
In the surveillance room, Zero was literally clutching the screen of the TV, not wanting to miss any gesture and sound Keiichi made. He felt his heart melt when hearing his name spoken so eloquently for the first time. He lost count of how many time he tried to get him to say it properly, but he felt like he will be missing hearing the usual 'Rero'.
What made him lose it totally was the next words that Keiichi said.
"How are you feeling, sweetie!" Ichiru asked, rocking the giggling child.
"Good… Oh! Here… hmm?" Keiichi frowned as his rubbed the back of his head.
Ichiru and all people present worried about the gesture, "Does it hurt?" Aido was the one to hurry and check for any abnormality, reacting faster than the actual surgeon does.
"No… No more… Before yes… But no more! Strange!" The cute way Keiichi was making his observation with a scowl to boot made the noble think of Zero immediately. Now that I think about it! That is his trademark scowling face!
In the surveillance room, Zero fell on his knees, gasping and shaking as tears flowed freely. He clutched his fists against his chest.
Gin held his shoulders tightly and smiled through quivering lips, "Congratulation! You did it! You took his pain away, just like you wanted." He kissed the top of the silver head as Zero broke in a fit of sobs and gasps.
Talking with difficulty through gritted teeth, "Poor baby… he *hic* he was suffering… Got used to the pain… so much… *sob* he finds it strange without it! *Gasp*… haa… God! what did I do… Why did I have to put him through that?"
Zero continued crying against Gin's chest until his tears dried up and grew breathless.
"You were weak and scared back then, you probably did not know what it is you were doing." Gin whispered as he rubbed soothing circles on shaky back.
"Uhm…" Zero nodded.
"Would you do the same thing if you were given a chance to go back in time?" Gin asked, smiling at the denying headshake he received, "See… You are fixing things up nicely. I am sure that he will be healthier and happier from now on and it is thanks to you…"
"But I made him suffer so much…" A muffled whine tugged at his heart.
"And you took that pain away… I am sure that you are forgiven for your mistake. Look at the bright side, you actually gave birth to such a precious boy that anyone cannot help but love and cherish. Look at him smiling happily and charming everyone around him." Gin grabbed Zero's chin to make him look at the screen where Keiichi was reading from a picture book on Senri's lap."
Standing up, Zero eyes never left the screen as Gin wrapped his arm around the hunter's midsection and started rubbing his stomach, "This little one is going to be the luckiest though, since you will give him a double share of happiness to compensate, right?"
Zero chuckled at the remark as he nodded.
The door opening was the only thing that could deter Zero's attention from the red haired child. Ichiru and Hanabusa came into the room with eyes still glistening and sparkling with happiness and glee.
A common memory flashed through the twin's heads when their eyes met.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Childhood memory ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Two pairs of tiny feet stumbled into the kitchen where the smell of fragrant soup filled their lungs. Their stomach growled, reminding them that they played a bit too much without replenishing their energy. They clumsily tried to climb on their seats but failed.
Their father came just in time to snap a picture of their struggle before picking them one at a time and sat them on the table.
"Mommy! Mommy!" They both called at the same time.
"I know! You are hungry. Did you wash your hands properly?" The young woman in a beige apron turned with the scoop pointed to her twin sons.
"Haiiii!" They chirped happily while showing their clean hands.
"Good boys!" She rushed to the table and stole a kiss from each chubby cheek, unable to resist the overload of cuteness.
"Mommy! listen… please!" Zero was the one to catch her attention again. That is when Sakura, his mom, noticed that they were not calling out to her about the food.
"Anooo…. We want a baby." Ichiru mumbled shyly, twirling his fingers while giving his mother a pleading look.
"Really?" She could not help but startle at the odd request. She gave a glance to her husband who was equally taken aback.
The twin nodded in sync, "Yes".
"Why?" She asked.
"Taki-chan… Today… We went together to his house… You know… His mom made him a sister and…" Takashi, their father had to stifle a laughter that made the stuttering Ichiru puff his cheeks in annoyance.
"She was shooo cute… We played together… changed her clothes…" Zero chirped.
"I put her socks on!" Ichiru raised his hand.
"I… I gave her milk with a tiny… like this …. bottle…" Zero made explaining gesture.
"A baby is cuuute…." They whined pleadingly.
Sakura was lost for words, only smiling at how adorable her sons can be at times that she might seriously consider having another, despite knowing how impossible that would be.
"Let us see… What will you do if it is a girl?" Their father joined the conversation, curious about the new sudden interest of his sons.
"Oh! I will brush her hair!" Ichiru was the first to speak.
"I will teach her how to play piano!" Zero added, bragging proudly about the praise he received during the last lesson.
"hmmm… That is good." The silver haired adult nodded with a grin.
"Wait a minute, Takashi-san! Would you not plant weird ideas in their heads… It is not like I can pop one from a pressure cooker." Sakura whispered while jabbing the side of her snickering husband.
"It is fine… They will forget about it the next morning… They are just envious of their friend and want to have the same." He whispered back, "We can have fun while it lasts."
She sighed an exasperation, figuring out that this will be the topic of the night.
"So guys!" He clapped to earn the attention of the boys who were still scheming together about how to convince their parents. "If mommy here made a baby… What will you name them?"
Zero and Ichiru looked at each other and shrugged.
"Okay! Think about a girl's name and a boy's name." He instructed.
To his surprise, the boys perked up and spoke in perfect harmony, "If we get a boy, he will be Kei-chan."
"Kei-chan?" His violet eyes that his sons inherited widened in amusement, "hmmm? Okay! Let's make a promise." He extended his pinky for them to hold.
"The first one of us to have a baby boy will name him Keiichi. Promise?" He urged his wife to join in and she happily complied.
Zero and Ichiru nodded happily, not really knowing what they were actually promising.
Later that night, Sakura tucked her sons to sleep and joined her husband on the couch of the living room. With her head nestled in the crook of his neck, she mumbled while tapping on his knees. "I guess we successfully settled the name of our first grandson."
"Yep! That is, if they actually do remember the promise by that time."
"They will… They take our promises seriously… We are blessed to have such good boys." She bragged on and on about her little angels like every other time.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Childhood memory ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Zero wiped his face, refreshed after he splashed cold water on it. He felt really silly after spending the last hour crying his eyes out without being able to stop. My hormone are seriously fucking me up good!
Upon leaving the washroom, he spotted Gin next to the coffee machine. He groaned at the failed attempt to steal a dose of caffeine behind the back of the older man who was about to enjoy his own.
He started walking towards him but halted when his vision swam a bit. Crap! He lost his balance slightly and was about to call out to him when someone grabbed his midsection and supported him.
A familiar yet foreign sent hit his nostrils and he jolted away from the person instinctively. The action seemed rude when he realized that the one who helped him was a young woman he never met before.
"Are you okay, sir? Should I call a nurse?" She asked as she pointed to the reception desk.
"No no… I am fine thank you… I have someone waiting for me over there… Excuse me!" Zero stuttered as he inched away. Alarms at the back of his head were telling him to stir away from the woman despite her looking harmless. The fact that he did not sense her nearby creeped him out for some reason. The shades she was wearing only spiced it up some more.
"Hey!" He quickly grabbed Gin's arm for a sense of comfort.
"Welcome back. Shall we head home?" Gin answered, but frowned upon noticing that Zero's attention was directed elsewhere. He followed the violet gaze and saw the person's back as she walked down the corridor. "Do you know that woman… She is quite… tall." Gin squinted.
"Nuhuh! Never met her before…. Yeah! She is almost as tall as me." Zero could not help but feel as if he knew the person from somewhere.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
*click* *clack*
The loud contact of the high heels with the concrete ended with a car door closing.
"Did you enjoy the tour, Mother?" A feminine voice resonated from behind the steering wheel.
"Hmm… It was quite boring at first…However…" Ruby red lips curled up in amusement, "I picked on something quite interesting just as I was leaving."
"Really?"
"Absolutely… Things are about to get more interesting and certainly… Less boring." She spoke with glee obvious in her eyes as she removed the sunglasses to fix a chipped nail.
"Good for you. Is that why you let you power leak a bit back there?" her daughter asked.
"Oops! You noticed?" The answer earned a pair of rolling eyes.
"You think I would not?"
"Well… I did keep low profile… However, thanks to that mischief, the carrier reacted and revealed itself. You will be surprised to know their identity." She quipped.
"Will you tell me?" The younger woman tested.
"Not yet! I prefer having the whole package instead of a small bite of the prize." White teeth showed under the glaring lipstick.
"The vessel, huh…" her daughter sighed. This is sooo troublesome.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ TBC ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
YAAAAY! End of the triple update!
I hope that I am forgiven for the long absence.
This chapter will probably mark the end of the fluffy, loving and light mood and the start of the tense KanaZero interaction because the pureblood is not one to give up that easily.
The hidden enemy is about to make their move and things will start getting more complicated. There will be a bunch of new information about Zero's past, his parents and their clan as well as Kaname's past. Some part will seem boring and confusing, but they will make sense when the true climax of this arc comes around.
KanaZero moments will start coming up and the hunter is in for a new kind of emotional rollercoaster! *evil smirk*
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Shoutout ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Before I start, I have a small favor to ask of my lovely readers. For those reviewing as 'guest', can you put a name or letter or any form of identification so that it is easier for me when I answer your review in the shoutout? That would be very helpful, thank youuuu *kiss*
BUCKETS OF LOVE AND KISSES FOR THE AWESOME REVIEWERS OF CHAPTERs 42/43:
Senja844
hotxhotguy
My Devil Butler
YaoiLoverPrincess
Guest: (Lily) Sorry for leaving you hanging so cruelly :(( I hope you enjoyed the triple update.
eboneykg
irmina
XTAG
ben4kevin
kmbanas
THE-UNLUCKY-WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE
Aoi Bara94
Alublad
miketsukami13
JustAnotherGuest: Glad that you like the long chapters because I enjoy writing them more. It is true that I like taking in readers request, but I am writing for the purpose of sharing what is brewing in my head, and that is the fun of it. As you said, if I give in and try to be too considerate, it will not be my story anymore and I would probably lose the drive to write, so yeah! I am that stubborn at times. Thank you for the encouraging review XD love ya!
Miyako Shirayuki Phantomhive
eikoamaya1
Melloomelon
Tee: You dear, nailed the theme of the chapters perfectly and your observation are definitely spot on. I hope this update cleared the confusion. Although I am sure that it rose even more irritating questions (sorry about that). Thank you for the review XD love ya!
Candilovesmuffin: I updated *Expectant sparkly eyes*! Where is my cookies and muffins… I want them nowwwww! *I love cookies by the way*
aya121192
Miss spontaneousx
LOVE YOU ALL GUYS, AND A BIG THANK YOU FOR THOSE WHO TOOK THE TIME TO READ, THOSE WHO CLICKED THE FAVORITE BUTTON AS WELL AS THOSE WHO ARE FOLLOWING THE STORY.
YOU ARE THE BEST.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ See ya next chapter ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞