Hey guys!
I hope you enjoyed the triple update and thank you sooo much for the words of support.
From the reviews and pm, I gathered that some of you did not read the original manga and some joined the story at later chapters, so this is some kind of summary about the AU and answers to common questions that you asked during the past couple of chapters.
1/ The story is sort of a canon-divergence/AU which means that it takes elements from the original work of Matsuri Hino but I tweaked some points for the convenience of my plot. The events and timeframe are different starting from Rido's battle. Everything is the same up until Rido's body is brought to the Academy. After that, the incident of him impregnating Zero after regaining his original body, which marked the start of the AU… a.k.a the background of this story.
2/ the explanation about how Zero found out that he was pregnant with Keiichi and what it entailed will be explained when he actually tells Kaname about it. (after they get back together). However, what I can answer for now is that Yes! Keiichi did siphon from Zero and it caused him to experience symptoms similar to falling to level E. Zero was feeding off Ichiru and Hanabusa at that time, hence the not so pleasant memories they hint about.
3/ A.U timeframe: after Rido's battle, Zero did not stay long at the academy because he was offered the chance to finish high school in U.S as an exchange student. His traumatizing experience and guilt whenever he was around Ichiru pushed him to accept and run away. So.. Zero was pregnant at the age of 16/17, gave birth and stayed in U.S for around five years or some more. This gap is equivalent to the year gap in the manga that preceded Sara's arc. Zero went back to cross Academy during that time. The divergences in Sara's arc are irrelevant to this story but they mark the AU of my other story centering around Kaito/Takuma. Things are pretty much similar to the manga after Sara's death with the exception of the interactions between Yuki and Zero because he was already leading his 'promiscuous' lifestyle on the side. Sara's arc, the war and Kaname's slumber are summed up in a couple of years. If my count is right, it should be 3 years until the events of the first chapter of this story. That is how I could explain Keiichi's age (eight) and the age of the others.
Oh! Yuki got pregnant with Ai at a much older age than in the manga, maybe 20-22… I don't have the brain to do extra calculation right now sorry :ppp
That would summarize the slightly confusing timeframe and the confusion about Rido/Zero incident.
As I said, this an Alternate Universe that diverges from the original canon. Don't feel shy to ask about the confusing points in the story because it can get irritating when events clashes together, and it would help me notice if I leave a loophole by incident, which I did not do yet, thankfully.
That was a lot of chattering, Enjoy the chapter guys!
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Continuation ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Few weeks passed by and the rainy season came on too strong for Zero's liking. The humidity and the heat of the coming summer made him a bit too cranky. Especially when his pregnancy finally settled down and he was feeling much better, now that he is in his second trimester.
The doorbell ringing made him groan more at the prospect of having visitors. He checked the time and frowned. Did Gin forget his keys?
He pushed the rolling chair and left his office to open the door.
To his surprise, Kaito showed up at his doorsteps.
"Yeo Fatty!" The hazel-eyed hunter greeted
With his trademark scowl, Zero pushed the door to close it in his face, "Okay! Okay! Not a fatty… just… a melon…"
"Fuck you! I am not that round!" Zero growled
"Can I come in now?" Kaito asked innocently raising both hands to show the bags he was carrying.
Opening the door again, Zero stepped aside to let him in, "I thought that you forgot about having a friend living nearby." He grumbled, unwilling to admit that he missed seeing Kaito lately.
Snickering at the silverette awkwardness, he settled the bags on the coffee table and flopped on the couch with a huff, "Been busy and out of town most of the time."
"Nothing new came up about the case?" Zero asked as he brought a beer for his friend and a lemon soda for himself.
"None! This is seriously getting creepy. It is as if the mastermind behind all this crap is playing us for fools." Kaito wiped his face remembering the numerous dead ends they faced for the past weeks.
"It is not as if… They are playing us." Zero sipped on his drink. Eyeing the huge bags on the table curiously while tugging at the closest one.
His eyes widened when he pulled what was inside.
"Oh. my. god! Kaito, what is this… It is adorable!" The hunter all but squealed as he pulled the knitted baby blue socks, with their matching beanie and gloves. They were so tiny he wondered how a human being could fit in those.
The hazel-eyed hunter chuckled as he pulled another bag while talking "Since you went ahead and told my mother about your pregnancy, she has been spending the past weeks knitting those and other stuff as well. I think she is working on a blanket as we speak."
"Oh man! I feel bad now; she should not force herself that much."
Kaito raised an eyebrow, "I did not see her that energetic since being admitted in the hospital. I should be thanking you."
Zero smiled at the thought of the lonely woman knitting away with her unfaltering smile in her wheeling chair. He snapped out of his musing when Kaito started pulling one article after another and ended up grinning at the silly look of the hunter holding a cowboy attire while wiggling his eyebrows.
"Let me guess, Master!" Zero pointed to the hat that was a replica to the one Yagari always wore.
"You bet! No eyepatches though…" Kaito earned a punch to the shoulder.
"You guys! Why go to such a lengths, the baby is not even here yet…" Zero mumbled, happily going through the onesies, toys and other things stuffed in the bags.
"That is the point of it! Well… Apart from that" Kaito pointed to the bag containing all sorts of costumes for toddlers, "I just played the errand boy bring all the other stuff since the persons themselves are either awkward or too busy to come."
"Hmmm…" Zero pondered as he checked a tiny pair of jeans, "By the awkward person, you probably mean a certain blond vampire with green eyes who is the culprit behind that huge bag filled with brands name stuff. Did you two actually go shopping for baby clothes together?" Zero asked curiously, knowing how impossible that could be.
Kaito quirked an eyebrow at the statement and cleared his throat… "Ehem!... Kind of… did some shopping from the comfort of our bed, though!"
"Ugh! My son is turning into pillow talk material!" Zero made a gagging gesture, mocking the sappiness of the situation. Kaito grumbled about the persistence of his lover, who wrestled him into it.
Zero felt his stomach hurt from laughing too much. Wiping a tear, he looked at the equally amused hunter, "Good to know that things are smooth sailing on your part. I was worried for a while."
"About?" Kaito tilted his head.
"You have been a bit weird since coming back from that trip you took with him and you kind of disappeared for a while. I admit freaking out a bit thinking that you felt weird around me when discovering about you know… the pregnancy and stuff…"
"Dude! I have seen too much freaky stuff to feel weird about you for having a vagina!" Kaito scoffed.
"Saying dude and that shit does not really match." Zero snapped, the word irritated him to no end, "It is not like I have an actual one-"
"Fine! Fine!..." Kaito raised both hands, remembering Ichiru's advice of staying clear from that specific topic. "Anyways! I am super excited to teach this little one how to be a troublemaker so that he makes your life a living hell… No worries about it." He teased while latching on Zero's stomach.
The hunter gave up pushing others when he found himself dodging too many sneaky attacks over the weeks.
After having his fill of annoying the silverette, he finally turned a serious page, "How are you doing lately? A little bird told me that your mood have been explosive."
Zero rolled his eyes, "If that little birdy enjoys wearing frilly aprons and act like the stupidest old man on earth, then you got it right. He confiscated my work phone and refused to give it back even though I am feeling much better. It is not like I show much when I wear loose tops and I am still able to go on missions just fine."
Amethyst eyes flickered a bit at the memory of storming out of Cross's office a week ago, only to smack into the chest of the brown haired pureblood. It was the least expected encounter Zero imagined that he would have with Kaname after the fit that they had. He could not believe the shiver that ran through his body in that instant that Kaname grabbed his shoulders to prevent him from falling.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Flashback ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
"Are you okay?" The smooth rich voice of the pureblood echoed on top of his head, making Zero jerk back, pushing against his chest.
Kaname reacted fast and grabbed Zero's arm to stabilize him. Pale skin flushed slightly when he realized that he was about to fall backward, adding to the awkwardness of the situation.
"I am… I am fine… You can… let go now." Zero mumbled, tugging at his arm.
Kaname quickly let go as if stung with fire, "Oh! right…"
They stood awkwardly for barely two seconds but it felt like eternity for both of them. Especially for Zero who found himself unable to meet the garnet orbs after seeing the fleeting worry adorning them. Why look at me like that when you do not think that much of me!
"Well… Take care, Kiryuu-kun…" Zero jolted as Kaname spoke close to his ear when he passed by his side, going into the chairman's office.
*sound of doors closing*
"Oh! Kaname-kun! Good timing… I was just about to call you. Ichijou-kun told me that you had the afternoon free and I needed some experienced assistance."
Zero heard the muffled voice of his adoptive father through the door followed by the courteous answer from the pureblood, all while willing his quickly beating heart to settle down. He wished so hard that Kaname was not focusing enough to actually hear the erratic sound.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ end of flashback ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
"Zero?"
The silver hunter startled when he realized that Kaito was waving a hand in front of his face.
"Did you hear anything I said?" Kaito grumbled.
"No! sorry… I was…" Zero stuttered.
"Never mind your pregnancy brains. What I was saying is; if you insist on taking on hunting missions again, why not show them that you can?"
"I don't get it." Zero was confused.
"I have to swing by the association after this. Get your gear and we can go spar at the dojo. How convenient it is that Cross is there as well?" Kaito teased the beaming hunter, but Zero frowned suspiciously.
"Why is it that you, the one who is opposed the most to me getting back in the field, helping me out now?"
Kaito scratched his chin, pulling an innocent act that Zero knew all too well, "Well… I admit that I do not want you put in any danger or risk but…"
"But?"
"But I know how frustrating it can be not to do anything. I did notice that you are back in shape at the shooting range. Your aim and focus are back and you don't tire that easily even while using the vines, that is good. However, I am apprehensive when it comes to close combat… I mean… close range is-"
"I can be a hassle with this fatty around to protect." Zero finished the thought sarcastically as he stuffed a bite of the muffin.
"Something along those lines." Kaito had to stop the mirth from showing in his voice.
"Let's bet on it then."
"What do you mean?" Kaito looked at the hunter as he rearranged the clutter and took the bags elsewhere. Zero glanced from the stares with a smirk on his face.
"Let's bet that I will kick your sorry ass as well as the ones who are sparring there. If I win, I am back in business and you will make sure of it." He pointed to the not so surprised friend of his.
"You are on, but you have to take down at least four of us including me." Kaito added the condition, confident that Zero was not that 'in shape' to pull it off. He would not pass on such a chance to make his pregnant friend stop his nonsense about hunting. Kaito was sure that Zero would rip him to shred if he knew that he was the one behind Cross cutting him off from all sort of mission related communication.
Knowing Zero, Kaito suspected that he might go on a mission if he gets a notification on the phone without bothering to report back just so no one can object to it. I would totally do it in his place!
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ At the association's Dojo couple of hours later ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
A panting Kaito sprawled on the tatami mat struggled to catch his breath. His face red and sweating like crazy, just like the six other unlucky hunters they found training when they entered the dojo.
From the corner of his eyes, he saw Zero stretching and moaning at the crackling of his bones before crouching next to him.
"So~" The hunter chirped, eyes twinkling and face beaming.
Kaito looked around before whispering, knowing that only Zero's enhanced hearing could pick up on his voice, "Did your fucking pregnancy give you a power up or something?"
"I wonder~" Zero teased again with mirth.
"You are not breaking a sweat!" Kaito groaned as he shifted his battered body to get into a sitting position.
"Maybe because I do workout on the rooftop and have been replenishing on blood more than usual." Zero pondered. He was confident that he could take Kaito down because his comebacks have always been stronger when he goes a long time without sparring.
However, he had to admit that he felt more empowered than ever. Not only that, but his movements, reflexes and attacks got faster and stronger compared to pre-pregnancy. He easily beat seven hunters who attacked him at the same time without using a single spell, which would have been impossible before no matter how he looked at it. He suspected that Kaito would hold back in close combat, but the other hunters who were not aware of his condition did pack few punches that he easily dodged. His lips curled up in a proud smile as he held the urge to rub his bump, I guess baby boy does not like seeing his mommy losing!
He liked the thought that his child was making him stronger instead of crippling him.
"That is just a dirty way of betting." Kaito complained.
"A bet is a bet, don't be a pussy!" Zero warned.
"What kind of bet would that be?" The sound of Yagari snapped them out of their conversation. Cross's head popped from behind him to look horrified when seeing Zero in a training gear.
"What were you doing?" Cross snapped in a scolding whisper.
After explaining the situation. Zero got in another argument with the wheat-haired ex-hunter who was adamant on getting him back on duty, with Ichiru backing him on that after he joined the crowd. The conversation escalated fast and took a weird turn that led to Zero holding Ichiru's sword to face a challenge he threw at Cross who was holding his rigged sword.
It was one of the most intense fights that the dojo witnessed; to the point that Yagari stopped them before they destroyed the place.
At a tie, Cross finally conceded and gave the permission that made Zero jump in happiness.
"However, you are only getting light-weight missions and Kaito will be your partner." Yagari stated firmly, having hard time hiding the grin at the sight of the happy hunter.
"Who cares as long as I get to shoot those shitheads?" Zero shrugged and grabbed a towel as he waved for Gin who was looking for him.
"You got my text? Did you wait long?" Zero asked, feeling bad at the thought of the teacher waiting outside.
"Uhm.. No! Actually, Shouto-san spotted me and invited me in. I am sure to get lost if I tried to look for this place alone.
"He refused to come in at first, as if scared." Isaya teased the guest before patting on his shoulder and leaving.
"While you are here, do you want to give it a try?" Cross chirped. Try as he may, he could not managed to get his 'son-in-law' to open up to him. He could not help but feel the invisible wall that Gin built between them. He wondered about what might have caused it, but could not pinpoint anything. His unease increased when Gin gave him a troubled face.
In attempt to break the ice, he threw his own sheathed sword towards him, "Why don't you get acquainted with this guy for example."
Gin's mouth flapped in attempt to deny but the sword was already flying his way and his own hands extended out of reflex.
The one who caught the weapon, however, was Yagari. He earned a pout from his whining lover for interfering but scolded him nonetheless, "The last thing I need is some injury of a newbie handling this. If you are that keen, grab a wooden sword from there."
"No fun!" Cross snapped and went to collect a pair of wooden swords nonetheless.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
While Gin was getting tortured, Yagari beckoned Zero to follow him to his office.
The hunter tensed when they reached the door and sensed a familiar aura. He had no time to voice anything as Yagari already opened the door and invited him to join the meeting table, sitting next to Kaname.
"All right! Since you are back in the game, it is only fair to keep you on the same page." Yagari spoke with a raised eyebrow when Zero chose to sit two seats away from the pureblood.
"That would be appreciated." The young hunter answered, trying not to be obvious with his discomfort.
"Here…" Yagari handed papers to both of them, "So far… The intelligence department, investigation unit, and the undercover agents did not find any trace leading to our mastermind or any of their pawns. It is as if they suddenly stopped their actions. The stock of the pills is reducing from the market as well and everything seems illogical."
"Why? It makes perfect sense." Zero shrugged as he threw the papers on the table in a dismissing fashion, looking at his mentor's eye "It just confirms that they have a mole inside the association. Said mole warned them about the progress we made with the DNA testing and all that jazz, so they decided to lay low until we run out of leads."
"I share the same opinion as Kiryuu-kun on the matter. We need to keep our guard up and strengthen our defense for they are probably planning their next move in a way we least expect." Kaname explained.
Yagari nodded, "That is exactly what I think."
Zero frowned at the statement. He never liked it when Yagari tested his observational skills by acting 'dumb'.
"Since the two of you are on the same standpoint, this might work out better than expected."
"What do you mean?" Kaname inquired curiously.
"We need fresh ideas, fresh point of view and a strategy from someone who has a close mindset to our culprit. No offense intended."
"None taken." Kaname nodded the answer, agreeing with the old hunter.
"Where do I come in all this?" Zero rolled his eyes as he spoke. Since when did those two start interacting with so much respect?
"You will replace me. I have enough on my plate that makes me crave a fucking cigar right about now. So, mister 'I want in', you will look over the strategies with Kuran. He will try to predict how the enemy could engage his next move, and you, as the hunter, you will think about how you can defend against or suppress the attack if possible." Yagari explained as he gathered his papers.
"Wait…" Zero flustered for a bit at the thought of being alone with the pureblood, "I thought the strategies and logistics were Ichiru's forte?"
Yagari exhaled in exasperation, "Ichiru said that there was no need to hear Kaname's point of view and that he will rely on his own 'resources' to assist us before storming out of that door."
Fuck me! He probably said that because he cannot stand being around him after what happened with me! Just Peachy! I would like to see his face when I tell him that he freaking got me stuck doing his bloody job instead. DAMNIT!
"I will tell your boyfriend that you will be given a ride back home later." Yagari announced as he closed the door, leaving the two awkward men alone in the office.
Silence stretched painfully until Kaname rustled the papers he started reading. The action elicited an apparent flinch from the hunter that he caught from the corner of his eye.
The pureblood sighed and tapped softly on the wooden furniture before speaking as softly and politely as possible, "I would say…" he passed a copy of the investigation report to the hunter that Zero snatched and busied himself reading it. "That the next attack will be more precise and provocative than the previous ones. Now that they made themselves known, they will need to move faster and reach their goal before we built an iron defense that will ward them off."
The more Kaname explained, the more Zero focused and chased away his trepidation. He exhaled softly, a bit relieved that the pureblood was talking in his strict formal tone, all about work.
Zero cleared his throat, pulling the report of Aido's case, "Seeing how sporadic their attacks started, they do seem to focus more and more on specific targets as they go. Especially around this time." He pointed to the date of the case and laid other cases that happened shortly before and after it.
Kaname observed the brief summary and nodded, "My logic behind that would go this way. At first, they were tracking down the rogue vampires and hunters, recruited a good unit. The rogue hunter provided information about the way that the association operates. Attacking hunters during their missions had two purposes; setting panic, and recruiting the mole they needed. A hunter who has not gone rogue, able to come and go freely, but still against the new order of the organization."
"Jinmu…" Zero trailed, "Consequently, as an old hunter, he can dig out those of the same mindset and a niche festered on the inside."
"Sadly yes." Kaname confirmed, not missing the bitterness in Zero's voice.
"And because we sabotaged their coup, they retorted by sending the provocative case of… Marco's murder." Zero added, "I see it as an elusive tactic as well. The mastermind wants to confirm that the one behind all this would be none other than the rogue pureblood that we already know about."
"The 'lady' Hanadagi and the young master of the Touma clan." Kaname finished his thoughts and pointed the fountain pain he was holding to the DNA test result, "However, the new algorithm that the research lab developed has uncovered that they were only part of a bigger team, if that term applies."
Zero nodded.
The discussion and analysis went for a while, and none of them realized how much in sync they were until Zero noticed that, somewhere along the line, he actually shifted closer to the pureblood in order to scribble the strategy and assumption they had come up with.
From the corner of his eyes, he could not help but take in the features of Kaname's face. He realized that he did not dare look him in the face for so long that it seems like an eternity.
He observed further, when Kaname was busy writing down what they discussed, entranced by the shadow that long eyelashes casted over prominent cheekbone. He heard him mumble, but felt too mesmerized by the luscious lips as they moved, like every single time he stared at them.
However, his trance did not last long for Kaname to catch the heated stare. Zero quickly noticed how dim the garnet eyes looked when they met his. He was surprised to notice the tiredness in Kaname's face that not many would catch if they had not seen him up close as much as Zero did.
The hunter's eyes narrowed on the slight hollowness under Kaname's eyes that will soon turn into dark circles. The slightly paler complexion of the usually plump skin surprised him.
He looks… exhausted…
Kaname, on the other hand, was literally holding his breath when he noticed the curious look that Zero was giving him. The fact that the hunter was munching on his own pen did not help much with his distress. He tried to act as casually as possible and not set his alarms, especially when he shifted closer.
However, it was getting hard not to put him on the spot when he is gazing at him so intently. Kaname was aware that his depression was taking a toll on him, no matter how well he hid it. He knew as well that Zero's attention to details will make him notice it faster than anyone else, and he did not want that.
The pureblood quickly slid and slammed the papers in front of Zero in a way that startled the hunter for a second. He had to stifle a chuckled when Zero stammered and cleared his throat as he directed all his attention to the paper in hand.
The renewed awkwardness dissipated when Yagari came into the office and joined them once again.
"I swear… That forensics might end up giving me cancer again." He grunted, throwing a pile of documents on his desk before pulling a chair facing his two guests.
"I don't see why you have to take the position so soon after you recovered. It would be no joke if that actually happened." Zero complained, voicing the worries he had since the day that Yagari went back to being the president once again.
"Do you want me to put your pregnant ass on that chair? You are more than welcome." the one-eyed hunter hissed, irritation getting the best of him.
"Okay… Forget I ever said that!" Zero raised both hands in defeat. It was one thing when Kaito or he cussed, but when it comes to their mentor, that is a sign not to mess around with him any further. Who is the pregnant one again?
"Any progress?" Yagari dismissed the gesture and took the paper that Kaname offered. "I was worried about deciphering Zero's handwriting for a moment there." he teased his disciple when he saw the neat writing of the pureblood.
"So sorry for not using a pen and paper that much." Zero hissed back when Kaname chuckled at the remark, his cheeks tinting slightly.
Reading the paper, Yagari would glance at them from time to time with a confused look, frowning look and then a stone hard serious face he placed the paper and rested his chin on interlaced hands. "Are you sure about these speculations?"
Kaname folded his legs under the table and graciously crossed his hands in front of him, oozing confidence and aggressiveness, opposite to his stance few minutes earlier. "As you said, if I were in the enemy's shoes and with what we assume he knows, one of these scenarios would be their next move. Of course, we jumped to the extreme cases because we cannot let our guard down anymore. Moreover, if we prepare for the worst, any lesser attack will not incur as much damage."
Zero confirmed the statement, making Yagari rub his temples in exasperation. As much as he hated to admit, the two worked extremely well together to the point of digging loopholes that the whole investigation department failed to see.
"Targeting the leading figures is too serious and risky." He stated.
"But it will set enough panic for them to move freely and gather more allies. A show of power would shift the balance and allegiance, like in any other war in history. What is more disturbing is the ranking." Kaname countered.
"The top brass of both societies. Kaname Kuran, Kiryuu Zero, Yagari Toga, Cross Kaien, Aido Hanabusa and Kiryuu Ichiru?" Yagari quirked an eyebrow at the last one.
"They are obviously aware that Ichiru is an informant and I would not be surprised if information about him digging the ice-wielder hideout leaked. It was thanks to it that the bodies of the deceased hunters were found." Zero explained, annoyed by the fact that his brother was being dragged into trouble once again. It has become the norm for him to be targeted, but Ichiru had always made sure that his movements stayed anonymous, and Zero made sure to secure any network he used to ensure that.
"The both of you may be on the standby for now, but any smart enemy should be aware that you would take action if things went down, so it is logical to target you while still 'inactive'" Yagari observed.
"I would not be surprised for being a target seeing that I am technically the president of their nemesis," he added, "Cross campus is a cesspool of information and technologies that would take them down if they are not careful. Cutting off the leader, Kaien, would stop the flow of sponsorship and support. That will disrupt the advancement toward the goal of the peace-treaty. Aido-kun is the key to finding the cure, since you passed down the research to him. Therefore, he is technically at the highest risk for now. I assume that is why you put him on the list of those that need added protection." He looked at both while flicking the paper.
"That would summarize it." Kaname confirmed.
Yagari sighed while picking the phone to call his lover and advisor along with the co-president to join the meeting.
What was supposed to take no more than an hour, ended up stretching into the night to the point that Zero started feeling the discomfort of sitting on a chair for that long. Not to mention that his throat was getting parched the longer he stayed close to the pureblood. At one point, he worried that his eyes would start glowing red at the sound of blood pumping through Kaname's vein, which made his gum itch.
A breath of relief escaped his lips when the meeting was over, but he could not relax just yet. Especially when a nosy Cross Kaien asked the pureblood to drive him back home.
Ugh! Somebody kill me!
On his way out, Zero fumbled with his phone, cussing each time that a call would not connect.
Reaching the car, his eyes widened when he realized that Kaname was the one driving, meaning that they will be alone in the car. No way is that happening!
"Uhm… I appreciate the offer, but I think I am taking a cab… Bye!" He was about to bolt away if Kaname did not grab his wrist in time, not caring about being seen in front of the building.
"Wha?" Zero snatched his hand away, holding his wrist and looking around, relieved to see that no one was around at such a late hour.
"We just talked about potential threats and you want to go back home by yourself?" Kaname stated in a grave voice.
"It is not like I can't defend myself." Zero snapped back.
"I know that you are no damsel in distress." Kaname teased, unintentionally bringing a not so old memory.
Zero bit the inside of his cheek, wanting nothing more than escape the uncomfortable situation.
Opening the passenger door, Kaname sighed, "Look… I will just drive you back. You do not need to worry about unnecessary things."
If by that you mean pouncing me or attacking me in the car, oh thank you, that is certainly the LEAST of my worries.
Seeing the stubbornness of the hunter, Kaname closed the door and leaned against the vehicle, hands in his pockets.
"I will just have to wait here until you hop in. There is no way you are going back home otherwise." He challenged in an amused tone.
"I still have perfectly functioning legs if you did not notice." Zero crossed his arms.
"Okay then!" Kaname pushed himself and started walking, "If you prefer an hour walk to less than a twenty minutes' drive, I don't mind keeping you company." Glancing back at the exasperated hunter, he could not help but chuckle. They are the perfect rivals when it comes to being stubborn, and Kaname felt proud of winning more than losing when it came to this kind of challenges.
"I assume that you would take a taxi with me if I went ahead with it?" Zero complained, groaning when Kaname nodded, smirking.
"Fuck it!" Zero cursed as he opened the car door and slamming it shut to the point of shaking the vehicle after he got in.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
The ride was quiet and comfortable since Zero kept staring out of the window and Kaname concentrated on the instruction from his GPS navigator.
Seeing that they were close to destination, Kaname took a shuddering breath and whispered, preparing for a potential onslaught.
"How are you coping with the pregnancy so far?" He did not miss the way Zero jolted from the suddenly interrupted silence.
"Why?" Zero mumbled in the palm covering his mouth.
Without taking his eyes off the road, Kaname answered in an amused tone to hide his nervousness "Just asking out of concern. I might be trying to strike a conversation, if you did not notice."
"Oh!" Zero exclaimed, totally faking it, "I worried for a second that you were checking whether my child was ripe enough for you to rip them off my gut." The sarcasm did not go unnoticed.
Kaname winced intenally.
"Zero, I am-"
"Don't get started please! Just… Take me home or stop the car so that I-"
"Zero, listen" Kaname hissed as his grip tightened on the steering wheel.
Stubborn as he is, Zero did not answer but switched on the radio on maximum volume before looking out the window, totally ignoring the pained sound coming from the pureblood who had his eardrums blasted.
Kaname sighed and reduced the volume just as the next song was starting.
"Zero…"
"STOP CALLING MY NAME!" The hunter screamed, without looking at the pureblood. His heart beating faster each time he heard him calling in that voice. He knew that tone like the back of his hand and he knew too well that Kaname was trying to get under his skin.
He put his guard up even more because he was aware of how weak he can get when facing that kind of approach. How many times the pureblood did soothes him after their usual bickering using that method? He lost count, but he was determined not to let it get to him this time around, he could not afford to.
His musing stopped abruptly when a familiar melody resonated, a melody he recognized and his ears perked, waiting for the song to start. However, his driver had other plans, as he switched off the radio and pulled the car on the side of the road.
Panic rose inside Zero and he glanced at the brown haired man who shifted sideway to face him. He unconsciously scooted closer to the door.
"Will you please let me finish what I have to say?" Kaname asked in a pleading voice. Sighing at the bad habit of the hunter.
Zero gritted his teeth, pissed at the insinuation.
"Finish what? Are you going to apologize for things you don't even feel remorse about doing?" he barked, hand on the handle, ready to open the door and bolt if anything went wrong.
"Why get in the car with me if you are that scared?" Kaname asked, pointing at the shaking hand of the hunter that held the envelope.
"I am pissed, not scared. You are asking that dumb question when you know that I won't get rid of you unless you take me home, one way or another. Besides, the last thing I needed is a crazed pureblood who gets aggressive because 'things did not go the way he wanted'." Zero snapped back, struggling to keep a straight face. "I guess I was stupid to think that you are trying to redeem yourself." He added as he clicked the door open.
"Zero wait!" Kaname jumped and held the handle over Zero's hand before pulling the door shut again.
The hunter panicked when he felt the weight of the pureblood pressing against him and struggled unnecessarily. As not to antagonize him, Kaname pulled back after locking the car but failed to dodge the corner of the paper envelope that sliced his cheek in a shallow wound.
Zero tensed and looked away as his eyes glowed red when he looked at the mirror. The reaction did not escape Kaname who quickly pushed the button to slide the windowpane down and reached for a tissue to wipe the little blood over the healed wound. He extended his hand outside of the car and burned the tissue with his blue flames to erase the remaining scent.
"Sorry." He whispered as he closed the windows again after the scent dissipate and Zero relaxed, "I did not mean to scare you… I will take you home… Safely, I promise! Just hear me out for a moment, Okay?" Kaname reassured. Hands tapping nervously on the steering wheel.
Zero kept a hand on his quivering mouth, covering his elongated fangs and keeping his eyes closed tightly as he willed away the urge to latch on Kaname's throat.
"Zero? Do you need to drink?" Kaname inquired cautiously.
"No! There is no way I am drinking from you." The hunter snapped, breathing heavily in order to regain control over his thirst, "Say whatever you want to say and get going already!"
Kaname's lips tightened, but he did not insist when Zero's eyes reverted to their violet color, dark with anger.
"I am sorry."
"You said that already." Zero groaned.
"I apologizing for the way I treated you back at my place. That was inexcusable." Kaname added, grateful that Zero quieted down to hear him out, "I was not myself, and I…"
"You were drunk." Zero deadpanned.
"There is that too…" Kaname nodded, "But it is still not an excuse for what I said…"
Zero took a deep breath, "What are you trying to say? We don't have all the time in the world if you did not notice." He pointed to the late hour of the night.
"I know… I just wanted to stop this animosity between us. I understand that you do not want anything to do with me in term of relationship or anything related to it… I don't want to get in the way of your happiness either." Kaname voice lowered a bit by the end while he glanced at Zero's stomach. "What I am trying to say is that I want us to try and act like the adult we are."
Zero's eyebrow twitched at the last statement, not helping the amusement he found in it, "Oh really?"
Kaname caught on the reaction and his lips curled up, realizing the funny way he phrased it, "Something along those lines, yeah… It would be quite difficult to work things out with you being all jittery whenever I am around." He teased, earning a scowl.
"Why do you think I act like that in the first place?" Zero hissed, finally shifting to face the pureblood, "You have been acting like some kind of bipolar psychopath lately."
Kaname winced at the true statement, "I am well aware of that. Trust me! I had my share of harsh reminders… Especially the glass of wine that your twin splashed in my face because I made the mistake of asking how you were doing."
Zero face palmed himself and sank on the seat, disbelief written on his face. That Ichiru!
"I did deserve it though." Kaname shrugged.
"You bet you did. However, I had my part in all of it… if it is of any consolation, and I had my share of lectures and 'harsh reminders'." Zero stated, crossing his arms.
A moment of silence stretched before they both burst in a fit of laughter, remember the countless time they screwed up and had to be lectured like kids by their close friends and family.
"We do need to start acting more like the adults we are, I have to agree on that." Zero sputtered in attempt to compose himself again.
"Clean slate then?" Kaname asked; hope shining in his garnet eyes no matter how much he tried to hide it.
"I guess so, if we're going to team up and catch this rat lurking around." Zero shrugged, but pointed one last thing, "And you won't try to harm my baby?"
Kaname huffed, "That was the stupid drunk me talking. Do you think that I am heartless enough to kill a child, being a father myself?" he answered but regretted his words soon after in fear of offending the hunter.
"Good!" Zero gave him a thumb up and pointed to the road next, "Now, take me home because I am hungry and sleepy."
Kaname could not help but chuckle at the cute reaction, but kept his thoughts to himself. He was extremely relieved to see the hunter acting more comfortably around him and taking the liberty of switching the radio and fumbling around instead of sitting stiffly and warily next to him. He almost wished the trip never ended.
Once they reached destination, Kaname unlocked the car and Zero all but jumped out of it.
Chuckling, Kaname chased after him before he opened the gate, bitter about his beloved going to another man's embrace.
"Zero! wait…"
The hunter startled and turned with a scowl to show the displeasure at being stranded any longer, "You forgot this." Kaname handed him the envelope.
"OH! Thanks."
"Goodnight."
"You too…"
Amethyst gaze followed the back of the brunet as he got in the car and drove away. Worrying his lower lip, Zero opened the house and slumped in the hallway, his legs no longer able to hold him straight. He grabbed his shirt in a fist, pressing against his burning chest. The feeling was all too familiar and it scared him to no end.
Crawling up the stairs, he finally reached the dark bedroom with difficulty. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he took deep breaths while shaking hand reached to the drawer. He quickly gulped the pills and followed by enough water to get rid of the aftertaste. It is natural not to feel truly sated unless you drink the father's blood!
The memory of what the doctor said at the beginning of the pregnancy added to his agony. Covering his face with both palms, he rocked back and forth to calm himself. He was glad that the tension between him and Kaname was subsiding and that the pureblood was finally getting a clue that Zero would never be his, but it also scared him to allow the pureblood less distance than before. Did I agree too fast?
The sleeping man on the other side of the bed shifted slightly, stirred by the rocking of the mattress. Gin squinted his sleepy eyes slightly, waiting for them to adjust to the darkness of the room. He was surprised to see Zero sitting next to him, leaning his back against the headboard and folding his knees up where his head was resting.
"Zero? You're back." He spoke groggily as he pushed himself up. Frowning when he got no reaction, he reached for the hunter's face. He did not miss the flinch at his touch, so he brushed away the silver bangs to have a better look at his face.
He switched on the bedside lamp and shook his head in exasperation as he pulled the red-eyed crying hunter closer.
"I am sorry!" Zero mumbled, the pain in his chest increasing more, "I took some pills but… I don't know why."
"Shhh… You must have overdone it today after being inactive for so long… You probably need to get more blood than usual and you will be fine." Gin reassured, allowing shaky hands to unbutton his pajama shirt.
After he made sure that Zero was okay, they slept in each other's embrace. Gin's sleepy brain failed to process the fact that Zero did not drink that much from him and the fact that it has not been that long since he had Yuki's blood.
As for the hunter, he was grateful that the little bit he took sated him, which meant that he did not have to worry about the syphoning increasing. He ignored the dull itch at the back of his throat as he thought back on the conversation he had with Kaname.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Few days later ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Like a kid who was excited for his first day at school, Zero would not calm down as he checked his gear and clothes a million time and ended up getting ready an hour before Kaito came to pick him up.
"Make sure to call me if you feel unwell and need me to come pick you up!" Gin insisted for the hundredth time, making Zero's eyes roll just as much.
"I will be just fine. I will most likely spend the whole night in a corner leaning against the wall watching those leeches sucking up to one another." Zero whined.
"Just in case!" Gin insisted again.
"I know! I will send you the location as soon as I get there. I will be careful about what I eat or drink… bla bla bla!"
"Especially what you drink! Takamiya-kun, do not let any alcohol go near him. His new obsession lately is vodka." Gin complained to the hazel-eyed hunter who was snickering at the lecture that Zero was getting. His eyes widened, "Seriously! Dude, you were not into drinking in the first place, what-"
"Can we go already?" Zero huffed as he got in the car, scowling at the two men spoiling his fun. Although the mission was just monitoring a ball party hosted by a noble family where humans and hunters were invited, Zero was grateful for going on a 'mission' that will get him out of the mundane routine he had fallen into during the past month or more.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Late in the party ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Why did I agree to this again?
Zero groaned internally. He was utterly bored just standing against the wall. Kaito annoyed him even more when he offered him a chair. So much for hiding my pregnancy!
Nothing was happening as he expected, and seeing the vanity of vampires reminded him why he took pleasure in shooting their empty heads when they fall into madness.
However, the fact that irritated Zero the most was that he was constantly following a certain brunet with his eyes. Had he known that Yuki and Kaname were present at the party, Zero would have rejected the mission, probably.
After he agreed on some sort of 'truce' with the pureblood, Zero was at loss ever since. They had two more meetings afterwards and Kaname would openly offer to drive him back home, not minding a rejection if Zero had a ride or used his own car.
Not only that, but the hunter was shocked to have him call to voice his objection after learning that the hunter was taking on missions again.
The relief he felt because of the new development made him realize that he was distressed by the fact that Kaname hated him more than the fact that he hurt him in more ways than others. As stubborn as he might be, Zero was well aware that he had a hand in all the conflict they had. He pushed Kaname to his limits more than once. Could my own guilt be the reason I did not get affected as much after he forced me?
Zero shook his head to chase away the confusing questions. He probably just realized that all he felt for me was lust and desire, nothing more nothing less. So much for professing his love every chance he got… Your father is quite the fool isn't he?
Zero mused as he placed a hand over his stomach discreetly. Unexplained sadness gripped his chest as he looked at the pureblood conversing with the guests. A waiter came his way with a tray of champagne that made his mouth water.
He knew how wrong his new craving was but justified himself by the fact that alcohol did not affect vampires as long as it did not contain any silver wine. His head whipped left and right to make sure that his chaperon was not looking before snatching a flute and scurry away to a darker corner.
Sipping on the drink, his eyes fluttered close at the sensation of it sliding down his throat. At this point, he believed that champagne tasted as good as blood for him.
*Badump*
Violet eyes widened and a hand flew to cover his mouth. A nauseous feeling came over him all of a sudden and he quickly rushed to the nearest restroom. The sense of déjà vu creeped him out even more when the door opened and he felt the pureblood aura approach him as he retched on the toilet bowl.
He whimpered when his stomach churned for another round. He felt dizzy and unable to hold himself up anymore if not for the strong hands that grabbed his waist and kept him in place. He adjusted himself on his knees and Kaname brought one hand to rub soothing circles on his back while the other brushed back his bangs that stuck to a sweaty forehead.
Zero did not realize how heated his own skin was until he sighed at the cool sensation of Kaname's hand, knowing full well how warm that hand could usually be.
Minutes later, Zero found himself on the floor leaning back on Kaname's chest while the pureblood rested his back against the wall. He took a couple more shallow breaths while Kaname used his power to wet a cold towel and wring it before hovering it to his hand to wipe the hunter's face.
"Feeling better?" Kaname whispered softly, extremely worried for the hunter. He regretted not jumping in when he caught sight of him picking the glass of champagne. He totally forgot that the one served at such functions always contained silver wine. He did not pay much attention since Zero never drank when on duty before.
Nonetheless, Kaname was surprised to see him picking the flute. He assumed that it was just for show, so he decided to finish his conversation before teasing the hunter about how bad of an idea it would be if he drank it.
"mmngh! Feeling like shit…" Zero groaned as he tried to stand. He gratefully accepted Kaname's help to get to the sink and wash off the foul taste left in his mouth.
Kaname chuckled at the remark while spilling the champagne flute down the sink, "In case your doctor failed to mention, silver wine is off limit during pregnancy. It is good that you got it out of your system fast because it could have turned into blood poisoning when mixing with your pregnancy hormones." Kaname explained, satisfied with the horrified expression Zero gave him. He took it as a sign that the hunter would be thinking twice about what to put in his mouth from then on.
"And you knew that from?" Zero tried to turn the table to stop the humiliation.
"Yuki's pregnancy?" Kaname stated the obvious, even though it was a lie. Ever since knowing that the hunter's pregnancy was risky, Kaname found himself researching about anything that can affect him badly and what can go wrong in order to prevent it.
"Oh, I see!" Zero cursed the 'pregnancy brains' for forgetting how involved Kaname was in Yuki's pregnancy.
"Zero… Should you really be taking on missions now? I don't think it is wise to endanger yourself." Kaname reprimanded the stretching hunter as he filled the flute with water.
"Okay… First! I know that we are… you know… not fighting anymore, but I would appreciate if you stopped using my first name. I do not want weird rumors spreading around, okay? Kuran?" Zero requested, "Secondly, apart from poisoning myself with stupid silver wine, I think I will be able to handle whatever comes my way. Besides, I do not see why you should concern yourself with me that much… It is not like –"
"It is not like it is my child you are carrying… Thank you! I am well aware of that." Kaname drawled, feeling slightly irritated from the hunter pushing him away yet again.
"I was going to say that it is none of your business." Zero growled, It is your child though! Not like I will ever tell you, not in a million years.
"Oh! It is my business when I see the person I care about suffering and putting themselves in danger." Kaname deadpanned as he walked closer to the hunter. Zero backed up against the wall, wary of the shortening distance separating them. His eyes squeezed shut when Kaname leaned down, expecting the pureblood to kiss him or something of that sort when his breath brushed against his face.
"You had a bit of tissue." Kaname brushed a flushed cheek to take a bit of wet tissue that stuck to it, waving it in front of the hunter to see, "Were you expecting something else… like maybe a-"
"I was expecting nothing!" Zero shrieked. "Seriously, you need to stop with all this fawning and consideration of yours. Here I thought that you woke up for your delusions."
"Delusions?" Kaname quirked an eyebrow, not liking what he will be hearing.
"I meant that bullshit talk about loving me and stuff." Zero clarified, wanting to put an end to it, "I was really enjoying the way we have been getting along, 'on friendly terms' lately, and you had to go and burst the bubble."
You are probably the only one enjoying it, Zero! Kaname thought in his head.
"Sorry about that, but what I am feeling is no delusion. It is not as if I am forcing you to acknowledge and reciprocate anymore. I am keeping it to myself precisely because I care about you." Kaname explained.
"Some fucked up logic that is." Zero drawled, "What is the next confession. 'Oh Zero! I don't think that you will find happiness without me, let us get back together?'"
Kaname took a deep breath looking up at the glaring neon light before looking back into incensed violet eyes, "You are obviously happy and living the life you wished for… Even if it a little twisted compared to the one you pictured as a child. I would never think of sabotaging it."
Zero breath hitched for a moment when Kaname remembered the talk they had a long time ago about how Zero pictured his future before turning into a vampire.
"I honestly do not care about that man you chose, neither do I give a thought about his child growing inside you." Kaname added, staring at the camouflaged bump, his eyes travelled up to meet disturbed eyes of the hunter. He will certainly blow his top if I told him how handsome he looked with his pregnancy glow. A sight beautiful enough to take my breath away. "However, as long as you are going through a risky pregnancy and acting reckless on top, I will not stand by and see you getting hurt."
Zero had to look away from the heated gaze that seemed to strip him naked and swallow him whole. He felt his skin tingling and breathe shortening even with the larger distance between them now. His chest burned suddenly when a rich sweet scent hit his nose.
With glowing red eyes, he gave the pureblood a look of disbelief.
"Don't worry, the water makes the scent a lot fainter and prevent it from spreading far."
"What are you doing?... Fuck going far! This place is swarming with vampire-"
"I would not have done this if you did not go ahead and drank that champagne only to end up tiring yourself with the consequences." Kaname spoke nonchalantly as he kept a nail digging in the finger that he dipped in the flute that he filled with water halfway. The clear liquid went from the lighter shade of pink to the darker shade of red when filled.
"I am not tired!" Zero growled.
"Look at yourself before saying that. Hard to convince me when you reacted that strongly from just the scent of my blood. I thought you had better control than that." Kaname mocked, irritated at the stubbornness of the hunter. He pushed the glass on the marble counter, closer to Zero who kept his hands to himself.
"I am not drinking it!" The ex-human hissed, almost prickling his lip by his elongated fangs. I am reacting because you are the fucking father! Damn it!
*knock**knock**knock*
"Kaname? Is everything alright?" Takuma's voice came from behind closed door, bringing relief to the hunter.
Kaname looked at the hopeful expression and locked his jaw as he wiped his wet fingers. He strode to the door and opened it while asking Zero, "Who was supposed to drive you back?"
The question took the hunter aback and confused Takuma who let himself in, "Uhm… I was supposed to leave with Kaito, or call Gin if I wanted to leave earlier."
"Yuki will be leaving in a bit. I will tell her to come get you after you have calmed down. This should be enough 'work' for tonight." Kaname gave instructions to Takuma before leaving with a slam of the door.
Zero gaped at the haughtiness of the pureblood, pissed at being ordered like some lackey and expected to sit tight and obey. All thoughts of bloodthirst flew out of the window when his racy hormones turned it to pure anger.
Takuma winced at the sight of the livid hunter he got stuck with. Kai! Where are you?
"Ehem… Kiryuu-kun! Do you feel all right?" He asked cautiously.
"Do I look like I am dying?" Zero barked.
"Doesn't seem to be the case." Takuma responded calmly, tiptoeing closer.
Zero let out a breath of frustration as he ran fingers through his hair, "Sorry… Ichijou! I did not meant to-"
"No need to apologize. I get it!" Takuma dismissed the hunter as he leaned against the sink. He glanced at the glass that caused an unnecessary uproar outside when the smell spread, even faintly. Seriously, that Kaname!
Zero followed the gazed of emerald orbs to the flute, his anger renewed once again. He grabbed it and spilled the content in the sink before letting the water wash away the residues.
"Wouldn't it have been better to drink it?" Takuma felt bad for wasting it.
"You should have told me if you wanted to drink it." Zero answered in a guilty tone that made Takuma tilt his head in amusement.
"I was talking about you, Kiryuu-kun! I am sure he filled it for you in the first place."
"More like imposing it on me." Zero shook off the water from the glass with enough vigor that Takuma worried he would break it from the sheer force.
The noble winced at the deepening of the hunter's frown. "Sorry… He can be quite pushy at times."
"At times?" Zero gave a baffled laugh, not wanting to dig deep into the matter.
"He does have weird ways of showing how much he cares about someone." Takuma stated calmly, desperately trying to justify his friend's action.
"Do you always clean his mess for him like this? Anyways, it is not as if I asked him to care or anything… It is bothersome." Zero complained, feeling calmer after venting his anger on the innocent glass.
He grabbed the edge of the sink, squeezing his eyes shut to chase away the mixed feelings he had towards the actions of the pureblood. He hated that part of him rejoiced about the fact that Kaname still cared about his wellbeing like before.
"Love can turn one blind toward the other's feeling. It is quite hard for him to know his limits when he is in that deep." Takuma mumbled, eloquently enough for the hunter to hear every word without risking any eavesdropping. Emerald eyes were trained on the hunched form of the hunter the whole time, observing his reaction.
"That is no excu- what?" Zero jolted up straight when he understood the meaning behind those words. He faced the noble who was as calm and composed as ever, as if he just told him how good the menu was tonight.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ TBC ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞
Okay! My long chapters are generally about 10k words long, but they had been stretching a bit too much lately that I have to split them. How many chapters do you reckon this story will have? I am scared of estimating that number, but one thing is for sure, I am aiming on finishing it before my summer vacation starts, which will be in July, along with my other stories. Wish me luck!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter ;)
A certain Takuma decided to get meddlesome it seems. Will it have any effect on Zero? I wonder!
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Shoutout ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Sorry if I say this every single time but, 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 44/45/46
Mi5tan: Won't it be boring if the pregnancy terminated just as it started :p (glad to see you relieved), the miscommunication is reducing a bit as you saw in this chapter. Let's hope that the tension reduces as well XD
irmina
My Devil Butler
ben4kevin
eboneykg
hotxhotguy
miketsukami13
eikoamaya1
Guest: That is lady trouble :p she will be partially introduced soon. Maybe in the next chapter, not sure.
Guest: Keiichi's powers will be something to look forward to, hopefully!
kmbanas
eboneykg
Tee: You are welcome! You got it right about Kaname. He was indeed protecting himself since he was feeling hurt and vulnerable. However, about Zero/Gin, you were a little off the mark. If you noticed, Gin came in when they were discussing Kaname being the father. Zero did not want that to be divulged, thus the pause. Afterwards, He chose to divulge one secret in order to keep a bigger one (in his own judgment). Also, at this point, Gin proved himself worthy of Zero's trust and is about to adopt his child, giving him his name. Therefore, Zero felt entitled to include him in the child's life because he believes that Gin will have a good influence on him. Whether that is true or not, we will discover in later chapters XD Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Alublad
XtAG: I am back! Your proud tormentor hhhhhhh… Glad you enjoyed the chapters… Yep I had to be back with a blast because I poured the frustration of no internet into writing more whenever I had free time. Yep! You got it right! The chapters are about to get messy, this one is just a little treat. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I had fun writing it.
Melloomelon
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∞∞