In the late afternoon, Zero and Yori were walking back to the Academy from doing the shopping. Zero was thinking about his fight with the Pureblood Prince before sighing, causing Yori to glance at him in worry as she had noticed that Zero had been upset ever since Ichiru left. "Until you truly admit it, I will not speak with you anymore!"A depressing aura was surrounding Zero just at the thought at what had happened the other night.

"Zero... what's up with you?"Yori questioned her best friend with a frown firmly in place.

She watched as the silverette snapped out of it and looked up at her sharply."Eh? Oh... It's nothing. We better get back before the gate is locked."

Zero remembered that he had to a soirée to watch over the Vampires, observing that nothing goes wrong but was told by Kaien to ignore it and that Touga would be going in his place. Before Zero could even take a step forward, he found a strong grip around his wrist and he looked down to see a boy with brunet hair, which was shading his eyes while he rubbed one of his eyes with a fist.

"Mama..."The boy sobbed.

"Are you lost?"Yori questioned as Zero bent down in front of the boy.

"Did you get separated from your Oka-san?"Zero asked kindly.

"Uh-huh..."The boy looked up, one hand still fisted over his eye while the other was closed with a tear threatening to fall."Take me to my mama."

Zero glanced over his shoulder at Yori."Yori-chan, I'm going to take him. So can you go ahead?"

"Are you sure you'll be all right on your own?"

"Sure."Zero gave Yori a closed eye smile before turning back to the child."Ok, let's go."

"You have orders from the Hunter's Association."Kaien said as Kaito picked up the letter."You're to observe tonight's Vampire Soirée. It's a gathering of moderates, so you shouldn't have any problems."

Kaito looked up at Kaien."I understand but this is also addressed-Zero knows about it but Touga will be going in his place."Nodding, Kaito turned and left the room.

Zero followed the boy towards an old and abandon looking manor."We've come quiet a distance from the market, are you sure it's this way?"Zero asked, not being able to bare the silence any longer.

"Uh-huh."They came to a stop at the manor.

"Huh?"Zero said, confusion clear in his eyes as the child began walking towards the manor."Hey, are you sure this is the place?"

The boy nodded, turning to look at Zero with mismatch eyes."Thank you, sir. I was really scared by myself."Zero smiled as he bent down, so his hands were on his knees, to be at eye level with the child.

"I'm worried, so I'll stay with you until we can find your Oka-san."A coy smile appeared on the child's face, and his eyes sharpened but Zero didn't notice.

"You're really kind, sir."He walked to Zero's side, confusing the silverette before amethyst eyes widened when the child kissed him on the cheek. Suddenly, black dots began to swarm his vision as the child let go with a smile while Zero fell forward and the last thing he saw with is blurry vision was the boy who said;"Thank you."

"Hanabusa."Kain said causing Hanabusa to look at him.

"What is it, Kain?"

"For some unknown reason, Kiryu Zero is lying here, unconscious."

Hanabusa came over and looked at the silverette in confusion before they looked behind them when they heard footsteps and found Kaname looking over Hanabusa's shoulder before walking around him and looked down at the boy.

"Such a troublesome boy."Kaname said.

Zero started to stir before his eyes fluttered open and he found himself looking up at a blurry white ceiling, which he tried to blink away the blurriness but it didn't work. Where am I? Zero glanced around before noticing a blurry figure watching him. Realising it was Kaname who was watching him with his arms crossed over his chest, Zero could only stare up at him with wide eyes.

"What a relief. You woke up pretty quickly."Kaname stated as Zero continued to look at dazed before his eyes widened and he sat up with a gasp.

"Kuran-sama... I..."Zero turned so that his feet were no longer on the couch but on the floor and he stood up quickly, only for his eyes to go out of focus and his legs gave out from under him, causing him to gasp.

"Zero."Kaname said as Zero's eyes slid shut and he fell against Kaname's shoulder, gripping said shoulder.

"Thank-I thought you didn't want to talk to me?"Kaname cut Zero off, wine red eyes staring at Zero softly yet sadly.

"Oh..."Zero moved away before turning his back to the Pureblood."That was...just until you acknowledged that Kaito wasn't the culprit..."Zero trailed off as he looked around the room, noticing that there were no windows.

"I told you that I don't intend to turn him into a criminal."Kaname answered."However, since we don't know who the real murderer is, I can't make a definite statement."

Zero sat back down on the couch, placing his hands on his lap."Well, I understand that but..."

"Besides, Zero..."Kaname trailed off as he placed his hand under Zero's chin gently."Did you think I wouldn't get upset over what you said?"

"B-But it's your fault, Kuran-sama..."Zero stated, glaring at Kaname.

"And do you know who caused that?"Amethyst eyes widened as they stared up into serious red wine eyes while the hand let go of the silverette's chin and went lower over Zero's chest."Your heart is beating fast. Maybe you understand me a little?"A knock on the door caused them to glance at the door."It's fine. Come in."The door opened to reveal a smiling Takuma.

"Ichijo-san!"

"Zero-chan! I'm glad you're awake."Takuma said as he came into the room."You scared me... lying in a place like that. What happened?"

Zero blinked as he tried to remember what happened."I took a lost child to an empty-looking building and"A light blush appeared on Zero's cheeks."he kissed me on the cheek as a thank you. Then..."Zero trailed off as Takuma scratched side of his hair.

"He must be the son of one of the guests of the soirée. Vampire Children can suck out a person's vitality."Zero gasped and his eyes widened."This is the underground villa of the Aido family, which was built beneath that abandoned building."

"And tonight, the customary soirée for Vampires in the area is being held here."Zero finished off, shocking the Pureblood and the Noble."Many Nobles will be in attendance, right?"

"Er, yes. How did you come about this information, Zero-chan?"

"The Headmaster told me that the Association had sent a letter for me to observe the soirée but Shishō went in my place."Zero explained.

"Shishō? Oh you mean Yagari-sensei."Takuma said and Zero nodded while Kaname hid his irritation.

Down Stairs

"I didn't expect to see Ichiou at this gala."Ruka said softly to Kain and Hanabusa who was playing with his glass.

"Yes, strange things do happen."Kain said before looking at Hanabusa who was looking at Toga and Kaito."Hanabusa. Don't let it bother you so much."

"A big gala must be observed by Hunters."Ruka said turning to look away from Takuma's Grandfather and look at Toga and Kaito."It's the agreement we made for keeping peace, remember?"

"But why them, of all people!"Hanabusa hissed out as people started to mumble over why Ichiou is here and about what happened at Cross Academy.

"Do not leave this room until I return. I will notify the Headmaster."Kaname's words rang in Zero's mind as he looked around the windowless room. A room without windows. Why do I feel like I know a room like this? A woman with long silver hair appeared in Zero's mind with blood sliding down her face. Zero's eyes widened."Huh?"A trembling hand reached up and placed itself against the side of Zero's head."What was-?"Zero slowly looked up as the door opened saw the boy from before peeking in, looking apologetic.

"Human sir, I'm sorry for what I did earlier."The boy said innocently and Zero merely smiled before standing up.

"So you were a Vampire, huh?"The boy stared at him blankly."Did you find your Oka-san?"The boy shut the door without answering."Oh wait!"Zero ran over to the door and opened it and peeking outside, he looking down the hallway before seeing light out of the corner of his eyes before it disappeared."Oh? A light?"Zero turned and quickly made his way towards the curtains, and cautious walked over to the rails, looking down at all the Vampires. A Vampire's Soirée? But there are famous actors and singers too. Zero's eyes flickered from one Vampire to another. And I recognize the President of a Software Company too. Are they all Vampires? Amethyst eyes widened when not only did the owner of said eyes catch sight of Kaito and Touga but Ichiru as well. Zero ducked down behind the rail in confusion."W-Why is Ichiru here?"Getting up, Zero went to jump over the edge of the rail when everyone started mumbling before bowing.

"I beg your pardon. I did not mean to interrupt you."Kaname said calmly."Please continue to enjoy yourselves."

Zero watched as Kaname answered a Vampire's question on defying the Senate before everyone began mumbling about how great Kaname was. Suddenly, Hanabusa walked up to Kaname with a blonde girl next to him and a dirty blonde man in front of them.

"ever, I have a special request."The man looked over his shoulder at the girl behind him."Tsukiko..."The girl stepped forward.

"Otou-sama!"Hanabusa hissed out.

The man ignored Hanabusa."After learning that you and Yuki-hime no longer wish to marry...This is my daughter, Tsukiko. I hope you will develop a fondness for her some day. This is our family's wish."Hanabusa tried getting his father to stop talking before apologising to Kaname and Yuki.

Kaname kindly shot down every married proposal, as did Yuki. Zero, who's eyes were wavering as before he turned away, going back to the room he was left in, not noticing red wine eyes following him, and forgetting to follow Ichiru. Zero closed the door behind him loudly and leaned against it, his silver bangs covering his eyes, before he slid down against the door. I knew there was a big gap between us. Zero leaned forward, placing his head against his legs while wrapping his arms around his legs and closed his eyes. But I wish I hadn't seen that. Suddenly the door opened a bit and hit Zero's back softly.

"Can I come in?"Came Kaname's voice and Zero gasped, looking at the door before getting up.

"Uh, yes!"Zero turned around, backing away while watching with wide eyes as Kaname came into the room and shut the door before looking at Zero.

"Didn't I tell you not to leave this room?"Kaname questioned the silverette.

"I-I'm sorry."Zero stuttered out, looking at Kaname before looking down at his feet.

Kaname walked over to Zero and suddenly wrapped his arms around him, embracing him."No, I won't forgive you... with just an apology."Kaname mumbled and suddenly lifted Zero causing him to gasp, and walked over to the couch, lying the boy down and sitting by the silverette's hip.

"Why did you leave?"Kaname asked, looking into Zero's eyes and Zero found that he couldn't look away.

"That boy... the one that was lost...He came in and apologised... I just wanted to make sure that he got back to his Oka-san safely... "Zero trailed off, finally able to look away as a blush appeared on his face. Zero looked back at the brunet and his eyes widened when Kaname rested his head on Zero's chest, listening to his heartbeat as he laid on top of him."Kuran-sama?"

"Until I forgive you... for just a little longer, stay like this. I'm tired."Kaname said as he closed his eyes while Zero's softened.

"Of course. I'd do anything for you, Kaname-sama..."Zero mumbled out as he wrapped his hands into Kaname's hair and over his left shoulder before he closed his own eyes. I love you, Kaname-sama. You are the start of my world. That's why, even though my past was an empty shell, I wasn't afraid... but even though I only remember my parents death, I know that it's wrong for a Hunter to love a Vampire. Zero's hand left Kaname's hair, causing the older male's eyes to snap open from that, and the scent of salt in the air, and he sat up slightly to see Zero wiping away the tears before leaving the palm of his hand over his eyes.

"Zero..."

"When I was younger, I decided not to call you 'Kaname-sama', and when I regained the memory of parents death, I decided that if I can not call you 'Kaname-sama', I would call you 'Kuran-sama', when I was face to face with you."Zero lifted his arm away from his eyes, which were closed but there were unshed tears in the corners of said eyes."Because we're no longer in the past, when I didn't know anything,"Zero turned his head, revealing his neck to Kaname."I kept telling myself that you were far beyond my reach now, and I know now that it's true..."Kaname's eyes glowed red as his eyes locked on Zero's neck."That what mattered was that I never forgot your kindness. And yet,"Kaname leaned forward and Zero's eyes snapped open at sensing Pureblood near his neck. Zero turned as Kaname opened his mouth."Kaname-sama?"Zero arched up at feeling Kaname lick up along the column of his neck with a gasp. Zero's hands slid down to Kaname's upper arms and gripped them tightly as Kaname's hands gripped the pillows tightly before pulling away.

"To 'us', you are all fleeting living creatures who pass through our lives for an instant."Zero gasped as he looked up into Kaname's blood red gaze."Do you want to become a Vampire?"The silverette's eyes widened and he froze."Do you want to become a blood-sucking beast like me"Kaname leaned forward so that his nose was nearly touching Zero's."and live a long, long life together?"

"Yes..."Zero whispered as Kaname went back to Zero's neck.

His fangs slightly extending, and was about to bite but froze as the scent of tears in the air once more. Leaning away from the trembling teen, Kaname reached out and gently wiped away a tear, causing Zero to open his eyes and look at him wearily.

"Sorry."Kaname said in a whisper."This punishment is too excessive. I won't do anything."The both sat and the Pureblood placed a hand around Zero's head and kissed the silver tresses."I'm sorry if I frightened you."

"Kaname-sama, I..."Zero trailed off, not sure what to say.

"Why must you look like that?"Kaname asked with a smile."Learn from this and don't go walking into dangerous situations again, that's all. It's time you returned home.

The car came to a stop in front of Kaien and Yori and Zero got out of said car, hugging Yori."Welcome back, Zero."The honey blonde whispered softly.

"Sorry I made you worry, Yori."Zero said as the car drove off and the two teens looked up as snow began to fall.

"Snow?"

The whiteness of snow brings back memories of crimson blood. Of ten years ago and the red that was splattered. Of the beautiful boy upon whom the blood splattered, who reached out his hand to me. I took that hand. Zero looked down at his hand as snow fell into it. If Kaname-sama was near, I had nothing to fear. If it was for Kaname-sama, I would do anything. "Do you want to live a long, long life together?" How I longed to hear those words... Those words which I had resigned to never hear. So many thoughts became entangled in my mind and turned to tears flowing down my cheeks. Zero looked back up at the night sky that was showering with snow. Even if you didn't mean any of it, Kaname-sama... After seeing me, unable to act after talking so boldly... were you disappointed... or furious at yourself for asking such a question to a Hunter Child?

The next evening, as usual, the girls were crowded around the Night Dorm Gate, chattering about the Night Class, again, as usual, and vacation."Shut up."Everyone froze as Kaito came towards the gate which Zero was standing in front of.

"Kai-Takamiya-sensei."Zero corrected himself in front of the Day Class.

"Quite daydreaming and do your work."Kaito said in annoyance.

"Oh, sorry."The gate opened and Zero turned with eyes wide. Getting out of his shock, Zero started telling the Day Class to get back. Kaname stopped in by Zero, causing the Night Class to stop as well.

"I know that the things you told me weren't lies."Zero glanced over his shoulder at Kaname."So don't worry."Kaname then continued walking as if he hadn't said anything at all.