Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight or any of the characters within this story but I enjoy manipulating them. Contains yaoi, OOC and all the other things purists hate. Rated M. Please Read and Review

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KanamexZero

Thanks to ShounenaiFangirl for beta!

Thanks to everyone for the reviews, favs and alerts they are greatly appreciated.

Happy Holidaze!

Le Chat Noir Chapt 6

By Hanamaru

Kaname

Tuesday evening seemed, at once, very far away, and yet too close for comfort. Kaname wondered what made the invitation pop out of his mouth. He also pondered why Kiryu… umm, Zero, had so willingly agreed. The brunette vampire was also a bit dismayed. He prided himself on his good manners and here he had gone and asked his guest to cook. On the other hand, it kept conversation from being too uncomfortable. He could chat with Zero while he cooked; perhaps even help with… mmm, something. Surely as a Pureblood, he should be able to handle a little chopping or mixing? Conversation would be light while they ate together. Zero would probably leave directly after, eager to get the evening over. Yes, it would be a tolerable evening. That feeling he had when he thought of Zero here in his home, the two of them alone, the servants gone. It felt like excitement, and there was that faint roil deep inside. No, probably just normal nervousness when thinking about an uncomfortable situation. He spent the weekend as he did most; working on business affairs. This schedule would leave time for him to attend and study for his classes without the pressure of tending to business concurrently. School would start the following week. On Monday night, he called Zero on his cell and confirmed their date the following evening. When asked, Zero gave him a short list of items for the dinner he would prepare. The hunter would be picked up and returned in Kaname's limo.

Zero

Zero worked out hard over the weekend at the Hunter's School. He wouldn't admit it, but he was very nervous to have dinner with Kuran… mmm, Kaname. He was sure that feeling deep in the pit of his stomach was dread, not anticipation. Why had he agreed? And why couldn't Kaname forget he asked? The brunette vampire had just called to confirm tomorrow night and to see if Zero needed any special ingredients. He gave Kaname a short list and they rang off.

Tuesday

Zero

The silver haired hunter felt on edge but nothing showed on his face. If nothing else, he knew how to keep an emotionless expression. That usually kept people out of his way.

He pondered over what to wear. His usual outfit was a t-shirt and jeans, but he knew even Kaname's casual clothes cost more than his entire wardrobe. Dammit, he wasn't going to let that smug bastard get to him. He quickly chose his favorite purple t-shirt, a present from Yuuki. He had no idea what the color did for his eyes and hair. The fitted shirt also emphasized his slim but muscular form. His jeans were all wrecks; he couldn't afford to buy new ones. He pulled on the pair with the least amount of holes and called it good. He went outside to wait for the limo.

Kaname

Kaname thought about what to wear; his usual casual clothes were silky shirts in colors like chocolate, mocha or cognac. His slacks were fitted, expensive and usually black. Zero would probably wear jeans and a t-shirt, his usual garb. He wanted the hunter to be comfortable, but Kaname didn't own anything that wasn't designer and he hadn't ever worn jeans. Now that he thought of it, they looked quite comfortable and Zero always looked amazing when he wore them back at the academy. Really, really sexy and hot and that gorgeous ass...

What the hell am I doing thinking of Zero like that?

His breath came a little faster and he quickly turned to examining his wardrobe. Ultimately, he chose the most casual of his black slacks and the lovely cognac silk shirt that slid over his skin like music.

Zero strode to the front door and was surprised when Kaname opened it personally. They greeted each other a little stiffly and Kaname let him know the staff had the night off. "I thought it would more relaxing without the staff and we can eat at the table in the kitchen."

Zero smiled and nodded, "Just like at the Headmaster's house".

"Yes, just so" Kaname answered softly. As he thought, Zero was in a t-shirt and jeans, but he looked…delectable. That was it, good enough to….

Hell, why are my thoughts drifting off again?

"Would you like to step into the parlor and have a drink Zero?" the brunette inquired.

"That would be nice" Zero followed Kaname into a lavishly appointed room. Just what Kaname would have, Zero thought to himself.

"Would you care for some wine, Zero? Or perhaps a beer? I have Kirin and Sapporo"

"Kirin would be fine, thank you" (Hana likes Kirin too!)

Kaname poured himself a beer as well and they sat in companionable silence for a moment, sipping the icy beverage.

Zero felt himself relax a little bit, so far so good.

Kaname had a difficult time tearing his eyes away from the hunter. Zero was like a different person. He hadn't threatened the brunette's life once and he wasn't scowling. Kaname had no idea Zero had another facial expression. He looked pretty… no, beautiful, with pale skin and brilliant eyes, he looked like a fallen angel. The things that his t-shirt and jeans did to his body should be illegal.

Kaname jerked his eyes back up to Zero's questioning gaze. Dammit, the boy had asked him something but he had no idea what. Fortunately, at that moment, the phone rang and Kaname rose to answer it. He spoke briefly while Zero continued to sip his frothy beer. Kaname looked at the foam delicately covering Zero's upper lip and his heart skipped a beat. How on earth could Zero look so innocent and so sexy at the same time? He hurriedly finished his call and switched the phone to automatic answer. "Sorry about that" he apologized, "Just a business call, but I've switched over to voicemail. We won't be interrupted again."

Why did that suddenly seem important, that Zero and Iwould not be interrupted?

"Why don't you show me the kitchen Kaname and I can start setting up"

Zero followed the brunette vampire into the bowels of the house. He was already lost even with his keen hunter and vampire senses. They emerged in a huge kitchen with restaurant quality room and appliances. Zero wasn't surprised, he expected no less in the Kuran mansion. Sipping his beer, he idly strolled around and checked out the appliances, utensils and finally ingredients. Kaname was seated at table at the far end of the room sipping his beer. The table allowed a good view of the cooking area and was also within chatting distance.

Zero joined Kaname at the table; he wanted to finish his beer before starting. Once he was cooking, there was no stopping and timing was everything. "This is an awesome kitchen, Kaname"

"Why, thank you Zero, I know you're a professional so that is indeed a compliment"

Why do I sound so damn stuffy? thought Kaname, why can't I just talk like Zero?

Why does Kuran always talk like somebody's great grandfather? thought Zero. It made him seem pretentious. Well, there was a time when I was positive he was pretentious… why am I so sure he isn't now?

"It's going to be a pleasure to cook dinner tonight"

"Zero, I want to apologize; I invited you over and asked you to cook when you are the guest"

Zero felt his eyes widen, Kuran apologized? Was this some sort of freaky dream?

"Ah…ah, that's OK, Kaname; I do love to cook so I don't mind at all. It kinda reminds me of dinners back home, I mean the Headmaster's house."

"Yes your father was quite kind to invite me over so often"

"He's not my father" the hunter answered automatically. "Let me get started, you can help."

Kaname smiled, this was the Zero he recognized; growling, scowling and giving orders to a Pureblood.

Zero had decided to make dinner; simple but elegant, and since Kuran could afford it, he had been a bit extravagant with ingredients. First, he whipped up a simple dough, dropping it on a cookie sheet. He had Kaname place it in the oven so he was "helping". This would serve as shortcake for the dessert he planned.

Next; he moved on to the salad; field greens (he knew Kaname liked them) with candied walnuts and dried cranberries. Sweet and tart, perfect. He had Kaname place the salad in the fridge to chill, along with the serving plates.

He and Kaname both enjoyed lobster so he dressed several lobster tails, intending to roast them quickly on the Jenn Air. He quickly clarified some butter and added a small truffle (no, the other kind) for flavor. Mixing some cornmeal, he made enough polenta for the two of them. At his request, Kaname removed the shortbread from the oven, setting it aside to cool, and replaced it with the polenta.

Kaname watched fascinated as Zero moved quickly and confidently. He was relaxed and seemed to enjoy himself. The brunette found his eyes following Zero's every move. The boy was graceful but strong. Kaname had to bite his lip to stay quiet when Zero reached overhead and exposed his taut belly and creamy skin. His eyes were glued to Zero's butt; surely, that must be the most perfect ass ever. The muscles rippled slightly, they were perfectly shaped. It would feel wonderful to slip your hands around the sculpted mounds as you held your lover up to…

When the hunter walked, he did so with an unconscious grace and a gentle sway of his hips. The brunette was eyeing Zero like he was a four course meal. How had he missed the sensuality that unconsciously enveloped the boy? His breath quickened and heat coiled in his groin. He felt the strongest urge to rip those jeans off and bend Zero over the counter.

OMG, I am fantasizing about Kiryu! What the hell is going on?! Kaname turned his gaze to Zero once more, he stood in stunned silence. Kiryu is a damn sex god. Why did Inot realize that years ago? His unusual eyes and hair were stunning, his body was lightly muscled, there was no doubt he was strong but also quick and graceful. And his ass, that ass was made to hold while making hard, sweaty love.

Kaname stood lost in his thoughts and his new insight. Zero looked at Kaname with a perplexed expression. Why was Kuran spacing out? Was he bored already? He had thought the evening was going rather well.

"Kaname, are you ready to eat?"

Kaname jerked back to reality, "Yes and I can hardly wait to taste you- I mean, the food.

Dinner went exceedingly well; they both had relaxed a bit and were able to talk comfortably. The food was excellent, as Kaname knew it would be from past experience. For dessert, Zero had prepared fresh strawberries to top the shortcake, and a large spritz of whipped cream. Kaname looked at it and immediately began fantasizing (see whipped cream with cherries on top). They cleared the table and cleaned up together. Kaname assured Zero the staff would take are of it the next day but the boy wouldn't hear of it. He made Kaname dry as he washed the dishes. Of course, Kaname had no clue where they went so Zero put them away.

They moved to a small informal sitting room that was positively cozy compared to the rest of the mansion. Zero served them both tea and they relaxed in the deep comfortable chairs.

"That meal was wonderful, Zero. Thank you so much"

"I'm glad you liked it. It's more fun for just two than when I cook at the restaurant."

"The company was quite pleasant too" Kaname ventured.

The hunter thought for a moment. Yes, it had gone so much better than he ever expected. "Umm, I also enjoyed it. It was a nice evening"

"Perhaps we can do this again sometime? Or I could have the staff make dinner."

"No, this was fine, I would be happy to do this again"

Crap, did I just say I would be happy to visit Kuran again and make dinner? Somehow that idea seemed strangely intimate, but he found he liked the feeling. I won't dwell on it; this was just a simple dinner with an old acquaintance. We both know very few people here, especially people that would understand vampires and ex-humans. It's natural we would be drawn together, Zero reassured himself.

Kaname managed to keep his countenance neutral with a small smile, but inside he was doing cartwheels. The game is on. Pursuing Kiryu without scaring him is my new pastime. He suddenly felt possessive; that gorgeous ass was his and no one else would touch him.

"I should be going, Kuran; I have a hunter's meeting tomorrow and I have to buy my books for the semester. I guess I will see you around school?"

"Certainly, Zero, and I hope we can do this again soon" Kaname said smoothly; "I'll have the limo brought round" Kaname called for the limo and walked with Zero out the front door and down to the waiting limo.

"Thanks Kur---Kaname, for everything"

"You're quite welcome, Zero, I will see you soon. Thanks again for the wonderful meal"

Zero stepped into the limo and sped off into the night.

Kaname watched him leave and felt a pang of loneliness. It had been nostalgic to dine with Kiryu and now he had discovered a whole new side of Zero, the side he was going to make his own. He smiled as the thought of the challenge that lay ahead.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Happy Holidays Everyone! I'm off to Kauai for my birthday and Christmas.

Be safe and be loved.

Hana