Vampire Knight Fan Fiction ❯ Entwined ❯ Storm Warning ( Chapter 6 )

Entwined

Storm Warning

Disclaimer: I do not own nor profit from any of the ideas, characters, names, etc that I have used from Vampire Knight. Original characters are all mine of course.

A/N: In case you missed the update on my profile, I shall be replying to any reviews from this chapter onwards on my newly created review replies forum. You can access it from my profile page.

I really struggled with this chapter. I had a bad bout of writer's block. I really hope it doesn't happen again, as it was frustrating the hell out of me. I'm hoping the chapter didn't suffer as a result. Again, no proof-reader available, so you're forewarned.

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Aidou sat forlornly in one of the smaller studies in the main building of the estate. He was leant forward, his head lying on his arms on the desk in front of him. He shifted slightly, sliding a hand up to his cheek. Kaname had kept his word. He had come to see him a short while after the blonde had left his presence. He was not rubbing his cheek because of any punishment, though. Although he had been sure that the pureblood would have slapped him, or back-handed him, or some other show of brief violence, he had not. Aidou had a habit of acting on his emotions at times, and subsequent disciplinary actions had usually been of the quick but aggressive type.

This time, Kaname had simply spoken to him. He shuddered at the memory. He remembered the glimmer in the pureblood's eyes as he had reprimanded him in his calm, calculating voice. That look had promised a fate worse than death should he repeat his actions. It had certainly been worse than a simple slap.

The blonde dropped his hand back onto the desk with a quiet thud. Shortly after Kaname had left Aidou, the pureblood had addressed the rest of the household. He had apologised for the previous night's agitation and had asked them all to treat their guest with the same respect and courtesy they would offer any other high-ranking vampire. Just the thought of that left a bitter taste in Aidou's mouth.

Kaname was still being vague about his connection to the silver-haired vampire. The blonde lifted his head from his arms, his mouth setting into a resolute line. He could be courteous, if Kaname so wished, and at the same time he would watch the low-level vampire. The pureblood obviously had a soft spot for their guest, and Aidou was determined to not let him take advantage of it.

* * *

Arlena slid an envelope over the counter. Lucio's gaze dropped to the small paper package. He raised an eyebrow.

“What's this?”

Arlena rested a hand on her hip. “It's an envelope.”

Lucio glanced back up at the red-head. He smiled wryly. “I can see that. What is it for?”

The red-head returned the smile. “It's a deposit, for services yet to be rendered.”

The middle-aged man cocked his head to one side. “Services?”

Arlena nodded slowly. “I don't believe this is the right place to discuss such matters.”

Lucio's eyes darted quickly around the interior of the shop and then he curtly nodded. He motioned with one hand to the door in the rear of the room. Arlena took the cue, grabbing the envelope from the counter and heading in the direction that the man had gestured. She stopped to the side of the door and waited while Lucio unlocked and opened it for her.

As they passed over the threshold, the middle-aged man flicked on the light and guided her to a seat next to a worktable. She complied, sitting down and eyeing the man as he did the same.

“Well then?” he prompted.

Arlena remained silent for a moment, taking in Lucios' demeanour. He seemed rather confident for being in the presence of a pureblood. Not that he knew who she was of course, but it still grated at her.

“You received a visitor a few days ago. I need you to tell me everything you know about him.”

Lucio's brows furrowed. “I receive many visitors, ma'am.”

The red-head waved a hand. “Yes, I'm aware of that. This one you'll remember though. He's tall, has silver hair and a memorable tattoo on his neck.” She traced a finger down the left side of her neck as she spoke. Lucio's gaze followed the motion of her hand.

“Oh, yes, he was here, but I'm afraid I must respect the confidentiality of my clients.”

Arlena's eyes narrowed.

“I have no interest in why he was here, Mr. Revelli. I want to know about the man. Who he is, where he came from, his movements before he came to you; everything.”

The man's eyebrows rose, understanding dawning on his face. “Oh, I see. That I can do for you, ma'am.”

Arlena smiled. “Good. I shall leave this deposit with you then. You'll get full payment when you deliver.” She handed the envelope over to him.

Lucio nodded in agreement. “Very well. How shall I contact you?”

The red-head stood and flashed a mysterious grin. “I'll contact you, Mr. Revelli.”

Their business concluded, Arlena turned and walked out, leaving the slightly confused middle-aged man sitting in his chair. As she exited the shop, she allowed the smile to fade from her lips. She disliked having to use humans for this sort of thing, but she didn't have much choice. She couldn't involve other vampires, not in this matter.

She would return to the shop in a day or two to check on Lucio Revelli's progress. Hopefully, she would obtain some information that would shed some light on the whole situation, or at least lead in the right direction.

* * *

As the last light of day faded, Kaname turned away from the beautiful but eye-watering image of the setting sun blazing in through the window. His slender fingers worked the knot on his silk tie, loosening it and eventually slipping the material from around his neck. Now that he was alone, he let out an exasperated sigh. He had just sat through a three hour long meeting with a human-owned finance company.

He dropped the tie over the back of a chair and shrugged out of his suit jacket, placing it alongside the tie. His conglomerate had no choice but to do business with human-run companies. Even though vampires made up a surprisingly large portion of the population, it was inevitable that they didn't cover every business sector. So when need demanded, he had to initiate relations with corporations that functioned during daylight hours.

Kaname rubbed at his watering eyes with the back of his hand. No matter how many times he had to go through such meetings, his body did not react well to being awake during such unearthly hours.

At least, with said meeting out of the way, the rest of the evening and night were his own. Kaname eyed his large, welcoming bed through the archway between his living room and bedroom. It was almost too tempting. The pureblood tore his eyes away and walked stiffly to the main door of the suite. It would be best to leave the room and busy himself with something. If he fell asleep now, he would probably not wake until the sun was up once more, and would completely wreck his sleep cycle.

Slipping out of the room, he strode up the corridor with long strides, only slowing once he arrived at the top of the staircase that led down to the large foyer. He peered further up the corridor and pondered if Zero was still confining himself to his room. Ever since he had arrived, he had not once left it, even though Kaname had expressly told him he was not a prisoner and had free reign of the estate. He wondered if he was acting that way just to spite him.

He decided against going to check on the ex-human and started to make his way down the staircase. He didn't want to provoke Zero again. It was obvious that he was very mistrustful, even downright suspicious of the pureblood. He couldn't really blame him either. Kaname paused halfway down the stairs. How much of that night does he remember, I wonder?

His mind drifted back to a cold, wet night many years in the past. Dark, shrouded figures stood ominously around a clearing in a forested area. In the centre of the gathering was an intricate pattern of stones. The air seemed to crackle with energy; palpable, raw power. There was a flash of light, followed by a deep rumbling in the distance. The fork lightning had illuminated four huddled forms in the midst of the stone formation. Kaname pulled his hood further over his eyes, almost as if he was trying to block out the view. This didn't seem right. A glance to those standing around him revealed little of their own state of mind. Was he the only one having doubts?

His attention was drawn back to the huddled forms by a low, keening wail. One of the children had started to cry. Kaname's heart lurched in his chest. What a dread filled sound. The two children were boys; the one sobbing was clinging onto the other. Their two parents held their arms protectively around the both of them, trying to shield them from the rain and the figures surrounding them.

Kamame lowered his head. He could watch no more. He turned to walk away. A hissing voice to his side stopped him.

“Where are you going, Kuran? Remember, you are here to represent your house.”

Kaname peered at the source of the voice. He could feel his anger building, but he forced it back down, keeping his calm facade.

“I want no part in this. Do not stop me.” His words held a finality in them that not even the other vampire would dare to meddle with.

With that said, Kaname walked away, never once looking back.

The pureblood frowned. The memories were not as clear as they used to be, but they still brought back waves of emotion. He descended the remainder of the stairs and swallowed the lump that had built up in his throat.

Heading for the atrium, he decided some fresh air would help clear his head. As he opened the single glass door that led into the expansive glazed room he felt a faint breeze against his skin. His gaze swept past the comfortable loungers and low tables to the wide double doors at the other end of the room. Someone had left one of them open. He frowned slightly. His staff should know better. He walked across the room, but as his eyes caught sight of a figure standing on the other side of one of the floor-to-ceiling windows his pace slowed.

There were few clouds this night, the moon shedding its pale light on the land below it. Kaname's breath caught in his throat as he stopped just short of the open door. The figure's silvery hair was highlighted beautifully by the moon's radiance; his face turned upwards towards the stars was a picture of tranquility.

“Zero...” he breathed as his lips parted at the sight. He had never seen the ex-human like this. So... anger free.

His eyes widened as Zero turned towards him. Had he heard him?

Kaname relaxed his expression as their gazes locked. He smiled slightly. Zero didn't look too happy at being interrupted. Walking out into the fresh air, he inhaled deeply. The coolness was refreshing and he felt the tiredness from before, fade away. He glanced to his right. Zero was stood a few feet away, still staring at him. He was wearing a thin shirt and trousers. The top few buttons of the shirt were undone, causing it to lie partially open. Kaname wondered absently if the ex-human was cold as his gaze slid along the exposed skin.

“You here for some reason?” Zero's gruff voice pulled the pureblood's attention back up to his face.

His smile widened a little. “I thought some fresh air would be pleasant.”

The low-level vampire grunted, turning away once more. “It was.”

Kaname raised an eyebrow. “Hm?”

“It was pleasant, when I was alone.”

“Ah.” Kaname knew his presence wasn't exactly desired, but he couldn't help the slight feeling of disappointment at the silver-haired vampire's words. Kaname breathed out a sigh. He didn't know what he was expecting. Zero was an ex-human, full of hatred for the vampire race as a whole. He had obviously struggled to live with himself up until now, there was hardly much chance he would easily accept a pureblood's meagre attempts at... what? What was he even trying to do? It's not as if he wanted friendship with the other vampire. Kaname Kuran had no friends. Or at least, he was not supposed to have any. No, the reason he was reaching out this olive branch was governed by pure selfishness. He wanted to appease his own conscience.

Kaname's gaze slid once more over the other vampire's form. Still, appeasement did not need to be completely pleasure-free, did it?

Zero glanced at Kaname again, catching his wandering eye. He scowled at the pureblood. “As long as you're here, are you going to answer my question from last night?”

Kaname drew his gaze languidly up Zero's body, finally meeting his eyes.

“Very well.”

Zero crossed his arms across his chest and cocked his head to one side, expectantly.

Kaname took a step closer to the other vampire, causing the ex-human to eye him warily. A smirk passed across the pureblood's lips.

“Do not worry, Kiryu. I do not intend to pounce on you. I would simply prefer this conversation to remain unheard by any other ears.”

“Fine,” Zero muttered.

“When I mentioned the other night that I had crossed a line with you...” Kaname paused, staring intently into Zero's amethyst orbs. “I was referring to your drinking of my blood. More importantly, that I allowed you to do it.”

Zero's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and the pureblood let out a small chuckle. “You really are clueless, aren't you?”

The low-level vampire's scowl deepened, but Kaname held up a hand to pre-empt any objections.

“What I mean to say is... a pureblood's blood is sacred amongst all vampires. We do not give it to just anyone. Our blood can give power and similarly it can turn a human into a vampire, as I'm sure you are aware.” Zero's expression darkened, a dangerous glint shining in his eyes. Kaname paid it no heed as he continued. “It is an extreme taboo to offer it to anyone but those deemed most worthy. I'm afraid, Kiryu, you would not be listed among them.”

Zero snorted. “As if I would want to be known as someone `worthy' among your kind.”

Kaname smiled wryly. “Unfortunately, if it were to ever be discovered that you had fed on my blood, you would be killed, and most likely, so would I.”

The silver-haired vampire's eyes narrowed. “So you want to keep me close to make sure I don't run my mouth off?”

Again, Kaname chuckled at Zero's ignorance. “Not at all. Kiryu, you must realise how potent my blood is. It would take very little for a vampire of a certain standing to notice you have powerful blood coursing through your veins.”

Zero paled. “A certain standing?”

Kaname nodded. “A pureblood, in other words.”

The ex-human looked away, his eyebrows furrowing once more. “Then why did you...?” He trailed off, though Kaname knew what he was referring to.

The pureblood let out a sigh, the smile fading from his face. “I'm not really sure, to be honest.”

“You sure choose your things to not be sure about.” Zero's voice held a bitter tinge to it.

Kaname gazed across the pristine lawn, taking in the moonlit scenery. After a few moments he turned back to Zero.

“I knew you needed sustenance, desperately. When I saw you taken by bloodlust, the only urge I had was to help you...” He paused, struggling with the words. He wasn't usually so open with his feelings and inner thoughts, and his customary eloquence was abandoning him. Zero needed to hear what he had to say, though, so he doggedly continued on. “I did not regret letting you drink from me. It was only after the fact when I began to question the reason, and I still do not have an answer.”

Zero was quick to pick up on the subtle wording. “Did not? So, you regret it now?”

“In some ways, yes,” Kaname replied, honestly. “But not for the reasons you think.”

“Then why?” The ex-human's tone was accusatory.

“Because I made this situation more complicated. I've put both of us in an impossible position.”

Zero laughed sullenly. “I was the one who jumped you.”

Kaname smiled at the other vampire. “I could have easily stopped you.”

An awkward silence descended between the two vampires, neither wanting to fully admit each other's guilt in the matter, nor wanting the other to take the whole blame either.

“Kuran?”

Kaname raised an eyebrow at the silver-haired vampire.

“Do you know where my gun is?”

The pureblood frowned. Surely he must know that he wouldn't allow him access to any weapons.

“Your anti-vampire weapon?” Kaname put emphasis on the `anti'.

The ex-human's gaze dropped to the floor and his fingers absently stroked at the material of his shirt.

“Yes... It was a gift... from an old friend.”

Kaname doubted that was the reason the other vampire wanted the weapon, but he hid the emotion under his usual blanket of calm.

“I'm afraid I don't know where it is. I shall send someone to look into it for you.”

Zero's eyes flicked up to the pureblood's face. He was clearly dubious, but he nodded his thanks, before turning his attention back to the gardens.

Kaname's eyes were drawn to the pattern intricately tattooed on Zero's neck. He hadn't properly looked at it before, but now that he had a good view, the design seemed familiar.

Like a stalking cat, Kaname slid silently behind Zero. He reached out a hand and his fingertips brushed against the tattoo, against the other vampire's cool skin.

Zero visibly tensed and inhaled sharply, but he did not jerk away, or make any move to oppose Kaname. The pureblood leaned his head down until his lips were next to the silver-haired vampire's ear.

“What does this tattoo symbolise?” The question was innocent enough, but the tone of Kaname's voice was not.

Zero remained silent and the brunette could tell he was desperately trying to control his breathing. Kaname frowned. Fear was rolling off the ex-human in waves. He lowered his hand, resting it against the other vampire's arm, hoping to calm him somewhat. He had no idea what he had done to cause such a reaction, but acting in a non-threatening manner seemed to be the best course of action.

Zero did not relax, but his breathing seemed less laboured now. “Get away from me, Kuran.” The words were growled out between clenched teeth.

Kaname was surprised at the venom in the other vampire's voice. He slowly took a step back, not wanting to startle the ex-human.

Zero turned on Kaname, his fists clenched by his side, a dangerous glint in his eyes. The pureblood held up his hands, trying to placate the ex-human.

“I apologise, Kiryu. I was merely curious.”

Zero's eye narrowed. “Next time, keep your curiosity to yourself,” he hissed as he barged past him, knocking the pureblood back a step.

Kaname watched the other vampire enter the atrium. He wouldn't stop him. It would be pointless, knowing how angry he was. The pureblood ran a hand through his hair.

Well that was rather stupid of you, Kaname.

Just as he was sensing Zero beginning to relax in his presence, starting to open up to him, he had to go and do something impulsive and destroy what little trust they had built up. One would think that after living for so many years, I would have accumulated some common sense.

Kaname let out a sigh. Berating himself would be of no use. He would need to think of something to win Zero over... again.

Leaning against the tall window of the atrium, he gazed up at the stars, hoping they would offer some answers for him.

* * *

Zero stormed through the atrium and shouldered his way through the glass door into the adjoining hall. As the door swung shut behind him, he slumped against the wall. He let out the breath he'd been holding since barging past Kaname and dropped his head into his hands.

What the hell had he been thinking, relaxing in the presence of a pureblood? This one acted differently from the others he had crossed paths with in the past, but in the end, it was just an act. They were all master manipulators, each and every one of them. He shuddered involuntarily. He could still feel Kaname's lingering touch on his neck, even though the pureblood wasn't in sight.

Still... his actions hadn't been threatening. Perhaps he had just been curious of the tattoo? Zero shook his head. No... Surely he must know what kind of reactions he would provoke from touching there. It was the place that the pureblood who had turned Zero had bitten him, and to this day that vile sensation still remained. Kaname professed how sensitive his kind were to such things, there was no way he couldn't have known.

His hand dropped to his neck, his fingers digging into the skin adorned with the tattoo. There was a part of Zero that had not wanted the touch to leave him. He had struggled through life since his turning, mostly alone and filled with bitterness and anger. He was starved for comfort and tenderness. Zero was used to burying such desires, though. He forced the thoughts away, replacing the longing with his ever familiar rage.

If you think you can play me, Kuran, you can think again... Zero pushed himself away from the wall. The pureblood had seemingly done something very selfless by giving Zero his blood, but there had to be a reason behind it he wasn't seeing.

A smile formed on Zero's lips as a thought came to him. Perhaps he would give Kaname what he wanted. He would accept his offer, learn about the pureblood, about vampire society, and finally unveil whatever it was that was being hidden from him. It would be risky. He certainly wasn't as good an actor as the brunette, but he hadn't survived so long, while resisting his bloodlust, without gaining a few skills in that area.

Zero glanced back at the door to the atrium and frowned slightly. It was unusual for him to decide on a course of action that would involve such deceit. He was innately honest, sometimes to a fault, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

He discarded the idea of going back to the pureblood immediately. His ploy would be obvious. No, he would let him stew for a while; make it seem as if he had been mulling things over.

His mind made up, he walked swiftly down the corridor, away from the atrium. Even though he was resolute about his decision, an uncomfortable lump had formed in his throat. He cursed under his breath. He automatically associated the anxious feeling with some form of weakness on his part. Refusing to analyse the emotion, knowing it would lead to him wavering in his decision, he forced his mind away from the matter, focusing once more on his anger at the situation, at his life, at vampires in general.

He clenched his teeth. If he continued on like this, he would end up exploding in a violent rage. That would prove destructive to his plan. He needed to find some way to vent. An image of a blonde noble popped into his head. He bit back a bitter laugh. No, probably not a wise idea.

Erring on the side of caution, Zero decided to search around the estate. Surely they had some form of gym in a place of this size.