Vampire Knight Fan Fiction ❯ Entwined ❯ Mixed Messages ( Chapter 7 )

Entwined

Mixed Messages

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: Review replies for the previous chapter are on my forum creatively entitled Entwined Review Replies! To access the forum, please visit my profile page.

Reviews seem to be slowing down lately. I wonder if the story is taking a turn that people don't like. *ponders* Well, suggestions are always welcome. *smiles*

Sexual references ahead between two males, so if you don't like that sort of thing, you know where the back button is. *winks*

Oh, and time for me to up the story rating to M in preparation for coming mature content.

----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------

Takuma glanced up from the thick pile of reports that were balanced on his knee. He had been sat in Kaname's study for the past hour, flicking through paperwork with the pureblood. Normally, such a task wouldn't have taken so long, but the brunette seemed incredibly distracted.

Kaname was staring into space, yet again, his mind seemingly on something far departed from business reports. Takuma smiled at him. Even though it was unlike the pureblood to show how unfocused he was, the blonde couldn't help but think it was refreshing to see that he wasn't immune to certain emotions and worries that plagued the rest of the population.

“Is everything alright, Kaname?”

The pureblood's gaze slid over to Takuma as he spoke, a slight smile adorning his lips.

“Is it that obvious?”

The blonde chuckled. “I'm afraid so.”

Kaname glanced down at the paperwork in front of him, and then letting out a sigh, he pushed it to one side. “It's nothing to worry about, Takuma.”

“Perhaps I can help?” the noble offered.

Kaname seemed to consider the suggestion for a moment. “No, this is something I need to handle myself.”

Takuma frowned. “It has something to do with Mr. Kiryu?”

The pureblood's gaze locked with the blonde's. “Perceptive, as usual.”

Takuma knew that Kaname didn't like people prying into his personal affairs, and he would have been worried about stepping over his bounds now, had the smile on the pureblood's face not been so disarming.

“There is something you can do for me, Takuma.”

The blonde's eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Could you contact Ms. Lowe for me and enquire as to the whereabouts of Kiryu's hunter weapon?”

Takuma nodded. “Of course.”

Kaname stood, pushing himself away from the desk and the mountain of paperwork. “I'm sorry, but could you finish the rest of this for me? There is something I must attend to.”

The blonde smiled and waved a hand dismissively.

Kaname crossed the room and opened the door. Before exiting, he turned back briefly. “Thank you, Takuma.”

* * *

Zero wiped sweat from his brow, pushing aside strands of his silvery hair that had begun clinging to his forehead. He dropped himself onto one of the benches that lined the wall of the gym. He had eventually found the well-equipped fitness centre after much exploration of the building. That had been several days ago. He had initially come here to vent his anger, but he found himself compelled to return each day, revelling in the feeling of exerting his body.

The expansive series of rooms were always deserted. He wondered if anyone else actually used the gym. The equipment was always in immaculate condition, so he presumed the staff came to clean it each day. He wasn't about to complain though. He preferred the solitude when he was here.

He'd been pushing himself harder each day, reaching for his body's limit. A bead of sweat trickled down his back and he rubbed at it through the material of his thin t-shirt. He wished that he'd had the foresight to bring a towel with him. He wasn't used to getting out of breath and sweaty.

Letting out a sigh, he peeled the damp top off and began using it as a make-shift towel, wiping his chest and back down. Satisfactorily dry, he laid the t-shirt on the bench beside him and pushed himself to his feet.

He glanced around at the various pieces of equipment, wondering which to try next. His gaze lingered on the punching bag. It had been the first thing he had taken his anger out on during his initial visit. He didn't need to vent at the moment, but it would prove a good means to practice his fighting technique. He walked over to the suspended, hefty leather bag and nudged it with a fist, causing it to swing gently.

Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, finding a good centre of balance, he swung at the punching bag with his right fist, connecting solidly. The bag jerked violently at the force and as it swung back towards him, he swiped at it with his left fist. Slipping into a steady rhythm, his reactions to the motion of the leather bag became almost automated, instinctual. He lost himself in that cadence, seeing and feeling nothing outside the few feet around him.

Letting go like this felt good. His troubles and the worries of the past week seemed to fade away, leaving only the burning sensation in his muscles and the feel of sweat beading on his skin. One especially powerful blow left the punching bag swinging violently and instead of connecting with his other fist, Zero rolled his weight onto his back foot and swept his other leg up in a brutal kick, causing the chains holding the bag up to shudder dangerously.

Stepping forward, he grabbed onto the bag with both hands, stilling it as the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He was no longer alone.

He didn't bother to turn around to look at the intruder. He knew perfectly well who stood at the entrance of the gym. He had been wondering when the other vampire would show up. He had been surprised that it had taken this long.

He inhaled deeply, trying to catch his breath after the rigorous workout. He leant his forehead against the cool leather of the punching bag. The silence in the room was starting to feel oppressive. Why wasn't the other vampire saying anything? He refused to turn around and acknowledge him though, despite the uncomfortable feeling creeping over him.

“You seem to enjoy the facilities here.” Zero nearly jumped at the sudden sound of Kaname's quiet voice.

Still resting against the punching bag, he bit back the retort that was already on his lips. If he was going to go ahead with his plan, he would need to control himself.

“They'll do.”

Zero caught a soft chuckle from the pureblood. He gritted his teeth. He always seemed so condescending. Forcefully, he swallowed his pride.

“We need to talk.”

“Yes, we do,” the pureblood acknowledged.

He glanced quickly behind him, noticing Kaname was still standing in the doorway on the other side of the room. He met his eyes briefly before turning back to the punching bag.

“This isn't easy for me to say, so just be quiet and listen.” Zero paused, waiting to see if the pureblood would do as he asked. When it seemed the other vampire would indeed stay silent, he continued. “I don't like living like this. Full of anger and hate. I... haven't had any other choice, though. I'm constantly torn between what I am now, and what I should have been.” He laughed bitterly.

“It's like some kind of sick joke. I was destined to be one of the greatest vampire hunters of our time. Now look at me. I'm one of the creatures I was supposed to be hunting. Nothing more than a beast, acting on animalistic instincts, craving blood... Everything I was taught to despise...”

Zero's fingers dug into the leather of the bag, the skin around his knuckles turning white. His resolve wavered. He knew he had to make this sound believable. There was nothing more believable than the truth, but saying his inner-most feelings out loud was beginning to unravel the tentative defences he had put in place to protect himself from completely losing his mind.

He screwed his eyes shut, trying to find a reserve of strength from within himself. After a few deep breaths he opened his eyes and relaxed his grip on the punching bag. He began speaking once more, hesitantly.

“What I'm trying to say is... I can't do this alone. This hate is too deeply ingrained for me to fight by myself. So... if you were serious about helping, then... I accept.” His voice had slowly trailed off to a whisper, but he knew the pureblood's keen hearing would pick up every word.

Again, he rested his forehead against the punching bag, listening for a response from Kaname.

“Thank you, Kiryu.”

Zero's body straightened as he heard the brunette's voice. It wasn't what he had said that had surprised him, but the fact that the pureblood was now standing directly behind him. He hadn't heard or sensed him moving at all. He felt Kaname place his hands gently on his bare arms.

“Please don't pull away. I did not mean to startle you.” The other vampire's voice was calm, reassuring, but Zero couldn't suppress the shiver that ran up his spine at that touch.

The pureblood gripped his arms more firmly and slowly turned Zero to face him. He fought the urge to push the brunette away. He couldn't act rashly now, not after going through that soul-baring speech.

He stubbornly kept his eyes downcast, fixing his gaze on the buttons of Kaname's shirt. The pureblood's hand glided from his arm to his chin and tilted his head up.

“Look at me.”

Zero grudgingly complied. His lips parted in surprise at the unexpected kindness he saw in Kaname's chocolate-brown depths. The pureblood's gaze slid lower momentarily, to his mouth. Was that hunger he just saw?

Zero took an involuntary step backwards, his back brushing against the punching bag, his breath quickening.

Kaname made eye contact once more, a reassuring smile planted firmly on his lips.

“You have made a wise choice.”

“I... hope so.” He tried to hide the doubt in his voice.

Kaname removed his hands from Zero's body, dropping them to his side. “I apologise for my forwardness, but it seems that when you exert yourself, your scent is rather overpowering.” His gaze took in his half-clothed state.

Zero shoved his hands into the pockets of his tracksuit bottoms, trying desperately to quench the sudden feeling of uneasiness. What was the pureblood trying to say? He... wanted him? Kaname seemed to be considerate towards his own feelings though. Perhaps he could use the attraction to his advantage? That thought didn't sit entirely well with him.

He turned his head away, not wanting the pureblood to see the conflicting emotions on his face.

“I've offended you?”

Zero quickly turned back to face Kaname, his eyes widened. “No...”

He certainly didn't want to put the pureblood off now, but he wasn't sure how to proceed without giving himself away.

“I just...” He slipped a hand up to rub at his neck, nervously. “I'm not sure how to react to that sort of thing.”

Kaname gazed at Zero in silence for a few moments.

“I see. I know that humans seem to have some odd taboos with regard to relationships. It makes sense that some of them would have rubbed off onto you.”

The pureblood let out a small sigh and began to walk slowly away, towards the doorway he had entered through.

Zero frowned as he realised what the brunette was inferring. The pureblood had misunderstood what he had meant. He was relatively open-minded when it came to that sort of thing. If anything, the one thing that would stop him from entering a relationship with Kaname would be the fact that he was a vampire. His own prejudice wouldn't let him see past that. He had to be pragmatic though. If the pureblood felt rejected, would he really live up to his offer? Where would that leave Zero? He groaned inwardly, it seemed he was going to have to bite the bullet.

He hurried after the brunette and grabbed his wrist to stop him in his tracks. Kaname glanced back at him, an eyebrow raised.

“That's not what I meant, Kuran. I've just... spent most of my life alone. This is all new to me.”

Kaname's expression softened, a smile playing on his lips once more.

“Give me some time?”

The pureblood turned to face Zero. “Alright, Kiryu. Not too much, though.” An uncharacteristically mischievous grin spread across the pureblood's face.

He scowled at the brunette and Kaname chuckled in response. “Don't worry, I should be able to restrain myself. But I suggest you go take a shower before we test that theory.”

Zero nodded, not really sure what to say in reply to that.

“I'll... see you later then?”

“You shall.”

Zero nodded once more before walking hurriedly out of the room, leaving Kaname watching his receding back.

* * *

Kaname stood watching the doorway of the gym for many minutes after Zero had left. He wasn't really sure what to make of the other vampire's change of heart. When he had come to see Zero, he had been sure he would have to be the one to try and make amends. The ex-human's speech had certainly come as a surprise. It had truly touched him that he had opened up so much to him, but he was more than a little suspicious at to the cause of it. He was not stupid, nor naïve.

His doubts had given him reason to test the other vampire. He was certainly attracted to Zero, but he would never have normally been so obvious about it. He liked to keep a tight rein on his emotions, but his candour had served a purpose. Zero's evident disdain for any and all vampires surely would have forced him to reject his advances, but for some reason he had not.

So Zero was trying to play him? Unfortunately for the ex-human, Kaname was far too proficient at this game. At least he would get some enjoyment from this one.

Still, his original offer had been sincere, and he felt a slight pang of disappointment that Zero had chosen to snub it, although in an indirect way.

Kaname glanced at the punching bag that Zero had been practicing on. The ex-human's scent was still overwhelmingly strong from the amount of perspiring he had been doing. He looked at his hand. It still felt clammy from where he had held Zero's damp arms. Yes, he definitely wanted the ex-human. Did it really matter if that want was reciprocated or not? Kaname firmly stifled the voice within himself that answered a resounding yes.

* * *

Arlena paused at the entrance to Lucio Revelli's shop. It was close to midnight and every building on the street was locked and shuttered. She could easily have entered the building via an alternative route, but she didn't want to startle the man, so she simply knocked on the metal shutters. She cringed as the clattering of metal echoed through the night air.

She waited several minutes before sighing and raising her hand to knock again. She paused as she heard muffled noises from within the building. Finally!

She placed a hand on her hip in an impatient pose as she heard footsteps near the front of the shop. The shutter was slowly raised, the screeching sound of metal grinding against metal grating on Arlena's nerves, setting her teeth on edge.

Eventually, the door to the shop opened and a rather beleaguered looking Lucio peered out at her.

“You're late,” he grumbled.

“I'm never late, Mr. Revelli. You just expected me too early.” She smirked at him, and he rolled his eyes.

“Well, come on in then.” He stepped back from the doorway, allowing her access.

He closed the door behind her, but didn't move further into the shop.

Arlena eyed him bitterly. “What? No offer of a drink for a well-paying customer?”

“It's late, and I'd rather we get this over with quickly so I can get to bed.”

He was obviously not a night person.

“Alright, Mr. Revelli. What information do you have for me?”

Lucio walked to the counter and reached behind it, bringing forth a large brown envelope. He offered it to Arlena.

“It's all in here.”

She took the envelope from him, opening it and peering inside. “Everything I asked for?”

“Yes. What kind of businessman do you take me for?”

“A grumpy one,” she retorted, sourly.

Lucio grunted at her as she quickly flicked through the many sheets of paper. Satisfied that everything she had asked for was inside, she closed the envelope over and tucked it under her arm.

Reaching into a pocket of her dark trousers, she pulled out a smaller envelope and handed it to Lucio.

“Your payment then, Mr. Revelli.”

With practiced ease, he weighed the money in his hand before nodding at Arlena.

“A pleasure doing business with you,” she added somewhat sarcastically as she turned to leave.

“Indeed.”

Arlena slipped into the night air once more, closing the shop door behind her. She was eager to see what Lucio had uncovered, opening the envelope and taking out several pieces of paper as she walked down the street.

The first few sheets listed Zero's known whereabouts in chronological order. She scanned down the list, not seeing anything noteworthy for the past few months. It seemed he had been wandering from place to place, not staying anywhere for much longer than a week or two. He hadn't covered his tracks very well, so he was obviously not on the run from anyone.

She paused as she spotted the location he had been at eighteen months ago. He had stayed there for over a year before that. She didn't recognise the address, though. She would need to look into the reason why he had left. To stay at a place for that length of time insinuated some kind of comfort zone, if it had been consensual of course. Before that time, he had again moved around a lot, but the information became vague as it neared the four year period.

She slipped the sheets back into the envelope and pulled out the remaining paper. A small postcard-sized document slipped from in-between two pages and fluttered to the ground. She stooped to pick it up and frowned as she realised what it was. A Polaroid photo. As she flipped it over, she saw two silver-haired boys of about five years of age. How had Lucio managed to get a hold of a family photo? She shrugged. It wasn't as if the man was about to reveal his sources, even if it had mattered all that much to Arlena.

The two boys were twins by the looks of it, or brothers of a very close age. Scanning through the rest of the information at her disposal, she tried to corroborate that fact. She found the sheet of paper that listed Zero's relatives. She frowned again. Mother, father, brother; all deceased. There was no exact date or cause given, but it seemed that they had died at the same time. This required further investigation.

Sighing, she placed all the documents back into the envelope and re-sealed it. She had hoped that Lucio would have lived up to his reputation and answered more of her questions. Still, she was on the right path, and at least she had a more definitive idea of where to look now.

She could foresee some travelling in her near future. She smirked at the thought.

* * *

Kaname sat patiently on the beige sofa, peering at the closed bathroom door. He had entered the guest room several minutes before and, after hearing the running water from the shower, had decided to wait for Zero to finish in the bathroom instead of coming back at a later time. He was fairly sure the ex-human was already aware of his presence as he had made no effort to hide his aura.

He wondered what thoughts were currently going through Zero's head. He took a small amount of pleasure in knowing that the other vampire was probably extending his shower purely because he knew that the pureblood was sat waiting for him on the other side of the door.

He probably could have waited longer to come see the silver-haired vampire, but Zero had annoyed him a little, and causing this brief discomfort was somewhat satisfying.

The sound of running water ceased and he heard bare footsteps on the tiled bathroom floor. A smile crept across his lips.

His sensitive hearing caught the sound of a towel rubbing against skin and he leant his elbow against the armrest of the sofa, propping his chin in his hand, waiting expectantly for the door to open.

A few moments later it did just that, and a scowling Zero walked into the bedroom, a towel wrapped around his waist and legs. Kaname mused how he always seemed to encounter the ex-human in a semi-naked state. Fate must be sending him a message.

His gaze slid appreciatively over the ample amount of exposed flesh. Zero was more tanned than one would expect from a vampire, his rebellion against his own nature obviously keeping him outside during daylight hours more than most. His body was lithe, but well toned, offering a very pleasing apparition to the pureblood's eyes.

“I thought you were going to give me some time?”

Zero's chagrined voice drew Kaname's attention back up.

He smiled at the ex-human. “Yes, I did say that, didn't I?”

Zero's scowl deepened. “So, you lied?”

Kaname chuckled at the accusatory tone. “Not at all. I simply came to give you some news.”

The ex-human's expression softened slightly. “News?”

Kaname nodded. “Yes. I asked Ms. Lowe about your weapon. Apparently she still has it, and will have it sent here as soon as she can.”

The scowl completely faded from Zero's face, replaced with what seemed to be relief.

Kaname couldn't help the teasing tone that slipped into his voice. “Now, are you going to thank me properly?” He pushed himself to his feet and took a step towards the other vampire.

Zero's eyes widened slightly, but he recovered quickly, simply meeting the pureblood's predatory gaze with a steady one of his own.

Kaname continued walking slowly towards the other vampire, who was standing tensely, unmoving by the wall. He was, perhaps, being a little too mean to the ex-human, but he wanted to test his resolve.

He stopped a few inches away from Zero, placing one hand against the wall to the side of his head. He gazed deeply into the other vampire's amethyst eyes, seeing clearly his determination there. Sliding his other hand up into Zero's hair, he entwined his fingers through the damp, silvery strands, marvelling at how soft they felt, even when wet.

The other vampire's breathing was becoming uneven and he felt him shudder slightly under his touch. He leant his head forward, his gaze dropping to Zero's tempting, slightly open mouth. He saw the ex-human's jaw tense as their lips almost touched. He considered pulling away at that moment, sensing how uncomfortable the other vampire was, but his own desire pushed him forward, disregarding the warning signs.

He brushed his lips gently over Zero's, ignoring the sharp intake of breath from the other vampire. The feeling of the soft, yielding mouth against his own was irresistible and he pressed harder against those lips, wanting to experience more, to be completely consumed by the sensation. His tongue flicked out, seeking entrance, but Kaname felt a sudden pressure against his chest.

It took a moment for the pureblood's brain to register that it was Zero trying to push him away. He reluctantly pulled away, instantly missing the contact he had just experienced. He licked his lips as he met the ex-human's gaze.

“That's enough,” the other vampire breathed.

He raised an eyebrow, an expression of pure innocence on his face.

Zero took a moment to steady his breathing. “I said I needed some time. This is too fast.”

Kaname smiled as he noticed the wavering in the ex-human's voice. Had he pushed him to his limit already?

“That's fine. I am satiated... for now.” He noticed the other vampire's slight exhale as he spoke.

He was in actual fact, far from satisfied, but he didn't want to push Zero too far and completely break him. He could be patient when the occasion arose. He grudgingly slid his hand out of Zero's hair and pushed himself away from the wall and the ex-human's warm body.

“Until tomorrow then, Kiryu.” Kaname flashed another smile at Zero before turning to leave.