A/N: As this chapter suggests... things get a little bumpy along the way. I wanted to show the different pressures that both Zero and Kaname would come under regarding their relationship from people who don't understand for various reasons... and of course it's driving things towards a climax / resolution point. Hopefully it's not too boring. Don't forget to check out my bio for info about where to find review responses! :)

Chapter Twenty-Seven: "When the World would Tear us Apart"

Yagari regarded the blackened swath of grass at his feet with a sardonic, but patient expression. "Okay, I don't think it's your form that's the problem," he drawled as he crouched beside his prostrate and slightly singed pupil. He brushed a bit of ash from Zero's short silver hair. "That was quite impressive, are you okay?" His expression was dryly amused, but his keen gaze concealed concerned as he swept Zero's body quickly with a trained eye. He'd be a lot more alarmed if the boy wasn't still registering strongly in his hunter senses, which were specifically honed to detecting a vampire's state of health and level of threat.

"I think we're safe in assuming that's not going to be a good charm for you to use..." Yagari patted Zero's shoulder when the younger hunter nodded in response to his question. Yagari had seen students experience lots of spectacular mistakes or accidents while practicing charm work, but this was definitely the first time he'd seen a pupil spontaneously burst into flame.

His heart had dropped into his boots in alarm and he'd practically tackled Zero, yanking off his long leather duster and trying to smother the flames with it. Fortunately, the fire was swiftly snuffed, and it was obvious that although it had burned around Zero, it had not done him any significant damage save for singeing his shirt and the ends of his hair. Yagari undid Zero's collar to ease his quickened breathing.

Zero blinked until Yagari's silhouette against the starry sky stopped dancing around in his vision. He felt a little crispy, but it was just from the heat. The fire hadn't lasted long enough to burn through the protective containment field that had kept it from scorching the flesh off his bones as it was intended to do – only to vampires, not to the person casting the charm. When the two were one and the same however, that seemed to be a problem. Zero shook his head to clear it. He felt a bit embarrassed, but Yagari's casual attitude helped keep him from feeling too stupid. After all, Yagari hadn't foreseen that result either.

"What, you don't think the living torch effect would make a good tactic?" he croaked, running a hand down his face and pushing up onto one elbow. He and Yagari had been training together for almost a month now, and Zero was able to be a little less reserved than he had been when they'd started, having lost some of the over-seriousness with which he'd worked to try to prove himself to Yagari at first. While he still felt the strong need to prove himself to his teacher, the daily contact and return to a relational dynamic that was familiar to both of them had reawaked some of the natural report that had once been between them.

Yagari grinned and ruffled Zero's hair. "Well, I suppose it would make a fair diversionary tactic," he drawled in amusement. "Or in case of an emergency... you know, like if I lose my lighter..."

Zero grinned and rolled his eyes. Yagari pulled his coat off the boy and tossed it over next to a nearby tree where his hat was also resting. He offered Zero a hand up Zero took it, wincing softly as he clambered back to his feet. "Maybe I just need to tweak it a bit..." he said slowly.

He didn't like it when issues like this came up – when the fact that he was a vampire was brought into glaringly obvious relief. Still, it was unavoidable and he and Yagari had already modified several charms in order to make them work more smoothly with the containment formulas that Zero and Aido had worked out back at Cross Academy. Zero could at least take pride in the fact that Yagari had been more than suitably impressed at that bit of work and with the fact that Zero could store and wield hunter charms at all. He hadn't expected that.

Yagari shook his head. His arm stayed about Zero's shoulders until he was sure the boy was steady on his feet. Then he stepped back. "No. Not this one. It's too volatile. You're lucky your containment charm held," he replied firmly, his voice a little more serious and concerned now. "It reacted merely to your presence, even through the protective measures. I don't want to risk it. There are plenty of others just as effective and less... combustible..." the hint of amusement that re-entered Yagari's voice kept Zero from feeling too badly.

It was an hour or two until dawn, making it early morning for Yagari, and evening for Zero, who had reluctantly begun keeping a vampire schedule in order to not be completely out of sync with the rest of the household all the time. However, it was not that unusual for hunters to keep late or early hours as well. They very often trained at night, considering that was the natural environment of their prey and they needed to be prepared.

Zero rubbed the sore spot on the back of his head where he'd struck when hit the ground. His unbuttoned shirt collar pulled open a bit wider at the motion, and Yagari's gaze caught unwillingly on what the collar had been hiding.

A fading, but visible set of twin marks that had obviously once been puncture wounds marred the young ex-human's pale skin on the un-tattooed side of his neck. Bite marks. No hunter worth his salt could mistake them for anything else. Yagari's jaw tensed, his lips thinning as he repressed the tense wave of anger in his gut. For a moment he looked like he would say something, then he just looked away. It burned him each and every time he saw some mark on Zero that he knew Kuran had given him. But it would do no good to say anything. He understood the way vampires operated. For whatever mysterious reason, Kuran had taken Zero under his protection and sponsorship. That meant Zero owed the damn leech his loyalty, his blood, and anything else Kuran demanded from him – apparently including being his punching bag, judging by the marks Yagari frequently saw on the boy's body. So much for that 'we're pacifists, we only drink blood tablets' crap... perhaps Kuran felt that mere ex-humans didn't count.

Zero caught Yagari's gaze and felt an unpleasant stab in his gut. He quickly pulled his collar closed and buttoned it self-consciously as Yagari turned away from him. Crap... he hadn't wanted Yagari to see that. DamnKaname for getting all friendly with him shortly before he was supposed to go out. Kaname should know better than to mark him up on days when he was going to be training with Yagari, especially right before he left the house. The marks faded fairly swiftly, but not swiftly enough. He'd had a few choice words of muttered indignation for his partner when he caught sight of himself in the mirror afterwards.

Zero's chest constricted each time Yagari's gaze would stick and turn to acid upon indications of his vampire-hood – upon some trifling bruise or bite that was the embarrassing result of his and Kaname's passion, or their no-holds-barred sparring. Both of those activities Zero hid from Yagari. He had no wish for the older hunter to learn the true nature of his relationship with the pureblood, and although he told Yagari that he and Kaname sparred, he was careful to never do it somewhere where the hunter might see. He hadn't exactly shown Yagari his vines yet... and he got cold and clammy just thinking about it. To be fair, Kaname had been respectful of his wishes on both counts and maintained a completely neutral and indifferent mask around Zero when Yagari was present.

Zero was unaware of the completely wrong impression that this secrecy was having upon his teacher. Kaname was aware, but chose to let it play out. He didn't care if Yagari hated him, if that made it easier for Zero.

"Sensei..." Zero said quietly, but Yagari did not turn back towards him.

Knowing the brutal way Zero had been turned, and how hard it must be for him to endure being fed upon by another pureblood gave the elder hunter the incredibly overwhelming urge to stake something. Instead he turned back to where he'd left his satchel on the ground and rummaged through it.

"Enough charm work for today. You want to have a go with the blades next, or traps?" he said evenly, despite the hint of terseness that crept into his tone. Much as Yagari hated the situation, he'd seen enough bitter truth in his life to understand that despite the price he seemed to be paying for it, Zero did need Kuran's sponsorship. With Shizuka's death still hanging over his head, the boy would go right back to the top of everybody's hit list in an instant should Kaname ever withdraw his protection.

"Oooh, should I be afraid?" a sarcastic voice drawled from nearby. Yagari's tense shoulders said he'd sensed another vampire's approach from a distance, but Zero had been too wrapped up in feeling awkward and his spine stiffened imperceptibly. His senses said pureblood but he knew it wasn't his pureblood. Unfortunately, he'd know that voice anywhere and an intense swell of irritation bubbled silently inside him.

"I thought you and your brother had important business with Kaname," Zero said in a blunt and decidedly unfriendly manner as he turned a cool gaze upon the pureblood lounging against the nearby tree. "Does Kaname know you're wandering about on his estate?"

Seiji Sato and his brother Diachi had arrived at about the same time as Zero was heading out to meet Yagari. He'd been surprised because he'd had no forewarning, but Kaname had swiftly and quietly explained that Diachi was there to see him on some minor business matter and assured him they would not be staying the night. Zero had been a little unsettled at being caught completely flat-footed like that, and surprised that Kaname had not told him ahead of time, but he shrugged it off and simply hoped they would be gone by the time he came back so their paths would not have to cross.

Such luck did not seem to be his, however.

Seiji shrugged, annoyed by Zero's rudeness and a little sardonically amused by it as well. "My brother has important business. I'm just here because he has the misguided notion that if he drags me all about with him on business matters I'll somehow acquire a burning desire to be as boring as he is. Does Kaname know you two are playing with dangerous toys out here?" he shot back glibly. The hunter was something of a novelty item in Seiji's estimation, and he was bored. Giving Kaname's ex-human a hard time seemed like a more interesting way to pass time than sitting in on the dull science discourse in which his brother and Kuran were involved.

Yagari straightened up with a long, wicked looking instrument in his hand. He calmly pressed a release on the handle and round barbs popped out all along the shaft, glittering with silent menace. "We call these 'stingers', Yagari told Zero, as if Seiji were not standing right there. "They're used in melee fighting. The barbed balls can be launched by pressing the release and they'll automatically hone in on any nearby vampire targets. Burns holes right through them." The elder hunter was lecturing in a completely deadpan voice, although Zero was already familiar with the weapon and knew quite well that stingers had no 'smart' guidance system like that.

Yagari cast a cool gaze towards Seiji. "Ya might want to back up a bit. The range on this is a little tricky," he said blandly.

Zero couldn't help smirking as Seiji quickly withdrew several steps, eyeing both of them warily, but with an unhealthy interest.

Seiji saw the expression and his eyes darkened dangerously. An ex-human did not direct a look of contempt at him like that. He didn't care who he belonged to. Kaname should teach his slaves better. Really, he didn't understand why Kuran tolerated this boy at all. He must be one hell of a lay for Kuran to indulge him so unforgivably.

The pureblood flashed them both a sneer born of unease that he didn't want to show while in the presence of 'lesser beings'. He glanced warily towards the hunter weapons. "Maybe somebody ought to warn Kuran that he's raising a viper. I wonder how tolerant he'd be if he considered the possibility of you using one of your little toys against him next time he has you in his bed." Seiji was obviously threatening to plant such an idea in Kaname's mind. He naturally had no idea how ridiculous he sounded, given the true nature of the pureblood and the ex-human's relationship.

Zero was not a bit concerned over the stupid threat, but he felt cold dread and humiliation sweep through him for completely different reasons than Seiji had intended. He shot a quick sideways glance at the other hunter. Please let Yagari think Seiji was just being an ass...

Beside him, Yagari stiffened slightly and glared darkly at the pureblood. "I don't particularly like your tone, your implications, or come to think of it – your presence, vampire. I think you'd better leave," he drawled coldly with a hint of protective anger.

Seiji was delighted to read the unexpected reaction he read clearly in both his companions. This was so much better than he'd anticipated. He hadn't imagined that the elder hunter might actually be ignorant of how things stood... or that it would obviously distress Zero for him to learn the truth.

"Implications? What, you mean you didn't know?" he crowed in cruel enjoyment. "Tut-tut, you shouldn't be so modest, Kiriyu. Don't you know what an honor it is as an ex-human to serve a pureblood with your body? I should think you would brag about being Kuran's favorite bed toy. He says you're such a good ride..." Seiji's dark gaze sparkled with malevolence. Of course the last was a bald-faced lie, Kaname would have never have discussed such a thing with him and Zero knew it. That didn't change the damage that had been done, however.

"Shut up!" Zero snapped hotly, fists clenching at his sides. He had to restrain the very real urge to attack the smirking pureblood. "You don't know what the hell you're talking about!"

Seiji shrugged, still smiling cruelly as he enjoyed Zero's dismay and discomfort. "Oh my. I do seem to have stepped in it, haven't I? I had no idea you wanted to keep it a secret. Well I suppose I'd better go then. I can see when I'm not wanted..." he said carelessly before wandering away across the darkened lawn, pleased with the path of emotional chaos he left in his wake.

Zero could not bring himself to turn and look at Yagari as Seiji left them. He was breathing too quickly, almost hyperventilating. He didn't want to see what he feared he would see in Yagari's eyes. He didn't want to have to believe that this had really happened. Damn it all to hell... he wanted to kill that smug pureblood son of a bitch so badly.

Yagari, however, was watching Zero's tense profile with a silent, intense gaze behind which a slow fire was springing to life. "Zero... what he said, is it true?" he asked, his gruff voice unnaturally quiet. It shouldn't have been a shock to him, perhaps. He knew how ex-humans were often used by their masters. But perhaps because he knew how deeply interested Kaname had been in Yuki, who was definitely female, and perhaps because this was Zero and not some random stranger who was nothing but a statistic... he simply hadn't thought that direction until now. "Does Kuran... do those kind of things to you?"

Zero swallowed hard, trying to figure out what to say, but nothing came. His mouth felt dry and his head was throbbing and spinning, making it hard to think. Yagari didn't need an answer to his question, Zero's miserable body language and inability to meet his gaze when he turned back towards him was answer enough.

Sheer, unadulterated rage flooded through the elder man's body. Red filled his mind and his heart with painful, aching bitterness. He should have known. The voices in his mind condemned him bitterly. He should have known from the beginning. He should have realized what was being done to Zero every time he let him walk back into that house unprotected, every time he left him alone in that... that beast's clutches.

Yagari dropped the weapon he had been holding back into his bag in favor of pulling the sawed-off shotgun from the long holster strapped to his thigh.

"I'm gonna kill him," he muttered softly as he clicked open the chamber of the shotgun, checking the loaded round before snapping the weapon shut again.

Zero had never heard this kind of lethal quietness in his master's voice before and it made his already churning stomach knot up in apprehension. Yagari couldn't be serious... he was the best hunter out there, but surely he wouldn't be stupid enough to take on a pureblood in his own home, especially without orders and with two other purebloods currently on the premises? Be that as it may, however, the steely determination that showed in Yagari's single eye and the forceful calm of his movements were making Zero afraid. If Yagari was serious, it was tantamount to suicide. The ex-human was more than aware of just how lethal Kaname was capable of being, especially if provoked or caught by surprise. Yet at the same time... the pureblood was accustomed to the older hunter's presence coming and going in the house. He wouldn't be expecting Yagari to attack him and the hunter could very possibly get in the first move before Kaname realized that his intentions were hostile. A hunter of Yagari's skill would know that the first move had to be the last move or he didn't have a chance.

Yagari would very probably be throwing his life away on a meaningless attempt to protect Zero and Kaname was dangerously vulnerable because he'd opened his house to hunters for Zero's sake. Zero felt his gut twist sickeningly at the hideous irony. He wasn't sure if he was more afraid for his teacher or his lover.

Perhaps Yagari would have come to his senses before actually going after Kaname. He was no fool and he'd been in the business for a long time. He knew too how important Kuran was to keeping the peace between humans and vampires. But... just at this precise moment, he didn't care. He was too damn angry, with Kuran and with himself. He'd suspected for some time that Kaname was responsible for halting Zero's decent to becoming a Level E. Since coming here, he'd begun to more than suspect that, as unbelievable a notion as it was, the pureblood was letting Kiriyu drink his blood. It was really the only thing that could explain the change he felt in Zero, why the boy had started brightening to a much hotter flame in his hunter senses than was normal for an ex-human.

But Yagari hadn't known why. Certainly it was not simply from the goodness of his heart. Vampires never did anything unless it benefited them. Sure, Yagari had guessed the pureblood must have designs on Zero, but he had yet to be able to work out exactly what they were. He had suspected they had something to do with Kuran fancying the options that having a hunter under his thumb would provide, especially considering the way Yagari had been brought here to continue Zero's training. That could still very well be the case, but now, he knew that wasn't all. Heaven help him, he'd been so blind. It all made terrible sense. The bruises... the ill-hidden bite marks... they'd been bad enough on their own, when he thought that Kuran was just feeding on and mistreating Zero. Now, they seemed even more sinister and heartbreaking. The thought that Kuran had been forcing Zero like this, bedding him and making Zero subject himself to the pureblood's whims in exchange for his life burned like acid in the elder hunter's veins.

It didn't matter that Yagari knew upper caste vampires routinely preyed on their weaker kindred for both blood and sex. It didn't matter that Zero was a vampire now, and subject to the rules of their twisted society... Yagari could still look at him and see the little boy who had followed him everywhere. The little boy with innocent eyes who did not deserved to have life turn out like this. Who did not deserve to have some son of a bitch vampire lordling use and abuse him as if his heart, soul and feelings didn't matter. Yagari should have figured it out sooner. He should have stopped this. Somehow.

"That filthy pureblood bastard, I'm gonna kill him..." Yagari repeated with quiet rage in his voice as he tipped the shotgun barrel back to rest to his shoulder and started up the hill in the direction of the main house.

Suddenly Zero was blocking his path. "No! Master, don't..."

Yagari tried to push past him but Zero wouldn't budge, catching the older hunter's shoulders to stop him. Panic swelled through his gut. Yagari was taking this all wrong! If he went after Kaname, someone was going to end up hurt or dead, and Zero desperately didn't want that.

Yagari's eyes darkened with anger and pain. He knew... he knew with his head that Zero was a vampire, but it was too easy to forget sometimes, and it cut him to his core to see the boy mindlessly defending Kuran just like any other blood sucking freak would have done, despite what the pureblood was doing to him.

"Get out of my way, boy," Yagari warned through his teeth, the shotgun coming down off his shoulder. "I know you haven't got a choice, but damn it, he doesn't deserve your protection! Don't expect me to stand by and watch him use you like this!"

He started to violently shake Zero off, but the ex-human moved with vampire speed, catching hold of the shotgun as it came down and twisting it sideways.

Yagari cursed, instincts and reflexes from a lifetime of fighting vampires snapping to the fore. He hoped he'd never have to face Zero like this, but he'd always known it might one day happen. He countered Zero's move with almost inhuman speed himself, unable to bring the gun to bear, but keeping it from being completely twisted from his grasp.

Zero felt ill as he grappled urgently with the elder hunter. In a way, it touched him deeply that Yagari was so ready to defend him – even to the point of foolishness, but he had to stop this.

"No! You don't understand! It-it's not like that! He's not using me!" Zero protested. Yagari had aimed a fast, probably charm laden jab at the tattoo side of his neck, but Zero was smart enough not to let him make contact. He dodged and half-turned, but didn't let go of Yagari or the weapon clutched between them. He wasn't going to strike back at his master, but he wasn't going to let him nail him with anything either. He needed to make him listen before things spun too far out of control.

"Don't!" Yagari fairly growled through his teeth. He was seething, but whether Zero could tell it or not, there was pain beneath the anger, a lot of pain. "Don't give me any vampire bullshit about the joys of serving purebloods. Not from you, Zero... I won't hear that from you!" Yagari's voice almost trembled as he suddenly released the weapon they were fighting over and spun, giving a sharp drop-kick to Zero's legs. "Recedo!" he snapped, thrusting his hand forward even as he kicked out, aiming the anti-vampire charm squarely at his pupil's chest.

But Zero had not spent the past months sparring regularly with Kaname and training with Yagari just to be taken down so easily. The ex-human was off balance for only a moment before he regained himself. Yagari's kick caught only air as Zero jumped, executing a gravity-defying summersault that twisted him out of the way of the blasting charm and sent him sailing over the other hunter's head to land behind Yagari. He'd made it a point to never use his vampire speed or abilities when he was training or sparring with Yagari, hating to remind his master of what he was, but he did so now because it was the only advantage he had over the older, more experienced hunter.

Yagari spun to face him even as Zero landed. He'd fought vampires his whole life and the reflexes were fluid and automatic. He flicked his arms and a short, slender, double-edged throwing knife appeared in each hand. Zero was well aware of the hidden arsenal his Sensei had up his sleeves and elsewhere on his body, but the unpleasant surprise of having those weapons drawn on him nearly tripped him up. Zero barely managed to dodge in time as one of the small, wickedly sharp and heavily poised blades whizzed past his shoulder, clipping his sleeve but fortunately not his flesh.

Yagari was not actually trying to hurt him, at least, not seriously or more than he had to in order to subdue him. The elder hunter was clearly aiming for non-vital targets, merely trying to break Zero's skin with one of the weapons. Those throwing knives were heavily charmed and laced with anti-vampire drugs. Even a grazing glance from one of those and Zero would lose all vampire ability as swiftly and surely than if he'd been shot point-blank with the Bloody Rose.

Zero's dodge took him directly into the path of the second knife, as Yagari had intended. Reflex took over before Zero's conscious mind had a say in the matter. Vines sprang out protectively in front of him, striking the flying blade harmlessly to the ground and snapping out to catch Yagari's wrist before he could go for another.

Yagari made a mistake that would have been fatal if he had been in a serious fight. He actually froze for a moment in shock. It was an unbelievable blunder for one of his experience, but what he'd just seen happen... seeing those vines snake out of Zero's body... it had shaken him. He'd had no idea the ex-human had developed powers like these.

Zero's heart sank to his toes as he realized belatedly what he had done. He'd never let Yagari see this part of him for a reason. That reason was reflected in the shocked, wary look in his teacher's eye. He'd just proved himself even more of a creatureto the other hunter. Well hell... this really couldn't get any worse now, could it?

Zero released Yagari quickly, retracting the vines. His chest felt like one solid knot of agony, everything was going so wrong. Yagari now saw him as a monster, and he obviously thought he was Kaname's thrall. That hurt so damn bad.

"It's not like that. I'm not bound or under his influence!" Zero half shouted, half rasped, fixing Yagari with a pained look. "I still have my own will and my own thoughts, so don't treat me like a puppet, damn it! I'm not trying to protect him, I'm trying to protect you! Kaname would wipe the floor with your butt!" It wasn't true that Zero wasn't at all worried about Kaname... because he was... but he needed Yagari to cool it and listen to him.

Yagari was glaring at Zero with open wariness and mistrust, but he hadn't yet pressed his attack again and Zero took a chance. He tossed Yagari's gun, which he was still holding, back to the other hunter. "I just wanted you to listen..." Zero's voice was roughened from his quickened breathing and his anguish, but it was quieter now than it had been a minute ago. He was visibly standing down and lowering his guard. It was a dangerous move and left him vulnerable if Yagari chose to attack, but it was a chance he had to take.

Yagari caught the rifle and continued to stare intently at Zero.

Slowly, keeping his body language as non-threatening as possible, Zero bent and picked up the throwing knife that had fallen by his feet and turned it handle-forward, offering it back to his teacher as well.

Yagari made no move to take it and Zero finally slid it into a slot on his own belt to avoid the awkwardness of continuing to stand there and hold it. Finally, Yagari's seemed to make a decision. He let the gun in his hand slowly fall to rest at his side, although his body was still tense as he regarded his pupil with well-entrenched caution. "All right. I'm listening. Explain to me how Kuran screwing you against your will does not constitute him using you?" he said coolly, concern still edging his troubled gaze.

Zero flushed painfully, his face prickling with heat and mortification. Crap... there was no way out of this, was there? No... no... he couldn't say it, he couldn't... Yagari's respect meant so much to him. He was the only tie Zero still had to his past, to everything he had lost, to who he had once been. But Zero had to give a truthful answer now, no matter how much he knew it would cost, because it was only the thing left he could do. He felt nauseous. Maybe it would have almost been better to let Yagari think he had been bound.

"B-because it isn't against my will..." he mumbled with difficulty. His cheeks were so hot they hurt and he could feel his pulse pounding in his ears. He was humiliated and... frightened.

Yagari just blinked at him, uncomprehending for a moment. Then shock and disgust replaced confusion. "What?" he barked in harsh disbelief. "Are you seriously telling me that you want this? That you're okay with being some pureblood's bitch?"

If Zero had thought he couldn't flush any deeper or feel any more miserable, he'd been wrong. He wished the earth would swallow him. He wished he could just shrivel up and die. "That's not how it is! I'm NOT his-" he started to protest, but Yagari cut him off. The elder hunter was incensed.

"Don't tell me that's not how it is! You're smarter than this, Zero! That man is screwing with your head and using you! Haven't you learned a single thing I have tried to teach you about vampires?" Yagari didn't understand how Zero could do this, could act like he actually trusted one of them.

"No, he's not!" Zero's chest burned and his eyes stung but damn it, he was certainly not going to cry at a time like this. He couldn't believe he was standing here, trying to defend Kaname to Yagari. It was a scene he had never imagined and yet... he could do nothing else. It hurt to hear the harsh, hateful words directed at his lover, and it hurt to be made to feel like a whore all over again, after he'd finally put that thought behind him. What made it really cut his heart to shreds though, was to hear it coming from Yagari, who was the closest thing Zero had left to any kind of family, and whose regard meant so much to the younger hunter.

"I'll admit this wasn't something I ever would have thought I wanted, but Kaname hasn't forced or coerced me to do anything. He isn't like that, he really isn't! He cares about me and I care about him. He-he's not a bad person..." Zero defended miserably, even though he already knew he was fighting a battle he couldn't win.

"Like hell he's not. He's a pureblood, Zero, they're worse than all the rest put together. You better than anyone should know that! He's not a bad person? Where have I heard that before?" Yagari shook his head in disbelief. He tapped the leather patch covering the ruined side of his face and gouged out eye with two fingers. "It's like we're here all over again, Zero. Did you learn nothing back then? He cares about nothing but himself. There is no such thing as a good vampire..." he murmured in an almost anguished tone, forgetting for half a moment to whom he spoke.

Zero hadn't forgotten though. He swallowed hard, almost unable to breathe around the sharp pain lancing through his chest. "Then why the hell do you care whether he's using me or not?" he rasped softly. "Why do you care what happens to one more blood sucking freak?"

Yagari's jaw stiffened as he winced inwardly. He... hadn't meant that statement to include Zero. Not... really... But Yagari didn't know what to say. His hatred and mistrust of vampires was too deeply engrained and right now, he was hurting too much, seeing what had happened to Zero. What he had become. It wasn't fair... it wasn't fair that life should have done this to him. Yagari should have been able to protect him somehow... but he hadn't. He hadn't been there to protect Zero and his family from Shizuka, and he now he hadn't been able to protect him from Kaname either. He'd failed the boy too many times to forgive. Yagari hated Kuran with an icy cold hatred for manipulating the young hunter this way, for somehow managing to prey not only on Zero's body but on his emotions as well. If Zero wanted to stand there though and insist that this was his choice and he was with Kaname of his own free will, then it wasn't Yagari's place to interfere, no matter how much it broke his heart.

Yagari silently holstered his weapon with a small, tense motion, bending to retrieve his hat and duster from where he had left them earlier. He shrugged into the duster and tugged the hat down over his curly hair, snatching up his satchel and slinging it over one shoulder before turning back to Zero. "You're a big boy now, Zero," he said quietly. "I'm not going to throw myself in front of another vampire for you if you refuse to see the world as it really is. If this is your choice, it's yours to make." There was cool disgust in his tone, Yagari made no attempt to hide that. It wasn't all directed at Zero, but some of it was. A pureblood... and another man at that? He really couldn't understand how Zero could be so stupid. It pained and burned him to see the boy doing this to himself... putting himself in a position where he would eventually end up horribly hurt. Zero deserved better, but there was nothing the elder man could do.

Without another word, Yagari turned and walked away.

Zero did not follow, he didn't speak. There was nothing to say. He felt like a door had just slammed closed between them forever. Yagari probably would not want to teach him anymore, and even if he had felt compelled to do so for some reason, Zero didn't know how he could stand seeing that disgust and anger in his master's gaze every time he looked at him. No... he knew, he'd just lost any and all respect that Yagari had ever had for him, and there would never be any way to get it back.

His vision blurring treacherously, Zero turned and walked away down the hill quickly, trying to remember how to breathe - his chest hurt so bad it was hard. The walk turned into a jog and the jog quickened until Zero was running, heedless of where he was going except for away.

"What we're looking at is definitely a retrovirus. But the way it affects the reverse transcriptase enzyme has some unique characteristics," the young vampire scientist whom Diachi had brought with him wrapped up her presentation. "It is not unlike the retrovirus that we believe is transmitted by a pureblood's bite and has a hand in converting human DNA into vampire DNA, although the results are quite of a different nature." At this, she looked somewhat hesitantly towards her leader. It was not very long ago that even considering the possibility that science had any methods of documenting or explaining any of the power that pureblood vampires held was considered sacrilege worthy of death. Times were changing, but only very slowly. Obviously, Diachi had already approved this line of thought with her, or she would never have mentioned it, but she still didn't look comfortable bringing it up in the presence of two purebloods.

Diachi gave her a small nod to let her know she could continue, and she did. "It's an interesting conundrum, because the very structure of this virus suggests that it would be most virulent towards vampire physiology... but underneath that shell framework, a second set of processes make it deadly against human physiology as well."

Diachi turned back to Kaname. He folded his hands on his lap. "And that is the extent of the research that we have been able to do in reverse engineering the viral agent that you are so interested in," he concluded, watching Kaname carefully and obviously waiting to see how he was going to react.

Kaname absorbed the information he had been given and returned Diachi's gaze with equal caution. "I appreciate your going to all this effort... but I am curious why exactly you think this particular information is of interest to me?" The truth was of course that he was quite interested, but he was a little unsettled that Diachi knew as much.

Diachi glanced towards the scientist. "You may go, Lin," he dismissed her, indicating that he wanted to speak privately with his host. Lin immediately withdrew, leaving the two purebloods alone in Kaname's study.

"Because it's the virus that killed the Cross girl," Diachi said quietly once they were by themselves. "Give me a little credit, Kaname. All the information you have asked for... all the research and patent application records you've requested for obscure chemical compounds and processes... if you string them together, they start to paint a very telling picture. I understand that seeking answers is important to you. I merely thought it would be more beneficial to that endeavor if we put aside the subterfuge and spoke plainly."

Kaname considered Diachi in silence for a long moment. He had known this day must eventually come. Diachi's connections in the fields of medical research and development were too large an asset for him to pass up, and Diachi seemed quite willing to foster friendly relations between them. It would perhaps be just as well to have his cards on the table about what he was trying to do, yet he still didn't like having someone else intrude into the privacy of his quest for the answers to Yuki's death. He hadn't even brought Zero into his confidence on that yet, and to have Diachi insinuate himself there was at first disturbing. However, the elder pureblood was nothing if not savvy, and the intensely detailed research he had brought with him was a gift more than suitable to make up for Kaname's discomfiture. The knowledge alone that this was some kind of virus that appeared to have been targeted at vampires and modified to work on a human was a new and valuable bit of information.

Kaname rubbed his neck distractedly. There was an echo of unhappy emotion coming through his bond with Zero that was making it difficult to concentrate and feeding his own unease until he wasn't sure how much of what he was feeling was his own reaction to the current situation and how much was completely unrelated. Kaname knew Zero was with Yagari and could be in no danger, whatever it was that had upset him, so he forced himself to tamp their connection down on his end in order to be clear headed enough to navigate the path ahead.

He felt guilty enough that he'd still told Zero nothing of what he was doing in regards to finding Yuki's killer. He should have, he knew that. He'd meant to tell him earlier, since he'd known that Diachi was coming with information for him, even if he'd not realized to what extent that information would prove to be. He'd gone to Zero's room while the hunter was getting ready to go out and meet Yagari with every intention of telling him... but the pureblood had lost his nerve, unable to broach the painful subject, and had let himself get distracted in savoring Zero's nearness and deliciousness instead. Tonight. He would tell him tonight when he came back.

Kaname reached for a crystal decanter that sat on a small table at his elbow and poured a glass of the Hennessy Ellipse cognac for Diachi before taking one for himself. To their vampire metabolisms, the actual alcohol in the beverage was not much to be reckoned with, but the flavor was superb and since this particular type of cognac usually retailed in the neighborhood of $10,000 a bottle, it was a natural choice to serve to an important guest. And however he may feel about it, Diachi was indeed proving to be quite an important guest.

Diachi Sato was a good 800 years older than he, and a clever and ruthless businessman in his own right, but he also had a reputation for fair dealing, at least in vampire terms. Kaname may loathe the youngest member of the Sato family with a passion, but Diachi he could respect. Not that he trusted him, but then, that meant little. Purebloods rarely completely trusted one another unless they were bound by marriage or blood, and that was usually for the best.

"Then let us speak plainly..." Kaname said with a small nod, indicating that he was willing to accept a slightly deeper level of working relationship between them.

Zero tipped his head back, gazing up at the slowly fading stars as his breath caught raggedly between his teeth. He'd stopped running somewhere in the wooded area south of the villa and was trying to regain some measure of peace.

A haughty, grating chuckle from nearby shattered whatever he'd managed to find in that regard. He spun to find Seiji lounging on a thick, low hanging tree branch with his back against the trunk, one knee bent and one leg dangling. The infuriating pureblood was watching him with deep amusement.

"What's so damn funny?" Zero snarled, completely fed up with Seiji and already wondering how hard it would be to yank him out of the tree and forcibly wipe that grin off his face.

"You," Seiji said with mocking amusement. "I heard what you told the hunter. It was so... so sweet..." he said in condescending tones. "Do you really think Kuran cares about you? That's so precious! If... naïve..." He'd observed the fallout of his handiwork from a safe distance, and followed Zero after he took off. Seiji had the cruel disposition of one who enjoyed pulling the wings off of flies just to watch them stumble around in agony. He applied that malicious nature now.

The pureblood pushed off the branch and dropped lightly to the ground with the preternatural grace of his kind. "The hunter may be a pathetic human, but he's smarter than you are. Of course Kaname's using you. Please don't tell me that you think he does any of the things he does solely for your own benefit? I gave you more credit than that. The hunter training for instance, have you any idea how much it would benefit him to have a loyal hunter assassin under his control? No? You didn't even think about it?" Seiji grinned mockingly as he circled Zero slowly, like a tiger sizing up its prey. "My, you are slow, aren't you? Slaves should understand their place and their uses. Mine do."

Zero was already emotionally reeling at the moment. Seiji's taunting was the last thing he needed. To be honest... Zero never had considered that it might actually be beneficial to Kaname to have him hunter trained. He'd been under the impression that Kaname was doing this just for his sake. Zero wasn't about to let anything Seiji said shake him, just on principle if nothing else, but he couldn't pretend that that jab didn't hurt pretty deep, delivered upon his already torn up feelings.

"I'm not his slave," Zero shot back icily, trying admirably to hold back his desperately seething rage. "And you still don't know what the hell you're talking about! In case you're completely uninformed – Kaname's not the one who turned me, and in case you're too stupid to figure it out – he's never bound me. He trusts me. How many of your ex-humans do you think would stay with you if they actually had a choice?"

Seiji's face clouded darkly, both at being spoken to that way, and because Zero had actually scored a hit on his pride with that last remark. The thought that Kaname didn't even need to bind someone, or have the influence of having turned them in order to command such loyalty from them was sickening.

Seiji aimed a stinging slap at the ex-human, but Zero dodged swiftly, his hand dropping to the hilt of the hunter knife he still had on his belt in case this turned into something more... god... right now he wanted it to turn into something more. He wanted an excuse to gut the bastard. But Seiji simply stood there, seeming completely shocked and startled that Zero had moved.

Zero shot him a sardonic look from a few feet away. Sorry, I feel no obligation to stand around and let some slob hit me just because of their frickin' bloodline.

Seiji's face was murderous. If Zero was anyone else's thrall but Kuran's... he would have shredded him. "You think Kuran trusts you so much? You know nothing of purebloods! He only tells you want it is convenient for you to know. I'll bet he's not even told you anything about the new information regarding the death of that little human girl, even though you both knew her, didn't you?" he spat. Seiji knew his brother's business here, and that Diachi had said it was to be kept confidential because Kuran was obviously reticent to share this information. So Seiji took a chance that he hadn't shared it with Zero either. He was throwing aimless darts because he was angry, but it unfortunately struck home in this case, and he could see that clearly on the hunter's face.

For half a second, Zero was stunned by Seiji's unexpected words, then his eyes took on a deadly hue and he took a step closer. He wished he had his gun with him, but he'd not brought it to practice. "What - what about Yuki?" he growled, repressing the intense stab of pain in his chest that thinking of her caused and wondering what the hell Seiji was talking about and what he could possibly know about her.

"I must compliment you, Kaname. It is an abysmal shame what Ichijo did to your business concerns and how many of them he amalgamated into his own spheres of control while he was custodian of your estate. Your aplomb in pulling the pieces back together and charting a new course with them as swiftly as you have is to be commended," Diachi complimented his host, cupping his glass of cognac with sculpted fingers. It was his second glass and he was obviously enjoying the bouquet of the liquor. Immediate business matters had already been discussed and they were now merely wrapping up with polite chit-chat.

Kaname inclined his head slightly at the compliment, which he knew was partially sincere and partially expected flattery on the part of a guest. "Matters have a way of working themselves out when placed in the right hands."

"True," Diachi sipped his glass, his dark eyes thoughtful. "But I must admit I did not approve of the Senior Council's decisions on your behalf after your bereavement."

Kaname found that a lot of people were suddenly 'on his side' now that he had regained his rightful position and was reconsolidating power. But he sensed at least a hint of truth in his guest's words, and the ice that might otherwise have crept into his eyes remained absent. Although many purebloods sided with the Senior Council, many others did not approve of the power that that body held over them as a whole, but neither did they wish to create too much of an upset without suitably extreme provocation.

"In truth though, I'm surprised you did not seize the Ichijo estate when they offered it to you. You've allowed young Takuma Ichijo to retain a fair amount of what should rightfully be yours," Diachi continued, with just the vaguest hint of disapproval.

Kaname now understood the purpose of this vein of conversation. His business ally was feeling him out, seeking to understand him and his motivations better and instinctively looking for weakness of character. Too much unremunerated kindness was considered such a weakness. The Council had initially offered him all of Ichijo holdings as a desperate attempt to get on his good side and back into the good graces of public opinion after the Ichijo and Rido debacle. Kaname was well aware that his refusal was still a topic of speculation and curiosity among many of his peers.

Kaname waved the glass in his hand dismissively. "Only those interests which could not suitably be divided without damaging their overall value. The fact is, that the Council has no right to disseminate the property of others as it sees fit, even if it has done and continues to do so. I would rather not encourage it in such pursuits. Especially since I have found when it comes to gifts one must consider their source, and any possible associated costs. I deem it imprudent to give the Senior Council any cause to think I me indebted to them." Kaname's smile was cool and self-possessing. He saw a glitter of understanding light in Diachi's eyes.

"True again, and it does not hurt that young Ichijo is in your pocket either, so I suppose in reality you have it anyway," Diachi looked amused and approving now as if relieved by the notion that Kaname's actions were not so insensibly philanthropic as they appeared. "I begin to see that you claim the best of both worlds while avoiding the downfalls. You are cleverer than I gave you credit for, you must forgive me."

Kaname once again merely inclined his head, not showing that he was displeased at the notion that Takuma was his puppet. "It is often good to be underestimated," he said with a dissembling smile. "However, I should not like the notion that Ichijo and I are too directly connected spread around. No need to stir up his syndeo's old vanguard and make things... difficult. You understand," he added meaningfully, his tone suggesting that he was sharing an inside confidence with his guest.

Diachi had no reason to interfere in his business in these matters, and if he thought Kaname was merely trying to not outwardly appear to control the Ichijo syndeo in order to further his own ends, then he would probably keep quiet on the matter – which was the end result that Kaname wanted. The young pureblood did not want to make Takuma's life more difficult than it already was by having everyone view him as merely a pawn. That was not remotely fair to his friend.

"Of course, of course," Diachi agreed amiably, sipping again at his Cognac. He was smart enough to know that he was not being presented with a completely true picture, but that was to be expected.

"I like you, Kaname. You are capable and quick minded. You will go far in this world," Diachi said as he set his empty glass back on the table. He was being truly candid now and speaking without significant ulterior motive. The centuries of seniority he had on the younger vampire made him feel free to speak so. "I wish that my brother were half as motivated as you are," he added with a small, fondly rueful smile.

"With that in mind, I hope that you will not take offense if I offer you one small piece of caution?" he inquired, polite enough to give Kaname the option of hearing him out or refusing.

Kaname raised his eyebrow, curious at this turn in the conversation. He could have taken offense at Diachi's words, but he was astute enough to know that the other pureblood was being fairly straight with him. He gave a slight smile and a permissive gesture, indicating for the other to continue. "Only a fool refuses advice unheard."

Diachi gave a gracious nod. "You are certainly no fool, Kaname. So I hope you will believe me when I say I do not wish to offer offense, but sincere advice with my warning: be careful of putting too much trust in your protégé. If you are not careful, he will abuse your generosity."

This was an entirely unexpected turn in the conversation and Kaname felt a flash of protective anger burn briefly in his chest at Diachi suggesting that Zero was in any way untrustworthy. "I would not worry too much on that account," Kaname said coolly with obvious dismissal. He realized a moment later that the reaction was a bit too knee-jerk, and the other pureblood would surely see that he had touched some kind of nerve. Well, crap...

Diachi was watching him carefully, although surprisingly his expression contained an actual hint of concern. "Ah, but I do..." he said quietly. "Forgive me for my frankness, but in all your dealings it is clear that you are a charitable soul and I do not wish to see others take advantage of that. I am certain you know what you are doing, but you are very young to have taken a protégé. I did not take my first one until I was at least four times your age... and still, I made the mistake of trusting too deeply. The relationship between teacher and student can become quite close and matters can become... complicated."

Kaname had enough control of himself not to let the flush of uncomfortable heat that twisted his stomach rise to his skin. Diachi knew. The other pureblood was being respectfully delicate, but he obviously knew that Kaname was sleeping with Zero as well as teaching him. Kaname felt the overwhelming urge to rearrange Seiji's face, because doubtless it was he who had let his brother in on that little factoid. Fortunately, of course, Diachi had no idea what it actually meant. It was not uncommon for teachers to expect sexual favors from their students as a gesture of respect, much like they could expect them to offer their blood for the same reasons.

"My brother seems able to completely divorce pleasure and emotion," Diachi continued. It was a polite way of saying his younger brother slept with just about anything that had legs. His tone suggested that he didn't entirely approve. "But for the rest of us, there is sometimes a natural closeness that comes when you are as invested in someone as you become with a protégé. I know, I have trained three. They reflect upon you and it is natural to want them to succeed and meet with favor... but there is danger too. I learned this the hard way and I would not see the same happen to you. Those you let closest to you are those who are most able to harm you. The boy is a hunter, Kaname, and I fear he is using you and your admirable pacifism more than you perceive."

Kaname felt his blood boiling he just managed to keep his hand from shaking with rage as he poured himself another glass of Cognac. He kept a tight rein on his aura so Diachi would not know how he felt, but inside he was seething. Zero was not using him! That was absolutely ridiculous. Diachi had no idea what he was talking about. That same fact helped keep his temper in check, however. Diachi didn't know what he was talking about, and he honestly thought he was trying to do the younger pureblood a good turn, perhaps misguidedly trying to treat him like the kind of younger brother he wished Seiji would have turned out to be. Kaname kept his head with effort.

"Really? You think I would be so foolish as to let him do such a thing?" Kaname said coolly. Despite his control, it was obvious that he was not pleased with this turn in the conversation and did not appreciate his guests' opinions on his private affairs.

Diachi understood that, he had perhaps overstepped the bounds of politeness, but he too was a pureblood and used to doing as he pleased. He felt that he had to say something, and that Kaname would appreciate his advice with time and a little more maturity.

"No, I do not say it is an oversight of foolishness, merely one of youth and a generous nature," he returned calmly. "Think of it, Kaname, is there any advantage you have not given him? Surely you are aware of the power that his connection to you gives him. Especially as an ex-human, your favor has put him into a stratosphere he could never have dreamed of achieving on his own. You have opened doors for him both in our world and that of the hunters that would otherwise have been shut. I am certain he must have an extraordinary amount of potential for you to expend so much effort on him, but that is all the more reason to be careful.

"I have seen his kind before. I fear he will take what he can get out of you, until his end is achieved and then he will be gone. His loyalty will last only as long as his need for you lasts. Do not forget the heavy grudge he has cause to bear our kind," Diachi's voice dropped, his true concern showing through. "He has already killed one pureblood, as you well know. I do not pretend to suppose that this is not in fact one of the reasons you keep him. He must be fairly unique to have managed such a thing at his age and level of experience, but be careful, lest being stabbed in the back becomes more than just a figure of speech."

Kaname took a deep draught of the alcohol in his glass, not bothering to taste it but focusing on the burn of it as he fought to keep from either lashing out or laughing at Diachi. Of course, it was Kaname and not Zero who had killed Shizuka, but no one knew that. Diachi was actually correct about Zero's growing potential, but the idea of his lover doing him physical harm was ridiculous to Kaname. He and Zero were past that.

Zero would always need him. Even if Kaname suspected the hunter's feelings were not quite the same as his, he could be assured at least that Zero would always need his blood, right? However, the question that Diachi raised bothered him for reasons entirely different than that which the other pureblood had intended. Kaname did not fear that Zero would betray him. But what if somehow, someday he actually didn't need Kaname's blood anymore? If Zero were truly free... would he leave? Zero was so independent... would he want to make his own way in the world? Would his friendship for Kaname ever pale to mere friendship only and other interests enter his life? Kaname didn't like to think so, but the fear hurt more than he wanted to admit.

"I appreciate your concern. I am bound to tell you that I believe it is unfounded, but I accept that it is sincerely offered," Kaname said with finality, indicating with firm graciousness that he would not discuss this subject further.

Diachi had not expected much more, so he merely nodded. Finishing his drink, he rose. "Well then, I will not impose upon your hospitality any longer. It will be dawn soon, and I should be going. Let me find my errant brother and we will take our leave. I am glad we have come to so amenable an understanding to us both in our separate concerns."

Kaname rose and nodded politely, glad to see the other vampire leaving. "As am I."

"So, he didn't tell you then..." Seiji grinned maliciously. "He's only been working with my brother and I to find out who killed her since he came to our party months ago. We've only provided him with all kinds of new information regarding what happened. That's only the reason why we even came out here today... but I can see why he didn't think it was important enough to mention. Even though he trusts you so much and all." Seiji exaggerated the situation shamelessly. He had very little idea of what he was talking about besides what Diachi had told him, but a little information was dangerous in his hands and he was good at twisting the facts to suit him.

Zero felt ill. He didn't want to believe anything Seiji was saying... yet the pieces fit. He knew Kaname had pharmaceutical related business dealings with the Satos, the pureblood had always treated it as if it was something more important than mere business, and but he'd never given a straightforward answer when questioned about it. Kaname hadn't even told him they were coming today, but kept him distracted and then bustled him out the door when they arrived. Kaname hiding anything from him would have stung, but hiding something about Yuki... the hurt went devastatingly deep. Why? Why hadn't Kaname just told him? It made no sense at all. Of all the people in the world in whom Kaname should have confided something like that... surely it should have been him, before Seiji.

Unconsciously, Zero reached for his lover as if to try and assure himself of something – although he hardly knew what. But he met a barrier there. Kaname had intentionally shut him out. This was more of a vague feeling than an actual thought or realization on his part, but it added to the throbbing ache in his chest.

Zero was shaking; he wanted to hit Seiji so badly. Wanted to wrap his vines around him and tear him apart, just to see the surprised look on that smirking, hateful face. But the hunter restrained himself. If he touched Seiji, he had to be ready to try to kill him. Mad as he was, Zero wasn't prepared to take life that easily, whether or not he thought he had a chance in hell of actually doing it anyway. He wouldn't escape the consequences of harming another pureblood in any case, and while he might be angry enough to not care for himself, he had to consider Kaname – even if he was feeling confused, angry and betrayed by the pureblood right now.

"You're pathetic," Zero rasped with hoarse venom. "You step on other people just to make your own useless existence seem powerful. Why should I believe one damn word you say?" Turning away, he strode off with determined steps, heading back towards the villa. But the problem was... he did believe him. He was trying to understand where Kaname was coming from, trying to tell himself that Seiji very well could be lying or exaggerating... but on top of what had happened with Yagari, and his already mixed up feelings... it hurt. Badly.