rainbows in oil puddles

vi

Hello everyone! Here's the resolution of that cliffhanger that happened in the last chapter. Once again, there is going to be mention of the blood tablets (ooh, spoilers). I guess they'll be a topic throughout the whole story. Makes sense, since Zero is a vampire. 

I am really excited for these next chapters! I can't wait to see how you react to the plot, and what you think of it (okay, those two are like the same thing, but oh well). 

:happy_face: + what do you think of the picture?

I apologize for the perspective changes in this story. 

<->

"What did you want to talk about, Kuran?" Zero asked. The two of them were alone, standing behind the cafeteria. Kaname was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his narrow chest. Seemingly not worried about dirtying his spotless white uniform, which was properly buttoned for once. 

Emotions flickered in the pureblood's eyes that Zero couldn't read. He was torn between wanting to know what they were, and ignoring it.

"It wasn't food poisoning, was it?" When Zero didn't respond immediately, Kaname added: "I won't tell Yuki. I just thought something was off."

"You're right. It's not the Headmaster's food.." Zero responded. "Did the Headmaster talk to you? I know he said he was going to ask around for different remedies."

"No, the Headmaster didn't talk to me. I just saw the signs on you. I don't know anyone who can stomach them, though." 

"They're foul." Zero agreed. "Is that all you wanted to talk to me about?"

"No, I have another question to ask you." Those unreadable emotions flickered in Kaname's eyes, stronger this time than before. Zero's curiosity was even more piqued. He opened his mouth, intent on voicing his curiosity, then changed his mind. 

"What is it?"

"There's a ball coming up, courtesy of the Headmaster as usual. Are you attending?"

"He'll probably want me to keep watch as a member of the Disciplinary committee." Zero answered, unconsciously reaching for the white band he always wore around his arm. When his fingers just encountered the fabric of his jacket, he looked over to see the band was missing. "You know what I mean."

"Will you be dancing with anyone?"

"If I get time to, I'll dance with Yuki. If she isn't dancing with you."

"Wonderful then." 

<->

As soon as Zero left, the window near Kaname cracked and shattered, falling to the floor. His jaw was set, eyes filled with another set of emotions that were just as unreadable as the first. 

"What?" Akatsuki asked, walking up to Kaname, his hands in his pockets. Aido was trailing behind him, looking more worried about the whole situation than his cousin. "Did you not want Zero to go to the ball?"

"No, I do." Kaname responded, turning away to leave. He kept his back turned, not trusting himself to look anyone in the eye. He wasn't used to such a loss of control as he was feeling right now, or whatever this was. "That's the problem."

"Huh?" Akatsuki sped up to catch up to the pureblood. "What do you mean? Did the two of you have an argument or something?"

"No. I don't wish to talk about it." Kaname's stride increased, obviously intent on putting as much space between him and everyone else. "It was a mistake on my part."

"Lord Kaname-" Aido didn't get a chance to finish his sentence as yet another window cracked near him, making the blond vampire jump. 

"I think we should just leave it alone, Hanabusa." Akatsuki sighed. "That's what Lord Kaname is telling us to do. If something really did happen between him and Zero, he'll ask us to deal with it or take care of it himself. You know those two have animosity."

"Exactly why-" Akatsuki shut him up with a glare, then began walking away as well. 

"Come on. He's going to be waiting for us at the dorm." 

Aido reluctantly followed after his cousin, jaw still set. He wasn't going to let this event pass easily, and Akatsuki knew it. 

I'll have to keep an eye on you, won't I? 

<->

And that is it! What did you think? Slight spoiler: I will be expanding upon Aido's feelings about the whole situation in the next chapter or so. I don't want to leave it without acknowledgment.