A/N: Goods regards. Happy New Year! I dearly wish that all of you will have a wonderful and an equally happy year. (✿◠‿◠)

As you can see, this is a new 's been a while since I started a new project, so hopefully, it will be to your liking. My birthday is today as well, so please assume that this is a small gift from me to you, dear readers. c: Please do enjoy reading it. ●ᴥ●

Pairings: ZeroxKanamexZero

Ratings: For the time being, this story is rated 'T' ... it will change into 'M' in the future chapters.

Beta Reader: LeDahliaNoir (Thank you once again for your help, lovely. ·ᴥ· )

Disclaimer: Vampire Knight does NOT belong to me.

Chapter 1

Once upon a time, in a far kingdom, lived a young man – twenty-one years of age. His short, silver hair resemble fresh snow. His eyes were the colour of amethyst gems – bright and sparkly. And his well-built body could make any girl swoon over him.

His name was Zero Kiryuu. A common man, trying to make his living through farming. He was set to marry to his fiancé, Wakaba Sayori; a gorgeous young woman who had many suitors after her but by a fortunate stroke of luck, she chose a nobody like him.

He had it all- except money.

Zero heaved a sigh and thrust his hands into his hair. He always wanted to have a family since a young age. Call it a woman's dream or whatever, he didn't care. He lost his parents at a young age to a terrible disease, but the time he spent with them was wonderful.

The silver-haired male wanted to give his children the same love he had experienced. To share the happiness and sadness together; to be able to reminisce the memories when he was all old and wrinkly. He didn't want to be the last of his lineage.

Although, currently, he was utterly and absolutely screwed- in more ways than one. He wasn't able to take care of himself properly, least of a family. He couldn't spend his entire life selling vegetables. The money wouldn't be enough for his future wife and children. He needed to do something huge to earn a great deal of money. This way he would be lifted in the eyes of the society and also be an exceptional provider! Two birds killed with one stone.

The silver-haired man pursued his lips in thought. As far as he knew, all the well-paid jobs were taken by the people of noble status; and the low-paid ones were also all occupied by middle-class workers due to the poverty that struck the country a decade ago. So lower-class citizens like him were left to do the "leftover" works- such as farming and cleaning. Unless...

A sudden idea popped into his head. He rose to his feet quickly - embarrassingly tripping over when his sleeping legs gave out beneath him. Swiftly he got on his feet, pretending that that never happened and approached the cabinet. He hastily opened the worn-out doors of the cupboard which creaked loudly due to the immense force he placed on them; he searched frantically for the single item that would change his life for the better.

After ten whole minutes, he snatched the papery-thin item he was looking for and threw his hands up in victory, smiling triumphantly. Zero brought the scroll close to his face as his eyes scanned the paper rapidly but carefully as to not miss a single detail. His grin broadened when his gaze settled on the only numerical value penned on the column.

It was a reward. A reward of $500,000 to save the princess from the castle and bring her back safely to the kingdom. It was the only job that was available for everyone, however, many lost their lives in this dangerous adventure.

The reason was the malicious dragon. The infamous, fire-spouting creature could make the bravest knight tremble in terror- and most likely shit their pants.

Yet if Zero did succeed, he would be wealthy and live his dream life with his future family. If he was lucky enough, the royal family would offer him a permanent job in the palace. From whichever angle he perceived, his life would be so much better than his current one. So that is why he needed to accomplish this mission- even if he had to put his life on the line.

The silver-haired soon-to-be-knight clutched the ragged scroll tightly in his hand, his eyes absentmindedly focusing on the wooden-carved chair situated in the corner of the room. He had a suit of armour in closet – fairly ancient since it belonged to his grand-father; but it would have to do for the time being since this was all he had and did not have enough money to buy another one. He was no knight, but he knew how to use a sword thanks to his teacher, Yagari. Although he wasn't an expert, he vividly remembered the bear he killed when he and Sayori when out mountain climbing a while back.

Although a bear was nowhere near as terrifying as a dragon.

Zero shivered. He did not want to imagine how torturous his death would be if he was caught by the creature. He might suffer the same fate as those who attempted to rescue the princess if he decided to go through with this.

He heaved another sigh and longingly looked at the bounty. Why didn't fate look down at him when it came to money? 'Maybe you were a stingy bastard in your previous life...' The voice in his head made itself known, he scowled in agitation. No way in hell was he stingy!

Shaking his head, he stared down at the scroll once again; determination welled in his eyes. He nodded to himself, resolute with his decision. He would do this. He would rescue the princess and get the money he desired. Nothing or no one would stop him.

Finally, letting his gaze shift from the chair to the floor, his grin turned into a frown when he saw random things lying on the floor; consequence of him throwing things out of the cabinet in a disarrayed manner.

Sliding down against the cabinet, he stared at the terrible mess, grimacing already at the upcoming lecture from Sayori. He should probably find some earplugs before she returned...

His train of thoughts quickly wandered astray - to the estranged princess. From the rumours he heard, she was a true beauty to behold. Maybe if fate was on his side, he would also be awarded a kiss from the alluring princess...perhaps more, if she was feeling generous.

Zero groaned loudly as heat started pooling in his lower regions. Another thing to take care of before his fiance came back...

•●•

"Be careful, Zero." Sayori pressed her lips softly against her fiancé's smiling ones, tightening her arms around his neck instinctively.

"Dear, do you plan to kill me before the dragon does?" Zero rasped, followed by a dramatic cough.

Sayori quickly loosened her grip around his neck and was about to express a sincere apology for her behaviour but halted when she met his eyes, full of humour and mischievousness. Instead, she pursued her lips in response, narrowing her eyes at the chuckling man, but gave up her one minute anger to bury her face bashfully in his broad chest.

Zero chuckled softly under his breath and idly stroked her hair; the caramel locks fell halfway down her back, they silky between his fingers. He whispered lowly in her ear, "I am joking, my dear. I will come back alive - hopefully in one whole piece."

"Pinky promise?"

"Of course, my love." Zero picked her delicate body up in his muscular arms and twirled her around, earning a delighted squeak from the dainty lady.

"Okay, okay Zero! Put me down this instant!" Sayori whined, slightly punching Zero on the arm as he finally placed her -with utmost care- down on the ground.

Smiling softly, he wrapped arms around the lithe waist of his soon-to-be-wife and placed a butterfly kiss on her forehead. "Please wait for my return, okay?"

"I will. Please be safe! I love you."

"I will, love. Goodbye." Zero gave a tender smile as he mounted the horse. With a final wave at his fiancé, he lightly smacked the right side of his horse twice with his heels, the horse whined loudly before galloping away towards the forest.

Finally, his journey began.

Sayori let her waving hand slide back to her side as her eyes watched Zero's back disappear into the dark woods. She shut her lips tight and mourned in silence. Once again, Zero did not say "I love you" back. She was the only one who always expressed her love in their relationship, but only received an affectionate smile in return.

Sometimes she wondered if Zero ever loved her. He cared for her- she knew that; but love her - she wasn't sure. Sayori gave out a heavy sigh, unease settling in her mind. She had a bad feeling about this whole expedition. Somewhere is her heart she knew that Zero wouldn't be the same when he returned.

The petite woman shook her head to get rid of her nonsensical thoughts. No way. Zero wouldn't ever change. He had been the same since she knew him as a kid. He even ate the same way, much like his younger ten-year-old self- with his mouth slightly open, chewing loudly- much to the annoyance of the other occupants.

Quietly laughing to herself at the memory, Sayori returned to the warm coffins of their house, her turmoil a mere thing of the past. She still had to clean the mess that her idiot fiancé made earlier...

•●•

A very hungry, exhausted silver-haired rider gave a relieved sigh when the ominous tower came into view. Finally, after a week's, not-so-smooth journey, he had made it to his destination. He would sleep a month upon his return to his cozy bed and make the royal family throw a grand feast for him. He at least deserved good food - in large amounts- for the trouble he was enduring for them.

'You are doing this for your own benefits, idiot. The royal family doesn't owe you anything special!' If the voice had facial expressions, it would be probably be smirking. He smacked himself hard on the head and gave a satisfactory smirk of his own when the voice quieted down. 'Victory really tastes sweet.'

Zero drew the reins sharply when he was close enough to the enormous castle, yet still far enough to avoid catching the dragon's attention. He dismounted the mare, pulling her by the reins to the nearest tree that lurked behind the bushes and tied them around the thick trunk. Zero gave her a pat on the head, earning him a delighted neigh, before he trotted down the rocky path to the stone-walled castle.

As he walked, he revised the three plans in his mind.

Plan A: Sneak into the castle. Avoid the dragon's attention. Grab the princess and get out of the castle.

Plan B: Fight the dragon. Save the princess.

Plan C: Grab his leftover dignity and run for his life.

He was promptly inching towards plan C as he inched closer and closer to his doom.

'Forget about the money then, you freaking coward!' The annoying voice in his head interjected once again. He scowled, hating the fact that it was absolutely correct.

Trying his best to smother his fear, he unconsciously patted the sheathed sword attached to his right side and glanced right and left to make sure he wasn't followed by some bandit or worse - the dragon.

Zero let out another breath of relief when he couldn't find a living soul in the area. He placed his hands on the large, oak doors, which were painted with a beautiful, deep red colour; carefully, he pushed the heavy doors open and silently let himself inside.

•●•

After entering the eerie castle, Zero cautiously took one step after another. The clicks of his heels against the marble floor echoed a little bit too loudly for his liking. His pace was almost nimble as a mouse's, and his eyes were attentive – ready for any signs of the ferocious dragon. Thankfully, there was none – for the time being.

Although the castle was old, it was still beautiful. The walls were painted deep blue and unto them hung portraits of handsome individuals, which he assumed were related to the royal family. The castle was supported by eight, tall pillars. On the ceiling, there was a black, gothic chandelier- the only source of lighting in the pitch-black manor. And lastly, in the centre of the hall sat a set of double staircases, one on the right and the other on the left. Zero took one on the left because his gut gave him a hunch that this was the correct path. His gut had never been wrong.

Before he could reach the top of the staircases, a ground-shaking roar vibrated his ear drums. Zero's heart started speeding up and he gulped nervously, panic lacerating his entire body.

Oh shit.

He needed to get out of here. RIGHT NOW! The silver-haired male attempted make a run for it, but a large, heavy body landed in front of him, blocking the route. He tried to dash for the other direction, but a sleek, scaly tail circled around him, closing off his only route.

Zero's breath hitched as golden-flecked emerald eyes bore into his terrified ones as if they were peering inside his every own soul. The dragon's greyish scales were majestically beautiful, glittering against the light of the candles, but Zero wasn't in the right mind to admire the beast.

To say he was scared was an understatement. He was petrified to the core!

The dragon stepped closer and started sniffing as if he was some kind of delicious meal. He had to admit he naturally smelled good, but this was not a time to boast about his odour. Maybe the beast would smell his sweat since he hadn't taken a shower in a week and leave him be. Zero clenched his eyes shut and started praying to every kind of deity he could think of.

His eyes shot open when he felt the dragon's breath upon his face. It brought its face closer to his and started sniffing him again. From the corner of his eyes, he spotted a narrow path on the stairs- probably made by the dragon.

Zero needed to escape – God knew he did, but his feet were frozen. He couldn't move. His whole body was paralyzed with fear. Heck, he couldn't even use his sword. He was utterly and completely doomed. He was going to be eaten and be digested in the beast's stomach. His only remains would be in the faeces of the creature – the silver-haired made a disgusted face at the thought.

What a heroic way to die...He didn't even have the energy to laugh at his own pitiful joke.

His breath once again hitched and he stood still as a snake-like tongue lapped his cheek. Fuck. The slimy saliva on his face made him want to crawl out of his skin. He was surprised at the beast's action, but decided the dragon was only licking him so he would be wet and slippery enough for it to gobble him down in one gulp...

As two torturous moments passed, the licking continued, Zero dared to open his eyes -he did not know when he had closed them again. He almost fainted when he saw just how close he was to the dragon's mouth. 'Calm down. Take deep breaths. You are still alive.' The voice tried to soothe him and for the first time of his life, he was grateful for it.

Calming down his ragged breaths, he reluctantly lifted his eyes to face the dragon.

The dragon merely blinked at him slowly.

Zero stupidly blinked back, not sure what was happening. He was confused. He couldn't understand why the dragon was just standing there looking at him when it should be doing the total opposite? Not that he was complaining. The silver-haired male had no intention of being someone's dinner. He was just perplexed - that was all.

Zero was abruptly startled out of his thoughts when he felt the beast nuzzling the top of his head. He gaped. Dumbfounded.

What the actual fuck?

This dragon seemed to be very affectionate, but if he shared this absurd information around, people would label him as an insane person. Even Zero himself had a hard time digesting the knowledge!

Although, Zero could use this weakness as his chance to slay it, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Especially when the dragon was being so uncharacteristically friendly. Another reason would be that he had a soft spot for animals after all - and this included abnormal, dangerous animals like the dragon.

Without giving it much thought, he hesitantly brought his hand to the side of the dragon's face and gently caressed its scaly skin – like he would do with his horse. He was startled when a thundering roar emerged from the creature's throat.

Zero was scared for a second, thinking he had stepped over the line, but his doubts went down the flush when the dragon started nuzzling its face in his hand. A faint grin slowly settled on his lips. Damn, he should become an animal trainer. He would earn a lot of money – he was sure of it.

An ingenious -as well as an idiotic- idea came to him and he started rubbing the beast's face more, soothingly asking in a low voice, "Hey there...Can you be a dear and move aside? I want to go upstairs..."

The dragon's nuzzling movements halted and its jeweled irises scrutinized him – as if it was contemplating his intentions. Zero cursed under his breath when the dragon didn't budge an inch, its stare intensifying. 'Great job, Kiryuu! You just won a free ticket to the dragon's gut!'

He really should have kept shut his mouth and went back home when he had the chance. Now, he was once again very close to being the dragon's meal.

The creature surprised him -once again- by bending its gigantic head down and giving him a gentle nudge on his chest. Before he could realize what it meant, the beast spread its leathery wings and flew out of the castle graciously. Zero, dumbfounded, stared at the now vacant staircase before him, not really knowing what in the world was happening anymore. The dragon was gone and he was alive and luckily not missing any body parts.

Smiling triumphantly and shaking his head, Zero quickly composed himself. It wasn't over yet. He still had to find the princess before the dragon showed up again.

Inhaling a deep breath, he nodded to himself and his determined feet sprang up the stairs.

•●•

Placing his hand on the wall, Zero slouched his shoulders as he panted heavily. The ridiculously long staircase made him realize how out of shape he had become. He made a mental note to start running again once he returned...

Taking a deep breath in, he stared at the door for a long minute. It was fairly easy to find since it was the only one located in the tower. He smiled boastfully. He was finally here. He did what others couldn't. And on the other side of the door, a very good-looking, delectable princess waited for him. Zero shivered and licked his lips in anticipation before sliding the door open gently, as not to alarm the princess...

The silver-haired man quickly scanned the room before it settled on the clothed back of the only other occupant. The room was spacious but rather simple. A king-sized bed with gray curtains attached to it occupied the centre of the room; beside the bed sat a wooden-carved nightstand, which had a half-filled glass settled upon it.

The only view to the outside world was the oval-shaped window. The sunlight that emerged from the solitary window highlighted the silky, shoulder length brown hair of this breath-taking creature. He hadn't seen the princess yet but he was sure she could take any man's breath away. Even in this moment, Zero had to hold back the strong urge to run his hands through those soft locks and down the delicate back of the other...

"I see that Shiro seems to like you." A soft voice halted his musings, slightly making him jump in surprise. He stared at the person, who was still languidly seated on the bed and didn't even have the common decency to turn around and face him, too dumbfounded to speak.

Wait. He was pretty sure that wasn't a normal female's voice. It was way too deep.

'Maybe the princess has a deep voice...' His mind tried to conjure a perfect answer to his current predicament. 'Yes, that must be it.'

His reasoning went down the drain when the "princess" decided to speak again.

"Cat got your tongue, Mr. Silver Knight?"

Nope. That was definitely sounded like a masculine voice, albeit a sarcastic one. But how can that be possible? A million questions were running around his head, giving him a headache. This was not really happening. Was it? It had to be his imagination, right?

Before he could stop himself, he asked the first thing on his mind, "You are a...male?"

After a whole minute of absolute silence, a melodious chuckle resounded in the room, and the person in question was trembling with upcoming laughter- as if it was the funniest thing he had ever heard.

Zero frowned. He did not find this amusing at all.

The "princess" finally turned around and regarded him with amusement. Zero's eyebrow twitched as he bit the inside of his cheek when he got to finally see the face of the brunet.

The princess- no prince was the real definition of beauty. Although he was a man, he could put any woman to shame with his looks.

Dark brown eyes with a hint of crimson, high-cheek bones, small, stout nose, and those plump pink lips that looked very kissabl- No! Zero shook his head before his train of thought could go further.

He definitely did not swing in that way.

Zero's eyes widened when he found himself staring deep into those mahogany eyes- at a very close range.

"Mm, do you like what you see, Mr. Knight?" The prince, who also went by the name Kaname Kuran, grinned, his eyes full of mirth as he took in the form of the flustered knight. In response, Zero just half-heartedly glared at the man before him, but couldn't help the blush that dusted his usually pale cheeks.

The brunet chose to ignore the glare but instead gave the silver-haired one of his most charming smiles, while he continued speaking "Since you were too busy ogling me..." Another glare at his direction, "I had answered your question, but since I am such a good person, I will repeat myself. So yes, I am indeed a male the last time I checked."

Kaname raised a questioning eyebrow when the silver-haired man face once again contorted in confusion. He was going to say something again, but the soft muttering of the shorter male beat him into it.

"But...that can't be possible…How?...You can't be one! You are supposed to be a fucking princess in distress!" Zero was hysterical at this point. He risked his life to save this arrogant, but highly gorgeous -the voice perked up again-, piece of shi- man? He really had to prevent himself from going to the nearest wall and bang his head on it until everything started making sense to him.

If it was humanly possible, Kaname's brows would have risen even higher. The storm of feelings drifting across the knight's face managed to peak Kaname's amusement even more. This man was very interesting indeed...

Sensing the man's distress getting worse, Kaname started, feeling a bit sorry for the silver-haired knight. "Mr. Knight..." He bit his lower lip and looked away when those dejected, amethyst eyes bore into his, but he continued, licking his suddenly dry lips – unknowingly catching the full attention of Zero.

"I am in no way in distress." His hands gestured around the room as if he wanted to show his point.

"But I do need your help to take me out of this castle..." A slight pout gathered on his lips and he met the questioning gaze of the shorter male head on "As to why is a whole different story that can be told another time." Kaname stepped closer to the knight and grabbed his chin, making the other look straight into his eyes. "As I said before, I am and would always be a male. So yes, that makes me a prince. I am sorry to disappoint you, but that's the truth."

Kaname inwardly groaned and tightened his grip on the man's chin in annoyance when the knight's sole response was his trademark blank stare. The silver-haired was still staring at him with that annoying dumbfounded look on his face and it grated on Kaname's nerves.

A unique, incredulous look graced his usually composed face. He didn't understand how a person can be so stupid and dull-witted and so fucking slow! He heaved a long sigh and heatedly glared at the silver-haired block-head.

"Since you don't seem to understand my wordings, I will show you! After all, actions speak louder than words!" Kaname glowered harshly and brought his hands to the hem of his trousers. He gave one last look at the surprised male and pulled them down, stepping to the side to stand in his full glory. Kaname had to suppress a shudder when those gorgeous amethyst eyes shamelessly and sensually slid down his body and then finally, settled on his package.

A self-satisfied smile played on the prince's lips when the knight's eyes widened in shock and perhaps amazement? His mouth slightly open. Kaname knew he was well-endowed and quite proud of it too, but there was something about the intensity of his stare that caused his skin flush in embarrassment.

Before the prince could inquire if the dumb idiot finally understood him, he heard a loud "THUD" and found himself staring at the unconscious knight; who was unceremoniously lying on the carpeted floor, with a suspicious trail of blood coming out of his nose.

A/N: LOL, I actually loved writing this chapter. ٩◔‿◔۶ Dumb Zero was a dear to write, but the same thing could not be said about Kaname patience, haha. ó‿ó

Would you like me to continue this story? ٩◔‿◔۶ Reviews/Feedback would be extremely appreciated! (｡✿‿✿｡)

Have a great day/night~! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧