Chapter 1

by lightpathetic

ZERO rolled over in the bed and stretched, the crisp "swish" sound of the sheets noticeable as he did so. Such luxury. He must be dreaming, he thought, as he lay back on the pillows and absorbed the way the fabric soothingly complemented his skin. He didn't have such things in his one-room studio apartment in Tokyo...

Zero sat up quickly and looked around in a slight panic, knowing what he would see but hoping against hope that he would be wrong. His stomach fell as his eyes took in the rich trappings of the penthouse suite in the obscenely exclusive hotel: the silk hangings from the sturdy four-poster bed, the plush cream carpet and "antique" clutter – it's not like he would be able to tell if it was real or not.

Zero closed his reddened eyes and rubbed his head soothingly, trying to remember. He couldn't have been that drunk. He couldn't have been... But how else would he explain what must have happened?

Why else was he here… in his bed?

KANAME leant on the balcony rail overlooking the vibrant city below him. He absently watched the lights on the buildings and the bustling cars indicating the humanity below, knowing he had no place with any of them. Depending on his mood he relished the slight advantage he felt, or he cursed it, his loneliness sometimes more than he could handle.

No one else knew what he was. He had the benefit of appearing human enough in his relaxed state to fool everyone. They thought he was just a stunningly beautiful rock musician with eccentric tendencies. The way he kept to himself only increased his mystery and the accompanying lucrative media speculation. The way he only ventured out at night only pissed off his agent who had to smooth it over with the record company executives and just about anyone he had to interact with in his professional life...

"Ken?"

Kaname felt his heart-rate increase but otherwise remained where he was. He already knew that the kid had woken up a few minutes before but had done nothing.

He didn't know why he was hesitating. The kid had no family. They had been tragically killed years ago when he was child. He had one brother from whom he was estranged and he worked a dead-end bar-tending job in a club Kaname had happened into several weeks ago with his entourage to celebrate his band's landing a huge recording contract with an equally huge American company. "Pure Blood" was going global and his team was going with him.

No one would miss the boy… if he finished what he'd started.

"I'm on the balcony."

The kid had spilled a drink "by accident" on one of his managers who had shouted verbal abuse at him over some trivial nonsense. The boy was serving their private table and had stood up to him even though Itsuki was probably three times his size, his eyes unwavering as if daring Itsuki to hit him so he could kill him. Kaname remembered the thrill he'd felt as he'd seen the familiar, murderous glint in his eyes. The kid was crazy, he'd thought. And when that cold, contemptuous grey stare was directed at him, after Kaname had told Itsuki to sit down and shut up, as if he too were a bug to be squashed under his shoe, Kaname knew he had to have him...

He seemed calm. Kaname guessed he hadn't realised what had happened to him as yet.

Zero stepped out onto the small terrace and took in the view of the city and of the dark beauty before him.

Ken really was exceptionally beautiful. Disarmingly so. His fine, perfect features, framed by wavy, shoulder length dark hair and lithe form would make him attractive to anyone, Zero told himself as he ventured further onto the balcony. Maybe he would live down making love to a man if he told himself he had been drunk and it was a rock star. He was sure Ken wouldn't mention a word to anyone...

"Well this is awkward. Why don't I just leave and we can pretend this never happened? I know I am game..."

"What do you think happened?"

Kaname finally turned to look the striking youth in the eye, his tousled silver-grey hair was practically gilded by the lights of the city, producing a glowing halo about him to his sensitive eyes. As he waited for the answer to his question, though, his eyes wandered admiringly over the length of the boy, who'd managed to find his boxers, he noticed.

The faint scars on his arms and torso were gone leaving nothing but smooth, pale skin. Even the… marks he'd made himself were nowhere to be seen. However, he soon came back to the youth's remarkable, expressive eyes, right now eyeing him in suspicion and discomfort at his open, frank scrutiny. He was already behaving as though he had all rights to him. Kaname again felt a thrill, but this time in excitement about his new… acquisition…

Perhaps he had made his decision.

Zero frowned. Maybe this was a game the rich and famous played with the "unfortunates". Wasn't it obvious? He'd awoken in bed, naked, after seeing a decidedly tipsy Ken home to his suite. He'd probably even been drugged. No, he'd definitely been drugged. That would explain a lot. These types had their own private suppliers for all things necessary to get him to do stuff he wouldn't normally do. Didn't he read that in an article called "25 Ways to Get That Rock-Star to 'Yes'" in Maxim once?

No wonder the little he remembered was of the musician having followed him when he was leaving work after his shift. He'd turned to demand why, thinking it was an ambush. But the leggy, immaculately clothed brunette had approached him and fallen over, barely coherent, something about having sent his entourage home so he could talk to him about an offer.

Well, who wouldn't become accommodating if a well-heeled rock-star, one who was all over the news regarding a massive recording contract in the 'States, came up to you and garbled out something about an offer? Zero, for one. It's not like he had a lot to stay in his current employment for…

So they'd reached his hotel by taxi – Zero had been sure he'd misunderstood the address but the man had a key that worked for a private entrance and elevator – and had been persuaded to stay for a night cap. He'd resisted rolling his eyes and accepted, certain he'd pass out just pouring it from the fumes, but it was swiftly followed by another, then another, as the discussion on the "offer" became elusive. Instead, he fielded questions about himself and his life until the wee hours. Then… Then the last thing he remembered was Ken nibbling on his neck as he felt light-headed…

Dear heaven…

"As I said: it never happened," Zero emphasized, grinding his teeth as if punishing the impulse that brought him here in the first place. To hell with the offer, if there ever was one. Better off forgotten. "I'll go get dressed."

Zero turned to exit the balcony but the door slammed shut in front of him. After a moment's puzzlement he tried the handle only to realise they were locked out.

"Dammit! The door's locked! We're stranded out here!"

Kaname stood with his arms folded and calmly watched the youth struggle with door. Eventually he would stop. He was more preoccupied with recalling certain stages of the transition. It had been a very long while since he'd had to think of them. His bite mark had healed, but he had known that would happen when the youth didn't die from his bite. The night before.

Yes, Zero had been in his bed a full day. They'd even slept together. In the practical sense. It had been good sharing his bed again, waking up as he had cuddled against the unconscious boy's side. He'd been surprised at himself, but it had probably helped to make up his mind, he was sure.

Zero stopped fighting with the door and looked around for something to break the glass. He lifted the plant-pot on the ground to his right and swung, only to have it whipped away from his hands before it hit the glass. Zero spun and stared at the hovering pot and then at the quietly amused man who leaned casually against the railing watching Zero's efforts. Why hadn't he realised? Ken hadn't been in the least worried about being locked out. And… was that pot… flying?!

"This... this is all very funny," Zero began, quite mirthlessly. "But the joke's over. My girlfriend knows where I am and she's the type to call the police if I'm late for dinner..."

"Don't lie," Kaname said softly, "lowering" the pot to its place beside the door. "I know quite a bit about you. I know you live alone. I know you have no family. At least, no one that cares about you. You've just moved to the city and have few acquaintances and even fewer friends. Only that waitress at the club and your boss will miss you when you are gone."

"What the...? You were spying on me?!"

"Not spying. Just observing. I have to be careful when I choose... my prey."

"What?!" Did the man just say "prey"?!

Kaname stayed silent, knowing Zero had heard him.

Why was he doing this? He should have killed him. Sometimes he felt the urge to play with his victims, but he usually quelled it. It was enough he had to hunt to live. Had to kill to survive. Normally he just satisfied his urges – in his specially fitted bathroom so that the violent evidence could be washed away easily – and went on with his life. He would pick people he thought society could do without – hardened criminals, abusers, people who simply pissed him off... But he had never picked anyone like this. Someone who had impressed him, who… attracted him. Why did he this time? Why did he spare his life?

"Okay, I mean it! Open this door or I am pressing charges, you psycho! I don't care who you are...!"

"You should care. After all, I took your life as you know it."

Zero stood staring at the calmly gazing lunatic with a look of incredulity so hilarious only the situation saved them both from laughing. Zero was being held prisoner by this madman who said he was "prey" and who leaned against the railing as if he was discussing the ambient atmosphere, quite ignoring Zero rising anger, hysteria or both.

Kaname looked away towards the bustling town and sighed. It would be easier to kill him. Another long meal and the boy would fade into obscurity. But, as Kaname watched the traffic and the laughing people and groups and families... he realised why he had spared this kid's life. Why he had chosen to take it... for himself.

"Let me out now or I am throwing you over! Don't think I won't do it!"

Kaname's eyes widened as he looked into the grey ones filled with disgust and anger, but not raising a finger to stop him from squeezing his neck. Zero tightened his grip and pushed the other man further over the railing.

"Go ahead. Push," Kaname encouraged, calmly.

"You are crazy! Is that it? You want to die?! Fine! Just leave me out of it! Let me go!"

"Do it. Throw me over. It is the only way you will leave here alive."

"What?"

"Do it!"

Kaname's breathing rate increased despite himself. He watched the youth's eyes almost hopefully. There was that look again, he thought. The brief hints of an ongoing decision, the boy's eyes glancing down and around him as if to spot witness and consequences. He could try to kill him, as if he were nothing. He wondered if he would…

Like…

Zero pushed the dark-haired man further out… then released him. He didn't fall. Zero wasn't a killer.

He wasn't, dammit!

He tore himself away and kicked the door, breaking the heavy wooden structure a little too easily. He grabbed the rest of his clothes and ran down the stairs to the seemingly vast living area, heading for the front door. This was the last time he went anywhere with a stranger. You would think you would be safe with a celebrity. He was so naïve.

"You need to stop and sit down. Now."

Zero paused mid stride, only for a moment, as the other man seemed to materialise before him. Was there another staircase? No matter. It could only be more tricks. He bounded at him and punched him hard in that perfect nose before going to knee him in the groin.

However, Ken's head turn slightly to the left from the punch as he swiftly and easily blocked the blow to his jewels. Zero noticed the brunette's upper lip had split and then, it wasn't...

"Dear God..."

"My turn."

Zero found himself airborne, flying back towards the far wall supporting the staircase to the bedroom. He crashed into it with an unholy "thud", then slid to the floor. He fell dazed, but not unconscious. He struggled to sit up but soon a weight was on top of him.

"You bastard! What are you?!" Zero demanded, still struggling with the thing he realised wasn't exactly like any other man he had seen before. Zero hadn't even felt a punch. He could move things without touching them and he was inhumanly fast. Inhumanly...

"Now you want to listen?" Kaname seethed, pissed that this pathetic creature had drawn blood from him, but subconsciously pleased at how alive he felt.

He was also pleased that there was another like him in the world, even one that he had made. He tried never to do this. He loathed to curse anyone else to this existence. It was lonely and harsh. Fraught with peril. But when he had seen Zero's eyes that night, he felt like there was something inside the boy that would be a complement to himself. Perhaps, if he had examined it further, he would have spotted that that "something" was a reflection of what he hated about himself. His life. His increasing belligerence with the constant battle every day to quietly exist, to find the urge to navigate yet another day. He had his fans, his team, his agent, his commitments… but it wasn't enough. He knew, if he had someone to share it with, to challenge him, it would be more bearable. He recalled… that much…

Kaname released Zero and stood, wiping his own face and licking the blood from his hand. He walked over to the bar, poured a drink for Zero, and removed a chocolate bar for himself. Besides, his own desperate reasons for doing this, he decided Zero would be much better off like this. His life was going nowhere except destined for another unremarkable human existence. He could see the beginning of something exceptional he could nourish before it was inevitably drowned in the mundane.

Kaname turned back to see Zero standing watching him warily. He was further across the room, standing on the large rug in the middle of the seating area. More importantly, he was nearer the door than where he'd left him. He was still looking for an escape, not quite seeing the futility. Kaname became amused at his hope, walking over at faster than the "normal" speed he would use in his dealings with humans and offered him the drink, again showing him this situation wasn't normal and placing himself between the youth and the door. The boy took it politely after he got over his surprise. Then stood and waited for him to speak.

"Please sit down."

"No. Thank you."

Kaname felt the pull of Zero's burgeoning vampire make-up but resisted the urge to use it against him. It had been so long since he had felt that pull, that call, to one like himself. His eyes closed as he relished it...

Zero saw this and took the chance to back away a few steps and look around some more. The place was in darkness, if you could call it that. The only light was through the various windows around the large room of various dedicated sections. He supposed living alone meant there was no need for partitions from yourself. This design choice, however, helped him to realise that there was only one exit.

"Listen, Ken..."

"Yes?"

"You seem… troubled. Why don't I call someone for you? Your manager...?"

Kaname sighed, walked around Zero and took a seat himself on a sofa backing one window. He watched the wary boy for a while, how the light played on his skin and hair, deciding how to say this.

Well, there was no way to say it except…

"Zero, I am a vampire."

Zero dropped his drink on the table and headed for the door again. The hell he was going to stay with this freak...

Kaname pulled at the gooey centre of the chocolate bar he was eating and watched as Zero came back to sit down next to him on the sofa. It felt so good to do that. He hadn't been able to do that in such a very, very long time.

Kaname turned towards the now paralysed boy and leaned in as he continued.

"I am a vampire and now, you are one as well. We didn't have sex. Our night together consisted of my biting you and drinking your blood. However, as a result you underwent a significant change. It is rare for this to happen. Only one person in fifty survives my bite and becomes a low-level vampire. You are one of those persons.

"Do you understand?"

"A vampire?! Are you on drugs?" Zero finally managed as he realised he could speak again. What had happened? Was this hypnosis? "Do you actually believe the shit you compose?"

"I thought you didn't listen to my music," Kaname accused, recalling the youth's earlier denial.

"I don't. You just weren't the only one 'observing'."

Zero had looked him up after Ken had started frequenting the club. Zero had been requested for the table even after the debacle with one of his henchmen and had been the recipient of some substantial tips. The boss was happy – they would almost drink the bar dry themselves – and Zero thought the least he could do was find out what they were on about. He found the music online and listened for only a few minutes. It seemed too depressing and contrived for his tastes.

"Touché."

"What do you want?"

Kaname paused, still playing leisurely with the caramel, but eventually looked Zero in the eye.

"You."

"What do you mean? Are you offering me a job?"

Kaname chuckled.

"I wasn't clear. To put it crudely, your life as you knew it is over. You are mine now. Your purpose is whatever I desire it to be."

"Go fuck yourself," Zero responded, rising to back away from this… creature. The rich had some warped senses of humour. He next thought about selling this story to a magazine but realised no one would believe him. Actually, maybe that Info- what's-its-name on YouTube would. The exposé on Hillary Clinton having a love child with a seven tentacle space-demon from Neptune had set quite the precedent for that hope.

Kaname sighed again. He supposed it wouldn't have been easy. He would have been disappointed if it had been. Still, some part of him had hoped Zero would have jumped at the chance or at least have been intrigued. What else did he have to live for?

"Soon your body is going to demonstrate what you are. When it does I want you to call me," Kaname said, rising to get a card from his desk. "I am going to be busy with touring and other things but this number will always get me."

Zero took the card, crushed it, and threw it to the ground.

"If what you say is true, do you think I would call you for support? If anything I would hunt you down and kill you!" Zero spat, his exquisite grey eyes almost mesmerising as they flashed in anger.

"Good. I want you to come to me. I want you with me."

"Go to hell."

Kaname laughed at this and took another card. He scooped up Zero's clothes and brought them to him, helping him to get dressed. It would be interesting to see if this bird would come back to him. If not, Kaname didn't think he would have to look very far to find him again.

"Take the card. It will make it easier to hunt me when it does happen. You are not a killer. I realise that now. You will need help." Still, Kaname thought, still he wanted this kid...

"What is going to happen? How will I...?" Zero asked as he was ushered to the door, the irony hitting him now as he realised he wanted answers where before all he had wanted to do was leave.

"You'll see," Kaname answered, pushing Zero out into the corridor and closing the door.

to be continued

lightpathetic wrote this but these are not my characters. They are from "Vampire Knight".

This started out as a crack fic for fun and then it ended up much weirder. This story is not associated with Anne Rice and her novels in any way - please don't sue me.

02042018