Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/1977603.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Vampire_Knight
  Relationship:
      Kain_Akatsuki/Kiryuu_Zero
  Character:
      Kiryuu_Zero, Kain_Akatsuki, Aidou_Hanabusa, Souen_Ruka, Shiki_Senri,
      Ichijou_Takuma, Kuran_Kaname
  Additional Tags:
      Master/Slave, Rape_Aftermath, Angst_and_Humor, Unrequited_Love, Sibling
      Rivalry, Fluff_and_Angst, First_Time, Torture, Psychological_Torture,
      Fluff, Supernatural_Elements, Vampires, Vampire_Sex, Explicit_Language,
      Sexual_Harassment
  Stats:
      Published: 2014-07-18 Completed: 2014-11-30 Chapters: 33/33 Words: 152721
****** Kill Me Softly ******
by PhoenixWhite1120
Summary
     Zero is a cast out vampire hunter who is forced into slavery. Kain
     saves him from a life of pain and torture to bring him into a world
     of pleasure and obedience. Can Zero survive it?
Notes
     If anyone is wondering why this fic looks familiar, that's because it
     used to be posted on fanfiction.net under the same alias. I have
     moved from Fanfiction.net to here... after a few years-oops. As this
     fic is completed, I will be uploading quite regularly, I'll try and
     get a few chapters up a day. If anyone has ever tried to convert a
     Word document to this site they will all know how tiring it is to get
     all the spacing and the italics just right and how it is soooo time
     consuming.
     For those of you who are new readers I hope you enjoy reading this
     fanfiction any reviews or comments are much appreciated. You will
     also notice -or you may not- that this fanfiction along with another
     "Wolf Bite" (a twilight samxJacob) that the writing style is a bit
     underdeveloped compared to more recent works. Please keep in mind
     this fiction was actually written around 2010-2012. My writing style
     has changed and matured in some ways since then so basically I'm
     asking that you do not judge my writing in these two stories as
     'weak' or 'underdeveloped' simply because I know this already. in
     future works though-fire away! I do genuinely like to hear feedback
     on my writing style either good or bad, just so I can get another
     person's perspective. I can't guarantee I will agree with everything
     you say or that it will change my writing in anyway -as I can not
     simply change it every time someone has a different opinion but I
     would like to hear your views anyway.
     Anyway enough talk-
     ON WITH THE STORY!
***** The Scheming Blond Bastard and One Night Of Hell *****

               -The Scheming Blond Bastard and One Night Of Hell-
Zero trudged down the abandoned street. His bones ached, his head pounded, he
just wanted nothing more than to get back to his apartment.
One month, that’s how long his mission had been; one whole month of pain, of
suffering, of not knowing if the monster you were hunting was hunting you
instead. One month of living in what could only be described as a hell hole-
and for what? The death of five level E’s and a single day to recover before
being shipped off for another suicide mission.

Sometimes…sometimes Zero hated being a Vampire Hunter.

Since the day he was born, Zero had been destined for the life of a hunter.
He’d followed in his parents footsteps, learned all that he could from his
master, Yagari Toga, and strived to be someone better, to do something greater.
All his life he had dreamed of becoming a Vampire Hunter with his twin brother
Ichiru at his side. Zero had achieved this dream three years ago…just not the
way he’s planned it.

In his dream he’d expected his parents to be alive, not murdered when he was
seven by some vengeful pureblood. In his dream Ichiru would be right by his
side, not betraying his own kin into unleashing that thing inside their house
and gallivanting off with her once she’d drunk her fill of his parent’s blood
and bitten Zero; infecting him with her disease so that one day Zero would
become just like her and her kind.

Yes, he’d imagined his lifelong dream quite differently than what it had turned
out to be. He never thought he’d be alone, never thought that Master Toga would
abandon him after branding him with an anti-vampire charm to delay his
transformation. Never thought that to the whole Hunter’s association he was to
become a joke, sent out on the missions they didn’t dare send their other
hunters on while praying that he would never come back.

Zero sighed, his breath a cloud of white mist in the cold night air. He hugged
his leather jacket tighter, cursing the fact that his apartment was still two
blocks away.

At least I’ll be able to sleep in a bed tonight. Zero mused, not that he would
be getting any sleep as he’s apartment practically neighbored the club city
district. The wild rave music that poured from the their establishments tended
to be ever-present, partygoers staying until the very early hours of the
morning until the next wave of clients come in; the ones that only partied
during the day because to them is was night a.k.a. Vampires.

It was because of this constant flow of clientel that the clubs never closed
and as a result, the neighboring streets never got any sleep, including Zero.

Zero ducked into a corner alleyway between a brothel and a sleek looking black
club, seeking a shortcut. He’d been no further than twenty meters into the ally
when he had an overwhelming feeling that he was being watched. Using his Hunter
senses, Zero scanned the area, trying to hone in on his observers. He sensed a
vampire somewhere above him, his vampiric senses could identify him as a high
ranking noble and his nose could pick up the distinct scent of cigarette smoke.
The aura that surrounded him was emitting nothing but clam, even boredom.

Zero knew noble vampires in this district was hardly out of the ordinary, but
after spending so long hunting and being hunted by vampires, Zero knew better
than to let his guard down around such a being. He was so focused on the
vampire and wondering whether or not it was a threat to him, that he didn’t
sense the several destructive human auras that came up behind him.

“Well would you look who it is?” Zero spun around to face the several junior
hunters.

“It’s the half-cast returning home after a long mission” The second drawled.

“Pity he managed to come back at all- how many suicide missions do you have to
go on until you to realize that the association doesn’t want you to come back?”
A third mocked.
The association wanting him dead wasn’t anything new, Zero had figured it out
years ago, he knew they hated them, he knew they wanted him to leave and never
come back. But how could he leave? Being a Hunter was all he knew, he couldn’t
abandon his parents legacy just because things got a little tough. If anything,
having the association always pushing him to his limits was helping him become
one of the top hunters in the world. As for these thugs, they were nothing new
either, he could easily take them on. Knowing this he easily changed his
defensive position into a casual stance while still keeping his senses on
alert.

“Well I don’t know, how long until you realize your mummy doesn’t want you to
come back?”
Zero knew it was a bad insult and a low blow; he could do better insults than
that. But right now he was tired and after spending a month away Zero wanted
nothing more than to have a decent meal and a decent night’s sleep before he
had to go out into another hell hole.

The gang’s reaction was instant. Their fisted hands now clenched knives, bats
and a thick chain-

Really? People actually use that? Zero wondered, smirking.
“You’re going to pay for that one half-cast” the third snapped. Zero chuckled
darkly, ignoring the derogatory insult given only to level D vampires.

“Oh? I highly doubt that” The weapon’s they were holding would never touch him,
let alone cause enough damage to seriously hurt him, they had to be first year
hunters; no brains but enough ego to match a pureblood’s.

“Really?” The gang laughed. Zero’s smile grew wider, they honestly thought they
were going to get him.

Amateurs.

Zero waited for them to make the first move, he didn’t have to wait long. As
Zero predicted they charged in all at once. Zero’s body instantly snapped into
a defensive mode and turned to face his first attacker. It was the teenager
armed with the chain. Zero noticed instantly that the boy was the largest and
the heaviest of them there. The chain he had clutched in his hand was had
wrapped it tightly around his arm, unable to be removed and Zero’s greatest
vantage point. Using what little vampiric speed he had, Zero lunged forward,
ripping the chain from the boy’s hand and using it to pull the boy forwards;
face first into the cement, with enough force to knock the boy out unconscious.

Zero’s next attacker had a knife as did the others, he ducked the first attack
and dodged the next. With a few well-placed kicks, he had another two thugs
hunching over in pain, their weapons clattering to the ground. Zero stepped
past them to face the four remaining thugs, a wide smirk plastered on his face.
He was probably going to get punished for attacking the apprentice hunters, but
right now he couldn’t care less. Zero was enjoying himself so much, was so
convinced that the boys couldn’t touch him that he let his normally snap-tight
defense slip. One of the knife-holders, who been beaten to the ground was now
back up and approaching Zero from behind, this time armed with a stolen weapon
from the association; A hunter knife, one that could easily take Zero down with
just a few good nicks.

“Hey half-cast” Zero spun around and suddenly felt something slice across his
front. It cut him deep. The burning sensation that followed ripped across his
chest. His eyes became unfocused, everything dimmed. Suddenly he fell forwards,
his breath knocked from his lungs. It was only when Zero felt two pairs of arms
forcing him to his knees and yanking his head back did Zero realized he’d been
kicked in the gut and that he was now well and truly screwed. His vision
momentarily came back into focus as he fought for consciousness, a hunting
knife was held before him awaiting his inspection. The blade glinted
dangerously in the moonlight.

“You’re going to get it now bitch.” The boy spat in Zero’s face, the thugs
roared in laughter. The knife was raised extravagantly, ready to strike, and
then suddenly-

“Hey kid”

The first year before him was suddenly lifted off the ground by a single hand
that held the boy’s wrist with an iron grip.

“This is none of your business vampire!” a thug yelled, his grip loosening on
Zero as he cringed away from the black aura the vampire noble was emitting.
Zero blinked, trying to focus as he tried to glimpse at his savior. It was no
use, the vampire held the boy directly in front of him, blocking his face from
Zero’s view.

“Oh? My mistake, I could swear that there was a vampire involved and I am of
course a vampire so that would mean that it affects me-no?”

“Piss off you leech!”

The smooth, casual voice was now thick with malice. A cry of pain sliced the
night air, followed by the breaking of bones.
The hunter blade dropped to the ground and the boy was suddenly flung into the
ally way wall, finally revealing Zero’s rescuer. Zero felt his jaw drop in
surprise. He knew vampires were unnaturally beautiful-the sane ones at least-
Zero hadn’t seen a noble vampire up-close in years and quite frankly; their
reputation didn’t disappoint.

Standing before him was Adonis himself; blond hair, lightly tanned skin,
muscled, tall, well dressed and emitting a presence that clearly warned ‘don’t
fuck with me’, Zero found himself holding his breath.

The noble’s sculptured face was carved into a frown, his eyes black with anger
and lingering with a hint of boredom. At his age and in this district, a gang
fight was probably nothing out of the ordinary for him.

“Leave.”

The thugs dropped Zero roughly and without waiting for their unconscious friend
they raced away, tripping over themselves as they did. The noble crouched down
in front of Zero, his surprisingly warm hands brushed lightly upon Zero’s
wound.

“You’re bleeding quite badly.” Zero was conscious enough to realize the
vampire’s eyes now glowed red in bloodlust.

“Get the fuck away from me!” Zero tried to stand up, only to trip over his own
feet. Zero’s back slammed against the pavement.

“I’m trying to help you” The noble regarded Zero with a frown.

“I don’t need your help!” Zero scrambled to his feet, clutching his wound as
blood poured rapidly from it. He felt lightheaded.

“Oh, my mistake.” The vampire’s voice was cold, hollow. “Just make sure you
hurry home, the streets aren’t safe for you at night.”

Zero was conscious enough to snort.

“Excuse me?”

“Slave dealers are always on the lookout for stray level D’s, it would be a
shame if they got to you after I went to the trouble of saving your life.” The
man’s voice was like a constant, bored monotone. Zero wanted nothing more than
to escape it.

Zero growled, turning away from the vampire and continuing in on his journey,
his arms wrapped around his chest, as if trying to hold his wound together, or
to reduce the bleeding at the very least. The noble vampire watched him go.

“Hm” Kain grunted unappreciatively. He gazed at the thick trail of blood the
hunter had left. Maybe the boy had been too hurt to realize the stupidity of
his actions.
Level D blood on the sidewalk was like a golden invitation to slave dealers.
The boy might as well have screamed ‘I’m injured, I’m weak, I’m alone come and
get me boys- just follow the river of blood’ because that’s what his blood
trail was; a slavery sentence in crimson ink.

Whatever. Kain thought drawing a last breath from his cigarette butt before
flicking it away. He couldn’t be bothered with arrogant troublemakers, even if
he did go to the trouble of saving them.. He turned and leapt easily back to
the balcony outside the club. He opened the door and re-entered the club.

“Master Kain, you have visitors.”
Jarred, the assistant manager of the club ‘Nightshade’, announced, indicating
across the balcony area to the V.I.P. lounge where three attractive vampires
waited. Kain recognized them easily. The first was a beautiful woman with ash-
blond hair and gray eyes, like most vampires, her skin was pale and flawless
like marble. She wore an expression of constant irritation that Kain knew all
too well from their years at The Cross Academy. The other two visitors were
male, one with honey-blond hair, brilliant green eyes and an expression of
glee. His lover beside him had dark brown-red, hair and startling blue eyes
that drooped with boredom. Kain sighed, he figured they’d be showing up at his
newest establishment sooner or later.

“Thank you Jarred- oh and someone’s made a mess out in the side ally, could you
see to it. There’s quite a bit of blood.” The brunette bowed solemnly.

“Of course Master Kain.” Kain gave a nod of approval before making his way
along the balcony that overlooked the crazed dance floor to the V.I.P. lounges.
The three nobles stood up to greet him.

“Ruka, you look lovely as ever.” A faint blush graced her cheeks.

“Flattery will get you nowhere Kain” she quipped, but her blush lingered.

“Takuma, Shiki- I didn’t think I would see you for another month or so- did the
honeymoon run short?”

“Blame your cousin.” Senri drawled, his bored voice now coated in irritation
and distaste. Kain groaned.

“What did he do now?” He indicated for the group to sit just a server with four
glasses of blood wine arrived.

“He claimed he was suffering a violent sickness” Takuma joined, his gleeful
mood dampened slightly. “And that everyone was too busy to visit him”

“Ah” Kain sighed. Adiou was always one to play on one’s good will, especially
Takuma’s.

“We cut our honeymoon short to check up on him only to find him in a peak of
health.” Senri finished.

“Apparently he’s been quite lonely without Kaname-sama” Ruka intervened
referring to the fact that Kaname Kuran, prince of the vampiric world and their
most trusted master and friend had departed for America a few months ago along
with his personal bodyguard Serian meanwhile Aidou had been forced to stay in
Japan.

“And now he’s taking it out on us” Shiki grumbled. Takuma entwined his fingers
with his bond mate comfortingly, apparently this was a sore subject for the
young model.

“You can’t blame him really” Takuma supported. “You know what Aidou’s like when
there’s nothing or more correctly no one to keep him occupied. He’s probably
very lonely without Kaname-sama, Ruka ignoring him-”

“-Don’t put this on me!”

“-Us on our honeymoon and you opening your new club, which must I say looks
fabulous.” Takuma waved his free hand at their black surroundings and crimson
chairs, lit only by the hypnotizing lights of the dance floor below them. Ruka
and Shiki nodded in agreement.

“You really do have a taste for the nightlife”

“I do what I can.” Kain brushed the comment away lightly and returned to the
original conversation, he hated being the center of attention that role was
left to vampires like Kaname, Aidou and Takuma- not him.
“So did my cousin have a purpose for tearing you away from your getaway, apart
from aiding in his loneliness?”

“Unfortunately so” Shiki growled.

“He’s invited us to go to the annual slave auction at La Mouir.” Takuma
intervened. “And by us, I mean all of us”

“He can’t be serious”

“Is he ever?” Ruka sneered taking a generous sip of her bloodwine.

“I think we should go” Kain noticed that Takuma’s eyes now shone with
determination.

“And how did you come to this ridiculous conclusion?” Ruka beat Kain to the
punch.

“I think we should encourage Aidou to get a pet”

“Why-?”

“Because if he has someone else to occupy his time, then maybe he can finally
leave all of us alone. Also so that we can plan a second honeymoon” Shiki
visually brightened at this idea. The group paused considering the plan.

“I still don’t see why I should go.” Ruka broke the thoughtful silence.

“Or I.”

“Because you’re his cousin, his closest relative and your opinion still holds
its sway”

“I highly doubt that.”

“Believe it and as for you Ruka, I think you deserve a pet too.”

“What would I want a pet when I already have slaves?”

“A pet is different from a slave and you know it, they will assist you with
your…other needs”

“And you’re implying that I have needs?”

“Well after Kaname married Cross’s daughter you’ve done nothing but horde away
in your manor, avoiding all contact.”

“I do not horde away!” Ruka snapped.

“Yes you do, tell me Ruka dear- whatever do you get up to?” Senri mocked in the
same bored tone.

“How dare you” Ruka hissed venomously, her cheeks had turned a light shade of
pink.

“Takuma’s just implying that some company would help pass the time” Kain
quickly intervened, the conversation had taken a strange turn and he did not
want to find out where it led to. “Who says pets are only for sex? Pets are
trained for pleasure, and even though that title suggests pleasure might only
come in a physical form they also come in the mental form such a friend,
someone you can wholly trust without fear of betrayal, someone who can make you
happy.” Kain paused. He thought it was the longest speech he’d ever made.

Takuma applauded loudly, breaking the sudden silence that had followed Kain’s
monologue.

“Bravo, Kain I never knew you had such a soft spot for pets”

“I don’t.”

“I’m surprised you don’t have one yourself”

“That’s because I don’t need one”

“Come now Kain, you know you’re only lying to yourself- I mean look around you.
You’re a business tycoon who is rolling in wealth and a sting of highly
successful nightclubs and bars, you’re practically famous in the vampiric world
for throwing a good party and your assistant tells me that you hardly stop
working.”

“Well Peter would say that, he’s more a mother than an assistant”

“Oh no Kain” Ruka suddenly intervened a mischievous smile creeping across her
face. “I think Takuma’s right, you’ve got all this stress just building up you
need something or more specifically someone to help release all that tension.”
Kain’s eyes narrowed.

“What are you up to?”

“Nothing, just a little payback, if I have to endure this torture than you must
do likewise”

“I hardly think that’s fair”

“Oh no, Ruka’s right” Takuma’s smile was now wider than ever, it was beginning
to seriously piss Kain off. “You should both get pets”

“But I don’t need one” Kain hissed.

“Neither do I” Ruka retorted.
Kain sighed, he knew that wasn’t true, Ruka was going to crack if she didn’t
find some sort of escape from all her anguish and heartbreak in loosing Kaname.
The cracks were already starting to show, Kain could see the dark rings under
her eyes from the lack of sleep and her strained composed mask which hid her
pain.

“Fine” he sighed loudly in defeat. “If you buy a pet then I will”

“Excellent!” Takuma beamed, “Now we might have time to have a second
honeymoon!” Kain rolled his eyes.

Scheming blond bastard.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
Zero stumbled blindly into his apartment, without bothering to turn on a light,
let alone close his apartment door. He had lost a lot of blood- too much blood.
If he didn’t stop the bleeding soon he was going to die.

Stupid fucking kids.
Zero ripped his first aid kit out from beneath his bed and practically tore it
open as he searched for the necessary equipment needed to bandage his wound. If
it had been any other blade, Zero would have healed long ago. But this had been
a hunter blade, specifically designed to disable a vampire’s ability to heal.
Zero wondered if he should count himself as lucky that the noble vampire had
come along when he did, if he hadn’t, Zero would’ve been dead.

But then again… was that such a bad thing?

Zero shook his head, angrily dispelling the dark thoughts that had plagued him
for three years now. Other than killing vampires, Zero had no other reason to
live- he’d had a life time goal and he’d achieved that, he’d lived up to
parents reputations of being the deadliest Hunter alive with anti-vampire
weapon. He’d appeased his parent’s memory- so what else was there to live for?

Zero bandaged his front through crimson eyes. Zero was disgusted with himself,
he was so starved of blood that he now hungered for his own.

Pathetic.

Zero finished bandaging the wound and lay back against the side of his bed. He
was panting heavily and his eyes fought for consciousness. Zero waited for the
anti-vampire charm to wear off so that his wound could heal. Dimly he realized
that he should probably close the apartment door. Whatever, he was too far gone
now. Zero let his eyes drop and welcomed the darkness that soon enveloped him.
 
===============================================================================

Zero awoke to the sound of crude laughter hovering just above his ear.

“’Ello precious, you left of a nice little invitation to your apartment.”
Zero snapped instantly awake. The wound on his chest had healed and his door
still remained wide open and now five men stood over him. Zero tried to stand
up, to lunge forward and attack. A set of hands and the prick of a needle
shoved deep into his arm prevented him from doing so.
“Hush now, you’ll be back asleep soon and when you wake you’re going to find us
a nice buyer for you sweet hide.” Zero could feel the effects of the needle’s
drug already, he drooped slowly back to the ground.
“That’s it” the crude voice cooed. “Go right on back to sleep. – you know when
I first found your blood trail I thought we were going to find you dead, but
no- I found a pretty little hunter instead.”

“Thanks for the weapon boy” Zero watched in horror as one of the slave hunters
before him twirled his anti-vampire weapon; a sword. It had been Zero’s
graduation present, to acknowledge him as a fully-fledged hunter.

“NO!” Zero tried to lunge forward but the hands held him fast.

“Hush now my sweet, we wouldn’t want you to lose all that energy your new
master will have better uses for it than us.” Zero watched, frozen in terror as
the slave hunters mocked an laughed at him. He could’ve stopped them, he
could’ve broke free if it wasn’t for the dammed drug that was spreading like
wildfire in his system. Zero closed his eyes, shutting out the scene before
him.

Please God, don’t let me wake up.

If only he listened.
 
===============================================================================
 
Kain strolled through the entrance doors of La Mouir Auction house. He’d never
stepped foot in the building before, but now he saw why people claimed it was
the best to go to. The auction house was clearly designed for the upper-class
citizens with red and gold curtains, marble floors and a dozen extravagant
chandeliers hanging decoratively from the ceiling. Despite its obvious glamor,
the auction house was rather simple in design with a single grand room filled
with round tables ranging in all sizes facing towards a large stage at the end
of the room. The tables were covered in red tablecloths and flickering candle
and the chairs seated around them were numbered and had an electronic bidding
device beside it. Waiters scurried around the room serving seated guests and
directing others to their tables. Within moments of arriving one of the waiters
had spotted him and quickly offered his assistance.

“I’ve booked a table for Souren, Shiki and Ichijou?”

“Ah of course Master Akatsuki, right this way, I do believe your guests are
waiting for you.”
The waiter quickly showed Kain to his table which just so happened to be three
rows from the stage. Obviously Takuma when booking their table wanted Ruka,
Aidou and himself to have the best seats in the house.

“Kain, good to see you made it.” Kain shot Takuma a look of distaste when the
blond indicated to his seat.

“I didn’t really have a choice did I?” he growled.

“Oh cousin you worry too much, Takuma told me all about you and Ruka’s
agreement” Kain shifted his gaze to Aidou who sat across the table smiling
devilishly. “It’s strange though, I never picked you to have other needs” he
sneered, winking.

“I don’t, I’m only doing this for Ruka” Kain stated firmly.

“Oh, that’s so mean your little pet’s going to go to waste.” Aidou teased. Kain
sighed, now he remembered why he’d been avoiding his cousin in the first place.
“It’s starting” Takuma quickly intervened, seeing Kain’s weakening resolve.
Sure enough the light dimmed and faded into black while the lights brightened
on stage. An announcer stood at the podium a microphone clasped in his hands.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here. Tonight we have a quite a
special line-up which shall be delivered in the following categories; adults,
teens and young adolescents. Each category will be presented in mixed genders
and will fall under two parties; trained and untrained. Now, without further a
due let’s begin shall we?” the crowd applauded politely and soon pets were
dragged on stage.

Kain found himself staring, wide-eyed in shock. He knew that pets were sold
here, he knew that pets were mainly used for physical gratification and yet, it
had never occurred to him that when the slaves were brought out, they would be
butt-naked and forced to have their most private areas exposed. One after one
the slaves were pulled out on steel chains and forced to spread their legs,
bend over, stretch and finally look out into the audience while the announcer
listed off their attributes and haggled a price. Once a price was settled the
pet was then led off stage and a waiter collected their bidder to escort them
to a private backroom where the pets were then handed over to their new
masters.
The adult pets were few and their category was dealt with quickly. As soon as
the announcer informed the crowd that the next category would be teenagers the
crowd cheered and applauded loudly, for it was well known that the teenage
category was the most popular of all.

The pets were dragged out and displayed in the same fashion that the adult pets
had been; on a leash an maneuvered into more appealing positions.
“See anything you like Aidou?” Ruka taunted.

“I don’t know Ruka, what about you?” Aidou shot back sneakily, his eyes never
leaving the stage. A twinge of surprise flitted through Kain’s features, he
hadn’t expected his cousin to be enjoying the auction this much and yet the
troubled blond hadn’t spoken out of line once, or glanced away from the stage.
He was really taken with what was going on. Kain shared his look of surprise
with Takuma’s hopeful one before he too returned his gaze to the stage.

“That one! I want that one!” Aidou cheered like a spoiled child just as a
short, brown-haired girl was pulled on stage. 
Kain frowned, Akatsuki thought Aidou would’ve been attracted to someone more…-
well just someone more. This girl was no older than sixteen and her features
were plain, her brunette hair was a dusty brown and her eyes the color of mud,
her features were small and she was just so… helpless. She placidly waited for
her captors to finish displaying her. Aidou was practically leaping out of his
seat as he bid rapidly on the small device attached to his chair and then-

“YES!”

“Aidou sit down people are staring”

“Like that’s anything new” Shiki muttered boringly just as a waiter arrived.

“Master Hanabusa, allow me to escort you to your purchase”

“I’ll call you tomorrow” Aidou waved in farewell.

“Don’t call me!” Ruka snapped.

“Bye bye!”

“Obnoxious prick”

“Ruka, please remember the reason while we came- Aidou now has something to
keep him occupied so he shouldn’t be bothering us for much longer”
“Yeah but for how long?” Kain sighed.
The slaves continued to roll out. Kain found himself growing more impatient
with every slave that was sold and Ruka hadn’t bided. What if she never did?
What if she waited until the last slave and then Kain would have to purchase an
innocent? Kain frowned at the thought, he knew some people took on young slaves
but he was not one of them and he did not want people staring at him with a
mere child as he pet. He was soo not that kind of person.

A soft clicking attracted Kain’s attention. There, without announcing it to the
others at the table, Ruka had started bidding. Kain once more returned his gaze
to the stage to look upon a slightly older teenage girl in around seventeen or
eighteen years old. She had bored blue eyes, much like Senri’s with ice-blond
hair tied up in two girlish pig tails.
She had quite a nice figure and an aura much like Ruka’s.

Ah Kain thought. She’s finally found a friend. The girl was taken off stage and
a waiter arrived at the table.

“You still have to keep your side of the bargain Kain” She murmured softly
before being escorted off to one the back rooms.

“Yeah right” Kain sighed once she’d gone.

“Kain what are you doing?” Takuma questioned as Kain rose.

“We did what we set out to do; get Ruka and Aidou a pet”

“Yes but you had a bargain”

“That was only to get Ruka to agree and you know it”

“A deals a deal” Senri murmured, still watching the stage. “I would keep
watching, who knows you might find someone you like”

“Unlikely” Kain grumbled, settling back into his seat.

Kain watched the slaves with disinterest, maybe he could see the auction
through to the end without bidding and then claim that no one there suited his
tastes and that he would pick a pet on the next auction-except he would never
show up.

Takuma and Senri waited patiently at the table for their friend. Although he
was grateful for the company in his normally lonely solitude, he couldn’t help
but feel a bit awkward by having them there, watching for Kain’s type- whatever
that was.

The announcer finished with the trained teenage pets and moved onto the
untrained and Kain repressed a bored sigh. The untrained pets were always a bit
more feisty, that was if they hadn’t been too juiced up with the auction house
drugs. They spaced out on stage or fought their captors, extracting
appreciative sounds from the crowd. It was sick really, Kain thought as he
watched the audience drool over the pets.

As predicted, the untrained pets were sold quickly. Kain watched pet after pet
showed like a prized dog. Until he was almost falling asleep with boredom until
finally someone caught his eye; a boy no older than seventeen was literally
dragged on stage, he was so juiced up he couldn’t even stand without
assistance. His hair was an alluring silver and his eyes the color of lilacs.
His skin was beautifully even and pale and his muscled figure drew all eyes to
him. But lastly, marking his neck was an extravagant tattoo, specifically used
only by skilled hunters to repress a vampire’s transformation.

No way.
Kain froze in momentary shock before he realized that almost every vampire
around him was bidding for the youth. Without a moments haste Kain was suddenly
bidding. He couldn’t stop himself. It was the youth he had saved not a day ago,
he knew he should’ve followed the boy after leaving such a great trail of
blood, he knew it and yet he’d tossed the thought aside. And now over five
hundred bidders were all trying to stake claim over the boy. Kain knew of the
boys snarky nature and he knew all too well what the other bidders would do to
break the boy. He couldn’t let that happen he just couldn’t.

The bidding price rose and rose until suddenly the boy was taken away,
signaling the end of the bidding war. Kain found himself frozen in shock again.
He’d lost.
A waiter appeared at his side.
“Master Akatsuki, please allow me to escort you to one of our backrooms.” Kain
stared blankly at the waiter before him.

“Kain, you’ve brought the boy” Takuma cheered gleefully. “Well off you go
then!” Kain rose from his seat still in a state of disbelief and followed the
waiter out through a side door.

Damm brat better thank me for this.
***** Loneliness and Purchases of All Kinds *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
     WARNING: Rated M for language, rape, sexual harassment, torture,
     boyxboy, seductive lemons, supernatural themes and the pure
     awesomeness that is Vampire Knight.
                    -Loneliness and Purchases of All Kinds-
                                        
72 HOURS EARLIER…
Kain sat alone at his desk, staring at the page that would conclude the mounds
of paperwork that covered his private study. Satisfied with the page’s
contents, the noble signed his name and filed it away.
He clasped the crystal glass containing blood wine gratefully and sighed,
sinking back into the expensive leather chair. He was finished, finally. Kain
took a generous sip of his drink reveling in the moment. The night sky had long
morphed into day and Kain’s sterling silver watch clearly stated that it was
now 1pm. Kain waited a few more moments, his body tired enough to sleep yet his
mind continued to whirl at an erratic pace. Quieting his mind, or more so
turning his thoughts away from work, had always been a problem. In situations
like this sorting through his friend’s dilemmas was the only thing that tore
his mind from his strenuous workload- that an alcohol.
It was a sad routine, work, help friends, work, friends again, make social
appearances and then maybe-if there wasn’t more work to do- sleep. The hollow
ache that had once been forgotten by the mounds of paperwork was now present
again. Kain was one of the most famous people of the nightlife underground
owning a dozen top-class clubs and bars, a small string of grand hotels and was
the most-wanted party planner of both the vampiric and the human worlds-he was
the nightlife tycoon seemingly loved by all and yet…
He never felt so alone in his life.
His customers only wanted the glitz, the glamour, the money he possessed and
his friends only wanted him to be there when they needed their latest life-
crisis solved or –in Ruka’s case- a date to the latest ball, dinner or event
and then –when it was over, become the solemn ‘Nightlife King’ as so many had
put it.
He didn’t have a personal life- not one that was really his anyway- it was
always about his friends- not that he minded this fact, he loved his friends he
really did and he could see why they sent him away; he was a silent, brooding
mess who could only see things logical despite his business choice and title.
Some people were attracted to that though- Kain had had numerous outing with
those who shared the same interests and fascinations as he and yet… they always
left or he broke it off himself. Being a business Tycoon and a lover just
didn’t mix and he could never find enough time to keep his lovers satisfied.
No, he was better off by himself- he had to be.
A soft knock at Kain’s door lulled him from his thoughts.
“Come in Peter.” Kain frowned. He’d thought his assistant had gone to bed hours
ago. Kain’s frown deepened when he saw what his personal assistant was
carrying; another mound out work. “Please tell me that’s the last of it” Kain
sighed and then drained his glass.
‘Let’s hope so Master Kain.” Although the vampire was in his late hundreds, he
looked only four years older than Kain, looking at about twenty-nine. Peter
placed the mound in front of his master and noticed Kain’s empty glass.
“Shall I send for another drink sir?” Kain let out another exhausted sigh.
“Yeah, looks like I’m going to need it”
 
===============================================================================
 
PRESENT TIME…
Zero was dragged down the never-ending corridor of backrooms as he zoned in and
out of consciousness. His elbows ached from having multiple anesthetics forced
through his veins in the effort to sedate him. As a result, he could no longer
work his any of his muscles and limbs-let alone feel them. He could feel
nothing now, only pain.
His arms were bruised, red raw from the brutal grip of his handlers. Dried
blood from healed wounds chafed against the cuffs around his wrists and the
plush red carpet he was now dragged upon burned the tops of his feet.
His captors paused outside a door, kicking it open with one foot before hauling
him into a room. They let him stay that way; keeled over in a defeated slouch
with his head hanging so low, Zero was sure that if he leaned forward, just a
few inches more, he could rest his head on the carpet. He was so tired yet he
knew he had to stay awake, he had to find a way to escape. He would be dammed
to let anyone make him their slave- no not slave…pet.
Zero dimly heard the sounds of two people approaching, one quickened gate and
the other slow and calm.
His buyer’s.
Zero would’ve growled if he could remember how to work his mouth and tongue.
“Master Akatsuki, this is the one.” The door was opened again to admit the two
strangers. Expensive, black leather shoes walked past him and before turning to
face his hunched figure.
“Lift his head.” At the command, Zero’s handlers gripped his hair and yanked
his head back. The overhead lights burned his eyes. Blinking, Zero made out a
tall figure watching him with a hard stare- one he knew all too well.
You!
Zero’s eyes widened in shock, in anger. He tried to find his limbs again, tried
to will his body to move. He only succeeded in a little shake as he moved his
body which was now dead weight from side to side.
“You have a wonderful taste Master Akatsuki, if it is not to bold for me to say
so. Silver hair, intriguing purple eyes, nice figure, soft skin-”
“Which your handlers have manage to bruise” The noble cut the waiter off
coldly. “And you’ve cut him with his restraints.”
“My deepest apologies Master Akatsuki, but he injured himself in his struggles.
He’s quite savage in a rage, we had to dose him with a mild sedative.” Kain
scoffed at the word mild, the boy could barely lift his head, let alone kneel,
without the assistance of his captors. The teen before him was defiantly the
hunter from the night before; he was now 100% certain. Those eyes, those
intricate mauve eyes had been as hard as steel, now they were soft with pain,
exhaustion, frustration and the tiniest hint of anger which, Kain noted, was
directed at him. A small smirk touched the corner of his lips.
What was the boy going to do when he realized he was to be the pet of the thing
he hated most?
“Probably wise,” Kain allowed. The waiter bowed again, accepting the
acknowledgement. “How long until it wears off?”
“A few days at most, Master Akatsuki, but if you are concerned about
his….performance, I’m sure the sedative will not prevent him from completing
certain duties.”
Zero felt bile rising in his throat. He knew what pets were, he knew what they
were for.
Pets were like personal assistants in the sense that they ‘assisted’ their
master in every way a normal personal assistant could not. They were bed
warmers, they were high-ranking slaves, they were their master’s play thing in
which their owner could do anything he wanted to do to them without being
punished or sued.
And it was what Zero was to become.
“Good to hear. Have him taken to my limo around the back” The waiter nodded and
clapped his hands briskly. The handlers dragged Zero out of the room and back
down the never-ending corridor until he was led into another room. This one
happened to be a back door which led straight out to a large car park. Trying
to fight the foggy slumber his body wanted to sink into, Zero looked up. All
around him slaves were being hauled into expensive, vampire-owned cars and
limos. Zero wasn’t surprised by this, he knew that wealthy vampires such as
high-ranking nobles and purebloods were the only ones to purchase pets. What
did surprise him was just how many pets were being sold. He had no idea there
was so many, each one doomed to a life of slavery, each one just like him;
Level D.
“Put him on the back seat.”
Zero’s shackles were removed and he was placed onto the back seat, his handlers
more careful now that the buyer was present. Once Zero was lying on the back
leather seat, Kain reached in to grab a sleek briefcase. The waiter checked its
contents quickly, but thoroughly.
“La Mouir is grateful for your patronage, Master Akatsuki, We hope to have
dealings with you in the future and that everything is to your satisfaction.”
Kain gave a single nod before sliding into the back of the limo. Kain’s driver
shut the door firmly before returning to the driver’s seat.
“Where to Master Kain?”
“Home, Dorian- I’d like to sleep for a few more hours before I have to leave
for Midnight Crimson.” Kain drawled, referring to yet another one of his clubs.
“Of course sir.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Kain exited his limo hours later, mentally drained from the night’s events.
Although he knew making appearances at his establishments was expected and was
necessary to make sure everything was in working order he grew more tired of it
as each day passed. The night sky was fading into the early morning hours and
he wanted nothing more than to sleep off the large amount of blood wine he’d
consumed in the attempt to make the night go quicker. It seemed the more time
went on, the more the hollow ache in his chest deepened demanding his
attention. He was becoming increasingly sick of the fake, plastered smiles
those around him gave while their vulture-like eyes examined his pockets and
wondered how they could use Kain for their own purpose. Kain shook his head
angrily, he was just so sick of being used.
“Master Kain, you’ve returned” Alfred, Kain’s senior butler opened the manor’s
front doors to greet his master. “Was your outing productive?” he asked closing
the doors before following Kain up the grand staircase which to the second
floor.
“As much as could be expected,”
“Midnight Crimson’s popularity has decreased slightly this month sir,” Alfred
informed lightly, it was his job to pass on the information Kain’s assistant,
Peter, gave out. Alfred trailed behind Kain as he made his way down the hall
and to the master bedroom. Kain paused at the door.
“Don’t worry about it Alfred we haven’t lost customers, they have just turned
to Nightshade’s grand opening instead. We will regain the customers and many
more in the future as always.” Alfred nodded at his master’s confidence,
knowing the words he spoke were true.
“Of course sir- I’ll have Mabel send up your supper?”
“Thank you Alfred” The butler gave a slight bow. Kain turned to leave.
“What of the boy?” Kain paused again, his hand on the door, momentarily
confused of who the butler was referring to.
“The boy-?”
“The pet, sir” realization dawned in Kain’s eyes. How could he have forgotten
about his latest addition to his manor?
“Has he awakened?”
“Not yet sir, his condition remains the same.”
“Please tell me if it changes, would you watch over him for now?”
“Of course Master Kain”
“Thank you Alfred, again.” The butler bowed modestly accepting his lord’s
gratitude. Kain watched his oldest servant and loyal friend depart back down
the hall and the grand staircase. For a moment longer Kain paused at his door.
Suddenly, spurred by the knowledge that he had a new guest to attend to, he
turned and entered the room adjacent to his.
The room was smaller than his own, although it still measured quite vast in
size. The main room was also the bedroom. On the far wall opposite to the door
was a master bed, big enough to fit four people, decorated in white silken
sheets and dark silver covers made in matching material lay over them. Beside
the bed were two stands, made of black metal legs and glass counters. Modern
shaped lights adorned them.
A large bookcase made from chocolate wood leaned against the right wall, a desk
and comfortable work chair beside it. To the left wall there was a grand
wardrobe, carved from the same dark wood as the bookcase and beside it was a
single door leading to adjoining bathroom.
Despite the lavish surroundings, Kain was only focused on the figure that
occupied the bed. Kain approached cautiously, as if fearing he would wake the
sleeping figure but knowing that it was an impossibility as the drugs in the
boy’s system was still heavily in effect.
The far wall, the wall that the bed rested against, had four windows etched
into the white stone. Two lay on either side of the bed stretching from the
roof to the floor easily. The moonlight poured through these windows, lighting
up the room, yet still keeping the bed in shadow. Kain stepped into the shade
and paused beside the top of the bed, gazing down upon his latest purchase.
The hunter slept peacefully, his pale face wiped clean of all emotion except
peace. Kain knew Alfred had seen to the boy the moment they arrived home after
the auction. He’d washed the boy of all the dirt and scum and fed the boy blood
through a needle while he slumbered to heal the scars that had tarnished his
skin and finally, the butler had dressed the boy in full, silk pajamas that
matched the silver of the beds covers. The contrast of the dark silver matched
with the boy’s pale skin and light silver hair presented an innocently
beautiful image, like that of sleeping angel.
Noticing the boy’s assortment of ear piercings that matched the hunter’s
attitude- or what Kain had seen so far- brought a small smirk to the noble’s
lips. Before he realized what he was doing, Kain sat down on the edge of the
bed, his hand reaching out to brush back the boy’s hair. Kain’s eyes softened
as he gazed upon the hunter’s face. He’d only seen the boy with one kind of
expression so far; a permanent frown. Somehow it was that expression that he
liked and yet seeing the peace upon the boy’s face now stirred something more
than just like.
The boy was handsome yes, a jewel in anyone’s crown, yet Kain felt his brows
knit together in confusion. Why had he brought the boy? Apart from the fact
that he had a deal with Ruka? The answer was simple; Kain had wished to save
him from the other buyers the only hard bit was why. Why had he felt the need
to save the boy? Was it because of the other night? Maybe. Was it because of
the boy’s appearance? Possibly. Was it because Kain was lonely? Because he’d
always been alone?
Kain knew the answer to that one.
The boy was probably the only one who wouldn’t look to Kain’s pockets or to see
what he could gain from Kain’s position or friendship. Whatever the boy said or
did, it would be by his own free will without any ulterior motive.
That’s a bit of a lie isn’t it? Kain thought. Yes the boy would have no
ulterior motive, but he was still going to be acting against his free will. He
was Kain’s pet now, not a friend- he was no better than a servant attending to
his needs. The boy would hardly react kindly to this, least of all want to
provide any sort or companionship to his master- unless…unless Kain ordered him
to.
No. he was not that kind of person, behaving in such a way would push the boy
away more. Yes… he would be patient, he would be kind and hopefully in the near
future he would be able to have at least one person he could call a true
friend….or something else.
Wait- do I want that? Kain shook his head as more troubling thoughts began to
plague his mind, did he want the boy to be more than just a friend? Did he want
the boy to fulfill other certain duties? The hunter was certainly attractive
and vampires were never fussed over gender pairings only the love or pleasure
that came from them…
Did he want to bethatkind of owner to the boy?
“Master Kain, would you like you dinner here or in your room?” Alfred’s voice,
jolted Kain from his thoughts. He leapt up from the bed and faced the butler
guiltily due to his thoughts. Kain swore he could’ve seen his old friend smirk
and Kain wondered if he looked more like a child who’d been caught out by his
parents.
“In my room I think would be best” Kain cleared his throat and regained his
composure. The butler’s smirk still remained.
“As you wish master Kain.”
===============================================================================
 
 
“100,000? Is he handsome? Is he naughty?” Kain rolled his eyes as he listened
to his cousin’s mocking tone that came though his blackberry.
“What makes you assume it’s a he?”
“I called Takuma before, he already let it spill- have you yet?”
“Aidou!”
“I’ll take that as a no-”
“He’s still knocked out”
“Still?- ooo he must be a wild one. Kain you’re going to have so much fun!”
“Keep your perverted opinions to yourself Aidou” Kain growled softly in
warning.
“Impossible”Aidou’s dramatic sigh echoed through the phone.
“Then do not include me in them” Aidou sighed again, this time in boredom.
“You take things too seriously cousin”
“And you don’t take them seriously enough”
“Meh, everyone already knows you’re the responsible one- how can I compete with
that?”
“You can try”
“Whatever, I’m tired of this” Now it was Kain’s turn to sigh, Aidou never could
hold a conversation long.
“How’s your investment?”
“Yori-chan?” Kain frowned at Aidou’s definite change in attitude. He could
practically feel the younger blonde’s excitement.
“Who?”
“Her name’s Sayori Wakaba” Aidou’s tone became irritant at Kain’s questioning
tone.
“And is she to your expectations?”
“Of course…she’s-well she’s…yes, she is to my expectations.” Kain’s frown
deepened. Aidou sounded most unlike himself. His voice had taken on a much
softer tone, that of uncertainty and a certain gentleness.
“Aidou? Are you feeling okay?”
“O-of course, enough about me- what’s your little purchase called?” Now this
was defiantly not like the usual Aidou, since when did he turn the attention to
someone other than himself? Kain decided to let it pass-for now.
“I-I well…-hold on I got it here” Kain shuffled through his desk drawers
looking for the file that contained all the boy’s personal information.
“You mean you don’t know?”
“There was no need to know his name yet, he hasn’t even woken up”
“Well what did you put on his collar?”
“Collar?”
“You haven’t ordered a collar yet? Kain what were you thinking? What if he runs
away? What if someone stole him?”
“Like I said, he hasn’t even woken up- let alone left the house”
“Have you even planned to get him a collar?”
“I thought I should wait until the boy wakes.”
“The Boy?’Kain really” Kain growled. He was getting scolded by Aidou of all
people.
“His name’s Zero Kiryuu” Kain read the file name out loud.
“So what’s his story? Is he just some abandoned slave?”
“He’s a hunter”
“Really? Kain you’ve struck gold”
“Hardly.” Kain lied. He knew he’d gained something priceless, who else could
say they had a pet with silver hair, lilac eyes and a toned body fit and ready
to kill.
Zero…Kain wondered. He might find it quite beneficial having the boy around.
“-Kain! Are you even listening to me?”
“I’m sorry- what?”
“Whatever I’m going”
“Aidou wait-” The echoing dial tone beeped his cousin’s reply. Kain frowned
again.
That’s not like him. Kain remembered Aidou’s tone before he hung up; he’d
sounded hurt, seriously hurt. Kain hadn’t heard Aidou speak in such a way since
they were kids.
Kain’s phone rang again the ID announcing the caller as Ruka.
“Ruka, I wasn’t expecting your call”
“I had to check if you actually went through with your part of the bargain” Her
posh voice mocked playfully.
“You really don’t trust me?” Kain taunted back, without a trace of humor.
“Stop playing Kain, did you or didn’t you buy a pet?”Ruka’s suddenly became
stern, irritated at Kain’s response.
“A deal’s a deal isn’t it?”
“Is that a yes?”
“You really think I would go against my word?” Ruka sighed. Normally she
would’ve stood up to Kain’s taunts, today she had no care for it, she wasn’t
herself today.
“No Kain…I’m just…” Kain could hear the insecurity in her tone.
“Yes I brought a pet” Kain said gently.
“And?”
“He’s still knocked out”
“Still knocked out?”
“He was in the untrained section, they gave him a pretty strong sedative.
Apparently he won’t wake up for a couple of days.”
“Have you brought a collar for him yet?”
“No”
“Kain!”
“I don’t need a lecture Ruka, Aidou’s already given me one”
“So he called you too?”
“He said he was going to- did he seem a bit-”
“Different?” Ruka offered.
“Especially about his new pet”
“Do you think he’s dissatisfied with her?”
“No…it’s something else”
“Whatever it’s Aidou, he’s probably just in one of his moods.” Kain sighed.
“You’re probably right”
“And you’re being evasive” Kain pushed a hand through his blonde hair,
something he only did when he was nervous or irritated. At the moment he was
both.
“Hardly.”
“I’m picking you up right now, don’t keep me waiting.”
“Ruka-” for a second time that day someone hung up on him, a trend Kain hoped
would not continue.
“Women” He grumbled, rising from his office chair and draining his blood wine.
He progressed into the bathroom to a mirror to check his appearance. He was
wearing a black collared shirt with thin white pinstripes and dark grey jeans.
He tousled his hair lightly and turned away from the mirror, satisfied with his
appearance. He gave the expensive cologne a quick spray and then left his room,
ready to meet Ruka.
He’s barely made it outside his room before he found himself being tempted, yet
again, by the door adjacent to him. Kain debated for a moment, his decision
made when Alfred came down the hall.
“Kain Miss Ruka’s limo is outside- should I let them in?”
“No need Alfred, I’m going out. I need to place an order for Zero’s collar.”
Seeing Alfred’s confusion, Kain realized he hadn’t even informed the butler of
his pet’s name. “The boy, his names Zero, Zero Kiryuu- will you look over him
for me while I’m out?”
“As always Master Kain”
“Thankyou” Kain departed down the stairs, not willing to keep Ruka waiting,
she’d always had a problem with patience. Ruka’s driver opened the door for
Kain and he slipped inside. He was surprised to find that Ruka was not alone,
her pet sat next to her. Her ice-blue eyes obediently watching the floor. At
first Kain hadn’t recognized her for she was now wearing a short designer
dress. The blue of the dress matched her eyes making her stand out quite
beautifully. If she didn’t have the obvious posture of a pet, Kain may have
mistaken her for a noble vampire. He wouldn’t have even recognized her as the
pet Ruka brought yesterday if it hadn’t been for the pigtails she still wore.
“Hello Ruka, quite a transformation on your purchase.” Ruka looked over the
girl affectionately.
“Yes I think so” She murmured quietly. She adverted her gaze. “Kain this is
Rima Touya, Rima this is my good friend Kain.” The pet known as Rima gave bow
of her head in Kain’s direction. She did not meet his eyes nor did she speak,
she was a model example of how a pet should behave.
“You did well Ruka” The ash blonde gave a small nod.
“What about you Kain? I don’t know much about him”
“He’s name’s Zero Kiryuu, as you know he’s not trained and, at the moment,
heavily sedated… he’s also a hunter” Ruka’s eyes widened in shock.
“A hunter?”
“Well used to be hunter, he was caught by slave dealers when he was weak”
“You seem to be quite familiar with his history”
“I met him before”
“Really?”
“I saved him from a group of hunters a few nights ago, unfortunately he was
wounded and left before I could stop the bleeding. The dealers found him after
that.”
“Why would hunters attack their own?”
“He may be a hunter but he’s a vampire too, clearly the other hunters don’t
like this combination”
“Of course they wouldn’t, neither do vampires- Kain don’t you think you’re
being a bit risky? A hunter in your own house?”
“He’s a pet”
“He’s untrained”
“The slave dealers would have taken his weapons Ruka”
“What about charms?”
“He won’t hurt me”
“You honestly believe that?”
“He owes me his life.” Ruka frowned, still dissatisfied.
“I’ll be his master soon anyway, the collar will prevent him from attacking me”
“A blood bond would work better” Now it was Kain’s turn to frown. Blood bonds
were sacred among upper-class vampires. A bond was usually only formed after
marriage or between master and pet if the master thought the pet was important
to them and wanted to know where their pet was at all times- that was with
nobles that is. A pureblood’s blood bond was something quite different; their
bond could only be formed after marriage and they only made one. If they’re
blood mate died then they would not bond with another and, like all blood bond
recipients, if their mate died they would be consumed with grief.
“Are you suggesting I tie myself to him?”
“He wouldn’t be able to harm you then”
“A collar would suffice”
“Kain” Ruka warned.
“I’ll do it if I think it deems necessary” Ruka continued to frown. Kain
ignored her. For a moment there was silence. Ruka finally sighed in defeat.
“Fine, it’s your own throat- just don’t say I didn’t warn you”
“Now, Ruka I would never say that.” Kain mocked playfully. Ruka huffed and
rolled her eyes.
 
===============================================================================
 
When Ruka had said that she was picking him up, Kain knew they were going
shopping for a collar, what he didn’t know was that a shopping Ruka was like
hell on heels. She dragged Kain into almost every store picking out clothes not
only for herself and Kain but for their pets as well. It was practical, but
Kain thought 10 hours of shopping was going a bit far.
The last store they arrived at was the jewelers. They took their time there,
admiring their works and puzzling as to what would suit the pets. The whole
shopping district they were in was completely vampire owned and run and as such
the stores were open at all hours into the night.
In the end Ruka picked out a delicate collar which seemed to border the lines
of collar and necklace. Although it was silver and thin, the vampire charms
cast upon the collar made it unbreakable. A collar could not be removed once it
was fastened, unless the master spoke the release charm and Rima’s collar was
no different. The silver was twisted and, like all collars, sat firmly around
their neck looking much like a choker necklace. An electric blue sapphire, hung
from the front of the necklace, its back had a coat of metal with Ruka’s name
and information engraved upon it. Kain had to admit Ruka had picked well.
Kain had to have Zero’s collar specially made due to the extra hunter charms
that needed to be placed upon it. Kain designed the collar himself, styling it
in a way that would suit both Zero’s snarky personality and Kain’s reputation
as a ‘Nightlife King’. Satisfied with the design, Kain informed the jeweler
that Alfred would be picking the collar up tomorrow before returning home in
Ruka’s limo. Alfred met him at the door.
“Master Kain we have a problem”
“What is it Alfred?”
“It’s Mr Kiryuu sir, he’s sick” Kain felt a sudden chill run up his spin.
“What?”
“It’s the sedative-apparently it was much stronger than what we were led to
believe.”They headed for the stairs immediately.
“How bad is it?”
“I called the doctor, he’s with him now” When Kain reached the bedroom door,
Alfred stopped him.
“Kain, the sedative was a poison” Kain felt his heart drop.
“How bad?” Kain repeated. Alfred’s face was grave. “Alfred” Kain warned.
“The doctor doesn’t know if he’s going to make it”
Kain’s heart stopped.
***** Awaiting, Awakening and Assault *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
Akatsuki felt as if the air had been knocked from his lungs.
No.
Akatsuki absorbed the blow. Alfred watched his master’s reaction to the news
with surprise. He knew Kain fancied the boy-why else would one buy a pet? But
this went deeper somehow, but why? The boy had barely been here forty-eight
hours and hadn’t woken since. So what had the boy done to spark such a response
in Master Kain? What had he done to break the cold, brooding exterior that had
always been associated with Kain, what had he done to ignite such unknown
affection?
“Master Kain?” The noble vampire swallowed and regained his composure. Ignoring
the butler, Akatsuki strode past Alfred and pushed open the bedroom doors. His
eyes fell immediately to the bed.
Zero lay much like he was before, only now he was much paler and a sheen of
ice-cold sweat layered his clammy skin. The doctor stood at the hunter’s side,
injecting a long thing needle into the boy’s arm.
“Master Kain” The doctor greeted the noble with a firm nod.
“How is he?”
“Hard to say. I’m giving him an antidote to the sedative he was given” the
doctor informed, removing the needle from Zero’s arm. Akatsuki didn’t miss the
graveness in his tone.
“But?-”
“The antidote to the sedative is also a poison”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
“To destroy the harmful substance that is in the boy’s body, we have to combat
it with an equally harmful substance so that they both will destroy each other”
“So Zero will be fine?” Alfred frowned at the sudden fond use of the pet’s
name, up until now it had always been ‘the boy’ or ‘pet’. He also frowned at
the sudden softness in the noble’s tone. The doctor continued without notice.
“There is a chance that one poison will win and will continue to cause damage”
“And if that happens?” the doctor shook his head morbidly.
“The sedative has already weakened the boy’s defenses, if the infection
continues he will not make it.” Akatsuki gaze flicked to Zero’s helpless
figure. The doctor began to pack away his equipment.
“How long until we will know?”
“Twenty-four hours. I’ve done all that I can here, try to keep him comfortable
and maintain his body temperature. I’ll be back tomorrow.” The doctor
approached Akatsuki and gave a final nod.
“Thank you” The noble dismissed the doctor, leaving Alfred to show him the
door. Akatsuki approached Zero cautiously and silently sat down on the edge of
the bed. Akatsuki looked down at the one person who could’ve saved him from his
loneliness and the pain that came with it.
With tentive fingers, Akatsuki brushed back a silver lock of hair, sorrow
etched upon his proud features. It was true that he sorrowed more for the
thought of being alone than the boy’s life that hung by a single thread. He was
only close to the pet because of what the boy’s presence promised;
companionship, hope and the ability to chase away the hollow aches that hounded
the noble night and day.
A waste. Akatsuki felt his eyes glaze over. A complete and utter waste of his
time and his money.The noble gave the pet a last look filled with longing at
what he had lost- or was about to lose- and abruptly turned away from Zero’s
dying figure. Alfred met him at the bedroom door.
“Master Kain-?”
“See that the boy is cared to, I have to arrange a meeting with Peter to
discuss Nightshade’s rapid growth” The noble commanded, now in complete
business mode, as he opened the adjacent hallway doors to his bedroom. “Notify
me of any changes.” Alfred found himself blinking in shock as he witnessed the
complete and utter change in his master’s behavior. Gone was the strange,
gentle and compassionate resolve and now back in its rightful place was the
cold, detached state that Akatsuki was most famous for.
“Oh and Alfred?” Alfred watched his master turn back for a moment.
“Yes sir”
“Fetch me a Blood wine please”
===============================================================================
 
 
Akatsuki glared at the completed paperwork before him. He’d truly achieved more
ground than he’d originally planned to within the fifteen hours or so that he
had worked. He had not slept all day for he knew slumber would not come. The
reason Akatsuki looked upon the paperwork with such hatred was the fact that he
was now faced with nothing to do. He had nothing to occupy his time or more so
his thoughts.
The hollow rift inside of him shuddered, announcing its presence. Akatsuki
practically dived for the phone, determine not to let the pain at Zero’s
awaited end- at the end of whatever chance he had of being happy- consume him.
Akatsuki dialed the first number that came to mind.
“Kain?” Takuma’s sleep-filled voice answered.
“Morning”
“Do you realize what time it is? It’s not even sundown.”Kain heard Senri’s
tired groan in the background as the model awakened with his lover.
“Apologies Takuma, I hadn’t noticed.” Takuma let out a tired sigh.
“You pulled another all-nighter didn’t you?”
“Just working out the kinks”
“Kain, this is your business we’re talking about here- there are no kinks.”
Kain chuckled darkly. Yes, of course there was no problems, Akatsuki worked day
and night to make sure of this in the attempt to make his works run smoothly.
-And to avoid the thoughts that came when he had no more work to do. Kain mused
silently.
“So did you call for a reason?”
“Do I need one?”
“At six in the afternoon you do” Akatsuki chuckled again. Takuma finally woke
up enough to hear the edge to his friend’s tone. The forced laughter was a dead
giveaway something was up.
“Is everything alright Akatsuki?” The blonde asked, taking on a softer tone.
“Of course- should there be something wrong?”
“I don’t know, you called me”
“Of course, I’m sorry. It’s early and you need your sleep. Rest well Ichijou.”
Akatsuki hung up quickly before the blonde could suspect anything.
Well that was a royal disaster. Kain refilled his glass with yet another glass
of blood wine. After asking for continued refills long after Alfred had been to
sleep, the butler had ended up giving him the bottle.
And now it was empty.
Along with three other bottles Akatsuki had discovered in the cellar.
Kain lit a fresh cigarette, took a heady drag and then a generous sip of his
drink before relaxing back into the leather chair. He held the cool glass to
his temple, trying to soothe a migraine that was steadily worsening. Akatsuki
waited a few more hours…
There was a soft knock at the door.
“Come in” Akatsuki groaned. Alfred entered carrying a silver tray containing a
pot of coffee and his master’s breakfast. He set it down upon the desk.
“Good morning Master Kain, I see you were thirsty last night” Alfred looked
eyed the empty glass bottles distastefully.
“Alfred how many times do I have to tell you it’s Akatsukiii” Kain held the
last note to emphasize his point, but instead sounding like he was drunk- in a
way he was.
“I see” Alfred nodded. Suddenly lifting off the top of the coffee pot and
adding three more tablespoons of the dark substance into the already blackened
mix.
“Could you get me some aspirin- my head hurts”
“Of course sir” Alfred left shaking his head in a disapproving manner. Akatsuki
scowled at the movement.
“Whatever” He grumbled, finally putting down his glass and putting out the last
of his cigarette. Kain poured himself a large cup of strong, black coffee.
Alfred returned, placing two white pills on the tray. He then moved to the
other side of the desk to collect the empty bottles.
“If I may be so bold, I think you’re on the way of becoming an alcoholic…-sir”
“That is too bold” Akatsuki growled, quickly swallowing the pills and a much
needed sip of coffee.
“Apologies.” Alfred turned to leave. He paused. “I almost forgot, I collected
this from the jewelers” The butler retrieved a large jewelry box from his coat
pocket. He opened the black velvet case and set it upon the desk.
Akatsuki turned to look upon it with sad eyes, he knew what it was; Zero’s
collar. The item was exactly what Akatsuki had ordered; sleek, black leather,
with small diamonds cut in half spheres added on to act as rounded studs.
Hanging down from the front a small, diamond-shaped amethyst in a very dark
shade sat. The stone matched Zero’s violet eyes perfectly with the back covered
in metal, engraved with Zero’s name and Kain’s details. Upon the actual collar
itself was a number of charms, that would guarantee Akatsuki and Zero’s safety
as well as keep track of the boy’s whereabouts.
“You might as well give it away now” Akatsuki sighed, his eyes suddenly too
moist.
“You speak as if the boy is already dead” Alfred commented.
“Isn’t he?”
“No sir, his condition remains much the same.”
“That means he’s not getting better-”
“He’s not getting any worse either”
“He’ll probably be dead within the next four hours” Akatsuki mused irritably.
“There’s still nine hours left”
“Does that make any difference?” Alfred let out a tired sigh.
“Not to you sir, you have already assumed his death as the inevitable outcome.”
“I’m only being realistic”
“Perhaps it’s more the case of getting one’s hopes up for nothing?” Akatsuki
ran a hand through his hair impatiently.
“Your point Alfred?” The butler shook his head.
“No point sir.” The elderly butler placed the collar directly infront of the
noble. “Perhaps you are looking at the situation the wrong way?”
“Alfred, it’s early and I’m hungover- just get to the point please”
“Again apologies, I merely mean to say that if you see the boy’s death as the
only outcome then who is to say any different.”
“You’re not making any sense Alfred” Akatsuki let out a sound caught between a
groan of exhaustion and a growl of frustration.
“Of course, perhaps I should leave?”
“That would be the wisest option.”
Kain watched the butler go, guilt gnawing at his insides. Alfred was only
trying to help in his own riddle-like way. Now if Akatsuki could only figure
out what the hell the old man was on about he might be able to gain some
insight into the situation.
Maybe if he focused hard enough on deciphering Alfred’s message, he might be
able to forget Zero and the only chance Kain had at happiness.
Zero…Akatsuki ran another hand through his hair. What had the old man meant?
How was he looking at the situation the wrong way? How could there be any way
of looking at the situation differently? Zero was going to die from sickness
and there was nothing Akatsuki could do to stop it. Akatsuki would be forced to
watch as his one dream, his one hope of not being alone was destroyed. Sure he
could go out and get another pet but what was to say that that pet wouldn’t get
sick too? What was to there to say that Akatsuki wouldn’t feel and connect the
same way about them as he did about Zero?
No he couldn’t just go and pick out another pet. Any other noble would, what
were pets anyway if not a slave? They were easily brought and easily replaced.
But not for Akatsuki, he had let himself hope, indulge in the fantasy that he
could find companionship, could find happiness in one such as Zero. If Zero
died then his hope would die with it. He would not put his heart out on the
line again. It was just a waste, a waste of his time and his money to indulge
in such fantasies.
Kain drained his coffee cup and refilled it promptly, unable to even look at
the food before him let alone touch it. He felt sick -and it wasn’t from his
hangover.
Alfred’s words haunted him, turning over and over in Akatsuki’s mind. The only
other way to look at Zero’s situation was to believe that the hunter would live
the only question was how.
What was the point of even believing in such nonsense? Zero was going to die
and that was that. Akatsuki was going to go on and live life just as he’d
always had; alone. The hollow ache in Kain’s chest shuddered, the pain was
enough to take his breath away. Yes he had survived this long- thanks to the
assistance of work and alcohol. The question was how much longer could he
survive with this crippling desperation? How long until he looked for
friendship, for comfort in the wrong places? At least if he had a friendship
with a pet, his pet he would be able to control the situation, to make sure
that he still reined in control.
Akatsuki rose from his desk, forgetting his coffee and all other thoughts that
had plagued his mind. He snatched Zero’s collar out from jewelry box and
stormed out of his room, ripping open his bedroom doors and those of the
neighboring bedroom. Thankful to find Zero’s room empty, aside from the hunter
himself, Kain strode forward until he was standing beside the boy’s face.
Akatsuki watched the pale face covered in a layer of sweat, watched the boy’s
face constrict in obvious pain; pain that he could heal. Making up his mind,
Kain dropped down to sit on the edge of the bed. He ripped open his shirt and
pushed back the collar on his right side. Then, with more care, Akatsuki leaned
down to gently gather the boy in his arms to bent his head down low enough to
place a single, soft kiss on the side of Zero’s neck.
“I’m sorry” Kain whispered.
For a moment longer Akatsuki paused, feeling the weight of what he was about to
do. Then, before he could change his mind, Akatsuki sliced the right side of
his neck with his index finger and pressed Zero’s lips to the wound before it
could heal. Kain closed his eyes and waited for the hunter’s reaction.
Akatsuki found himself becoming hyper aware of Zero’s cool, trembling breath
against his overheated skin, the smooth silk material of the mattress beneath
him and the sound of the bedside clock as the seconds ticked by. Goosebumps
began to rise on Kain’s skin until suddenly, he felt himself shiver.
Kain had never been bitten by anyone before; he’d never given anyone that
privilege. The act of allowing one vampire to take from another was classified
as a somewhat sexual act and although Akatsuki, The Nightlife King, was by no
means a virgin and he had certainly given his fair share of bites, he had never
allowed anyone to take from him and now, in this moment, he felt a wave of
nerves flooding his system.
Akatsuki cursed inwardly at his childishness. He was a grown vampire, not some
callow boy. The seconds continued to tick by as Akatsuki waited for the scent
of his blood to shock Zero out of his unconscious state.
The boy’s soft gasp was all that alerted Akatsuki to the boy’s consciousness
before a pair of needle-sharp fangs bit down into the soft flesh of Kain’s
neck. Akatsuki gasped as the sudden pain, only to moan moments later as the
bite and the actual taking of Kain’s blood turned more to pleasure.
Akatsuki found himself tightening his hold on the hunter’s figure, his hand
tangled in the boy’s silver hair. He held Zero to him, stroking the boy’s hair
to encourage him to continue. Kain could feel the fangs in his neck and how the
boy locked his lips around the wound, lapping up the blood droplets with his
tongue. The combination was incredible against the noble’s skin and he found
himself stifling another moan.
Zero drank deeply, gulping down the precious blood that would save him.
Akatsuki Kain was not a pureblood, however he was still a high-ranking noble-
possibly as high as Kaname’s cousin Shiki- and with that status came power.
Kain’s blood brimmed with it. Already the boy could feel his health returning.
He continued to lap up the blood offered to him until he was no longer drinking
to save his life or to restore his health, but simply to taste the sweet
nectar.
As Zero came more into consciousness and out of his haze of uncontrollable
bloodlust, he began to notice other things about his victim. The smell of
cigarette smoke was over-powering, yet not unbearable. His old master, Toga,
smelled much the same. It was a comforting smell to Zero, it reminded him of
happier times. Zero could also recognize the potent smell of alcohol and
beneath that the smell of expensive aftershave.
Who the hell is this guy? Zero wondered. Then, as if a trigger had been pulled,
a swarm of memories hit him; the gang, his wound, the vampire, the slave
dealers, the auction…his purchase.
Zero ripped his fangs from Akatsuki’s neck, tearing flesh and producing a groan
of pain from the noble.
“You!” Zero leapt from the bed, almost tripping as he did. His head was
spinning and he was beginning to feel nauseous. Akatsuki retrieved a
handkerchief from his pocket and wiped away the excess blood, the wound already
healed.
“A thankyou would suffice” Kain murmured softly. Zero backed up slightly,
placing a bit more space between them. For a moment they stood like that. Zero
relaxed slightly, acting more indifferently than scared at the moment.
“Thankyou” Zero muttered quietly. Kain smirked at the boy’s obedience.
“My pleasure” The hunter cleared his throat awkwardly.
“So where are we?”
“In my manor- well my city manor at least.”
“You’re manor?”
“I’m a noble vampire Zero”
“Oh…” Zero shuffled awkwardly.
“Can’t you sense ranking?” Kain frowned.
“Should I?” Zero miffed.
“Maybe.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.” There was another pause. Zero scratched the back of his head.
“Look I better get going, the association is probably wondering where the hell
I got to” Kain raised an eyebrow. Did the boy not know that Akatsuki had
brought him?
“You’re leaving?”
“Yeah, I mean thanks for like saving me and all at the auction house and
everything- but I really do have to go.” Akatsuki rose from the bed. Zero
visibly tensed.
“Zero, I don’t think you understand the situation.”
“What do you mean?”
“I brought you”
“Yeah I know, I appreciate you doing that for me…- if this is about money I can
pay you back-”
“Zero” The hunter froze at the noble’s softened tone. His eyes suddenly feel to
the object that lay clenched in Kain’s hand.
A collar.
Zero’s defenses went up, adrenaline pounded in his veins. Akatsuki’s eyes
narrowed.
Ah so he didn’t know.
“I brought you” Kain repeated, his eyes locked upon the hunter. For a moment
Zero stood frozen in shock. “You’re mine.” Akatsuki added, watching the reality
of the situation sink in.
“Like hell I am” Zero croaked, his throat was suddenly dry. His lungs
constricted in a tight and painful coil. Taking to only option left available
to him, Zero turned and suddenly bolted for the door.
He should have known he would never make it, even with what little vampiric
abilities he had. He’d barely taken a full step before Zero found himself
pinned up against the wall, Akatsuki at his back, his hands twisting the
hunter’s arm.
“You’re forgetting something” Zero flinched as the sound of the lock clicked
around his neck, the leather collar was like ice against his skin.
“You bastard” Zero hissed. Akatsuki gripped Zero’s arm tighter.
“Keep talking like that and I might have to punish you.” Kain hissed back, his
lips at Zero’s ear. Zero flinched again, trying to escape his voice. “I’m not
cruel Zero, I won’t punish without cause.” Zero snorted.
“Now why don’t I believe you?” For a moment longer the noble held him pinned,
then suddenly Kain stepped back. Zero immediately swung around, his fist at the
ready. Akatsuki’s hand caught it in mid-swing. Zero glared at the amber eyes
that watched him, honing in on him like he was prey. Zero felt his hairs on the
back of his neck rise.
“You will learn that I can be kind, generous- that this arrangement can work to
both our advantages.”
“I don’t want to be apart of any arrangement,especially one involving you.” A
dark grin turned up a single corner of Akatsuki’s lip, allowing the hunter a
glimpse at the set of perfect, white teeth. A single word flitted through
Zero’s mind.
Shark.
“My dear Zero, you don’t have a choice.” Zero watched Kain’s smile twitch and
not for the first time in his life, he wished looks could kill because by the
way he was looking at Akatsuki, the noble would’ve died and burned in hell a
thousand times over by now.
“Now I understand that you’re still weary from the medication, so I’m going to
let this little incident slip by without any punishment.” Zero suddenly felt
the vampire grip tighten around his fist. The hunter heard his knuckles crack
under the pressure. “However-” Kain’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “If you ever
address me in that manner again or try and attack me… there will be
consequences. Understand?” Akatsuki held the boy a moment longer before
releasing Zero’s fist. “Now I suggest you rest. If you need anything, Alfred
will be there to assist you.” Kain gave the boy a final glance before heading
for the door. “I’m going out, I’ll be back for a late dinner- I expect you
present” Akatsuki called over his shoulder, the commanding tone clearly
present. With that, he shut the bedroom door and left.
Zero glared at the door.
Who the hell did this bastard think he was? – ordering Zero around like some
slave…
No, not a slave.
A pet.
Zero clenched his fists. If this vamp seriously thought Zero was just going to
roll over and play ‘obedient slave’ then he had another thing coming. Zero a
pet?
Like hell he was.
***** Let the Battle Begin *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
Zero stared out of one of the four towering windows that made up his bedroom,
glaring down at his would-be master. Zero watched as the noble climbed into the
back of a limo to drive away with clenched fists. He had to get out of here.
The hunter knew the task was easier said than done. He couldn’t just run away,
not like this. He, like everyone else who wasn’t human or apart of the hunter’s
association, knew the seriousness of a pet’s ownership. If Zero was caught
wearing a collar, he would be taken right back to his master. If he hid, the
vampire would find him with a simple click of a button as most collars carried
trackers in them. The only way Zero could escape was to unlock the collar via a
charm or the actual code or to break it open by force.
Zero quickly dismissed the idea of unlocking the collar with the code because
in all likelihood, the collar would be voice activated therefore even if Zero
somehow managed to find the code it wouldn’t unlock the collar unless the
noble- whoever the hell he was- spoke it.
Zero realized that this only left two options; break the collar by force or via
a charm.
Choosing the latter, Zero pressed the tips of his fingertips to the leather
collar. Whispering words of an ancient language, Zero chose the strongest
hunter charm used specifically for unlocking and opening all items. The hunter
couldn’t remember how many times he’s used the charm previously, knowing it was
better than any skeleton key he’d ever heard of.
The hunter had barely spoken the last word of the charm when white-hot pain
flooded his body. Zero collapsed to the floor, his body locked up, paralysed in
agony as his mouth gaped in a silent scream. He felt as if he was being
shocked, electrocuted by the collar. The torture lasted a full five seconds
before it relented. Zero remained still, his thoughts of it being a shock from
the collar had been correct. His skin burned with the after-shock and his body
convulsed in painful shudders. When they finally ceased and his burn skin
healed with the aid of his vampiric healing ability. Zero rose from the floor
into a sitting position, his mind processing enough thought to know that he
wasn’t strong enough to stand.
How could the charm fail? The spell had never let him down before- why now?
When he needed it the most.
Zero thought about his next move carefully. Charms were clearly out-of-the-
question so that probably meant that any attempt to break to collar would also
be futile. Zero paused.
He needed help.
He could try calling someone to help him-but who would he call? The
association?- they’d probably laugh and celebrate the knowledge that the pesky
half-breed was out of their hair. Master Toga?- Zero hadn’t heard from him in
over a decade and didn’t even know how to reach the hunter anyhow. Who else?-
no one, that’s who.
Zero had always ‘gone it alone’, nobody else wanted to join him anyway. Ever
since that night all those years ago, no one wanted to know Zero; Toga had
left, his friends had abandoned him, the association hated him, vampires hunted
him and everybody else just ignored him.
Zero suddenly felt weak. Cold, clammy sweat began to cover his trembling body.
Zero had always been knocked down, had always found himself in no-hope
situations yet, somehow, he’d been able to pull though alive and virtually
unscathed. Even with the death of his parents in that one night of hell all
those years ago, Zero had come out alive. But this, this was different. He was
trapped and for the first time in his life, Zero couldn’t find a way out. He
couldn’t break the collar and he couldn’t unlock it. Come to think of it, Zero
had never heard of a pet escaping their master and their title.
Oh God- did that mean…
Zero couldn’t escape, he was going to be a pet forever. He was going to be some
vampire’s plaything until the noble tired of him and even then he wouldn’t be
free. Zero pulled his knees to his chest and clutched them tightly, restraining
the sudden urge to rock back and forth in the attempt to calm himself. The
whole situation was too much like that night all those years ago. Zero had
found himself at the mercy of a vampire, one who held all the cards. Despite
his pleads, his cries of pain, the vampire had slaughtered his family, had
kidnapped his brother. In one night Zero had lost everything and ever since
that day Zero had trained to become stronger, to become wiser so that he would
never, ever find himself in a situation where he would be at the mercy of
another vampire.
Zero felt a hot tear roll down his cheek.
All these years…all his training had been for nothing.
“Can I help you with anything sir?” Zero spun around and shot to his feet. An
elderly man dressed in a black suit and a pair of white gloves stood in the
doorway.
“W-who are you?” Zero wiped away the single tear that stained his cheeks.
“I am Master Kain’s butler- I have been for many years. You may call me Alfred”
“Master who?” The butler paused, shock flitting across his features.
“Master Akatsuki Kain?- the owner of this house…you’re master” Zero flinched at
the word. Alfred’s eyes softened.
“Perhaps we are in need of a late breakfast? You’ve been asleep for quite some
time now, I think it will do you some good to get outside and to have a decent
meal.”
“Well I-”
“The wardrobe is already stocked, I took the liberty while you were sleeping to
get our sizes.” Alfred cut across. “Meet me downstairs when you’re ready and
I’ll show you out to the garden.”
“I…okay” Zero agreed hoarsely, his throat was still tight. The butler gave a
single nod before leaving the room. For a moment Zero stood still, confused as
to what he should do. Realizing he didn’t have anything else to do and that he
was indeed hungry, Zero walked over to the large wardrobe and pulled open the
doors.
Alfred hadn’t been joking, the wardrobe was more than stocked- it was packed
full. From what he could see, The butler had chosen a range of semi-formal
clothes, including a number of dress pants, shirts, shoes and ties. There was
even a tuxedo and a number of business suits, all of which, were tagged with
designer labels. The only clothes that came close to casual was the assorted
pairs of jeans and singlets. Zero decided on a pair of Armani jeans, a white
singlet, sneakers and a black dress shirt. He pushed the long sleeves up to his
elbows and left the front of the shirt unbuttoned.
Zero left his bedroom and found himself in a long hall way. He followed the
hallway along until he came to a grand staircase. Alfred was waiting for him at
the bottom, a silver tray in his hands.
“Sir your breakfast is ready, shall I show you to the garden now? It might be
good to get some fresh air” Zero nodded shyly.
“Okay” The butler lead the way out through a back door. The back of the manor
was decorated in a lavish Japanese garden with a large Koi pond taking the
central focus of the garden. Alfred lead him over a miniature stone bridge to a
private grotto where a table and two chairs sat, overlooking the pond.
Alfred set the tray down.
“Sit, please” Zero sat down obediently and Alfred took the remaining chair
after lifting the over off the plate to reveal a large breakfast of eggs,
bacon, toast and sausages. Zero inspected it curiously.
“It’s not poisoned” Alfred mocked warmly. Zero felt a faint blush of
embarrassment cross his cheeks.
“Sorry, I don’t usually get to eat proper meals when I’m out on missions.”
“Missions?”
“I’m a hunter” Alfred raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“That must make things difficult” the butler murmured quietly. Zero nodded.
There was a pause. Zero cleared his throat awkwardly.
“What about you? You’re not a vampire” Alfred chuckled.
“Indeed I’m not.” It was true, the man was no vampire and he wore no sign of
ownership.
“So why are you here?- did they buy you too?” the butler nodded.
“I was brought as pet, many years ago for Akatsuki’s father; Master Jun Kain. I
was a few years younger than you when I was pulled off the streets and sold off
in the slave house.”
“But what about your collar?”
“It fell off.”
“Fell off?” Zero echoed, his eyebrows raised.
“Yes- when a master dies, the pet collar unlocks automatically.” Zero’s eyes
widened in shock. “You didn’t know?” the hunter shook his head. “A pet’s collar
is bound to their master so when their master dies that bond is broken and so
the collar will unlock.”
“So a pet can be free?” Zero asked sitting up in interest.
“Not quite, all pets are registered. It’s only when the master cancels that
registration that the pet is no longer a classed as a pet.”
“And if the registration isn’t cancelled?”
“Then the pet’s ownership goes directly to the inheritant of the master’s
property”
“So you went to Akatsuki?”
“Yes.”
“But he didn’t make you wear another collar?” Alfred chuckled.
“No, he didn’t want me as a pet or a slave. He cancelled my registration and
set me free.”
“So why are you still here?” Alfred sighed.
“Because I couldn’t leave. I have so many memories with this family and the
Kain’s have always been good to me.” Zero almost chocked on his bacon.
“What?”
“I grew up with Akatsuki and I had been Jun’s pet for over thirty years when he
died. I couldn’t leave. This was my home”
“So you stayed?”
“Yes, Akatsuki tried to make me a permanent guest in his house but I refused. I
had been a pet for so long, I didn’t know how to go back to my old life. I
eventually persuaded Akatsuki to hire me as his butler.” Zero frowned in
confusion. Why would anyone choose servitude over freedom? Alfred smiled
warmly. “I know it doesn’t any sense to you, but it is what it is. I’m happy
here and I wouldn’t see myself anywhere else.” Zero shook his head still
confused, but the butler didn’t make any further comment. When Zero was
finished with his breakfast Alfred recovered the plate and picked up the tray.
“You are free to explore the manor and to come and go as you please, however,
please let me know when you are leaving, where you are going and what time you
can be expected back so that I may inform Master Kain. If you are required by
Akatsuki, the communication device in your collar will activate.”
“Riigght..”
Communication device? Zero never knew collars were so hi-tech.
“Dinner will be served at nine in the dinning room. If you can’t find it, just
wait in your room and I’ll get you. If you need anything before then please
feel free to ask Mabel, the house cook, or either myself to fetch you
something. Oh and if you need anything at all, please feel free to contact me.
My room is the last door to the right of the staircase.”
“Thankyou Alfred” Zero meant his words. Without realizing it, the butler had
giving him a piece of priceless information.
“No problem sir.” The butler left and Zero turned to gazing out at the Koi
pond, watching the large coloured fish glide peacefully through the water, his
thoughts turning.
How could I have given up so easily? Zero wondered, disgusted with himself. He
had allowed his fear of the past, of the situation to cloud his mind. There was
always a way out for him and in this case all he had to do was exactly what
he’d trained his whole life to do;
Once Kain was dead and his collar removed, Zero would be able to flee and go
into hiding before anyone could notice him on the register. He would probably
have to move to the other side of the country where no one would recognize him.
He couldn’t stay with the association, Zero knew. He sighed. It was a loss on
his part, he pretty much lived for the association and their work, but he could
still kill vampires nevertheless.
Zero felt adrenaline trickle into his veins, he could almost taste his freedom.
Zero pushed away his original helplessness, pushed aside his fear of the past.
He had to kill Akatsuki Kain, the only question was how? He didn’t have his
anti-vampire weapon and what charms he knew weren’t strong enough to defeat a
high-ranking noble especially when he wore a collar that would probably zap him
the moment he actually used a charm.
Zero sighed in frustration. He had the perfect opportunity but no way to see it
through. Knowing that he couldn’t rush the matter, Zero realised that although
he had a chance to be free- or free enough to make a decent escape- he was
still trapped as a Kain’s pet for the time being but that didn’t mean he had to
roll over and play dead. Zero clenched his fists in determination and anger. He
wasn’t going to make it any easier for his captor. He was not going to bow down
to his master’s wishes and let the vampire do whatever the hell he wanted- he
still had his pride after all.
Zero felt his anger rise up, he used it to fuel his thoughts.
There was no way he was going to play the victim.
===============================================================================
 
 
“…I’m terribly sorry Master Kain I had no idea that such measures were being
used on the boy-”
“I don’t want excuses, I just want to make sure it never happens again
otherwise you’ll be receiving more than one phone call.”
“Of course Master Kain, I apologise for-” Akatsuki hung up. With a sigh he
rubbed his temples, why did people have to grovel so much?
“Was that the Slave house owner?” Kain looked up into a pair of brilliant green
eyes, illuminated by the flickering lights of Kain’s club Blackout.
“Takuma” Akatsuki greeted, standing up to shake the blonde’s hand. “And you’ve
brought Senri and Ruka with you.” Kain greeted the other nobles with a
courteous nod. They all took a seat in the private booth.
“Nothing too serious I hope?” Takuma continued, clearly he was still concerned
about Kain’s random phone call to him at six in the afternoon.
“The slave house gave a lethal dose of sedative to Zero”
“Kain that’s terrible” Ruka exclaimed, though her voice still carried her
normal bored tones. “Is he better now?”
“I ended up having to revive him with my blood.” The three nobles shared
surprised glances. Takuma cleared his throat.
“Well it’s good to hear that Zero is well, what about you Kain?” Akatsuki
didn’t miss the definite concern in his gaze.
“Fine, probably getting less sleep than usual but otherwise fine.” Kain waited
for some snide comment about his lack of sleep being caused by Zero’s ownership
from his cousin only to realise the troublemaker was not present.
“Where’s Aidou?”
“He seems to have taken a page out of your book and kept to himself” Senri
drawled.
“Really?”
“Yes, ever since he got that pet- I can’t say that I’m complaining though” the
model’s eyes lit up suggestively at his partner.
“Senri and I have planned our second honeymoon” Takuma announced proudly. Ruka
rolled her eyes, all this lovey-dovey stuff was driving her up the wall.
“Where are you going this time?” She asked, clearly bored. The lovers ignored
her tone.
“Tahiti, apparently it’s quite beautiful this time of year” Takuma beamed.
“Well the best of luck to you, hopefully you’re trip won’t be cut short- how
long are you leaving for?”
“Just a few weeks, I have to get back to work soon” Shiki grumbled.
“Okay, I think I’ve had enough honeymoon talk for one night- who wants to
dance?” Ruka asked draining her glass and rising to her feet. Shiki looked at
Takuma in a silent question. Takuma responded in a nod.
“I’ll join you Ruka” Senri kissed his lover on the cheek before rising and
escorting the ash blonde to the dance floor.
“So” Takuma began. “What’s really going on” Akatsuki sighed.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about”
“Akatsuki” Takuma warned. “Since when have you accepted a bite- especially from
someone you’ve barely known for three days?” Kain paused and looked out to the
dancefloor, his eyes transfixed by the movement of the dancers.
“I didn’t want to lose him.” Now it was Takuma’s turn to pause.
“You want to elaborate on that?” Akatsuki sighed loudly.
“Not really.” Takuma waited. “I can’t describe it. When I knew Zero was going
to die I just… I couldn’t let him go. I thought I was going to lose something
very dear to me if I did.” Kain admitted. Choosing his words carefully so that
the conversation stayed away from the fact that he was lonely. Nobody knew
about his feelings, although Kain was pretty sure Takuma had guessed them by
now as well as Alfred and Peter, but they never brought it up and Akatsuki
wanted it to stay that way.
“So this ‘Zero’ is important to you?”
“You could say that.” Takuma smiled warmly.
“It’s not unusual,” Kain glanced at the blonde. “Feeling for a pet I mean”
Takuma clarified.
“I know, I just didn’t think it would happen so soon.”
“It is strange, but not unheard of” the noble reassured. “I mean look at Ruka”
Kain’ gaze immediately shifted to the ash-blonde moving on the dance floor,
catching eyes from all across the room.
“Excuse me?”
“Ruka and her pet Rima.” Akatsuki gave Takuma a blank look. “They have feelings
for each other?”
“They what?” Takuma grinned.
“Well Ruka brought Rima for more of a friend than a pet yes? Well now it seems
Ruka’s got deeper feelings for her pet than she lets on”
“And she told you this?”
“Of course not, it’s blatantly obvious when they’re together, the way she looks
at Rima, adjusts the girl’s hair, the touches that last a little longer than
necessary-”
“Takuma, anyone would think you’re a stalker.” Kain mocked.
“I only say what I see, and Ruka acts exactly the same way as I acted with
Senri when we were at Cross Academy” Kain gave a small smile. Shiki and Takuma
had been friends for years and Takuma had been crushing on the young model for
just as long, it took forever for them to finally realise that they both had
the same feelings for each other.
“So what? Ruka’s got googoo eyes for her pet”
“Apparently so.” Akatsuki frowned. The situation was nothing out of the
ordinary, masters fell for their pets all the time and vice-versa, they still
carried on with their duties as a noble and normally married other nobles too.
The only strange thing about the situation was that it was Ruka; the same Ruka
who had spent the last hundred years or so in love with a certain Pureblood and
the very same Ruka who had been suffering ever since that certain Pureblood
married his sister Yuki.
“Does this mean that she’s over Kaname?”
“I don’t think so, she’s simply got something, or more correctly someone else
to occupy her thoughts.”
“Good for her.”
“What about you Kain? Are you feeling any better having a special guest in your
house?”
“I’m not sure yet, I haven’t spent enough time with him yet to decide.”
“So why are you out here instead of at home?”
“I actually should be heading home right now”
“Oh?” Kain drained the remains of his glass.
“I have a dinner date” Takuma beamed.
“Call me- just not at six in the morning”
“Will do.” Akatsuki passed the dance floor to the exit, giving a small wave to
Ruka and Shiki who were still out on the dance floor. His limo pulled up just
as Kain walked outside.
“Where to Master Kain?”
“Home Dorian”
“Right away sir.” Akatsuki settled into the backseat. After his talk with
Takuma, he felt anxious to get back home to Zero. After their little encounter
this morning the hunter was no doubt fuming over it and Kain would be the focus
of his wrath. If the boy acted out on that rage, however, Akatsuki might just
have to punish him.
The noble grinned.
Now that didn’t seem like a bad idea at all.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero was already glaring before Akatsuki had entered the room. The bastard was
late. Despite Alfred’s comments that it was a miracle for Kain to even think
about coming home at this hour –which was considered ‘early’ in Akasuki’s book
via his job- Zero was still well and truly pissed at the noble for not only
buying his as a pet, but for being late on the first occasion where Zero’s
presence had been demanded.
Zero let out a bored sigh, his stomach growling like a wild animal. Since when
did people have dinner this late?
Stuck up nobles that’s whoZero mused.
When Alfred finally admitted Akatsuki into the dinning room, it was fifteen
minutes past the scheduled time. Without a word of apology to Alfred or Zero,
the noble sat down at the opposite end of the mahogany table. An amused smirk
on his lips at Zero look of irritation.
“How was your day Zero? I hope Alfred showed you around” Akatsuki asked
politely. Zero could’ve groaned in frustration. He detested small talk.
“I am more than capable of seeing myself around” Zero quipped just as Alfred
served their meals. Zero instantly dug in, eager to silence the rumbling beast
knowing all food from Mabel’s kitchen was cooked to perfection.
“I never doubted your capability Zero” Akatsuki replied smirking like a shark
while his voice remained in a soft, polite tone which could be described
seductive like velvet.
Like a lion before it pounces on the lamb Zero thought irritably, stabbing at
his food. Then inwardly curing himself when he realised he had just referred to
himself as a lamb.
Seeing that Zero was not going to comment on his response, Kain continued.
“My day was quite boring, thank you for asking”
“You’re late.”
“You were worried?”
“No, I just didn’t know if I should be pulling out the streamers when I turned
on the news to see that some noble bastard had been run over.” The whole room
was silent. Alfred stood in the corner, not daring to breathe. Akatsuki raised
a single eyebrow in questioning. Zero realised he probably put too much into
his last comment.
Zero finally turned to the noble, still glaring.
“Now, can we stop this small-talking shit?” Alfred decided that now would be
the best time to collect their empty plates and leave the room to fetch the
dessert.
Kain leaned his elbows on the table, lightly clasped his hands together and
propped them under his chin.
“You certainly do have a wicked tongue, surely it could be put to better use?”
Zero felt a flush of embarrassment when Kain’s eyes narrowed in a way that told
Zero just how he was imagining what ‘better use’ was.
“That colour on your skin is quite lovely, Zero” Akatsuki purred.
I wonder what he’ll look like after I’m done with him. Kain thought sinfully as
images of Zero hot and breathless beneath him flittered though his mind.
Zero’s flush deepened to a darker shade of red.
“Pervert.” Zero muttered quietly.
“Idiot.” Akatsuki shot back.
“Bastard.”
“Pet.”
“Scum.”
“Now was that really appropriate?”
“You’re the vampire, you tell me” Zero knew he was being childish, they both
were, but somehow he didn’t feel quite on edge when they argued like this.
“E’ tu?”
“Shut up” the noble restrained his smirk.
“You have an issue with being a vampire?”
“I’m a Hunter, hating vampires kinda comes with the job description.” Alfred
re-entered the room and served up the dessert.
“What about hating yourself?”
Zero suddenly didn’t fell all that hungry anymore. He picked up his spoon
anyhow.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He muttered. Akatsuki let out a small
sigh.
“I know self-pity when I see it”
“What do you want? An applause?”
“You’re avoiding the question”
“What question?”
“Why do you hate vampires?”
“I already told you- I’m a hunter”
“Not all hunters hate vampires Zero”
“Yeah, well all the one’s I’ve met have.” Which was pretty much everyone at the
association, just look at the way they had treated him.
“Zero” Kain warned.
“My parents were murdered by a vampire.” Zero summed up quietly, leaving out
the fact that his twin brother had led the bitch straight too them, stood back
at watched while his family was brutalised before his eyes and then left with
the monster.
“They were hunters too?”
“Yeah... it was a pureblood.” Which meant his parent’s never received any
justice. After all, who in their right mind would go after a pureblood?
“I’m sorry” Akatsuki murmured, his voice much softer and the smirk wiped from
his face.
“Yeah… whatever.” Zero forced a mouthful of dessert past his lips. It tasted
like ash in his mouth.
“Was he the one who turned you?”
“Yeah, shedid and she didn’t turn me- she bit me, so now at any moment I could
sink to level E.” There was a pause.
“The slave house failed to mention that bit of information.”
“I’m sorry to be such an inconvenience to you.” Zero snapped, pushing away his
leftovers and standing to leave.
Screw this.
Akatsuki was at his side in an instant, gripping his arm and holding him back.
“You’re not an ‘inconvenience to me’ as you so lightly put it.” Kain tone was
soft, yet firm. “Secondly you don’t have to worry about becoming a level E- my
blood is pure enough to prevent the transformation if it is given on a regular
basis.”
“That’s such a relief” Zero spoke sarcastically through gritted teeth and
turned to leave again. Kain held him still.
“I’m sorry about your parents, truly I am.” Zero looked into his soft amber
eyes, which held the same pain as Zero’s. The hunter remembered that the noble
had also lost a father.
Well at least they weren’t murdered. Zero sulked.
“Yeah…right- can I go now?” the noble’s eyes hardened instantly, clearly he
didn’t like having his feelings dismissed so easily.
“Not yet, I think it’s time we put an end to that tiresome glare you’ve been
giving me all night.” Zero noticed in the corner of his eye that Alfred had
decided to quickly leave the room. His eyes flicked back to Kain.
“Wha-”
Kain’s mouth on Zero’s cut off Zero’s questioning response. For a split-second,
Zero’s brain was unable to process thought. When he recovered, Zero raised his
arms to shove against the noble’s chest, but older vampire was much stronger
and unable to moved. Before Zero could even try to stop him, Kain had managed
to capture the back of Zero’s head in one hand, his fingers weaving into the
satiny silver hair that graced Zero’s head while his other arm wrapped round
Zero’s waist firmly securing the hunter to him.
Zero struggled harder, but the more he tried to break free, the more impossible
Akatsuki’s embrace became. A mountain would’ve been easier to move than this
man of vampiric status. Zero’s heart pounded harder when the noble came nearer,
Kain’s thighs crowding the hunter’s and his mouth moving teasingly against his
lips, seeking any response. Akatsuki held the hunter tight, so close that Zero
couldn’t even bring his knee up and despite Zero’s continued struggles, the
vampire held him with mortifying ease.
Realising resistance was futile and that the sooner Zero stopped fighting to
sooner it would be over and done with, the hunter froze, staying as stiff as a
board, unresponsive to any and all touches including the nimble fingers that
were now massaging his scalp roughly in passion. Zero kept his eyes wide open
refusing to yield.
It was only when Zero calmed his struggles did he realise that he felt more
irritated than fearful, outrage more than terror for the man wasn’t harming him
in anyway. The arms that held him captive were firm, but not constricting. He
held Zero close, but not violently so. And his lips at Zero’s mouth were
taunting, coxing a response from the hunter rather than forcing him to
surrender.
At this knowledge, Zero relaxed. Although he was still tense he made enough of
a change that Akatsuki raised his head.
“That’s right Zero, just relax.” Zero growled at the noble’s tone.
“You fucking bas-” Zero realized his mistake the moment Akatsuki’s soft tongue
broke past Zero’s now open lips. It delved in, searching for something- God
knows what. Zero growled, unable to show any other sort of distaste. Kain
moaned softly around his growl. The hunter snarled at Kain’s response and bit
down one the soft flesh invading his mouth.
The noble hissed angrily in protest and began to pull away when suddenly, Zero
was now the one pulling the vampire closer. Bloodlust invaded Zero’s senses as
thin, droplets of blood began to leak from the noble’s tongue. Savagely Zero
sucked the tongue deep into his mouth, savouring the nectar that fell from it,
his own tongue brushing against Akatsuki’s in the attempt to gather more.
Zero’s vision was swimming in red so when Kain’s moan filled his ears, he
growled back in response, frustrated at the rapidly healing wound. He continued
to suck angrily on the soft flesh, demanding more of the now closed wound and
even considering biting it again just to get more of the sweet nectar when
reality hit him like a steel wall.
Zero ripped away from Kain, the noble however still held him in his grasp.
Amused and lustful amber eyes met horrified and confused amethyst ones.
“Why Zero if you wanted a drink, all you had to do was ask.”
***** Lay Down The Law *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
                                        
Zero yanked away from the vampire’s grip, this time the noble let him go.
Without a single glance back Zero bolted for the door, Akatsuki’s amused
chuckled echoing in his ears as he ran. Zero didn’t stop running until he was
back up the stairs and locked in his room.
He’d kissed a vampire.
He kissed a motherfucking vampire!
A malevampire!
Zero crumpled helplessly to the ground, cold shivers raking his body. Vampires
never cared for gender, love was love, to vampires it knew no gender, race,
position or culture that’s why Zero hadn’t been surprised when Kain had decided
to purchase him -a male- as a pet.
But with a single kiss, the whole situation had crashed down around him like a
series of bombshells going off, one after the other making things unbearably
clear.
He was a pet.
A vampire’s pet.
Yes he already knew this and somewhere in the back of his mind Zero also knew
that the position meant that he had a duty to his…master. Of course Zero knew
what pets were for, of course he knew that the same things would be expected of
him as a pet- but maybe because of his situation or because of the fact that he
was a hunter and the fact Kain had brought him to save him not to use for
pleasure- but up until this this moment it hadn’t really occurred to him that
he would actually have to do those things- to actually please his so-called
master.
Zero shook his head trying to dispel his traitorous thoughts as his predicament
fully sunk in. He was Akatsuki Kain’s pet, brought and paid for. That meant
that Kain was entitled to claim his property in any way he saw fit and after
tonight Zero had come to realize just how the noble planned to do so.
Zero found himself racing to the bathroom, kneeling before the toilet bowl as
his last meal hurled out of his stomach. The hunter gripped the porcelain bowel
with white knuckles. His sides constricting painfully as Zero continued to gag
even when there was nothing left to bring up. Finally Zero managed to hit the
flush button before collapsing onto the floor, the cool tiles soothing his
overheated skin. Although the retching had stopped, Zero still felt nauseas.
The room spun horribly, a layer of sweat covered his body and the cool tiles
beneath him suddenly felt more chilling than cool, the hunter could practically
feel the heat being drained from his body.
This was just the beginning, Zero knew it. Soon, the noble was going to be
asking things of the hunter, things that Zero would refuse to give. But what
did that matter anyway? Vampires like Kain did whatever they wanted, when they
wanted, to who they wanted whether it was consented or not.
Violent shudders raked Zero’s body.
He couldn’t let this happen, he had to find a way to kill Kain.
And he had to do it fast.
 
===============================================================================
 
Akatsuki Kain slept extremely well. The best he’d had in a long time.
For once, his worry-full thoughts and the pain of his loneliness did not cloud
his mind. He slept as soon as his head hit the pillow and woke up right on time
and for once in a long, long time, the hollow ache in his chest was filled with
something else, a sudden warmth.
And it was not caused by cigarettes or alcohol.
“Good evening Master Akatsuki.” The butler greeted placing a silver tray on
Kain’s desk surprised to find that his master had more color to his cheeks and
the bags under his eyes less pronounced.
“Good evening to you Alfred.” the butler raised an eyebrow at the overly
enthusiastic greeting.
“You seem to be in a good mood sir,” the noble smiled.
“That I am, is it not the perfect night to be so?”
“Sir, we’re in the middle of a thunderstorm.”
“So foul and fair day I have not seen.”
“Macbeth sir?”
“Yes, very good.” The butler found himself momentarily paralyzed by the noble’s
over-ecstatic mood. He’d never seen Kain like this, even when the noble was a
kid. He watched Akatsuki devour the plate of food before him as if he was half-
starved and found a frown crease his forehead. Kain never ate breakfast, well
not enough of it to call it a meal. A nibble here a bite there and many cups of
coffee, that was Kain’s breakfast up until now.
“Sir are you feeling okay?” The noble glanced up from his meal.
“I’ve never been better, why do you ask?” Alfred cleared his throat.
“I don’t mean to be rude sir, but you seem…a little different tonight.” Alfred
chose his words carefully.
“You’re right I am different. I feel fresh…-new”
“Fresh and new sir?”
“I’m happy Alfred”
“I’m glad to see sir”
“Stop worrying”
“It’s my job to sir”
“I’m fine Alfred” Kain stated firmly.
“Of course Master Akasuki.” The butler gave a small bow and departed, realizing
he was no longer needed. Kain finished his breakfast along with two cups of
strong black coffee before finally rising from his seat.
I think it’s time to check on Zero Akatsuki thought, a small smirk gracing the
corner of his mouth. He had no doubt in his mind that he’s remarkably good mood
was entirely because of Zero and the enchanting kiss he had managed to snatch.
The noble raised his fingers to his lips at the memory. He could still feel
Zero taunt lips pressed against his own, his jaw clenched in shock and anger.
For a while, the hunter had struggled- to fight him off- but he’d succumbed in
good time; Kain could still taste the hunter on his tongue.
Akatsuki rapped lightly on Zero’s door, not wanting to break into the hunter’s
room without permission. Kain had hoped that the bedroom would become like a
sanctuary to Zero, a safe place where he could truly be alone if he wished it,
just as Kain’s room was to him.
The door flung open a few moments later. Akatsuki was met with a set of violet
eyes, burning in anger and hate.
“What do you want?” He snapped. Akatsuki tried to conceal his amused smirk at
the hunter’s reaction to him, aroused by the fire he saw in the purple orbs.
“Zero, there’s no need to be unpleasant.” Kain taunted, he could practically
hear the hunter grinding his teeth together.
“What do you want?” he spat out again. Akatsuki shifted on the spot, lightly
flexing his muscles, irritated with the boy’s tone. Instantly the hunter
tensed.
Preparing for an attack or out of fear? Kain hadn’t planned to scare the boy,
or hurt him for that matter, but the tone in which the boy addressed him was
seriously out of line; pets should be disciplined, should marvel at the master,
not lash out every time one drew near. Akatsuki thought he’d been very lenient
to the hunter, he’d let the boy get away with addressing him in vulgar tones
and cursing words, he’d even let the boy glare at him whenever he entered the
room –all without punishment.
Perhaps he was being a bit too lenient, even if he didn’t want to hurt the boy,
the line had to be drawn somewhere. Perhaps a lessonwas in order…
Kain’s lower region tightened at the thought.
“Do I need a reason?”
“Yes.”
“I’m hurt.”
“Go to hell.” For a moment they held each other’s gaze in a staring contest
neither one wanting to back down. Eventually Kain sighed, seeing an alternative
attack plan.
“Fine, I come with the memory of your…exotic kiss, and seek nothing more than
to have a very thorough replay.” Akatsuki admitted truthfully. Kain watched as
the hunter took in all the information. For a moment Zero stood speechless.
Akatsuki could’ve sworn he saw the blood drain from the boy’s cheeks.
“Fuck off” The hunter croaked dryly, his body had locked up in terror and his
heart raced in his chest. Akatsuki’s eyes narrowed at the foul word.
Careful Zero, don’t push me.
“Now, Now” Kain managed to torment the hunter lightly despite the swelling
anger at the boy’s disrespect raged within, “No need for that language-” He
took a quick step forward, gripping Zero’s shirt before the hunter could make
his escape. He pulled the hunter to him and felt the boy shudder.
“No need to be nervous” Akatsuki murmured, his eyes locked on the hunter’s
lips. “You did this quite well before-” Just as Kain dropped his mouth to meet
Zero’s, a closed fist suddenly connected with the left side of his face. Pain
exploded from the attack, dulling Akatsuki’s senses and momentarily fogging his
brain. He felt the hunter try to flee Kain’s iron grip.
Akatsuki recovered in a heartbeat, his rage finally breaking free.
The boy had hit him!
Even if the boy wasn’t Kain’s pet such an act could not go unpunished, the fact
that Zero clearly was his pet made the situation even worse. Akatsuki gripped
the boy’s shirt with clawed hands and flung the hunter back against the hallway
wall. Zero snarled in anger and cried out when his back slammed against the
plaster. His were suddenly pinned above his head and his eyes were met with
amber eyes which now glowed with a strange dark fire.
“Now Zero, was that really necessary?” Zero struggled against the vampire’s
grip, resulting in Kain using his own body to press him harder into the wall.
Zero growled in frustration as he felt every line of Akatsuki’s body pressed
against his, crowding him once again. His growl became more pronounced when he
realized that although the noble held both his hands captive with one hand,
Zero still unable to break free.
Kain used his free hand to grip Zero’s chin and force it up.
“You bastard.” Kain’s eyes narrowed.
“I believe we’ve already discussed the correct way to address me.” He managed
to grate out, his voice a seductive purr. Zero knew that all vampires had weird
vocal cords, when they were really angry or seriously pissed off their voice
became low and husky, sounding as if they were trying to seduce someone instead
of trying not to rip their heads off.
Zero swallowed nervously, he was in for in now.
“Asshole.” Zero winced as the grip on his hands tightened in vice. He swore he
could almost hear his own bones being breaking.
“First you attack your master and then you continue to insult him, how rude”
Kain smirked seeing the pain and fear in the boy’s eyes, despite the hunter’s
attempts to keep it hidden.
“I think it’s time you had your first lesson in manners.” The noble’s cruel
grin imprinted into Zero mind making his heart race wildly in his chest.
Adrenaline pounded in his veins and his breath stuttered.
“Now Zero.” Akatsuki purred dangerously. “I am your master and you shall
address me as such.” Fear gripped the boy, he knew he couldn’t run but
succumbing to the vampires demands was also an impossibility.
“Well Zero? I’m waiting”
“Go to hell.” Akatsuki’s eyes glinted dangerously in the moonlight. His free
hand released Zero chin, settling on his neck.
“You will address me as your master Zero, whether you like it or not.” Zero
became aware of the hand that had been resting around his neck was now
beginning to move again, this time lower, trailing dangerously across his
chest, his stomach and lower to the band of his pajamas. Zero suddenly realized
what the noble was about to do.
“You bas-”
“Address me properly Zero, or your punishment will get worse.”
“Bite me” Zero snapped. Akatsuki grinned darkly and leaned in to whisper at
Zero’s ear.
“Careful now” He suddenly bit down on Zero’s ear lobe in a sharp nip. The
hunter jerked back in shock and fear, a strange feeling coiling in his gut.
“Steady” Akatsuki taunted, soothing the lobe with a gently lick of his tongue.
The hand resting on the waistband of Zero’s pants delved in. He felt the hunter
freeze. Pulling back, Kain stared deep into the boy’s fearful eyes that still
burned with hate.
“Now” Akatsuki murmured softly. “Address me properly”
“You’re sick” The hunter hissed. It only added to the noble’s evil grin.
“I know.”
Zero gasped out as the noble suddenly gripped him with his free hand. When he
realized the noble was gauging his reaction, Zero fought back the rising waves
of fear and nausea and contorted his face in a mask of pure hatred and
loathing. Zero couldn’t let this happen, he couldn’t let himself be so weak- so
pathetic, he had to get out of there.
Zero continued to struggle, his growls of protest becoming more and more
pronounced until he sounded more like a wild beast than a trained vampire
hunter.
“Address me.” Kain’s velvety tone did not stutter or show any signs of the fact
that Zero was thrashing away in his embrace with all his might.
“Fuck off.”
The noble’s grip tightened around the hunter, to the point of pain. Zero held
his expression. Amused at Zero’s continued defiance, the noble began to move
his hand, teasingly massaging the soft, warm flesh in his palm. Zero’s breath
hitched. Every fiber in his body was locked up and taunt. His eyes continued to
glare at the vampire’s, despite the horrifying fact that his own body was
beginning to respond to the unwanted touches.
Kain felt Zero’s flesh become harder with each tentive stroke. A light blush
spread over the hunter’s cheeks and yet he still fought to continue his hateful
glare.
“Address me” Kain whispered the soft and deadly command.
“G-go to hell” Akatsuki heard the stutter. He wondered how far the boy would go
to fight him…- for how long?
Kain increased the speed of his hand, always keeping a firm grip on the hard
bar of flesh and always watching for the hunter’s reactions. For a while the
hunter continued to hold the expression of utter hatred, fear lingering just
beneath the surface and then with one sharp tug, the hunter’s defense slipped
away. Color flooded the boy’s cheeks and his indigo eyes fluttered closed, his
breaths coming out in short breathless pants.
“Address me Zero” Kain coxed, lowering his face so close to the hunter’s that
their lips almost touched. The hunter’s eyes opened weakly as Kain’s strokes
became more efficient and precise with the aid of the sticky liquid that wept
from his tip.
“Y-you’re…y-you’re a b-bastard” He stuttered, continuing to fight for his
pride. Akatsuki grinned. Originally he hadn’t wanted to hurt the boy, just
teach him were the hunter’s place really belonged. The only way to do this was
to force the boy to acknowledge him as his master and although Kain wanted the
boy to surrender, he was glad the hunter hadn’t given in so easily. Seeing Zero
so hot and flustered was beginning to have its own effect on the noble vampire.
Kain increased the speed yet again, twisting and squeezing the hunter into
submission. A soft whimper escaped the hunter’s lips and then the silver-haired
pet was bucking into Kain’s waiting hands, purple eyes closed once more. Zero’s
heart pounded in his chest, he felt dizzy and wonderful at the same time;
disgusted, angry and yet so devastatingly good. Surely he had never felt this
good when he had relived himself in the past?
He was approaching his release fast. The way the noble was working him was
sending him withering, bucking and even…dare he say whining with complete
abandon. A low moan escaped him and his breath stuttered, his thrusts into
Kain’s waiting hand became uneven and unpredictable. He was close, so close-
Kain gripped the boy’s base firmly. He pushed his body forward to pin the boy
into a position where the boy was completely unable to move. The hunter cried
out in protest, his eyes snapping open. His was met with blazing amber eyes.
“Address me Zero.”
For half a moment, Zero was confused and then the pain set in, the urgency, the
need for release. He tried to buck forward, but could find none of the friction
he now craved.
“Wha-”
“Address me” Kain growled, his tone threatening. Zero shook his head, his
vision swimming before his eyes. He couldn’t focus on anything anymore; he
couldn’t think, there was only the need to release.
“Zero” Kain snapped. Akatsuki gave a sharp, warning tug, preventing the hunter
from forming coherent thought and reasoning on the situation. “Now Zero” He
commanded. The hunter withered against him, droplets of sweat and frustration
formed at his brow.
“Zero!”
“M…” Kain watched as the flushed pink lips stumbled around the word.
“Mas…master.” Akatsuki roared inwardly at his victory a satisfied smirk graced
his lips.
“Master what?” Conflicted violet eyes watched his.
“P-please…” Zero whispered, so soft Kain had to learn forward to catch it, the
hunter’s eyes had darkened at the word, the blazing defiance disappearing from
the murky depths.
“Very good Zero.” Kain softened his grip and resumed his assault on Zero’s hard
flesh. The hunter groaned, sinking back into the rhythm. His body was moaning,
thrusting, asking for more and yet his mind was trying to scream a warning at
him through the haze of his pleasure. Unable to think or find the need to care
about his conscious, Zero raced forward seeking out the release his body
craved. He didn’t take long. His gasping breaths and increased moans alerted
the noble to the hunter’s undoing. But right before Zero could take his last
leap Kain released the boy completely.
The boy cried out in protest but Akatsuki stepped back to watch the hunter
crumble to floor, his legs no longer able to keep him steady. The hunter looked
up, his eyes demanding an explanation.
“Completion is a reward Zero- do you really think I would allow you such a
thing after you struck me?” Bewildered Zero watched as the noble suddenly
leaned down to capture his chin. He pressed his lips firmly to Zero’s before
pulling away.
“I think that’s enough of lessons for one day.” The noble turned heel and began
to walk away.
“W-where are you going?” Zero called after him.
“To work, I’ll be back for dinner though.” Akatsuki called over his shoulder,
giving a small wave and exiting down the stairs. Zero stared blindly after him.
His sexual frustration and emotional hurt paralyzing him for moments more.
Tears rolled down his cheeks. The skin where Kain had touched him burned and
the bile rising in Zero’s throat felt like acid.
He’d just whored himself off to a vampire.
Zero put his head in his hands.
Oh God- what have I done?
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero spent the rest of his day locked in his room, refusing any and all meals
offered to him by Alfred. The hunter had devoted most of his day to bathing,
filling the lavish tub with scorching hot water and scrubbing brushes.
Pathetically he’d tried to cleanse himself, vigorously washing his skin with
soap and product until the first layers of skin actually tore. For the rest of
the day Zero stayed near the toilet, dry retching every time he thought of that
morning and how, with a few simple touches, he’d been at the mercy of a
vampire- something he vowed never to do.
He was weak, pathetic…disgusting like filth.
How could he have let that happen? How could he have allowed himself to be used
like that? How in fucking hell did he end up calling Kain his ‘master’ and even
begging the noble to continue his administrations with a single ‘please’? What
happened to reason? What happened to common-sense?
Zero buried his head in his hands, wanting to cry but unable to do so.
He’d tossed and turned yesterday, unable to sleep due to his racing heartbeat
and turning mind. Instead of slumber, Zero had alternated between anxiety
attacks of what the days ahead would bring and outbursts of rage swearing that
he would rip Kain’s heart from his chest and force the noble to eat it before
he died. Tonight would be no better and he would receive no sleep when the sun
finally rose.
He was terrified, plain and simple.
How could he kill a vampire when he had nothing to kill it with? He had to wait
for the right opportunity, Zero knew that, but how could he defend himself in
the days that lay ahead as he waited for that opportunity to arise? How was he
going to survive this torment? How was he going to cope after?
Zero crouched back over the toilet as another violent shudder convulsed his
body. He felt as if his insides where being ripped out. The memories from that
night all those years ago plagued his mind. He was at the mercy of a vampire,
the knowledge of this was pure torture and Zero thought he would surely die
from the pain that gripped his heart, churned in his belly and clawed at his
mind.
When the convulsions had stopped. Zero slid back into his kneeling position,
his forehead rested on the tiles. He could not let that bastard see what he was
doing, he could not let Akatsuki win.
There was a soft knock at the bathroom door.
“Sir? Master Kain has just returned, dinner will be served shorty- your
presence in requested.” Zero felt like ripping open the door and telling Alfred
that Master Kain and dinner could go to hell, but he knew he couldn’t. If he
wanted to act like the noble wasn’t affecting him, like his insides weren’t
being shredded to pieces with the agony of his silent torture, Zero knew he
would have to make an appearance and he had to do it without a hint of fear.
Zero took a few deep, controlling breaths. Mustering the last of his will, Zero
forced back his fear, the pain, the sorrow, the torture and helplessness and
shakily rose to his feet.
“I’ll be down in a moment.” Zero’s voice sounded hollow, even to him.
“Very good sir.”
The hunter waited until Alfred had left the room before Zero finally exited the
bathroom. He changed quickly, concentrating on every movement so that no other
thoughts could slip through. Once he was dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans
and a black dress shirt, Zero left his room and headed downstairs to the dining
area.
Akatsuki was already waiting for him.
“You’re late” the noble commented.
“As were you yesterday” Zero quipped, settling himself in his chair as a plate
of food was set down before him. There was a pause. When Kain realized that the
hunter wasn’t going to meet his gaze his amused smirk returned. Clearly the
events from earlier that night were still on Zero’s mind, just as it was on
Akatsuki’s.
“What did you do tonight?” Kain asked politely.
“I stayed in.”
“Oh? No trouble making then?” Zero finally lifted his gaze to the noble to
shoot him a distasteful glare. Silence enveloped the table for a few more
moments.
“And you?” Zero finally bit out, he guessed that as long as he kept up the
small talk, no matter how painful it was, he would be able to keep the
conversation aloft and impersonal thereby avoiding any initiation of unwanted
contact.
Akatsuki smirked, realizing Zero’s intention.
Very well, he would play along… for now.
“I spent my day visiting a few of my hotels, inspections and whatnot. Quite
boring really?”
“If it bores you so much then why do you do it?” Zero surprised both of them
with his comment. “I-I mean…- last night you went to your clubs and said you
were bored. So if it bores you so much then why do it?” Zero spluttered out,
hoping not to trigger the noble’s anger. Instead, he received the opposite.
Akatsuki smiled softly, genuinely happy that Zero had paid attention to what he
said not only tonight, but last night as well. As well as the fact that Zero
seemed internationally not trying to anger the noble a very pet-like quality.
Had Zero really learned his place?
The noble seriously doubted that, it was going to take a lot more than the
previous event to subdue the hunter.
“Well” Akatsuki said thoughtfully, keeping with the conversation. “I couldn’t
see myself doing anything else.” Zero nodded, he felt the same way about being
a Vampire hunter- that’s if he was still classified as one now that he was a
pet as well.
“But isn’t there something else you could do that makes you happy?” Kain’s eyes
softened.
“Worried about my emotional status Zero?” The hunter blushed.
“No! I was just saying-”
“I know”
“Then why-?”
“Because that color really dose suit you.” The noble teased. Zero felt himself
go an even deeper shade of red. He thought he was supposed to keep this
impersonal- how had the noble twisted the conversation to make sure it did get
personal?
Zero refused to comment after that and Akatsuki seemed content to settle with
silence after scoring the upper hand, pleased that the hunter hadn’t tried to
fight or curse the older vampire in anyway. However the hunter did finish his
meal and excused himself rather too quickly.
“What’s the rush?”
Akatsuki was suddenly infront of Zero, blocking his escape. Zero felt his blood
run cold.
“I’m tired” He got out, somehow managing to retain his emotionless expression.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Kain asked stepping right before him. The
noble raised a hand. Before Zero could stop himself he’d jerked back, flinching
away from the vampire and his touch.
“Zero?” Akatsuki’s surprised gaze met fearful mauve ones. The hunter struggled
to regain his composure, but Kain had seen the slip, he’d seen the pure terror
that lay behind them. For a moment Kain found himself paralyzed in shock. less
then twenty-four hours ago, the hunter had been fighting him every step of the
way, he’d been disrespectful, angry, rude and completely unafraid. Less than
twelve hours ago, the hunter had been ready to strike out against the noble
because of a light taunting and now, now the fearless hunter was suddenly
cowering away from him like Kain was some sort of monster. Which was the
furthest thing form Akatsuki’s intention, yes he wanted respect from the boy,
yes he’d been harsh to Zero earlier- but that hardly made him a monster right?
However, the horror he’d witnessed in the boy’s eyes told a completely
different story.
Had he taken things too far, too soon?
Perhaps the hunter wasn’t as strong as he appeared to be- perhaps his earlier
punishment was too harsh for his emotional status.
Akatsuki flinched inwardly, suddenly realizing the seriousness of what he’d
done. He’d brought Zero to comfort his loneliness, to find friendship and
counsel in- but Zero wasn’t just some ordinary pet. Zero was an untrained pet-
one who’d been orphaned after his parents were viciously killed by some
pureblood, he was also a hunter, which meant that his new position as a
vampire’s slave was probably his worst nightmare and Kain had only made it that
much worse by tormenting the boy into lashing out and then, as punishment,
ripping away the boys pride.
Oh God-What have I done?
“Zero-” The hunter didn’t stop to listen. Seeing his chance to escape the
hunter had skitted past Kain and fled the dining area, probably fleeing back to
his room. Akatsuki made to follow him when Alfred’s voice suddenly stopped him.
“Sir, Master Kuran is on the phone for you?”
Akatsuki continued to stare after the boy.
“Master Akatsuki?” Kain was pulled from his thoughts.
“Yes… thankyou Alfred, I’ll take it in my office.” Akatsuki cleared his throat
lightly and made for the stairs choosing to accept the phone call over the
realization of how monstrous he’s become.
“Kaname, I heard a rumor your plane was arriving today” Akatsuki answered the
phone as he sat down in his leather chair, forcing a light-hearted tone.
“Kain- it’s good to hear from you, I tried your cell but I couldn’t seem to get
though.” The soft, kindly voice of Akatsuki’s high-school comrade and trusted
leader flowed gently though the phone.
“Oh, I turned it off for dinner- apologies”
“Dinner? Isn’t it a bit early foryouto be back home?”
“Hasn’t the others filled you in?” Akatsuki asked dryly.
“Oh yes, your latest addition- how are things?” Akatsuki sighed and rubbed his
temple.
“Confusing” the pureblood’s soft chuckle filled Kain’s ears.
“Pets are like that, so I’m told- listen the others and I were going to meet up
at one of your clubs tomorrow night- why don’t you bring him along?”
“I don’t know Kaname, he’s not exactly… trained”
“Surely he can behave himself for one night? I would love to meet the one who’s
captured your interest- don’t worry if he’s ill-mannered, I’m sure everyone
knows he’s undisciplined and will not doubt your capability though his
actions.”
“Thank you Kaname” Akatsuki murmured, touched by the praise.
“Nonsense, bring him tomorrow night I know Ruka and Aidou are bringing theirs”
“Very well, which club are we meeting up at?”
“You’re latest masterpiece of course- Nightshade is it?”
“That’s the one”
“Then it’s settled, we can all catch up then”
“Of course” Akatsuki hung up the phone and let out an exhausted sigh. He
couldn’t refuse Kaname- he was a pureblood for God’s sake! But how could he
take Zero out to meet a horde of vampires- and expect him to behave- in his
current emotional state and belief that all vampires were monstrous bastards- a
belief, which, had been fueled by Akatsuki’s own thoughtless actions.
Akatsuki sighed again, reaching into his desk drawer to retrieve a small com-
link directed straight to Zero’s collar.
“Zero, meet me in my study…now.”
There was no reply from the other end. Akatsuki ran his fingers through his
hair anxiously. He was not looking forward to the up-and-coming conversation.
It took five whole minutes to walk across the hall and into the Kain’s private
study where the noble was waiting, lounging on a regal, crimson sofa. Akatsuki
didn’t miss how stiffly the hunter walked as a result of how rigidly his
muscles were locked up.
The hunter glared at him as he entered.
“What do you want?” Akatsuki motioned for Zero to take a seat on the lounge
opposite to him.
“We’re going out late tomorrow night and probably staying into the morning.”
Zero frowned, but made no response. Akatsuki continued. “I’m meeting a group of
close friends at my new nightclub; Nightshade.They are all noble vampires.”
Akatsuki gaged the boy’s reaction. If it was possible to hunter had tensed even
more. Kain idly wondered if such a position was painful.
“The others will be bringing their newly brought pets as well, Kaname Kuran has
not seen them yet as he’s been away in America.” Zero eyes widened.
Kuran? The royal pureblood clan?
“Kaname is an old friend of mine, though he is the prince of the vampiric
world, as such I need you to be on your best behavior.” Zero couldn’t move,
couldn’t breathe. He hadn’t faced a pureblood, let alone seen one since his
parent’s death. He avoided them at all costs.
“I’ll protect you” Akatsuki murmured softly, seeing Zero’s expression.
“I don’t need your protection” Zero snapped, finally speaking. Akatsuki
continued as if he hadn’t, choosing to ignore the rude tones.
“Believe me, Kaname is nothing like the pureblood that attacked your family-”
“He’s a fucking vampire isn’t he?” Zero was now standing, his voice raised.
“Why should I believe you anyway?”
“Zero, Kaname was the one who invented blood tablets-”
“Don’t you think I know that?” Everyone knew that, vampire and hunter alike, it
was reason vampires lived peacefully in society today.
An awkward silence settled over the room. Zero continued to stand, his heart
pounding wildly in his chest and his breath coming out in short gasp as he
tried to control his sudden rage. He was sick of this emotional roller coaster,
he’d been on it for half a week now and he’d had enough.
“Zero, I need you to listen to me- when we’re out in public you must follow my
instructions” Zero scowled at the noble. “You have to stay beside me at all
times unless I tell you to go elsewhere, you will do nothing other than sit
beside me unless I tell you otherwise- that includes eating and drinking.”
“Go to-”
“Do not glare at the other vampires and don’t speak unless you are spoken to
and if you must respond to a question, be polite at all times.”
“I’ll behave if they do” Zero snapped. He didn’t like being ordered around or
talked to as if he were a child.
“You willdo exactly as I tell you to.” Akatsuki stated firmly. He rose from his
seat and took a small step towards Zero. “I’d rather not punish you in public”
Kain murmured softly. Zero flinched away from him. Akatsuki caught him before
he had time to run away. Gently cupping the hunter’s face in his hands.
“Do you know why you were punished earlier?” Zero tried to scowl, tried to run
away, but he was caught. Kain held him there with his hands and his hypnotic
gaze, his soft words brushing against his skin. Akatsuki took another half step
forward so that only centimeters separated them. Zero felt a cold shiver past
through him. When the hunter didn’t respond, Akatsuki sighed.
“You hit me and you repeatedly addressed me in an inappropriate way. These
things can’t happen again, especially in public, and especially to other
vampires.” Zero forced himself to remember how Akatsuki had hurt him, had
shamed him and used that to fuel enough anger to give a threatening scowl.
“I’m not some slave, you can’t just use me anytime you feel like it.”Akatsuki’s
eyes hardened at the boy’s tone, but he forced himself to remain calm. Getting
irritated or angry would not make the situation any better.
“No” Kain agreed. “But you are a pet, my pet, and I won’t tolerate that
behavior therefore punishment is required.”
“Then maybe you should say something before you start dealing out penalties”
Zero snapped.
“I thought I already did”
“No, you pinned me against a wall and hissed it in my ear!” Zero felt his face
heat up at the memory.
“You tried to attack me”
“You had just brought me? How did you think I felt? You had not right!”
“If I hadn’t brought you than you would be shacked up with some old pervert”
Akatsuki snapped back, his anger finally getting the better of him.
“How is than any different from where I am now?” That brought Akatsuki up
short.
“You would rather be elsewhere?”
“I would rather being anywhere but here!” Zero ripped Kain’s hands away from
his face. Zero’s outburst had distracted Akatsuki enough to loosen his grip.
The hunter stormed out of the private study. Leaving the stunned noble to
staring after him.
Tomorrow was going to be a long night.
***** Reunion of Unpleasantries *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
Fire, burning. He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t move. There was only pain. Zero
viewed the world through red, a silent scream bellowing from his lungs. His
sides heaved; every muscle in his body clenched to the point of pain. His gums
bled, a pair of needle sharp fangs tearing through the soft flesh. His stomach
churned, Zero could literally feel the acidic bile bubbling in his gut,
threatening to be released.
So much pain.
Zero felt as if his body was about to explode. He needed to stay strong.
It will pass, it will pass, it will- please let it pass, please,please-
Zero’s mind chanted like a constant mantra. Fear rocked his body as he fought
to keep what little sanity he had left. He couldn’t sink to a level E, not now,
not yet-
The bloodlust lasted fifteen minutes: three minutes longer than his last
attack.
They’re getting worse…
Zero gasped for breath, savoring what little time he had before the next
attack. His sides trembled violently in aftershock. He continued to gasp,
catching his breath and preparing for the next attack. He didn’t have to wait
long.
Red blurred Zero’s vision once again, his silent screams echoing through the
darkened room.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
Akatsuki returned to his city manor earlier than expected, an action promoted
by the burning sensation on the side of his neck; right where Zero had bitten
him. The direct result of a vampire being bitten by another was that they would
be able to sense the other’s emotions when they were at their strongest;
because Akatsuki did not share a blood bond with Zero, his bite wound wasn’t
susceptible to the hunter’s other emotions such as happiness, peacefulness and
sadness, only anger and pain.
And right now the hunter was both.
Zero had been angry for quite some time now and Akatsuki’s wound throbbed
constantly as a result, however this time the wound pulsed with another
emotion, or rather, another feeling and that was pain, which meant Zero was in
trouble.
HisZero needed him.
“Master Akatsuki, we didn’t expect you until later-”
“Where’s Zero?” Akatsuki cut off Alfred sharply.
“I believe he’s in his room- if something wrong?” Akatsuki didn’t pause to
explain. A moment later he was at Zero’s door, his vampiric speed aiding his
rushed footsteps.
He pounded on the door.
“Zero?”
No response.
Not waiting another second. Akatsuki burst through the doors and was taken
aback by the sight before him; Zero on the floor, locked up in obvious pain,
blood lust ravaging his body and his senses.
“Zero!” Akatsuki raced to the hunter’s aid, ripping his own collar back as he
did. Kain pulled the hunter’s rigid figure into his arms and pressed the boy’s
fangs to his neck. Needing no form of encouragement, Zero’s fangs latched down
on the old bite wound and greedily gulped down the sweet, red liquid, his
clawed hands gripping the noble. The hand fisted in Akatsuki’s hair and yanked
at the strands, angling the noble’s neck further to the side for better access.
Kain groaned in a mixture of pleasure and pain. The hunter’s fangs, piercing
his flesh was excruciating, but the act of been taken from was pure, sweet
torture.
Akatsuki clung to the hunter, his vision flooded by his own bloodlust. Zero’s
pale neck lay before him in blissful temptation, practically begging for the
noble to sample. Kain licked his lips, his head bowing down to brush the soft
skin with trembling lips.
He could see every single vein, laid out like a living, breathing map. He could
see the main artery; see the blood pulsing through the vein. He was beginning
to feel lightheaded as a result of the hunter taking too much, too fast. Surely
just one bite couldn’t hurt? Zero was his wasn’t he? His body, his mind- all
his to do what he wished with. Surely the hunter wouldn’t deny him this?
Akatsuki pressed his lips to the boy’s neck in an open-mouthed kiss. Instantly
the hunter locked up, pausing in his feeding. Kain frowned as he felt the
hunter’s sudden fear -not anxiety- fear, real full-blown panic.
He was bitten by the pureblood that killed his parents Kain reminded himself.
Surely the hunter couldn’t relate him to that hateful monster- right? The
shudder that ran up the hunter’s spine gave Akatsuki his answer. Zero sat
unbearably still, his blood lust the only thing keeping the hunter from ripping
away from Kain’s open wound and fleeing.
Akatsuki sighed inwardly. He wanted to bite Zero, he wanted to taste the
hunter’s life force- did Zero know how surreal taking and giving at the same
time? How beautiful a blood-bond could truly be? –of course Akatsuki didn’t
speak from personal experience, but he’d heard that nothing else compared to
it. Nothing compared to the pure ecstasy that came with the oldest form of
vampiric love; nothing, nothing at all.
But Akatsuki knew that things with the hunter weren’t exactly stable and that
he could slip up at any moment, causing permanent damage. He had to show the
hunter that not all vampires were the same, that he was neither a mindless
level E or an arrogant pureblood taking whatever he wanted. He wanted Zero to
trust him, to confide in him.
Akatsuki placed a soft, chaste kiss on the hunter’s neck before pulling away
and pressing his face into Zero’s silvery hair.
“You must think I’m some sort of sadist, letting you get to this level of
bloodlust.” Kain murmured, breathing in the hunter’s heady scent. “It seems
I’ve completely neglected to arrange a feeding schedule. Forgive me”
There was a moment’s pause, in which, Zero realized that Akatsuki wasn’t going
to remove his face from Zero’s hair and that he certainly wasn’t going to bite
him. The hunter relaxed slightly, just enough to unlock his clamped muscles and
resumed drinking, this time taking slower, savoring the taste rather than
scoffing it down. Akatsuki took this as a sign to say his apology was accepted
and continued.
“I’ll arrange my schedule so you will be able to feed twice a day”
Zero stopped suddenly. He licked the wounds closed with a single swipe of his
tongue, causing Akatsuki to stifle a low moan.
“I don’t need that much”
“You will have that much.”
“But-”
“Zero, I will not have you starving.”
“I’m not”
“Zero” Akatsuki tightened his grip around the hunter. “Stop it, this isn’t up
for discussion.”
The noble’s commanding tone normally would’ve triggered Zero’s anger, but after
gouging himself, Zero felt a tad drowsy; tired from his struggles against
bloodlust and calmed by the soothing effect that came associated with
Akatsuki’s blood.
He let the command go, unchallenged.
“T-thankyou” Zero murmured, breaking the silence between them, his cheeks
burning with embarrassment. Kain smiled lightly and continued to stoke the
hunter’s silky hair.
“For what?”
“For w-well… you know…”
“Anytime Zero… anything.”
They sat sitting in silence, Akatsuki quite content to remain breathing in the
hunter’s scent while he waited for the room to stop spinning. Zero was forced
to continue to hold onto the noble in what he realized to be a most proactive
position, a light shade of pink gracing his cheeks as Akatsuki continued to
stoke his hair in a manner that was soothing and almost…lovingly.
===============================================================================
 
When Kain eventually announced that they should be getting ready, Zero was
appalled to realize that he’d actually began to doze off and even more
disgusted with himself when he found himself half-missing the feeling of being
encased in the noble’s arms and feeling oddly cold when the noble left to get
ready himself.
It’s just physical contact. Zero thought, scolding inwardly. He hadn’t had any
form of human contact since he was a child- apart from the association’s harsh
beatings.It’s just physical contact.Zero repeated, growling as he wrenched open
his wardrobe and pulled out the clothes needed for that night’s event.
Nothing more.
Akatsuki on the other hand hummed out-of-characterly while he dressed, a dreamy
expression on his face. He was feeling quite light-headed and a strange warmth
filled his body, lingering after he had held the hunter close.
Akatsuki paused, a smile quirking his lips. After Zero hadlethim hold the
hunter close.
Without complaint.
Maybe something good came out of the punishment after all?
Akatsuki knew that things between him and the hunter were far from fixed, but
they were making steady progress and Kain was intent on giving the hunter no
reason not to stop that process.
Zero was waiting for the noble downstairs. When Akatsuki saw him, he found his
breath hitched slightly. The hunter was dressed in yet another black collared
shirt, the black a marvelous contrast to his silvery locks and studded collar.
He wore the shirt out, overlapping the grey-blue jeans that hugged his figure
in all the right places. To top off the look and Zero’s personality, Akatsuki
was amused to see a silver chain hanging from his waist, clinking lightly when
he walked.
“What?” Zero demanded, shifting anxiously under the noble’s gaze which had
darkened with lust.
Oh God do I really have to take him out? Can’t we just stay here?-…preferably
in bed.
Akatsuki realized with sudden dissatisfaction that he would be looking at Zero
all-night, how the hell was he supposed to concentrate? How the hell was he
going to stop himself from jumping the poor boy?
Akatsuki shook his head lightly.
“Nothing Zero, you look fabulous.” Concentrate. Kain scolded silently, he was
acting like young schoolboy with his first crush. Zero snorted at the comment.
Akatsuki joined him at the bottom of the stairs.
“Master Akatsuki, your limo is waiting.” Alfred announced, making an
appearance.
“Thank you- shall we?” Akatsuki put out his arm to guide the hunter forward in
a polite manner. Instantly the hunter flinched away from the touch, hate
seeping into his gaze and tingling Kain’s bite. They both paused.
Akatsuki sighed. Clearly some things weren’t progressing as quickly as the
noble had thought.
“I’m not going to hurt you Zero.” Akatsuki murmured softly, as if he were
soothing a wild animal.
“Whatever.” Zero scowled, moving further away from the noble. There was a
pause..
“Zero, I mentioned earlier that you must stay beside me at all times, the
reasons behind this act is because I want you where I can keep you safe and
because as a pet, you are expected to be within your master’s reach.” Zero
frowned, not quite understanding. Akatsuki hesitated when he realized he would
have to explain the situation. “Zero, it will be…. expected that I treat you as
a pet… that I must touch you as if you were clearly the object of my desires
and… well… ripe for the taking.”
Zero felt bile rise up in his throat.
“Go to hell.” Zero snapped.
“Zero, I won’t attack you” Akatsuki took a small step away from the hunter,
hands raised in surrender, showing the hunter he meant no harm.
“Everyone knows I’m not as affectionate as some vampires-” Zero winced. He knew
to which vampires Kain was referring to. The hunter had seen them out in public
before; groping and pawing at their pets, demanding sexual acts that should be
left behind closed doors- not in the middle of a club.
“A simple guiding hand on the back, an arm draped across the shoulder or waist
and a light hand on the knee is all that is required to pass suspicion, at the
very worst I will have to kiss you on the cheek or otherwise.”
“You really think I’m going to let you do that?” Zero snapped, unconvinced.
Akatsuki sighed again.
“Zero you’re not making this any easier.”
“Oh I’m sosorry.” The hunter rolled his eyes sarcastically. The two glared at
each other for a moment.
“Zero, I’m telling you these things so that you will know what to expect- isn’t
that what you wanted- me telling you the rules before I’m forced into the
position where I have to punish you?”
“No one’s forcing you to do anything”
“Yes, they are- Zero, the vampire society has social rules, behavior that is
expected”-
“Well don’t drag me into it!”
“You are already involved! Whether you like it or not you are a vampire and you
are my pet and that position demands certain requirements.” Akatsuki’s voice
had risen way above his usual bored tone, far from the point of yelling but no
less in its effect.
They stood frozen, staring at each other for a long time. Zero shooting death-
stares and Akatsuki’s eyes insisting that the hunter understand.
“I hate you.” Zero finally hissed. Realizing he wasn’t going to win, no matter
how hard he tried. As much as he hated the idea of Akatsuki handling him in
such a manner, he refused to be punished in front of other vampires, pureblood
vampires, for it was then that he had to be at his strongest.
Kain sighed.
“I know Zero- now come, we’re late.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero watched the nightlife district behind the tinted windows of Akatsuki’s
limo, refusing to even glance at the noble. Before, when he came home from his
hunter missions, he would always have to pass through this district to get to
his apartment. Zero knew the area well, but never entered any of the buildings.
It was a thoroughfare to him, nothing more, and as a result he’d never felt
like he was caught up in the whole nightlife scene. But now, things were
different. He was a pet, sold directly from this district and he was now under
the ownership of the Nightlife Kingwho owned over half the buildings in the
area.
This was Kain’s playground, no doubt about that.
The limo pulled up at a sleek nightclub colored in nothing but black, red and a
hint of silver.
How original. Zero mused as their doors were opened by the driver. Akatsuki was
the first to climb out; he held his hand out waiting for Zero.
The hunter frowned at the noble’s outstretched hand from the confines of the
limo, Akatsuki’s warning look told him only one thing.
Zero controlled his expression, falling back to his usual frown and took the
hand. Akatsuki helped him out of the car and led him up the red carpet that led
past the mobbing crowds and to the front doors. A few camera flashes went off
at the sight of Zero. The hunter groaned silently at the knowledge that he was
going to be on the cover of tomorrow’s magazines- after all how many pets did
the most eligible bachelor in the city have? At that thought, Zero felt sick to
his gut. He didn’t want to know.
Akatsuki proceeded into the club, passing the monstrous bounces who nodded
respectfully as he past. Akatsuki was right, he didn’t need to make a show of
displaying Zero to the public, they just knew. A guiding hand here, a few
possessive stares there and within minutes the entire club knew that Zero
belonged to Akatsuki, whether they knew about pets or not.
“Master Kain, your friends are seated in the V.I.P area.” The assistant manager
announced, bowing lightly to the noble.
“Have they been attended to?”
“Of course.”
“Have they been waiting long?”
“No more than five minutes, my lord”
“Good.”
Akatsuki led Zero away from the man and made a beeline for the staircase that
would lead them up to the V.I.P area on the balcony.
“Do you make a habit of ensuring that people lick your shoes?” Zero snorted
snidely when they were out of earshot. Akatsuki glanced back at him, his face
locked in the same bored expression he’d worn since they arrived at the club.
Zero realized now that it was his game-face.
“No, they just know where their place is.” Akatsuki replied quickly with a hint
of undertones. Zero glared.
They walked up the staircase and crossed the balcony. Zero spotted the V.I.P’s
without knowing where it was, it was just obvious.
A group of seven waited for them. Apart from the two human girls, they were all
high-ranking nobles especially the one sitting in the center of the lounge.
Although Zero could not sense the rankings of vampires he could feel the man’s
aura and it clearly said: Pureblood.
“Kain, there you are.” The group rose with the brunette pureblood, nodding in
welcome of their friend.
“Kaname, it is good to see you well” Akatsuki placed his hand over his heart
and gave a respectful bow.
“Come, sit.” Following the pureblood’s request, Akatsuki took the nearest seat
and indicated for Zero to sit with him.
“How was your trip Kaname?” Kain asked politely.
“Productive” Kaname replied thoughtfully.
“Tell us Kaname, is America really as wonderful as they say?” the green-eyed
blonde asked, practically bouncing in his seat with excitement.
“They’re culture is quite….differentour own, but yes, it is wonderful.”
“Glad to be home though? I heard Yuki was quite distraught” A soft smile
touched to corner of the pureblood’s mouth at the mention of his beloved wife.
“Yes, she was. Unfortunately she was unable to make it tonight as she was
feeling-under-the-weather. Kain, she sends her apologies.”
“Apologies are not required, it’s just a club.” Akatsuki shrugged lightly.
Takuma scoffed.
“Yeah, one that has topped international ranking.” Aidou, who had been
strangely quite decided to speak.
“What else would anyone expect from the great Nightlife King?” Akatsuki frowned
at his cousin’s tone, although it was not noticeable to the others, Kain picked
up a sneering undertone.
“What indeed?” Shiki echoed drawled, raising his glass in a light toast.
“You’ve really outdone yourself Kain” Kaname praised gently which was as good
as three cheers from the pureblood.
“Thank you Kaname” Akatsuki took the compliment modestly.
“And that’s not all what is new I see.” Kaname flicked his red-wine eyes to the
silver-haired hunter beside his old friend. “I see the rumors are true, he’s
really quite stunning.” Zero flinched inwardly as he suddenly felt the eyes of
the group upon him, including that of the obedient pets beside Ruka and Aidou.
Akatsuki lightly draped his arm across the back of Zero’s chair.
“Everyone this is Zero, my pet.”
“He really is beautiful cousin” Aidou exclaimed his tones still mixing with
that of jealousy and sarcasm.
“And quite entertaining too,” Kaname added. “I don’t think he’s stopped glaring
at me all night.” The group froze, such an act was punishable. Zero felt his
throat go dry, yet he refused to cower, he intensified his glare.
“Good God, it got worse” Kaname joked. Zero’s eyes narrowed. “Kain, where an
earth did you get such a creature?” Zero’s fists clenched in anger, then
suddenly Kain’s arm was around him, pulling Zero into the noble’s embrace
protectively.
“I actually prefer his attitude, I find it quite…amusing.” Kain chose his words
carefully, allowing the nobles to believe that he really did have control over
the hunter and the only reason why Zero showed such defiance was because
Akatsuki wanted him to.
“His attitude is quite refreshing isn’t it?” Takuma piped up, dissolving the
last of the tension in the air. “So Kaname, what did you do in America, tell
us, from start to finish…”
 
===============================================================================
 
The group of nobles stayed at the club until the sun had risen high in the sky
before they all decided to leave. Aidou left first, claiming he had enough
party-life for one night, his voice still jealous and angry. Akatsuki let him
go asking for his cousin to call him. Kaname, Senri and Takuma were next. While
they were saying their goodbyes to the pureblood and Seiran by the door,
Akatsuki noticed Ruka staring longingly after the brunette, her pet standing
confused beside her. Obviously the pet, Rima, he thought her name was, wanted
to help her master but was unsure if it was appropriate. Akatsuki decided to
put her out of her misery.
“Ruka” The ash blonde barely heard him.
“W-what?” she finally turned to him, questionably. Akatsuki glanced between
Kaname and her making his unspoken question clear.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about” Ruka sniffed, refusing to meet his
gaze.
“Ruka” Kain sighed. “I thought you were over this, I thought you were over him”
“I am” Ruka stood ramrod straight, her muscles locked. Akatsuki was suddenly
reminded of Zero when he was afraid or upset.
“Lying is a very unbecoming trait Ruka.”
“Twice Kain- I haven’t seen him in three months and all he could do was glance
at me twice.” A small tear leaked out of the corner of her eye. She hastily
wiped it away. “I’ve thought about him everyday since he left, he’s in my
dreams, in my thoughts- I can’t get him out of my head and then when I heard he
was finally back I was so…so happy and all he does is say hello and glance at
me twice.” She was trembling now, unwanted tears rolling down her cheeks.
Akatsuki gently guided her into his embrace. Ruka gripped him fiercely. Kain
could feel her tears seeping through his shirt.
“He’s married Ruka, what did you expect? He loves you, but he’s not in love
with you”
“Why not?!” Ruka sobbed angrily. Akatsuki sighed.
This was going to take a while.
“Zero, go back to the limo. I will be there as soon as I can.” Akatsuki ordered
over his shoulder. The hunter scowled at the command, but let it go. Now was
not the time for arguments.
Zero turned quickly and began to leave, eager to escape the club and its
inhabitants. Zero suddenly paused. Shiki and Takuma were by the door, saying
goodbye to Seiran and Kaname- the pureblood, the same beast as what had killed
his family.
A low growl burned low in Zero’s throat. Purebloods were menace, they killed
families, destroyed lives- how long until this so-called vegetarian vamp turned
bad? How long until he tried to hurt someone just like that woman had done to
him all those years ago? Zero found himself picking up a silver butter knife
that had been resting on the bar counter near the door it had been nestled with
all the other cutlery that had been left out in the midst of being cleaned.
Zero gripped the knife tightly in his palm, his mind in a trance of what he was
about to do.
Purebloods were evil, he would be doing the world a favor by killing him.
Flashes of that night began to flood Zero’s mind. His mother, father, all at
the mercy of a pureblood. He might be a pet, but he was a hunter first and
foremost.
And Zero knew what he’d been trained to do.
If Zero had been in his right mind, he would’ve realized that trying to take
down a pureblood with a miniscule butter-knife was pure suicide. But Zero
wasn’t in his right mind, all he could see was his family’s faces flashing
before his eyes as that woman ripped their family apart.
Purebloods are nothing but scum.
Zero’s feet began to walk forward on their own accord, his eyes blazed in
anger. Everyone in the club seemed to melt away, Zero sense honing in on the
pureblood only, his rage flared to new heights.
The pureblood was too preoccupied with Takuma and Senri to notice the silver-
haired pet marching towards him, his bodyguard; Seiran, didn’t bother to look
for threat in him, he was a pet after all- nothing more.
Zero closed the distance between them with his determined strides, adrenaline
pounding in his veins, the knife at the ready.
“Do you have a death wish or something?”
Warm hands closed around Zero’s wrist. Clenching the bone until the knife fell
to the floor. Violent eyes recognized the Adonis blonde in front of him.
Akatsuki glared at him through amber eyes, lit up with anger and some other
emotion Zero failed to recognize.
Zero’s gaze flicked back to the pureblood who had now left with the two other
nobles.
He got away.
“Zero!” Kain snapped harshly, demanding the hunter’s attention. Zero sighed
angrily.
“What?” Zero snarled. Akatsuki’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
“Limo, now.”
Ataksuki gripped the hunter’s arm painfully and all but dragged the hunter into
the waiting limo. As soon as the door shut behind them Zero ripped his arm from
the noble’s grip.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Kain demanded, his voice low and sensual.
He was seriously pissed off.
“I could ask the same thing? You practically dragged me out by my hair!”
“You tried to stab a pureblood with a butter-knife!”
“And?”
“Zero!”
“He killed my family!” Zero bellowed. A stunned silence fell over the both of
them.
“I thought it was a female vampire who killed your parents?” Akatsuki prompted.
“They’re all the same!” Kain sighed, he suddenly felt drawn. Of course Zero
wouldn’t see the difference between the pureblood who killed his family and the
one that was trying to make peace between the vampiric and human societies.
Zero was a hunter, one who’d witnessed a tragic event when he was a child. He
couldn’t see the vampires by their actions only their position; they were both
vampires and, in the Hunter’s book, that was as good as any to kill them.
Hadn’t he already mistaken Akatsuki for the pureblood who bit Zero only hours
ago?
Akatsuki watched the hunter with sad eyes, knowing they would need to talk
about this at home.
They remained silent for the rest of the ride home. Alfred greeted them at the
door before they departed up the stairs.
“Zero come with me.” Akatsuki commanded gently. The hunter felt his legs turn
to lead. He was in for it now. He’d threatened a pureblood, that was more than
enough reason for punishment. Zero’s insides turned to ice, he wanted to run,
to flee but where could he go? The noble would only follow him. He was going to
be punished and there was no way out of it.
Zero followed Akatsuki through the noble’s bedroom, he’d only seen it once
before when he’d been summoned to the noble’s private study, he allowed himself
now to take it all in.
Plush grey carpet covered the floor decorated in crimson rugs. Curtains, the
color of blood, lined every window and black furniture dominated the room. To
Zero’s left a magnificent four poster bed with ink black sheets and a matching
coverlet sat pressed up against the wall. One his right, a set of sleek black
leather lounges lay arranged in a casual setting, a crystal topped coffee table
lay between them covered in assorted magazines and club designs.
Akatsuki indicated for Zero to sit down, while the noble disappeared into his
private study. Zero wondered idly if the noble was selecting his weapon of
choice for Zero’s punishment. When Akatsuki returned, Zero was surprised to see
that he was carrying a bottle of expensive blood wine and two glasses. His
confusion grew when the noble poured them both a glass, handed one to the
hunter and relaxed onto the same lounge as Zero. The hunter regaurded the red
substance carefully. Was there some sort of drug in there? One that would cause
unbelievable pain?
As if he’d read the hunter’s thoughts, Akatsuki took a generous sip from his
own glass, indicating that Zero should do the same. The hunter obliged,
surprised to find that the strong liquor mixed with blood proved to be an
exquisite combination of taste. For a moment they sipped their drinks silently.
Zero still sat rigidly, waiting for the noble’s punishment.
“You did very well tonight Zero” Akatsuki murmured softly, the last of his
blank game-face disappearing, revealing softer undertones. Zero almost thought
he saw sorrow in his seated figure.
“I mean it” the noble shifted his position to face the hunter. “Despite a few
slip-ups you did very well.” Zero frowned, unsure if the praise was going to
turn into a list of all the things he did do wrong.
“I was going to kill Kuran”
“You were going to try” Akatsuki corrected gently. “Did you really think you
could harm a fully grown pureblood who was accompanied by his personal
bodyguard and two other nobles?”
“That’s just it, I wasn’t really thinking at the time…”
“Go on” Akatsuki prompted when Zero broke off. Zero looked down to his hands
that were clasping the glass tightly in his hands. The blood wine was stronger
than he’d first anticipated and he’s been drinking it quite fast in his
anxiety. He felt slightly light-headed and unable to dwell on emotions for
long.
“All I could see was my parents. All I could see was …her.”
“It must have been awful” Zero felt his hands shake as he remembered that awful
night all those years ago. He snorted, pretending that he wasn’t affected by
the topic of conversation when really he could feel himself cracking up on the
inside. He never talked about his parents to anyone… because no one had ever
asked. No one had wanted to comfort him, instead they had looked down on him
because he hadn’t protected his family even though Zero had tried his hardest,
and they cursed him because he was no longer human. Instead of comforting him,
they had cast Zero out, it was a miracle that Zero had even made it to a fully-
fledge hunter in his current state.
“My father was murdered.” Akatsuki announced quietly, distracting the hunter
from his thoughts.
“What?” Akatsuki didn’t meet his gaze, he stared at the portrait of his family
on the wall. Zero turned his gaze to the painting. There were three figures;
two parents and one child. The first was a beautiful woman with bronzed hair, a
soft face and amber eyes that matched Kain’s perfectly. She was dressed
elegantly and stood lovingly next to a proud male with wavy blonde hair, blue
eyes and an amused smirk, his left hand was placed on his son’s shoulder. Zero
frowned. Surely the boy was not Akatsuki? Kain was cold, firm and arrogant. The
boy in portrait however was beaming happily, his face practically glowing with
joy. No dark circles lingered under his eyes nor were they hollow or empty,
instead they shone with mischievous and excitement. Zero glanced back at
Akatsuki and felt sick to his stomach.
The noble was nothing but a shadow of his childhood self. He was sickly pale,
his eyes dull almost lifeless. His blonde hair was darkened and his mouth was
fixed in a straight line. Evidence of late nights decorated the skin around his
eyes and the smell of cigarettes that Zero always associated with the noble was
suddenly thick in the air.
Suddenly the Nightlife King, Zero’s Adonis, looked more like an old man; tired
and worn.
“I was sixteen when it happened.” Akatsuki spoke in a trance as he remembered
the point where he had found himself forced into the life of an adult far too
soon. “He didn’t come down to breakfast, I thought he was just sleeping in- but
he was late for lunch too. When I finally went looking for him he had been dead
for twelve hours.” Atasuki paused, sighing. “There was no suspects” Akatsuki
finally continued. “No hints, no clues, nothing. My father didn’t have any
major enemies, someone had just killed him and walked away. We never found the
killer.”
“I’m sorry” Zero murmured. Akatsuki turned away from the painting, looking to
Zero once again.
“It was a lifetime ago, what’s passed is past. My point is that I know what
it’s like to see the monster from your past in the face of others because for
years… I felt the same way…as if everyone around me were my father’s killer.”
“How did you get over it?”
“Things pass in time, but I don’t think I will ever stop second-guessing one’s
trust.” Zero thought about this for a moment. “So-” Akatsuki announced breaking
the awkward silence, before it stretched too long. “When I say you did very
well at controlling your anger when you were surrounded by vampires, believe
me.” Zero nodded carefully, feeling oddly grateful Akatsuki had decided to
share this personal part of information about his past.
“So… a-a-are you going to… punish me?” The surprise on Akatsuki’s face was
genuine.
“Punish you?” Kain slid across the lounge and pulled the hunter into his arms,
ignoring the hunter’s flinch and the rock-solid rigid position he locked up
into. “You’ve done nothing wrong- well apart from trying to harm a pureblood
but I managed to get to you in time so no harm is done.” Zero’s frown deepened.
“Just try to control yourself more next time” Akatsuki chuckled softly, stoking
the hunter’s silky soft hair in a way that was becoming a routine. Zero allowed
the noble to hold him. Yes Akatsuki was invading his personal space and
although Zero wasn’t exactly jumping for joy about it, the noble wasn’t hurting
or threatening him in anyway. Zero found himself actually relaxing into
the embrace that was very familiar to earlier. He reasoned that if Kain hadn’t
hurt him then he wasn’t about to do it now.
Akatsuki continued to hold the hunter not minding in the least that Zero’s
hands remained at his sides, unmoving, simply stroking the hunter’s hair and
breathing in the hunter’s scent.
The action was so soothing, so comforting that after half an hour, Zero felt
his head drooping into the crook of Akatsuki’s neck. His mind turning to mush
from the strong liquor of the blood wine, the soft caresses of the noble and
the fact that it was almost noon, clearly past his bedtime. Zero’s mouth
automatically drifted to Akatsuki’s bite wound, his lips brushing against the
sensitive area.
Akatsuki hissed softly. A vampire’s bite wound was extremely sensitive, it was
where all nerve endings were kept and as a result, caused extreme amount of
pleasure or pain when it was activated.
“You can drink if you want Zero.” The hunter shook his head.
“I’m fine” The hunter’s drowsy tone quirked the corner of Akatsuki’s lips. He
slightly pulled away from the hunter so he could cup the boy’s chin. Deep
amethyst eyes met his own.
“You should go to bed, it’s been a long night.”
“ ‘kay” Zero mumbled, waking himself up. He rose from the seat, only to have
the noble hold him back.
“Wha-?” Akatsuki pressed his lips to Zero’s in a soft, chaste kiss. Before the
hunter could react, it was over. Zero glared at the smiling noble.
“Goodnight Zero.”
***** A Gilded Prison is Still a Prison *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
Zero tossed fitfully in his bed. His thoughts turned in his mind, tormenting
him disturbing facts.
He’d hugged a vampire.
He’d kissed a vampire.
He took another’s blood willingly.
He’d fallen asleep in a vampire’s arms.
He’d found comfort in a vampire’s embrace.
AND
He’d obeyed the wishes and commands of a vampire…like a pet.
Without argument.
Zero pulled the blankets tightly around him as an icy shiver crept up his spine
only to throw them off seconds later when he found himself suddenly too hot for
his liking. Zero growled and raised his hands to his face, gripping his hair
and tugging violently at the silver strands, trying to distract himself with
the sudden pain.
What have I done!
Zero groaned. He’d been asking himself the same questions all week; What have I
done? How did I let this happen? Why do I continueto let it happen?
He was a hunter for God’s sake! He was a warrior trained to extinguish and
destroy all vampires in sight. He was a killer! And yet here he was living in a
vampire’s lair; a high-ranking noble’s lair- just one rank below a pureblood,
the scum he hated most- and yet he was still here, answering to the leech’s
every beck and call.
He pathetic. He didn’t even deserve to call himself a hunter anymore. It had
just been so easy to fall in step behind the noble, so easy to accept praise
instead of punishment. He was weak. So what if he was shamed by the noble’s
touch, so what if feared pain- HE WAS A HUNTER! When things got tough, they
didn’t back down, they never backed down. They stuck to their beliefs, to what
they’d been taught: never trust a vampire, neverbecome their prey and never
stop hunting them.
Zero was pretty sure he’d broken every one of those rules- he’d even trusted
the noble, or more so trusted the fact that Kain would keep him safe from other
vampires, as he’d already proven last night. Zero knew he was truly and utterly
pathetic. If he had any chance of salvaging what little pride he had left, Zero
knew he would have to fight back at every opportune moment and damm the
consequences to hell. He would survive it. He always did.
A soft knock at the door broke through Zero’s tormenting thoughts. For a split
second Zero froze, thinking it was Kain, only to relax when he realized it was
human presence outside the door.
“Er..Come in?” They aged butler entered carrying a silver tray lined with food
and a pot of coffee.
“Breakfast sir?”
“H-how did you know I was awake?” The hunter asked confused. Alfred put the
tray down on Zero’s bedside table and began to lift to covers off the food,
filling the room in mouth-watering aromas.
“Well, I know when Akatsuki usually wakes and has his breakfast, so when I was
delivering his meal I couldn’t help but hear the frustrated and intriguing
noises coming from your room and I guessed you were awake and in need of some
assistance.” Zero blinked stupidly at the butler’s detailed explanation. Maybe
in the future he should just simply understand that the butler was very, very
good at his job.
“Er… well thanks”
“No trouble sir.”
“Zero”
“Pardon sir?”
“It’s just Zero- sir sounds weird and… stiff, I’m not your master.”
“Alas no, but you are one of my masters and is therefore higher in rank and as
a result, to me you are ‘sir’.”
“Can’t you just call me Zero? I really hate being addressed like that.” The
butler mulled over this for a moment.
“If you are distressed by my choice of words I do apologies, I will address you
as Zero in the future.” Zero breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thanks”
“-But only in private.” Zero frowned at the butler, surprise to find an amused
grin on his face.
“You’re enjoying yourself aren’t you?”
“Quite thoroughly si- Zero.”
The hunter scowled.
“Was there anything else?”
“No Alfred you can go.” The butler gave a small nod and departed the room.
Zero had just finished his meal when there was another soft knock at the door.
Thinking it was Alfred collecting his plate, Zero responded immediately and
continued to relax in the more-than-comfortable bed.
“Evening Zero.” Zero shot up when he heard the noble’s voice. Disgusted that
he’d managed to miss sensing the other vampire- had he really become that
slack? Zero pulled the blankets up and held them tightly to him. His figure
rigidly still once again. Akatsuki gave a small smirk at the hunter’s reaction
and then let out soft disappointed sigh when he realized, that despite
everything, Zero was still fearful of him.
“I’m leaving for work soon.” Zero remained silent, Kain tried to gauge the
hunter’s reaction only to find none. “You should feed now.” The noble
approached the hunter in smooth, slow steps as to not intimidate the boy. Zero
clenched the blankets around him nervously. His throat felt suddenly dry.
“I-I don’t need it.” He croaked trying to control his hoarse tone. He couldn’t
take from the noble now- not when he’d just come to a resolve that he would
fight his position as a pet and any and all orders the noble gave.
“You didn’t feed last night, Zero.” Akatsuki reminded him.
“I don’t need it” Zero repeated this time more confidently. Kain sat down on
the bed. The Hunter resisted the urge to flinch. Akatsuki stared at Zero,
trying to decipher why the hunter was suddenly so distant to him. Kain thought
they had made real progress last night. Clearly his efforts had gone down the
drain.
“Zero why are you fighting me about this? I’m doing this for your own health.”
“I said I don’t need blood. I’m used to drinking every fortnight.” Akatsuki
frowned.
“You’ve been starving yourself?”
“I don’t need it.” Akatsuki gave a small important sigh.
“I don’t have time for this.” The noble pulled back the collar of his shirt and
quickly extended a nail.
“What are you-” Akatsuki sliced his skin over the bite mark, all the while
holding Zero’s gaze.
“Drink Zero.” Kain ordered firmly. Zero’s eyes flared red, his fangs bared. His
mind screamed at him. Stop! What are you doing? Don’t! He couldn’t let the
noble win again. Zero tried to look away from the bleeding wound, but his lust-
filled eyes refused to budge. Dammit, he was supposed to stop taking orders, to
take back control on the situation and yet his whole body screamed for this, to
drink, to obey this one command.
Akatsuki watched the hunter with a small frown. Kain had to admit, he was
surprised that the hunter hadn’t taken from him yet. When the hunter continued
to stare at the wound, but make no move to act upon his bloodlust, Akatsuki’s
frown deepened. He felt the wound at his neck heal and purposely cut it back
open again, this time larger. Blood began to trickle down his neck.
“Drink.”
“No.” Zero clenched his eyes shut and turned away from the noble. “I don’t need
it.” He grated out through clenched teeth.
“I don’t care, I’m ordering you to drink it.” Akatsuki purred dangerously, his
patience running thin.
“No.”
Akatsuki growled in distaste. Did the hunter think this was easy? Baring his
neck to another in such an open matter like some common prostitute? What did
the hunter want him to do- beg?
Angry and hurt by Zero’s rejection, Akatsuki gripped the back of Zero’s head
and forced the hunter face down upon his neck.
“Drink, now.” Akatsuki’s voice was low, seductive and full of danger. If the
hunter refused him again…-
“No-”
“Zero!” Akatsuki gripped Zero’s hair tighter and pressed his lips into the
wound. There was a moment’s hesitation as Zero tried to fight the bloodlust,
before his fangs finally sunk in. Akatsuki groaned. Tilting his head to the
side in pleasure while his hands continued to hold Zero to him. He couldn’t
understand why the hunter would refuse him, would refuse this; the very basics
of vampire instinct. Kain knew Zero hated vampires, including himself, he also
knew that Zero had been bitten by a vampire and as a result went into a state
of terror anytime Akatsuki hovered too close to his neck- but to refuse to eat…
Clearly the hunter hated himself more than the noble thought.
Zero quickly finished, not needing much after receiving a full feed yesterday,
Akatsuki wasn’t even lightheaded. Zero licked the wounds closed and pulled back
shyly a red tinge to his cheeks in embarrassment, shame, anger and the natural
feeling of being flushed after the intake of blood.
Zero pushed the hand stroking his hair away forcefully, but gently. Akatsuki
sighed.
“Why do you have to make things so difficult sometimes?” The hunter scowled.
Kain held his gaze in a silent staring contest until Zero finally looked away.
“What are you going to do tonight?” Akatsuki asked making conversation,
unwilling to leave the hunter on such a bad note.
“Nothing.” Zero grunted.
“Nothing?”
“What else is there to do?” Akatsuki frowned.
“This manor has a vast library, a monstrous indoor pool and a gym that would
put athlete trainers to shame- surely you can find something to do.” The noble
mocked lightly. Zero shrugged. Akatsuki was suddenly reminded of a stubborn
teenager. “Or why not going out? This manor isn’t a prison Zero, you are free
to come and go.”
“As long as I’m here every time you call me.” Zero growled. “A gilded prison is
still a prison.”
“So I take that as you don’t want to go out?” Akatsuki concluded, ignoring how
Zero’s referred to his manor as a prison seemed to struck a nerve. He had
intended this manor to be home, for both him and the hunter.
Zero shook his head. He would rather stay here, going steadily mad in his cage
then go out as a pet and risk being seen by members of the hunter’s
association. An awkward silence hung between them.
“Then come out with me.” The hunter’s head snapped up.
“What?”
“Come out with me- to Blackout”
“Why?”
“Well obviously you don’t want to stay here nor leave the manor so… come with
me.” Zero sighed, what other choice did he have?
“Won’t I be interrupting your business?”
“Hardly, all the paperwork is done here. When I go out, my only task is to sit
around, drink, smoke and possibly interrogate the managers if there’s a problem
that needs settling.”
“Sounds fun” Zero’s tone clearly stated otherwise. Akatsuki gave a small smile.
“Get dressed, I’ll be waiting for you downstairs.”
“I didn’t say I was going.” Zero growled. The noble rose from the bed and
ruffled the hunter’s hair lightly, laughing at the scowl on the hunter’s face.
He turned and began to leave.
“I’m ordering you to.” He called over his shoulder and left the room, pleased
that he could now look forward to a full day of Zero’s company. Maybe their
extended time together would close the sudden distance Zero had placed between
them overnight-day-whatever one chose to call it.
The hunter took his time in dressing as a silent act of disobedience. Zero knew
it was a childish, knew his small deed of defiance was hardly worth the noble’s
notice, but the hunter wasn’t focusing on that right now, all he could think
was how rudely the noble had treated him. First forcing him to feed and then to
accompany him to Blackout.
Zero pulled on his jeans roughly, his anger flaring. Who’d he think he was?
Ordering Zero around like some sort of lapdog, sure he was Zero’s ‘master’ but
it didn’t mean that the noble had to be an arse about it.
Stupid leeches, they’re all the same.
Zero came down the main staircase half an hour later. Kain leaned against a
wall, a displeased expression on his face.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” Zero drawled sarcastically. Akatsuki
managed a small smile.
“Not at all.”
“Good.”
“Shall we?”
They climbed into Akatsuki’s limo and headed to the other side of town. As it
turned out, Blackout was a smaller night-club than Nightshade, but just as
popular. Hundreds gathered outside the doors and even more lined up waiting to
get in. Inside every surface was black with silver trim and the dance floor was
clearly the center of attention. Rave lights swirled and flickered, acting as
the only lights in the whole club, giving it an element of mystery and sex
appeal. Booths lined the walls of the clubs, each one taken up by more than one
individual. Akatsuki and Zero were lead away to the V.I.P booth on the far wall
that gave them a clear view of the dance floor but blocked off the sight of the
bar.
As soon as they were seated, crystal wine glasses were filled and a fresh
packet of cigarettes were placed before the noble. When Akatsuki drew one from
the pack, the manager himself was there to light it.
“Good evening Master Kain, so good to see you again.”
“How is business?”
“Good, good, very good” The manager was nodding and sweating profusely Zero
suddenly felt sorry for the poor man. “We had a little incident earlier this
week with two drug dealers but nothing major”
“Was any product lost?”
“A s-small amount, but nothing that cannot be replaced.” The manager twisted
his hands nervously, it almost looked painful for him to announce this news to
the noble. Akatsuki pondered this new information for a moment and tortured the
manager a little longer by taking a very slow, deliberate drag of his cigarette
before finally speaking.
“Is the situation resolved now?”
“Yes Master Kain”
“Good. Anything else?” the manager literally let out a sigh of relif.
“No Master Kain.”
“You may go now.”
“Of course.” The manager scuttled away as quickly as possible without breaking
into a run. Zero watched him go.
“What did you mean by product?” Zero turned back to the noble, eyes slightly
narrowed in suspicion.
“The kind that is illegal.” Akatsuki admitted in a bored tone, sipping his
blood wine.
“You promote drugs.”
“I provide them, or more so, the clubs do.”
“Are you serious?” Zero’s eyes widened. “You’re a drug dealer?” Somehow the
hunter had always thought vampire were above drugs as they didn’t affect them
in anyway neither did non-vampiric alcohol.
“They bring in customers Zero.” Akatsuki stated simply. When he realized the
hunter was still staring at him with an incredulous look he sighed. “All clubs
have drugs Zero, it’s a fact of life. This whole sales industry is based on
supply and demand. When people realized there is product here, clean product,
there is a rush to buy and therefore an increase in customers. Therefore we
achieve our goal of receiving more customers and making a profit.”
“But it’s drugs!” Zero scowled. He had never cared for drugs, never saw the use
in them. They wasted lives as far as he was concerned.
“It’s business.” Akatsuki corrected lightly. His eyes continued to scan the
crowd, unaffected by the conversation. Zero shook his head.
“You don’t even care about what happens to the people who takes that crap do
you?”
“Not really no.”
“You’re impossible.”
“Maybe.” Zero cleanched his fists in anger and rose from his seat,
“I need a drink.”
“There’s one here.”
“Away from you” Zero corrected.
“Stay inside the club” Akatsuki commanded just as the hunter turned away from
him. The hunter paused.
“What?”
“Stay in the club, I don’t want you to get lost.”
“Bite me.”
“That’s an order Zero.” The hunter scowled and stalked off, away from the
noble, unable to stand looking at his arrogant face a moment longer.
Zero weaved his way through the crowd to the bar, a task that turned out to be
quite challenging as ever minute or so the rave lights all shut off for five
seconds before turning back on again.
I guess that’s why they call it Blackout. Zero mused as he settled into one of
the barstools. He knew that this was the only place in the club that was
directly out of the noble’s eyesight. The hunter took comfort in this fact. He
couldn’t believe the noble’s arrogance. Some poor kid was probably overdosing
right now off the shit he brought from one of Akatsuki’s club’s and the noble
didn’t give a damm, his only concerns were only of the profit to be made.
“Name your poison” The female bartender asked appearing infront of him.
“Surprise me, just make sure it’s strong.”
“Sure thing sweetheart.” She dashed off, throwing a suggestive wink his way.
When she returned, it was with a clear glass and four different layers of color
in it.
“Thanks.”
“Take it easy beautiful.” And then she was gone. Zero eyed the drink
suspiciously before taking a cautious sip. He could tell instantly that it
wasn’t non-vampiric alcohol, the girl obviously knew her stuff- then again the
club was run by a vampire.
Zero took another sip, appreciating the sweet fruity flavor and then another.
The drink was certainly the best he’d tried in a long time, not that he drank
much. After just a few quick sips, Zero began to feel the effects of the
alcohol. His tongue had gone numb and his head was lighter, slightly fuzzy.
“You’re a pet, aren’t you?” Zero snapped around to see a boy around thirteen
years of age at his side. Zero froze. Although the boy had shaggy brown hair,
he was an exact replica of his twin brother Ichiru from all those years ago.
“Hello?” the boy waved his hand infront of Zero’s now zoning eyes.
“S-sorry- what?”
“You’re a pet.” The statement caught Zero off guard.
“You know?” He asked dumbly. Humans who didn’t know about vampires didn’t know
about pets either.
“Of course, I was one.” The boy sat down in the stool next to Zero, he was so
short that his legs didn’t even reach halfway down the chair.
“You were?” Zero frowned, trying to look past the gap in the boy’s shirt for a
collar, without being too obvious.
“I don’t have one.” The boy stated proudly catching the hunter out. Zero
blushed slightly, blaming it on the alcohol.
“Did your master die?”
“No, I broke the collar.”
“You broke it?” Zero repeated.
“Well, more like Katashi did.”
“Kata-who?”
“Katashi, he frees slaves- mainly pets.” Zero paused. Absorbing all this.
“Wait, you’re saying he just broke your collar?”
“Yep.”
“How?”
“He has a workshop not far from here, I don’t really know how he did it, but it
came right off- I didn’t feel a thing.”
“But what about the collar’s tracking device?”
“Disabled it.” Zero paused again. Shock still with the new information. “I’m
Kiyoshi by the way.” Zero took the boy’s extended hand and shook it.
“Zero.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Another pause. Zero frowned.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but how did you get in here?” the brunette tilted his
head to the side confused. “I mean, aren’t you a bit too…young to get in here?”
“I snuck in, there’s a secret way out the back.”
“You snuck in?” Zero echoed.
“Well, yeah- how else would I smuggle pets out of here?”
“You smuggle pets?” Zero wondered if he was beginning to sound a bit like a
parrot, repeating everything the boy said.
“Yes, this club attracts all kinds of vampires who nearly all have pets. I try
to get the pets alone and then take them to Katashi so they can be freed, all
before their owners know they’re missing.” A small silence fell over them as
both of them considered the seriousness of this information.
“Do you want to be free Zero?”
Zero’s head snapped up.
“What?”
“Do you want to be free? I could disable the tracker in your collar right now,
then when the lights go out, I can sneak you out the back and take you to
Katashi. He’s remove your collar and you’ll be free.” Zero licked his lips in
sudden anticipation. His heart thudded in his chest, adrenaline pounded in his
ears. It would be that easy, hadn’t he been looking for a way to escape. He was
so desperate to get away from Akatsuki- from any vampire.
“But I have no money.”
“It doesn’t cost anything silly.” Kiyoshi laughed.
“Can you really do it?”
“Only if you want me to.” Zero didn’t need to even think about his answer.
“Yes, take me now.” Kiyoshi’s eyes suddenly hardened in determination.
Wordlessly, he pulled a small metal device from his pocket and pressed it
against Zero’s collar. There was electrical sound and a faint whiff of smoke.
The lights blacked out.
“Come on.” Kiyoshi was suddenly gripping Zero arm and yanking him through the
darkness. Zero’s surroundings blurred as his mind began to race. He was getting
out, he was going to be free, everything would be back to normal.
The sounds of the sounds of the club suddenly dimmed as Kiyoshi lead them out
through a back door and then through another. The cool, night air washed icily
over Zero’s skin, he realized he’d been sweating with anxiety.
“This way” Kiyoshi led him away from the club and through a maze of back ally
ways, running as he did. “We have to keep moving.” Kiyoshi explained, taking
Zero left, then right, then right again until the hunter was well and truly
lost.
“In here.” Kiyoshi opened the door to a broken down looking shack. It had
boarded up windows and masses of tangled weeds decorating it. Zero followed the
boy in without question, his heart hammering from the run and his mouth dry.
Inside, the shack was very small with a few personal touches. There was a thick
carpet in the living room and the worn couches had blankets covering them, a
fridge waited in the kitchen and a nearby sink was piled high with fresh
dishes.
Kiyoshi grabbed two glassed of water and set them down on a dining table.
“We’ll have to wait until Katashi gets here, I don’t know how long he’ll be.”
Zero nodded, greedily gulping down the water handed to him.
“Is he out much?”
“Sometimes, he works somewhere across town so he isn’t here too often.”
“When did he start freeing-….” Zero groaned suddenly. His head was spinning and
his vision had begun to blur.
“What is it?” Kiyoshi’s voice sounded very far away.
“I…I don’t feel so good” Zero leaned into his hand and then dropped his head
down to the table, it felt so heavy.
“I think you might have drank too much at the club.”
“No, t-th…that was…-first drink…” Zero suddenly froze, the glass before his
suddenly more clear and the white sediment that lay on the bottom of his
drained glass. He shot up, knocking the chair back over and stumbling backwards
like a drunkard, trying to keep his balance.
“Wha-…what have you done?”
“I’m sorry Zero.” The boy’s voice was soft. Zero looked up to meet his sad
expression. Zero realised the boy was much too skinny for his age, his skin was
deathly pale and his eyes were so black, empty and full of defeat, that for a
split second, Zero felt like saying. ‘it’s okay, I understand.’ Kiyoshi wasn’t
a pet, or a slave he was something much worse, sent to do his master’s work.
The shack door opened just as Zero collapsed to the floor. Darkness beginning
to cloud his vision.
“Kiyo, what have we got here?” the cruel, commanding voice told the hunter all
too well who this man was. It was Katashi and he was by no means a slave freer.
“It’s Zero- the one you wanted for Ryuu, the one you liked.” Kiyoshi shrank
back as the Katashi’s blurred figure came into view. From what little Zero
could make out. He was tall, dark haired and at least in his twenties, around
Zero’s age.
Katashi pulled Kiyoshi into his arms. Roughly stroking the boy’s hair.
“That’s my little Kiyo, such a good little bitch.” Zero thought he heard the
thirteen-year-old whimper, but he was falling too fast. The last thing he saw
was a pair of evil jade eyes.
“I’m going to have so much fun with you, little bitch.”
***** Hopeless *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
     WARNING: Rated M for language, UNDERAGE rape, sexual harassment,
     torture, boyxboy, seductive lemons, supernatural themes and the pure
     awesomeness that is Vampire Knight.
     EXTRA WARNING!:
     This chapter and the following chapter contain highly distressing
     scenes including underage rape and torture. If you are uncomfortable
     about reading such things or find the topic highly disturbing please
     skip the following chapters with this warning up the top. If you are
     affected by these themes please DO NOT READ! Although these scenes
     aren't as graphical as I could have made it and the fact that I have
     made the scenes wuite tame considering, I do not want people to
     become traumatized or upset by the context of these chapters nor do I
     want this story to be flagged because people refuse to read warnings.
     If you do choose to read ahead, no flames on the themes. I am by all
     means happy to have comments correcting things about my writing or
     things I can improve on ect but I don't want abusive reviews on the
     detail or context of scenes. THERE IS TORTURE AND RAPE IN HERE
     PEOPLE! So don't flag me about that.
     Okay just making sure everyone's got the picture.
EXTRA WARNING!: This chapter and the following chapter contain highly
distressing scenes including underage rape and torture. If you are
uncomfortable about reading such things or find the topic highly disturbing
please skip the following chapters with this warning up the top. If you are
affected by these themes please DO NOT READ! Although these scenes aren't as
graphical as I could have made it and the fact that I have made the scenes
wuite tame considering, I do not want people to become traumatized or upset by
the context of these chapters nor do I want this story to be flagged because
people refuse to read warnings. If you do choose to read ahead, no flames on
the themes. I am by all means happy to have comments correcting things about my
writing or things I can improve on ect but I don't want abusive reviews on the
detail or context of scenes. THERE IS TORTURE AND RAPE IN HERE PEOPLE! So don't
flag me about that. Okay just making sure everyone's got the picture.
 
-Hopeless-
Darkness...
His body hung, a dead weight in the tangle of chains that held him captive. His
mind felt oddly detached from his physical being, he tried to move, tried to
open his eyes and yet his body refused to obey.
His mind was no better, he couldn't process things beyond a simple one-worded
response, the rest getting lost in the thick fog clouding his mind.
Darkness...
Muted voices were beginning to break through. They were more like sounds than
anything else, he was unable to process what they meant. Groans, grunting,
growls and a pained whine came from beyond the wall of solid darkness that
shielded him from the world outside.
Darkness...
Zero didn't know how long he'd been zoning in and out of consciousness. Aching,
gnawing pain burned through his body, spreading from one limb to the other.
Searching past the hurt, Zero looked for the source. Cold wrist-irons held him
to the floor. Zero realized that the aching burn he was feeling was a direct
result of these; they where anti-vampire cuffs.
This knowledge roused unwanted thoughts to Zero's mind.
His first thought was that whoever put these on him knew about vampires, knew
about their strength and so Zero knew he would not be simple able to overpower
his captors and escape. His next thoughts were of how his captors actually
possessed such items. Anti-vampire weapons were strictly prohibited to all
except those of the Hunter's association. If his captors had these in their
arsenal, at least one of them was a hunter or was strong enough to overpower
one. Hence, the whole overpowering and escaping plan would be indeed futile.
Putting everything on the whole, Zero realized he was truly and utterly
screwed.
Fending off the newfound waves of panic, Zero did what he'd been trained to do
in any unsure situation.
Think.
Zero focused on the wrist irons. They clamped tightly around his wrists and he
could tell they were directly connected to whatever surface Zero was laying on.
The hunter guessed it to be the floor because it was incredibly hard and cold,
most likely cement. Zero also realized he was laying collapsed on his right
side, putting his wrists in a very unnatural position.
Zero would've tried to asses his position even further, but the drug's effects
were beginning to leave his system and the soft, muted noises coming from
beyond were suddenly all around him blaring in full force.
Heavy breathing followed by low grunts and satisfied moans echoed around him.
Wood creaked in time with the grunts, clearly indicating that someone was
having sex on a bed.
Then he heard the pained cry of a child.
"Katashi..-"
"That's right, say my name. Do you like what he's doing to you? Hmm little
bitch, do you like his thick cock in your arse?" The crude words were only
answered by a terrified whimper. "You do don't you? You love it, making such
beautiful sounds- I promised I'd let you cum this time didn't I? You've been
such a good little bitch."
Zero felt bile rose in his throat and anger surge. He didn't want to wake up,
didn't want to see the scene that was playing out right before him. But there
was no way in hell he could ignore someone else's pain. Zero forced his heavy
eyelids open. When his vision cleared, he found himself unable to move.
And it wasn't because of the drugs.
His first assumption that someone had been having sex on a bed was completely
incorrect. A small boy, whom Zero instantly recognized as Kiyoshi was naked,
not on the bed, but rater pushed up against the large wood frame at the foot of
the bed. And the burley male thug pounding into him was not having sex withhim;
he was raping the thirteen-year old. But worst yet, Katashi, the brains behind
the whole operation was the one on the bed. Laying back with his arms folded
behind his head, a cruel smirk upon his face.
He was watching the whole thing.
"Katashi..-" Kiryoshi begged, pleading for the older male to stop the thug, but
unable to voice his full wish in fear of being punished.
"I know." The tall, male watched with malicious jade green eyes. "I know you
want to cum, I'll let you- go on show me." For a fleeting moment, Kiyoshi
allowed his terrified gaze meet Katashi's unyielding one, before the light of
emotion disappeared from their already blackened depths. He unclenched a pale,
bone-thin hand from the wood frame and wrapped it around himself, proclaiming
his submission.
"That's it, such a good little bitch. Come now, don't look away from me."
Kiyoshi shuddered and met the raven-haired devil's eyes. The monstrous thug
behind the boy thrust deeper into him, bending Kiyoshi further over the frame
in pained lurches.
Zero wanted to close his eyes. To scream. But his body refused to obey. He felt
tears running down his cheeks. Why would anyone do this? Why were theydoing
this?
Soon Hibiki's grunts were louder, turning into extended groans as the tiny boy
beneath him cried out as he sought his own release. There was a final groan
which echoed all around the concreted room, followed tearful moan before the
two figures slumped against the wood frame.
A single applause filled the room.
"Bravo, the pair of you just spectacular." Katashi laughed, sitting forward to
clap in earnest. Hibiki extracted himself, producing a small whimper of pain
from the exhausted figure below him, and stepped aside to pull on his clothes.
"Really, I should call for an encore." For a moment, Kiyoshi gathered the
strength to raise his head in fear at the mention of something Katashi was
cruel enough to do.
"But, I won't." Kiyoshi crumpled to the cold, cement floor in relief. He stayed
there, shuddering out hesitant breaths while Katashi rose smoothly from the
bed. "We have a guest present after all." Katakshi finally turned his evil
green eyes upon Zero's collapsed figure. Zero tried to rise in protest, but
with his cuffs, the most he could manage was moving into a kneeling position
and a vicious growl, vampire venom bubbling in his mouth.
"Look who decided to wake up" Katashi taunted. "And it couldn't of been at a
better time." Instead of stopping before the hunter. Katashi walced over to
Zero's side and ran a seductive hand over his spine. Zero jolted back and
growled in anger.
"Get the fuck -" A fist collided with the bottom of his jaw, ripping his head
up.
"Now, now- no need for such words. Not by you at least." Zero swayed
dangerously, the combination of a perfect hit and the remains of the drug still
in Zero's system caused his vision to swim and darkness to edge his vision.
"You really are quite stunning" Katashi continued, running his hands all over
the hunter's body, exploring his guest. "And so very desirable." His captor's
hands ventured lower as Katashi moved to a crouched position. "But of course
you know that- don't you?" Zero's consciousness snapped back into place when a
tight fist suddenly gripped him..hard.
"Fuck off-" another blow. This time right across his cheek and this time dealt
by the rapist thug. Zero had to really fight for consciousness this time. It
was only his fear of what they would do to him if he was unconscious that keep
him awake.
"No swearing you fucking bitch." Zero would've laughed at the irony of the
man's words if he wasn't in such blinding pain.
"Here's the deal." Katashi rose to his full height and stood before the hunter.
"Our boss, Ryuu is coming to pay us a little visit and you are his... welcoming
gift. When he gets here we want you to be on your best behaviour-"
"Go to hell" Zero snapped, spraying them with the vampire venom that had been
bubbling in his mouth. Katashi wiped the liquid from his face, a look of
disgust clearly evident, before it was replaced with a cruel and heartless
smirk. The heel of his shoe slammed down on Zero's wrist. The hunter cried out
as his bones were forced to bend against the painful position.
"Well, well, well. It looks like I have my work cut out for me." Katashi's foot
pressed harder onto Zero's wrist as he let out a quiet sigh of impatience. Zero
bit his lip to hold back another cry of pain as his bones were slowly crushed.
Cursing his weakness and damming the anti-vampire cuffs that did this to him,
draining him of all his strength and power.
"Oh well, looks like we have some obedience lessons in order." Zero glared
angrily back at Katashi, trying to hide the pain in his eyes. He felt like his
wrist was going to snap at any moment. The raven-haired boy just stared black
with cruel jaded eyes. His hand suddenly went to the zipper on the front of his
pants. For a moment, Zero's brain couldn't process what he was doing until
Katashi had freed himself, yanked Zero up by the ears and brought his mouth to
the swollen tip of his cock.
Zero met the jade eyes once again. Trying to ignore the roaring in his ears.
His captor grinned back at him, reminding Zero of a shark.
"Well? Get to it- school is in session."
"Fuck you-" There was a sudden crack as Katashi's heel finally pushed the bones
too far. Zero cried out in agony. Before he could finish, two pieces of cold
metal were hooked on the insides of his mouth. They held his mouth open and no
matter how hard Zero bit down, they refused to clothes. Hibiki tied the crude
instrument off at the back of Zero's head and gave a proud thumbs up.
"She's all set boss."
"Excellent." Strong, ruthless hands gripped Zero's head ceasing his struggles
and holding him steady while Katashi unmercifully thrust his engorged, purpling
flesh into Zero's black cavern.
The swollen tip struck the back of Zero's throat. The hunter's eyes watered,
his throat seized up as it tried to clear his throat of the blockage. Zero
realized dimly that he was gagging. The obtuse shape withdrew slightly, giving
the hunter a chance to breathe, before it was rammed back in, again and again.
Zero's face was lifted so that his eyes met the cruel green ones. Katashi
wanted to watch his victim, that much was obvious.
Zero felt the heat on his cheeks, the gripping hands that yanked at his silver
hair, he could feel the protruding object in his mouth, thrusting in and out,
choking him, making him gag. Zero could feel the anger, the hate, the shame all
burning deep within his gut. In fact, Zero could feel so much, feel and know
everything that was going on at that particular moment and yet, he was dead to
it.
Somewhere, somehow, Zero's mind had dislodged from his body. It pondered the
situation as if it wasn't happening directly to him, it couldn't be happening
to him anyway- he was Zero Kiryuu wasn't he? He was one of the best vampire
hunters in the world, he was an ex-human, the strongest type of human alive, he
was even Akatsuki Kain's pet. So this, this could not be happening to him.
Zero's mind latched onto the false truth.
This was not happening. There was no plausible, logical, believable way that
this could be happening to him. To someone else maybe but not...him.
Zero didn't feel the hot liquid squirt into his mouth, didn't see Katashi move
away and Hibiki take his place.
Zero couldn't feel anything anymore. His mind was shutdown, gone. There was no
way this was happening to him and therefore it could not be happening. Zero
closed his eyes.
There is just no way...
Katashi had witnessed the moment when Zero's eyes had glazed over, a dead look
passing over the hunter's features. He'd witnessed it so many times with his
other captives; the hunter was now passing through the stage where his mind had
shutdown in the attempt to protect its host from the outside world. It was the
body's own subconscious defense mechanism, an annoyance, but easily snapped out
of-
If you knew which strings to pull.
Katashi was by no means a fool and he was exceptionally observant. He knew
within the first few seconds of seeing the boy, that this silver-haired pet was
a hunter- or used to be. He knew it from the tattoo on his neck and the muscles
that lined his lithe figure. He was a hunter, which probably meant he hated
vampires, which was understandable since he was an ex-human and probably
unwillingly bitten.
Katashi also knew Zero to be a caring person, he knew the moment Zero had
become conscious from the drugs and he knew the only reason why the hunter
opened his eyes was because he'd heard another in pain- in this case Kiyoshi.
Katashi gazed over his shoulder, looking to the crumpled heap at the foot of
the bed. Still butt-naked and too sore to move. The tiny figure watched
helplessly as the hunter was thrust into. Kiyoshi's pained eyes became
frightened when he realized Katashi had been watching him. Katashi smiled.
Snapping the hunter out of his lock down was going to be easy. All he needed
was to tug at the hunter's heart strings.
"Kiyoshi, come here my little bitch."
The boy whimpered. Scrambled to his feet and hesitantly walked to Katashi's
side.
"Yes master?" Kiyoshi's voice was tiny, an intriguing sound to Katashi's ears.
He raised a pale hand and ruffled the boy's hair.
"You want to help the hunter don't you?" Kiyoshi shook his head defiantly.
"N-no master, n-never."
"Oh but I see it in your eyes, you want to help the hunter, to ease his
suffering-"
"No m-master! I would n-never disobey you!" Katashi stroked the boy's hair
soothingly.
"Did you know he was a gift for Ryuu?"
"Yes m-master, you told me y-yourself."
"Are you aware of Ryuu's tastes?" Kiyoshi shook his head. "They're quite simple
really; beautiful, young and...virgin." Kiyoshi frowned slightly.
"Master?"
"Yes, it's quite true. Ryuu likes them untouched so he can take them himself-
so he can break them, himself. So if you're worried for the hunter's safety,
there is no need. Hibiki and I will not penetrate him in anyway and therefore
the hunter will be in no real pain- well until Ryuu gets here at least."
"Master?"
"Could you imagine? Having no experience at all in the art of sex and then have
it forced onto you over and over again until you literally fell apart?" Katashi
watched as his taunting hit home. The brunette was trembling violently, his
eyes glued to the hunter. "You can't can you? I mean how could you? I was
gentle to you wasn't I? I broke you in, slowly, made sure I didn't break you-
didn't I?" Kiyoshi shuddered.
"Yes m-master you did."
"I'm nothing like Ryuu am I?"
"No master."
"Good." Katashi pulled the boy into his embrace, his hands lingering Kiyoshi's
thin body, extracting shivers as they went. Kiyoshi remained silent in his
confusion. Katashi was always playing games with him, coxing him into doing
things he wasn't aware of until Katashi punished him for doing it. Katashi was
always doing that. He loved doing that. Kiyoshi continued to frown.
What is he up to this time?
Katashi could tell the boy was thinking too much and quickly sought and end to
it by palming the boy's length. He felt the boy shudder and his breaths become
uneven as he stroked all the right areas. Katashi dropped his face to the boy's
neck and nipped at the soft skin there, provoking a more violent shudder.
"Kiyoshi, I need you to cry out in pain- I need you to be inpain."
"M-master?"
"Stand against the wall."
"M-mas-?"
"Now." The boy was shaking from head to toe as he stepped away from Katashi and
stood facing the wall.
"Turn around." Kiyoshi did as commanded, watching as Katashi freed himself once
again from the confines of his jeans and stood right before the young teenager.
He let his pants fall to his knees.
"Spread." Katashi leaned down and hooked his hands under Kiyoshi's separated
knees. He stood. Kiyoshi let out a startled cry as he found himself lifted off
the ground. His back was now pressed up against the cold cemented wall while
his legs remained hooked at the knee by Katashi's hands, spreading them even
further apart and pointing his rear out in an appealing position. Katashi
obviously thought it was appealing too because in a matter of seconds he'd
positioned himself at Kiyoshi entrance. He thrust in wholly and fully without
pause. Kiyoshi cried out in pain.
"That's it, let me hear your voice."
"Kata-" Kiyoshi's voice was lost as the older boy began to thrust manically
into him, aiming from a different spot every time, ensuring that Kiyoshi was
never relaxed, or comfortable. Katashi wanted the boy screaming at all times
and he took care to make sure he did just that.
Zero's whole body felt like lead. He was numb to everything. Like Katashi's
release, Zero did not acknowledge Hibiki's end. He was aware however, of a
piercing, pained cry that was beginning to break though his subconscious. Like
an electric shock, it zapped him, shook him up until he was flinching at the
sound. Slowly, very slowly, Zero began to become in-touch with his surroundings
again. He could feel the chill of the cement, the bitter putrid taste that
lingered in his mouth. He could even feel his broken wrist, fighting to heal
against the anti-vampire cuffs.
This couldn't be happening to him...but it was.
Zero's vision began to clear and the first thing he saw was Katashi, ramming
Kiyoshi up against the wall. The angle, the position, the way in which Kiyoshi
was position was only meant for one thing; Pain.
And the dusty brunette was indeed in pain. The evidence was clear; tears
streamed down the face that looked so much like Ichiru's, desperate cries and
pleas were screamed to the heavens and finally the trickle of blood that
lingered, dripped to the floor.
"Stop!" Zero's voice was like sandpaper; rough and coarse from the strain, but
Katashi heard it.
Finally.
He forced his pounding thrusts to a slower pace, letting out a low grunt as he
forced his movements to finally cease.
"What do you want?" he demanded carelessly over his shoulder.
"Stop. I want you to stop." Zero fought to keep his voice firm and strong, to
be confident despite the whole situation.
That's it. Any moment now...
"Stop?" Katashi shifted his position so he could look at Zero fully, Kiyoshi
whimpered at the sudden movement. "Give me one good reason why I should."
"Y-you can have me... Do whatever you want j-just leave him alone."
Genius... pure genius.Katashi smirked as praised himself and his planning. He
let go of the boy in his arms. The boy let out a pained, startled cry as he was
tossed carelessly aside. Zero watched as his captor stepped out of his pants
and shoes and strolled proudly over to him. His throbbing, cum-slicked cock
bouncing lightly with every step. Once again it was positioned at Zero's mouth.
The hunter met Katashi's cold green eyes. His heart raced, his stomach flipped,
his veins pulsed with adrenaline.
"Let's try this again shall we?" Katashi brushed himself against Zero's lips.
"But this time, you have to do all the work."
***** Break Me Down *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
     WARNING: Rated M for language, rape, sexual harassment, torture,
     boyxboy, seductive lemons, supernatural themes and the pure
     awesomeness that is Vampire Knight.
     EXTRA WARNING!:
     This chapter contains highly distressing scenes including rape and
     torture. If you are uncomfortable about reading such things or find
     the topic highly disturbing please skip the following chapters with
     this warning up the top. If you are affected by these themes please
     DO NOT READ! Although these scenes aren't as graphical as I could
     have made it and the fact that I have made the scenes wuite tame
     considering, I do not want people to become traumatized or upset by
     the context of these chapters nor do I want this story to be flagged
     because people refuse to read warnings.
     If you do choose to read ahead, no flames on the themes. I am by all
     means happy to have comments correcting things about my writing or
     things I can improve on ect but I don't want abusive reviews on the
     detail or context of scenes. THERE IS TORTURE AND RAPE IN HERE
     PEOPLE! So don't flag me about that.
     Okay just making sure everyone's got the picture.
 
EXTRA WARNING!:
This chapter contains highly distressing scenes including rape and torture. If
you are uncomfortable about reading such things or find the topic highly
disturbing please skip the following chapters with this warning up the top. If
you are affected by these themes please DO NOT READ! Although these scenes
aren't as graphical as I could have made it and the fact that I have made the
scenes quite tame considering, I do not want people to become traumatized or
upset by the context of these chapters nor do I want this story to be flagged
because people refuse to read warnings.
If you do choose to read ahead, no flames on the themes. I am by all means
happy to have comments correcting things about my writing or things I can
improve on ect but I don't want abusive reviews on the detail or context of
scenes. THERE IS TORTURE AND RAPE IN HERE PEOPLE! So don't flag me about that.
Okay just making sure everyone's got the picture.
 
-Break Me Down-
Zero stared at the fat, weeping tip that bumped meaningfully against Zero's
bottom lip. The white substance that collected on the end, smeared against his
lip distastefully.
I can't do this.
"Well?" Katashi nudged himself against Zero, demanding attention. "I'm
waiting." In truth, Katashi was barely reigning in his frustration. Only
seconds ago he had been mindlessly fucking his bitch into the wall and now he
was standing there, his cock begging for any sort of friction.
Zero couldn't move. He was frozen, like an animal caught in headlights. All he
could see was the throbbing veins, engorged in purpling flesh, see the
glistening mushroom head, the slit that weeped sluggishly and then, further up
the shaft to the base there was just masses of sweat-soaked black hair.
There's no way that he can expect me to...t-to put that in my
mouth...willingly.
Katashi let out a sigh of impatience. He stepped away from the hunter.
"If you're going to take all day, I'll just have to have my fun with someone
else- Kiyoshi, get here you fucking whore"
Zero flinched at the barked command, then winced at the broken whimper from the
other side of the room.
"No!"
I can't do this...
"What? We had a deal; I leave him alone and I transfer my attention to you- and
you're breaking the deal.
"I'm not."
I really can't do this.
Zero looked to the rejected teen in the corner, his darkened eyes disbelieving
that a complete stranger would do this for him, would even care for him at all.
Zero closed his eyes.
I can't do this...but I have to- for him.
"I'm not." Zero repeated firmly, his tone confident yet his insides cringed. He
lifted his unbroken hand, the chains clinked gently as it's prisoner raised his
hand to grip Katashi, guiding him back to his mouth.
For Kiyoshi, I have to do this for him, to save him...even if it's just for a
little while.
Katashi watched with an amused expression as the hunter gripped him with a
trembling hand, bringing him back to his gaping mouth and slowly, very slowly
allowed him to pass through his lips.
"That's it, take it all in." Katashi threaded his fingers through the Hunter's
hair. "Hollow out you cheeks." His voice was deep and darkly seductive as he
instructed the ex-human. This was the hunter's first time at any sexual contact
with a male, Katashi knew that within an instant, he was surprised the boy's
master hadn't previously educated him.
"Nice and tight-" he sucked in a deep breathe as the sensations worked up his
sensitive flesh. His fingers tugged at the boy's silver hair in a silent demand
for more.
Zero fought with all his might to force himself to allow the vile object to
slip past his lips and not gag. He felt bile churning in his gut, rising in his
throat and yet his still obeyed the commands of his captor. Zero closed his
eyes, determined to block out everything else except the task at hand. He
realized with a sickening prospect, that if he made this as pleasurable as
possible for Katashi the older male would find completion sooner and henceforth
end the whole ordeal a lot faster than if he were to resist. Although Zero
hated-loathed the idea of actually submitting to the prick, he didn't know how
much longer his mind could stay alert and calculating before it broke down
completely. Zero knew he had to be strong for Kiyoshi, what he didn't know was
how long he could be strong for.
Katashi guided his as if he would do a blind man voicing his every demand and
pleasure, Zero forced himself to carry each one out and to do it well. Within a
matter of minutes, Katashi was once again thrusting mindlessly into the
hunter's mouth, hitting the back of Zero's throat making the hunter fight not
to gag. Katashi's hands that lay entangled in Zero's hair no longer tugged at
the strands, instead he ripped and pulled causing Zero's eyes to water.
"Look at me." Katashi grunted as he neared his completion. Zero slowly opened
his eyes and met the jade eyes. Somehow, looking into this man's eyes made the
situation a whole lot worse. Maybe that was because when his eyes were closed
Zero could just shut the other male out when, but when they were open it made
the situation all too real.
"Don't you dare spit." that was Katashi's last command before he finally came.
Zero fought to stay with the uneven thrusts and fought even harder to quickly
swallow the hot liquid that spurted out. Unfortunately there was just too much
and Zero found it leaking from the corners of his mouth. When Katashi finally
removed himself from Zero's mouth and saw this he backhanded the hunter.
"I meant all of it bitch" Zero glared back at the older male and received
another blow for it. "Next time keep your lips tight." Zero resisted the urge
to rub his now bruising cheek. Inside, Zero's mind spun wildly confused. A
moment ago Katashi was all praises and instructions, now he was back to being
vulgar and viciously cruel. Zero couldn't keep up with his captor's emotions,
nor could he stand the nausea that plagued his body. When Zero thought about
what he has just done, he wanted to heave, to rinse his mouth out with bleach,
to rip his own fucking tongue out. He felt the edges of his sanity shudder and
Zero pushed the thoughts away, focused on something else. At the moment it was
Katashi's back and how, at the moment, he very much wanted to drive a knife
though it.
"Hibiki it's you're turn again."
Zero's eyes widened.
"That wasn't the deal" He growled. Katashi turned back to look at the hunter
his twisted, amused expression clearly evident. The hunter was just so
entertaining.
"The deal was that I could do whatever I wanted to you as long as I stop
hurting Kiyoshi. There was no part in the deal that Hibiki couldn't join in the
fun or...enjoy Kiyoshi." There was a pause as Katashi's words sunk in.
"You bastard! You fucking-" Zero's voice was wiped out when a fist, armed with
the force of a fucking hammer collided with the side of his face. Zero heard
something crack.
"Careful Zero, otherwise he really will break your jaw." Katashi chuckled
before laying back on the bed. Zero stared through his double vision to see
that although Hibiki hadn't broken his jaw, he'd sure come close to it. A spurt
of blood lay on the ground before him and amongst the blood lay four white
teeth. Zero hissed loudly in pain as his gums bled and his swelling jaw tried,
unsuccessfully to heal despite the anti-vampire cuffs.
Large hands, suddenly pawed Zero's head like a soft-ball and directed it to the
prominent bulge in the thug's pants.
Not again...
Despite Katashi's cruelty and twisted demeanor, the thinner male seemed quite
gentle compared to the brute force of Hibiki. The bulky male didn't need Zero
to stimulate him in anyway, the monstrous human was quite happy to do the work
himself, manipulating the hunter in anyway he desired. He pounded the hunter's
bleeding mouth, uncaring of the fresh wounds, uncaring of the gurgling that
erupted deep from Zero's throat as he tried to breath, as he fought the
unavoidable gagging as Hibiki plunged deeper and harder with every thrust. Zero
realized he was choking on his own blood.
Thankfully, Hibiki's completion was easily met and although Zero tried to keep
his lips tight, Hibiki was impossible to swallow. The remains dripped to the
ground.
"Bitch." Hibiki snarled, seeing the remains. In one swift motion, he had
withdrew himself gripped the back of the hunter's head and slammed it down to
the cemented ground.
"Fucking take it all." Zero couldn't see anymore, the pain, the terror... it
was too much. His face was pressed harder into the cement. Zero heard his jaw
cracking and with his vision swimming, he flicked his tongue out to lick the
rest of remains off the floor. When Hibiki was satisfied the hunter had
swallowed every last drop he ripped the hunter's head back up by the hair. With
a strangle yelp, Zero found the thug right beside his face.
"Don't fucking let it happen again." he spat on the hunter's face before
releasing him and stalking off. Zero watched him from the ground, the corners
of his vision surrounded by darkness.
"I told you to keep your lips tight." The dark figure's mocking was the last
thing Zero heard before the darkness claimed him once again.
Zero woke to the rattling of chains. The jangling sound blared in his ears and
forced him to wake. The first thing Zero saw was dusty brown hair and scrawny,
paled hands working the cuffs that held Zero prisoner.
"Kiyoshi...?" Zero slurred, his speech lost in the haze of his unconsciousness.
"Ssh, they'll hear you."
"What are you doing?" Zero was becoming more awake by the second, he realized
Kiyoshi was trying to free him, but the cuffs kept shocking him. The boy wasn't
deterred by such things and had been working on the chains for a good hour,
Zero noticed with a sickening realization, that the child's hands were red raw
from the burns that the shock left.
"Kiyoshi stop! You're hurting yourself"
"SSHH!" Kiyoshi hissed snapping a hand over Zero's mouth and looking to the two
figures that slumbered on the bed. "You're wake them." Zero gave a small nod.
Kiyoshi removed his hand and continued his work, jumping at the shocks but
never releasing a single cry of pain.
"Why are you doing this?" Zero murmured softly. Kiyoshi blushed, yet did not
raise his head.
"You saved me...well you tried to...no one's ever stood up for me like you
did." There was silent pause of understanding.
"Kiyoshi, you can't break these cuffs, they're anti-vampire weapons, they are
voice activated only."
"There's nothing wrong with a bit of optimism." The younger shot back. There
was another pause.
"Kiyoshi...how did you get here?...why did you come here?" Kiyoshi momentarily
paused in his work, a strange expression crossing his face. It was gone as
quickly as it had come. Kiyoshi returned to his work.
"My mother was very sick and we didn't have a lot of money... mum got worse and
soon we didn't have enough money to buy the right medication..." Kiyoshi voice
was a thin, fragile whisper, his eyes glazed over.
"Go on." Zero prompted when the boy had been silent too long.
"S-so one day, dad said he was taking me and my younger brother out to the city
as a treat...he sold us to the first bidder and left."
"He soldyou? Your own father soldyou?" Kiyoshi nodded.
"He needed the money for mum."
"But what about your brother?"
"He's dead- or at least I hope he is." Zero frowned at this. "He was sold to a
cheap brothel." Kiyoshi explained. "I would rather him dead than have to face
that everyday."
"And you?"
"I was lucky, Katashi took me away from that whore house and brought me here."
"You call this lucky?" Zero's eyebrows shot up.
"Katashi is good to me, he was...gentle."
"He sat back and watched why Hibiki raped you!" The boy's both froze when they
realized how loud Zero's voice had gone. They held their breaths when Katashi
stirred from his slumber. When he continued sleeping they let out a sigh of
relief.
"What do you expect me to do?" Kiyoshi demanded softly, his eyes hard and
angry. "This is my home, Katashi, he's the closest thing I have to family-"
"This is not a home Kiyoshi! This is a prison and Katashi- he's a fucking
pedophile, and so his pet hulk!" Zero met the boy's eyes desperately. "Come
away with me."
"What?"
"If you can get me free come away with me-"
"And go where?"
"I have an apartment and a rich...owner, he's not so cruel that he would
abandon you." Kiyoshi paused in his work, a glint of hope suddenly lighting his
lifeless eyes. Then it was gone.
"I...I can't"
"Why not?"
"Zero, I'm not like you- I've been a slave since I was seven...I don't know how
to live by myself, I don't know how to act normal."
"I'll teach you" Kiyoshi shook his head.
"I can't. I'll help you- I promise...but I can't leave. This is my home."
"Damn straight it is."
The two boys shot up at the cruel twisted voice. With horrified eyes they saw
Katashi, wide awake, still lounging on the bed.
"Well, well well- we have a traitor in out midst." Katashi rose from the bed,
Hibiki grunted into consciousness beside him. The dark-haired man stopped at
Kiyoshi's trembling side.
"K-Ka-Katashi...I-"
"Silence!" in one fluid movement, Katashi backhanded the teenager. Kiyoshi
sprawled back against the cold cement. Katashi advanced on him. "I fed you, I
clothed you, I protected you, I gave you a place to stay, I saved you from that
shit pile- I fucking raised you and this is how you repay me?" Katashi was
seething. He hissed out each word, spraying Kiyoshi as the youngster scrambled
back.
"You fucking bitch!" Katashi threw a well aimed kick. Kiyoshi was thrown back,
he cried out in pain, curling to his side and clenching his stomach.
"K-Katashi...I'm s-sorry"
"Sorry!" Katashi yanked the boy up by the hair and punched him straight in the
jaw. "You were going to fucking leave!"
"N-no-no I-" Katashi landed another punch. Zero heard a loud crack and then
suddenly, Kiyoshi was bleeding from the mouth, teeth missing and sobbing
desperately.
"You were going to run away- run away after I fucking cared for you for all
these years and you're running off with him!You whore!" Katashi backhanded him
again before letting him drop to the floor. Of course Katashi knew the boy
wasn't going to leave, he'd heard the whole conversation between the two. He
even knew that the only reason why Kiyoshi had tried to save the hunter was
because Katashi himself was the one who had put the idea in the boy's head. He
loved it when Kiyoshi was like this; broken, bleeding and begging just for him
and his forgiveness.
And there was only one type of forgiveness Katashi was willing to accept.
With violent hands, Katashi ripped off Kiyoshi's shirt, tearing it at the
seams. Next he yanked off the pants and stood back to admire his pleading,
naked bitch. Bleeding profusely and scared enough to literally wet himself, but
he wouldn't...he feared the punishment if he did even more.
Katashi yanked his own shirt off, popping the buttons before unzipping his
jeans.
"You!" He snapped around to face Zero. "You will watch this and better
yet...you're going to enjoyit." Zero found himself trembling at the cruel
twisted expression on Katashi's face, almost jumping out of his skin when
Hibiki was suddenly behind him, reaching to Zero's naked front and gripping him
in closed fist.
Katashi advanced on Kiyoshi's bleeding figure, freeing himself from the
confines of his jeans.
"Stop!" Zero's growl turned into a cry when the hand around him gripped him
tighter. Katashi ignored him, fisting his hand in Kiyoshi's hair and dragged
the child towards the old wooden, dining table set for two. Kiyoshi screamed
out loud as he was hauled up onto the table by his hair. He truly felt as if it
had been ripped from the strands.
"We had a deal!" Zero roared watching as Kiyoshi's head slammed down on the
wooden table that rested against the wall.
"Deal's off" Katashi snapped over his shoulder angling the boy so Kiyoshi's
head was locked between the cement wall and the table, face down. Katashi
smirked as the position placed the youngster's hips right on the edge of the
table. "Can you see Zero? Do you have have a good view" Zero watched Kiyoshi
with wide eyes, petrified for the boy's safety and yet, unable to do anything.
"Hibiki?"
"He's got prime view, Katashi" Hibiki's rumbling, gruff voice was just above
Zero's ear. Zero felt his whole body shudder when Hibiki knelt behind the
hunter, pressing his front flush against Zero's kneeling position, an firm arm
wrapped around Zero's front, preventing the hunter from escaping his body
contact and holding him firmly to the thug. The other hand, much to Zero's
horror, released him and replaced the painful grip with firm massaging. The
hunter's breath hitched as the hand rubbed and teased him, brushing directly
against him. Zero felt himself beginning to harden in response.
So good...
Zero flinched away from his thoughts.
"Stop it!" he snarled, venom seeping into his mouth.
"Ssh, you'll enjoy it- I promise." Hibiki growled huskily into the hunter's
ear. Biting viciously at the skin there. Zero shook his head trying to shake
the thug away, but the teeth bit down harder until he drew blood.
"This doesn't have to hurt" Hibiki purred, or as close to a seductive pure as
the gruff being could manage. His hand became slightly more forceful, hitting
every spot he knew that would pleasure the hunter. Zero's body responded
unwillingly and soon he was rock-hard and struggling to maintain his normal
breaths. Zero felt his eyelids flutter as his eyes rolled backwards as Hibiki
continued to lavish his tender flesh. "...Not one bit."
"Stop..." Zero's voice was like a whimper and cursed inwardly at how feeble he
sounded, he tried to pushed the hand away with his unbroken side. His efforts
were useless, the thugs arms were at least twice the size of his and he batted
them away as easily as he would do a fly.
"Come on, spread for me." Hibiki wedged his hand between the hunter's thighs
and used his fingers to spread them just wide enough so that he could grip the
hunter fully. "That's it." A single groan slipped past Zero's unwilling lips
before he could stop it, his head lolled backwards to rest more fully upon
Hibiki's shoulder.
"That's it."
"Y-y-you...bas..tard..." Zero breathed disjointedly. His cheeks flaming red and
all the blood in his body pooling to his groin.
"Watch" Hibiki grunted, tilting the boy's chin with the hand of the arm that
wrapped around the hunter. "You're not allowed to look away." Zero blinked
dazedly, his mind felt as if it was filled with a thick smog, similar to that
of the sedative. His mind was a blur, his thoughts hushed and all the while he
found that he couldn't fight back. Why though? Why did his whole body feel like
jelly? Why did it shiver and tremble under the filthy hands of his captor?
Why?
"Watch" Hibiki pressed, amused by the hunter's reactions, he knew it was a side
affect of the sedative, but he had no idea it could be this amusing. "You're
going to miss the show."
..show...?
something clicking in his mind, a single name burst through the haze of his
mind:
Kiyoshi.
Zero's eyes snapped open. Katashi turned Kiyoshi's face towards the hunter, one
hand holding the head there while the other gripped the boy's hip. Katashi
rubbed his tip against Kiyoshi's abused hole, letting out an impatient sigh.
"I thought I raised you better than this Kiyoshi, I thought I taught you to
respect your elders-" his words were cut off by a pleading moan. Zero realized
that the boy's jaw had indeed snapped when Katashi had punched him and as a
result he couldn't voice his apologies an plead his innocence. Katashi seemed
to have heard it though because his eyes flashed in anger as he suddenly
gripped the boy's hair and ripped Kiyoshi's head back before slamming it back
down on the table. Blood spurted from Kiyoshi's mouth.
"Lies!" Katashi snarled, his soothing manner disappearing as quickly as it had
come.
"Stop!" Zero roared as Katashi took another swing at the boy. The hunter
lurched forward as if meaning to somehow escape his chains and save the boy,
but Hibiki held him firm, the hand that had once been pointing his chin now
gripped Zero's throat, limiting his air supply.
Katashi rammed himself into the fragile body beneath him, forcing the boy to
take him all in one single, deep thrust. Kiyoshi let out a inhumane sound,
enough to send Zero's blood cold. The boy sounded as if he were choking,
moaning, crying out and begging for forgiveness all in one breath.
"Kiyoshi!" Zero's strangled cry was lost in the tightening of the hand around
his throat.
"Hush-enjoy it...look at his face...so beautiful..." Hibiki was turned on, Zero
could feel the threatening steel rod at his back and the tormenting hand grip
him harder, stroking the hunter with tight, urgent movements.
Katashi pulled slowly out of the youth.
"You're a traitorous whore you know that." He snapped his hips forward once
again in a single deep thrust, rocking the table and causing it to creak in
protest. Kiyoshi let out another gurgling cry.
"I fed you. I clothed you. I fucking saved you. And you do this." Katashi
snapped forward with each of his words; going deeper, harder and faster with
each thrust. "You fucking deserve this." And then he was thrusting faster and
faster until he had reached and uncontrollable pace. He thrust into the boy,
hard and fast. He aimed for no target, only to cause the boy pain. Katashi
forced one of Kiyoshi's legs up to the table strainning the boy even further.
Zero watched in horror, his ampathyst eyes locking with Kiyoshi's pained,
helpless ones and all the while Katashi thrust madly into him and Hibiki urged
the hunter further into a state of release.
"You like it don't you- watching" Zero would've glared at the thug but found
with Hibiki's hand clasped around his throat, that he was in no position to do
so.
"I hate you" Zero growled, fighting to keep his breathless voice angry as
Hibiki's hand brought him closer and closer to the edge.
"You do" Hibiki mocked. "You're body certainly dose." Zero felt his face flush
in shame as he realised the truth. He had fought for Kiyoshi, had sacrificed
his pride for the abused youth and yet here he was, watching the boy being
raped with a massive hard on and getting jacked off by some thug.
He was sick.
"You wish it was you don't you? Thrusting into that tight little whore...-can
you feel him? Can you imagine thrusting into him, hearing his little moans of
terror." Zero growled in response but for some reason his body betrayed his
thoughts, thrusting into Hibiki's waiting hand as that upmost peak came into
view.
"You want him- you want allof him and you want this punishment, because you
think you deserve it, because you're just like us-" Zero cried out hoarsely as
Hibiki loosened his fist, allowing Zero's restrained release to suddenly break
through. Zero pratically screamed, Katashi's grunts of appreciation joining
him. Hibiki continued to stroke the hunter in his arms until Zero was conscious
enough to rip the hand away from his throat and his shaft.
"Get away from me!" Zero roared. His voice however came out sounding more like
a pained cry than a enraged growl.
Hibiki released him and rose from his position laughing like mad. Zero keeled
over. His heart racing, moisture prickling his eyes and his throat bruised and
sore.
What had he done?
Zero heard every last bit of Kiyoshi's punishment. He heard Kiyoshi's unearthly
cries as a lighter was pressed to every tender patch of skin. He witnessed each
bloodly slash of the flick-knife Katashi kept in his pocket as it ravaged the
sickly pale skin of the youth before it was removed and used on the boy's
inside.
Zero no longer cared for his pride, he scream and begged Katashi to stop.
Promising his captors whatever they wanted as long as Kiyoshi was kept safe, as
long as they stopped their punishment.
Instead of listening to him. They mocked him, laughed at him, taunted the
hunter's anguish until Zero could take no more. When Katashi was finally sated,
he was replaced by Hibiki and despite Zero thousands of pleads and prayers to
the heveans, the torture continued.
===============================================================================
"Kiyoshi...?" Zero called out to the bloodied heap before him. "Kiyoshi, you
have to wake up." no response. "Kiyoshi please!" The heap made no sign that
it'd heard him, nor did it show any sign of consciousness. Zero pulled at his
chains, fighting to get closer to the youth. The shocks eventually subduing
him. Zero lay as close as he could to the heap, fighting his bloodlust as he
lay in the crimson pool that leaked stedily from Kiyoshi's body. Zero's whole
world was centered on the sound of laboured breathing and the soft thump of the
boy's failing heart.
"Kiyoshi..." Zero's voice was no more than a whisper as he lie there, shivering
from the cold, coated in blood and his own shameful release.
Maybe this is Kiyoshi's chance to escape. Zero thought silently as tears began
to roll down his face. Maybe Kiyoshi will finally be free of here...just not
the way I'd hoped...
Zero wondered fleeting why Katashi hadn't attending to Kiyoshi's wounds. Wasn't
Kiyoshi surpossed to be his slave? His property?...his pet.
At the mention of pets, Zero's thoughts were soon brought to Akatsuki Kain and
his city mannor, the ancient wonder of the building, the friendly smiles of the
staff and Akatsuki's amused smirk. Was the noble looking for him now? Did Kain
even realise he was gone...did he even care?
Why would he?
Ever since Akastsuki had first purchased him, Zero knew he'd been nothing but
trouble; swearing constantly, attacking the noble whenever he could, fighting
Kain for every tooth and nail. He's embarrased the noble in public, glaring at
the pureblood Kaname Kuran, later trying to put Akatsuki's own life in jepody
in the foolish act of trying to stab the same pureblood with a butterknife.
Zero's tears felt hot against his cheek. What had the noble done? He'd given
the hunter his blood, no easy feat for someone so royal,He'd fed Zero right
from his own kitchen, given the hunter his own room, a chance not to be around
the noble and countless hours of what little freetime the noble had away from
work. The only punishment he'd recived from Kain was not unreasonable, it had
even been pleasurable at one point. Zero blushed faintly at that memory. And
for what? Zero's rudeness, his anger and his hate, the last time he'd seen Kain
they'd been fighting, an act triggered by the hunter himsef. Zero suddenly felt
sick to his gut.
Why would the noble save him?
Why would the noble even come looking for him?
===============================================================================
Kiyoshi didn't survive. Zero knew the moment the boy's heart had stopped, knew
the moment the ragged breath ended with a gurgled choke. Zero didn't cry when
he knew that the boy was surely dead. He did not protest when Hibiki removed
the cold, limp body from the room, under the watchful eye of Katashi. He did
not even snap when Katashi had sighed extravagantly and taunted.
"That's the thing about whores, they get old quick."
When Hibiki returned, he was changed. Not one bloodstain lay in sight. He
carried a hose with him. Without speaking his intention he turned it on washing
the bloodied floor and washing Zero as best as he could without touching him.
"Don't make him too clean, Ryuu like blood. He would want the bitch stained a
bit." Zero made no sign he had heard the foul word. It didn't matter anymore.
What the future held for him didn't matter anymore... nothing did.
Zero had been captured because of his spitefulness of his owner and his own
ignorance to one day escape him. Kiyoshi had died because of Zero's failure to
stop the boy from trying to free him. He knew the boy wouldn't break him free
and yet he's let the poor boy go on, burning himself with the shocks of the
cuffs, while the hunter had just sat back and watched. Zero had also prevented
himself from finding any sort of escape or rescue thanks to the damming
attitude he had clearly shown the one and only person...-vampire- that could
have saved him.
He was utterly and truly screwed.
And Zero knew he completely deserved it.
Zero woke to the bright candlelight beside the bed.
Bed?
His whole body felt heavy...almost like lead.
I know this feeling.
A blurred memory of Katashi placing a stained white cloth over his mouth
lingered at the front of Zero's mind. As Zero continued to wake from his
drugged slumber he began to realised that the concreted room he'd been kept in
for the last...God knows how long was no longer bathed in light, but rather the
soft flickering candlelight caused by the red and white sticks that littered
the bedside tables on either side of the double bed and the floor around it.
Zero frowned. Wasn't this the kind of setting someone made for a romantic
occasion? -aside from the fact that the bed was in a cemented room and that
Zero was still very much chained, only this time to the head board.
"Feeling a bit groggy are we?" The sensual, silken voice of a stranger drew
Zero's attention to the shadows.
"W-who are you?" Zero swallowed quickly. His gut had begun to churn
uncomfortably and he had a bad feeling in his stomach. His hunter senses where
buzzing like crazy.
"Ryuu...and you must be my little gift." The man stepped into the candlelight.
Zero felt his body tense. Ryuu was beautiful, evil, but beautiful none the
less. His chestnut hair, highlighted with gold was long enough to reach the
centre of his back, it was tied elegantly back in a loose ponytail. His
strangely familiar jade green eyes watched him like a hawk with a evil smirk
that reminded him too much of another.
"You're Katashi's brother?"
"Very good." Ryuu purred. "Did he tell you?" Zero shook his head. "How very
clever of you." Ryuu approached the bed with slow, flowing steps. He stopped
beside Zero and sunk lightly down onto the bed. His hand raised up suddenly and
began to draw lazy circles on Zero's stomach, making it grow taunt in
apprehension. Something about this man just wasn't right.
The fingers lightly worked their way around Zero's stomach and up Zero's chest
to his arms before circling his collarbone, instantly putting the hunter on
edge. He wasn't used to this, he didn't know what was going on.
"How did you get here?"
"I...I was t-tricked." Zero stuttered lightly, the hands that explored him so
casually distracting him from his words.
"Really?" Ryuu's fingers were now circling his breastbone and soon moved to
brush lightly over the hardening pink nubs that decorated Zero's upper body. "A
trained hunter like you tricked into a trap, like a little mouse?" Zero
frowned. Who the hell was this guy? "And you're a pet too." Ryuu's eyes
glittered in amusement. "How fascinating." Zero didn't like the man's tone, it
sounded like it was mocking him but at the same time trying to be soothing and
friendly. Along with the strange touches he was giving, Ryuu was down-right
disturbing.
"And how did that little...incident happen? Another trick?"
"No" Zero growled. A faint blush covering his cheeks as his pride was once
again insulted and as a result of the exploring fingers that seemed to be quite
comfortable teasing his...his...well his nipples. What was even more
embarrassing was that Zero's body was beginning to react to the movements. The
hands causing cold shivers to run up and down Zero's spine.
"A mistake then?"
"I was wounded, the slave-dealers followed me back to my apartment...-"
"You couldn't stop them?" Ryuu prompted. He had now moved more fully over the
bed and was almost laying on the soft covers. His cool breath against Zero's
chilled skin made the hairs on the back of his neck rise.
"N-no" Zero stuttered again. The combination of the cold fingers and cold
breath tormenting his skin was now more disturbing than ever.
"Really? A strong, powerful hunter such as yourself, who is also and ex-human
could not defeat a few measly slave dealers?" Zero's eyes flashed with anger.
"I was wounded."
"Of course."
"Stop doing that?"
"Doing...?"
"That!" Zeo pulled away from Ryuu. "Stop touching me!" Ryuu's eyes suddenly
darkened with lust.
"Never Zero" He said the words like a vow. "I will never stop touching you..."
in one fluid movement Ryuu suddenly swooped down like and hawk spotting its
prey and bit down on Zero's tender nub. Zero gasped loudly at the strange
contact. The older male released the pink flesh for a moment before closing his
lips around the delicate flesh and suckling happily. Zero yanked at his chains,
his breath coming out in frightened gasps. Not again. How many more times did
they have to do this to him. How much more of him did they have to take?
"Stop..." Zero whimpered. He struggled feebly in his restraints, the sedative
still heavy in his system. Cold fingers ventured downward and dipped between
the hunter's legs. "What are you- ST-!' Zero cried out as he found himself
cracked open by brutal fingers without preparation. His body clenched, trying
to force the unwanted object away. His stomach rolled, bile rose once again in
his throat and Zero's breath was begging to edge towards hyperventilating. Up
until this moment, everything Zero had been exposed to in his capturing had
been external, this, this was different. He was being intruded in a way like no
other and it hurt, not just physically, but mentally. Zero felt his very soul
being ripped at the seams.
Ryuu raised his head, witnessing the pain he saw in the violet eyes and smiled
before forcing his mouth over Zero's, his free hand holding the hunter to him.
Zero tried to pull away, struggling for breath, when he was granted air he
gasped for it and Ryuu took the opportunity to slip his tongue in.
Zero chocked at the sudden intrusion, Ryuu thrust his tongue into him to match
the speed of his finger and before the hunter was ready, Ryuu added a second
finger. Zero's cry and whimper that followed.
Zero felt as if he was drowning. The tongue in his mouth stopped his hair and
he couldn't figure out the mechanics to make himself breathe through his nose.
His whole body was being assaulted with emotions and he had no idea how to
handle them along with his own physical reactions.
Please stop...please...just stop...
Zero closed his eyes willing the scene away, willing himself to disappear. He
could almost break down the wall between reality and the world he desperately
wanted to break into, to escape what he was facing now...
Sudden shouts from above drew the hunter's attention, as did it Ryuu's. He let
out a frustrated sigh.
"What now?-" the door to the cemented room suddenly blasted off its hinges in a
explosion of fire. "What the-?"
The thick black smoke cleared as three people stormed though the wall. Zero
glanced over and felt his whole body freeze when he saw the man leading the
team of black suits. There was just no way, no plausible reason why he would be
there.
"Akatsuki?"
***** Save Me *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
 
5 Days Ago...
Akatsuki stared after the hunter and let out a tired sigh. Why did the boy have
to be so difficult? It seemed every time they talked they were fighting over
something; being late, drinking blood, going out, drugs-was Zero really that
blind in not knowing that most club owners sold their own drugs to increase
customer ratings? Was he really that innocent?
Akatsuki scanned the crowd looking for the silver-haired beauty that he'd lost
in the rave lights...nothing. Kain stiffened. There was no way that the hunter
would disobey a direct order and leave the club...- Akatsuki shifted in his
seat, sliding along the booth, just enough to see the whole floor. His gaze
instantly fell on the hunter. A small smirk touched the corner of his lips.
Zero was sitting at the only place in the entire club where he wouldn't be in
the noble's direct line of sight and he was drinking what appeared to be the
strongest drink on the menu.
Careful Zero. Akatsuki murmured to himself, sliding back to his original
position in the booth. Too much of that and you won't remember your own name...
Kain took another sip of his blood wine, savoring the smooth texture and the
intriguing warmth it brought to his senses, a small smile coming to his lips.
Maybe having an intoxicated Zero wasn't a bad thing. Akatsuki could do sooo
many things to him and the hunter wouldn't even remember...
-Well not for a few days at least-
At the thought, images of a flushed, beautifully naked Zero lay stretched out
before him. The hunter's eyes were half-lidded with sleep and lust, his cheeks
lightly flushed and his smooth pale skin trembling as Akatsuki explored every
inch of it...
Akatsuki blinked the image away, the increasingly aware of how such thoughts
had begun to affect him. Akatsuki finished off the last of his cigarette and
retrieved another one, trying to use the nicotine to calm his nerves and his
growing need.
Akatsuki scanned the dance floor, trying to look indifferent as he waited for
the hunter to return. This time he would not chase after the hunter as he had
before, this time he would wait until the hunter returned and admitted that he
had been out of line...then maybe he would see to Zero's punishment.
Akatsuki's small smile returned. Yes, a little bit of discipline for such rude
behavior is necessary.
Akatsuki waited, smoking the last of his cigarettes and four more glasses of
blood wine in the process.
Akatsuki finished off another few rounds of blood wine before glancing at his
watch. It was almost time to head home. Maybe he should just punish the hunter
for making him wait....
Akatasuki eventually slid beck to the edge of the booth to look out where
Zero's seat at the bar.
It was empty.
Akatsuki froze. His eyes scanned each barstool looking for the silver-haired
hunter.
Akatsuki rose in his seat, his eyes now madly searching the club. He hadn't
seen Zero leave, he hadn't seen Zero leave that seat at all-
Zero was gone.
Akatsuki's heart skipped a beat and began to drum faster. Kain strode over to
the bar where he had last saw Zero a woman behind the counter spotted him.
“Master Kain, may I help you?”
“Where's Zero?”
“Excuse me?”
“The silver-haired boy- he was here a few hours ago.” Akatsuki growled daring
her to not to remember him. She did though, he saw the recognition in her eyes.
“He left four hours ago.”
“What?”
“He was with a little boy, brunette fellow, they headed for the back.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Without another word, Akatsuki stormed out to the back of the club,
passing through the back rooms and ignoring the staff that tried to assist him.
Akatsuki was able to pick up the hunter's scent in a matter of seconds. Zero
had defiantly been here and the bar tender had been right... Zero hadn't been
alone.
Akatsuki was picking up the smell of a stranger, a youth, but a filthy one at
that. The boy's body oder lingered like a bad smell as if the boy hadn't washed
in weeks.
Why would Zero follow him?
Akatsuki suddenly found what he was looking for; back doors. He passed through
quickly and found himself outside of the club. The cool morning air was like a
cold bucket of water being tipped over his head after being in the heat of the
club. Akatsuki looked around, trying to determine which way the hunter went.
This was easier said than done, in the six or so hours he had been at the club,
it had rained...heavily.
The rain was a tracker's worst nightmare, it washed away scents and covered up
foot prints. Akatsuki followed his gut, turning left down the back ally way,
only to stop a few moments later. Behind Blackout there was a maze of alley
ways, all of which Zero could have traveled. It left too many options open.
Even if Akatsuki did search every ally way in sight and every nook and cranny,
there was no way he'd be able to find where Zero's company had taken him and
into which establishment- that was if the hunter hadn't exited in a car...or
left town completely.
Wherever Zero was, he certainly didn't want to be found. Kain closed his eyes
and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. The Hunter must have been
planning this from the moment Akatsuki purchased him; get out as soon as he
could, escape when he could.
Zero had run away.
Akatsuki straightened and dug into his coat pocket to find a small metal
device. More than anything he was hurt by the hunter's actions. He'd thought
he'd been kind to the hunter, had treated him well...apart from a few incidents
but they were defiantly excusable as they were part of the pet's training,
Akatsuki had even told him about his family- about his father. He'd never told
anyone apart from Aidou about that day,about how his great and noble father who
he adored so much was dead for twelve hours before anyone went looking for him.
Kain had allowed the hunter into his life, into a place he hadn't allowed
anyone else. Worse yet, he had begun to let the hunter into his heart, to fill
up the dark and lonely holes with his presence. But despite all this...the
hunter had left him.
Akatsuki gripped the tracking device in his hands. This was a betrayal that
could not go unpunished and when Akatsuki found the hunter he was going to make
it one lesson the boy never forgot.
Kain pressed down on the button and watched the in-built map for the location
of the hunter whereabouts. A moment passed...
Akatsuki frowned and punched the button again and received the same reading; a
complete and utter blank. Akatsuki gripped the metal device until it crumbled
in his grasp.
How had the hunter planned this? How had the hunter known which person would
have the rare, not to mention, expensive device needed to disable a top of the
range tracking device on a personalized collar? Hadn't the bartender said that
Zero's companion was a mere boy? How could someone like that have this device,
how-
Akatsuki suddenly froze, an icy shiver creeping up his spine.
There was really only one kind of person who kept these rare devices, ones who
needed to use it for they're everyday trade and it wasn't a hunter;
Snatchers
Snatches were much like kidnappers except instead of stealing ordinary people,
they stole pets. Pets were usually broken and tame, much too obedient to
struggle with their new captors or whoever the snatches resold them to. Zero
certainly hadn't been unwillingly snatched, but rather lured in by the young
boy. The thief had probably promised the hunter his freedom saying he could
remove the collar and disable the hunter's tracking device so Zero would never
be bound to another again.
Akatsuki swore softly, quickly becoming aware of the fact that his bite mark
was artificially silent, as if it had been muted, telling the noble that at
this moment the hunter was probably drugged. Akatsuki fisted his hands
silently. His body shook in anger. Nobody stole from him, nobody took what he
had already claimed, Zero was his, his pet, and he'd be dammed if he'd let
anyone else touch him.
Within split seconds Akatsuki had his cellphone in hand and was barking orders.
Zero was his, he had to get him back. He just had to.
     =====================================================================
      
Kain sat at his desk, rubbing his throbbing temples. For days now there had
been an ongoing search for the silver-haired hunter and his captors, yet they
still came up with nothing. Akatsuki poured himself yet another drink and
gulped it down before lighting another cigarette.
“You're going to make yourself sick if you keep doing that.” Peter, Akatsuki's
personal assistant commented from where he sat; perched on the edge of the
study's lounge, mounds of paperwork and information laid out before him spread
across the coffee table. Kain snorted softly.
“Vampires may not be able to die from excessive smoking or drinking, but they
can certainly make themselves sick.”  Peter continued. Akatsuki sighed.
“You're point?”
“You drink too much, eat too little and you smoke worse then a chimney”
Akatsuki lifted his head  to shoot his assistant a demeaning scowl. Peter was
the only one, among his entire staff, that clearly stated his opinion about
Kain without fear of punishment. It was one of the reasons Akatsuki hired him
in the first place.
“Mothering again?” He taunted lightly. Now it was Peter's turn to sigh.
Akatsuki always referred to him as a mother or mothering, it was a nickname
gained from how Peter handled Akatsuki's trademark behavior; scolding the noble
as if he were a child and forcing Kain to see error in his ways.
“We will find him.” Peter murmured softly, knowing the noble was greatly
troubled by the situation, the tell-tale signs of just how much the noble was
smoking and drinking was adequate proof of that.
“I know.”
“So stop worrying”
“I'm not.” Peter gave another scowl. Akatsuki heaved another sigh. “They stole
him from me-”
“Is that what this is really about? A bit of vampire possessiveness?”
Akatsuki's brows knitted together in confusion. “Aren't you worried about Zero
at all?”
“Of course, if they laid a hand on him-”
“So it is vampire possessiveness.” Peter sighed. “Your more worried about his
captors than Zero.”
“And your point is?” Peter stared at Akatsuki's blank expression with
exasperation. He released another loud sigh and turned back to his work.
“Nothing Kain, forget I said anything.” Akatsuki frowned at Peter. Although
Peter had served him for years, he was still a human and still had problems
understanding vampire culture.
“He's not my lover Peter, or even my friend, he is a pet- my pet and someone
took him. It's like stealing someone's wallet or someone else's belongings.”
“So he's a thing to you?”
“He's a pet.”
There was a pause. Kain's voice had been firm, final and yet Peter still didn't
understand.
“Dose he mean anything to you?” He asked softly.
“Dose it matter?” Peter shook his head sighing.
“Guess not.”
The pair lapsed back into silence for a few more moments.
“I don't know what he means to me.” Akatsuki murmured softly, his eyes staring
at the documents before him unseeing. Peter paused for a moment, partially
stunned by Kain's reaction.
The business tycoon of the century-the Nightlife King- unsure about something?
God what is the world coming to?
“We'll get him back Kain.” Peter repeated, offering the only words he knew to
be comforting. Akatsuki sighed.
“I know.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Akatsuki sat staring out the tinted black window of his limo, remembering the
conversation he'd had with his personal assistant five days ago. Just as Peter
had predicted, they did find Zero or more correctly, Zero's captor's meeting
place and hopefully a new lead to where Zero was located. Akatuski took another
calming sip of his blood wine, he hadn't stopped drinking the stuff since Zero
had left his side. It was his own silent coping method, that and smoking,
though the noble didn't think his black suited thugs would appreciate the smell
in the enclosed environment.
 
Gossip. It was the thing that Akatsuki hated most and yet, it was gossip that
had lead Kain to the Snatcher's whereabouts. A whisper of a new, silver-haired
beauty there, a hushed conversation of the Snatcher's leader there and in one
swift interrogation, Akatsuki had found out that the boy who had taken Zero was
actually a snatcher's slave and that Zero was supposed to be a gift for the
Snatcher's older brother Ryuu, a rich human who had trained for some time as a
hunter. Ryuu had left the association though, he disapproved of their
philosophy in killing and hating vampires. Ryuu found that he loved vampires,
or more correctly, loved breaking them before killing them.
Akatsuki's felt himself grip his glass tighter and had to force himself not to
break it. If Zero was in Ryuu's clutches now, who knew what kind of hell the
hunter was experiencing.
The limo pulled up at an abandoned-looking shack. The black suits piled out of
the car, Akatsuki followed only to be pulled up by the hesitant hand.
“Master Kain it would be safer for you to wait here.”
“You doubt my capabilities?”
“O-of n-not-”
“Good.” Akatsuki cut the man's rambling short. “Shall we?” One by one the 
black suits plowed through the decayed front door. Within moments of entering
the vacant house the professionally trained team had discovered the trapdoor
leading to the lower levels of the house. They'd barely made it halfway down
the steps before gunshots rang out all around them. Apart from the obvious
deafening sound the vampires were unaffected and continued their siege. The
stairs lead them down to a living quarters of sorts where more snatchers
dwelled, hording away from the outside world. Akatsuki knew the man he was
after.
“Where's Katashi?” He demanded, naming the owner of the small boy that had
kidnapped Zero. The snatcher's clearly knew about vampires and obviously knew
that they were about to die in a most inhumane way if they remained tight-
lipped. They gave up Katashi's location in a heartbeat.
Akatsuki barged in Katashi's 'room' and had him pinned against the wall within
seconds of entering.
“W-what do you want?” the dark haired man spluttered furiously. Kain glared.
This? This was Zero's captor?The man was in his twenties and had some physical
appeal, but he was weak. No muscle, no strength just a whole heap of attitude.
“Where is he?” Kain hissed dangerously, his eyes black in utter hatred.
“Who?” Akatsuki's grip on the man's throat tightened in a silent threat.
“Where's Ryuu?”
“D-downstairs he's with the b-boy.” Akatsuki felt his heart skip a beat. Ryuu
was already here, already with someone- was it Zero? Was it someone else?
Akatsuki paused. Part of him wished desperately that it was Zero downstairs so
that he could finally rescue the hunter, however if it was Zero and Ryuu was
with him, who knew what state Zero would be in now.
“He's downstairs” Kain barked flinging Katashi into the arms of a black suit.
“I'll deal with you later.” He hissed over his shoulder before rushing to the
next floor down. Akatsuki could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the rush
of adrenaline flowing through his veins. He was close, so close.
Suddenly as they neared the bottom of the stair, Kain caught a whiff of a
familiar scent.
“Zero.”
Without waiting for the door to even be opened Akatsuki hurled a fire bomb at
the door, allowing some of his nervous tension to break free. He strode though
the melted hole in the door, fighting to see beyond the remaining smoke. His
senses honed in on the occupants of the room.
Zero was defiantly here and he was alive.
So was his captor.
“Akatsuki...?”
Kain literally felt his heart stop. Zero lay naked, covered head to toe in
bruises and unhealed cuts. He lay upon a double bed, chained to the headboard
by anti-vampire cuffs.
His eyes were empty.
A snarl formed at Kain's lips before he could even try to stop it. Utter rage
and hatred pulsed out of him in deep murderous waves.
“Ryuu.” He growled venomously as blood lust clouded his vision. Akatsuki felt
his men shift nervously beside him, sensitive to the dark pulsating waves that
erupted from him. Akatsuki marched forward towards the vile filth that sat up
on the bed a hand still fixed between the hunter's legs. Noticing this,
Akatsuki's rage grew. He could literally see red.
Someone had touched Zero, Someone had hurt Zero!
Akatsuki wasn't sure when he'd allowed his vampiric side to fully take over,
but when he realised it had he was lunging across the room. Clawed hands locked
around Ryuu's throat and flung him against the back wall.
“You” Akatsuki hissed. Bewildered eyes met his own. “What do to him?”
“W-wh...-” Ryuu choked out as the hand that grip his throat tightened.
“My pet, what did you do to him?” Akatsuki fangs throbbed painfully. He wanted
this man, he wanted to watch, wanted to feel Ryuu's life slip away.
“Y-y-your..-” The expression on Ryuu's face was that of pure terror. Touching a
vampire's pet was illegal, but touching a noble ranking pet or higher was
forbidden and Ryuu knew it.
“I-I-I-I...-” Akatsuki snarled loudly, his lips curling in distaste at the
sound of Ryuu's voice. A powerful man they had called Ryuu, A brave one, a
fearful one. Akatsuki snorted, the man didn't know the meaning of the word.
Though Akatsuki was all too happy to educate him on the term.
Kain wrenched Ryuu's head to the side, ignoring the screams of protest. In a
single movement he had plunged his fangs into the neck bared before him. He bit
down and ripped at the skin. A bloodcurdling cry came from his victim and
Akatsuki drank it in with sick pleasure.
No one, absolutely no one fucked with him or his belongings.
Kain spat the foul chink of flesh to the ground and returned to the wound. He
gouged down, biting again and again, tearing and flesh and bone with his teeth
and claws, determined to keep Ryuu alive for as long as possible. Akatsuki
drank deep, savoring the blood of his opponent until he finally felt Ryuu's
heart beat one last time.
Akatsuki dropped released the body instantly and watched as it dropped, dead
weight, to the floor.
Zero.
Akatsuki wiped his mouth on his sleeve and raced over to the terrified hunter.
With a well-placed aim, Akatsuki blasted the chains away before pulling the
hunter into his arms. The pale, trembling body felt so tiny in his arms as Kain
gripped him.
“Zero, it's me.” Kain felt the bone-thin fingers grasp his shirt in a death-
grip.
“Akatsuki...?”
“That's right- I'm here”
“Akatsuki...?” Kain gripped the boy tighter, fear creeping once again into his
heart. The boy in his arms was Zero, he smelled like Zero, had the same hair as
Zero, same pale skin as Zero and yet this was notZero. The real Zero would
never address him in such a needy, scared tone that sounded so much like a
frightened child, the real Zero would never call him by his name and cling to
him so desperately without biting him first, the real Zero would never, ever
allow himself to be this vulnerable in front of another- in front of him.
“It's okay Zero, you're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again.”
Akatsuki felt the hunter bury himself deeper into the Noble's arms as if he
were trying to hide from the world and disappear into the vampire himself.
Zero clung to the noble and pressed closer to the beautiful warmth that was
completely different to the cold, forcing hands of his captors.
You came...you came for me...for me.
“Of course I did Zero.” Zero only realized he had spoken the words out loud
when the noble answered him. He felt warm fingers gently raise his chin so that
he now looked into soft amber eyes. “Did you really think I would let you get
away so easily?” Zero felt a tear slid softly down his cheek.
Someone had come for him, had come to save him...no one else.
Zero buried his head back into Akatsuki's shirt to hid his tears. Up until this
moment nobody had ever cared whether he lived or died. He was an ex-human, an
outcast of the human world and filth in the eyes of the vampiric world... and
yet...Akatsuki had come for him.
Akatsuki pulled back for a moment, taking off his bloodstained suit jacket and
wrapping it around the hunter.
“Come on Zero, let's go home.” Strong arms slipped under his knees and wrapped
around his shoulders as the hunter suddenly found himself lifted off the bed
and carried back out the concreted room.
Zero ducked his head into Kain's neck, unable to face the curious stares of the
black suits or the hated glares of the other snatchers. Zero just closed his
eyes and breathed in the noble's familiar scent. It didn't take long before the
horror of the past week faded to nothingness as waves of blood lust overtook
Zero's senses.
Acting on instinct, Zero's fingers began to wrap around Kain's neck
unconsciously pulling the noble closer as a soft, needy moan erupted from his
throat.
“I know Zero, wait until we're inside the limo.” Akasuki murmured softly bowing
his head slightly to whisper in the hunter's ear. Akatsuki thanked the black
suits for their work and gave specific orders as to what should be done with
the snatcher before climbing into his own private limo.
“Home Dorian, now.”
“Right away sir.” Kain pressed the button for the black, soundproofed screen to
slid up. Akatsuki unbuttoned the top of his shirt and quickly pushed it aside.
“Now Zero.” The hunter didn't need further encouragement. In a split second he
had his lips locked around his original bite mark area and drinking in deep,
gratifying gulps. Kain held him there, still cradling the hunter in his arms
and over his lap. Akatsuki stroked the hunter's silver hair softly. “Take all
you need Zero.” The hunter moaned in gratitude and dug his fangs deeper,
encouraging a gasp from the noble beneath him.
Zero drank as much as he dared without harming Akatsuki and although his body
begged and pleaded for more, Zero forced himself to stop. He'd survived on much
less, in much harsher environments, at least he was safe in this one.
Zero licked the wound closed, leaving not one drop of blood before he tucked
his head back down to drift peacefully. He was always like this after drinking,
happy, hazy, content. This time he felt more safe than ever.
Someone had come for him, someone actually cared whether he lived or died.
Zero cuddled closer to the warmth. His mind focusing on the softness of
Akatsuki's shirt, the texture of the leather seats, Akatsuki's expensive
cologne and his natural scent underneath of cigarettes and blood wine. He
listened to the soft purr of the car and the gentle rhythm of Akatsuki's
breath. Zero focused wholeheartedly, using all of his senses of what was
happening in that moment to prevent himself from remembering, from thinking
about anything at all.
The truth was, Zero felt more scared and more vulnerable than he had ever been.
What he felt in this moment was very similar to what he had felt as a child
when his parents were murdered before his eyes. Zero felt as if a part of him,
a large part of him, a piece of his very soul, had been ripped out and snatched
away from him. What very little he had left of himself had been abused, torn at
the seams and instead of dying, he'd been forced to go on living with it. The
hollow, aching pit in his gut was raw and vast filled with every moment every
memory he'd had in that hell hole. Yet instead of facing it, the hunter buried
under the layers and layers of what he now clung to for support; Akatsuki's
smell, the sound of Akatsuki's breathing, the feel of Akatsuki's warm body
encasing him and Akatsuki's sworn promise that he would never let anyone hurt
Zero ever again....
Zero was so vulnerable, so terrified of what would happen if he were left to
his thoughts, that he was willing to do anything as to kept those memories from
the forefront of his mind...including cuddling up to the very vampire he'd
plotted to kill for purchasing him as a slave and forcing him into a state of
semi-submission.
Zero didn't even want to think about how pathetic he was at that moment.
***** The Pain *****
Zero was shivering. His teeth chattered, his heart pounding. The water around
him was like ice.
Zero sat unseeingly in the bath, he couldn't remember how long he'd been there,
but he knew it had been quite a while as the hot steaming water had turned cold
some time ago.
His skin was red raw, it had not healed from his own vicious self cleaning
hours ago. Or least it felt like hours, Zero couldn't place time anymore.
Normally his skin would've healed by now, but after being exposed to the anti-
vampire cuffs for so long, the effects still lingered in his blood, slowing his
healing process.
Zero shivered again, this time not from the cold, as he glanced down at the
bruised red rings around his wrists.
They did this to me... they...
Zero gripped his head in his hands roughly. His fingers curling around the
silky silver strands in a death grip as if he planned to yank the stands out.
Don't think about that. Don't think about them.
Yet his mind kept conjuring up images, memories, of his past week. Katashi
breaking his wrist, Hibiki whispering cruel words in his ear as he stroked Zero
into oblivion and Kiyoshi...Kiyoshi.
White hot tears leaked out of Zero's clenched eyes and rolled in waves down his
cheek. He couldn't save Kiyoshi. He'd done...those things for nothing. He'd
lost his pride for nothing. For all his actions and decisions hadn't saved the
orphan boy who looked so much like his own twin brother.
Needing to distract himself from his thoughts, Zero picked up the scrubbing
brush once again and began to scour at his redding skin with such force that it
was more like self-inflicted punishment than actual bathing.
Dirty...I'm dirty because of them...
"Zero..?" Akatsuki's voice came beyond the door.
Has he been waiting for me all this time?
"Zero are you decent? May I come in?" The voice was at the door now. The hunter
frowned at the noble's choice of words.
Decent? I've just got back from whoring myself off to my captors? How could I
ever be decent again? Zero returned to his scrubbing. When Akatsuki received no
reply he opened the door.
"Zero?" Akatsuki's head slipped around the door. He took in the sight before
him."Zero!" Akatsuki rushed to the hunter's side. His hands wrapping around the
scrubbing brush that Zero had elected as his own self-punishing device.
"What are you doing?" Akatsuki demanded, his tone very much unlike his norm. It
was soft, edgy and panicked. Zero couldn't blame him, the hunter knew he looked
like a mess; seated in freezing water, colored by the blood from his wounds,
his lower region covered only by Akatsuki's bloodstained jacket and scrubbing
mechanically like a man possessed.
Zero turned to Akatsuki with hollow eyes.
"Cleaning." He stated simply.
The noble regarded him for a moment. Horror, rage, frustration and sadness were
all evident in his gaze, before he finally composed himself.
"Not in that water." Zero recognized the switch in the noble's tone from the
soft panicked one to his partially bored but all seriousness business one.
Using quick, determined movements, Akatsuki rolled up the sleeves to his shirt,
strode over to the bathtub and pulled the plug. Zero watched blankly as the
bloodied water left the basin. Kain replaced the plug afterwards and proceeded
to refill the bath tub with steaming hot water, checking the temperature every
few moments as to make sure that the water never grew too hot or cold.
With gentle, yet forcing hands, Akatsuki took his jacket off the hunter and
chucked it into the wash basket. Zero now sat naked in the bath, his arms
consciously wrapped around himself although the Noble was keeping his eyes
quite clear of Zero's lower region. Kneeling beside the bath, Akatsuki picked
up a bottle of shower gel, squeezed a small amount into his palm and then, much
to Zero's surprise, began to massage the liquid into Zero's back.
As soon as Akatsuki touched his skin, however, the hunter flinched away
violently. His subconscious suddenly all to aware of the likeness of the
situation of him being naked and touched by another.
"It's me Zero. I'm not going to hurt you." Zero paused for a moment, cursing
the stupidity of his actions. "Do you want me to stop?" Zero clung onto the
sound of Akatsuki's voice, the warmth of his hands.
Slowly, Zero shook his head.
Akatsuki took it as a confirmation to continue and returned to the task at
hand. As Akatsuki continued to work his hands in soothing motions up and along
the hunter's back, Zero found himself turning away from his darkened memories
and focusing more on Akatsuki's touch and the relaxing effect it was having on
him. But too soon the hunter felt a light blush grace his cheeks as he realized
that he was completely nude in font of the noble. His consciousness was quickly
silenced, after all he was a pet, brought and paid for and this was his
'master', it was expected that a pet should be viewed naked. Besides, it wasn't
like the hunter hadn't been seen by others already.
Zero winced at that thought. Akatsuki paused in his ministrations.
"Did I hurt you?" Zero shook his head silently. The noble paused for a moment
longer before he continued. "Do your wounds still hurt?"
Which ones? The hunter thought a psychotic moment of sarcasm passing through
him suddenly.
"Is your broken wrist has healed right? Akatsuki prompted when the hunter
remained silent for too long. Zero's only reply was a quite nod. Unsatisfied
with the answer yet deciding not to push it, Akatsuki finished washing Zero's
back and moved to the hunter's arms in the attempt to investigate the break
himself.
Akatsuki took his time in examining both arms and wrists, checking the movement
and the flexibility. His fingers traced the cuff link wounds around the
hunter's wrists delicately. Before switching to trace the hunter's jaw that was
still swollen, despite his recent intake of blood.
Zero unconsciously leaned into the touch, the warmth that was so much unlike
his captors soothing him more than anything else.
"I'm sorry" Akatsuki murmured softly. His eyes suddenly dark with an unknown
emotion. Kain tipped Zero's chin upwards so the hunter was forced to meet his
gaze. "I'm sorry." Akatsuki repeated. "I was supposed to protect you." Zero
shook his head.
"I'm fine" The hunter rasped, his throat tired as he had not used it since
Akatsuki had saved him.
"You're not." Akatsuki sighed. "And it's my fault. I swear to you, I won't let
anyone ever hurt you again." Zero felt his eyes glaze over and he ducked his
head to hide just how much those words to meant to him.
He said it again.
Although Zero could still feel the noble's gaze upon him, Zero refused to look
up and after a moment, Akatsuki returned to cleaning the hunter before rinsing
him off with a clean, damp washcloth.
"I'll get you some something to wear." Akatsuki rose from the side of the bath
tub. As soon as he had left the room Zero found himself being dragged back into
the haze of vicious memories that Akatsuki's presence kept at bay. Zero
shuddered visibly as he felt cold hands running across his skin, stroking him,
dipping between his legs and destroying what little innocence he had left.
"Zero?"
Zero flinched as he was jerked from his memories. A warm hand cupped his face
gently, the thumb wiped away the single tear that trailed down the hunter's
cheek.
When had he started crying?
"Come on, get dressed." Akatsuki placed Zero's bed clothes on the sink counter.
"I'll be just outside." Zero nodded, waiting for the door to close before
emptying the bath and rising from the quickly disappearing water. After drying
himself with one of the plush towels, Zero pulled the silken garments on,
grateful to be finally clothed after going so long without.
Knowing the noble was waiting for him, Zero opened the door and slipped out of
the bathroom where Akatsuki was waiting in his bedroom.
"Feel any better?" Zero nodded and headed for his bed. The events of the past
week were finally catching up on him and he felt exhausted. Akatsuki's helped
him settle and pulled the covers over Zero.
"Zero?" The hunter blinked sleepily in question. "You should feed before you
sleep, it will help with your wounds." Zero could only blink in response his
energy was evaporating before his eyes- just how many hours had he slept
lately?
Realizing Zero's weakness, Akatsuki sat on the corner of the bed and pushed
back his collar, before leaning down so that his neck was pressed right against
the hunter's mouth. Zero drank without hesitation, taking deep and heady gulps
before drifting off to sleep. Akatsuki cleaned his wound with a cloth realizing
the ex-human must have been beat if he couldn't even finish drinking, let alone
close the wound.
Akatsuki brushed a silver lock out of the boy's face.
"Sweet dreams Zero."
Akatsuki gave the hunter one last look before returning to his own room.
Instead of heading for his bed, Akatsuki returned to his private study, knowing
he wouldn't find any comfort in slumber tonight. Akatsuki poured himself a
fresh glass of blood wine and light another cigarette- what was another day
without sleep anyway?
Akatsuki settled into his chair and took a grateful sip of blood wine, trying
to replace the images of Zero's pain with the effects of alcohol. Kain rubbed
his temples as a headache threatened. He'd waited hours for the hunter to
finish in the bath, he hadn't even thought of checking on the hunter until it
hit the two hour mark only to find the boy sitting in bloody water which had
turned cold long ago. Akatsuki sighed gravely.- When he purchased Zero over two
weeks ago, hadn't he done so with the full intention of caring for the boy's
well-being? So far that promise had ended with him partially molesting the
hunter, allowing the boy to be kidnapped, tortured and then left to freeze in a
bathtub.
Some carer he was.
But that wasn't entirely true either, he wasn't Zero's carer, his lover, his
friend- no, he was Zero's master and Zero was his pet. Hadn't he said the same
thing to Peter a few days ago?
Akatsuki took a deep drag of his cigarette and let the smoke out in a heavy
sigh.
Why did the term 'Master' and 'Pet' irritate him so much lately? He wanted to
posses the Hunter, to claim him fully as his own, he wanted the hunter's to
fill the painful, empty holes in his life when there was no more work to do, to
be something...someone he could come home to- but did he really need a pet for
that? Akatsuki already had a whole battalion of people who he could quite
happily order around- did he really want another one? And if he ordered Zero
around, manipulated him into saying and doing things for his own amusement- how
was he any better then the snatchers that had taken Zero and tortured him?
Akatsuki groaned in frustration, putting aside his eighth glass of blood wine
and putting out the last of God only knows how many cigarettes, his thoughts
had taken him through quite a few packets and now an uneasy churning of
nicotine and smoke sat like a stone in his gut. Kain folded his arms and rested
his head on his desk. Why did things have to be so complicated sometimes?
He needed some advice.
Kain picked up the phone and dialed without needing to look at the keypad.
"Hellooo?" Takuma's sunshine voice, despite the hour, did nothing for
Akatsuki's mood. Akatsuki opened his mouth to tell him the reasoning of his
call and he found himself at a blank.- 'hey Takuma I'm just calling because I
think I'am a sadist bastard who likes to make promises I can't keep and am
doubting my ability to make sensible decisions- Help me'- now somehow Kain just
couldn't see that one working.
"I have caller ID Kain, I know it's you." Akatsuki sighed.
"I'm sorry Takuma, I don't know why I called...good-day." Akatsuki hung up the
phone quickly and returned to resting his head on the desk.
The phone rang.
"It's Zero isn't it?" Akatsuki sighed inwardly, of course the blond wasn't
going to let him off the hook that easily.
"How'd you know?"
"With you it's easy."
"Oh." Akatauki didn't even want to know how the blond came to this conclusion.
"So what happened."Akatsuki paused.
"I almost lost him."
"Again?" Kain winced. Did Takuma have be so blunt?
"Snatches got him, I only just got him back today."
"Snatches? Kain, I'm so sorry- how is Zero now?"
"I don't...I really don't know. Sometimes I see him drifting off and I don't
know how to reach him, he flinches at my touch and he just shuts down or cries
when I leave him even for a second."
"Oh no Zero."
"Listen Takuma...I know that his captors tortured him...in everyaspect of the
word physical and I think there's some metal abuse there too."
"Where is Zero now?"
"Asleep?"
"Is he okay?"
"Huh?"
"Is he having nightmares?" Akatsuki felt himself slap his own forehead in a
moment of stupidity.
Why didn't I think of that? Akatsuki rushed to check on the hunter, only to
find the boy slumbering a a deep, dreamless sleep.
"He's fine."
"Keep and eye on him Akatsuki and I mean acloseeye. He's probably feeling more
vulnerable then ever and he's going to need to have someone there."
"But what if he doesn't want to talk to me? He hardly says anything anymore."
"Let him talk in his own time, all you need to do now is let him know that
you're there and you won't let them get to him again. Where are the snatches
now?"
"Dead, mostly. The other two are strung up in my warehouse."
"Kain." Takuma warned.
"They are going to pay Takuma, you expect me just to let them get away with
hurting Zero?"
"You? Never. Just make sure Zero doesn't find this out"
"What?"
"Don't let Zero know they're still alive, he's better off believing that
they're dead."
"But wouldn't he prefer to know that they're getting what they deserve."
"Zero's not like you Kain, and he's just been through a traumatic experience,
the last thing he wants to do is be reminded of that. Believe me, he wants this
whole experience to be over and to move on."
"I suppose."
"Now I can't stop you from taking it out on the snatchers, but just make sure
you deal with them quickly, the longer you dwell on this, so will Zero."
"Anything else?"
"Well Zero's in a fragile state of mind at the moment and he could go two ways;
the first is that heshuts down. If he dose this he's going to refuse food,
blood and anything else that involves living.He'll probably find some dark
enclosed space and hide in it, like a library or a bedroom. He's going to be
tired all the time and the communication lines won't be open."
"And if that happens?"
"Force him to eat, but only small amounts- that goes for blood to. Get him up
and about- including going outside. If he wants to sleep let him, but only for
reasonable hours and try to get him eating chocolate or exercising."
"Chocolate?"
"It has an ingredient or something that triggers endorphines which makes people
happy- forget what it's called- and exercise dose that to. Speaking of which,
Kain you should get out there with him."
"Why me?"
"Because your just as bad as a depressed person when you're in your moods."
"Rightttt..." Akatsuki cleared his throat quickly. "Anything else I should know
about?" Akatsuki quickly changed the subject, he did not want to discuss him
mental state with anyone thank you very much.
"Yes, if Zero doesn't start acting like this he'll probably react to this whole
experience in the second way I mentioned earlier."
"Which is?"
"He'll appear more happier, or well in Zero's case more like his old self, but
in an exaggerated form. He may eat too much or become way too active, making
sure he always keeps busy in order to distract himself from thinking about his
ordeal."
"And if that happens?"
"Confront him. The whole happiness and everything is a cover up for how he's
really feeling. You have to confront him,makehim talk about what is happened.
He's probably going to have a breakdown- yes Kain thatdosemean you have to
comfort him and then you both have to work together in talking about it,
resolving the situation and moving on."
"Are you serious?" this was sounding more and more like a chick flick.
"I mean it Kain, make sure he knows you're there for him.Whenhe dose turn to
you he's going to need you for all his support and confidence. You will
literally have his heart in your hands."
"How do you even know he's even going to turn to me?"
"Who else dose he have to turn to?"
"Well..." Akatsuki frowned, there had to be someone from the Hunter's
association that Zero was friends with, but then again didn't they hate
vampires? Zero was probably cast out from them and even if he wasn't he would
be now that he was a pet. And even then, this wasn't really something Zero
could talk about with his work collegues.
"See?"
"Yeah alright." Akatsuki let out a tired sigh. "Anything else you want to
lecture me about?" Akatsuki mumbled with a hint of sarcasm, reaching for the
blood wine bottle as he did. The sudden overload of information had made him
feel like another drink...or six.
"I think you've had enough for one night."
"Damn straight."
"Take care Kain."
"Likewise." Akatsuki hung up the phone and -for what seemed like the hundreth
time that night- sighed. The phone call with Takuma had achived nothing- zip,
zilch, zero. He'd originally called to sort out his feelings towards the
hunter, wondering why he was feeling so goddamn guilty about how he'd treated
the boy; his pet, when it was perferctly normal for his race to do so. In the
attempt to advert a personal heart-to heart with Takuma- or anyone for that
matter- Kain had ended up following Takuma's lead and talking about Zero and
his current state of mind.
Zero, Zero, Zero...-was everything about that friggen hunter nowadays?
From the moment Akatsuki had purchased the boy, all he could think about was
Zero this, Zero that. Zero needs to be saved, Zero needs to be punished, Zero's
been kidnapped, Zero needs help- Zero, Zero, Zero! Akatsuki slammed down his
glass, sloshing the remains of the dark liquid in the crystal glass. God could
he get a fucking moment to himself anymore?
Did he even want to?
Akatsuki groaned as his the migrane that had threatened before, finally reared
it's ugly head. Akatsuki pulled open his desk drawer and popped six white
pills, swallowing them down with the last of his wine and finishing it off by
lighting another cigerette and taking a heady breath. God he had to get out of
this habit. He knew he drank quite a bit and smoked too much when he was
stressed, but all he seemed to do now was drink, smoke and worry about that
god-freaking hunter.
The boy was turning out to be more trouble than he was worth; 'be the boy's
shoulder to cry on'- honestly, when had he signed up for that role? He was Zero
Master Goddamnit, not some friggen baby sitter. And...and Zero- he was supposed
to be a pet, his job was to take care of his master not the other way around.
Sometime during his interal rant, Kain had risen from his seat, unable to stay
still any longer. Nervous rage rolled off of him, emitted from the very pores
on his skin.
The truth, Akatsuki realised with a hint of irony, was that since his mother
died all those years ago, and his father's murder not long after, Akatsuki had
stopped caring about anyone or really anything. Sure he had friends; he had
Takuma and Shiki, Ruka and Aidou, Yuki and Kaname, Alfred and Peter, Hell, even
his driver, Dorian, were all close to him... and yet with them he had never
felt more alone in his life. They were simply part of the facade he put up; The
Nightlife King and all that, they fitted the M.O.: rich night club tycoon being
BFF's with a horde of aristocat nobles and a pureblood vampire, making a huge
foot in the door to fame and fortune. He had hundreds of followers, of workers,
of employees all following him around like a bad smell and yet.. up until two
weeks ago he'd felt as aged and hollow as a decayed tree; no life in him at
all. The only energy he had was to his work, to being there for Ruka, to
sorting out his cousin, to being Takuma's other friend and Kaname's loyal
subject. He had put his whole life towards being The Night Life King, he lived
and breathed the title. And when he didn't have that task before him, when all
the paperwork was done and there were no friend's drama deliema in the way,
when he had nothing about his job to occupy his mind... he was a hollow shell
once again.
The truth was that beneath this facade he put up he was just some random vamp
with no family, no life other than work, no meaning except to keep up the role
he played so well and of course, no one to care for...until now.
Zero had come into his life, shaken him up, rocked him to the core. He'd got
under his skin and turned Akatsuki's world upside down. Akatsuki had brought
the hunter, without knowing him, souly because he'd had the spontanous instict
to protect the hunter- to care for him. He'd cared for his friends all these
years right? How was taking care of one measly little hunter going to be any
different? Oh how wrong he'd been. Akatsuki had never met anyone who he clashed
with as much as this twenty-somthing year old hunter: a mere child in vampire
years. Maybe that was what had shocked him the most; someone actually disagreed
with him- on Kain had tried to comfort Ruka's pining heart for Kaname, or when
he'd amused his cousin in order to calm him, or listened to Takuma's longing
for the man he adored but unsure how to express it- they'd all turned to him
for advice, welcomed his imput and followed his advice.
Not Zero.
No, instead the hunter had fought him tooth and nail about everything, about
anything; drinking scheduals, behaviour in public, behaviour towards himself,
business- absolutely everything. He'd shaken Akatsuki up, had made him feel
emotions he'd never had to feel up until this point, made him care about things
that he hadn't had to care for in the past. Akatsuki realised that now, when he
wasn't doing his job as a nightclub owner/bar owner/hotel owner/friend/boss/
councellor, he no longer had hollow moments of pain, of aching lonliness.
Instead he was thinking of Zero. In fact recently, all he'd been thinking about
was Zero and his well-being, much more even than his own job. The hutner was
like his new...job almost- more like a new obsession. Every thought was
followed by something to do with the hunter: 'I wonder why Zero dosn't like
drinking.' 'It must be hard hating what he is' 'Why can't the boy just listen
to me?' 'I wonder if I can get Zero to kiss me again like that' 'Should I
punish him for saying that?' 'God Zero looks so good tonight?' 'Why can't I
bite Zero?' 'I have to get Zero back!' 'Zero's hurt?' 'Zero's taking a long
time in the bath.' 'Zero's more trouble than he's worth.'...-God Damnit! How
had the hunter have changed him so much in such a short amount of time? How had
he forced him to think, forced him to care?
Akatsuki rubbed his pounding temples.
Zero didn't realise it, and probably no one apart from Takuma had suspected it,
but in just over a fortnight, Zero had become the most important thing in
Kain's life. He cared and thought about the hunter more than he did his facade
that he'd worked so hard to build, to fit. His night life career could go up in
flames, his employees could leave him, his friends could hate him, but Akatsuki
knew with mixed emotions, that his first thoughts, whatever they were, would be
to Zero.
Akatsuki sighed.
He was so well and truly fucked.
A distant cry, muffled by the walls inbetween, pulled Akatsuki from his
thoughts. He paused. There. Again. Another cry of distress.
Zero.
Before Akatsuki had even thought to move, he was racing forward, ripping open
the doors to his study and the double doors that seperated his and the hunter's
rooms. Kain paused in the doorway. Zero lay tossing in his bed, his arms
failing, as if he were trying to fight off the invisible enemy in his dreams.
Tears rolled down his cheeks and a sheen of sweat covered his forehead.
Akatsuki raced to his side and pressed a hand to brush back his face in the
attempt to coax the hunter out of his nightmares.
"Zero, it's okay, you're safe. I'm here, they can't hurt you anymore- I won't
let anyone hurt you anymore." At the sound of Akatsuki's voice, the hunter
began to still. Frightened violet eyes snapped open.
"Wha-?" for a second, there was a moment of shocked and confused silance.
"Oh God..." Zero put his head in his hands, his face distorted in pain and
sorrow.
"Zero, it's okay." Akatsuki instinctivly pulled the boy into his arms,
craddling him and holding his weeping face to his chest. "They can't hurt you
anymore Zero, you're safe now."
Zero found himself unable to contain the gut-wreanching sob that ripped from
his chest. He was safe, they couldn't hurt him anymore. So why couldn't he stop
Goddamn crying? Hot tears rolled down his face and shudders raked his body. He
was trembling all over from the dark chill that had crept up his spine and his
heart was pounding in his chest. Yes he was safe, yes it was just a dream...-
a memory and yes, it was all over now.
So why the Hell was he still Goddamn crying?
Zero clung to the farmilar warmth and scent of Akatsuki, allowing his prescense
to chase away his fears. Akatsuki held the him gently, rubbing his back,
stroking his hair and mumuring comforting words until he'd soothed the hunter's
original panic. When his fears had been settled, Zero felt a farmiliar flush of
shame and embarrassment colour his cheeks.
He was cuddling up to a vampire- no, clinging onto him for dear life.
And at that moment he couldn't seem to find the strenght to let him go.
Akatsuki laid down on the bed, never releasing the hunter as he did. He
continued to stroke the boy's soft, silvery hair.
"Are you okay?"
If the hunter had any more energy, he would have snorted. Instead he lightly
nodded his head.
"You should go back to sleep Zero." He felt the boy tense. "Do you want me to
stay here?" Akatsuki asked tentively, trying to remember what his mum used to
do when he'd had nightmares as a kid.
The hunter nodded again and gripped Akatsuki's shirt tighter in a silent
response.
"Sleep now Zero."
Akatsuki found himself awake long after the hunter had drifted back to sleep,
his thoughts turning wildly in his head. He wasn't used to sleeping in a bed
other than his own, let alone sharing a bed and yet, he felt strangely
comfortable.
I could almost get used to this.
Akatsuki's thoughts brought him back to his original mental discovery and he
let out a sigh of dread. What the hell was he going to do now?
Beside him, Zero suddenly began to whimper. He fought Akatsuki's embrace.
"Please...don't...don't hurt him."
Here we go again.
***** To Know One's Place *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
Zero's eyes snapped open. Fear of not knowing where he was turning his whole
body rigid with fear. After a few moments, Zero realized the silk sheets
wrapped around him where not the rough fabric of Katashi's bed and the warmth
that filled him was nothing like the cold, cement cell he had been a prisoner
of. Zero let out a sigh of relief, allowing all his muscles to relax and his
eyes slowly droop as he sought sleep once again, despite the fact that it was
clearly midnight as the per the darkness of his room.
“Feeling better?” Zero's eyes shot open, instinctively lurching away from
presence that he, up until this moment, had not been aware of. It was coming
from beside him. Warm arms gently held him, stopping Zero from fleeing the
confines of the bed.
“It's okay Zero, it's me, you're safe.” Panicked violet eyes met soft, brown
ones. So much unlike the cold calculating gaze he usually held.
“Kain?” The noble nodded noting how, although there was relief in the hunter's
eyes, the boy seemed quite happy to stay where he was; with space between them,
so much unlike before when the slumbering hunter had snuggled into his side, or
clung to him in the horrific throws of a nightmare.
The noble waited. Seeing if the hunter would make any move to speak or to move
back to his original position.
Zero did neither. The hunter stayed where he was, unsure of what to say or how
to act around the vampire he'd sworn to kill yet still sought comfort in his
embrace. Zero kept his eyes down, finding the silken bed covers easier to face
then the eyes of the noble.
“How do you feel?” The hunter gave small shrug. Akatsuki resisted the urge to
sigh in frustration. Here he was worried sick about the hunter, even going as
far as sleeping in the same bed as the boy to fight off his nightmares, the
least the hunter could do was give him a decent answer.
“Do you feel any better?” Akatsuki pressed impatiently. The hunter nodded. “Are
you hungry?” Zero began to fiddle with the silken covers, torn between breaking
free of the comforting arms that held him and avoid all awkward conversations
and the urge to curl deeper into the embrace and drift back to sleep. Either
way he didn't want to talk anymore, he didn't want to face the noble at all and
yet, he knew the moment Kain left his side, the more likely he was of reliving
past memories.
Face his vampiric owner or face unwanted memories.
Zero didn't know which one was worse.
“An answer is normally required when one asks a question Zero.” The hunter
shrugged again. “A proper one please.” Akatsuki warned lightly, his usual
coldness creeping back into his tone.
“I...I d-don't know.” Zero murmured, his voice no greater than a whisper. The
frailness of the hunter's tone softened the Noble's irritation. Akatsuki
reached over and pressed a button on Zero's bedside table. Akatsuki had just
settle back into his original position when there was a soft knock at the door.
“Come in Alfred.” The aged butler entered bowing lightly, if he found it
strange that Akatsuki was actually in bed, in Zero's bed, sharing with the
hunter himself, he made no sign of it. He kept his tone even and his face
expressionless.
“You called Master Akatsuki?”
“I think it's time for breakfast.”
“Of course sir, I shall have Mabel prepare something now.”
“Thank you Alfred.” The butler gave another small bow and departed. Zero
remained still, half laying, half sitting as he perched just within Akatsuki's
embrace. He kept his eyes to the silken covers, ignoring the noble as he
watched his every action.
“Do you have anything you wish to do today?” The hunter shook his head softly.
He didn't feel like anything, he didn't feel like moving from the bed at all-
except perhaps to escape Kain.
Akatsuki held back a resigned sigh at Zero's silent tone.
“Perhaps you will be more talkative after you drink.” Kain said, voicing his
thoughts as he pushed is collar aside and cuddled the hunter closer to him.
Zero shank away from him.
“I-I don't need it.”
“Zero you need to heal.” The hunter shook his head.
“I don't need it.” This time Akatsuki did let out his sigh of frustration.
“Zero can we not argue about this please and do as your told, I don't want to
punish you...-Zero?” The hunter flinched at Kain's words, cringing away from
the noble and his embrace, fear flashing behind his eyes. Akatsuki regretted
his choice of words instantly.
“I didn't mean it like that-”
“I know.”
“Zero you know I would never hurt you like they did.”
“Do I?” The hunter's lifeless tone struck a nerve. How did the hunter know if
Akatsuki was as cruel as the snatchers had been? Hadn't the noble punished the
hunter before? How was the hunter to know if Akatsuki was any different to the
snatchers?
Akatsuki sighed softly.
“Zero I made you a promise.” That got the hunter's attention. Zero finally
lifted his gaze from the silk covers. “I promised that I would never let anyone
hurt you ever again. I keep the promises I make Zero, know that. I will protect
you, even if that means protecting you from myself.” Akatsuki's determined gaze
never left the hunter's. Zero suddenly found his eyes had too much moisture in
them and he had to look away.
He cared enough to save me...and now he cares enough to protect me.
All through Zero's childhood, he'd heard the same things; promises of undying
love and sworn promises to protect and stand by him. These promises had come
from the people he loved most; his mother, father, brother, friends and of
course Master Toga...and yet, as soon as Zero had been bitten, even before he
began to change all those promises had turned to ash. His brother had abandoned
him, his Master had done the same, his friends had cast him out and although
Zero's parents were dead, Zero knew they would hate him too just for being what
he was.
How come out of the hundreds, thousands of people Zero had met in his life-
only one cared for his fate? That these promises of safety and protection, came
from the thing he hated most, from the very man he hated most.
It didn't make any sense.
“Zero...” Akatsuki tried again, wrapping his arms tighter around the hunter,
pulling the boy further into his embrace. This time Zero let himself be pulled
closer, to be guided to the pale neck. Zero bit down, for once taking care for
just how hard he bit, and took slow deep gulps, savoring the sweetness of the
noble's blood, the smooth texture of it and even... the noble's emotions.
Relief, hope and some other unfamiliar emotions swirled within the crimson
nectar. It was if, in that moment, the hunter was actually connected to Kain
himself, gaining a small peek into the noble's mind.
Zero finished quickly, not needing much after drinking so much the day before,
and licked the wound clean. He would have moved away from the noble, except
once again, Akatsuki held him to him stroking his hair and rubbing soothing
circles into his back with the other hand. Zero sighed. He knew the noble liked
to do this during and after every feeding session and somehow, the familiarity
off it was soothing to the hunter. Zero sighed and gave into the touch, resting
his head in the crook of Kain's neck as there was no other place to lay it.
“You know petting me like this really makes me feel like a pet.” Zero grumbled,
granting the noble a few minutes of peaceful silence before voicing his
protests. Akatsuki let out a low, throaty chuckle, releasing the hunter as he
did, but made no further response to Zero's comment.
A soft knock at the door promising the coming of food distracted the hunter.
Now that he was fully awake and feeling much more alive from his recent intake
of blood, the thought of food was suddenly very appealing and the hunter's
stomach grumbled in anticipation.
“Come in Alfred.”
The aged butler entered pushing a serving trolley and with much practiced
grace, carried two silver trays of food and placed them before the noble and
then the hunter, removing the covers as he did.
“Thankyou Alfred.”
“T-thanks”
“Will there be anything else today Master Kain?”
“Alfred” Kain warned.
“Apologies, Master Akatsuki.”
“That will be all for now.”
“Of course.” The butler gave another low bow and departed from the room once
again.
“What was that about?” Zero puzzled watching the butler go.
“Alfred is very old fashioned, when he was made a pet he was trained as such.”
Akatsuki picked up his knife and fork and took a small bite out of his meal. He
chewed thoughtfully. “...My father was also one for formality, he often praised
Alfred for his superb manner and of course, a pet is always meant to please his
master so Alfred stepped his behavior up a notch. Ever since my father died
I've been trying to knock the stiffness out of him. Alfred has known me since I
was child and yet he still has lapses of referring to me as Master Kain. It
took me decades just to convince him it was alright to address me without
saying master first and even then he will only refer to me as sir or by my last
name at best, but then again so dose everybody else.”
“Why is that?” Zero had been eating his breakfast, content with listening
quietly.
“I don't know...perhaps they do not know me well enough to address me by my
first name.”
“But haven't you known those other nobles for a long time?”
“Precisely.”
The noble didn't look like he was going to make any further comments on the
matter. Zero shrugged. What did it matter to him anyway?
“I'm going visit a number of my hotels today, I would like you to come with
me.” Zero snorted softly, him follow Akatsuki around all day? Yeah right.
“No thank you.”
“I'm not asking.”
“And I'm not going.”
“Why not? You said before you didn't have anything planned for today.”
“I suddenly remembered I have to do something.”
“Oh? What was this incredibly important appointment may I ask?”
“What makes you think I'm going to tell you?”
“Because I'm asking.”
“That's not a reason!”
“Is for me.” Amber eyes met violet ones in a glare. “That color really dose
suit you.”
“What one?”
“Your blush.”
“I'm not blushing-” before Zero could even try to react, Akatsuki had swooped
down and planted a light kiss on cheek. The hunter felt his cheeks heat up.
“Hey!”
“You are now.” Zero wiped his cheek on his sleeve, his cheeks still burning and
irritation rather than anger or rage swelled in him.
“Bastard.”
“So it's agreed then? Meet me downstairs in an hour and we'll go.” Akatsuki
finished the last of his meal and rose from the bed.
“What?- go where?”
“To inspect my hotels.”
“I never agreed.” Akatsuki paused at the door.
“That's the beauty of it Zero, as I said before; I'm not asking.”
“But-!” Zero bedroom door closed with a satisfying thud. “Jerk.” Zero scowled
at the door. Why did the noble always do that? Be charming and kind one minute,
a prick the next and be confusing the rest of the time?
Zero rubbed his cheek irritably. What was the point of the noble's
conversation? Zero growled and finished the rest of his meal.
Who the hell cares anyway?
 
===============================================================================
 
“...And this is our master suite, we have made every effort to meet your
specifications...-” The hotel manager drawled on, leading Akatsuki from room to
room, suite to suite, speaking in animated tones in order to convey his love
for his work to the noble. Kain nodded every now and again making small sounds
at the back of his throat to show approval, distaste or uneasiness and at very
rare moments he asked unsuspecting questions or comments, keeping the manager
in a constant state of alert.
Zero, on the other hand, seemed to be in a constant state of boredom; trailing
after the pair with dragging steps. He got out of bed for this? The first hotel
they had viewed, Zero had been in awe of the magnificent architecture, but
after seeing four grand hotels in a row, the hunter had defiantly lost his
original buzz. More plush carpets, more designer rooms, more exquisite artwork,
more money. It was all the same now to the hunter. Thankfully, nobody seemed to
expect him to do anything; Akatsuki didn't need him at his side nor as an aid
in conversation and the manager didn't seem to make any reference to the hunter
of every kind.
For the most part, everyone simply ignored him.
Which was fine for the hunter, he didn't feel like conversation anyway. More
than anything he wanted to curl back up in his bed or to take another bath, but
mostly curl up in bed. He wanted to rest, to sleep off this sluggishness that
seemed to have overtaken his body since his rescue. Zero found himself not
needing, not wanting anything; not food, not exercise, not even working out,
which as a hunter he prized to keep in top form. All he wanted to do was sleep.
Unfortunately it didn't look like he was going to be able to anytime soon.
The manager finally finished the tour, thanking Akatsuki for taking time out of
his busy schedule to visit them and promising to carry out Akatsuki's
suggestions for improvement as soon as possible.
“What did you think of the hotel?” Akatsuki asked as he and Zero were seated in
the dining area of the hotel. The hunter shrugged.
“I don't know...expensive.” Akatsuki made a sound of agreement.
“People pay for the best.”
“Clearly.” Akatsuki frowned at the hunter's tone, but waited until the server
had taken their orders before voicing his concerns.
“Is something the matter Zero?” The hunter shrugged.
“Well apart from being forced to tour a number of hotels against my will, I'm
fine.”
“So you don't like the hotels?”
“I don't like being ordered around.” Zero retorted.
“You seem to be handling it quite well.”
“It's not done easily.” Akatsuki and Zero glared at each other for a moment
longer.
“What's really the matter?” Zero dropped his gaze to his plate.
“I've been someone's captive for a week Kain, what do you think?” Silence fell
between the two, broken only by the sounds of their food being served and the
clinking of expensive cutlery on plates as they ate their meals.
Zero was glad that Akatsuki didn't continue the conversation, he didn't want to
think about where it would lead. After they'd finished eating and returned to
the back of the limo, the noble looked as if he had wanted to say something,
however the older male kept silent on the matter, instead asking if the hunter
was ready to go home.
As always, Alfred greeted them at the door.
“How was your trip Master Akatsuki?”
“Productive.”
“And you sir?” Alfred asked, turning to the hunter.
“Boring as hell.” Akatsuki fought the urge to smirk at the hunter's bluntness.
“Charming- can I get anything for you Master Akatsuki?”
“No Alfred that's all for tonight. You can retire.”
“Thank you sir.” The butler gave a small bow. “Oh yes and Mr Green came by, he
delivered this.” Alfred retrieved a single case from his suit pocket.
“Oh good, I was wondering when they would have it ready.” Kain took the velvet
case and opened it to reveal a black collar identical to Zero's previous one.
Zero swallowed nervously, his throat suddenly dry.
“Is that-?”
“Your replacement collar yes, I took the liberty of getting you a new one as
the one you have now is useless. This one has added security to prevent the
tracking device to be disabled as well as a charm to assist in your coordinates
if the tracker fails.”
“Oh...that's g-good.” Zero's voice was dry. He stood perfectly still as
Akatsuki removed the old collar from his neck and replaced it with the new.
Zero shivered as the cool leather came into contact with his skin. Yes he knew
he was a pet, and yes he already knew that all pets wear a collar, even
himself. But after wearing one for so long, Zero had forgotten all about it's
presence around his neck and when the hunter was out in public, when the noble
talked to him in a way that wasn't threatening, the knowledge of the position
Zero held also slipped to his subconscious. But seeing a collar, placed right
before him and then locked tight around his neck seemed to catch the hunter off
guard.
He was a vampire's pet.
His parents would turn in their graves if they could see their beloved son now.
Akatsuki watched as the hunter's eyes darkened in a wordless emotion as the
collar clicked shut around his neck. The boy flinched at the sound.
“There.” Akatsuki took a step back admiring the collar and breaking the sudden
tension in the air. “Much better, Alfred dispose of this please.”
“Of course Master Akatsuki.”
“That will be all.” The butler gave another low bow and exited the room.
“Dose it fit properly? It isn't choking you?” The hunter dropped his eyes to
the floor. No it didn't fit, it felt like all the air of his old life was being
sucked from his lungs, killing him slowly until there was nothing of his old
self.
He was a pet.
Akatsuki's Kain's plaything.
“No...” Zero murmured, keeping his eyes downcast. “I think I'm going to go to
bed now.”
“Everything alright Zero?”
“Yeah...I'm just tired s'all.” The Noble regarded the hunter for a second with
curious eyes.
“Alright then. Goodnight Zero.”
“..night.” The hunter slipped quietly up the stairs and into his room, the
sound of his bedroom door closing echoed in his empty room. Without bothering
to turn on the lights and only just taking enough time to change into his bed
clothes, Zero fell into bed. Pulling the covers up around him and holding them
close.
He knew he was being stupid. Of course he was a pet, why should the appearance
of a new collar have this much effect on him?
Because Zero thought. Deep down you're ashamed of yourself, of what you've
allowed yourself to become; a hunter, yeah right as if your ever where one-
it's no surprise you ran off to join your own kind when things got tough.
Zero winced at his inner ramblings. Yes he was a pet, and yes he had been a
hunter...or as close to a true hunter as he could be with demon venom running
through his veins, but now he was nothing but a slave, one that obeyed and one
that took comfort in his master's embrace in order to keep the memories of his
carelessness and lost pride plagued him.
Zero felt a single tear roll down his cheeks.
He was a pet, he'd been a fool to believe he was still a hunter despite losing
his anti-vampire weapon and being branded a slave. He was an even greater fool
to still cling to the hope that one day, when he'd finally escaped Akatsuki and
his enslavement that he could return to the hunter's association, to the life
he used to lead.
Zero let his shameful tears fall onto the pillow beneath him.
God he really was pathetic.
***** Limits, Mistakes and Braving Both *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
                                        
“Kiyoshi, get here you fucking whore”
Zero flinched at the barked command, then winced at the broken whimper from the
other side of the room.
“No!”
I can't do this...
“What? We had a deal; I leave him alone and I transfer my attention to you- and
you're breaking the deal.
“I'm not.”
I really can't do this.
Zero looked to the rejected teen in the corner, his darkened eyes disbelieving
that a complete stranger would do this for him, would even care for him at all.
Zero closed his eyes.
I can't do this...but I have to- for him.
“I'm not.” Zero repeated firmly, his tone confident yet his insides cringed. He
lifted his unbroken hand, the chains clinked gently as it's prisoner raised his
hand to grip Katashi, guiding him back to his mouth.
For Kiyoshi, I have to do this for him, to save him...even if it's just for a
little while...
 
===============================================================================
 
“Zero wake up!” Zero's jolted awake, his eyes snapped open. Arms encircled him,
panicked fear gripped Zero as he desperately began to fight them off.
“Zero it's only me.” The boy paused at the familiar tone, soon realizing the
arms that embraced him were warm, not cold and their host was not a human, but
a vampire.
“Kain?”
“Yes Zero, it's me, you're safe.” The ex-human felt his whole body slump and
fall back into the Noble's embrace, his whole body exhausted from his struggles
in both slumber and consciousness. Zero leaned into the warm embrace, soothing
his cold skin, chilled from icy sweat. Akatsuki held the boy close as he waited
for the pounding heartbeats to slow.
“Another nightmare?” The noble asked after Zero's heartbeat had quieted and his
breathing evened out. The boy nodded. “You know it would be easier if you slept
in my bed? That way I would be able to stop your nightmares quicker, and it
also would stop my mad midday dashes to get to your side.”
Zero closed his eyes, his heart sinking. Kain wanted Zero in hisbed. It didn't
take a genius to know why a master would want their pet to share their bed- and
it wasn't to keep the nightmares at bay.
Zero nodded slowly.
What other choice did he have? He wasn't a hunter, he was a pet and obviously
this was Kain's way of telling him he needed to start acting like one.
“You can still have this room of course” Akatsuki clarified, trying not to
dwell on his increasing heart rate at the thought of Zero sleeping in his bed.
The boy nodded again, silent as before. Akatsuki let him be for the time being.
“Why don't you go back to sleep? We have a big night ahead of us.” Akatsuki
said, noting the drooping of Zero's eyelashes after a few more minutes of
silence.
“Us?” Zero raised a tired eyebrow.
“Yes, you didn't think that those were all the buildings I owned in the area
did you? We haven't even started on the bars or nightclubs.” Zero winced at the
thought of yet another private touring.
“I'll pass.”
“I'm not asking Zero.” The boy sighed.
“You never do.” Zero rolled more fully onto his side, away from Kain, allowing
sleep to claim him once again, too tired for an argument this late in the day.
 
===============================================================================
 
When Zero woke again it was dusk and far too early for the noble beside him to
wake. Being careful as to not disturb the sleeping vampire, Zero shifted into a
more comfortable position, one which ended up with him facing the noble. For a
moment, Zero found himself entranced by the sudden peace he found on the
other's face. Never had he seen Kain so calm, so at peace with the world. As if
sensing the boy's gaze, Akatsuki stirred lightly, the arms that held Zero
tightened unconsciously. A small sigh of contentment left his lips.
“Zero...”
The ex-human found a light pink gracing his cheeks. The noble was thinking
about him in his sleep? The blush quickly disappeared when Zero realized just
what Kain was dreaming about. Without waking Akatsuki, Zero slipped from the
noble's embrace and walked over to one of the towering windows of his room,
needing to put some space between himself and the vampire, yet unwilling to
leave the other's side completely by leaving the room. Zero leaned against the
window, watching the last of the suns ray's disappear on the horizon.
Zero let out a quiet sigh. Of course the noble found Zero desirable, he
wouldn't have purchased him otherwise. Zero's fingers instinctively raised to
touch the collar around his neck, a sense of overwhelming sadness swelling
within him. He wasn't a hunter anymore, he was a pet and he probably always
would be. Zero had come to accept this fate already. What troubled him now was
the fact that as a pet, Zero knew he had certainduties to attend to, as Kain
had all too kindly pointed out last night.
Zero was to now sleep in the noble's bed, something completely normal for
people like him...for pets like him, but it still didn't stop the cold shiver
shooting down his spine. Soon, very soon, Kain would be expecting more than
just a few after-feeding-petting and desperate hugs after a nightmare...soon,
the noble will be expecting him to...to -do other things.
Zero's eyes closed softly in anguish as images of the past week came to him. Of
Hibiki stroking him, of Katashi pounding Kiyoshi mirthlessly into the wall-
would Kain be like that? Zero knew enough about the noble to know that Kain
couldn't take no for an answer in any aspect of his life; business, friends,
when Zero refused to drink- would he have the same attitude towards the hunter
in the bedroom? Would he... claim Zero like Katashi and Hibiki had done
Kiyoshi? Unyielding and unwilling to take 'no' for an answer? An even colder
thought came to the forefront of Zero's mind- would Kain be worse? Would he be
like Ryuu instead?
Zero hugged himself tightly as the dull ache in his chest became a roar of
pain. Would he tease and torment, forcing the ex-human to physically feel
emotions he didn't want to feel? Zero's breath came out in panicked gasps, his
skin trembling violently as it turned from hot to ice cold. He could almost
feel Ryuu's fingers probing him once again, seeking his entrance while his
tongue thrust into his mouth, stirring unwanted physically reactions from his
body as his soul was ripped apart at the seams.
With haunting realization Zero remembered that Kain had tormented him in such a
way not two weeks ago. Zero had been pinned to the wall while Kain had stroked
him, forcing him to submit, using the boy's physical pleasure as his tool for
destruction.
Zero felt himself hunch over in the effort to hold back his broken sobs as a
horrible truth came to him. Kain was ruthless, it was his nature, and there was
no doubt that this fact wasn't going to change, certainly not with him and
certainly not in the bedroom. When Kain took him it would be thoroughly and
there would be nothing to stop him from doing so.
Maybe it won't be so bad.Zero thought, trying to make himself believe that it
was true as he fought back the sobs and urged his rolling stomach to still. His
heart quaked in agony in his chest.
Kain said he would protect me from harm, including himself, didn't he?Zero
didn't exactly doubt the vampire on his words, but he could see the clause in
the statement. When Kain claimed Zero, he would probably do so without causing
the ex-human any physical pain...-or at least as little as possible and
therefore protecting him from harm, however, Akatsuki never said anything about
protecting the boy's mental state.
In other words, Akatsuki would take Zero replacing pain with pleasure and, like
Ryuu, would force him into feeling physical emotions of lust or desire without
care for the mental damage his actions would cause the ex-human later.
Zero shuddered at this thought, knowing it was true, yet unable to find it in
him to be mad at the noble. Kain was a vampire, it was as simple as that. It
was his nature to take what wasn't his. It was his noble birth that gave him
the right to buy a pet, to claim that pet... and despite everything, in the
noble's eyes he hadn't done anything wrong, he was simply following what he
thought was socially acceptable for a vamp of his status.
Zero realized the anger he did feel only directed at the situation he found
himself in; as an ex-human now vamp's pet and as a virgin who would soon be
claimed against his will.
Zero sighed, waiting for his heart to stop pounding and his uneven breaths to
calm. There was no point in getting himself worked up, the situation was what
it was and nothing was going to change that fact. After several moments of
focused breathing and other calming techniques Zero allowed his fear and his
anger to trickle away. Who cared if he was a pet? who cared if his master was
going to claim him in the same manner as one of his captors? Who the hell
cared?....but that was just it...no one would.
Zero swore he felt part of his old self trickle away with his fear and anger.
Suddenly numb, Zero crossed his arms and watched the last of the suns rays
disappear on the horizon.
 
===============================================================================
 
When Akatsuki woke it was to an empty bed. The noble blinked away the remains
of sleep.
“Zero?”
“I'm here.” The soft voice came from the noble's left. For a moment, he was
confused by the boy's tone. It sounded too gentle, too vulnerable for the ex-
humans usual snarky tone. Akatsuki quickly came to the conclusion that the boy
had probably been reliving some uncomfortable memories of the past week which
would have left him feeling a tad vulnerable.
The noble rose, walking over to his pet's side. Instinctively he wrapped the
boy in a proactive, yet comforting embrace, pulling the boy's back to his
chest. He felt the pet stiffen.
“Only me Zero.”
That's the point...
 Kain rested his chin on the boy's shoulder. Allowing them both to watch the
rise of the moon in silence.
“I plan to leave in two hours.”
“Do you really need me to come with you?” The noble's arms tightened around the
boy's waist suggestively.
“Of course Zero, you wouldn't want me to be lonely now would you?” Kain mocked
lightly, feeling a smirk touch the corner of his mouth as he waited for the
expected snarky comment from the ex-hunter.
Lonely... Zero's eyes darkened in sadness. He needed his pet with him so he
didn't get lonely... It's only to be expected. And it was, a pet never let
their masters get lonely they accompanied them everywhere.
“I'll get ready for breakfast then.” Zero's soft reply shocked the noble. Was
the boy finally learning his place?
“Zero are you feeling alright?”
Did he really have to ask?
“Yes.” Kain frowned in response. Instinct told him something wasn't quite right
with the boy, however he was unsure if he should push the matter.
Of course something’s wrong with him, he just got back from being tortured!
Akatsuki scolded himself inwardly. Apart from acting a bit out of character and
inconsistent moods, the ex-human had been taking the situation rather well. The
whole matter was probably only now just setting in for him. Knowing how
stubborn the pet was, Zero probably hadn't allowed himself a chance to fully
absorb what happened to him and now he was just trying to carry on like nothing
had happened.
“Zero...”
“Yes?” Akatsuki froze up. How the hell was he supposed to address this
situation? Kain growled inwardly in frustration. Fixing other people's problems
came natural to him, he'd been sorting his cousin out ever since they were
kids, then the whole situation with Ruka unrequited love for a certain
pureblood. He could solve problems in an instant....just not his own,
especially ones that involved relationships. What was it that Takuma had said?
Something about confronting the boy, making him realize what had happened to be
able to push through?
“A-are you sure?” Akatsuki started uneasily, he felt the boy in his arms tense.
“Because it's okay not to be ….o-okay.” Akatsuki finished lamely, he could've
slapped himself for how pathetic he sounded when he was normally quite eloquent
with his words. Zero's eyes widened in surprise. Was his emotions really that
see-though?
He probably wants to make sure his booty-call is still up to the task.
“I'm fine Kain.” Akatsuki stood holding the boy unsure what to do next. Zero
said he was okay, but the noble knew different. Takuma said that Akatsuki would
have to confront the ex-human about the past week, but the boy clearly didn't
want to talk about it so wouldn't it make things worse if he pushed the matter?
“Just checking.” Kain murmured, softly pressing his lips to the boy's head and
ignoring how tense the pet locked up when he did. He finally let the Zero go.
Inwardly sighing as he did. Maybe it was better to let the boy be, he'd been
through enough trauma, the last thing he needed was to be forced to relive
those memories. Takuma was right about a lot of things, but not this time. This
time things would be okay without the cheerful blonde’s advice. Akatsuki was
sure of it.
 
===============================================================================
 
Much to Akatsuki's pleasure, Zero's sorrowful mood cleared up a few hours later
and by the time lunch came around the ex-human was back to his snarky, foul-
tempered self. His irritation only increasing when he realized that the noble
intended them to eat at a private restaurant, one that only opened its doors to
the those of the bloodsucking kind.
Zero's nerves were on edge the moment they walked in the door. The hunter
training he had learned throughout the years were ingrained into him. Walking
into a scene like this was a big no no. Zero's senses went on high alert. He
scanned the crowd, looking for any signs of threat. His whole body tensed,
ready for battle.
A warm hand suddenly landed on his shoulder. Springing into reflex, Zero
gripped the attacker's hand ready to flip the leech over his shoulder when a
single voice stopped him.
“Zero.”
Reality crashed down on him.
He wasn't a hunter anymore.
He was a pet.
His master was calling.
And he'd almost made a fool of himself...-in public.
Zero jerked out of the Noble's hold. Akatsuki watched him with a creased brow.
“Everything alright?” Zero felt his face burn in shame as he ducked his head.
He was no threat to these vampires here. They were all upper-class noblemen and
to them, Zero was nothing but a Level E, a slave...Akatsuki's thrall. How could
he have forgotten that so suddenly?
“Zero?” Akatsuki tried again.
“Nothing.” The ex-human shrugged nonchalantly.
“Do you remember what I told you about behavior in public.” The boy scowled at
the plush carpet.
“Yeah I remember.” He grated out.
“Not to speak unless spoken too, eyes downcast, not doing anything without
permission, no flinching when I touch you-”
“I said I remember.” Zero growled threateningly.
“Good. Now wait here.” Missing the ex-human's death stare, Akatsuki went to
book a table for both of them. He was served right away, no doubt because of
his reputation and status.
“Master Kain, shall I prepare your usual table in the room's central area?”
“No, not today.”
“We have some lovely settings around the main fountains?” Akatsuki let out a
quiet sigh. Yes this was one of his more preferable restaurants, and yes he
normally sat in the central areas of the restaurant. As a nightlife King he was
required to seek out the spotlight in every situation; it was all apart of the
facade, but this time he had Zero with him.
And that changed everything.
If he took his usual seats in the main area, Zero would feel uncomfortable. All
eyes would be on the pair and no doubt there would be more talk of Akatsuki
Kain's thrall, his first pet to date. The nobles in here were all vicious
gossips and chances were that they would be watching their every move and be
judging them for it.
“Do you have something a little more...secluded?” Akatsuki prompted, casting a
purposeful glance back over his shoulder at Zero. The waiter got the drift. A
light blush gracing his cheeks.
“O-oh of course Master Kain, we have a secluded booth on the far side, you
shan't be bothered there.”
“Thank you.”
“This way please, Master Kain.”
“Zero, Come.” The ex-human glared at the noble when the waiter turned away from
them.
“What was thatall about?” The boy asked, referring to Akatsuki's pointed glance
back at him. Kain raised his eyebrows, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Do you really want to know?”
“Yes!” Zero hissed, although inside he hesitated slightly. Why was the noble
looking at him like that?”
“Well...” Akatsuki drawled, keeping his voice very low as they moved through
the restaurant and past other guests. “When vampires usually ask for a secluded
booth they want to be alone.”
“So?”
“With their partner or pet.”
 For a moment longer Zero's face remained confused, then it hit him.
“You're taking me to the shag booth!” He hissed, low enough so only Kain heard
his protests.
“Now, now Zero, settle.”
“But he thinks that you're going to...to- you know!”
“-Here is your seat Master Kain.” The waiter stopped outside a booth. It
certainly was secluded. There was curtained door and inside there was a long
leather booth seat surrounding a polished wooden table, covered with a white
silk tablecloth, decorated in two candles, expensive cutlery and china, with a
single rose placed in a tiny vial in the center of the table. It would have
been romantic if it had been for a couple. But for a Master and a pet it looked
quite cheesy and....private.
“Your server will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you, this is...perfect” Akatsuki purred. Zero glared furious with the
noble. The waiter blushed heavily, covering it by giving a quick bow and
leaving just as fast.....
closing the curtains as he went.
Akatsuki slipped into the booth seat, a grin playing around the corner of his
mouth at the ex-human's silent outrage.
“Why'd you do that?”
“Do what?” Kain asked innocently. Zero dropped to his seat, huffing angrily.
“You know exactly what I'm talking about.”
“I haven't the faintest.”
“That guy totally thinks you're going to attack me as soon as we're alone”
“Who says I won't?”
“Wha-?” In less that a split second, the noble was suddenly right beside the
ex-human. His warm hand cupping the boy's chin while his other wrapped around
the pet's waist, holding him there.
“Kain...?” Zero felt his whole body lock up. He couldn't pull away, he couldn't
do anything. Amber eyes burned into frightened purple ones. Unlike the quick,
unexpected or forced kisses Akatsuki had given him in the past, he hovered.
Staying centimeters away from the ex-human, his warm breath blowing gently
across the boy's face. Zero trembled softly.
Please don't.
Akatsuki's warm lips descended upon him in a chaste kiss. The arm wrapped
around Zero's waist tightened, his fingers stroking Zero's side softly. Zero
shivered. Not out of pleasure, but out of the cold that radiated inside of him.
His eyes screwed shut in pain as thousands of images flashed before his eyes.
Unfortunately, the noble mistook the shiver and moved to deepen the kiss, his
tongue brushing Zero's lower lip as it sought entry. The ex-human whimpered
softly, his heart pounded against his ribcage, threatening to break through,
his lungs ached and dimly he realized that he wasn't breathing. When Zero's
lips refused entry, Kain pushed his tongue through, turning Zero's shivers to
shudders of fear.
To Zero, the man kissing him now was not Kain, but at the same time it was. The
nobles warm embrace suddenly turned cold and the romantic setting soon became a
cement cell lit with candles and a pair of jade green eyes. Akatsuki thrust his
tongue against Zero's own in an exact copy of Ryuu's past movements.
Zero jerked back.
“Stop!” The desperate cry broke through Kain's haze of lust. He released the
boy instantly. Zero shied away from him, scooting to the very edge of the
booth, his arms warped around himself as he fought to hold himself together.
Oh God, what have I done?
“Zero...?” tenderly, the noble reached out to embrace the boy, in a horrible
surge of realization at what he had done crashed around him. The pet flinched
violently at his outstretched hands.
“Don't touch me!” he hissed out in a broken sob, tears just beginning to fall.
He shuddered, suddenly ice-cold and bone-deep with fear.
“Zero-”
“Please....just don't...please” now it was Akatsuki's turn to flinch. Zero's
voice, it was just like the day Akatsuki had found him; broken, bleeding...
vulnerable.
“Zero, I didn't mean to frighten you I swear.” No reply. “Zero I promised you I
would never hurt you intentionally, I didn't know. Please Zero...?” The boy
continued not to respond. He just sat and trembled at the edge of the seat,
near the door. If the restaurant hadn't been filled with vampires, and if the
boy had someplace to go, Akatsuki knew he would've ran and never come back.
“Zero...” Kain embraced the boy. Ignoring the flinches and the small cry of
protest. He held the boy, waiting for the violent shudders to cease.
“I'm sorry Zero.” He murmured, running his hands through the boy's hair in
routine petting. “I didn't know it would hurt you...please forgive me.”
But Zero couldn't forgive the noble, couldn't move past the fact that his worst
fears had become true. Akatsuki had seen the fear in Zero's eyes before he
kissed the boy and yet he still did it anyway. And when Zero had voiced his
protests and resisted him, Kain pushed the ex-human harder. Kain got what he
wanted no matter what.
Zero shivered.
What was he going to do?
 
===============================================================================
 
Kain did not cut short his inspections. He carried on as if nothing had
happened, he kept the now withdrawn ex-human by his side at all times.
Desperately Kain wanted to retreat, to run home, to lock himself alone in his
study with his work. He couldn't face the Zero, couldn't face the fact that
he'd hurt the boy. Why had he done it anyway? Why had he risked what little
trust the pet had for him for one stupid kiss? And on top of that- why hadn't
he stopped? He'd felt Zero pulling away from him, heard his protesting whimpers
and yet he still pushed the boy. Was he really that desperate for the ex-
hunter's affection that he would risk everything he had with the boy over a
simple kiss?
Akatsuki's insides churned with guilt and burned in frustration. He wanted to
escape the boy, to escape the memory of what he'd done- of the boy's face after
it happened....how terrified Zero now was of him. Instead of fleeing, Kain knew
he had to confront the situation, had to fix the problem before it destroyed
what little trust he had with the boy completely. So he stuck to his planned
schedule, he oversaw more of his bars, keeping Zero close yet not too close.
Hopefully showing the boy, without words, that he was still able to be around
him without attacking him...again.
Not that it did much good. The boy kept very generous distances between himself
and the noble and whenever Kain drew too near for his liking, he would go rigid
or flinch away from him like a dog that had been kicked too many times. Despite
the ex-human's reactions and the pain it caused him, Kain saw the inspections
out until the end, endured the deathly silent ride home and retired to his city
manor.
Dinner was eaten in the same fashion; silent and tense. Kain ate very little,
as did the boy. When Zero excused himself and left the dinner table, his meal
barely half-eaten, Akatsuki truly felt sick to his gut. He dropped his fork,
unable and unwilling to eat a bite more and let out an exhausted sigh. What had
he done?
So much for progress.
“Finished sir?” Alfred reached to collect his master's bowl questioningly.
Akatsuki raised his head from his hands.
“Yeah I'm done.”
“Was there anything I can do?” Kain knew the butler wasn't just asking about
cleaning up.
“No Alfred, just send up a bottle of bloodwine.” Akatsuki rose from his seat,
finally able to horde himself away in his study. Suddenly the prospect didn't
seem all that appealing now.
“Abottle sir?” Alfred's tone was disapproving.
“You're right, better make it two or three.”
“Glasses sir?”
“No, bottles”
“Master if I may...-”
“-No Alfred, not tonight.” Akatsuki left the dinning room and a very startled
butler in his wake. He'd had enough of trying to deal with people today, of
screwing things up. He knew he'd hurt Alfred's feelings, ever since he was a
child, he'd taken the butler's advice whether he wanted it or not. But not
today, not tonight. He hoped he hadn't hurt Alfred's feelings too much.
Realizing Akatsuki was going through a rough spot, Alfred delivered the bottles
without complaint nor delay. He may disapprove of his the noble's habits, but
Akatsuki was his master and as such if he didn't want his advice, the butler
was in no position to challenge those wishes.
Akatsuki watched with a pained expression as the man he'd known most of his
life delivered the requested bottles without a word. He left quickly, a low
departing bow as his own silent goodnight. Kain groaned. Did he have to upset
so many people in one day? The noble retrieved a cigarette and a lighter from
his pocket before lighting it up and drawing in a much needed breath. He washed
the first tastes of nicotine down with a grateful sip of liquor and a couple of
painkillers for the migraine that was now threatening.
It was only when Akatsuki had polished off almost two full bottles of bloodwine
and most of his cigarettes did his conscious decided to finally kick in. Kain
took in the empty bottles and his depleting supply of cigarettes.
What the hell am I doing?
Frustrated by his own patheticness, Akatsuki put out his smoke, rose from his
chair and stormed off to have a shower, hoping the cold water would blast his
brain with some common sense for once and push back the alcoholic haze that now
clouded him.
The shower did little and by the time Akatsuki managed to stumble into his
sleepwear he was thoroughly fed up and exhausted. It was getting late, well
early actually. The noble sighed, realizing that he would go yet another night
without proper sleep. When he woke he'd probably be more angry and more
irritable than what he was now. Akatsuki just hoped he didn't take it out on
Zero.
Oh God...Zero...
The ex-human would undoubtedly have more nightmares tonight, Kain had to wonder
whether his presence to aid the boy actually help him anymore. After today's
episode, Akatsuki seriously doubted it.
An uncertain knock at his door pulled the noble from his thoughts. Thinking it
was probably Alfred coming to give Akatsuki his advice whether the noble wanted
it or not, Kain opened the door.
“Wha- Zero?”
The ex-human stood, dressed in his sleepwear outside his door. His eyes were
downcast and his figure was faintly trembling.
“Y-you...you wanted me to sleep in your bed?” Zero's voice was so tiny, so
feeble it broke through Akatsuki's clouded mind. Realizing the fragility of the
situation, yet unable to hold himself back, Kain pulled Zero to his chest in a
desperate embrace.
“Yes Zero...I did want that...but i-if you prefer not to...after today I
mean....I would understand.” Kain once again found himself cursing the
patheticness of his voice. This time he blamed in on the bloodwine.
“N-no...I'll stay.”
Zero didn't see the noble's reaction to this. He was too ashamed and
embarrassed to even raise his eyes from the carpet. The truth was he didn't
know why he'd come. The thought of him sleeping in another's bed as their
thrall made bile rise in his throat and the need to vomit increase dramatically
despite the fact he'd been doing exactly that non-stop from the moment he'd
left the dinning table. And yet here he was standing outside the noble's door,
because in all truth, Zero realized that he would rather face Kain despite
everything he'd done, instead of the demons that lay in his memories. His
reasoning was stupid, pathetic, desperate, confusing and yet Zero knew that he
would be safe with the noble. He didn't believe Akatsuki had gone out of his
way to hurt him on purpose today it was just his libido catching up on him. And
although the noble had forced him into something, just as Zero feared he would,
the ex-human had later realized that the Noble's kiss was not quite like
Ryuu's; Kain had paused, had held the ex-human tenderly as if he was actually
something of worth, as a person rather than a sex-slave or an object in which
he could destroy. He'd also been the first to promise Zero that he would keep
him safe from all, including himself.
And for that, Zero was truly thankful.
So even if it terrified him, even if Zero felt more and more unlike his old
self with each passing day he would still grant the noble his one wish of
sharing a bed with the ex-hunter as Zero's own, silent, pathetic way of saying
thank you to the first 'person' who'd actually cared for the boy's well-being
after he was bitten all those years ago.
Zero slipped quietly beneath the black silk covers of Akatsuki's bed. Tensing
nervously as the noble slid in soundlessly behind him. Hesitantly, Kain pulled
the boy into a gentle embrace a single hand petting the silver tresses and deep
soothing motions.
“Sleep now Zero, I'll protect you...I promise.” The ex-human knew the noble
wasn't just talking about from his nightmares. Zero let out a quite sigh and
let sleep claim him too exhausted from the day's events to remain awake any
longer. Akatsuki soon followed him, thanking the Gods for giving him once last
chance to make things right with the boy.
I won't hurt you anymore Zero. I will fix this, I will fix you....I promise.
***** Breaking Point *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
                                        
“Kiyoshi...?” Zero called out to the bloodied heap before him. “Kiyoshi, you
have to wake up.” no response. “Kiyoshi please!” The heap made no sign that
it'd heard him, nor did it show any sign of consciousness. Zero pulled at his
chains, fighting to get closer to the youth. The shocks eventually subduing
him. Zero lay as close as he could to the heap, fighting his bloodlust as he
lay in the crimson pool that leaked steadily from Kiyoshi's body. Zero's whole
world was centred on the sound of laboured breathing and the soft thump of the
boy's failing heart.
“Kiyoshi...” Zero's voice was no more than a whisper as he lie there, shivering
from the cold, coated in blood and his own shameful release.
Maybe this is Kiyoshi's chance to escape. Zero thought silently as tears began
to roll down his face.Maybe Kiyoshi will finally be free of here...just not the
way I'd hoped....
 
===============================================================================
 
“...-Zero? Zero- Wake up!” Without opening his eyes, the ex-human curled into
the warm embrace surrounding him. He knew it was only Kain, he knew he was no
longer back at that place in that time. Hot salty tears, escaped closed eyelids
and rolled down his cheeks, staining Akatsuki's sleeping shirt.
“Zero..?” The tears fell faster and the boy curled closer, his face burned in
shame at his weakness and guilt at Kiyoshi's death churned violently in his
gut.
He hadn't saved Kiyoshi...everything he'd done to try and protect the boy had
been in vain.
“Zero it's okay” Kain was rubbing circles on his back and stroking the pet's
hair and he held the boy tight. Zero was always vulnerable after the
nightmares, was always in fits of anxiety, fear and unexpressed sadness- but
this time he was different; his pain seemed to raw as if he'd taken a blow
directly to his heart or worse...right to his core, his very soul.
Zero fought back his tears and the memories that flashed in his head and stated
truths he already knew.
You were captured by humans.
Measly humans.
You even let them hurt you.
You even let an innocent die.
Zero felt his gut rolling in his stomach and with a violent push against Kain's
chest, the ex-human escaped the warm embrace and flung himself though a door
which he hoped to be a bathroom. Thankful for his correct assumption, Zero
collapsed near the toilet bowl and reacted. He had nothing in his stomach, he'd
already thrown up the small contents of his stomach that night, before going to
Kain's room. This only made the experience all the worse as his sides heaved
and insides clenched as he tried to force up what little bile he could.
When his convulsing finally ceased, Zero allowed himself to drop down the cool
tiled floor. His skin burned and sweat soaked his bedclothes, and yet he
shivered from the cold as it radiated inside of him. He felt dizzy, nauseas but
most of all exhausted.
He wasn't sure if he'd been laying there five minutes of five seconds before a
warm blanket was draped over him. Warm hands, those warm hands embraced him and
a cool cloth was pressed against his forehead.
Zero sighed, leaning into the cloth and the Noble's embrace.
“Bad one?” The voice carried none of its usual cool detachment.
“They're always bad.” Zero rasped, his throat suddenly dry. Akatsuki handed him
a glass of water, where he retrieved it from, Zero didn't know, nor did he
care.
The cool liquid soothed his throat, but did nothing for the pounding headache
that threaten. Zero groaned, resting his head back against the noble's
shoulder.
“D-did you want to...talk about it?” Akatsuki fought to keep the uncertainty
out of his voice. It wasn't easy for him to be completely open and caring, his
job, his life demanded him to be otherwise.
A silence feel over the two. Zero, shocked the at the noble even cared and the
noble unsure if it was too early to encourage the boy to talk about it, or if
he evenshould be encouraging the boy to talk about it.
Eventually the silver head leaning against his shoulder shook lightly.
“No.” His voice was still dry and raspy, despite the fact he'd just taken a
drink.
Akatsuki nodded in acceptance and continued to hold the boy, feeling utterly
useless that he couldn't do anymore and confused as to why he even felt like he
needed to assist the boy such and extent that it clouded everything else
including his collected calm and clarity. He already knew he cared for the boy-
Takuma had already pointed that out, as well as the noble realizing it himself-
but this was getting a little out of hand.
Pushing such thoughts away for another time. Akatsuki scooped the ex-human in
his arms and returned him to his bed. Gently he placed the boy down and wiped
the clammy forehead before returning the cloth to the bathroom and then
slipping back between his silken sheets. Pulling Zero to him, Akatsuki allowed
the boy to find whatever comfort he needed in his embrace.
“Sleep now Zero, I've got you.”
A soft, grateful sigh left his lips before the content sounds of sleep returned
to the room.
Akatsuki watched his pet's sleeping figure with a troubled frown. He wanted to
help the boy, yet he had no idea how. Takuma had said that confronting Zero
about his ordeal was the only way, but that didn't make sense to Akatsuki; why
would he put Zero through more pain by forcing him to relive those memories and
the shame of saying them out loud to another? What's more, Akatsuki didn't know
how he would react if Zero did confide in him. He had an idea that Zero had
been physically and mentally abused and that knowledge made him glad to have
kept two of Zero's kidnappers alive so he could inflict his own forms of
punishment upon them- but what if there was more to it? Kain knew Ryuu had
sexually abused Zero but how much? And what about the others? Just what horrors
had Zero lived through? And would Akatsuki be strong enough to find out?
The knowledge that someone had hurt his slave made him see red, but the thought
of someone abusing Zero in that way made him want to explode. And he knew he
couldn't do that, not if Zero was around at least, he didn't need to give the
boy another reason to be afraid of him.
Akatsuki tightened his hold around the sleeping pet and allowed his own eyes to
close.
What the hell was he going to do?
 
===============================================================================
 
“Takuma and Shiki have invited to meet us at Nightshade tonight.” Zero sat
eating a late breakfast out on the back porch, looking out over the garden.
Akatsuki sat opposite to him, sipping his coffee and mulling over the daily
newspaper. It was almost...nice. Zero thought, nibbling against his toast. The
normalcy of the situation despite how far from normal things were. Zero was
also grateful that Akatsuki had decided to take a day off from inspecting his
establishments.
“The others will be coming too.” The noble added lightly. By others Akatsuki's
meant that Aidou and Ruka would also be meeting them. From what Zero had picked
up in their last meeting, Aidou was Akatsuki's cousin, and Ruka a female friend
whom he accompanied to most events and outings, though that was the extent of
their relationship however; Ruka appeared to be much more taken by a certain
married Pureblood.
“Is Kuran going to be there?” Akatsuki looked up from his paper, surprised at
the sudden glimpse of Zero's old snarky tones. Apart from when he was in fits
of rage or caught off guard, that side of Zero seemed to been lost after he had
been freed from the snatchers. Akatsuki was pleased to see it present once
again in such normal conversation.
“No, he won't be- his meetings are keeping him quite busy at the moment.” Zero
couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh of relief. It was no secret that he
disliked any and all purebloods, by having the leech absent he would most
likely have a more pleasant evening- or as much as he could surrounded by
bloodsuckers.
“However, the same rules apply as when we're normally in public.”
“I'll behave ifthey do.” Zero took a savage bite out of his toast. Normally
Kain would've corrected the boy's attitude, however he was so glad to see the
pet acting so...'normal' that he was all too happy to ignore it. Zero also, did
not miss the change in the noble, or himself for that matter. He was actually
making an effort to be more like his old self today. For the past week he'd
spent most of his time as a whimpering mess; weak, feeble-especially around the
noble. He was ashamed by his pathetic behavior the day before and even more so
by the fact that he'd still climbed into bed with the noble at the end of the
day, too fearful to face his nightmares alone. Despite all that, Kain had not
punished him, had not laughed nor taunted his patheticness; he hadn't rejected
Zero, hadn't pushed the ex-human away when so many others would have, Instead
he'd stayed by him, soothing him, helping him, forcing him to leave the house
when Zero wanted to stay curled up in bed. He'd made the ex-human function;
Zero knew he was still insecure as hell but compared to what he would've been
if Kain had simply left him alone...well let's just say he was thankful that
the noble had been there for him in his own way.
But what had the ex-human given the noble in return? Rejection, anger, mistrust
and mixed signals. Zero was grateful for Kain's continued care and he wanted to
make it up to the noble by showing Kain how much he had improved. Even if, Zero
realized that he was even more pathetic by doing just that; acting normal and
happy so the noble...so his master would be happy.
He really was a pet.
Zero pushed these thoughts aside, willing to ignore them just like the memories
of his kidnapping.
The rest of the evening seemed to crawl by at an incredibly slow pace for the
ex-human, undoubtedly caused by the fact that he had absolutely nothing to do
or rather nothing he desired to do. When Kain disappeared into his office to
make a few business phone calls and attend to the mounds of paperwork quickly
filling his study, Zero found himself at a loss. When the noble was around, he
was told what to do; stand in a corner, act like a pet, follow after him to
various building ect. But now he had free time and for the first time since
he'd been here, that hadn't been taken up by holding his head down a toilet or
loosing himself in fits of panic. He'd shut off those fears now, locked them at
the back of his mind so he wouldn't have to face them. He was now able to
operate, to function without Kain's constant presence and warmth to keep him
sane and now he was completely bored.
Before he became a pet, Zero would have next to no free time because of the
association's expertise at sending him on extended missions. He spent more time
away on these missions then he did at his apartment and when he did get to his
apartment it was only to sleep and to get a decent meal. When Zero wasn't on
missions and wasn't at his apartment sleeping, he was back at the association
training; honing his skills to become ever stronger, faster, sharper than he
already was. The missions he usually attended, he was always in a life or death
situation and it was only these skills that he worked so hard to achieve that
kept him alive.
But now none of that mattered.
He wasn't a hunter anymore, that dream had been shut off from him the moment
he'd been captured by the slave dealers. He was a pet and his only supposed
dream now was to do anything and everything his master asked of him- that was
if he was an already trained pet. Zero wasn't and he didn't exactly have a
mindset to live only to please his master. Sure, he appreciated the Noble's
kindness to him so far considering, and how Kain had sworn to keep Zero safe,
he was more than appreciative of that, but no matter what he did, Zero could
not see himself nor wanting himself, to be completely obedient and at the
moment Kain seemed to have no problem with that.
But that still didn't help him now- What was he supposed to do now? There was a
gym in Kain's city manor, but Zero felt no need to use it- why should he? He
wasn't a hunter.... and there was an impressive library, but Zero had never
been able to stay focused on a book for more than ten minutes. There was also a
thriving city just outside the manor, but Zero avoided that like the plague,
fearful that he would see someone from the hunter's association and be victim
to their mockery or worse yet, face another encounter with a group of
Snatchers.
In the end, Zero decided to take an extended swim in the Olympic sized-pool
before retiring to the tranquil spa area of the manor. Zero stayed in this area
long after his skin had wrinkled and when he finally left he felt more prune
than pet. Much to his dismay, his activities had only taken him two hours.
For the rest of the night, Zero found himself trying to get through impossible
books and wandering the manor, inspecting rooms he had yet to see and admiring
the many art pieces at adorned the walls. By the time Kain finally decided it
was time to leave, Zero was so bored that he was almost glad, a strange emotion
he thought since the only reason they were going out was to meet with more
bloodsuckers.
Dawn was just breaking when Akatsuki's and Zero arrived at Nightshade, they
slipped out of the limo entered the still pounding nightclub. Upon entry they
were immediately escorted to the V.I.P area.
“Sit with me.” Knowing his role in public, Zero followed the command, sitting
much closer to the noble than he would've liked on the red lounge. Akatsuki
leaned forward to take a glass of blood wine from the offered platter before
relaxing back, draping an arm across the back of the lounge, behind Zero's head
as he did. The movement did not disturb Zero as much as he thought it would. In
thisenvironment, with the pounding music and the shadowed corners Zero felt an
uncomfortable memory gnawing at his mind.
Kiyoshi...
“Are you alright Zero?” The noble's concerned tone brought Zero back to the
present. “You look pale.” For a moment Zero's throat seemed to tight to speak.
He cast a nervous glance around the club, part of him convinced that he would
see the small boy hidden in a corner.
“Zero?”
“...I-it's the club.” Zero rasped, his throat tight. “I haven't been since...-”
“No one will touch you” Akatsuki's voice was suddenly firm, his eyes flashed in
a silent promise. “You're safe with me.” Zero surprised them both by giving a
small nod.
“I know.”
“Kain, it's good to see you again.” Takuma's bright, cheery greeting popped the
strange bubble that had formed around the two. Zero frowned, momentarily
confused. For a moment he'd sworn that everything had been silent. But the
music was blaring in full force all around them.
Strange...
“Takuma, Shiki.” Kain greeted the with a slight inclination of his head and a
raise of his glass. “Please sit. I have to admit, I was surprised by your
invitation, weren't you both supposed to be sunbaking on a tropical island
somewhere?” A guilty blush darkened Takuma's cheeks.
“Ah...yes...well that was my fault. My uncle decided to drop in for an
unexpected visit.”
“Asato?”
“Yes.” Shiki's tone did not have any positivity in it. Takuma glanced at his
lover, shooting an apologetic look before returning his gaze back to Kain.
“You know how he feels of Senri and my relationship, he claims just to be
visiting but really he's just checking up on us.”
“More like trying to see if the bastard son is stealing his nephew's
inheritance.” Shiki growled bitterly.
“Senri...” Takuma gripped his lover's hand. “Don't say such things.” Senri
rolled his eyes and looked away. Akatsuki frowned slightly. This was obviously
a sore subject.
“I didn't mean to cause an argument.”
“It's not you Kain,” Takuma sighed, suddenly looking much more tired than his
usual bright self. “I've already told Uncle that I want nothing to do with him
or the inheritance, but still he persists.”
“Perhaps if you weren't so gracious to the old fool he would get the hint.”
Shiki's voice was low, Akatsuki wondered if he was even meant to hear it.
Takuma's eyes darkened in sadness as his lover's hand slipped from his.
Uncle was going to pay for this...for what he did to his lover and their
relationship every time he walked in the door...
“Come now Shiki, you know how Takuma is. He doesn't have a harmful bone in his
body.” Akatsuki instantly went to the blond's aid, Takuma had always done so
much for him, it was the least he could do. Eventually the red-head sighed.
“I know, I just hate how Asato always blames me for what I am- like I have any
choice in the matter.” Zero's ears perked at this, he suddenly felt for the
young model, recognizing the similar choice of words coming from his own mouth
once, back when he was a hunter. Zero swore he almost felt something of pity
for the vampire, before he pushed it away. Relating to a vampire; what next?
“I can't help it if my father was a sadist and my mother was his mistress.”
Shiki finished bitterly. Takuma gripped his hand once again.
“Nobody is blaming you for that.” Akatsuki spoke coldly, the ice in his tone
only directed to Asato. “Perhaps it's time someone reminded him that he was
Rido's dog not too many years ago.” Shiki nodded slightly comforted by this
fact. “Who is he to judge you Shiki?”
“I suppose.”
“No one can make you feel inferior unless you allow them to.” Shiki nodded.
Finally returning the grip on his lover's hand. Takuma beamed.
“Thankyou Kain.”
“Not at all.” Zero glanced between Akatsuki and the nobles, noting how much
Kain's presence and guidance had helped them in such a short amount of time.
Unlike the nobles Zero had known about, it was clear that Kain cared not only
for his personal possessions aka Zero, but it also extended to his friends as
well.
Zero wondered why this was such a shock to him, hadn't he seen Akatsuki display
the same sort of comforting nature to Ruka a few weeks ago? How could he have
ignored the noble's emotions like this? How had he let himself believe the
noble to be heartless for so long? Only correcting this assumption after his
rescue.
“Zero, you've returned to us I see.” Zero started slightly. Since when did
nobles direct conversation to other's pets? It was unheard of. Zero tensed,
unsure if to meet the blond's gaze or not. Kain had told him he wasn't supposed
to, but it was rude not to look at someone when they're talking to you- but did
the same rules apply for pets? Was the blond just testing him out? Trying to
get him in trouble?
“Perhaps now would be a good time to make a formal introduction, Zero this is
Takuma and his partner Shiki. They are good friends of mine.” Zero looked to
Kain, unsure of what to do. His gaze was non-threatening and he gave a small
nod of approval. Zero took it as and OK to look up and meet the blond's emerald
green eyes and the rainwater gray of his lover's. They both nodded to him with
pleasant expressions and smiles. Zero decided that for noble leeches, they
weren't so bad.
“You had Kain quite worried for a while there, from what I heard, he was
looking for you all week.” Zero tensed again, surprised. Kain had been looking
for him the whole time? He hadn't just waited the week and only then thought to
find him. Zero glanced back to Akatsuki, but the noble was sipping his blood
wine, this information was nothing new to him. Zero frowned again. He'd had no
idea of the noble's involvement.
“H-he did?” Zero's voice was very soft, he'd kept it so, unsure if he was
allowed to speak. Takuma shot an accusing glare at the nightlife King.
“Kain shame on you, you didn't even tell the boy.” the aristocrat shrugged
lightly.
“It didn't seem of importance.”
“It dose to me.” Zero made his voice even quieter. He was sure Takuma and Shiki
didn't hear it, and even if they did, they pretended not to. Akatsuki looked to
the ex-human, his staring into the deep amethysts.
“Of course I was always looking for you. As I said before- do you really think
I would let you get away that easily?” Much to Zero's horror and embarrassment
his cheeks flushed.
“Well we're happy you're back with us now” Takuma intervened, suddenly feeling
as if the two had forgotten that they were not alone.
“Akatsuki tells us that you used to be a Hunter for the association.” Shiki's
tone was not harmful or condescending, only conversational yet his words stung
like a slap. Zero's eyes dropped to the floor. That was still a hurtful topic
for him. He couldn't simply shut the door on his life's work and yet he'd been
forced to. It still hurt, thinking of what he had been to what he had become.
His parents would truly hate him...
“What was it like?” Shiki continued when the Hunter remained silent.
“B-busy.” Zero finally managed.
“As to be expected, with that many Level E's running around these days, tell
me- are the purebloods getting more careless with their thralls or is it just
me?” Akatsuki quickly intervened, sensing his pet's discomfort. Zero was
grateful for the way Akatsuki managed to steer the conversation away from him
and insult purebloods all in one hit. Zero suspected the pure blood jibe was
put in for his own benefit. A very small smile touched the corner of his mouth.
“Cousin! It's good to see you!” Another blond suddenly came into sight, this
one, Zero noted was not like Takuma, he had ice blue eyes and a docile pet
trailing after him. Zero recognized him from the previous meeting at
Nightshade. Despite the fact that this noble was Akatsuki's cousin, Zero
couldn't help but feel a constant dark vibe emitting from him, something
Akatsuki only possessed in the throws of rage.
“Aidou I'd thought you'd died, you've been so quiet as of late.” The ice blond
dropped into one of seats, lounging as he did. With a sharp click and point,
the docile pet was at his feet, sitting on the floor rather being allowed a
chair. Zero's eyes narrowed, this was the kind of master he associated with
pets and vampires. He detested Aidou already, but a part of him kept reminding
him that Aidou was Akatsuki's cousin, therefore he couldn't be all that
bad...right?
“Amusing Akatsuki, I have been working among other... things.” He dragged a
hand through the pet's dull brown hair distractedly a smirk on his face. Zero
fought a scowl, this man was nothing like Kain. “Tell me cousin, why is it that
when I ignore people everyone panics, but when you disappear off the face of
the earth no one seems to mind.” Akatsuki frowned.
“Aidou, I don't think I follow.”
“I just find it strange that's all when it's clear people prefer your company
to mine.”
“However your findings state otherwise-surely if people were worried about your
silence and not mine it would suggest that your company is of more value.” Kain
watched his cousin process this with a small 'hmph'. Akatsuki felt himself
lightly tense, his mind suddenly more guarded. His cousin was in one of his
'moods' again and he didn't know what it was about or what had triggered such a
foul side of him. Ever since they were kids, Akatsuki and Aidou had been close,
Akatsuki quickly found that his cousin could be exceedingly clingy, willing to
do anything for the other and then at the drop of a hat be exceedingly cruel
all due to a change in personality. It normally happened when he was jealous or
mad. But that begged the question; what was Aidou jealous or mad of this time?
Aidou had been ignoring them not the other way round so it couldn't be an
attention thing.
Akatsuki took another sip of his blood wine, suddenly wishing it to be as
strong as his home supply. He would need it tonight it Aidou's mood continued.
Unfortunately there was no way to stop them, one simply had to see them out or
confront the root of the problem, since Akatsuki didn't know what was causing
his mood, he like everyone else would have to wait it out.
“Now where's Ruka?” Aidou sipped at his blood wine quite extravagantly, as
always attracting all the attention to himself. “She's late is she not?”
“Since no time to meet was specified, I find myself quite early” Ruka
interrupted, arriving at the right moment, her own pet behind her. She took the
remaining seat and although her pet sat on the floor too, Ruka did not command
her so viciously. She patted the edge of the chair and when the girl sat, Ruka
ran her fingers gently through the girl's hair almost...lovingly.
Aidou scoffed. “Of course you do.'
“Well you're in a charming mood.”
“We noticed.” Takuma, Shiki and Akatsuki chorused. Aidou laughed hollowly.
“Nonsense, I'm just a bit tired that's all.”
“Perhaps you should return home if that is that case.” Shiki started.
“Trying to get rid of me already are you?” Aidou's eyes narrowed dangerously.
“We're only concerned for your health” Takuma quickly came to his lover's aid.
“Aidou stop causing fights” Ruka sighed. “It's unbecoming.”
“Say's the girl who hordes away in her manor pining for a pureblood, who's
married no less and I'm unbecoming?-”
“Aidou!” all three nobles growled. Ruka remained silent, he face locked in an
emotionless expression, Zero knew from his own experiences such a face was only
held when forcing the strongest of emotions back. Zero really did scowl this
time.
What the hell is this guy's problem?
“Aidou, stop it.” Akatsuki's tone was commanding all attention to him now, his
authoritative tone was not unheard of to his cousin. “You have been invited
here for an evening out, if you want to spoil that evening, please go somewhere
else.”
“I'm sorry, are you asking me to leave?” Zero wanted to punch the snide smile
of the blond's face, how could anyone talk like that to Akatsuki? Especially
when he was nothing but kind to them?
Aren't I calling the kettle a bit black?
“I'm asking you to behave.”
“Or what, you'll have security throw me out, ple-ase cousin.”
“You forget that this is my club, and that I am quite capable of throwing you
out myself.”
“Of course, how could I doubt your influence Akatsuki?” Aidou looked for his
next target and found it in a certain silver-haired pet. “Why Akatsuki I
thought you said your pet was untrained? And yet here he sits on his best
behavior have you already broken him cousin? How was he? A good ride or need
more training?-”
“Aidou!” Takuma, Shiki and Ruka hissed in warning. Kain had gone still. Zero
might have sense the dark aura suddenly swirling around him if it wasn't for
his own.
“-Then again he couldn't of been that good, you know being a level D and all.
Then again he was a hunter so he might have been okay- What did you think
Akatsuki did the whore ride well?-”
“-Shut up.” Despite the pounding music, the echo of conversations all around
them, it became so silent they might have heard a pin drop. Zero's fingers
rolled into tight fists, they were shaking. Aidou paused shocked for a moment.
“What did you say?”
“Shut. Up.” Zero's voice was louder this time, he met the ice-blue gaze
unflinching, his glare contorted into a look of utter hatred. Aidou's eyes
narrowed dangerously.
“Why you-” In less than a second he was in front of Zero a hand raised and in
less than a split of that second Akatsuki was on his feet standing in front of
the boy protectively while his hand locked around Aidou's raised hand in a
death vice.
“Aidou.” Kain's tone was velvety smooth, it was practically a purr as venom
rolled across his tongue. Zero's anger dissolved quickly, shock replacing it.
He'd only heard Akatsuki use that tone with one other person; Ryuu right before
Kain killed him. Zero shivered.
“Do not make the mistake of thinking that my relationship with my pet is up for
discussion, or that it is any of your concern.”
“He insulted me!”
“I do believe you did so first. Really cousin, I don't know why you do this to
yourself- is it another attention seeking gimic, another thrill?” Aidou's eyes
flicked away from anger, to shame and embarrassment that he was being handled
in such a way in front of friends, in front of public no less. “I will not
partake in your games Aidou, neither will my pet and certainly not anyone else
here. Now remove yourself from my club before I do so myself.” Akatsuki's
warning was clear. For a moment, the two cousins locked in a heated staring
contest before, finally, Aidou decided to take his leave.
“Yori.” The plain brunette scurried to her feet. Aidou went to yank his wrist
away from Akatsuki but the older vampire held him.
“And if you ever try to strike Zero again, or refer to him in such a manner,
believe me Aidou you will regret it. Is that understood?” Aidou continued to
glare at his cousin, furious at how he had embarrassed him so. When he saw Kain
was in no state to retreat on his threat Aidou nodded. Akatsuki released him
and the blond stalked away, his pet trailing behind. Kain watched Aidou leave
before turning his attention back to the group.
“I apologize for mine and my cousins behavior, Ruka he had no right to speak to
you like that.” The female let out a pained sigh.
“He said nothing that wasn't true and we all know it.”
“Nevertheless.”
“Aidou should not have said such things, Kain you were right for stepping in,
we all know what he's like when he gets in his moods.” Akatsuki nodded.
“If you could forgive me again, I think I shall retire. The evening has lost
interest for me.” The three nodded accepting this. Akatsuki turned to Zero.
“Zero, come.”
The ex-human rose numbly to his feet and followed Akatsuki back to the limo. He
didn't remember the ride home. When all his anger burned out and when Akatsuki
was no longer mad, he'd been left with his own feelings and his own memories of
the fight...Aidou had called him a whore. After Katashi, Hibiki and Ryuu he
supposed he was just that.
“Zero?” The ex-hunter was pulled from his thoughts, finding himself standing in
Kain's room, the noble was looking at him questionably, but all Zero saw was
the noble's bed.
“Aidou had no right in saying that.” Akatsuki spoke, realizing he would receive
no answer from the boy yet. “He shouldn't have called you that.” Akatsuki
turned to pour himself a strong dose of bloodwine.
“Why, it's true.” Kain stopped in his tracks.
“Don't.” Akatuki was growling again. Zero knew it was not at him. “Just don't.
I will not have you come all this way just for him to fuck it all up with one
of his moods.” Zero's eyes widened slightly, Kain didn't swear, not unless he
was really, really pissed.
“Well it is.” Zero turned away from the noble only to have his arm grabbed so
that he was whipped back around.
“Zero stop it! You're not a...a that-” Akatsuki couldn't say it, not with
Zero's name in the same sentence, it was just wrong.
“Then what am I!” Zero finally snapped. He yanked his arm back. He was so
tired, so sick and so tired of being on this emotional roller coaster, of not
knowing where the hell he stood in the world. “Tell me Kain- What the Fuck Am
I?”
“Zero-?”
“I'm not a hunter anymore, I'm a pet, but I'm also a whore right? I mean what
else are pet's for? And what about Katashi and Hibiki and Ryuu? What about what
I did with them?”
“What did you do with them?” Akatsuki's voice was softer now. He was witnessing
another one of Zero's breakdowns, but this was nothing like after the
nightmares or when he'd first found Zero after the snatchers, it was a whole
different level. Takuma had told him to confront the boy about what had
happened so that Zero could finally heal, Akatsuki's hadn't done that and as a
result he'd seen Zero suffer more with each passing day no matter how hard he
tried to cover it up. He had to confront Zero, looks like now was it.
“What did I do?!” Zero bellowed, he was crying now, Kain doubted the boy even
knew he was. Zero turned away from him, stalked up to the far wall. Tearing his
fingers through his hair as he did. Akatsuki wondered if he meant to pull it
out.
“Tell me Zero, what did they do to you?” The boy finally settled in one spot,
staring out the window. His arms were around his waist now, as if he was trying
to hold himself together. Silence stretched between them.
“Fine...I'll tell you.”
***** Consuming Jealousy and Broken Confessions *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
Aidou knew, he had known for a long time ever since his childhood, that he was
hardly a 'favorite' among friends nor family. Everyone cast him out as he was
nothing but a nuisance in their eyes. As a child Aidou's father was always too
busy with work to care for his son's immaturity and desperate acts to gain his
attention. Aidou's mother was no better, trading in her role as a carer to
become the secret lover of another wealthy noble in a vicious scandal. And as
for Aidou's friends for as long as he could remember, they had 'put up with
him', keeping him only in their inner circle so they could use him as the butt
of their jokes and someone they could gain something off.
Aidou had known from a very young age that he was not someone of importance in
anyone's lives, not in his family's nor his friends and in the desperate
attempt to keep them from leaving him Aidou had done everything, anything to
make sure they stayed with him; he'd stayed out of his father's way, doing
nothing to cause his wrath, he'd kept his mother's secrets from his father to
gain her approval and he'd accepted the insults from his friends and given them
anything they wanted from him; money, clothes, toys- it didn't matter, as long
as they stayed with him, as long as they didn't abandon him like so many others
had.
The only person who had truly cared for Aidou and his well-being, came in the
form of his older cousin; Akatsuki Kain. The Kain's had visited one summer and
Akatsuki had immediately fallen into Aidou's care. Aidou was to be a host for
him, a tour guide and whatever else Akatsuki wanted him to be. Aidou remembered
that summer as if it was only yesterday, he'd been so happy to finally be
needed, to be required for something other than a prankster and a cash cow.
At first, Akatsuki had been as cold as ice. He grew tired of anything and
everything Aidou showed him. He yawned at the games Aidou liked to play as a
child, he scoffed at the books Aidou liked to read, completely ignored the
younger when he tried to explain his passion for math and science and for the
most part remained silent for half of that summer. Aidou had been in a state of
sorrow throughout that time, scolding himself for thinking, for hoping, that he
could've been someone important even just for a little while. He was a terrible
host for Akatsuki and was convinced that if he just left the noble alone, the
older would be much happier.
Cutting a long story short, near the end of the summer Aidou's group of friends
tried to play a vicious and shameful prank on the older cousin, but Aidou had
stopped it. He warned Akatsuki before it was too late and as a result ended up
enduring his friend's punishment instead. Akatsuki had walked right into the
middle of it and in a sudden rage had fought the group, protected Aidou and
made the group swear never to come near either of them ever again.
It was shortly after that that Aidou and Akatsuki became inseparable. Akatsui
had also introduced Aidou to Ruka, Shiki and Takuma even Kaname on one special
occasion. Akatsuki did this so that Aidou would never feel alone again, so that
he would never look for friendship in those who only sought to use him. Over
time, Aidou had changed from a quiet, shy child into the complete opposite in
which he remained today. No matter what happened, Akatsuki would always be
Aidou's best friend, would always be the one Aidou sought to approve and the
one Aidou craved the most attention from.
Getting Akatsuki's attention as the years progressed wasn't easy however, he
was always concerned with the problems and needs of others, he'd always been
like that. Aidou loved his cousin's caring nature as much as he hated it.
Akatsuki was always off helping other, listening to their problems and helping
them find a resolve. Which meant, whenever Aidou wanted to visit his cousin,
Kain was always off visiting somebody else, and that when Aidou wanted to play
with the Noble as children or even just see him- Akatsuki was with another. As
children it had irritated Aidou to no end, then they had started going to Cross
Academy to serve under Kaname Kuran and things had only got worse. Instead of
'visiting' his other friends, Akatsuki was around them all the time everyday
and when Aidou went to see him it was never alone, Ruka, Shiki, Takuma or
Kaname was always hanging around him. Aidou tried putting up with the other
nobles, but they only seemed to use him for their taunts and jokes. When Aidou
asked Akatsuki why he didn't stop them, his cousin looked at him with a blank
look. 'They're not serious Aidou, they're only trying to include you in the
group.' To Aidou it certainly didn't feel like it.
Aidou had resorted back to his behavior as a child when he sought his father's
attention; he transferred his affections to another in this case Kaname, in
order to make Akatsuki jealous, Aidou had played pranks, he'd purposely got in
trouble by Kaname and scolded by Akatsuki on a regular basis. And even though
Aidou knew it made his cousin mad the blond was happy, because in his rage
Akatsuki would show him attention, would take him aside away from the other
nobles and for those few moments, he'd finally have Akatsuki to himself and for
Aidou that was enough.
But then they'd graduated. Work had become Akatsuki's obsession, he'd disappear
for weeks even months at a time, submerged in his role as 'The Nightlife King'.
The times he did appear he was with the other nobles, seeing his friends all at
once rather than separately. Kain was so consumed with work that even Aidou's
attempts at luring him away with his pranks and trouble-making were useless. It
seemed that Akatsuki didn't even have time to scold him anymore... like he
didn't even care what Aidou did anymore.
Aidou tried to accept this, tried to take the hint that he wasn't needed nor
wanted... and yet he stayed, he kept trying, because being alone was just one
thing Aidou couldn't face. His 'moods' became almost ever-present as he fought
with his sanity, he couldn't explain why or how Akatsuki meant so much to him,
maybe it because was Akatsuki had saved him as a child or the fact that they
were blood-related, but Aidou just couldn't bear the thought of Akatsuki
leaving him.
When Aidou had slipped into throws of despair, of feeling like he was better
off dead because no one wanted or needed him alive anyway, Aidou had consoled
himself. He let himself believe that Akatsuki really was busy with work and the
others and if he could his cousin really would see him, that Akatsuki actually
did care about him.
That had worked for five years now and then Zero had came along.
Zero Kiryuu, a pet- a God Fricken Pet for Heaven's sake!
If Akatsuki really was busy then how did he have time for a pet?
Aidou had called Akatsuki trying to discover why, without asking, Akatsuki
thought he needed such a thing. He'd received none. After the purchase, despite
going mad with hurt and jealousy Aidou had decided to call his cousin, choosing
to act normal like his soul wasn't being shredded on the inside, to be
understanding and kind instead of furious and jealous. As a result they had
managed to have a decent conversation, the first in years- and then... Akatsuki
had ignored him. Aidou had been talking on the phone for five whole minutes to
the noble only to find that Kain didn't have a clue what Aidou was talking
about.
Such an act from his own cousin had crumbled the last of Aidou's attempts to
gain Akatsuki's attention. He'd hung up and broken down a moment later.
It was in his haze of sadness that Aidou finally came to the realization that
Akatsuki didn't care for him anymore- how could he if he'd let Aidou suffer
like this? In turn Aidou had become bitter, he saw no meaning in anything
anymore for everything he'd done up until this point was to gain Akatsuki's
approval or at the very least his attention. Without that, Aidou found himself
lost and very, very angry.
Aidou stormed down the main hallway, clouds of black threatening rage swirling
around him. He reached his bedroom without spotting a single member of his
staff. They knew to stay out of sight when their master was in one of his
moods.
Aidou slammed his bedroom doors shut with such a force they rattled dangerously
on their hinges.
How could he do this to me? How could he take that, thatthing's side rather
that my own?! The oriental vase beside him suddenly found itself covered in a
layer of solid ice before shattering into hundreds of tiny shards which
scattered across the room.
Aidou gripped his hair, pulling it so tightly that small blond strands fell
from it. He sunk to the polished wooden floor.
I've lost him...
His heart clenched painfully in his chest and Aidou found it suddenly hard to
breathe. Another anxiety attack was coming on, the noble could feel it. He'd
lost count as to how many times he'd broken down like this in the past few
years. Tears began to roll down his cheeks as his heart pounded furiously in
his chest. His skin was clammy and he was shivering as if he was fevered. Aidou
closed his eyes. The pain in his chest intensified, he gasped out in a silent
cry of pain.
His best friend, his cousin, the one good thing in his life...
I'm nothing to that person now.
Aidou's curled further into himself. All he could see was Akatsuki standing
there with...with affection burning in his eyes, but not for his cousin...
no... never for him- not anymore. A silver haired pet loomed on the corner of
Aidou's vision. Kain was no longer his anymore, Akatsuki's concern... his heart
now belonged to another.
Aidou was alone again.
This time Aidou really did cry out as the pain in his chest became too much.
He'd already knew Akatsuki hated him, obviously wanted nothing to do with him
and yet Aidou's mind was churning, racing, already formulating plans as to how
he could get his cousin's attention again which he soon realized to be only
foolish attempts not even worth carrying out. His mind then turned to the past,
to his behavior. His brain screamed at him; demanding to know why Aidou had
acted so selfishly at times, why he never told Akatsuki how much he meant to
him as a cousin. It roared at him, telling him that if he'd acted differently,
if he'd stopped acting like a child, if he'd acted like the other nobles then
Kain would still be with him.
I'm sorry...
Aidou truly felt as if he was breaking, he didn't even know he could sink any
further than he'd already done. Clearly he was wrong. He wasn't wanted, he
wasn't needed, he might as well not exist in their lives any more...he might as
well not exist period.
Aidou's body no longer hurt. He was suddenly too numb to feel anything except
the dull ache in his chest where his heart had once belonged. Aidou rose slowly
from the ground, his eyes dull, lifeless and yet determined, knowing what he
had to do.
No one wanted him, so why should he have to live with this heartache?
Aidou approached the drawer of his night stand and retrieved a thin silver
blade with strange markings upon it. It seemed to crackle with electricity
under his touch.
It was an anti-vampire weapon.
Aidou examined the glistening blade. One strike would not kill him...not right
away at least. He would die from blood loss more than anything else, he guessed
no one would either bother looking for him until it was too late.
Aidou didn't feel when the blade pierced through his gut. Didn't feel the
shocks. He had the strangest sensation that his energy was being drained and
suddenly he was back on the floor. A pool of crimson that only seemed to get
larger by the second splayed out around him staining his clothes and seeping
through the tiny cracks of the floor.
It was ironic, Aidou thought, that he someone so pathetic should die in such a
pitiful way, that after all his suffering in his life, his death would only be
caused by a painful death.
Tiny shimmering lights appeared before his eyes. Aidou blinked softly and
rolled to his side.
It will soon be over...
His eyes fell to the bedside table, a picture of him and Akatsuki as children
had been placed there in a beautiful frame. A twisted smile almost formed on
his pale lips, tears continued to flow.
Akatsuki... I'm sorry I couldn't be the cousin...the brother you deserved.
Forgive me.
Aidou dimly became aware of the sound of a door being opened and a girl
screaming.
“Master!”
Soft, warm hands cupped his face in a desperate, yet tender matter. Aidou's
dying blue eyes met plain brown ones.
“Yori...?” He doubted the pet could hear him, his voice was so weak. She was
crying, ripping at her buttons until her shirt had torn away to reveal a
beautiful slim neck. His eyes filtered red.
“Please Master, please take it.”
Aidou tried to turn away, he did not want to live, but clearly his body had
other ideas. Blood lust clouded his vision and the tender warm hands held him
firm.
Warm hands... so much like Akatsuki's...
He was lifted from the ground so that his lips met soft human skin. His eyes
widened. It was no use, his body wanted this.
His jaw clamped down. The girl cried out in pain, yet she muffled her whimpers
with the back of her hand. Aidou continued to drink from her, feeling the life
retuning to his body. Soon he was the one holding the neck to him while the pet
drooped in his arms.
Aidou managed to stop himself before he killed the youth. He would need more
blood but her's ensured his safety.
Aidou frowned deeply, utterly confused as the why the fragile being in his arms
would risk their life for someone who's just brought them as their slave.
“Why?” He demanded. His tone far from gentle. The pet was too weak from blood
loss to reply, she simply looked up at him through tired brown eyes before
fainting gently in his arms. Aidou's frown deepened. This was something he
would have to dwell upon later.
 
===============================================================================
 
“What did I do?!” Zero bellowed, he was crying now, Kain doubted the boy even
knew he was. Zero turned away from him, stalked up to the far wall. Tearing his
fingers through his hair as he did. Akatsuki wondered if he meant to pull it
out.
“Tell me Zero, what did they do to you?” The boy finally settled in one spot,
staring out the window. His arms were around his waist now, as if he was trying
to hold himself together. Silence stretched between them.
“Fine...I'll tell you.” The hands that held his waist clenched his shirt to a
point it almost ripped. “Is that what you want to hear master?” Kain flinched
slightly at the boy's tone as it grew harsh. “You want me to tell you how they
chained me to the floor, how they raped and tortured Ki...-an innocent before
my eyes? You want me to tell you how they...touched me as they did, telling me
how much I enjoyed  when all I wanted to do is die?!” The boy was shouting now,
his anger too great to be quietened by shame.
“I'm sorry Zero.” Akatsuki's whispered tone was sincere and yet, it only seemed
to anger the boy more. He snapped around, his eyes blazing.
“Don't tell me you're sorry! I don't want you to be sorry! What the hell dose
'being sorry' do for me- for the kid who got tortured and raped everyday of his
life?!” The ex-human's voice broke and he turned away again, hugging himself
desperately. “I watched him die Kain, I watched him die after everything I
tried to do to save him. I even let them... let them...do those things to me, I
just wanted them to stop hurting him and in the end it did nothing!” Zero
shoulders shook violently as he held back more tears of shame and frustration.
“I was a Hunter. I spent my whole life protecting others against monsters and
then when I was faced with a human I couldn't stop them... I couldn't save
one.”
“Zero...-”
“-But I'm not a Hunter, not anymore... but I still should have been able to
save him and now...what am I now? A pet? A victim? A whore?” Zero clutched his
face with one hand. “You've got to tell me Kain... what am I?” Zero's throat
make a sick, choking sound as he held back the gut-wrenching sobs. “I don't
know who I am anymore.”
The whole room was still and then suddenly Zero felt warm arms encircling him
from behind.
“You're Zero Kiryuu, you survived a tragic event in your childhood which
claimed the life of your parents. Ever since then you have worked towards
becoming a vampire Hunter, and you succeeded. Due to some unfortunate events
you became a pet and survived something horrible, something that will probably
stay with you the rest of your life.” Akatsuki spoke in a very soft, soothing
tone. This was probably the biggest moments of their relationship, whatever
type of relationship it was. They were standing on the tip of the knife that
could fall either way if Kain said or did the wrong thing. Akatsuki prayed to
the Gods he was doing this right.
“You've survived things that are truly horrible and cruel, so much more than
anyone should have to face in their lives and yet, you are still here, still
fighting. You may be a pet Zero but you are still a Hunter and you will always
be a Hunter-it's in your blood. So don't tell me you don't know who you are
Zero, because even a blind man can who and what you are. It's about time you
saw it too.”
Zero really did break down this time, his legs completely gave out beneath him
as he lost himself in sorrow. Akatsuki caught him and sunk to the floor with
him, turning the pet around so he could pull Zero to his chest.
Akatsuki didn't know how long they stayed there; Zero's trembling figure
quivering in his arms as it clung desperately to him while heart wrenching sobs
echoed in the still room and salty tears stained the noble's shirt.
Kain didn't say a word more, he simply held the boy a warm hand holding him
close while another moved gently though silver hair in tender strokes. Kain
dropped his face to Zero's shoulder, breathing in the scent. How precious this
boy was. Kain closed his eyes softly.
Damn those bastards who did this, they're going to pay.
It seemed like hours before the silver pet's sobs subsided and his trembles
eased. He continued to stay wrapped in Kain's arms.
“T-Thankyou.” He whispered. There was a pause.
“I'm sorry Zero, truly I am- If I'd got there sooner-”
“It's okay.” Zero quickly cut him off. “I know you did your best.” Silence fell
upon them again, it was only when Kain truly thought his legs would fall off
due to lack of blood circulation did he speak again.
“It's late, you should get some sleep.” Zero nodded, allowing the noble to help
him up. “Do you want a shower?” The boy shook his head, suddenly feeling the
effects of the night's events. Kain retreated to his study while the boy
changed into his nightclothes before returning and slipping into his bed with
his pet. He embraced Zero again, holding him close enough to have his chest
press firmly against the pet's back. Kain rested his head directly against
Zero's his lips near the pet's ear. Zero made no sign of protest.
“Sleep now Zero.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Aidou stood, leaning on the doorway to his pet's room, a frown fixed upon his
face. The plain figure lay, sleeping in her bed, exhausted from blood loss.
Aidou watched her for a few more moments before turning to walk back down the
hall. Why had she saved him? She was a pet and he was her owner, he was the one
that had taken her life in servitude. She should despise him or at the very
least be irritated with him. These past few weeks after his purchase he'd
completely ignored her, when he did talk to her it was only when he had to and
even then they were blunt, barked commands. She shouldn't give a damn about
him, and yet, she'd risked her life to save him.
Aidou returned to his bedroom, the polished wooden floor that had been stained
by his blood only an hour ago was now pristine and gleaming once again. His
staff knew their jobs well and that they would not speak of the the matter to
anyone. For that Aidou was only half glad.
Maybe if Akatsuki knew I was suicidal he would actually care...
Aidou crossed the room, opening the glass doors to his private balcony and
leaned on the rails. The cool morning air was soothing against his skin. He
couldn't go on like this; alone and ignored by the one person he truly cared
about.
I sound like a lovesick fool...
He had to repair things with Akatsuki, he may be able to stand being ignored by
others but not Akatsuki-never Akatsuki. Aidou's heart skipped a beat as he
formulated a plot in his mind. He would apologize to his cousin, would ignore
his pet completely in the future so Akatsuki wouldn't get mad at him. He would
repair things with his cousin... but how to go about it?
A dinner, yes that would suffice, he would call up everybody and arrange a
dinner, that way Aidou could not only apologize to Akatsuki, but the others as
well. Maybe if he actually seemed regretful of his actions they wouldn't taunt
or mock him as they had done so in the past. Aidou could only hope he was
right. The blond noble snapped open his mobile, taking in a deep breath as he
fought to calm himself.
Would Akatsuki even answer his call?
Aidou paused, noting the time on the display screen. Akatsuki would not answer
him, not at this hour at least. Regretfully Aidou closed his phone and tucked
it back into his pocket. Maybe tonight he would call Akatsuki, yes that would
be more appropriate it would also give the older cousin time to cool off from
tonight's incident. Yes, that would be more appropriate...
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero woke to a single bar of moonlight shining in his eyes. He groaned softly
and rolled over, further into the warm embrace that lay beside him. Suddenly
Zero shot up. It was night, Akatsuki was beside him and... he hadn't had
another nightmare.
Akatsuki stirred awake at the boy's sudden movements.
“Wassamatter?” he mumbled groggily before finally blinking away. He looked up
at the boy for a moment before realizing that it was indeed night and that for
the first time in a week he had not been woken up by the screams of a
nightmare.
“No nightmares?” The boy turned to him with a small smile on his face.
“No nightmares.” Akatsuki's breath hitched. This was the first time he'd ever
caught the boy smile; it was so much better than seeing his broken form or even
his feisty sarcasm and anger. Kain's eyes softened.
If only I could see that smile all the time.
Zero turned back away from the noble a very faint blush gracing his cheeks.
“T-thankyou.” He murmured, suddenly interested with Kain's silk covers. The
boy's suddenly shy behavior was just too much. Kain shot up, wrapping his arms
around the boy, his face pressed to the crook of the boy's neck, breathing in
the pet's scent.
“Hey!-”
“What would you like to do today?”
“H-huh?” Zero blushed furiously at their position.
“What would you like to do today?”
“What about you're work?”
“I'm taking a day off.”
“Thank God” Zero tried to make his voice sarcastic.
“Hmm” Akatsuki took in another deep breath of Zero's scent making the boy
shiver. “Now what do you want to do today?”
“I-I don't know.”
“Well, get dressed and we'll go down town, see if anything there sparks your
interest.”
“But-”
“Not but's Zero, you can't stay cooped up here all the time.” Zero scowled,
wanting to disagree with the noble finding himself unable. The noble had helped
him so much over the past few weeks, surely he could let this go couldn't he?
Zero finally nodded.
“Okay, but I don't know what you expect me to wear.” Now it was Akatsuki's turn
to frown.
“What do you mean? You have a full wardrobe.” Zero rolled his eyes.
“Yeah filled with designer labels.”
“I don't follow.”
“Kain you can't expect me just go down the street in Armani.”
“What's wrong with that?” Zero sighed.
“I would stand out like a beacon, people around here can't afford that kind of
stuff.”
“Everyone I know can.”
“Precisely.” Akatsuki frowned, still not following. “Are you saying you want a
pair of...cheap jeans?”
“Yes.” Akatsuki was tempted to ask why but pushed it aside, this was what his
pet wanted, this was what would make his pet happy- maybe he would get another
smile out of the boy today...
Since when had he been so eager to please the boy?- Weren't pets supposed to
please their master?
Akatsuki shook his head lightly to clear his thoughts.
“Okay Zero, wherever you want to go.”
“When are we leaving?”
“When do you want to go?” Zero frowned and pulled away from Akatsuki so he
could face him.
“Okay who are you and what have you done with Kain?”
“Excuse me?”
“What's with the whole 'whatever you want to do?”
“I'm not sure I understand.”
“Normally you're all commanding an ordery ' time to do this', 'now we're going
here', 'Do this', 'Do that'-”
“Are you saying that you like being told what to do?”
“No!” Zero flushed furiously. “I'm just not used to this whole Whatever you
want, when you want it thing.” There was a pause. For a moment Akatsuki
couldn't think of what to say to the boy somehow 'I don't know why I just want
to see you smile' sounded just too weird. Instead Akatsuki settled for:
“Zero I've already told you; I'm not a cruel master and I can be very generous
given the right incentive.” Zero tensed. Did this mean Kain was expecting
payment? Did Kain expect him to- “For the past week you have not referred to me
in any demeaning matter and you have not tried to strike out in anyway, you
have followed my commands issued and even when I made mistakes myself you still
kept to your word and shared my bed. Such actions will not go unrewarded Zero-
do you really think me that cruel as to forget your actions?”
Zero found he couldn't look the noble in the eyes. His senses became all too
aware of the leather collar still locked around his neck...he'd been wearing it
for so long that he didn't even notice it.
As Kain had said last night.
Zero really was a pet.
This knowledge didn't bother Zero as much as it used to. Perhaps if he was with
a different master it would've, but after everything the noble had done for
him; comforting him, helping him, soothing him and even saying the words he
needed to hear last night, even if they weren't entirely true, Zero found
himself unable to hate Kain. In other words, Zero was only content with being a
pet, because he was Akatsuki's pet.
Zero felt himself blushing. He didn't exactly know how he felt about that
knowledge. Warm fingers lifted his chin so that lilac eyes met amber gold ones.
“You really do look adorable when you blush.” Kain's comment of course only
made the pet blush harder.
“S-stop saying that! It's weird!” Zero pulled his head away, moving with such
force he lost his balance and almost fell off the bed. Kain chuckled loudly,
reaching out to grab the ex-human and pull him back into his embrace. Zero
struggled half-heartily before slumping. The warm embrace was just too
familiar, too comfortable to try and escape.
Zero's face lay just before Akatsuki's pale, smooth neck. At the sight of it,
Zero felt unnecessary hunger well up inside of him- when was the last time he'd
fed? It couldn't have been long ago and therefore his reactions were
unauthorized. He wasn't even really hungry, but the sight of the smooth, cream
flesh laid out before him was tempting his vampiric side. Red filtered into his
vision and suddenly his lips had closed over Kain's bite area. He did not
pierce the skin however. His mouth and brain seemed unable to form to words to
ask for blood. His body was acting on instinct and to both Kain and Zero's
surprise, he began to suckle upon the bite spot in a silent plea or
questioning. A soft groan slipped past Akatsuki's lips. He'd never had anybody
do this to him before and it felt incredible.
“Drink Zero.” Without a moment's hesitation fangs pierced skin and flesh,
drawing out the sweet crimson nectar. Kain's eyes fluttered shut and his hand
curled in Zero's hair as he enjoyed the blissful sensation of being drawn upon.
Briefly he wondered what it would be like to take from his pet at the same
time, so many had described it as the most complete, surreal feeling in the
world and Kain was momentarily tempted to actually bite the pet, knowing it
would only scare the boy, Akatsuki settled for pressing his mouth to the
conjunction of Zero's neck in a soft, open mouthed kiss.
Zero's reaction was instant. His whole body locked, rigid in Akatsuki's
embrace. A tremble of fear ran through him.
“I won't bite you.” Akatsuki murmured against the pet's skin, tickling the
boy's neck, before resuming his previous actions, running soft kisses up and
down Zero's neck. Common sense and reasoning remained clouded by blood lust and
suddenly, like a switch going off in his brain the noble's actions changed from
frightening to unbelievably good. He groaned softly biting back down on
Akatsuki's neck and drinking once again. Kain growled lightly in pain and
pleasure as the sharp piercing of flesh and the sweetness of being taken from
created a lovely combination. He pressed firmer kisses against the boy's neck
in response, dragging his lips up and down Zero's neck until the pet was
shuddering in response. Zero rocked his fangs in Kain's skin and the older
vampire let out a non-too-quiet groan.
Reacting only on instinct and forgetting forgetting the consequences Kain
grazed his teeth against Zero's flesh before biting down in a gentle nip. It
was no where near hard enough to break skin or even painful but the action
pulled Zero from blood lust. He ripped away from Kain, tearing skin as he did.
He sat before the noble, blood dripping down his chin and a horrified look upon
his face.
“Zero listen I...”
***** Finding Happiness *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
                                        
“Zero listen I...-” Akatsuki gave a short pause, deciding to change his usual
reaction. “-Really think that if you have time for foreplay we should skip the
whole shopping trip.” He raised his eyebrows in a suggestive manner. Zero's
cheeks turned beet red. Hastily he wiped his chin.
“As if!” He pulled away from the noble, Kain released him easily. “It's not my
fault if y-you get all pervey-” Zero growled stomping across to the bedroom
door, flushed head to toe in embarrassment.
“-Is that even a word?”
“It is now!” Zero wrenched open the doors and slammed them shut behind him.
Akatsuki smirked. The boy really was adorable when he blushed.
By the time Akatsuki was ready, Zero was waiting downstairs and, much to
Akatsuki's amusement, was rubbing his neck subconsciously right in the spot
Akatsuki had bitten him.
“I didn't hurt you did I?” Akatsuki sneaked up behind the pet and wrapped his
arms around the boy's waist. Zero shot about a foot in the air, leaping out of
Akatsuki's arms.
“Don't sneak up on me!”
“You're blushing again”
“Shut up!” Akatsuki smirked again, making Zero scowl quite beautifully.
Akatsuki's eyes darted to Zero's neck.
“Did I hurt you?” Zero's blush deepened. His eyes suddenly to the floor, he
gave a small shake of his head. “Good, wouldn't want you flat on your back and
injured.” Kain kept his tone light and slightly condescending, meanwhile his
mind was being quite distracting, imagining Zero flat on his back in other
situations.
“I'm not weak you know.” Akatsuki cleared his throat, dispelling the last of
the intriguing images in his mind.
“Never said you were Zero-shall we?” Kain showed Zero out of the mansion, the
boy paused when he saw the limo.
“You do realize that we are going to stand out in this.”
“Generally that's the idea Zero”
“Not where we're going.” Akatsuki's paused.
“Do you mean to suggest you want us to act like...commoners today?”
“I am a commoner as you so delicately put it and yes I do.”
“You're my pet Zero, you're hardly a commoner.” A twinge of red darkened the
boy's face.
“Whatever, point is, if we're going downtown I'm not going in that.” Zero
scowled at the limo insultingly.
“It's just a limo Zero.”
“That's my point!” Kain sighed.
“Dorian would you bring a more... suitable car around for a trip downtown.” The
awaiting driver bowed.
“Right away sir.” The driver disappeared into the front seat of the limo and
drove the sleek ride around the corner to where, Zero guessed, was the garage.
He returned minutes later with another car, this one an eye-catching silver.
Zero didn't know much about cars, only motorcycles, but he knew this one was a
collector's Mustang.
It was as bad as the limo; each one screamed money.
Zero glared disapprovingly at Akatsuki's. Kain returned the look with an
innocent expression.
“What?”
“You're impossible.”
“Would you like Dorian to retrieve the limo again?”
“Bite me.” Zero stalked off towards the offensive vehicle, Akatsuki followed
chuckling softly.
 
===============================================================================
 
The Mustang, as Zero expected, indeed attracted just as much as a limo would
have down town. The fact that they had their own driver who even opened doors
for them caused even more of a scene. Murmurs and whispers followed them
everywhere, including a small horde of teenage girls, who, whenever Zero tried
to scowl at them giggled hysterically to their neighbor.
Kain, of course, seemed to have no problems with any of this. With his
publicity Zero supposed he was used to it. It was only around an hour into
their outing when Zero was searching through a jeans rack that the constant
attention finally got to him.
“That's it!”
“What's it?” Kain drawled, focusing more on the various shirts and their
designs before him. “Do these really pass as fashion?” He asked mildly holding
up a black t-shirt with a pattern on the front that matched a changing disco
floor and the words 'Party all night' scribbled across the front.
“Kain I mean it.”
“So do I- just look at this one-” Kain held up a shredded shirt with raised
eyebrows. “I mean what's the point.”
“Kain” Zero growled.
“Yes Zero?”
“I'm walking from now on.”
“Walking? Where to?”
“Everywhere! You're bloody driver and that-that thing he's driving is just
ridiculous!” Kain dropped the shirts and headed over to Zero.
“Hush now there's no need to make people stare.” Zero gritted his teeth.
“That's my point! They already are staring.”
“I really don't see why you're so upset- that pair of jeans looks okay... wait,
no it's got a hole in it. Somebody needs to tell the staff their products are
faulty-”
“Kain!”
“Yes Zero?”
“Are you even listening to me?”
“Of course Zero, you're making a scene because you're worried about people
staring and as a result you want to resort to walkingboth of which, I don't
understand.”
“What's there not to understand?”
“Staring is a good thing Zero, it means people are admiring you and therefore
you should enjoy it and as for Dorian and the car it is an efficient mode of
transport which I choose to use, actually if I remember correctly it was you
who selected this car over the limo in the first place. So why you choose to
walk is beyond me.” Kain turned to Zero with a pointed expression, the ex-human
didn't miss the slight quirk of the noble's lips as he did.
“Firstly,” Zero growled. “Staring is nevera good thing, not for me at least and
secondly, I only choose the Mustang because it was better than a limo and if I
had a choice I would go in some old bomb!”
“Old bomb?”
“Old car” Zero simplified.
“But a Mustang is old- well going by human years at least.”
“You're missing the point!” Zero stormed out of the store. He wasn't really
angry, just annoyed. The noble was just...just- impossible at times. Kain knew
all this of course, he would never intentionally make the boy mad, not now and
not after last night. The only reason why Kain took to aggravating the pet
through taunts and light mocking was because it was the only time that he saw
the fire, the flickers of Zero's former self before the kidnapping. Kain had
realised some time ago that he would never want a pet such as Zero to be one
hundred per cent obedient and dull like so many others. He didn't want to break
the boy as he had once, very briefly, wished to. He found himself wanting to
care for the boy, wanting to make him happy, content in his environment and
role as Kain's pet. He needed someone who would get mad at him, scold him, yell
at him and refrain from holding back when expressing his opinion. Kain wanted a
pet like that, needed a pet like that. Everyone else in his life had been the
exact opposite of this and maybe it was because of that, the noble felt as if
he was unbelievably alone until he'd made Zero's purchase. And that was whyKain
found himself aggravating the boy, delighting in the pet's reactions.
“Zero, you really are being unreasonable.” Kain followed the pet out the door,
his long graceful strides catching the boy quickly.
“I'm being unreasonable?”
“Why yes, I didn't know you were so disturbed by all this.” Akatsuki waved his
hand airily indicating to the remainder of people gazing after them. “You never
mentioned it before.” Zero shoved his hands in his jean pockets making him look
somewhat like a rebellious teenager throwing a tantrum although he was in his
twenties.
“T-that's because it was at yourclubs and your hotels or whatever, you own the
place of course people are going to stare.”
“How is here any different?”
“Because here nobody knows who we are, what we are, so when people stare it's
wrong!”
“I'm afraid don't follow.”
“I don't like people staring at me, I don't like standing out when I don't have
to. So when I have to go to your clubs and hotels and whatever in your world
I'm fine because they already know who we are, but when it's just everyday
places and people don't know us then I just want to be invisible.” Kain thought
about this for a moment.
“So...in other words you're happy to be flashed around when we go places 'my
world' which I will assume means in the vampiric community, but in the human
communities you want to..'blend in'.”
“Precisely”
“That doesn't make any sense.”
“It does to me!”
“Why be noticed in one situation but not in another?”
“Because people know who I am when I am in the vampiric communities, they know
what I am. Here, people don't and I want to keep it that way.” Kain paused
again.
“Are you ashamed of being my pet?” Zero saw those within ear-shot turned
confused expressions towards them.
“Sshh! Do you want the whole world to hear?”
“I guess that answers my question.” Zero swore he saw those amber eyes darken
with almost...disappointment before they were swept away behind a cool business
mask.
“I'm not!...-well not like that. Ever since I was bitten people have stared at
me because I'm a freak. Then when I became a Hunter everyone stared more
because the whole situation of me being a Level D and Hunter at the same time
was just wrong and now I'm a Hunter turned pet.” Zero sighed. “My whole life
was dedicated to killing vampires, to hatingthem, and now I'm a noble's thrall,
to a Hunter, that's pretty much as low as you can get. So yes, when we are out
in human society- where there is a chance that we may run into other Hunters, I
am ashamed of being a pet. But when I'm with you in Vampiric society I'm fine
with being a pet because it's what's expected of idiotic Level D's.” The pair
lapsed into silence, Zero focused on the pavement below them.
“So what does this have to do with expensive cars?” Zero glared.
“You're impossible!” The pet stormed ahead, Kain matching his strides easily.
“I'm used to being noticed Zero, it's part of my heritage, but if it bothers
you so, I will arrange for a more...suitable mode of transport to be
purchased.” Zero didn't show any indication he'd heard the noble until several
moments later.
“T-thankyou.” Akatsuki had to strain his ears to catch it.
“And you're not a freak.”
“Huh?”
“Nor are you an 'idiotic Level D', we really have to work on your self
perception Zero- honestly, do you think I of all people would purchase
something so worthless?” Zero snorted, covering his own initial shock and
surprising..happiness that Kain did not see him as everyone else did; some
worthless, stupid freak, unfit to be called a human and equally unfit to be
called a vampire.
“Trust you to take an opportunity to praise your own self-worth.” Kain lips
quirked, his eyes bright again.
“Of course.”
 
===============================================================================
 
“Zero, I really don't think this is a good idea.” Kain stood outside a small
red and white building, eyeing it suspiciously. The stench of cooking oil,
animal fat, salt and processed food burned his senses.
“Come on, you're blocking the entrance.” Zero pulled Kain lightly by the
sleeves urging the hesitant noble through the glass doors and into a crowded,
loud eating area.
“Is this really a restaurant?”
“It's afast foodrestaurant, there's a difference.”
“Zero I'm not really sure this place is entirely...hygienic” Kain eyed the
uncovered tables beside him, which were littered with crumbs and the bins
beside them; overflowing with waste.
“Stop being such a prude Kain and tell me what you want.”
“Some sanitizer for one-”
“Kain!” The noble sighed and lifted his eyes to what seemed to be a highlighted
menu above the serving counter.
“What'll be your order today?” The lady behind the counter was speaking to Zero
now. Kain did not miss the way her speech slurred in a way that was so utterly
common.
“Ummm, I'll take two original pieces of chicken and a medium chips.” (Yes in
Australia we call them 'Chips' not 'fries')
Kain stared at the pieces of what Zero claimed to be 'original chicken pieces'
and winced slightly.
“Zero are you aware that the...chicken is coated in brown stuff?” The lady
looked at Kain with a expression that clearly said 'is he serious?'
“He'll take six crispy strips and a medium chips as well.” Zero quickly
ordered.
“Drinks?”
“Two cokes.”
The lady disappeared for a moment and returned with their 'lunch' on a plastic
tray. Zero took it and led them to an empty table. Zero slid into the plastic
chair.
“Well sit down.” Kain looked at the plastic chair.
“There's food on it.” Zero looked over.
“It's just a few crumbs, brush them off.”
“Brush them off? How and with what?” Zero rolled his eyes, faking a look of
annoyance when really he found the situation utterly hilarious. Zero unfolded
the tiny hand wipe and handed it to Kain.
“Now brush” With a look of disgust, Kain wiped the crumbs onto the floor before
taking a reluctant seat.
“You wouldn't happen to have any more of those would you?” Zero frowned
slightly before handing over another hand wipe. The noble unfolded it and
proceeded to wipe over the entire table, the back of the chair and everywhere
else within reach.
“I never picked you for a cleaner” Zero grinned. Kain set aside the hand wipes
and wiped his hands with another.
“Remind me why we're here again?”
“Because you said I could go wherever I wanted and this is where I wanted to
go.”
“Right...”
“Eat up Kain.” Zero pushed two bags of crispy strips towards the noble and his
packet of chips.
“What is this?”
“Deep fried chicken strips.”
“Come again?”
“Just eat it.”
“How?” Zero glanced up from his chips, confused for a moment and then realizing
the noble's predicament. He held back a snigger.
“With your hands.”
“Excuse me?”
“You pick it up with your hands and then bite into it.” Zero said each words
slowly enjoying the bemused look now crossing the noble's face. “See?” Zero
took his own piece of chicken and bit into it, he had to hold back a laugh at
the noble's restrained cringe. “I don't see why you're making such a fuss over
this, I never picked you to be so fussy about table etiquette.”
“I was brought up to use a knife and fork.”
“Well then use these.” Zero handed the noble a white plastic pair. Akatsuki
accepted with raised eyebrows. Zero returned to his meal, sneaking glances at
the noble to see if he would actually go through with eating the meal.
Akatsuki stared down at the 'meal' before him then eyed the plastic cutlery. If
he were anywhere else, with anyone else he would have blatantly refused the
meal and left the establishment, no scratch that, he would never have entered
the 'restaurant' in the first place. But he was not with his normal companions,
he was with Zero and there was not another vampire in sight and therefore he
wouldn't be mocked for such an act, however, everything about this seemed
wrong.
The food was cheap, which was always a bad sign. The 'cutlery' was feeble and
the food smelled like oil and yet right beside him Zero was digging into his
own meal, with his fingers, with obvious delight. Kain held back a sigh, he'd
never classed himself as overly fussy or picky but right now he felt like some
pompous fool- and why should he be when Zero was sitting opposite him grinning
and smirking like a madman, amused to no end at Kain's antics.
Biting the bullet and refusing to come across as some over-pampered princess,
Kain set aside the cutlery gripped the 'chicken' with both hands and bit down.
His senses were instantly flooded with oil, fat, processed chicken and probably
a whole year's worth of calories and yet...it tasted strangely good. It might
have been the way the spices mixed perfectly with the oil or the juicy strips
of chicken or maybe it was just the fact that Kain found himself doing
something he'd never done before; pretty much throwing the strict rules of
etiquette he'd been raised to out the door.
It was a good feeling.
Zero was staring at Kain with a shocked expression, unbelieving that the noble
had actually taken a bite- with his fingers!
“You know, it's not actually that bad.” A grin broke across the boy's face. For
a ridiculous moment, Kain's heart skipped. “Well for a meal at this price at
least.”
“So you like it?”
“I would eat it again.”
“Ha! You pompous brats do like fast food, so much for acquired taste.” Akatsuki
felt a smirk creep across his face at Zero's obvious joy over something so
trivial.
“Indeed.”
Kain felt his mobile suddenly vibrate in pocket. Frowning he pulled it out, who
was calling him today? Normally Peter saw him in person or left messages with
Alfred.
Kain noted the caller ID.
His frown deepened.
“Hello Cousin.”
Kain did not miss the way his pet's face suddenly changed from happy to
severely pissed off. Zero sat across the table scowling at the remains of his
meal. Somehow he didn't feel so hungry anymore.
“A dinner?” Kain's voice brought Zero's mood down another notch.
Dinner- with Aidou? Perfect.
Zero suddenly wondered if Kain wanted to go alone, then he wouldn't have to
deal with anymore comments from the arrogant blond or his unforgivable
questions asking if Zero was a good whore. Zero dimly felt his fists clench in
anger.
“I'm sorry Hanabusa but I must decline.” Zero''s head shot up.
No way.
“I find myself seeking the company of those who do not embarrass themselves and
shame others. Goodbye cousin.” Kain snapped his phone shut. His mind briefly
wondering if he did the right thing, Aidou had always been temperamental as a
child and never meant a good deal of his insults. He probably realized last
night's mistakes only now and this dinner he had planned was probably some way
of apologizing, but Kain refused. For the first time in his life he'd refused
his cousin's apology. The reasons behind this action were simple; Kain was
still mad at his cousin for one and the second reason was because seeing his
pet go from so happy and carefree to withdrawn and angry in just a few moments
was all the excuse Akatsuki needed.
He would not let his cousin ruin how far Zero had come, no matter what.
“You're not going?” Zero's voice was not as confident now, it was unsure-
flickers of what he was straight after the kidnapping. Kain clenched his fist
under the table in anger.
“Did you want to go?”
“No.”
“Then neither do I?”
“Since when has my say got anything to do with it.”
“Since he insulted and embarrassed you last night.” Zero ducked his head, his
cheeks suddenly burning.
“Thankyou.” He murmured a few moments later in a hushed tone.
“Anytime.” Zero still refused to meet the noble's gaze, strange feelings
lingered on the corners of his sub-conscious with questions he did not want to
examine just yet.
 
===============================================================================
 
Aidou stood looking down at his phone. His hands were shaking. He barely
stopped himself from crushing the device in his hands, but was unable to
prevent the phone from suddenly becoming a giant ice cube.
He refused.
Kain refused.
It was all his fault.
 
===============================================================================
 
“You're lost, admit it.” Zero called after the noble, fighting back a smile.
After having yet another debate over the gleaming mustang, Kain had agreed to
walk home, or at least to the edge of the downtown district before they were
picked up as to prevent any unwanted attention. Unfortunately Kain had decided
to take the lead and because he had been driven his entire life, Akatsuki found
himself lost in the back streets of downtown.
“I was certain it was this way.”
“You should've asked for directions.”
“Ask directions? In my own town?”
“Well-yeah”
“I'd like to see you do any better.” Zero sniggered.
“Let's try this way.” Zero led them down through an alleyway to their left.
When they surfaced, Zero checked the signs of the streets, examining them for a
moment.
“I know where we are. See that way leads to the nightclub district and my old
apartment.”
“How do you know?”
“Because the Association building is right...-” Zero suddenly broke off. His
eyes looking to the looming black building just visible on the hill. There was
a long pause before Zero turned sharply away.
“It's this way.” Zero murmured walking in the opposite direction of the
association. Kain noted the boy's completely closed up expression, not a hint
of the happiness or joy he'd witnessed today evident on his face.
For a few minutes they walked in silence, a rapid change from the flowing
banter that had been deafening not so long ago. Eventually Kain spoke up.
“I think we're far enough to get Dorian.” Zero gave a curt nod. Kain flicked up
his phone, hit the speed dial and seconds later the gleaming Mustang was pulled
up beside them. Dorian appeared to have been following them.
Zero climbed into the car without complaint, without any comment at all, and
spent the entire journey back to the manor staring out the window a lost look
upon his face.
Kain kept throwing the boy worried glances. What had gone wrong? Was it
something he'd done? No, it was the bloody Association. Kain groaned inwardly.
Zero was probably feeling some sort of embarrassment or shame seeing the
building. Hadn't the boy said earlier that a Hunter becoming a pet was pretty
much the lowest they could sink to? Zero was probably still uncertain about
where he belonged in the world, going from a freak in the association to a
Hunter in a pet's position.
Kain sighed quietly.
Hadn't he gone through this with Zero last night?
The rest of the night continued in the same manner. Zero as silent as stone and
Kain nervous and unsure as to what to say to the pet to make him feel better.
Eventually Kain slid into his bed, waiting for the boy to stop staring at the
window and join him.
“Are you coming to bed Zero?” The boy made no indication of hearing him, but
just before Kain could repeat the question he shrugged away from the window.
“S'pose so.”
Zero climbed into bed and curled up under the covers. Kain looked down at him
with a sinking feeling in his heart. Zero was withdrawing again and he couldn't
do anything to stop it. He'd tried shaking things up to day, letting the boy do
as he wished, teasing the pet and distracting him instead of indulging in
Zero's sadness especially in their feeding session earlier that night. His plan
had worked perfectly, his goal to make the boy smile achieved. He saw more of
Zero's old light today more than he'd ever had and now look where they were.
“Zero?” Kain murmured softly. The boy made a sound to indicate he was
listening.
“What would make you happy?” The silence was deafening, it stretched on for
what seemed like hours.
“To have purpose.” He finally mumbled.
“Purpose Zero?” Zero made another grunt of acknowledgment. “How so?” The boy
curled more into himself, pulling the sheets more tightly around him.
“You claim me to be a Hunter and a pet but I just don't see how. I have no
Hunter weapon, I have no Hunter missions and I'm not apart of the
Association...not anymore anyway. So how could I possibly be a Hunter? And as
for being a pet? Apparently the only rule applying to that is to serve their
master's every beck and call- but what else? When you don't need me I'm
lounging about the place bored out of my brain.”
“I thought you hated going with me to work and out to dinners.”
“It's better than doing nothing.”
“I can find you something to do if you want to Zero.” The boy sighed.
“It's not the same...don't worry about it Kain, forget I said anything.” Zero
flicked off the bedside lamp and settled beneath the covers. Kain did not.
Purpose...
How could he forget something that was making Zero so unhappy. Kain finally lay
down beneath the covers a plan slowly formulating in his mind.He would give
anything to make Zero happy and if having purpose was what Zero wanted, then
Kain would do anything in his power to give the boy just that.
I'll help you Zero, I swear I will.
***** EASTER SPECIAL- 'You're Supposed to Lick It' *****
Chapter Summary
     DISCLAIMER:I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters.
Chapter Notes
     Okay guys , when I originally posted chapter 17 it was Easter at the
     time so here is the easter special even though it is very much not
     easter now. This chapter is not relevant to the rest of the story in
     any way, it's just a one-shot between Kain and Zero. I hope you all
     enjoy!
                                        
Akatsuki Kain; esteemed vampire aristocrat, participant of the blood tablets
scheme, student of Cross Academy, but simply known as 'Wild' among the Day
Class students- made his way from the moon dorm classes.
Avoiding the path, he strolled carelessly through what little shrubbery and
forest area the grounds held, his senses pursuing a certain scent. Akatsuki
fingers wrapped around the festive gift within his jacket pockets, an amused
smile gracing his lips.
Through the trees Kain found himself staring out across a large horse paddock,
in which, a small stable glowed silently, indicating that someone was inside.
Ah Zero, you are so predictable...
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero Kiryuu lay against the mounds of hay beside White Lily's stall,
occasionally slipping the temperamental mare treats. It was Easter after all,
why couldn't she celebrate too?
Not many people liked White Lily, she wasn't exactly a 'young' horse and she
wasn't exactly friendly either; charging at anyone who came too near or
attacking those who dare lay a finger on her gleaming coat. There was only one
person she trusted and that was the ex-human sprawled in the hay beside her.
Zero sighed, rolling his sleeves higher up his arms and loosening his tie, his
school jacket already discarded. Why did it have to be so hot? Although the
stable was cooler than most area's of the school Zero still found himself with
a thin layer of sweat threatening to break through his skin. The warm breeze
from outside billowed in the front door carrying a scent both Zero and Lily
recognized. The gray mare snorted loudly and tossed her head in irritation, her
hooves striking the ground in warning.
Zero had been laying with his eyes closed and despite Lily's warning and the
obvious smell of vampire, Zero remained the keep them shut. Using his hunter
natural skills, he waited until he felt the hay beside him dip slightly and his
skin hummed as he felt the vampire hover just above him.
“You're late.”
“Aidou wouldn't let me get away- did you miss me?” Finally the hunter opened
his eyes, not surprised to find Akatsuki's face inches from his, his body
covering the Hunter's without actually touching him. Zero snorted.
“In your dreams Kain.” Zero pushed the noble back, rising into a sitting
position. Un-offended, Kain lay next to Zero, looking up at the Hunter.
“How was class?” Zero sighed again in boredom, the noble knowing it was not
directed at him.
“Hell.”
“I can imagine.”
“The air conditioning bummed out half-way through the day and the windows don't
open so it was just an oven. Throw chocolate into the mix and it was a
nightmare.”
“Didn't seem to deter the day class at changeover.”
“Nope. I saw you get ambushed.” Zero glanced back at the noble, briefly
distracted at how Kain's hair entwined with the hay, and how his creamy skin
almost glowed in the dim lighting of the barn. Truly at ease in his environment
and, despite the spotless uniform in a less than clean stable, completely at
home.
“I don't understand day class girls.” Kain said frowning slightly. “I thought
the idea of chocolate giving was that you actually gave the chocolate, not
throwor shove it at them.” Zero sniggered. Kain secretly delighted in the
sound. “I had to change my shirt, jacket and tie before I went to class and
again before I came here.” Zero gave a fake regretful sigh.
“Rule breakers, staying out after dark, you'll never stop them.” Kain sat up.
“Especially when one of the school guardians is slacking off.” Kain glowed
lightly. Zero chuckled.
“True.” A warm hand cupped his face, drawing his attention to the immaculate
noble beside him.
“What are we going to do with you Zero?” Kain's voice was a soft murmur, rich
in husky tones. Zero felt his heart quicken in his chest, his cheeks warmed
slightly and his eyes were suddenly hypnotized by amber ones and the lips an
inch from his.
Akatsuki movements were slow, cautious, calculated. It was never safe to
presume too much with the Hunter, or to push him too far too soon. Zero was as
temperamental as a raging bull at times and yet beneath it all he was as
fragile as the most delicate of jewels. Kain knew the Ex-human would never be
one hundred percent comfortable around vampires and certainly not by the fact
that he had been in a relationship with one- a male one- for about a year now.
The only reason why they had even lasted this long was because of Kain's
patience, because of his caution and the supreme gentleness he took with the
Hunter in everything he did including never, absolutely ever treating the boy
as if he were below the noble.
And that was the reason Zero cared for the noble so much.
Kain drew their lips unbearably close before pausing. His eyes met soft mauve
ones, searching for any sign of hesitation or fear. When he found none, the
hand that cupped the boy's chin brushed a tentative finger across Zero's lips
in a gentle caress. Kain heard the Hunter's heart flutter and with a hint of a
smile Kain finally met the Hunter's lips.
Fire shot from the noble's lips seeping into Zero, filling him with a
comforting warmth, one that promised understanding, care and protection if
asked. Zero parted his lips willingly, always grateful for the way Kain let him
set the pace. Akatsuki answered beautifully, parting his own and pulling closer
to the Hunter. The hand that held the boy's face continued to caress the
Hunter's face, brushing against his chin and cheek.
Kain visibly shuddered when Zero soft tongue brushed against his bottom lip.
The Hunter seemed more eager for noble's physical contact tonight for some
reason.
“Looks like someone did miss me after all.” Kain grinned, pulling back just
enough to get out the whispered words. Zero nipped Akatsuki lower lip in
protest.
“Can't you think of better things to do with your mouth right now?” Kain paused
slightly shocked at the boy's words. Before pressing his lips back to the
hunter.
“I think I can.”
Using gentle encouragement by shifting his position and the position of his
hands, Kain angled the Hunter back until they both fell back to the straw bed
below. Kain tangled his hands in Zero's hair, massaging the boy's scalp in
soothing motions as he used the position to push Zero's head further back and
by doing so, giving Kain more room to slip his tongue past Zero's lips and
delve inside.
Zero groaned softly as their tongues entwined, sliding sensually against one
another. His heart was beating loudly in his chest and his hands gripped the
edges of Kain's jacket caught between holding him and wanting to pull him
closer. It was only when he felt something squash in Kain's pocket did he pull
back.
Zero looked up at the noble with questioning eyes.
“What was that?” A sheepish smile crawled over Kain's face as he removed one
hand from Zero's hair and dipped it into his uniform pocket. A crushed- or more
correctly squished- easter egg lay in his palm, just peaking out of its
colorful wrapping. Due to the heat it had melted and then when Zero had
accidentally crushed it had spilled out into Kain's pocket and onto his fingers
covering them in bits melted chocolate.
“I thought we agreed no festive presents.” Kain met Zero's scowl.
“Apologies, I couldn't resist.” Zero watched the egg with scrutinizing eyes for
a moment longer. “Are you going to eat it?”
“No point wasting it, you better eat some too.” Kain smiled, holding out his
palm to Zero as they both sat up to share the small festive gift.
Afterwards, when their hands were both covered in chocolate Zero pulled out a
handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his hands.
“You're supposed to lick it.” Kain grumbled.
“What?”
“You're supposed to lick it.” Kain motioned to the chocolate on his fingers
“Who says?”
“All the people on TV.”
“I'm not a person on TV”
“Obviously.”
Kain gave a small sigh of disappointment, before he suddenly lifted his own
chocolate covered hands to his face. Knowing Zero was watching him, he drew his
tongue slowly out, pressing it to the base of his finger before running it all
the way to the tip a look of delight on his face.
Zero swallowed. His throat suddenly too dry a surge of heat flowing to his gut
when Kain took a whole finger in his mouth. The heat only grew stronger as the
noble moved to the next finger and proceeded in the same fashion. Tiny beads of
sweat formed on Zero's brow and he couldn't blame it on the weather.
On a subconscious level, Zero knew Kain was teasing him. Attending to his
fingers as he had...attended to Zero times before. Zero drew in a shaky breath,
his school pants had become confining. Kain glanced up after his task was
completed a small smile curving the corner in his lips.
“Oh, Zero, you missed a spot.”
“W-wha-?” Zero's brain was clouded by arousal and did not make sense of Kain's
words until the noble had pushed him back down to the straw bed, his tongue
licking the corners of his lover's mouth. A quiet whine escaped Zero's throat
before he had time to hold it back. His face flushed heavily. The way Kain was
laying, his body had rubbed up against Zero's, teasing a certain part of Zero's
lower abdomen.
“Mmm delicious.” Kain purred, lifting his head long after all traces of
chocolate had been cleaned from Zero's mouth. Lust darkened his eyes when he
saw Zero's flushed face and slight breathlessness. Kain knew why. Teasingly, he
slid his body up to press a kiss on Zero's forehead, before sliding back down
to kiss the Hunter's lips. Zero groaned softly.
“S-stop...”
“Stop what?” Kain slid his hips up against the Hunter's purposefully.
“That!”
“What about this?” Kain's free hand slipped between them, palming Zero through
his pants and creating a delicious friction against the hunter's skin. Zero
really did groan that time. It frustrated him how easily his body responded to
Kain, How quickly Kain could screw with his emotions. Perhaps it was because,
Zero felt safe with Kain or more safer than he'd ever felt with another
vampire.
“Or this?” Before Zero could stop him, Kain had unzipped Zero's front and
delved inside, cupping the Hunter fully in his palm. Zero's head fell back to
the straw, his eyes closed.
“Kain...” His voice was weak with protest.
“Yes Zero?” Kain traced soft patterns into the tip of his heated flesh, the boy
was lightly panting now. His head turned to the side. “Zero.” The hunter didn't
respond. “Zero look at me.” The hunter slowly opened his eyes, dark with lust
and a hidden conflict. Kain knew Zero still fought with his mind at this, his
body was trained to be fearful of vampires yet right now it wanted the noble
closer.
“Zero?” Kain's voice was a soft whisper, it caressed Zero just like a physical
touch. “May I?” Akatsuki heard the boy's heart skip. Pushing back the torment
in his eyes Zero gave a small, quick nod. Kain paused, gazing into the Hunter's
eyes for a moment longer, making sure Zero was really going to be okay if he
proceeded, before sliding back down the Hunter's leanly muscled figure until He
was face to face with what he'd been imagining earlier, as he licked the
chocolate from his fingers.
Tentatively, seeking out the Hunter's reaction, Kain's flicked his tongue over
the mushroom tip. Zero tossed his head to the side, eyes closed once again as a
strangled moan sounded low at the back of his throat. Teasing once again, the
noble continued to lick and suck gently at the tip tormenting the hunter for a
few moments longer before he finally, in an impressive swallow, took the whole
length of the hot, waiting shaft in his mouth.
Zero cried out, his back arching up and his hands fisting in the messy blond
hair. His head tossed from side to side as his lover sucked him off in deep,
hard motions alternating between jerking him off with his hand, whilst bobbing
his head in a crazed-fast paced motion or slow savoring strokes.
Zero's eyes were tightly closed the whole time, his mind at war in his head.
His body screaming just for more, more of Kain, more of this, more of
everything and yet on the other half commanding him to stop, to run away, to
prevent moments like these from continuing to happen. Right now Zero told that
part of himself to go to hell.
“K-Kain...-” Akatsuki traced a throbbing vein with his tongue, his teeth
scraping up the side of his flesh.
“Mmhh?” Kain took the hunter back in his mouth and hummed in question around
him. Zero's eyes rolled.
“Oh God Kain!” Kain hummed again, sucking deep as his lover spasmed, hot spurts
of liquid ran down his throat and Kain swallowed around the boy gladly,
savoring the creamy substance until there was no more. He released the Hunter
with a small pop and climbed back up the boy's body to press himself against
flushed, panting lips. Zero's tongue and his rubbed together, tasting
completion on Kain's tongue. Zero moaned.
“Told you you're supposed to lick it.” Zero turned a moan into a growl.
“Kain you were talking about chocolate.”
“No I was talking about the people on TV.” Zero paused.
“Just what kind of TV shows have you been watching?” Kain chuckled, pulling
Zero back to him.
“Never you mind Zero, never you mind...”
***** Something Must Get Worse Before it Gets Better *****
Chapter Summary
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
Zero woke once again to the moonlight shining in through the window and upon
his face. Knowing he would have to get up soon, probably to go with Kain to
work, he groaned and hid beneath the covers. He waited for the noble to stir,
it was only when as his senses became more alert as he slowly woke that he
realized he was alone in the over-sized bed.
Zero sat up to find his assumption incorrect. There was no warm mass beside
him, no comforting arms holding him close, nothing...no one.
Now fully awake, Zero tried expanding his senses, listening out for movement in
the bathroom or in Kain's adjoining study. Zero frowned. For the first time
since his kidnapping, the ex-human found himself completely alone.
Zero rose from the bed and headed to the bathroom to relive himself, the
confused frown still evident on his face. It was strange, he normally could
never get Kain to leave him alone and the noble normally didn't just up and
leave without saying something- especially when Zero was sleeping. A shiver
crept up his spine. If he'd had another nightmare and then woke to an empty
room without Kain's comforting words or warm arms he would've lost it he
would've-
Since when had he become so dependent on another's presence?
Zero shook his head in irritation before leaving the bathroom and Kain's room
to his own across the hall to retrieve some clothes for the night.
Yes, he had been dependent on the noble. Ever since his kidnapping he'd lived
off Akatsuki's presence, needing Kain to chase away his nightmares and to hold
on to his sanity. But now? For the last two day's Zero hadn't experienced any
flashbacks or nightmares, perhaps this was because of the fact that he'd
finally faced these memories by telling them out-loud to Kain. This was a good
sign right? It was also a sign that he didn't need the noble to be by his side
at every waking moment to ensure Zero's sanity- perhaps the noble had already
come to realize this, hence, his absence this morning.
Zero pulled on his clothes quite roughly. He was getting angry or maybe
irritated would be the better word. He was irritated with his emotions,
frustrated by the fact that when he'd woke to an empty bed he had felt cold
somehow, alone. Zero's frustration was growing more now, that he thought about
the situation and the reasons behind his initial reaction and his dependency on
Kain's presence.
Maybe this was some freaky pet thing, yes, that made more sense. It was natural
for a pet to be wary of theirmaster's presence. And that was what their
relationship was wasn't it? Master and pet, lord and servant first and
foremost. Zero nodded silently.
Yes, that defiantly makes more sense. When someone provides you food, shelter,
protection youunintentionallyrely upon them and then when they spend most of
their time around you of course one is going to wonder where they are and feel
a bit strange about their absence. Yes, that seems perfectly normal.
Zero left his bedroom, his previous irritation faded and gone after his own
little pep-talk.
But what dose this mean now? Zero's step faltered slightly as he made his way
down the hall. If he didn't need the Noble's presence to keep nightmares or
painful memories away, then what reason did he have to share the noble's bed?-
or to spend so much time with him?
Zero found his walk slowing slightly, his hands deep in his pockets and his
shoulders starting to hunch as a cold shiver ran up his spine. He was a pet, he
just finished lecturing himself about how much he was one. Of course he had
purpose to be in Kain's constant presence and bed... he was a pet; a personal
assistant in every way a personal assistant was not. Any need the noble had,
any...desire Kain wanted fulfilled Zero would be there- that was his job after
all wasn't it?
And now, now Zero was back to normal- in the sense that he wasn't having crazed
dreams and waking up in fits of anxiety during the night- so did that mean that
Kain would now have 'normal' expectations from him as any master would of their
pet?
Zero had stopped walking altogether now his heart was racing and his hands were
shaking. Was he finally going to have to do...to do...t-those things with Kain?
“Can I help you with anything sir?”
Zero shot about a foot in the air. He met the curious gaze of the aged butler.
“Alfred, you scared me.”
“Apologies sir.” The butler gave a courteous bow.
“D-don't worry about it..” Zero looked away, embarrassed by his reaction and
still shaken from his sudden realization.
“Are you alright sir? You look rather pale.”
“I thought I told you to call me Zero and as for...-” The butler waited
patiently. “I-it's nothing Alfred, don't worry about it.” By the look on the
servant's face, Zero could tell he wasn't convinced. The ex-human hoped he
wouldn't push the matter.
“Very well si- Zero, you know where to find me otherwise.” Zero let out a small
sigh of relief. The Ex-human quickly made to change the subject.
“Thanks Alfred...er..-you wouldn't happen to know where Kain is do you?”
“The master is out on the back porch, I do believe he was making a few business
calls before breakfast.”
“Oh, t-thanks.”
“Shall I bring something out for you as well?”
“That would be great, thanks.”
“Anytime sir.”
“It's Zero.”
“Of course.” Alfred gave another bow before turning back and heading off in the
direction of the kitchens. Zero turned and made his way down yet another hall,
this one leading to the back of the manor. His heart beating unsteadily in his
chest.
Calm down, you're acting like he's going to jump you as soon as he sees you.
Zero inwardly scolded, yet his heartbeat refused to slow or his hands to stop
from slightly sweating.
Akatsuki sat at the small outdoor setting on the back poach, a cigarette in one
hand and his blackberry in the other. When Zero took the empty seat across the
table Kain gave a small nod, continuing his phone call.
“...Yes to be delivered directly... I'll send you the specifics, that's all,
thanks.” Akatsuki hung up the call.
“Good morning Zero.” Zero found himself suddenly flushing under the noble's
amber gaze.
“Morning.” He mumbled as he looked to the floor.
“Did you sleep well?”
“Yes.”
“I had to make some calls-different time zones and all-”
“Yeah... Alfred said.”
“You weren't lonely?” Although Akatsuki said the question with innocent
intention and meaning, the ex-hunter felt his flush deepen again and his mind
slid to less innocent thoughts. He shook his head, unable to find his voice for
the moment.
Akatsuki frowned lightly at Zero's strange behavior.
“Is everything alright Zero?”
“Y-yes” Zero was sure he must look ridiculous, unable to meet the noble's gaze
and sporting a blush redder than a beetroot. Akatsuki's frown deepened.
“Your blushing more than usual.”
“So?!” A small smirk touched Kain's mouth.
“I like it.” Zero swore his face was on fire and he hastily looked away,
focusing on the decorative statues in the garden rather than the noble's
teasing smirks and watchful eyes.
“So what are we doing today?” Zero scowled, looking for anything to distract
the noble from his teasing.
“I am going to continue inspections at my establishments, you can either stay
here or accompany me.”
“So I either stay here and be bored shitless or go with you and be bored
shitless.”
“Yes as you so... delicately put it.”
“Great.” Zero tone clearly suggested otherwise.
“So...? are you staying or going?”
“Another day where I get to choose? I think I'm going to die of shock.” Zero
taunted just as Alfred returned with their breakfast.
“I'll assume that's a yes, you are coming with me?”
“Like hell it does.”
“But Zero, you said so yourself, there's nothing to do here.” Zero scowled at
Kain recalling the ex-human's own words from days before.
“You can be such a pain in the arse, you know that right?” Kain's eyes darkened
slightly, a evil quirk coming to his lips.
“Only in certain circumstances”
There was a clatter as Alfred almost lost the serving tray he was carrying.
“Sorry Master, l-lost my grip.” Alfred cleared his throat awkwardly and then
hurried off.
Zero could've died with shame. His face was flaming again his pulse was
pounding in his veins. Kain kept smirking as he listened to Zero's erratic hear
rate and watched Zero's beautiful reaction the underlying meaning in his words.
“Zero, why such the charming reaction?” Zero scowled again.
“W-where'dt-that come from? Y-You can't just say... those sort of things
infront of people!”
“Why Zero, I didn't realize it would get you so worked up.” The taunt in Kain's
seductive purr was clear. Zero was practically mashing his teeth together in
frustration and embarrassment.
“You idiot! Now Alfred thinks we're....that we're...-um..-”
“Sleeping together?” Kain offered, amused by Zero's innocent reaction.
“Yes!”
“Well we are.”
“-Wait, what?”
“We do sleep together, you've been sharing my bed-”
“You know exactly what I mean, you..y-you jerk”
“Careful Zero, that mouth has got you in trouble before.” A memory tugged at
Zero's mind. Zero dropped the noble's gaze, flushing once again, this time from
head to toe. Almost feeling the wall at his back and the noble's warm hand
wrapped around his...well his-
“S-stop changing the subject.”
“Zero, you're skin's going to be permanently that color if you keep blushing.”
Kain's voice had become softer, with husky undertones. Zero didn't pick it up
as he was too embarrassed by the situation, but Kain on the other hand was more
than aware of it and of the fact that heat was pooling low in his gut. He loved
it when Zero blushed, his mind kept imagining the boy in other situations where
he would be flushed head to toe, and the way Zero was taunting him right now
was playing havoc with his libido.
“Shut up.” Zero growled. “I can't help it- and you're not helping- oh God I
don't think I can look Alfred in the eye again.”
“Why?”
“You know perfectly well why!”
“There's nothing to be ashamed of Zero, this...arrangement is perfectly
normal.”
“Not for me!”
“How do you mean?”
“What do you mean 'how do I mean'?!”
“Well, what is not normal for you? 'Being' with a guy or 'being' with someone?”
That brought Zero up short. “Well?” Zero looked away again. “No snarky reply?
My God it's a miracle.” Zero scowled again.
“I-I don't understand the question.” Zero hedged lamely. He knew perfectly well
what Kain was asking.
“Are you a virgin, gay wise or 100% virgin.” Kain simplified as much as
possible. Zero flushed.
“Sshh! Don't say that outloud!”
“What? Virgin?”
“Sshh!” Kain frowned slightly.
“Are you a virgin Zero, as in with males and females?” Kain pressed, suddenly
completely serious. He was certain the boy had at least been with one female.
“I don't think I should justify that question with an answer.” Kain's eyes
widened in shock while another part of his anatomy twitched in response.
“Is that a long way of saying yes?”
“I'm not talking about this.” Kain's eyes were dark with hunger, when Zero
sneaked a look at the noble he saw the gaze, recognized it as lust and in
return, his heart rate accelerated once again, a strange feeling coiling up
inside of him. He'd seen that look before, enough times to last him a lifetime
in the eyes of his captors... but someone Kain's look was different. Zero's
palms were sweating and he had began to tremble slightly, strangely enough
though, he did not feel cold shivers or dread surging within his gut, nor bile
rising in his throat. It was the opposite, he felt very warm as surges of heat
passed through him, he felt nervous, yet not fearful and there suddenly felt
like there wasn't enough air getting into his lungs. His throat had gone dry.
What feeling is this?
Akatsuki heard the pet's heart pounding madly in the boy's chest, could taste
the anxiety rolling off him in waves. It hit him like a tonne of bricks and
brought the noble out of the haze of emotion.
This was Zero he was talking about. The same Zero that had been taunted and
abused by his captors barely a week ago. Hadn't he hurt the boy before by
acting out on his own emotions without considering Zero's state of mind?
No, now was not the time for such thoughts.
Kain cleared his throat, settling his inner turmoil and warning a certain piece
of flesh to behave.
“There are five establishments I want to visit today; two nightclubs and three
bars.” Zero breathed a sigh of relief, unsure what had made the noble change
the conversation topic but thankful for it anyway.
“So it's going to be an early day?”
“Shouldn't be, I visited the nightclubs recently so all I need to do is just
talk to the managers and look over the figures, we should be home before
sunrise.”
“Thank God for that.”
“Indeed.” Kain took a generous sip of black coffee. “Eat up then, the sooner we
leave the sooner we can finish.” Zero nodded, a small smile making an
appearance.
“I seriously doubt that.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Aidou stood looking out from his balcony, swirling a glass of expensive
bloodwine. He'd didn't quite have the acquired taste for it as his cousin did
nor his 'friends' but tonight he needed it, he needed something to dull the
hollow ache in his chest.
The evening had gone to plan, apart from the fact that the person it was
intended for never showed up. Hanabusa had made his apologies, first to the
group as a whole and then individually to the nobles when he managed to get
them alone. He wasn't surprised that every single one of them seemed hesitant
to face him without the rest of the group present. They had all accepted his
apologies, even Ruka, and they had all been surprised at Aidou's sincerity in
his words.
Hanabusa took a heady gulp of the blood wine, screwed his face up in distaste
but swallowed anyway and took another drink, grateful for the haze swirling at
the back of his mind, the calm that had begun to slowly settle over his limbs.
Akatsuki hadn't come.
His cousin hadn't forgiven him and hadn't accepted the invite. At first Aidou
had been devastated, never, not once has his cousin...his brother...-ever
rejected Aidou's apologies, even when he knew Aidou wasn't at all sorry, though
he said the words, Akatsuki had always forgiven him.
It was only later, just before the others were due to arrive, that Hanabusa
realized Kain wasn't forgiving him because the situation had directly involved
Zero, his beloved pet, and it was because of that, because Kain cared more for
Zero than Aidou his cousin had remained absent and unforgiving.
Hanabusa swallowed another bitter mouthful.
What did I expect? Him to just forget everything had happened and to come
rushing back to visit me, to set Zero aside and to spend more time with me
instead? To go back to the old days when we were just kids, back to when he
actually cared about me and I was the only one he ever spent his time with...?
Yes...secretly Aidou knew he had hoped that, had wished it with all his might.
“M-master, you summoned me?” Hanabusa turned back to his room, there bowing low
at the entrance was Yori, his own pet.
“Come here.”
“Of course Master.” The teenage girl hurried, without running, to the noble's
side. She remained with her head bowed. Still clutching the wine glass in one
hand, Aidou used the other to hook a finger under the girl's chin. He raised
her head, inspecting her soft, milky skin, the gentle blush of her cheeks and
the simple curve of her lips. He ran his fingers tentatively through her short
brown hair and watched her mud-brown eyes watching him warily.
She was plain, nothing extraordinary, just a plain pet snatched from the
streets, broken under a cruel hand and then sold to the highest bidder. She was
nothing, not to anyone and not to him, just another servant following orders
really.
His eyes fell upon the bite-mark, peeking out of her collar. The wound was deep
and the skin around it was bruised a deep purple and yellow around the edges.
Aidou's eyebrows twitched, almost frowning. He'd bitten her hard and yet she
hadn't tried to stop him.
“Why?”
“M-master?”
“Why did you try to save me?”
“B-because your my master...i-it's my duty and honor.” Aidou dropped closed his
eyes to hide the sorrow held there.
Of course...her duty... why else? Did I really think she would've done it
because she actually cared?- that anyone actually cared whether I lived or
died?
“A-also because...because I wanted to.” Aidou's eyes snapped open.
“What?” The pet blushed, the deep red quite appealing against her pale skin.
“I-I wanted too... m-master has been very kind to me. I have my own room- and a
bed. I can eat whatever I want from the kitchens and Master takes me out to
interesting places he goes and master has given me lovely clothes and master
never yells or beats me like other masters would-”
Ah... she was just worried that if I died she would be sold to a less kind
master or worse a brothel. She was just looking out for her own skin.
“-and Master lets me eat at the table, like an equal, and master-”
“Enough.” Aidou's tone was bitter. The girl instantly silenced herself, the
faint tremble of her body was caused by Aidou's harsh tones. Hanabusa heard her
heart race, felt the quiver in his grip. He cold almost imagine her mind
backtracking, wondering what she had done to cause his anger; did she say to
much? Say too little? Did she suggest Aidou was weak by saying that he cared
for her? Would she be punished? What would be the punishment? How bad would the
beating be? Such was a trained pet's mind.
She was so incredibly innocent, so fragile, like glass- all humans were- but
she seemed more so.
“A-also-” Her voice was very soft, her trembles turned to violent shakes as she
spoke out of line and yet unwilling to go what she needed to say unsaid. “-Also
because master is sad and someone as special as him should not feel such
emotions.”
“Such Emotions?”
“Like he is unworthy...o-or alone.” Aidou's throat was tight, his eyes were
prickling and yet his voice was cruel and harsh.
“And how dose this relate, in any way, to your past actions?”
“M-master thinks he is alone... but he is not.”
“Oh?”
“I am here master... I will not leave you.” Hanabusa dropped his hold and
turned his back sharply. Those words...her words cut to deep, they hurt too
much and yet, he clung to them as if his life depended on it.
M-master thinks he is alone...But he knew she didn't mean those words, those
words which Aidou needed desperately.
But he is not.
Aidou clenched his jaw and set down his bloodwine.
I am here master.
Hanabusa turned back around as quickly as he had before and with such haste it
was almost violent, he clasped the pet's head within his hands and forced her
to look him in the eye.
I will not leave you.
She didn't mean those words...not really. She was not here by her own free
will. She only stayed with him because it was her job...her duty. But he would
take that, he would take whatever sort of comfort he could get, even it was
false, because he needed it. Because he could find nothing else to live for.
“I'm sorry.” Aidou murmured, lowering his face to her startled one. He wasn't
sure who he was apologizing to exactly; his beloved cousin, who he continued to
disappoint and fail, his family, whose name he was undeserving of, to himself,
for making himself this way or to Yori herself, for holding onto her words and
using her in this way.
“Just for tonight...”
Aidou descended his lips to Yori's. Embracing her fiercely.
Yes... he needed this, he needed not to be alone. He needed to feelanother's
presence beside him.
You're a fool Hanabusa. A darn, pathetic fool...
 
===============================================================================
 
“...-the sales were very impressive this month, of course nothing less than to
be expected of one of our lord's establishments...-”
Zero held back a loud snort and swapped it for an extravagant eye-roll behind
the manager's back, but still within Kain's view.
Kain felt the corner of his mouth turn up. Zero was doing exactly as he wished
to do right now. As a noble it was expected that people be gracious and
praising of them, however there was only so much 'kiss-arsing' -as Zero had put
it- one vampire could take and he'd taken a lot. Every building he had visited
today, he'd been slobbered over. Ambushed by exceeding compliments and favoring
praises. Kain wondered if each manager was trying to compete with each other to
see who could preform the most 'sucking up' within a single inspection.
Zero had become bored very quickly by the inspections and the behavior of the
managers and had soon tried to defeat his boredom by resorting to the childish
activities of eye-rolling, miming of others and finding new ways to expressing
his boredom through exaggerated movements. He had done all these actions in
Kain's clear view. Akatsuki himself found the ex-human quite amusing and
distracting at the same time. Zero wasn't himself today. He seemed to be keyed
up over something, but was tight-lipped about it and his emotions and actions
were all unusual and strange. It was like everything the boy was feeling had
been magnified and ever-changing. Almost as if the pet didn't know what he
should be actually feeling at the time OR had so many feelings and emotions
within in him at the moment that he could not stick to just one.
The whole situation was quite unsettling as much as it was amusing.
“Zero, behave yourself or I might just have to spank you.” Kain hissed at the
boy's ear in passing as they moved to another room.
Zero scowled, in anger but the emotion was quickly replace by embarrassment as
a different thought passed through his mind and he became more hunched,
withdrawing into himself before realizing his actions and shrugging them off
with casual and gave the noble another eye-roll.
Interesting...and very, very puzzling.
Akatsuki's phone buzzed lightly in his pocket.
“Peter, I wasn't expecting your call.”
“Kain, we have a little bit of a problem.” Akatsuki paused, all emotion was
suddenly swept aside as his business side took over.
“What is it?”
“Someone managed to break into HQ”
“How much did they take.”
“Plans for upcoming events at the clubs have been moved, so they've probably
been copied- they also managed to get into the safe. They took around five
million, ten pounds of product.” Kain ran his fingers through his hair.
“What else?”
“They also managed to get past our firewall.” Kain froze. “They didn't get
much, however they did get our records of sales and imports of product.” Kain
held the phone away from his ear and turned swiftly to the manager who'd been
escorting him.
“I'm sorry Jackson, but I'm going to have to postpone this for another time.”
“Of course Master Kain, no problem.”
“Thankyou.” Kain turned away from the manager and stormed back the way they'd
come. Zero followed suddenly tense. He knew something had gone wrong, but what
it was exactly he didn't know.
“How long since the break in?” Kain was talking back to his phone now.
“Four hours, it took us a while to figure out just what they'd managed to get.”
“I want a full report in an hour as well as the security footage for that time.
I need interviews of all security members, officers and programmers. I want to
know how the hell they got in.”
“It will be done”
“And I want you to meet with me in an hour too, bring the report with you. We
need to sort out damage control now.”
“Yes sir, right away.” Kain hung up his blackberry and slipped into his waiting
limo. For a moment he gazed out the window, thinking for a moment.
“What happened?”
“Someone broke into headquarters.”
“There's a headquarters?”
“Of course, when I have empire of establishments around the world I need one.”
“Sooo, i'm guessing this is not just some typical break in?”
“They have all the records, allthe records of our imports.”
“So?”
“Drugs Zero, they know we import drugs and sell them to the public, they also
have hard proof of seeing it in our safe- if words gets out about this the
whole company is gone and my name ruined.”
“Oh...That's bad.”
“That's the worst understatement- shit!” Kain cursed softly dialing in another
number to his phone. While he was waiting for the pick up Zero spoke again.
“I kinda did tell you drugs were bad though.” Kain glared. Zero shrugged. “Well
I did.”
***** Unforeseen Circumstances *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
“...-We caught the thief on camera, unfortunately because of his mask and
gloves we were unable to collect any DNA or face recognition...-” Peter
reported. He sat on the opposite side of Kain's desk, the full report of the
robbery/break-in spread out before them. Akatsuki was playing the security
video's watching them from every angle. The thief was a human, no doubt about
it. No vampire around would dare rob Akatsuki Kain, not only because he was a
high-ranking noble, but also because he was the sole provider of vampiric
catered establishments a.k.a. The hotels, bars, nightclubs, restaurants ect.
All vampires knew his name and all of them appreciated his work. Even the
hunter's association noted Akatsuki for his work, as all the vampires were in
town were normally at one of his establishments and therefore easier to keep
track of.
Yes, Akatsuki's opponent was human.
“...-Even if we were somehow able to identify the thief, it still wouldn't tell
us who was actually behind the whole operation.” Peter continued.
“It's a start.” Akatsuki paused the tape, just as the thief looked up-and into
the camera. “That shot should be good enough to get an eye scan from. Find out
who it is, locate him, then bring him back to the warehouse for questioning.”
“Yes sir.” Kain rose from his desk, pouring himself another bloodwine and
pacing the room.
“Has any threats been sent through yet?”
“Nothing sir, whoever did this, they're keeping quiet.”
“Good, let's hope it stays that way.”
“What about the event schedule?”
“There's not much we can do about it, hopefully our previous bookings with the
guests will stop them from being bribed to attend another event instead.”
“Very good sir.”
“As for the product, contact our suppliers and tell them to destroy their
records of any dealings we've had with them in the past. Then get our own
records and our own product and get it the hell out of here without attracting
attention.”
“Right away.”
“-Then get rid of anything else we don't want others to find electronically or
otherwise. If police come snooping I don't want them to find anything else they
can bag us for.”
“Being done as we speak sir.”
“Good, tell the managers to do the same with their own buildings and tell them
to have it done now. Then we carry on as normal, without anything illegal and
pretend nothing's wrong. Don't let information of the break in get out and make
sure we get our damn security systems replaced and upgraded.”
“That might be a problem sir, we had one of the most elite systems in place
already and they managed to get in within a few minutes, that's never happened
before- implanting a new system and upgrading it would take at least a few days
with all the IT working on it and even then, what's to say we won't get another
break in with the same abilities of cracking? The thief obviously knew what he
was doing would probably recognize any elite system we put in and crack it just
as quickly.”
“Then we need a whole new system, something he hasn't seen before.”
“You mean an individual code.”
“Exactly.”
“But sir, that would take months of work to start from scratch.”
“Leave that to me. I'll hopefully send someone over this afternoon. If not I
need them to start working on it right away.”
“Of course.”
“That's all we can do for now, until we figure out who we're up against, why
they decided to take drastic actions without warning and if they decide to use
the information they got.”
“We'll do our best Kain to find out who's behind this, but, if you don't mind
me saying I think you know why this is happening.”
“Oh?”
“Your work has grown more rapidly over the past two years than it has ever
before in establishments and popularity. You have the money to make bigger and
better and all the other companies are under more pressure than ever. They
can't keep up with you Kain and now they're on facing their hardest times yet.
You're forcing the smaller businesses to close, ones that have been around
longer than your empire has, they're not going down without a fight.”
“Neither am I.”
“Well good, because I would hate to look for a new job.” Peter gave a small
smile, breaking the tension in the air and changing the persona of himself and
the room, Kain gave a smirk in return.
“Give out the orders then get some sleep, God knows you're going to need it
tomorrow.”
“Same to you Kain, and stop drinking so much- and smoking!” Kain paused in the
middle of lighting up a cigarette.
“What?” He asked innocently.
“You-” Peter turned to Zero who'd just entered the study carrying two mugs of
coffee, courtesy of Alfred. “Make sure he stays off the smoke and out of the
wine cellar. He tends to get carried away when he's stressed.” Zero held off a
snort, passing it off as a cough, unsure if he was allowed to react to words.
He was supposed to be on his best pet behavior around others and Zero wasn't
sure if his reaction was inappropriate or allowed.
“Peter.” Akatsuki growled. “Please refrain from ordering my pet around,
especially when you haven't even met.”
“'Bout time we got introduced, it's not my fault I've only seen pictures of
him.” Zero felt himself tense. Pictures? What kind of pictures? Had Kain...-
? no there was no way-was there?
“That's not my problem.” Kain grumbled, lighting up the cigarette he'd been
holding despite Peter's protests.
“Well, anyway-” Peter came towards Zero a hand extended quite enthusiastically.
“I'm Peter Short and if you make any comments about my name, believe me I've
heard them all, mostly from this git here.” Peter indicated over his shoulder
to where Akatsuki was standing. The noble snorted in response. “I'm Kain's
personal assistant, but I'm not around much because Kain's too busy giving me
his job of looking after his empire- not that I mind of course. The work's good
and Kain has a habit of submerging himself in it- did you know that last year
we didn't see him for three months straight? Of course we couldn't file a
missing person's report because we knew where he was; cooped up in his study or
straightening out every single kink in his work.- that was of course until
Alfred found him passed out-” Zero's eyes widened. “Nothing serious of course,
you see Akatsuki has a nasty habit of not looking after himself- the big baby.
When he's focused on something, its impossible to tear him away even for food-”
“-Peter.” Kain warned.
“-Anyway, after passing out a few more times and we all became seriously
worried for his health, Kain gave me more work because I was hounding him too
much over everything; eating, going out, checking in with friends, his
drinking, his smoking, showering-”
“Peter.”
“-So I think that the real reason he gave me his work was to shut me up and to
keep me out of his hair to be truthfully honest. I mean it's not myfault if he
can't learn to balance-”
“Peter I mean it.”
“-Anyway, it all worked out for the best because he gets more time to get out-
which he needs, by the way- and I don't have to see his ugly mug every day of
the week-”
“Peter!”
“What?” Peter looked over his shoulder in fake annoyance. “I'm introducing
myself.”
“You're quoting a monologue.”
“I'm being polite and social, unlike somepeople who shall remain nameless.”
Kain rubbed his temples a headache forming.
“Peter I'm going to ask you to leave or give you a good kick up the arse if you
don't shut it.”
“-So you must be Zero, Kain's pet.” Peter ignored the noble, still holding out
his hand despite the fact that Zero had yet to accept it.
“Y-yes, I-” Zero's face was red, being introduced to a vampire a pet was one
thing, but to be introduced as a pet to another human was completely different,
he felt old insecurities and shame rising up. Sensing his discomfort Kain spoke
up.
“He is also holding two cups you dick. How an Earth is he supposed to shake
your hand?” Peter suddenly became aware of this fact.
“Oh yes, how silly of me.” He retracted his hand, thinking for a moment. “Did
you just call me a dick?”
“Out. Peter.”
“Okay then, shesh.” Peter gave a wave. “Nice to have met you.” To Zero before
departing the room and the manor.
Kain let out a relived sigh. Finally recovering, Zero headed over to Kain's
desk and placed one of the coffee's down, then gratefully taking a sip of his
own.
“He seemed very...-” Zero searched for the right word. “-...different.”
“He's impossible that's what.”
“You bicker like an old married couple.” Kain regarded Zero for a moment before
shrugging slightly.
“We've worked together for about the same time as one.”
“Is he always like that?”
“On his worser days, others he's quite serious and lecturing.”
“Oh.” Zero took another sip of his coffee. It was just after midday now and the
ex-human needed the caffeine.
“Was he telling the truth?” Kain took a draw of his smoke.
“Hmm?”
“About you submerging in work and passing out.”
“Yes, he's quite truthful which is actually a bit of a pain in the arse because
when you don't want the truth he has habit of shoving it in your face.”
“Like your addictions?” Zero asked, pointy staring at Akatsuki's cigarette.
Kain shrugged, stubbing out the smoke.
“Something like that.” He reached for his bloodwine instead.
“He's right.” Zero quickly moved the bottle out of reach, handing Kain his
coffee in replacement. Kain scowled slightly, before letting it slide and
sipping the hot liquid instead.
“You don't mind Peter bossing you around like that?”
“He knows the limits, besides he's more friend than employee, well, in the
sense he knows me a lot better than anyone else, apart from Alfred that is.”
Do I know you?
The thought struck Zero. Which was the real Kain? The ruthless business tycoon
or the caring noble that held him close? And which would be the one that
decided to claim him in bed. Zero felt himself flush red. Where had that
disturbing thought come from? He cleared his throat awkwardly.
“S-so about these pictures-” Kain waved a hand airily at him.
“Peter is my personal assistant, so seeing your file photo was expected. He
also helped me in the search when you went missing.”
“He did?”
“Of course.”
“Oh...-what do you mean by file photo? I don't have a file-” Zero broke off as
Kain pulled a folder out from his desk drawer. “Wha-?”
“You can read it.” Zero accepted the folder and opened it. He found himself
frozen. It was his sales folder, his pet sales folder. Zero scanned through the
information; Male, Level D, ex-vampire hunter, white hair, purple eyes, pale
skin, toned figure, virgin at back, aggressive in nature- The list went on and
up in the top corner was a picture of him, drugged out at the pet house, strung
up and naked for all to see.
“P-Peter saw this?” Zero's hands were trembling now, his face tinged red in
shame.
“No, he saw this one.” Kain lifted out a thicker file. This one contained
everything about Zero, his past, including his turning, his training from the
hunter's association, in detail everything, right up until Kain brought him.
Photos of his childhood, of his family, of his teenage years and his hunter ID
photo were photocopied and stuck inside.
“H-how did you get this?”
“I did some research when you were snatched. It was all apart of the
investigation.” Zero's eyes kept roaming over his families faces, hungrily
drinking them up. He'd lost all the pictures and effects from when he was a
child.
“Have you got any more photos like this?” Zero murmured, his fingers lightly
brushing his parent's faces almost tenderly.
“I can get some if you'd like.” Zero tore his eyes away from the page, his eyes
were glazed.
“Thankyou.” Kain put down his coffee and embraced the boy softly. Looking over
his shoulder and down into the file zero was holding. Zero did not protest, the
noble's warmth was soothing. They stood for several moments looking at the
pictures without saying a word. Kain knew was like to lose parents at a young
age, knew what it was like to miss them with fiber of his being.
“I think it's time for bed.” Kain eventually murmured against Zero's neck.
Regretfully, the boy nodded, closing the file with a snap and allowing himself
to be taken into the bedroom.
“Go ahead and have a shower, I need to make a quick call before I can settle
in.” Zero nodded.
“Alright.”
Kain watched him go before punching a number into his blackberry. Knowing the
regal owner of the number would have his phone off at this time of day, Kain
left a detailed message and a wish to be contacted whenever the pureblood could
manage it.
When Zero emerged from the shower, Kain had changed and slipped into bed.
Propped up on his side he was looking through his phone.
“Who would be answering their phone at this hour?” Zero asked, towel drying his
hair roughly.
“No one, I'm just leaving messages for the morning.”
“Oh.” Kain deposited his blackberry on the nightstand and patted the patch of
bed beside him. Zero climbed onto the bed and allowed the noble to pull the
covers over them both. Kain looked down at the boy with thoughtful eyes.
“W-what?” Zero tried to make his voice sound irritated, like he was annoyed at
the noble's gaze, but really his heart had started to pound and his breaths
uneven. Was Kain going to do something? Was this the moment that-
“Calm down Zero, I can hear you heart racing from here.” Kain murmured brushing
a damp lock of hair from the pet's face.
“S-sorry.”
“You're afraid.” Zero felt himself go crimson again at the statement. Zero
panted softly, he felt as if he was having a mini-heart attack.
“What's getting you so worked up?”
“S-stop looking at me like...-like that.”
“Pardon?”
“Stop staring at me, you're looking at me all weird as if- as if you're going
to-to...-”
“To what Zero?” Zero flushed a deeper crimson, he ducked his head and attempted
to roll away from Kain.
Why didn't I just keep my big mouth shut?
The noble held him in his original position.
“Zero?”
“N-nothing, for-forget it.” Kain laid down beside the boy, his eyes searching
violet depths.
“I'm not going to take you if that's what you mean.” By the way the boy
suddenly flamed red and his eyes looked everywhere but at him, Kain new he had
hit the nail on the head.
Kain frowned slightly.
“Is this what's been troubling you all day?” More blushes. Kain sighed loudly,
but it came out sounding more like a groan of frustration, he released the pet
and rolled onto his back.
“I leave you alone for an hour and you start thinking the craziest things.”
Zero perked up at that.
“O-oh yeah? W-what about you at breakfast? You clearly are thinking crazy
things too!” Kain glanced over at his pet, his beautiful, silly, pet with that
darn blush hovering on his cheeks. Instinctively his hand reached up to cup
Zero's cheek making the boy flush even redder than the blood-red curtains. Kain
held him for a moment. His eyes suddenly serious as he decided whether to tell
the truth or not.
“I'd be lying if I said I haven't been.” Zero looked away, embarrassed yet too
red to go any deeper. “But... I swear to you that I have no intention of
claiming you tonight or any other night-” Zero's head snapped back.
“Wha-?”
“-Without your permission.” Kain finished. The silence was thick in the air.
Zero didn't know had to feel about that statement, the one that Kain had spoke
as a vow. Kain was swearing to him that he would not claim the boy without
permission, without Zero's permission. A sudden feeling of weightlessness
swelled within Zero, a weight suddenly torn off his shoulders. He didn't have
to have sex with Kain...ever.
“However...” Kain murmured, his tone like velvet. Zero was suddenly aware of
the fact that Kain was staring at his mouth. “There are other things I wish to
do.” Zero swallowed suddenly, his throat was dry again and heat was burning him
from the inside out. Kain brought Zero's face closer to his. Zero trembled.
Kain brought their faces closer and closer together until he could almost brush
his lips against the other's.
“Zero..”
Kain moved at the last moment, placing a soft, chaste kiss on Zero's forehead.
Kain released the ex-human, his eyes hooded with desire and lust defiantly
shinning in their depths.
“You should get some sleep Zero.” Zero blinked, stupidly.
“W-what?” An amused smile quirked Kain's lips but he was still completely
serious.
“Sleep, it's been a very long night.”
“O-oh...right.” Zero couldn't seem to locate his brain. Everything felt muddled
within him and everything didn't seem to meet up.
What the hell is happening to me?
Zero relaxed more fully into laying on his side. Kain watched him until the
boys eyes finally began to close. It was only then when he was sure of Zero's
slumber did he finally grant himself rest as well and although he was facing
one of the biggest crisis in his life, for some stupid reason he just couldn't
seem to care at that moment.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero was following Kain as he inspected yet another one of his stupidly
extravagant buildings. The noble and manages voices had become like a constant
monotone as they prattled on, discussing clientèle and sales talk. When the
manager darted off, allowing Kain to continue his own inspections, the noble
glanced back at the ex-human.
“Come Zero, don't dawdle. We wouldn't want you getting lost now would we?” Zero
snorted.
“At least it would be something to do. Can't we head back now? I'm dying of
boredom back here Kain.”
The noble paused in his inspections, he glanced back at the pet with a darkened
gaze.
“Kain?” Suddenly the noble was infront of Zero his hand cupping the boy's cheek
tenderly.
“Well then, let's see if we can findsomethingto do. We can't have you dying of
boredom now can we?” Heat flared between them. Zero swallowed in anticipation
as his gaze was directed to the Noble's lips.
“K-kain...I-”
 
===============================================================================
 
“-Zero?”
“Mmmm?”
“-Zero, it's time to get up.” Zero blinked sleepily at the noble beside him,
then the dream came back to him.
Oh shit.
Zero flared as red as a fucking beetroot and pulled the covers over his head to
hide it.
No way, there is just no way! He's a vampire a God dammit vampire and I...and
I. Oh God what kind of ex-hunter am I?
“Zero?”
Zero pulled the covers around tighter. Kain chuckled. “I saw you blushing Zero,
what are you thinking of now?”
“None of your goddamn business!” Zero growled his face red in shame. Kain
frowned slightly at the strange note in Zero's voice it was panicked, yet
angry, yet confused.
“Did you have a naughty dream Zero?” Kain teased.
“No!” the noble froze. He was just teasing, but the boy's reaction, the
squeaked reply. Kain tugged at the covers.
“Did you?” Zero held the covers around him not responding.
“Fuck off Kain, I didn't.” Kain paused in his teasing, the pet sounded actually
mad now.
“What is it Zero?” The concern was real in his voice, whatever the dream had
been it was really affecting the boy.
“Nothing.”
“Zero.” Kain tugged more purposefully at the covers. “Zero come out now.” His
tone was serious. Knowing he had to obey, Zero slowly appeared, the blush still
on his face yet his eyes were glazed as if he was torn between shame and
frustration.
“Zero what is it?” Kain reached to cup Zero's face, when the boy flinched away
from him he swore it was like he'd been slapped. Kain dropped his hand. “What
happened?”
Zero couldn't meet the noble's gaze. This was so wrong, he couldn't tell
anyone, least of all Kain but the noble wasn't about to leave him alone about
it.
“I...I...-”
“Yes Zero?”
“I...I was-er... dreaming.”
“Yes?”
“Of...o-of-” Zero searched for something that Kain would believe, an excuse to
avoid his shame. His eyes fell upon Kain's neck. “Blood.”
“Blood?”
“Yes, blood...I was dreaming of drinking blood.” Zero looked away again, his
shame still evident. Kain's frown deepened. Yes, that seemed like just the
thing that would hurt the boy; Zero hated being a vampire he hated vampires
period for what they did to his family. Zero had spent every moment after his
turning denying what his was, brainwashed into thinking he was some kind of
monster for the natural urges he had.
“Zero, that's nothing to be ashamed about.” Kain spoke softly, his gaze looking
to be nothing but reassuring. Zero glanced up then looked away again.
“Sure.”
“Zero...” Kain sighed. He tore away his collar and pulled Zero into his
embrace, positioning just so Zero's mouth hung near Kain's bite area. “You need
to stop hating what you are. You're still Zero, that will never change.” Zero
turned away from Kain's neck.
“I hate what she made me.” He was playing into his lie, sadly, it was not a
hard thing to do. This topic, this hate, was very real for him and although he
was only using it as a cover up, the pain was still there.
“She made you nothing Zero, you're not a monster- surely becoming a fully-
fledged hunter is proof of that.”
“...Still.” Kain sighed. This argument was not going to be won today.
“Drink Zero.” The boy shook his head lightly. “Zero you want this, your body is
telling you that it wants it is dreams are anything to go by.” Zero burned in
shame. No dreams did not mean what he wanted, they defiantly did not mean that.
“Drink Zero.” Knowing he had missed last night's feeding and that he was due
for another this morning Zero allowed himself to turn his head back to Kain's
neck. Kain's hand was stroking Zero's hair.
“It's okay Zero, it's okay to want this.” Zero ducked his head his thoughts
still burning of the dream. Trying to quiet them Zero focused on the bite area,
allowing his vampiric side to become more alert and in the process, squash out
the bloody dream running through his mind. Allowing his instincts to guide him,
Zero nipped at the bite area before soothing it with his tongue in preparation
for the bite. He was deaf to Kain's startled gasp and low moan when Zero's
fangs finally punctured the skin. Zero whimpered. He fucking whimpered as the
hot, rich nectar flowed into him. It tasted sweeter this time, more thick and
heady. Zero closed his eyes, allowing himself to sink into the warmth. He could
feel Kain through the blood somehow. He was more alert of him than other times.
In the past he has glimpsed at emotions without feeling them, now however he
was not only glimpsing at them, he was submerged in them. The heat, the desire
for more, the joy and excitement of the bite and the heat again. It seemed to
be burning throughout Kain's entire being and Zero wanted more.
Zero bit harder, Kain groaned loudly this time. Zero had pushed him back
against the bed, practically straddling the noble as he leaned in to take
deeper gulps. Akatsuki's hand was gripping Zero's hair, and the other was
pressing into the dip of Zero's back.
Zero rocked his fangs in Kain's skin as he tried to bite deeper. The heat was
amazing, it was filling him, embracing him, he felt more happy than he had done
his entire life and he couldn't think anything else but more...
When Zero rocked his fangs Kain moaned, louder than he thought was appropriate.
He couldn't describe it, he was dizzy, but not from blood loss, his chest was
heaving and his eyes were closed in bliss. His pet was...his pet was, God he
has no words for it at the moment. He didn't know what had triggered such
a...an enthusiastic response in the boy and he wondered if Zero had lost
control of his vampiric side. At that moment Akatsuki couldn't find the reason
to care even if the boy had, he was just so blissful at the moment that he
couldn't really give a shit about anything.
Kain was clinging to Zero now, his claws beginning to show. His fangs were
already aroused and his eyes were dark with his own vampiric hunger. Zero's
pale, white neck hovered above him. With a growl he bit down, once again not
hard enough to break skin. Kain placed open mouth kisses along Zero's neck, his
hands were venturing now, unable to stay still as his body squirmed with
pleasure. The hand on Zero back trailed lower and lower until he had literally
gripped Zero's nicely toned arse.
The unusual movement shocked Zero back into consciousness, or enough of it to
realized what was happening and just how much blood he was taking. He removed
his fangs, producing a needy protest from the figure below him and then a moan
as Zero licked the wound closed. Zero raised his head a bit startled at what he
saw and felt.
Kain's head was tipped back on the pillows, his eyes closed and a look of bliss
etched on his face. He was breathing harshly, his chest rising and falling with
such force that even Zero was rising and falling with it. A hand tangled
fitfully in Zero's hair and his head ached slightly as if the hair had been
pulled. The other hand, which had been at his back was now clamped around his
left   cheek-and not the one on his face either. But most of all....most of all
Zero was suddenly hyper aware of something else sticking into him. Zero felt
his whole face flame.
“K-Kain?
***** Forgiveness *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
“K...Kain?”
Zero could feel his whole face burning. He was short for breath, he'd been
holding his breath when he'd drunk from Kain and now with his heart pounding in
his chest he thought he was having a minor panic attack, minus the feverish
symptoms and the gut-wrenching feelings of guilt and pain.
Kain didn't respond and it was at about that time that Zero realized he should
be moving away, not continuing to stay leaning over the noble, pressed right up
against the firm chest and the even firmer...-
Zero released Kain's shoulders and had just started to pull back when the hands
that held him became immovable. Amber gold eyes glazed with blood lust snapped
open and before Zero's brain could process what was happening, the noble had
flipped them over effectively pinning the ex-human beneath him.
“K-Kain!” Zero pushed his hands against the vampire's chest, the red glint in
the noble's eye truly scaring him for a moment. Realizing his attempt was
useless Zero tried to squirm away, but the Noble's weight wasn't going anywhere
and neither was he. The only thing the pet had managed to accomplish was to
push up even harder against the noble.
Kain's eyes flared and for the briefest of moments they looked as if he was
truly lost to his vampiric side.
“Stop.” Kain's voice was sharp. Zero froze at the sound of it. Icy shivers
crept up Zero's spine and his heart spluttered in his chest.
No no no- not like this-he said he wouldn't-he promised!
A loud buzzing filled their ears as Kain's phone vibrated across the bedside
table.
Still keeping the boy pinned, Kain reached out and answered the phone.
“Yes?...Ah Kaname-sama, I was hoping you would call... yes a bit of a nasty
situation... there are no leads yet... yes I was wondering if Serien could help
with out security systems... yes that's correct... tonight?” Kain glanced at
his watch. “In two hours?... I'll be there.” Kain hung up the phone. Zero
stared up at the noble, watching the gold eyes still tinted red.
“Kaname wants to meet us at Nightshade in two hours, the others will be
present.” Zero swallowed.
“O-oh...a-alright.” Kain continued to watch the boy for a moment before lightly
sinking down to bury his head in the crook of Zero's neck. His hold became more
gentle and his hand was stroking Zero's hair once again in it's usual soothing
manner. Zero remained as stiff as a board, not daring to move a muscle.
Akatsuki sighed loudly, the warm breath making the hair rise on Zero's skin.
“Do you have any idea what you do to me?” Zero wasn't sure if the question was
meant for his ears or if he was meant to respond. The firm shaft wedged between
them seemed to give a pretty clear answer to the question without Zero's imput.
The noble continued to lie there for a few more moments, drinking in the pet's
alluring scent before finally pulling away. Akatsuki rose from the bed and
headed to his study, without glancing over his shoulder.
“You should get dressed then get Alfred to bring you some food. I have some
business calls to make.”
Zero stared after the noble a look of utter confusion upon his face.
What the fuck?
 
===============================================================================
 
“...-Yuki are you feeling any better?” the group of nobles sat surrounding
their beloved pureblood couple, wine glasses in hand. The flickering rave
lights illuminating the nightclub's natural darkness.
“Yes, much better. I couldn't I missed this-” Yuki indicated to the thriving
nightclub around her. “Kain did it again.”
“Of course that's no surprise.” Shiki mused swirling the contents of his glass.
“Where is Akatsuki anyway?” Aidou finally spoke up, the first he had all night.
He thought it would kill him at first, not commenting on the littlest of
things... and then, it seemed too easy; waiting in the shadows, invisible to
all. Unsurprisingly, the nobles seemed to take no notice of him or his lack of
speech.
Oh well.. Aidou sighed. It wasn't like they actually listened to him anyway.
“Working probably.” Ruka commented airily, stroking her pet's hair. The girl
leaned into her touch affectionately.
“I heard he's been quite busy lately, is it true his company was broken into?”
Startled eyes fell upon the blond who was now staring questioningly up at the
pureblood prince.
“I'm sure Kain will be happy to give you all the details when he arrives,
Takuma.”
“If he arrives.” Shiki continued to swirl his glass, speaking in a bored tone.
“You know Kain, he's probably going to disappear for the next month or two,
submerged in his work.”
“Doesn't Peter look after most of his work now though?” Ruka continued
conversationally.
“Well I do suppose he has his mind on other things now-” Takuma joined. “-What
do you think Ruka? Does a pet take up most of your time?” Although Takuma
hadn't meant the words with ill intention, Ruka still glared.
“I have no idea what you're talking about, why don't you ask Aidou? He's the
one who's got a fresh bitemark on his pet.” The group paused and Aidou felt his
stomach reel. He could feel their eyes upon his pet's neck. He felt his cheeks
tinge with shame. Now everyone would think that he'd claimed his pet and bitten
her in the 'heat of the moment'. Which just wasn't true....or not completely at
least. He'd bitten his pet to save his life not anything like the intimate act
Ruka was implying, but he could hardly tell them about that and yes he had
taken his pet but not how they were clearly thinking.
“I don't think it's any of your business what I do with my pet.” Aidou forced
his voice to sound cold and uncaring.
“Well you seem to make it your business to know about everyone else's, just
look at how you treated Kain's” Ruka snapped, a surge of anger flaring at the
memory of her trusted companion being publicly embarrassed by his own cousin.
Aidou felt his heart clench and wished nothing more to sink into the ground.
“Why he puts up with you sometimes I'll never know.” Aidou wanted to throw up,
to run from the room and their accusing eyes.
I show up for ten minutes, be quite all night and the one time I speak I get
shot down. Aidou remained still and un-answering of their taunts. He felt his
heart sink. Did he really think apologizing to them all would make them stop
teasing him?
I'm a fool.
“Are you talking about me?” Kain's velvet voice broke through Aidou's senses.
He lifted his head. This was his chance, his chance to apologize to Kain.
“Cos-”
“We were reminding Aidou of his little performance last time we met.” Aidou
flinched inwardly as cold eyes met his.
“I see.” Aidou lowered his gaze. There was no way Akatsuki was going to listen
to him now, he was better off remaining silent. He didn't want to irritate his
cousin further.
“So is 'it' true?” Ruka questioned.
“Pardon?”
“You were robbed?”
“Stealing my thunder Kaname-sama?” The pureblood's lips twitched in an almost
smile.
“Blame Ichijou, he has an ear in everything.”
“I can't help it- but seriously Kain is it true?”
“Yes.”
Zero followed Akatsuki to a seat and reluctantly sat down after given the
command to, his hesitation was caused by the realization that  tonight he would
be sitting on the floor. There was no seats left and the two other pets were
also seated on the ground. Knowing what was expected of him, Zero did take his
seat grudgingly. Zero was barely listening to the conversation around him. He'd
heard the details before. Right now he was fighting the urge to glare at the
purebloods seated across from him. He could not make trouble tonight, Zero knew
that. Not only was this an important meeting for Kain to convince Kuran to lend
his body guard, Serien, over to the noble. But he also had to be on his
behavior due to Kain's current mood.
After Akatsuki had left to make his phone calls, Zero had eventually snapped
out of his paralysis and forced himself to get ready. He still didn't know why
Kain had acted so... strange.
Yesterday he said he thought of me... doingthose thing. Zero almost blushed at
the thought. The idea that he was desirable to another was laughable. Sure, he
was good-looking, he guessed but he was also a Level D the lowest sort of
creature in both the vampiric and human world so his looks didn't really count.
So what the Noble saw in him was anyone's guess.
Maybe I'm a challenge to him- a hunter being enslaved by a vampire...Yes, that
sounded like more like a noble's thinking. Zero felt an unpleasant shiver creep
up his spine. It still didn't explain why Kain seemed to be so open with his
emotions...or more so his 'desires' tonight.
Perhaps Kain's resolve was cracking, he'd owned Zero for a little over a month
now and he still hadn't laid claim yet. Maybe, despite all his promises and
vows, Kain's vampiric nature was becoming more and more enraged by having
temptation waved constantly in it's face. Zero held back a snort. Him and
temptation were just too words that did not belong together in his book. In
Kain's book however, it seemed like it was a different story.
Whatever Kain's reasons for acting so strangely, they all freaked Zero out and
the ex-human was being cautious to do everything in his power as to not trigger
them from resurfacing.
Henceforth, stabbing the pureblood with a butterknife would not go down well.
Distracting himself from the noble, Zero began to watch the other pets instead.
The first, a petite blond lay dressed in a short black dress and patterned
stockings. Shocking red heels covered in velvet adorned her feet.
She could've been a model Zero thought, That is, of course, if she wasn't so
damn docile. The girl was indeed placid, acting as any well behaved pet should;
curled up at their master's feet. The ash blond noble- Ruka, Zero thought her
name was- was stroking her hair in an almost loving manner. The pet was leaning
into her touch a look of contentment and... happiness on her face. Zero
shrugged inwardly.
The next pet was also a broken one and dull in comparison to the model-like pet
beside her. Although she seemed somewhat plain, she was also pretty in a
strange way. Zero couldn't quite put his finger on what it was about her that
appealed to him however. This pet was also seated on the floor, her hand
pressed against the shoe of her master as if reminding him that she was there.
Maybe she wants her hair played with too. Zero mused, although, seeing her
owner, Zero seriously doubted that. Hanabusa Aidou, Kain's cousin and a royal
pain in the butt. Zero felt his face burn slightly as he remembered the harsh
words from their last meeting.
“...-Was he a good ride Kain?...-
Although, Aidou didn't seem too be trouble-making tonight. Actually, he looked
like he would rather do nothing more than disappear- or be alone with Kain.
Zero watched as every now and then the blond's eyes would flick to Kain with a
meaningful stare as if he would very much like to say something, before
thinking better of it and returning to a downcast gaze.
Perhaps he wants to apologize Zero thought, remembering back to a phone call
not too long ago where Aidou had invited his cousin to dinner in apology. Kain
had refused and maybe now the younger relative was beginning to regret his ill
behavior. As much as Zero wanted to snort and think that it served the
aristocrat noble right, there was something about the blond's gaze that Zero
seemed to puzzle over. Surely the noble's eyes hadn't been so lost before and
the dark circles beneath them no where near as obvious as they were now. Zero
frowned. Looking at the noble now, Zero swore he could almost see himself a
year ago, or even two months ago; lost, giving up on a loosing battle and
suffering heavily for it.
Maybe this whole fight with Kain was affecting him more than Zero or Kain
realized and although Zero didn't like Aidou, he made a mental note to mention
Aidou's state to Akatsuki later.
The pet at Aidou's feet had shifted, catching Zero's attention. She had lightly
touched her neck as if it was bothering her. Through the strands of short brown
hair, Zero saw a series of mottled busies surrounding a set of puncture marks.
Zero felt his whole body tense.
He's bitten her!
Zero started slightly as if to get up, but before anyone could notice, Kain's
hand had landed on Zero's shoulder and locked up in a death grip. Zero remained
seated. The warning pain in his shoulder holding him back. He forced his frown
to ease into an emotionless mask, all sympathy for Akatsuki's cousin gone.
Didn't Kain say that not all owners were as kind as him? Zero had thought the
noble to be joking but the evidence was clearly before him. He couldn't even
imagine what sort of horrors the girl had to endure on a daily basis.
Yet, despite all this, no one seemed to care. They carried on talking as if
seeing a mutilated pet was of no concern and nothing out of the norm. Zero felt
his jaw clench. Maybe it was 'nothing out of the norm' for them.
These monsters are sick.
The nobles began to rise and gravitate towards the doors, Zero followed
obediently behind Akatsuki, burning with anger from before and yet controlling
it for the sake of Kain. This was an important moment for the noble, he needed
Kaname's permission to use Serien, without this deal Kain's company would be
without a security system and without that he would end up bankrupt. For
reasons Zero couldn't fathom, he found himself actually caring for Kain's
company's well-being.
Strange..
 Once outside Kaname shook Kain's hand.
“Serien will get to work right away, when everything's complete I'll send the
programs over.”
“Thankyou Kaname-sama, you are too kind-” Kuran held up a hand, quieting the
noble instantly.
“Anything for an old friend Kain.”
“Of course.”
“I'll see you in a few days then shall I?”
“You shall.” Kain gave a small bow of his head as the pureblood couple slipped
into their waiting limo. The other nobles followed the suite, saying their
goodbyes and wishes of good luck before disappearing behind tinted windows of
their own limos.
Aidou was last to leave.
The blonde stood by the club entrance, although he appeared calm Akatsuki could
smell his cousin's anxiety and see the tell-tale signs of nerves. Kain lit up a
cigerette, took a draw and let out a sigh.
“You going to stand there all night or you going to spit it out.” Kain's words
were not gentle and Zero swore he saw Aidou give the slightest flinch.
“I'm sorry.”
“It's not me you should be apologizing too.”
“Oh...-Z...-Kiryuu, I'm sorry for last time.” Zero glared at the noble, not
believing it for a moment. Aidou was the kind of person who didn't give a shit
about pets, just look at how he treated his own.
There was a pause.
“I'm sorry Kain... I was in one of my 'moods'. Aidou gave a  quiet chuckle, it
sounded forced. When no one joined in on the joke an awkward silence settled
over them. Eventually Aidou seemed to gather himself together again. “I'm sorry
for embarrassing you.” Kain let out another sigh.
“Not like it's the first time.” Hanabusa ducked his head.
“Ah-h yes...I'm sorry for that too.” More silence. “I'll just go then.” The
blond passed them, and stepped into his limo.
“Hanabusa.”
The retreating noble froze.
“When you only hurt me I can always accept your apologies, because you're my
cousin; my blood. But when you hurt others it's different and I won't, I've had
enough Aidou.” Aidou's face suddenly became very smooth, just like Kain's when
he was in business mode and purposefully keeping his face devoid of all
emotion.
“I understand.”
“I won't be accepting anymore apologies-” Aidou nodded, silent as stone. “-
After this one.” Kain added. The reaction was instant, Aidou's eyes lit up a
giddy smile blinding.
“Make sure it doesn't happen again.”
“I won't.” He made it sound like a vow. Kain dropped his cigarette to the
floor, squishing it with the heel of his leather shoe before heading to his own
limo, he waved casually over his shoulder.
“Night Aidou.”
***** Enemy Threats and Embarrassing Situations *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
Akatsuki lay back in the Jacuzzi that adorned his bathroom, swirling the
remains of hopefully his last blood wine for the night. His thoughts troubled.
His cousin's expressions from that night worried him, the slight flinches, the
anxiety and most of all the unusual quietness of his cousin continued to play
in his mind. Maybe Aidou had taken Kain's initial refusal of his apology to
heart. Maybe Hanabusa had been on his best behavior all night simply to get
back in Akatsuki's good graces. But Aidou had never bothered with such
pretenses before and now he was suddenly acting like a kicked puppy, too
frightened to even speak and with a fresh bite-mark on his pet's neck.
Akatsuki frowned, taking a small sip of his drink.
Bites among masters and pets were hardly uncommon, but a full-bite from Aidou
was. In their years at Cross academy, Aidou had received quite a reputation of
being the only Night-Class student to go against Kaname's wishes. He'd sampled
as many day class girls as he could get his hands on in his time there. But
that was just it; sampling. Aidou like to play with his victims drawing them in
with his natural allure then inserting a single fang just beneath their skin in
order to gain a few drops of  nectar.
He never cause any lasting damage and he never took more than a few drops. He
wasn't serious when he bit others, that much was clear, and despite what others
thought, Hanabusa was very similar to Kain in the sense that they both had an
amazing control over their emotions especially  bloodlust. If Aidou didn't have
such control, he would've never been able to taste the day-class girls without
accidentally draining them dry. He was always in control, but now...
Akatsuki sighed, now he didn't know what to think. From the look on the pet's
neck she'd defiantly been attacked in a bloodlust rage. But this was Hanabusa
he was talking about. Hanabusa certainly drank his fill of blood tablets and
fresh blood if he needed it, but he was never brutal, never so desperate enough
to harm his victims unless he had been starved for months and truly needed it
to survive.
So that begged the question; why did Aidou let himself get to such a state of
hunger? Had he been starving himself?- or worse; had he been denying himself in
his own strange version of self-inflicted punishment? Was he punishing himself
for being so mean to Kain?
Kain shook his head.
No, Hanabusa wouldn't do that. Sure he knew his cousin was quite insecure at
times, especially when it involved their friendship, but Aidou wouldn't starve
himself, would punish himself for his actions. He just wouldn't.... Kain hoped.
Akatsuki drained his glass, set it on the floor before climbing out of the
jacuzzi. As the water drained he toweled himself dry and pulled on his silk
sleep pants, no longer bothering to wear his shirt to bed. When he entered his
bedroom Zero was curled up on one side asleep, shirtless for the first time in
Kain's bed. Kain leaned on the doorway watching the pet for a few moments.
Ah... the second problem.
Yes, Zero certainly was a troubling subject on his mind and his heart.
Truthfully, he didn't know how he felt about the boy, he was still as uncertain
of his feelings as he was when he admitted it to Peter that time before. When
he thought about Zero everything just got muddled and when Kain tried to sort
through that mess he just got a migraine. And that was why, up until this point
he's tried not to dwell too deeply on his emotions.
Takuma had said that it was natural to feel affection towards one's pet and yes
Kain did feel that for Zero. Before he'd been taken Kain had wanted to possess
the boy, or more likely tie the boy to him so that Zero could never be taken
away from him because even then, even in the very early days of their
'arrangement' Zero had become the most important thing in his life because it
made him feel alive again, it stopped the aching hollowness that had once
burned in his chest.
But then Zero had been snatched and everything had become all that more
confusing.
The night he'd retrieved Zero from those blasted snatches Kain himself had
realized that he cared more for the boy than his role as the Nightlife King.
Hadn't his realizations been proven just days ago when he found out HQ was
robbed, that his career was going to go up in flames and all he could think
about that night was the silver-haired youth in his arms? After Zero had been
saved, Kain had been confused, torn in his emotions. He didn't want to possess
the boy anymore, because doing so would make him no better than the vile filth
that dared to kidnap Zero. But where did that leave the ex-hunter and the noble
then?
Takuma had informed him that he needed to help Zero overcome the kidnapping and
Kain had done so not knowing what else to do. And so the feelings of needing to
possess and control had receded and in it's place the need to protect and
comfort had taken over.
For weeks now Kain had stayed by the boy, comforting him, saving him from the
throws of nightmares, forcing him out of bed and to operate, inspiring him to
feel happy again by going out to all the places he would like and even now Kain
held back his unquestionable desire for the boy as to not frighten the pet
away.
He was probably the most un-masterish master there was.
And yet, Zero still did not trust him. At least not to the extent Kain wished
him too. Just what were the boy's feelings towards him?
Zero had confided in Kain, had sought comfort in his embrace, they had laughed
together, tormented each other and yet Zero still pulled away from him;
flinching at Kain's touch, retreating from voicing his concerns and panicking
when the noble so much as stared too long. Did Akatsuki's efforts mean nothing
to the boy?
Kain sighed. They had made little progress over the past month or so, much less
than Kain would have preferred, but Akatsuki was determined not to push the boy
or not to hurt him in his advances. Kain pushed away from the wall and slipped
into his bed. Wrapping an arm around the boy he curled the pet into his embrace
while he lay on his side, gazing down at him deep in thought.
Surely there had to be a way to get Zero to trust him.
Surely there had to be a way to show the boy just how much he cared.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero stirred lightly from his slumber. For a moment, he wondered why he had
been suddenly lulled from sleep so shortly after he retired. With his mind
still ladened with sleep, he felt strong arms settling him in a warm embrace.
Somewhere in his mind, Zero realized that Kain had just come to bed. Zero hung
between slumber and consciousness, realizing after a few minutes that his body
didn't want to fall back to slumber. Instead, it was more focused on the light
prickling sensation on his face. Zero's eyes fluttered open, and just as his
body had warned him, he was being watched. Zero took one look at the noble's
face before closing his eyes again.
“Kain.” Zero grumbled.
“Mhhh?”
“You're doing it again.”
“Doing what?”
“Staring...like...staring” Zero groaned inwardly at his sleep hazed speech.
“Oh...sorry.” Zero felt himself drifting back off, yet still the prickling
sensation of being watched continued.
“Kain.”
“Yes Zero?”
“You're still doing it.”
“I know.”
Zero tried to sigh, but somehow it came out as an extended groan, completely
oblivious to the effect the sound had on the noble.
Kain's eyes darkened and heat immediately shot to his groin. Inwardly he
shuddered.
Just a touch...surely he wouldn't mind...
Kain lowered his head to Zero's neck, wrapping the boy deeper into his embrace.
When Kain pressed his lips to the curve of Zero's neck, the boy shivered and
let out a what seemed to be a contented sigh.
Kain felt his heart begin to pound lightly in his chest. This was a good sign
right? Surely if the boy wasn't protesting he could continue?
The warm hands that pressed against the boy were suddenly moving. Very slowly,
slower than the norm. They maneuvered away from their usual positions. The hand
that normally rested against Zero's chest was now moving lower, until it
finally settled low on the boy's stomach, tracing unfamiliar patterns just
above Zero's waistband. The other had made it's way down Zero's side, right
down to the inside of Zero's lower thigh, stroking the skin there through silk
material.
Zero squirmed lightly in his state of unconsciousness. The warm breath at his
neck was incredibly distracting. Goosebumps were littered across his skin and
Zero found himself moving towards consciousness once again. A warm pair of lips
were mouthing at his neck while a hot tongue savored his skin. It was not
unlike the manner in which one vampire drank from another... it was rather
pleasant.
Another sigh left his lips and Zero allowed himself to float in the warm haze
he now found himself in; the gentle caresses of warm hands, the adoration of
the mouth at his neck and the delightful breath fanning across his skin...
Wait- What?
Zero's eyes snapped open and he literally jerked into consciousness. His hands
instinctively reaching out to cover the foreign hands with his own in the
attempt to still them and when he jolted awake the mouth at his neck paused
before sinking back down to meet skin again.
“K-kain?”
“Hmmm?”
“W-what...-what-?”
“Ssshh Zero, you're safe.” Zero had begun to shake. The hands that touched him
were now moving out of his feeble grip and began their search for new
territory.
“Kain” Zero clenched his eyes shut. His voice was a strained whisper.
Immediately the hands stopped. The warm mouth left his neck and suddenly, Zero
was being turned, trembling he curled instinctively into the warm chest. It was
strange, he wanted to flee the hands but not the host or the comforting embrace
it offered. Zero curled deeper into the warmth, he didn't know he was thinking
at the moment, everything was muddled and unclear. Zero blamed it on sleep.
“Zero?” The soft whisper was joined by a hand on his chin, raising Zero's face.
“Zero look at me.”
Clenching his eyes shut for a moment more, Zero finally opened his eyes and
almost gasped out loud at the scorching intensity of Kain's gaze. His eyes were
like molten fire, burning their way into his soul.
“I will not hurt you Zero.” Kain's voice was still a whisper. Zero trembled
violently at the sound of it. Heat rose in his gut, nerves shuddered across his
skin and Zero fought to catch his breath as it came out in soft pants.
“K-k..-”
“Do you trust me?”
“W-..wh-”
“Do you trust me Zero?” The voice was filled with such sincerity, such
intensity that the ex-human felt himself at a loss for words. Instead he simply
nodded.
“Tell me if you want to stop.” Zero nodded again as another shudder ran though
his body. Kain's words were frightening to him, yet he did not feel fear
exactly, more like nerves. Not for the first time, Zero wished he would stop
acting so helpless especially in font of this man. And yet in this situation,
in such unfamiliar territory Zero literally felt as if he had melted or
crumbled into a heap. He felt weak, exhausted and yet hyper all at the same
time.
“Just look at me Zero.” Zero forced himself to stay focused on those eyes, he
couldn't see anything else but them and when he blinked, they were still there
in his mind. Warm hands, growing hotter by the minute were tracing up along his
spine. Jolts and shudders followed them. The hands moved to his shoulders,
caressing the sides of his neck. Zero felt his trembling become more violent.
When the hands moved over his chest and lower to his stomach, Zero felt as if
live flames was tumbling in his gut. Hands caressed Zero's waist and cupped his
hips for a moment, before sliding around to meet his lower back once again.
They paused at the band of Zero's bed pants and then, with deliberation dipped
beneath them. Zero's breath was coming too short now, he was beginning to feel
dizzy.
“K-kain...-”
“It's okay Zero.” A shudder ran through Zero's body, heat rose in his cheeks
and Zero looked away, unable to meet Kain's gaze.
Instantly the world around him dimmed, as if he wasn't really there. A sudden
chill had filled the room and Zero swore for a moment he the hands upon him
were no longer Kain's.
“Zero?”
Zero's eyes snapped open to meet warm amber ones. Seeing the sudden fear within
the boys eyes Kain immediately ceased his actions.
“Zero what is it?” the pet looked away.
“N-nothing.” Kain wrapped his arms around the boy, Zero did not fight him.
“What is it? Did I hurt you? Did I-?”
“-No.” Zero still wouldn't meet his eyes. “I-it wasn't you.”
“Then-”
“Ryuu.” Zero's voice was soft as if he rather his confession not be heard.
“When I looked away... it was Ryuu.” Akatsuki tightened his hold, comforting
the boy.
“He can't hurt you anymore, he's gone.”
“I know... I just...”
“I understand.” For a long while Kain allowed the boy to continue to curl into
his embrace while Akatsuki ran his fingers though the pet's hair, waiting for
the erratic heartbeats to slow and Zero's breathing to eventually calm.
“Thankyou.” Kain wasn't sure if he heard it. Gently he pressed a small kiss to
the pet's forehead.
“It's okay, just sleep.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero woke hours later to the sound of distant arguing. Sleepily, Zero rose from
the bed and headed to the neighboring study.
“...-You should be thinking of our clients”
“You should be thinking of your future!”
“What's going on?” Kain calmly looked up from his desk and away from the raging
human before him.
“Good evening Zero- did you sleep well?”
“Umm..-”
“-Don't ignore me when I'm talking to you Kain!” Peter slammed his hand on the
desk.
“Don't interrupt me when I'mtalking.” Kain shot back. “And stop punishing my
desk it's quite expensive.”
“Kain-” The noble turned away, pointedly ignoring his assistant once again.
“No nightmares Zero?” Zero paused, unsure if he should be intruding. Up until
this point he'd only seen Peter happy and a little bit of a nagging mother, no
where near like the stressed, frustrated person he seemed to be tonight.
“Kain I mean it- if you don't start addressing this situation your going to
lose everything!” That caught Zero's attention.
“What do you mean 'everything'?” Peter turned to Zero actually looking relived
that someone was actually paying attention to the serious matter.
“I mean everything! This git over here is completely ignoring the fact that
some highborn company is holding a guillotine over our heads and he continues
to do nothing about it!”
“Peter I already told you, Serien is working on a new security system as we
speak.”
“And what about the product that was lost? The letter? Kain they're going to
slaughter you!”
“Wait- what?” Zero was no longer tired anymore.
“He means figuratively” Kain quickly narrated.
“No I mean literally!- Take a look for yourself” Peter thrust a crumpled letter
towards Zero. Kain growled in protest.
“There's no point showing him that.” Zero took the letter, it was a traditional
threat letter with all the words made up of letter clippings from magazines. It
had one simple demand. 'Close down your business or we will do it for
you.'There was a photo on the side, it was of the inside of HQ's safe leaving
no doubts as to who sent the letter.
“It arrived today, unfortunatly certain individuals don't work day-shift and
chose to sleep with their phone off.” Peter glared daggers at Akatsuki as the
noble lit up a cigerrette.
“I was busy today.” Kain replied arily, finding the window much more appealing
that Peter's face.
“You were sleeping!”
“Oh I wouldn't say that- what do you think Zero?” Zero felt his whole face
flame up. The noble could not be bringing that up. Was Kain some sort of
exhibitionist?
“I-I...that-y-you-”
“The letter Zero, what do you think?” Kain raised an eyebrow, a small smirk on
his lips when he say the boy's face flush even deeper. The pet really did make
it so easy to taunt him.
“I-I think it's s-serious.” Zero finally got out, burning in shame.
“Thank you!” Peter flung his hands up, and Zero felt a surge of relief that
Peter hadn't commented on his obvious blush. Kain rolled his eyes.
“Obviously it's serious, but really Peter, if we acted on every threat we've
received-”
“-There are others?”
“Of course Zero, it's part of the job- my point is that if we were intimidated
by every meaningless threat-”
“They broke into HQ!” Peter growled. “That has to be enough reason, if any! To
know that they mean business.”
“What can they do Peter really?” Throw out a few pictures, some allegations? We
have the resources to cover this up, I don't know why you're acting out on
this-”
“They can do enough to put a large stain on your reputation, most of our
partners don't even look at people who have even a spec of dirt on them. We'll
be without funding, without international influence-”
“Okay, okay” Kain sighed, taking a heady drag. Peter watched disapprovingly.
“So dose this mean your finally going to listen?”
“Listen yes, act no.”
“Kain-”
“I'm not going to fold just because some bankrupt idiot decided to bite out of
something he can't chew. Get Rick's men on this, make them find who's sent the
letter. In the meanwhile, we act as if nothing has happened. Continue racking
up the sales and keep pushing for higher profit, the more pressure we put on,
the more likely they are going to strike in desperation and slip up.”
“That's your plan? Make them more angry? God Kain, you must have a death wish
or something”
“Good thing I'm immortal than isn't it?” Peter grumbled in half agreement, it
sounded very much along the lines of; 'let's just see about that?'
“Go get some sleep Peter, you need it.”
“You need to stop smoking.”
“It's my first one of the day!”
“It's your third and you know it.”
“Do I look like I care?” Peter scowled, hands on hips and looking very much
like an unimpressed mother. Kain ignored him easily. Eventually Peter sighed in
defeat.
“Alright, I'm going- but make sure you keep your phone on.”
“Unless I'm busy of course”
“What can you possibly be busy with? You give me all your work!” Kain and Peter
locked stares in a death match for a few moment before Kain ended it with a
deliberate raise of his eyebrows. Peter blinked, not understanding for another
moment until it finally clicked. A red flush began to appear on his skin.
“T-that's no excuse!” he managed.
“It is for me.”
“What's not an excuse?” Zero asked, completely dumbfolded by the silent
conversation that had passed between the two. Peter went even redder.
“I'm going, but if you don't answer your phone I'm coming right over here and
kicking your butt!”
“Well knock on the door before you enter at least.” Peter went even redder.
“Yes...well...goodnight.” He gave a small nod to Zero and darted out of the
room, tail tucked between his legs.
“What was that about?”
“What do you mean?” Zero's eyes narrowed at Kain's all-too-innocent expression.
Zero frowned suspiciously, why would Peter be getting all embarrassed? And with
what or who would Kain be busy with if he didn't have any work to do? The only
person Kain was around was-
“D-did you just use me as an excuse to not answer your phone?”
“Yes.” Zero felt his face growing redder by the minute as things began clicking
in place.
“So when you said you were 'busy' you meant you were with me?”
“Yes.”
“And by meaning 'with me' you mean...-Kain!”
“Yes Zero?”
“You can't keep saying things like that! Now Peter thinks we're sleeping
together as well! It's bad enough Alfred thinking it and now you go and tell
Peter-”
“I never told Peter anything”
“But you just-”
“I implied.”
Zero felt his face burn with anger and shame. The noble was impossible.
“You didn't seem to have a problem last night.” Zero could've died of
embarrassment.
“I-the...-it wasn't my fault!” Kain's eyes flashed with an emotion Zero
recognized all too well. It was the look of a predator as it cornered its prey.
Zero backed up. “I was half asleep and you were...and you w-were-”
“-I was?” an amused expression lighting his face as he edged closer towards the
pet.
“You were being all pervey again!” Kain smirked.
“I heard no complaints.”
“You are now!” Zero let out a startled sound when the wall hit his back. Kain
had effectively cornered him and the stupidly smug noble knew it.
“Surely you can think of better things to do with that mouth.” Kain stood
before the ex-human, close enough for their chests to brush together. Akatsuki
placed his hands beside the boy's head, effectively pinning him there. Zero
swallowed loudly, trying to ease his dry throat. His body was doing it again
damnitt; the hot flushes, shortness of breath, the trembling, the nerves and
his brain suddenly the equivalent to the pile of mush. He'd always been at a
loss with the noble, right from the beginning, but lately, lately these
emotions, these symptoms were more apparent than ever and it was driving Zero
up the friggen wall.
“S-surely you can t-think of a n-new line.” Zero cursed the stutter in his
voice and cursed the fact that his eyes kept darting from Kain's mouth, as
close as it was, and intense look Kain was giving him. It was very similar to
the way the noble had looked at him last night.
“You think so?” Kain was close enough to feel every tremble in Zero's body.
Akatsuki's grinned, loving the helpless expression on the boy's face. Numbly
Zero nodded in reply, swallowing again. Kain watched with interest at the
simple movement. He leaned closer breathing in the boy's natural scent,
delighting in the soft, shaking breaths that came from parted lips, fanning
across his face. Heat swelled within him.
“I think...-” Akatsuki murmured, brushing a lock of hair out of Zero's face. “-
We should stop talking...-” Zero felt himself cower slightly as the noble came
closer to him, close enough to brush their lips together. Tiny shivers raced up
Zero's spine, causing goosebumps to appear on his skin.
“Zero...-”
“Master Kain...-oh!” Kain lifted his head, to see a startled Alfred in the
doorway flushing head to toe. “B-begging your pardon sir, I didn't mean to i-
interrupt-”
“-You didn't interrupt!” Zero's voice came out almost like a desperate squeak,
effectively as red as the butler. He pushed Kain back.
“I didn't realize you were-”
“We we're doing anything!” Zero waved his hands, slipping out from Kain's hold
and away from the wall. “We were just talking-r-right Kain?”
Akatsuki stood frowning first at Zero and then Alfred and their red faces. His
ears filled with muttered apologies and claims of innocence. He folded his
arms.
“We were making out.”
Both Zero and Alfred went instantly redder-if that was possible at this point.
“K-kain, y-your such a joker- no really Alfred we were just talking-” Zero
could feel the beads of sweat forming on his brow.
“What is it anyway Alfred?”
“I- well... I was just wondering if you would like your breakfast now.”
“Yes, that will be fine thankyou, we've both worked up a bit of an appetite.”
The look on Alfred and Zero's faces was well worth the taunt. The butler left
as quickly as Peter did. Zero groaned in dismay when he did.
“Kain! That's the second person you've chased out this evening by giving the
the wrong impression!”
“Does it really bother you all that much?”
“Of course it bothers me- you're stirring trouble!” Kain gave a blank look.
“So?” Zero clenched his fists.
“Kain-”
“Oh do be quiet.” In an instant, Akatsuki placed himself before Zero once
again, one hand securely wrapped around the boy's waist and another tangled in
his hair, angling Zero's face up to meet his. Before the pet could even mouth
his protest, Kain had descended his mouth to Zero's and was prying the boy's
lips apart with his own.
Zero grabbed Kain's arms, clutching them as if to push the noble away, but by
then Kain had successfully managed to break through and was now slipping a
velvety tongue into Zero's waiting mouth. The hands that were supposed to push
the noble away seemed lost, simply frozen in place. Kain slid his tongue up
against Zero's and the boy shuddered. Taking it as a good sign, Akatsuki's
pulled the pet closer into a tight embrace. His tongue searched more
desperately, breaking the kiss only to nip at Zero's bottom lip before soothing
in gentle kisses, encouraging the boy to participate. The hand on Zero's back
was now sliding down to grip the left curve of Zero's arse and the hands in
silver hair were tugging at the strands, taunting him.
Soft, unsure lips moved against dominating ones, slowly responding to the
shivers shooting up and down their host's body. The hands that rested against
Kain were suddenly gripping him, almost asking for the noble to come closer.
A low, appreciative growl sounded in Kain's throat as the shy youth within his
arms began to respond; nervously pressing up against him, cautiously meeting
Kain's tongue with his own.
It was as if the boy had never been kissed before, Kain knew this to be false
because he'd kissed the boy the first night after Zero had awakened. Then again
that wasn't exactly a proper, head on kiss as this one was. Zero had been in a
state of bloodlust.
Was this Zero's first proper kiss?
Kain seriously doubted that, but either way the boy certainly lacked the
confidence and experience that much was obvious. Another small growl rumbled in
his chest, at the realization that he would probably have to teach the boy
everything.
And Kain most certainly had no problems with that.
“Master- oh!” Alfred looked away from the embraced pair. “I-I'll just, I'll
leave the trays here” Alfred left the room as quickly as possible, but not
quick enough to escape detection. Zero made a sound of protest.
“Kain-”
“I know.” Kain pressed his lips back to Zero's
“Kain!” Zero's growl was lost as warm lips met his again. They were not as
harsh as before, not as demanding. Instead they were softer somehow, gently
coaxing a response from Zero's own. Deciding to damn it all to hell, Zero
responded. There was nothing unpleasant about what was happening to him and
they were completely alone once more. There couldn't be any harm in doing this-
right?
An annoying nagging voice at the back of Zero's mind clearly told him there was
and he was going to regret his actions later. But at that moment, Zero couldn't
seem to find a reason to care at the moment. His mind was like mush and there
were certainly more pressing matters at hand.
Zero moved his mouth with Kain's, following the older vampires lead as their
lips caressed each other in a slow, sensual dance. A pink tongue licked at
Zero's bottom lip, seeking entry. This time asking rather than assaulting and
forcing it's way in. Zero granted it's passage allowing it to brush up against
his own tongue before shyly mimicking the actions and sliding together.
Kain groaned softly and increased his ministrations, massaging the boy's scalp
with his hand and kneading Zero's rear with his other before dragging it back
up to Zero's unclothed chest, exploring again with curious fingers.
Zero felt as if his skin was on fire, burning wherever Kain's hands touched. A
soft, barely audible moan caught in his throat and he embraced the noble
further. Their bodies slid tantalizingly up against each other until dimly Zero
became aware of a hard bar of flesh coming between them and then with a
mortifying realization that his own body was responding to it.
“K-” Zero recoiled, his heart pounding in his chest, he could literally feel
Kain's doing the same. Zero pulled back, the noble would feel him any minute.
Zero's face was burning in shame.
This is wrong...
“It's okay Zero.” Kain soothed.
“But-” Zero broke the kiss. Kain's hands were suddenly on his hips, gripping
him and holding him there. Molten gold eyes burned into his.
“I know.”
Kain rolled his hips forwards, holding Zero still at the same time. The firm
flesh met Zero's and for a split second Zero's eyes literally rolled into the
back of his head.
“Zero?” Zero blinked. His breathless pants were so loud between them, Zero felt
as if his body had been scorched by a naked flame. “Zero?” unfocused mauve eyes
met amber and before Zero even had the chance to blush, Kain hand moved Zero
backwards towards the study lounge and had tumbled them down onto the plush
cushions.
“K-kai-”
“Do you trust me Zero?” Zero didn't know if he could answer. All the blood that
had been working his brain seemed to be going elsewhere and he felt impossibly
dizzy, due to his breathing which definitely bordered hyperventilation. Part of
him, a distant part, warned him to stop, to realize and think about what this
was going to do to him later, but it just seemed too much effort to worry about
that now. His body was screaming at him, demanding something Zero couldn't even
decipher.
“Zero?” The pet nodded, unable to do anything else at that point in time.
Everything was just so strange, so foreign, so confusion and yet at the same
time, something he didn't want to stop.
Hips rolled down again and a loud, lustful moan echoed around them. It didn't
take long before Zero realized it was coming from himself.
Not giving Zero a chance to dwell on this or to be embarrassed yet again, Kain
pushed himself down in a deliberate roll that brushed both shafts of flesh
together in one smooth stroke. Zero's eyes had rolled back into his head again
and Kain growled, his voice thick with desire. Unable to stop himself, he
leaned down and locked his lips around the smooth skin at Zero's neck. He
sucked at the pale skin, hard. Another needy moan escaped the pet as he
withered before the noble. When Kain released the tender flesh, a deep red mark
marred his skin, the middle tinged a deep purple. Kain's eyes flicked red as
his vampiric side rejoiced in marking a mate. Unable to stop himself, Kain
gripped Zero's hair and tugged it back, angling the boys head up and exposing
his neck further. Akatsuki continued to mark the ex-hunter, soothing the skin
with his tongue before drawing it into his mouth and making yet another red
stain all the while rocking his hips in time with Zero's which produced lusty
groans from both of them.
“Oh...God...K-kain.” Zero tossed his head, he was dying of sweet torture and
yet it wasn't enough, he gripped the hips above him, seeking more friction for
the throbbing heat between his legs. When it wasn't enough a distressed cry
left his throat. Sensing his pet's dilemma, Kain reached between them, palming
the boy though the thin layer of silk. Zero cried out, his head thrown back,
Kain growled, biting, licking, sucking at any part of Zero's neck he could
reach.
The pet was bucking, withering, squirming beneath him. Never before had Kain
seen Zero so undone, so out of control and it almost made the noble come undone
right then. He rolled the boy in his palm, massaging the hard flesh and gaging
the pet's reactions, savoring the high blush in the boy's cheeks, the extended
moans and desperate sounds falling from swollen lips. Zero seemed to be at war,
fighting to hold his eyes open, yet at the same time unable to as sensation and
sensation ran through him.
“K-kain!” The gasp was an unnecessary warning, Akatsuki had already felt the
twitch from below. He gave a deliberate squeeze and rocked his hips forward one
last time.
With a scream the world went white.
***** Life Can Be Such A... *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters no matter how
     hard I wish for it to be.
Aidou sat, staring into the fireplace that warmed the grand manor library, lost
in his own thoughts. His pet sat at his feet, her head leaning against Aidou's
knee and his hands trailed though her short brown locks. Hanabusa's attention
was not, however, upon Yori. He stared into the flickering light, his free hand
resting beneath his chin, holding the regal head aloof.
Akatsuki had forgiven him, finally, under the one condition; do not hurt
others.
Wow, like that one was going to be easy to keep, just look at who he hung out
with. Aidou frowned. Just what was he supposed to do- sit there and take it
while they all taunted and teased him? Aidou sighed. Yes, that was what Kain
expected him to do, because he didn't think the other nobles were being mean,
but rather trying to include him. Kain would expect him to suffer in silence
because if Aidou struck out, it would be for 'no reason' and Kain would not
forgive him again. Akatsuki had said so himself.
Aidou closed his eyes, softly, as if he were in anguish. It was just like last
time, just like his childhood with those other nobles, the ones who bullied him
into giving them everything in exchange for their presence, for half-arsed
friendship.
There was too much water in Hanabusa's eyes and he willed the moisture away
with criticizing thoughts. How stupid could he get? Just how pathetic was he?
Spending night after night brooding in sorrow, pining for something that he
just wasn't going to ever have...real friends, real love.
No. that wasn't true. Kain was a real friend, was someone who genuinely seemed
to care about him. Why else would the noble put up with Aidou's desperate acts
for attention?
And even then...even then Aidou could see that his cousin was tired of him.
Tired of Aidou's 'un-called for' bouts of anger and hate. So it really was down
to two options; Aidou could behave, could become a silent observer, following
Akatsuki's wishes and ignoring the hurtful taunts and teasing from the others,
he could become silent and obedient, just like a pet. He could spend all his
time surrounded by others and yet completely alone, he could spend his nights,
mourning over the things he couldn't have and drowning out his sorrow with
liquor before finally passing out to sleep and then getting up the next day
ready to do it all again.
The second option, and decidedly the least pathetic of the two, was for Aidou
to throw it all away. To cast off his friendship and ties to Kain and those
nobles and find himself a new circle, one where he hopefully would be
appreciated and maybe not so alone. Maybe if he did this, maybe, one day he
would stop seeking Kain's attention, Kain's approval, Kain's love, because he
would've found all those things in someone else.
Hanabusa truly hated himself when the tears began to fall again. He knew his
choice before he'd even laid out all the options. He would stay. He would stay
because he wasn't strong enough to leave, wasn't brave enough to look for new
friends and to keep looking if he found none. He would stay because he needed
to be cared for, needed with every fiber of his being not to be alone and he
would stay, no matter how much it killed him because he knew, deep within his
soul and his heart that he really was just that pathetic.
“...Master...?”
Hanabusa turned his gaze to the tiny pet peering up at him. She looked like she
was really worried about her master, looked like she really gave a damn about
his well-being.
“What is it Yori?” She paused for a moment, unsure how to continue. Her master
was staring at her, tears rolling down his face and he wanted to know what was
wrong?
He's sad again. The pet felt her own heart clench at the knowledge. He was so
beautiful and so desperately tragic all at the same time. He took comfort in
her presence, she knew that much, though somehow it also seemed to make him
sadder, like he thought she would leave him or something, just like everybody
else seemed to.
She hated those people he called friends. She hated how they took advantage of
his fragile, sweet nature and taunted him until he snapped, becoming cruel like
his words in order to hide his pain. She hated them for abandoning him, for not
loving him as one so gentle should be loved.
Pets had many roles as a servant to their master, just as they had many titles;
sex toy, confidant, friend, partner, slave, servant- the list went on. Each
master and their requirements were different. Yori had been taught, had been
trained to meet every single one of those requirements and to determine just
what her role was in her master's life. Right now her role it was as plain as
day.
She was to love her master in anyway he would let her, to hold him, to show him
that he was not alone. Her job was to take his wonderful, kind, fragile soul in
her hands and treasure it like it was meant to be. He needed her and Yori was
only too happy to oblige in any way he saw fit.
“M-may I?” Aidou frowned softly, not knowing what his pet meant, but giving the
okay anyway. Timidly, she climbed into his lap and wrapped her arms around him.
She pressed her face to his chest and ran her fingers through his hair,
soothing him.
“I'm here master. You're not alone.”
Aidou literally choked at her words. They sounded so real, so believable and
they hit all his nerves. Hanabusa found himself retuning the embrace, holding
her tightly as if she could disappear at any moment. He clung to her as if she
was his last ray of hope.
In so many ways she was.
 
===============================================================================
 
Shallow, gasping breaths lulled Zero from the euphoric high he had lost himself
in moments ago. Becoming aware of his surroundings, Zero noted he was very
warm, hot in fact. Pinpricks of sweat littered his brow and his chest was
rising and falling rapidly proclaiming him as the one panting for breath. The
rest of his body felt heavy, boneless.
Zero's eyes fluttered open, his eyes taking in the blurred shape of Kain,
laying ontop of him, his face buried deep in Zero's neck, breathing in the
pet's scent.
“Wha-”
Zero suddenly became aware of a sticky feeling between them, a rapidly cooling
moisture that made Zero's whole body flame red with shame and embarrassment as
wave after wave of sensations and memories flooded back to him.
Kain let out a sound of contentment. Still pressing his face to the crook of
Zero's neck. He had now began to litter light kisses at the skin there.
“K-kain...”
“Mmmhhh?” Zero felt reality coming back to him, the last of his high
evaporating into thin air. Zero heart began to pound in his chest.
Oh God- what have I done!
“K-kain, get off.” Zero pushed his hands up to the noble's chest.
“No.”
“Kain!” Zero shoved upwards, the noble could've easily remained where he was,
but he obliged. He  perched himself above the pet, hands on either side of
Zero's head, looking down at the boy.
Zero flushed again, looking away from the noble. There was no way he could ever
look Kain in the eye again!
“You're panicking.”
“Of course I am! I'm freaking out!”
“Why?” Zero made a face at Kain, shoving the noble back until he was able to
sit up properly. He swung his legs over the side of the chair, turning his
whole body away.
“What part are you 'freaking out' about as you so eloquently put it?” Kain
mimicked Zero's sitting position.
“Everything!”
“Mind being a bit more specific?” Zero huffed loudly in frustration. Standing,
he stormed out of the study. The noble could not be serious.
“Did it remind you of Ryuu?” Kain followed the pet out. Zero faltered slightly.
The 'incident' hadn't stirred up any memories at all.
“No it didn't remind me of Ryuu!” Zero kept storming away from the noble,
headed for the bathroom and a much needed bath. Just as he reached the door,
however, Kain was in front of him, blocking his way.
“Then what is it?”
“I don't know!”
“Is it because we're both males?”
“Well...yeah, but that's-”
“-I know its a bit different in human society. Having a same gender partners is
considered... well 'different', but believe me, in vampric society it is
completely normal to-”
“That's just it!”
“Excuse me?” Zero let out a growl, turning away from the noble and heading
towards the bedroom door, if he couldn't have a bath in Kain's room he would
have one in his own room. He wasn't about to stand here having a staring match
with the pompous prick.
“Vampiric society- vampires Kain!” Kain sighed loudly in frustration.
“This is what this is about? Vampires and you? Zero if you haven't noticed you
are a vampire!” Zero snapped around.
“I was also a Hunter! I've been raised as a Hunter, trained as a Hunter. All my
life I've been told to hate vampires and now I have to live with one!” Zero
turned away from the noble once again, opening the doors to his room and
stalking inside. Kain followed him.
“You can't compare me to all vampires Zero, that's just like me comparing you
to all Hunters, humans and level D's.”
“Yeah... well vampires are different.” Kain's eyes narrowed Zero was actually
being quite discriminative now.
“Oh?”
“You get screwed by one leech, you get screwed by them all.” That did it. Zero
suddenly found himself shoved up against the bathroom wall. Kain pinned the boy
there, his hands clutching the pet's shoulders, his knee pushed between Zero's
legs. The ex-hunter let out a cry of shock before scrambling to free himself,
his hands clawing at Kain. The Noble kept him pinned. Realizing his attempts
were futile, Zero ceased his struggles and stuck to glaring viciously back at
the noble.
“Spoken like true Hunter Zero.” Kain purred dangerously. “But how, may I ask,
have you been brutalized? I've cared for you haven't I? Fed you, clothed you,
saved you from nightmares, snatchers, bloodlust, insanity and hundreds of other
foul owners who would've loved to purchase your nice hide. I've given you my
own blood Zero, I've offered you protection and made endless vows to ensure
your happiness, I've done everything possible to gain your trust and this,
this is all you have to say for it; how screwed over you were by some vampire.”
“I was screwed over!” Zero snarled. Refusing to cower at the Noble's words. “My
family was slaughtered by some pureblood vamp and now I'm some noble's bitch!”
Kain' eyes flickered red, a dark smirk creeping across his face.
“That's right you are Zero. Yourmy bitch, my own personal whore.” Zero flinched
at Kain's crude tone and the look upon his face. A shiver of fear passed up his
spine. “I could take whatever I wanted from you Zero, whenever I wanted. I
don't have to be kind, or curtious, I don't have to wait for your trust, your
approval. I could take everything you've denied me and there's not a thing you
can do about it.”
Zero flinched as the knee between his legs pushed up against his groin. His
body was trembling once again. Eyes snapped shut and his head turned away from
the horrible sight before him. Zero was shaking. He was scared of Kain or more
so the fact that the noble was indeed right and his words true. He'd spelled
out Zero's position quite clearly and the look in his eyes told Zero he
intended to take every advantage of that situation.
“For so long I've wanted you Zero...” Kain purred resting his head once again
in Zero's neck, this time it was not in a loving gesture. He dragged his lips
and teeth across the skin causing the shivers in Zero's body to become more
violent and pronounced. “... wanted you, wanted your blood... you deny me
every. Single. Time. Do you know what that feels like Zero? To spend all your
time, money, affection all towards one person, all towards the belief that
maybe one day they would accept you and return your hard work with affection,
trust...anything.” Kain gritted his teeth in pain as the hollow ache in his
chest returned to his conscious. “I've done everything in my power to get your
attention Zero, to show you that there is good people in this world who don't
care for rank or race, that you don't need to suffer for being what you are
anymore...that you can trust someone...someone who cares about you... that not
all vampires are like the bitch who murdered your parents... everything I've
done had been for nothing.” Kain's voice had begun to break, too much water had
seeped into his eyes and the ache in his chest felt like it would literally
tear him apart. Clenching his jaw and biting back the unwanted moisture, Kain
forced himself to continue. “I was a fool to think this could ever work.” Kain
was talking more to himself now. “You hate me just as much as the first time we
ever met. Nothing will change that.” A familiar numb feeling had begun to
encase the noble. He gladly accepted it, the ache it his chest too much to
bear. “So why should I even bother trying?”
Zero waited, waited for the pain, the anguish, for the battered remains of his
soul to be torn apart by the noble and his actions. A moment passed, and then
another, then another. Zero opened his eyes. The noble still held him pinned,
his face buried in the crook of his neck.
“...K...k-kain?”
The noble finally released the pet, raising his head slowly. Zero flinched at
the sight. Kain's eyes were empty, cold. They stared at him without really
seeing him. His face was a business mask carved from the finest of porcelain.
“I have to go to work. I'll be back later.” Kain turned and departed the room.
Leaving a stunned and completely shaken pet in his wake.
What the Hell just happened?
 
===============================================================================
 
Kain's definition of 'later' was much longer than Zero expected. Alfred served
a late dinner and supper without the noble's presence and by the time four in
the afternoon rolled around, Kain had yet to return.
Zero waited up. His whole being weighed with confusion and guilt. After Kain
had left him in the bathroom almost a full twenty-four hours ago, Zero had
proceeded to take his bath, finding the noble gone when he finished. Unworried,
Zero had played out the rest of the day in boredom. Kain and him always fought,
maybe not so much now but in the past they had. Kain would leave for work and
then return as normal, they might have another argument, sort things out and
then everything was back to normal. But the look on Kain's face that evening,
it churned in Zero's mind. It remained him of something, yet he had been unable
to place it all night. It was only when the sun began to set did Zero realized
why.
It was the same look Kain had when Zero first arrived; a drawn look, pained
almost. Completely detached to the world and yet so involved in it. He looked
like an old man; tired.
It was also the same look, Zero realized, that he himself had worn for years
until he met Kain and things started to get better.
Kain's words... and Zero's answering words in return. He had been so harsh
so... cruel practically spitting out racist and hurtful comments to one who had
treated him so kindly...so gently.
I was afraid, that's why I said those things- Kain knows that.
Maybe he had taken things too far this time, maybe he'd really hurt the noble.
Zero scoffed out-loud at that thought. Hurt and Kain just didn't seem to fit,
Kain was as cold as they come, holding everyone at arm's length. He had built
his company from scratch and had made it international. Kain was ruthless,
destroying anyone who stood in his way. When he was with his friends, he
approached their problems with a coolness, collectivity and as a result, always
came up with a solid resolution. Maybe that was why everyone brought their
problems to him. They always knew everything would end up okay if they went to
Akatsuki's.
Zero sighed. He had done the same thing.
When he was in trouble, Kain had saved him and cared for him afterwards- sure,
he wasn't always overly kind; using smart-arse comments and taunting to provoke
the ex-human into getting out and getting through his kidnapping, but it had
worked. Kain wasn't the sort of person to sit down and cry with someone, he
wasn't the sort to give up. He was strong, confident and everything one needed
when they were unsure or in trouble, even if he was a bit of a smart-arse.
Kain irritated Zero to no end: the remarks, the taunts, the sneaky little
comments that really rubbed Zero up the wrong way, the stares, the touches, the
way he could make Zero turn to a blushing schoolgirl by doing any of these
things!- and yet... the way he protected Zero, the way he fought off the
nightmares, the vows, the promises, the way he kept Zero close coming to the
boy's aid whenever Zero needed it without complaint... it was as if...if the
noble-if someone- actually cared for Zero.
Zero's chest suddenly seemed unbearably tight and unknown emotions swelled and
tumbled in his gut. Zero realized he was shaking. Every since he turned, nobody
had cared for him- or ever would again. Zero had accepted this fact years ago.
When Kain had saved him, Zero thought it was just some sort of vampiric
possessional thing, but afterwards... the amount of time and concern Kain had
given him afterwards, that could only be described as affection, as that Kain
actually cared about him. Hadn't the noble even hurdled that fact out him this
evening?
'... I've done everything in my power to get your attention Zero, to show you
that there is good people in this world who don't care for rank or race, that
you don't need to suffer for being what you are anymore...that you can trust
someone... someone who cares about you... that not all vampires are like the
bitch who murdered your parents...'
And how had Zero answered? How had he retaliated throughout the whole
conversation? Insults and bellowing out how much he got screwed over by
vampires...no leeches.That had been his word of choice right? Insulting Kain
and what he was. What not who.All this time he had accused Kain, had treated
him as a vampire; a leech, a monster, a freak... the same way Zero had been
treated himself.
Kain had been right. Zero was a vampire, but it wasn't who he was. Zero was a
ex-hunter living as a pet with a more than gracious master. He picked fights
with this master, because the alternative...- the idea that he actually got
along with the vampire and allowed him to engage in....certain activities
without hesitation was just too...too strange for words but at the same time,
he didn't want to hurt the noble, not really... but he didn't really want to do
those things with Kain either, even if it did...did feel kinda...well... good
at the time.
Zero felt himself turn beat red and ducked under Kain's covers. He had decided
to stay sleeping in Kain's bed so the noble would surely wake him when he
returned, but now he was re-thinking his plan. If the noble did come home and
wake Zero up- then what? Zero apologizes and they...'get it on?'
Zero cringed. There had to be some sort of middle ground that they could both
be satisfied with, one where he did not hate the Noble but didn't have to carry
out all the duties of a pet.
Zero sighed for what seemed the thousandth time that night. There would be no
middle ground, not one were both parties would be satisfied with. Zero cringed
and sunk deeper under the covers. Kain had done so much for him, had saved him
so many times and had always cared for him afterwards... He owed this to Kain,
he owed it to the noble to have his simple wishes carried out.
Apprehensive, yet not stone cold fearful, Zero finally fell into an exhausted
sleep.
 
===============================================================================
 
Kain sat surveying one of his many clubs drinking deeply from his glass and
drawing breath from him cigarette. Kain exhaled the smoke sharply. He had been
here many times before; numb, cold, empty. Before he had brought a pet he'd
been like this; hollow and feeling as if he were truly alone in his meaningless
immortality. After his purchase and after the kidnapping, caring for Zero had
given him something to focus on aside from work, Zero entertained him whether
it be a simple game of cat and mouse or some rude side comment that got them
into a heated debate, Zero's presence kept him sane, kept him...happy.
And to what end?
Kain mused as he swirled his drink before taking in another gulp. The burning
sensation distracting him momentarily. Nothing had changed between him and the
boy, not really. Sure, Zero seemed a bit more comfortable with him, allowing
himself to be held and agreeing to sleep in the same bed as Kain. He took his
feeding sessions without hesitation now and overall his mood had improved...and
yet.
Akatsuki had done everything he could to show the pet that not all vampires
fitted the criteria that Zero had been raised to believe. His efforts, however,
seemed to have been in vain after last night's argument. Kain clenched his fist
until the knuckles turned white. Zero himself was a Vampire, how could he; a
Level D, be so prejudiced against others, especially after he himself had faced
such hurtful accusations when he was a hunter. Kain knew old habits died hard,
but this was just ridiculous.
A part of him, a deeper much darker part of him wanted to find the boy and
break him completely, taking everything he deserved and rightfully earned from
the pet. He wanted to tie the boy down and force him to accept the fact that he
was a vampire and that not all vampires were dark, evil creatures.
Kain snorted. Yes, tying Zero down or hurting him was definitely going to prove
to the pet that vampires were not mean or that Kain meant him any harm.
Akatsuki drained his glass and signaled to the bar to bring him another,
pronto.
It was going to be a long night.
 
===============================================================================
 
When Akatsuki arrived back at his manor it was almost seven at night; the
equivalent for seven in the morning for humans. He had not slept all night and
he desperately wanted to catch at least a few hours sleep and try to sober up a
bit before he had to leave for work again.
Unfortunately -and much to Kain's surprise- Akatsuki found his bed already
taken by none other than the person plaguing his mind all night. Kain frowned.
He assumed that after their fight, and after Kain had knowingly scared and
tormented the boy, Zero would not step within a five foot radius of him, let
alone continue to sleep in Kain's bed.
Akatsuki sighed, grabbing a fresh set of clothes from his wardrobe before
departing the room once again. He didn't want to disturb the boy and he
certainly didn't want to hurt him again especially when Zero seemed unable to
stand his vampire presence. It looked like he was going to be taking advantage
of one of his guest bedrooms for the night/morning/short slumber/whatever.
Kain grumbled slightly.
The bed better be comfortable...
 
===============================================================================
 
When Zero woke again it was to an empty bed and Alfred was serving breakfast,
indicating that Zero had slept in.
“Did Kain come home last night?”
“This morning” The butler corrected, handing a breakfast tray to Zero.
“Although he left again shortly afterwards.”
“He did?”
“Yes sir.” Zero frowned, his heart heavy. Part of his was glad for this news,
it meant that he could avoid his duties for at least a while longer and avoid a
horribly embarrassing conversation, but at the same time, Zero still felt
incredibly guilty because it meant Kain was still angry with him and still in
pain.
“Did he say when he would return?”
“In half an hour, as it happens so he can collect you. He mentioned a large
event of some sort was going to be held at Nightshade and other nobles would be
present and therefore your company is required.”
Zero groaned.
Not the frigging nobles.
“Master Kain wishes you to be dressed and ready by the time he returns.”
“Perfect.” Zero grumbled, regretfully rising in bed to sit and waft down
breakfast before showering and dressing for the evening.
Zero was just fixing his collar when he heard footsteps outside his door and
the sound of someone entering Kain's room. Zero's senses immediately proclaimed
the intruder as the noble himself.
Zero crossed the room and  flung open his doors. His hands were shaking again,
his heart stuttering nervously in his chest and a faint blush lingered on his
cheeks, a trait that was becoming so very frustratingly common. Not giving
himself a chance to think or to back out, Zero ripped open Kain's bedroom
doors.
“I'm sorry.”
Zero never thought he would ever submit to saying those words to the noble,
then again Zero supposed he never thought this whole conversation would take
place either.
Zero opened his eyes and froze.
Akatsuki stood in front of his wardrobe, in the midst of changing; his old
shirt lay in a crumpled heap on the floor, leaving Akatsuki's chest bare, every
muscle and curve completely visible from where Zero stood. His feet were bare
sinking into the plush carpet and the noble's jeans rode low on his hips, the
zipper and button at the front completely undone, revealing the black cloth
underneath and a few tousles of hair above the band.
“Zero?”
Zero's eyes snapped up to Kain's face, swallowing quickly as the speech he had
planned died in his throat and his mouth became as dry as sandpaper.
“I...I-I'm s-sorry.”
Kain was watching him with a strange expression, it was making Zero more
uncomfortable by the minute. Zero dropped his gaze to the floor, away from the
noble, it was much easier that way.
“I-I I didn't m-mean what I said about your kind-our kind-vampires-” Zero
scrunched up his face, why wasn't this coming out right? “I was just freaked
out or f-freaking out at the time. All this is just so weird for me, I mean I'm
meant to kill vampires and now I'm a pet for one, and I know I've been here for
a month already, but it's doesn't feel that long for me, I haven't lived with
anyone for years and living as a...a....-in this position- it's just....j-just
weird! I mean we're both males first of all, and I know that's not a big deal
for vampiric society, but it is for me-” Zero knew he had begun to ramble, he
couldn't stop himself. He needed to get this out and he was afraid that if he
paused, even for a second, he wouldn't be able to start again. “And then
there's like this whole thing for me about trusting- I mean nobody even wanted
to acknowledge me since I turned and now here you are around me all the time,
in my personal space and going all touchy feely- which I might add is weird
too! I mean every time you do it feels like I'm sick or something I get really
hot and my heart it going a million miles and hour and I'm sweating and shaking
and my throat feels so dry and sometimes I can't breathe and it makes me do and
say all these stupid things that I don't really mean-Hey!”
Zero cried out when he suddenly found himself once again pinned against the
wall. Zero looked up, flinching when he met Kain's gaze, it burned into him,
scorching his soul yet again. There was a pause.
“Do you mean to say Zero... that you are attracted to me?”
***** The Agreement *****
Chapter Notes
     Disclaimer:
     I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters...unfortunately.
"Do you mean to say Zero...that you are attracted to me?"
Zero stared up in molten amber eyes, a stunned expression on his face. For a
full moment the world seemed to stand still.
"Are you out of your fucking mind!" Zero's glared up at the noble, staring at
him as if he'd grown an extra head.
"Well you're the one confessing to a racing heart and hot flushes every time I
so much as enter you personal space."
"So?"
"Zero they are the signs of obvious attraction."
"You are out of your mind!" Zero broke free of the noble's grasp and put some
much-needed space between the two. "Here I am trying to apologize and you go
all pervey on me!" Zero flung his hands up in exasperation. "You're just so-
so... impossible!"
"Once again your use of vocabulary astounds me-" Zero shot Kain a glare that
could have frozen Hell three times over. "-However, I appreciate what you're
trying to do... and I think, maybe you're right."
"I am?"
"Maybe we should be talking about this situation. When we don't things tend to
spiral out of control."
"That's the understatement of the year."
"So let's talk." Kain sunk down onto his luxe red sofa, stretching out into a
relaxed position as if he was preparing to stay there for a long time. Zero
tensed. Kain wanted to have the talk Zero had been dreading for the past day or
so now? Zero felt his original determination and courage leave him. Somehow,
sitting infront of the noble, having the no-doubt-awkward conversation was
somehow more confronting and more daunting than Zero had imagined it in his
mind.
"What...like-now?"
"Yes Zero." Zero stalled.
"B-but don't you have an e-event or something?"
"It can wait."
"But you might be really late." Kain shrugged lightly.
"They won't miss me, besides this shouldn't take too long."
"H-how can you be sure?"
"Why? Did you have a whole speech you wanted to get out?" Zero felt his face
flame.
"No!"
"Then what's the problem?"
"There's no problem! I just don't want you to be late."
"You're stalling Zero."
"I'm not stalling!"
"Then take a seat."
Zero paused alternating between staring at the noble and the sofa of death.
Realizing that he couldn't avoid the conversation he let out a sigh, exhaling
the last shreds of his pride and dignity and took a seat on the blood red sofa
opposite the noble.
"Now-" Kain leaned forward to pour out two glasses of bloodwine, handing one to
Zero. "-why don't you start?"
"Huh?..oh...r-right." Zero accepted the bloodwine, and downed it without a
second thought. Kain raised his eyebrows.
"Stressed?" The drink burned Zero's throat sprouting tears to his eyes.
"Yeah" he rasped weakly.
"Why don't you elaborate?" Kain prompted, amused by the boy's antics. "You were
saying before about how this was all new for you, including living with
someone?"
Zero nodded.
"How long have you been on your own for?"
"Seven."
"Seven years?"
"No...since I was... seven." Kain frowned. "I mean, sure I slept in the same
room as some other hunter's in the association's boarding house, but I pretty
much lived alone." Zero added quickly.
"Wasn't there carers or anything?"
"Yeah... but nobody really wanted to hang around level D now do they?" Zero
snorted. "I stayed there from the time my parents were killed till I was old
enough to move out and get my own apartment so technically I've only lived
'alone' for about five or six years. I was going to rent out the apartment, but
I couldn't exactly do that if I wanted to keep the whole vampires and vampire
hunter thing under wraps, and those who did know about vampires were hardly
going to share an apartment with one."
"It must've been hard." Zero snorted.
"Not really, I was better off alone and besides my missions kept me busy. I was
a full-time hunter until I was captured. But as I said, I'm not used to living
with anyone and going from that to now where I have people around me twenty-
four seven, especially one who has no consideration for personal space is all
new and weird for me. Up until now, people just give me a wide berth." Kain's
frown deepened.
"So you want me to stop? Just to leave you the 'Hell' alone? Zero you already
know I'm not going to do that."
"I know! I'm just saying give me some time to get used to it I mean you're
always springing different things on me like feeding from you- I've never
bitten anyone in my entire life and then suddenly you demand that I feed all
the time! And then just as I start to accept it, you spring something else like
touching me and k-kissing me and-" Zero could feel his face flame as he stared
at the carpet. "-then when I even begin- just begin to get used to that you-y-
you...you...you know..." Kain raised his eyebrows.
"Give you a hand?" Kain suggested.
"Yes! I mean there is no way in Hell I could ever get used to that!"
"Would you prefer if went down on you?" Zero almost died with shame.
"W-NO!"
"Zero I don't think you understand your position."
"I understand it just fine!"
"Then you would know that certain acts are required of you." Zero froze. His
eyes darted back down to the carpet.
"I k-know."
"Then why are you so defensive about it?"
"I'm not defensive...it's just...-"
"Just what?" Zero was twisting his hands in confusion and nerves. Nothing
seemed to be coming out right and he couldn't find the words to answer Kain's
question.
"I don't know." He eventually managed.
"That's not very explanatory Zero."
"I don't know okay! I don't know what it is or how I feel about it! Before I
was scared, I kept thinking about the snatchers and what they did but now- now
I don't know what to think! Everything's just so different and... and...-"
"You're afraid."
"I just said I wasn't-"
"But you are, you're not scared of the snatchers, you're scared of me; of us
and of what you feel." Zero flushed again.
"W-what are you talking about?"
"You're a virgin Zero." Now Zero really felt like dying of shame. "Of course
your going to be afraid or at the very least apprehensive about physical
contact."
"Do you have to make it sound like I'm an inexperienced teenager?" Kain smirked
and patted the space beside him indicating for Zero to come closer. Still
flushing Zero moved beside the noble. Kain regarded him for a moment, making no
move to touch him, Zero relaxed slightly.
"You're also afraid because, as you so kindly pointed out yesterday that you
don't see yourself as vampire or live under any beliefs except the ones you
were raised with as a hunter. i.e. Vampires are evil." Zero returned to looking
at the ground.
"You shouldn't be ashamed of what you are Zero, or us. Are you really going to
keep believing what the Association force fed you?" Zero didn't answer. "Let's
make an agreement." Zero glanced back up, his curiosity spiking. "From now on
if I ever go to 'spring' something new on you I'll let you know beforehand and
we'll use a safe word."
"A safe word?"
"Yes a word you use to-"
"I know what it is!" Kain smirked.
"Just checking." Zero let out a quiet sigh.
"I guess that sounds alright."
"Good. Hopefully this will stop anymore incidents like yesterday." Zero winced.
Kain didn't notice, he was taking another sip of his drink.
"I-I'm sorry a-bout before."
"Hmm?"
"I didn't mean those things I said...yesterday. I don't think you screwed me
over or that you're a leech or-"
"I'm glad to hear it Zero." Glad, Kain was more than glad. A huge wave of
relief swept through him, he felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his
shoulders and the cold numbness that had taken over his body recede once again.
The two settled into silence, Zero afraid of opening his mouth and saying any
more and making more of a fool of himself and Kain relishing in the
knowledgeable that Zero did actually trust him... well as much as he could
anyway.
"So what word are you going to pick?"
"Huh?"
"You're safe word." Zero stared for a moment, a red blush suddenly forming on
his cheeks.
"W-why do I have to decide it?"
"Because you're the one using it."
"But do I have to think of one now?"
"It would be preferable." Zero looked away, trying to hide his panic. Kain
wanted him to think up a word to use during...certain activities now? But what
word could he use? What word would be appropriate to say during those moments?
Zero knew Kain wouldn't simply accept 'No' or 'Stop'.
What the Hell was he supposed to chose!
"Do you need any help?" Zero glared at the noble's amused expression.
"No! I am quite capable of picking my own word."
"Oh?"
"Yes, in fact-I've already chosen."
"Really?" The noble looked doubtful, Zero cringed, Kain knew he was full of it.
"Yes and it's a really good one." The noble raised an eyebrow.
"Is that so?"
"Uh huh."
"Pray, do tell."
"Huh?"
"Your word...?" Zero's eyes darted around the room desperately searching for
something anything that could be used. There was no way in Hell he was going to
let the noble chose a safe word.
"Oh...yes...w-well...-" Zero's eyes landed on a bookcase. "Book! The safe word
is 'book'." Zero folded his arms smugly.
"'Book' it is." Kain rose from his seat. "Now that that's sorted, I think we
should be moving along to the club." Zero rose with the noble and began to
follow him out the door.
"Oh... right- are the noble's going to be there?"
"Naturally."
"Great." Kain smirked at the heavy sarcasm in the boy's tone. His arm snaked
around Zero's waist drawing him close enough to put his lips to Zero's ear.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you." For a split second, Zero was frozen completely
stunned at what was happening, but then the brief touch was over and Kain
walked on ahead. Zero felt himself flush head to toe.
"I don't need protecting! And happened about the whole 'no touchy, feely'
thing?" Kain shrugged.
"I never agreed to no touching, I said I would warn you if I tried anything
new."
"That was new!"
"That falls under the category of touching and we've already covered that don't
you think Zero?" If possible, Zero's face would've caught on fire or died in
shame. "This is just apart of it."
"Well give me some warning at least!"
"For every little stroke and caress?" Kain purred. "You can't be serious,
besides where's the fun without a few surprises here and there?"
..
I'm going to kill that arrogant bastard!
"Do try to keep up Zero, we're going to be late." Zero scowled at the noble,
his death stare completely unnoticed.
I'll show him where he can shove his little surprises...
***** Heat *****
Zero was not happy. Not one bit.
He was sitting at one of the secluded booths of Nightshade, glaring at a
particular noble who sat no more than two booths away. The bastard was going to
pay for this, for what he had suggested.
Kain's 'suggestion' had been that all pets present should have a change of
pace; instead of being seated at their master's feet and listening to the
never-ending small talk. They should all be given the opportunity to sit
together and converse amongst themselves in the effort to 'get to know each
other'.
Zero continued his death stare, burning a hole in the side of a certain Noble's
skull.
Conversation amongst pets, there was nothing funnier nor more ridiculous,
especially since all three of the subjects present had no desire to talk to
anyone. Two of them were 'trained' not to speak unless spoken to and the
other... well Zero had no intention of starting a conversation with those who
would no doubt utter nothing but praises for their idiotic masters for they
knew nothing of 'normal' conversation.
So the three pets found themselves staring blankly at the floor, sneaking
glances at the thriving nightclub around them and sipping nervously at their
drinks.
Finally Zero stopped glaring at Akatsuki, the noble was obviously set on
ignoring him anyway. He let out a quiet sigh. It didn't make sense, one minute
they were having a highly embarrassing conversation about the levels of
required 'intimacy' and the next Kain was ignoring him. It didn't make sense,
Zero thought the noble would've been all over him, taking every advantage of
their 'agreement'. But no, the noble seemed quite content with ignoring him.
Zero sighed again. At least this way Zero would be able to avoid the other
nobles present and their irritatingly long so-called conversations.
Zero found himself shifting uncomfortably in his seat. It was strange sitting
there without Akatsuki's presence looming over him or more correctly
surrounding him with a 'don't touch him, he's with me' kind of aura. All around
him, people were bumping into their booth, stumbling drunkenly or just walking
past, moving too close for comfort. People stared at them and some even
whistled, trying to attract their attention.
All things considered, Zero was handling it reasonably well. He hadn't stood up
and voiced his opinion to them yet, nor had he smashed anyone's face in as he
might've done months before, back when he was a free man. But for the moment,
he allowed himself to settle with clenched fists and searching eyes, waiting
for any 'real' threats. The two female pets beside the ex-hunter, however, were
not doing as well.
They had their heads hung low, shoulders hunched, as if they were trying to
make themselves as small as possible. They were not used to so much attention,
no used to such a crowd when they had been raised in a slave house and only
left the place to be taken in by their future master. A place such as a
nightclub was scary for them, frightening and completely foreign. This wasn't
the first time they had been out in public but it was the first time they
hadn't had their masters around them, protecting them from such things.
The breaking point for all three members of the 'group' was when a tall male
came lumbering up to them, his two wingmen in tow.
“Hey luv, flash us 'ur tits!”
Yori, burned with shame. She ducked her head lower. Pets were not supposed to
interact with others, not unless their master had given them and order to do so
and Aidou had only told her to go with Zero and Rima. She sunk in her seat.
Zero wondered if she was going to hide under the table.
“Come on luv!”
“Just a peek!”
“Come on!”
“Fuck off!” Zero snapped around, facing the trio head on.
“OOOOHHH!!!” The offenders backed up, grins wide across their faces.
“Come on man, there's two of them and only one of you, can't you share around?”
“I said, Fuck off!” The maniac grins slowly disappeared, realizing their
opponent wasn't backing down. The 'leader' of the trio stepped forward.
“You sure you wanna do this bro? There's three of us and one of you?” The
threat was more than clear. Zero stepped sightly away from the booth, staring
the speaker down.
“Then you need to get yourself some more friends.” The stupid smiles returned.
Zero heard his one of his knuckles crack as he unconsciously clenched his fists
tighter at the thought of wiping those smug smile of their faces.
“Have it your way-” The sentence was silenced by a sudden CRACK as a pale fist
swung upwards and connected with his jaw. Chaos ensued. Screams of the other
people nearby erupted. The sound of smashing glass pieced the rave music as the
now unconscious guy fell back on a neighboring table.
The other members of the trio, after witnessing their friend's attack lunged
forward. The first throwing all his weight behind a clumsy punch, Zero dodged
it, gripped the arm as it flew past him and with his other swung out to punch
the last attacker, propelling that side of his body forwards which swung his
other side back and by doing so, pulling the first man off balance and face
first into the floor.
Zero released the thug on the ground before he too was dragged off balance and
continued forwards to attack the last of the trio. The third put up his arms as
if blocking him in a boxing match, protecting his face, only to have his
stomach curled in when a fist collided with it instead.
He keeled over, hands dropping to clench his gut but as soon as he did Zero had
already swung sharply onto his side, his leg raised and with a sickening thud,
the side of the attacker's face met the lower part of Zero's leg.
Seeing his opponent crumble to the floor Zero allowed the propulsion of
swinging his leg turn him around to face the other attacker who was now picking
himself up off the floor, but before he could fully rise, Zero was ready to
knee him in the gut, the pet was just moving forward to do so when a single
voice rang out as clear as day, yet no louder than normal speech.
“Zero, enough.”
Zero hesitated, glancing to the side. The Nobles were standing now, all looking
directly at him. Kain was speaking and by the tone in his voice and the look on
his face, he was not impressed.
The man on the ground rose to his feet and lunged once more at Zero, only
managing to get one foot in front of the other before two sets of muscled arms
gripped him.
Kain waved his hand at the two bouncers, dismissing them and the thugs that
were now being peeled off the floor.
“Care to explain?” Kain was now standing beside his pet, his arm gripping
Zero's as if he were a disobedient child. “Surely you had better things to do
then to start brawling like and animal, in my nightclub.” Zero met the molten
gaze. Trying to ignore the shiver up his spine.
Kain really isn't happy.
“P-p-please....my l-l-lord.” Kain's eyes snapped to a cowering figure, bowing
before him. She was trembling uncontrollably, terrified of addressing a noble.
Akatsuki recognized her as Aidou's own pet- Yori- or something like that.
“I-It was m-my....my fault.” Kain raised an eyebrow.
“Oh?”
“T-those people were....w-were...were...-”
“They were harassing us my lord.” Rima, Ruka's pet stepped forward, he voice
did not shake as Yori's yet she still spoke from a low, respectful bow.
“I see.”
“Come now Kain, no damage is done.” Takuma stepped forwards eyes bright and
smiling. “Besides, I thought you said  you liked your pet's fighting spirit.”
“I do, I just do not like it displayed so publicly. Kaname-sama, my deepest
apologies for this incident.” Kain gave a short bow in the direction of the
pure blood. The brunette waved his hand airily. The smallest of smiles touching
his face.
“Nonsense Kain, I think it's the most entertainment I've had in years.”
“Kaname-sama!” Takuma feigned hurt, “What are you saying? Are our evenings
together boring for you?” Shiki groaned.
“Ichijou, not this again.” A few chuckles slipped from the other nobles,
deflating any and all tension  as they made their way back to their booths.
Kain paused before following them.
“Are you alright?” He glanced down at his pet, only to meet an angry, purple
gaze.
“Fine.” Zero bit out.
“Must you cause a scene?”
“Must you manhandle me in public?” Zero glared at the noble's hold on his arm.
Kain's eyes narrowed for a moment before releasing the silverette.
“I have to stay for a little longer, for appearance's sake, can you restrain
yourself until then?”
“I didn't do anything wrong!” Zero hissed dangerously.
“We will discuss this later.”
“What was I supposed to do? Let them hound Yori!”
“You should of disposed of them without resorting to such crude behavior”
“And how am I supposed to do that exactly?”
“By acting civil, not like a dog.” Now it was Zero's turn to glare in anger.
Kain sighed exasperated. “Now is not the time to discuss this, I'll only be a
few more hours, behave until then.” Zero was about to snap a retort back at the
noble, but Kain had already turned away from him, striding back over to the
other nobles.
Zero glared at him the whole way.
 
===============================================================================
 
“Well that was lovely.” Zero flung his jacket onto the bed and yanking at the
collar of his shirt, trying to unbutton some of the measly clasps. Kain leaned
against his bedroom door, sighing tiredly.
“Was it really necessary to start a drunken brawl-” Zero snapped around..
“I wasn't drunk!”
“-In the other's presence-”
“And it wasn't a brawl- it was me kicking their arses!”
“Not to mention a pureblood's presence- A prince pureblood-”
“Who said he loved it- who gives a shit what he thinks anyway!”
“-He was being polite! And what did I tell you about that mouth?” Zero rolled
his eyes. Finally freeing himself of his shirt.
“Don't start that again Kain.”
“Then stop act like some low-class fool.” Zero glared at the noble.
“Low-class?” He bit out.
“Yes, low-class; yelling, swearing, brawling-”
“I wasn't brawling!”
“-and exhibiting crudeness worthy of a bar or the gutter-”
“What do you care anyway?” Zero took off his shirt, flinging that on top of his
jacket. He left his singlet underneath on.
“I care because when you embarrass yourself, you embarrass me.”
“So that's why you sent me off to sit at the kiddy table- because you were
afraid of being embarrassed?”
“I put you there because I thought you would prefer it over sitting on the
floor infront of the people you hate.”
“Yeah...well I didn't.” Zero grumbled knowing it was true. “Nobody likes being
shoved aside while the 'grown ups' talk and then having to endure drunks and
dickheads while the person who is supposed to look after them is ignoring
them.” Kain was silent for too long. Zero glanced in the noble's direction to
see why he was so silent. Akatsuki was still leaning in the doorway, a strange
expression on his face; one caught between amusement, hunger and realization.
“What?”
“I apologize Zero, I did not know that the public would react in such a way to
you and I also did not mean to 'shove you aside' I thought you would've
preferred your solace.” Zero found an embarrassed redness slowly creeping up
his cheeks at the look Kain was wearing and the sudden apology.
“Yeah...well now you know.”
“Had I known that you would behaved so violently to get my attention I would've
allowed you to stay by my side all night.”
“Well-wait what?” Kain strode over to the ex-human gently raising his hand to
brush a single caress  down Zero's cheek. The youth was too shocked to react.
“You don't have to throw tantrums to get my attention Zero.” There was a pause
as the ex-hunter registered just what the noble was saying.
“You think I started the fight just to get your attention?”
“A childish tactic, I'd like to mention- amusing, but childish.” Zero's eyes
snapped tight in a glare.
“Are you out of your mind!” Zero slapped Kain's hand away. “I was fighting with
them because they were hounding us!” Despite Zero's obvious anger, Kain was
still smirking slightly. He drew forward and pulled the pet into a hug,
ignoring Zero's protests and failing arms.
“I'm sure you were Zero.”
“Don't patronize me!” Zero pushed his hands against the firm chest he'd been
pulled to, trying to shove the older vampire away. “Let go of me!”
“Hush Zero, there's no need to be so violent, I'm here now.” Kain's words
caused a vicious snarl erupt from Zero, who had given up on trying to push the
noble away-it was impossible- before resorting to thumping his fists to Kain's
chest and kicking out with his legs.
“Are you out of your fucking mind!?” Chuckling softly, Kain easily maneuvered
them to the bed and when Zero fell back onto the mattress, Akatsuki gladly
joined him.
“Kain!”
“You know you really shouldn't let people work you up so much.”
“I already told you-that fight wasn't my fault!” Kain smirked again leaning
down to nuzzle the crook of Zero's neck. The pet stiffened at the sudden
movement.
“I meant just now, you really are too easy to stir up.” Zero frowned, trying to
catch up on the noble's logic and what he was saying.
“You played me.”
“You are quite entertaining when your all flustered about something.” Zero
flushed red and scowled, pushing up with his hands once more, this time using
all his strength to get the noble off hims.
“You fucking bastard!”
“Language Zero” Kain reminded, burying his face deeper into Zero's neck,
inhaling the scent there and barely feeling the hands vainly trying to push him
away.
“What the hell do you think your doing?!”
“Smelling Zero.” Kain said softly, as if it was the most normal thing in the
world. The strangeness of Kain's response made Zero's struggling cease.
“You tend to thank a lot you know.” Zero grumbled. Deciding to lay limp,
knowing the noble would not move off him until he became bored. Kain smelling
his neck was most certainly not unusual for the noble. After all Zero's feeding
sessions, Kain usually liked to smell him, or whenever they slept together and
Kain held him the noble would also repeat this action. Zero guessed it was just
another weird vampire thing.
“You scent is very appealing.” Zero rolled his eyes, huffing irritably.
“Sure, whatever- can you let me go now?”
“No.” Zero heaved another impatient sigh.
“Prick.”
“I thought we agreed that there were better uses for that mouth of yours?” Kain
rose from Zero's neck, hovering above his pet sightly. Zero swallowed lightly.
Trying to ignore the heat suddenly swelling in his gut at the familiar look
Kain was giving him.
“And I thought, we agreed that you would come up with a better punch line.”
“Indeed.”
Akatsuki gently brought his mouth to Zero's, placing a soft kiss on the corner
instead of a direct confrontation. Zero stared up at the noble blinking
stupidly for a moment. Kain continued to gaze down at him. Several tense
moments passed as Zero waited for the noble to proceed. When he did not Zero
found himself slowly becoming redder by the moment, as he endured Kain's heated
gaze.
“...Um...a-are you finished?” Zero's voice came out in an embarrassed murmur.
He swore he could go no redder or more embarrassed as he was now. Kain's eyes
darkened in silent hunger.
“Nowhere near.”
“O-oh...-” Zero's sentence was cut short by another well-placed kiss. This one
directly upon his mouth, effectively silencing him. Zero didn't know when he
had closed his eyes, but he found himself unwilling to reopen them at the
thought of meeting Kain's gaze again; that burning, all-consuming gaze that
tended to examine Zero as if it were trying to see right down into his core.
Tender, yet determined lips met his again and Zero's mind became fuzzy again.
They explored his face, slowly dragging across his skin to place a kiss just
beside his eye, then sliding across his eyelids to do so on his other side
before meeting his lips again. Strong, gently hands cupped his face and tangled
in his hair, massaging his scalp and stroking skin almost...tenderly.
Zero gasped, turning his head away as a surge of emotion and heat swelled up
within him. He felt as  his heart was being squeezed on all sides and his chest
ached heavily as it rose and fell rapidly, fighting for air.
The lips, those unbearably tender lips kissed and caressed the side of Zero's
face following and invisible trail along Zero's jaw to his throat and lower to
collarbone, peeking out from Zero's undershirt.
Zero pressed the side of his face into the soft bed cover, trying to escape the
lips and the fiery trail they left, yet at the same time wanting to stay put
and be consumed by the fire that was burning through Zero's being. Zero's heart
was almost screaming out in agony as if it was being torn in two.
He shouldn't be feeling such comfort and warmth from the noble's embrace.
He shouldn't be aching with such....almost gratefulness and silently begging
for more and pleading the touches to never stop.
Zero clenched his eyes shut as they suddenly became too moist.
This wasn't right...not for him...
It was so wrong for him to feel this way.
“K-...k-kain...” Zero tried to ignore how weak his voice sounded as he begged
for the noble to cease, to stop causing this surge of emotions in him and a
raging war within himself.
“It's alright Zero, your safe...I'll take care of you.”
Those lips had returned to Zero's face, gently cupping his chin and bringing
Zero's lips back to his. When his caressing fingers felt a sudden wetness upon
Zero's cheek, he froze.
“Zero?”
Zero couldn't open his eyes. He drew in a deep shuddering breath. Shudders ran
through his body.
“Zero!” Kain's whisper was harsher now. “What is it? Is it Ryuu?” Zero tossed
his head in a silent 'no'. He couldn't find his voice yet. His limp hands
finally found the strength to tentatively reach up and grip the noble's shirt.
Kain waited to be pushed away only to find himself being pulled closer instead.
Kain held Zero's face.
“Zero, look at me.” He continued to hold his pet's face firm, even when the ex-
human tried to pull away again.
“Zero. Look. At. Me.” Weary, eyes slowly fluttered open. Kain instantly found
himself lost in their violet depths.
They were so open, more open and vulnerable than Kain had ever seen. They were
silently pleading with him; hunger, confusion, sorrow, loss, warmth- they were
all present Kain frowned as he tried to identify what was causing them and if
the pet was in actual pain.
Zero was in pain, so much so that he couldn't even move his lips to describe
it. His very core seemed to be ripped open, bearing all to see and he hated it.
A never-ending, hidden longing of his heart had finally forced itself into the
open.
Ever since Zero had been turned he had never experienced the kindness of
another, whether it be a gentle caress or a loving whisper. No one wanted him,
no one had ever held him like Kain was now, no one ever touched him as Kain
did. No one, not one single being ever told Zero that he was safe and that they
would take care of him. He was starved of affection, the very word was
something foreign to him.
Up until this point all of Akatsuki's advances had been somewhat forceful,
demanding, and although  Zero had hated it, feared it and even more recently-
come to enjoy them. When Kain comforted him or held him he was usually half-
asleep or half-crazed with nightmares. This was the first time -ever- that Kain
had held him, embraced him and even whispered to him as one might do a lover
when Zero was fully conscious, sane and even...willing.
That tenderness, that care, the feeling of being treated like glass, like he
was something precious was something that Zero had not experienced in so many
years. He had felt the opposite for so long; such hate, pain and disgust that
his heart had closed off to it's desires, secretly longing for a chance to
finally find happiness or even the tiniest bit of affection and the amount if
feeling Kain was expressing now... it was too much for one who had felt so
little.
Zero hands shook as they reached up from their grip on Kain's shirt to
cautiously hold Kain's face. Uncertainly they pulled downwards. Zero let his
eyelids slip shut and hesitantly brought their mouths together, expressing what
he wanted without words.
Kain's brows frowned in shock and confusion. Zero seemed to be
almost...traumatized by the noble's actions, yet he was pulling Kain closer
even going as far as initiating a kiss, something which, Zero had never -ever-
done.
Soft, trembling lips pressed against his before uncertainly moving against his
own. Akatsuki felt a shiver of desire run down his spine.
Tentatively, Kain wiped away the single tear Zero had let fall before cupping
the back of Zero's neck, fusing their mouths together as Kain returned his
pet's kiss.
Surges of heat rolled through Zero's body as he fought to remain some train of
thought. It was a vain attempt, Akatsuki was holding him, stroking the back of
his neck with one hand and the other was sliding down his side, reaching down
to the hem of his singlet and dipping beneath it to feel the taunt skin
beneath.
Zero swore that the heat that continued to fill him would destroy him, it was
burning him alive and yet he couldn't seem to get enough of it. His hands
clawed at Kain's back and dug into the skin of cheek, trying to bring the Noble
closer. Scorching fingertips were running across his stomach, tracing invisible
patterns there which boiled the blood in Zero's very veins. His chest was
heaving, his head was dizzy and, much to Zero's embarrassment, the lower parts
of his body were also responding.
A soft moan escaped the pet's throat as his length pressed firmly up against
Kain, finding a mirrored response.
“Zero?” Kain's voice came out almost in a growl. When the pet didn't respond he
stilled his hands and restrained his kisses. To his surprise, a snarl of
protest erupted from the figure below him.
“Zero?” Kain tried again.
“What!” Zero's response was barely audible as his mouth was currently nipping
at Kain's neck almost as if he wanted to feed. Kain shuddered at the action.
“Zero.” Kain growled, pushing the ex-hunter back down to the bed. Amethyst eyes
glared up at him.
“I said I would warn you when I wanted to try something new.” A slight frown
crossed his face as the pet struggled to gather his thoughts though the cloud
of desire in his brain.
“Huh?”
“Zero, I'm giving you a warning, this is the part where you decide if you want
to go ahead or not.”
Purple eyes cleared with realization.
“O-oh.”
“Do you remember your safe word?” Zero nodded dumbly. Kain gave a small smirk.
“Well then we shouldn't have a problem.” The noble crushed Zero's mouth with
his a new fierceness. Zero fumbled for a moment before picking up the new
rhythm his mind retuning back to mush. Only a single thought managed to break
through before his sanity was lost again.
What the Hell was my safe word again?
***** Pleasure and Pain Are Not So Different Things *****
What the Hell was my safe word again?
Kain's tongue coiled with Zero's, the hand at his neck reached to curl up into
the soft silver threads of hair, angling the ex-human's neck further back for
increased access. At the same time Kain moved upwards, aligning his hips with
Zero's and rocking forwards in one smooth, deep motion.
A choked sound gasped out from the silver pet his chest stuttered with his
breath before retuning to the rapidly rising and falling whilst definite
fingers traced and stroked the hard planes.
Zero found himself suddenly becoming alarmingly aware  that his rasping breaths
were the only sound echoing in the room apart from the occasional rustle of
cloth or silk and the soft smack of skin when lips met then separated again.
The sounds seemed to bounce of the walls and taunt him, teasing him until Zero
found himself blushing horribly, at how loud the sounds were to his ears and
then reddening even further when they became louder, occasionally slipping into
soft moans or whimpers.
It was at some point that Zero realized that the more he listened to
these...sounds the hotter the flame inside him grew.
Oh God.
Zero's own sounds were arousing himself.
He wasn't the only one. Kain was looking down at his pet, gazing upon the
silverette as much as he could in order to lock this memory away. He hardly
ever saw Zero like this; so lost, so open and wanting. The tempting boy seemed
to be even more so now than ever before. Kain's own arousal raged with heat,
demanding satisfaction. Kain had to bite his tongue, forcing it to bleed to be
able to distract himself from his body's reactions.
This wasn't about him, not this time at least. This was for Zero, only for him.
Zero needed to trust Kain with this sort of thing, nothing would be gained if
he took advantage of the situation now.
Breaking the kiss and removing his hands from Zero's head, Kain slipped both
hands under Zero singlet, pushing the hem up to Zero's shoulders.
Kain's mouth began to water as he leaned down to take a tentative lick at the
hardened nub below him. A soft cry, one that could've been mistaken for a gasp,
sliced through the air. Zero's back arched and Kain growled softly in
appreciation.
He continued his ministrations, seeing red filter slightly into his vision and
watching as the hundreds of veins within the ex-hunter began to map themselves
out for him. Another growl, erupted from his throat, this one animalistic in
it's intention.
Zero threw his head to the side as demanding, wet lips sucked and bit at his
tender red flesh while the flat of a thumb pad worked the other. The fingers
rolling the small pebble while a tongue flicked back and forth, quickly
switching to swirling around the outside and finally pulling the tenderized
flesh into a waiting mouth and sucking deeply.
“Kain!” Zero tossed his head back his eyes snapping open with the raw emotions
coursing through him. He gazed down to his chest where soft, gold hair bobbed
and squirmed. Zero's length was suddenly burned, as if it had been scorched
then ached impossibly.
“K-kain” Zero, gasped the name again, his head falling back to the pillows,
watching as the noble took a long, savoring lick finally raising his eyes to
meet Zero's.
Zero froze.
Rubies as dark as blood stared back at him, the eyes of a hunter closing in on
it's prey. Zero's whole body locked taunt, his arousal forgotten momentarily as
he realized he was looking into the eyes of death.
He couldn't breathe, his heartbeat faulted and chilled violet eyes locked in on
the two white fangs peeking out from Kain's mouth.
Zero flinched, shooting back on the bed until he somehow managed to pull
himself up into a sitting position, his back flat against the headboard.
A predatory growl erupted throughout the room and despite fearing suddenly for
his life, Zero skin trembled at how seductive the sound could pass as.
It was just after this moment that Zero realized he was about to die. He was
faced against a vampire, a full-blooded noble, without any weapon to speak of.
Zero's heart beat started to kick in, pounding like a wild drum.
And then Kain edged closer.
“Zero..” it was mixed between a purr and a growl, Zero shivered at the sound of
it. “Ssh Zero...” Kain closed in on the pet, bringing their faces together once
more and meeting terrified lips with his own. Numb lips remained still, unsure
and terrified of what was happening. A snarl of frustration momentarily echoed
before lightly clawed hands curled themselves into Zero's hair, pulling the pet
closer until their chest were touching. Another hand moved lower, running
across Zero's collarbone, down over his chest, and lower still to pass Zero's
belt, finally to rest upon a highly suggestive mound, which had -despite it's
owner's alarm- had yet to cool.
A low rumble of content vibrated in Kain's chest as his wandering hand began to
massage the hard flesh below.
Zero's lips parted in a silent gasp. His whole body suddenly torn in its
reactions. A whole part of him remained tense and unsure, watching the noble
even as their lips dueled and a reassuring hand stroked affectionately in his
hair. Another part, growing more powerful by the second wanted to leap into the
fire and be consumed by the raging heat that pulsed between them, only turned
hotter by the kneading hand, becoming more firm and sure with each stroke.
It was too much; the danger, the pleasure and fire all rolled into one.
It was like nothing Zero had ever felt before.
Fangs nicked Zero's tongue and like a string suddenly pulled tight. Something
snapped within the pet.
Red, hungry eyes overtook mauve, fangs sprouted where teeth once belonged and
claws shaped as nails grew to full length.
A snarl crawled from Zero's throat, roaring in challenge before his clawed
hands suddenly gripped Kain's face, pulling the noble off him. An answering
snarl greeted him, before the older vampire  hooked Zero's hips, pulling the
pet forward so the younger now straddled his laps. Zero hissed in distaste at
the sudden movement pressing his hands to the noble's face.  His claws
tightening, sinking in until they broke skin.
Sharp, preying eyes snapped to the tiny droplets of blood that now ran down
Kain's cheek. Without hesitation he leaned forward to lap the sweet nectar up,
coaxing more from the wounds.
A rumbled of appreciation came from the older and the hands that had held Zero
so roughly now loosened in their hold, caressing the pet within their grasp
rather than restraining him.
Zero soon gave up on the droplets, his vampiric side seeking a more fulfilling
meal and he moved down to Kain's neck, licking it in silent permission.
Kain's head slightly angled to the side in acceptance, not waiting a moment
longer, Zero plunged his fangs into the smooth flesh.
Akatsuki gasped. His vision flickering from blood red to gold as he fought with
his emotions namely his arousal.
Zero drank, encouraged by the soft caresses on his scalp and hip. His blood
lust slowly receding only to be exchanged by arousal once more as the hand on
his hip returned to it's previous destination, lightly tracing invisible
circles before pressing up against the hot flesh.
Zero's breath hitched in his feeding, his eyes fell shut as he lost himself to
the feeling of taking and being pleasured beyond human capacity. His hips
rocked forwards involuntarily and groaned at the surge of feeling it gave him.
Soft, warm breaths of Kain brushed against his own neck followed rapidly by
gentle, well-placed, kisses. Zero pulled back, gazing upon the noble's face and
staring into eyes now softened to the color of wine.
Kain stared back at him with equal examination resting their foreheads
together. He pressed one final kiss to Zero's lips before unzipping the front
of his pet's jeans and delving inside.
Zero cried out, hooking his arms around Kain's neck and gripping tightly. Hot,
burning hands gripped his base firmly, pulling his hand back and running up the
full length of Zero's shaft. Kain held Zero's gaze, forcing the silverette to
stare into his eyes and reveal every passing feeling to their captor.
“It's okay Zero...” Kain voice was a seductive purr, like velvet across Zero's
skin. His eyes still burned red with blood-lust and fangs still sprouted from
his mouth, and yet.... Zero found himself not as fearing of the vampire now,
after all, wasn't he himself a vampire?
Zero stilled slightly, since when had he become okay with this fact?
Kain was at his neck once more, humming softly as he bent his head to press his
lips to skin.
At the touch, Zero flinched back. Jerking suddenly in the noble's arms.
“Stop.” Kain purred.
“Whatever for?”
“I mean it.” Zero tried to disentangle himself and move from Kain's lap. The
noble growled lightly, his arms tightening around their captive.
“I mean it Kain enough!” Kain pushed the ex-hunted back, forcing Zero out of
Kain's lap so that he was now pinned with his back to the headboard.
“Kain!”
“Use your safe word if you really mean it Zero.” Zero paused, first shocked
that this time Kain wasn't going to let him go, he was actually going to go
through with the whole 'safe-word thing'. Zero felt his heart skip a beat, his
heart beginning to pound again when he realized he's forgotten his safe-word
and still couldn't remember it. His mind kept coming up with a blank. The
matter was not helped by the fact that he was hardly thinking straight when his
anxiety was threatening to overtake him and yet, his body still raged with
flames as the bloody noble continued his ministrations on a certain sensitive
area.
Kain's eyes began to dance crimson with amusement at his pet's sudden silence.
“As I thought.” Kain ducked his head once more to Zero's neck.
“I forgot it.” Zero bite out, his face heating.
“Mmm... Of course you did Zero-” Akatsuki hummed in delight, placing a single,
teasing lick in the corner of Zero's neck. The ex-hunter jerked again.
“Stop it! I'm serious- I don't know what my safeword is.” Zero's growl of anger
suddenly turned into a squeak of alarm. The hand that continued to work him had
suddenly increased it's pressure by tenfold and was now massaging him in deep,
sure strokes. A gush of air escaped Zero, his whole body shuddered as he fought
for control.
Why was he panicking again?
Yes, Vampires.
He was vamping out while doing...doing this stuff with Kain.
That was wrong.
It felt too good to be right. Balancing on the point of his insanity while heat
and arousal surged through him. It was like bliss.
It had to be wrong. Normal people did not do this!
“Enough Kain.” Zero tried again, forcing to keep his voice calm and even while
his heart threatened to break open his chest and his mind quivered on the edge.
Kain pulled the soft flesh into his mouth and sucked hard, not wanting to break
the skin but just needing to mark the pet as his own.
“I said enough!” Zero grabbed hold of his anger, kicking out at the noble. Kain
was ripped off Zero's neck and forced back. Kain snarled. Zero's roughness was
doing nothing to cool his mood, but rather increasing his desire.
Vampires often tended to get quite rough with their sexual partners, it was
apart of their nature. They were a form of dark creatures after all.
Kain lunged forwards, Zero held him at arms distance, one hand clenching his
face and the other pushing with all his might against Kain's chest.
“I mean it Kain, stop it. Now.”
“Then say it- say the word.”
“I don't know it! How many times do I have to tell you? I forgot!” Kain
smirked, using his nobility strength to push Zero's hand away from his chest
and closing the distance between them once more.
“I'm a bit surprised Zero.” Kain hummed playfully. “I never picked you for the
foreplay type, but it's okay, I simply love this game.” Kain attacked Zero's
mouth growling with pleasure at the taste. Zero shoved the noble away.
“It's not a game!” Zero snarled, his vampiric side flaring once again.
“Of course it's not.”
“Kain!” The noble pressed his lips back to Zero's, their mouth dueling fiercely
while elongated fangs nicked tongues and lips.
Zero ripped his head away, gasping for air. He was so mad, furious at the noble
who had returned to sucking his neck and yet it was a good feeling in a way. He
was not fearful of the noble, not anymore and he was not panicking as he had
moments ago. He was just mad. Just so mad and so...aroused.
It was utter sin.
Zero's eyes burned red and he snatched Kain's head back, up off his neck. They
glared at each other, gazes boring into another before the noble's eyes
softened slightly, as desire became stronger than rage. His eyes slid downwards
to the hands that clenched his face and then, before Zero could react, the
noble's tongue had slipped out of his mouth, curled around Zero's index and
middle finger and sucked them back into the wet cavern.
Zero's eyes became the size of saucers.
“K-kain...?”
The noble hummed once more, the vibration on his fingertips shooting straight
to Zero's groin.
Oh God.
A soft, wet tongue lapped at the two digits encased in his mouth, curling
around them before slipping between the two. Zero shuddered, a hand caressed
his face, cupping his cheek in one hand while the other returned to its
previous work.
“Oh God...”
Kain's eyes darkened with lust at the hitched gasp that escaped the boy's
mouth. That was it, he couldn't take much more of this teasing.
With a soft popping sound, Kain released Zero's fingers from his mouth and
lurched forwards again. In one swift movement, he kissed the corner of Zero's
mouth slid his lips across the skin and down to the pet's throat.
“Zero...” His hissed. The boy's breath stuttered at the sound. “Let me.” Zero's
eyes fluttered. Utterly delirious.
“Wha...?” Kain huffed in frustration. Wondering how he proposition this to Zero
without him freaking out.
“Zero..”
“I don't un-” Kain raised his head, halting all ministrations to look Zero
directly in the eye. A whine of protest escaped the boy's throat.
“Zero, listen to me.” Something in Kain's tone must've alerted the ex-human
that something wasn't right.
“What?”
“May I?” Zero frowned slightly. He shook his head slightly, confused.
“I don't-”
“May I bite you?”
You could hear a pin drop at the sudden silence that filled the room. Zero
blinked back his confusion, clearing the redness from his eyes.
“I'm sorry what?”
“May I bite you?”
Another deafening silence. Kain felt the boy tremble suddenly within his arms.
Horror and anguish overtook his gaze before the pet dropped his head.
“W-w...? Did I do s-somthing wrong?” Kain frowned. What was he going on about?
“What-?”
“I didn't mean to push you away...before, I wasn't t-trying to hurt y-you-”
“Zero-”
“I'm sorry.”
“What?”
“I'm s-sorry okay!” Zero raised his head, when he did, Kain realized his eyes
were filled with unshed tears. “Just don't... don't hurt me o-kay?” Zero
dropped his head once more. His whole body had begun to quiver in fear. It
reminded Kain of when Zero had just been saved from the snatchers and tormented
by nightmares for days afterwards.
“Zero, what are you talking-?” Kain paused. It was if the lights had suddenly
gone on in his brain. Zero had been bitten as a child. It was by the same
vampire who murdered his family. The experience would've been horrible, earth-
shattering...painful. Zero had grown up in the world of humans and vampire
hunters. He knew nothing of the mating and courting behavior between vampires,
he had no idea that a vampire bite was their most deadly weapon and also the
greatest act of devotion.
Did Zero even realize what Kain was asking? Did he even know that Kain was
allowing Zero to be his first -probably the only- blood bond.
No. The boy probably had not a clue.
And Kain didn't think he was ready to admit what the act meant between them. To
describe just how much two vampires had to feel for each other to do it. Just
how devoted Kain felt towards the boy.
No. It would be too much.
What if he explained it to the pet and Zero still turned him down? The one
person that Kain cared the most for. The one he treasured most?
Kain closed his eyes. Hiding his anguish.
If Zero turned away from him now... if he rejected him...
Kain wondered how much of his soul he would have in tact if Zero did.
A vampire with a soul. How laughable was that?
Kain opened his eyes, shoving all his emotions behind a mask of taunting
seduction.
“Zero...” Kain cupped Zero's chin, raising the boy's eyes to meet his own. “I
think you misunderstood me.” The pet blinked.
“What?”
“When I asked if I could bite you I didn't mean literally.” Zero frowned.
“Then what did you mean?” Kain chuckled, even to his own ears it sounded hollow
as he forced himself to carry out his bluff.
“Surely I don't have to spell it out?”
“Erm- pretty sure you do.” Kain dropped his voice to a mere whisper.
“Have you ever experienced a blow job Zero?” The look on the boy's face was
priceless. It wiped all traces of fear and sadness from there. A shape at the
back of Kain's mind almost nodded in approval. At least his plan had worked.
“What!”
“Zero, that color is superb on you.” Zero was as red as a tomato and slowly
turning darker.
“W-well....y-you-” The pet fought for the right words-any words.
“I'll take that as a no.” Kain leaned forward. Pressing a single kiss to Zero's
forehead. “Don't worry Zero, you're in good hands.”
Still cupping the boy's face, Kain lowered himself past the boy's shoulders his
tongue meeting the boy's chest as he gave a slow, long lick down the taunt
chest and lower still to the boy's waist band.
“Y-you...you aren't really going to b-bite it are you?” Kain chuckled.
“No Zero.”
“Then why say-”
“-It's a cover word for 'this' in some circles.” Kain bluffed pathetically.
Surprisingly the pet believed him.
“M-maybe you shouldn't call it that in the future.”
“Maybe.”
“It's weird...”
“Zero?”
“Yes?”
“Stop talking.” Kain got the two words out before he focused on the task before
him. Kain had to admit. Zero was beautiful. What was more intriguing was that
although Zero's hair was like spun silver, the hair below was as black as the
night.
The noble wasn't complaining.
Kain's hands slid down Zero's chest, the muscles rippling beneath his touch.
And gently moved the offending pants, that remained partially undone at Zero's
hips, down to the boy's knees. Kain glanced up at his pet. The youth was
watching him with hesitated breath. When he was caught staring the heavy blush
returned, highlighted by the rising sun outside their window.
“You're beautiful.” Kain murmured, watching Zero's blush darken and knowing his
words were true.
It was a shame the boy would never truly be his.
Kain lowered his gaze.
There was no time to think of that now.
The boy was here, now, with him. He was a pet and as tightly bound to him as
the situation would allow without resorting to sharing bites. It was as close
to the boy as he would ever get.
And Kain would not waste a second of it.
The noble cupped the pet gently. Listening to the hitch of breath from above
him. Parting his lips, Kain pressed them to the side of the tender flesh and
dragged them up the entire length, his tongue pressed to the skin, traced the
thick vein that ran up the side.
A choked sound came from above.
Smiling somewhat darkly, Kain allowed the whole of the ex-human into his mouth.
Reaching the very base before swallowing. A moan of pleasure came from above.
Hips, bucked into his mouth and hands tentatively touched the sides of his
hair.
Kain gripped Zero's hips, pinning him down. Before rising once again swirling
his tongue around the tip. A cry echoed above and Kain looked up to watch his
beautiful pet, his treasure, lose himself to the act.
Zero tossed his head, eyes rolled up into the back of his skull as Kain
continued to rise and fall over his arousal. Gasped sobs and cries tore from
his throat as he fought to restrain himself.
It was a lost cause Zero knew.
His hips were bucking instinctively and even though Kain held him down, Zero
couldn't stop the reflex. His hands knotted in the sheets, eventually sliding
into Kain's soft, tousled hair to tug and grip gently at the strands.
His chest heaved, sweat clung to his skin as the heat returned to his being:
surging, twisting, burning like a firestorm straight out of hell. It rose is
strength and power until Zero could fight it no more. He lost himself with a
guttural cry and soon he was falling into blackness.
He really needed to stop passing out when Kain did this to him.
There was only blackness.
***** Destruction *****
Akatsuki woke two hours earlier than normal, however the noble did not find
this strange. All day he had been plagued by haunting dreams and a feeling of
worry settling deep within his gut.
The main source of these anxieties lay beside him, curled within his embrace.
Soft rays of moonlight seemed to caress the pet's pale skin and played with the
silver strands. His eyes were closed in deep slumber, his face soft and
untroubled. Tender lips parted lightly as the ex-hunter breathed a deep sigh of
content.
It was like watching peace itself slumber.
Akatsuki wanted nothing more than to continue to lie there, to ignore the world
for just a little while longer and yet he sighed, eyes closing almost as if he
were in pain as he untangled himself from his pet and rose from the bed. Zero
muttered something unintelligible in his sleep before shifting into a more
comfortable position, sleeping on.
A half smile appeared in the corner of Kain's mouth, when he realized what he
was doing, he immediately schooled his face into a blank mask- the norm for
him- and turned sharply away, heading for his study. Kain made sure he closed
the door, firmly. He paused, hands running over the handles savoring the feel
of cool metal before collapsing his head to rest upon the door. Images of
yesterday flashing though his mind, replaying themselves until they finally
stopped at the point where Kain had asked to bite Zero.
What was I thinking?
Biting a Level D, making a bond and with his pet- What the Hell had he been
thinking?
Kain released the door, striding over to his desk and fishing a cigarette
packet out of the top drawer and lighting it with somewhat haste, needing the
hit of nicotine to soothe his nerves.
Kain sat on the edge of his desk, watching the moon rise slowly into the night.
It had been the alcohol, yes, that was why he'd come to such a ridiculous idea-
blood bond indeed. Blood bonds were only made between lovers and married
couples, they were the sign of ultimate loyalty, devotion and of course love.
To even have the sudden notion to make one, with his pet no less was something
of deep concern for the noble.
He didn't feel that way for his pet surely? He was attracted to Zero of course,
mentally and physically. He loved getting a stir out of his temperamental pet
as much as he loved watching the boy...or touching him. Zero was interesting to
him, yes, Kain admitted he also felt the need to protect Zero and care for him
which could be perceived as devotion and Kain certainly went to a lot of
trouble to protect the boy from attacks of any kind, including defending him
against his friends and family, namely his cousin so that could be seen as
loyalty...
I’m not in love with Zero!
So why had he thought such thoughts last night? Why had he suddenly wished to
bind the pet to him and him to his pet? Why had he felt so...hurt when he
realized Zero would never accept such a thing between them...?
There is no way! Kain scowled, gripping a wine bottle in one hand and a glass
in the other to pour himself an unhealthy portion of the dark liquid. He downed
at least half of it in his first gulp.
Kain ran a hand through his already messy hair. He felt as if he'd lost his
footing on the grounds that he had lived his whole life upon, his mind was in
free-fall.
Yes, he cared for the boy- perhaps more than he had ever cared for another. Yes
he was attracted to Zero, again, perhaps more than he was attracted to any
other. And yes... only Zero could play havoc with his emotions more so than any
other.
That that did not mean love!
Love was all warm and fluffy, goo-goo eyes and baby talk. Love was wanting to
spend the rest of eternity with someone and having hundreds of little prodigies
running amuck. - It was NOT a highly confusing not to mention trying
arrangement between master and pet, a Noble and level D, a vampire and ex-
hunter hunter where both parties were constantly at each other’s throats and
yet always finding themselves in the same bed at the end of the day. It was NOT
that, whatever IT was between the two, it was not love. Therefore the idea of a
blood bond was absolutely ludicrous.
Somehow that statement did nothing for Kain's nerves, or his mood for that
matter.
“Bit early for that isn't it?” Kain snapped around, almost spilling the remains
of his blood wine with the abrupt movement. A tired Zero stood in the doorway.
Kain took in the messy hair, the smooth, curved lines of topless chest and soft
mauve eyes, blinking to focus. Kain felt a flare of heat go straight to his
groin. Unable to speak just yet without his voice betraying him. Kain let out a
small sound at the back of his throat as he rolled his eyes and took a seat
behind his desk, hiding his lower body from view as Zero entered the room. His
night pants sitting far too low on his hips.
“I'll get Alfred to bring some coffee.” Zero sighed, watching Kain's drink with
a look of disapproval. Again Kain made a sound of agreement at the back of his
throat. He refused to label it as a grunt. He was a nobleman after all.
Zero left, retreating back to the bedroom to send for Alfred. Kain found his
mouth suddenly dry, watching the sway of Zero's hips all the more defined by
how low his pants were sitting.
“Christ.” Kain muttered, fixing his own attire discreetly. He still had not
found a release with the pet yet and after yesterday Kain's patience was
wearing rather thin.
Kain downed the last of his drink savoring the aftertaste as his mind flittered
back, once again, to last night.
What had he been thinking? That was the problem, he hadn't been. The only thing
that had passed through his mind at the time was the need to be closer to the
pet, to be a part of him. Kain knew he was protective of Zero, more so than
anything else. Kain hated sharing and he hated being vulnerable. Maybe that was
why he had offered the blood bond; because he knew he felt too much towards the
ex-hunter, that he thought of Zero as one of the most important things in his
life and that he was afraid of losing Zero, of the ex-hunter somehow being
snatched away from him again. Maybe that was why he offered the blood bond,
because if Zero accepted it then they would never be apart and Zero could never
leave him, never be stolen from him, never run from him. With a simple blood
bond, Kain would never be alone again.
That sounds about right. Kain mused, happily accepting this option rather than
the alternative; that he, an esteemed high-ranking noble, had fallen for Zero,
a Level D a pet far below his station.
Kain snorted lightly. How utterly ridiculous. Desire I can understand,
attraction and need most certainly- but love? For me? Never.
Feeling more confident than before, Kain put out his cigarette and set aside
his now empty glass. Zero returned at this moment, this time with Alfred
following him, a serving trolley in his grasp.
“Ah good you brought the coffee.”
 
===============================================================================
 
A few miles away, Aidou found himself awakening from the thralls of slumber.
Slowly, his eyes blinked open. They were puffy, sore and bloodshot from the
hours of mindless drinking and pitiful moping just hours ago.
Aidou watched the moon outside his window. Marveling in its soft, glowing
beauty before reality set in and he realized another night had come and it was
time to get up and face yet another day.
Aidou groaned loudly, rolling over, away from the moon and burying his head
under his many pillows. He liked his pillows; he had no less than twelve.
Having many pillows didn’t make his king-sized bed so big…so empty and the
electric blanket that ran at all times warmed the bed enough to feel like
someone else was there with him.
Aidou wiped the dried snot from his nose, the disgusting after effect of crying
before bed. The pillows and the electric blanket were small comforts, small,
but just enough to keep him sane and to keep the cold numbness of his heart
overtaking his body. For the time being at least.
The sound of his bedroom doors being opened and a breakfast tray rolling in
made him dig deeper under his covers. He wanted to block out the sound. Pretend
it wasn’t happening, pretending that it wasn’t night just yet, that he had at
least a few more hours until he had to wake and face his own personal hell.
“Master?” The sound of soft ballet shoes on his hardwood floor echoed in his
ears. “Master it’s time for breakfast.” Aidou muffled response came from
beneath the mounds of pillows and blankets. A soft, sad smile touched Yori’s
face. She knew why her master found it so hard to rise.
“Master…?” Yori walked carefully over to the side of the bed. She looked down
at the mass nervously before biting her lip in determination.
“Master… are you in here somewhere?” her tone was only slightly playful, but
speaking leaps and bounds for someone normally so quite. “Master?” she poked at
the covers. They suddenly moved, Yori leaned back in surprise as a small blond
head poked out from the covers.
“Did you just try and tease me?” Yori let the smallest of smiles touch her face
and yet on the inside her soul wept in sorrow as it took in the sight of her
master.
When Yori had first met her master he had been beautiful, truly and utterly;
like a fallen angel. His wavy blonde hair like spun gold, skin soft and creamy
white, intelligent blue eyes, sparking with life and mischief and yet slightly
haunted by something unknown. He was energetic to say the least, passionate
about the workings of the world and now…
Now he was looking up at her with dirty blonde hair, deathly pale skin, hollow
cheeks, and lost, dull blue eyes. Aidou no longer entertained himself with the
written word or working in his lab downstairs. Now all he did was mope, moving
from room to room with no real purpose, staring out into space with a look of
longing and sadness upon his features. When he left the house he was no
different, keeping silent and sticking to the shadows. He no longer spoke up or
out, he just sat. Sat and stared. Then, when he returned home he would drink
himself into oblivion, weeping as he did so before finally passing out only to
be carried off to his room and to his bed by another. Being tucked in by Yori
and finally shutting off until he woke all to do it again the next night.
Yori hated what he had become, loathed the people who did this to him and
cursed that she couldn’t get through to him, only wake him when it was time to
rise- but Yori didn’t know how much longer she could do that for either.
Aidou was dying and she had no way to stop it.
Yori looked down at her master’s bloodshot eyes, looking past them until she
saw a small flicker of life, brought forth by her light, however unexpected,
teasing.
“Yes master, I did.”
“You, you of all people?” Yori’s face suddenly transformed into fear. She
hadn’t done the wrong thing had she? Yori cursed herself for being so bold.
“Hmm, they always say you have to watch out for the quiet ones.” Aidou’s tone
was light and teasing. Yori lifted her head, her eyes widening with shock and
then joy.
“Master, breakfast is ready.” Aidou nodded softly, letting out a small sound of
acknowledgement. His expression hardening slightly.
“Very well.”
Yori hurried over to the serving trolley, Richard, their butler began to serve
the food, handing it to Yori before giving a simple bow and departing. He was a
silent butler. Aidou was endlessly thankful for that.
Yori brought the food over to Aidou, waiting for him to sit up in bed before
she gave him the tray. Richard and Yori both knew Aidou was likely to eat more
if she was the one serving it.
Aidou began to eat, doing so as if it caused him extreme effort to do so and
taking even more to swallow and stomach the food.
For a few minutes the two simply sat in silence. Yori watching on as Aidou ate.
Their arrangement was somewhat fickle. Yori doubted any other master and pet
had a relationship quite like theirs. They hardly spoke, yet Aidou wanted her
by his side at all times, Yori knew he took comfort in having someone else with
him, that way he didn’t feel as if he were so alone. They both knew hardly
anything about each other, whether it be their past, job occupation, favorite
foods etc. Yet Yori felt overwhelming affection and care for her master and
felt like she knew his current mindset down to the tiniest detail. She knew he
was suffering, knew that he couldn’t stand to be alone and she knew that his
greatest hope was to be acknowledged by his older cousin Akatsuki Kain, his
greatest wish was to be loved and cherished by that person- not in a romantic
way, oh no, simply in unbreakable friendship and complete loyalty so that Aidou
would never find himself alone again.
If only he realized that all the friendship he would ever need was sitting
right in front of him, watching him eat with a worried gaze.
A few more minutes of silence passed. Aidou succeeded in eating over a quarter
of his meal, secretly Yori was leaping for joy over that fact. But then he
spoke.
“What do I have to do today?” Yori felt herself go tense. Her muscles locked
up.
Not now, don’t ask me that now. Can’t you eat a little more before you do?
“Yori?”
“Um…” Yori cleared her throat nervously. “Bion Pharmaceutical Industries wanted
to go over a few formulas’ with you, you have to make an appearance at the
opening of the new mathematic building over at Moekel Elite university and then
you have a dinner at ‘The Firefly’.” Yori winced as she named one of Akatsuki
Kain’s famous hotels, then flinching when the sound of Aidou’s knife and fork
slipped from his fingers, clattering to the plate.
“The other will be there won’t they?” Yori nodded softly, looking down to her
lap.
“Yes master.” When there was no reply, Yori raised her head slightly. Aidou was
sitting very still, his meal barely half eaten and his eyes to the window. He
was staring again.
“I’ll make the necessary arrangements.” Yori murmured, rising from her seat and
departing from the room. She left Aidou’s plate, hoping he would eat some more.
But she and Aidou both knew that when Richard came to collect it later it would
still be the same. Aidou had no interest in it now. He was too busy staring.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero sat looking down at the high-quality meal before him, every now and then
shooting glances at the noble opposite to him. They were, once again, dining in
one of Kain’s prestigious hotels ‘sampling the food quality’ Kain claimed but
Zero thought he was just doing it for a free meal or to keep all his employees
on their toes, or to annoy Zero with their constant outings under the public
eye OR maybe it was all three rolled into one.
“I’m sure if the food was supposed to be mashed together they would have done
it for you.” Kain’s voice lulled Zero from his thoughts.
“Huh?”
“The meal, you’re massacring it.” Zero glanced down. He had somehow managed to
mash every piece of his dish into a huge uneaten ball of mush. Zero felt a
twinge of embarrassment grace his cheeks, especially when he realized that the
servers were wincing every time they caught sight of the abomination before
him.
“Oh…opps.” Kain raised an eyebrow.
“Something bothering you?” Zero felt himself go red.
“Nope.” He shook his head violently as if to prove it. Somehow Kain didn’t seem
convinced.
“Really?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I see.” Kain dropped his gaze back to his meal. Zero shifted uncomfortably in
his seat. There was no way he would voice his concerns here, in the middle of a
high-class restaurant let alone to the noble before him.
“Wine?”
“Huh?”
“I do believe the term is ‘pardon’ and I was asking you if you would like some
wine.”
“Oh…umm- no thanks.”
“Suit yourself.” Kain began to browse the wine list, the stillness between the
two grating on Zero’s nerves. Zero returned to mashing the food on his plate.
“You’re not fretting over last night are you?” There was a piercing sound as
Zero’s knife and fork dug into the plate’s china with accidental force.
Akatsuki closed the wine list with a snap.
“Oh look, got it in one.”
“H-how- how did-?”
“Because whenever we do anything that involves vampirism or sex you transform
into a blushing schoolgirl.
“I-I do not!”
“You’re red right now.” Zero’s hands when to his face. Kain smirked. “Case and
point.”
“Shut up!”
“Now, now Zero this is a very prestigious place, that language isn’t entirely
appropriate.”
“You only say it’s prestigious because you own it.”
“Exactly.” Zero just stared. There was no response to such a pompous answer.
They sat staring at each other as a few tense moments dragged by.
“Are you embarrassed?”
“Huh?”
“As I said before the term is ‘pardon’ and I asked if you were embarrassed
specifically about last night.” Kain smirked softly as there was an audible
gulp from Zero’s side of the table. He found his eyes being directed to Zero’s
throat, watching the pet’s Adam’s apple bob. Somehow the action triggered a
stirring of interest below the table on the noble’s behalf.
“No.”
“Really?” Kain directed his gaze back to his own plate for a moment just long
enough to let the silver-haired pet think he was off the hook. Zero was halfway
through letting out a silent sigh of relief when Kain spoke up once again.
“You know it’s perfectly fine to be embarrassed after your first blow job.”
Kain watched with secret glee at Zero’s expression. The poor boy looked like
he’d been sentenced to death row. Kain continued. “It is also normal to feel
embarrassed, even ashamed after their first experience with vampirism and sex.”
Zero wanted nothing more than to die right there than rather face the
conversation Kain was having with him- in the middle of a public restaurant no
less!
“Did we hurt anyone Zero?”
“W-what?”
“I’m asking you if we hurt anyone.”
“Oh…um…no.”
“Was either of us hurt?- in a bad way I mean?” Kain clarified.
“Define bad.” Zero grumbled sinking lower and lower in his seat by the minute.
“Non-pleasurable.” Kain smirked at the look on Zero’s face.
“No.” Kain had to lean forward to hear that even with his vampire hearing.
“Then how, in any way, is what we did bad- or in your book- wrong?”
“I never said-”
“No” Kain drawled. “But you were thinking it. So why is what we did so wrong in
your book?”
“I don’t-”
“Because it involved two vampires? Because it was different to the ‘human’ way
or against your beliefs or the morals that has been drilled into your brain
since birth?”
“I…w-well- don’t-”
“Something to think about.” Kain held Zero’s gaze for a moment longer before
rising in his seat. “Now if you’re down I would like to go home and freshen up
before tonight.”
“Tonight?”
“Yes, we’re meeting with the other’s for dinner at ‘the Firefly’ if you
remember.” Zero groaned. “Now, now, none of that, I want you on your best
behavior. We can’t have you stabbing purebloods and losing your temper now can
we?”
Zero grumbled a protest of some sort, rolling his eyes and reluctantly
following the noble out.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero huffed impatiently. Waiting for the noble’s to arrive, the invite was for
seven in the morning damnit and it was already ten past.
“You did get the right day didn’t you?” Zero sighed loudly from where he was
seated, beside Kain in his private booth at the back. Kain chuckled softly.
“Impatient tonight aren’t we?” Kain ruffled the pet’s hair teasingly. Zero
pushed the hand away with a glare. “Anyone would think you want them to come.”
“I don’t want them to come, I just want this to be over already.”
“I see.” A pause. “I believe it’s called being fashionably late, aristocrat
nobles have it down to a T.”
“Of course they do-”
“-Kain, thankyou for the invitation.” Kaname appeared at the door of the booth
with his beloved wife. Kain rose to bow, pointedly nudging Zero’s foot
indicating for the pet to do the same.
“Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule Kaname-sama and you
Yuki-sama.” The pureblood waved off the formalities.
“I needed a break, Yuki keeps telling me I need to get out of the house and
away from work.”
“Only because it’s true.” Yuki added, nudging her partner fondly before the
pair of them settled in their seats.
“Kain! Good to see you again. I was getting lonely.” Takuma and Shiki came into
view.
“Takuma, I saw you just the other night.”
“My point exactly.”
“Are you telling me you are not satisfied with your company at home?” Shiki
intervened. Takuma smiled apologetically.
“Senri, you know I’m only playing.”
“Sit down you two you’re holding up the line.” Ruka’s head appeared behind
them. The three of them slid into their seats, Ruka’s pet following loyally
behind.
“Where’s Aidou?” Yuki asked frowning slightly. “You have forgiven him haven’t
you Kain?”
“As always.”
“I don’t see why you should, really he goes too far. He’s probably just late,
honestly he has no sense of culture-” Ruka’s tirade was cut off by a sudden
blond head coming into view.
“Apologies cousin, I didn’t mean to be delayed.”
“It’s alright Aidou.” Aidou felt his heart leap as Kain’s gaze met his with an
understanding smirk. For a split second Kain was looking at Aidou the same as
he did when they were kids. Aidou’s breath stuttered. A bubble seemed to be
welling in his chest filling him with a warmth he hadn’t felt in years.
“-We’re all used to it by now, honestly Aidou do you ever show up on time?” The
bubble burst at the horrible sound that was Ruka’s voice. The gaping hollowness
it left made it suddenly hard to breathe. Behind him, out of sight, Aidou felt
Yori place an uncertain, yet comforting hand on his back. Aidou forced himself
to breathe in.
You can do this, just ignore her. You can do this, for him youmustdo this.
Aidou dropped Kain’s gaze and hesitantly took a seat beside Shiki. He did not
miss the way the red-head tensed with uncertainty and shift uncomfortably as
Aidou sat down. Aidou swallowed forcefully, trying to ignore the movement and
indicating for Yori to sit beside him.
You can do this.
Kain watched his cousin take a seat. It appeared his cousin seemed to have
quieted as of late, choosing a more demure state than his outgoing, loud
‘norm’. Maybe Kain’s firmness and reluctant apology did the noble some good and
taught him a lesson once and for all. Kain frowned slightly, was it just him or
did Aidou’s eyes seem darker as if they were plagued by some horrible thoughts?
Kain shrugged it aside. Aidou was probably just feeling sorry for himself.
“So Kain, please tell me you have made progress on your little break in?”
Takuma spoke first, wanting to end the slight tension that was hanging in the
air.
“I’ve got my people looking into it, and Kaname-sama has generously agreed to
lend Serien’s capabilities.” Kain signaled to the waiter for drinks, not
missing a beat in conversation. Zero had to admit he was impressed. The man was
a professional at what he did, completely in his element. He had just given an
answer that was hardly false but secretly misleading. Yes, Kain’s men were
looking into it and yes Serien was helping them put up new security systems,
but as far as Zero knew Kain was no closer to capturing the Burglar the he had
been originally.
Zero smirked inwardly.
“That’s good to hear, with Serien’s skills your systems will be impenetrable.”
There was a short pause as the drinks arrived and served out to each noble.
Zero noted Kain was back on the blood wine, he also noticed that there was a
very slight change in colour compared to Kain’s brew of choice.
Maybe the noble finally decided to try something new.
“The whole thing has been rather exciting hasn’t it?” Yuki’s eyes were lighting
up with fascination. Zero didn’t see it, his eyes were still stuck on Kain’s
glass. Something akin to dread had settled in his gut.
New wine? Kain never tried new wine, he was too stubborn for that-
“Well I’m glad you find it amusing-” Kain went to take a sip of his drink, as
the liquid swirled slightly Zero saw a dark sediment move at the bottom of the
glass. Something that looked awfully familiar to his days as a hunter.
“Don’t!-” Zero’s hand shot out knocking the glass from Kain’s hands. It fell
back to the table with a crash, glass shattered and the liquid spilled all over
the table.
“Ze-” Kain paused in mid-speech. The liquid that had spilled over the table was
melting the silver tray and scorching the polished wood.
“What-” Ruka’s voice was barely a murmur.
“Nightflower.” Zero announced watching as the liquid continued to do its job.
“Liquid acid in the gut of your enemies.”
Kain blinked stupidly, looking from the puddle on the table to Zero’s face. He
had saved him, Zero who longed for freedom more than anything else had just
saved his life and henceforth, securing his position as a pet…forever.
“You saved me.”
All eyes were now upon Kain and his pet. Zero looked back to his master. He
returned to his seat his head bowed respectively and the lightest of colors on
his cheeks.
“Of course I did.” He whispered softly.
“And rightfully so.” Kaname spoke up cutting through the thick cloud of shock
and tension. He motioned for a waiter to clean up the mess. “Perhaps those
death threats are more serious than you think Kain?” Akatsuki cleared his
throat slightly, finally looking away from his pet.
“I get so many of them it’s hard to differentiate between the bluffs and an
actual threat.” Kain realized he had made a mistake. He had let his guard down
and it had very nearly cost him dearly. A cold hand was settling around his
heart. His attacker had somehow managed to infiltrate his own hotel. It was a
disturbing thought.
“Perhaps it would be time for you to get a bodyguard Kain and who better than
your own pet, he has a Hunter background does he not?”
“I had already planned on making him one.”
Zero and Aidou all froze at Kain’s words. Zero was shock still because his
brain could not comprehend the fact that a Pureblood- a pureblood for Christ’s
sake!- had even thought about trying to better Zero’s station and secondly,
Kain had planned to follow through on that thought even without Kaname’s
suggestion. Just when had the noble been planning on telling him this?!
Aidou was paralyzed, unable to move because his brain was forcing him to
acknowledge some unwanted realizations. Zero was going to become Kain’s
bodyguard. Not just a fuck toy, he damned level D was going to be a person of
status, he was going to be around Kain all the time. Kain, would probably even
cancel out Zero’s registration as a pet- depending on whether he still wanted
to keep Zero for a good ride or for the fact that he actually…
Loved him.
Aidou found his mouth opening and closing but no sound coming out. How could
one care for another when their heart loved so fully. Kain never did anything
in halves, he was an all or nothing sort of person. If Kain really cared for
Zero then it meant he loved the pet and if he loved the pet…Kain’s definition
of love was complete devotion and loyalty, something that was only shared with
one and never another.
In other words;
Aidou’s feeble attempts at friendship wouldn’t mean shit to the ‘The Nightlife
King’.
Aidou felt like his heart was constricting, coiling up into a tight ball until
all he could feel was a desolate numbness. A small sad smile graced his lips.
“Of course...”
He should have seen it coming.
“Aidou?”
It was then, as all the others in the booth were staring at him that Aidou
realized he had spoken out loud.
“I-I said ‘of course’.” Aidou’s brain was racing, trying to think of some way
to get him out of this situation without offending anyone, without assaulting
Zero in a fit of jealous rage or having a full blown break down.
“I-I mean…” Aidou watched the faces around him; Kain almost intrigued but
cautious, Ruka, sporting an expression that said ‘if you dare insult him…-‘ and
the other’s whose gaze held interest yet confusion about what Aidou was trying
to say.
“Akatsuki’s always looking out for others-” Aidou could almost hear the sigh of
relief around the circle. Feeling more confident, Aidou continued. “It’s about
time someone looked out for him- in a protector way of course-” Aidou chose his
words carefully, he didn’t want to offend anyone by implying that no one cared
for Kain. “-And what better person to do it? Kiryuu is already indebted and
attached, I’m sure, to Kain after he risked his own neck in rescuing Zero from
Snatches.” Everyone nodded in agreement, Aidou felt a weight of relief being
lifted off his chest as he saw he was actually, finally saying the right thing
for once. The soft look of almost affection on Kain’s face warmed his heart.
Aidou thought for a moment that he might just cry with happiness at that look.
He had not seen it in years.
“-In fact, I do believe Kain still has those idiots strung up in one of his
warehouses, still teaching them their lesson-” Kaname, Yuki and Ruka were made
small sounds of approval, Aidou felt a smile actually reaching his face.
And then he saw Takuma’s expression.
Takuma was pale, his eyes wide with almost horror. Senri was shaking his head,
rolling his eyes in a manner that clearly said ‘I knew he was going to blow
it’. Aidou’s smile began to falter as his eye moved around the circle to Zero’s
face.
The pet was pale, deathly pale as if all the blood had drained from his face.
It was about then that Aidou’s brain decided to kick in and remind him of the
conversation he had with Takuma when the blond had told him of Kain’s daring
rescue:
‘…Oh yes it was all very exciting, apparently Kain actually lost control when
he killed their leader.” Takuma’s sing song voice came through the phone.
“Akatsuki? Lose control-never.” Aidou listened on with a worried expression. To
think, his cousin had risked his life for a mere pet!
“He did!”
“What about the others? Surely he didn’t kill them too?”
“No, he has them tied up in one of his ‘warehouses’ I think. I don’t know if he
actually knows what to do with them, really. I imagine he wants Zero to decide
their punishment, but apparently any mention of them is setting the pet off. I
guess he’s planning on keeping them a secret until Zero’s fully recovered and
ready to face them…”
 
Aidou felt something in his mind click.
Zero didn’t know.
Aidou, then looked to his cousin. Akatsuki’s face was contorted in black rage.
He had risen to his feet his fists clenched, the knuckles white at his sides.
Kain’s aura was like a thick black cloud threatening to rip him to pieces.
“Get...Out.”
Aidou’s smile had completely disappeared, in its place was a look of utter
horror, realization and remembrance:
"Hanabusa."
The retreating noble froze.
"When you only hurt me I can always accept your apologies, because you're my
cousin; my blood. But when you hurt others it's different and I won't, I've had
enough Aidou."
"I understand."
"I won't be accepting anymore apologies-" Aidou nodded, silent as stone. "-
After this one."
"Make sure it doesn't happen again."
"I won't." He made it sound like a vow.
 
Aidou fled from the booth, Yori somewhere behind him.
He had just hurt Zero.                  
He had just broken his promise.
Kain would never forgive him, never even see him… again.
Aidou didn’t remember the limo ride home, didn’t remember walking up the frount
steps and brushing past a started Richard.
Aidou flung open the doors in his way, his heart pounding and his breathing
erratic like a dying man in their final moments of life.
He stopped in his bedroom. Standing right where had been just weeks ago when
he’d pulled out a knife.
“Master!” Yori raced into the room after him, fearful for her master’s life.
Surely he wouldn’t try to end his life again. Surely…?
She almost reached him, before he took off again, this time it was to his
bathroom and to throw his head down the toilet.
A horrible retching sound bounced off the cold tile walls.
“Master, it’s okay.” Yori kneeled beside him, trying to rub soothing circles on
his back. He reatched again then pushed her hand violently away.
“It’s not okay!” his voice made Yori’s blood run cold. It was like a rasped
screech. Tears were falling down his cheeks, his face twisted in absolute pain
and agony. “Don’t you see?! He doesn’t care! He will NEVER care!-” His cries
were replaced by the awful sound of sickness. His sides heaving in pain. Then,
after what seemed like a lifetime later he stopped. The vomiting stopped, the
tears stopped and he simply sat back and crumpled to the floor.
“…not anymore…not about me…” Yori just stared. She couldn’t move, she was in
too much shock at her master’s behavior, his violent outburst and now broken
form.
“….I can’t breathe…” Aidou whispered, his eyes completely void of all life. It
was enough to rip Yori from her daze. She crawled to her masters side, gripping
his hands in both of hers.
They were ice cold.
“It’s okay, just breathe for me. Breathe Hanabusa!” Yori wiped her face, barely
registering the fact that she was crying, crying for her master.”
“You have to breathe for me- Breathe!” Aidou’s chest was rising and falling,
but Yori knew Aidou wasn’t talking about breathing like that. He was talking
about living. He was telling her he couldn’t live anymore that he couldn’t
carry on any longer.
“Please master” Yori whispered with shuddering breaths. “Please breathe for
me... I love you.”                                             
“I’m cold.” Yori let out a sob, partially out of relief and partially because
she had just confessed her heart to him and he hadn’t even acknowledged it. She
wasn’t even sure if he was acknowledging her, just speaking out-loud.
“Okay.” Yori wiped her face and helped Aidou to his feet. Slowly, they stumbled
over to the bed. Aidou seemed to have forgotten how to use his legs and Yori’s
whole body shuddered with the effort it took to move the dead weight.
“Here we go, lie down.” Yori pulled back the bed covers and settled Aidou into
it. She slipped off his shoes, took off his tie and his jacket. She tucked him
in, switched the electric blanket on full and piled the pillows up around him
so it almost seemed as if someone was in bed with him. All the while talking to
him, telling him what she was doing more to keep herself sane than him. Finally
Yori stood at the door ready to leave.
“Go to sleep, tomorrow everything will be better- you’ll see.” Yori flicked off
the light, casting one least hesitant look at Aidou’s figure before departing.
Aidou did not notice her departure. He was too busy staring out the window.
 
The next morning, Aidou didn’t get out of bed.
 
***** Close Those Wounds, Begin To Heal *****
Zero strode up the stairs, his feet leading the way. His mind was racing and he
had no way of stopping it. Kain followed, calling his name, but Zero didn’t
hear him.
Hibiki and Katashi were still alive.
Zero had never thought of their fate. When Kain rescued him, he thought that it
was the last time he had to see them again. Maybe he thought they had been
killed in the rescue, maybe they had got away-he’d never really given them any
extra thought outside his nightmares and now…
Now Aidou was telling him over dinner that they were still very much alive and
in Akatsuki’s possession.
Dinner…
At dinner, someone had tried to poison Kain which meant they had managed to
infiltrate the hotel. Somehow the death threats seemed a lot more serious
now…and what about Kain? Kain had blown at dinner, Zero hadn’t really seen it
happen since he was too shocked by Aidou’s words, but he had felt Kain’s aura
and it was scary, really scary. Kain had also made a mention that he planned to
make Zero his bodyguard- not just a mere pet an actual body guard. Something
that Zero could easily do, someone with an actual job in society.
A door, somewhere behind Zero closed. It was only then that Zero realized where
his feet had taken him; Kain’s room. It was only mildly surprising since Zero
spent most of his time here and Kain was the one who helped him when he was
panicking or unsure so really coming to Kain’s room in his haze wasn’t a shock.
Zero snorted inwardly, who would’ve thought; him coming to a vampire on his own
free will for comfort.
He guessed it was proof of how close the two had become.
“Zero” Kain’s voice came from behind him, the rich tones gentle and soothing
like he was trying to calm a wild animal. “Please, let me explain…-”
“When were you going to tell me?” Zero’s voice came out as a strained whisper.
“Zero...-” Kain sighed.
“When!?” Zero snapped around to face the noble. Kain met his gaze head on.
“As soon as you could face them.” A chocked sound come from Zero’s throat torn
between a sob at the thought of seeing them…-their faces- again and a snort of
laughter at the stupidity of Kain’s response.
“Well that’s funny, I need to actually know about them before I can see them
Kain!”
“I was waiting for the right moment, you wouldn’t have wanted to hear about
them when you first got back and now you’ve only just healed and getting back
to your old self-”
“-My old self! My old self wouldn’t be standing here taking to a vampire, my
old self would be trying to kill you! My old self wouldn’t share a bed with
you!  Wouldn’t save you from being poisoned- I’m not my old self, I will never
be my old self so I don’t know what the fuck you’re going on about!” Zero was
screaming out each word his fury shooting though the roof. He was yelling and
tearing at his hair, his clothes anything within reach. He was exploding in a
fit of nervous rage as the unsteady ground he had only just learned to accept
and walk on was ripped from beneath his feet.
And yet, Kain stood by the door watching him a neutral expression on his face.
Zero finished by kicking the sofa next to him. Breathing hard and completely
exhausted, Zero went to the end of the bed and sat down his head in his hands.
The silence stretched on, filled with the sound of Zero trying to catch his
breath and Kain lighting a cigarette. The noble took a drag before blowing out,
smoke whirling into the air.
“I’m talking about your attitude.” Kain continued as if the pet had not just
self-combusted before him.
“What attitude?” Zero’s muffled retort brought the smallest of smirks to Kain’s
mouth.
“You’re spirit, you’re light-” Zero snorted in response. “- When I first met
you, you were full of it. You were arrogant yes, closed-minded and a bit of a
smart arse if I do say so myself” Zero felt his lips quirk. “I brought you
because of that light, that spirit, because anyone else would have broken you.
I hoped that you would bring some light into my own life, as hollow as it is,
and into me. You did.” Kain chuckled softly. “You made me feel so much in the
shortest amounts of time- anger for one, frustration…among other things. But
they took you, they hurt you and they almost destroyed you. All I could think
of was getting you back, of having you safe with me. When you returned you were
a mere shadow of your old self and for a moment I almost thought your light had
gone out. But I helped you, I knew I had to help you…to save you- to return the
favor so to speak- after making me feel so much it was only fair to make you
heal and feel again.”
“Speech much Kain?” Zero tried to make his tone light, to break the thick
emotion in the air. Kain smiled softly, walking over to the him.
“My point is Zero, I was waiting until you were stronger, until you had your
spirit back-your confidence so that you would be able to face them and finally
decide their fate.” Zero’s head snapped up.
“What?”
“It only fair, you were the one who saw them at their worst, who know just some
of the crimes they committed…they hurt you Zero, only you should decide what
happens to them.” Zero shook his head.
“No, not me…K-kiyoshi should be the one.” Kain frowned, Zero had mentioned the
name only briefly before; crying out the name in his nightmares and choking on
it when he talked of what happened to him. Kain guessed he was yet another who
had been at the mercy of the two snatchers, somehow he was important to Zero-
was he the one Zero had been referring to when he had tried to save an innocent
by taking their place instead?
“I can have my men find him if-”
“You won’t find him.” Zero was staring out the window now, watching the sun
slowly rise. “He’s dead.” The pet’s voice was cold, empty. Kain paused, unsure
what to say, thankfully, Zero was the one to speak again.
“Take me to them Kain.”
“I’ll have Dorian bring the car around.” Zero gave no sign that he had heard
the noble. Kain left the room silently.
 
===============================================================================
 
The car-ride was long. The warehouse Aidou had spoken of was situated on the
very outskirts of town, hidden in the maze of the industrial area of town. Zero
didn’t really remember the car-ride although he knew he had been silent for it.
Kain kept throwing unsure glances his way.
“In here Zero.” Kain unlocked a large iron door and pushed it open. Zero
stepped into the darkness. It was stuffy, despite the size of the building the
air was so thick with dust and oil he could hardly breathe.
His senses kicked in and his eyes saw through the dark. He could smell blood
and sweat, could hear the soft clinking of chains and the ragged breathing of
those in the far corner. They knew someone was coming. Zero’s footsteps echoed
on the concrete, Kain’s close behind. All too soon they were in front of the
prisoners chained to the wall.
The first thing Zero noticed was the smell. They had been chained there for
over a month and it showed. Blood, old and new dribbled down their arms as
their wrists bled from their struggled. Every bone on their body stood out and
their eyes were glazed over. They had been in the dark so long.
It was sick. Everything about them was complete and utter filth.
Zero fought the bile rising in his throat.
“W-what have you done to them?”
“I left them, they were to remain untouched until you arrived.” Kain’s voice
was cold, heartless. Zero did not look to glance at the noble’s face, he could
not take his eyes of Hibiki or Katashi. They were quivering in their chains,
their muscles jumping with the fear of the unknown.
“Do you remember me?”
No response. Katashi turned towards the voice, his green eyes piercing Zero’s
own if he could see in the dark. Zero felt his hands tremble. His heart
pounding in his chest.
“Do you remember Kiyoshi?” his voice was choked.
“Who are you?” The voice was as dry as sandpaper and softer than a breeze.
“Kiyoshi? Do you remember him? You killed him!” Katashi stilled, Zero could
almost see his mind was in overdrive. Zero’s whole body was shaking, his throat
was constricted, his lungs were tight, he couldn’t breathe. Warm, comforting
hands reached for him but Zero pushed them away.
“Answer me!”
“Little Bitch.” A dark smirk crossed Katashi’s face. “You have a wonderful
mouth.” Dark, pulsing waves of anger flooded the warehouse. Flames appeared out
of the darkness and Kain gripped Katashi’s arm. An animalistic cry ripped from
the prisoner’s throat as the skin was melted from his flesh.
“If you ever call him that again!”
“Kain stop!” The flames disappeared and Kain released Katashi. Zero could taste
the smell of burning flesh on his tongue. Zero could feel Kain’s rage, hear his
panting breaths and see the noble fighting for control over his vampiric nature
to rip Katashi to pieces.
“Are you going to kill us?” Katashi mocked. Zero was amazed that he could still
speak, but then again the snatcher probably knew this was his end, choosing to
go out taunting his captors then to just roll over.
“I would like to.” Zero admitted softly. “But it’s not me who should decide
your fate, it was Kiyoshi’s and I can’t speak for him”-
“-Shame that” Katashi grinned.
“I would torture you, I want to scar you just as you have me and countless
others.”
“Take your best shot.”
“But I won’t.”
“Zero?” The three of them looked to him in surprise.
“I’m not like you. I don’t hurt people for my own amusement no matter how much
they deserve it.”
“So what are you going to do? Run away?”
“You can’t hurt anyone anymore Katashi. Your words don’t mean anything to me.”
Zero finally looked away from the two snatchers to face Kain. “Do what you
want. I’m done with them.” Kain watched him with uncertain eyes.
“Are you sure Zero?” The pet nodded silently.
“I’ll see you when you get back- don’t take too long, we still have other
things to talk about.”
“Of course.” Zero turned and headed for the door. Not once did he look back.
When the iron door clanged shut, Kain faced those responsible for Zero’s
nightmares.
“Zero may not take pleasure in the screams of others.” Kain murmured, his voice
a seductive purr. He approached his soon-to-be-victims, fangs poking his bottom
lip and claws extending, he stopped just before Katashi. His gaze flicked to
red, a cruel smirk creeping across his jaw.
“But I do.”
 
===============================================================================
 
When Kain returned to the manor it was four in the afternoon and completely
past his usual bedtime. He was tired, exhausted actually first from the dinner,
than with Aidou’s outburst, Zero’s breakdown and a healthy six-hour-long
torture session; the evidence of which now staining his clothes. Kain sighed,
choosing to use a guest bathroom to clean up rather than his own. Zero would
most likely be there waiting for him, waiting for the no-doubt lengthy
conversation, in which, Kain would have to explain his secret plan to make Zero
his bodyguard and why he hadn’t brought it up before.
Kain climbed into the shower, peeling off his clothes and letting them drop to
the tiled floor. He turned his face up to the spray and let the water wash over
every surface of his skin willing the water to wake himself up.
As expected, Zero was waiting for the noble in the bedroom. Zero would’ve heard
the noble come home, would have heard him take a shower in one of the guest
rooms in the deliberate attempt to hide the bloodstains but Zero made no
mention of it. The pet was silent.
Without waiting for the boy to speak, Kain walked across the room to the double
doors leading into his study, he reached for the locked drawer of his desk and
pulled out a polished wooden box. Kain then returned to the bedroom and placed
the box on the coffee table.
“How long?” Zero had yet to face him.
“Ever since the death threats started coming in and ever since you said you
wanted to have purpose.” Zero turned away from the window a confused frown upon
his face.
“You remembered that?”
“I know you loved being a Hunter, and I know you wouldn’t settle for just some
boring desk-job. Your character demands that you do something worthwhile in
your life or you feel as if you have failed or are just wasting your time.
Being a bodyguard is something that will give you back that thrill of a Hunter,
of being dangerous to others, of not having them walk all over you. It will
give you a recognized place in human and vampiric society and a reputation- an
intriguing one at that- you will be an ex-hunter now bodyguard. That’s a lethal
combination, you won’t be seen as a pushover or just as a pet.”
“You thought about all that… just for me?” deep, hypnotizing violet eyes met
gold.
“I want to see you happy Zero.” A strange expression crossed the pet’s face, a
look mixed with shock, gratitude and affection. “…-That and the fact that
people would think twice before crossing me with an ex-vampire hunter on my
side.” Kain joked. Zero snorted.
“I knew it.” Kain cleared his throat awkwardly at the thick emotion hanging in
the air.
“Come,” Kain beckoned with his hand. “Open it.” Curious Zero came over to the
lounge and sat next to the noble.
“What is it?”
“Why don’t you see for yourself?” Kain found himself holding his breath as the
pet reached out to unhook the box’s clasp. Would Zero like it?
There was a barely audible click and the lid lifted. Inside, nestled in blood
red felt was a revolver and a line of custom bullets. The weapon was almost
silver in color; the design light and sleek. The glinting metal on both the gun
and the bullets was engraved with Hunter and vampiric symbols and on the handle
of the revolver was an ornate rose and beneath it, two words written in an
ancient language.
“The man who makes such weapons dubbed it ‘The Bloody Rose’ I know it’s not
your old Hunter weapon, but I’m sure you’ll find this one a reasonable
substitute.” Kain waited for the boy’s response, still holding his breath. Zero
was sitting, completely still his hands frozen on the box, his eyes wide. Kain,
suddenly hit with the horrid thought that Zero didn’t like the gift was
inwardly cursing himself.
A gun?? You idiot! He used to wield a sword, no wonder he doesn’t like it…
“-It’s…er… custom made, handcrafted by a retired warrior, he spends most of his
time making the best of the very best. It’s charmed, it has Hunter magic in it
as well as vampires, normally the two don’t go well together-obviously- but he
managed it.” Kain knew he was babbling, but he couldn’t stop, he was too
nervous. “-It has a far range and dead accuracy- oh and if you insert your
blood into the heart of the rose it will only recognize you as it’s user to
others it will not fire but rather shock the victims- I don’t know how badly
though, the guy left that out.”
Zero was still silent. Kain felt his hand twitch, wanting desperately to reach
for a cigarette.
“-I can take it back if you want to…-or trade it for something else if-”
“-Kain.”
“Yes Zero.”
“Shut…up” He turned to face Kain, his shocked expression gone and now replaced
by that of pure joy and excitement. His eyes lit up in a sparking mauve and a
grin stretched across his face. Even his posture was straighter, as if all the
weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
“You like it?”
“Kain, I haven’t even fired a single shot and I already love it.” Zero tackled
the noble, pulling him in for what could only be described as a hug. Before
Kain could even begin to appreciate it though, Zero was pulling back, his eyes
sliding back to the gun. With trembling fingers he lifted the revolver from its
bed.
“H-how did you do this?”
“Igor is an old family friend, I am also exceedingly rich- didn’t you know?”
Zero laughed, a real laugh. It was the most precious sound.
“Why did you do this?”
“Every bodyguard needs a weapon, beside you work for me- what did you think I
was going to let you use- a toy gun? It’s my life you’re protecting here.” Zero
sniggered.
“Of course.”
“Kain?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.” Kain felt his heart skip a beat at the look Zero was giving him.
Unable to resist, the noble planted a single chaste kiss upon the boy’s lips.
“You’re welcome.”
“Kain?” The boy wasn’t even flushed.
“Yes Zero?”
“Can we test it out?”
“It’s past our bedtime.”
“Please Kain?”
“I’m not going to get any sleep today am I?”
“Not a wink.”
“Fabulous.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Aidou did not get out of bed the next day.
Or the next.
Or the day after.
In fact he didn’t move for a week.
Everyday Yori would greet Aidou with his breakfast and ever time Aidou would
ignore it, just like he ignored everyone and everything else. Unless he had to
go to the bathroom toilet or to roll over in bed, Aidou did not move. He spent
most of his time sleeping and the rest of it staring out the window, puffy-eyed
and silent.
He had not spoken a word to anyone in eight-days.
Sometimes, Yori would sit with him. But unlike the past, he did not acknowledge
her presence. Yori herself, found that she could not sleep either, that she did
not find joy in the things she used to. She had failed as a pet. Her one goal
was to keep her master happy and to satisfy his every need. She had failed. Her
master was living proof of that now.
It was on the ninth day of this horrible slum and after serving her master his
meal to no success Yori reached the end of her rope and did something she had
never done before.
She made a phone call.
Without her master’s permission.
Yori’s hands shook violently as she clasped the phone, her palms sweaty. Her
eyes kept glancing around in fear of being caught.
The phone rang.
Once, twice, three times.
The plastic of the phone groaned as her grip tightened upon it. There was a
fourth ring and then finally-
“Hello?”
The line on the other end was defiantly male and defiantly familiar. At least
she had got the right number.
“Aidou, we have caller ID.” Yori jumped. Talk. Yes, she had to talk.
“I-I-I’m s-sorry, I-I didn’t know w-who else to c-call…-”
“Who is this?”
“Y-Yori.” Her voice was a scared whisper, she would be in so much trouble when
her master found out.
“Yori?...-Ichijou? Do we know a Yori?-” The sound of the phone being passed to
another echoed in the pet’s ears.
“Hello?”
“I-i-it’s Y-yori.”
“Aidou’s pet?”
“Y-yes. Please… I d-din’t know who e-else to c-call.” Yori’s voice broke, tears
had begun to escape down her cheeks. She wiped them away hastily.
“What’s wrong? Where’s Aidou?”
“P-please…I don’t…I don’t know w-what to do.” Yori’s sob seemed ten times
louder through the phone.
“Hold on, I’m coming right now.”
“T-thankyou..Thank-” The phone hung up. The dial tone blaring in her ears. Yori
put the phone down. Her whole body shaking. Somehow she made it to the front
door. She opened it and looked outside, waiting for a car to pull in the
driveway outside, the night air was cold almost like a frost. Yori didn’t
notice, she was too busy waiting.
When the black limo pulled up outside the manor, Yori almost collapsed in
relief. The driver opened the door for a red-headed model and a blond
aristocrat with stunning green eyes.
“Yori?”
“He hasn’t moved s-since…the-the dinner and he won’t eat. He won’t t-talk, or
smile, or drink, or walk, or s-shower…-” Yori stuttered unsure whether to
mention that little detail. She kept her head down, refusing to meet their
eyes. She wasn’t allowed to anyway. She was getting better at speaking out of
turn, but the way she figured was that she was already in trouble for calling
them so she might as well go through with actually telling them what was wrong.
“-Okay Yori, take us to him.” The blonde’s voice was reassuring and she wasted
no time in leading them through the house and up the stairs to Aidou’s room and
to his bed.
When Taukama and Shiki walked through the door and saw what was before them
they found themselves frozen in shock. Takuma was the first to break the eerie
silence that had fallen over the room.
“Oh Aidou, what have you done to yourself.”
***** Relapse *****
…Skin caressed skin, moving together as their hosts sunk further into the bed.
Silken sheets rustled together, drowned out by the sound of whispered words,
restrained gasps and the low rumble which could be translated into a growl of
emotion or a soft moan of desire.
“-Again- say it again…”
“..A-A…-Akat..suki-”
Lips mouthed tenderly against Zero’s collar bone, moving up to kiss the front
of his neck.
“Again.”
“Akatsuki.”
“Again.” The noble shifted his mouth placing it over the side of his beloved’s
neck, right when the main blood vein hovered just beneath skin.
“Akat-suki!”Zero almost screamed as fangs pierced the soft flesh. Pain mixed
with pleasure surged through the younger’s body and his back arched off the bed
grinding himself upwards and pressing every line of his body against the
noble’s.
A tongue flicked at his skin, teasing it as firm lips locks around the wound.
For a moment Zero felt part of himself being drained away. A fleeting moment of
panic overtook him- what is the noble drained him until he was all gone?
Warm hands, safe hands,hishands pulled him closer tenderly stroking him,
soothing him back to calm. No, Akatsuki wouldn’t drain him and even if he did
Zero didn’t think he minded so much, every particle of him was thrumming in
pleasure.
“Akatsuki…-” He felt incredibly weak, light-headed and completely calm apart
from a wave of bloodlust that was becoming more pronounced with every draw Kain
took. Claws extracted, gripping tight to the body above him. A groan filled the
room and the nobles fangs vibrated within him. Zero tossed his head back,
crying out as pleasure once again blinded him. He wouldn’t last much longer
under such ministrations and he knew hislifewouldn’t last much longer if he
didn’t stop the noble soon. The fear and the desire, the need and the craving
was all rolled into one. Zero felt as if his whole body was been ravaged by a
storm and his desire to stop it was becoming less important by the minute.
Warms hands, protective hands, soft and beautiful hands, reached for Zero’s
head, twisting it and guiding it to the hollow of his throat.
A rumble echoed in Zero’s chest and he couldn’t think anymore, all he could do
was press his lips to the skin and allow his fangs to drive down...
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero’s eyes snapped open. He was gasping, sweat lingered on his skin and his
whole body felt as if it were on fire.
His head pushed back against the pillow and his eyes almost rolled upwards as
the heat surged downwards and between his legs.
“Zero?”
Oh God…
Kain’s face came into view and Zero honestly thought that the shock of seeing
him and the embarrassment he would feel is he actually saw Zero explode right
now was the only thing that kept Zero from doing so. However restraining his
pleasure only fueled the energy elsewhere, needing a vent it raged into his
senses and flared his blood hunger into full-force. Zero surged off the bed,
crashing straight into Kain and slamming him back down onto the bed. His mouth
latched to the noble’s throat, fangs not breaking skin yet, only just
restrained by Zero’s crumbling self-control.
His hips rolled down, the lower part of his body demanding friction and forcing
itself upon Kain. An answering hardness quickly swelled to greet him.
“..Zero..?” His voice was bewildered, breathless and it did nothing to cool the
after-effects of Zero’s dream.
A whimper of need was the only sound that Zero’s body could make, almost
pleading with the vampire beneath him. Kain knew what for.
“Yes Zero…”
Gods yes.
Zero’s fangs plunged into the skin and his body moaned, echoing in the room as
it finally tasted the sweet, wonderful nectar. The rest of his body mimicked
his pleasure, pressing down and grinding itself against a slightly larger
mound.
Zero was nowhere near in control of his body or his reactions. All he could
think of, all he could focus on was the dream flickering before his eyes and
the maddening sensation of being so close to release and then being denied.
“…-say it again.-”
Zero moaned into Kain’s neck and the noble echoed the sound.
“…-Say it again.”
Zero wanted to shake his head freeing his thoughts from the whirlwind inside of
him, but his mouth was still latched onto Kain’s throat.
“…-Again, say it again-” Zero tore away from the noble’s throat.
“Akatsuki-” Zero gasped, his hands gripping the noble’s face. Kain looked
absolutely floored, like he had just seen a bomb go off.
“W-” Zero’s mouth covered his, lips silencing whatever he had been about to
say. Zero didn’t want to hear it, he didn’t want to talk. All he wanted was the
noble. All of him.
“Akatsuki.” He ripped his mouth away to gasp it once again before returning in
full fervor. His lips clashed with Kain’s and his tongue forced itself into the
waiting cavern. Zero was engulfed in heat, in Kain’s warmth. He wanted more of
it, he wanted to be closer to the noble. Zero’s hands gripped soft blond hair,
pulling at the strands almost viciously so. He wanted to be closer, he wanted
to be completely covered in the heat, wrapped up in a firestorm.
Kain wrenched his head away.
“Zero-”
NO!  No more talking. Zero fused their lips back together, red covering every
inch of his vision as he forced his second hand downwards, finding a steel
shaft between them and gripping it tight.
Kain’s head fell back, a strangled sound tearing from his lips before Zero’s
mouth was attacking him again.
Zero didn’t know what was happening, didn’t care about anything else apart for
the sweet release he could just feel around the bend. His hand slid down the
hard bar of flesh before being dragged back up. A violent cry filled the room
and suddenly Zero felt his back slamming down on the mattress beneath him. The
bed actually groaned with the movement.
“Zero!” Warm hands pressed Zero’s onto the pillow beside Zero’s head.
Zero snarled, fangs bared and reaching as Zero strained his head as far off the
pillow as he could. Claws scrabbled at the air, scraping his own palms in the
process and the rest of his body thrashed, trying to throw the noble off.
“Zero.” Kain growled, pressing his forehead to Zero’s and forcing it down and
into the pillow. Red eyes met gold flecked with red as the pair stare each
other down. Zero hissed and snarled in protest and the flecked ones clamed to a
burning yellow.
“Zero…”He whispered, removing his forehead to place a soft, gentle kiss to the
boy’s temple. “Zero, shush…” Ragged breaths slowed only faintly and Kain heard
the boy heart continuing to pound in his chest. Red receded to veins as deep
violet began to show through. A strained whimper left Zero’s throat.
“It’s okay Zero.” As humanity began to sink more into the boy’s eyes so did
fear and horror at the realization of what was happening. “This is okay” Kain
soothed, kissing the corner of Zero’s eye and then doing so for the other side.
“Zero?” Frightened eyes met his. “Thisis okay, nothing is wrong with this.” He
could already hear the boy’s mind protesting and shaming the pet with so-called
morals that had been brainwashed into him.
“Zero…” Kain called softly, trying to keep Zero’s attention on him and not at
those horrible voices in his head. He brushed his body against Zero’s lower
region. Desire shot through them both, Kain watched it flick through Zero’s
gaze.
“I just need to make sure that you actually want this, not just the
bloodlust.”  Confusion burned through the boy’s gaze. He wanted this yes; the
bloodlust wanted it, his friggen libido wanted this…but did he really want
this? What was this anyway?
Memories flicked through his vision; the dream and what it was like to be
embraced and to have nothing between them, weeks ago when Kain had held him for
the first time when Zero was truly sane… like he was made of glass, something
precious and treasured for all time.
Zero remembered the feeling of being held without rejection of disgust for what
he was, just soft, gentle hands cherishing every inch of him…
The memories of such embraces, of such acceptance and care called deep down,
back to that hidden place within him that was starved for affection, the place
that craved for it with every fiber of his being since he had been turned all
those years ago.
The longing and need for such affection made it easy to silence the cruel
voices that labeled him a freak for wanting this… for wanting this with
vampire.
Kain’s grip around Zero’s wrists loosened, moving slowly until they were
intertwining their fingers together instead of trying to restrain him, palms
pressed against the other’s.
Zero let out a shaky breath, gold eyes gauging his every reaction as he moved
closer, brushing their lips together; once, twice- until they softly joined.
Zero drew in another uneven breath, his eyes falling shut. Emotion burned thick
behind his eyes but he fought it. There was no way he was going to turn into a
cry-baby every time someone showed him this kind of affection- no matter how
few those times were.
A soft sound escaped him and Zero refused to label it as a whine. Kain accepted
it either way and lowered himself fully on the pet. Zero’s breath caught as the
noble allowed him to feel his weight and to shift slightly so that they molded
together perfectly.
Zero savored the feeling of Kain’s hands, caressing his palm and the other
moving to cup his cheek, angling his mouth for a deeper kiss before sliding
down his throat and along his side. Zero’s skin shuddered beneath it, rippling
softly as gentle hands taunted every nerve there.
When Kain rocked his hips, Zero’s body flared in response remembering just how
close he had been to that peak. Zero’s breath stuttered as red trickled back
into his vision, it was not controlling him but it was there all the same. His
hands were gripping Kain now, the firmness of the grip telling Kain without
words how acute his need was at the moment and how it was growing with every
second that passed.
A low rumble of appreciation vibrated in the noble’s chest, his wandering hand
finally finding the waist-band of Zero’s sleep pants the same time his mouth
found the hollow of Zero’s throat. Before Zero could even think of becoming
self-conscious of what Kain was about to do, he sucked down on Zero’s neck.
Hard. Hard enough to leave a mark. Zero’s breath hitched and suddenly his pants
were missing. Red was just starting to bloom in his cheeks but what Kain was
doing to his neck seemed to be far too distracting to really care for anything
else.
When fangs brushed his skin, the dream flicked through his mind, reminding him
of the exact moment Kain had bit him. Zero gasped, his eyes fluttering open for
a moment. A hand gripped the back of Kain’s neck and pushed him down, further
into the hollow of his throat. Zero’s claws scrapped at Kain’s skin, the scent
of blood hit the air, only intensifying Zero’s blood lust.
Zero forced his head to the side, angling his neck up to Kain in the ultimate
invitation to be bitten and for a split second, Zero wanted it. Wanted fangs to
penetrate his skin, to draw from him connect him to the noble just as the dream
had.
Then reality filtered in.
Zero locked up.
In reality, bites from vampires weren’t pleasurable- not for Zero at least.
Zero didn’t know how anyone could enjoy the burning pain, the feeling of having
your skin ripped apart as someone tore at your soul. Everyone described a bite
from a vampire as that. But vampires themselves liked it, maybe it was because
they were dark creatures or maybe there was a secret technique that they used
only with other vampires to make it pleasurable. Zero didn’t know what to
think. All he knew was that bites for him were painful.
Kain, feeling the pet’s rigidness moved away from his neck, transferring is
attention to Zero’s chest instead. He knew his pet was terrified at the thought
of being bitten but did the boy know that his actions only moments ago were
like a blatant invitation to be drunk from? The offer had been so tantalizing,
Kain had almost obliged without thought. It took everything he had to restrain
the urge and to move away when Zero shied away from him.
Zero, however, soon found himself forgetting all about the bite as a sure,
almost rough, tongue circled a nub upon his chest. Teeth scraped against it,
causing Zero to suddenly fist the pillow above him with one hand while the
other continued to hold the back of Kain’s neck in a death-lock.
Kain abused each nub; taunting them with soft licks before nipping them
viciously, he soothed the burn with a sure stroke of his tongue and every now
and again blew lightly upon them until they pebbled to the point of almost
pain.
Zero’s focus was shot, loosing himself to the ministrations of Kain before
finally surfacing, taking the time for a much needed breath and then loosing
himself again.
It was complete sin.
This time when Zero managed to hold a single thought in his head, he noticed
that the material of Kain’s pants, the last barrier between them was slowly
being removed.
Zero’s breath got stuck somewhere in his throat and the world began to slow
when gold eyes met his. Silently asking him if this was what he really wanted.
Zero swallowed audibly as Kain gently lifted himself off Zero, freeing his hand
to pull away the last obstruction between them. From Zero’s angle, he couldn’t
really see much but his eyes unwillingly darted downwards anyway. He only
managed to get a quick glimpse of smooth flesh before he realized what he was
doing and snapped his eyes back up. Heat flushing in his cheeks and right down
to his toes. It didn’t help the matter that everywhere he looked there was bare
skin or gold eyes. Sure, they both slept shirtless all the time so seeing
Kain’s chest was nothing new, but somehow now seemed different and Zero could
just feel himself getting redder.
Amused amber eyes shrouded in lust watched him.
“It’s okay Zero.” A warm hand gently covered Zero’s own, picking it up off the
pillow and pressing it to his chest. Zero’s eyes watched the movement before
flicking up uncertainly to look at Kain. The noble net his gaze, still holding
Zero’s hand pressed to his chest until he finally let it go. Zero’s hand
remained where it was.
“It’s okay.” God, how many times did Kain say that in a day to him? How many
times did Zero feel sudden relief at those words? It was like the noble was
seeing straight into him, seeing his fears and then comforting him for each
one. Each time he did Zero felt something swell in his chest, easing all his
tension and worry, he felt… safe.
Zero glanced back at Kain, not really understanding what the noble wanted,
until that warm hand returned guiding his hand and dragging it across Kain’s
skin. Zero felt his face flame with realization at what the noble wanted.
When Kain dropped his hand again, Zero continued stroking the same place of
skin. It was soft, warm and echoing with the faint beat of a heart. With
trembling, unsure fingers, Zero’s hand moved over the noble’s chest his eyes
continually flicking up to Kain’s to make sure he wasn’t doing anything wrong
or worse… weird. Each time he did the noble’s reassuring gaze met his, making
Zero flush feeling an idiot and darting his eyes back down again.
Zero’s eyes soon became more fixated on the skin in front of him than the
noble’s gaze, entranced by the faint ripples of skin as Zero’s fingers brushed
against it, following the lines and curves until Zero found the exact spot of
Kain’s heart. He paused, listening to the steady beat. Realizing he had been
still too long, Zero once again felt himself sneaking a glance upward, but Kain
was no longer watching him. His eyes were closed and his face relaxed.
Zero continued his exploration.
Shifting slightly in the bed, he traced down Kain’s arms, marveling at the
thickness of the natural muscle there before trailing his fingers down to
Kain’s hands. Zero took his time, admiring each line of skin, each knuckle of
the fingers, caressing the thick gold ring engraved with the Kain family crest
and finally the flat palm.
Zero hesitated, running his fingers over the smooth skin before pressing his
own palm to it and savoring the heat sinking into his own.
These hands ruled the nightlife world with an iron fist. They could deliver
fatal blows of attack or give the greatest comfort Zero had ever felt. Zero had
been saved by these hands, when Kain rescued him from the Snatchers and lost
himself to despair or to his nightmares it was these warm, soft hands that woke
him, that embraced him, that kept him safe, that held him at night and caressed
his skin as if he were glass… as if he were loved.
A water droplet fell from Zero’s face. Thankfully it only hit the sheets and
not Kain’s skin, alerting the noble. Zero didn’t not want to explain why he
felt such torment; such happiness and such agony all rolled into one.
Zero wanted to press his face to the palm, to make Kain cup his face and look
into his eyes as he did on rare occasions. But he couldn’t. Doing so would
alert the noble to the pet’s tears and also reveal that Zero, on some level,
had begun to crave and treasure the noble’s touch.
Zero moved his hand away, placing it back on Kain’s chest and forcing back the
wetness behind his eyes back. This was not the time to be acting like a
lovesick fool.
Love…?
Zero shook his head violently, shoving such thoughts away viciously.
Zero focused on his hand moving it from the chest down to the noble’s stomach,
forcing himself to be totally absorbed in the single act. He made himself
notice the texture of the skin, the shape of the muscles and the dark blond
hair-
-Hair…?
Zero froze. His whole face flaming once again.
Oh come on, it’s not like you haven’tseenone before! Zero tried to reason with
himself, there was no reason he should be freaking out about this, not really.
He had one didn’t he? He’d seen others in the shower rooms at the Hunter’s
Association so how was this different?
Well for one, I’ve never been this close to someone else’s. Christ it’s not
like I’ve touch anyone else’s, well, apart from…Ka…- no don’t go there, he’s
gone now. He’s gone. They’re gone.
And then more thoughts began to filter into Zero’s head. Equally as unwanted,
yet far more disturbing in some ways.
I’ve already touched Kain.
Zero remembered the blur of emotion and hands when he first woke not thirty
minutes ago. He had been so blood-lust crazed that he hadn’t wanted Kain to
talk, so he distracted the noble by…by.
Oh God.
Did that mean Kain wanted him to touch him now? Was that the whole purpose
behind this ‘exploring, feely, touchy thing?’
Oh God.
Zero had never wanked someone else off before- not intentionally at least- was
it different to when he did it to himself or was there some special technique?
Not that Zero had much technique. He had been too troubled and stressed by the
work at the Association to fully enjoy a good…-well you know- and there when he
actually did get around to it, he was always rushed. A few rough strokes, vague
images coming to mind before quickly cumming. Then there was always the after-
guilt, or shame that he couldn’t even pleasure himself right or ever be normal
or thinking that he was just sick if he’d imagined someone else during it,
because he felt disgusted that a monster like him was getting off on the people
he’d seen in the street or on the TV.
And now the Nightlife King wanted Zero to jerk him off. The same Nightlife King
who probably had hundreds of hand jobs, hell, maybe even thousands, depending
on how old the vampire already was. He ran all the good clubs and there were
always people looking out for a quickie in the back especially with the owner
of the place. Or maybe Kain didn’t get hand jobs, maybe he just went straight
to fucking. But he hadn’t done that with Zero
Oh God.
Christ, now he was thinking about all Kain’s past sexual experiences. They’d
never bothered Zero before, but then again they hadn’t had many ‘before’s’
unless you count a bit of kissing some nice body-rubbing and a few received
hand jobs- oh and a blowjob.
Oh God.
What if he was shit? Kain had been making a big deal out of Zero being a
virgin, hell, he’d even joked about it on a number of occasions. Zero was
nothing like the other people he probably hooked up with, he was probably awful
in comparison if he actually tried anything with the noble. Sure the stuff
they’d done already had felt good to Zero but what if it wasn’t to the noble?
Was that the reason he was being made a bodyguard? Because he was a shit pet?
That he couldn’t kiss right or even receive what Kain did right and was that
because Zero had remained a virgin so long? Was he going to be unable to do
anything sexual without stuffing up somehow because of his lack of experience?
What if the noble was just tired of him and was trying to get rid of him? Why
was he even afraid of that thought? He didn’t want to be a pet did he?
Oh God.
Zero’s heart was racing in his chest. It was suddenly hard to breathe and short
puffs of air were escaping him. Kain would’ve had thousands of sexual partners
in his time, not just Zero. Kain would probably just laugh at his attempts to
please him- no Kain wouldn’t do that, he was too kind, he would probably do
something worse: pretend that it was fine but really be disappointed. Zero felt
his heat clench. He didn’t want to disappoint to noble, not after everything
he’d done for him; a pet, a level D.
What am I going to do now?
Zero glanced at Kain nervously, but he still had his eyes closed. Maybe he was
doing so to not make him uncomfortable or just to see what Zero would do. Zero
felt a nervous shudder go through him. He couldn’t give Kain a hand job. He
would suck at it and Kain would be disappointed and Zero would be ashamed.
Wait, since when was he actually okay with even considering this?
What am I going to do? I started this in the first place!
Zero felt himself burning in embarrassment at his earlier actions. He wanted
Kain, he still did right now, but he didn’t want to do this…
Wait a second-
Zero had no real experience or skill with hand jobs.
But he did know how to give someone a blow job.
Well sorta.
Katashi had been pretty specific with what he wanted. Giving enough instruction
to pass off for some sort of knowledge if he could just remember what exactly
he’d been saying. Zero had been trying to forget that time after all.
What happened if Kain didn’t like what Katashi liked?
Zero clenched his eyes shut, his teeth ground together.
Think Zero. Think.
Zero felt an odd numbness beginning to spread through him. He didn’t want to do
this. But he didn’t want to disappoint Kain either. This was what pets were for
weren’t they? After all Kain had done for him, it was the least he could do,
especially after the whole body guard thing and The Bloody Rose.
He didn’t want to do this.
But what else could he do? Just keep taking and taking from Kain without giving
anything back in return? Maybe…after, after Zero had…had done it Kain would
return the favour by laying out Zero’s dream. After all, Kain would be able to
find a second release like that. That was what Zero had intended when he had
first woken and attacked Kain. For them to be together for them to find that
peak together. Not Just Zero taking all the time or only one of them getting
the benefits. Zero shuddered.
Get a grip you idiot.
Zero fought the tremors that racked his body, he pushed down the feelings of
fear and worthlessness. The thoughts that told him no matter what he did he
would still end up disappointing Kain and stuffing this whole thing up.
Zero swallowed firmly and opened his eyes. He moved down lower on the bed.
The angle’s wrong, when I diditto Katashi he was standing. Zero bit his tongue.
He could hardly ask the noble to stand up now could he? He would just have to
make it work. He had to if he wanted to have a chance of fulfilling his dream,
of being held again, of being connected to someone for the first time in his
life.
Zero trailed his hand lower, his whole arms locked ridged in order to stop the
tremors. Numbness was beginning to overtake him, he wanted to welcome it, with
it he could do the job without feeling anything. But on the other hand, if he
did he wouldn’t be able to function his mind properly, he wouldn’t be able to
sense Kain’s reactions. If he was numb he might get lost in his memories, be
trapped facing Katashi again.
Maybe he could only go half-numb?- was there such a thing?
If there was he would try and achieve it.
Come on Zero think. Think.Zero shuddered inwardly as he delved into his
memories and to a time he never wanted to return to again.
Zero watched as his captor stepped out of his pants and shoes and strolled
proudly over to him. His throbbing, cum-slicked cock bouncing lightly with
every step. Once again it was positioned at Zero's mouth. The hunter met
Katashi's cold green eyes. His heart raced, his stomach flipped, his veins
pulsed with adrenaline.
"”Let's try this again shall we?" Katashi brushed himself against Zero's lips.
"But this time, you have to do all the work."
Zero took hold of Kain with both hands, his neck was positioned off the bed,
awkwardly and his neck already burned with the effort to keep it up. Giving a
blowjob when the other party was on their side was not something Zero wanted to
repeat after this. Zero pressed Kain’s tip to his mouth.
“Zero what-”
Zero closed his eyes, he felt a pang of guilt. He couldn’t give Kain what he
wanted. Hopefully this would stop him from being too disappointed.
Zero parted his lips and pushed his head forward and took the mushroom tip into
his mouth.
“Zero!” fingers shot into Zero’s hair. An ice-cold shudder ran down Zero’s
spine. The hands in his hair felt ice cold to him.
"That's it, take it all in." Katashi threaded his fingers through the Hunter's
hair. "Hollow out you cheeks."
Zero did as he was told, the sound of Kain’s gasp gave him hope. Maybe he could
do this right. Determined, Zero took Kain’s length. His throat seized up and he
forced himself with every ounce of his will not to gag. His eyes watered from
the effort involved. Or maybe it was something else because the water was
flowing too fast now. Running down the side of his face as his neck burned and
his eyes stung.
  "Nice and tight-"
Zero tried to increase his pace, willing this to be over. His neck was burning
in pain and sweat was appearing on his forehead with the effort and yet his
whole body was as cold as ice. The fingers in his hair tugged and pulled as
Zero swirled his tongue round the tip before sucking back down, his cheeks as
hollow as he could get them.
His fingers tugged at the boy's silver hair in a silent demand for more.
"’Look at me." Katashi grunted.
Zero clenched his eyes even tighter. He couldn’t look at Kain, not now. Kain
would see Zero’s expression and make him stop. Zero didn’t want to stop, he
couldn’t just keep taking from Kain, besides if he stopped now and Kain
realized Zero was crying he wouldn’t touch him in anyway except a hug. And Zero
didn’t want a hug, he wanted to be wrapped up against Kain, sliding against
each other, whispering tender words and treating each other like some precious
treasure. He wanted to be accepted, not just pitied.
With that thought in mind Zero began to incorporate his hands, stroking a
twisting just like Katashi had instructed. He curled his tongue around the
shaft of flesh and sucked hard. Kain’s hips bucked. The small victory was not
celebrated by Zero as the movement made Kain’s length slam the back of his
throat. Zero felt his chest Seize up like he wanted to gag or choke on a sob
but he refused it. Instead he continued encouraging Kain to thrust into him
even though zero was sure he was about to die of suffocation or break his neck.
Kain’s breathing was getting faster. Zero hoped it meant he would come soon.
"Don't you dare spit.”Katashi’s voice reminded him."I meant all of it bitch"
A shudder ran through Kain and Zero locked his lips tight, completely sealed
around the flesh as Kain suddenly exploded in his mouth.
There was too much, but Zero forced himself to swallow, to not waste a drop. It
was not done easily. When Kain had finished. Zero released him. Dropping his
head back to the mattress and gasping for much needed air. He was so dizzy. His
throat burned, his lungs burned, his neck burned, his eyes burned and his
cheeks stung with shame. Tears continued to roll. Silently he thanked whoever
was out there that it was over and prayed that he had at least done a fair job.
Shivers where running down his body and he couldn’t stop them. He felt cold and
the perspiration at the effort involved at keeping his head up right coated his
skin. The morning air was so cold.
Zero was trying to stop the tears. It would be no good to get this far and then
turn to face Kain crying and then not get his wish.
Inconspicuously as he could, Zero wiped his cheeks on the mattress. Blinked a
few times and focused on something else.
The dream.
The dream.
Zero suddenly became aware of the limp piece of flesh between his legs. He bit
back a snarl of frustration and tried to focus back on the dream. Kain had to
know that he was ready for another round. He would not do so if Zero could
not…’rise’ to the occasion. Zero finally managed to get himself semi-hard while
Kain was getting his breath back. Zero reached down and gripped himself, just
for the shortest of moments, imagining it was Kain’s hand and that was enough.
His body sagged with relief and Zero moved up the bed, a small smile of his
face.
“Zero…” Kain panted, his amber eyes glowing with dis-belief. “You didn’t-”
Oh crap.
Kain was still disappointed.
“I-I know you wanted a h-hand job…” Zero looked down his face flaming. “B-but…I
couldn’t-”
“-Wait Zero what?” Kain’s voice made Zero’s head snap up. Kain’s eyes were
serious. Zero felt a cold spike go down his spine.
“I s-sa-”
“No Zero, no I didn’t want a hand job”Zero flinched at the tone.
“T-then what…what was…that?”
“I was giving you a chance to see me. To get used to me and…well my body, not
telling you to jerk me off- or blowme for that matter.”
A iceblock had wedged itself into Zero’s throat. Kain hadn’t wanted anything.
Zero had just made a dick of himself.
Zero had just whored himself like a good little pet.
Zero felt bile rise in his throat. His mind was completely frozen, blank. He
couldn’t remember how to think.
Whored.
“Not that I didn’t appreciate it Zero” Kain stroked Zero’s face. “You didn’t
have to…to do that.” Kain was growing worried at how pale Zero’s expression
was, maybe it was just the moonlight. “I’ll be more specific next time, okay?”
Zero nodded numbly.
“Zero, are you alright?”
“Yes.” Zero’s voice was not his own, it was too numb.
“Christ you’re not hurt are you? You didn’t have pillow to support you head or
anything-”
“I’m fine.”
“What started this anyway? Was it just the blood-hunger? I’ve never seen you
so… determined”
Determined, like a good little whore, eager to please their master.
“Zero?”
“…Dream…it was a dream.”
And now he was dreaming of pleasing his master too. Wonderful.
“Oh really?” Kain raised his eyebrows. “Any good?”
Zero wanted to be sick.
Kain’s phone suddenly vibrated across the bedside table. He snatched it up and
rose from the bed, oblivious to his nudity.
“I’ve gotta take this and then head off to a meeting, when it’s done I can get
you and we can go out.” He didn’t wait for Zero’s response. He was too busy
answering his phone. Kain crossed the room and went into his study, closing the
door firmly behind him. Zero sat there for a few more moments in shock before
he found his body suddenly launching himself across the room, out the door and
into the neighboring room; his room. He flung himself into the bathroom and
threw his head down the toilet.
Katashi had said it.
Hibiki had said it.
And now Zero knew it.
After all, who else dreamt about their maser fucking them into the sheets and
then sucking them off as a wake-up call.
Zero retched, his dinner already digested so all that came up was blood and…
Zero retched again heaving his sides. The cold tiles chilled him to the bone,
his whole body was spasming with shivers. Zero crawled towards the bath, he
turned the hot water on full and climbed in before it was even full.
Dimly he heard Kain leave. Maybe he heard the bath running and decided to leave
without saying goodbye. Or maybe he had said goodbye and Zero hadn’t heard. Or
maybe he hadn’t bothered at all because he’d already got what he wanted out of
his pet.
Zero choked on a sob.
No Kain wasn’t that cruel. It was him with the problems. Not Kain. Kain didn’t
whore himself, didn’t dream about whoring himself, didn’t dream about someone
sucking the life out of him.
Zero retched again. Nothing was left to come up. All that talk about being held
and feeling accepted- it was just a cover for what it really was; being fucked
and loving it.
Zero dropped his head, the bathtub had filled to the brim. His forehead dipped
in the boiling water. Maybe if he stuck his head forwards and kept it there he
could drown. End it all for good, make the pain stop. But even death wouldn’t
change what he was.
Zero shuddered. Even the hot water wasn’t enough to warm him. Zero wanted Kain
here, wanted that warm embrace.
But Kain wasn’t here.
He wasn’t even away from the noble for more than five minutes and he already
wanted him back and touching him.
Zero stopped crying. There were no more tears left. He held his knees to his
chest and bowed his head, trying to block out the sounds of Katashi and
Hibiki’s taunts.
‘Such a wonderful mouth…”
“Whore’
“Good little bitch”
Zero curled tighter into himself, trying to make himself as small as possible.
In the background. Zero could hear Alfred and his trolley of breakfast entering
his room and the soft knock at the door.
“Sir?”
Zero did not answer him.
***** The Difference Between Giving and Taking *****
“Aidou..?” Takuma edged towards the bed, walking until he was finally standing
in front of the noble. Aidou’s form seemed miniscule in the huge king-sized bed
and the mound of pillows bedside him.
“Hanabusa?” Takuma tried again. Dull blue eyes blinked deeply, trying to clear
the film of sleep from his eyes before shifting to take in the figure beside
his bed. With the moonlight shining behind him, the person’s face was cast in
shadow, though Aidou swore he knew who it was.
“A…Akatsuki…?”
“No Hanabusa, it’s Ichijou.” Aidou blinked again, the shadows clearing to
reveal brilliant green eyes and baby blond hair. Aidou’s face darkened, he
rolled over. He didn’t want to see anyone.
“Hanabusa?” Takuma put his hand on the noble’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”
No answer.
“I know he’s mad at you, but he’ll forgive you- he always does.”
Silence.
“…Not this time.” Aidou’s raspy whisper was almost too soft to hear.
“What do you mean?”
“He said he wouldn’t forgive me again if I hurt another person. I hurt Zero. I
forgot he didn’t know…”
“Aidou I’ sure he didn’t-”
“I hurt Zero Takuma... the one…the one he loves.” Aidou’s whisper broke. “He
will never forgive me now…”
“He will, I’ll talk to him. It’ll be okay Aidou….Aidou?- Hanabusa?” The broken
noble didn’t respond, it seemed that he had fallen asleep again. Takuma shared
a worried look with his husband.
“Yori, when was the last time he ate?”
“Last week, sir, on a Tuesday.”
“The night of the dinner.” Shiki murmured.
“He hasn’t had anything since then? No food?- no blood?”
“No sir.”
Takuma looked again to Shiki.
What were they going to do?
 
===============================================================================
 
“Alfred, can you let Zero know I won’t be taking him out today after all, a
business associate is in town and this is the only time I can meet with him.”
“Of course sir.”
“Send my apologies.” Alfred sighed inwardly.
“Right away sir.”
“Good, I’ll be back late-three in the afternoon or so.”
“Very good sir.”
The phone beeped as the line cut out. Alfred hung up the phone, wondering if he
should have mentioned Zero’s current desire to remain locked in the bathroom
all day, refusing to speak to anyone. Alfred sighed, dealing with a
temperamental Zero was more Master Kain’s area of expertise than his. But Kain
wasn’t home at the moment and after having a night filled with business
meetings, Alfred seriously doubted the noble wanted to come home to an
emotional pet.
Alfred strolled through the house and out to the back patio, watching the
gardener and surveying his work. He nodded in approval before continuing his
rounds of the house. He checked on the kitchen staff, making sure they were on
time with their cooking schedules and up-to-date with what meals were to be
served that week. He checked the silverware and made sure it was all accounted
for and polished until it gleamed. He checked the wine cellar and made sure the
stocks were full and then headed back upstairs to make sure the maids were
working hard and not missing a single surface in their dusting.
Everything was in top form as it always was, just suited for his master. Alfred
had lived in this house for four and a half decades and he didn’t think he had
ever seen it dirty or out of place. He was proud to live here.
As always, Alfred found himself ending his inspections and standing face-to-
face with his Master’s portrait… his first master, the one he loved.
Lord Jun Kain stood, staring down at him as if he really were there. His wavy
blond hair framed his face before being pulled back in a low ponytail. His
blue-gray eyes were like the see after a storm and yet they still held all the
warmth of the sun. Finally, his subtle mouth was shaped in his usual amused
grin.
Alfred found himself, not for the first time, gazing up at his master and
wishing he were still here today.
“Jun…” The name was a lost whisper on his lips.
Jun had brought him as a boy, saving him from a red light brothel. Alfred had
been so young at the time, but he knew all about sex and violence and those who
used others for their own benefits. But somehow, Jun had been different. He’d
cared for Alfred, shown him for the very first time what it was like to be
held, to feel the warmth of a gentle touch instead of a cold forcing one, to
experience pleasure and to feel things Alfred had never felt before. Alfred had
learned that sex could be so much more than brutal fucking, so much more than
been used and violated by another.
Their relationship was not just based upon sex, sure it was a large part of it,
but not the main factor. Jun protected Alfred when his old owners had tried to
get him back, he had given Alfred the small luxuries of a soft bed and a hot
meal. Alfred had never known the feel of silk, the taste of wine or even the
joys of having a long hot bath until Jun had taken him in as pet. In-fact,
before Alfred met Jun he’d never even known what it was like to have a family…
a proper one.
Unlike most older pet owners, Jun had not forbidden Alfred from meeting his son
nor his wife. Cecile Kain had been the most beautiful woman Alfred had even
met, inside and out. She was such a gentle soul, seeing beauty in the smallest
of things and it was more than obvious why Jun had picked her to spend the rest
of eternity with.
And Kain… Kain had been so small back then, so cheeky and so wild. They’d got
into so much mischief when they were younger; Akatsuki the mastermind and
Alfred his partner in crime.
But things change, as they always do and soon Akatsuki was expected to be out
more, socializing with the vampire community rather than staying at home.
Alfred had missed Kain then, but Jun always made sure he was never too sad for
long.
Alfred could safely say that he loved the Kain family with every particle of
his being, so naturally when Kain’s mother grew suddenly ill and died or when
Jun’s murdered body was discovered his whole world had fallen apart.
Alfred sighed softly, his eyes moist with unshed tears as he continued to watch
his master’s portrait.
That all happened a long, long time ago and yet in some ways it only seemed
like yesterday. Alfred only had to look in the mirror to see the truth. Even
though Kain looked like he had only aged by five years or so in all the time
that had passed, Alfred had become an old man- or at least older than he
would’ve liked.
Alfred was pushing fifty-four now. He had winkles on every patch of skin it
seemed, age spots kept popping up every time he looked and his muscles ached
something fierce when the weather turned cold. Alfred knew it was only the
beginning, it would only get worse as the years continued to pass. He already
needed glasses to read, what would he need in another ten years? A knee
reconstruction? A walking stick? It was a frightening thought and yet Alfred
knew it was the inevitable. He would not ask Kain to make him a vampire, he had
accepted his fate. He was happy to die one day, to sink into a slumber that he
would never awaken from. He had a good life, he had next to no regrets, but if
he could have changed one thing it would’ve been to have more time with his
beloved master; the first person to ever truly care for him and the first and
last person he had ever truly loved.
Kain loved Zero, that much was obvious, even in the pair couldn’t see it
themselves. Kain looked at Zero the same way Jun used to look at him and Zero
watched Kain just as shyly as Alfred did to his old master. It was like history
repeating itself and yet here the pair were completely oblivious. Kain was too
blind and too deep in self-denial to admit his true feelings for the boy and
Zero was too busy arguing with himself about the morals he’d been raised with
and fighting the memories of the Snatchers to see how much Kain really did
care.
Alfred gave his master’s portrait one final glance before heading up the
stairs. Perhaps it was time for a little intervention. No one else seemed to be
stepping up to the task and the two certainly weren’t sorting themselves out on
their own.
Alfred knocked on Zero’s door, not surprised that silence came from within. He
entered anyway, crossing the room to the bathroom and knocking lightly on the
door.
“Sir?”
No response.
“Sir, Master Kain is waiting.” Alfred lied casually. There was the faint sound
of water moving around. “He needs you ready in five minutes.”
Zero sat in the rapidly cooling bathtub. His hands clenched into fists. His
eyes were closed and short breaths were escaping him. He wanted to see Kain, he
wanted those warm hands to comfort him and to make him forget about his wrong-
doings and yet…. The thought of facing Kain was… impossible. How do you face
the person you just whored yourself to? How do you face them and not know if
they expect you to do it again or if they liked it or if you could do it again
or if you wanted to or if-
There were too many questions, not enough answers and shame and embarrassment
lingering around every corner. Zero didn’t know what to do.
The only thing he coulddo was get out of the bathtub and face whatever came
next. There was no other option, none that Zero could see anyway. He was a
whore, brought and paid for, there was nothing he could do about it.
Zero pulled on a bathrobe a numb feeling spreading in his chest. He gripped the
door handle, gritted his teeth and finally, exited the bathroom.
Alfred went to wait downstairs for the pet as Zero dressed. He put on the first
things his hands touched, he had no care for his appearance and everything in
the wardrobe was designer anyway so he guessed it would match each other no
matter what.
Zero met Alfred downstairs.
“Where’s Kain?”
“He had to cancel unfortunately, he called earlier to say that a business
associate from overseas was in town and he could not miss a meeting with him.
He sends his apologies.”
Zero paused, taking everything in until it clicked.
“Kain’s not here.”
“No sir.”
“But you said-”
“We, however, are going out.”
“What?-Where?”
“You shall just have to find out.” Alfred, not waiting for the pet, strode to
and out the front door and to a waiting car. Zero stood for a few moments,
stunned.
Alfred lied. He of all people lied and now…-
Zero got into the waiting limo, what else could he do after all? He was so
stunned by Alfred’s actions that he found himself curious how things would play
out. Where in the world would a fifty-or-so year old butler be taking him?
The car ride was silent, Alfred not giving a single hint as to their
destination.
Whatever Zero thought that destination was, the last place he expected them to
end up was pulling in to the red-light district.
Zero sat shocked still for a moment before the feeling of ice cold water began
to pour down his spine.
Was Kain… selling him?
Zero couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. His eyes were burning in shame and
horror.
Had he done such a bad… ‘job’ that Kain wanted to be rid of him? Maybe Kain was
tired of caring for him when he could just easily buy another, less-
complicated, pet?
“Kain has no part in this.” Alfred announced, watching as the blood ran from
Zero’s face. “I simply want to show you something.
“Alfred what’s going on?”
The limo pulled up at a shadowed building ‘The Scarlett Lounge’.
“Alfred?”
“We’re here.” Alfred slipped out of the limo and gazed around with a
somewhat…familiarity of what was before him. It was obvious he had been here
before and Zero found himself a bit embarrassed at thinking about how Alfred
got his ‘kicks’.
Zero stepped out of the limo and looked around. The whole street was alive with
lights blaring, music flowing out from the brightly decorated buildings and
people seemed to be swarming. Men and woman, some dressed in what couldn’t even
be deemed as clothing were strolling down the streets or gathering in small
groups. In the shadowed alleys, shouts of anger or cries of pleasure could be
heard. Zero did not miss the few personnel passed out against the buildings.
Zero took an instinctual step closer to Alfred, feeling the eyes of everyone
upon them as they all took in the sleek limo and its previous occupants.
“Hey honey, blow you for a fifty?” Zero could only stare as a lady called out
from her perch against the wall. “For seventy-five I’ll let you cum in my
mouth.”
Zero literally felt his jaw drop.
“Come along sir, it’s unwise to dawdle” Alfred ushered Zero inside.
As they stepped in the ‘Scarlett Lounge’s’ foyer they were greeted by two
incredibly huge security guards and one lady behind the counter. Her name,
according to the badge was ‘Belle’.
Zero felt his eyes falling out of his sockets. Belle, was incredibly beautiful,
long luscious brown hair long enough to curl seductively down her back. Lips
the color of blood and eyes had been darkened by makeup. She was a beauty, but
of course, it didn’t hurt that she was wearing a lace corset the color matching
her lips, leather panties and fishnet stockings clinging onto her legs and
finally black shoes with an eight-inch heel. It  might not have been the most
comfortable work attire, but by God it made her look good.
“Hello sirs, my name is Belle. Can I help you with anything?” The way she said
it was enough to make a man’s blood boil. Zero felt his face flush slightly and
dropped his eyes to the carpet.
“First time?” She giggled softly.
“For him it is” Alfred joked. “Could you tell Madame, Alfred is here?” Belle
nodding, throwing a wink Zero’s way before slipping though the doorway behind
her.
God leather looked good on her.
“Alfi!” there was a blur of silk and suddenly Alfred had his arms full. A woman
around his age but looking much younger than she should embraced him deeply.
She too wore heavy makeup around the eyes and lips, her hair was pulled up in a
loose bun, ringlets of dyed black curls escaping it and she was wearing a
crimson silken kimono decorated in cherry blossoms.
“Oh Alfi, you came just like you said you would!” She was kissing both his
cheeks and then placing one firmly on his mouth. It was not how a lover would
but rather a long lost friend. Zero frowned. Just how many times did ‘Alfi’
come here to let off a bit of steam?
“I always keep my promises Rosa.” She laughed and pulled him into another hug.
“That you do, that you do- and who is this pretty young thing? Alfi you haven’t
brought my girls a treat have you?” Startling deep blue eyes turned to him.
“This is Zero Kiryuu, my master’s pet, the one I spoke of. Zero, this is Madame
Rosa the owner of the Scarlett Lounge and a very, very old friend of mine I
knew here before I came into the Kain family service.”
Zero found himself staring at this woman in awe. Alfred said that he had been
in Akatsuki’s ‘service’ for over thirty years before he died before becoming a
butler. Zero quickly did the math in his head, although he didn’t know the
precise year in which Jun Kain died, he knew that Alfred would have been very
young when he met this woman- thirteen maybe but certainly younger. Hadn’t
Alfred once said he played with Kain when they were kids?
If he and Madame Rosa had known each other that long…-talk about a lasting
relationship.
“Isn’t he a darling thing?” Madame Rosa examined him top to toe. “Such eyes,
such hair- no wonder he stole Master Kain’s eye. He has not had a pet before
this one has he not?”
“No Madame, but please, we are making Mr Kiryuu uncomfortable.”
“Ah of course, gentlemen let us retire to the lounge.” Madame Rosa led them
through a veil of transparent red curtains into a large round room. Here there
were blood red lounges scattered across a black marble floors. Along the walls
dancers swayed and moved to a slow heavy beat and servers in the same attire as
‘Belle’ at the reception wore. Patrons of the Scarlett Lounge sat, slouched or
laid back in the crimson lounges either by themselves or in groups of friends,
workers- male and females- positioned themselves around them; talking laughing,
teasing, drinking and….
Zero ducked his head in embarrassment. They could seriously not be doing those
things in plain view. Zero noticed before he put his head down that there were
other doorways leading off to more ‘private’ areas for those who required it.
Zero pushed away the hint of curiosity he felt towards those rooms and followed
Alfred and Madame Rosa to the V.I.P. lounge. Built into the wall they had their
own private dancers and a clear view of the room through the same red
transparent curtains.
Madam Rosa and Alfred sat down, Madame curling up to Alfred’s side.
“So” Rosa began, allowing the serving girl to place a bottle of wine and three
deep glasses in front of them. “What would you like Zero? A girl? A boy? A bit
of both?-” Zero was glad he hadn’t decided to take a sip of the wine because he
would’ve no doubt choked on it.
Alfred cleared his throat quickly.
“Ah, Rosa, you must have misunderstood me before. Zero is only allowed to
watchtonight, not participate. Master Kain is very protective.”
“Oh a possessive Master.” Rosa was smiling. “Very well I’ll pass the message
along. But the questions remain the same”
Zero could only stare at her, he could not help it. There was no way he could
answer that question. Never had he met anyone so open and blunt about sex.
Alfred interrupted again, thankfully, but this time he was speaking in another
language, French or Italian, Zero couldn’t make it out. But when he was done
Madame Rosa was shooting Zero a look of sympathy but was smiling softly.
“I understand.” She finally said. “I’ll leave you gentlemen alone then, don’t
worry about picking rooms I’ll pass it along to security to see the viewing
rooms. Alfi dear, please don’t be a stranger, come see me again soon now won’t
you?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good Boy” Madame Rosa stood, placed a kiss on the top of Alfred’s head, did
the same to a blushing Zero and exited the booth.
“Alfred! What was that? What are we doing here? What did you say to her?”
“We are here Zero because I want to show you something.”
“What? Alfred I’m telling you now if you want me to watch people having…-doing
it- then I’m out of here.” Zero stood.
“Sit down Sir, I want to show you something about the people here.”
“What does this have to do with anything?” Alfred gave a small smile, rising
from his seat and heading towards one of the private rooms.
“Alfred!” Zero chased after him, not really wanting to follow but not wanting
even more to be left alone in a place like this.
Alfred knocked lightly on the doorway next to one of the private rooms a burly
security guard greeted them, surveyed them both and gave a small nod of
approval before stepping aside and admitting them. Zero suddenly found himself
in a dark room, the only light was the one coming through a window… no not a
window- a mirror and in the mirror was a perfect view of the private room next-
door.
“Alfred…?”
“This is a viewing room Zero, I want you to see something.”
“Alfred I’m not going to watch to people having sex” Zero’s voice instinctively
hushed at the ‘s’ word. The security guard let out a grunt which could’ve been
mistaken for a laugh.
“First time?”
“Oh yes.”
“Why do people keep saying that?”
“Zero would you just look.” Zero and Alfred locked gazes, staring each other
down for a moment before Zero finally caved. Slowly he turned to look through
the mirror. Two people were inside; a male and a female. The male was bound to
the bed by handcuffs and the woman was standing over him in a black leather
attire a horse crop in here hands.
“Alfred?” Zero’s voice was almost a squeak.
“Just watch Zero.” The woman was parading around the bed, her mouth was moving
and her posture indicated that she was giving a lecture of some sort, though
what was being said, Zero could not hear, there was no sound coming through the
glass.
“Watch their expressions Zero.” Zero did, reluctantly. He very much wanted to
go home, take a hot poker and burn this image from his mind. Instead he took in
the angry, yet excited look of the female as she circled her prey and the man
who stared up at her with apprehension, lust and excitement.
“What do you see?”
“Are you serious Alfred?” The butler remained silent in response. Zero sighed
loudly voicing everything he had just seen in his head.
“And?” Alfred prompted at the end.
“And?” Zero echoed blankly.
“Hmm.” Alfred made a small sound in the back of his throat. “Come along then.”
Alfred exited the room, made sure Zero was following before heading two doors
down and entering another viewing room.
“Alfred, what is going on?”
“Look again, tell me what you see.” Zero sighed again, resentfully looking
through the double-sided mirror to take in yet another room. This time there
were three females. Two of them were standing over the third who was kneeling
on the carpet before them. Zero felt his face flame bright red as he took in
the scene. The third girl was servicing the other two at the same time, her
fingers disappeared between one girl’s legs and her head pulled towards the
other’s lower abdomen.
“What do you see?”
“Lust, desire, excitement- the same as the last room. What’s the point to
this?”
“Follow me.”
“Alfred!” They repeated the activity of exiting the room and entering another.
It was another male and female pair. The female was on her back, her whole body
supported by some sort of hanging frame. The male was standing beside her, one
hand was in her hair and the other was clenched around a..a..dildo.
Zero felt himself look away, embarrassed beyond belief.
“What do you see?”
“Alfred! What is the point of this?”
“I want you to see the difference between the rooms.”
“There is no difference! There’s just people fucking!”
“Are you sure?”
Alfred’s tone made Zero frown and suddenly turn back to look into the room. The
man was thrusting the hard plastic in and out of the woman. She was crying out
in pleasure.
“What do you see?”
“Desire, pleasure, excitement, lust-”
“And?” Alfred pressed.
“Nothin-” Zero paused, his eyes somehow catching on the scene before him more
so the hand that was in the woman’s hair, it was massaging her scalp and
brushing the hair out of her face...almost…lovingly. His eyes were locked with
her’s and he was watching every emotion flit across her face. She was watching
him, gripping the hanging frame and his arm. Her thumb caressed his skin…
“They’re a couple.”
“How do you know?”
“Well…” Zero looked for words and failed. ‘tender’ and ‘caring’ just did not
seem to fit a scene where someone was ramming a dildo  up another’s vagina. “He
loves her, you can just tell.”
“You’re going to have to do better than that Zero.”
“Well look at his eyes, look at her hands…. I don’t know how to say it!”
“How does this room differ from the other two then?”
“Well in the others it was just about the sex, really… I don’t know… they had a
cool detachment from each other in a way.”
“Very good Zero.”
“Alfred.” Zero turned to face the butler head on. “Why did you bring me here?
No more screwing around.” Alfred regarded Zero with a soft expression sighing
almost tiredly.
“I brought you here so that you could see the difference between a whore and a
lover Zero, I brought you here so you can judge for yourself what Kain really
thinks of you.”
“What…?-” Zero felt his eyes go wide, his whole body suddenly ridged and his
mind blank. All he could see was images flashing before his eyes. He could not
stop them:
Kain holding him close after each nightmare and never complaining once about
it. Kain always taunting him and smiling with every response. Kain pleasuring
him when Zero was the one supposed to be the pet. Kain whispering words of
comfort to him. Kain playing with his hair when they embraced or when Zero
drank. Kain always letting Zero set the pace for anything physical about their
relationship. Kain saving him. Kain protecting him. Kain promising him to keep
him safe. Kain always trying to make Zero happy whether it be a shopping trip
or to have purpose in the form of a bodyguard. Kain always letting Zero know if
he wanted to try something new and always giving Zero the chance to back out if
he wanted to.
“Holy shit.”
Kain. Akatsuki Kain; aristocrat noble, billionaire, The Nightlife King was in
love with him.
***** Permission *****
Zero couldn’t move.
His breath seemed to be stuck in his chest, his mind blank, even his heart
seemed to beat at a much slower pace.
Someone loved him.
Someone actually cared for him, despite being a Level D vampire, despite being
an ex-Vampire Hunter, despite the fact that no one had given him a second
glance since his parents were murdered.
Akatsuki Kain loved him.
Akatsuki Kain was in love with him.
Holy Shit.
Zero’s body finally kicked back into gear; his breath short gasps, his
heartbeat a drum pounding in his chest and his hands shaking with the amount of
adrenaline coursing through his veins.
Kain loved him.
Akatsuki loved him.
“I…I…”- Zero’s mouth couldn’t form any sort of verbal response, his mind was
racing but at the same time it was a pile of mush. All he knew was that he had
to go, to leave, to do something. He left the viewing room, Alfred not making a
single move to stop him.
Zero crossed the black marble floor scattered with red lounges. He didn’t stop
when patrons called out to him or when servers cursed at him as he cut them
off, the world seemed to be blocked out by a large bubble. Everything, everyone
was dimmed, cut out. The only thing that mattered to Zero was finding Kain. He
didn’t know what he would do when he found him, didn’t know what he would say
or expect, but whatever it was, the last thing he expected was to crash
straight into the man himself just outside the Scarlett Lounge.
“Hey-!”
Zero looked up. Shocked gold met dazed mauve. Zero’s mouth opened and closed
several times. The only thought in his head was.
You love me.
Kain was in equal shock and then as if someone burst the bubble on Zero’s muted
world reality surged back to him.
The sound of cars in the street rushed past, the catcalls and yells of everyone
around him blaring and the red show lights burned into his skin.
Kain was in the Red Light District.
What.The.Fuck.
A faint memory stirred in the back of Zero’s mind. It was Kain telling him that
very evening that they would catch up for lunch and then later on Alfred
informing Zero that Kain was in a business meeting and would be unable to
escort Zero after all.
Yet here the noble was…in the Red Light District.
What.The.Fuck.
Evil voices and thoughts surged and tormented Zero’s mind. There was only one
reason why men came to such a place, it didn’t take a genius to know. Zero’s
only question was why? Why had Kain brushed him off for this place? Why had
Kain lied? Why was he here? Was he not satisfied with Zero’s affections?
Zero felt a stone drop in his gut.
Zero hadn’t been giving him the ‘affection’ any normal pet would, did that mean
Kain was looking for it elsewhere? Was Zero not good enough? Was Kain bored
with him? He knew Kain must have been making him a bodyguard for a reason!
Suddenly everything was impossibly crystal clear.
Kain was looking for another pet.
There were no words to describe the feeling that suddenly speared though the
ex-hunter’s body. Shame, anguish, hurt…there were only few emotions that came
close. It was like having his parents die all over again in a way. It was the
same earth-shattering feeling. The same pain at knowing that the most important
people in your life were gone, that the only people who had truly loved and
accepted you were suddenly absent and that you had become some sort of monster.
That you were alone in this world and would be for the rest of your life.
Somehow it was worse feeling all those things then realizing, if only for a few
seconds, that they were not true only to find out moments later that they were
indeed correct.
The next thing Zero knew was that he was walking. What else was there to do? He
was walking down the street away from Kain, putting as much distance between
them as he could. He noticed with bitter satisfaction that he was not crying.
His eyes were not even tearing up, there was nothing left anymore, he had
nothing more to give.
“Zero!” Someone grabbed his arm, swinging him back around.
Kain almost flinched at the sudden dead look that was in Zero’s eyes. Only
seconds ago they were filled with such burning emotion.
“Zero! What the hell are you doing here?” Kain was fuming, white hot rage
bubbling within him. Zero had left the manor without his permission, Zero had
left to go to the Red Light district of all places! Was he seeking pleasure in
the arms of another? His pet, the one that he had been so kind to!
Black rage was swirling out of the noble, people in the street gave them wide
berth, even the mortals could sense his aura. The only one who remained
unaffected was Zero, he stared up at him with those hauntingly empty eyes and
spoke in a lifeless tone.
“Alfred brought me here, I haven’t touched or been touched by anyone if that is
what you’re asking. I’m still yours.”
Only yours.
Kain’s eyes widened slightly at Zero’s choice of words.
“Don’t worry” Zero gently pried his arm out of Kain’s grip. “I’m going back
now, I won’t disrupt your businessmeeting further.” Zero turned away from the
noble and slipped into the limo that was waiting for him.
Kain stared blankly after Zero.
What the Hell was going on?
Kain hurried to follow the Pet, climbing into the back of the limo and giving
the order to drive. He slid the screen slide up dividing the passengers from
the driver, keeping them out of sight and ear shot. Kain had no idea what was
going on, all he knew was that Zero had a horrifyingly dead look upon him, one
Kain had not seen before, and the noble wanted to know just what the hell had
caused it.
“Zero, why are you here of all places you could’ve visited in town.”
“Alfred wanted to show me something, but I guess in the end it doesn’t matter,
it wasn’t true… I don’t know why I thought it was…” Zero was staring blankly
out the window. Kain watched him with a growing sense of dread in his chest. He
had no idea what was going on or what questions to ask to find out. The boy was
making no sense.
“Alfred brought you here?”
“Yes.”
“Where did he take you?”
“The Scarlett Lounge to meet Madame Rosa, he’s been friends with her for a long
time hasn’t he?” Kain was frowning, he hated that dead tone on Zero. He also
had no idea why Alfred was taking Zero to meet an old whore. What was going on?
“Yes. Yes he’s known her a long time.” Zero didn’t say anything more, Kain was
at a loss at what to say next and as a result, the rest of the car ride was in
silence.
When they returned to the manor neither had spoken another word and Kain was
beginning to seriously worry.
“Have you eaten?” he inwardly winced at how poor his attempt at conversation
was.
“Not hungry.” Zero climbed up the stairs. Kain followed him. Zero finally
stopped just outside his bedroom door and the pet’s own personal rooms. Zero
paused.
“When do you want me to switch rooms?”
“What?” Zero turned back to face Kain, his expression blank.
“When do you want me to switch rooms? Is there any particular room you want me
to stay in?” Kain felt himself blink stupidly. Had he missed something?
“This is your room.” He spoke slowly, carefully.
“I thought you would’ve wanted your new pet close.” Kain frowned, did Zero
still see himself as a ‘new’ pet? “Or are they going to reside in your rooms
permanently?”
Kain’s frown deepened. What was with the boy tonight? Why was he intentionally
referring to himself in third person?
“Zero what-?”
“What the new pet arrives” Zero’s tone now spoke with the barest hint of
exasperation. “I need to know these things so I can either clear out to down
the hall or not.” The pair stared at each other for a moment.
“Zero, I’m not getting a new pet.”
Zero honestly did not think his heart could hurt more than it already did.
Of course. Zero inwardly scolded himself for not seeing it before. Kain wasn’t
buying a new pet, Kain was selling him.
“Oh.” Zero was amazed at how he could still talk. He didn’t do it
intentionally, the words just kept spilling out of his mouth his whole body too
numb to stop it. Kain had lied to him again, all that talk of body guards and
whatnot, Kain only said it to gain Zero’s favor and he had. That evening was
proof of that, but now the noble was bored and so it was time for Zero to go.
“When is my new owner collecting me then?” Kain just stared. His brain could
not comprehend what the boy had just said. New owner? Collecting? When Kain had
left that morning it was to a very affectionate Zero and now coming home his
pet had been replaced by some sort of hollow being talking about buying and
selling pets.
What was going on!?
“Zero-?”
You idiot.
Kain’s question got stuck in his throat. Zero had caught him out in the Red
Light District, the very place auction houses and pet buyers dwelled and dealt.
When Kain said he was meeting with a business associate, Zero obviously thought
he was meeting with a pet dealer.
Oh Shit.
Kain sighed loudly in relief. He finally knew what had the boy so spooked.
“Zero…” The pet was suddenly raising his hands.
“No- you don’t have to explain it to me. I understand.” Zero opened the doors
and headed into his own personal rooms.
“I don’t think you do Zero”-
“No, really- I do. I didn’t perform well enough for you, I know I should’ve
been better, I know I shouldn’t have been so wrapped up in the Snatchers-” The
words were like bile in his throat, they kept coming up when a part of him
wanted nothing more than to keep them locked away, but the other part of him;
the numb state, had already resigned himself to his bleak future as a pet.
There was nothing he could ever do to escape it after all.
Kain’s eyes widened in horror.
“-No Zero n-”
“-I’m sorry I thought of them at times when we were…intimate. It must have
frustrated you to no end having me think of another when I was with you. I
apologize.”
“Z-” Zero snapped around holding up his hand.
“No, let me finish…please master.” Kain’s mouth opened and shut. His mind
suddenly drawing a blank. This was wrong, oh this was so very, very wrong.
“You’re a good person, I’m sorry I took advantage of that. I expect my new
master will be more demanding, that he will be more vocal about his wishes. I
think I need that. I’m no good otherwise.” Zero’s voice broke slightly as he
spoke of his new master, whoever it may be. In his mind images of pets being
dragged along by forceful owners played in his mind. He wondered briefly if he
would be chained to the floor again or if he would be punished the same way he
had been punished with the snatchers, then again he doubted it. Apparently rape
and the whip were quite popular among slave masters. There would be no kind
words with them. No gentle embraces. No warm hands.
Zero had to turn away from Kain once more. His eyes were leaking once again. He
kept hovering between the state of utter hollowness and screaming out in pain
and sorrow. He was behaving much like the time when his parents died; unsure
and unable to cope with what was happening around him.
Zero felt his body tremble. He did not want to think of his future. He did not
want to imagine life with a new master and no Kain. He didn’t care if the noble
hated him or brought another or even a dozen more pets. Just as long as he
continued to hold him, just as long as Kain kept treating him as if he was a
beautiful treasure when in reality Zero was far from it.
Zero didn’t care if he lived in a fantasy from this point onwards. He didn’t
care if the noble used him or hurt him, he didn’t care if Kain didn’t love him
at all. He just wanted to be held, to pretend he was cared for.
It was so much better than being sold, so much better than anything else Zero
had because, Zero knew, he thought he had known for a while now… that deep
down, he loved Kain and would do anything just to stay by him instead of being
rejected, just like he had been his whole life.
Soft footstep came up behind him. Before Zero could process this information
warn, gentle hands were hooking his chin, turning it sideways until soft lips
could press against his cheek. An arm circled around his waist, palm pressed to
his stomach. Zero felt his legs give out when the same lips met the crook of
his neck. His eyes fell shut, savoring what could be the very last gentle
embrace he would ever feel again.
“Zero...” Zero clenched his eyes shut, why couldn’t the blasted tears stop?
“Don’t sell me.” Zero’s voice was a cracked whisper.
“Zero-”
“-Please….I’ll do anything you want.”
“Zero” a sob rose in Zero’s chest at Kain’s resigned tone. This was it. “How
can you think so little of yourself, even after all this time?” Zero paused. He
blinked, trying to clear the water from his eyes. He didn’t understand what the
noble was talking about. “Haven’t I taught you better?” Zero frowned, finding
his feet and turning around. Kain’s arms locked securely around him. The noble
seemed to not want to release him.
“How could I ever sell you Zero? Do you really think me so heartless?” Zero
stared up at the soft amber eyes. What was happening?
“But...-”
“I was in the Red Light District because I was with a business associate. He’s
from America, but he makes occasional visits to Japan. I had to see him tonight
regarding a legal issue, unfortunately he will not step anywhere near a
business room when he travels, he prefers to negotiate from within the arms of
another at a brothel.”
“But…-I don’t understand… I haven’t been-good- to you.” Now Kain was frowning
“What has put such things in your head?”
“I thought you were looking for another pet… and I could see why-”
“Have I ever complained?”
“What?”
“Have I ever complained about your affections?”
“But-”
“Zero?” The silverette shook his head.
“Have I ever threatened to sell you before?” Zero shook his head again. “So why
do you doubt me?”
“But… any normal master would have sold me.”
“Zero, do you honestly think I am any ‘normal’ master?” Zero felt a small smile
touch the corner of his lips as he shook his head a third time. A bubble of
happiness was beginning to swell in his chest and he wasn’t about to stop it.
Kain wasn’t selling him, he wasn’t replacing him. He was safe.
“I didn’t think so.” Kain lowered his mouth softly to Zero’s his lips caressing
the pet’s in a gentle embrace. When he pulled back, the younger’s waterworks
had stopped and the life was returning to his figure. Light and happiness
shining in his eyes.
Beautiful…
“Honestly, I leave you alone for five seconds-” His past taunt was silenced by
a pair of lips. Good grief, his pet was getting more affectionate each day, of
course, the noble was only too happy to oblige this fact. Kain smiled into the
kiss, pulling the pet closer to him.
Warmth radiated throughout Zero’s body, a slow-burning fire he never wanted to
extinguish. He had completely thrown Alfred’s words out the window just before,
but now they seemed to light a small hope within him once again.
When the pair came up for air and Zero met Kain’s eyes and the warmth that
radiated from them, Alfred’s words suddenly didn’t seem so far-fetched.
He was loved.
Akatsuki loved him.
How could he have doubted it all this time?
A deep emotion settled into his entire being, a feeling Zero had not felt in a
long time. He felt content, safe, unafraid of the future for the first time in
his life and happy to stay right where he was. There had been so much drama in
his life, it was so nice to finally find some solid ground to stand on, one
that would not falter or change with the passing tides. Kain was his rock. He’d
rescued him from a life of despair and loneliness, he’d recovered him from the
Snatchers and revived his sanity in the weeks following and most of all he had
throughout all of it remained calm, caring and solely focused upon Zero and his
needs.
Knowing that Kain had always been there for him and knowing that the noble
obviously intended to continue to do so for the future was a very good feeling.
It made Zero feel like he could finally stop running now, could finally stop
hurting. It was almost like he could be…at peace.
Zero smiled softly, pulling the noble back to him. His eyes folding shut as he
lost himself to their embrace and the warmth that seemed to come from every
pore in Kain’s body.
“Zero.” Kain growled softly against his lips. “I highly recommend stopping this
right now or finding a bed.” Zero laughed, for once in his life it was
carefree, unrestrained. Kain horded it away in his memory. He had never seen
the pet so… light before, so untroubled. Kain hoped it would last.
“Getting a bit excited are we?”
“You tell me.” A soft moan escaped Zero’s lips as Kain ground his body up
against him.
“Bed it is.” Kain urged Zero backwards until the back of the boy’s knees
collided against the side of the bed. They tumbled downwards in a soft heap,
Zero’s arms finding themselves locked around Kain’s neck as the noble’s tongue
found his.
When Zero’s head began to spin, Kain broke away his fingers flicking open the
buttons on Zero’s shirt with deft fingers.
“Doesn’t take you much does it?” Zero tried to hide the uneasy tone in his
voice. He loved Kain, he did, and he wanted this- wanted to be held and loved…
but for some reason his gut was flittering with a swarm of butterflies. His
heart was in his throat and he was quivering lightly in the strangest of places
a.k.a. his left leg for one and the inside of his right arm. It was the most
peculiar feeling, he was more nervous than he had ever done with any of their
more ‘intimate’ moments. Maybe it was the adrenaline and relief running through
his body from before or maybe it was because Zero now had a firmer grasp of
what was between them and was more certain of his feelings for the noble than
in the past, but for some reason there seemed to be something different between
them… something more.
“It’s been a while Zero.” Kain glared lightly. “Over three months.” Zero
stilled slightly. Letting the noble divest him of his shirt and the singlet
beneath. Math sums quickly turned in his head.
“Wait- you haven’t ‘been’ with anyone since you brought me?” Kain paused,
seeing the sudden seriousness in Zero’s expression.
“No Zero. Not anyone.”
“Why?” Kain shrugged.
“Call me moral, but it didn’t feel right. Besides, you’ve been pretty full-on
ever since I got you. I didn’t have enough time to lookat anyone else let alone
have sex with them.” Zero flushed at the ‘s’ word. Kain, seeing it smirked
lightly.
“Still a virgin Zero.”
“Prick.”
“Funny you mention that…-” Zero’s head fell back to the pillows a soft sound
escaping him as a hard bar of flesh slid up against his own. “Speaking of
names” Kain murmured pressing his face back into the hollow of Zero’s neck and
placing an open mouthed kiss there. “You called me something different this
evening.”
Zero frowned, trying to remember. It wasn’t an easy task under the noble’s
ministrations. That evening had been something he’d been trying to forget it
had been nothing but bad… but before the pain there had been that moment of
bliss… the dream… waking up to Kain…
“Akatsuki” Zero whispered softly in remembrance.
“Mmhh” Kain’s lips rumbled against his skin, causing light shivers through
Zero’s veins.
“Oh…um-sorry.” Zero mumbled, mistaking the serious tone in Kain’s voice.
“Don’t be, it’s quite refreshing to hear it.”
“But not even your friends use it.”
“That’s because it’s reserved for special people, like family… and annoying
pets with a smart mouth.” Zero grinned in the morning light.
“I see.”
“Good.” Kain sucked on the small patch of skin he’d been teasing, drawing on it
until it left a mark. Zero moaned, his hand fisting against his mouth in order
to muffle it. Kain watched him, a low rumble building in his chest.
 Kain drew harder, loving the way Zero’s body rose slightly from the sheets.
“Kai….Akatsuki…” Zero’s hand gripped the back of the noble’s neck, slightly
moving back an fourth as if the younger was unsure whether he wanted to push
him down or pull him away. Red filtered softly into Akatsuki’s vision and he
was forced to release Zero’s neck, the last thing he wanted was to have one of
his fangs scrap the boy and to have him panic on the noble.
“So Zero,” Akatsuki’s breath came out in a huff, in his attempt to let the
growing tension and need in his body release. He needed something to distract
himself from sinking too deep into his vampiric side, conversation seemed to be
the best bet, but he was having trouble all the same. He had been denying
himself for quite some time now and then to have the boy laid out on a silver
plate for him but not being able to devour it for so long was grating on his
nerves. After restraining himself and then finding some relief that evening it
was like a floodgate had been opened. It was next to impossible to control
himself now, he wanted Zero, needed him. He wanted to explore every part of the
ex-hunter and sink into him.
Akatsuki shuddered at the thought.
“You still haven’t told me what this dream you had was.” Zero flushed heavily
beneath him. “What made you wake in such a…delightful way.” Zero swallowed, the
sound echoing in the room.
“N-nothing” Zero stammered, suddenly finding an interest in the bedside lamp.
Akatsuki grinned, his fingers wrapping around Zero’s chin and coaxing it to
face him. He dropped a deep but quick kiss upon the boy’s swollen lips.
“Still shy talking about anything that happens between the sheets Zero?” He
placed another kiss upon the boy’s lip, noticing the stillness in it. Akatsuki
rose slightly, hovering above Zero’s face. The pet bit his lower lip nervously.
The sight doing nothing to ease the noble’s libido.
“Zero?”
“You’ll laugh at me.”
“Hmm maybe so… but you still have to tell me.” Zero chewed his lip. His gaze
returning to the bedside lamp. Akatsuki frowned slightly. “I won’t tell anyone,
promise.” Zero shot an un-amused look his way before returning his gaze back to
the lamp. Akatsuki paused, waiting.
“I was dreaming about you.” Akatsuki grinned, kissing Zero’s cheek and speaking
softly against it.
“Mmm, I like where this is heading.”
“I was dreaming about you… b-biting me.” Akatsuki paused, raising his head
again. The pet was severely abusing his lip now, chewing at it as if a dog
would a bone. “Is that wrong? A-after what s-she did?”
“No Zero.” Kain murmured. “It’s not wrong.”
“How can anyone want that” Zero’s whisper was strained. “How can anyone want to
be… hurt like that?”
“It doesn’t hurt Zero, not for us, not when the intention is for pleasure and
not pain.” Zero’s confused gaze found his. “A vampire can control their bite,
or more so they can control how brutally they take from the other party. One
can make their bite the most excruciating and humiliating thing in the world
and on the other hand make it as soft as a kiss. I’m know the vampire who
turned you hurt you Zero, but it’s not always like that… it doesn’t have to be.
To vampires it’s a mark of ownership; a lover’s bite or a staking of claim.
Vampire’s like to drink from each other namely their partners, it connects them
together in a way nothing else can.” Zero was silent for a while. Akatsuki
waited, letting him process what had been said.
“W-when I bite you… does it hurt?”
“In the beginning it did.” Akatsuki answered truthfully. “Not much I swear
Zero” Akatsuki added seeing the boy’s terrified expression. “It was nothing
like her bite, but I think some hurt was intended on your part anyway. We
didn’t used to get along so well if you remember.” Zero smiled softly, a half
smile echoing Akatsuki’s. “As time went on and you learned yourself how to
drink more efficiently and without so much malice things drastically improved,
as I’m sure you’ll also remember.” Zero flushed, remembering all those times
after feeding when Akatsuki had held him close or had ended up biting his skin,
or grinding up against his body.
There was a pause.
“W…w-will you b-bite me?” It felt as all the heat in Akatsuki’s body had surged
down to his lower abdomen. He shuddered again, this time involuntarily. Could
the boy have been more tempting? Akstsuki’s eyes flared red and he fought to
control himself. Several deep breaths later Akatsuki finally found his voice.
“No Zero.” They were both startled by his response. Akatsuki had wanted to bite
the pet for quite a while now and only recently had truly begun to yearn for
the blood that would tie the pet to him forever. But now, looking down at the
pet with the opportunity right in front of him, he seemed unable to accept.
Zero did not know of the blood bonds or their side effects, he didn’t really
know what he was asking for and although Akatsuki wanted to take advantage of
the situation, he refused to. He would not entrap Zero in such a way.
Zero felt shame wash through him, his eyes unable to meet Akatsuki’s. Zero
could not understand how he could feel upset over a vampire refusing to bite
him and yet he felt as if he’d been rejected.
“Zero,” The noble lifted Zero’s chin until he was looking Akatsuki in the eyes.
“I cannot bite you, when two vampires share bites it forms a blood tie, a blood
bond. This bond is normally reserved for married couples or family members.
It’s an act of union not taken lightly in the vampiric society.”
“O-Oh… I understand.” Zero’s voice was still low and he was fighting to meet
Akatsuki’s gaze.
“I’m not sure you do. Zero, blood bonds are only made between family and
partners because of the effects of the bond. You’ll have a desire to be around
each other all the time, be depressed when you’re not and most surely go mad or
spiraling into depression if the other party dies or is separated from you for
too long.” Zero’s eyes widened slightly.
“So..”
“So because you’ve already bitten me, I cannot bite you. I will not bite you.”
Silence fell over them, a light tension in the air at the seriousness of
Akatsuki’s words. “So was that all?”
“Huh?”
“Was that all you were dreaming of this evening? You seemed to have been too
flush to just be thinking about me biting you.” Akatsuki raised his eyebrows
suggestively, effectively breaking the tension in the air. Zero felt his whole
body flame.
“That was it.” There was no way Zero was going to voice his full dream, no way
in hell that he would actually voice it to Akatsuki himself.
“Zero…” Akatsuki purred dangerously, sliding his body up against Zero’s. “I
know that’s not ‘it’ you were moaning far too loudly just for that.” Zero swore
he could not go any redder, nor could his heart beat any faster.
“I…w-…the-” Zero opened and closed his mouth in the vain attempt to get
something out to get anything coherent out.
“Tell me Zero,” Akatsuki’s warm breath played against the skin on Zero’s bare
chest. “Was it about me?” Zero shook his head furiously. “Was it about us” Zero
shook his head again, trying to ignore the throaty chuckle that filled the
room.
“Were we like this? No?-” Akatsuki grinned capturing Zero’s mouth in a heady
kiss, his tongue delving into the boy’s mouth before abruptly pulling back so
that the noble could haul his shirt over his head, not bothering with the
buttons. The vampire’s actions leaving Zero delightfully breathless.
Akatsuki returned back down to the pet, the feel of skin against skin raising
goose bumps on the younger’s skin.
“What about now hmm?” Akatsuki ran his hand up Zero’s side, placing an open-
mouthed kiss on the boy’s chest and moving upwards; along the breastbone, down
the hollow of his throat, up and over his chin and finally in the corner of his
mouth. By the time he captured Zero’s head in his hand and had pulled Zero in
for a more intimate kiss, the ex-hunter was dizzy once again and heat had begun
to throb through his body.
“Akatsuki…” Zero gasped into the kiss, his body fighting for breath yet at the
same time craving the noble. Being surrounded by such warmth, being held so
close… there were no words to describe the feeling. Zero arched up into the
noble’s embrace, his arms circling around Akatsuki’s neck and pulling him
closer.
Zero’s breath hitched as Akatsuki gripped his hips, rolling them together. Zero
came up for air, gasping and opening his eyes to watch the glowing amber ones
above him. Light shudders ran through Zero’s body at the intensity of the
noble’s gaze. He swallowed loudly, his throat suddenly too dry and his chest
strangely tight. He could literally melt under that gaze. Zero felt something
change about the situation, Akatsuki, oblivious to it was now showering Zero’s
neck with kisses and light nips against the skin. Zero turned his head,
allowing Akatsuki more access, his breaths becoming shorter and more desperate
and Zero’s mind had kicked into overdrive.
Akatsuki cared for him, loved him even. He took care of Zero, he would never
intentionally hurt him and Zero felt safe with him. Zero wanted this; wanted
his touch, wanted his presence… he wanted everything.
The thought terrified him.
Akatsuki groaned around the skin at his throat, Zero’s eyes falling shut at the
soft vibrations against his skin. God he wanted this, he wanted the noble.
Akatsuki brought his lips back to Zero’s, satisfied that the pet had enough
time to catch his breath. Akatsuki felt trembling hands cup his face, the
thumbs nervously stroking his cheek. A sudden rigid tension had crept into the
pet’s frame and he was covered in goose bumps. Zero’s heart was fluttering
madly in his chest and Akatsuki could hear the boy’s uneven breaths. Akatsuki
frowned slightly, pulling back.
“Zero?”
Embarrassed violet eyes ducked down, before glancing back up
“Y-yes?” Zero whispered, his seemed to have lost his voice. Akatsuki studied
the ex-human, feeling the tremors that were racking his frame. Akatsuki pressed
a chaste kiss to his forehead. Noting how the boy’s nerves jumped beneath the
touch and the slight stutter in the boy’s breath.
Akatsuki stilled. He locked his gaze with Zero once more, this time he used his
hands to hold Zero’s head and to prevent the pet from looking away.
“It’s okay Zero.” He whispered, eyes searching Zero’s. “It’s okay to be
afraid.” Zero swallowed yet again, his throat was way to dry and there seemed
to be a lump in his throat, Zero wondered if it was his heart.
“It’s okay.” Akatsuki’s voice was barely audible, even to Zero.
Zero closed his eyes, trying to find some sort of confidence. It was hard to do
when his heart was slamming up against his ribcage and his stomach was swirling
like it wanted to be sick. Zero let out a low breath and opened his eyes. Soft,
patient amber awaited him. Soft and so thick with emotion.
“Akatsuki?”
“Yes Zero?”
“..I…I give you… permission.”
 
***** The Surrender *****
Akatsuki stared down at the figure below him. He found that they were both no
longer breathing. The silence stretching between them.
“Are you sure Zero?”
The ex-human nodded lightly in response. Akatsuki was silent, holding the
younger's gaze. He searched their violet depths long and hard for any hidden
emotions. There was none, the only emotions the boy was feeling was completely
natural; apprehension, desire, curiosity, a twinge of fear and determination.
A small smile touched the corner of Akatsuki's mouth.
“Thankyou.” Akatsuki murmured quietly, his voice calm hiding the fact that his
heart had lept into gear, thudding loudly in his chest, his breath hitched
slightly as his lungs remembered how to breathe again. Heat rolled in his body
surging through his whole core and the lower part of his anatomy hardened to
the point of almost pain.
Gods, thankyou.
Zero's cheeks colored delightfully as the noble leaned down, fusing their
mouths together in a slow, consuming kiss. When Zero came up for air he was
dizzy once more heat settling low in his gut.
Akatsuki ran his hand down the length of Zero's body, savoring the smooth skin
in contrast to the rough material of the jeans he wore. His hand settled over
the firm mound at the top of the jeans before cupping the firm flesh in his
hand and kneading it with his fingers and the flat of his palm. A small sound
caught between a gasp of surprise and almost a whine escaped the boy's lips,
the sound muffled by the noble own.
There was no doubt of Akatsuki's intentions; he massaged the ex-human with firm
ministrations, stroking and rolling all the right points until Zero was
gasping, withering mess, his hips bucking involuntarily up into the noble's
hand.
Akatsuki deposited a soft kiss on the corner of Zero's mouth before pulling
back once again and finally divesting them both of the remains of their
clothes. When he brought their bodies back together Zero found himself
swallowing loudly at the back of his now dry throat. Akatsuki settled his
weight between Zero's legs, spreading them slightly wider than previous times
in order for the boy to fully accommodate him.
Zero's hands trembled slightly, the foreign hard flesh against his body
suddenly a lot bigger and a lot thicker than memory. The tremor echoed again in
the inside of Zero's thigh. With their position keeping them as close as they
were, there was no doubt Akatsuki felt it.
A soft, warm hands found Zero's own, the noble rose them first to his lips so
that he could press a soft cherishing kiss or each of them before drawing them
downwards and in between them, warms hands molding the smaller set around their
host.
Zero gulped audibly. The soft, yet hard flesh was strange to touch when it
belonged to another. His fists could both wrap around the length of the shaft
and yet still have more length left over and the thickness... Zero was hardly
comforted about the fact that his partner was not lacking in anyway. The only
thing he could seem to think was;
There's no way it's going to fit... 'in there'
By now, Zero thought that his face was permanently stained red. Who thought
such things at such a time?
One hand still gently holding Zero's around his length Akatsuki's other hand
cupped Zero's face, pulling him back for a deep, heady kiss, his thumb
caressing the boy's face in a gentle caress.
Akatsuki gently coaxed Zero's hands to move, encouraging the younger to feel
and investigate every inch of him, the silent message clear; it's okay to
explore, it's okay to be curious and to be shy.
Zero's mind felt almost torn, there was too many things going on at once, how
was he supposed to concentrate? Akatsuki was commanding his attention to their
mouths where their tongues fought in a duel Zero couldn't keep up with
meanwhile he was trying to focus and remember every part of the noble as his
hands explored, feeling the texture of the soft warm flesh, the feel of the
short curled hair at the base and the smooth circumcised tip at the other end.
Eventually Zero gave up, when he had ventured over the flesh enough to commit
it to memory his hands slid to cup Akatsuki's hips and further to the rounded
flesh of the noble's behind. His fingers clamping down as the right brush of
skin combined with Akatsuki's nip at Zero's neck.
Zero's eyes shut, a moan falling from his lips. Instinctively, he nuzzled along
Akatuki's jawline and down to his throat so that too he could place his own
kisses there his hand now gripping blond hair and he latched himself to the
noble's neck.
Akatsuki tilted his throat, answering Zero's unspoken plea and allowing fangs
to penetrate his skin.
Zero took a long draw, rolling the blood in his mouth, memorizing the taste
before finally swallowing. The purr vibrating at the back of his throat was
soon replaced by a harsh gasp as Akatsuki once again gripped him. His hand
working quickly, sliding up and down the boy's length before pausing and
rolling the ex-human's orbs in his palm.
Zero's breath hitched against Akatsuki's neck, his fangs still attached.
Drinking was becoming impossible and the way the noble was working his body,
Zero was feeling hot flushes sweep through him, pinpricks of sweat appearing on
his brow.
“K-Akas...s-suki..” Zero stuttered, his mouth unable to form the words with his
fangs still attached to the noble and his thoughts rapidly disappearing into a
pleasurable haze. “I c-can't-” His breath hitched again, almost sounding like a
soft wheeze at a particularly firm stoke. His hips bucked up. “I-I... c-c...”
Zero moaned, biting down and sinking his fangs deeper into Akatsuki's flesh.
“I know Zero, I know.” Akatsuki breathed back. “Come for me, come for me now
love.” Zero didn't know whether the 'love' on the end was intentional or just
the heat of the moment, but it was all it took to push Zero over the edge. He
cried out against Akatsuki's neck, his whole body locking taunt and then
spasming. His hips bucking upwards as warm, thickened liquid coated him and
tickled down his side.
Zero released Akatsuki neck but kept his face buried there, gripping onto the
noble as he came down, his breath loud gasps against his shoulder. Akatsuki was
kissing him softly against the side of his face.
“Good Zero... beautiful...” Zero loved the lukewarm feeling spreading though
him. He was drained but relaxed as if he were lounging in a hot bath but much
more pleasurable. It only lasted a few moments before what small part of his
brain that was still functional felt the noble's body shifting slightly as he
reached out to the bedside table, trying to do so without notice.
“W-what-?” Zero's voice was quickly answered by the sound of a cap opening. The
redness on his cheeks soared. He felt his body tense with discomfort as
Akatsuki shifted his position slightly so that his hips were now more on their
side. Zero watched with wide eyes as the noble squeezed a generous amount of
the clear, gel-like liquid onto his hands, spreading it evenly among his
fingers before placing the tube on the bed and reaching back down to his hand's
original position. Zero felt the muscles in his leg jump at the sudden coolness
upon him.
“It's alright.” Akatsuki murmured, locking their eyes together. Below a cool
finger stroked the skin just below Zero's core. He swallowed loudly at the
foreign touch. “I'm just preparing you.” Akatsuki's voice was a soft,
comforting purr but his words still made Zero's blush settle high on his
cheeks. “You need to be relaxed.”
“Relaxed?” Zero's scoff lacked in both volume and sarcasm the result was almost
a panicked sound.
“Yes Zero, just be calm. You can't be tense or it'll hurt.” Zero felt his body
lock up anyway, his nerves jumping frantically beneath his skin.
“Sshh Zero.” Akatsuki kissed his forehead gently, his lips dragging across skin
until he found the corners of Zero's eyes, he kissed them softly before moving
on to his cheeks, nose, chin and finally his mouth.
“Do you want me to stop?” Zero paused, processing the question before faintly
shaking his head. “You have your safeword Zero, you can use it at anytime.
Remember that.” Akatsuki leaned down and kissed the racing pulse point on
Zero's neck, it trilled under his touch.
“H-how much does it....does i-it...hurt?” Zero tried vainly not to sound as
afraid as he was. To think, he had taken on the most fearful of foes, had spent
most of his life being hunted by monsters from the realms of darkness, endured
more pain an suffering than thousands of people and yet here he was; a
trembling mess and asking a vampire how much this would hurt. It was
unbelievable.
“It may be uncomfortable or hurt in the beginning, but it all depends on how
relaxed you muscles are. The more relaxed you are the easier the muscles will
stretch.” The noble's words were soft, logical and calm and yet Zero was
staring back at him with wide horrified eyes.
“I'll tell you what” Akatsuki reached up with one hand to grasp Zero's,
entwining their fingers. “You hold my hand, if it gets too much or you want me
to slow down or stop just squeeze okay?” Zero nodded shakily.
“J-just don...don't go too f-fast.” His voice was weak, face pale.
“I have no intention too, this is your first-time, it is my wish to make it as
painless as possible.”
“'Kay.”
“Would you like me to talk to you? Tell you what I'm doing I mean.” Akatsuki
added, seeing Zero's confusion at his words. His pale cheeks seemed to retrieve
some of it's old color at the noble's words, but he nodded all the same.
“Alright, I will, but you must relax.”
“We'll I'm sorry if I'm a little jumpy!” Zero hissed.
“A little? Your practically leaping out of your skin.” Akatsuki grinned,
noticing the way Zero's rigid muscles began to unlock at the familiar banter
between them.
“Well you try lying here while some psycho starts probing you.”
“I'll let you try afterwards.”
“Are you calling me a psycho?”
“Your words, not mine Zero.” Akatsuki's finger had worked its way up and along
the narrow path to the tight ring of muscle. He circled the hole, effectively
cutting off Zero's rebuke.
Zero's eyes widened slightly and Akatsuki gave a soft squeeze of their entwined
fingers, reminding the younger of their agreement.
It was only when the boy gave a return squeeze that Akatsuki pushed his finger
forwards and into Zero's core.
Instinctively, Zero's body tried to move away from it, but the noble's
bodyweight held him.
“Well?”
“It...it's w-weird.” Zero's color had returned in full force now. He shifted
slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position in the awkward situation.
How many times did one find themselves with someone else's finger up their...
well their... you know.
“Your muscles with get used to it.” Akatsuki pushed his finger in further,
allowing it to sink in up to his knuckle. Zero squirmed uncomfortably beneath
him as the noble's probing finger moved within him. It was only when the finger
was gliding smoothly that he pressed a second to and past the tight ring of
muscle. Zero gripped Akatsuki's hand lightly. There was a soft hiss as Zero
sucked in a breath of air.
Akatsuki paused, his fingers still as he waited for Zero's body to accommodate
the intrusion. The feel of clenching and shifting muscles around his fingers
made Akatsuki shudder lightly. He couldn't wait to have them clenching around
something else. He forced out a deep, calming breath forcing himself to remain
in control despite the twitch from below.
Zero's grip finally laxed and he was able to move again, this time purposely
rubbing his fingers against the wall of the cavern, searching and stretching to
reach one particular muscle.
Zero's body suddenly jerked within his touch a strangled sound coming from his
throat.
“Zero?”
“W-wha...what was-?” Akatsuki grinned. Running his fingers over the same spot
again and delighting in the way the Zero's body withered under his touch.
“I do believe that was your prostate Zero.”
“My-” Another choked sound escaped his throat as Akatsuki taunted him again.
Zero moaned loudly, the sound seemingly louder in the large room.
Akatsuki's body growled, lust burning in his gaze as he scissored and stretched
his fingers until the boy's body was ready for a third and final finger.
Akatsuki's own body was not going to wait much longer, already his excitement
was running down his shaft and onto Zero, mixing in the the ex-human's own.
Akatsuki moved his fingers in deep deliberate strokes, Zero's eyes had fallen
shut leaving the noble to gaze freely upon the young face contorted in
pleasure. Zero's head was digging back into the pillow and occasionally tossing
to the side when Akatsuki got a little too rough in his eagerness. Sounds,
Akatsuki had not heard before was erupting from the ex-human; needy moans and
low growls of desire. At one point Zero did open mauve eyes to meet the noble’s
own.
“A-Akat...suki...” The flush was high on his cheeks, his eyes glazed and dazed.
Akatsuki shuddered. He could wait no longer.
The noble removed his fingers and a sound that Zero would never, not in a
million years admit to being a mewl of disappointment, escaped him.
“Hush Zero, hush.” Akatsuki pressed a deep, breath-stealing kiss to the flushed
lips as his hand fumbled slightly, squeezing more of the clear gel onto himself
and rubbing it along his length without letting go of Zero’s hand. God he was
so hard, his actions were almost painful as he prepared himself for Zero.
When the clear liquid evenly coated him from base to tip, Akatsuki pressed
himself against Zero. Zero’s body jolted, startled by the touch.
“Steady” Akatsuki murmured gently, his free hand caressing the inside of Zero’s
thigh where the tremors were most pronounced. Tension was slowly seeping back
into the ex-human’s fame and Akatsuki could hear his pulse racing. Nervous,
almost fearful violet eyes met his.
“It’s alright Zero. We’ll take this slow okay?” Zero swallowed loudly, then
gave what he hoped to be an unsteady nod. He had never been in this situation
before, never been so completely and willingly at the mercy of another-
especially a vampire. He’d never allowed anyone to touch him this way, to
possess him so thoroughly controlling his every emotion; turning pain to
pleasure and fear to joy. Only Akatsuki could do this to him, Akatsuki was the
only one Zero wanted to. He doubted he would let anyone else as close as this
for he would never trust anyone as much as he did Akatsuki in this moment and
it was because of that, even though Zero was scared unlike anything he had
experienced before, even though he was shaking like a leaf and his heart
leaping out of his throat, he gave permission for the noble to continue. He
wanted Akatsuki and he knew he would be cared for within the other’s embrace.
Akatsuki placed a chaste kiss on his forehead. The thumb of the hand entwined
with Zero’s stroked his knuckles, the touch soothing an allowing Zero to
breathe a little easier. He could stop this at anytime.
Zero swallowed again, hating how dry his throat seemed to have become. He could
feel his lower body tense as a hard, protruding object brushed against him,
sliding up and down the area as the noble allowed the ex-human to feel him, all
the while placing feather-light kisses along his cheek and down to his throat.
Zero didn’t know how long they laid there, Akatsuki allowing him to become
accustom to his movements. Gradually, Zero’s muscles began to unlock,
Akatsuki’s free hand running up and down his thigh, occasionally pausing to
draw patterns on the skin. Zero trembled under his ministrations, this time not
from fear.
Little by little, Akatsuki lifted Zero’s leg wrapping it around his hip and
tucking the foot beneath his own leg so that the two were entwined, he
encouraged the other side to do the same.
Zero’s breath stuttered, he could feel the noble’s hot, pressing flesh right
against his entrance. Akatsuki lifted his head, ceasing the soft kisses to his
skin, his face sculpted into a look of utter seriousness. Zero knew the
question and his answer before the noble had even opened his mouth.
“Are you sure Zero?”
“Yes” Zero wished his voice wasn’t so faint, that he would stop acting like
such a bloody scared virgin.
“It might hurt in the beginning.” Zero nodded. “You just squeeze my hand if you
want me to stop.” Zero nodded again. Akatsuki watched him a moment longer,
searching for the ex-human’s sincerity. Finding it, he placed one last kiss to
Zero’s mouth, before flexing his muscles and pushing himself forwards.
Zero cried out. His eyes squeezing shut his head snapping to the side. It was
too big, too much. Zero panted, sweat forming on his brow. Akatsuki’s actions
had ceased immediately, his tip only just entering the youth before the
pressure on their entwined fingers halted his actions immediately.
Zero kept his eyes clenched shut. He had experienced worst pain, much worse,
but this was different somehow, it felt like someone was deliberately trying to
break him open or something. Tears of frustration welled up behind his eyes. He
wanted this dammit! He wanted to give this to Akatsuki, something that he could
give to no one else and yet it hurt. Zero honestly did not know if the rest of
the noble could fit inside of him. Was it supposed to hurt this much? Would it
get better? Did others feel like this? Had he left it too long to end his
virginity? Would it always hurt this much every time? People said it only hurts
the first time but was that even true?
Zero fought the sob that was rising like acid in his throat. The pain was not
insufferable, nothing compared to the trials he had felt over the years by far
and yet it affected him and his emotions the most. Maybe it was because all his
life he heard people saying that your first-time should be special with someone
you loved and someone who loved you back, Zero remembered thinking how he
wasn’t like the others and that he probably would never have that ‘special
moment’ with someone because he was a freak, a monster and that even if he did
he would somehow mess it up because of what he was or more so what he was
brought up to think he was… dirty, unnatural… a freak. So really the reason
Zero was upset was not because of the pain, but more so distressed by the fact
that the pain was there in the first place.
Slowly, Zero became aware of gentle, soothing kisses at the corner of his eye.
It was about the same time that Zero realized a few tears had escaped and
Akatsuki was wiping them in the tenderest way possible.
“Sssh Zero… it’s okay, it’ll only hurt for a little while… just breathe…”
Zero drew in a breath, his lungs hitching slightly. Zero opened his eyes his
free hand entangling itself in Akatsuki’s hair and turning his head so their
lips could meet once again.
“’m okay” Zero mumbled, his breathing still shallow.
“Do you want to st-”
“-No j-just…give me a minute.”
“You can have all the time you want Zero.” Zero closed his eyes again, trying
to force his body to relax.
“Good to know.” Zero breathed, fighting to find some normalcy in their banter.
Akatsuki’s soft chuckle echoed in is ears. Zero finally nodded his head.
“Okay.”
Akatsuki inched himself in, Zero hissed, the burn was still there but the pain
was more bearable, he knew what to expect now and he fought to channel his
thoughts elsewhere. Like to how intently Akatsuki was kissing him right now or
how their tongues seemed to slide together just right.
Zero asked Akatsuki to pause a couple more times, allowing himself to be
distracted by the noble’s other ministrations while his body became accustomed
to the strange intrusion within.
Then, instead of pushing forwards, Akatsuki was pulling himself back. Zero
raised his head slightly off the pillow in confusion only to have it drop back
down with a soft thud as the noble’s hips snapped forwards.
Akatsuki repeated the movement, this time shifting himself so that he would
purposefully brush against one particular group of nerve endings. The result
had Zero flinging his head back a startled cry tearing from his throat as his
fringes dug like claws into Akatsuki’s side.
“Good Zero…that’s it…” Akatsuki encouraged him, his movements becoming quicker
and sinking deeper with each thrust.
Zero’s thighs clamped down on Akatsuki hips, his breath startled and broken
pants mixed with low moans and then sharp cries every time the noble changed
the angle of his thrust or how hard he pressed against Zero’s prostate.
Droplets of sweat began to collect on Zero’s forehead and the tremors that had
been present before were now rocking throat his entire body.
Akatsuki pressed his face to Zero’s neck groaning at the incredible feeling of
being gripped and smothered from all sides. He could feel Zero’s muscles
clenching and shuddering around him. He had to fight to control himself, it had
been far too long and he had been waiting for this moment ever since he brought
the boy.
“Zero…” Akatsuki growled against Zero’s skin, his body surging forwards,
rubbing skin against skin, the action lubricated by the liquid seeping out of
Zero’s tip as it remained trapped against his stomach twitching every time his
skin ran over it in just the right way.
Zero wasn’t going to last, he knew that. His whole body was quivering with
pleasure, the way Akatsuki was thrusting into him, the friction when Akatsuki
slid against his own shaft. Zero was gripping onto the noble, sounds ripping
from his throat as the surging feelings within him grew higher and higher. His
emotions were freefalling and his lungs couldn’t get enough air. For a moment
Zero didn’t know which way was up and which was down. Then a consuming tidal
wave of rolling hot flame tore at him all the way down.
Zero screamed, his eyes flicking momentarily to red and his fangs gaping to the
night air.
Exhaustion followed, burning gold eyes searing into his soul.
Akatsuki…
***** Aftermath *****
When Zero woke, it was to an empty bed.
Zero groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Groggily, he reached for the
digital clock on his bedside table. A foreign pain suddenly shot up his thighs
and inside him. Zero froze.
What the…
The ex-human felt his whole body flush with embarrassment. He knew what the
sudden ache was from. He’d had sex. He’d had sex with a guy. He’d had sex with
Akatsuki Kain.
Oh shit.
Zero collapsed back down to the mattress, his hands covering his face. He let
out a groan.
This cannot be happening! I did not just have sex with Kain- no not Kain…
Akatsuki.
Zero growled, his frustration and embarrassment echoing in the room. Zero
pulled the covers over his head, replaying last night in his head like a movie.
Akatsuki loved him. Zero hated how his chest seemed somehow fuller at that
thought, like a bubble of warmth was welling up inside of him. Alfred had
pointed this fact out to him at the Scarlett Lounge, Zero hadn’t known how to
react at the time and then he’d gone barging into Akatsuki right outside the
establishment. For a brief moment, Zero had thought the noble was going to get
a new pet or, even worse, sell him off to another owner. But he hadn’t.
Zero almost flinched at the memory, at the pain he had felt when he thought
Akatsuki was selling him or replacing him with another. It was earth-
shattering, soul-crushing. Zero had too many moments like that in his life.
What happened after made Zero want to cringe in embarrassment or ignore
completely, pretending it never happened; Zero had begged Akatsuki not to sell
him. You know… like actually begged.
Zero cursed silently, ashamed at his weakness and disgusted at how desperately
he had wanted to stay with Akatsuki. Surely he wasn’t so pathetic, surely he
wasn’t that desperate for comfort or love?
Zero sighed.
Yes. In many ways he was. He had even asked Akatsuki to bite him afterwards, it
had been a spur of the moment thing, him rejoicing in the fact that he was
loved by another and wanting to be tied to them in such a way that they could
never be separated. Zero had always wanted that. To him, love was not a casual
fling, love was a full commitment to the other person. To him it was a
beautiful, sacred, eternal thing.
But what was it to Akatuki?
Zero blinked. Now that was someplace he did not want to go. Why was it that
when he experienced moments of happiness his mind automatically found a down
side to it?
Thankfully, it was at this moment that Alfred decided to make his usual
breakfast appearance. Pushing in the serving trolley and a complete look of
professionalism, it was almost as if Alfred had never taken Zero to watch
people having sex only hours ago, or had not heard Akatsuki and Zero and their…
sounds of ‘expression’.
Zero felt his face flame beet red. He knew the manor was big, but he didn’t
know how thick the walls were. Why had he not thought of it before?- Christ did
that mean every time Akatsuki had got a bit ‘frisky’ with him the whole staff
would’ve heard? Maybe not from the first floor but surely if the maids were
going about cleaning the manor on the second floor…
Zero threw the covers back over his head grumbling loudly.
This cannot be happening!
“Good evening sir, your breakfast is served.”
“Thankyou Alfred.”
“I also left some pain killers on the spare plate, no doubt you will need them
after last night’s… events.”
Zero shot out from under the covers. There was no way Alfred had just said
that!
“What?!”
“Something wrong sir?” Alfred’s face was a look of pure innocence…-apart from
the mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Zero sighed loudly.
“I suppose I’m your gossip for the staff.”
“Not at all sir, the cleaning maids found the gossip before I did.”
Zero rubbed his hands over his face, wanting the whole thing to go away.
“Perfect.”
“Master Kain also wished to inform you that he has left for work, he would’ve
taken you but you needed your rest and recuperation.” The smallest of smirks
quirked at his lips. Zero shot him a glare.
“Is it going to be like this for the whole day? Virgin Zero finally got some!”
“But of course, you do react so well to such taunts after all.”
“What happened to professionalism?”
“Please sir, everyone’s been waiting for this since the moment you walked in
the door. Master Kain has never had a pet before, let alone a partner that
stays more than one night.”
“Surely he’s had relationships before?”
“Not that I can say sir, so naturally when he suddenly picked a pet out of the
blue and then didn’t even claim him for over three months it was the most
interesting thing that’s happened at the manor in years. The employees have
been quite thrilled I assure you.”
“Glad they find my life so riveting.” Zero added dryly. His thoughts hovering
around Alfred’s words, telling him that Akatsuki had never had a long-term
partner before.
Guess that answered Zero’s question as to what the noble thought of love. A
needle sharp pain seemed to pierce Zero’s chest at the thought. He was unable
to stop the slight hiss of pain that escaped him.
“Here” Alfred pushed two white pills towards them. “Take them with food and
it’ll help.” Zero took them, his chest felt like it was deflating his happiness
was going with it. “I shall inform you when Master Kain returns home.”
Zero nodded, unable to find his voice. He watched Alfred leave, a stone
settling low in his gut.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero leaned against the balcony of the back patio, surveying the manor grounds
as a cool wind rustled his clothes. It was soothing to him, it was almost as if
time was standing still. He only wished it were so. Warm arms encircled him,
soft lips planting a kiss on his neck, sending light shivers up his spine. Zero
sighed.
“How was your night?” Akatsuki rested his chin on Zero’s shoulder, loving the
way their frames seemed to mold together perfectly.
“Alright.”
“Just alright?” the noble taunted.
“Yours?”
“About the same.” Akatsuki frowned slightly, not missing the purposeful shift
of focus nor the strange tone in Zero’s voice. “Quite dull without you.”
Akatsuki added, testing the waters.
“I’m sure you managed.”
“Zero are you… alright?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“If this is about last night-”
“It’s not.” Zero turned sharply in the noble’s arms.
“Then what-?”
“I just want to know where we stand. That’s all.”
“Where we stand?” Akatsuki echoed, raising his eyebrows. “Zero what is this
about?”
“How many partners have you had in the past?”
“Does it matter?”
“Yes…and no. I just wanted to know.” Akatsuki studied the pet before him. He
had no idea where such words were coming from.
“Define partner.” He chose his words carefully.
“Someone who wasn’t a one night fuck.” Akatsuki stilled at the harshness of
Zero’s words. He had never heard him speak like this.
“None Zero.”
“Never? In all your years-however many there are- you have never had a long-
term relationship?”
“No.”
“Why?” Akatsuki dropped his arms from Zero’s waist. He was frowning deeply.
“What is this about Zero? Where did this come from?” Akatsuki’s voice held no
purr or seduction in it; he was all business now, taken back by Zero’s sudden
abruptness.
“I told you, I want to know where I stand.”
“You are my pet Zero and you will soon go into training to be my bodyguard.”
“Is that all?”
“Zero…” Akatsuki pushed his hands though his hair. “What else is there?”
The silence between the two was so thick, one could have cut it with a knife.
Zero felt as if one was plunging through his chest as it was. Yes Akatsuki
cared for him, yes Akatsuki loved him, but he wasn’t in love with him and would
never see him as anything else. Zero was a fool to think otherwise, he was
pathetic to believe the two were the same.
“I understand. Thank you for clarifying.” Zero’s tone was dead, his whole face
a cold mask of indifference, inside he felt the walls crumbling. How could he
have been such a naïve fool?
Zero headed for the doors, going back inside.
“Zero.” Akatsuki’s voice was sharp. Zero halted, he was only a pet after all.
He had to listen to his master. Zero turned to face the noble. He stood there
looking at him, his eyes trying to decipher the ex-human with his eyes. Finally
it broke. Akatsuki sighed, running a hand through his hair.
“What is this Zero? We are fine, great even, and then I leave for five seconds
and when I get back you’re completely changed! Is there something that spurs
you into acting as such? Or is it…” Akatsuki broke off, obviously thinking it
wise that he did not continue.
“Or is it what?” Zero restrained himself from growling. “Is it what?” He
repeated.
“-Or is it some sort of mental disorder you have!” Akatsuki half-scoffed as if
trying to lessen the blow of his words. He kept running his hands though his
hair, Zero did not think he had seen the noble so stressed in his entire time
there “Christ Zero! You’re perfectly fine one minute and then the next you’re
shutting me out, giving me the cold shoulder and acting like I’m some heartless
bastard! You want to know where we stand? How the hell can I give an answer to
that when you keep changing your mind on how you feel towards me?”
The silence was deafening, Zero did not miss the slight tremble in Akatsuki’s
frame then again it was gone as quickly as it came, perhaps he imagined it.
“What do you feel towards me?” Akatsuki felt as if he had the wind knocked from
his lungs.
“What?”
“What do you feel for me? Honestly, no bullshit.” Akatsuki swallowed. His
throat dry.
“What do you want me to feel?”
“That’s not an answer.”
“What does it matter how I feel!?” Akatsuki’s voice was a loud, not a yell or a
shout but much louder than he ever spoke. It almost frightened Zero.
“It matters to me!” Zero was yelling back.
“Why! Why does it matter so much?!”
Zero could almost feel the air crackle with electricity the tension only
soothed by the gentle breeze that passed between the two. Zero swallowed and
then swallowed again. His heart was in his throat and his hands were shaking.
Zero closed his eyes, waiting for the downfall of his next words.
“…I never do things in halves. Never have, never will.” Zero wished he could
make his voice stronger. He had no problem a few minutes ago. “I never fight
half-heartily, I never swear or promise to do something without fully intending
to carry it out until the end.”
Akatsuki sighed.
“Zero I don’t under-”
“-I do not love half-heartily.” Akatsuki froze. “Everything I do, I do with one
hundred percent. There is nothing less. I cannot be in a situation where it is
required. I cannot do the things we do without feeling something. I am not like
you. I cannot cast someone or their actions aside on a whim. To me this will
never be just a casual arrangement. I am not like you.”
“Zero…”
“I love you.” Zero hated the way his voice cracked. Hated the sudden water in
his eyes. “I love you dammit. Despite everything… I love you.” Zero blinked
back tears. “I just thought you should know.” The next thing Zero knew he was
walking away, hurrying for the stairs and taking them two at a time.
Akatsuki let him go.
He couldn’t stop Zero if he tried. His whole body seemed paralyzed, head to
toe.
Zero loved him.
Zero was in love with him.
He needed a drink- away from here.
Akatsuki stormed to the front door, his hands in his pockets to hide the light
trembling in his frame. He was shell-shocked. He had never had someone openly
admitting to loving him before. It was a strange and foreign experience for him
and he didn’t know how to handle it.
“Master Kain-”
“-I’m going back out” Akatsuki called over his shoulder to Alfred. “I’ll be at
Nightshade or…somewhere…” Kain muttered the last part to himself, he didn’t
really care where he went as long as there was a well-stocked bar waiting for
him. At least if he drank at his own club the drinks were free.
“How long shall you be gone sir?” Akatsuki paused, waiting for Dorian to bring
the limo around and open the door up for him.
“Sir?” Akatsuki sighed.
“Don’t wait up.”
 
===============================================================================
 
“Kain?”
Akatsuki glance sideways from his hunched position at the bar.
“Takuma?”
“I thought it was a little too late for you to be here, don’t you have a pet to
go home to?” Akatsuki grunted, downing the last of his drink in a single gulp.
He motioned for another, he’d lost count on what round he was up to.
“Oh…” Takuma watched his actions. “I see… anything you want to share?”
“Not particularly.”
“-Talking about it may help.”
“I doubt it.”
“Surely”-
“-He told me he loved me- satisfied?”
“Zero?” Akatsuki made a sound at the back of his throat before taking another
gulp of the glass before him. Takuma smiled.
“Congratulations, I’m happy to hear. Although it does beg the question as to
why you are here while your lover is pining at home.”
“I could say the same for you.”
“Don’t change the subject Kain.” Akatsuki scowled, tossing back another
swallow. “Maybe you should take it easy.”
“I’m not a child Takuma.”
“Well you’re acting like one.” Kain almost choked on his drink.
“Excuse me?”
“Zero told you he loved you and instead of facing the pet and your feelings,
you ran away to sulk- at a bar no-less- and I bet you plan on getting yourself
drunk enough to not care. Now that doesn’t sound like the reasonable thinking
of an adult to me.”
“Well plenty of adults do it.”
“Plenty of stupid adults do it.” Akatsuki glared at Takuma’s correction. He so
did not need this right now. He very much wanted to blow up and rage, but
considering he had a reputation he had to uphold and the fact that Takuma had
never been anything but a kind and gentle soul he could not do that to the
blond, he could not get angry at him.
“Why do things have to get so complicated?” Akatsuki groaned, rubbing his scalp
as a headache began to make itself known.
“The way I see it, you have two choices” Kain rolled his eyes.
“Please do enlighten me”
“You can either go home, confront Zero and admit your feelings to him or you
can go home and say nothing.”
“Feelings? I don’t even know what my feelings are!”
“Of course you do, just look past all the mess and see the basics.”
“Easier said than done.”
“Then go home and say nothing.”
“I can’t do that”
“Oh?”
“Zero… Zero is too sensitive when it comes to these things. He’s been
brainwashed his entire life into thinking he’s some sort of monster, had it
beaten into him. He hasn’t had anyone care for him until now. If I went home
and said nothing he would take the whole thing as a personal rejection. It
would gut him.”
“So say something to him.”
“Say what? What do I say?”
“Well you just said you cared for him.”
“Of course I do.”
“You must care for him a lot if you’re looking out for his well-being now.”
“Obviously”
“So…”
“Takuma don’t beat around the bush, I’m tired and more than a little drunk.”
The blond sighed.
“So do you just care for him or do you feel something else?”
“Takuma” Kain growled.
“Fine- do you find him attractive? Do you find him interesting? Special?
Different? Do you want to stay with him?”
“Of course I feel all those things- why would I have brought him otherwise?”
“I’m asking you if you love him, if you are in love with him. There is a
difference.”
“I…-” Akatsuki’s voice departed him. He swallowed his throat too dry. “I…”
“Do you want him to be your pet Kain? Or do you want him as something else?”
Takuma’s voice was soft, watching patiently as the noble tried to gather his
thoughts. “Something to think about.” Takuma gripped his shoulder comfortingly
and waved to the bartender for a drink of his own. He was not a big alcohol
drinker but after the past week he needed it.
“S-so what are you doing here.” Kain managed, trying to steer the conversation
away from him and the thoughts and feelings he was not ready to confront.
“I needed a break.”
“Trouble in paradise?”
“Something like that.” The blond mumbled into his drink.
“Who’s in trouble this time, Shiki or you?”
“Aidou.”
“Hanabusa?”
“He’s on suicide watch.” The ugly word hung in the air. Akatsuki’s mind unable
to link the word to his cousin for several moments.
“Excuse me?” Surely he had not heard right.
“He’s stuck in his bed. He hasn’t moved in weeks, he doesn’t eat, hardly drinks
and he refuses to talk or move.” Takuma’s words were washing over him, barely
sinking in. They were impossible, unbelievable. “If his pet hadn’t called us,
we wouldn’t have known. Apparently Aidou’s been like this since the incident at
the Firefly.We haven’t told anyone yet, but we were hoping you could do
something.”
Akatsuki blinked, then blinked again.
“I’m sorry- what?”
“He needs your help Kain.”
“H-Hanabusa…is depressed?” Takuma nodded sadly, knowing how hard this must be
for Kain to hear.
“Apparently he cares much more for you than we thought.”
“I don’t understand.”
“He worships the ground you walk on Kain, really you should see it. He’s always
trying for your attention and I guess when Zero came along he became jealous,
then when you sided with Zero he lost it.”
“Jealous? Sided?- what was I supposed to do?”
“It appears as if he took it as a personal rejection, that you didn’t want to
be around him anymore. You are the only one who can put up for him for long
periods of time, you know that, you are also his cousin. I guess he sees you as
his best friend who found someone more important than him and so he’s upset.”
“Being upset and being suicidal are two completely different things Ichijou.”
Kain growled pushing his hands though his untidy hair yet again. He wondered
how much more bad news he could take; first Zero now this- what next?
“What I don’t understand is why he hasn’t said something to me about all this.”
“Maybe he realized you were happy”
“Excuse me.”
“Kain, we would have to be blind to miss it. Ever since you brought Zero you’ve
had a certain…light about you- you’re out more, you have more energy… Aidou
must have seen it too. Although he didn’t want you spending more time with
another he must’ve realized you were happier than when you were with him and as
a result he continued to let Zero have you… regardless about how he felt or
what it did to him.” Kain felt his eyes widen in shock. Surely, surely Aidou
wasn’t so… obsessed with him? But then Aidou had always been very dependent on
him and their friendship, even as kids. He’d never really got along with others
and he had no one else apart from Kain that he could call friend.
Akatsuki felt his heart stutter then begin to pound loudly in his chest.
Yes, Aidou was that dependent on him. Although he didn’t act like it at times,
Aidou did truly care for his cousin’s feelings. Hadn’t he’d been noticing the
small changes in Aidou’s behavior ever since he purchased Zero? Was Aidou truly
being affected by Zero’s presence? Was he really so caring of Akatsuki that he
would sacrifice his own thoughts and feelings just so that his cousin could be
happy?
Hanabusa always was an extremist…
“You need to talk to him Kain.” Akatsuki swallowed, trying to relieve his dry
throat.
“I know. Take me to him Takuma.”
“Now?”
“Now.”
 
***** Fix You *****
Chapter Notes
     Okay guys this is it. I have finally finished re-posting all the
     chapters of Kill Me Softly from my original account. I hope you have
     enjoyed reading it and re-reading it again. For me personally it's
     been a bit strange looking back on writing I did years ago. I've had
     a few laughs from doing so, the humour in this story still makes me
     crack up -as well as my own bad grammar and spelling errors. I
     remember how fun it was to put Akatsuki and Zero together and their
     bickering almost had me falling off the chair, what was posted ended
     up being the tamer version of those arguments.
     When I first posted this story and even now I am still amazed at how
     many people read, liked and reviewed a fanfiction that had a very
     uncommon pair, though I am so very thankful to all who did because
     without you I never would've finished it originally.
     Thankyou for reading my work and I hoped you enjoyed it.
Akatsuki found a cold numb feeling settling over his frame as Takuma’s limo
pulled up at Aidou’s manor. Some part of him still, honestly thought this was
just some sort of elaborate prank being played on him by Takuma and Shiki or
that perhaps Aidou had fooled them into thinking he was really sick in his
desperation to get Akatsuki’s attention.
Out of all the times Akatsuki had visited his cousin’s manor, he was ashamed to
admit now there hadn’t been all that many visits, the place seemed different
how it was then to how it was now. It was cold, empty…silent. Even the staff
working within the manor seemed to do so at a hushed pace. It seemed ‘silent as
the grave’took on a whole new definition.
Senri Shiki was waiting down the main hall. He too was silent when he saw the
pair of them.
“Is there any change?” Takuma’s hopeful voice was not confident, rather frail
and exhausted. Akatuki hated how the sound turned his legs to lead.
Shiki shook his head, his expression displaying the fact that Aidou’s condition
was nothing new to him. Akatsuki guessed in a way that was true- how many days
had the couple been here now, standing in the place where he should have been,
caring for the cousin that was his responsibility?
“He’s this way.” Takuma motioned to Akatsuki, leading him further down the hall
and into Aidou’s personal rooms. When the doors opened the first thing Akatsuki
noticed was the smell; the deep musky smell of someone who hadn’t showered in
days, but hadn’t done any real exercise to work up a particularly potent
stench, but all the same, it was so different to how Aidou normally was- bathed
in expensive soap and cologne- that it startled him. It was at that moment that
the situation finally set in. He was not being pranked and this was not Aidou’s
typical cry for attention. Aidou was sick, life-threateningly so.
The room was too dark. Even though the sun was now rising in the morning sky
the curtains were all pulled shut, blocking out all sunlight. There was a
window barely opened, a faint breeze blowing into the room, trying to soothe
the tiny figure curled up within the master bed. Piles and piles of pillows
covered the figure and Akatsuki could hear the slight buzz of an electric
blanket doing overtime. It was not cold outside, nor was it within the manor.
Akatsuki swallowed dryly.
“H-hanabusa…?”
Cautiously, Akatsuki stepped forwards. He realized his own lungs had stopped
breathing, frozen in apprehension once he got to the other side of the bed he
saw why.
Underneath all those pillows and blankets a small tuff of dirty blond hair
could be seen, further downwards there was a patch of skin, no doubt belonging
to Aidou’s face.
It was deathly pale.
“Hanabusa.” Akatsuki breathed, kneeling beside his cousin’s bed and pushing
back the covers so that he could see Aidou’s face… all of it. His hands
trembled lightly at what he saw. Hanabusa Aidou was indeed pale, translucent
even, his cheeks were gaunt from the lack of food and the veins on his face had
begun to show from his lack of blood. Aidou was very, very weak, even now he
slumbered a troubled expression upon his face.
Akatsuki leaned forward, closing his eyes to the moisture there and grasped his
cousin’s hands in both of his, cringing inwardly when he realized they were
colder than ice.
“Hana…I’m so sorry.” Akatsuki focused on his natural gift, channeling the power
down to his hands and out of his fingertips. He urged the heat into Aidou’s
cold body, encouraging his cousin to rise and to wake.
Time blurred, seconds trickled into minutes and minutes turned into several
before finally Akatsuki received a response.
“A-Akat…suki.” The twitch of the hand within his was all Kain needed.
“Yes Hanabusa, I’m here, I’m finally here.” Pale blue eyes weakly blinked open.
For a moment they were glazed, the last of slumber remaining, before they
cleared in clarity.
“Akatsuki?” Aidou shot up in bed. “I had no idea you were coming, look at this
mess-” The blond vainly proceeded to try and tidy the pillows around him,
smoothing out his bedcovers and the mound of mussed hair on top of his head.
“Hanabusa?”
“-I’m not normally this messy I-”
“I’m sorry” Aidou froze. His eyes wide and his fingers limp upon the cover. A
light shudder passed though the blond before his head slowly began to turn
towards his cousin.
“W-what?” Akatsuki reached out and took Aidou’s hand, firmly grasping it within
his own. The blond watched him with wide eyes, startled at his cousin’s sudden
affection. He had not had this sort of physical contact from his cousin since
they were children.
“I’ve been neglecting you something terrible, haven’t I? I-I think I’ve been
doing it for a while…” Aidou blinked, then blinked again. Surely this was a
dream? The Nightlife King had never been so… so…tender to him.
“I…I-” Why wasn’t his mouth working? This was his chance to mend things with
Akatsuki and his Goddamn mouth was refusing to move!
“I’m sorry for that…sorry I-” His words were cut off by a frail fingers
pressing against his lips. Startled amber eyes met soft, pale blue. They were
no longer dull, a flicker of the light they used to hold was now present, a
soft smile upon their host’s face.
“A-akatsuki” The whisper was hoarse, Aidou’s throat was too dry to speak the
way he wished to. Instead he threw his arms round Akatsuki’s shoulders, his
face buried into his cousin’s chest. The tears fell freely, Aidou knew he
didn’t have a chance of stopping them. The strong, warm, protective arms that
could only belong to his cousin embraced him, holding him close as he had done
so many years ago whenever Aidou got scared or upset.
“I’m sorry Hana. I swear I will make this right, I swear I will make everything
all right.” Through his tears, the blond smiled.
“Thankyou Akatsuki…thankyou…”
 
===============================================================================
 
Akatsuki stood staring out of his hotel room. He had spent all day at his
cousin’s, the two talking and reconciling their own mistakes for many hours. He
could not believe how much of his cousin’s life he had missed, he could not
believe how far he had distanced himself from someone he considered a brother.
How had he not seen the signs? That question turned over and over in his mind.
Had he been so wrapped up in his own world and his own ambitions to become the
Nightlife King and then so wrapped up in Zero not to notice how badly his
cousin was faring? There was only one answer to that question and Akatsuki
hated himself for it. Yes he had ignored Aidou, yes he had ignored anything and
everything that took him away from his work or away from Zero. But how could he
have not? His work required his full attentions and so did Zero, if he had
treated Aidou kinder, if Aidou had more friends, then the situation would be
different- probably not much better but still. Aidou had always been dependent
on him ever since they were kids, Akatsuki knew the boy’s parents had ignored
him greatly as a child and his so-called friends had been unbearably cruel to
him. When Akatsuki came along and offered the hand of friendship, of real
friendship, he’d become some sort of idol in the young noble’s life. Akatsuki’s
opinion was suddenly the only one that mattered. He was a child starved of
affection and when he received some from Akatsuki he had soaked it up,
demanding more and more in the fear it would disappear. But Akatsuki had other
friends, he had already met and cared for the others; Ruka, Shiki, Takuma,
Kaname- he had other obligations, other commitments to them. He could not give
Aidou the amount of attention the younger craved.
Aidou had rebelled in their high-school years, when Kain ignored him he always
did something to bring the attention back to him- causing trouble seemed to be
his solution. Akatsuki was not blind to Aidou’s antics, he knew the blond was
doing such acts for attention, but he thought Aidou would grow out of it. They
were almost adults after all, surely he would have to stop these childish games
sooner or later.
Hanabusa had been persistent, stubborn and as a result Akatsuki had been doubly
so. He thought that Aidou had finally come to his senses when Kain had
purchased Zero, he was no longer around so much was he?
Akatsuki pressed his forehead to the cool glass, sighing deeply. That’s when
things had all gone wrong. Aidou had not ‘come to his senses’, he had just
realized that he was not wanted, that the affection and attention he craved
were no longer his anymore, they were Zero’s and as a result he had shut down.
Forced himself not to cause more trouble, he wanted Akatsuki to notice him of
course but Akatsuki’s eyes had only been for Zero.
Hanabusa Aidou loved his cousin, adored him in fact, that much was clear. He
had seen that Akatsuki was happier with Zero, happier with a pet rather than
chasing after a troublesome relative who still acted very much like a child.
Aidou had loved him so much that he had let Akatsuki go. He had wanted his
cousin to be happy, he wanted to stop causing so much grief and if that meant
shutting down and suffering then he would do it. He loved his cousin that much.
Akatsuki took another draw of his cigarette. It seemed to border on ridiculous
how much Aidou cared for him, to what lengths he would go to keep his cousin
happy. But then again hadn’t Akatsuki being doing the same for Zero? He had no
interest in a pet until he had brought Zero, even then, when he barely knew the
boy he had found the sudden desire to protect and save him from the cruel,
unyielding hands of another, less kind master. Then when Zero had become sick
or suffered blood hunger, Akatsuki had offered up his own to heal the ex-human
even though he had never allowed another to bite him before. Then Zero had been
kidnapped and Akatsuki had done everything in his power to rescue his pet and
to destroy the people who took Zero from him. Akatsuki had killed Ryuu, he had
lost control- something he had only done once before and back then he had been
a child protecting his cousin from the monsters he called ‘friends’.
After the rescue Zero had been a mess, tortured by nightmares and shying away
from any type of sexual contact. Akatsuki had not pushed nor forced the boy
into answering his own sexual demands like other master’s would’ve. Instead of
Zero answering to Akatsuki’s wishes, Akatsuki was doing so for Zero. He had
even gone as to far as to vow that no harm would ever come to the ex-hunter in
his care and that Kain wouldn’t claim the boy without Zero’s permission,
something which, was unheard of in Master/Pet relationships. But then it had
gone even further, Zero now dictated any type of sexual contact they had, he
had been allowed a ‘safe word’ and was now at full liberty to stop Akatsuki
whenever he felt the need.
And now Zero was telling Akatsuki that he loved him.
Akatsuki groaned softly, downing a few aspirin in the hope that the medication
would rid him of the murderous headache he was now sporting. He was in much
need of rest, he had not slept in the past twenty-four hours and even before
that he’d only got a few hours sleep as he had spent most of the day awake with
Zero, the very thought of their activities stirring heat low in his gut.
Akatsuki stepped away from the window and put out his cigarette and climbed
into the hotel bed. He had not bothered to go back to the manor, he could not
face what was waiting for him yet, maybe in the morning he would feel better.
Yes, that sounded like a much better plan…
 
===============================================================================
 
When Akatsuki woke the moon was high in the sky, almost midnight. He groaned
loudly wiping his face with his hand and pushing the hair from his eyes. He had
slept in, the first time in… well-years. Akatsuki reached for his mobile on the
bedside table, he had turned it off last night when he had gone to visit
Hanabusa, nothing was going to pull him away from his cousin’s side at that
time, he had yet to turn it back on. Somehow the effort required to do so was
too much because as soon as he did Akatsuki knew he would be bombarded by work
and Alfred demanding to know where he was. It was the first time in a long time
that Akatsuki had a moment to himself and he hardly wanted to interrupt it now.
Instead Akatsuki rose, showered, taking all the time in the world before
ordering breakfast. After that Akatsuki knew he was just putting off the
inevitable and with a resigned sigh, left the hotel and headed for home. He
still had no idea what he was going to say to Zero when he saw him or how he
was going to fix things with Aidou in the long-term, the whole thing was a
nightmare and Akatsuki found himself wondering how his life had become so
complicated.
When Akatsuki pulled up at the manor and stepped through the front doors the
house was empty. Akatsuki frowned, normally Alfred was right there answering
the door especially when the noble had been missing for a full twenty four
hours.
Voices, many voices came from one of the parlors to the left. Akatsuki scowled,
if he found the house maids gossiping again…
“Did I throw a party, that I’m unaware of?” Ruka, Kaname, Yuki, Zero, Alfred,
Peter, Dorian, Takuma and Shiki were all in the room, the fact that Zero was
able to stand in a room with a pureblood was one thing but a room full of
vampires without him?
“Kain!”
“Sir!”
“Where the hell were you?!” Heads snapped to look at Zero’s seething
expression.
“Did I miss something?” Akatsuki brought the attention back to him. At his
response loud sighs echoed the room and eyes rolled.
“Master Kain, it appears someone has destroyed Nightshade.”
“Destroyed?”
“A bomb went off” Shiki’s drawled.
“It was the last place I dropped you off at sir.” Dorian, Akatsuki’s driver
supplied.
“I thought you were going back there after you visited… Senri and I.” Takuma
quickly corrected himself. It was an unspoken agreement between the four of
them that they wouldn’t mention Aidou’s ‘condition’ to the others.
“You weren’t answering any of our calls.” Ruka huffed impatiently.
“I had my phone off.” Blank looks met his.
“Are you serious?!” Peter looked like he was ready to blow a top. “How many
times have I told you not to do just that! Especially now of all times! We all
thought you got blasted to smithereens.”
“How many times have I told you not to bother me when my phone is off?”
“That’s only when you’re with Zero and you weren’t!” From the corner Zero
flushed and Alfred hid a small smile with his hand.
“Well it looks like the uproar was for nothing.” Kaname’s voice was calm and
serene.
“It’s a good thing you didn’t call in the army to search for him then” Yuki
teased, nudging her husband gently. “We’re glad to see you’re okay Kain… and in
one piece.” She added with a soft wink. The purebloods rose.
“I think we’ll take our leave then.” There were mumbled agreements as the other
nobles took their leave. Peter waited the vein in his temple throbbing
dangerously as he waited for his turn to blast Kain. Alfred, sensing the
equivalent of a nuclear bomb, ushered a heavily protesting Peter out the door.
“-…Hurry along sir…. Of course Master Kain will see you tomorrow…. That’s a
good boy out the door…-”
The parlor doors had closed with a soft click.
“You’re an arse you know that?”
“Zero…-”
“-I mean who turns their phone off for twenty-four hours?!”
“I had a lot on my mind, I didn’t want to be disturbed.”
“I see.” The silence was suffocating.
“…Look Zero I-”
“-Don’t… Let’s just go to bed Akatsuki, I don’t want to do this right now.”
“I just woke up.”
“Well I wasn’t planning on sleeping.”
 
===============================================================================
 
“Are you sure?”
“You’re really asking this now?” Zero was looking up at the noble from the flat
of his back His left legs hooked around Akatsuki’s waist, the noble buried to
the hilt inside him. Akatsuki hands were caressing every inch of skin within
reach and their lips were fused together in a battle of lips and tongues.
“I know that you feel-”
“Akatsuki, not now.” Zero growled.
“Zer-ah!” Akatsuki sucked in a sharp breath as the boy purposely clenched the
muscles around him.
“I said not now.”
“I thought you were meant to be the innocent virgin?”
“Not anymo-” Zero’s response was lost in a grunt, his fingers digging into
Akatsuki’s skin as the noble retreated only to thrust firmly back into him.
There was still a slight sharp pain at the sudden intrusion but the pleasure
was out-ranking the pain, especially when Akatsuki was aiming right for that
certain bundle of nerves within him.
“Nhh-” Zero arched off the bed, his head tilting back as Akatsuki drove into
him again, this time with added force. Hot lips sealed his and Zero’s groans
were lost as the noble began to move deeper, increasing his pace. Zero gasped
for air, his lungs suffocating in his own moans and Akatsuki’s lips. He was
gripped tightly to the noble, all his muscles taunt as Akatsuki’s actions
rocked them further up the bed.
“A-kat…” Zero groaned again, his words unable to form full or intelligible
sentences, he buried his face into Akatsuki’s neck unable to do anything except
to hold on for dear life.
Akatsuki felt Zero’s clawed fingers sinking into him, droplets of blood
appearing against his skin. Breathing in the younger’s scent Akatsuki committed
it to memory, his mouth searching for Zero’s once again and his eyes locking
with violet ones, dilated in pure arousal.
Akatsuki found that he could not look away, he was swimming in their depths and
soaking in the hundreds of deep seated emotions there. It was overwhelming but
intoxicating at the same time.
Zero was crying out, it almost sounded like a scream, his eyes becoming
impossibly wide and filing with an emotion that outshined all the rest: love.
Pure and true.
Akatsuki grunted, white hot spurts erupting within the boy. He shuddered, the
pair falling back to the mattress. Their bodies glided softly together until
they settled, shivering in the aftermath.
Akatsuki rolled to his side, pulling Zero with him. The boy had closed his eyes
in exhaustion. Akatsuki knew he should be rising, to be going to his office to
work out damage control for Nightshade, to hunt down and silence the threat-
maker once and for all. But he couldn’t. Instead the noble pressed a single,
chaste kiss to Zero’s forehead, breathing in the scent there and letting his
own eyes fall shut. He wasn’t going anywhere. Not yet at least.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero was not surprised to find the bed empty when he woke. He had long accepted
the fact that Akatsuki’s work was always pulling him away and after yesterday
the noble was probably swamped. Not for the first time, Zero was glad for
Akatsuki’s absence. He knew they would have to talk about his recent confession
but Zero was dreading it.
Zero knew Akatsuki loved him but not in the way Zero wanted him to- just look
at the noble’s dating history. When it all came down to it, he was a pet and
Akatsuki was the master- a kind one- but nothing more. Akatsuki was caring not
at all like the other cold, controlling masters Zero expected him to be. The
noble was just playing his part and Zero was just getting too involved. This
was the first time he had been in an intimate relationship with someone, hell,
his first time to be in any sort of relationship with someone and –of course-
he was falling head over heels. It didn’t help the fact that Zero wasn’t the
type of person to have many relationships, when he fell he fell hard.
Although Zero all this, he still couldn’t help but dread the moment they sat
down and actually talked. He didn’t want to hear the noble saying out loud that
he didn’t share Zero’s feelings to the same extent. Zero sighed outloud and
rolled over, pulling the covers over his head.
Why did things have to be so complicated?
 
===============================================================================
 
Akatsuki sat in his main office at ‘headquarters’, mulling over the paperwork
before him and seeing none of it. Aidou and Zero kept swirling around in his
mind and the words on the page weren’t making any sense because of it. How was
he going to make more time for Aidou? Obviously they could not continue as they
had before, yet Akatsuki had no idea how he was going to alter it. Work was
always swamping him even though he had Peter handling most of it. He still had
to meet new clients, scout new building locations, attend parties, gala’s and
socialize with thousands of people as well as make time for Zero. There was no
way he could do it all himself, even now he was lagging in his duties because
of the amount of time he was spending with Zero, yet he couldn’t simply hand
the job over to someone else because another person wouldn’t have the same
tastes as him, the same eye for detail and business as he did. He was The
Nightlife Kingafter all.
Surely Aidou would understand he was too busy in his work? Aidou himself had
taken business courses and had done work experience in companies before,
experiencing the chaos first-hand. Although he had excelled at such things he
was certainly more suited for the life of an aristocrat.
Akatsuki sighed, yes Hanabusa would understand but it still wouldn’t fix their
situation.
Akatsuki was pulled from his thoughts as his office door opened and Peter
toppled it a pile of paperwork flying in all directions.
“It’s a mad house out there! There’s too much work and too little man-power.”
It was if a light bulb went off in Akatsuki’s head.
“I think I know someone who can help.”
 
===============================================================================
 
To say that Aidou took to managing damage control like a fish to water was an
understatement. Within twenty minutes he had the office workers calmed and with
direction. When he was finished that he was taking over Akatsuki’s social
duties as the Nightlife King meeting clients, taking over calls of concern and
still managing to visit the remaining establishments in his cousin’s name while
Akatsuki was hauled up in his office, working with a select team to track down
the threat maker.
Akatsuki was in awe, to say the least. Hanabusa knew what standard had to be
met, he knew exactly what his cousin wanted an liked and disliked because he
had spent most of his life trying to please Akatsuki, studying him and his
nature from all sides. Aidou was like a spokesperson for him and did not falter
under pressure, the last thing he wanted to do after al was tarnish his
cousin’s reputation. For once in his life he was actually one hundred precent
needed and appreciated. He had purpose and at the same time he was spending
more time with his cousin then he had in years; calling Akatsuki after every
meeting, discussing business deals they worked together perfectly and because
of their relation to each other neither was afraid to express their own
opinions and unlike many of Akatsuki’s workers, did not just vomit up words
that they thought Akatsuki might like.
Within the first few days, Akatsuki had come to a decision, a solution to
spending more time with Aidou and still having time for Zero. The easiest thing
for him to do that week was to announce to Aidou that he was hired- if he
wanted to be- and if he accepted he would have a permanent position as
Akatsuki’s spokesperson. He could work in the office and outside of it. He and
Akatsuki would share the load together. The word ‘together’ clinched it.
Hanabusa Aidou had accepted in less than a heartbeat. Whenever he saw his
cousin now the blond was smiling, his eyes full of life.
Although everything was going well with his cousin, Akatsuki could not say the
same thing for him and Zero. He was so caught up in work that they hardly saw
each other and when they did, neither seemed to have the courage nor the energy
to bring up the conversation that needed to be said. Zero didn’t want to hear
the noble’s response and Akatsuki didn’t even know what his response was going
to be. Instead they just hovered round each other, trading glances and at night
wrapped in each other’s arms. It was painful to say the least. It was also
confusing as hell.
Akatsuki knew he cared for Zero, cared for him to the point of love. But to be
inlove. The notion was so foreign to him. He had never had a romantic
relationship before with anyone, he hadn’t allowed himself to become attached
to anyone else in such a way. Why? Because he had seen what love could do to
people. He had seen rich people go bankrupt, had seen people lose everything in
the sake of love, go mad in their quest for love. The idea of him putting his
heart in his hands and giving it to another, truly giving himself to another
and giving them that power over him was scary, terrifying. He had seen what
true love looked like, he could see it in his parents, Takuma and Shiki, Kaname
and Yuki. But he had also witnessed what happens after. When Jun Kain had died,
his mother had died to- maybe not physically- but mentally at least. She would
cry at all hours, mope around the house and all the light that had filled her
was gone. In a way it was a blessing when she actually died not long after.
And what about Hanabusa? He had loved his parents and those horrible creatures
he called friends as a child. He had loved them despite all their wrong-doings
and gave every part of himself to them just in the hope that some of that love
and devotion would be returned to him. It never happened and now years later he
had become bed-ridden in despair when he realized his cousin was happier with
someone else.
Love made strong people weak, made them vulnerable and at the end of the day if
misfortune should happen to fall, at least one party would be destroyed, broken
beyond repair. Love was dangerous, true love was lethal.
Yet Zero had fallen for him. An ex-Vampire Hunter had fallen in love with a
noble vampire. Zero didn’t do things in halves, he had said so himself. Zero
was helplessly in love with him and all Akatsuki was doing was ignoring him. At
the end of it all Akatsuki knew he was going to be the one doing the hurting no
matter how things turned out. He could continue to ignore Zero’s feelings or he
could flat out refuse them after all he couldn’t return them could he? He who
had basically accepted that he would never be in love, would never love someone
in that way.
It was cruel of him to have let this whole thing drag out. If he truly cared
about Zero in the way he said he did then he could no longer put this off.
Akatsuki picked up the phone, a hard stone of dread settling in his gut.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero was sitting in the library, trying to amuse himself with the endless
collections of books kept there. It was becoming a growing habit. For the past
two weeks Akatsuki had been away at work and when he came home he also
continued to work. Zero knew it was not just Akatsuki’s workload keeping him
away, he was avoiding Zero and the pet had taken as much as he could of it.
The whole thing was ridiculous, not to mention childish and he’d had enough.
Zero snapped his book shut leaving the library and marching up the stairs. He
couldn’t it didn’t hurt that Akatsuki didn’t return his feelings, but it hurt a
lot more not having the noble around. At least when he was Zero knew Akatsuki
did at least care for him, did actually love him in some sort of form. But the
silence, the emptiness in their previous meeting was killing him. It had to
stop now and if that meant Zero had to march up the stairs and barge into
Akatsuki’s office, and tell him he didn’t care if the noble wasn’t in love with
him and that it was enough just to have Akatsuki care for him then so be it.
Zero stormed into Akatsuki’s bedroom, bursting through the office doors.
“Akatsuki-”
A single finger, pressed to the lips of their host was his only response. The
noble was on his mobile. Zero scowled. Crossing his arms and waiting for the
noble to finish, a death glare upon his face.
“….-Did we get everything?... Nothing that can be used against us?... good.
Thankyou Peter, I’ll talk to you on Monday.” Akatsuki hung up, breathing a deep
sigh of relief.
“Important phone call?” Zero growled. Hating being shunned in such a way.
“Somewhat. We caught the threat.” Zero’s eyes widened slightly.
“Really?”
“It appears so.”
“Who was it?”
“Just some nightclub owner who owed the banks more money than he could pay
back. He was hoping to gain back his business if he shut us down.”
“Would he?”
“Probably, we put many businesses out of work with our customer counts.”
“Don’t you even feel a bit guilty when you’re destroying the livelihoods of
others?”
“It’s just business. The smart ones will move onto something else.”
“And the not so smart ones?”
“It’s a dog eat dog world Zero.” The pet huffed impatiently, rolling his eyes
as he did so. “I’m sensing you didn’t just come up to my office to be offended
by my outlook on the world?” Zero sighed.
“We need to talk.”
“Ah… I see. Actually I was going to come to you after the threat was caught.”
Zero frowned at the noble’s tone. It was cool, calm, collected; his business
mask. Zero wondered just what sort of emotions the noble was hiding behind it.
Akatsuki pulled a single letter out of the top drawer in his desk, rose from
his desk and handed it directly to Zero.
“What is it?”
“A gift… of sorts. Or more so, me returning something that was rightfully
yours.” Zero frowned, flicking the letter open and discarding the blank
envelope. Akatsuki had gone to stand by the window, looking outside to the
grounds, his face as smooth as ever.
Zero read the letter. It was very formal in its writing and he had to skip or
re-read parts of it until he got the main message of the letter.
And then he was re-reading it all again.
“What is this?” Zero’s voice was a strangled whisper. Akatsuki was silent for
several moments before he answered.
“You remember the promises I made you? That I wouldn’t let anything harm you,
that I would protect you, even from myself and, of course, when I said I wanted
you to be happy? I meant every word Zero. I keep my promises.”
Zero was staring at the noble. All the blood had drained from his face, the
letter clenched tightly in his hand.
“That letter is a release form. You are no longer my pet or anyone else’s. You
are now blacklisted in the pet records, no one can ever own you again.”
“W…wha…” Zero was shaking his head, for some reason tears were gathering behind
his eyes. “I d-don’t…I don’t understand.”
“I thought I could make you happy as a body guard, yes the role is perfect for
you but not as a pet, not as my pet. You said you loved me, that you were in
love with me and I’m afraid I can’t return those feelings, not to that extent.
Having you here, forcing you to be around me and to do the things we do without
returning such love is cruel and I refuse to be hurt you anymore then I have
already.” Akatsuki had somehow made it across the room then. He chanted
something in Latin and aloud echoing click filled the room.
Zero’s pet collar fell to the carpet with a dull thud.
“You’re free Zero.”
“But…b-but why?” tears were rolling down Zero’s cheeks, rejection burning
throughout his entire being. He was being told that he had to leave the one
place he actually had begun to think of as home by the one he loved… the first
person he had ever loved in such a way was telling him to go.
“Because of the part of me that does love you. I know it’s not the kind that
you want but it’s given all the same. Being here will only hurt you and you’ve
had enough of that in your life. I want you happy Zero, I want you to be able
to do the things you want to do, to not be restricted by pet collars or even
the cruel discrimination of the Vampire Hunters. I will give you whatever money
you ask for, I can get you whatever job you wish for. You have suffered enough
and I refuse to add to that. If you’re worried about your blood hunger or
transformation, I spoke to one of the anti-vampire tattooist, if you go him
will be able to add on to the tattoo you have now. This one will be bigger and
much, much stronger. It will control your thirst and completely freeze your
transformation. You will never fall to level E. You will be able to get control
back and you can live a relatively normal life.”
Zero’s knees gave way. Akatsuki caught him gently. Holding Zero close and
stoking his hair for the very last time. Sobs racked Zero’s frame.
“B-but… I l-love you- I-”
“You will love again Zero.” Akatsuki’s voice was a hushed whisper. He did not
trust his voice to go any louder without breaking. “You will find someone else,
someone who will return that love just as much.” Akatsuki’s words didn’t stop
the tears only worsened them.
“I d-don’t…- I don’t w-want someone e-e-else. I w-want-..” Zero was choking out
the words, almost hysterically so. He couldn’t believe it. The one person he
loved was not only rejecting him but sending him away also. Akatsuki didn’t
want anything to do with him!
“You will Zero.” Akatsuki murmured, his blank mask firmly in place and yet a
single tear still fell from his eye. He buried his face in Zero’s hair and
breathed in the boy’s scent one last time.
“You will.”
 
===============================================================================
 
“...- Kain… Master Kain-” Akatsuki jolted awake, the movement causing him to
hiss outright in pain as white-hot pain seared against his skull. The blurred
figure of Alfred came into view, the butler passing two white pills to him.
“These should help.”
“Right.” The noble grumbled, his throat parched and sore. He downed the pills
and the glass of water presented to him. Akatsuki cradled his head in his
hands, trying to ease the pounding headache and to take in his surroundings,
his memories a dull blur. He had been at one of his clubs, bored beyond belief
he had returned home and despite the hour had attempted to work through the
mound of papers on his desk. The only thing that was abundantly clear about
yesterday was the exceeding amounts of alcohol he had to drink and the endless
supply of cigarettes he had burned through- the evidence of which lay scattered
around him.
Christ, I’ve turned into a true alcoholic… Akatsuki mused dimly.
It had been three weeks since Zero had left- no, since Akatsuki had freed the
boy allowing him to live his life and to do whatever he wished to do, to love
whoever he wanted because Akatsuki could not return the feelings.
The result of the event in question was Akatsuki as he was now; intoxicated at
all times, bored, tired, vacant… he could no longer focus on his work and he
could no longer sleep as he used to. The bed was just too big, too empty and
despite his attempts to fix such a situation Akatsuki found no pleasure in the
company of others nor could he find any reason to return to his manor- there
was no one waiting for him after all.
To put it plainly, Akatsuki’s life had turned to shit and he was the only one
to blame for it.
“Shall I call Mister Aidou and tell him you are unable to work tonight?”
“Don’t bother, I’d rather be out of this manor then in.” Akatsuki rose,
draining the pot of plain back coffee and retreating to the bathroom, his food-
the same as many days- remained untouched.
The cold, harsh water of the shower felt good against his skin. It reawakened
his senses and forced Akatsuki to a more alert status. It took a whole five
seconds of the noble being in a clear mind before it was crowded by images of
Zero, by the memories the sights and smells of his ex-pet.
Akatsuki groaned as if he were in physical pain and pressed his forehead to the
tiled wall. Every day since Zero had gone his life had become unbearably
hollow. He days were constantly filled with people and interacting with them,
but he never felt more lonely in his life. Zero was gone and yet the silver-
haired ex-hunter was his thoughts every moment of everyday.
Akatsuki wanted Zero to come back, but to make the boy come back would be
breaking his promise of not hurting him. After all Zero would be in pain,
pining after someone he could never truly have, loving someone but to never
have the same thing returned. Yes, keeping Zero away was best… for Zero at
least.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero lay staring up at the apartment ceiling. It wasn’t his old apartment, but
not much better either way. There was a leak in the ceiling, the water pipes
shook and growled when he used them and the walls seemed paper-thin. He could
hear his neighbours loud and clear, it was almost like they were in the same
room as him. It was the only thing that comforted him these days.
It had been one months, one week, four days and sixteen hours since Akatsuki
Kain had practically kicked him out. It had been on that day five weeks ago,
that Zero’s life had ceased meaning. He had no purpose in life, there was no
one to wake up to, no position or title to his name and there was nothing,
absolutely nothing that could spark an emotion from him.
Zero was alone once again.
Akatsuki had promised him any job he wanted, but Zero had no desire to be the
bodyguard for some rich noble or to be forced back into the Hunter’s
Association and back to those hateful looks and brain-washed views. He was not
a monster, Akatsuki had shown him that, he didn’t deserve to be treated like
one.
Akatsuki had offered any amount of money Zero required. Although Zero had
refused to respond there was still an obscenely large amount of money deposited
into his bank account within twenty four hours of leaving the manor. Zero
hadn’t touched a dime of it.
Akatsuki had wished Zero to be happy, but the ex-human was far from it. He had
no drive, no purpose and all he could feel was hurt, sadness and rejection. He
spent most of his days in bed or on the couch, the few meals he managed were
nothing but crappy take-out and sleep tended to avoid him most days.
When he did sleep, his dreams were filled with memories of his parents, the
first people to love him. When his parents were absent Akatsuki was in their
place, holding him, comforting him, pleasuring him, just… talking to him.
Alfred was always in the background with a few wise words and the city manor
lay before them, spread out in all its splendour.
When Zero woke, it was to his darkened apartment, with a leaking roof, groaning
taps and the harsh sounds of the building, silent tears rolling down his face
and ice-cold shivers wracking his frame. After feeling Akatsuki’s warmth and
then having it snatched away, Zero was always cold and nothing could soothe it.
Akatsuki said he would love again, but Zero didn’t want to. He didn’t want
anyone else apart from the one who had accepted him, just as he was, who had
protected him against all the horrors of the world, the one who had seen him at
his worst and had still stood by him and the one who had loved him even if it
wasn’t the kind Zero wished for.
There was no way he would find another like that and Zero didn’t want to. He
just wanted Akatsuki.
 
===============================================================================
 
Alfred pushed a phone to Akatsuki’s palm.
“Call him.”
“Call who?”
“Zero.”
“Alfred-” Akatsuki groaned, pushing the phone away from him and pouring himself
another drink. Alfred approached him, snatching the glass from his hand and
pressing the phone back to him. Akatsuki growled warningly.
“You can make all the excuses you want, but you miss him.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“Invite him back.”
“Alfred, you know that would be pointless.”
“Why?”
“I don’t love him- not in the way he wants me to. I can’t hurt him by refusing
him and yet forcing him to be with me.”
“Bullshit.” Akatsuki actually dropped the phone in his hand.
“E-excuse me?”
“You heard me. Don’t go all martyr on me, you’re just making excuses.”
“It’s a valid excuse Alfred. Besides, he’s probably happy where he is now.”
“Have you even checked on him?”
“I thought it would be better if we ceased all contact, he could return to a
normal life faster.”
“You really think he has just moved on? He loves you Akatsuki and you just
shoved it back in his face and kicked him out. People don’t recover that
quickly.”
“It was for the best-”
“- For who? You? You’ve become a… a- not a respectable person- if you’re not
drinking you’re smoking and if you’re not smoking you’re trying to work- which
you’re struggling with by the way. And as for Zero? After being rejected by the
person closest to him he’s probably hauled up in his apartment fairing as good
as you are.”
“What’s your point Alfred?”
“My point is that you must be blind- or incredibly thick. You say you can’t
love Zero, that you don’t love him in that way, I say its rubbish. You love
him, you’ve loved him for a while but you tell yourself otherwise.”
“How would you know Alfred?” Akatsuki snapped. He hated how the butler’s words
got under his skin mocking him and his actions, he was suffering enough as it
was.
“Because I see. I see how you and Zero are together, I see how you have kept
him here for months on end as a lover and a companion when you have never had
one before. You have never had a lover for no longer than a single night and
never a companion. I see that when Zero is here you are the happiest you’ve
been in years and when he’s gone you’re the worst. You go out of your way to
make allowances for him that you have never made for anyone else. You break
rules that you have never broken before and you do it all for him. You’re blind
Kain, it’s time to see through the lies you tell yourself and wake up. You.
Love. Him.”
Akatsuki’s throat had run dry, his mind a dazed blank. His brain could not
comprehend Alfred’s outburst; sweet, humble Alfred who never raised his voice
at others, Alfred who had been a close friend in childhood was lecturinghim.
But the worst thing of all was the fact that his words rang true.
Oh shit… what the Hell have I done.
 
===============================================================================
 
Zero woke to someone knocking at his door.
The ex-human groaned. Was his rent due again? He didn’t even know what day of
the week it was. The sound of knuckles against the cheap wood persisted. Zero
snatched his wallet up from the floor flicked out a few fifties and headed for
the door.
“I’m coming, I’m coming” he muttered his voice harsh and dry. He did not speak
much nowadays, there was no one to talk to after all.
Zero unhooked the lock and pulled open the door.
“Here Regie I-” For a moment, Zero’s eyes couldn’t connect with his brain and
when they did his legs gave out. Like actually gave out.
“Zero!” Warm hands, strong hands, those hands who could only ever belong to one
person in the whole world caught him. Zero’s mind was going haywire, his heart
palpitating in his chest. He could seemed to process anything apart from the
dull roar in his ears.
“-Are you sick? You’re pale- Why are you so thin? Did you not get the money?-
Christ I knew Peter would fuck it up-”
“Wha-?” Zero scrambled to find his brain, surely it had landed on the floor
somewhere. When he regain some sort of logical thought the only thing he could
think was; Akatsuki was there, Akatsuki Kain was standing in his doorway.
“Here, sit down.” Akatsuki was carrying him now and despite his mind still in
overdrive he was somehow able to blush. Akatsuki set him down in a kitchen
chair. “Do you want tea? Coffee?-”
“W-water” Zero croaked. Holy hell, Akatsuki Kain was standing in his kitchen!
The noble handed him a glass and Zero sculled it down, all the while staring at
Akatsuki like he was some foreign object.
“Better?” Akatsuki asked when Zero was finished.
“A-akatsuki- what the Hell are you doing here?” Instantly, the noble’s face
darkened. He crumbled into a chair.
“I’ve come to apologise.”
“A-apologise? For what?” Akatsuki sighed, gathering his thoughts. It felt like
a lifetime before he spoke again.
“I hurt you Zero. You poured your heart out to me and I shoved it back in your
face. I practically kicked you out of my home too- all in some crazed belief
that I was doing the ‘right’ thing. I guess… I was wrong.”
Zero found himself staring blankly at the noble. This had to be a dream, or
maybe of the weeks of stress and hording himself away Zero had actually gone
mad and this was some sort of crazy hallucination.
“I don’t regret cancelling your registration. You deserve so much more than the
life of a pet, I’m sorry it took me so long to figure that out. I guess in a
way I knew that if I kept you under the title of ‘pet’ you could never leave
me…” Akatsuki trailed off his gaze turning to Zero’s living quarters, is eyes
were glassy and unseeing. Zero cleared his throat awkwardly when the silence
dragged on too long.
“Akatsuki… w-what are you saying?” Gold eyes met violet.
“I’m saying that I care for you… a lot… more than I ever have.”
“I d-don’t…-”
“I love you Zero.” Zero’s heart stopped, it literally stopped beating. In-fact
his whole body seemed to shut down. He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t think, he
couldn’t move, nothing.
“I think I have for a long time now, I just couldn’t see it. You see for a long
time I’ve always thought myself incapable of love, un-wanting of it. It seems
whenever someone falls in love either one or both parties end up hurting… I
don’t want to be hurt and for a long time I was afraid to be so. Any and all
notions of love always seemed so foreign to me.”
“What…w-what are you saying?”
“I love you Zero, I’m in love with you and I would much rather be face the risk
of being hurt then the pain of being kept away from you any longer.”
“What?”
“The manor is so empty without you, my life is…. my life is not the same, I’m
not the same. I can’t tell you how much I wish I could take back what I did,
how much I regret sending you away and hurting you so viciously. I don’t expect
you to accept my apology and I know I have no right to ask but… will you come
back?”
“What!?”
“Will you come back? To the manor I mean?” Zero literally felt like all the air
had left his lungs. Akatsuki wanted him back. First the noble tells him he
loves Zero and then he tells him that he wants Zero to move back in with him.
The whole situation was… was impossible!
“-You can have your old room back and I’m sure-”
“A-Akastsuki, Akatsuki stop.” Zero was shaking his head madly, trying to clear
it. “Just…stop.” Amber eyes waited. “Just hold on a second. You love me?”
“Yes.”
“You’re in love with me?”
“That is correct.”
“And you want me to move back in with you?”
“Of course.”
“Akatsuki…” Zero was shaking his head again. “I…I don’t think I can do that.” A
look of utter hurt and devastation crossed the noble’s face before it was
quickly concealed behind a cool mask of indifference.
“I see.” His voice was hollow. “It was wrong of me to- to assume such”-
“Akatsuki!” Zero cut him off. “I mean that I can’t move in now. Maybe in the
future but now…-” Zero sighed. “I’ve never felt like this towards anyone apart
from you and… I don’t want to. I’m new to this and- and s-so are you.” Zero
fumbled to find the right words for what he was trying to say. “What I mean is,
I think we shouldn’t rush into things, that’s never worked for us in the past
so why should it now? I think… I think we should get to know about each other
first… to switch from thinking about each other as pets and masters and to just
accept each other as people.”
“You mean you want us to date?” Zero let out a breath, a sigh of relief.
“Yes. We aren’t in the same situation as we were before and we aren’t the same
as before. I think we should just try this and…’see how it goes’?”
“But you’re willing to try?” Zero rolled his eyes.
“You’re kidding me right? I just gave you that whole speech and you want to
know if I’m keen?” The noble’s face relaxed, his trademark smirk making a
reappearance.
“You’re sending me mixed messages here, first you say no and then you say yes
and then you say but only if we date?”
“I’m saying let’s take it slow.”
“How slow is slow?” Zero frowned.
“What do you mean?” He asked suspiciously. In reply Akatsuki rose from his
seat, in a heartbeat he was by Zero’s chair cupping his chin and fusing their
mouths together. Zero gasped as heat flooded his system. He threw his arms up
and around Akatsuki shoulders allowing the noble to tangle his hands in Zero
hair, stroking his scalp.
Gods he had missed this.
Zero broke the kiss gasping for air. He looked up into those glowing amber
eyes.
“You love me.” Zero whispered, still trying to convince himself that this was
real and actually happening.
“Very much so.”
“Took you long enough.”
“Yes, well Alfred did have his input.”
“Meddling old coot.”
“Yes, I really shall have to speak to him about boundaries.”
“I’ll second that.” Akatsuki’s chuckled was lost in Zero’s lips once again. The
two clinging to each other like they had finally found the meaning in their
life, like they had finally found someone worth living for- and they had.
Zero knew that things were never going to be exactly easy between the two of
them. Both of them carried their own scars and own insecurities. Both of them
could be frustratingly stubborn and yet incredibly fragile at the same time,
especially when they were dealing in the affairs of the heart. The future was
unclear to them, but what was clear was that they would probably have many more
fights in the future, many more misunderstandings and many more apologies to be
made, but at the end of the day Zero knew that they both loved each other and
they both were willing to tackle anything that came their way and if they got
stuck… well at least Alfred was always there to give them a kick up the arse.
 
                                   -THE END-
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