A/N - okay. First lengthy-ish fanfiction. Please be nice! And expect more to come. This story/relationship is definitely going places. I know I was probably a bit cruel with the lack of sex, but hey. It's the first chapter. I promise there'll be some, uh, intense moments later on ;D I know it seems rushed but I was getting really really impatient with it, and every time I read over it I felt like gouging my eyeballs out -_-"
Please read and review!
Zero Kiriyu found himself outside the door to a certain pureblood's apartment, tearing at his hair in apologetic frustration. It had been a long two days for the ex-human; he'd been dismissed from a mission and when he refused to leave, he'd been permanently removed from A-Squad. When he found himself labelled as Kaname's property, of all things, in a hall of vampires he had unintentionally lashed out, "I'm not your thrall, Kuran!" before abandoning his lover to deal with the murmuring crowd alone. He knew his arrogance had caused Kaname much embarrassment and discomfort, and Zero could sense the pureblood's agitation from the other side of the door. He hadn't meant to snap at him, and he really was sorry for being an arse, and he really didn't mind being Kaname's property (though it'd be nice to be acknowledged as, something else, someday), but he hadn't been expecting it, and the scornful glances were too much for his already bruised ego. As he readied himself for knocking on the door, the lock clicked and the door swung open. This, he thought bitterly, was going to be fun.
Kaname's emotions were tumultuous, to say the least. After claiming Zero as his at a social gathering the previous evening, several things had happened. The first, which he had expected; the nobles had exchanged hushed whispers and glances of undisguised disgust. It was considered an honour to be owned by a pureblood, and for this honour to be extended to an ex-human (and a vampire hunter to boot) was unheard of. The second he had not expected, and that was Zero vehemently abusing him under his breath before storming out of the party. The third, which was an entirely new sensation for Kaname, was the nearly irresistible urge to abandon his dignity and run after Zero. To the relief of his pride, however, he had been held back by the questioning eyes of many whose thoughts were racing to conclusions most likely accurate, but Kaname was not about to tell them that Zero was his blood-bound lover. No, they'd have to make do with understanding that Zero was his. It wasn't as if Kaname had done it to enrage the boy, or shock the guests, he'd just wanted to make sure no-one got the wrong idea about his lover. He knew from experience that ex-humans were usually brought to such gatherings as 'snacks' for the vampires who were not blood-tablet dependent, and he wasn't about to let them assume that he had brought Zero for their enjoyment.
Specifically he had aimed his statement of 'ownership', if you will, at one Sara-sama, the only other pureblood in attendance. She was elegant and charismatic, and had more ex-human bedfellows than Kaname cared to know, and she had been watching Zero all night. He wished he had had the chance to discuss what he was going to say to the group with Zero beforehand, but Sara-sama had been socialising in close quarters, obviously trying very hard to get his attention and be introduced to Zero. He'd only done what he'd thought would keep his lover safe, but instead he'd pushed him away and made a fool out of himself.
And now Zero was standing outside his door, Kaname was torn between how to face him. Was he angry with the silver-haired boy for reacting as he did, or was he angry with himself for putting Zero in a situation that he knew would make him uncomfortable, knowing the way that the other vampires would see him? Misery coursed through him as he realised that he had no idea how to apologise, the uncertainty ate at Kaname, throbbing in his chest until he was doubtful of whether or not Zero would accept his apologies, worried that the boy was only here to tell him that he was done with him. He sighed, pushing all thoughts of losing the boy aside, either way, I still have to deal with an angry Zero, setting his jaw grimly and let the door click open.
Zero stood awkwardly by the now-shut door, eyes focused on the carpet beneath his bare feet. Kaname was sitting on the edge of the four-poster bed, white shirt half-open revealing the ever-so-tempting lines of his neck, dark hair hiding his eyes and cheeks from view, his fingers playing with the hem of his shirt. Zero couldn't help but think that there was something about the dejected form that made him even more appealing, if that was possible, especially when his vulnerability was because of Zero. He shook his head to dispel any thoughts of just how appealing Kaname could be, dammit Zero! You didn't come here to fantasise. With considerable effort he cleared his throat, "uh...Kaname?" the other boy didn't even raise his head, and a flash of anger darted through lavender eyes. He's ignoring me! The idea of Kaname being angry enough to not even acknowledge his presence infuriated him, and though he was loathe to admit it, worried him. He tried once more to get the brunette's attention, "Kaname, are you ignoring me? Because that wouldn't be childish at all, especially when we both know exactly whose fault it is that your precious reputation was tarnished," Zero's voice rose in anger, he'd come here to apologise and not only was he being ignored, but he was getting frustrated with himself for not being able to put aside his pride, "for fucks sake, Kaname, would you at least look at me!"
"I'm sorry"
The voice startled him; it didn't sound anything like Kaname's usual proud and commanding tone. All too late Zero caught onto the ragged breathing and realised that the purebl... no, hislover was crying. The realisation tugged at his chest, and before he knew it Zero was in front of the hunched figure, arms wrapped around shoulders in a protective and comforting embrace, his anger fading away to reveal concern and remorse. Kaname hesitated before raising his arms to wrap them around Zero's hips, "I'm sorry," he whispered coarsely, "I would never have said it if I knew it would make you so upset. I just, I just wanted them to know that you were mine, that they couldn't... I just wanted... I'm sorry." This he finished in a half-sob, burrowing his face against Zero's stomach, leaving the ex-human shocked speechless. Kaname thought this was his fault? He wasn't angry at Zero for threatening his image? There was a tug in his chest again, and he moved slowly to his knees, forcing the pureblood to pull back slightly.
"I'm sorry, too, it wasn't fair of me to lash out like that, I had a shitty day and I over-reacted, I'm sorry," he kissed the damp cheeks softly, "look at me, Kaname."
At this, Kaname raised his head to meet Zero's gaze, his teary eyes reminding him of a puppy he once had as a child, the memory bringing a faint smile to the hunter's face. "There now, that's much better," wiping away the last few tears, "now, what's on the agenda for this eve... I mean, morning?" Zero still wasn't used to the switch in time-frames, though it had been nearly a year since his graduation from Cross Academy and the beginning of his life with Kaname.
Kaname picked up on Zero's discomfort, knowing as he did how it embarrassed the silver-haired boy to be affectionate. He smiled, that Zero would go so far to reassure him was no small deal, and he leaned in to ghost a kiss against his lovers parted lips.
"Nothing," Kaname murmured, "we're staying in today." Zero caught on quickly, tongue darting out to meet his lover's, his hands moving from Kaname's shoulders to work the last few buttons on his shirt as Kaname's did the same to his. For a long time after, nothing could be heard but the rustle of bed-sheets, the gasping and moaning of two bodies joining in a heated dance of skin meets skin, breath meets breath, and the steady racing of two hearts.
LATER THAT NIGHT...ER, DAY.
"You know," Zero smirked, his hand tangled in the mass of dark locks on his chest, "we should argue more often."