Author Notes: Thank you for all the alerts, favourites and reviews! Glad you all liked the previous chapter although luckily for everyone, that wasn't the real outcome of Blood Moon Chapter 5 and the story went on for a whole lot longer! :D Here's the next chapter…

Summary: Towards the end of Chapter 9, Zero is reminded of painful memories of Yuki again. Aido follows to talk some sense into him and Zero can't help pondering on the noble's words for a while before deciding to go back to his room to sleep. But what if he didn't end up in his room?

Additional Comments: Again, I wrote this Chapter 10 AU even before the actual one came out because Vani had mentioned in one of her review replies that an angsty Zero taking Kaname scene was going to happen. Well, being very enthusiastic about it (or more accurately, over excited, LOL), I mistook it to mean in the very next chapter! –rolls eyes at herself for jumping the gun- So yes, this is a lemony chapter as well and please don't hate Zero too much... As always, if you haven't read Blood Moon yet, please do. You won't regret it – I sure didn't!

The actual ending of Blood Moon Chapter 9:

Aido resisted the urge to tell Zero to shove it, as he wasn't a prefect any more. "You can believe what you want, Zero," he said quietly instead, the unexpected tone catching Zero more off guard than any snarky remarks would have. "All I can speak to is what I see. But what I see is that there is a pureblood back there who is willing to do a hell of a lot for you. You've no idea how many people would want to be in your shoes, ex-human and all. I just want Kaname to be happy, Zero. If you make him happy... then it doesn't matter what I think, that makes you pretty special. I won't let anything happen to him, so I won't let anything happen to you," the blonde said with a quiet, fierce protectiveness. "So you can just stop looking at the water that way and start thinking of better things to do." Aido didn't know what Kaname saw in Zero, but for Kaname's sake he was willing to try to learn. And maybe for Zero's sake... he wanted him to lose that hopeless look in his eyes that was like staring into the soul of one of the damned.

Aido turned and walked away back towards his dorm.

Zero watched him leave before his gaze slid back to the horizon and the rising sun. Aido was wrong about him and Kaname, but... the fact that he'd even tried to reach out in his own way was surprising enough to make Zero mull over what he'd said. Did he automatically put the worst construction on everything Kaname did? Or was he just being realistic? After all, the man was a vampire... and so are you. The same old voices, whispering inside him, torn between two worlds that he should never have been forced to juggle.

Zero rubbed his eyes and turned away from the sun, which was starting to make them sting. Slowly, he walked away from the lake. He was tired, exhausted from his workout earlier and from the constant confusion warring inside of him. He was tired enough though that perhaps for once he would sleep well for a while. That sounded good. He didn't want to think anymore today.

-- Chapter Start --

Contrary to his earlier thoughts, Zero found himself standing outside Kaname's rooms. Without conscious thought, his feet had carried him right here. Zero knew he was tired and he should have gone straight back to his own dorm room… but was this where he actually wanted to end up?

Actually, Zero had seen that smile too, the one that Kaname had given him earlier in the dining hall... Aido didn't have to tell him that. But the pureblood was such a good actor, Zero had thought it was false. Just like all the rest of those intimate moments – false. Fake. Something the pureblood knew too well how to do. Only… a small nagging thought had Zero suddenly worrying his lower lip. What if that smile wasn't fake? What if Kaname really was pleased to see him there in the dining hall earlier?

What if what Aido had said had been true?

Was Kaname crazy about him? A mirthless smile twisted Zero's lips. He didn't need for the pureblood to be crazy about him, just the thought that Kaname cared, even a little, would make all the difference in the world to the hunter. And how had he reacted? Zero paused outside Kaname's door, suddenly irresolute. He'd pushed away the pureblood so many times, did he even have the right to linger here anymore? To expect anymore than what Kaname had given him?

Zero sighed tiredly, running a hand around the back of his neck. He really shouldn't be standing here, looking so indecisive and right outside Kaname's door when... The door in question opened suddenly and the very object of his distracted thoughts stood there, shirtless and obviously getting ready for bed.

"Zero..." Kaname uttered, looking like he didn't quite believe his eyes. He had felt Zero's presence outside the door of course, but he didn't believe it – it seemed impossible that the hunter would actually be here, without being coerced or forced. Zero saw the astonishment on Kaname's face. Again, there was that awkward moment and the hunter quickly took a step back. "I – never mind..." he mumbled, turning around.

"No – Zero, wait!" Kaname's long fingers had closed around the hunter's arm. Zero looked back over his shoulder and Kaname's breath caught at the uncertain look in the silvery eyes, still gray with despair. The boy looked so lost, like he didn't belong anywhere anymore. That look hurt the pureblood.

"Don't go," he said softly, his tone almost coaxing. Kaname started to pull Zero inside, surprised when the hunter offered little resistance. The door shut behind Zero even though Kaname didn't even glance at it, focusing his attention on the boy in front of him. Kaname was tired and testy now and he needed sleep. But even more than sleep, he needed Zero. More than anything else in the world. Not really knowing what to say, and not wanting to say the wrong thing, Kaname stepped forward and just closed his arms around Zero's shoulders, burying his face in the hunter's warm neck. The pureblood breathed in Zero's familiar scent, knowing that his own body had already started trembling but just at this moment, he didn't care. He didn't care that he was betraying his weakness to Zero again. He just... wanted him so much. He wanted so much to care for Zero. But the hunter would never let him.

Zero felt the slight tremors rippling through Kaname's body, and he tensed up. He knew this would happen if he didn't get away soon. It always did, courtesy of the bond they shared and how it always pulled them together. Zero started to pull away. "Not now, Kaname. I just-" But the pureblood's arms tightened around him immediately.

"No. Don't - don't go, Zero," Kaname whispered into his ear. "Just let me hold you awhile." The odd note of vulnerability in the pureblood's voice caught at Zero. He didn't want to move away either… Slowly, his hands came up and curled around Kaname's back. Unbidden, Zero dipped his head towards the pureblood's neck and started mouthing his bite area. He didn't mean to, but he wanted to. Just as he wanted to breathe in Kaname's scent, so he also wanted to touch and taste the pale perfect skin of his neck. Zero closed his eyes, trying to forget that he wasn't supposed to be here, wanting lose himself in the oh so familiar scent and silky skin, letting his lips and tongue trail up and down the pureblood's neck, feeling his own body awakening with the familiar stirrings of desire.

"Ah... you're not making it easy for me to leave you alone, Zero," murmured Kaname, tilting his head to the side to give his lover more access to his neck. His breath was hitching a little and his arms tightened around Zero even more. His neck was very sensitive to the hunter's touch – just a mere brush of his lips and Kaname could barely think straight. Zero didn't say anything. He wasn't only confusing Kaname, he was also confusing himself. But he just couldn't stop himself from doing this, from wanting the pureblood. Zero thought if he didn't drink Kaname's blood, then it would be OK but even if he didn't, he still wanted Kaname anyway.

Slowly, by silent agreement, they started removing each other's clothes. Kaname's head had dipped to Zero's neck and they let their lips and tongues wring breathless moans and sighs from each other even as their hands unbuttoned and eased clothing off. It was easier for Zero since Kaname was only wearing his trousers. Perhaps it was the more mellow and quieter mood they were both feeling now but neither of them drew blood although they teased each other lightly with their fangs. Zero didn't need to feed again so soon and Kaname was perhaps wary of the scent and taste of blood testing his control again and the high possibility of the other nobles scenting it.

Zero ran his fingertips along Kaname's warm skin, his eyes fluttering close. The pureblood's skin was silky soft under his hands and Zero let them roam over his pureblood lover's toned chest and arms, relearning again every supple and graceful inch. Kaname reciprocated in kind, inwardly rejoicing that Zero was now more… participative than he was yesterday (or was it day before yesterday?). The pureblood definitely wasn't complaining but he was surprised when Zero suddenly grabbed him by the arms and pushed him towards the double bed, tumbling the pureblood back onto the pillows. Zero got onto the bed as well, leaning over Kaname and bracing his hands on either side of the pureblood's head, looking down at him. The tentative and uncertain look in his eyes was now replaced with fire. The silvery irises were tinged with red and his fangs showed behind his parted lips. Zero knew he couldn't control his wanting Kaname anymore than he could control his breathing. But it still made him angry at his helpless fate. As did the realisation that Kaname knew it too but the pureblood didn't say anything, merely looked back at him.

After a long moment, Zero straightened up, his hands lifting from the pillows. With a sudden movement, he raked his nails sharply down Kaname's softly heaving chest. It should have been painful, but it wasn't. The pureblood's back arched a little off the bed, his breath hissing out in surprised pleasure between his teeth as blood welled up instantly from the scratches. The scent of that rich, intoxicating blood drew Zero's fangs out completely and he dipped his head instinctively, licking off the drops of blood even as the scratches closed up and healed.

"Zero..." murmured Kaname breathlessly, reaching for his lover now, his bare legs curling around the other's naked thighs. He wanted the hunter so badly, but at the same time, he thought he knew why Zero had turned aggressive. But Kaname didn't want him to think that all of this was just one-sided. He knew Zero wanted him too, desired him even... but why did it always have to be Kaname who initiated their lovemaking? The hunter could take him anytime. Anywhere.

Kaname stilled as another thought came his mind. Perhaps it would help Zero break out of the horrible apathy he was in, if he turned the aggressor for a change? Kaname couldn't help remembering how their sparring match had brought back the fire to Zero's eyes - he'd been so alive in those few minutes... but it had needed Kaname to taunt him into it, to wake up the passion for life within the hunter. Well, if it came to that, so be it.

"Zero? Take me," Kaname said suddenly. Zero's head snapped up and he looked somewhat incredulously at him, as if the hunter thought he'd heard wrongly. "What?" he breathed. The sight of his own blood on Zero's lips sent a thrill of excitement racing through Kaname and his body reacted accordingly. Yes – he wanted Zero to take him, to pleasure him and to possess him. To hell with it, why should he have to initiate things all the time?

"Go on, admit it - you want me," Kaname added, trying to quell the breathless tone in his voice. Inwardly, he knew it was a gamble - push Zero just a little too far and the hunter would just turn and run. But still, Kaname had to try, he had to believe that his reluctant lover wanted this too... and the pureblood wanted so much to see Zero being Zero again, fiery, even aggressive. Zero was still silent, staring at Kaname as if he thought the pureblood slightly mad. A distant part of Kaname registered this fact with wry amusement – perhaps he was mad, but their intimate sessions had almost always ended with him taking the hunter anyway... even their first time had been that way.

Zero sat back on his haunches now, frowning. He wondered if Kaname was playing him again, even as a frisson of excitement slowly uncurled within his gut. God help him, he wanted to... but would Kaname really let him? Or was this just a ploy to get him involved in whatever game the pureblood had just thought up, and this session would inevitably end up like how most of the previous ones had, him below, and Kaname on top. Always on top. Always the winner. Even in this.

Zero stubbornly ignored the small voice inside his brain insisting that most of the time, he wanted Kaname to take him anyway, and that the pureblood always made each encounter incredible for him. Mind blowingly incredible. But he still couldn't stop his body's involuntary reaction, and Kaname saw that.

"Go on..." he urged. "Or are you too scared to?" He deliberately injected a taunting note into his voice, forcing his sculptured lips to curl as if in derision. Zero doggedly kept silent but Kaname could see the he was tempted - perhaps he just needed one little extra push? The pureblood nodded resignedly. "Thought so," he said nonchalantly. Pushing Zero off him, even thought it took every ounce of determination to do so, Kaname sat up and swung his legs to the side of the bed. He waited one second, no more, then started to get up.

Without warning, Zero lunged at him, pushing the pureblood back down onto the pillows again. It was a quick and sudden move and Kaname, caught a little by surprise, had to quickly suppress the instinctive vampire urge to hit back at Zero. He wasn't used to someone grabbing him, almost – attacking - him like that. Kaname looked up at Zero and froze. The boy's face now was a far cry from the uncertain one he'd sported seconds ago. There was no uncertainty now... and no apathy at all. Zero looked fierce as he moved between Kaname's legs, using his knees to nudge them further apart. The hunter bent forward, catching himself on both hands spread on the pillow, on either side of Kaname's head again. The pureblood tensed, captivated, as he looked up at Zero's grim countenance where his lips had pulled back to reveal fully extended fangs.

Zero was furious. He didn't care anymore if this was a game. Yes, there was no denying that Kaname had almost always taken him. But Zero scared to take the upper hand for once? Not likely. Hell no, he would show Kaname scared.

Kaname knew he'd roused Zero enough and relief washed through him even if it was mixed with a thrill of excitement. The fire was back in Zero at last, even if only momentarily, but Kaname didn't care. He'd take whatever he could. The pureblood's thoughts broke off as Zero pushed forward. Kaname's breath caught – the hunter was kneeling between his spread legs and was bending his knees for him. It was a stunningly vulnerable position Kaname seldom found himself in and he couldn't help but tense up a little, suddenly wondering if this was really a good idea after all...

But Zero had clamped his hands under Kaname's thighs now and with a sudden movement and no warning at all, had thrust forward hard. Kaname hadn't expected this – he knew Zero wasn't quite as skilled in this matter but he hadn't expected that Zero would just take him like this. Dry. Unprepared. Kaname's back arched and his breath escaped in a pained rush past his lips as he felt Zero's hard length start to push into him. Zero thrust harder and Kaname gasped as the white hot pain increased, shooting through his tense body in all directions, from the very intimate place where he was now half joined with his lover. Zero had indeed taken him at his word - no pun intended.

Zero stared relentlessly into Kaname's eyes as he leaned forward, pushing himself deeper and deeper. Kaname was tight and dry, he knew it hurt the pureblood and for a very, very dark moment that he'd not encountered before, Zero actually felt glad that it caused Kaname pain. He wanted Kaname to feel pain.

Dear God, it hurt.

Kaname's teeth sank into his lower lip until it bled but he stubbornly kept silent. He would not push Zero away, not now – not even if it hurt like the blazes... And it did. No, Kaname would not push the hunter away or even stop him even though he was feeling vulnerable, uncharacteristically out of control and almost... violated. Kaname swallowed convulsively, his back arching in response to the sharp, tearing pain he felt, as Zero thrust forward again and again, seating himself deeper and deeper inside him each time.

Kaname's teeth clenched hard. Not even though it was feeling like - like Zero was... No. The pureblood stopped himself from completing that thought. Because it wasn't. It wasn't. Because this wasn't just anyone else taking him, this was Zero… so it was OK. No matter what Zero did to him. Short of actually trying to kill him, that is... Kaname vowed silently that he would not resist and he would not stop Zero from having his way with him. The pureblood shifted his hips beneath Zero's, trying to make it a little more comfortable for himself but the smell of his own blood on his lower lip where he had bitten it earlier took Zero's lust up a notch, and the hunter reared back, kneeling on the bed, his hands clamping tightly onto Kaname's hips, fingers digging into soft skin to hold him still.

A part of Zero knew what was happening – he was taking Kaname too hard, too fast, he hadn't used lube or anything to prepare him. And he couldn't help but hear the small stifled sounds Kaname made as he gritted his teeth against the tearing pain, his unprepped body screaming in agony. Zero hated Kaname for making him do this, for making him act like this. And correspondingly, his movements became more urgent, more frantic, more violent. Perspiration started to gleam on Zero's skin as he exerted himself, making each thrust brutally hard. The pain caused Kaname's hands to clench the sheets in tight fists, tearing the silk material as he hung on grimly to his resolve. He would have preferred to hold Zero while they did this... but the hunter was kneeling, and too far away from him.

By right, Kaname's pureblood body could heal quickly, almost instantly... but as Zero kept thrusting into him relentlessly, again and again, the pureblood's healing power could hardly keep up with the ruthlessly rapid and merciless pace Zero was setting. Kaname was now bleeding and it helped to ease the friction of their joining a little. He even found it... stimulating... knowing that there was nothing he could do now, knowing that it was Zero and not someone else possessing him so completely, so ruthlessly. Simultaneous bursts of pain and pleasure flared up in Kaname again and again, making him gasp and moan with pain and pleasure combined together. His head tipped back and he swallowed a groan as Zero's movements became even fiercer, more frantic, doggedly driving himself hard towards his own completion, deliberately ignoring Kaname's pained discomfort and the small, muffled sounds that escaped his lips despite his resolve.

And finally, it was over – Zero's frantic movements had tumbled him over the edge and he cried out at the violent shudders of release that clawed through his body and ripped all thoughts from his mind. He deliberately lost himself in that, hips still slamming hard into Kaname, body shuddering violently.

At length, Zero fell forward and collapsed against Kaname, letting his head rest on his lover's chest. He felt exhausted. Spent. Small shivers were wracking his body as it slowly cooled and his breath slowed down. At the same time, bitter disgust uncoiled in the hunter's heart, spreading a blanket of dark guilt. Zero squeezed his eyes shut. He hated himself. What he just did – was unforgivable. Kaname had taken him hard on occasions too, and there was no denying it had hurt – Zero had definitely screamed with pain but the pureblood had always given back as much as he took. Sometimes, even more.

This time, Zero had taken and taken hard... and left Kaname with nothing. Nothing but pain and what just had to be regret at his rash decision of wanting Zero to claim him. And to Zero's amazement, instead of pushing him away, instead of hitting or killing him like he had every right to, Kaname had just accepted it all without protest or resistance. Even now, the pureblood's arms were wrapped tightly around his back, his legs curling around his thighs, offering silent comfort to his violator. For what? For hurting him like that?

Dear God, he - he'd practically raped Kaname... Zero thought with a painful jolt of guilt that lanced through him and made his face flame with guilt even as his body continued to cool down. Kaname was a pureblood, no one landed a blow on him unless they no longer wished to live. Zero had been worse - he'd violated him. Even if he hated Kaname... and he didn't... he didn't have to hurt him like that. Why did he do it? Damnit, why did they just hurt each other more and more each time?

Kaname held Zero close to him. He could sense the anger and pain in the hunter that had driven him to act this way and he didn't hold it against him. He'd all but encourage Zero to take him in the first place after all. And he knew the boy would be remorseful once he had cooled down. But Zero's pain hurt Kaname as well. The pureblood didn't want Zero's guilt or apologies, he just wanted his – his - Kaname took in a shuddering breath and tears stung his eyes. He tried to blink them away and his breath hitched. He wanted Zero to care for him. Was that really too much to ask? Was it? Why did it have to be Zero, the one person who would never care for him in return?

The sudden scent of salt brought Zero's head up sharply. His already aching, guilty and confused heart constricted sharply at the sight of tears sliding out from the outer corners of Kaname's eyes into his dark hair.

Oh God - he'd actually made Kaname cry? But - but that was what he wanted, wasn't it? Wasn't it?

The sudden, squeezing pain pang in Zero's heart made him gasp. "Ka-Kaname?" he breathed. "I – I didn't mean... I was – you just made me so-" he broke off and shuddered. Kaname shook his head slowly. "Don't say that," he said softly but Zero barely heard what he said. "I - I'm sorry, so sorry. God, you must hate me now," he said huskily, his heart constricting even more. A faint smile ghosted over Kaname's lips as he shook his head again, slowly. "If I do, Zero, then why am I holding you still? Why didn't I stop you earlier?"

That made Zero pause.

"Did you think I couldn't?" asked Kaname softly.

Zero swallowed. Yes, Kaname could have stopped him at any time. He could have stopped him single handedly – no, Kaname didn't even have to use his hands. No one bested the pureblood unless he himself wanted it to be like that.

"But why?" Zero whispered. Before Kaname could reply, the hunter added softly, "And I'm sorry, you didn't even – even-" he broke off, flushing despite himself. He had had his satisfaction but Kaname hadn't. The pureblood didn't say anything, he just looked back at him. Kaname's gaze was open and honest, perhaps even trusting. There was no mockery in the brown depths, no anger or hate. Just open and honest trust. Despite the confused swirl of emotions in him, that one look touched Zero's hurting heart deeply and a long moment of soft silence passed as they just looked at each other.

Slowly, Zero reached down to where their bodies were still intimately joined. Kaname's breath hitched in his throat as his lover's fingers curled around him. Zero's grip was firm and he moved slowly, purposefully, keeping his eyes on Kaname's face while slowly withdrawing from the hot and tight confines of the pureblood's body. But Kaname's legs tightened around him immediately, stopping the hunter's movements.

"No, Zero – don't" Kaname urged softly. "Don't leave me..." he whispered. Uncertain silver eyes looked down on him and Kaname smiled slowly, reassuringly. "I want you, Zero." More than ever now... no matter what.

Even though Zero was the one technically taking Kaname, their expressions made it look like the other way around for Zero still looked uncertain and even a little fearful while Kaname exhibited his usual calm and assurance. After a moment, the hunter gave a little nod. His fist moved faster this time, and the look of sheer pleasure on Kaname's face as the dark eyes fluttered close made Zero harden again within the pureblood. Slowly, painstakingly, Zero made love to Kaname, moving his hips now with infinite care, wanting to see only pleasure and joy on the pureblood's face. The hunter knew he had caused his lover too much pain just now…

Kaname urged him on and tightened his arms once more around Zero as their movements becoming quicker, more frantic. Zero rocked hard against Kaname, the pureblood thrust back just as hard. Zero lowered his head, licking and nibbling at the pale skin on Kaname's sensitive neck, making the pureblood groan deep in his throat before his own mouth found Zero's neck in return. He used his lips and tongue with expert skill, eliciting equal groans of delight from Zero as their breathing turned ragged and their hearts pounded in unison.

There was no pain now and no fear, only a deep, deep desire to find satisfaction together and in each other's arms. Bodies glistening and slick with perspiration, their hips slammed together again and again as they urged each other on.

Zero thrust forward, hard. "Kaname, I – I can't-"

Kaname's hips arched upwards with equal fervour. "Zero…!"

Breathless words followed frantic action until Zero tensed up for a heart stoppingly delicious moment before tumbling over the edge again into blissful release, crying out Kaname's name again and again as his body shuddered hard, spilling his warmth into the pureblood. Kaname held him close as his own body tensed up then spammed with his own climax, Zero's frantic cries pushing him on and the pureblood cried out the hunter's name in return.

Again, in that heart stopping silence, something precious and fragile blossomed between them. They both felt it and they both feared it at the same time. But Zero lifted his head the same moment Kaname opened his eyes and they both saw it in each other's gazes, something that defied description. But something that could be so right, if only... if only...

If only they dared put a name to it. But they didn't.

Zero glanced away first. He withdrew from Kaname and collapsed beside him, his pounding heart slowing in the aftermath. Almost automatically, Kaname turned towards him, pulling the exhausted hunter against his chest and wrapping an arm around his waist.

They didn't say anything but no tears were shed this time. Kaname listened to Zero's breathing as he breathed in the hunter's scent deeply. Just being close to Zero like this and being able to touch him again brought a sense of peace to Kaname and he closed his eyes, exhausted. His own breathing was slowing down as well and within minutes, both of them had drifted off to sleep.

-- Chapter End --