A/N: Thank you all for reading and reviewing our story! Finally Zero choose one to be his lover. Yay. Enjoy this chapter and please let us know what you think.

Song 3: Zero's 16th Birthday

The Kuran palace situated on top of a high mountain. The base of the mountain was a natural forest with extensive fields of flowers. New moon spread its ivory white light on blooming petals, all flowers seemed to stay awake, fluttering in light breeze, as if waiting for someone. A teenager happily rode his horse through the forest, chasing beautiful moon, chasing interminable flowers, silver hair shone under dim light, slender body leaned forward on his horse's back as they're running at full gallop up to a gently sloping ascent. Following him was a young man on a black horse, russet eyes glinted amusement and gratification seeing his precious relishing the nature, his aura drove all wild beasts away from their path. Night was pure and serene for their enjoyment.

The boy slowed down and stopped at a lavender field of larkspur, their captivating color darkened in moon light, yet mesmerized with immensity and a hazily subtle scent. He left his horse to walk in the field, carefully not stepping on them. Those flowers blossomed around this time every year, they probably shared the same birthday with him, they were his birthday flowers. Bending down to a beautiful one, he closed his same-colored eyes, inhaling a long breath, its gentle scent put a sweet smile on his juicy lips. The young man also trailed after him, suddenly felt jealous with innocent, natural beauty of larkspur, if only he could be the one who received that kiss.

Two of them stood in the middle of lavender field, breeze turned strong, sweeping over tender flowers, bringing a chill of humidity, a rain was on its way. This night belonged to them, and as usual the birthday gift from heaven would be a downpour. Every year Rido gave Zero a free day on his birthday, and the boy would spend it with his best friend, Kaname. Although Kaname had moved out two years before, he still made sure to come back to his precious on this special day. Tonight they weren't celebrating an ordinary birthday, tonight Zero was 16 years old, first year of maturity. He had had a small party with his vampire family, and after their big meal with lots of laughter and congratulations, he went on riding with the young pureblood to look for his favorite field of flowers.

"Maybe we should hurry up to go back before the rain." Zero muttered.

"Don't worry. I know a cave near here that can shelter us for a night." Kaname whispered. He actually would love to be alone with the boy somewhere tonight. This moment had finally come after five long years of waiting, he didn't want to wait any longer. "Are you afraid?"

"If it's with you, I won't." Zero turned around to smile with him.

Kaname smiled back delightedly, those sweet words encouraged him to keep on his intentions "Now that you are 16, what is your plan for the future?"

Delicate brows frowned a little, lavender eyes looked far away to superb ancient trees which standing still at the horizon, happy smile seemed to linger on his lips "I've never thought about it, but as long as Rido-sama wants me here, I will stay here."

"I see…" disappointment flashed in the pureblood's face when his uncle's name was mentioned, he managed to wipe it off. Perhaps his precious was still too young and didn't get the meaning of his question. He decided to ask more straightforwardly. "What if one day you find love? Will you go with that person?"

"I will go anywhere with the one I love." Zero held a bunch of larkspur in his arms, vaguely imagining a handsome man manifesting in his mind.

Breeze got stronger, Kaname put a hand into his pant pocket, squeezing a purple velvet square box. Yes, it was time. He didn't want to be his precious boy's best friend anymore. For years had he dreamed of their becoming lovers, they would be the first to each other and the only for all their lives. "Zero…"

"Yes?"

"Kaname-sama!" a vampire servant appeared, interrupting their private moment "Zero, Rido-sama has ordered me to call you back."

"Do you know what it's for?" The boy got surprised as Rido never asked him to do anything on his birthdays, somehow worried something had gone wrong.

"I don't know. He just said he wanted you to meet him right away." The servant answered.

"What happened in the castle?" Kaname asked, afraid it could be some kind of trouble, even though his uncle had never made things difficult to Zero.

"Nothing. Rido-sama has already retired to his chamber." The servant turned to the young boy "I guess he just wants to give you a birthday gift. I saw he held a gift box."

Zero blushed while his heart jumped with joy. In the previous years, Rido had always given his gift before their party. The boy was pretty sad when he didn't give him anything this year, though understood his savior didn't have to do it at all. In fact, Rido provided all his needs and pampered him with gifts now and then, not only on special occasions. However, hearing the king didn't forget to prepare something for his birthday, he was absolutely happy. "I'm going back now."

"Zero!" Kaname called after him. The boy halted to wait for what his friend wanted to say.

"Will you meet me under the sakura tree after seeing Oji-san? I'll be waiting for you, no matter how long it takes."

"Why the sakura tree?" Zero looked at him.

"Because I have an important thing to tell you."

"Okay, I'll be there." He nodded. All he could think about in this moment was getting back to his savior. After that, he would surely have time for other things.

The horse made an exciting whinny as Zero got on its back, they soon disappeared in darkness, lavender flowers fluttering as if saying good-bye to their beautiful guest, the bunch of larkspurs was now in the pureblood's arms.

-K & Z-

Zero took a quick shower and changed to clean clothes as soon as getting back to the castle, afraid of Rido smelling his sweat after their riding. Plus, he didn't want to spread any dust from the outside in his king's spotless chamber. He was kind of anxious on his way, thinking about the first time he had been there. It was the very first day after his family's catastrophe, he had woken up in his pureblood savior's warm embrace, on his large, smooth bed, such feeling was really unforgettable. Even after many years, he still missed it passionately everytime looking at the canopy bed. Time seemed to slip out of his peaceful life, he suddenly remembered not walking into the king's chamber for a couple of years. Rido had stopped summoning him there or giving any orders which required him to be in that place. He was now standing in front of the mahogany door, taking a deep breath to calm himself down.

"Rido-sama." He knocked lightly.

"Come in, Zero!" A deep voice invited him.

The boy turned on the door knob and stepped in slowly, everything was similar as he had seen last time, which somehow gave him a reassuring feeling, he looked around and spotted his king in a bathrobe, standing at the balcony rail with a glass of blood wine in his hand. Zero shyly turned away, feet buried right at the threshold. Although he was his personal attendant, he had never seen him in night clothes. Seeing a man in a bathrobe wasn't a strange thing, however, it wasn't just a man, but his sublime king, he didn't imagine they would ever have some moment like this together.

"Come join me here, Zero!" Rido extended a hand toward him.

The boy realized he had failed to ask what his king had called him for, his heart beat faster, face flushed, yet he obediently shut the door close and walked to the balcony. Rido put his glass down on a table, wrapping both hands on the boy's shoulders "Happy sixteenth birthday, my lovely Zero! You have grown up to be a young man."

"Thank you, Rido-sama!" The boy found his face hotter with that compliment, he looked at him with lots of admiration in his eyes "It's all because of you. You took me in and raised me. I'm forever grateful to you, Rido-sama."

The pureblood pulled him closely to his chest, laying a soft kiss on silver hair "Sixteenth birthday is very important to my kind. Unfortunately, mine was a very long time ago, I can't remember how exactly it happened now."

Rido had lived for thousands of years, sometimes it's hard to remember everything that took place in his long life, however, there were things that he didn't want to remember.

"I will never forget mine." Zero held around his savior's waist "Because you are in there, Rido-sama. I will never forget any moment with you."

"When you are 16, you've become an adult. After your birthday, you will get engaged." The pureblood murmured. Even after such a long time, he hadn't forgotten at all. In that year he had engaged with Shizuka, the woman he thought would be together with him for eternity.

Zero understood which engagement Rido was talking about. He had never seen his king going out with anyone, he was happy about it, at the same time felt sad that the pureblood was staying alone for thousands of years since his engagement with Shizuka was canceled. Maybe his humble feeling wasn't what Rido wished for, but if he could warm his heart, make him feel better, even just a little, he would be happy to do anything "I will never leave you, Rido-sama!" He looked up to find those lonely discrepant eyes "I will stay with you as long as you want me to."

The pureblood inserted his fingers in soft, silver hair, a smile glowed on his face "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am." Zero promised firmly. It's not only for his king, it's also his own wish. The only place in this large world which he would like to be was by this man's side.

A lightning torn the sky off, thunder broke their peaceful night. Rido led his beloved boy inside, closing the door behind them. Still keeping his hand tightly, he walked to the canopy bed, which getting Zero more anxious for not knowing what his king would like to do with him. Even if it would only be a night, even if it would never happen again, he was willing to offer himself to give the pureblood a happy moment. However, he was afraid Rido didn't look at him in that way. If only his king knew his heart had already belonged to him since it started rising the very first feeling.

Rido sat on his bed, and guided Zero to sit next to him. "I don't believe in love since Shizuka walked away from me. For ages nobody had ever caught my interest to try it again. I thought I would never care about that feeling… Until you appeared…" He gently caressed his young boy's silky cheek "Do you want to be mine?"

Be his. Not only for a night, this question was for a lifetime. Tears unexpectedly flowed down from lavender eyes "Yes, Rido-sama! I want to be yours. I have loved you since you saved me on that night, and I was very happy when you accepted me to be your personal attendant."

The pureblood smiled with happiness. He had always known the boy was fond of him all those years, yet it was an indescribable feeling to hear those words. He opened his palm, revealing a silver earring, and bringing it close to the boy's eyes so that he could see two initials "RK" inside. "It's Rido Kuran. Will you agree to wear it?"

"Yes, please let me wear it." Zero smiled while tears kept dewing his beautiful eyes.

Rido pricked his right ear with a sharp nail, and put the earring in. The boy winced a little from pain, but it soon vanished as happiness overwhelmed his senses. The pureblood was satisfied seeing the item of his ownership on that little, cute ear. He turned the boy's face around to lay on his pink lips their first, real kiss. Zero shyly squeezed his eyes shut, body trembling as his king's hands wandering on his back. Their kiss went deeper and deeper until both of them had to separate for some fresh air.

Rido opened the drawer of his nightstand, taking out a small box wrapped in purple and tangled with a white ribbon, presenting it to Zero "Here is your birthday gift. I chose it myself especially for you."

"Thank you, Rido-sama." The boy whispered, joy flooded his heart, receiving the gift from his lover. Lover… his mind silently repeated that word to check if it sounded right. He was nothing to be worth his king's lover, however, Rido was all he had ever dreamed of, he was his ideal man, his perfect lover. Though they could never be equal, he would try his best to satisfy the pureblood and make him happy. His hands carefully untangled the ribbon and opened the wrapper of his gift, then lifting up the lid of the box, revealing a purple silk lingerie.

"It's… so beautiful …" Zero honestly thought it was great, yet it's women clothes. A few years ago he used to dress as a school girl to entertain his king, however, he didn't expect to receive such a gift from him. A confusion arose in his heart, somehow worried him that he wasn't good enough for his king as Rido would prefer a girl.

"I hope you don't hate it." The pureblood smiled warmly, understanding what was going on in his little lover's mind "I want you to be my woman."

Zero gazed at him in surprise, then shyly turned away when he fully comprehended what the pureblood had just spoken.

"Would you like to try it on?"

"Okay."

Zero stood up and walked in the attached bathroom. He removed his clothes, folding them nicely on the hamper, and putting the new lingerie on. Thin material gave him a cool feeling, his shoulders open revealing his silky pale skin, only spaghetti straps preventing the lingerie from falling off, embroidery surrounded the top and bottom of the lingerie, his slender body could be seen clearly under see-through textile. He bent down, slowly slipping the tiny panties on. Their string fell right into the slit between his round cheeks, little purple triangle couldn't cover his front completely, he embarrassedly realized his own hardness. There's no way Rido wouldn't see it.

Zero took wary steps out of the bathroom, turning toward the canopy bed where his king was waiting, cheeks were quite red, eyes looking down in embarrassment. Rido was delightful to see his little lover's shy expression, he reached out, pulling the boy onto his lap, holding him covetously in his strong arms.

"You are very beautiful, Zero!" The pureblood's voice showed full of admiration, "This lingerie suits you well, just as I have imagined. From now on, just dress as a woman when you're in my chamber, okay?"

The boy nodded docilely, feeling his king's gentle fingers moving from his chin down to his neck and bare shoulders, his body temperature suddenly rose up and he tried hard to suppress a moan. It's the first time Rido had ever touched him like this, it's too much for a 16 year old virgin like him. He closed his eye lids, mouth parted a little, his body shivered and knees got weak when hot lips captured his waiting ones. Their kiss lasted even longer than the first, passion increased vehemently, somehow he thought he was melting.

When the boy could gain a bit of composure, he fluttered his eyes open, finding his king looking at him ardently.

"I love you, Zero." Rido said with a soft tone "Could you give me your virginity?"

The boy flushed red hearing this question, and had to struggle to find his voice for an answer. He had never thought his feeling would one day be returned. Tonight wasn't only the start of his adulthood, tonight he got his king's confession, offering his virginity to the man he loved and receiving the love he had been wishing for. Though nobody blessed them happiness, though there was no announcement, and he could never be officially considered his true love's spouse, having him, having his love was already more than enough "Yes, Rido-sama. Please take me! My heart and body are yours."

Another thunder made Zero startle, Rido laid him down on his bed, pressing himself on top, soothing him with lots of kisses and started undressing the lingerie. "Zero, my Zero… I've waited for five years… I had to stop asking you to come here because I was afraid of losing my control and hurt you."

Zero got anxious as Rido slowly slid down those spaghetti straps and lowered the lingerie to his thigh, along with his tiny panties, naked body was revealed, he instinctively wanted to cover his private part, but remembered what they were doing and didn't want his king to think he wasn't willing, so he shut his eyes close, hands grabbing the bed sheet. Rido understandingly held one of his hands, kissing traces of tears on his cheek, then trailed down to his neck. Zero gradually relaxed himself when he got used to those warm, gentle kisses, his fingers squeezed back to the pureblood's ones. Kisses being spread down, all of a sudden, his nipple was engulfed by hot mouth, sending a strong sensation to his brain.

"Ahh." a moan leaked out, he rashly covered his lips, afraid his king would be displeased by such reaction.

Rido took his hand off and put on a loving kiss "Don't restrain yourself. Let me hear your sweet sound, Zero!"

The boy opened his eyes to look at him, getting amazed as he had never seen so much love and affection in those mismatched orbs before. Since they had admitted their love to each other, there was no more restraints between them. This was the man he loved, he wasn't going to hide anything from him, he would let him see his most vulnerable side and deepest longing, because everything of him was his, totally his.

"Beautiful". Rido murmured, slipping purple lingerie totally off, different-colored orbs sweeping his little lover's naked body, admiring the smooth pale skin from head to toe, making Zero deeply blushed.

-K & Z-

Rain started pouring, thunders roaring, wind whirling on the sakura branches, threatening to take away their new leaves. Kaname was standing still under its shade, holding the bunch of larkspurs in his arms. He was waiting, no matter how long it took, not wanting to break his promise with the young boy. From this place he could look up to his precious' room, patiently waiting for a light on, thinking the boy might get back to his own room first and open the window to check if he was still here before running out under this heavy rain. And he wouldn't let him down. I'll wait for you, Zero, no matter how long it takes.

-K & Z-

"This smooth skin…" Rido fondly caressed the boy's neck and shoulders. "… is mine."

His fingers went lower to the chest and stopped at those pink nipples. "These buds…" he pinched them teasingly, earning a small yelp from the boy. "… are mine."

"All of these…" his hands continued to wander along Zero's sides and traveled down to his hips.

"Aahhhh…" the boy moaned and arched his back.

"…mine to touch…" Rido's fingers finally traced to his lover's inner thigh, stopping at his balls to give them a gentle squeeze.

"…mine to fondle…" he rubbed the balls together with one hand, the other started to stroke the boy's erection.

"Haaahh… haaahh… Rido-sama…" those touches were too stimulating to handle, Zero threw both of his hands up to his king's dark hair.

"…mine to taste…." Rido's mouth surrounded the hard length, head bopping up and down first slowly then fast, Zero felt electricity flowing from his manhood to his whole body, he rocked his hips faster and held the pureblood's head tighter, pressure growing on the tip of his erection and it didn't take long for the virgin boy to shoot his juice inside his king's mouth.

"Rido-samaaaa…."

The pureblood swallowed all of his release, then rising up to look at the boy, his tongue seductively licked his own lips.

"Delicious."

He inserted his digits into his mouth and coated them with saliva mixed with his lover's juice. Zero winced, trying to hold the pain as a finger was pushed in his tight virgin hole. Rido quickly saw the boy's sore expression and stopped his movement.

"Please… don't stop." Lavender eyes looked at him passionately, encouraging him to continue, even though what he was now feeling was totally different than the pleasure he had so much enjoyed a minute before. With no knowledge of sex, Zero vaguely imagined the next step would give pleasure to his king, and wanted Rido to feel that great feeling which he had kindly given him before himself.

The pureblood took his bathrobe off, sturdy body came to sight with an imposing, rousing member "It will hurt at first, but you will love it later." he said with a breathy voice "I'll be gentle."

Zero nodded, trying to quiet his anxiety, heart beating fast in his chest, sweat dripping off his forehead. He didn't know what to expect, yet their closeness made him completely happy. The pureblood's male part nudged right at his entrance, arms on each of his sides to support the upper body. Zero grasped those strong arms tightly, looking at him with full of trust and dependence, ready for their intercourse.

A strange feeling grew increasingly as his body was parted open for his king. He gasped with daze, hands clutching, legs trembling uncontrollably "Haaahhhh... haaaahhhhh... Rido-sama!"

The pureblood laid tender kisses on his eyes, dotingly licking those nervous, salty tears away "You're wonderful, Zero! Your inside feels very good." Warm tongue slid to nibble his sensitive earlobe "I love you."

The boy held his hands up, holding around his king's neck "Rido-sama... I love you... I love you... I love you…"

Slow movements gradually eased his pain, generated pleasure from their connection. The pureblood's manhood hit some place deep inside his body, Zero arched with delight, Rido smiled, finally figuring out his little lover's sweet spot. He thrust faster to urge their climax, a hand reached down to stroke the boy's arousal.

"Ahhh… ahhh… ahhh… Rido-sama…"

Zero shot for the second time in his king's hand, satisfied moans turned more lustful, Rido felt his mind blowing up with strong sensation, and rocking harder inside him. It wasn't the first of his life, but his mind couldn't remember when the last time he had slept with a partner was. To love someone, to link their bodies together, to feel love soaking in hot embrace and heavy breaths was the most meaningful thing on this world. When his orgasm was coming, he quickly pulled out of his lover's body.

"Zero… Zerrrooo…" He called his name ardently and released his passion on the boy's stomach, then fell on top of him. They hugged and stayed like that for a while.

"Thank you for giving me your virginity, Zero." Rido smiled satisfactorily.

"You're welcome, Rido-sama." The boy replied. His king lied down next to him, once again tugging him to his arms.

"Rido-sama…" Zero asked shyly, breaking their silent loving moment.

"Yes?"

"Why didn't you come inside me?"

This innocent question surprised him, Rido laughed and caressed his lover's hair. "A pureblood seed can make a male pregnant."

"Okay…" Zero snuggled closer to him, unconsciously revealing his neck to his king. In a corner of his mind, he wished one day the pureblood would want to have a baby with him.

-K & Z-

Rain made vision shorter, rain made hearts lonelier, rain made one smaller under the sky. Larkspurs cried in rain as the person they were waiting for had forgotten his promise. Larkspurs' tears or raindrops, wet petals shakily falling down, he had come to take them away from their field, but forgotten to bring them with him. Forgotten them… forgotten them… That window might not open tonight, Kaname didn't know why he's still standing there, holding the bunch of forgotten larkspurs, waiting… His clothes had been saturated with rain, there's an important thing he hadn't told Zero, he couldn't just leave…

-K & Z-

The newfound lovers were snuggling to each other on their warm bed, Rido silently inhaled the sweet scent of blood from his lover's neck, tiny veins under smooth pale skin tempting him, his tongue licked the skin by instinct, tracing the veins, his pants sending shivers to his little lover.

"Aaahhh…" the boy shuddered, closing his eyes, but tilting his sensitive neck to give better access for his king.

"Mmm…" Rido savored that sweet smell in between licks "Your blood smells delectable…"

"Aahhh…Rido-sama…" the boy moaned. "Your tongue... It made me feel so good… Aaahhh…"

"Zero…. I want to taste you…" The pureblood's tongue became more vigorous.

"Bite me, Rido-sama! My blood is yours!" the boy said while holding the back of his king's neck to press him to his own one.

"Are you sure, Zero?" Rido stopped to look at his little lover affectionately, his fangs started throbbing "You know what it means, don't you?"

"Yes, Rido-sama." Zero replied with confidence. Lavender orbs locked with discrepant ones to confirm his resolve. "Please bite me and make me one of your kinds. I want to be with you forever."

"Oh, Zero…. You don't know how much it means to me." Rido was absolutely pleased, he gave the boy a final, long, wet lick which created a feeling of half numbing, half tingling, then placed his sharp fangs on sensitive skin, gently sank them in bit by bit, slowly drawing that young, fresh blood. He was taking his time, sipping his little lover with small gulps while the boy writhed underneath him, arms still wrapping tightly around his neck. So delicate, so fragile… He could feel anxiety, pleasure and lots of love imbrued in that delicious crimson liquid, immensely, deeply than what he had ever tasted in Shizuka. Just don't change your heart. Stay this way for me, stay this way forever, Zero! Not wanting to scare the boy in his first time, he decided to make it short and carefully extracted his fangs, licking the wounds until they stopped bleeding, thin skin finally grew to close them up.

"Your blood is tasty," The pureblood fixed a few locks of silver hair on his lover's face, cupping a hand on hot cheek, satisfied to see such an enjoyable expression "How are you feeling, my love?"

Zero entwined his fingers behind the pureblood's neck "I feel my body is changing inside out… I feel… hot… "

"My throat.." he stammered "… it's burning…."

"My gum…" his mouth gasped "… is aching…"

Rido smiled and traced his hand from the boy's cheek to his parted lips, long fingers caressed them seductively.

"Aahhh…." a moan escaped from those lips.

The pureblood inserted one finger to feel his lover's aching gum.

"It seems like your fangs are cutting through your gum" he smiled.

Index finger brushed the edge of white teeth, moving in circles under newborn, pointed fangs, suddenly pressed up, a blood drop leaked out, breaking on the tip of the finger, pervading a sacred scent. Pure blood… best blood…lavender orbs turned red with lust. Rido was extremely pleased.

"I like your honest reaction to my blood," desire filled up his voice "You've become like me now."

Bleeding finger kept teasing hungry tongue, the newborn vampire eagerly sucked it deeper to get as much of first-rate blood as possible, a disappointed sigh slipped off when the wound healed and that finger left his mouth, crimson orbs looked pleadingly at his creator.

"You want more?"

The ex-human was in so much blood lust that he was unable to answer, however, his wild look could clearly communicate his desire. Rido knowingly pushed him close to his neck. The boy's throat throbbed more agonizingly when his nostrils smelled that delicious blood hidden under his king's pale skin, crimson eyes widened, tongue licking inviting neck.

"Drink."

It's all Zero was waiting for, virgin fangs immediately plunged in for the first bite, head rose up from pillow, legs wrapped around waist, he clung to his king, clung to his holy blood, incredibly palatable liquid running down, abating the burning thirst in his throat, securing his condition, making sure he would stay a healthy D all his life. An ex-human would go insane without drinking from his creator. Rido certainly didn't want such an end to his lover, he turned him so that they could be together forever, and could give more pleasure to satisfy each other to the highest. First time was never skillful, yet he felt so happy when Zero held him tight, aggressively swallowed mouthfuls of his blood as if there was no tomorrow.

After a while, the boy stirred a little, hips unconsciously rocking to press his restored hardness against him. That natural movement excited Rido, he rubbed their erected crotch together and without warning sank his fangs back into the boy's neck, hands strolling all over his bare back, Zero paused, expecting to feel pain with that sudden act as a human's reflex, however, all he got was an abnormal pleasure which he had never thought a bite could give. They continued drinking from each other, their manhood became extremely hard. The pureblood's hands traveled down to his lover's hips, then moved to rub circles on his buttock.

Zero purred some nonsensical sound with elation, legs tightened around his king's waist, urging for more. Rido lowered him to the mattress, positioned his own member on the boy's puckered hole and abruptly slammed hard.

"Aahhhh..." Zero screamed in ecstasy. "Rido-sama... Aaahhh… Harder..."

The pureblood did as his lover wished, fangs still engaged with his neck.

"Aaahh..." Zero scrabbled his king's back as storms of pleasure jolted to his brain continuously.

"Aaahhhh... aaaahhhh… aaahhhh…"

Exciting scratches and yells encouraged Rido to thrust faster, hitting his lover's prostate over and over, and slowly removing his satiate fangs. When ejaculation was coming, he detached himself from the tight hole, continuing rushing orgasm by one hand, the other stroking his boy's arousal, pants got rapid, perspiration rolled on fiery bodies.

"Rido-samaaa..."

"Zerooo..."

The pureblood squirted on his lover's stomach where the boy had just finished shooting his own fluid. He threw his head back until all seeds were spent, then bending down to locked their lips for a long passionate kiss.

"I love you, Zero."

"I love you too, Rido-sama."

Some statement was never redundant, tonight they would like to say it countless times to make up for years of waiting, happiness shimmered in their impassioned eyes.

"Can I make love to you again?" The pureblood groaned.

"Yes, Rido-sama. You can make love to me as many times as you want. I am all yours."

Rido felt absolute bliss. It might be too greedy, crazy, covetous, but they weren't going to stop. Skin to skin, blood to blood, they had become one, he couldn't wait to get back to the heaven of love and pleasure.

"Are you ready, my love?"

"Yes, Rido-sama." Zero smiled and opened his legs wide, ready to embrace his king lover "Please take me. I would like you to make love to me all night."

-K & Z-

People said rain has no scent because water was odorless. Human sense of smell was probably too faint or nobody took time to stay with a rain to find out its secrets. As a matter of fact, rain carried a varied aroma of this world, as wind traveled throughout numerous territories, drawing all kinds of fragrances to mixture them with raindrops from the midair. Each of those inconsiderate drops which landing obliviously everywhere had the scent of pollens, scent of buds, scent of fruits, mountains, oceans, desserts… On his way coming back here this time, Kaname had thought it would be a significant day for both of them as he was going to make his proposal. On his 16th birthday, he had turned down all suggestions for engagement, saying he was waiting for his underage lover. Five years had he been patiently cultivating their relationship to make Zero feel quite comfortable, secure and enjoy their company. Since they came from opposite sides, he didn't want to confess too early and risk of worrying the boy that he was forced to do something against his will or what had been given were conditional. With time, his sincerity must have convinced Zero, tonight Kaname decided to reveal his true feeling and move their relationship to the higher level. However, he wasn't the only one who wanted it.

A subtle scent of blood followed wind to blow in his face. A familiar human one. Though never drunk from his precious, they had spent a lot of time together, Kaname had many times held the boy in his arms, sneakily sniffing that desirous scent. When younger, he even had had to make sure not feeing hungry if Zero was around. Although his own blood was considered the best, he had only been craving for that ordinary human one, and had been saving all of his own for him. Tonight the boy's blood had been shed. Kaname was about to run toward the direction which it was emerging to check his precious, but then he remembered Zero was with Rido in his royal chamber, it shouldn't be a serious injury. In addition, vague scent indicated that the boy wasn't bleeding hard, yet it continued bleeding as if his wound still hadn't been treated. That was the longest minute in the young pureblood's life, he wondered what was going on, whether Rido was there with him or not. Feet once again moved forward to see his precious, suddenly another scent broke out from a raindrop on his cold cheek. Pure blood, the Kuran particular one.

Who said rain had no scent? Inconsiderate drops carried strong scent of rivers, scent of streams and scent of… tears. Rain from the midair, rain on his face, rain from those sorrowful eyes, rain in his heart. He slowly pulled out a purple velvet square box in his pant pocket, with the same hand managed to open it. This ring… had become meaningless…

I should have known this would happen, but I was too blind in my own dream. You have always looked at Oji-san in that way. Now I understand why you often had a finger cut when cooking. It's not an accident, is it?

-K&Z-

Kaname retreated from his uncle's study after a long conversation. Although he had already been an adult and could make his own decisions, Rido was his senior, the head of the Kurans, so he must explain what he would like to do and get his approval, especially for important issues. They might not be close to each other, Rido could never replace his father, yet the king truly concerned about him and was willing to be his support anytime which made Kaname sincerely grateful. To convince him of his plan was difficult, however, the hardest part was to see Zero. They hadn't met for two weeks since that rainy night. Forgotten larkspurs had been left under the sakura tree. His feet brought him out of the place where his heart was broken, yet the loss feeling still chased him everywhere. That night he lost an invaluable thing which had never belonged to him.

After pulling the doors close, Kaname turned around and saw his precious leaning on the wall, smiling with him. He looked guilty for breaking his promise, yet happiness sparkled brightly on his face. When one was in love, he was more beautiful. Lavender eyes more charming, silver hair more shining. His different aura reminded him that his precious was also a vampire now, blood scent became much sweeter as it had been blended with his pureblood lover.

"I'm waiting for you." Zero said softly.

If only those words could have a deeper meaning. Kaname managed to smile back. The boy must have heard about his visit and came here to meet him. At least he does care… Kaname didn't know he was trying to comfort or delude himself, but he felt happy every time Zero showed a sign that he did think about him. He didn't come last weekend, giving both of them more time to digest what had just happened in their lives, Zero to accept love, joy, happiness and reposition himself in his new role, he to relinquish all dreams, hopes, desires and withdraw from the scene before losing his composure and complicating things.

"I'm sorry for not spending my birthday with you as we promised. Rido-sama kept me for a long time, I could only come tomorrow afternoon and see the flowers there. I'm sorry, Kaname, I didn't mean to make you sad."

They walked along the corridor side by side, Zero's voice was gentle, his look as lavender and honest as before, yet he had grown up. From the way he talked, the way he conveyed himself, he was no longer a young, innocent boy who Kaname had been used to think about. Only two weeks, his precious had become quite attractive and unreachable.

"It's okay, Zero. Oji-san must have a very important reason to keep you that long." The pureblood spotted a new ring on his ear, somehow guessing who had given it to him and what was it for. However, he wasn't going to act as a curious friend to ask about it. That night he wanted to give him a ring as well, but his wasn't the one chosen, Zero would never see it.

"Yes, he said he loves me… he and I… we…." It was too embarrassed to continue, the boy failed to word what he wanted to say. His face bowed down, trying to hide the blush.

"I know. I could smell his blood and yours from there." The pureblood's voice was too quiet as if those words were cutting himself. They stopped at a corner.

Zero turned away, not knowing what he should speak in this situation. "I'm sorry…" He murmured. It was unclear, it wasn't what he thought. But what else could he tell his best friend? He couldn't let Kaname know he had realized how the pureblood felt for him, but unable to return his feeling, because he loved another man. If nothing had happened last night, he would never admit his love to Rido with anyone. He knew who he was, and had already felt happy to be the king's personal attendant for all his life. All this was a matter of heart, he just couldn't explain properly.

"It's really okay, Zero. I know how much you love each other..." Kaname understood what his precious thought and didn't want to make their situation more awkward. The coming words would be a lie, but necessary for both of them, it would assure the boy to not feeling bad for him as everything would be fine if one could manage to say it, he just hoped his lie wasn't too obvious "…and I'm happy for you."

"Thank you, Kaname." Zero scanned his best friend's face with appreciation. They had only been friends, there was no promise, no proposal, time would help the pureblood to forget him, or at least he would convince himself that the pureblood would forget him and find happiness with someone else. He's thankful that Kaname kept his confession back to keep their close friendship.

They resumed walking to the staircase, leisurely stepping down.

"I'm leaving the country tomorrow."

"Why?" Zero grabbed his hand in amazement.

Normally, the pureblood would held his back and pulled him to an embrace, but today he wasn't reacting that way. They're still best friends, it's unchanged, but something had been changed. Zero was now his uncle's. Being close to him, touching him would only hurt his feeling more. One week before Kaname had made up his mind, parting would be better for them, he couldn't keep acting as if this shattered hope didn't affect him while in reality it's destroying his heart "I've found a big chance to start my business abroad."

"But I don't want to be separated from you, Kaname. You are my very special friend." It might sound selfish, yet it was totally honest. They had been together since Zero lost his family. Never in his life he wanted to experience another separation. The pureblood must have forgotten he had promised to be there with him always when they were younger. All off a sudden, Zero found his eyes stingy.

"I'm sorry. I can't miss this opportunity, since it's very important for my future."

Since when they didn't look at each other while talking. Kaname didn't want his precious to find out he was going to cry. He stepped faster and reached the ground first, Zero still stood right at his place, looking after him sadly.

"Okay, I wish you success, Kaname!" He whispered. He would surely miss this friend a lot, but would let him go to look for his own happiness. This place held all memories of their years of growing up, Zero would stay and maintain them, the sakura tree, the fields of wild flowers, their horses, their song… One day, maybe you will return…

"Take care of yourself, and be happy with Oji-san."

Kaname didn't look back, because he knew he wouldn't be able to go if seeing those lavender eyes begging him to stay. Their distance got further little by little. A hesitance grew in his heart behind the open door which suddenly turned heavy in this moment. He tightened his grip on the handle, gathering all will to pull it shut.

Say you love me every waking moment,
Coz you know I do
Anywhere you go let me go too

-to be continued-