A/N Whoo boy this was a long one, over 7000 words. It was the chapter that wouldn't die. Just like a cockroach. You keep stepping on it but it skitters out from under your shoe and crawls off only to come back later. Parts of this chapter were difficult to write too as I was pretty cranky this last month. It's hard to write a romantic lemon when you're cranky and irritable. I had to listen to a lot of "Death Cab for Cutie and "Neverending White Lights". Actually nearly almost all of my lemons have been written while listening to NWL. Over all I'm pretty happy with the final outcome, even though some of this is verrrry cheesy. Hope you enjoy.

I've made some assumptions about the night class. I figure they are entitled to a break at some time, so I picked midnight.

Warning: This chapter contains sex and a little bit of kink. Somehow it always creeps in.

Obviously I don't own Vampire Knights but if I did it would definitely be yaoi!

Okay, here's the new and improved version. Thanks to YenGirl for taking the time to proof for me and for some very good suggestions.

Chapter 4

Zero tightened his tie hurrying to get ready for class, a piece of toast clamped between his teeth. The sound of his alarm had woken him from a deep, dreamless sleep and at first he was disoriented. It had taken a few minutes to get his bearings and realize it was a school day and that he needed to get moving. He hadn't remembered falling asleep earlier and hadn't heard Kaname leave. He'd rushed for a quick shower, mentally berating himself for his lack of consideration. His face burned as he remembered what the pureblood had been doing to him immediately before he fell asleep. What if Kaname was angry with him? Even if he wasn't angry, he would certainly be sexually frustrated. He was a pretty inconsiderate partner if he fell asleep every time he had an orgasm, Zero thought, chastising himself ruthlessly. Kaname probably thought he had narcolepsy or something. The realization that the pureblood must have covered him up, and set the alarm, brought an even brighter flush to his cheeks. He stood still, the toast forgotten in his hand, staring at his clock in confusion. A folded piece of paper lay in front of it. Zero picked up the paper and read the note slowly.

"You looked like you could use some extra sleep.

I'll look forward to receiving my prize. See you tonight?

Yours Kaname."

Kaname didn't sound angry in the note and he still wanted to see him later tonight. And the prize. Crap, he had to come up with something. He had certainly lost - if having a spectacularly intense climax could be considered losing. What was he going to do about getting a prize for the pureblood?

Throughout the day, Zero tried to focus on his lessons but he kept thinking about a prize. He was sure Kaname had been touching him for more than a couple of minutes so he could probably wiggle out of it on a technicality, but that wouldn't really be honourable and wasn't in keeping with the spirit of the game. He'd lost and now he needed to come up with a prize. And surprisingly, he wanted to give Kaname something. But what? He didn't have much money so an expensive gift was out. Besides, what could you give the vampire who had everything? he thought bleakly. Could he really give a pureblood something as simple as homemade cookies? Kaname might actually like some, but he didn't have much time between the end of classes and prefect duties to bake, and he'd have homework too. Anyway, that was lame, Zero decided. With a start Zero realized classes had ended for the day and almost everyone had filed out. He needed to gather his books and head back to the dorm and he still hadn't come up with anything.

Zero sat at his desk gazing into space, his books open but forgotten. He was in his room, trying to work on his homework but instead he was thinking about Kaname's message. He'd re-read the note several times, partially for inspiration and partially because it was the first written message he'd ever received from the older vampire. Maybe he was supposed to give Kaname something small and not agonize over things, Zero mused, as he unconsciously smoothed out the note for the tenth time. He deliberately ignored the little tingle of pleasure he felt as he read the last line. Maybe the pureblood wasn't expecting much, but he wanted to give him something special. Not something he had to buy, but something the pureblood couldn't get from anywhere or from anyone else.

Zero had two things that fit the criteria; his blood and his body. Would either be suitable? Kaname had accepted his blood the one time he had offered, he thought, analyzing the options. The pureblood had seemed almost honoured to receive it, but that was stupid. He could take anyone's blood, human or vampire, though Zero knew Kaname would never be so selfish as to bite and turn a human. Still, any vampire would willingly give him their lifeblood – especially Ichijo or Aido. So if his blood wasn't so special, would the pureblood want his body?

He was somewhat nervous about letting Kaname bite him, but he was even more anxious about letting Kaname do … well, … that to him. Was he ready for that step? In the beginning of their relationship, he had thought being the top meant he was in charge but Zero was beginning to understand that the one on the bottom actually set the mood and controlled the pace. What's more, being on the bottom wasn't about submission, but about trust. He did trust Kaname. He trusted him not to hurt him and he knew the pureblood would do his best to make it feel good. Kaname certainly seemed to like it, but would the older vampire even want to be with him that way? The pureblood seemed fine with the status quo. Still, a lot of his assumptions about sex had been wrong, maybe he was wrong about that too, Zero thought as he picked up a soft length of silk lying on his desk. He really should just make a decision and stick to it, he thought as he examined the purple scarf critically, sliding it through his fingers. The scarf was too decadent for his taste. He'd bought it as a birthday present for the Chairman last year but later found a better, more personal gift. Until now, it had lain discarded in the back of his closet. But perhaps tonight he could put it to good use. Zero glanced at the clock. The pureblood would be here soon. After all, he'd engineered this visit so cleverly. Zero shook his head as he remembered the scene earlier that evening at class change over. It had been a circus.

*****

Earlier at class change over

The hunter's face was hot and his heart was racing, as he'd felt the approach of the pureblood. Embarrassed about their last encounter and his own physical reaction, he'd faced away from the approaching vampires, glaring angrily at the hapless girls. He'd made such a big production out of "I'll never submit to you, never let you take me, blah blah blah", yet he'd allowed Kaname to touch him like that and lost all his principles and control of his body in a steamy make-out session.

The pureblood's gaze on his back had felt almost physical. As if that wasn't enough, he'd felt the pull of the bond willing him to turn, though initially he'd resisted. But the situation was his own fault and he deserved any teasing or taunting he might receive so he'd reluctantly given in to the urge, moving slowly, avoiding meeting the other's eyes until the last minute and Kaname was almost past him. When their eyes had finally met, the contact had made his stomach somersault painfully, his breath had caught in his throat and he'd almost stumbled. Yuki noticed, but Kaname had been beside him in an instant, steadying his arm, pressing lightly against him. "Are you okay, Kiriyu-kun?" he'd asked considerately.

"Fine. I just need to eat something," Zero had muttered. Embarrassed at his strong visceral reaction simply to the proximity of the pureblood, he had promptly removed his arm from Kaname's grasp.

"Make sure that you do. You need to keep your strength up," the pureblood had stated evenly. He'd stepped back and smoothed away imaginary wrinkles from his jacket, sliding his hands over his chest, stomach and upper thighs. The gesture wasn't particularly provocative, but Zero was very aware of what lay under the uniform and he'd swallowed hard. Only the twinkle in the pureblood's eyes told him that the brunette knew exactly what he was doing to him.

"Perhaps I should check on you later," Kaname had stated matter-of-factly. "It's a serious problem if a member of the disciplinary committee isn't able to perform their duties. Isn't that right, Yuki?"

Of course Yuki had agreed with the pureblood. "Ah … ah, yes Kaname sempai," she'd stuttered awkwardly as she'd shifted from foot to foot, her eyes darting to Zero, almost in apology. Then she seemed to come to a decision and straightening determinedly, delivered another blow to Zero's pride.

"Zero doesn't take care of himself properly," she'd blurted out in one breath, meeting Kaname's gaze. She'd completely avoided looking at him though, Zero had noted.

"Well then," Kaname had replied smoothly "I will escort you to the infirmary. If you've been neglecting yourself, the school will suffer if you fall ill."

"Why the hell do I need to go to the infirmary?" Zero had managed to grind out, exasperated.

"Very well, perhaps you're right. I'll escort you to your room and you can lie down," the pureblood had agreed all too readily. He's asked Ichijo to make his excuses to his teacher. Of course Ichijo, ever the faithful follower, had agreed, no questions asked. No one seemed to wonder why the Leader of the Moon Dorm was suddenly concerned with the moody prefect's health. Or if they wondered, they would not dream of questioning their leader. Yuki should have been surprised but she didn't seem to think anything of it and was in fact encouraging Kaname.

"What? No!" Zero had almost yelled. "Really, I'm fine," he'd managed, sounding to his own ears, almost composed. It had been obvious the pureblood was enjoying himself immensely. Zero had felt like throttling him but he'd been able to stay calm, well, just barely.

"You would prefer that I check on you later? Perhaps during the night class break?" Kaname had asked solicitously, his eyes gleaming.

And Zero, smart enough to know when he'd been bested, and unable to think of anything else to thwart that devious pureblood, had given in gracelessly.

*****

He'd been outmaneuvered. Kaname had effortlessly manipulated all of them into exactly the situation he wanted, Zero thought, smiling. He'd been mad at the time but it was sort of funny. Anyway, he couldn't stay mad at him. Being mad was just a way to avoid thinking about how he really felt about Kaname and he should start being more honest with himself. May as well face it, he really wanted to see the pureblood. So here he was in his room, pretending to do his homework while he waited. The soft knock on the window interrupted his thoughts and sent his heart rate through the ceiling. Zero hastily opened the window and Kaname stepped in, managing to look as if he had just stepped through the door.

"Zero," Kaname smiled warmly, raking his eyes over the hunter. He heartily approved of what he saw. The younger vampire was freshly showered and wearing pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. His feet were bare and his hair was still wet. Kaname filled his lungs, breathing deeply. The hunter smelled like a combination of fresh shampoo, soap and his own wonderful scent. Kaname had tried to put a name to Zero's scent many times. Particularly when he was nuzzling the hunter or lying on his bed surrounded by the distinctive smell. As he'd walked through the school grounds after having tea with the Chairman, Zero and Yuki, it had finally come to him.

As he walked Kaname had suddenly remembered something that had happened many years earlier. He couldn't have been very old. He'd been running, because that's what little boys liked to do, even pureblood boys if they were very little. As he'd neared the kitchen, he'd sensed two of the maids. He had known exactly where each girl was and that there was plenty of room between them, but he hadn't been able to sense that they were folding freshly laundered sheets. He'd rounded the corner and done his best to avoid the sheet. As a pureblood his reflexes were very good but the maids' were slower. One of the maids had tried to move out his way but she hadn't let go of the sheet and Kaname had become entangled in the crisp, clean linen. He'd been enthralled by the scent. It was something he hadn't encountered before and it was exotic yet somehow wholesome. The maids had been suitably contrite and had apologized profusely. Kaname hadn't cared; it was his fault anyway. All he had wanted to know was, what was the scent on the sheets? The older maid had looked blank but the younger maid's face had suddenly lit up and she exclaimed "It's sunshine, Master Kuran." Kaname then asked why he couldn't smell sunshine on his sheets, and had learned all the linens were pressed before the beds were made up. He had been mildly disappointed at the time but now he could smell sunshine whenever he wanted. All he had to do was be close to Zero, he thought smiling.

"Earth to Kaname. Are you even listening to me?" Zero asked somewhat exasperated. He was a little nervous and had been explaining to the pureblood about deciding what to give him for a prize but the dark-haired vampire had just stood there misty-eyed with a smile on his face. What the hell?

Kaname started guiltily. He'd been reminiscing about his youth while the object of his affections was talking to him. "I'm sorry, Zero. I was just thinking about how good you smell, instead of giving you my full attention. You were saying something about a prize?" For the first time, Kaname noticed the purple scarf dangling from Zero's fingers. "What's that? Is that it? Is that my prize?" the pureblood asked happily, moving towards Zero.

Zero allowed himself a small smile. The pureblood was such a mixture of sophistication and innocence. "Yeah, this is for you. But it's not the prize. Though if you want your prize, you have to wear it. Just the scarf; nothing else," Zero joked, watching the pureblood's happy expression morph into one of mild confusion. "Here," he added, thrusting the scarf into the pureblood's hand, a little embarrassed at his off-colour joke. Keep it clean Kiriyu, he thought to himself.

"Um, I need to grab something, I'll be right back," Zero added. "Don't follow me!" he added firmly. "I'll be right back."

Somewhat bewildered, Kaname examined the scarf as the door clicked firmly shut behind Zero. He was supposed to wear it with nothing else? He'd look pretty stupid wearing nothing but a scarf. He must have heard incorrectly. Ah, but perhaps he wasn't to wear it as a scarf. Kaname smiled wickedly as he began to remove his jacket.

Strawberry, melon, pineapple, crackers, cheese… Zero muttered to himself as he rummaged in the dormitory fridge. He'd prepared a light snack for them since he knew it was Kaname's lunch time and he should eat something. The pureblood might not like to eat alone so this was something Zero could tolerate so late at night. Currently though, another kind of hunger was making its presence felt. It had been a little longer than usual since he had last drunk from Kaname and though the pureblood's blood kept the worst of his blood lust at bay, Zero was getting really hungry.

He would offer Kaname some food before he fed from the pureblood and then, if Kaname had time, he would blindfold him, Zero decided. Maybe he could kiss the pureblood gently and then encourage him to kiss his way to Zero's throat. Then, he'd tell the brunette to drink his fill. Later perhaps, if Kaname stayed, he would offer his body too, Zero thought as he carried the tray to his room, finally at ease with his decision. Really, he shouldn't have worried so much. Kaname made it clear he would be happy with anything he gave him. As he opened the door, Zero was careful not to open it too wide in case someone entered the hallway, though that was unlikely at this late hour. He eased through, his attention focused on keeping the tray balanced before he looked up.

"Wha …?" Zero stepped back in shock, shoulders thankfully bumping the door shut. He nearly dropped the tray and had to concentrate on making his fingers grip the edges.

"Is this okay Zero?" Kaname asked uncertainly. The pureblood had sensed the hunter's approach, but as he entered the room, Kaname could feel a strong but unidentifiable emotion from the hunter. Kaname tensed slightly. Had he misread the hunter's intentions? Maybe he was being presumptuous and pushy. He shifted uneasily.

Zero cleared his throat "Ah … ," he managed, unable to take his eyes off the sight in front of him.

Kaname was naked, the scarf tied over his eyes. He was kneeling on the bed, facing Zero, his rear resting on his heels, thighs slightly parted, hands on his thighs. Zero involuntarily glanced at Kaname's groin, noting the pureblood was already slightly aroused. It was the scarf however, that captured his attention. One end hanging over a smooth pale shoulder, the silk caressing the sculpted chest. The dark curls and purple silk setting off the pureblood's skin like a jewel on velvet. With his eyes hidden behind the scarf, the sensuality of the pureblood's luscious mouth was highlighted.

"I'm sorry, I obviously misunderstood your intentions," the brunette said haltingly, as his hands went to the scarf as if to take it off.

"No!" Zero almost shouted. He took a couple of deep breaths. "It's okay, you surprised me, that's all," he managed in a more normal tone of voice, walking over and carefully putting the tray on the nightstand. "You look incredibly sexy," the hunter couldn't help adding softly.

"Oh." The pureblood shifted happily, blushing slightly. He hesitated then asked quietly, "Are you going to join me?"

"Yeah," Zero agreed breathlessly.

Kaname knelt, listening to the sounds of cotton sliding over skin. His stomach was doing little back flips while he waited. He thought he'd really messed up for a minute, but it was okay. The bed shifted slightly as Zero moved towards him. They were kneeling facing each other now. He could feel Zero's gaze. Warm, moist breath brushed against his face and Kaname parted his lips as the hunter reached for him.

Several minutes later, the two vampires were still kissing and fondling each other. Kaname was becoming incredibly stimulated. Not being able to use his sight as Zero touched him and stroked him was sexy. It intensified all of his other senses. He never knew exactly where the next feather light caress or kiss would be and he was even more aware of the texture and feel of the hunter's skin and the play of muscles shifting underneath.

Zero moved closer, nibbling his way along the pureblood's neck, licking and sucking on the column of muscle between jaw and collarbone as he teased the pureblood's smooth, pale throat. Seeing Kaname kneeling, blindfolded on his bed, naked and waiting for him like some sort of offering made him extremely aroused. He could feel the pureblood's hardened length rubbing against his hip and stomach. The hunter shifted slightly and Kaname gasped as their arousals slid and rubbed against each other. Zero hadn't meant feed first but the pose had decidedly submissive connotations and called strongly to the darker side of his vampire nature. His fangs were fully extended and he ached to sink his teeth into the tender flesh beneath his lips and tongue.

Kaname could sense his struggle as Zero explored his neck and his fangs grazed the skin more than once. "Go ahead, Zero. You need to drink and I'm here for you," he whispered. He moaned softly as the hunter shifted back a little and carefully began to feed. Being blindfold intensified this sensation too. Kaname could hear his heart beat in counterpoint to Zero's as the hunter slowly drew and swallowed each mouthful. Zero's hands were gentle on his sensitive skin as he fed, one hand holding his hip gently, the other moving from the nape of his neck and down his back, repeatedly tracing elaborate patterns with his fingertips. The hunter's fingers left little fiery trails of pleasure wherever he touched. Zero was kneeling inside his thighs, the hunter's warm silky skin sliding against his own. Kaname floated in an ocean of bliss. He wanted to stay like this forever. Give Zero everything he had, every drop of his blood, his heart, his soul. Too soon though, Zero was finished, gently withdrawing his fangs, licking and kissing the pureblood's neck tenderly. Kaname grieved at the loss of sensation.

"Do you trust me?" Zero asked, his voice rough with both emotion and desire.

Without hesitation, Kaname nodded. The bed dipped and shifted as Zero moved, reaching past him, brushing against him. Kaname inhaled sharply, almost flinching as something cold touched his bare skin. The hunter drew the cold thing up over his skin, swirling it around and over his nipple. He could feel his nipple contract in response to the coldness and also because it was Zero doing this to him. Icy cold trailed slowly over his throat before touching his lips. He knew what it was long before he felt the strawberry tracing his lower lip. He'd been able to smell the fruit as soon as Zero had entered the room. When Zero simply said, "Eat," a frisson of excitement and desire sparked and ignited within him. Heat blossomed in his loins.

Obediently, the pureblood opened his mouth. He would have taken the offered item from the hunter even if he hadn't known what it was. He savoured the texture and taste of the strawberry as he chewed carefully. He liked playing the role of submissive to the hunter's dominant role. Being teased and touched, hand fed like this, it was an aphrodisiac. Zero's tongue followed the path the strawberry had taken, ending his exploration at Kaname's lips, his mouth hot against the cold skin. The melon was even colder and Kaname shivered and groaned involuntarily as a trickle of juice inched its way slowly down his stomach. He chewed and swallowed the fruit quickly as the hunter licked the juice from his skin. This time he was ready, kissing the hunter deeply when their lips touched. He was going to die if Zero didn't take him soon. Well, not literally, he thought, amused at his choice of words. Even though he ached with his need and longed for Zero to take him, he would have knelt there on the hunter's bed, allowing the hunter to tease and feed him for as long as he wanted but it seemed Zero was ready to move on.

A warm hand at the back of his head urged him to lower his head, guiding him. Kaname dipped his head as requested and felt the smooth warm skin of Zero's chest under his lips. He could feel the strong rhythm of Zero's heart and his hot breath stirring the hair lying against his neck as he licked and mouthed the hunter's nipples attentively. Perhaps it was time to show a little initiative.

Biting back a moan, Zero watched the dark, tousled head begin to work its way down his body. Feeding a blindfolded Kaname was seriously messing with his self-control. He'd had to stop before he pushed the pureblood down and made hot, sweaty love to him. If he didn't give Kaname his blood now it would soon be too late. With a decisive motion, the hunter brought his fingernail to his neck and made a cut.

Above him, Zero shifted and suddenly Kaname could smell blood. "Zero! You're bleeding! Are you hurt?" Kaname asked quickly, automatically scrabbling backwards and raising his head to look. His hands moved to the blindfold but the hunter's hands were already there, pulling at, and removing the scarf.

Kaname blinked in the soft light. Zero was looking at him, his dark lilac eyes watching him hungrily. Blood, a rich dark red, was sliding down the hunter's neck: almost to the base of his throat. As Kaname watched raptly, Zero touched his finger to the trickle and touched the pureblood's lip.

"For you, Kaname," Zero stated, flushing a little under the pureblood's rapt gaze.

"Zero. Are you sure?" Kaname asked uncertainly. Still, he couldn't stop himself from licking his lip, tasting the hunter's delicious flavour: similar yet different to the taste of his kisses. He really would like to, though drinking the hunter's blood was something he had reconciled himself to as one-time only offer. He never presumed he would get to do so again, though in the most secret room of his heart he had hoped.

Judging by the pureblood's expression, Zero realized his blood was a good prize. "Go ahead and drink. I'm here for you and I want you to. This is your prize," Zero encouraged gently, unconsciously using some of the same words that the pureblood had used earlier.

Kaname hesitated, nibbling on his bottom lip. The bleeding had almost stopped. "I'd need to use my fangs," he said reluctantly.

"I know. I'm okay with that. " Zero answered seriously.

Kaname carefully moved closer. He was desperately trying not to startle the hunter or do something that might make Zero feel threatened. This meant so much to him. Did Zero know that? He held his lover tenderly as he slowly cleaned the side of Zero's neck, lapping up the spilt blood reverently. Zero's fingers were buried in his hair, holding him close. The cut was almost closed and Kaname cleaned it gently with his tongue. Zero pulled himself closer, pressing his body tight against the pureblood, tilting his neck invitingly. Now it was Kaname's knees inside Zero's thighs. The hunter was almost sitting on him; heat from his skin burning the pureblood's thighs. Moisture cooled on his stomach as the hunter's weeping arousal rubbed against him. Kaname was in a similar state, his own rigid flesh under Zero; pressing and sliding against the inside of a silky thigh and the hunter's perineum. Wasn't that area sometimes referred to as the "highway to heaven?" Kaname suddenly remembered. Right now he could well imagine why.

Stop it, Kuran, he told himself firmly. Zero's allowing you to share his blood, not plunder his body. Mess this up and he'll never let you near him again. Kaname focused on Zero's throat, brushing his fangs over the sensitive skin of the hunter's neck, feeling the pulse surge hot and strong under his tongue. Zero made a needy sound. Kaname was enthralled. He repeated his actions and Zero whimpered.

"Come on, Kaname," he groaned. You're killing me."

"I don't think so. Vampire. Long life. Remember?" Kaname teased, delighted with Zero's reaction. Before the hunter could answer, he pierced the hot skin, smoothly sinking his fangs into Zero's neck. Zero's muscles tensed and his pulse skipped and stuttered briefly, reminding the pureblood somehow of a hummingbird's wings. Kaname began to drink carefully, slowly carding his fingers through the soft silver strands of hair, soothing the hunter with gentle touches.

It's all right, I won't hurt you, I'll never hurt you, he thought tenderly. The pureblood wished he could tell Zero that, but that was impossible while he was feeding. It was a definite drawback but normally vampires had no need to reassure their chosen donor while they fed from them.

The tension had left Zero's body as soon as Kaname's teeth were fully engaged and the biting part was over. He wanted Kaname to drink from him but having his skin punctured by those sharp teeth still freaked him out. Just a little. Once that was over and the pureblood began to feed, Zero was fine and could actually enjoy the experience. The pureblood's hands were so soothing, he held him so carefully, as if he was made of spun sugar. It was erotic and intoxicating. Zero was hyper aware, every sense in overdrive, every nerve ending sensitized to the point it was almost more than he could handle. He could feel and hear his blood leaving his body. And their bodies were so close. Zero rocked rhythmically against Kaname's firm stomach, feeling the pureblood's own erection pressing against him in places he had barely ever touched himself. Everything felt so good. He wanted this, wanted the pureblood, wanted to join, to become one.

My blood for you, my body for you, my love for you, Zero thought dazedly, hardly even aware of his thoughts.

Kaname continued to stroke and soothe his lover. The hunter's heart rate had settled back into a regular rhythm though the pureblood knew it was much quicker than his resting heart rate. That was hardly surprising considering their state of undress and the fact that currently Zero was repeatedly pressing his groin against Kaname's stomach. With each motion Kaname's own slick arousal slid and rubbed against the hunter's skin and Kaname was very close to climaxing. The emotions he was feeling, the way they were moving against each other, the taste of Zero in his mouth, the feel of Zero against him, the sounds of Zero panting in his ear, the scent of Zero, stronger now and so very male. Oh, Kaname knew he wasn't going to last much longer. Regretfully he withdrew from Zero's neck, kissing and mouthing the punctures till he could feel them closing.

"Do you want me, Kaname? Do you want to be inside me? You can," the hunter panted. He was still grinding against Kaname, almost in a frenzy, all the while kissing and nipping the pureblood's neck and ear. "I'll let you," he whispered breathlessly, wriggling and shifting around on Kaname's thighs almost as if trying to impale himself on the pureblood's hard length.

At the hunter's first words, desire shot through the pureblood's core and straight to his groin, but Zero's next words brought him to his senses. Shocked, Kaname gripped the hunter, holding him still. "Zero, look at me," he commanded. Zero's face was flushed, eyes glazed, his pupils dilated. The hunter's skin was covered in a light film of perspiration, ribs heaving as he panted raggedly. "Is this part of my prize, Zero?" Kaname asked gently. Zero nodded, flushing and dropping his eyes, embarrassed now that he wasn't caught up in the throes of his own passion.

Desire flowed strongly within him but Kaname fought against it ruthlessly. Most of the time he had no trouble denying himself pleasure but this was so much harder. He wanted this, damn it! But not at any price, only if Zero was ready. He didn't want Zero to "let" him. "Zero, I enjoy things the way they are," he stated calmly. "We don't have to change anything,'" he continued evenly. Oh, but he wanted Zero. Wanted to possess him. To take him to the core and make scream with pleasure. Make him beg to be taken again and again. Zero's words, coupled with his position and movements had triggered his most predatory instincts. He wanted to possess his mate. But this was exactly why he couldn't do it. It wouldn't be gentle. Not if he did it now. He needed time to mentally prepare so he could take the hunter tenderly, gently, lovingly.

Zero felt as if he'd been sucker punched. "You don't want to make love to me?" the hunter blurted out before he could stop himself. Shit! What a stupid thing to say. And his voice had wobbled on the last couple of words too. Double shit! He slid awkwardly off the pureblood, wrapping his arms around his chest, ready to bolt. Crap, he couldn't leave. This was his room. Why did this hurt so much? He wasn't even sure he wanted to do this anyway. What had gotten into him?

Oh, no, the pureblood thought anguishedly as pain-filled purple eyes stared at him. He was such a idiot. Now he'd really hurt Zero even though he was trying to do the right thing. What could he do to make this right?

He took a deep breath and held Zero in his arms. The hunter was rigid, but he didn't pull away. "Zero, if we hadn't played that game or if you had won, would you be offering yourself like this? Here and now?" the pureblood asked gently. The hunter was looking down and didn't answer. "If you want to switch around sometimes, I'd like that. I'm honoured that you trust me enough to let me." Kaname paused, he hadn't really expected a response, and sure enough he wasn't getting one. Still, were Zero's muscles a little less rigid? The pureblood plowed on. "I want to make love to you, but not because I won your body as a prize," Kaname continued doggedly. Surely it was okay to use the same phrase as Zero, he thought slightly worried. Since Zero had already said it he wouldn't freak out, right? "I don't ever want to feel I coerced you, or tricked you into doing something you didn't really want to do. Please, Zero," he implored.

Inside the circle of his arms the hunter's body was slightly less tense. The seconds ticked by and Kaname waited anxiously. Zero straightened up, tossing his hair out of his eyes and looking at him defiantly, the hunter's eyes burning fiercely. "Do you really mean that?" he demanded.

"Yes, I do," Kaname responded firmly. He paused then added, "If you still want to do this, wait a little longer. Maybe we can go somewhere together, be alone together for more than just an hour or two. I don't want to rush this. Please, Zero?" the pureblood persuaded.

Something of his feelings must have been apparent as the hunter scrutinized his face because Zero nodded. "But really, a love hotel, Kaname?" he asked, his voice betraying just the tiniest hint of distaste.

"What? No! I didn't mean …"

"It's okay, Kaname. I was teasing you," Zero interrupted, smirking slightly.

"Aghh!" Kaname found himself giving the hunter a little shake. Zero could make him crazy.

"Oh, it's on!" Zero growled as he pounced ruthlessly.

"Aghh!, Nghh!" Kaname cried as the hunter pinned and straddled him, tickling him relentlessly. He hadn't known he was ticklish. No one had ever dared to attempt to tickle him before. "Please, Zero! No more," he groaned.

Zero stopped but continued to pin him, looking down at the pureblood. His triumphant expression faded and he leaned in, kissing Kaname gently. He hated how every single thing the pureblood said to him affected him so strongly. Kaname could make him feel as if he was walking on clouds, or he could rip his heart to shreds with just a few words. He'd never allowed anyone else the power to heal or hurt him the way Kaname could. As Zero leaned in for more kisses, twining his tongue around the pureblood's, he knew he would never give Kaname up. He never wanted to let him go.

It didn't take long for them to become completely aroused again. Zero reached across Kaname, feeling in the drawer of his bedside table. He removed the cap of the tube and Kaname started to roll over onto his stomach. "Wait," Zero said softly, touching his shoulder. "Is it okay if we do it this way tonight?" Kaname nodded in agreement and lay back watching Zero. He closed his eyes as he felt cool slippery fingers at his entrance. As the hunter's fingers probed and stroked inside him, Kaname was glad he hadn't taken the hunter tonight. He was far too close to the edge of his control to give Zero the tenderness and care he deserved for his first time. He was still feeling very predatory, needing things to be hard and fast even if he was on the one of the receiving end.

Zero watched the pureblood's face as he touched the most intimate areas of his body. Kaname was right. It was one thing to decide to do this but something else to actually act on that decision. He imagined Kaname doing this to him and knew he wasn't quite ready yet. He was still a little scared. But he would let Kaname make love to him and if they had a whole evening together Kaname could teach him how to let it feel good. Underneath him Kaname shifted restlessly, his fingers gripping the sheets. He moved his hips in counterpoint as Zero slowly, relentlessly pushed his fingers in and out.

"Zero, I can't wait much longer," the pureblood moaned, opening his eyes and fixing the hunter with a burning look.

Moving closer, Zero removed his fingers, positioning himself carefully. He held Kaname's gaze as he slowly slid his full length inside. They made love with their eyes and their bodies as they rocked together. Slow and sweet at first, but as pleasure increased so did the tempo of their movements. Zero tried to take things slow at first but Kaname gripped the hunter's hips tightly, rocking against him and using his thighs to pull the hunter into him hard and fast. The pureblood cried out first, his body jerking and shuddering as his muscles clamped tightly around Zero's arousal. The hunter thrust hard and fast a few more times, pistoning into the pureblood as he spent his passion deep inside his lover.

He held the pureblood tightly, stroking the soft skin as Kaname shuddered periodically. He wasn't sure why the pureblood had acted this way tonight but he had clearly needed a rougher, faster pace. Kaname said little but his eyes shone and he stroked Zero's hip with his fingertips. The older vampire seemed to be thinking. Zero was considering asking him about it, but Kaname's stomach rumbled quietly. The pureblood shifted, shooting him an apologetic look, but Zero simply leaned over and grabbed the food tray. As they lay facing each other Zero fed Kaname some cheese, crackers and the remaining fruit; teasing him with some of the food as he had earlier. They held each other for a little longer but eventually Kaname sighed softly and reluctantly left the bed. Zero was getting sleepy but he couldn't fall asleep in front of the pureblood again. He lay on his side, struggling to stay awake as Kaname dressed. "Are you going back to class?" he asked sleepily.

Kaname smiled slightly. "Break is long over. It's after three in the morning," he said fondly. "I think I have time to have a shower and change before everyone else returns. Get some sleep," he added, kissing the sleepy hunter's forehead.

"Okay, g'night Kaname" Zero mumbled.

Sliding the window open, Kaname eased out and dropped to the ground, using his abilities to close the window behind him. As he walked through the dark grounds, deserted at this time of night, he was smiling. Even though he should be sleeping in a couple of hours, he knew he would be awake for a long time yet. The hunter might think he had only given him one thing tonight but in reality he had given Kaname three gifts and the pureblood knew he would be up for hours thinking about each one of them. Zero had given his blood, offered his body and perhaps unwittingly, given Kaname something even more precious. Zero had used the words "making love" to describe their physical activities. Kaname hadn't allowed himself to think about it at the time, he'd had to set things right first. But now he would think about that over and over, daydreaming about what that choice of words might mean. He wouldn't let himself hope too much, but maybe those words had revealed something. Perhaps the hunter might be starting to allow him into his heart. Kaname certainly wouldn't push for a confession of love, but he wished it were true. After all, he had given Zero his heart a long time ago.

And it's done. Except now I have to come up with another chapter. Why do I do this to myself!

Hope the scent of sunlight makes sense to everyone. I love the way clothes smell after they've dried outside. They smell of fresh air and to me that's the smell of sunshine.

I was wondering for sometime what Zero would smell like to Kaname. Since he's an ex human and a daywalker (LOL) I imagine he might smell quite different from other vampires.

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