Hello lovely readers! It's been a while hasn't it. I'm so sorry about that. This chapter was rough and life is crazy. So in the next few weeks I will be taking my college finals and after that I will be working at an overnight camp. I'm gonna try and post something. Chapter 9 is in the works and I hope to bust out chapter 10 and 11 to post throughout the summer but we'll see. As for next year and after summer postage, it's up in the air. I'll have 18 credit hour classes and a position in my organization as well as a job so I can make no promises but I will try to get better.
Thank you to all my supporters; my readers and my fabulous beta-reader. You are all amazing and I love you all are wonderful human beings. Thank you again and enjoy.
So sorry this took so long again! I've actually had this finished for a while but fan fiction wouldn't let it upload so I've had to piece it together a little each day.
P.S. I made this longing as an apology.
Betaed By: BlueSaphire24
It had been weeks since Kaname had bitten Zero and he hadn't heard, found or seen anything from Zero. Rima was worried. They had spoken a little over the past few weeks about Zero and his disappearance. She had finally shared Zero's address with him and they were going tonight. Rima had finally gotten someone to cover her shift at the Bloody Moon. Ever since Zero's disappearance, Kurenai had been a slave driver. She was working everyone double shift. Apparently, the 'special' guests that rented out the Bloody Moon for two weeks were not happy that the star of the club was missing.
Kaname had been swamped with princely duties and trying to find someone to pair with Shiki. Nothing was working. He needed to focus on finding Zero but he wasn't going to be able to that with all this extra work. However, he didn't know who to trust with the knowledge that he had turned a Human. It would start a war if the hunters found out.
The hunters were also looking for a way to start and finish the war their ancestors had started. They weren't the only one though, the council was out for his family's power and if people found that a Kuran had turned a Human, all their peace supporters and movements would end. Their enemies would take the opportunity to start a mutiny. He couldn't let any of this happen but he needed to know that Zero was safe. He owed the ex-Human that much.
Over the course of his search, he collected different clothes that Kaname Kuran would normally never wear. He did his best to hide his identity. Tonight he wore his new clothes from some thrift store; a plain white t-shirt, dark wash skinny jeans, a pair of beat up black converse and a decently worn jacket that kept out the bitter cold of the fall night. October was coming to an end and November would be here soon. In two nights it would be Fest ton Progónon, Fest for short, - also known to Humans as Halloween, a festive holiday for Humans to dress up and snack on sweets but a sort of religious holiday for the supernatural creatures. The Fest ton Progónon was similar to that of the Day of the Dead in Mexican culture.
October 31st was the anniversary of their birth. The very Firsts of the world. The fathers and mothers of each supernatural race were born today by the ultimate Mother, Nyx.
Nyx was the Moon Goddess and she loved her children. Kaname had been named after the First vampire. The True Pureblood. He had been known as just 'Kaname' or later in his life, The Ancestor. As far as the young Kuran knew, only his parents had been brave enough to name their child after him. Kaname the Ancestor was known first for being a ruthless warrior, who did, as he wanted when he wanted. In his younger years, The Ancestor used Humans as toys, food and servants; typical and sexual. His other supernatural cousins were similar - minus a few - but all in well, the Humans worshiped him as a God and he acted like it. Around his third century, he found himself truly lonely. So he begged his mother for a sibling; one like himself to which his mother replied only if he give her grandchildren. He agreed and within the next five decades, a beautiful woman was born. She was said to have risen from a massacred town. Born from from the puddles of blood from women, men and children. She was pale as the moon with long auburn hair.
Kaname shook his head, focusing himself again, now was not a time to think of his Ancestor. He had heard stories that perhaps after a while, deep into the First War, Kaname the Ancestor had a hunter lover. Eventually, Kaname the Ancestor became the voice of reason and peace. He was strong and leader and the young Kaname Kuran could only hope that his Ancestor gave him some of that strength to find his own Human lover.
He huffed as he closed his jacket and left his parents property. He would be moving into his apartment November 1st, giving into his father's wishes to live one more Fest ton Progónon at home. Once in his own apartment, it would become a base to find Zero, Rima already had a key. Well two actually, Kaname had been saving one of the rooms to hold all leads and evidence about Zero. It was locked to keep the movers and Takuma out. As much as he wanted to bring Takuma into the search, Kaname couldn't risk his grandfather finding out.
Entering the subway, Kaname found his line and just barely caught the train. Once seated he leaned his head back and thought. It was the worst thing he could do but he found no other way. His mind raced over time and he kept going to back to the possibility that hunters found Zero first. That his love was dead and just a pile of ashes. His heart dropped into his stomach every time that the thought passed by.
He forced himself to focus on other things. So he watched people. The couple diagonal from him made him think of how he and Zero could have been. The mother with a young child on her lap made him think of what kind of child he and Zero could have had. The entire train ride, each of Kaname's thought twisted and turned back to Zero. When the train stopped at Zero's apartments stop, Kaname bolted out the car like it was on fire. The tension growing inside was getting unbearable.
He walked down wind bitten streets until he got a glimpse of orange hair peaking out of a white mesh beanie hat. Rima had bundled herself up in a black jacket, the hat and gloves. Kaname had already concluded that Rima didn't do well in the cold during their time searching for Zero.
The level c vampire shivered from the cold and looked relieved to see Kaname. "Finally," she huffed, "I'm freezing my ass off here." She said with a little snip. Kaname chuckled and followed her to the decently used building that was Zero's apartment building. His neighbor, Miku, buzzed them in and they climbed the stairs to the top floor.
Once at the apartment, they knocked on the door, startled when it creaked open and flopped sideways. The two vampires shared a look before cautiously entering the apartment. The couch was shredded, claw marks on the walls and the carpet ripped up. There were also marks from a blade - either a sword or knife - and bullet holes literary the place. The worst part from the blood, it wasn't vampire or Human. The site of the trashed apartment confirmed Kaname's worst fears; the hunters had found Zero and he was probably dead.
"Oh Kami…" Rima whispered, taking in the sight of her friend's home, "what happened?"
The prince chose to ignore the question; he had yet to tell Rima what had actually happened between him and Zero. All she knew was that they got in a fight and that is all she'd ever know. Kaname quickly went to work on figuring out what went wrong. He couldn't ignore that hunters were here. He stepped lightly across the floor, Rima stood motionless at the front door. The scent of sweat, fear and blood clung to the air. There were three types of blood in the air. A Human, Zero's and something that Kaname had never smelt before.
He lifted a part of the couch and jumped back as a flash of white darted out and backed towards the window. Kaname stepped back and saw a mangled cat with white fur. This is where the third source of blood was coming from.
"Oh, that must be Lily." Rima said, finally coming into the apartment. Kaname looked at the lesser vampire.
"Who?" Kaname asked. The pureblood scanned the room before finding what he was looking for. Hidden underneath a ruined couch cushion was a small beast. Its white fur stand on end as it hunched its back and bared its teeth.
'A cat,' Kaname inwardly groaned, 'Zero has a cat.' Kaname growled at the beast in warning; he was bigger and stronger. Surprisingly the little beast just hissed more at him. "Lily is a bit…picky with who she likes. Zero was one of the few." Rima explained, slowly trying to get close to the cat but the feline wasn't having it. She hissed and fought back with everything, nearly scratching Rima at one point.
At the last swipe, Rima jumped back and gave up. "Fine!" she screamed, "Don't come with me! But if you disappear Zero will be so upset!" Tears were welling in her eyes, "When he comes home and sees this mess he'll be upset! I was just trying to keep you safe! For Zero…" by the end she was sobbing. There was no way Rima knew where Zero was or what happened to the man and that scared her. Zero was her best friend and he was in danger. Kaname saw the hurt and fear in Rima's eyes.
The prince sighed as he looked around and picked up a scrap of cloth before using his pureblood powers to pounce on the tiny beast. It yowled as Kaname wrapped it in the cloth and held it close to his chest as it squirmed and wiggled to free itself. Ignoring the hissing, Kaname looked up and saw Rima staring at him in confusion. Kaname shrugged, "If this thing-"
"Lily."
Kaname paused and raised an eyebrow, "If Lily is really important to Zero, then we will take it to my apartment until Zero's return." He said simply. The lower vampire just nodded and walked out of the bloodstained apartment. Kaname sighed and followed, doing his best to keep the tiny beast in his hands still and fixed Zero's door with his minds power.
Rima called a taxi and the ride was relatively short to Kaname's apartment. Once there, Kaname dumped the tiny beast in one of the bathrooms and shut the door before it could escape. He walked briskly and ordered as he quickly changed. "Stay here and watch after that thing," he buckled his trousers as he ignored the 'Lily' from Rima, "also try and make some progress on Zero. Go to the streets and find out what you can. Go to work and find out what you can." He tucked in his button down and fixed the sleeves.
"Let's all fine and all but Bloody Moon is closed for the holidays." Rima said in a bored tone. Kaname had come to realize her was her default tone. She reminded him a lot of Shiki in that way.
He turned slowly and saw that Rima's back was towards him. He figured out quickly after their partnership started, Rima tended to not look at him whenever he was in something 'sexy' like changing his clothes or everything really. At first he thought it was because he was the prince, but he was stunned when she screamed at him saying that it was inappropriate for her to stare at the man her best friend was in love with while he striped. She explain that Kaname's body was for Zero's eyes only and she would never betray a friend. It made him giddy to think that Zero had talked about him and had potentially talked about being in love with him.
"The Bloody Moon is closed?" He asked, fixing his tie before grabbing his jacket. He was clean and in order, dressed just as the prince of vampires should be.
"Yeah," Rima said as she waited for Kaname to walk in front of her, sign of respect for his status, "Kurenai is a vampire, most people who work there are. It's the holidays for vampires and just free-be day offs for humans." Rima said with a shrug. "It's that season I suppose." Kaname felt his lips twitch in a slight smile. Rima and Shiki were very much a like indeed.
Kaname got his heavier coat from the closet and put it on. For the next few days, he would have to be the prince. He hated the idea of leaving the search for Zero but he had an image to keep and a secret to hide. With one last look, he nodded to Rima and left. It was up to her now.
The rest of the day was uneventful. Kaname caught up on some paperwork and filed. There wasn't much to do and his mind couldn't truly focus. A knock broke his attention and in walked Takuma at his grunt of approval. "Are you ready to leave, Kaname?" Takuma said with his usual smile. Kaname looked at his friend with a raised eyebrow.
"You're happier than usual." He commented, causing the blonde vampire's smile to broaden.
"Well of course, Fest is tomorrow." Takuma said easily.
Kaname squinted at his friend, knowing that the holiday wasn't what had his friend buzzing with excitement. They walked to the elevator together in a comfortable silence. Once in the elevator they headed down. Kaname kept looking from the corner of his eyes. The excitement was buzzing in the air around them. "Okay, Takuma, out with it."
Takuma looked at his friend, green eyes sparkling. "I heard Aidou will be at your parent's party tomorrow."
Kaname blinked before a smile broke on his face, "Takuma…do you like Aidou?"
The blond blushed slightly, "I would like to ask him to be my mate."
Kaname looked at his friend, "Really?" He let out a whisper. Taking a mate on Fest was supposed to create the strongest of bonds. It was a big deal to the vampire community. Kaname didn't know anyone who formed a bond on the 31st. It was so rare, no one every did it. He knew some mates did re-new their bond on Fest but it still wasn't the same.
"Takuma…that's…" Kaname was in shock and thankfully his friend let him take in the information. Kaname didn't know what to think about at this point. Slowly, he was able to make his brain work. They exited the elevator and building into the waiting car. Once the driver was set, Kaname put up the divider.
The silence engulfed them again before Kaname broke it. Licking his lips he asked, "How do you know?"
Takuma looked at him with a slight smile, "How do you know that you love Zero?" Kaname was taken back. He had only told Takuma about Zero once. "I never said…"
"Kaname," Takuma said, "You're my best friend. There's really nothing you can hide from me."
Kaname set back, "How much do you know?"
Takuma sat back, glad he had moved the focus, "I've done my research. After you had your run in that day at the street market."
Kaname nodded, he should've figured that Takuma would look into the people they had met that day. It was his job as his right hand man. After the moment with Zero at the street market, Kaname had told Takuma whatever he could about knowing Zero without truly telling him anything. He said that he met Zero one night and that Zero interested him. Takuma had let it go but he had done research and found Zero. This worried Kaname. Takuma tended to take after his grandfather when it came to getting information.
Kaname licked his lips and stared out the window. His mind was still worried about Zero but it was also welcoming the distraction of his best friend being in love with Aidou. Kaname smiled before facing his friend again. "So tell me, how do you plan on doing it?"
Takuma's face instantly turned red. "Kaname! That is a private matter."
Kaname let out a hearty laugh, "Oh come on, you're going to ask Aidou to be your mate. This is exciting news!"
Takuma sunk into the leather seats of the car, mumbling. He crossed his arms and pouted at the teasing Kaname gave him. The light heartedness of it all felt good to Kaname and Takuma could tell his friend was feeling better if only for a moment. Giving a gentle smile, Takuma sat up and let himself be swept away by the feeling. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small box.
Opening the box, he showed the prince what was tucked inside. Kaname was shocked to see a simple necklace. The chain was small and silver. The pendant attached was a simple form. Kaname titled his head and saw that it looked a lot like an icicle. It was clear with a tint of blue. The gift was simple and sweet. It was perfect.
Kaname smiled and looked at his friend, "That's the necklace you bought at the street market." Takuma just smiled and nodded.
"I saw it and instantly thought of him." Takuma closed the box and tucked it away back into his pocket. The two fell into silence as the reminder of the gift rang out in the car.
"Takuma…"
"I'm going to ask him tonight." Takuma said firmly.
The information took Kaname by surprise. "Tonight?" he asked.
Takuma nodded, "Yes, I want to ask him tonight and him to tell me the answer tomorrow. If he says yes," Takuma let out a shaky breath, "we will form a bond tomorrow." He looked into his hands.
Kaname looked at his friend, nervousness pouring out of him. Suddenly, an idea sparked in his head, "I know where you should ask him." Takuma looked up, raising an eyebrow. Kaname broke out on his face, "you know that patch in the garden that my mother gave to Yuki to plant whatever she wanted?"
Takuma sat up straight, "And she planted sunflowers for Aidou's mother. They were her favorite."
Kaname nodded, "You should ask him there because it'll be like you're asking her too."
Takuma broke out in laughter and giddiness as his lunged forward and kissed Kaname on both cheeks. "That's perfect!" he exclaimed with excitement. Both men spent that rest of their ride to the Kuran estate giddy and nervous.
Upon entering the Kuran estate grounds, Takuma launched out of the car. Kaname was following quickly behind him. The Kuran home was decorated in the simple elegance. The grand foyer had long cream drapes strung around the ceiling and danced along the floor. White roses sat in elegant, tall vases that were placed in strategic spots around the foyer along with long black beaded strings. Takuma whistled in appreciation of the decorations. "Your parents went all out." Takuma said in almost a whisper.
Kaname chuckled, "You say that every year." Kaname did enjoy the decorations though. Last year was similarly decorated but with purple and white. One thing he could agree with his mother on was the simple decorations she gave for Fest. As Kaname took in the light cream drapes and flowers, a dash of yellow passed by him. His pureblood senses caught on to who it was. "Aidou!" He shouted, getting the blond's attention
Instantly the blond turned, crystal eyes wide, "Kaname-sama! Forgive me, I didn't even notice you were there."
Kaname smiled, reassuring his friend, "It's alright. You're in a hurry for something."
Aidou nodded, "Yes, I am late for a meeting." The young vampire answered quickly, tugging his heavy brown coat closer to him. He looked down, not meeting the prince's eyes.
Kaname raised an eyebrow, discomfort radiating off the smaller vampire. Takuma inched closer, obviously concerned for the younger blond. "Aidou-Kun, are you alright?" the nobleman asked, placing a gentle hand on the others shoulder.
The blond jumped, smacking the hand away quickly. A flash of hurt danced across Takuma's eyes but was instantly replaced with concern. "Oh," Aidou bit his bottom lip nervously, "sorry Ichijou-san. I didn't mean to." His voice seemed to get quieter with each word.
Before either older vampires could question Aidou, a buzzing erupted, causing him to jump once again. He dug in his coat pocket and pulled out an old phone. His skin paled some before he looked up from the screen and licked his lips. "I'm sorry, Kaname-sama, Ichijou-san, but I really need to go." and with a quick bow, the shorter noble left the Kuran manor.
Kaname hesitated before calling out "Seiren". Instantly a young, white haired female noble came to Kaname's side.
Takuma shook his head, "Kaname, let me handle this." Once again, the prince hesitated but after a moment agreed. With the prince's permission, the older blond bowed and left, quickly following the other.
Kaname sighed and shook his head, dismissing Seiren and continued into his house. He made his way to the grand hall. Long tables lined the ways and some would hold food for the guests. Continuing with the black and white theme, the tables were covered in crisp white clothes. Down the center a long, black lace, trail which was dotted with tall crystal vases that held more white roses and in between those, silver candleholders with white candles. The flames danced along the slight breeze from the open balcony door. The same cream drapes hung around the tall ceiling of the grand hall and cause the gleaming crystal chandelier in the center to stand out. The lights were dimmed downed to let the candles stand out.
Kaname could feel the power growing as the air got colder. The thin line between this world and the ancestors. Haruka had always been a fan and supporter of history and remembering where their race started. He had both his children study the history texts until they could recite them. Most of the stories where shared verbally, and it became a tradition to share the stories of their ancestors every Fest. Part of him was calm but there was this itch in the back of his mind that constantly reminded him that Zero was still missing and in danger. The young prince's heart was heavy at the thought of his love in trouble. Talking to Takuma about his love for Aidou was a welcome distraction but now that it was gone, the ache for Zero was back.
Kaname shook his head and left the ballroom, intent on finding a new distraction and rid himself of this ache if only for a little while.
Takuma followed Aidou from ten minutes behind. First, the blond got in a taxi, but once out of the Kuran Manor view, he got out. From there he walked and walked until reaching the subway entrance. Takuma followed, ducking away when the younger blond turned his head in a paranoid motion.
The nobleman watched his love from afar and noted that it was how he always had been.
Takuma met Aidou when they were children. The blond instantly captured the green eyed vampire's attention. At first, Aidou had hid behind his much taller and scarier cousin. Aidou had been picked on in his younger years and once the Kain family moved closer to the royal family the picking stopped thanks the tougher cousin. This allowed Aidou's real personality to shine.
The older noble vampire smiled at the memory of the start of Aidou's troublemaker strike. The smile faded as the good memories of water balloons off the top of houses and hide and seek in the Queen's garden faded to tears and muffled howls of pain. The sadness had hit them all when Akatsuki left. It was at Ruka's going away party. Akatsuki never showed up and Aidou seemed duller than usual. Half-way through the party, the young blond had disappeared. Takuma spent forty minutes looking up and down the Kuran Manor searching for him. When he found him, Aidou was curled into a ball in the farthest corner in the library, crying. The young blond was upset that he was now alone once again. First the death of his mother and now the disappearance of his cousin. Once Aidou had calmed down enough, he explained that Akatsuki had been kicked out by his parents for being in love with a human, a male human. That night Aidou had spent his time with Takuma trying to grasp not seeing his cousin ever again.
Takuma was pulled from memory lane as the subway car doors opened and Aidou darted out and into the crowded street. Today was Halloween and it was the one day Humans feared nothing. Most supernatural stayed with their families, as their Fest's were family holidays. Takuma's grandfather would be at the Kuran's party, always trying to gain favor as well as find a richer, more politically powerful mate for his grandson. However, all that would change once he got Aidou alone.
The young blond exited the subway and onto the street. Takuma struggled to keep his view of his love in the crowded, costume-ridden crowd. Children squeals and drunken Human attacked his senses as he tried to focus on the blond before him. He saw Aidou duck into a dark alley and made quick to follow him. He saw Aidou enter an old brick building through the back, which was guarded by a mean looking Level C vampire. The nobleman decided to circle the building to look for a front door. He circled and struggled to get through the crowd once again but eventually found the front door. It was red with two Level C vampires guarding it, scanning the passing crowds. Takuma was shocked to see 'Bloody Moon' in a dim, red, glow.
'What is Aidou doing in a place like this?' Takuma thought. He knew Bloody Moon. Everyone knew Bloody Moon. It was the worst kept secret of the Vampire community but it stayed because people enjoyed it.
Takuma slowly eased his way to the back of the forming line. It was still relatively short due to the club still being closed. The wait took a while but eventually the doors open and people were ushered in. Takuma felt dirty the moment he walked inside. Even though the doors had just opened, the room smelt heavily of smoke, liquor, sweat and sex. The nobleman had also had a sensitive nose. He could smell better than most vampires. Out of all the supernatural creatures, wolves had the best nose, fitting for them. It was rumored that the Ichijou blood was tainted with werewolf blood at some point in history but he paid no mind to it. As far as he was concerned, Takuma Ichijou was a vampire with an overly sensitive nose.
Takuma had been so distracted by the scents and smells, he lost track and missed the first show. He only caught a slight glimpse of a man being led to the back by a woman in purple. The stage was cleaned by who would normally be some type of busboy. Waitresses flittered around the floor, taking orders and dropping off drinks. Takuma had twice politely declined a waitress when she asked him. After that, most of the waitresses ignored him. He felt bad; obviously these girls - and a few boys - had drawn the short straw and gotten the holiday shift. From what he could see there were three waitresses, one busboy/stage boy, one bartender and five strippers. Each stripper was holding three shows tonight. It seemed busy to the noblemen but then again he had never been in a place like this before.
The stage was lit again and low music filtered through the club's speakers. This stripper was donned in a sunset orange gown and her orange hair was put in loose curls. She looked like a goddess and the music was soft. She danced around the stage as if she was floating. Suddenly, the light intensified and the music turned up beat. The woman ripped off her gown, revealing a shocking red leather lingerie set that crisscrossed her body. She was petite and thin. The men crowded the stage to get better views.
The noble acknowledged her beauty but in truth, he thought it was wasted. Men were drooling over her as she took off her clothes and danced for them. They should be drooling over her as she told a story with her body. Takuma was startled at the realization that this woman should be a model. It also startled him that she would also fit perfectly next to Shiki. He shook his head and focused on the more important task; finding Hanabusa. He tucked this information of this woman in the back of his head for now and would talk to Kaname later about her.
Once again, the stage was lit after it was cleaned. This time, mood lighting in yellow danced across the stage. Slow, sensual music started to play and Takuma found himself stuck in his seat. Despite needing to find his crush, he could not move. It would be rude to leave during another dancer's show. This was how they earned their living after all. Takuma watched the dancer along with the other men. To his shock, the dancer was a young, male vampire. His skin was a creamy pale, the light along the stage glistened against him. He wore short shorts in a pale yellow. His toned, swimmer's abs danced along to the music as he moved. He wore no shirt but still, around his neck a chain sparked in the spotlight. At the end of the chain dangled a small sun gem.
Takuma picked up some customers whispering 'Sunstone'. The nobleman could only assume that was the dancer's name.
Sunstone was a beautiful man, Takuma concluded. Long legs and arms twirled with bare feet along the black stage. Finally going up to the man's face, Takuma was hit by an sense of familiarity. The man had a soft face; angled in certain ways but mostly round. His nose was small, attractive. His hair was a vibrant blond. It was styled, but Takuma saw it in a windy style, like the man spent most of his time running his fingers through it. He knew those locks were soft and normally soft curls were forced straighter by heavy hair products.
The nobleman stood and made his way closer. The scent of his love grew stronger the closer he got to the stage, as did the scent of arousal. The lecherous men around him. It came from them and made his inner beast hot with anger. How dare they look at this beautiful man? This beautiful man that belongs to Takuma.
The vampire stood at the edge of the stage, in front of the dancer. The music's tempo mimicked the noble vampire's heartbeat. It was steady, sometimes faster, then pumping slowly. Rage poured out of Takuma's pores, some of vampire customers sensed this and moved around. Even the dancer seemed to get tense with the sensation of rage around the stage area. His back was to Takuma but he could feel his eyes on him. Slowly the dancer turned, not expecting to meet the angered eyes of the older blond noble. In horror, Aidou sunk to his knees, with tears in his crystal blue eyes.
"Ichijou-san…" he whispered, bringing his hand to hide his quivering lips.
The nobleman glared, his rage spiking in harsh whips. Bodyguards came in but made no movement, there wasn't any real violence going on. Just an angry vampire that probably just found out his boyfriend was a stripper. It had happened before; it was nothing new to them.
Takuma however was using all his control to keep from lashing out. Though he stared at barely clothed, teary-eyed Hanabusa Aidou, his anger was toward the men that dared to stare at his love. Hanabusa was his, damn it!
"Hanabusa…"
Hanabusa flinched at the cold tone of the nobleman he had admired for so long. He looked down, unable to rise his head from the weight of his shame. He hid his face, and tried to cover his body as much as possible. He was dirty. With a sudden need to bath, Hanabusa took off and raced to the dressing rooms. He reached the one he shared with four other dancers and slammed the door behind him. He was going to be fired tonight, despite picking up the holiday shift at last minute. Madame would not care if his father had just passed; dancers must stay on the floor until their show is finished or if they take a customer to the playrooms.
The blond vampire sobbed as he crumpled to the floor. He curled around himself in the middle of the room. How could he be so stupid? He would never be able to return home. His father would have to shun him in order to keep the little bit of respect they still held in the vampire world. Takuma would inform Kaname-sama and Aidou would be removed from the court. No one would want him.
First his mother, then his cousin, and now the rest of his family.
He would be all alone. Amethyst hadn't been seen in weeks. Lady Imperial was struggling with his disappearance. Those two were his last friends, of course they didn't know he was a nobility.
Doing his best to quiet his sobs, he struggled to breath. Takuma Ichijou was the right hand man to Kaname Kuran. The Ichijou family was the most important noble family out there, under the Royals and the rest of Purebloods that is. Each head has always been an important political figure in the vampire world. They were traditional and respectable. Some said that when the Purebloods die out, the Ichijou family is to take the role as President of the vampire world. Aidou had idolized Takuma. Kaname was also his ideal but Takuma, well, he was reachable. He was so perfect, bright and kind, even in the light of his grandfather most likely corruption. He was always smiling, and warm. When Akatsuki was forced out, Takuma was the one to help Aidou through the loneliness.
Hanabusa jumped when Takuma slated open the door, red eyed and pissed off. The older blond was furious and Hanabusa backed away from him. Hanabusa gulped, tears spilling down from his crystal blue eyes. "Ichijou-san…" he sobbed out, "please, I am so sorry." His sobs turned to whispers as Takuma just stared down on him.
Hanabusa couldn't tell what was going through the man's mind.
Takuma was furious. His vision was red and he couldn't stop himself. Rage was taking over. How dare those men stare at his mate? How dare they, this was his mate.
"Ichijou-san…" Aidou whispered, suddenly finding his back up against the wall, before sinking down to the floor.
Takuma huffed before stomping over to his mate. Kneeling down, he took his mate into his arms and lifted him up. With a yelped, Aidou found himself in Takuma's arms; he linked his arms around the noble's neck. He buried his face in his shoulder and shivered as they left the building.
The shorter male wasn't sure where they were going, but his instincts were telling him that Takuma wouldn't hurt him. He could feel the rush of the wind whipping against his thighs and arms. Thankfully, his ice powers kept him from freezing too much.
Twenty minutes later, the wind had stopped and Takuma was standing still. Aidou peaked his head up and saw a tearful sight.
They were in his mother's garden. The flowers were holding on against the cold weather. Their normally bright yellow petals were cast in moonlit shadows that almost made them golden in reflections. Takuma set the ice wielder down and let him taking a moment to collect himself.
"Sunflowers," Hanabusa whispered, tears in his eyes. He turned to face the man that had just most likely cost him his job but he couldn't stop the smile. Takuma's eyes were still red, but his body was visibly less tense.
Takuma hummed and step closer to the ice vampire, pleased when he didn't step away. Vampires were primal creatures. One-thing that humans tend to forget about in their crazed, romanticized vampire fantasies. While Vampires of today's world are by far more civilized then some of their ancestors, so are humans to part, their base instincts were still there. The hunt excited them on a primal level and taking a mate was the most exciting hunt of all.
Vampires mated for all eternity. It didn't need to be on any special ground. A bond would form no matter where the vampires stood. The stronger the Vampires passion for one another, the stronger the bond. Weak bonds were easier to sever but still caused pain. Unwanted bonds caused pain for both parties, to the point of death. However, strong bonds, Takuma hummed, they were meant to last. After all, vampires lived for pretty much forever.
Takuma stepped closer and closer until he and his soon to be mate were centimeters away from one another. Their breathes danced together in brief puffs.
Hanabusa could sense the shift in their relationship as his body began to hum. His body was reacting to Takuma because he was an Omega Vampire. This Rank of Vampires reacts differently. They go into a cycle similar to heat when they are about to Mated to someone.
Vampires were ranked on their status level by family ties but at birth, they are given two other ranks, their gender and the Rank. Therefore, Vampires are three things, their Gender, their Status and their Rank. Gender was simple; boy or girl. Status was passed down from parent to child; Level C, B, Pureblood, etc. Rank is something that comes from their past. Their Ancestors would travel in Vampire packs or Covens together. They would hunt and sleep together. The Coven was structure through these Ranks. There would be one Alpha, and his Mate; the Alpha's Mate. Usually the Alpha would take a Beta but sometimes they would take an Omega. The Omega are rare as only males are Ranked with Omega. Omega's were special because they are the only male able birth with ease but could always carry pureblood children from Vampires and Humans or truthfully any creature. Omegas can become pregnant from both Vampires and Humans, unlike other Vampires that must be mated with another Vampire with a strong enough bond to create a child. Omegas were similar to Purebloods that way, seeing as how Purebloods can impregnate anyone they so choose.
Hanabusa whimpered as his body started to heat up. The heat caused discomfort for the ice vampire. "Ichijou-san," he pleaded, resting his head on Takuma's shoulder.
"Hush, love," Takuma whispered and wrapped his arms around the smaller male, his eyes burning brighter, "I will take care of you."
Takuma gently laid Hanabusa back, the flowers seemingly giving way to create a bed for the lovers. The almost full Moon shone over them as they made their vow of love to one another.
The green-eyed Vampire kissed down his mate's neck and body as he swiftly re-moved the disgusting apparel that his love was forced to wear. He moved slow and steady, pressing light feather like kisses on his love's stomach, Hanabusa sucking in at the feeling. Takuma could spend hours worshipping the younger male's body. His skin was soft and pale as the moon rays around.
At Hanabusa's whimper, Takuma moved back up and allowed his mate to tug and pull his jacket off. Their lips met in a tender, passion-filled kiss. Tongues danced together as Takuma was stripped of his tie, and button down shirt. The articles of clothing were thrown aside, of no use to the lovers now.
All that matter was each other. They had no need for words. Their bodies doing the talking. Aidou undid the elder's belt and then helped him wiggle out of his pants, his straining erection pulling at his boxers.
When both were rid of their clothes, Takuma pulled back enough to see his love. His pale skin spotted with tiny love bites, his lips plump from the kisses their shared, his cheeks red; embarrassed from being admired. His body was flushed with the heat and his own erection stood proud, leaking tiny amounts of pre-cum.
"My love, you are beautiful." Takuma let out a whisper and leaned back in to steal a soft kiss.
Aidou pouted, bringing his eyebrows together. He placed fingers on the elders lips, stopping the feather kisses, "Why me?" the ice wielder whispered, his eyes unsure.
Takuma was stunned, "Why you? Why not you? Hanabusa Aidou, you are the most brilliant man I know. You're beautiful, strong, gentle and kind. You play dumb to have people fawn over you even though you can spin out numerous equations to the create the substance that keeps our people alive and on the good side of the hunters," Aidou flushed at the recognition of his achievement of creating the Blood Tablets. "Hanabusa Aidou, you are the sun that I want to wake to in the evening, you are the arms I wanted to sleep wrapped in to the night. You are the one I want. I love everything about you, from you crazy antics to you saddest moments." The confession turned to whispered promises with peppering kisses in between.
Happy tears spilled from crystal eyes. "I love you too, Takuma." Aidou sobbed, wrapping his arms around the others neck. They kissed, bodies meshing. Takuma pulled back and pressed two fingers to the Aidou's lips, "Suck." he commanded and Aidou complied. He slipped the digits into his mouth and sucked greedily.
Takuma pulled his fingers free and then slowly trailed them down Aidou's smooth chest and played circles into his thighs. The younger man moaned and arched into the touch. The green-eyed vampire peppered his love's neck with hickeys and slid a finger into his lover. He felt the tight muscles clenched around the intrusion.
He made quick, gentle strokes to make his love loosen for him. He added the second finger with a yelp from Aidou. "Takuma!" He dug his heels and clawed at the dirt beneath him. The two kissed and Takuma removed his fingers after a few more strokes. The Omega whimpered and the older male sent sweet hushed words into his ears.
"I love you so much." Takuma whispered as he entered his lover. When they were united together, an unknown heat took them over. They rutted together like starved animals. As they drew closer to their climax, their fangs elongated. Takuma bent his head to Aidou's neck and sucked on the tender spot. The perfect spot for lay his mark. He nibbled on the area, continuing to rut against his lover, hitting his sweet spot repeatedly.
Takuma moaned against the younger blond's neck. His fangs ached as his teased the skin. Slowly, he pierced the flesh, blood exploded on his tongue like a new mint. It was a reflection of his mate's powers. His mate was so strong, so powerful. The sensation made him harder so he thrusted faster into his lover, moaning as more blood filled his mouth.
Aidou had his own fangs lengthen and punctured Takuma's neck. Blood poured into the ice wielders mouth, it was warm and safe, similar to his now mate.
Their bond was forming. Under the near Full Moon of the Fest ton Progónon. Their ancestors smiled down on them and approved their mate-ship. The bond formed was stronger than any would have thought. Years of stealing glances, secret crushes helped form the bond of true love.
Nyx blessed their union as they made love under her moon.
Meanwhile in the Kuran mansion, Kaname watch his friend leave, glad that his friend would finally find happiness. Turning, he headed upstairs to his old room. Yuki was coming home; she would come to find him when she returned. Instead, he turned his attention to finding more clues on Zero's disappearance. He already searched up and down that apartment, along with revisiting and revisiting that place. He had Rima search all over the Bloody Moon. Nothing had truly come up except hunters. He was now researching the numerous books in his family's library for any and all hunter related. The prince didn't find much though. Most of the hunter history they knew was what their ancestors wrote from times of war and most of it was wrong.
He spent a few hours researching but he heard the telltale signs that Yuki came home. The slam of the door, the squeal and call of 'Nii-san'. He couldn't stop the smile that broke out on his face, despite the drama that was going on in his life, and how much he missed Zero. Let alone, how much it killed him that their bond was half-formed.
"Nii-san!" Yuki burst into his room.
"Yuki," Kaname said softly and stood to hug his sister.
Their hug was brief, when they pulled away, Yuki frowned. "Nii-san, what's up? You seem troubled?"
Kaname shook his head, "Nothing you should worry about."
Yuki bounced on the edge of Kaname's bed as he took as seat as well. "Nii-san..."
"Yuki, please leave this be. It's time for family and celebration." Kaname pleaded.
Yuki pouted but let the topic slide. She allowed Kaname to distract her with questions school and her friends. Sayori and she were getting closer with each passing month. There was a new teacher that scared the students with his rout attitude, eschpeially the night class students, or the vampire students. Kaname knew that Kaien Cross used to the most famous hunter and created Cross Academy as a school to show that humans and vampires could co-exist. He figured that Cross probably hired a hunter to show good faith to the Hunters Association.
That was basically how Kaname spent his night, listening to Yuki talk about school and her friends all night until topics switch to the Fest and how exciting it was to home with the family. They eventually went separate ways and Kaname turned out the light a the sun rose and discovered that he could not sleep.
The howl of his unfinished bond plagued him and the thoughts of his poor mate slowly failing into madness. He tossed and turned all night with nightmares of the silver haired beauty being tortured slowly.
