A/N: Whew… this is probably the most difficult chapter I've ever written. HUGE amounts of thanks go to Sagakure, who helped me recharge my inspiration for this fic and break my writer's block :D

Anyway, here goes – warnings apply for graphic non-consensual yaoi as well as the usual torture/blood aspects.


The week following the car incident was one of the worst weeks in Kaname's life. There was nobody to trust, no haven safe enough to hide in and nowhere to run that was out of Ichiou's grasp. His guardian would often give him long, lecherous looks laced with sadistic intent, making the young pureblood's heart race in fear. He avoided Ichiou as much as possible, but of course, the old vampire made sure that any respite was fleeting.

During the daylight hours, Kaname frequently couldn't get to sleep, and spent the day perched nervously atop the satin-quilted bed instead. He knew well that it was only a matter of time before Ichiou came for him. He knew with equal certainty that the only reason his guardian hadn't done so yet was that Ichiou enjoyed toying with him, prolonging the inevitable so that he could feed off Kaname's dread and paranoia in the way he longed to feast on his blood.

These things Kaname knew – but the knowledge did little to ease his mind or calm his fears.

He told himself he was being unforgivably weak and pathetic, locking himself up in his room like a prisoner. He was a pureblood, a prince among vampires. Purebloods did not run from anything. Purebloods feared nothing – yet here he was, living in terror like a cowed mortal.

On top of everything else, there was the younger Ichijo. Takuma seemed determined to make Kaname believe that he had not been involved in Ichiou's plans, and muttered quiet apologies and denials every evening throughout dinner, watching Kaname with sad longing while the pureblood picked listlessly through the food in front of him, eating almost nothing. Kaname did his best to ignore his erstwhile friend's attempts, placing a cold, disinterested mask over his features whenever Takuma launched another salvo of lies, but couldn't deny the deep ache within him that wished the blonde noble was telling the truth.

Tonight had been no different. Kaname was so tired of it all. He felt like he'd been stretched so thin that he was going to snap any day now, but at the same time he knew he had to hold himself together for the one person who still meant the world to him. The only one who would not betray him. His life was not just his own; his life belonged to her. If he was not around in the future to shield her, who would be? Despite his once-fearsome reputation, Cross was human, ageing. He may not still be there when Yuuki would need protection the most.

As he readied himself for bed – mostly out of habit since he wasn't planning on sleeping anyway – he rubbed agitatedly at his eyes, trying to force the burning ache of unshed tears to subside through sheer effort of will.

x--x--x--x--x

Asato sat at his desk, turning the parcel in his hands over thoughtfully. He had sent for this about a week ago, and it had finally arrived. He was delaying opening it though, the better to appreciate it when he did.

He watched the sun rising steadily through the window, squinting a little at the intensity of the light, but valuing it nonetheless. In an hour or so, all the servants would be in bed… and then Ichiou would finally be able to corner Kaname as he'd been itching to do since the car trip. In fact, Asato had been having trouble holding his newly discovered urges back for the whole week. Every time he closed his eyes, he'd seen that intoxicating picture of Kaname on his knees before him, those broken whimpers and gasps and the way the pureblood's naturally seductive scent intensified when he was afraid…

Licking his lips, Ichiou decided he would wait no longer. With careless impatience, he shredded the innocuous brown wrapping and removed the contents. A crop… much shorter and easier to control at close range than any of his existing whips, a leather leash, and lastly, a black leather collar of the finest craftsmanship, about two and a half inches wide, with loops on the back for fingers to fit through and the Ichijou crest emblazoned on the front just as he had asked. He smiled grimly. Yes… these were the items which he'd use when he claimed the boy. Each of them spoke of possession and ownership, and after today, Ichiou planned to make sure Kaname knew that if he did not surrender his blood, his body would pay the price.

The light flooded the room a little further, and Ichiou judged that the time had arrived. Rising, he crossed to the bookshelf, opening the hidden door and placing the crop and leash on a small ledge just inside the door. The collar, however, he tucked into the inside pocket of his coat. Just in case Kaname was planning on being difficult.

x--x--x--x--x

In his room, Takuma paused his agitated pacing to gaze out of the window at the sunlight spreading across the sprawling lawns of the Ichijou estate. He'd always liked the sun, unlike most of his strictly nocturnal species. The few friends of a similar age he had among other noble houses often teased him, saying that he was very un-vampire like. Takuma smiled sadly, but the wan gesture did not reach his haunted eyes, and soon withered.

Kaname

The young noble felt guilt and anger overwhelm him once more.

Guilt for not realizing something was wrong when the car company called, for not anticipating what Grandfather would do to the pureblood, for failing utterly as both a confidant and a friend.

Anger at himself for not being able to express his loyalty to Kaname adequately, at his grandfather for being a loathsome, cruel, manipulative man, and at Kaname for not even listening to him when he tried to apologize and explain that he wasn't a traitor.

His fists clenched involuntarily. Beneath his sunny exterior, Takuma still possessed the iron-and-fire heart of an Ichijou, and right now, he really wanted to hit something. He hadn't been eating properly this last week, unable to force food into his mouth when he caught sight of the pureblood's untouched plate. He hadn't been able to sleep well either, his mind refusing to switch off, constantly tormenting him by replaying Kaname's damning words, or coming up with lists of things he should have done differently. He was irritable and off-kilter, feeling like a ship tossed about in a storm with no hope of escape.

He began walking again, until he stopped suddenly, facing the door. His heart told him to go to Kaname, to plead for forgiveness, to sleep outside the pureblood's door if he had to. His head told him he was being an idiot, thinking that Kaname could ever forgive him after what he thought Takuma had done, and besides, Ichijous did not beg for anything - it was undignified.

Caught between reason and compassion, Takuma paced once more, hoping that one side or the other would win out and tell him what to do, or at the very least that he'd exhaust himself in the process and finally find some rest.

x--x--x--x--x

Kaname jolted awake, eyes darting around the shadows of the shutter-darkened room, as yet unsure what had woken him. He had fallen asleep without meaning to, and due to his body's extreme exhaustion, he was much groggier now than he would normally have been upon waking. As a result, he failed to notice the presence behind him until it was too late. A large, ungentle hand clamped firmly over his mouth, stifling his shocked yell, while an equally rough, strong arm pinned him to the bed. He struggled against his captor, but the angle was awkward with him half-pressed into the mattress. The voice which came next sent rivers of ice down his spine.

"Be still, boy!"

So, the time had come. Kaname stopped fighting. He told himself he wasn't admitting defeat – merely biding his time until he could strike back more effectively – but he knew as well as Ichiou that resistance was not really an option, considering everything Kaname had to lose.

Ichiou released his hold on Kaname's mouth, gripping the pureblood's arm instead and yanking him harshly into a sitting position.

"Get up," Ichiou hissed harshly. Kaname complied, finally facing his guardian. There was pure malice dancing in those flinty eyes, and the young pureblood almost visibly shuddered. "Come with me. If you try to draw attention or escape, you know you will only be making things more difficult for yourself."

Kaname could see how much Ichiou was enjoying having power over him. Again, the pureblood considered merely killing Ichiou where he stood, running from this place and hiding somewhere… but that would only make him a fugitive, and he would lose everything anyway. One day though… one day I swear I will make him pay. The vengeful thoughts helped to distract Kaname from the fear and revulsion he felt as he pulled a long coat over his silk nightclothes, unable to ignore the way Ichiou's eyes were sliding possessively over his body as he did so.

One day.

That day would evidently not be today, though.

Asato led him to the door, not touching him yet, but rather forcing him to walk forward by advancing on his back. The pureblood reined in his aura, not wanting Ichiou to know how it made his hackles rise having his guardian behind him this way. They left Kaname's room, Ichiou merely nodding to the guards outside the door. They were two of Ichiou's most loyal followers, and Kaname knew they would say nothing of anything they saw. The halls of the manor were starkly silent, all the staff being abed at this time of day. Taking advantage of the lack of witnesses, Ichiou placed a hand on Kaname's shoulder, steering the pureblood through the corridors domineeringly. How Kaname hated this man and his vile, possessive touch. He ached to shrug off the hand, to struggle, even to turn around with his superior pureblood speed and just bite the bastard… but of course, his vicious fantasies went unfulfilled, and they reached Ichiou's study. His guardian opened the impressively carved door, pushing Kaname inside as usual.

"You know where to go," Ichiou's baritone declared. Kaname glared at his tormentor, but it had no effect. Ichiou could see the small trembles now running through the pureblood's frame as he headed towards the secret entrance to the underground chamber.

"Open it."

Ah, so that's today's game. Kaname mused. He's determined to make me complicit in my own punishment. Kaname tried to keep his breathing steady as he activated the mechanism. As usual, the door swung silently, revealing the darkness within. Feigning nonchalance, Kaname descended the stairs with practiced ease, his pureblood eyes adjusting quickly to the gloom.

Asato followed his ward, pausing to retrieve the crop and light the wall sconces as he passed. He had foregone having more modern lighting installed down here as there was something about flickering firelight on sweat-slicked skin that he'd always found particularly appealing. He smiled darkly, eyeing the young, ethereally beautiful pureblood waiting below. It was finally time to play.

Kaname's heart was thudding painfully hard against his ribs as he watched Ichiou lighting the torches with exaggerated care, as if preparing for some grand ceremony. Briefly, he considered resisting. Although Ichiou held the age and experience advantage, Kaname was still a pureblood… he could use his powers to kill the older vampire as quickly and easily as crushing a bug. Much as the thought appealed, it would not work. Ichiou was all but invulnerable. If Kaname did him any harm, the Council would find out and imprison him for the remainder of eternity. All the plans Kaname had made for the future would shatter, and he knew Ichiou's mocking face would taunt him from beyond the grave.

"Come here."

Ichiou's gruff voice interrupted his musings. The elder vampire had reached the bottom of the stairs, and was now removing something from the inside pocket of his coat with his left hand. Kaname was hesitant, but he approached, judging that it would be best not to provoke Ichiou's wrath too early. Perhaps he would just whip Kaname again and get it over with - the young pureblood had already noted that Ichiou didn't have his cane with him… surely that was a good sign? As he came within his guardian's reach though, and saw the item in that large hand, his heart sank.

It was a black leather collar. A collar… with the Ichijou family crest picked out on the front in delicate mother-of-pearl and silver. "If you think I'm going to…" Kaname began, disgust evident in his tone, but he was silenced by Ichiou giving him a sharp blow across the face with a short crop which seemed to have materialized in his other hand. An angry red welt grew on the pureblood's cheek, fading as it healed, but leaving behind the stinging burn.

"Turn around!" Ichiou's voice was a steely command, but held a breathy undertone of barely-disguised impatience.

Gritting his teeth, Kaname complied. He almost squirmed when the cool leather was placed around his throat, and the side buckle cinched painfully tight, but he held himself still. The collar didn't quite inhibit his airway, but it made its presence known with every breath.

Ichiou leaned in close, breathing into his ear even as one hand slid down Kaname's back to caress his hip and the other went to grasp the back of the collar, fingers slipping into the leather loops and making it impossible for Kaname to jerk away without choking himself. "Now," Ichiou murmured darkly, letting go of the collar and giving the pureblood a small shove in the direction of the posts, "undress."

Kaname tried taking as long as possible to unbutton his jacket, but Ichiou thwacked the crop across the palm of his hand threateningly. Reluctantly, Kaname shrugged out of the overcoat and reached for the hem of his silk sleepshirt, very aware of the way Ichiou's eyes seemed to burn through him, tainting him inside and out as he removed the garment as slowly as was safe, wishing he'd been wearing more layers. Cool air brushed across his warm skin, raising gooseflesh on his naked arms. Kaname dropped the shirt, his fingers feeling shaky and numb at the thought of what would happen next.

Asato had watched greedily as inch after inch of his ward's pale, perfect flesh was exposed. When the pureblood finally pulled the shirt off over his head, the silver crest on the collar caught the dim light from the torches, and Ichiou felt a warm tingle of anticipation stir in his blood. This was going to be glorious, a defining conquest in Asato's long lifetime. Every other victory was fickle; nothing in comparison to actually having this gorgeous, powerful being to force into submission... just the thought was enough to make lazy coils of lust pool in his groin. He could feel himself hardening, and it made him impatient. Kaname had paused after removing the shirt, and was now watching him warily, obviously hoping it would be enough. Asato smirked inwardly. Let the boy think that was all – for now.

He approached the pureblood, shackling him to the posts as usual, but running his hands over that smooth, enticing skin far more than was necessary to secure Kaname's wrists, delighting in the way the contact made his ward's breathing hitch and frame tremble. As soon as the pureblood was bound, Asato moved around behind his prisoner, placing his hands on Kaname's slender hips. Gently, he hooked his thumbs into the waist of the pureblood's wine red pyjama bottoms, waiting for a reaction.

Kaname closed his eyes tightly, gritting his teeth and pleased that Ichiou was unable to see his face. He knew the older vampire was hoping to pull a response from him, a whimper, a plea… but he wouldn't give in. Not this time. Last time he had been so horribly, unforgivably weak. The thumbs tugged at his waistband, pushing it down to just below his stomach, but he ignored it.

"This is what I enjoy most about our little… sessions, Kaname," Ichiou stated smoothly, sliding the pants down a little lower. "You are always so appealingly resistant, until I find the right key, and then you break so beautifully... so completely. What will it take to shatter you today, hmm?" The thumbs were tracking steadily down the sides of Kaname's thighs now, nearing the curve of his buttocks, but the pureblood remained stoically silent. "Never mind," Ichiou continued, "I think I know." In a sudden blur of movement, Ichiou yanked the material down the rest of the way, wringing a soft gasp from Kaname as he was fully exposed to the chilly air in the chamber.

Ichiou had followed the downward path of the silky cloth with his hands until he was half-crouched behind Kaname, admiring the smooth curve of the young vampire's spine. Purebloods truly were perfect… at least on the outside.

Kaname felt Ichiou's hands near his ankles, slowly stroking up his calves, making him freeze in trepidation. When they brushed over the sensitive flesh behind his knees, Kaname couldn't help but shudder lightly, a response which only made Ichiou's touches grow bolder and less gentle. The pureblood's heart began to race with as the caresses neared the top of his thighs, then traced over his naked rear.

Now standing behind his ward once more, Ichiou stepped forward until his body was against the pureblood's, his larger frame completely dwarfing Kaname's slighter build. Grinning with malicious satisfaction, he grabbed the boy's hips once more, pulling them back… pressing the pureblood's vulnerably exposed buttocks into his still clothed but unmistakably hard manhood in a cruel foreshadowing of what was to come.

Panic began to set in, and Kaname struggled, trying to move forward, away from the insistent pressure of Ichiou's groin against his rear, but Ichiou tightened his grip on the pureblood's bare hips, hard enough to bruise and making escape difficult.

Kaname's fear was becoming tangible now, a light sheen of sweat breaking out over his body. The salty moisture made Ichiou's purchase on Kaname's slim hips become precarious, and the pureblood finally succeeded in slipping away partially. Ichiou growled at the loss of friction against his throbbing erection, thinking only of a way to get Kaname to press against him once more. The noble's nails grew longer, sharper, almost becoming short talons as he reached for his ward. Flesh gave satisfyingly under his claws, blood starting to seep freely from the scratches he was inflicted on the pureblood's sides. Ichiou hissed in pleasure as the rich scent of Kaname's blood filled the air.

"Aah!"

Kaname cried out as Ichiou drove his nails deeper, digging fiery, scarlet gouges into the pale skin and dragging the pureblood inexorably backwards. The pureblood's thoughts were scattered, reeling. Blood… my blood… oh God, he's going to bite me! His struggles intensified, blind panic racing through him and making him thrash violently against both Ichiou and the restraints, tearing free from his guardian's sharp clutches once more.

Growing tired of the boy's incessant writhing, Ichiou put a stop to it by simply kicking the pureblood's feet out from under him, making Kaname fall harshly to his knees and hiss in pain. To drive the point home, he seized the leather crop, laying several sharp, wickedly accurate lashes across his ward's naked back, not caring this time that the leather still had rough edges which cut into Kaname's skin, releasing more of that sinful, scarlet enticement.

Ichiou was indeed tempted to taste that forbidden nectar, but to a lesser extent than he'd imagined he would be. Yes, the boy's blood smelled like honeyed ambrosia, alluringly seductive, and yes, it was tantalizingly close… but this was no longer about blood alone. It was about power and domination. Breaking a spirited young stallion's will, taming him, teaching him to obey. There would be time for more sanguinary pursuits later, once Kaname had learned the price of his continued defiance – a price Ichiou was more than ready to exact right now, his member hard and heavy, straining against the fabric of his tailored, grey wool pants.

He changed position, sliding one hand up Kaname's blood-streaked back, reveling in the sensation, then into the loops of the collar, limiting the young vampire's range of movement even further by making it difficult for him to breathe. Unzipping his pants, Ichiou freed himself, but did not remove any clothing. To be naked was to be vulnerable, and he wanted Kaname to feel doubly exposed.

Kaname was now half-suspended from the posts, kneeling awkwardly where he'd fallen on the flagstone floor, his arms stretched painfully by the restraining cuffs as Ichiou held him prone using the collar. Effectively immobilized, he could do nothing as he felt Ichiou crouch down behind him, nudging his legs open wider by slipping a clothed thigh between them. Please… please don't… but it was too late. Ichiou's free hand was already exploring his buttocks, tracing over the cleft before dipping into it. The pureblood felt a single tear gather in the corner of his eye, running unchecked down his face as Ichiou nudged at his entrance with a thick finger. Somehow, it was all becoming real now. Kaname knew he was about to be violated, and he knew equally well that there was no chance of escape, no hope of rescue. He could only gather his remaining strength, wait for the worst to be over, and pray that he would be able to keep his sanity intact.

Ichiou teasingly slid one finger around the outside of the pureblood's tight ring before pushing inside it. Kaname was tense, dry and unprepared for the penetration, but Ichiou merely forced his way in, adding a second finger without hesitation, stretching Kaname harshly and loving the flinches and hitching breaths indicating the pureblood's distress

"Does it hurt, Kaname?" He was not expecting a response, so he was not disappointed by the pureblood's silence. "I'll take that as a no," Ichiou continued, removing his fingers from the pureblood's velvet heat. "Evidently you can handle more." He swiped his hand across the blood on Kaname's back, rubbing the slick, tempting liquid onto his erection one-handed while keeping a firm grip on Kaname via the collar. He had fully intended to take the boy completely dry, but seeing all that seductive crimson smeared across pale flesh had changed his mind - just having that taboo substance touch his skin was arousing, and using it as lubrication was nothing short of a sinfully erotic pleasure. He leaned over his ward, lining himself up before pushing into the pureblood's tense, unwilling passage, letting out a gasping breath at the delightful friction the motion created against his weeping tip. So hot… so tight! God, I should have done this ages ago…

Kaname shuddered, unable to prevent a strangled cry escaping his lips as Ichiou pierced his most intimate depths. The pain was excruciating, but Kaname was accustomed to physical hurt. What made his breath catch in involuntary sobs and mortifying tears paint crystalline tracks down his face was not the raw agony of Ichiou's possession, but rather the shame, the sheer terrifying humiliation that Kaname had allowed himself to be used like this, to be dominated this way.

Ichiou, now buried to the hilt in Kaname's tight heat, leaned in towards the young vampire's throat to whisper darkly in his ear. "Now does it hurt? Hmm? I know it does, I can feel you trembling."

Kaname snarled in defiant anger, but the sound turned into a scream as Ichiou began moving, pulling out almost completely before plunging back in, firmly. Kaname's nails dug into his own palms hard enough to draw blood as his vision flickered and swam in the wake of his guardian's brutal, bruising thrusts.

Ichiou let go of the collar, no longer needing it to hold Kaname still now that he had him completely at his mercy. He gripped Kaname's hips instead, throwing his head back in ecstasy as he plowed the pureblood's perfect body. This was even better than he had imagined, and he was fast building up to his peak. Just the thought of spending himself inside this gorgeous, helpless, sweat-slicked body was enough to send him over the edge. Claws digging into Kaname's sides once more, Ichiou cried out hoarsely as he found blissful release.

In mortified disgust, Kaname felt Ichiou's climax. Liquid warmth flooded him, making him feel sick to his stomach as the old vampire marked him inside.

Incongruously, Yuuki's face flashed into Kaname's mind at that moment, but rather than being a comforting escape from the pain, it seared his heart with flames of guilt and regret. I'm so, so sorry Yuuki… I did this for you, but now… now I'm tainted, filthy, ruined. I'll never be worthy of you again.

Forgive me.

Still panting harshly from pleasured exertion, Ichiou pulled slowly out of Kaname's moist heat, making sure the boy could feel every inch as it left him. He leaned back a little, admiring his handiwork. He had torn the pureblood when he'd claimed him – blood was still seeping sluggishly down the inside of Kaname's legs, mingling with the evidence of Ichiou's possession. It was an enticing picture, and for a moment Ichiou was transfixed, feeling faint traces of arousal start to wind their way through him once again… but he pushed aside such thoughts, reminding himself that there was a reason he'd gone to these lengths in the first place, and he couldn't afford to lose sight of the ultimate goal.

"Give me your blood, Kaname," Ichiou murmured, "Grant it to me officially, in front of the Council, and this never needs to happen again…"

"I will give you nothing!" Kaname hissed. Asato made a noise of disbelief. "Really?" A large hand slid down Kaname's side, cupping his buttocks before moving lower, trailing through the sticky, cooling mess of blood and fluids streaking Kaname's inner thighs. "Then I shall have to continue possessing you in other ways…"

Kaname fought down the waves of revulsion heaving up from his stomach, trying to make his voice as steady as possible.

"Do what you like with my body, Ichiou… but you will never taste my blood… my power."

The words had been chosen well, and Asato couldn't stop the seething rage tearing through his being. How dare this whelp deny him still? He would take the brat and use him until he could no longer walk for such insolence! It would have to wait though - the house would soon begin to stir, and in Kaname's current bloodied condition, Asato couldn't risk having him run into any of the staff. He grabbed a fistful of Kaname's hair, yanking his head back and taking great satisfaction in the barely concealed pain on the pureblood's face.

"You say that now, but your stubborn pride cannot last forever. You have years left under this roof, and I have only just begun to break you. Mark my words boy, you will yet beg for my bite."

Kaname remained silent after Ichiou let him go, but he couldn't deny that deep down, he feared the old vampire was right.

Soon after, Ichiou fixed his rumpled clothing and left abruptly, putting out the torches and leaving Kaname in near-complete darkness, released from the collar and the posts, but still naked and covered in filth. He could not find the strength to move yet, so he remained there, half-crouched, half-huddled on the floor. He ached in a myriad of places, but the worst was the unchecked agony radiating from his lower half, where Ichiou's hard, violent thrusts had torn through the last vestiges of his dignity. The chill seeping into the pureblood's bones from the bare flagstones was becoming more noticeable now – especially since he was drenched in both blood and sweat - and he shivered.

Without warning, icy, primal fear clutched at his stomach, sudden snatches of memory assaulting him. This would sometimes happen when he was tired or hurt and his resistance was low… flashbacks of the time his ancestral spirit was invoked and bound to this body. He tried shutting his eyes against the terrifying images, but of course, it made no difference. Splitting pain seared through his skull as the memories surged to the fore.

Alone in cold, silent darkness for what seemed eternities, until he was snatched out of the emptiness by blinding agony… so much red, raw hurt as the words of the invocation tore at him, rending his soul from the void and forcing it into the waiting vessel. Blood poured down upon him like rain, never enough to satiate his ancient hunger, but enough to tether him once more to this mortal plane as his summoner gazed at him with cruel, acquisitive eyes, one red as the blood which continued to flow, the other a vivid, haunting blue. Chains rattled, threatening to snap beneath his power, but the intangible bonds of the ritual forbade his escape, rendering him motionless and defenseless, predator made prey, forced to endure the piercing fangs and savage possession as his summoner sealed the pact, forever binding them in blood, master and slave... making sure that despite his ancient strength he would never be able to deliver a killing blow to the vile being with the mismatched eyes, no matter how much he may want to…

Lost in feverish visions, Kaname didn't notice the door swinging inwards on its well-oiled hinges.

A hand touched his shoulder, and the pureblood bit back a scream. His eyes snapped open, glowing blood red in the darkness, and he let out a sound somewhere between a hiss and a growl, fright and pain making him almost feral. The hand was snatched back immediately, but then its owner spoke in a gentle murmur.

"Shh… it's okay Kaname. It's me. I won't hurt you."

Takuma.