Author Notes: I gamble my life to end this... I only pray that it spares his.
-- Chapter Start --
In that split second, Aido moved. The noble's arms closed tightly around Zero's waist then he pivoted on his heel, swinging both of them around and trying to shield Zero with his own body. But the blast from Kaname hit them even as they turned sideways, knocking both vampires off their feet and sending them crashing into the wall behind them.
Zero hit the wall hard, his right shoulder and arm taking the brunt of the impact before he fell face down onto the carpet. Kaname's power had torn into his left side and it felt like it had left a gaping hole there. It hurt to even breathe.
Aido hadn't fared any better, the right side of his head and right shoulder were now screaming in agony where it had made contact with the wall, and his left arm felt like it was on fire where it had absorbed some of Kaname's fury. Head pounding, eyes watering, knees buckling, the young noble fell down onto his stomach beside Zero, moaning in pain.
Kaname's eyes registered the heart stopping sight of both Zero and Aido slamming into the wall, causing cracks to run across its smooth cream coloured surface as bits of plaster and paint rained down on them both. In an instant, the pureblood was kneeling in front of Zero, turning him over gently. Agony and guilt squeezed Kaname's heart like twin vices when he saw blood trickling out from the side of Zero's mouth, his face pale and lined in pain.
"Zero!" Kaname's voice was horrified, desperate. "Zero, answer me!" he half demanded, half pleaded, wanting to shake him but not daring to. Zero stirred and slowly forced his eyes open to see the pureblood's face white with terror. "Ka-Kaname… OK" Zero whispered weakly. He was lying again, he felt like he'd been hit by a truck and it wouldn't take much more for him to actually be sick – but fool that he was, he could never stand to see Kaname in pain, especially pain arising from his own actions. His eyes fluttered close again.
"Zero" groaned Kaname, his whole body shaking in anguish, his breath coming out in shuddering sobs. Zero's pulse was weak and the pureblood could feel the echo of pain in their shared bond. He bowed protectively over his injured lover. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!" Kaname repeated in an anguished whisper as he cradled Zero's body tenderly to his chest. Zero couldn't speak but he pressed closer to the comfort of that strong, warm chest, letting Kaname's dearly familiar scent surround him.
The pureblood turned his head to glance at Aido… how was he? Kaname pressed shaking fingers onto the pulse at the young noble's neck – he had absorbed some of the power and was injured too but not critically. His pulse was stronger than Zero's… he should be OK. Those same fingers slid lightly through the blond curls. "I'm sorry, Aido" Kaname whispered then he rose with Zero in his arms and strode into his bedroom. The pureblood deposited the silver haired vampire gently onto the bed before sitting down beside him. Guilt squeezed his heart again as Zero curled in on himself, trembling in agony.
Kaname's fingers ripped at the front opening of his bathrobe, pushing his long hair out of the way as he bent low over Zero, bracing his other hand on the pillows. "Quickly now, drink…" he urged, and Zero didn't hesitate as he nuzzled his face into that pale, temptingly familiar neck and bit down.
For a few minutes, poor Aido was forgotten. The blond noble was still lying sprawled next to the wall, his breathing coming out in painful gasps, his wide eyes fixed on the stretch of carpet in front of his nose. He could already feel his body starting to heal but it would take a while and it still hurt like hell to move. The rich, tantalising scent of Kaname's blood had filled the air again and he knew Zero was feeding from the pureblood. That knowledge made the young noble's eyes close in relief, thankful that Zero was getting all the help he needed and would likely be all right. For himself, Aido took comfort in that brief, soft touch of Kaname's fingers and that equally soft apology he heard a few moments earlier.
"Hanabusa? Kaname-sama? Hanabusa!" As if in a distance, Aido heard Kain's voice, sounding more frantic that he could have ever imagined as he knocked urgently on the door, but still not daring to open it.
No. Kaname and Zero must not be disturbed. Aido took a deep, painful breath, coughed a little, then dragged himself to the door. He took another deep breath before speaking. "I-I'm fine, Akatsuki. Everything's… fine. Really…" But his voice quivered and he grimaced. There was a puzzled silence on the other side of the door now and Aido could almost picture his cousin standing there with a perplexed look on his face. "Hanabusa? Are you sure you're OK? What was that blast I heard? I can smell Kaname-sama's blood too… what happened? Is Kiriyu all right?"
A faint smile touched Aido's pale lips. Kain actually cared enough to actually ask about Zero? That was good... yes... it was.
"We're fine, Akatsuki... just need a bit more time... before I can... come out" he managed, trying without much success to ignore his painfully throbbing head and arm. There was another silence – his cousin clearly hadn't believed the 'We're fine' part.
After a moment, Kain spoke again. "Hanabusa…" His voice sounded unsure, even a little unsteady. "I… I'll be in our room, OK? Waiting..." Then his footsteps disappeared down the corridor and Aido let himself slump painfully back onto the carpet, relieved that his cousin wasn't going to barge in and cause a scene. Not that he would. After all, this was solely and irrevocably the fault of Hanabusa Aido. No one else.
Outside in the corridor, Kain strode back to the room he shared with Aido. His eyes were stinging in an unfamiliar fashion, his hands were fisted tightly by his sides and his lips pressed into a thin line. He hated it. He hated each damn time his impulsive, hot headed young cousin got himself into trouble because it meant that he, Kain, would automatically be in trouble as well. But now, he found that he hated it even more that he wasn't taking part of the punishment, that he was for once, absolved of all blame.
Because it meant that he couldn't even be there for Aido.
I hope the little idiot finally learns his lesson, Kain thought furiously, resisting the urge to slam his room door to splinters and wishing he had a mile high pile of wood or something to burn right down to ashes.
- o -
In Kaname's large bedroom, the two vampires were lost in their own world. Kaname's eyes closed in pleasure as he felt Zero's familiar fangs sink into his neck and he placed his still trembling hand on Zero's injured side, using his power to numb the pain and hasten the healing. Zero's left arm reached up to curl around Kaname's neck, feeling the long, shaking fingers tangle in his own hair, supporting his head as the pureblood murmured loving but broken words of apology in his ear.
After a minute or two, Zero stopped, gently licking the wounds closed. Kaname not utterly furious like he was a few minutes ago was a most welcome change but Zero couldn't stomach his broken apologies anymore. The genuine remorse flooding their bond was more than enough to convey the pureblood's regret to him. "Kaname... don't - don't say anything" Zero finally said. He lay there quietly for a few more minutes, feeling Kaname's powerful blood rushing through his battered and sore body, healing and strengthening. Kaname fell silent then but his fingers continued to smooth the silvery hair as he dropped soft kisses onto Zero's face.
Finally, Zero stirred. "Thank you" he whispered with his eyes still closed, and the knife in Kaname's heart only twisted deeper. "You're thanking me, Zero?" he whispered shakily. "For what? For almost killing you?" He shuddered deeply at how close that particular nightmare had almost turned to reality, and Zero's eyes blinked open as his hand moved to cup Kaname's cheek, feeling the shudders wracking his body. The pureblood turned into Zero's hand, kissing his palm softly. "You didn't mean to hurt me, Kaname, its OK" Zero reassured. He was feeling better now that his body was starting to heal.
Kaname shuddered again. "But I did" he choked out. "I tried to pull it back but - " he broke off again, tears burning in his eyes. Zero's other hand cupped his face as well, forcing Kaname to look at him. "And Aido saved me" he said quietly. Kaname blinked as if he'd forgotten about the noble, then he looked away. Zero's hands forced his head back again. "Yes, he did. Kaname, I was wrong to bring up our first time in the warehouse, you know I wanted it, and I know you were hurting then but Kaname –" he shook his head again as the pureblood tried to speak. "Listen to me, Kaname! Aido couldn't help it, he tried, we both tried so hard. He's sorry, and I'm so sorry too, for everything we'd done. But even before you came back, even before that night happened, we both resolved to stop it. We wanted to stop it, Kaname. Because of you."
Kaname swallowed, lost in the compelling honesty in the silvery eyes looking up at him and in the raw earnest tone of Zero's voice. "Really?" he asked, uncertainty colouring his voice. Zero swallowed as well, then nodded. "Because of you, Kaname. Because we both love you. More than we love anyone else. Ever."
Kaname's eyes closed briefly as he breathed a prayer. Then they opened, a disbelieving look in the dark depths. "Zero? You love me?" he asked softly.
Oh… crap. Tonight sure was a night for speaking without thinking. Zero realised belatedly that he had just handed the remaining dregs of his pride over to Kaname. But what else could he do? "Yes, Kaname, I – I love you. And Aido loves you too – "
Kaname shook his head, waving a distracted hand as if to say that second part was not important at all. "Zero, you love me?" he asked again, a wondering smile hovering on his lips now.
Despite still feeling like crap, Zero felt like blushing and grinning at the same time. "Yes, you big dope – " he started, breaking off as Kaname bent down and kissed him soundly. When they parted for air, Zero traced his lover's gently smiling lips with a finger, lost in the tender dark eyes looking down at him. Perhaps it wasn't so very bad to let Kaname know how he felt, even if the pureblood didn't feel quite the same way about him...
"And I love you, Zero" Kaname finally confessed a secret he had been carrying inside his heart for so many months – how he actually felt about his stubborn, angry, caring lover. Hot tears pricked at Zero's eyes at the unexpected admission that he hadn't even allowed himself to hope for all this time. "Kaname…" he breathed softly.
The second kiss lasted longer and was infinitely sweeter as well. Eventually, they parted. Kaname's smile now was radiant and seductive, and Zero's breath caught despite himself. But there was still something left to resolve. Slowly, Zero rose up onto one elbow, wincing a little. "Kaname, wait – Aido..."
The smile disappeared and Zero watched apprehensively as Kaname sat up, then gently pulled him upright. "I'm OK" Zero reassured him – his left side was still feeling raw and it still hurt to breathe but Aido was more important. "Kaname..."
The pureblood sighed. "It's all right, Zero" he answered as he stood up and Zero fell silent. But guilt washed over him again, and Kaname too, when they walked out of the bedroom. Aido was sitting up and leaning against the cracked wall with his blond head bowed. He appeared lost in his thoughts but looked up when he heard their almost silent footsteps, tears still glistening on his eyelashes and trailing down his softly flushed cheeks.
Aido wanted to ask if Zero was all right but he didn't dare speak. And in any case, the silver haired vampire was standing and walking on his own so of course he was all right. Yes, Kaname's blood had helped immensely. Aido was fiercely glad that Zero was fine, and that the pureblood hadn't punished him for his part in all this mess. Aido loved both of them and he wanted Zero to be with Kaname now. He'd always wanted that… well, not always, but after he got himself bonded to Zero and started to understand him a little. Truthfully, he felt that this was the only right outcome for all of them.
"Aido" Kaname stopped in front of the noble. "Stand up, please"
The noble obeyed and stood up slowly and somewhat unsteadily, one hand braced against the ruined wall, his head still down. He was also feeling a little better as his body continued to heal itself but his left arm and head still throbbed fiercely. "Look at me, Aido" murmured the pureblood, and the blond complied. The angry aura had disappeared and Kaname didn't look angry anymore. Aido's throat swelled with emotion. Was that… actually remorse… and understanding… he could see in those dark eyes looking down at him? That realisation released his voice. "Kaname-sama!" he burst out. "Please! I never meant – I'm so sorry - "
Kaname shook his head and Aido fell silent immediately. "No, Aido. I'm the one who's sorry. I acted rashly. Without thinking. If –" the dark eyes flicked to Zero then back again to the noble. "If Zero hadn't done that foolish thing, I would have seriously hurt you, Aido. Perhaps even killed you. You... one of the most loyal friends I have" Kaname couldn't quite stop the quiver in his voice at how close he'd come to destroying this young noble. He wouldn't even be blamed for it, and it was unheard of to show such weakness in front of, or even apologise to one of his subordinates but Aido was more than just that. He realised that now, and he owed this knowledge to Zero.
The lump in Aido's throat swelled unbearably as tears of sheer relief spurted from his eyes at Kaname's apology. Not relief over the undeniable fact that his life would be spared now but at the fact that Kaname still considered him a friend, and a loyal one at that. "Ka - Kaname-sa - sama" he sobbed. With a resigned and wry look at Zero beside him who was looking suspiciously teary eyed as well, Kaname shrugged and pulled the sobbing noble into a loose one armed hug. He would have much preferred to embrace Zero, of course, but considering the circumstances…
Never in a hundred years could Kaname have even thought of comforting Aido like this especially after what he'd confessed, but he'd almost lost Zero, and he'd almost destroyed his friend as well. They were both so very dear and loyal to him. Kaname himself was blood bonded - he knew first hand how impossible it was to fight the insane, compelling draw of such a bond. Look at him and Zero - they had started out as fierce enemies, standing firmly on completely opposite sides, and still ended up as lovers. In comparison, what Zero and Aido had was only dislike. And even so, they had decided that he was far more important to them than their own bond was. Dear God… Kaname repressed a shiver. He had come so close to losing both of them - did he even deserve their loyalty anymore?
Aido clung onto the front of Kaname's bathrobe, weeping his heart out for the fourth time since the bond had occurred. It was more than just relief this time, it was also the realisation that as much as he respected, loved and admired Kaname, he knew he would be satisfied just being one of his trusted friends and subordinates. And he would do anything now to ensure Kaname's happiness and Zero's too.
Someone stepped up behind Aido and a warm hand squeezed his left shoulder reassuringly. Aido knew who it belonged to – he was now sandwiched between the two men he'd come to treasure most in his life, perhaps even more than Kain, and he wished this moment would never end.
It seemed to take ages but eventually, Aido stopped crying and was mortified to find that he'd actually been clinging onto Kaname with a total lack of dignity all this while. "Oh! Oh, I – I'm sorry, Kaname-sama! Crap! Uh, excuse me, uhm, I mean your bathrobe's all wet now…" he mumbled, patting the damp terrycloth material in front of him somewhat absently with his uninjured hand. God, Kaname smelled so good up close…
But Kaname wasn't looking at him. The pureblood was exchanging looks with Zero over the top of Aido's head and he finally nodded at the intense but unspoken plea in the silvery eyes. Kaname sighed and turned back to the young noble. "You're still hurt, Aido" he said. Immediately, the young noble shook his head. "No. No, Kaname-sama, I'm fine"
Kaname smiled a little. "It's OK… this time" Aido blinked up at him in surprise, not understanding. Still standing behind Aido, Zero stretched out his right arm, bringing his inner wrist up to the level of Aido's chin. "My blood will help, Hanabusa" he said quietly.
Aido blinked again, then blushed furiously as he shook his head. Surely not in front of Kaname-sama...?! "No! No, I'm fine. Really" he protested. Kaname shook his head at that, then turned to walk back to his bedroom. "I need a few minutes to change out of this" he threw casually over his shoulder.
Aido's stunned gaze followed him then swung back to Zero who nodded at him. "Go ahead" he urged as his left hand squeezed Aido's shoulder reassuringly. Relief flooded the blue eyes then Aido's hands came up, holding Zero's arm carefully as he bit down and took what he desperately needed. Withstanding pain wasn't one of his strong points, after all… Aido could feel his body's healing rate speeding up with the help of Zero's blood. And even though he wanted the pain to go away as soon as possible, Aido forced himself to drink slowly, knowing that this was the last time he could ever take from Zero. Closing his eyes, he savoured each delicious, warm mouthful, tasting the unmistakable and intoxicating power of Kaname's blood mixed with Zero's, imprinting it in his mind and senses.
Zero's breath escaped his lips in a soft sigh. His hand was still on Aido's shoulder and he had to resist the strong urge to pull the blond closer to him. Bending his head slightly, he breathed in the soft, familiar scent of shampoo from Aido's blond curls. The draw of their bond was still strong and Zero could feel the soft echo of bittersweet pain coming from Aido. It echoed in his heart too, but considering what had happened earlier, well… it couldn't have ended any better, could it?
Zero's thoughts broke off as Aido slid his fangs free and licked the wounds on his wrist closed. Then the young noble turned around to face him, his blue eyes wide and serious. Again, Zero had to resist the urge to hug this impulsive but lovable and loyal noble and he forced himself to smile instead. "You saved my life earlier, Hanabusa. Thank you"
Aido frowned fiercely at that. "You shouldn't thank me, Zero - you tried to save mine" he muttered. "Kaname's right. That was a stupid thing to do!" He glared at Zero, suddenly furious at him even though what he actually wanted to do was to hug him… hug him tightly and never let go. "What if I hadn't moved then? You could have been killed, Zero! And for nothing!"
Zero bristled immediately at that scolding tone. "That wasn't nothing! And you're one to talk, Hanabusa" he scoffed, folding his arms across his chest. "That stunt you pulled was equally stupid, shielding me with your own body!"
Aido refused to back down. "It was not stupid!"
Zero snorted. "Yes, it was!"
"No, it wasn't, damnit! Kaname meant that for me, Zero, not you! He would never hurt you!"
Zero's breath caught, shaken again by the sheer conviction in the noble's raised voice. Perhaps Aido had accepted his fate at that moment but Zero hadn't. He opened his mouth to retaliate but didn't know what to say because his heart was breaking again inside him. He was torn between them now - how could he care so much for two people like this? Aido couldn't speak anymore either as they just stared at each other, hearing the other's ragged breathing and taking in the mix of emotions in each other's eyes.
They both wanted to say the things they dare not.
They both longed to do the things they could not.
Aido finally uttered a very small sob and the next moment, he and Zero were tightly wrapped up in each other's arms again, trembling at how close they'd come to losing everything. Neither of them heard nor saw Kaname as he paused in the doorway of his bedroom, his eyes widening at the sight in front of him. He watched them soberly for a long moment before stepping back into his bedroom, and out of sight.
When the two vampires finally parted, Zero wiped his eyes on his sleeve then sighed. "We are both very lucky, Hanabusa" he said seriously and Aido nodded fervently as he wiped his eyes as well. There was a moment of silence but it was not uncomfortable, then Zero asked. "You feeling better now?"
Aido nodded again but didn't say anything. In that short silence, Kaname appeared, dressed in a clean shirt and trousers. "Go clean up, Aido" he advised kindly, one hand on the blond's shoulder to propel him towards his bedroom. Aido complied immediately but Kaname was no longer looking at him. His whole attention was focused on Zero.
When Aido came out a few minutes later, feeling more composed, he wasn't entirely surprised to find Kaname and Zero locked in a tight embrace, kissing passionately. He forced his eyes away as he went to retrieve the heavy library book that had fallen to the carpet. After a moment, Kaname broke the kiss, nodding his head at the quietly waiting noble and smiling a little at the sudden flush on Zero's face.
Aido hesitated, then held out the book with both hands, open at the page he had bookmarked earlier. Reluctantly, Kaname released Zero and accepted the book. He read the section then looked up with a faint smile on his face. "Yes, Aido, it can be done" he told the noble quietly. But a moment later, his eyes slid back to Zero's silver ones. "Tomorrow night" the pureblood added distractedly. The blond noble quickly took the hint, bowed then left quietly, not looking at Zero this time.
Both book and Aido forgotten, Kaname reached for Zero's hand, linking their fingers together before bringing up his hand to kiss it. "So… how are you feeling now?" he asked softly. Zero smiled, knowing what was coming. "A little better" he answered. His side still ached but he could ignore that.
"Just a little?" A devilish eyebrow arched. "I'll have to correct that" Kaname murmured and Zero's body tingled with awareness and desire as he let the pureblood pull him back into the bedroom.
- o -
Their love making this time was tender, sweet and passionate. Kaname looked deep into Zero's eyes as his long, skilled fingers prepped him with slow, loving care, lowering his head now and then to exchange soft, lingering kisses. Everything they did was precious now, every caress carried more meaning than before. Zero was utterly lost – the emotional events of the past hour had lowered his defenses considerably and he reached ecstasy even before Kaname could claim him.
And when the pureblood finally took him, it was with the same slow, gentle care, in case Zero hadn't fully healed. Kaname held back even when Zero pleaded for him to go faster and deeper, taking delight in drawing out each exquisite and sensual sensation for both of them as he pulled back teasingly out of Zero, then smoothly drove in again, striking that special, sensitive place inside him each time, driving the silver haired vampire half out of his mind. Zero's back arched as he groaned in frustration on the sheets - even kissing and nibbling at Kaname's neck failed to shatter the pureblood's control for once, and he stuck to that steady, maddeningly slow pace.
It was only after Zero had finally pulled Kaname down and bitten him hard on his neck in sweet retaliation that the pureblood's control cracked and his movements finally increased in both speed and force. Zero's hands gripped Kaname's perspiration slicked shoulders tightly as he clung on, his hips thrusting up hard against Kaname, breathless moans escaping his lips as both pleasure and tension flooded his body in equal, almost unbearable amounts. "Kaname… please…" he pleaded breathlessly, his fingers roaming over Kaname's heaving chest before clenching hard on his shoulders as Kaname surged into him even deeper and more urgently than before.
The pureblood's gaze was hot, fierce but tender as he looked down at his lover, registering each sign of pleasure on Zero's face, loving how his toned body quivered and arched under him, exulting in the silent promise residing in the brilliant and loving silver gaze.
It had always been beautiful… but now, it was earth shattering… unbearable… Zero was helpless against the irresistible lure of Kaname's voice ceaselessly chanting his name in time to the urgent and deep thrusts of his hips. Both combined in a magical spell to tip Zero right over the edge into blissful release once more. For one exquisite tense moment that seemed to last forever, his entire body snapped rigid... then ecstacy ripped through his body, sending wave after wave of pleasure pounding through his senses as he convulsed in Kaname's arms. Gasping for breath, Zero arched his hips hard against the pureblood's as he cried out again and again, wanting to take in all of Kaname, wanting him to be just as lost as he was.
Zero's intense release and the feel of his hot, tight body wrung a deep shudder from Kaname. He thrust again and again into Zero, aching to take him deeper and deeper. Kaname cried out as well as he finally exploded deep inside Zero, offering full and total surrender to the one person he loved. Shivering helplessly, the pureblood collapsed onto his lover, humbled beyond words as Zero's arms and legs closed around him tightly, never letting go.
-- Chapter End --
