A/N: My updates are getting longer and longer. ಥ_ಥ Procrastination and university work are not helping my situation in the slightest bit! Anyways, this chapter took me forever to write. Hopefully enough, you will enjoy reading it. *crosses fingers* Also, a big thanks to Zerovk for helping me out with this chapter! (╥_╥)

Warnings: Unbeta-ed, some fluff, some angsty, the usual drill

Chapter 13: Pushing The Limits

(Rido)

A long silence ensued within the walls of the chamber after the abrupt departure of his brother. No words were spoken. After all, how could they be? He was still in shock, a senseless feeling that rendered him speechless and immobile.

Everything Haruka said... he meant every word, didn't he? It should not have come off as a blow. He was more than aware of the hostile feelings his brother held for him, he knew, and yet, having them expressed into words; into expressions that his mind could not forget, managed to strike a deep chord within him.

Respect, love, and concern – Haruka didn't bear any of those feelings for him. He had known this, for a long time, but he had pretended that deep inside, his brother cared for him; loved him. So, to have that hatred thrown right in his face, without a care in the world, was nothing more than pure torture.

He no longer had a reason to pretend that everything was alright. He no longer could make himself believe that he would be able to patch things between him and his brother in the distant future.

His ray of hope was shattered to pieces – and worst of all, he could do nothing about it.

He truly had failed. As a brother. As a husband.

He was utterly hopeless, wasn't he?

The urge to weep was strong, and Rido had to close his eyes to fight the pain welling up inside of him. How was he going to come back from all of this? He had lost the battle to win Zero's heart and ironically, he had also lost his brother in the process – all in absolute vain.

He had sacrificed everything for was a person who would never love him. Despite his relentless efforts. Despite his undying love for him.

Because Zero had never belonged to him in the first place. He was owned by an individual that had no idea about the pureblood's feelings for him.

Fate was sarcastically ironic, wasn't it?

If he had not known Kaname personally, he would have considered the pureblood the mastermind of his demise. And trust him, Kaname would not have left the mansion unscathed, or even in one piece.

If only it were someone else, the anguish would have been more bearable.

Why did it have to be Kaname of all people...? How could Zero even fall for someone who he did not even know him on a personal level?

Nothing made sense anymore, and even if it did, Rido made no action to acknowledge the information his mind presented to him. He was done with everything. If there was more he did not know about (or should have somehow noticed), he would not be able to handle it – especially not this time around.

"Are you okay, Rido?"

Almost immediately, the ache in his heart lessened to the call of his name; and he was brought back from his thoughts, to a gentle touch on his cheek and a soft, concerned voice against his lips.

"Talk to me, please."

No.

He pushed the pureblood away, his mismatched orbs defiant as they regarded the perplexed expression of his spouse.

For once in his life, he did not seem to care.

Zero stared at him silently; dejectedly, his lavender eyes begging for an explanation, but to his misfortune, his inquiry was only met with an impassive gaze. Heaving a deep sigh, the pureblood reluctantly lowered his eyes down to the floor, clenching his hands into fists.

And once again, Rido did not seem to give a damn. What was wrong with him? It felt like a switch had turned off in him.

He raked his brain to find words compelling enough to break the quietness; to actually apologize to Zero for his misdeeds. However, the only utterance he could mutter was something that was not ideal in the slightest – but at the same time, troubled him greatly.

"Why did you do it?"

His tone barely concealed the anger, and Zero regarded him cautiously, his face expressing the absolute confusion (and to some degree, indignation) the pureblood felt for him.

"Did what exactly?"

He growled, his eyes narrowing down on the pureblood; his lips curling to reveal his fangs. All in all, he did not look pleasant. Was he being played the fool?

"You slapped him. You raised your hand against my brother. Why? Do you think I am weak? Do you think I cannot handle my own matters, Zero?"

Silence fell over the room, and as the words slowly sank in, Zero simply looked at him, surprise and anguish blatantly expressed in his eyes. The pureblood pursed his lips into a thin line, but then spoke again, his frame shaking – from anger or shock, Rido did not know.

"No, Rido. I do not think you are weak. You are far from weak. You can handle your own matters. We both know that perfectly." A resigned sigh left the man's mouth, a delicate frown gracing his features, "But the way Haruka talked to you... The things he said about you... Did you expect me just to stand there and do nothing about it? What kind of person do you think I am?"

For the barest of a moment, Rido was taken aback. However, as the time ticked on, his expression of surprise changed into a wary one, and he averted his eyes from the pair of genuine amethyst orbs, his lips curling down into a scowl. He wanted to believe those words, hell he knew he did, but his heart refused to agree with them. The truth, unfortunately enough, was never that simple.

Whatever Zero said, every word escaping past his lips, was extremely hard to believe. He had been kept in the dark all of these years. Did Zero not trust him at all? He had thought that he would have been strong enough to face Zero after last night, but by the looks of it, that was certainly not the case.

Looking at the pureblood, feeling his presence; his heat, and knowing that his spouse held feelings for Kaname angered him greatly.

Almost to the point of losing his mind.

Zero may not have wanted to cause harm to him; to hurt him further, but that's what he managed to do – all this time.

Why was he always on the receiving end?

His gaze hardened almost immediately, his features tight with aggravation, "And why will that be hard for you, Zero? When did you start caring for me?"

He was being harsh, he knew, to the person he loved wholly with his heart, but things were far too gone to be fixed. He was not sure if he wanted them to be fixed, especially now that he was aware of the pureblood's feelings for Kaname.

Was there even hope for them? For their marriage?

"I have always...cared for you."

The words, accompanied by the feeling of sorrow, rendered Rido speechless, and with a sigh, he closed his eyes, struggling to keep his inner turmoil in check. What was he suppose to say to that? The fact, that perhaps he was taking out his anger on Zero for his own failure, crossed his mind, and to some extent, he did agree to it.

However, he did not like being kept in the dark. He abhorred secrets. He wanted Zero to be open to him as he was open to the pureblood. He deserved that much, didn't he?

He compressed his lips tightly, balling his hands into fists.

Moreover, what Zero did to Haruka was uncalled for. Whatever leftover relationship he had with Haruka, he had no desire to ruin it further – despite everything Haruka said against him. He did not want to lose anyone else for his foolishness, ever again.

Oh? Wouldn't you have done the same thing if someone else insulted Zero in front of you? Would you have told Zero that the person you loved was his very own cousin? Huh, Rido? From when did you become such a saint?

He stopped short in his thoughts, his eyes widening forlornly.

Slapping was nothing; he would have murdered the person for talking to his spouse in a downright manner like this – even if the individual concerned was his brother. And if he had developed feelings for someone that was dear to his spouse, he would have taken the secret to his grave because it would have devasted Zero to no end.

He was not thinking straight, certainly not from Zero's perspective. Everything he assumed, thought and felt was based on his presumptions.

There was no Zero.

And maybe, his realization of that fact came too late.

A sharp intake of breath caught his attention, and Rido found himself looking into remorseful, tearful eyes. He felt his chest ache in a different way than before.

"I always seem to upset you, Rido. No matter what I do to make things right. I am sorry. For always hurting you." The pureblood inhaled deeply, burying his face in his hands; tremors raking his body, "But one thing, Rido, that I will never let you doubt me on, is that my undeniable care and respect for you. I will not allow you to call these feelings fake. " The last phrase was choked back, as Zero tried his best to speak, to keep his voice from trembling, but he saw through all of it.

Rido knew he managed to hurt the pureblood in the worst way possible – again. It was painful to see the pureblood in this state, believe him, but he had come this far. He could not go back. He needed to know where he stood in Zero's life.

He wanted Zero to be honest with him for once in his life.

"Will you never be able to love me, Zero?"

Amethyst orbs widened, lips parted into a small gasp, and the pureblood stared at him, speechless, tears staining the pale cheeks almost selfishly.

At that moment, he realized that no one was more beautiful than his pureblood. Absolutely no one. Why can you not be mine?

Further silence settled between them, and Rido suppressed the urge to laugh, sob, or maybe do both. What was he expecting? How could he even think of Zero abandoning his love for Kaname? Especially when he could not stop loving Zero?

What a selfish, despicable loser, he was. Jesus Christ.

"I ... will try." The words were barely audible, but he heard them loud and clear. He raised his head up, and his bewildered gaze met with honest, amethyst orbs; his breath hitching in his throat,"But, do not expect too much from me, please. I don't want you to be disappointed in me any further, Rido. I am not sure if I will be able to handle it."

He listened with a swelling heart, gazing into the pureblood's face with shining eyes, not interrupting or questioning him, but hopelessly, believing in the words presented to him.

Because it seemed like that Zero was finally being genuine with him.

More tears filled in the eyes he adored, and after a small pause, Zero spoke again, his voice choked with emotion, "Because I never want to lose you."

That was the last straw for him.

In a matter of seconds, he held the frail pureblood into his arms, and buried his face into the mop of silver hair, taking a long breath of everything that was Zero. His anger, his fear, his anguish were all washed away when his beloved broke into bitter sobs, clenching the back of his shirt – as if his life depended on it.

...And maybe, it did. Perhaps, he was the anchor that was keeping Zero afloat; from drowning into the pit of the abyss that followed every pureblood.

Maybe, the reason he was angered with Zero was not due to the pureblood smacking his brother, but because he was actually jealous of Kaname.

What a fucking mess.

Rido clenched his teeth, burying his face deeper into the silver strands, squeezing his eyes close. Everything was clear to him now. Zero did not want to lose him. Not Kaname, but him. His years of constant persuasion did not go to waste. He was finally reaping the fruits of his labor, and he was this close losing everything that mattered to him.

If he had messed up, he would have never been able to forgive himself for his foolishness.

A resigned sigh escaped his lips.

He came here to apologize to Zero, to make things right with him, but he managed to do did the exact opposite.

But, for a reason known to him only, Rido did not feel remorse for his tantrum. Because things were out in the open, he was aware of his place in Zero's heart.

The same place that Zero refused to admit that he had given to him.

He surely was not the person Zero had given his heart too in the beginning, but he was the man that stayed with Zero through his happiness and sadness; through every obstacle that they had to overcome.

He was the person that had saved Zero, and that feeling of realization, albeit too late, of his importance to the pureblood brought a refreshing solace to his entire being.

Jesus Christ, he had almost lost Zero, didn't he?

His arms grew tighter around his spouse, and Rido hauled his distressed pureblood closer to him, covering the side of his face with apologetic, butterfly kisses.

He needed to pride himself more on having Zero. What was done was done. Haruka's words had hurt him deeper than he had let on and had brought his despicable face to the surface, but thankfully enough, he was himself again. He would not allow his brother, or anyone else for that matter, come between him and Zero again.

He would fight. For Zero. For himself.

"I should be the one apologizing, Zero." Rido murmured, his own eyes wet with upcoming tears, and gently caressed the pureblood's cheek, wiping the trail of tears with his fingertips, "What I did to you was unforgivable. No words will make my wrongdoing wash away, but I do hope, that one day, you will forgive me for my mistakes, Zero."

"Rido–"

"Shh, my love. Let me finish."

The man shot him a hesitant nod, eyes still glazed with moisture, and Rido continued, mismatched orbs solemn, "What you did to Haruka was understandable. I would have done the same." He sighed deeply, gazing down at Zero tenderly, "But I do not want you to associate with Haruka any further. I will handle him myself. He is unstable. And I do not think that sleeping with him will make his situation better, Zero."

For a long moment, Zero eyed him, but then with a sigh, the pureblood rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands; making no reply. However, Rido did not let the lack of answer disappoint him. He persisted, wanting the point to cross the pureblood's head loud and clear.

"I am not forbidding you in sleeping around, Zero. After all, this was our agreement. But, I do not want you to sleep with Haruka. It's not good for him. Nor for you."

"You don't understand–"

"Do you want Kaname to hate you further?"

His words made the pureblood tense up, looking him with bewilderment. On the other hand, he compressed his lips bitterly, trying to cope with his bitter, bitter disappointment.

Of course, his name would make Zero shut up.

Don't be jealous, Rido. You are better than this.

"What does Kaname have to do with this?" Irritation crossed the pureblood's face, and Zero narrowed his eyes at him, demanding an answer; his moment of vulnerability vanishing into thin air.

Shit. Rido frowned to himself. Once again, he said more than he was planning to. What was he supposed to reply? He didn't want Zero to know that he was aware of his feelings for Kaname. Not yet, at least. Time was not right for this piece of information to be revealed, but he knew that this was not it.

He was actually afraid of hearing it from Zero's mouth, especially now that the pureblood was awake and aware.

What a coward, his ancestors were most likely rolling in their graves for having a descendant like him. He sighed deeply, his brows furrowed in defeat.

"Nothing. I don't want anyone else to get hurt from this anymore. Don't do this for Haruka, or Kaname, but Zero will you do it for me? Will you stop sleeping with Haruka because I do not want you to?"

No immediate answer. Seconds advanced to minutes, and he was quickly giving up on receiving an answer, already feeling dejected; but Zero spoke, surprising him yet again,

"Of course, Rido. If you do not like it, I shall stop sleeping with Haruka."

"Honestly?" He was double-checking. His ears had the tendency to play tricks on him, after all.

Zero quirked an eyebrow, but nonetheless, nodded his head, his lips twisting into a wry smile, "Yes, honestly."

He felt elated, ridiculously enough. Zero was complying with his selfish demands because he was not fond of it? This was something new, but at the same time, well appreciated.

Fuck, was he already dead?

Rido pressed his forehead against the pureblood, and with a loving smile, he said softly, "I love you. And only you. My selfish demands lack boundaries, and yet, you fulfill them to your best abilities. I don't deserve you, but my wretched heart cannot seem to stop loving you." He brought his fingers to his beloved's cheek, caressing his soft skin fondly, "I came here to apologize, and yet, I managed to push you away further, Zero. This is far too late, but Zero, I am truly sorry for everything."

The pureblood averted his eyes from his profound gaze, but even then, a slender hand was placed over his one, squeezing in reassurance; letting him silently know that his apology was accepted.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips. Zero was too kind to him, sometimes. It was not a good idea to spoil him that much, especially after everything he had put the pureblood through. But at the same time, he was glad for another chance – to fix things that he thought were unfixable.

"Will you start a new life with me? Somewhere far away from here? Somewhere where we will be only Rido and Zero?"

He was being utterly selfish (once again), he knew that well, but this was only the possibility that would make Zero somehow develop feelings for him. Because Kaname would not be there. There would be no contact with the outer world. If Kaname was taken out of the situation, wouldn't his chances with the pureblood increase drastically?

He was ready to forsake his throne – if that meant that Zero looked him with the eyes that he looked at his cousin with.

The pureblood pursed his lips, his amethysts orbs narrowing slightly, but instead of feeling dejected, Rido had the audacity to chuckle at the situation.

Impossibilities were all around him, but he was not feeling afraid anymore. Where did he get this sudden surge of courage? The answer to that was a secret. But all he knew was that he wanted to keep Zero to himself; he did not desire to give Zero away to Kaname.

His selfishness knew no bounds, and one day, it would come to bite on his ass. But at this moment, he did not give a damn about the consequences.

All he wanted was Zero Hio – and he wanted the pureblood all to himself.

With his mind decided, his heart racing, Rido scooped in for a kiss before a protest left the pureblood's lips, and with dreadfully hopeful eyes, he asked; a question that he had been dying to inquire since the day he had married the love of his life – a proposal that would make it impossible for them to part from one another.

"Will you carry my child, Zero?"

There was no other option. He needed this to be done for Zero to realize what he truly felt for him.

(Third Person)

"I will be back in three weeks," Rido stated, scratching the back of his head sheepishly, while with his other hand, he was holding a black suitcase, packed with necessities for his business trip. He seemed calm and free of anticipation on the surface, but on the inside, he was anxious, jittery, and unsettled.

Additionally, looking straight into the eyes of his spouse was not helping him by any means.

He had been avoiding Zero for the past week, afraid of knowing the answer to his question. It was hard, yes, but he was too much of a coward to see the last ray of hope he had for their marriage shattering to pieces.

He needed more time to mentally prepare himself – and he hoped, that with this time, Zero would consider every possibility before giving him an answer.

"I will wait for your return, Rido." Zero shot the pureblood a quick smile, fiddling the hem of his shirt nervously. It was rather obvious that his husband was trying his best to stay clear of him. If the situation were different, it would have grated his nerves. However, this time, instead of feeling irritated, he actually felt incredibly grateful. Because he was not sure if he would be able to comply with his wishes. It was too outrageous – too demanding.

Why should he bring a child to this accursed world when there was no love involved between the two parents – at least, from his part?

"Think about it, okay?" A warm hand was placed against his cheek, bringing his lost attention to the owner, and with surprised eyes, Zero stared at the pureblood, his heart beating faster when the love expressed in those mismatched orbs unconsciously brought a warmth to his heart that was only reserved to Kaname.

What the heck?

Zero devoured his bewilderment in silence, compressing his lips together in frustration.

Was he betraying his beloved for feeling this way? Why was he feeling like this for Rido in the first place?

"Alright, Zero?" Rido repeated himself; his tone resolute, but at the same time, calm and soothing. He would not let Zero evade this situation. He needed an answer – and he wanted it as soon as he got back.

Whatever the decision might be, he would take it like a man. However, he needed Zero to consider this seriously – their relationship earnestly.

Only then, Rido would be satisfied. Because only then, he would know that he did not go down without a fight.

"Mhm." Zero nodded his head and averted his eyes to the side, feeling the warmth in his chest spreading to his face. It was clear by what Rido was asking, and for a first time in a long time, he felt rather embarrassed. For the entire week, he made himself to not ponder over what Rido had abruptly asked from him. Although, to see the pureblood so insistent; so hopeful, made him want to consider it, even for a moment.

Because Rido deserved that much from him.

Lately, he was giving in to the pureblood too easily, he knew that, but something was changing within him. Unfortunately enough, he was not too fond of the change one bit. He needed to be himself again. These past few weeks had rendered him vulnerable; weak. He could lose Kaname again if he was not back in the game.

And that was the last thing he desired.

Rido chuckled softly, a melodious sound that increased the marathon of his heart, and without warning, Zero was engulfed in a tight embrace, his face attacked with quick; loving kisses, "Don't miss me too much, my adorable wife. Because without a doubt, I will do all the missing for the both of us."

"Idiot," Zero grumbled under his breath, bumping his forehead with his husband's playfully; a bemused grin of his own gracing his features, "Let's see about that."

The response made the pureblood's eyes widen, and Rido flushed slightly despite his will, his lips curling into a silly smile. He must be dead. There was no way Zero was telling him all of this consciously. There was no chance in hell that Zero was actually considering having a child with him.

Jesus Christ, if this was a dream, then he never wanted to wake up.

"Master Rido, we are getting late." The driver, Mr. Tanaka, interrupted the mesmerizing moment between the couple, feeling guilty for being the reason for the disruption of their farewell. But if they were late to the airport, Rido-sama would lose his flight, and the consequences with the Vampire Council would be dire. He did not want his master to feel more pressured than he already was – even if it meant being punished for his rude interference.

Rido gave the driver a grateful nod, "Thank you, Mr. Tanaka. I will be right there in a moment." The man gave him a deep bow, before seating himself in the driver's seat, and the pureblood strayed his attention to his beloved, shooting him an apologetic smile, "I guess I will have to take my leave now."

"You do, indeed."

Although instead of moving, Rido stood still, his gaze never leaving the pureblood, and Zero, smiling to himself, made no action to remind his husband of his overdue departure. He didn't want this moment to end. It felt like if it did, he was never going to experience a time like this with Rido again.

He immediately squashed down the foreboding notion. The time was not right to think negatively, Zero silently reprimanded himself.

Delicately, a comfortable silence had settled between them, and the two purebloods continued to stare at one another, seemingly not willing to let each other go. But as the time went on, so did Mr. Tanaka's patience – and once again, he reminded his master to get in the car with a loud honk of his car.

Rido burst into a series of chuckles, grabbing his abandoned suitcase from the ground (he had dropped it when his urge to embrace Zero had overtaken him), "Alright Zero, I am leaving now."

"Hurry up. You don't want to make Mr. Tanaka furious now, do you?"

"Of course not." The brunette grinned deviously, pecked the pureblood's cheek, and turned around on his heels to finally leave; but once again, he stopped in his tracks, cocking his head to the side.

"Hey, Zero?"

Zero regarded him with an arched eyebrow, smiling broadly despite himself, "What is it?"

And then, Rido, with a gorgeous smile and affectionate eyes, said something that made his mind reel with emotions and his face flame with embarrassment, before the pureblood finally drove off into the fair distance.

"I want them to be twins."

Groaning softly, Zero shook his head, entering the mansion again. His husband knew how to get under his skin – almost in a good way though.

But, to him, that was what made Rido endearing.

A sigh escaped his lips, and his gaze aimlessly wandered around the hall, looking for something to settle their attention upon. It felt empty. He felt empty. Why was it quiet all of a sudden? Did Rido's absence always make him this lonely? Or was it something else this time? He did not want to be alone. He did not want this silence. He wanted something...but what was it?

"Will you carry my child, Zero?"

The phrase, the words, his expression when he said it, all flashed across his mind, and a startled gasp escaped his lips, his eyes widening to the max.

Did he actually desire that...?

But before the pureblood could ponder over the thought further, the doorbell suddenly rang. His thoughts were interrupted, and he pushed them to the farthest corner of his mind. He was not thinking straight. He needed rest – and plenty of much-needed sleep.

He would do all the thinking later – with a functional, fresh mind. Zero made a promise to himself.

The doorbell rang again (with more insistence this time around), and the pureblood cursed under his breath, running towards the door. Did Rido forget something? Or was he back for more teasing?

Whichever it was, the idea of seeing Rido again made him smile. Because he did want to see him again. For what reason? He decided not to give a name to it – yet.

Fuck it.

But, when he barged the door open, leveling a playful glare on his 'husband,' his grin dropped and his eyes widened. Because he was met with the shock of his life.

Why now of all times?

"Hello, Zero-san. Did you miss me?"

A/N: Ho ho, any guesses who the person in the end is? ( /)w(\✿) The winner gets a cookie *coughs*! I know the baby question might have come out of nowhere, but at that moment, Rido realized something about Zero that Zero himself does not know it himself. As to what that is, I will leave it up to your imagination. o(╥﹏╥)o

Extra information about this universe: A male pureblood can only get pregnant when both parents really desire to have a child (that's why Rido could not have a child with Zero, despite all these years being together, because Zero didn't want a child with him). Also, the pregnancy will work more smoothly (meaning it can happen quickly without the risk of miscarriage) if both people involved were in love with one another.

Also, all my appreciation goes to the people who reviewed (LuanRina, ben4kevin, WeirdBlackCat, horrorstar100, alisjackson59, Kay Queen, Zerovk, and perce-neige), favorited/alerted, and read my story! You guys are the best. ( /)w(\✿)

Feedback/Reviews are appreciated as always. (◡﹏◡✿)

Well, this is it! Take care, and have a lovely weekend. !⑈ˆ~ˆ!⑈