Author Notes: My apologies for the long wait but here's the next chapter at last. I'm still not quite sure I've got it right but real life is catching up with me so I have to post it regardless. Please do drop me a review to let me know your thoughts, OK? I'm sure you know that reviews motivate an author endlessly! :D

By the way, VaneCaos has posted an awesome English one shot called Blood Sins so be sure to read it and leave her a review if you haven't already!

Appreciation: Kaname's words to Zero in this chapter are partially inspired by Sagakure's wonderful Wasteland fic in how he needs Zero to overcome his trauma :D

Summary: Passion escalates out of control in the lift but while Zero has mixed feelings about it, Kaname is determined to carry out his promise to the end.

-- Chapter Start --

"Zero," Kaname whispered breathlessly. "I want you. Please... take me now. Take me right here..."

Zero blinked in surprise at Kaname's unexpected words. He lifted his face and found himself staring into familiar dark eyes, glazed with alcohol and darkened still further by passion.

"Right here?" Zero asked uncertainly, wondering if the loud drumming of his heart had somehow obscured his hearing. Kaname nodded quickly, his eyes locked onto his lover's questioning ones.

"Right here. Right now," the pureblood whispered, long and elegant fingers shaking as he combed them through wet silver hair before cupping Zero's face between his hands. The prefect's next question was soundless but Kaname read the movement of his lips easily even in the dark and a smile trembled on his lips.

"Why?" he murmured, trying not to drown in those large, wondering violet eyes. "Because now is the right time, I know it is."

Zero started to shake his head but Kaname stopped his movements with a gentle yet implacable hold, his gaze calm and reassuring despite the aroused haze clouding his brain.

"It will be OK, Zero," he replied urgently. "It will be. Trust me..."

Their faces were barely inches away from each other now. Warm breath made sweet with wine wafted intimately between them as Zero looked searchingly into those dark eyes, trying to find a trace of the fear that had haunted them both - Kaname for years and Zero on that disastrous night a few weeks ago... and even on certain nights that he never cared to tell his lover about. But amazingly enough, there was none – not a single trace of fear or trepidation or even nervousness. All Zero could find was smouldering desire, a measure of tipsiness, a lot of love and burning confidence. Even a thread of amusement shone through and Zero's eyes widened fractionally. Kaname's smile widened as he stared back at him, sliding his thumbs under Zero's chin and tilting his face to kiss him.

"Take me, Zero. I want to feel you inside me," he whispered encouragingly against Zero's mouth, the erotic words and the way they were whispered causing two pairs of moist and sensitive lips to rub lightly together, making them tingle with heated promise.

With those words, Zero somehow knew that it would be fine. He didn't know how he knew this - perhaps it was the utter conviction in Kaname's eyes or the spontaneity of his decision. Perhaps it was because they were soaking wet in a stuck lift with the lights out or because they had drunk far more than they should. Perhaps it was just providence or fate that had placed them here like this. But...

... at a time when it was least expected...

Zero had believed that the time for him to claim Kaname would come naturally to them and what was a better time than now?

To hell with where they were right now. Zero shook his head almost ruefully, feeling his worry fall away from him to be replaced by a wave of pure desire, raw excitement and nervousness at the unconventionality of the whole scenario. Then he smiled, a beautiful and unintentionally seductive smile that quite robbed Kaname of breath.

"Why not?" Zero agreed in a soft yet eager voice, the simple words belied by the fire burning in his eyes. Kaname smiled back as he sagged back against the wet wall, his eyes issuing an invitation that went deeper than words. At that moment, Zero realised that he didn't have any lube on him and in all likelihood, Kaname didn't either. Well, this was hardly the time for hesitation, was it? Steadfastly ignoring the warmth creeping into his cheeks, Zero raised one hand shyly to his mouth, his tongue peeking out between his lips.

Kaname saw that and knew what it meant. He shook his head at once and Zero froze with the tip of his tongue about to touch his index finger, looking as if he had been caught red handed doing something he shouldn't. But Kaname had only shaken his head because he had a better idea. His eyes sparked with sensual mischief as he closed determined fingers around Zero's hand and pulled it to his own lips instead.

Zero watched wide eyed and transfixed as Kaname ravished three of his longest fingers with his mouth, kissing and suckling on each digit while coating them very thoroughly with his saliva. He kept his gaze trained on Zero all the time and the sheer intent in those eyes made the prefect gulp even if he wasn't going to be the receiver this time. Zero's heart felt like it was pounding in his throat and in his ears, blood singing through his veins and pooling thickly in his groin. He felt reckless and daring. He couldn't decide if it was due to Kaname's heated gaze or his skillful lips and tongue but he knew he had never felt harder than now, his arousal straining almost painfully against his trousers.

Finally, Kaname released his lover's wet and trembling fingers from his mouth, giving them a final kiss and their owner a very meaningful look. Without a word, the pureblood undid his trousers and pushed them down together with his underwear. He kicked them both off but left his expensive and now very wet shoes on. With his dark eyes beckoning seductively, Kaname closed his hands around Zero's upper arms and wrapped one long leg around his waist. The pureblood was even more aroused than before after tasting Zero's fingers and he wasn't going to wait until they reached their room.

"Touch me," he implored huskily. Zero growled softly in reply, his violet eyes dark with answering passion. He pressed Kaname back against the wall and kissed him passionately as he rubbed his clothed arousal against the pureblood's exposed one. At the same time, he ran his palm along the smooth length of Kaname's outer thigh before delving slicked fingers in between those perfectly rounded buttocks.

Kaname panted softly as he tugged Zero even closer to him, eyes tightly closed. He moaned as a wet finger pressed into him and but it was in pleasure this time, not fear. Fear was completely absent - Kaname didn't know if it was because of the alcohol he had imbibed or if it was because they were in a stuck lift but he didn't care. All he knew was that he was going to grab this opportunity to let Zero claim him, to hell with the consequences.

Kaname's soft sounds of pleasure emboldened Zero and he added a second finger, thrusting both digits deeply inside his lover, entranced and aroused by the tight fit of that perfect body. Kaname cried out softly but the sound was muffled against Zero's lips so he pushed his body down onto those buried fingers, pushing them further inside him. Zero exulted in silent triumph as he pressed Kaname into the wall and rubbed intimately against him, making the pureblood shudder with delight.

When the kiss finally ended, it was flavoured with their blood. Licking their lips clean, they gazed at each other hungrily and Zero noted there was still no fear in the chocolate crimson depths of Kaname's eyes. He smiled triumphantly as he wriggled a third finger in and continued his prepping with more confidence than before. Kaname's head fell back against the wall of the lift with a soft thud. For a brief moment, the discomfort of the stretch threatened to overcome the pleasure and he arched his chest into Zero's, letting out a soft cry of protest. It was more a complaint at his pureblood body for not accommodating Zero fast enough but the prefect stopped instantly, breathing hard.

Quickly, Kaname shook his head. "No - don't stop, Zero," he begged and the prefect obediently moved again but this time, he closed his other hand around Kaname's length and started fisting him slowly.

"I'll go slower," Zero promised huskily but Kaname shook his head again. His pureblood psychology had already obliterated the brief pain and now, there was only pleasure and a soul deep need to be joined with his lover.

"Not slower," Kaname insisted breathlessly. "I need you now – ahh...!"

Zero chose that moment to lightly scratch a fingernail just below the swollen head of Kaname's arousal and the pureblood gasped and shuddered again, his heart going well into overdrive. He was already so keyed up, he knew he wasn't going to last long this time.

"Now, Zero. I can't wait!" There was an edge of desperation in his voice that echoed the desperation in Zero and his heart leapt at the words. The potent wine may have lowered their inhibitions but it was also playing havoc with their bodies and Zero was already so hard he ached. Quickly, he took a step back and Kaname lowered his trembling leg to the floor. Zero pushed his own trousers and underwear down, leaving them carelessly tangled around his knees.

Kaname watched him, his fast breaths panting past his parted lips. When Zero met his gaze again, they both understood one thing – this was going to be quick and rough. It had to be... they were in a stuck lift, for goodness' sake! But more important than that, it was what they both wanted right this very minute.

Still, Zero stole just a second more to rake his eyes over Kaname, appreciating how beautifully seductive he looked with his damp hair curling around his flushed face and pale neck, the translucent and unbuttoned shirt sticking to his chest, his body unashamedly aroused and hard. Giving another growl, Zero clamped his hands onto Kaname's slender waist and spun him around, pushing him against the wall. Moving automatically, Kaname braced his arms on the wall and widened his stance. As he arched his back, his hips thrust out and Zero pressed close to him, placing the head of his arousal at the entrance he had prepped, letting Kaname feel how hard he was. The pureblood's only reply was to widen his legs a little more and Zero rewarded that eagerness with a thrust, pushing himself in. Kaname gasped as his back bowed for a moment. Yes, there was a brief flash of pain but he wanted this and he widened his legs still further and pushed back hard, forcing Zero into him a little more.

"Harder!" Kaname gasped and Zero obeyed, giving short, sharp jerks that seated him deeper and deeper into Kaname each time, his breath leaving his lungs just as sharply with every jerk. For each thrust that Zero gave, Kaname pushed his hips back just as hard and in a matter of seconds, they were fully joined together. Zero leaned over Kaname's back, breathing in that intoxicating pureblood scent in deep gulps. Kaname's body was unbelievably tight but he wanted to know if the pureblood was all right.

"Kaname...?" Zero whispered, his hot breath blowing past the pureblood's ear.

"Take me, Zero," Kaname panted. "Take me!"

It was all the answer Zero needed. He gave a nod and straightened up, hands holding onto Kaname's slender hips. This time, when Zero slammed into the pureblood, it was without pause and without mercy. Kaname screamed softly in joy as he pushed back each time, hoping that his shaky legs wouldn't give out on him before they were done. In truth, they had barely begun but having started their unintentional foreplay earlier at the back of the limo, they both knew it wasn't going to be a prolonged session. The inevitable end was already coming up fast for both of them and Kaname suddenly realised he was going to come straight onto the walls, positioned as he was. That would be downright mortifying and he quickly reached down one hand, long fingers desperately trying to reach his trouser pocket for the handkerchief inside.

Zero didn't let up. He was still thrusting hard into Kaname and his climax was rushing up to meet him as his muscles tensed in that unbearable, familiar manner. Quickly, Zero reached around for Kaname's arousal, wanting both of them to come together. He pumped Kaname's throbbing length firmly according to his thrusts and the pureblood moaned loudly, his head tossing back and his eyes almost rolling back in sheer bliss. His legs were trembling and it was all he could do to remain upright at this point.

Not right now... just wait... just give me two seconds to find...

At that moment, Zero uttered an inarticulate cry as he rocked into Kaname as deep as he could go and went rigid, spilling his seed inside him. Kaname gave up searching for his handkerchief as his own orgasm swept over him with a suddenness that caught him by surprise. Desperate not to mark the lift wall, he swiftly held a cupped hand over the head of his erection instead, letting the creamy fluid collect in his palm as he shuddered with intense bliss.

Breathless and trembling, both boys' legs gave out at last and they sank down onto the wet carpet, their bodies throbbing with the sweet aftermath of passion. As soon as Zero could move, he pulled Kaname into his arms and pressed urgent kisses onto the dark, tangled hair.

"Kaname, are you all right?" Zero's voice was breathless and worried but surprisingly, Kaname only gave a weak chuckle as he finally found his handkerchief and wiped his palm clean.

"Uhm, I don't really know, it all happened too fast," he mumbled as he leaned back tiredly against his lover. With his passion spent, Kaname's head was starting to clear at last and the enormity of what they had just done was starting to dawn on him, sending colour into his cheeks. Zero's head was also starting to clear and he flushed even more deeply than Kaname did.

"I'm sorry," he started but at that moment, the lift gave a sudden jerk and started ascending again. Kaname spun around to look into Zero's startled eyes.

"Crap...!" Zero uttered. Galvanised into action, they grabbed their discarded clothing and struggled to their feet once more. Kaname and Zero pulled on underwear and trousers at vampire speed, their bodies still tingling and their legs somewhat shaky from their releases. A soft 'ping' sounded and the lift stopped, indicating that they had reached their floor.

"Kaname – the doors!" Zero gasped as he struggled with a particularly stubborn button that was merrily resisting his frantic attempts to push it through its buttonhole. Kaname held the doors closed with his mind as they finished dressing and then he bent down and scooped up both their jackets and ties, tossing Zero his. When Kaname released his hold on the doors, they slid open as smoothly as before. Two elderly ladies stood outside, obviously staying on the same floor as them but wanting to go down. Their eyes widened when they caught sight of the wet interior of the lift as well as its two drenched occupants, whose cheeks were still suspiciously rosy.

"Oh my," uttered one of the ladies, her eyes going from Kaname to Zero then back again. They finally slid back to Zero when she realised his shirt buttons had been done up lopsidedly.

"You might want to wait for another lift, madam. This one is... wet," Kaname murmured very politely. He gave them both a charming smile as he and Zero stepped out. They didn't dare look at each other now since to their heightened senses, the very air in the lift was full of the scent of their passion and they walked quickly past the two startled women. Kaname actually wanted to run to his room – something warm was starting to trickle down his inner thigh now but he forced himself to walk as gracefully as he could and Zero kept pace with him, their wet shoes squelching onto the carpet.

- o -

Kaname opened their room door and waved Zero in first before stepping in and closing it behind him with a relieved sigh. When he turned around, the prefect had walked over to the window and was looking outside.

"Zero?" Kaname asked quietly. He had a suspicion his normally shy lover was regretting their spontaneous action and he was right. Zero turned around, his eyebrows pulled into a light frown and his eyes a determined amethyst shade. "Go take a shower, Kaname," he said shortly. "You have a meeting to attend, remember?"

Kaname blinked and looked at his wristwatch before giving his wet clothes a rueful look. "I still have a an hour before I have to leave but I was going to wear these for the meeting," he murmured resignedly.

Zero nodded grimly. A mild pounding was starting to settle in his head but he ignored it. At least he knew what to do this time. "Take them off, I'll call Housekeeping and have them cleaned right away," he ordered, walking over to the desk. "You'll have to pay extra..."

He looked at Kaname for confirmation and the pureblood nodded, ignoring his lover's sudden peremptory manner. Zero checked the extension for Housekeeping on the card taped to the phone and punched in the number, looking up to see Kaname still looking at him.

"Strip now," Zero mouthed silently and Kaname shrugged before doing just that, dropping his clothes in a wet pile on the carpet and even stripping off his shoes and socks. Zero finished with the call, hesitated and stepped into the bathroom to take off his clothes, coming out wrapped up in one of the hotel bathrobes. He walked over to the closet, deliberately keeping his head turned away from Kaname's pale, tempting nudity. As Zero rummaged around in the drawers, Kaname discreetly removed his soaked handkerchief from his trouser pocket and went to the bathroom. He didn't think that square of linen was worth salvaging...

By the time Zero found a laundry bag, Kaname had wrapped a towel around his waist and was standing at the bathroom door. "Do you want to eat anything, Zero?" he asked softly.

"I'll order room service," Zero returned shortly, still avoiding his eyes. He knelt on the carpet and shoved all their wet clothes into the bag, even dropping their shoes on top of the clothes. They were going to get an astronomical bill for this but he didn't care - Kaname could afford it...

Kaname frowned. It looked like Zero was either embarrassed or regretting what they had done in the lift earlier but it hurt that his lover apparently didn't want to look at him.

"I'm not hungry," Kaname muttered and winced as the words came out sounding rather petulant, even to his ears. That made Zero glare at him at once. "You must eat something otherwise you won't be able to concentrate at that meeting of yours," he scolded. Kaname offered a brilliant smile at once, touched and reassured by Zero's concern but that only made the prefect scowl. He left the bag on the carpet and went over to the phone again.

"Take a hot shower, Kaname. Now," Zero ordered and wasn't surprised to see Kaname smile again before he nodded and closed the door quietly. Zero placed their order without even looking at the menu, instinctively knowing that Kaname would eat anything he chose. After that, Zero went over to sit on the side of the bed, his eyes involuntarily drawn to the closed bathroom door. He exhaled tiredly and dropped his head into his hands before rubbing his temples with both thumbs. Actually, he wasn't annoyed at Kaname but at himself and he had a sneaking suspicion the pureblood knew it too.

Zero raked his hands through his damp hair and sighed disconsolately. Was this what he was like, drunk? How on earth could he have taken Kaname in a lift, of all places, and so hard it had to have hurt? Yes, the pureblood had obviously enjoyed himself but to Zero, it was unforgivable. Kaname had been so gentle with him the first time and after having finally confessed his past rape and trauma, what had his lover done? Oh, nothing much... just pushed him against the wall and taken him hard like some common... common...

Zero flushed again but with guilt this time. The euphoria of their earlier lust had dissipated, leaving him with the starting of a headache and he felt disgusted with himself for spoiling what was, in essence, Kaname's real first time with him. Zero only roused himself when there was a discreet knock on the door. It was Housekeeping. Zero handed over the laundry bag and agreed to the extra charge for the rush job without even batting an eye.

- o -

In the shower, Kaname closed his eyes as he lifted his face to the powerful spray of hot water. He was elated at his body's acceptance of Zero's delightfully aggressive possession earlier but he was still confused. How could he have been so sure that his old fear wouldn't have surfaced? Was it because he somehow knew that the wine they had drunk earlier and their passionate necking in the limo would have blunted his fear and allowed Zero to claim him without freaking out?

It certainly looked like that was the case and Kaname was deeply glad at the proof that he could and did let Zero claim take him successfully even though he also knew that his fear was still there. It hadn't surfaced in the lift but there was no guarantee that it wouldn't come out the next time Zero took him. A pensive look entered Kaname's eyes but he deliberately forced his troubling thoughts away. Now was not the time to dwell on them, not when he had a meeting to attend. Kaname hurriedly finished up his shower.

When he came out of the bathroom dressed in the other bathrobe, a trolley was already standing next to the small table in front of the drapes. Zero was sitting in one of the armchairs and had poured himself a cup of tea but hadn't started on the food yet.

"You needn't have waited for me, Zero," Kaname said softly as he came over and sat in the other chair, absently rubbing at his wet hair with a towel. Zero shrugged and looked up. His earlier aggression had vanished and now his amethyst eyes were solemn and troubled.

"I'm not hungry," he confessed reluctantly and Kaname's eyebrows went up. "Is something wrong? Are you OK?"

Zero nodded impatiently. "There's nothing wrong with me, other than a mild headache."

He hesitated, opened his mouth to speak some more and then shut it again, unconsciously crossing his arms. Kaname pursed his lips as he regarded him thoughtfully. "Are you regretting...?" he paused delicately.

Zero glared at him, cheeks suddenly flushed. "Yes! Yes, damnit!"

Kaname blinked in surprise. "Why? We didn't get caught on tape or anything – the camera went out with the lights did."

Zero's eyes widened before he glared at Kaname again. It hadn't even occurred to him that there might be a camera recording their action and the close call made him weak with relief and conversely, even more angry than before.

"Don't tell me you didn't regret that, Kaname - I was so rough with you!"

Ah. So this was what was troubling Zero all this while....

Kaname's heart ached softly and he pushed the trolley out of the way. Here he was thinking that his lover was merely shy and embarrassed after his uninhibited behavior when Zero had been worrying about him instead. Kaname leaned forward to cup Zero's face between warm, gentle hands and gave him a deep, tender look.

"I'm not in pain and I don't regret a single thing, Zero, so please... don't you feel that way."

Zero's eyes widened in surprise. He placed his hands over the beautiful ones cupping his cheeks, his eyes worriedly searching Kaname's. "Are you sure? But that was so – so -"

The flush in his cheeks deepened as he dwindled off and Kaname shook his head. "So quick and dirty - tell me about it," he said dryly, the twinkle in his eyes daring Zero to smile. The prefect looked down but his lips had quirked and Kaname saw that and his heart swelled again with love for this wonderful person.

"Zero...." Kaname waited until the prefect looked up before giving him another warm look. "That was an absolutely wonderful, mind blowing session and I don't regret it one bit. The only thing I'm worrying about now is how to keep myself serious for the four hour meeting when..."

He paused tantalisingly and Zero shifted in his chair, drawn to Kaname's words despite himself. "When what?" he finally asked, unable to wait. Kaname smiled teasingly at him. "When I want to smile and laugh for joy instead."

Zero's eyes widened again in surprise before he exhaled shakily in relief, even laughing weakly. "Kaname..." he murmured, feeling his eyes smarting and his heart swelling with relief.

"I love you," Kaname whispered and Zero echoed his words, his violet eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Why was it Kaname always knew the right thing to say?

"But it wasn't meant to happen in a lift..."

"Perhaps. But there's always a first time for everything."

Zero couldn't help chuckling a little over Kaname's pragmatic words and was kissed soundly for it before they both tucked into their food with genuine appetite. Zero had ordered two plates of spaghetti and they shared their food contentedly, the awkwardness of before having disappeared.

"It's a good thing the camera blew, huh?" Kaname quipped later as he directed an outrageous wink at Zero. "Otherwise the security people would have gotten a real eyeful of the action..."

Zero choked on his food and glared at the irrepressible pureblood who merely chuckled happily. They had just finished their meal when their freshly washed and ironed clothes came back. Even Kaname's shoes had proved salvageable after all and the soft leather gleamed with a fresh coat of polish. This time, Zero wasn't shy about admiring Kaname with his eyes as the pureblood got dressed and Kaname wished he didn't have to attend the meeting as his body reacted almost instantly.

"I'm sorry to leave you alone but I'll be back as soon as I can," he promised as he looked longingly at Zero who was lounging on the King sized double bed. The prefect smiled and yawned. "My head's really starting to pound," he admitted ruefully. "I'll go take a shower before catching up on some rest."

"You do that," Kaname murmured and the meaningful look in his eyes made Zero colour up again.

- o -

Kaname returned to the hotel almost five hours later and by then Zero was fast asleep. The pureblood couldn't help smiling at the beautiful sight of his lover's peacefully sleeping face before he went to brush his teeth and get undressed. Despite his earlier words, he was perfectly contented to curl himself around the sleeping prefect. Anything else could wait but Zero awoke at dawn, disturbed by an annoying headache that reminded him again of the dangers of alcohol on an empty stomach.

"Ugh," he moaned quietly as he clutched his head. That was it, he was going to watch whatever Kaname gave him to drink from now on...

The bare arm around his waist tightened a little. "You all right?" Kaname asked quietly. Zero levered up onto one elbow, grimacing a little as the hammer in his temples increased in tempo. "Right as rain as soon as I have some coffee inside of me."

Kaname chuckled sleepily, his arm sliding off Zero's waist. "My blood would get rid of your hangover faster than any coffee could, Zero..."

That made the prefect turn around to squint suspiciously at him. "You sure? You drank more than I did!" he exclaimed but Kaname only shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm a pureblood, remember? I didn't even fall asleep once during the meeting."

Zero sat up and grasped the hem of his T-shirt, tugging it over his head. "How'd the meeting go, by the way?"

Kaname smiled as he leaned up one elbow, his eyes appreciating the sight of Zero's mussed silver hair and pale, toned chest. "It was boring as hell. I couldn't wait for it to end so that I could come back to you." There was a mix of teasing warmth and desire in his voice now and Zero couldn't help flushing a little even though he was pleased.

Kaname's lips parted as he ran the tip of one long finger across the toned planes of Zero's chest, leisurely circling each nipple and listening to the soft sounds of Zero's breathing hitching in his throat. The pureblood then looked up and arched his neck playfully. "Drink my blood, Zero. It's completely alcohol-free now so help yourself."

Zero tried to look thoughtful but his eyes gave him away as they morphed to crimson. "Well, since you're offering..." he hedged. Kaname tilted his neck to the side, exposing his bite area with a ready smile. "I am, Zero. I am, indeed."

- o -

Zero felt much better after taking in some of Kaname's blood and as expected, neither was left unmoved by the transaction. After Zero had licked clean the twin puncture wounds on that long, pale neck, Kaname caught his face between his hands and kissed him passionately, tasting his own blood in the kiss. Before long, they were lying entwined in each other's arms, kissing and caressing the other as distracted hands eased pyjama pants over long legs and tossed them aside. Zero found himself spooning Kaname from behind as he kissed the back of the pureblood's sensitive neck while he reached around and teased his lover's nipples to quivering peaks, enjoying the feel of Kaname's body jerking softly in his embrace. It was only when the Kaname tugged one of his hands down and placed his fingers at his entrance that Zero stilled in surprise.

Kaname looked over his shoulder, the determined look in his eyes stealing Zero's breath away.

"Kaname..." he began in warning but the pureblood nodded quickly. "Yes, Zero. Make love to me."

"But I already took you in the lift earlier, remember?" Zero protested before colouring belatedly at his heated words. To his credit, Kaname didn't even smile.

"I know you did," he said soothingly. "But I need to know that it wasn't a fluke, that I really can let you claim me anytime you choose to."

I've been waiting for this. Not just to overcome my fear but for you to know that I truly am yours. Not just tonight... but for always.

Zero sighed and shook his head. His lips were already parting to offer another protest when Kaname quickly reached around and pressed gentle fingers against them. "I need you to do this, Zero," he said softly. "I really do."

Zero knew what he meant and he couldn't help the wondering smile that trembled on his lips. He didn't know why he had ever thought this pureblood arrogant, cold and calculating. Perhaps Kaname Kuran was that, to some extent and to most other people – he was a pureblood, after all. But to him, this man had the sweetest, most loving and generous soul in the world. Zero meant every single word he said to Kaname that night – he truly was beautiful inside and out.

Still holding Zero's gaze, the pureblood turned around on the bed to face him fully. "My darling," Kaname whispered earnestly. The endearment had finally slipped unchecked past his lips instead of merely being voiced inside his mind and Zero blushed anew.

"I need to feel that I belong to you, that every inch of me belongs to you. I was violated last time, remember? I was raped by those hateful men, I was touched by hands that made my skin crawl in disgust..." Kaname broke off with a shudder and Zero moved to embrace him but the pureblood shook his head quickly.

"Don't you see? That's why I need you," he whispered urgently. "I need you to mark me."

Zero's eyes widened and Kaname nodded swiftly. "They marked me, Zero," he whispered, his haunted eyes holding desperately onto Zero's horrified ones. "Everyday, even though I bathed, I never really felt clean. That's why I need you to mark me too, to make me yours. That's why I need your touch to cleanse me. I need you to claim me and fill me up inside where no one but you should ever touch me. I need you to come inside me, as deep inside me as you possibly can."

Zero was still staring at him and Kaname drew a trembling breath but a soft, raw sob choked him as he tried to keep those disgusting memories at bay, memories that had tormented him for so long. Zero found his eyes filling up with hot tears. He shook his head, not wanting Kaname to say anymore but Kaname shook his head too, silencing any protests the prefect might have said.

"For so long, I've felt so dirty inside where they marked me with their seed. So please, Zero, please mark me there too. I want my body to know only you, to remember no one else but you. Your touch, your hands and lips. Your body and your blood. Your fangs and... your seed."

Zero gulped. His cheeks were flaming and he felt both mesmerised and deeply embarrassed at the same time. But yes, he knew what Kaname was talking about. He could identify with every single word because he felt the exact same way his lover did. Kaname saw the understanding and resolve in those shimmering violet eyes even before Zero nodded.

"Take me, Zero," Kaname whispered. "Love me."

Zero blinked back his tears. If this was what Kaname needed and why he needed it, then who was he to refuse him?

"I will, Kaname," he choked softly. "And I promise you will find pleasure this time," he vowed softly, his voice full of confidence despite his first attempt ending in failure.

Kaname smiled shakily, relieved and a little embarrassed at his earlier outburst. "How could I not?" he asked softly before leaning forward to kiss Zero. It was a sweet kiss filled with tender and sensual promise and they both smiled a little tearfully at each other before Zero reached for the lube Kaname had placed on the bedside table earlier. He held it up with a playful little smirk and Kaname couldn't help laughing a little as he settled back on the sheets and bent his legs obediently.

This time, Zero was determined to give it his all. He had made up his mind that he was going to use his mouth on Kaname during this trip since being in a hotel room made him more daring than usual and after hearing Kaname's confessions, he was even more determined to. Kaname watched in dawning surprise as Zero knelt between his legs and trailed a line of slow, fiery kisses from his mouth all the way down his pale, quivering body to where his hard arousal waited impatiently.

"Zero?" Kaname murmured wonderingly before shivering hard in sudden delight as warm lips laid a trail of shy but resolved kisses from the base of his firm length all the way up to his quivering, leaking tip. Kaname's eyes fluttered closed on a sigh, his long fingers clenching on the sheets. Yes, forcing Zero really was never the right thing to do. Kaname was amply rewarded for his patience as he reveled in his lover's newfound confidence, shuddering on a gasp as Zero's tongue licked delicately at the clear essence beading on the tip of his lover's erection.

Zero kept his eyes on Kaname's face as he finally took him in deep, relieved to find this a more pleasant task than he had initially anticipated. After all, Kaname's scent was something he loved and the added sensation of tasting it on the velvety smooth, hard flesh as well as smelling it was surprisingly and utterly delicious. Kaname's passionate responses were also very motivating and Zero happily let his gelled fingers go deep, prepping and pleasuring the pureblood at the same time.

Soon, Kaname was squirming on the sheets but he moaned in protest, pleading for Zero to claim him before he lost control. The prefect's fingers slid away and Kaname opened his eyes to find his lover leaning over him instead, one hand braced on the pillow beside his head.

"Are you ready, Kaname?" Zero whispered.

Kaname's breath left him in a sudden rush of anticipation and he smiled up at the darkened eyes that still managed to hold a trace of worry. "I'm ready, Zero."

Despite his confidence, Kaname's old fear still resurfaced when he felt the blunt head of Zero's erection nudge him intimately. They were both lucid this time so there was no cushioning effect of alcohol and lusty desire but in its place was knowledge and trust and both helped immeasurably. Kaname held onto Zero's gaze and forced himself to remain calm. Ignoring his fear in the past hadn't been the right thing to do; accepting and confronting it was, and Kaname didn't bother to hide the trepidation in his eyes this time. He knew there would be nothing but love and acceptance in Zero's answering gaze and he was right.

"Don't stop," Kaname whispered as he hugged Zero's hips with his knees. "I love you..."

Zero gave a tender, shaky smile as he continued to ease his way into Kaname, hanging onto his wavering control for dear life.

"Love you back," he whispered, his breaths coming out in soft, controlled pants. It seemed to take a small eternity but despite the fear continuing to gnaw at the edges of Kaname's mind, the soft, shining love in Zero's eyes kept him firmly grounded and at length, Zero found himself completely buried in Kaname's body, even thought the incredibly tight fit that was pulsing around him threatened to undo him again.

He smiled in relief, saw an answering smile from Kaname and all of a sudden, passion took a backseat as the smiles turned to soft laughter borne of real, heartfelt relief. It helped a little with their control and Zero's eyes softened to that very special shade of violet as he raised a hand and caressed Kaname's cheek gently. The pureblood smiled again. He knew his nightmares would never completely go away and might very well return to haunt him from time to time... but he wasn't alone this time. Zero knew all about them and still thought him worth it. Kaname let the happy tears escape his eyes as he reached up to cradle Zero's face between his hands. They kissed again, Kaname relishing the feel of Zero's hard body inside him. It didn't remotely hurt at all and he couldn't help arching his body sinuously under Zero, making the prefect gasp and shudder with sudden need.

Kaname smiled happily and did it again, pulling another soft shiver from his lover. "Don't stop now, Zero..." he requested as he found the small, raised bump above the prefect's thigh and teased it lightly with his thumb, making Zero exhale sharply.

"Never," he promised on a gasp. Slowly, teasingly, he pulled out almost completely from Kaname, both of them shuddering at the deliciously erotic, tight friction. Zero hung grimly onto his control. Despite his inexperience, he wanted this to be sublime for this gentle soul he would kill for. Slowly, he pushed his hips down, making his way back into the tight, moist confines of his lover's body. Kaname's hips instinctively rose to meet his and their breaths hissed out through their teeth as hips met hips, Zero's length fully buried in Kaname. The fear had vanished for now and the pureblood shed tears of pure joy.

"I belong to you, Zero," he sobbed. "Only to you..."

"Yes," Zero panted as he withdrew for another careful thrust. "Tell me, Kaname... who am I?"

It wasn't that Zero needed to hear it but he knew Kaname needed to say it, to reinforce the knowledge of who was taking him now, to make sure he was grounded in the here and now so that there was no risk of the past intruding on this very special moment.

"Zero Kiryuu..."

"Who is Zero Kiryuu?"

Kaname's eyes fluttered closed, his breath hitching in his throat as Zero pushed his knees further apart. When he next pushed himself in, the head of his arousal rubbed against that one spot inside Kaname and he screamed softly, shivering hard.

"The person I love... unh, more than life itself!" he gasped, the words quivering out of him as his world started to unravel. Zero's heart exploded in triumph as he heard those words and he stopped being gentle. He couldn't help it – his control had snapped at long last and now, there was only the urgent, urgent rush to find sweet relief for Kaname and for himself. With a hoarse cry, Zero started thrusting into him again and again. He fisted the pureblood's length at the same time, pumping him hard and relentlessly.

Kaname's nails shredded the fine linen sheets as his body tensed up, muscles going rigid at the knowledge that heart stopping release was but a heartbeat away. Mouth already open in a silent, strangled scream of pure joy, Kaname let his orgasm have his way and it ripped through his body, sending waves of pure pleasure through every nerve, every tendon and every cell. He barely felt his essence spilling out between their bodies but Zero felt its slippery warmth on his fingers and his soul sang with pure joy at his lover's bliss. Realising he had stopped, Zero moved again, thrusting deeper and deeper into Kaname, letting him experience the full pleasure of his orgasm.

This time was far different from that hurried, almost rough coupling in the lift. Kaname screamed again, the sound finally finding expression in his voice. His body was so primed for this long awaited culmination of sharing himself with Zero that it celebrated again and right on the heels of that first climax came another, stealing up unawares and crashing down upon him. Kaname was completely bowled over, barely managing to suck air into his lungs before he exploded once again, back arching as he once again marked their bodies with milky fluid, the shudders in his body turning to almost convulsions with the strength of his double release.

The strong contractions ripping through him squeezed Zero's length mercilessly and threw him off the cliff. He shouted out as he shot his seed deep inside Kaname and at long, long last, the pureblood finally felt cleansed on the inside. Zero was there... Zero had marked him... Kaname no longer felt defiled but whole again and he cried with joy and relief as their bodies shuddered in each other's embrace.

Finally, they collapsed onto the bed, unbelievably sated and replete. Zero gently withdrew from Kaname and snuggled up to him. Without a word, the pureblood pulled Zero close, letting the dear silver head rest on his shoulder, his heart too full for words. They lay there in the dark for a while, content to softly touch and caress each other as their bodies cooled but at long last, Kaname stirred himself to speak.

"Thank you," he whispered, his lips barely brushing Zero's hair. He felt a soft kiss on his shoulder and pulled Zero closer to him, his heart full and his body spent. The prefect reached up to kiss Kaname in reply, his breaths still coming quick and fast against the pureblood's delicate collarbones.

But that wasn't the end of it at all. For the next few hours and as soon as his body recovered after each release, Zero made careful, tender love to Kaname. Sometimes, he succeeded in making the pureblood come before he did or at least roughly around the same time he did, sometimes he didn't and had to use his mouth to complete Kaname but he tried his level best.

Kaname loved Zero even more for it as his body exploded with bliss again and again. The pureblood didn't think he had ever cried harder before in his life, no, not after Zero had forgiven him for biting him the first time, or the other time when Zero had agreed to take as much of his pure blood as he wanted. No, this time, Kaname was truly and deeply touched beyond words at his beloved's earnest attempts to erase every single memory of his past hurts and he knew without a doubt that he would never, ever give this wonderful person up.

- o –

After yet another nap, Kaname stirred to find his head pillowed on Zero's chest. Warm arms tightened immediately around him. "Hey, you still awake?" Zero mumbled sleepily. Kaname snuggled closer and nodded.

"Zero? Take me again?" he whispered hopefully but Zero chuckled deprecatingly, his body so replete now it felt absolutely boneless, even melted onto the sheets.

"I'd love to, Kaname, you know that but right now, I just... can't!" He gestured tiredly at his hips to show what he meant and Kaname smiled, almost as tired as his lover was.

After a moment, Zero stirred and forced himself up onto his elbows. "But I can do something else, you know..." He made as if to move to the foot of the bed but Kaname stopped him at once, slender fingers curling weakly onto his arm.

"No," Kaname said with a faint smile. "I think I've had enough. At least, for now..."

Zero's smile was exceptionally sweet. He flopped down onto the pillows before pulling the pureblood into his arms once more, disregarding the sticky mess on their bodies. With a sound that reminded him of a completely satisfied cat, Kaname burrowed into his chest and Zero heaved a soft sigh of utter contentment, his heart overflowing with love and protectiveness.

I will never, ever let this pureblood go. He is mine.

To protect.

To cherish.

And most of all, to love.

-- Chapter End --