A/n: For some reason… the site hasn't been posting email updates for me, when I update. I am able to get notifications for other things… but not when I post. If this' affecting anyone else, I have posted another chapter before this one.
~o~
Something about his mysterious red-headed friend had changed the young blond. When he thought about the red-headed vampire, Cloud was amazed. Reno was his hero, someone he adored. So much, that Cloud never took the goggles off again. They became a permanent fixture for him, much like how Reno was ever present in his mind. He never forgot what had been done for him and after he'd met the vampire he began to rebel against what his family wanted for him. He dared to hope that there was more for him. That they were wrong. Reno couldn't be a monster, could he? If he were evil, then why would the creature have saved his life? And if Reno wasn't evil, surely the others like him weren't, right? His feelings about Reno only strengthened when Cloud saw him again.
At first, he thought he saw him in the distance, watching over him. Like a guardian angel. He had told his mother about the red haired man that had saved his life, looking for answers. She had thought his friend was harmless, imaginary, a manifestation that was helping him cope with getting lost that day. Something safe instead of unspeakable. She had told him over and over that vampires wouldn't have saved a human's life but… She had never been able to explain the goggles or her son's obsession with them.
Cloud knew that he wasn't imagining Reno when he began to wake up in the night and catch the vampire watching over him as he slept. He would find him sitting outside his window in the darkness, always keeping him safe. Cloud would be wearing his pajamas and always Reno's goggles. He never took them off, not even when he slept, never, since that night Reno had saved him.
As he got older, Cloud's fascination toward the celestial creature only grew. He could stare at the beautiful red-head for hours, but every time he tapped on the glass, smiling and waving, Reno would smile back and disappear into the night without a trace. He quickly learned to be content with simply watching when Reno came to him, even though he longed to speak to him, to know more about him, to even touch him. He wanted to be content with being able to see him at all but it was killing him that he would never have more than that.
Reno haunted his dreams. Sometimes Cloud remembered that night when he was a child but more increasingly, he would dream that the red-headed man would take him away from the life he hated. Somewhere beautiful and new. He would wake up, longing for answers because he wanted it, more than he could explain.
It wasn't until he had begun to learn about slaying vampires, his future duties, and just who Lea and Reno were that this idolism and attraction toward Reno began to alarm and confuse him. He began to search his memories but he already knew every detail about that night. Reno had done nothing to make him feel this way. He hadn't been bitten, hadn't been addicted. He knew that.
However, he needed to know why Reno had saved him back then and why he had been watching over him over the years. Not knowing was torture. He also needed to know why he was reacting to him this way. What Reno had done for him hadn't made any sense but whenever he tried to speak to the vampire, the creature would disappear into the night. Desperate for answers, he began to climb onto the rooftop at night which was something forbidden by his parents, but he needed to be able to do more than see Reno. His heart sank when instead of catching the vampire on the other side of his glass as he'd hoped, Reno stopped coming to him entirely. It didn't lessen his determination and one night, when he fell asleep outside, everything changed.
A gentle touch woke him and at first, he thought he was dreaming. His eyes opened wide and he gasped. Reno was exactly the same as the last time he had seen him, an ageless beauty, and so close that Cloud's heart jumped into motion. He was dressed in dark ripped jeans and a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his attire blending in with a normal human's flawlessly, making it that much easier to conceal what he was. Long red hair was pulled into a ponytail, shorter pieces swaying in the night breeze. He was gorgeous, perfect, like a dream, and his presence was absolutely magnetic. Cloud couldn't help but be drawn to him. Those lovely blue eyes were filled with concern. "Why are you putting yourself in danger, little one?" he asked quietly.
"You're still watching then," he answered breathlessly, clenching his trembling hands into fists to stop himself from touching the vampire. He didn't want to scare Reno away and lose his chance to speak with him, forever. Denying the urge was torture but he reminded himself that talking to Reno was more important. He needed to focus. "Why?" Sitting back on the balls of his feet, Reno watched him silently, waiting as Cloud's senses returned to him. Finally, he sighed and avoided his question.
"You must stay inside at night, Cloud, or you will be hunted. You're barely a child anymore," he warned gravely. The blond frowned at him.
"I won't, not unless you tell me why you watch me sleep at night down there, just outside my window," he was gesturing toward his room and scoffing, "but you refuse to speak to me!" he replied stubbornly. "Why do you run away from me?!" Blinking in surprise at the blond's stubbornness the red-head tilted his head at him, a perfect red brow arching.
"What a foolish thing to say," he hummed curiously, not understanding. Cloud scoffed and Reno watched him contemplatively. "We are enemies, you and I. You know this now. I knew that you would grow up hating me," he replied as Cloud tried his hardest to listen without being distracted by the red-head's beauty, "but I had grown fond of you, that night when you were small and so I began to watch over you." His brows furrowed when he continued, his lips forming a thoughtful frown. "However, you began to intrigue me as you grew, and so I have not stopped."
"Why would I intrigue you?" he asked confusedly. Hate him? No he didn't... he adored him. He would have… even if Reno hadn't been beautiful. The red-head maintained his distance.
"You know what I am, who I am and yet you stare at me for hours, but not in fear," he murmured. Gently, he reached out, touching the goggles that were perched on top of his head. "You still wear these every day." He tilted his head. "I do not understand." His fingers trailed across Cloud's face as his hand dropped and it made the young blond's heart pound out of control. He wanted to take that hand, make it touch him again. Instead he bit his lower lip.
"You were my hero, you saved me," he said, tugging them off and offering them back. Somehow it left him feeling naked, "and I never even got to thank you for it. Thank you." Reno took them, staring down at them thoughtfully.
"I appreciate your gratitude, child," he replied, softly. "You're welcome." Cloud watched as Reno readjusted and then put the goggles on his head and couldn't help but wonder if his hair was as soft as it looked or if he smelled the same as he remembered. Reno was beautiful, more beautiful than he remembered and alluring to him in a way he didn't understand but also very dangerous. The vampire watched him. "Even now, you watch me and I wonder what you are thinking," he murmured. Cloud's cheeks colored. He knew that the only reason that Reno didn't know was because he hadn't tried yet. He avoided those lovely blue eyes. One look into those depths and Reno would know everything. Gentle fingers curled under his chin, warmth spreading where he was touched, lifting it and Cloud shut his eyes, his cheeks warming as well. "Do not be afraid, little one," he murmured softly "I have no interest in harming you." Hesitantly, the blond opened his eyes, gasping softly. Reno was so close that they were nose to nose and the red-head was staring at him pensively. The vampire's eyes widened slightly and Cloud's slid shut. He'd seen it. The longing he felt to get away, the adoration he had for Reno, and this dangerous attraction he had to him. He could hear his blood rushing in his ears.
"Does it matter, what I think? We're enemies. You said so yourself." he asked quietly. Soft fingers trailed through blond hair.
"Forgive me, I didn't realize…" Their eyes locked and the young blond was looking at Reno searchingly, daring and hoping to think that the beautiful man would take him away. Reno's blue eyes gentled. "If that is truly your wish, child, then come with me and leave this all behind," he beckoned softly. Cloud stared into his eyes longingly. "But you can't forget, it is dangerous, where we will go."
Cloud's heart was pounding and a gentle breeze drifted past them, making him shiver. Reno rose and held out his hand to the blond. Cloud took it and the vampire pulled him close. He was sixteen now and still had to look up to see Reno's face. The red-head scooped him up and Cloud held on tightly, burying his face into Reno's chest and shuddering helplessly. He still smelt earthy and like smoke and it left him bewitched. Before he was ready for it, Reno leapt from his rooftop to another and another. Cloud closed his eyes, frightened, and held him more tightly. Even though he'd known Reno wouldn't drop him, he was thankful when it was finally over.
When he opened his eyes, he was gasping. Reno had taken him to the old castle that had been in the southern district of what had once been Radiant Garden which was now known as Hollow Bastion and the territory had been long lost. Everything was lit by a huge bonfire in the middle of the courtyard, its amber light drifting across something that absolutely terrified him. From what he could see from a glimpse, there were vampires, werewolves, faeries, necromancers, trolls, and much more, thousands in the horde, all coexisting here in this moment, together. He had never heard of such a thing before. They were supposed to hate one another, fighting fiercely amongst themselves in fact, not be getting along. Overlooking it all was Lea, the vampire that had once helped save his life, who was frowning deeply at them.
Lea watched Reno approach, unmoving, His clothes clung to is lithe body and he was dressed in black pants, black boots and a deep blood red sleeveless shirt, contrasting sharply with his pale complexion. His hellfire red hair was swaying in the wind, licking at his flawless pale flesh like the flames before him. His cat-like poisonous green eyes were framed by dark lashes, and two dark markings stood out on his cheeks. He was just as breathtaking as Reno.
Those green eyes were terrible and cold as he stared into his brother's blue. Cloud was watching the king of all the vampires, himself, completely terrified. Lea was the vampire. The fact that he had banded all of these monsters together was a testament to his power and he was very unhappy. "You disobeyed me," Lea told Reno quietly, "you know how dangerous bringing that human here is."
"Relax, it's alright," Reno insisted. Green eyes narrowed at him.
"For your sake, it had better be," he replied dangerously. Cloud looked up at Reno anxiously and the vampire smiled down at him fondly, telling him it was going to be alright. Lea hissed in displeasure. "You're actually serious, aren't you?" Reno stared at his brother longingly but didn't argue and Lea's unhappiness grew, flames crackling and whirling around him. "I cannot believe you're in love with a human, especially that one." Cloud whimpered softly, his eyes reflecting both surprise and terror. Lea watched him, his lovely green eyes predatory. Something in his expression shifted as he stared into those blue eyes, becoming calculating instead. It made Cloud uneasy. He smirked slowly, his eyes flicking back to Reno, who tensed as Lea made his decision. His eyes were dangerous and his lips curved upward. "Fine. You have made your decision and I cannot undo it without harming you. That is why I will allow it," he said, his tone deceptively calm. Reno nodded in understanding.
"Thank you, Lea," breathed in relief. Cloud was clinging to him, absolutely terrified.
"Reno," Lea replied, his tone still light, "Make sure you put a claim on him tonight, or I will."
"What?! Lea, he isn't ready," he protested. Lea's eyes glittered dangerously and his grin sharpened.
"Go into the castle and do it or I will have you do it out here for your disobedience," he hissed, gesturing toward the courtyard. Nodding, Reno clenched his arms around the blond protectively, his lips forming a thin line, and asked,
"Body or blood?" Lea's lips curved upward into a pleased smile.
"Both."
Obeying, Reno took the blond inside, ascending the staircase and going to the left wing. Cloud was staring at Reno, completely terrified and trying to understand what was happening. "What's a claim? Reno? Reno!" he was panicking and his eyes were rimmed with tears. He squirmed, trying to get away.
"Shh," he murmured back, "it will keep you safe." Cloud blinked back tears.
"Keep me safe?" The beautiful red-head nodded but said nothing else. "How?" he asked.
"My scent will be on you and it will keep the others away," he explained. Calming a little and trying to imagine what it was like Cloud asked,
"What if I don't want to?" the hallway was full of rooms and split off into another level that led to two more rooms but Cloud barely saw what was around them as he stared at the vampire. Reno went into the one that was to the right, locking the door behind him. Cloud's stomach tightened when Reno didn't answer, laying him down on a bed instead. The red-head grasped the frame and bent down, pressing a finger to the blond's lips and silencing them when he opened his mouth to protest.
"If we don't, Lea is not going to give you a choice and that would kill me," he replied. Cloud's heart was racing. He was afraid. Gently, Reno's fingers trailed his face and, whimpering, the blond shut his eyes and raised his hands defensively, visions of terrible things happening to him flashing though his mind. He tensed when Reno tugged his hands down and then a soft, warm, wet, pressure touched his lips. Cloud gasped. It felt like heaven, nothing that he had been expecting. He blinked at Reno in confusion, gasping again when he sucked his lower lip into his mouth, teasing it with his teeth and his tongue. Cloud's face reddened. He had never been kissed before and his lips were tingling. It felt good, really good. His eyes lidded and his body relaxed when Reno deepened the kiss, his body and soul falling under the vampire's spell, getting hooked deeper as their tongues tangling together. The blond moaned, his face reddening. His instincts were urging him to kiss back and he did. His body was shaking and he was breathing heavily, becoming aroused as they explored one another's mouths. Reno sat down on the bed, still kissing him and stroking him slowly, intimately, as his flesh hardened.
"Mmnn…" he moaned, surrendering to Reno as he broke the kiss, tugging off his pajamas. All the vampire had done was kiss him and barely touch him in ways that no one had touched him before. It had gotten him completely aroused and he was trembling. He couldn't stop moaning. Soon, he was staring into those blue eyes, completely naked and at the vampire's mercy. Even if he had been able to, he didn't want to fight Reno. He wanted to keep kissing him and he wanted Reno to keep touching him.
"I kept coming back, I kept finding you and watching over you because I have loved you, ever since you were small, only in a different way," he told him. Cloud listened, moaning softly when Reno's lips and tongue trailed down his neck and chest, "much as you adored me..." With a gasp, the blond arched his back as Reno's mouth found one of his nipples, and he moaned the vampire's name, as his mouth explored, caressing his skin. Reno's hand caressed Cloud's face. The blond was panting, breathing hard. "I don't want you like this yet, but I brought you here. I have to protect you," he told him, kissing him again. Cloud's eyelids fluttered shut and his fingers threaded into amazingly soft, silky red hair, almost unable to believe that Reno was allowing it.
"I do," he gasped, his body offering itself to Reno automatically. With a small smile, the vampire shook his head.
"You don't know what you are saying," he said back. Tossing his head from side to side, Cloud tried to clear his head. Reno let him breathe.
"I'm not… not a child anymore, I…" their eyes locked, "… I wanted you before you brought me here…" The red-head took his shirt off, unbuttoning it slowly, and set his goggles on the table beside the bed. Heated blue eyes watched him, unable to look away. Cloud watched him fixatedly as he suckled on two fingers, shaking his head while he did it.
"You don't understand," he replied, positioning his fingers and rubbing them in a slow circle where he would take the boy. Cloud gasped when they pushed inside and hit something so hard that it had him dripping onto himself. He didn't have time to be embarrassed about it and cried out loudly when Reno did it again, teasing the spot in a slow circle. Cloud's legs were trembling. "I'm not just taking your body. You will never be the same again," he breathed, kissing the blond deeply. Another finger slid into him and Cloud whimpered in pain and pleasure as he continued to thrust them deep inside. Slowly, he pulled his hand away and broke the kiss.
Cloud watched him undress, his eyes hot and his body willing from the venom. Reno hadn't wanted any of it, but it hadn't been his choice. The boy gasped when their bodies joined, his back arching as the red-head pulled back and thrust hard. Cloud was crying out, half moaning, and half screaming from pleasure, his body shuddering under Reno's powerful one. He offered his throat without realizing what he was doing. The vampire kissed it, licking his racing pulse. Cloud moaned his name and Reno bit, breaking the flawless skin. The blond cried out in agony, whimpering when he bit deeper. It hurt a lot. Reno drank, still thrusting powerfully. His hand found Cloud's arousal, wrapping around it and pumping in time with the thrusting and then he bit his own tongue, licking the wound and sealing it. Their eyes met and Cloud stared at the vampire's bloodied mouth in fear, unable to stop gasping and moaning in pleasure. Reno kissed him with that same bloodied mouth and he couldn't stop himself from kissing back or swallowing it.
It was done and Cloud felt their bond immediately. He broke away from the kiss, crying out at the intensity of it. With another gasp, his entire body shuddered as he came hard. Reno moaned as Cloud's body tightened around him, slowing his pace as the blond finished before thrusting hard again and making him come again as he pulsed inside of him powerfully. Cloud felt their bond deepening, growing stronger. His entire body arched as he screamed in pleasure, blacking out from the burning intensity of it and falling limply onto the bed.
~o~
Axel touched Roxas' face gently, turning it toward him and their eyes met. He kissed the blond, their lips locking in a deep caress. He took his time, deepening it gradually and pulling Roxas closer. Their eyes met when the kiss was broken and the red-head's beautiful green eyes stared into blue searchingly.
"I believe you," he answered. Roxas watched him confusedly. "We can wait. If you are not ready now, I understand. I do not want you to have any doubts about this decision and if you have any second thoughts, I will not turn you."
"I don't, Axel," he replied "I might be afraid because I don't know what's going to happen… and I might miss the sunlight but I want to be with you more than that fear and I don't want you to have to be afraid of that changing." The red-head continued to watch him, smiling gently.
"Don't be afraid, Roxas. Don't ever be afraid. Even if you are like me, you will still feel and be who you are now," he told him gently. "You will be more than you are now, but not a horrifying monster as I am sure you have been led to believe." He lent closer, continuing. "The sunlight will weaken you but you can still enjoy it. However if you are exposed for too long it will burn you. The process is tortuously slow… and even if you are severely burnt, you can be revived. That is why that kind of execution is especially cruel." Roxas swallowed, nodding slowly.
"What about…" his face twisted as he said it, "feeding…" He didn't like the idea at all.
"You may take what you need from me," the red-head told him gently.
"And if I don't want to do it?" he asked.
"You will lose control and kill someone," Axel warned. Roxas felt his face whiten. He knew that Axel was still giving him the chance to walk away from this.
"What's it like?" he asked, suddenly afraid. None of the slayers knew what getting turned was like and the idea was terrifying. Axel nuzzled his neck, kissing it, his soft red hair brushing his cheek. Roxas was flustered by the affectionate gesture and gasped when Axel teased the spot with his teeth.
"I will bite you," he breathed, his lips brushing the spot, "and you will die but you will also be reborn." Roxas gasped, pulling back in shock, and he stared at Axel breathlessly. "Don't be afraid," he urged, "If you say yes, it will be one of the most excruciatingly pleasurable moments of your life," he promised, the thrill and excitement for that moment as well as the ones that would follow lighting those green eyes. Roxas nodded, shuddering at Axel's emotions. He still wanted it and Axel could feel it. Grinning, the red-head grasped the hem of his shirt, taking it off in one fluid motion, and tossing it aside, letting Roxas stare at him. Then, his fingers buried themselves into golden hair and he pulled Roxas into a burning kiss.
Roxas' eyes slid shut and he kissed Axel back, his body temperature rapidly increasing. It was like liquid fire was spreading through his veins. His heart was racing and he was excited but terrified. The dynamics of his emotions pulling him in one direction and then the next. Axel's tongue slid into his mouth again and again, stroking against his tongue and, encouraging him to participate in the kiss. Roxas was breathing hard, trembling against Axel's strong frame. The red-head pulled him closer, deepening the kiss and the blond moaned. Nimble fingers slid up his shirt, touching his smooth stomach. Axel pulled away to take it off and then their mouths reconnected.
Roxas' hands were trembling when he touched the red-head's body, feeling his warm skin. He pulled him closer and Axel broke away from his mouth, trailing down his neck with soft, gentle, kisses that were soothing. He bit gently, teasing the skin. Roxas moaned softly, tilting his head and giving Axel better access. "I love you, Axel," he murmured, groaning in pleasure when the red-head's ministrations became more aggressive. Axel bit him, suckling harshly at the skin. He smiled against the bruise that was forming.
"I know," he purred back, his canines lengthening. Axel kissed Roxas' racing pulse gently before teasing it with the sharp points. Roxas gasped in excitement and anxiety. "And because I love you I will ask once more," he breathed, "are you sure that you want this?" Roxas nodded.
"Yes, please Axel, yes," he gasped.
Axel bit and the blond cried out incoherently. It hurt so much but it felt so good. He was completely flooded with agony and pleasure. This bite was different. Axel wasn't just taking his blood. He was taking his life. Axel held him tightly and bit deeper, their bare skin rubbing and the contact felt amazing. Roxas moaned, when a wave of pleasure hit him and Axel broke away from his neck. Blood was falling steadily from the wound, and the blond bit his lip at the searing pain.
Roxas took a moment to breathe as their eyes locked. "Please don't stop," he pleaded softly. "Don't let it heal, I want this, I want you." His hands framed Axel's face and he searched those green eyes. "Please." With a smile of approval, the beautiful creature kissed him, sensing his emotions. He pulled away to lap up the blood trickling out of the bite. Roxas offered his neck and Axel's mouth found the wound and he drank. Roxas was trembling from the pleasure, his entire body burning up and Axel tugged him closer. He could feel his body growing heavy as Axel drained the life from him, the adrenaline from it fueling his pleasure. Axel took his hand, twining their fingers together and squeezing. Roxas watched, his eyes growing heavy. Slowly, they blinked shut and he let himself get lost in the feeling. He could feel his heart slowing, thudding painfully in his chest until it finally stopped.
Axel's voice spoke to him, urging him to look at him as fingers trailed across his face. It felt surreal. Slowly he opened his eyes. "It's time," he told the blond, reaching for one of Roxas' blades. Those green eyes were blazing from excitement and Roxas watched Axel's lips curve upward into a gorgeous smile. Somehow, Roxas knew he was different. He could sense more, his canines were already longer, sharper, and he was burning up everywhere except for where he was touching Axel. He watched as Axel raised the knife to his throat and it screamed against his instincts. He shook his head. He felt so weak.
"No, Axel," he gasped. The red-head's expression dimmed, becoming serious.
"If you have changed your mind, you will die," he warned. Roxas shook his head, sensing Axel's emotions. Axel's eyes slid shut. "You have to feed, now," he told him, "there is no time to wait, Roxas. The only reason you are conscious right now is because you have some of my blood already." Roxas pressed their bodies together and everywhere their skin touched, he felt amazing. His fingers wove into fiery hair and he pulled the red-head into a kiss. Axel kissed him back, slowly grasping either side of his face as he broke away. He stared into blue eyes, his brows furrowing. "Please, Roxas," he whispered.
"I will," the blond replied mouthing at his neck. Comprehending what was happening, Axel tilted his head, offering. Instincts taking over, Roxas bit him hard, breaking the skin. The coppery tang of blood hit his senses and Axel moaned. Encouraged, Roxas held onto him and drank, trying to touch him as much as possible. Somehow it wasn't as awful as he'd thought it would be. He felt better, he felt stronger, and his vision was already sharpening. Axel was moaning, shaking and gasping in pleasure. He didn't want to stop and he didn't until Axel grasped his shoulders and gently pulled him away from his neck and into a kiss.
The red-head was smiling at him. Roxas nuzzled against him, his discomfort from being away only increasing. Fingers curled under his chin, raising it. There was excitement in those green eyes as he searched Roxas'. "How are you feeling?" he asked finally. Roxas groaned in discomfort.
"Hot. Why am I burning up?" he groaned miserably. Axel grinned sharply.
"For some, it is part of the process of changing," he murmured to the blond. Roxas stared into his eyes. "The discomfort might last for a few days while your body adjusts, perhaps longer."
"Not when I touch you," Roxas corrected, nuzzling into his chest and licking up it, his body acting on its own. Axel let him do it and as he worked his way up to his throat, Roxas saw that the wound had already healed. He couldn't stop touching the red-head or kissing him. Axel turned his head, his mouth finding Roxas', kissing him with a wild hunger. Roxas kissed back. He was burning up everywhere for Axel.
Axel kissed him deeply and the device opened. The red-head took his hand, tugging him along.
"Come," he told him. Their hands clasped together and Roxas followed, up a set of stairs, leaving the basement behind. A door opened at the top, revealing the library. Roxas hesitated.
"…but, is it safe now?" Axel nodded.
"I would never put you in danger, not now, not ever," he promised, pulling him into a kiss.
Roxas stepped into the room and stopped. It was in disarray. There were books on the floor and it looked like there had been a struggle but he couldn't quite tell what had happened. That is, until his foot bumped something and he bent down, retrieving it. It was a blade and his body stilled. "My father's here," he said softly. "That was the threat?" he questioned. The red-head nodded, leading him further into the room. The hidden door slid shut. Roxas watched calmly, waiting for him to explain.
"You would have died. If he had succeeded with taking you, and you did not resume your duties, your kind would have killed you," he explained. Roxas nodded slowly as Axel continued. "And if he had turned you against me, I would have killed you."
"I know," Roxas said softly, "but you should have told me." Axel frowned.
"I didn't want you to react badly and refuse safety," he replied, he glanced at the blond longingly. "You may have done something foolish." Roxas went to him slowly.
"I understand," he replied, "but you have to trust me, Axel." Axel's fingers threaded into his hair and he kissed him deeply.
"I do," he breathed, "you are my own, my clan, my mate. Never forget that."
The words left him stunned, completely breathless. Nodding, Roxas told him, "Okay, I want to see my father then." Axel disliked it, he could feel it, but he took the blond's hands into his own.
"Okay," he replied, "come with me." Roxas followed, twining his fingers with Axel's, walking with him to a room he hadn't been in, just down the hall from the white room. He watched Axel open the door and stepped inside.
Reno was watching over someone, stroking his blond hair delicately. Roxas went to the bed, already disliking how far away he was from Axel. It left him feeling light-headed, but he needed to do this. He sank down into the mattress silently, staring into his father's face. His eyes scanned the man. His father was disarmed and completely pale. Cloud was absolutely helpless looking and looked like he had been ravished, sleeping deeply. There was a green scarf around his neck but Roxas suspected that he had been bitten. Roxas had never seen him like any of these things before. He knew without a doubt that Axel had told him the truth about his father and Reno. He felt eyes on him and looked up, his eyes locking with Reno's. The red-head smiled blissfully at Roxas before his gaze flicked to Axel. When his brother nodded, he rested his hand on Roxas'. His eyes were shining from excitement.
"Welcome," he murmured happily. Roxas smiled back.
"Thank you," he replied. His gaze wandered down to his father. "Is he alright?' he asked gently. Reno smiled down at Cloud and nodded.
"He will be," he replied. "Although, I don't think he would be happy if he knew I was letting you see him like this." Roxas' lips curved upward.
"I don't think he'd be happy if he saw me like this. Better not wake him up to tell him I'm here, huh?" he murmured back. Looking relieved, Reno nodded.
"Thanks, he still hasn't warmed up to me," he replied. Roxas smiled at him pityingly and bent down over his father, kissing his forehead gently and placed the blade he had found on his stomach. Then he took the blade his father had given him for his birthday and placed it beside it as he pulled back. "What are you doing?" Reno asked in confusion. The blond watched him for a long moment, still trying to focus on anything other than Axel and failing.
"I'm telling him goodbye," he replied, standing, "he'll understand."
He went to Axel. The red-head's green eyes were glimmering in approval. Roxas nuzzled against him and Axel scooped him up, their skin pressing together, and the blond sighed in relief. He was being held closely, protectively. Roxas rubbed his face against his chest, mouthing at it hungrily and biting gently. Axel shuddered as he walked to the white room, opening the door and gently shutting it behind him.
Moonlight was flooding into the room and Roxas stopped briefly, watching the night in silent fascination. It had never called to him like this before. He was different, but the same. He could feel himself changing. His eyes met Axel's and he stared at him, wanting. The red-head was beautiful and wild. His skin was soft and pale, like the moonlight. Axel kissed him and Roxas kissed back. It was different now. He still felt intense pleasure when Axel kissed him, but he kissed back because it was what he wanted, not because he was being forced by the venom. Not anymore. His fingers wove into soft red hair and he tugged gently.
Axel let him and, still kissing him, he took him to the bed. Roxas' back arched when hands slid down his chest, caressing pleasurably. "It is part of changing," he reminded him, "Are you sure that you want this? We do have forever, you know," he whispered against the blond's lips. Roxas grasped his belt, fumbling to get it off, and then his pants were next and Axel grinned, letting him do it. Roxas pushed him onto the bed and leant close, almost kissing him but not yet.
"Yes, I do," Axel hummed in pleasure, kissing him and nipping at his lower lip playfully. Roxas slipped away, pulling the black fabric off, but fumbling when he got to his boots. He tugged at them but they wouldn't come off and the blond pouted in frustration, glaring at them like he was offended. Still grinning, Axel sat up, helping him. His forefinger trailed along his lips, rubbing against the lower one sensually once he was naked. He grasped the blond's hips, pulling him closer.
"Alright," he breathed amusedly, undressing him aggressively. Their bodies fit together perfectly, like they were made for each other, as much skin touching skin as possible, hands buried into each other's hair. Their lips each sought out the others', their tongues tangling. It was wild. It was perfect. Somehow, he didn't need to catch his breath as the kiss went on and on. He wasn't breathing and it startled him. Axel broke the kiss, his lips curving upward. "You don't need it anymore," he explained, kissing him again and proving his point. Roxas gasped reflexively, realizing that Axel was right. He wanted to know how he was changing.
"You said… that I would share your power… What else? Why is it happening so quickly?" he whispered back, staring into those green eyes. Axel's lips tugged upward further. The process was supposed to take a few days but everything was happening to him so suddenly.
"You're stronger, more resilient," he explained, grasping his hips and raising him up. Roxas clenched his teeth, hissing in pain when Axel thrust into him hard, but that pain only lasted for a moment. He stared at the red-head, confusedly. Normally the venom was drugging him, forcing him to relax and feel good. This was completely different. He was completely aware. "Good, you can feel it," he purred. Axel guided him down until he was fully seated on his lap, angling his hips and rubbing a spot inside that had the blond's entire body trembling. "Pain will be brief," he purred, "and if I am the one causing it, I promise that it will melt into bliss, my love." Roxas was gasping, moaning at their union and Axel wasn't even moving yet. "I can do things to you now that would have killed you when you were human," he told the blond. Roxas met his eyes daringly, and leaned close. He wanted to know what it meant.
"Show me," he whispered back. Axel grinned wildly as he held the blond against him and pulled back, thrusting into him so hard that he screamed in pain and pleasure and he didn't stop. Axel was moving with all of his power, which was a lot more than Roxas could have ever imagined. He was sobbing, gasping, moaning, his body jerking involuntarily, and it was more pleasurable than anything he had experienced with Axel before. If he were human, Axel would be literally ripping him apart. The merciless pounding should have been killing him. The red-head kissed him, swallowing up his pain, his pleasure and when he tugged Roxas' lower lip between his teeth, he bit through it. Roxas whimpered, and then moaned when the red-head sucked on it. By the time he had broken the kiss, it had healed.
Hissing at the pain and losing his mind over the ecstasy, Roxas wrapped his legs around Axel's waist, moving with him instinctively. Pleased, Axel's fingers curled under his chin, and he kissed the blond gently. Then, he pushed Roxas down onto the bed, pulling out of him. The blond hissed in displeasure at the loss of contact and smiling wryly, Axel flipped him over, guiding him onto his knees. Hands found his hips and a voice whispered in his mind. Hold on.
Roxas grasped the headboard that was in front of him and Axel thrust into him. The blond screamed, and pulling out, Axel did it again and again. It was even more powerful than their previous position and his entire body was trembling. Axel's hands slid up his stomach, his fingers caressing his nipples and Roxas moaned. Axel's chest rested against his back and he eased into a gentler, but still powerful, rhythm. Roxas could feel his body getting close, but he didn't want it to be over.
He took one of Axel's hands in his own, tugging it to his mouth. He kissed the inner wrist licking at the perfect pale skin. Axel kissed his neck, sharp fangs teasing the flesh. Arousal rushed through him and Roxas bit on instinct, drinking when blood entered his mouth. Axel gasped, moaning, and let him do it. He pulled Roxas closer, his body trembling as he came inside, moaning over and over. He was still coming when he fisted Roxas' hair and bit the blond back. The wave of pleasure pushed him over the edge as Axel drank and Roxas cried out, releasing the red-head's wrist as he came hard.
He was completely dazed when Axel turned him around, mouth still bloody as he kissed him hungrily. Roxas kissed him back, tugging him close and nuzzling against him when it was over. "You aren't like the others," he whispered finally. He had never met or heard of a vampire that was as strong as Axel, or one that could manipulate fire. He had felt Axel's strength, now, but he still hadn't seen a raw display of his power. Not yet.
"Of course not," the red-head told him. Roxas' eyes met his. Axel looked extremely pleased and his pleasure was directed at the blond. "I rule them all," he told him. Blue eyes widened.
"You're the king of the vampires?" he whispered back in awe and fear.
"No, Roxas," he murmured back, "I am the king of all of the nightmares that lurk in the dark," he told him, kissing him gently. Roxas stared back in shock, confusion, fear.
"What am I? Why would you choose me? I'm… I'm…" Lips stole his words away.
"You are my mate, forever," he whispered back gently, "don't ever forget that."
~o~
