~O~

Cerulean eyes fluttered open. Cloud took a moment to gaze at the red-head that was sleeping beside him so deeply, supposing it would be like this forever, now. Every day he would wake to this lovely red-head, just as they were now. Not long ago he'd been longing for such a thing. Now he was just unsure. He lifted a hand, pushing red hair away from pale skin so that he could admire Reno's face. He purred softly without thinking, allowing his eyes roam, taking in every last incredible detail of the beautiful creature that cared for him so intensely. Reno was gorgeous, timeless, ageless. He grimaced, reminded that he was the same way now. He had been forever changed, whether he liked it or not. He frowned, but not as intensely as he would have liked to because this change had been done by the very creature he felt so drawn to, no less. He watched the red-head for a moment longer. If it had been Lea he could have hated him. Not Reno. With a sigh of displeasure, he let his hand glide along pale skin. He felt so conflicted but clearer than he'd been in a long time. He knew that this was what he had always longed for. Not the lifetime he'd resigned himself to.

Reno was so still, yet he could sense that he would wake soon. This hyper-awareness was the biggest change he'd had to adjust to. Aside from drinking Reno's blood to survive. He grimaced again, but not as severely. The idea was actually more terrible than the act. Even that was something that he was begrudgingly changing his mind about. Somehow, it felt incredibly intimate, biting Reno and taking his blood. He had never imagined he'd find it so enjoyable. Particularly when the gorgeous red-head lost himself in pleasure over it. He found himself trailing his tongue across his canines as he enjoyed the freedom to quietly appreciate the man and to understand the changes that were happening to him. It wasn't something he'd allowed himself to do yet, but it was something that he desperately needed to come to terms with. He sighed softly, fearing it had already come to an end.

"You don't have to pretend for me." The words pushed Reno closer to consciousness, or maybe it was the sound of his voice, and Cloud tipped his head in confusion, realizing that perhaps he had misunderstood. He had felt him so strongly that he'd thought that he had woken, yet he was still asleep. There was still much for him to learn. Perhaps it was as Reno had told him, their connection was so strong that he could feel him intensely, even as he slept. He knew he couldn't deny their bond, even if he wanted to. The red-head nuzzled against his fingers and it sent a rush of pleasure through him as he felt him awaken. He waited in quiet anticipation for him to open his eyes. His mind blanked when Reno's lips quirked up instead, a smile softening his features, before he gently kissed his fingers. The red-head remained still, sensing what his little love was doing.

"Indulge yourself all you'd like, my darling," he purred, letting him explore his feelings, "I promise to behave." Cloud actually chuckled in amusement, and it was infectious. Reno couldn't help but laugh breathlessly and smile archly as he asked, "Oh? You can still laugh? I'd thought you'd forgotten how to, my little Cloud." Cloud knew that it was true. If not sarcastic, he'd been so serious all of those years, his father had seen to it personally while he was alive and it had made a lasting impression. The red-head hummed softly at the bad memory that had dampened Cloud's mood. Cloud could sense how Reno felt immediately and pinned him in response, covering his mouth with his own. Reno purred in pleasure and arching into him, moving with him without seeing him. He let his eyes flutter open, only when he sensed it was what Cloud desired. He gazed at his beautiful little blond with half lidded eyes, admiring how he was changing and quietly appreciating the atmosphere between them.

"I don't have to be, now." Blue eyes sparkled up at him.

"That's right," he agreed. Cloud smiled a bit, sensing how pleased Reno was with him, simply for bantering a bit with him like this.

"Well, I don't think I can hate you anymore..." he admitted in agreement, before scoffing, "but I am still angry."

"That's fine," Reno answered with a small smile. He couldn't help but find that Cloud was adorable when he was upset with him. The blond pouted a bit and it only made Reno's smile widen. He hoped their mental connection would finally help them understand one other and soften his little blond. "I am so happy you are here," he sighed, winding his arms around Cloud and tugging at his spikes affectionately. "It makes me especially happy to see you finally smiling at me." Cloud was slowly tipping toward wanting him, even though there was some fear, confusion and reluctance. He could feel it. He just needed to be patient for a little longer. He could do that.

"Reno, let me-" he fell silent when slender fingers pressed to his lips.

"You are allowed anything you desire," he promised softly, stroking his little love's lips sensually and watching the blond's cheeks flush, "so take whatever time you need. Come to me when you are ready." Cloud's eyes slid shut as soft lips pressed to his forehead.

"How long... do I have before I'm falling at your feet…?" Reno peered at him, knowing just as well that Cloud would be driven to him instinctively once more. He hummed thoughtfully.

"Darling, it will subside as you become stronger," he promised. "You know what you must do." The blond nodded, tentatively brushing his fingers though red hair to expose Reno's fair skin once more. He bent down to tease his neck with his lips and could feel the rush of pleasure and anticipation it sent through Reno. It filled him with the urge to break the flawless skin and make this gorgeous creature belong to him. He kissed the skin, everything within him whispering that this lovely red-head already did belong to him, every last piece, and it always would. All he had to do was take him. Reno moaned softly in consent, gorgeous and willing. He gasped when the blond bit teasingly, gently puncturing his flesh before slowly running his tongue along the wounds, continuing as he worked his way down, exposing his shoulder before finally biting him harder, sucking harshly as he drank from the wound. Reno ran his fingers though golden hair, stroking encouragingly and kissing the top of his head. He moaned yearningly as his blond pulled open his clothes, working his way down to kiss the exposed skin hungrily. The fingers that were woven in his hair tugged gently. He didn't want to push Cloud into anything he wasn't ready for. The blond sensed his intention and breathed,

"You said I am allowed anything I desire," as he brushed his lips against Reno's taught stomach. The red-head absolutely melted and he could feel just how much he wanted to be desired by him. Humming softly, he pressed his lips to pale flesh once more. "I will… consider you," he murmured, realizing he'd decided as the words were purred sensually. Somehow, he wasn't startled to hear his voice purring like that. It felt good, natural even. Reno said his name weakly and he looked up to meet stormy blue eyes that were filled with so many emotions. It was thrilling to see him so vulnerable. He shifted to kiss luscious lips. "I will consider you," he breathed, holding him close. Arms wrapped around him and he found himself being swept away in another kiss. He was hot, absolutely on fire because of his mate. His body, his emotions, his scent, everything that was Reno was taking him over. Nothing else mattered. He hardly realized that the words were spilling out of his mouth for a third time, until he felt the promise burning through him. The red-head hissed in pleasure and took his mouth passionately. He was lost in burning kisses, hardly realizing that they were moving together, their bodies in sync and writhing in pleasure, until he was rocking into Reno. Long legs wound around his waist and he was absolutely burning up over his cries of pleasure, particularly because of the way his name sounded coming out of that delectable mouth. He tasted Reno's lips and the red-head kissed him so intensely that he thought of nothing past pleasing him. He was drawn to an intense gaze and found himself moaning as Reno bit his lower lip, puncturing and sucking sensually as he broke the string of kisses.

"I love you, Cloud," the red-head all but moaned. His little blond couldn't look away, enraptured by his mate. "Love me, taste me, desire me, all of me, and don't stop," he purred. Cloud kissed him, tasting his own blood lingering on Reno's lips. The red-head pulled away to offer his neck and Cloud hardly realized he was obeying the unspoken request until the sound of Reno's pleased cries made him come. He was lost in the feeling of Reno's pleasure as he drank, the feeling of his body tightening around him, the nails dragging down his back and the sound of his name spilling out of the red-head's mouth as he came undone. Everything about his mate was driving him wild. It was far more intoxicating than vampire venom, and yet he was in complete control.

He brushed red hair out of that gorgeous face, and Reno whimpered in pleasure as his lips were taken. He delved in deep, feeling surrounded by Reno, past the physical barrier of their bodies. He felt absolutely blanketed in affection and adoration. "I love you, Reno Sinclair," he moaned softly, immersed in the feeling and reluctant to withdraw. He wanted more. The red-head laughed breathlessly. He was sure it was unintentional but…

"You are extending into me," he warned softly, pulling away from Cloud's embrace after one final kiss. He sat up, his red hair falling about him as he guarded himself against his mate. He absolutely hated it. He wanted this more than anything. However, he already knew his little love well enough to know he at least needed to warn him. He didn't want to intentionally invoke Cloud's stubbornness. The blond smiled a bit, appreciating Reno's honesty.

"Extending?" A red brow quirked at his smile.

"Is this a trap?" he asked with a laugh. "Or may I be delighted that you are pleased about this?" Cerulean eyes glimmered.

"I don't hate it," he answered.

"That's because it's natural to want to become one with me," Reno mused with a wry smile. He sighed wistfully. "I would hate for you to feel you're losing yourself in me, just as you're starting to like me." Cloud considered Reno's words for a moment before settling alongside him and placing his hand on top of the red-head's. Reno nuzzled against Cloud when he twined their fingers together.

"Vampires are driven by instinct…" The red-head nodded. "I think I understand."

"Perhaps I am understanding what it is like to be more human as well," Reno answered. "You are driven by a heart, even if it is no longer beating." Cloud smiled.

"You have to be the most emotional Vampire I have ever encountered, for not understanding what it's like to have a heart." The red-head glanced at him in amusement, letting his guard down. He liked feeling this closeness. It was something that he longed for. Cloud could feel his pleasure and he enjoyed feeling understood, finally. Reno hummed softly for a moment and watched his little blond contemplatively. Just maybe… this much would be okay. He would let their instincts guide them and be mindful of Cloud's heart.

"I understand what it's like, I am simply not driven by it," he answered. He cupped Cloud's face with his free hand, willing him to come closer. The blond obeyed, pressing their foreheads together. It was a soft, gentle pulling all around him, an invitation to come inside. Reno purred in pleasure, at the feeling of Cloud enmeshing with his being so intimately. "Good," He murmured, encouragingly. Golden brows furrowed. It was such an oddly curious thing to experience. Knowledge that wasn't his own came to him so naturally and he found himself hungry to learn. Information about the Sinclair Clan, what was happening to him, what would happen to him… elements… He was startled to realize that while Lea could manipulate fire, Reno could manipulate the air. He gazed at the red-head speechlessly, withdrawing and severing their connection. He'd never understood why Reno had worn goggles before or the need to protect his eyes, little things that were so obvious that he'd missed. Why had he never realized…? "It's a secret only a selective few have knowledge of. Members of our clan can manifest the power of an element," he purred. "Roxas has, so I imagine you will as well." Cloud was speechless once again. Reno could sense the things he wanted to ask, but what he did ask was the one thing he didn't expect.

"Why didn't you ever tell me?" He understood what Cloud meant. Why hadn't he shown him, even back when he'd become his fledgling. He smiled archly.

"I have secrets as well, Cloud," he answered. "Lea's element is sufficient, so mine tends to be used more subtly." He could feel his little loveling's curiosity.

"Will you show me, now that I know?" he asked. Reno smiled and hummed in affirmation.

"Now that you're my mate?" The blond's face flushed. Reno touched their lips together, "It pleases me that you're thinking of me as such," he breathed. Cloud's reddening face deepened gorgeously. He had hardly realized he'd done such a thing. He groaned in pleasure as he was kissed deeply before Reno playfully whispered, "Yes, you may have anything you desire," he purred for a second time, "Let's get dressed."

~O~

Roxas woke to find Axel enjoying the view of the setting sun. He was standing on the balcony that overlooked the courtyard. Roxas closed his eyes for a moment, seeing as Axel saw. Their resistance, awaiting his command. When he opened his eyes again, he simply gazed his mate, appreciating every curve of his lithe body. He was gorgeous in the fading light. Much too soon, Axel sensed him and turned to look at him. His stunning smile lessened Roxas' displeasure at the interruption. Darkness swirled around him and he appeared at Roxas' side a moment later. He gently brushed his fingers through golden, disheveled hair. Roxas nuzzled against him, comfortingly. His mate had been worried about him.

"Was I asleep for long?" Axel hummed in affirmation.

"You worked hard and did well." Axel was in a good mood, so Roxas was hopeful of good news. With a smile, he answered, "We have received word for a truce." He gazed at the blond appreciatively. "However there is still some opposition from some of the districts. Shall we meet to discuss terms, as those in agreement have suggested to persuade them?"

"No. Strike them down," Roxas answered without hesitation. Those who would not heed their warning now were simply foolish. Axel smiled in satisfaction.

"You don't want to know which ones are in opposition, first?" The blond shook his head.

"It doesn't matter. We made a promise, it must be kept." Green eyes were absolutely alight.

"Perfect," he purred, kissing his mate. Roxas wound his arms around the red-head.

"Shall we go?"

"Mmm, I love your enthusiasm," Axel purred, brushing their noses as he gazed deeply into ocean blue eyes, "but you have only just awoken. I was hopeful that you would be in agreement, and so I already have a faction ready to go for each opposing district. I shall entrust this task to Larxene. She was rather disappointed about the idea of peace." His lips curved up wryly as Roxas understood. "Yes. She is the queen of the Fae and is absolutely savage. She delights in bloodshed." Roxas smiled, knowing and understanding, knowing as his mate knew. There was no doubt, the task would be completed. He smiled a bit, appreciating his red-head's thoughtfulness. Axel was still worried about him and felt he had already done his part. Still, he had waited to act until he had woken before proceeding.

"Okay." Roxas found himself playing with crimson strands, pleased that Axel had still cared about his wishes and contemplating how to reward him. "Stay with me before you give your commands." Axel smiled endearingly at the sweet request, delighted that Roxas wanted him at his side.

"I can light the signal at will," he purred, closing his eyes and focusing. Roxas smiled as the fire in their fireplace blazed the same brilliant green as Axel's eyes, understanding instinctively that all of the fires in their base had also changed. He kissed his crimson haired beauty to show his appreciation.

"You never cease to amaze me," he purred. Axel nuzzled against him affectionately.

"After this we should…"

"Stay here to help maintain the peace," Roxas agreed, finishing with him. Axel smiled.

"Perhaps Reno and your father can join us. They should also have immunity to the light because they have your blood." The blond nodded, liking the idea.

"I think they will be happy, once they spend some time together, let's leave them be for now. Father will be at peace, now that mother is in the light and the resistance is no longer a threat. Let's let him enjoy his new life. Reno as well." Axel hummed in agreement. "Thank you, for helping to save him." His red-head kissed him deeply.

"Thank you, for choosing me," he answered, "I would do anything for you." Roxas returned the kiss, breathing,

"And I for you." He wound his arms around the red-head. "Now, stay by my side and allow me to enjoy you," he purred. Axel was weak to the gentle command, "I want you all to myself," they breathed together. Their lips quirked up and they came together, losing themselves in a passionate kiss.

~O~

Reno had dressed warmly, finding similar clothes for his little blond, being mindful that Cloud was still changing. As well as two pairs of goggles. Cloud looked so cute. Just like he used to. He felt tempted to coddle him but knew it would end badly. Despite Reno's efforts, Cloud could feel his enthusiasm about it. He could practically imagine it. Rolling his eyes and giving him a defiant look, he muttered,

"I'm not a child anymore." Reno smiled.

"Honestly, Cloud, you might not look that different, maybe a little more built and a little bit taller…" he trailed off when the blond scoffed at him and kissed his cheek before promising, "but I would never intentionally evoke your wrath by saying something like that." Cloud shook his head with a sigh, muttering,

"You didn't have to." He gasped a moment later when Reno swept him off his feet, carrying him in his arms. Their noses brushed and he blushed deeply. He clung to the man, hiding his face in the crook of his neck to hide from him. Reno chuckled a bit, just before darkness swirled around them. He was startled when they emerged at the highest point on the roof. When Cloud burrowed his face into his chest, this time out of fear, Reno smiled a bit, realizing now that his little love had always been afraid of heights. He leapt into the air and the blond only clung to him harder. Reno enjoyed it for a moment before he gently encouraged him,

"Don't be afraid, look." Hesitantly he did, gasping in alarm. They were floating in the air, high above the mansion.

"What? How? You can fly?!" he gasped.

"By manipulating the air around us," he answered. Cloud stared at him in amazement.

"What can Roxas do? What will I…" He trailed off and Reno understood. He could feel the intensity of Cloud's emotions. He missed his son. Roxas had helped to save his life and he hadn't even gotten to thank him.

"Yours has yet to manifest. His is light." Cloud was startled when Reno kissed the top of his head. "I will teach you to call to him, after this. Cloud gazed up at Reno and the red-head smiled at him archly, softly humming, "You're welcome." He was pleasantly surprised when his little blond pulled him into another kiss. "Would you like to learn more or are you still afraid." Cloud took a moment to steel himself.

"You're here, so I'm safe," he answered. Reno smiled, pressing their foreheads together. He kissed him deeply, surrounded by the moon and the stars. Cloud felt so alive and free. He gazed up at the man, feeling nostalgic stirrings of admiration. He felt so drawn to the red-head.

"Of course." He let Cloud down and the blond moved with him, tentatively following his lead, sensing what would happen. Their fingertips brushed and Reno willed him to trust in him. "Shall we go for a walk amongst the clouds?" he murmured. The blond flushed warmly, nodding. Reno wouldn't let him fall, but what drew him to the man even more than knowing he was absolutely safe with him was just learning new things about him and realizing how endearing he could be. They walked though the night sky, amongst the stars. Cloud had never felt so free and alive. He scoffed a bit, reminding himself that he wasn't anymore. Arms wrapped around him, almost as if in response, and he found himself leaning into Reno's embrace as they moved together. He could sense that Reno was going to show him more, as well as quiet whispers in his mind to think of this as a new life. He found himself nodding, and as if guided, he tipped his head back and buried his hands in red hair, pulling Reno down and into a kiss. The air whipped around them and a moment later, Cloud was amazed to find his feet gently touching the ground. "Think of the life we have now as being reborn. I won't have to hide anything from you, now," he purred, guiding him. When the blond in his grasp nodded obediently, he smiled and told him, "I also have an affinity with the earth," he murmured to Cloud, continuing their walk through the mansion's gardens. He smiled at his little blond. "Lea might be more powerful but I am the only one who has ever done this," he purred, brushing his fingers along the greenery of the garden. The blond gasped softly when blooms spread throughout the extensive space, expanding from pale fingertips. Shades of blue met and Reno finally caught Cloud giving him a familiar look. One that he hadn't seen in so long but had longed for.

The red-head's lips curved up and gasping softly, the blond found himself pressed into soft greenery. Velvety lips were cradling his own. The lovely red-head pressed him down gently, cradling his hips as he straddled him. Cloud could sense that he was pleased with him. He arched into the man, his body welcoming those insistent lips, letting them explore. Nothing existed beyond Reno in that moment. The red-head purred in pleasure, and gazed at his little blond affectionately. Cloud gazed into his eyes, lost in the expression, weak over it. With that same soft smile, Reno tugged up his goggles, settling them in red, sultry hair before doing the same with Cloud's. Having him here, like this, was a moment that he had waited for, for a long time now. His defiant little blond blushed cutely as he admired him. With a wry grin, he waited for him to protest. He was growing used to Cloud trying to avoid his feelings for him. The blond pouted, protesting but differently than he'd expected. "That's not fair, you've always been so sure of yourself while I haven't." Reno tipped his head thoughtfully.

"Forgive me, for being insensitive," he purred back. "Allow me to make it up to you." Cloud scoffed a bit and Reno chuckled softly, knowing what his little love was feeling. He bent down to brush their lips as he breathed, "Just name what you want, darling. You are allowed anything you desire." Cloud melted into the kiss that followed, arching at the feeling of Reno's promise. By the time he broke away, he knew. Roxas.

"You promised," he murmured.

"I did," Reno agreed. Fingers brushed through blond hair, softly stroking. "Close your eyes, Cloud." The blond obeyed, allowing himself to be guided. "Think of him, your bond, extend your senses. You are still closer than you think." With a sharp gasp, cerulean eyes opened.

"They're at the castle," he murmured, "...you knew." Reno hummed in affirmation.

"I can sense my kin," he answered, "wherever Lea is, Roxas will naturally follow." His eyes widened and he sensed it. Roxas had felt him. Reno smiled. "Shall we?" He blinked.

"Really?" The red-head smiled at him gently.

"Of course, my love."

~O~