~O~

Gentle hands caressed his skin, a soothing balm. Cloud's mind wouldn't stop racing in its struggle to process everything. Gentle lips pressed to the top of his head, calming him. He looked up, his eyes meeting gentle blue. Reno held him like he was dear and fragile, something about his motions urging him to hush, that it would be alright. He let his eyes flutter shut, taking in the feeling of warm lips caressing his forehead, working down to to take his mouth in an equally gentle kiss. He sighed softly, letting their tongues brush softly. Something about it lit a fire inside of him. It was a slow burn and soon the warmth had spread throughout his entire body until he could feel the fire in his veins. Before he could do more than arch his back, Reno broke away...

"Cloud Strife, you have been in a daze all week," a soft voice chided, pulling him out of his daydream. His body was warm and aroused. Just like it had been since making that bargain. He was so stupid. His children were his weakness. Especially Roxas. Reno had to know by now and was torturing him on purpose.

"Hmm?" he murmured, not wanting to answer her. When she didn't respond right away, his blue eyes landed on Aerith. She sighed, her hands framing her hips as she watched him in exasperation.

"Exactly!" Green eyes watched him, their owner impatient but not unkind. When she sighed again, she shook her head. "Reno can't keep distracting you like this." Golden brows furrowed. Reno had actually been leaving him alone. His cheeks flushed warmly. Well… aside from helping him keep withdrawls from the venom at bay. He knew how horrible they would be when he returned to his family. But he had done it before, he would do it again. Cloud found it rather remarkable that Reno had been content with holding him and indulging in sweet kisses since he only had a limited amount of time left to keep him. It had actually been really nice… and he couldn't stop thinking about it, but he didn't expect it to last. His blue eyes widened as he caught himself and he shook his head violently to dispel the thought. He had no intention of following in Roxas' footsteps, and he reminded himself that he knew what the Vampire was up to. Reno was waiting for the perfect moment to catch him off guard, to draw him in. Just like he had when he'd come. He had to be. Cloud quirked a brow at her.

"...what?"

Aerith clicked her tongue. "Listen, I don't care how good he is, he's scrambling your brain outside of the bedroom, too." Cloud's cheeks flushed darkly. "I mean, I know I shouldn't scold him, he's so kind and doting," she murmured dreamily, making the man wonder if his face would combust, "that's why I'm telling you first, if you don't start focusing, we won't be ready to go to Twilight Town in time."

Cloud stared at the supplies they were preparing, his heart aching. Right. They were scheduled to meet with the Resistance the day after tomorrow. He would see Tifa and Xion. But he… he didn't know how he felt about it. He thought of his wife and didn't know what he was going to say to her. Specifically about Roxas, where he'd been, what he'd been doing- his face flamed at the thought, and the Vampires' terms for peace. He dreaded having to explain that he couldn't come home yet. Or could he? He was confused. No.. Reno had requested three months but after that... He didn't know. Would there would be peace once Reno let him go? The tension was killing him. He had requested to meet with Reno tonight to discuss this. They could be civil, right? Reno had told him they should talk before… so it would be fine, right? Cloud had been anxiously waiting ever since asking. It had only intensified once the sun had set. His senses were on fire; Reno had woken. He would appear soon. He could feel it. Their conversation to come had his stomach twisting in knots. Would the peace end, once Reno set him free? Was his only choice to remain with the Vampire?

"Sorry, Aerith," he murmured. He'd given up trying to correct her. She didn't listen anyway. "I'll do my best."

He knew he hadn't been himself. His mind kept wandering. He wasn't sure of himself anymore. The only thing that pulled him into focus was feeling Reno's presence. As soon as he felt it, their eyes met. The red-head was watching them prepare, smiling gently as Aerith scolded him.

"No need to worry," the red-head intervened on his fledgling's behalf, "I will take responsibility for my actions and help as necessary. You will be on time, I promised Cloud after all," he purred with a wink. Cloud flushed darkly and swallowed harshly. Aerith positively swooned about how wonderful Reno was then grinned at them and excused herself, making the lanky man chuckle. The Vampire was wearing dark denim and a crimson collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His long hair was free from its usual ponytail, gently falling about his face. His lips quirked up. "You wanted to see me?" he murmured, his eyes positively devouring the blond. Cloud's heart skipped a beat, and he found himself nodding slowly. That had become a thing and he detested it. He felt more and more aware, as Reno approached him. His heart was pounding. He struggled to differentiate between what he wanted and the power of the venom, which was making him ache for Reno. The ethereal creature sat beside him and he glanced away first, unsure of how to begin.

"Reno, I..." He was startled when a hand covered his.

"Just say it," the red-head urged. Cloud nodded slowly.

"I suppose that I will break our bargain when I leave you," he said quietly, looking into those lovely blue eyes. Reno's gaze was questioning for a moment and then there was recognition in those blue depths. He shook his head, and Cloud could feel his disappointment.

"That's why you are worried? You might not realize it yet but I'm not a monster, Cloud," he answered with a grim smile. The red-head sighed. "Even when I sound tough, you should know by now that I could never intentionally hurt you. As long as you work towards coexistence with us, there will be peace." He smiled gently when he sensed Cloud's relief. He studied the man for a moment before humming softly. "Is that all?" Cloud bit his lower lip for a long moment.

"Why would you offer me freedom?" he asked. "I thought..."

"You know the truth now." Cloud stared down at the hand covering his, silently. It squeezed his gently, and then a thumb ran across his knuckles. "You don't have to pay for your family's sins, you know." Shades of blue locked. "I am giving you that chance." He bent toward his blond and Cloud flinched, remembering his warning. His lips curved upward and his fledgling swallowed, stuck on the lovely expression. Cloud's breath caught when they pressed to his softly, making him whimper in pleasure and relief. "However, if you choose to, I will hunt you down myself," he purred in reminder. The blond panted as he stared into Reno's eyes.

"You don't mean to set me free then," he murmured back.

"My stubborn little Cloud," Reno chided softly, demanding his attention and making the blond man swallow. "If I fail to get through to you, I will keep my promise. However, if you continue to perpetrate these wrongs, there will be consequences. You have two options, really. You can choose me, or you can choose a normal lifetime with your family, but you will give up slaying us." A golden brow rose.

"Or?" he asked, genuinely curious. Reno watched him intently, sensing the intentions that drove the question. They were harmless enough, so he indulged him.

"Lea is ready to attack," he answered, "now that he has Roxas. He's done waiting for you to play nice." Cerulean eyes widened. "The only thing holding him back is your son."

"Why did you ask for three months?" he asked carefully. Reno watched him in amusement.

"That's my own estimate for how long you have until Lea changes Roxas' mind and eradicates all of our enemies by using your secrets against you," he purred back. "More or less, dearest." Cloud's breath caught.

"What makes you think that Roxas would ever do such a thing?" he asked quietly. Rolling his shoulders, Reno answered.

"Roxas doesn't have a choice. Lea knows his mind, as Roxas knows Lea's mind. They are an extension of one another, now. Even if Lea doesn't convince him, Roxas' humanity will slip away. Most likely within that timeframe. He will be driven by instinct as well. The only thing holding Lea back right now is that by attacking, he would be hurting Roxas. Lea falling in love with him is your saving grace, right now." Continuing to watch him wryly, his lips curved up, as he anticipated Cloud's next question "I am telling you this because I know how devastated you are going to be if you don't get the chance to act."

"And why would you be the one to hunt me down?" he whispered. He gasped when Reno bent close before nuzzling against his neck.

"You have my blood. I am responsible for your actions if you choose to misuse the power I gave you," he replied. Cloud bit his lower lip when Reno's lips caressed his neck, his eyelids fluttering. He groaned when the Vampire pulled away from him. All Reno would give him was sweet, gentle kisses since making their bargain. It left him feeling deeply frustrated, even if he didn't fully understand why. Reno smiled wryly. "Oh, you're disappointed?" he asked interestedly. The blond's cheeks flushed darkly. "Say the word, my love, and I will make you scream in pleasure." Cerulean eyes widened.

"Absolutely not," he hissed. Chuckling amusedly, Reno patiently watched him scoff. He knew that Cloud was stubborn and he knew exactly how to bring him to his knees. He was going to thoroughly enjoy it, too.

"Would you rather make me scream?" he asked playfully. He chuckled when Cloud stared at him, stunned. "Just let go," he whispered, taking the blond's mouth in a gentle kiss, sliding his tongue past unresistant lips before tangling them together. Cloud groaned in pleasure, his eyelids fluttering. It was enough to make him melt. He yanked Reno down, taking his lips hungrily. The red-head matched his enthusiasm. "Perfect, let go," he repeated, "and do what you've always wanted to do," he purred to the blond, their noses brushing. Cerulean eyes opened wide.

"What?" he whispered, keenly aware of his burning face. Reno's eyelids lowered as his lips curved upward seductively. Cloud's gaze traveled down, as he became painfully aware of lanky fingers fiddling with buttons. He felt his heart thumping faster.

"All the times you fantasized about it. Did you think I didn't know?" he asked archly. Cloud's hands trembled. "Each time you think of me this way, I know, my love." Hands covered Reno's. Cerulean eyes were wide. Reno was gorgeous and willing. The perfect trap.

"Stop that," Cloud whispered harshly. The lanky man smiled at him archly. His brows rose as he watched the blond in amusement. Then he rolled a shoulder, exposing pale flesh. Cloud's cheeks reddened further and his eyes tracked the motion. Reno craned his neck forward, their lips brushing and Cloud was paralyzed.

"Take me," he whispered. The blond swallowed hard before closing his eyes and shaking his head.

"N-no, I..." Cloud took deep breaths, trying to dispel temptation by filling his mind with thoughts of his life. A woman with with pale skin and dark hair, two beautiful children. Of… He was startled when he heard Reno's voice in his mind. Don't. He stared wide-eyed at the red-head. A hand caressed his face and he trembled.

"Am I really that undesirable?" Reno whispered.

"Y-you know you aren't," Cloud whispered. Now his ears were burning too. Perfect. He fought the urge to disappear. "I… I'm married, Reno. I have to go back!" The red-head shook his head and the blond watched, entranced.

"You still have a choice," he reminded, straddling his hips and listening to Cloud's pulse spike, "a way to secure peace." The blond bit his lower lip at the reminder.

"I can't, I have a family… I..." His breath caught when Reno frowned. Cloud gasped harshly when lips found his neck, teeth teasing the flesh.

"You know, at death do you part if you truly feel that way." Blond brows furrowed and the red-head sensed his confusion and fear. "Would I like to kill her, yes," he purred, making the blond tense, "but for you, I won't. I mean, to become a Vampire..." he began, punctuating each word with a kiss, working his way up to Cloud's ear, "You must first die," He whispered. Their eyes met and Reno listened to the steady staccato of Cloud's heart. The blond scowled.

"I won't be like you and I won't be with you, I won't abandon them," he replied stubbornly. Reno chuckled and Cloud's breath caught when the crimson shirt fell away from his lithe body.

"Abandon? You would be protecting them," he disagreed. Then, he smiled wryly as Cloud struggled to compose himself. "My poor little love… Your heart, your body and your mind appear to be in disagreement," he purred. "Just look at you; you can barely focus, all because of that pounding rhythm, just for me. Surely your heart will burst if it beats much faster." Cloud's face flushed deeply when pale fingers gently rested against his chest. Then they hooked his chin, raising it. "That's right, I hear that beautiful rhythm," he purred. "I wonder, does it pound like that when you think of Tifa?" A red brow rose. The blond shuddered when lips descended to capture his. Reno rolled his hips into Cloud's, making the blond moan deliciously. "Your body is just as willing as mine," the red-head purred in pleasure, never stopping the steady rhythm of his hips, moving faster to match Cloud's racing pulse. The blond was gasping. His back arched and a gutteral moan escaped his lips but he was too aroused to care. He was on the verge of orgasm when Reno suddenly stopped, bearing his weight down against Cloud's straining arousal. Reno's lips curved up into a gorgeous smile. "Make me yours," he commanded softly, "tell your mind to let go of its silly misconceptions." Cloud had time to swallow harshly before Reno took his mouth aggressively. Cloud returned the kiss, his body following Reno's lead. His hands found red silky hair, and he tugged Reno close, breathing harshly.

"I..." the blond whispered back, only to be silenced by Reno's lips. Cloud shuddered uncontrollably. He was completely out of control. His face burned. No, his whole body was blazing. He was hardly aware as his back met the ground, as hands worked to remove his clothes until he felt a rush of pleasure as their bare skin met. Gasping, Cloud used all of his strength to push Reno back. He raised a shaky hand to the Vampire's gorgeous face, brushing back red hair. He took a moment to breathe. "Are.. are you serious?" he whispered. Without breaking eye contact, the red-head gave him a wry, mischievous grin. Cloud gasped when the head of his erection ground against the tight ring of muscles; the place where Reno would be taken. A shudder overtook Cloud's body. "W-wait..." he protested, interrupted by a low chuckle.

"Are you serious?" the red-head asked. Cloud blushed darkly.

"That's not what I meant! You can't just shove it in there, it's going to hurt!" Reno laughed in sheer amusement and Cloud shivered at the delectable sound.

"Like hell," He agreed, before doing it. Reno hissed in pain as Cloud clung to him, his eyes rolling back and moaning languidly. Reno's body was squeezing him tightly, burning and so intense. "Move," the red-head hissed, demonstrating with a roll of his hips and forcing the blond to cry out loudly in pleasure. When he didn't stop, trembling hands found sultry red hair, burying themselves in it and pulling hard.

"Stop," Cloud answered, his voice rough, "you're supposed to be screaming, not me." Leering, the red-head indulged him momentarily and answered,

"Make me."

Cerulean eyes widened at the challenge. Before he could respond otherwise, Reno was moving and he was moaning loudly, arching his back painfully as pleasure washed over him sharply. His fingers tightened and he crashed Reno's lips into his own, kissing him hungrily. He had never felt such raw, animalistic need before, and he used it as he planted his feet and thrust powerfully. Reno responded, delving into his mouth deeply and bearing his hips down against Cloud's, making his legs tremble from the pressure. The blond gasped at the feeling of Reno being fully seated on his lap. He groaned, breathing harshly though his nose at the intensity of what he was feeling. He could feel more than just his own pleasure; he could feel Reno's pleasure as he angled his hips to rub against his prostate. Cloud let his hands frame them, marveling at the feeling before clenching hard, lifting, thrusting, and slamming him back down. The red-head hummed in pleasure, his body tightening around him as he continued to thrust and it was dizzying. His moans were swallowed up by Reno's delectable mouth as they came together. Chuckling, the red-head broke the kiss, Cloud was gasping for air as he collapsed.

"Catch your breath," he purred. Cloud's breath hitched, their bodies separating. Then Reno was lifting his leg, bending to kiss his inner thigh. He watched with lidded eyes, his face reddening. Reno quirked a brow at him, smiling gently. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I could… I could feel your pleasure too. Is that normal?" Reno's smile widened.

"Perfectly. The deeper our bond, the deeper the intensity," he explained. He let out a breathy chuckle. The blond shivered. If they shared blood one more time... "You can imagine it, can't you?"

"Yes," Cloud whispered back. Reno glanced at him sidelong, humming softly in interest. "What?" the blond asked, flustered. Reno gently smoothed blond hair out of blue eyes.

"Just appreciating your honesty," he answered. He watched him for a moment longer before pressing soft lips to Cloud's forehead.

"Reno..." Humming softly, the red-head peered down at him. Cloud's eyes slid shut and he took a deep breath. "When I see my wife and my daughter, please don't interfere." He arched a brow at him.

"Why should I trust you," he whispered back.

"You shouldn't." Cerulean eyes opened, glancing at anything but Reno's face. His fingers trailed the silky strands of red hair that were all around them. Reno waited. "But if you're there I… I won't know my real feelings," he whispered, his eyes sliding shut. He bit his lower lip when the red-head laid down on him, nuzzling his face against his pounding heart.

"Okay," he whispered, listening to Cloud's heart stutter. His eyes slid shut when a hand rested on top of his head. He could sense something from Cloud that he hadn't felt in a long, long time. Gratitude. Smiling gently, and knowing it was the closest he'd get to a thank you, he purred, "You're welcome."

~O~

Roxas nuzzled against his crimson haired beauty. "You owe me a new outfit," he hissed in irritation. Axel's chest rumbled, laughter escaping his lips.

"Mmm, but I like you better like this," he purred back. Their eyes met, the blond's lips quirking up. He hesitated when Axel watched him fixatedly. He tilted his head to the side, eyeing the red-head playfully.

"Something wrong?" He could sense Axel's fascination toward him.

"Just enjoying the view," he purred back. A blond brow rose.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, gorgeous," he purred. Roxas chuckled.

"I'm not sure I'd believe you if I couldn't feel you," he murmured. Axel answered by taking his lips in a heady kiss.

"I see that you are feeling better now," he murmured. Smiling, Roxas nodded. "Have you forgiven me?"

"Time will tell if are you going to use me," he answered lightly. Green eyes watched him longingly.

"Those decisions will be yours," he promised. Roxas hummed softly.

"Will they? Or will I fade away? That person just now wasn't me." Axel's hands gently caressed his face.

"If you don't want to lose yourself, you can't starve yourself," he answered. "It can't happen again. You need to drink when I tell you to." He felt the blond tense, continuing. "Its too dangerous, Roxas." The blond watched him, waiting for him to explain. "Before I spoke to you, you couldn't sense me. What if another Vampire had attacked you when you ran from me?"

"You attack one another?" he whispered back, his brows furrowing.

"If another were to take your blood, they would become substantially stronger," Axel answered.

"What a savage way to accumulate power," the blond murmured back in disgust.

"That's why… if you wish to roam about freely you must swear to me this will not happen again."

Roxas watched him for a long moment. "You're actually serious?" he asked. "Why would they be foolish enough to attack?"

"Foolish or not, power is invaluable to some."

"Isn't it best if I don't roam freely then, until I am stronger?" The red-head gave him a gorgeous smile.

"Yes, but I expected you to be obscenely stubborn about agreeing to such a thing," he answered.

"You know me well," Roxas agreed. "You should know then, I won't make you worry."

"Only if you are thinking clearly," Axel reminded. Roxas watched him for a long moment. Then the blond nuzzled into his the touch, nodding and making Axel's smile become endearing. "You need more right now. More blood, more intimacy, more knowledge," he murmured as blue eyes watched him. "At least… while you are burning up without me, I want you to be by my side." Roxsas blinked up at him.

"I can't control myself sometimes. Are you trying to humiliate me?" Chuckling, Axel shook his head.

"You will be sated before we go anywhere," he promised. Roxas' lips quirked up.

"I'll hold you to that," he promised, his lips engulfing Axel's, piquing his mate's interest. Nodding, the blond answered, "That's right. I hope you enjoy this room because you'll be seeing it a lot." The red-head chuckled, tugging his little love close.

"It's still that intense, huh?" he hummed. Roxas wilted against him.

"Yes." Axel's lips tugged upward further.

"Well whatever it takes, as long as it takes." Roxas smiled at him warmly.

"When did you become so soft?" he breathed teasingly. Warm hands rubbed his skin in pleasurable caresses. Roxas nuzzled against him, groaning in relief.

"When you made me realize how horrible it is to be alone," the red-head answered. "I'm not like this for just anybody, you know," he murmured with a wry smile. Roxas' hands roamed the lithe body under him. He could sense the comfort it brought Axel.

"I don't want you to feel that way anymore. Whatever it takes," he murmured back seriously, his words echoing Axel's.

Green eyes widened. Roxas could feel how torn he felt by his words. "Don't… If you say that, I really might use you as a weapon." Roxas looked startled.

"What?"

"If it meant protecting you, nothing would hold me back… You are the key to their demise." He could sense the pain Roxas felt at the words, and Axel kissed him gently, shaking his head. "Shhh… we both know that I won't. I can't act when I know it would hurt you," he murmured, calming the blond. "Please understand, I would gladly give my last moment to this cause, as well as to keeping you safe."

"I don't want you to go anywhere unless I go too," Roxas answered. Outwardly he appeared calm but Axel could feel the undercurrent of emotion swirling out of control at the thought of losing him. He kissed him gently, humming thoughtfully.

"You are learning so quickly, perhaps you will be fighting by my side soon," he answered.

"Axel I… cant hurt my family," he murmured back.

"You don't have to," the red-head soothed.

"If I fight with you when you attack humans, I will," Roxas disagreed. Axel chuckled softly.

"Oh my love," he sighed softly, shaking his head. Roxas sat up, frowning down at him pensively. "Will you fight by my side for coexistence?" Slowly, Roxas' lips curved up.

"What of your resistance? Isn't the goal to eradicate opposition?" Axel smiled at him archly.

"Although you are still learning… I am surprised you haven't as much as tried to search my mind, to seek the answers to your questions," he murmured. Roxas watched him with interest, knowing Axel could hear them, even if he didn't speak them.

"You would allow that?"

"I have nothing to hide from you, loveling," he purred. Roxas stared into his eyes a moment longer.

"I don't need to, your words are enough." Axel's intense gaze flooded with warmth. He pressed his lips to Roxas'.

"Don't you remember?" he sighed thoughtfully, "We just want to exist." He kissed Roxas again, deeply this time. "I don't care about power or leading. I want to be wild and free, like I am meant to be." Blue eyes fluttered as his mouth was taken again. "I want to be happy, with my clan by my side. Nothing more." Their mouths met and tongues tangled together. Roxas hummed in pleasure as his mate deepened the kiss. "Many share this dream and the pain of loss. That is why we are banded together."

"I thought that you were chosen because you're most powerful," Roxas murmured.

"I was."

"If you don't desire power… how..?"

"In my clan, a blood pact was made. If one of our own is slain, their power isn't lost. It is returned." Blue eyes widened. He could feel Axel's sadness. "It is unfortunate that it has become necessary for survival."

"Wait.. So when you shared your power with me… does that mean you became weaker?" he asked worriedly, remembering Axel's words. Their blood was perfectly mixed. Did that mean... Axel smiled gently.

"Yes, my power was halved."

"What?!" Roxas hissed. The red-head laughed. "Its not funny, Axel! What if something happens to you?! What if..." A gentle finger pressed to his lips.

"It is a brief sacrifice. In one more day your transformation will be complete. You will be like me. I will be restored as well." He felt Roxas relaxing and taking a moment to think.

"So every time someone is reborn as a vampire directly or indirectly by you… and eradicated by a slayer…"

"By anyone in our clan," the red-head corrected. "Yes. The power, and any power they have accumulated, will be returned to our bloodline. Intentionally killing one of our own is a vain effort, really." The blond's lips quirked up.

"If only they knew," he answered with a shake of his head. "I wonder if they would leave us be or try harder to eradicate us."

"To some, we will always be a threat," the red-head answered. Roxas nodded slowly, glancing away.

"If we could... live the life you want… Where would we go? To the mansion?" He felt Axel's gaze pulling him and automatically looked into green eyes.

"Where is not important," he answered, taking Roxas' lips. "As long as you are with me."

~O~