Chapter Thirty - Sire

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" John asked for the hundredth time, looking thoroughly unconvinced as Ichijou shot him a bright smile over his shoulder. It was finally time to test John out in the real world. They had waited for night, so that the Day Class were safely locked in their dorm, but the scent would still be there on the breeze. Ichijou gripped John's hand gently, feeling the teen squeeze back tightly.

"Of course, you can't remain in here forever." Ichijou replied with a gentle chuckle, which John supposed was true. Since drinking Monk-san's blood John had felt a little stronger, both physically and mentally. It seemed the initial craving had been satisfied, and since then he'd done well enough on blood packs, pills and Ichijou. His cheeks flushed at the memory of their blood sharing, the searing touch of his more experienced hands, and the heat of their skin as they pressed together. "Such thoughts…" Ichijou purred in John's ear, enjoying the flush that graced his cheeks.

"Ichijou!" John objected reproachfully, unable to meet his gaze as his skin continued to prickle.

"You're the one projecting." Ichijou excused easily. Normally he wouldn't be able to read his thoughts directly, but whenever John had passionate thoughts about him he would subconsciously share them openly. It was almost an invitation. One that Ichijou would take advantage of if John were doing so on purpose.

"I didn't mean to..." The Australian muttered apologetically, gasping as Ichijou pressed closer, his thumb resting on John's bottom lip.

"Don't ever apologise…" Ichijou purred, pressing his thumb more firmly until the tip slipped into John's surprised mouth. He subconsciously nibbled Ichijou's thumb, as the blonde had known he would. I'm going to pin him to the bed if we don't leave now. The older boy realised with a sigh as he drew back regretfully. "Come." He added as he led the way to the door. John followed uncertainly, feeling self-conscious as the door opened to reveal Aido and Kain ambling in the corridor outside.

"Hey! Heading out?" Aido asked cheerfully, his casual tone startling John somewhat. He wasn't sure what to do or say as Ichijou paused and smiled at his long-time friend.

"Yes, we're going out into the grounds." Ichijou replied with the same easy cheer. Kain nodded his encouragement as Aido and Ichijou continued a little small talk. Were they guarding the door, or were they waiting just to be nice? John wondered, suddenly feeling a little less out of place as Aido shifted his bright gaze to him.

"How are you feeling?" He asked in the same easy tone, though there was an underlying seriousness and sincerity that touched John.

"Better I guess." The exorcist replied uncertainly, subconsciously reaching up for the cross that was no longer there. Even the cross shaped burn that once marred his skin had faded to almost nothing.

"You should take a walk in the forest. The scents you pick up there are incredible!" Aido advised, though John had planned to leave the directions to Ichijou. After a few more encouraging pleasantries they were off, John following a few paces behind as Ichijou led the way. The gate guard was gone for now, an arrangement Kaname had made to hide their new members. The guards were required to report such happenings to the council, and they didn't want any harm to come to John or Mai. Naru would be safe, since he had been made by Kaname, and therefore counted as a lesser part of his family line now.

John followed Ichijou down the path to the gates, the scent of humans hitting him the moment they reached the open grounds. There were so many humans, so close. He covered his nose and mouth, though it did little to block the scent. Ichijou gave him a sympathetic look as he led the way further into the grounds. John gradually lowered his hand, but the scents were still there.

"You're not used to it yet, but you will be." Ichijou assured as he paused to sit down in the open field, laying back to look up at the sky. John joined him, quietly surprised that they could see so many stars, though they were some way away from the larger cities here. I guess I won't be returning to Shibuya for quite some time. John thought, knowing that if he couldn't handle the few hundred students a few feet away he would never be able to handle the few million in Tokyo.

"Did you ever…go through this?" John asked curiously as he turned his head to look at the blonde beside him. Ichijou seemed to ponder the question, as if it wasn't something he'd ever thought about.

"To an extent…There is always a first time for being exposed to humanity…I don't remember exactly…I would have been very young. I didn't grow up around humans, but I also didn't live too far away." He replied, chuckling as John looked at him with interest. "I'm a noble, as you know. I grew up in my grandfather's home, though we're not close." He added with a hint of resentment. His grandfather had only ever seen him as a way to get closer to Kaname. He'd been pressured from a very young age to befriend the pureblood. Unfortunately for Ichijou's grandfather, his plan had worked all too well. Not only did Ichijou become friends with Kaname, but he had completely switched his loyalties, to the extent that now Ichijou would often return home or remain at school with Kaname rather than returning to his own home.

"I remember your grandfather." John chimed in, his tone dripping with dislike. He'd met him on a hunting mission once, and part of him still wishes he'd at least tried to stake him. Ichijou remembered the encounter all too well, and had had to step in to stop a potential fight breaking out. Once his grandfather had realised John's status as a hunter he'd backed down. The two sides hated each other, but the peace they shared was worth maintaining. For now.

"He is…difficult to forget." Ichijou agreed lightly. They returned their eyes to the sky, where millions of stars glittered in the darkness. It was so peaceful, so quiet. John found himself filled with contentment despite the scent of blood that wrapped around him like a blanket. Ichijou said nothing as he noticed John relax, knowing that drawing attention to it would make John worse. Wait…There's something…Ichijou realised, his blue eyes widening as his body froze in place. He tried to move, tried to turn his head. He could shift his eyes at least, and from the look on John's face it seemed he was still unaware of what was happening.

Don't move. A horribly familiar voice purred in his mind, Ichijou suddenly wanting nothing more than to obey as his body relaxed once more. He shivered as he felt the voice's approval wash over him, as if he were being stroked like an obedient dog. From the corner of his eye he noticed the pureblood's approach, but there was nothing he could do to warn the teen beside him.

"My-my, we really should stop meeting like this." Farringdon purred, John sitting upright in surprise as he locked eyes with his sire. "It pleases me to see you well." The noble added honestly as he knelt down to get a better look at his fledgling, who looked both horrified and adoring at the same time. He leaned into Farringdon's touch as he stroked his cheek and cradled his chin, a slight flush rising to his cheeks. The noble's lip curled in amusement, John's brow furrowing as he pulled away.

"Don't touch me!" He objected, though his body didn't want to move. It was like Farringdon was wordlessly holding him hostage with his eyes. He tried not to listen to the side of himself that yearned for Farringdon's touch and approval.

"Is that any way to greet your sire?" Farringdon teased in a mocking tone, John's blue gaze dropping as a wave of hurt washed over him. It hurt him emotionally to think that Farringdon was displeased with him, but at the same time the old loathing was still present beneath the surface. What's wrong with me? John screamed inwardly, both angered and pleased as Farringdon chuckled. "You can't figure it out, can you? The joy you feel in my presence…" The noble teased as he leaned in, enjoying John's shiver as he breathed in his scent.

"Stop it!" John snapped as he threw himself back, lying in the grass once more. He felt vulnerable and confused as Farringdon settled on the ground between himself and Ichijou, who almost seemed to be sleeping through the encounter. Farringdon looked down at his pale skin, stroking his cheek gently. John shook his head, unable to break eye contact with the amused crimson orbs that stared back at him.

"I told you I would enjoy you…" Farringdon reminded him, his meaning becoming disgustingly clear as his hand brushed across John's collarbone. Farringdon eyed Ichijou over his shoulder, raising the young noble's hand to his lips. Ichijou made no reaction as the pureblood bit down and drank lazily from his palm. "Perhaps your friend will join us." The pureblood suggested, John frozen in place as he watched Ichijou get to his knees and crawl to the pureblood, kissing him as Farringdon offered his lips.

"Leave him alone!" John snapped, doing his best to glare at the silver haired monster that lounged beside him. Farringdon snapped his fingers and Ichijou shifted his attention to John, his blue eyes vacant as he leaned down to devour John's lips. John struggled, feeling gentle hands grasp his wrists and pin them to the grass. "Ichijou! Stop!" John urged, but he knew the blonde couldn't hear him. His cheeks flushed as he turned his head, Ichijou's lips caressing the skin.

"John, come to me." Farringdon urged, a wave of adoration and need filling John at the invitation. He got to his knees and allowed himself to fall into Farringdon's waiting arms, a new wave of disgust hitting him as he realised he had obeyed. He tried to fight his body, but his body wanted nothing more than to remain in Farringdon's warm embrace. He smelled different now, a certain spice lacing his usual mustiness. The scent made John's head spin with desire. "You're stronger than I remember…" Farringdon murmured as he caressed John's spine, enjoying the shiver of pleasure that ran through the young vampire.

He chuckled lightly at John's reaction, feeling both the love and the hatred that poured from the boy in waves. He was confused, conflicted, angry and happy all at the same time. The tortured expression on his face had been worth waiting for. He held the blonde more tightly in his embrace, leaving a trail of burning kisses on John's bared throat. John let out an alluring moan as the pureblood sank his teeth in and drank his blood with slow, teasing strokes of his tongue.

John gasped as a body pressed against him from behind, strong arms wrapping around him and holding him up on his knees. John threw his head back onto Ichijou's shoulder as he stroked John's covered chest, fingering his nipples through his thin white shirt. Farringdon sat back a little to watch, enjoying the pink of John's cheeks as he writhed on his knees. Ichijou's knees were pressed beside John's, one arm wrapped around his torso stroking his chest while the other restrained one of John's arms by the wrist. Not that John was fighting him.

"Ichijou, don't!" John moaned in objection, shifting his gaze to the blank eyed vampire behind him, who leaned down and tugged his shirt collar with this teeth. His lips soon found the wound that Farringdon had made, small whimpers breaking free from John as Ichijou licked and suckled the deep bite. His blue eyes widened as Ichijou moved his hips forward, the bulge in his trousers pressing firmly against John's rear. "No…please…" John cried, tears falling down his cheeks as Farringdon leaned in and captured his suddenly willing lips.

John screwed his eyes shut in denial as he was devoured, small moans being swallowed by the silver haired monster before him. Farringdon stroked John's cheek almost tenderly, causing his blue eyes to snap open as if on command. John was beautiful in his tortured state, so full of yearning, and so full of dread. Farringdon smiled into the kiss as he moved his hand lower, feeling John's mixed shudder of pleasure and disgust as his fingers stroked down his buttoned shirt. The boy pulled back and gasped as Farringdon's hand pressed the bulge in his trousers. Please!

"Enough!" A new voice ordered with authority, Farringdon maintaining his hold on John as the brunette appeared above him. John watched from the corner of his eye as Ichijou shivered, clutching his head in pain as the two purebloods fought for dominance. John felt his warmth disappear as Ichijou fell to the side, still clutching his head. "Ichijou." Kaname murmured as he laid a hand on his friend's head, the vacancy finally lifting from his clouded vision.

"Kaname!" The blonde exclaimed as he got to his feet and moved to stand beside his friend, worried as he looked back at John, who seemed to lean into Farringdon's surprisingly gentle embrace as the pureblood took him in his arms. Ichijou felt a firm hand on his shoulder as he stepped forward, wanting to pull John away as Farringdon grabbed his slender neck. John reached up to grip the hand at his throat, but his expression wasn't one of pain. He let out a helpless moan as Farringdon sank his fangs into his throat for a second time.

"I said enough!" Kaname shouted, fury clear in his gaze as he watched John's eyes waver between contented desire and helpless loathing. Farringdon looked amused as he drew back and licked John's bleeding skin.

"He is my fledgling. I may do as I please." Farringdon replied as he stroked John's golden locks lovingly. Kaname gritted his teeth, his eyes burning. Although it was technically true, they both knew the turning had been non-consensual and barbaric. Again, Ichijou found himself stopped by Kaname as he made to step forward. "You're more than welcome to join us, Ichijou." Farringdon purred, Ichijou staggering as a fresh desire to obey washed over him.

"Ichijou is not your toy!" Kaname snapped, pulling his friend back from the edge. Kaname held up a hand of authority as Kain and Aido appeared, wordlessly ordering them to stop as they approached. Seeing himself outnumbered Farringdon sighed, giving John's ear a final nip of affection before releasing his control. John couldn't get away fast enough, finding himself in Ichijou's arms before he could even think. Kaname stepped forwards, but the silver haired noble was already gone. "Are you injured?" He asked instead as he turned to the blonde couple.

"No…Thank you." John replied, his body still shaking. The strength had returned to his legs at least, Ichijou's grip loosening as he stood straight. John didn't even want to contemplate that would have happened if Kaname hadn't arrived when he had. John could feel Ichijou's hands quivering on his arms as he shared similar thoughts. Ichijou didn't need to voice the suggestion that they head back. John didn't want to be outside a moment longer.

"I'll patrol the grounds. Kain." Kaname called, the redhead falling in step beside the brunette as they entered the forest to do a circuit, though Kaname doubted that the noble would linger since he'd been caught. Aido trailed behind Ichijou and John, the trio hurrying back to the relative safety of the dorm.

"Hey, you don't have to go up…I'll bring some tea." Aido offered as he opened the door to the living area, not wanting John to lock himself up again. He'd only just been allowed out of his room. Ichijou thanked his friend and tugged John into the living area, though the younger teen seemed reluctant. He'd been locked away in his room for so long that it had actually become a form of sanctuary, and though there was no harm in having a safe place it was bad to become too dependent on it.

"Ichijou." John said quietly as they sat side by side on one of the fine leather sofas, the older blonde looking at him silently. "I'm so…confused…" The exorcist continued vulnerably, shuddering as he thought about what had happened. Ichijou nodded his understanding and laid a hand on John's head, stoking his silken locks lovingly, tracing each curl with his crystal eyes.

"He's your sire. It's a bond that can't be broken unless you drink his blood." Ichijou explained, though he knew John had already known that before. He likely hadn't been expecting his feelings to be so raw and malleable. "I'm also powerless against him." Ichijou added apologetically, trying not to think too much about what Farringdon had been ordering him to do. He was almost sickened that a tiny part of him had wanted it. There was something erotic about being watched in the throes of passion.

"How could I…He took my wife!" John spat, his skin burning with shame and anger. He gritted his teeth as tears pricked his eyes. He'd tried his best not to think of Jemima. Did he play the same games with her? What unspeakable things did he make her do? He wondered, forgetting for a moment that Ichijou was there. Ichijou bit the inside of his mouth as John's thoughts entered his mind, the blonde projecting subconsciously. John gasped as Ichijou's hands cupped his cheeks, sky meeting crystal as they stared at each other.

"Don't think of it." Ichijou ordered, though he knew it wasn't that easy. John's mind was already cycling through all of the worst possibilities, and though Ichijou didn't know for sure it was likely that he was right. Jemima had been an attractive young woman. Of course Farringdon would have enjoyed her before casting her aside. She was his fledgling, so of course she would have been willing. "It's natural to feel the way you do…Don't blame yourself." Ichijou murmured as John thought of Farringdon and the helpless burning desire he'd felt.

"Here, tea. I raided Kaname's stash, so it's the good stuff." Aido reported with a wink, though raided was a strong term. He knew he was welcome to use it on occasion, and he doubted the pureblood would have objected tonight. Ichijou played along to lighten the mood, giving the strawberry blonde a warm smile.

"Stealing from Lord Kaname, how brave. Your sacrifice shall be remembered." Ichijou replied as Aido lowered the tray to the table and started sorting cups and saucers. Aido gave a mock salute in response, the pair chuckling lightly as they allowed John some time to compose himself. He was still shaking as he watched Aido's elegant hands handle the china teapot, his wrist at just the right angle to pour the tea. "You're getting better." Ichijou complimented as he took the saucer that he was offered, the cup evenly balanced on top.

"I've watched you do it enough times." Aido replied simply, his cheeks gaining a little colour at the praise. He'd often envied Ichijou's elegance, particularly in small tasks such as this. If Kaname wanted tea he would usually send Ichijou, and the blonde had a gift for delivering the perfect cup. From the brew to the pour, Ichijou's skills were second to none.

"Ah! Just right." Ichijou praised as he sipped the delicate blend. It was a black tea, the bitter kind that Kaname enjoyed so much. He wordlessly reached out for the sugar tongs, Aido pausing as he watched Ichijou's skilled hand pluck one cube, and then another, dropping them silently into John's cup. Aido poured and then stirred before handing the small cup to John.

"Thank you." John said quietly as he held the saucer, which rattled in his shaking hand. He almost flinched as Aido's hand came to rest beneath his, the rattling stopping as the older vampire guided the saucer to his knee.

"Rest it there, you don't want to spill it." Aido said in an almost soothing tone. John nodded his agreement, waiting a few moments before raising the cup to his lips. The scent of it soothed him, and the warmth spread through his body as he took a sip. The sweetness was comforting, and his hand slowly stopped shaking. Aido and Ichijou sat and drank in silence until John finally fell asleep, his head leaning against Ichijou's waiting shoulder. "How are you doing?" Aido asked finally, knowing that it wasn't fun being played with.

"Would you believe me if I said I was fine?" Ichijou replied quietly as he eased John back against the more comfortable sofa. He didn't stir at all, not that Ichijou had expected him to. It was strangely tiring, being controlled. He was beginning to feel the fatigue himself.

"I wouldn't believe you, but I wouldn't push it." Aido replied, sitting back in one of the large wingback chairs, still sipping his tea from the small cup. It was his third. Ichijou had drawn the line at two, and returned his saucer to the small table in front of him. He looked thoughtful for a moment, wondering if he should perhaps burden Aido with his feelings, but it wasn't his way.

"I can cope." Ichijou replied finally. As promised, Aido didn't press. The blonde watched as his friend pulled a manga book from his inside pocket and started to read quietly. "Thank you." Ichijou said, his voice barely above a whisper, but he knew Aido had heard him all the same.