Chapter Thirty-One – Training

"What do you mean just practice?" Mai snapped as she looked between Naru and Kaname. She'd entered the dining room after hearing an explosion of some sort, despite Kain trying to stop her at the door. Kain gave Kaname a shrug as he held his reddened cheek, the pureblood stifling his chuckle as he took in Mai's scowl. The dining room had been cleared of all items, and was now simply a long open space with wooden floorboards.

"We won't be able to defeat Farringdon without training." Kaname stated plainly, shifting his dark eyes to Naru as the teen staggered to his feet, leaning heavily against the wall. They'd barely started, but already Naru was being overwhelmed by his powers. It was to be expected. He'd barely started to adjust to his new body and the old limitations were still present for now.

"You're going to seriously hurt him!" Mai snapped as she stepped between them, Kaname giving her an almost devilish smile.

"God, I do hope so." He almost purred, his tone making Mai stumble back a few paces as her cheeks flushed. "He is no longer as fragile as you believe." The pureblood added with a little more seriousness. Naru panted as he pulled his top button loose, his pale collarbone exposed in the stifling heat of the room. Kaname could feel the frustration pouring off him in waves.

"I can't do it!" He snapped, not even acknowledging Mai's presence. Mai turned in surprise as Naru straightened. "I know I'm not human! I don't know what you mean! Stop acting like one? How the hell does that work?" Naru demanded as he rolled his shirt sleeves up with rough tugs. Kaname's expression softened as he watched his fledgling, outspoken as ever. It was cute, the way Naru's lips curled downwards, and the way his nose wrinkled slightly in annoyance.

"It means stop acting like you're weak when you're not." Kaname clarified, enjoying the dirty look that Naru sent his way. "Again." Kaname snapped, using some of his power to throw Mai aside and clear the way as Naru ran at him. Naru let out a yell as green sparks formed around his arm. Kaname snapped out shocks of red, blocking the attack just barely. He sighed as Naru clutched his chest and fell to his knees, breathless.

"Stop it!" Mai snapped, having recovered from being tossed across the room. Kaname ignored the honey blonde as he threw a ball of crackling red towards Naru, who closed his eyes and braced himself. "I said stop!" Mai cried, a second ball of green light passing in front of Naru like a protective shield. Naru opened his eyes in surprise as Kaname's attack was deflected harmlessly into the wall, the pureblood and Naru both shifting their eyes to Mai, who was bracing herself on the floor with both arms.

"Mai, did you…" Naru trailed off, hurrying to her side and laying his hands on her shoulders. "How did…" He trailed off again, though Mai merely shook her head. She had no idea how she'd done it, only that she had.

"You haven't noticed?" Kaname asked, somewhat surprised as he joined the pair and looked down at them. Naru gave the pureblood a confused look that told him he had no idea. "Mai's body is host to a powerful spirit." He said, which appeared to be news to both Mai and Naru. Naru's hands dropped from Mai's shoulders as he stared at her. She gasped as Naru grabbed her throat, her hand reaching up to grip his hand as he tightened his grasp.

"Show yourself." Naru snapped, his eyes burning crimson as he squeezed, choking the smaller girl. Kaname was about to step forward to intervene when Mai's hands glowed, burning Naru's skin and making him draw back with a hiss. "Who are you?" Naru demanded, watching as Mai's face took on a tranquil expression, her eyes warm as she stared into his soul. She held a hand up and waited, watching wordlessly as Naru slowly raised his own hand to rest against hers.

"Noll." Mai's voice greeted warmly, but the speaker was someone else. Naru felt as if the wind had been knocked from his chest. There was only one person, besides Lin, who had ever called him Noll. But why? How? This whole time? Naru wondered as he raised his other hand to grip Mai's.

"Gene…" Naru breathed, Mai's smile brightening. Naru was slowly able to see his brother. The spirit was reaching out to become a sort of shroud, obscuring Mai from view. It was his brother. He had the same warm eyes, the same soft smile, and the same hint of vulnerability.

"He's been hiding inside her this whole time…I'm surprised you hadn't realised." Kaname said as he folded his arms, unsure how much Naru knew about the stress that had been put on Mai's human form, though it was likely that in her new form she'd be able to withstand the physical toll. "How much longer are you planning to consume Mai's life force?" Kaname asked, Gene giving him a guilty look while Naru looked perplexed. So he does realise.

"I can move on, as soon as Farringdon is dealt with." Gene replied seriously, Naru looking troubled as he nodded his agreement. Farringdon was an issue for all present. Mai and John would die without his blood, Gene was unable to move on because of the pureblood, and Naru now found he had a fresh reserve of hatred for the silver haired noble.

"What does he mean about Mai's life force?" Naru asked, probing his brother's gentle face, which dropped shamefully.

"I've been residing within Mai for some time now, and using my powers when needed…I didn't want to harm her…" He trailed off, but Naru knew from his own experience with his own power the physical toll it took. "I tried to reach you, but I couldn't get through." He added, answering Naru's next question of why not him? He would have asked about Masako, but the answer was clear there too. Entering Masako in such a manner would have been too painful, for both of them. He had likely remained close for some time, and then one day Mai turned up. She'd had some small power, which was enough to resonate with Gene. On a subconscious level Mai would have allowed Gene entry to her body. If he'd asked directly she would still have said yes. She was too giving to turn away someone in need.

"You know you would have killed her." Naru stated plainly, unable to work himself up to anger. Gene nodded his agreement.

"I do, but I never planned to stay that long. The moment her health deteriorated I would have fled, but Farringdon…" He trailed off, Naru nodding his agreement. The noble had changed everything when he'd turned Mai and John. Kaname looked between the twins thoughtfully.

"This…may well work in our favour…" Kaname murmured, Naru and Gene both turning their attention to the pureblood. "I have an idea." Kaname announced as he stepped elegantly between the pair, the twins staring at him as he began to speak.


"Don't you think you're enjoying this a bit too much?" Naru half sighed and half moaned as he leaned against the wall in Kaname's office. They'd trained for over four hours, and both Mai and Naru had made progress. They'd taken a break for dinner, which apparently meant Naru. The ebony haired teen gasped and gripped Kaname's shoulders tighter, Kaname's chuckle sending shivers up and down his spine.

"And you?" The pureblood teased as he drew back a little, enjoying the flush on Naru's pale cheeks. His lips were a delicate shade of pink, almost inviting as Naru gasped to regain the breath that Kaname had stolen. Kaname was quietly amazed at how irresistible this boy was to him now. He'd never been this alluring as a human.

"S-shut up…" Naru retorted weakly, his cheeks colouring at the taunt. What am I even doing here? Naru wondered as Kaname returned to his throat, another moan falling from Naru's lips at the attention. He flushed as the door opened and Yuuki entered, her brown eyes meeting Naru's blue. He stiffened as she approached.

"Again Kaname? I'll get jealous." She teased, though secretly it amused her that her brother had trapped himself in this manner. She wasn't so sure he would have agreed to turn Naru so readily if he'd known that their emotional connection would be so strong. Kaname drew back and looked over his shoulder with glowing eyes, something within them making Yuuki's heart quicken.

"There's no need for that." He assured gently, looking down at Yuuki as he guided Naru to his own throat. He shuddered as he felt Naru's breath on his skin, wincing ever so slightly when the boy bit down. Kaname sighed as Naru drank, enjoying the pleasurable haze that came over him. He felt his own cheeks heat as he felt Yuuki's hand grasp his. He watched as she raised it to her lips and bit into his wrist, a small trickle of red rolling down her chin alluringly to drip onto the collar of her shirt. "That's enough." He decided eventually as he reached up his free hand and stroked Naru's warm cheek, the ebony haired boy pulling back.

"Hey!" Naru objected as Kaname leaned in, his tongue sweeping lazily over his red lips. Yuuki too pulled back, though she made no objection as Kaname swept in and stole a kiss, cleaning the blood from her chin as he did so. "When are we going to get back to it?" Naru asked, looking around the office to distract himself from the couple beside him.

"Whenever you and Mai are ready." Kaname replied, quietly unsure where Mai was at that particular moment.


Mai couldn't take her eyes off John as he moved. She'd known he wasn't a push over where exorcisms were concerned, but she'd never known how strong and skilled he was physically. It almost looked like a dance. He and Ichijou moved in unison, the impact of skin on skin the only sound in the large empty hall. John let out a tired breath as Ichijou sent a kick towards his face, the exorcist easily deflecting the blow with one hand, sending Ichijou spinning away to land in an elegant crouch.

They began again, this time John making the first move. Ichijou waited and caught John's wrist, tossing the younger boy over his shoulder. John landed on his feet, his arm twisted up behind his back. He used one elbow to land a blow in Ichijou's ribs, the older vampire releasing him and stepping back. John wasted no time, dropping down and turning to sweep Ichijou's feet away, but the older vampire was ready. Ichijou simply hopped further back, giving John a sweet smile before rushing him with inhuman speed. Mai gasped, but John was already prepared, using Ichijou's momentum to throw him over.

"You're as sharp as ever." Ichijou complimented as he got to his feet and brushed himself off. John didn't respond straight away. He was still up to his human standard, but he wasn't up to standard for a vampire. He was relying too much on his human skills. There were numerous times he could have finished Ichijou if he'd tapped into his vampiric abilities. "Another round?" Ichijou offered, John shaking his head tiredly.

"The others will be back soon." He excused breathlessly as he leaned against the wall, running a hand through his curled locks. He started as he realised Mai was there, and apparently had been for some time. "Mai…Hello…" He greeted awkwardly, unsure what else to say. He knew she was likely startled. She only knew him as John the exorcist. She'd had no idea what he was truly capable of.

"Hi John." She greeted with her usual brightness, though she seemed a little dulled at the edges. She hadn't adjusted well to the change, and now it seemed she was caught up in whatever training Naru and Kaname were doing. Ichijou walked over with a smile. He hadn't even broken a sweat.

"Mai, you're neglecting yourself." Ichijou chided lightly, the honey haired girl averting her eyes a little. "You won't be able to fight if you don't keep your strength up." He added as he approached her. John knew what he was going to do before the scent even hit the air. He bit his lip as he watched Ichijou lean in towards Mai. He listened as Ichijou stifled a moan, his hands resting on Mai's hips gently as he towered over her.

"Consider it a forfeit for losing." John excused as he wrapped his arms around Ichijou from behind and leaned down to his free shoulder. He felt his cheeks heat as Mai's crimson eyes opened and locked with his own. She made no move to stop him as he leaned down and bit Ichijou's neck, the blonde letting out a louder moan as he was devoured on both sides. John pressed more firmly against Ichijou's back, supporting some of Ichijou's weight as the smaller blonde slumped slightly.

"John…Mai…" Ichijou sighed in objection, his breaths coming in small gasped moans. John stroked his hands down to Ichijou's hips, thrusting against the older vampire teasingly. He sank his teeth in further as Ichijou let out another moan. John was surprised as he opened his eyes and saw Mai stroking Ichijou's bare chest, his shirt now open and loose. He almost let out a possessive growl, but then the door opened.

"Mai!" Naru called as he hurried over, Mai's eyes losing their crimson hue at the sound of his voice. The ebony haired teen pushed Ichijou and John away, though he quickly realised that it had been Ichijou losing blood, not Mai. "What's going on?" Naru asked, though he could put it together from Ichijou's weakened state.

"It's my responsibility. Mai was looking fatigued, so I had her drink." Ichijou excused as John helped him to stand. Giving blood was tiring anyway, but feeding two had sapped his strength. Naru said nothing as he bit the inside of his mouth. He couldn't say anything to Ichijou, he'd been looking out for Mai. He couldn't say anything to Mai, because he'd just drunk Kaname's blood in a very similar situation.

"Let's swap out for now, you're tired." John decided quickly, enjoying the flush of Ichijou's cheeks as he scooped the smaller vampire into his strong arms. Ichijou reached up and wrapped his arm around John's shoulders since he couldn't do anything else. Naru listened to Ichijou's objections as he was carried away, their voices drifting into the hall and finally leaving Mai and Naru alone.

"Did you get all you needed?" Naru asked as he examined Mai's flushed cheeks, though they were paler than they used to be. Her skin was a much lighter shade of white now, and he wasn't quite used to it. His own skin was the same, though right now he knew his would feel warm with Kaname's blood. Mai bit her lip and averted her eyes. "Well?" Naru prompted firmly, almost feeling smug as Mai shook her head.

"N-Naru!" She objected as he blocked her against the wall, almost entranced as his blue eyes stared into her hazel orbs. She let out a small gasp as the scent of his blood reached her sensitive nose. She watched a trickle of red slip down from the corner of his mouth, her tongue darting out on impulse to catch it. She moaned into Naru's open mouth as they kissed, her tongue sweeping out in search of more blood. Naru's hand cupped her cheek and stroked her neck as he deepened the kiss, letting Mai drink blood from his mouth. Once her vampiric side awoke it apparently decided his mouth wasn't enough.

"Ah!" Naru grunted, throwing his head back as Mai's fangs bit into his shoulder, her lips teasing and sucking the skin. Naru leaned down for her, using one arm to support his weight above Mai's head while the other wrapped around her waist loosely. He stroked comforting circles on her back, reaching beneath her shirt to touch her bare skin.

"If you give any more you'll be no use for training." Kaname chided as he entered. Mai pulled back, her cheeks red as she looked at the floor, wiping her red lips on the back of her hand. Naru let out a small tsk as Kaname's lips brushed over his throat. As the pureblood drew back his wound had healed. "Don't waste it." The brunette added teasingly as he took Mai's bloodied hand and ran his tongue over her pale skin.

"Well? Shouldn't we get started?" Naru interrupted as he waited for Kaname. The older vampire nodded his agreement as he readied a ball of red light, static and sparks skirting the edges. Naru took a deep breath as he readied his own energy.


"Sorry, I should have been more careful." John apologised sweetly as he sat on the edge of Ichijou's bed and looked down at him. He looked paler than usual, and utterly drained as he lay looking up through hooded eyes, the blue barely visible as he struggled to keep his eyes open. He moved his head from side to side weakly, too tired for any other movement.

"It was my own fault. I should have spoken up sooner." Ichijou replied simply, his voice sounding small and quiet. It had been a while since he'd shared his own blood with more than one person at a time. Since it was such an intimate act it was usually done between lovers or close friends. It also usually led to more than just bloodletting. Not that I would have objected. Ichijou thought as he remembered the scent of Mai's hair and the feel of her smaller body in his arms while John pressed against him from behind.

"Ichijou!" John chided with pink cheeks, his eyes staring at Ichijou's crotch. "Apparently you're not quite as tired as you seem." He teased lightly, enjoying the flush of Ichijou's cheeks as he shifted his gaze to the far off bookcases that lined his walls. He felt the bed dip as John shifted closer, a gentle hand stroking his cheek.

"It's a physical reaction, I can't control it." Ichijou excused as he was turned to face John once more, almost sighing into the kiss that John placed on his lips. He would have done more if he could, but his body was so utterly drained at that moment he just wanted to sleep. It seemed that John understood that on some level as he settled down beside Ichijou, turning on his side so that he could look at the older vampire.

"Can you manage?" John asked as he laid a hand on Ichijou's arm, the older blonde smiling weakly as he rolled onto his side to face John.

"I'm tired, not an invalid." He retorted, content as he curled up a little. An easy silence fell between them as they stared into each other's eyes, admiring the different shades of blue. Ichijou's were lighter, glittering like crystal, while John's were the much deeper shade of the ocean. It was the same with the golden locks that fell across their faces. John's were a deep shade of gold, while Ichijou's held a lighter corn quality.

"Do you remember when we used to sleep like this?" John asked quietly, and Ichijou nodded in response. How could I forget? Ichijou thought fondly as he looked back at all the nights they'd spent on the hunt. They'd slept in a beat up van with an old mattress. John had worn his tight black shirt and slacks, sometimes with his boots too if he was too tired to kick them off. Ichijou would usually remove his shirt, but not always. Ichijou had often watched John sleep, unable to see his thoughts at that time. The temptation of his blood had plagued him endlessly, especially when he returned coated in it. On occasion, when John noticed Ichijou suffering particularly badly, he'd tsk and offer his wounds, saying that it was only dripping on the floor anyway.

"I remember…" Ichijou replied quietly, his eyes tracing John's perfect skin, all the old scars long healed by his transformation. The only thing that marred his throat now was the ugly bite left by Farringdon. His eyes fell on the perfect skin of his neck, remembering the deep gash that had once been there. It was the first time that John had let him feed directly from his body.


"You're injured…" Ichijou observed as John all but fell through the doors of the van. Ichijou had received a few knocks himself, but it seemed that John had gone all out in his fight. His black shirt was soaked through with sweat and blood. Ichijou felt his eyes burning and looked away.

"Yeah, he really got me." John replied gruffly, still not keen on his vampiric companion, though he had to admit it wasn't as bad as he'd thought it would be. Ichijou really did watch his back, and had saved him on more than one occasion. Despite his cravings the blonde vampire would also tend to his wounds, his eyes burning red as he bit his lip the whole time. He hadn't even tried to sneak a lick here and there. He was too polite.

"This is serious." Ichijou realised as he finally controlled himself enough to take a look at John's throat. There was a deep gash that was steadily leaking blood, and it wasn't showing any sign of slowing down. I'm surprised he made it back here…John huffed and swatted Ichijou's concerned hands away as he shrugged out of his coat with a grimace. The heavy belt quickly joined it on the hard metal surface with a clang. Ichijou helped wordlessly as John struggled with his shirt, letting out a pained grunt as he moved his arm.

"It'll stop soon, just bandage it." John replied as he sat on the end of the mattress waiting, his blue eyes dim as he looked at the floor. Ichijou grabbed the wadding and bandages, as well as clothes and cleaning supplies. It's no good, that cut is simply not going to heal…He thought as he used a disinfected cloth to wipe the wound, pulling back as John hissed. "Careful!" The human snapped, his eyes widening slightly as he looked at Ichijou.

"My apologies." Ichijou said formally, his hands shaking slightly as he eyed the river of blood that trickled down John's chest. He hadn't had real blood for some time. They had recently perfected the pills and had been trialling them, so he'd gone off blood completely. It was almost cruel of John to go out and get himself hurt so badly. It was like he was flaunting his sweet nectar. He gasped as he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"You don't look too good." John stated, and Ichijou was surprised to find the barest hint of concern lacing his cold tone. Ichijou didn't answer as he averted his gaze. It was taking everything he had not to pounce the boy before him. "Sometimes I almost forget you're a monster…Alright…" John sighed, Ichijou yelping as John roughly grabbed the collar of his shirt and yanked him forward, his mouth just inches away from the warm pale skin. He smells so good…

"What are you doing?" Ichijou demanded as he pushed himself back, but John maintained his hold. The vampire put his hands on John's shoulders for leverage and balance as he looked up, the boy's concern hidden by a cold frown.

"You need to eat, and my blood is doing no good dripping on the floor." John snapped in response, his eyes meeting Ichijou's surprised orbs. "So you'd better not waste it. Not one drop." The human added as he leaned back on one hand, having no idea what this was doing to Ichijou. Ichijou shuddered as his fangs lengthened, his eyes burning red as he shifted his gaze to John's pale skin.

"Not one drop…" Ichijou repeated in a daze as he leaned down, feeling John shudder as his tongue darted out to trail up his abdomen, lapping the blood from his stomach. He could taste the salt of John's sweat mingling with the slightly cooled blood, a moan breaking free as he lapped. He heard John's heartrate increase slightly, smirking against the pale skin as he realised the human was actually enjoying his attention.

"Hey! I said clean it up, not make new holes!" John chided, his blue eyes widening as he was pushed down on the mattress. He gasped as his hands were caught by Ichijou and pinned down roughly, the vampire chuckling lightly as he straddled his torso. John tugged at his hands uselessly, marvelling at Ichijou's strength.

"You're hardly in a position to say such things." Ichijou teased, keeping eye contact with John as he returned to lapping the flowing blood. John scowled as he continued to struggle. "You're making it worse." The vampire chided, running his tongue up directly onto the ugly gash. He bit his tongue before placing his lips over the wound. He sucked lightly, letting his fangs tease the surface of John's throat. He felt John shudder as he moaned and turned his head to give Ichijou better access.

"Ichijou don't!" John objected with a hint of breathlessness. Ichijou flushed slightly. He used my name. Usually John avoided it, opting to call him 'monster' or 'vampire' or 'blood sucker'. To be honest Ichijou had been beginning to think he'd forgotten his name. With a few more licks, using his own blood to heal John's wound, Ichijou pulled back. John looked surprised as he raised his hand to trace where the open gash had been before.

"Consider it payment for the meal." Ichijou excused as he withdrew, opting to get some air as he left John stunned, lying topless and breathless on the mattress.


"You were cute back then." Ichijou said softly, though he was really no less cute now. There was a new quality that John had gained since their separation. There was a gentleness that he hadn't had before, which had perhaps come from his more recent work as an exorcist. He was directly helping people now, and working with humans. He'd had time to begin to heal.

"I was not!" John objected, his cheeks pink at the compliment. Ichijou made no further argument, simply enjoying the heat of John's skin as he reached up and placed his hand against the younger boy's cheek. Definitely cute. John reached up to hold Ichijou's hand, watching as the older boy closed his eyes tiredly and began to drift. John sighed quietly as he removed Ichijou's hand from his cheek and gripped it to his chest.

Will we really make it through this? He wondered anxiously, remembering the power that Farringdon had. He hadn't been able to fight against him. He'd been so weak, not just physically but mentally too. It still disgusted him when he thought about the way he'd moaned as the pureblood ravished his throat. Part of him still craved the older man's touch. Part of him loved him desperately. How am I supposed to fight against that?

"You think loud thoughts." Ichijou hummed quietly, the hand on his chest reaching forward to press against the firm skin beneath his shirt. John blushed as Ichijou's eyes fluttered open. "We'll definitely get through it." He added with a confidence that John didn't understand. He smiled assuringly and pulled John closer until their lips met in a gentle kiss.