I'm terribly sorry to have worried you all. This chapter is about the length of a chapter and a half compared to my usual word count, so it took me a bit longer to finish.

Yagari taught ethics to the Night Class in the original VK manga, so that's why Yagari called him his student last chapter. Yagari still has no idea Kaname is the Ancestor of the Kuran, so by Yagari's reckoning he's the elder.

This chapter references events from chapter 5, so if it's been awhile you can always go back and refresh your memory before you start reading.

XXXIII. Resetting the Board

"Things are proceeding well," her husband says, effortlessly holding the room's attention without raising his voice. "What is our progress purging Shirabuki's tainted blood tablets?"

A European operative Yuuki doesn't recognize stands and begins to report. Seated at Kaname's right hand, Yuuki surveys the conference room at the Kuran business offices, spotting many foreign faces and making a note to introduce herself later.

Truthfully, her attention has been wandering the whole meeting. The way everyone looks at her - Rosehill's staff, Seiren's spies, their allies, even the inner circle - it's changed. Yuuki's caught them standing straighter as she passes, studying her when they think she's not looking, retaking her measure.

They don't dismiss her as Kaname's less-skilled wife anymore. By killing Shirabuki Sara, Yuuki is no longer an afterthought. Now they regard her with respect in their eyes. And it's not just the nobles. Kaname defers to her more often, seeks out her opinions, glances at her before making decisions on their behalf. Being taken seriously, as a force in her own right, is something Yuuki finds both gratifying and bewildering. Part of her - and not just the pureblood part - savors the acknowledgement. Yuuki understands now. This is something she's wanted for a long time.

So she sits straighter, and bends herself to the the task of committing every detail to memory, storing up questions for Kaname later so she can be taught the finer points of how the game is played.

Now that their joint ruler is dead, European vampire society and Europe's criminal underworld are in chaos. Kaname is directing resources toward smoothing transitions of power, but even he can't prevent the human and vampiric turf wars breaking out. Seiren's network is stretching itself to the limit, and the human authorities are having a field day dismembering the black market contacts they've discovered. Adding to the strain, Kaname's agents keep finding more boltholes where Shirabuki's stored her nasty surprises.

For now, their focus has been on pacifying Shirabuki's servants, a large number of whom have been rounded up and held until something can be done with them - if anything can be done. Shirabuki's ex-servants still lie under their mistress' thrall. A pureblood's commands remain in force after their death, and Shirabuki's drug makes her orders unbreakable by another pureblood.

And all that is just the easy part. The Senate has been quiet so far, preoccupied with information gathering and grabbing any stray advantages from Shirabuki's death. Kaname thinks they're deciding how to proceed, but the Kurans will need to deal with the consequences of killing another pureblood soon.

Yuuki frowns unconsciously, and their police liaison darts a nervous glance in her direction. She's more careful to keep her thoughts off her face after that, and the meeting ends with no more slips.

"Yuuki-hime." Ruka curtseys for their watchers, even through neither of them care for the formality. Ichijo Takuma has charisma, but Ruka's mastery of protocol has always been her strength. "May I speak with you?"

Ruka must have planned this, because she knows exactly which empty conference room to drag Yuuki into. The noble doesn't speak until the two of them are ensconced in comfortable chairs, and Yuuki's kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet up underneath her.

"I thought you could use a break. How have you been?" Ruka opens, offering Yuuki a melon soda which Yuuki cracks open immediately as a way to delay her answer.

"Zero is -"

"Yuuki-hime, I asked how you are," Ruka delicately reminds her and adds, "And I'm asking as your friend."

Yuuki worries her bottom lip between her teeth. "I'm having fewer bad dreams."

It makes her feel small and weak to admit she isn't perfectly fine, that she hasn't recovered as quickly as she pretends - to admit that there is any damage beyond the physical to recover from at all. A few times, Yuuki has been going about her day, and suddenly something she experienced with Shirabuki will come flooding back, and she can't help it - a panic overtakes her, and she'll stand stock still, sweating and hyper aware until the memory passes. But Zero and Kaname rarely leave her alone, and a great deal of cuddling and spoiling has helped the memories recede and those incidents happen less often.

"That's good to hear." Ruka says, sincere and firm at once, taking a sip of her tea. "You do understand it's fine to admit it?"

Yuuki makes a face where Ruka can't see her. "Not in public." She's meant to be invincible. She won, they won, and killing Shirabuki should erase her past fear and helplessness and pain.

"Not in public," Ruka agrees, "but that's why I'm asking you here."

Yuuki gulps her soda, reveling in the chance to be graceless. With Ruka, who's seen her at her clumsy human worst, Yuuki never has to worry about ruining her image. Ruka enjoys the same privilege with her in return.

"Sometimes I think I must have dreamed all this," she gestures around herself, "and I'm still back in her house. I did things - said things - I can't undo."

"Do you wish you could?" Ruka says the words without judgement.

"Not exactly." And that's the problem. Yuuki treated Shirabuki's servants just like dolls, just like Shirabuki treated them, carelessly manipulating their very minds. And she's not sorry, and she knows she'd do it again. So what does that make Yuuki?

"How is Aido?" Yuuki asks, catching herself touching the ends of her short hair. The feeling still surprises her, like her mind hasn't quite caught up to her body.

Ruka shrugs, going along with the change of subject. "Holed up in his lab, working on creating an antidote. You know him."

Yuuki flushes with guilt. In a cruel inversion of his earlier bounds, Aido has been avoiding Rosehill. Like all the vampires Shirabuki's drug controlled, they can't know if she buried any more hidden commands in Aido's mind. Until they can be certain Aido isn't compromised, he's effectively cut out of the Kurans' secrets. "Is he okay?"

"He's not unaffected, but he's burying his feelings in his work."

"Oh."

"You should talk to him," Ruka suggests neutrally.

Yuuki runs her hands over her face. "I know, Ruka-sempai, I just don't - what do I say?" She'd told the truth when she said she'd choose to kill Aido. How were you supposed to work past something like that?"

"Hanabusa is your friend too," Ruka points out. "Your actions saved his life. And you both know that was not a normal situation."

Yuuki shakes her head. "That doesn't mean it didn't count."

"I'll come with you, if you want."

"No. But thank you." Aido deserves to hear it from Yuuki alone. She's finished running away because she's scared.

"If you want to talk, I'll listen," Ruka says. "But if not, I brought cake. Would you like some?"

"What kind?"

"All of them," she replies, proffering a very large bakery box and a hamper of silverware, utensils and napkins. "Surely Kaname-sama can do without you for a little while?"

Despite herself, Yuuki perks up. "You're a good friend, Ruka-sempai."

When Kuran steps into the lunarium, Kaito is already drawn up tight, glaring with his hackles raised.

Zero sighs. Kaito hasn't forgiven the Kurans for deflowering Zero, revealing it publically and then leaving the Hunters to deal with Cross' weepy dramatic breakdown. Now he's even less enthused after Zero's most recent near-death experience.

Completely unaffected by Kaito's animosity, the dark-haired pureblood acts as through Zero is the only one here. "May I join you?"

"It's your house," Zero says, yanking on Kaito's sleeve to remind him not to do anything dumb. "Where's Yuuki?"

"Visiting with Ruka. She'll join us later," Kuran replies, trailing his fingers through green fronds.

Suppressing the instant stab of worry, Zero reminds himself that Yuuki will be fine by herself, she's not going to be snatched away again, and she killed the last person who tried. It doesn't help much, and he knows his answering smile is tight.

If Zero isn't mistaken, from the slight tension in his husband's shoulders Kuran feels the same. "How are you feeling tonight?" the pureblood inquires.

Zero keeps his tone light. "Well, I've stopped breaking everything I pick up - I forgot that adjustment after the last time I drank pure blood. My headache is only punching me instead of stabbing my skull. Plus I managed to get out of bed and I only sort of ache. I'd say I'm doing great."

Zero dreads testing his extra sense, because all his vampire powers have been kicked up a notch and it's going to be a painful process to rebuild his control, but he's not going to mention that in front of Kaito. His almost-brother worries too much.

"That's good to hear," Kuran says with genuine warmth, taking Zero's hand and kissing his knuckles. "Thank you for staying with Zero, Takamiya-san. May I speak to him alone for a moment?"

Kaito's eyebrows furrow, and he opens his mouth to refuse - he's been spending too much time with Master recently - but he reluctantly yields when Zero gives him a sharp poke with his elbow. "I can defend my own honor, and Misao will be mad if I don't return you in one piece."

"Fine," Kaito snarls, and gives Kuran another glare for good measure as he brushes rudely past.

Zero rolls his eyes, the throbbing in his temples making him short-tempered. He winces when the door slams, and rubs his forehead, trying to relieve some of the ache. "What did you need?"

Kuran doesn't seem to hear, preoccupied with surveying Zero's current state. "I am beginning to understand why Yuuki likes seeing you in nice clothes. Your current rags are distasteful."

Unbelievable. "These pajamas are comfortable. Misao bought them for me when she heard what happened, and it would be rude not to wear them." Even if they are oversized and hideously patterned, Zero doesn't treat other people's gifts without care.

"I prefer you in silk." Kuran seems completely earnest, not a hint of teasing at all.

"Why are you such a pervert," Zero grits out, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I like seeing you wear things that are worthy of you. Is that so wrong?" Kuran says, kneeling at Zero's feet, catching Zero's hands and looking up at Zero through his eyelashes.

Zero flounders, completely out of his depth. "It's creepy when you're nice."

Kuran raises one eyebrow.

"You're being really weird," Zero blurts. It's true. Kuran has kept the soft, indulgent attitude that began while Yuuki was taken, and it's so strange. The two of them have worked up to a semi-friendly rapport, and a certain measure of trust, but nothing like this - whatever this is. Zero expected it to stop as soon as Yuuki returned, but if anything Kuran's behavior has gotten more incomprehensible. Zero can't figure out why the sudden change, though he suspects Kuran is doing it to make Yuuki happy. That's the only explanation that makes sense. Wait, Zero's going into season soon. Maybe this is an alpha thing?

It must be both, Zero decides in shock when Kuran wraps both arms around Zero's waist and nuzzles Zero's hip, taking deep breaths of Zero's scent while half-draped over Zero's lap.

"You are my Consort, Zero," Kuran says. Like that explains anything. Does Kuran mean he's acting this way because he's expected to?

Zero flounders for a moment, then tentatively rests one hand on the back of Kuran's head, the same way he would with Yuuki.

"Pureblood hungers cannot be quenched. They drive us, make us who we are, but their depth also makes lesser vampires uncomfortable. Even with Yuuki, displaying affection in front of others must always be restrained. Appropriate. We both have to remain dignified and controlled, as befits our rank and power."

Kuran tilts his head up to meet Zero's eyes, a slight smile on his lips. "But you are the exception. With our omega, people find it natural that we lose control. They understand alpha instincts, and it reassures them to know we are no different in that respect. I can be as indulgent as I wish with you, and no one will bat an eye or take it as a sign of weakness. On the contrary, the Kuran family is well known for being fond of their omegas - Kuran Nagisa once cut off his sleeve rather than wake Aileya, who was asleep and resting her head upon it."

"I understand," Zero says, fingers settling more firmly in Kuran's hair. If this is something Kuran needs, Zero can reciprocate. The Hunter won't reject Kuran's efforts to maintain his reputation or satisfy his alpha instincts. Zero's body belongs to the Kuran family, and they've been more than accommodating toward his problems. It's only fair Zero return the favor. "What did you need to talk about?"

"Yuuki's birthday is coming up on the 25th."

Zero's hand pauses. "I thought you two don't celebrate your birthdays?"

"We don't," Kuran chuckles. "Not our real ones. I don't know mine, and I refuse to use the birthday of Haruka and Juuri's son. Yuuki knows her true birthdate, but she feels more connected to the day Cross chose for her when he didn't know the actual date."

"Oh," Zero murmurs, feeling warmth bloom. "I assumed she'd stopped."

"The memories are too dear to her," Kuran assures him with a smile.

"So we're doing something for her?"

"Of course, purely informally. I thought you might have some ideas?"

"I heard you had something to discuss with me?" Yuuki says, going up on her toes to kiss her husband.

In return, Kaname pulls her against his body in a firm embrace, as though making up for lost time. "I did, yes," her husband chuckles, nipping at her ear, "but I am finding it difficult to remember."

"Think harder," Yuuki teases, them flushes when she realizes the unintentional innuendo.

Kaname smirks, but doesn't rise to the bait. "Your unofficial birthday dinner. Since Zero will be in season before the 25th, possibly as early as the 14th, I thought we might celebrate this weekend. It could double as a victory celebration."

Yuuki steps back, disentangling herself. "The one gift rule still stands. You buy me too much stuff already."

"As you wish," Kaname agrees easily. He always cheats and gets her more gifts anyway, insisting that normal presents don't fall under the rule. Really, Yuuki just wants to make things fair since Kaname doesn't have a designated day when she can spoil him.

"I'll hold you to that," Yuuki smiles, taking Kaname's hand and squeezing it. "Can we go out?"

"Anything you please. Shall I invite the inner circle, and perhaps have Cross attend?"

Yuuki's nose wrinkles. "Maybe a family dinner one night and a private dinner the next? Just for the three of us?"

"Of course," Kaname assures her. "Allow Zero and I make the arrangements."

Yuuki feels a grin sneak over her face. Kaname eyes her - is that a touch of apprehension she spies? A giggle bubbles up in her belly. "Speaking of Zero…"

Unhidden to Yuuki's scrutiny, Kaname's apprehension turns to full wariness - she's too experienced at picking out Kaname's moods behind his collected expression.

"Don't think I haven't noticed the way things have changed between the two of you!" she teases, swinging their joined hands.

Uncharacteristically, Kaname is silent, and Yuuki pauses, studying him. "Did something happen?"

"Not between us, no," Kaname answers brusquely, turning away. He releases her hand, and begins shuffling the papers on his desk. "I realized a few things. Nothing more."

Yuuki hazards a guess. "Does that...disappoint you?"

Again, Kaname doesn't answer. But his posture stiffens at the remark.

Debating whether to push, Yuuki decides it's better now to keep silent - any interference risks Kaname backing away from his feelings. Yuuki knows she's blunt, and she doesn't want to crush this delicate bond between her husbands underfoot as if she's trampling through a flowerbed. She needs to think about this new development. For now, she can barely keep herself from cheering - Kaname came this far by himself!

"There is one more thing you need to know," Kaname says. "I haven't told Zero yet. This afternoon we received an official request from the Senate to testify before them on the matter of Shirabuki Sara's death."

"What?" Yuuki's body jerks, and her stomach flutters with nerves. "When?"

"I haven't given them an answer. We need the inquest over as soon as possible, but first we need to consolidate the cleanup. I thought perhaps Tuesday?"

Crossing her arms and becoming serious, Yuuki nods. "I agree. That should give us enough time to prepare."

"Then I will send the response," Kaname says, lifting a letter stamped with the Kuran seal. "Our next issue is to settle our strategy. We have yet to make a full public statement regarding the incident."

Yuuki makes a face. The Kurans have already hammered out a rough story outline. All that remains is the details, carefully crafted down to the last touch.

"Zero still refuses to omit the fact he drank her blood." Yuuki can hear her own frustration reflected in Kaname's voice.

On that point, Zero has refused to budge, no matter the consequences to his public image. Lifesaving or not, pure blood was not something one drank freely. Death was no excuse - unstable Ds died all the time from a lack of pure blood. Zero drinking Shirabuki's blood would be one more thing that counted against Zero in vampire society's eyes.

Yuuki feels it fair to remind Kaname why. "Zero's right through. For an antidote to be developed quickly, Aido will need help, which means the antidote source can't stay a secret."

Kaname gestures as if to appeal to the heavens, then pinches the bridge of his nose. "Too honest by far. Lying would save him grief."

"I'm not happy about it either," Yuuki agrees, touched by Kaname's hidden worry for Zero. "But we'll protect him, and keep the focus on how it was our decision, not his."

"It will not be easy."

"Protecting the people we love never is," Yuuki agrees, laying a hand over Kaname's arm.

There's no way Aido is unaware of Yuuki, whether or not he keeps his back stubbornly turned toward her. She's standing not ten meters behind him in his lab with its glass doors and shining machines. She even saw the secretary pick up the phone to call Aido as a nervous assistant led her here.

She clears her throat, and Aido startles. Not quite sure how this encounter is going to go, Yuuki tries going for something neutral. "You haven't been to visit us at Rosehill in a while, Aido-san."

Aido's back draws tighter. "I know. Thank you, Yuuki-hime, but I just can't bring myself to see you and Kaname-sama until I have a working antidote."

Squinting dubiously at Aido's white labcoat, Yuuki says, "I'm not really sure how this works, but couldn't that could take months or years?"

Aido covers his face with his hands. "Yes. I know."

"Why?" Yuuki asks, honestly confused. She'd expected Aido to be angry or afraid, not apologetic, almost ashamed.

"I - I betrayed Kaname-sama, and you," Aido confesses in a fragile voice.

Yuuki's heart hurts, and she wishes she could kill Shirabuki all over again. "No, you didn't. That woman's power took away your choice. She forced you to do things you didn't want to do."

"But I still did them, and I can't take that back. I betrayed the trust Kaname-sama placed in me, and your trust too. I could still be betraying him, for all we know. Yet he hasn't even punished me, or disfavored me."

"I let you believe that I would kill you," Yuuki confesses in a rush. "I was cold and unfair because I didn't even wait to hear your explanation. I was a bad friend and a terrible person."

Aido finally spins around in his chair, startled enough to come to her defense. "No, Yuuki-hime, I told you it's nothing -"

"Then come to my birthday dinner," Yuuki blurts out in a stroke of inspiration. "If everything is fine, come spend the evening with us. You saved Zero's life, and that's priceless to me. So don't - don't push your friends away."

Aido gapes at her, speechless as his brilliant brain searches for a rebuttal.

"I'm sure Kaname would like to see you too," Yuuki wheedles, knowing she's won. "You wouldn't like to disappoint him, right?"

Shaking his head furiously, Aido sits up straighter. "Never! I'll be there, Yuuki-hime!"

Yuuki claps her hands in victory and grins. Maybe she has been spending too much time around purebloods...

It's the best birthday Yuuki's ever had. Better than anything she's dreamed.

The sight of her Hunter family and her vampire family coming together at the same table very nearly brings her to tears. She and her guests toast her birthday, stuff themselves on the finest Rosehill can offer, then go outside and burn handfuls of sparklers in the gardens. Cross cries the whole time, of course, and Aido nearly sets himself on fire when Kaito eggs him into burning an entire handful at once.

Kaname spends the whole party with a small, serene smile on his lips, wearing the flower crown Yuuki wove for him out of dark winter roses. It matches the one Zero is wearing, enhancing the fairytale impression of the Hunter's many-layered tulle gown, and it finds its other match in the lopsided crown resting on Yuuki's head. She goes to sleep at peace, sheltered between her husbands.

The next night, Kaname and Zero take her into the human world. She eats the most expensive ginger pork stir fry of her life in a place where no one recognizes her name and Zero can dress like a human. It's intimate and precious, and she treasures the time more dearly now that she knows how close they came to losing it.

"I hope what I got you is okay," Zero tells her, a low nervous tension in his body as he hands a tiny box across the table. "If it's too personal, I apologize."

Yuuki shoots Kaname a quizzical look. The pureblood is unreadable and just nods towards the box, so Yuuki unties the ribbon, and opens the lid. Inside is a single sheet of folded paper. Yuuki glances at Zero, who looks almost vulnerable, and unfolds the paper.

Her eyes burn, and her voice has a catch in it when she says, "This is Yori's phone number and address."

Zero nods, unsure if Yuuki is upset. "Cross helped me. You don't have to do anything with it. I just - you were good friends, and I thought you might want to talk to her again."

"I don't know," she confesses, scrubbing at her eyes. "It's been so long, she's probably forgotten me by now. But thank you, Zero."

Zero doesn't quite seem convinced, so Yuuki reaches across the table and pokes him. "I'm not mad. This is very thoughtful of you, so please stop looking so scared."

Zero puffs up under the teasing, just like she hoped he would, and Kaname chuckles as he hands over a larger, flat box of his own. "Happy birthday, my dear."

Yuuki makes grabby hands, and tears through the wrapping. "Oohh, chocolate. What's this?" she says, pulling aside the tissue paper to find papers underneath.

"A deed," Kaname says, resting his chin on his folded hands. "Do you remember the beach you took us to, the one with this shining water?"

"You didn't," Yuuki breathes, feeling her eyes going wide. She hastily scans the document in her hands, and breathes out in relief. "I thought you might have bought the whole island or something."

Zero muffles his laughter in his hands. "He tried. I told him it was too much. I suggested a vacation house instead."

"We compromised. I bought you the resort," Kaname says casually. "It was very pleasant to get away, and the place holds fond memories. Besides," he adds in a completely normal tone, "I have never tried beach sex before."

Yuuki, despite her better judgement, finds herself eying Zero hopefully. So is Kaname.

"No. Just no." Zero shakes his head.

"It's my birthday," Yuuki tries, and gives him the sad eyes.

Zero endures for about thirty seconds before he breaks. "I'll consider it."

Her alpha purrs. Kaname and Yuuki exchange identical wicked smiles.

Ignoring the flutter of nerves in his belly and the low heat in his blood, Zero puts the final touches on himself, turning one way, then the other in front of the mirror. He's determined to follow this through - he nearly lost Yuuki, nearly lost both of them. He wants this.

"Zero, are you okay?" Yuuki calls from the sitting room in the master suite. "Your heart is beating really fast."

Zero shivers, and makes a few quick adjustments. "I'm fine," he says. Quickly, before he can change his mind, he slips into the bedroom, his bare feet silent on the carpets. He positions himself in the doorway - Yuuki and Kuran are both preoccupied with something, but when they catch Zero's heated scent they turn to look.

Zero holds himself still, feeling the silk and cool air against his skin. He knows they can see every inch of him through the transparent material of his thigh-length negligee - every inch, because he's nude beneath it. He'd stroked himself to arousal earlier, and he knows he looks obscene, skin flushed and his hair tousled, a lewd bulge beneath the material from the shape of his hard cock. Zero strokes a hand down his hip, drawing their eyes to the only ornament on the plain silk: a Kuran crest stitched directly above his groin. So everyone can see who owns this body, who despoiled its purity. Who's seed it's going to be gushing when they're finished with him tonight.

His alphas' reactions are worth the embarrassment of buying it. Yuuki's jaw drops and her eyes go wide. Kuran's nostrils flare appreciatively, and he gives Zero's body a long look. Zero can smell thick alpha pheromones explode into the air and the atmosphere takes a predatory turn.

"Happy birthday, Yuuki," Zero squeaks. All the blood in his body must be in his cheeks. Or in his sex. He stumbles over the next part, because even in his head it sounds like a bad romance novel. "Come unwrap your present."

"Zero," Yuuki rasps. She doesn't take her eyes off him the whole time she prowls toward him. There's a spark of vampire crimson in her brown eyes, and the deep, omega part of his mind radiates satisfaction.

Zero can feel himself start to drip between his thighs, and he knows a damp spot is forming on the silk. He swallows.

Yuuki takes his head in both hands, pulls him down to her height, and kisses him and kisses him until he can't breathe and his mind his spinning. "I love my present," she whispers, and bites at his throat.

As many times as they've pleased each other, Zero still gets embarrassed when he hears the noises coming out of his mouth. Somehow, they stumble to the bedroom, unable to keep their hands off each other.

Kaname has already stripped himself bare and turned down the sheets, and he tugs Yuuki away long enough to whisk off her dress and her jewelry. The rest Yuuki shucks off in haste, the seams ripping and tearing, and then Zero is caged beneath her body again, his negligee pulled up to his belly as they slide against each other.

"Wait," he gasps. "Not like this." Zero wriggles away, putting a hand out to stop her from kissing him again, his scattered wits reminding him he has plans tonight.

Yuuki makes a desperate noise, and squeezes the base of her hard cock as she backs away. They haven't slept together since before Yuuki was taken, and all three are on edge. Even Kaname is breathing hard, and he's barely touched either of them.

Zero decides he needs to take the edge off his alphas first, and then they can try the real goal for tonight. "Come here," he says, laying on his back in the center of their bed. "No touching."

They do exactly as he orders, and Zero feels a powerful thrill as he wraps a hand around each of them, their cocks grown thick and full with their lust, rubbing his thumb over the exposed head. He's gotten good at this now, and it's not long before Yuuki and Kaname are both coming, dousing the thin silk in come, plastering his negligee to his body and turning it wet and clinging and even more revealing.

Both of them are a little calmer, their fires banked, but Zero is so ridiculously turned on he thinks he's going to burn up. The smell, the feeling - he shivers, and licks at his hands, knowing he's just making it worse by taking in the alpha pheromones designed to arouse him.

But that's good, that's exactly what he needs. He wants the omega to rise up, to take control, because tonight he's not stopping until Yuuki and Kaname are inside him again, and if he has to blank out his human brain to do it, so be it. He has conquered himself and his body once before, with their help. He will wear down his fear the same way he wore down his soft child's heart, through time and practice.

He feels so vulnerable beneath them, but safe at the same time. His omega is telling him what good alphas these are, so strong and powerful, so gentle and nurturing. He loves Yuuki, and is not without friendly affection toward Kaname. He wants this, wants to be connected as intimately as possible. He wants to give them all of himself.

So Zero lifts his arms above his head and stretches out, showing off the arc of his body and the strength in it. "You've been so slow and gentle and thoughtful with me. But that's not what I want right now."

He takes Yuuki's hand, and runs it through the come drying on his chest, looking up at her through his eyelashes. "Touch me in all the ways I know you've dreamed of, with all the hunger your alpha desires. Despoil me," he moans, and throws his head back, baring his throat.

Both his alphas growl, and Zero feels his core throb. "Touch me here," he says, blushing but too aroused to care as he pulls up the hem of his skirt and spreads his thighs, showing off where he wants them. "Touch every part of me. Take me until I lose count of all the times you've had me."

He grasps his cock through the silk covering it, and his alphas lean closer. "I know what it means now when I ache and clench around nothing when I think of you. Do you know how much it makes my omega want, to know you killed a pureblood to have me, to keep me? I'm your prize now. So enjoy me any way you want."

They spring on him, hands and teeth and mouths and cocks, and Zero drowns under a rising tide of pleasure as they consume him. It's so hot, everything feels so good. He reaches out and holds them against his body and refuses to let go. They are his, and he is theirs.

Yuuki is underneath him now, and Kaname holds him close as his husband opens his folds and guides Yuuki into his body. Zero's walls strain against the impalement, and his body resists the penetration. Zero whimpers. Oh, he's too tight again.

"I told you," Kaname's strangled voice says in his ear. "It takes practice. Your sweet cunt heals if we don't take you often enough. We must change that."

Zero sobs, clinging to Kaname's arm around his waist as gravity and the alpha's relentless strength force his body down, bit by bit, until he's impaled deeper than ever before. He cries and hiccups and shakes - her softened knot is being forced up into his channel, and it's so much, so much, so good. It hurts so good.

"More," he begs, and Yuuki fucks him with a manic energy, each stroke sending electricity up his spine and feeding the ball of lightning in his stomach. Kaname helps, his strong hands on Zero's waist pulling him up and down Yuuki's cock, and Zero feels impossibly close to them, viscerally connected. He reaches down between his splayed thighs, and feels Yuuki solidly joining her body with his body, her cock slippery with his slick, the two of them as close as two people can be to each other. Two into one. At that image, Zero tightens and comes, and Yuuki fucks him through his orgasm, until he's over-sensitive and so blissed out he barely realizes when she comes inside him too, splashing his insides without softening at all.

Her eyes are dark as she bares her teeth and starts pummeling his channel again, each thrust hilting with a squelch and sending more seed dripping from Zero's full hole down onto her hips. Ignoring the burn, Zero spreads this thighs wider, seeking the satisfying fullness of their union. Kaname is bruising Zero's shoulder purple and his hands barely leave Zero's nipples and chest; the alpha's already come once against Zero's back, cock sliding damply between Zero's cheeks.

Zero greys out sometimes after his fourth orgasm and Yuuki's third. When he comes back to himself, Kaname is beneath him, ravaging his hole in smooth strokes and striking his cervix on each thrust, and Yuuki is the one rutting against his back.

He's so sore, and a dull red heat between his legs warns him he's pushing his endurance. But Zero's not in more pain than the pleasure can drown out, so he clamps down harder, feeling his insides ripple deliciously along the contours of his alpha's cock. The rational part of his brain notes how his improved healing is making Zero's body keep up so much better now. Then Kaname makes a sharp thrust up against Zero's walls, and everything but pleasure flies out.

Zero lets his head loll back to rest on Yuuki's shoulder as more sticky warmth coats his back, and floats on the sensations as he surrenders.

He pays for it the next night, of course. There's the obligatory panic attack, thankfully briefer and less awful than the one he experienced after the first time he had sex. He even manages to hide the worst of it before Yuuki wakes up, and talk her out of spending the day at his side. Encouraging signs of progress.

He also discovers, to his chagrin, that the persistent rumors about pureblood stamina are true. Zero spends the day confined to his bed, trying his best not to move his lower half. After he kicks the Kurans out with orders to go make themselves useful, the servants are happy to wait on him hand and foot, and Zero endures more than his share of winks and amused looks. The most irritating part is that his best efforts hadn't even managed to sate one bloody pureblood - his body had given out before the either Kuran's appetite was satisfied.

From that humiliating episode comes the birth of the 'two orgasm rule.' Namely, purebloods are allotted two orgasms involving Zero's genitals per day except on holidays and significant occasions (qualifying days to be decided only by Zero). Zero likes walking without hobbling, thank you very much.

The Senate moves locations every century or so for secrecy. Its current headquarters, like all those before it (so Kaname says), is tucked away in a part of the city that is busy enough to hide many people coming and going, but not central enough to draw more eyes than necessary. Hiding in plain sight with its forgettable exterior - modern, but not too cutting edge - its only notable feature is the central dome of the Senate chamber capping the top floor.

The Kurans look neither left nor right as they sweep into the atrium followed by their entourage. Yuuki makes sure to straighten her shoulders and raise her chin, striding arm in arm with Kaname. They make a good matched pair to the watching aides, senators, and onlookers, of whom there are quite a few. The dark grey wool of her full skirt and jacket is identical to the material of his suit, as is the cream silk of her blouse and his cravat. Even the crimson of his cufflinks and cravat pin and the rubies at her throat, like drops of blood, echo each other. It will help draw the eye to their physical resemblance, and remind the watching vampires what bloodline they belong too. Yuuki designed it that way. Tonight is all about performance.

Zero is safe with Yagari and Shouto - who seemed to tolerate one another worryingly well, when introduced - and both Kaname and Yuuki left familiars. His job tonight is to stay as far from here as possible. Zero does not need to draw the Senate's attention any more than he already has.

"Do you remember what I told you earlier?" Kaname murmurs once they're out of sight in the elevators, among their own staff.

She nods. Her secondary assignment tonight is to watch and observe every detail she can, memorizing everything she sees so Kaname can quiz her later.

"Remember," he says, lowering his voice further. "Do not make the mistake of thinking the Senate is a monolith. There are divisions and factions among its members, and we can take advantage of those. Aid does not come just from your allies."

Do not forget why I allow the Senate to exist, Kaname had told her earlier. Yuuki nods again, and then the elevator doors open. The Kurans are ushered through a lobby, and then a tunnel. At the end of the tunnel is light, and the droning noise of many voices.

Yuuki has never seen the Senate floor before. It's built like an amphitheatre; above her is the dome she glimpsed from the ground and many tiers of seating circled around a central podium. The Senate floor itself is where the most senior senators and the chairman sit, and the upper floors are reserved for junior senators and guests. The senate sessions are never open to the public. You needed a senator to vouch for you to gain access, which limits observers to press and other nobles. Today Yuuki and Kaname have seats on the Senate floor set aside for distinguished visitors, as do the other significant guests attending the session.

Takuma rises with a smile, offering a bow as the Kurans are shown to their chairs. For something as important as an inquest into a pureblood's death, the entire Council of Elders has chosen to observe today's proceedings. In a sea of black and grey, Takuma gleams shockingly bright in his blue and white robes. Yuuki takes careful note, because Zero would like them; they're a sleek, clean style with flowing lines and a masculine edge. The omega sleeves have a clever two-part construction made of an outer panel that hangs from Takuma's shoulders like a cape and brushes the floor, and a shorter, true inner sleeve covering his hands.

Takuma is drawing many looks from the Senators shuffling in to take their places, which he ignores with practiced ease. He stands out in more ways than one. Not only is he the only omega in a room of mostly alphas, he is a pregnant omega. The Ichijo heir's ancestral position flies in the face of traditions which keep omegas away from the heart of politics and mostly in their homes, their influence felt indirectly through their children and mates.

"Good to see you, Kaname," the blond remarks warmly as he settles back into his seat on Kaname's left, sending a smile toward Yuuki. There are only three people permitted to use Kaname's first name without honorifics, as Takuma so delicately reminds their watchers. "The session should begin soon."

Yuuki watches, marks how the Senators mingle like tides, trading influence and favors for support. Many of their eyes return her scrutiny, only to flick away once their gazes meet. No matter how much they might envy her power, when face to face the Senators are as susceptible to the allure of a pureblood as any vampire. Dissension must be saved for privacy.

When Chairman Ichihara takes the podium and the room falls quiet by degrees, Yuuki sits up. Kaname cautiously respects this man, which is noteworthy enough that she's reassessing her previous dismissive impressions of him.

Like Takuma, he is notable for his dynamic. Betas rarely rise to such high positions, and make up - at best - one-tenth of the Senate. Ichihara was Senate chairman many centuries ago, before the rise of more openly extremist ideologies pushed the centrists into a dwindling minority. Ichihara won his second appointment after the debacle with Rido, when the Senate cleaned house and purged some - but far from all - of its uglier elements. By Kaname's account, Ichihara was appointed because of his moderate views and the way his political acumen allows him to mediate between opposing parties and keep the Senate more or less functional. He is no monarchist, and will protect the Senate's independence, but he can be worked with. Not an ally, but not necessarily an enemy either.

Yuuki saves her most careful scrutiny for Vice-chairman Noguchi. Grey-haired with age, Noguchi is notorious for his scheming and hews most closely to whatever party brings him power. Beneath his reserve, the noble has a sharp hunger to him.

Senator Abe she finds sitting in the first row. The majority party leader is sneering as Chairman Ichihara gives the opening speech, an ugly expression unsuited to her pretty face. A devout anti-monarchist, by all accounts she is well matched to her husband in temper. Yuuki dislikes her immediately.

The Senators in their balconies above her head begin clapping; Kaname touches her inner wrist, laying his fingers underneath her phoenix bracelet. Yuuki smiles as graciously as she knows how, then rises to gracefully take the podium. Perhaps she ought to feel more nervous. But it's a matter of perspective - she survived these events and triumphed over her enemies, so why should she be afraid of talking about it now?

Yuuki's testimony sticks to the true events, slightly tailored for public consumption. She glosses over the parts they don't need to know - things that are too private to speak of, like the exact events of her captivity. She needs to strike a careful balance between sympathy and looking pathetic, so Yuuki gives just enough details that the nobles can draw an unmistakable conclusion without laying out her heart. The only time she outright lies is to hide her new memory altering powers. She wants the nobles to respect her, not outright fear her, and the similarity to Shirabuki's drug will not go unnoticed. Yuuki doesn't want anyone to the think she's anything like Shirabuki Sara.

The revelation that Zero drank Shirabuki's blood draws an audible gasp from her audience. Yuuki blurs the truth, tells the story as a pair of maddened alphas with their omega dying in their arms, who in their madness went to insane lengths. That is far safer than the cold, willful rage of the real decision. Acting in defense of an omega is excusable, understandable, even permitted as a temporary loss of sanity.

The corners of Kaname's mouth are upraised when she finishes; Yuuki knows she's done well. She returns to her seat beneath whispers and polite applause. As her husband passes beside her, Yuuki returns the gesture and brushes his phoenix bracelet as a silent show of support. The crinkle of Kaname's eyes as he takes the podium, effortlessly regal as always, is a private secret between them.

Kaname's part is to fill in the blanks. His testimony explains how their investigation discovered the tainted drug, and their efforts to manage the fallout since Shirabuki's death. The mystery shooter who wounded Shirabuki remains unidentified. Yuuki herself does not know. Kaname believes - and Yuuki agrees - that it's better if one of them can honestly say they don't know who it was.

As for the unknown gunman's weapon, Kaname has traced the rifle's history thoroughly. Looted over three hundred years ago, it was the celebrated trophy of a now extinct anti-monarchist family. During their downfall it disappeared, only to resurface in the hands of several assassins and other figures in the human underworld. Kaname suggests that the shooter may have been sent by Shirabuki's black market rivals, perhaps the bratva or the mafia. It's not hard to read between the lines - Kaname passed them the information. The timing was too convenient for it be coincidence.

There are no questions permitted from the onlookers. The Kurans are here today as a courtesy, and the Senate does not have the power to interrogate them. As much as many of the Senators hate the biological hold a pureblood possesses over lesser vampires, that instinctive fear and awe still has power over them.

From the reactions Yuuki can observe, the Senate knows Yuuki and Kaname have done them a favor. Shirabuki was a threat to the vampire world's way of life. Her appetite for Level Ds risked their discovery by humans, and making the entire vampire population slaves to her whims is understandably horrifying to anyone, let alone the anti-monarchists of the Senate. They'll still try to make trouble over it, because Shirabuki's threat is dead and they will draw every possible advantage they can over the Kurans.

Now more than ever, the Kurans are the Senate's chief rivals. Because the pureblood families have dwindled and weakened, the Senate's ascension has seen little opposition. Shouto and Ouri avoid politics, and are both the last of their line. Touma is young and feckless, and his sister even younger. The elder Touma members and the entire Hanadagi family remain in long-term Sleep. The Shirabuki family is extinct, and the Hio cling to existence through rumors of a single Sleeping male relative. That leaves only the Kuran family and their young heir to contest the power of the Senate.

Now more than ever, the Kurans will be marked as enemies. They are the descendents of mythological kings and queens, who possess the praise of the common vampires. And the current Kuran family is led by a young prodigy of remarkable skill and power, whose strength will surely grow. Most worryingly, that young prodigy has been involved in the deaths of three purebloods - three! - all of them far older and stronger. The Senate is right to be terrified of Kaname and his power, and with no other purebloods left in his league, the Senate's undiluted attention will be fixed completely on him. They will try to destroy him, if they can.

Yuuki watches and keeps smiling as long as she's within their sight. The Senate will not find Kaname easy prey. She will ensure it.

Before now, their lovemaking has always been sporadic and initiated by mutual desire. After offering his virginity, Zero seems to have gotten it into his head that by consummating their union, Yuuki and Kaname are entitled his body now, every night, without exception.

Absolutely not.

There are days when Zero is not in the right headspace to have penetrative sex. There are days where he cannot bear to be touched below the waist. And that's fine. Yuuki wants whatever Zero is able to give, and no more. As time goes on, those bad days are becoming fewer and fewer. Yuuki has hope that one day, they will be rare enough to be unusual. But for now, Zero is still trying to 'make up' for days he misses, like Yuuki is keeping score.

To Yuuki's sadness, Zero tries to undermine the two orgasm limit almost immediately. Whether Zero intended it or not, the rule protects Zero's physical health. The horror stories Hunters whisper about bedding purebloods are not without truth - completely satisfying one pureblood libido would leave him screaming in pain. His body needs time to recover and rest, or they'll hurt him.

Yuuki is very proud of Kaname. He refused without a shred of hesitation when Zero pressed them to take him a third time after they skipped sex the night before. Kaname insisted it was because he enjoys enthusiastic partners, not obligated ones, but Yuuki hopes Kaname realizes he isn't fooling anyone.

Yuuki thought Zero was getting better at valuing himself more, but it looks like she has work to do. She doesn't want sex to be a duty for Zero. She wants him to feel like he can refuse, and to feel safe doing it. And she wants him to value his health and well-being over his duty and satisfying her wants.

When she tells Zero this, he insists that she doesn't need to hold herself back for his sake, completely missing the point.

Yuuki reminds him she's restraining her beast from draining him dry every time she catches his scent, so losing control is probably a bad idea.

Zero has no answer to that, which is not the same as agreement.

Zero sinks down until the hot water reaches his chin and heaves a contented sigh, letting all his tension leak out of his shoulders. This is one vampire tradition he could get used to.

He hears a patter of feet, and the curtain shielding his bathing area flutters. Some shift in the air, maybe the pattern of breaths, or perhaps the weight of the steps whispers to his newly enhanced senses. Zero already knows who it is when Takiyama calls out, "Consort Kiryuu? Are you alright? You've been in there for quite a long time."

Takiyama's relaxed tone sets Zero at ease, and he rolls over to rest his arms on the rim of the stone basin. "Mmmm, I'm fine. I'll be out soon." It takes him a few more minutes to pour himself back into his yukata and shorts, but soon Zero is leaving behind the steam from the baths.

The tea group omegas are in Azai's home tonight, the only one with a traditional bath complex suitable for tonight's rituals. Tomorrow Zero enters seclusion as he prepares for his time in season, and he will not leave Rosehill again until he's bonded or his yearly chance has passed. By Zero's reckoning, they're starting preparations nearly a week earlier than he went into season last year, but omega heat cycles are can start up to a week early or a week late, especially maiden heats.

The other omegas are gathered in the anteroom, still in their bathing robes, chattering and tending to their toilette. Zero takes a seat, and Aido Madoka immediately attacks him with a hairbrush. Shoshana is doing the same for a visibly pregnant Azai nearby as Takiyama serves everyone cool water. Takuma nudges Zero's feet out from under the hem of his robe and begins to attack the Hunter's calluses with a pumice stone.

Zero is thrown by the attention at first, but having his own maids has weakened the boundaries of his personal space, and he settles into tranquility as he is primped and pampered by the other omegas. It soothes a deep, instinctive part of himself, and he drifts, bending as requested, emptying his mind until it shines like a sheet of glass.

His Hunter senses reach out and mark the vampire auras ringing this space, protectively enclosing Zero and his omega companions. They are the bonded alphas of his attendants and his own intended mates, fulfilling an ancient rite of protection. They will not disturb Zero and his fellows, only guard against his theft, remaining sleepless and without rest until Zero's chosen alphas come to claim him from their care at sunset the next evening.

Shoshana takes him by the hand when his hair shines and skins glows pink, and leads him to the banquet prepared for him. Zero is meant to eat his fill, to build his strength for the trial ahead. Zero has never seen so many foods meant to enhance fertility in one place before, and dutifully swallows down what he can. The rest of the feast is the kind of food elderly grandmothers give you second servings of, heavy and meaty, full of rice and noodles and rich sauces. Zero eats and eats, and after he's full the others press more snacks on him throughout the night. Heat is hard on the body, and he'll lose at least three kilos by the time it's finished.

Zero's feelings toward his body going into season are complicated. A part of him just wants to get this over with so he can go on with his life, such as it is. He's only willing to trigger a heat the single time necessary to bond, and it feels a little dishonest when the other omegas make such a fuss over him. But he also wants to approach this experience honestly, so he tries to enjoy himself. And they're so happy for him, as if they couldn't imagine anything else.

Zero wishes he could feel the same way. But his repugnance toward his vampire instincts and his new body make this feel more like a looming nightmare. Most of all, he's worried that he won't be able to trigger a heat at all. Kaname assured him it would be fine if they waited another year, but the possibility feels like another failure

"Pick one, Consort Kiryuu!" Aido Makoka urges, holding a bronze bowl filled with pomegranates, the fruits swollen and pink-red on the threshold of over ripeness. The other omegas give excited cries, and circle around.

"A maiden's augury," explains Shoshana in an undertone as Zero selects a smaller fruit from the bottom. "For how many children you'll have."

The omegas help him peel the pomegranate - Takiyama displays a startling flair with knives - and they painstakingly count the seeds inside.

"837! A good number," Azai congratulates him as they clear away the pith, licking sticky pink juice off their fingers.

Zero can only imagine the face he's making, because the others burst into laughter..

"Don't look so sour, Zero-kun," Takuma teases him, hiding his smile behind his hand. "No one really has that many."

Zero's certain his expression could curdle milk. Yuuki must never hear of this. Blood and ash, he thought over a hundred children was an insane amount!

"One more," Azai says, bringing out three bone disks from a velvet bag and pressing them into Zero's palm. "For predicting what your first child will be."

Suddenly, Zero feels sick, the bone disks in his hand clammy from sweat. A hint of his feelings must escape, because Takuma is gently slipping the disks out of Zero's grasp and passing them back to Azai with a shake of his head.

The others have gone quiet, and Zero's guilt fills the empty space with a lurch. "I - I'm sorry," he manages. His tongue feels thick and clumsy in his mouth.

Takuma rests a hand on his forearm, and flashes a smile. "Perhaps now is a good time for the gifts?"

An omega on the cusp of their maiden heat receives two symbolic gifts from their fellows, and the omegas scramble to produce the pair meant for Zero.

"Current fashion leans toward the ornate, but I thought you might appreciate a functional piece instead," Takuma says, sliding a case covered in red silk toward Zero. The knife is beautiful, plain except for the silver wire inlaid in the hilt and his name inscribed on the blade. It's perfectly balanced when Zero picks it up to test it. Wickedly sharp too.

Zero tests it with a quick twist of his wrist, flipping the blade and snatching it out of the air. "Thank you, Takuma."

"Use it to stab unwanted suitors," Aido Madoka suggests helpfully.

A blade from the youngest bonded omega present, and from the eldest….

"I will understand if you do not wish to receive my gift," Shoshana tells him. Her dark eyes contain no judgement; only she would be bold enough to suggest they skip the custom entirely.

Zero swallows down the bile in his throat. He's already disturbed them enough. Besides, he's going to have to face this sooner or later. "No, please go ahead."

Shoshana shrugs as she hands a small case over. "Very well. It will not help, either way. The Court will whisper it is ill-fated to receive this gift from one such as myself."

Zero accepts the box like he would a poisonous snake. It feels heavy in his hands, and he opens it quickly. That doesn't stop the surge of bitterness in his heart when he sees the silver baby rattle molded in the shape of a blooming rose.

He looks up at Shoshana, who mirrors his feelings with her own bitter smile. She has not borne a child in over a thousand years, and only a few in the three thousand years before that. Zero is no different - even if Zero would allow himself, he would likely struggle to carry just one child.

"Thank you," Zero says, because that's what you say when someone gives you a gift.

"You needn't mention it," Shoshana demurs, and Zero can see she means it.

Zero's party winds down around noon. Some of the omegas find places to sleep, bedding down among the lounges and cushions. Madoka and Takuma are immersed in a game of shogi. Zero spares an extra glance at Shoshana; she lies motionless in sleep, exhaustion stealing the falcon sharpness from her features.

Azai drifts up behind Zero, and signals with a flick of his eyes he'd like to speak with the Hunter out of the room. Zero drifts behind him, curious what the elder might want.

Weaving through the halls, Azai brings them to a small, comfortable sitting room with only a low table, two cushions, and a few painted screens filling the space.

As Azai methodically begins to prepare matcha tea, Zero admires the long spill of his black hair over his shoulder, nearly knee length unbound.

"You are not familiar with our customs, Consort Kiryuu, which is why I wished to approach you with my proposal before I spoke to Kuran-hime."

Zero sits up straighter. "Kuran-hime? Not Kuran-sama?"

Azai shakes his head, an amused lilt to his mouth. "This concerns her directly, but matters to Kuran-sama only obliquely as her family head."

More perplexed than ever, Zero takes a seat and accepts the warm porcelain Azai offers him, enjoying the scent but not taking a sip.

Azai drinks slowly; long minutes pass in comfortable silence. As the noble pours himself another, his eyes rest on Zero. "Do you know Kuran-sama's Shadow, the one called Seiren?"

"Yes?" Zero answers, the word coming out more like a question than a certainty.

"Kuran-hime has no Shadow of her own to serve her," Azai continues, placing the empty pot down. "Do you know Seiren's origin?"

"No." Zero also has no idea where this conversation is going.

Raising his cup, Azai stares into the pale green depths. "Shadows are taken in as infants by the pureblood family they serve, to be raised and trained as companions to their master. Though a Shadow is always of noble rank, they cast away their family name when they enter service - it is a matter of loyalty. I know you will find it cold, but we consider having a child accepted to be a great honor, and Shadows are treated well. Of course, only one class of vampires has so many children they can afford to give one up for training."

Zero inhales sharply, his mind springing to the conclusion Azai is hinting at.

"Yes," the noble confirms, setting his cup down with a click, and folding his hands in his lap. "I want to offer Kuran-hime the child I carry as her Shadow."

Zero's mouth drops open, his Hunter sensibilities aghast at the thought of willingly giving up a child. Longing weighs in his bones. "You would -?"

"I know you will think me a bad mother, but this decision feels right. I have spoken with my alphas, and we are unanimous. This child," Azai puts a hand on the swell of his belly, "this child is already tied to the Kuran family. It lives because Seiren helped to save it. Without her, I would never have known my child at all. I am old, and I have birthed many children. I can feel it - this one is special, and meant for something different."

"If that is your choice, then you can talk to Yuuki," Zero says finally, still unable to wrap his head around the idea but accepting this is one of those vampire things he will never understand.

Azai bows formally, his belly making him clumsy. "Thank you. Consorts have been known to cause trouble for young Shadows they did not accept. Knowing your situation, I wanted to make sure having a child around would not anger you."

"No! Not at all," Zero hastily assures him, waving his hands. "I'd be honored." His heart shivers in his chest. If he cannot have a child of his own, perhaps helping raise Yuuki's Shadow will give him a measure of peace.

The first thing Yuuki does when she returns to Rosehill is visit Zero in the library. After a night of dull office work sorting through earnings reports, his presence is a joy. He is a little restless now that he's confined to Rosehill, but nothing a good gallop can't fix. She will take him out riding in the morning before the light gets too intense.

It will be his last chance for a while. His cycle hasn't hit early, and they are on track for last year's midwinter date. Yuuki knows Zero is nervous, but her alpha does a happy wiggle every time she thinks about seeing Zero through his heat - which she will trigger, absolutely.

The second thing Yuuki does is see Kaname in his study, to discuss the day's work and their plans for tomorrow. They've been trying to get as much done as they can before Zero's cycle makes them unreachable - not that Yuuki minds. A three to five day sex vacation with Kaname and Zero...Yuuki sighs dreamily, her alpha similarly pleased. She's had so many fantasies about Zero in heat...

"A courier delivered the signed contracts for your Shadow today," Kaname says, startling her out of her increasingly dirty thoughts. He is staring at a sheaf of papers, pen in hand, but he hasn't flipped a single page since Yuuki arrived. Her eyes narrow; Kaname has been acting preoccupied since Zero began his seclusion, but he hasn't confided what's bothering him.

"That's good," Yuuki replies slowly. It's official then: Azai-san will raise his child until it's old enough to walk, and then Seiren will take over the child's training.

She can see the utility of having her own Shadow - Seiren is tremendously capable, but even she can't be in two places at once. Seiren's workload is already high, and as Yuuki becomes more involved in vampire power struggles, it will serve them better to have someone to help her.

Despite its logic, the idea of reserving a person's services before they're even born makes Yuuki uncomfortable. But the agreement is not inescapable; the Shadow contracts offer the bound vampire two chances to refuse their service, one at sixteen and the other at fifty. So the child will have a choice.

Yuuki's choice was made when she realized Zero wanted this chance, wanted to have a child in the house. It was plain from his veiled wistfulness as he spoke of Azai's offer, and the way his eyes lingered on the silver rattle's case. Meeting Azai and seeing for herself the depth of his conviction was reassuring, but if Yuuki is being honest, she would have agreed just from the knowledge Zero desired it.

Kaname has gone silent, and stares down unseeing at his documents. Yuuki frowns - she expected him to be more pleased at the addition to their strength.

"Kaname?" she says, the question laden in her voice.

Except the flicker of his eyelashes, her husband doesn't move. "Yuuki," Kaname says. His lips barely move. "You will be angry with me, but there is something you need to know."

He's right - she is furious to discover he went behind her back and met with Ouri. But her heart leaps at the possibility of keeping Zero alive. There's no question she will pay the price. But for Kaname to admit this possibility…

"You would not tell me this could be done if you weren't willing to do it," Yuuki reasons.

Kaname does not meet her eyes - his hands are covering his face, blocking her view of his expression.

A suspicion strikes like a thunderbolt. "You wouldn't sacrifice anything significant for your inner circle, not even for Takuma. But you would do it for me."

Kaname's hands tighten.

Yuuki pronounces the truth sitting like a stone on her tongue. "You are in love with Zero."

The dark head bows under the weight of despair, and his knuckles clench white.

Yuuki settles back on her heels, crosses her arms. "You're in love with Zero, and you don't want to admit it."

More silence.

Yuuki's frustration overwhelms her. She's done with Kaname running away. "You do realize he's not romantically interested in you?" she continues ruthlessly.

Kaname's flinch needs no words to understand.

"Zero's kind. He's mostly forgiven you for what you've done to him. He cares for you - the same way he cares about everyone he's close to, with more physical stuff thrown in. He thinks you're becoming friends. But I know you. You want more. I'd want more too - I'd want everything."

She pokes his forehead. "So do something about it. Court him, make him think of you as a romantic interest. Quit being dumb."

Message delivered, Yuuki spins on her heel, leaving Kaname behind. "And when Zero's heat is over, we're going to see Ouri," she throws over her shoulder.

Zero is a ball of nerves as he draws closer to the beginning of his cycle. He reads, he goes riding, he distracts himself with his maids' company, and it helps at first. The tidal changes in his body are the embodiment of many fears, and he cannot help his apprehension.

But he feels the first true flicker of worry when midwinter night comes, and he still hasn't come into season. Kaname and Yuuki, at his insistence, attend their usual round of parties and appearances. Zero sees them off with a smile that quickly disappears when the car goes out of sight. He spends the night full of anxious energy, pacing in his suite.

Yuuki assures him they're not worried. It's normal for an omega's cycle to have variation, and some omegas will cycle up to a week later than they did the previous year. So Zero settles, and waits.

And waits.

And waits some more.

Another week passes. His body stays stubbornly sterile and cold, no trace of the warmth from the last two years in his veins.

That's when the whispers start. The servants know better than to say anything in his hearing, but Kuran cannot keep Zero from contacting Cross, and the Hunter president keeps himself well-informed where the rumors of their targets are concerned.

It's nothing Zero hasn't heard before, and it still burns, caustic and ugly, settling deep and persistent in his psyche before scabbing over and breaking open at the slightest brush. Dirty-blooded, false omega, unworthy of a pureblood. Barren, filthy Hunter's whore. Shameful failure. Worthless trash.

Zero trains, and trains, and trains. He has nothing else. To map the expansion of his vampire powers, he forces his mind out until his consciousness shivers on the edge of breaking, until the boundaries of his mind bleed.

Seeking a trigger, he insists Kuran and Yuuki fuck him again and again - they indulge him at first, after trading worried looks, but start refusing after Zero misjudges his healing and tears bloody inside. He settles for having them scent him over and over, until the maids tell him they can't smell a hint of omega.

Nothing helps. The new year comes and goes, without a flicker of change in Zero's treacherous, repulsive body. The window for any reasonable delay in his cycle has long passed. Something is wrong with him.

Zero can feel the scream building in his throat with every waking moment. One last bitter failure. Why. Why is this happening? Why can't anything go right? What has he done wrong? Why does his body betray him against his will at every turn, and now Zero that needs this it won't even stir?

The winter session of the Jeweled court is coming up in mid-January. Zero contemplates the humiliation of attending without having managed to come into season, and spends the next hour vomiting into his toilet. His helplessness claws at him. He eats little, choking on the acid flavor of desperation, and rarely leaves his suite. His fleeting, fitful sleep is plagued by strange, incomprehensible dreams that he forgets upon waking. His extra sense torments him with its exquisite oversensitivity; he suffers splitting headaches where every light leaves colors dancing in his vision, and every sound echoes like thunder.

Zero knows he's pulling away from his spouses, but he can't help his overwhelming shame. After everything they have gone through for him, he's proved a useless failure. He aches with the desire to Hunt, to spend himself doing something he's skilled at - but he can't even leave the grounds.

The desire to punish his body tingles in his fingertips and sits heavily beneath his skin. Barely - just barely - Zero resists the impulse. He pictures Yuuki's face when he confessed his self-abuse the first time, and his guilt swamps the itch.

Kuran delicately mentions seeking a medical opinion. Zero's hellish memories of the vampire hospital rear up, and the force of his terror fuels his utter refusal. His odd dreams turn to shrieking nightmares of silence and white and trapped and gloved hands always touching prodding stop stop stop -

Zero only lasts three days before his desperate shame and his desire to be useful cracks his resistance. Zero has to beg before Yuuki and Kuran will agree - he gave away too much fear last time.

The female beta specialist Kuran consults is not a doctor Zero recognizes. Kuran tells him she is not a doctor at all, but a Midwife, and the way he speaks the title is layered with significance. Zero doesn't care as long as she can fix him.

She is quick, respectful, and professional. She warns Zero when she is about to touch him, asks his permission, and when Zero flinches away she gives him space.

Zero still spends an hour after his examination having a breakdown in his bedroom, trying to erase the memory of ugly curiosity and clinical touches on his skin.

Yuuki stands outside his door the whole time - nearly breaks it down - until Zero has the presence of mind to let her in. Zero's shame only sharpens when he sees her misery, and the marks of his stress mirrored in her face. She doesn't push him for an explanation, but Zero finds himself giving one anyway as she holds him and cries. Kuran is there too - has been nearby the whole time. He kneels on the floor beside them, strokes Zero's back and watches Yuuki cry with a mixture of sorrow and rage.

The experience makes Zero realize how much he's been shutting them out, and his self-loathing reaches its peak. In the coming days, he spends more time with his spouses for no other reason than to enjoy their company without the crushing pressure of expectation.

The vampire hospital sees a discreet purge of its medical staff. The Kurans would have been more vicious, but that would cause Zero's private humiliation to become a public matter. So a quiet disappearance or a shameful, sudden retirement will have to do. Many distinguished doctors suddenly find their past sins coming to light; they will never treat another patient again. Half a dozen medical students will never receive their licenses at all. The mouths of the aristocracy are occupied with other scandals than Zero's, for a little while. Not a single offender's memories survive intact - Yuuki excised them herself, putting Seiren's spies to good use.

Oddly enough, it helps. Watching the doctors who treated him like something inhuman receive Yuuki and Kuran's swift vengeance exorcises another old demon. It fixes nothing, but it feels good to know he's cared for so deeply. It reassures Zero, but he knows better than to believe the fallout of his failed heat will blow over quickly.

That's why he goes to visit Kuran a few days before his next Jeweled Court.

At the knock on his study door, Kaname lifts his head, scenting the air, his lips already curving in a subtle smile. "Come in."

An inrush of Zero's sweet-spicy scent tinged with Kaname's own alpha musk, and Zero slips into Kaname's office like a nervous doe into a forest clearing. "Good evening, husband."

Pleasure rises up in Kaname's chest at the address, and his alpha murmurs happily. The pureblood's fondness overwhelms him, and Kaname gestures toward the settee. "Take a seat. I was just about to call for some tea. Would you care for any?"

Zero purses his lips, then nods. His lilac gaze is distant.

Kaname watches his Consort out of the corner of his eye as he gives their order to the kitchen. Understandably despondent after his missed cycle, Zero has spent the last few weeks wearing the omega equivalent of sweatpants. Tonight Zero's robes would not look out of place at a soiree. Much can be extrapolated from that detail.

"I hope I didn't interrupt your work," Zero says stiffly. His back is ramrod straight and his hands are twisting his skirts.

"Not at all," Kaname lies.

Zero throws him a sharp look. Strengthened by another dose of pure blood, Zero's power can spot direct lies with insulting ease.

In truth, Kaname is struggling with a significant problem. Yuuki beheaded their dragon, but the corpse keeps thrashing. Shirabuki spent more than fifty years laying the groundwork for her insurgency, only to die during the first act, leaving behind an unknown, but probably significant number of proxies, all of whom are unknowingly executing her orders at this very moment.

Beneath the fog of altered memories, Shirabuki's pawns don't even know they've been compromised, making them untraceable until they act. Aido thinks he might be able to identify them by drug traces in their blood, but that is not an easy solution when vampires prize their own blood so dearly. For the present, Aido's time and priorities are best spent working on the antidote. Kaname has organized a second, independent research team as well - just in case Aido carries any more latent orders that might sabotage the work. One of those avenues will hopefully bear fruit soon. Until then, identification will remain a temporary solution.

Drinking tea with Zero is a welcome diversion, if unhelpful to Kaname's current quandary. He senses it may yield other surprises. Zero came here for a purpose, and if Kaname is patient and keeps savoring his tea, Zero will reveal the matter to him.

Until then, Kaname is utterly content watching Zero - admiring the sweep of his shoulders, the splayed elegance of his fingers, the strong tendons of his wrists. The pureblood wets his lips, a spark beneath his navel tingling with his alpha's roused interest. His fingertips twitch with the desire to touch. Zero is very much like a drug - the more Kaname tastes, the more he wants.

It had been an easy decision to reveal Ouri's offer, in the end. Long before his final resolution on the night of Zero's maiden heat celebration, Kaname's subconscious already knew his choice. Awareness had stolen over him quietly, secretly, the sudden break of dawn heralded by the first blushing pink in the east. When an entire night without the sight of Zero ached with emptiness, and even Yuuki at his side had not been enough to satisfy, Kaname knew. Zero cannot be permitted to die.

The chill of such a black thought robs Kaname of his poise, and he finds himself setting his teacup on his desk and striding over to Zero. His boy's guarded eyes look on, offering no resistance as Kaname tips Zero's chin up, stroking a pale cheek tenderly. Kaname touches his fingers to the dark shadows beneath Zero's eyes, proof of sleepless nights. Then he traces over a sharp cheekbone, and his eyes narrow - Zero has lost weight again.

"What troubles you, sweet boy?" Kaname coaxes, gentling his voice.

"I need you to be honest with me again," Zero tells him. The even tone of his voice only comes through great effort. "It has to do with what the midwife told us."

"I see." Kaname makes a quick decision, and swings down into the seat beside Zero.

The news had been bad. A young, healthy, fertile omega should never have irregular or skipped cycles. Even sick or injured omegas still followed regular cycles, albeit weakly or for reduced periods. Only very elderly omegas reaching the end of their lifespan showed such extreme symptoms, and in all cases it signified poor fertility. The midwife's opinion was that Zero was unlikely to ever conceive a child.

They could seek a second opinion, but she is a highly respected member of her profession, referred by Takuma, and like all midwives a C-Rank with no aristocratic affiliation that might motivate her to lie. Furthermore, Kaname is unwilling for Zero to reexperience his trauma a second time unless utterly necessary. Kaname spares a moment of anger for his old self who allowed the violation to happen. Pity he couldn't kill Zero's tormentors now. No matter - Kaname has a two hundred year long plan to make that dream a reality.

Zero shrinks away from Kaname, hunching in on himself. "Everyone already knows how I didn't come into season. They'll know what it means soon enough."

"Yes." Respecting Zero's wish, Kaname does not soften the truth.

"I'm a liability now, aren't I? For you, for Yuuki, and for the Hunters."

Choosing his words carefully, Kaname says, "Obtaining you was the rationale for the treaty. They will seek to use it against us."

Zero runs his hands over his face. "The Senate is going to get rid of me, aren't they? Now that they can prove I'm not useful."

"They cannot contest the legality of our marriage without our cooperation. But they can make choosing to keep you costly. There are other methods they will use to pressure us," Kaname admits.

Zero seems to test his next words before he says them. "I need to know. Would it be better to remove myself before that happens?"

Kaname is suddenly, violently angry and he seizes Zero's arm, forcing his Consort to look up. "Enough. Do you want to leave?"

"No! But the treaty -"

"Damn the treaty!" The words that tumble out of Kaname's mouth are laced with his alpha's growling undertone, the two of them in complete agreement. "Do you think the Senate can stop me? Do you think they will be able to take you away, now that I have claimed you?"

Kaname loves the stunned look on his sweet boy's face. Rage turns deeper, sweeter, sinks lower in his blood. "Do you think I will abandon you at the first obstacle?"

The doubt in Zero's eyes says everything.

Show him, whispers the alpha. Make him see we will never leave him alone. Impress the truth into his body, into his blood.

Kaname licks the points of his fangs. "Then I must prove my words. Let me show you my devotion," he entreats, and runs a hand along the bare skin of Zero's arm, hidden beneath the long sleeves and meant only for his touch.

The catch in Zero's breath is tiny. Kaname feels it down to his bones. His boy's pink tongue darts out unconsciously to wet his lips, and the slow heat in Kaname's skin rises higher, his cock taking an interest and beginning to fill.

Zero blushes, his abilities revealing plainly Kaname's lust. Kaname merely smiles, and his touches turn light and fleeting.

Draw our prey in, step by step. Let him yield himself willingly, the pureblood part of him murmurs. Until we devour him.

Zero's blush darkens, and he squirms, well-trained by the Kurans to know what those caresses mean. Kaname's pride swells along with his cock. Half a year ago, his virgin would have fled in terror. Now beneath their hands Zero's innocence has been shaped into this sinful creature. And what a beautiful sin indeed, Kaname marvels, sweeping his eyes over his flustered Consort's body, intent clear in his gaze.

A hint of Zero's arousal creeps into the air, and Kaname knows he's won. Kaname smiles, turning Zero's hand over and kissing the palm, mouthing and licking between the webs of Zero's fingers. "Do you think I will leave you to starve?" he says between filthy sweeps of his tongue, suckling at Zero's forefinger in a lewd imitation.

Zero has a hand covering his mouth to stifle his moans, scarlet to his collar. Still so sweet, so innocent, even now.

"I will satisfy all your hungers, precious boy. Even the ones you refuse to speak aloud."

Lilac eyes widen, sensing the truth and perhaps frightened of what that means. Kaname gives no chance to reflect, catching his Consort's mouth in a deep kiss and taking two lovely handfuls of Zero's rear. With a quick movement, Kaname has Zero up and is carrying him over to the edge of his desk, relishing the chance to squeeze and knead his boy's firm flesh.

Zero finally breaks their kiss to breathe, and his chest heaves as he rests his head on Kaname's shoulder. Kaname hears his Consort snort when he realizes where he is. "Pervert," the Hunter mutters into Kaname's throat. "You work on this desk."

"I do," Kaname agrees, nibbling Zero's ear. "To my great shame, I haven't been able to break it in properly yet. I want to remember this moment every time I sign documents for the Senate," Kaname tells him, getting in one last lingering squeeze before running his hands up Zero's thighs, pushing them apart and settling between them.

Zero just chuckles, which turns to a choked-off moan as Kaname grinds his cock into Zero's core through the layers of their clothing.

His alpha rips free from Kaname's restraint, desiring its omega's willing cunt, so close to its prize but cruelly thwarted by thick cloth. Kaname snarls, and taking hold of Zero's collar, he rends the bodice of Zero's robes from throat to groin using nothing but strength alone.

Zero cries out in shock, but Kaname and his alpha roar triumphantly and peel away the ruined fabric. It feels like tearing away Zero's barriers around his heart too, a curtain of indiscriminate kindness and impersonal concern. The pale sweep of Zero's chest is exposed, and Kaname places a hand over Zero's heart. If only - Kaname shakes away the thought, and slices away Zero's underwear with the utmost care.

Now he can finally admire the pink hole he desires, shiny with a hint of slick and still puffy and open from their lovemaking this morning. Hungry, Kaname drops to his knees and laps at his treat, spreading Zero wide and using the flat of his tongue on every tender inner place. Zero tastes so good, just like the way he smells, and Kaname can't get enough. Licking mate's hole is good for other things - it mates sure mate is healed inside. Even through his lust, remembering how Zero tore makes Kaname sick. Kaname never wants Zero to bleed again, never wants his pleasure to bring his boy pain.

Reminding himself that now is his chance to show his devotion, Kaname aims higher and takes Zero's cock in his mouth, at first mouthing along the shaft and then swallowing Zero whole. The pureblood can hear papers scatter and pens hit the floor, knocked aside by Zero's flailing hands, and hums in satisfaction, earning a shriek from Zero. When Zero's toes curl and his legs kick the desk every time Kaname's tongue curls around his cock, Kaname judges his sweet boy is ready.

As Kaname frees his own cock, he kisses Zero's knee, a quick burst of tenderness, then rises up, covering Zero with his body. Kaname wants to fill Zero's vision, so that Zero can only look at him, can never look away.

And Zero is looking up at him, waiting with a thin sheen of sweat on his brow for whatever Kaname decides comes next. Kaname cups his jaw and kisses him again, unable to resist. "You keep forgetting," Kaname tells him, taking Zero's wrists and pinning them above the Hunter's head. "Your job is not to worry about what the Senate will do. That is my task, and Yuuki's task. Your only worry is taking care of yourself, and your duties as our Consort."

Kaname angles his hips, feeling the silken folds of Zero's opening catch the tip of his cock. "Understand?"

Zero bites his lip, nodding frantically as he tenses.

No, not yet, Kaname decides, and changes course, leaning down to kiss his precious boy's cheeks, eyelids, mouth. "Drink from me," he coaxes. Much can be tasted in the blood that cannot be said in words. And this is part of his devotion, to offer Zero his blood when no other has that privilege save Yuuki.

The slight pain of fangs breaking skin feels like the sweetest pleasure. Groaning as Zero draws blood, Kaname shifts and offers his Consort a better angle. Lowering himself until they are chest to chest, Kaname's arms take his full weight as he grips Zero's wrists. Only now does Kaname enter Zero, thrusting his hips forward in one smooth glide.

He breaches Zero easily, those hot walls clinging and squeezing but not resisting, sliding right into place where he belongs. Kaname has carved the shape of his cock into Zero's insides, taken him so often that even Zero's swift healing cannot keep pace. Just thinking about it drives the pureblood mad, his possessive nature rearing up. If a lesser alpha dared steal Kaname's mate, they would find his omega's cunt loose and stretched out, his body capable of giving Kaname alone pleasure. Kaname's hips twitch sharply and a pulse of heat shoots from his groin.

Mouth pressed against Kaname's throat, Zero stutters and moans, rhythm thrown by unexpected pleasure.

Kaname grinds deeper into slick heat, bottoming out until his knot spreads Zero's folds, and is rewarded when Zero's muscled legs wrap around his waist, agile strength pulling him flush against Zero's hipbones and affirming their joining.

Licking the pureblood's wounds closed, Zero throws his head back, wincing when he meets solid oak. One calf tangled in Zero's ruined skirts nudges Kaname's back. "Hurry up."

"No," Kaname replies, and draws back, taking his time to leisurely stroke Zero's cunt with his girth before sharply hilting himself again, shocking Zero with sudden fullness.

Zero goes breathy, rewarding him with a sharp cry and dazed eyes.

Kaname smirks, and assaults the same place again, keeping up the pattern of slow, then sharp thrusts. He makes full use of his position, crouched over Zero like a predator, face to face and gazing down at Zero with every motion. Kaname can't take his eyes off the honest faces Zero makes during sex, the way his mouth drops opens to gasp, how his expression crinkles with every thrust, the way he bites his lip. Their bodies slide together uncomfortably, Kaname's clothes sticking to Zero's damp chest and Zero's wet cock pressed into Kaname's stomach, but Kaname cannot bear to stop. The closer Zero comes to orgasm, the hotter and tighter he grows inside. And as Zero clamps down around his cock and comes, Kaname picks up his thrusts, shaking the heavy desk with his strength.

How frustrating to touch Zero's body and know all Zero's affection is given away to others, the kindness he shows for strangers identical to the gentleness shown to Kaname. Kaname wants Zero to look at him the say way he looks at Yuuki - Kaname wants to be special to Zero.

Kaname wants, and the wanting breaks his control, makes words begin spilling out. "I will never leave you," he promises Zero, who is flushed pink and breathless and so unspeakably snug and slick inside. Kaname fucks him harder so Zero can't think, can't realize the jagged honesty underneath his words.

The pureblood finds his Consort's gaze and refuses to look away, grasp tightening around Zero's wrists. "If you tried to leave me, I would hunt you down and lock you away," he rasps, thrusting so hard Zero's body shakes and only Kaname's grasp holds him in place. As Kaname shudders and spills, he makes sure he sinks as deeply as possible, so Zero will take every drop of his seed, and snarls, "You're mine, Kiryuu Zero."

Zero whimpers, and his thighs tighten around Kaname's waist at the wet feeling of his husband's come.

Kaname rolls his hips, chasing the last shreds of pleasure, and his clasp finally goes slack, freeing Zero's hands. The pureblood sinks down, gathering Zero in his arms, and hides his next words in Zero's hair. "I care about you the same way I care about Yuuki," Kaname confesses, reveling in the way Zero's arms come around his back, returning the embrace.

They stay locked like that as their bodies cool. Kaname is still hard, sheathed inside Zero's channel, but Zero doesn't ask him to pull out, and Kaname does not try to renew their coupling.

"You don't need to push yourself," Kaname finds himself saying. "Yuuki does not love you less because we did not bond. And she loves you regardless of whether you can have a child."

Zero's arms tighten around Kaname's shoulders, but he does not speak.

"Nor does it make a difference to me. We chose you for your own sake, Zero. If you never experience a heat and we never bond, we are still your husband and wife. You are still our Consort. That will never change."

Kaname draws back, so he can look into Zero's face. Zero's expression is splintered open, cracked, and Kaname realizes once more how his boy must have suffered these past few weeks.

"Be at peace," he murmurs, nuzzling Zero's temple in lieu of breaking their embrace. "We are together, and that is all we need. If you want a child, you will have Yuuki's shadow to raise. Let us protect you, and give you what you need."

Pressing his forehead into Kaname's collarbone, Zero breathes raggedly, but Kaname can feel him nod. "I'll try."

Kaname that's the most vague, backhanded, easily misunderstood love confession ever. 0 points for Slytherin.

In my defense, I promised my readers porn. I never said it was the porn you wanted.

No spoilers for the next chapter, sorry everyone. You'll have to wait and see.