I DO Not Own Vampire Knight! (Oh Damn!)

A/N At Bottom

Let's GO!

Chapter Fifteen

As You Like

The look he gave Ichiru was as acute as a fresh razor. His brother didn't heed it at all as he thrust a black duffel back in his hands and stormed past him, wearing a black turtle neck tee and black cargo pants, into the kitchen with a cursory greeting. Aidou remained a blank slate himself as he stepped into the otherwise empty hallway. But the mingling smell of blood and sex told him exactly where the two stood with each other. He kept that though firmly in mind as he stepped close to his new brother in law.

"I'm only going to ask this once and I will never speak of it again. Did you force him?" His voice was chillier than a polar cap and just as rocky.

Aidou's answering look was full of affront. "Do I look like I need to force anything?"

That brought a faint smile to Zero's mouth, wiping the world's concern from his face for the briefest of moments. "You have a point. Why is he so mad then?"

"Because he's a fucking stubborn Kiryuu!"

That caused a full laugh. "The better to challenge you spoiled nobles," Zero quipped, though he felt the opposite of laughter.

"Yep. Quite capable of giving us a run for our money."

"If you make him unhappy, I'll hunt your ass down and cut out your heart."

Aidou shivered beside him and he couldn't feel whether it was mocking or not, but when the tall, golden vampire spoke again it was all business. "I'm not going to make him unhappy."

"See that you keep that statement true." Zero eyed him more closely. "And what are you doing here? Besides following Ichiru that is."

Aidou shifted, balancing his weight. "That's not something that should be discussed in a hallway."

Zero's face darkened. He knew that he was not going to like the explanation.

They entered the kitchen to find Ichiru restlessly picking at his discarded breakfast plate, his eyes dark purple in accusation. "You didn't eat." The words sounded like a threat.

Zero gestured to this throat. "Too painful."

His mirror image glanced at his mate, a quick look that only hinted at the heightened intimacy they now shared. He sighed and set the bag on the floor.

"It's fine. I know there's not that many secrets you can keep from your bonded." Not that it would be long before everyone knew anyway. It would't be long until he was showing definite evidence that he was going to birth the King's heirs. Already he could feel the stretch of his body to accommodate the royal heirs. He would have to make his decision and soon based on how his body felt. "Like I know that Kaname sent you. I want to know why."

Kaname's name sent a frisson of fiery irritation through the bond. He hadn't had any mental contact with his King since he'd regained full consciousness this evening. His husband apparently knew to stay out his way after subjecting him to a night of immersion in their children's' silver presence. Zero was still as unsettled as he'd been when he'd awakened disoriented and mad as h-e-double hockey stick, upset because Kaname had pulled that stunt to further his nefarious goals.

Aidou sat on a stool next to Ichiru's, bumping their shoulders almost playfully. "I'm here to replace your missing team member. A trade, you could say."

Zero scowled. "Fucking Kaname."

All at once the world swirled around him and Kaname was suddenly there, before his mental sight, as if he were actually in the room with them.

His husband was in their kitchen, sipping a steaming mug of blood coffee. His eyes were hot, his expression on of extreme displeasure. "You rang?" He asked insolently.

Believe me you'll know when I call for you. I'm just learning how high your God complex reaches. GO AWAY!

He refocused on the pair sharing the kitchen with him. Ichiru and Aidou were looking at him with similar looks of sympathy. Ichiru's expression was of course a little more emphatic.

He frowned at them. "…..So you for Aaron. I can't complain. I'd rather have you than him. Are you okay with that?"

"You're acting as if I haven't been an honorary hunter for three years."

And they both knew where his loyalty lay. But Zero was never one to underestimate anyone after Kaname's shenanigans. "Are you here as his spy?" He asked bluntly. Ichiru drew up sharply, his mouth opening in protest. Zero ignored his reaction, letting Aidou command his full attention. He wasn't disappointed.

Aidou faced him with clear, crystal blue eyes. "I am not another Aaron. And lets be very clear. I don't agree with the route that Kaname chose, but you come as a sovereign pair so I'm not taking sides. Ands besides, you already know that Ichiru comes first with me. I won't do anything to piss him off. That said, I'm here to support you and your continued efforts to keep all of us safe."

Zero waved his hand dismissively. His throat hurt too much to appreciate a good ass kissing. "Good. Now lets go, I want this meeting finished. Ms. Shibuki will be here shortly."

They stared at him in surprise.

"What? Just because I holed myself up here doesn't mean I plan to shirk any of my duties." Though he didn't feel it at all. His throat burned, his mating marks already throbbing with the continued absence of his mate. He refrained from rubbing the afflicted area in front of the two, but just barely. He snagged the glass of ice water near his 'former' plate. He'd hoped that the cold liquid would soothe his scorched throat but it only helped slightly. It didn't fare well for the stubborn front he planned to put on in front of Kaname when they were finally reunited. He feared that for relief he'd let Kaname do whatever he liked and that idea was reproachable right now.

"Actually you deserve a few days of rest, considering." He rolled his eyes, his brother's piercing him. "You're being overprotective."

Ichiru shrugged and didn't reply.

He steeled his shoulders and his resolve. "C'mon lets get this over with." He flinched slightly as the words scratched his abraded throat.

This night was going to be something akin to hell.

They entered the large living room, Zero at point, Ichiru and Aidou at flank. His gaze flowed over the room in a swift perusal as his presence quieted the room. He felt the fire of rage burn his already agitated throat. Eiji and Haru stood at the back corners of the room, their attention dividing between him and his hunters. A string of his tightly constructed control snapped. Would Kaname's meddling ever cease? And when had they snuck in? He'd monitored all of the arrivals all night. Every hunter drew up tight as his aura rolled through the room. Ichiru leaned closer and spoke quietly into his ear.

"Now is not the time to lose it. Solidarity, remember?"

Right.

Solidarity.

"You should all know the situation. From this point on we'll be hunting shadows. I'll need you to keep your ears to the streets and I want you in pairs. We're looking for anything suspicious, especially regarding children. I'll need a day squad and a night squad. We're not going to assume that they only move in darkness. You can volunteer for which shift you want and it will be taken into consideration. As for myself I and selected staff will comb the archives in the hopes that we can find any mention of these particular culprits." Those words were like bitter drops of blood on his lips.

"You have to be at your most alert. Be diligent. I don't want anyone hurt because they were careless. I was able to sense them but everyone may not be able to. Prepare for that you and use all of your available senses. The floor is open."

The meeting went swiftly after that, his hunters eagerly volunteering for the shifts they wanted. There was a faint hint of blood-thirst in the air and he took a moment to wonder if his combative mentality was rubbing off on them. It was proven that the current President's state effected that of his hunters'. It worried him. It could cause them to rush in where only fools treaded and with their diminished numbers they couldn't afford any casualties or fatalities.

This was definitely on of the days he regretted letting himself be talked into becoming the Association President.

TD

It wasn't until later, sitting in Cross' private sitting room with the twins guarding the door, that he allowed his roiling emotions to surface. Alone, he let himself think of his situation for the first time that night. Still and silent he could feel the vivacious thrum of life running through his body, feel the silver threads that linked him to his children. In fact it was the only thing keeping him moderately warm and calm. The link made him curious; made him want to sink inside himself and explore his children at his own leisure.

He felt a stab of resentment towards Kaname at his softened feelings. They'd stayed submerged for the better part of the night, basking in the thriving energy of new life, four awarenesses tangled together. The twins' awareness was only of simply existing but the impact it'd made on him was not simple at all. It had cut him to his core, lending to his life a new clarity of responsibility. He could have done without that at this juncture in his life. His senses and feelings were reeling, his bravado at his apparent decision just that. Bravado.

He stood, restless, the latent energy of his frustration forcing him to move. He wanted out into the night, killing E's and keeping his streets safe. He wanted to be out hunting assassins, keeping his home safe. Instead he was stuck in here, guarded like a Pasha's favorite toy. It was enough to drive him mad. Another grievance to put on Kaname's growing list.

Amaya

Shut up! He couldn't help snarling at his mate. I don't want your opinion right now!

Nevertheless you will get it. Kaname's displeasure reverberated through the bond. You agitation is riling up the children.

So what are you a doctor now? He snapped. I don't fucking need babysitters!

Silence and then, you can always come home. Kaname's mental voice purred in his head all silky menace. A soft threat.

He had a split second thought about closing the bond and thought better of it as Kaname's rage made him wince and rub his temple.

This is getting us nowhere. He slumped back into his vacated seat, fatigue swamping him. In light of the situation do you really think that the twins can protect me?

They are the first line of defense Amaya.

The, 'to give you time to get away' went unspoken.

Zero sat, quiet, stunned by his husband's callousness. You would sacrifice them?

I would sacrifice anything for you and my children. Is it not the same for you?

He had him there. He was blissfully saved from responding by a polite rap on the door. He went into business mode immediately, sitting up straighter in the chair, the tension falling form his face, leaving only a soft blankness behind.

"Enter," he bade, his voice authoritative. He was barely able to keep the scowl form his mouth as one of the twins opened the door to allow Sara to enter the room in a regal sweep. She was a bright star in the rather subdued decor of the room, resplendent in a white asymmetrical coated pantsuit, her blonde hair falling in perfectly manicured waves. White stilettos housed her slender feet. A bright, beautiful, cold star. Her eyes were glacial in the dim light and they only wavered for the split second that she bowed her head in deference to his station.

"Your Grace."

He almost shivered. Her voice was cold too.

"Ms. Shibuki," he returned smoothly, ignoring his pained throat. He gestured to the chair before him, waiting until she was seated. "Would you care for refreshments?" He inquired, relieved when she declined. He didn't think he could get anything down and showing weakness in front of her was unacceptable. That in mind he started the meeting immediately, not wanting to draw it out any longer than he had to.

"Thank you for being flexible with the change of location."

Sara's face was a portrait of impassiveness, a slate devoid of any evidence that it had ever or would ever bare emotion. It was chilling to see the emptiness that lurked behind her cool, blue irises. Suddenly he just wanted the meeting done and over with. He leaned forward, eyes intent.

"Ms. Shibuki, why did it take you so long to report your fiance's disappearance?"

Sara plucked at an invisible piece of lint on her skirt. "We were not close. Which shouldn't surprise you as we were only affianced by our parents' design. It wasn't until I visited and spoke with his family that we realized that something was astray. It was then that I contacted the HA."

"And why not the Vampire Council? Surely they have more resources and knowledge with this type of thing."

Sara's eyes were azure pools of disdain. "More is not exactly synonymous with better," she informed him snootily. "And I thought you being vampire hunters would work better in our situation. Besides, the King had enough on his plate to deal with such a lowly matter."

Zero stiffened in his seat. Surely there was an insult buried somewhere in her words.

"I also hear that you are one the of the best Presidents to come along in a long while. That your instincts are second to none. There is no one else that I would rather have on my case."

And a subtle compliment. He could see that Sara was adept at manipulating people.

"When was the last time that you saw him? And where?"

"The last time, we were sharing dinner at my household six months ago. I have it on good authority that he was seen after that at the Eto's ball several weeks later."

"And did you attend the ball?"

"For a bit. But I quickly became bored and departed. He arrived after I left."

Convenient.

"Did he quarrel with anyone recently? Anyone you know that would want him dead?"

"We live in a vampiric society. If someone does't want you dead you living your life wrong."

She had a point.

"His family will be available to you, " she went on unaware of his thoughts. "They were aware that I intended to contact you."

She was stone cold, as if this were just an obligation to be filled. And maybe it was. There was definitely no love lost between her and her 'former' finance. He suppressed a shudder of revulsion and his marks flared painfully. He knew that vampires didn't necessarily have to bond to marry, but he couldn't imagine tolerating a marriage this loveless. As much of an asshole as Kaname was, he did love him with everyone t in himself that was capable. He guessed he could be relieved in that. He forced a lackluster smile to his lips.

"Thank you for your consideration. I will definitely be speaking with them." He arched an inquiring brow. "Was there anything else that you would like to add to assist with the investigation?"

Because he was so ready for this to be over. She shook her head, making him happy and he was all to happy to show her the way out, the twins falling into step behind them. Neither of them mentioned the awkward company and he closed the door behind her with a sigh of relief and turned a ferocious look on the twins. They tensed, giving him blank faces.

"You're going to monitor my every movement? Here?"

"It is our responsibility." Haru's chin tightened stubbornly, expecting more violence from him.

He sighed heavily, irritated. "Relax, I'm not going to break anything today." His mouth quirked. "I'm in a better mood. But I'm also in the mood for some rest. So scurry along. I don't need you here."

"We will not go against Kaname-san's orders," Eiji informed him stiffly. "And you may rest. We will be just outside your door."

"I'm going to fucking kill him, " Zero grumbled as he turned and stomped up the stairs, his sentinels at his heels. "Saddling me with a pair of watch dogs!"

He shut the door to his temporary quarters in their faces with thinly veiled, short lived satisfaction. They were still outside of his door damn it! Like he was some maiden to be protected.

We are so going to have words about this! He warned Kaname over their two way.

I look forward to it, Kaname growled back, a constant hovering presence. How about right now? You could meet me at the house.

Hold your breath, he invited.

You're only prolonging the inevitable. You will have to face me eventually. And Zero…when you do, you will completely forget what the word separated means.

As if I ever knew!

He turned his attention away, contemplating leaving and calculating how long it would take Kaname to find and corner him without the barrier between them. His odds were not good. He was still contemplating when he felt Seiren return to the house, along with an unfamiliar aura. So he left his room once to meet them. He was surprised at the rotund appearance of a short, elderly woman dressed all in green. Her dark eyes twinkled merrily, her physical presence somehow brightening the house.

Seiren gave him amused eyes as she bowed. "Your new personal physician. Miki Hairi."

"Uh…." He didn't know quite what to say. Not that he needed to. The ball of merriment swept into the room, into his personal space, her eyes shrewd as she studied him.

"You're suffering without your mate." She hmphed superiorly. "Why are you separated? Surely you know that this puts strain on all of your bonds, especially the one with the little ones."

"Tell me something I don't know," Zero growled, unsettled by her raw demeanor. "Is there a way to get rid of them?"

Hairi blinked, nonplussed. "Get rid of them?" She asked slowly as if she couldn't trust her own hearing. "Why would you want to do that?"

He ignored her question. "Is there?"

"Not without the potential for great personal harm. Whether it be in childbirth or earlier you run many risks. Wouldn't you rather get to hold your children at the end of such an ordeal?"

He glanced at Seiren, crossing his arms, her plot glaringly obvious. "How can you be so sure that I will get to hold my children at the end?"

She smiled at him, smugness redolently sharp within it. "I am the best. Hence the reason that I am here and not someone else." She fixed that too knowing gaze on him. "You are determined to rid your body of the children. Why?"

Feeling a sense of comfortable, he reluctantly explained the situation. She was not daunted.

"Sometimes the unexpected garners the best results," she cautioned wisely. "I would no be too hasty with my decisions." She warded off his protests with a careful hand. "I will not impugn my feelings onto you nor will I take into consideration yours. I am here for the children," She paused, meaningful with silence. "For however long they may be here. Now, I need to evaluate your status. Where can we have privacy?"

So that was how he ended back up in his rooms, skimpily clad in his underwear while a stranger poked and prodded at his abdomen, making approving noise under her breath. Finally she sat back, satisfied.

"Everything seems to be progressing smoothly," she announced gleefully. "Though you seem to be a bit undernourished. You were a human hunter before were you not? When was the last time that you ate real food?"

He made a show of thinking about it. "A little over a month ago." He blushed. "All I've been doing is drinking from my m-husband."

She clucked. "That will not do. You need solid and liquid nourishment." Dissapprovement was all over her face. "You've separated from your mate, how do you propose to get past the burn of absence?"

Yes, how do you? Kaname chimed in suddenly, all around him in an instant. Already you're suffering the effects of my vacancy.

Go to hell, He swore. It's your fault I'm in this situation to begin with!

"I don't desire solid foods at the moment," he tried dryly. "They are totally unappetizing."

"You're going to have to force yourself for the time being. I'm sure your appetite will return the soonest. How are you feeling?"

He laid his forearm over his face. "Tired, dizzy, horny, but mostly tired."

He swore she was fighting laughter. "That is to be expected, especially since you didn't come normally equipped with this sort of thing. But as I've mentioned, I am the best so expect a smooth, healthy pregnancy. You're lucking you're not experiencing morning sickness. I am at your complete disposal. Perhaps I have something that can help." She searched through her massive bag and pulled out two small bottles. "If this even offers some respite, it will be brief. It feels like your bond with your mate is strong and what you need is him."

He studied the bottles handed to him. "What is this?"

"A substitute, Your Grace. But based on your past, I don't expect them to work."

Her gaze pierced him, and he acknowledged her instinct. He wasn't doing well without Kaname. Craving, That was this was. He wanted to feel the press of his husbands hands as he made him stay still as he forced his dick deep inside him his legs spread in voluptuous disarray, needed to feel the fiery slide of his sharp fangs as he fed from him. And he waned to feed from his He eyed Hairi fretfully, opening one of the bottles as she closed the door softly behind her.

He found she was wrong. For once his body didn't reject the substitute too strenuously. It was bland and soothing as it went down and he was able to fall back on the bed and close his eyes in relative peace for several moments, allowing him to slide towards half sleep. It was within this swirling reality that he felt Kaname fill him, the spark of his lust, igniting his own so that he burned warmly, the heat of the phantom touch searing the underside of his cock. He tossed his head among the pillows as he groaned.

Kaname! Stop!

No, Kaname resisted squeezing the long thick stalk of his cock tightly. Zero could feel the echo of delirious pleasure and silk against his back. I need to feel you tight and slick around me. I need to feel how your body always denies me at first, making me force myself in no matter how've I've prepared you, the friction of your body's resistance is sooo delectable Amaya.

Aaagh! Zero's hips bucked as Kaname traced the ridge of his head, flicking a fingernail against the underside before taking himself firmly in hand with a silky, mind destroying stroke. Electric glory shot up his spine and he reached for his own cock, delving under his loose pants, grasping just beneath the head. Sensation bombarded him like prickles of joy and he arched against his sliding, gripping fingers. "Aaaahhhh!" His moan echoed in the room raunchily and he had a free moment to think if the sentinel twins could hear him before Kaname's desire pulled him back in. His husband's clever hand was gliding over every sensitive nerve of his erection as he squeezed, gripped and teased his way to golden gratification.

Hurry! He hissed, caught in his mates carnal grip, oblivious to the known world around him. Wanton zest zinged through his brain as he surrendered, his body begging for the end of the rainbow. Carnal waves tensed his supine frame as he reached for the shining apex, the incredible, mindless pleasure of the ghost touch mirroring his taking over his senses. He bit his lip to keep quiet as Kaname squeezed again and stroked up firmly, the tip of his thumb rubbing over the wet head.

He couldn't help the high moan that burst from his throat as everything corporeal inside him snapped, leaving him boneless and open to the bodily thrill inundating his very blood. His hand grasped greedily at his desperate flesh, his sure movements never faltering coaxing his satisfaction from his body. His cum streaked over his chest as he relaxed limply against his mattress.

Kaname's emotions were the same as his, golden in repletion, wholly satisfied.

He ignored him as he fell into a deep sleep.

TD

And so we come to the end of another chapter…..Sorry if it was boring but it was just a plot moving chappie!

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Until Next Time…..