Bloodlust

by OnexLostxSoul

In order to keep the vampire civlization at bay, Ozai hands over one thing he won't miss: His own son. However, a strange relationship develops when the enchanting Lord Setsuya entraps Zuko in his circle of twisted pleasure and seduction. Explicit Yaoi.

13. To Take

The deeper he was immersed, the less he felt.

Ryuichi found this to be true in a number of ways. From the emotions he felt during the day, to the two lovers on either side of him at present; one kissing his neck, the other caressing his hips, and both trying to serve him in ways that seemed out of their reach. It wasn't often he took two men to his room in the same day, let alone at the same time, but he needed to feel. It wasn't healthy, the way he was carrying on. Even the trailing fingertips across his skin that usually sent electric thrills up his spine did nothing to satisfy him. The chocolate-haired man before him grasped his shoulders and taunted his neck with his tongue, trying his best to arouse the indifferent vampire. "Come on," he whispered playfully against Ryuichi's lips, inclining his head with an inviting shrug. "I snuck out and fed just for you."

The scarlet-eyed vampire just couldn't admit he wasn't in the mood for games, not to the faces of his most frequent lovers. His eyes flickered upward in aggravation as he shirked away from the others' touch, which now felt rough as opposed to gentle and demanding as opposed to affectionate. He could see his lovers exchange worried looks, as each tried their best to stimulate him to no avail. "Relax," whispered the man behind him, kneading the vampire's shoulders sensuously. "You're so tense… Chill out, and we'll show you the time of your life."

After five minutes of passionless, halfhearted attempts at becoming aroused, Ryuichi groaned with utter frustration and dismissed the equally disappointed lovers from his bedroom in a daze. Nowadays it took more effort on his or his lover's part; he had to force his body to respond. It hadn't always been that way. Every touch, every thrust used to bring him back to life. But now, now it was becoming apparent that his sentiments were beginning to fade. The longing, the lust, and even the shame had disintegrated, leaving a man of forced attentiveness. He'd lost himself, a fact he credited resentfully toward Ravindra. Ryuichi rose from the bed and clothed himself, his movements automatic and well-practiced. His eyes dull and his chest empty, he left to meet with the one person he felt alive next to.

xXxBloodlustxXx

"Your stance is good. Just try and keep your back straight. Two swords, twice the work to balance your body." Ryuichi's hands fell to rest on Zuko's hips, pressing his thumbs firmly into his lower back to align his posture. "That's right, keep your shoulders squared. Hold that for a minute or two so you can get a feel for it."

"Gotcha," the teenager murmured, stretching his spine and leveling his arms. Ryuichi drilled the boy in his broadsword stances in their training room, though Zuko had nearly mastered them by now. He held his extended arms steady and the vampire slid one hand to the teen's stomach and the other to his spine. "Setsuya told me that you haven't been coming into work as of late," the boy muttered, receiving a jolt as a chilly finger innocently brushed the skin beneath his shirt.

"It's not my occupation, you know," Ryuichi muttered, stepping forward and pressing his chest against the teenager's back to feel the rhythm of his lungs and his heart. "I'm not obliged to help him. I spoil him, really I do."

"This is because of me, isn't it?" Zuko sighed, feeling his arms begin to quake as he tired. "Setsuya won't admit it, but I could read- …I could just tell. He thinks you're convinced he's a jerk, after you two fought and all."

"I am convinced," Ryuichi agreed, feeling Zuko's chest depress in annoyance. The vampire cut him off before he could speak, "But I don't understand why he feels guilty. I'm the one who screamed in his face. You can assure him that the only reason I'm staying away is my own shame."

"It means a lot to me that you two are on good terms," the younger whispered, fighting to keep his arms aligned as they grew weary. Ryuichi had yet to release him of his burden, still relishing the sensation of Zuko's body against his own. "It's sort of…" Zuko frowned as he struggled to come up with an analogy. "It's like watching your lover and best friend fight. You can't expect-"

"Am I your best friend?"

The words were so softly spoken that Zuko had difficulty deciphering them. His chest tightened upon hearing the insecurity in the other's voice, and he quickly responded, "Of course you are. You're the one I spend the most time with, and you listen to my drabble constantly. I feel as though I could tell you anything." He chuckled, though regretted it as his arms began to tremble. I sound like a girl at a slumber party.

I'm his best friend? That's… 'wonderful'. He could hear Ravindra's voice in his thoughts, egging him on. It was all that dominated his mind now- his master's words prodding him to take action. Ravindra wouldn't wait forever, even if Setsuya and Zuko hadn't progressed to the third stage of bonding yet. He would want results, he would want proof that Ryuichi had more influence over Zuko than anyone else. But how, how could he? How could he?

Ryuichi was quiet for two and a half minutes, during which Zuko considered that his arms might just wither to ashes. "Ryu… Ryu?" No answer. "Ryu, please." Silence. "I'm dying here, damn it. Ryuichi!" He gave his comrade a nudge using his left shoulder and the vampire jolted back to life.

"Huh? Oh! What is it?"

"Can I put my arms down, please?"

"What? O-Of course! Sorry." Zuko's arms slumped to his sides, broadswords and all. "If it means that much to you, I'll try and patch things up with Setsuya today." Even as the words left his mouth, he couldn't believe what he was saying. Who was he doing this for? Himself? Setsuya? Zuko? Ravindra? Who the hell is running my life?

"Thank you, Ryuichi," Zuko breathed, shaking out his arms with a wince. "I really appreciate it." The vampire snuck up from behind him, taking each of the teenager's arms in turn and massaging them with cool hands. Zuko let out a yawn, giving the man an appreciative smile. "Come on, let's spar."

Ryuichi smirked, drawing one of his mid-range weapons and twirling it around in his hand. "I'll go easy on you." Ten minutes into the fight, Ryuichi was beginning to regret those words. Zuko's movements were not only faster than estimated, but he was fighting at a pace that Ryuichi hadn't known was possible. He was stronger, more stamina-orientated than before…"That tournament must have given you confidence!" he called, blocking one sword and dodging the other. "Your endurance is amazing."

"You're just saying that!" Zuko laughed, whipping the swords around his torso, coming to terms with their dual identity as two weapons in one. Even so, he too noted a renewed confidence in his movements. He'd proved himself worthy to be Ryuichi's student, even if he'd forfeited his place in the tournament. "Come on, Ryu! Fight me!" he demanded, his heart pounding and adrenaline coursing through his blood. "I'm not scared!" To demonstrate this, the boy lunged forward and engaged Ryuichi in a series of offensive strikes that were blocked one at a time with ease.

"Well I certainly am!" Ryuichi taunted, inclining his head with a smile. He could feel his strength returning, his emotions. He could feel what once made him human. "Your silky hair and twinkling eyes are most intimidating." Zuko let out a growl, pouncing forward and swiping his leg beneath the vampire's feet. He underestimated the other's reaction time, and both swords were knocked out of his hands in a matter of minutes. He winced as he felt the cool steel of Ryuichi's blade press up against his throat, his weapons lying meters away. "Once again, the student proves himself still in need of his teacher." Ryuichi sheathed his sword and turned his back to the teenager, a mistake to be sure. He felt a sudden impact against his back, and yelped to find himself flat on his stomach with an unruly young man straddling his lower back.

"Gotcha," Zuko teased, as Ryuichi lay stunned beneath him.

"I can't believe it," the vampire said, his words muffled against the ground. "You just pinned me. How did I not see that coming?" Within an instant, he flipped over and the two began to wrestle, although Zuko's effort was fairly pathetic compared to that of his teacher. Zuko kneed Ryuichi in the stomach, causing him to let out a quick "oof!" before he managed to restrain the teenager's legs with his own and capture his wrists just above his head. Zuko continued the struggle, although his efforts proved futile as he tried to slip away from the laughing vampire. The younger man chuckled as Ryuichi stuck his tongue out at him, bucking his hips in his attempt to rid himself of the man's weight.

Ryuichi let out an involuntary gasp as Zuko's crotch pressed firmly against his own, for both wore thin training clothes that were not sewn for the purpose of inhibiting the sensory system. The vampire put an immediate halt to the fresh blood in his system, preventing it from circulating to unnecessary areas. Perfect. Just perfect. You can't get it up with two naked men in your bed, yet in the midst an innocent teenager trying to have a good time… You're sick! Sick! He rose carefully off of the teenager with a smile, sheltering his uneasiness as he held out a hand for the other. "I can't believe you snuck up on me," the vampire said with a snicker as he hoisted the somewhat oblivious teenager to his feet. "I don't think anyone has done that to me since I became a vampire."

"You just seem a little occupied today," Zuko admitted, straightening his clothes. He winced and dashed to retrieve the man's broadswords that lay abandoned on the ground. "I should probably get going, anyway," he said with a yawn, handing the sheathed swords to his friend. "I promised Akane and Rohan I'd come down to their apartment. Would you like to join me? I'm sure they wouldn't mind."

"No, no," Ryuichi lied, his chest constricting at the thought of Zuko's absence. He wasn't sure what power this teenager had over him, but his emotions were surfacing again and he wasn't ready to let that go yet. He wasn't ready to surrender this. "I'll go talk to Setsuya, but I can't make any promises about the outcome."

"Thanks, Ryu." Zuko gave the man a sweet smile that made Ryuichi's stomach turn inside out. "I'll meet up with you later today. If Setsuya's mean to you, let me know and I'll set him straight."

"Just what I need; a one hundred and thirty pound young man defending me."

"Muscle isn't everything," Zuko said with a playful jab to the other's shoulder. "I have the boyfriend influence."

"So it seems. Would you like me to carry you up the dark sinister stairwell, Princess?"

"No, thanks. I've memorized the steps by now." The teenager waved and bounded up the stairs with an echoing shout, "And don't call me 'Princess'!"

Ryuichi sighed as his energy was drained with the departure of his friend. He willed his legs to move, but ended up just lying back down on the ground and wrapping a lazy arm around his waist. He was worthless.No, that wasn't true. He had worth, but it was only to people that used him. How desperately he wanted to hold the same worth in the eyes of Zuko, someone who truly cared for him and wanted to learn from him. "Why couldn't I have just died? Everyone would be better off." Sheesh. Talk about drama.

"You're disgusting."

Ryuichi didn't have to open his eyes or even sniff the air to know who it was. "If I'm so disgusting, why does Ravindra keep me around?" He glanced up to his left to see Khai leaning against the archway where Zuko had once stood. Ryuichi's chest turned ice cold, and he wrapped his arms around his own figure with a shiver.

"For the same reasons Setsuya does. You file paperwork well."

"Shut up." Within moments a pair of cloudy orange eyes was staring down at him with a revolted stare.

"You should be proud to be a vampire, Ryuichi. Never question our gift." Khai spat out his words venomously, making determined eye contact with the man. They were the words that had been drilled into him since he'd been born into vampirism, and Ryuichi couldn't blame him for being so hopelessly confused.

"Don't regurgitate Ravindra's drivel," Ryuichi muttered, returning the glare with equal ferocity. Without warning, his hand lunged forward and clasped around Khai's throat with a hiss, "We're monsters, understand? The only gift we possess is destruction!"

The younger vampire jerked out of his grasp, leaning over to whisper, "You're wasting time, Ryuichi. ' I feel as though I could tell you anything…'" Khai sneered, imitating Zuko's voice. "You've gained his trust. It's time to act."

"Ravindra bode his time for over seventy years before he decided to act. You could learn a little something from him." Who did this child think he was? Ryuichi was utterly annoyed at being threatened by this boy who thought the world revolved according to his opinion. "Khai, just… just trust me. It's best for Setsuya and Zuko's bond to progress into the final stage before it's cut."

"I'm not saying it should be severed now, but you know that timing is vital. We have one chance and if their relationship hasn't been strained enough by that time, you know what will happen."

"I know, I know," Ryuichi groaned, rolling over onto his side and resting his head on his arm. "I'm working on it, okay? Subtlety may fly right over your head, but it's a long-term solution to a complicated problem. The balance is delicate now- his trust in me is firmly placed. Only under specific, yet inevitable circumstances can I draw him in any further. And those will be the defining moments." He quickly changed the subject, eager to cease the other's badgering of him for at least a few minutes. "How is the coven coming along? I've tried to stay away from them when I report to Ravindra. They look like a crazed bunch."

"That's what human blood does to you," Khai admitted, running a hand through his hair with irritation. It was strange- even as he knelt on dirt floor, his posture was perfect just like the rest of Ravindra's lackeys. Heads held high with pride and each motion executed with decisiveness and elegance that Ryuichi could never hope to accomplish. He felt like a half-breed next to a pure-blooded creature. "Perhaps a useful aspect of being under Setsuya's control is the development of restraint. Soon enough, we won't need it. We're about twenty-four vampires strong so far, and it's probably more than Ravindra needs."

"I can imagine…" Ryuichi winced, trying not to imagine twenty-four pairs of blood-crazed eyes. "And the Firelord?"

"You'd think such a man might be more apt to identify deception. He doesn't seem to suspect a thing." Khai's silver hair sparkled in the dim chandelier light, and Ryuichi continued to wonder how someone so poisonous could be so beautiful. Khai was a charming actor to be sure, getting Setsuya to believe that he was the polar opposite of what he really was- a blood-loving, seductive, confident, guilty-as-hell traitor.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the Firelord ended up trying to get rid of us once we exterminate Setsuya's population." The word 'exterminate' left a dirty taste in Ryuichi's mouth, and he tried to ignore the unbearable void of his chest. He couldn't even bring himself to feel guilt. He was heartless.

"Ravindra has the same hunch," Khai explained, a hand clasping the pocket watch in his tunic. "But Ozai will be dead before he can blink." For some reason, the word 'Ozai' sounded like 'Zuko' to Ryuichi's ears. He shivered and without warning his shame surfaced.

"Yeah... Listen, you'd better stop stalking me. If Zuko sees you sulking around, he'll wonder about the connection between us. I don't want him to think that I'm associating with the vampire who tried to kill him," Ryuichi scoffed, turning over onto his side.

"Just wait, Ryuichi. What I said to him will make a difference." With these words Khai was gone and Ryuichi was alone once more, staring up at the earthen ceiling with expressionless eyes.

Perhaps it was better he hadn't died. He deserved to live in this eternal hell.

xXxBloodlustxXx

Upon knocking on the door of Rohan and Akane's residence, Zuko couldn't have imagined a warmer welcome. Instantly he was pulled into the room and thrust into a comfortable chair with a cup of warm tea in one hand and a plate of sliced pears (Zuko's self-proclaimed favorite fruit) in the other. He couldn't deny that out of the few apartments he'd been in, this one had the most welcoming atmosphere. In the living quarters was a lovely burgundy furniture set including a sofa, two chairs, and a hickory coffee table. The earth floor was covered for the most part with a rug woven with red and brown thread with circular patterns, and a small pile of coal sat in the corner that no doubt served as a temporary stove for Zuko's beverage. The customary dull, brown walls were adorned with paintings of floral patters and landscapes that determinedly served to brighten the room.

Rohan sat in the chair across from his, a signature smile written across his face while Akane sat cross-legged on the couch, shuffling through shards of colored sea glass set out on the coffee table before her. "I know that I have a blue piece here somewhere," she mumbled as she separated each shard from the pile with a concentrated frown. "I could have sworn I found it last week."

"Is blue an uncommon color?" Zuko asked, leaning over to examine the glass in interest. The collection made up mostly of shades of red, complimented with a few green and purple shards that Akane had found about the shores in her free time. She had taken up the art of jewelry making, as exhibited from the gorgeous red pendant hanging around her neck and the series of bracelets on the cushion beside her.

"In the Fire Nation, yes," she replied, holding a piece up to the light given off by the set of candles in the corner desk. "Most of the sea glass around this coastline comes from the beer bottles chucked off of sailor's boats. There aren't a whole lot of Water Tribe flasks lying about." She sighed and began arranging the shards from the lightest to darkest shades. "Sometimes I resent the human colonies for segregating themselves according to elements. You're not offended, Zuko?"

"Not at all," he assured her, sipping the warm tea cautiously, which he found to be surprisingly delicious. It hadn't taken him very long to adapt to the vampiric tradition of a racially equal society. Perhaps it was his natural disinterest in politics as a boy, or perhaps the influence his uncle's constant presence had on him. Nevertheless, he found himself quite relieved in this easygoing atmosphere where no one was discussing the "dirt-licking peasants of the Earth Kingdom" or the "damn communists of the Water Tribes" over cigars and wine.

"I was quite shocked when Akane explained to me how such beautiful glass was made," Rohan exclaimed, nodding toward the shards. "We were always so careful about polluting water in the North. It's amazing that such beautiful glass came from ocean litter."

"Are the waters in the North much different than here?" Zuko asked, elated at the prospect of voyaging from nation to nation. It must have been amazing to live before the Water Tribes were involved in the war.

"Ah, I've forgotten. People don't travel as much as they used to." Rohan's eyes brightened, as they often did when he was speaking of his homeland. "Our 'shoreline' is made up of iced-over land, naturally. The water is about a few degrees below zero, so there isn't too much swimming, as you can imagine. It's a deep, constant blue for as far as you can see. The Fire Nation waters have much more color in them, with greens and purples you won't find in our icy waters. Even so, the best time to be in northern waters is during the whale migration. It's fantastic! Of course that's when we're usually hunting whales, but it's still amazing to listen to their music."

"Whales don't come close to Fire Nation shores," Zuko said, shaking his head in wonder. "The steamships scare them away."

"You've lived in the palace city since you were born, correct?" Akane inquired of Zuko as she admired a particular violet shard against the light. She placed it on her lap, deeming it the centerpiece for her next project. "How often were you able to visit the coast?"

"Two or three times a year my family would take a vacation to Ember Island… One of the easternmost islands," he added for Rohan's sake. "My father owned a private beach house for our vacations. It was beautiful." He laughed, taking another sip of tea. "When I was seven, my older cousin would take me swimming from midday until sunset. I loved the water so much."

Rohan and Akane exchanged a smile. It was a well known fact that Setsuya had a sentimental attachment to the ocean, and this correlation could hardly be a coincidence. "That sounds lovely. I've never been to Ember Island myself, but I hear their theatre group is extraordinary," Akane exclaimed as she divided her blue glass into separate piles. Zuko choked back a laugh, almost spilling the remaining sediment in his cup all over his shirt. "Oh! Would you like some more tea, Zuko?"

"Hold on, Akane!" Rohan cried before the teenager could say a word, practically leaping over the coffee table and snatching the cup away from him. The vampire knelt across from his wife and placed the saucer on the table with steady hands. Carefully, he swished the cup around a few times and dumped its watery remains into the waiting saucer.

"Oh Rohan, I'm sure that Zuko doesn't believe in your silly tasseography," Akane said with a sigh, although she couldn't help but smile at her enthusiastic lover. Addressing Zuko's inquisitive gaze she said, "Tasseography- the art of reading tea leaves. Rohan learned how to do it many years ago from an Earth Kingdom fortuneteller."

"Not a fortuneteller, a psychic," Rohan corrected her, observing the tea leaves with a concentrated frown. "Jasmine leaves are often the best. Ancient Fire Nation sages considered them to be very spiritual, and drank them every day at sunrise and sunset. Hmmm… I haven't done this for a while. Do you mind, Zuko?"

"Not unless you see something terrible," Zuko said with a shrug, leaning forward to observe the clumps of tealeaves. "Although Akane's right; I don't really believe in this sort of thing."

"Don't tell that to Setsuya." Rohan laughed, tilting his head to observe the outcome. "He can be very superstitious." The vampire was quiet for a few long minutes, before he began to speak in an uncharacteristically soft voice. "This first symbol represents either you, or someone very significant in your present life. The way I see it, it's a swan. Someone elegant, graceful, and beautiful."

I'd be willing to bet that's Setsuya, Zuko thought with flushed cheeks and nodded for Rohan to continue.

"Alright, I'm going to read this counterclockwise. This next symbol," he began, identifying the next blotch, "Is a triangle. Equilateral… That means you're involved in a three-way relationship. And this adjacent diagonal line means it has or will put strain on your life. You might end up caught in the middle of two people in an aporia- a situation where you can neither proceed forward, nor go backward."

"Can you tell what it has to do with?" Zuko asked, frowning at the 'shapeless' clumps. He mentally slapped himself for being ridiculous. They're just tea leaves. But Rohan's voice was so entrancing, so powerful that it was a wonder he hadn't bombarded the man with questions.

"Money, love, power… Doesn't really say. This symbol here looks like a clam… an oyster, perhaps? If it's a clam, it's cautioning you to beware of what you say. If it's an oyster, it means that a deep romance is surfacing a sense of desire and passion that may potentially lead to your first ultimately fulfilling sexual experience." Akane stifled a giggle, and Zuko shot her a helpless look. "These symbols here are in a circular pattern meaning that they are intertwined. This is a curving line, commonly symbolizing a snake. It warns you of someone very close to you who isn't worthy of your trust. This one here looks like an eye, which usually means protection. However, his swirl adjacent to it represents abnormality. It could mean someone whose protection of you is irregular and harmful, or it could be translated literally- someone with strange eyes. This one is a bird with its wings abducted… most likely a raven. It dictates danger near at hand, one that threatens your life. So… I'm willing to bet that someone that you trust who seems prone to overprotecting you will end up putting your life in danger."

Akane, who had been attending to her shards of glass, suddenly stilled and her attention was focused completely on Rohan's words. Despite the absurdity of reading tea leaves to determine one's life progression, Zuko couldn't help but feel nervous. Rohan continued, his voice solemn. "Moving on, these here are two crossed bones- it means you'll need to enhance your spiritual strength." Zuko breathed a sigh of relief, believing for a second that the leaves were predicting his ultimate death. Then, he continued to scold himself for falling back into his trance. "I'd say this one is an apple, representing flourishing creativity and fulfilling living conditions. Here we have a mountain, no, a volcano close to the center. It's warning you that a problem in your life is very, very close to erupting and that you should address any issues you've been ignoring before they backfire and deal you serious damage." Zuko's eyes fell downward in shame- tea leaves or not, good advice. "Ah, the filled-in circle. The yin symbol. By itself, it means excessive femininity and it warns you to beware of an imbalance, an excess of dark energy. Here is the sign of the open hand- temptation. Next to it is a masculine symbol. Judging by your sexuality, this most likely means that an opportunity will present itself for a relationship with another man outside of your present one. Oh! And the fisted hand- it'll be a simultaneous temptation for power as well. Finally in the very center…" Rohan's eyes widened and he bit his lip contemplatively. He stared at the blotch for minutes, and Zuko felt obligated to call out his name softly. Rohan cleared his throat and said, "In the center there is the ancient symbol for the heart with a dagger poised above it. It means that someone you love dearly is going to die."

Akane lifted a hand to her lips, her eyes wide with fear. Zuko felt his heart stop, and then begin pounding. Someone I love? "Oh well!" Rohan suddenly exclaimed with a hearty smile. He swished the saucer in his hands a few times as he spoke, "It's nothing but a silly game to pass the time. I'm not even a psychic myself. Would you like some more tea, Zuko?"

"No, thank you very much." Zuko nervously rose and gathered his composure before waving at his friends. "Thank you for the reading, Rohan. I… I have a lot to think about." Akane and Rohan exchanged worried looks as Zuko stumbled outside of the door. His stride turned into a light jog, and his instinct told him to go directly to the vampire lord. He didn't know why he was so worried, except perhaps that the words Rohan spoke seemed to linger in his mind, unable to be dismissed- it was the renowned sign of an accurate reading. He felt a sudden tug along their bond, and he gratefully answered it.

Zuko? What's the matter? Setsuya's concerned voice rang through his mind, and Zuko focused on his mate's words to prevent the tea reading events from being witnessed by the other.

Nothing! Just had a little scare. Are you busy?

Irrelevant question, my beloved.

Zuko chuckled uneasily, and sprinted to reach the other's office door in record time. He burst through the archway and dashed to Setsuya's side, making a smooth transition into the vampire's lap. Straddling the man's legs, he wrapped his arms around Setsuya's neck and brought him in for a deep kiss. The vampire let out a surprised yelp, which faded into a moan as Zuko pressed his body sensually against the older's. The teenager smiled against the other's lips. Setsuya was not often a vocal lover, but when he was… you know you did something right. Setsuya's cool tongue thrust affectionately into his mouth, his hands traveling down the boy's lower spine and grasping his backside. Zuko jumped, his legs wrapping around the man's chair as he pressed his crotch into the other's abdomen.

Setsuya pulled away just slightly, whispering against the boy's lips, "Thank Agni for teenage hormones." To his misfortune, or perhaps his fortune, the vampire had fed only hours ago, and the blood circulated to his crotch without his conscious control. He groaned with desire and descended to Zuko's neck, sucking gently on the flesh and brushing it with his teeth, causing the other to throw his head back in a silent gasp. He made a rather prominent lovebite on the left side of his mate's throat, as the other squirmed and shuddered. His hands continued to grope the younger's form, massaging the boy's thighs with zest.

What will Ryuichi think, seeing that bite mark?

He'll think we're hopelessly in love. Now please, stop thinking about Ryuichi while we kiss.

Zuko graciously complied, all troubling thoughts melting away (or rather, all thoughts). The teenager shivered and moaned, as Setsuya stroked all of the right places and their tongues tangled lovingly. Their clothed, erect flesh pressed together at just the right angle… Zuko's body suddenly escaped his control and he began grinding against Setsuya's body, beginning with his chest, and proceeding to his midsection, then his pelvis. It was awkward at first, but the instant he found a momentum Setsuya was gasping and hissing beneath his touch. His arms wrapped against the man's neck as his sexual instincts dictated his movement, much to the vampire's satisfaction. The prolonged taunting caused them both to cry out in longing, and Zuko began to vaguely realize what this could lead to.

The vampire moaned, perspiration forming at his neck as the teenager simulated a thrusting motion against his abdomen. Zuko's breathing turned harsh and loud, and Setsuya began to reciprocate the movement with a groan of longing. The two rocked back and forth, their desires making them oblivious to everything except each other. The younger's submissive instincts now controlled him, his instincts to pleasure as opposed to being pleasured. He flipped around so that his back was pressed up against the older man's chest. With surprising ease, he began grinding his backside into the stiffness between Setsuya's legs, causing the man to nearly reach his end then and there. Setsuya widened his legs with a loud moan and his hand circled the teen's waist, coming to rest on the other's erect member. The vampire's warmed hand began moving in a firm pattern, traveling up and down his length as he listened to the teenager gasp with pleasure.

Setsuya's imagination went wild, as visions of a young man beneath him in a state of pure ecstasy overtook his mind, causing him to center every ounce of focus he had on bringing the boy straddling his body satisfaction. He gripped the younger's length and moved his fingers in slow, taunting circles that made him whimper with longing. The teenager, meanwhile, was dwelling on the thought of being filled with the flesh of another, a new and tempting prospect. He wanted to feel his soul mate inside of him, he wanted the physical union that accompanied this pleasure. Zuko felt all aspects of his lower body tighten, and he moaned as a hand slipped underneath his shirt and thumbed a nipple, causing the nerves in his chest to muddle his brain. The teenager was sure he let out a curse, as his heart raced in his chest and his entire body flushed with an unbearable heat that made the vampire grip his thighs with frustrated passion. "Agni, Setsuya…"

If it's an oyster, it means that a deep romance is surfacing a sense of desire and passion that may potentially lead to your first ultimately fulfilling sexual experience.

Setsuya pulled away, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Oyster?"

Zuko swallowed nervously, his hands moving to his sash and untying his tunic. He turned around and pressed his bare chest up against the man's and whispered, "Nothing, nothing. Why don't we go somewhere a little more private and-"

"You've had a tealeaf reading," Setsuya said with some amusement, reaching around Zuko and pulling his shirt back over his shoulders. The hormonal teenager was more than a little disappointed, shifting slightly in his state of need. "Rohan must have done it for you. I didn't think you believed in that sort of thing."

"I don't!" Zuko defended, folding his arms and staring determinedly at the wall behind Setsuya. And now the mood was ruined, thank you very much! He felt a blush rise to his cheeks as he muttered, "And I'm not going to share it with you either."

"That's fine."

"Setsuya, I'm not-… It is?" Zuko raised an eyebrow, trying to judge whether or not Setsuya had been replaced by some sort of imposter.

"Absolutely. A spiritual reading is a very sacred and personal event. I would never ask you to share something like that with me." Setsuya smiled, placing a gentle kiss on the flustered teen's cheek. "The only advice I can give you is not to wait and watch for the events to happen, or you'll miss them. I had a tea reading once or twice a year. Kuzon used to mock me for it, but I found it entertaining. The readings were usually spot-on. Maybe it was because of my spiritual practices. I've noticed that the more you meditate, the more accurate the readings are. It helps you develop a relationship with the Spirits."

Well, that's not a relief. Zuko would admit that his meditation practices were slacking as of late, but he often spent three to four hours meditating during the nighttime due to his constant insomnia while he lived in the palace. Meditation… He could use some meditation right now. Maybe some yoga too. "Would you meditate with me, Setsuya?" the voice was soft and uncertain, but it drew the vampire's attention immediately. It was an intimate gesture to ask to meditate with another person, usually only done between lovers and best friends.

"If… If that's what you want." Setsuya stared at him wondrously, as though he'd asked the man to lie back on the floor and try to count the number of cracks in the ceiling. He took control of his blood flow and managed to rid himself of the physical manifestation of his longing. "I'd be honored. Give me a few more minutes to wrap up my work. Ryuichi came in to work today and we managed to smooth out a few rough edges." Zuko hid a smile, sliding off of his mate's lap and onto the floor beside him.

"Oh really? I'm glad. You two were getting along so well before that. I didn't want to be the cause of a fracture."

"The only fracture resulted from my stupidity," Setsuya assured him, as he added numbers in his head. How much money could the people possibly need for 'miscellaneous activities'? This was why he needed an accountant. Unfortunately, no vampire had yet managed to choose an accountant as their victim in their bloodlusty spree. "Ryuichi knows more than I give him credit for." Zuko just shrugged, his mind suddenly occupied with the way Setsuya's tongue ran its course throughout his mouth. And those hands, those masterful hands…"There we are. I'm finished for the day. I'm still waiting for news, however. I have vampires stationed in the outskirts of all surrounding towns, vampires who can pick up a particular scent a mile away. They should find Ravindra's servants soon, and I'll end this once and for all. Not like last time." He sighed, rising from his chair and taking the younger man's hand as they walked back to the vampire's quarters.

"You'll find that bastard soon," Zuko assured him, blushing as an arm wrapped around his waist. "Ravindra is fighting a losing game. What does he expect to do? Take down the whole Fire Nation Army? They don't stand a chance."

"I still worry for our safety," the vampire murmured, opening the door for his soul mate with a shake of his head. "The Fire Nation will blame us for the destruction, and seek to kill all remaining vampires." Zuko remained silent, for he could not deny that his homeland was less than sympathetic. The more he was separated from the Fire Nation, the more he came to question the nature of their conquest. He had heard stories from the younger vampires about what the war outside of the Fire Nation was like, and he wondered how the 'sharing of greatness' could result in such destruction. Diplomacy, not war, was the most agreeable method of trade and the sharing of traditions. The Firelord… his father couldn't truly have the betterment of the other nations in mind. Perhaps the man's attitude to the Water and Earth Nations was more analogous to his attitude towards the vampire population- a pest to be rid of once the power had been obtained. Zuko glanced over at his soul mate as the man shut the door, knowing that there were a few key questions that required utmost truth and faith to answer. Now, more than ever, they were on the tip of his tongue.

Setsuya winced, knowing that he had irrevocably reminded his soul mate of his home. The vampire knew the risks of meditating with his soul mate- in the climax of their spiritual bonding, he was nothing less than an open book for the other to assess. But if this was the way Zuko was meant to find out, so be it. The boy remained silent as he fell into the lotus position in the middle of the room, patting the floor across from him in an invitation. The vampire smiled, falling into an identical position and whispering, "I'm grateful for this opportunity, Zuko. I didn't think you would want to do this so soon." Before the teenager could ask what he meant, the man closed his eyes and intertwined their hands. Zuko followed the suit, storing the question for later. Slowly he cleared his mind, focusing on the sensation of his chest expanding and depressing with every breath. Setsuya's hands were distractingly cold against his, but his firebending reflexes balanced the temperature between them. The silence became more comfortable, and Zuko relished the presence of his soul mate across from him. It had been a while since his mind had been in a state of such peace…

With time, the vague sense of Setsuya's presence in Zuko's mind slowly became more pronounced, as did his own heartbeat. The teenager shivered with discomfort, but did not break their trance. His heartbeat rung in his ears, his breath increased, and his hands tightening their grip on the other's.

Thump… Thump, Thump… Thump… Thump, Thump…

The pattern became more rapid, and he couldn't stop shaking. Setsuya. The presence that he identified as his soul mate was increased a hundred-fold in his mind, and the darkness became suppressing and restricting. Within a moment the restriction became immediate exposure- everything that made Setsuya… Setsuya enveloped him. Every ounce of loyalty, fear, protection, love, aching desire, every shattered piece of his heart; it was overbearing, it was painful. For a brief moment, he couldn't differentiate his own spiritual energy from the other's. This was when Zuko lost it.

The teenager let out a cry, breaking their spiritual connection and leaping to his feet. Setsuya was jolted back to the physical realm to see his soul mate leaning against the wall, trying to control his shaking. "Zuko?!" The vampire rose, only to be stopped by his mate's extended hand, motioning for him to stay away. After a few painful, helpless minutes Setsuya slowly approached his soul mate and putting a gentle hand to the boy's cheek. "Zuko, what's wrong? What happened?"

"What happened?" the teenager asked, tears streaming down his face as he glared at the vampire. "You tell me! What was that?"

Realization awakened in Setsuya's eyes. He didn't know! He had no idea. "I'm so sorry, Zuko. I thought you understood, I thought you'd read the last scroll. I thought you knew what would happen." He took the trembling boy by the hand and led him to the bed, prodding him to lie down. The vampire lord faced the young man, wrapping one arm around his waist to support his back while using his other hand to stroke his cheek and wipe away his tears. "What we experienced was called a spiritual… orgasm," Setsuya began somewhat uncomfortably, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. "It's the final step in our bonding process. When we meditate together, we come not only in touch with our own selves, but our partner's unguarded identity as well. At one point, we cease to be separate beings and our souls touch and unite. At this point, we come into contact with every aspect of each other that we've come to love. The first time usually results in utter spiritual completion and unbearable sexual desire perhaps leading to physical union as well, but it was broken before we experienced the full climax."

It was no wonder Setsuya thought he understood what it meant, considering the way he'd acted before. But it was too much, far too much. "I'm sorry, Setsuya. I didn't mean to freak out-"

The vampire kissed him silent, tilting his chin to look him directly in the eye. "No. I'm sorry. As your soul mate, I should have been more tuned into your intentions. There's nothing wrong with not being ready for something."

"But you seemed just fine with it," Zuko protested, feeling immensely guilty for interrupting such a sacred ritual out of fear. He came to a realization that made his heart pound and his nerves fray- Setsuya was ready for more than Zuko could give him.

Sensing this, the vampire was quick to correct him. "We are in this together, Zuko. If you're not ready, we're not ready. It was just expressed through you, that's all. Never, ever let me do something that you're not comfortable with. It's necessary for us to step outside our boundaries, but you should listen to your instincts." He kissed the boy's cheek, but he could still feel guilt surfacing in the other's heart. Hatching an idea, he rose up from his spot on the bed and began shuffling through the cloaks beside them with a smile. "I almost forgot- I'm taking you out tonight, if you want to go."

"Taking me out?" he asked in a slightly scratchy voice, his expression doubtful. Setsuya's idea of 'taking him out' could very well be watching the vampire hunt and drink the blood of small, adorable animals.

"On a date, per say. We're going to an art gallery in one of the coastal cities. They have a wonderful collection from talented street artists. Maybe you'd like to go out to dinner too? It's a smaller city, somewhat in the slums. No one will recognize you, and we can go as a couple. What do you say?" Setsuya couldn't express the joy he felt in his heart watching the younger's eyes light up.

"I'd love that! Come and get me from Ryuichi's apartment in a few minutes." With this Zuko bounded out the door and toward his teacher's room with a smile larger than life on his face. The vampire answered the door in a rather lethargic manner, though he seemed to brighten a bit when he saw Zuko.

"Hey, Princess. What's up?"

"Can you, um…" Zuko blushed a bit before gathering his confidence. "Can you do my make-up, Ryu? Setsuya's taking me out on a date and… you know, I want to look nice for him."

"Of course I will," Ryuichi said with a smile, opening the door for the young man. "You're already as cute as can be, but I'll see what I can do." He sat the teenager down on the couch and got to work quickly. "So a date, huh? Talk about spontaneous romance. It's a little unusual for Setsuya to travel above ground outside of business. Where's he taking you?"

"To an art gallery and a restaurant afterwards."

"Really? Hmm… I'd have never thought it. Alright, we're going to do things a little differently this time. Let's try a fiery, strong red shadow and a black lining. It'll make your eyes seem a little brighter. We'll add a touch of powdered selenium glass for sparkle as well." Zuko nodded, now a little more at ease with Ryuichi crouching over him and applying coatings of cosmetics to his face. The vampire had a bit of fun with the liner, giving it a slight upward curl just beyond his eyelid. "Blink and… perfect. Now remember, teenagers like you look most kissable when they bat their lashes and give their boyfriend that half-lidded stare. But don't wink too much, or he'll think he's going to get lucky- is that a lovebite?"

"Ryuichi!"

"What? Excuse me for trying to help you preserve your innocence!" Zuko's cheeks flushed a bright red, remembering only a while ago when he and Setsuya had come within minutes of stripping off their clothes and sexing each other up on the vampire lord's desk. Ryuichi completed the boy's makeup and stood back, nodding in approval. "There we are. Setsuya better keep a tight hold of you or you'll be stolen out of his arms."

"Thanks, Ryu. And… thanks for talking to Setsuya today. He seems a little more at ease now." Zuko rose and gave the man a kiss on the cheek. As though on cue, there was a knock on the door courtesy of Setsuya, who held out a cloak for the teenager with a smirk.

"You look stunning. Ready to go?" the vampire asked, shaking his head at Ryuichi, who shot him an expectant wink. They could both sense the change in concentration of Zuko's hormone levels, and to Ryuichi it seemed inevitable that Setsuya would be benefitting in some manner from this night.

"Yeah," Zuko said, hiding a smile as he wrapped the cloak around him. "Let's go." He waved goodbye to Ryuichi, whose own smile fell upon their departure. The vampire trudged over to his couch and laid with this back to the door with the intent of falling into vampiric unconsciousness. The void was gone, but it was replaced with something even worse- heartbreak.

They're so in love… I can't do it. I won't do it.

Even as he thought this, his hand trailed to his stomach where a crescent-shaped scar ran across his naval- a scar that should have disappeared once he became a vampire. He knew then that he didn't have a choice.

After checking a few things off with Hayate, Setsuya led Zuko by the hand to one of the farther entrances to the world above them. "I came across this gallery when I was selling paintings done by citizens of our population. It's small, but it usually has interesting exhibits with a lot of variety. I'm sure you'll like it." He pushed in a particular block of stone when they reached the end of a corridor, and the ground shifted to form an earthen staircase toward the surface. A cool wave of salty sea air washed over them both, and they let out a simultaneous sigh of appreciation.

"I'm impressed Setsuya," Zuko said somewhat playfully. "You certainly know how to brighten someone's day." The teenager had to admit, he was a bit taken aback. Setsuya had never seemed like a romantic man.

"Is it so easy to win your affection?" Setsuya questioned, taking the teenager by the hand once again as he was led up the steps. "Don't be so surprised. I can be considerate sometimes." Zuko chuckled as they emerged from a rocky cliffside, and the flashing lights of the nearby city could be seen just a ways away amidst the dusk sky. "Stay close to me, now. This can be a rough neighborhood." They walked along the shore for a while, enjoying the methodical rhythm of the water only a few yards away. They could feel it- something about their bond was familiar within the range of the ocean. Setsuya felt somewhat nostalgic as the warm firebender's hand clasping his was no longer Zuko's, but Kuzon's. The vampire quickly dismissed the thought, shooting a quick glance at the other to make sure he hadn't noticed his mind slip. The younger, however, was still in a state of euphoria which made Setsuya feel even guiltier. What if his mind slipped during a more intimate time, such as kissing or even their love-making when they saw the time to be fit? What if Zuko noticed and was convinced Setsuya was using him as some sort of replacement? No, the young man knew him better than that… Didn't he?

Don't worry about it, he told himself as he leaned over to give the teenager a kiss on the throat. Zuko is Zuko, Kuzon is Kuzon, and you're here to have a good time. Zuko seemed positively overwhelmed at all of the attention he was receiving, causing him to ponder if the older man did have any ulterior motives. Zuko had never been to one of the 'slum' cities, as the undesirables of the Fire Nation tended to inhabit them. The filthy streets abundant in drunks and an excess of obvious prostitutes didn't quite warm his heart, but you could find that south of the palace city as well if you went far enough.

Setsuya kept a tight hold of Zuko's hand, but he didn't seem as tense as the teenager thought he might be in such an environment. I've seen worse, the vampire explained, addressing Zuko's unspoken question. They had walked only a few blocks before Setsuya tugged on the younger's hand and led him into a rather tight fit through a narrow alleyway.

"How did you come across this place again?" Zuko joked as they both dodged lines of laundry hanging from the windows of the apartments above.

"It was referred to me," Setsuya said almost cryptically, sneaking past their obstacles with mystic grace that made his companion envious. The vampire led him to the very end of the corridor and through a barred door that appeared on their left. Upon entering the gallery, warmed with a fire to prevent moisture accumulation, the first impression Zuko received was 'traditional gothic castle'. The walls were made up of deteriorated stone, darkened with dirt and time. A series of chandeliers lined with spider webs hung from the low ceiling, dimly illuminating the vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings adorning the walls and niches. The place was utterly deserted, save for a small rat he swore he saw scamper across the room. Even so, it was breathtaking for Zuko, and Setsuya could sense that it was to his satisfaction. Sure it was the shabbiest, most morbid atmosphere that could have been imagined, but the quantity and quality or the art was amazing.

"Welcome to Red Rain Gallery."

Zuko gasped, jolting backward and hanging on to Setsuya's arm in shock. The vampire maintained his composure, petting the younger man's hair comfortingly. Before them stood a woman whose aura seemed to scream, 'witch!' Clad in a grey wispy dress and with skin no more colored than Setsuya's, the women's wrinkled old flesh and fiery golden eyes made for quite a… shocking, ghost-like figure. The woman smiled at Zuko, who could barely contain his embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, dear," she said in a kind, scratchy voice. "I didn't mean to frighten you. I'm sure you'll find our collection of artwork to be interesting. Our newest exhibit down the left hallway is a black and white themed collection featuring some wonderful contemporary artists and a few rather unusual pieces. I'll leave you both to explore and you're free to address me with any questions you have."

Zuko uttered a small 'thank you', and clung even tighter to his companion as the woman took a seat in the dusty chair next to the entrance. She scared me half to death, Setsuya!

An odd woman, to be sure, but she is very kind to strangers. Strangers? Who could be any stranger than her?They moved toward the closest wall of art, a wall that Zuko became very fond of immediately. Upon it was a selection of realist paintings, stretching from landscapes, to portraits, to bloody corpses, and bowls of fruit.

"Now see this is a quality portrait!" Zuko commended with envy, tapping to the side of a particular drawing that featured a far greater depth in shading than the teenager had yet to achieve. It depicted a close-up of a man seated on a park bench, one leg strung over the other and a book sitting in his lap, though his eyes were clearly focused on anything but the text.

"The dimension is impressive," the vampire agreed, studying the drawing with a frown. "I'll admit the details are well done. But notice the man's features; hardly any expression. The artist sacrificed emotion for aesthetics. Gets a bit boring after a while." Zuko smiled; if there was one aspect of his artwork Setsuya praised him for, it was his portrayal of inner emotion and spirituality. The man claimed to him once that 'even those meant to have no expression have expression'. Setsuya found himself attracted to pictures portraying blood of any sort, much to Zuko's amusement. The vampire found himself staring at a single painting for almost ten minutes, one depicting a vivid red puddle of the substance dripping from the black abyss above.

The younger man found himself staring at a drawing of a male teenager, half dressed on a bed with his hand down his pants and giving the viewer a sultry, 'come hither' look. The man looked… awfully familiar, like someone he knew. The person's face was slightly shadowed, but he was certain he'd met him somewhere before. Although, who did he know that had a scar across his stomach? Zuko felt a blush taint his cheeks as Setsuya wrapped his cold hands around the teenager's eyes and whisper, "Don't fall for his seductive gaze. I love you more than a two-dimensional drawing ever could." Zuko laughed and grasped the man's hands, leading him to the next line of artwork as Setsuya cast a final glance at the piece that had captured his soul mate's gaze. The man remembered it very well, being one of the pieces he'd sold to the gallery himself, done by an anonymous vampire with a broken heart. It isn't easy, falling prey to someone you try not to love after a single night, but some managed to do it.

When they approached the abstract paintings, however, Setsuya remained entranced while Zuko wrinkled his nose at most of the works. "I don't really…understand," he whispered to his soul mate, pointing out one canvas with a gorgeous mixture of blue, red, and green splatters that made Setsuya's shoulder sag in wonder. "I mean it's beautiful, but what is being depicted? What did the artist mean by it?"

"Well… Notice how the blue is somewhat concentrated and curving. I'll bet the artist used that color to represent some sort of sadness she observed within her lifetime. The green is more spread out, more random and lively. I'm willing to bet that's a depiction of happiness. The red looks as though it's been splattered from afar, in large quantities. Anger, perhaps?"

Zuko examined the painting once more, his finger tracing the frame with a sigh. "I suppose I can appreciate it. It just seems like a bit of a more personal work, something you can keep by your side. Then again, it's not… Oh, I don't know!" Setsuya laughed, kissing the frustrated teen's cheek. He could tell that the younger was being challenged, and having a fantastic time trying to sort through it all. Abstract art was never introduced to the palace grounds, as it lacked 'practicality'. "This one, I suppose, is my favorite." Zuko pointed toward a smaller canvas, upon which circles of red and blue on either side swarmed in the middle to meet and become a vibrant purple. "Two elements combining into a central, integral realm. Not to mention it reminds me of your eyes. Just a shade or two off."

"I'll buy it for you, if you like it," Setsuya offered, though Zuko politely raised his hand in refusal.

"Thanks, but once I think I understand an abstract piece, it's better if I don't look again."

The two moved onto the black and white exhibit, which Zuko almost fainted upon viewing. "There is not an ounce of color in this room!" he hissed, while Setsuya considered a sculpture that portrayed a DNA-like strand consisting of grey scales on either side and alternating black and white rungs in the center.

"Still, it's amazing what people can do with only black and white. This artist certainly got into the spirit of things." After an hour of critiquing, laughing, and talking, Setsuya was convinced that he had made the perfect choice for their date. As they reached the entrance of the gallery once again, they both bowed to the keeper and made their way out after the vampire slipped a bit of money into the woman's coat pocket unnoticed. He always ended up feeling guilty walking into such a place with nothing to buy or sell. "Where shall I take you to dinner, Beloved? You can pick anywhere and anything you want. Price is no objective."

"What a gentleman you are!" Zuko laughed, wrapping the man's arm around his waist with a mischievous smile as they emerged from the narrow corridor. "Maybe when we go home, I'll show you my thanks and offer you a little dinner of your own… Just a taste, of course." The teenager turned his head in such a way that left his neck utterly exposed, causing the vampire's mouth to water in anticipation. As controlled as he was, he could only handle small amounts of blood at low frequencies to keep from becoming too lustful.

They proceeded down the street for a bit before Zuko nodded toward a particular restaurant across the way. "Sign says they have the best teriyaki in the Fire Nation. I'm dying to know what the Fire Nation's best teriyaki tastes like."

"Can't taste any worse than onion and banana juice," Setsuya muttered. Zuko appeared utterly disgusted.

"Onion and banana juice?"

"Drank it for an entire week when I went on a spiritual retreat. I was fifteen, and I can still taste it sometimes…" The man shuddered. "I wouldn't recommend it."

Suddenly feeling more blessed at the thought of having teriyaki, Zuko dragged his soul mate to the nominated restaurant. Upon entering the establishment a fierce aroma of booze and smoke overwhelmed the two, and the teenager winced. I think I made the wrong choice.

Nowhere else would be better, Setsuya assured him, pulling back his hood as he requested a table for two. Stepping forward, Zuko found himself being verbally courted by a male passing by the bar, a taunting smirk on man's face.

"Hey, babe. You want to come home with a real man tonight?"

He's going to die, Zuko concluded watching Setsuya's face grow stern. To his surprise, the vampire whipped him around and viciously kissed him within the sight of the man, his hands traveling down the teen's spine and gripping his backside possessively. For once, Zuko didn't mind Setsuya's overprotective nature. The bar residents wolf whistled and spit out catcalls, while Setsuya merely winked, taking hold of his companion by the waist.

"You're only old news once you've been claimed," the vampire whispered, kissing the breathless teenager on the forehead. "Otherwise you'd be harassed all night." Zuko was proud of Setsuya's accomplishment in overcoming jealousy, so much so that he didn't care to scold the man for groping him… in public. A seating host, dressed far more decently than anyone else in the bar, waved his hand and motioned to the two that their table was ready. Seated in the back of the establishment, to Zuko's relief, the teenager finally relaxed and allowed himself to take in his environment with wonder. The theme of the restaurant seemed to be a mixture of "oceanic-pirate" and "feel up your whore in the middle of the place". From the fish nets and lobsters hanging from the ceiling to the two young teenagers giving each other lap dances on the table across from them, Zuko wasn't inclined to focus his stare on anything but his soul mate.

"You seem uncomfortable," Setsuya noted aloud, pushing his glass of water away from him.

"I've never really been anywhere like this before," the teenager admitted, tracing the condensation on his glass. "Before now, I'd hardly ever been outside of the palace walls without a guard. Usually ditched them anyway."

"That sounds like you," Setsuya said with a chuckle, interrupted when a waiter came to take their order. Zuko politely requested chicken teriyaki, well done of course. His companion shook his head, ordering nothing.

"So what happens if a vampire eats human food?" Zuko inquired, his curiosity getting the better of him once their waiter departed.

"No vampire in the population has ever been stupid enough to try it. We don't have the taste buds for it, really. Our esophagus can't expand very well, and the food would most likely just sit and rot in our stomach. Once a vampire did accidentally swallow a piece of animal flesh, and it was my duty to tear open her stomach and quickly pull it out. You know how fast our skin heals- it was a tricky process."

"Ah, the beauty of being a leader."

Setsuya smiled, leaning forward in his chair and whispering, "That reminds me about modern Fire Nation nobility."

"Ah," Zuko said with a somewhat distasteful, yet excited tone. "Naturally, they live within the confines of the palace city. Their investments are largely concentrated in the industrial movement, making them one of the richest generations that ever graced the nation's soil. Their cloaks are made up finely threaded silk from the sweatshops of the southern islands and they hire servants for their servants' servants."

"Servants? Is that what they call slaves now?"

"The Fire Nation only recently emerged from slavery, but it's predicted to start up once again after the conquest of the Water Tribe Nations. We have a history of treating foreigners like the scum beneath our shoe." Zuko's eyes turned sad at this, though his tone was mostly indifferent. "I grew up under the notion that I had a duty to enforce our culture onto others as the superior race. It only took me a few old, forbidden books to realize that our glory came at others' downfall."

Setsuya nodded, his heart a bit heavy. It was one aspect of his heritage he'd never been proud of. "I'm impressed that you're not easily influenced. You grew up as a prince, after all."

"I spent more time with my uncle than anyone else when I was young. He was fed up with the war after his son, my older cousin, died in an attempt to bring down Ba Sing Se." Setsuya noted a pain within Zuko's heart, and stored the information for later. "Gradually, his speculation subdued his sense of racial superiority, and he became more uncomfortable with the idea of violence."

"Are you close with your uncle?" Setsuya knew he was taking a risk asking so many questions; he was at a point where his desire to understand his soul mate outmatched his fear of Zuko's rejection of him arising from homesickness or anger at having been 'stolen' away from his family.

"He was like a father figure to me," Zuko admitted twirling a loose thread from his robes between his fingers. Sure enough, the teenager's first thoughts consisted of 'Does he miss me?' 'I wonder if he's okay.' 'They've probably called off the search for me by now.' 'He must think I'm dead.' The vampire squirmed in his seat uncomfortably, but he understood that he probably deserved said discomfort in every way, shape, and form. "As you can imagine, my father wasn't around much seeing as how he was the Firelord and I was a failure of a son. He favors Azula, my sister- the perfect firebender and the perfect manipulator. She isn't gentle or insecure, nor does she have the slightest amount of compassion. So, my uncle stepped in and raised me with his morals. Thank Agni for that, or I wouldn't be who I am." Zuko fell silent as his food arrived, eyeing the chicken rather skeptically. It seemed well-cooked, and Setsuya smelled it to be sure it was void of any poisons or drugs with the intent of making the boy easier to be taken advantage of.

"Tell me, is it the best teriyaki in the Fire Nation?" Setsuya asked with a chuckle as the teenager chewed thoughtfully.

"I must admit, it's fantastic. Of course, maybe I'm speaking from a biased standpoint; everything tastes better around you." Setsuya's heart would have leapt in his chest, and it nearly did.

"What was your favorite food as a mortal?" Zuko asked as he continued to devour his chicken intermingled with clumps of rice.

"Oh, that's a difficult one. It's hard to remember… The one taste that really stands out is watermelon. Kuzon used to feed it to me mouth-to-mouth the summer we were a couple. He called it the 'perfect summer fruit'."

"Watermelon? Those are hard to find now. Most of our produce is imported. We still grow rice and wheat, but the majority of our diet comes from meat and poultry." He gestured down to his chicken. "I've never had a watermelon. What's it taste like?"

"It's sweet, and its texture is crisp and pleasing. It's a bit of a cross between an apple and sugar water. Although if you've never tasted the seeds of a pomegranate, you've never tasted." Setsuya almost gasped when Zuko shook his head. "Are you that deprived? Don't worry, I'll find you one. They're in season at the moment."

Upon finishing his meal, the teenager's lover called for the check and found himself shocked to find the younger was staring seductively at him, cocking his neck invitingly. The offer still stands, Setsuya. My blood is yours. The vampire moaned with desire, feeling his entire body ache for the sustenance his soul mate was allowing him to indulge in. The teenager slipped on his cloak as Setsuya paid the bill, both content with the night they spent together and anxious for the rest to proceed. Keeping his arm wrapped around his companion's shoulders, Setsuya walked Zuko out of town and onto the shores, where they spent their time lounging and leisurely watching the waves.

Reclining back into the sand, Zuko had never felt more at home with himself and his soul mate as they lay together tracing absent patterns in the sand and listening to the waves gently soothe the shore. The beach was deserted, except for a couple half a mile down from them that seemed to have already had their fun and had fallen asleep with their clothing tossed in every which direction. Zuko himself slowly untied the sash holding his shirt closed, eyeing the deserted beach as Setsuya crouched above him, stricken with longing. Careful not to put too much weight on the other's wounded chest, he straddled the younger across the waist and leaned forward to take in his scent. The teenager laid back in the sand, trying to keep calm as the other began massaging his chest and breathing deeply against his neck. Careful not to pierce the skin too far, Setsuya gently nipped the flesh just above the carotid artery, allowing fresh, oxygenated blood to flow from the wound. Zuko shuddered beneath him in a masochistic state, gripping the vampire's shoulders in ecstasy. Setsuya lapped up the blood like a sweet desert to be savored, gaining even more satisfaction at watching his soul mate squirm beneath him.

He let out a moan as the vampire's lips met his own, using one hand to caress the boy's cheek and the other to rub his thigh. If he didn't get more of this, he was going to go insane. "Don't stop, don't stop," the teenager whispered somewhat incoherently, feeling his legs wrap around the man's waist. This was good, this was right. And if anyone told him it wasn't, they could be reincarnated as a slug for all he cared. Zuko stroked Setsuya's loose hair, this position feeling all too familiar for the both of them. He knew how to express his love to the vampire, he knew what he wanted. He trembled, leaning forward and whispering in the man's ear, "Take me, Setsuya. Have me on this beach, like you did before."

Setsuya cupped the teen's face and gave him a deep kiss as he longed for the same physical union. "I would be honored," he murmured, nuzzling the younger's cheek. He didn't need to ask affirmation; he could feel determination and passion radiating from the being beside him. Their mouths met in a sloppy kiss, and the vampire lord whispered, "How do you want to proceed?" He almost laughed at the dazed expression of the younger. "Top or bottom?"

"I didn't know I had a choice." Zuko felt his stomach twist, as though he feared making the wrong move.

"I won't lie to you, Zuko. Receiving can be painful." He interrupted his sermon by tracing the other's lips with his tongue. "If you're nervous, however, it'll be easier on you to take a more passive role. My body isn't nearly warmed by enough blood to make the experience pleasurable if you dominated. Either way, I'll guide you."

The teenager considered the matter, although it didn't take him long to define the aching in his body- the aching to be filled. Setsuya sensed the younger's desire before a word was spoken, and began by pressing cool kisses against the chest below him. Zuko steadied his breath, trying to remain calm as the reality of the situation hit him dead on. Setsuya, regardless of circumstances, had been with three men and had more experience than one would hope for from a lover. Zuko had never even brought a man to a sexual climax.

Don't worry; I'm not evaluating you.

Zuko chuckled, nodding as he brought the man down for a deep kiss. The fine sand beneath his body seemed very pleased to accommodate every move they made. Setsuya, careful not to shift too much of his weight onto the other's body, ran his hands up and down Zuko's chest sensually. He grew erect upon the slightest brushes that the teenager made against his hip, self-conscious by how easily aroused he was. His tongue slid deep between the younger man's lips, tracing teasing patterns against the roof of his mouth. Setsuya's hands found their way to his abandoned cloaked, lifting Zuko's lower half upward and edging the clothing beneath him. The smaller of the two made a bold move, wrapping his legs around the other's hips and rubbing their clothed erections together. The two let out a simultaneous groan of longing, as Setsuya's hands searched for the edge of the younger's pants. Zuko allowed his body to relax to the ground as the rest of his clothing was eased off of his body. The vampire smiled at the nude form before him, pressing a kiss against the other's naval.

Nothing about this teenager was unnaturally pale, gaunt, or weak like himself. His skin tone was a healthy crème, his figure was proportionate with strong muscles, and his abdomen was clearly sculpted. Setsuya shivered, unable to imagine the magnificence of entering the body of a firebender. He calmed himself and became submissive as Zuko's curious hands traveled his robes, unwrapping the sash and allowing it to fall to the sand. The robe slid halfway off of the man, exposing his upper half. Immediately the teenager was in awe, his lips partially agape and begging to be kissed. "You look even more beautiful in the moonlight," Zuko whispered, tracing the most prominent veins around his chest as he paid worship to a sensational creature. Using a mixture of Setsuya's longing visual fantasies and his own instincts, he moved in such a way that gave him an aura of experience. Leaning forward, he captured one insipid nipple with his mouth and firmly thumbed the other, causing the man to lean back with a gasp. The teenager whirled his tongue around the man's sensitive skin, causing nerves to send tingles up and down his spinal cord. Setsuya grasped the sand beneath him and arched his back, allowing his robes to fall completely from his form. The teenager gently nibbled on the nerve-rigged patch of skin before falling back to admire the half of his soul mate he had yet to see.

Zuko's cheeks flushed a bright red, and he was fully aware that he was staring. Even so, there was little effort on his part to stop. His soul mate's skin continued its even white tone throughout his lower body, and even his extended member enflamed with blood flow did not colorize in the slightest, save for a darker pulsating vein. The vampire's precum consisted of only clear plasma, lacking the completeness of seed. His thighs were thin from malnutrition as a mortal, but his long legs were nonetheless attractive. Setsuya inclined his head with a smile as thoughts of pure adoration drifted through the other's mind. Spirits, he's so beautiful. Zuko's hand trailed down the man's abdomen, drifting past the dark hairs lining the intersection of his legs and wrapping loosely around the erection as the vampire had once done for him. He began moving his hand back and forth in a rhythmic pattern, trying to avoid any painful friction.

Setsuya moaned as he remained on his knees, his hand moving over the other's and firming the grip slightly, guiding the younger's rhythm. "Y-Yes, just like that…" Setsuya shuddered as Zuko's thumb massaged the foreskin, his hips jerking forward in need. How long had it been since he'd felt like this? "Agni, yes!" The younger's confidence built at the sound of the other's voice urging him on, heating his fingers only slightly to watch the other hiss with desire. Zuko rose on his knees as well, pulling their bodies together and pressing their erect flesh together. Both men were pleased with the results, rocking together to absorb the luscious contact. Finally Setsuya gently pushed the gasping and pleading teenager onto the sandy surface and whispered into his ear, "I want you to feel something." He moistened his left index finger in his mouth, as Zuko's breath deepened with anticipation. His hand shifted between the younger's legs as he explained, "This will feel a little strange, but it's the best aspect of physical union. Try to relax your body." The finger gently traced the ring of muscles while the opposite hand caressed Zuko's face.

The teenager squirmed immediately at the invasion, though he felt his body calm as Setsuya leaned forward and kissed his chest repeatedly. The finger gradually eased its way in, while the vampire's erection throbbed at the warmth of the teen's body. Zuko was almost certain the other was going to being stretching him, but instead the digit curved toward the front of his body and gently stroked a particular spot… The teenager almost came, his member twitching and his heart pounding. He twisted his hips desperately, trying to find that sensation again. "Easy," Setsuya warned with a mischievous smile, his free hand rubbing the younger's shoulder. "I don't want to hurt you." He put a light pressure on the spot again, causing the teen to moan with pleasure and arch his back in need.

The need to ejaculate furthered and Zuko hissed, "W-What is that?!

"It's your prostate gland; one of the male hotspots." Setsuya felt tension in his abdomen as he spoke, the sight of his companion's ruffled hair and arched back causing him discomfort. "It will feel wonderful, I assure you." He teasingly rubbed the gland, smiling as Zuko writhed beneath him. Setsuya inserted a second finger into the other's entrance, and his other hand threaded with Zuko's to keep him relaxed. Even in his state of longing, the vampire worked slowly as not to cause significant pain to the other. After much time had passed and patience of the two thinned, Setsuya finally deemed the younger ready. "Zuko?" The teenager looked up through his sweat-dampened hair, breathless and longing for the fulfilling touch of his lover. "Zuko, I don't have any lubricant; something to make entry smoother," he added, as the younger frowned in confusion. "I would never try to demean you, but… I can't stand to hurt you."

"What should I…?" Zuko's words died on his lips as he read the erotic visual imagery the other provided him with. "Oh!" He flushed a bright red, his mind filling with doubt of his skill. Nevertheless, he lowered himself as Setsuya knelt before him, fearlessly taking on the challenge. Grasping the base of the other's erection, he opened his mouth and took the man inside of him. It took every ounce of Setsuya's self-restraint not to thrust into the heat of the other's body, his hands gripping Zuko's hair with a groan. It was better, a thousand times better being inside of a human as a vampire. The pleasure was magnified, and Setsuya's nerves sent fiery impulses up and down his body. As not to waste valuable time, Zuko trailed his tongue up and down the hardened length of the man. His hands made their way to Setsuya's hips, and he vaguely recalled his older cousin once talking about a woman 'deep throating' him with his friends when he thought Zuko wasn't listening in. He was pretty sure he understood what that meant now.

Taking a deep breath, Zuko immersed the man within his throat and almost instantly regretted it- he felt as though he would gag at any moment. But the male above him cried out in a deep moan, his body trembling as he fought not to move and disrupt the teenager. "Z-Zuko… You don't have to-" He submitted to a cry as the teenager experimented with a low hum, causing vibrations that almost forced the older man to reach climax. "Oh! That's good, don't stop!" Setsuya's eyes fluttered shut, feeling his hips beginning to rock beyond his control. Zuko continued to hum as his throat constricted tightly around the other's member. No longer able to form words, Setsuya forced his thoughts together: Enough, please Zuko. I'm going to come!

The teenager winced, gently pulling away and whispering in a hoarse voice, "I'm sorry. I got carried away. Are you alright?"

Setsuya smiled reassuringly at his lover, despite his aching member. The teenager began to flip over onto his knees, but the vampire shook his head and stopped him. He pressed the young man into the sand and raised his hips, gathering their scattered clothing and using it to support the teen's inclined body. Zuko tried to calm his heartbeat as Setsuya gently parted his legs, leaning forward to kiss him with affection. "I'm going to take it slow for now. Let me know if I hurt you." The younger nodded, wrapping his arms around the man. Inch by inch Setsuya eased himself in, patiently waiting to relieve the other's stress. The first aspect he noticed was the pure, tight, unrivaled heat of the firebender's body. The walls of the teen's entrance pressed against him, causing him to moan and shiver with every shift they made.

Zuko, meanwhile, began to understand what the other meant. It burned- it stretched the muscles, forcing them to extend without a proper lubricant. Even so, the feeling of being filled by his beloved vampire and the maddening flesh-to-flesh friction was a phenomenon that Zuko had never dreamed of experiencing. Well, maybe he'd dreamed about it, but this was an unparalleled reality. His head lolled to the side as his arms traveled up and down Setsuya's prominent spine, listening to the soft noises of frustration and satisfaction his lover made.

"You're so beautiful," the vampire whispered, gazing half-dazed into Zuko's golden eyes. "I love you, I love you so much." The younger could only respond in an outpouring of emotions across their bond, his words and thoughts blurred as the man's touch slid over his aching member. Zuko's body flushed as Setsuya was completely immersed within him. The man leaned down and brushed their lips together whispering, "I'm sorry. Breathe, breathe deeply. I won't move until you're ready." The teenager nodded, lying as still as he could as his body adjusted. His chest rose and fell as the vampire clasped his hand, the heat of the one beneath him and the sheer euphoria of his love sending him spiraling into desire. So long, it had been so long since he had loved another in this way.

When the teenager felt only a slight tension in his entrance, he decided to experiment with care. Zuko cried out in a low voice, shifting his hips slightly and brushing the erect member within him against the sensitive region of his inner walls. A wave of pleasure rocked him to his core, numbing him with ecstasy as he whispered, "Setsuya, you can move now." The vampire nodded, biting his lower lip in concentration. He pulled out only an inch or two, pushing back in and causing them both to emit soft moans. A pale hand traveled up Zuko's abdomen, brushing a nipple, tracing his throat, cupping his face…The teenager knew he was in an indecent state with his hair damp with sweat, his legs elevated and spread wide, and his arms lying listlessly on either side of his head. Even so, he could sense that Setsuya had never thought him more beautiful or radiant. The moonlight bathed their bodies as the pace and length of Setsuya's thrusts gradually increased, his hands lowering to the younger's hips in order to stabilize him as their love-making attained rhythm.

Setsuya groaned as he felt his incisors inevitably protract at the sensation of a rapid heartbeat. The teenager failed to notice, his eyes glazed and half-lidded with passion. Zuko closed his eyes, tuning into his instincts as his prostate was stroked and his nerves stimulated. This feeling was familiar, and Zuko utilized his past life's knowledge in order to make the experience more enjoyable to Setsuya. After a deep thrust rubbed his inner walls deliciously, he spread his legs even further before wrapping them around his lover's waist and meeting Setsuya's deep thrusts, bringing him fully into his body every time. The man cried out in bliss, his grip on Zuko's hips tightening as his self control diminished. It was tricky keeping time to Setsuya's movements, but it was well worth it as the additional friction rubbed his prostate rapidly. The teenager saw white as he entered pure elation; Setsuya's overflowing love was more than he could bear.

With Zuko's moan of approval, Setsuya began pounding into his lover's body, though never carelessly. The younger's hips jerked as a hand grasped his erection, pumping it swiftly and earning himself a passionate cry from the teenager. "Ah! S-Setsuya!" Zuko felt his pleasure reach its peak, his aching body longing for satisfaction. Pressure built up in his stomach as the vampire stroked his prostate and length simultaneously. Their gazes met, each sharing fully in this sacred union that had brought them together. Every thrust made the younger's heart leap and his breath slip away, as the vampire immersed himself in the love offered freely to him. Their hands intertwined and for a moment their pleasure combined, causing them both to cry out each others' names at their climax.

They reached orgasm together, Zuko splattering his seed against Setsuya's chest as the mild warmth of the other filled him. The teenager fell against the sandy shore in exhaustion, unwrapping his legs from around the other and lying to rest. Setsuya gently pulled out of the younger's body and settled next to him, stroking his light brown hair as they nestled together on the beach. The waves of the ocean calmed Zuko's raging heart as he kissed the other on the cheek with a murmur, "I had no idea it could be like that. To think I've been painting this whole time and we could have been doing this."

It looks like that oyster paid off.

Setsuya laughed, not at all weary which made Zuko a tad bit envious. "You are the reason it was so wonderful; you gave us every opportunity to strengthen our bond." The two smiled at each other, sharing another deep kiss. The teenager blushed as the reality of his position occurred to him: he was lying naked on the public beach next to his lover for the world to see. The vampire shook his head at the other's worries, pressing a kiss against his forehead. "Remember what kind of community this is, beloved. No one would glance twice at us." Even so, Setsuya snagged the young man's clothing and brushed the sand off of it, helping his tired soul mate into his garments. The vampire walked back toward the edge of the ocean, giving the flushing teen an ideal view of his figure. The older man washed his skin free of residue, as an effective leader does not often walk around with the scent of sex on his body. He sighed as the water met his skin, nostalgia sweeping over him as he glanced back at his lover curled up in the sand.

After Setsuya slid his robe back over his body, the two walked back to the underground entrance hand in hand, both caught up in a peaceful silence. Setsuya finally spoke, brushing his ruffled hair back into place as he teased, "So it seems you aren't my blushing virgin anymore, my Beloved." Zuko's mind had difficulty wrapping around this. In his culture, either going to war or sexually dominating over a woman made you a man. What did it mean if he was dominated? Did it make him less of a man? Or was it a completely different situation? Had he technically lost his masculine virginity? Was he thinking too much into this? "People will know," Setsuya said quietly, causing the younger to glance up in confusion. "People who have lost their innocence have a way of knowing by how you walk."

Zuko frowned, inclining his head questioningly. There was a slight limp in his step, but it was hardly noticeable, to be sure.

"You walk differently now," the vampire explained, his eyes gazing over his soul mate's figure nonetheless pleased. "Your posture is a little straighter, you hold your head a little higher, and there's a true aura of experience. You'll see it in others now too- it happens to everyone."

"I'm sure they'll pick up on the scent before anything else," Zuko murmured, tossing the idea around in his head. He sort of enjoyed being claimed by Setsuya in the midst of the other vampires. It gave him a feeling of belonging, of importance. It showed that he was more than just a bed-warmer.

"My scent is all over you," the man admitted almost gleefully, nudging a rock with his foot and opening a stairwell into the underground lair beneath the shore caverns. "Everyone in the population is sure to know within minutes." Before he escorted his lover below, he cupped the teenager's face in his hands and whispered, "Thank you for sharing this night with me, Zuko. I've never felt closer to you than I do now." The teenager's heart skipped a beat as he was led by his hand back into the darkness, although his moment of elation was short lived as Hayate ran to meet them in the center of the dank corridor, his expression one of panic. Setsuya's stomach tied into knots. It wasn't like Hayate to show any urgency, let alone panic.

"Lord Setsuya! Ravindra's associate that we've taken under our custody has recognized a member of our own population as being closely connected with Ravindra himself!"

Setsuya's grip on his soul mate became all the tighter as he said in a low voice, "Is anyone panicked?"

"No, sir. We managed to keep the situation among the council. We don't have any solid proof, but we detained him to be safe."

"There could be others. I want a thorough census evaluation for every single vampire in the population. Make sure they are all questioned. We can't have any of his henchman walking among our ranks." Setsuya rubbed his forehead in aggravation, shaking his head and repeating over and over, We do not need this, we do not need this. "Who is the traitor?"

"The youngest of the vampires, Khai."

"Has he talked?"

"He refuses to say a word about the matter. You should have seen the look on his face… it was lethal."

"I will offer him freedom for any information he has. It may be vital in gaining access to Ravindra. Otherwise, he can rot in that cell until he's gone mad."

Hayate nodded, running off in the opposite direction as Setsuya let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm so sorry, Zuko. Of all nights-"

"Nothing is more important than keeping your people safe," Zuko said, almost disguising his disappointment at the end of their romantic evening. "Do whatever you need to do, and I'll-" The teenager's words disappeared off the tip of his tongue as the vampire stared incredulously at him.

"Zuko, your heart leapt when he said the name Khai. Were you associated with this vampire at all?"

Setsuya's gaze demanded instant and complete honesty, causing Zuko to mumble out underneath his piercing gaze, "Y-Yes. I visited his room once and h-he tried to take my blood."

But he is a… "Hemophobic," Setsuya whispered aloud, a few pieces starting to fall into place. Every conversation he'd ever had with the boy- Khai wasn't afraid of blood. He was addicted to it. And he had tried, purposefully tried to kill Zuko by taking his blood. Ravindra wants my soul mate dead. No, not dead. The vampire lord's heart pained him as he gripped the teenager by the shoulders and infiltrated his mind. The person other than Setsuya that he felt most comfortable around was… Ryuichi. Surprise, surprise. "Zuko, I'm going to take you straight to Ryuichi's room. You are not to leave his sight and you are not to talk to anyone else. Eat no food that anyone offers you, and try to stay put until I come back and retrieve you."

Sensing the urgency of the other's words, Zuko didn't dare argue. They walked swiftly to Ryuichi's quarters, the vampire never once letting go of the younger's hand. Ryuichi answered the door in a frantic state, his hands shaking as he tried to maintain his composure. Scarlet eyes shifted from Setsuya, to Zuko, and back to Setsuya. The man's nose wrinkled, and his terror somewhat faded as he came to realize what had transpired between the two. The vampire lord whispered a few words into the other's ear, who nodded and stepped aside so that Zuko could be gently pushed into the room. Setsuya left only after kissing the teenager on the forehead, leaving his lover in a tired and somewhat disappointed state.

Zuko felt his embarrassment manifest on his face as Ryuichi locked the door and surveyed his form, knowing evident in his eyes. "So, wh-what's going on?" Zuko asked, running a hand through his ruffled hair nervously. "Why does Setsuya want me cooped up so badly?"

"A better question would be, what happened to your date?" The words were spoken with neither a smile nor a smirk, which caused Zuko's heart to skip a beat.

"Erm, well, we-"

Ryuichi caught the teenager's hand in his own and led him to his bed, sitting him down against the headboard. "Tell me about your night. Your whole night." Distracting the young man was only half of his purpose. The vampire forced a smile onto his face, unable to focus on anything but the strange, familiar scent on the other's body.

Zuko nodded, clasping their hands together as he began speaking quickly, "The art gallery in town was amazing. I've never seen such a variety of artwork in one place! Setsuya has quite the taste for art. A different kind of taste, but a good one. The restaurant was a bit packed and on the shabby side, but the food was fantastic. Agni, the way he stared at me during dinner… We walked along the beach and it was so romantic, I really ought to have expected the timing to be perfect."

"He took you on the beach," Ryuichi said in a low, incredulous voice. He couldn't help but remember his own occasion with Ravindra; it had been utterly uncomfortable, messy, and he still found sand in places it didn't belong. "What was it like?" His voice was soft and his tone inquiring.

Zuko was reluctant to speak, understanding that Ryuichi had shared the same experience once with the intent of being loved by Setsuya. Even so, the support that he saw in the vampire's eyes was enough to prod him to speak. "It was amazing, Ryu. No man could be any gentler with his partner."

Ryuichi nodded, stroking Zuko's palm with his thumb comfortingly. "I wouldn't be surprised. He loves you more than anything in this world." He'd known that this time would come: Zuko and Setsuya were real lovers, truly in love. And yet, his heart hurt beyond all else. "I'm so happy for you, Zuko. Now," the vampire began with a raised eyebrow, tucking his legs underneath him. "You're obligated to tell me the juiciest part."

"What? Says who?"

"You're my best friend, remember? It's what best friends do. You're obligated."

"Ryuichi-"

"Obligated."

"Fine." Zuko blushed, lowering his voice and glancing toward the door. "Alright, Setsuya didn't have any… lubrication on him. Well, he didn't want to hurt me so he asked me t-to, um, provide it for him."

"You went down on him?!" Ryuichi gasped, obviously pleased by the other's 'juiciest' piece of information.

"Is that how they call it?" Zuko asked meekly, his fingers unconsciously tracing his lips. His blush turned ridiculous shades of red as Ryuichi began to laugh hysterically, not bothering to cover up his laughter.

"I can't believe it! That is too rich!"

"What?! Like you've never done it?"

"People expect that sort of thing from me! But you, you're…" The man burst into laughter.

"Screw you!" Zuko growled, kicking the man in the chest lightly. "Alright, I gave you information! Now you're going to tell me why I'm back under watch like some sort of criminal."

"Aw, come now. That's not fair," Ryuichi protested, though he immediately silenced at Zuko's harsh gaze.

"You owe me!"

"Fine, fine." The vampire crept closer to the teenager, his voice low and somewhat nervous. "Well, I thought you might have figured this out for yourself. If it's not possible to take down Setsuya, name the person most convenient to use in order to take him down." He nodded toward Zuko, shrugging his shoulders. "Setsuya is well aware of your mortality, Zuko. If there are enemies lurking in our midst, they would head straight for your throat. Our vampire lord can be emotionally unstable, although he's never let it deter him during his leadership. Killing you would ruin him."

Zuko shivered, as his restricted lifespan came to mind. "But… I will die eventually. Of course he's protective of me in this instance, but your words make me wonder if he'll be able to handle my death when it does come." The reptile once curled up in the corner of the room now found its way to the side of its owner, coiling up next to the teenager, contented with his warmth.

"Just wait, Ryuichi. What I said to him will make a difference."

Ryuichi's fingers tapped nervously against his thigh, trying not to embrace the saddened teenager. Zuko was coming to another crossroad in his relationship with Setsuya: his own humanity. "It doesn't have to be that way, Zuko," Ryuichi whispered, leaning forward and caressing the teenager's cheek with his cool hand. "You can become one of us, and live your life with Setsuya."

The teenager was taken aback, having pushed the matter out of his mind for a while and never truly considering his options. He… could become a vampire. He could live with Setsuya, young, beautiful, and content forever. "I-I guess it depends on what Setsuya and I decide," he murmured, relaxing into the other's touch. "I can't really see myself as a vampire. I have another life, I have obligations that are still nagging at me."

Not in the Firelord's eyes you don't. Still, Ryuichi was pleased with the boy's reaction. It was much better than his response to Khai's offer. "It's a personal decision. I just hope you don't think I'm overstepping my boundaries when I say that you deserve the ultimate happiness. Right now, I have a feeling you're as close to it as you'll ever come." Ryuichi ruffled the young man's hair and urged him to rest until Setsuya came back for him. As he often did, he wrapped his arms around the teenager and held him close, though this time he could practically feel all of the thoughts buzzing around the boy's mind. Unconsciously, he leaned forward and inhaled the mixed aroma of Setsuya and Zuko's scent.

It made him jealous. Jealous, jealous, jealous. He was jealous. But who or what was he jealous of? Setsuya? Zuko? The fact that they were getting some and he wasn't?

He slowly came to realize that it was this human that drew his attention more than anything else. He'd experienced Setsuya's 'love', and he'd be damned if he ever wanted that heartbreak again. But this beautiful, naïve teenager didn't deserve to be cast aside the way he once was. Zuko deserved someone who could love him, someone like Ryuichi. Ryuichi would always treat him with respect, always make him feel important. He would be gentle, always affectionate and loving as he traced the teenager's lips and kissed his neck. He would always make sure that Zuko was the most satisfied lover on the face of the earth, breathless and content each time. He wanted what Setsuya had… He wanted Zuko.

Ryuichi shuddered, erotic imagery filling his head as his previously dull member rose to an erection at the thought of the teenager in a state of need, pleading for him and crying out his name in ecstasy. His hand firmly stroked hardened length that lingered beneath his robes, his mind caught up in beautiful fantasies that he'd suppressed out of fear. Zuko's hands clasped around his shoulders, Zuko jerking upward to meet his thrusts, Zuko's mouth enveloping his member. Trembling with desire, he turned onto his side and pressed the manifestation of his need into Zuko's sleeping body. Agni… The warmth of the other's body was fantastic.He imagined himself rocking into the teenager as the younger screamed out his name in a sweet, rugged voice as he begged for more. Only the slightest shift caused him to hiss as his erect length rubbed against the very object of his desire. "I want you," he whispered into the air, though his call was not answered. Knowing it was wrong, knowing he was wrong, he grinded his body against the oblivious teenager slowly and carefully as not to wake him. The friction made him moan and hiss as he was brought to aching arousal, as he was given life. He stopped only after Zuko stirred in his sleep, using his own visions and hands to bring himself over the edge.

He gazed into that innocent teenager's face, knowing that he was in for a losing battle. Who was he to compete with a soul mate? Who was he to earn the love of someone so compassionate?

He leaned over and kissed the young man on the lips, whispering the forbidden words, "I love you." It gave him security knowing that the teenager just barely kissed him back.