Chapter 5

A/N Well this is a long one but I think most of you will like it.

Warnings for lemon.

If you're wondering about the song mentioned it's "I Will Possess Your Heart" by Death Cab for Cutie. I was listening to them quite a bit this week.

Disclaimer: I don't own Zero or Kaname. I'm just having fun with them.

Zero lay on the bed, the room softly illuminated by the glow from his CD player. He should have changed for bed long ago but he wasn't sleeping much these days and was still dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. He had wanted some quiet music to relax him and had loaded the player earlier without paying much attention to his selection. Maybe if he could relax he could finally sleep. The player clicked quietly as the CD automatically changed and Zero found himself listening to the words of the song that was playing.

The hunter snorted softly and picking up the remote, turned off the music. The song spoke of potential but there was no potential for him with anyone, especially the pureblood. He'd been unable to face the brunette vampire since the night in the woods when he'd returned miserable and confused. The Chairman and Yuki could see he was hurting and Chairman Cross had insisted Zero move into his guest room temporarily. The Chairman had even offered to take on Zero's patrol duties till Zero had gotten a handle on whatever it was he was dealing with. They probably thought he was fighting additional physical effects from his transition from human to vampire and Zero had not enlightened them.

He wasn't sure he could get a handle on this though. When he was near Kaname he wasn't in control of himself. He wasn't sure exactly what he wanted but he was compelled to taste, to touch and … other things. He had actually groped the pureblood in the woods and had taken delight in the other vampire's responses Zero thought disdainfully. It was stimulating just remembering the feel of the brunette underneath him, the evidence of his excitement pressing into the hunter's thigh, Kaname's soft gasps as Zero touched him.

When did he start thinking of the pureblood by his first name the hunter thought, shifting angrily. He was now very attracted to the pureblood but he didn't want to be. It was so much easier to despise Kamane Kuran before he had begun to know him. Drinking from him had forced Zero to reevaluate his opinion of the pureblood though he still didn't understand him.

Why did Kaname repeatedly offer him his blood and let him drink? Was it to ensnare Zero somehow? Had the pureblood been trying to seduce him in the clearing? That didn't seem right. The way Zero remembered it he had pretty much forced himself on Kaname though the pureblood had clearly been excited and appeared to be eager for more. Why? Kaname was way out of his league. At the top of the food chain, purebloods could have anyone they desired, though it was expected they would marry other purebloods to carry on the lineage.

But, Zero thought darkly, they often kept an ex-human or two discretely on the side to satisfy sexual needs they wouldn't expect a mate to understand or fill. Well if that was what was the pureblood wanted, too bad. That was a role Zero wasn't willing to play.

Still, that line of thinking didn't explain why Kaname was so responsive to Zero's advances. Was Kaname playing, experimenting with him just for kicks? Maybe Kaname was looking for a little rough trade, Zero thought bitterly.

Zero tensed and sat up as he sensed the presence of an approaching vampire. There was only one vampire who was likely to come here but Yuki was asleep in her dorm and Chairman Cross had gone to bed hours earlier. So why was he here? It was as if the leech could sense Zero was thinking about him, the hunter fumed as he stood and switched on the bedside lamp.

There was a soft knock and Zero opened the door abruptly "What do you want Kuran?" he said striding away angrily.

Kaname assumed the open door was an invitation of sorts and he entered the room, closing the door quietly behind him. Zero stood facing him, looking as if he had deliberately chosen to move as far away as possible in the small room. The hunter's body language indicated he was irritated and the pureblood realized he'd need to go about this carefully.

Unfortunately the brunette was having a little trouble remembering what he had planned to say as the hunter was wearing jeans and a loose fitting T-shirt. The neck was low and Kaname's eyes were drawn to Zero's tattoo which was fully visible. The pureblood felt his libido stir and forcing himself to look at something else, anything else, said quietly. "I'd like to talk to you for a minute; about what happened between us in the woods."

"Talk away then." Zero replied coolly. He wasn't going to make this easy for the pureblood who seemed to be looking around interestedly. Zero studied him from across the room. He looks different somehow the hunter thought. The pureblood had an open, unguarded expression on his face and Zero realized it made him look younger, less sure of himself. Rough trade remember? Zero thought darkly as his heart thudded in his chest and his fingernails pressed into his palms.

The hunter moved stiffly to sit at the desk and Kaname looked around for a second seat. "May I?" he asked gesturing to the rumpled bed.

"Go ahead." Zero replied shortly. He was so angry right now he was afraid he would lose it if he said much more.

Kaname sat gingerly on the bed, and began to speak. "Lots of common vampires and even nobles share blood with family or friends and of course lovers." he said quietly. "Pureblood's don't usually blood share with anyone for lots of reasons, one of them being the unique benefits of drinking blood from a pureblood. You've must have noticed your strength and mental acuity has improved since you've feed from me." Kaname stated factually then winced mentally as Zero scowled. Way to go Kuran he thought to himself.

Kaname paused to reorganize his thoughts; the sociology lesson could wait. "When I offered you my blood and you accepted, something happened." He took a deep breath; it was best to get this out in the open. "I imprinted on you." he said quickly.

Zero sat motionless. "What do you mean." he enunciated carefully through clenched teeth. This wasn't what he had been expecting.

Kaname, about to rub his palms on his thighs, caught himself and stopped. "You've been drinking from me and now I'm physically and mentally conditioned to respond to you sexually. Though I was mildly attracted to you before that." he stated somewhat candidly. Well, a little more than mildly attracted but he didn't have to go there just yet.

"What the hell does that mean?" Zero hissed angrily. "That's crap. If that were true then every time a pureblood gave his blood to someone they'd end up in bed together."

"Well, that's more than likely." Kaname said. "A pureblood usually blood shares only with their chosen partner. It's part of the bonding process, to seal their covenant, if you will. And to give each other pleasure." he added honestly, though, from the fierce expression on the hunter's face that might not have been a good thing to mention just now.

Zero stood, furious. "If that's true why did you let me drink from you? You knew this would happen and you didn't care. Is that it? Did you think I'd just roll over for you? You thought you could just ….." Zero stopped, panting. He continued more slowly in a deliberately calmer tone. "You thought you could have sex with me whenever you wanted? That I'd be happy to have your attentions?" He was infuriated with the pureblood and his assumptions but he would not lose control.

"No. I didn't ever think like that. I didn't know I'd be affected. I've never blood shared with anyone other than you Zero." Kaname said earnestly. He looked at Zero but the hunter's expression was stony.

"I don't know of any pureblood who's ever given their blood to anyone other than their mate. I didn't realize it would have an effect if the recipient was an ex-human. I wanted to help you: I thought that maybe my blood might stop you from having to drink so often." the pureblood stated quietly, his eyes on the floor at his feet. This was going badly and he needed to be honest with the hunter. "Think about how I've treated you Zero. I've taken care never to be discourteous to you in front of others. I've always respected you. I can understand why you're upset and angry but you will still need to feed regularly and you can still drink my blood whenever you need to." he finished softly.

Zero moved to stand in front of the pureblood. He was beyond angry. He was furious and deeply hurt. The pureblood had offered his blood without thinking of the possible consequences to either of them; simply assuming since Zero was only an ex-human it didn't matter. And what was worse, Kaname was getting a sexual thrill every time he had given his blood to Zero. Maybe he should show the pureblood what it felt like to be used.

"So, you've been attracted to me for a while, but you weren't planning on taking me as a lover, right Kaname? And now you're conditioned to respond to me. But you're not trying to seduce me. Is that right?" the hunter enquired silkily, leaning in, his eyes glittering dangerously.

Kaname opened his mouth to reply and looked up at the hunter. Zero's skin was pale, a flush of colour across his cheeks, shadows from the lamp pooled in the hollow of his throat. His skin so close Kaname could see the pulse of blood moving under the intricate design of the tattoo. Kaname's body responded, heat shooting to his groin, pupils dilating, his heart rate and breathing accelerating.

Zero noted the pureblood's reaction and turning on his heel strode to the closet. He would teach Kaname to be more mindful of the consequences of his actions. The hunter had brought some of his personal things since he was staying here for a few days and he was looking for a particular item.

Disappointed the pureblood watched the younger vampire stalk away, every line of the lithe body radiating tension. Watched as the silver-haired vampire moved to the closet and reached up to the shelf; T-shirt riding up as he stretched, jeans hanging low on his hips, revealing the smooth muscles of his back.

Zero turned and came back with something in his hand. Get up." he said shortly, reaching for Kaname's arm and pulling him to his feet. "If we're going to do anything, it's on my terms. I don't trust you so wear these." he stated flatly, holding out what appeared to be some kind of wrist cuffs. "They're vampire restraints, used by hunters." Zero explained in answer to Kaname's blank look. As a pureblood you might be able to get out of them but it's unlikely. If you really aren't planning on using me then you'll wear them."

Kaname was torn. He was aroused just being in the same room as the hunter but he couldn't read the younger vampire right now and something was telling him this was a bad idea. "Zero, we don't have to do this. This is a lot of information for you to absorb. Maybe we should both get some rest and talk about this later." Kaname tried matter-of-factly.

The hunter ignored his comment. Anger and desire were blending together. Tendrils of excitement were running through his body making his groin and thighs tingle, his pulse race. "Come here Kaname. I want to touch you." Zero said persuasively reaching out and running the ball of his thumb across the brunette's bottom lip. Noting with satisfaction the pureblood's soft involuntary gasp in response. Still gripping Kaname's arm, Zero moved smoothly behind the pureblood, clicking the restraint on the brunette's wrist, and bringing his arm behind his back. If the pureblood wanted a little excitement and danger by fooling around with Zero he would give it to him.

Kaname was hyper aware of the hunter's close proximity and touch. He was wrestling with what he wanted to do and what he thought he should do. One of them should remain calm and end this now before they both did something they couldn't undue but even as he argued with himself Zero had his other arm behind him and the second cuff on his wrist.

Zero moved to stand in front and reached around, their hips brushing as he tightened the cuffs. Watching Kaname's face for a reaction he saw something flicker briefly in the pureblood's eyes. Was that apprehension? Was the pureblood afraid of him? The possibility the other vampire was maybe nervous or even scared helped diminish his anger. He didn't expect or want that reaction from the pureblood though he couldn't back down, not in front of the older vampire. But he could make sure he wouldn't hurt him.

Zero moved closer, hands lightly touching the pureblood's wrists. Leaning into his neck and shoulder, arms encircling Kaname, the hunter murmured soothing words. "It's okay. I won't hurt you. I just want to protect myself."

The pureblood had felt somewhat anxious as Zero tightened the cuffs. He probably could get out of them and for a moment he had felt an intense urge to break free of the restraints. But the hunter was nuzzling his neck and shoulder now and fear was receding. He heard Zero's soft words and was reassured. Zero was mouthing his skin, trailing moist kisses down his throat, and over his collarbone, silver hair tickling. Zero's trust had to be earned and he would do as the younger vampire asked the brunette reminded himself, his ardour returning. The hunter was now rubbing his palm over the planes of Kaname's chest, and the pureblood could feel the hunter's heat through the fabric of his shirt. Zero was using his other hand to undo the buttons. Kaname gave up trying to think and allowed himself to feel.

Zero spread the shirt open revealing smooth skin. He had enjoyed feeling the pureblood's nipple hardening under his hand. Now he rubbed small circles over the sensitive flesh, first with his palm then with the tips of his fingers. The pureblood moved his feet, widening his stance for balance, his thigh brushing against Zero's arousal as he moved. He was responding beautifully, heat radiating from his body; his breathing erratic especially when Zero touched a particularly sensitive area.

The hunter bent his head and drew first one then the other nipple into his mouth in turn, rolling each stiffening peak against his tongue. As he licked and caressed the pureblood's chest he trailed a hand over the hot skin, enjoying the feel of Kaname's muscles jumping as his knuckles reached past the pureblood's waistband and brushed the hollow of the pureblood's stomach. Dipping his hand inside the brunette's pants he drew back to check Kaname's reaction.

He paused, admiring the flushed features as the pureblood looked at him with glazed eyes, hair hanging in his face. The hunter reached up tenderly brushing the hair out of the pureblood's eyes. He moved closer and touched the other's hardness through the fabric of his briefs. The cloth was damp and Kaname gave an agonized moan as Zero touched him. Silver hair mixed with brown as the hunter moved in and covered Kaname's mouth with his own. The pureblood responded eagerly, parting his lips and allowing Zero access.

Zero lost himself in the texture and taste of the pureblood's mouth. The taste and feel of him was intoxicating. He had been trying to teach Kaname something but he couldn't remember what it was. Desire raced through him as he felt the pureblood's tongue shyly touch his own and he responded hungrily to the brunette's tentative advances, gripping the firm muscles of his rear with his free hand. He wanted to feel, to stroke Kaname's flesh.

Breaking the kiss the hunter slid around behind Kaname. Zero placed open-mouthed kisses along the other vampire's neck and looking over the pureblood's shoulder watched along with Kaname as Zero's shaking hands undid the pureblood's belt and trousers.

The brunette moaned deeply as Zero touched his aching flesh. The air felt cold to his overheated skin as Zero pushed his pants lower on his hips, fingers ghosting gently over the pureblood before he began to stroke his closed fist back and forwards along the length of Kaname's heated erection.

Kaname moved his hips alternately pushing into the tunnel of Zero's fist and back against the hunter. He could feel the hardness of the hunter against him. Sexual tension was coiling tightly in his lower abdomen, Zero's breaths and his own soft cries filling his ears and he knew he would climax soon.

"I want this to be good for you." the hunter whispered in his ear, moving his hand faster . The tone behind the words and the fact that the hunter was saying them tipped Kaname over and into freefall.

As he climaxed the brunette stiffened against Zero then sagged. His limbs felt loose and wobbly and he wasn't sure he could support his own weight.

The pureblood slid painfully against Zero's erection as he sank to his knees, head hanging forward, his face obscured by dark hair. The hunter stared dismayed. Had he hurt the brunette somehow? "Kaname, are you alright?" He asked tentatively. Awkwardly wiping his hand on a piece of dirty clothing lying on the bed, he moved in front of the pureblood.

Kaname raised his flushed face to Zero's. "Release me, Zero." the pureblood pleaded. "Let me touch you."

"Uh, no that's okay. You don't have to. I'm good." Zero responded quickly.

He was beginning to realize what he had done. Would Kaname kill him? He probably could, easily. He was starting to panic a little as the pureblood edged forward. Zero stepped back and felt his legs touch the bed. Kaname leaned in and mouthed Zero's arousal through his jeans. The hunter's body responded instantly, his previously softening member becoming rigid again under the brunette's touch.

"Aghh, Kaname." Zero moaned as the pureblood tugged on the flap of his jeans with his teeth.

Zero felt the button slip free and watched mesmerized as the brunette mouthed and licked the tiny sliver of exposed skin. Hands unzipped his jeans and Zero realized with a start that they were his own hands, which seemed to be operating without any guidance from his conscious mind. The jeans slipped down his thighs and Zero stepped out of them as the brunette first licked him, then took him deeply into his mouth.

The pureblood relished the feel of Zero's hot silky skin against his lips and tongue. He was not surprised that the hunter was not wearing underwear though for someone who had been so aggressive earlier, the hunter was now surprisingly reticent. But Kaname believed they had taken significant steps forward tonight and he was not going to let the hunter get away with pretending none of this had happened. The hunter had drawn out his passion and the intensity of his climax had astounded him. Now he wanted to do the same for his lover.

The brunette's head moved gently and Zero watched transfixed, the feel and sight of the pureblood drawing his length in and out providing double stimulation. No one had ever touched him like this before, in fact he had never kissed anyone before Kaname and the sensations were overwhelming. The hunter didn't know what to do with his hands, he wanted to touch Kaname but was afraid the pureblood would feel forced. He settled for resting his hands on the brunette's shoulders gently. He now regretted using the cuffs. If Kaname was willing to give him pleasure like this then there was no subterfuge involved. He would accept this gift at face value and give himself over to the sensations the pureblood was wringing out of him.

Deliberately taking him deeper the pureblood moved faster. Kaname had never done this before but all he had to do was what he thought he himself would like and from the younger vampire's reactions, he was doing it right. The hunter's tension had eased and he seemed to be conceding to his body's responses, allowing himself to savour this experience. He felt Zero's hand move from his shoulder to the nape of his neck, fingers tangling in Kaname's hair as the hunter unconsciously stroked the pureblood's skin. Kaname could tell Zero was close now and increased the rhythm again.

"K..Kaname… you'd better stop." Zero moaned.

The brunette persisted and felt Zero's hands tighten on him even as his essence flooded his mouth. The pureblood continued relentlessly even as Zero's body shook with tremors. He tenderly cleaned the hunter's flesh and only then did he release him.

Zero sank down to sit on the bed, emotionally drained and incapable of thought. After a moment he realized he was sitting there with no pants on and stood, awkwardly shuffling into his discarded jeans. The brunette was watching him quietly, still kneeling in front of Zero, arms restrained behind his back, shirt hanging open, his pants undone and still low on his hips.

The hunter dropped to his knees, and kneeling in front of the pureblood, removed the cuffs with a twist and click. The pureblood stood and began to dress. Zero stood, waiting for the pureblood's response. The intimacy of what they had done was both wonderful and frightening and he was emotionally off balance.

Kaname touched the hunter's face tenderly. He could see the other was floundering and he had to handle the younger vampire gently right now or they'd be back where they started. "I'm not going to class tomorrow night. I know you'll need to feed by then. Will you come to me, please?" he murmured softly.

Zero looked at him with agonized eyes. "I can't Kaname. I don't want to be dependent on you. I don't want to need you, to owe you. I can't submit to you Kaname, not mentally or physically. I'm sorry." the hunter finished miserably. The pureblood seemed to care about him, a least a little, and Zero had to admit he cared about the other vampire more than he had realized. Kaname was the only person to know so much about him and even with this knowledge he was still offering companionship, maybe even friendship. All Zero had to do was surrender his body. Here was a chance to ease his crushing loneliness yet he was throwing it away because of pride. He watched the brunette wretchedly, waiting for the other's reaction.

The pureblood smiled ruefully. "I've never asked you to submit to me. You're the only one that doesn't Zero. Don't you know how special that makes you? And if we need each other is that such a bad thing?" he paused and then continued. I'll never expect you to submit to me Zero, but I am asking that you be my lover." And with preternatural speed the brunette was through the door and gone; but not before Zero had seen the pink flush staining his cheeks.