A/N: This chapter deals with the Yuki factor. I decided to stay canon in that Yuki is Kaname's sister but obviously since this a male/male fic they aren't betrothed. Also we know from the manga that Cain tells Zero that as he was bitten by Shizuka Hio there is now a bond between the two and we can see it reacts when she's near. That much is canon. The rest of this chapter is my imagination as inspired by Blackened Wing and her excellent fics Crimson Door and Blood Moon. You could say her works are the canon fics of Kaname and Zero pairings.

Disclaimer: I definitely don't own Vampire Knight. I'm just having some fun with the boys.

Warning for cliffhanger. I've almost finished the next part but had to break here due to the length. It will be the last one though.

Chapter 8

Kaname stared out of the window deep in thought, his eyes seeing nothing. The other night students sat around him, displaying various degrees of attention to the lecturer as he droned on ceaselessly.

It wouldn't be time for Zero to need to drink for a few more days, Kaname judged. His blood seemed to be stabilizing Zero and the hunter didn't feel the need to drink so often now. The pureblood sighed internally. He almost regretted some of the more beneficial aspects his blood provided. It seemed he only saw Zero when the hunter needed to feed, though their "feeding" sessions usually turned into extended foreplay. Zero didn't need blood as frequently but so far, since that first time in his room, they had ended up sleeping together every time the hunter drank. Well, not actually asleep together like some sort of lovebirds Kaname thought amused. He wouldn't mind, but the younger vampire could be pretty prickly when he felt like it. Kaname tried to imagine putting his arm around Zero's shoulder in a gesture of affection. Imaginary Zero took umbrage and imaginary Kaname's arm was soundly brushed off. Kaname snorted in amusement, receiving an inquiring look from Takuma.

Shaking his head in an "it's nothing" gesture, Kaname went back to staring out into the darkness and daydreaming. It seemed he spent a lot of time thinking of the silver haired hunter these days. Just this evening as showered before class, the familiar scent of his shower gel had reminded him of the hunter and the time their time spent together in Kaname's shower. They had never showered together since, but Kaname had found himself becoming aroused while in the shower on a number of occasions, guiltily imagining Zero's lips or his hands touching him. It was inconvenient. More than once he had arrived to class slightly breathless and flushed, his pureblood scent broadcasting stronger than usual as a result of his heightened body temperature. His years of practice in presenting a calm, collected façade and cool reserve had stood him in good stead and if they wondered, no one asked why the pureblood prince's scent was so strong at the start of class. He knew even if the others noticed, none of them would comment, but he would still be mortified if anyone suspected he was fantasizing in his shower.

Kaname couldn't help it though. With practice, Zero was now much more skilled at drawing blood. He used his teeth; tongue and lips with practiced ease, and seemed to take great delight in relentlessly stimulating Kaname as he drank. The act of giving his blood to the hunter had become almost unbearable erotic. Even now his throat throbbed gently, as if to remind him, or perhaps the hunter was near by he thought eagerly. He suspected Zero's libido was less demanding than his own because surely if the hunter was suffering from physical need and wanted Kaname he would seek him out wouldn't he? If the hunter felt he needed an excuse he could always feign a need to drink. But even as he completed the thought, Kaname intuitively knew Zero wouldn't do that. The hunter was annoyingly proud and stubborn. He would rather deny himself physically than admit he wanted or needed anything. The pureblood suspected somehow that was even truer if that particular need involved him. The phrase "cutting off one's nose to spite one's own face" came to mind. Besides, he hadn't actually made any effort either had he? How could he expect Zero to own up to his desires and confess his needs without some indication from Kaname that they would be accepted? He could at least met Zero halfway couldn't he?

Meaningful relationships obviously took work. Kaname shifted restlessly, uncrossing and recrossing his long legs. It seemed such a long time ago that he had imagined himself falling in love, being captivated by someone who loved him and whom he loved in return. That seemed naive now. It wasn't quite like that with Zero but he didn't want to be involved with the hunter and in a relationship with someone else too. That wouldn't be fair to Zero or the other person. Whether by accident or design it didn't matter. He had chosen to share his blood with Zero. He had a responsibility to the hunter and he would not abandon him. Kaname unconsciously sat a little straighter, squaring his shoulders. Essentially, it was Zero or no one. It was simple really, when he laid it all out like that.

So, Kaname mused. Could he have something special with the grumpy hunter? They had very strong sexual chemistry, though the pureblood shut down that line of thought, moving on quickly before he experienced a physical response right here in class. Just as important as physical attraction, he respected Zero and he thought the hunter respected him and Kaname believed there was real affection between them. They had a good foundation for a relationship. Many long-term vampire relationships were based on much less. But if he wanted their relationship to move forward it was clear he was going to have to be the more mature one here and swallow his pride. Kaname felt an irrational surge of irritation. Why should he have to woo Zero? Because he knew Zero wouldn't even think of trying to court him he answered himself resignedly. If he wanted more out of this then he had to work for it.

Besides, if he was truthful with himself, he had wanted more since the first time Zero had agreed to drink from him. His body had been thrumming with energy, his entire being hyper alert the moment Zero had reluctantly said yes. To deny it would be deluding himself. His actions only served as proof. He was naturally inclined to be more assertive physically yet he always held back, letting Zero dominate him in bed every time, taking his cues from Zero, not pushing back. He wasn't complaining. The sex was so much better than he had ever imagined, but a part of him longed to reciprocate. He wished, just a little bit, that it wasn't always quite so much effort. That the hunter was just a little less repressed and perhaps a little more, well, versatile. Wouldn't it be wonderful if one day Zero offered himself to Kaname in return, or perhaps at least give some sign that he welcomed Kaname's caresses, the pureblood thought ruefully. He knew Zero liked it when Kaname touched him but did he actually want him to do so? Fate seemed to have a sense of humour, the pureblood mused. She had given him a prickly, stubborn and proud, male partner who was unlikely to play the role of a delicate wide-eyed, blushing uke.

His musings were cut short as movement outside caught his attention, his keen eyesight easily identifying the familiar silver haired figure. Kaname was on his feet, drawing everyone's attention before he realized it. The pureblood excused himself politely as he left the classroom. He'd been thinking about Zero and here he was. It was serendipity wasn't it?

"Zero," Kaname called. His long strides covered the ground rapidly, catching up to the hunter who had stopped, waiting for him.

"Is everything okay?" Kaname asked, mentally reminding himself not to pounce on the younger vampire right here and now. There was a slight breeze and Zero was standing upwind. Kaname's keen sense of smell picked up the hunter's fragrance. It was delightful as always and he allowed himself to breathe deeply.

"It's fine Kaname, I was just checking the grounds before turning in," Zero replied. It surprised him sometimes how much easier it could be to talk to the pureblood now. Why had he always thought him so unapproachable before?

"You're going to bed?" Kaname asked, trying not to sound disappointed.

Zero stared at the pureblood. "Well I was going to unwind a little first," the hunter said a little puzzled. He was getting better at reading the pureblood but he wasn't sure what was that particular tone meant. It sounded sort of wistful.

"Uh, why aren't you in class Kaname?" Zero asked. "You don't have to tell me," he added quickly, realizing his question sounded more like an admonishment than an enquiry. Zero knew the pureblood wasn't a risk to the day students. He shouldn't care what Kaname was doing. It wasn't really any of his business.

The pureblood smiled. "I'm cutting classes tonight," he said mischievously. "Do you want to come to my rooms? I can teach you how to play chess. It's a pleasant way to unwind."

The idea had come to him as he stood there and might allow him to spend sometime with the younger vampire. Perhaps they could get to know each other a little better this way and develop their relationship. He could control himself and spend time with Zero without having sex, surely. He liked Zero's company. The hunter didn't expect him to behave in a certain way and treated him as an equal. Others would perhaps have found that offensive had they known, but Kaname found it refreshing. He cherished the hunter's ability to ignore vampire social constraints.

"I know how to play chess Kaname," Zero said slowly. It was annoying that Kaname would assume he didn't. "In fact, I have a chess board in my room too." The hunter scowled as he realized his words could be interpreted as an invitation.

"We can go to your room Zero, if you prefer," Kaname said quietly. He really wanted to spend time with Zero but he didn't want to force himself on the hunter. "Perhaps you're tired though. You're keeping to a day schedule right?" Kaname asked. If Zero didn't want to spend time with him right now he was okay with that he told himself. They had plenty of time. He could be patient.

Zero bristled at the implication that he was too tired, too physically inferior, to keep up with the pureblood. He opened his mouth to issue a heated reply but paused. It had been sometime since they'd been together. Was the older vampire lonely? Kaname was expected to distance himself from anyone of a lower station and since he was the only pureblood around, Zero suspected he spent a lot of time alone in his rooms. The other vampires probably weren't much company anyway; hanging on his every word and making big cow eyes at the pureblood. Besides, being in Zero's room gave him the home advantage and he had been contemplating trying something with the pureblood. It didn't have to be tonight though he reminded himself. Not if he didn't feel like it.

"Zero? Are you okay?" Kaname asked mild concern evident in his voice.

Zero realized he still hadn't responded. "I'm fine Kaname. Let's go to my room. I'm still at the Chairman's house," Zero stated firmly.

The walk wasn't long but they walked in silence both engrossed in their own thoughts. Kaname wondered why Zero had agreed to play chess. He had seemed about to refuse the pureblood's offer and Kaname was somewhat surprised he had accepted. Still, he reminded himself, it didn't necessarily mean the hunter wanted blood or sex, but Zero was very capable of making his desires known Kaname thought hopefully. Still, if the hunter didn't make any physical overtures Kaname wouldn't either. It was unlikely but possible Zero simply wanted to be with him. Kaname's heart warmed at the thought.

Zero walked quietly occasionally glancing at the taller vampire from the under the cover of his long bangs. It was strange to be taking Kaname to his room. A few months ago he would have never expected to be doing so but here he was. Since he had started drinking Kaname's blood he was feeling much more stable physically and emotionally. Not having to constantly fight cravings for blood allowed him more rest and as a result he was more emotionally stable. He didn't suffer from bloodlust nearly as often and Kaname appeared almost before Zero realized he needed him. Perhaps Kaname could tell when was thirsty because Zero had bitten him so many times now. The hunter had spent some time researching vampire blood sharing and bonds but a lot of the information was confusing or contradictory.

As they walked Zero's knuckles inadvertently brushed against the back of Kaname's hand. The hunter's body gave a little involuntarily start and a little ripple of pleasure coursed quickly through his body from head to toe leaving him pleasantly keyed up. Kaname responded too, glancing quickly at Zero before looking ahead again. Only the slight flush at the pureblood's throat indicating just how the brush of their skin affected him.

The accidental contact now took Zero's thoughts in a different direction. The pureblood was a passionate and eager lover. He seemed to delight in Zero's body and seemed to enjoy doing anything, that left Zero squirming and crying out the pureblood's name breathlessly. Zero was aware he was a lot more sexually uptight than the sensual brunette but he knew he gave Kaname pleasure. Many times he had reduced the pureblood to a quivering mass of nerve endings just by the use of his mouth on the pureblood's throat. Zero often deliberately took his time until Kaname was trembling all over, his hands buried in Zero's hair, urging him onwards as he slowly plunged his teeth into Kaname's tender flesh. And Kaname was so responsive to his touch too. Zero loved how sensitive the pureblood was and delighted in stimulating and pleasuring Kaname. They always ended up having sex together. Would they do something like that tonight? He didn't need blood and they'd never done it just because they wanted to please each other. Did Kaname want Zero to seduce him? Would he be rejected if he tried to, without feeding first? The hunter was so lost in his thoughts he almost walked into Kaname who had stopped, waiting for him to unlock the front door.

"The Chairman's away tonight," Zero said shortly as they stepped inside. Would Kaname want to spend time with him if he didn't need to feed or if Kaname didn't want to have sex? He realized he didn't know. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all.

"Do you need anything? Something to eat or drink?" Zero asked, his voice carefully neutral.

Kaname watched the hunter's face for some indication of his thoughts. Something was a little off. Careful, Kaname cautioned himself. You don't know why he invited you here. Have a little patience.

"I'm fine, thank you, Zero," Kaname replied politely.

The hunter led him to the guest room, flicking the wall switch as they entered, which turned on the bedside lamp.

"The board's in the closet," Zero said as he walked to the closet and stretched, reaching up to the top shelf.

Kaname watched the hunter's lithe body, watching the way Zero had to stretch up on his toes to reach the shelf. He remembered the previous time he had seen Zero reach up to the top shelf and what had followed after. The pureblood was very tempted to go over and stand behind the hunter, an arm around Zero's chest as he leaned against and over him to reach the board. Instead, he took off his jacket and vest, and folded them carefully as he looked around for a place to set up the game.

The desk was piled with books and papers and anyway it wasn't designed for two people to sit at it. The night table was too small. That left the bed. The pureblood looked up as he felt the younger boy's gaze on him.

"I guess the bed's the only option," Zero said and then flushed as he saw the corner of Kaname's mouth tug upwards. Zero chose to ignore the double meaning of his poorly chosen words and thrust the wooden box into Kaname's hands. "You set up the board, I'm gonna change," he muttered. Crap. Why did everything he say seem to be a sexual innuendo? Having Kaname here didn't give him an advantage. It was nerve wracking. He felt like a teenager on his first date and afraid of screwing up.

Zero pulled jeans and a t-shirt from his dresser and hesitated. He was comfortable with nudity, he'd grown up first sharing a room with his twin and later living in the boys' dorm but if he changed in front on Kaname it might look like a sleazy come on. If Kaname wasn't here for sex it would be awkward. Especially if the pureblood felt obligated to explain he wasn't interested. Zero knew he didn't want to hear it, even if it was true. But he'd already said he was changing so now he had to. He had wondered if Kaname would like to change out of his uniform but Zero didn't think he had any pants that would fit. Kaname was taller than him and a little thinner. Anyway, asking Kaname if he wanted to get out of his clothes was a verbal minefield he wasn't prepared to deal with right now. Zero sighed, quickly pulling off his jacket, vest, tie and shirt, and dropping them where he stood as he tugged the t-shirt over his head. A quick glance at Kaname confirmed he was studiously ignoring Zero and setting up the chess game in the middle of the bed. Zero tugged his pants off and grabbed his jeans, stopping when he heard a snort of amusement.

"What's so funny?" Zero snapped as he spun around. Kaname was looking at him and trying not to let his amusement show.

"I like your boxers," Kaname said soberly.

Zero looked down. Damn it. Any hope he might have been entertaining of seducing the pureblood curled up and died. He'd been behind in his laundry and hadn't done any till after classes this afternoon. He'd put on his last pair of clean underwear this morning and hadn't seen a reason to change them when he finished the laundry. The only clean underwear he'd had were a pair of boxers the stupid Chairman had bought him as a gift last Christmas. They had insanely cheerful yellow smiley faces all over them, which was the reason they always stayed in the drawer.

Pulling his jeans on, Zero said stiffly, with as much dignity as he could muster, "they were a gift."

The pureblood's lips twitched before he broke down and laughed out loud. Despite his agitation Zero could see the humour in his situation and he found himself smiling. Kaname's chuckles tapered off and the pureblood looked at him, still smiling slightly.

"Who on Earth would buy you those?" he asked, his expressive brown eyes shining with merriment.

"Who else but Chairman Cross," Zero said shaking his head as he moved to sit with Kaname. He knew what was expected of him now and the nervous tension he had felt was gone. Zero didn't have to worry about misinterpreting any signals. Obviously Kaname didn't want sex tonight. Surely if someone wanted to be seduced they didn't laugh at your underwear. But it was going to be okay, the hunter thought. He didn't need blood and Kaname wasn't here for sex but he was still here. Somehow that made Zero feel happy.

They sat on the bed, the board between them. Zero sat cross-legged while Kaname chose to dangle one long leg over the side of the bed, the other tucked under him. Zero had graciously allowed Kaname his choice of colours and naturally he had chosen white. They had only been playing for a short time but Zero was already losing.

"I thought maybe Yuki had given them to you," Kaname said suddenly. At Zero's blank look he elaborated. " I mean the boxers."

"Why would Yuki give me boxers?" Zero asked bewildered.

"I suppose for the same reason as the Chairman. A humourous gift?" Kaname replied. He hesitated then took a breath and forged ahead.

"Zero, what is Yuki to you?" Kaname asked, sounding just a little breathless. If Zero harboured romantic feelings towards Yuki then his relationship with the hunter was over before it started.

The hunter stared at Kaname, one hand poised over the board. He'd been about to reach for his chess piece. Why was Kaname asking now? Was he angry, thinking Zero wanted the same girl? It was no secret to Zero that Kaname was emotionally involved with Yuki. He was always so sweet and caring towards her. Everyone could see how the pureblood felt about her.

Zero answered carefully. "I ….. love her." Uh oh, Kaname had stiffened and was sitting statue still. His eyes burning holes into Zero's as the hunter struggled to put his feelings into words. "She's like a little sister to me. She's concerned about me, she looks out for me, she tries to take care of me, but she's so scatterbrained at times," Zero continued. "If I don't keep an eye on her she'll get herself in real trouble one of these days."

Zero watched the pureblood as he tried to gauge Kaname's reaction. Had he gone too far? Maybe he shouldn't have described her as scatterbrained? It really was how he felt about Yuki though. Once he had maybe thought of her more romantically but it was a schoolboy's crush and he had quickly realized she wasn't right for him. No need to confess that to Kaname though. Zero released the breath he'd been holding as some of the tension seemed to leave the pureblood's body.

"What does she mean to you, Kaname?" Zero countered quietly. He suddenly really wanted to know. How did he fit in if Kaname was in love with Yuki? Was the pureblood waiting for Yuki to grow up a little before he began to court her? What would that mean for him when that happened he wondered, absently rubbing his chest. It was tight and aching suddenly. Maybe he was getting heartburn or indigestion. He'd never had either before but it was possible.

Kaname continued to hold the hunter's gaze as he answered. "Yuki is very special to me. She is my dear girl and very precious to me. I love her as a brother loves his sister," Kaname finished. There. That was close enough to the truth wasn't it? He didn't want to lie to Zero but he couldn't afford to risk jeopardizing Yuki's safety. But even as he completed that line of reasoning he knew Zero would never do anything to harm Yuki. It seemed they were of like mind where she was concerned and Kaname was relieved for more than one reason.

"You know, I would die for her, but I can't be with her all the time," Kaname continued slowly. "I have enemies that would delight in harming anyone I care about. But you watch out for her. I know you'll keep her safe, and I'm grateful."

Zero watched the pureblood as he spoke. He knew what Kaname was talking about. Yuki was special. Kaname's eyes were warm pools of chocolate, focused intently on Zero and the hunter was filled with warmth as he found himself nodding slowly. He would continue to watch over Yuki, for her sake and for Kaname's.

Zero lowered his head, attempting to ignore the butterflies flitting around in his stomach. Something in the pureblood's gaze and tone was giving him a serious case what the Chairman referred to as warm fuzzies. How did just a look from the pureblood manage to do that to him, the hunter thought disgustedly? He returned his attention to the game. Kaname was a master at strategy and Zero was a little awed at how effortlessly the pureblood could understand the implications of each move. Did he carry this ability through to his everyday experiences Zero wondered? If so what had he expected from Zero when he offered his blood? Clearly he had known Zero would be in a better position to look after Yuki but the pureblood had as much as admitted he hadn't foreseen their involvement. Zero wasn't sure what they were to each other but they were more than just sex buddies or friends with benefits. He knew that much.

Reaching out, the hunter placed his piece on the board and made his move. "Does it hurt when I bite you?" he asked.

"What?" Kaname asked sounding surprised and looking up.

"You know, when I bite you, sometimes, I'm … not gentle. Does it hurt much?" Zero asked again. He gnawed on his lip unconsciously as he waited for the pureblood's response.

The brunette looked at Zero intently as he prepared to answer. His instincts were telling him this was an important question. "Well," he began, "sometimes when you want it to hurt me, it does. A lot. But other times, you're very considerate and it doesn't hurt at all. Every time though, it feels great," Kaname answered honestly. "I like it when you bite me, and even when it hurts, it feels really good, because it's you."

"When I was bitten the pain was excruciating and it didn't feel good, it felt degrading," Zero responded softly. He rolled a discarded pawn back and forth on the bedcovers with his index finger, his eyes downcast.

"That's different," Kaname responded equally softly.

"How?" Zero asked looking up. His lilac eyes shimmering with repressed emotion.

"Well, for one, you were fully human. If you allowed me to, and I were to drink from you now, your body would respond very differently." The pureblood tried to be matter of fact but his voice sounded husky with emotion even to his own ears.

Kaname looked at the pawn under Zero's finger. "Even if we ignore the human versus vampire factor there's another important point. Maybe it would make more sense if I demonstrate. Hold on to that chess piece Zero. Don't let go," he stated firmly.

Zero complied, curling his fingers over the the pawn, holding it securely in his palm. Kaname placed his hand over Zero's. Slowly but relentlessly he pried the hunter's fingers back. The struggle was silent and brief and Zero clenched his fist tightly, but physics and strength won out and Kaname was able to take the pawn, tossing and catching the piece lightly in the air a few times as the confused hunter looked on.

"Now would you choose and pass me another piece, please Zero?" the pureblood asked quietly.

The silver haired vampire picked a piece at random and wordlessly held it out for Kaname to take. He didn't know where the pureblood was going with this, but this was important to him and Kaname seemed to be treating his question seriously.

The pureblood reached out and gently took the piece from Zero's open palm. His finger tips lightly grazing the hunter's skin as he did so, making the hunter shiver.

"That's the difference Zero," the brunette said softly. "Pain is relative. Both the response and intensity are different if something is taken by brute force or if given freely. Think about the difference between someone's first time with their first lover and a sex act that's forced upon another. It's true both involve a degree of pain but there's really no comparison. What was done to your family and to you was a truly terrible thing, something that should never have occurred and as a pureblood I'm deeply ashamed. My parents were pacifists Zero," the brunette continued sincerely. "I have never taken blood from an unwilling donor and I would never do that to anyone, especially you," Kaname finished softly.

Zero was only slightly surprised to realize he fully believed him. He knew instinctively that Kaname would never take something that wasn't offered freely.

"What if I offered my blood to you Kaname?" he asked. His words a little rushed, tumbling over each other.

He'd been thinking about this for a while. Kaname obviously enjoyed it so much when Zero drank from him and the hunter knew blood sharing between vampires was somehow really important. The books he'd looked at seemed to consider it as much more important than sex, at least for a pureblood. If that was true then he was being very selfish in denying Kaname. Though Zero was pretty scared about being bitten, well more like terrified, Kaname had done so much for him already. He slowed his decent to a Level E and Zero was more physically rested and emotionally stable than he'd been since being attacked four years ago. Besides this wasn't about him and he wanted to give something back to the pureblood. Though he couldn't tolerate them, he knew from experience blood tablets were bland. It was a silly analogy and he wouldn't tell it to the pureblood but Zero thought maybe taking blood tablets might be a little like taking vitamin C supplements because you were forbidden to have oranges. He wasn't ready to give voice to his feelings yet, even to himself, and he was still wary of being hurt, but maybe this act might express how he was beginning to feel about the pureblood.

Kaname blinked. Zero didn't just offer to share his blood did he?

"You don't have to. I would never ask that of you Zero," the pureblood said carefully. He watched Zero. The younger boy was tense. Zero's hands were resting on his knees and Kaname could see Zero's fingers were trembling slightly; maybe it was his whole body that was shaking, not just his hands. Kaname couldn't tell.

"But if I wanted to?" Zero asked. Both of them could hear the slight wobble in his voice.

Kaname's heart swelled with emotion. He desperately wanted to think Zero cared about him enough to offer this but the hunter might not know what he was giving. He wasn't raised with vampires and even now didn't actually live among them.

"You'd have to be very sure. Do you know what it would mean, if you blood shared with me?" Kaname questioned gently.

Zero's head was lowered, his face hidden by his silver hair but he raised his head and met the pureblood's eyes.

"It would mean completion wouldn't it? The bond would come full circle, no beginning and without end. At least that's what the books said," Zero continued, his fingers playing nervously with the hem of his jeans. Was the pureblood going to laugh at him now?

Kaname reached for Zero's restless fingers. They were cold and he warmed them in his hands. "It provides pleasure to both participants Zero, but more importantly it symbolizes a joining or union between two people. Would you wish to express that?" the pureblood asked quietly. He couldn't believe Zero was even asking about this and he didn't dare hope. But if the hunter was thinking about maybe blood sharing with Kaname one day, even if he never followed through, it made him stupidly happy.

Zero's long pale lashes were lowered and Kaname couldn't see the hunter's eyes but he heard the younger vampire's soft response.

"Yes."

Chapter end.