A/N: This whole chapter is dedicated to our two favorite vampires and their 'date.' I wanted to shift their relationship to another level while seeming natural and not at all forced. I hope I did well.

To all those who reviewed so far, thank you very much. The feedback really helps. Some of you asked me questions I can't really answer, without revealing some parts of the plot. And some of you gave me a few ideas. *wink*

Chapter 9: Vampire's Night Out

"Just what exactly is this place?" Kaname looked around with dismay in his eyes. It was a little too crowded and noisy for his tastes. And where that strange smell came from?

The ex-human next him chuckled, amused by the pureblood's reaction. He briefly wondered if he should have picked some place better suited for vampires, especially the ones raised with the silver spoon, but then there was the risk that some of the higher level vampires would recognize Kuran. And seeing how excitedly the pureblood observed people at the market during the day, Zero wanted to take him to some human establishment instead. Because if the king ever wished to learn more about the daily life of common folk, this would be the second best place to go right after the market.

"It's called a tavern." Zero answered, even though he was sure Kaname was able to figure out so much by himself. "It might not look like it, but the food here is really good. Let's go sit over there." The hunter pointed towards one of the corners.

Since most of the patrons preferred to sit around the fireplace or near the pub counter, the farthest corner was almost always empty, making it the best place if one wanted to have at least some privacy in this place.

Zero headed towards their table, quickly scanning the area, glad that he didn't see any hunters around. He picked up the farthest tavern from the hunter headquarters he could think of, but one can never be too sure. It wasn't the most luxurious place, since it was mostly frequented by the poorer class and it certainly won't win any prices for tidiness any time soon, but the meals here were quite superb.

The waitress was by their table, as soon as they sat down. She put down automatically two pints of beer in front of them.

"What can I get you gentlemen?" She asked more politely than usual, smiling at them sweetly. Looking at their fancy clothes, she decided they were probably more worth of her time than those poor drunkards up front.

"Let's see. A spiced trout, two bowls of vegetable stew and some bread." Zero ordered for both of them, before Kaname could even start to wonder what they could actually serve in a place like this.

"If that would be all, I'll be right back." The waitress hummed in approval. She could already imagine how much tip money these well-dressed strangers will leave her.

Kaname raised eyebrows seeing as Zero took the initiative to order for both of them, but otherwise didn't comment, only nodding in appreciation. He wouldn't know what to order in this place anyway.

Instead, the pureblood took the opportunity to look around more closely at the people around. Most of the patrons were gathered up front, nearby the fireplace. The bard stood in the center, playing a lute and singing about long gone battles ant its heroes. Some of the men sang along, others were seemed to be more interested in playing dice.

A few easy women circled around, trying to lure some customers. The red headed one caught a glimpse of the two vampires and started to head their way. Her eyes twinkling from anticipation of wealthy pray. But one warning look from Kaname was enough to freeze her on spot. She suddenly seemed to lose all interest in them and quickly returned to sit beside another wealthier looking patron.

All of sudden a loud cry came from one of the tables. The pureblood turned his gaze in its direction. One of the gamblers swept the dice set from the table in anger. Others burst out laughing at his antics. These men seemed have too much to drink already. But that obviously didn't stop them from ordering more. Most of them seemed to be regulars, trying to drown their sorrows in alcohol and forget about hard day at least for a while.

Speaking of hardships; Kaname took out something from his pocket thinking about what happened earlier.

"I have one too, you know." Zero's voice interrupted him from his musings.

The ex-human fished something from his coat pocket, taking it out. He put it down on table next to Kaname's. It was a rose bud, too. A little dried already, but still maintained its perfect shape. Zero's flower was white, while the pureblood's one was red. Kaname smiled, he found it strangely fitting.

"I met those kids at the market once, and got it in exchange for one silver." The ex-human explained, smiling nostalgically at the memory.

That gave Kaname an idea. "Zero, you're an orphan, too. Did you ever need to steal to survive?" He couldn't imagine living like that…

"Not really." The young vampire shrugged. "I guess I was lucky, since I had a guardian. An old family friend took care of me. Without him, I would have probably ended the same as those kids."

"Not really?" The pureblood didn't miss the subtle phrasing.

"Well, I was just a child, my allowance was almost null. And those freshly baked, good-smelling pies looked really delicious. But hey, once I was earning my own money I did secretly give that old lady a pouch of coins. Repaying for all those I stole from her during those years."

The pureblood leaned his head on one hand, hiding his smile. "Hmm, behind that frowning face of yours seems to hide a very kind-hearted person." He found that twinkling in those silver eyes very alluring.

Zero frowned in response, making Kaname's smile widen. But before the ex-human could come up with some retort, the waitress appeared before them with their order.

"Here you go, gentlemen. Anything else to drink?" She asked, seeing as they had finished their drinks already.

"Yes, two more beers, please." This time it was Kaname who placed the order.

Zero raised eyebrows at the pureblood requesting more alcohol. "I thought you were more of a wine person."

"I am. But I think the beer fits this place better. Don't you think?" Kaname was sure they didn't have any good wine here anyway, and he wasn't that eager to drink some cheap plonk.

Zero only nodded, too distracted having finally something to eat, to offer any more comments at the moment. He almost forgot how hungry he was.

But a few big bites later, Zero's hunger abated enough for him, to be able once again to concentrate on something else. He glanced at the pureblood, while the other returned to observing the patrons up front. Zero smiled, the pureblood's manners were too refined for a place like this. He still held his posture as if he was eating with silverware and not some old wooden spoon in some gloomy tavern.

Zero was glad that Kaname seemed to be in much better mood now than after that whole marketplace incident.

"Well?" The hunter finally asked.

"Well, what?" The pureblood's attention turned back at him.

"Well, is it good enough for your royal taste buds, your highness?"

"It's good. Surprisingly." The pureblood eyed the bowl in front of him, wondering when the last time was washed. But despite the possible lack of hygiene, the stew wasn't bad at all. He took a bite from the spiced trout and decided. "Nothing can compete with Bertha's cooking, but this is quite good, actually." He admitted. "Maybe, I'll send someone for the recipe."

Zero nodded, smiling slightly. He was quite pleased that his choice of meal agreed with the pureblood. He and Yagari would sometimes come here to celebrate a successful hunt, ordering a big portion of spiced trout. It was Zero's favorite and some part of him wanted to share it with pureblood.

The hunter frowned at his thoughts and downed half of his beer to drown them, before he might start to worry about where that came from.

After the meal, the two of them ordered one more round of drinks, conversing about various topics, enjoying the overall atmosphere. They were getting a little tipsy, and it wasn't just them. Some patrons were getting noisier. The lone bard was joined by a few other musicians and the music picked up the tempo. Quite a number of folks started dancing.

"Hello boys, won't you join us?" It was the red headed girl from before with one of her 'coworkers'. She gestured towards the group of dancing people. It seemed that alcohol gave her more courage and this time she didn't let herself be discouraged by pureblood's warning look.

Her friend fidgeted behind her nervously, blushing. She admired her friend's courage. If she was the one to invite two handsome men like that to dance, she would turn to stuttering mess.

The fact that Kaname was even considering the offer was showing how drunk the pureblood was getting. He glanced at Zero, but the ex-human shook his head resolutely, mouthing the word discreet. He obviously didn't think it was a good idea to draw any attention on them.

"I'm sorry ladies, but it seems my companion doesn't feel like it." Kaname smiled charmingly, kissing the red headed girl's hand goodbye. "Maybe next time."

Zero rolled his eyes at his gentlemen-like manners. These were just some easy girls, but it seems that in pureblood's eyes every woman was a lady no matter her occupation.

"Uh, I-I see." The girl blushed, losing her audacity. She wasn't used to be treated like that. Taking her friend's arm, she nodded slightly. "But next time, you owe us a dance." She winked at them, before taking her leave.

"You heard the lady, Zero. You owe me one dance." The pureblood quipped, earning himself a chuckle and another eye-roll.

"Yeah, yeah. But we should really go, it's getting late." The ex-human sipped the last of his beer. He too was feeling quite tipsy and felt it was the highest time to stop, before he got seriously drunk.

"What?" He noticed how the pureblood's face turned serious all of sudden.

"Uh-huh. I forgot that I gave my money pouch to those kids."

"Are you serious?" Zero tried not to laugh, but despite his best efforts he found the corners of his mouth twitching. What was that saying again, for goodness to beggary? "How much money was in it?"

"I don't know, a few hundred silver coins?" The pureblood shrugged.

This time Zero really did burst out laughing. "Only a few hundred silver coins? I see… and what do you expect them to use these money for? Buy the whole orphanage?" Really, leave it to the king to bring more money for one day trip, than the most town folks earned in year. Those kids were really lucky.

"Yeah, yeah laugh it up." Kaname crossed his arms, almost sulking at the way Zero made fun of him. It was a spur of the moment thing, a random act of kindness.

"You must be the poorest king I know right now." The ex-human continued snickering, he couldn't help himself. He blamed it entirely on the alcohol.

"I'm the only king you know." Kaname objected. "And technically speaking, since I'm the ruler of this land everything in here belongs to me in one way or the other." He looked at Zero, challenging him to argue against that.

"Ok, your highness let me pay for you then, since I'm such kind-hearted person." Zero decided. He didn't have a problem with that, since the pay in the castle was high enough. And technically speaking, these also were Kaname's money. He took out the pouch and…

"Uh-oh."

"Uh-oh?" The pureblood looked at his companion questioningly.

"I don't have enough money to cover for both of us." Zero admitted meekly.

This time it was Kaname's turn to laugh. "Well, it seems we've found ourselves in very peculiar situation. So what should we do? Run?"

The ex-human shook his head. "No I might have an idea." He gestured towards the opposite corner where a bunch of drunkards played the dice.

"Quick! This way!"

In the end, they ended up running anyway. Kaname frowned as he found it a little harder to run than usual. He must be drunk more than he thought. The pureblood looked over at the ex-human running by his side. Zero's legs seemed a little unsteady, too. Even though that, they should be able to outrun a few humans. But those vampire guards might prove to be a problem.

He supposed, if it came to worst he could always use his powers to get rid of their pursuers, but that would also mean letting go of his aura and Kaname was trying to stay incognito if possible.

It was not because they lost the game. No, on the contrary they were very successful. After only a few rounds, they had enough money to pay for their dinner. They should have stopped there and go home, but the alcohol-induced loss of judgment convinced them that it was too much fun to stop playing now. So they continued for another hour or two, until the first disagreements came. It turned out that those guys were pretty sore losers and the two vampires ended up accused of cheating. Once the guards were called, they decided it was the highest time to get out of there.

For a while Zero really did wonder if Kaname was cheating by using his powers, but then he recognized the look on the pureblood's face. The look he usually had when playing chess or leading a meeting. No, the king was winning strictly on his strategic skills. And enjoying it utterly. Cheating would provide no challenge for him. And without challenge it wouldn't be fun. Zero briefly wondered if he should take Kaname to some gambling den next time, where more professional players gathered.

The pureblood suddenly stopped in the middle of the bridge.

Zero looked at him questioningly, trying to catch his breath. "Kaname, why are we stopping here? I could still hear them behind us." And their footsteps seemed to be dangerously close.

The pureblood climbed on the railing, turning back at him. "Because we are going to jump."

The hunter frowned at the idea, looking down over the rail. The bridge was quite high above the river and who knew how deep the water was. This was insane. They could badly hurt themselves or drown. He shook his head, backing away. "You're crazy."

"Trust me." Kaname held out his hand, locking his eyes with Zero's.

A strange look crossed the ex-human's face for a moment. Hesitating for a while, he seemed to come to decision. With a heavy sigh he took the offered hand and climbed up after the pureblood, trying not to look down. Kaname wrapped his other arm around the ex-human's waist.

Pressed tightly against Kaname, Zero could hear the frantic beating of pureblood's heart and he knew he wasn't the only one anxious. Well, if they are both going to die, at least his mission to kill the king would be fulfilled.

"Ready?" Kaname smiled warmly, his gaze promising that his trust won't be betrayed. With a nod from the hunter, he threw them both over the edge.

The free fall seemed to last minutes, but in reality it took them only a few seconds before they landed in something. Something that strangely wasn't water.

"A hay?" The hunter looked around with surprise. They landed sidewise on the back of the boat loaded with hay. He looked at the other vampire accusingly. "Did you perhaps know that there was a boat coming?"

"I could smell some dried grass not far from here and since there aren't any stables around I guessed it must come from under the bridge." The pureblood shrugged, his hand still trapped under the ex-human's waist.

"You guessed?" Zero felt like punching him. "You could have killed us both, you know." He shifted so he could lie on his back, but otherwise didn't withdraw from the pureblood. The other's warmth felt almost comfortable. He looked up at the sky, noting that today was a full moon.

"I wouldn't let it happen. If it came to worst, I would have used my powers. But I was trying to avoid that unless necessary." Kaname leaned closer to the ex-human, his thirst from before returning. His eyes set on the other's neck with determination.

"Ouch!" Unaware of the other's heated gaze, Zero sat up swiftly, head-butting the pureblood.

"We forgot those flower buds in the tavern!" Zero remembered, not at all noticing the other's sudden discomfort.

"No we didn't." Kaname recovered quickly from the blow and grabbed the ex-human by the shirt, dragging him back down to his level again.

"Here," He took out one of the flower buds from his pocket, handing it to Zero.

"N-no… mine is… the white one." The hunter tried to correct him, breathing heavily. He was starting to feel strange. The combination of adrenaline and alcohol in his blood made his head spin. Or was it something else?

"I know, but I want you to take mine." Kaname already tucked the red bud into the hunter's pocket.

"W-why?" More and more, Zero was finding it really hard to concentrate on his thoughts. Why was he suddenly so thirsty? And where was that delicious scent coming from? But his body seemed to already recognize the source, his eyes drawn to it like a magnet.

"For good luck." The pureblood smiled mischievously. He leaned back over the other vampire, when he noticed his strange reactions.

"Zero?" He looked at the other's reddening eyes and aroused fangs. A drop of blood was sliding temptingly across the younger vampire's cheek. The pureblood frowned, raising his hand to check his lips. It was his blood. Zero must have busted his lip a moment ago. The fact that Kaname didn't even notice it, showed how much his own judgment might be also impaired by their drinking session.

"Are you thirsty, Zero?" Kaname watched the hunter with understanding. And here he thought, he was the one yearning for some extra nourishment.

Zero sucked in his breath, some part of him knew that he was about to do something, something he fought against for years. But that part was becoming smaller and smaller with every inch the source of that delicious smell came closer. How can something smell so irresistibly? The hunter knew shouldn't follow his instincts, but somehow he couldn't even remember why. He grabbed Kaname's hair, trying to get him closer with urgency.

The pureblood resisted Zero's tug for a moment, a strange look crossed his face. He knew he shouldn't do it, but something in Zero's eyes called out to him.

"I hope you realize that in accordance with the vampire law, you're about to commit sacrilege." Despite his warning, Kaname let his head be dragged towards one very desperate ex-human. He tangled his free hand in silver locks for assurance.

Zero sighed in relief when he finally connected with the source of that delicious smell. He licked the blood around the wound, sucked at the soft skin. He didn't even register Kaname's approving groan.

The hunter growled in frustration when he couldn't feel the delightful flavor anymore. Instinctively, he started mapping the pureblood's jaw with his mouth, seeking a new source. Finally he found a nice soft place, with a strong pulse underneath whispering to him, inviting him.

"No!" Kaname tightened his hold Zero's hair when he felt a set of fangs grazing the side of his neck, keeping the ex-human form biting him. He wasn't sure he trusted Zero that much to grant him this privilege. And seeing the other's state he didn't think it would be good idea. Zero was too far gone.

The younger vampire growled, trying to free himself… trying to get more of that delicious life source.

Looking at him now, Kaname knew he let it go too far. He knew what his blood can do the instincts of lesser vampires. Now there were only two ways to rectify the situation. He could bend the ex-human to his will, command him to not feel thirsty anymore. It was his right as a pureblood. Hell, from the moment Zero tasted even the smallest drop of his pure blood, Kaname could tear him apart and no one could ever say anything against it.

Yes, he can order him to stop, but for that one small moment Zero wouldn't be his servant anymore, he will become his slave. Even if he ordered the him without breaking his will, he felt like he would be crossing the line of the ex-human's trust. He realized he respected Zero too much to do something like that to him.

As a pureblood vampire, Kaname had every right to bend anyone's will. But that wasn't what he was raised to believe. His parents had thought him better than that. They thought him that every living thing has a right to have its own will and just because you have the power to break it, doesn't mean you should. Yes, his parents were very unorthodox for purebloods, but they died for these ideals. And even though Kaname didn't always agree with them wholeheartedly, he couldn't deny the fact that these ideals were the main thing responsible for the peace and prosperity that was now.

One very frustrated growl brought him back from his thoughts. Kaname shook his head. Here he was, getting all philosophical over one ex-human. The simple truth was he just didn't like the idea of playing with Zero's mind. Yuuki liked this boy. She would never forgive him. No, Kaname would never forgive himself. Zero was slowly making his way to his heart, becoming closest thing to true friend the pureblood had.

Well, if he wasn't going to bend Zero's will, there was only one other way, how to drag the boy from his bloodlust. Kaname looked down at the ex-human, thinking. There was no reason he can't enjoy this, too. The pureblood freed his arm from under the boy and bit into his wrist drawing blood.

Zero started struggling in earnest at the fresh scent, but Kaname held him tightly with his other hand. When he gathered enough, he bent down locking his mouth with the ex-human's.

The hunter froze completely for a moment at the sensation. The shock was big enough to make his bloodlust almost disappear for a moment. He looked up meeting the garnet eyes. He felt the pureblood's hand in buried in his hair, trying to tip his head to gain better access. Kaname's warm lips moved against his own, demanding entrance. Zero hesitated and for a tiniest moment even thought of resisting, but once the first drop of pureblood's life source passed his lips, he gave in. Sucking the other's tongue in hungrily, he started kissing Kaname back in earnest.

Kaname hummed deep in his throat, meeting Zero's exploring tongue. The pureblood let his hands roam, caressing the other's body, feeling the warm skin underneath the fabric. His body begged him to do more than just embrace the boy in his arms. But he knew that wouldn't be fair considering Zero's state of 'non-awareness'. So for now, he settled for kissing the boy heatedly, pausing only to draw more blood from his wrist.

Zero woke up with his head on someone's chest. He knew who it was instantly, recognizing the pureblood's unique scent. He felt Kaname's hand wrapped around his back, caressing him absent-mindedly. The pureblood was looking up at the sky, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. Zero tried not to alert him to the fact he was awake, using the moment to try to sort out his own memories first.

The last thing the hunter remembered was feeling an unbearable thirst. How rich the color of Kaname's life source seemed as the pureblood's lips came closer. How good the blood smelled, drowning all his other senses out. And its taste, that incredibly delicious taste. Even now, he could almost taste it in his mouth.

Zero groaned, shifting a little. He felt so confused. He looked up at Kaname, searching for any bite marks. The final proof of his actions.

Did he really succumb to his vampire desires? He felt disgusted… Wanted to feel disgusted, but the truth was he never felt so good. He felt amazingly strong, full of energy. That ache that has been a constant presence in the back of his mind was gone for the first time since he had been changed.

Kaname glanced down at Zero's agitated form. He knew the ex-human was awake, had been awake for a while, but he wanted to gave him a moment to sort himself out. He himself had a lot to think about. The pureblood knew he was attracted to the silver haired ex-human. That he saw something in this boy that drew him in. And when he saw the need in those eyes, something in him responded.

But what the hell was he thinking? If anyone saw them, scented his blood… Thank god, they were in the middle of river, quite far away from any residential areas… That's it, no more alcohol for him for a very long time.

No one must know about what happened here. About the fact that he gave someone his blood. He needed Zero to understand this, too. And judging by the boy's expression, he might also need to explain to him what exactly happened. Leaving a few unnecessary, spicy details out, of course.

"Zero, we need to talk…"

More random notes:

-The title of this chapter is also the title of the song. It's very catchy (but has no relation to this fic whatsoever) Does anyone know it?

-For goodness to beggary is an old Czech saying. It means practically what it says: You shouldn't expect any reward for your kindness. On the contrary, others can see your kindness as a weakness to exploit. I tried to find an English equivalent, but couldn't come up with anything.

-Thinking about a rose buds...Not long ago, I found a very beautiful Venetian legend. (I said random notes, didn't I, mwahahaa) It's called: The legend of San Marco's rosebud.

It's about love between noble lady Maria and a young man Tancredi. The man was of poor origins and girl's father was against their relationship. So Tancredi went to war against the Turks. The man became famous, but before he was able to meet Maria, he died. As he lied dying next to rosebush, he picked a rosebud colored by his blood and asked his friend to deliver it to his love. Soon after she received the message, Maria was found dead on her bed, with the rosebud laying on her chest. She died on 25th of April and ever since then, every year on this day the Venetians give a red rose to their loved ones as a sign of ture love.

I just find it very romantic and felt like sharing.