Falling

by LuanRina

By making Zero drink his blood Kaname traps the silver-haired hunter in the world of despair and his dark desires. Now the pureblood is the only one who can save him from falling to the End. But will he save Zero or make him fall even further with him..? KxZ, some non-con&rape - ON HIATUS.

4. Scream for Me

A/N: That's right, I'm here again and somehow I'm still alive, but something tells me that it's not for long. I really am sorry for updating so late, I won't even mind if you decide to beat me up, but if only a little. Since if you want another chapter, I should be at least fairly conscious, no? XD

Ah, BTW, though it's kind of late for it now, but still...I hope you don't mind long chapters? I know that not everyone like it as I do, but I can't write a short ones anyway, so you can forget about it in this or any other of my future fanfics. Sorry if I've just disappointed you U_U But I do hope that it's a good thing, not a bad one.

Also, I think I kind of forgot to mention about the possible...yeah, right... possible, my ass. You've already guessed it after reading the last chapter anyway, so warning you about some non-con is kind of pointless now, huh. Well, I am sorry for forgetting to mention it in the first chapter, but still hope that it's not such a big deal.

However, the story is rated M for a reason. AND I have warned you about abuse, violence and such, so AGAIN, if you don't like it – do not read it. I'm not forcing anyone, it's your choice. And I have warned you, so don't blame me if you feel offended, uncomfortable, disturbed or something of that sort with my writing.

BTW, as some of you may notice, I've changed one of the genres since I think that this one is more suitable. So yeah, you're not imagining things, it's all my doings XD

Now when the official part is said, we can move on.

Thank you for more alerts and fav adds, and for your reviews, of course.

Also! This is an unedited variant, so all mistakes here are mine. The chapter was ready a couple of days ago, but I've been waiting for my dear editor to send me edited version all this time, but Sam-chan aka L'sTrueHeart is a little busy now and will send me fully corrected document either tonight or tomorrow. Then I'll replace this one straight away, but for now...I just didn't want to make you guys wait any longer.

Sorry, I guess I'm too talkative and annoying today. Without further ado, please enjoy :3

Chapter 4: Scream for Me

It wasn't that uncommon, really.

According to the hunters, they were beasts in human form: ruthless, cruel, cunning, cold and heartless. Of course, it was understandable: they were perfect, mostly invincible, strong... the strongest race, actually, and the top of the food chain at that; not to mention their inhuman beauty, physical and mental abilities and practically eternal life. A few centuries was the shortest lifespan for anyvampire, excluding the lowest levels, naturally. Well, he wouldn't deny what they were since it was true. And he was the most dangerous among all of them.

What he demanded for his blood wasn't much. In fact, it wasn't even enough. Just like himself, his blood was sacred – it was not supposed to be wasted on a Level D on the verge of falling to Level E, who didn't even understand the privilege he was given. Any vampire would do anything for a single drop of that crimson liquid – kill, sell and freely give themselves, become anything and anyone for the owner of that pure, untainted blood. No vampire of a lower rank had ever drank as much of that forbidden elixir as freely as Kiryuu had – that was something Kaname was sure of. That was the reason why the brat would never be able to fully pay for his sanity – the price was way too high and the hunter had nothing. Well, except two things: blood and body – his only virtue, obviously.

Generally speaking, by deciding on this kind of payment, he had simply chosen to use Kiryuu the way the boy was supposed to be used and treated.

Being calculative was normal for any vampire, and even more so for a pureblood. Besides, no one of their kind would give their life source to the ones of a lower rank gratuitously and without demanding some kind of compensation from the latters. The simplest trade, truly. Again, it wasn't uncommon or unheard of – far from that. And to have this sort of agreement with none other than a pureblood, was something each level dreamt of, but not everyone could have since the Level A vampires never spilled their blood unless it concerned their own interests.

By nature, they were sensual creatures; even the process of feeding was quite intimate no matter who the partner was: the preparation of the skin, the penetration itself, the drawing of blood, tasting and lapping on it while the other's feelings, emotions and sometimes even thoughts and memories would transfer to the one drinking it – no vampire can remain unaffected. Surely, there is always a high possibility that one action would lead to others, more carnal and – in their race's case – violent ones. Frankly speaking, for them sexual intercourse wasn't as big of a deal as it was for humans – just one more way to receive pleasure, both physical and emotional. But naturally, they did have this kind of craving – it would be strange if they didn't. It also was a perfect way to satisfy and even pacify their brutal, lustful, voracious inner selves.

It was a natural thing in their culture...

"Ngh!" The pain in the teen's voice was evident. A hard labored breathing sounded in the dark room after another agonized groan that had escaped the boy.

The bloodied palm moved away from his raw flesh and trembling body and the hungry tongue darted out to lick off the red liquid. A quiet, content, barely audible moan escaped the luscious lips as they pulled into a grin. Crimson stained the sheets further since the injures on the silver-haired youth's arm refused to heal. The pureblood took a hold of the other's slightly shaking hand and brought it closer to his mouth to clean the wounds off blood, his eyes never leaving the lilac hues that seemingly shone with the strongest hatred in the darkness of his luxurious chambers.

When Zero tried to free his injured limb and tugged at it, the long fingers around his wrist tightened, but the next sudden movement caught Kuran off guard and he failed to block the fist going at him in time. The blow was unexpectedly forceful and the brunet's head snapped to the side, thus he had to cease his hold on the hunter's hand to use that of his own to balance himself. Using that moments of distraction, the ex-human half-sat and started to recede, practically scrambling out from under the older male.

However, the prefect wasn't fast enough to fully escape from the pureblood. With a surprised yelp, Zero fell on his back as he was abruptly yanked forward by Kaname, who grasped his shins and brought the silver-haired teen back to his previous position in one sharp pull, growling ferociously.

"Stop it, you sick bas-!"

SLAP!

The sound echoed in the room as the brunet backhanded the hunter, whose head was now turned ninety degrees sideways from the applied force.

"Ungrateful, stubborn brat!" Kuran's voice was a roar – furious and almost inhuman when he spoke, hovering over the prefect on all fours with crimson-filled orbs and fully elongated bloodthirsty fangs. The younger vampire winced when the pureblood continued speaking in the same sharp, chilling tone, "Do it again and I'll break that filthy arms of yours, did you hear me? !" He lowered himself as well as his voice to a poisonous hiss to whisper into the other's ear while tightly clenching the silvery strands, earning a pained groan from Zero, whose head was forcefully brought back, "I'll do it as many times as necessary to teach you how to behave, and just now you made the first lesson even more painful for yourself than it was initially supposed to be..."

The ex-human's cheek was still burning and he felt throbbing in his skull only increase from the older vampire's actions, and that angry snarl wasn't helping either. He almost failed to notice tingling and somewhat scrapping sensations on his neck. The next second came the sudden, intense, tearing, unbearable pain that pierced his throat together with two pairs of razor-like canines, and the hunter couldn't hold back the scream of agony that reverberated in the pureblood's spacious residence.

He felt every moment of his neck being literally ripped. It couldn't be even considered bite which would automatically bring another, mostly pleasurable sensations – it was an abuse, a torment meant to cause nothing but anguish. Kuran, that beast wasn't even drinking the blood he was spilling – the liquid was rapidly flowing from the silver-haired teen's torn flesh, staining the silk sheets and covering his pale skin with dark crimson. Breathing itself started to require an unthinkable amount of efforts from the ex-human, the smell of his own blood was suffocating and nauseous – he choked on his own life essence when it went up his throat. He could feel his heart and its beating – each and every as the pressure in his head increased.

After what felt like eternity for him, but in reality was only a few seconds, the prefect's neck was released and, with one hand clutching the torn flesh while another fisted the sheets, he rolled onto his right side, coughing out the blood. Eyes glazed, mind clouded as well as his senses and breathing labored. Not quite clearly, but from the corner of his eye he could discern Kuran's dark form above him, staring him down with burning orbs, smirking widely.

Still panting, the ex-human managed to rasp out, "...What, enjoying yourself?"

With a soft chuckle escaping his lips, Kaname let his hand trace the back of the teen under him, enjoying the hisses of distress coming from the boy every time he touched the injures he had inflicted earlier. Zero involuntarily flinched when the long fingers threaded through his hair and he felt Kuran's breath on his ear as the brunet spoke, "Greatly...You have no idea how much it arouses me..." Slowly and suggestively, the pureblood rolled his hips forward to emphasize his point. Kaname heard a sharp intake of breath and the body below him froze – now only shivering slightly. He sneered at the hunter's wide-eyed flushed expression, "What is the matter, Kiryuu? Don't tell me you've realized it only now."

The teen opened his mouth to reply, but only surprised gasp came out of it as the older vampire's hand moved to the front of his pants and grasped his clothed member, hastily pulled the boy back onto his knees and elbows, and started to unbuckle his belt.

Ignoring the ex-human's struggles and violent protests, the pureblood continued his actions and in mere seconds, one of his hands was gripping the silver-haired prefect's limp flesh while the other pushed down now undone pants and underwear. After a few moments of stroking, massaging and squeezing the Level D's length, the only sounds the boy could produce were groans and breathless gasps.

The brunet chuckled, leaning closer to the prefect, "Quite sensitive, aren't we? Who could have thought..." He tightened his grip, squeezing the other's now awakening member.

"GET OFF!" The movement of the hunter's elbow was sudden, he used all his remaining strength to collide it with the grinning pureblood's face, but this time Kaname was on guard and easily managed to avoid the attack – also completely restricting Zero's further movements as he took a firm hold of the boy's wrist and twisted it painfully behind his back. All the while, Kuran hadn't stopped his ministrations, but only started doing it more persistently, delighted by the helplessness of the younger male.

"Shit...!" It was disgusting: the feeling of those odious fingers on his skin...the tongue that was licking the blood off his wounded spine, the hot breath on the nape of his neck...he himself for reacting this way. He didn't want this, yet he was responding to his worst enemy's actions that were meant to humiliate and make him fall even lower than he already had – and he felt pleasure from it. "Stop, Kuran..." He clenched the blood-stained sheets tightly with his free hand, burying his face in the soft material to prevent himself from making more of those shameful degrading sounds. Alas, the brunet didn't grace him with such luxury, but only squeezed harder and tightened the hold on the base, stroked a bit faster, thumbed the slit, then slowed the pace again, teasing the sensitive flesh. "Ngh!" Not long after nothing but strangled noises could be heard from the ex-human as he felt heat coiling in his groin. The prefect couldn't stop the violent shaking of his body, he was being pushed further over the edge by the pureblood's hand.

Suddenly the contact was gone, but before Zero could fall forward, he was flipped over onto his back and pinned by the older male who grasped his neck while hastily pulling off the remaining clothes, leaving the silver-haired teen completely exposed. Abruptly pushing the hunter's legs apart, Kaname positioned himself between them and leaned in, his lips flush from that of the other as he whispered sultrily with dark smirk adoring his features, "You know you don't mean it."

"Like hell I-!" He didn't get to finish his reply as another gasp sounded in the room when one finger penetrated the Level D's entrance, followed by another only seconds after, and the next moment the ex-human was promptly silenced by the brunet vampire's lips on his. The kiss was rough, bruising and filled with Zero's blood, which was caused by the pureblood's elongated fangs nipping, scraping and plainly biting the supple lips and opposing tongue.

While trying to free his mouth from that of the sick leech hovering above him to try and take in at least one full inhalation of much needed air, the hunter didn't notice that the sharp claws and restricting fingers had left his throat. Squirming in stinging pain and discomfort, Zero pushed at Kaname's shoulders and then chest in another futile attempt to get some space between their bodies. Needless to say, the brunet didn't move an inch, but only smiled mockingly into the kiss – the prefect felt it.

Among all sounds – the major part of which he believed to be disgusting – he still could comprehend in this condition, the teen recognized the rapid clicking of the metal, seemingly raging rustling...The younger vampire's previously screwed shut eyes shot wide open as the realization dawned on him, less than a second later the pureblood withdrew his fingers and positioned himself. They locked gazes for an instant when Kaname released Kiryuu's lips while gripping the boy's knees and pushing his legs wide open. The sinister grin and flaring eyes coupled with fully aroused crimson-stained canines made an unpleasant shivers of apprehension course through the silver-haired youth's form. He understood that he had failed to prevent his inner fear from showing on his face when those lips curled further, making Kuran appear even more...inhumanly frightening. Zero had never seen any vampire this way before.

For a split of a second he froze under that look, but was abruptly brought back into reality when the brunet sharply moved forward, growling impatiently.

"DON'T!" His hands immediately went up to the pureblood's neck and collarbones, however, it had been stopped even before he could touch the other's skin as Kaname caught the limbs in mid-air and rammed it down into the mattress. The ex-human screamed, trashing violently, "Let go! Let me g-!" An intense pain shot through him at the brutal intrusion... "Hah...Aaah!"

A choked cry escaped the boy when the older male pushed his flesh further into him.

Kaname stopped when he was half-buried into the tight, warm caverns of the prefect's body to catch his breath – the sensations were overwhelming, better than he'd ever felt. But it wasn't enough...

The brunet clawed at the silver-haired teen's wrists...

"Wh-wha-...?" Kiryuu didn't get to finish that sentence as the pureblood moved.

"Aaaaahhh!"

Zero's back arched off the bed, head was thrown backwards as a bloodcurdling scream was tore out of his sore throat and reverberated throughout the whole room when Kaname drove into the boy ferociously, burying himself to the hilt while jerking his arms backwards, cruelly slashing the tender skin from wrists to inner elbows and further bathing it in dark red.

The brunet pulled out and plunged back in, not waiting for the other to adjust to his length. Kuran repeated his previous action again, not relenting on the ex-human's shaking body, eliciting another strangled cry from the younger teen. He kept thrusting into the hunter wildly, furiously and without restraints – fully enjoying both the sensations and the view he got from his current position.

Truly, the sight before him was delightful: those expressive, seemingly shining eyes wide with shock and obvious fear...the silver strands mussed and scattered on the sheets around the boy's head – some of the silky locks painted with the darkened blood that was spilled earlier, the chest heaving rapidly, the sounds of torment that were escaping those trembling, swollen, crimson-stained lips...snowy-white skin coated with scarlet. And it felt even better than he could have thought: the feeling of the tight heat that surrounded him was incredible, the muscles clamping around his arousal practically made his mind float, but he refused to loose himself in this pleasure – it was too soon for that, the whole night was ahead and he'd only started. The pureblood rammed in harder, watching as Kiryuu's facial expression twisted into one of distress.

Slamming his eyes shut, the prefect turned his head to the side at the unbearable pain he felt from Kuran's every movement. He bit onto his lower lip to prevent any more cries from leaving him – he didn't want to please that beast above him. Concentrated yet distant look on the pureblood's face, red-tinted orbs, quiet pleasure-filled groans and half gasps, the tight grasp of those fingers on his hips – nails practically digging into it painfully – was an indication enough for him to know that the older vampire was taking his pleasure in it.

Suddenly that velvety voice was much closer than he had thought it should be – too close for comfort. "No..." It was husky and breathless, Kuran's hands had left his thighs before taking his head between them and returning it to its earlier position. "Open your eyes..." The pureblood thrust harsher when Zero didn't comply, "Open your eyes, Kiryuu...!" The teen did, after a few more seconds of trying to overcome the pain and failing in it miserably yet again.

The brunet sounded contented, "That's right...You are not allowed to close them. You should see me...and remember every moment of this night..." The bastard kept those ruby eyes focused on him, openly jeering.

He felt stinging in the corners of his eyes, his vision started getting a little blurry. He still could barely move his injured limbs – an additional pain, as if he didn't have enough. His attempt to glare was futile if not pathetic, voice hoarse and broken as he rasped out, "Go to hell...!"

The pureblood let out a soft humorless chuckle, his hand now resting on the prefect's abused neck.

"...Only after dragging you there with me." His grasp on the lean throat tightened as he squeezed it. The hunter gasped for air, but was cut off shortly as the older vampire crashed their lips together in furious, heated, almost feverish manner...

---

A few soft, uncertain knocks at the door sounded before quiet tentative voice interrupted the peaceful silence of the night.

"Zero?"

As no answer followed, Yuuki carefully opened the door, trying to make as little noise as possible in case the male prefect had already fallen asleep. However, when she peeked into the room, it was empty, bed untouched and the girl understood that her adoptive brother still hadn't returned from the patrol, which was strange since it never took the silver-haired guardian so much time to finish his prefect duties. Though today he'd also taken her part of job, he should have already been here.

A small frown formed on the auburn-haired girl's face at the thoughts of her adoptive brother. He'd been acting weird lately: often distracted, more broody than usually and the fact that ever since that incident he had been avoiding both her and the Chairman was apparent. Well, not that she couldn't understand the part about their adoptive father...but she was and would always be his friend. She always wanted to be by his side, to help him however she could – not be an outsider or one of those whom he never allowed to get close to him. And today he'd been especially distant...

She didn't like it. She was worried because she cared for him, he was a part of her life, of the only family she had...one of the most important people who would always help and support her – no matter what would happen. 'Why is it always like that...?' Why could he show his kindness, but never allowed others to do the same for him? Sometimes she really wanted to punch him the hardest she could for being so stupid! Where did all his great mind disappear when things like these were involved? !

The girl was still mulling over the recent events when a muted sound of thunder sounded. Nearing the window, she looked at the blackened sky and gathering clouds that had sheltered the moon from the view and kept covering the empyrean further. Small drops started falling, occasionally hitting the surface of the window. Yuuki brushed her fingers over the cold glass as the rain became stronger, rapidly turning into a downpour.

"A storm...?" Her whisper was deaden by the pouring water and a thunderpeal accompanying it.

---

God, it hurt. Badly. That pain...no, the word 'agony' would be closer to the right description, was the first thing he felt when he opened his somewhat tired eyes. It actually was the only thing he had been feeling for the last few...what, hours before he had passed out? Yeah, looked like that. But no matter how much, it felt like eternity nevertheless.

He still was here...in this room, in this damn bed, lying on now completely wrinkled, saturated with blood sheets. The teen shifted slightly, discovering that he could at least move now: his wounds seemed to be healing, but it didn't make things any better. At the moment he really felt like shit – both physically and mentally.

Moving his gaze towards the window, which wasn't fully curtained, the ex-human saw that it still was raining outside. It had been before he had fallen into unconsciousness too, he remembered that. Frankly speaking, most of the events he would have preferred to forget, but the image of that bastard's face kept popping up in his mind. A little shakily and with effort, Zero used his hands for support and sat up, groaning quietly at the dull throbbing in his head – left hand moving to hold it. Cautiously looking around after a few long moments of waiting for the ache to cease, the hunter noted that he was alone, Kuran was nowhere to be found. His senses, though rather muffled, had told him the same thing, but the damn leech could easily conceal his presence if he wanted it, so the prefect couldn't fully trust his instincts. But for now his eyes confirmed it, which made him feel a bit relieved, albeit it didn't really matter at the moment.

He wanted to get out of the room. And the sooner the better. The whole atmosphere here was making him sick and he didn't want to stay in this place any longer.

Gathering all of his remaining strength, Zero moved to get up from the bed, all the while struggling with the sheets that kept getting in the way only worsening both his foul mood and bad condition. His movements were weak and sluggish, each causing pain to shoot through his worn out body. Thanks to Kuran's 'thoughtfulness', every single part of his physique ached, and it definitely was not solely because of the gashes covering his form. Not to mention the utter humiliation he felt from knowing the actual reasonsfor him being in this state. He felt filthy and was disgusted with himself, his own body was repulsing for him at the moment. To hell with the pain and physical exhaustion, he wanted to wash away the damn smell and...everything else that assaulted his dulled senses.

The silver-haired teen finally reached the edge of the bed, hissing from sting each time his sensitive skin contacted with soft material. He spotted his clothes on the floor, about a couple meters away from where he was. The ex-human pushed himself up, but his shaky legs gave way only after a few steps towards his garments and he fell on his knees – a surprised gasp leaving the boy's lips at the sudden loss of control over his own body.

'Freaking splendid.'

Ignoring the slight spinning of his head, the ex-human cursed angrily under his breath and reached for his shirt, not wishing to be left stark naked any further, especially here of all places. It was degrading, shameful and uncomfortable enough already, he just wanted to leave quietly and not see Kuran for the rest of his life. Though he knew that the latter was definitely not possible, he still could let himself dream for a mere second, couldn't he? But for a start he needed at least something to cover himself with.

As the prefect finished putting the white piece of clothing on and readied himself to get up, the pureblood's velvety voice interrupted him: it was cool and monotone, not betraying any emotion.

"I see you're finally awake."

With a start, the silver-haired vampire's frame had frozen for a few moments before he forced himself up, his jaw set firmly to stifle any sound threatening to leave his mouth. However, even though he'd managed to silence himself quite successfully, his expression wasn't as controlled, which is why the older vampire could clearly see his suffering and utter discomfort. The boy could barely stand, let alone being steady – it was apparent. Though almost involuntarily, Kaname still felt delight and satisfaction at this sight; a dark, twisted smile tugged at his lips as he leaned on the doorframe, arms folded across his chest, head slightly titled to the side.

"Going somewhere?"

"Away. From you. Isn't it obvious?" The reply was curt and quiet, voice dripping with spite and irritation even more than usually, Zero refused to meet the pureblood's eyes.

An elegant eyebrow rose. "In this condition? You're hardly standing, Kiryuu. I doubt you can make it past this room on your own." The brunet fully stepped into his bedchamber, firmly closing the door behind him with his mind. He had changed his clothes and now was wearing a long, black, silk robe that dangled about his upper half carelessly, giving an open view of his well-toned chest and stomach. The older male let out a low chuckle, "I certainly took care of it..."

The ex-human clenched his fists, "Shut up..."

Naturally, the brunet didn't comply, but only continued, amusing himself further, "And quite thoroughly, if I may add."

"Shut up, you freak!"

Unexpectedly, Kaname found himself pressed to the wooden doors with Kiryuu's flaring red eyes glaring at him heatedly while the teen's fingers restricted his windpipe. Though the word 'restricted' would be too strong for it: the prefect couldn't even grip it properly with his hand shaking ever so slightly. But the fact that he had actually managed to move and force him back was rather impressive on its own. It looked like his anger had returned him some of his strength. Though not for long as the boy started loosing his balance.

Groaning from pain and nausea for the umpteenth time this night, Zero closed his eyes and dipped his head, trying to ease the unpleasant feeling. His free hand grasped Kaname's right shoulder for support when his knees buckled again. He fell, pulling the pureblood's robe's long sleeve down with him, leaving the other vampire's shoulder and upper arm fully exposed. The brunet didn't move an inch, silently watching the slouched form before him.

The ex-human still was a bit disoriented when he felt a hand in his hair, caressing it slowly and softly in an unusually – and deceptively – gentle manner. The subtle fingers moved to the nape...to the side of his neck...to the jaw, starting to force it up when Zero's hand rose to slap that of the pureblood away. However, the gesture was ignored and not later than a moment after, the silver-haired teen's head was roughly jerked upwards by those unrelenting fingers tightly gripping his jaw, making their gazes lock as Kuran bent down slightly, only so that he could reach the younger male.

The pliant lips lifted into a fake smile when Kaname spoke, "You don't really think that it's over...now do you, Kiryuu?"

The smile became soft, but scornful when those widened eyes answered his question, another quiet laugh sounded before the brunet resumed speaking, "I see...But we haven't even started yet...And I am far from being finished with you." His hand moved down to take a firm hold of the slender, blood-stained throat. "What you felt before is nothing but a distant echo of everything I am about to inflict on you. Until I'm fully satisfied...over and over again, I will continue to tear you apart: body, soul, mind – everything I can reach. But unlike previous time, I won't be as merciful...I will keep you conscious enough to feel even the smallest of my actions."

Keeping Zero's head in place, still tilted backwards so as not to lose the eye contact, the pureblood raised his free hand to his mouth, slowly opening it to reveal two pointed, pearly-white canines. Kaname keenly observed the other's reactions as he bit into his wrist harshly, making a wound, deep enough to extend the time of its healing. He retrieved his fangs – now covered with his own pure, crimson life essence – and lowered his bleeding limb. Blood trailed down, across his palm and along slender fingers, threatening to fall down on the floor. The brunet smirked at the prefect's strained expression, at the way his bright red, flaring, hungry orbs screamed of anger, anguish, loathing and despair, at the way the boy was shaking with obvious thirst, yet refused to surrender willingly.

Kaname brought two digits to the ex-human's lips, leisurely smearing blood over it. The hunter shuddered weakly before the pink tongue flicked out to lick the liquid off tentatively, also caressing the older male's fingers, albeit by accident. The pureblood pushed his fingers a little farther, silently suggesting the silver-haired teen to clean it off. Kuran's smile became jeering when the younger vampire complied and engulfed both digits, sucking on them quite eagerly. Shakily, Kiryuu's hand rose up to clutch at that of the brunet in feeble attempt to hold it in place in case the other decided to withdraw. The pureblood chuckled at the ex-human's action: it would hardly stop him from pulling back, but it wasn't like he was going to anyway.

When there was no blood left, Zero let go of Kaname's fingers and went to the palm as the brunet turned his hand over. The prefect's tongue traced the blood trails to the main wound that had almost healed. He lapped up the heavenly elixir before greedily sucking on the closing injury. The teen's eyes slid shut as he felt a part of his pain ceasing – he hadn't even realized that he was hungry...that pain just blended with others, he hadn't noticed it until now.

The fingers that had been previously locked around the smooth column now slid to the side and stroked it leisurely, occasionally lingering on the pulse, earning a quiet whimper from the hunter. They traveled farther to interlace with silky strands, tightening when the ex-human's fangs pierced his flesh. Kuran felt momentary pain at the penetration, but kept his expression impassive, only closing his eyes when the dull throbbing turned into sheer, indisputable pleasure that spread through his entire form, making him shiver ever so slightly every once in a while as Zero drank from him feverishly.

It was only a start...of one long, fateful, unforgettable night...

---

To say that he hated his life would be an understatement. Well, it wasn't like he had ever been too cheery about anything, but still...Now it simply was a finish. Because he honestly couldn't imagine what more this God-forsaken world would bring him the next moment.

For a few seconds there he thought that it was a dream...no, he actually hoped that it was a dream. One more nightmare wouldn't kill him, really, so why not? But yet again, he had forgotten that nothing in this damned universal can be so easy. Still, he would have given anything for that to be some stupid, ridiculous bad dream.

The night had ended and it was a day now, but rain still hadn't stopped. If anything, the downpour only increased and the only thing that had changed was that the thunderstorm had stopped some time ago. Everything around him was dull, grey, still, almost frozen. Water kept drumming on the closed window, leaves of trees, ground...The sounds of it were loud and clear, but the teen's ears were deaf to it.

Zero lay sprawled on his bed, looking numbly at the white ceiling of his dorm room, unsuccessfully trying to fall into blissful state of unconsciousness. However, the peace he sought for couldn't claim him because of the intrusive thoughts and haunting memories that kept replaying in his mind over and over and over again. Today was a day off school, so he could stay in his room however much he wanted without being nagged at by anyone, namely Yuuki and that idiot of a Chairman. Not that he would have listened to them anyway, but it always was annoying nevertheless. That was also one of the reasons why he had decided to stay in the Sun Dorms instead of going to the Chairman's house. The both of them would definitely be there and he really didn't want to see them at the moment...And to let them see him.

It wasn't about injures or something – they had already healed due to that leech's poison circulating in his system, so there was no way that the two would guess that Kuran had...mauled him throughout the night until he was numb and literally couldn't lift a finger and actually thought he would die. Miraculously – and unfortunately for him – it hadn't happened, since, as usually, the bastard had kept his word: Zero had been conscious and well aware of each and every movement of the pureblood all night long, without any chance of losing himself into oblivion.

Letting out a soft sigh, the hunter turned to the side, silently wincing at pain and discomfort he still felt. The word 'sore' would surely be an understatement for describing his current condition – Zero internally scoffed at his own pathetic state. Yeah, an understatement, and a huge one at that. Even if the memory itself hadn't been imprinted in his mind, then this ache would have become an undeniable reminder. Not to mention the smell...the one that belonged to that bloodsucking leech...he was literally surrounded, enfolded with it no matter how hard he tried to wash it away.

He had taken a shower several times, he had spent there more time than ever, had rubbed his skin as hard as his weakened state could allow, but it hadn't worked. And he was sure that if he hadn't drunk from Kuran before leaving the Moon Dorms, he would have re-opened his wounds. Granted, they'd already healed by that time since he'd taken much more blood than needed. The prefect let a crooked, rueful smile show on his face. He really hoped he had drained that beast, no matter how absurd the thought itself was. As if that pureblooded asshole would allow something of that sort happen, and with an ex-human hunter, no less. Way too good even for a mere dream.

Zero thought he was seriously starting to lose it.

He wanted to stop breathing...It was bad enough on its own, but with Kuran's scent on him, all over him...it was as though that devil was still there...encompassing him with his malicious, suffocating aura.

Sighing tiredly, the silver-haired teen closed his eyes and slightly curled into himself, deciding to try to get some rest yet again. He wanted to stop thinking, to forget about Kuran, about what had happened no longer than a few hours ago. At least for some time it was all he wanted – nothing more, nothing less, not that much, right? After all, he could think about this night's...events later. Though he'd rather forget about it. Simple as that.

However, it didn't help, but only made everything worse. With closed eyes, with nothing but darkness before them, he could feel the pureblood around him even more clearly. As if he still was there, in that room, in that bed with that beast hovering above him, assaulting his senses, penetrating his entire being – everything that he was – and slowly injecting his venom into him with his mere presence, whispered words, touches – the ones that could be deceitfully soft and subtle one moment only to turn into brutal, excruciating and violent.

The ex-human curled into himself further, gripping the pillow tightly, his brows furrowed in uneasiness as all images flooded back into his head.

'God, just leave me alone already...!'

The teen exhaled shakily, his eyelids sliding open slowly. Unbearable...To feel him so close – too close for comfort – was unbearable...

Suddenly he became aware of one familiar presence right behind his door as several knocks sounded.

'Yuuki...'

Was he so out of it that he had failed to notice her coming here earlier...?

"Zero?" There was a short pause before the girl's voice sounded again, this time a little louder and more determined, "Zero, it's me. Are you there?" Even through the closed door the hunter could hear it dripping with worry.

His gaze lingered on the door for a few more seconds before he slowly pushed himself up – wincing at the pain the action caused – as his name was called another couple of times. It looked like his wish of being left alone would have to wait. Yuuki wouldn't back away, that much he knew for sure after living with her for so many years. He only should convince her that everything was alright, then she would calm down and stop worrying herself over nothing as she always did.

The ex-human sat still for a few moments, mentally steeling himself for what was to come next before sighing weary and getting off the bed – his fingers gripping sheets so tightly that his knuckles had become white. However, he had managed to prevent any sounds from leaving his mouth as well as to keep his expression in check and from showing any distress on his features. He let go of the material and headed for the door. God, and it hadn't gotten any better. At all. Each step hurt like hell and was causing an immense, burning pain to shoot through his body – and it felt even more intense in the most humiliating regions too. His movements were slower than usually – very much so, actually – and seemed a little unsteady as though his legs weren't capable of keeping him upright quite properly. Surely, it wasn't as bad as coming back from Kuran's bedroom, with the necessity to jump out of the window, climb up the damn wall surrounding the Moon Dorms – for the first time in his life he actually hated that thing and wanted it destroyed – then descending it and making his way to the Sun Dorms, but it wasn't too helping or encouraging at the moment. Honestly, he didn't know how he'd managed it, but was glad that somehow, he had been able to get here. And the fact that it was the insane bastard's blood that had helped him can be well discarded and merrily ignored.

Nevertheless, despite his state, he had neared his destination in mere seconds, silently glad that his external condition wasn't as bad as internal and mental ones. Preparing himself and putting on his usual facade, the silver-haired prefect turned the doorknob and half-opened the door, partly revealing himself for the brunet girl who was still waiting for his response.

Though Yuuki smiled the moment she saw him, Zero had caught the worried expression that she had on before he showed himself. Just as he thought. He really was grateful for her concerns, but seriously, it couldn't help him. Frankly speaking, it never did – most of the time it only caused more troubles, all that fussing over nothing. But no matter how many times he said that she should just stop fretting over him and his issues, she never listened. 'God, sometimes it really was...'

"What? I was sleeping." He growled out in his usual irritated tone, scowling slightly, clearly showing his annoyance at being...'woken up' so unceremoniously on their day off school.

The female prefect's expression changed into a frowning pout at her adoptive brother's words. Well, it looked like she had been distressing herself over nothing and Zero was perfectly fine seeing as his usual attitude of complete jerk was still there. The girl put her hands on her hips in an attempt to look sternly before replying back, her voice now more firm and confident.

"What do you mean 'what?'? ! I was worried about you! You never showed up after the yesterday's patrol and neither me nor the Chairman have seen you since then! And you wasn't at home in the morning too!"

One thin, light brow was raised skeptically as the ex-human asked, "So?"

The auburn-haired prefect was dumbfounded at this reaction, "'So?'? I said I was-!"

"I fell asleep." His face was impassive, the teen continued calmly, "I just fell asleep here after I got back. That's all. Nothing unusual for me, you know." The hunter stepped back into his room, opening the door wider to let the female guardian in. She went after him and was shutting the door when she felt something soft on her head. Recognizing the cloth as a towel, she turned her attention back to her partner to see him right before her, gentle hands moving at her head slowly and carefully. Zero's familiar voice sounded more sternly, a slight frown appeared on his handsome face once again as he spoke while continuing to dry the girl's hair off, "You idiot, what were you thinking coming here without anything to protect yourself from that downpour anyway? You're all drenched."

"I just...!" A light blush spread across the female prefect's cheeks at the other's words. She wasn't offended by Zero's words in the slightest, she knew that he was only showing his concern for her in his own, concealed way. But she felt stupid for being on the receiving end now. Even though she always wanted and tried to protect and help him, every time it turned out that she was the one who constantly needed his support. She dipped her head a little, her voice toned down to near whisper, "I just wanted to make sure that you're alright..." And that nothing happened...like the last time...

She didn't need to voice out her afterthought since Zero could clearly see what she meant. He knew her too well, and it was confirmed when he answered.

"Yuuki, I am fine. And nothing happened. As usually, you're worrying yourself over nothing. Just go back home, and I'll come later, I promise. Okay?"

The next moment the warmth was gone as well as the circling, somewhat soothing movements of Zero's fingers. The petite brunet raised her head to see her best friend's retreating back as he went in the undone bed's direction. Not turning to look her way, he spoke again, this time more grumpily, "I'm going to sleep now. Go already."

Now slightly damp towel was thrown at him from behind by the fuming, abashed girl as she shouted "Stupid jerk!" before she quickly made her way out of the room. The sound of her departing steps echoing in the hall for a mere seconds before everything became quiet again. The hunter chuckled softly, amused by Yuuki's reaction. Well, it certainly lightened his mood, even if only a little. He would never admit it even to himself, but it looked like he did miss their routine, small family fights. Sometimes it could be quite helpful, and right now...yeah, it was something he needed to get back to normal.

Sighing, the ex-human turned his gaze towards the window, silently watching the rain intensifying: more drops tapping on the window, further blurring and concealing everything from view. He had been watching it for about a minute before this sight made his eyelids a little heavier, lulling the teen into more lethargic state. Exhaling softly, the hunter closed his eyes and eased himself onto the bed, feeling as consciousness finally gave in and retreated to let sleep claim the exhausted silver-haired youth.

---

The strong, heavy scent of blood that had repressed any other in the room made his inner beast practically purr of unalloyed pleasure and joy. Thus, when he woke up that day, his mood was fairly good despite the way he had fallen into the state of unconsciousness. Despite the way or rather...despite the reason of why he had sunk into oblivion in the first place. Strangely, instead of annoyance he actually felt nothing but pure amusement, which only made him chuckle contently yet again.

Well, he certainly wasn't about to complain. After all, as he had thought, it was exceptionally enjoyable and very entertaining...To see Kiryuu's features twisted in absolute distress, to hear screams of purest agony falling from the boy's lips, to feel him struggling – the action itself so foolish and absolutely useless – under him, how his efforts to get free were slowly becoming feebler with every passing second until the last remains of strength left the weakened, battered, tortured form and the ex-human had no other choice but to lie there, wishing for the end of the torment desperately, but unable to do anything to stop it. Like a broken doll...A beautiful, broken, blood-stained, trapped doll with expressive lilac eyes full of anger, loathing, detestation, desire to slaughter him and bitterness from understanding that he would never have a chance to do it.

The pureblood let his eyes slide shut for a few moments, a small smile gracing his lips at the thought, 'Not a single chance for the rest of his life, truly. Pitiful being...' The voice in his head was dripping with mockery.

What could he say? It really was amusing and the ex-human was useful: the best shield he could ever find for his precious girl – he should guard and save her for him until the time came and Kaname decided to finally make her completely his – and a perfect little toy for him and his inner bloodthirsty beast – his personal entertainment that could fully satisfy his cravings...at least the major and the most dangerous and violent part of them. But he didn't need anything else from the obstinate hunter, since it was his dear Yuuki who was meant to fulfill his most sacred wishes – that was something that no one but his sweet girl could do, he knew it for sure. Only she and her kind, caring, loving, accepting heart were capable of giving him the warmth he always sought for, the sincere love he craved for somewhere in the depths of his soul, dedicate herself to him wholly and selflessly and be completely his for the rest of eternity.

Of course, he would have to turn her, but he would never do it forcefully and without her consent. She was the first person he had ever loved aside from his parents – the affections for them should be natural. But Yuuki...the very first being he had ever wanted to give everything to without demanding anything in return. The one who invoked the better in himself: the side that no other soul knew or should know, because it was only for her to witness. His kindness, his vulnerability, his care, his gentleness, his love, everything that could be called 'good' in him was reserved for her alone – no one else deserved it or would ever be worthy of even trying to. She was the only one who could bring him such peace and sheer happiness with a mere smile – so bright, sincere and warm; who could make him forget about who he was and make his loneliness go away only by letting him hear her melodic laughter. She was always willing to share her world with him and never treated him like a monster he was – this fact itself made her even more precious in his eyes.

As much as she needed, he would wait. She should be willing and ready to cross that line of giving her humanity to him, for she would never be able to get it back after that. The mere thought of it made his fangs throb slightly in anticipation. He wished and craved for it, but he would wait as much as he had to, because he knew that one day, sooner or later, he would have her by his side no matter what. He was certain of it since he knew that she loved him and would be willing to become his.

As for Kiryuu...The brunet inhaled deeply, garnet eyes morphed into a raging crimson for a couple of seconds before returning to their original color as his already disturbed canines half-lengthened in excitement. Well, he needed some distraction as well as a good entertainment, and he was very well aware that the boy could give him that, albeit unwittingly and involuntarily. Although most of the time their brief encounters made him feel nothing but irritation and brought forth, practically pulled out of him his worst, darkest self, he liked experiencing it.

But truly, it was fascinating. Their acrid exchange of words and little verbal battles, small fights and rough play – all their games of predator and prey, that is. It fueled, teased, nourished and pleased his suppressed side, the one that was always hidden from everyone for the sake of his position and status, which demanded for nothing less than perfection from him. But no matter how much and how long he had tried to fully repress and crush the savage beast within himself, the silver-haired hunter just had a natural talent to draw it out of him. And oh, did it revel in those rare moments.

He had thought that he wasn't too fond of everyone's urge to obey and serve him – whether it was faked or sincere, it was all lower-ranked vampires' undeniable instinct nevertheless – until he met the defiant brat. It was then that he first felt that strange ambivalence. An actual fascination and some unexplainable thrill from seeing such fierce, flaring, intense, genuine emotions – none of them positive even in the slightest – flicker in the boy's eyes, and all of that had been directed towards him, daring the violent monster to rise to his challenge. But there also was an annoyance and dissatisfaction with having someone reckless or foolish enough to disrespect him in that manner and even to do something as unforgivable as trying to harm him. Somehow, at that particular moment, for the first time in his life he really wanted to put someone on their knees and make them beg for mercy, tame and crush them slowly, deliberately...enjoying each and every moment of that imaginary bloodshed. He had never felt that raging part of him so well before. He guessed that was when he had understood what his race truly represented...and that he couldn't always be a kind vampire his sweet Yuuki thought him to be.

But he would be, if only with and for her. He could easily hold that facade in place when she was by his side, gracing him with her warm, comforting light, immense care and kindness.

Kaname turned his head towards the window to look at the scenery. It was evening now, a time for the sunset, and classes should have started already. Silently watching as day slowly died down to be replaced by night, the pureblood touched the side of his neck with his right hand and ran his fingers over the skin lightly. It'd been a couple of days since Kiryuu bit him – though viciously dug into his throat and devoured it would be more precise of a description – and naturally, the wounds had already healed and fully closed, but he still felt a mild throbbing in that area – which was fairly sensitive even now. It wasn't a painful or an unpleasant sensation – quite the opposite, actually – but it was somewhat distracting to say the least.

The brunet returned his gaze to the documents he had been working on for the last few hours. He looked at the reports that were telling him about the latest matters concerning his business affairs, vampire politics and Council issues, but found that he couldn't concentrate on the words there yet again.

Letting out an inaudible sigh, Kaname closed the book and put it on the mahogany table behind which he was sitting at the moment. He lifted the blood wine filled glass that was placed on it to his left, and dawned the remains of the crimson liquid in one unhurried, graceful, fluid motion. After which, just as gracefully, the pureblood stood up from the leather armchair and swiftly walked to the adjoined bedroom, deciding to take a short, refreshing shower before continuing his night.

---

It wasn't here too...Which only confirmed his guess that the only place where it could be was that twisted bastard's rooms. Which was definitely not a good thing since he planned – and was determined – to never show up there for the rest of his life. But naturally, he couldn't get away so easily, now could he? Of course not, as usually.

The teen almost openly sneered at these naive thoughts. He was really tired of cursing his luck so often.

Sighing heavily in disappointment, the ex-human got up from his crouching position on the ground and looked around the place once again. Just like before, it was nowhere to be found. His Bloody Rose gun, that is. If his brain wasn't playing tricks on him and if he remembered right, he had dropped it that night, when another wave of pain had come while he had been in the woods with Kuran after the latter had sent off those two Level B leeches. Zero highly doubted that someone had found it before him since the area was mostly desolate, not to mention the downpour that still hadn't stopped. Besides, he also didn't think that Kuran himself would be stupid enough to actually leave the weapon, especially the anti-vampire one, to just openly lie on the Academy grounds, ready for the taking. The pureblood was anything but 'stupid' – that much he knew for sure despite being reluctant to admit that fact.

Which left only one possible variant...And it led him straight to that king of bloodsuckers that had become another one of his nightmares. Damn it, why hadn't he taken his gun before leaving that freak's room? ! Ah, right, he had wanted to get the hell out of there so badly that he had forgotten about everything else, including his precious weapon.

Well, since he had been in zombie-like state back then, maybe it wasn't that surprising. The only – one and only – thought that had been unstoppably running through his disoriented mind like some kind of mantra had been to escape – as soon as possible, as far as he could – and never come back there again. He did understand that it was more than impossible since sooner or later – he always prayed for later – he would have to come to Kuran for another portion of that poison filling his pureblooded highness.

A bitter, humorless ghost of a smile appeared on the silver-haired teen's features as he turned to walk towards his destination.

Yeah, he liked to deceive himself with thoughts that he still had some choice left. But at least the first part of his 'plan' had worked and he'd managed to get away from the Moon Dorms while the main beast there was unconscious – and the fact that he was the one who had caused the asshole to be in that state kind of made him feel better, for even if a little, it gave him some satisfaction.

As he passed through the dormitory's gates, he already could feel that repressing aura. So Kuran really was there...When the pureblood hadn't showed up at the class changeover, the ex-human hoped that the leech just left to attend one of his Council meetings or vampire soiree or whatever – he honestly didn't care so long as he had a chance not to see or meet the brunet for as long as possible. But apparently, his wish wasn't meant to be granted so easily, not for much longer anyway. And that commanding presence in the building he'd just stepped into confirmed this not so optimistic thought of his.

A warm air surrounded the hunter the moment he entered the Moon Dorms and closed the door after himself. It was only then that he noticed how drenched he was. His originally silvery, but now mostly greyish bangs were dripping with water and, along with his clothes, clung to his moist skin quite uncomfortably. He didn't really care about rain or about being soaked to the bone since it wouldn't affect his health or something. Vampires didn't catch flu and never got sick unless seriously injured or blood-deprived. And even then it couldn't be called sickness since they'd get better after feeding. Nevertheless, the state he and his garments were currently in was rather uncomfortable. And it was another reason why he wanted to get it done and over with sooner and go back to his dormitory. The first and the main one was that he simply detested being in this lair.

However, disregarding it for now, the prefect moved forward, across the grand hall. His shoes making a soft clicking sounds as he walked through the deserted room quietly. He ascended the stairs and headed in the direction of the pureblood's quarters. By now he knew the way to that beast's den too well for his liking.

When he neared the massive doors, one of them slowly opened on its own accord. The teen was aware, however, that it was Kuran who had done it, permitting him the entrance to his rooms.

'Smug bastard.' Zero gritted his teeth at the thought of the older male. Of course that controlling freak would know that he was there, it couldn't be any other way. Which only annoyed the silver-haired youth further.

His steps didn't falter, the ex-human stepped into the study. Already adjusted to the darkness, lilac orbs found the only occupant of the spacious residence straight away. Just like it had opened a few moments ago, the door closed on its own accord behind the younger vampire.

Looking at the night scenery outside the window, Kaname stood with a towel draped around his shoulders, one hand working in slow motions to dry off his hair that was still wet after the recent shower. He wore a pair of dark tailored trousers and black silk button-up shirt that was undone all the way, showing the most part of his toned, nicely sculpted upper half. He turned his gaze to the teen who was standing at the entrance. Leisurely, garnet orbs raked over the ex-human's form, taking in every detail of the other's appearance.

Slowly, an openly mocking, cynical smile pulled at the pureblood's lips, burgundy hues glinted with light twinkle of pure amusement. The mirth was apparent in his velvety voice when he spoke, "What is the matter, Kiryuu? It's a rather unsuitable weather for a...walk..." He gave a soft chuckle after letting his eyes travel over the prefect's figure once again before continuing, "Have you forgotten your umbrella?...Or coat at the very least...?"

Zero glared daggers at the older male, clenching his fists in further intensified aggravation.

"Shut it, Kuran. It sure as hell is none of your concern."

"It's just a mere courtesy on my part." The brunet made a dismissing gesture with his free hand while slightly turning his head to the side and sliding his eyes shut for a few seconds, his smirk didn't falter, "Ah...forgive me my inconsideration. I forget that you are not aware of such things." He regarded the hunter again, "...Or such words at that matter."

The light lavender turned into stormy violet, the teen's eyes narrowed to slits.

"Surely not when I'm anywhere near you," he hissed venomously.

Kaname cocked his head to the side, smile left his lips, brows drew together almost unnoticeably, eyes widened ever so slightly as he faked an upset countenance.

"Such hostility...What did I do to make you behave so offensive towards me, I wonder?"

The hurt in his voice reeked with falseness. Zero got tired of it already, "Have you had enough of entertaining yourself yet?" He wasn't some frigging toy for this bastard's amusement, dammit!

And that creepy grin was plastered on that face again.He thought it got even more jeering and cynical. He hated when Kuran directed this kind of smile at him. Hell, he hated when that vampire did so much as look in his direction, let alone give him a smile of any sort. It never was a good sign: so far it hadn't brought him any good. Besides, seeing a smiling Kuran wasn't only not right, it simply freaked him out, though he never showed it outwardly.

"Of course not," the brunet answered nonchalantly, heading for his desk, "After all, you seem to never run out of ways to entertain me."

Taking the cotton towel off his shoulders and dropping it on the back of the couch, Kaname continued towards the mahogany table. He picked up a bottle of blood wine and filled the glass that stood there with dark liquid. Noticing from the corner of his eye how the ex-human visibly scowled at his usual drink, the pureblood chuckled quietly, "I would suggest you one, but my taste is clearly not to your liking, it seems."

"I don't need any. Just give me what is mine and I'm out of here."

Giving him a falsely confused look, the older vampire took a wineglass in his hand and walked around the desk to take a seat in the armchair before replying, "And what may it be, I wonder?"

Zero snarled, "You damn well know what. Give me my gun back." His tone was firm despite the inner discomfort he felt at being in the pureblood's presence.

Kaname kept silent, still eyeing the prefect, his expression impassive. He flicked his gaze from Kiryuu to the crimson liquor in the glass he held, cupping the round sphere so that the thin leg was placed between his middle and ring fingers. He made a few circling motions, as if mixing the contents of the vessel. Placing his free arm's elbow on the handle to support his cheek and jaw with long fingers, he moved his gaze to the hunter. A couple of seconds had passed before the corners of the pink lips curled up slightly yet again. The rich, silky voice sounded not long after, "...Why don't you come here then?"

It wasn't a question or a request, but a command – he knew and felt it. Kuran never asked or requested something, especially from him, he always demanded. And right now that tone itself clearly stated and confirmed that fact. The teen's eye twitched in annoyance, his right fist that was out of the brunet's range of sight clenched tightly, almost drawing blood with his fingernails. However, he stepped farther into the room, slowly and cautiously, but unhesitatingly – at least on the surface – nevertheless.

Ruby orbs followed every movement of the ex-human, silently bringing the glass to his mouth to sip at the flavorous liquid. As Zero stopped and stood in front of the massive table, Kaname let his eyes scan the lean, heavily drenched form before him once more. After which he came to conclusion that he rather liked what he saw. The boy looked strangely appealing with his normally silver, soft, fleeting hair turned grey, wet and dripping with water, clinging to his face and neck in a little messy, yet alluring manner. The rain-soaked uniform clung to his strong build as well as the now transparent white shirt to his chest and torso. Small drops of water were trailing along the bare, pale, yielding skin of the long column, down to the collarbone and lower to disappear after being absorbed by the damp cloth. Darkened lavender hues watched him intently, warily, with anger, contempt and loathing. But no matter how hard the youth attempted to conceal it, Kaname still could see apprehension, anxiety, dread and bitterness flicker in those eyes. Somewhere deep, hidden, buried – the boy did a good job of hiding it, yes, but all the same, the brunet was able to discern it.

Ah...How delightful it was...For both him and his inner beast since each wanted to feel these emotions emitting from his prey, to cause distress and desperation, to break it. To break this creature and force it into submission.

Putting the wineglass back on the desk's smooth surface, Kaname leaned back in the leather armchair and crossed his legs, placing his elbows on handles before making a slow, graceful movement towards one of the upper cabinets with his right hand. It opened on its own accord without the older vampire even touching it.

Zero watched as the pureblood pulled out the Bloody Rose, dragging it by the chain attached to the said gun. The drawer in which it was previously lying was shut the same way it had been opened with Kuran not sparing a single glance to that direction. The brunet laid the anti-vampire weapon on the table, right in front of him – gaze still locked with the ex-human's. He placed his hands on his lap and both males stayed motionless for a few moments before the hunter made a move to retrieve his gun.

He came closer and, slightly bending over the wooden piece of furniture in order to reach the Bloody Rose, stretched his hand out and took a hold of the weapon. He had already started withdrawing when his limb was firmly pinned down in one sharp, sudden movement on the pureblood's part, burgundy eyes were staring into his lavender ones with the other's face only a few inches from his own. The action was unexpected and unwelcome at the very least and, on instinct, the teen began to back away the second he felt that touch. It literally made his skin crawl. It was too abhorrent...too disgusting and abominable. It was even more unbearable than he had thought. To feel that contact again, after that night which he wanted to forget – desperately, but alas, unsuccessfully so far. He still could easily recall every detail because it haunted him. And right now Kuran was making it much worse, causing all those images to flood into his head anew.

Easily predicting the ex-human's reaction and next move, Kaname busied his other hand with the boy's neck – so tempting and easily breakable – and grasped it tightly, preventing the younger one from moving farther away. The hunter tensed and froze visibly and palpably, which couldn't be said about his pulse. With each passing moment it was rapidly quickening and strengthening its beating under the brunet's strong, relentless fingers. Now Kiryuu's heartbeat was drumming in his ears louder, for him it was like music. Unable – and not really wishing – to hold back, the pureblood leaned in to feel that pulsating vein. Shifting his hand slightly aside, but not ceasing the firm hold on the slender throat, Kaname licked the still moist, pale skin along the pulse, tasting the mixture of the teen's distinctive flavor and rain. Suppressing the natural elongation of his fangs, he bit onto the chosen place with his blunt teeth, harshly.

Zero hissed, cringing at the pain that shot through him, instinctively trying to retreat as far as possible, but unable to do so due to the brunet's hold on him.

"Shit...Kuran...!"

He tried to pry off the hand that was preventing him from shooting the twisted bastard with his free one. Needless to say, it was another futile attempt just like every other seemed to be if it was directed against the pureblooded leech, who only let out a muffled chuckle at his struggle.

Finally the vampire let go, but neither withdrew nor released the silver-haired prefect. He stood still for a few moments, staring at the reddened mark absently. It seemed strange to him...To see a wound that wouldn't heal immediately but remain in place, unchanged...He frowned. It showed how weak and frail humans were and reminded him of Yuuki...Of all wounds and bitemarks she bore when this disgrace drank her precious blood on regular basis. A sharp intake of breath tore him out of his thoughts and made him realize that he had tightened his grip around Kiryuu's neck, partially cutting off the boy's access to air. However, he didn't let his fingers go loose and kept the constricting grasp, only leaning closer to the abused skin to caress it with his lips and tongue once more.

It was hard to breathe, but he was able to do it since the bloodsucker kept him restricted the way that would only cause pain and reduce his ability to move. Nevertheless, it was painful and highly uncomfortable. Not to mention that his head started to get cloudy, which was natural when you were being practically strangled. But as if it wasn't enough, Kuran just had to add to it by harassing his throat again. The asshole really knew how to choose the best ways of tormenting and humiliating him.

A hot puffs of breath tickled his skin as a whisper sounded near his ear all of a sudden, "You're trembling."

Was he? He never noticed. But the fingers restricting his windpipe relented. He inhaled deeply, attempting to even his labored breathing and accelerated heartbeat.

Next came a soft chuckle. The pureblood's tone was amused, "Are you scared now, Kiryuu? Of all times...It's nothing after our last night..."

"Shut up..." His voice was crooked and just as quiet. "You're insane." He yanked his hand that was holding the gun, trying to get it free, but the older male still held it tightly. He repeated the action, but the result was the same and he used his other limb to at least push Kaname away – this proximity was repelling and caused panic to rise inside of him.

"Stop struggling." It was a command – unmistakably. It sounded strained and angry.

Too close...Unbearably so.

"Let go, dammit!"

He didn't stop resisting but only increased his efforts, which – suddenly and quite surprisingly if he thought about it – worked and the hand that had been previously forcing him to stay still, was gone when Kuran made a move to capture his free wrist. However, Zero managed to dodge the other's motion, in turn answering with his own. Miraculously, he had managed to deliver a blow to the side of the pureblood's right cheekbone, making the other's head turn aside. Strangely, the force was enough to let him slide his formerly immobilized hand that was holding the Bloody Rose gun out of the brunet vampire's clutch, finally getting him free.

Using this opportunity, the silver-haired teen rushed to the door – his only purpose being escape. This encounter was more than enough for the hunter. He reached for the doorknob and already started to pull at it when the door was pushed close at first by the arm on the right from him and then by his own body that was forced forward. A deep, animal-like growl sounded into his ear before he had any chance to resume his struggles to break free. It was a clear warning, thus he remained still and kept silent while the figure behind him was pressing against his back firmly. The Level D's wrists were pinned to the cold wooden surface on both sides of his head roughly and violently before the pureblood roared.

"How many times do I have to warn you, Kiryuu...?" It seemed too smooth and calm, for he knew that the one behind him was seething with rage – Kuran himself was the one forcing his suppressive aura onto him.

"You didn't forget what I told you about doing that...or did you?" The grip on his left wrist loosened a little, a thumb stroked the skin there before those fingers tightened around it – harshly and painfully. The ex-human's eyes widened and the brunet continued, "I see you do remember my words..."

Zero turned his gaze towards the other male only to be met with cold, emotionless, darkened ruby orbs staring at him intently, unwaveringly. The pureblood's expression was unreadable as he spoke quietly, "Do you think I wouldn't be able to accomplish what I said?...It is so easy for me to break it as well as any other part of your anatomy, but you don't seem to understand it at all, Kiryuu." Kaname shifted even closer to the prefect, now fully leaning on the younger vampire. Receiving a visible wince as a reaction at the further tightening of his vice-like grip, he continued, now murmuring, "Should I prove to you that I always mean every word I say once again...?"

"I don't care." The hunter's countenance had already hardened anew. And strangely, he did mean his words – damaging this asshole's facade in any way was worth it. Besides, he doubted that it could become any worse, and getting out of this monster's clutches was his main priority at the moment. His voice was dripping with venom when he resumed speaking, "If you think that I'll start begging for your forgiveness, you're even crazier than I thought."

Burgundy eyes flashed crimson briefly, his fangs throbbed again. Slowly, a dark smile crept up his face as he spoke silkily, "Oh, but you shall. And I can assure you that within a short time you'll get quite accustomed to it."

"I'd rather die." The prefect bit out curtly, glaring at the pureblood heatedly.

"Sure you are...But for how long will you be able to keep this intention in mind? Soon, Kiryuu..." He gave a slender wrist in his hand a hard squeeze, also angling it slightly so that he would cause pain – and discomfort at the very least – but wouldn't disjoint it. The silver-haired vampire had to grit his teeth to prevent any sounds of distress from leaving him.

"Soon you'll break again...But this time no one but me will be able to save and repair you. And then..." Those lips were flush from his ear again, the ex-human literally felt smirk on them as they continued moving against his skin. "Rest assured, Kiryuu, then you shall come to me of your own free will, ready to give me anything for a taste of my blood. It shall be this way from now onwards, and you..." A soft chuckle sounded, the velvety voice toned down to an almost inaudible, husky whisper, "...You can't do anything about it. Not now, not ever."

The hunter's form went rigid when he felt a hot, moist tongue traveling up from his earlobe to the upper cartilage of his ear leisurely to play with the silver cuff there. It sent a violent shiver down the teen's spine and he tried to shift his head away as much as he possibly could, albeit unsuccessfully. The pureblood only held him more securely, further pressing the slightly smaller body to the massive door.

His heartbeat started racing again. He felt panic coiling in the pit of his stomach and building up inside of him.

But suddenly, the warmth was gone and he involuntarily let out a sigh of apparent relief. His limbs also were released, which allowed him to move back from the hard wooden surface. He did so, but left his hands in place, only letting them slid lower as he made a step back and dipped his head slightly. The prefect's senses told him that the older vampire was retreating. He didn't know why, but honestly, it didn't matter. Whatever the bastard was thinking about at the moment wasn't of any importance to him if it impelled the leech to leave him alone.

They stood in heavy silence for another few seconds before the ex-human took in a calming breath, pulled the door open and walked off hastily, taking long, hurried steps.

Silently shutting the partly opened door with his mind, Kaname picked up the forgotten half-filled wineglass from the table and proceeded to the large window. Leaning on the frame, he sipped at his drink and looked at the slightly bleary scenery outside. A wicked grin appeared on the flawless features when ruby orbs found a mop of silver hair and its owner's figure moving towards the gates of the Moon Dorms. An almost inaudible, humorless chuckle sounded as dark eyes followed the retreating form.

'Show me how long you can suppress yourself...Zero.'

---

More than weird, it was unsettling...Not that he was against it or something, but he simply knew that it was way too easy – not to mention, highly suspicious.

The fact that Kuran had actually stopped harassing him, that is. For he seriously doubted that the bloodsucker would simply let him be. It would be just plain naive to think otherwise and he definitely wasn't as stupid as to even allow himself such thoughts, no matter how much he wanted to believe in them. But in reality, the pureblood did stop his stupid antics of showing up out of nowhere to gnaw at him, and the only time when he got to see the sick monster was at the class changeover – which in his opinion was more than enough. Naturally, there were occasions when he met the freak in the school halls or in the Chairman's office, but other than those creepy cynical smiles and a few mockingly concealed, small barbs, there wasn't anything coming from the brunet's part in about a week now. As usually, he kept wearing that flawless, immaculate mask of perfection that everyone fell for so easily, the damn serpent in human skin.

All in all, everything in this situation brought nothing but doubts and uneasiness to him and he did not like it. Surely, thinking about that bastard, about his plans for him, his thoughts and plots and about what the hell was running through that sick, twisted mind of his was not his favorite way of spending his free time. If anything, he'd rather forget. At least for some time. Really, it could help him greatly.

But reality wasn't so merciful and he knew it too well. Therefore it was enough for him so long as the pureblood didn't come anywhere near his personal space. Because then he could at least try to distract himself with something, anything that could make the...events concerning the double-faced treacherous beast less... haunting, persistent, mortifying, crushing, unbearable, abhorrent, humiliating, horrific – if it was possible to deaden something of that sort at all.

Certainly, Yuuki being around him so frequently helped, but it couldn't possibly be enough. Yes, she always provided him with some peace and comfort, allowing him to feel something other than those usual bitter, gnawing emotions filled with despair and hopelessness. Her sheer presence was calming, but right now it could neither help nor set him at ease as it usually did. At times being near someone as sheltered and unsuspecting as she was could only serve as a constant reminder of the things he didn't want to keep in mind or even admit at that.

'Just peachy.'

A heavy sigh escaped the silver-haired teen as he closed his eyes for a few moments before opening them again and lifting his head to look at the starless sky. The downpour had ended a couple of days ago, and practically no traces of it were left now except for the refreshing scent of rain that was still lingering around, especially in the forest. It was a beautiful night. Calm and strangely peaceful, with moon illuminating everything gently and faintly. Deep in the woods, the hunter half-sat half-lay under one of the trees surrounding the school building, leaning on it in relaxed manner with one leg stretched while the other was bent, arms lying folded on his middle as he kept his gaze at the empyrean.

In fact, right now he was supposed to be in the middle of his prefect duties patrolling the grounds, but he just didn't feel like going anywhere, especially near the school full of bloodthirsty beasts – if he ever had a desire to do it at ll. So he stayed here, in one of his favorite places farther from the things he hated where no one – he truly hoped so – would find him. Recently he had preferred being alone more than usually, it seemed. Which in turn, apparently, was making Yuuki more worried about him, because she was giving him that look full of concern and uneasiness again.

He wasn't trying to be distant, withdrawn or anything, but...He guessed he just needed his time alone. Besides, currently it was better for him to stay away from her or any other human being seeing as his thirst for blood started showing itself anew. He had been feeling relatively fine all this time, and still was, but he knew for sure that it wouldn't last long. With each day craving was becoming stronger and it was a countdown to the inevitable.

Needless to say, Yuuki was out of question as well as any other unsuspecting victim: he would never fall so far as to bite some innocent human to satisfy the hunger of the disgusting, ugly beast inside of him. And even if it ever happened, before his master or any other hunter would have a chance to accomplish it, he would be the first to pull the trigger of the Bloody Rose and end his own existence – simple as that. And all that left him with the only other possible option...the one that he didn't want to even consider, which made it equal to impossible for him.

He could guess what Kuran wanted to show – it wasn't that difficult to grasp. But he would be damned the moment he gave in to the lecherous bastard and came to him voluntarily as the leech himself expected. He knew too well what it would mean and he was certainly not going to become that bloodsucking monster's personal permanent entertainment for fulfilling his sick, perverted needs and whims. It was too degrading and utterly humiliating for him to bear – as if he hadn't had enough of it already. And yet...

Pale hand moved to the inside of his uniform jacket to draw out his weapon of choice. Somewhat wistful, lavender eyes watched as the silver gun glistered slightly in the dim moonlight as if entranced, two slim fingers touched the cool surface to trace the embedded in elegant font name slowly.

It wasn't a first time when he had a suicidal thoughts or simply wondered why he was still alive. But it also wasn't because of what had happened, no, surely not. He would never start musing on killing himself only because of that pureblood and his actions – he sure as hell was much stronger than that and he wouldn't be broken so easily only because some twisted, self-centered asshole had decided that rape coupled with mauling was a best way to show him his place and thought that he could do anything he wanted due to his indisputable royalty. But he would not give Kuran a pleasure of seeing him fall apart. Just like always, he would keep struggling until the end. Which, unfortunately – or maybe not and it was for the best – wasn't too far – he had known it the day Shizuka had claimed him with her fangs.

A dry half-smile graced the ex-human's lips at his next thoughts.

The ones who knew about him being turned were certainly surprised that he was still alive and fairly sane. Even Cross was somewhat amazed that he had managed to make it thus far.

However, it wouldn't last much longer...Earlier he had thought that he had in reserve something about a year, two, a little more maybe – though he had serious doubts about the latter. Now, however...Well, he was neither sure nor did he know. Kuran's blood should keep him semi-sated for another few days, maybe even a week, but then...He really didn't want to think about it. That sadistic bastard had simply 'saved' him for the sheer purpose of making his already bitter end even more unbearable and excruciating, and to prolong the agony prior to it.

It seemed like his whole life just had to be ruined by purebloods. At first one monster stripped him off his humanity and literally ruined his whole life, and now the other...God, he didn't want to vocalize it even in his own mind. The recollections that were replaying in his head over and over again were a torment enough.

Another sigh sounded before the male prefect returned the Bloody Rose to its usual place and got up from his position on the ground. He was too tired and all these musings did nothing but pushed him farther to the edge with their not so optimistic conclusions and perspectives.

He needed to finish patrolling his part of the academy grounds.

And today too, he hadn't have much success in forcing those haunting, nagging thoughts out of his head.

---

Splashing of water coupled with multiple clanking sounds of the small round tablets landing on the floor echoed in his ears as he stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom of the Chairman's house. Drops of moisture mixed with beads of sweat were trailing down his face leaving a wet trails on his flushed face as he bent over the basin, shaky hands on both sides of it to support his weakened form. The teen couldn't stop the violent coughing that kept tearing his aching throat apart. When it finally ceased, a little teary, cloudy lilac eyes opened to find several semi-dissolved, now pink-stained pills that he had spewed together with some of his own blood no longer than a few moments ago being washed away by the rushing water. He coughed a few more times before his eyelids slid close as he exhaled shakily.

He was tired and exhausted. Terribly. But even more than that, he was hungry. And this assault seemed to be even more unbearable and intense than all previous ones. He needed to quench this thirst in any way possible, but no matter how you looked at it, he had no options left except for this one. However, once again, it didn't help. At all. In fact, the only thing these vile-tasting tablets did to him was making his condition worse.

Yes, he already knew that it wouldn't work on ex-humans – he had already experienced it on several occasions. Every time he had to force the damn thing down his throat, and though it wasn't too hard, thus far he hadn't managed to keep it inside of himself even once – the whole process always ended with him throwing up the insufferable pills along with his own life essence.

Zero lifted his head to look at his reflection. If earlier the color of his eyes was mostly lilac with red only starting to creep into it, now it was fully crimson, and seemingly the brightest shade of it. The elongated fangs were pricking on his lower lip, but not enough to draw blood – thankfully. The scent of blood – even if it was his own – would hardly be good for him at the moment.

The teen's body shook again. His condition had been changing from feverish to freezing and back repeatedly for the last couple of hours or so, and it was making him feel even worse if it was possible at all. The pain was excruciating: his gums ached, canines throbbed unstoppably, throat and chest were burning – he couldn't breathe properly, head was cloudy and he felt unsteady – keeping his balance without any support was hard.

'How long has it been...?', he wondered briefly. He couldn't even remember it, not at the moment. But he knew that it had been a while. Very much so. Too much for him to bear. He knew he was ready to give up...he was giving up – his traitorous thoughts, the ones about going to that monster, had proved it splendidly. Yes, it had crossed his mind, and for a few moments there he actually had been ready to go to that pureblooded bastard. Even if it had lasted less than a mere second, the fact itself disgusted him nevertheless.

Was he really that weak? To just...surrender? To simply do as Kuran had said...?

But then again, what choice did he have? It was a dead end with no possible – or rather, acceptable – options left.

The hunter screwed his eyes shut as he hunched over the sink further when another attack hit him, hard. He wanted to scream, the pressure in his head was strong enough to break him – at least so it seemed.

'Damn it all, isn't it enough already? !'

The hunger was killing him, tearing him apart with its intensity. The only thing he could see before his eyes was blood and all he could think about – its taste, smell, texture, the way it would slide down his aching throat and ease the unbearable pain, quench the thirst and make this agony go away...

God, he needed it...Now. This craving was intolerable! Why the hell wouldn't the damn pills work at least once? ! Was he asking so much that it couldn't be granted no matter what?

'Just stop...make it stop...'

The violently shaking form slid down to sit on the floor. A lone, quiet sob escaping the trembling lips as one hand rose to cover the teen's pale face while the other moved to hug his middle.

He couldn't suppress it anymore...

---

It was a strange feeling...the one that he was experiencing at the moment. In all honesty, he wasn't quite sure of what exactly he was feeling about this particular situation. He just couldn't decide which emotion was stronger: an utter amusement, partial bewilderment and maybe even amazement, satisfaction and pleasure from his observations, or immense annoyance and aggravation. But once again, the sheer reason for this inner 'conflict' remained the same.

Truly, the boy's stubbornness was...remarkable to say the least. It had been a little more than two weeks now, and he knew that the ex-human was practically dying from thirst. He could clearly see all symptoms of the violent bloodlust he was immersed in – the heavy waves of suppressed hunger radiating from the male prefect's famished body were screaming of his condition. Not to mention all outward signs that were obvious for his eyes. Still, the impudent brat hadn't shown him any will or intent to surrender despite the unbearable hunger he was suffering from.

Kaname let a small smile tug at the corners of his lips, a barely audible chuckle sounded in the classroom, causing a few Night Class students to stop their conversations and turn curious gazes towards their leader. He didn't pay them any attention though, only kept looking at the night view outside the window.

Alright, he couldn't say that he didn't like the challenge itself. And he certainly enjoyed watching the silver-haired teen's anguish, but the fact that some lowlife actually dared to defy him in the most insolent ways possible was simply getting on his nerves. This, coupled with the mix of all those ambivalent emotions that – to his utter displeasure – had managed to confuse and frustrate him. Which he definitely didn't like. Not to mention that...

The slim finger traced the smooth rim of the glass, burgundy eyes watched as two tablets started dissolving in the clear water slowly. Though his face was back to being a mask of calm indifference, it was evident that he was bored. Awfully so, actually.

He was getting hungry...Possibly in more ways than one. And his everyday life was growing terribly dull without their...brief encounters. Kaname always could work out some of his – practically daily – stress on the boy while also enjoying the satisfaction he got from feeling the other's distress. Surely, Kiryuu was a sore spot and he despised the hunter for a lot of things, but truly, it was the most entertaining thing he had ever seen thus far. He just couldn't – and neither intended nor wished to – refrain from amusing himself with the insufferable creature.

The pureblood wanted to cringe at the foul taste of the drink he had made for himself, but easily crushed down the urge, keeping his perfect demeanor.

He was getting a little too...accustomed to the silver-haired teen's blood. Accustomed, possibly bordering with almost addicted. After taking in so much of it, the blood tablets tasted even more repulsing than usually, which certainly did nothing to improve his moods. Not to mention that it surely wasn't – and would hardly ever be, especially for him – in any way as effective as the real thing. But it was better than nothing. He never had a tendency to drink blood from next convenient, willing donors who would be delighted to serve him. For if he did so, that chosen ones, thinking too much of a simple act meant for surviving, would undoubtedly perceive it as something more...meaningful, even if subconsciously – it was natural.

And that was yet another convenient thing about Kiryuu, since for the obstinate whelp it was an action that made him feel nothing but shame and humiliation, only strengthening his sense of self worthlessness. Needless to say, considering his hunter heritage and the way he had been turned, the bite itself could evoke solely negative feelings. And the added pleasure the other would feel – but only if Kaname himself wanted so – would doubtlessly cause the ex-human's anguish and self destructive emotions to rise and harden further. Which in turn never failed to please the pureblood's dark side as well as increase his sadistic delight.

"Kaname?" Familiar voice sounded near him, distracting the brunet from his musings gently, but successfully. He averted his attention from the scenery outside to the owner of the soft tone, who was none other than his cheery childhood friend Ichijou Takuma.

At the inquiring look the Night Class president gave him, the ever lively blond only smiled warmly before answering the older male's unspoken question, "The lessons have ended. It's time to go back to the Dormitory now."

Was it? He hadn't noticed...

"I see..." He stood up gracefully. "Thank you, Takuma." The pureblood made his way out of the auditorium, soon followed by the rest of vampire class.

---

A small frown adorned the petite girl's features when she didn't receive any answer from the other side of the door she was standing in front of. But she thought she really did hear something when she only neared the dorm room...Was it her imagination...?

Shrugging this thought off for now, Yuuki repeated her previous action and knocked at the wooden surface once again, but this time with more persistence. Her voice followed not long after, "Zero? It's me, are you there?"

Just like before, no answered followed. Against her better judgment, she reached for the knob and tried it to open the door. Unlike what she had expected, it wasn't locked and she easily, albeit hesitantly, stepped into the room, hoping to see there the one she was looking for.

However, to her utter disappointment, it was empty and her adoptive brother was nowhere to be found. The female prefect let go of the doorhandle and entered farther, looking around only to confirm what her eyes had told her earlier: Zero wasn't here too.

But...where then?

They were supposed to go to the town now. The three of them: she, Yori-chan and Zero who refused to let them go anywhere without being accompanied. Though she was sure that they would be fine on their own, she didn't object since she was always glad to be by his side. Therefore Yuuki was only anticipating their outing with delight.

But now she couldn't find him anywhere: neither at the Chairman's nor at any of his favorite places and as she could see now, not here too. Maybe he had changed his mind? But it was so unlike him. Lately he had been avoiding her, and she knew that something was wrong and going on with him, that he was hiding something from her, but yet again, he didn't give her any chance to even offer her help.

And that was so Zero-like. Always trying to handle everything on his own, alone. It always saddened her that even after all these years she still wasn't trustworthy enough for him to rely on. Deep inside she knew that it wasn't so, but still...Yet she knew that it simply was the way Zero was, and that he just didn't want to make her worry.

The auburn-haired girl's shoulders slumped slightly as she sighed, turning her gaze to the window that was left wide open, letting the chilling breeze in.

'Where are you, Zero?'

---

Abruptly, he was tore out of his light slumber when one raging, but awfully familiar by now aura stirred his senses. Briefly taking in his current surroundings, he realized that at some point he had fallen asleep while resting on his couch. Well, nothing surprising there, really. It was a middle of the day, after all – a time for him to rest. But that aside for now, the reason of why he had woken up was more important at the moment.

Still a little cloudy, wine-red eyes slid shut slowly as a soft sigh escaped the full rosy lips and a slender hand rose to rake through the long, silky, chocolate locks. The pureblood turned his head to the side to rest it partially against his forearm. A small – yet smug-looking – half-smile appeared on the perfect features as the lounging vampire spoke mockingly, "Finally decided to be reasonable?"

His inquiry was answered with ferocious, swelling growl that was getting closer with each quiet tap on the floor. It sounded like the boy was barefooted. After a few seconds the couch the brunet was lying on sank slightly under the added weight. Feeling two warm yet almost unnoticeably trembling hands being placed on his shoulder and collarbone, Kaname crooked his eyes open to look at the figure hovering above him – his head still turned to the side, fully revealing his graceful neck.

Dark orbs watched in satisfaction as the silver-haired teen's crimson-stained hues bore into his throat, undoubtedly focused on the pulse there. Grinning devilishly, the pureblood allowed his eyes to go lower to take in the ex-human's appearance. From the looks of it, he was in his sleep attire: a light cotton pants and long-sleeved shirt with boat collar – neck and clavicle wide open, the hunter was practically begging to be bitten dressed like that. And as Kaname had assumed earlier, the other did have no shoes – or anything at that – on.

A few experimental licks along his jugular vein returned his gaze to the mop of silver hair now tickling his skin slightly as the male prefect worked on preparing the skin for bite. Kaname felt a small shivers of anticipation running down his spine when Zero scraped his fully and painfully aroused fangs over the sensitive spot at the pulse. It was disturbingly pleasurable, what the boy was doing right now. Nevertheless, his voice sounded as calm and emotionless as ever, not betraying anything he felt, "Aren't you forgetting something, Kiryuu?" The arm that had been previously hanging down the couch, moved up, tracing the younger vampire's spine on the way to his destination.

Two ivory canines had already started piercing the tempting, moist skin when a tight grip on his hair and then a sharp, violent tug at it pulled him off harshly, causing a pained, discontent groan to leave the ex-human's lips. He felt a warm breath on his ear as a threatening voice sounded, "I do not recall hearing you beg for it."

The body on top of him went stiff, only occasionally trembling ever so slightly from the intense waves of hunger assaulting him. So the hunter was still conscious as he had thought. Well, that was quite impressive.

Kaname let a dark, sly smirk spread across his features.

All the better for him. If the boy was aware of what he was doing to him on his free will, it would certainly be to his benefit. For Kiryuu wouldn't be able to say anything about making him drink his blood by force anymore.

"No..." A sharp intake of breath sounded before the hoarse, broken voice repeated shakily, "No..."

"No?" The fake surprise in that velvety, melodious voice was apparent, even to Zero's cloudy mind. "It was not a request, but an order, Kiryuu." The pureblood pulled the younger vampire further away from his throat to face him. He watched flood of emotions flashing through those piercing, hunger and pain filled orbs, continuing, "You need my blood, don't you?"

He didn't move. Neither did he speak. The still sane part of him couldn't allow that, it was too much. It was true that he needed blood, that he was dying to have it. He tried to crush it down, to hold back, but he knew that if it kept going this way, he would break and attack first person unlucky enough to be near him. It had taken last remains of his strength and will to run away from his dorm room when he had felt Yuuki's presence nearing it instead of simply giving in to finally satisfy this unendurable, tearing, agonizing thirst. It was already hard for the still rational part of his messed up consciousness to bear the fact that he had come here, that he had given up. It went the way this bastard had predicted, which was only worsening everything in this already bad enough situation.

Suddenly, he was brought back into reality when the heavenly scent hit his nostrils, making him forget all his previous thoughts. He returned his attention to the brunet, looking for any wounds that had caused the smell of blood to appear, but found none – the pureblood's skin was as unscathed as ever. The silver-haired teen's brows creased in confusion as he struggled to understand what the source was.

He licked his lips unconsciously.

It was so close...right before him...But...

Zero's eyes widened when the horrifying realization of both the location of wound and sheer purpose of making it hit him head-on. Kuran didn't...He couldn't want him to...

The smug smile on the leech's lips suggested differently, however.

"You shouldn't let it go to waste, Kiryuu...This is the only way you are going to get it this time." He loosened his hold on the silky strands, but didn't release it yet.

No...He wouldn't...he couldn't. There was no way that he...he...

But his starved body had another opinion, completely opposite to his thoughts, and the next thing he knew, his quivering lips were placed on the pureblood's, working on them tentatively to coax the other into opening his mouth. Whimpering in concede, he licked the older male's lower lip, asking for entrance. After another few seconds, the brunet responded and complied with the ex-human's silent request by parting his lips. The teen's tongue to plunged into his mouth, fiercely lapping at the gathered there blood straight away.

Kaname felt shivers running through the lean form above as the boy tasted his life essence. A quiet moan escaped him when Zero sucked on his tongue to draw more blood from the already closed wound. The next second the prefect drove one of his fangs into the soft muscle, transferring tremors of delight to the pureblood, whose fingers interlaced with his silvery locks, pulling him closer.

A soft click sounded as the window the hunter had come in through shut itself. Or rather, the lying brunet vampire shut it with his mind. But none of the two occupants of the spacious room paid it any attention as both of them were too busy fulfilling their wants.

---

And this is it for now. And it's longer than the previous chapter AGAIN. Sorry for that, but as I said, you can merrily forget about short chapters with me. I'm just physically (and mentally too) unable to write shortly, so...

Anyway, I hope that you're not too disappointed with me and this chapter. So if you're still going to follow it, thank you, if not – I'm sorry for wasting your time.

The next chapter is already started and once again, I'll try my best to finish and post it sooner. I've been sick all this time, and still am, but now I feel a little better, so let's hope that I'll be able to do it this time, huh.

As usually, reviews are much appreciated.

Love you all, till next time~*_~