Chapter 2: Envy
(Kaname)
The ride was silent. There was nothing to talk about, nothing to mention, nothing to remember. Since everything was forgotten. As if the incident with Haruka never took place in the first place.
Kaname sighed, exasperated, and found himself staring into the unreadable eyes of Haruka Kuran. He quickly averted his eyes, absentmindedly biting his lip.
Last night's events were still fresh in his mind, torturing him endlessly until the early hours of the morning. Once again, he didn't get a wink of sleep, and once again, the fault laid in Haruka; although, Kaname couldn't bring himself to blame the latter.
He had indeed taken a very long walk the previous night, lost in his somber thoughts, trying to compose himself, holding onto his leftover dignity; tears. Therefore, it had been a quite a surprise when his legs turned around on their own accord, tracing back his footsteps towards the place he had intended to get away in the first place: the mansion.
Haruka was calling for him. He could feel it from their blood bond - the anguish, the distress, the heartache. Kaname could feel it all. As if they were his own emotions, and not his husband's.
His intuition had been correct when he had found Haruka, on the ground, broken and sobbing; and he had called out the pureblood's name; voice solemn and composed, betraying his true emotions.
Haruka had turned around and looked at him in such a way that a piece of his heart fell, right there and that moment, and shattered loudly in the calmness of the night.
The next thing he had known, Haruka was in his arms, and he was consoling older pureblood, stroking his hair, kissing him; and then realization had dawned on Kaname, the realization of his importance, the realization that he mattered, that he was needed. And at that moment, he had guiltily felt powerful - ashamed of his feelings.
Kaname wished that moment could have lasted longer, but as he had said before, they never do.
Haruka had passed out, right in his my arms, where he rightfully belonged, and he had carried him back to the mansion, back to Haruka's room, the last place he had wanted to be.
Laying Haruka down on his king-sized bed, he had covered the pureblood with a soft, heavy blanket; and then had taken a seat beside him, slender fingers on his face, stroking the tear-stained features, fondly yet yearningly.
Hours had passed, and Kaname still had his burgundy eyes focused on the sleeping pureblood; contemplating silently, longing for him, wishing he didn't have to do what was required of him.
"Zero..."
Haruka had moaned out, as tears, drop by drop, had started descending from his closed eyes, wetting the pillow beneath him.
His heart had ached, not because the name Haruka called out was not his, but because the way it was mentioned; the despair clear as night to his ears.
Kaname had brought the trembling body close to his chest, and without permission, had kissed the quivering, plump lips - passionately, sorrowfully - before the inevitable deed had been performed.
Burgundy eyes had rested upon the relaxed features of the pureblood for a full minute, taking in every detail they could muster and embedded them in the very core of his mind, lest he might do the mistake of forgetting them; and with a heavy heart, Kaname placed his hand on Haruka's forehead, closing his own eyes, concentrating on his spouse's memories and removing the ones from last night - the call, the mental breakdown, the section where he had entered and had comforted him, and his confession of his love to the man. Kaname had erased them all.
Because that was their deal.
An unbreakable deal. A deal that kept their marriage together, that kept them together, and the one that brought them together in the first place.
As Haruka's lawful spouse, Kaname had the power to erase his memories, the ability to look inside his head if given the chance. But he hadn't dared to. It was to save himself from unnecessary heartache. Because he had realized, a long time ago, that the person inhabiting Haruka's thoughts wasn't him, but Zero-san.
Haruka had come to him one fateful night, dressed in his Armani suit, smelling like roses, and with a gorgeous smile that instantly took Kaname's breath away. The older male made him sit down, claiming he had wanted to speak about something important, something extremely serious.
He had nodded, allowing the pureblood to continue. His smile broadening further, Haruka had laid out a proposal for him, a tempting one at that. The same one which gave Haruka a reason to stay in the marriage with him.
"Kaname, I am ready to marry you." Haruka had said, his voice alluring, his eyes smoldering, as the pureblood wrapped an arm around his waist. "But I have two conditions."
Flushing slightly, Kaname had nodded again, ears comically perking up at words 'I, you, marry'.
"My number one condition is that you are not allowed to leave me, cheat on me, break the marriage, no matter what the reason is." Haruka had stared down at him, expression stern, and Kaname had found himself nodding without any complaints.
Another bright smile was flashed towards his direction, and Haruka had continued, "The second condition: I have these episodes." The man had blushed, averting his eyes on the floor, "where I lose myself."
He had raised his brow inquiringly, not understanding where this was heading.
The older male had looked at him again, eyes solemn. "I want you to find me, wherever I am, whenever this happens, and comfort me, and then erase my memories."
"Excuse me?" He had gotten on his feet at this point, eyes incredulously fixed on Haruka. The pureblood had surely lost his mind, he had thought then.
"You heard me, Kaname." Mahogany eyes had met his, deadly serious, and he swallowed apprehensively, stunned speechless.
Working his bottom lip anxiously, Kaname had hesitantly asked, after a long pause, "How would I know...you know?" He embarrassingly remembered making weird gestures with his hands, not being able to find the correct words, "And how can you be okay with me looking into your head? How do you know that I might not erase the memories that you treasure?"
Haruka had stared at him, plump lips curling into a knowing grin, "Because you love me, Kaname. That's why I am trusting you with this." The pureblood tapped his fingers thoughtfully on his cheek, resuming his speech, "And to answer your first question, you would just know. I know you would. Because you are the great Kaname Kuran." Haruka had chuckled, throwing him a flirtatious wink.
He had flushed hotly, despite himself, uttering nonsensical protests about the pureblood's claim of him being in love with the man, burgundy eyes looking everywhere except the grinning pureblood. Haruka couldn't have known! He had made perfectly sure that he was discreet about his feelings for the man.
There was a long moment of silence, and Haruka sat there, staring at him, not saying a word. After a while, the pureblood gave an exasperated sigh and stood up, "Sorry for wasting your time then. I will take my leave. I hope you will be able to find a good spouse to take care of you, Kaname." With that said, Haruka had made to leave, but Kaname had grabbed his hand in a vice grip, stopping him, right before Haruka reached for the doorknob.
His captive had sent him a questioning glance, but before Haruka could ask anything, he had silenced the pureblood with a passionate kiss. Quite a daring move on his part, but not unrewarded since the kiss had been returned - with the same vigor as his.
He had been in bliss, the amount of happiness surpassing his limit.
The dance of their lips - and tongues, Kaname added, embarrassingly - lasted for a couple of good minutes. They had only parted to catch their breaths, a string of saliva attaching them together, attaching their hearts together, and he had pulled the man into another kiss, this time, more loving; less passionate.
When the need for air became more urgent than the kiss, he had ended it again and placed his forehead against the Haruka's, smiling delightfully, "Haruka-san, I will marry you. And I agree to all of your conditions. But I, too, have a condition of mine."
Haruka had eyed him, puzzled, but had nodded, asking him to continue.
"You will try your best to fall in love with me, too."
If only he had known then, that his condition was never going to be fulfilled, Kaname wondered if he would have married Haruka in the first place.
"Kaname, are you okay?"
Haruka's voice cut through his thoughts, and Kaname turned his gaze towards him, face expressionless.
"Yes."
Haruka frowned. By the looks of it, his husband wasn't buying it. "Really?"
"Yes."
A flicker of recognition brimmed within the pureblood's eyes, and Haruka asked again; his voice grave, "Did I have another episode last night?"
He said nothing. And that was a loud, clear answer for Haruka.
"Oh," Haruka responded, slumping back against the leather seat of their car, his lips compressed together.
The ride became silent again. And before Kaname realized it, they had already reached the dreaded mansion - the one that belonged to Rido Kuran, and his wife - the incubus, the husband stealer, the person he disliked, and the one who also went by the name of Hio Zero.
(Third Person)
Ivy and ferns grew through the crevices of the old winding stone path, which led directly to the colossal structure. The mansion, black and mysterious, stood proudly behind the iron creaky gates. The summer wind, warm and gentle, fluttered through the countless rows of oak trees occupying the plain of the land. At its bosom, a delicate marble fountain, prominent to the eye, was nestled, the gentle sound of water reverberating against the ardent chirping of the birds.
The black limousine halted before the foot of white marble stairs, which lead to the wooden, crimson-painted, heavy double-doors. Guards stood on either side of the gate, guns in their holders, eyes vigilant for any threats.
Two figures, brown-haired, about the same height, one wearing a beige suit with a red tie, while the slightly shorter one, was cladded in a red traditional male kimono emerged from the automobile.
Before they could even climb the first step, a luscious voice, cramped with fondness, hampered their advances; and a fairly young pureblood, dressed in all white, darted down the flight of stairs, his short, silver hair fluttering in the gentle wind – nearly toppling Haruka in the process.
"My dear, dear Haruka! How I have missed seeing your face."
Zero murmured softly, and his two pale arms slid around the taller brunette, shooting him an adorable smile; eyeing the newcomer mischievously.
"There, there Zero." Haruka laughed, warmly and deeply, and scooped the smiling pureblood up in his arms, gently twirling him around and earning him a delightful gasp for his efforts.
"Haruka, stop!" Zero whispered softly, burying his face into the crook of Haruka's neck, nipping the sensitive skin there - hard; teasingly.
Haruka flushed faintly, burgundy orbs clouding for an instant, and he placed Zero on the ground again, fingers caressing the pale cheek. "Ze-chan, you can be a tease sometimes." He commented; his voice heavy - husky. He slid his fingers under the flustered vampire's chin, tilting it upwards, while his other arm snaked around Zero's slender waist, forcing the smaller body closer to his.
"If you tease me so much, I won't be able to handle myself, you know." The brunette gave out a breathy chuckle, his eyes smoldering as he stared into the gorgeous amethyst eyes of his beloved.
Zero averted his eyes to the side, a rosy blush rising immediately on his pale features. He realized Haruka was not joking; the lust burning within the burgundy eyes was unmistakable; although, he did briefly wonder why Haruka wasn't mad at him after last night's incident. He had been somewhat of an asshole, after all.
"Maybe that's what I want." Amethyst eyes shifted again and eyed the bewildered pureblood suggestively. "Do you also want that too, Haruka-chan?" Long fingers clenched around Haruka's collar and yanked the latter closer to him, Zero's minty breath ghosting over the parted lips, "I know you do." With that said, Zero sealed Haruka's cold lips into a fierce; passionate kiss, fluttering his eyes close in the process.
Haruka's knees nearly buckled, a soft moan escaping from his throat, and he reciprocated the kiss with the same vigor, thrusting his fingers into the silver strands and pulling the head closer to his - to deepen the kiss, to dominate the kiss - and Zero.
The couple resumed their searing battle of tongues, lost in each other; oblivious to the disapproving looks from the compliant servants, oblivious to the unreadable stares from their spouses.
(Kaname)
Jealousy lacerated his heart with the claws of the tiger, and Kaname's hands balled into fists, burgundy orbs darkening immediately.
He wanted to murder him. Tear him into pieces. If he could work up the courage to plot revenge he had no doubt it would turn into a monstrous masterpiece. He certainly had the endless amount of spite, boundless fury, and far more than a pinch of wrath needed to let his imagination fly. It'd probably end with him ripping Hio Zero's heart out and tossing it to a gaggle of Level-E's. After immense suffering, of course
There was no doubt Kaname wanted Hio Zero dead and that he wanted it done by his very own hands. Didn't the man have any decency? Did he have no shame?
His sensitive ears picked up a small moan - and he nearly lost it, teeth clenched together; anger rising rapidly.
Because he realized who it belonged to. After all, he knew the owner of that sound too damn well.
His heart was full of tears, as he stood erect, as he stood watching them - silently; morosely.
With his patience running thin, Kaname was extremely close to executing his ideas out, but he couldn't. He wasn't able to. Once again, he was frozen on the spot - exactly like the time in the library.
Why? someone might ask.
Because they looked too stunning with each other; too perfect - as if they were made for one another.
While he appeared to be somewhat of a prickly thorn in their side - a hideous one at that.
"Don't worry about them, Kaname. They won't go further than a kiss." His hair was ruffled, roughly, and Kaname pulled his gaze from the heart-wrenching scene towards the source of that reassuring voice.
It was Rido-san.
Kaname gave a small nod, pursuing his lips into a thin line. Any distraction was whole-heartedly welcome to him.
"Trust me on this, Kaname." Another ruffle was executed on his perfectly made hair, which must look quite messy now, thanks to his elder cousin. He sarcastically mused. "It's been a while." Rido-san murmured; voice soft.
"Indeed it has, Rido-nii-sama." He smiled wryly, or at least tried to, and gave the older pureblood a respectful bow. "Happy Birthday. I wish you to have a long, wonderful life."
"Thank you, Kaname. That's sweet of you." Rido-san tilted his chin, and he found himself staring into his mismatched eyes, cramped with indescribable emotions.
Was Rido-san feeling the same as he was? Kaname wanted to inquire but realized it wasn't his place to do so. Nor was it appropriate.
"You have grown quite the young man, Kaname," Rido-san gently caressed Kaname's cheek with his thumb, and Kaname slightly bit his lip, feeling uncomfortable, "and also quite an attractive one." The same thumb was on his lips, stroking; probing.
His cheeks burned scarlet, and he shoved the intruding hand away, feeling queasy under his elder cousin's touch. It did not feel right. It made him sick.
But Rido-san didn't surrender, causing Kaname's dismay to deepen.
Instead, the pureblood resumed his ministrations by sensually sliding his fingers down Kaname's neck towards his slightly parted kimono. He felt naked under the intensity of the man's lechery gaze. He shoved the hand away again - this time round roughly - and leveled a disgusted glare upon the owner of the mismatched orbs.
"Kaname, Kaname, did you come here to seduce men by placing your chest on display? Are you following Zero's steps too?" Rido-san whispered; his voice hoarse, his digits returning on Kaname's chest again. "Such a whore." The pureblood flicked his nipple with his forefinger, sharply, and Kaname sucked in a breath at the slight twinge of discomfort. "See?" Mismatched eyes vicious; lips curled into a devious smirk, his sore nub was pinched between the man's revolting fingers. Kaname pressed his lips bitterly, refusing to let out any sound; refusing to give the pureblood any satisfaction.
Humiliation, disdain, and scorn washed over him and the corner of his eyes had started to sting. Why was Rido-san doing this?
"That's enough, Rido-nii-san." The offending hand was snatched away from his chest, and he was pulled into a warm, comforting embrace. Kaname latched himself on the person - desperately; tightly - as if they were his lifeline, his salvation from the humiliation; degradation he felt. What had happened to Rido-san? Where did the kind, humble person that he considered his older brother disappear to?
"I was just messing with him, Haruka." He heard Rido-san say. "And let go of my hand already, Zero."
Zero-san? Eyes widening, Kaname turned his face to the side. Mahogany orbs met amethyst ones, and he winced slightly. The wrath in the depths of them was real, and he felt puzzled. Why was Zero-san angry? Was he jealous? Did he not see that his husband was the one touching him and not the other way around?
He frowned, trembling slightly, and buried his face into the familiar chest.
"Kaname, are you okay?" Soft fingers found his scalp - stroking; rubbing, and he felt himself weaken under the soothing sensations.
"Kaname?" Receiving no response, Haruka asked again; voice concerned.
He nodded slightly, closing his eyes, burying his face deeper.
Kaname heard Haruka speak again, but this time it was not towards him, "You should keep your hands to yourself, Nii-san!" Haruka sounded angry; and guiltily, it warmed his heart.
Rido-san growled deeply, his voice as angry as Haruka's; or even more so if he had paid close attention to it. "Maybe you should keep your lips to yourself then too, Haruka!"
Haruka fell silent.
"Let's go now, Zero!" Rido-san seized Zero-san's hands into a bruising grip; voice harsh; eyes smoldering, "I am going to fuck you until you cannot walk!"
He felt like that Rido-san had declared that to make Haruka jealous; to make him suffer knowing that he, Rido, could - was able to - have intercourse with the person they both loved, while Haruka couldn't; wasn't allowed to. A rather petty way of revenge, Kaname admitted silently.
The sudden tightening of Haruka's arms around his waist was an indication that the pureblood had realized that too; and fell into the trap - hard; helplessly - that Rido had laid out for his younger brother.
Kaname turned around in Haruka's arms just in time to witness Rido-san brutally dragging away a protesting, flustered Zero through the doors, into the mansion.
Their eyes met again, and his heart sank. The devastation glowing in those soft, lilac eyes was unmistakable; prominent.
He had seen that look before. But where? When?
Why did it seem so familiar?
"Kaname... Let's get going to our room." Haruka's words startled him out of his revery, and he shot the pureblood a puzzled glance.
Haruka continued; voice heavy, hoarse. "I need you...Now. Let's go, Kaname." Slender hands slithered down to his hips, giving them a rough squeeze.
Realization dawned on him, and Kaname flushed, shifting his eyes down. "I am not in the mood, Haruka-san..." He placed his hands on his spouse's chest, intending to push him away, but Haruka didn't let him. Instead, the distraught brunette jerked him closer.
Burgundy eyes darkened in displeasure, and Haruka's grip on his hips tightened, almost painfully; Kaname flinched.
"What did you say, Kaname?" The pureblood demanded; voice threatening, fangs bared.
His lower lip quivered slightly, miserable fear consuming his heart; his soul.
Haruka was terrifying. Fangs shyly peeked from the parted lips - sneering, and his usually amiable maroon eyes had been turned ghastly red, the glow truly the sign of a beast. A monster. His vampiric side was surfacing; and ruthless, ruthless pain was within the reach of them.
"Nothing." He managed to stutter out; voice far from steady - far from relaxed. In that moment, he didn't want to be anywhere near Haruka.
"Good boy. Let's go now unless you want to do this in front of these servants."
Clenching his teeth, Kaname nodded curtly, absorbing the pain and humiliation - yet again - as he let himself be hauled away.
Will things ever turn for the better? For any of them?
A/N: The chapter was shorter than the last one, but I hope you enjoyed it. Please do leave a review, I love reading them (:
Both Kaname and Zero are in miserable relationships, I feel guilty for placing them in such circumstances. They both deserve to be happy.
I am not sure if you would like to read the non-con scenes in the following chapter. Any thoughts on that?
Thank you alis-chan, ben4kevin, and oooverratedsanity for the reviews. I really appreciate it (:
Beta Reader: Benovelence Black (You really rock, girl. ;-;)
Have a lovely/day night c':