A/N: Here is another chapter! I know it was fast, but I already had it ready, so it would be unfair not to post it soon...(':
Thank you ben4kevin, alisjackson59, and WeirdBlackCat for the reviews. They were really appreciated. c: And my appreciation also extends to those who read, favorited, and alerted the story. Thank you. ^^
Beta Reader: Benovelence Black
Warnings: Lemon.
Chapter 3: Paths Crossed
(Third Person)
Zero groaned under his breath when he was roughly pinned against the wall - on his stomach - as Rido pushed his own weight on him, trapping the quivering pureblood between the wall and him - immobilizing him entirely.
"Zero..." His lips traced a feathery path of small kisses down his neck, his wet appendage moistening the soft spot on Zero's neck, "...Zero." Rido murmured again, his teeth latching on the same spot - nipping softly; possessively. "You are mine."
"Hmm... " Zero hummed distractedly; squirming under the pureblood's vehement assaults.
"I apologize for my attitude earlier..." Large hands slid under the white dress shirt - rubbing and exploring; Zero shuddered as a result. "Jealousy got the best of me," Rido confessed; voice morose yet honest. "I regret it." His cold fingers found Zero's stiff nubs, rubbing them between his fingers, teasingly; roughly.
"Ah." Zero gasped hoarsely, his nails digging into the decorative wallpaper, as Rido twirled the pert nubs with the tip of his fingers, pulling slightly. His husband was being a handful, obnoxious one at that, causing his irritation - anger - to diminish slightly.
"Forgive me?" The pureblood asked, a mile-wide smirk rushing on his features when his beloved wife arched against him, pressing his taut hips against his rapidly hardening bulge.
"Maybe."
"Please Zero." His voice was thick, and low, but the plea in his words wasn't a lost one.
"If you promise not to touch Kaname again." Zero rasped out; his voice hoarse yet deadly serious. "Only then I will forgive you." His violet eyes narrowed, clouded with carnal desire, and he bumped his hips against the brunette's erection, eliciting a muffled moan.
Rido shot him a puzzled look but nodded, hesitantly. "I promise." He vowed and brought the trembling body closer to his own, his hand slipping between the slender legs, sensually rubbing Zero's inner thighs - slowly moving upwards.
Rido had no clue what that strange request was about, or why Kaname was even mentioned. As far as he knew, the relationship shared between Zero and Kaname was extremely hostile; and that they had only met once, before today.
So why would Zero request something like that of him?
A small whimper snapped Rido from his reverie, and he looked down, nearly convulsing at the sight before him. Zero looked absolutely and utterly fuckable, and his already hardened flesh stiffened further, his mind refusing to dwell on his futile thoughts any longer; urging him to concentrate on Zero - to pleasure him; to make love to him.
It was a simple promise, one that could be carried out fairly easily. After all, he was not interested in Kaname - at least not much. Zero had no need to know about that minuscule detail.
"Then what are you waiting for, my dear husband." Zero hissed through his teeth, impatient, his eyes darkening as he gave Rido a teasing glare. "Get it over with."
Rido didn't need to be told twice. His nails lengthened and he expertly ripped the black trousers into tiny fragments. Before Zero could manage to chide him, two fingers found their way inside of a tight, velvety cavern - thrusting and probing the quivering entrance teasingly.
Banging his forehead against the wall, Zero groaned softly, a faint blush rising on his features, as he grounded his hips back on the invasive digits, writhing under him in restless need. Rido was indeed a fucking handful - a ravenous; handsome one at that.
But for this small price, Kaname was safe from Rido - protected from him. Because of him.
"I am gonna take you raw, Zero," Rido growled, a devious smirk upon his lips, and slid his tongue against the pale shoulder; his fingers deeply buried within the stiffened walls. "I promise you that as well."
The promise under those words brought a gasp out of his lips, and Zero nodded slightly, tremors raking through his spine. He knew well enough that Rido would execute this pledge of his - thoroughly; roughly.
He fluttered his eyes close, and buried his face deeper against the wall, exhaling out sharp; shaky breaths.
It would be over soon.
(Kaname)
The sound of endless chatter resonated within the marble walls of the expansive hall. Highly-respected members of the vampire society were also present, dressed in fine suits and luscious gowns, servants were scurrying here and there to accommodate the countless demands from their guests, a few couples could be seen waltzing across the dance floor, and a beautiful, solemn piece was enticingly played in the background by the orchestra on top of a small, though well-built, stage.
Kaname heaved a sigh, languidly sipping on his glass of exquisite, red wine.
Sumptuous balls akin to this one always made him feel like some sort of a anomaly. Why? Because he never seemed to have enjoyed one, nor had the capability to fit in one, despite his royal heritage, or the fact that he was the spouse of the King of East.
Most people left him to himself, something Kaname was exceptionally grateful for, and those who had the guts made a valiant attempt to approach him, hastily scampered away with their tails between their legs when he leveled his infamous, antisocial glare upon them.
Being a pureblood had its individual, convenient perks – at least, most of the times.
Kaname hated, no, detested being within the midst of these vampires - who insanely, silently craved for the purest blood running through his veins, only sophisticated in appearance; watching his every move, anticipating him to slip up, and waiting for a chance to plunge their hungry fangs into his neck - draining his blood; devouring him until he was a pile of mere dust.
Another withdrawn sigh slipped through his lips, and Kaname took another sip.
He would rather be in the library, surrounded by thousands of books, drowning himself in the numerous, venturesome tales written by the greatest storytellers of all times. He considered that more time-worthy than wasting his breath attempting to socialize with these two-faced phonies.
Then he had to wonder if that was the cause behind his lack of acquaintances.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your attention?" The announcer, a middle-aged vampire, dressed in old-fashioned clothes, started in a clear, loud voice and caught the outright attention of the vampire populace beneath him, "Your Majesty Kuran Rido and his spouse, Count of Labyrinth, Hio Zero, accompanied by the King of East, Your Highness Kuran Haruka, have arrived."
A wave of resounding claps floated around the room, followed by respectful bows as the smiling couple, arm in arm, gracefully descended the stairs, accompanied with Haruka on their side.
His garnet eyes settled on them and he forgot to breathe. They were certainly breathtaking to the sight, he thought, unable to tear his profound gaze away.
Haruka was cladded in a black tuxedo, the maroon, satin shirt peeking from the tailored jacket, accompanied with a black bowtie around his neck. Rido was dressed in a similar fashion, the only difference being the dye of his shirt, which happened to be pure white.
Both of them looked absolutely mesmeric to the eye, but what caught him off guard was neither of them - it was Hio Zero, the incubus. He was stunned speechless when the silver-haired pureblood appeared in a short, gold and violet kimono, his magnificent, pale legs showing, with a broad white silk scarf around his neck and exquisite pearl-studded slippers; his shoulder-length, silver hair pulled into a loose ponytail.
The sounds of murmuring awakened him to reality, and Kaname let his eyes wander around the room, realizing that he wasn't the only one affected. Vampires of all classes had their eyes trained on the trio, but most of them had their gazes fixed on Zero-san, carnal lust brimming in the very depths of them.
He shifted his gaze down, fixedly staring at the ground instead - not wanting to be in the same category as them; afraid that the emotions in his eyes might mimic theirs.
He took another long sip of his red wine, his tongue delighting in the exquisite taste. One thing he definitely liked about Rido-san was his amazing taste in beverages, especially his collection of wines. They were the best of quality, and Kaname could consume them the entire night if he was given the chance.
It was also something that he would like to share with Haruka, and experience with him the appeal of being drunk together upon the savory liquor.
That would be a sight to indeed remember.
A gush of whispers, filled with flattery and compliments, perked his attention and he found himself staring at the source of that very commotion.
It was Zero-san... and Haruka.
His small smile immediately dissolved into a frown.
The two of them were together - again - with Rido-san nowhere in sight, surrounded by a mob of covetous nobles. Haruka had his arm around Zero-san's waist, grinning like a fool, and an equally smiling Zero-san was seen to be leaning against the latter's side, his amethyst orbs flashing with indescribable emotions.
His grip on the delicate object tightened, and burgundy orbs fixed themselves on the shimmering red liquid once more.
He had hoped that Haruka would have given up on Zero-san after what had transpired among all of them few hours prior - in addition to the unpleasant act, one which he had endorsed Haruka to carry out on him, after Rido-san's callous outburst. It had hurt, yes, and it took a good hour for his pureblood healing to kick in, but it had pained even more to observe Haruka in such a miserable; vulnerable state.
Could Haruka not understand that all Zero-san was doing to him was only causing him more pain - anguish? One that could be easily preventable?
This time, Kaname had refused to erase the man's memories, because he needed Haruka to realize that Zero-san belonged to Rido-san, and not him; the fact that Haruka could never have Zero-san as his own, and the recognition that Haruka had someone like him to rely on, to cherish, to love.
So why the fuck was Haruka being so obstinate?
Kaname downed his glass in one go, wiping his lips with the back of his hand; burgundy eyes narrowing in irritation.
What will it take for Haruka to notice me?
Kaname grabbed another glass of the crimson liquor from a passing waiter, returning him the empty one, and headed for the balcony.
He was pissed off. Utterly and absolutely. At Haruka. At Zero-san. At everyone, including the white, furry Pomapoo dog the lady standing over there was holding.
The alcohol coursed through his system, intoxicating his senses - slowly; blissfully, worsening his chagrin further.
Solo time was what he craved for; needed, in addition to the crisp fresh air, to placate down his raging nerves. His nostrils were already suffocated by the sheer amount of perfume present in the hall. They also needed a release, one that he could happily provide.
Everyone could fuck off. He was done.
Leaning forward on the railing, an immense garden, lush and green, greeted his eyes; and Kaname exhaled softly, basking in the soothing feeling of mother nature.
It felt pleasant - to be by himself, to be away from the boisterous crowd, to be secluded from the prickling sensation of jealousy; annoyance.
It was satisfying; refreshing - just what he was in need of.
Sighing again, burgundy orbs roamed over the expanse of the garden. It was enormous, breathtaking, and rich in the variety of flowers it was composed of - from chrysanthemum to gorgeous, red roses. You name it. It was all there.
Although, what caught his interest was the abundance of a particular flower: the white orchid. The rarest type of all orchids, hard to grow, yet the most elegant flower someone could lay their eyes upon.
And coincidentally, it also happened to be his favorite flower.
Kaname made a mental note to compliment the gardener for their excellent taste. Maybe he could also get their number, they shared similar interests, after all. They could have intellectual conversations about plants the entire day. Isn't that how most friendships begin? He mused to himself.
He took another long sip, enraptured by the blissful taste of the liquor, and fluttered his eyes shut, enjoying the gentle, night wind against his face; falling into a deep reverie as the clock ticked on.
"Oh my, what a pleasure finding you here, Kaname." A sarcastic remark snapped Kaname out of his thoughts, causing him to flinch, surprised; and with wide eyes, he immediately turned around to face the owner of that all-too-familiar voice.
The wine-glass slipped away from his numb fingers, and the fragile object shattered on the floor. However, Kaname was too startled to notice. It can't be...
Dread settled in the pits of his stomach, and his heart grew cold when burgundy orbs regarded the vampire before him, recognizing those features instantly.
It was him.
There, standing proudly in his gray suit; a black, silk tie adding more elegance to his appearance, with his sandy hair to the side, and a smug smirk plastered on his lips was a pureblood of his age. One that he was familiar with. One that he had once considered a friend; a family. One that he had trusted with his life.
A person who also happened to be his ex-lover.
"Isaya..." Kaname murmured softly, clenching his hands into tight fists; as forgotten, bitter-sweet memories flooded through his head.
And the very same individual whom he had terminated his engagement with.
To marry the love of his life, Kuran Haruka.
What a series of blasted coincidences.
A/N: Isn't it kinda creepy how Zero is somewhat connected to the people that Kaname is connected with? (': Well, in the next chapter, Kaname and Zero are finally going to have some real interaction, haha (':
I know the lemon was not really non-con, so I apologize for that. I have a hard time writing rape scenes, that's why I excluded Kaname and Haruka's one because it was turning out to be extremely bloody; dark.
To clear things up:
1) In my universe, purebloods also turn into dust.
2) Purebloods are more likely to get drunk on old wine; other liquors doesn't affect them.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter ^^ Please do leave a review. It boosts up my motivation. (:
Good day/ night~