Author's Notes: The rise from the dead! Ta-dah! ＼（＠￣∇￣＠）／ Yes I'm still alive and no I've not dropped this story (NEVER!) (￣个￣)
I really appreciate you all being so patient with me. Σ੧(❛□❛✿) I hope that this chapter won't disappoint (that much...) (╯•﹏•╰)
Well, all are needed to continue with the story, please don't worry, I definitely will finish this! Just two more months and I'm out of that freaking job and be on vacation at last! (ノ＞▽＜。)ノ
And I've even thought of my next story! ＼(^▽^＠)ノ hey, wait, don't strangle me just yet! /~＼o=(;ﾟﾛﾟ)=o/~＼ Σ(ﾟДﾟ;≡｀ﾟдﾟ) I don't plan on starting it, not until I've finished this baby! Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ
Thank you for the continuous support, I hope I do not disappoint. (´∇ﾉ｀*)ノ
Oh, I almost forgot! Again, I want to tell everyone that 'The Blessing' and 'The Vow' are not related to each other so you won't see Natsu-chan here. Though I do have other plans you know! (ノ＞▽＜。)ノ Just wait for it in my next project but after this baby of course! ＼(^▽^＠)ノ
(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)
Chapter 14
October 24
"Uhm…. What happened?"
These words came from the bespectacled chairman of Cross Academy who happened upon a strange scene when he went back home to look for his older son, Zero.
Upon opening the door, he was greeted by the sight of his pissed off son who he was looking for, seated on the sofa while his other two adopted children, Yuki and Ichiru were seated in a formal style on the floor. One look and he knew that the two are being scolded for he saw the guilty expressions of the brunette and silverette.
"Why didn't you tell me? Are you trying to hide it from me?" Zero asked the two who're looking at two different directions. "I-chi-ru." He pronounced menacingly when his brother didn't reply.
"No, nii-san! Of course not! I wouldn't! It's… it's just that… well, I'm just… embarrassed… that's all… and I didn't know… how to... how to tell you… and anyway, it just happened yesterday…" he haltingly explained, a furious blush forming on his cheeks.
"That's right, Zero! And you have no right to oppose! Since you're the same!" Yuki bravely defended, trying to help her brother since it's her fault that they're in this situation.
"What are you talking about?" the headmaster repeated his question, looking a bit pitiful for he seemed invisible to all his children.
"Ah, chairman," Yuki greeted, finally acknowledging his existence.
"Call me papa."
"It's regarding Ichiru's boyfriend," Yuki cheerfully informed, ignoring his last words as if he didn't speak in the first place.
"Yuki!" Ichiru exclaimed, turning a shade redder than before.
"Eh? Eh? Eh?! Who? Boyfriend?" the honey haired ex-hunter immediately jumped at the word.
"It's Aido-senpai." Yuki still managed to answer before Ichiru landed a not-so-gentle blow on her head. "Ow! What did you do that for?"
"Stop spouting it out!" Ichiru yelled, near tears.
"To a vampire again?" Kaien exclaimed. He's happy for his son but a bit surprised because he knew Ichiru only ever dated girls from the Day class. When did that happen?
"Why? It's the truth!" Yuki retaliated while massaging her head, her eyes watery from the pain.
"But there's no need to spread it out!" shouted the young silverette almost hysterically.
"Were you seduced!?" the chairman finally cried out as he kept on being overlooked, "Please don't ignore me!"
Zero groaned, "Enough!" he sighed when the three looked at him again before he continued, "Are you serious about this?" he looked very seriously in his brother's eyes who met his gaze with equal determination and nodded. He sighed again before muttering, "Then that's fine."
There was a loud exaggerated gasps that came from Yuki and the chairman at Zero's words, not at all believing that he'll accept it that fast knowing his strong opposition against vampires especially towards the said blond who he has long believe to be stupid with his flirtatious attitude. Well, guess it's different when he's also mated with a vampire himself. Kaien looked at his children and had to smile when he saw the positive changes in them. He's very happy for all of them.
"What do you want?" Zero finally turned to his guardian who's smiling at them like an idiot, only now acknowledging his presence.
"Ah, I'm looking for you, Zero-kun. Please make sure to be here tomorrow afternoon because a doctor will visit to check on you." The ex-hunter reminded his son that Kaname arranged a physician to look at his present condition.
"Fine, it's not like I'll go somewhere today or tomorrow." was Zero's only answer.
The young hunter missed the looks from the other three at his words, they quietly sighed: he forgot.
"What a waste! Are you sure you don't have anything to do? It's the 23rd today, you know?" coaxed his guardian as if hinting something.
"Uhm, I need to go to the mall." Yuki announced and met Ichiru's eyes who nodded.
"Ah, me too. I almost forgot. I need to buy something."
Kaien smiled in understanding. His gaze fell on the calendar hanging on the wall. Of course they remembered.
Zero only contemplated if he should also go out with the children to make up for the past week he didn't visit them, not at all catching the meaningful glances of the three stooges in front of him. "Maybe I should as well."
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"What are you two looking at?"
Kain asked when he saw his cousin and Anne looking intently at the calendar hanging on the wall in the lounge.
"What should I get him?" Hanabusa muttered under his breath, not even hearing his cousin's question, thinking deep and hard about what he should present to his beloved. Which of the gifts he prepared should he give him?
"Oh dear, where should we get the money? It's going to be fraud if we use the currency from the future, right? Oh dear, what should we do?" Anne also mumbled to herself, not hearing her uncle's question.
The orange haired vampire just blinked at being ignored. He also looked at the very plain calendar of October. Nothing seems to be out the ordinary in this piece of paper. He was about to inquire again when their leader asked the same question.
"Anne, what are doing there?" Kaname walked in to the room accompanied by the two brunette twins when he saw the serious expression of his eldest.
"Ah chichiue!" she immediately run to her father for help. There's really no choice but to ask their father for some money, "Ano, can I borrow some money?" she shyly requested. They rarely asked for money because everything they needed were most of the time provided already.
The brunette stared down at Anne, "Of course, but why?"
Anne perked up at this, "There's something I must buy. There's only a few hours left!" she replied in a desperate tone. It completely flew from her mind because of their parents' fight.
Both Kohaku and Akira frowned at the calendar then jumped as if remembering something important before asking the same from Kaname.
"Ah, me too, chichiue. Please." Kohaku and Akira asked at the same time, they almost forgot!
Kaname was about to ask for the sudden reason why they needed the money when he sensed his mate getting nearer. He promptly heard their youngest silverettes run downstairs to greet him.
They heard 'Otou-chan!' and before long, they were greeted by the silver haired prefect who went to the lounge while carrying the two young ones.
"Hello, Zero-san." Kain greeted the prefect.
"Hello, otou-chan!" greeted the other three brunettes while Kaname smiled at his mate.
"I'm going to the mall with Ichiru and Yuki, does anyone of you want to come?" Zero quietly proposed to his children.
"How perfect, the children said they have something to buy so we might as well." The pureblood readily accepted. It's not every day that his petulant lover invites them.
"I'll come as well," Hanabusa invited himself. He was shaken out of his inner musings at the mention of his lover's name.
Kaname and Kain frowned when they witness the silverette and blond look at each other briefly. They could almost see electricity forming while they glared at each other before the hunter grunted a simple 'fine' as consent which surprised both spectators though they didn't say anything regarding that.
"We're going now, so hurry up." Zero muttered before he left them to wait outside of the Moon dorm where he met the other two prefects who are ready to search for the perfect gift for the forgetful hunter.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
The silverette hunter had to fight down a groan threatening to escape from him as their little group got ogled by mesmerized men and women who stopped to look at the handsome men and beautiful women in their group.
He inwardly cursed. He shouldn't have invited the vampire who he strongly believes attracts most of the attention.
'My, I'm hurt.' The sound of his lover's voice resounded inside his mind. He looked at the brunette walking beside him, not at all convinced of his pitiful act.
'You have no idea just how much of these attentions are directed to you.' Kaname continued to talk through their bond.
'Whatever.' was Zero's only answer to it. "Hey, what are you going to buy?" he turned to their other companions and he inwardly grimaced to see a large crowd forming just behind their small group, seemingly trying to follow the exquisite people who look like celebrities with their beauty. Not that it's a wonder when some of the Night class actually shamelessly invited themselves to come. They all seem to have remembered something they suddenly wish to buy and being the school guardian, he took it upon himself to look after the vampires to make sure they won't do anything untoward.
Though looking at their preoccupied group, (Rima who's supporting her partner Shiki since he seems to be sleepwalking, Ruka who's eyeing every cute clothes in every boutique with Kain who's carrying her things, Ichijou who's having a secret conversation with Yuki as if giving out comments regarding each item they come across to, Aido with Ichiru who both looked detached from the world and the children who looks like they're having a heated discussion about what to buy.), attacking someone seems to be the furthest thing from their minds.
'You worry too much.' His lover's teasing voice came from the bond.
'Shut up.' The silverette merely turned to his children, "Where do you want to go? What did you want to buy?"
"A-ah, we're still thinking about it, otou-chan." Anne answered, a bit flustered.
Though Zero didn't seem to notice it, "Alright, hold on to each other. Don't get lost." He reminded them. It will be hard if they get lost especially since Akira gave them each a blood pill to suppress their auras since it might attract trouble if their group which consisted of one pureblood, five hybrids, six nobles and one ex-human hunter and a human with the legendary blood in their veins happened to be detected by level-Es in the area.
"Oh Zero! Look, baby clothes! How cute!" Yuki exclaimed when they unknowingly wandered to the infant area of the department store.
"Do you think it will be fine if we already bought the things that Anne would need?" Ichiru seriously asked, "It's only a few more months to go anyway."
"Yes, and since we already know the gender, I think it will be alright to prepare it already." Ichijou commented, looking at the cute baby paraphernalia.
Zero reddened a bit. He never thought that the time would come where he'll need to shop for baby clothes, not to mention for a baby he will bear. He looked at his mate who's smiling at him very endearingly.
"Why not? One cannot be too prepared after all." The brunette assented.
Suddenly, the infant department was attracting attentions from many people as the gorgeous bunch scavenged for items they believe are needed to raise a new born child.
Zero was looking at a very cute pair of pink and white rompers. He turned to his mate to ask if they should buy it when he was startled by the volume of items already inside his mate's cart which was pushed around by Seiren. Just how long have they been shopping? It's only about five minutes ago!
"Kaname, what is that mountain of clothes!? And you, where did you even come from?" he asked his mate before turning to the vampire who's silently following her master.
"I'm always at your service, Zero-sama." Seiren merely offered, expressionless like always.
"What about it? It will all look good on my daughter," Kaname answered his mate's earlier question putting in another bib on the overflowing pile of things inside the pushcart which still only consists of baby clothes. "Hmm, that's cute too," when he saw the rompers that Zero was holding, heal so proceeded to put it in the cart.
"We don't need that many." The hunter said and took some of the things from the cart with the intention of returning them to their specific rack, "because you might not know it, but we can wash clothes to be used again." He added sarcastically.
"Hmph, I know that but it won't do us any harm in buying more. It's not going to be a waste since it will all look good on Anne." Kaname seriously and stubbornly insisted, with a straight face, putting back the things that his mate took from their cart.
"Kaname, don't be stupid. Children grow faster," the silverette argued as he continued putting the items back on their respective racks which his lover still adamantly keeps putting back in their cart.
"Then, we'll just use it again."
"You'll have male twins afterwards."
"Then we'll just buy masculine ones,"
"Kaname!" Zero is just about to burst at his mate's insistence on buying too much baby clothes.
Their argument was cut short by the soft giggle that came from the store associate from that department, "Oh I'm sorry. Are you shopping for your niece?"
This successfully silenced Zero as to not give themselves away.
Kaname nonchalantly granted the female store representative a smile, "No, I'm shopping for my daughter. She'll be born sometime next year."
"Oh… Congratulations. I'm sorry, you look too young. I thought you're a student. You must be very happy." The female was clearly disappointed but valiantly tried to give out a sweet business smile, "Would you like some help?"
"Oh no, we can manage just fine. Thank you." He politely declined before he went to another station where the infant toys are, followed by Seiren who's still pushing the cart which now contained more than the original items. Zero also followed while sighing, failing to stop his mate's shopping spree.
"Kaname-senpai! Look, it's cute right?" Yuki said while presenting a very lovely set of bear designed feeding bottles.
"It is indeed. Thank you, Yuki," he agreed and put it inside the cart.
Yuki's smile turned a bit lopsided and her eyes widened at the sight of the items inside the cart, "Wow…" she wiped some imaginary sweat. No wonder Zero looked pissed. Since he's like a frugal mother, always sticking to the budget.
"Kaname, how about- wah! Wow, you'll buy all of that?" Ichijou joined them while carrying a small baby bath tub.
"Yes, why?" the pureblood asked rhetorically and taking the small tub from his vice-president's hands, examined it shortly before putting it on top of the pile.
"Nothing," the blond only smiled stiffly. He didn't want to deny what his friend is so obviously enjoying.
Soon, the Night class gathered with different baby accessories in their hands, stopping at the volume of the items to be purchased but no one commented nor complained about it,for they only wanted to help their leader gather everything that his daughter will need, all of which were only slightly examined before getting approved.
By the time that Ichiru and Aido joined them with some linen at hand, Seiren, Kain, Ichijou and Shiki are each pushing a cart all containing things for infants.
"Ah, you're buying all of that? How are we going to carry them all?" Ichiru gaped in bewilderment at his senpai's shopping. It looks like Kaname-senpai took one of each item from the infant station.
"Ask him." Zero merely glared at Kaname who only smiled sweetly at him. He already gave up telling him off.
"Don't worry, I have this," Kaname showed them a ring adorned by a red stone.
"Oh, Anne-chan's?" Ichijou asked to which his friend nodded, "That's really convenient, isn't it?"
"Where are the children?" Zero asked. Remembering that they went off with Ichijou earlier.
"They were watching the mall parade when it passed through there, they said they'll just come here when it's finished," the blond informed them. He's not worried leaving them on their own for he's well aware that they're mature and old enough to take care of themselves and since they're together with Anne, he allowed them to wander for a little bit. "Look, there they are. Eh?" he added when they saw the three older brunettes running towards them with a look of… well, panic.
"Otou-chan! Have you seen Sui-chan and Nao?" Kohaku asked them the question which made them all blanched white.
"No! I thought they're watching the parade with you?" Zero asked anxiously. Damn, not now when there are too many people because of the weekend! On top of that, they can't detect each other because of the pill. Shit!
"Oh no, I'm so sorry. I was walking in front of them, I'm really sorry." Anne said very guiltily. She had the feeling that the two actually followed the parade and didn't hear, or listen, to her when she said they're going back already. Oh dear, stupid me!
"It's okay. We'll find them." Zero comforted Anne despite his own agitation.
"We'll just spread out to look for them." Kaname calmly proposed, giving a reassuring smile to their eldest.
But before they were able to spread out, a loud and clear announcement was issued throughout the whole establishment.
"Attention to Kuran Zero-sama. Attention to Kuran Zero-sama, Kuran Suiren and Naoto are both in the lost and found station. Please proceed to the second floor, east wing. I repeat, to Kuran Zero-sama, Kuran Suiren and Naoto are both in the lost and found station. Please proceed to the second floor, east wing. Thank you."
There was a pause in their lot.
After the announcement, their small group fell into an awkward silence as they repeated the words of the announcement over and over again in their minds. Only the children's relieved sighs were heard.
Zero caught his mate's eyes who also automatically looked back at him and instinctively blushed when certain words in the announcement finally hit his system. Kuran Zero. Now that is something he forgot will happen.
"I'll… I'll j-just get them… stay here!" he stammered without looking at anyone from their group before running away to the east wing. He ran as fast as he can, knowing that he must be furiously red right now.
The Night class, the school prefects and children watched with interest at the retreating figure of the hunter, suppressing the amused laughter they felt at the rare sight of Zero blushing and flustered but they stopped when they turned to the pureblood and found themselves gaping at the sight of Kaname/their father blushing. The pureblood looked away from them, clearly trying to hide his smile with the back of his hand but failing as his bliss was quite evident already. It unknowingly made all of the adults blush as well. The children were very much confused as to why they all became very flustered at the seemingly ordinary announcement.
"Uhm, l-let us pay for this, shall we?" Ichijou offered to ward off the awkward atmosphere that formed.
They quietly proceeded to the counter to pay for their purchase.
Yuki wasn't able to suppress a giggle when the same announcement was repeated once again.
"Kuran Zero, hmmm," Kaname uttered very quietly when he heard the second announcement, this time not hiding the gorgeous smile, which inevitably charmed the cashier, that he wasn't able to stop from making at the thought that there will indeed come a day when Zero will carry his name.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"Oh, are you Kuran Zero-sama?" the receptionist manning the lost and found station said to the handsome young man that stopped at the desk. Judging from his unusual hair color, she must be right. She blushed when she saw how gorgeous the young man is.
"Uhm," Zero panted from the fast sprint he did, "Yes. Where are they?"
"Otou-chan!" Suiren and Naoto both jumped from the seats at the sight of him.
" . Na.o." he slowly pronounced with a hint of irritation when he saw the missing silverettes which made the two burst out crying.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" both wailed at the same time, feeling very scared at the sight of their irritated daddy and guilt at the trouble they caused. They just dazedly follow the cute mascot of a huge turtle before they realized their older siblings were already nowhere to be found and since they can't sense them, they became lost until someone brought them here.
Zero sighed, "It's fine now. Next time, don't worry me like that again." he hugged both of them very tightly. His annoyance was immediately banished at the sight of his crying children. How can he even stay angry at them?
"But…*sniff* but…*sniff* you're tired, right? *hic* You run *hic*here?" Suiren asked in between sobs.
"No, I'm fine." He smiled to assure them.
"Then why are you red?" Nao asked, very worried.
Zero became redder at the reminder why he was blushing in the first place, "It's nothing. Let's go."
He stood up to bow and thank the receptionist who dazedly stared at him, unaware that he just managed to seduced her and all the female and male customers who happened to be walking by.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"I wonder where they are right now?" Yuki offhandedly asked when the cashier, who was looking at their group and their purchase from time to time with a quizzical expression, unable to believe it's only for one child of anyone from the young and gorgeous group, was finished stuffing their purchases into paper bags and was handed to them. Kaname already successfully transferred them to another dimension with Anne's blood stone. "Kaname-senpai, we'll go first okay?"
"Why?" the brunette asked.
"Because it won't be a surprise anymore. Tsk, that Zero. Apparently, he forgot again," Yuki sighed and shook her head. She has been waiting to slip out so she can buy Zero and Ichiru a gift, "Looks like Ichiru would get his gift from Zero late again this year." As evident by Zero being clueless as to why they wanted to go shopping today.
"It's okay, you know nii-san." Ichiru chuckled, also readying to leave their group.
Kaname frowned at these vague answers, "What do you mean?"
There was a very long silence from the rest of their group, even the children blankly stared at their father at his question.
"Father, uhm, did you know what's the occasion tomorrow, October 24th?" Anne asked quite gently. When there was no answer from Kaname, only a blank look, she continued softly, "It's uncle Ichiru's and of course, otou-chan's birthday…"
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"I think we just landed a heavy blow on Kaname," Ichijou remarked as he half-chuckled and half-sighed. They left Kaname and the children to wait on Zero and the young silverettes and split up so that they can find a gift for Zero and Ichiru. He grimaced, knowing Kaname, he must have hated the fact that he was the last one to know regarding such an important matter, since all of them knew (Ichijou was told by Yuki, he told Shiki who undoubtedly told Rima, and Aido would of course know as Zero shares Ichiru's birthday and his cousins, Ruka and Kain would have known through him.) and they were all thinking of giving Zero a gift as well because he's their king's mate.
"Looks like it," Yuki replied, a bit worried. She never saw such an obvious look of self-hate on her savior's eyes before until just earlier but she smiled afterwards, Kaname clearly treasures Zero very much. She giggled, feeling giddy all of a sudden.
"What do you think Kaname will get Zero?" knowing his friend's competitive nature, he won't allow any gifts overshadow his own though he had to wonder if he still have time to prepare it considering it's tomorrow already.
"Well, it's worth looking forward to. We can't lose Ichijou-senpai!" Yuki enthusiastically cheered. She can't lose! She must find the perfect gift for her brothers!
"Well then, let's go." He smiled down at his eager companion.
They proceeded to another part of the mall, a contest unknowingly started between the prefects, the Night class and their pureblood leader.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Zero frowned at the brooding state of his mate and the nervous silence of the children. When he returned with the twins, he found that the others have already left to mind their own businesses and so he was left with the pureblood and their children but there was this tense silence that came from his vampire that he can't shake, he asked him what is the matter to which he replied with the ever suspicious 'nothing'. The hell it's nothing. He would sometimes feel Kaname glare at him but whenever he looks at him, he'll always find him looking elsewhere.
What the hell is wrong with him?
He's clearly unhappy about something but he's not saying it. Could it be regarding the earlier announcement? If anyone has anything to say regarding that, shouldn't it be him? He sighed, sometimes, he really can't understand Kaname.
Their day ended after several purchases of whatnot. They came back relatively early as the children said that they have not found the thing that they've been looking for though they seemed to be decided about something already so he let them be.
He only looked briefly at his mate after kissing his children goodbye, all who immediately ran inside the Moon dorm as if unable to wait to start some kind of mischievous plan, before walking away once they arrived in the academy.
"Zero," he looked around when he heard his lover called out to him, "be sure to come here before midnight, I'll be expecting you."
The hunter swallowed the bile he felt at his vampire's high-handed words and tone. Fucking controlling bastard. He really wanted to shout 'don't order me around!' but he let it go since something is clearly gnawing Kaname. Something must be wrong.
So stifling a retort and a groan, he silently waved his hand a bit in consent as he walked away towards the chairman's house.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
There are slow movements inside the darkened study, the occupant didn't even bother opening the lights as even with the darkness of the night, he can still see very clearly. He rummaged inside the drawers of his desk, looking for a special document he decided he'll give as a gift to his beloved.
Kaname's hands stopped as he found the black envelope containing the document he's been searching for, he opened it to take out the papers inside to make sure of the contents. He smiled with satisfaction, his earlier displeasure already lessened. He then put the envelope upside down to let keys inside to slide down on his palm.
When everything was settled between him and his hunter the day he proposed, he thought of giving this to him as a wedding gift in the future but it looks like it's not possible. He sighed, his irritation at his ignorance coming back again.
He silently made an oath that this shall be last time that he'll be unprepared for something this important. What an utter failure, of all the mistakes to make in a relationship, he made the most basic one. How could he have gone through all those agony without so much as knowing Zero's birthdate? He sighed again. He cannot believe that he, of all people, made such an error.
He went to the balcony, trying to enjoy the cold autumn wind while he waits for his lover to come. It was already half passed eleven and his hunter should be here any moment now.
When he felt Zero's aura approach, he willed the doors of the study to open to allow him entrance. He turned and waited for his lover to come to him. The brunette smiled when his ever scowling hunter joined him in the balcony.
"What? Are you finished sulking?" Zero frowned as he asked, a hand inside his jacket's pocket.
"How rude, I wasn't sulking, merely displeased," Kaname answered when his silverette came close to him. He drew his lover closer by wrapping his arms around his waist, "but forget about it. I've recovered. Now put this on, we have somewhere to go," he added as two coats materialized on his hand.
"Where?"
"You'll see." He answered a bit mysteriously as he put on his black coat. "Hold on to me," he said as he wrapped his arms around his lover, smirking at his silverette's frown and unease to his romantic approaches.
"Huh? Wh-," Zero's question got stuck in his throat as a cloud of bats came out of nowhere. The black colony surrounded them and he had to repress an unmanly yelp as he felt them leave the solid ground. The abruptness of their ascent got the better of him that he immediately wrapped his arms around his pureblood's back, "B-bastard! At least warn me, dammit!" he yelled when he recovered, he leaned on Kaname's shoulder, closing his eyes to avoid looking down.
Kaname chuckled as he navigated towards their destination, "I did warn you." His hunter replied with an unsatisfied groan, clearly unhappy at being caught off guard though he just smiled, content with his silverette clinging to him.
Even through his jacket, coat and lover's embrace, Zero could still feel the harsh wind bite his skin. They must be flying quite high, "Are you alright? Are you cold?" Kaname's concerned voice asked him which he answered with a grunt and a simple "'m fine."
"We'll be there soon." The pureblood whispered soothingly as he felt his lover's body trembled slightly at the cold air.
After a few minutes, Zero felt them slowly descend from the great heights of the heavens, he inwardly sighed with relief when he felt the soft earth beneath his feet.
"We're here." The brunette announced as his silverette raised his head to look behind Kaname.
Zero frowned at the large expanse of trees further down from where they are that he can see though his enhanced vision. They seemed to be on an elevated piece of land. A hill, maybe, "Where are we?" he turned his head towards his mate, unaware that he's still clinging to the brunette. He has a feeling that he's been there before already.
Kaname smiled at his confusion before motioning forward and that was when Zero looked behind to see a simple but elegant country two-story house standing nicely, styled like an old fashioned brown bricked English cottage, with a chimney and large paneled-arch windows and abundant bushes surrounding it.
The pureblood untangled himself from his lover to take his hand instead and lead him inside the cozy looking cottage. They entered the simply furnished and decorated house, Kaname willed the lights to open and they were greeted by the warm atmosphere of the interior.
"Hey, Kaname, where are we?" Zero was only able to turn his head once before he was led further inside; they then stopped in front of the large fireplace.
Kaname took out his phone as he turned to him, "Ah, just in time," he mutteredbefore he showed Zero his phone's screen which only reflected the time and date on its black background: 12:01 am Oct 24, "Happy Birthday Zero." He greeted as he smiled at the expression of surprise on his lover's face.
Zero wasn't able to say anything as he opened then closed his mouth, "S-shit, I-," was all he managed to say as he covered his lips with his free hand, reddening in embarrassment, surprise and, he wouldn't admit it, happiness.
"Forgot? Don't worry, they all knew it already." Kaname smiled wider as he came closer, leaning his forehead on to Zero's, "To be honest, I only knew just earlier," he sighed as he admitted, "I'm sorry, I didn't know."
"I-it's fine, moron." Zero easily shrugged as he amusedly arched an eyebrow. Was that why he was sulking?
"This was not supposed to be a birthday gift but rather, I intended it to be an engagement or wedding gift." He continued, making his lover's lilac eyes widen.
"What? This, you mean -," The hunter was dumbfounded as he turned around the beautiful interior of the house.
"Yes, I meant this cottage and the bit of land surrounding it. At first, I never really intended anything when I purchased this land and had this house made but when you answered my proposal, I thought that this would be the perfect gift for you when we marry." He explained as watched his adorable lover's expressions at his words, from stun, amazement, awe then embarrassment.
"Wha-what do you mean?" Zero asked, half in real curiosity and half to mask his awkwardness at his pureblood's confession. Really, he just can't stand this romantic sap.
Kaname smiled at the question, there was a hint of mischievous amusement dancing in his dark auburn eyes, "You don't recognize this place?"
"Huh?" the question caught the silverette off guard as was the attack from his lover that pinned him down against the thick, soft carpet in front of the fireplace, the light suddenly shut down just as the fire from the hearth ignite a blaze, "What the fuck, you bas-," his words where cut as a sense of déjà vu awashed him when he caught sight of the fireplace from that angle. He gaped as he finally recognized the place, he remembered it but in a much more battered and run down state, "t-this was…"
"That's right," Kaname smiled down at his lovely mate as he was overcome with surprise at the recollection of the memory, "it was the old shack from your last mission more than three months ago. This is exactly where everything started between the two of us," well, not exactly as he knew his feelings was already established long ago, but it was here that everything was set in motion. It was because of what happened here and its results that enabled them to be where they are now. When he thinks about it, he's thankful that everything that happened has come to pass. He's thankful of that mission from the association, of Kaien's overprotectiveness, of Zero's inattentiveness, and even to that damned vampire who pierced him through his chest, everything that made this moment possible. He can't help but smile broadly as he looked at his lovely hunter beneath him, their intertwined hands almost above his silverette's head, "and this is where I first tasted you."
Zero's eyes widened in embarrassment and disbelief, he can't believe Kaname just said that as he knew his vampire was referring to his body more than his blood, "Why you damn perverted bastard!" he barked as his face flushed crimson red, chagrined.
Kaname merely chuckled, fully enjoying his discomfited lover's reaction, "Why? It's the truth," he supplied with ease as he lowered his head to plant a soft kiss on Zero's lips before adding, "and I wish to be reminded again." He whispered huskily as he plant ghost kisses on his temple and ear.
Zero clicked his tongue, "You really are such a greedy bastard," he said through gritted teeth though Kaname could tell that he has already consented.
"Yes, yes, I know." The pureblood smilingly admitted in a hushed indulgent tone before fully claiming his hunter's lips.
It was light and gentle. Kaname slowly pried his hunter's lips open with his tongue to delve even deeper, he smiled as he could feel his lover's stubbornness even when he was given free reign over these passionate encounters. He slipped his tongue deep inside to caress the supple and luscious softness of his silverette. It was extremely delicious and sweet that he can't help but moan in delight as he explore and delve even further, tormenting his mate as he lazily tease his tongue, making Zero groan for more, before candying his lower lip and giving it a tender suction.
The brunette could feel their intertwined hands tighten their hold even more as his free hand rove through his hunter's lithe body, slipping under Zero's shirt to feel the warmth of his pale skin. It's hot to the touch as he caressed every line of his torso, feeling his smooth and unmarred skin under his palm and fingers. He ventured higher to softly squeeze the tight snub of his nipple, which made his hunter growl, before feeling the enchanting beat of his lover's raging heart.
He could feel Kaname's sensual, feathery touches awaken his body; the contact was too hot that he could feel his skin burn. The hunter flushed bright red as his body awaken and tremble slightly in anticipation as Kaname pressed their intertwined bodies closer. His every sensor alive as pleasure drowned his body as it always does in the arms of this certain pureblood. His hold on Kaname's hand and coat tightened as he tried not to get carried away which he doubted will actually succeed as all sensibility and control goes wild and untamed in his vampire's embrace.
He could feel the maddening caresses as Kaname's hand move lower, torturously slow, as if engraving every contour and curves of his hunter's body in his mind. His thumb rubbing his hip so affectionately, his fingers almost venturing inside his pants with the intention of squeezing his bottom but not quite as if to tease him, instead it hovered tauntingly on the line of his denim which produced a low growl deep in the silverette's throat. He knew his pureblood could feel the erection straining his pants but the bastard is adamant in tormenting him as he still refuses to free him from his tight confines.
'Kaname,' Zero warned through the bond as his mouth still occupied in its erotic dance with his irritating mate.
He could feel and hear the strain of his hunter from his groan and their bond which he returned with a husky chuckle that got trapped in his lover's lips, 'My, how impatient,' he teased as he sparingly unbutton his lover's pants and proceeded to lower it with his boxers, slowly as his other hand still tightly imprisoned his silverette's hand, but only half way as he then popped open his own slacks to liberate his own hardened member.
Kaname broke their kiss to look deeply into his mate's darken silver lavender orbs as he reached and wrap his long slender fingers in both arousals which made his hunter grit and hiss. He chuckled but the taunting and hissing sounds soon vanished to be replaced by breathless moans and groans as Kaname began to stroke. Their half-lidded eyes intent on each other's reaction as their steamy breathes from their gasping mouths, only an inch from each other, mingled to add to the intense and passionate ambience of the room. It was so hot that sweats formed and danced to decorate their foreheads, making silver and dark brown threads cling slightly to their temples.
Zero gripped his vampire's sleeve in an attempt to stop himself from getting swept away entirely. Damn! It feels so good. He groaned in pleasure as he felt the sensation of Kaname's smooth movement over their shafts, the mere feel of his sensitive skin on Kaname's member is enough to send him on edge, and with that fluid movement coupled with that fierce gaze and his warm breath on him, it's causing his brain to malfunction as his whole world gets filled with nothing but this vampire, his pureblood.
It's always been like this, whenever he's near Kaname and especially when he's in his arms, he always loses himself even when he tries to anchor himself to reality. He's always thrown into the hot sensations as if drowning in warm waters, it's a comfort to his heart, soul and body and the same time it suffocates and chains him, robbing him of his breath. His mate's skin on his always scorches and burns him to the point where it's almost painful but no matter what it never fails to leave him writhing in pleasure and overflowing affection. It's like an addicting disease, an incurable one.
It's weird how the mix sensations and feelings deliver him both pleasure and pain, happiness and sadness, contentment and greed. He can't understand it but he knows he liked the feeling. He didn't care if it's weird or incomprehensible, what matters is that it feels so damn right and compatible. He wants to be here, he needs to be here, by his side, by Kaname's.
Zero felt the tight coil in the pit of his stomach threatened to spring free. It's too much, he can't take it anymore, "S-stop… no more…" the silverette managed to moan out the words which received a predacious smirk from his lover before he lowered to play with his piercings and mischievously continue his erotic strokes. The silverette could only helplessly groan, tightening his hold on Kaname in an attempt to last even just a few more seconds all the while throwing curses at the bastard through their bond which was only replied by dark chuckles, mingled with his own moans, from the playful pureblood.
The hunter's silver hair tousled on the carpet as Kaname's strokes became faster, their pants filled the room. They moaned each other's name as they both climbed to the peak of fervor passion to the ecstasy of release. They shudder as they spilled at the same time, harsh breathes escaped from them as their hearts thundered, uncooperative in their attempt to calm it, their body damp from sweat because of the humidity they themselves created.
"You… sadist…" Zero panted harshly, still not recovered, as he covered his eyes with his free arm.
Kaname breathlessly laughed, "Why, thank you." He replied as he took a handkerchief from his coat's pocket to wipe their combined released, with some difficulty as he determinedly didn't let go of his mate's hand.
"Not a compliment." The hunter grumbled, as he took a peek on his lover who was still smiling at him.
"Of course," Kaname replied ever so indulgently before hovering over his hunter again, removing his silverette's arm out of the way, to grant him another fiery kiss while casually stripping him of his pants and boxers completely.
Kaname decadently devoured his lover's lips, swallowing any retort or reprimand his hunter might say, the ever present surge of desires overcoming his drugged senses.
Their free hands scrambled to feel each other's warm skin resulting to their crumpled clothes, unable to completely take off their shirts and coats with their other hand still tightly intertwined, they left it hanging loosely off their shoulders, uncaring as Kaname positioned himself between his silverette's thighs, not even bothering to remove his slacks, too impatient to feel Zero soft around him.
Kaname broke their kiss to take a look at his hunter before entering his heat. He was instantly mesmerized and seduced by the picture of Zero's dishabille state, with his storm of silver threads in disarray, his beautiful body which was only partly covered by his unbuttoned shirt and coat, seemingly glowing against the light of the fire, unmarred except for his tattoo, mating mark and the lovely reddish marks he had decorated his pale skin, his chest heaving from pants, his parted lips, a bit swollen from sweet and ardent violation, and his darkened silver violet eyes, frowning in confusion and question.
It beckoned him.
He smiled.
"It's your birthday but why do I feel like I was given the ultimate present?" he softly whispered before he gently kissed the back Zero's hand that he's been holding, making Zero's eye widen in surprise and confusion, Kaname leaned forward, "You're a gift for me. I want to believe that you were born to eventually meet and be with me," he kissed his lover's forehead before adding, "You're mine." He didn't allow Zero the chance to reply, which would normally be a retort, a snort or a bark of disagreement, as he trapped his lips once again.
His half-mast lilac eyes stared at his pureblood first before completely closing. He actually didn't know what to say regarding what Kaname just said. All he knew was that he felt completely embarrassed and light at the same time. There was this thing inside him that shook the center of his core, he felt so happy, surprised, embarrassed, though it's also a bit painful but what he felt mostly proud and flattered. He's been deemed a monster since that horrible night, not belonging to any race, not a hunter anymore, not exactly a vampire and most definitely not a human. He felt his existence an eyesore, a mistake and he wished multiple of times to just die and turn to ashes, to lift the burden off from the people around him, to just end it once and for all but he was too cowardly to do so. Never did he think that his existence would mean so much to someone. Frankly, it hit him so hard that he let himself be taken once again by the sensation of Kaname's affectionate inhibitions because he felt some shameful tears in the horizon, his chest too tight and full, and he'll seriously kill himself if he cried like some sissy. That would be embarrassing as hell.
Ah, it's unbearable. It's unbearable.
It's extremely unbearable how much he feels for this bastard, this vampire.
Zero smirked as he returned Kaname's heated kiss. Soon he felt the thick pressure of Kaname's erection in his entrance, he held his breath as his hands tightened on his lover's hand and hair as he felt Kaname eased himself slowly inside him, feeling the intoxicating mix of pain and pleasure in their connection. Their lips unable to continue with their hot encounter as harsh breaths and pants escaped uncontrollably, their names fell from their lips as Kaname started to move for a tender assault inside his lover.
He thrust deep inside his mate, withdrawing but immediately slamming back inside causing his adorable hunter to cry his name in pleasure. Kaname is in a daze as he watched his bewitching lover get enthralled, his senses beguiled, his restraint non-existent, his desire overflowing. He was completely hypnotized by his lovely hunter, stubborn and beautiful, that he can't help but wickedly ram himself to the hilt and fill Zero. He wanted his silverette to feel only him, to capture him as he was trapped and to suffocate him as he can't breathe, to do to Zero what Zero does to him.
To make sure Zero cannot be without him.
Just like him.
His dark malicious thought formed a mischievous smile on his exquisite face as he dig even deeper, continuously attacking his lover's pleasure spot, making Zero arch his back and groan in delight, his legs wrapped around him. Kaname was deeply intoxicated by his lover's heat enveloping him that he can't help but be a bit forceful in his possession, all self-discipline lost, driving them both towards the pinnacle with each lunge then retreat especially after wrapping his free hand around his lover's hardened member to time each stroke with his thrust.
Zero is definitely lost, as always, what with this beast robbing him of all his sensibility with untamed wildness underneath all gentle caresses. He trembled as he felt his second release rebel against its confines. He let Kaname engrave himself into his soul as he welcomed each delicious sensation from his pureblood, too drugged to really be aware that his lips have traveled through his vampire's smooth skin and over his pulse, the desire to fill himself with everything that is Kaname getting much stronger inside him that he instinctively pierced his aroused fangs into his tender skin to sample the most delectable blood he'd ever tasted, clutching Kaname's shirt and coat further off his shoulder, as he let himself free fell towards climax.
The surprise rush of painful pleasure caught the pureblood off guard that he shudder to release much earlier than he expected, a husky moan escaping from him, panting harshly as he supported himself on his elbow to let his mate finish his unannounced meal before collapsing entirely. He patiently waited as Zero licked the punctures until they healed, his head dangling weakly, sending a couple of damp dark brown threads to tickle Zero's face, "That's foul play." Kaname breathlessly chuckled as he teased, completely spent.
Zero smirked at his lover, "It's not," completely unrepentant while he travelled his free hand into his brown locks to face him so he can grant his lover a soft kiss on his lips, something he rarely does which surprised Kaname yet again.
The brunette smiled down at his hunter, "Well, since it's your birthday, I might as well be lenient with you today." he whispered against his soft lips, "Happy birthday, Zero." He greeted him again in the sweetest way possible, by never letting go of his hunter's hand.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"I can't sense him inside."
The hushed sound came from a vampire lurking in the shadow as they strained their eyes, ears and all their senses to look for a very special vampire hunter. They just came to the town where the infamous school founded by their late king and queen together with their ex-hunter friend stood. They found that they cannot come any closer without getting detected which is an absolute must as they came only to scout and ascertain the truth of the interesting rumors that currently graces every vampire's lips.
"He's not here but… I feel strange presences inside," a hushed reply was heard among the bushes that concealed their very small group, "the hybrids…" there was a hint of awe mixed with greed, desire and ambition evident in his voice, "so it's true," the darkness concealed his dark, malicious smirk.
"We must get him first before anyone else does," another voice came, his orbs the color of blood as dark longing reflects in his eyes.
"Ah, I wish to meet you soon, Zero-sama…"
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-