Chapter 14: A Vial of Memories

A speck of light danced playfully on the peaceful features of a sleeping young man's face. When it reached his eyelids, the youth grimaced and lazily peered his eyes open to glare at the little annoyance, looking for its origin. His gaze landed on a strangely shaped glass vial. It was reflecting runaway rays of sunlight that somehow managed to make its way into the room through a crack in between the otherwise tightly shut curtains. Judging by the light's orange hue it was early in evening already. Soon, all the vampires in the castle will be waking up.

The vial in itself was very small in size, perfectly able to fit one's palm. There seemed to be something inside, floating in a liquid, but Zero's mind was still too drowsy to really concentrate on the unknown object. There seemed to be much more concerning matters at hand like where the hell was he? He didn't remember the bed in his own room in servants' building being this comfortable. Not to mention there were no nightstands with strange glass vials standing next to it.

Zero rose to the sitting position, covers sliding from his torso just enough to reveal the fact that he was naked. His hair wild and sticking out in various directions. The hunter rubbed the back of his neck and took a real look around, his sleepiness slowly clearing away.

Oh, he knew exactly where he was. There was no mistaking to whom belonged these sinfully soft sheets, not to mention that excessive mahogany furniture, too expensive and pompous to his liking. Zero glanced at the other half of the bed, but the expected occupant wasn't there. The hunter placed his hand on the empty sheets. They were still warm, which meant that it must not have been very long since the other left.

Zero clasped the soft fabric in between his fingers as he started to remember fully now. Every touch, every caress came slowly back to him. Such passion… gentle at first but with growing intensity, both willingly losing themselves in the depths of each other.

…

The pureblood grinned devilishly. "So Zero, since we are both already in the same bed… what do you say to that offer of mine? You know the one where I suggested we make some use of the attraction between us?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Zero rolled his eyes. Yup, Kaname was back to normal.

The hunter tried to stand up but before he could, Kaname managed to grab the hand that was still positioned near his head a pulled the ex-human to him. "You don't know what I'm talking about, huh? Then why did your heartbeat speed up so suddenly?"

"That's becau-" A pair of warm lips interrupted his answer. A few mumbled protests later, Zero returned the kiss in earnest.

The kiss was gentle, yet demanding. Kaname tilted his head to deepen the contact, to get more of that enticing taste. He tugged Zero closer to him with an unquenchable need to feel the other's body warmth, but the hunter didn't seemed so eager and he pressed his palm against the pureblood's chest as if he still played with the idea of resisting… That was completely unacceptable and Kaname growled deep in his throat in warning, his other hand, the one that was not currently grasping Zero's shirt, buried itself in silver locks, further securing the hunter's warm mouth from escaping.

Zero really did intend to resist at first… the wariness and prejudice against all vampires was still ingrained deeply in him. Maybe he will always get this feeling near Kaname. After all, he had been raised as a vampire hunter and there will always be a small trace of guilt mixed in between. If Zero really started caring about this man, if he even dared to fall in love with this creature, he will be betraying his whole heritage and yet, the hunter couldn't deny anymore that it also seemed right… so right and natural, as if he was waiting for this one moment his whole life. This one point in time, when he will get to know his touch, his warmth. Zero had no idea he could feel like this towards anyone. Was that what they called love? No, it can't be… can it?

However, if it felt so good, then what they were doing surely cannot be wrong, right? 'Surely not,' the hunter decided and his hand placed on pureblood's chest, so prepared to push him away earlier, was now slowly but surely changing into a strong grip, as if ensuring he won't lose this contact any time soon.

Sensing his decision, Kaname hummed approvingly. Without breaking the kiss he released his secure hold on the silver locks and started to concentrate on more important matters, like getting Zero out of that tunic and cusualy throwing it to the ground.

The hunter, too, didn't stay behind for very long. This time, he didn't have to struggle so much with the pureblood's knots. Maybe, it was thanks to the fact that some of them began to untie themselves as soon as Zero dived his fingers underneath the expensive fabric. He grinned into the kiss, muttering something about sly purebloods, before he finally managed to get Kaname out of his upper garments, discarding them just as leisurely.

At last, they parted for air, their lips deliciously swollen and the ragged breaths mingling as they sat facing each other closely. Two sets of eyes met… lilac to garnet and garnet to lilac. Both completely lost in the other's depths, just quietly gazing deep into each other's souls for a long while.

Kaname cupped Zero's face lovingly, his lips forming into a seductive smile. "Do you remember now?"

The hunter almost chuckled at the unexpectedness of that question. Really, the pureblood could be so stubborn sometimes. Well, Zero could be stubborn, too and he didn't say anything right away, even if he already knew his answer. Biding his time, the hunter pulled at one dark brown lock teasingly, running his hand through them, watching them settle back with interest. For some reason he liked the pureblood's hair. They were the kind of hair that somehow managed to always look kempt and yet, there was this unmistakable wildness hidden beneath in a way the tips kept their natural waviness.

The garnet eyes never stopped watching him, not even for a moment straying away from his face. The gaze carried so much meaning it was making the hunter's heart skip a few beats. Zero laid his palm on the pureblood's warm chest to feel the strong but turbulent pulse beneath. He was glad that he wasn't the only one affected by all this. It made him feel almost relieved, but more importantly, it gave him the much needed dose of incentive and confidence, because in that moment Zero finally stopped questioning if he lost his mind and decided to give himself fully to the mercy of his heart. And his heart wanted this. Very much.

The hunter grinned playfully: "Nope, I still have no idea what you are talking about. But maybe you can help me with that."

"Oh? Then let me refresh your memory." Kaname whispered seductively. In one swift motion, he hooked his arm around Zero's waist, pushing him down easily. However, he didn't follow right away. The pureblood stayed up for a while, just watching, as if he wanted to ingrain that delicious image into his memory. One hand stroked the boy's cheek gently, fingertips caressing the warm skin as if to memorize every crease of that beautiful face.

The hunter indulged the king for the time being, he himself lost in the way the pureblood was looking at him as if he was the most precious thing in the world and at that moment he felt something deep responding inside him, a strong, raw emotion. His mouth parted in an unconscious anticipation and Kaname didn't let him wait for too long. The pureblood lowered himself for another touch of those irresistible lips and time Zero responded without any hesitation. Their lips once again met in a familiar dance.

When they parted again, Kaname decided it was time to move down and with a deliberate slowness, his tongue started following a trail across the ex-human's jaw, slowly, but surely, intending to eventually go lower and lower. Zero raised his arms in response, led by the strong need to feel more of the pureblood's body. He started his own exploration, mapping the heated skin under his fingers, enjoying the way the muscles quivered beneath his touch.

Though, the moment the pureblood got to Zero's neck he felt the boy stiffen quite noticeably. Kaname raised his head looking at the boy's suddenly tense features. He didn't have to be a genius to understand what was wrong. He knew enough about the ex-human's past to rightly guess that Zero might not be very comfortable with another pureblood vampire this close to his throat. Pity… but they can definitely work on that later. Things were getting quite urgent and… Well, for the time being, he might as well concentrate his efforts where they will be more appreciated. He quickly moved lower, following the curve of his collarbone with his lips, attentively exploring, tasting each inch of that delicious skin before he was sated and moved lower.

As Kaname got to the ex-human's chest he earned the most delicious reactions. As his tongue laced the hardening buds, Zero hissed, sucking in his breath sharply. His body arched, the undeniable proof of how much he enjoyed that little gesture. The pureblood's mouth teased him a few more times, each earning quite a delightful reaction form the other. He was stopped only by the boy's hand as it locked behind his neck to draw him up again.

Zero had no idea he could be this sensitive in that particular area, but this was one thing he was quite glad to find out about himself. He buried his fingers in the dark locks, tugging at his head, urging the pureblood to break his heated expedition across his body and come closer. The hunter kissed him gently, but thoroughly. It was a reward, and judging by the satisfied groan that vibrated through the king, it was quite clear that his little token of appreciation had been understood and accepted.

After a long while, Zero finally let go of the pureblood who used that opportunity to descent even lower, leaving a trail of kisses down his stomach, each small caress leaving behind a tingling sensation. He continued all the way to his abdomen, this time in a much quicker pace.

Kaname wanted, needed more... right now. Eagerly, he pulled at the string holding the boy's pants, diving his thumb just beneath the hem. Zero gasped at the cold sensation on his exposed skin, especially when it was a place that felt very, very hot at the moment.

However, there was also one other emotion highly present.

"Wait! I…" Suddenly unsure, the hunter caught the other's wrist, preventing him from going further.

Kaname stopped and looked up at him, the garnet eyes warm and reassuring. Zero looked quite endearing when he was uncertain. Yet, there was no denying that the boy was also quite willing. Maybe, that was the actual problem.

"It's okay," the pureblood whispered comfortingly. Slowly, temptingly, Kaname shifted his body more closely to the hunter's, while at the same time grabbing one of his hands and encouraging him to explore even lower.

Prompted by the pureblood, Zero let his palm wander across the contours of the other's stomach and then even lower until he felt a very distinctive bulge. He shuddered at the contact, as if only now realizing what he got himself into, what he was going to do and with another man none the less. But somehow the idea didn't seem so scary or repulsing as he would normally have thought. Maybe it was the hormones speaking, but god help he actually felt excited about the prospect. Excited and relieved that Kaname seemed to be just as affected by all this.

Even if Zero never did anything like that before, just the anticipation was enough to make his mind dizzy with excitement and…lust. The hunter's soft touch very soon turned into a deliberate caress, liking the way it made the purebloods breath quicken rapidly. Thanks to their positions, their faces were so close now that each exhale was stirring hairs on his forehead. Zero tilted his up head to seal their lips with ulterior motive of stealing more of his lover's air.

Kaname groaned in pleasure. He wanted to show Zero that he was not the only one this much affected by all this, though his efforts turned out to be quite a double edged sword as he had to suck in his breath and try not to groan when the ex-human's hand finally slipped into the waistline of his pants and started teasing his member earnestly. Up and down, down and up. Again and again.

The pureblood groaned in warning. If the boy kept teasing him like this he won't be able to hold back much longer. He decided to finally get rid of the last obstacle that was Zero's remaining pieces of clothing, sliding the cloth down his legs, revealing his hard member.

Kaname decided to return the favor and teased the ex-human lovingly watching as the silver head hit the pillow when his back arched. He was already moist to touch with pre cum, but he stopped before he drove the boy completely over the edge. Instead, he used the moisture to probe at his opening, but once again Zero tensed and opened his mouth to protest. This time, the pureblood was having none of that and he quickly stopped any possible protests with a deep kiss. It was also a way to try and make the boy relaxed, because he was too far gone and too deeply involved in this to really stop now, but he was still conscious of trying not to hurt Zero. He wanted to make it as much pleasurable for him, too, because he knew this night would become something to be remembered. For both of them.

Of course, if the hunter really wanted to stop, Kaname would have, even if just the thought was killing him. Fortunately, there seemed to be no need, because he could sense that Zero wanted it just as much and so, pureblood kissed Zero, distracting him while he tried again. He probed the opening, trying to insert his first finger, but he couldn't help but notice the grimace of pain as well as hear the other's sharp intake of breath.

The hunter hissed. Thanks to Kaname's efforts he was getting deliciously lost in passion again, only to be painfully reminded of the reality. He gripped the pureblood's shoulders more tightly, nails almost breaking the skin. It was a warning as well as the means to control the situation. The pleasure was slowly being replaced by discomfort and if it continued like that Zero was not above kicking the other off of him. Or at least trying to…

Suddenly, the hunter realized that he might not be able to that, simply because the pureblood was much stronger than him and if he really wanted… No, Zero shooed those dreadful thoughts away. Kaname wouldn't do that. He wouldn't. This was the first time, Zero was willing to trust a vampire and he refused to be proven wrong so quickly. It also helped that Kaname did indeed stop at the first signs of his discomfort and seemed to be trying to come up with something. Still if this will continue to be this painful, Zero was putting a stop to the whole thing.

Kaname felt the atmosphere was gradually changing, becoming more tense. He tried to quickly think of something else which proved to be quite hard when one had all his blood concentrated in a whole different place. A lotion perhaps? There were some in the bathroom. With a quick thought Kaname brought one over to bed quickly, pouring it on his hands.

Kaname looked up at the ex-human to check on him and for one second he had to fight back an adoring smile. Zero watched him very cautiously and it reminded him of a wild animal, baring his fangs, ready to bite him if he made one another wrong move. Actually, the biting sounded nice to the pureblood, but he was afraid the boy would do more than that.

Thankfully, the lotion turned out to be quite helpful. First finger went in smoothly and second took only a short while to get used to. Kaname watched the ex-human's reactions but except for a few sharp intakes of breath it seemed to be mostly okay.

Zero was well aware of other's scrutinizing gaze and he felt embarrassed, yet also relieved. It seemed that the pureblood really cared about his comfort levels and it made the hunter believe his trust was well placed. It wasn't painful anymore, but to say it was pleasurable would be quite an overstatement. At least not until Kaname seemed to hit just the right spot and Zero gasped when a sudden wave of bliss passed through him.

Being the attentive lover he was, the pureblood repeated the motion, enjoying those seductive sounds that in itself almost had the power to undo Kaname. He didn't give much attention to the third finger as much as he should, but the need to bury himself in that warmth was becoming unbearable and Kaname felt like he surely would go crazy if he waited any longer.

The pureblood hurriedly sat up to slide out of his pants and Zero surprised him when he suddenly followed him to sitting position. The hunter hooked his hands around his shoulders pressing closely to him.

Zero's lips brushed against the shell of his ear as he whispered seductively, "I think my memory is finally getting back. My answer to your question is, yes, I think we should do something about this mutual attraction." He teased, nibbling at the pureblood's ear for a good measure.

Kaname whole body shuddered. He took hold of the boy's waist to help him position himself better, but otherwise didn't push him. He understood perfectly. Zero wanted to have a full control over the situation and if it made him more comfortable Kaname would gladly let him. With his hands shaking form the anticipation, he supported Zero as the ex-human lowered himself and helped him to direct himself to the right position.

Supporting himself on the pureblood's shoulders and guided by his hands, Zero lowered himself slowly, shuddering at the sensation of something quite different and much bigger than fingers against his entrance. He stopped. Was he really going to do this? He really must have lost his mind, but it was too late to turn back. He leaned his head to kiss the pureblood, partly to distract himself and partly to gain more courage. Finally, he moved down, embracing the strange feeling. It was the same as with the fingers, painful at first, than just plain and quite uncomfortable, until he managed to position himself in just the right way, hitting just the right spot. As another wave of pleasure passed through him he repeated the motion, needing to experience that sensation again.

Kaname let Zero do as he pleased, only his breathing quickened by that irresistible feeling of warmth enveloping him. He wanted let the hunter find his own comfort zone, but as soon as he felt Zero was relaxed enough, he added his own motions to start this dance of temptation.

It took a few hit and misses, but soon they managed to find the right pace. Connected deeply only the lovers could be, their chests sliding against each other, they made love to each other deeply and thoroughly.

Zero buried his head in the crook of his partner's neck, nibbling, sucking, helping the pureblood reach his own pleasurable oblivion.

Kaname was deliciously lost. Lost in the way the strong grip, almost possessive, felt near his scalp, lost in the way the boy tasted, lost in the sounds of pleasure he made...

He loved it.

He loved him.

Kaname wanted, needed to go even deeper, his pace quickened as he leaned forward, one hand holding Zero's back, the other propped against the bed, supporting them both. The sensations were overwhelming, mind blowing. Kaname had no idea he could feel like this about anyone ever again.

No, what he was experiencing right now went far beyond anything he had ever felt. It was as if their bare souls were connected and judging by the sighs of pleasure and occasional whimper from the hunter, it wasn't just him feeling this way.

Zero was already on the edge but when Kaname shifted their position, the motion in itself alone was nearly enough to drive him over it. The position made him hold more tightly on the pureblood and his nails accidentally scratched his back. Kaname's muscle contracted under his touch, even making a whimper-like sound. Zero rightfully deducted that the pureblood quite enjoyed the feeling of something sharp against his skin and he was not beyond playing with that newly found fact.

He started raking his nails playfully across the pureblood's back, drawing small patterns, enjoying his reactions. As if driven by instincts, Zero started nibbling on the warm skin of the pureblood's neck. Softly at first, then with added pressure that soon was strong enough to cause a hickey. He felt vibrations under his tongue as the pureblood groaned in the back of his throat.

"Zero…" Kaname half groaned, half whispered his name, his voice undeniably laced with pleasure, "please…"

He didn't have to say more. The passion in his tone was clear and it definitely prompted the hunter to continue his ministrations, leaving a track of kiss marks behind. Sadly, they had the tendency to healquickly, but that only convinced Zero to try more eagerly, much to Kaname's delight.

They were both dangerously close to the climax now, their pace quickening. The room filled with the sounds of their bodies moving against each other, the sighs of pleasure and an occasional moan or whimper when the sensations become too strong to hold the feelings inside.

Finally, Kaname cried out in bliss, the hand supporting them both nearly buckling from under him from the overwhelming sensations. He buried his head in the ex-human's neck, his ragged breath stirring the silver locks of hair. Though, Kaname didn't stop, Zero still hadn't found his release yet.

It took a few more trusts and few more frantic heartbeats before it was the hunter's turn. Moan of pleasure that escaped from his lips and the wetness against his stomach clear proof that he too reached his ecstasy.

Kaname finally eased the arm supporting them and both collapsed onto the soft sheets. The silk was pleasantly cool against their heated bodies. Amorously tangled together, they stayed close feeling each other's tremors as the last waves of passion echoed through their bodies.

Zero nuzzled Kaname's neck lovingly, quite unwilling to let go of the other's body and fully intending to taste more of that delicious warm skin beneath. He noticed that all of the marks he left on the pureblood's neck had already disappeared, courtesy of his quick healing. Disappointed, Zero decided to rectify that predicament and started nibbling on the soft skin anew. The hunter was quite unwilling to give up that feeling of closeness and complete fulfillment that their lovemaking caused and this was his way of prolonging those sensations. As he heard the pureblood's content sigh, he knew it went both ways.

Suddenly, Zero realized that it wasn't just his lips and tongue brushing against the warm skin anymore. No, there was also a very distinctive hint of fangs. The truth was, his canines were prolonged for quite some time already, but Zero was too occupied to really notice. For one insane moment the hunter felt the overwhelming urge to sink into that soft flesh and get the taste of that heavenly red liquid almost overpowered by that desire. Shocked by his own thoughts he quickly stopped, visibly drawing away from Kaname.

Zero realized how close he was to actually breaking through the pureblood's skin and quickly turned his head away in shame, the back of his hand covering his mouth. What the hell was wrong with him?

"Sorry I…" Zero started to apologize but halted. He what? What was he going to say? Sorry for wanting to tear into your flesh and trying to taste your blood like the beast I obviously am?

The hunter felt like crap. How could he let that monster, which he believed he managed to isolate somewhere deep inside in his mind, nearly take over him so easily now? Ever since Kaname made him taste his blood on that fateful night the hunter was finding it harder and harder to suppress these cravings. From the time Shizuka had bitten him Zero resisted his inner beast for so long and yet now… It was just another proof that he was one of those bloodthirsty monsters he was hunting. Maybe it was only a matter of time before he won't be able to suppress his bloodlust anymore and he too will be hunted down like a crazed level E. Zero shuddered at that image.

At first, Kaname didn't know what was the problem, only noticing the way the boy stiffened and quickly drew away from him, but one look at the ex-human's dejected form was enough for him to get the right idea. Back at the city he already got the impression that the Zero wasn't really used to drinking blood or being vampire in general, but he had no idea the whole act of drinking might be so difficult for him.

It sparked a sudden surge of anger in Kaname that unintentionally awakened his own carnal instincts. How could Shizuka do this to someone? Just change them into vampire and then discard them like a broken toy, let them fetch for themselves. It was practically a death sentence. A condemnation to a very long and very painful walk through the death row paved with a slow descent into the madness. Kaname might be a pureblood, but sometimes even he despised his own kind, to which the cruelty often came like a second nature. His parents thought him to be better than that.

The hunter tensed as he noticed the pureblood's sudden malevolent aura. Thinking, that Kaname was furious because Zero can't control himself, he was more than ready to really retreat. "I should go…" He quickly sat up, ready to leave.

"No, no! It's okay…" Kaname, too, rose to a sitting position, quickly stopping the ex-human. He frowned at himself for giving the hunter the wrong impression. He let his anger at Shizuka take over him for a moment and unintentionally agitated the ex-human more. But maybe he could still use this mistake to his advantage. The pureblood gently tugged at the boy's chin. "It's okay. Look at me, Zero."

Reluctantly, Zero turned his head and his heart nearly stopped at the sight. Kaname's eyes were of bright red color, like a freshly spilled blood, and a very distinctive set of fangs protruded from his mouth. For a moment the hunter forgot his own disposition when a familiar spike of uneasiness pierced through himr. Being this close to a vampire who showed signs of malice and bloodlust...it was doing haywire to his hunter instincts and it nearly threw him to a fighting mode. And yet… looking behind the crimson there was still that familiar tenderness hidden underneath. This was Kaname and somehow Zero couldn't find it in himself to really see him as just another bloodthirsty monster. Not anymore.

Carefully, the hunter cupped the pureblood's face, his thumb brushing the contours of his lips, before hesitantly touching the tips of his fangs. Kaname sucked in breath at the contact, but otherwise didn't move.

What a curious sensation, being this close to something that particularly appeared only in his nightmares. Sharp set of canines, which main purpose was to kill. Yet at this moment, the hunter didn't feel alarmed. He pressed his thumb against the sharp tip a little harder and accidently broke the skin, drawing a drop of blood. Kaname inhaled sharply the moment the scent reached him. Zero tried to draw his hand away but the pureblood caught him, licking the drop off with a deliberate slowness. His gaze was still bright red as it met his and Zero briefly wondered if his own eyes were of the same crimson shade. It proved that the pureblood was as much affected by the blood and was as much of a beast and yet, he was not emitting any malicious aura anymore. No, there was only tenderness mirrored in that gaze. If Kaname wanted for the boy to relax he was on the right track.

"Your reaction is completely natural. Actually, I would be more worried if your fangs didn't show. I might even take that as a sign that you don't find me quite exciting enough." Kaname quipped to further ease the tension and it seemed to work. Zero scowled, but there was no longer any real spite behind it.

"After all, we're predators in more than one way." The pureblood added in a seductive whisper. "One desire can easily turn into another..." He slowly hooked his arm around Zero's neck and drawing him closer, Kaname kissed him deeply. He made sure to let his tongue roam across the boy's fangs making him shiver.

Zero sucked in his breath. He had no idea his fangs were sensitive to touch. He returned the kiss, his own tongue hesitantly brushing against the pureblood's sharp tips. What a curious sensation that was.

They separated for breath and Zero's gaze unconsciously shifted back towards the king's neck. He could almost see all those veins pulsing just beneath the surface. His fangs ached with a renewed thirst and the hunter stiffened. He was doing it again, nearly letting out that beast inside him. What was wrong with him? Yet now, there was one other voice in the back of his mind whispering to him that there might be nothing wrong with what he so much wanted to do. It's not like he would be biting someone against their will or hurting them in any way, right? Moreover, this would not the first time he drank from the king. So what was the harm…

Kaname watched the display of emotions playing across the ex-human's face, patiently waiting for his decision. It was his turn to tense when Zero seemed to reach his conclusion and visibly drew closer to his neck. The pureblood raised his hand with intention to stop him, as if he only just now realized what he was going to do. Does he really want to do this? It was a huge risk. One that could very easily turn into a huge mistake. To let an ex-human bite him, taste his life essence in this way… It was a leap of faith and Kaname would have to trust the other completely.

Even though the pureblood knew it was very foolish, he wanted to offer this intimate part to Zero. For so long he had to guard himself, not relying on anyone. All his life, he had to bear everything on his own and that made for one very lonely existence. Now…well, now Kaname was tired of all this. He wanted someone to trust. Not just someone, but Zero. His whole soul called out for this feeling of closeness that he got only when he was near the boy. The pureblood wanted, no, needed, to share himself, to share his blood with someone he so deeply cared about.

In the end, Kaname tugged Zero's head closer. Further encouraging him. He knew it won't be easy for the boy to resist for long anyway. Not in his heightened state and especially not since the ex-human had already tasted his pure blood once. As expected, though with a touch of reluctance, he felt the boy's lips brushing against his skin, followed by the sensation of something sharp breaking through and sinking into his neck.

The pureblood let Zero drink, burying his face to the silver hair, his own desires coming to the surface, too. Kaname's fangs ached with the need to bite into that slim, pulsing column so close to him, but he knew it was something he should never allow himself to do. Instead, he had to satisfy himself with inhaling deeply the delicious scent imaging what could be, but never should.

The silence of the room was penetrated only be the occasional sounds of the blood being drawn and contended sigh, here and there accompanied by a sharper intake of breath.

Sated in all ways possible, Zero gently licked the puncture wounds, feeling the slight tremors underneath whenever his tongue lapped over the closing bite. Kaname's blood tasted heavenly and the hunter found it almost impossible to resist. He knew he should feel bad, should feel more like a monster he was becoming, but he was too sated, too spent to let any remorse get to him for the time being. Instead, he let his head rest against the pureblood's shoulder, content to just stay where he was forever and let Kaname push them both down.

The hunter was so tired and content that he nearly fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow. With half closed eyes, he felt the pureblood settling down next to him, moving the sheets from under them, covering them both.

Nearly dozing off, something caught Zero's attention in the corner of his eyes suddenly. Something red and fragile, something that had no business to be on the bed in the first place. Curious, the hunter opened his eyes fully and turned his head to have a better look.

It was a red rose bud. It must have fallen out from his pocket, when the pureblood was so happily getting him out of his tunic.

"The rose!" Zero reached for the flower but Kaname was quicker, snatching it before him.

The pureblood grabbed the small flower, smiling when he recognized it. He weighed it on his palm carefully, as if was holding something of great value. With a tender smile playing on his lips he looked up at Zero.

"Luckily, we didn't crush it." Kaname brought the rose to his lips kissing its petals gently, before he put the flower on the nightstand, safely away from any possible harm as if it was a precious treasure. For him it was no longer just an ordinary flower.

The pureblood settled back on the bed next to Zero, their foreheads touching. Silver and dark brown locks of hair mingling together on the pillow, they stayed like that for quite a long time, just enjoying the other's presence. From time to time exchanging little pecks on the lips or just caressing some part of their lover's face as if they could no longer hold back the urge to touch the other. They fell asleep shortly after that, curled in each other's arms.

…

Remembering the entire thing, Zero was this close to actually burying himself under the covers in embarrassment, though for now, he settled for banging the back of his head against the bed board. What the hell possessed him last night to act like that? To let it go so far…

Though, he had to admit that even if there were some embarrassing moments, most of the memories were of pleasurable kind and some of them felt very endearing and much precious. The hunter scowled at himself when he realized that he was staring at one place for quite some time now with a goofy smile on his face.

Then, Zero remembered the biting part and for a short moment that memory sent a spike of anger through him. He felt like he had been somehow manipulated into drinking, even if it was him who initiated the bite. Yet, the more rational part of the hunter knew that it was all just an excuse, because he was already threading on thin ice lately and would have eventually succumbed to his bloodlust sooner or later. Zero knew that it was inevitable ever since Shizuka bit him. Actually, he should be glad it turned out to be like that. If not for Kaname, Zero would have continued suppressing his thirst, until he wouldn't be able to take it anymore and attacking someone, maybe even killing them in his craze. All in all, the hunter had to admit that he was quite grateful that things turned out so well.

Suddenly, the hunter recalled the rose bud and something occurred to him. His eyes once again strayed towards the glass vial on the nightstand and for the first time since he woke up he looked at it thoroughly. Floating inside the liquid was the red flower bud. The hunter picked up the vial and examined it closely. The lightning in the room made the petals' color appear to be of a dark garnet hue, reminding Zero of someone's eyes. Maybe it was just his imagination, but the small flask felt warm to touch.

"Do you like it?" Kaname suddenly appeared in the doorway, startling the hunter who nearly dropped the vial.

Seeing the pureblood, Zero willed himself to act casually, trying not to blush or give any other embarrassing reaction. Though, the memories were still quite fresh in his mind and the pureblood didn't make it easy for him, the way he was dressed in those deliciously loose cotton pants that hung dangerously low on his hips. The towel around his neck and slightly damp hairs suggested that he just bathed.

"It's yours." Kaname came closer to the bed and sat down on the edge near the ex-human. Struck by a sudden compulsion to touch the other, the pureblood raised his hand and caressed Zero's cheek with the back of his hand. His eyes twinkled as he felt the heat underneath the soft, pale skin, speaking volumes about how much the boy was affected by what happened between them. The truth was, Kaname was as much moved by this, but he was much better at hiding his feelings behind the mask.

Slightly flustered by their close proximity, Zero grabbed the pureblood's hand to pull it away from his face. However, he didn't drop his hold completely. No, their fingers remained intertwined atop the sheets.

"I have one, too," Kaname admitted, nodding towards the mahogany dresser in the opposite corner of the room. Sure enough, on its top stood another small glass container. It was identical to the one Zero was still holding in his other hand. Well, with one exception and that was the rose bud inside was of white color. It was the one that used belong to Zero before they exchanged them. The dimmed lightning made it look almost silver.

"I thought those roses were way too precious to be just left forgotten in our pockets. I wanted something more permanent, a memento of a kind. So, I got them sealed in a special solution. This way they will never wither, holding the most treasured memories for all eternity," Kaname concluded his explanation.

"You're such a sap," Zero rolled his eyes, but he couldn't stop his lips from forming into a soft smile. He couldn't help but be warmed by the gesture. His grip tightened around the glass as well as his fingers clasped the pureblood's hand with a little more strenght.

"Maybe," Kaname beamed, not even trying to deny that statement. "I got the idea when we nearly crushed yours. And for what other purpose is there a royal alchemy laboratory in this castle if not to fulfilling their king's whims?"

Zero shook his head in bewilderment, "wow, all this while I was asleep?"

"Well, I can be quite resourceful if I put my mind to it," the pureblood grinned. After all, it took only one quick trip to the royal laboratory and one very capable alchemist that was quite willing to work without sleep if the king wishes so.

"Oh, I think I can imagine." Zero smiled mischievously before hurriedly putting the vial back on the nightstand and diving his hand into the pureblood's wavy hair. Raking his fingers through dark locks, he pulled the pureblood's head and closed the gap between their lips once again.