Author's Note: Hello everyone! Here's the final part of this story! Thanks to everyone who read/reviewed/favorite(d)/commented! I hope you've all enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it! :) Please let me know what you think :)

Disclaimer: These wonderful characters belong to Matsuri Hino.

Zero tugged at his new sweater self-consciously, making sure not to use too much force for fear of the delicate material being ruined.

Across the table, Kaname's lips twisted in amusement as he sipped his red wine. The hunter had been pulling at the sweater ever since he had put it on. Well, it wasn't like he didn't know why... but it was such an adorable reason.

'Stop smirking, Kaname,' growled the hunter under his breath. He didn't even need to glance his lover's way to know that that was precisely what he was doing. Kaname's eyes fixed on him felt very much like two glaring spotlights, very perceptible and impossible to ignore.

Kaname chuckled lightly. 'Why do you insist on trying to adjust it? Your efforts make absolutely no difference at all, not to mention that you look amazing in it.'

Zero flushed lightly, resolutely not meeting his gaze.

Still chuckling, the pureblood's eyes roamed over his lover appreciatively. The lilac sweater matched his beautiful amethyst eyes perfectly, bringing out the contrast to his glittering silver hair even more than usual. The reason why Zero was so uncomfortable was because the material hugged every inch of him faithfully, just like a second skin. The defined muscles of his chest and biceps were very clearly visible, drawing attention from everyone who caught sight of him. Together with the fitting light brown jeans that Kaname had also gotten for him, Zero looked like a perfect Adonis, his hot bod and killer figure clear for everyone to see. And drool over. Like Kaname, who was enjoying the view very, very much.

Though he'd have to make sure that Zero never wore this out again, he mused. He didn't appreciate the eyes that were drawn to his beautiful lover, not just from the women, but also some of the men. He didn't blame them, of course – who could? His lover looked amazing – but possessiveness was rearing its ugly head within him. No one was allowed to see his lover like this.

Once he had realised that everyone in the restaurant had been ogling the flushing hunter's body after he removed his coat, Kaname had quickly had them shifted to a more private table, hidden in a darker corner of the restaurant, with some plastic plants separating them from the other tables. The blushing women in the restaurant had all very visibly pouted when they moved out of view. A smug grin had played across his face as he casually laid his arm over his lover's shoulders and led him away. Too bad ladies, he's mine...

Zero had shrugged his arm off indignantly, knowing exactly what his lover was doing. It wouldn't be the first time it had happened, after all. But to his credit, he had done it only after they were out of view of the other diners, not wanting to slight his lover in front of their already-captivated audience. Knowing that he was just terribly embarrassed and loving the deep flush on his lover's pale cheeks, Kaname had laughed heartily, before pulling the hunter's chair out for him with an exaggerated flourish.

With a roll of his eyes, Zero had simply walked around to the other side of the table and taken that seat.

Stubborn as always.

'Sorry for the wait! Here are your orders!'

Kaname was brought out of his ruminations by the appearance of their waitress, their main courses on a tray.

When his beef stew was placed in front of him, Zero muttered a quiet 'thanks' at her, before quickly turning away. It wasn't that Zero was trying to be rude, but the woman had been eagerly running her eyes all over his figure ever since she had taken their order. Didn't she realise that she was openly staring at him? Did she not see how uncomfortable she was making him?

Kaname accepted his medium rare steak with a nod, curtly waving off her question of whether they needed anything else. Somewhat frightened by the sharp glance he had shot her, their server quickly scurried off back into the kitchens.

The pureblood's attention returned to his companion. Zero was clearly feeling extremely edgy about this whole situation, and guilt tugged at him, wiping away all traces of the amusement he had been feeling earlier at his lover's expense.

'I'm sorry, Zero,' he apologised in a low voice, a contrite look on his face. 'I didn't realise the clothes would attract so much attention. If you like, I can call for the bill and we can just leave now.'

The hunter glanced up in surprise at the seriousness of the pureblood's tone. He had been feeling slightly ticked off at him because of the way he seemed to be finding everything so damn entertaining. But the sincere remorse in his lover's eyes was a welcome salve that eased his discomfort. Besides, he wasn't under public scrutiny anymore. No one, except for their waitress, could really spot him while they were at this table. Zero really didn't want to create a big fuss over such a trivial thing and ruin their whole Christmas night.

Reaching out to touch Kaname's hand lightly, he shook his head. 'No, it's fine, Kaname. I appreciate the offer, though.'

The pureblood frowned. He didn't want Zero forcing himself for his sake. 'But-'

'I'm really okay, Kaname. Come on, let's eat before the food gets cold.'

Seeing his lover's reassuring smile, Kaname hesitated for a few seconds, before nodding.

The restaurant that Kaname had chosen was one that was located near the edge of town. Even though it wasn't one of those high-class establishments that required a suit and tie for entry, The Meatery was well-reputed for its delicious meat-based cuisine, thanks to ravings by past patrons, as well as consistently positive reviews, even by the harshest critics. As such, tables had to be booked at least a month in advance. The struggle to get a place was even worse for an occasion such as Christmas, where everyone wanted to take their loved ones out for a delightful, enjoyable meal at a much sought-after dining place. However, Kaname, being the Kuran Kaname, had had no problems getting a table at the much-coveted restaurant even just a week before.

'It's delicious,' remarked Zero in surprise as he chewed his food.

Kaname glanced up, the approving look in his eyes mirroring his lover's sentiments. 'Yeah. It would appear that all the hype about it was not for nought, after all.'

A small smile crossed Zero's face as he shook his head lightly. Couldn't Kaname just be honest and say he loved it? It was obvious from his pleased reaction that he did.

For the next forty-five minutes, the couple enjoyed their meal together, sharing their recent activities with the other, basically just relaxing and chatting leisurely. Zero couldn't remember the last time he'd ever felt so relaxed and at ease. This was a good idea, he thought contently. There couldn't possibly be a better way to spend Christmas than with Kaname this way.

XXX

'It's really c-cold,' whispered Zero, unable to keep the tremble out of his voice.

Kaname immediately put an arm around his lover, pulling him close to him. Despite his initial knee-jerk reaction to pull away, Zero forced himself to relax in his lover's embrace. Even though they were out in public, the streets were mostly deserted now that it was approaching midnight. Even if someone did pass by, the shadows cast by the streetlamps helped to hide their faces. Together with the snow swirling down all around them, it was almost impossible for anyone to tell that they were both male, let alone recognise them. Just calm down, Zero, geez... Just this once, it's okay to let your lover hold you in his arms, isn't it?

After their dinner, the two vampires had strolled companionably along the streets, still talking and laughing softly. By then, the snow had built up, a thick comforter of pure white cotton layering every available surface. More white flakes fell from the sky, settling on the couple's hairs and clothes. However, they paid it no mind, too absorbed in each other's company to really notice. When Kaname smoothly slid his fingers between Zero's, the hunter stiffened for only a second before he relaxed, squeezing his lover's hand back. There was just something about walking hand-in-hand with a lover on a snowing Christmas night, something special – almost magical. Zero almost scoffed out loud at his sappy train of thought, but even he couldn't deny that that was exactly how he felt as they walked on leisurely, snow falling all around them, enveloping them in its loving embrace.

'I had a really good time tonight, Kaname,' Zero said softly, but sincerely.

Kaname smiled, using his thumb to brush away the snowflakes that had gathered on his lover's long eyelashes. His hand remained on Zero's cold cheek, both to warm it with his body heat, and to just enjoy the smooth feel of his skin.

'Me too,' he replied, just as softly, garnet eyes shining with happiness. 'I'm so glad we got to do this tonight.'

'Yeah...' murmured Zero distractedly. He suddenly paused, silver head turning slightly as he scanned their surroundings. Kaname halted along with him, observing his strange actions curiously.

'Zero?'

After confirming that no one was around, Zero turned so that he was standing in front of the pureblood. One gloved hand fumbled in the pocket of his dark blue coat (that Kaname had also presented to him earlier), before re-emerging with a small, ribbon-tied box in his palm.

A faint blush staining his cheeks, the hunter looked up at his lover, holding the box out to him. 'This is your, uh, Christmas present. I didn't really know what to get, so... I hope you like it...'

Kaname's eyes were widened in surprise and wonder as he accepted the present almost reverently. He hadn't thought that Zero would get him anything, especially since he had been on his mission these past two weeks. He had no problems at all with showering his lover with presents, and receiving nothing in return. He didn't give Zero presents hoping or expecting to get one in return. He did it simply because he loved him and enjoyed making him happy.

Knowing what the pureblood would be wondering, Zero mumbled, 'I bought it before I left for the mission.'

'Thank you, Zero,' smiled the pureblood warmly. Just the fact that Zero had even thought to buy him a present was more than enough for him. It didn't even matter what was inside. It could be a paper clip, even, and he was still beam as if he had been given the moon.

Seeing the expectant look in Zero's eyes, he gently tugged at the ribbon, pulling it undone and keeping it safely in his pocket.

Then he lifted the lid.

Zero turned his head away slightly, shoving his hands into his pockets as his nerves and embarrassment started to get the better of him. 'It's nowhere near as extravagant as what you got me, I know. I probably should have gotten something else, something that was more useful, more practical, or something, I don't know...'

His nervous rambling trailed off when he finally glanced back at the pureblood.

Kaname was staring down at the box in wonderment, lips parted in shock, eyes wide and swimming with emotion. 'Zero, this...'

His lover's obviously thrilled reaction helped to ease his embarrassment somewhat. 'Just a little something to... connect us. I thought you might like it.'

'I love it,' whispered the pureblood, gazing at the hunter with so much love and thankfulness that Zero almost forgot to breathe for a few moments.

Two elegant, slim rings rested in the velvety box. Couple rings, to be exact. They were made entirely out of platinum, with a matte satin finish. Each had a black centre groove and bevelled edges. Despite their simple designs, they had burned huge, gaping holes in Zero's pockets. He had wanted to get something that was of quality material; that would be able to last through the wear and tear of both their different kinds of jobs.

For Kaname, it wasn't so much the rings themselves that had him reacting in such an uncharacteristic manner, but rather, the meaning behind them. By having matching rings, Zero was practically telling the whole world that he was in a relationship. He had no doubt whatsoever that Zero loved him whole-heartedly, but the hunter was rarely willing to profess that love once they were not alone.

And Kaname fully understood and accepted that. While he might have no problem telling the whole damn world that Zero was solely his, he understood that Zero was a private person, and did not like others to know of his affairs.

However, with this, Zero was saying that he wanted their love to always be on his person, no matter where he was, what he was doing, who he was with. He was fine with letting people know that he had someone special to him. These rings were the physical proof of their relationship, of their love, and Zero wanted to wear them.

'You can't imagine how much this means to me, Zero,' murmured the pureblood, squeezing his partner's hand tightly. 'Are you really sure you're okay with this?'

'I am, Kaname,' said the hunter calmly, all traces of his earlier embarrassment gone. He had been hoping that these rings would make the pureblood slightly happy, but never had he expected his lover to react with such astonishment and gratitude. He was so, so glad that Kaname liked it. After receiving all those incredibly expensive presents from the pureblood, he had been pretty unconfident – ashamed, even – of his gift. Sporting matching rings was such a simple gesture, something that most normal couples did without thinking, yet here he had been presuming it was suitable for a Christmas present, in return for all the lavish gifts he had been given.

But Kaname loved it... and that was such a huge relief.

'Then, will you let me put it on for you?'

A faint blush crept onto the hunter's cheeks as he pulled off his left glove and placed his hand in Kaname's waiting one. The pureblood smiled tenderly down at his lover. Gently removing the smaller ring from the box, he slid it gently onto Zero's ring finger, never once breaking eye contact with him.

This feels a bit like we're getting... married, doesn't it?

The sudden thought that came to Zero's mind had his blush intensifying. Idiot! What are you thinking!

Quickly dropping his gaze in embarrassment, the hunter reached for the larger ring in the box. 'Now you,' he murmured quietly.

When Kaname proffered his left hand, Zero mirrored the pureblood's earlier action, sliding the ring onto his ring finger with just as much gentleness as he had before.

Thank goodness it fits perfectly, thought the hunter in relief, fingers lightly running over the ring's polished surface. The piece of jewellery looked as if it had been made just for Kaname, the graceful ring bringing out his pale skin tone and drawing attention to his long, slim fingers. Unconsciously, Zero's fingers left the ring to lightly caress the piano fingers, admiring the smoothness of that perfect, unmarred skin. So beautiful...

Another elegant, pale hand reached for his chin, lifting it gently. Burgundy eyes, swimming with more than just deep emotion, gazed into his tenderly, the love in their depths apparent for all to see.

'Zero... Thank you so much,' whispered the pureblood, holding his lover's hand tightly in his left hand, cupping his cold cheek lovingly in his right.

The hunter smiled softly, uncaring of their surroundings as he reduced the short, yet unbearable, distance between their faces. He could feel the pureblood's breath on his lips, warm wisps of air that both warmed and tickled his skin. His lover's unique scent washed over his senses, clouding his mind and blinding him to anything but the pureblood in front of him.

Kaname gazed into those enchanting amethyst eyes for a few more breath-taking seconds, before he finally leaned forward and claimed his lover's waiting lips. Lips locked passionately, he brought their clasped left hands up against their chests. Twin platinum rings rubbed against each other lovingly, just as contented and connected as their owners.

As snowflakes continued to swirl all around them, the couple remained locked in each other's embrace on the sidewalk, unheeding of the occasional passerby.

Just before clocks everywhere struck midnight, signalling the end of Christmas day, the two parted for air, foreheads resting lightly against each other, garnet and amethyst eyes twinkling happily as they grinned at each other.

'Merry Christmas, Kaname.'

'Merry Christmas, Zero.'

When the town's clock tower started chiming melodiously, their smiles widened, before their heads dipped, lips meeting once again.

After all, though Christmas was now over, their night was only just beginning...

And that's it! Hope you enjoyed that! Super sappy, I know... But please leave me a review so I know whether you liked this story :) THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

Special shout-out to ben4kevin and kanamexzero fan for their reviews for the previous chapter :D Thanks, guys!