Author's Notes: Hello, minna-sama! I know that this is not enough to wash away my sins .·´¯`(▂)´¯`·. (I think I'm just creating more) but I hope that you'll all like this little peace offering. (人´З`) A little extra with NSFW scene of our most beloved KanZe. …..φ(〃∇〃 ）I have no excuse for my long absence and frankly, I don't know if I'll be able to keep up the weekly updates since I still was only able to write two to three chapters and outlined the rest but I just want to make good on my promise of ending what I have started. ＿φ(°-°=) I understand that many might have already given up on The Blessing but no matter what, I'll finish it! ｡ﾟ･（ ﹏ ）･ﾟ｡ By hook or by crook! Still, I hope that you will all like this little snack. Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ

Gosh! (´∇ﾉ｀*)ノI miss being here! Enjoy~! (((( ﾉ´3｀)ﾉ ･･･Σ(ﾟдﾟ;;ﾉ

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

Compromise

It was a beautiful afternoon that shone upon the Kuran castle that day. The birds were singing, the sun was neither too high nor too low, the cool wind continually spread the sweet fragrance of roses from the castle's numerous gardens towards the jolly servants working around as they gossip about the recent events in the vampire society as their master Zero's return about a month ago shocked and surprised everyone.

Everything would have been perfect and peaceful had it not been for the shouting and yelling that came from the royal couple of the vampire world. Their argument was heard by all when their silverette master angrily stormed out of their pureblood king's office.

"Don't you dare walk away from me, Zero." Their king's voice was clearly heard. He's not yelling unlike his spouse who seemed to have snapped completely but there was firmness in his tone that says the he's extremely displeased, "I told you I'm not allowing you to go."

"Damn it, Kaname! It's been a month!" the hunter made a half-turn to face his overprotective husband who can't seem to let go of the past, "I'm going out whatever you fucking bastard say!" He shouted with finality before he continued to briskly walk away.

"Zero." Kaname evenly called out to his husband but he didn't turn-around anymore. He would have followed him had it not for his visitor currently waiting for him.

"Ano, Kaname-sama? Is this a bad time?" there's a look of uncertainty on the face of the blue eyed blond vampire who was called in to discuss the purchase of a certain old castle.

"Ah, Hanabusa. No, it's quite alright," the brunette answered after sighing. What an unsightly display.

"Will it be alright not to go after Zero-sama? He'll really go out, you know." Hanabusa anxiously asked. Part of him didn't want to have a meeting with an angry pureblood.

"Don't concern yourself about it. He won't be able to go outside the castle's premises. I had Akira set up a barrier to prevent unauthorized personnel from leaving and entering as part of his training. I'm not worried." He explained with a small quiet smile on his lips and a dangerous glint in his deep burgundy eyes.

The noble swallowed a bit nervously before smiling, albeit uneasily, to hide his fear, "I-is that so?"

"Let's go inside. I hope you have already found the document regarding that old castle of yours."

"Yes, of course, Kaname-sama."

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

"That bastard," Zero gritted his teeth while continuing his fast paced walk. He's currently hunting for his youngest son, Akira, since he just bumped his head really hard against an invisible wall before the castle's gates. He has no doubt it's by that freaking asshole's order but talking to his mate would only repeat their earlier squabble. It's easier to look for his cute son and coax him to let him out.

Really, this is driving him mad! He knew that what happened to them was traumatizing but this is too much overprotection! He even found out that Kaname talked to his mentor to ensure that there won't be any mission for Zero for a while. Fuck! He's a hunter! And it's his job to hunt those level Es! He's not going to spend more time locked up in this castle like some pansy princess. His arrogant spouse just never learns.

His internal litany of curses towards his bastard of a husband was abruptly cut by the sound of his twin brother's voice.

"Nii-san? What's with your face? You look ready for murder."

"Ichiru, what are you doing here?" he frowned at his brother who's carrying his son, Fuu.

"Kaname-nii called us to discuss purchasing that castle near the temple. Hana finally found those documents necessary to transfer ownership so they're discussing it. What happened to you?"

Zero sighed. His anger calmed a bit by the news, "It's nothing." He just changed the subject by inquiring about his nephew who's staring at him quite intently, "How are you, Fuu? Have you seen your cousins already?"

"Not yet, uncle," the young vampire shook his head while answering, "Are you okay, uncle? You look tired…" he added as he observed.

"Ah, I'm just stressed out," Zero sighed again before quietly smiling to the child, "Don't worry, I'm fine. Let's go have some refreshment in the lounge. Just wait, I'll ask someone to bring them."

"Hmmmmm, okay." was Ichiru's uncertain reply. He knew something was bothering his brother but he knew better than to press the subject. He knew his brother wouldn't freely volunteer the information. He sighed.

Fuu looked at the retreating figure of his uncle then at his father. Something seems to be bothering his uncle which in turn worried his otou-chan. For sure his cousins and pureblood uncle are also distressed about it. Uncle Zero also looked pale, well, paler. Is he sick? That would worry them indeed.

The little silverette child was contemplating the matter when he remembered his still untested concoction which he made for the purpose of energizing vampires. He forgot to test it on his parents. He smirked; he made sure it's tasteless and odorless since many become suspicious of him when he offers them a drink out of the blue but his uncle doesn't know that and he's great at acting like a sweet and obedient kid. Oh, perfect! He thought as he softly put the side of his balled fist on top of his open palm in a 'that's-it' manner.

"What is it, Fuu?" Ichiru asked when he saw the look of enlightenment on his son's face.

"Nothing, otou-chan." He answered before sweetly smiling at his beloved father.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

"Help yourselves," Zero invited after the made laid down a tray of juice and snacks on top of the table in the lounge. He decided to stay for a while for his children might appear once they sensed their cousin here. They seem to be hiding from him as well.

The little silverette immediately jumped and went to the tray but not to gobble on the sweet snacks but surprisingly, to pour out the drinks on the tall glasses. Once finished, he went and gave his daddy and uncle a glass each.

"So nii-san," his words were cut by his son who offered them a glass of juice.

"Please drink," the little child offered with shining stars in his eyes, "I poured it myself, it's really delicious!" he added with more enthusiasm and excitement to force the adults to indulge and drink because he knew his uncle might not touch the beverage at all. He smiled wider as both silverette drank their fill to humor the well-behaved child.

"Thank you, Fuu," Zero smiled.

"You seemed tired uncle that's why I thought a nice cold drink will energize you." of course together with my potion.

Ichiru smiled at his son while his brother ruffled his hair, not having an inkling that his child's mischievousness was on the run again.

When they finished the drinks they were offered, Fuu contentedly sat and ate the snacks on the tray while patiently waiting for the potion to take effect. He, of course, after several failures that ended in justified punishments, made sure that this one will take effect slowly but much strongly as to avoid being rightfully suspected. He let the silverette twins discuss some other things like the news from the association, especially what Zero had missed during his absence.

They were already talking about the very recent hunter news when Zero, who's been quite silent for a while, suddenly stood up. When Fuu looked up, he was surprised to see his uncle even paler than before with sweat forming on his forehead.

"Nii-san? Are you okay? You look-,"

"S-sorry, excuse me," Zero immediately interrupted his brother, his voice breathless and weak. He's been starting to feel weird and hot somehow. He felt like getting sick, feeling pained and contained. He doesn't really understand what he's feeling but he instinctively felt like he can't stay there so even before his brother made a reply, he instantly flew from the room and made way for his bed chambers.

Fuu blanched white at the look of illness on his uncle's face though he immediately masked it so that he won't be accused. Oh no, what did I do? He's supposed to be energized and sparkle with life. What happened?

"Hmmmm, what happened to him?" Ichiru murmured to himself, not a bit suspicious of his own son for it's been a while since he offered them those drinks. All the while, Fuu was silently praying that he didn't accidentally poisoned his uncle because he'll be skinned alive by his parents, punished by his pureblood uncle and tortured by his bloodthirsty (for his blood) cousins.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

"Kaname-sama?" Hanabusa stopped what he was explaining to the pureblood when he suddenly stood up with a look of confusion and worry unconsciously written all over his face, "Is there-,"

"Excuse me," was all Kaname said before exiting the room with a speed that resembled a typhoon, leaving the noble in mid-speech.

The blond wasn't able to stop or even say anything in response as he watched his king instantly disappear, so fast that it sent the innocent papers lying about to fly everywhere in the study, "… something must have happened to Zero…" he nodded as an afterthought after a few minutes of awkward silence with himself.

Something's weird with Zero. He felt it through the bond. He immediately made for their room as he felt his husband writhe in so much pain that he even unconsciously called his name. Zero is a man who likes keeping things to himself, especially pain and suffering, that's why he made it a point to always open their link so he'll know whenever there's anything afflicting his spouse that he's not being informed. For this very reason, he's very concerned that Zero would call for him though their bond and even unconsciously, this must mean that he's hurting that much.

He passed through their receiving area and private room, and made way to their bed chamber. He found his husband curled in the middle of their large bed and even from his position by the door, he could see him trembling. He was instantly by his side, "Zero?" he worriedly peered at him as he sat by his side. He put a hand on his shoulder which generated a pained yell from the hunter.

"Ah!" the voice came deep within him.

This startled the pureblood, quietly so. He travelled his eyes to the whole of his body. He can't see all but he knew he's not physically injured for he can't smell any blood from him, "Zero, what happened?" It's unlikely given that they're one of the strongest creatures in the world since being mated but could he have been poisoned? Cursed? He looked at his husband's pale skin now drenched with sweat. Could he have been drugged?

He needed to find out. It's a good thing that Hanabusa is here. He could immediately find a cure but first he must know what exactly is ailing him, "Did you take anything before this? Zero?"

"Ngh!" it was the only answer Zero managed to give through his clenched teeth.

Kaname didn't have a choice but to find out by himself. He forcefully turned his husband on his back, which elicited a half-moan, half-groan from the silverette which again surprised the brunette but he immediately caught himself and touched his lips firmly on his lover's, tasting the sweet flavor of fruit juice but nothing else. Strange. All the while Zero was struggling quite desperately to get away from him even though he's shivering quite violently.

"Zero," He's about to warn his silverette that he needed to bite him instead to see if drug or poison of some sort was mixed into his bloodstream but he kept on thrashing about so Kaname can only straddle him and that's when he felt his lover's hard arousal, "My," there was a hint of surprise, confusion, amusement and just a little wickedness at this knowledge. The pureblood smiled at his lovely mate now flushed crimson red. He didn't know how it was possible but the knowledge still assured him. Relief flooded him for he's almost certain about the cause of his husband's condition.

"Shut… it…" Zero still managed to groan out the words, "B-bas... tard," his last words a bit muffled as he turned to his side and covered his mouth with his hand.

"Yes, yes, but pardon me if I become a bit rough," Kaname pacified before covering his mate's body to bite down unceremoniously on his neck which elicited a string of curses, groans and moans from his husband. He tasted his blood and hummed.

Indeed, it's aphrodisiac.

And an impressive one at that since normal drugs have little to no effect on vampires, especially on him, Zero and their children but it seems that this is a very potent and powerful one to have affected his mate. It was further proven when he felt Zero's release stain his pants.

"Fuck," Zero whimpered, humiliation and shame burning down his spine. What the fuck is wrong with him?! Getting incredibly horny and arouse and even cumming because of the mere pleasure of a bite. What the hell? "Shit!" he hissed more loudly, unable to meet his pureblood's gaze who's no doubt smiling slyly at him now. This annoying bastard.

"There, there, it's not your fault, I assure you," he whispered as he worked on his silverette's belt, loosening it in preparation to help relieve his incredibly adorable husband who's currently painted scarlet and with glistening tears caused by pleasure or humiliation or both, in his darkened lilac eyes. It's extremely bad of him but how can he reign himself when Zero's in this rare and incredibly captivatingly cute state? "Don't worry, I'll help you," he purred, smirking, already ridding him of his pants and shirt before arranging Zero's legs on both sides of him.

"You fucking bas-," his lips was sealed by Kaname's while he felt long fingers wrapped around his member. He could only close his eyes, his eyebrows knitting together. His moans got trapped inside his vicious mate's searing kiss while his trembling hands clutched his husband's red shirt as violent desire and lust shook him again, rocking them together. He's lost, unable to make sense of reality while he's enveloped in a warm world where only Kaname and this unquenchable thirst existed.

He continued his enticing exploration of his lover's mouth, his tongue adamant in tasting every corner of his luscious heat, deepening it as the need to swallow everything his hunter is intensified. The brunette groaned when he felt his spouse's fervor reciprocation, which is more forceful than normal, feeling the equal intent to drown and possess him completely.

He heard his silverette's sweet voice permeate the room once he liberated his lips from his pleasing torture to favor his reddening pale skin, unable to resist the urge to play with his silver earring for he well know of his little hunter's most sensitive area, nipping and biting it tenderly before proceeding down his slender neck to his chest to add his special marks in his growing collection of love bites while still continuously stroking his husband's arousal, now sticky and wet with continuous flow of pre-cum.

The heat is intense and growing even wilder. Zero can't make sense of his surroundings. He didn't even realize his own action of wrapping his pale legs around the brunette in order to keep him where he is nor hear the mewls of pleasure coming from his own mouth. All his mind could echo was the need to assuage the burning ache deep inside him. It's consuming him whole and he knew he can't take it anymore, "F-fuck! K-Kaname!" he moaned loudly. He found it hard to articulate what he wanted but he knew it was enough to communicate his demand.

The pureblood immediately caught the order. He looked up at his husband and was instantly transfixed at the sight of his wrecked hunter with dangerously seductive red eyes and hot pants coming past his lengthened fangs. It clearly seems that the powerful aphrodisiac has done well in honing even Zero's most basic instincts. His disarrayed storm of silver hair, sheen of sweat covering his flushed body and the way his pale hands desperately clung onto the pillow and sheets only seem to add exquisiteness in the sensual picture, and Kaname can't help but tremble with the urge to pound into the alluring beauty beneath him. He could feel his own erection pulse with desire.

With practiced ease, he took off his red shirt and freed his own arousal, all the while meeting his hunter's heated gaze. He could feel the warmth in his own irises, signaling his own eyes transformation from wine red to pools of blood, and the excited tingle in his mouth indicating the lengthening of his own fangs as if in response to the delectable feast before him. He was just about to turn mad with hunger for his hunter but the wicked part of him still slowly took his time, knowing full well that Zero is just about ready to come.

The silverette gritted his teeth. Of all the time the bastard chose to be sadistic, it really has to be at that moment where his need is devastating enough to drive him insane, "Kaname!" He blushed further when his growl turned out to be a needy moan instead.

Kaname chuckled, "My, eager, aren't we?" he bent, covering his lover's body once more and murmured on is damp silver hair, "Should I prepare you?"

"Fuck, no." Zero whimpered. His husband's body heat just jumpstarted another bout of fever to run throughout his body. He can't really bring himself to care about anything, not even the burn of the upcoming penetration; he just needed Kaname inside him. Long, slender fingers roughly grasp a handful of his husband's auburn hair to forcefully bring his ear beside his mouth to whisper breathlessly, "Just fucking come inside me now."

Savage thrill shot down the pureblood's spine at the coarse demand that's completely imbued with unrelenting and destructive need. Kaname didn't need further persuasion. He turned his head to capture his husband's lips into an open-mouthed kiss, fangs and tongues wildly clashed in one indecent dance. The brunette's hand held onto one pale under-knee to place it on his own shoulder while his other hand held on to the other leg and spread it to further open Zero up for better access. With no further obstruction, Kaname promptly thrust into Zero's tight aperture in one libidinous glide.

Their kiss briefly broke as harsh pants and moans escaped from them both before promptly reconnecting like a force of nature. Soon, the lewd cries of pleasure were accompanied by the obscene sound of wet skin slapping against wet skin as Kaname eagerly lunged into Zero continuously, faster and faster still. The tight cavern was successful in drugging the pureblood with wild lust, ensnaring him like sweet poison that gives the promise of ecstasy and satisfying release.

The silverette's world quickly melted in to a pool of mad desire. He didn't even feel the burn of his husband's intrusion as if the overwhelming pleasure already numbed his senses to leave only the delicious digit that's desirous in impaling him until his very core is reached, until nothing is left unexplored, until he's vulnerable in his surrender. His pale fingers tightened its hold on the damp, silken brown hair while his other found the unmarred back of his vampire where his blunt nails immediately found home.

The burn of the scratch on his back only fueled Kaname's intense plunder, attacking that familiar core inside Zero's heat that he knows like it's part of his own body. He rammed hard and fast into Zero, hitting that special bundle of nerves, which elicited moaned curses from his beloved, in turn deepening the cut on his back. The smell of rich pure blood soon filled the entire room, making Zero shiver with hunger and want. When he felt the hand removed from his back, burgundy eyes peered at the body beneath him and swallowed at the alluring display. Zero is simply seductive with his head turned to the side, leaking his fingers that were smeared by his pure blood, his fangs in view while still leveling him with a half-masted ruby gaze from the side as if to further tempt him, completely veiled by an erotic haze.

Like gravity, Kaname was drawn. He snatched away the pale hand and replaced the bloodied fingers with his own lips to provide a searing kiss, all the while, thrusting faster and harder inside Zero, making the hunter keen. They exchanged messy open mouthed kisses, alternating it with harsh breaths and wanton moans.

When each plunge got accompanied by an attentive hand around his own weeping cock, Zero almost completely lost it. Knowing his release is but a second away, he cried his mate's name and tugged the bond to let his mate know. Kaname smiled and hummed in acknowledgement, rapidly stroking his lovely mate's member while forcefully rocking into him to further coax both of their release.

After a certain hard thrust, Zero came with a shout. His world was instantly filled by white hot bliss as he shuddered into climax. Kaname followed shortly after, moaning his husband's name on the damp silver tendrils sticking on his pale temple, completely spilling his seeds inside his mate. Breathless pants filled their bed chamber as both tried to regain their calm.

But even before peace completely settled in them, Kaname found himself turned and their positions reversed with the silverette straddling him.

Pale and long fingers combed his silver hair back to afford him a better view of his quietly taken husband beneath him. The overwhelming heat that is still boiling in his core sent another delirious fever even before his body cooled down. With the excruciating pain absent this time around, Zero could strongly feel the raw excitement growing deep within him and with a voice clearly laced with much lewdness ordered his mate, "Again."

Having quietly recovered from another surprise, the pureblood readily rose to the challenge. Given the extreme rarity of the occasion and his own never-ending desire, he's sure that there'll never come a time when he'll ever refuse his lovely silverette this request.

It will be hours before the storm completely calmed down but when the pureblood finally came down from the intense high for what seemed like the hundredth time, he found his mate soundly asleep beneath him. Vaguely remembering what brought forth the highly welcomed intense exercise, he figured that the aphrodisiac plays a large part on his husband's bold actions and easy surrender to exhaustion. After one last suction on his pale neck to create another blooming passion bite and brief candying of soft pliant lips, he finally got off his silver mate.

The pureblood took a long bath after cleaning his hunter, wondering where in the world Zero got such a strong aphrodisiac and whether there'll be a chance he'll get his hands on another bottle.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

"Chichiue!"

A frantic call from his daughter resounded in the large corridor where the grand bed chamber is at. Kaname, who at that very moment just came out of his and his consort's room after ensuring that his mate is sleeping comfortably and snugly on their bed, found his beautiful princess running to him with worry and panic written all over her exquisite features that he immediately bent down to receive and carry her. She must be fairly distracted given her lack of disapproval in being carried like a child despite being 30 years old in mortal years already. Though he can understand her wish to be treated like a proper young lady given that a certain hunter's visits increased tremendously as of late, he still can't treat her like anything but his darling baby girl.

The pureblood king worriedly frowned at the distress and anxiousness swimming in her wide purple orbs. Any violent reaction her expression would have produced from the older brunette was halted, however, when auburn orbs found the quaint but quite familiar spectacle of his son dragging a squirming bundle that is his silver nephew. Any trepidation Kaname would have felt immediately vanished as he beheld Fuu's caught and mummified form, and only sighed with fondness while his eyes slowly trailed the rope wrapping the young silverette from his ankle to his chest which is held by his eldest son. The pitiful form of the tied up cherub kept on fitfully struggling to escape made him look like a constipated caterpillar while his miserable pleas for help went unheard because of the duct tape slapped on his lips.

Convinced that nothing extremely dreadful is happening, Kaname allowed himself to patiently wait for his daughter's explanation of the seemingly urgent news. Small bow-shaped lips parted to hurriedly give him the news but froze when something seemingly struck his princess and instead of a dismal report, he received an absent-minded compliment instead.

"You smell wonderful, chichiue!" Anne voiced in awed surprise when the heavenly scent of his father, combined with a heavy dose of her silver parent's own scent, reached her. It pleased her tremendously that their parents' scents are already as they should be, together and combined. Even though it's already been a month, she can't help but stop whenever that completed and delightful aroma would strike at her anywhere in the castle. It's proof that their most beloved silverette is indeed back and she can't help but forget everything else, including her current dilemma.

Kaname chuckled at the clearly preoccupied comment, "Why, thank you."

Her father's velvety voice and the desire to never lose that very same scent again shook the female out of her trance. She shook her little head wildly to will focus, sending long waves of mahogany hair to dance in the air, and exclaimed, "Oh no, chichiue!" she cried once focused, "Otou-chan is in trouble!"

Even before Kaname could ask for clarification, Natsume continued for his twin, "It seems this idiot here mixed a questionable potion in otou-chan's drink."

"Ah." Now, I see. Kaname hummed in complete understanding.

The struggling silver imp visibly flinched when he felt three powerful regards on him. Two pairs of lavender orbs narrowed dangerously, sending a shiver down Fuu's spine, while quiet burgundy orbs impassively stared, silently calculating.

When the twins found the pale and frightened form of their cousin earlier, they could immediately tell that he's done something quite horrific again. They didn't give up in questioning the silverette even with his continuous denial for his fidgety movements and the sweat that almost drenched him impeded any notion of innocence. Imagine their horror when the cherub who could probably destroy heaven itself with sheer stupidity reluctantly confessed putting an 'energizing' mixture in their father's juice. Knowing Fuu and his previous offences, it could very well turn out to be poisonous.

After a brief one-sided struggle wherein the stupid genus' futile attempt to escape was easily curbed by the frenzy royals, they immediately went in search of their dearest otou-chan.

Knowing his life is hanging in a balance, Fuu immediately placed imploring sapphires on his pureblood uncle while shaking his head in denial.

Fond auburn orbs found his unruly nephew's pleading sapphire orbs. He shook his head fondly before nodding to his son to take off at least the tape on his mouth so he may defend himself. The little heir nodded back and immediately complied.

"Oji-sama!" Fuu cried passionately, "This is all a big misunderstanding! I assure you I only ever thought of helping through my humble means! How could I ever plan on hurting Zero-oji-sama? Never! There must be-,"

"It's quite alright, Fuu." The pureblood king quietly and calmly cut in. After having played this game a million times, he has already learned not to let the young silverette get carried away with explaining himself for he could take all day and still manage not to make himself understood with all the nonsense he injects in his speech. "The consort was not harmed in any way that would warrant your punishment."

Despite his claims of confidence in his innocence, Fuu was still surprised and relieved to hear his uncle's words as were his two cousins.

"Really, father?!" were the chorused inquiry from the young royals.

"Indeed. While I'm sure that Fuu didn't intend to make that concoction as it is, it did 'energized' Zero somewhat."

Three pairs of confused young eyes found the mysterious smiling face of the vampire king and while they can certainly tell that something was amiss, they can't bring themselves to further question the tall brunette. They were further convinced when the normally impassive pureblood chuckled before saying, "I think you and I have will have some business to do, Fuu."

The three young vampires can only exchange quietly questioning gazes at this.

"H-h-hai, Kaname-oji-sama."

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

A soft sigh escaped from the lone creature quietly traversing the long corridor that would lead anyone to the grand chamber. The thick carpet softened the normally heavy footsteps of the silver hunter as he trudge his way to the dining hall.

He can't believe it.

It was barely an hour ago when he groggily woke up alone; feeling quite lively considering he's not really a morning person, and dazedly wondered what could have produced such a pleasant effect on him. He was still trying to remember what activities from the previous night or day could have led him to such a peaceful sleep when the sight of a disheveled silver creature on the mirror met his amethyst orbs and abruptly stopped him on his way to the shower.

Unwelcomed memories that he's still denying ever doing intruded in his mind and it took all his will not to melt in shame on the floor. Throughout his long marriage with Kaname, especially the days following the retrieval of his memories after their reunion, he swear he have already experienced the best sex and perhaps seen himself covered with so much love bites that had him wearing long sleeves even in summer but that was before he'd seen the abuse state of his body. He really didn't want to know just how far the trail of kiss marks went nor remember how they were put on his body. He went straight to denying the facts at hand and that he'd ever behaved indecently like the impostor in his treacherous memories.

He swore that was not him nor was it any dormant desire of his that just waited to be unleashed.

Fuck, that was a disease.

He normally wouldn't beg like that nor would he proactively straddle that bastard who seemed very keen last night.

Really, what the fuck happened to him?

He was still contemplating what manner of curse befell him and whose plot it was while making himself as presentable and less indecent in the shower. He dressed himself in comfortable black long sleeve turtleneck to make sure that all kiss marks, even those that he didn't notice, are hidden.

Famished, he immediately made for the kitchen once he was finished, absentmindedly noting that it was already afternoon. He idly wondered whatever happened to their guests after he left them in a baffling way and if his children noticed his absence. Pink scores enveloped Zero's cheeks as he quickly readied a plausible reason should anyone inquire about it and practiced banishing the convicting blush.

Damn it.

If it's really a plot by someone, he'll be sure to cook them alive.

All negative feelings and dangerous threats in his mind vanished the moment he reached the dining room for he was instantly graced by the lovely scents and auras of his four darling children together with another one he identified as their cousin. Lively voices greeted him the minute he opened the door as they clearly felt his aura as well.

"Otou-chan! I'm so glad to see that you're well indeed!" Anne added in her greeting at length after examining his face, seemingly relieved.

In Zero's confusion, it quite escaped him the small smile of his eldest son who seemed to have sported the same worrying countenance and humongous sigh of relief from the only silverette child. He, however, didn't question further for fear of directing the conversation to dangerous waters.

"Thanks. I am feeling great." He responded instead, only then noting that considering the rigorous activities the night before, he is indeed feeling extremely well and, hickeys notwithstanding, his complexion is far fairer than he had ever remembered. He recalled the similar nights when his husband and he would confine themselves for hours or days in their room after a relatively long separation or a happy occasion. Sometimes he would be confined in bed or unable to walk straight for days. Dark silver eyebrows crumpled over confused lilac eyes. Hmmmm…

"Is there anything wrong, otou-chan?"

"Huh? No, nothing, Natsu." Zero quickly amended, not wishing to worry his children, "Breakfast?" he directed to the lavish feast on the table.

At his father's words, Haku immediately offered the empty seat beside him. "Here, otou-chan!"

They were having a rather peaceful breakfast with only the occasional worried glances towards the hunter by Akira who he finally remembered was fiercely avoiding him just yesterday. Zero sent him a smile clearly indicating a heart-to-heart talk after breakfast when chaos in the form of an annoying ash-brown haired hunter stormed inside the room. Anne immediately looked up with a dazzling smile.

"Yo, Zero and chibi-santachi!" the loud greeting was immediately followed with the wrinkling of the older hunter's nose the moment he stepped into the room. "Ugh. You sure are working hard." Kaito grunted with a very grossed out face.

"What?" Zero snapped, confused at the transformation on Kaito's expression.

"You reek like Kaname. It's obvious you're going at it like bunnies."

The pale hunter sputtered at the indelicate response and quickly looked around the table. He almost sighed in relief to have found, instead of embarrassment and comprehension on the children's young faces, worry at the color his face is producing which was rapidly turning to a violent shade of purple. This asshole. Didn't he develop a filter these past few years?!

The pounding the silverette would have bestowed upon the crass hunter was stolen by the enraged female pureblood who came out of nowhere to grant the indelicate bastard a violent kick that landed squarely on the back of his head.

The exclamation the lilac eyed princess made was drowned by the commotion made by the vampires that accompanied the older brunette.

"Oka-sama, what are you doing!?"

"Kaito-san!"

"Darling, please don't jump like that!"

"Kaito-san!"

"Yuki-sama, please take care of your body!"

"Kaito-san!"

"Ah, what a perfect pureblood kick of doom."

"Kaito-san!"

"Natsu-niichan, is it okay not to help Kaito-jichan?"

"Kaito-san!"

"Err, let's see… I have faith in Kaito-jichan, after all…"

"Kaito-san!"

"Oh Fuu, have you finished eating already?"

"Kaito-san!"

"Yes, otou-chan!"

Despite being the merciless culprit, the other vampires gathered around the petite pureblood to ascertain her well-being. Zero was torn between pitying and laughing at Kaito, and throwing grudging respect at the female brunette who he can only remember as a clumsy oaf. It seems like motherhood and pregnancy did well in making her bolder and braver but it could be simply the pure blood running in her veins. The silver hunter can only shake his head fondly before joining his daughter who attended to the poor bloke who's still slumped face-first on the floor, anger evaporating at the sight of his lean figure being poked by his youngest twin and silver nephew as if ascertaining if he's still breathing.

"Please forgive my mother, Kaito-jichan." A teenager with golden hair and green eyes, the exact copy of his father, approached them slowly while wearing an apologetic face. "My mother's mood these days is erratic given her pregnancy so kindly forgive her for snapping so easily." He then turned to his silver uncle and added, "We're sorry for the commotion as well, Zero-ojisama. I hope we didn't interrupt your breakfast."

"It's okay, Takumi-kun." Zero provided as he patted the blonde who he remembered as a mere child before going away on that mission. Now, 10 years later, he's almost his father's height and he knew he'll have some difficulty distinguishing the father and son pair after a few more years, especially since he has finally don the white uniform of the Night class. He was quite surprise to see this child since he wasn't present during his children's party because an irresponsible headmaster left his little lambs to attend the said party. Unbelievable. Looking at him, since his children and mate remained unchanged at least physically, Zero can clearly see the indisputable proof and reminder that those ten years did pass, "This moron asked for it, anyway."

The ash-brown haired hunter grunted once before finally sitting straight much to Anne's relief. Really, that woman. If he wasn't able to cushion that fall with his arms somehow, he'll be in real danger. She should know that purebloods are feared and respected for a reason. She could seriously kill someone with that freaking pureblood kick of doom or whatever.

"Are you alright, Kaito-san?"

Amethyst eyes narrowed while his little princess fussed about the moronic hunter. Ah, another thing that unfortunately didn't change. Suddenly, he didn't feel any pity or mercy for Kaito anymore. How he wished Yuki also caught that stupid head in a headlock as well.

The lilac eyes identical to his distracted the hunter from wishing eternal damnation upon his senpai. He found himself returning the regard of his twin and found contemplative gaze on him. "What is it, Ichiru?"

"Nothing…" Aido Ichiru replied and smilingly added, "I just thought that this is such a familiar sight." When he saw a light brow rose slightly in confusion, he explained, "Well, it's just that whenever you smell strongly of Kaname-nii, I always find you wearing long sleeved sweater and before long, Kaito will always end up beaten on the floor." He chuckled when he saw his brother's face burn scarlet.

Damn Ichiru! Why can't any of the adults in their company understand the meaning of tack? Why can't they just politely pretend they didn't notice anything?! His only consolation was that his eldest daughter is still fusing about the hunter and the adults are still surrounding the pregnant pureblood. He will just melt on the floor in humiliation should any one start teasing him about it in front of the children.

He was saved from continuing the painfully awkward conversation when Yuki, finally able to shake off her husband and eldest son, remarked about the peacefulness of their day so far, "Oh Zero, it's such a quiet and perfect day! It's a good thing you're no longer fighting with onii-sama! Why don't we go to the eastern garden for some tea? Darling just bought me some delicious éclairs." Just the thought of all the noise and the heavy aura of her brother's displeasure is enough to make Yuki grimace. Her brother kept on making them visit the Kuran castle to keep Zero's mind off leaving. They're not even succeeding so she doesn't know why Kaname-niisama still wants them to continue the useless distraction.

"Nah, I just gave up talking to that bastard. It won't get me anywhere. I'll just bribe my children." Zero said, drawing a concerned look on the brunette's pretty face.

Kaito rejoined, his little nurse having run off somewhere to apparently join her siblings, "And how will you do that exactly?"

"Eh?"

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

The hunter was quietly traversing random halls and rooms in the castle to hunt for one of his children who is the key to his freedom. Before he knew it, little Akira is already nowhere in sight and he can only groan in frustration before setting out to find his little rascal. He was on his way to the next parlor when a most infuriating object caught his sight.

Silver-lavender eyes narrowed exasperatedly as it beheld the large portrait of a silverette whose beautiful face is far too ethereal to be his. He can't help but idly wonder if he'll finally succeed in hiding it after so many years of trying. He lost count how many times he attempted to throw it out of the castle. If he was not afraid of actually destroying the whole caste, he might have set it on fire as it hung on the wall.

However, it's quite amazing whenever he thinks that it's still here despite his ten years of absence. Given the unbearable torture the tragedy brought to his family, he wouldn't have been surprised if they hid it and all of his possessions to avoid being reminded of him. Yet, he found, that the castle was left pretty much unchanged throughout those years.

A heavy weight filled Zero's heart at the reflection of the bittersweet truth. A part of him refuses to further examine the reason behind it for he's afraid of knowing just how much pain and longing he has unintentionally delivered to his precious family yet a part of him wanted to know so he can be sure to heal any wounds left from the scarring incident. Before he can further ponder it, the silver hunter's somber thoughts were disrupted by the pureblood's arrival.

"Zero? What are you doing here?" Kaname immediately asked upon seeing his husband's despondent form.

Instead of answering, Zero asked, "Why is it here?"

Sensing the pureblood's confusion at his question through their bond, he further clarified, "I would have thought that you'd hide this considering I was already gone."

The vampire king was only momentarily taken aback, quietly so, but immediately recovered. "How could I?" he whispered nearly inaudibly. His features softened, his eyebrows crumpling slightly, as an almost rueful smile appeared on his timeless face, "I was so miserable whenever I passed here, yet I couldn't take it off." he admitted truthfully, then meeting pained lavender eyes, continued, "I was so afraid, you see."

The brunette moved closer to the hunter who was only able to stand still as he listened to his husband's hushed and anguished voice. Kaname held one pale hand, his forehead on Zero's, and further continued, "I was scared that there will come a day when I'll forget your face, or your voice, or your laughter. It always tears me apart but I always remind myself of your movements and the way you smile so that no detail will ever be forgotten. I was frightened that I would wake up someday to find that I cannot remember how you look."

Reddish eyes should not be able look so overwhelmingly melancholic especially not on this inhumanly handsome face but Zero found that he's drowning in the sorrow he's seeing. He understands of course. After all, he knew that he would have gone mad had their situation been reversed. That is if he didn't outright die the moment this creature died. No, the simple thought of it is already crushing his heart. He knew he would not survive it.

"I'm sorry." The silverette finally said at length.

"No, Zero, it wasn't your fault. If anything, I'd like to thank you for being alive and for bringing our children to this world." And cupping his beloved's pale face on both hands, he smiled fully and in happiness, "You never cease to amaze me, Zero. You're always the one opening my world. Because of you, I now firmly believe in miracles."

And though grief is still choking him, Zero managed a small smile, short-lived and far from his usual mocking one, not quite able to adapt his normal rough and brusque countenance due to heartache, "Finally believing in miracles, huh?"

"I did believe in miracles. I just forgot it when I thought I lost you." He confessed, finally giving in to the urge and wrapping his arms around his hunter. His silverette surprisingly returned it instead of berating him for his romantic tendencies and propensity for public display of affection.

"You?" the silver hunter sneered but only as a guise as he tightened his embrace around the tall figure while unbearable agony flooded him through their bond. "Believed in miracles?" he added in the most sarcastic and disbelieving tone he can manage even while pain and affection sliced his heart to pieces.

"Why, yes. I started believing in miracles the day you said you loved me."

This should surprise the silverette, but then again, not really since it's Kaname, "Really." Zero shook his head in quiet exasperation at his husband's undying tendencies, "You're still a moron. Stupid." Yet, despite his words, pale fingers can't help but tighten their grasp on the pureblood's shirt while his embrace constricted around the brunette.

There must be some heavenly machination going on at that moment since they were miraculously not interrupted by anyone in the castle. Well, it's an insanely big castle but it's unbelievable how many times Kaito was able to walk in on them while they're kissing or cuddling giving the older hunter some annoying ammunition to tease him with later on. Zero knew he should break the sappy encounter short before the annoying ash-brown haired bastard or anyone currently staying in the castle found them. However, no reason was enough to push his spouse away. Just a little while longer. He wanted to assure his pureblood as well as himself that he's truly back and the nightmare is over.

"Zero, I understand your wishes. All the time in world would not be enough to make me forget who you truly are and what you wish to do but could you give me more time?" Kaname requested without breaking or loosening his hold around the hunter.

Zero sighed. Well, that's as much as a concession that he'll get from his high and mighty pureblood, "Fine." And hating the indulgent note in his voice, he added, "But that's only because sensei said that there are very few missions in the association. Don't think I'll shut up about it once there's a rise in level E attacks."

"I promise to be reasonable next time." The vampire king settled, finally letting the hunter go, satisfied that he got his way.

"You better." Zero said with mock scowl and after hesitating only for a second, continued, "I won't go anywhere you can't follow, Kaname… so… you can rest assure. I'll always go back home." He finished, not quite looking at the pureblood.

"Of course, Zero. I know that." Kaname smiled and added, "For I'll make sure of it."

"Tch. Possessive bastard." The hunter growled as he finally elbowed his husband to walk away.

The vampire king merely chuckled, clearly having no inclination to deny the accusation. He went after his lover, putting a hand on his back. Zero, being used to this or simply giving up making Kaname stop, didn't shrug it off.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)