"Cookies"

A/N: This is just a quick, light hearted piece I wrote recently. It takes place sometime shortly after "Slow Seduction" so you should probably read that first if you haven't already, otherwise the characters may seem a little OC. It's not really a sequel, more of a continuation of the story. I was thinking half heartedly of doing a 2nd chapter of when they meet later that night but I'm not sure. I'll give it some thought. Anyway, enjoy.

Summary: Kaname's been away on a trip and Zero made cookies. They meet while Zero's tutoring Yuki at the Chairman's house.

Disclaimer: I definitely don't own Vampire Knight. I'm just having some fun with the boys.

No warnings.

"You've got that wrong," Zero stated bluntly as his finger tapped the paper, pointing out the offending mistake.

"What? Agh," Yuki responded as she began furiously erasing the last few lines of penciled figures.

Zero sat across from Yuki at the table in the Chairman's dining room, watching as Yuki began the slow, torturous process of solving the math equation for the second time. At this rate she was almost certain to do poorly on the upcoming exam. Still, the Chairman had asked him to tutor her and it was really not much trouble as long as he kept his temper. It wasn't as if he had anything better to do since Kaname was away for some big meeting. He'd been gone several days already and Zero realized he was missing the pureblood more than he'd expected. They didn't spend a lot of time together, meeting covertly, usually in the quiet hours of the morning before dawn. Still, the moments they had together were precious to Zero. Even just seeing the pureblood, and sharing a look with Kaname as he made his way to class, was more than he could do right now.

Zero had tried to keep himself occupied but it was getting more and more difficult. Especially since it was now the weekend and he had no prefect duties or classes to keep him busy. He was totally caught up with his homework, his laundry, and had even finished a couple of best sellers he'd wanted to read. He read them while Kaname was away as he didn't want the pureblood to tease him about his liking for fiction involving tough talking, hard living, action heroes. It was one of his embarrassing little secrets. Just like the fact that he liked to bake.

Zero could imagine how embarrassed he'd be if Kaname saw him in an apron, whipping up a batch of cookies like some doting housewife. Sure cooking was okay, Zero mused, a man had to survive on his own cooking. But there was no need for him to know how to make cookies. The truth was though, Zero found baking enjoyable. The process of carefully measuring and mixing each separate ingredient was soothing. And baking was unforgiving, with no room for error. At it's most elemental, baking was simply the science of chemistry.

The results of his most recent "chemistry experiment" were filling the Chairman's house with their chocolatey aroma. Yuki had eaten three from the plate in front of them already, so she must think they tasted good, Zero thought. Unlike Yuki, he had some restraint. He'd only eaten one, well and the one in the kitchen when he was taking them out of the oven. He'd had to test them before he let anyone else eat them.

His keen hearing picked up the sound of the Chairman's key in the lock of the front door. Chairman Cross had been in town for some reason or other this morning and it was late in the afternoon now. The Chairman called a cheerful greeting, which was ignored by Zero, and by Yuki, since she was concentrating as she valiantly tried to finish the math equation and didn't hear him. Zero straightened suddenly as his bond surged and pulsed within him. Kaname must be near, Zero thought, surprised. When Kaname wasn't around the bond lay dormant, slumbering, and Zero was barely aware of it. But when the pureblood was in Zero's proximity the bond tingled and throbbed. He must be close by since it didn't react this strongly unless Kaname was very near, Zero thought excitedly.

The Chairman was chatting away to someone in the foyer and Zero could picture him taking off his shoes and hanging up his coat as he prattled on. Zero listened carefully, but as the Chairman hadn't stopped for breath, the other person hadn't had a chance to reply. He had a good idea the Chairman's visitor was Kaname and he was momentarily panicked wondering what he looked like. Did he have flour or anything on his face? He didn't have time to check though, as the Chairman walked in, followed closely by the pureblood.

Chairman Cross continued to chat, and Yuki was saying how nice it was to see Kaname sempai. Kaname greeted Yuki genuinely, then focused his entire attention on Zero.

"Good afternoon Kiryuu kun," Kaname said warmly, his rich chocolate brown eyes meeting Zero's.

Zero nodded in response. He was relieved the pureblood hadn't addressed him by his first name in front of the Chairman and Yuki, this way they didn't have to answer embarrassing questions. Kaname was all for declaring their relationship to the entire school, but Zero wasn't ready to go public just yet. He'd only recently realized the depth of emotion he felt for the pureblood and hadn't actually come right out and told Kaname how he felt. Well, at least not when Kaname was awake. There was a time and a place for these things. He would know when the time was right he told himself. Anyway, he probably didn't need to say anything. Surely the pureblood could tell how he felt about him.

Besides, one look from those dark eyes was enough to send heat coursing through him and the room suddenly felt too small. Zero wasn't sure his voice would come out right if he tried to respond verbally. The hunter dropped his gaze and kept his head down, eyes focused on the table. He couldn't stop stealing glances at the pureblood through his hair though. The bond was heightening all of his senses, the older vampire's scent was strong, enveloping him, and the sound of his voice was warm, caressing his ears. He was having serious trouble with his body's response to the pureblood. Goose flesh appeared on his arms and the back of his thighs. Waves of anticipation and sexual excitement washed over him and pooled in his groin. Zero clenched his hands tightly on his thighs as he battled both need and want. Hopefully Kaname would leave soon before Zero made a fool of himself.

Kaname listened absently as Yuki chatted excitedly, asking him if the trip was good and how long he'd been back. He answered her questions as he discreetly watched Zero. This type of conversation took very little concentration and he could make the necessary responses easily while most of his attention was focused on the hunter. It had only been a few days but it had been far too long since he had been with Zero. Kaname had found the long meetings even more monotonous than usual. The tedious talks broken only by long boring periods alone in his hotel room. He had lain in bed, unable to sleep; tossing and turning in unfamiliar smelling sheets, as he tried to bring to mind the scent of Zero's hair and skin, or the taste of the hunter's mouth, in an effort to relax him and bring him the rest he needed. He had missed the hunter terribly, and now Zero was just a few feet away but he might as well still be in another city.

Kaname had run into Chairman Cross in town on his way back, and offered the Chairman a ride back to the school. On the way he had learned that Zero was at the Chairman's house tutoring Yuki this afternoon, and had readily accepted the offer to come in for a quick visit with Yuki. Now he was trying not to stare. His keen sense of smell easily picked up the hunter's well-known scent. Zero smelt and looked wonderful, his silver hair shining in the late afternoon light.

The hunter was sitting rigidly, his body language stiff and after his initial glance, Zero was avoiding meeting Kaname's eyes, though he could see flashes of purple as Zero's gaze flicked repeatedly in his direction. The pureblood noted the flush of pink creeping slowly up the back of the younger boy's neck. Perhaps he was anxious Kaname would give them away, but the pureblood hoped the reason was because Zero was as happy and excited to see Kaname as the pureblood was to see him. He would respect Zero's wishes to keep their newly formed relationship a secret at present, but it was very hard to be in the hunter's presence and not touch him.

The bond wasn't making it easy for him to control himself. Since that one time Zero had allowed him to bite and feed from him, the need for Zero was much stronger. When he was physically close to Zero the bond powered up. Even now the bond thrummed strongly, reminding Kaname of the feeling one got when near a large power station. He could feel the energy in the air, making the fine hairs on his arms stand up and his teeth ache. Kaname needed to feel the hunter's warm flesh under his palms and fingers. He wanted to taste Zero and open his mouth and welcome the hunter's tongue in to taste and explore his mouth in return. He didn't know if the bond had enhanced his kinetic powers but he could now filter out Zero's scent, heartbeat and breathing rate from other individuals. Kaname concentrated and isolated Zero's vital signs. The hunter's heartbeat was faster than normal for him, as was his breathing rate. Right now Zero's heart rate was suddenly spiking. Why? Yuki was saying something about cookies and Kaname realized he had to respond.

"Um, thank you Yuki, they smell delicious, but …," the pureblood began.

"Oh don't worry Kaname sempai, Chairman Cross didn't make them and neither did I," Yuki said laughingly.

No, Zero thought. Please don't say anything else.

"Zero made them and they're really delicious. He's really very talented," she finished proudly.

Zero made the cookies? It was just the kind of thing the hunter would be good at, Kaname mused. Would Zero make some just for him, and fed him by hand, Kaname wondered distractedly. Likely the hunter's heartbeat had increased because he was embarrassed. He should say something to put Zero more at ease now that his lover had found out he was so domesticated.

"Indeed, I'm sure he is," Kaname answered in velvet tones, his eyes resting on Zero. In fact he hadn't stopped looking at the hunter since he walked in. Whoops! He hadn't meant to sound quite so, er, perverted.

Zero's head jerked up and he stared at the pureblood in amazement. Could he be anymore blatant? Now Yuki and Chairman Cross would both know they were an item.

At least Zero was looking at him now, though the look promised some kind of punishment for that remark later, the pureblood thought.

"Well, how about I make some tea to go with the cookies? Would you like that Kaname sempai?" Yuki asked. She seemed oblivious to the nuances and pheromones in the room.

"No, I'm sure he's tired and needs to go back to the Moon Dorm," Zero stated firmly.

"Yes please, tea would be lovely, Yuki. Thank you, " Kaname responded at the same time as Zero.

"Oh it's no problem. I'll go make some," Yuki said happily, completely ignoring Zero's response. She stood and began moving towards the door and the hall beyond. Kaname had to step out of her way and moved a little closer to Zero as he did so.

"I'll help you Yuki," bubbled the Chairman. "Let's use real cups and saucers and not mugs today since we've got company," he continued. "We can have a tea party," he said cheerfully, their voices fading as they walked down the hall and into the kitchen beyond.

He was invited to stay for tea, Kaname thought, pleased at the turn of events. Yuki really was a sweet girl, and Chairman Cross was going to help her make the tea. Even better. Now was his chance to kiss Zero.

Zero stood abruptly, hands fisted at his sides. Was everyone crazy? "What are you playing at?" he hissed quietly. He didn't want to risk being overheard.

Kaname moved a little closer. "I'm not playing Zero," he uttered quietly as he gazed heatedly at the hunter. Zero was likely to be shy and difficult. Kaname would have to play him just right.

The pureblood's eyes moved over Zero, focusing on his eyes and lips before sliding down Zero's throat and body in a visual caress that seemed almost physical, and made the hunter ache with desire.

"They'll be back any minute," Zero warned. He knew what Kaname wanted but was afraid he wouldn't be able to stop himself at just one touch or just one kiss from the pureblood. Clenching his fists Zero stood his ground stubbornly. Kaname seemed closer though Zero was sure he hadn't moved. In fact he hadn't, but Zero had stepped forward without being aware of it.

"Vampires have very good hearing, and cups and saucers rattle," Kaname replied. His eyes flashed with challenge and holding the hunter's gaze, he gently bit his own lower lip with his white, even teeth, careful not to draw blood.

In two quick steps Zero's body was tight against Kaname's as he pressed his lips against the pureblood's. Kaname eagerly parted his lips, allowing Zero entrance to his mouth. Zero tasted as wonderful as Kaname remembered and Kaname was happy to follow Zero's tongue back to his mouth. The hunter's mouth was warm and responsive and tasted a little like chocolate cookies. Kaname cataloged the various tastes as he explored, vanilla, cocoa, brown sugar. Zero's hands were sliding down his back, exploring his bottom and it felt fabulous as the hunter's fingers stroked and squeezed the muscles of his rear. Their bodies were pressed together from chest to thigh when Zero broke the kiss to mouth and nibble the pureblood's throat and neck.

Kaname returned the favour energetically. He was pleasantly surprised at the hunter's display of enthusiasm. Under these circumstances he'd expected Zero to be a little less aggressive but the full body contact was unexpected and very sexy. He could feel the hunter hard against his thigh. It was reassuring to know Zero was just as aroused.

"Can I see you tonight?" Kaname asked breathlessly, as he slid his mouth along the rim of the hunter's ear.

"Anything you want Kaname," Zero promised. The pureblood was playing his ear and throat like a musical instrument and Zero wanted to give him everything he desired. What was a little lost sleep if he could be with Kaname? Besides he could sleep in class. Zero had missed this so much. They had maybe less than five minutes, but the hunter was determined to get back at Kaname for those provocative looks and comments earlier and what better way than to kiss the pureblood senseless?

The clink of china alerted them of the need to separate and the pureblood disengaged reluctantly. Zero darted back for one more quick kiss before they hurriedly agreed to meet in Zero's room an hour before sunrise.

When Yuki carried the tray carefully with the Chairman trailing behind, Zero was back in his seat and Kaname was standing slightly behind him and off to one side. Yuki looked worriedly from Kaname to Zero and back again as Kaname took a seat adjacent to Zero. Zero's colour was high and he was holding himself stiffly.

"Zero, you be nice to Kaname, he's our guest," she scolded.

"Don't worry Yuki, I've been treated very well," Kaname said, his eyes twinkling.

Zero glared at him as he kicked him none too gently in the shin, under the cover of the table.

"Oh, well then. Good for you both for behaving yourselves," Yuki said.

Zero snorted involuntarily and a quick glance at Kaname showed the pureblood was fighting hard to suppress a laugh.

The tea was poured and sipped as Yuki, Kaname and Chairman Cross chatted companionably. Zero was in mid-sip when he felt a hand lightly touch his knee and trail up his thigh. He suppressed his involuntary jerk successfully, avoiding slopping the hot tea all over his hand as he looked pointedly at Kaname.

The pureblood was smirking, looking elsewhere to avoid meeting his eyes.

A minute later Zero paid him back by using his own vampire speed to touch the pureblood on his inner thigh before allowing his fingers to trail lightly up Kaname's thigh and ghost over his groin.

Kaname inhaled sharply, sucking tea into his esophagus. He coughed and spluttered gracelessly as Zero thumped him on the back enthusiastically and Yuki made concerned noises. He would think of a fitting way to get the hunter back. Unbidden, an image came to his mind of him doing something to the hunter, perhaps in public, as Zero moaned and tried desperately to keep quiet and avoid discovery. Kaname smiled wickedly.

Zero noted the dangerous glint in Kaname's eye and the pureblood was gratified to see Zero look a little worried. He was surprised, yet pleased, to see this playful side of the hunter. But he knew Zero would regret it if they escalated their activities to the point where it was obvious what they were doing. The pureblood reluctantly decided it was time to go.

Graciously he took his leave, thanking the Chairman for the invitation, and Yuki for the tea. He then turned and thanked Zero for the delicious cookies. Chairman Cross watched the interaction carefully before offering to walk Kaname to the door. When he returned, Yuki was back at her math homework and Zero was clearing away the tea things.

"Zero, Kaname sempai said your cookies were delicious, but he didn't eat any," Yuki said as she chewed thoughtfully on the end of her pencil.

Zero looked up and opened his mouth, what he was going to say he had no idea, but Chairman Cross beat him to it. "Oh, I'm sure he tasted them, Yuki," the Chairman said. "I believe it was while you and I were in the kitchen, making the tea," he continued smoothly, without a trace of his usual scatterbrained persona evident.

"Oh," Yuki said, accepting the explanation readily. "Hey Zero watch out, you're going to drop something," she cautioned as the cups and saucers Zero was holding rattled alarmingly.

"Well, I should go and work on those reports. If anyone needs me I'll be in my study," the Chairman advised. "Let me help you Zero," he offered, holding the door for Zero. As they walked down the hall together he added helpfully, "Next time Kaname comes for tea I'll let it steep in the kitchen a few minutes longer, ne?" He winked at the open-mouthed hunter before turning to go into his study and closing the door softly.

End chapter