Chapter Text
When Zero wakes up, the previous day seems as hazy as a dream.
I’m pregnant, he thinks, but the idea holds no resonance as his mind surfaces from sleep. He imagines he’s watching the world through a sheet of silver rain, and if he reaches out past that shining curtain, the illusion of this moment will shatter.
Hearing the change in Zero’s heartbeat, Yuuki tightens her arms around his waist, nuzzling his throat from behind. Kaname laces their fingers together, curling his leg more firmly around Zero’s calf.
Zero breathes out; something instinctive in the back of his mind relaxes, going quiet.
So it was real after all - the child, and his promise to Kaname.
His spouses seem content to lay there in silence as long as Zero wants. He’s touched to know Yuuki and Kaname stayed with him, even though there must be a thousand things demanding their attention. So he gives himself permission to lie there, sorting through the past forty-eight hours in this quiet, safe space they’ve created for him, putting the pieces of himself back in functional order. He’s not good, not yet, but he feels less like a splintered tree caught inside a typhoon when he decides to get out of bed.
In hindsight, showering was a terrible idea - just getting Zero undressed presents a delicate internal negotiation. When Zero freezes with his hands knotted in the hem of his shapeless nightgown, Kaname takes charge, working the fabric free from Zero’s clenched fingers and whisking it over his head. While Yuuki is turning on the shower, Kaname gives Zero a questioning look, glancing at Zero’s underwear.
Gritting his teeth, Zero shakes his head. Kaname accepts the refusal, and leads Zero under the spray where Yuuki is waiting with open arms. The heat makes his head feel foggy; he leans back into her embrace, and surrenders himself to their care.
Yuuki soaps his shoulders and back, while Kaname wets Zero’s hair and works shampoo into the roots. Zero hums and leans into their hands, especially when Kaname’s fingers rub his scalp. By silent agreement, Kaname and Yuuki switch places once Kaname’s finished; Kaname tips Zero’s head back, pouring handfuls of water to wash the shampoo out, careful not to get soap in his eyes. Yuuki is equally gentle as she cleans Zero’s chest and belly, kneeling on the ground to wash his legs and feet.
Her small, delicate hand on his hip asks permission. This time Zero closes his eyes and buries his face in Kaname’s shoulder, guided by her hands into first lifting one foot, then the other. Yuuki is quick, whisking off his wet underwear and then finishing her work with a light, impersonal touch as Kaname kisses Zero’s ear and his damp hair.
Zero keeps his eyes closed as they dry him. But when Kaname brings a clean gown, Zero pulls away.
Taking a deep breath, he approaches the mirror instead, refusing to shy away from his own nudity. This pale, thin body reflected back at him looks just as it did the day before. There’s no sudden softness or weight. His abdomen remains perfectly flat. How can it hold new life?
Zero turns his back on his own reflection, and takes the gown from Kaname’s hands, belting it on himself.
There’s a veritable feast waiting in their sitting room, steam rising from underneath porcelain covers. Zero’s stomach rumbles loudly just from the smell.
Trying not to laugh, Yuuki makes a strangled noise; Kaname’s lips twitch upward. A faint blush rising to his cheeks, Zero ducks his head and loads his plate, stuffing a peach slice in his mouth in a futile effort to silence his stomach.
Though the atmosphere has lightened, his spouses respect Zero’s desire not to talk until Zero mops up the last of his egg yolk with bread, and pushes his plate back. “What happens next?” he asks.
Back in his pristine three-piece suit, Kaname crosses one leg over the other. “I’ll need a few weeks to prepare before we openly acknowledge your condition. There’s no point in postponing it longer. I suspect whoever has been persistently trying to assassinate you is already aware.”
Without conscious intention, Zero’s arm wraps around his stomach. Trying to kill him was one thing, but trying to kill an unborn child, barely more than a scrap of a being…
Zero’s omega bares its teeth.
“We’re handling the situation,” Yuuki assures Zero, her eyes acquiring a merciless glint.
Exhaling, Zero accepts her answer, letting go of his anger. As much as he wants to rush out and start hunting down the culprit, he has to be cautious with his body now - no Hunting, no unnecessary risks. He didn’t intend to conceive on his maiden heat, but Zero has already dedicated himself to this child. ‘Anything’ he’d promised Kaname last night, and he meant it. Whatever Zero must sacrifice, he will.
“What do you need me to do?” Zero asks, steeling himself to meet Kaname’s russet gaze.
Those ancient eyes measure him once again. “You’ll grow out your hair,” Kaname begins. “It’s already quite long, and you should be able to do something with it soon. Feminine omegas are more socially accepted. You’ll also need new clothes. We want you to look as pregnant as possible as we rebuild your public image. Vampires hold a certain awe toward those with child, and omegas are the symbolic center of that awe.”
Zero nods immediately. “I’ll do it. What else?”
Kaname’s manner is steely. “You are forbidden from riding your horses, or going anywhere outside these walls without either Yuuki or I beside you.”
Zero winces, but nods again.
His husband continues, “Your powers are intact now, but I promise you that will change. Your child’s blood is far purer than your own, and your pregnancy may be difficult.”
“Another thing we discussed,” Yuuki interrupts. “We’re going to have a Midwife examine you immediately. We need to make sure you’re okay, and the baby too. There’s never been an omega Level D before, and we’re not taking any chances.”
Zero’s stomach flips, remembering the last Midwife’s scorn after his heat.
“What’s wrong?” Yuuki senses immediately.
Zero hesitates, but his child deserves only the best care. “I didn’t like the last Midwife we used. The one Takuma suggested to us before was nice. I want to hire her instead.”
“Done,” Kaname agrees. “And do not keep something like this from us again. Do you understand?”
Zero nods, a little ashamed. But he hadn’t wanted to make a fuss, and it hadn’t been important - not like it will be now.
“And one last thing,” Kaname continues ruthlessly. “You are to say nothing to Yagari-sensei, Chairman Cross, or Takamiya.”
“Why not?” Zero demands, half-rising. “I know I can’t Hunt, why can’t I tell them?”
“They are Hunters. The babe in your belly is a vampire,” Kaname replies implacably. “If you wish to protect our child, you cannot assume the Hunters will always be your allies. You were born human, so they accept you. But the Hunters have no such tie to our child, other than their affection for you. Furthermore, Cross and Yagari are the co-presidents of the Hunters’ Association, and you are Head Consort of the Jeweled Court. Your pregnancy has political implications. They are duty-bound to share the news.”
Zero struggles silently, before asking, “Why not Kaito?”
Kaname raises a single eyebrow. “Are you asking him to choose between you and the Hunters’ Association?”
Sinking back down, Zero fists his hands in his lap.
Kaname’s logic is sound. Zero just doesn’t want to accept it. He doesn’t want his child to increase the distance between himself and his native race, especially since he can already feel the divide growing.
When Zero’s marriage was being negotiated, some of the Hunters had objected on the grounds that he would be outcrossing his ancient, purebred Hunter bloodline with a vampire of pure blood. If Zero managed to produce a child, the child’s blood status couldn’t be predicted, yet it would belong to the Kuran family. Naturally, that made the Association uneasy: had they handed over one of their own just to breed more powerful enemies?
Zero’s barrenness had reassured them, because they could have all the benefits of the new treaty with none of the risks. Now that he’s conceived, it’s inevitable their attitude will cool toward him.
“...I won’t go to the Association headquarters anymore,” Zero promises in a weary voice, slumping in his chair. “Not unless I’m summoned.”
“No,” Yuuki answers simply, sympathy in her gaze. “You’re not going anywhere we can’t follow. You can meet the Hunter leadership somewhere without wards.”
Zero presses his lips together. “I assume you’ll be telling your political supporters?”
“Absolutely not,” Kaname disagrees. “The inner circle, yes, but we won’t even inform our allies until the public announcement.”
Zero blinks, allowing his expression to convey his confusion.
Yuuki explains, “The Hunters may not like that you’re pregnant, but they’re not going to do anything about it. The nobles will probably try to assassinate you - even the monarchists who support us, so they can keep the bloodlines pure.”
Swallowing, Zero feels cold. This was exactly why he knew he shouldn’t have a child.
Kaname stands, a severe expression on his face. “Make no mistake, Zero. Carrying this child will endanger your life, and it will cost you physically and mentally. Knowing all this, I will ask once more. What are you willing to sacrifice?”
The answer leaps past his lips. “Anything,” Zero promises once again.
Yuuki smiles brilliantly, while Kaname’s gaze warms. “And we’ll do anything to protect the two of you,” his wife promises.
Though forbidden from informing his Hunter family, there is one person Zero can talk to without hiding anything. While Kaname personally fetches the Midwife that Zero’s requested - to keep the secrecy surrounding Zero’s condition as tight as possible, she can’t be seen openly arriving at Rosehill - Zero turns his steps toward the Senate palace.
“You know the truth,” Shoshanna remarks at the sight of Zero in loose, high-waisted robes, a satisfied smile curving her lips. “Good. I had hoped that Kuran-sama would act wisely. He loves you deeply, but alphas are not always sensible.”
She holds out her hands expectantly, and Zero takes them, curling his palms around her frail fingers.
Shoshana looks exhausted; Zero doesn’t miss the way she hadn’t risen to greet him like usual, or how her hair is pulled into a simple, single braid, rather than the intricate hairstyle she prefers. Feeling the light weight of her hands folded in his own, Zero is acutely aware that as the life inside him grows, Shoshanna’s life wanes even more swiftly. How much more time did she have left?
“None of this sorrow,” she chastises Zero, reading his expression. “I do not grieve, and today is for you. Let me be the first to congratulate you on the news of your child!”
“Thank you,” Zero replies, reminding himself to stop looking surprised when people say those words. Vampire society will not respect his conflicted feelings toward his pregnancy. If Zero reacts in any way except joy, they will condemn him without mercy.
“A good attempt at gratitude,” Shoshanna tells him, her sharp eyes observing each shift of his expression. “Remember to smile next time, or pretend shyness if you cannot.”
Grimacing, Zero nods. “We’ll need to talk about how this changes things with the Jeweled Court. And I have...other questions, if you’re willing to answer. About having a baby.” Takuma could teach him many things, but this was his first pregnancy too, and Shoshanna’s vast experience was unparalleled.
“When you are ready to ask, we will talk,” Shoshanna promises, sensing that right now Zero is still too overwhelmed.
Zero remains with Shoshanna until Kaname’s ravens return, bringing his husband and a half-awed, half-terrified Midwife and her medical bag. Zero suspects Yuuki and Kaname impressed the need for respect on Arai-san very firmly before she was allowed to see Zero, because she handles him like a priceless vase that might shatter at the slightest touch. Getting through the physical examination is still upsetting, but Arai-san does her best to make the process as quick, professional, and noninvasive as possible, for which Zero is grateful.
Yuuki and Kaname are waiting outside once he’s pulled his clothes back on, and they’re very happy to settle his nerves with a quick cuddle that leaves his omega instincts feeling secure.
“Kuran-sama, Kuran-hime,” Arai bows twice formally. “Without bringing Consort Kiryuu to a clinic for an ultrasound, I cannot be certain, but from my initial examination neither he nor your child shows any sign of danger. However, it is early in his pregnancy, when the strain on his body is lowest. The risks increase as the child grows. Were Consort Kiryuu any other omega, I would have no concerns, but his heat and pregnancy were both unusual. I suggest that you allow me to closely monitor him in the future.”
“As soon as we make the announcement, Seirin will contact you to arrange an appointment schedule,” Kaname says.
“And until then, Arai-san, we expect you will keep your silence,” Yuuki reminds her, a threat shallowly hidden underneath her words.
Arai bows lower. “Of course, Kuran-hime. I respect the rules of my profession. I will say nothing.”
“Thank you for coming, Arai-san,” Zero says from within the circle of Kaname and Yuuki’s arms. Knowing his child is healthy feels like a weight has left his shoulders. Even if Zero couldn’t be blamed because of his former ignorance, the Hunter would have driven himself mad with grief if he had unintentionally harmed his child.
After Kaname returns the Midwife to her practice, Zero sits on the couch in Kaname’s office and watches his spouses handle business for the rest of the night.
And while Zero watches Kaname and Yuuki work to protect their family, he thinks about responsibility, and he thinks about the future. And when he’s finished thinking, Zero gives himself permission not to think any more.
Zero can give himself tonight. He’ll need to construct his defenses against the outside world soon, but for now he’ll empty his mind, and drift.
When dawn comes, and Zero refuses to follow the Kurans to bed, only through his own vicious determination does he win the bitter fight that follows.
Even as Zero dresses himself amid angry silence for his trip outside Rosehill, the Hunter doesn’t let himself regret it. Not their anger, and not what he’s about to do.
Before he leaves, Zero examines himself critically in the mirror of the Consort’s Suite. In his cream-colored Hunting coat and body armor, with his weapons sheathed at his waist, Zero looks little different from the Level D Hunter who’d never even met an omega just a year and a half-ago - no, he corrects, almost two years now.
How things have changed, he muses, touching his palm against his reflection.
Satisfied there’s no sign of his condition showing, Zero drives out of Rosehill’s gates with his hands clenched tightly around the steering wheel and two familiars stashed in the back seat.
Out of courtesy, Zero didn’t try sneaking out - he’s monitored so closely it would be near-impossible anyway - but he doesn’t want the Kurans to suffer through the blend of love-driven anxiety and alpha instinct his disappearance would cause.
Even so, Zero refused their efforts to stop him. This farewell is his right.
Zero parks at the edge of town, and walks the rest of the way to the Hunters’ Association as dawn breaks. The new, stronger burning of his exposed skin under the sun is a reminder of his condition, but even when Nightshade butts against his thigh, Zero refuses to move faster.
Under the early morning light, Hunters’ Association Central Headquarters remains unchanged from Zero’s earliest childhood memories. He stops and watches the newest generation of young Hunters stride in and out of the building, off to Hunt down errant vampires just as Zero’s own ancestors did before he was born, and the same way their descendants will a thousand years from now.
But Zero won’t be part of that cycle any more.
Zero has made his choice, and he’s picked neither the Hunters nor the vampires, but the child he carries inside himself. A child who will be born both vampire and Hunter - and Zero will not willingly leave his child alone to carry that identity by themselves.
To keep that promise, he will give up the most dangerous aspect of his life: his Hunting.
At different times of his life, Zero’s Hunts have been punishment and obsession, and the sole goal keeping him alive. But Zero has Yuuki, and Kaname, and now the child. There are other Hunters who can put down the targets he once pursued. Someday, there may come another Shirabuki Sara, or another Turned Hunter, and then Zero will Hunt what no one else can touch. But unless that moment comes, he won’t seek out the battlefield again.
It will hurt. It will hurt so terribly, like ripping out a part of himself and never getting it back. Zero can’t tell from where he stands today if the loss will ever go away. Perhaps he will yearn after this piece of his identity for the rest of his long, vampiric life.
But perhaps by paying this price, Zero can achieve something new. Something only he could do: make himself a bridge between the Hunters and vampire society. He’s accidentally stumbled into the role already while acting as the Kurans’ representative, and as a result the relationship between the Hunters and ordinary vampires is now better than it has been in centuries. Zero will do his part to ensure that his child won’t have to choose between the two halves of their heritage. There will be no more Blood Wars - not if he can help it.
Even if Zero won’t Hunt anymore, he has no intention of letting his skills rust, or of rejecting his Hunter heritage. Zero was born a Hunter of the Kiryuu line, and that’s how he’ll die. But whether the other Hunters will interpret his choice as one driven by love...that, Zero cannot predict. His child will complicate his relationship with the Association as well. If the Hunters will welcome him in the future is beyond his control. So, just one last time, in case ‘next time’ never comes, Zero wants to walk these familiar streets and halls of his youth.
Zero tips his head back, and closes his eyes, looking up at the orange sunlight through his eyelids. Then, rubbing his watering, photosensitive eyes, he pats the heavy bag slung over his shoulder, and accepts the tingle of his unseen taming brand as he steps through the wards, leaving Nightshade and Yuuki’s butterfly behind.
By now, Zero is used to the stir his appearance among the other Hunters creates. Today, it seems particularly easy to bear the whispers as he wanders through the halls, sunk in memory, one hand resting lightly on the walls. Taking his time, he pauses to chat with many old comrades and acquaintances, even stopping to fight a few practice matches with the weaponsmaster and the passing Lead Hunter Yamamoto.
Zero finds Chairman Cross and Yagari-sensei in Cross’ office. Both of them are bleary-eyed, hunched over paperwork scattered across the president’s desk - likely handling some urgent matter if they’re both up so late.
Zero knocks on the open door, and hands over the coffee he grabbed from the cafeteria as they look up.
While Yagari grunts and immediately begins downing the coffee, Cross brightens and jumps to his feet. “Zero-kun! Daddy wasn’t expecting you to visit!”
“I’m just here to return some books,” Zero disagrees, dodging Cross’ tackle and attempted hug. It’s technically true - his bag is stuffed with borrowed Hunter texts he needs to give back.
From the floor, Chairman Cross pouts. “Yuuki-chan hasn’t come to see me either.”
Master Yagari snorts into the dregs of his coffee. The lines on his face seem particularly deep today - at his age, Master really shouldn’t be working so many long nights.
“Yagari-san, my children don’t love me anymore!” wails Cross, rolling around on the floor.
“I just came by to say hello,” Zero says to his Master, ignoring the adult on the floor. “I know I’m off the active duty list, but I needed to run some errands.”
“Good to see you,” Yagari replies, studying Zero as if he knows something is wrong. Hunter intuition was rather inconvenient when you were the one trying to keep secrets. Finally, Yagari blinks and waves his hand. “Stop by Kaito’s place with your fancy bloodsuckers for dinner soon.”
“I will,” Zero lies, hiding the twinge of guilt behind his stoicism.
After that, Zero goes to the library, the scene of so many good childhood memories. He finds Archivist Fong puttering around the shelves taking inventory, hefting a stack of books so tall the elderly man can barely see around them. Swiping the books, Zero brings them to the archivist’s desk so his friend can sit down and rest.
“Really, Zero-kun, I’m fine,” insists Archivist Fong as he follows behind. “I haven’t even broken a sweat!”
“Let me help you a little,” Zero insists.
“Alright, alright.” Archivist Fong waves a hand. “Have you brought me anything?”
“I’m returning the books you loaned me,” Zero says, taking his bag off his shoulder and emptying it out.
Archivist Fong shuffles through the material, and his forehead creases. “This is everything you’ve borrowed. I wasn’t expecting you to go through them so quickly. Have you come to borrow something new?”
Zero’s throat closes. “No,” he says. “I don’t think it’s a suitable time.”
It might be a long time before he could return them, after all.
“Ah, what’s this?” the elderly man asks, seizing the sole manuscript he doesn’t recognize.
“An early Christmas present,” Zero answers with false lightness.
Immediately beginning to pour through the handwritten pages, Archivist Fong lights up with excitement and begins to devour its contents. It’s just an essay of Zero’s observations on omega vampire etiquette, but the Hunter archives contained no similar texts until now.
Zero smiles, and leaves the elderly archivist to his work. He has one more errand to run today.
Descending into the small prison built in headquarters’ basement, Zero waves to the guards, who allow him access to the cells below without asking questions. Zero has open permission to visit the only vampires housed here: the handful of Turned Hunters the Association managed to rescue.
Going cell to cell, Zero exchanges a few words with each occupant. All of them are drugged and restrained, otherwise they would be forced to carry out Shirabuki’s order to kill themselves if captured. The drugs make it hard for them to focus, so Zero usually passes along any progress on the antidote, and asks after their well-being.
It isn’t much, but Zero has always hoped that seeing him helps. He is living proof that there is life after being Turned, and perhaps even the possibility of regaining active Hunter status. At least Shirabuki’s Turned Hunters will have one another to rely on. They won’t be alone.
Zero saves the youngest occupant for last. Alton Blue’s age still reminds Zero uncomfortably of himself, so he tries to spend extra time with the teenage Hunter - especially since his Master who he was captured with didn’t survive.
“You’ll survive this,” Zero promises the boy, but he’s looking backward forty years into the lavender eyes of an equally young Hunter who thought his world was ending. “What happens afterward is up to you. But we’re Hunters, and we keep going. There’s a lot of good you can still do.”
When he’s finished, Zero doesn’t linger, though he does deliberately take a different route this time so he can pass beside the medical wing and say hello to Dr. Sawamura.
As he passes through the columns lining the threshold of the Hunter’s Association, Zero finds that he doesn’t regret.
The instant he leaves the wards, Nightshade pounces, and Yuuki’s butterfly clings stubbornly to his shoulder. Zero smiles, and walks back through town with a free, easy stride.
After a leisurely drive back, Zero sends away the familiars and retires to the Consort’s suite. Before taking off his coat and Hunting gear, Zero studies himself one last time in the mirror. Smoothing down his lapels, he thinks about how the coat and the rest of these clothes won’t fit soon.
But it won’t matter. Zero won’t need to wear them again.
The expression reflected by the mirror is bittersweet.
Stripping out of the outfit, Zero stores his weapons and gear with immaculate care in the back of his closet. Then he dons the fanciest, most elaborate gown he can put on by himself - one he knows Yuuki will love but wouldn’t ask him to wear, because she respects his simpler tastes - and goes to knock on the door of Kaname’s study.
“Come in,” he hears Yuuki’s voice say.
“Tadaima,” Zero calls, swinging open the door. Kaname is behind his desk, with Yuuki standing at his shoulder, and they both look up at the sound.
The weight of his hoseki seems particularly apparent tonight. After bearing that mark for so long, most of the time it’s nearly invisible in his awareness. But Zero feels conspicuously conscious of the gem swaying on his forehead as he announces, “I’m home.”
“Okaerinasai,” Yuuki replies, an inquiring note to her voice. She’s seen his clothing, and is trying to decipher what it means.
“Welcome home, Zero,” Kaname concurs neutrally, looking him over as if searching for injuries. Both of them await his reaction.
Zero smiles, and opens his arms, inviting a hug. “Thanks for waiting. I’m finished now.”
“Are you sure you’re not mad?” Yuuki asks carefully, looking up at Zero’s face as she squeezes his waist like a limpet and not-so-subtly scents him.
“About being pregnant?” her husband questions, touching the new bruises they’ve bitten into his throat.
Zero exhales, and shrugs. “What’s the point? I’m already knocked up. I let you both stick your dicks in me when I knew I might get pregnant. I shouldn’t be surprised when that’s exactly what happened.”
Yuuki beams with satisfaction until Zero bops her on the head. Over her spluttering, he continues, “Don’t be so smug, it’s not like I’m some naive teenager you got pregnant out of wedlock.”
“That sounds tempting,” Kaname’s voice comes from Zero’s other side. “We should try that sometime.”
Zero rolls his eyes. “I’m not pandering to your weird roleplay fetishes.”
“But you used the handcuffs,” Yuuki points out, then yelps as Zero flicks her on the nose. Her alpha wriggles happily even as she complains. Mate was happy and playful again! If mate was happy, they must have been good alphas. Now mate will let her and alpha-mate take care of him while he gets big and round!
“There’s something else I need to tell you,” Zero says, lowering his eyes, and his scent sours again with stress.
Yuuki’s inner alpha droops and growls. Pushing it down, Yuuki frowns. “What is it?”
Zero pushes out of their shared embrace, until he’s put some distance between the Kurans and himself. Forcing himself to impassiveness, his expression turns rigid.
Yuuki frowns harder. It looks like this conversation really meant something serious.
“It’s not what you’re thinking,” Zero says, displaying his uncanny Hunter’s intuition yet again. “I’ve just decided not to Hunt any more.”
“What!” Yuuki chokes, completely blindsided. Kaname stiffens in her peripheral vision, evidently not expecting Zero’s decision either.
Running a hand through his hair, Zero nods. “It will help, won’t it? With the political stuff.”
“It will,” Kaname says with narrowed eyes, already finding uses for his new bargaining chip. “What brought this on, my Consort?”
Zero licks dry lips. “It’s been irresponsible of me to keep Hunting up until now. It let me pretend I’m still a normal Hunter, but I’m not. I have duties as your Consort, and as a party upholding the terms of the treaty, and those duties need to come first. Now that I can’t Hunt because of my condition, I think it’s better that I stop entirely.”
“But you love Hunting! It’s important to you!” Yuuki objects while Kaname remains silent. She’s Hunter-raised, and understands just what magnitude a sacrifice Zero is proposing. Zero’s very identity is tied up in the rituals of the Hunt - the act is nearly sacred to a Hunter. Yuuki’s alpha, by contrast, is impossibly pleased by the idea of its mate being safer.
“It is important to me,” Zero replies quietly, keeping his gaze steady. “But I haven’t always been-” He scrubs his hand roughly through his hair again, and begins to pace. “Look. If I’m being honest, when I Hunted I was looking for a way to die.”
Even though they’d long guessed it, Yuuki can’t help the noise of pain that escapes her lips, and she clenches her arms tightly so she won’t try to reach out to Zero.
“Being an active Hunter is a risky, dangerous profession. You either die, or get too crippled to keep going,” their husband says, continuing to pace and face away from them. “I knew the risks, but I told myself that if I died it wouldn’t matter, because Yagari-sensei would be fine and plenty of other people could take my place.”
He stops, pauses, and looks in their direction. “Then, when I married you, I told myself the risk was acceptable because Yuuki didn’t really love me, and she’d be fine if I died. And every time you wore down one justification I found another one. I told myself that even if Yuuki loved me, you had Kaname and he’d make sure you were okay when I died. Then when I knew you both loved me, I convinced myself if I died you’d have each other, and that you’d both be okay.”
“But I’ll be this child’s parent,” he finishes quietly. “And it isn’t okay if I leave them alone. Even if they have both of you.”
With a dry laugh, Zero covers his eyes. “I can’t accept my own death anymore. How ironic.”
Yuuki’s words escape without thought. “You already love it, don’t you? Our baby.”
“Yes.” The admission rips past Zero’s lips and tastes of thorns and blood. That was always the way vampires loved.
Darkness and ash, Yuuki thinks, and the same feeling squirms in her hollow-sprung rib arches. Blind worms in a rotten apple, pushing sightlessly toward the light.
Yuuki reaches for him - but Kaname is faster.
No.
The Ancestor of the Kuran is faster.
His eyes are the hard crystal sheen of ruby, and his smile is brittle around the edges. “Tell me,” the Ancestor says, drawing Zero in by his wrist. “Do you mean it when you say you reject death?”
“I don’t welcome death,” Zero answers, lifting his chin and setting his feet. “But I don’t fear it, either. I am a Hunter, born of a line of Hunters.”
In this moment there’s no softness to Zero, their lovely silver death, their bloody-handed killer. The tendons in Zero’s wrist flex, and Yuuki half-thinks he’ll claw Kaname.
But Kaname’s eyes merely glitter, and he lowers his voice into a croon. “If you meant it, sweet boy, then give me permission to protect your life in whatever manner I see fit.”
“Only a fool would do that,” Zero scoffs, yanking at his trapped wrist. “You’d just use my agreement as permission to do what you like. I don’t want you to burn the world for me, Kaname.”
A shrug ripples through the pureblood’s shoulders, artless and yet precisely calculated. “Too late,” Kaname smiles. Just like it would be for Yuuki, the world would be a trivial price for Zero’s sake. “But who would cherish your life more than we do? We want you to be here for our child, Zero. Didn’t you just promise them you’d live?”
Zero wavers. His intuition must warn him of the trap - Kaname wants Zero’s unknowing permission to use Ouri’s life extension ritual. But Kaname is telling the truth: he only wants to protect Zero’s life. Zero’s instincts won’t catch the warning, Yuuki realizes.
She should probably tell Zero, she thinks. Long seconds pass.
She says nothing. Yuuki knows she is a selfish woman, and in nothing more selfish than her pureblooded, obsessive love.
Things are different now, Yuuki reminds herself. They have a child to think of. Zero would have condemned them if they’d performed the ritual before, but he will forgive them now, even if he will be angry for a long time. Only his unconditional love is enough to make him bend his principles, even if he will hate himself for it.
(Zero didn’t love Yuuki enough to live for her. But he loves this child - unborn! barely a living thing at all! - Zero loves this child more than enough to sacrifice the last of his humanity for it. How she cankers with jealousy.
She really is utterly, utterly wretched.)
When Zero looks her way, Yuuki smiles and makes an imploring gesture. “Please Zero. Let us protect your life in any way we can.”
Zero glowers suspiciously back at Kaname, but the set of his shoulders has eased. “Nothing excessive,” he negotiates.
“Don’t worry,” Kaname promises with the delight of someone who rarely got to tell perfect truths, “What I’m thinking of won’t even cause a single person harm.”
“All right,” Zero agrees, his wrist finally going limp. “I promise I’ll let you protect my life - within reason.”
“That’s all I ask.” Kaname exults, good-tempered from having gotten what he wanted. Bending his waist, he kisses Zero’s forehead atop the jewel of their omega’s hoseki - the symbol of their possession over Zero.
“Shall we seal your promises in blood?” he lilts.
Zero recoils. “Blood?”
“All vampire promises are sealed in blood,” Yuuki finds herself saying, licking the bone of her fangs. “Just a few drops. It won’t hurt our baby.”
Kaname’s broad smile exposes his own fangs. “We won’t even take it from your throat. A wrist will suffice.”
“Fine,” Zero says, indulging them once again. So sweet, Yuuki reflects as she laps at the pale blue vein beneath his wrist. Zero is really too gentle. It’s good he’s allowing them full reign, Yuuki reflects past the beastial instinct squirming in her hindbrain. Zero’s heartbeat trips against her tongue and a moan seeps out of her throat.
“You won’t Hunt anymore,” Yuuki prompts, and nicks the skin. Power and fire saturate her tongue as she hastily closes the cut - not enough!
“I won’t.” Zero shivers, red flickering in his irises.
“And you’ll let us protect your life using whatever methods we deem necessary,” Kaname coaxes, kissing the other wrist and going to his knees.
Zero remains silent. Kaname waits patiently, sensing the nearness of his victory.
“All right,” Zero finally replies, and hisses as Kaname’s fangs sink to the bone.
Yuuki fists her hand in their husband’s dark auburn hair, and yanks carefully without dislodging Kaname’s fangs, reminding him to behave.
Sliding his fangs out smoothly, Kaname closes the punctures, and tips his head back. Glee lurks in the back of Kaname’s hooded gaze while the blood on his lips is licked away by a flick of his pink tongue. Only a fool would miss the unstable tinge to his feeding euphoria.
Instinctively, Zero touches Kaname’s shoulder to soothe him, and Kaname’s madness transforms into adoration. “Perfect boy,” he murmurs and nuzzles their omega’s hip.
Burying her face in Zero’s hair, Yuuki couldn’t agree more.
A wisp of summer grass scent tickles Zero’s nose as he falls asleep. Zero follows the invitation down, and surfaces with his head pillowed on a comfortable lap, and slender fingers running through his forelock.
He sighs, keeping his eyes closed, and allows the Ancestress of the Hunters to continue her slow, methodical movements. When she still shows no sign of speaking after several minutes, Zero gathers his courage, and quietly asks, “Are you angry with me?”
“What do you think I would be angry about?” replies her equally hushed voice.
Zero draws in another breath. Only at the end of his next exhale does he say, “Haven’t I turned my back on you?”
“Zero,” she says, her voice holding a tinge of exasperation, “you retired. That’s all. Every Hunter retires eventually. That’s hardly the same as rejection. I think you’ve been spending a little too much time around Kaname. You’re beginning to sound as dramatic as him.”
Zero chokes on his own laughter so hard he nearly falls off her lap. “You’re not mad then?”
She hums a negative reply. “A little relieved, perhaps. You Hunted both as self-punishment and as your reason for existing. Isn’t choosing to exist only as an executioner a pity? Knowing you have found a new purpose is reassuring.”
“Thank you, Honored Grandmother.” Opening his eyes, Zero shifts upright.
The Ancestress of the Hunters obligingly shifts back until they are face to face. “Go ahead and ask, child.”
“About the matter we spoke of while I was in season...” he leads.
She nods. “I stand by what I said then, but I am afraid there is little I can add. I have not studied vampire gestation, but I am incomparably familiar with Hunter and pureblood genetics. I anticipate only minor problems due to your child’s ancestry. Vampires were designed to be capable of hybridizing with normal humans, and the original Hunters survived the selection process because of their exceptional compatibility to pure blood and the Turning.”
Zero sighs, and rubs his forehead. “That’s good. Anything in particular I should have the Midwife look out for?”
The Ancestress tilts her head to the side in thought. “I’ll consider the matter further and let you know. You are already a stabilized level D, so the Turning will have eliminated most of the usual issues. Would you mind if I congratulated you on the child?” she asks, the question genuine.
He considers the question. No one has actually asked his opinion before going ahead and doing it. “You can congratulate me,” he finally responds. Zero never wants his child to think he regrets them. Not for one single moment.
The Ancestress of the Hunters beams, her eyes curving with delight. “Then, congratulations on your child. I look forward to a successful birth.”
Swallowing and going a bit green - Zero hasn’t let himself think about that part yet - he replies, “Thank you, Honored Grandmother.”
She doesn’t miss his flinch, but kindly chooses to overlook it. “Your purebloods will not leave you and the little marvel to endure alone. But I have kept you from your rest long enough. Goodnight, child.”
Zero smiles at her, feeling relieved, and slips deeper into true sleep knowing that at least one person isn’t disappointed by his decision.
Kaname had not been prepared for the pleasure it brought him to watch Yuuki announce Zero’s pregnancy to their remaining inner circle. Since Zero preferred to remain in his suite, their dear wife takes up the job herself, shining with joy and every word buoyant with excitement.
Kaname himself says little, content to allow Yuuki the joy of this moment while remaining beside her. In the days to come, they’ll accept innumerable well-wishes on the babe quickening in their Consort’s womb, but perhaps this is the only time when they’ll be genuinely intended.
“What about Aido?” Kain asks, during a pause in the excitement.
“He is not to be told until the official announcement,” Yuuki replies immediately, voice firm despite the guilt coursing through their bloodbond.
“And Takuma?” Shiki inquires quietly, concern surfacing through his usual indifferent façade.
“Zero and I will be visiting the Shouto estate later this evening,” interjects Kaname. “Zero wanted to give Takuma the news himself.”
Accepting Kaname’s implied directive, the inner circle moves on to other matters. Now more than ever, the Kurans need a firm hold on the pulse of vampire society, and an especially tight grasp on anyone who might oppose them. The matter of Shirabuki’s servants may have been brought to a close, but the destabilization she caused will linger for decades.
At least Kaname can be assured the Senate will drop their charges against Zero once news of his child breaks - persecuting a pregnant omega will cause a public outcry so fierce they’ll be forced to yield. Kaname intends to provoke exactly that, and more besides. Nothing caused so much goodwill as an omega’s first pregnancy, let alone one sired by a pureblood.
When their discussions are concluded, Kaname leaves Yuuki visiting with Ruka, and finds Zero seated outside petting Nightshade’s head in his lap, ready to depart.
Shiki and Rima, who are at Kaname’s back, offer the proper niceties as soon as they register his Consort’s presence. His sweet boy even manages a small smile as he accepts the nobles’ congratulations, hiding any other reaction behind a tremulous flicker of silver eyelashes.
His alpha growls, viciously protective of its omega in his current vulnerable state. Hide mate in his nest, it demands. We only share with alpha-mate!
“Shall we go?” Kaname asks instead, reminding himself that Shouto Isaya possesses his own mated omega, and therefore will have no interest in Kaname’s.
Zero grunts his assent, and offers Kaname a gloved palm to help him to his feet. Kaname accepts that strong hand, then scoops Zero up into his arms instead.
“Have a safe trip home,” Kaname tells his nobles with his arms full of his kitten. Zero tucks his hot face into Kaname’s neck, where he can’t be seen as he bites viciously in retaliation. Kaname merely smiles, his cock taking an interest at the feeling of teeth in his throat.
Zero immediately releases his hold, tipped off by his Hunter’s intuition, and sends Kaname a delightfully outraged glare.
Kaname laughs all the way to the Shouto estate.
The damage left by Shirabuki’s servants inside the castle itself had been erased shortly after the attack. Kaname had paid a great deal of money to set Takuma’s home to rights as quickly and unobtrusively as possible - at the time, Shouto had been in no fit mental state to handle the arrangements himself. But the outer walls remain pitted by gaping holes, and the grounds are littered with piles of tumbled stones and debris, and the gardens bear brown scars where the trees and grasses were ground down to the earth by the storm.
Both of them grow quiet at the sight.
“Kaname,” Zero mutters, “Put me down.”
Wordlessly, the pureblood complies.
Shouto’s servants, forewarned of their coming, escort the pair straight to the castle’s masters. Kaname keeps his hands on Zero at all times, not wanting his boy to be distressed by memories of the attack, or the nearness of another pureblood. In his condition, he will be particularly sensitive to being in another alpha’s domain.
When they enter the castle’s innermost sanctuary, they find Shouto seated at the edge of Takuma’s bed, holding his Consort’s hand in between his own and speaking softly. Though Takuma looks worn, the corners of his lips are raised, and he bestows a gentle, warm look upon his alpha.
Never particularly good at sharing, Kaname’s hand tightens on Zero’s waist.
Shouto hastily breaks their tableau when he realizes Kaname has arrived - likely still shaken by the revelation of Kaname’s true identity - but Zero receives a firm nod of regard from him. Interesting to note, though it makes his alpha’s hackles rise.
“Kaname, Zero,” Takuma greets softly, though with genuine delight. “An unexpected pleasure. I’ve had few welcome visitors of late. Please, sit down.”
Takuma’s maids are already bringing out light chairs and a small table meant for refreshments. Even in his current state, Takuma was abley prepared for any circumstances. Kaname can’t help but let his lips raise a little as he takes the offered seat, keeping Zero’s hand held in his own.
Zero’s fingers are curled stiffly inside Kaname’s palm. Kaname can tell he’d rather follow the more informal protocols of his usual visits with Takuma, but is forced to concede to the distant formality necessitated by Shouto and Kaname’s presences.
Shouto takes a seat himself at Takuma’s bedside, but doesn’t relax the carriage of his shoulders, or the way his gaze lingers on Kaname.
If Kaname is aware of Shouto’s tension, how could Takuma be any less astute? Placing a hand on his heavy stomach for balance, Takuma looks beside him at his alpha, and lifts his eyebrows with a helpless smile. “Help me up a little, please?”
Shouto nearly falls over himself to obey, fluffing up Takuma’s pillows and helping him adjust his position with a gentle hand on his back.
“That’s better, thank you,” Takuma says. “You may leave us,” he tells the maids, who bow themselves out.
“We needn’t be so formal,” he states mildly, looking between the two purebloods. Shouto is still vigilant. Ever the peacekeeper, was Takuma.
Zero is staring suspiciously at Kaname, sensing that he’s the root of the heavy atmosphere. Thankfully, he has the sense to say nothing out loud in front of another pureblood, even one who is an ally of sorts.
Crossing his legs leisurely, Kaname leans back in his chair. “Shouto-san, I did not mean for our prior conversation to place barriers between us. I merely wish to see Takuma and any children he desires to carry be treated with the greatest care possible. As long as that happens, you have nothing to worry over.”
Shouto tenses in his seat, offended by the idea that he would mistreat his beloved consort. Takuma sighs, and pats Shouto’s forearm. “Kaname, is this necessary?”
Kaname returns a deliberate, leisurely shrug.
Takuma sighs again. “Then please remember that I need to have plausible deniability regarding certain truths in case I’m ever questioned by a pureblood.”
“Who would dare compel my Consort?” demands Shouto fiercely.
“Who indeed?” Kaname menaces, also dripping ill-intent.
They stare at one another, caught off guard by such nigh-identical reactions.
Zero speaks up beside him, “Are we done with the dick measuring contest yet?”
Shouto’s mouth drops open with shock. Kaname, more used to Zero’s irreverence, merely pinches the bridge of his nose.
Takuma would have doubled over laughing, if not for the child preventing him from bending at the waist. “Zero, only you,” he chokes, then breaks off in another round of laughter.
“Ah, what brings you here today,” he finally manages, wiping his eyes.
“I’m pregnant,” Zero deadpans.
Caught off guard again, Shouto chokes, making a strangled noise as his eyes dart to Kaname.
“Really?” Takuma asks, looking delighted.
“Really,” Zero affirms, tone still dry.
Leaning forward, Takuma beams. “How wonderful! How do you feel?”
“Not any different,” Zero answers with brutal honesty.
“Give it time,” Takuma sighs, shifting in bed and stroking the round bulk of his stomach.
Zero’s face goes faintly greenish.
Immediately contrite, Takuma waves his hands. “It really isn’t that bad! We’re designed to carry a pregnancy, for almost all omegas the experience is absolutely smooth!”
Shouto laughs suddenly. “Consort Kiryuu, you really are quite extraordinary.” He turns to regard Kaname, his manner more open than before. “Kuran-san, it seems we have much more in common than I thought.”
Kaname lifts his chin, interested by the shift in attitude. It seemed being an anticipating parent had more advantages than he thought. And Kaname was never one to pass up an advantage. “Indeed,” he agrees, allowing himself a small smile.
“Are children between a Hunter and a vampire parent common in this time?” Shouto asks. “I had never heard of one before I entered Sleep.”
“On the contrary,” Kaname replies. “I had the royal archives searched before our marriage, and there are less than fifty children of mixed heritage recorded in the entire history of our two peoples. The Hunters may perhaps know of more.”
Everyone present looks toward Zero. His Consort is scowling, but faced with Shouto’s unmalicious curiosity, he replies stony-faced, “The Association’s count is higher. We keep precise records of such incidents. The reason should be obvious to you.”
Shouto nods. “Vampire blood always proves out. The child of a vampire and a human will inevitably be born a vampire, albeit less powerful than their vampire parent.”
“Correct,” Zero answers, a tad stiffly since it touches on a painful reminder of his family’s now extinct bloodline.
“Still, I am surprised it was not more common. A mere fifty over a span of ten thousand years?” Shouto muses.
Zero’s expression tightens. “There are practical reasons for the small number. As you know, a human man can’t father a child on a vampire woman. Human lifespans aren’t long enough for that whole immune syncing business to happen. That cuts out half the human population as parents.”
“Naturally,” replies Shouto. “But surely that alone can’t account for the small number?”
Not a single emotion can be gathered from Zero’s stoic expression. “A Hunter,” he finally says, a muscle jumping in his throat, “would rather die that willingly fuck a vampire. The idea itself is even more disgusting than offering to let a leech feed from you.”
The room is silent. Kaname already knew how absolute certain Hunter taboos were, but he doubts Takuma or Shouto had ever had it spelled out so blatantly to them. And it reminds him of the often unpleasant way his sweet boy was treated by his fellow Hunters.
“Of course,” Zero continues inexorably, “that leaves the obvious option of rape. Level Es are so crazed they won’t seek anything except blood, but they aren’t the only vampires we Hunt.”
He looks straight into Shouto’s eyes. “Charms for preventing and ending pregnancy are some of the oldest spells our ancestors created.” His jaw tightens. “But nothing is foolproof. Things happen. Even when they do, no Hunter woman would willingly carry such a child to term.”
“And you yourself?” asks Shouto.
Zero’s brow crinkles in confusion. “Excuse me?”
“You are a Hunter, and you carry the child of a vampire. Even worse, a pureblood,” Shouto replies neutrally. “By your own words, should you not destroy the enemy of your people?”
Knowing the depth of Zero’s devotion and self-sacrifice for their child, Kaname holds no doubts, but he’s curious how Zero will choose to answer.
Zero tilts his head, unexpectedly calm. “What enemy is that?” he asks. “Am I not a vampire? Am I not an omega, and the bonded consort of the Kuran family? I gave myself willingly to my alphas in body and in marriage, and they have gifted me a child in return.”
Kaname sits back, impressed by Zero’s response. He had not expected something so politically astute. That response was practically tailor-made to play into the vampiric reverence for purebloods. He suspects Zero’s power may have guided him to the right words, as Zero has described experiencing before.
Shouto also seems impressed. “Your consort does you credit,” he tells Kaname.
“He does,” Kaname agrees, stroking the back of Zero’s hand with his thumb.
“If the two of you need to discuss business,” Takuma speaks up, guiding the conversation into less dangerous waters, “Zero and I would no doubt enjoy the chance to speak privately.”
“Another time, I’m afraid. My proposal requires your presence, Takuma,” Kaname replies.
Takuma’s focus intensifies. “What did you have in mind?” he asks.
“The Council of Elders,” he says simply.
Frowning, Takuma nods, deep in thought. “They have been pushing their boundaries in my absence. We were planning on letting the situation stand until I could return after giving birth. But Zero’s condition changes things.”
“At this juncture, I cannot allow your control over the council to slip,” Kaname replies simply.
Takuma nods. “You have a solution?”
“They’ve been pushing you to appoint a replacement council head. So why not do it?”
The noble pauses, tapping a finger against his blankets. “Who did you have in mind?”
“There is precedent for a council member’s spouse temporarily taking up their position while the council member was indisposed.”
Both of them look at Shouto. The pureblood is already shaking his head. “I told you, Kuran-san, I have no intention of becoming involved in politics beyond Takuma’s own efforts.”
Kaname smirks. “So don’t get involved.”
The pale-haired pureblood remains composed even in his puzzlement, but Takuma is already grasping Kaname’s meaning. “Very good! If we can’t control them, we can at least hobble them.”
For Shouto’s benefit - Zero is indifferent to the discussion - Takuma explains, “Several council bylaws require the Head of the Council’s presence to approve new resolutions. If Isaya doesn’t want to attend, they won’t dare push a pureblood. They’ll still be able to cause trouble, but far less than they would if left leaderless. And we’ll have a ready-made leash if an emergency arises, even if you don’t like it, Isaya.”
“Exactly,” Kaname agrees, stroking Zero’s hand again.
“Isaya, will you do it?” Takuma asks, turning pleading emerald eyes on his alpha.
“As you wish,” the pureblood replies, too hopelessly smitten to turn down his bedridden, pregnant lover.
Kaname makes sure not to smirk too openly.
While Kaname makes preparations to announce Zero’s condition to the public, things at Rosehill return to normal - mostly .
Small signs of their new state of affairs abound. Seiren is perpetually absent, off on errands for her master. Shoshanna has been moved to a suite in the residential palace so Zero doesn’t have to travel as far to see her. Overall security has been tightened, and Rosehill has closed its doors to any visitors except the inner circle.
As expected, Zero’s spouses treat him as if he’s made of glass and will perish if left out of their sight for more than a minute. Privately, Zero dreads their overprotectiveness once he actually begins to look pregnant - perhaps he’ll be shut away in his bedroom or dressed in a padded suit.
But some things have not changed - or rather, some things Zero refuses to change. Yuuki and Kaname received a rather unwelcome shock when Zero rose the day after promising to relinquish the Hunt and began his usual physical conditioning and weapons practice. After another nasty argument where Kaname accused him of reneging on his promise, Zero won the right to keep the full spectrum of his training as long as he reduced the intensity and Arai-san the Midwife approved.
Zero himself sees no contradiction. He promised to stop seeking out danger, but that doesn’t mean danger won’t come to him. As Zero was so recently reminded, he’s worth assassinating now, and his child will also be targeted by those seeking to control or hurt the Kuran family. Purebloods have dangerous enemies - usually other purebloods. Zero’s future opponents may be even more deadly than the rogue nobles he fought as a Hunter.
But now, instead of training to act as an executioner, Zero will be training to become a protector. A protector of his own life, and of his future child’s. He’s even consulted with Yuuki and the Kuran family tailor about designing omega-appropriate clothing that can conceal weapons, or be quickly removed to allow him to fight.
Zero intends to be prepared when the time comes, and he doesn’t trust that the worst is over yet. Kaname has cautioned that the reaction to Zero’s pregnancy may be violent, so Zero is dragging Yuuki out to spar with him as often as he can get away with. It helps him cope with the guilt and stress of having to keep secrets from his Hunter family, as well as his lingering fears about the future course of his physical pregnancy.
While the wait may be wearing on Zero's nerves, Yuuki and Kaname seem distinctly unphased.
Kaname’s disdainful drawl is laden with contempt. “I’m the sire, I knotted him first.”
Yuuki bares her teeth. “No, Zero’s baby is mine, I wanted it more so I mated him harder.”
“We knotted him an equal amount of times!”
Zero lifts his head, looking down at the two purebloods who each have an ear pressed against his abdomen. “Are you two fighting over who’s my baby daddy?”
Yuuki clears her throat. “Baby's sire,” Zero corrects, after a beat where his poor human-raised brain tries to find something acceptable. “You’re seriously fighting over whose baby I’m carrying?”
“Yes! It’s important, Zero,” Yuuki insists, turning wide brown eyes up at him. “And it’s my baby, right?”
Kaname makes a noise of disbelief. “I’m the elder, and I’m far more experienced than you. I mated him first. Ergo, Zero’s child is mine.”
“Well, I mated him last!” Yuuki shoots back, winding her arms around Zero’s waist.
“Yes, when he was already full of my seed and my child.” Kaname sneers.
“You didn’t even want Zero to have your baby!” Yuuki hisses.
Zero kicks them both away. “My uterus is not a competition,” he states flatly. “Out, both of you - and don’t think I can’t see you two mouthing at each other!”
For a pureblood, it takes only the crook of a finger, and the press comes galloping straight to you, rather than you having to find them.
Zero can hear the crowd milling outside in the Senate Palace’s courtyard now, a densely packed mass of vampire signatures to his Hunter senses - not just the vampire world’s media, but also members of the aristocracy and Senate. Rumors have flown thick and fast after the Kuran family released news of an announcement so important it would be personally made by the purebloods themselves rather than transmitted through their usual representatives.
Or so Zero has heard, from the reports Kaname and Yuuki’s subordinates have given in his presence. He hasn’t had direct access to any outside information. As agreed, his phone was confiscated shortly after news of the announcement broke so Kaname’s staff could field any calls from the Hunter’s Association. Zero has touched his phone exactly once since then, to briefly give verbal proof-of-life to Yagari-sensei and promise that an in-person meeting would be arranged once the official press conference was over.
Zero’s maid sweeps the makeup brush over his cheekbones one last time, then steps back, bowing at the waist. His purebloods catch him up not even a second later, pressing him against their bodies and refreshing their scent marks by running their hands over his torso. Zero is already saturated in their claim - even his own natural scent smothered under their crisp, clean pureblood signature. A scent-claim of their come inside him would be better, but by unspoken agreement the trio has abstained from sex until Zero is less leery of his body.
“Relax,” Yuuki urges him with a hand on his spine. “You’re so handsome they’ll believe Mother Night herself appeared. We won’t let anyone talk to you. All you need to do is look sweet and demure.”
Zero raises his eyebrows at his wife, and almost snorts. He may be draped in so much chiffon he needs a maid to carry his train, but he’s a Hunter - he’s meant to look intimidating, not ‘sweet.’
“Don’t make that face,” teases Kaname, turning Zero’s gaze with a finger under his chin. “You’re our sweet boy, as much as you try to pretend otherwise.”
Zero bares his teeth at him.
“Hardly appropriate,” Kaname replies in a lofty tone, while Yuuki giggles.
His husband’s voice lowers, speaking only for the three of them. “This is your real debut, my Consort. Motherhood is an omega’s true legitimacy. The world of night cannot help but take you seriously now. You are no mere Hunter, no lowly Level D, but the carrier of our pure blood - the royal blood of the Vampire Kings - and our authority is settled in your very flesh.”
A bitter reminder, but an apt one. Zero inclines his head, practicing the persona he’s about to slip into. His extra sense teases at the fringes of his consciousness, ready to be harnessed.
“You haven’t asked how we’re manipulating the news of the announcement,” Yuuki muses, also donning her regal pureblood aura.
“It doesn’t matter,” Zero replies, completely at ease. “Haven’t you promised everything you do will be for our child’s sake?”
“Such trust,” croons Kaname with obvious pleasure, seeking out Zero’s hand from within his billowing sleeves, and kissing the pale blue vein of his wrist.
“Are you sure it doesn’t matter? If we succeed in rewriting your reputation, do you know what the people who dislike you will say?” Yuuki asks, the strong set of her shoulders and power of her rosewood gaze demanding his attention.
“Tell me,” Zero replies, acceding to her will.
Kaname takes up the thread of the story. “It’s an ugly story, my precious Consort. Are you certain you’d like to hear?”
“As long as it eases the path to the world I desire, I’ll endure it,” he promises.
Yuuki’s lips twist. “They will whisper that the Kurans’ feral, disobedient Hunter omega was turned meek and biddable by a good fucking. That all it took to tame you was a brutal knotting to break your cunt in and show you your place. And the child we left in your belly made you into a proper mother, like your instincts always wanted.”
Kaname’s disgust is evident on his face. “A satisfying narrative of vampire supremacy, catering to the ego of every alpha who imagines they deserve an omega by right of birth.”
“You’re not angry,” Yuuki remarks, watching Zero.
“What other people twist themselves into believing isn’t something I can control,” Zero replies. “And I know that’s not the story you’ll tell.”
Then he lifts his chin in challenge. “Besides, I know the truth. I’m the one who conquered you both. You were so desperate to have me that you paid a king’s ransom for my dowry, and you’d give me anything I asked for, wouldn’t you?”
“Always,” his purebloods snarl, their cultured veneer cracking under Zero’s provocation.
Zero grins, feeling a little bit of the high that comes with a good fight.
The dress he wears is designed to make him look small; Zero is practically drowning under his skirts and billowing sleeves. To give the illusion that he’s already starting to show, the high waistline is gathered just beneath his breasts to make his chest look larger and hide his flat waist. Only Zero’s collarbones are bare, to leave a hint of vulnerability and “show off what others can’t touch,” according to Yuuki.
The crowd outside buzzes in his Hunter senses. He decides he’s as ready as he’ll ever be.
“Shall we?” Zero invites, placing a hand on each of their forearms to allow himself to be escorted outside.
Linked together, the three of them walk forward.