Lightning split the sky, followed closely by a peal of thunder that started sharp and rumbled out into faint, almost soothing tremors. Lavender eyes wandered up to the clock on the mantle, found the time to be just after midnight, and then traveled back down to the book that had occupied them for the past hour and a half. The fire crackled, the clock ticked, the rain pounded against the windows and the rooftop.

It was peaceful. It was the kind of night that allowed Zero to relax, enjoy a good book and a cup of tea, and let all his worries drift away into blissful nothingness. So, fully embracing the atmosphere, he put his elbow on the armrest, dropped his chin to his palm, and shifted his weight to adjust the recliner.

"Did you see that?"

Zero startled at the sudden voice. "What?"

"I saw something through the window upstairs," was the response given by the woman making her way to the front door. "It was fast, and it was big."

Zero chuckled and shook his head, setting his book aside. "Akina, put the shotgun down."

Akina frowned at him, clearly displeased by his dismissive attitude. "What if it's a burglar?"

Zero smiled and got to his feet, walking the short distance to the foyer and placing his hands on the gun. "I'll check it out. Go back to bed."

"Right, that's gonna happen." Akina let go of the weapon nonetheless, and then she started making her way toward the stairs. "You can be the one to check it out, but I'll be watching from the window."

Zero gave her another smile and put his hand on the doorknob. "Okay."

He watched her retreat up the stairs and then turned to look out the window. There was nothing obviously out of place, so he twisted the knob and let himself out onto the porch. He left the door cracked behind him and crept cautiously to edge of the deck peering over the railing.

Nothing.

Zero took another look around the property, but all he saw were trees, grass, dark skies, and a gravel road. If there was something out there, it was too dark to distinguish against the backdrop the moonless sky provided. Still, just to be safe, he started to walk the perimeter of the porch, squinting into the blackness and waiting for his eyes to adjust.

He made it all the way around the porch and went back to the front door, shaking his head. Maybe Akina had seen a wild animal and overreacted. She did that sometimes, though he couldn't say it was unfounded, given his job.

Either way, it's cold and wet, and there's nothing out here.

Zero put a hand flat on the wood, intending to push the door in, but he froze when he heard a quiet thump. He turned around, careful to keep his movements silent, and inclined an ear downward. He waited in silence, cursing the storm for its racket, and after seventeen seconds, he was rewarded with a muffled, coughing sound.

He did another quick scan of his surroundings and crept back toward the railing. It might have been his mind playing tricks on him, but it looked like something was sticking out from under the porch. Feet, maybe?

Zero stomped his foot on the wood, subconsciously shifting his grip on the gun. "Who's there?" Silence. "I can see you. Get out here, or I'm shooting you through the wood."

"Wait! Don't shoot!"

Zero watched the feet disappear, and then there came the sounds of thumping, rustling, and scraping. Someone crawled in headfirst, then, and now they're trying to turn around. Can't tell gender from the voice. Zero opened his mouth to tell the intruder to hurry up, but he was interrupted by bright, white light cracking the sky.

Uh oh.

Thunder followed the lightning, as it should, and the sound matched the intensity of its electrical predecessor.

"I—I'm coming! I'm coming, I swear!"

Zero looked down in time to see an arm come out from under the porch, pale fingers clawing at the mud. "That was thunder, you moron," he muttered, not really intending to be heard.

Below, the intruder finally pulled their body through the hole in the wooden skirting, showing their dark hair and black clothing. If Zero had to guess, he would go with male, but he couldn't be sure in the dark.

"Please!" They barely got their hips through when they collapsed, falling on their face and holding a hand over their head. "Please, don't shoot!"

Zero's eyes widened, his grip on the gun tightening in perfect synchronization with the muscles in his chest. Even with the torrential wind and rain, without the porch between them, there was no mistaking who the voice belonged to.

Kaname Kuran.

That… creature… who invaded Zero's life so many years before, who destroyed everything Zero once held dear, who ran him into the ground and broke him like a careless child breaks a toy. That creature was there, sprawled out on the ground, right in front of Zero, beneath Zero's house, on Zero's property.

And Zero saw red.

Did Kaname really think he could waltz back in to Zero's life and do as he pleased? Did he think it would be that easy to pick up where he left off in his cruel game of manipulation and blackmail? No. Not again. Zero would protect Akina. He would protect his home. He would protect everything he had fought to obtain and keep over the past several years. He would protect his happiness.

"What are you doing here?" Zero snarled, leveling the shotgun at Kaname's head.

"Please!" Kaname rolled over in the dirt, still struggling to pull himself free, and held both hands out in a placating gesture. "Please, I just needed shelter from the rain. I swear, I swear, I wasn't doing anything."

This is wrong.

Zero scrutinized the man before him; scrutinized his demeanor, his voice, his actions, his face, his eyes. It was wrong. Kaname was wrong. Kaname should have recognized him. Kaname should have been collected and calm. Kaname shouldn't have begged under any circumstances whatsoever.

No. She didn't. She couldn't have.

"Do you really expect me to believe that?" Zero kept his tone dark and threatening, deciding to present himself as an opponent until he knew more.

"Please! I swear, it's true." Kaname shook, soaked to the bone, matted hair in disarray over his face. "Please, let me stay under your porch. I'll be gone in the morning, I promise. I promise."

Zero lowered the weapon slightly, but his gaze never left Kaname's face.

She... she couldn't have.

But she did. All the rumors that had crossed his desk were true. Yuuki turned Kaname human, sealed his memories away, and then… she left him.

She did. She really did.

She did, and Zero honestly didn't know whether to be enraged or laugh

"Get up here!" Zero barked out the order, watching as Kaname tore himself free of the deck skirting and scrambled haphazardly up the steps.

"Y-yes?" Kaname stammered, fists shaking at his sides, teeth chattering.

Zero stared him down, eyes unrelenting, forcing Kaname to stare down at his feet. "You do know trespassing is illegal, don't you?"

Kaname caught Zero completely off-guard by hitting his knees and bowing his head to the ground. "Yes, sir, I know, but… please, please don't send me away. I have no place to go. I just… just one night, please… I'm begging you, don't force me out in this… I'm so, so cold... please…"

Zero stared for a long time. He could still feel his heart hammering on the inside of his chest, the remnants of rage and bitter hatred seeping through his veins. No matter how much time had passed, and no matter what the circumstances were, there was no forgiveness for men like Kaname. No amount of vengeance or justice could undo the damage he had done.

And yet... the man kneeling on the porch was not Kaname. That man—that monster—was regal and arrogant, manipulative and dark. The man in front of Zero now... was hardly a man at all. He was a boy. Scared, alone, uncertain, cold, and probably starving. They were two different people. Just as Yuuki had been one person and then another… the same now applied to Kaname.

Zero couldn't forgive the Kaname he knew, but likewise, he couldn't punish the Kaname he didn't.

"Get up."

Shaking, Kaname pulled himself from his knees, hanging his head and scratching nervously at his hands and arms. Zero watched him, watched the friction produce little droplets of blood, watched Kaname show no interest in the blood whatsoever.

Zero turned toward the house and pointed to the door. "Don't track mud inside."

Kaname looked up, looked at the door, and then looked at Zero. First, there was confusion, and then his eyes lit up. "I won't, sir!"

Zero ushered Kaname in first, and then he closed and locked the door behind them. "Wait here."

"Oh, yes, sir. I'll wait right here."

Zero gave him another long, hard look and then started climbing the stairs. He got to the top and walked down the hall, stowing the gun in the closet. He still had the Bloody Rose in his jacket, and even if Kaname was completely human, that only meant he would assume the Bloody Rose was a normal gun and could kill him.

"You let him in?"

Zero glanced over his shoulder at the door to the bedroom. "Yeah."

Akina shook her head in disbelief. "You didn't think maybe that was a really, really stupid idea? What if he tries to hurt us? Or rob us? What if—"

"He won't."

Akina stared at him a moment longer, and then she took a deep breath, trying to word her sentence carefully. "Zero… we've talked about this. I know you know what's going on, but it's hard for me to feel safe when you leave me in the dark. I need you to tell me what's going on."

Zero grabbed a blanket from the top shelf. "He's someone I know. But… he doesn't know who he is. He's lost his memories."

Akina's eyes widened, and she looked toward the stairs for a second before whispering, "Is it…?"

Zero nodded. "Don't worry, everything's fine. I'm going to get him dried off and give him shelter for the night. We'll discuss what to do in the morning."

"A…Alright." Akina walked over to him and got on her tip-toes, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Are you coming up then?"

Zero nodded, grabbing another blanket and a pillow before walking toward the stairs. "I don't know how long I'll be. Don't wait up, okay?"

He started down the steps, causing the half-asleep brunette to lift his head.

"Zero, catch!"

Zero looked up just as Akina threw down a bundle of… something. It landed atop his blankets, and he smiled up at her. "Thanks, babe."

She gave him a thumbs up and disappeared into the bedroom.

Kaname looked up curiously, but from where he stood, he was unable to see Akina. "Who was that?" he asked, wearing the most innocent expression Zero had ever seen. "Is she your special someone?"

Zero was hesitant to reply, but when he considered Kaname's state of mind, there wasn't really any danger. "Yes, she is my special someone," he replied, taking the blankets into the living room.

"Oh, I see…" Kaname smiled, almost like an excited child. "And… are you happy together?"

Zero nodded sharply, laying one of the blankets over the couch to prevent any dirt getting on the upholstery. Getting a couch cleaned was not cheap, and he had a wedding to pay for in less than six months.

"I want to find my special someone someday." Kaname rocked a little on his heels, a dreamy look in his eyes. "Someone really nice… someone who can be my light…"

Zero inwardly cringed. Yeah, well, your last light didn't treat you well, so maybe hold off on that. He didn't say that, of course.

"You'll find her," was all he said.

Zero grabbed the bundle Akina had thrown him and smiled. It was dry clothes and a towel, obviously for their impromptu guest, and Zero walked over to Kaname to bestow it.

"Hold still…" Zero threw the towel over Kaname's head and dried his hair, albeit a bit roughly. Kaname didn't object, though, and in a little over a minute, his hair was dry.

Messy, but dry.

"Okay, off with the clothes."

Bloodshot, reddish-brown eyes snapped downward. "Is that—" He looked back up. "Is that appropriate?"

Zero shrugged. "We're both guys. Just take it off."

Kaname blushed slightly but attempted to do as he was told, fumbling with the buttons on his shirt. Zero couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, but he took pity and reached out to help, swatting Kaname's hands away and unfastening the buttons himself.

"There."

Kaname's face turned a few shades darker, and he quickly peeled of his wet shirt and jacket, deciding to focus on the task at hand. He dropped his pants to the floor and kicked off his shoes and socks. "Thank you, um… uh, sorry, what's your name?"

"Zero." He ran the towel over Kaname's body, patting him dry. "And you are?"

Silence.

"And you are?" Zero repeated himself with a little more force in his voice.

Not that he expected Kaname to know the answer, but he wanted to see how honest Kaname was going to be.

"I…" Kaname shook his head, chewing on his lip. "I can't… remember."

Zero arched an eyebrow, disbelief lacing his tone. "You can't remember?"

Kaname caught the tone, and swallowed thickly. "I'm not lying! Don't—don't look at me like that. I woke up in the middle of nowhere, and I haven't been able to remember anything. I… I mean, I know how to walk and talk… and I've picked up a few things wandering from place to place but… but everything is so confusing, and it all seems to come and go. I don't…" He sighed, shoulders hunching slightly as if he wanted to curl in on himself. "Please… please, believe me… I really don't know. I wish I did, but I... please..."

Zero knelt down to dry the shaking, clammy legs. Kaname sounded terrified, but Zero had no idea what of. Zero was only implying he thought Kaname was lying; it wasn't like he was accusing him of murder. Maybe Kaname thought Zero would throw him out? Or call an asylum?

"…Kaname."

"I—what?"

Zero got to his feet and tossed the towel on the floor with the discarded wet clothes. "Your name."

Kaname blinked. "My…?"

"You look like a Kaname, so let's just go with that." Zero grabbed the clean attire and held it out. "Go on, get dressed."

Kaname took the bundle, staring at it in confusion and embarrassment. He didn't move to put it on. He didn't even pick a specific article to look at. He just stared at the bundle his hands, eyes hidden by his bangs, head slightly lowered.

"I… I need help."

Zero frowned. "What?"

"I… since I've woken up… without my memories… I… I haven't gotten dressed." He motioned to the pile on the floor. "That's what I was wearing… and that's all I've worn since." His faced turned redder yet. "I… remember I said… things come and go? I… I haven't had a chance to practice getting dressed, and I… I can't explain it, but my head… when I try to… to think about things, I… I…" He screwed his eyes shut. "Please… help me."

Zero sighed but extended a hand. "Give."

Kaname did as he was told, biting his lip and scratching his arms again.

Zero grabbed the shirt and let the rest of the bundle land at his feet. "Arms up."

Kaname once again obeyed, and Zero shoved the shirt down over his head and hands.

"Boxers off."

Once again, Kaname was obedient, and Zero grabbed the dry undergarments and held them down near the floor. "Step into them. Lean on me if you have to."

Fingers coiled through his shirt, and after a moment of struggling and a bit of confusion, both feet were in. Zero slid them up and grabbed the sweatpants next.

"Same as before."

The process was repeated, and Zero stood up, stepping back to look at his handiwork. Kaname's hair was still a mess, and there were dark circles underneath his eyes, relaying several days of sleeplessness, but he was dry and a little less pale. His cheeks were rosy—although that may have been left over humiliation—and a little grin lingered on his lips.

"That's enough for now. You'll take a shower in the morning."

Kaname nodded. "Yes, sir."

Zero found it incredibly ironic that the man who once got angry at the slightest disrespect—like Zero baring his fangs, heaven forbid—was now saying 'yes, sir' to every command he was given.

"You'll sleep on the couch tonight, and we'll talk about what to do with you in the morning."

Kaname nodded, taking a few hesitant steps. A little giggle broke through his lips, and Zero glanced at him.

"What?"

"I… my feet. This feels good."

Zero glanced down at the body part in question, pursing his lips. "Oh… you mean going barefoot."

"Is that what it's called?" Kaname took a few more steps and stopped to savor the carpeting. "Yes, I like it very much."

Zero's lips twitched as he fought off a smile, and he watched in silence as Kaname ambled over to the couch. Kaname flopped down, a gasp escaping him as he hit the cushions.

"It's—it's so soft!" He bounced a little, smiling. "I've never felt anything this comfortable before."

This time, Zero was unable to fight the smile, though it was a sad one that found its way to his lips. "It's called a couch, and yes, it is very soft." He grabbed the pillow and placed it appropriately. "Put your head on that."

Kaname complied, sighing contently as he sank into the down. "Zero… this is wonderful… you didn't… have to do this..." He yawned, the comfort of the couch and warmth of the house working together to pull him into slumber. "I could have… stayed under the porch…"

Zero simply threw another blanket over him and tucking him in somewhat. "It wouldn't be right to leave you out on a night like this."

Kaname smiled, his eyelids slowly lowering. "You're… very kind… thank you…"

"You're welcome. Just go to sleep now."

Chestnut eyes closed completely as Kaname's breathing evened out, and Zero looked on in silence, millions of thoughts swarming through his mind.

One week. Kaname had spent one week in the world, and already he knew how hateful it could be. If he hadn't experienced mistreatment at the hands of others, he wouldn't have said Zero was kind. He would have assumed everyone was like Zero and Zero's behavior was to be expected. But he didn't. He appreciated it. He was surprised by it.

One week and life was already trying to screw him over.

Zero's frown deepened.

Why would Yuuki think it was okay to destroy him like that? Why did she think anything she did was okay?

Over the past year and a half, Zero really got his life together. He had a steady income, a fairly nice house, a woman who loved him and had remained faithful to him during the course of their relationship, a wedding to anticipate, and then perhaps children… things were looking brighter every day.

So, what? She decided to mess with someone else now that he had finally recovered?

Zero reached out and tucking a strand of hair behind Kaname's ear. He tilted Kaname's head back, examining his face. He was exhausted—probably having nightmares just as Yuuki had when she was in his shoes. She knew how horrible and painful it was to live with altered memories—why would she inflict that pain on a man she claimed to love?

"Hey…"

A soft voice invaded his thoughts, causing him to jump slightly. He turned and found Akina standing in the doorway, a light smile on her face.

"I told you to go to bed awhile. Everything's fine."

"No, it's not." She walked over and sat down beside him, looking at Kaname for a few moments before speaking again. "You're upset, I can tell. Is it bringing back painful memories for you?"

Zero was quiet for a moment, and then he nodded, wetting his lips. "Yeah."

Akina simply looked at him expectantly, and he knew she would get her answer one way or another, so he surrendered with a heavy sigh.

"I just…" He laughed bitterly, staring blankly at the floor. "She hasn't changed a bit. Look at what she did to him. He's a mess. I can't… I can't even hate him right now, and I hate him so much. You don't understand, you cannot comprehend how much I hate this man, but… I just can't. Not now."

Akina looked at the man on her couch again. "He looks awful," she agreed. "I'll make a small breakfast, bigger lunch, and really big dinner tomorrow. Hopefully his appetite will get better as the day goes on."

Zero sighed heavily. "That'll be good." He sighed again. "I just… I want to do something. I want to tell her she can't do this anymore; tell her she needs to stop, and she's not the victim. But no matter what I say, I know it won't matter. She's never going to change."

For a while, things were quiet in the room. The fire still crackled, the clock still ticked, and rain still pounded on the windows and the roof. Kaname's chest rattled slightly when he breathed. But for the most part, it was quiet.

"Zero…" Akina started softly, looking down at his lap and grabbing the hand he had there. "I think the best thing you can do is help those she continues to hurt. If you keep helping them… teaching them to live on their own and not believe her lies… teaching them how to be like you… eventually, no one's going to play her game anymore." Akina squeezed the hand she held and gave him an encouraging smile. "I know it doesn't sound like that great of a plan, but… you have to take care of yourself first."

Zero smiled back. "I thought that was your job."

Akira laughed softly. "Right. I put you first, you put me first. So, by telling you to put yourself first, I'm putting you first. That works, right?"

Zero took her hand and kissed it, laughing softly, and then he looked up at the ceiling, thoughtful. "If the reports about Kaname being human are true, then the reports about her having his kid are probably true, too."

Akina frowned. "She's not fit to raise a kid."

Zero snorted. "Don't I know it." He pursed his lips, thinking for a moment more. "Maybe I can open an investigation. I have that kind of authority as president-to-be. If I could have their child removed from her care… that would be one more person safe from her. And…" He looked at Kaname. "And maybe he could have a little happiness then."

Akina looked up at him. "But are you happy? With him around… with her child… with her still somewhat a part of your life… will you be happy?"

Zero turned to her, his chest warming up. Words could not express the love he felt for her, and the entire night had been such a perfect example of why. She was independent and strong, but she trusted him and did what he asked of her. She was caring and thoughtful towards others, but most importantly… she cared about him. She actually cared about whether or not he was happy and satisfied.

Smiling, he leaned over and kissed her softly. "As long as you stay by my side, I can't be anything but happy."

She smiled up at him, and then she rested her head on his shoulder. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

Zero put an arm around her, squeezing her tightly. She was his light. She was his entire world. She was his special someone. She was his happiness.

And maybe with time and practice, he could try to forgive Kaname. Maybe Kaname could experience happiness, too. Maybe they could get Kaname's child. Maybe that kid could be happy, too. Maybe he could find the old Night Class students. Maybe they could be happy.

Maybe all that was possible, but for the moment, Zero was just going to appreciate the fact he was happy. After all his struggles and hardships, after being used and manipulated and thrown away like trash, after being wounded and beaten in every way possible… he had found happiness. It had been a long road. A hard road. A painful road. But it didn't matter because it was all worth it in the end.

Zero Kiryuu found his happiness.

And he was never letting go.