Akihiko drummed his fingers on the steering wheel of his car, deep in thought. They had arranged to meet Nowaki and Hiroki at the local park but Akihiko still had reservations about trusting Hiroki, he could just be lying to Nowaki, tricking him into thinking he still had some humanity in him. The hunter stilled his fingers and looked at his watch. "It's time."

The two men climbed out of the car and made their way into the park, Nowaki hadn't specified a place to meet within the park which also sparked Akihiko's suspicions. Both he and Takahiro were heavily armed just in case. "Usagi-san maybe this wasn't a good idea. For all we know Nowaki won't even show and Hiroki could…" He trailed off as two figures made their way towards them. The hunters drew weapons and stood ready.

"Put your weapons away Usami-san, Takahashi-san." Nowaki's voice rang across the park and both hunters allowed themselves to relax a little, but not enough that they were unprepared for an attack. However, Akihiko's eyes were quickly drawn to the person walking to the left of Nowaki. He was pale, and his eyes held flecks of crimson that were not there before, yet he hadn't changed since Akihiko had to leave him all those years ago. His face still held the youth of an 18-year-old, the way he walked was the same, the set of his shoulders the same. Akihiko could almost be fooled into thinking this was still his Hiroki. He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath until the vampire stood in front of him, a head shorter but no less intimidating. "Akihiko." Breath rushed through his teeth and without thinking he threw his arms around his old friend.

Hiroki's body was cold and it tensed as Akihiko held him, but Hiroki soon relaxed and wrapped his arms around Akihiko, enjoying being able to see his friend once more. Nowaki cleared his throat and the two friends pulled apart, Akihiko's instincts kicking in then. He'd just hugged a vampire. He took a step back and composed himself, setting a stony look on his face. "Hiroki how is it that you kept your humanity after the change?"

Hiroki looked a little hurt at the sudden difference in attitude but he was not surprised. He knew Akihiko would never fully trust him, he'd been brought up to never trust vampires no matter what face they wore. "After you…left me, I was taken in by the Takatsuki family. Their son, I'm sure you remember him?" Akihiko nodded, he was not able to forget even a moment of that night so recalling the small blonde boy that had been there was no hardship. "He waited with me until I woke up. I don't really remember much of the night after that." He paused and Nowaki stepped forward to wrap an arm around his shoulders. Akihiko couldn't help the thought that Hiroki should be blushing a bright red at the close contact. "I came to my senses a week later."

Akihiko frowned and folded his arms across his chest. "That doesn't answer my question."

Hiroki sighed and rubbed his eyes as if tired. "Bakahiko." Akihiko's heart faltered at the former nickname and the fondness with which he'd only heard in Hiroki's voice a few times before. "I was what you would think a vampire to be in that week. The Takatsuki's helped me to calm down and come back to myself. It is easier to be born a vampire than-" He broke off and cleared his throat. "I have said too much."

Akihiko reached a tentative hand forward and leaned down slightly so he was at eye level with Hiroki. "Carry on. I…we need all the help we can get. I'm sure you are aware of the situation with Misaki right now."

Hiroki sighed again and nodded. "Yes, Nowaki has kept me informed. Akihiko I really can't remember that week at all, it's like it never happened. The only reason I know about it is because the Takatsuki's told me about what happened."

Takahiro stepped forward and offered a tentative smile before speaking. "Kamijou-san do you…" He trailed off and took a deep breath. "Do you think it would be best for Misaki to go with you?"

There was a long silence in which everyone stared at the hunter, confusion and disbelief heavy in the air. "I mean, you can help him. Right? I only told him today of his…condition and I need someone to look after him when it happens. If you truly are still Hiroki and you have somehow managed to maintain your humanity then will you help him too?" Akihiko hated to hear the desperation in his friend's voice but he waited for Hiroki's answer. As the moments stretched Akihiko could see the disappointment and fear in Takahiro's eyes, he could see that he was preparing himself to have to deal with Misaki's change on his own.

Hiroki looked to his side to see Nowaki giving him an encouraging, warm smile, letting him know that he'd support any decision Hiroki chose to make. Hiroki turned back to Akihiko and Takahiro, seeing the obvious distress in Takahiro's eyes and the well-masked but still visible pleading in Akihiko's eyes Hiroki could only sigh. He lowered his head and gave a small nod before turning and running.

Well...

I know I am a horrible human being for leaving this update for so long and then giving you such a short chapter

but anyway, here it is!