I waved goodbye to Mommy as he flipped his visor down and waved goodbye before he sped away on his motorcycle. It took me a whole week to convince my parents, mainly Mommy, that I did not need them to come inside with me. Since Etsuko-san was always there, it was really important they were not there; Daddy had a bad habit of embarrassing me. Yesterday when he walked me to class, he had even stopped to introduce himself to her! Then he had tried to tell me how to woo her. I don't even know what "woo" means!

I shook my head at the memory as I walked to my class, weaving around the bigger kids as they wrestled and talked in the hallway. I did not understand other kids' rough behavior. I noticed it was only the humans though, even the hunters I could feel either went straight to class or hung in small silent groups. I wonder how Mommy and Daddy acted in school. I bet they were to lovey with each other to really play like other kids. I will just have to ask Auntie or Uncle Aidou.

"Kuran-san! Hi Kuran-san!"

I tried to force myself not to blush and be calm as I turned around to face my classmate. Her beautiful golden hair was pulled into a high pony tail with a purple ribbon that matched her dress for the day. Why was I feeling this way about her? What was that little leap of joy I felt every time I saw her? "Hi Etsuko-san, how are you today?"

The human girl smiled and twirled a loose strand of hair from her ponytail. "O Kuran-san, will you please call me Emi? If it is okay, I will call you by your first name."

I cocked my head to the side and thought about her proposal. Etsuko was a pretty name but I like how Emi sounded too and I think I liked the idea of her saying my first name too. "Okay Emi."

Emi squealed and jumped up and down for a second before attacking me with a hug. I could feel my cheeks instantly heat up and there was no hiding it before Emi jumped away, her cheeks rosy too. "Ooops, I'm sorry. Is it okay to hug you Ayumu?"

I slowly nodded and gulped because my mouth had suddenly gone dry. Emi's grin returned but her blush still painted her cheeks a rosy color. "Well umm, I guess we better sit down. Ratsuka-Sensei just walked in," she said quickly as she sat down. I followed suit and sat down as Ratsuka-Sensei began to talk about our new Grammar lesson. I knew they would tease me later, but I had to tell Mommy and Daddy about my new friend.

"Put on your helmet baby," Zero instructed Ayumu as the boy tightened his backpack's straps to his back. Zero knew something was up with his son when the boy was silent after being released from school. Just as he was going to ask what exactly, he got his answer in the form of a seven year old, purple wearing, human girl who was frantically waving at Ayumu.

"Bye Ayumu! See you next week!" the girl called.

Zero raised his eyebrow at the first name address. Something really was up. Ayumu mumbled a reply and waved back quickly before strapping on his helmet and climbing behind Zero, hugging his mother's middle tightly. Zero only chuckled at his son's behavior and started the bike, weaving through the traffic as they made their way home. Ayumu kept his head tucked against Zero's back, relishing in the feel of the wind rushing past him. He loved riding with his father but when he was on the bike with his mom, he felt like he was flying. He understood why Zero preferred riding the motorcycle instead of the enclosed car.

They soon pulled up to the house, greeted by a waiting pureblood. Zero switched off the bike and helped his son off before getting off himself, putting both of their helmets on the seat. "Well well, if it isn't my two favorite boys. How was school Ayumu?" Kaname asked as he took Ayumu's bag from him and pecked Zero on the cheek. "Interesting Daddy, we did this experiment where…"

Zero removed his riding gloves and followed Kaname and Ayumu in as their son began to ask questions about his latest science lesson. Zero wouldn't mention Etsuko-san in front of Ayumu but he had full intention of telling Kaname about the latest development. Zero was about to close the door to their home before it stopped on its own, something blocking it from closing. Looking down, he rolled his eyes at the block of ice sitting squarely between the door and the frame. "Aidou! You are growing to break my door like that, just get your butt in here!" Zero called out. The noble walked up the front steps, waving his hand to dissolve the ice.

"Butt? Since when did your language become PG, Zero?" he asked as he casually strolled into his friends' home. Zero rolled his eyes and closed the door behind the noble.

"Since I became a parent and don't want my five year old to pick up on bad language. Get your feet off the couch. Heavens Aidou, how many times have I told you that?" Zero scolded, his parent instincts reacting to Aidou's bad habit. Aidou waved his hand dismissively but removed his feet all the same. "Where is my little scholar anyway?" the noble asked. Aidou suddenly yelped when his legs became encased in ice, sticking him to the couch.

"Here Uncle Aidou," Ayumu giggled from the kitchen door, followed by Kaname carrying three sandwiches. Zero seemed less concerned with Aidou's situation than the thought of Kaname in the kitchen alone and his questioning glare at Kaname said so. Kaname placed the plates on the coffee table and raised his hands in surrender.

"Nothing is burnt Zero, Ayumu can vouch for me," Kaname assured. Ayumu laughed at his parents and plopped down next to his half-frozen uncle. Zero shook his head with a smile and made room for the pureblood to sit down next to him. Kaname wrapped his arm around Zero's shoulders, pulling his love closer to him. They both grinned as Aidou noticeably squirmed as the cold began to creep up his legs. Truth was, he couldn't melt Ayumu's ice, the boy's control overpowered even his own. The boy was truly amazing. "Ayumu, release your uncle. He can't leave if he is iced to the floor," Zero commanded, finally taking pity on his friend.

"O Zero-chan, you know you love having me over, I make your poor life so much more interesting," Aidou teased as Ayumu unfroze his legs. Zero shot him a glare and Ayumu giggled and took one of the sandwiches Kaname had made, offering some to Aidou who took half of the PB&J. He might be a vampire but who could deny a PB&J every once in awhile.

"So my adorable nephew, how is school going?" Aidou asked the small brunette. The noble had unfortunately been busy and had not been able to come by to see Ayumu and he expected the full update. Ayumu turned on the couch so that he was facing Aidou and began to explain some of the lessons he was breezing through. The boy claimed to be extremely bored with the all too easy lessons.

"It's only the first week son, it will get more challenging," Kaname laughed. His son reminded him of himself when he was younger, eager to learn and ready to take on anything. Ayumu only shrugged and took another bite of his food.

"Well education aside, how about the other kids? Make any friends?" the noble questioned. Zero and Kaname grinned but said nothing, giving their son the chance to answer first. Instead the boy only mentioned a young boy in his class who seemed to share an interest in science but he curiously did not mention the young human girl. The two continued to chat for awhile before Zero sent Ayumu upstairs to change out of his uniform.

As soon as the young boy was at the top of the stairs, Kaname smiled and let Aidou in on Ayumu's secret. "Ayumu has found his first love, Aidou," he informed the noble with a smirk. Zero scoffed but smiled all the same.

"O don't be so dramatic Kaname, she is only a school crush. It is a young girl in Ayumu's class, he seems to have taken a great liking to her," Zero elaborated. Aidou threw his head back with a laugh. "Ayumu has himself a girlfriend, an older one at that. What a little devil! Maybe I am wearing off on him," Aidou laughed. Kaname chuckled at the look on Zero's face, utter annoyance.

"I hope to God not. It's bad enough such a perverted Pureblood is his father but if he ever picked up on your habits, O heavens," Zero said with a shake of his head. Aidou placed a hand over his heart and gasped in surprise.

"Why Zero, my dear friend, whatever do you mean?"

Kaname and Zero only grinned, that was until Aidou spoke again. "What about you Zero? How are you doing, the Association leaving you alone?" Aidou instantly regretted asking when he noticed his friends tense, Kaname's hand gripping Zero's shoulder.

"No Aidou, the oh so great Association," Kaname sneered, "called Zero in. He leaves next week for some mission they could not take care of themselves." Aidou's lips formed a straight line.

"I'm really sorry Zero, Kaname too. Let me know if I can help in any way okay?" Although Aidou was usually playful and could not focus on anything not relating to women, he truly was a great and helpful friend.

Zero only shook his head and placed a hand over Kaname's. "As I keep telling Kaname, I will be fine. I am a hunter and killing Level E's is not only my job, it is in my blood. Thank you for your concern though."

The trio continued in tense silence, only lightening up when Ayumu came down the stairs. Zero would not admit it, but something was off, something told him he better watch his back.

"So you won't pick me up, Mommy?" Ayumu asked over his breakfast. Zero shook his head as he picked up his and Kaname's tea cups.

"No baby, Daddy will pick you up and take you to school tomorrow," he informed his son. It was finally the day for Zero to leave for his mission. As the hunter looked over to his husband, sighing as he noticed the obvious frown. He dropped the cups back on the table before wrapping his arms around Kaname's neck from behind. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to his husband's temple.

"Kaname, you are worrying Ayumu," he whispered. Kaname looked over to his son and a sure enough, a confused frown creased a furrow in his brow, much like Zero's. He might be five, but he was old enough to know his father was in a foul mood. Kaname repressed a sigh and patted Zero's arm before standing up, the hunter's arms slipping off of him. Picking up the dishes, he went into the kitchen without another word. Zero watched him go and closed his eyes, running a hand through his hair. He hated having to leave just as much as Kaname did but Heavens, it could not be helped and Kaname's attitude was not helping at all.

"Mommy, what's wrong with Daddy?" Ayumu asked from the other end of the table. Zero sat down and shook his head, glancing over to his son. He sat up straighter when he noticed slight silver traces through his son's normally garnet eyes. "Don't worry about it Ayumu, Daddy is just frustrated. Come here," he commanded lightly as he patted his lap. The little boy got out of his chair to climb into the hunter's lap. "When was the last time you fed Ayumu?" Zero asked.

Ayumu rarely asked for his parents' energy and would rather take it when offered, a quality he inherited from Zero. Honestly, Zero would rather his son did not inherit his stubbornness when it came to that area. He now knew why Kaname always got so frustrated with him in their earlier days.

Ayumu shrugged and cuddled against the hunter. "A few days," Ayumu muttered against his chest. Zero sighed and kissed the top of his son's head. He gently took the boy's hand and placed it against the untattooed side of his neck. "Go ahead baby, I know you need it."

Ayumu nodded and clutched tighter to Zero, shutting his now completely amethyst eyes. Zero leaned back as he felt the warm flow of energy leave him and flow into his son, pulsing slightly against the small hand on his neck. It really was not wise for him to let his child take from him right before a mission but he couldn't help it, he loved the shared moment and he couldn't deny Ayumu's needs.

A warm hand fell on his shoulder, going completely unnoticed by Ayumu as he continued to feed. Closing his own eyes, Zero leaned his head back against Kaname's stomach. As much as he would like to have given Ayumu energy also, Ayumu's small body could not handle both of his parents at the same feeding session. With that in mind, he was careful not to disrupt the flow between Zero and Ayumu, as he stroked Ayumu's hair, letting his son know everything was alright and both his parents were there with him.

Zero kept his eyes closed even after Ayumu's hand slid away from his neck and only opened them after Kaname's hand on his shoulder gave gentle squeeze. Slowly opening his eyes, Zero lifted his head off of Kaname to look at his son. "Are you okay Mommy?" Ayumu asked out of concern.

Zero smiled and slid Ayumu off his lap. "I'm fine Ayumu, why don't you go get in the car? Daddy and I will be right there." Ayumu nodded and picked up his bag and walked outside, smiling at Seirein who had suddenly appeared to watch her young master.

Zero watched his son walk out before getting up to face his husband. "I'm a prick, Zero, especially when it comes to the protection of you or Ayumu. I'm sorry, I need to trust you more," Kaname confessed.

Zero sighed and kissed Kaname's cheek. "After five years of marriage, you finally admit it. Now come on, let's take him to school."

The car ride was silent expect for a quick goodbye from Zero as he hugged Ayumu and told him he loved him and would see him the next day. Again Zero and Kaname were silent on the ride back but their hands did find each other. After they arrived back home, Zero moved to grab his pack by the door but Kaname firmly but gently grabbed his wrist. "Zero, you need to feed first. I cannot let you leave unless you are at full energy. Please…do it for me," Kaname begged.

Zero looked into the eyes of his beloved and gave a small smile. "Alright Kaname." Kaname returned a smile as relief washed over him. He leaned back against the wall as Zero pressed against him, a hand cupping the back of the pureblood's neck. With practiced ease, Zero prepared Kaname's bite area before sinking his fangs in. Kaname couldn't deny the shivers of pleasure that ran through him as his mate fed from him. Any other time, the act usually led to more intimate activities but at that time, it was all for Zero's protection.

"Zero," Kaname stroked the back of Zero's head as he drank. "Zero, I love you. You know that right?" Zero pulled his fangs out and licked the few drops left behind, kissing the skin as it healed over. He stepped back just enough to look Kaname in the face.

"I know Kaname and I love you too. Please Kaname, be strong for me and Ayumu. I'm going to be okay, it is not my first mission," he assured the pureblood as he pushed a lock of hair behind Kaname's ear. "Promise me Kaname, promise me you will trust me and stay strong."

Kaname sighed and kissed his shorter husband's forehead. "I promise Zero," he whispered. Zero gave him one last smile before turning toward the door and walking out. It was easier that way, there was no need to dwell on the inevitable. Kaname followed him but stopped on the porch as Zero mounted his bike, making sure his pack was secure on his shoulders. Kaname watched as his husband let go of his domestic life and easily slipped into the hunter, Kiryu Zero. Of course Kaname loved Zero as the domesticated man he could become but the man in front of him with the blazing amethyst eyes, the man that was entirely fearless, was the man he had first met and fallen in love with. Zero pulled on his helmet and turned to give one last look at his husband. The pureblood gave a small wave and a reassuring smile. Zero waved back and flipped down his visor, throttled his engine, and sped out of the driveway.

"Please protect him," Kaname silently prayed.

Arthur's Note: Hey guys, thought I would try to upload at least one more time before the New Years. Hope you like it guys and have a great year : )