Chapter 29

The fog of the party was fading quickly almost to the point of nonexistence as Gumi stood out on the terrace next to Kaito. The air was cool but thankfully not bitterly so. It was just cold enough to provide her the clarity she needed. Her mind had been a messy jumble earlier and the remnants of mental pain still lingered like tiny irritating shards of glass from the entire ordeal. Her head throbbed occasionally and each new throb brought a sharp jab of fresh pain. Aside from that her skin itched, though she did not scratch. Despite the pain that was thankfully fading as time went on, Gumi somehow managed to think. She didn't know who that person that she'd seen up on the balcony had been. She hadn't been able to fully concentrate or collect her thoughts thanks to the pain she'd been under before. However she could figure out one thing of course, they would be of crucial importance; that much she knew.

Earlier as Kaito and she had passed a waiter with a platter of soft and expensive delicacies Kaito had tried to offer her a scone and some other assortment of pastries. They'd ranged from fruity flavors deliriously executed in butterscotch, berries of all sorts, and fillings that bursted with creams and jellies to the brilliant Swiss chocolates and fluffy vanillas. Each confection was a miniature piece of art to be immortalized and less for eating. Such small treats were layered to impossible heights for such a small expanse. All varied in density but remained moist and decadent. They'd passed trays with blown sugar balls filled with all manors of liqueurs, curls of creams, and edible flowers. Though they were delectable Gumi found her appetite nonexistent.

With each passing tray Kaito had tried the same routine with little difference in execution. He'd offer her some food no matter how Gumi pleasantly declined. Waiters and waitresses alike strode by dressed in glittering turquoise vests and dress pants that fit well with their solid black dress shirts underneath. Their outfits were tailored to perfection as if they'd all been purposely custom fitted. You could identify staff around here by their glittering rainbow cuffs and masks aside from the turquoise and black. Gumi imagined how long the entire process must have taken and after the thought could only sum up that these parties took more than just a few weeks of planning. With the loud music from the stage that had been blaring full force she could only imagine how long set up would've taken. Then she decided that take down would not be as kind as set up.

They'd passed an entirely different menu of appetizers and snacks on elaborate black trays in contrast to the desserts on turquoise platters. While dessert platters had all mannerisms of swirls that licked the tray like fire, appetizers sat on platters with harsh lines that cut upwards. They formed a cage around such snacks and often guests were perplexed of where they could open to free their food for enjoyment. Often staff provided them immediate assistance after the whole riddle. Yet even as the cage mechanism came undone it was still a mystery as to how they'd opened it and how it would seal after the food had been taken and the server went on their way. Drinks were served on platters that were engraved with small holders to carry each drink until it was taken and those trays were both turquoise and black: a swirl of the colors. Their entire circumference was designed with a dripping wax style that made it seem as if liquid was slowly dripping off the platter and freezing.

Many comments went around that complimented Hiyama's style of serving dishes. There too was talk of former parties that had been just as fine and excited chatter of more clever years to come. Despite this however, what Kaito couldn't grasp was the fact that Gumi wasn't hungry: not in the slightest. No matter how she told him. Yet he presumed something to do with her health was the reason she'd almost fainted earlier this evening. That fact remained true despite her best efforts to calm him and explain that everything was quite alright with her health. Of course maybe not mentally, but otherwise she was well. Most important of all, she was still standing and that alone had to count for something. Her reality remained though, and Kaito was quite unwilling to let go of the fact she'd almost fainted.

"You really should sit," Kaito chided only to have Gumi respond with a shake of her head. She was fine. Well, as fine as a girl could be with missing parents and a serial killer with a massive vendetta against her. Even she couldn't understand why this entire situation could be. She'd figure it out though as she had too. For the sake of all she had left and would have left. This was a puzzle she would piece together: had to piece together. She was in too deep to get out now and even if she'd wanted to the entire case would follow her.

Gumi stilled her hands as they involuntarily shook at the memories that berated her mind. She tightened her hands into fists, willing them to stop. Unfortunately they continued. So she distracted herself and Kaito fast. After all, she didn't need any more of his thoughts pilling up as they already were where she was concerned. Quickly before her emotions and thoughts overwhelmed her she turned with a spin to Kaito. Her head felt clearer as she stepped away from the thick wooden railing.

"I'm alright Kaito," Gumi replied with a smile. Kaito gave her a look that relayed he wasn't all that convinced or satisfied with her answer. Nonetheless, he relented.

"If you say so…" he sighed. Gumi resisted her urge to sigh in response to his. At least with that answer he wouldn't pester her as much. Her answer wasn't a lie either. She was alright. She had to be alright. Lord only knew what Mikuo was getting himself into courteous of her. She chastised herself for sending her thoughts to another potentially dangerous subject. Movement from Kaito caught her attention and she welcomed the distraction.

Kaito's hand was reaching up to remove his mask. He was oddly gentle with the material. The way he'd handled her though made the simple move seem a harsher gesture in comparison. He slide it off with ease. The instant the material no longer obscured his face, Gumi couldn't help gazing into those intense blue eyes of his as well as the flecks of gold within them. This close she could see that no flecks were perfect and each was its own individual figure. They resembled shaved pieces of gold rather than dots. The nearness of him caused her to notice the sweetness of his cologne wafting on the night's breeze and too many other details at once. When she realized he was watching her with the same intensity she directed her gaze elsewhere.

"So, I never took you for the partying type." Gumi joked. She was in fact truly stunned to see Kaito here of all people. He didn't strike her as the rowdy partying type, despite all his pretty boy charms. He grinned smugly before he answered.

"You'll have to define what you mean by that Gumi." He gazed at her and for a few more brief moments she returned it until she deemed he probably wouldn't really answer her. He hadn't given her many answers and she didn't really have a right to pry into the life of someone she'd only known a few days. Her curiosity got the better of her respect though.

"I meant you don't seem like the partying type," Gumi said. When she noticed the grin broadening on Kaito's face with obvious mirth it was only then she'd realized her blunder. Her cheeks flamed.

"I mean, not that you look like a shut in or anything. I was just saying you look-okay I meant that you seem too mature to attend parties. That's still not right...erm..." But Kaito only laughed and nodded.

"I get what you mean, Gumi."

"Never mind," she stated blandly a hint of her former embarrassment in her tone. She moved to brush past him. "I have things I have to do here anyway." She didn't get far though as he slid nimbly in front of her path, blocking off her short walk of an exit to the door.

"I'm here," he started. "Because I was invited as a representative of Meiko and the company, however that's not the only reason. I happen to be friends with the Kiyoteru family and I have been for as long as I can remember. So why are you here Miss Megpoid?" Gumi shuddered as he spoke her last name.

"I was…also invited," she said casually, trying not to make it seem obvious she was lying through her teeth.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight," Kaito said. His hand pushed a small tendril of her hair behind her shoulder, away from her face for the most part. "I mean, you always looking amazing but just today especially." He gave her a brief smirk while she sorted out her thoughts to figure out if she'd just been complimented or not, and if she had been, exactly how to respond. She just ended up staring at him as she tried to figure it out.

They stood there for a while. She was sure she was making him uncomfortable with all her staring but she just couldn't bring herself to look away. The moon was overhead now, lighting everything with streaks of brilliant silver. Away from all the flashing lights the Kiyoteru manor had a rather tranquil atmosphere. Out here in the sun room with its overhead skylights and mixtures of delicate plants the place was really stunning. The moons were doubled, equally luminous in the sky and in the enormous reflecting pool that stretched out into the garden: the water mysterious running calmly. The white marble statuary lining the side of the pool caught the fiery glow and seemed to burn like torches in the night. The sight from here was so otherworldly that Gumi was mesmerized by it. Kaito's broke her gaze and noted what had distracted hers from him.

"This place is gorgeous isn't it?" he said, he smiled at the view and the moonlight made his hair a lighter shade of blue. Gumi took his lapse in concentration to take a step away from him.

"It is," she agreed. Kaito took a step towards her then and opened his mouth to say something, then he changed his mind. "If you have something significant to say," Gumi began. "Then just say it." It was then that Kaito did speak.

"What are you trying to prove Gumi, by throwing yourself out here?" Kaito asked his face stony. "Don't act like you're here by coincidence, I know what you're up to curtsy of your last name." He stepped closer. "Whatever vendetta you have against V, it's not worth your life. I won't let you go throw with this."

"How…," Gumi's voice trailed before she regained her strength. "Who are you to tell me what to do anyway? I'm not trying to pry in your business."

"Regardless, your safety is my business."

"Why do you care? You don't even really know me."

"I care, because like I said, I love you Gumi."

"You just met me!" she argued even though the declaration filled her with confidence: glee.

"That doesn't change the fact that you're in danger, willingly!"

"Kaito, just…pretend you saw nothing."

"I won't," he affirmed. "Don't do this Gumi."

"This is my choice Kaito. Dangerous or not, I need to do this. I've got to figure out how to get to Hiyama." Kaito was silent for a while, searching her face as Mikuo often did.

"I'll help you."

"I didn't ask for your help."

"Well, you're getting it anyway. If I can at least keep you safe-"

"No! Kaito, this isn't your problem! This isn't even Mikuo's problem…"

"I knew he was also involved."

"Exactly, and I don't even want him to particularly be caught up in all of this."

"Then one more shouldn't matter."

"Kaito no."

"I don't want you to get hurt Gumi. I couldn't live with myself if you get killed when I know I could've done something for you." So Gumi twisted around him for her escape. He couldn't join her and she wouldn't change her mind. Again, he got in her way.

"Please move Kaito."

"I can help you."

"Kaito I don't need your help. Let me pass," Gumi repeated. She tried to force her way past him but he was stronger than she was. He stood tall; immovable. She hadn't noticed the short tail of her dress caught under his foot. So when she turned to storm in the other direction in her anger it filled the room with a sickening, dreadful rip as she stumbled forward. Kaito caught her and before she could recover he was kissing her.

The kiss was so sudden that Gumi faltered and almost fell but Kaito was holding her tightly: his eyes were closed as hers were not. There was an odd blur that she noticed rush by. It was a shadowy figure that stuck skillfully to the shadows and caused only the faintest outline of themselves to be clear. They were carrying something upon their back that looked suspiciously like a body of a sort against the black cloak they seemed to be clad in. Gumi broke the kiss to allow her eyes to follow the figure: it was then that Kaito directed her gaze back to him. He held her face in such a way that she was without a choice but to look at him.

"Look at me..."

"Kaito...?"

"Yes, that's right. I'm the one before your eyes. Nobody else is here except you and I...only us...don't think about anything else..." She didn't know what she was doing. Didn't know why Kaito's words in particular were so calming but she believed them and they were so soothing: so real to believe. Her mind melted away, the importance of what she had been doing was seemingly unimportant to the feeling of Kaito's hand softly sliding down hers in an endless caress until his fingers brushed her wrists. His free hand, gentle, innocent, with just his fingertips tilted her chin upwards so she could face him. Could take him in and all his wonderful features. The gold specks in his eyes the heat on his cheeks. His lips drew near to hers, lingering and not quite touching, his head tilting. His fingertips fell away to just the side of his index finger: his thumb settling softly on the other side after gliding just barely over her soft lips.

She felt his breath, odorless, soft against her lips. It stopped the moment he drew less than a centimeter away: as if he was nervous, as if a single breath could ruin everything. Gumi felt her own desire evidently glazed in her eyes as they began to close. She wanted this...wanted Kaito Shion to kiss her. There was nothing else she'd ever wanted more at that moment. Her own heat for him blazed so hot that she forgot herself in it. Her body molded perfectly to his in absolute surrender she hadn't even known she was capable of until then. She called out his name: a gentle whisper that would've been lost on the wind had they not had been so close. And only then did he fulfil her desire and kiss her. A kiss they'd both wanted.

His mouth was more glorious pressed against hers then she'd been able to anticipate. Sparks of electricity shot through her with the flow of his warmth, the scent of him, the slight roughness of the stubble she hadn't even known he'd possessed until they were this close. Gumi could feel the rapid beating of his heart against her chest as a hand at the small of her back pressed her closer to him. His hands did not shake even as his being did. He knew who he was; he knew exactly what he wanted. There was no uncertainty in the surety of his kiss. No deception of doubt in his kiss. He didn't just want her, he needed her. How so after such a short time she didn't bother to ask. Didn't need to ask. Didn't want to ask. His kiss was all the answer she needed. It fed her very soul and when he separated from her reluctantly the look on his face told all the more.

She leaned on him for support only realizing then that her legs were shaking. He supported her and caressed her cheek, still saying nothing. He kissed her again softly and she melted further into him.

"I need you..." he whispered in a breath. "Don't go..." Gumi couldn't think, couldn't breathe. Couldn't fathom what was happening, didn't need to. Kaito was here...that was all that mattered.

She felt the hard coldness of stone press into her back, then a breath later the cold being drowned out by the warmth of Kaito's body as he pressed closer to her. Pressed her up against whatever surface. She was okay with it; more than okay with it. Her hands travelled his body where she could pull him closer: he more than obliged. She felt his tongue soft and moist against her lower lip. Felt his hot hand on her thigh and couldn't think straight about when it could've gotten there. Felt it grip her thigh, yearning, needing more.

"I want all of you Gumi..."

What had she even come here for...?

Her hands sank into his rich hair, felt the lushness beneath her fingers: swirl around her palms. His tongue slid over hers, she felt it. Felt eyes burning into her, felt her and Kaito being watched. A single word left her mouth then in a gasp between breaths for air. Three syllables: one name, a soft moan of true desire. Surprisingly enough, it wasn't Kaito's.

"...Mikuo..." She thought maybe it'd been a mistake, a slip of the words. Until she tried to moan Kaito's name again, "...Mikuo-"

She felt the shift in Kaito's posture. He didn't let her go, didn't let up on his kiss. It became more possessive, more forceful. Her eyes cracked open a slit and she saw his gaze in a different direction, focused on something: someone. She tried to tilt her head to see but he didn't let her. His tongue slid so deep and pleasured her mouth that she stopped her resistance and the chorus of protests she'd meant to verbalize transformed to moans unintentionally. He crushed her to him with a thirst and a hunger that had not been in their first few kisses. A desire that was intense enough to kill. An intensity that only heightened as seconds drew on, As if she was life, and air and he needed her essentials: All of her, and not just some. She was being tightened to him in a vise like grip. In Kaito's arms like this, inhaling his scent.

Thoughts of Mikuo battled their way into her mind even as Kaito continued kissing her. Everything felt wrong then. So internally, physically and emotionally wrong. Before kissing Kaito had been fine, all she desired, but now it was different entirely to Gumi. She tried to peel back slowly from Kaito's lips. Wished somebody would help her as he pressed closer, his tongue violating her mouth: his hands gripping her thighs. She made a sound of protest but his tongue stopped her again. He fit their lips together and kissed her deeply: leaving no room for air. She forced distance between them with her hands and finally the kiss broke. She gasped for air and yanked Kaito's hands away from her. He refused to back up though.

"No, Kaito I can't," Gumi said. Even though tiny electrical shocks were coursing through her body, speeding through her veins. Her mind was burning and in the same sense she was revolted.

"No, it's all right," Kaito smiled, his tone was neutral. Showing no hints of pain or hurt. Reluctantly, he let her go and fished his phone out of his pocket. Gumi watched as he hit a few buttons and then seconds later, he looked up at Gumi and nodded.

"Just head straight upstairs, no one will stop you."

"Kaito, about-"

"You should go before you lose your chance to talk to him." It was not a suggestion.

"I'm just saying that maybe we should talk about what just happened. You know…this." She gestured from Kaito to herself.

"What is there to talk about?" Kaito said neutrally, his voice gave away nothing. It showed no hints of pain or hurt. There was no confusion and there was no anger either. His face and emotions suddenly were a blank canvas to her. That was, until he smiled again.

"This...can't be Kaito," Gumi said as she stared at him. "It can't work." He stepped closer and took her hand and she pulled it slowly away. Even though tiny, pleasurable electrical fissions were coursing through her body and speeding through her veins. Her mind was burning and in the same sense she was revolted.

"I can't." Kaito's smile faded into something slightly sterner.

"You can't or you don't want too?" Gumi was silent, Kaito shifted on his feet. "How about we talk about something more significant? You saw something earlier didn't you? I noticed but," a slight blush crept into his cheeks. Gumi looked away for the sake of her sanity and her focus.

"I don't know what it was exactly but I think maybe somebody was carrying something off," she said as her hands started to shake again. She pulled them close in a hope that maybe Kaito wouldn't see them. "For all I know it could've been V. Hell, Hiyama could be the next target for all I know."

"How do you know for sure, Gumi?" Kaito questioned. He gestured out into the night. "It's so dark out here. Honestly you could've seen anything out here. This whole serial killer chasing thing is a wild goose chase if you ask me. You're probably just chasing shadows."

Chasing shadows? Is that what he thought this was? Kaito's response caused her to respond more harshly than she'd meant to.

"So you're saying I'm just imaging this whole thing?" she asked sourly. "That I should just sit back and let this happen?"

"I'm sure professional police will handle this," he confided. It was only fuel for her anger.

"Does it look like the police have been handling any of this?" She screamed. However, Kaito didn't take a step back.

"Don't you think that'd be more logical than you deliberately throwing yourself into all this danger? You could be killed, just in case you haven't realized." Then again, so what if she really was losing her mind? What did it matter? Kaito didn't understand. How could anyone understand? She couldn't and wouldn't sit back and do nothing. This was her family. If she didn't save them, didn't do something when she knew she could what was the point? She wasn't crazy. She most definitely wasn't imaging any of this. Not after almost being hit by a train, being drugged and strapped to a table. Not after spending so many sleepless nights wondering if she was losing her mind all because of the woman who demanded of her that she not fail. It was all too surreal. This wasn't a dream, it couldn't be.

"My life and I don't have the luxury of logic anymore Kaito," Gumi stated coldly. She swiveled on her heels without another word and strode away from Kaito: she didn't look back. If she was truly losing her mind, so be it. It was better to take action that would drive her crazy than to do absolutely nothing. Her sanity would decrease either way. Hell, it probably would a whole lot faster if she was at home, worrying over every little detail. Constantly wondering when she, the last Megpoid would be next. Sitting in witness protection for the rest of her life certainly wasn't appealing and the world be dammed if Gumi Megpoid went down without a fight.