A/N: Ugh… I'm torn. I kind of want to add an aspect of thirst but, I also think it's waaaaaay too early for that. Damn it, hormones… But, least Kain will finally have a serious chapter.

Somehow, Kain's visit was extended by two days thanks to the Aidou's returning early from their honeymoon. It was a mix of relaxation and dread, the pit in his stomach growing. Already, Lee had latched himself onto Kain's arm, taking no regard of his pale demeanor or his inability to stand on his own. The previous night, Wakaba only smiled half-heartedly as they returned to their seat, Lee tugging on Kain's arm like a child wanting attention. Tonight was no different.

"Touya." Kain greeted. The small blonde wrapped her arms around his frame, the tension disappearing. Kain held her, concern spreading across his face. He lowered his head. "You alright?"

"Nu-uh." She mumbled into his shirt.

"Want to talk about it?" He questioned.

"… I want to get drunk with my best friend." She answered, pulling away with a slight smile. It quickly dissipated once her eyes landed on Lee. Kain could hear the false excitement in her voice. "Lee. So good to see you again."

"Likewise, Rima!" He trapped her in a hug. Just like that, the smile faded as she shot Kain a glare. He held up his hands and shook his head, hoping she'd know what it'd mean. Just like that, the hug was dropped and she plastered the smile again.

"No offense and, I'm really happy you're here but… Tonight was supposed to be about best friends getting together." He knew she could see the flinch as Lee wound himself around Kain again.

"I know… I begged him to bring me."

"More like threw yourself in the car and threw a grown ass tantrum…" Kain muttered. He studied Touya's expression as the other's smile turned into a mischievous grin.

"Well… Like I said, today's all about best friends…" With the raise of her eyebrow, Kain inwardly groaned.

"Lee, do you want to order for us? We'll be over there." He pointed to a booth in the corner. Lee eyed the blonde suspiciously but did as was requested. Kain waited for his back to turn before they started toward the booth. "Touya, I don't want to deal –"

"This is just best friends getting together. Who cares that you dated one of my best friends?"

"… Shiki, Kiryuu, Lee, you and myself at a table sounds like a recipe for disaster."

"Oh, Senri's not coming."

She stated it so nonchalantly as she sat that Kain raised an eyebrow, sitting across from her. "… Huh?"

"He's got… Another entertainment. One where I get all the details cause you like to skimp on those."

"… Ichijo's cheating on Kiryuu?"

"Mm." She leaned forward, her voice dropping. "Now, are you serious about Mr. Lee?"

He glanced at the roof, squeezing his eyes shut. "What is with you and Ruuka trying to match us up?"

"Oh, Souen's making good on her end?" She tilted her head inquisitively.

"For the…" He was already tired of the drama. "Kiryuu's with Ichijo."

"And… What would you do if you knew what kind of hell Takuma's been putting Zero through?" It was a small tick but, Touya caught it. "Wonderful. So, we're getting rid of Lee?"

"It's his choice to be with him, Touya. Just like Lee's mine."

"Mm… You can't stand him either."

"Yes, I –"

"Please." She leaned forward, placing a palm on either side of his face. "You can't lie to me when you look like that."

He stuck his tongue out at her, Touya laughing as he did so. Still, she removed her hands. "So, where'd you two meet?"

"I think that's a question we all want to hear." The new voice attracted Touya's eye, her grin spreading. Kain stared at his hands, fiddling with each of his fingers in turn. He didn't have to look up to know what he'd find, especially as the owner of that stare sat across from him. Not even a second later, Lee returned and sidled up to him.

"I miss anything?"

"Introductions, how you two met and old memories… So, the entire evening." Kain hid the small smirk at Kaito's answer. He was careful to avoid Kiryuu's gaze.

"Really?"

"Gullible." Kaito stated, taking his first drink. "We just sat down."

"Oh." It was clear Lee already disliked the Hunter.

"Forgive him. He was raised without any sort of manners." Kiryuu stated.

"Except those found in a barn." Kain chirped.

"Hey!" Both Touya and Kaito whined. Kain raised an eyebrow, the lilac eyes offering a short explanation.

"Since they're similar, they've decided they're twins." Kain nodded.

"Yeah, my last statement still holds." He felt the combined efforts of Kaito and Touya, deciding it worth the sting. Kiryuu's eyes fell on Lee.

"You're the boy that interrupted Mama and Papa's wedding, right?"

"I missed something major, didn't I?" Kain questioned Touya.

"Well, we all got adopted by the Aidou's."

"… What am I, then? The unloved Uncle?"

Kaito and Touya snorted. Lee leaned into Kain's body. "Can we go?"

"You want to?" Kain asked, the disappointment clear in his voice. Lee nodded. "I can call Enmei to pick you up –"

"No, I want you to come with." He started pouting.

Kain opened his mouth to speak. Touya took over. "Lee… I have been looking forward to having some time with my best friends. You tagged along even though you weren't invited. Go home."

Lee's expression changed, his lips pressing together. Kain sighed, turning the others head towards him. "I won't be long. Two hours, tops."

The platinum head sighed. "Promise?"

"Promise." He thought that would be the end of it. Lee's hand rested on the back of Kain's head, lowering him until their lips met. Kain broke it after a second, staring in disbelief as the other glared at the group, taking his sweet time in leaving.

"Christ, man…" Kaito stated once the other was gone. All three vampires flinched at the word. "Where did you meet him? An orphanage?"

"Long story short?" Kaito nodded as Touya rested her elbows on the table. "Shiki took me to a strip club… End of story."

"Damn, son!" Touya chimed. She closed her eyes and extended her hand towards the door. "The daddy issues are strong with this one."

"How much baby talk does he do?" Kaito questioned.

"Please. We just saw him try to be cute." Touya widened her eyes, her bottom lip poking out.

"Make the eyes sadder and you got it." Kaito critiqued. His attention returned to Kain. "So, I understand he's bendy and sensual. There's got to be more to it than that."

"What makes you think so?" Kiryuu asked.

"He went from dating a big brain to… a twink?" He turned to Touya who shrugged then nodded.

"There's usually a good reason." Kiryuu offered.

"And, don't say because he looks like Zero. That's bogus." Touya remarked, sipping her drink. Kain sighed.

"He's a part of some plan… I don't know who's but, best guess would be –"

"Kuran." Kiryuu finished for him. Kain nodded, stirring his drink.

"Why would Lord Kuran care if you were dating a twink?" Touya asked.

"Why does he care about our relationships at all?" Kain countered. He could sense that struck a cord within her, his hand reaching out to hers as he squeezed it gently. Kaito downed his.

"Regardless, I think it's more to do with the fact that he looks like that."

"Kaito, you can't just say the first thing that comes stomping through your mind." Kiryuu tiredly explained.

"Sure I can. It's what makes me charming. Right, Rima?"

"… If you believe that." She forced a grin.

"What have you been doing?" Kain asked, finally meeting Kiryuu's face. Just as he expected: poker. Even the dulled bond could have told him that.

"Modeling. I've got three really big companies coming after me and I gotta be on top of my A-game." Touya flipped her pig tail over her shoulder.

"And avoiding Sayori." Kiryuu filled in. Touya backhanded his arm.

"Seriously? Still?" Kain shook his head, tilting Touya's chin up. The blue eyes narrowed slightly. "Lord Kuran does not dictate who you should see."

"B—"

"Think of it this way… Lady Yuuki gave her blessing to your relationship, yes?" Touya dropped her eyes. He could see the loyalties switching back and forth. Finally, she gave the faint ghost of a nod. "Then, be with Sayori."

"But…" Kain dropped his hand from her face, his expression curious. She twiddled her thumbs. "… I… don't think I'm a good –"

"You finish that sentence, we're checking you into a mental institute." Kiryuu stated.

"Who's we, Zero?" She snarked back.

"Kiryuu, myself… Possibly Kaito." Kain answered, receiving the affirmation shortly after the brunette downed his drink.

"I don't even –"

"Go up to her and hold her. If she pushes you off, your relationship is just friendship. Anything else, you're in." Kaito advised.

"Says the boy with no love map." Touya muttered, instantly regretting it. "I didn't mean –"

"No. You know what? You're right." He downed the second drink, nodding to Kain. "Good to have you back."

"Kaito!" Touya yelled, watching as he walked out of the bar. She slumped in her seat.

"Tactic, captain?" Kain asked Kiryuu.

"Follow him." Kiryuu instructed.

Touya's eyes switched from one boy to another. "You sure?"

"If I can't be civil with Kiryuu for thirty minutes, I'll never survive any function." Kain reassured. Touya paused, running after her 'twin' a moment later.

"Do you really hate me that much?" Kiryuu questioned.

"I hate the circumstances we're forced into." Kain answered, again avoiding his eyes. It was hard enough just seeing his hand resting on his drink, his wrist… Even now, he was aware of the blood flowing through his veins. Still, he swallowed another drink. "But, you're with –"

"Takuma… And you're with Lee." Kiryuu finished for him. Kain stared hard at the table, his breathing rate increasing. "Still, it didn't stop you from sending me this."

Kain slammed his head against the table, protected only by Kiryuu's fingers. Immediately, he straightened. "Sorry – I…"

"Not the best angle for it." Kiryuu continued, studying the photo. So many thoughts crossed Kain's mind, forcing an adjustment.

"I did ask you to delete it."

"Yeah, and?"

"… Why didn't you?"

"Same reason you said you missed me, I guess." Silence.

"I'm… I'm sorry. I have –"

"Lee calling?" Zero asked.

For the first time all evening, Kain stared into those beautiful eyes. His own reflected in them. The silver head blinked numerous times. The taller nodded. "I suggest we don't hang out – just the two of us."

"Is it really that bad?" Kiryuu asked, returning to his somewhat robotic form. Kain lowered his collar. The flicker of lust on his ex-partners face assured him that this tactic was for the best.

"If I see you alone again…" He knew there was a husky hint in the dangerous tone. "I'll jeopardize everything you've worked for."

Kiryuu's Adam's apple bobbed. Kain bit down on a groan. "You're saying you still want me."

"…" Kain gulped, focusing on the leather behind Kiryuu's head. "In any way you want me. Good night."

He didn't bother to wait for the last comment.

Lee had accompanied him to pick up the Aidou's from the airport. Souen shot him a nasty look before embracing Kain. Aidou eyed him warily, his attentions shifting to Lee then back again. Kain knew his cousin had interpreted the situation correctly.

"Ruuka…" Aidou gently nudged her away, taking great care of the skin he chose to expose to Kain as he wrapped his arms around the other. He lowered his voice. "Did you get what I'd need?"

"Kanno did." Kain whispered back. "I have a few of my own but…"

Aidou nodded, clapping Kain on the back. "You're… Lee, yes?"

The younger nodded. Kain didn't miss Souen's infamous eye roll as she crossed her arms over her chest. "We have a lot of family things to catch up on so, do you mind enterta—"

"Why does everyone want alone time with Akatsuki?" Lee started, stamping his foot. Kain lowered his head as Aidou assessed the situation.

"How long has this been happening?" Aidou asked.

"Couple months…" The pity on Aidou's face heated Kain's. "It's not like I can control it."

Aidou nodded, gesturing for Souen to join them. "You two are such a boys club and –"

"Honey…" Aidou glanced at Kain who nodded. "I'll explain once I know. But, I have a favor to ask…"

Souen sighed. "Fine. What's the favor?"

Aidou gestured to the grown man throwing a stomping fit. Souen sighed. "You're initiating and you have to spend at least an hour making me feel good."

Like a switch, Kain watched as his cousin went from serious to interested. "Only an hour?"

Souen covered his mouth, her eyes widening as Kain shook his head. "You two have a deal or what?"

"We have a deal." Aidou muttered past her hands, pressing kisses to each finger. Kain guessed some of his actions were a preview of the 'deal', his eyes on Lee.

"And, you'll tell me everything?" Souen asked, dragging Kain's attentions back. He nodded.

"At least it's not a bleed me situation." Aidou reassured. They had locked themselves in the laboratory as Souen tried to keep Lee entertained. Thus far, all they could hear was the beginning of a Disney movie.

"It's getting that bad…"

"How much do you usually take from him?"

"If you asked me a month ago, I'd say two-three sips a day… Now, it's more like an hour."

Aidou's expression softened as Kain collapsed. "It's not uncommon –"

"I can't fall." Kain answered, swallowing back tears. "It's already all I think about…"

"… At our wedding… I thought I saw you lick Kiryuu's neck…" Kain lowered his head. "So, lust is a factor…"

"That's… not lust."

"Love, then?"

"… Infatuation."

"Your definition of love, got it." He avoided the pillow thrown at his head. "Quick to anger, too."

"Can you help me or not?" Kain questioned.

"I need to run tests on what drug it is."

"How long will that take?"

"… It'd probably be best if you went into self-isolation."

"Hana…"

"I don't know how long." Aidou pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is serious, Akatsuki…."

"I know." Kain gripped his arm. "It feels like all I've done is mess up."

"Well, I'm not disagreeing with you there." His cousin didn't change position. Aidou sighed and threw an arm around his shoulder. "First things first… Detox."

"… We've only got four days."

"… Can you get an extension?" Kain shook his head. Aidou ran a hand through his hair. "What's your plan?"

"Avoid everyone I want to bite and die alone." He thought about the last thing he told Kiryuu, his cheeks flushing at the thought of him offering his neck…

"You must like Lee a lot."

"Oblivious jack…"

"Or, did you have a dirty thought about Kiryuu?" Aidou teased.

"You're an ass."

"So, I'm right with the second."

"Are you going to help or not?"

"Mmhmm." He handed Kain a clipboard questionnaire, pouring the blood vials into different petri dishes. "Do you at least like Lee?"

"… He's a part of someone else's plan."

"That much I knew."

"You know?"

"Yes."

"What can you deduce?"

"Considering you were with Shiki, I'm thinking Ichijo supplied the drug his whore house uses and supplied it to Lee."

"That much I figured out."

"But, the question is… Which compound."

"Is that why there's a question saying 'how do you feel when you drink'?"

"Yes."

Kain sighed. "It's like… A massive blinding light."

"The warm kind?"

"No. The 'let's set off a migraine' kind."

"… How are you addicted?"

"That's what I'd like to know." He helped himself to some of the blood wine.

"Does it help?"

"… Not much but… It's either that or eat you."

"Drink up, then. Rest up. Do you still have the apartment on fifth?"

"Yes."

"Stay there for tonight." He tossed a bottle of the tablets. "Keep drinking them. Don't tell Lee where you'll be."

Kain nodded slowly. "You'll text me the second something happens, right?"

"Yes." Aidou clapped a hand on Kain's shoulder as they started for the door. "You're more responsible than me."

"You'd have drained everyone." Aidou opened the door, both of them jumping back at Kiryuu's presence, Souen hot on his heels.

"We just made out!" Kiryuu yelled, his back to them.

"You did my mom!"

"Are we still on this?" Aidou yelled over them, causing Kain to flinch. The intrusive voice gave pause as their eyes fell on him. Rather, Souen's did. Kiryuu's slowly trailed up to Kain's face, Kain's lips parting as they did so. He remembered those soft lips taking the same amount of time during a game of turn on. He also remembered trapping Kiryuu between the wall and himself, his tongue forcing entry as his thumbs ran over Kiryuu's…

"What are you doing here?" Aidou questioned, dragging Kain back from his memories. He hated that Kiryuu's stare intensified, the last words probably ringing in his head.

"Mama asked me to come though, now that I'm here… Think she just wanted to yell at me." He rolled his eyes, dodging as Souen threw a shoe. Kain caught it.

"Really, Ruuka?"

"He did your aunt, Akatsuki!"

"What aunt?"

"My mom!" She shouted.

"For the last time, we only made out until she passed out." Kiryuu fought back. Kain's hand tightened in a fist as he excused himself.

Kain followed Aidou's instructions, the apartment on fifth not as well-furnished as his other one. Again, it was a two bedroom but, one of them was an office. Two washrooms. No balcony but, it had an open concept. The furniture was a bed, a desk and a small table. But, there was one small silver lining: every person was equipped to deal with him in this state. Much like a fancy cell, Kain spent the majority of the time on his phone, the images in his head and his want encouraging him. The other nice part of the apartments was the sound dampening. Still, he bit his outer wrist, the strangled moan lining with what he actually wanted. He cleaned himself and the object with one of the few washcloths, helping himself to a bloody water.

"I forgot you're loud." Kain froze, finding Kiryuu in his peripheral. The other was leaning against the wall.

"How'd you –"

"Rima."

"Who let you –"

"I told them we had an appointment. Which you obviously forgot." He lifted himself from the wall. Kain wracked his brain, sighing as he remembered his schedule.

"Right. I'll get –"

"If I see anything new about you, I'll throw a dollar."

"Can I offer you –"

"Sure."

"Can you please –"

"Sorry. Bad habit I picked up from Rima." He seated himself at the dining room table.

"… I'm going to get dressed."
"Fine." He was silent for a few seconds. "Considering your promise…"

"Not really a promise."

"So, you wouldn't like me to assist you with the next time you feel…"

"Stop." Kain shoved the thoughts down.

"You started it."

"We're not friends, Kiryuu. Neither of us has a benefit. There's nothing to gain." Kain lowered his head.

"… Fine. Come talk when you're dressed."

"What'd you find?" Kain asked once appropriately attired. He chose to sit on the other side of the table, still too close for comfort. Kiryuu's arm brushed against his.

"Well, Ozaki has three different links –"

"You sent that one. Two lead to spams but, the third goes in a circle."

"What does the circle mean?"

"It's a reference to a small group of radicals that believe the vampire mind should be the hive mind. No room for individuality."

"So, Ozaki is a part of it?"

"…" Kain ran a hand through his hair. "You do understand those sites were to help you, right?"

"I didn't have you to explain it, did I?" He shot back. Kain ignored the chill running down his spine.

"Point taken." He met Kiryuu's eye. "The hive mind explains your hostages. They need a mix of humans and every kind of vampire to work it. Once a human is brainwashed into it and given to a Level E, they become part of it."

"So… You knew about what I was looking into?"

"I can't up and say it now, can I?"

"Do you know who's in control of the hive mind?"

"No."

Kiryuu nodded. "And… I found information about your birth mother."

"Mayoko?"

"Her name's Mayumi. Apparently, she and Kitashi were together before Mayoko was ever found."

Kain's brow furrowed. Kiryuu walked around the table, resting against Kain's side. "For what it's worth, you have her semi-amused smile."

Kain wet his lips and stroked the cheek. Her eyes were raised skyward with the same smile, her hand resting on her lower abdomen. "You were born twenty-five years ago, yeah?"

"Mm… In February."

"Well, here's Mayoko in January same year." Her stomach was flat. That was all Kain needed to see.

"So… My mother's alive."

"Kitashi's not, if it's helpful."

"You're kind of a jerk."

"Mm, so are you." He leaned forward and stretched his lower back. Kain's eyes rested on the lower back, his eyebrows knitting together as he lifted the shirt. Kiryuu stopped, his eyes on Kain.

"Did Ichijo do this to you?" He questioned, the large I branded on his right side.

"It's not the worst he's ever done." Kiryuu answered.

"Still…" He was unable to stop himself, tracing the I with his index finger. Kiryuu hissed. Kain dropped his hand, the blush on his cheeks evident. He knew Kiryuu was smirking. "Sorry."

"And, that's all I have."

"Great…" Kain stood, avoiding eye contact. "You can go, now."

A/N: So… I said it wouldn't have thirst… That'd it be a serious chapter…. This…. Is why I should not write promises.