Zero lifted his head as his phone rang for the millionth time. He had hoped that, by ignoring it, they'd leave him sleep. He rested on his elbows, inching forward to take his phone off the night stand. Covering a yawn, he answered and spoke groggily. "Yeah?"

"Answer your damn phone!" The dispatcher cursed in a foreign language. Zero sounded a noncommittal grunt, shifting on the bed. "Now, are you near Munachen?"

"Mm…" He lifted his upper body, his head leaning to the side as his eyes closed momentarily. "I can be there by tomorrow."

"This is serious. Maybe I should give it to Kaito alone."

Zero paused, suddenly awake. "How many?"

"That got your attention." The sadistic man chuckled. "Only one that we're aware of but, they've been causing trouble."

"Don't they always." He held the phone between his shoulder and his ear, desperately searching for his pants. "Children? Elderly? Women? Men? Or, no preference?"

"You sound like an investigator." He could hear their eyes roll and the line falling dead. He ran a hand through his hair and sifted through his bag for a shirt. He felt pride swell in his chest. Longest conversation since. He grinned, wiping it off as he considered his situation. Meh, Kain won't miss me for a couple days. Still, he searched for a piece of paper and a pen. Instead, he found a napkin and a sharpie. He wrote hastily, his bags in his hand, and left it on the counter as he entered the elevator doors.

Zero stood, waiting by the garage door of the Association for his partner, Kaito Takamiya to arrive. As always, the slumped over, sarcastic, womanizer was late – as was part of his routine. Normally, it annoyed Zero to no end as the impatience built. Today, however, he shifted on his feet, constantly checking around him for a darkened limo. He reached into his weapons bag and calmed as soon as he felt Bloody Rose. "Kiryuu!"

Though he would have jumped, Zero calmly turned to Kaito's grinning, if not hungover, face. The grin faltered when he realized Zero was expecting it. "Shall we go?"

"I've been waiting –"

"Yeah, yeah. Spare me." He held the keys on his index finger. "They gave us the better ride."

Zero climbed into the seat of the Kia, grimacing as Kaito turned the car over, the radio playing full blast. He turned it off, glaring at his partner. "No."

"Oh, come on. You love this song." He turned it back on.

"Just drive." Zero ordered, rubbing his already aching temples.

Kaito tsked and turned it off, backing from the original parking spot. "What's up, cranky?"

No response. Zero turned his head towards the traffic, knowing he had the far off look in his eye. He had perfected it, hoping that people like Headmaster Cross would leave him alone. Like Headmaster Cross, Kaito continued. "How's your Kuran plan coming?"

Zero studied his partner from the corner of his eye. Despite his good looks, the years had aged him. He was still good looking – albeit, the cross lines around his mouth and eyes deterred most and, with how much practice he had, a signature pout added to his demeanor. "If you're not going to put on the radio, you're going to answer questions."

Zero turned it on, making a voila motion with his hand. He rubbed his eye as the sun rose, seeming to greet him. It made him uncomfortable.

"You know we could have met at your place." Kaito scolded, adjusting Zero's visor.

"Maybe I don't want you over at my place." He muttered under his breath. Normally, he'd have taken a vampires' request as something to test but, he liked his own space to remain private. He scowled at himself.

"Okay. What's going on?" Kaito asked, pulling the car over.

"Your driving has gotten worse."

"Liar." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Are you still on those Kurans?"

No answer. Kaito scoffed. "That's it, isn't it? There's others out there who do way worse and you're still wrapped up on some pureblood girl? Or, is it the guy?"

Zero raised an eyebrow. Where did that accusation come from? Kaito shook his head. "No. You know what? You're stupid. And suicidal. And dumb. And reckless…"

"What can I say? I learned from the best."

"You seriously think any vampire is just going to let you walk in and kill a pureblood? Level E's are fine but, purebloods? Or, do you have this some sort of ideal world where they'll all bow towards you and let you do whatever you want? They're not the Association!"

With that, Zero glared at his partner. "You think the Association lets me do whatever I want?"

"I meant before."

Zero shook his head. "We're all at their beck and call. Me most of all. Why? Because they think I'll drop…"

"I know!" Kaito interrupted, signalling again. "I know better than you do."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"… Nothing." He ran a hand through his hair. "You know I'll back you up whatever you choose to do. But, I need to know what circumstance I'm running into."

"I'm playing it safe."

"Safer than most. But, Pureblood's are a dangerous victim."

"Trust me, I know."

"I know you know. But, I also know your temper." On and on, Kaito ranted about how to play it stealthy. Hypocrite. This was usual – any information Kaito got, he had to work out vocally with the pros and the cons. While his friend was occupied, Zero added to his plan Z or part 9000 of plan A or B. It was part of the plan he never wanted to do: getting closer to Rima. If Rima stopped being suspicious of Zero and believed him to love Kain, or just mildly like Kain, one less thing to worry about. Perhaps it should be done sooner… But, he had time.

"And another thing…" Kaito started as they entered Munachen's border.

Zero held up his hand, surveying the layout. "A Level E is in a small town?"

"A? As in one?" Kaito asked. Zero nodded. Kaito shook his head. "Zero… This isn't just a single level E."

"Then, what is it?"

"Haven't you noticed that they started gathering together?" Kaito asked. "I don't know about you but, I didn't hear of a town called Munachen until a couple months ago."

Zero wracked his brain. He had heard the towns name before… From a superior. Not Yagari but, someone. Like Kaito, not until recently. "What is it, then?"

"In short? A massacre." He gestured towards the horizon. "Everything you see houses at least five Level E's… Maybe some food bags that, by now, are sire whipped."

Zero opened his Bloody Rose gun and checked his pockets. "I don't have enough."

"I've got my sword in the back. Might have more ammo for you." He studied Zero momentarily. "Dispatch told me that they were only sending you."

"Funny." He huffed. "They told me the same."

"But, why?" Kaito pulled into an abandoned parking lot.

"Isn't it obvious?" He unholstered Bloody Rose. "If they sent one of us, they'd have to deal with Master."

Zero had been taught to be careful, watchful. It was something that their shared Master had tried to instill on his partner. Sadly, Kaito seemed to forget those options and chose to go for something more surprising and dramatic.

Days. Weeks. Months. Zero didn't keep track of time. One Level E found out, then another. Soon enough, there were too many to count. It was the last one that had Zero on edge. For a while after, he expected another to magically appear before his eyes, the adrenaline rush seemingly never ending.

Kaito limped, the bruises on his rib cage and the broken leg slowing him down. "Relax, Zero. Pretty sure that if there were more, they would have come by now."

"Bleed, then." Zero muttered to himself. He turned on him. "Do you remember nothing of our training? Instead, you're like 'oh, witty catchphrase' and kill everything in sight!"

"Blood bath is a good enough bath." Kaito retorted. "Besides, we won."

"Barely." He stormed to the car, guilt gnawing at his mind. Kaito's apologizes gained Zero's silent treatment as they headed home, his eyes on the road.

"You know you can stay at my place, right? I know it's not Kuran advantage but, it is safe."

"I have a place." Zero answered gruffly. "And a roommate."

"What are they like?"

"Quiet." He hid the smirk at the double meaning. It left as anxiety bubbled in his stomach. "Kaito, you've been with a lot of people."

"If that's a slut shame, screw you."

"No." He stopped at the red light, his head downcast. "How do you get them to like you?"

Kaito shifted in his seat. "Girl trouble?"

"… Let's go with that."

"Well, first, I shower them with compliments. Most girls like it. Some, the ones worth conquering, don't. They play hard to get and they are extremely difficult."

"What about the girls who focus on honesty?" He continued, driving.
"We sure we're talking about a girl here?"

"…"

"Well, for any way you're swinging, you got to make your feelings known."

"And, if you don't have feelings?"

"Fake it." Realization dawned on Kaito just as Zero opened his mouth. "Wait… Are you trying to date this roommate of yours?"

"Maybe I'm dating for the hunt."

"For the hunt…" Kaito narrowed his eyes. "Okay, I see. You're dating Kuran!"

Zero snorted, pulling into the wrong lane momentarily. He corrected his mistake, nearly missing an oncoming car.

"Watch it! I'm valuable!" Kaito exclaimed, returning to the conversation at hand. "Okay, not Kuran… Am I on the right track with the hunt?"

Silence. Kaito nodded. "Okay… Can't be Aidou or Souen – those two wouldn't last a day with you. Could be Shiki. Ichijo would annoy you. Kain… Well… He's not exactly annoying but, he'd drive you round the bend inevitably."

As if he sensed Zeros' shift, Kaito smirked. "It's Kain, isn't it?"

Silence. "I'll take that as a yes."

You always do. Kaito leaned into Zero's personal space. "Kain's tricky. He's never dated anyone, has a chip on his shoulder and a past that no one knows."

"I've done the research myself."

"So, why him?" Kaito held up a finger. "Wait. I know why. How'd you become roommates with him? Why him? Seiren would be a better target."

Silence.

"Right…" He sighed. "I think you owe me a drink."

"I think you owe me a drink." Zero ignored Kaito's hand near his face. "I pulled your ass out of the fire."

"Please." Kaito scoffed. "I saved you."

"No one will believe that."

"I'm the one doing the report." He pointed to a nearby dive in bar. "Just one drink?"

"After you get your leg fixed, sure. But, you're buying."

Zero did as he said, dropping Kaito and the vehicle off at the academy. He stretched, the night sky welcoming him home. He returned to the real world, walking in the direction of, for now, home. He called Kain's phone first but, the man didn't pick up. Strange.

As if on cue, a limo pulled up to Zero's side. He stepped away from the curb, his hands curled into fists as the window for the VIP strode next to him. He expected the taunting of Kuran's face or that of Ichijo's – the only two vampires who'd be so pretentious enough to approach him by limo. He felt relief and suspicion as it revealed Touya's face. She threw the door open, sliding over.

For a moment, the Zero who hated all vampires, tried to run. The Zero who knew the steps he'd have to take to destroy the Kuran's that stopped him. The Zero who trusted Kain and Kain's judgment forced him into the vehicle.

As soon as he climbed in, Zero wanted to climb out. Instead of her usual china doll apparel, Touya wore a red tube top and mini skirt, her make up heavy. "Go ahead. Make a joke."

Zero averted his eyes. "What do you want, Touya?"

"Kain's out of town."

"And... You're here to baby sit me?"

"Ah. So, you probably figured it out."

"That the scheming Kuran's are using Kain to get to me under the guise of a relationship?"

Touya nodded. "Well put. Should have thrown in a few curse words."

She tapped on the chauffer's glass and offered Zero some champagne. "Now… Do you see the gaping hole in their plan?"

"I thought it was a good plan."

"If it were with anyone else… Solid. If it were me, I'd have you changed one hundred percent. You'd be no better than the rest of us."

"So, that's the plan? Twist me into something unrecognizable?"

"It's a battle of wills." Touya sipped her glass. "You see the problem?"

"They used Kain?"

"Correct." Touya threw her hair over her shoulder. "Boy smart!"

"What's the problem with him?"

"Simple: he's never been in a relationship."

"What's the problem with that?"

"Do you remember your first love?"

"Yes. She left me for her current husband."

"Right… And, how well were you able to hide your true self from her?"

Zero paused. "So, you're saying that… I'm his first love?"

"If you go for a relationship, yes."

"And… Why are you telling me this?"

"A few reasons. One is obvious: Kurans put me on babysitting duty while Kain's out of town."

"Doing what?"

"Whatever his dad's business is. I never paid attention." She poured another, glancing at Zero's. "It's not poisoned."

"I trust that." Still, he didn't sip. "What are the other reasons?"

"Well… Kain's going to eff this up somehow. He's not good at hiding his emotions or thoughts to those he's close to. And, even if this is just a game to him…"

"… It won't stay a game."

Touya nodded, raising her glass.

"And, the last?" Zero asked.

"Well, this might put a strain on our relationship."

"Figured. What is it?"

Touya sighed and set her glass down, refusing to meet his eyes. "Regardless of your play… At least try to treat it like a real relationship."

"And, why would I do that?"

"You may not like us for what we are but, if even a portion of you likes Kain in any way, you'll do as I ask."

The limo came to a stop. Zero opened the door. Touya scoffed. "Se –"

"I'll try my best." He ended, closing the door on her retort.

Zero cooked. He cleaned. He shopped. He ignored Kaito's annoying texts and messages. But, most importantly, he searched for anything with the surname: Kain.

Katashi and Mayoko Kain shared many of the pages, each switching to one another until they could have blurred as one. Katashi, alone, had over two thousand results, his wife no less impressive. Katashi had claimed a monopoly for many years on airplanes, hotels, restaurants, libraries… Zero felt pity for Kain, wondering how in the world he'd memorize everything the enterprise did.

Mayoko was a different type of monopoly. Fashion. Travel. Music production. Writing. His head started to spin.

In comparison, Kain had maybe… Four entries. His graduation. Taking his father's place. A hot or not list by a superficial article (apparently, hottest of the hot). And, a small biography, illustrating him as the tragic supermodel.

Zero dialed Kain's number, not expecting an answer. Yet, within two rings, he heard a sleepy voice. "Kain speaking."

"You're alive." Right… Kain enterprises.

"How'd you get this number?"

"You gave it to me?" Zero answered, suddenly wondering how he called Kain. He nodded, affirming his statement.

"Right, right."

"Checking to see if you're home." Zero lied. Still, it was better than admitting he had been stalking his dead parents' legacy.

"I probably won't be home for another… six years. At this rate."

Zero knew he knew the answer. Still, he had missed his nonverbal, ghostly friend. "Family business?"

"I'm only here one day out of the month and yet, they keep piling work on me." Kain whined. First prize for sounding like a child…

"Oh, poor you." Zero mocked. "Must be so hard, signing all those documents."

"Always read before you sign. Six million, ten thousand, eight hundred pages…"

"Small font?"

"Need a microscope."

Zero snickered. "I thought that's what the legal department was for."

"I probably need to fire one of them for continuously adding the stipulation where I'm personally responsible for everything that goes wrong. What's it got to do with me if the manufacturer failed?"

"You still sold it."

"Yes but, I have a contract with all vendors saying the same thing: if it's an issue with the product, it's their problem, not mine."

"Cover your ass."

"Basically." Kain sounded tired. "How'd the hunt go?"

Zero wondered if he should tell Kain about Level E's living in groups. "… Classified."

"So, you just called to hear me bitch?"

"That and I wanted to make sure you weren't dead."

"Can't have Touya thinking you killed me?"

"Among the others." If it came down to it, Touya would be the least of his issues. Seiren would be high on that list… As would Ichijo. And Kuran. But, Aidou and Ruuka would be first in line. "See you when you're home."

"Whenever that is." He hung up. Zero listened to the dead line tone before hanging his phone. Now bored, he grabbed his cigarettes and headed for the balcony.

The hotel was busy. He lit his cigarette, stopping mid inhale at a small, black car loitering in the parking lot. Flicking it over the ledge, he tore out of the apartment and building until he wound up next to the car.

Touya rolled her window down, squinting at the sun. He was glad to see the china doll return. "What?"

"You want to come in?"

"I should—"

"Kain's bed is unoccupied and it's comfier than sitting out here."

Touya stared at him, her eyes narrowed. Crinkles appeared at the outsides of her eyes. "Are you… Lonely?"

"Are you coming?" He asked impatiently, strutting back inside. Touya followed on his heels.

"You eat more than Aidou." Zero muttered.

Touya pointed a fork in his direction. "Do not. Compare me. To that pig."

After she had slept for, what seemed days but really, maybe… Five hours, she delved into the fridge. The counter was surrounded with dirty dishes of Zero's continuous cooking habits. Still, Zero held up his hands. "I take it back."
"As you should." She huffed, inhaling the rest of her bowl. She set it down. "Won't Kain be mad that I'm over when he's not?"

"He said I couldn't invite any vampire hunters into the penthouse. He never said anything about his friends."

"Wow… Kind of ass hole of him."

Zero shrugged. "I figure better to keep him feeling safe."

"But, you're wrong." Touya mentioned after another helping. "Kain hates anyone in his apartment. Especially when he's not home."

"Why?"

"… You don't…" She shook her head. "It's better if he tells you. Then, you can honestly say you made him cry."

"Can I have a hint, at least?"

She shut her mouth again. Zero was about to protest when she answered her phone. "Finally. Usually, you're in and out."

"New secretary. Kiryuu called." Zero wondered why she put it on speaker.

"That's who he was phoning." Touya smirked as Zero raised an eyebrow.

"You've been tailing him?"

"Kuran found out you were busy with business so, he asked me to tail. He hasn't done much. Sit at home, read, watch TV… call you. Went for a walk. Met nobody."

She's omitting so much… Why? As if reading his thoughts, she set the phone down. "Jeez, and you say I'm a stalker for knowing what class we all have."

"Trust me, I'd much rather be watching a movie with Sayori. Now, questions?" She leaned forward on the counter, pressing a finger to her lips.

"No, she's not my type. Yes, she's obviously trying to impress me with her long legs. No, she's in a relationship and you know I don't like her." Zero raised an eyebrow. How many times did Touya ask this?

"Good to know." She bit her lip and started analyzing Zero. "Now, what were you and Zero…"

"Just a what you up to and how's it going call. Nothing more."

An impressive eyebrow raise landed on Touya's face. Zero shuddered. "So, what are you up to?"

"Going through the world's most ironclad contract and crossing out where they put the blame on me."

"You still haven't fired that guy?"

"If I knew who that guy was, I definitely would."

Touya snapped her fingers. "Bet you it's Mr. Ando. He's hated you from day one."

"It probably is. Doesn't mean I have the right to fire him until I have proof."

"Do the other partners know?"

"Probably. No responsibility for them so, they're fine with me taking the fall. Plus, if I can't pay…"

"They can kick you out and take over the partnership. So, why are they putting it on your desk?"

"Because their secretaries don't agree with what they're doing. Which is why my secretary needs a communications degree and be a people person."

"There's a reason for that?"

"Touya, who are you more likely to assist: the guy that doesn't talk much and keeps to himself while wearing fancy jewelry or the talkative girl who takes pity on him and forces others to be nice to him?"

"Well, it sounds like our relationship so, I'm going with the talkative girl."

Kain snorted. "You're the talkative one? The nice one?"

"Compared to you?"

"Touche." She hung up on him and clapped her hands. "Now, what did you learn?"

Zero blinked rapidly. "Um…"

"You learned that Kain prefers proof. That he's paranoid. That he hates people who aren't upfront. And, most importantly, that I'm the nice one."

"I… Learned that he has a boring job and should probably fire that Ando guy."

Touya shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You're not wrong but… How are you so dense?"

"He—"

"Never mind." Touya stood and rifled through Kain's hall table, searching for a piece of paper and a pen.

"Why are you doing—"

"My reasoning: Keep it stupid simple." Touya returned and sat across from him, the pen in her hand. "See, I'm his best friend. Though, Aidou would probably kill me and then Souen but, I am."

"What of it?"

"How else do you get the guy you like to like you if not via the tips his best friend leaves you?"

"So… You're going to help me seduce your best friend?"

She clapped and reached out her hands. "He can be taught!"

"Hard to believe you're the nice one." He rubbed his shoulder where she hit. "Because I said I'd try?"

"Because you're his first relationship and I'd prefer if you'd fall in love and adopt a bunch of children before you kill Kuran."

"I have questions."

"I knew you would." She outstretched her hand, waiting for him to continue.

"You omitted so much. Why? And, why do you seem unconcerned about me killing Kurans?"

"If I said what actually happened, he'd be more interested in the food. Better to keep –"

"Keep it simple, stupid?"

She nodded. "As the other… I can't honestly see you going through with it."

"Right…" He pressed a finger to his bottom lip. "Now, why are you helping me?"

"I said."

"No. You said you're doing it for Kain. But, there's nothing in it for you."

Touya clicked the pen in her hand. "Kain is that big baby brother I never wanted but, somehow, got. The kind where he'll hand you a dandelion and then cry because it got smooshed in your hand. But, he's spent most of his life doing three things: looking after Souen and Aidou, mooning over people he would never love and… avoiding those that could love him."

"So, you're entirely selfless in this?"

"Better to have him whining about your sleeping habits than asking me to help him get a date with Shiki."

"There it is."

"Yeah, yeah." She wrote the number one. "Keep this list on you. If Kain finds out you have it, he'll kill me. Then you. And, I refuse to be buried on the same day."

"You're going to write all the rules down?"

"You want Kain to love you? You'll follow the rules."

Zero read the first upside down. "Let him set the pace."

"Important."

"Basic and, I was going to do that anyway."

"Then, you should follow rule two."

"Physical touches while talking… What? Like punching him?"

"Light physical touches. Like…" She placed her pinkie on Zeros. "Like this. Having a deep, meaningful conversation, eye contact. He's a sucker for it."

Zero hid his hand under the table. "Point taken."

"One more rule."

"Ask… Him… Out…" Zero raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that contrary to…"

"No one will believe it if he asks you out." She shrugged and set her pen down. "Trash it, set it on fire… I don't care. But, I'm late. Shiki's on guard duty."

Zero wrapped the jacket around his torso, the night air surrounding him. He noted that another limo pulled forward, inching forward. Zero glared, crumbling the paper in his hand. With confusion, he pulled out, finding the piece of paper.

The key to Kain's heart… Rima addition. Zero examined the piece of paper, turning it over. With a sigh, he flicked the lighter in his hand, watching it crumble to ash. Yeah, right. He let the wind do whatever it wanted with it, turning more of his jacket to cover his ears.

"Hey, watch it!"

"Sorry." Zero stopped, gaining a second curse from the first voice. He turned around, watching the blonde with the spikey hair. The limo zoomed past but, Zero no longer cared about them. He quickened his pace toward Kain, wondering if he should announce his presence and ultimately, deciding against it.

"Welcome back, Mr. Kain." The doorman stated, nodding his head towards Zero as they passed.

"Mm." Kain pulled out his phone as he walked towards the elevator. Zero followed closely, resting against the side of the elevator. From what Zero remembered from shows about business men, Kain acted like one.

The other looked well, if not a little dragged down from tiredness. He slide the phone away, jumping as familiarity set in. "Sorry."

"Don't be?" Rima's list crossed his mind. He offered a weak smile. "Bad day?"

"Bad week." Kain rested against the elevator wall, sighing as he did so. "Touya informed me you're very boring when I'm not home."

"Life shouldn't be all that exciting." Seeing he wouldn't make progress tonight, he hooked his fingers into his belt loops.

"I miss anything?"

"Just been pondering your situation."

"Reading romance novels? Or watching dramas?"

His lip twitched into a smile. "Those were because I was bored."

Kain started sliding off his shoes, the antsy paranoia setting in. "Can it wait until tomorrow?"

Zero raised an eyebrow, wondering if Kain had the ability to read mines. "Sure. We'll talk tomorrow."

A/N: Kind of like the idea of Rima continuously involving herself in the relationship...