A/N: Alright, I'm going to have some fun with this. Kain's freakin' ridiculous half the time but, at least he's fun to write. Zero is so nosey. Like, calm down dude – I don't even know what I'm talking about. And, you don't need to know. T. T

Reading back on this, it wasn't fair. But, my roommate was talking at me (notice: at…) and I haven't been feeling well for the past couple of days (because her diet is shit, mine has to be, too… The logic…)

"What is the logic?" Touya asked, hand hovering over the knife.

"I upset him. That's my logic." Kain finished as he scrolled through the recipes. "Touya, settle down."

She had glanced at the clock again, her fingers tapping against the cutting board. "So, your entire plan is 'hey honey, I said some mean things. Have some ramen.'?"

"Yup."

"Couldn't you just use the food he's already cooked?"

"I could."

"So…"

"I told you. It's the thought that counts above all else."

"You've already made popcorn and a banner and picked some flowers… Wait, are you proposing?" She dodged the knife he threw towards her with ease. "Too slow."

"You're too slow." He handed her his phone. "What do you think?"

"I think… It's the same as the other million recipes you showed me except now, I feel agitated and want to throw your phone at your head." She set it in front of him. "They're all good recipes."

"I don't know what half of these ingredients are."

"Oh, poor privileged Kain – having only a choice of blood tablet or blood wine." Again, eyes on the clock.

"What are you waiting for?" Kain asked, tempted to order food rather than cook it.

"Whatever do you –" A smile spread across her face as the elevator announced the arrival. Kain turned, startled at the presence of a girl he recognized. Her brown hair was styled in the same bob as it had been in those years before. Age had touched her but, not as much as he had expected. She stood with her head down, refusing to make eye contact. Touya was at her side in a second, muttering under her breath. Kain started on chopping scallions again as they approached. "I thought it'd be better to start with you rather than beginning with everyone."

"Rima… You made that an insult." The girl commented.

"There's no way to make it better." Touya smiled and nudged her gently. "Sayori Wakaba, this is Akatsuki Kain. The man you've heard me whine and bitch about for… Who knows when."

"Probably since you were born." Kain muttered, bowing toward Wakaba. "It's nice to meet you."

She followed in suit, a small smile on her face. Touya pulled out the barstool for her. "So, what are you two doing?"

"Making ramen and I don't understand half these words." He sighed and handed the device back to Touya. "Why can't it be easy?"

He stared at Wakaba who answered a few minutes later. "Pardon?"

"Why can't cooking be easy?" He asked again. "Just use a knife, chop, throw in water, go have a nap and be done with it?"

"Would you eat it?" She asked, her elbows on the table.

His face fell momentarily. "No."

"There's your answer."

"Yeah, I don't understand half of this, either." She handed the phone to Wakaba.

"Well, mincing means chopping really fine."

"Like this?" Touya asked, showing the garlic she had minced earlier.

"Yes."

Touya turned to Kain with a victorious smile. "Ha!"

Wakaba shook her head, covering a laugh with a cough. "Are you both so competitive when you're around each other?"

"In laymen's terms… Yes." Kain replied, dumping the ingredients into a saucepan.

"Can't you just go to a restaurant and a movie?" Touya muttered, her hand resting on Wakaba's.

"I'm only comfortable at home." He hissed as Touya reached for another bowl. "Leave that there."

"Eyes in the back of his head." Touya explained to Wakaba as if he were a scientific experiment. She cleared her voice. "You know you could probably buy a restaurant for the night. Same with a movie theatre."

"Without doing background checks on the servers and chefs? That seems risky."

"And… Your cooking skills aren't?"

"Jeez." Kain turned a wooden spoon on her. "Be nice."

"That was me being nice." She turned to Wakaba with a pout.

"Try harder." Wakaba teased.

"Mean." They stuck their tongues out at each other, Touya turning her head. "So, you eat dinner with a candelabra, watch a movie and… Go to bed?"

"That's the plan." Kain affirmed, stirring the vegetables in the saucepan. Wakaba sighed and stood by him, taking the spoon away. "Why?"

"You're not going to participate in any of the usual… post date activities?" Touya asked.

"Classless." Kain answered, lifting a bag of ramen towards Wakaba and gesturing to pour. She shook her head, pointing to the broth instead. He bit his lip. "How far am I expected to go?"

"Well, I always put out on the first date but, you can stay with kissing."

"Rima!"

"Sayori!"

The human hid her face behind her hair, red as a siren. Kain tried not to listen to the incoherent mutterings of the human. With a mischievous smile, he nudged Wakaba. She dumped the vegetables in the pot, her eyes rising to Kain's questioningly. "Did she ever tell you about the time she forced me to model with her?"

"Kain…" Touya used her most threatening voice.

Wakaba smiled, finding the upper hand. "No."

"Of course she didn't. Touya likes to pretend she's as flawless as she looks." He shook his head and rolled her eyes. Touya groaned.

"So, how did she get you to model with her?"

"It was cleverly done. She was, quote on quote," he lifted his forefinger and middle fingers together, bending them as he started, "'not feeling well' and me, being the best friend she could ever ask for, brought over some soup. Then, she spilled some on my shirt on 'accident'."

Touya slammed her head against the counter. Wakaba giggled. "Let me guess. Then, she took you to a changing room…"

"And it turned out to be the set." Kain nodded. "It was fun but… She could've just asked."

"And have you reject me?" Touya added. "No, no."

She hip checked Kain, taking a fresh spoon out of the cupboard. "You can't use the spoon you're stirring with! It has to be a fresh one every time."

As if Touya hadn't interjected, Wakaba continued. "Didn't you make it onto the cover?"

"Yup. Got the calling card and everything." Kain stood back, beginning the preparations of steaming rice.

"Not as bad as his first real encounter with Kiryuu." Touya started.

Kain groaned. "I hate you so much."

"What was the first real encounter with Kiryuu?" Wakaba asked.

Touya smiled warmly, pressing her lips against Wakaba's cheek. "I'll tell you later."

They were quiet for a while before Wakaba gasped. She held up her hand as the two vampires jumped, studying the situation. "Not to alarm anyone but… What happens if we mess up?"

"I'll order take out and we'll watch a movie." Kain answered, pausing. "Touya, did that sound like Hanabusa or is it just me?"

"The whole spontaneous, wasteful attitude? Definitely like Aidou." Touya leaned against another counter as Wakaba announced to let it simmer for fifteen minutes. "Now… Would you be doing all this if it were for Shiki? For Souen?"

"Touya." Wakaba soothed, her eyes pleading.

Kain smirked. "You're playing. Stop."

Touya shook her head as Wakaba, in her meek voice, asked, "so, why are you doing this for Kiryuu if you wouldn't do it for others?"

Kain exhaled, a little annoyed but, mostly in awe of her gentler way of speaking to him. Much like the kid sister he imagined his parents would give him. Setting out the placemats, he stood at the dining room table. "Kiryuu deserves it."

"He does, doesn't he?" She nodded, her question answered.

"So, what are you trying to prove, Kain? That you can be a good boyfriend?" Touya asked, removing the pot from the stove and checking on the steamed rice.

"Try…" He blinked slowly, his breathing quickening.

"Kain?" Wakaba asked. He felt himself fall to the ground.

"Kain!" Touya's voice. Rougher. Panicked.

He had only been in this situation once before. Aware of everything, unable to answer to anything. He felt his heart race, the sunset momentarily blurring his vision. He opened his eyes to find himself five again, back when he thought everyone was happy. He assumed it was before the lies and the cheating. Touya's voice was drowned by the sound of the crowd. Kain slipped into the memory.

His father took his mother's arm and held an umbrella over their heads though, not a single cloud threatened the sky. He felt his legs move under his five year old self, darting in front of them as he examined everything. The street vendors. The palm readers. The fortune tellers. The rides. Of course, the cotton candy.

"Akatsuki." His mother called. He turned and grinned his biggest grin, promising not to get too far ahead. But, what was too far for them was good for him. His eyes continuously turned until they spun, all the delights filling his senses.

He was a smaller child than the human children. With the crowd swarming in different directions, he stopped, searching for his parents. He stepped out of the hoard, scanning the crowd for anything familiar. The crowd came as a wave, shoving him this way and that. It was how he had wound up inside her tent.

She had grinned at him, toothless with a glass eye. The wrinkles on her face made her jovial, outlining some of the life she had lived. He turned back, his parents at the entrance. Katashi scowled as his mother bent to his level. "Do you want your fortune told, Akatsuki?"

He knew his child self nodded. Not because he was curious but, because it seemed rude to leave after he had given this woman false hope that she would be occupied for, at least, a quarter of an hour.

"Must we indulge his every whim, Mayoko?" Katashi asked, leaning against the pole.

"He sees so little of us." She defended. Kain was no longer listening as he sat. She hovered over the crystal ball, the image that would haunt his dreams for the rest of his childhood. She guided his hands over the crystal ball, humming a melody. He watched her curiously, drifting to the ball. He saw nothing at first – just fog. He assumed it was bad lighting – after all, the psychics were just there to scam.

The fog lifted, shifting into a mist. He saw a building – his father's building. He assumed his father was in the frame, younger than he was now. Kain saw the correlation between himself and the figure in the smoke as an older vampire but, childhood Kain grinned. He hadn't noticed the argument that had taken place between Katashi or Mayoko. He only heard the last of the fortune teller's words: enough love in you.

Kain felt someone lifting his chin. Flames were all around him. Screaming. Next to his ear, he heard a soft voice. Definitely Kiryuu's. He focused on the instruction. "Come back. Blink once."

He tried. The air flooding the sense. He blinked once. Twice. It hurt. The shadowy figure of Kiryuu clouded his vision. "Name five things you see."

Kain knew that it was Kiryuu in front of him. He could smell Rima. Wakaba. He knew the placement of the TV. "Rima. Wakaba. Yourself. The TV. The counter."

The counter was the first thing he saw in full.

"Four things you smell."

Kain inhaled deeply. "Ramen. Tea. Popcorn… Concern."

"Three things you hear."

"You. Touya. Wakaba."

"Two things you feel."

"The carpet. Your hand." He almost complained as Kiryuu removed his fingers from his chin.

"One thing you taste."

"Um… Bacteria." Kain stopped his rocking, focusing on his breathing. Like a wild animal, his eyes swung from Touya to Wakaba to Kiryuu. All too close for his comfort. He stood, trying to stop the half shiver. "Excuse me."

He tried his best to walk normally to his room, hiding his face in his hands. He tugged roughly on his hair, almost groaning at the feel of the sting. He texted Touya, apologizing for the end of the night and to apologize to Wakaba, hoping they both had a good time and that they would arrive home safely.

His hands shook as he slid the phone in his pocket. When did I start wearing my emotions so freely? He could see Katashi in the corner, that disapproving look on his face. Kain ignored the bubbling in his stomach, the painful growth in his teeth. Standing, he exhaled, feeling the pressure dissolve. He opened the door, jumping back as Kiryuu raised his fist. The Hunter lowered his hand. Kain bowed. "I apologize."

Kiryuu shook his head. "No need. There's food."

Without another word, Kiryuu wound up at the table, scooping out the contents of the two bowls. Kain followed, sitting across from him. Silence perpetrated the air, the soft sounds of classical music drifting through every so often. "You didn't have to cook, you know."

Kain bowed his head. "Is it that bad?"

"Let's just say I'm the better chef." He ate a little, Kain following in suit. "So… What is all this?"

Kain glanced at the rafters and narrowed his eyes. "I didn't get the banner up?"

"Was there a parade?"

"Circus. There were acrobats and creepy looking clowns."

"You don't like clowns?"

The vampire snickered. "You do?"

"… Point taken. But, you still haven't answered my question."

"Well, that depends."

"On?"

"Eat your dinner."

Kiryuu sighed and emptied his bowl quickly. "Okay. I've eaten."

"You're full?"

"I've eaten."

"Are you still hungry?"

"I've eaten."

"'kay." Kain collected the remaining dishes, setting them into the sink and pouring out the remainders into bowls. Kiryuu turned off the music and blew out the candles before joining him in the kitchen.

"Still no answer." Kiryuu adjusted his footing. "Is it something to do with our last conversation."

"… Could be."

"Are you going to turn this into a guessing game?"

Kain shook his head. "Not on purpose."

"Then… Why aren't you answering?"

"Because you never listened to my reasoning." He set the bowls to the side as he rinsed them out.

Kiryuu rested against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm all ears."

Kain was silent for a moment as he dried the dishes. "I rejected you and, for that, I'm sorry."

"I was there. Don't need the instant replay."

"There's… a lot of factors. Naturally, people are curious as to our… understanding."

"You mean Aidou, Souen, Kurans."

"Among others." Kain turned toward him, suddenly feeling exhausted. The violet eyes were unwavering, even as Kain stood across from him. "Out of all of them, Touya is the only one who's supportive."

"So, you let a bunch of other people decide."

"I've had the influences, yes. But… It's my decision alone."

"Spare me the 'I was testing my free will' monologue. It's unbecoming."

"That's just it: I wasn't testing free will." Kiryuu raised an eyebrow as Kain ran a hand through his hair, finally holding that gaze. "I know what I want out of a relationship. It's everything: the silly crying, the stupid fighting, the overly unbearable heartfelt monologues… And, I know that you're still interested in the Kurans. Given your history, I don't blame you."

Kain inhaled, preparing to form more words. Kiryuu held up his hand. "Let me guess… You prejudged what I want and what my motives are."

"No. I don't profess to know what you want or what your motives are. I'm telling you what I want and what I expect ergo, if it's something that aligns to what you want and expect…" Again, Kain ran a hand through his hair. "I just used ergo in a sentence. But –"

"You're adorable when you overthink." Kiryuu smirked. "Which is why you made dinner and…"

"No, no." Kain shook his head. "Dinner was my apology and the conversation opener."

"Then… What do we now?"

"Well, if you say no, I go hide in my room."

"A travesty, indeed." Kiryuu stepped forward, almost sizing Kain up. "And, if I say yes?"

"Movie night. But, that also extends into the maybe area. And, I don't want you to make a decision on the fly."

"Just like I don't want to be your plan to nab Souen or Shiki." Kiryuu replied.

Kain studied him, a blush on his cheeks. "I can assure you, that is not my intention."

"Then… Maybe." The closeness between them had gone as Kiryuu sat on the couch. "Action or drama?"

"Either." Kain answered, his back to Kiryuu. He bit his lip repeatedly, trying to calm the thoughts off his mind. He was sure that, out of the two of them, he was the one with the perverted mind. Ironic, he thought to himself as he sat on the other end and hoisting the popcorn bowl between them, that the purer of us is the more sexual.

The movie started with a bang. Literally. Shrapnel everywhere. Bloody bodies. Kain poured himself a blood wine, offering one to Kiryuu. The other shook his head. "Why's he so against these people?"

"They murdered his family."

"So, he's destroying the family that killed his family? He's going to wind up rotting in a cell. Or suicide." Kain remarked, helping himself to popcorn.

"Based on a true story." Kiryuu snorted. "Isn't that what all the ghost stories say?"

"Is it a ghost story?"

"I assume so. Or, it'd be a disclaimer about how events are true."

Kain fell silent, his brow raised as another player entered the game. He pointed. "And… Who's this dude?"

"Some dude's brother."

Kain rotated his head towards Kiryuu, surprised to find the latter staring at him. "You don't know?"

Kiryuu shrugged. "Seen them once, seen them all."

"Then, why choose this one?" Kain asked, only starting to realize Kiryuu's arm rested on the back of the couch.

"It's bloody. Apparently, it's good but… I always find the author's works either too convoluted or too simplistic." He helped himself to popcorn, his attention returning to the screen. Kain bit his lip and slid a little closer to the bowl, mimicking Kiryuu's attention.

Halfway through, they set the bowl on the coffee table. Kain bit down on the rising panic, becoming rigid. He flinched as another dude blew up, the lights bright on his retinas.

"You all right?" Zero asked, pausing the film.

"Just… Bright." He closed them momentarily and offered a weak smile. "I'll be fine."

As he pressed play, Kain inhaled and next to him, close enough to feel the heat emitting from the Hunter. It was as close as Kain dared for tonight, unsure of himself. Kiryuu showed no interest. But, for tonight, Kain was fine. Or, so he thought.

The movie almost finished, Kain was sure nothing more would happen. He was fine with that. Until he felt Kiryuu's fingers combing through his hair, rubbing the ends between his fingers. Up to that second, Kain was sure he'd be fine. Tip me: how do I adjust while trying not to draw attention… He swallowed audibly, holding his breath in the hopes that Kiryuu didn't hear.

The credits rolled, the TV turned off at Kiryuu's command. Kiryuu guided Kain's head to face him, stroking the side of Kain's face. The latter tried to relax, the hurried thoughts of current expectations swimming in his mind. Would Kiryuu expect more? Was sex on the first date a thing? He knew it was for hookups… Was that all I am to Kiryuu? Just a hookup?

He hadn't realized the arm that rested on the back of the couch now rested on his shoulders nor his own snaking around Kiryuu's waist. Excluding the sound of his heartbeat, Kain heard nothing else. The hand on Kain's face cupped his cheek, Kiryuu's thumb tracing his bottom lip. Kain barely nodded, steeling himself against the pressure of Kiryuu's lips.

As quickly as it had started, Kiryuu ended it – much to Kain's surprise. The latter sat upright, unsure as to how he had wound up with his hands in Kiryuu's hair and pressed against his side. He shoved aside any thought of insecurity. He could dwell on that tomorrow.

As Kain debated with himself, Kiryuu nodded thoughtfully. "Yes."

"Huh?" Kain asked, still flabbergasted.

Kiryuu's eyes shone with some sort of amusement and pity Kain didn't understand. "Yes, I'll go out with you."

"U… Really?"

Kiryuu chuckled and stretched, standing. "See you in the morning."

Kain hadn't meant to drink but, he found the alcohol in his hand and a shot glass on the table. At least, that's what he told himself. Shot one: just to calm the nerves. Shot two: just because it made no sense to him. Shot three to seven: assuage guilt. Shot seven to nineteen: how far he had gone. Shot nineteen to something: celebration.

A party of one. The issue was that Kain didn't get drunk – at least, not in the same way his father or Aidou or Souen did. They treated it as a bit of fun before bed, the effects ending with their loose tongues and quickly undressing any and all persons near them. That had been how Aidou and Souen's relationship started. But, he had also watched it destroy his mother.

No, Kain drank to forget or out of guilt. For a time, it released the anxiety that remained in his belly. And tonight, his guilt was the lie he told Zero.

When the plan started, he thought as he poured another, I promised his heart over the mission. I mean…

He pulled his hair slightly. If Kiryuu were to love me, even if I don't share the same mentality, shouldn't I put his welfare over my own? Kuran said to do whatever Kiryuu wanted. Did I botch that up already?

Tired of the thoughts, he slunk into his room and collapsed on the bed. He opened his phone, smiling at the bombardment that was Touya.

Yori says you have to call her Sayori. No more Wakaba business, Kain!

How'd the date go?

Hey, don't ignore me!

Did you sleep with him?

Oh my, you slept… S L U T! (But, good on ya!)

Okay, seriously: MESSAGE ME!

(This one switched to Sayori) Hi Kain. I'll be keeping Rima's phone on me. I don't want her spamming you. Enjoy your date.

(Sometime later) Sayori's in the bathroom. TALK TO ME! What did he say?

With a sigh, Kain replied. No, I didn't sleep with him. It went well, I think. He agreed to go out with him. But, I have questions.

Almost immediately, Touya started phoning. Kain answered. "Finally! Yori doesn't really understand that this is an investment but, it is."

"Jeez, your more invested in this than I am."

"For now. What's the hubbub, bub?"

Kain sighed. "Just… What happens if he falls in love with me?"

"You fall in love with him."

He started picking at his fingers. "But, what if I can't?"

"Then, you leave him. Honestly, Kain… All relationships end in heartbreak. Even if you find your soul mate, the second they die, you die of a broken heart."

Touya had called the next meeting a few days later. Kain meant to tell Kiryuu about it, finding the other on a Hunt. Which meant, Kain found himself lost in a darkened place yet, uncomfortable. He had achieved what he meant to. So, why did he feel that Kaname's eyes on him meant he failed?

Touya and Sayori sat next to him, Shiki and Ichijo sharing a chair. Next to them, Kaname and Yuuki. And, across, Ruuka and Hanabusa. Couple central, he thought to himself. Ruuka leaned forward, gesturing for Touya to do the same. Noting the glimpse of pain on Ruuka's face, it was an uncouth remark regarding Sayori. He offered a supportive smile to the couple as Touya played with Sayori's fingers.

"So, Ichijo – when's the wedding?" Touya asked, taking Kain's hand in hers and squeezing it for support.

Ichijo smiled. "We're at three months and counting."

He bit down on a moan. Based on Shiki's movements, Kain and Touya shared a look. He tried not to think of the brunette, replacing his face with Kiryuu's. Worse, he thought, turning his attention to his drink.

"Yeah, yeah. Enough with the wedding talk." Ruuka gulped down her shot. "How'd you meet?"

"Ruuka!" Hanabusa tried to scold.

"On a dating app. I used it when I was bored." Touya answered, pressing Sayori's hand to her mouth as an apology.

"How long have you been together?" Yuuki asked, the kind smile spreading on her face.

"Six months." Sayori answered.

"Six months? Touya… Three months, you introduce them to the friends!" Hanabusa scolded.

"Who said you guys were my friends?" Touya questioned, a playful smile on her face.

"Touya: one. Aidou: none." Kain counted.

"Still… A human? Really?" Ruuka asked.

"Aidou? Really?" Touya returned. Ruuka flushed and downed her drink. That'll help, Kain thought sarcastically.

"So, what's the next step?" Ichijo asked after the laughter tuned down.

"A house." Touya answered. "Maybe a pet. Or a child. We have a lifetime."

Sayori blushed and hid her face. Touya sighed. "Now… What's new in the Souen Aidou household?"

"Well, I'm starting a new business in the masseuse industry. And, branching out a new line for September."

"And the adoption society and…" Aidou shook his head. "Yet, she swears she has time for me."

"I have time for you."

"Yeah? Then, why didn't you come to bed?"

"I was busy."

"Yeah. Busy."

"Stop it." Ruuka pressed a finger to his lips.

"And I," Kaname interrupted, "have a question about a business deal."

The table went silent. Touya gripped Kain's hand hard, swallowing. Kain could feel the power wafting over the table, sending a shiver up his spine. As Kaname told the tale, Kain felt the intense eyes on him, the power creating a headache. Ruuka snorted as Kaname stopped. "Should have sent Kain in. He's got the hots for Kiryuu."

Kain blushed, lowering his head. Touya hid a chuckle. "Well, your boyfriend has a thing for Kaname."

"Oh, that's true." Ruuka smiled. "Honestly, I think you love Kaname-sama more than you love me."

Flustered and aggravated, Aidou shook his head vehemently. "I don't love Kaname-sama. I mean, I do but, not as much as you… Or…"

"Did he read his sonnet? Or confess to the poster in his room?" Kain joined, not missing a beat. Yuuki turned red as Kaname rolled his eyes. Ruuka and Shiki laughed as Ichijo hid a smirk. Touya shook her head as Wakaba snorted, covering her mouth as she did so. Aidou hung his head, his face beet red.

"Et tu, Brutus?" Hanabusa muttered. Kain patted his cousins back as Ruuka leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

"You know we're joking." She soothed, her lips pressed against Hanabusa's ear.

"I know." He lifted his head, the normal color returning. "But, why do I have to be the brunt of the jokes?"

"Two reasons." Kain offered. Touya rolled her eyes as Aidou turned his attention to his cousin. "First reason, the rest of us don't do embarrassing things. When we do, it's difficult to bring it up in conversation. Though, Touya tries."

"What? You got your butt handed to you." Touya smirked, her arm protectively on Wakaba's waist, inching her girlfriend closer to her. Kain sighed, wishing he hadn't said it. Wakaba switched her eyes from her girlfriend to Kain and back again.

"His butt handed to him?"

"Yeah." Touya studied the expression on her girlfriends face. "Oh, it was back at the Academy. We were trying to fight Kiryuu – he had been a jerk and insulted Kaname. As per usual. Kain refused to fight and tried to stop it. Kiryuu flipped him over on his backside."

Wakaba's expression faltered into one of sympathy for Kain as the others howled – not including Yuuki or Kaname. He shrugged toward Wakaba, a signal that it didn't matter to him. She shot a smile but didn't join in the laughter.

"What's the other reason?" Aidou demanded after his tears had subsided. Although it didn't seem all that funny, it was the jokes that went on in the dorm afterwards that had caused the eruption – especially since Aidou had been mouthing off about Kain's fighting abilities. Kain knew that, almost horrified at the fact that most of them were sexual. History did have a tendency to repeat, or show itself in weird ways.

"The other reason is because you react." Ruuka smiled at her boyfriend, finishing the statement Kain had started. Hanabusa glowered, his expression softening once Ruuka's lips found his cheek.

The conversation dialed down after hours of taunting, laughing, serious tones. Kain had a bit more to drink than he intended – ok, a lot more. Three full bottle to himself kind of more. Shiki and Ichijo were the first to leave, each bowing in turn to the purebloods. Touya led her girlfriend out by the hand after Wakaba had hugged Yuuki and waved to Kain. She gave a respectful nod to Kaname before Touya turned to Kain. "You, me, conversation tonight, yeah?"

"Yup." He popped the 'p'.

"I'm still not talking to you." Ruuka informed Kain. "Not until that… Hunter is out of your life."

She glanced at Yuuki before stating Hunter in a less spiteful manner than intended. Kain had noticed that Ruuka, indeed, hadn't talked to him all night. About? Oh, she was full of stories. To him? No. She bowed to the Kurans, a part of her hesitant to stand straight again. Kain knew the love she still harbored for the pureblood. But, she would never wish the worst on Yuuki. Yuuki was too kind for that.

Ruuka backed away, still in that position before she straightened and lingered at the doorway for Hanabusa. Aidou clapped a hand on his cousins' shoulder. "I'm working on it, Akatsuki. But, if he hurts you, I'll rip his damn lungs out through his mouth."

The warning was one of affection but, Kain wasn't sure if Aidou had meant it this time. Aidou had a tendency to do whatever the hell Aidou wanted. In the same fashion as his girlfriend, Aidou had his arm wrapped around her waist, his lips on her neck. Kain sighed and wondered if he should get another bottle.

Kaname nodded as he stood to leave. "Any progress?"

"Not a lot." The Kurans followed the rest of the group, leaving Kain alone.

A/N: I didn't change a lot from the original chapter because it's still useful. But, YAY! We're on C9! ^.^