A/N: So… I may be totally angry with this chapter and rewriting it…. FUCKING HELL KAIN! WHY CAN'T YOU JUST STAY WHERE YOU NEED TO BE! Or magically teleport and wind up in a club or some shit? Now I feel bad… Eh, I'll give him something to look at.

Kain rested his head against the rear side window, the older car pulling onto the secluded road. Between the trees, the sun light blinded him temporarily, warming his face. How long had it been since he resided in the forest of his home, the trails all but grown over? He knew every trail would wind through into a servants' quarters when the land was still workable. How long, he thought, until each is reclaimed by nature?

"… And, of course, Dad said yes. What's he going to do, force me to live here forever?" The chauffer chuckled nervously as Kain rose from his stupor. "No offense, Master Kain. I take it work was difficult?"

"Work is work. Love is work. Everything in this world requires effort." Kain answered, bored of the continuous chattering. Then again, the chauffer – Enmei, Kain recalled – had always been a chatty child. If he weren't Gonkuro and Himari's flesh and blood… Kain thought, trying to push the darker meaning from his mind. Distracting himself, he lifted his hands above his head, admiring the changes that had shaped the young man as he continued his tale of romantic intrigue.

Mid-thirties now, Enmei still had his wide eyes and open face, both darkened by his lack of hygiene. Kain planned to utilize that against Gonkuro – where else had he learned it from? The darkened eyes, reminiscent of Himari's when she grew excited about something, shone in the rear-view mirror.

As they grew closer to the iron gates, Kain's attention shifted to the chimney stack ahead. A shiver rose up and down his back, knowing what lay ahead. He shifted his attention back to Enmei. "You said there was a surprise at home?"

Enmei closed his mouth, spluttering as he redirected his conversation. Kain tried his best to keep his attention on the house rather than the chauffer's neck. "Yes. Dad arranged a meeting with Sak… I mean, Mrs. Ozaki."

"Mm." Kain leaned back, placing a hand on his rumbling stomach. He was sure Enmei had heard it as he hunched his shoulders forward. "And, what would Mrs. Ozaki like to speak to me about?"

"Beats me. Sak… Mrs. Ozaki said that it was an urgent matter."

Though the questions bubbled, Kain let it slide for the time being. He wracked his mind over what had been the conversation before. "You're engaged, now?"

"Yes." Enmei pressed his lips together, painfully so. Kain knew he was about to explode.

"What are they like?"

"The sweetest person you ever did meet."

"And, have you talked about having kids? Or is that until the wedding night?"

Enmei grinned. "We're thinking six. At least two will fall in love with the manor."

"And… Does your chosen want a job?"

"That'd be great but, you don't have –"

"What division?"

"Gardening…"

Kain tried his best to swallow his emotions, his gaze drifting behind. "So long as they leave the untamed portions alone, I don't see why not."

Enmei's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Perhaps. Kain shrugged. "I'd have to do a full check on them beforehand."

"Oh, they know about your kind."

"That's not the type of check I have to conduct." Kain answered, his attention drifting back to the manor house. Enmei continued his questions, finding no answer as Kain swallowed audibly, gripping the seat. He was sure his eyes had widened, his face growing pale at the massive structure.

The manor house held its imposing figure though it's two wings were considered derelict. Still, the stone held its integrity, keeping most innocent passersby at bay. Intimidating, prestige, pretention… Everything the Kain's had as they lead the faction. Everything his parents strived for. Kain exhaled, his fingers digging deeper into the seat. He hadn't noticed the flames arising from his finger tips nor smelled the plastic.

He knew the illusion before him was just that. Still, his mother awaited by the door step, a cigarette between her fore and middle fingers. Gonkuro stood with her, both patiently waiting for him to arrive. Kain raised his eyes to the connecting corridor. Kitashi, hands behind his back, scowling at the youngest Kain as he returned from, what Kitashi called, 'necessary playdate.'

"Sir." Enmei's voice called, nearer yet, further. Kain blinked once. Twice. Squeezed his eyes shut. Reopened them. And, the figures were gone.

He reached his hand to the melted metal, trying to undo his seatbelt. He exhaled gruffly, tearing off the melted synthetic plastic that was his belt. "Another trip to the repair shop, I assume."

"Of course." Enmei, with that all too innocent smile, bowed. "Welcome home, Master Kain."

Home. Kain tried his best not to chuckle wryly as he stepped out of the vehicle. As in olden times, the servants stood on either side of the steps, their heads downcast. The butler's hand hovered over the door, preparing for the ascent. Six servants bowed as Kain found his footing on the stone steps, four disappearing shortly after. Inwardly, he glared at the butler as he pulled the door open, using all his might to do so.

The moment he stepped inside, the remaining maids ran up the stairs. Kain turned to his butler. Once, Gonkuro had been a slight boy, mischievous, his black hair tangled and long with light eyes that appeared empathic. Now, the black hair had faded to white and the lines in his face deepened with years of worry. Though he stood tall as the young man he had always been, he stooped every so often.

"Where's your cane." Kain asked.

"Right here." Gonkuro answered, resting against the wall with an exhalation of relief.

"Serves you right. I told you, let the footman do it."

"I can do it just fine myself."

"I won't have you hurt." Kain muttered. With Gonkuro not crumbling to the stone floor, Kain examined the reception hall. In front held a Gothic style staircase with a window stretching across the span of it. "The workers won't touch the hall, correct?"

"They see no reason to." Gonkuro answered.

Kain nodded. "Please, Miss."

The maid stopped in her tracks, eyeing Kain with bewilderment and a slight blush on her cheeks. "Master Kain."

"Could you find Mr. Gonkuro's cane? Or an umbrella?"

"Right away." She scuttled into the back hallway.

"What's her name?" Kain asked, a sheepish look on his face.

"Yui."

"I can't call her Yui."

"She refuses to listen to her last name."

Kain nodded as she returned, a pleasant smile on his face. "Thank you, Miss Yui."

She blushed crimson, bowing to Kain and wishing him a good night. Kain handed Gonkuro the cane. "Seriously? No last name?"

"None. I did the reference myself." Gratefully, he lifted himself off the wall. "Now, if you follow me into the study –"

"Sak… Mrs. Ozaki can wait." Kain informed him, turning to the right. "I heard the ballroom had been completed."

"It has. Are you sure it's wise to spend your fortune on this?"

"I don't enjoy it but, if this is to be home, it should have my stamp on it."

"Where did I hear that before?" Gonkuro questioned, following Kain into the ballroom.

Kain glowered at Gonkuro, his attention falling into the room before him. To the far right, a grand piano and parlour stood, allowing seating under the marble floor. Floor to ceiling French doors covered the walls of the area, separating the rooms only by two pillars, inspired by the Greeks. On the other side of the doors straight ahead, the patio and adjoining gardens began. "Mother would have loved the pillars. I like how it frames the entrance to the garden."

"She would have. Though, Mrs. Sato wishes to uproot some of the ivy and drape it over them."

"Tell Mrs. Sato she can. Himari would have loved that."

"She would. Just as much as you practicing."

"She hated the…" Kain turned to Gonkuro, a small smile on his lips. "You're teasing me."

"Guilty."

"Fine, fine. I can take a joke." To the left, he flung the heavy doors open, his face falling slightly. Still in the midst of being restored, the dining room once held one long table and, seemingly, thousands upon thousands of chairs. The large room now housed ladders, several layers of plastic and paint cans. Kain stayed near the edges, his eyes on the massive fireplace. "They know how to fix the mantel, yes?"

"As per your instructions, they're finding the right man." Kain nodded, frowning at the small chipped figure whose wings had broken off. "Though, I feared I may have reminded them too much."

"That was the dastardly plan I had in mind – get the workers to never mind you."

"I knew that much. Which is why I told them it was you."

Kain grinned. "Damn it, Gonkuro. Why can't I just place the blame on you without it coming back to me?"

Gonkuro shrugged. "Karma?"

He silently followed Kain through to the kitchen, resting at the table and chairs. Originally, the room held no windows, the rotted cabins and work spaces cramped. Kain was proud of this accomplishment with windows that opened. He turned his attention to the eating area, his head tilting to the left.

"While I agree that you should examine the work done to the house, we do have other pressing matters to attend to." Gonkuro commented, hobbling in. He followed Kain's gaze and sighed. "What?"

"What do you think? Knock out this wall, expand it with plants and windows galore? Or, should it be a covered eating area, close enough to the sun? I refuse to have the servants working in a hot kitchen then eating in one during the middle of July."

"I'll inform the builders to try to incorporate the servants' dinner outside. However, I feel you're not taking the concerns – and, you're off again."

Kain dodged the small coffee outlet and island serving as the servant's dining room for the time being. He avoided the other table where Gonkuro and Mrs. Sako ate in the morning. "Master Kain, -"

"Mr. Gonkuro." Kain answered, utilizing the servant's walk.

"I urge you to…"

Kain stopped in his tracks, standing outside his master bedroom door. He shook his head once, his expression growing grave. "I know."

"Then, why?"

"If she's here, something's wrong." He studied Gonkuro's expression. "If something's wrong, I want to feel uplifted."

"I understand that, Kain."

"Then, please. Besides," his lips curled into a slight smile, "if we're late, she'll be cross with me. Not you. Never you."

Cutting Gonkuro off, Kain opened his door, unlocking the en-suite bathroom door as he surveyed his room. Once, it was his mother's study but, at Aidou and Souen's insistence, they transformed it into a minimalism area for Kain to sleep. The queen bed ("after all, you never know," Aidou answered), and the night stand next to his head was the only furniture in the room. Still, Kain would curl up by the fire in the library, a book in his lap rather than sleep here. He nodded once. "No one in?"

"As per your orders." Gonkuro affirmed.

Again, he nodded and left the room. The study was the next, starting toward the front door. Kain glanced at the room next to the door, the original library still closed off. "Any progress?"

"None that we know of. They'd prefer if you'd leave it as it is."

"What, a room that says look at my dad? No thanks." He entered the study, the big oak desk prominent and elevated in the room. The fireplace remained lit, the Edwardian chairs illuminating the fascination of distant lands spread throughout. "I'd much rather built-in bookcases. Reading nook for people wanting to learn."

"Still talking about how you'd like to spend your fortune, Kain?" Mrs. Ozaki muttered, her back to the intruders as she flicked her cigarette while lounging in the arm chair by the fire and utilizing the vase for her ashes.

"Sa… Mrs. Ozaki, how many times do I have to ask you not to smoke in the office?" Kain muttered, opening a window. He knew Gonkuro had closed the door behind him, hobbling to his seat by the bay window. Kain quickly sat in that same seat, offering his chair by the fire. His eyes fell to the liquor cart, wondering if he should have a drink before the start. Deciding against it, he lowered his head. "Welcome."

"Enough of that." She stood, her dark hair fashioned into a coarse bob. Her brown eye narrowed as she flung a newspaper at his head. Kain caught it in midair.

"Ha. 'New Romance for Hot Young Businessman'." He read, studying the photo. "Huh. Paparazzi know my feelings faster than I do."

He meant it as a joke yet, Gonkuro lifted his head, listening intently as his eyebrows furrowed. Kain shrugged as Ozaki remained unimpressed. "Read on."

Kain followed through. "Sources tell us the 'Wild' orphan, Akatsuki Kain, has been living with fellow Cross Academy graduate, Zero Kiryuu."

"Zero Kiryuu and Kaito Takamiya. Two Hunters who approached me at the bar, asking questions about what happened to your parents."

Kain pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes, I figured he'd be curious. Unfortunately, I have no answers for him."

"Can we go back to where you're dating a Hunter?" Gonkuro asked, his arms folding over his chest.

"Oh, not only that." Ozaki continued, happy to have Gonkuro on her side. "It makes you look weak. An aristocratic vampire dating a Hunter? No one will see the importance of the AVAH."

"It won't affect the AVAH." Kain answered.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because," Kain began, standing with his shoulders back. He loomed over her, his eyes focused on her forehead. How many times had he practiced this speech in the mirror? "It gives the AVAH a bigger scope. If these children are to trust me and trust that what I'm doing is for the benefit for their futures, even being friends with a Hunter is good publicity. Plus, it expands their careers."

"Spare me your political campaign. I'm not your marketing agent." Ozaki lit another, rounding for the next portion of her argument. "And, if he finds something he doesn't like?"

"Such as?"

"If he uncovers the history –"

"What history? It's no secret." Kain recalled the headlines from back in the day. "Two aristocrats killed in their homes, their son found wandering down the streets, covered from head to toe in blood."

As he reiterated it, the scene unfolded before him. He was no longer the version walking in a daze through the snow, barely dressed. With each step, he quickened his pace until he was running without realizing he was running. Just as he hadn't realized the tears defrosted in his eyes. The old Hummer Kitashi had been proud of drew in front of him, parking. The younger Kain froze in fear and wonderment, until Gonkuro – also coated in blood – wrapped his arms around him, assuaging his remarks.

Drawn back into reality, Gonkuro shook his head. "Kain… You know as well as I do that there are two groups that could have done it. Either the Association or the Council."

"So, either Kiryuu finds out the Association killed my family for x reason and tries to kill me for that, rationalizing that I'm my parents." Kain summarized, his voice dripping boredom. "Or, he finds another aristocratic family member who wants me dead and, by extension, him. That might create a sort of kinship between us."

"But—" Ozaki tried.

"While I thank you for your due diligence," Kain cut her off, stepping toward the liquor cart, "your job is to inform me of any oddities that could affect the AVAH. I have answered your questions satisfactorily. At this time, I feel certain that any doubts that Kiryuu has it in for myself or the charity we run have been assuaged. Now, if that is your only concern –"

"It isn't." Ozaki started. Kain inwardly groaned. How much more can there be? "The influx of Level E activity –"

"You mean the small towns that they now run and Hunters have been doing clear out?" Kain asked.

"Yes. It's creating a strain on our system."

"Meaning, we have less funding than we'd like to remain proactive?"

"Exactly."

Kain sighed and downed a drink. "How many do we have going into the workforce and utilizing the Kain industries careers?"

"A little over twenty percent. The rest have no affiliation with Kain industries."

"Would it be possible to get the government to create a new tax?"

"I'll find a way."

"In the interim, have 2 million transferred to the housing costs." He leaned against the desk, another full glass in hand. "I expect we should be expanding into Latvia, China and England over the next year so, more opportunities. We should begin three incentive programs for students and workers."

"That's going to be a money pit." Ozaki muttered, bowing.

"That's my problem to worry about."

Without another word, she slammed the doors behind her. Gonkuro smiled at Kain. "Sakura means well. And, you handled her well."

"Barely." Kain replied, resting against the desk and unlocking the bottom drawer. Lifting the decanter of blood wine from the drawer, he started drinking it straight from the bottle, gulping down every drop. Ridding himself of the craving, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve and nodded as Gonkuro started pouring whiskey from the liquor cabinet. "You know as well as I do, Kanno – I have no clue what I'm doing."

Sitting next to Kain, Gonkuro smirked. "You never bothered to pay attention to your parents lectures. Is it any wonder?"

"You're supposed to be my ego boost." Kain whined. "Bad butler."

"Spare me." Gonkuro downed his glass, holding it tightly in his hand. "You were the trouble maker."

"Where did I learn that from?" Kain questioned, pouring himself a glass. With a nod, he waited for the bombardment.

"How long?" Gonkuro asked, pointing to the newspaper.

"Long enough that a long-term relationship is a possibility. Not long enough to love him."

"How?"

"Kuran."

Gonkuro narrowed his eyes at that. "Master Kuran wishes you to date a Hunter?"

"Least it keeps him preoccupied."

"Could you see yourself falling in love with him?"

Kain scoffed. "I don't see myself falling in love with anyone."

Gonkuro lifted the newspaper and examined Zero from behind. "He appears to be attractive."

"He is." Kain tried to hide his smile. "Gorgeous lilac eyes that see through bullshit and a signature look that most would crumble under."

"Yourself included?" Gonkuro asked.

"On the contrary, I prefer it." He poured himself another, sipping at the whiskey as he watched Gonkuro lift his hand to his face, pressing a finger to his bottom lip. "You remembered something. What?"

"Sa… I mean, Mrs. Ozaki…"

"Call her Sakura. It's unnerving to hear her go by any other name, like she's all high and mighty."

"She's married now."

"She's still your daughter." Kain lifted the glass to his lips.

"Regardless…" Gonkuro seated himself back into the over stuffed chair. "I told her, like I told the servants back then, that if anyone had questions regarding… Well, to send them to me."

"I recall." Kain cocked his head to the side.

"It was the least I could do." Gonkuro's smile wavered and shifted into one of contemplation. "I'm probably mistaken."

"You're hiding something. What is it?"

"Just… I believe I've seen a silver haired person in a vehicle the other day."

"The genetics aren't so uncommon. Could've been one of the workers."

"Quite possibly but, they didn't stay."

"They?" Kain questioned.

"Yes. There was a brunette in the car with him."

"You're thinking it was Takamiya and Kiryuu?" Kain reaffirmed, twirling the cup in his hand.

"I asked Enmei… They didn't ask anything except where Shima was."

"That is one of the towns Sak… Mrs. Ozaki mentioned, no?"

"Correct." Gonkuro fidgeted with his coat. "Am I in danger?"

"I don't believe so. I think they're trying to find answers."

"Should I tell them everything that happened that night?" Gonkuro asked.

Kain pondered, setting the empty glass down. "Tell them everything. We have nothing to hide. If they want to look into a murder that's over twenty years old, let them. But, you'll ring me if they show up again?"

Gonkuro frowned. "Send a message, yes."

"No. Phone me."

"Mail? Yes."

"E-mail works."

"No, not e-mail. I won't use the blasted thing."

Kain sighed. "Fine. Snail mail."

Gonkuro nodded and stood as Kain lifted the decanter to his lips. "Don't even think about it."

With a pout, he set it back on the table. "I do what I want."

"Yes. And then, you blame it on me." For the first time, Gonkuro grinned. "Just like the vase and the mantel."

"I was eight. You're going to hold that over my head?" Kain questioned, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I'm older. I get the privilege."

"Mean." Silence ensued.

"If you need nothing else—" Gonkuro started.

"What's on my agenda for tomorrow?" Kain answered.

"Five meetings all concerning your father's business with the partners. Your secretary's done digging to find out who keeps putting that damn stipulation in. She thinks it's Ando."

"Everyone thinks it's Ando." He snickered. "I should probably fire him."

"Yes. And then, the partners will hire someone who's just as bad."

"I'm well aware." Gonkuro rested against the door frame. Kain jerked his head back to the arm chair. Gonkuro complied. "What's next?"

Gonkuro furrowed his brow. "I believe Master Kuran requested your presence?"

Kain ran a hand through his hair as Gonkuro chortled. "Like you're some common jester. Should I write them and let them know you've just arrived and would like a day to acclimatize?"

"You won't phone them?" Gonkuro glared as Kain shrugged. "I'll be there. Did he say who else?"

"I believe the invitation was received by Masters Shiki, Ichijo, Aidou and Mistress Souen."

Kain raised an eyebrow. "Not Touya?"

"I asked. Apparently, she had some other pressing matter to attend to." Like watching the Hunter? Work? Kain sighed as Gonkuro cleared his throat. "I have questions about Kiryuu."

"Later." Kain strode to the door. "Goodnight, Gonkuro."

His smile faded as he changed for the anticipation to sleep. He held his phone in his hand, scrolling through Touya's different accounts. Nothing posted. Under messages, no new texts. He locked the phone, dozing to the information swimming in his head.

The partners, fashionably late with their smug faces were his last meeting. Kain seated himself in Kitashi's chair, Gonkuro standing by his side. The partners, a husband and wife, surveyed the room with a critical eye. They seated themselves across from Kain, the bored expression on their faces as they chatted about the future of the company.

He was fine with the man who actually listened – at first. The woman brought the points back to what she wants, insinuating that Kain held too much power for the company. She turned to her husband, asking if it was possible, until Kain was more experienced, to hold the share in their name.

Kain opened his mouth to reply, her husband agreeing with his wife's logic. Neither spoke to Kain, continuously using he. Kain interrupted, informing them he had plans to expand the company. They scoffed. As he ranted to Gonkuro, "it was is if Kitashi was back and I'm just expected to go and play army with my toys."

As he crossed the path to where Enmei dropped him off, Kain purposely stepped on the dried leaves underfoot, his hand balling into a fist. He inhaled deeply, releasing it. It hadn't helped as much as he would have liked. So, he lifted his eyes to the sky.

Funny how the stars, the fates, sent him on this path only a year ago, unsure of what would happen that would lead him to uprooting his life. Some things would change, like his luck and the people who disappeared that year. Others, like the drunks, incoherent with their rants, would never change. He wondered what it would be like as he stepped into the bar.

At first, he attributed the noise and stimulus to the university students. It was only as he approached the bar that the noise stopped. He surveyed the layout, still hopeful that Touya or Wakaba would be in attendance.

Souen noticed him first, her smile fading into discern. In a huff, she snapped her head to her hostess, her body language clearly avoiding as she questioned Yuuki on everything under the sun. Aidou returned Kain's stare, shifting uneasily. Kain bowed towards the Kuran's as he stood next to the bar, ordering a drink.

The bar was crowded. Busy. Cramped. He tried to shrug off the paranoia growing. Not for the first time this evening, he wished he was home. He tried to ignore the stares of others, finding the scrutinizing bothersome. Pulling out his phone, he scanned through the messages between himself and Kiryuu. Nothing sent. Was he supposed to send something? He scrolled through all four messages, the last from Kiryuu stating "found it, thanks," from when he had lost his phone. Kain typed out, 'hope you're okay' and sent it, jumping as someone brushed by him.

"Sorry." He muttered, lending more room and looking back towards the table.

"Don't apologize."

Kain snapped his head back, finding Shiki next to him. The bored expression hid a bit of ironic humor. Kain finally held his drink. "Um… Shiki."

"Hmm?" He studied the taller vampire.

"Where's Touya?"

"With Wakaba. Probably screwing." Shiki held up a finger and winked, imitating Touya's signature whenever she over shared.

"Thanks." Kain slid away from the bar, downing his drink. He'd need it if Touya wasn't there.

As he approached, the tables conversation fell to crickets chirping. Aidou, with great difficulty, slid from Souen's side to Kain's, a sympathetic smile plastered. Only the Kuran's greeted him with any sort of affection.

"Explain." Souen demanded as Shiki slid in next to Ichijo.

"Explain what?" Kain asked.

As if he had said the magic words, Souen smiled. The kind that's twisted into something unrecognizable, savage. She hit him over the head with a magazine, pointing to a picture. "That!"

"You're talking to me again?" Kain asked, a little dazed.

"Hmph!" Again, the cold shoulder.

Kain had experienced that particular action more times than he cared to. "Sorry I'm late."

"You're always late when we're in the city." Aidou excused him, ignoring Souen's continuous threats.

"I assume that this is about the 'hot new romance' article in the newspaper."

"There's a newspaper that has you two kissing?" Ichijo asked.

"Woah, Kain. Never knew you were an exhibitionist." Shiki joked.

"What?" He watched the faces of his friends, mixtures of pity and disgust surrounding him. Only Kaname remained stoic.

"You know we hate gossip." Ichijo responded, gesturing to the magazine with a half-pitying smile on his face. Kain sighed and glanced at the article, his eyebrow raising. He tried to shake off the shivers crawling down his spine. Picturing his apartment, there was only one way for this photo to be taken: the front room. Regardless, there was no mistaking Kiryuu's silver head or the coffee table. Above, the title was something about an engagement, highlighting a ring on, what he assumed to be, his hand. He looked down at his own.

"Tabloids will say anything. And no, we're not engaged." He threw the magazine back at Souen. All he could think to ask was who. Or how. Or when. "Honestly. I kiss one guy and it's suddenly the intrigue of the nation."

"The Wild Fan Club strikes again!" Aidou tried, brushing off the scenario. He's not Touya, Kain criticized.

"But, what we want to know: is he the one?" Ichijo asked, wrapping his arms tightly around Shiki's waist. The other lifted Pocky to his partners mouth, his eyes unmoving from Kain's reaction.

"Why is that a mockery? He could very well be," inwardly, he asked forgiveness as he lifted his hands, curling under all but the fore and middle fingers, "the one."

"Even after everything he's done, you want him?" Souen asked.

"Ruuka, you're not allowed to talk to me right now."

"But, there's an exclusive." Shiki took hold, flipping through.

"He's not the one?" Aidou asked.

"Kain and Kiryuu? No way would they ever go through with it." Souen started.

"He might be good for Kiryuu." Ichijo added.

Kain fell into the background, helpless. When had the conversation ignored him? Turned into a conversation about him? He tried his best to intervene, overtalked by Aidou or Souen, their voices louder as they turned it into one of their couple fights. He clenched his fists, the panic rising in his chest. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his head spinning back and forth as he tried to find someone to let him speak. The migraine settled in as he locked eyes with Kaname Kuran. Beside him, Yuuki tried her best to speak out for Kiryuu. Kaname's remained emotionless.

Is this why Touya and Wakaba were indisposed? He questioned. As if reading his mind, Kaname tilted his head. Anger, annoyance… "Enough!"

The table quieted to the point where he could hear the crickets chirping. His hand felt wet as he rested against it. He didn't recall when he stood or who had said enough. The answer came quickly. He did. He sunk back into his seat, his eyes lowered. "Forgive me."

"I think Kain's had enough excitement for today, don't you?" Kaname asked Yuuki. Kain tried to ignore the suspicion rising in his belly. He didn't notice the others leave nor Aidou ordering a drink for the table until the waitresses arm slipped by his eye. He touched the palm of his hand, annoyed that it felt sticky. Across from him, Aidou sipped noisily. Kain glanced at him.

"Where are the others?"

"Am I not enough?" Aidou pretended to pout.

"More than." Kain returned, downing a shot. The migraine subsided. Isn't that the sign of an alcoholic? "What happened?"

"Well, what you'd expect. Everyone shit talking Kiryuu – aside from myself and Lady Yuuki. Ruuka more than most." He shifted in his seat. "Though, she stopped referring to him as that itty-bitty bitch."

Kain snorted. "Sure she wasn't referring to herself?"

"Pretty sure. Nine out of ten, it's Kiryuu." They nodded to their inside joke.

"And, why'd you stick up for Kiryuu?" Kain asked, clearing off the next and studying the magazine. Instead of answering, Aidou pointed to it. "You're on my side because of a picture."

"I'm with you because you're my cousin. Even if I hate that hot-headed, quick-tempered…" He fought the fangs piercing his flesh, wincing slightly. "You know, at first I thought it was a ploy. Gain the upper hand. It would have been a good one."

"What changed your mind?" Kain continued, wondering if his motives were obvious to everyone.

Aidou shrugged. "Your reaction. You kept asking what if he is. That is why I support it. Well… That and… You were angrier than you were when your parents -"

"Stop."

"But it's…"

"Hanabusa." Kain kicked the younger, shutting him up. "I've just been barraged."

"I get that it's difficult to talk about… But, it's been over twenty years…"

"Is that the benchmark?" Kain scoffed, standing. "I'll see you later."

"… Judging, piranha…" Kain continued muttering as he stormed inside the Manor house. He had dismissed Enmei for the night, insisting on walking.

"Master Kain. How was your outing?" Gonkuro asked, lifting Kain's arm as the other tried to kick off his shoes.

"No one's been in?" Kain asked, trying to distract the conversation.

"The servants are all home. No one's come in."

"Did you check –"

"Upstairs corridors, master bath, balcony and play room have all been searched thoroughly."

"And, the builders will be transforming the master bath into the communal, no?"

"No, they're adding two additional bathrooms to the ground floor instead."

"Good. You stink." Kain finished.

"Likewise." Gonkuro returned, plugging his nose and strutting away, careful to make sure there was enough space between himself and Kain. The latter followed him, his head downcast. Gonkuro set the kettle on as Kain pulled the chair away from the table. "So, what happened?"

Turning, he noted that Kain's eyes were far off, unfocused. Gonkuro shrugged, pouring two cups of tea. "Master Kain?"

No answer. Gonkuro sighed and set the tea in front of Kain, pressing his hand over his eyes. Instead of swatting the hand away, Kain leaned further into the warmth. "What happened?"

"Just a conversation."

"What of it?" No answer. Gonkuro settled in his chair. "If I may, Master Kain –"

"We're alone, no?"

"We are." Kain raised an eyebrow. Gonkuro sighed. "Akatsuki. What's troubling you?"

"Many things." Kain replied, sipping his tea. "Judgment. Triggers. House duty. Succession. Failure. Success… Promises."

"If I may… Are any of these linked to Kiryuu?"

"A few." Kain acknowledged.

"Tell me."

Kain set his tea down. "Kiryuu approached me, asking to house him. I thought it was blackmail but, apparently not. Kuran's asked me to get close, let him have whatever he wants so long as he doesn't go after Yuuki. Which, fair."

"How is using you fair?" Gonkuro questioned, starting to turn red in the face.

"There's more."

"By all means."

Kain rested his hand on his cheek, his eyes meeting Gonkuro's. "I'm supposed to get Kiryuu to fall in love with me."

"Oh. That's natural." Gonkuro commented.

"The problem is… I have all these emotions." He faltered. "And, I don't understand them."

"Describe them."

"I get excited when he's around. Scared but, powerful. When he's not around, I feel alone. Kind of empty."

"Sounds like the beginning of infatuation… Or love."

"Please." Kain snorted. "What is love but the state of euphoria meant to assuage the guilt of binding someone to you?"

"It's more than that. It's… finding yourself growing and changing as they grow and change and trying to make it work. Love and work are kin." Gonkuro sipped his cup. "What do you like about him?"

Kain sighed. "I respect him. He's a good man, trying to fix the onsets of what we assist with. Snarky."

"I have competition?"

"Appears so." He leaned back in the chair. "But… I don't think I can love him as he deserves. Nor he the way I need him to."

"Those are learned tricks. But, your heart flutters whenever he's mentioned. You try not to but, you like the conversation turning to him."

"What if I can't love?"

"You'd take a gypsy's word over the one of me? I'm sad." He turned his body away from Kain, attempting to hide a grin. "As to triggering… I assume they brought up—"

"Yeah. That one I'll get over. Though, if it's before I rip Hanabusa's tongue out, it'll be a miracle."

"Succession…"

"That one's obvious."

"Not to me."

"Aidou."

"Who?"

"Head of Aidou family? My uncle?" Gonkuro blinked stupidly. Kain knew it was to hear the stupidity of it. "Fine… Pushy Guardian."

"Oh! That guy!" Gonkuro nodded. "He is pushy."

Kain sighed, his butler smirking. "Here's a question. What's more important: blood or bond?"

"Bond."

"Regardless of what Pushy Guardian wants… You're Akatsuki Kain, head of the Kain family. And, above all else… You deserve happiness."

"Do I?" He monologued. "Because, this is hell."

"The sins of the father aren't the sins of the son, necessarily. If you had partaken –"

"Okay." Kain stood. "Save your sermon for another night, father. I'd like some sleep."

Sleep avoided Kain like he had the plague. All night, he heard the boards creaking, moaning loudly into the night. He remembered how he used to swear it was his mothers ghost or Kitashi hosting a businessman, sometimes creeping through the house.

But, if both ghosts were here, the shouting would start. A woman weeping. Glass breaking. Kain shuddered and lifted the blanket overhead, trying to clear his thoughts. As if trying to scare him, his phone announced a new message.

What meeting? Touya asked.

Annoyed, Kain started his own pace, following the treads the ghosts left and wondering why he had been lied to. That was how Gonkuro found him in the morning when he was to depart.

As Enmei drove, just like the first time he left the manor, Kain had mixed feelings about keeping it. His uncle had said a million times that it was a waste of his parents fortune to keep it staffed. However, Gonkuro wouldn't be able to move in with him at Aidou's, leaving him a penniless no good, as Kitashi would say.

Home. Kain rested against the pillar, a quick smile for the doorman who bowed deeply. Kain held his hand up, watching the twinkling of the stars. Even if the Manor House was, technically, his – it wasn't. Home.

He straightened his jacket as he passed the doorman and the elevator, his eyes on his phone. Hopelessly, he checked his pockets. No, he hadn't brought that stupid magazine along. Still, he thought, I'll lock the door. And Touya can have a key. He nodded to himself as if that were the sensible option. New security. Facial recognition. Again, a nod. He stepped off the elevator and unlocked the door to find the lights off. Gripping the doorhandle hard, Kain listened. A faint heartbeat, not his own.

Noiselessly, Kain slipped his shoes off without a sound and started surveying the apartment. He'd prefer to have a weapon but, if it came to that, he'd start the fire. Now, it was all about keeping control over his own paranoia.

The plastic bags underfoot, blood with each step. He hadn't bothered to inhale, trying to clear his mind of the worst thoughts he could. Kiryuu's room – empty. The bathroom, also empty.

Behind the counters, empty. Dining room? Empty. Living room? Empty. Office. Empty. He allowed a slow exhale, figuring he had the intruder cornered on the balcony. He held the door handle and inhaled silently, flinging it to the side and a fireball hovering over his hand.

"Back?" Kiryuu asked, a cigarette in his hand.

Kain, calming his nerves, dissipated the fireball and turned on the outer light. "You scared me."

Kiryuu cringed from the light, his eyes adapted to the dark. He was covered in blood, staining his clothes, his figure. Kain crouched, pushing the blood dyed silver hair out of Kiryuu's eyes. The lavender remained calm, if not somewhat tired. "Are you hurt?"

He didn't expect an answer though, a small whine of a complaint as he draped Kiryuu's arm over his neck and lifted him was a slight surprise. "Rough day at the office?"

"You could say that." He didn't pull away as Kain's arm snaked around his waist.

"Anyone hurt?"

"My partner, a bit. But, he's survived worse."

Satisfied with that answer, Kain allowed himself to grow annoyed. "And, you didn't think you should shower or something?"

"I was going to wait until the human world fell asleep and sneak down to do the laundry." Kain helped him slip off his boots, wondering how long the dazed expression would take. "How was your trip?"

"Long. Tiring." He tried to guide him off the plastic bags. Somehow, Kiryuu became stubborn. "Come on."

He examined his roommate who glared at the floor. Kain raised an eyebrow, finding nothing strange about the white carpet.

"Come on." He urged, softly. Catching Kiryuu's train of thought, Kain shook his head. "It's dried. And, this is no time to be worrying about the interior."

With another prod, Kain urged his bottom lip forward. "Kiryuu, come on."

His roommate remained on the plastic bag, staring defiantly at Kain. The latter ran a hand through his hair. "I'll carry you."

"Try it." Sadistic smirk.

"Then, will you please, come on?"

"No." Frustrated, Kain bent and gripped the garbage bag from under Kiryuu's feet, pulling the figure as he balanced. "Really, Kain?"

"Would you prefer to freeze to death?" He cursed under his breath. Technically, weren't they already dead? "Or, do you have a better idea?"

Kiryuu remained silent. Thought so, Kain stated, a small smirk on his face from the victory. Once he had pulled the bag close enough, Kiryuu stepped over his roommate's arm and onto the tile, instantly throwing off his clothes. Kain, who had wound up on his back after trying to further Kiryuu's process into the washroom, threw the bloodied shirt off him. "Seriously? Dick. Move."

"I'm not costing you more money by forcing you to have the carpets cleaned." Kiryuu rationalized, fiddling with his belt as Kain stood, glaring at the figure. His eyes widened slightly, wetting his lips. Don't be a pervert! He scolded himself, turning his head to examine the light fixture as the remaining clothes wound up in his arms. Kiryuu tsked. "You can look. It's not like you don't have the same system."

"Very funny." He turned his head further, hoping for someone to be walking by in the living room. At least then he wouldn't be in this predicament. Thankfully, Kiryuu stepped into the shower and Kain threw the dirtied clothes into the hamper, glad to be out of the room.

Unfortunately, his mind fluttered back and forth as he paced, heading toward the dining table as the questions resurfaced. How was he to phrase them? How did he do it without sounding accusatory?

But, as he paced toward the island, a stirring in his abdomen quieted the logical thought. Kain tried his best to supress the urge to join him, taunted by the photographs from the magazine and the newspaper. He thought he knew that Kiryuu's hair would be soft, just as his lips were.

Back toward the dining table, they shifted direction. Who took the picture? Where had they been standing? How long had they been there? Those were questions for Sak… Mrs. Ozaki… If she weren't so unpleasant to deal with.

Back to the island, Kain's eye rested on an unopened bottle. He paused, attention drifting from bottle to his bedroom to his office and back again. Back to the bedroom. He was tired enough that he could stand a few hours sleep.

Office. Yes, he could work. They wouldn't notice but, he could.

Without another thought, he poured himself a drink. Even as the first drop touched his tongue, he knew it was the wrong choice. Still, he downed the substance as his imagination worked its will and his mark in Kiryuu's skin. In that sweet limbo, Kain remained even as his physical form lay on the couch.

A/N: Haha! They said not to bother wasting my time! They said it was perfect the way it was. But, I have improved upon perfection! XD I'm teasing. Really, I hate this chapter. It's still choppy but, not half as bad.