A/N: Starting this chapter over again… Why is Zero always harder to write? Oh yeah…. He's busy investigating Kain's history. Dude, I don't even know Kain's history and I'm writing it. T. T

Also, I'm using my imagination for the hostages. If it conflicts with canon vampire lore, sorry! I can fix it but, I haven't found ANYTHING that suggests this. Matsuri Hino, please don't offer money for a hit. I promise I'll do better! But, I also needed something fun to do and creating the ultimate jerk face sounded like fun!

Blood bath. Zero had heard the term several times before yet, until this moment, he had thought it referred to when a Level E had won against a team. No, this was much worse, as if orchestrated by a higher Level. His mind flashed to Kaname. He shook it off. No, even that leech wouldn't do this… Would he? His mind faltered and switched back and forth with debate as he carefully stepped around a corpse of a child. Or children. A few had a bullet in their heads, shot from his own Bloody Rose. Others, their throats slashed by his partner. Kaito walked with a pronounced limp, a common injury of his. "Is that it, then?"

Zero glared at him. "What do you mean, is that it?"

"Is that all of them?" He lowered himself to one of the kids, lifting their upper lip.

"I don't know. I was too distracted making sure you survived."

"A few would have run off." Kaito answered, his head turned to the North. "They're not vampires."

"Hence the kill shot." Zero spat, annoyed with Kaito's seemingly easy manner. Desperately, he searched the bodies for anyone older. "Are they all children?"

"No. There's a few adults. But, most are kids." Kaito sighed. "We did our job, Kiryuu."

"Was there any other way?" Zero wondered aloud. Too late, now.

Kaito remained silent, fiddling with one of the children's necks. Zero tried to ignore the grumble in his own stomach as the older scoffed. "They've been feeding on them."

"What?" Zero stepped forward, his eyes on the deep, infected wounds. "More like savagely ripping out their throats. How did any of them survive?"

"I think it was over a period of months."

"Check the other side."

Kaito did as was instructed. Both swore under their breath. Sure enough, more bruises, some healed over only to be ripped at again. "God..."

Zero winced at the mention, sliding Bloody Rose into her holster. Time out, he thought toward her angrily. He knelt by Kaito and raised the child's eyes to the sky. Even in death, they held that hatred. "What ever happened to Level E's being stupid and eating whoever in one go?"

Kaito snorted, gripping his arm. He studied Zero as the other touched the side of the child's neck. "I cut you."

"It's not deep. I'll live."

"Kiryuu –"

"No." He shook his head vehemently. "I'm not feeding on you."

"Right." Silence. "I think we should call Master."

"Red tape, unfortunate accident… Press crap." Zero stood and stretched. "You have fun with that."

"Kiryuu!" Kaito shouted as the latter started walking. He did his best to navigate through the count, struggling to keep up. Zero slowed, the questions burning in his mind. "You're not ditching me with the report again."

"I have questions."

"I'm not the one to ask."

"I know."

Kaito smacked his shoulder. "For walking away."

"Yeah, yeah." Zero pulled out his phone, watching as the bars grew larger. He pressed Toga's number, letting Kaito use him for support as they walked toward the car.

"Zero!" Kaien Cross' voice screamed on the other end. Zero winced, holding the phone away from his ear. He was tempted to throw it backwards and find a new number. "How's my son? Are you eating? Why do you call Toga and not me? Did I do something to upset you? First Yuuki, now you. I bet neither of you would care if I were –"

"Sorry." Toga's voice responded after a second of silence. In the background, Zero could hear Cross whining about how his head ached. "He picked up before I could."

"Mm."

"You called for a reason, kid."

"Child blood bath." He relayed the observation and hypothesis to Toga, gripping Kaito's side as the smell of blood intoxicated his senses. The lightheaded feeling started. He shoved Kaito toward the car, ignoring the others staggering attempt to hold himself upright. "Also, Kaito might need medical attention. Can you have the medics outside by the time we arrive?"

"I'll inform them." Toga hung up, leaving Zero's questions unanswered. He turned back, holding his blood covered hand in the air. Only the wind greeted him.

"This entire situation is…" Zero exhaled, turning to his partner. The other started losing his colour, the metallic smell covering the seat. Zero rolled down the windows and started the car, trying his best to ignore it. "Tell me a story."

"Mm… What?" Kaito questioned as his eyes fluttered closed.

"Hey! Tell me a story and don't fall asleep."

"Mm… Well, the waitress stayed down on me for half an hour. Didn't even ask, just did it."

What did I expect? Zero questioned as he shook his head. Still, it was better for the moment. Zero tuned him out, his eyes on the road for the time being. He tried his best to ignore the blood on his hand that dripped down his arm.

Zero hated the hospital wing even before he was a vampire. As his father had told him, it was where the failures who forgot their training went. For every accident is completely avoidable. He snickered at the advice now, ignoring the advice. What good did it do them, they who followed every precaution? After their deaths, he had grown ashamed of his own inherited arrogance. Even Master Toga had spent time here. And now, because of his own stupidity, Kaito had wound up in this situation.

Instead of the patients, Zero's unfocused eyes sought out the blood bags for those that needed a transfusion. The dull ache in his body had requested it, a sharp throb every so often shooting through him. Toga sat beside him. "I assume Level E's were the cause and not a bunch of hostages?"

Zero snapped his head to Toga, trying to blink away the red. "Hostages?"

His Master nodded, placing a stolen bag into Zero's hand. "Every vampire leaves a sort of… Longing when they bite. I asked around and, it turns out, hostages are growing more common."

"What are they?"

"Humans, addicted to the bite of a Level E."

"What's the difference between Level E and others?"

"Their code of honor. Trust. Probably feeding times." Toga counted them off on each finger. "It's a new evolution by some secret source."

"How many times would a Level E need to bite someone for them to become addicted?" Zero asked, pouring the borrowed blood into a container.

"I can't tell." Toga shook his head. "I'd wager… Ten bites a day over the course of a month and, even then, the effects would be minimal at best."

"So, is this their version of the blood bond?"

"No." Toga sighed, rubbing his temples. "Not unless the human grew fangs. It's too new an evolution to really… consider how it works."

He gestured for Zero to drink. The younger did so, fighting back any sign of relief. "Would they have less blood lust if a higher Level were involved?"

"We'd have to find a Pureblood who'd be willing to test to that. Know any others besides the Kurans who aren't crazy and hate us?" Toga asked. Zero shook his head. "I thought not. Still… We might need them to."

"You're willing to take the Kurans to…"

"I'm willing to take Yuuki there." Toga finished. "Kaname has what he wants. Yuuki is still empathic. Plus, we'd have to find a Level E to practice on."

"But –" Though Zero's attention was on Toga, he still ducked Cross' attempted hug. "I'm going to go check on Kaito."

"I'll come with you." Toga answered, standing.

"Is no one excited to see me?" Cross asked with a huff.

"Hey, Cross." Some bystander stated.

"Least someone cares!" Cross called after them, starting one of his over dramatic fits.

"So, how did Kaito get hurt?" Toga asked.

"Hostages." Zero shrugged as his Master stopped in his tracks, a look of disappointment on his face. "We were prepared for Level E's and no one told us to expect a bunch of fang-whipped, wannabe-screwed-by-a-vampire humans yielding knives."

"I guess I can forgive him, then." He fell into step with Zero. "And, you said they were children?"

"Add humiliation. Nice."

"I have a theory…" Toga started, drifting off as he stared at Zero.

"What?"

"Well… Shima was a farming community, no?"

"Yeah."

"And, you said they were mostly children."

"Mm…"

Toga pressed a finger to his lower lip. Zero caught the train of thought. "Kain won't know."

"You should tell him."

"He doesn't know that I know what he does."

"You should tell him."

Zero shook his head. "It'd break trust."

"And how pissed do you think he'll be if you don't tell him?"

Zero ignored the last point, sitting next to Kaito as he drained the substance from the Styrofoam cup. If it had been any other mission where Kaito didn't get hurt, they'd be drinking with Kaito's eye on any passing lady. Inevitably, Zero would be left alone to his own devices. Yet, with years of partnership and drinking, Zero had started to partake in the aftermath party. Sometimes it was the cougar at the bar. Sometimes it was the man in the corner. Most of the time, it was whoever approached him first. He had found it cathartic with the excess adrenaline pumping through his veins. The tradition left it's craving.

"You two should have done your research before you went." Toga informed them after sitting in silence for some time.

"Dispatch called. Can we say no to dispatch?" Zero questioned.

"Not likely. But, you have a right to be informed. Who called?"

Zero shook his head. "Gruff. Annoying. Sounded like he had the midnight shift."

Toga nodded. "How many Level E's where there?"

"That's the thing that drives me crazy." Zero shifted his position, leaning forward as if sharing a conspiracy. "There were none. No where. All this blood and not a single one stirring."

Toga fell silent, one eye brow raised. "You're sure it was a Level E?"

"You said it yourself. They were definitely hostages."

Zero narrowly missed Cross as he snuck out the back door. The events of the past week had been havoc on him, the filtered images crossing his mind. If it's a new kind of evolution, how new is it? Lost in thought, he missed the stares from passersby. It was only when he arrived at the doors of the apartment building did the doorman block the door. Irritated, he almost questioned the audacity but, the reflection of the door answered. He was covered in blood.

A minor inconvenience… At best. He told himself, finding his way into the parkade. He slipped through the backdoor, taking a roll of garbage bags with him. The backstairs were easier to maneuver, the cement hard under his feet. He knew, by now, that the blood would have dried. Still, it seemed rude to walk through a business or home, regardless if it were dry or not.

Zero encountered no issues through his trek and started unraveling the roll as he approached the carpeted area. He could have gone to his room. But, Zero's mind raced with the new information. There's probably a precedent. Or, perhaps, some medieval forgotten lore about it. Or… He stepped onto the balcony, the stars shining through the clouds. With great difficulty, Zero crouched and lit a cigarette. As if sensing the adrenaline decompress, his mind trailed off.

Yuuki. He rested his head against the brick wall, finding himself dragged back to the first time he met her. He hadn't spoken to her. Stared at her, the weird human who lived with the eccentric man his Master trusted. Those eyes, filled with concern… Would they look at him like that if she knew the pain he welcomed?

The older woman and man hadn't cared. It had been his first lead to where they were. Kaname had encouraged Yuuki that they should move every so often – and, using his pawns, he managed to hide everyone. They were a lesser vampire couple who knew of a tailor who knew of a hairdresser that knew Touya. He smiled half-heartedly. How ironic that Touya would lead him to Kain.

His thoughts traced to Kain, wondering if he would take the lead. Course, Kain wanted a proper relationship. Whatever that was. But, after – Kain could still give him that. Could Yuuki?

He answered himself automatically. No. Yuuki could never give me what I want… But, would I be okay with that? He had asked himself that repeatedly, referring back to his first threesome. That want surged forth as he closed his eyes to the memory. It had happened long enough that the faces had blurred with time. Still… He recalled the savagery. The slurs. The backhanded praise. His movements controlled by a hand lost in his hair, exposing his throat. They never bit him though, the thought of their fangs in his neck had both disgusted and excited him. With a scowl, he forced himself back into reality, taking a drag.

From the corner of his eye, he watched as an intruder approached the balcony door. "Back?"

From the use of a fireball, he narrowed down the chances of the intruder for a roommate. Zero crushed his cigarette with malice, his eyes squinting through the light. Kain dissipated the fireball and flicked the switch for the balcony light. "You scared me."

Zero inched away from the light, trying to acclimatize after so long in the dark. He watched as Kain lowered himself to his level, watching the antics. His movements were analytical rather than kind. Zero followed Kain's hand as he pushed the hair out of his face, meeting his eyes. Despite the slow movements, Zero found the concern – fake as he thought it. "Are you hurt?"

He didn't reply, allowing Kain to drape his arm over his neck and rest his hand on his hip. He shuddered as a shock of electricity flew through his body. He allowed a noiseless moan to escape, the interest perking again. You don't have to be involved, you know, he told his lower half. Still, he pressed himself against Kain's body. "Rough day at the office?"

Rough week. "You could say that."

"Anyone hurt?"

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

Kain's worried manner turned into one of supressed anger. "And, you didn't think you should shower or something?"

Not really high priority on my list. "I was going to wait until the human world fell asleep and sneak down to do laundry."

Kain stood Zero straight and kneeled in front of him, his hands working on his boots. Zero inhaled sharply, partly because of his still throbbing thigh but mostly Kain's position. He lifted his arm, the satin ends of Kain's hair brushing against his palm. He could almost fantasize about it, hoping he'd lift his eyes to his. He swallowed a growl and retracted his arm. "How was your trip?"

"Long. Tiring." Kain stood and grasped Zero's hand. Zero refused to budge, swallowing audibly as he stared at the slender fingers. "Come on."

Disappointed in his reactions, Zero glared at the floor. Am I always like this? "Come on!"

Still, Zero remained. He thought of pushing Kain down onto the guest bed, arms over his head. Would the aristocrat like that? "It's dried. And, this is no time to be worrying about the interior."

Zero lifted his gaze, his prominent pout testing him. "Kiryuu, come on… I'll carry you."

"Try it." He smirked at Kain, hoping it was challenging rather than horrifying. I'm covered in blood… It's probably horrifying. Suddenly self-conscious of his looks, Zero lowered his head.

"Then, will you please, come on?"

"No." Not when I can think of scenarios… He discontinued the train of thought as he tried to balance. He looked down, watching the other dragging the garbage bag toward the guest bedroom. "Really, Kain?"

"Would you prefer to freeze to death? Or, do you have a better idea?"

I have a million better ideas to warm up… Zero hissed. He needed a cold shower or, at this rate, he'd act on it. Especially since Kain always seemed to wind up kneeling in front of him. He stepped over Kain's arm, instantly undressing and tossing his clothes over his shoulder. The sooner I shower, the better this mission has a chance of success. "Seriously? Dick. Move."

"I'm not costing you more money by forcing you to have the carpets cleaned." Zero answered, returning to the interior motives. Better that then what's actually on my mind… He started toying with his belt, sensing Kain's eyes on him. With a vindictive smirk, he slowed as he pulled the belt through, only too happy to toss the pants into Kain's arms. He tsked, disappointed that Kain wouldn't take the opportunity. Or, is my flirting game off? "You can look. It's not like you don't have the same system."

"Very funny." Ever proper, Kain seemed he was watching for an intruder. Defeated, Zero turned on the tap and switched over to the shower, stepping in.

He shivered the moment the water touched his skin, his thoughts clearing. He watched the tub fill with red water, diluting to pink and finally, a clear colour. The thigh had been the obvious one since it was a Hunters weapon that had inflicted the pain but, thanks to Toga, it'd heal within a few hours. Kaito had assisted Zero with the dislocated shoulder once they were in the clear for more than six seconds. The knife work done by a hostage trying to do their masters bidding had left a few scars that would be healed by morning. That didn't include the hand-to-hand combat Zero had to inflict nor the cracked knuckles and scrapes. He was lucky.

He scrubbed the excess blood off, peeling to the next layer in some areas and worried about his face last. He sat in the bathroom, wondering what the next step was. It seemed obvious, the tactic was proven to work and it would lead him into Kain's bed. The problem was, could Kain? Even together for however long, he remained closed off to the Hunter. How could Zero have him open up? The answer hit him, gagged him. Vulnerability. He repressed the shudder.

Drying his hair, he studied his reflection. Not an inch of red. He changed into his sweatpants and sighed. True, Kain was most like him out of the vampire community. Naturally, it would mean he'd be difficult to open up. Still, Zero strode out confidently, his nose wrinkling at the smell of alcohol.

On the couch, his roommate had draped one arm over his eyes, his hand hovering over a glass. Zero approached the figure, stopping abruptly. Kain's chest fell rhythmically, the button shirt partially undone. Zero swallowed again, squeezing his eyes shut momentarily. With renewed purpose, he loomed over the figure, purposely ignoring how Kain's fingertips rested in the band of his dress pants.

"Hey." Zero whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder and shaking him. He tried again, speaking clearer.

"Mm… Nuh." Kain muttered gruffly.

"Yes." Zero stated stubbornly, tossing Kain's arm from his eyes. He found himself regretting the action, finding the twinge of lust reflected.

They shut again as Kain groaned. "Nuh."

Zero's voice faltered. "Yes, drunkie."

"Mm…" Kain lifted his arms, shifting his feet to the ground. Zero helped Kain to his feet and tried to lead the other to his room. Kain rested against him, stumbling as he did so. "How long was I asleep?"

"Long enough to sleep."

"That's not an answer." He lay his head on Zero's, his arm sliding around his waist. Zero tried his best to ignore it, setting Kain on his bed. The other jumped to his feet and scoured the area, already stripping off his clothes and almost falling over himself. Zero leaned against the doorframe, a twisted smile on his face. The older of the two, finally changed into pajama bottoms, collapsed onto his bed. The smile evaporated as Zero cursed under his breath.

"Come on." He urged Kain as he pulled the blankets from one side, tucking them underneath the sleepy figure. He strolled past the bedposts and rolled Kain onto the other side. Kain gripped his wrist and pulled him down. Zero found himself trapped in Kain's embrace. "Um… It's late."

"Stay." Kain murmured with a whine that could compete with a child, his face buried in Zero's hair.

"I have to turn off the lights and close the door."

"Mmm…" Another whine. With a sigh, he loosened his grasp. "You'll come back?"

"Yeah."

"Pinky promise?" Kain questioned, extending it.

"Fine." Zero intertwined his pinkie with Kain's, glad for the freedom. He placed the glass in the sink and closed the balcony door. He slipped into his room and located a package of condoms in his luggage. Better prepared, he convinced himself as he crept back into Kain's room, closing the door behind him.

Though Kain had his eyes closed, Zero now knew it didn't necessarily mean he was asleep. He placed the box under the bed and lay on top of the sheets. "Back."

Almost immediately, Kain's arms wrapped around him, pulling a portion of the sheet back. Zero did as he was bade and pulled the covers over himself. He turned so his back was facing Kain, the latter pressing the full length of his body against him. Zero bit down on his own hand, discouraging his member from reacting to Kain's. But, even with his fingers slightly under the band of Zero's bottoms and his other resting just above Zero's arm, the vampire snored softly against Zero's hair.

Zero remained awake, unsure if he should encourage anything or leave it as it was. But, sleep claimed him for its own.

Warmth… That was the only thought Zero could form as he pulled the blanket further over his head, trying to usher himself back into his abyss. He knew there was a line he had crossed. A shapeless, nameless person. He groaned and turned onto his stomach, wincing slightly. The shapeless, nameless person waited, their dead eyes blaming him.

Zero's eyes snapped open, the image vaguely outlined in an unfamiliar room. He watched it deteriorate from his sight, daring to lift his head. He was alone yet, he felt them everywhere, all around him. If he dared to step on the ground, he'd step on a body. How old would this one be? Possibly an adult, probably a child. He lifted himself upright, the bare walls reflecting blood. He studied it, trying to determine what nightmare this was. He knew he had seen it recently. Again, he groaned as his head lowered, realizing the panic rising in his chest.

Five things I see. Zero lifted his head. Blanket. Sheets. Bed frame. Dresser. Nightstand.

Four things I feel. Mattress. Sheet. Cold air. Foot board.

Three things I smell. Air. Sweat. Kain.

Two things I hear. My breathing. Silence.

One thing I taste. He licked his lips. Salt.

He repeated the mantra a few times as his eyes grew accustomed to the dark. No, this wasn't the guest bedroom. Zero examined the room, his eyes full of wonder. Kain's set up was Spartan with only the bare necessities accessible. Zero slid off the bed, wincing slightly. He touched his lower abdomen, his face contorting into confusion at the heat emanating from the body. Awkwardly, he stood and made his way into the en-suite bathroom, closing his eyes as it blinded him.

On his chest, a red hand print that hurt each time Zero poked at it. The same happened to the lower with the edges of the pajama shirt burned. Zero tried to peel it off, flinching as he made progress. Once the shirt was off, he examined himself.

The lower was less burnt than the upper. Next to the handprint on his chest, four claw marks embedded themselves into Zero's skin, drops of blood smearing the otherwise pale pallor. With a look of disbelief, Zero traced the outline, his eyes examining the bathroom. Again, Spartan. He furrowed his brow and slipped out of the room, ready to confront Kain. Except, the common space was empty.

With a sigh, he trumped towards the kitchen light, wondering if now would be a good time to start breakfast. He stopped, the light again blinding him and rested a hand against the counter. He slid his hand, over the smooth counter top, his eyes trailing his fingers until they rested on a pink parchment with two magazines under it. Dazed, he lifted the note.

Kiryuu –

Peruse the newspaper and magazine. Talk afterward – level 9.

Kain.

Zero frowned. No mention of last night, no thanks… What am I to you, Kain? Still, he set the note down and examined newspaper. He knew that picture existed – it had been in the tabloids with the ever-demeaning name-calling that came with any of the Night Class Fans. Kaito had teased him mercilessly, asking if he was the mystery man.

A glance at the second made Zero's teeth grind. He gripped it tightly in his fist and slammed the door behind him, walking barefoot through the corridor. The night doorman nodded to him and pressed nine without Zero so much as saying a word.

The doors opened to a gym. Zero headed straight for the only occupant who used the bow flex, his arms lifted behind him. Zero threw the magazine on the floor in front of Kain. "The –"

"So, it wasn't you." Kain cut him off, nodded and bent, tossing it to the side.

"No, it wasn't me. Did you think it was?"

Kain stared at Zero, his tired eyes aging him by ten years. "I have to consider all avenues – even those that aren't likely."

"So, you knew it wasn't me and you still accused me of it?"

"I never accused you of it. I simply left them in a place to allow you to become familiar with it."

"Some would take it as accusing."

"Yes, they would." Kain's eyes flickered downward, his frown prominent. "I burnt you."

"Don't change the subject."

"I'm focusing on one that I can control."

Zero sighed. "Don't bother. It'll heal."

"No. It won't unless I force it to."

"What do you mean it won't?"

"I mean…" Kain stood, his hands raised by his head. "Do I have your permission to show you?"

Anything to lay hands on me? Zero questioned, his eyes hard. Bewildered still, he nodded. Kain overlay his hand on the burn on Zero's chest. Zero ignored the shiver as cold seeped through him, his eyes narrowed towards his roommate. "If you want –"

"This isn't about coping a feel, if that's what's got you concerned." Kain lifted his hand again, the burn mark all but gone. "If I wanted that, I'd have asked to kiss you."

"What?" Zero asked, his head spinning. "I thought we were discussing the magazine."

"We were. And then, I was assuring you I wouldn't do anything without your permission. And now, we're discussing where this discussion went." He smirked, returning to his seat. "Do keep up."

Zero sat across from him, the bench comfortable. "Any idea?"

"I have a few, considering the angle. Course, I'd have Gonkuro on it but, you're investigating him."

"No, I'm investigating you." Zero replied.

Kain blinked several times. "You don't even try to hide it?"

Zero shrugged. "Why should I?"

"Will you tell me why?"

"The lineage histories."

"The what?"

"The big books of a vampires lineage." Zero oversimplified. Kain scowled at him. "Sorry."

"What about them?"

"Well, we can trace back to when the first vampire was born… in theory. We can trace Souen's lineage, Aidou's, Touya's…" He pointed at Kain. "Yet, yours… Kitashi, Mayoko and Akatsuki Kain are all that remain."

Kain stared at him. "I see. You've reopened the case without my approval."

"Do I need your approval if everything I find, I'll share?"

"I'd like you to have it considering it is my lineage."

"So, are you giving it to me?"

"No." This time, Zero scowled as Kain fought a smile. "I'll do you one better. But, it can't be shared with anyone."

"Why not?"

"Because it's what I remember. Or, at least, what Gonkuro remembers." His face became thoughtful. "You were tracking Gonkuro, right? Not Sa… Mrs. Ozaki?"

"Mrs. Ozaki told me to find Gonkuro."

"Yes, as she's been trained." Kain's eyes lingered on Zero's abdomen. "Do you want me to fix that one, too?"

"Stop staring and focus." Zero insisted. Still, he stood and sat next to Kain, exhaling sharply as the other overlapped his hand with the burn. "Why do you train people to find Gonkuro if you're going to be such a prick about it?"

"How'd you feel if someone learned anything about Kaito or Toga – especially if they were trailing them to find information about you and your history?"

"I thought my history was clear."

"Not to a stranger." Though the burn had healed, Kain's hand lingered, his fingers pressing slightly. Zero found comfort with his arm around his waist.

"I guess I'd be pissed. Is that why you burned me?"

Kain shook his head. "I was drunk."

"Tell me about it. You practically threw a tantrum when I tried to leave."

"Tantrum? Me? You must have mistaken me for someone else."

"Oh really?" Zero turned to face Kain, twisting his face into one similar to a puppy. "Pinky promise you'll come back?"

Kain groaned and hit his forehead with his palm. "I thought that was a dream."

"Mm… If it were a dream, how'd you wake up with me in your arms?"

"I assumed it was my imagination."

"Mmhmm… And, how often do you imagine I'm there?"

Kain flushed, avoiding Zero's eye. Thankfully for him, Kain's phone buzzed. His hand on Zero's lower back, he read the text. "Hanabusa and Ruuka want to meet up."

Zero stared at him, shock taking over. "Aidou and Souen?"

"Yes. Apparently, Ruuka has decided to give you a chance…"

"She's probably going to judge me and then use the time to berate me."

"Most likely." Kain shrugged and stretched. "You willing?"

Zero pressed a finger to his lip. "Only if you answer my question."

Kain stared at him, his hands over his head. His burgundy eyes darkened slightly, the lips parting. "Do you honestly think I like to sleep alone?"

"Doesn't everyone?"

"Not when you've been alone most of your life."

Zero translated it to mean Kain'd been wanting him in his bed since they became official. "You could have said."

Kain bent forward and picked up the magazine. "I could have. Probably should have. But, I don't like to assume."

"What else do you want from this relationship?"

Again, that questioning stare. Zero met it head on, trying to ignore the Adam's apple bobbing as Kain swallowed hard. "One thing at a time, Kiryuu."

A/N: Again, I probably have to fix it. Effin' hell, Zero! I knew you'd be difficult to write but, at some point, you're being a jerk! T. T

Also, next is a BCD chapter! I like those chapters - mainly cause while I'm pissed at Zero or Kain, I can escape into some nonsensical scene. Mwhahahaha!