A/N: Another chapter, Kain's perspective. Might accidentally be putting lyrics in here…

Pale skin. That was all he could see, touch or feel. It seemed to glow in the dark, consume, confuse his senses. He dragged his lips across the strangers skin, his tongue joining every so often.

The only problem was, there seemed to be no gender… Perhaps, it was a sheet of skin? But then, who did it belong to?

"Hey." Kain felt someone shaking his shoulder. "Hey!"

"Mm… Nuh." Kain muttered, the dream dissipating.

"Yes." Kain had just opened his eyes when his arm was flung off. He squeezed them shut again, the light bothering him.

"Nuh." He fought a smile, enjoying this game.

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

"Mm…" Admitting defeat, Kain lifted his arms into the air, sliding one foot on the ground. Even with Kiryuu's assistance, Kain stumbled to his feet. He wet his lips. "How long was I asleep?"

"Long enough to sleep." Kiryuu replied.

"That's not an answer." Kain smacked his lips, finding his mouth dry. He lay his head on Kiryuu's, his arm wrapping around his waist. Kain smiled to himself, the drunken mind wondering if he was a teddy bear.

Once in his room, Kain stood from his bed where Kiryuu had left him. He edged along the bed, throwing his clothes to any side. Revenge, he thought towards Kiryuu as his pants would up around his ankles, tripping him up as he stepped onto his discarded shirt. Leaning against the wall, he attempted to pull up his pajama bottoms before falling onto the bed.

Bed… He thought towards it, his face in the pillow.

"Come on…" Kiryuu tucked the corner of the edge underneath Kain's frame. Whether Kain growled in his head or out loud, he didn't know. He listened to the steps as they grew closer, hands trying to roll him over. Kain gripped Kiryuu's wrist and tugged him down, wrapping an arm around Kiryuu's waist and drawing him closer to him. His other hand wriggled under Kiryuu's frame. "Um… It's late."

"Stay." Kain murmured, finally content as he buried his face in Kiryuu's hair. The silky strands rubbed against his forehead.

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

"Mmm…" Kain knew that it was reasonable. Reluctantly, he loosened the grip. "You'll come back?"

No hesitation. "Yeah."

"Pinky promise?" Kain questioned, lifting his arm with his pinkie extended.

"Fine." Kiryuu intertwined them and left the room. Kain tried his best to keep his eyes open, tracking Kiryuu's steps. His eyes grew heavy.

"Back." He felt the bed sink a little on the side. Kain nearly rolled Kiryuu on top of him, shoving the blanket under Kiryuu's figure as Kiryuu had done for him. Kiryuu turned his back to Kain, adjusting the covers he slipped over him. Kain pressed against Kiryuu, one arm sliding under his frame and resting on his chest as the other wrapped around his waist. He hadn't realized his fingers rested just under the band. He rubbed his cheek against Kiryuu's hair, out like a light.

Step. Step. Step. Step. Step. Step. Kain rested against the end post at the top of the stairs, trying to slow his breathing though, he could hear his heartbeat in his ears. The shouting had been deafening when he and Gonkuro had left. Now, only silence.

He turned back, Gonkuro's eager expression egged him to continue. Kain swallowed for the umpteenth time. Another step. He ran to the nearest door, hiding behind the frame. Gonkuro shouted behind him as he ran to the next. He chanced a glance behind him then ran for the closed door and –

Kain's eyes snapped open as the sweat ran down his back. He buried his face further into silken hair, panting against it. Then, the ache. Begrudgingly, he pulled away from a sleeping figure. His head snapped back then down. He sighed with relief, unsure of how Kiryuu had wound up in his bed. But, that was a question for another time.

He snuck out of the room, trying his best to close the squeaking door behind him. Afraid of making much noise if he were to stay in the apartment, Kain placed the newspaper and magazine on the kitchen island, hastily scribbling a note. He slipped his phone into his pocket then, he left the penthouse.

The elevator opened with a loud ding, worsening his headache. How much did I drink? He wondered vaguely. The liftman bowed to Kain. "Ground?"

"Ninth."

"Splendid." He did as he was instructed.

"Do me two favours?" Kain questioned.

The liftman grinned. "Anything for the owner."

"Uh-huh." Kain hated that shit-eating grin. He didn't trust it. "Let no one else onto the 9th floor until I return."

"Certainly. And, the second?"

"… When Master Kiryuu uses the elevator, send him down."

"To… Nine?"

"Yes."

"Of course, sir." Kain grimaced but said nothing.

He started on the treadmill, hoping to work off at least some of the adrenaline. Then, the bikes. Dumbbells. Pull up bar. He had just seated himself on the bow flex, preparing himself for the burn when a notification came up. Kain sighed mentally, lifting the phone to his face. He paused, rereading the message. Did he convince Ruuka to apologize? Kain replied and set it on the bench. He gripped the handles. A newspaper and magazine wound up near his feet. "The –"

"So, it wasn't you." Kain cut off his intruder, tossing the articles to the side.

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

Kain lifted his gaze to Kiryuu's face. As good as Kiryuu thought he was at protecting his emotions, Kain could read it. Insulting. Disgusted. Pissed. "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?" Zero scoffed.

"I never accused you of it. I simply left them in a place to allow you to become familiar with it." Kain's mind wracked for other explanations, his eyes fixating on the elevator.

"Some would take it as accusing."

"Yes, they would." Kain started his reps again, his face puzzled. "I burnt you."

"Don't change the subject."

What was there to discuss? "I'm focusing on one that I can control."

Kiryuu's arms dropped to his sides as he 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…" Kiryuu, everyone. Spends his life hating vampires, has no clue how powers work… Kain ushered the thought out of his head as he stood, holding his hands by his head as though told to by an officer. "Do I have your permission to show you?"

Kiryuu nodded, skeptical. Kain overlay his hand on the burned area of Kiryuu's chest. He inhaled deeply, summoning the heat back into his body. Exhaling, he felt a tingle running up his arm. He repeated the process, the tingle becoming a faint discomfort until it was nothing. Then, he raised his eyes to Kiryuu who, in turn, narrowed his. "If you want –"

Kain followed the train of thought. "This isn't about coping a feel if that's what's got you concerned."

He lifted his hand, allowing it to fall back to his side. He was proud of his work though, his handprint remained. As it would for several more days. "If I wanted that, I'd have asked to kiss you."

"What?" Kiryuu asked. Kain cocked his head to the side, pride swelling in his chest. If a mere touch can cause such a distraction for him… "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 sat on the bench, resting his hand on his phone. "Do keep up."

Kiryuu sat across from him. "Any idea?"

"I have a few, considering the angle." His eyes darted to the elevator again. Kiryuu didn't seem to notice. "Course, I'd have Gonkuro on it but, you're investigating him."

Kain froze momentarily. He wasn't supposed to bring that up yet.

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

Kain blinked in rapid succession. "You don't even try to hide it?"

"Why should I?"

"Will you tell me why?"

"The lineage histories?"

"The what?"

"The big books of a vampires lineage." Kain scowled, hating being treated like an idiot. "Sorry."

"What about them?" He continued, brushing off the insult.

"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 held in a growl, excitement roiling from hearing his name on Kiryuu's lips. But, this was not the time to be sidetracked. "I see. You've reopened the case without my approval."

"Do I need your approval if everything I find, I'll share?" The response was cocky.

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

"So, are you giving it to me?"

"No." And, just like that, I turned perverted… Damn it. Kiryuu scowled as Kain fought a smile. "I'll do you one better. But, it can't be shared with anyone."

"Why not?" Genuine interest. The slight sparkle in Kiryuu's eyes sunk Kain's heart.

"Because it's what I remember. Or, at least, what Gonkuro remembers." How would he explain the memory gaps? Why he can't remember? No, he'd cross that bridge when it came to it. "You were tracking Gonkuro, right? Not Sa… Mrs. Ozaki?"

"Mrs. Ozaki told me to find Gonkuro."

"Yes, as she's been trained." Kain lowered his gaze, lingering on Kiryuu's abdomen. "Do you want me to fix that one, too?"

"Stop staring and focus." Despite the reproach, Kiryuu sat next to him. Kain did the same process as he had with the other burn. "Why do you train people to find Gonkuro if you're going to be such a prick about it?"

Really? You want to discuss this right now? He swallowed the flame surging inside. "How'd you feel if someone learned anything about Kaito or Toga – expecially if they were trailing them to find information about you and your history?"

"I thought my history was clear."

"Not to a stranger." Kain applied slight pressure, finding it calming.

"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."

Kain forced a look of mock shock. "Tantrum? Me? You must have mistaken me for someone else."

"Oh really?" Kain rose his eyebrow as Kiryuu adjusted his sitting position, twisting his face into one similar of a puppy. Kain's hand moved to Kiryuu's lower back. "Pinky promise you'll come back?"

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

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

The vampire swallowed, his conviction unsure. "I assumed it was my imagination."

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

Kain felt himself flush, desperate for a distraction, distance, anything. He silently thanked Aidou for the interruption. He lifted it, his eyebrow raising. Just be sure you two are lovebirds – Ruuka will probably change her mind if you do so. "Hanabusa and Ruuka want to meet up."

"Aidou and Souen?" Kain heard the judgment.

"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." He shrugged and stretched. How much am I going to have to go over with him? "You willing?"

"Only if you answer my question."

Every night… He stared at Kiryuu, trying to tone down the words. "Do you honestly think I like to sleep alone?"

"Doesn't everyone?"

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

"You could have said."

Kain half-smiled. He can read between my lines… That's dangerous. He distracted himself with the discarded newspaper and magazine. "I could have. Probably should have. But, I don't like to assume."

"What else do you want from this relationship?" Kiryuu asked. Kain met the questioning stare, wavering under. He swallowed audibly, the innocent and perverted thoughts flipping through his mind.

"One thing at a time, Kiryuu."

Kain forwarded the messages to Kiryuu's phone as he resisted the urge to drink. "Did he send a time?"

"I'd go with… Seven."

"No address… No time…" Kiryuu emerged from the guest bedroom wearing a sweater and jeans. "No dress code, surprisingly."

"Formal casual." Kain answered, resting against the kitchen island.

"The hell does 'formal casual' mean?" Zero asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Think of it like this." Kain stood in front of him. "You're about to meet someone you had a crush on for years. This person wants to go to a gala then, street racing."

"I don't think you know what street racing is."

"Well, I know what a gala is and that…" Kain pointed and shook his head.

"Is this the equivalent of dinner and a movie?" Kiryuu questioned.

"No. This is the equivalent of Ruuka showing you how much you don't fit in our society and us trying to prove her wrong." He meandered over to the doorway. "Those dress pants would do nicely."

"What, is this an interview?"

Kain chuckled. "Everything with Ruuka is an interview."

Kiryuu switched places with Kain as the latter riffled through the luggage. "So, you're taking me street racing?"

Kain pressed a finger to his lips. "That's a secret."

"Fine, have your secrets." Kiryuu leaned against the doorframe, raising an eyebrow. "Dress pants and a sweater… What did you have against my green one?"

"There's a blood splotch." Kain threw it at Kiryuu. "That one's blood free and free of holes."

"Doesn't she have any clothes that have blood spillage on them?" Kiryuu asked, already stripping down to his underwear.

Kain averted his gaze. "Probably from when she was just learning to feed."

Kiryuu grumbled under his breath as Kain turned his back, examining the clothes. "Are these your only shoes?"

"They're a good make and last longer than whatever you have." The Hunter answered.

"I might have a spare…" Kain rested the shoe next to his. "Think your feet are smaller than mine, though. Sure you don't have any others?"

From the corner of his eye, Kain saw Kiryuu shrug. The vampire exhaled, blowing one of the strands out of his face and running a hand through his hair. "Do you want mine?"

"No."

"Fine." Kain would leave it be.

"Really? Bloodied shoes, three seasons ago, cheaper store…" Souen smirked as Kain led Zero through to the booth.

"Hanabusa, I thought she was going to be nice." Kain mentioned, playing the same game Souen had been playing on him.

"I'm right here, Akatsuki."

"I believe there's a chill… Or I'm hearing things." He slid in after Kiryuu, pressing his side against his partners.

"Fine." Souen turned her attention to Kiryuu. "How are you?"

Kiryuu raised an eyebrow, his response hesitant. "Fine… Yourself?"

"Good." She glared at Kain.

"Nice to see you, Akatsuki." Aidou nodded, forcing a smile on his face. "Kiryuu, you appear well."

"… Thanks?"

"Are you ready to order?" The waiter asked.

"Maybe we should make it easier for Kiryuu. Just bring an order of special wine and four courses of number two." Aidou offered. Kain held his tongue, assuming that it was less of an insult and actual concern. They waited patiently for him to disappear.

"Now that the pleasantries are out of the way…" Kain held his breath as Souen leaned forward, evaluating Kiryuu. "How'd you two meet up? How long have you been together? Any plans to force him to tie down? Are you sure you're not using Akatsuki? What's your thoughts on kids? You do understand the issues with –"

"Ruuka!" Kain glared at her. She smiled sweetly at him as the Hunter worked out the rapid-fire questions that seemed to flow from her mouth in some sort of foreign rap.

"I was hoping you wouldn't notice."

Kain glared at her as Aidou set down his drink. "I assume Akatsuki would prefer me to ask the questions, no?"

"You, I trust."

Aidou nodded and turned to Kiryuu. "How'd you two meet?"

Kain and Kiryuu shared a glance. Kain nodded toward his partner, refocusing. "At the bar about… What? Six months ago?"

"And, you didn't think that was suspicious?" Souen questioned.

"Course he thought that was suspicious!" Aidou cut Kain off. Kain glanced at Kiryuu, shaking his head.

"You kidding? Our cousins easily swayed!" Souen commented.

Kain folded his hands in his lap, leaning forward to Kiryuu. "You doing all right?"

"Me?" Kiryuu stared at him. "They're insulting you."

Kain briefly smiled. "Better me than you. But…"

He offered his hand to Kiryuu. The other cautiously laid his hand in Kain's. "If you feel angry or upset by anything they're talking about…"

"Break it?"

"… Preferably not."

"So, were you suspicious?" Aidou asked, breaking Kain out of his conversation.

"… A little, I guess. It's not every day the sworn enemy of a Pureblood walks up to you in a bar…" Kain tried his best not to flinch as Kiryuu, eyes narrowed, purposely tried to break his hand. "But then, telling me that he needed assistance with becoming okay with himself…"

"You sure…" Souen began to say. Her face contorted into one of pain, silencing her. Kain was sure Aidou had something to do with that.

"And, how long have you been seeing each other?"

This time, Kain remained silent. After all, it wasn't all on him to answer, was it? Kiryuu shrugged. "Four months?"

Respectable… Technically, four months and three weeks, two days… Wait… He pondered if he knew the time as well. A part of him questioned how he knew the timeline. "There about."

"Wha…" Aidou started, Kain's phone causing a vibration. Kain looked at it, holding a finger. "Rude. I turned off my phone for this."

"There's things I can't miss." Mr. Sneaky showed up on Kain's call display. "I have to take this."

He squeezed Kiryuu's hand as he slid out of the booth. He hoped it conveyed the message: text if you need me. Afraid he'd be locked out of the restaurant, he entered the bathroom and locked the door. He called the number back. "Gonkruo, thanks."

"… For what?"

"Getting me away from Hanabusa and Ruuka. Though, Kiryuu's pissed."

"Should I hang up?"

"I phoned you." He leaned against the sink counter, his face returning to a serious demeanor. "What did you find?"

"You sure—"

"Gonkuro."

"… That's the thing." Kain heard the flipping of a file. "No transactions, no trace, nothing."

"Any other ideas?"

"Sixteen million, eight hundred…" Gonkuro sighed heavily. Kain could almost see the hand running through his hair. "You're sure Kiryuu –"

"Asked and answered. He's angry."

"And, you're not?"

"I'm angry but, I was also thrust into the spotlight so…" He began rocking slightly. "Did you do the trace I asked for?"

"You mean the elevator dude?" Wry chuckle. "He has the motives and the means but, he also can't lose his job. I cross referenced as to what days he worked and they don't add up."

"Alibi?"

"Hospital."

"Oh… Maybe I should send him a gift basket with my condolences."

"… Do you want to do that?"

"Should I not?"

"… I'll send one immediately."

"One more thing."

"… Fine." Gonkuro pulled out a pad of paper. "What do you need?"

"… Actually, no. Keep up the good work, keep looking. Keep me informed." He hung up, biting his inner cheek. With resolve, he approached the silent table. The only noise was from Aidou drinking a milkshake he had ordered afterwards. Kiryuu offered a smile, murder in his eyes. Kain sat next to him, ignoring the bone crushing feeling in his hand. "I miss anything?"

Aidou opened his mouth, Souen beating him to it. "Just getting to know each other."

Yeah… Sure… "Anything else I can get for anyone?"

Kain jumped slightly, the waiter appearing out of nowhere. "Could I get this wrapped up?"

"You haven't had a bite!" Aidou whined as Souen sipped at her glass.

"I'll eat later." He turned to Kiryuu. "Done?"

Kiryuu nodded. "And this one, too."

"Where are you two leaving in such a hurry?" Souen questioned.

"Date night." Kain answered ominously.

"And, we all know what that means."

"Will my sex life every stop being a source of amusement for everyone?"

"Once you have one? Yes."

The couple slid out of the booth. "I'll pay for the next one."

"Next one's on Ruuka." Aidou answered. Kain froze, watching Kiryuu from the corner of his eye. How badly did Ruuka insult him?

"This is a date?" Kiryuu asked as they walked past the shops people closed after.

"Would you rather have stayed?" Kain questioned.

"I just…" Kiryuu sighed. "Why a date all of the sudden?"

"I was going for a walk anyway. And, despite what other vampires say, you're not bad company."

"… Feels a bit backhanded…"

"Would it be better if I said I enjoyed your company?"

"There you are." Kiryuu walked alongside him. They stopped on a bench, the food bag by Kain's side. In front of them, a massive manmade lake. When Kain didn't speak, Kiryuu shifted. "Who's Mr. Sneaky?"

Kain chanced a half smile. "Gonkuro. Old joke."

Silence. Kiryuu spoke again. "Was this a test?"

"Not for you. Ruuka's been… Less than supportive of our relationship. Hanabusa's been trying to convince her that you make me happy."

"Well, you failed on that one."

"Did I?" Kain studied Kiryuu, a slight smile on his face.

"You admitted you were suspicious of me."

"And you have a track record for hating Kurans'. It would have been worse if I hadn't said it."

"Did you mean it, then?"

Kain fixed Kiryuu with a hardened stare. "Personally, I don't know what to think. But, I know what I feel and what I think and, even if you hate the Kurans' for whatever crime or slight you perceive, that's not to do with me."

"So, if I went gung-ho –"

"At this point, I'd stop you." Kiryuu became silent. "Relationship wise… I trust you."

"That's probably a bad decision."

"Not the first I've made." Kain swallowed audibly. "I promised you the full story of what I remember. That is, if you're still interested."

He smiled as Kiryuu's ears perked up. "If you want to share…"

"I won't go to the association. It's not their business."

Kiryuu found Kain's eyes, the burgundy eyes resembling an amber cat-like ambience. "So, as your boyfriend –"

"I trust you, Kiryuu. Boyfriend or not."

"… Why?"

"A few reasons."

"And, they are?"

"First, you could have killed me in my sleep."

"I still could."

"But, you won't."

"I might."

"Agree to disagree." He held up a second finger. "And… You understand what privacy means to me."

"I think anyone who actually knows you knows that."

"Ah, but they don't."

"And, thirdly?"

"Lastly," Kain amended, "you survived a double date with two vampires who hate you the most."

"Aidou's not that bad."

"Right, you don't know that joke…"

"There's a two-vampire joke about Souen?"

"Yes but, that's not for you." He grinned.

"… I got to know."

"Choose: the joke or the history."

"Will I hear the other at some distant point in time?"

"No."

Kiryuu pondered the situation, pressing his finger to his chin. "The history."

A/N: Ha ha! I've managed to make sure I have another weekend to fix his history! This chapter, though…. Goddamn it Kain! Why you doing shit! You were always the easier boy!