A/N: Sorry lovelies! I shall post two chapters this week – chapter 14 and chapter 15. Sorry for not updating over the past two weeks – I've been dealing with mood swings, medications and stress…. So… Much… Stress….

I'll probably work on 15 on Tuesday and get it posted by Thursday. Then, it's 16! Yeah, buddy!

Also, this is the last chapter that will recount the story through a different perspective. I'm not sure if this chapter works in terms of Zero's personality but, I tried. I'll probably scrap it and do it again later but, for now, it's good!

Meet with Aidou and Souen… The words ran through Zero's head, repeatedly until they became distorted. Aidou, at least, was tolerable… But, Souen? He sharply inhaled again, trying not to clench his teeth. At least Kain had promised to do the talking. Zero wasn't in the right frame of mind to be dealing with her.

"Really? Bloodied shoes, three seasons ago, cheaper store…" Even hearing her voice set Zero on edge. Kain rested his hand on the small of Zero's back, urging him into the booth. Right across from her.

"Hanabusa, I thought she was going to be nice." Kain voiced, tilting his head toward the mentioned. Zero inhaled, resting his elbow on the table and leaning against his hand. If Kain were to play as if her existence were questionable, surely Zero could find some amusement to it.

"I'm right here, Akatsuki." Souen whined. Zero flashed his gaze to the only female at the table, his brow furrowing. He had heard that whine only from Aidou whenever he did something that displeased the eldest.

"I believe there's a chill… Or I'm hearing things."

"Fine." Souen muttered, her attention resting on Zero. Her tone became mocking yet, somehow, sincere. "How are you?"

The eyebrow raised, clearly taken aback. "Fine… Yourself?"

"Good." She glared at Kain. Zero studied his partner, unsure of how much sway he held over them.

"Nice to see you, Akatsuki." Aidou forced a smile on his face as his attention turned to the Hunter. The Hunter could only guess that Souen had a grip on Aidou as he remained reserved. "Kiryuu, you appear well."

Didn't I just have this conversation? "… Thanks?"

The waiter appeared. He felt relieved, the attention off of him. Not even ten minutes and he hated this. "Are you ready to order?"

"Maybe we should make it easier for Kiryuu. Just bring an order of special wine and four courses of number two." Aidou told him. Kain's jaw tensed, as if the other had just insulted his companion. Considering it was a fancy restaurant, Zero appreciated it. Souen tossed her toffee-coloured hair.

"Now that pleasantries are out of the way…" Zero glared as she invaded his personal space, leaning forward with that mischievous glint in her eye. "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 chastised, a slight smile on his face. Not for the first time, Zero wondered what it was about this particular bitch Kain was attracted to. She placated a smile similar to Touya's, appearing as innocent as possible.

"I was hoping you wouldn't notice." Childlike. Note one: Kain is parental cousin. They look to him for guidance… Useful.

Aidou held up a hand as Kain glared. "I assume Akatsuki would prefer me to ask the questions, no?"

"You, I trust." The directed glare softened as Ruuka shrugged, settling back in her seat.

It took a few moments for Zero to realize that Aidou had shifted his attention to both of them. Zero exchanged glances with Kain, unsure of what the question was. Kain nodded once. "At the bar about… What? Six months ago?"

So, he's asking the same questions Souen asked… The polite ones, anyway. Souen intervened. "And, you didn't think that was suspicious?"

"Course he thought that was suspicious!" Aidou answered, cutting Kain off.

Zero shrugged at the word. To be fair, the paranoid personality type thought even a towel on the floor that he had forgotten was cause to search the entire apartment. "You kidding? Our cousins easily swayed!"

Ha… Note two: they don't actually know him. "You doing all right?"

The Hunter snapped his head in Kain's direction, breathless as those big amber eyes filled with concern and worry for his well-being. "Me? They're insulting you."

"Better me than you. But…" He offered his hand to Zero. The other gracefully slid his hand in Kain's, confused. "If you feel angry or upset by anything they're talking about…"

"Break it?" That seemed fair. After all, it was Kain's fault they were at dinner with these people.

Kain grimaced as Zero squeezed. "… Preferably not."

"So, were you suspicious?" Aidou asked. Zero had blocked them out, their debates seeming to drag on.

"… A little, I guess. It's not every day the sworn enemy of a Pureblood walks up to you in a bar…" Zero squeezed the hand, his eyes narrowed. Two people talking shit was bad enough – even if the reasoning was true. "But then, telling me that he needed assistance with becoming okay with himself…"

"You sure…" Souen started, her face contorted into one of pain. Least Aidou could shut her up. Still, Zero started to feel bad for the pair: neither of them could keep their thoughts to themselves.

"And, how long have you been seeing each other?" Aidou diverted the conversation, rubbing his leg.

Kain remained silent. Zero quickly calculated the amount of time, figuring it to be somewhere between four or five months. "Four months?"

The vampire nodded. "There about."

"Wha…" Aidou started. Kain's phone created a vibration. Refusing to let go of Zero's hand, he held up a finger and checked the caller ID. His cousin scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest like a child. "Rude. I turned off my phone for this."

"There's things I can't miss." Zero glanced at the ID. Apparently, Mr. Sneaky was calling. "I have to take this."

Zero gripped Kain's hand, deterring him from leaving. He loosened his grip as he compared himself to a child not wanting his mother to leave. He had been a grown ass man for some time – old enough to know better. They all watched the fiery head of hair walk down the hallway. The calm before the storm. Souen jerked her head towards Zero, her eyes narrowed. "My cousin is a very patient and empathic, albeit… Dumb vampire."

"Ruuka…" Aidou warned.

"If he's using him, Hana…"

"I have no plans to tie him down." Zero started, holding up a finger as he recalled the other questions Souen had asked. "And no, I'm not using Kain. Though, I might have an alter ego…"

"What are…"

"I don't really want kids with the likes of princesses nosing their way into my life so, no. Probably won't change as long as I'm with him." The waiter had finally brought the food out with the wine. Aidou appeared to be mulling over the new information.

"How'd you get him wrapped around your finger so fast?" Souen asked, her tone haughty. Zero secretly thanked the waiter for the alcohol as she lifted the glass to her lips. If she was anything like Kain, it might slow her spit fire questions. "Did you promise him companionship or something?"

"I made him no promise that I can't keep." True enough, he thought to himself. He hadn't promised him forever or the rest of the world or even his heart. Those things he wouldn't barter with.

"Sure." She drawled out the word. Aidou opened his mouth to protest. "What is your intention with him?"

"Ruuka…" She glowered at her boyfriend. "He's answering honestly."

"Don't. Interrupt. Me." When she returned to Zero, he noticed her face was beginning to take a red tone. Anger? Frustration? "Well?"

"To… Date him?" He answered, trying to remember the question. Suddenly, he wished he were Aidou – not allowed to partake in this conversation and left to his own devices. The blonde summoned the waiter back, ordering something for himself.

Souen either didn't notice or didn't care that the human was within ear shot. "You know, you can hit it and quit it, right? Or, am I right and you're doing this all to get close to Kuran?"

"You can't make those allegations…" Aidou avoided the hand that aimed for his face. "Shutting up."

"I don't discuss the Kurans with him."

"I bet you do and you just won't tell me."

"Why would I tell you anything? We're not friends."

"You're dating my cousin."

"And… you want a report about it?" Suddenly, he was tired of this conversation. And, he knew what would shut her up… Even if it hurt Aidou's pride. He rested both arms on the table, his eyes almost catlike. "If you're so curious about his sex life, you date him."

Aidou choked on his wine as Souen's eyes widened. "Wh… Why would you even…"

"You're the one obsessed with your cousins dating life when it's not your business." Zero answered, pulling the dish in front of himself. One victory.

"You know that's not –" Souen started, her big eyes on her boyfriend.

"I know. I also know you pushed." Aidou muttered. Her cheeks had inflamed, tentatively staring down at her meal. If she were to cry here… Zero ignored the fantastical possibilities. Death by her cousins' hands would have felt like a fail. Aidou slurped his milkshake, every so often glancing between the two.

Kain reappeared, much to the relief and dread of Zero. He slid into the seat, Zero gripping his hand as hard as he could. Bastard, don't leave me with these two ever again! "I miss anything?"

"Well…"

"Just getting to know each other." Souen covered, a smile on her face. Her voice was cheery. Kain surveyed the scene, his eyes softening as his eyes landed on Souen's. Again, Zero squeezed. This time, he knew it was from jealousy.

The waiter returned to the table. "Anything else I can get for anyone?"

"Could I get this wrapped up?" Kain asked.

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

"I'll eat later." When he glanced back at his companion, Zero saw the determination. "Done?"

Afraid to counter Kain's resolve, Zero nodded. Kain handed the bowl to the waiter. "And this one, too."

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

"Date night." Zero tried not to question it as he pulled on his jacket.

"And, we all know what that means."

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

"Once you have one? Yes."

Kain's demeanor only shifted slightly. Deflation. "I'll pay for the next one."

"Next one's on Ruuka." Aidou volunteered. Zero stepped outside, glad to breath in the fresh air. The pair walked off toward the downtown area.

"This is a date?" Zero asked as they passed yet another shop closing for the night.

"Would you rather have stayed?" Kain asked, nonchalantly. Zero shook his head.

"I just… 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." They approached the small man-made lake, Kain leading him towards a bench. Zero turned so he faced his boyfriend. "Who's Mr. Sneaky?"

Kain snickered. "Gonkuro. Old joke."

Zero nodded, waiting for Kain to expand. When he didn't, he asked another question. "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."

I make you happy? Okay, deluded man. I haven't even tried. Zero snorted. "Well, you failed on that one."

"Did I?" Finally, he turned his head to Zero, a small smile on his lips.

"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."

Zero raised an eyebrow. It seemed… uncharacteristic for the vampire to be this open. "Did you mean it, then?"

Kain's usually warm eyes darkened. "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."

Zero tried to decipher the meaning. "So, if I went gung-ho…"

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

"That's… probably a bad decision."

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

Zero, still mulling the odd phrasing over in his mind, perked up. This would complete the collection. "If you want to share…"

"I won't go to the association. It's not their business." Kain shut his train of thought down.

"So… As your boyfriend, then…"

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

"… Why?" Was Kain always this stupid?

"A few reasons."

"And, they are?"

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

It was time to change Kain's thinking. Zero refused to leave him in his naivety. "I still could."

"But, you won't."

"I might."

"Agree to disagree." He held up a second finger. Zero wondered when he had started counting on his hand. "And… You understand what privacy means to me."

"I think anyone who actually knows you knows that." He thought toward Aidou and Souen.

"Ah, but they don't." Zero could only take that to mean Kain had drawn the same conclusion.

"And, thirdly?"

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

"Aidou's not that bad."

Kain ran a hand through his hair. "Right, you don't know that joke…"

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

"Yes but, that's not for you." Still, Kain grinned as it crossed his mind.

"… I got to know."

"Choose: the joke or the history."

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

"No."

Zero pressed a finger to his chin. It was a joke around the Night Class, no? He recalled hearing Touya and Shiki using the same phrase. If so, he could ask Touya. "The history."

Kain nodded, his stare averting to the lake. Zero watched as the latter opened his mouth several times, giving false starts and closing it again, exhaling noisily from his nose.

"I need a drink for this." He finally stated.

Zero stood, this time offering his hand. Kain stared at it as if it were an affront. For a moment, Zero was sure he had insulted him until the vampire accepted, prying his fingers in between the gaps of Zero's. Weird… Zero thought.

They settled into a booth, Kain against the wall. It seemed to keep him at ease, at least, as the unfamiliar bar remained mostly empty. Zero ordered the drinks – a beer and a whiskey. He'd probably offer it to Kain after a few sips. Drinking wasn't really his thing.

He returned to his seat, setting the whiskey in front of Kain, and found a photo facing him. He raised an eyebrow.

"What do you see?" Kain asked, glumly as he downed half of the glass.

"Two kids, two parents… There seems to be a gap between the man and the rest. He's gripping the younger boy's shoulder… really hard."

"Separated it, actually. On numerous occasions." Zero tried to ignore the clicking in Kain's shoulder as he rotated it experimentally. "What do you know of the Kain family, Kiryuu?"

"Not much." He leaned back in his seat. "A great house, related to Aidou and Souen, possibly of 'purer' blood than the others, blah, blah."

Kain hid a smile of contempt. "And, what do you see about that brief and boring summary?"

"Vague. Incomplete."

"The word is generic." Kain answered hastily. "You can get the same information from any house. Even Ruuka's has more drama."

He drank deeply. Zero set his half drank beer in front of Kain, preparing to grab another glass… Or six. Kain ushered him to sit. "Do you know why it's unseemly to gossip about your own family to a stranger?"

"Because the secrets behind closed doors should remain that way."

"The secrets of the dead should remain with the dead. Unless, of course, they affect the living." Kain sighed, his voice failing him. When he spoke again, it was quieter. "No one told me, even hinted as to the reasoning why they should die. All I can do is speculate."

Zero felt himself falling into the investigator role. "What do you believe?"

"Kitashi and Mayoko Kain had two prides: their son and their blood status, both of which led to their destruction. One was cursed by a gypsy, the other… Their own undoing. If they can do this," he pointed to the picture again. Zero felt the young boy in the picture asking for some sort of escape. "—to their own flesh and blood, tell me what kind of person was Kitashi? And, Mayoko – bless her heart… She stood by and let it happen. What kind of person allows it?"

Silence. Zero nodded, affirming something. "You were cursed by a gypsy?"

Kain snorted. "That's the claim good ol' Kitashi claimed. In every newspaper for weeks… 'Fortune Teller Brutally Murdered'."

"All because she cursed you?"

Kain ran a hand through his hair, pulling on a few strands. "That… I'm not sure she did. Which means, she was innocent."

"What did she do?"

Kain sipped at the beer, scrunching his face with disgust. "Pretty sure all she did was see my future. The carefully laid out plans, my interests, who was a suitable match, who was not…"

He tried the beer again. Zero was happier about his own circumstances. Even if his parents had chosen to kill Shizuka's lover and consequently destroyed his life, at least they hadn't planned on dying. "I'm assuming this…" He gestured between them. "… Would have been frowned upon."

"Very much so." Kain captured Zero's hand in his, tracing each finger, as if consoling his boyfriend.

"Then who…" Zero started before the lightbulb turned on. "… Souen."

Kain nodded once. "Mayoko's idea. Kitashi… was less picky. I think he was trying to set me up with Touya, at one point."

Zero snickered. "That would have been a better match. Least then, you can mutually cheat on each other."

"Mm, and never share the same bed." Kain's eyes softened. "That was before I realized who I am… Or what I am."

"Preferring dudes to chicks?" Zero asked. "Why Shiki?"

Kain shrugged, finally meeting his eye. "He was around. Non-dramatic. Easy to talk to…"

He tried to hide the blush. Zero remarked on it. Instantly, Kain's gaze returned to the table. "… He was late coming back to the dorm one night. Touya was trying to utilize her resources to find him. Takuma was strictly against dating – only caring about his manga at that point. Aidou and Ruuka… They didn't notice and Kaname…" Small lopsided smile. "I was asked to stay up and wait. So, I did. When he finally returned, he had his make up all screwed up, grumbling… He stank. Not like late night drinking stench but… Reeked."

"Kind of like Touya and Sayori?" Zero questioned.

Kain nodded. "I just… I offered him a seat and to stay up with him until he calmed down."

"He kissed you?"

"While I was helping him up the stairs. He asked me why I was helping him and I said something like… Because he needed it? Along those lines. Stopped me, kissed me… Then started snoring."

Zero ignored the twinge of jealousy as Kain shook his head. "He needs more kindness in his life… I suppose Takuma offers that."

"Touya doesn't?" Zero tried to push down the emotion.

"Does Touya offer that as an option to anyone?" Kain asked, raising his gaze.

"I think her default is bitch." They shared a smile. "So… Are you only gay for one guy or…"

"I can see myself with a man much easier than with a lady…" He smiled a little.

"What about Ruuka makes you like her?"

"Initially? I hated her." Kain answered. "Daddy's little girl… Right up until she gets in trouble. Then, it's instant 'I'm sorry' with her big eyes."

"So, what changed?"

"… Understanding that she was my future wife." He smiled sadly. "Tell me, Kiryuu… In my position, would you have tried to make the best of your future? Or would you have kicked and screamed?"

"Kicked and screamed." Kain's fingers traveled just past Zero's wrist, the eyes darkening with something primal.

"And, if I told you that if you had disobeyed, your friend's life could be in danger." Zero paused. Kain nodded, returning to tracing his palm. "Ruuka's not that bad."

"She seems to be."

"That's her defense mechanism."

He was glad to change the subject. "What happened after…"

"After the teller's death?" Kain finished. Zero nodded. Kain lifted the beer to his lips. "Kitashi went… Strange."

"Strange… How?"

"Creating blood bonds with anyone and everyone. Screwing everything and, how dare you question him."

"Wouldn't Mayoko be the strange one?" Zero asked.

"It… It's more like… Like…" He sighed, squeezing his eyes shut. "How'd she put it?... Like your mate is forcing you to do something you don't want to do. Draining you, tainting you, forcing you to become something or someone you're not."

He nodded, opening his eyes. Zero questioned again. "How?"

"The smiling stopped. The laughter. The enjoyment. Every positive emotion turned, twisting into one of bitterness and hate. Hate for Kitashi…" He hung his head. "And me…"

Zero returned to the picture, the smile not quite reaching her eyes as she held onto two children dearly, crouching to their level. "Is it possible –"

"No. As much as Mayoko would have loved to… She wouldn't have done it. Pack and go was more her style."

"What was she like when –"

"Exactly how you think a loving mother should be… When she was home. She taught me how to dance, play the piano, read stories… Taught me sword fighting."

"But, she still wanted you with Ruuka?"

"I never said she wasn't prideful or ambitious." Silence. Kain stroked the side of his mother's cheek. Zero wondered how old Kain was in this photo… And, if it was before she started sliding. As always, Kain read his thoughts. "I was ten. She was starting to drift between hatred and love."

With his index finger, Kain rested above Kitashi's hand. "You see how the knuckles are white? After… He yanked me away from her. Started using possessive pronouns. My son. My Akatsuki… After that, he started taking me on business trips when she was home."

"Well, I think we can rule out Kitashi… Unless she was leaving him."

"I don't think he would. He enjoyed tormenting her. Eventually, she hired Gonkuro as her protector." The finger slid to the butler, a small smile forming on his face. Zero glanced at the other child, his tongue sticking out as he poked Kain's cheek, his unruly dark hair blown in the wind. He returned his gaze to Kain's face, glad the smile hadn't disappeared. "Course, Kitashi didn't have a clue – just thought it was some kid for me to annoy. Gonkuro will probably show you the scars and broken ribs he had from those days, if you ask."

"He looks… twelve." Zero answered, studying the picture again.

"Vampires age so damn slowly, I don't even know how old he was." He answered, turning the photo to himself. Zero saw his opportunity to order another whiskey. When he returned, Kain had a frown on his face. Zero sat next to him, the sudden kinship and vulnerable demeanor drawing him to his side. Kain lifted the whiskey, gulping it down thirstily while the beer remained forgotten. Zero pulled the can to his side. "Eighteen, I think. She hired him at fifteen – just a beggar on the street who had seen a vampire destroy his home."

"She hired someone who hates vampires?"

The hand that had been on Zero's found its way to the small of his back, inching towards his waist. It seemed that the contact calmed him. Zero resisted the instinct to lean his head against Kain's shoulder, already calmer from the contact. "He was angry and needed someone to blame. She gave him an outlet and a place to live and eat."

Kain chuckled. "Sorry."

"What?"

"Just a memory."

"Share?"

"I thought she had brought Gonkuro to replace me. I trashed his room because she took him out on the town for new clothes."

"What happened?"

"He was pissed. Smacked me so hard, I crashed against the wall. Left a crack in the dry wall." The smile disappeared. "Kitashi heard. Grabbed Gonkuro by the scruff of the neck and banged his head in the wall…"

His voice started to drift off, as if he were lost in a memory. His smile faded. "I stood in front of Gonkuro. Kitashi had his fist raised, ready to beat this kid. I don't know if it was because he was Mayoko's favourite or because, regardless, Kitashi shouldn't hit someone else, I took the blame."

Kain flinched, gripping Zero hard. Zero acted quickly, turning Kain's head to his. The vampire's breathing quickened, the eyes wide as he remained in the past. Zero rested his hand on Kain's cheek, rubbing his thumb across the cheek bone. The other's eyes closed, leaning against Zero's hand and pressing his lips to Zero's wrist. When they reopened, Kain didn't move or speak for a solid minute, gauging Zero's reaction. Zero hoped his face remained stone like. "What happened?"

"Hmm?" Kain asked, pulling Zero further into him.

Easily distracted… Zero thought. "After the beating?"

"Mayoko came home." Kain replied, slowly returning to the world. "That was the only time I'd ever seen her pissed about what Kitashi did. But, when she pushed Kitashi away, she also pushed me away. Ignored my needs… After that. Gonkuro and I were inseparable. Not because I liked him but because it was the only time I had with her."

Zero dropped his hand away, silently cursing himself for his actions. "Nothing builds bonds like being beaten up by your best friend."

"He remained our protector – more mine than Mayoko's… That's when the affairs started."

"What do you remember of the night…" He asked, returning to his role as investigator.

"I remember it being a family outing… You know how ten- or eleven-year-olds start craving independence?" Oh yes, I know. Zero thought. "Mayoko insisted we needed to play happy family… At that point, she was avoiding me at all costs. Think Kitashi threatened her or me… Or both… But, she was having her own affairs at this point so… It could be that…"

"You don't have to explain the reasoning." Zero assured.

"But I do… Because I don't know who killed them. Could be her lover, could be his, could be a lover's husband or wife…"

"So, what were you doing?"

"I ran away." Zero hadn't realized that Kain had drained the alcohol. "They were playing a game of being in love."

He gagged. Zero searched for a bucket before realizing it wasn't a warning. "I couldn't stand it. Gonkuro found me on the streets and we took the long way home…"

Again, the dream like state. Zero rested his hand on Kain's neck, forcing the eyes on his. They unfocused as Kain's breathing came quicker. He swallowed, panicked. "They're everywhere… Gonkuro's in front of me, ushering me to go back. I'm in front of him as he's checking the rooms, ignoring his request… I'm so stupid. I'm up the stairs, looking for Mayoko. Gonkuro's calling me… I don't know why…"

Zero started stroking Kain's hair, desperately trying to keep him calm. To no avail. Kain's voice started again, louder. "Someone's behind me… There's one door, barely open. It's blocked. I push harder… Kitashi's on the floor, blocking it… A hooded person, sawing her head off… She sees me, I think…"

He squeezed Zero tightly, unseeing. Bothered by the attention, the Hunter lowered Kain's lips to his, urging the vampire to shut up. It was supposed to be a quick peck, distracting him from history and bringing him back to reality. Instead, Kain's fingers wound in Zero's hair, holding his head hostage only moments later. Surprised by the reaction, Zero held Kain closer, the hand that had originally rested on his neck sliding down to his waist. Again, Zero was the one to break the kiss, finding sick amusement as Kain tried to follow.

"What happened next?" Zero whispered, forcing himself to move on even though his leg overlapped Kain's thigh.

"Huh?" Kain half-growled, half-asked. It took much of Zero's resolve to resist.

"You got out."

Kain nodded. "Gonkuro grabbed my arm and pulled me away from it. By then…" He shuddered.

"We can stop…"

"No." Kain shook his head. "He told me to run. I slipped on a pool of blood… I don't know what happened until I was in a truck, Gonkuro driving… Then, I was at Aidou's and Gonkuro was sent away…"

"Away where?"

"Back to the house… I think…"

"So, what happened at Aidou's?"

Kain shook his head. "Poor Hanabusa…"

"Poor Aidou?" Zero asked, annoyed with himself. He didn't like to pry.

"He was trying to be my friend…"

"You had just witnessed something horrifying."

"He knew that. But…" Again, he ran a hand through his hair. "It's my job to look after Hanabusa… And Ruuka…"

"B—"

"No." Kain shook his head again. "I should have been there for him. And Gonkuro. Instead, I just wallowed…"

"You're too hard on yourself." Zero finished the cider. "There was nothing you could do. You were mourning."

"Doesn't matter. I should have looked after him…"

"What happened after?"

"We met Kaname… Yet another orphan… Nothing eventful happened. And then, Cross Academy."

"There's something there." Zero offered.

"You know the rest. People talk about you behind your back. Hanabusa and Ruuka tried to stop it… It wasn't until I was known as Kaname's left hand man that people stopped…" Kain bit his lip. "I can handle the rumors. But… Mayoko didn't deserve to be part of it."

He downed the rest of his drinks. When he spoke again, he sounded drained. "And now, you know."

Zero nodded, glad to have a natural stopping point. He led Kain out of the bar, helping him stand up straight. The taller seemed to have lost any energy he might have had. Yet, Zero's world was spinning. He blamed the beer.

"Mm…" Zero encouraged in Kain's ear as the other tried to assist the Hunter into the elevator.

"Stop touching my butt, perv." Kain warned under his breath, lifting Zero's hand back to his waist as the elevator man pressed for penthouse. Still, Kain kept his arm around Zero's waist as the other swayed back and forth.

"But why?" Zero questioned, already knowing why. The evidence pressed against Zero's thigh. "It's firm…"

Kain caught his hand before he tried again, a blush rising to his cheeks. Zero smirked. "Am I embarrassing you?"

"I'm not answering that." Kain muttered.

"How aren't you tipsy?" Zero asked as Kain led him out of the elevator, trying his best to maneuver the Hunter. "You drank… more than I did."

"Vampire instincts." Kain answered, glad to be home.

Zero changed into his sweat pants and collapsed on the couch as Kain searched each room, keeping the borrowed shirt on.

"This shirt is really soft." Zero commented, running his hands over the fabric. "Why is your shirt soft?"

Kain inhaled sharply, his eyes darkening with something Zero was familiar with. Still, he kept with his occupation. "You are a lightweight."

"Yes." Kaito had told him the same. Many times. "And?"

"Come on…" Kain helped lift Zero from the couch, wrapping an arm around his waist. "Zero…"

"Hmm?" The Hunter replied, squeezing Kain's cheek.

"Hand off my ass, thanks."

"Mm…" Zero reluctantly did as Kain demanded. "Why?"

Kain dropped him on to the shared bed. Zero ripped off the soft shirt and rolled onto his back, resting on his elbows. Kain stood at the foot of the bed, his own shirt flying over his head. Zero bit his bottom lip as the vampire started fiddling with his dress pants. "I can help."

Kain turned his face away, no doubt hiding a blush as he dropped his pants, standing in his boxers. "I'm sure you could."

He seemed frozen for a moment. Zero cocked his head, trying to ignore his own pants tightening. "You okay?"

Silence. It seemed to knock Kain back into reality. "Yeah. Thanks."

Now Zero was confused. "For what?"

"Listening." Kain flicked off the light, lifting the blanket and climbing inside.

"I don't mind. Thanks for sharing." He closed his eyes for a moment, frowning as his partner fidgeted. "What's up?"

"Getting comfortable." Kain answered. After a minute or two, Kain wrapped his arms around the others waist, his chin resting on Zero's head.

Zero listened to Kain's steady breathing, his eyes shutting for a moment. Of course, that's when the odd phrasing struck him. Personally, I don't know what to think. But, I know what I feel and what I think and, even if you hate the Kuran's for whatever crime or slight you perceive, that's not to do with me.

Zero glanced at his partner, Kain's head now resting nearer to his shoulder, the muscles tensing as he muttered incoherently. Do you mean, Zero thought towards the vampire, that you no longer care what the feud is about? Or, for the sake of our relationship, you'll ignore it? What do you feel? What other mistakes have you made? He sighed, finally resting his eyes.

Until Kain started fidgeting again, gripping Zero's side hard. Zero startled awake, having just drifted off to sleep. Lazily, he tried to push the vampire off. Kain groaned, incoherent words flowing from his mouth. For the first time, Zero thought about bringing Bloody Rose into the room as panic set in. At least it would have deterred the vampire.

His fingernails dug deep into Zero's side, hard enough to draw blood. Irritated, Zero flipped Kain onto his back, pissed with his own arousal as he held Kain's hands over his head, straddling his lap. The other bucked, trying to force his perpetrator off. Kain's had been sweating profusely, his hips knocking into Zero's. The Hunter bit his lip, ignoring his own lust stirring… Or the fact that his instincts fell on Kain's neck, the blood pumping loudly as Kain struggled in his sleep.

In that moment, Zero had loosened his grip on Kain's wrists, his head bending over Kain's neck. With the new found freedom, Kain gripped Zero's shoulder. Zero hissed, his flesh burning as Kain managed to free himself, throwing Zero off him and onto the floor. Having had enough, Zero slapped Kain as hard as he could. The other's eyes swung open, dazed. "Hmm?"

Kain's eyes closed again, opening slowly. Zero only pointed to his burn mark. Kain nodded, closing his eyes again. "Cuffs…"

Cuffs… Zero was about to ask for a further answer when Kain threw his arm over the bed, snuggling into the somewhat charred bedding. Zero knelt next to it, finding a small box. Pulling it out, he found a pair of iron handcuffs, hand crafted by a Hunter. He bit his lip, trying his best to shake the additional uses they could have. As he stood, his foot slid from under him. He balanced himself, his eyes on the floor. Kain's boxers… You sneaky… Zero shook his head. There'd be enough time to chastise Kain's teasing. Tonight, he just wanted to sleep.

He wrapped the handcuffs around the bedframe, trying his best to grip each hand. As if his unconscious form knew what the Hunter was up to, his arms flailing this way and that as his body followed. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Zero straddled the vampire again. This time, he set himself on Kain's abdomen, locking each wrist into it's respective lock. Once he was back under the covers, Zero tossed and turned. With a glare towards the sleeping vampire, he pressed against his side, his arm wrapping around his waist. Strange how quickly that became a routine. He gripped the sheets then himself, trying to focus on what he hated about Kain. His species. His silence. His drunken ways.

It didn't work. He flung the blanket off, fixing the predicament in the en-suite. He tried to focus on the beauty in his phone. Instead, his mind settled on Kain's physic, the possible contortions and profanities Kain would mutter. Bastard, Zero thought towards his counterpart as he returned to the bed, finally drifting to sleep.

A/N: Thank you for putting up with me!