A/N: Sorry guys – I keep meaning to write but SOMEONE keeps claiming the good keyboard for her dramas. T. T I'm trying for three updates this weekend (VICTORIA DAY, HOW I LOVE YOU!) But, don't be surprised if this is the only one this week

Thank you for putting up with me!

The dream had turned nightmare. He had been expecting this with the vivid imagery, the crooked smiles. The same thing had occurred when he tried to explain to Aidou what had happened. Back then, Kitashi's face remained.

He knew where he was. Underneath him, the mattress. In front, his dresser. To the left, the covered window. Plain. Nothing flashy. Just as he preferred it.

He knew he'd hear the giggling, now distorted beyond recognition. He balled his hand into a fist, biting down on his cheek as two shadows emerged. One, he knew, would crawl to his side of the bed. Or, at least, he thought he knew.

The bent over shadow he thought to be his father stared at the Hunter. Kain tried to grip the sheets, preparing for the worst. Only metal clanked.

Kitashi's glowing red eyes darkened, as if questioning… Or sharing his disapproval. Still, he didn't disturb Kiryuu as he rested his hands on the floor, crossing it as a dog might. Kain inhaled deeply, trying his best to close his eyes. The shadowed hand rested on his cheek, carefully turning his head.

Like a cat, Kitashi pounced onto the bed between the two. Kain bit his lip, letting the blood flow into his mouth. Surely, it was a dream.

He wasn't sure when he lifted his eyes to the second shadow. Like his father, it held the dark, accusing and disapproving stare. The usually crooked smile morphed into one of disgust, a sneer as they exposed their half sawn throat.

She had distracted him long enough for Kitashi to drag his leg down off the safety of the bed.

Kain grimaced as his knees hit the wood hard, the nightmare ending. Or did it end? Even now, he could almost feel their shadows around him, watching him. Alcohol helped. At least it kept them at bay, anyway. He needed another.

He tried to force his hands to grip the nightstand, his brow furrowing with slight confusion. Had he slept with the cuffs on? If so, why did he wrap them around the damn bedpost? His answer cut his train of thought with a small moan. He glared at the other, softening as the Hunter rolled over in his sleep, his back to the vampire. Tugging on the cuffs, he sighed. As much as he'd love to leave the silverette sleep, he'd also like to get up at some point.

"Kiryuu." He whispered, hoping the Hunter's senses would interfere. He spoke louder. "Kiryuu."

Nothing. Kain tried to reach for the nightstand again, becoming frustrated. "Damn it."

With hope, he snapped his head back to the Hunter. Still nothing. Balancing himself on his shin, Kain's other leg slid over the bedsheets, resting against Kiryuu's hip. He tried rocking the Hunter combined with repeating his name. With that failing, Kain dragged the remaining bedsheet over him, twisting himself so he could rest against the nightstand.

Kain pulled his legs to his chest, sweeping the right under the bed and, using his foot, slid the box out from under, the box winding up between his feet under the bedsheet. That was as far as he'd manage without help. He'd try to sleep again, he thought as he closed his eyes momentarily. With the shadowed images of his parents dancing before his eyes, they flew open. He banged his head against the nightstand, pressing his lips together as the light dull from the previous nights' events started to form into a headache.

A phone rang. Repeatedly. Kain hated the sound, piercing his ear drums. It wasn't until he heard his bedfellow groan and the bed creak did his opinion change.

"Hello?" Kiryuu answered. Kain bit down on his lip again, the blood rushing through. "… Where?"

Someone with a gruff voice answered. It seemed low pitched, mumbling and distorted. Kiryuu answered again. "What does that have to do with me?"

Kain's interest peaked as the bed squeaked again, the floor creaking on Zero's side as the other rubbed his eyes. Kain watched the Hunter stretch as he barely listened to the dispatcher. "And, it's at what time? … Right. … If they find more information… Yeah, thanks."

Again, the squeak. The entrapped could only make out a few strands as the other sighed, cursing himself. Kain nearly snickered. Lightweight. "Kiryuu."

Silence. Kain tried again. "Kiryuu!"

"… Yeah?"

"Little help, maybe?"

He heard the bed squeak again. "What do you…"

Kain pushed the box from him as Kiryuu examined the situation, his breath seemingly caught in this throat. It slid into a twisted smile as he leaned against the bedpost. "I think I prefer you like this."

The vampire bid his body not react to the teasing, regardless of the mused hair or sweatpants that hung low on the Hunter. "Really? Cause I think you'd prefer my hands."

"Careful. You know what happens to people with smart mouths."

"Yeah, they get you for a roommate." Kain muttered, pulling on the restraints. He wasn't sure if Kiryuu heard him or not as he nudged the box closer to the other, aware of the bedsheet slipping lower. "Just take the key. Or, are you just going to watch?"

"That an option?" Kiryuu asked, setting himself on the bed.

"It most definitely isn't."

"Nah, I think it is." He cocked his head to the side, his brow furrowing. "Why'd you wind up on the floor?"

"Well, you know how it is. One minute you're nice and cozy in your bed and you think to yourself, self, we should try the floor." Kain answered, not bothering to hide his annoyance.

"Sarcasm." Kiryuu shook his head and made to stand. "Maybe I should leave you here."

Kain sighed. "Please don't. I'm sorry!"

He almost missed the small smile on Kiryuu's face. Jerk's enjoying this. "Just because you said sorry."

He bent over the box and examined the contents, his brow furrowing. "I'm not seeing a key."

"What?" Kain tried to adjust his position, ignoring each time the blanket slid. "Shit."

"Where'd it be?" Kiryuu questioned, eyeing the newly exposed area.

"… Try the night stand?" Kain asked, wracking his brain for where it would be. The Hunter nodded once, rolling over the bed. Kain waited, trying his best not to fidget as the strands of hair tickled his arm. The cuffs fell immediately as Kain rubbed his wrists, bruised from the panic. "… Thank you."

"No, thank you." Kiryuu answered. Kain attempted to keep his resolve, knowing what the Hunter was referring to. He inhaled deeply, trying his best to calm the racing thoughts. His eyes widened slightly as he glanced down, doubting that he could hide that fact. If it was him. He decided if Kiryuu had done it, he wouldn't mention it.

The other vampire, as if reading Kain's thoughts, smirked. "Do you smell something?"

Kain squeezed his eyes shut. Top ten embarrassing moments… He'd use distraction. "Coffee?"

The Hunter adjusted his seating, his feet on blanket. He groaned and rested his head between his knees. "Will it help?"

"A little."

Kiryuu nodded and started on his journey. Kain closed the door quickly after, quickly dressing in his own pj's. He gathered the sodden bedding and placed it in the hamper, knowing they'd have to live with the scent for a while.

He joined Kiryuu a little later, the other's eyes closed as he sipped. "This isn't helping."
"Did you put a blood tablet in?" Kain questioned.

Kiryuu flinched at the word, clearly repulsed by the idea. "Why would I want to do that?"

"Try it first." Kain warned, handing the other one of the tablets. He slid in three for himself and waited for the verdict.

At first, the Hunter was quiet though, he seemed more like his moody self than the half-dead, perverted version. Kain poured himself a coffee and sat next to him, his eyes falling on the burn. After a while, Kiryuu set the empty cup on the counter.

"Better?" Kain questioned.

"… I hate that it is."

"Hate it all you want." The lilac eyes found Kain's. The other shrugged. "You don't have to like it."

They fell silent while the silverette lay his head on the island countertop. Kain interrupted Kiryuu's mini nap. "I burned you bad."

"Not that bad." The other assured.

"Can I –"

"If you must." Kiryuu stated, straightening. Kain inhaled sharply, the burning sensation shooting up his arm. I'll have to catch heal it sooner. "You all right?"

"… I'll live." The aristocrat assured.

Kiryuu touched the newly healed area experimentally. "Is it just your burns you can heal or…?"

"Only mine."

The lilac eyes rested on him. "Well, that's unfortunate."

"Tell me about it." Kain sighed, running a hand through his hair. "How's the head?"

"… Pulsating. Why is everything so bright?" He leaned forward, crossing his arms on the island and covering his eyes.

"Focus on something else."

"Like you?" He turned his head, eyes barely open.

"I don't think I'd be able to help with that."

"Your voice is soothing."

Kain shook his head, drawing his stool nearer. "Do you feel sick?"

"… A little."

"Let me grab…" He paused midsentence, staring at Kiryuu's hand gripping his wrist. Slowly, he returned to his seat, setting his hand on Kiryuu's back. "I'm assuming you want me to stay."

"Mm…" He opened his eyes again, resting on Kain's lips. "I like kissing you."

"You're still drunk." Kain commented, gulping down his coffee.

"And there's the blush."

"Cute." A new voice answered. Startled, Kain stood quickly, knocking over his stool in the effort. Kiryuu flinched at the loud sound. Kain narrowed his eyes at the intruder as Touya leaned against the wall. "You always so graceful?"

"He has a hangover and I—"

"Morning, Touya." Kiryuu stated, cutting off Kain's insistence to make an awkward moment more awkward.

"Kiryuu."

"Can I get you a coffee?" Kain asked, lifting the stool.

"Who gave you espresso?" Still, she sat, purposely rotating herself on the stool. Kain hadn't bothered waiting for her answer as he stood with his back turned to her, preparing the next pot.

"What do you need?" Kiryuu questioned, sounding more like himself. Kain rested against the island.

"What makes you think I need something? Maybe I'm just into yaoi."

"A lesbian into yaoi… How does that work?" Kain questioned, his face aflame.

"You caught me." She snapped her fingers as if she had been outsmarted. "Dang. Someone called for you."

"Hanabusa or Ruuka?"

"Both." The look that accompanied her answer suggested there was more.

Kain furrowed his brow. "I didn't get anything."

"Apparently, your phone's off. Aidou's been claiming that you just hate him. And Souen…" She placed her elbow on the table. "Let's just say if Sayori needs a psychologist for the damage your cousin's doing, it's on you."

"Yeah, fine." He studied Kiryuu as the other relied on his elbows to remain upright. "Sorry, family –"

Kiryuu held up a hand. "Don't apologize for it. Just means I'll find something to do."

"Like accompanying me and Sayori." Touya intervened. Both boys turned to her with raised eyebrows.

"Why in hell would I do that?" Kiryuu asked. Touya's expression darkened into something Kain recognized but didn't understand.

"Because someone has been mentioned by someone else," significant glance to Kain then back to Kiryuu, "and that someone else has been pissing me off."

"You know you could have just said because Ruuka was pissing you off." Kain simplified. He turned back to the coffee pot, filling his and Touya's in the process. When he turned back, another mug was shoved toward him. He obliged, oblivious to Touya and Kiryuu's mini memo discussion.

"Fine." Kiryuu voiced, standing again. "Guess I'll get dressed."

Kain had just set the mugs in front of their respective parties. "But, coffee…"

The figure had just closed the bedroom door. Touya had typed out another memo, sliding her phone over to Kain. Kuran wants to see you tonight.

Kain typed back. Does that mean Hanabusa doesn't?

The phone slid back after several moments of texting. Oh, he does. But, Aidou can wait. Kuran sounded like he was about to go on a search for you and tie you down. And, did I just see KIRYUU go into YOUR room? You hate people in… Unless… Here, she added a winking emoji. Explain later? Also, remember condoms.

Kain choked on his coffee, staring at the words. Kiryuu had just returned as Touya put on her best innocent face. "Not your business, Touya."

He expertly deleted the memo before Kiryuu could so much as glance in his direction. "What?"

"She's being nosey about my sex life."

"Oh." Kiryuu nodded, turning to her. "What is with everyone and being interested?"

"It's highly unusual for any vampire to go long without it." She rotated in the stool to Kiryuu as if Kain wasn't there. "Mr. Oh-So-Insecure, even though he's hot as hell – hey, I can respect a man's looks, don't give me that. Anyway, it's a rumor that he hasn't hit second puberty."

"Touya…"

"Second puberty? You mean the awakening?" Kiryuu questioned, ignoring his boyfriend's protest.

"If you mean when a vampire starts growing their fangs, yes. It's also when powers develop fully and, it's around the same time as we…" She gestured to her boobs. Kiryuu rested his head against his hand, impatient with her explanation. "So, we got usual puberty going for us. Add to the fact that people don't leave him alone unless he's utilizing compulsion and –"

"Touya! Jeez." Kain's cheeks were flushed.

"What? Either I do this here with you actually present or, I do it behind your back. Which would you prefer?" Kain hung his head in defeat. "That's what I thought."

"So… Everyone's curious because he hasn't –"

"It's not that. I mean, it is but, it isn't." She leaned forward. "Even those that are… obsessive about someone still go out and find someone to do. Instead, he's literally driving people away from him."

"Mm…. So, Kain's an enigma."

"Basically." She returned her attention to Kain, who hid his face. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

"… I want to piss on everything you own and love."

"Ah, yes." Touya smirked. "The threat."

Kiryuu raised an eyebrow. Touya shrugged at him. "When I've embarrassed him, he threatens me. Usually, it's this one. Sometimes, he gets a bit creative."

"Kain, no peeing." Kiryuu tried. Kain groaned and smacked his head against the counter. Giggle twins…

The nightclub had an '80's feel vibe with the strobing lights. Kain shielded his eyes from it as he held his glass close to his chest. For the first time in his life, Kain was early to one of these meetings. The now nicknamed 'giggle twins' had left before him to annoy Wakaba. He shared her pain though, guiltily, he preferred to deal with the prying Pureblood than the mocking Aristocrat and her mocking side kick.

He waited patiently for the usual flare of the Kurans to approach the table. Half an hour passed as Kain waited, wondering if he had the right bar or if Touya had texted him the correct address… Or the right time. He checked his phone again, reviewing anything and everything.

"Did I keep you waiting?" Kuran asked as he slid into the booth. Kain's gaze rested on the rafters.

"Seiren not with you?"

"With Yuuki." He poured Kain a glass from the red wine bottle. Kain did the same for him. "She's doing an experiment. Wouldn't tell me what it was for but, she's only this secretive if it somehow helps Kiryuu's crusade."

Kain heard the command. What do you know. He set his eyes on the table, his head lowered. "It's nothing new – searching for an explanation as to why Level E's are in groups."

He cursed at himself. As harmless as that information was, it would only lead up to worse questions he didn't want to answer. Kuran nodded. "Yes, it is odd that they'd change their behavior."

"And, how is Lady Yuuki?" Kain asked, desperate for the for a distraction.

"She's well. And, your relationship?"

How'd I not see that coming? Kain scolded himself. "What part of it?"

"Anything you're willing to tell me."

Again, a command. Kain struggled, biting his tongue. "It's… strange still."

"Strange how?"

"… Living with another person."

"Kain…" Kuran's expression softened. "You don't have to do this."

It doesn't have to be you. It can be anyone else. Kain avoided his gaze. "I do."

"Very well." He rested back in his booth. "The six-month milestone is a big one… For humans."

"We're not human."

"No. But, I do find them somewhat charming." Kain ignored the slight smile, waiting for the list of things he'd yet to accomplish. "What are you planning to do for the celebration?"

Every drama he'd ever seen had prepared him for this. He exhaled loudly. "Thinking about introducing him to Gonkuro and Enmei… Maybe Sakura if she's not being a little…"

"Meet the family?" Kuran added.

Kain nodded, finding the elevation in his heart rate finally drop. "I'm not thrilled about it but…"

"And, after that?"

Kain stopped breathing, trying to quiet the nerves suddenly striking his stomach. "I'd rather that take a more natural course."

"… I see." Kuran sipped at his wine. "And, you'll be sure to update me more regularly?"

Kain nodded once, gripping his knees tightly. Even after Kuran left, he dared not move, trying to swallow each reminder, each word down. Failure. Worthless. Stupid. He had heard those enough in his lifetime.

"Finally, I found you." Kain lifted his eye to Aidou, hoping that he seemed more annoyed than relived. Aidou didn't seem to notice. "Not really your style, Akatsuki. Though, perhaps you secretly like tormenting the boys and girls in these areas. Even now, it's like an invisible wall they can't approach."

"Or perhaps I knew you were looking for me and tried to sneak by. Didn't work." Kain chanced a sip at the wine. Finding it too sweet for his liking, he set it back down. "The real question is why you're looking for me in the first place."

"Just Ruuka being her Medusa-turned self." Aidou waited patiently for Kain to pour him a glass. "I've been trying to tell her that Kiryuu's not bad. He's just rough around the edges and his sole goal in life isn't to destroy the Kuran's."

"You don't know that. Nor do I." Kain answered, setting the bottle back down, his gaze on the bar.

"It'd be pretty pathetic if that was his one goal in his life. Then what? Death by hanging?"

"More like ripped to shreds by their followers."

"You're one of those, Kain."

The elder cousin said nothing. "Ruuka does have a point. He makes a lot of noise about hating Kurans."

"And, I think he's all bark, no bite."

"And that's what'll get you killed, Hana."

Aidou glared at Kain's use of the nickname. "I don't think you really believe that."

"Believe that he's dangerous? Or believe that you'll die for it?"

"Both."

Kain shrugged as he stood. "I'll be right back. Scotch, right?"

"A double." He nodded once, grabbing the bottles. He set the Scotch in front of Aidou. "See, I think you could fall in love if you really wanted to."

Kain glanced around him. "Have you been talking to yourself while I've been gone?"

"I'm not crazy, Akatsuki. Course I waited for you to return." He stretched in his seat. "I just didn't expect that I'd have to convince you and you could be helping me with getting Ruuka over her stump."

"What are you trying to convince me of is the question."

"Simple." Aidou rested his elbows on the table, his voice lowered. "Despite everything we know about Kiryuu, about the rivalry, about Lady Yuuki… You opened your door to him."

"Maybe I was asked to." Kain added, glad to be sharing a part of the expectations with someone besides Touya.

"Definitely asked to. But, it's been six months. Not a move." He sank back into the booth seat. "I've seen the way you look at him. As if he's a precious piece of glass that wound up with you and you'll do anything to protect him from shattering."

"Anything seems a bit extreme."

"I've also seen how he looks at you. No hate, no malice. Just curiosity."

"If you were in his shoes, wouldn't you be curious, too?"

"Fine, try to rationalize it. But… I think you're in danger of having him fall in love with you. Or vice versa."

Then, we've played our parts well. Even though he thought it, a part of Kain's heart sank. "So, what do I need to do about Ruuka?"

Aidou's cheeks puffed out a bit, his face turning red. Only Kain knew the small smile on his face, the same one that had been there since she asked him out. Pride. Joy. Love. Respect. "She's under the impression he's using you."

"What if we're using each other?"

"Doesn't matter what the situation is. You do you, Akatsuki." He grinned, quickly faltering. "But… How do I change her mind?"

"You don't."

"Wh –"

"Hanabusa…" Kain sighed and rubbed his temples. "That's the one thing you've never understood. Until she's proven wrong, she won't change her mind. Like a dog with a bone until the bone either turns out to be a stick or she's gnawed it to death, Ruuka won't give up on her theory."

When he examined his cousin again, Kain noticed the matured eyes. Though they still shone bright, they had dulled with age. He ignored Kitashi's insistence that he look after them both. When Aidou spoke again, he could almost see the child: fragile and afraid. "So, what do I do?"

"Be in her corner. It makes you seem a bit like a back stabber but, eventually, she'll know she's wrong. It'll mean everything to her that, even when she's in the wrong, you were beside her."

Aidou nodded. He raised his glass. "To the crazy relationships we find ourselves in."

You have no idea. Kain downed his and asked for another.

A/N: This one had no plot to it. Absolutely not. I gave Kain free reign and luckily for me, he knows the circumstances well. Zero… I'm scared to give free reign.

Next chapter will overlap a little (ITTY BITTY BIT!) because we will see how he deals with Sayori and Rima in the same area. And, maaaaybe a bit of naughtiness. Tsk, tsk, tsk.