A/N: These next three chapters will be the only ones with overlap since the beginning with expansion on it. In this one, it's pre the engagement party and during. Next chapter is during and post. The last one is a BCD Chapter that will mention it.

Zero watched Kain, the dark circles under his eyes disappearing. Even pressed against Zero's side didn't seem enough, the dark room somehow colder as the sleeping man pulled the Hunter closer, burying his face against his neck. Zero didn't dare sleep himself, the memories of people screaming still echoing in his mind. People? Hostages? Were they the same thing?

He carefully nudged distance between himself and his partner, despite the small whimpers and whines. He sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair. How long had they been awake? Or, more importantly, had he been awake. He blinked the tiredness out of his eyes, a long groan managing to escape as reality caught up. Souen and Aidou's… He scowled, stifling the instinct to flop himself back onto the bed or force some sort of obscure vampire sickness that only included gatherings.

Zero left the bedroom behind and turned on the coffee pot, checking his phone. He felt a little annoyance for the empty messages. The one time… He inhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. His attention drifted to his partner, the selfish streak distinguishing. Even bred to deal with it alone, Kain wouldn't be able to handle it by himself. He hated the sudden sympathy, wishing he didn't care. After all, caring is what got him into this mess.

Still, Kain owes me after this… He told himself, pouring himself a cup. He could hear people living their lives, not one care about what crept in the dark. He pushed back the curtain, momentarily blinded. The sun was high in the sky – still pretty early for the human world.

Pity, he thought, that Kain never experienced the sun and freedom for more than a day. He seemed to recall that it had also brought tragedy. A plan began to form – one that would, hopefully, end with Zero enjoying his evening instead of stuck in a room full of vampires. As small as that chance was, he could still focus on the positive.

He nodded to himself and checked the time. 10:30am. Sunlight and people everywhere should drain him… And then, we don't have to go.

With newfound vigor, Zero re-entered the room. Kain, too deep in his dreamland, didn't stir as Zero purposely slammed the door behind him, turning on the bedroom light. He shielded his own eyes from the intrusion, exasperated by the others need to sleep. "Hey."

No answer. Zero tried again, shaking the others shoulder. Nope. He stripped off the blankets, ignoring the issue below. "Kain."

Nothing. Zero tried again. "Aka-chan."

No response. He was about to speak when Kain rolled over, his eyes barely open. "Mm?"

"Come on."

"Mm." He rolled back onto his side, snuggling into what remained of the blankets. Zero pulled them out of his reach, earning a small growl. "…C… ere?"

"Come on."

"…" Kain inhaled deeply, rolling back onto his back. The eyes remained barely open. "Where going?"

"Surprise."

Kain scoffed and rubbed his eyes. "I… no… s'pree."

"Come on." Zero insisted.

Kain sat up, instantly groaning as he lifted his head. Another growl. Zero believed this meant Kain was awake and left his side, sipping his coffee. After a couple of minutes, Kain entered the kitchen, fully clothed. He rested his head on the counter, sleep not yet drained from him. "Too early."

Zero tried to ignore the grumble. "There's coffee."

Begrudgingly, Kain made a show of slipping out of his seat and slithering to the coffee pot, using the counter to support his weight as he reached down a cup. "Couldn't just make it for me?"

"I don't know how you take it."

Kain glared from behind the cup. "Where are we going?"

"I told you: it's a surprise."

"I don't like surprises."

"Tough." He could almost see the stick out tongue if Kain hadn't been sipping go-go juice. "You're cranky when it's day time."

"I'm a vampire." He reminded. "Mornings and vampires are mortal enemies."

"Not immortal?"

"Have you ever seen a vampire purposely go outside for an entire day without some sort of protection?"

"… Point taken." As Kain closed his eyes, Zero was suddenly reminded of Aidou, the same stubborn attitude with mused hair and could collapse if there wasn't coffee. His eyes grazed down Kain's body, quickly unraveling into indecency. Claw marks on his upper arms and shoulder blades. Silken skin soiled. Sheets wrapped just around his hips. He blinked the imagery away, attention on the carpet.

"We packed?" Kain asked, sounding more awake than he had previously.

"I've got my go bag." Zero informed.

"So, this date –" Kain started.

"If you're trying to get hints, good luck."

"No hints. Just wondering if it can be done closer to the Manor house."

"It can."

"… You're not taking me to the board walk, right?"

"No. I wouldn't do that to you."

Kain stayed silent, eyeing Zero. "Movie theatre?"

"No hints."

Kain sighed and finished his coffee. "Fine. I'll pack first and meet you by the car, okay?"

Zero nodded.

Not even ten minutes, Zero thought as he pushed through the crowd, trying desperately to follow the orange haired vampire. He had just regained line of sight when the vampire disappeared again. And, he's off.

He had thought Yuuki bad with her shopping but, at least, she had a purpose that he could follow. Zero stopped and looked up, nodding to himself as he made a beeline for the escalator. But, even on the second floor, the vampire was both everywhere and nowhere. It was at this time that he felt someone sidle next to him. "What are we looking for?"

Zero smacked Kain's arm hard, glaring. "Warn me before you go."

Kain smirked, holding up several bags. "I was gone maybe… Ten minutes and you were gone."

"I was in the crowd looking for you."

"I know. I had you in my sight – even if you didn't see me."

"And couldn't be bothered to grab me?" They started down the hallway.

"What if I wanted to surprise you?"

"You should still warn me."

Kain turned examining, taking Zero's hand in his. "You know I didn't mean to go missing on purpose, right?"

"What of it?"

"I have my phone on me."

"What of it?" He hated being harsh with the other, especially since he still didn't understand why he cared. Or, perhaps, it was better to be harsh. At least he could hold the burden of feeling crappy alone. The next thought hit him harder than a rhino's blow to the stomach. He wasn't alone. Running his freehand though his hair, he stared above Kain's head. "I just don't like not knowing where you're going."

"I won't disappear like last time." Kain reassured. He grinned suddenly, pulling out a trinket from his bag. Zero recognized it as a gimmick from some kids' movie – a skeleton that sings. "It jingles and it looks like you."

Zero scoffed. "It does not."

"What? You're telling me that underneath the skin and hair, you aren't a skeleton?"

"And you are?"

"Pretty sure I have some bones in my body, still."

"Not that you use any of them." Zero muttered under his breath, approaching an alternative department store.

"What?" Instead of answering, Zero pushed past the crowd of people and lifted a collar to Kain's neck. The others' eyes widened. "What…"

"It'll fit." He grabbed the nearest leash, throwing it on the counter. The cashier smirked as they put it through. Zero barely acknowledged the parting pleasantry, tossing it to Kain. "Put it on."

"I'm not putting it on."

"Why? What's wrong with it?" He asked, turning with his hands on his hips.

Kain held it up. Zero sighed, examining it. The chosen collar was a thin purple band. In black, he could barely make out the words 'naughty kitty'. He figured he should win a medal for swallowing a laugh. "See why I might have a problem with it?"

Zero shrugged. "It's barely noticeable. And, you're attracted to things that jingle."

Kain sighed, tossing it into his bag. "… Not wearing it."

Kain led him into another department store, buckling a belt around his hips. At least he's staying by my side, now. "It suits you."

Zero glared, almost feeling the eyes roll to the back of his sockets as he unbuckled it. "Tell me this: are the Aidou men all this obsessed with fashion?"

"Considering we have to have the best of the best and, if we don't, we're publicly ridiculed by our other family members?" Kain answered, sorting through the ties.

"Your mum?" Zero questioned.

"Less so mum, more so Kitashi and Uncle." He held up one of the ties to Zero's frame, shaking his head. "Think you can get away with a silk shirt and a blazer."

"What is this, a job interview?"

"Yes." Kain turned towards him, a look of disbelief on his face. "Where do you think Ruuka gets it?"

"Does everyone treat everything like an interview?"

"Only personal lives." He stole Zero's hand in his, tracing the thumb. "Tonight will probably be one of the most trying of your life. I wish it wasn't and that we could hide in the coat closet the entire time, hanging out and set timers of when to leave. But, that's not an option for me."

Zero gulped, avoiding the pain, sorrow and resolve in Kain's eyes. They landed on a necklace with a cross. Kain followed it, scrunching his face. "Cheap metal. It'll fade within three years."

"Don't care." He made to grab it, Kain beating him to it. "I can buy it."

"It's not that." Kain dragged him to the counter.

"Then, what is it?"

"Everything in these bags," he lifted them, "is stuff you're going to hate. And an object I hate. If I can get you one thing that you will like, I will."

"I'll wear them only if you put on the collar."

"In public?" Kain asked, scandalized.

"When, then?"

Kain sighed. "I'll wear it after tonight."

"Not during?" Zero smirked, the horror on Kain's face priceless. Once they left the store, he slipped on the cross necklace, hiding it underneath his shirt. Kain stretched, returning to a bored demeanor now that his spurt of energy depleted. Zero counted the bags. "You're not going to buy something for yourself?"

"Don't need anything." He eyed his partner curiously. "Why?"

"You seem excited about being out in the day time." When he didn't respond, Zero continued. "Why don't you come out more?"

"Hate crowds. Plus, all the good places are closed by the time I get here."

"Plus, you probably utilize Amazon for what you actually want." Kain snorted. "What?"

"If you can consider what I buy at auction stuff I want, sure."

"What do you mean?"

"For the most part, everything I buy is usually auction related. You know that Kain Industries dabbles in everything that made humanity great, right?"

"I thought they just dealt with engineering."

"Not even close. Engineering, architecture, landscaping, historical… If it was significant, we've dabbled."

"That seems like a lot. Why not dwindle it down?"

"Dad's philosophy. I figure if I can get enough people involved in Kain Industries, I'm a silent partner and I can better the life of everyone involved."

"But, until then, don't you have to learn everything?"

Kain shrugged. "There was a Dicken's quote that Kitashi used to explain it to me. 'It's a way to preserve a life one knew and loved.' Or, in our case, one that was rumored never to return."

Silence. Kain shifted the bags awkwardly. Zero nodded. "How about I treat you to lunch?"

"What for?"

"I brought you out for a date and you wound up paying for everything."

"Does it really matter who bought who what?"

"Yes. I invited so, I should pay. Besides, you should learn how to eat with 'common' people."

"I eat with people." Kain defended, following Zero closely as he led him through the food court.

"Yeah, yeah. What do you want?" Zero lifted his head to the screen momentarily, already decided.

"What's good?"

"Tell you what: I'll order for the both of us and pay and you bring the food to us and choose some sort of drink. Deal?"

"Where will you be?"

"Choosing a seat."

Kain pondered, his eyes on the drink selections. "What do you want for a drink?"

"Anything – but no ice."

"Got it. Can I do mix and mash?"

"… Mix and…" Zero pinched the bridge of his nose. "No."

"Can I help in anyway?"

"Just let me order." Zero answered as they were summoned to the counter. Once he paid, he pointed in the general area of the chosen table and seated himself.

From the back, Kain looked like he belonged in normal society. Pleasant enough to look at. Muscled but not in the showy way. Taller than average. Bored, Zero switched his attention to the surrounding area as he recalled his Hunters' instincts. It was easy to do when he was with another supernatural being. At least three other sets of eyes were pointed in the same direction his partner was in. Probably more. He glanced back towards Kain, confused. He knew vampires had their own allure but, he wasn't even facing them. The idiot was still choosing which beverage. Still, Zero's eyes returned to the numerous eyes after someone screamed kyaa. He hated that sound at the Academy. Even now, it set his teeth on edge to the point he could easily tear someone's throat out. Perhaps it was because he had a claim to this particular 'kyaa' model. Would they still 'kyaa' if they were both humans? Or Hunters? But, if they both were, he wouldn't be so long with the drinks.

"Hey." Kain waved his hand in front of Zero's face. The other blinked for several moments, wondering where the stares had gone. If Kain could read his thoughts, he never stated it. "You zoned out on me."

"Sorry." The other nodded, his face serious. Whatever he had said had taken a toll on him. Zero straightened. "Will you repeat?"

Kain was silent for a long time. When he finally met Zero's eyes, he seemed nervous. "Are you sure you want to come to this engagement party?"

Zero shrugged. "If I don't face your family now, when?"

He nodded once. "If they say anything to you – Ruuka and Hanabusa excluded – we leave. If you feel disrespected, we leave."

"Should we use a word?"

"Sure. What's your suggestion?"

Despite the topic, Zero almost smile. "A-kitty."

"You…" He leaned back in his chair, glaring. "You heard Touya. Freaking…"

"I like it. Though, not quite sure what it means."

Kain tilted his head, probably looking for an escape route. He probably didn't find one and returned to the table, defeated. "She just found out a singular kitty is 'a cat' in English. Now, she's using it to torment me."

"Well, her purring comment makes sense." He grinned as his boyfriend hit his head against the table.

"You and Touya will be the death of me."

Zero was unsure of when he fell asleep or how long. What he did know was Kain's fingers were between Zero's forehead and the side window, seemingly crushed by the ferocity of the vehicle moving. He chanced a glance at his partner, finding the other immovable though, obviously tired. Zero stretched, tilting his head slightly before glancing at the manor house. The inside seemed brighter though, the exterior appeared dark… gloomy, even. Gradually, he twisted in his seat. "How long?"

"Maybe an hour."

"I meant before the engagement ceremony."

Kain exhaled loudly, slight blood lust rimming the outside of his iris. He blinked it away. "There's only enough time to change."

Zero threw his clothes on the bed and carefully removed the tags from the store, hastily throwing the new on. A simple button up and dress jacket with slacks. The man in the mirror stuck his tongue out. He was far too dressed up, like he was trying to prove a point. And, there was no point to prove – as Kain had tried to assure him.

He unbuttoned the top, his eyes resting on the faint bite mark. His fingers trailed down the sensitive area. He felt himself flush, the memory of Kain's fangs piercing the skin. The points brushed against his neck, slow, hesitant. Zero seemed to recall the feel of his tongue gliding across the area rather than lapping. Even then, Zero felt it was some sort… he didn't even know. He did know it felt sacred yet incredible. Or, was that just a projection of how Kain felt? Zero swallowed, narrowing his eyes.

It must have felt the same as when Yuuki drank from him. Or, was it because Kain took it as a sacred oath and treated it as such that it tainted Zero's perception? He splashed some cold water on his face, digging the pads of his fingers into the basin. Yuuki's face appeared before him, her smile brilliant. Had he really caused her so much pain if she could still smile? Or, was it Kuran the smile was for?

The knock on the bathroom door brought Zero out of his reverie. Quickly, he slid the necktie over, suddenly unsure of how to tie it.

"You'll be late if you continue messing with it." The old croaky voice almost gave Zero cause to smile. "You'll be late anyway, the rate you're going."

He hadn't realized the door was open. "How about you stop nagging and help."

"I prefer the nagging role." Still, Gonkuro turned him around and rebuttoned the top. "Feel free to unbutton it once you're there… And throw the necktie in the garbage."

"But –"

"Trust me." Gonkuro allowed himself to look kind, for a change. "Master Kain wants you as you are. Not dolled up like some geisha."

"I don't know about that." He avoided the eye contact. "It feels like 'dress the pauper' with the Aidou Clan."

"That may be." Gonkuro finished tying it. "It would explain why Mistress Souen adored her dolls."

Zero sighed. Gonkuro nodded. "You look ready."

"I look good for a main course at an all-vampire family function. Maybe first course, if I'm really lucky." He glanced back to the mirror, pulling on the necktie.

"You know you have to dance, right?" Gonkuro remarked, tugging Zero's arm away.

"Like hell."

"It's tradition."

"Why is it," Zero started, "that you sound like a history lecturer?"

"That's the price of knowing secrets… And being old, I'm afraid."

Zero sighed. "Why do I have to dance?"

"Everyone in the same age group shares a dance with current partners. You'll start with Master Kain, switch over to Master Aidou, then Mistress Souen and then, back to Master Kain."

"Four dances?"

"One. But, all eyes will be on you."

Zero held his gut, hoping Gonkuro would at least laugh at his ruse. "Think I'm coming down with something."

"Yes. It's a sickness I've seen a lot. Called bullshit." He tucked in a flask into the breast pocket. "Cured by liquid courage and a general like for Master Kain."

Zero straightened, glad to see the slight amusement on Gonkuro's face. "Also, Master Kain has requested you join him for tomorrows' meetings."

"Meetings?"

"Yes. One business and one personal."

"Are either with the Kuran's?"

Gonkuro studied him slowly. "I know nothing about Kurans. Who are you referring to?"

Zero hid his annoyance. "So, not with the Kurans. Then, who?"

"I'm afraid I have no clue." Zero glared at him as he winked, opening the door for him. "Master Kiryuu."

"Please never call me that again."

"I'm afraid I must cordially ignore your request, Master Kiryuu."

Zero gritted his teeth, stepping past the old butler and made his way to the stairs. Kain was leaning against the banister, drinking from his own flask of 'liquid courage'. He turned, an eyebrow raised at Zero's descent. Once the Hunter hit the last step, Kain turned him towards him, unbuttoning two top buttons and loosening the tie. "Really?"

"You look good." Kain answered, readjusting Zero's hair. "But, I want you to look like you. Not like Unknown Cousin."

"Fifty-five." Zero muttered.

"Yes, closely acquainted with Cousin Fifty-one but, hates his brother, Fifty-four."

"Not to be confused with Cousin Sixty. Really. They hate each other."

Kain snorted. "How many Cousins' does the Aidou Clan have?"

"Too many if we're at sixty." Zero replied. Kain snickered and offered his arm.

The Aidou Manor held a sense of grandeur. One that almost created a new found headache for Zero. Though newer in construction, it appeared to be older than Kain's – and recently renovated, judging by the smell of mortar. Kain opened the door for him, squeezing his eyes shut. "Drunk?"

"I wish." His response was slower. "Remember, A-Kitty."

"Can I say it now?" Only a brief smile. Zero walked up the circular front steps and into the foyer where several maids offered to take their coats. He followed Kain's lead, facing Kain with arms outstretched. The foyer could fit a car dealer ship, the grand staircase ever more so. Even in the dim candlelight, Zero could swear each step was made of gold. He stopped next to Kain who bowed towards their host then, onto Aidou and Souen. Aidou forced a smile though, Zero could tell he hated the amount of small talk he'd have to endure. Souen, on the other hand, scowled at their approach. Zero nodded to both of them. "Congratulations."

He turned to follow his leader again but, the other had been whisked away by, who Zero could only assume, was Souen's mother. Aidou tapped his shoulder. "Ballroom. We'll try to pry our parents off him."

"Speak for yourself." Souen chirped. "If I ever have to hear Akatsuki's name in the next twenty-four hours, I will kill everyone myself."

"With what?" Zero questioned.

"My bare hands." She barked.

"Yeah, do us a solid, Kiryuu." Aidou started, dropping his voice. "If you want to announce you're pregnant or something, do it now."

"And, who would believe that?" Souen interjected, forcing someone to hand over their wine.

"Ruuka, that is unbecoming of a Lady!" Her mother scolded. Zero tried to peer past her, only finding Kain backed against a wall with… Aidou's dad? Too many people. He nodded once more towards the couple who were now oblivious to him, excusing himself.

This, he thought as he slipped past a few noble humans, he could stand. Invisible. He slinked against the wall, his watchful gaze on each aristocrat. He almost sighed in relief, glad that, at least, two people he recognized as 'not a threat' came into view. Though, neither noticed him. He leaned against his post, watching the scene unfold.

Touya's arm rested across Yori's frame, her fingers digging into her hip. Yori rested her hand on the small of her back, rubbing in what Zero thought would be a soothing gesture. He glanced at the two people they were speaking with. One ignored their conversation, only too happy to take yet another glass. The other was red in the face, hushed screaming obviously making both uncomfortable. The one who had been happily drinking threw their glass on the ground. Zero stepped towards them.

"Rima can handle it." Someone spoke, their hand wrapped around their wrist as they dragged Zero somewhere. The Hunter twisted around painfully, his movements constrained as the other twirled him around, stopping only once they arrived at the cake. "She's heard it all. Careful now – don't create a scene."

Zero huffed, relaxing his fists. The other seemed only too gleeful. "Good boy."

"Ichijo." Zero answered, finally facing his accoster. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Please, the pleasure's all mine." In one swift motion, he had two drinks in his hand. "I'd be happy to inform you of everything that's happening if you're feeling a little lost."

Zero would have retorted if he hadn't seen the blur of a brunette running past. His head shot back to Touya, her fiery nature peaking. Ichijo followed his train of thought. "She won't do anything stupid, I know that much. Just say some words."

"I'd like to check on Yori."

"That won't be necessary. Rima will follow her once she gets it out of her system."

Zero's eye landed on Shiki, the other boy hastily turning away. He smirked, happy for the chance to be alone again. "Shouldn't you be entertaining your fiancé instead of bothering me?"

Ichijo paused, a look of regret on his face. Anger. Resentment. Resignation. "We broke it off."

"Why?" Somewhere in his mind, he knew why. Kain's words echoed, the distaste clear. Pawned off… Ichijo only sighed heavily.

"I don't know. But, I do know I find you intrigue –"

"Ichijo, may I speak with my cousin's boyfriend or are you to hog him all night?" Souen stated abruptly. Zero searched for Aidou, finding him stuck between two other aristocrats.

"I can't deny the bride to be anything, can I?" Ichijo joked. Yet again, the dangerous look. Zero followed her, glad he didn't have a glass in his hand as Ichijo's stare might have broken it.

She led him through the French doors onto a private patio, blocked only by a small garden gate. "You have a cigarette on you?"

"You smoke?" Zero raised an eyebrow but still handed her one with a lighter. Eagerly, she attempted several times.

"Thirteen minutes into this party. This is my second one. Thinking of taking it up every time someone mentions to me how Hanabusa's not the right choice."

"About that… Are you sure it's okay for Aidou and Kain to fend for themselves?"

"Hanabusa will agree with everything then do his own thing. And Akatsuki… He's been navigating these things since we were kids and had to have full reports done." She leaned against the banister, taking another drag. "I'm… Unable to take it with a grain of salt and it's hard for me to not get riled up. So, in that regard, we're alike."

"I doubt it."

"Did I not hear you arguing with Ichijo about following Wakaba or see you try to save Touya? Might be better if that girl blew up – that would be the only scandal that could benefit. Everything else would mess with business but, Touya's would make her a symbol." She flicked the ashes, watching it burn down. She continued with a small monologue, as if asking the cigarette. "By being with Hana, am I making the biggest mistake of my life? Or, should I do as my parents say and take Akatsuki?"

"You're doing what's right for you. Besides, I have a feeling… As much as Kain loves you, he wouldn't be a good husband to you. Aidou… He's changed for you. Because of you." Zero rested his elbows against the rail as she sighed. Silence. He pulled out a cigarette for himself, tired of continuously hurting himself with images that were never meant to be. "Tell me about this dance."

"It's just an elaborate waltz mixed with Victorian style. You'll understand it once you start."

Silence. Again. He inhaled his first drag. "Why did you ask me to accompany you?"

"As much as I'd love to throw you to the wolves, it'd be unfair to Kain. Especially since he's currently going to bat that he won't interrupt this union – no matter what the concerns are." Another drag. "And… No one deserves to be without those they love. Just because Shiki and Ichijo are playing a game doesn't mean they should drag anyone else into it."

Silence. Zero glanced back at the party. Despite Ichijo being nearer to the balcony door, he cast his forlorn gaze towards Shiki. The other, who had been staring at the blond, bent his head and refocused his eyes… on Kain. Zero quickly turned his head, hoping that Souen wouldn't notice. She didn't. "Why are you telling me this?"

"I told you." She flicked her cigarette over the edge, finally looking him in the eye. "I hate you. But, regardless of my personal feelings… You're not a bad guy. You're devoted to Akatsuki, as stupid as my cousin is, he did start a blood bond with you."

As if on some scripted cue, Aidou slunk towards them with three champagne glasses. He handed two off, glaring at Souen. "Your mother is a monster."

Souen laughed bitterly. Zero sensed she'd ask again, pulling out his pack. "Because you aren't Akatsuki?"

"That and, apparently, I have stupid hair." He took the one Zero offered and lit it, not having as much trouble as Souen did. "Thank you for blocking her from my father."

"Ugh… Not the 'royal blood' and 'Hanabusa can do better than you' attitude." Souen remarked, bowing her head in defeat. "As much as I'd like to walk down an aisle without eloping, it might be the only way."

The loud tapping of glass drew their attention. Souen leaned forward, unstrapping something from her hip. Zero raised an eyebrow as she offered him a flask. "For sharing your cig. It's stronger than this bull their giving us."

Aidou patted his shoulder as the three walked back into the ballroom, Souen in front. The guests gathered in a circle with Aidou's father in the middle. Beside him, a tired and emotionally drained Kain. "Ah, there's the bride and groom."

The guests laughed as Aidou grasped Souen's hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it. Her forced smile altered into a real one. Zero turned back to find Kain offering his hand. Zero slid his own on top, feeling the tension drop once Kain rested his hand on his waist. Two steps back. One step forward. Elevate to waltz. Zero tilted his head to look at his partner, finding the other zoned. Zero studied his face, finding nothing but stress. "Tell me what you're thinking."

"… Hmm?" He blinked the thoughts away.

"A-kitty."

Silence. Kain's brow furrowed. "Oh… Can we wait until after the dinner? I have to give a toast still…"

"What are you planning?" Zero asked, his voice dropping low.

"Nothing. Just focus on the dance." He twirled him into Aidou, accepting Souen's hand in the process.

"Back." Aidou muttered more to himself than to Zero. The other ignored the ramblings, his hands coated in sweat. Through a spin, Zero thought he saw two brunettes. He peered over Aidou's head, finding that yes, there were two. They had snuck in quietly. Yuuki pressed her body against the table, her expression holding one of bewilderment and excitement. Kaname glared towards them, a pleasant smile plastered on his face. Zero's attentions returned to Yuuki, trying to ignore unwanted memories. As he accepted both of Souen's hands, his attention returned to Kain. He dared one more glance towards Yuuki then no more. He would have to steel his heart a little.

"You're really good at listening." Souen remarked, accepting Aidou's hand again. The music slowed, Kain's arms wrapping tightly around his waist. Zero fought the temptation to rest his head on against Kain's chest, resolving to simply study him. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his touch warmer than normal. Pale as a sheet. Instinctively, Zero lowered Kain's head, pressing a kiss to his temple.

"Whatever you have to do," Zero whispered in his ear, "you do."

The song abruptly ended. Kain squeezed Zero one last time, cupping his cheek as he pulled away. Aidou's father coughed once, signifying both to part. They both turned toward the Kurans, Kain holding Zero's hand as some solidarity though, it was probably easier to restrain him from killing them.

"On behalf of the family," Aidou's father began, "I'd like to formally express my apologies for not greeting you as you deserve."

"Oh, that's alright!" Yuuki stated in her naïve way. Zero forgot how much he hated her overexplaining. "We were late and you have other guests to tend to."

"What my wife means," Kaname started. Zero felt the sharpness of wife. Kain squeezed his hand a little. Zero returned it. "Is that, hosting a party for such a momentous occasion, we're the ones who owe you an apology."

It quickly derailed into the patriarchy explaining they needed no apology as they must have had some other obligation. Zero inhaled deeply, watching Kain lower his head and mumble something to himself. Not a fan of toadying either, I take it. After several remarks of the like, the guests were finally led to the dining room. Kain leaned close to him. "You'll be sitting with Touya and Wakaba. Be ready to go once the speech is over."

Zero nodded, following Yori's bob and sliding himself next to her. "You tried."

"I should have tried harder." Touya sulked, throwing an arm around Yori's shoulder. "Or shouldn't have been so angry about it."

"I told you I'm not hurt. And, it's natural to be angry."

"What do you think, Kiryuu?" Touya asked, causing Yori to blush and untangle herself from Touya's side. "Should I have tried harder?"

"Think you should have let someone else deal with it." He remarked.

"Like who?"

"Well, Kiryuu was going to step in on your behalf." The same voice. Zero inhaled deeply as Ichijo sat next to him. "But, I managed to stop him."

"Kiryuu, you know mama can handle herself." Touya joked, ignoring Yori's worrying.

"Yes, with mascara down her cheeks." It came out harsher than he meant. Yori pinched the bridge of her nose as Touya abruptly stood, rushing to the powder room.

"You know image is everything with models and yet…" Yori shook her head. "At least she got them kicked out."

"How?" Zero asked.

"Apparently, being best friends with Kain has a few benefits." She studied Ichijo for a moment. "By the by, I'm sorry you have to be with us. I know you'd prefer to be nearer to Kain."

"Kain has a few too many things…" Zero trailed off, ignoring the anger burning in him. Shiki offered Kain food on a fork. The other took no heed, his plate untouched.

Yori followed his sight. "You can excuse yourself, you know."

Zero nodded, bowing his head. "Tell Touya sorry."

"Tell her yourself." She countered, a teasing smile on her face.

Kiryuu nodded, walking quickly towards the same balcony Souen had shown him earlier. He lit a cigarette, enjoying the quietness of the countryside. At least animals he could understand.

"You alright, Kiryuu?" Ichijo asked, joining him outside.

"Mm. Must be hard to witness Shiki doing that."

"… And harder for Kain to accept." Zero doubted the latter to be true as he stood in silence, taking a drag. Ichijo sighed, starting again. "It's stupid to move for someone else. I miss the sounds of the city, the constant excitement. I'm sure it's the same way for you."

Zero knew it was a dig for his surveillance of the Kurans. Yet, he couldn't help thinking of how many times Kain dragged him back and forth – countryside, small village and even the big city. He shrugged. "I'd prefer a peaceful life. Too much excitement usually leads to bad things."

A/N: A chapter? A chapter? What is this? A chapter? Wow….. Weird… How'd this get here?

Like I said before, this will have three overlaps because there's no other way to deal with it.