A/N: Let's just say: finally!

Zero did his best not to make a sound, assuming the pressure underneath Kain would tell his partner all. The bite left him in a state of euphoria, Kain panting just below his ear. The taller rocked his hips in a seesaw motion. Zero was unsure if it was intentional or not. He cleared his throat, the growl still evident. "We can stop if you want."

No answer. Was that no? He started to lean back, the soft whine catching him by surprise. He knocked his hips into Kain's, the other hissing and finally opening his eyes. Zero bit his lip.

The blood lust still outlined the iris but, the clear want trapped him. Even with a blood stain on the corner of his mouth… The inhuman growl that escaped Zero was almost primitive, beckoning. Kain claimed his mouth, the metallic taste spreading along Zero's tastebuds. His fingers dug into Kain's thighs, controlling his movements as he started a pace. Kain's small whimper was the only indicator of pleasure.

Kain's mouth lowered, his tongue circling his nipples in turn. Zero ignored the blush prominent on his cheeks, lifting himself. He slipped two fingers under the collar, keeping Kain's mouth at bay, if anything. He used to think it sadistic to control a partner like this, the want and annoyance clear. But, he told himself, I have no intention of withholding it.

Once he sat upright with Kain on his lap, he adjusted Kain's arms over his shoulders. "You'll be good?"

The aristocrat could only nod, testing the small freedom he had to rock his hips. Unbothered by this, Zero trailed from the back of Kain's thigh to his inner thigh. Kain's breath hitched, his nails digging into Zero's shoulder. Zero paused, easing his grip on the collar. "You're sure you want this?"

Kain lifted Zero's head, planting a small kiss on his lips. "I want you."

The words shouldn't have excited Zero as much as they did. With Kain's eyes on him, Zero wet two fingers with his tongue. He took the soft moan of anticipation as permission, wedging his hand beneath the bands, fingers circling Kain's entrance. The older experimented with tensing, slightly bouncing with his fingers intertwined in Zero's hair. The Hunter pressed his own hardened flesh against Kain's thigh, Kain's moan deperate.

Zero walked Kain backwards, clumsily hitting a wall as he fumbled with Kain's pants. Kain kept his kisses short, only slightly aware of the direction they were heading. In one motion, Zero's were on the floor. Kain had his arms wrapped around his waist, his tongue tracing the outline of Zero's lips. It wasn't until Kain had him straddled, the tint on his cheeks returning that he remembered.

Wordlessly, he adjusted Kain so the taller was under him, the slacks finally off. He audibly swallowed as he observed his partner for the first time. He was bigger than Zero was used to, the beginning of a four pack evident. Zero slid his hands upwards, his attentions following his thumbs. They ran over Kain's nipples, over the collarbone and rested on his shoulders. Zero's eyes strayed from the path, his lips curling into an almost smirk. He knew full well he could make a comment and destroy any self-confidence the other had. Instead, he kissed Kain again, resting a hand on his cheek. "You're beautiful."

He watched as the blush darkened, Kain averting his eyes and distracting himself by leaving a trail of kisses between Zero's newly bit neck and shoulder. Zero's fingers trailed just under the collar, pulling him back. "Does it hurt?"

"Not really." The words were hushed, Kain's focus on Zero's lips.

"Do you want to try it with a leash?"

The aristocrat shrugged, his hand toying with Zero's member. Zero playfully slapped his hand away, pinning it above Kain's head. He loved that it caused a hitch in Kain's breathing pattern. "You can do what you want with me… Zero."

Another growl. Zero's teeth grazed Kain's exposed neck, the pulsating under his lips a lure. He pulled himself away, pressing a finger to Kain's lips and stopping the protestations. "Few moments, okay."

Condom. Leash. Lube. Two out of three wasn't bad, he supposed. Still, he wished he could make it as comfortable as possible for Kain. He had to swallow a moan as the thought of Kain using his mouth as a replacement crept into his thoughts. With great restraint, he managed to return to reality. Kain clipped his own leash though, his desperation for Zero clear on his face.

It wasn't until he wrapped Kain's legs around his waist that Zero sensed the hesitation, the determination… the fear. Not for the last time, Zero smoothed Kain's hair back, one strand forever out of place. "I can stop…"

Kain shook his head, somehow disarming Zero and claiming the top for himself. He wedged himself between Kain's legs, choosing to ignore the discomfort. I'll just go slow, he told himself. He propped himself up, distracting Kain with kisses as he adjusted himself, guiding the slow movement. An instant yet, Kain gripped onto Zero's shoulders, nails digging in. Zero slid two fingers under the collar, dragging Kain back, the soft groan darkening his mood.

Without giving Kain time to adjust to the newfound pressure, Zero won the contest for dominance, biting Kain's bottom lip. His hands ran up Kain's sides as he changed the position, lifting one of Kain's thighs with him. Kain's hands slid down his back, trying to match the newer pace. Zero growled. With one hand, he managed to loop Kain's wrists around the handle behind him, toying with his nipples. He felt himself becoming intoxicated by Kain's soft moan, the last sense of common decency filtering through his brain. Panting slightly, he met Kain's hazed stare. "Do you want to stop?"

In reply, Kain jarred his hips into Zero's. Zero responded in kind, the rhythm coursing through both of them. He kissed down his neck, tugging slightly at the already hardened nipples, his teeth brushing over them and soothing with his tongue. The other shuddered slightly, his actions limited as the Hunter ran his thumb over Kain's tip, the protruding fangs running over Kain's chest to his neck. Zero smiled against it for a moment, the leather pressing against his lower lip enticing to him.

Kain managed to outmaneuver him, one hand in his hair, the other gripping his member as his kiss eagerly met Zero's. As sort of a punishment, Zero smacked Kain's butt before pulling the cheeks painfully away. The aristocrat groaned, pulling on Zero's hair, his tongue entering without permission, softly panting as he tried to keep up the momentum. Zero lay back, resting a hand on Kain's chest until he was sure the other wouldn't follow him. His hand overlapped Kain's, gripping tighter as the other rode him, the movement strained and awkward still.

Zero flipped them over again, adjusting Kain so the other was on all fours, stimulating him. He figured he was close. But, that was just a guess. Taking control of the leash, he lifted Kain's head back slowly, adjusting their position for more impact.

Kain wet his lips, working himself, his half-lidded eyes on Zero's expression. His Adam's apple bobbed with anticipation; the majority of his body used to the abuse as the pre-ejaculation started. Kain slowed, the pale lips hovering over Zero's ear. A single word: please. How could a single word sound so damn hot? "You want to finish all over yourself?"

The vampire nodded, the moaned whine exaggerated slightly. He gripped Kain tightly maintaining the momentum throughout as his partner convulsed. He wrapped his hand around his neck, finally joining him. He continued the movement throughout, finally slowing once he was limp.

Go slow… And yet, he looks worse than if I plowed him, Zero thought as Kain caught his breath, the satisfaction still evident on his chest. Zero unclipped the collar, tracing the blue areas as his partner cleaned himself. Kain wouldn't look at him, his cheeks flushed. Zero brushed the hair out of his face, waiting for his partner to curl into his side. Kain ran a hand through his hair, finally meeting Zero's gaze. "Was… I any good?"

"Really? That's the question?" Zero was baffled. He hadn't expected a virgin to be that concerned over whether or not they were good. There was a universal understanding with it.

"You didn't make a sound." Kain continued.

Zero tilted his head, unsure of how a grown man can still sound like a small child. With two fingers, he turned Kain's head, lips meeting his. "You'll get better… Aka-chan."

The nickname was still odd for Zero to say. He disposed of the used condom and cleaned the excess then lay back, waiting for the need to sleep to overtake him. He heard the water running, the slight hissing at each movement. Zero sighed, trying to close his eyes and let sleep take him. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Disgruntled, he joined Kain in the bathroom, the panic attack overtaking him. Inherently, he knew what it was about. He twirled Kain into him, stroking his cheek bones and pressing a kiss from his forehead to his lips until he felt Kain's arms around him, the kiss returned and deepening. Zero almost melted into it, pulling himself away. "Bed time."

"Mm…" Kain followed, the haze blurring with the worry. "Did you… finish?"

Zero crawled under the covers, his arm around Kain's waist as his partner pressed against him. The mention seemed to peak the interest. "I did."

Just that confession helped ease the uncertainty. Kain's arm snaked around the arch of Zero's back, his other resting above Zero's heart. Despite the tired eyes, Zero didn't fall asleep and chose to watch Kain drift. Soon, they'd be parted. Was it selfish of Zero to enjoy the time he had? Again, a sadistic thought appeared. He tried to hide the grin. At least, I was the one who he gave in to. Even Shiki couldn't compete with that.

Shiki… Zero squeezed his eyes shut, focusing on examining his partner, suddenly aware of how much damage he had done him. Bruises. Scratches. Thin lines of dried blood. He wet his lips, one such line just in reach. He could lick it. That wouldn't complete the bond. Yet, he didn't have permission. He distracted himself by smoothing Kain's hair back, that one random strand. He'd befriend it – at least it gave him a reason to touch him.

As he watched him sleep, Zero felt the resentment burn a little. He had been careful… Well, as careful as the situation allowed. And, it's not like Zero had a choice when he lost his. And, people pierced his neck without his permission. Zero hadn't done any of that yet, the bruises on Kain's skin were just as bad. They'd disappear at the same rate. His fingers dug into Kain's side, the small groan and heat emanating from Kain's hands worsening the situation. Zero's phone saved him as Kain threw the blanket over his ears. Zero ran for it, glad for the distraction. "Hello."

"Kiryuu, hey!" Touya's voice filled his speaker. "Weird, you don't usually answer my calls."

"Well, I did." He rested against the wall. "What do you want?"

"Is Kain there?"

He watched the sleeping figure. "He is."

"Can I talk to him?"

"No."

"Oh…"

By now, Zero would have hung up. Instead, he sighed. "Is this about your family?"

"… Yeah."

"You know they don't deserve you, right?"

"But… They're still my parents."

"From what I can tell," he switched the phone to the other ear, "is no aristocrat vampire has a 'good' family."

"You're telling me. But, -"

"Rima, who's on the phone?" Zero knew her voice even before the confirmation.

"Kiryuu."

"You know you don't have to make it up to me, right?"

"But I want to, Yori." Zero considered hanging up. The final inhale from Wakaba switched Touya's mood. "Anyway… Enough bitching. How are you, Kiryuu?"

"I'm good, thanks."

"Did…" It must have been the 'thanks'. He could almost see Touya's brow furrowing. "Wait… Did you guys finally do the horizontal hokey pokey?"

He heard Wakaba laugh. "What's it to you, Touya?"

"You totally did! Oh! My heart!"

Zero sighed, shaking the sleeping figure awake and pressing the phone to his ear. "Think I broke Touya."

As he settled, he could hear her side of the conversation. "Kiryuu, who was on who? Who did what? Oh! Baby A-kitty all grown up!"

"… What?" Kain rubbed his eyes, lifting himself up. His eyes narrowed towards Zero. The Hunter shrugged and laid his head on Kain's shoulder, drifting to Kain's replies with satisfaction. Kain's arm wound around his waist. "Yeah, I mean… It happened… No, we don't… What do you mean a momentous day in history? … No one in the history of the world gets a holiday just by… Holy crap, okay! Fine! We'll celebrate with drinks!"

Zero woke to the phone being thrown at him and his pillow abandoning him. With a groan, he lifted himself up and blinked the sleep out of his eyes. Kain was dressed in sweater and sweatpants, throwing clothes onto the bed. Catching his eye, the aristocrat scowled. "Three hours."

"That's how long she talked?" Zero questioned as the haze cleared.

"That's how long I was asked about who was on who, who did what…" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Couldn't you have lied?"

"Lie to Touya…" Zero shook his head, pulling the shirt over his head. "I tried to omit it. She guessed, I evaded and that derailed."

Kain snorted his disapproval but didn't say anything against it. Zero changed the topic. "What are we doing?"

"We have two… No, now three meetings." That glare. Zero vaguely wondered if he ever let loose the anger. No, he concluded, Kain wouldn't allow himself to be truly angry.

"What's the first one?"

"Morning Sakura." Kain uttered under his breath. Zero followed closely, the coffee shop busy at this time in the morning.

"Usual?" One of the waiters asked. Kain nodded. "And yourself?"

It took a moment for Zero to realize that the question was addressed to him. "Just a water."

"What flavour?"

"… Normal water." They watched the waiter walk away, mumbling under his breath. Zero turned to Kain, eye brow raised. "I have questions."

"I'm sure you do." He was startled by the woman's voice. Her fashionably chopped hair framed her face well. "Nice to see you again, Mr. Kiryuu."

He nodded, the brow now furrowed. Only a few lines on her face detected her age but… Hadn't he seen those skeptical eyes before? Recently? Kain cleared his throat. "Kiryuu, this is Sa… Stop. I've known you since you were in diapers. You are Sakura to me and it doesn't matter who you marry."

"I prefer Ozaki." She spat, narrowing her eyes.

"You've known…"

Kain's expression softened. "Sakura… Fine, Mrs. Ozaki… Stop scowling, you'll look old."

"I am old." She offered her hand to Zero. "Mrs. Ozaki, head researcher of the AVAH."

"AVA…"

"After Vampire Attack Housing." Kain had lowered his voice as he said this, the waiter returning with their order. "She's also Gonkuro's daughter."

"Oh." Zero shook her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"I prefer my own merits," she started, wiping her hand with a sanitizing napkin, "and not who I know, as Mr. Kain knows."

"He'd be questioning why you look familiar all throughout this." Kain rotated his shoulder.

"Which is why you lead me to Gonkuro." Zero stated.

She shrugged. "That's common practice."

"Then… Why is Gonkuro looking into –"

"Gonkuro is better at finding people. Sakura… Mrs. Ozaki," he stuck his tongue out at her, "is more for researching E activity, specifically in areas where humans are."

"You're missing quite a few of them." Zero speculated.

"Noted." She set a binder on the table. "AVAH is not for clearing out E's as the HA is. We specialize in finding families and bringing the majority of them alive, offer assistance and try to rebuild their lives."

"Sa… Mrs. Ozaki, he doesn't need the human resources spiel." Kain lifted his drink.

"I'm… Are you trying to recruit me?" Zero asked Kain more than Mrs. Ozaki.

"Yes." Ozaki answered on his behalf.

"No." Kain corrected. He turned to Zero, a ghost of a smile on his face. "More like… Convince you to take me on your next hunt."

"What?"

"Kain…"

"Think about it. Both of you." The command was more pleading. Still, Zero would refuse. "I'm destined for America in four months and I haven't seen any recent cases of the AVAH which means, our tactics aren't working. As CEO and Founder, it is my responsibility to assess."

"A highly dangerous experience." Zero commented.

"I can use it as a way to one, work on the clearing teams to equip them with better materials and two, utilize my understandings of what these people need."

"Your pitch is sound." Ozaki complimented. "However, you're the face of it. Something bad happens to you –"

"Something bad happens to me…" Kain nodded, his lips pressed together.

Ozaki started sputtering. "I… Not like…"

"You're unqualified for an excursion like that." Zero started. Kain whipped his head around. "But… I think it admirable that you'd try."

Kain rested his lips next to Zero's ear. "It's not to create a better understanding of you… But, that may be a perk."

Zero glared at him, starting to hate the way this bond worked. He hadn't even noticed he was flattered. "It still stands."

"Hmm… How about outskirts?"

"Too dangerous."

"And it's not for people?"

Zero inhaled loudly. Ozaki took the opportunity to throw a stack of papers at him, her pen at the ready. "This –"

"Mrs. Ozaki," Kain interrupted. She rested her hand on the table, the pen tightly in her fist. "This is not the time to be throwing paper work at him. This is a friendly meeting to discuss if he'd like to assist in the AVAH mission – not as a contractor, Kiryuu. I wouldn't do that to you. But, in the event that there's a human who can be… for lack of a better term… reversed from their current state, we'd like the chance to assist."

Zero could see the logic. Obviously, Aidou had conversed with him about their attempts. Honestly, can no vampire keep a secret? He pinched the bridge of his nose. "On the stipulation of if, we'll give the information to them at that time."

"Th – Mrs. Ozaki!" Kain glared at her.

She scoffed and placed it in the binder. "I need a signature."

"No. We don't need a signature."

"You –"

"Thank you for taking the time for meeting with us." Zero switched between Kain and Ozaki's glares, glad to see her go. Still, he hit Kain's arm. The other flinched slightly.

"When were you going to tell me that you had planned to ambush me?"

"It's not an ambush." Kain stated, detached.

"It damn well feels like one."

"When would you have liked to have this discussion?" Kain started, his expression tired.

"When you knew." Zero argued.

Kain sighed, his tired eyes on Zero's. "I only know how to transfer an in-acting partner. But, I need someone to modify and change the structure of it and investigate the entirety. And, it needs to be someone I trust to do it on my behalf."

"Well, why didn't you mention it when you knew it was me?"

"When would I have, then?" Kain blinked. "During the engagement party?"

"Not this morning or before sex?"

"Kiryuu." Kain rested an elbow on the table, supporting his head on his hand. "Can I take it this means you'll think about it?"

Zero faced the opposite direction. "Why won't you do it yourself?"

"I tried. The only person willing to be my guide told me it's too dangerous."

"… How much of my time would it take?"

Kain counted on his fingers. "About… Six e-mails with Mrs. Ozaki concerning uniform fit for E activity, restrictions, and a cohesive package provided by Gonkuro of everyone in the AVAH to read before bed."

"You don't trust Ozaki with this? Or Gonkuro?"

"As much as I know he wants what's best… He'll turn a blind eye if it's Mrs. Ozaki or Enmei."

"So, the emphasis is on his kids?"

Kain nodded. "That's all you'd have to do."

"Then, why bring Mrs. Ozaki in if –"

"Because I need you to know what kind of person you'd be dealing with. And, even though I said you didn't need the human resources deal, I need you to know fully that we're not there to Hunt – just to save."

"Why is this so important to you?" Zero asked, regret over his face. Of course it's important. Wasn't it him who said they don't know what Level attacked his parents? Instead of answering, Kain nodded to the waiter. Within minutes, he had another coffee. Zero coughed. "Question two… Why did you drag me to a coffee house? We could have met her at the manor."

"I'm avoiding the manor at all costs right now." His chin jutted towards the waiter and the owner, a father and son. "And… Those are the first people I saved under the AVAH."

Zero studied him, wondering why the stare was so intent. The watch on his partners wrist beeped. He reset it. "Meeting two."

"Right. Who are –"

It was instant. The arm wrapped around his waist. He stared, mortified as it started. "My son! Oh, he's so good looking!"

Zero spun around, using his leg as a tool to keep him at bay. He was fully aware of the amusing spectacle they'd become. "You don't call, you don't visit! Honestly, you could've been killed or dead in a ditch and I wouldn't know!"

He was grateful and worried when Yagari walked by, taking Cross with him. The only other figure at the table watched with the same amusement. Zero shot both Kain and the figure the stink eye, glad he was out of Cross' reach. But, that didn't stop his constant rampage of words. "Honestly, it takes Kain to drag you screaming to find out you're alive. And these two tell me nothing!"

"I tell you he's alive." Yagari lit a cigarette, much to the displeasure of the owners.

"But you don't tell me how he's doing!"

"Well, that puts that to rest." Kain muttered to himself. The gaggle of Hunters studied him.

"What puts… What to rest?" Kaito asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Our first encounter, Kiryuu threw me over his shoulder and, forgive the wording, handed me my ass." Zero grinned. Kaito nodded. "Course, if I knew Headmaster Cross could own him…"

"Please, Cross never owns me." Zero answered, wary of his self-proclaimed adopted father's grasp.

"Really? Cause, I'm pretty sure we now have video evidence to the contrary." He pointed to the camera above the counter. Zero sulked. There had to be a way to rid that.

"Oh, that's nothing." Kaito started. Kain leaned forward. "Master can still carry him by the scruff of the neck when he's annoyed."

"That is something I'd pay to see."

"How much?" Kaito shared a real smile – one of the few that he only gave to people he liked.

"Why'd you call this meeting, Kain?" Yagari questioned, cutting off their conversation. Zero was glad that, at least, someone had their priorities in the right place. Though, coming from Yagari, he was looking for any reason to kill Kain.

"Right." Kain straightened, his hands open and in front of him. "I'm not sure if you knew but, Kiryuu and I have been seeing each other."

Zero groaned inwardly as Kaito's grin broadened. Yagari raised an eyebrow as Cross started. "Aw! If only Zero managed to get over his prejudice sooner! I always said that you two would make a cute couple!"

Zero choked on his drink as Cross started scheming the wedding plans. Yagari shrugged. "Zero's an adult. He can see anyone he chooses. What does it matter to us?"

"My son has found someone!" Cross informed everyone in the vicinity. Zero toyed with a coaster, wondering who he should kill first. He was leaning more towards Cross at the moment.

"Lunatic." Yagari muttered.

"It matters," Kain started, drawing their attention back to him, "because you're his secondary family."

"We're more like coworkers. My mum had her perfect, handsome son and that's that." Kaito heckled.

"Either way, he loves his work more than most. You're the reason for that and, you've all watched him grow." Zero could feel Kain's corner stare, purposely turning his head away. He wasn't that easy to read, was he? "And, for that reason, I'd like to ask permission to formally court him."

The Hunter thought about where he put Bloody Rose. He'd never been this humiliated. Kaito snickered though, Yagari and Cross evaluated him as though he had said something utterly thought provoking. Yagari spoke first. "It's ultimately Kiryuu's decision."

Kain nodded, turning his attention to Cross. "Headmaster –"

"Ah, ah!" Cross wagged his forefinger. "You're dating my son. You can call me Kaien. Or father."

"… Headmaster, what is your decision?"

"How does 'formally courting' him," Kaito interrupted, a playful glint in his eyes telling Zero he would drag this out for as long as he could, "differ from whatever you two do?"

"I guess… In the Hunter way, it would include the steps of getting to know you up to the point of a proposal with less vows and bowing… and blood." He dropped his voice as he said the last, partly reciting from memory and partly because of the waiter bringing more coffee and taking orders. Zero used this opportunity to stomp on his foot, glad to see the grimace on his face. He continued once he dispersed. "In mine, it is the acknowledgment that Zero is his own person but, it's better if the family agree to the relationship."

Yagari nodded. "Well, if you're happy, Kiryuu."

"So, it's like a blessing?" Cross asked. At Kain's nod, he gripped the aristocrat's hand. "Of course you have mine! Oh, this calls for celebration!"

They all watched Cross waltz to the counter, two out of four stifling laughs. Kain squeezed Zero's hand, leaning into him. "Talk it out. Text me when I can come back."

Zero glared at him hard, unsure of how the café turned into the epitome of embarrassment and cold. Kaito grinned at Zero, waiting for Kain to be out of earshot. "Is the same thing going to happen when he asks for your hand?"

Zero scowled. Yagari's demeanor shifted into a serious one. "He seems to be quite taken with you."

"We learned that from his proclamation of intent." Kaito jibbed.

"Watch your tone." Yagari leaned forward, his voice dropping. "Do you still want to involve Kain?"

Zero prepared to answer though no sound emitted. Nervously, he glanced back at the vampire who was content to help the owner, chatting with Cross. He inhaled loudly and shut his eyes tight. Blank face. Yagari was watching him intently. "He's been through too much already. I need to be closer…"

It was his second glance towards Kain that prompted Kaito's gasp. "You have feelings for him."

Yagari snorted. Zero refused to turn his head, not daring to meet his Masters eye. "And? Almost every Hunter in the business has fallen for one."

The lady… Slowly, Zero's eyes trailed to Yagari's eyepatch, the guilt overwhelming him. He could feel Kain's slight attention, unsure of how to prepare for the situation. He shrugged off the lingering feeling. "He'll be in America in four months time."

"Well, that lines up, doesn't it?" Kaito stated.

"You sure you don't want a hand with it?" Yagari asked.

Zero shook his head. "It's obviously planned. But, I have it under control."

"You sure?"

For the first time, he nodded. "But, if you could research the AVAH a little bit better…"

"Mrs. Ozaki?" Kaito's eyes seemed to brighten at the concept.

Yagari almost hit him. "I'll try my best."

Zero sent the text to Kain, the relief filling him. Cross pinched Zero's cheeks, finally catching him off hand. Thankfully, Yagari was able to seat him before the Hunter's face stayed that way. Kain handed out the coffees, a small smile on his face and a nervous twitch just under his eye. "Verdict?"

Yagari nodded to Zero. "Long as he's happy."

Kaito stated the same. Only Cross pretended to pout. "I don't know… I mean, this relationship is pretty new –"

"New? They've been together for eight months!"

Cross' expression widened. Kaito covered his mouth just a little too late. Zero gripped Kain's arm, almost hiding behind it. Yagari pinched the bridge of his nose. And, Cross exploded.

"We're late. We know." Kain muttered, collapsing into Zero's side. Touya and Wakaba were cozied into the corner with Touya's head overlapping Wakaba's.

Touya snickered. "What the hell happened to you?"

Zero flattened Kain's hair, taking care to keep sections in front of his eyes. Kain shook his head, leaving the Hunter to answer on his behalf. "He didn't survive, direct quote, 'Protective Cross Daddy' mode."

Wakaba groaned. "Never say Cross and Daddy in the same sentence."

Touya held a laugh, patting Kain's head. "Poor A-kitty."

"Growl." He answered, pressing into Zero's side. Zero scolded himself, noticing Kain to be dead tired. Yet, he managed to appear dignified.

"Look how much ground you two covered." Touya started, much to Zero's amusement.

"Touya, I just sat down." Kain muttered. In typical brat fashion, Touya glanced at her watch and held up a finger. Zero shook his head as Kain nodded to Wakaba. "How are you?"

"Not doing as well as you, apparently."

"Not you, too." Kain glared at the blonde who examined her nails oh so innocently. "Your tactlessness is messing with everyone."

"Sure, sure." She leaned forward, suddenly much like a wolf rather than a rabbit. "Now… Who was on who? Who initiated?"

"How does it work?" Wakaba suggested. Touya nodded.

"How's your relationship with your parents, Touya?" Kain started, helping himself to a shot.

"Trying to deflect?" Zero asked, patting his arm. "If you want, I can take over."

"I might get a few straight… Pardon the not a pun – answers if it's Kiryuu."

Wakaba shook her head as Kain drained one. "It happened."

"Boo! More description!" Touya pointed at Zero. "Who did what and when?"

Kain shook his head, pleading with him to keep his mouth shut. Wakaba blushed but, her interest was peaked. Zero shrugged. "Kain initiated."

"Oh!" Touya clapped. Kain groaned, sinking into his seat. "Who would have thought that A-kitty –"

"Finish that sentence and I kill you." Kain threatened.

"He's also one hell of a dirty talker." Zero added. Kain covered his hands with his face as the mocking continued.

"You going to answer the other questions?" Wakaba asked.

"Mmm… You mean who was on top?"

"I still don't really get how the schematics work. I mean, foreplay is foreplay but… The actual…" Touya made a crude gesture. "Not sure how that works."

"And, with that, I'm getting a drink." Kain stated, trying to slip past Zero.

Touya scoffed and shoved him down. "Not until I know who did what and when and how."

"I'd also like to know the circumstances." Wakaba's intervention sobered Zero's teasing remarks.

Seeming not to notice, Touya propped her head up. "First things first. Kiryuu – how was he?"

Silence. Zero pondered the answer. "Pretty good – for a first timer."

"Aw!" Touya's loud declaration. "A-kitty's got some slut moves! Maybe he doesn't need this."

She set a book on the table, adding a wink. Kain paled, nudging it towards Zero with the tip of his index finger. Wakaba shook her head as Touya snorted. "Call it a wedding gift."

"Why the hell would I call it that?" Kain started. Even affronted, his arm wound around Zero's, luring him closer. Zero was grateful for it – at least he could read the cover. "You know I don't believe in marriage."

Touya and Wakaba exchanged a look, both breaking into grins. "Touya, stop teasing."

"You know it's habit." Her eyes rested on Kain. "Now, what were the circumstances?"

Any amusement on Kain's face drained. Zero inhaled. "Do you want me to tell them?"

"Tell us… What?" Though Touya held a smile, worry started clouding her.

"Are… One of you dying of some horribly terminal illness?"

"Yori, are you seriously using dramas against me?" Kain questioned.

Wakaba shrugged, the smile gone. "So what if I am?"

"It's not like that." Kain exhaled loudly. "I'm going to America."

Silence. Zero thrived in this kind – the adrenaline racing. Touya was the first to make movement, starting to shake. "What do you mean you're going to America?"

"Just that."

"Just that you're going to America?"

"Yup."

"Why?" Wakaba interrupted, soothing her beast like girlfriend.

"Kaname's got a few clients of his he wants me to meet and help with the expansion of the AVAH." He said it so calmly. Zero whipped his head around, eyebrow raised. Was… he using the AVAH as a way to keep in contact with me? Or, was he trying to give me a chance at Kuran's throat? But the, why the Hunter's trip?

"Course…" Touya started nodding, her lips in a thin straight line. "You know he's using that excuse to allow Takuma to have a shot at Kiryuu, right?"

"Touya…" Wakaba shook her head, eyeing the couple.

Kain's eyes rested on Zero's frame. The Hunter was glad he had resting bitch face. His boyfriend spoke softly, his fingers clawing into Zero's side. "I know."

"You…" Touya exhaled, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I…"

Wakaba rubbed her girlfriends' back. She nodded towards the two. "I assume we'll talk later."

"Or never." Touya spat, glaring at Kain. It was enough for Zero to sidle into Kain's side, flashbacks of protective Cross energy being shot his way. "I… Can't even… Thanks, Yori."

She stormed off, not even checking to see if Wakaba was following. Wakaba smiled sadly. "I'll try to get her to calm down."

"She has four months to calm down and accept the reality." Kain nodded to her. "You will be missed."

She smiled pitifully at Zero, leaving the Hunter to question why, before running off after Touya.

A/N: Long chapters take a lot out of me. Also, I flipping HATE government agencies. They care nothing for the poor and down trodden nor realize how their actions may cause me to die someday. They don't care about the poor – just their stupid ass jobs.