A/N: Well, my life's now getting better… Finally. The nightmare has stopped! So, celebrate with another chapter – this one, so much freaking drama. But, there'll be like… Two-three straight chapters left, two BCD's, and then a bunch of cute after the math facts to distract you while I work on another project (I will be returning to VK universe but, I have many other projects on hand… It's not even funny…)

NSFW warning.

Thank you for bearing with me.

Also, I did publish this and then deleted it because FANFICTION has decided that I'm not entitled to know that it has been published and can be seen. Like, rude.

Final. Defeated. A little hungry. Those thoughts were the first to pop into Kain's mind as the car approached the Kuran mansion, Gonkuro in the seat next to him. Enmei drove, his jovial smile reflecting.

Kain was right to stay away from the family manor after the engagement party. His uncles, aunt and even cousins had shown up, demanding to question him. Repeatedly. If it weren't for Souen and Aidou's involvement, stating he had only done as they had requested, their trespassing would have continued. He risked a glance towards his butler. The excitement had aged him considerably, his hunkered shoulders worse than what they were. One of the family had entered the building despite his protests, pushing him aside. Kain tried not to think of the less cordial words said, only wishing Himari were there on his behalf.

"Any idea… What they wish to discuss?" Gonkuro asked, painfully adjusting himself to face Kain.

"Probably a voyage party." He shifted closer, helping to support the older. "This late in the set up, it can't be much else."

Gonkuro shoved him away as he often did. "Kuran seems to like throwing curve balls."

"As did Mayoko." The half-hearted smile. Kain tried his best to ignore it. "You know you should be in a hospital."

"Mm, they can put me there when I'm done living." He shrugged nonchalantly. "I wouldn't miss an opportunity to learn what they're doing for the world."

"Speaking of," Enmei interjected, "where is Master Kiryuu?"

"Impertinence, Enmei." Gonkuro scolded tiredly.

"Hunting." Kain answered, gesturing that his question was fine. "If he's going to be you on the American side, he should know."

"Know what?" Enmei asked, craning his neck. Kain hated the motion, drawing a comparison to the infamous Nosy Parker.

"Know what's going on. With me, the manor, the family, AVAH…"

"Sakura has AVAH under control." Gonkuro defended.

"I mean the one I'm setting up."

Gonkuro pursed his lips, managing a sound close to a horses' nicker. "I don't see why you have to go to America. Can't his Royal Ass do this himself?"

Kain bit down on the bubbling anger, glad that, somehow, Kiryuu's blood had dwindled that loyalty. "He wants me out of the way."

"That much was a given. But…"

"Say it." Kain insisted after several minutes of Gonkuro drifting off.

"Kiryuu's always been a man of action. It's… Uncharacteristic that he'd suddenly be with you and only think about it."

"Maybe that was my part. Keep Kiryuu distracted long enough for Kaname to decide what he wanted to do."

"Still…" One of the valets opened the door, helping to support Gonkuro's injured 'old man' act. Kain opened his own, standing at Gonkuro's other side. Enmei nodded towards the aristocrat, driving off into the parking area. Another valet rushed to them, practically pushing Kain out of the way as he helped the butler. Alone, Kain stood at the main entrance until he was sure they had managed into the servants' entrance.

The candle light was almost blinding. As per any formal gathering, he was surrounded by people. The maids took his coat effortlessly, the footmen all but pruning him. Kain endured, the butler announcing him to the ballroom.

He would have greatly preferred an intimate gathering rather than a raucous. Nearest to him where his social circle, his family behind and the rest, strangers. Kaname strode towards him, turning to address the other attendees. Was all this to unnerve me? "Tonight, we say farewell. For, in three months time, Kain will be acting as my liaison to my American counterparts."

Friendly applause. Kain surveyed the crowd, trying to swallow his pounding heart. Touya's eyes were the first he met. Though darkened with anger, under the surface, he could see the concern. She must have seen the panic rising, slipping past people to be closer to him. "He has graciously accepted this role and tonight, it's all about him. I don't know when he'll return nor will he."

A few chuckles. Breathe out. Kaname lifted his glass. "To Kain."

"To Kain." The action was copied as Kaname left his side, hopefully to mingle with some other guests.

"Woah, boy." Touya helped steady him, taking his hand. "Squee… Ow. I suddenly feel really bad for Kiryuu."

"Sorry." He loosened his grip, the worst of the attack subsiding for the time being. Souen and Aidou stood by her side, reluctantly followed by Ichijo and Shiki.

"How could you keep this to yourself?" Souen commented, hitting his arm. "Are we not to be informed of anything? What about the wedding?"

"Ruuka…" Aidou's voice seemed to calm the worst of her reaction.

"I'll be visiting for the wedding." He smiled weakly at the couple. "Not even wild dogs could keep me away."

As it usually did when Kain had an answer she found satisfactory, her conversation shifted. "How does it feel to be trusted with such an important task?"

"It's not that big."

"It's huge!"

"That's what she said." Touya muttered. Kain was unsure of how they had managed to start walking towards the nearest balcony.

"It's a matter of business."

"Ichijo, Shiki." Kaname smiled at the group, gesturing for the two he called for to join him. Kain relaxed a little, glad that the Kuran's spies wouldn't be joining them.

"Business, personal… It's big and you're going!" Ruuka clapped her hands gleefully, taking four flutes from the waiter.

"What about Kiryuu?" Touya asked, leaning against the post. Kain rested next to her, watching as Aidou chose the opposing wall and Souen in the middle.

"Who cares about Kiryuu?" Souen started, her cheeks flaring. Kain didn't miss Aidou's slight eye-roll. "There's many Hunters out there who are less troublesome."

Leaving Kiryuu… The bittersweet, melancholy feeling tore at him. Touya snorted as Kain remained quiet. "Course he cares about him, Souen. Or he wouldn't have done him."

Kain snapped his head towards her, glaring. Touya shrugged, taking the opportunity to drink her champagne. He missed Aidou entering his personal space, the blue eyes on his. Souen had started. "He wouldn't have done –"

"Ruuka." Kain knew his cousin had read something. The blush, the avoidance… Perhaps it was the wrong decision to glare at Touya. "Can't you tell that –"

"That, what?" Souen started, stepping to her fiancé. "That our little Akatsuki's in love? Please."

Even mocking, Kain felt his gut wrench. No, he told himself for the umpteenth time, this wasn't love. Aidou returned his attention to Kain, scrutinizing. Maybe he didn't see anything. Regardless, he stepped away and ran a hand through his hair. "Regardless, you decided to stay with him, Akatsuki. And, while you're away, I'll try to make sure no harm comes his way."

"It might be better if you allow a bit of harm to come to him." Touya piped up. Kain examined her expression, knowing her logical side to start when she's been quiet for too long.

"Come again?" Aidou asked. "I'm trying to have a moment –"

"Think about it." She cut him off. Kain knew Aidou was trying to bite down on his anger. "If you stop all harm, Kaname will know something's up. Question all our loyalties."

Aidou pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut. "Seriously, Touya… Just trying to have a moment."

"And, not all of our loyalties." Souen whispered.

"Ruuka." Akatsuki finally spoke, his voice dry to himself. He stood to his full height, knowing he was scaring her a little. Aidou stepped closer, somehow soothing her irrational fear. "I know you and Zero don't get along. But, if not for me then for Aidou, try. Look out for him while I'm not here."

He watched as her eyes lowered. He acknowledged her barely perceptible nod, finally returning to his position. How, out of everything he had encountered, was this moment the most draining? He'd ponder it later. Souen spoke again. Touya was nodding. "Yeah, they did the horizontal hokey pokey."

"Why is that – No. I don't want the answer to your brain." Kain finished, deciding to turn his back on the group.

Aidou laughed. He knew Souen's expression would be troubled, absorbing the information laid out before her. "You do love him."

"More like lust after him." He muttered to himself.

She continued as if he hadn't spoken. "Just for you, I'll… Try to protect him from what goes on. But, if I catch the smallest hint of him not liking you back…"

Touya concealed her snort as Aidou lead Souen to the ballroom. He didn't have to use vampire hearing to know they were talking about his sex escapades – or discussing his position in it. He leaned forward, resting his head on the banister. "Do you have to tell people?"

"Only the first time." Touya patted his shoulder. "I'm hoping it's not over until you leave. Then, Kiryuu can answer all the questions."

"Stop playing." Kain returned to simply leaning against it, watching her from the corner of his eye. "You're no longer mad?"

"Not as mad as I was." She sighed and placed both her elbows on the railing. "How long did Kiryuu know?"

"Think I told him same day as you found out." Kain answered. "I knew Kaname was looking for tester areas for Kain Industries. Thought I could probably sneak in AVAH as well."

Touya nodded. "Well, it's not my favourite outcome but, it's one of the better ones."

"What would have been your favourite outcome?"

"Kaname loses interest in Kiryuu, you two get married, have a huge family to rival Sayori's and mine and we watch our kids grow up from the porch."

"Yeah, that'd never have happened."

"Yeah, you'd never be married."

Kain snickered. "And, the worst outcome?"

"Watch Kiryuu get his head sliced off, watch you die and then having to put up with Aidou and Souen constantly hurting Sayori until she dies all because you were selfish."

"Touya, we both know you'd die before me."

"That was second worst-case scenario. Die then you die and then Sayori has to put up with Aidou and Souen until she dies."

"I think that'd be the worst case."

"Why?"

"Because she wouldn't have you to protect her." He nudged her arm slightly.

"Quit adjusting my thoughts." She glared at him momentarily, smiling.

"Just prioritizing them correctly." He leaned closely towards her. "Did –"

"Right! I have to give it to Gonkuro." She patted the side of her purse.

"Why Gonkuro? I'm right here."

"You'd lose it and then you'd be sad and depressing until you leave." She backed away from his legs. "Just promise me you'll save me a dance."

"Bitch." He muttered to himself as she turned the corner towards the kitchen.

"I know right?" Kain's head snapped to the balcony doors, eyebrow raised. Shiki approached him as Kain stared towards the Kuran's garden. A long time ago, he would have smiled and concealed the blush or the thoughts that caused his breath to catch in his throat.

"How long have you been standing there?" Kain asked once Shiki was standing next to him.

"About the time Touya said you had to save her a dance."

"You want to dance with her?" Kain asked, turning his head slightly. Shiki's face was a bit too close for his comfort. He shifted, hoping the other wouldn't notice.

"No, she spends the majority of the time telling me it's good that I'm a model and not a dancer." They both exhaled a small laugh. "So, America?"

"Yeah."

"Mind if I board with you?"

Kain raised an eyebrow. "You're heading there, too?"

"Yeah. Few shoots. My agent wants me to try for a movie." He rolled his eyes.

"Then, yeah. There should be a spare bedroom." Kain answered, his attention falling on the moon.

"I'm a blanket hog."

"You're planning on stealing all the blankets?"

"Beds."

"I can sleep on a couch."

"We can start on a couch." Shiki started, his fingers trailing up his spine as the words hit Kain. "And make our way to the bedroom."

Kain sidestepped from his touch, turning his back against one of the pillars. "Don't play with me."

"Who said anything about playing?" Kain could hear the echo of his heartbeat in his ears as Shiki stepped closer, effectively trapping him. Shiki pressed against him, elevating onto the balls of his feet. Kain gulped, intently staring at the balcony door.

"Kain." Never had he been so glad of Touya's voice. Shiki recoiled from his position, allowing Kain to turn.

"Sorry, I did promise her a dance." He told Shiki. Hastily, he grabbed her hand and almost ran to the ballroom.

"Heels." Touya muttered once they stood in the starting position. He nodded, his mouth dry.

"I'm sorry –"

"Whatever." She poked his chest with her sharp index finger. "Why was Senri that close to you?"

Kain averted his gaze. She gasped. "You're cheating?"

"What? No!" His voice drew attention from a few other party goers. She lifted his arm and spun herself, waiting for them to return to their own steps.

"If you're not cheating," Touya continued, her voice hushed, "why was Shiki that close to you?"

"He kissed me at the engagement party."

"He… See, these are the kinds of things you're supposed to tell me." He accepted the pain shooting up his arm as her fingernails dug in, finally relaxing. "Share."

"Apparently, he has a shoot in America and he wants to be bunk buddies. And then, we were in that position."

Touya scrunched her face. "He told me that he… Oh."

"Oh?" No answer. Kain exhaled loudly. "I need to know."

"K…" She shook her head.

"Rima… You're scaring me." He slowed their pace to a swaying movement.

Touya shook her head, a small smile on her face. "No. This is the time you should be spending with loved ones, not trying to decipher hunches."

"That's… A mature answer."

"Blame Sayori for that." She nudged him towards the door. "I'll make your excuses."

"I should at least say goodbye –"

"Let the grown ups deal with this, Akitty." He scowled at the name.

"I – oof." Kiryuu almost collapsed under the force of Kain. Kain buried his face in Kiryuu's neck, the sweat and dried bloods scent entering his senses. Kiryuu sniffed the air. "Well, you didn't cook this time."

Kain unwrapped his arms from Kiryuu. "Hello to you, too."

"What's the occasion?" Kiryuu questioned, ignoring the greeting as he stripped out of his clothing. Kain became silent, leaning against the wall. Finding his expression, Kiryuu rolled his eyes. "Slow it down. I just need a shower."

"I didn't say anything."

"Ah," he stepped closer, cupping Kain's cheeks. "The look in your eyes says it all."

"Tease."

"You have no clue."

"I have some!" Kain answered, knowing full well Kiryuu was already in the bathroom. For the first time, he examined the effort. Two candles on the coffee table. Popcorn. The present concealed on his side of the couch. It wasn't much but, better than giving him food poisoning. He sat on his end and waited.

Kiryuu was out of the shower, wearing only his sweat pants. Kain bit his lip, appreciating how dangerously low they hung on his frame. The Hunter collapsed next to him, his hair still damp and the towel wrapped around his neck. Kain scooted closer, annoyed with Kiryuu's determination to only do the minimal effort for himself. The other gestured to the table. "What's the occasion."

"I like celebrating you." Once he was sure the majority of it was dried well enough, he lowered his gaze to Kiryuu's expectant one. Kain shrugged. "What?"

"You like celebrating me?"

"Yes."

"… I'm going to need clarification."

"I have three months to be with you." He took Kiryuu's hands in his, rubbing the backs of them with his thumbs. Saying it out loud hurt a bit, like a countdown that would end him. Three months… Defiantly, he lifted his eyes to Kiryuu's, simultaneously bringing his hands up and pressing a kiss to the back of each.

"So, you're celebrating me because you're leaving?" Kiryuu questioned.

"I'm celebrating you because I won't be here for your birthday."

"You didn't celebrate it before."

"I didn't know what to get you before." He reached behind him, fumbling for the gift. Crudely wrapped, Kain wondered if it was a preview of the poor quality.

"You didn't have to get me anything." Still, his curiosity piqued at the present.

"If anyone deserves to be spoiled, it's you."

"You're going to try to turn me into one of those fat house-spouses, aren't you?" Kiryuu asked.

"Only if that's what you want. And, I'll reassure you every day that you're not fat."

Kiryuu turned away from him, distracting himself with the wrapping. Kain crossed his fingers and held his breath, hoping for two things. One, that the painting was good. And two, that Kiryuu would appreciate it. Once unwrapped, Kain risked a glance over Kiryuu's shoulder, stunned.

The oak frame should have been stained gold as he had requested. That was his only objection. The artist had taken the time to age Kiryuu's parents. Ichiru and Kiryuu stood side by side, looking like the sweet boys Kain had always imagined. In the lower left hand corner, the engraving read they're proud of you.

He backed away, trying to read Kiryuu's expression. Silence. He watched as Kiryuu stroked the outside of the frame, his breath shaky. "How…"

"As long as you like it, you don't need to know." He bit his lower lip. "You do… Like it, right?"

Kiryuu pressed the portrait to his chest. The tear fell to his knee as he nodded. Kain lifted his face with his index and middle fingers, turning Kiryuu's head towards him. He wiped another that had escaped. "Do you believe – never mind."

Kain nodded. "They're proud of who you are. Who you've become in the face of adversity."

Kiryuu dropped his eyes, hugging it tighter to his chest. "I don't –"

"I do." His hand slid down to Kiryuu's waist. "You're too hard on yourself, Zero. They see you and the internal struggles and they're proud."

Silence. Every so often, a shaky sob Kiryuu couldn't hold down as his tears subsided escaped. Kain nodded to himself. "Where should we put it?"

Kiryuu studied him for a moment, the violet eyes still wet. "You want…"

"This is as much my home as it is yours." He stood and offered a hand to Kiryuu, his eyes scanning the common rooms. "On the bookshelf? Or the CD rack? Or the –"

Kiryuu set it on the partial wall in front of the entry, facing the room. Kain stood next to him, not bothering to comment as Kiryuu hung his head. "What do you want?"

"Pardon?"

"In return." Again, he lifted his eyes to Kain's face.

"What do you mean, what do I want?" He furrowed his brow.

"No one does anything for free."

"And, I didn't." He cupped Kiryuu's cheek, stroking the bone. "I got you something that matters to you and, by extension, matters to me. So, I've already gotten what I wanted."

"Most would be expecting a physical thank you."

"When have I ever struck you as part of the 'most' crowd? Because that would be true pain." He offered a half-hearted smile, his eyes falling on the portrait. "I want you to remember that they'd love you for who you are."

"There's things I've done…"

Kain waited for him to finish. "If it's for your survival…"

Kiryuu shook his head. Kain waited a few extra minutes, pressing a kiss to his head. "It doesn't matter, now."

"What do you want?" Kiryuu asked again. Kain thought it better to answer than to have Kiryuu sink into a circling question.

"I want…" He spun Kiryuu towards him, slightly swaying him. "I want to watch a stupid movie with my boyfriend and eating popcorn and wind up holding him tonight."

"Somehow, I think you're omitting something."

"That's for you to decide." He turned on the movie. Kiryuu groaned softly, resting his head back. "Shush."

"You know they're going to wind up together. Though, who could love such a moron?"

"Her. But, her passion and the fact that he'll change for her…" He smiled for the first time, leaning into the cushions.

"You know, for a guy who doesn't believe he can love, you watch a lot of romance."

"You know the saying, 'people are attracted to what they can't have'."

"Pretty sure that's not the saying."

"Course not. I amended it."

"That's not how sayings work…"

Kain shrugged. "They should be amended to what is needed."

They sat quietly for a minute. Kiryuu snorted. "Why do the rich always need to be poor to make adjustments? Why can't they just slum it?"

"It's not what they're accustomed to." He turned to Kiryuu, furrowing his brow. "If you had a kid, would you be okay with them slumming it if you knew you could provide for them?"

"I'd give them a hell of a fighting chance. You'd probably be the one who spoils them."

Kain pressed a finger to his bottom lip. "No."

"No?"

Kain shook his head. "I don't think I'd have kids."

"Why?"

He swallowed audibly, grinding his teeth. "I'd be too afraid of turning into Kitashi."

"Aka-chan…" Kiryuu set the bowl on the coffee table. In the back of his head, Kain could hear the arguments, the screaming that always set him on edge. He was conscious that Kiryuu had turned his head. "You know you'd never be like him, right?"

"This is why…" He pressed a kiss to Kiryuu's inner wrist.

"Why?"

"Why I know your parents are proud of you."

Kiryuu smiled slightly, his focus flickering to Kain's lips. One kiss. Two. Three. Kain's arms wrapped around Kiryuu's frame, one hand in his hair as Kiryuu straddled his lap, pulling on his lower lip. Their tongues slid across each other, Kiryuu's arms around Kain's neck. Without hesitation, Kain parted and held Kiryuu at bay, ignoring his own want was the other rocked his hips slightly. Kain's eyes rested on the portrait. He pressed a chaste kiss to Kiryuu's mouth, pressing a finger against his lips. He bit his lower lip as his lover licked the tip, holding Kain's gaze. "Bedroom."

He was sure he had growled it rather than ordered it. Kiryuu obeyed. Kain blew out the candles and switched off the TV, the only light coming from his bedroom. He traced his lips, knowing that it would be the last time he could say he'd never screwed someone else.

Kiryuu sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes falling on Kain. The aristocrat closed the door, choosing to sit next to him. He wrapped an arm around Kiryuu's waist, the uncertainty dissolving at the mere touch. "We don't have to."

"I should be saying that to you." Kiryuu answered. Kain pressed a kiss to his hair, working his way down to Kiryuu's lips. Even if the other denied it after, Kain knew that the corners of Kiryuu's mouth turned upwards. The Hunter straddled his lap, his fingers lost in Kain's hair. The aristocrat continued his journey down, tracing Kiryuu's collarbone with his tongue, gripping Kiryuu's thighs hard. He flipped them over, capturing Kiryuu's lips with his own, starting a rhythm. Kain's hands roamed upwards, one supporting him as the other started exploring Kiryuu's body, tracing the sensitive areas slowly. Kiryuu shivered, his soft moan echoing in Kain's head.

Kain parted, pressing a chaste kiss to Kiryuu's cheek. "Reminder…"

"Do me."

Kain smirked, ignoring the desperation pressing against his stomach. He kneeled between Kiryuu's legs, the others complaints stopping as Kain lifted off his own shirt. Taunting, he pressed his abdomen against Kiryuu's need, his lips following the path his hands had taken only moments ago. Kiryuu panted softly, eyes closing. He pressed his lips together, wetting them as Kain continued, tongue trailing down towards his navel and across the area just above the band of Kiryuu's sweatpants. Kiryuu propped himself onto his elbows, the anticipation growing. "Aka…"

"Hmm?" Kain lifted his gaze to Kiryuu's, the intensity taking the other aback.

"Y… You don't have to…"

Kain lifted himself, his face inches from Kiryuu's. "But, I want to."

His tongue traced Kiryuu's lower lip, his hand trapped between the pants and the underwear, tracing the bulge with just his fingertips. Kiryuu shivered again as Kain pressed chaste kisses against his neck. "W… Why?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Kain murmured against his neck, working his way up under Kiryuu's ear. "I want to taste every inch of you."

Kiryuu turned his head, the blush prominent on his cheeks, the whimpers harder to control. Kain chose the same path, managing to leave his partner breathless. He lowered the clothing down to Kiryuu's knees, tongue circling the tip. Kiryuu bit his lip, the noises he tried to block encouraging Kain's antics. The aristocrat experimented, taking Kiryuu in further, tilting his head in different directions, different tactics. Kiryuu's hand wound in Kain's hair, the other resting on his neck, tracing the sensitive skin. The moans left of their own accord now, hips starting to buck. Kain held back his gag reflex, holding Kiryuu's hips down as he attempted to take the full length. The fingers curled into a fist, unintentionally pulling Kain's hair. Kain groaned, separating as he gasped for breath. Kiryuu's eyes flung open, studying the taller. "You alright?"

Instead of answering, Kain returned to the occupation, his eyes locked on Kiryuu's with determination. This time, his hands cupped Kiryuu, massaging them. Kiryuu's head lolled backwards, toes curling. Kain's mouth abandoned the bulge, following the path his hands had taken. Kiryuu's breath hitched yet again, the pressure building against his entrance giving his hand cause to dig into the sheets. He could barely articulate sounds once Kain's tongue started tracing it, biting down hard on his bottom lip. He gripped himself as he unconsciously started rocking his hips, separating his legs as far as he could with the constrictions still around his knees, sliding towards his ankles and falling to the floor. Kain wet two of his fingers, keeping them inside of Kiryuu as he wrapped his mouth around Kiryuu's member, the taste of pre-cum coating his tastebuds. He took Kiryuu further, Kiryuu's legs shaking through the climax. Kain swallowed automatically, finally slipping Kiryuu out of his mouth, his fingers slipping out. He returned to hovering over his partner, smoothing the hair out of Kiryuu's face. "Better?"

Kiryuu exhaled, his legs wrapping around Kain's waist. "I want you."

Kain tried his best to hide the blush he felt. "You have me."

"I mean," he adjusted their position so Kain's lips continuously brushed against his. Kain could feel his own want pressing against Kiryuu's encouraging member. Kiryuu met Kain's eyes. "I want you inside me."

Kain bit Kiryuu's lip. "Say it again but slower."

"I want you."

Kain growled, his tongue sliding across Kiryuu's, his hand wrapping around Kiryuu's member. Kiryuu pushed him off, watching as Kain straightened. He drank him in, wetting his lips as they traced the beginning of Kain's V-line, the view interrupted by Kain's jeans. Noting the slight frustration, Kain purposely started swaying his hips, teasing Kiryuu with the amount of time it took for the jeans to join Kiryuu's on the floor. By then, Kiryuu was panting with want and anticipation. Kain hovered over him, his hand opening one of the drawers. Kiryuu trapped one of Kain's nipples between his teeth, flicking the nub. Kain groaned, pulling himself up. Kiryuu followed, digging his nails into Kain's back. Kain lifted Kiryuu's mouth, claiming it as he rolled the condom on, purposely stepping out of Kiryuu's reach as he prepared himself. Kiryuu's eyes glazed over, the focus on Kain's movements as he coated it with lube.

The growl that left Kiryuu's mouth caught Kain's attention. Kiryuu's eyes were tinted with the red hue, the primal animal instinct forcing Kain to gulp. Kain enveloped Kiryuu into him, their members gripped by his hand. Kiryuu managed to straddle Kain's thighs, his lips meeting Kain's eagerly, his tongue sliding across Kain's mirroring Kain's friction. Kain escaped Kiryuu's grasp, his lips resting under his ear. "Say it again."

The half-pant, half-question. Kain smacked Kiryuu's ass, the low profanity stirring in him something unrecognizable. His fingers wound in Kiryuu's hair, the small whimper of pleasure encouraging his actions. "Say it again."

Kiryuu's senses returned, the want clear. "I want you to screw me."

"Slower." Kain teased, massaging their heads. Kiryuu lost his train of thought, regaining it as Kain's middle finger pressed against his entrance.

"I. Want. You. To. Screw. Me." Each word was pronounced through gritted teeth.

Kain's playful smirk fell slightly. "You know –"

Kiryuu bit his lower lip, pulling on it. One of his hands drew from the nape of Kain's neck to his nipple, pinching and rubbing the hardening nub. Kain moaned softly, lifting Kiryuu as he positioned them, their tongues meeting yet again. Kiryuu broke away, his eyes closing and face contorting as Kain pushed in. In answer, Kain groaned against Kiryuu's neck, adjusting them so he wound up on top. Hovering over him, Kain stroked Kiryuu's cheek. "You're beautiful."

"You're…" Kiryuu wet his lips, wiggling his hips slightly. The movement led to Kain starting his own, his lube covered fingers massaging Kiryuu's head. He lowered his mouth, sucking and nipping Kiryuu's nubs. Kiryuu's fingernails dug into Kain's shoulders, dragging into his arms.

They adjusted their positions, Kiryuu's ass high in the air. One of Kain's hands rested on his hip, the other pressing against Kiryuu's sensitive spot. Kiryuu pumped himself, meeting Kain's movements effortlessly. He used his forearm to suppress the worst of the sounds, biting down on the flesh. The hand that hand rested against his hip offered a quick slap to Kiryuu's behind, nails dragging up and winding in Kiryuu's hair, lifting him to his chest. He lowered Kiryuu's arm, tightening his arm around Kiryuu's frame. The hand that had been pressuring Kiryuu's sensitive spot reached around, trailing up Kiryuu's inner thigh and massaged his balls. Kiryuu moaned loudly, the unoccupied arm snaking around Kain's neck, the soft mewls and gasps now just under Kain's ear. For the second time, Kiryuu released, Kain following close behind. Only now, Kain was aware of how out of breath he was. Kiryuu's silken skin was soiled. Kain smiled to himself, pressing a kiss to Kiryuu's forehead before pulling out. He turned his partner onto his back, his tongue dragging upwards, coating itself in Kiryuu's climax.

"Do I taste that good?" Kiryuu asked once Kain had sufficiently 'cleaned' him.

"Mmhmm. Though," he met Kiryuu's eager lips, "these taste the best."

"Cheese."

"Mm." He pressed one more kiss to Kiryuu's lips, disposing of the condom and utilizing the tissue on the night stand.

"Are you ever going to let me take care of you like you take care of me?" Kiryuu questioned, resting his head against Kain's shoulder. The other flushed, the imagery of Kiryuu on his knees for that sole purpose hindering his breath. He shook his head clear, eyeing Kiryuu.

"Would that be something you'd be interested in?"

"Pleasuring you?" Kiryuu started, his arms snaking around Kain's waist, dragging him backwards. "Enjoying you?"

Up until this moment, Kain thought it was impossible for him to blush so much. Now, he was envious of Kiryuu's composure. Somehow, his head wound up on Kiryuu's pillow, pressed into Kiryuu's side. The euphoria had dissipated. "I'm still sorry for not telling you what the nature of the meetings was for."

Kiryuu shrugged. "It was you being you. And, I like you."

Silence. Kiryuu turned his head towards Kain, the expression serious. "Do you ever get tired of living as Kuran's lap dog?"

"All the time." Kain nuzzled his shoulder. "But, it's where the family loyalty lies."

Silence fell again. This time, Kain was the one to break it. "What do you want from your life?"

Kiryuu raised an eyebrow. "I'm a Hunter. Record is that we don't usually have long lives."

"I know but…" Kain sighed. "Being a Hunter is what you do, not who you are. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?"

Kiryuu shrugged. "It seems ridiculous to think about."

"Then, humor me."

Silence. Kiryuu nodded to himself. "Somewhere away from the dramatics of the Kurans. Where I can just live. Is that a good enough answer for you?"

"It's perfect." Kain assured. He watched as Kiryuu's eyes shut, the worse fears quenched.

A/N: Welp… A lot of that was smut. My bad. Next chapter is Zero's. Final chapter should be Kain's. Then, it'll be two BCD chapters (though, Touya's will be more like an epilogue). And then, the distraction chapters that was omitted because the drama is what the plot focuses on, not so much the interrelations which is why you shall have the distraction chapters (and not because I'm working on other projects, ahaha….).

Until next time, darlings!