A/N: I don't know how long Jayden's going to take. There's still two deaths, one kidnapping and then three more deaths before it's over. (Aka, how many times can I break my own damn heart?). So, I shall try to give you guys as much updating as I can – especially since Zero's such a dutiful boy for Kain's requests.

Zero wasn't sure that leaving Touya at home would be a smart move. Despite her constant protestations that she would be fine for a few days while he checked in on Gonkuro, he could see the quick mood swings. Even so, he was glad to be away from her constant play things, having walked in and right back out after a mission. It served as a reminder to always sanitize the couch before he sat.

Much like the first visitation, Zero stepped out of the car, shielding his eyes from the noon sun. A portion of him wished for Enmei to be at the gate, the sad reminder that he wouldn't be yet another disappointment.

Gonkuro stood with his back straight, the maids and footmen on either side of the staircase. Zero stepped closer to Gonkuro as they dispersed. "They do know I'm not master, right?"

"Master Kain's orders." Gonkuro shrugged. "He said to always give you a home so, even if you're not master, you're still VIP and treated as such."

"Still, I'd much rather not have the entire staffing team waiting on me. You and I can manage."

There was a sad twinkle in Gonkuro's eye as he smiled, bowing slightly. "Of course, Master Kiryuu."

Zero tensed as a few passing maids followed in suit, shooting a glare towards Gonkuro. The old man smiled absentmindedly as he turned. Zero followed him into the kitchen. "Master Kiryuu has given everyone leave with pay during his stay."

He was glad that, not long after, the place had emptied out. Zero examined the progress, as per Kain's request. "They're not done with the moulding?"

"Master Kiryuu –"

"Kiryuu's fine."

"… Master Kiryuu, as per Master Kain's instructions, we're waiting for a French molder with a particular cement from the sixteenth century followed by the paint."

"Do you know why Kain likes all of these different styles?"

"Mistress Mayoko used to tell him tales of Grecian battles, French monarchy and Prussia to keep his education well rounded."

"You know, you don't have to be so formal." He studied the veranda. "No work yet?"

"It's been paused until we've hit the summer." Zero bit his lip, trying to push the memory away. Gonkuro smiled. "Master Kain hasn't forgotten his promise. He's going through the bidding process."

"Does he stay in contact with you often?"

"Enmei updates me regularly." Gonkuro nodded to Zero as they settled on the patio. "Kain has left you several important requests. Are you able to complete them?"

Zero didn't raise his eyes to Gonkuros gaze, barely acknowledging the other had spoken. "A few are tough but, they're nothing I can't handle."

"I never doubted you for a second, sir."

They were silent for a few moments. Zero lowered his head, his cheeks flaring with heat. "I… Do have one request."

"Hmm?"

"The bedding in Kain's bedroom –"

"Has been washed according to his instructions."

Zero sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Least he's clean."

"Indeed."

Zero collapsed onto the bed, his violet eyes dulled. Inconsiderate bastard, he thought towards the man in America. He sighed again and draped his arm over his eyes. About this time, Kain had turned secretive.

"What do you think?"

"You're sure that's the one?" Touya whispered back.

"Positive. There were only thirty ever made." Kain answered. Zero furrowed his brow, lifting himself onto his tiptoes. When that proved ineffective, he shrugged and started stirring his coffee. He tried to sidle next to Touya, hoping to get a peek. Unfortunately, Kain heard his step and closed the app.

"What are you two planning?" Zero asked nonchalantly.

"Planning?"

"Plotting."

"Are we plotting, Touya?" Kain asked, eyes wide.

"Certainly not. What a notion." She scoffed and stormed off.

"You know I'll find out whatever it is." Zero warned.

"Of course. I wouldn't hide anything from you."

"Mm… So, what is it?"

"A temporary secret that is to be kept hidden from you."

Zero's face dropped. "… Does it have anything to do with the fact it's October?"

"Mmhmm." Kain sighed as Zero started shooting daggers towards him. "You'll love it. And, if you don't, you can whip me until you like me again."

"I don't celebrate my birthday." Zero spat.

"Ah, but Touya and I do." He spun around, resting his elbows on the counter. "Consider yourself invited to our celebration of you being alive."

"Can I call myself alive if I'm a vampire?"

Kain tilted his head. "Zero-kun… Just because you're a vampire doesn't mean you're not alive."

Zero lowered his gaze, avoiding Kain's stare. The taller sighed. "One day, you'll tell me. Until then, try to enjoy the celebration?"

"Is this seriously what vampires do? Organize parties?"

"When it matters, yes."

"And, my birthday matters… why?"

"To Kurans? It doesn't matter to Lord Kaname. To me?" He stayed silent until Zero raised his eyes to his. The burgundy eyes bore into his, the seriousness turning dread. "It matters a lot."

Zero sighed as Wakaba walked the hallways with him. "Why are vampires so damn stubborn?"

"I could ask you the same thing." She teased.

Zero glowered at her. "You've been spending too much time with Touya."

"Maybe. But, seriously…" She lifted her hand, sporting the small ring Kain had purchased for her birthday only a month ago. "Do you think he'd throw you a big party if you didn't want one?"

"I don't even want to celebrate it." Zero stated.

"Big whiny baby." Wakaba muttered.

"At least tell me who's coming."

"Me. Touya. Kain. I think he tried to invite Kaito and Yagari but, neither said nay or yea to it. And Yuuki but…" She shrugged. "Oh! And Aidou."

Zero stopped in his tracks. "He invited Aidou?"

"Aidou invited himself. Said he had something to discuss with you."

He groaned. Wakaba gripped his arm, sure he'd try to give himself a concussion by banging his head against the brick wall. "At least he didn't invite Kaien."

"Oh, no. He's letting Kaito organize that one." The murderous look that clouded Zero's face caused Wakaba to snort. "Kill him later. Come on."

"Might kill you instead."

"Yeah, that wouldn't work in your favour."

"Hate you, too."

"Half an hour won't kill you."

"A lot can happen in half an hour."

"Yes. But, that's only if you really hate it." Zero nodded at the thought.

"Anyone sings and I tear out their lungs." He announced as they entered the apartment.

"Why would we sing? We sound horrible." Aidou commented, wearing the stupid conical hat on his head while Touya laughed behind his back.

"That's because you can't carry a tune." Kain answered back, avoiding the foot aiming for his leg. He set a cake on the table.

"You didn't bake it, did you?" Zero asked, reminded of the dinner date fiasco.

"I learned my lesson. It was ordered. Coffee-vanilla."

"… That sounds disgusting."

Kain shrugged. "I didn't know what kind to get you but, I know you like coffee."

Zero shook his head at the attempt as Touya led him to the pile of presents. "I got you this."

She handed him the gift, jumping up and down excitedly. Zero unwrapped it slowly, enjoying her growing impatience. He raised an eyebrow. "Is this…"

"Little figurine of Dean." She nodded enthusiastically.

"… Um… Thanks?"

She hit his arm, sighing as if annoyed. "It's because it's the first thing we ever bonded over."

"Dean people." Wakaba and Kain muttered under their breath.

"And…?"

"Spoil sport."

Zero smirked as she pouted. "Thank you, Touya."

"Whatever, meanie." Still, she couldn't help the satisfied smile.

"Here." Wakaba handed her present. "I remember you had a collection."

He unwrapped this gift with more vigour, shaking his head. "The White Album?"

"One of a kind signed vinyl edition. Don't you sass me, Kiryuu." She held up a finger. Zero nodded once. Everyone turned to Aidou expectantly.

"I am a gift. And, no one told me to bring one."

"It's… customary for those who know what a birthday is." Kain whispered. Zero pointed to the bigger sized present with the card. Kain nodded.

"You have to read it out loud." Aidou insisted. Zero sighed.

"To Zero-kun. Happy birthday and many more. P.S. If you don't like it, I'll try again." Zero shrugged as Kain lowered his head, unwrapping the gift box quickly. He paused as he tore off the tissue paper, lifting a small snow globe he had seen on his mother's shelf. In it, a man held a woman close.

"The original one your mother had was broken." Kain started, suddenly beside Zero and helping him set it down from his shaking hands. "There were only thirty, all custom made. It's not exactly like the one she had but –"

"Kain, stop." Touya warned.

The aristocrat pressed his lips together and stepped away. Kiryuu turned it upside down, winding the music box inside and set it down again. He could see his father encouraging his mother to dance with him when she was angry, only for her to accept and laugh a few minutes later. Zero remembered making gagging sounds with Ichiru, running off when one of their parents noticed.

"Kiryuu?" He knew it was Aidou's voice. He blinked himself back to reality, searching for Kain's figure. He didn't move that far, his head lowered and body language waiting to be told off. Zero rested a hand on his shoulder blade, catching his eye.

"Thank you."

Kain only nodded, the relief clear on his face.

"Cake time!" Aidou announced though, he had already cut himself a slice.

Zero sighed and rolled to his side, wrapping his arms around his waist. The third hour rung through the house. From the garden, he could hear Gonkuro humming to himself, talking as if to another person. Zero didn't doubt it was the gardener. He stood and let himself into the adjacent office, glad that it shared a bathroom with the ground floor bedroom. He studied it, surprised that no dust had gathered.

His hand ran over the leather seat, somehow still with that new smell. As if Kain had never existed.

Suddenly determined to leave and return to where Kain still remained, Zero slipped through the halls of the grand manor, locating Gonkuro. Gonkuro;s voice soft as if he were being scolded. No one stood around him. Zero didn't call out just yet. "I know, Himari. But, he deserves to know… I didn't break a promise…"

Silence. Zero stepped forth, hissing at the sun. It was enough to pull Gonkuro from his one-sided conversation. "Master Kiryuu, what can I do for you?"

"I…" He sighed. "I was wondering if there's a portrait of Young Master Kain in the house."

Gonkuro's eyes lit up. He, too, misses him, Zero summarized, following the butler up the stairs. "He hated every moment of it. But, Master Aidou insisted – it's not every day that your young Master devotes his life to the servitude of a Pureblood."

He stood in front of the portrait. Zero stared, memorized by his annoyed expression, unsmiling. "Course, Master Kain wanted to burn it or have one of the fine art students do it. But, Aidou wouldn't hear it and insisted it be hung on the wall."

"Will it ever come down?" Zero asked.

"Not if I have a say." Gonkuro's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I quite like knowing that the artist used a Picasso nose."

"It's where no one can see it." Zero commented.

"Yes." Silence. Gonkuro steadied himself on the wall. Zero instinctively offered his arm. "How long do you think you'll stay?"

"Few days a month should suffice."

Gonkuro nodded. "You'll always be welcome, Kiryuu."

"Of course, Gonkuro."

"Call me Kanno."

A/N: I know it's short but... I kind of like it short.