A/N: Ruuka's POV

Welcome to the Family - The Miscommunications

"Finally." Ruuka pushed past Kiryuu, stripping off her shoes. "Didn't you get my te… Why is Yagari and Kaien and…"

"Kaito." Touya amended. Ruuka nodded in his direction, spinning around.

"And, an apron…"

"Nice to see you, too." Kiryuu muttered, closing the door behind her. Ruuka stared at the group, the smell of food crossing her senses.

"I'm interrupting?" She questioned.

"No, the guest of honour hasn't arrived." Touya answered, leaning against the bar stool. Kiryuu checked his phone, groaning slightly.

"Sup?" Yagari questioned as Ruuka clutched her designer purse to her, clearly unsure of where to sit… or go.

"Takuma cancelled. And… 'I messed up'." Kiryuu studied the ash blonde, eyebrow raising.

"Good to know Akitty isn't the only one in the family who leaves vague ass texts." Touya muttered. Kaito snickered, adding another comment under his breath. Ruuka met Kiryuu's eye, jerking her head towards the balcony. Kiryuu held up a finger, shutting off the stove.

The balcony, regardless of where Akatsuki lived, always felt small. Maybe it was his insistence of covering it with grown ivy and a patio table that didn't suit the area. Ruuka ran a hand through her hair, glad that she wasn't surrounded by Hunters. Kiryuu slid the balcony closed. "What did –"

"I have so many questions." She turned round on him, arms folding over her chest.

"… About…" He shrugged, waiting for her to continue.

"First, the huge gathering in there."

"What?" He glanced towards the island. "Oh. That."

"Waiting." Souen interjected.

"Cross got it in his head that, if I'm dating anyone, I have to introduce them. So, I owe your cousin a kick."

"Okay… Then, why is Touya –"

"I'm not kicking her out just for a meeting. Plus, she's kind of a calming influence of Kaito. If he could wrap his head around the idea she doesn't want to screw him."

Souen shook her head. "Kind of surprised anyone would."

"Mean." He covered his mouth, glaring in their direction. "I've been around them too long."

She nodded, absorbing the conversation. "I'm assuming they're asking about Ichijo?"

"He couldn't get off work."

"Bull. He just doesn't think this is important." She rolled her eyes towards the sky, shaking her head. "You know you deserve better, right?"

"You're not here to play life coach."

"Right…" She pursed her lips together, her eyes drifting to Touya. "Should probably inform Touya, too."

Kiryuu shrugged, sliding the balcony door open. "Rima."

"Huh?" She spun around, one of the appetizers in her hand. Understanding dawned on her slowly, slipping past the threshold. She slid the balcony door, shaking her head as her counterpart leaned back in his chair a little too far. "You missed Kaito falling."

"Yeah, he does that a lot when he's nervous."

"Why's he nervous?" Touya questioned.

"Being left alone with Master and Cross? He still hasn't gotten over the last time we walked in on them."

Touya hid a snort, smacking Kiryuu's shoulder. "Like Master, like Student."

"Fuck off." His attention returned to Ruuka. "Okay, what's the situation?"

"… Sitch." Touya stated under her breath. Kiryuu nudged her.

"Well… I might have had a misunderstanding with Hana and it kind of went too far."

"… Need more." Touya stated. "Like, how does it involve us?"

Ruuka sighed and seated herself on one of the undusted seats. Her mind drifted to the scenario, curled against Hanabusa's back, the anticipation and anxiety mixing. She had the reoccurring nightmare where she'd be all dressed up and he wouldn't be there, the business would fail, she'd be alone and broke. "What do you think?"

"Hmm?" Ruuka asked after a few minutes, blinking herself back to reality. Hanabusa's hand stroked her hair, turning into her arms.

"What would it be like if we had kids?" His blue eyes examined her, tracing her lower lip.

"They'd have you as a father and me for a mother." Ruuka answered, not following his train of thought.

"Yes, generally, that's how kids work. But… They'd be so cute. Blondes with good manners and bad tempers –"

The description set in mind Kiryuu and Touya. "Why would we want more? We already have two."

Hanabusa stared at her, his eyes widening. "What?"

"Well, technically, three." She nodded to herself, thinking about Kain. "Except, the last one's moody."

He unwound himself from her, his brow creasing. "Was… This while you were in England?"

"I don't know when it happened. It just happened."

"No… No, no. We're always careful." He flung off the sheets, starting to pace. "You're even on birth control. Did I forget to wear…"

"Hana?" Ruuka raised herself, her arms open. Hanabusa shook his head, opening the bottle. Frustrated, Ruuka flung herself onto his back, nuzzling his shoulder.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought you knew." She whispered against his skin, the tiredness dragging her down.

Hana nodded to himself, setting her on the bed. "Do you know where they are?"

"Except, I heard it as who." Ruuka explained, returning to Touya's eye. The blonde snickered.

"Awe, you have a mom, Zero-kun." Touya teased.

"You're not getting a mothers day present from me." Kiryuu informed her.

"I don't expect one."

"So, what should we be expecting? Does he know it's three boys and a girl?" Touya asked.

"Three?"

"Kaito."

"Huh? He'd never believe that we had a brunette." Ruuka tilted her head. Touya gripped her wrist, her expression more determined than it's usual docile-mask.

"He's my twin."

"Only in your fucking giggle fits." Kiryuu shook his head. "What do you expect us to do, Ruuka?"

"I don't know…" Ruuka sighed, rubbing her temples.

"I have an idea!" Touya stood, the mischievous grin on her face causing Kiryuu to groan.

"How much am I going to hate this?"

"As much as Kaien." Touya shrugged as Kiryuu flipped her off. "Oh! What if we're secretly one big happy family?"

"Define happy." Kiryuu countered, almost smiling as Touya batted at him.

Ruuka tilted her head. "You know, if you smile, it lights up your entire face."

"Isn't that generally what smiling does?" Kiryuu questioned, helping Ruuka stand. They re-entered the room. Kaito tilted his head towards Touya, snickering.

"What was that about?" Yagari asked as Ruuka seated herself next to Kiryuu.

"Nothing. Mama Souen just messing up her marriage." Kiryuu stated. Ruuka dropped her fork, staring at the other. She could feel the assumptions Headmaster Cross and Yagari were making.

"What he means," she stomped on his foot for making her clarify, "is that I had a spat with Hana and he was offering his advice."

"More like a favour." Touya commented.

"… We are here to meet your current significant other, right?" Headmaster Cross questioned.

"He's not coming." Kiryuu answered, helping himself.

"How could you say that? Of course I'd come." Ruuka stopped at the new voice, turning her head. Her eyes widened at the amount of toys and clothes he carried in his arms, dropping them on the couch.

"Oh, Aidou-senpai!" Headmaster Cross exclaimed. "You know –"

"No." Zero ended the thought process. Yagari snickered, following in suit. Hana examined the apartment as Ruuka nodded to Touya, his face falling.

"I… Maybe I got the address wrong?" His eyes landed on hers as Ruuka stood in front of him. "Or… Did they not want –"

"Hana, we're careful."

"But, what about…" He exhaled.

"They're figurative children, honey." Touya sidled up next to Aidou, grinning.

"Hey, papa."

Hanabusa chuckled slightly as Touya sat on the couch, sorting through the bags. Kaito joined her, both fighting over a toy boat. "I thought we had three blonde kids."

"I adopted another." Ruuka added, much to Touya's pleasure.

"Then, where's the other two?" She pointed at Kiryuu. "Seriously? Zero's now our son?"

"He's socially awkward but, he has good manners." She waited for the glare as he poured himself a wine.

"Then, our last?"

"He's overseas, being a dumb ass over there." Ruuka seated them both on the armchair, toying with the ends of his hair.

"You know, this isn't what I thought you meant."

"I know." She bit her lip. "But… This is as close to kids as I can handle right now."

Hanabusa nodded, lifting her hand to his lips. "I just wish you had clarified a bit earlier."

"How could I?" He met her eyes. "I was tired and then you weren't there in the morning."

"Still…" He shook his head. "No, one of us has to be mature."

"I'm not mature?"

"I prefer that you're not." She flicked his head as he smiled at their newly adopted 'children'.

A/N: Switching to Rima's POV

"No, I want the boat." Kaito joked, throwing the small dress at her. She stuck out her tongue at him, both of them dissolving into giggles. Zero joined them once he was done eating, acting like the big, stoic brother who secretly wants to play with a toy but has been told repeatedly the younger ones needed to be done. Rima lifted the boat to Zero's face. The silverette shook his head.

"How old are you two?"

"Old enough to know better and young enough to not give a flying." Rima summarized. "If either of you find a plushie, it's mine."

"Or mine." Kaito answered, earning him a slight smack from Zero. Rima's eye fell on Yagari and Headmaster Cross, the two's smile falling as they fell into darker topics. She shared a glance with Kaito, pulling Zero to their level.

"Personal space." Zero muttered, not really minding.

"Okay so, Rima wants to call Yagari gramps."

"And Headmaster Cross Grandpa." She grinned at Kaito, the brunette covering his mouth.

"And… You want me to run when you do?" Zero asked, resting his arms against the back of the couch.

"No." She hit his arm with one of the cushions. "No. Headmaster Cross is easy but… I'm scared of being punched in the face by Yagari."

"Yeah, he's known for punching defenseless, young vampire women in the face when they say mean things." He shook his head, letting her know he was joking. She pouted slightly, pushing her lower lip out. Zero ran a hand through his hair, avoiding her face. "I'll ask, okay?"

"Now?" Rima pushed.

"… Fine." She watched as he walked the room, putting a hand between the two older gentlemen. He lowered his voice, his eye on her as he did so. Yagari nodded once, lifting himself and excusing himself to the balcony. Rima nodded to Kaito, sidling up to Cross.

"You're up to something." Cross assessed. "What is it?"

"What do you think of the term 'Grandpa'?" Rima asked, resting a head on her hand.

"Can't wait to be called it." He smiled at her. "One day, when Yuuki has a kid or Zero…"

"So, can I call you Grandpa?" Rima asked, trying to keep him on track.

"Why would you call me Grandpa?" His expression changed from confused to excited. "Oh! Yes, absolutely!"

As he started examining the toys, Rima and Kaito exchanged a glance, both shrugging. She still counted it as a win.

A/N: Last character shift. So many misunderstandings this chapter.

Zero rested against the railing, his hand open for a cigarette as Yagari started lighting up. Grumbling, he handed Zero the pack. "What's this about?"

He jerked his head towards the blonde, flicking the lighter once. "Rima wants to call you Gramps and Cross 'Grandpa'."

"Why?" Yagari asked, examining the small frame.

"Honestly, no clue."

Yagari's creased brow softened, studying her closer. He had only seen her with her docile-façade, the magazines refusing to let her show her more playful side. Is that why Aidou brought all the kids' toys? His attention returned to Zero, the younger man turning the cylinder in his fingers. Yagari leaned against the railing. "Does it make you want to re-evaluate your goals?"

"The plans still in motion. A little slow right now but… If I can capture Takuma like I did with Akatsuki…" He shrugged.

"And, does Kain know?" Yagari asked.

"He's been supportive."

"Really? Considering it's to do with his best friend –"

"They're not best friends. Not close enough."

Yagari sighed. Of course Zero would focus on the work aspect. He tried a different course. "You know, your entire revenge thing…"

"Hmm?" Zero lifted an eyebrow, studying him.

"It's going to be a lot harder to do the more people you have."

"I think it'll make it easier."

"Are you really that cold?"

Zero shrugged. "They can look after themselves."

"But, with a kid in the mix –"

"Mama Souen and Aidou's kid won't interfere."

Yagari's brow furrowed. Since when does he refer to Souen as 'Mama'? "And… Touya's?"

"Rima's more likely to party than have a kid." Zero shook his head as the lights clicked on in Yagari's head.

"I have so many questions."

"About?" Zero blinked stupidly.

"When did you start referring to Souen as Mama?" Yagari asked.

"Oh, that." Zero shrugged. "She started referring to herself as Mama Souen whenever it comes to me or Rima. We kind of just… went with it. Though, I think Kaito might start."

Yagari nodded. "Okay. Then, why does Touya want to call me Gramps?"

"That's a Rima question."

"Best guess?"

"… She wants to involve you and Cross in this game."

"Why?"

Zero thought for a moment. "Her parents have publicly disowned her and it's easier for her to create a family then come to terms with that."

Again, Yagari's eye sought the girl out, almost smiling. Headmaster Cross allowed her to have a piggy back, Kaito following close behind. "So, what's the game consist of?"

"Basically, her and Kaito calling you and Cross Gramps and Grandpa every time they see you. Souen and Aidou become your children and the rest of us are your grandchildren."

Yagari shook his head. "What does that make Kain, then?"

"… I'm not really sure."

"Another Touya question?"

"If she can give you a straight answer." Zero stretched. "Sorry that I dragged you into this."

"Don't be." It's probably the closest I'll ever get… He pinched the bridge of his nose, the sense of pride in his chest flaring through him. "I'll be Gramps."

"Okay, Gramps." Zero mocked. Still the word brought him satisfaction as he nudged Zero's shoulder, following him inside. "Rima, you're fine."

Rima hopped off Cross' back, finally giving Kaito a turn. Somehow, she turned demure around Yagari. "It's… really okay to call you Gramps?"

He tried to scowl. "Why Gramps?"

"Because you look crankier than Cross."

"Can't argue with Rima logic." Zero stated, avoiding Headmaster Cross' hug. Yagari slightly shoved the younger Hunter, much to Zero's dismay and Kaien's glee.

"You're the only one allowed to call me Gramps." Yagari told her. "Kaito still has to call me Master."

She grinned, that devilish grin. "No promises."

"You're humming." Yagari commented, searching for Kaien's hand.

"Just thinking."

"Hmm?"

"Do you think it'll be a boy with her smile or a girl with his eyes?" Kaien asked, fidgeting in his seat.

"I thought you'd be more excited if it were the Kurans kid."

"Oh, don't get me wrong – I'd love a little Yuuki." He started on a rant about how cute she was. "But, a mini-Zero… As long as he prefers hugs."

"Kaien… You do realize that they're not pregnant, right?"

"What?" Yagari hated that, tearing the carpet from under Kaien's feet. "But then… Why?"

"Why?"

"Why would she ask if I like being called Grandpa?"

Yagari sighed. At least the bleeding heart of Kaien would adapt. So, he told him the full story. Kaien nodded, placing a hand over his heart, his solemnity crushing to Yagari. "Then… Zero's still with Ichijo?"

"It would appear so."

"Do you think…" Kaien spoke, his expression falling, "that Zero will be happy?"

"He'll do his best."

"He'll never be safe, will he?"

"He's cautious."

"That's not the same thing."

"Kaien…" Yagari pulled over, throwing the car into park. He raised Kaien's hand to his cheek, the warmth prodding a slight smile. Yagari fought it, swallowing it down. "I know you're worried about the rumors. But, sometimes, you don't give Zero enough credit."

Kaien was silent for a long time. "I still see the boy that came to me, covered in blood… The devastation… The suicide watches…"

"I know you do. But, Zero's grown up. And, as much as you and I want to protect him… He has to face this alone."

Kaien nodded to himself. "Do you think he'll treat him right?"

"Ichijo?"

"Mm."

Yagari shrugged. "Probably not."

A/N: Lots of switching but, it was worth it! I hope.