I am so so so so sorry for the late update. TT_TT I had been having problems. yeah.

This is going to be the 10th chapter of my story "Career, Love, and Family". Haha, there was one review that said that she/he wanted to have Zero with Akatsuki and I was like: "Yeah, I wish I could bring them back together but what about our little Kaname?" XD This is really did boost my spirits up. So, wish me luck on this chapter! Akatsuki's past resumes in 3! 2! 1!

Akatsuki was in his room, arranging the things he had packed to the proper places where he wanted them to be. His mood was lightened after his small conversation with his beloved and he couldn't help but blush as he thought about the cute things Zero had said to him over the phone. 'Heh. I'm the reason for the butterflies in his stomach ey?' Akatsuki chuckled inwardly. Zero had always made him feel different emotions when he says something relatively cute like that.

'Oh well, I should change into something more comfortable now.' He grabbed a pair of pajamas, which were actually given to him by Zero, and strode to the bathroom. It only took him a few minutes to change considering the fact that he is a vampire that possesses inhuman speed. Once he was finished, he looked at his stature through the huge mirror placed on the wall of the tiled room. He couldn't help but smile and laugh lightly at the cute design/pattern of the cloth Zero had to choose. It was floral. Well, anything Zero gives Akatsuki will be treasured and used either way, nothing to be embarrassed about no matter what.

After having changed into something more comfortable, Akatsuki decided to go out of his room for a bit and get something to eat. He folded his clothes neatly and placed it on top of the counter before going out of his room, closing the door as he stepped out. His father had said earlier that to not hesitate to ask him or the servants around the household. So, preferably, Akatsuki will just ask the first one he comes to encounter. But, one thought was still bothering him. Did his father really eavesdrop in his conversation with Zero? He'll have to ask that as soon as he sees his father.

Walking down halls of the manor which was rather huge, Akatsuki noted every change. 'This place has gotten so dull.'

"Father." Akatsuki called as he reached his father's study and saw his father reading what seemed to be a newspaper.

"Oh Akatsuki. Is there anything you need?"

"Nothing really." The ginger-haired male further entered the area. "But, I do have some stuff I want to talk to you about, father."

"Oh? What may that be?" Akatsuki's father put down what he was reading to focus all of his attention to his son. He was curious as to what his son has to talk about with him.

"You see, the thing is, my father bribed me to hook up with Ruka Souen. He had me in the palm of his hands Zero. He had an assassin ready at your doorstep if ever I said no. I didn't want to lose you." Akatsuki explained, ending the small flashback because he didn't want to remember the painful memories anymore. Yes, he left the silverette just in order to save him, was it wrong?

Zero's eyes were wide with tears, looking at the ground. He put all the pieces together and it all made sense to him. It was slightly confusing but he could think of all the possibilities. He just wondered what he should say about this. Yes, he seemed to misunderstood his past lover. After all, he didn't even listen to his reason and only now did he find out. But then, there was Kaname who had been quite protective of him and also happened to suggest the idea of being his lover. It was all messing up his head.

"You failed to convince me. You stopped trying when I pushed you away. If you didn't want to lose me then why didn't you fight back, stood up, and try harder?" His voice was broken. He had to sniffle a bit after every 3 words of what he said. His chest was clenching and it really did hurt. What was he to do now? "If you think that I would gladly take you back after your reasoning, then you're mistaken. I'm afraid you're too late Akatsuki.." He paused, inhaling deeply before continuing. "I tried my best to forget you, and somehow I did. But, that was when Kaname had arrived." The pure blood's ears perked at the mention of his name.

'Zero...' He thought, walking to stand beside the silverette and place a hand on his shoulder as a sign of comfort. The silverette took a deep breath again, Kaname was helping him. Yes, he was, but that wasn't enough to prove that Zero could reciprocate the pure blood's affections towards him for the while. He was still confused. So confused that he couldn't utter another words until just a few minutes later.

"I don't know what I should do but from now on wards, we'll just be friends Akatsuki." His tone was sad. He couldn't help it.

"Zero.." The said tan was about to reach out to Zero when he saw Kaname wrap his arms around the silverette in a protective kind of manner. He noticed that the silverette had his his face into the pure blood's chest and he looked down, looking sad and defeated after trying to bring his love back.

"Zero, let's go home for today.." Kaname suggested, not really needing an answer right now since he just swept the silverette into his arms, carrying him out of the building while he earned a few gasps and stares at his fellow vampire passerby's. 'I'll take care of you...' Kaname had remembered that they arrived here using Ichijo's car. He didn't really like walking so luckily he always had another car parked in a garage just adjacent to the building he worked in.

He settled the silverette into the passenger seat of his car and he himself got into the driver's seat. Starting the engine, the pure blood drove off and started his way in going back to Zero's place. What? He might not have a permanent residence but of course he has the luxury of having a few cars. It was silent for the entire trip and the only sounds that were mostly heard were the soft sobs of the silverette beside him. 'Sigh... if only I could take all his pain away...' That was Kaname's last thought before refocusing his gaze on the road.

It's the usual short chapter. Damn I'm pissed at myself for having a severe case of Writer's Block. :( I'm so sorry everyone. But, at least I updated no? ...even though I guess that it really wasn't well worth the wait. Anywho, wait for the next chapter. Thank you for your patience and please review if you would.