chapter 11

Round of applauds went on as Aiyora blew out the candles and cut the cake. Hanabusa and Yuki even sang the famous "Happy Birthday" song on top of their lungs. She was happy, her happiness was seen by all. It might very well be her last birthday but the fact that everyone showed up made her day. Now she is aware that she is not lonely. Taking out a small piece she fed her husband first and instead of feeding her Kaname smudged a small amount of cake under Aiyora's jawbone and licked it off from there making some laugh at this matter and some blush.

With the cake taken away drinks were served. Champagne toast was made in regards to Aiyora's quick recovery and long life. Kaname and Aiyora held the bottle together and poured the drink into others glasses.

"I would not drink." Zero stated firmly with a polite smile.

Aiyora made a protesting pout but Kaname gave him an understanding look. He was about to take the bottle away when Hanabusa actually voiced out his protest.

"Tonight you must drink. Its a special occasion... it's Ai-chan's birthday."

"No... it's alright I pass. I tend to lose control I'm not used to drinking so I end up losing control easily."

"But it's my birthday Zero. it would not hurt to lose control for one night." Aiyora said flashing him a sweet smile to which he responded with bitter glare.

"Oh Zero... please stop being so stuck up. For tonight let yourself be free." Yuki said kissing him.

And from there he could hear every one telling him to drink. More like people are trying to create pressure. Sayori pointed out that although she has her child with her still despite that she too will drink a glass or two since it is a special occasion. Every one gathered here tonight not just to celebrate Aiyora's birthday but her life all sorts of reasoning from all around Zero this time decided to give into the peer pressure. But Offcourse With his own demand that he would only drink a glass.

Drinking and Zero were not best friends so even a whole one glass made him feel weird inside. Still for the sake of everyone's joy he took it all in.

...

Aiyora almost jumped as Kaname tenderly took hold Of her one hand and kneaded with his. She looked at him a bit surprised but only to have him return her an assuring smile while his hand gave a gentle squeeze to her palm, letting her know that he was there and shall always be there for her.

A while passed but Kaname showed no sign of letting her hand go. But here is the spicy part that the rest of the crowd present with them had no idea about this little intimacy going on between the Kuran couple mainly because they Kuran continued on with their interaction with the rest while keeping their entwined hand hidden under the table.

"Here," Kaname said passing the long black velvet box to the birthday girl. "My first present to you."

Due to everyone's urgent curiosity Aiyora had to open the box and reveal her present to everyone. It was a beautiful mermaid crafted pendent with blue diamonds covering it. While rest were too busy aweing at the present Aiyora took this chance to place a soft kiss on his cheek. and that did not go unnoticed by Zero; who watched the exchange with an unreadable expression on face.

"Come," Kaname whispered into his wife's ear and stood up, pulling the girl along with him.

Aiyora followed his lead yet asked. "Where are you taking me?"

He looked over his shoulders and said with a flirtatious smile. "Time for your second present." She blushed getting the hint.

"Why are we here?" Aiyora asked as her husband closed the door to the cubicle in the ladies bathroom . Even though she very well knew what was about to take place but protested like an innocent little girl. "Kaname... is this even-"

"Ssshhh!" he silenced her by placing a finger upon her lips. Aiyora managed to give him a frightened stare when he cupped her faced and pulled her into a hungry kiss. And within moment it heated up. They gave into their desires. Kaname lifted her up and she wrapped her arms around his shoulder and legs locked around his hips. He pulled away from her lips and attacked her throat and collarbone with hot kisses, nibles, bites and licks while undoing the upper portion of her dress. The woman in his arms was overwhelmed with all these attention. Her mouth parted letting an inaudible scream out while she held onto him for life with her body surrendering to his mercy when he started move inside of her like some sort of wild savage animals who has been hungry for a long...long time.

...

While Yuki happily chatted with the others Zero looked into his watch, it's been over fifteen minutes since Kaname took Aiyora and disappeared. He felt worried about the girl. Is she alright? The question roamed his head. He was concerned for her more than he should be. Without even realizing he ended up finishing two more glasses of wine. Yuki looked at him worried but he flashed her assuring smile and told her that he was doing fine and definitely in her innocent nature Yuki very much believed him.

By the time Zero was on his third glass Kaname returned with Aiyora following his trail. Their current condition left an open image about what passed between them. Even though Aiyora fixed her hair and makeup but there marks over her arms like he had nibbled on the area not too long ago. Kaname on the other hand had bits of lipstick stain over his lips. And that is not even the hilarious part, the hilarious part was that his perfecty ironed tie was all wrinkled up and not only that, Kaname had both of Aiyora's earrings on him and did not even notice until it was pointed out by Yori. One of the earrings was stuck on the shoulders of his blazer and other one was stuck in between the layers of his hair. With Kaname and Aiyora both ending up embarrassed others had a good laughter except for Zero.

"Kaname sir?" the man in question stilled hearing an unfamiliar voice.

He looked to see a woman in her early to mid-twenties with red curly hair coming towards him. All the others too watched the scene intently as the female approached Kaname.

"I have finally found you Kaname sir." The expression on his face was definitely worth seeing. "Do you have any idea how long I have been trying to hunt you down?" Kaname only managed to knock.

"Here," she took out a large envelope from her bag and handed to Kaname. "This is my resume. Kaname sir it has been my dream to work for the Kuran Corporation. I can work in any branch of the world. So please sir pass my resume to Aiyora madam and recommend me."

"For sure." Kaname nodded and awkwardly smiled at the female when Akastsuki Kain pointed out.

"You're Aiyora madam is here. Why don't just hand the resume to her."

The red hair female's face lit up in joy she rushed to the other side to be closer to Aiyora.

"So nice to meet you maam! You have no idea how much of a big fan I am of yours. You are my role model. Today my life feels complete that I got a glimpse of you. I hear people from your corporation speak highly about you. They say you are not only a great boss but an even better human."

The girl did not even give Aiyora a single chance to speak.

"Wait Aiyora you are the main chairperson of the Kuran Corporation?" Yori asked confused. "Is Kaname-san not the-"

"He used to be her assistant!" the unnamed female answered Yori's question. "They were boss and assistant who fell in love and got married and now living their happily ever after." The girl went on and on about the Kuran duo like she is one of the close friend.

But when she left it sort of became clear to all, that why Kaname is being so overly generous to his dying wife when there were times he would leave her and vanish for weeks. After her death definitely he will inherit the business. He was playing a smart game, a very smart game indeed! That much both Yori and Akastsuki was able to figure out.

…

Zero watched Kaname and Aiyora occasionally kissed. They seemed happy, even if it happened so uneventfully but still Kaname and Aiyora seemed happy. Weirdly enough Zero was not sure if he was happy about their Happiness! For the last couple day Zero tried to peek into their personal life and got few intense glimpses. Once he went to their house to give the pudding Yuki made; Seiran opened the door and Zero was able to catch the sight of Kaname and Aiyora asleep on the sofa cuddling with the TV on. He more than once saw them intimate inside Kaname study where Kaname placed Aiyora on the table and was kissing between her thighs. Thought Zero well knew what was coming he still watched how with his mouth the brunette male brought such pleasure for the female. Zero was even there to secretly pick up on the sigh of them making love slow and sluggish. Zero was never such a character to creep up on people like this but what drove him to this extent he himself was not even aware off. There was a strange need within him that wanted to protect Aiyora from Kaname's trap. But why should he care about her till that extended? Who is she to him? There were answers he knew not.

"If there is one person whom I can trust blindly is… Zero." The silverette jerked out of his thoughts hearing Yuki's voice. "Zero is one person I know who is a symbol of the word faithful. In our relatiohsip I am capable of cheating but I know Zero will never, ever, cheat on me!" Her words touched his soul. The very fact that she trusted him so blindly made him feel special and wanted.

And the thought of how is he repaying her made him cringe? By thinking about another man's wife! Zero lowered his head in shame. He could not bring himself to even look at Yuki. But then his mind argued back that he did nothing wrong, after all he was just concerned about Aiyora, nothing more, it's not like he has feelings for her. He is concerned about her as a responsible neighbour…right?

…

Drinking also did not sit very well with Ruka. Only within couple glasses had strong effects on her. She started to feel sick and rushed to the washroom to throw up. Nothing was sitting well within her. And the caring husband Akatsuki Kain is, he chose to sacrifice this fun night for his wife's betterment and right away bid goodbye to all and took Ruka home.

When the clock hit ten Hanabusa and Yori were left with no choice but to go home since it was already past their baby's nigh nap time. Plus you cannot enjoy when your child keeps crying and screaming dragging attention from all over the restaurant. So for them to stay was not just hassle for other but troublesome.

Zero too wanted to go but Yuki and Aiyora were not done with their night. They even got up and went to the perfectly lightened area to click pictures of themselves on their phones. Zero and Kaname remained on the table drinking and sometimes joining in civil conversation. Even if Kaname was an asshole but Aiyora's cancer did have an effect on him. Even if he is faking, he is still trying…giving all the effort to make her last few days memorable. How many even does that?

"She looks very happy tonight." Zero stated looking in the direction of Yuki and Aiyora. Kaname followed his gaze and looked over his shoulders to see how Yuki and Aiyora were pouting to pose for pictures. Then Zero added "I'm glad things are alright between the two of you. She really does love you very much."

"I'm afraid I can't agree with you here," Kaname cut Zero off, his wine eyes had a dead serious look and voice genuine and serious like he was speaking the truth. "I fell madly in love with this girl the moment I laid my eyes on her. Believe me since that day my love for her has not lessened but increased and continues to increase every day!"

Zero tried to study Kaname for a while to see if he was being real or just acting but found no hint of acting in male.

"Then what was the deal with that other woman?"

The and in question smiled and then laughed and magically changed to topic to something else.

"Look Kiryu-kun... I'm sorry for my rash behaviour during our vacation. I hope we can move past this." Kaname said filling up Zero's glass. "I am really sorry Zero…for what I have done."

"No," Zero stated taking a long gulp. "We must not only move past, we should also be more than that, atleast for our wives sake. Look at them... they are inseparable." The drink was surely taking its role on Zero since the male had no idea what he was saying.

"In that case why don't we be the same?" Kaname suggested filling up Zero's glass.

"You and I inseparable like the two of them!?" Zero pointed towards their giggling wives. "Nah! we will look weird." Zero did not realize that by this time he was already more than drunk and Kaname… was acting to be drunk.

"In that case what do you suggest is the best for us?" Kaname asked picking up his own drink and twirling the liquid inside the glass.

Zero picked up his glass and finished the drink inside and slammed the glass down and suggested.

"Friends!"

"Excuse Me?"

"Friends Kuran! you and I should be friends."

"Now tell me that does not call for celebration!?" Kaname suggested.

"It does... let's celebrate friend...buddy... pal...dude." Hiding his smile Kaname motioned a waitress towards them. And before he could even order Zero interfere.

"Him and I... will... do... shots!" Zero slurred pointing towards him and Kaname.

Kaname simply took out a big bill without Zero seeing and offered the female, then pointed towards him and mouthed the word "no alcohol" and greedy waitress already knew what she was to do.

...

By the time Yuki and Aiyora returned back to the table they were stunned to find their husband rolling on the table drunk. Both behaving like kids in a way. Their condition stated clearly that none can drive home. Yuki did not know how to drive and although Aiyora did not have the licence but knew how to drive. Therefore taking the risk she drove them back home.

Rather than driving home getting the men out of the car was another story.

"We're home now come out." Aiyora said extending her hand inside the car. But Kaname did not take it, instead he snuggled more into Zero and said. "I am with him, party not over."

Yuki in the meantime did the smartest thing, she pulled Zero out of the car from the other side.

"Okay... you truly have lost it now let's go inside." She said pulling Zero with her totally ignoring his protest to stay.

In his drunken state Kaname too got out of the car and ran after them, threw his arms around Zero from the back and pulled him back.

"Please Yuki let us celebrate more." Kaname and Yuki were almost at tug of war with Zero.

"But I'm tried Kaname-san."

"Why don't you ladies go home and let me and Zero celebrate our new found friendship." Kaname suggested.

"But...!?" Yuki was not sure what to say but then their pleading made it even harder.

"Please.. please... please...please! " Both begged in union making Yuki sweat out of nervousness.

"Yuki just go home, believe me they will not listen to us." Aiyora made the decision for her.

"Alright but be home soon!" Yuki ordered Zero.

Both ladies bid goodnight to their husband's and left for their home leaving Kaname and Zero alone. Once the ladies disappeared from their sight Zero turned to Kaname and asked for the bottle that they stole from the restaurant. Too drunk Kaname could not even remember however Zero managed to find it in the car. He took out the bottle uncapped it and brought it to Kaname.

"Here drink!" Zero passed the bottle to Kaname but the brunette childishly nodded his head and demanded. "Feed me!"

Zero found this particular attitude of Kaname to be too cute so he gave into the demand and fed him from the bottle. When Kaname had his mouth full Zero snatched the bottle from him saying "my turn" and started to drink. But little did he have any idea that while he was too busy drinking Kaname actually faced the other way spit out the drink from his mouth.

"Zero I'm glad that finally we have become friends." Kaname spoke this time completely normal. Zero's condition was so bad that he could not actually catch up. Nor did he notice that Kaname was not at all drunk, as a matter of fact he only had couple of sips all through the evening.

"You will forgive me for my indecent behaviour during our vacation wouldn't you?"

Zero placed an assuring hand over Kaname's shoulder and said. "Did I not tell you to not to dwell in the past?"

"I'm glad Zero." Kaname said pulling him in for a hug.

Zero put his mouth over the bottle again to realize that they were done with the booze.

"It's done!" Zero said shaking the bottle.

"Then how about we go somewhere else and drink." Kaname suggested.

"No, I better return home Yuki is waiting...goodnight." with that Zero turned on his heels and took a few steps but only to have Kaname pull him by the collar and drag him back.

"Zero look," he pointed his finger towards his own bedroom. Zero's eyes followed to find Aiyora changing. Probably unknown to her that the curtains and drapes were open. Both the male watched as the fabric dropped from her body revealing the curve of her back, her waist, her perky bottom.

Kaname wrapped his arm around Zero's shoulder and made a grunting noise before lustfully licking his lips.

"I'm going home to dive into that inferno." Kaname almost purred into Zero's ear. "However for the sake of our friendship I will give you one chance, for only tonight, to have a taste of her while I go taste your sweet innocent Yuki." he utter her name like she was some sort of whore.

Zero turned to Kaname stunned, only to find him smirking at him. His smile was sinister matching the look of his eyes that it made Zero want tear him into parts and throw his flesh into the gutter. Zero gave him a hard push making Kaname fall on the ground. That smile on his face widen to find Zero staring back at now Aiyora's complete nude body before she left for the bathroom. And somehow Zero started to make his move, takes his steps not towards his house but Kaname's.

Kaname stood up on his feet clapped the dust off his hand and made his way towards Zero's house, where Yuki was all alone.

"No need to knock. The door is open Aiyora has a bad habit of not locking the door." Kaname said before ringing the bell. The last word that came out Kaname's mouth was "Enjoy!" before Yuki opened the door.

"Hello Yuki-chan, aren't you looking beautiful tonight."

"K-kaaname-san...? Where is Zero?"

Those were the last words Zero could remember and the next moment passed by in a haze and the next thing he knew was waking up... spooning against Aiyora... both of them completely naked!

a.n. hope you guys liked it. another twist in the next chapter.