A/N The long awaited chapter.

"You did well." Touya mentioned after the others had left.

Zero relaxed his fingers, unsure of when he had started gripping the counter side. As nonchalant as he tried to be, his eyes remained where the Pureblood Princess had stood. "You're surprised?"

"Well, you didn't pull the gun out like you threatened. That deserves applause." Touya praised.

"Master has Bloody Rose for that reason." Zero reasoned, narrowly missing the daggers from her eyes. "I'll have her back tomorrow."

"If you had it –"

"I'd have been on a killing spree."

"You wouldn't kill everyone." Her tone was condescending.

"Maybe not you. Depends on how far you'd have gone."

"Not just me."

"Let's see…" He ticked off one finger. "Kuran."

"Obviously."

"Kain." Zero glared as she snickered. "What?"

"You'd have a moral dilemma over that."

"You sure about that?"

"… Not when you use your business voice." Touya rested both of her arms on the counter, her bottom lip poking out. Zero tried to avoid her eyes, red rimmed from the crying.

"He drank from a human, Rima."

"So have I." She sighed, resting her head on her wrist.

"Don't worry – you're still public enemy number one."

"But, you wouldn't kill me?"

"Every superhero needs a supervillain that they won't kill."

"Who said you were the superhero?"

"I did. Just now." He shrugged as she stuck her tongue out at him, the mood souring immediately. She sniffled a little. Zero softened his expression. "You want to talk?"

"You know how you feel when I tell you not to throw your bleached underwear in the color wash?" Zero sat next to her, letting her head rest against his shoulder.

"In my defense, I didn't know it was there." They were silent for a moment. Even though the outcome wasn't as bad as it could have been, Zero was still uncomfortable with the crying. He was used to Touya's calm and cheerful demeanor. It made comforting her hard. "What would you do if he was here?"

"Kick him." The answer made him smile. Her voice broke a little. "Gonkuro, though…"

Zero flinched as her nails sunk into his arm. It was easier than allowing himself to feel. She spoke again. "Anytime I think about it… If I feel this bad, how does Akitty feel?"

"Maybe shooting him is the answer." He grimaced, trying his best to ignore the pain. "He won't feel bad anymore."

"I might like you, Zero… But, you harm Akitty…" The slight shock crawled down his spine.

"I know." He shoved her a little. "Do you want to visit him?"

She sighed, defeated. "I don't think I can."

"Why not?"

"You heard Lady Yuuki. I can't undermine her."

"Who's going to know?"

"Lord Ka—"

"Fuck Kuran. Just go." She pulled her knees up to her chest, somehow appearing more childlike than before. Zero ran a hand through his hair. "I'll drive you."

"You don't get it."

"What don't I get?"

"It's easy for you. You don't have a mental wedgy wh…" Her eyes glinted with an idea. Zero tried his best not to acknowledge it, avoiding any contact with her. It was harder to do as she purposely seated herself on the island, twisting herself in an unnatural way to gain it. "Zero…"

"Nope."

"Come on."

"Ask Da—Aidou."

"As much as I love dad, he's not good at being comforting."

"And, I am?"

"You're good at comforting me." Touya's lower lip extended into a pout.

"What makes you think that I'd be any good at comforting Kain?"

"You're the best at pulling him out of panic attacks."

"I just –"
"We all watched him drain someone. We're all angry with him." She nudged his arm a little, her playful tone becoming more serious. "He's probably angrier with himself."

"He's got Enmei." He could almost see his expression mirroring hers. He tried to bite down the worry.

"You know best how Enmei would be acting right now."

"Rima, stop."

"And, poor Kan –"

"Fine. I'll go." He made to stand. Touya forced a smile, wavering every few seconds. Zero pulled her into a hug. "You'll be okay?"

"… Once Akitty's okay."

The hotel was easier to find than some of the others. For starters, it was the only building Kain owned that still had scaffolding to be done. Zero parked on the street, eyeing the valets that had their eyes on Touya's car. Zero would admit it was nicer than some of the beaters the Hunters Association lent though, he felt a slight smugness knowing that none but himself would enjoy the ride.

Though this location was a hot spot for tourism, only staff remained. Most of them held weapons familiar to vampires but none with the spells. One tightened his grip on their weapon, his eyes trained on Zero. The latter ignored it, sidling up to the front desk. The agent smiled meekly at him. "I'm sorry but, we have no available rooms."

Zero shook his head. "I'm looking for Kain."

The girl stumbled over her words. "M… Master Kain isn't here."

"He cleared out the lot."

"… And, even if he was, we're under orders not to allow him any –"

"He is here." Zero demanded. "Let me talk to Enmei."

She made eye contact with one of the guards behind him. Zero overheard the static over the radio and assumed he was accepted as the guard started guiding him towards the elevator. He tensed once the guard pressed the lowest floor level, clenching his hand into a fist. They stepped off the elevator, directly into a claustrophobic hall with only one door. The guard knocked twice, nodded to the Hunter and backed onto the elevator. While he waited in the dimly lit doorway, his imagination took hold. Perhaps the blood lust had returned thrice fold and his companion was now a creature with no reason. Or, he stared at pictures and only groaned in remorse. Or, he felt nothing. Or Enmei had beaten Zero to the punch and all Zero would find is the last of Kain's body that hadn't turned to dust. Would he have to kill Enmei after?

As if summoned, Enmei opened the door to reveal a well-lit common area. His wide eyes were rimmed, the usual smile dissipating. He stepped aside, the well-lit area almost blinding Zero. At a quick glance, a mini waterfall poured from the ceiling. "Weapons on the table."

"I'm not packing." The Hunter assured.

"Good."

"What is this place?"

"Honeymoon suites." Silence followed. Enmei met Zero's eye. "He's not ready to accept visitors."

"Is he okay?"

At this, Enmei straightened. "How'd you feel in this situation?"

Zero shrugged. "Probably a little paranoid that the son of the guy I just drank dry is… Well, here."

"You don't know the full story."

"There's a reason for it?" Enmei remained quiet. Zero continued. "Even if you don't tell me, tell Kain. It might make him feel better."

"Or worse."

Zero frowned. Though determined, Enmei's tired expression mixed with the sadness. "How are you?"

"I'm the son of the guy that just got drank dry." He quoted, a little snarky. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Sorry… I don't… It's just…"

"Long night. No time to process."

Enmei sighed, collapsing onto one of the chaise lounges. "It's like… There's no time to process but, time is all I have…"

"Does Mrs. Ozaki know?"

Enmei groaned. "That's something I don't want to do."

"Sorry." Zero shifted. When my parents died, I hated all the sympathy… But… If I leave, it'll feel like I'm leaving a lost puppy… Maybe this is what Cross sees… "You should go home."

Enmei shook his head. "I should stay here in case he needs me."

"It means the world to him that your here. But, we all know you should go home and grieve and cry. Maybe rest."

"I'd feel worse if I did." He rubbed one of them, the tear stains sticking to his fingers.

"It'll hurt like hell for the rest of your life. But, tonight, at least… You should be with someone you love." Enmei glanced at a closed door, contemplating. Zero nodded to himself. "I'll make sure he doesn't do something stupid."

Even though Zero knew age-wise Enmei was older, somehow, he appeared younger than Zero could anticipate. "You… Won't kill him?"

"Not without reason."

"That's not a 'no, I won't kill him'."

"I won't kill him so long as he doesn't go feasting on every neck around."

"You know he wouldn't."

We're dealing with someone on a human blood high. Zero swallowed, deciding to assuage the fears. "I know. I'll babysit."

Enmei ran a hand through his hair, nodding to himself. "He's still in shock."

"… Noted." Enmei nodded once, pressing a finger to his lips as he led Zero to the back of the area. The honeymoon suites had two rooms – a bathroom and a common area. On the back of the wall was a huge piece of glass with a projector behind. On the other wall, the television flickered with light, the love seat turned away from him. Even in darkness, Zero could make out the fiery head that sat upright.

With a slight nod from Enmei, Zero approached the silhouette. His companion hadn't bothered changing from his formal attire, his eyes on the screen but not seeing. Had it not been that Kain held the pillow with a death grip, Zero would have mistaken him for a zombie.

The Hunter sighed to himself, the situation becoming too familiar. Yuuki had led me to the bathroom, had wiped the blood off my face… He fell to his knees, the blow from his mental slap winding him. Like the blow from a mental slap, he fell to his knees. He searched for Enmei, for assistance. The other was no where to be found. Mentally cursing at himself, Zero brushed the hair out of Kain's unseeing eyes. His own found a small duffel bag. First, get him out of these clothes.

He nodded to himself, lifting the taller out of the seat and taking care that he didn't interfere with the pillow, the duffel on the other arm. Surprisingly, the easy part was leading Kain. Under the bright lights of the bathroom, the vampire shielded his reddened eyes. The Hunter felt justified, the vampire, saddened. Still, Zero left the light on and waited patiently for the aristocrat to adjust. Soon enough, Kain's hand dropped and returned to grip the pillow closer to his chest.

"Open." Zero insisted after having prepared the toothbrush. Obediently, Kain did as instructed, each tooth and fang coated heavily in Gonkuro's blood. Zero gulped, swallowing down the urge to find Bloody Rose. He wiped the corners of Kain's mouth with a washcloth, finally gaining the sense of being watched. "Get changed."

Just like that, the switch in Kain's brain turned off again. Zero sighed, starting on the waistband of Kain's pants. The aristocrat backed away, burrowing his face into the pillow. The Hunter reached for him again, sighing as Kain growled at him. "Fine, suit yourself. Wear the blood-stained clothes."

Kain muttered something incoherently, sliding down against the wall.

"What?" Zero's brow furrowed. The other covered his face with the pillow, inhaling the scent deeply. Running a hand through his hair, the Hunter lowered himself to Kain's level. He tried to keep his voice even as he pulled out a sweatshirt and matching pants. "Aka-chan…"

He hadn't noticed the gentle rocking back and forth. Zero gritted his teeth, preparing for the screaming as he lifted the blood-soaked shirt off Kain. The testaments might have been stuck in Kain's throat. It didn't matter at this point as Zero was just glad it didn't break his eardrums. He smoothed Kain's hair down, preparing to lift one of his arms into the sweatshirt. He wasn't expecting helping Kain change to be easy. Only twice his companion whined. Once changed, Zero helped him lay down, covering him. He shut the television off, the silence only broken with Kain's slight shudders. Zero bit his lip. I did better being alone… Then again, I didn't have anyone to comfort me… With a sigh, he stripped down to his boxers, climbing under the covers. He rested a hand on Kain's shoulder.

It was almost immediate. The Hunter should have been on guard. Kain pinned Zero against the bed, the hints of remorse and curiosity blending with coldness. The points of Kain's fangs brushed against his bottom lip, sharp enough to cause it to bleed. If this had been any other vampire, Zero would have used the cord from the lamp, wrapped it around their throat and subdued them until he could get back up. However, despite trying to appear hostile, Kain's bottom lip quivered. He squeezed his eyes shut several times, his pale complexion growing worse. He lessened his grip and brought the pillow to his chest, the effects of a panic attack starting. Zero lowered Kain back into the mattress, his arms tightening around his waist. With his chest pressed against Kain's back, Zero hushed Kain's shuddering breaths. "Talk to me."

Silence. The only glow turned off. The Hunter counted his breaths, unsure if he should try again. Finally, in the softest, hoarse voice, Kain answered. "About what?"

Zero answered immediately. "Whatever you want."

"… You shouldn't be here."

"And you shouldn't be alone."

Kain turned over, the tip of his nose brushing against Zero's. "Why do you keep jeopardizing your goal?"

"I'm not."

"Pretty sure meeting with an exiled vampire won't win points."

"Lady Yuuki lifted that."

"Still…" Another shuddering breath. Zero rubbed his back, Kain lowering his head. "You shouldn't be here… Not after I kill…"

His voice broke. Zero pulled Kain's head onto his shoulder, stroking his hair. He waited patiently for Kain to compose himself. Once calmer, Zero whispered in his ear. "I'm right where I should be."

"By all rights, I should be executed."

"Only by Hunters guidelines."

"You're a Hunter."

"Yeah, and?"

Kain audibly swallowed. "… Are you here to…"

Zero tsked, his tone changing slightly. "No offense but, you're not exactly a sinister being, Aka-chan."

Kain dug his fingers into Zero's shoulder. "I might be…"

"Hmm?"

"I… I broke Kanno's arm... I wasn't always kind to him… And, I can't even apologize for it…"

"See, villains don't apologize. You're not a threat."

"Then, what am I?"

Zero pulled him back slightly. "A vampire. A business man. Someone in dire need of a nap."

Silence. Kain's next request was shaky. "Can I hold you?"

Zero nodded, ignoring the pain that shot through him. Kain burrowed his face into Zero's chest. Within minutes, his breathing pattern slowed, the discontentment still echoing in the occasional whimpers. The Hunter had one moment of disgust cross his face, only softening as Enmei's words echoed in his mind. You don't know the full story. He weighed the words carefully, reconciling that the only rational reason for the timing would be that Gonkuro was old and died to protect Kain. But, it didn't explain why Kain drank.

Another quote passed his memory. The day will come when I pass and everything will be revealed to him. Zero lowered his head, smoothing Kain's hair. He had promised Gonkuro to be here.

The thoughts bothered him. He hated that there was still a mystery to what happened when he was a witness to it. Sighing, Zero closed his eyes, recreating the night.

Grandiose venue. Sheer haughty arrogance. Fangirls. Classic aristocrat party. Zero had been to enough of these to avoid the main entry with Touya and Wakaba, clearly disgruntled with the other guests. At least, that was shortly after Kain had left for America. It quickly evolved into Souen, the brilliant party planner, guiding him by the wrist and quite literally dragging him up the stairs to 'meet and greet'. This time, Zero sat in the limo, grimacing at each of the shrieks while Ichijou texted. Considering how often he smiled, the Hunter could hazard a guess that the recipient was a brunette. Still, he remained by Ichijou's side, even after they passed the sound of grown humans screaming in his ear and regrouping with Aidou and Souen. As usual, Souen started by fixing his collar, ignoring his scowl. He met Aidou's curious glance, still scowling. "What are we celebrating? The fact today ends in 'y'?"

For his cheek, Souen shoved him slightly, working on his hair. Aidou spoke. "Kain."

Ichijou scoffed. "Yes, because he needs more attention."

"You're just jealous because he's trusted to help other communities evolve into one like ours. I mean, have you seen the American vampires?" She shuddered. "Talk about primal."

Zero raised an eyebrow. Aidou nodded solemnly. "At least we treat humans like equals. The underground human slave trade is disgusting."

To no one's surprise, Ichijou snorted. "It's less fun when they're submissive. Or, are they more fun? Kiryuu, thoughts?"

Though his adoptive family stared aghast, Zero ignored the obvious gibe. Souen tsked, her attentions behind him. "Is it just me or does Shiki need to work on his entry? Sneaking in the back is beneath him."

Ichijou's head whipped around, the hardened expression softening at the mention. As if reminding himself, his arm wrapped around Zero's waist, firmly resting against the bruise on his hip. Aidou shook his head. "You don't say anything when Akatsuki does it."

"Akatsuki means to sneak in. Shiki, though… He turns heads just by breathing." A sudden thought entrapped Zero's thought. French Revolution… He could picture Souen and Aidou in the era. Though… All the beheading… It may have been the first time he realized the ornate style of the venue. He frowned, the disgust crossing his face. How did I not notice before? Or, maybe, it's because I'm not as intrigued as I once was… Or, I've grown accustomed to it… Ruuka shoved him slightly. Zero blinked a couple of times, returning to reality. It was a moment before he realized Shiki stood in front of him, his thumbs in his trouser pockets, staring intently at him. The brown eyes remained bored.

"Why do you want to talk to Kiryuu?" Ichijou asked. Considering Shiki's annoyed sigh, Zero determined it wasn't the first time he had asked.

"Who said I was talking, Takuma?" The amount of sass echoed Touya's. Zero bit down on a smile, hating that he thought it was funny.

"You said you needed to borrow him."

"Yeah – borrow. I said nothing about talking." Shiki met Zero's eye again, tilting his head to one of the many alcoves. Zero excused himself, following the aristocrat and ignoring the perplexed expression on Ichijou's face.

"So, if we're not talking, what are we doing?"

"Chatting."

"About?"

Shiki sighed, lifting his arm over his head. "I'm guessing Kain didn't tell you about our conversation?"

"Not something we'd talk about."

"No. Way he smells nowadays, seems it's more like talking isn't something you do."

"Gross." Shiki shrugged. Zero leaned against one of the pillars, glad to have a view of everyone. "So, what's the talk?"

"A sort of deal for you."

"A deal?"

"I'll tell you what I want first, then." Zero nodded. The brunette's expression hardened. "I want you to stay away from Takuma."

"That would be something you'd have to talk to Ichijou about."

"I will be. But, I want to be sure that you're not going to actively seek him out."

It was like a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. Still, Zero squared himself. "Why would I?"

Shiki studied Zero, strands of his hair falling into his eye. "You do that, I'll help you get close to… Whoever your end game is."

"… If I was interested, what would be the game plan?"

"For all intents and purposes, we'd have to keep Kaname in the shadows and thinking his plan is working. You and Takuma would still be in a relationship in word only. I'd be alibi for you both. If you're looking for stress relief, Kain's yours to do as you wish."

"Kain's leaving tonight. And, what about Lee?"

"What about him? Use him, screw him, lose him… Dealers' choice. As to Kain… If you asked him to stay, he would."

Though he knew it was true, Zero didn't like the intonation in Shiki's voice. "And, why would I agree to this?"

"Kain teaching you business tricks?" Shiki allowed a semi-smirk. "The Kurans' your target. I can get you in the back door by claiming you're willing to play your part."

"And, what part is that?"

"Bodyguard."

"You have a plan for that?" Only a secretive smile. Zero sighed. "It's a hell of a deal."

"Kind of suspicious Kain didn't mention it to you."

"He hasn't had time."

"That's your issue." Shiki stepped closer to him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Take your time. If you reject it, I'll break your hand every time you touch Takuma."

"And, if he touches me?" Again, that secretive smile. Zero sighed. "How long?"

"I'd say… Two to three weeks and I'll create the opening."

"What do I have to do?"

"What you want to do: protect Lady Yuuki." He patted his shoulder. Zero headed back to Souen and Aidou, careful not to touch Ichijou. It didn't stop the blonde from resting his hand on Zero's hip, his thumb pressing against the brand. Souen excused herself to speak with another investor, Aidou joining her.

Ichijou lowered his voice. "What did Senri want?"

"Play." He wouldn't ruin Shiki's game, the entire proposition seemingly too good to be true. Ichijou's grip tightened on the rib cage bruise, causing another throb. Drawn back to his surroundings, Zero found Kain's frame, his hand held out. He jumped at the chance to escape from Ichijou, the familiarity easy to step into, the conversation even easier. All too soon, he was returned to the blonde, his eyes still on Kain. The fiery head was like a statue, watching as Kuran entered. Zero couldn't help following his dance partner wander towards Kuran. He hadn't paid attention to the greetings, Kain's tension manifesting. The plan crossed his mind again. Should probably start… He turned his attention towards Lady Yuuki, his expression softening. She remained fascinated by the world around her, somewhat hiding behind Kuran's arm. She met Zero's eye, shooting him a hesitant smile. Zero felt the small twinge in his emotions, unsure of how to return the gesture. Her attention shifted to another. Zero followed her eye, only seeing the backs of Kuran and Kain as they walked to a balcony.

Zero realized Ichijou was no longer next to him. Souen and Aidou had excused themselves from the investor, following and stopping a respectful distance away that their hearing was strained. Zero joined them. Souen had been clutching Aidou's arm, her eyes locked on her cousin. Aidou leaned towards Zero. "Some sort of argument."

"Thanks." Zero snapped sarcastically. "Why aren't we closer?"

"Privacy." The same vague type answer that only Aidou could pull off. Zero nodded, taking in the surroundings. There were two doors: the French ones Kain and Kuran entered from, and the matching that led to the kitchens. He returned his attentions, Kain becoming flustered in his argument. Kuran seemed taller than the aristocrat, backing him into the balustrade.

"What are you doing, Akatsuki?" Aidou asked, shielding his wife's eyes from the discourse. Souen glared and swung his arm down. Kuran's own started with a claw, each finger flexing. The other French doors opened, Gonkuro running at full speed. Zero was waiting for the man to fall, create a scene… He wedged himself between the vampires, pulling Kain into him. Like a blur of light, something ran through the other doors just as Kuran had pulled his hand from Gonkuro's neck, covered in blood. Gonkuro's hand had cradled the back of Kain's neck. Almost immediately, the three of them stepped forward. Zero felt the surge of the vampire inside. Lady Yuuki obscured his vision of Kain and Gonkuro. Zero switched to Kuran, sure that he saw the hint of a smirk. Zero clenched his teeth, ready to join the fight.

In a clear voice, Kuran's voice boomed. "Akatsuki Kain, you have fallen."

He made to raise his hand. Yuuki gripped his wrist, shaking her head adamantly, her words too soft for Zero to hear. Kaname's eyes shifted from Yuuki to Kain and back again. Finally, his voice boomed again. "You are to be banished henceforth."

He spun on his heel, leaving through where Gonkuro had come through. Zero felt the surge forward. He and Aidou shared a look blocking the way. Again, his eyes fell on Kain. Zero swallowed, watching as Kain held Gonkuro, his grip tightening on the slumped over frame. He didn't say a word.

A/N: Zero sees everything. Poor man. Also, sorry this took so long – I've been exercising my workaholic tendencies and I hate that I have them.

So, next chapter will also be Zero's POV. Basically him looking after Akatsuki. Maaaaybe a date. Also, I like Shiki in this chapter. Least we know he has a soul *cough cough doubting-the-existence-of-Kaname's cough cough*

Until next time, my darlings (: